BGOV Bill Analysis: H.R. 573, Tracking NEPA Studies & Lawsuits

The Council on Environmental Quality would have to publish annual reports tracking federal agencies’ environmental reviews and lawsuits over National Environmental Policy Act violations under H.R. 573.

The measure is part of an effort by lawmakers to streamline and expedite permitting under NEPA, which critics blame for widespread project delays. NEPA requires agencies to assess the environmental effects of their actions before undertaking them, potentially adding years to the approval process as the agency prepares lengthy documents and fends off litigation from project opponents.

Lawmakers from both parties consider the existing NEPA process cumbersome and blame it for undermining ...