National Security Interstate Pipeline Act

This bill, titled the National Security Interstate Pipeline Act, aims to significantly accelerate the approval and construction of interstate oil and natural gas pipelines deemed vital for the national security of the United States. The President is granted authority to designate an interstate pipeline as a "covered pipeline project" if it is necessary for ensuring energy supply to military installations, the defense industrial base, or critical infrastructure resilience. This designation triggers a streamlined federal process designed to overcome common delays. Upon designation, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) assumes exclusive authority for the siting, construction, expansion, or operation of the pipeline, acting as the lead agency for all federal authorizations and environmental reviews. The bill imposes strict timelines for agency actions, deeming federal authorizations approved if not completed within 180 days, and state, local, or Tribal actions related to federal authorizations approved if not completed within 60 days. Furthermore, it allows certificate holders to acquire necessary property interests through eminent domain , provided good-faith negotiation and just compensation are offered. To prevent impediments, the legislation preempts any State, Tribal, or local laws or regulations that would delay, increase costs, or otherwise hinder a covered pipeline project, rendering local permits advisory only. Critically, the President may waiver compliance with major environmental laws, including the National Environmental Policy Act, Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, and Endangered Species Act, if deemed necessary to prevent unacceptable delays. This framework is intended to ensure rapid development of energy infrastructure essential for national security objectives.