Restoring Federalism in Clean Water Permitting Act

H.R. 3902 was introduced on June 11, 2025, by Rep. Patronis. It tells the EPA to review the rules that let states run their own water-filling and dredging permit programs under Section 404 of the Clean Water Act. The EPA has 180 days to find ways to make approval faster and easier. The bill also says courts must send problems back to the EPA rather than shutting down a state's permit program.

This bill changes how states get federal approval to run their own water permit programs. Houston sits near wetlands and waterways, so local construction and dredging permits could be affected by how the EPA oversees these programs.