Skip to content
Congress·Passed House·5 months ago

Congress Proposes New Rules to Speed Up Approval for Energy Pipelines and Power Lines at U.S. Borders

Also known as: Promoting Cross-border Energy Infrastructure Act

Legislative Progress

✓ Filed
✓ Review
✓ House

224–203

Senate
President

Impact Analysis

Scores: 1 = low, 5 = highSentiment: -5 to +5 (net benefit)

State Impacts

Scores: 1 = low, 5 = highSentiment: -5 to +5 (net benefit)

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.
Energy EnvironmentInfrastructure TransportationEconomy Finance

Milestones

7 milestones24 actions
Sep 19, 2025Senate

Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.

Sep 18, 2025House

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

Sep 18, 2025House

On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 224 - 203 (Roll no. 277). (text of amendment in the nature of a substitute: CR H4423)

Sep 18, 2025

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)

Sep 18, 2025House

Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H4442)

What Happens Next

Projected impacts based on AI analysis

Within 180 days of enactment

FERC and DOE must publish proposed rules for the new certificate of crossing process

The public will get a chance to see and comment on the specific procedures companies would follow to get their cross-border projects approved under the new system.

1 year after enactment

New certificate of crossing system takes effect, replacing Presidential permits

Companies building pipelines or power lines across U.S. borders would apply to FERC or DOE instead of seeking a Presidential permit. Decisions must come within 120 days of completing environmental review, making the process faster and more predictable.

Vote Results

1 vote
HousePassedPassageSep 18, 2025

On Passage

224
203
Democrat
7 – 203 · 3
Republican
217 – 0 · 2
View full roll call

Related News

5 articles
Engineering News-Record·5 months ago

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.

C=
Politico Pro·8 months ago

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.

CL=
KXNET·6 months ago

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.

C+

Source Information

Document Type

Congressional Bill

Official Title

Promoting Cross-border Energy Infrastructure Act

Bill NumberHR 3062
Congress119th Congress
ChamberHouse of Representatives
Latest ActionReceived in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.

Sponsor

Cosponsors

(2)
R: 2

Analysis generated by AI. While we strive for accuracy, this should not be considered legal or professional advice. Always verify information with official government sources.