The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) is brief but demands extensive federal decision-making. The Trump administration aims to streamline NEPA, potentially reducing environmental barriers to President Trump’s “Restoring American Energy Dominance” agenda. This change could take effect by April 11 and focuses on expediting projects like drilling.
NEPA, established in 1969, mandates federal agencies to evaluate environmental impacts and facilitate public input on projects affecting the human environment. These reviews extend to activities such as timber sales, mining operations, and powerline construction. However, NEPA does not outline specific implementation methods, leaving that to the Council of Environmental Quality (CEQ), which has faced legal challenges regarding its regulatory authority.
The Trump administration’s move to alter NEPA has sparked debate. Kendall Cotton of the Frontier Institute supports the changes, seeing them as necessary to cut bureaucratic red tape hindering development. In contrast, Earthjustice attorney Jenny Harbine warns that dismantling NEPA could silence community voices crucial for shaping governmental decisions affecting their health and environment.
Under Trump’s adjustments, federal agencies would create their own NEPA review procedures. Legal experts express concern that this could create confusion due to varying regulatory interpretations. Trump’s previous NEPA changes faced reversals by the Biden administration, which reintroduced scientific and environmental standards in decision-making.
The interim rule process offers a faster route for federal decisions, with the public comment period concluding on March 27. As of March 7, it received 13,635 comments. However, differing definitions and potential staff reductions could delay federal actions, complicating the regulatory landscape for developers.
“`
—
Read More Montana News
