To amend the Federal Water Pollution Control Act with respect to permitting terms, and for other purposes.

Bill Summary: HR 2093

Title: To amend the Federal Water Pollution Control Act with respect to permitting terms, and for other purposes.
Session: 119th Congress
Jurisdiction: United States
Status: Introduced (Referred to Committee)

Overview

The primary purpose of HR 2093 is to modify the duration of permits issued under the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES). By extending the timeframe for which these permits remain valid, the bill aims to reduce the frequency of the renewal process for specific entities, thereby reducing administrative burdens for both the permit holders and the regulatory agencies.

Key Provisions

1. Extension of NPDES Permit Terms

The bill amends Section 402(b)(1)(B) of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to establish new maximum fixed terms for discharge permits:
* States and Municipalities: Permits issued to a State or municipality may now have a fixed term of up to 10 years.
* Other Entities: For any person or entity not classified as a state or municipality, the permit term remains capped at 5 years.

2. Technical Corrections

The bill includes several clerical updates to Section 402(l)(3) of the Act. These changes do not alter the substance of the law but serve to correct capitalization, formatting, and internal cross-references to ensure the legal text is consistent and accurate.

Who is Affected?

• Municipalities and State Governments: These entities are the primary beneficiaries of the bill, as they may see their permit renewal cycle double from 5 years to 10 years.
• Private Industry/Individuals: Those who hold NPDES permits but are not state or municipal entities will see no change in their 5-year permit terms.
• Regulatory Agencies: The agencies responsible for reviewing and issuing these permits (such as the EPA or authorized state agencies) would experience a decrease in the volume of renewal applications processed for municipal and state permits.

Summary of Impact

If passed, HR 2093 would streamline the regulatory process for public sector water management. By allowing for 10-year permits for states and cities, the legislation provides greater long-term regulatory certainty and reduces the bureaucratic overhead associated with frequent permit renewals.

Procedural Status

The bill was introduced on March 14, 2025, and has been referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, as well as the Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment, for further review.