Improving Interagency Coordination for Pipeline Reviews Act
Improving Interagency Coordination for Pipeline Reviews Act
Plain Language Summary
# Summary of HR 3668: Improving Interagency Coordination for Pipeline Reviews Act **What the bill does:** This legislation speeds up the environmental review process for natural gas pipelines and liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminals. Currently, multiple federal agencies review these projects separately, which can slow down approvals. The bill makes the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) the lead agency in charge, meaning other agencies must follow FERC's environmental review plan rather than conducting their own separate reviews.
FERC would still be required to consult with other government agencies, including the Transportation Security Administration for security matters, and would need to involve state, local, and tribal governments in the process. **Who it affects:** The bill primarily impacts companies seeking to build or expand natural gas pipelines and LNG facilities, which could see faster permitting timelines. It also affects federal agencies involved in environmental reviews, state and local governments, tribal nations, and potentially communities near pipeline projects. Environmental groups and energy companies have different perspectives on whether streamlining reviews is beneficial or concerning. **Current status:** The bill passed the House of Representatives and is pending consideration in the Senate as of this summary.
CRS Official Summary
Improving Interagency Coordination for Pipeline Reviews ActThis bill expedites the environmental review of certain natural gas pipeline projects or liquefied natural gas (LNG) import or export terminals for authorizations under the Natural Gas Act.Specifically, the bill makes the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) the only lead agency for the purpose of coordinating the environmental review of such projects under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA). Thus, agencies involved in the environmental review process must defer to FERC's approved scope for a NEPA review.FERC must invite certain federal, state, local, or tribal governmental agencies to participate in the review process for an authorization and designate the applicable governments as participating agencies by deadlines established by the bill. In addition, FERC must consult with the Transportation Security Administration regarding various pipeline security measures.The bill prohibits FERC from establishing a deadline for authorizing a project that is more than 90 days after the completion of the NEPA review. It also requires concurrent reviews when multiple federal or state agencies are involved.Applicants for projects do not have to obtain a water quality certification from states under Section 401 of the Clean Water Act. FERC must coordinate its NEPA review with states where a potential discharge into navigable waters may occur.If a federal or state agency requires an applicant for a pipeline authorization to submit data, the agency must consider any such data gathered by aerial or other remote means that is submitted.
Latest Action
Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.