U.S. Rep. Tom Rice (R-SC) introduced a bill that would hold special interest groups accountable for filing frivolous lawsuits and revise the Clean Water Act (CWA) to make the permitting process more efficient to advance infrastructure projects.
The Discouraging Frivolous Lawsuits Act, H.R. 1179, would aim to stem the tide of lawsuits from citizens that have blocked critical infrastructure projects and increased costs at the expense of taxpayers.
“There is layer after layer after layer of both governmental agency and public review before permits can be approved by the Army Corps,” Rice said. “Right now, red tape from federal agencies and frivolous lawsuits brought forth by obstructionists delay infrastructure projects and cost millions in taxpayer money. There has to be a test of reasonableness so these badly needed infrastructure projects are completed in a timely manner with the lowest cost possible.”
The bill would amend the CWA to pardon prevailing parties in lawsuits from legal fees associated with challenges and require losing parties to pay for the legal costs.
Additionally, Rice’s Discouraging Frivolous Lawsuits Act would strike the Environmental Protection Agency’s “veto authority” in an effort to streamline the application process and remove uncertainty.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is currently the lead authority on infrastructure matters related to wetlands, but the EPA can deny permits issued by the Army Corps without previous involvement. Rice’s bill would revoke the EPA’s authority to deny permits.