The comment period closed March 10 on the Council on Environmental Quality’s (CEQ) proposed updates to the implementing rules for the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). AGC filed a comprehensive letter on behalf of the construction industry in support of the proposal to promote more efficient, effective, and timely federal environmental reviews and permitting of infrastructure projects. AGC seeks to increase investment and project development in a manner that strengthens our economy and enhances environmental stewardship. To this end, AGC also supported the U.S. Chamber-led “Unlock American Investment” coalition’s extensive outreach, education and advocacy efforts – click here for coalition letter.
The proposal has broad implications for many construction projects that require a federal permit or authorization, a federal land management decision, or federal funding. The NEPA reforms would set shorter timelines for completing environmental impact reviews as well as clear up ambiguous wording and definitions that have led to litigation and project delays over the years. It would also stop agencies from wasting time and money on redoing environmental studies or recreating existing data and introduce more accountability and transparency into the review process – all steps recommended by AGC in the prior (advance notice of proposal) comment period.
On Feb. 24, AGC CEO Steve Sandherr, along with other national business leaders, spoke at a press briefing on the need to streamline the environmental review process for projects that require federal approval in order to unlock American investment in modern, efficient infrastructure while advancing good environmental stewardship. On Feb. 25, AGC presented the same message at the White House CEQ public hearing on the proposed regulations.
With approximately 600,000 comments submitted on the proposal, CEQ will now review them and respond in a final rule, which is expected later this year.
For more information, contact Leah Pilconis at leah.pilconis@agc.org.