Promoting Cross-border Energy Infrastructure Act
Congress Proposes New Rules to Speed Up Approval for Energy Pipelines and Power Lines at U.S. Borders
Stalled
No legislative action in over 90 days.
Legislative Progress
224–203
Key Points
- This bill changes how the U.S. approves oil pipelines, natural gas pipelines, and electric power lines that cross into Canada or Mexico. Instead of needing a special permit from the President, companies would apply for a certificate of crossing from federal energy agencies.
- The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission would oversee pipelines, while the Department of Energy would handle power lines. These agencies must issue a permit within 120 days of finishing environmental studies unless they find the project would hurt the public interest.
- The bill aims to make energy trade faster and more predictable. For example, it requires natural gas trade requests with Canada and Mexico to be approved within 30 days of a completed application.
- The bill limits the President's power to cancel existing border permits. Under these rules, the President could not revoke a permit for a pipeline or power line unless Congress specifically passes a law to allow it.
- If passed, these new rules would take effect one year later. The law would not apply to projects that are already running or those that have already applied for permits before the bill becomes law.
Impact Analysis
Personal Impact
Tribal communities near U.S. borders could be affected if faster permitting leads to more pipelines and power lines routed through or near tribal lands. While the bill preserves other federal laws (including environmental review under NEPA), the 120-day decision deadline after environmental review could pressure faster decisions on projects that affect tribal resources and sacred sites. Tribal consultation processes could face time pressure under the new framework.
State Impacts
Milestones
Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
Sent to a congressional committee for expert review. The committee decides whether this bill moves forward.
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 224 - 203 (Roll no. 277). (text of amendment in the nature of a substitute: CR H4423)
Passed/agreed to in House: On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 224 - 203 (Roll no. 277). (text of amendment in the nature of a substitute: CR H4424: 7)
The House of Representatives voted to approve this bill. It now goes to the Senate.
Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H4442)
Vote Results
1 voteRelated News
5 articles
House Passes Bills Aimed at Streamlining Energy Project Permits
Lawmakers advanced the Promoting Cross-border Energy Infrastructure Act to modernize the authorization of international border-crossing facilities. The bill requires a certificate of crossing from FERC or DOE within 120 days, aiming to prevent political permit revocations like Keystone XL.
Surprise House recess delays action on energy, water
A sudden House recess delayed the 'Promoting Cross-border Energy Infrastructure Act,' H.R. 3062, which seeks to ease approvals for pipeline or grid connections with Canada and Mexico. The bill is part of a broader GOP push to reform energy permitting and environmental reviews.
Fedorchak bill to streamline cross-border energy projects passes U.S. House
Representative Julie Fedorchak's H.R. 3062 passed the House with bipartisan support. The legislation establishes a streamlined approach for the approval of facilities managing the import and export of oil, natural gas, and electricity transmission between the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.
Source Information
Document Type
Congressional Bill
Official Title
Promoting Cross-border Energy Infrastructure Act
Data Sources
Sponsor
Cosponsors
(2)Analysis generated by AI. Always verify with official sources.