H.R. 677 · Passed House · Government Operations and Politics

EARA

What it does

Lets a party appealing a Department of the Interior decision to the Interior Board of Land Appeals request expedited review in writing.
Requires the board to issue a final decision within six months of receiving the request, but no earlier than 18 months after the appeal was filed.
Deems Interior's decision a final agency action subject to de novo judicial review if the expedited deadline is missed.
Applies to appeals pending on the date of enactment and appeals filed afterward.

Official summary

Expedited Appeals Review Act or the EARA This bill authorizes a party that files an appeal of a Department of the Interior decision with the Interior Board of Land Appeals to submit a written request for expedited review of the appeal. (The mission of the board is to provide an impartial forum within Interior for the resolution of disputes involving public lands and natural resources under Interior's jurisdiction.) If a party submits such a request, the board must issue a final decision on the appeal not later than six months after the date on which the request for expedited review was received. However, the deadline may not be earlier than 18 months after the date on which the appeal was initially filed with the board. If the deadline for expedited review is not met, Interior's decision is deemed a final agency action and is subject to de novo judicial review (i.e., without deference to the agency's decision). This bill applies to appeals pending as of the date of enactment of this bill and appeals filed after the date of enactment.

Latest action

Sep 30, 2026: Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.

Committee: Senate Energy and Natural Resources