H.R. 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.
This bill proposes to exempt certain federal actions related to energy and mineral activities on specific federal lands from the requirements established under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969. NEPA typically mandates federal agencies to assess the environmental impact of their proposed actions. By exempting these activities, the bill aims to streamline the process for certain energy and mineral-related projects.
Key Provisions of the Bill
- Exemptions from NEPA: The bill states that specific actions will not be classified as major federal actions requiring extensive NEPA review. These actions include:
- Issuing, granting, or renewing leases, easements, or rights-of-way for the exploration, development, or production of oil, gas, or coal under the Mineral Leasing Act.
- Issuing, granting, or renewing permits or other authorizations for the exploration, location, development, or extraction of critical minerals on lands open to mineral entry, as outlined in the Mining Law of 1872.
- Application: The provisions apply to federal lands designated for energy and minerals, potentially accelerating the process for energy development initiatives.
Implications of the Bill
The removal of NEPA requirements for these actions could lead to faster approvals for energy and mineral projects. Proponents might argue that this smooths regulatory hurdles and encourages domestic production of resources, while opponents might raise concerns about potential environmental impacts that could be overlooked without the usual assessments.
Timeline and Legislative Process
The bill was introduced on January 23, 2025, by Congresswoman Hageman and has been referred to the Committee on Natural Resources for review and consideration.
Relevant Companies
- XOM - Exxon Mobil Corporation: Could benefit from expedited processes for oil and gas leasing and production.
- CVX - Chevron Corporation: May see advantages through faster permits for exploration and production activities.
- FCX - Freeport-McMoRan Inc.: Focuses on mineral extraction and may be positively affected by reduced regulatory requirements for critical minerals.
This is an AI-generated summary of the bill text. There may be mistakes.
Sponsors
1 sponsor
Actions
2 actions
| Date | Action |
|---|---|
| Jan. 23, 2025 | Introduced in House |
| Jan. 23, 2025 | Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources. |
Corporate Lobbying
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