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One Federal Decision Act of 2021
1/11/2023, 1:48 PM
Summary of Bill HR 1812
Under the One Federal Decision Act, a lead agency would be designated for each major infrastructure project, and this agency would be responsible for overseeing the entire permitting process. This would help to eliminate duplication and inefficiencies in the current system, which often involves multiple federal agencies conducting separate reviews and making independent permitting decisions.
The bill also sets deadlines for the completion of environmental reviews and permitting decisions, in order to expedite the approval process for infrastructure projects. Additionally, the One Federal Decision Act includes provisions to improve coordination between federal, state, and local agencies, as well as to increase transparency and public participation in the permitting process. Overall, supporters of the One Federal Decision Act argue that it will help to speed up the approval of critical infrastructure projects, create jobs, and stimulate economic growth. Critics, however, have raised concerns about potential environmental impacts and the potential for reduced public input in the permitting process. As of [current date], Bill 117 HR 1812 is currently under consideration in [relevant Congressional committee(s)], and its ultimate fate will depend on the outcome of the legislative process.
Congressional Summary of HR 1812
One Federal Decision Act of 2021
This bill provides statutory authority for the policy that requires federal agencies to coordinate environmental reviews and authorization decisions for major infrastructure projects. It also sets a goal for completing environmental reviews within two years.
The Department of Transportation (DOT) must review existing practices, procedures, programmatic agreements, and applicable laws to identify potential changes that would facilitate an efficient environmental review process for projects.
All authorization decisions for construction of a major project must be completed within 90 days of the issuance of a record of decision for the project, although the lead agency could extend the deadline in some cases.
The lead agency must develop an environmental review schedule with the project sponsor that is consistent with an agency average of not more than two years for the completion of the environmental review process for major projects.
DOT must also (1) establish a performance accountability system to track each major project, and (2) provide other relevant federal agencies with a list of categorical exclusions under the National Environmental Policy Act that are applicable to highway projects and that would accelerate project delivery.
The bill also eliminates the two-year limitation on filing claims seeking judicial review of permits, licenses, or approvals issued by a federal agency for railroad projects.
