The Trump administration’s deregulation initiative has culminated in significant permitting reform.
Today, the Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) finalized a pivotal move in the Trump Administration’s deregulation agenda by affirming the elimination of the implementing regulations associated with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). This decision reasserts the rescission made last year and addresses feedback received during the initial review. The finalized rule is now accessible for public inspection here and will soon be officially published in the Federal Register.
On February 25, 2025, CEQ introduced an Interim Final Rule (IFR), effective from April 11, which removed its NEPA regulations as per President Trump’s directive outlined in his inaugural Unleashing American Energy Executive Order aimed at streamlining the permitting process. This order also revoked a Carter-era Executive Order from 1977 that mandated CEQ to develop NEPA regulations across the federal government. Instead, President Trump instructed CEQ to refocus on its primary statutory duty: ensuring that agency-specific NEPA procedures align with U.S. policies and congressional statutes. Today’s final action not only reiterates the earlier rescission but also reflects responses to public input regarding the IFR.
“In this Administration, NEPA’s regulatory nightmare has come to an end,” declared Katherine Scarlett, Chairman of the Council on Environmental Quality. “Under President Trump’s direction, CEQ acted swiftly to eliminate unnecessary bureaucratic layers, restoring practicality to the environmental review and permitting process. The Trump CEQ prioritizes the well-being of the American populace by cutting red tape that has stifled economic growth, while concentrating on providing the stability needed for investment in American infrastructure. Revamping our energy and infrastructure will generate jobs, foster energy independence, stimulate economic growth, and enhance environmental outcomes.”
This deregulation has already paved the way for federal agencies to efficiently reform their NEPA procedures, many of which had remained stagnant for decades. On June 30, 2025, major permitting agencies throughout the Executive Branch revised their NEPA procedures to alleviate this cumbersome process and ensure timely environmental considerations.
CEQ continues its essential mission of consulting and coordinating with other federal entities as they update their NEPA procedures to align with amended statutes and President Trump’s policies. The CEQ provides implementation guidance, a procedural template, and a flowchart designed to streamline NEPA reviews. Today’s action fulfills President Trump’s pledge to remedy a flawed permitting system while safeguarding clean air, water, and land for all Americans.
In Case You Missed It:
