Ecological Restoration Project Permitting Act of 2026

The purposes of this Act are—

(1) to establish a general permit under section 404(e) of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (33 U.S.C. 1344(e)) to streamline the permitting process and to expedite authorization of ecological restoration projects that result in net gains in ecological functions and services;

(2) to accelerate the environmental benefits of ecological restoration projects through a reduction in redundant procedures, reviews, and evaluations;

(3) to support interagency efforts to expedite the construction of ecological restoration projects, including cooperation in the development of the permitting process; and

(4) to improve the consistency, predictability, transparency, scientific integrity, and accountability of Federal review for ecological restoration projects.