🌱Update on NEPA Regulations and Compliance Requirements
National Environmental Policy Act Implementing Regulations
Summary
The Department of the Interior (Department or DOI) is partially rescinding and making necessary targeted updates to its remaining regulations implementing the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), which were promulgated to "supplement" now-rescinded Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) NEPA implementing regulations. Mindful that the Supreme Court recently clarified NEPA is a "purely procedural statute," DOI will henceforth maintain the remainder of its NEPA procedures--which apply only to DOI's internal processes--in a Handbook separate from the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR). This interim final rule requests comments on this action and related matters to inform DOI's decision-making.
Agencies
- Interior Department
- N/A
Business Impact
$$ - Med
The interim final rule updates NEPA regulations, affecting compliance requirements for businesses operating on federal lands. These changes streamline project approval processes, thereby expediting access to financial assistance and regulatory frameworks. This may lead to increased investment opportunities and reduced costs for businesses involved in federal development projects.