Bill > S1389

This bill proposes to exempt the reconstruction of roads, highways, or bridges that have been damaged by natural disasters, such as floods, from certain environmental reviews if they are rebuilt in the same location. This exemption applies to reviews required by major federal environmental laws, including the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (which mandates environmental impact assessments), sections of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act concerning pollution discharge permits, the National Historic Preservation Act (protecting historical sites), the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act, the Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act, and the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (though an exception exists for reconstruction in critical habitats of endangered species). It also exempts reviews related to Executive Order 11990 (protecting wetlands) and laws requiring no net loss of wetlands, aiming to streamline the rebuilding process after disasters by avoiding duplicative environmental assessments.