Trump Administration takes another step backward on climate by withdrawing NEPA guidance 

WASHINGTON – Today the White House Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) withdrew its guidance directing federal agencies to consider climate change and environmental justice impacts in reviews conducted under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). 

This latest action represents yet another example of this administration failing to take the consequences of climate change seriously. This move will add to the costs associated with federal projects, both by increasing harm on the ground and wasting taxpayer dollars on projects that fail to consider future risks, as well as exacerbating the chaos this administration has already generated by rescinding CEQ’s NEPA regulations.  

Low-wealth communities and communities of color are often hit first and worst by climate change impacts. Despite the decision to withdraw this guidance, it is crucial that federal entities continue to consider those impacts to ensure that future projects don’t contribute to disproportionate environmental harms.  

 “Once again, this administration’s short-sighted policies prioritize political ideology over the very real risks that climate change poses, especially when it comes to the health of overburdened communities,” said Liz Zepeda, SELC’s Federal Regulatory Director. 

“NEPA still requires agencies to consider environmental impacts, including climate impacts.  Withdrawing this guidance will cause more confusion about how agencies will comply with the law going forward.”