Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that strengthens the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission's role in reviewing natural gas pipelines.

Highlights:

• Specifies that Federal Energy Regulatory Commission is the only lead agency and may take any necessary actions to coordinate expedited review for ensuring compliance of environmental or natural gas policy (Sec. 2).

• Requires agencies being reviewed to submit a report within 30 days of the application for federal authorization stating the agency’s readiness for processing, or notifying FERC of the needed steps to be ready for processing (Sec. 2).

• Requires agencies to submit a report every 90 days indicating progress made towards authorization (Sec. 2).

• Specifies that a failure to meet the deadline will result in the implementation of FERC’s plan within 5 days of the failed deadline (Sec. 2).

• Authorizes FERC to designate any agency as participatory in the review process, unless that agency notifies FERC, in writing, that the agency does not have jurisdiction, expertise, or the intention to participate in the review and authorization process (Sec. 2).

• Prohibits any non-participatory agency from conducting, or submitting any request for, a NEPA review without FERC approval, unless that agency is legally required (Sec. 2).

• Specifies that federal and state agencies may fund third-party contractors to assist in the review process if all parties are specifically authorized by FERC (Sec. 2).

• Requires FERC to coordinate with each federal or state agency to maintain public transparency in the review process by publishing all schedules, list of actions, expected completion dates, and points of contact responsible for each action (Sec. 2).

Full Bill Text

Highlights:

Full Bill Text