To exempt Federal actions related to the construction of infill housing from the requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, and for other purposes.
Summary
H.R. 5085 seeks to exempt federal actions related to infill housing construction from the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969. It defines 'infill housing' with specific criteria related to location, size, prior development, and environmental assessments. The bill also amends the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act to update natural hazard risk assessments more frequently.
Expected Effects
If enacted, H.R. 5085 would streamline the development of infill housing by removing NEPA's environmental review requirements for qualifying projects. This could accelerate housing construction in urban areas. The change to the Stafford Act would lead to more frequent updates of natural hazard risk assessments.
Potential Benefits
- Faster Housing Development: Streamlining the approval process for infill housing projects.
- Urban Revitalization: Encouraging development in underutilized urban areas.
- Reduced Urban Sprawl: Focusing housing development within existing urban boundaries.
- Improved Risk Assessment: More frequent updates to natural hazard risk assessments, potentially leading to better preparedness.
- Efficient Use of Resources: Utilizing existing infrastructure and reducing the need for new infrastructure development.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential Environmental Impacts: Reduced environmental oversight could lead to negative impacts on air, water, and soil quality.
- Increased Risk in Hazard Zones: Although the bill attempts to exclude high-risk areas, unforeseen risks may still arise.
- Limited Public Input: Reduced NEPA oversight could limit public input on infill housing projects.
- Unintended Consequences: The definition of 'infill housing' may be too broad or too narrow, leading to unintended consequences.
- Disproportionate Impact: Environmental impacts could disproportionately affect low-income communities located near infill housing sites.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The bill's focus on housing and environmental regulations falls under Congress's power to regulate interstate commerce (Article I, Section 8). The amendment to the Stafford Act relates to disaster relief, which is arguably within the scope of providing for the general welfare. The bill does not appear to infringe upon any specific constitutional rights or protections.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).