CURRENT Act

Sponsor: Adam Gray (Democratic-CA)July 22, 2026

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Introduced

In Committee

Passed One Chamber

Passed Both Chambers

Signed into Law

Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.

Permit decisions for projects affecting water would get faster, clearer rules

This bill would change how federal permits are approved for projects that might affect water quality. It would set strict deadlines for states and the EPA to make decisions, narrow the reasons they can deny permits, and make it harder for them to add conditions. This aims to make the process more predictable for companies seeking permits.

What Would Change

Today, states and the EPA have up to one year to decide on water quality permits, with some flexibility on the timeline and a broad scope of review. After this bill, the review would be narrower, the one-year deadline would be absolute and could not be paused, and states and the EPA would need "clear and convincing evidence" to deny a permit or add conditions.

Key Provisions

Narrows the types of activities that need water quality certifications to only those that directly result in a discharge.
Requires states and the EPA to publish their rules for water quality certifications within 30 days of the bill becoming law.
Sets a strict, absolute one-year deadline for states and the EPA to make a decision on a water quality certification, which cannot be extended except by the applicant.
Makes it harder for states and the EPA to deny a certification or add conditions, requiring them to show "clear and convincing evidence."
Stops states and the EPA from adding conditions about water flow to permits for hydroelectric projects.

View on Congress.gov

HR 9855 · 119th Congress · July 22, 2026 · AI Summary by gemini-2.5-flash · 8/10

CURRENT Act

What Would Change

Key Provisions

Lobbying Activity