Comment now to oppose the gutting of the National Environmental Policy Act
Your input is needed -- oppose the gutting of the National Environmental Policy Act
The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), known as the Magna Carta of environmental law, is a federal law that promotes the enhancement and protection of our environment. It also established the President's Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ).
NEPA was passed in the 70s following outcry over how the Interstate highway system in the 1950s and 60s was built- by bulldozing communities with no consideration of the harmful impacts. St. Paul’s Rondo community is a specific example. This outcry, along with the growing environmental movement, resulted in the idea that federal agencies must consider the environmental impacts of their projects.
The purpose of NEPA is to ensure that environmental factors are weighted equally when compared to other factors in deciding to fund projects. NEPA requires federal agencies to prepare an environmental impact statement to accompany reports and recommendations for Congressional funding. NEPA also established the CEQ to advise the President on environmental policy and the state of our environment.
The current administration is proposing to “streamline” (cut) the environmental review process out of federal funding decisions by changing the regulations used to enforce the NEPA. This will likely allow for more drilling and extractive commercial uses in or around our National Parks.
We have 30 days to comment on the proposed changes: please oppose any changes to this important act. We cannot trust this administration to be good stewards of our environment or our communities.
Additional Resources:
GPO.Gov