House Passes Legislation to Modernize America’s Energy Infrastructure

(Washington, DC) – (RealEstateRama) — Congressman Doug LaMalfa (R-Richvale) issued the following statement after the House voted on several pieces of legislation that will help modernize and advance America’s energy infrastructure.

LaMalfa said: “In recent years, lack of coordination between federal agencies has delayed many important infrastructure projects – the recent Keystone XL pipeline immediately comes to mind.
These delays are often unnecessary and only serve to hinder job growth. We decided to streamline this process by establishing a more transparent and efficient review process for new energy infrastructure projects. The House has also asserted the authority to delay implementation of the EPA’s ozone standards, which are a one-size-fits-all solution that won’t work for rural areas, where states still have no idea how to comply. I am glad that Congress and new EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt are on the same page – America is in great need of more modern and more efficient energy infrastructure.”

This week, the House passed:

H.R. 806, the Ozone Standards Implementation Act of 2017.
This legislation allows states to pursue technologically feasible and economically practical implementation of the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) newest ozone standards. Many of these standards are not attainable for rural areas and often add costs to areas that already have clean air. H.R. 806 delays the implementation of these standards so that states who will implement these policies have input in developing them.

H.R. 2910, the Promoting Interagency Coordination for Review of Natural Gas Pipelines Act.
This legislation encourages a timelier and more efficient review of natural gas pipelines by strengthening the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission’s (FERC) role as the lead agency in the review process.

H.R. 2883, the Promoting Cross-Border Energy Infrastructure Act.
This legislation establishes coordinated procedures to authorize construction and operation of oil and gas pipelines or electric transmission facilities that cross the U.S. border to Mexico or Canada. Under this legislation, FERC would review oil and natural gas pipelines, while the Department of Energy would review electric transmission facilities.

H.R. 2786, to amend the Federal Power Act with respect to the criteria and process to qualify as a qualifying conduit hydropower facility.

This bill dramatically streamlines and accelerates permitting of hydroelectric generation within existing pipelines, canals, and conduits. Under current law, installing a small hydroelectric generator in an existing canal requires the same amount of review as a large new dam.
Congressman Doug LaMalfa is a lifelong farmer representing California’s First Congressional District, including Butte, Glenn, Lassen, Modoc, Nevada, Placer, Plumas, Shasta, Sierra, Siskiyou and Tehama Counties.

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