John Boozman (R-AR)
Ecological Restoration Project Permitting Act of 2026
A Republican bill with 2 Democratic cosponsors · See all 3 cosponsors
Last activity — Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.
In committee
Introduced and handed to a committee in the chamber it started in.
The committee holds it, and most bills are never heard from again. A hearing or a committee vote would be news; silence is the usual outcome, and it kills the bill without anyone voting against it.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill requires the Secretary of the Army to issue a general ecological restoration permit under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act within one year. The goal is to speed up the approval process for projects that result in a net gain in ecological functions and services. It sets up rules for non-Federal and Federal projects, requiring project sponsors to submit preconstruction notifications or summary reports. The bill also mandates interagency consultation, coordination agreements, and public reporting on project accomplishments. Finally, the permit will be issued for a term of 10 years and can be reissued or extended by the Secretary.
Yes· 3 of 4
- Scored +7
Does this better protect air, water and wildlife?
The bill requires the Secretary of the Army to issue a general ecological restoration permit to expedite and streamline projects that result in net gains in ecological functions and services.
- Scored +5
Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see?
The bill mandates public reports and reports to Congress on the accomplishments and observed outcomes of ecological restoration projects.
- Scored +3
Would farmers be better off under this?
The bill involves the Natural Resources Conservation Service and supports ecological restoration work that can benefit agricultural and rural lands.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Section 2 outlines the purpose of establishing a general permit to streamline and expedite ecological restoration projects that provide net gains in ecological functions and services, which can reduce redundant procedures and accelerate environmental benefits for communities.
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Section 4(b)(3) allows the Secretary to establish a simplified process for low-risk ecological restoration projects, which can save time and reduce paperwork for individuals or groups working on projects with a low risk of negatively impacting threatened species, endangered species, or historic properties.
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Section 6 requires public reports and reports to Congress on the accomplishments and observed outcomes of ecological restoration projects, which helps hold officials accountable and keeps the public informed about the tangible results of these environmental efforts.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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Section 4(a)(4)(A) places strict exclusions on projects that involve the construction or expansion of roads, driveways, parking areas, or recreational trails in waters of the United States, which could burden local groups trying to improve public recreational access alongside environmental restoration.
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Section 4(b)(1)(D) restricts project sponsors from beginning non-Federal projects until specific notification and consultation requirements are met, potentially causing delays for communities that want to start urgently needed local restoration work.
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Section 4(e)(3) states that upon the expiration of the 10-year permit, no new activities may be authorized unless the Secretary reissues or extends the permit, which could create administrative hurdles and uncertainty for ongoing or future restoration planning if renewals are delayed.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Tap or hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Does this better protect air, water and wildlife? — The bill requires the Secretary of the Army to issue a general ecological restoration permit to expedite and streamline projects that result in net gains in ecological functions and services.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would farmers be better off under this? — The bill involves the Natural Resources Conservation Service and supports ecological restoration work that can benefit agricultural and rural lands. Would people in rural areas be better off under this? — Streamlining ecological restoration permits helps rural communities implement habitat and watershed improvements more efficiently.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see? — The bill mandates public reports and reports to Congress on the accomplishments and observed outcomes of ecological restoration projects.
- 9/29/2026
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.
- 3 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in Senate
Angela AlsobrooksDemocrat · Maryland
- Alan Armstrong
Republican · Oklahoma
Lisa Blunt RochesterDemocrat · Delaware