View all text of Subchapter IV [§ 535 - § 535i]
§ 535d. Permitting for international bridges
(a) Definitions
In this section:
(1) Eligible applicant
The term “eligible applicant” means an entity that has submitted an application for a Presidential permit during the period beginning on December 1, 2020, and ending on December 31, 2024, for any of the following:
(A) 1 or more international bridges in Webb County, Texas.
(B) An international bridge in Cameron County, Texas.
(C) An international bridge in Maverick County, Texas.
(2) Presidential permit
(A) In general
The term “Presidential permit” means—
(i) an approval by the President to construct, maintain, and operate an international bridge under section 535b of this title; or
(ii) an approval by the President to construct, maintain, and operate an international bridge pursuant to a process described in Executive Order 13867 (84 Fed. Reg. 15491; relating to Issuance of Permits With Respect to Facilities and Land Transportation Crossings at the International Boundaries of the United States) (or any successor Executive Order).
(B) Inclusion
(3) Secretary
(b) Application
(c) Recommendation
(1) In general
Not later than 60 days after the date on which the Secretary receives an application under subsection (b), the Secretary shall make a recommendation to the President—
(A) to grant the Presidential permit; or
(B) to deny the Presidential permit.
(2) Consideration
(d) Presidential action
(1) In general
The President shall grant or deny the Presidential permit for an application under subsection (b) by not later than 60 days after the earlier of—
(A) the date on which the Secretary makes a recommendation under subsection (c)(1); and
(B) the date on which the Secretary is required to make a recommendation under subsection (c)(1).
(2) No action
(A) In general
(B) Requirement
(e) Document requirements
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Secretary shall not require an eligible applicant for a Presidential permit—
(1) to include in the application under subsection (b) environmental documents prepared pursuant to Public Law 91–190 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.); or
(2) to have completed any environmental review under Public Law 91–190 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) prior to the President granting a Presidential permit under subsection (d).
(f) Rules of construction
Nothing in this section—
(1) prohibits the President from granting a Presidential permit conditioned on the eligible applicant completing all environmental documents pursuant to Public Law 91–190 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) and complying with relevant laws;
(2) prohibits the Secretary from requesting a list of all permits and approvals from Federal, State, and local agencies that the eligible applicant believes are required in connection with the international bridge, or a brief description of how those permits and approvals will be acquired prior to making a recommendation to the President;
(3) exempts an eligible applicant from the requirement to complete all environmental documents pursuant to Public Law 91–190 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) prior to construction of an international bridge; or
(4) exempts an eligible applicant from complying with Public Law 91–190 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) or any other law.
(Pub. L. 92–434, § 6, as added Pub. L. 118–31, div. E, title LIV, § 5414, Dec. 22, 2023, 137 Stat. 954.)