The Wilderness Society pleased with release of long-awaited NEPA rule
A hiker in Colorado
Michelle Craig
Strengthening and modernizing NEPA critical to meeting the challenges of the climate and extinction crises and addressing environmental justice
WASHINGTON D.C. (July 28, 2023) – The Biden-Harris Administration’s White House Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) on Friday released a notice of proposed rulemaking to strengthen and modernize how over 80 federal agencies implement the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), as well as undo some of the damage to the bedrock law that occurred under the previous administration.
The Wilderness Society issued the following statement about today’s proposed rule:
“We can and must strengthen and modernize NEPA to address environmental injustice and the climate and extinction crises, and we’re pleased the Biden-Harris Administration is acting to meet these challenges. For more than 50 years NEPA has well served the country and the environment, protecting waters, wildlife, and the health and wellbeing of community members, and given an opportunity for communities to voice opinions on environmental decisions that affect their lives,” said Dan Hartinger, Senior Director for Policy Advocacy at The Wilderness Society. “The Administration understands healthy communities stem from healthy environments, and we’re excited they are taking steps to ensure a cleaner, brighter future for all people. This NEPA rule — along with the recently proposed Bureau of Land Management’s Public Lands Rule, Oil and Gas leasing rule, Renewable Energy Rule, and updates to the Western Solar Plan — reflect the Administration’s dedication to bringing public lands management and environmental decision-making in line with the best interests of community health and well-being. The proposed NEPA rule represents a solid and much-needed start, and we look forward to working with the Biden-Harris Administration to further strengthen this rule to ensure it provides agencies with the environmental analysis and public engagement tools necessary to meet the challenges of our day.”
CEQ announced a 60-day public comment period starting July 31, along with four virtual public meetings during the comment period.
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