Water Quality Certification and Energy Project Improvement Act of 2023

HR 1152 updates the process for water quality certifications required for energy projects under federal permits. It clarifies that certifications must be based solely on specific water quality standards (sections 301, 302, 303, 306, and 307 of the Clean Water Act) and adds strict deadlines: states must publish certification rules within 30 days of the bill’s enactment, and must provide written decisions within 90 days of receiving a request. This directly affects energy developers seeking federal permits and state environmental agencies responsible for issuing certifications. The bill streamlines the process by replacing ambiguous terms like "activity" with "discharge" and requiring clear written justifications for approval or denial.