Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

Us Congress House Bill HB1056

Introduced
2/17/23  
Refer
2/17/23  

Caption

To require the Comptroller General to conduct a study to assess certain environmental review processes with regard to offshore wind projects, and for other purposes.

Impact

The bill could significantly impact federal policies concerning renewable energy projects, particularly offshore wind. By requiring a thorough examination of existing environmental review processes, it may lead to more stringent requirements for consultations with stakeholders, ensuring that community interests, particularly those related to marine environments and fishing industries, are represented. This may help in balancing the drive for renewable energy with the preservation of marine ecosystems.

Summary

House Bill 1056 mandates that the Comptroller General conducts a study to evaluate the environmental review processes currently in place for offshore wind projects. The bill highlights the need to assess how these processes impact various elements, including marine life, air quality, and maritime navigation. This evaluation aims to ensure that future offshore wind developments are adequately scrutinized for their environmental effects, which is particularly crucial given the increasing push for renewable energy sources.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding HB 1056 revolve around the potential delays in renewable energy project implementations due to more rigorous environmental assessments. Proponents argue that ensuring thorough reviews will safeguard marine habitats and ensure sustainable development of offshore wind resources. However, critics highlight concerns that these requirements may prolong the approval process and ultimately hinder progress toward clean energy goals, particularly in areas where the wind energy market is rapidly expanding. The debate also touches on the costs associated with these studies and who will bear them.

Companion Bills

US HB1

Related Lower Energy Costs Act This bill provides for the exploration, development, importation, and exportation of energy resources (e.g., oil, gas, and minerals). For example, it sets forth provisions to (1) expedite energy projects, (2) eliminate or reduce certain fees related to the development of federal energy resources, and (3) eliminate certain funds that provide incentives to decrease emissions of greenhouse gases. The bill expedites the development, importation, and exportation of energy resources, including by waiving environmental review requirements and other specified requirements under certain environmental laws, eliminating certain restrictions on the import and export of oil and natural gas, prohibiting the President from declaring a moratorium on the use of hydraulic fracturing (a type of process used to extract underground energy resources), directing the Department of the Interior to conduct sales for the leasing of oil and gas resources on federal lands and waters as specified by the bill, and limiting the authority of the President and executive agencies to restrict or delay the development of energy on federal land. In addition, the bill reduces royalties for oil and gas development on federal land and eliminates charges on methane emissions. It also eliminates a variety of funds, such as funds for energy efficiency improvements in buildings as well as the greenhouse gas reduction fund.

Previously Filed As

US HB4141

To provide that certain communications projects are not subject to requirements to prepare certain environmental or historical preservation reviews, and for other purposes.

US HB2716

OWNER Act Offshore Wind for Northeastern Energy Revenue Act

US HB3614

American Offshore Wind Opportunity Act

US HR239

Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that offshore wind projects along the Atlantic coast require more comprehensive investigations examining the impact to the environment, relevant maritime industries, and national defense before being leased or constructed.

US HB10508

To amend the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act to support the responsible development of offshore renewable energy projects, establish the Offshore Power Administration, and for other purposes.

US HB8718

To conditionally prohibit commercial offshore wind energy development in the Columbia Management Area, and for other purposes.

US HB4437

To require the Comptroller General of the United States to conduct a study to evaluate any adverse effects of electric vehicles on United States infrastructure, and for other purposes.

US HB209

Permitting for Mining Needs Act of 2023 This bill expedites the review of mining projects on federal lands and limits judicial review of mining projects. For example, the bill expands the federal permitting and review processes under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act for critical minerals. Under the act, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and the U.S. Forest Service, to the maximum extent practicable, must complete the federal permitting and review processes related to critical mineral mines on federal lands with maximum efficiency and effectiveness. This bill expands this process to include all minerals as defined by the bill, not only critical minerals. The bill also establishes deadlines for completing the review of mining projects under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969. In addition, the bill also expands the meaning of covered projects under the Fixing America's Surface Transportation (FAST) Act to include (1) certain mineral production projects, and (2) certain actions taken by the Department of Defense. Such projects qualify for expedited environmental review. It also establishes requirements to expedite the review or authorization of certain mineral projects, such as (1) mineral exploration activities with a surface disturbance of no more than five acres of public lands, (2) ancillary mining activities, and (3) uranium projects. Finally, the bill limits judicial review of a permit, license, or approval issued by a lead agency for a mining project by requiring the filing of claims within a certain time period.

US HB4251

To require the Comptroller General of the United States to conduct a study of the effectiveness of the Federal Government in carrying out its responsibilities under the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act to promote access to voting for absent uniformed services voters and an analysis of means for improving access to voter registration information and assistance for members of the Armed Forces and their family members, and for other purposes.

US HB495

Reducing Environmental Barriers to Unified Infrastructure and Land Development Act of 2023 Act or the REBUILD Act of 2023 This bill sets forth a process to authorize states to assume the environmental review responsibilities of federal agencies. Specifically, it allows states to oversee the environmental review required under certain federal environmental laws for projects funded by, carried out by, or subject to approval by federal agencies.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.