# Senators Introduce Restoration Permitting Act

Four U.S. senators introduced the Ecological Restoration Project Permitting Act of 2026, which would establish a nationwide Clean Water Act Section 404 permit pathway for habitat restoration projects that deliver net ecological benefits. The proposal would set statutory completeness and verification timelines to make reviews more predictable, but it has not been enacted and is not a contract solicitation. Restoration contractors, landowners, and conservation organizations therefore do not yet have a new permit route or procurement opportunity under this proposal.

- If enacted, the pathway could help restoration firms plan project schedules and permitting work around clearer review milestones.
- Companies and organizations developing habitat projects can assess whether their work may fit the proposed net ecological benefit standard; the signal provides no award value, solicitation, or procurement contact.
- The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is relevant to the Section 404 permitting context, while the proposal’s effects depend on enactment.

**Jurisdictions:** federal
**Industries:** Environment
**Topics:** Regulatory Compliance
**Published:** October 10, 2026

### Government Entities
- United States Senate (U.S. Senate)
- U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE)
- Arkansas Game and Fish Commission (AGFC)

### Key Quotes
> This bipartisan legislation streamlines the permitting process while maintaining strong environmental protections, giving farmers, landowners and conservationists greater certainty as they work to improve critical habitats.
> — John Boozman, U.S. Senator

> The Ecological Restoration Project Permitting Act would provide a more predictable path for conservation projects while maintaining a clear focus on measurable gains for habitat and wildlife.
> — Adam Putnam, Chief Executive Officer of Ducks Unlimited

### Sources
- [Boozman, Alsobrooks, Armstrong, Blunt Rochester Introduce the Ecological Restoration Project Permitting Act - Press Releases - Senator John Boozman](https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=AEEF8CD1-CC77-4C97-80F5-6373EE6BF398) - Boozman Senate