Westerman Releases Long-Awaited NEPA Overhaul Plan

House Natural Resources Committee Chairman Bruce Westerman has unveiled a bill to overhaul the National Environmental Policy Act as part of the ongoing debate in Congress over energy project permits.

The Arkansas Republican negotiated changes to NEPA with Rep. Scott Peters (D-Calif.), but the bill introduced Thursday appears to be an all-Republican effort. Westerman plans to hold a hearing next week.

The legislation would make clear that NEPA requires agencies to consider the environmental impact of projects, but does not mandate the results. It would also limit the scope of the reviews.

The plan would require agencies to consider only environmental impacts that fall within the jurisdiction and control of the lead agency. The plan would also impose restrictions on new scientific research, according to a fact sheet.