Build Now Act

The "Build Now Act" seeks to optimize the environmental review process for permits concerning Central Valley Project (CVP) enhancement projects , which include initiatives like groundwater recharge and aquifer storage. This legislation mandates that all required environmental reviews, encompassing compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act and the Endangered Species Act, must be finalized within one year of the permit application's submission. If the responsible agency fails to meet this strict deadline, the head of the permitting agency must either grant an extension, with the applicant's explicit approval, or deny the permit. Should a permit be denied due to the agency's inability to adhere to the timeline, the applicant is permitted to re-apply. For such re-applications, the agency is obligated to provide previously collected environmental review information to help expedite the new review process.