WASHINGTON – Congressman David G. Valadao (CA-22) recently introduced H.R. 6011, the Right of Way Application and Transparency Accountability Act. This legislation addresses a significant bottleneck in the permitting process for energy projects on federal lands by requiring that federal agencies notify right-of-way applicants if their application is complete within 60 days. Currently, there is no timetable for responding to right-of-way applications.

“Navigating the federal permitting process is often confusing, frustrating, and slow,” said Congressman Valadao. “Notifying applicants about the status of their right-of-way application in a timely manner is a basic step that will make the permitting process more efficient and transparent. We must cut the bureaucratic red tape from this process so we can better utilize domestic energy resources, deploy rural broadband, and create jobs.”

The House Natural Resources Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources held a hearing on several bills that would streamline permitting and support domestic energy production. Rep. Valadao’s Right of Way Transparency and Accountability Act was included in the hearing.