H.R.2093 - To amend the Federal Water Pollution Control Act with respect to permitting terms, and for other purposes. (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R. 2093 proposes amendments to the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, specifically concerning the terms of National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits. The bill differentiates permit terms based on the recipient, setting a 10-year limit for permits issued to states or municipalities and a 5-year limit for other entities. It also includes technical corrections to Section 402(l)(3) of the Act, addressing formatting and referencing errors.
Expected Effects
The primary effect of this bill would be to alter the duration of NPDES permits, potentially impacting how frequently entities need to renew their permits and undergo regulatory review. The technical corrections aim to improve the clarity and accuracy of the existing law, reducing ambiguity and potential for misinterpretation. This could streamline the permitting process and reduce administrative burdens.
Potential Benefits
- Streamlined Permitting: Clearer regulations reduce ambiguity and administrative burden.
- Resource Allocation: Adjusting permit terms allows for better allocation of resources for oversight and enforcement.
- Environmental Protection: Regular reviews ensure compliance with evolving standards.
- Reduced Legal Challenges: Technical corrections minimize potential legal challenges based on formatting errors.
- Improved Clarity: Makes the law easier to understand and implement.
Potential Disadvantages
- Increased Burden on Smaller Entities: Shorter permit terms for non-state/municipal entities may increase administrative burden.
- Potential for Inconsistency: Differing permit terms could lead to inconsistent application of environmental standards.
- Unintended Consequences: Changes in permit duration might affect investment decisions in pollution control technologies.
- Possible Delays: Initial implementation of new permit terms could cause temporary delays in processing applications.
- Limited Scope: The bill primarily addresses permit terms and technical corrections, neglecting other potential areas for improvement in water pollution control.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill aligns with the Commerce Clause (Article I, Section 8), which grants Congress the power to regulate interstate commerce, including activities that affect water quality. The amendments to the Federal Water Pollution Control Act fall under Congress's authority to legislate on matters related to interstate waterways and environmental protection. The bill does not appear to infringe upon any specific constitutional rights or limitations.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).