Limiting Lawsuits Against Energy Projects: Faster Construction and Fewer Challenges.
This law severely restricts the ability to file multiple lawsuits challenging permits for energy projects like power plants or pipelines. Once a court issues a final ruling on any aspect of a project, no further legal challenges can be brought against it, regardless of who files the suit or the specific permit being challenged. This aims to accelerate energy infrastructure development but significantly limits the legal recourse available to citizens and environmental groups.
Key points
A 'Single Action Rule' is established: Only one legal challenge is allowed per energy project; subsequent lawsuits are barred even if they target different permits or agencies.
Courts must grant greater deference to government agencies, making it harder to overturn permits based on procedural errors (only possible if the agency 'abused its substantial discretion').
Strict deadlines (150 days) are imposed for filing lawsuits, and plaintiffs must prove they raised the specific issue during the public comment period.
Project permits remain valid and construction can continue even if a court orders the agency to fix procedural deficiencies within a 180-day deadline.
Introduced
Citizen Poll