POLITICO Energy How Trump is changing the Magna Carta of environmental laws
Feb 24, 2025
President Trump's overhaul of the National Environmental Policy Act could dramatically alter federal environmental reviews. The introduction of flexible guidelines seeks to speed up infrastructure projects but raises concerns over neglecting long-term environmental justice and cumulative impacts. Meanwhile, California's proposed bill aims to make oil companies pay for climate damages based on past emissions, pushing accountability in the fight against climate change. The podcast dives into the implications of these shifts for both policymakers and environmental advocates.
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Trump Changes NEPA
- President Trump changed the federal environmental review process under NEPA.
- He aims to expedite infrastructure projects by giving agencies more leeway and focusing on direct impacts.
NEPA Rule Change
- Trump's new rule replaces existing CEQ regulations with voluntary guidance for agencies.
- This shift aims to accelerate infrastructure projects by streamlining environmental reviews.
New NEPA Guidance
- The new NEPA guidance encourages agencies to adhere to the Fiscal Responsibility Act's deadlines.
- It also eliminates considering cumulative impacts and environmental justice, leading to faster, narrower reviews.