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.
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.
Plain Language Summary
# HR 676 Summary **What the Bill Would Do** HR 676 would exempt certain energy and mineral development projects on federal lands from environmental review requirements under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). Specifically, it would skip the standard environmental review process for leasing federal lands for oil, gas, and coal production, as well as for mining critical minerals like lithium and cobalt. Currently, NEPA requires federal agencies to study and publicly disclose the environmental impacts of major projects before approving them. **Who It Affects and Key Provisions** The bill primarily affects energy and mining companies seeking to develop resources on public lands, as well as states and communities where such development occurs. It would streamline the approval process by eliminating mandatory environmental assessments for these specific activities.
Supporters argue this speeds up development and reduces regulatory burden, while critics contend it removes important safeguards for public health and environmental protection. The bill applies only to certain lease and permit types related to oil, gas, coal, and critical minerals—not all federal activities. **Current Status** HR 676 was introduced in the 119th Congress by Representative Harriet Hageman (R-WY) and is currently in committee, meaning it has not yet been voted on by the full House. The bill has not advanced to a vote at this time.
CRS Official Summary
This bill exempts certain energy and mineral actions on federal lands from the environmental review requirements under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA). Specifically, the bill states that the following are not to be considered a major federal action under NEPA:issuing, granting, or renewing a lease, easement, or right-of-way under the Mineral Leasing Act for the exploration, development, or production of oil, gas, or coal; orissuing, granting, or renewing a permit or other authorization under the Mining Law of 1872 for the exploration, location, development, or extraction of a critical mineral on land that is open to mineral entry.By way of background, NEPA requires agencies to identify and evaluate the impacts of major federal actions significantly affecting the quality of the human environment prior to finalizing certain decisions. Thus, if an action is not considered to be a major federal action, then it is exempt from NEPA.
Latest Action
Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.