Promoting Interagency Coordination for Review of Natural Gas Pipelines Act

Bill: 118-hr-1115
Sponsor: Rep. Burgess, Michael C. [R-TX-26]
Introduced: 2023-02-21 in the House
Policy area: Energy
Subjects: Computer security and identity theft
Environmental assessment, monitoring, research
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC)
Government information and archives
Intergovernmental relations
Licensing and registrations
Oil and gas
Pipelines
State and local government operations
Transportation employees
Transportation safety and security

Summary:
action_date: 2023-02-21
text: 

Promoting Interagency Coordination for Review of Natural Gas Pipelines Act

 
This bill expands the authority of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC)to act as the only lead agency for the purpose of coordinating the environmental review process under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) of natural gas pipeline project applications under the Natural Gas Act. Thus, federal, state, and local agencies involved in the environmental review process must defer to FERC's approved scope for a NEPA review.
 
FERC must invite and designate the other participating agencies involved in the authorization process. In addition, FERC must consult with the Transportation Security Administration regarding pipeline infrastructure security, pipeline cybersecurity, pipeline personnel security, and other pipeline security measures.
 
The bill establishes a deadline for agencies to complete NEPA reviews of pipeline projects and requires concurrent reviews when multiple federal or state agencies are involved.
 
If a federal or state agency requires the person applying for a pipeline authorization to submit data, the agency must consider any such data gathered by aerial or other remote means that the person submits.

action_date: 2023-03-23
text: 

Promoting Interagency Coordination for Review of Natural Gas Pipelines Act

 
This bill expands the authority of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC)to act as the only lead agency for the purpose of coordinating the environmental review process under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) of natural gas pipeline project applications under the Natural Gas Act. Thus, federal, state, and local agencies involved in the environmental review process must defer to FERC's approved scope for a NEPA review.
 
FERC must invite and designate the other participating agencies involved in the authorization process by deadlines established by the bill. In addition, FERC must consult with the Transportation Security Administration regarding pipeline infrastructure security, pipeline cybersecurity, pipeline personnel security, and other pipeline security measures.
 
The bill establishes a deadline for agencies to complete NEPA reviews of pipeline projects and requires concurrent reviews when multiple federal or state agencies are involved. 
 
Applicants for gas pipeline projects do not have to obtain a certification under Section 401 of the Clean Water Act. Instead, FERC must incorporate the water quality certification into its NEPA review.
 
If a federal or state agency requires the person applying for a pipeline authorization to submit data, the agency must consider any such data gathered by aerial or other remote means that the person submits.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2023-03-23
text: Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 15.
action_date: 2023-03-23
text: Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Energy and Commerce. H. Rept. 118-23.
action_date: 2023-03-23
text: Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Energy and Commerce. H. Rept. 118-23.
action_date: 2023-03-09
text: Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 27 - 23.
action_date: 2023-03-09
text: Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.
action_date: 2023-02-28
text: Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 13 - 8 .
action_date: 2023-02-28
text: Subcommittee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.
action_date: 2023-02-21
text: Referred to the Subcommittee on Energy, Climate and Grid Security.
action_date: 2023-02-21
text: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
action_date: 2023-02-21
text: Introduced in House
action_date: 2023-02-21
text: Introduced in House