To encourage States to participate with the Federal Permitting Improvement Steering Council's online dashboard for certain covered projects.

Bill Number: H.R. 4135
Origin Chamber: House
Congress: 119th Congress, Session 1
Policy Area: Environmental Protection
Status: Introduced
Latest Action: 2025-06-25: Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
Last Updated: 2025-07-25T10:35:18Z

AI-Generated Summary

The bill seeks to promote greater coordination between state and federal agencies on permitting for certain infrastructure projects.
It focuses on encouraging states to join an existing federal system for tracking environmental reviews and authorizations.

Applies to "covered projects" as defined in the FAST Act (42 U.S.C. 4370m), which generally include large-scale infrastructure or energy projects.
Targets projects requiring state certifications or permits under sections 401, 402, or 404 of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (commonly known as the Clean Water Act), which address water quality standards, discharge permits, and dredge-and-fill activities.
States are encouraged, to the maximum extent practicable, to participate in the environmental review and authorization process outlined in section 41003(c) of the FAST Act (42 U.S.C. 4370m-2(c)).
Participation would involve using the Federal Permitting Improvement Steering Council's online dashboard for tracking and coordinating reviews.

The bill does not amend or alter any existing statutes but adds a non-binding encouragement for state involvement in federal permitting coordination.
It builds on the FAST Act's framework without creating new mandates, leaving participation voluntary for states.

On government agencies: May increase coordination between state environmental departments and federal bodies, potentially reducing duplicative reviews for water-related permits.
On citizens: Could lead to faster project approvals for infrastructure, though outcomes depend on state choices.
No direct effects on international relations are addressed in the bill.

State governments and their environmental protection agencies responsible for Clean Water Act permits.
The Federal Permitting Improvement Steering Council and related federal agencies.
Project developers and applicants seeking permits for covered infrastructure projects.

The provision is framed as encouragement rather than a requirement, which limits its legal enforceability and avoids potential conflicts with state authority.
No explicit constitutional concerns are raised, as the bill respects federalism by not compelling state action.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

To encourage States to participate with the Federal Permitting Improvement Steering Council’s online dashboard for certain covered projects. — issued 2025-06-25 — PDF (2 pages)