North American Energy Infrastructure Act

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The North American Energy Infrastructure Act (H.R. 3301) would change how the United States approves energy projects that cross its border with Canada or Mexico. Instead of a Presidential permit, oil pipelines and electric transmission lines that cross the border would need a crossing certificate from either the Secretary of State or the Secretary of Energy. Natural gas pipelines would not require a certificate.

If enacted, the bill would require:
- Secretary of Commerce to approve oil pipelines,
- Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to approve natural gas pipelines,
- Department of Energy (DOE) to approve electric transmission facilities,
- and it would apply only when the project is for the import or export of oil, natural gas, or electricity across the border. It would also amend the Natural Gas Act and the Federal Power Act.

The act would declare that an approval under this law is not a major federal action requiring environmental review under NEPA.

Key details:
- Sponsors and scope: Applies to cross-border energy projects with Canada or Mexico; would replace the need for a Presidential permit with a crossing certificate.
- Keystone note: The bill would not change the approval process for the Keystone Pipeline or similar projects already under consideration.
- Legislative history: Introduced by Rep. Fred Upton (R-MI) on October 22, 2013; passed the House on June 24, 2014, by a 238–173 vote.
- Budget and mandates: The Congressional Budget Office found no significant net budget impact; any administrative cost changes would likely be under $500,000 per year. The bill would not create new mandates on states, localities, or companies.
- Reactions: President Barack Obama criticized the bill and threatened a veto, arguing it could hinder thorough consideration of important security, safety, environmental, and other issues. Supporters said it would speed up a transparent, fair, cross-border approval process and improve North American energy security, prices, and jobs. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce supported the bill.

This summary reflects information from public U.S. government sources.