NEPA Agency Process Accountability Act

12/31/2022, 5:04 AM

Summary of Bill HR 4740

Bill 117 HR 4740, also known as the NEPA Agency Process Accountability Act, aims to make changes to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) in order to increase accountability and efficiency in the agency review process. The bill was introduced in the House of Representatives on September 15, 2021.

The main provisions of the bill include requiring federal agencies to establish deadlines for completing environmental reviews and assessments, as well as setting up a tracking system to monitor progress. It also calls for the establishment of a dispute resolution process to address conflicts that may arise during the review process.

Additionally, the bill seeks to streamline the NEPA process by allowing for the use of categorical exclusions for certain types of projects, which would expedite the review process for projects that have minimal environmental impact. It also aims to improve coordination between federal agencies and stakeholders to ensure that all relevant information is considered during the review process. Overall, the NEPA Agency Process Accountability Act is designed to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the NEPA review process, while also ensuring that environmental considerations are taken into account. The bill is currently being reviewed by the House Committee on Natural Resources.

Congressional Summary of HR 4740

NEPA Agency Process Accountability Act

This bill revises the environmental review process required under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA), including by limiting the number of assessment documents required for proposed major federal actions, requiring agencies to reuse certain research or documents in the NEPA process, and allowing agencies to adopt environmental documents prepared by states or third parties as specified under the bill.

In addition, the bill requires agencies to only consider alternatives to proposed major federal actions that are technically and economically feasible. Agencies must track and report on specified NEPA data, such as the comprehensive costs of the NEPA process.

Current Status of Bill HR 4740

Bill HR 4740 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since July 28, 2021. Bill HR 4740 was introduced during Congress 117 and was introduced to the House on July 28, 2021.  Bill HR 4740's most recent activity was Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources. as of July 28, 2021

Bipartisan Support of Bill HR 4740

Total Number of Sponsors
1
Democrat Sponsors
0
Republican Sponsors
1
Unaffiliated Sponsors
0
Total Number of Cosponsors
0
Democrat Cosponsors
0
Republican Cosponsors
0
Unaffiliated Cosponsors
0

Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill HR 4740

Primary Policy Focus

Environmental Protection

Alternate Title(s) of Bill HR 4740

To amend the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 to reform agency process requirements, and for other purposes.NEPA Agency Process Accountability ActNEPA Agency Process Accountability Act
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