Trump's CEQ Moves to Scrap Governmentwide Environmental Review Rules, Shifting Power to Individual Agencies
Tribal nations relied on CEQ's uniform NEPA regulations to ensure federal agencies conducted government-to-government consultation during environmental reviews of projects affecting tribal lands and resources. With no central rulebook, each agency will set its own procedures for tribal engagement, raising concerns that some agencies may adopt weaker consultation requirements. Multiple tribal commenters requested formal consultation before this rule took effect, but CEQ declined, stating it would encourage — but not require — agencies to coordinate with tribes.
The Trump administration scrapped decades of rules for how to conduct environmental reviews under NEPA. In its place, the administration offered voluntary guidance as agencies are now tasked with charting their own paths for overseeing infrastructure projects like bridges and pipelines.
The Department of the Interior issued a final rule pulling back more than 80 percent of its regulations tied to implementing the National Environmental Policy Act. The move shifts procedural requirements into a streamlined handbook to accelerate project approvals on public lands.
The Interior Department announced sweeping changes to its NEPA procedures, moving most requirements into a non-binding handbook. While the administration claims this cuts bureaucracy, critics argue it will reduce public engagement and create legal uncertainty for major projects.
Document Type
Federal Rule
Official Title
Removal of National Environmental Policy Act Implementing Regulations
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