Source: http://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?path=/prelim@title42/chapter55/subchapter4&edition=prelim
Timestamp: 2018-02-21 03:48:57
Document Index: 581690512

Matched Legal Cases: ['§4370', 'arts 1500', '§41001', '§11503', '§41014', '§4370', '§41002', '§4370', '§41004', '§4370', '§41006', '§4370', '§41007', '§4370', '§41009', '§4370', '§41010', '§4370', '§41013']

[USC02] 42 USC CHAPTER 55, SUBCHAPTER IV: FEDERAL PERMITTING IMPROVEMENT
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42 USC CHAPTER 55, SUBCHAPTER IV: FEDERAL PERMITTING IMPROVEMENT
SUBCHAPTER IV—FEDERAL PERMITTING IMPROVEMENT
§4370m. Definitions
The term "agency" has the meaning given the term in section 551 of title 5.
The term "agency CERPO" means the chief environmental review and permitting officer of an agency, as designated by the head of the agency under section 4370m–1(b)(2)(A)(iii)(I) of this title.
The term "authorization" means any license, permit, approval, finding, determination, or other administrative decision issued by an agency that is required or authorized under Federal law in order to site, construct, reconstruct, or commence operations of a covered project administered by a Federal agency or, in the case of a State that chooses to participate in the environmental review and authorization process in accordance with section 4370m–2(c)(3)(A) of this title, a State agency.
(4) Cooperating agency
The term "cooperating agency" means any agency with—
(B) special expertise as described in section 1501.6 of title 40, Code of Federal Regulations (as in effect on December 4, 2015).
The term "Council" means the Federal Infrastructure Permitting Improvement Steering Council 1 established under section 4370m–1(a) of this title.
The term "covered project" means any activity in the United States that requires authorization or environmental review by a Federal agency involving construction of infrastructure for renewable or conventional energy production, electricity transmission, surface transportation, aviation, ports and waterways, water resource projects, broadband, pipelines, manufacturing, or any other sector as determined by a majority vote of the Council that—
The term "covered project" does not include—
(i) any project subject to section 139 of title 23; or
(ii) any project subject to section 2348 of title 33.
The term "Dashboard" means the Permitting Dashboard required under section 4370m–2(b) of this title.
The term "environmental assessment" means a concise public document for which a Federal agency is responsible under section 1508.9 of title 40, Code of Federal Regulations (or successor regulations).
The term "environmental document" means an environmental assessment, finding of no significant impact, notice of intent, environmental impact statement, or record of decision.
The term "environmental document" includes—
The term "environmental impact statement" means the detailed written statement required under section 102(2)(C) of NEPA [42 U.S.C. 4332(2)(C)].
The term "environmental review" means the agency procedures and processes for applying a categorical exclusion or for preparing an environmental assessment, an environmental impact statement, or other document required under NEPA.
The term "Executive Director" means the Executive Director appointed by the President under section 4370m–1(b)(1)(A) of this title.
The term "facilitating agency" means the agency that receives the initial notification from the project sponsor required under section 4370m–2(a) of this title.
The term "inventory" means the inventory of covered projects established by the Executive Director under section 4370m–1(c)(1)(A) of this title.
The term "lead agency" means the agency with principal responsibility for an environmental review of a covered project under NEPA and parts 1500 through 1508 of title 40, Code of Federal Regulations (or successor regulations).
The term "NEPA" means the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.).
The term "participating agency" means an agency participating in an environmental review or authorization for a covered project in accordance with section 4370m–2 of this title.
The term "project sponsor" means an entity, including any private, public, or public-private entity, seeking an authorization for a covered project.
(Pub. L. 114–94, div. D, title XLI, §41001, Dec. 4, 2015, 129 Stat. 1741.)
Pub. L. 114–94, div. A, title XI, §11503(b), Dec. 4, 2015, 129 Stat. 1692, provided that: "Except as expressly provided in section 41003(f) [42 U.S.C. 4370m–2(f)] and subsection (o) of section 139 of title 23, United States Code, the requirements and other provisions of title 41 of this Act [probably means title XLI of div. D of Pub. L. 114–94, 42 U.S.C. 4370m et seq.] shall not apply to—
"(1) programs administered now and in the future by the Department of Transportation or its operating administrations under title 23, 46, or 49, United States Code, including direct loan and loan guarantee programs, or other Federal statutes or programs or projects administered by an agency pursuant to their authority under title 49, United States Code; or
"(2) any project subject to section 2045 of the Water Resources Development Act of 2007 (33 U.S.C. 2348)."
Pub. L. 114–94, div. D, title XLI, §41014, Dec. 4, 2015, 129 Stat. 1762, provided that: "The Office of the Law Revision Counsel is directed to place sections 41001 through 41013 of this title in chapter 55 of title 42, United States Code, as subchapter IV."
(b) "CAP Goals" means Federal Government Priority Goals established by the Government Performance and Results Act (GPRA) Modernization Act of 2010, Public Law 111–352, 124 Stat. 3866, and commonly referred to as Cross-Agency Priority (CAP) Goals.
(c) "Federal Permitting Improvement Steering Council" or "FPISC" means the entity established under 42 U.S.C. 4370m–1.
(iii) Best Practices. Agencies shall implement the techniques and strategies the FPISC annually identifies as best practices pursuant to 42 U.S.C. 4370m–1(c)(2)(B), as appropriate. The performance accountability system shall track and score agencies on the incorporation and implementation of appropriate best practices for all infrastructure projects, including the implementation of such best practices at an agency's field level.
(A) The framework should be consistent with the model processes established under 42 U.S.C. 4370m–2, 23 U.S.C. 139, 33 U.S.C. 2348, the 2015 "Red Book" (officially entitled "Synchronizing Environmental Reviews for Transportation and Other Infrastructure Projects"), and CEQ guidance on efficient and timely environmental reviews under NEPA.
(c) Dashboard. All projects subject to 23 U.S.C. 139 and "covered projects" under 42 U.S.C. 4370m shall be tracked on the Dashboard established under 42 U.S.C. 4370m–2(b). Other projects or classes of projects subject to special environmental review and authorization streamlining processes similar to those referenced in this subsection may also be tracked on the Dashboard at the discretion of the FPISC Executive Director. The dates for milestones of all projects tracked on the Dashboard shall be updated monthly, or on another appropriate timeline as may be determined by the FPISC Executive Director.
(d) Executive Order 13766. For purposes of implementing Executive Order 13766 of January 24, 2017 (Expediting Environmental Reviews and Approvals for High Priority Infrastructure Projects), all infrastructure projects that meet the criteria for, and are subject to, 23 U.S.C. 139, 33 U.S.C. 2348, or 42 U.S.C. 4370m–4370m–12 shall qualify as high priority projects under Executive Order 13766. Other projects or classes of projects subject to special environmental review and authorization streamlining processes, similar to those referenced in this subsection as may be determined by the FPISC Executive Director in consultation with OMB and CEQ, shall also qualify as high priority infrastructure projects under Executive Order 13766. The CEQ Chairman's responsibilities under sections 2 and 3 of Executive Order 13766 shall be satisfied by referring the project to the FPISC Executive Director, the Secretary of Transportation, or the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works, as appropriate.
(ii) Additional Duties. In addition to the duties and responsibilities charged to the FPISC Executive Director under 42 U.S.C. 4370m–4370m–12 and this order, the FPISC Executive Director may, upon request of a FPISC member agency or a project sponsor, work with the lead agency or any cooperating and participating agencies to facilitate the environmental review and authorization process for any infrastructure project regardless of whether the project is a "covered project" under 42 U.S.C. 4370m, including by resolving disputes and promoting early coordination. The FPISC Executive Director, the Director of OMB, or the Chairman of CEQ may establish any appropriate policies or procedures concerning the FPISC Executive Director's facilitation of the environmental review and authorization process under this subsection. Agencies must cooperate with the FPISC Executive Director with respect to the implementation of these additional duties.
1 So in original. Probably should be "Federal Permitting Improvement Steering Council".
§4370m–1. Federal Permitting Improvement Council
There is established the Federal Permitting Improvement Steering Council.
(2) Council members
(i) Designation by head of agency
Each individual listed in subparagraph (B) shall designate a member of the agency in which the individual serves to serve on the Council.
A councilmem-ber 1 described in clause (i) shall hold a position in the agency of deputy secretary (or the equivalent) or higher.
(iii) Support
Consistent with guidance provided by the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, each individual listed in subparagraph (B) shall designate 1 or more appropriate members of the agency in which the individual serves to serve as an agency CERPO.
In carrying out the duties of the agency CERPO under this subchapter, an agency CERPO shall report directly to a deputy secretary (or the equivalent) or higher.
(B) Heads of agencies
The individuals that shall each designate a councilmember under this subparagraph are as follows:
(viii) The Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency.
(ix) The Chairman of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.
(x) The Chairman of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.
(xi) The Secretary of Homeland Security.
(xii) The Secretary of Housing and Urban Development.
(xiii) The Chairman of the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation.
(xiv) Any other head of a Federal agency that the Executive Director may invite to participate as a member of the Council.
In addition to the members listed in paragraphs (1) and (2), the Chairman of the Council on Environmental Quality and the Director of the Office of Management and Budget shall also be members of the Council.
(A) Inventory development
The Executive Director, in consultation with the Council, shall—
(i) not later than 180 days after December 4, 2015, establish an inventory of covered projects that are pending the environmental review or authorization of the head of any Federal agency;
(iii) add a covered project to the inventory after receiving a notice described in section 4370m–2(a)(1) of this title.
(B) Facilitating agency designation
(C) Performance schedules
Not later than 1 year after December 4, 2015, the Executive Director, in consultation with the Council, shall develop recommended performance schedules, including intermediate and final completion dates, for environmental reviews and authorizations most commonly required for each category of covered projects described in subparagraph (A)(ii).
The performance schedules shall reflect employment of the use of the most efficient applicable processes, including the alignment of Federal reviews of projects and reduction of permitting and project delivery time.
(II) Limit
The final completion dates in any performance schedule for the completion of an environmental review or authorization under clause (i) shall not exceed the average time to complete an environmental review or authorization for a project within that category.
(bb) Calculation of average time
The average time referred to in item (aa) shall be calculated on the basis of data from the preceding 2 calendar years and shall run from the period beginning on the date on which the Executive Director must make a specific entry for the project on the Dashboard under section 4370m–2(b)(2) of this title (except that, for projects initiated before that duty takes effect, the period beginning on the date of filing of a completed application), and ending on the date of the issuance of a record of decision or other final agency action on the review or authorization.
(cc) Completion date
Each performance schedule shall specify that any decision by an agency on an environmental review or authorization must be issued not later than 180 days after the date on which all information needed to complete the review or authorization (including any hearing that an agency holds on the matter) is in the possession of the agency.
(iii) Review and revision
Not later than 2 years after the date on which the performance schedules are established under this subparagraph, and not less frequently than once every 2 years thereafter, the Executive Director, in consultation with the Council, shall review and revise the performance schedules.
The Executive Director, in consultation with the Council, may recommend to the Director of the Office of Management and Budget or to the Council on Environmental Quality, as appropriate, that guidance be issued as necessary for agencies—
(i) to carry out responsibilities under this subchapter; and
The Council shall make recommendations to the Executive Director with respect to the designations under paragraph (1)(B) and the performance schedules under paragraph (1)(C).
Not later than 1 year after December 4, 2015, and not less frequently than annually thereafter, the Council shall issue recommendations on the best practices for—
The Council shall meet not less frequently than annually with groups or individuals representing State, tribal, and local governments that are engaged in the infrastructure permitting process.
(3) Agency CERPOs
An agency CERPO shall—
The Director of the Office of Management and Budget shall designate a Federal agency, other than an agency that carries out or provides support only for projects that are not covered projects, to provide administrative support for the Executive Director, and the designated agency shall, as reasonably necessary, provide support and staff to enable the Executive Director to fulfill the duties of the Executive Director under this subchapter.
(Pub. L. 114–94, div. D, title XLI, §41002, Dec. 4, 2015, 129 Stat. 1743.)
§4370m–3. Interstate compacts
The consent of Congress is given for 3 or more contiguous States to enter into an interstate compact establishing regional infrastructure development agencies to facilitate authorization and review of covered projects, under State law or in the exercise of delegated permitting authority described under section 4370m–5 of this title, that will advance infrastructure development, production, and generation within the States that are parties to the compact.
(b) Regional infrastructure
For the purpose of this subchapter, a regional infrastructure development agency referred to in subsection (a) shall have the same authorities and responsibilities of a State agency.
(Pub. L. 114–94, div. D, title XLI, §41004, Dec. 4, 2015, 129 Stat. 1755.)
§4370m–5. Delegated State permitting programs
If a Federal statute permits a Federal agency to delegate to or otherwise authorize a State to issue or otherwise administer a permit program in lieu of the Federal agency, the Federal agency with authority to carry out the statute shall—
(1) on publication by the Council of best practices under section 4370m–1(c)(2)(B) of this title, initiate a national process, with public participation, to determine whether and the extent to which any of the best practices are generally applicable on a delegation- or authorization-wide basis to permitting under the statute; and
(2) not later than 2 years after December 4, 2015, make model recommendations for State modifications of the applicable permit program to reflect the best practices described in section 4370m–1(c)(2)(B) of this title, as appropriate.
Lead and cooperating agencies may share with State, tribal, and local authorities best practices involved in review of covered projects and invite input from State, tribal, and local authorities regarding best practices.
(Pub. L. 114–94, div. D, title XLI, §41006, Dec. 4, 2015, 129 Stat. 1758.)
§4370m–6. Litigation, judicial review, and savings provision
(a) Limitations on claims
(B) in the case of an action pertaining to an environmental review conducted under NEPA—
(i) the action is filed by a party that submitted a comment during the environmental review; and
(ii) any commenter filed a sufficiently detailed comment so as to put the lead agency on notice of the issue on which the party seeks judicial review, or the lead agency did not provide a reasonable opportunity for such a comment on that issue.
If Federal law requires the preparation of a supplemental environmental impact statement or other supplemental environmental document, the preparation of such document shall be considered a separate final agency action and the deadline for filing a claim for judicial review of the agency action shall be 2 years after the date on which a notice announcing the final agency action is published in the Federal Register, unless a shorter time is specified in the Federal law under which judicial review is allowed.
(b) Preliminary injunctive relief
In addition to considering any other applicable equitable factors, in any action seeking a temporary restraining order or preliminary injunction against an agency or a project sponsor in connection with review or authorization of a covered project, the court shall—
(1) consider the potential effects on public health, safety, and the environment, and the potential for significant negative effects on jobs resulting from an order or injunction; and
Except as provided in subsection (a), nothing in this subchapter affects the reviewability of any final Federal agency action in a court of competent jurisdiction.
(Pub. L. 114–94, div. D, title XLI, §41007, Dec. 4, 2015, 129 Stat. 1758.)
NEPA, referred to in subsec. (a)(1)(B), (2)(A), means the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, Pub. L. 91–190, Jan. 1, 1970, 83 Stat. 852, which is classified generally to this chapter. See section 4370m(16) of this title. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 4321 of this title and Tables.
§4370m–8. Funding for governance, oversight, and processing of environmental reviews and permits
The heads of agencies listed in section 4370m–1(b)(2)(B) of this title, with the guidance of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget and in consultation with the Executive Director, may, after public notice and opportunity for comment, issue regulations establishing a fee structure for project proponents to reimburse the United States for reasonable costs incurred in conducting environmental reviews and authorizations for covered projects.
(b) Reasonable costs
As used in this section, the term "reasonable costs" shall include costs to implement the requirements and authorities required under sections 4370m–1 and 4370m–2 of this title, including the costs to agencies and the costs of operating the Council.
(c) Fee structure
The fee structure established under subsection (a) shall—
(3) be established in a manner that ensures that the aggregate amount of fees collected for a fiscal year is estimated not to exceed 20 percent of the total estimated costs for the fiscal year for the resources allocated for the conduct of the environmental reviews and authorizations covered by this subchapter, as determined by the Director of the Office of Management and Budget.
(d) Environmental Review and Permitting Improvement Fund
All amounts collected pursuant to this section shall be deposited into a separate fund in the Treasury of the United States to be known as the "Environmental Review Improvement Fund" (referred to in this section as the "Fund").
Amounts in the Fund shall be available to the Executive Director, without appropriation or fiscal year limitation, solely for the purposes of administering, implementing, and enforcing this subchapter, including the expenses of the Council.
The Executive Director, with the approval of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, may transfer amounts in the Fund to other agencies to facilitate timely and efficient environmental reviews and authorizations for proposed covered projects.
(e) Effect on permitting
The regulations adopted pursuant to subsection (a) shall ensure that the use of funds accepted under subsection (d) will not impact impartial decision-making with respect to environmental reviews or authorizations, either substantively or procedurally.
(f) Transfer of appropriated funds
The heads of agencies listed in section 4370m–1(b)(2)(B) of this title shall have the authority to transfer, in accordance with section 1535 of title 31, funds appropriated to those agencies and not otherwise obligated to other affected Federal agencies for the purpose of implementing the provisions of this subchapter.
Appropriations under title 23 and appropriations for the civil works program of the Army Corps of Engineers shall not be available for transfer under paragraph (1).
(Pub. L. 114–94, div. D, title XLI, §41009, Dec. 4, 2015, 129 Stat. 1760.)
§4370m–9. Application
This subchapter applies to any covered project for which—
(1) a notice is filed under section 4370m–2(a)(1) of this title; or
(2) an application or other request for a Federal authorization is pending before a Federal agency 90 days after December 4, 2015.
(Pub. L. 114–94, div. D, title XLI, §41010, Dec. 4, 2015, 129 Stat. 1761.)
§4370m–12. Sunset
(Pub. L. 114–94, div. D, title XLI, §41013, Dec. 4, 2015, 129 Stat. 1761.)