U.S. Congress legislation · 119th Congress
SB5262: Defense of Environment and Property Act of 2026
Status: In committee, August 5, 2026
A bill to amend the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to clarify the definition of navigable waters, and for other purposes.
What the bill says
To amend the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to clarify the definition of navigable waters, and for other purposes.
From the introduced text, August 5, 2026:
A BILL To amend the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to clarify the definition of navigable waters, and for other purposes. SECTION 1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Defense of Environment and Property Act of 2026 . SECTION 2. Navigable waters (a) In general Section 502 of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act ( 33 U.S.C. 1362 ) is amended by striking paragraph (7) and inserting the or (ii) permanent, standing, or continuously flowing bodies of water that form geographical features commonly known as streams, oceans, rivers, and lakes that are connected to waters that are navigable-in-fact. (B) Exclusions The term navigable waters does not include (including by regulation)-- (i) waters that-- (I) do not physically abut waters described in subparagraph (A); and (II) lack a continuous surface water connection to navigable waters; (ii) man-made or natural structures or channels-- (I) through which water flows intermittently or ephemerally; or (II) that periodically provide drainage for rainfall; or (iii) wetlands without a continuous surface connection to bodies of water that are waters of the United States. . (b) Jurisdiction of EPA and Corps of Engineers Title V of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act ( 33 U.S.C. 1361 et seq. ) is amended-- (1) by redesignating section 520 as section 521; and (2) by inserting after section …
Sponsors
- Paul, Rand (R) · primary sponsor
- Lee, Mike (R)
- Cruz, Ted (R)
Latest actions
- : Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.
- : Introduced in Senate
Subjects: Environmental Protection
Common questions
- What is SB5262?
- SB5262 is a bill in Congress (119th Congress): Defense of Environment and Property Act of 2026.
- What does SB5262 do?
- In its own words: To amend the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to clarify the definition of navigable waters, and for other purposes.
- What is the status of SB5262?
- In committee as of August 5, 2026. Latest action: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works. (August 5, 2026).
- Who sponsored SB5262?
- Paul, Rand (R), with 2 co-sponsors.
- Where is the official record for SB5262?
- On the Congress website: https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/5262
Source: official Congress record. Tracked by Delilah, AI for legislation across all 50 states and Congress.