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Faster Chip Factory Construction: Streamlining Environmental Reviews for Semiconductors.

This law speeds up the construction of federally funded semiconductor manufacturing facilities by largely exempting financial assistance for these projects from lengthy federal environmental reviews (NEPA). While this accelerates economic investment and job creation in the tech sector, it reduces the public's opportunity to scrutinize the environmental impact of these large industrial developments.
Key points
Environmental Review Exemption: Federal financial aid (grants, loans) for semiconductor projects is generally no longer classified as a "major Federal action," bypassing full environmental impact assessments (NEPA).
Commerce Department Lead: The Department of Commerce is given the first right to act as the lead agency for any remaining required environmental reviews.
Accelerated Expansion: Projects expanding facilities on existing or adjacent sites benefit from new categorical exclusions, provided the expansion does not significantly double the existing developed area.
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VOTING RESULTS
2024-09-23
67%
For 257
Against 125
Abstain 0
Full voting results open_in_new
Became Law
Citizen Poll
No votes cast
Additional Information
Print number: 118_S_2228
Sponsor: Sen. Kelly, Mark [D-AZ]
Process start date: 2023-07-11
Voting date: 2024-09-23
Meeting no: 2
Voting no: 440
Lustra uses Artificial Intelligence. Verify details in source documents.
Summarized by: gemini-2.5-flash-preview-09-2025
Source data: api.congress.gov
AI work logs for this document launch

OFFICIAL LEGAL TITLE

Building Chips in America Act of 2023

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is the official ID of this bill?

The official print number for this legislation is 118_S_2228.

Which chamber initiated this legislation?

This legislation was initiated in the Senate.

When did the legislative process begin?

The process officially started on 2023-07-11.

What are the main provisions?

Key points include:

  • Environmental Review Exemption: Federal financial aid (grants, loans) for semiconductor projects is generally no longer classified as a "major Federal action," bypassing full environmental impact assessments (NEPA).
  • Commerce Department Lead: The Department of Commerce is given the first right to act as the lead agency for any remaining required environmental reviews.
  • Accelerated Expansion: Projects expanding facilities on existing or adjacent sites benefit from new categorical exclusions, provided the expansion does not significantly double the existing developed area.
What is the specific legal status?

The current status is Became Law.

Where can I read the full text of this legislation?

The full official text is available at: View full text

Where is the official voting record?

The official roll call vote is recorded at: voting record

Who is the primary sponsor?

The primary sponsor is Sen. Kelly, Mark [D-AZ].

What is the latest detailed status?

The latest detailed status is: Became Public Law No: 118-105.

Is this summary verified?

Yes. This content was analyzed by AI and verified by the Lustra Judge System on 2025-12-26.

CATEGORIES

Economy Public Investments Environment