Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

Us Congress House Bill HB3316

Introduced
5/15/23  
Refer
5/15/23  
Refer
5/16/23  
Refer
5/16/23  
Refer
5/16/23  

Caption

To amend titles 46 and 49, United States Code, to streamline the environmental review process for major projects, and for other purposes.

Impact

If enacted, HB3316 could significantly alter the current regulatory landscape by decreasing the time required to obtain necessary approvals for major infrastructure initiatives. Proponents of the bill argue that by streamlining these processes, compliance costs and delays will be reduced, thereby encouraging investment in essential infrastructure. However, this could be viewed as diminishing environmental oversight, as expedited processes may lead to insufficient reviews of potential environmental impacts, thereby raising concerns among environmental advocates.

Summary

House Bill 3316 aims to amend titles 46 and 49 of the United States Code by streamlining the environmental review process for major infrastructure projects. The bill proposes to implement 'one federal decision' policy that intends to create more consistency and efficiency in how environmental reviews are conducted across various sectors, including ports, pipelines, and aviation. By mandating the Secretary of Transportation to adopt project development procedures that enhance the efficiency of reviews, the bill focuses on reducing bureaucratic delays and redundancies in federal project approvals.

Sentiment

The reception of HB3316 has been mixed. Supporters, including certain lawmakers and industry stakeholders, praise the bill for its focus on efficiency and economic development, stating that it will facilitate timely infrastructure improvements critical for the nation's economy. However, opponents criticize it for potentially undermining environmental protections and local oversight, arguing that such a sweeping approach could overlook essential environmental assessments needed to safeguard communities and ecosystems.

Contention

A notable point of contention surrounding HB3316 involves the balance between facilitating infrastructure development and maintaining robust environmental protections. Critics fear that the streamlined reviews may gloss over critical assessments, leading to adverse environmental outcomes. Furthermore, the proposed changes evoke discussions about federal versus local decision-making authority, questioning whether the 'one federal decision' framework appropriately respects the complexities of local environmental concerns.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

US HB9839

To amend title 39, United States Code, to modernize the Postal Service regulations, and for other purposes.

US HB3372

To amend title 23, United States Code, to establish a safety data collection program for certain 6-axle vehicles, and for other purposes.

US HB215

Working to Advance Tangible and Effective Reforms for California Act or the WATER for California Act This bill addresses the operation of the Central Valley Project (CVP), a federal water project in California owned and operated by the Bureau of Reclamation, and the California State Water Project (SWP), which is operated jointly with the CVP. Specifically, the bill requires that Reclamation operate the CVP and SWP pursuant to a specified alternative to a proposed action in a final environmental impact statement and 2019 agency published Biological Opinions (BiOps). The bill also requires Reclamation and the Department of Commerce to submit a justification to Congress that meets certain requirements prior to requesting or completing a reinitiation of consultation that will result in new BiOps. This bill also requires Reclamation to allocate water to existing agricultural water service contractors within the CVP's Sacramento River Watershed based on the water year type (e.g., dry, wet). These allocations must not affect the United States' ability or obligations to deliver water under other designated contracts. Further, the bill repeals certain eligibility requirements for water infrastructure construction funding under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act to make the Shasta Dam and Reservoir Enlargement Project in California eligible for funding. The bill also requires that Reclamation funds made available but not used for this project in previous appropriations years be made available to the project. Finally, the bill reauthorizes Reclamation's support for the construction or expansion of water storage projects.

US HB10536

To amend title 38, United States Code, to establish a mission of the Veterans Health Administration to innovate, and for other purposes.

US HB9591

To require the Administrator of General Services to sell certain property related to United States Penitentiary, Leavenworth, and for other purposes.

US HB6085

To prohibit the implementation of the Draft Resource Management Plan and Environmental Impact Statement for the Rock Springs RMP Revision, Wyoming, and for other purposes.

US HB10525

To facilitate efficient investments and financing of infrastructure projects and new job creation through the establishment of a National Infrastructure Development Bank, and for other purposes.

US HR1602

Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 5349) to develop and disseminate a civic education curriculum and oral history resources regarding certain political ideologies, and for other purposes, and providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 7198) to amend title 5, United States Code, to require greater transparency for Federal regulatory decisions that impact small businesses, and for other purposes.

US HB3898

PERMIT Act Promoting Efficient Review for Modern Infrastructure Today Act

US HB3838

SPEED Act Streamlining Procurement for Effective Execution and Delivery Act of 2025

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