CEQ Issues Tougher NEPA Rule While Downplaying Fears On Permit Delays

The White House Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) has finalized its controversial Phase 2 National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) rule strengthening review and mitigation requirements while downplaying fears that the measure will slow permitting for a range of energy, transportation and other projects. “Thanks to President [Joe] Biden’s leadership, the time to complete the most extensive form of environmental review is already coming down: agencies are completing a higher proportion of environmental impact statements (EIS) in under two years than...