Early this morning, the Biden administration’s Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) completed a two-phased effort to modernize rules implementing the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), a bedrock community and environmental protection law in the U.S. The final rule goes beyond repairing vandalism to the law by the Trump administration, promoting climate-smart policies, advancing environmental justice, and recognizing the importance of fully informed decision making—all essential tools for agencies to conform their actions to appropriately respond to the climate and biodiversity crises.
“These rules leverage the National Environmental Policy Act in service of a just and equitable transition from fossil fuels towards renewable energy while safeguarding core conservation values and providing communities with a voice in our fight against the climate crisis,” said Erik Schlenker-Goodrich, executive director of the Western Environmental Law Center. “Today’s NEPA Phase 2 rulemaking will not only accelerate the buildout of wind, solar, battery storage, and electrical transmission, it will help environmental justice communities play a meaningful role in righting many past wrongs and contributing their wisdom and insight to shape climate action. This rule is the definition of a public interest policy and will provide a brighter future for all.“
WELC joined a coalition of 90 groups in providing comments to the draft rule.
Contact:
Erik Schlenker-Goodrich, Western Environmental Law Center, 575-751-0351, gro.w1732361329alnre1732361329tsew@1732361329gskir1732361329e1732361329
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