H.R. 6090: Focused Reduction of Effluence and Stormwater runoff through Hydrofracking Environmental Regulation Act of 2025

This bill, titled the Focused Reduction of Effluence and Stormwater runoff through Hydrofracking Environmental Regulation Act of 2025 (or FRESHER Act of 2025), aims to amend existing environmental regulations related to water pollution, specifically focusing on stormwater runoff related to oil and gas operations. Below are the key components of the bill:

Amendments to Water Pollution Control Act

The bill proposes changes to the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, specifically:

• The removal of a specific limitation on permit requirements for stormwater discharges related to oil and gas operations.
• Changes to definitions within the Act, which includes striking certain terms and reclassifying others.

Study of Stormwater Impacts

The bill requires the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a study focused on the impact of stormwater runoff associated with oil and gas operations. This study must address:

• Measurable Contamination: An analysis of any contamination in areas potentially affected by stormwater runoff.
• Ground Water Resources: An examination of ground water resources in the impacted areas.
• Aquifer Susceptibility: An analysis of how likely aquifers in those areas are to become contaminated as a result of stormwater runoff from oil and gas operations.

Reporting Requirements

After conducting the study, the Secretary of the Interior is mandated to submit a report to Congress within one year detailing the findings of the analysis performed regarding the stormwater runoff impacts.

Overall Purpose

The overall intention of this bill is to improve the understanding of how oil and gas operations might affect water quality through stormwater runoff, and to ensure proper safeguards and regulations are in place to protect water resources.

Relevant Companies

• XOM - Exxon Mobil Corporation: This company could be impacted as it is involved in oil and gas operations, which would be affected by new studies and potential regulatory changes surrounding stormwater runoff.
• CVX - Chevron Corporation: As another major player in the oil and gas sector, Chevron might face changes in permitting and regulatory scrutiny related to stormwater management under the new provisions of this bill.
• SLB - Schlumberger Limited: This company provides drilling services and technologies to oil and gas producers and may be impacted by changes in regulations regarding stormwater practices in their operational areas.