The JOAN Act streamlines federal permitting for natural gas infrastructure projects by designating the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission as the sole lead agency for environmental reviews, with other federal and state agencies designated as "participating agencies" required to complete their approvals within 90 days of FERC's review completion. The bill requires concurrent agency reviews, early identification of potential issues, acceptance of remote survey data, and allows project applicants to hire third-party contractors to assist in the review process. FERC must publicly track and report all permitting actions, timelines, agency contacts, and reasons for delays on its website to increase transparency and accountability. The legislation also establishes a fast-track litigation process that consolidates all legal challenges into a single lawsuit filed within 60 days of approval with a 180-day deadline for court decisions, while severely limiting judicial remedies such as injunctions and the remand remedy. The bill affects natural gas pipeline and liquefied natural gas projects and aims to accelerate the permitting and approval process for natural gas infrastructure development.
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