FRESHER Act of 2025
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This bill would require permits for certain stormwater runoff from energy operations and mandate a study on its environmental impacts.
What it does
This bill would remove an existing restriction that prevents the Environmental Protection Agency from requiring certain stormwater discharge permits for mining, oil, and gas operations. It also proposes that the Department of the Interior conduct a study on stormwater runoff from oil and gas sites to evaluate its impact on groundwater and aquifer contamination. These measures aim to increase federal oversight of runoff that may carry pollutants from industrial extraction sites into water resources.
Who is affected
This bill directly affects entities involved in mining, oil, and gas operations, as they may be required to obtain permits for certain stormwater runoff discharges. Federal agencies are also affected, specifically the Environmental Protection Agency, which gains regulatory authority over these permits, and the Department of the Interior, which is tasked with studying the environmental impacts of runoff. Additionally, the bill impacts the management of groundwater resources and aquifers that are susceptible to contamination from these industrial operations.
Key provisions
- Removal of permit exemptions for stormwater runoff. The bill eliminates the current prohibition that prevents the Environmental Protection Agency from requiring permits for certain collected, uncontaminated stormwater runoff from mining, oil, or gas operations.
- Study on oil and gas operation runoff. The Department of the Interior is required to conduct a study on stormwater runoff linked to oil and gas operations, focusing on measurable contamination and impacts on groundwater resources.
- Assessment of aquifer vulnerability. The mandated study must include an analysis of how susceptible aquifers are to contamination resulting from stormwater runoff associated with oil or gas activities.
Fiscal impact
Not applicable: No CBO cost estimate available
Effective dates
Not applicable: Official Summary does not address effective dates
Relationship to existing law
The bill modifies existing environmental regulations by eliminating a prohibition on the Environmental Protection Agency regarding permit requirements for certain stormwater runoff under the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System.
Stated purpose
The bill aims to regulate stormwater runoff from mining, oil, and gas operations by removing permit exemptions for certain discharges and requiring a federal study on the environmental impacts of such runoff on groundwater and aquifers.