Revisions to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) during the Trump administration altered the environmental review process for proposed federal projects. These modifications included narrowing the scope of projects subject to review, setting stricter time limits for environmental impact statements, and limiting the consideration of cumulative environmental impacts. The practical effect of these adjustments has been perceived differently by various stakeholders.
Proponents of the changes argued that streamlining the NEPA process would accelerate infrastructure development and economic growth, reducing regulatory burdens and project delays. Conversely, concerns were raised that the revised regulations could lead to inadequate environmental oversight, potentially resulting in greater environmental harm and insufficient consideration of community impacts. The historical context of NEPA demonstrates a long-standing tension between environmental protection and development interests.
