Biden signs bill cutting environmental reviews for semiconductor industry

President Biden on Wednesday signed legislation exempting semiconductor manufacturing facilities from environmental reviews — despite objections from some Democrats and green activists who have expressed concerns about the potential for toxic waste.

The White House statement saying that Biden signed the bill did not contain any other commentary.

The legislation specifically exempts semiconductor manufacturing facilities that receive federal funding from environmental reviews. 

Proponents say this will allow for a faster build-out of key sectors including climate-friendly energy sources.

Opponents warn that the exemption hampers opportunities for communities to weigh in on the release of potentially hazardous chemicals that make such technology possible. 

Shortly before the White House announced that Biden signed the bill, environmental and public health groups put out a press release urging the president to veto it. 

They particularly raised concerns about the industry’s use of PFAS, substances that persist in the environment instead of breaking down and have been linked to a range of health issues including some cancers.

“This bill would remove the last remaining federal lever to assess the impact of massive semiconductor fabs on drinking water, air quality, climate change, and community health,” said Harry Manin, deputy legislative director for industrial policy at Sierra Club, in a written statement. 

The bill unanimously passed the Senate late last year. It moved quickly through the House without receiving a committee hearing in the lower chamber.

However, it did meet some resistance in the House, receiving a 257-125 vote. In a “Dear Colleague” letter last month, the top Democrats on the House Energy and Commerce; Natural Resources; and Science, Space and Technology committees urged a “no” vote. 

Democratic supporters of the legislation argue that it will bolster technological innovation. 

“Last year Congress made historic investments in our microchip industry that are supercharging innovation in San Diego and around the country,” said Rep. Scott Peters (D-Calif.) in a statement last month. “I look forward to celebrating when the President signs this historic bipartisan legislation to supercharge domestic chip manufacturing. ” 

In 2022, Congress passed the CHIPS and Science Act, which put $280 billion into building, expanding and modernizing semiconductor manufacturing.