Bill targets environmental lawsuits that block infrastructure projects

A Republican lawmaker wants to take lawsuits out of the arsenal of environmentalists who use the Clean Water Act to stop infrastructure projects, introducing a bill that could have major implications across the country.

Rep. Tom Rice of South Carolina introduced the Discouraging Frivolous Lawsuit Act this month in an attempt to stop environmental activists from holding up infrastructure projects by filing lawsuits challenging permits. The bill would require the side that loses to pay for all costs, including the winning side’s legal and court fees. It also would remove the Environmental Protection Agency’s “veto power” over the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for wetland permitting.