©2025 League of Conservation Voters
Representative David Rouzer (R-NC) sponsored H.R. 7023, the so-called Creating Confidence in Clean Water Permitting Act, which would jeopardize the clean water our families, communities, and wildlife depend on. Numerous provisions in the bill would shield polluters from taking responsibility when they destroy or dump pollutants into our streams, lakes, wetlands, and other waters, which ultimately passes the burden of pollution and costs onto downstream communities. The legislation would undermine the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) process for permitting and updating water quality criteria; make it easier for polluters to dump pollutants like per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) into our waters; eliminate the EPA’s ability to stop the most devastating projects; fast-track permitting for destructive oil and gas pipelines; and severely limit judicial review and public input. Unfortunately, at a time when our waters are more vulnerable than ever, this legislation prioritizes polluter profits instead of public health, and it would especially impact communities of low wealth and communities of color. On March 21, the House approved H.R. 7023 by a vote of 213-205 (House roll call vote 101). NO IS THE PRO-ENVIRONMENT VOTE. The Senate took no action on this legislation.
©2025 League of Conservation Voters