Building Chips in America Act of 2023

10/5/2024, 11:03 AM

Building Chips in America Act of 2023

This bill modifies and limits the review of certain semiconductor (i.e., microchip) projects under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) and the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA).

Specifically, the bill exempts from NEPA and NHPA specified semiconductor projects that receive financial assistance under the William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021.

Next, the bill allows the Department of Commerce to serve as the lead agency for the review of a semiconductor project that receives such financial assistance but is not exempted from review under NEPA. A single environmental document and joint record of decision must be prepared for a semiconductor project. In completing the environmental review, Commerce may adopt a prior study or decision under certain circumstances. The bill also allows a state to assume the responsibility of an environmental review under NEPA for a semiconductor project.

Finally, the bill sets a statute of limitations for certain claims under NEPA.

The Building Chips in America Act of 2023, also known as Bill 118 s 2228, is a piece of legislation introduced in the US Congress with the goal of promoting the domestic production of semiconductor chips. The bill aims to address the current global shortage of semiconductor chips by investing in research and development, as well as incentivizing companies to manufacture chips in the United States.

Key provisions of the bill include funding for research and development in semiconductor technology, as well as grants and tax incentives for companies that choose to build or expand semiconductor manufacturing facilities in the US. The bill also includes measures to strengthen supply chain security and resilience, in order to prevent future chip shortages.

Supporters of the Building Chips in America Act argue that increasing domestic production of semiconductor chips is crucial for national security and economic competitiveness. They believe that investing in semiconductor manufacturing will create jobs, boost innovation, and reduce reliance on foreign suppliers. Opponents of the bill raise concerns about the cost of implementing the proposed measures, as well as the potential impact on global trade and supply chains. They argue that government intervention in the semiconductor industry could distort the market and lead to inefficiencies. Overall, the Building Chips in America Act of 2023 is a significant piece of legislation that seeks to address the current challenges facing the semiconductor industry in the United States. Its success will depend on the ability of lawmakers to balance the competing interests of national security, economic competitiveness, and free market principles.
Congress
118
Number
S - 2228
Introduced on
2023-07-11
# Amendments
1
Sponsors
+5
Cosponsors
+5

Variations and Revisions

Text
PDF
XML

Status of Legislation

Bill Introduced
Introduced to House
Passed in House
Introduced to Senate
Passed in Senate
To President
Signed by President
Became Public Law

Purpose and Summary

Building Chips in America Act of 2023

This bill modifies and limits the review of certain semiconductor (i.e., microchip) projects under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) and the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA).

Specifically, the bill exempts from NEPA and NHPA specified semiconductor projects that receive financial assistance under the William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021.

Next, the bill allows the Department of Commerce to serve as the lead agency for the review of a semiconductor project that receives such financial assistance but is not exempted from review under NEPA. A single environmental document and joint record of decision must be prepared for a semiconductor project. In completing the environmental review, Commerce may adopt a prior study or decision under certain circumstances. The bill also allows a state to assume the responsibility of an environmental review under NEPA for a semiconductor project.

Finally, the bill sets a statute of limitations for certain claims under NEPA.

The Building Chips in America Act of 2023, also known as Bill 118 s 2228, is a piece of legislation introduced in the US Congress with the goal of promoting the domestic production of semiconductor chips. The bill aims to address the current global shortage of semiconductor chips by investing in research and development, as well as incentivizing companies to manufacture chips in the United States.

Key provisions of the bill include funding for research and development in semiconductor technology, as well as grants and tax incentives for companies that choose to build or expand semiconductor manufacturing facilities in the US. The bill also includes measures to strengthen supply chain security and resilience, in order to prevent future chip shortages.

Supporters of the Building Chips in America Act argue that increasing domestic production of semiconductor chips is crucial for national security and economic competitiveness. They believe that investing in semiconductor manufacturing will create jobs, boost innovation, and reduce reliance on foreign suppliers. Opponents of the bill raise concerns about the cost of implementing the proposed measures, as well as the potential impact on global trade and supply chains. They argue that government intervention in the semiconductor industry could distort the market and lead to inefficiencies. Overall, the Building Chips in America Act of 2023 is a significant piece of legislation that seeks to address the current challenges facing the semiconductor industry in the United States. Its success will depend on the ability of lawmakers to balance the competing interests of national security, economic competitiveness, and free market principles.
Alternative Names
Official Title as IntroducedA bill to amend the William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 to clarify the scope of a major Federal action under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 with respect to certain projects relating to the production of semiconductors, and for other purposes.
Policy Areas
Environmental Protection
Potential Impact
Computers and information technology•
Environmental assessment, monitoring, research•
Government lending and loan guarantees•
Industrial facilities•
Industrial policy and productivity

Comments

APPROVED
FG
Finn Garner
@cabbage_tamnavulin_naan10624
I think this bill is great cuz it will help make more computer chips in America instead of relying on other countries. This will create more jobs and boost our economy. Do you know how many new jobs this bill is expected to create?
APPROVED
QF
Quincy Fischer
@coconut_springbank_cantaloupe45431
Excited for the new chip act, gonna be great for American jobs! #BuildingChipsInAmerica

Recent Activity

Latest Summary9/25/2024

Building Chips in America Act of 2023

This bill modifies and limits the review of certain semiconductor (i.e., microchip) projects under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) and the National Historic Preserva...

Latest Action10/2/2024
Became Public Law No: 118-105.