Rep. Huffman Introduces FRESHER Act to End Clean Water Act Exemptions for Oil and Gas Companies
The FRESHER Act of 2025 is currently in the early stages of the legislative process. It has been sent to a subcommittee for review by the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. The bill is actively moving forward as it waits for further study and discussion.
This bill is supported only by Democrats and faces strong opposition from the oil and gas industry, making it unlikely to pass in a divided or Republican-led Congress.
Scores run from -100 (strongly harmful) to +100 (strongly beneficial) for each group, combining impact, certainty, scope, and duration ratings of 1-5. How impact scoring works
Small oil and gas operators would face new costs to obtain and comply with federal stormwater discharge permits that they are currently exempt from. These companies would need to implement pollution controls for stormwater runoff, which can include detention ponds, filtration systems, and regular monitoring. For smaller operations with tighter margins, these new compliance requirements could be a meaningful financial burden.
“Limitation on Permit Requirement.--Section 402(l) of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (33 U.S.C. 1342) is amended by striking paragraph (2) and redesignating paragraph (3) as paragraph (2).”
Referred to the Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment.
Sent to a congressional committee for expert review. The committee decides whether this bill moves forward.
Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
Introduced in House
The bill was officially filed and given a number. It now enters the legislative queue.
No votes or related bills recorded for this bill yet.
Document Type
Congressional Bill
Official Title
FRESHER Act of 2025
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