FAST Act Implementation Progress: An Important Tool for Expediting Energy Projects for the Incoming Trump Administration?

On Dec. 4, 2015, President Obama signed the Fixing America’s Surface Transportation Act, also
Continue Reading FAST Act Implementation Progress: An Important Tool for Expediting Energy Projects for the Incoming Trump Administration?

On Aug. 1, 2016, the Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) issued its Final Guidance for Federal Departments and Agencies on Consideration of Greenhouse Gas Emissions and the Effects of Climate
Continue Reading CEQ Issues Measured Final Guidance for Federal Agencies in their Consideration of GHG Emissions in NEPA Reviews

Review under the National Environmental Policy Act (“NEPA”) can be one of the most costly and time consuming components of any federal project or action.  Often, the hurdle of NEPA can be so substantial that necessary projects fall by the wayside.  Recognizing the tremendous burden environmental review can create, President Obama signed into law the Fixing America’s Surface Transportation Act, known as the “FAST Act,” on December 4, 2015.  In addition to providing funding for infrastructure projects, the Act—specifically within Title XLI—seeks to streamline the rules for permitting and environmental reviews for projects under NEPA.  It seeks to accomplish this by eliminating duplicative reviews, setting strict project timelines, ensuring best practices, and limiting opportunities for judicial review.  Additionally, a new office will be created to administer and set timelines for expedited review.
Continue Reading Congress Adopts “FAST Act,” Seeking Expedited NEPA Review For Major Infrastructure Projects