Bill · H.R. 676· House(119-HR-676)
To exempt Federal actions related to energy and mineral activities on certain Federal lands from the requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969.
- Introduced
- 1/23/2025
- Last activity
- 1/23/2025 — Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
- Sponsored by
- Harriet Hageman
- Cosponsors
- None
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill seeks to exempt specific Federal actions from the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969. It focuses on energy and mineral activities conducted on certain Federal lands. Specifically, it would remove the requirement for environmental reviews regarding oil, gas, or coal leases. It also targets the issuance or renewal of permits for critical mineral extraction. These actions would no longer be considered major Federal actions under the law.
Yes
Would business owners be better off under this?+4
The bill reduces regulatory and administrative burdens for companies engaged in energy and mineral extraction.
Is this likely to create jobs?+3
The bill streamlines the permitting and leasing process for energy and mineral extraction, which could facilitate faster development of these sectors.
Does this make it easier to run a small business?+2
Reducing regulatory hurdles for mineral and energy activities may lower operational barriers for smaller extraction companies.
The opposite· 3 of 5
Does this better protect air, water and wildlife?-7
The bill reduces environmental oversight by removing the requirement for National Environmental Policy Act reviews on certain energy and mineral actions.
Does this cut the pollution that drives climate change?-5
By exempting oil, gas, and coal activities from environmental reviews, the bill may lead to increased fossil fuel production and higher emissions.
Does this reduce how much oil, gas and coal is produced?-4
The bill facilitates faster production of oil, gas, and coal by streamlining the leasing and permitting process.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Streamlined Energy Production: By removing the requirement to consider lease, easement, or right-of-way actions as major Federal actions under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, the process for the exploration, development, or production of oil, gas, or coal may be faster (Section 1).
-
Increased Access to Critical Minerals: The bill would change how permits or authorizations are handled for the exploration, location, development, or extraction of critical minerals on land open to mineral entry, which may facilitate quicker access to these resources (Section 1).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
-
Reduced Environmental Oversight: The bill exempts certain actions related to oil, gas, or coal from being considered major Federal actions under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, which reduces the current environmental review requirements for those activities (Section 1).
-
Changes to Mining Regulation: The bill would exempt the issuance, granting, or renewing of permits or other authorizations for the extraction of critical minerals from being considered a major Federal action under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (Section 1).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Improves Environmental Protections-7Reduces Carbon Emissions-5Reduces Fossil Fuel Production-4
- Economy And Finance
- Increases Job Creation+3Improves Small Business Support+2
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Business Owners+4Good For Farmers-1
- Governance And Ideology
- Increases Federal Power-2
- 1/23/2025
- Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
- Introduced in House