A bill to amend the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to insert a new definition relating to oil and gas exploration and production.

This bill seeks to clarify and expand the definition of oil and gas operations under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (commonly known as the Clean Water Act). Specifically, it would define these operations to include all field activities, such as preparing sites for drilling and moving heavy equipment.

For citizens, the primary impact of this change would be to exempt these specific construction and preparation activities from certain federal stormwater runoff permit requirements. While proponents argue this reduces bureaucratic delays for energy production, critics often note it limits federal oversight of sediment and runoff management at oil and gas sites. Since its introduction in 2005, the bill has remained in committee and has not become law.