U.S. House passes Yakym, Panetta bipartisan bill to increase NEPA Transparency

 Last night, the House of Representatives passed Congressman Rudy Yakym (R-IN-02) and Congressman Jimmy Panetta’s (D-CA-19) bipartisan Studying NEPA’s Impact on Projects Act (H.R. 573). This legislation enhances transparency of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) process by directing the Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) to publish an annual report detailing NEPA reviews, timelines, and outcomes, giving policymakers a clearer understanding of delays and impacts.

“NEPA was meant to inform decisions, not stop them,” Rep. Yakym said. “For too long it has buried critical housing, infrastructure, and energy projects in unnecessary paperwork and litigation. With the passage of our bipartisan Studying NEPA’s Impact on Projects Act, we will finally have clear and consistent reporting on delays, lawsuits, and costs. This transparency gives Congress the tools it needs to advance meaningful permitting reform. It is a win for American workers, our economy, and our ability to compete with China. I am grateful to Chairman Westerman and Congressman Panetta for their partnership in getting this done.”

“The current federal permitting process for new housing, infrastructure, energy projects, and more can be unnecessarily long and confusing,” Rep. Panetta said. “It's understandable and appreciated to see the House pass this type of commonsense legislation that takes a practical approach to ultimately improve the Council on Environmental Quality's permitting process to be more efficient and effective without giving up on our environmental values. We should always work together to cut through bureaucratic red tape and help solve the challenges of climate change and increase affordable housing.”

“The Studying NEPA’s Impact on Projects Act takes a meaningful step toward bringing clarity and accountability to the permitting process nationwide,” Rep. Bruce Westerman, Chairman of the Natural Resources Committee said.

“This legislation requires the administration to publish data on NEPA delays and litigation, which will allow policymakers to identify and address bottlenecks that will support the timely completion of critical infrastructure projects. I commend Representative Yakym for championing this bipartisan transparency measure and I’m glad to see it pass the House of Representatives.”