To exempt Federal actions related to energy and mineral activities on certain Federal lands from the requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969.

1/24/2025, 9:21 AM

Summary of Bill HR 676

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.

Congressional Summary of HR 676

This bill exempts certain energy and mineral actions on federal lands from the environmental review requirements under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA). Specifically, the bill states that the following are not to be considered a major federal action under NEPA:

issuing, granting, or renewing a lease, easement, or right-of-way under the Mineral Leasing Act for the exploration, development, or production of oil, gas, or coal; or
issuing, granting, or renewing a permit or other authorization under the Mining Law of 1872 for the exploration, location, development, or extraction of a critical mineral on land that is open to mineral entry.

By way of background, NEPA requires agencies to identify and evaluate the impacts of major federal actions significantly affecting the quality of the human environment prior to finalizing certain decisions. Thus, if an action is not considered to be a major federal action, then it is exempt from NEPA.

Current Status of Bill HR 676

Bill HR 676 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since January 23, 2025. Bill HR 676 was introduced during Congress 119 and was introduced to the House on January 23, 2025. Bill HR 676's most recent activity was Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources. as of January 23, 2025

Bipartisan Support of Bill HR 676

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Total Number of Cosponsors

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Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill HR 676

Primary Policy Focus

Alternate Title(s) of Bill HR 676

To exempt Federal actions related to energy and mineral activities on certain Federal lands from the requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969.