By learning how the NEPA review process is slowing down projects, we can take action to increase efficiency
WASHINGTON—Senator Braun, Sen. Ricketts, and Sen. Risch introduced the Studying NEPA’s Impact on Projects Act to cut down the red tape surrounding the federal permitting process. This legislation would direct the White House Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) to publish a publicly available annual report to Congress outlining NEPA project litigation, impacts on paperwork, the length of EAs as well as EISs, and wait times for infrastructure projects, amongst other pertinent information.
The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) applies when a proposed project is anticipated or requires passage through Federal lands, either is funded, entirely or in part, by the Federal government, or affects air or water quality that is regulated by Federal law. Therefore, NEPA reviews result in delays because of extensive wait times and pending litigation.
Rep. Rudy Yakym introduced the legislation in the House of Representatives.
“The current federal permitting process is overly confusing and covered in red tape, slowing down indispensable infrastructure projects. This legislation would allow us to see where the blocks are happening, and what we can do to make this process more efficient.” – Senator Mike Braun
“The federal environmental review process takes too long and costs taxpayers too much money. Having accurate data about where delays are coming from will help us streamline and simplify the permitting process. This bill will help us get shovels in dirt faster for key infrastructure projects, just like we did in Nebraska.” – Senator Pete Ricketts
“Costly, burdensome litigation repeatedly stalls critical projects on Idaho’s public lands, leading to increased wildfire risk and higher energy costs. The Studying NEPA’s Impact on Projects Act will expose the full extent of these harmful delays and identify ways to reform the permitting process.” – Senator James Risch
“Government red tape slows our progress and places unnecessary burdens on the American people. It is past-time we review the actions of agencies rife with inefficiencies, especially when responsible for hampering the progress of American energy projects.” – Senator Mike Crapo
The Studying NEPA’s Impact on Projects Act would:
- Direct the CEQ to publish an annual report to Congress on NEPA project litigation, the outcome from litigation, impacts on paperwork, the length of Environmental Assessments (EAs) as well as EISs, and wait times for infrastructure projects, amongst other factors that will be identified;
- Require the CEQ to make publicly available the compiled data for the aforementioned annual report; and
- This annual report would first transpire on July 1, 2025, and garner data from the preceding year ending on June 1.
This bill is sponsored by the Associated General Contractors of America, American Petroleum Institute, US Chamber of Commerce, National Association of Manufacturers, and the National Electrical Contractors Association.
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