Bill > HR6491

This bill, titled the "Streamline Transit Projects Act," amends federal law to allow eligible transit agencies to take on certain responsibilities related to environmental reviews for transit projects. Specifically, it permits direct recipients of federal transit funds, located in urbanized areas with over 200,000 people and demonstrating the necessary capacity, to assume the role of determining if projects qualify for "categorical exclusions." Categorical exclusions are a designation under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) that exempts certain types of projects from the more extensive environmental assessments or impact statements, provided they meet specific criteria. The bill allows these transit agencies to also assume other environmental review responsibilities under federal law, except for government-to-government consultations with Indian Tribes, and they would become solely responsible and liable for compliance. This transfer of responsibility would be formalized through a memorandum of understanding with the Secretary of Transportation, which would outline the terms, conditions, and duration of the agreement, with provisions for monitoring and termination if the agency fails to meet its obligations. The goal is to expedite transit project development by allowing agencies to manage certain environmental compliance tasks themselves.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/6491/all-info