Bill > HR3347

This bill proposes to exempt the reconstruction of roads, highways, or bridges that have been damaged by a natural disaster, such as a flood, from certain environmental reviews, provided the reconstruction occurs in the same location. This exemption applies to reviews required by major federal environmental laws, including the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), which mandates environmental impact assessments for federal actions, and the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, which regulates water pollution. It also exempts reviews under laws protecting historic sites, migratory birds, wild and scenic rivers, fish and wildlife, and endangered species, with a specific exception for reconstruction in critical habitats for threatened and endangered species. Additionally, it exempts reviews related to wetland protection, including Executive Order 11990 and laws requiring no net loss of wetlands. The intent is to streamline the rebuilding process after disasters without duplicating existing environmental assessments when infrastructure is simply being restored to its original location.