The Trump administration has begun dismantling the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), a landmark law requiring federal agencies to assess environmental impacts before approving projects.
Veronica Riccobene reports for The Lever.
In short:
- The administration filed an interim rule on Feb. 16 to remove NEPA’s implementing regulations, bypassing the usual public comment process.
- NEPA, signed into law in 1970, ensures federal projects undergo environmental review and allows public input on decisions affecting communities.
- Critics argue the move prioritizes industry interests over environmental protections, while proponents claim the law hinders economic development.
Key quote:
“NEPA is one of our nation’s bedrock environmental laws. These regulations ensured informed science-based decisions that protect communities and the environment.”
— Kabir Green, director of federal affairs and nature at the Natural Resources Defense Council
Why this matters:
NEPA has shaped environmental policy for more than 50 years, serving as a model worldwide. Weakening its protections could allow major infrastructure and energy projects to move forward without public scrutiny or environmental safeguards. The rollback aligns with other actions to dismantle environmental oversight, raising concerns about unchecked pollution and community impacts.
It's not the first time Trump has had NEPA in the crosshairs; check out this piece from 2019:
Peter Dykstra: President Trump’s stealthiest environmental attack may be his biggest.
