The Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) is rescinding its “Draft National Environmental Policy Act Guidance on Consideration of Greenhouse Gas Emissions” consistent with Executive Order (E.O.) 13990, “Protecting Public Health and the Environment and Restoring Science to Tackle the Climate Crisis.”
The National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA), 42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq., sets forth a national environmental policy to harmonize environmental, economic, and social goals, and is a cornerstone of the Nation’s efforts to protect the environment. See 42 U.S.C. 4321, 4331. NEPA also created the Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ), 42 U.S.C. 4342, which oversees its implementation. NEPA requires Federal agencies to consider the environmental effects of its proposed actions and involve the public in its decision-making processes. CEQ’s NEPA implementing regulations at 40 CFR parts 1500 through 1508 set forth the procedures for agencies to comply with NEPA. Additionally, CEQ issues guidance to agencies on how to fulfil NEPA’s mandates. See 40 CFR 1506.7.
