Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that requires the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to approve or deny an application for a natural gas pipeline within 12 months.

Highlights:

• Requires the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to approve or deny an application for a certificate of public convenience and necessity for a “prefiled project” no later than 12 months after receiving a complete application (Sec. 2).

• Requires an agency responsible for issuing a license, permit, or approval required under Federal law in connection with a “prefiled project” for which a certificate of public convenience and necessity is sought to approve or deny the issuance of the license, permit, or approval no later than 90 days after the commission issues its final environmental review (Sec. 2).

• Authorizes the commission to extend the 90-day time period by 30 days if an agency demonstrates that it cannot otherwise complete the process required to approve or deny the license, permit, or approval (Sec. 2).

• Specifies that if an agency fails to approve or deny the issuance of a license, permit, or approval within the 90-day time period or the 30-day extension period, the required license, permit, or approval will take effect 30 days after the end of such time period (Sec. 2).

• Defines “prefiled project” as a project for the siting, construction, expansion, or operation of a natural gas pipeline (Sec. 2).

Full Bill Text

Full Bill Text