US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session

US Federal House Bill HB5085

Introduced
9/2/25  
Refer
9/2/25  

Caption

To exempt Federal actions related to the construction of infill housing from the requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, and for other purposes.

Impact

The impact of HB 5085 is geared towards accelerating the development of affordable housing in urban settings by reducing bureaucratic delays typically associated with NEPA compliance. Proponents argue that by easing the regulatory burden, the bill promotes quicker responses to housing shortages, especially in metropolitan regions. Furthermore, the bill addresses sites that have undergone necessary environmental assessments to ensure safety against hazardous releases, balancing development needs with environmental protection trials.

Summary

House Bill 5085 proposes to exempt federal actions concerning the construction of infill housing from the requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA). The legislation defines infill housing as residential development on previously developed land that is vacant or underutilized, and restricts the size of the development site to a maximum of 20 acres. This exemption aims to streamline the approval process for federal actions that relate to infill housing projects, thereby facilitating more efficient construction of residential units in urban areas.

Contention

However, the bill has sparked considerable debate. Opponents raise concerns that the exemption might undermine important environmental protections. There is fear that expediting housing construction could lead to overlooking environmental assessments that protect communities from potential pollution and urban sprawl. The tension lies between the urgent need for housing and the accountability required by existing environmental laws, making it a contentious issue among various stakeholders, including environmental advocacy groups and housing developers.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

US HB676

To exempt Federal actions related to energy and mineral activities on certain Federal lands from the requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969.

US HB4041

To exempt certain forest management activities in Yosemite National Park from requirements of section 102 of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, and for other purposes.

US S2332

Excludes environmentally sensitive and flood-prone land from designation as vacant or available for purposes of affordable housing construction.

US A3486

Excludes environmentally sensitive and flood-prone land from designation as vacant or available for purposes of affordable housing construction.

US HB5909

To direct the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to establish procedures for reporting of condemned Federally assisted rental housing and to authorize penalties related to such condemned housing, and for other purposes.

US HR1189

Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 4690) to amend the Energy Conservation and Production Act to repeal certain Federal building energy efficiency performance standards, and for other purposes; providing for consideration of the resolution (H. Res. 1182) expressing support for rural communities across the United States as stewards of the environment, major suppliers of United States energy resources, critical providers of food production and manufacturing capacity, and drivers of national economic stability, and recognizing the work of the House of Representatives in the 119th Congress in support of those vital communities; providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 1897) to amend the Endangered Species Act of 1973 to optimize conservation through resource prioritization, incentivize wildlife conservation on private lands, provide for greater incentives to recover listed species, create greater transparency and accountability in recovering listed species, streamline the permitting process, eliminate barriers to conservation, and restore congressional intent; and providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 5587) to amend the Geothermal Steam Act of 1970 to waive the requirement for a Federal drilling permit for certain activities, to exempt certain activities from the requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, and for other purposes.

US SB1145

California Environmental Quality Act: surplus land disposal requirements: exemption.

US HR53

Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 471) to expedite under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 and improve forest management activities on National Forest System lands, on public lands under the jurisdiction of the Bureau of Land Management, and on Tribal lands to return resilience to overgrown, fire-prone forested lands, and for other purposes, and providing for consideration of the bill (S. 5) to require the Secretary of Homeland Security to take into custody aliens who have been charged in the United States with theft, and for other purposes.

US SB2226

Necessary Environmental Exemptions for Defense Act

US HB4479

To amend the National Housing Act to direct the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to establish a program to insure certain second liens secured against property for the purpose of financing the construction of an accessory dwelling unit, and for other purposes.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.