Bill 119 HR 676, also known as the "National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 Exemption Act," aims to exempt Federal actions related to energy and mineral activities on certain Federal lands from the requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969.
The NEPA of 1969 is a landmark environmental law that requires Federal agencies to assess the environmental impacts of their proposed actions before making decisions. This includes conducting environmental assessments and environmental impact statements to evaluate the potential effects of projects on the environment.
If passed, Bill 119 HR 676 would allow Federal agencies to bypass these requirements when it comes to energy and mineral activities on specific Federal lands. This exemption could potentially streamline the approval process for energy and mineral projects, making it easier for companies to develop these resources on Federal lands.
Supporters of the bill argue that it will help promote energy independence and economic growth by reducing regulatory burdens on energy and mineral development. They believe that the current NEPA requirements can be overly burdensome and time-consuming, hindering the development of these critical resources.
Opponents of the bill, however, are concerned that exempting energy and mineral activities from NEPA requirements could lead to environmental degradation and harm to public health. They argue that NEPA provides important safeguards to ensure that Federal actions are conducted in an environmentally responsible manner.
Overall, Bill 119 HR 676 is a controversial piece of legislation that raises important questions about the balance between environmental protection and economic development. It will be important for lawmakers to carefully consider the potential impacts of this bill before making a decision on its passage.