---
kind: "section"
citation: "42 U.S.C. § 4370m–2"
title: "42"
title_heading: "The Public Health and Welfare"
number: "4370m–2"
heading: "Permitting process improvement"
release: "119-102"
date: "2026-07-12"
url: "https://uscodex.org/usc/42/4370m-2"
units:
  - "Chapter 55 — National Environmental Policy"
  - "Subchapter IV — Federal Permitting Improvement"
---

# §4370m–2. Permitting process improvement

- (a) **Project initiation and designation of participating agencies—**
  - (1) **Notice—**
    - (A) **In general—** A [project sponsor](/usc/42/4370m.md?p=18) of a [covered project](/usc/42/4370m.md?p=6-A) shall submit to the [Executive Director](/usc/42/4370m.md?p=12) and the [facilitating agency](/usc/42/4370m.md?p=13) notice of the initiation of a proposed [covered project](/usc/42/4370m.md?p=6-A).
    - (B) **Default designation—** If, at the time of submission of the notice under [subparagraph (A)](#a-1-A), the [Executive Director](/usc/42/4370m.md?p=12) has not designated a [facilitating agency](/usc/42/4370m.md?p=13) under [section 4370m–1(c)(1)(B) of this title](/usc/42/4370m–1.md?p=c-1-B) for the categories of [projects](/usc/42/13641.md?p=2) noticed, the [agency](/usc/42/4370m.md?p=1) that receives the notice under [subparagraph (A)](#a-1-A) shall be designated as the [facilitating agency](/usc/42/4370m.md?p=13).
    - (C) **Contents—** Each notice described in [subparagraph (A)](#a-1-A) shall include—
      - (i) a statement of the purposes and objectives of the proposed [project](/usc/42/13641.md?p=2);
      - (ii) a concise description, including the general location of the proposed [project](/usc/42/13641.md?p=2) and a summary of geospatial information, if available, illustrating the [project](/usc/42/13641.md?p=2) area and the locations, if any, of environmental, cultural, and historic resources;
      - (iii) a statement regarding the technical and financial ability of the [project sponsor](/usc/42/4370m.md?p=18) to construct the proposed [project](/usc/42/13641.md?p=2);
      - (iv) a statement of any Federal financing, [environmental reviews](/usc/42/4370m.md?p=11), and [authorizations](/usc/42/4370m.md?p=3) anticipated to be required to complete the proposed [project](/usc/42/13641.md?p=2); and
      - (v) an assessment that the proposed [project](/usc/42/13641.md?p=2) meets the definition of a [covered project](/usc/42/4370m.md?p=6-A) under [section 4370m of this title](/usc/42/4370m.md) and a statement of reasons supporting the assessment.
    - (D) **Confidentiality—** Any information relating to Native American natural, cultural, and historical resources submitted in a notice by a [project sponsor](/usc/42/4370m.md?p=18) under [subparagraph (A)](#a-1-A) shall be—
      - (i) kept confidential; and
      - (ii) exempt from the disclosure requirements under [section 552 of title 5](/usc/5/552.md) (commonly known as the “Freedom of Information Act”) and the Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App.).[^1]
  - (2) **Invitation—**
    - (A) **In general—** Not later than 21 calendar days after the date on which the [Executive Director](/usc/42/4370m.md?p=12) must make a specific entry for the [project](/usc/42/13641.md?p=2) on the [Dashboard](/usc/42/4370m.md?p=7) under [subsection (b)(2)(A)](#b-2-A), the [facilitating agency](/usc/42/4370m.md?p=13) or [lead agency](/usc/42/4336e.md?p=9), as applicable, shall—
      - (i) identify all Federal and non-Federal [agencies](/usc/42/4370m.md?p=1) and governmental entities likely to have financing, [environmental review](/usc/42/4370m.md?p=11), [authorization](/usc/42/4370m.md?p=3), or other responsibilities with respect to the proposed [project](/usc/42/13641.md?p=2); and
      - (ii) invite all Federal [agencies](/usc/42/4370m.md?p=1) identified under [clause (i)](#a-2-A-i) to become a [participating agency](/usc/42/4370m.md?p=17) or a [cooperating agency](/usc/42/4336e.md?p=2), as appropriate, in the [environmental review](/usc/42/4370m.md?p=11) and [authorization](/usc/42/4370m.md?p=3) management process described in [section 4370m–4 of this title](/usc/42/4370m–4.md).
    - (B) **Deadlines—** Each invitation made under [subparagraph (A)](#a-2-A) shall include a 14 calendar day deadline for a response to be submitted to the facilitating or [lead agency](/usc/42/4336e.md?p=9), as applicable.
  - (3) **Participating and cooperating agencies—**
    - (A) **In general—** An [agency](/usc/42/4370m.md?p=1) invited under [paragraph (2)](#a-2) shall be designated as a participating or [cooperating agency](/usc/42/4336e.md?p=2) for a [covered project](/usc/42/4370m.md?p=6-A), unless the [agency](/usc/42/4370m.md?p=1) informs the facilitating or [lead agency](/usc/42/4336e.md?p=9), as applicable, and the [Executive Director](/usc/42/4370m.md?p=12) in writing before the deadline under [paragraph (2)(B)](#a-2-B) that the [agency](/usc/42/4370m.md?p=1)—
      - (i) has no jurisdiction or authority with respect to the proposed [project](/usc/42/13641.md?p=2); or
      - (ii) does not intend to exercise authority related to, or submit comments on, the proposed [project](/usc/42/13641.md?p=2).
    - (B) **Changed circumstances—** On request and a showing of changed circumstances, the [Executive Director](/usc/42/4370m.md?p=12) may designate an [agency](/usc/42/4370m.md?p=1) that has opted out under [subparagraph (A)(ii)](#a-3-A-ii) to be a participating or [cooperating agency](/usc/42/4336e.md?p=2), as appropriate.
  - (4) **Effect of designation—** The designation described in [paragraph (3)](#a-3) shall not—
    - (A) give the [participating agency](/usc/42/4370m.md?p=17) authority or jurisdiction over the [covered project](/usc/42/4370m.md?p=6-A); or
    - (B) expand any jurisdiction or authority a [cooperating agency](/usc/42/4336e.md?p=2) may have over the proposed [project](/usc/42/13641.md?p=2).
  - (5) **Lead agency designation—**
    - (A) **In general—** On establishment of the [lead agency](/usc/42/4336e.md?p=9), the [lead agency](/usc/42/4336e.md?p=9) shall assume the responsibilities of the [facilitating agency](/usc/42/4370m.md?p=13) under this subchapter.
    - (B) **Redesignation of facilitating agency—** If the [lead agency](/usc/42/4336e.md?p=9) assumes the responsibilities of the [facilitating agency](/usc/42/4370m.md?p=13) under [subparagraph (A)](#a-5-A), the [facilitating agency](/usc/42/4370m.md?p=13) may be designated as a cooperative or [participating agency](/usc/42/4370m.md?p=17).
  - (6) **Change of facilitating or lead agency—**
    - (A) **In general—** On the request of a [participating agency](/usc/42/4370m.md?p=17) or [project sponsor](/usc/42/4370m.md?p=18), the [Executive Director](/usc/42/4370m.md?p=12) may designate a different [agency](/usc/42/4370m.md?p=1) as the facilitating or [lead agency](/usc/42/4336e.md?p=9), as applicable, for a [covered project](/usc/42/4370m.md?p=6-A), if the facilitating or [lead agency](/usc/42/4336e.md?p=9) or the [Executive Director](/usc/42/4370m.md?p=12) receives new information regarding the scope or nature of a [covered project](/usc/42/4370m.md?p=6-A) that indicates that the [project](/usc/42/13641.md?p=2) should be placed in a different category under [section 4370m–1(c)(1)(B) of this title](/usc/42/4370m–1.md?p=c-1-B).
    - (B) **Resolution of dispute—** The Chairman of the [Council](/usc/42/4336e.md?p=3) on Environmental Quality shall resolve any dispute over designation of a facilitating or [lead agency](/usc/42/4336e.md?p=9) for a particular [covered project](/usc/42/4370m.md?p=6-A).
- (b) **Permitting dashboard—**
  - (1) **Requirement to maintain—**
    - (A) **In general—** The [Executive Director](/usc/42/4370m.md?p=12), in coordination with the [Administrator](/usc/42/4005.md?p=1) of General Services, shall maintain an online database to be known as the “Permitting [Dashboard](/usc/42/4370m.md?p=7)” to track the status of Federal [environmental reviews](/usc/42/4370m.md?p=11) and [authorizations](/usc/42/4370m.md?p=3) for any [covered project](/usc/42/4370m.md?p=6-A) in the [inventory](/usc/42/4370m.md?p=14) described in [section 4370m–1(c)(1)(A) of this title](/usc/42/4370m–1.md?p=c-1-A).
    - (B) **Specific and searchable entry—** The [Dashboard](/usc/42/4370m.md?p=7) shall include a specific and searchable entry for each [covered project](/usc/42/4370m.md?p=6-A).
  - (2) **Additions—**
    - (A) **In general—**
      - (i) **Existing projects—** Not later than 14 days after the date on which the [Executive Director](/usc/42/4370m.md?p=12) adds a [project](/usc/42/13641.md?p=2) to the [inventory](/usc/42/4370m.md?p=14) under [section 4370m–1(c)(1)(A) of this title](/usc/42/4370m–1.md?p=c-1-A), the [Executive Director](/usc/42/4370m.md?p=12) shall create a specific entry on the [Dashboard](/usc/42/4370m.md?p=7) for the [covered project](/usc/42/4370m.md?p=6-A).
      - (ii) **New projects—** Not later than 14 days after the date on which the [Executive Director](/usc/42/4370m.md?p=12) receives a notice under [subsection (a)(1)](#a-1), the [Executive Director](/usc/42/4370m.md?p=12) shall create a specific entry on the [Dashboard](/usc/42/4370m.md?p=7) for the [covered project](/usc/42/4370m.md?p=6-A), unless the [Executive Director](/usc/42/4370m.md?p=12), [facilitating agency](/usc/42/4370m.md?p=13), or [lead agency](/usc/42/4336e.md?p=9), as applicable, determines that the [project](/usc/42/13641.md?p=2) is not a [covered project](/usc/42/4370m.md?p=6-A).
      - (iii) **Projects other than covered projects—**
        - (I) **In general—** The [Executive Director](/usc/42/4370m.md?p=12) may direct a [lead agency](/usc/42/4336e.md?p=9) to create a specific entry on the [Dashboard](/usc/42/4370m.md?p=7) for a [project](/usc/42/13641.md?p=2) that is not a [covered project](/usc/42/4370m.md?p=6-A) and is under review by the [lead agency](/usc/42/4336e.md?p=9) if the [Executive Director](/usc/42/4370m.md?p=12) determines that a [Dashboard](/usc/42/4370m.md?p=7) entry for that [project](/usc/42/13641.md?p=2) is in the interest of transparency.
        - (II) **Requirements—** Not later than 14 days after the date on which the [Executive Director](/usc/42/4370m.md?p=12) directs the [lead agency](/usc/42/4336e.md?p=9) to create a specific entry on the [Dashboard](/usc/42/4370m.md?p=7) for a [project](/usc/42/13641.md?p=2) described in [subclause (I)](#b-2-A-iii-I), the [lead agency](/usc/42/4336e.md?p=9) shall create and maintain a specific entry on the [Dashboard](/usc/42/4370m.md?p=7) for the [project](/usc/42/13641.md?p=2) that contains—
          - (aa) a comprehensive permitting timetable, as described in [subsection (c)(2)(A)](#c-2-A);
          - (bb) the status of the compliance of each [lead agency](/usc/42/4336e.md?p=9), [cooperating agency](/usc/42/4336e.md?p=2), and [participating agency](/usc/42/4370m.md?p=17) with the permitting timetable required under [item (aa)](#b-2-A-iii-II-aa);
          - (cc) any modifications of the permitting timetable required under [item (aa)](#b-2-A-iii-II-aa), including an explanation as to why the permitting timetable was modified; and
          - (dd) information about [project](/usc/42/13641.md?p=2)-related public meetings, public hearings, and public comment periods, which shall be presented in English and the predominant language of the community or communities most affected by the [project](/usc/42/13641.md?p=2), as that information becomes available.
    - (B) **Explanation—** If the [facilitating agency](/usc/42/4370m.md?p=13) or [lead agency](/usc/42/4336e.md?p=9), as applicable, determines that the [project](/usc/42/13641.md?p=2) is not a [covered project](/usc/42/4370m.md?p=6-A), the [project sponsor](/usc/42/4370m.md?p=18) may submit a further explanation as to why the [project](/usc/42/13641.md?p=2) is a [covered project](/usc/42/4370m.md?p=6-A) not later than 14 days after the date of the determination under [subparagraph (A)](#b-2-A).
    - (C) **Final determination—** Not later than 14 days after receiving an explanation described in [subparagraph (B)](#b-2-B), the [Executive Director](/usc/42/4370m.md?p=12) shall—
      - (i) make a final and conclusive determination as to whether the [project](/usc/42/13641.md?p=2) is a [covered project](/usc/42/4370m.md?p=6-A); and
      - (ii) if the [Executive Director](/usc/42/4370m.md?p=12) determines that the [project](/usc/42/13641.md?p=2) is a [covered project](/usc/42/4370m.md?p=6-A), create a specific entry on the [Dashboard](/usc/42/4370m.md?p=7) for the [covered project](/usc/42/4370m.md?p=6-A).
  - (3) **Postings by agencies—**
    - (A) **In general—** For each [covered project](/usc/42/4370m.md?p=6-A) added to the [Dashboard](/usc/42/4370m.md?p=7) under [paragraph (2)](#b-2), the facilitating or [lead agency](/usc/42/4336e.md?p=9), as applicable, and each cooperating and [participating agency](/usc/42/4370m.md?p=17) shall post to the [Dashboard](/usc/42/4370m.md?p=7)—
      - (i) a hyperlink that directs to a website that contains, to the extent consistent with applicable law—
        - (I) the notification submitted under [subsection (a)(1)](#a-1);
        - (II)
          - (aa) where practicable, the application and supporting documents, if applicable, that have been submitted by a [project sponsor](/usc/42/4370m.md?p=18) for any required [environmental review](/usc/42/4370m.md?p=11) or [authorization](/usc/42/4370m.md?p=3); or
          - (bb) a notice explaining how the public may obtain access to such documents;
        - (III) a description of any Federal [agency](/usc/42/4370m.md?p=1) action taken or decision made that materially affects the status of a [covered project](/usc/42/4370m.md?p=6-A);
        - (IV) any significant document that supports the action or decision described in [subclause (III)](#b-3-A-i-III);
        - (V) information on the status of mitigation measures that were agreed to as part of the [environmental review](/usc/42/4370m.md?p=11) and permitting process, including whether and when the mitigation measures have been fully implemented; and
        - (VI) a description of the status of any litigation to which the [agency](/usc/42/4370m.md?p=1) is a party that is directly related to the [project](/usc/42/13641.md?p=2), including, if practicable, any judicial document made available on an electronic docket maintained by a Federal, [State](/usc/42/2021b.md?p=14), or local court;
      - (ii) any document described in [clause (i)](#b-3-A-i) that is not available by hyperlink on another website; and
      - (iii) information about [project](/usc/42/13641.md?p=2)-related public meetings, public hearings, and public comment periods, which shall be presented in English and the predominant language of the community or communities most affected by the [project](/usc/42/13641.md?p=2), as that information becomes available.
    - (B) **Deadline—** The information described in [subparagraph (A)](#b-3-A) shall be posted to the website made available by hyperlink on the [Dashboard](/usc/42/4370m.md?p=7) not later than 5 business days after the date on which the Federal [agency](/usc/42/4370m.md?p=1) receives the information.
  - (4) **Postings by the Executive Director—** The [Executive Director](/usc/42/4370m.md?p=12) shall publish to the [Dashboard](/usc/42/4370m.md?p=7)—
    - (A) the permitting timetable established under subparagraph [(A)](#c-2-A) or [(C)](#c-2-C) of subsection (c)(2);
    - (B) the status of the compliance of each [agency](/usc/42/4370m.md?p=1) with the permitting timetable;
    - (C) any modifications of the permitting timetable;
    - (D) an explanation of each modification described in [subparagraph (C)](#b-4-C); and
    - (E) any memorandum of understanding established under [subsection (c)(3)(B)](#c-3-B).
- (c) **Coordination and timetables—**
  - (1) **Coordinated project plan—**
    - (A) **In general—** Not later than 60 days after the date on which the [Executive Director](/usc/42/4370m.md?p=12) must make a specific entry for the [project](/usc/42/13641.md?p=2) on the [Dashboard](/usc/42/4370m.md?p=7) under [subsection (b)(2)(A)](#b-2-A), the facilitating or [lead agency](/usc/42/4336e.md?p=9), as applicable, in consultation with each coordinating and [participating agency](/usc/42/4370m.md?p=17), shall establish a concise plan for coordinating public and [agency](/usc/42/4370m.md?p=1) participation in, and completion of, any required Federal [environmental review](/usc/42/4370m.md?p=11) and [authorization](/usc/42/4370m.md?p=3) for the [project](/usc/42/13641.md?p=2).
    - (B) **Required information—** The Coordinated [Project](/usc/42/13641.md?p=2) Plan shall include the following information and be updated by the facilitating or [lead agency](/usc/42/4336e.md?p=9), as applicable, at least once per quarter:
      - (i) A list of, and roles and responsibilities for, all entities with [environmental review](/usc/42/4370m.md?p=11) or [authorization](/usc/42/4370m.md?p=3) responsibility for the [project](/usc/42/13641.md?p=2).
      - (ii) A permitting timetable, as described in [paragraph (2)](#c-2), setting forth a comprehensive schedule of dates by which all [environmental reviews](/usc/42/4370m.md?p=11) and [authorizations](/usc/42/4370m.md?p=3), and to the maximum extent practicable, [State](/usc/42/2021b.md?p=14) permits, reviews and approvals must be made.
      - (iii) A discussion of potential avoidance, minimization, and mitigation strategies, if required by applicable law and known.
      - (iv) Plans and a schedule for public and tribal outreach and coordination, to the extent required by applicable law.
    - (C) **Memorandum of understanding—** The coordinated [project](/usc/42/13641.md?p=2) plan described in [subparagraph (A)](#c-1-A) may be incorporated into a memorandum of understanding.
  - (2) **Permitting timetable—**
    - (A) **Establishment—** As part of the coordinated [project](/usc/42/13641.md?p=2) plan under [paragraph (1)](#c-1), the facilitating or [lead agency](/usc/42/4336e.md?p=9), as applicable, in consultation with each cooperating and [participating agency](/usc/42/4370m.md?p=17), the [project sponsor](/usc/42/4370m.md?p=18), and any [State](/usc/42/2021b.md?p=14) in which the [project](/usc/42/13641.md?p=2) is located, and, subject to [subparagraph (C)](#c-2-C), with the concurrence of each [cooperating agency](/usc/42/4336e.md?p=2), shall establish a permitting timetable that includes intermediate and final completion dates for action by each [participating agency](/usc/42/4370m.md?p=17) on any Federal [environmental review](/usc/42/4370m.md?p=11) or [authorization](/usc/42/4370m.md?p=3) required for the [project](/usc/42/13641.md?p=2).
    - (B) **Factors for consideration—** In establishing the permitting timetable under [subparagraph (A)](#c-2-A), the facilitating or [lead agency](/usc/42/4336e.md?p=9) shall follow the performance schedules established under [section 4370m–1(c)(1)(C) of this title](/usc/42/4370m–1.md?p=c-1-C), but may vary the timetable based on relevant factors, including—
      - (i) the size and complexity of the [covered project](/usc/42/4370m.md?p=6-A);
      - (ii) the resources available to each [participating agency](/usc/42/4370m.md?p=17);
      - (iii) the regional or national economic significance of the [project](/usc/42/13641.md?p=2);
      - (iv) the sensitivity of the natural or historic resources that may be affected by the [project](/usc/42/13641.md?p=2);
      - (v) the financing plan for the [project](/usc/42/13641.md?p=2); and
      - (vi) the extent to which similar [projects](/usc/42/13641.md?p=2) in geographic proximity to the [project](/usc/42/13641.md?p=2) were recently subject to [environmental review](/usc/42/4370m.md?p=11) or similar procedures under [State](/usc/42/2021b.md?p=14) law.
    - (C) **Dispute resolution—**
      - (i) **In general—** The [Executive Director](/usc/42/4370m.md?p=12), in consultation with appropriate [agency CERPOs](/usc/42/4370m.md?p=2) and the [project sponsor](/usc/42/4370m.md?p=18), shall, as necessary, mediate any disputes regarding the permitting timetable referred to under [subparagraph (A)](#c-2-A).
      - (ii) **Disputes—** If a dispute remains unresolved 30 days after the date on which the dispute was submitted to the [Executive Director](/usc/42/4370m.md?p=12), the [Director](/usc/42/11851.md?p=5) of the Office of Management and Budget, in consultation with the Chairman of the [Council](/usc/42/4336e.md?p=3) on Environmental Quality, shall facilitate a resolution of the dispute and direct the [agencies](/usc/42/4370m.md?p=1) party to the dispute to resolve the dispute by the end of the 60-day period beginning on the date of submission of the dispute to the [Executive Director](/usc/42/4370m.md?p=12).
      - (iii) **Final resolution—** Any action taken by the [Director](/usc/42/11851.md?p=5) of the Office of Management and Budget in the resolution of a dispute under [clause (ii)](#c-2-C-ii) shall—
        - (I) be final and conclusive; and
        - (II) not be subject to judicial review.
    - (D) **Modification after approval—**
      - (i) **In general—** The facilitating or [lead agency](/usc/42/4336e.md?p=9), as applicable, may modify a permitting timetable established under [subparagraph (A)](#c-2-A) only if—
        - (I) the facilitating or [lead agency](/usc/42/4336e.md?p=9), as applicable, consults with the [Executive Director](/usc/42/4370m.md?p=12) regarding the potential modification not less than 15 days before engaging in the consultation under [subclause (II)](#c-2-D-i-II);
        - (II) the facilitating or [lead agency](/usc/42/4336e.md?p=9), as applicable, and the affected [cooperating agencies](/usc/42/4336e.md?p=2), after consultation with the [participating agencies](/usc/42/4370m.md?p=17), the [Executive Director](/usc/42/4370m.md?p=12), and the [project sponsor](/usc/42/4370m.md?p=18), agree to a different completion date;
        - (III) the [facilitating agency](/usc/42/4370m.md?p=13) or [lead agency](/usc/42/4336e.md?p=9), as applicable, or the affected [cooperating agency](/usc/42/4336e.md?p=2) provides a written justification for the modification; and
        - (IV) in the case of a modification that would necessitate an extension of a final completion date under a permitting timetable established under [subparagraph (A)](#c-2-A) to a date more than 30 days after the final completion date originally established under [subparagraph (A)](#c-2-A), the facilitating or [lead agency](/usc/42/4336e.md?p=9) submits a request to modify the permitting timetable to the [Executive Director](/usc/42/4370m.md?p=12), who shall consult with the [project sponsor](/usc/42/4370m.md?p=18) and make a determination on the record, based on consideration of the relevant factors described under [subparagraph (B)](#c-2-B), whether to grant the facilitating or [lead agency](/usc/42/4336e.md?p=9), as applicable, authority to make such modification.
      - (ii) **Completion date—** A completion date in the permitting timetable may not be modified within 30 days of the completion date.
      - (iii) **Limitation on length of modifications—**
        - (I) **In general—** Except as provided in [subclause (II)](#c-2-D-iii-II), the total length of all modifications to a permitting timetable authorized or made under this subparagraph, other than for reasons outside the control of Federal, [State](/usc/42/2021b.md?p=14), local, or tribal governments, may not extend the permitting timetable for a period of time greater than half of the amount of time from the establishment of the permitting timetable under [subparagraph (A)](#c-2-A) to the last final completion date originally established under [subparagraph (A)](#c-2-A).
        - (II) **Additional extensions—** The [Director](/usc/42/11851.md?p=5) of the Office of Management and Budget, after consultation with the [project sponsor](/usc/42/4370m.md?p=18), may permit the [Executive Director](/usc/42/4370m.md?p=12) to authorize additional extensions of a permitting timetable beyond the limit prescribed by [subclause (I)](#c-2-D-iii-I). In such a case, the [Director](/usc/42/11851.md?p=5) of the Office of Management and Budget shall transmit, not later than 5 days after making a determination to permit an [authorization](/usc/42/4370m.md?p=3) of extension under this subclause, a report to Congress explaining why such modification is required. Such report shall explain to Congress with specificity why the original permitting timetable and the modifications authorized by the [Executive Director](/usc/42/4370m.md?p=12) failed to be adequate. The lead or [facilitating agency](/usc/42/4370m.md?p=13), as applicable, shall transmit to Congress, the [Director](/usc/42/11851.md?p=5) of the Office of Management and Budget, and the [Executive Director](/usc/42/4370m.md?p=12) a supplemental report on progress toward the final completion date each year thereafter, until the permit review is completed or the [project sponsor](/usc/42/4370m.md?p=18) withdraws its notice or application or other request to which this subchapter applies under [section 4370m–9 of this title](/usc/42/4370m–9.md).
      - (iv) **Limitation on judicial review—** The following shall not be subject to judicial review:
        - (I) A determination by the [Executive Director](/usc/42/4370m.md?p=12) under [clause (i)(III)](#c-2-D-i-III).
        - (II) A determination under [clause (iii)(II)](#c-2-D-iii-II) by the [Director](/usc/42/11851.md?p=5) of the Office of Management and Budget to permit the [Executive Director](/usc/42/4370m.md?p=12) to authorize extensions of a permitting timetable.
    - (E) **Consistency with other time periods—** A permitting timetable established under [subparagraph (A)](#c-2-A) shall be consistent with any other relevant time periods established under Federal law and shall not prevent any cooperating or [participating agency](/usc/42/4370m.md?p=17) from discharging any obligation under Federal law in connection with the [project](/usc/42/13641.md?p=2).
    - (F) **Conforming to permitting timetables—**
      - (i) **In general—** Each Federal [agency](/usc/42/4370m.md?p=1) shall conform to the intermediate and final completion dates set forth in the permitting timetable established under [subparagraph (A)](#c-2-A), or with any intermediate or final completion date modified under [subparagraph (D)](#c-2-D).
      - (ii) **Failure to conform—** If a Federal [agency](/usc/42/4370m.md?p=1) fails to conform with an intermediate or final completion date for [agency](/usc/42/4370m.md?p=1) action on a [covered project](/usc/42/4370m.md?p=6-A) or reasonably believes the [agency](/usc/42/4370m.md?p=1) will fail to conform with a completion date 30 days before such a completion date, the [agency](/usc/42/4370m.md?p=1) shall—
        - (I) promptly submit to the [Executive Director](/usc/42/4370m.md?p=12) for publication on the [Dashboard](/usc/42/4370m.md?p=7) an explanation of the specific reasons for failing or reasonably believing the [agency](/usc/42/4370m.md?p=1) will fail to conform to the completion date and a [proposal](/usc/42/4336e.md?p=12) for an alternative completion date;
        - (II) in consultation with the facilitating or [lead agency](/usc/42/4336e.md?p=9), as applicable, establish an alternative completion date; and
        - (III) each month thereafter until the [agency](/usc/42/4370m.md?p=1) has taken final action on the delayed [authorization](/usc/42/4370m.md?p=3) or review, submit to the [Executive Director](/usc/42/4370m.md?p=12) for posting on the [Dashboard](/usc/42/4370m.md?p=7) a status report describing any [agency](/usc/42/4370m.md?p=1) activity related to the [project](/usc/42/13641.md?p=2).
    - (G) **Abandonment of covered project—**
      - (i) **In general—** If the facilitating or [lead agency](/usc/42/4336e.md?p=9), as applicable, has a reasonable basis to doubt the continuing technical or financial ability of the [project sponsor](/usc/42/4370m.md?p=18) to construct the [covered project](/usc/42/4370m.md?p=6-A), the facilitating or [lead agency](/usc/42/4336e.md?p=9) may request the [project sponsor](/usc/42/4370m.md?p=18) provide an updated statement regarding the ability of the [project sponsor](/usc/42/4370m.md?p=18) to complete the [project](/usc/42/13641.md?p=2).
      - (ii) **Failure to respond—** If the [project sponsor](/usc/42/4370m.md?p=18) fails to respond to a request described in [clause (i)](#c-2-G-i) by the date that is 30 days after receiving the request, the lead or [facilitating agency](/usc/42/4370m.md?p=13), as applicable, shall notify the [Executive Director](/usc/42/4370m.md?p=12), who shall publish an appropriate notice on the [Dashboard](/usc/42/4370m.md?p=7).
      - (iii) **Publication to Dashboard—** On publication of a notice under [clause (ii)](#c-2-G-ii), the completion dates in the permitting timetable shall be tolled and [agencies](/usc/42/4370m.md?p=1) shall be relieved of the obligation to comply with [subparagraph (F)](#c-2-F) until such time as the [project sponsor](/usc/42/4370m.md?p=18) submits to the facilitating or [lead agency](/usc/42/4336e.md?p=9), as applicable, an updated statement regarding the technical and financial ability of the [project sponsor](/usc/42/4370m.md?p=18) to construct the [project](/usc/42/13641.md?p=2).
  - (3) **Cooperating State, local, or tribal governments—**
    - (A) **State authority—** If the Federal [environmental review](/usc/42/4370m.md?p=11) is being implemented within the boundaries of a [State](/usc/42/2021b.md?p=14), the [State](/usc/42/2021b.md?p=14), consistent with [State](/usc/42/2021b.md?p=14) law, may choose to participate in the [environmental review](/usc/42/4370m.md?p=11) and [authorization](/usc/42/4370m.md?p=3) process under this subsection and to make subject to the process all [State agencies](/usc/42/300s–3.md?p=12) that—
      - (i) have jurisdiction over the [covered project](/usc/42/4370m.md?p=6-A);
      - (ii) are required to conduct or issue a review, analysis, opinion, or statement for the [covered project](/usc/42/4370m.md?p=6-A); or
      - (iii) are required to make a determination on issuing a permit, license, or other approval or decision for the [covered project](/usc/42/4370m.md?p=6-A).
    - (B) **Coordination—** To the maximum extent practicable under applicable law, the facilitating or [lead agency](/usc/42/4336e.md?p=9), as applicable, shall coordinate the Federal [environmental review](/usc/42/4370m.md?p=11) and [authorization](/usc/42/4370m.md?p=3) processes under this subsection with any [State](/usc/42/2021b.md?p=14), local, or tribal [agency](/usc/42/4370m.md?p=1) responsible for conducting any separate review or [authorization](/usc/42/4370m.md?p=3) of the [covered project](/usc/42/4370m.md?p=6-A) to ensure timely and efficient completion of [environmental reviews](/usc/42/4370m.md?p=11) and [authorizations](/usc/42/4370m.md?p=3).
    - (C) **Memorandum of understanding—**
      - (i) **In general—** Any coordination plan between the facilitating or [lead agency](/usc/42/4336e.md?p=9), as applicable, and any [State](/usc/42/2021b.md?p=14), local, or tribal [agency](/usc/42/4370m.md?p=1) shall, to the maximum extent practicable, be included in a memorandum of understanding.
      - (ii) **Submission to Executive Director—** The facilitating or [lead agency](/usc/42/4336e.md?p=9), as applicable, shall submit to the [Executive Director](/usc/42/4370m.md?p=12) each memorandum of understanding described in [clause (i)](#c-3-C-i).
    - (D) **Applicability—** The requirements under this subchapter shall only apply to a [State](/usc/42/2021b.md?p=14) or an [authorization](/usc/42/4370m.md?p=3) issued by a [State](/usc/42/2021b.md?p=14) if the [State](/usc/42/2021b.md?p=14) has chosen to participate in the [environmental review](/usc/42/4370m.md?p=11) and [authorization](/usc/42/4370m.md?p=3) process pursuant to this paragraph.
- (d) **Early consultation—** The facilitating or [lead agency](/usc/42/4336e.md?p=9), as applicable, shall provide an expeditious process for [project sponsors](/usc/42/4370m.md?p=18) to confer with each cooperating and [participating agency](/usc/42/4370m.md?p=17) involved and, not later than 60 days after the date on which the [project sponsor](/usc/42/4370m.md?p=18) submits a request under this subsection, to have each such [agency](/usc/42/4370m.md?p=1) provide to the [project sponsor](/usc/42/4370m.md?p=18) information concerning—
  - (1) the availability of information and tools, including pre-application toolkits, to facilitate early planning efforts;
  - (2) key issues of concern to each [agency](/usc/42/4370m.md?p=1) and to the public; and
  - (3) issues that must be addressed before an [environmental review](/usc/42/4370m.md?p=11) or [authorization](/usc/42/4370m.md?p=3) can be completed.
- (e) **Cooperating agency—**
  - (1) **In general—** A [lead agency](/usc/42/4336e.md?p=9) may designate a [participating agency](/usc/42/4370m.md?p=17) as a [cooperating agency](/usc/42/4336e.md?p=2) in accordance with part 1501 of title 40, Code of Federal Regulations (or successor regulations).
  - (2) **Effect on other designation—** The designation described in [paragraph (1)](#e-1) shall not affect any designation under [subsection (a)(3)](#a-3).
  - (3) **Limitation on designation—** Any [agency](/usc/42/4370m.md?p=1) not designated as a [participating agency](/usc/42/4370m.md?p=17) under [subsection (a)(3)](#a-3) shall not be designated as a [cooperating agency](/usc/42/4336e.md?p=2) under [paragraph (1)](#e-1).
- (f) **Reporting status of other projects on Dashboard—**
  - (1) **In general—** On request of the [Executive Director](/usc/42/4370m.md?p=12), the [Secretary](/usc/42/242q–4.md?p=2) and the [Secretary](/usc/42/242q–4.md?p=2) of the Army shall use best efforts to provide information for inclusion on the [Dashboard](/usc/42/4370m.md?p=7) on [projects](/usc/42/13641.md?p=2) subject to [section 139 of title 23](/usc/23/139.md) and [section 2348 of title 33](/usc/33/2348.md) likely to require—
    - (A) a total investment of more than $200,000,000; and
    - (B) an [environmental impact statement](/usc/42/4336e.md?p=6) under [NEPA](/usc/42/4370m.md?p=16).
  - (2) **Effect of inclusion on Dashboard—** Inclusion on the [Dashboard](/usc/42/4370m.md?p=7) of information regarding [projects](/usc/42/13641.md?p=2) subject to [section 139 of title 23](/usc/23/139.md) or [section 2348 of title 33](/usc/33/2348.md) shall not subject those [projects](/usc/42/13641.md?p=2) to any requirements of this subchapter.

## Footnotes

[^1]: See References in Text note below.

## Source credit

(Pub. L. 114–94, div. D, title XLI, § 41003, Dec. 4, 2015, 129 Stat. 1747; Pub. L. 117–58, div. G, title VIII, § 70801(c), Nov. 15, 2021, 135 Stat. 1289.)

## Notes

### Editorial Notes

### References in Text

The Federal Advisory Committee Act, referred to in subsec. (a)(1)(D)(ii), is Pub. L. 92–463, Oct. 6, 1972, 86 Stat. 770, which was set out in the Appendix to Title 5, Government Organization and Employees, and was substantially repealed and restated in chapter 10 (§ 1001 et seq.) of Title 5 by Pub. L. 117–286, §§ 3(a), 7, Dec. 27, 2022, 136 Stat. 4197, 4361. For disposition of sections of the Act into chapter 10 of Title 5, see Disposition Table preceding section 101 of Title 5.

NEPA, referred to in subsec. (f)(1)(B), means the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, Pub. L. 91–190, Jan. 1, 1970, 83 Stat. 852, which is classified generally to this chapter. See section 4370m(16) of this title. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 4321 of this title and Tables.

### Codification

Section was enacted as part of the Fixing America’s Surface Transportation Act, also known as the FAST Act, and not as part of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 which comprises this chapter.

### Amendments

2021—Subsec. (a)(1)(D). Pub. L. 117–58, § 70801(c)(1)(A), added subpar. (D).

Subsec. (a)(2)(A). Pub. L. 117–58, § 70801(c)(1)(B)(i), substituted “21 calendar days” for “45 days” in introductory provisions.

Subsec. (a)(2)(B). Pub. L. 117–58, § 70801(c)(1)(B)(ii), inserted “14 calendar day” before “deadline”.

Subsec. (a)(3)(A). Pub. L. 117–58, § 70801(c)(1)(C), inserted “and the Executive Director” after “as applicable,” in introductory provisions.

Subsec. (b)(2)(A)(iii). Pub. L. 117–58, § 70801(c)(2)(A), added cl. (iii).

Subsec. (b)(3)(A)(i)(V), (VI). Pub. L. 117–58, § 70801(c)(2)(B)(i), added subcl. (V), redesignated former subcl. (V) as (VI), and struck out “and” at end of subcl. (VI).

Subsec. (b)(3)(A)(iii). Pub. L. 117–58, § 70801(c)(2)(B)(ii), (iii), added cl. (iii).

Subsec. (c)(2)(A). Pub. L. 117–58, § 70801(c)(3)(A), substituted “coordinated” for “coordination”.

Subsec. (c)(2)(D)(i). Pub. L. 117–58, § 70801(c)(3)(B)(i), (ii), added subcl. (I) and redesignated former subcls. (I) to (III) as (II) to (IV), respectively.

Subsec. (c)(2)(D)(i)(II). Pub. L. 117–58, § 70801(c)(3)(B)(iii), inserted “, the Executive Director,” after “participating agencies”.

Subsec. (c)(2)(F)(i). Pub. L. 117–58, § 70801(c)(3)(C)(i), inserted “intermediate and final” before “completion dates” and “intermediate or final” before “completion date”.

Subsec. (c)(2)(F)(ii). Pub. L. 117–58, § 70801(c)(3)(C)(ii)(I), substituted “an intermediate or final completion date for agency action on a covered project or reasonably believes the agency will fail to conform with a completion date 30 days before” for “a completion date for agency action on a covered project or is at significant risk of failing to conform with” in introductory provisions.

Subsec. (c)(2)(F)(ii)(I). Pub. L. 117–58, § 70801(c)(3)(C)(ii)(II), substituted “reasonably believing the agency will fail to conform” for “significantly risking failing to conform”.