What: On January 8, 2026, the White House Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) issued a 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. CEQ’s rule also acknowledges recent federal court decisions holding that the agency does not have the authority to issue NEPA regulations.
CEQ also issued guidance directing federal agencies to amend their own NEPA implementation regulations to conform with EO 14154 within one year. Advocacy commented on the rule on March 26, 2025, calling for an emphasis on consistency and efficiency as agencies develop their own NEPA regulations.
Action: CEQ’s final rule is effective January 8, 2026.
FEDERAL REGISTER NOTICE: Removal of National Environmental Policy Act Implementing Regulations
CONTACT: Nick Goldstein
EMAIL: nick.goldstein@sba.gov
TOPIC(S): Regulatory Alerts
TAG(S): CEQ