A Republican bill with 6 Democratic cosponsors · See all 11 cosponsors
Last activity — Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.
In the other chamber's committee
Passed one chamber and has been handed to a committee in the other.
The committee decides whether it goes any further, and most bills that reach a committee never leave it. A committee that simply does nothing kills a bill without anyone ever voting against it, so no news from here is usually the news.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
- Passed House voice vote
- In Senate committee
The House by voice vote (members called out yes or no together): no member's position on it was recorded.
What this bill would do
The "ePermit Act" aims to modernize environmental reviews and authorizations through digital, cloud-based, and interactive platforms. It mandates the development of data standards to ensure different Federal agencies can share information easily and reduce redundant reviews. The Chair of the Council on Environmental Quality will oversee the creation of prototype tools and a unified interagency data system. This system includes a digital authorization portal for project sponsors and the public to track progress and submit documentation. Agencies are required to implement these new standards and functional requirements to improve efficiency and transparency. Ultimately, the act seeks to create a more predictable and streamlined process for environmental decision-making.
Yes· 3 of 6
- Scored +8
Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see?
The act mandates digital portals and real-time data access to increase transparency in environmental reviews.
- Scored +5
Does this better protect air, water and wildlife?
The act enhances environmental oversight through digital transparency and improved data accuracy.
- Scored +5
Would business owners be better off under this?
Project sponsors benefit from more predictable and efficient authorization schedules.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Increased Transparency and Accessibility: Digital strategies are intended to make the community engagement process more available and transparent to all stakeholders, specifically those in communities where new projects are being built (Section 2, Finding 2).
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Improved Information Access: The act seeks to provide Federal agencies, project sponsors, and the public with up-to-date, accurate information regarding project timelines and statuses (Section 2, Finding 9).
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Enhanced Public Engagement: The authorization portal will include mechanisms for notifying local communities about notices of intent for public comment, public meetings, and project statuses (Section 7, a)(2)(A)(iv).
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Streamlined Application Processes: The creation of a unified and secure portal allows project sponsors to submit all necessary documentation for reviews and authorizations in one place (Section 7, a)(2)(A)(v).
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Better Public Comment Management: The act calls for automated tools to handle the lifecycle of public comments, including their categorization and response (Section 5, a)(2)(G).
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Greater Oversight Capabilities: The authorization portal will provide Congress with direct access to performance data and analytics to enable real-time oversight of Federal agencies (Section 7, a)(2)(E)(i).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Restrictions on Land Use: The bill explicitly states that automated project screening may not be used by the Council on Environmental Quality or a Federal agency to unlawfully restrict activities on Federal lands (Section 5, a)(2)(B).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Tap or hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see? — The act mandates digital portals and real-time data access to increase transparency in environmental reviews. Does this give the federal government more power? — The act centralizes environmental review processes through a unified interagency data system.
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Does this better protect air, water and wildlife? — The act enhances environmental oversight through digital transparency and improved data accuracy. Does this better protect public land such as parks and forests? — Digital integration may improve the management and monitoring of federal lands.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would business owners be better off under this? — Project sponsors benefit from more predictable and efficient authorization schedules.
- Education And Technology
- Does this give people more control over their personal data? — The bill includes specific requirements for cybersecurity and compliance with the Privacy Act.
- 12/10/2025
- Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.
- 12/9/2025
- Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
- Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H5088-5091)
- On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H5088-5091)
- DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 4503.
- Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H5088-5091)
- Mr. Crank moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
- 12/4/2025
- Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Natural Resources. H. Rept. 119-392.
- Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 341.
- 11/20/2025
- Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
- Ordered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute by Unanimous Consent.
- 2 Cosponsors added.
- 9/16/2025
- 2 Cosponsors added.
- 9/15/2025
- 2 Cosponsors added.
- 9/10/2025
- Committee Hearings Held
- 2 Cosponsors added.
- 9/2/2025
- 2 Cosponsors added.
- 7/17/2025
- Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in House
One bill Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.
Jake AuchinclossDemocrat · Massachusetts
Ken CalvertRepublican · California
Jeff CrankRepublican · Colorado
Sharice DavidsDemocrat · Kansas
Gabe EvansRepublican · Colorado
Adam GrayDemocrat · California
Jeff HurdRepublican · Colorado
Jennifer KiggansRepublican · Virginia
Seth MagazinerDemocrat · Rhode Island
Scott PetersDemocrat · California
Eugene VindmanDemocrat · Virginia