A bill to exempt from the requirements of NEPA the provision of certain assistance for the construction or modification of residential housing on infill sites, and for other purposes.

# Summary of S 3970 **What the Bill Would Do** This bill would create an exemption from the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) for certain federal assistance programs that help build or renovate homes on "infill sites"—vacant or underutilized land in already-developed urban or suburban areas. NEPA typically requires federal agencies to conduct environmental reviews before approving projects. This bill would streamline that process for eligible housing projects, allowing them to proceed faster without those detailed environmental assessments. **Who It Affects and Key Provisions** The bill would primarily affect developers, local governments, and residents seeking federal housing assistance for infill development projects.

By reducing environmental review requirements, the bill aims to speed up housing construction and potentially make it easier and cheaper to build homes in existing communities rather than sprawling outward. The exact scope of which housing programs and projects would qualify for the exemption is not detailed in this summary. **Current Status** As of now, S 3970 is in committee, meaning it has been introduced but has not yet advanced to a full Senate vote. The bill was sponsored by Senator Pete Ricketts, a Republican from Nebraska.