House Passes Improving Interagency Coordination for Pipeline Reviews Act (H.R. 3668) 213-184, Streamlining Natural Gas Pipeline Permitting and Modifying State Water Quality Review Authority
The House of Representatives convened for legislative business, with the primary focus on the debate and passage of H.R. 3668, the Improving Interagency Coordination for Pipeline Reviews Act. This bill aims to streamline the permitting process for interstate natural gas pipelines by strengthening the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission's (FERC) lead agency role and altering the State-level water quality review process under Section 401 of the Clean Water Act. The day also included routine Housekeeping, 1-minute speeches on various topics, and the introduction of new legislation.
The passage of H.R. 3668 represents a significant legislative action impacting energy infrastructure development and environmental regulatory authority. By centralizing water quality review for pipelines under FERC and setting stricter timelines for agency coordination, the bill seeks to expedite natural gas pipeline construction. This has direct implications for energy policy, States' rights in environmental permitting, and the future of domestic energy supply and costs, particularly in regions experiencing energy shortages.
Improving Interagency Coordination for Pipeline Reviews Act
H.R. 3668Question before the chamber
The question was on the passage of H.R. 3668, a bill to promote interagency coordination for reviewing certain authorizations under section 3 of the Natural Gas Act, and for other purposes.
The case for
Proponents argued that H.R. 3668 is essential for powering the Nation's future, addressing growing electricity demand, and lowering energy costs for consumers. They stated that current pipeline approvals are delayed by a lack of coordination and obstruction from States using Section 401 of the Clean Water Act for radical climate agendas rather than legitimate water quality concerns. The bill would strengthen FERC's lead agency role, streamline the permitting process, and integrate water quality review into FERC's NEPA process while preserving statutory protections for water quality. They emphasized that natural gas is a reliable and affordable energy solution, and increased pipeline capacity is critical for energy security and economic growth, citing potential savings of $76 billion by 2040.
The case against
Opponents strongly opposed H.R. 3668, characterizing it as an assault on environmental laws and States' rights. They argued that the bill strips States of their ability to enforce clean water laws for pipelines and makes FERC responsible for enforcement, despite FERC's stated lack of staff expertise or resources for this role. Opponents also criticized the bill for not addressing broader permitting reform for clean energy, ignoring pipeline safety, and contributing to rising energy costs due to the administration's policies and tariffs. They asserted that the bill serves corporate polluters and is a partisan effort that will not lead to a serious permitting package.
Disposition
Passed · recorded vote
The bill was passed by the House of Representatives.
Yeas 213, Nays 184
Amendments
- A motion to recommit the bill to the Committee on Energy and Commerce with instructions to report it back forthwith, with an amendment requiring the Secretary of Energy to publish a report detailing how tariffs imposed after January 20, 2025, have increased the prices of electricity and natural gas. (Mr. Landsman) — Rejected [Yeas 194, Nays 204]
Who is affected
- Energy Consumers: Proponents argue the bill will lower energy costs and improve reliability by expediting pipeline construction; opponents argue it will not address rising utility bills and may worsen them.
- States and Local Governments: The bill removes States' authority to issue Section 401 Clean Water Act certifications for pipelines, transferring this review to FERC, thereby reducing State control over environmental permitting for these projects.
- Natural Gas Pipeline Developers: The bill aims to streamline the permitting process, reduce delays, and provide a clearer path for the approval and construction of interstate natural gas pipelines.
- Environmental Advocates: Opponents argue the bill weakens environmental safeguards by stripping States of their clean water enforcement role and potentially leading to less rigorous environmental reviews.
House Passes H.R. 3668, Improving Interagency Coordination for Pipeline Reviews Act
highThe House passed H.R. 3668 by a recorded vote of 213 yeas to 184 nays. The bill aims to strengthen FERC's role as the lead agency for natural gas pipeline reviews, streamline interagency coordination, and modify the process for State water quality certifications under Section 401 of the Clean Water Act, shifting the primary review responsibility to FERC.
Motion to Recommit H.R. 3668 with Instructions to Report on Tariff Impacts on Energy Prices Rejected
mediumA motion to recommit H.R. 3668 to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, with instructions to report it back with an amendment requiring a Department of Energy report on how tariffs imposed after January 20, 2025, have increased electricity and natural gas prices, was offered by Mr. Landsman and subsequently rejected by a recorded vote of 194 yeas to 204 nays.
Debate on States' Rights and Environmental Safeguards for Pipelines
highFloor debate on H.R. 3668 highlighted a key tension between proponents' arguments for energy affordability and grid reliability through streamlined pipeline construction, and opponents' concerns about the bill stripping States of their authority to enforce clean water laws and potentially compromising environmental and safety standards.
Filing of Multiple Discharge Petitions
mediumTwo discharge petitions were filed: Petition 12 by Mr. Fitzpatrick on House Resolution 486, and Petition 13 by Mr. Gottheimer on House Resolution 910. These petitions were signed by a list of Members, indicating efforts to bring specific measures to the floor without committee approval.