Promoting Interagency Coordination for Review of Natural Gas Projects Act

12/15/2023, 4:06 PM

Promoting Interagency Coordination for Review of Natural Gas Projects Act

This bill expands the authority of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to act as the only lead agency for the purpose of coordinating the environmental review process under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) of natural gas pipeline project applications under the Natural Gas Act. Thus, federal, state, and local agencies involved in the environmental review process must defer to FERC's approved scope for a NEPA review.

FERC must invite and designate the other participating agencies involved in the authorization process. In addition, FERC must consult with the Transportation Security Administration regarding pipeline infrastructure security, pipeline cybersecurity, pipeline personnel security, and other pipeline security measures.

The bill establishes a deadline for agencies to complete NEPA reviews of pipeline projects and requires concurrent reviews when multiple federal or state agencies are involved.

If a federal or state agency requires the person applying for a pipeline authorization to submit data, the agency must consider any such data gathered by aerial or other remote means that the person submits.

Congress
118

Number
S - 988

Introduced on
2023-03-27

# Amendments
0

Sponsors
+5

Cosponsors
+5

Variations and Revisions

3/27/2023

Status of Legislation

Bill Introduced
Introduced to House
House to Vote
Introduced to Senate
Senate to Vote

Purpose and Summary

Promoting Interagency Coordination for Review of Natural Gas Projects Act

This bill expands the authority of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to act as the only lead agency for the purpose of coordinating the environmental review process under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) of natural gas pipeline project applications under the Natural Gas Act. Thus, federal, state, and local agencies involved in the environmental review process must defer to FERC's approved scope for a NEPA review.

FERC must invite and designate the other participating agencies involved in the authorization process. In addition, FERC must consult with the Transportation Security Administration regarding pipeline infrastructure security, pipeline cybersecurity, pipeline personnel security, and other pipeline security measures.

The bill establishes a deadline for agencies to complete NEPA reviews of pipeline projects and requires concurrent reviews when multiple federal or state agencies are involved.

If a federal or state agency requires the person applying for a pipeline authorization to submit data, the agency must consider any such data gathered by aerial or other remote means that the person submits.

Alternative Names
Official Title as IntroducedA bill to provide for coordination by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission of the process for reviewing certain natural gas projects under the jurisdiction of the Commission, and for other purposes.

Policy Areas
Energy

Comments

Recent Activity

Latest Summary9/20/2023

Promoting Interagency Coordination for Review of Natural Gas Projects Act

This bill expands the authority of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to act as the only lead agency for the purpose of coordinating the environm...


Latest Action3/27/2023
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.