Virginia lawmakers approve Del. Reid’s measure to let state take on federal environmental review roles

Legislation advanced by State Del. David A. Reid allows Virginia to assume specific federal environmental review and project delivery duties through formal agreements, according to the Virginia State House.

The bill received approval in both legislative bodies and was officially enrolled on Feb. 26, 2026, following House passage by a 98-0 margin and a 39-0 Senate vote.

Filed as HB411 on Jan. 14, 2026, during the regular legislative session, the measure was summarized by lawmakers as: “Commissioner of Highways; certain agreements with U.S. Department of Transportation.”

Below is our summary based on the original bill text, offering interpretation for clarity where relevant.

Fundamentally, the legislation allows the Commissioner of Highways to enter into 5-year agreements with the U.S. Department of Transportation under 23 U.S.C. 326 and 327, permitting the commonwealth to oversee certain federal environmental review and project delivery tasks, such as issuing categorical exclusions and implementing associated rules and funding. The bill also waives Virginia’s 11th Amendment immunity for cases in federal court strictly related to enforcing those acquired responsibilities, providing the same legal standards as suits brought against the U.S. transportation secretary, but solely while an eligible agreement is active. Additionally, the Department of Transportation must update its NEPA Program Manual as required, post nearly all proposed changes online for 30 days to allow for public feedback, and the law sunsets 5 years after the first agreement unless reenacted or revised.

Support in the House came from 63 Democrats and 35 Republicans who voted for the measure.

In the Senate, 21 Democrats and 18 Republicans supported the bill.

Del. David A. Reid (Democrat-28th District) was the sole sponsor of the bill.

Reid earned a BA from Northeastern Oklahoma State University in 1984.

Reid, a Democrat, was elected to the Virginia State House representing the 28th district in 2024, taking over from Tara Durant.

The legislative process in Virginia starts with a bill’s introduction in either chamber. It is sent to relevant committees for review and possible amendment before full chamber debate and votes. If both the House and Senate approve, the bill is forwarded to the governor, who can sign, veto, or allow the bill to become law without a signature. The General Assembly holds an annual session starting the second Monday of January. Hundreds of bills are introduced each year, but only some are enacted.

Details for this article were sourced from the Virginia State House. Access the data here.