H.R. 4068: Streamlining NEPA for Coal Act

This bill, titled the Streamlining NEPA for Coal Act, aims to simplify and expedite the process by which coal production and export projects are approved under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). Here’s a breakdown of its key components:

Identification of Categorical Exclusions

Within 30 days of the bill becoming law, the Secretary of the Interior is tasked with identifying existing and potential categorical exclusions related to coal production and export. Categorical exclusions allow certain types of projects to bypass detailed environmental review processes when they are deemed to have minimal environmental impacts.

Interaction with Other Federal Agencies

The Secretary of the Interior is also directed to explore how these categorical exclusions can be utilized or adopted by other federal agencies. This means that if a project meets specific criteria, it could be exempt from extensive environmental assessments, thus potentially speeding up the approval process for coal-related projects.

Committees Involved

The bill requires communication between the Secretary of the Interior and two congressional committees:

• Committee on Natural Resources
• Committee on Energy and Natural Resources

This ensures that lawmakers are informed about the potential changes in the regulatory framework concerning coal production and export.

Purpose of the Bill

The underlying goal of the Streamlining NEPA for Coal Act is to enhance the production and export capabilities of coal by reducing bureaucratic hurdles associated with regulatory environmental assessments. By clarifying what projects can be categorized as having minimal impact, the bill seeks to support the coal industry in a more efficient manner.

Overall Impact

The bill’s implications focus specifically on federal policy related to coal, intending to make it easier for coal-related projects to move forward without the lengthy processes typically required by environmental regulations. This could affect how quickly new coal projects can be launched and whether they can secure the necessary federal approvals in a timely fashion.

Potential Concerns

While the bill aims to streamline processes for coal production, it may raise concerns for environmental advocacy groups and individuals focusing on the ecological impacts of coal mining and usage. Additionally, there could be implications for public health and environmental sustainability, though these are not the focus of the bill itself.

Relevant Companies

• ARCH - Arch Resources Inc., a major coal producer in the United States, could benefit from expedited project approvals to increase production and exports.
• BTU - Peabody Energy Corporation, involved in coal mining and sales, may see advantages in quicker access to regulatory approvals for expansion or new projects.
• NTI - Noble Energy, which has interests in natural resources including coal, could also be impacted by changes in regulatory processes facilitating coal extraction and export.