Press Releases

WASHINGTON — Today, Congressman John Duarte (CA-13) issued the following statement following the House’s passage of H.R. 7023 which includes his initiatives to fix inconsistencies in the permitting processes under the Clean Water Act.

"I’m proud to announce that my bill, the Confidence in Clean Water Permits Act (HR 7013) has successfully passed the House of Representatives as a part of Chairman Rouzer’s bill (HR 7023). Its passage puts us one step closer to clean water by guaranteeing that the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System's (NPDES) permits now provide clear and reliable listings of regulations, making them easily accessible and user-friendly for permit holders," said Rep. Duarte.

Currently, the EPA’s National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit writers often include language in permits that provide loopholes for groups to sue and block permits needed for critical energy and other infrastructure improvements.

"My provision closes those loopholes and limits opportunities for unwarranted lawsuits, codifying previously longstanding practices at the EPA to shield permit holders from liability, as long as they’ve acted in good faith and according to the terms of their permit," said Rep. Duarte. "This type of regulatory certainty and legal protection for permit holders is necessary for improving our Valley’s water infrastructure."