US Federal 2023-2024 Regular Session

US Federal House Bill HB1152

Introduced
2/24/23  
Refer
2/24/23  
Refer
2/27/23  

Caption

Water Quality Certification and Energy Project Improvement Act of 2023

Impact

The amendments introduced by HB 1152 are expected to streamline the certification process for energy projects, potentially accelerating their development. Proponents argue that by establishing clear guidelines and timelines, the bill will enhance regulatory efficiency while still adhering to essential environmental standards. This change could lead to increased investment in energy infrastructure while maintaining compliance with federal water quality metrics, thus ensuring that environmental protection does not become a bottleneck for energy project approvals.

Summary

House Bill 1152, known as the Water Quality Certification and Energy Project Improvement Act of 2023, proposes significant amendments to the Federal Water Pollution Control Act. The bill primarily aims to refine the processes surrounding water quality certification as it pertains to energy projects. It specifies the obligations of state and interstate agencies in granting these certifications, emphasizing the need for clarity and timeliness in decision-making regarding environmental impacts of proposed projects. Specifically, the bill mandates agencies to publish certification requirements and provide written reasoning for their decisions, promoting accountability and transparency in the process.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 1152 appears supportive among industry stakeholders, particularly those in energy sectors who view the bill as a means to reduce bureaucratic delays. However, there are concerns expressed by environmental advocacy groups. They fear that expedited processes may lead to inadequate environmental assessments, compromising water quality protections that are foundational to ecological health. This division of sentiment underscores the ongoing tension between economic growth and environmental stewardship.

Contention

Notably, some members of the legislature have raised points of contention regarding how these amendments might be implemented in practice. Critics of the bill argue that while timelines may be beneficial, they could inadvertently incentivize rushed decisions that overlook potential environmental repercussions. The balance between facilitating energy development and ensuring rigorous environmental compliance remains a central theme in discussions about the bill's provisions and its broader implications on water quality governance.

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.

US SB947

Related Lower Energy Costs Act Water Quality Certification and Energy Project Improvement Act of 2023 TAPP American Resources Act Transparency, Accountability, Permitting, and Production of American Resources Act

US HB2811

Related Water Quality Certification and Energy Project Improvement Act of 2023 TAPP American Resources Act Transparency, Accountability, Permitting, and Production of American Resources Act Regulations from the Executive in Need of Scrutiny Act of 2023

Previously Filed As

US HB3928

Improving Water Quality Certifications and American Energy Infrastructure Act

US AB1373

Water quality: state certification.

US HB6373

Air Permitting Improvements to Protect National Security Act of 2025

US HB8259

Federal Water Projects Consultation Improvement Act of 2026

US H1575

Water Quality Improvements

US HB178

Public Land Renewable Energy Development Act of 2023This bill sets forth provisions regarding development of geothermal, solar, or wind energy on public lands. The Department of the Interior shall establish priority areas on its land for geothermal, solar, and wind energy projects, consistent with the principles of multiple use and the renewable energy permitting goal. Among applications for a given renewable energy source, proposed projects located in priority areas for that renewable energy source shall be given the highest priority for incentivizing deployment, and be offered the opportunity to participate in any regional mitigation plan developed for the relevant priority areas. The bill provides for the disposition of revenues from the development of wind or solar energy. The bill establishes the Renewable Energy Resource Conservation Fund to make funds available to federal, state, and tribal agencies for distribution in regions in which renewable energy projects are located on federal land for (1) restoring and protecting natural water bodies and fish and wildlife habitat and corridors, and (2) preserving and improving recreational access to federal land and water in an affected region.

US HB4357

Border Water Quality Restoration and Protection Act

US HB140

Protecting Speech from Government Interference Act This bill generally prohibits federal employees from censoring the speech of others while acting in an official capacity. Specifically, the bill prohibits employees of executive agencies or who are otherwise in the competitive service from (1) using their official authority to influence or advocate for a third party, including a private entity, to censor speech; (2) censoring the speech of any person who has a pending regulatory application with, or is the subject of or a participant in an active enforcement action by, the employee's office; or (3) engaging in censorship while on duty, wearing a uniform, or using official government property. Certain presidential appointees may not censor speech at any time, including outside normal duty hours. Employees are subject to disciplinary action, civil penalties, or both for violations. The bill defines censor or censorship to include ordering or advocating for the removal of lawful speech, the addition of disclaimers, or the restriction of access with respect to any platform (e.g., social media).

US HB186

Water Supply Permitting Coordination Act This bill makes the Bureau of Reclamation the lead agency for the purpose of coordinating all permitting and related activities required to construct certain new surface-water storage projects. Specifically, Reclamation must identify, notify, and coordinate all Federal agencies that may have jurisdiction over a review, analysis, opinion, statement, permit, license, approval, or decision for a qualifying project. A state where a project is being considered may also choose to participate as a cooperating agency. Reclamation's coordination responsibilities include (1) preparing a unified environmental review document, and (2) maintaining a consolidated administrative record and project data records. Additionally, Reclamation is authorized to accept and expend funds contributed by a nonfederal public entity to expedite the evaluation of a permit for such a project.

US HB3983

Veterans Claims Quality Improvement Act of 2025

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.