Bill Would Limit Scope of ESA and Environmental Law Assessments Prior to Natural Gas Pipeline Permit Approval

Senate Bill 5165 would fast-track natural gas pipeline construction and limit regulatory and litigation delays under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, the National Environmental Policy Act, the Clean Water Act, and the Endangered Species Act (ESA). Among other changes, the bill aims to shorten ESA consultation timeframes and prevent the expansion of the ESA in a way that would obstruct pipeline infrastructure. The bill was introduced by Senator Patrick Toomey and has been referred to the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works. Representative Mike Kelly introduced a companion bill in the House of Representatives. The bill text is not yet publicly available.