Feds Trash NEPA Rulebook: 'Just Wing It' on Environmental Reviews?
Published Date: 3/19/2025
Rule
Summary
Starting April 11, 2025, the Council on Environmental Quality is officially removing its rules that explain how to follow the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). This change affects government agencies and anyone involved in environmental reviews, simplifying the process by clearing out old regulations. No new costs or delays are expected, just a fresh start with updated guidance.
Analyzed Economic Effects
1 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
CEQ Removes NEPA Implementation Rules
If you are a government agency or anyone involved in environmental reviews, starting April 11, 2025 the Council on Environmental Quality is removing its NEPA implementing regulations from the Code of Federal Regulations by removing and reserving 40 CFR parts 1500 through 1508. The agency says this will simplify the environmental review process and that no new costs or delays are expected.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2025-03014, Removal of National Environmental Policy Act Implementing Regulations
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.
2026-07115, Implementation of the National Environmental Policy Act Guidance
The Council on Environmental Quality just updated the rules for how federal agencies use 'categorical exclusions' to speed up environmental reviews under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). This new guidance replaces the old 2010 version and reflects recent law changes and rule updates, helping agencies work smarter without harming the environment. Agencies need to follow this fresh guidance starting now, which could save time and money on projects that usually don’t cause big environmental impacts.
2025-00960, Freedom of Information Act and Privacy Act Regulations
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2026-00178, Removal of National Environmental Policy Act Implementing Regulations
The government is officially wiping away the old rules that explained how to follow the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). This change affects federal agencies by removing their detailed instructions on environmental reviews, starting January 8, 2026. It’s a big reset that could speed up projects but might also shake up how environmental impacts are checked—no new costs or delays announced yet.
C1-2025-03014, Removal of National Environmental Policy Act Implementing Regulations
The government is officially removing the rules that explain how to follow the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). This change affects federal agencies that plan projects impacting the environment, making the process simpler and faster. The key deadline to watch is March 27, 2025, and this could save time and money by cutting red tape.
2026-13079, Notification of Withdrawal of Guidance Documents
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