The White House has issued new climate change guidelines, requiring federal agencies to take greenhouse gas emissions into account when reviewing clean energy and other infrastructure proposals, in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).
NEPA, the first major U.S. environmental law, was signed into law by former President Richard Nixon in 1970. NEPA requires federal agencies to conduct environmental impact assessments before undertaking major projects. NEPA applies only to federal projects, including those funded in whole or in part by the federal government or those that require federal permit review.
The guidelines, issued by the White House Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ), will replace emissions guidelines proposed in 2016 but later withdrawn by Trump.
The new guidelines clarify the review standards and clearly list tools and practical examples that meet the standards. CEQ Chair Brenda Mallory said the new guidelines will help promote climate-smartness and resilience, thereby achieving US President Joe Biden's goal of net-zero emissions by 2050.
The new guidelines emphasize the "rule of reason," requiring that the depth of analysis in project reviews be proportional to their impact. Furthermore, the new guidelines encourage projects involving renewable energy and lower greenhouse gas emissions, which will be reviewed more easily than high-emission projects.
The new guidelines also require federal agencies to quantify indirect emissions data. CEQ said this "will help reduce legal disputes and increase the transparency needed for climate-smart decision-making."
The new guidelines outline practical recommendations for assessing the impacts of climate change, encourage the integration of community participation in planning, and incorporate environmental justice projects into climate impact analysis.
CEQ said the new guidance will enable federal agencies to obtain the information they need to make decisions that will help federal, state, tribal, territorial and local governments achieve climate goals.
"We support this policy," said Abigail Dillen, president of Earthjustice, a public interest environmental law firm. "This new guidance clarifies the government's responsibility to assess the impact of projects on greenhouse gas emissions, climate impacts, and the communities on the front lines. Within NEPA, this guidance is crucial to moving toward a fair, just, and zero-carbon future."
Earthjustice points out that the majority of U.S. fossil fuel production comes from federal lands, including 40% of coal, one-fifth of oil, and approximately 15% of natural gas. Federal agencies also review permits for interstate and international oil and gas pipelines and export facilities, all of which fuel fossil fuel production. Forests play a crucial role in carbon reduction and storage, and the U.S. Forest Service (USFA) and land management agencies manage tens of millions of hectares of forest.
The new guidelines will help federal agencies focus on environmental issues and improve efficiency when reviewing or implementing infrastructure and clean energy projects, thereby promoting sustainable development. Many of the projects supported by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the Inflation Reduction Act fall into this category. The guidelines are currently under public comment, with the public invited to submit comments until March 10, 2023.
Source: Environmental Information Center (https://e-info.org.tw/node/235938)
