Promoting Efficient Review for Modern Infrastructure Today Act

Floor Speech

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Mr. COHEN. Mr. Chair, I rise in strong opposition to the PERMIT Act. For over 50 years, the Clean Water Act has protected rivers, streams, and wetlands that our communities rely on. This bill undermines these protections by shielding polluters from responsibility for toxic waste like PFAS, lead, mercury, and arsenic, and by limiting Federal review and community input when drinking water is at risk.

I filed three straightforward amendments to protect public health: One to require cumulative impacts and groundwater reviews for projects near community drinking water aquifers, like the one that supplies Memphis; a second one to restore oversight and public participation for nationwide permits, protections that would have prevented the Byhalia pipeline from being rushed through my district; and a third one to require the EPA to certify that this bill will not increase exposure to harmful contaminants.

Unfortunately, none were made in order. Therefore, I oppose the bill and urge a ``no'' vote.

Permitting reform should not come at the expense of children's and seniors' health, clean drinking water, or communities with a history of industrial exposure. I do this because of a commitment to the safety of the people.

Looking at my dear friend, Mr. Graves, I hate to speak against one of his bills because he was such a good ally when I was on Transportation, and I have great respect for him, but nevertheless I am against the bill.

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