The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Seeks Comments on Proposal to Renew and Revise Nationwide Permits

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has announced that it is seeking comments on its proposal to renew and revise 56 existing nationwide permits and issue one new nationwide permit authorizing activities associated with improving fish passage. These permits authorize activities in wetlands and other waters regulated by the Clean Water Act and/or the Rivers and Harbors Act of 1899.

According to Maj. Gen. Jason E. Kelly, USACE deputy commanding general for Civil and Emergency Operations, the proposed streamlined set of nationwide permits offers a clear and efficient path for the timely authorization of a broad range of project types while upholding the commitment to protecting the nation’s navigable waters and vital aquatic resources.

Activities authorized under nationwide permits are similar in nature and cause minimal adverse environmental impacts to aquatic resources separately or on a cumulative basis. These activities range from work associated with aids to navigation and utility lines to residential developments and maintenance activities.

The nationwide permits being proposed will replace the current permits, which expire on March 14, 2026. While many of the proposed permits remain unchanged from 2021, USACE division engineers may add regional conditions after public review and consultation to protect local aquatic ecosystems or minimize adverse effects on ecologically critical areas.

Written comments on the proposal will be accepted through July 18, 2025. They can be submitted via email to [email protected], through the Federal eRulemaking portal at www.regulations.gov (docket number COE-2025-0002), or by mail to U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Attn: CECW-CO-R, 441 G Street NW, Washington, DC 20314-1000.

For additional information on the USACE regulatory program, visit http://www.usace.army.mil/Missions/CivilWorks/RegulatoryProgramandPermits.aspx.