Gottheimer puts forward House bill for joint approach on environmental exemptions in energy sector

A bill introduced by Rep. Josh Gottheimer in the U.S. House seeks to improve the environmental review process for some energy projects by enhancing coordination among federal agencies, according to the U.S. Congress.

Filed as H.R.8247 on April 13, 2026, during the 119th Congress’s regular session, the legislation is summarized below with clarifications drawn from the official bill text.

This proposed measure would set up an interagency group charged with aligning and expanding the use of categorical exclusions under the National Environmental Policy Act. Chaired by the Secretary of Energy and including the Secretaries of the Interior and Agriculture as well as Federal Energy Regulatory Commission members, the group would, within 360 days of the bill’s enactment, review existing categorical exclusions and collaborate to develop new ones for interstate electric energy transmission and battery storage projects, provided they do not have significant environmental effects. The group would also report to Congress on its actions, reasons for any lack of progress, and offer suggestions for ongoing collaboration, after which it would disband.

The bill is sponsored by Rep. Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ-5th District) with Rep. Michael Lawler (R-NJ-17th District) as a co-sponsor.

Rep. Gottheimer has put forward an additional 62 bills since the outset of the current session.

Congressional bills may originate in either the U.S. House of Representatives or the U.S. Senate, except for those related to revenue, which must start in the House. Once introduced, bills undergo committee review, hearings, amendments, and debate before Chambers can vote. Approval by both chambers in identical form is necessary for a bill to proceed to the president for signature or veto. Congress functions in two-year terms, each divided into two sessions. Official legislative procedures and bill records are maintained and published by the U.S. Congress through Congress.gov.

Josh S. Gottheimer has served as a representative from New Jersey since the One Hundred Fifteenth Congress, beginning his term on Jan. 3, 2017, after earning a B.A. from the University of Pennsylvania in 1997 and a J.D. from Harvard Law School in 2004.

Details in this report are drawn from the U.S. Congress. The primary source is available here.