Summary
Improving Interagency Coordination for Pipeline Reviews Act
This bill expedites the environmental review of certain natural gas pipeline projects or liquefied natural gas (LNG) import or export terminals for authorizations under the Natural Gas Act.
Specifically, the bill makes the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) the only lead agency for the purpose of coordinating the environmental review of such projects under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA). Thus, agencies involved in the environmental review process must defer to FERC's approved scope for a NEPA review.
FERC must invite certain federal, state, local, or tribal governmental agencies to participate in the review process for an authorization and designate the applicable governments as participating agencies by deadlines established by the bill. In addition, FERC must consult with the Transportation Security Administration regarding various pipeline security measures.
The bill prohibits FERC from establishing a deadline for authorizing a project that is more than 90 days after the completion of the NEPA review. It also requires concurrent reviews when multiple federal or state agencies are involved.
Applicants for projects do not have to obtain a water quality certification from states under Section 401 of the Clean Water Act. FERC must coordinate its NEPA review with states where a potential discharge into navigable waters may occur.
If a federal or state agency requires an applicant for a pipeline authorization to submit data, the agency must consider any such data gathered by aerial or other remote means that is submitted.
How Congress Voted
Related bills
Bill text versions
- IntroducedIntroduced in HousePDF
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- IntroducedIntroduced in HouseHTML
- ReportedReported in HousePDF
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- EngrossedEngrossed in HousePDF
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- EngrossedEngrossed in HouseHTML
- ReceivedReferred in SenatePDF
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Legislative Journey
- Introduced
- Committee
- Floor
- Passed Chamber 1
- Passed Chamber 2
- Signed
Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
SenateMotion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
HouseOn passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 213 - 184 (Roll no. 334). (text: CR H5814-5816)
HousePassed/agreed to in House: On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 213 - 184 (Roll no. 334).
On motion to recommit Failed by the Yeas and Nays: 194 - 204 (Roll no. 333).
HouseThe previous question on the motion to recommit was ordered pursuant to clause 2(b) of rule XIX.
HouseMr. Landsman moved to recommit to the Committee on Energy and Commerce. (text: CR H5820)
HouseThe previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.
HouseDEBATE - The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H.R. 3668.
HouseRule provides for consideration of H.R. 3898, H.R. 3383, H.R. 3638, H.R. 3628, H.R. 3668 and S. 1071. The resolution provides for consideration of H.R. 3898, H.R. 3383, H.R. 3638, and H.R. 3628 under a structured rule; and H.R. 3668 and S. 1071 under a closed rule. The resolution provides for one motion to recommit on H.R. 3898, H.R. 3383, H.R. 3638, H.R. 3628, and H.R. 3668; and one motion to commit on S. 1071.
HouseConsidered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 936. (consideration: CR H5814-5822)
HouseRules Committee Resolution H. Res. 936 Reported to House. Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 3898, H.R. 3383, H.R. 3638, H.R. 3628, H.R. 3668 and S. 1071. The resolution provides for consideration of H.R. 3898, H.R. 3383, H.R. 3638, and H.R. 3628 under a structured rule; and H.R. 3668 and S. 1071 under a closed rule. The resolution provides for one motion to recommit on H.R. 3898, H.R. 3383, H.R. 3638, H.R. 3628, and H.R. 3668; and one motion to commit on S. 1071.
HouseSupplemental report filed by the Committee on Energy and Commerce, H. Rept. 119-297, Part II.
HouseSupplemental report filed by the Committee on Energy and Commerce, H. Rept. 119-297, Part II.
Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 253.
HouseCommittee on Transportation discharged.
HouseCommittee on Transportation discharged.
Reported by the Committee on Energy and Commerce. H. Rept. 119-297, Part I.
HouseReported by the Committee on Energy and Commerce. H. Rept. 119-297, Part I.
Ordered to be Reported by the Yeas and Nays: 27 - 23.
HouseCommittee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
HouseForwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee by the Yeas and Nays: 15 - 11.
HouseSubcommittee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
HouseReferred to the Subcommittee on Energy.
HouseReferred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
HouseReferred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
HouseIntroduced in House
Introduced in House