- In 2024, Rouzer, as the chair of the Water Resources and Environment subcommittee, spearheaded legislation that sought to change permitting rules around water. More than 40 environmental groups opposed the bill arguing that it “put polluter profits ahead of public health.” As it turned out, Rouzer had also accepted thousands of dollars in campaign contributions over the course of his career from industry groups that supported the legislation. The bill was so jargony that one expert even questioned who actually wrote the legislation.
- In June 2017, Rouzer accepted a campaign donation from the chemical company DuPont’s PAC. His campaign received the donation ten days after representatives from Chemours, a DuPont spinoff company, had met with Rouzer in his DC office. Chemours was facing scrutiny at the time for having been discharging a unregulated chemical into the Cape Fear River. Rouzer’s campaign tried to defend the donation by claiming it happened during a May 2017 fundraiser and that the check had not been cut and delivered till later – they also pointed out that Chemours was separate from DuPont.
- When Rouzer was running for congress in 2011 he sat by while state lobbyists exploited a loophole that allowed them to donate to his congressional campaign. North Carolina law prohibited state lobbyists from making campaign contributions to state legislators – Rouzer maintained his position as a state senator while he ran for congress. However, state lobbyists hosted a fundraiser for Rouzer’s congressional campaign. The fundraising invite even said, “federal law recognizes the first amendment rights of NC lobbyists and allows personal contributions to be made to congressional candidates!”
2024: Rouzer Sponsored The “Creating Confidence in Clean Water Permitting Act.” According to Port City Daily, “On March 21, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 7023 — the ‘Creating Confidence in Clean Water Permitting Act’ — consisting of five bills packaged together originally introduced by Rouzer (R-NC) and other Republican lawmakers. […] The final bill’s provisions include extending the period of permit renewal from five to 10 years and putting new restrictions on courts’ abilities to rescind permits for violations. It also limits the statute of limitations for dredge-and-fill permits, often used for excavation of wetlands and other surface waters. Rouzer argues the legislation would clarify and streamline the nationwide permitting process. In a March 21 speech, he emphasized it would not undermine or modify the scope of the Clean Water Act.” [Port City Daily, 4/13/24; H.R. 7023, Creating Confidence In Clean Water Permitting Act, Introduced 1/17/24]
- The “Creating Confidence in Clean Water Permitting Act” Placed New Restrictions On Courts’ Abilities To Rescind Permits For Violations And Limited The Statute Of Limitations For Dredge-And-Fill Permits. According to Port City Daily, “On March 21, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 7023 — the “Creating Confidence in Clean Water Permitting Act” […] The final bill’s provisions include extending the period of permit renewal from five to 10 years and putting new restrictions on courts’ abilities to rescind permits for violations. It also limits the statute of limitations for dredge-and-fill permits, often used for excavation of wetlands and other surface waters.” [Port City Daily, 4/13/24]
March 2024: Rouzer Touted Passage Of The Creating Confidence In Clean Water Permitting Act, Legislation Led By Him As Water Resources And Environment Subcommittee Chairman. According to a press release from Rep. David Rouzer, "Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed legislation led by Water Resources and Environment Subcommittee Chairman David Rouzer (R-NC-07) by a vote of 213-205. H.R. 7023, the Creating Confidence in Clean Water Permitting Act, increases permitting efficiency and reduces burdensome and duplicative government regulations under the Clean Water Act needed for energy and infrastructure project approvals. Chairman Rouzer's legislation was included as a key component of Energy Week in the U.S. House, where House Republicans brought several bills to the floor to promote American energy independence. ‘I’m proud my legislation to create a predictable and responsible permitting system for American energy and infrastructure development passed the House today,’ said Chairman Rouzer. ‘This bill is much needed to keep projects on time and on budget — all while maintaining our nation's clean water infrastructure. By improving the permitting process under the Clean Water Act, we can provide greater clarity for energy producers, farmers, builders, water utilities, and many others. Just as significant, we can make America energy dominant on the world stage and lower costs for families.’" [Press Release – Rep. David Rouzer, 3/21/24]
- While Touting The Creating Confidence In Clean Water Permitting Act, Rouzer Said “Time Is Money.” According to Port City Daily, "Rouzer argues the legislation would clarify and streamline the nationwide permitting process. In a March 21 speech, he emphasized it would not undermine or modify the scope of the Clean Water Act. ‘Time is money,’ he said. ‘And ensuring these projects do not become stuck in bureaucratic quagmire is vital for supply-chain efficiency, energy independence, and water utility projects — all of which are incredibly important for my constituents in North Carolina’s 7th Congressional district, as well as those of every member of Congress.’" [Port City Daily, 4/13/24]
More Than 40 Environmentalist Groups Sent A Letter Alleging Rouzer’s Permit Reform Bill “Put Polluter Profits Ahead Of Public Health.” According to Port City Daily, “The Southern Environmental Law Center is among more than 40 environmentalist groups who sent a letter warning a permit reform bill, co-introduced by Congressman David Rouzer, would ‘put polluter profits ahead of public health.’” [Port City Daily, 4/13/24]
- Southern Environmental Law Center Said Rouzer’s Legislation Would “Shield Dischargers From Clean Water Act Liability, Even If They Are Aware Of Certain Pollutants In Their Waste Streams But Do Not Disclose It To Pollution Control Officials, Who Do Not Have Reason To Expect Such Contaminants.” According to Port City Daily, "SELC disagreed and argued the bill would jeopardize the nation’s waters. The environmentalists claimed the new provisions would slow down the EPA’s process for updating water quality criteria, limit EPA’s ability to terminate permits if activities were found to cause severe environmental harm, and prevent effective judicial review of projects damaging wetlands and other waters. ‘Specifically, the bill would shield dischargers from Clean Water Act liability, even if they are aware of certain pollutants in their waste streams but do not disclose it to pollution control officials, who do not have reason to expect such contaminants,’ SELC spokesperson Kathleen Sullivan told Port City Daily." [Port City Daily, 4/13/24]
Southern Environmental Law Center Said Environmentalists Were Concerned Rouzer’s Bill Would Make It Easier For Industries To Discharge PFAS And Other Contaminants Into The United States’ Water. According to Port City Daily, "Sullivan told PCD environmentalists are particularly concerned the bill would make it easier for industries to discharge PFAS and other contaminants in the nation’s water. The SELC has represented Wilmington-based nonprofit Cape Fear River Watch in a number of PFAS-related issues, including a suit against Chemours for the company’s violations of the Clean Water Act and Toxic Substances Control Act." [Port City Daily, 4/13/24]
Experts Expressed Concern That Rouzer’s Legislation “Did Not Contain Sufficient Safeguards For Environmental Protection.” According to Port City Daily, “Cahoon particularly expressed concern about a provision expanding the use of ‘general permits’ for industrial polluters, which he argued did not contain sufficient safeguards for environmental protection.” [Port City Daily, 4/13/24]
Expert Expressed Concern That Rouzer Didn’t Actually Write The Creating Confidence In Clean Water Permitting Act And Suggested It Could Have Been Written By An Industry Lobbyist Or Attorney. According to Port City Daily, "UNCW biological oceanographer and limnologist Larry Cahoon — who is on Cape Fear River Watch’s board of directors — expressed similar concerns. He said the legalistic language in the bill indicated it was written by an industry lobbyist or attorney. ‘I’d like to know who actually wrote this bill,’ Cahoon said. ‘It wasn’t David Rouzer.’" [Port City Daily, 4/13/24]
¶ From 2015 To 2024, Rouzer Had Received Tens Of Thousands Of Dollars In Campaign Contributions From Industry Groups That Supported His Water Permitting Legislation
Since 2015, Rouzer Had Received $29,000 In Campaign Donations From The National Association Of Home Builders. According to Port City Daily, “According to the website of the National Association of Home Builders, which has donated $29,000 to Rouzer’s campaign since his initial primary in 2015, per FEC records, NAHB ‘worked with lawmakers to add specific legislative language that would not affect how home builders use best management practices when managing stormwater runoff from construction sites.’ Cahoon particularly expressed concern about a provision expanding the use of ‘general permits’ for industrial polluters, which he argued did not contain sufficient safeguards for environmental protection.” [Port City Daily, 4/13/24]
- March 2024: The National Home Builders Association Touted Working With Lawmakers To Add Specific Language To The “Creating Confidence In Clean Water Permitting Act.” According to the National Home Builders Association website, “The House has approved NAHB-supported legislation that includes several amendments to the Clean Water Act (CWA) permitting process that will provide home builders needed clarity and confidence as they seek federal permits for home building and development projects. The Creating Confidence in Clean Water Permitting Act (H.R. 7023) respects environmental protections and provides pragmatic solutions to the CWA Section 404 dredge and fill permit program and Section 402 National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) program […] In a major improvement to the Section 402 NPDES permit, this bill requires permit writers to provide clear and consistent parameters when issuing permits, while recognizing the use of best management practices. NAHB worked with lawmakers to add specific legislative language that would not affect how home builders use best management practices when managing stormwater runoff from construction sites. This will provide assurances to home builders that complying with their permits won’t include vague water quality standards, nor impose unobtainable numeric discharge limits.” [NAHB, 3/22/24]
The National Association Of Realtors, National Pork Producers Council, National Cotton Council, And National Farm Bureau Federation’s North Carolina Affiliates, All Of Whom Supported Rouzer’s “Creating Confidence In Clean Water Permitting Act” Had Each Contributed Tens Of Thousands Of Dollars To Rouzer’s Campaigns. According to Port City Daily, "According to a tally of PAC and individual contributors by campaign finance nonprofit OpenSecrets, other industry groups in support of the Creating Confidence in Clean Water Act are among Rouzer’s top career donors: The National Association of Realtors: $48,150 The National Pork Producers Council: $63,318. The National Cotton Council: $85,250 The National Farm Bureau Federation’s North Carolina affiliate: $56,700 Trade associations in support of the bill also include companies that have given significant contributions to Rouzer. For example, ExxonMobil is a member of the American Petroleum Institute. The company’s political action committees have donated a career total of $22,500 to the congressman’s campaign, according to FEC records." [Port City Daily, 4/13/24]
- Creating Confidence In Clean Water Permitting Act Was Supported By Various Industry Organizations Including The National Association Of Realtors, National Cotton Council, American Farm Bureau Federation, And National Pork Producers Council. According to a press release from the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, "This week, the House of Representatives will consider the Creating Confidence in Clean Water Permitting Act (H.R. 7023), introduced by Water Resources and Environment Subcommittee Chairman David Rouzer (R-NC), to reform and restore permitting processes under the Clean Water Act needed for energy and infrastructure project approvals. H.R. 7023 was approved by the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee on January 31, 2024, and consists of five separate bills initially introduced in the House by Subcommittee Chairman Rouzer, Rep. Pete Stauber (R-MN), Rep. Burgess Owens (R-UT), Rep. Eric Burlison (R-MO), and Rep. John Duarte (R-CA). Numerous industry leaders and stakeholders have applauded the commonsense permitting reforms included in the legislation and provided the following statements of support for H.R. 7023 and its component provisions. Waters Advocacy Coalition (WAC), including American Exploration & Mining Association, American Farm Bureau Federation, American Gas Association, American Road & Transportation Builders Association, American Society of Golf Course Architects, Associated Builders and Contractors, Associated General Contractors of America, Essential Minerals Association, Golf Course Superintendents Association of America, Independent Petroleum Association of America, Leading Builders of America, Liquid Energy Pipeline Association, National Association of Home Builders, National Association of Realtors, National Cotton Council, National Council of Farmer Cooperatives, National Mining Association, National Pork Producers Council, National Rural Electric Cooperatives Association, National Stone, Sand and Gravel Association, Responsible Industry for a Sound Environment, Southeastern Lumber Manufacturers Association, The Fertilizer Institute, USA Rice, US Chamber of Commerce: ‘These bills provide practical fixes to certain sections of the Clean Water Act (CWA) Section 402 National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit program, Section 404 dredge and fill permit program, and Section 304(a) process for establishing water quality criteria. These targeted reforms represent significant steps toward streamlining regulatory procedures, providing greater certainty for businesses in our sectors, and helping meet our nation’s ambitious climate and infrastructure priorities…. They support both environmental protection and the need for a more streamlined, predictable regulatory framework.’" [Press Release – U.S. House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, 3/19/24]
American Petroleum Institute, Of Which Exxon Mobil Was A Member, Supported The “Creating Confidence In Clean Water Permitting Act” – Exxon Mobil’s PAC Had Given $22,500 To Rouzer’s Campaign Over The Course Of His Career. According to Port City Daily, "According to a tally of PAC and individual contributors by campaign finance nonprofit OpenSecrets, other industry groups in support of the Creating Confidence in Clean Water Act are among Rouzer’s top career donors: The National Association of Realtors: $48,150 The National Pork Producers Council: $63,318. The National Cotton Council: $85,250 The National Farm Bureau Federation’s North Carolina affiliate: $56,700 Trade associations in support of the bill also include companies that have given significant contributions to Rouzer. For example, ExxonMobil is a member of the American Petroleum Institute. The company’s political action committees have donated a career total of $22,500 to the congressman’s campaign, according to FEC records." [Port City Daily, 4/13/24]
- American Petroleum Institute Praised Rouzer’s Creating Confidence In Clean Water Permitting Act. According to a press release from the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, "American Gas Association, American Petroleum Institute, Associated General Contractors of America, Essential Minerals Association, Independent Petroleum Association of America, Liquid Energy Pipeline Association, National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association, The Fertilizer Institute, U.S. Chamber of Commerce: ‘Building smart, modern, resilient infrastructure through innovation and responsible development is a top priority for the business community. Linear infrastructure from pipelines and transmission lines to other critical infrastructure plays an essential role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and providing energy security for the United States and our allies. Thousands of miles of hydrogen and CO2 pipelines will be needed to meet ambitious climate goals. This legislation will also help expedite the delivery of clean water for communities and broadband needed to support small business innovation. Ensuring a strong, stable, and predictable nationwide permitting program is critical for the United States to sustainably grow and prosper.’" [Press Release – U.S. House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, 3/19/24]
June 2017: Rouzer Accepted A $1,000 Campaign Donation From DuPont Ten Days After Representatives From Chemours Met With Rouzer In His DC Office. According to Star-News Wilmington, “The campaign of U.S. Rep. David Rouzer, R-N.C., accepted a $1,000 donation from the political action committee of the chemical giant DuPont, which spun off Chemours, the company that until recently was discharging the unregulated chemical GenX into the Cape Fear River. The donation was reported as being received June 30, which was 10 days after representatives from Chemours met with Rouzer in his Washington, D.C., office.” [Star-News Wilmington, 7/19/17]
- Chemours Was A Dupont Spinoff That Had Been Discharging The Unregulated Chemical GenX Into The Cape Fear River. According to Star-News Wilmington, “The campaign of U.S. Rep. David Rouzer, R-N.C., accepted a $1,000 donation from the political action committee of the chemical giant DuPont, which spun off Chemours, the company that until recently was discharging the unregulated chemical GenX into the Cape Fear River. The donation was reported as being received June 30, which was 10 days after representatives from Chemours met with Rouzer in his Washington, D.C., office.” [Star-News Wilmington, 7/19/17]
Rouzer Campaign Spokesperson Claimed The DuPont Contribution Happened During A May 2017 Fundraising Event And The Check Was Not Cut And Delivered To The Campaign Until The Close Of The Quarter. According to Star-News Wilmington, "The E.I. duPont de Nemours Good Government Fund PAC has contributed to most of Congress -- Republicans and Democrats alike -- over the past few years, including to U.S. Sen. Thom Tillis, R-N.C. Rouzer's campaign spokeswoman, Danielle Smotkin, said the contribution was actually made during a fundraising event May 3. ‘As customary with many PAC contributions, the actual check was cut and delivered to the campaign at the close of the quarter,’ she said. ‘It is also instructive to note that all of DuPont's second quarter contributions to congressional campaigns were made at the same time.’" [Star-News Wilmington, 7/19/17]
- Rouzer Campaign Spokesperson Claimed Dupont And Chemours Were Separate Companies And Chemours, Not DuPont, Was Responsible For Decision Related To GenX. According to Star-News Wilmington, “The E.I. duPont de Nemours Good Government Fund PAC has contributed to most of Congress -- Republicans and Democrats alike -- over the past few years, including to U.S. Sen. Thom Tillis, R-N.C. Rouzer's campaign spokeswoman, Danielle Smotkin, said the contribution was actually made during a fundraising event May 3. ‘As customary with many PAC contributions, the actual check was cut and delivered to the campaign at the close of the quarter,’ she said. ‘It is also instructive to note that all of DuPont's second quarter contributions to congressional campaigns were made at the same time.’ Smotkin also noted that DuPont and Chemours are now separate companies and that ‘the business decisions related to the manufacturing of GenX, or the production of GenX as a byproduct, have strictly been those of Chemours -- not DuPont.’" [Star-News Wilmington, 7/19/17]
¶ 2011: Rouzer Embraced A Loophole That Allowed Him To Accept Campaign Donations To His Congressional Campaign From State Lobbyists While He Remained A State Senator
2011: Lobbyists Hosted A Fundraiser For Rouzer’s Congressional Campaign While He Still Maintained His Position As A North Carolina State Senator. According to the Star News, "The newest candidate for the 7th Congressional District seat in the U.S. House is taking heat from both sides of the aisle over a scheduled fundraiser at a lobbyist's home. A group of N.C. lobbyists is hosting the fundraiser for state Sen. David Rouzer, R-Johnston, who recently announced his bid for the GOP nomination for the seat held by U.S. Rep. Mike McIntyre, a Lumberton Democrat. According to a flier, the fundraiser will be held Sept. 15 at the Raleigh home of Theresa Kostrzewa, who represents a number of organizations and businesses as a General Assembly lobbyist." [Star News, 9/1/11]
- North Carolina Law Prohibited Lobbyists From Making Campaign Contributions To State Legislators. According to the Star News, "A group of N.C. lobbyists is hosting the fundraiser for state Sen. David Rouzer, R-Johnston, who recently announced his bid for the GOP nomination for the seat held by U.S. Rep. Mike McIntyre, a Lumberton Democrat. According to a flier, the fundraiser will be held Sept. 15 at the Raleigh home of Theresa Kostrzewa, who represents a number of organizations and businesses as a General Assembly lobbyist. State statutes prohibit lobbyists from giving to candidates for the General Assembly, but there is no prohibition against those same lobbyists giving to congressional campaigns." [Star News, 9/1/11]
Lobbyist Fundraising Invite For Rouzer’s Congressional Campaign Said, “Federal Law Recognizes The First Amendment Rights Of NC Lobbyists And Allows Personal Contributions To Be Made To Congressional Candidates!” According to the Star News, "Several other state lobbyists are listed at the top of the invitation. At the bottom is this sentence: ‘Please note that federal law recognizes the First Amendment rights of NC lobbyists and allows personal contributions to be made to Congressional candidates!’ The flier seeks contributions ranging from $2,500 for a ‘host’ to $100 for a ‘patron.’" [Star News, 9/1/11]
2011: Rouzer Had No Plans To Step Down From The North Carolina State Senate While He Ran For Congress. According to the Star News,"Rouzer has no plans to step down from the Senate as he seeks the higher office. Yates said lobbyists who contribute to his Rouzer's congressional campaign are likely to seek his support on state legislative issues in the coming months. Rouzer is co-chairman of the Senate Agriculture/Environment/Natural Resources and the Natural and Economic Resources Appropriations committees, and a member of several other committees." [Star News, 9/1/11]
Rouzer Defended The Congressional Campaign Fundraiser With North Carolina State Lobbyists. According to the Star News, "For his part, Rouzer said he knew some of the people hosting the fundraiser long before he was elected to the Senate. ‘With regard to the event, every individual has a constitutional right to participate in the political process,’ he said." [Star News, 9/1/11]