summary
Introduced
05/06/2015
05/06/2015
In Committee
05/06/2015
05/06/2015
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
01/03/2017
01/03/2017
Introduced Session
114th Congress
Bill Summary
North American Energy Infrastructure Act Prohibits any person from constructing, connecting, operating, or maintaining a cross-border segment of an oil or natural gas pipeline or electric transmission facility at the national boundary of the United States for the import or export of oil, natural gas, or electricity to or from Canada or Mexico without obtaining a certificate of crossing under this Act. Requires the Department of State, with respect to oil pipelines, or the Department of Energy (DOE), with respect to electric transmission facilities, to issue a certificate of crossing for the cross-border segment within 120 days after final action is taken under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, unless it is not in U.S. public interest. Directs DOE, as a condition of issuing a certificate, to require that the cross-border segment be constructed, connected, operated, or maintained consistent with specified policies and standards. Amends the Natural Gas Act to require the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to approve within 30 days after receipt any application for the importation or exportation of natural gas to or from Canada or Mexico. Declares that no presidential permit shall be necessary for the construction, connection, operation, or maintenance of an oil or natural gas pipeline or electric transmission facility, including any cross-border segment.
AI Summary
This bill, the North American Energy Infrastructure Act, establishes a new process for approving cross-border energy infrastructure projects with Canada and Mexico. It requires anyone wanting to construct, connect, operate, or maintain a segment of an oil or natural gas pipeline or electric transmission facility that crosses the U.S. border for import or export purposes to obtain a "certificate of crossing." The Department of State will handle oil pipelines, and the Department of Energy (DOE) will handle electric transmission facilities, with a deadline of 120 days after environmental review to issue the certificate, unless it's deemed not in the U.S. public interest. For electric transmission, the DOE will also ensure compliance with specific reliability standards from organizations like the Electric Reliability Organization and any relevant regional operators. Additionally, the bill streamlines the approval process for natural gas imports and exports to and from Canada and Mexico by requiring the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to approve such applications within 30 days. Importantly, this act eliminates the need for a Presidential permit for these types of cross-border energy infrastructure projects, aiming to create a more uniform and efficient system for North American energy trade.
Committee Categories
Agriculture and Natural Resources
Sponsors (2)
Last Action
Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Hearings held. (on 05/14/2015)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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