0
Building American Energy Security Act of 2023
12/15/2023, 4:07 PM
Summary of Bill S 1399
One of the key provisions of the bill is the expansion of domestic energy production, particularly in the areas of oil and natural gas. The bill aims to streamline the permitting process for energy projects on federal lands, making it easier for companies to access and develop these resources. Additionally, the bill includes measures to encourage the development of renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar power.
Another important aspect of the Building American Energy Security Act is its focus on infrastructure. The bill includes funding for the construction and maintenance of energy infrastructure, such as pipelines and transmission lines, to ensure that energy resources can be efficiently transported and distributed throughout the country. In addition to promoting energy production and infrastructure development, the bill also includes provisions aimed at improving energy efficiency and reducing energy consumption. This includes incentives for businesses and individuals to invest in energy-saving technologies and practices. Overall, the Building American Energy Security Act of 2023 is a comprehensive piece of legislation that seeks to enhance energy security in the United States through a combination of increased domestic energy production, improved infrastructure, and greater energy efficiency. If passed, this bill has the potential to strengthen the country's energy independence and reduce its reliance on foreign sources of energy.
Congressional Summary of S 1399
Building American Energy Security Act of 2023
This bill establishes requirements to accelerate the environmental review of federal agency actions that involve certain energy infrastructure or critical mineral projects, including the Mountain Valley Pipeline, which is a natural gas pipeline located in Virginia and West Virginia.
Specifically, the bill modifies requirements under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, including by
- setting maximum timelines for the environmental reviews of federal actions that involve major energy infrastructure projects,
- allowing project sponsors to sue agencies if the timelines are not met,
- establishing requirements to accelerate such reviews that involve multiple agencies, and
- limiting judicial review of agency decisions.
Further, the President must designate and periodically update a list of high-priority energy infrastructure projects and prioritize permitting for these projects.
The bill also expands covered projects under FAST-41, which qualify for expedited environmental review, to include certain federal agency actions that involve (1) critical minerals, or (2) energy infrastructure projects that require an investment of more than $50 million.
In addition, the bill modifies provisions under the Federal Power Act and the Natural Gas Act, including by authorizing the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to approve permits for certain interstate electric transmission facilities and hydrogen pipelines. Finally, the bill requires federal agencies to take certain actions to complete the Mountain Valley Pipeline.
