Plain Language Summary
# ePermit Act Summary **What it does:** The ePermit Act would modernize how the federal government handles environmental reviews by digitizing the process. It requires the Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) to create standardized digital formats for collecting environmental data and build tools to streamline reviews. Federal agencies would then be required to adopt these standards and share data electronically with each other, rather than using separate paper-based or disconnected systems. **Who it affects:** This primarily impacts federal agencies that conduct environmental reviews (like the EPA, Army Corps of Engineers, and others), project developers seeking environmental permits, and potentially the general public by potentially speeding up the permit process.
Businesses applying for permits for infrastructure, energy, or construction projects could see faster approval timelines. **Key provisions:** The bill mandates data standardization across agencies, creation of prototype review tools, publication of guidance for implementation, and development of a unified digital system where agencies can automatically share relevant data. It also includes requirements for computer security and identity protection as agencies handle sensitive environmental information online. **Status:** The bill passed the House and is awaiting Senate action.
CRS Official Summary
ePermit ActThis bill establishes requirements related to digitizing environmental reviews conducted under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA).The Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) must develop, publish, and iteratively update data standards for the collection and curation of certain data related to environmental reviews. CEQ must also design, test, and build prototype tools for environmental reviews.Additionally, CEQ must publish guidance to assist relevant agencies in implementing such standards as well as certain minimum functional requirements, such as data sharing that enables automated transfer of relevant data among federal agencies. Federal agencies responsible for environmental reviews or authorizations must implement the data standards and such minimum functional requirements.To the maximum extent practicable, CEQ and such agencies must iteratively develop and maintain a unified interagency data system consisting of interconnected federal agency systems and shared services for environmental reviews and authorizations, including a common interactive, digital, cloud-based authorization portal.Within a year, CEQ must oversee a pilot of shared services for environmental reviews and authorizations, including the portal. To the maximum extent practicable, CEQ must develop and implement the unified interagency data system by December 1, 2027.
Latest Action
Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.