The measure could stall needed infrastructure projects.
President Biden’s administration is reinstating stricter environmental standards for approving new pipelines, highways, power plants, and other construction projects, including requiring consideration of how such projects might affect climate change. The National Environmental Policy Act that is being reinstated had been removed during the previous administration.
Industry groups and the Chamber of Commerce say the reviews will slow or stall infrastructure improvements. According to the White House, under the stricter reviews, federal agencies must take into account the cumulative impacts that a project or a new proposed federal regulation would have in areas such as air and water quality, wildlife habitat, and climate change. The new guidelines widen the scope of environmental reviews beyond direct and indirect effects.
No change was made to rules that require full environmental-impact statements to be completed within two years and less comprehensive reviews to be finished within one year.
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For EPA Administrator Regan to seek God’s wisdom as efforts are made to protect the environment.
- For discernment for the president and his advisors as reviews are implemented that will delay or postpone infrastructure and energy projects.
Sources: Wall Street Journal, Market Watch
