UNSHACKLE Act Undoing NEPA’s Substantial Harm by Advancing Concepts that Kickstart the Liberation of the Economy Act
If enacted, SB5323 could significantly alter the regulatory landscape surrounding environmental assessments. The bill introduces provisions that deem permits approved if not finalized within specified timelines, potentially undermining thorough environmental reviews. Additionally, it limits considerations of climate change in the environmental review processes, restricting the ability of agencies to weigh the environmental impacts of projects fully, particularly concerning greenhouse gas emissions. This may lead to an accelerated rate of project approvals at the expense of environmental protections.
Senate Bill 5323, titled the ‘UNSHACKLE Act’, seeks to amend the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969 by imposing strict time limits on the completion of certain required actions under NEPA. Specifically, the bill aims to expedite the federal permitting process for projects by mandating that federal agencies finalize their evaluations within a set timeframe, generally two years from the initiation of the NEPA process. This legislative effort is intended to enhance efficiency and facilitate economic development by reducing delays associated with environmental reviews that can often span several years.
The proposed changes have raised concerns among environmental advocates and some legislators who argue that the bill undermines the fundamental goals of NEPA, which include ensuring informed decision-making about environmental impacts. Critics argue that by prioritizing economic development and efficiency over comprehensive environmental reviews, the bill could lead to resource degradation and adverse ecological consequences. Furthermore, there are apprehensions that it could limit public participation in the review process, as the bill mandates expedited timelines that could hinder opportunities for public input and scrutiny.