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119-hr-8308119th CongressWALLET

CERTAIN Act

Sponsored By: Representative Peters, Scott H. [D-CA-50]

Introduced

Summary

Expedite and standardize federal authorizations for infrastructure projects. It would create a national, timebound coordination framework with fixed review timelines, a lead agency role for complex projects, and faster dispute resolution and judicial review.

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  • Project sponsors would get predictable schedules and quicker outcomes. Routine authorizations would be decided in 30 days or deemed approved, and environmental impact statement reviews would have ceilings up to 2 years.
  • Federal agencies would follow a published coordination plan that lists required permits, sets schedules, and enforces completeness checks. The plan must be established and published within 90 days after inviting agencies to participate.
  • Communities and stakeholders would keep clear public review windows and faster notice when schedules slip. Draft environmental impact statements must be available for at least 30 days before finalization and final documents must be published within 30 days of completion.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

4 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 2 mixed.

Faster federal permit decisions

If enacted, the bill would set strict timing for permit reviews and completeness. Agencies would have to post receipt online within 14 days (30 days for pending files) and tell you who received it. They would decide completeness within 30 days (45 days if pending) and follow rules that can make an application be treated as complete if deadlines lapse. For routine permits agencies would have 30 days to act or the application would be deemed approved. Complex reviews would follow fixed windows (6 months, 1 year, or 2 years depending on the NEPA finding). If agencies miss deadlines they would have to notify the public and give you a written internal review you can start within 30 days that must finish in 90 days unless you waive it.

Stronger legal protections for permits

If enacted, the bill would limit when agencies can cancel or undo a permit. Agencies could only revoke or alter an authorization in four narrow cases and must use clear and convincing evidence and give written notice. The bill would also let applicants get fast judicial review in a court of appeals (or the D.C. Circuit) for missed deadlines or denials. Courts would be asked to decide quickly, generally within 90 days, and could order agencies to act on a schedule. Agencies could not ask a court to vacate or remand an authorization without the holder's written consent.

New lead-agency coordination rules

If enacted, a lead agency would have to invite other agencies to join complex reviews and publish a coordination plan and schedule within set deadlines (60, 30, and 90-day steps). The Council on Environmental Quality would issue guidance within 180 days and could mediate disputes, with set 30- and 60-day steps for resolution. The bill would also define which permits are "complex" or "routine" and require you to notify each agency within 7 days if you file the same project application with multiple agencies. An applicant who agrees to a schedule change generally could not later challenge missed deadlines that were changed.

More staff and funding for permits

If enacted, certain agencies would report staff capacity to OPM within 180 days and every 5 years. If reports show too few employees, OPM must make a hiring plan within 90 days and agencies could use temporary direct-hire authority for up to 5 years. The bill would also authorize "such sums as are necessary" for permitting capacity, without listing dollar amounts.

Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

Peters, Scott H. [D-CA-50]

CA • D

Cosponsors

  • Rep. Evans, Gabe [R-CO-8]

    CO • R

    Sponsored 4/15/2026

  • Rep. Vasquez, Gabe [D-NM-2]

    NM • D

    Sponsored 4/15/2026

  • Rep. Garbarino, Andrew R. [R-NY-2]

    NY • R

    Sponsored 4/15/2026

  • Rep. Gray, Adam [D-CA-13]

    CA • D

    Sponsored 4/15/2026

  • Rep. Ciscomani, Juan [R-AZ-6]

    AZ • R

    Sponsored 4/15/2026

  • Rep. Houlahan, Chrissy [D-PA-6]

    PA • D

    Sponsored 4/15/2026

  • Rep. Kiggans, Jennifer A. [R-VA-2]

    VA • R

    Sponsored 4/15/2026

  • Rep. Fitzpatrick, Brian K. [R-PA-1]

    PA • R

    Sponsored 8/31/2026

  • Rep. Carter, Troy A. [D-LA-2]

    LA • D

    Sponsored 8/31/2026

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

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