Bill > HR6163

This bill amends the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) to allow federal agencies to more efficiently handle environmental reviews for major federal actions by simplifying the process of reusing previous environmental assessments (EAs) and environmental impact statements (EISs). Specifically, the bill enables lead agencies to rely on previously completed environmental documents for new projects if two key conditions are met: first, the new federal action is substantially similar to a previously analyzed action, and second, the potential environmental effects of the new action are substantially the same as those previously analyzed. If the new action is not substantially the same, agencies can modify existing environmental documents to fit the new project, with the requirement that the modified document be made publicly available. The bill aims to reduce duplicative environmental reviews and streamline the NEPA process, potentially saving time and resources for federal agencies and project sponsors while maintaining environmental review standards. The changes are intended to create more efficiency in environmental documentation without compromising the fundamental environmental assessment goals of NEPA.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/6163/all-info