House · HR 3668 · 119th Congress
Improving Interagency Coordination for Pipeline Reviews Act
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Summary
This bill makes one federal agency, FERC, the sole leader for reviewing natural gas pipeline and LNG terminal projects. Other federal and state agencies must follow FERC's review process and meet strict deadlines. The bill also removes the requirement for pipeline applicants to get state water quality approval under the Clean Water Act.
In Favor
Pipeline projects often face years of delay because many agencies each run their own review. This bill puts one agency in charge and requires all reviews to run at the same time. That change could speed up energy projects and lower costs for builders and consumers who depend on natural gas.
Against
The bill removes states' power to block pipelines over water quality concerns. States and tribes that want to protect local rivers and streams lose a key tool they currently hold. Agencies that miss the tight deadlines could also rush their work, raising the risk that important environmental problems get overlooked.
Additional Considerations
Purpose & Problem
Is the problem real and worth federal action?
This bill sets rules for how federal agencies must work together when reviewing natural gas pipeline and liquefied natural gas terminal projects. It aims to speed up the review process by making one agency the main coordinator.
Scope & Related Provisions
Does it stay focused, or carry unrelated add-ons?
The bill stays focused on pipeline review coordination but adds a requirement for FERC to consult with the Transportation Security Administration about pipeline security. It also addresses water quality review procedures separately from the core coordination process.
Who Is Affected
Who benefits, and who bears the cost?
Natural gas pipeline and LNG terminal applicants face a more structured review process. Federal, state, local, and tribal agencies gain new duties to meet deadlines, file progress reports, and work on parallel review schedules set by FERC.
Cost & Funding
Is it affordable and responsibly funded?
The bill does not authorize or appropriate a specific dollar amount. It shifts costs onto agencies, which must build new plans and reporting systems to meet FERC deadlines. Applicants may pay third-party contractors to help process their own applications.
Risks & Implementation
What could go wrong in practice?
The bill requires many agencies to coordinate on strict timelines, which depends on those agencies having enough staff and resources. Removing the state water quality certification step may prompt legal challenges that slow individual projects.
For the actual bill text, see congress.gov.
AI-generated · Published 6/5/2026