This bill makes a change to how long pollution discharge permits last for cities and states. Right now, when the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) gives permission to a city or state to release certain pollutants into rivers, lakes, and other waterways through pipes and similar outlets, that permission is good for up to 5 years. After that, they have to apply for a new permit. This bill extends that time period to 10 years, meaning cities and states would only need to renew their permits half as often.

The practical effect is that municipalities won't have to go through the permit renewal process as frequently, which could reduce paperwork and administrative costs for local governments. However, it also means the EPA will have longer periods between check-ins on whether these facilities are still following pollution rules and whether conditions in the waterways have changed. Environmental groups might worry that longer permit terms mean less frequent oversight of pollutant discharges, while local governments would likely appreciate the reduced bureaucratic burden and more stable, long-term operating conditions.

To amend the Federal Water Pollution Control Act with respect to permitting terms, and for other purposes.

 <p>This bill extends the maximum term for certain permits issued under the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) program. Specifically, the bill extends the maximum term for NPDES permits issued to states or municipalities from 5 to 10 years. Under the program, the Environmental Protection Agency issues permits to discharge pollutants from point sources, such as pipes, into waters of the United States.</p>