If enacted, HB2366 will amend various sections of Title 23 of the United States Code, thereby establishing a legal standard for expedited review processes for transportation-related permits. This legislative change is intended to facilitate quicker resolutions for construction projects that are essential for improving transport systems. Supporters of the bill believe that reducing the timeframe will help promote infrastructure development, which could lead to better public transportation systems and, ultimately, economic growth.
Summary
House Bill 2366, titled the '90-Day Review Act', aims to institute a new timeframe for filing petitions related to permits, licenses, or approvals for highway and public transportation projects. The bill proposes a significant reduction of the current petition filing period from 150 days to 90 days, which proponents argue will expedite the overall approval process for critical infrastructure projects. By streamlining this timeline, the legislation seeks to enhance efficiency within the project approval landscape, thus potentially accelerating transportation development across the country.
Contention
However, there are concerns regarding the implications of such a drastic reduction in filing time. Critics of the bill may argue that the shortened timeframe might hinder community engagement and the ability of stakeholders to voice concerns regarding significant transportation projects. They might express worries that the bill prioritizes speed over thorough review processes, potentially putting environmental and community safety at risk. Stakeholders may advocate for retaining the longer review period to ensure that all voices are heard and considered in the public transportation approval process.
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
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.
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