Interior appeals board would get six months to rule once expedited review is requested
In markupH.R. 677Latest action
Sponsor: Harriet M. Hageman · Representative · WY
AIDecoded by AI · checked against the recordRead the official text
Official title: EARA
119th Congress
Topics: Government & democracy
Introduced:
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Appellants could ask for expedited review, giving the Interior appeals board six months to decide, or the agency's decision becomes final and reviewable in court.
50-second read · 4 questions answered below
What does this do?
The bill lets a person or company with a pending appeal before the Interior Board of Land Appeals send written notice asking for expedited review. The board would then have six months to issue a final decision, but the deadline cannot fall earlier than 18 months after the appeal was filed. It would apply to pending appeals as well as new ones.
Who does it affect?
It mostly affects energy companies, mining operators, ranchers, landowners, and others who hold or seek permits and leases on federal land. Groups that challenge Interior Department decisions could also be affected, since they use the same appeals process.
Why does it matter?
If the board misses the deadline, the original Interior Department decision becomes a final agency action, which lets the appellant go to federal court. A court would then review the issues fresh ("de novo") instead of giving the usual deference to the agency's reasoning.
AI-drafted summary. Check it against the official text before you act on it.
Based on the “Referred in Senate” text of May 14, 2025.
After that text, a committee agreed on Sep 30, 2026 to send the bill to the full chamber with changes. This plain-language version may not reflect them.
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Where does it stand?
- IntroducedJan 23, 2025
- House committeeYou are here · Sep 30, 2026
- House vote
- Senate
- The president's desk
Right now: a House committee is reviewing it. If the Senate changes it, it goes back to the House before reaching the president.
Latest action: — Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.