Last week we examined the Sierra Club v. Federal Energy Regulatory Commission decision from the D.C. Circuit holding that natural gas pipeline NEPA review must consider greenhouse gas emissions impacts
Continue Reading The Death of Public Citizen in Pipeline NEPA Analyses: Was it Ever Alive?
NEPA
New York State Proposes Revisions to Its Environmental Review Regulations
Late last month the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) proposed to revise its Part 617 regulations, which are the rules governing the conduct of environmental impact review…
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FAST Act Implementation Progress: An Important Tool for Expediting Energy Projects for the Incoming Trump Administration?
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?
CEQ Issues Measured Final Guidance for Federal Agencies in their Consideration of GHG Emissions in NEPA Reviews
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…
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Congress Adopts “FAST Act,” Seeking Expedited NEPA Review For Major Infrastructure Projects
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