This bill would give the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) more authority over the environmental review process for natural gas pipeline projects. It would require other federal, state, and local agencies to follow FERC's approved scope for reviews, and set deadlines for completing these reviews.
Latest Action
Referred to the Subcommittee on Energy, Climate and Grid Security.
AI Summary
Plain-English explanation of this bill
This bill would give the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) more authority over the environmental review process for natural gas pipeline projects. It would require other federal, state, and local agencies to follow FERC's approved scope for reviews, and set deadlines for completing these reviews.
Last updated: 12/29/2025
Official Summary
Congressional Research Service summary
<p><b>Promoting Interagency Coordination for Review of Natural Gas Pipelines Act</b></p> <p>This bill expands the authority of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to act as the only lead agency for the purpose of coordinating the environmental review process under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) of natural gas pipeline project applications under the Natural Gas Act. Thus, federal, state, and local agencies involved in the environmental review process must defer to FERC's approved scope for a NEPA review.</p> <p>FERC must invite and designate the other participating agencies involved in the authorization process. In addition, FERC must consult with the Transportation Security Administration regarding pipeline infrastructure security, pipeline cybersecurity, pipeline personnel security, and other pipeline security measures.</p> <p>The bill establishes a deadline for agencies to complete NEPA reviews of pipeline projects and requires concurrent reviews when multiple federal or state agencies are involved.</p> <p>If a federal or state agency requires the person applying for a pipeline authorization to submit data, the agency must consider any such data gathered by aerial or other remote means that the person submits.</p>
Key Points
Main provisions of the bill
Expands FERC's authority as the lead agency for coordinating environmental reviews of natural gas pipeline projects
Requires other agencies to defer to FERC's approved scope for the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) review process
Establishes deadlines for agencies to complete NEPA reviews of pipeline projects
Allows companies to submit data gathered by aerial or remote means for agency consideration
How This Impacts Americans
Potential effects on citizens and communities
If this bill becomes law, it would streamline the review process for natural gas pipeline projects by giving FERC more control. This could make it easier for energy companies to build new pipelines, but may reduce the ability of other agencies and the public to provide input on potential environmental impacts.
Policy Areas
Primary Policy Area
Energy
Related Subjects
Computer security and identity theft
Environmental assessment, monitoring, research
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC)
Government information and archives
Intergovernmental relations
Licensing and registrations
Oil and gas
Pipelines
State and local government operations
Transportation employees
+1 more
Scope & Jurisdiction
Jurisdiction Level
federal
Congressional Session
119th Congress
Citation Reference
829, 119th Congress (2025). "Fighting Budget Waste Act". Source: Voter's Right Platform. https://votersright.org/bills/118-hr-829