Recent Federal Bills

Below are summaries of Bills Introduced, Committee Reports, Chamber Actions, and Public Laws reported in the most recent issue of ELR's Weekly Update.

would clarify the definition of navigable waters.

would streamline regulatory permitting procedures and increase domestic production from all energy sources.

would establish the Department of Energy and the Environment.

would amend the Federal Water Pollution Control Act with respect to permit requirements for dredged or fill material.

would clarify that compliance with an emergency order under §202(c) of the Federal Power Act may not be considered a violation of any federal, state, or local environmental law or regulation.

would amend the SDWA to protect the health of vulnerable individuals, including pregnant women, infants, and children, by requiring a health advisory and drinking water standard for hexavalent chromium.

would extend the authorization of appropriations to carry out approved wetlands conservation projects under the North American Wetlands Conservation Act through fiscal year 2017.

would reauthorize the Hudson Valley National Heritage Area.

would clarify that a state has the sole authority to regulate hydraulic fracturing on federal land within the boundaries of the state.

would preserve existing rights and responsibilities with respect to waters of the United States.