Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that amends the William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 to clarify the scope of a major Federal action under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 with respect to certain projects relating to the production of semiconductors.

Highlights:

• Amends and limits the review of certain semiconductor (i.e., microchip) projects under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) and the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) (Sec. 2)

• exempts from NEPA and NHPA specified semiconductor projects that receive financial assistance under the William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 (Sec. 2).

• Requires the Department of Commerce to serve as the lead agency for the review of a semiconductor project that receives such financial assistance but is not exempted from review under NEPA (Sec. 2).

• Requires that in completing the environmental review, Commerce may adopt a prior study or decision under certain circumstances (Sec. 2).

• Authorizes a state to assume the responsibility of an environmental review under NEPA for a semiconductor project (Sec. 2).

• Establishes  a statute of limitations for certain claims under NEPA (Sec. 2).

Full Bill Text

Full Bill Text

Full Bill Text