Scalise, HEAT Co-Chairs Applaud Trump Administration's Final Rule Modernizing NEPA

Press Release

House Energy Action Team co-chairs Rep. Jeff Duncan (R-S.C.) and Rep. Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.) joined House Republican Whip Steve Scalise (R-La.) to applaud the Trump Administration's final rule to update and modernize the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) regulations.

"Today's action by the Trump Administration to modernize the NEPA regulations will cut down on outdated, bureaucratic red-tape obstructing critical national and local infrastructure projects," said Whip Scalise. "Energy infrastructure, coastal restoration, and flood protection projects in Louisiana and across the country have long been delayed by a NEPA process that has become overly complex and burdensome. Instead of years-long reviews that produce 600+ page documents, these updated regulations will be more effective and will lead to simpler environmental reviews and more shovels in the ground on projects that will benefit Americans' everyday lives.

"I applaud President Trump for his efforts to streamline and modernize NEPA regulations to promote economic growth and eliminate the unnecessary red tape that slows down critical infrastructure projects, all while continuing to protect our environment."

"I commend President Trump's recent announcement to update and streamline NEPA for the first time in 40 years. As technology continues to develop, our regulatory process must also be modernized to reflect these changes. NEPA's overburdensome permitting process has been a roadblock to environmental and economic progress in the United States. NEPA modernization will mitigate legal uncertainty surrounding infrastructure projects, expedite project permitting times, and help bring reliable, affordable, and clean energy to consumers," said Rep. Jeff Duncan.

"NEPA regulations affect a wide range of projects from construction of roads to land and forest management, but the current regulations have become overbearing and difficult for people to navigate," said Rep. Markwayne Mullin. "This new rule will allow us to move faster on infrastructure projects while still ensuring we keep our environment safe and clean. Thank you, President Trump for cutting the red tape and removing job-killing regulations."

In March, House Republican Whip Steve Scalise (R-La.) and Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA) led a joint House Energy Action Team (HEAT) and Congressional Western Caucus letter signed by 130 Members in support of the Council on Environmental Quality's (CEQ) efforts to modernize the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).

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