by Bruce Walker U.S. Rep. Debbie Dingell (D-MI-12) introduced a resolution opposing changes proposed by the Trump Administration aimed at scaling back certain provisions of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). NEPA, passed by Congress in 1969 and signed into law by President Richard Nixon in 1970, mandated environmental impact assessments by federal agencies prior to proceeding with any proposed action, including construction of roads, bridges, highways and airports. The Council for Environmental Quality (CEQ) also states NEPA processes are required for permitting such projects as “water infrastructure, conventional and renewable energy developments” and overseeing “land, forest, and fishery management activities.” Opponents of updating the rules claim it will result in dire environmental consequences. Proponents say it will simplify the permitting process for major government projects by eliminating layers of bureaucratic redundancies. The Council for Environmental Quality (CEQ), introduced the updated rules and is conducting a public comment period ending on March 10. The CEQ noted there hasn’t been a comprehensive update of NEPA since 1978. The resolution introduced by Dingell is co-sponsored by House Committee on Natural Resources Chair Raúl M. Grijalva, D-Arizona, House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure Chairman Peter DeFazio, D-Oregon, U.S. Rep. A. Donald McEachin,…
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