H.R.4068 - Streamlining NEPA for Coal Act (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R. 4068, the "Streamlining NEPA for Coal Act," directs the Secretary of the Interior to identify existing and potential categorical exclusions under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) that could facilitate increased coal production and export. The bill mandates a report to the House Committee on Natural Resources and the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources within 30 days of enactment.
The goal is to expedite coal production and export by reducing the environmental review process. This is achieved by identifying NEPA exclusions that would allow projects to proceed without extensive environmental impact assessments.
The bill does not directly amend NEPA but seeks to utilize existing provisions to streamline the approval process for coal-related activities.
Expected Effects
The primary effect of this bill, if enacted, would be to accelerate the approval process for coal production and export projects. This would be achieved by leveraging categorical exclusions under NEPA.
This could lead to increased coal production and export, potentially impacting environmental regulations and climate change efforts. The streamlined process could reduce the time and cost associated with environmental reviews for coal projects.
However, it may also result in less thorough environmental scrutiny, potentially leading to negative environmental consequences.
Potential Benefits
- Increased coal production and export could lead to short-term economic gains in coal-producing regions.
- Streamlined permitting processes could reduce regulatory burdens on coal companies.
- Potential for increased revenue from coal exports.
- Could lead to more affordable energy, at least in the short term, if coal prices remain competitive.
- May create jobs in the coal industry.
Potential Disadvantages
- Reduced environmental review could lead to negative impacts on air and water quality.
- Increased coal production contributes to greenhouse gas emissions and climate change.
- May undermine efforts to transition to cleaner energy sources.
- Potential for negative impacts on public health due to increased pollution.
- Could lead to habitat destruction and loss of biodiversity.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill's constitutional alignment is primarily related to Congress's power to regulate commerce (Article I, Section 8) and to make laws necessary and proper for carrying out its enumerated powers. The bill does not appear to directly infringe on any specific constitutional rights or protections.
However, some may argue that the bill's potential environmental impacts could indirectly affect property rights or the general welfare, raising questions about the balance between economic development and environmental protection.
Ultimately, the constitutionality of the bill would likely depend on whether it is deemed to be a reasonable exercise of Congress's power to regulate commerce and whether its environmental impacts are considered to be within acceptable limits.
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).