WEF Supports Bipartisan Bill to Extend NPDES

On March 14, legislation (H.R. 1764) was introduced that would extend the maximum term for National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits issued under the Clean Water Act from 5 to 10 years. U.S. Reps. John Garamendi (D–Calif.), Ken Calvert (R–Calif.), and Rob Woodall (R–Ga.) introduced the bipartisan bill to support local water infrastructure projects.

The Water Environment Federation (Alexandria, Va.) joined other leading water-sector organizations in sending a letter to Garamendi expressing support of the legislation. “Today’s water quality needs are becoming more complex as public wastewater agencies continually face new challenges to ensuring improved water quality and a safe and reliable water supply,” the letter says. “The authority to extend NPDES permit terms up to a fixed period of ten years would better reflect today’s clean water infrastructure reality.”

Read more about the legislation in This Week in Washington.