H.R. 6693 — SALAMANDER Act

This section sets forth congressional findings on natural disasters' impacts, the need for timely post-disaster repairs, the efficiency of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers nationwide permit program for discharges into and rehabilitation of U.S. waters, Endangered Species Act consultation requirements, potential consultation delays in recovery, and the benefits of expedited permitting incorporating agency expertise and best management practices.

This section authorizes the Secretary of the Army to issue or modify general permits under CWA section 404(e) for categories of dredged or fill material disposal activities in areas subject to a presidential major disaster or emergency declaration under the Stafford Act, provided the activities (1) are developed via programmatic consultation under ESA section 7(a)(2) with the Secretaries of the Interior, Commerce, and Agriculture (as applicable); (2) are directly related to disaster recovery; and (3) avoid or minimize adverse effects on listed endangered or threatened species and critical habitat through agreed-upon best management practices. Such permits last 18 months from the declaration date, exempt compliant activities from individual ESA section 7(a)(2) consultation, require coordination with state fish and wildlife agencies within 30 days of declaration, and are supported by national implementation guidance developed with the consulting secretaries.