Springfield Standard

The House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure has advanced the Promoting Efficient Review for Modern Infrastructure Today (PERMIT) Act. This legislation includes the Judicial Review Timeline Clarity Act, which was introduced by Congressman Eric Burlison from Missouri's 7th district. The bill will now proceed to the House floor for further consideration.

The Judicial Review Timeline Clarity Act sets a strict 60-day deadline for filing lawsuits that challenge permits issued under Section 404 of the Clean Water Act. These permits relate to the discharge of dredged or fill material.

"Frivolous lawsuits from environmental activists have derailed critical infrastructure projects," said Rep. Burlison. "Our communities deserve better. The Judicial Review Timeline Clarity Act puts an end to this nonsense with a hard 60-day deadline to challenge permits. America’s ready to build."

Rep. Sam Graves, Chairman of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, expressed his support for the bill's progress: "Thanks to the reform proposed by Congressman Burlison, this bill will help eliminate frivolous lawsuits by activists who are simply trying to delay or block important infrastructure projects from moving forward. Setting reasonable timelines for permitting reviews is not only common sense, it’s critical to allowing America to build. I commend Congressman Burlison for his continued leadership on this issue and for his work on this legislation."

Section 404 permits are vital for various projects in sectors such as infrastructure, energy, agriculture, mining, and construction that require placing fill material into U.S waters. These permits are issued by the U.S Army Corps of Engineers but often face legal challenges even after construction has started, leading to delays and increased costs.

The Judicial Review Timeline Clarity Act aims to bring clarity and restore common sense in handling these processes.