White House Announces CEQ’s Deregulation to Correct Longstanding Permitting Issues

The Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) has finalized significant changes to its permitting processes to address longstanding issues. This action follows President Trump’s initiative to streamline regulations that govern environmental assessments under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).

CEQ’s Final Administrative Action

On February 25, 2025, CEQ published an Interim Final Rule (IFR) that removed existing NEPA regulations, which took effect on April 11 of the same year. This move was part of Trump’s broader executive order aimed at expediting the permitting process for federal projects.

Key Changes Under the New Deregulation

• Rescission of NEPA regulations aimed at reducing bureaucratic delays.
• Focusing CEQ on its fundamental role of ensuring agency compliance with federal policies.
• Streamlined permitting processes expected to generate job creation and economic growth.

Chairman of CEQ, Katherine Scarlett, stated that “NEPA’s regulatory reign of terror has ended.” This phrase encapsulates the administration’s commitment to cutting red tape, thereby allowing for more straightforward environmental reviews and permitting.

Positive Impacts on Infrastructure and Economy

This deregulation aims to frame a path for federal agencies to revisit and simplify their NEPA procedures, many of which had not been updated for decades. Major permitting agencies updated their protocols on June 30, 2025, promoting efficiency and timely environmental considerations.

Continued Guidance and Coordination

CEQ remains committed to its strategic mission of collaborating with federal agencies as they revise their NEPA procedures. The council provides comprehensive guidance and tools, including a procedures template and flowchart, to assist in the modernization process.

Conclusion

Today’s action exemplifies President Trump’s dedication to reforming a malfunctioning permitting system while maintaining environmental protections for air, water, and land. As the new rules take effect, they promise to foster investment in infrastructure and support economic growth across the United States.