Democrats Slam GOP’s CWA Bill But Stay Open For Bipartisan Permit Reform

Congressional Democrats and President Joe Biden are strongly criticizing House Republicans’ just-approved legislation overhauling Clean Water Act (CWA) permitting and other energy and environmental measures, but they are carefully leaving the door open to bipartisan permit reforms. “If thoughtful oversight of our nation’s waters--and the permitting process that protects these waters--is still a bipartisan goal, then the House of Representatives can do far better than taking up H.R. 7023,” said Rep. Rick Larsen (D-WA), in comments that criticized the bill...