The House passed legislation Thursday that would make more than a dozen changes to the Clean Water Act, including establishing new procedures to reduce lawsuits and limiting states’ authority to block infrastructure due to environmental concerns. The “PERMIT Act” passed 221-205. … [T]he bill would end protections under the Clean Water Act for ephemeral streams and limit states’ ability to block energy projects due to water quality concerns. It would establish strict timelines for when environmental groups could file a lawsuit challenging a permit authorizing the destruction of wetlands. Another provision would make it harder for individuals, municipalities and advocacy groups to sue over unauthorized water pollution discharges.

Other Clean Water Act and wetland protection news:

• Water Education Colorado: In historic vote, water regulators approve first-ever “Waters of Colorado” protection rules
• The Colorado Sun (Denver): Colorado water regulators approve historic stream, wetlands protections​
• The Sum & Substance (Denver, Colo.): Colorado approves first-in-nation rules to limit development near streams and wetlands