CEQ Removes NEPA Regulations Enabling Permitting Reform

The Council on Environmental Quality announced Wednesday it confirmed removal of its National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) implementing regulations, following President Trump's day-one directive and a February 2025 interim final rule. CEQ Chair Katherine Scarlett said the change will allow federal agencies to modernize permitting procedures amid rising energy demand from onshoring and AI expansion, aiming to reduce litigation and speed environmental reviews.