Rep. Burlison’s Judicial Review Timeline Clarity Act Advances in Committee

Washington, D.C. — The House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure advanced the Promoting Efficient Review for Modern Infrastructure Today (PERMIT) Act, which includes the Judicial Review Timeline Clarity Act, introduced by Congressman Eric Burlison (MO-07). The bill now heads to the House floor for consideration.

The Judicial Review Timeline Clarity Act establishes a firm 60-day deadline for filing lawsuits that challenge permits issued under Section 404 of the Clean Water Act for the discharge of dredged or fill material.

“Frivolous lawsuits from environmental activists have derailed critical infrastructure projects,” said Rep. Burlison. “Our communities deserve better. The Judicial Review Timeline Clarity Act puts an end to this nonsense with a hard 60-day deadline to challenge permits. America’s ready to build.”

Chairman of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, Rep. Sam Graves (MO-06), praised the bill’s advancement:

“Thanks to the reform proposed by Congressman Burlison, this bill will help eliminate frivolous lawsuits by activists who are simply trying to delay or block important infrastructure projects from moving forward.  Setting reasonable timelines for permitting reviews is not only common sense, it’s critical to allowing America to build. I commend Congressman Burlison for his continued leadership on this issue and for his work on this legislation.”

Section 404 permits are essential for infrastructure, energy, agriculture, mining, and construction projects that require placing fill material into waters of the United States. These permits, issued by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, are frequently targeted by lawsuits—even after construction begins—causing delays, added costs, and uncertainty.

The Judicial Review Timeline Clarity Act brings clarity and restores common sense to the process.