S.Amdt. 4340

SA 4340 is an amendment to bill H.R. 6644. Its purpose is to streamline and consolidate environmental requirements for housing projects carried out by Indian tribes or tribally designated housing entities using funds from programs administered by the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development.

Changes and Additions

The amendment aims to add the following to the bill:

• Consolidation of Reviews: It allows a single environmental review conducted under the Secretary's procedures to satisfy the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 and other federal requirements, provided certain conditions are met regarding additional federal funding and the assumption of responsibilities by the tribe.

• Environmental Exemptions: It creates general exemptions from environmental reviews for specific activities, such as:

  • Affordable housing activities costing $250,000 or less.
  • Acquisition of real property or equipment using non-Federal funds.
  • Certain rehabilitations of existing structures that meet specific cost and physical criteria.
  • Activities with similar statutory exemptions in other federal agencies.

• Specific Requirement Reductions:

  • The Secretary cannot require radon testing (though tribes may still choose to do so).
  • It provides specific options for lead paint testing in remote areas.
  • It excludes these projects from the Federal Flood Risk Management Standard Policy.
  • It allows financial assistance for properties not covered by flood insurance or not in participating jurisdictions.
  • It provides exemptions from certain separation distance requirements for specific residential storage tanks.
  • It prevents the Secretary from applying additional wetland protection requirements if a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers permit is already in place and followed.

• Certification: It allows the chief executive officer of a tribe or a designated official to execute the environmental certification required for the release of funds.