(The Center Square) – Environmental legislation helping farmers, builders and businesses spurred by a North Carolina congressman has advanced from a committee in the U.S. House of Representatives.
The Committee on Transportation favored the PERMIT Act, known also as House Resolution 3898, that amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act. Three proposals introduced by U.S. Rep. David Rouzer, R-N.C., former chairman of the Water Resources and Environment Subcommittee, are included in the bill authored by Rep. Mike Collins, R-Ga.
“Congressman Rouzer has long been a leader in Congress in working to bring commonsense to Clean Water Act programs and permitting processes, so that our farmers, builders, businesses and many others can operate in a manner that protects water quality and allows for economic growth,” said Chairman Sam Graves, R-Mo.
The acronym is for Promoting Efficient Review for Modern Infrastructure Today Act.
Rouzer, sixth term representative from the southeastern part of the state known as the 7th Congressional District, has been in the Beltway as long as U.S. Sen. Thom Tillis, R-N.C., and is only behind Reps. Virginia Foxx, R-N.C., and Alma Adams, D-N.C., in tenure from the state. He proposed a similar though not as expansive package in the last Congress.
Rouzer’s Improving Water Certifications and American Energy Infrastructure Act (HR3928) would “end the weaponization of the water quality certification process to stall critical infrastructure and energy projects.” His Reducing Regulatory Burdens Act (HR3824) “eliminates a duplicative regulatory process at the Environmental Protection Agency” involving pesticides.
And the congressman’s Nationwide Permitting Improvement Act (HR3927) “codifies longstanding, historical interpretation and practice around the Nationwide Permit process and provides clarity regarding several areas where challenges have risen against the well-established process.”
In a release, Rouzer said, “I am pleased to see the PERMIT Act advancing in the 119th Congress. Everyday Americans should not be burdened by unnecessary red tape and uncertainty while trying to grow their business and contribute to our economy. This legislation will have a significant, positive impact for our communities, farm families and small businesses in North Carolina.”
