Bill · S. 4300· Senate(119-S-4300)
JOAN Act
- Introduced
- 4/15/2026
- Last activity
- 4/15/2026 — Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
- Sponsored by
- Tom Cotton
- Cosponsors
- None
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The JOAN Act aims to increase interagency coordination for reviewing natural gas infrastructure authorizations. It designates the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission as the lead agency for NEPA reviews to ensure more expeditious processing. The bill establishes strict timelines for various agencies to complete their reviews and provides specific rules for judicial review of these projects. It aims to streamline the process by consolidating administrative records and limiting the scope of legal challenges. Additionally, the act implements new standards for filing civil actions against covered projects.
Yes· 3 of 4
Would business owners be better off under this?+5
The bill provides a more predictable and expedited timeline for energy project authorizations.
Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see?+2
The bill requires the Commission to track and make project schedules and actions available to the public online.
Does this make it easier to run a small business?+2
The bill streamlines authorization processes which can benefit project sponsors, though it focuses on larger energy infrastructure.
The opposite· 3 of 6
Does this better protect air, water and wildlife?-6
The bill reduces the ability of states to provide water quality certifications and limits the scope of judicial review for environmental impacts.
Does this protect the right to fair treatment by the courts?-5
The bill limits judicial review by prohibiting discovery, testimony, and new evidence during litigation.
Would Native Americans be better off under this?-4
The bill streamlines the consultation and authorization process, which may reduce the influence of tribal interests on project approvals.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Increased Efficiency in Infrastructure Review: The Commission is tasked with taking actions to facilitate the "expeditious resolution" of project-related NEPA reviews (Section 2(b)(3)).
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Predictable Timelines for Agencies: The bill requires agencies to implement plans to comply with schedules established by the Commission (Section 2(f)(2)(A)).
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Public Transparency: The Commission is required to track and make available to the public information regarding schedules, required actions, expected completion dates, and points of contact (Section 2(h)).
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Streamlined Data Submission: Agencies are instructed to consider data gathered by "aerial or other remote means" submitted by applicants (Section 2(g)(2)(A)).
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Clarified Judicial Processes: The bill establishes specific standards for judicial review, such as a "multiplicative merit standard" for preliminary injunctions (Section 3(c)(4)(C)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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Reduced Judicial Review Opportunities: The filing and final adjudication of a civil action is considered the "sole and exclusive means of judicial review and relief" for covered projects (Section 3(c)(1)(A)).
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Restrictions on Legal Challenges: Subsequent causes of action or challenges related to the project are barred after a civil action is finally adjudicated (Section 3(c)(1)(B)).
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Limited Scope of Evidence in Court: Judicial review is restricted to the finalized consolidated administrative record and is prohibited from taking new evidence, discovery, or testimony (Section 3(c)(4)(B)(i)).
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High Bar for Injunctions: Courts are restricted from issuing injunctions lasting longer than 60 days and must apply a specific probabilistic calculation for likelihood of success on the merits (Section 3(c)(4)(C)).
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Limitations on Legal Remedies: Courts are prohibited from issuing a "remand with vacatur" (Section 3(c)(6)).
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Constraints on Water Quality Certifications: An applicant for a Federal authorization is not required to provide a certification under section 401 of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (Section 2(e)(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 Roads And Bridges+1Improves Environmental Protections-6
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Government Transparency+2Improves Due Process-5
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Racial Equity-2Improves Policing Reform-1
- Economy And Finance
- Improves Small Business Support+2
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Business Owners+5Good For Native Americans-4Good For Urban Residents-1
- 4/15/2026
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
- Introduced in Senate