A bill to require the Secretary of the Army, acting through the Chief of Engineers, to propose a new nationwide permit under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act for dredging projects, and for other purposes.
Introduced June 11, 2026 · Last action June 11, 2026
Plain English Summary
This bill requires the Army Corps of Engineers to create a new nationwide permit that streamlines the approval process for dredging projects under federal water pollution law. Currently, dredging projects typically require individual permits or case-by-case review; this bill would allow certain dredging activities to proceed under a blanket nationwide permit with less regulatory scrutiny.
Who benefits
Dredging contractors and marine construction companies (such as commercial dredging firms, port authorities, and waterway development companies), real estate developers planning waterfront projects, shipping and logistics companies seeking to maintain or deepen navigation channels, and agricultural operations that use dredging for drainage or irrigation systems. State and local governments managing ports and waterways would also benefit from faster project approval timelines.
Who pays / loses
Environmental advocacy groups and wetland protection organizations lose discretionary review power over individual dredging impacts. Fishing communities and aquaculture operators may lose habitat protection if dredging activities increase without site-specific environmental assessment. Taxpayers bear the administrative cost of the Army Corps of Engineers developing and managing the nationwide permit program.
Funding & Lobbying Interests
The dredging industry, including companies like Weeks Marine, Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Company, and other commercial dredging contractors, has a direct financial stake in streamlined permitting. Port authorities and maritime industry groups (including shipping associations and barge operators) lobby for reduced permitting delays. Real estate development firms and waterfront construction companies benefit from faster project timelines. Environmental groups and conservation organizations oppose this type of streamlined permitting and would lobby against passage.
Sponsor
Vote Record
No recorded votes.
Campaign Finance — Primary Sponsor
Top contributing industries
Other$1,385,935.74
Finance$8,994.41
Transportation$2,368.91
Law$1,725
Healthcare$1,662.5
501(c)(4) disclosure: Contributions from 501(c)(4) "dark money" organizations are not required to be publicly disclosed and are not reflected in the figures above. Data sourced from FEC public disclosure filings.
Share this bill