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.
If enacted, HB 495 could drastically change the landscape of environmental regulation within states. It would enable states to take over responsibilities typically held by federal officials for environmental reviews on projects funded or approved by these officials. This shift would create a framework where states can manage their own environmental reviews while maintaining compliance with federal standards, potentially altering how infrastructure projects are initiated and completed across the nation.
House Bill 495, titled the 'Reducing Environmental Barriers to Unified Infrastructure and Land Development Act of 2023' (REBUILD Act), proposes significant amendments to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969. The bill seeks to authorize states to assume the responsibilities of federal agencies regarding environmental reviews of federal projects. It aims to streamline the process for infrastructure and land development by allowing states to conduct environmental assessments under certain federal laws, thereby potentially expediting project approvals.
Despite its focus on expediency, the bill raises concerns regarding the oversight of these reviews and the capability of states to properly execute them without compromising environmental protections. Critics argue that this delegation of authority may lead to inconsistent application of environmental review processes and standards, potentially resulting in inadequate protections for ecosystems and communities. The debate surrounding this bill is likely to center on balancing the need for development and infrastructure improvements against the imperative to maintain environmental integrity and oversight.