S.1191 - Studying NEPA’s Impact on Projects Act (119th Congress)
Summary
S.1191, the "Studying NEPA's Impact on Projects Act," aims to amend the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA). It mandates the Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) to publish an annual report on environmental reviews and litigation related to NEPA compliance. The report would include data on causes of action, length and cost of environmental impact statements, and timelines for project completion.
Expected Effects
The bill's likely effect is increased transparency and data collection regarding the implementation and impact of NEPA. This could lead to a better understanding of NEPA's effectiveness and potential areas for improvement in environmental review processes. The data may also inform future legislative or regulatory changes related to environmental policy.
Potential Benefits
- Increased transparency in NEPA implementation through public reporting.
- Better understanding of the costs and timelines associated with environmental reviews.
- Identification of trends and potential bottlenecks in the environmental review process.
- Data-driven insights for improving the efficiency and effectiveness of NEPA.
- Enhanced accountability of federal agencies in complying with NEPA.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for increased administrative burden on the CEQ to compile and publish the report.
- Risk that the data could be used to unduly criticize or obstruct legitimate environmental reviews.
- Possible delays in project approvals if the reporting requirements lead to increased scrutiny.
- The focus on data collection may divert resources from other important environmental protection activities.
- The report's findings may be subject to political interpretation and manipulation.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the constitutional principle of transparency and accountability in government actions. While the Constitution does not explicitly address environmental policy, Congress has the authority to enact laws necessary and proper for carrying out its enumerated powers, such as regulating interstate commerce, which can be related to environmental regulations. The requirement for reporting to Congress also aligns with its oversight function.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).