Relating to permit application review and contested case procedures for environmental permits involving a project to construct or modify a liquefied natural gas export terminal; authorizing a fee.

HB 3997 establishes new procedural rules for environmental permits involving liquefied natural gas (LNG) export terminal construction or modifications in Texas. It requires an expedited permit review process with an additional fee to cover costs, sets a 120-day deadline for responding to public comments, and delegates contested case hearings to the State Office of Administrative Hearings with a 30-day timeline for preliminary hearings (allowing a 15-day extension). The bill applies only to permit applications filed on or after September 1, 2025, and specifically affects LNG terminal developers, the public submitting comments, and parties challenging permits. It does not alter environmental standards but streamlines review procedures for these specific projects.