Infrastructure Project Acceleration Act

This proposal would fast-track approval for very large factory projects in the United States. To qualify, a project must cost at least $1 billion and need federal approvals. These projects would no longer need certain federal environmental permits, including permits for filling or dredging waters and some endangered species protections. In some cases, a state or Tribal environmental review could be used instead of a full federal review, if it covers similar issues and the public is informed about the decision process.

It would also sharply limit lawsuits. Courts could not review government decisions that approve these big factory projects. Only one federal appeals court in Washington, D.C., could hear challenges to the fast-track rule itself, not to individual project approvals.

• Who is affected: Companies building $1B+ manufacturing facilities; federal, state, and Tribal agencies; nearby communities; and wildlife habitats.
• What changes: Skips some federal permits (like certain water and endangered species permits); allows state/Tribal reviews to stand in for federal review in some cases; limits court challenges to approvals.
• When: The text does not specify an effective date; it would take effect if enacted.