,i  #aag? ,,congress  #b;d ,session  ,h4
 ,r4 #icgb  ,,9 ,,! ,,h\se ,,(          
,,repres5tatives  ,decemb] #a1 #bjbb,mr4
 ,kelly ( ,p5nsylvania introduc$ !      
foll[+ bill2 :i* 0 ref]r$ to !          
,committee on ,transportation &         
,infra/ructure1 & 9 addition to !       
,committees on ,natural ,res\rces1 &    
,agriculture1 = a p]iod to be           
subsequ5tly det]m9$ by ! ,speak]1 9 ea* 
case = consid]ation ( su* provisions z  
fall )9 ! jurisdiction ( ! committee    
conc]n$  ,a ,,bill  ,to facilitate      
pipel9e con/ruction & limit regulatory &
 litigation delays "u ! ,f$]al ,wat]    
,pollution ,control ,act1 ! ,national   
,environm5tal ,policy ,act ( #aifi1 & ! 
,endang]$ ,species ,act ( #aigc1 & = o!r
 purposes4  #a4 ,%ort title ,?is ,act   
may be cit$ z ! ,pipel9e ,p]mitt+ =     
,en]gy ,security ,act4  #b4 ,clean ,wat]
 ,act p]mitt+  7a7 ,/ate c]tification   
programs ,section #dja ( ! ,f$]al ,wat] 
,pollution ,control ,act 7#cc ,u4,s4,c4 
#acda7 is am5d$-- 7#a7 by /rik+ ! head+ 

& section designation & all t foll[s    
?r\gh may be4 at ! end ( subsection     
7a77#a7 & ins]t+ ! foll[+3  #dja4       
,c]tification  7a7 ,/ate c]tifications  
7#a7 ,c]tification requir$  7,a7        
,def9itions ,9 ?is p>agraph3 7i7        
,c]tification application ,! t]m        
c]tification application means a reque/ 
f an applicant = a c]tification describ$
 9 subp>agraph 7,b74  7ii7 ,c]tify+     
au?ority ,! t]m c]tify+ au?ority1 )     
respect to a c]tification describ$ 9    
subp>agraph 7,b71 means ! applicable    
entity describ$ 9 subclause 7,i71       
7,,ii71 or 7,,iii7 ( subp>agraph        
7,b77i74  7,b7 ,compliance ) limitations
  7i7 ,9 g5]al ,any applicant = a ,f$]al
 lic5se or p]mit to conduct an activity1
 includ+ ! con/ruction or op]ation (    
facilities1 t may result 9 a dis*>ge f a
 po9t s\rce into ! wat]s ( ! ,unit$     
,/ates %all provide ! ,f$]al lic5s+ or  
p]mitt+ ag5cy a c]tification t ! dis*>ge
 w comply ) applicable wat] quality     
requirem5ts f-- 7,i7 ! ,/ate 9 :i* !    

dis*>ge orig9ates or w orig9ate2  7,,ii7
 if appropriate1 ! int]/ate wat]        
pollution control ag5cy ) jurisdiction  
ov] ! wat]s ( ! ,unit$ ,/ates at ! po9t 
:]e ! dis*>ge orig9ates or w orig9ate2  
or  7,,iii7 if no ,/ate or int]/ate wat]
 pollution control ag5cy has ! au?ority 
to give su* a c]tification1 !           
,adm9i/rator4  7ii7 ,c]tification ( no  
limitation & /&>d  7,i7 ,9 g5]al ,9 !   
case ( any activity describ$ 9 clause   
7i7 = :i* !re is n an applicable efflu5t
 limitation or o!r limitation "u        
sections #cja7;b7 & #cjb & = :i* !re is 
n an applicable /&>d "u sections #cjf & 
#cjg1 ! c]tify+ au?ority %all s c]tify4 
7,,ii7 ,effect ,a c]tification "u       
subclause 7,i7 does n satisfy section   
#eaa7;c74  7iii7 ,c]tification requir$  
7,i7 ,con/ruction prohibit$ until       
c]tification ,con/ruction = :i* a       
c]tification is requir$ "u ?is          
subp>agraph may n beg9 until !          
c]tification has be5 obta9$1 unless !   
requirem5t = ! c]tification has be5     

waiv$ 9 accordance ) ?is p>agraph4      
7,,ii7 ,effect ( d5ial ,if a c]tify+    
au?ority d5ies a c]tification           
application1 ! ,f$]al lic5se or p]mit = 
:i* ! c]tification application 0 made   
may n be grant$4  7iv7 ,scope (         
c]tification ,9 det]m9+ :e!r to issue a 
c]tification "u ?is subp>agraph & 9     
det]m9+ :at conditions to impose on a   
c]tification "u ?is subp>agraph1 a      
c]tify+ au?ority may only consid] :e!r !
 dis*>ge = :i* ! c]tification           
application 0 made complies ) applicable
 wat] quality requirem5ts4  7,c7        
,requir$ proc$ures  7i7 ,notice & he>+s 
,ea* c]tify+ au?ority %all e/abli%      
proc$ures =-- 7,i7 public notice 9 !    
case ( all c]tification applications2   
7,,ii7 to ! ext5t ! c]tify+ au?ority    
det]m9es to be appropriate1 public he>+s
 9 connection ) specific c]tification   
applications2 &  7,,iii7 a prefil+ meet+
 z describ$ 9 clause 7ii74  7ii7        
,prefil+ meet+  7,i7 ,reque/ ,be=e      
submitt+ a c]tification application1 !  

prospective applicant may reque/ a      
prefil+ meet+ ) ! c]tify+ au?ority--    
7aa7 to ensure t ! c]tify+ au?ority     
receives e>ly notification ( projects = 
:i* a c]tification "u subp>agraph 7,b7  
is necess>y2 &  7bb7 to discuss         
in=mational ne$s ) ! c]tify+ au?ority   
be=e submitt+ ! application4  7,,ii7    
,response requir$ ,if a prospective     
applicant reque/s a prefil+ meet+ ) a   
c]tify+ au?ority pursuant to subclause  
7,i71 ! c]tify+ au?ority %all-- 7aa7    
respond to ! reque/ n lat] ?an #cj days 
aft] ! date on :i* ! reque/ is receiv$2 
&  7bb7 hold ! prefil+ meet+ ) !        
prospective applicant by n lat] ?an #fj 
days aft] ! date on :i* ! reque/ is     
receiv$4  7iii7 ,d5ials ( c]tification  
7,i7 ,individual lic5ses & p]mits ,if a 
c]tify+ au?ority d5ies a c]tification   
application = an individual lic5se or   
p]mit1 ! c]tify+ au?ority %all provide  
to ! applicable ,f$]al lic5s+ or p]mitt+
 ag5cy-- 7aa7 ! specific applicable wat]
 quality requirem5ts ) :i* ! dis*>ge w n

 comply2  7bb7 a /atem5t expla9+ :y !   
dis*>ge w n comply ) ! id5tifi$         
applicable wat] quality requirem5ts2 &  
7cc7 if ! d5ial is due to insuffici5t   
in=mation1 a description ( ! specific   
wat] quality data or in=mation1 if any1 
t w\ld be ne$$ to ensure t ! dis*>ge f !
 propos$ project w comply ) applicable  
wat] quality requirem5ts4  7,,ii7 ,g5]al
 lic5ses or p]mits ,if a c]tify+        
au?ority d5ies a c]tification           
application = a g5]al lic5se or p]mit1 !
 c]tify+ au?ority %all provide to !     
applicable ,f$]al lic5s+ or p]mitt+     
ag5cy-- 7aa7 ! specific applicable wat] 
quality requirem5ts ) :i* dis*>ges t    
c\ld be au?oriz$ by ! g5]al lic5se or   
p]mit w n comply2  7bb7 a /atem5t       
expla9+ :y dis*>ges t c\ld be au?oriz$  
by ! g5]al lic5se or p]mit w n comply ) 
! id5tifi$ applicable wat] quality      
requirem5ts2 &  7cc7 if ! d5ial is due  
to insuffici5t in=mation1 a description 
( ! specific wat] quality data or       
in=mation1 if any1 t w\ld be ne$$ to    

assure t ! range ( dis*>ges t c\ld be   
au?oriz$ by ! g5]al lic5se or p]mit f   
pot5tial projects w comply ) applicable 
wat] quality requirem5ts4  7iv7 ,review 
7,i7 ,9 g5]al ,n lat] ?an #fj days aft] 
! date on :i* a ,f$]al lic5s+ or p]mitt+
 ag5cy receives a notice describ$ 9     
clause 7iii7 or a c]tification "u       
subp>agraph 7,b7 t includes conditions  
to t c]tification1 ! ,f$]al lic5s+ or   
p]mitt+ ag5cy %all complete a review ( !
 process und]tak5 by ! c]tify+ au?ority 
9 review+ ! applicable c]tification     
application to det]m9e :e!r ! c]tify+   
au?ority e/abli%$ a reasonable p]iod (  
"t )9 :i* to review t c]tification      
application 9 accordance ) subp>agraph  
7,d77ii74  7,,ii7 ,d5ials ,if1 aft]     
c>ry+ out a review "u subclause 7,i7 ( !
 process und]tak5 by a c]tify+ au?ority 
) respect to a d5ial ( a c]tification   
application1 a ,f$]al lic5s+ or p]mitt+ 
ag5cy det]m9es t ! c]tify+ au?ority did 
n1 9 det]m9+ ! reasonable p]iod ( "t )9 
:i* to review ! c]tification            

application1 consid] all ( ! factors    
describ$ 9 subclause 7,i71 7,,ii71 or   
7,,iii7 ( subp>agraph 7,d77ii71 ! ,f$]al
 lic5s+ or p]mitt+ ag5cy %all-- 7aa7    
deem ! c]tify+ au?ority to h fail$ to   
act on ! c]tification application2 &    
7bb7 pursuant to subp>agraph 7,d77iii71 
consid] ! requirem5t = a c]tification "u
 subp>agraph 7,b7 waiv$4  7,,iii7       
,conditions ,if1 aft] c>ry+ out a review
 "u subclause 7,i7 ( ! process und]tak5 
by a c]tify+ au?ority ) respect to      
includ+ conditions to a c]tification "u 
subp>agraph 7,b71 a ,f$]al lic5s+ or    
p]mitt+ ag5cy det]m9es t ! c]tify+      
au?ority did n1 9 det]m9+ ! reasonable  
p]iod ( "t )9 :i* to review ! applicable
 c]tification application1 consid] all (
 ! factors describ$ 9 subclause 7,i71   
7,,ii71 or 7,,iii7 ( subp>agraph        
7,d77ii71 ! ,f$]al lic5s+ or p]mitt+    
ag5cy %all consid] ! c]tification       
conditions void4  7,d7 ,review p]iod    
7i7 ,9 g5]al ,a c]tify+ au?ority %all1  
subject to ?is subp>agraph1 issue to !  

applicable ,f$]al lic5s+ or p]mitt+     
au?ority a f9al action on a c]tification
 application )9 a reasonable p]iod ( "t1
 :i*-- 7,i7 %all be det]m9$ by ! c]tify+
 au?ority by n lat] ?an #fj days aft] ! 
date on :i* ! c]tification application  
is receiv$ by ! c]tify+ au?ority2 b     
7,,ii7 7aa7 %all beg9 on ! date on :i* !
 c]tification application is receiv$ by 
! c]tify+ au?ority2 &  7bb7 %all n exce$
 #a ye> f ! date on :i* ! c]tify+       
au?ority receives ! c]tification        
application4  7ii7 ,det]m9ation (       
reasonable p]iod ,9 det]m9+ ! reasonable
 p]iod ( "t "u clause 7i77,i71 a c]tify+
 au?ority %all consid]-- 7,i7 !         
complexity ( ! project describ$ 9 !     
c]tification application2  7,,ii7 !     
nature ( any pot5tial dis*>ge f t       
project2 &  7,,iii7 ! pot5tial ne$ =    
additional /udy or evaluation ( wat]    
quality effects f ! dis*>ge4  7iii7     
,failure to act )9 p]iod ,if a c]tify+  
au?ority fails or refuses to issue a    
f9al action on a c]tification           

application by ! end ( ! reasonable     
p]iod ( "t e/abli%$ "u ?is subp>agraph1 
! requirem5t = a c]tification "u        
subp>agraph 7,b7 %all be waiv$4  7iv7   
,no paus+ or toll+ ,! reasonable p]iod (
 "t e/abli%$ = a c]tification           
application "u ?is subp>agraph may n be 
paus$ or toll$ = any reason4  7,e7 ,f9al
 action  7i7 ,9 g5]al ,aft] completion (
 ! reasonable p]iod ( "t e/abli%$ "u    
subp>agraph 7,d7 & any review t may be  
requir$ "u subp>agraph 7,c77iv7 = a     
c]tification application1 ! c]tify+     
au?ority or ,f$]al lic5s+ or p]mitt+    
au?ority1 z applicable1 %all apply only 
#a ( ! foll[+ f9al actions to !         
c]tification application3 7,i7 ,!       
c]tification application is grant$4     
7,,ii7 ,! c]tification application is   
grant$ ) conditions4  7,,iii7 ,!        
c]tification application is d5i$4       
7,,iv7 ,! c]tification requirem5ts "u   
subp>agraph 7,b7 h be5 waiv$ 9          
accordance ) ?is p>agraph ) respect to !
 activity = :i* ! c]tification          

application 0 submitt$4  7ii7 ,no o!r   
f9al actions ,no o!r f9al action may    
apply to a c]tification application     
except z describ$ 9 clause 7i74  7,f7   
,en=cem5t ( conditions ,! ,f$]al lic5s+ 
or p]mitt+ au?ority to :i* a            
c]tification "u ?is subsection 0 issu$  
%all be responsible = en=c+ any         
conditions includ$ ) t c]tification4    
7,g7 ,timel9e = action ,if a ,f$]al c\rt
 rem&s or vacates a c]tification "u ?is 
p>agraph1 ! ,f$]al c\rt %all set & en=ce
 a reasonable s*$ule & deadl9e1 n to    
exce$ #ahj days f ! date on :i* ! ,f$]al
 c\rt rem&s or vacates ! c]tification1 =
 ! c]tify+ ag5cy to act on ! rem& or    
vacatur4  2  7#b7 9 subsection 7a7 7z s 
am5d$7-- 7,a7 9 p>agraph 7#b71 by /rik+ 
7#b7 ,^u receipt & ins]t+ ! foll[+3     
7#b7 ,notice to adm9i/rator2 effect on  
o!r /ates ,on receipt  2  7,b7 9        
p>agraph 7#c71 by /rik+ 7#c7 ,!         
c]tification & ins]t+ ! foll[+3  7#c7   
,fulfillm5t ( requirem5ts ,!            
c]tification  2  7,c7 9 p>agraph 7#d71  

by /rik+ 7#d7 ,prior to & ins]t+ !      
foll[+3  7#d7 ,review = compliance      
,prior to  2  7,d7 9 p>agraph 7#e71 by  
/rik+ 7#e7 ,any ,f$]al & ins]t+ !       
foll[+3  7#e7 ,susp5sion & revocation   
,any ,f$]al  2 &  7,e7 9 p>agraph 7#f71 
by /rik+ 7#f7 ,except ) & ins]t+ !      
foll[+3  7#f7 ,applicability to c]ta9   
facilities ,except )  2  7#c7 9         
subsection 7b71 by /rik+ 7b7 ,no?+ &    
ins]t+ ! foll[+3  7b7 ,compliance ) o!r 
provisions ( law sett+ applicable wat]  
quality requirem5ts ,no?+  2  7#d7 9    
subsection 7c71 by /rik+ 7c7 ,9 ord] &  
ins]t+ ! foll[+3  7c7 ,au?ority (       
secret>y ( ! army ,to p]mit use ( spoil 
disposal areas by f$]al lic5sees or     
p]mittees ,9 ord]  2  7#e7 9 subsection 
7d71 by /rik+ 7d7 ,any c]tification &   
ins]t+ ! foll[+3  7d7 ,limitations &    
monitor+ requirem5ts ( c]tification ,any
 c]tification  2 &  7#f7 by add+ at !   
end ! foll[+3  7e7 ,def9ition (         
applicable wat] quality requirem5ts ,9  
?is section1 ! t]m applicable wat]      

quality requirem5ts means-- 7#a7 !      
applicable provisions ( sections #cja1  
#cjb1 #cjc1 #cjf1 & #cjg2 &  7#b7       
applicable ,/ate or ,tribal regulatory  
requirem5ts = ! dis*>ge f po9t s\rces   
into ! wat]s ( ! ,unit$ ,/ates4  4  7b7 
,p]mits = dr$g$ or fill mat]ial  7#a7 ,9
 g5]al ,section #djd ( ! ,f$]al ,wat]   
,pollution ,control ,act 7#cc ,u4,s4,c4 
#acdd7 is am5d$-- 7,a7 by /rik+ ! head+ 
& section designation & all t foll[s    
?r\gh 7a7 ,! ,secret>y & ins]t+ !       
foll[+3  #djd4 ,p]mits = dr$g$ or fill  
mat]ial  7a7 ,dis*>ge into navigable    
wat]s at specifi$ disposal sites  7#a7  
,9 g5]al ,! ,secret>y  2  7,b7 9        
subsection 7a77#a7 7z s designat$71 9 ! 
second s5t5ce-- 7i7 by /rik+ ?is        
subsection ea* place x appe>s & ins]t+  
p>agraph 7#a72 &  7ii7 by /rik+ ,n lat] 
?an ! fifte5? day & ins]t+ ! foll[+3    
7#b7 ,notice ,n lat] ?an ! #ae? day  2  
7,c7 9 subsection 7c7-- 7i7 9 ! ?ird    
s5t5ce-- 7,i7 by /rik+ 8 f9d+ & 8       
reasons & ins]t+ ! f9d+s & reasons ( !  

,adm9i/rator2 &  7,,ii7 by /rik+ ,!     
,adm9i/rator & ins]t+ ! foll[+3  7#d7   
,f9d+s & reason+ ,! ,adm9i/rator  2     
7ii7 9 ! second s5t5ce1 by /rik+ ,be=e  
mak+ su* det]m9ation & ins]t+ ! foll[+3 
7#c7 ,consultation ,be=e mak+ a         
det]m9ation "u p>agraph 7#a7  2  7iii7  
by /rik+ 7c7 ,! ,adm9i/rator & ins]t+ ! 
foll[+3  7c7 ,prohibition (             
specification ( areas z disposal sites  
7#a7 ,9 g5]al ,subject to p>agraph 7#b71
 ! ,adm9i/rator  2 &  7iv7 by ins]t+    
aft] p>agraph 7#a7 7z s designat$7 !    
foll[+3  7#b7 ,limitation ,!            
,adm9i/rator may n prohibit !           
specification ( a def9$ area z a        
disposal site1 or o!rwise d5y or re/rict
 ! use ( a def9$ area z a disposal site 
aft] a p]mit "u ?is section = ! area has
 be5 issu$ by ! ,secret>y4  2  7,d7 9   
subsection 7e7-- 7i7 9 p>agraph 7#a71 9 
! second s5t5ce-- 7,i7 by /rik+         
subsection 7b77#a7 ( ?is section1 & 7,b7
 set =? & ins]t+ ! foll[+3 subsection   
7b77#a72 & 7ii7 set =?  2  7,,ii7 by    

/rik+ %all 7,a7 be bas$ & ins]t+ !      
foll[+3 8%all--  7i7 be bas$  2 &       
7,,iii7 by /rik+ ,any g5]al & ins]t+ !  
foll[+3  7,b7 ,requirem5ts = issuance   
,any g5]al  2  7ii7 by /rik+ 7e77#a7 ,9 
c>ry+ & ins]t+ ! foll[+3  7e7 ,g5]al    
p]mits on /ate1 regional1 or nationwide 
basis  7#a7 ,p]mits au?oriz$  7,a7 ,9   
g5]al ,9 c>ry+  2  7iii7 9 p>agraph     
7#b71 by /rik+ 7#b7 ,no g5]al & ins]t+ !
 foll[+3  7#b7 ,t]m ,no g5]al  2 &  7iv7
 by add+ at ! end ! foll[+3  7#c7 ,s+le 
& complete projects  7,a7 ,def9ition (  
s+le & complete project  7i7 ,9 g5]al ,9
 ?is p>agraph1 ! t]m s+le & complete    
project1 ) respect to a project = :i* ! 
,secret>y is det]m9+ :e!r a g5]al p]mit 
issu$ "u ?is subsection applies1 means t
 portion ( ! total project propos$ or   
accompli%$ by-- 7,i7 a s+le own] or     
develop]2  7,,ii7 a p>tn]%ip ( #a or m  
own]s or develop]s2 or  7,,iii7 an      
association ( own]s or develop]s4  7ii7 
,l9e> projects  7,i7 ,def9ition ,9 ?is  
clause1 ! t]m l9e> project means a      

project con/ruct$ = ! purpose ( gett+ p1
 goods1 or s]vices f a po9t ( orig9 to a
 t]m9al po9t1 :i* may involve multiple  
cross+s ( #a or m wat]s ( ! ,unit$      
,/ates at sep>ate & di/ant locations4   
7,,ii7 ,g5]al rule ,= purposes ( ?is    
p>agraph1 ) respect to projects describ$
 9 clause 7i7 t are l9e> projects-- 7aa7
 ! cross+s ( sep>ate wat]s ( ! ,unit$   
,/ates at a specific location %all be   
consid]$ #a s+le & complete project2 b  
7bb7 ea* cross+ ( a s+le wat] ( ! ,unit$
 ,/ates %all be consid]$ a sep>ate s+le 
& complete project if ^? cross+s are at 
sep>ate & di/ant locations4  7,,iii7    
,additional exclusions ,= purposes (    
subclause 7,,ii71 individual *annels 9 a
 braid$ /ream or riv]1 individual arms (
 a l>ge1 irregul>ly-%ap$ wetl& or lake1 
& o!r1 simil> bodies ( wat] %all n be   
consid]$ to be sep>ate wat]s ( ! ,unit$ 
,/ates4  7,b7 ,requirem5t ,9 det]m9+    
:e!r a g5]al p]mit issu$ "u ?is         
subsection applies to an activity1 !    
,secret>y %all consid] ! e/imat$ total (

 all losses ( wat]s ( ! ,unit$ ,/ates   
expect$ to result f ! s+le & complete   
project4  7,c7 ,use ( multiple p]mits ,!
 ,secret>y may comb9e #b or m g5]al     
p]mits issu$ "u ?is subsection to       
au?orize a s+le & complete project1 b ! 
same g5]al p]mit issu$ "u ?is subsection
 may n be us$ m ?an once = a s+le &     
complete project4  7#d7 ,reissuance (   
nationwide p]mits ,9 det]m9+ :e!r to    
reissue a g5]al p]mit issu$ "u ?is      
subsection on a nationwide basis-- 7,a7 
no consultation ) an applicable ,/ate   
pursuant to section #f7;a7 ( ! ,endang]$
 ,species ,act ( #aigc 7#af ,u4,s4,c4   
#aece7;a77 is requir$2  7,b7 no         
consultation ) a ,f$]al ag5cy pursuant  
to section #g7;a77#b7 ( t ,act 7#af     
,u4,s4,c4 #aecf7;a77#b77 is requir$2 &  
7,c7 = purposes ( c>ry+ out ! ,national 
,environm5tal ,policy ,act ( #aifi 7#db 
,u4,s4,c4 #dcba et seq47 ) respect to t 
reissuance1 conduct+ an environm5tal    
assessm5t on a nationwide basis is      
suffici5t = purposes ( compliance ) t   

,act4  7#e7 ,nationwide p]mit = oil &   
natural gas pipel9es ,not)/&+ any o!r   
provision ( ?is section1 ! ,secret>y    
%all ma9ta9 a nationwide p]mit = !      
activities requir$ = ! con/ruction1     
ma9t5ance1 repair1 op]ation1 & removal (
 oil & natural gas pipel9es & associat$ 
facilities t result 9 ! loss (1 )       
respect to wat]s ( ! ,unit$ ,/ates1 an  
area ( m ?an #a_/b acre = ea* s+le &    
complete project 7z def9$ 9 p>agraph    
7#c77;,a771 :i* %all be kn[n z          
nationwide p]mit #ab4  2  7,e7 9        
subsection 7h7-- 7i7 9 p>agraph 7#a71 by
 add+ at ! end ! foll[+3  7,i7 ,to issue
 p]mits n lat] ?an ! date t is #a ye>   
aft] ! date on :i* ! ,/ate receives an  
application = ! p]mit1 :i* may n be     
paus$ or toll$ = any reason4  7,j7 ,to  
ensure t1 if ! ,/ate does n issue a f9al
 action ) respect to an application = a 
p]mit )9 ! #a-ye> p]iod describ$ 9      
subp>agraph 7,i71 ! application is      
consid]$ to be approv$4  7,k7 ,to c>ry  
out a programmatic review ( ! program   

annually to ensure t ! program does n   
exce$ ! au?ority grant$ to ! ,/ate "u   
?is section4  2 &  7ii7 by add+ at ! end
 ! foll[+3  7#f7 ,action requir$  7,a7  
,9 g5]al ,a ,/ate ) a p]mit program     
approv$ "u ?is subsection %all issue a  
f9al action ) respect to an application 
= a p]mit describ$ 9 subsection 7g77#a7 
n lat] ?an #a ye> aft] ! date ( receipt 
( ! application4  7,b7 ,failure to act  
,an application = a p]mit describ$ 9    
subsection 7g77#a7 submitt$ to a ,/ate )
 a p]mit program approv$ "u ?is         
subsection %all be consid]$ to be       
approv$ if ! ,/ate fails to issue a f9al
 action ) respect to ! application by ! 
end ( ! #a-ye> p]iod describ$ 9         
subp>agraph 7,a74  7,c7 ,no paus+ or    
toll+ ,! #a-ye> p]iod describ$ 9        
subp>agraph 7,a7 may n be paus$ or toll$
 = any reason4  2  7,f7 9 subsection    
7s77#c71 9 ! ?ird s5t5ce1 by /rik+ acton
 & ins]t+ action2  7,g7 9 subsection    
7t71 by /rik+ 7t7 ,no?+ & ins]t+ !      
foll[+3  7u7 ,sav+s provision ,no?+  2 &

  7,h7 by ins]t+ aft] subsection 7s7 !  
foll[+3  7t7 ,judicial review  7#a7     
,/atute ( limitations  7,a7 ,9 g5]al    
,not)/&+ any o!r provision ( law1 an    
action seek+ judicial review ( an       
individual or g5]al p]mit issu$ "u ?is  
section %all be fil$ n lat] ?an ! date t
 is #fj days aft] ! date on :i* ! p]mit 
0 issu$4  7,b7 ,sav+s provision ,no?+ 9 
subp>agraph 7,a7 au?orizes an action    
seek+ judicial review ( ! /ructure ( or 
au?orization = a ,/ate p]mit program    
approv$ pursuant to ?is section4  7#b7  
,timel9e to act on rem& & vacatur ,if a 
,f$]al c\rt rem&s or vacates a p]mit "u 
?is section1 ! ,f$]al c\rt %all set &   
en=ce a reasonable s*$ule & deadl9e1 :i*
 may n exce$ #ahj days f ! date on :i* !
 ,f$]al c\rt rem&s or vacates ! p]mit1 =
 ! issu] ( ! p]mit to act on t rem& or  
vacatur4  4  7#b7 ,ratification ( curr5t
 p]mits ,not)/&+ any o!r provision (    
law1 ea* category ( activities au?oriz$ 
by a g5]al p]mit issu$ "u section       
#djd7;e7 ( ! ,f$]al ,wat] ,pollution    

,control ,act 7#cc ,u4,s4,c4 #acdd7;e77 
7includ+ nationwide p]mit #ab7 or "u    
section #aj ( ! ,act ( ,m>* #c1 #ahii   
7#cc ,u4,s4,c4 #djc71 t is 9 effect on !
 date ( enactm5t ( ?is ,act %all1       
consi/5t ) subp>agraph 7,a7 ( section   
#djd7;e77#a7 ( ! ,f$]al ,wat] ,pollution
 ,control ,act 7#cc ,u4,s4,c4           
#acdd7;e77#a771 be consid]$ to cause--  
7,a7 n m ?an m9imal adv]se environm5tal 
effects :5 actions au?oriz$ "u ^? p]mits
 are c>ri$ out sep>ately2 &  7,b7 n m   
?an m9imal cumulative adv]se effects on 
! environm5t4  7#c7 ,sav+s provision    
,no?+ 9 ?is subsection or ! am5dm5ts    
made by ?is subsection requires a ,/ate 
7includ+ an ,indian tribe t is treat$ z 
a ,/ate pursuant to section #eah7;e7 ( !
 ,f$]al ,wat] ,pollution ,control ,act  
7#cc ,u4,s4,c4 #acgg7;e777 = :i* !      
,adm9i/rator ( ! ,environm5tal          
,protection ,ag5cy has approv$ a p]mit  
program pursuant to subsections 7g7 &   
7h7 ( section #djd ( ! ,f$]al ,wat]     
,pollution ,control ,act 7#cc ,u4,s4,c4 

#acdd7 to seek reapproval ( ! p]mit     
program 9 accordance ) ^? subsections4  
7c7 ,def9ition ( navigable wat]s        
,section #ejb ( ! ,f$]al ,wat]          
,pollution ,control ,act 7#cc ,u4,s4,c4 
#acfb7 is am5d$-- 7#a7 9 ea* ( p>agraphs
 7#a7 ?r\gh 7#bj71 by ins]t+ a p>agraph 
head+1 ! text ( :i* comprises ! t]m     
def9$ 9 t p>agraph2  7#b7 by ind5t+     
p>agraphs 7#a7 ?r\gh 7#bj7              
appropriately2 &  7#c7 by /rik+ p>agraph
 7#g7 & ins]t+ ! foll[+3  7#g7          
,navigable wat]s2 wat]s ( ! unit$ /ates 
7,a7 ,9 g5]al ,! t]ms navigable wat]s & 
wat]s ( ! ,unit$ ,/ates mean-- 7i7 !    
t]ritorial seas & wat]s :i* are curr5tly
 us$1 or 7 us$ 9 ! pa/1 or may be       
susceptible to use 9 int]/ate or =eign  
comm]ce1 includ+ wat]s t are subject to 
! ebb & fl[ ( ! tide2  7ii7 a tribut>y2 
7iii7 a lake1 pond1 or imp\ndm5t ( wat] 
f a body ( wat] o!rwise describ$ 9 ?is  
subp>agraph t-- 7,i7 contributes to     
surface wat] fl[ to a body ( wat]       
describ$ 9 clause 7i7 9 a typical ye>2  

or  7,,ii7 is inundat$ by flood+ f a    
body ( wat] o!rwise describ$ 9 ?is      
subp>agraph dur+ a typical ye>2 &  7iv7 
adjac5t wetl&s4  7,b7 ,exclusions ,!    
t]ms navigable wat]s & wat]s ( ! ,unit$ 
,/ates d n include-- 7i7 an ephem]al    
feature1 includ+ an ephem]al /ream1     
swale1 gully1 rill1 pool1 or tribut>y t 
is ephem]al dur+ a typical ye>2  7ii7   
gr\ndwat]1 includ+ gr\ndwat] dra9$ ?r\gh
 subsurface dra9age sy/ems2  7iii7 an   
artificially irrigat$ area t w\ld rev]t 
to upl& or dry l& if t artificial       
irrigation ceas$2  7iv7 an artificial   
lake or pond t-- 7,i7 is n an imp\ndm5t 
describ$ 9 subp>agraph 7,a77iii72 &     
7,,ii7 is con/ruct$ or excavat$ 9 upl&  
or dry l&2  7v7 a wat]-fill$ depression 
t is-- 7,i7 con/ruct$ or excavat$ 9 upl&
 or dry l&2 &  7,,ii7 incid5tal to m9+  
or con/ruction activity2  7vi7 a pit t  
is excavat$ 9 upl& = ! purpose ( obta9+ 
fill1 s&1 or gravel2  7vii7 a /ormwat]  
control feature t is con/ruct$ or       
excavat$ 9 upl& or dry l& to convey1    

treat1 infiltrate1 or /ore /ormwat]     
run(f2  7viii7 a gr\ndwat] re*>ge1 wat] 
reuse1 or wa/ewat] treatm5t recycl+     
/ructure t is con/ruct$ or excavat$ 9   
upl& or dryl&2  7ix7 a wa/e treatm5t    
sy/em2  7x7 prior conv]t$ cropl&2  7xi7 
7,i7 a dit* t is n a body ( wat]        
describ$ 9 clause 7i7 or 7ii7 (         
subp>agraph 7,a72 &  7,,ii7 any portion 
( a dit* con/ruct$ 9 adjac5t wetl&s t   
does n meet ! requirem5ts describ$ 9    
subp>agraph 7,c77i72  7xii7 diffuse     
/ormwat] run(f & directional %eet fl[   
ov] upl&2 &  7xiii7 a wat] or wat]      
feature t is n id5tifi$ 9 subp>agraph   
7,a74  7,c7 ,associat$ def9itions ,=    
purposes ( ?is p>agraph3 7i7 ,adjac5t   
wetl&s ,! t]m adjac5t wetl&s means      
wetl&s t-- 7,i7 t\* at lea/ "o po9t or  
side ( a body ( wat] describ$ 9 clause  
7i71 7ii71 or 7iii7 ( subp>agraph 7,a72 
7,,ii7 are inundat$ by flood+ f a body (
 wat] describ$ 9 clause 7i71 7ii71 or   
7iii7 ( subp>agraph 7,a7 dur+ a typical 
ye>2 or  7,,iii7 are physically sep>at$ 

f a body ( wat] describ$ 9 clause 7i71  
7ii71 or 7iii7 ( subp>agraph 7,a7 only  
by-- 7aa7 a natural b]m1 bank1 dune1 or 
simil> natural feature2 or  7bb7 an     
artificial dike1 b>ri]1 or simil>       
artificial /ructure1 if t /ructure all[s
 = a direct hydrological surface        
connection to ! body ( wat] describ$ 9 t
 clause 7i71 7ii71 or 7iii7 9 a typical 
ye>1 su* z ?r\gh a culv]t1 flood or tide
 gate1 pump1 or simil> artificial       
feature4  7ii7 ,dit* ,! t]m dit* means a
 con/ruct$ or excavat$ *annel us$ to    
convey wat]4  7iii7 ,ephem]al ,! t]m    
ephem]al1 ) respect to a surface wat]1  
means fl[+ or pool+ only 9 direct       
response to precipitation 7su* z ra9 or 
sn[fall74  7iv7 ,high tide l9e  7,i7 ,9 
g5]al ,! t]m high tide l9e means ! l9e (
 int]section ( ! l& ) ! surface ( a body
 ( wat] at ! maximum height rea*$ by a  
ris+ tide 7includ+ a spr+ high tide or  
ano!r high tide t occurs ) p]iodic      
frequ5cy71 :i* may1 9 ! abs5ce ( actual 
data1 be det]m9$ by a l9e ( oil or scum 

along %ore objects1 a m or less cont9u\s
 deposit ( f9e %ell or debris on !      
=e%ore or b]m1 vegetation l9es1 tidal   
gages1 o!r physical m>k+s or            
*>act]i/ics1 or o!r suitable means t    
del9eate ! g5]al height rea*$ by a ris+ 
tide4  7,,ii7 ,exclusions ,! t]m high   
tide l9e does n include ! l9e (         
int]section describ$ 9 subclause 7,i7 at
 ! maximum height rea*$ by a /orm surge 
9 :i* !re is a dep>ture f ! normal or   
pr$ict$ rea* ( a tide due to ! pil+ up (
 wat] aga9/ a coa/ by /rong w9ds1 su* z 
a surge accompany+ a hurricane or ano!r 
int5se /orm4  7v7 ,int]mitt5t ,! t]m    
int]mitt5t1 ) respect to a surface wat]1
 means fl[+ cont9u\sly dur+ c]ta9 times 
( ! ye> & m ?an 9 direct response to    
precipitation 7su* z seasonally1 :5 !   
gr\ndwat] table is elevat$1 or :5       
sn[pack melts74  7vi7 ,ord9>y high wat] 
m>k ,! t]m ord9>y high wat] m>k means ! 
l9e on a %ore e/abli%$ by ! fluctuations
 ( wat] & indicat$ by physical          
*>act]i/ics1 su* z a cle>1 natural l9e  

impress$ on ! bank1 %elv+1 *anges 9 ! "*
 ( ! soil1 de/ruction ( t]re/rial       
vegetation1 ! pres5ce ( litt] & debris1 
or ano!r appropriate means t consid]s ! 
*>act]i/ics ( ! surr\nd+ areas4  7vii7  
,p]5nial ,! t]m p]5nial1 ) respect to a 
surface wat]1 means surface wat] t fl[s 
cont9u\sly ye> r\nd4  7viii7 ,prior     
conv]t$ cropl&  7,i7 ,9 g5]al ,! t]m    
prior conv]t$ cropl& means any area t1  
prior to ,decemb] #bc1 #aihe1 0 dra9$ or
 o!rwise manipulat$ = ! purpose1 or hav+
 ! effect1 ( mak+ production ( an       
agricultural product possible4  7,,ii7  
,inclusion ,! t]m prior conv]t$ cropl&  
includes any designation ( an area z    
prior conv]t$ cropl& made by ! ,secret>y
 ( ,agriculture4  7,,iii7 ,exclusion ,! 
t]m prior conv]t$ cropl& does n include 
any area describ$ 9 subclause 7,i7 t is 
ab&on$ or has rev]t$ to wetl&s4  7,,iv7 
,associat$ def9ition ,9 ?is clause1 !   
t]m ab&on$1 ) respect to an area        
describ$ 9 subclause 7,i71 means ! area 
has n be5 us$ =1 or 9 support (1        

agricultural purposes at lea/ once dur+ 
! #e-ye> p]iod end+ on ! date (         
det]m9ation1 z det]m9$ by !             
,adm9i/rator4  7ix7 ,sn[pack ,! t]m     
sn[pack means lay]s ( sn[ t accumulate  
ov] ext5d$ p]iods ( "t 9 c]ta9          
geographic regions or at high elevation 
7su* z 9 nor!rn climes or 9 m\nta9\s    
regions74  7x7 ,tribut>y ,! t]m tribut>y
 includes a riv]1 /ream1 or simil>      
naturally occurr+ surface wat] *annel   
t-- 7,i7 contributes to surface wat] fl[
 to a body ( wat] describ$ 9 subp>agraph
 7,a77i72 &  7,,ii7 is p]5nial or       
int]mitt5t 9 a typical ye>4  7xi7       
,typical ye> ,! t]m typical ye> means a 
ye> 9 :i* precipitation & o!r climatic  
v>iables are )9 ! normal p]iodic range  
7su* z seasonally or annually7 = !      
geographic area ( ! applicable body (   
wat]1 bas$ on a roll+ #cj-ye> p]iod4    
7xii7 ,upl& ,! t]m upl& means any l&    
area t1 "u normal conditions-- 7,i7 is n
 wetl&s2 &  7,,ii7 does n lie bel[ !    
ord9>y high wat] m>k or ! high tide l9e 

( a body ( wat] describ$ 9 subp>agraph  
7,a74  7xiii7 ,wa/e treatm5t sy/em ,!   
t]m wa/e treatm5t sy/em includes all    
compon5ts1 includ+ lagoons & treatm5t   
ponds 7su* z settl+ or cool+ ponds71    
design$ to ei!r convey or reta91        
conc5trate1 settle1 r$uce1 or remove    
pollutants1 ei!r actively or passively1 
f wa/ewat] prior to dis*>ge 7or elim9at+
 any su* dis*>ge74  7xiv7 ,wetl&s ,! t]m
 wetl&s means areas t are inundat$ or   
saturat$ by surface or gr\nd wat] at a  
frequ5cy & duration suffici5t to        
support1 & t "u normal circum/ances d   
support1 a preval5ce ( vegetation       
typically adapt$ = life 9 saturat$ soil 
conditions1 includ+ swamps1 m>%es1 bogs1
 & simil> areas4  4  #c4 ,national      
,environm5tal ,policy ,act ( #aifi      
modifications  7a7 ,def9itions ,!       
,national ,environm5tal ,policy ,act (  
#aifi is am5d$ by ins]t+ aft] section #b
 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #dcba7 ! foll[+3  #c4   
,def9itions ,9 ?is ,act3 7#a7           
,categorical exclusion ,! t]m           

categorical exclusion means a category (
 actions t a ,f$]al ag5cy det]m9es1     
accord+ to proc$ures e/abli%$ by !      
,f$]al ag5cy1 d n normally h a          
significant effect on ! human           
environm5t4  7#b7 ,effects  7,a7 ,9     
g5]al ,! t]m effects means *anges to !  
human environm5t z a result ( a propos$ 
action or alt]native action to be c>ri$ 
out by a ,f$]al ag5cy t-- 7i7 are       
reasonably =eseeable & n remote 9 "t1   
geographically remote1 or ! product ( a 
l5g?y causal *a92  7ii7 h a reasonably  
close causal relation%ip1 z det]m9$ by !
 ,f$]al ag5cy1 to ! propos$ action or   
alt]native action1 z applicable2 &      
7iii7 ! ,f$]al ag5cy has ! ability to   
prev5t & t w\ld n occur abs5t ! propos$ 
action or alt]native action4  7,b7      
,requirem5t ,= purposes ( subp>agraph   
7,a77ii71 a b = causal relation%ip is   
insuffici5t to e/abli% a reasonably     
close causal relation%ip4  7#c7         
,environm5tal assessm5t ,! t]m          
environm5tal assessm5t means a concise  

public docum5t prep>$ by a ,f$]al ag5cy 
to det]m9e :e!r to prep>e an            
environm5tal impact /atem5t or a f9d+ ( 
no significant impact = a propos$       
action4  7#d7 ,environm5tal impact      
/atem5t ,! t]m environm5tal impact      
/atem5t means a detail$ /atem5t requir$ 
to be prep>$ = a propos$ major action 9 
accordance ) title ,i4  7#e7 ,major     
f$]al action  7,a7 ,9 g5]al ,! t]m major
 ,f$]al action means an activity or     
decision subject to ,f$]al control &    
responsibility1 z det]m9$ by a ,f$]al   
ag5cy4  7,b7 ,exclusions ,! t]m major   
,f$]al action does n include-- 7i7 a    
nondiscretion>y or extrat]ritorial      
activity or decision2  7ii7 an action t 
does n result 9 a f9al ag5cy action "u  
sub*apt] ,,ii ( *apt] #e1 & *apt] #g1 ( 
title #e1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code 7commonly 
kn[n z ! ,adm9i/rative ,proc$ure ,act72 
7iii7 a judicial or adm9i/rative        
en=cem5t action2  7iv7 an action involv+
 fund+1 ! control ( :i* is n ma9ta9$ by 
! ,f$]al ag5cy t 0 appropriat$ ! funds2 

7v7 a non-,f$]al project ) m9imal ,f$]al
 fund+ or involvem5t2  7vi7 a loan1 loan
 gu>antee1 or o!r f9ancial assi/ance :]e
 ! ,f$]al ag5cy does n ex]cise suffici5t
 control or responsibility ov] ! funds2 
&  7vii7 any action t 0 deem$ to n be a 
major ,f$]al action by a ,f$]al c\rt4   
7,c7 ,o!r actions ,a ,f$]al ag5cy may   
det]m9e :e!r any o!r action is a major  
,f$]al action = purposes ( ! requirem5ts
 ( ?is ,act4  4  7b7 ,nepa ?re%olds     
,title ,i ( ! ,national ,environm5tal   
,policy ,act ( #aifi 7#db ,u4,s4,c4     
#dcca et seq47 is am5d$ by add+ at ! end
 ! foll[+3  #ajf4 ,?re%olds ,prior to   
c>ry+ out ! requirem5ts ( ?is title = a 
major ,f$]al action1 ! ,f$]al ag5cy     
seek+ to c>ry out ! action %all det]m9e 
:e!r-- 7#a7 ! action is exempt f !      
requirem5ts ( ?is title by ano!r ,f$]al 
law 7includ+ regulations72  7#b7        
compliance ) ?is title w\ld-- 7,a7      
cle>ly & fundam5tally conflict ) ano!r  
,f$]al law 7includ+ regulations72 or    
7,b7 be inconsi/5t ) ! congressional    

int5t ( ano!r ,f$]al law2  7#c7 ! action
 is nondiscretion>y1 su* t ! ,f$]al     
ag5cy lacks au?ority to consid] !       
environm5tal effects ( ! action2 &  7#d7
 a review ( ! effects ( ! action "u     
ano!r ,f$]al law 7includ+ regulations7  
w\ld satisfy ! requirem5ts ( ?is title4 
4  7c7 ,det]m9+ appropriate level ( nepa
 review ,title ,i ( ! ,national         
,environm5tal ,policy ,act ( #aifi 7#db 
,u4,s4,c4 #dcca et seq47 7z am5d$ by    
subsection 7b77 is am5d$ by add+ at !   
end ! foll[+3  #ajg4 ,det]m9+           
appropriate level ( ,,nepa review ,9    
assess+ ! appropriate level ( review to 
be conduct$ by a ,f$]al ag5cy "u ?is    
title = a major ,f$]al action1 ! ,f$]al 
ag5cy %all det]m9e :e!r ! propos$       
action-- 7#a7 normally does n h         
significant effects or qualifies z a    
categorical exclusion2  7#b7 is likely  
to h insignificant effects or unkn[n    
effects2 or  7#c7 is likely to h        
significant effects4  4  7d7            
,environm5tal impact /atem5ts  7#a7 ,9  

g5]al ,title ,i ( ! ,national           
,environm5tal ,policy ,act ( #aifi 7#db 
,u4,s4,c4 #dcca et seq47 7z am5d$ by    
subsection 7c77 is am5d$ by add+ at !   
end ! foll[+3  #ajh4 ,environm5tal      
impact /atem5t requirem5ts  7a7 ,/atem5t
 ( purpose & ne$  7#a7 ,9 g5]al ,an     
environm5tal impact /atem5t %all briefly
 specify ! und]ly+ purpose & ne$ to :i* 
a ,f$]al ag5cy is respond+4  7#b7       
,alt]natives analysis ,any alt]natives  
analyz$ by ! ,f$]al ag5cy %all-- 7,a7   
meet ! purpose & ne$ = ! propos$ action2
 &  7,b7 :]e applicable1 meet ! goals ( 
! applicant4  7b7 ,page limits =        
environm5tal impact /atem5ts ,! text ( a
 f9al environm5tal impact /atem5t %all  
be proportional to ! pot5tial effects1 &
 size1 ( ! propos$ action1 b %all n be  
long] ?an-- 7#a7 #aej pages2 or  7#b7 9 
! case ( a propos$ action ( unusual     
complexity1 z det]m9$ by ! applicable   
,f$]al ag5cy1 #cjj pages4  7c7 ,"t limit
 = prep>+ an environm5tal impact /atem5t
  7#a7 ,9 g5]al ,n lat] ?an #b ye>s aft]

 ! date on :i* a ,f$]al ag5cy issues a  
notice ( int5t to c>ry out a propos$    
action1 ! ,f$]al ag5cy %all submit to ! 
,environm5tal ,protection ,ag5cy !      
environm5tal impact /atem5t = t propos$ 
action4  7#b7 ,failure to act ,if a     
,f$]al ag5cy does n submit an           
environm5tal impact /atem5t 9 accordance
 ) ! timel9e describ$ 9 p>agraph 7#a71 !
 requirem5ts ( ?is title %all be deem$  
to h be5 fulfill$ = ! propos$ action4   
7d7 ,specificity ( comm5ts & in=mation  
7#a7 ,comm5ts on draft environm5tal     
impact /atem5ts ,comm5ts & objections ( 
any k9d relat+ to an environm5tal impact
 /atem5t = a propos$ action %all be     
rais$ )9 ! comm5t p]iod on ! draft      
environm5tal impact /atem5t provid$ by !
 applicable ,f$]al ag5cy1 consi/5t ) !  
requirem5ts ( section #aejf4aa ( title  
#dj1 ,code ( ,f$]al ,regulations 7z 9   
effect on ,septemb] #ad1 #bjbj74  7#b7  
,comm5ts on f9al environm5tal impact    
/atem5ts ,if ! applicable ,f$]al ag5cy  
reque/s comm5ts on a f9al environm5tal  

impact /atem5t prep>$ = a major ,f$]al  
action be=e ! f9al decision ( ! ,f$]al  
ag5cy1 comm5ts & objections ( any k9d   
%all be rais$ )9 ! comm5t p]iod provid$ 
by ! ,f$]al ag5cy4  7#c7 ,unexhau/$ &   
=feit$ comm5ts ,comm5ts & objections (  
any k9d n provid$ )9 ! comm5t p]iods    
describ$ 9 p>agraphs 7#a7 & 7#b7 %all be
 consid]$ unexhau/$ & =feit$1 consi/5t )
 section #aejj4c7;b7 ( title #dj1 ,code 
( ,f$]al ,regulations 7z 9 effect on    
,septemb] #ad1 #bjbj74  7e7 ,record (   
decision 9 cases requir+ environm5tal   
impact /atem5ts ,ea* record ( decision  
prep>$ by a ,f$]al ag5cy = a propos$    
action %all conta9 a /atem5t c]tify+ t !
 ,f$]al ag5cy consid]$ all alt]natives  
to1 & in=mation & analyses relat+ to1 ! 
propos$ action submitt$ dur+ ! process (
 c>ry+ out ! requirem5ts ( ?is title4  4
  7#b7 ,con=m+ am5dm5ts ,section #ajb7b7
 ( ! ,national ,environm5tal ,policy    
,act ( #aifi 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #dccb7b77 is
 am5d$-- 7,a7 9 subp>agraph 7,c7-- 7i7 9
 ! matt] prec$+ clause 7i71 by /rik+ a  

detail$ /atem5t & ins]t+ an environm5tal
 impact /atem5t2 &  7ii7 9 ! undesignat$
 matt] foll[+ clause 7v71 9 ! fir/      
s5t5ce1 by /rik+ ,prior to mak+ any     
detail$ /atem5t & ins]t+ ,prior to      
prep>+ an environm5tal impact /atem5t2 &
  7,b7 9 subp>agraph 7,d7-- 7i7 9 !     
matt] prec$+ clause 7i71 by /rik+       
detail$ /atem5t & ins]t+ environm5tal   
impact /atem5t2 &  7ii7 9 clause 7iv71  
by /rik+ detail$ /atem5t & ins]t+       
environm5tal impact /atem5t4  7e7 ,"t   
limit = environm5tal assessm5t          
completion ,title ,i ( ! ,national      
,environm5tal ,policy ,act ( #aifi 7#db 
,u4,s4,c4 #dcca et seq47 7z am5d$ by    
subsection 7d77#a77 is am5d$ by add+ at 
! end ! foll[+3  #aji4 ,environm5tal    
assessm5t requirem5t ,n lat] ?an #a ye> 
aft] ! date on :i* a ,f$]al ag5cy       
decides to prep>e an environm5tal       
assessm5t = a propos$ action1 ! ,f$]al  
ag5cy %all submit to ! ,environm5tal    
,protection ,ag5cy t environm5tal       
assessm5t4  4  7f7 ,adoption ( c]ta9    

categorical exclusions ,title ,i ( !    
,national ,environm5tal ,policy ,act (  
#aifi 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #dcca et seq47 7z  
am5d$ by subsection 7e77 is am5d$ by    
add+ at ! end ! foll[+3  #aaj4 ,adoption
 ( c]ta9 categorical exclusions ,a      
,f$]al ag5cy may adopt ! det]m9ation (  
ano!r ,f$]al ag5cy t a categorical      
exclusion applies to a propos$ action if
 ! action cov]$ by ! orig9al categorical
 exclusion det]m9ation & ! propos$      
action ( ! adopt+ ,f$]al ag5cy are      
sub/antially ! same1 9 ! det]m9ation ( !
 adopt+ ,f$]al ag5cy4  4  #d4 ,endang]$ 
,species ,act ( #aigc modifications  7a7
 ,def9itions ,section #c ( ! ,endang]$  
,species ,act ( #aigc 7#af ,u4,s4,c4    
#aecb7 is am5d$-- 7#a7 by r$esignat+    
p>agraphs 7#f71 7#g71 7#h71 7#i71 7#aj71
 7#ab71 7#ac71 7#ad71 7#ae71 7#af71     
7#ag71 7#ah71 7#ai71 7#bj71 & 7#ba7 z   
p>agraphs 7#g71 7#h71 7#i71 7#aj71      
7#ab71 7#ac71 7#ad71 7#ae71 7#af71      
7#ag71 7#ah71 7#ai71 7#bj71 7#ba71 &    
7#bb71 respectively2  7#b7 by ins]t+    

aft] p>agraph 7#e7 ! foll[+3  7#f7 ,!   
t]m de/ruction or adv]se modification   
means a direct or indirect alt]ation t  
appreciably dim9i%es ! value ( critical 
habitat z a :ole = ! cons]vation ( a    
li/$ species4  2 &  7#c7 by ins]t+ aft] 
p>agraph 7#aj7 7z s r$esignat$7 !       
foll[+3  7#aa7 ,! t]m =eseeable future  
means an unspecific p]iod ( "t 9 !      
future t is necess>y = ! ,secret>y to   
reasonably det]m9e t future ?reats to a 
species1 & ! response ( a species to ^? 
?reats1 are likely4  4  7b7             
,consid]ation ( economic impacts 9 li/+ 
decisions ,section #d7;a77#a7 ( !       
,endang]$ ,species ,act ( #aigc 7#af    
,u4,s4,c4 #aecc7;a77#a77 is am5d$-- 7#a7
 9 subp>agraph 7,a7-- 7,a7 by /rik+ ! & 
ins]t+ ,!2 &  7,b7 by /rik+ ! semicolon 
at ! end & ins]t+ a p]iod2  7#b7 9      
subp>agraph 7,b7-- 7,a7 by /rik+        
ov]utilization & ins]t+ ,ov]utilization2
 &  7,b7 by /rik+ ! semicolon at ! end &
 ins]t+ a p]iod2  7#c7 9 subp>agraph    
7,c7-- 7,a7 by /rik+ disease & ins]t+   

,disease2 &  7,b7 by /rik+ ! semicolon  
at ! end & ins]t+ a p]iod2  7#d7 9      
subp>agraph 7,d7-- 7,a7 by /rik+ ! &    
ins]t+ ,!2 &  7,b7 by /rik+ 2 or &      
ins]t+ a p]iod2  7#e7 9 subp>agraph     
7,e71 by /rik+ o!r & ins]t+ ,o!r2 &     
7#f7 by add+ at ! end ! foll[+3  7,f7   
,:e!r li/+ ! species z an endang]$      
species or a ?reat5$ species w\ld result
 9 economic or o!r impacts on l&[n]s4  4
  7c7 ,crit]ia = deli/+ a species       
,section #d ( ! ,endang]$ ,species ,act 
( #aigc 7#af ,u4,s4,c4 #aecc7 is am5d$  
by add+ at ! end ! foll[+3  7j7 ,crit]ia
 = deli/+ a species ,! ,secret>y %all   
remove a species includ$ on ! li/       
publi%$ pursuant to subsection 7c7 if ! 
,secret>y det]m9es1 aft] conduct+ a     
review ( ! /atus ( ! applicable endang]$
 species or ?reat5$ species us+ ! be/   
sci5tific & comm]cial data available1   
t-- 7#a7 ! li/$ species is ext9ct2  7#b7
 ! li/$ species is no long] an endang]$ 
species or a ?reat5$ species2 or  7#c7 !
 li/$ species is n a species4  4  7d7   

,re/rictions on designat+ critical      
habitat ,section #d7;a77#c7 ( !         
,endang]$ ,species ,act ( #aigc 7#af    
,u4,s4,c4 #aecc7;a77#c77 is am5d$ by    
add+ at ! end ! foll[+3  7,c7           
,re/riction on designat+ critical       
habitat ,! ,secret>y %all n designate   
habitat z critical habitat "u ?is       
p>agraph if-- 7i7 a species is ?reat5$  
by tak+ or o!r human activity &         
id5tification ( critical habitat c be   
expect$ to increase ! degree ( t ?reat  
to ! species2  7ii7 ! pres5t or ?reat5$ 
de/ruction1 modification1 or curtailm5t 
( ! habitat or range ( a species-- 7,i7 
is n a ?reat to ! species2 or  7,,ii7 is
 solely a result ( causes t _c be       
address$ ?r\gh managem5t actions2  7iii7
 areas )9 ! jurisdiction ( ! ,unit$     
,/ates provide no m ?an negligible      
cons]vation value1 if any1 = a species  
occurr+ prim>ily outside ! jurisdiction 
( ! ,unit$ ,/ates2  7iv7 no areas ( !   
habitat are critical habitat2 or  7v7 ! 
,secret>y o!rwise det]m9es t designation

 ( ! habitat z critical habitat w\ld n  
be prud5t bas$ on ! be/ sci5tific data  
available4  4  7e7 ,unoccupi$ areas     
,section #c7e77;,a7 ( ! ,endang]$       
,species ,act ( #aigc 7#af ,u4,s4,c4    
#aecb7e77;,a77 is am5d$ by /rik+ clause 
7ii7 & ins]t+ ! foll[+3  7ii7 specific  
areas outside ! geographical area       
occupi$ by ! species at ! "t ! species  
is li/$ 9 accordance ) section #d1 z    
describ$ 9 clause 7i71 if ! ,secret>y   
det]m9es t-- 7,i7 ! geographical area   
occupi$ by ! species describ$ 9 clause  
7i71 at ! "t ( ! li/+1 is inadequate to 
ensure ! cons]vation ( ! species2 &     
7,,ii7 x is reasonably c]ta9 t !        
specific area outside ! geographical    
area occupi$ by ! species-- 7aa7 w      
contribute to ! cons]vation ( ! species2
 &  7bb7 conta9s at lea/ #a physical or 
biological feature ess5tial to !        
cons]vation ( ! species4  4  7f7        
,protective regulations = ?reat5$       
species  7#a7 ,9 g5]al ,section #d7;d7 (
 ! ,endang]$ ,species ,act ( #aigc 7#af 

,u4,s4,c4 #aecc7;d77 is am5d$-- 7,a7 9 !
 fir/ s5t5ce1 by /rik+ ,:5ev] any       
species & all t foll[s ?r\gh ! p]iod at 
! end & ins]t+ ! foll[+3  7#a7 ,9 g5]al 
,:5ev] any species is li/$ z a ?reat5$  
species pursuant ?is section1 !         
,secret>y %all promulgate               
species-specific regulations t !        
,secret>y det]m9es are appropriate to   
provide = ! cons]vation ( ! ?reat5$     
species4  2  7,b7 9 ! second s5t5ce1 by 
/rik+ ,! ,secret>y may by regulation &  
ins]t+ ! foll[+3  7#b7 ,tak+            
prohibitions ,subject to p>agraph 7#c71 
! ,secret>y1 by species-specific        
regulation1 may  2 &  7,c7 9 p>agraph   
7#b7 7z s designat$7-- 7i7 by ins]t+ a  
comma aft] section #i7;a77#b72 &  7ii7  
by /rik+ endang]$ species2 & all t      
foll[s ?r\gh ! p]iod at ! end & ins]t+ !
 foll[+3 endang]$ species4 7#c7 ,tak+ ( 
resid5t species ,) respect to ! tak+ (  
resid5t species ( fi% or wildlife1 a    
regulation promulgat$ "u p>agraph 7#b7  
%all apply 9 any ,/ate :i* has ent]$    

into a coop]ative agreem5t pursuant to  
section #f7;c7 only to ! ext5t t !      
regulation has also be5 adopt$ by t     
,/ate4  4  7#b7 ,effective date ,!      
am5dm5ts made by p>agraph 7#a7 %all     
apply to species li/$ or reclassifi$ z  
?reat5$ species "u section #d ( !       
,endang]$ ,species ,act ( #aigc 7#af    
,u4,s4,c4 #aecc7 on1 prior to1 or aft] !
 date ( enactm5t ( ?is ,act4  7g7       
,consultations  7#a7 ,exp$it$           
consultations ,section #g7;a7 ( !       
,endang]$ ,species ,act ( #aigc 7#af    
,u4,s4,c4 #aecf7;a77 is am5d$ by add+ at
 ! end ! foll[+3  7#e7 ,exp$it$         
consultations  7,a7 ,9 g5]al ,on reque/ 
( a ,f$]al ag5cy1 & 9 coop]ation ) a    
prospective p]mit or lic5se applicant1 z
 applicable1 ! ,secret>y & ! ,f$]al     
ag5cy %all initiate an exp$it$          
consultation ) respect to an ag5cy      
action t has m9imal or pr$ictable       
effects on a li/$ species or a critical 
habitat bas$ on prior consultations !   
,f$]al ag5cy has conduct$ ) ! ,secret>y 

"u ?is subsection4  7,b7 ,timel9e  7i7  
,9 g5]al ,subject to clause 7ii71 if a  
,f$]al ag5cy reque/s an exp$it$         
consultation "u subp>agraph 7,a7 aft]   
det]m9+ t ! ag5cy action to be c>ri$ out
 by ! ,f$]al ag5cy has m9imal or        
pr$ictable effects on a li/$ species or 
a critical habitat1 ! ,secret>y %all1 n 
lat] ?an #cj days aft] ! date on :i* !  
,secret>y receives ! det]m9ation ( !    
,f$]al ag5cy1 approve or d5y ! reque/ = 
an exp$it$ consultation4  7ii7 ,ext5d$  
timel9e ,on mutual agreem5t betwe5 !    
,secret>y & ! ,f$]al ag5cy1 ! ,secret>y 
may ext5d ! timel9e describ$ 9 clause   
7i7 to a p]iod ( n m #fj days aft] !    
date on :i* ! ,f$]al ag5cy reque/s an   
exp$it$ consultation "u subp>agraph     
7,a74  4  7#b7 ,consultations n requir$ 
= p]mits = dr$g$ or fill mat]ial        
,section #g7;a7 ( ! ,endang]$ ,species  
,act ( #aigc 7#af ,u4,s4,c4 #aecf7;a77  
7z am5d$ by p>agraph 7#a77 is am5d$ by  
add+ at ! end ! foll[+3  7#f7           
,nonapplicability to nationwide p]mits =

 dr$g$ or fill mat]ial ,! requirem5ts ( 
?is subsection %all n apply to any ag5cy
 action relat+ to ! reissuance ( a g5]al
 p]mit on a nationwide basis "u section 
#djd ( ! ,f$]al ,wat] ,pollution        
,control ,act 7#cc ,u4,s4,c4 #acdc74  4 
7h7 ,timel9es = ag5cy actions ,section  
#g7;b77#a7 ( ! ,endang]$ ,species ,act (
 #aigc 7#af ,u4,s4,c4 #aecf7;b77#a77 is 
am5d$-- 7#a7 9 subp>agraph 7,a71 by     
/rik+ #ij-;day & ins]t+ #fj-;day2 &     
7#b7 9 subp>agraph 7,b7-- 7,a7 9 ! matt]
 prec$+ clause 7i7-- 7i7 by /rik+ #ij   
days & ins]t+ #fj days2 &  7ii7 by /rik+
 #ij? day & ins]t+ #fj? day2  7,b7 9    
clause 7i71 9 ! matt] prec$+ subclause  
7,i71 by /rik+ #aej? day & ins]t+ #ajj? 
day2 &  7,c7 9 clause 7ii71 by /rik+    
#aej & ins]t+ #ajj4  7i7 ,requirem5ts = 
designat+ critical habitat ,section     
#d7;a77#c7 ( ! ,endang]$ ,species ,act (
 #aigc 7#af ,u4,s4,c4 #aecc7;a77#c77 7z 
am5d$ by subsection 7d77 is am5d$ by    
add+ at ! end ! foll[+3  7,d7           
,requirem5ts = designat+ critical       

habitat ,9 designat+ habitat z critical 
habitat "u ?is p>agraph1 ! ,secret>y    
%all designate only ! abiotic & biotic  
sett+ t curr5tly or p]iodically conta9s 
! res\rces & conditions necess>y to     
support #a or m life processes ( a      
species4  4  7j7 ,biological op9ions    
,section #g ( ! ,endang]$ ,species ,act 
( #aigc 7#af ,u4,s4,c4 #aecf7 is am5d$  
by add+ at ! end ! foll[+3  7q7         
,biological op9ions  7#a7 ,def9ition (  
biological op9ion ,9 ?is subsection1 !  
t]m biological op9ion means ! docum5t t 
/ates ! op9ion ( ! ,secret>y z to :e!r  
or n an ag5cy action is likely-- 7,a7 to
 jeop>dize ! cont9u$ exi/5ce ( a li/$   
species2 or  7,b7 result 9 ! de/ruction 
or adv]se modification ( critical       
habitat ( t species4  7#b7 ,requirem5ts 
,a biological op9ion %all include-- 7,a7
 a summ>y ( ! in=mation on :i* !        
biological op9ion is bas$2  7,b7 a      
detail$ discussion ( ! environm5tal     
basel9e ( ! li/$ species & critical     
habitat2  7,c7 a detail$ discussion ( ! 

effects ( ! ag5cy action on ! li/$      
species or critical habitat2 &  7,d7 !  
op9ion ( ! ,secret>y on :e!r ! ag5cy    
action is-- 7i7 likely to jeop>dize !   
cont9u$ exi/5ce ( a li/$ species or     
result 9 ! de/ruction or adv]se         
modification ( critical habitat1 :i*    
%all be kn[n z a jeop>dy biological     
op9ion2 or  7ii7 n likely to jeop>dize !
 cont9u$ exi/5ce ( a li/$ species or    
result 9 ! de/ruction or adv]se         
modification ( critical habitat1 :i*    
%all be kn[n z a no jeop>dy biological  
op9ion4  7#c7 ,adoption ( entire        
initiation package ,9 a biological      
op9ion1 ! ,secret>y may adopt all or "p 
( ! initiation package ( a ,f$]al ag5cy 
prep>$ 9 accordance ) section           
#djb4ad7;c7 ( title #ej1 ,code ( ,f$]al 
,regulations 7z 9 effect on ,octob] #bh1
 #bjai74  7#d7 ,reasonable & prud5t     
alt]native measures  7,a7 ,def9ition (  
reasonable & prud5t alt]native ,9 ?is   
p>agraph1 ! t]m reasonable & prud5t     
alt]native means an alt]native action   

id5tifi$ dur+ a =mal consultation t--   
7i7 c be implem5t$ 9 a mann] consi/5t ) 
! int5d$ purpose ( ! action2  7ii7 c be 
implem5t$ consi/5t ) ! scope ( ! legal  
au?ority & jurisdiction ( a ,f$]al      
ag5cy2 &  7iii7 is economically &       
te*nologically feasible4  7,b7          
,inclusion ( reasonable & prud5t        
alt]natives ,9 prep>+ a biological      
op9ion1 ! ,secret>y %all include        
reasonable & prud5t alt]natives1 z      
applicable4  7,c7 ,no reasonable &      
prud5t alt]natives ,if ! ,secret>y is   
unable to develop reasonable & prud5t   
alt]natives to include 9 a biological   
op9ion 9 accordance ) subp>agraph 7,b71 
! ,secret>y %all indicate t1 to ! k ( ! 
,secret>y1 no reasonable or prud5t      
alt]natives exi/4  4  #e4 ,exp$it+      
completion ( ! ,m\nta9 ,valley ,pipel9e 
7a7 ,def9ition ( m\nta9 valley pipel9e  
,9 ?is section1 ! t]m ,m\nta9 ,valley   
,pipel9e means ! ,m\nta9 ,valley        
,pipel9e project1 z g5]ally describ$ &  
approv$ 9 ,f$]al ,en]gy ,regulatory     

,commission ,docket ,nos4 ,,cp#af-aj &  
,,cp#ai-dgg4  7b7 ,exp$it$ approval     
,not)/&+ any o!r provision ( law1 n lat]
 ?an #ba days aft] ! date ( enactm5t (  
?is ,act & = ! purpose ( facilitat+ !   
completion ( ! ,m\nta9 ,valley          
,pipel9e-- 7#a7 ! ,secret>y ( ! ,army   
%all issue all p]mits or v]ifications   
necess>y-- 7,a7 to complete !           
con/ruction ( ! ,m\nta9 ,valley ,pipel9e
 across ! wat]s ( ! ,unit$ ,/ates2 &    
7,b7 to all[ = ! op]ation & ma9t5ance ( 
! ,m\nta9 ,valley ,pipel9e2  7#b7 !     
,secret>y ( ,agriculture %all am5d ! ,l&
 & ,res\rce ,managem5t ,plan = !        
,jeff]son ,national ,=e/ 9 a mann] t is 
sub/antively id5tical to ! record (     
decision ) respect to ! ,m\nta9 ,valley 
,pipel9e issu$ on ,janu>y #aa1 #bjba2 & 
7#c7 ! ,secret>y ( ! ,int]ior %all--    
7,a7 reissue ! biological op9ion &      
incid5tal take /atem5t = ! ,m\nta9      
,valley ,pipel9e 9 a mann] t is         
sub/antively id5tical to ! biological   
op9ion & incid5tal take /atem5t         

previ\sly issu$ on ,septemb] #d1 #bjbj2 
&  7,b7 grant all necess>y rights-(-way 
& tempor>y use p]mits 9 a mann] t is    
sub/antively id5tical to ^? p]mits      
approv$ 9 ! record ( decision ) respect 
to ! ,m\nta9 ,valley ,pipel9e issu$ on  
,janu>y #ad1 #bjba4  7c7 ,judicial      
review ,no action tak5 by ! ,secret>y ( 
! ,army1 ! ,f$]al ,en]gy ,regulatory    
,commission1 ! ,secret>y ( ,agriculture1
 or ! ,secret>y ( ! ,int]ior t grants an
 au?orization1 p]mit1 v]ification1      
biological op9ion1 incid5tal take       
/atem5t1 or any o!r approval relat$ to !
 ,m\nta9 ,valley ,pipel9e1 includ+ !    
issuance ( any au?orization1 p]mit1     
v]ification1 au?orization1 biological   
op9ion1 incid5tal take /atem5t1 or o!r  
approval describ$ 9 subsection 7b71 %all
 be subject to judicial review4  7d7    
,effect ,?is section preempts any /atute
 7includ+ any o!r section ( ?is ,act71  
regulation1 judicial decision1 or ag5cy 
guidance t is inconsi/5t ) ! issuance ( 
any au?orization1 p]mit1 v]ification1   

au?orization1 biological op9ion1        
incid5tal take /atem5t1 or o!r approval 
describ$ 9 subsection 7b74