Bill > HR5085

This bill aims to streamline the process of developing infill housing by exempting certain federal actions related to such housing from the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) requirements. Specifically, the bill defines "infill housing" as residential development on vacant or underutilized urban sites up to 20 acres, which must undergo environmental assessments to ensure safety. The housing must be located in areas predominantly surrounded by existing urban development and cannot be in high-risk flood or wildfire zones. "Infill housing activities" include land acquisition, property demolition (excluding historic structures), housing construction, and converting non-residential buildings into housing. The bill also requires the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to update its natural hazard risk assessments more frequently, changing the current review cycle from every 5 years to every 3 years. The goal appears to be expediting housing development in already developed urban areas while maintaining environmental and safety standards through thorough site assessments.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Business and Industry

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/5085/all-info