I 118th CONGRESS 1st Session H. R. 1056 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES February 17, 2023 Mr. Smith of New Jersey introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Natural Resources A BILL To require the Comptroller General to conduct a study to assess certain environmental review processes with regard to offshore wind projects, and for other purposes.

1. Offshore wind environmental review process study (a) In general No later than 60 days after the enactment of this bill, the Comptroller General shall conduct a study to assess the sufficiency of the environmental review processes for offshore wind projects in place as of the date of the enactment of this section of the national Marine Fisheries Service, the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, and any other relevant Federal agency. (b) Contents The study required under subsection (a) shall include consideration of— (1) the impacts of offshore wind projects on whales, finfish, marine mammals, benthic resources, commercial and recreational fishing, air quality and greenhouse gas emissions, cultural, historical, and archaeological resources, invertebrates, and essential fish habitat, military use and navigation/vessel traffic; recreation and tourism, and sustainability of shoreline beaches and inlets; (2) how the agencies determines which stakeholders are consulted and if a timely, comprehensive comment period is provided for local representatives and interested parties; and (3) the estimated cost and who pays for the offshore wind projects.