On the recordMarch 21, 2024
Mr. Chairman, although I claimed the time in opposition, I did, of course, note that I am not opposed. I support this amendment offered by my colleague from California (Mr. Garamendi) as it furthers the purpose of the underlying legislation by offering more flexibility and regulatory certainty to permit holders. This amendment will provide publicly owned wastewater treatment facilities with the ability to have their permits under section 402 of the Clean Water Act issued for 10 years, up from the current 5 years. In doing so, the amendment will reduce administrative strains and bureaucracy, while giving communities more flexibility to take on important wastewater infrastructure projects with certainty. Mr. Chairman, I encourage my colleagues to vote in favor of the amendment, and I reserve the balance of my time.
