Feds Wipe Out NEPA Rules: Environmental Reviews Go Rogue?
Published Date: 2/25/2025
Rule
Summary
Starting April 11, 2025, the government is wiping out the current rules that explain how to follow the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). This change affects federal agencies and anyone involved in environmental reviews, making the process more flexible by replacing strict rules with guidance. You’ve got until March 27, 2025, to share your thoughts, and this move aims to speed things up without adding new costs.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
CEQ Removes NEPA Implementing Rules
On April 11, 2025, the Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) is removing its NEPA implementing regulations from the Code of Federal Regulations by deleting 40 CFR parts 1500–1508. CEQ says it will issue guidance instead and that this action is intended to make environmental review processes more flexible and to speed permitting and reviews without adding new costs.
No Significant Small-Entity Costs; No Big Unfunded Mandates
CEQ certified that this interim final rule "does not directly regulate small entities" and "will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities" under the Regulatory Flexibility Act. CEQ also states the rule would not result in expenditures of $100 million or more in any 1 year for State, Tribal, or local governments or the private sector and does not impose unfunded mandates.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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