This bill prevents the Environmental Protection Agency from withdrawing approval of state permit programs that regulate dredging and filling activities in wetlands and waterways without explicit approval from Congress. The legislation specifically protects existing permit programs in Michigan, New Jersey, and Florida—states that have taken over federal permitting authority under the Clean Water Act. For Florida specifically, the bill includes a 90-day transition period during which both state and federal authorities can issue permits simultaneously before the state program fully takes over. The bill also clarifies that state program approvals are not considered federal regulations, which could affect how they are reviewed or challenged in the future.
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