42 U.S.C. 4321changedby H.R. 4776 Sec. 2(a)
The purposes(a) The purposes of this chapter are: To declare a national policy which will encourage productive and enjoyable harmony between man and his environment; to promote efforts which will prevent or eliminate damage to the environment and biosphere and stimulate the health and welfare of man; to enrich the understanding of the ecological systems and natural resources important to the Nation; and to establish a Council on Environmental Quality.
The bill says: by striking "The purposes" and inserting "(a) The purposes"; and
Bill text · Current law (42 U.S.C. 4321)
42 U.S.C. 4321added (b)by H.R. 4776 Sec. 2(a)
(b) This Act is a purely procedural statute intended to ensure Federal agencies consider the environmental impacts of their actions during the decisionmaking process. This Act does not mandate particular results, and only prescribes a process. Nothing in this Act shall be construed to mandate any specific environmental outcome or result, nor shall this Act be interpreted to confer substantive rights or impose substantive duties beyond procedural requirements.
The bill says: by adding at the end the following:
Bill text · Current law (42 U.S.C. 4321)
42 U.S.C. 4336changedby H.R. 4776 Sec. 2(b)
The bill says: in the heading, by inserting "; scope of review" after "level of review";
Bill text · Current law (42 U.S.C. 4336)
42 U.S.C. 4336(a)(3)changedby H.R. 4776 Sec. 2(b)
(3) the preparation of such document would clearly and fundamentally conflict with the requirements of another provision of law; or
The bill says: in paragraph (3), by striking "or";
Bill text · Current law (42 U.S.C. 4336)
42 U.S.C. 4336(a)(4)changedby H.R. 4776 Sec. 2(b)
(4) the proposed agency action is a nondiscretionary action with respect to which such agency does not have authority to take environmental factors into consideration in determining whether to take the proposed action.action;
The bill says: in paragraph (4), by striking "action." and inserting "action;"; and
Bill text · Current law (42 U.S.C. 4336)
42 U.S.C. 4336(a)added (5)by H.R. 4776 Sec. 2(b)
(5) the agency determines the proposed agency action is an action for which such agency’s compliance with another statute’s requirements serves the function of agency compliance with this Act with respect to such action; or(6) the proposed agency action relates to a project or action that has already been reviewed pursuant to a State environmental review statute or a Tribal environmental review statute, ordinance, resolution, regulation, or formally adopted policy and the lead agency determines such review serves the function of agency compliance with this Act.
The bill says: by adding at the end the following:
Bill text · Current law (42 U.S.C. 4336)
42 U.S.C. 4336(b)(2)changedby H.R. 4776 Sec. 2(b)
(2) Environmental assessment. An agency shall prepare an environmental assessment with respect to a proposed agency action that does notis not likely to have a reasonably foreseeable significant effect on the quality of the human environment, or if the significance of such effect is unknown, unless the agency finds that the proposed agency action is excluded pursuant to one of the…
The bill says: in paragraph (2), by striking "does not" and inserting "is not likely to"; and
Bill text · Current law (42 U.S.C. 4336)
42 U.S.C. 4336(b)(3)rewrittenby H.R. 4776 Sec. 2(b)
(B) is not required to—(i) undertake new scientific or technical research unless the new scientific or technical research is essential to a reasoned choice among alternatives, and the overall costs and time frame of obtaining it are not unreasonable; or(ii) undertake new scientific or technical research after the receipt of an application, as applicable, with respect to a proposed agency action.
The bill says: in paragraph (3), by amending subparagraph (B) to read as follows:
Bill text · Current law (42 U.S.C. 4336)
42 U.S.C. 4336added (c)by H.R. 4776 Sec. 2(b)
(c) Scope of review.— In preparing an environmental document for a proposed agency action, a Federal agency—(1) may consider only those effects that share a reasonably close causal relationship to, and are proximately caused by, the immediate project or action under consideration; and(2) may not consider effects that are speculative, attenuated from the project or action, separate in time or place from the project or action, or in relation to separate existing or potential future projects or actions.(d) Certainty.—(1) Environmental documents.— A Federal agency may not rescind, withdraw, amend, alter, or otherwise render ineffective any environmental document completed under this Act for a project or action where there is an applicant unless the Federal agency has been so ordered by a court or the applicant has agreed in writing to such rescission, withdrawal, amendment, or alteration.(2) Authorizations.—(A) In general.— Except as provided in this subsection or existing law, a Federal agency may not revoke, rescind, withdraw, terminate, suspend, amend, alter, or take any other action to interfere with an authorization unless—(i) the Federal agency is required to take such action by order of a court of competent jurisdiction;(ii) the holder of the authorization has materially breached the terms of the authorization, or otherwise violated applicable law;(iii) the authorization was obtained through fraud, intentional concealment, or material misrepresentation;(iv) such action is necessary to prevent specific, immediate, substantial, and proximate harm or damage to life, property, national security, or defense that was not considered in the underlying environmental review process or final agency action for the authorization; or(v) the Federal agency has received a request from the holder of the authorization or project sponsor to take such action.(B) Requirement.— The actions described in subparagraph (A) shall be, as appropriate and where feasible, supported by clear and convincing evidence and reasonably limited in duration and scope by the agency to address the specific issue such action is intended to address.(C) Notice.— Before an agency takes an action described in subparagraph (A), the agency shall notify the holder of the authorization and the project sponsor in writing of such action, including by providing a detailed explanation of the action, identifying the statutory authority relied upon for the action, and providing the evidence supporting the action.(D) Judicial review.—(i) In general.— An action described in subparagraph (A) shall be subject to judicial review under chapter 7 of title 5, United States Code.(ii) Venue.— A person seeking judicial review of an action described in subparagraph (A) may only obtain review of such action in the United States court of appeals for any circuit wherein the project for which the authorization was issued is located.(iii) Petitions by Federal agencies.— No Federal agency may petition a court for vacatur or voluntary remand of an authorization unless the holder of the authorization or the project sponsor consents in writing to such a petition.(E) Savings clause.— Nothing in subparagraph (A) shall be construed to provide any Federal agency new, enhanced, or expanded authority, or to limit any existing authority, concerning any authorization.(e) Presumption of negative impacts of taking no action relating to tribal trust resources.— For any proposed agency action carried out on, or directly affecting, tribal trust resources (including lands and minerals) that is initiated by the federally recognized Indian Tribe for which the United States holds the affected resources in trust, and for which an environmental document was prepared that included consideration of a no action alternative, there shall be a presumption that the effects of taking no action will be negative for the federally recognized Indian Tribe.(f) Effect of threshold determinations on other agencies.— If a lead agency determines an environmental document is not required to be prepared with respect to a proposed agency action under subsection (a), another agency may not prepare an environmental document with respect to such proposed agency action.
The bill says: by adding at the end the following:
Bill text · Current law (42 U.S.C. 4336)
42 U.S.C. 4336a(a)(2)(B)changedby H.R. 4776 Sec. 2(c)
(B) request the participation of each cooperating agency at the earliest practicable timein accordance with subsection (g)(2);
The bill says: in subparagraph (B), by striking "at the earliest practicable time" and inserting "in accordance with subsection (g)(2)";
Bill text · Current law (42 U.S.C. 4336a)
42 U.S.C. 4336a(a)(2)(D)changedby H.R. 4776 Sec. 2(c)
(D) develop a schedule, in consultation with each cooperating agency, the applicant, and such other entities as the lead agency determines appropriate, for completion of any environmental review, permit, or authorization required to carry out the proposed agency actioncarry out the proposed agency action in compliance with the deadlines outlined in subsection (g);
The bill says: in subparagraph (D), by striking "carry out the proposed agency action" and inserting "carry out the proposed agency action in compliance with the deadlines outlined in subsection (g)"; and
Bill text · Current law (42 U.S.C. 4336a)
42 U.S.C. 4336a(a)(2)(E)changedby H.R. 4776 Sec. 2(c)
(E) if the lead agency determines that a reviewan environmental review, permit, or authorization will not be completed in accordance with the schedule developed under subparagraph (D), notify the agency responsible for issuing such review, permit, or authorization of the discrepancy and request that such agency take such measures as such agency determines appropriate to comply with such schedule; and
The bill says: by striking "a review" and inserting "an environmental review"; and
Bill text · Current law (42 U.S.C. 4336a)
42 U.S.C. 4336a(a)(2)(E)changedby H.R. 4776 Sec. 2(c)
(E) if the lead agency determines that a review, permit, or authorization will not be completed in accordance with the schedule developed under subparagraph (D), notify the agency responsible for issuing such reviewsuch environmental review, permit, or authorization of the discrepancy and request that such agency take such measures as such agency determines appropriate to comply with such schedule; and
The bill says: by striking "such review" and inserting "such environmental review"; and
Bill text · Current law (42 U.S.C. 4336a)
42 U.S.C. 4336a(a)(3)changedby H.R. 4776 Sec. 2(c)
(3) Cooperating agency. The lead agency may, with respect to a proposed agency action, designate any Federal, State, Tribal, or local agency (including counties, boroughs, parishes, and other political subdivisions of a State) that has jurisdiction by law or special expertise with respect to any environmental impact involved in a proposal to serve as a cooperating agency. A cooperating agency may, not later than a date specified in the schedule established by the lead agency, submit comments to the lead agency.
The bill says: by inserting "(including counties, boroughs, parishes, and other political subdivisions of a State)" after "local agency"; and
Bill text · Current law (42 U.S.C. 4336a)
42 U.S.C. 4336a(a)(3)changedby H.R. 4776 Sec. 2(c)
The bill says: by adding at the end "Such comments from Federal cooperating agencies shall be limited to matters relating to the proposed agency action with respect to which such Federal cooperating agency has jurisdiction by law.".
Bill text · Current law (42 U.S.C. 4336a)
42 U.S.C. 4336a(b)changedby H.R. 4776 Sec. 2(c)
(b) One document. To the extent practicable,(1) Document.— To the extent practicable, if a proposed agency action will require action by more than one Federal agency and the lead agency has determined that it requires preparation of an environmental document, the lead and cooperating agencies shall evaluate the proposal in a single environmental document.
The bill says: by striking "To the extent practicable," and inserting the following:
Bill text · Current law (42 U.S.C. 4336a)
42 U.S.C. 4336a(b)added (2)by H.R. 4776 Sec. 2(c)
(2) Consideration timing.—(A) In general.— In preparing an environmental document for a proposed agency action, no Federal agency shall be required to consider any scientific or technical research that becomes publicly available after the earlier of, as applicable—(i) the date of receipt of an application with respect to such proposed agency action; and(ii) the date of publication of a notice of intent or decision to prepare such environmental document for such proposed agency action.(B) Applicability to other law.— This paragraph does not affect any review of information required under subchapter II of chapter 5 of title 5, United States Code, with respect to comments received during the public comment period as applicable.(C) Delay.— A Federal agency may not delay the issuance of an environmental document or a final agency action, including any decision or determination, on the basis of awaiting new scientific or technical research or information that was not available as of the earlier of the dates described in subparagraph (A).
The bill says: by adding at the end the following:
Bill text · Current law (42 U.S.C. 4336a)
42 U.S.C. 4336a(d)changedby H.R. 4776 Sec. 2(c)
(d) Statement of purpose and need. Each environmental document shall include a statement of purpose and need that briefly summarizes the underlying purpose and need for the proposed agency action.action. Where applicable, the statement of purpose and need shall meet the goals of the applicant.
The bill says: Section 107(d) of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4336a(d)) is amended by striking "action." and inserting "action. Where applicable, the statement of purpose and need shall meet the goals of the applicant.".
Bill text · Current law (42 U.S.C. 4336a)
42 U.S.C. 4336a(g)renumberedby H.R. 4776 Sec. 2(c)
The bill says: by redesignating paragraphs (1), (2), and (3) as paragraphs (3), (5), and (6), respectively;
Bill text · Current law (42 U.S.C. 4336a)
42 U.S.C. 4336a(g)added (1)by H.R. 4776 Sec. 2(c)
(1) Applications for authorizations.—(A) Notification of complete or incomplete application.— Unless a shorter deadline is specified by law, in connection with a proposed agency action for which an applicant submitted an application for an authorization to an agency, not later than 60 days after the date on which the applicant submits the application to the agency, the agency shall document the receipt of the application and—(i) notify the applicant that the application is complete; or(ii) notify the applicant that the application is incomplete and request in writing any additional information that the agency needs to determine that the application is complete and begin preparation of an environmental document.(B) Agency determination.—(i) Complete determination.— If an agency determines an application is complete under subparagraph (A)(i), the agency shall, not later than 60 days after the date on which the agency makes such determination—(I) notify the applicant that the agency has determined that the proposed agency action is excluded pursuant to one of the agency’s categorical exclusions, is not a major Federal action, or that no further agency action is required;(II) issue a notice of intent to prepare an environmental impact statement for such proposed agency action; or(III) notify the applicant that the agency has determined that preparation of an environmental assessment is necessary.(ii) Incomplete determination.— If the agency requests additional information under subparagraph (A)(ii), the deadline described in clause (i) shall be based on the date on which the agency receives the additional information instead of the date on which the determination is made.(2) Cooperating agencies.—(A) In general.— Not later than 21 days after a lead agency issues a notice of intent under paragraph (1)(B)(i)(II) or notifies an applicant under paragraph (1)(B)(i)(III) with respect to a proposed agency action, the lead agency shall—(i) identify all agencies that are likely to have environmental review, authorization, or other responsibilities with respect to the proposed agency action; and(ii) invite each such agency to become a cooperating agency.(B) Deadline to accept invitation.— Not later than 21 days after an agency receives an invitation to become a cooperating agency under subparagraph (A)(ii), such agency shall accept or deny the invitation.(C) Convening of cooperating agencies.— Not later than 7 days after the deadline described in subparagraph (B) has passed for each agency that received an invitation to become a cooperating agency under subparagraph (A)(ii), the lead agency that sent each such invitation shall convene each agency that accepts such an invitation to coordinate on developing the schedule under subsection (a)(2)(D) for the applicable proposed agency action.(D) Unidentified agencies.— In the event that an agency that has jurisdiction by law or special expertise with respect to any environmental impact involved in a proposed agency action is not identified under subparagraph (A)(i), the lead agency with respect to the proposed agency action shall—(i) invite such unidentified agency to become a cooperating agency by not later than 7 days after becoming aware that the agency has jurisdiction by law or special expertise; and(ii) if such agency accepts the invitation, incorporate such agency into the schedule developed under subsection (a)(2)(D) and update such schedule accordingly by not later than 14 days after the date on which such agency accepts the invitation.
The bill says: by inserting before paragraph (3) (as so redesignated) the following:
Bill text · Current law (42 U.S.C. 4336a)
42 U.S.C. 4336a(g)(3)changedby H.R. 4776 Sec. 2(c)
The bill says: by striking "In general" and inserting "Review timeline"; and
Bill text · Current law (42 U.S.C. 4336a)
42 U.S.C. 4336a(g)(3)changedby H.R. 4776 Sec. 2(c)
The bill says: by striking "(2)" and inserting "(5)";
Bill text · Current law (42 U.S.C. 4336a)
42 U.S.C. 4336a(g)added (4)by H.R. 4776 Sec. 2(c)
(4) Deadline for final agency action.— For any proposed agency action for which an applicant submitted an application for an authorization to an agency, not later than 30 days after completing an environmental impact statement or an environmental assessment for the proposed agency action, the lead agency, and any cooperating agency, shall issue a final agency action. The agency issuing such final agency action shall include in the final agency action a performance schedule for the completion of any other outstanding authorizations.
The bill says: by inserting after paragraph (3) (as so redesignated) the following:
Bill text · Current law (42 U.S.C. 4336a)
42 U.S.C. 4336a(g)(5)changedby H.R. 4776 Sec. 2(c)
The bill says: by striking "the deadline described in paragraph (1)" and inserting "a deadline described in this subsection"; and
Bill text · Current law (42 U.S.C. 4336a)
42 U.S.C. 4336a(g)(5)changedby H.R. 4776 Sec. 2(c)
The bill says: by striking ", in consultation with the applicant, to" and inserting "if the applicant approves such extension. If the applicant approves such extension, the lead agency shall";
Bill text · Current law (42 U.S.C. 4336a)
42 U.S.C. 4336a(g)(6)changedby H.R. 4776 Sec. 2(c)
The bill says: by striking "A project sponsor may" and inserting "Except as provided in subparagraph (C), a project sponsor may"; and
Bill text · Current law (42 U.S.C. 4336a)
42 U.S.C. 4336a(g)(6)added (C)by H.R. 4776 Sec. 2(c)
(C) Exception.— A project sponsor that approved an extension of a deadline under paragraph (5) may not obtain judicial review of a failure to act in accordance with such deadline under subparagraph (A) unless the lead agency fails to meet the new deadline or is delaying for reasons other than those necessary to complete its review.
The bill says: by adding at the end the following:
Bill text · Current law (42 U.S.C. 4336a)
42 U.S.C. 4336a(g)added (7)by H.R. 4776 Sec. 2(c)
(7) Concurrent review.— In carrying out an environmental review, the lead agency and each cooperating agency shall carry out the obligations of that agency under other applicable laws concurrently, and in conjunction, with other required reviews for the proposed agency action, pursuant to the requirements of applicable law, including, if applicable, under this Act.
The bill says: by adding at the end the following:
Bill text · Current law (42 U.S.C. 4336a)
42 U.S.C. 4336bchangedby H.R. 4776 Sec. 2(d)
When an agency prepares(a) Programmatic environmental documents.— When an agency prepares a programmatic environmental document for which judicial review was available, the agency may rely on the analysis included in the programmatic environmental document in a subsequent environmental document for related actions as follows:…
The bill says: by striking "When an agency prepares" and inserting the following:
Bill text · Current law (42 U.S.C. 4336b)
42 U.S.C. 4336b(1)changedby H.R. 4776 Sec. 2(d)
(1) Within 510 years and without additional review of the analysis in the programmatic environmental document, unless there are substantial new circumstances or information about the significance of adverse effects that bear on the analysis.
The bill says: in paragraph (1), by striking "5" and inserting "10";
Bill text · Current law (42 U.S.C. 4336b)
42 U.S.C. 4336b(2)changedby H.R. 4776 Sec. 2(d)
(2) After 510 years, so long as the agency reevaluates the analysis in the programmatic environmental document and any underlying assumption to ensure reliance on the analysis remains valid.
The bill says: in paragraph (2), by striking "5" and inserting "10"; and
Bill text · Current law (42 U.S.C. 4336b)
42 U.S.C. 4336badded (b)by H.R. 4776 Sec. 2(d)
(b) Reliance on previously completed environmental reviews.—(1) Actions that are substantially the same.— A lead agency may satisfy the requirements of this Act with respect to a major Federal action by relying on an environmental assessment, environmental impact statement, or a categorical exclusion determination that the lead agency, another Federal agency, or a project sponsor under the supervision of a Federal agency completed for another major Federal action if the lead agency determines that—(A) the new major Federal action is substantially the same as the other major Federal action or, if applicable, an alternative analyzed in such environmental assessment or environmental impact statement; and(B) if applicable, the effects of the new major Federal action are substantially the same as the effects analyzed in such environmental assessment or environmental impact statement.(2) Actions that are not substantially the same.— If a new major Federal action is not substantially the same as another major Federal action or an alternative analyzed in an environmental assessment or environmental impact statement completed by the lead agency, another Federal agency, or a project sponsor under the supervision of a Federal agency, the lead agency may modify or augment any such previously completed environmental assessment or environmental impact statement as necessary to satisfy the requirements of this Act with respect to the new major Federal action. The lead agency shall make such modified environmental assessment or environmental impact statement publicly available as a new environmental assessment or environmental impact statement.
The bill says: by adding at the end the following:
Bill text · Current law (42 U.S.C. 4336b)
42 U.S.C. 4336cchangedby H.R. 4776 Sec. 2(e)
The bill says: Section 109 of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4336c) is amended in the text preceding paragraph (1), by inserting ", or that was legislatively enacted by Congress," after "procedures".
Bill text · Current law (42 U.S.C. 4336c)
42 U.S.C. 4336erenumberedby H.R. 4776 Sec. 2(f)
The bill says: by redesignating paragraphs (1) through (13) as paragraphs (2) through (14), respectively;
Bill text · Current law (42 U.S.C. 4336e)
42 U.S.C. 4336eadded (1)by H.R. 4776 Sec. 2(f)
(1) Authorization.— The term authorization means any lease, right-of-way, easement, license, permit, approval, finding, determination, or other administrative decision issued by an agency or any interagency consultation that is required or authorized under Federal law in order to construct, modify, or operate a project.
The bill says: by inserting before paragraph (2) (as so redesignated) the following:
Bill text · Current law (42 U.S.C. 4336e)
42 U.S.C. 4336e(2)changedby H.R. 4776 Sec. 2(f)
The bill says: in paragraph (2) (as so redesignated), by inserting ", or Congress deems by statute," after "Federal agency has determined";
Bill text · Current law (42 U.S.C. 4336e)
42 U.S.C. 4336e(11)(B)(iii)changedby H.R. 4776 Sec. 2(f)
The bill says: by inserting "grants (including capitalization grants), cost share awards," after "loan guarantees,";
Bill text · Current law (42 U.S.C. 4336e)
42 U.S.C. 4336e(11)(B)(iii)changedby H.R. 4776 Sec. 2(f)
The bill says: by striking "sufficient" and inserting "complete"; and
Bill text · Current law (42 U.S.C. 4336e)
42 U.S.C. 4336e(11)(B)(iii)changedby H.R. 4776 Sec. 2(f)
The bill says: by striking "subsequent use of such financial assistance or the";
Bill text · Current law (42 U.S.C. 4336e)
42 U.S.C. 4336e(11)(B)renumberedby H.R. 4776 Sec. 2(f)
The bill says: by redesignating clauses (iv) through (vii) as clauses (vi) through (ix), respectively; and
Bill text · Current law (42 U.S.C. 4336e)
42 U.S.C. 4336e(11)(B)added (iv)by H.R. 4776 Sec. 2(f)
(iv) farm ownership loans and operating loan guarantees by the Farm Service Agency pursuant to sections 305 and 311 through 319 of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act;(v) the issuance of an authorization by an agency where the effects of the action or project being permitted or authorized were previously evaluated by another agency in compliance with this Act;
The bill says: by inserting after clause (iii) the following:
Bill text · Current law (42 U.S.C. 4336e)
42 U.S.C. 4336e(11)added (C)by H.R. 4776 Sec. 2(f)
(C) Additional exclusions.— An agency action may not be determined to be a major Federal action solely on the basis of the provision of Federal funds, including a grant, loan, loan guarantee, and funding assistance.
The bill says: by adding at the end the following:
Bill text · Current law (42 U.S.C. 4336e)
42 U.S.C. 4336eadded (15)by H.R. 4776 Sec. 2(f)
(15) Reasonably foreseeable.— The term reasonably foreseeable, with respect to environmental effects of a proposed agency action—(A) means effects that share a reasonably close causal relationship to, and are proximately caused by, the immediate project or action under consideration; and(B) does not include effects that are—(i) speculative;(ii) attenuated from the proposed agency action;(iii) separate in time or place from the proposed agency action; or(iv) in relation to separate existing or potential future projects.
The bill says: by adding at the end the following:
Bill text · Current law (42 U.S.C. 4336e)
42 U.S.C. 4344(4)changedby H.R. 4776 Sec. 2(g)
(4) to develop and recommend to the President national policies to foster and promote the improvement of environmental quality to meet the conservation, social, economic, health, energy, and other requirements and goals of the Nation;
The bill says: Section 204 of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4344) is amended in paragraph (4) by inserting "energy," after "health,".
Bill text · Current law (42 U.S.C. 4344)
42 U.S.C. 4331renumberedby H.R. 4776 Sec. 3(1)
The bill says: by redesignating section 112 as section 110A and moving such section so as to appear after section 110; and
Bill text · Current law (42 U.S.C. 4331)
42 U.S.C. 4331added 110Bby H.R. 4776 Sec. 3(2)
110B. Judicial review.—(a) Role of the court.— In reviewing a claim of whether a final agency action complies with the requirements of this Act, a court—(1) shall afford substantial deference to the agency; and(2) may not substitute its judgment for that of the agency regarding the environmental effects included in the final agency action or included in the environmental document.(b) Remand.—(1) In general.— If a court holds, under section 706(2)(A) of title 5, United States Code, that a final agency action does not comply with the requirements of this Act, the only remedy the court may order, notwithstanding chapter 7 of title 5, United States Code, is to remand, without vacatur or injunction, the final agency action to the agency with—(A) specific instruction to correct the errors or deficiencies found by the court; and(B) a reasonable schedule and deadline to correct such errors or deficiencies, which such deadline may not exceed—(i) with regard to an order entered on or after the date of enactment of this section, the date that is 180 days after the date on which the order was entered; and(ii) with regard to an order entered before the date of enactment of this section, the date that is 180 days after the date of enactment of this section.(2) Continued effect of final agency action.— A final agency action remanded under paragraph (1) shall remain in effect while the Federal agency corrects any errors or deficiencies found by the court.(c) Limitations on claims.—(1) In general.— Notwithstanding any other provision of law (except as provided in subparagraph (A) with respect to a shorter deadline), a claim described in subsection (a) shall be barred unless—(A) such claim is filed not later than 150 days after the final agency action is made public, unless a shorter deadline is specified under law;(B) in the case of a final agency action for which there was a public comment period on an environmental document, such claim—(i) is filed by a party that submitted a substantive and unique comment during such public comment period by the noticed comment deadline for the environmental document and such comment was sufficiently detailed to put the applicable Federal agency on notice of the issue upon which the party seeks review; and(ii) concerns the same subject matter raised in the comment submitted during the public comment period;(C) such claim is filed by a party that has suffered or imminently will suffer direct harm from the final agency action; and(D) such claim does not challenge the establishment of a categorical exclusion.(2) Supplemental environmental documents.— If an agency issues a supplemental environmental document in response to a court order remanding a final agency action, the deadline described in paragraph (1)(A) shall be the date on which the agency makes public the agency action for which the supplemental environmental document is prepared. A claim for review of such final agency action shall be limited to information contained in the final supplemental environmental document that was not contained in a previous environmental document for the final agency action.(3) Actions for use of tribal trust resources.— For any final agency action that authorizes or affects the use of lands, minerals, or other resources already held in trust at the time of the final agency action by the United States for the benefit of a federally recognized Indian Tribe—(A) except as provided in subparagraph (B), there shall be no administrative or judicial review of such final agency action based on a claim of failure to comply with the requirements of this Act; and(B) subparagraph (A) shall not apply to actions for administrative or judicial review—(i) brought by the federally recognized Indian Tribe for which the United States holds the lands, minerals, or other resources in trust; or(ii) that involve reasonably foreseeable effects of the final agency action that occur outside the lands, minerals, or other resources held in trust by the United States for the benefit of a federally recognized Indian Tribe.(d) Deadline for resolution.—(1) In general.— A court shall issue a final judgment on a claim described in subsection (a)—(A) as expeditiously as practicable; and(B) unless a shorter deadline is specified under Federal law, not later than the date that is 180 days after the date on which the agency record for the review is filed with the reviewing court, which shall not be more than 60 days after the filing of the claim.(2) Accelerated deadlines.— Nothing in this subsection may be construed to prevent a court from further expediting review of a claim described in subsection (a).(3) Appeals.—(A) Filing.— A notice of appeal of a final judgment described in this subsection shall be filed not later than 60 days after such final judgment is issued. In the case of a final agency action remanded under subsection (b), the agency and, if applicable, the applicant, shall have the right to appeal during the pendency of the remand.(B) Deadline for review.— A court shall issue a final decision on an appeal filed under subparagraph (A)—(i) as expeditiously as practicable; and(ii) not later than the date that is 180 days after the date on which the appeal is filed.(e) No effect on review of compliance with other deadlines.— This section shall not affect the right to obtain review under section 107(g)(3).
The bill says: by inserting before section 111 the following:
Bill text · Current law (42 U.S.C. 4331)