Bill > HR4660

This bill aims to streamline environmental review processes for housing-related activities at the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) by reclassifying certain types of projects under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). The bill defines an "infill project" as a development within a municipality on previously disturbed land (up to 5 acres) that repurposes vacant or underutilized space for residential or commercial use. It categorizes housing-related activities into three levels of environmental review: fully exempt activities (like tenant-based rental assistance and supportive services), categorical exclusions with minimal environmental impact (such as rehabilitating 1-4 unit residential buildings), and categorical exclusions subject to additional environmental review (like converting office buildings to residential spaces or developing 5-15 housing units). The bill requires HUD to modify its regulations to simplify and expedite environmental reviews for these activities, with the goal of reducing administrative barriers to housing development. Additionally, HUD must submit annual reports to Congress for five years detailing the reduction in review times and administrative costs, particularly in the affordable housing sector. By streamlining these processes, the bill seeks to potentially increase housing supply and reduce development complexity.

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https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/4660/all-info