Technical corrections only. The diff between v3 and v4 primarily involves updating the attestation to include the Clerk's name and adding the Senate referral information. No substantive policy changes were made to the bill's text.
Studying NEPA’s Impact on Projects Act
- Sponsor
- Rep. Yakym, Rudy [R-IN-2]
- Committees
- Environment and Public Works Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Dec 10, 2025
Bottom line
The bill mandates annual data collection and public reporting on the administrative and legal impacts of NEPA compliance, aiming to provide transparency on project delays, costs, and litigation outcomes.
What it actually does
This bill amends the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) to require federal lead agencies to submit annual reports to the Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ). These reports must detail civil actions alleging NEPA violations, the length, cost, and completion timelines of environmental impact statements (EISs). The CEQ is then mandated to publish these reports and their underlying data publicly and submit them to relevant congressional committees.
Proponents argue
Supporters argue that this bill provides crucial, objective data necessary to evaluate NEPA's effectiveness, identify bottlenecks in the environmental review process, and inform future reforms aimed at streamlining infrastructure and other federal projects. They contend it promotes transparency and accountability by making comprehensive information on NEPA implementation publicly accessible.
Opponents contend
Critics might contend that the extensive and detailed reporting requirements impose an undue administrative burden on federal agencies, potentially diverting resources from actual environmental review work. They may also express concern that the collected data could be selectively used to justify weakening environmental protections by highlighting delays and costs without adequately capturing the benefits of thorough environmental review and public engagement.
The bill is concise and clearly structured, allowing ample time for a thorough review and understanding of its provisions.
Section 2, amending Section 201(a) of NEPA
Mandated Annual Reports by Lead Agencies to CEQ
This provision requires the head of each federal 'lead agency' to submit an annual report to the Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) by July 1, 2026, and every year thereafter. These reports must cover civil actions alleging NEPA violations, the length and cost of Environmental Impact Statements (EISs), and the timelines for completing EISs for major federal actions.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue this provision is essential for evidence-based policymaking regarding NEPA. It provides crucial transparency on the actual impacts of NEPA reviews on project timelines and costs, allowing for informed discussions on potential reforms and identifying areas for process improvement.
Critics contend
Critics might contend that these detailed reporting requirements impose an undue administrative burden on agencies, potentially diverting resources from actual environmental review work. They may also argue that the data could be selectively used to paint a negative picture of NEPA's role without fully accounting for its benefits.
Tradeoffs
This provision balances the desire for greater transparency and data-driven policy with the potential for increased administrative burden on federal agencies and the risk of data misinterpretation.
Section 2, amending Section 201(a)(1) of NEPA
Detailed Reporting on NEPA Civil Actions
This provision requires lead agencies to report on all civil actions alleging NEPA violations that were active during the preceding year. The report must identify the defendant agency, plaintiffs, court, alleged basis (disaggregated by covered sectors), and the status and outcome of each action, including whether it resulted in setting aside agency action, allowing the project to proceed, remand, settlement, or an award of costs.
Section 2, amending Section 201(a)(2), (3), and (4) of NEPA
Reporting on Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) Metrics
This provision requires agencies to report on the length of EISs (average and median page counts, with and without appendices), the estimated cost to prepare EISs (including personnel, contractor, and cooperating agency costs), and the timelines for completing EISs (key dates from project application to notice to proceed). This data must be disaggregated by agency and 'covered sector' and include trends and comparisons before and after the Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023.