California Attorney General Rob Bonta leads a coalition of 20 attorneys general in opposition to a Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) rule that repeals regulations implementing the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). These NEPA regulations govern the environmental impact assessments required for federal projects. The attorneys general assert that the Repeal Rule, introduced by the Trump Administration, is an attempt to undermine these protections and violates several laws, potentially causing delays and reducing public involvement.
Attorney General Bonta states, "At every turn, the Trump Administration chips away at the protections that safeguard and improve the environment and the health of all Americans." He criticizes the Repeal Rule, urging its reversal to protect public health and the environment.
NEPA regulations, first established in 1978, have been a critical component in ensuring environmental protection for decades. The recent action by CEQ could weaken these regulations, potentially allowing federal agencies to disregard environmental justice and climate change concerns. This could lead to complications in federal and state coordination and reduce public participation.
In the comment letter, Attorney General Bonta emphasizes that current NEPA regulations have had a long history of protecting health and the environment. He also argues that the 30-day comment period is insufficient for public engagement, calling the Repeal Rule "arbitrary" and in violation of existing laws. He notes that even without these regulations, statutory requirements remain but would lead to confusion in federal environmental reviews.
The coalition includes attorneys general from multiple states and Harris County, Texas.
A copy of the comment letter is available for public access.