Several federal agencies have released modified National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) implementing regulations.
Continue Reading Federal Agencies Roll Out New NEPA Regulations

Insights and Commentary on Global Environmental and Energy Issues
Steven Barringer is a member of GT’s Environmental and Government Law and Policy practice groups. Steve has a unique practice that combines substantive environmental law knowledge with deep government law and policy experience. He began his career as an attorney-adviser and Special Assistant to the Solicitor at the Department of Interior. In private practice, Steve has represented industry clients in numerous EPA rulemakings, and defended clients in enforcement actions brought by EPA and states. He has advised companies regarding compliance with federal and state environmental laws. Steve has represented parties involved at major Superfund sites – including several of the largest Superfund sites in the United States – both in remediation settlement negotiations and cost-recovery actions. He has advised clients on international treaty obligations applicable to the transboundary movement of mercury and other hazardous wastes, and has managed local counsel examining environmental laws in Central America and Europe applicable to the transboundary movement of such wastes.
Steve’s broad experience representing environmental clients led to his work on government law and policy matters. He has interacted with federal and state regulators on numerous rule-makings and policy developments. He advises clients regarding federal legislative and agency strategy, including use of the appropriations process to achieve policy goals. Steve served on an EPA advisory committee examining federal hazardous waste regulations, and was selected by the House Energy and Commerce Committee to represent industry stakeholders in negotiations to develop consensus amendments to the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act. He led an industry group advocating for reform of the federal mining laws. Representing industry clients, Steve has worked together with nongovernmental organizations to secure federal legislation banning the export of mercury from the United States.
Steve has been recognized by Who’s Who Legal as one of the top environmental practitioners representing the mining industry. One client described him as “absolutely the best.” He speaks and publishes on environmental legal and policy topics.
Several federal agencies have released modified National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) implementing regulations.
Continue Reading Federal Agencies Roll Out New NEPA Regulations
In an 8-0 decision, the U.S. Supreme Court reversed a D.C. Circuit ruling that had blocked construction of a new 88-mile freight railroad line, clarifying the scope of impacts that federal agencies must consider under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).
Continue Reading Landmark Supreme Court Decision Limits NEPA Review Scope: Agencies Granted ‘Substantial Deference’ in Environmental Assessments
On May 16, 2025, the U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) announced its intent to solicit public input on federal regulations that may be subject to repeal or revision as part of the Trump administration’s deregulatory agenda. …
Continue Reading Interior Department Seeks Public Input on Repealing Public Lands and Natural Resources Rules
On April 23, 2025, the U.S. Department of the Interior announced plans to implement unprecedented emergency procedures to fast-track permitting for energy and critical minerals projects on federal lands. …
Continue Reading Department of the Interior to Adopt Expedited NEPA Permitting Procedures for Energy and Minerals Projects on Federal Lands
On April 8, 2025, President Donald J. Trump issued an executive order titled Protecting American Energy From State Overreach. The order directs the U.S. attorney general to identify and take action against state and local laws “burdening” domestic energy development, especially laws addressing climate change, environmental, social, and government (ESG) initiatives, and environmental justice. …
Continue Reading Executive Order Targets State Climate Laws, But Existing GHG Permit Requirements Remain Enforceable
On March 20, 2025, President Trump signed an executive order to boost U.S. mining and processing of critical minerals. It directs federal agencies to prioritize and fast-track permits for such projects, invoking the Defense Production Act and other measures to enhance domestic mineral production.
Continue Reading President Trump Issues Executive Order Promoting Domestic Mineral Production
On March 14, 2023, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a proposed National Primary Drinking Water Regulation (NPDWR) which, if finalized, would set enforceable limits, known as Maximum Contaminant…
Continue Reading PFAS in Drinking Water: EPA Proposes Historic New RegulationOn Jan. 26, 2023, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) solicited public input to inform two new Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) programs creating standards and labeling for construction materials that have…
Continue Reading Inflation Reduction Act: EPA Invites Stakeholder Input on Grant/Technical Assistance Programs for Lower-Embodied Carbon Construction Materials, StandardsOn April 29, 2021, Administrator Michael Regan announced that EPA plans to add Natural Gas Processing (NGP) facilities to the list of industries subject to Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) reporting…
Continue Reading EPA Will Finalize Rule Imposing Toxics Release Inventory Reporting Requirements on Natural Gas Processing Facilities
Indicating its intention to move forward aggressively to address growing legacy chemical concerns, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in February took two steps towards regulating certain per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances…
Continue Reading Biden EPA Moving Forward with National Drinking Water Regulations for PFOA and PFOS