What: On February 25, 2025, the White House Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) issued an interim final rule withdrawing its regulations implementing the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).
Why: CEQ is complying with President Trump’s Executive Order (EO) 14154, “Unleashing American Energy,” which directed the agency to rescind its NEPA regulations. Additionally, CEQ’s rule acknowledges recent federal court decisions holding that the agency does not have the authority to issue NEPA regulations.
CEQ has certified its interim final rule will not have a significant impact on a substantial number of small entities.
CEQ also issued guidance directing federal agencies to amend their own NEPA implementation regulations to conform with EO 14154 within one year.
Action: CEQ’s withdrawal of its NEPA implementation regulations will take effect on April 11, 2025. The agency will be accepting comments through March 27, 2025.
Is your small business or entity being negatively impacted by a proposed rule? If yes, write a comment letter to the proposing agency.
EXECUTIVE ORDER 14154:
SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS:
Memorandum for Heads of Federal Departments and Agencies (PDF, 335 KB)
FEDERAL REGISTER NOTICE:
Removal of National Environmental Policy Act Implementing Regulations
CONTACT: Nick Goldstein
EMAIL: nick.goldstein@sba.gov
TOPIC(S): Regulatory Alerts