HR 5509 United States House · 118th Congress

Electronic Permitting Modernization Act

HR 5509, the Electronic Permitting Modernization Act, requires the U.S. Department of the Interior to create modern online systems for processing permits and related paperwork. It mandates a centralized public website with easy navigation links to all electronic permitting systems and contact information for DOI staff assisting state, tribal, and local governments. The bill aims to reduce paper use, improve service efficiency, and increase public access to permitting information. The Secretary must also provide regular updates to congressional committees on implementation progress.

Issues: ✓ Technology

Bill status passed 3 of 5 stages cleared

Introduction

Sep 2023

Committee Review

Sep 2024

House Passage

Sep 2024

Senate Passage

President

Introduced Sep 14, 2023 Last action Sep 25, 2024

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What changed between versions

Introduced in House → Engrossed in House · 5 edits · Sep 24, 2024

MODERATE

The Engrossed version of HR 5509 restructures Section 2 with formal subsections and adds three new provisions: a prohibition on disclosing information exempt under FOIA or other federal law, a ban on duplicating existing systems, and a requirement to consult with States, local governments, Indian Tribes, and stakeholders. A new Section 3 requires that electronic permitting systems align with NEPA priorities as identified in the Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023, tying permitting modernization to environmental review reform.

Scope change

The bill's scope expanded beyond purely administrative modernization of electronic permitting to include environmental policy alignment (NEPA/Fiscal Responsibility Act consistency), stakeholder consultation obligations, and data protection constraints. The addition of Section 3 ties the permitting modernization effort to broader environmental review reform priorities.

REQUIREMENT

New subsection (b) prohibits disclosure of any information that would be exempt under FOIA (5 U.S.C. 552(b)) or protected by other federal law, adding a data protection safeguard to the permitting systems.

New subsection (d) requires the Secretary of the Interior to consult with States, local governments, Indian Tribes, and other stakeholders who apply for permits or will use the permitting systems during development.

TECHNICAL

New subsection (c) explicitly prohibits duplication of existing systems under this Act, preventing redundant infrastructure spending.

Section 2 was restructured with a new subsection (a) labeled 'In general' containing the original text, primarily a formatting change to accommodate the new subsections.

SCOPE

New Section 3 requires that electronic permitting systems be consistent with priorities in section 110 of NEPA (42 U.S.C. 4336d) for any permit requiring NEPA review, linking the bill to the Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023 and adding an environmental policy dimension.

Floor votes

How they voted

This bill passed the House by voice vote (no roll call recorded).

Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions

Key actions

Committee

Amendments

Sep 25, 2024

Committee

Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.

upper

Sep 24, 2024

Introduced

On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H5729-5730)

lower

Sep 24, 2024

Lower · Passed

Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H5729-5730)

lower

Sep 24, 2024

Introduced

Mr. Westerman moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.

lower

Sep 17, 2024

Lower · Passed

Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Natural Resources. H. Rept. 118-682.

lower

Nov 15, 2023

Introduced

Ordered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute (Amended) by Unanimous Consent.

lower

Nov 15, 2023

Lower · Passed

Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held

lower

Nov 15, 2023

Lower · Passed

Subcommittee on Water, Wildlife, and Fisheries Discharged

lower

Oct 25, 2023

Lower · Passed

Subcommittee Hearings Held

lower

Oct 24, 2023

Committee

Referred to the Subcommittee on Water, Wildlife, and Fisheries.

lower

Sep 14, 2023

Committee

Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.

lower

Sep 14, 2023

Introduced

Introduced in House

lower

1 primary · 5 co-sponsors