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NEPA Legal Reform Act

12/30/2022, 5:47 PM

Summary of Bill HR 3813

Bill 117 HR 3813, also known as the NEPA Legal Reform Act, aims to make significant changes to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) in order to streamline the environmental review process for infrastructure projects. The bill was introduced by Representative Rob Bishop of Utah.

One of the key provisions of the bill is to limit the ability of individuals and organizations to file lawsuits challenging environmental reviews under NEPA. This is intended to prevent what some see as frivolous lawsuits that delay or block important infrastructure projects. The bill also seeks to expedite the review process by setting strict deadlines for completing environmental impact statements and assessments.

Additionally, the NEPA Legal Reform Act would require federal agencies to consider the costs and benefits of proposed projects when conducting environmental reviews. This is seen as a way to ensure that projects are not unnecessarily delayed or abandoned due to excessive regulatory burdens. Supporters of the bill argue that these reforms are necessary to modernize NEPA and make it more efficient, while opponents argue that the changes could weaken environmental protections and limit public input on proposed projects. Overall, the NEPA Legal Reform Act is a controversial piece of legislation that seeks to balance the need for infrastructure development with environmental protection. It remains to be seen how the bill will progress through Congress and what impact it will have on future infrastructure projects in the United States.

Congressional Summary of HR 3813

NEPA Legal Reform Act

This bill establishes requirements concerning the judicial review of cases about the environmental review process required under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA).

Specifically, the bill establishes standing requirements for NEPA claims, including a requirement that a plaintiff must personally suffer, or will likely personally suffer, a direct, tangible harm.

In addition, the bill sets a statute of limitations for all claims related to NEPA.

The bill also provides statutory authority for certain evidentiary standards concerning motions for temporary restraining orders, preliminary injunctions, and permanent injunctions.

In addition, the bill limits fees that may be awarded to environmental attorneys.

Read the Full Bill

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Current Status of Bill HR 3813

Bill HR 3813 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since June 11, 2021. Bill HR 3813 was introduced during Congress 117 and was introduced to the House on June 11, 2021.  Bill HR 3813's most recent activity was Referred to the Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights, and Civil Liberties. as of November 1, 2022

Bipartisan Support of Bill HR 3813

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 3813

Primary Policy Focus

Environmental Protection

Potential Impact Areas

- Environmental assessment, monitoring, research
- Environmental regulatory procedures
- Evidence and witnesses
- Judicial procedure and administration
- Judicial review and appeals
- Legal fees and court costs

Alternate Title(s) of Bill HR 3813

NEPA Legal Reform Act
To amend the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 to provide for legal reform, and for other purposes.
NEPA Legal Reform Act

Comments

Sponsors and Cosponsors of HR 3813

Liz Cheney
Liz Cheney
WyomingRepublican

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