Streamlining NEPA for Coal Act

H.R. 4068 would direct the Secretary of the Interior to identify existing and potential categorical exclusions under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) that could facilitate coal production and export. Categorical exclusions are a type of environmental review that bypasses more detailed environmental assessments. Under the bill, the Secretary would have 30 days to identify these exemptions and report them to Congress. The bill aims to streamline the federal permitting process for coal-related projects by reducing the environmental review requirements that typically apply to major federal actions. If enacted, the bill could accelerate coal leasing and mining operations on federal lands by allowing certain projects to proceed with less extensive environmental analysis. The bill is currently under consideration in the House Natural Resources Committee's Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources, where it received a hearing in September 2025. It has not yet been voted on by the full House.