Feds Scrap Their Own Green Rules: NEPA Overhaul Sparks Outrage

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.

2025-03014 — Removal of National Environmental Policy Act Implementing Regulations

The government is wiping out the current rules that guide how environmental reviews happen under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). This change affects anyone involved in projects that need environmental checks, like builders and planners. They’re also asking for your thoughts before making the final call, so get ready to share your voice soon!

2026-01555 — Emergencies and the National Environmental Policy Act Guidance

The Council on Environmental Quality just dropped fresh guidance to help federal agencies follow environmental rules during emergencies like wildfires or disease outbreaks. This update replaces old advice and offers new ways to speed up reviews without skipping important steps. Agencies affected can now act faster while still protecting the environment, starting January 21, 2026, with no extra costs expected.

2025-19236 — Implementation of the National Environmental Policy Act Guidance

Starting September 29, 2025, federal agencies get fresh, clear instructions to better follow the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). This update helps agencies improve how they check environmental impacts, making the process smoother and faster. It affects all federal departments and could save time and money by cutting red tape.

2025-09569 — Withdrawal of National Environmental Policy Act Guidance on Consideration of Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Climate Change

The Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) is pulling back its 2023 advice on how to think about greenhouse gas emissions and climate change when making big government decisions. This change affects federal agencies that review projects under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). It means those agencies will no longer have to follow the withdrawn guidance, which could speed up project reviews and impact how climate factors are considered.

Previous: 2025-04624 — List of Approved Spent Fuel Storage Casks: Holtec International HI-STORM UMAX Canister Storage System, Certificate of Compliance No. 1040, Revision 1 to Amendment Nos. 0 Through 2

The NRC is updating the rules for storing spent nuclear fuel using Holtec’s HI-STORM UMAX system, with changes taking effect April 21, 2025. These updates clarify safety limits on radiation around the storage canisters and tweak some technical details to keep things safe and clear. If you work with or oversee nuclear fuel storage, these changes matter and help keep everything running smoothly and safely.

Next: C1-2025-03880 — Airworthiness Directives; De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited (Type Certificate Previously Held by Bombardier, Inc.) Airplanes

This update fixes a date mistake in a safety rule for De Havilland airplanes (formerly Bombardier). The corrected rule now officially starts on April 16, 2025, making sure everyone knows when to follow the new safety steps. If you own or operate these planes, mark your calendar and get ready to comply without delay!