Fedorchak votes to streamline federal permitting for energy producers, builders, and water utilities

December 12, 2025 Press Release Washington, D.C. — Congresswoman Julie Fedorchak (R-ND) voted in favor of the Promoting Efficient Review for Modern Infrastructure Today (PERMIT) Act , a package of reforms to streamline permitting under the Clean Water Act (CWA) and provide clarity for energy producers, farmers, builders, and water utilities. “North Dakota developers and energy producers need a permitting process that’s predictable, efficient, and rooted in common sense,” Fedorchak said. “By limiting endless lawsuits and eliminating duplicative reviews, the PERMIT Act gives our producers the certainty they need to move projects forward and lower costs—all while upholding the strongest environmental standards in the world.” BACKGROUND: The PERMIT Act will unleash America’s power to build infrastructure by reducing burdensome regulatory requirements, issuing permits in a timely manner, simplifying compliance with the Clean Water Act , protecting against frivolous lawsuits, and increasing transparency, while maintaining clean water protections. Specifically, the bill: Requires legal challenges to Clean Water Act dredge-and-fill permits to be filed within 60 days of approval, preventing years-long delays driven by frivolous lawsuits. Provides greater clarity and certainty to permit seekers and holders so they can comply with the CWA. Clarifies that once the Army Corps of Engineers issues a permit, it cannot later be revoked or vetoed by EPA, giving permit holders confidence that approvals won’t be pulled out from under them after projects begin. Protects projects from costly and burdensome regulations that fail to consider whether technologies for compliance are even commercially available. Clarifies the guardrails so CWA’s scope remains limited to water quality, eliminating the ability of some states to abuse the CWA to block projects for other unrelated reasons. Allows permits to last longer so certain general permits could remain valid for up to 10 years instead of the current 5 years. Eliminates duplicative regulatory requirements for the use of aerial fire retardants to fight wildfires and for the proper use of pesticides. Directs the Army Corps of Engineers to address the large backlog of permit applications and determinations. ###