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RuleSignificant2020-151792020-07-16

Update to the Regulations Implementing the Procedural Provisions of the National Environmental Policy Act

Council on Environmental Quality

Abstract

The Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) issues this final rule to update its regulations for Federal agencies to implement the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). CEQ has not comprehensively updated its regulations since their promulgation in 1978, more than four decades ago. This final rule comprehensively updates, modernizes, and clarifies the regulations to facilitate more efficient, effective, and timely NEPA reviews by Federal agencies in connection with proposals for agency action. The rule will improve interagency coordination in the environmental review process, promote earlier public involvement, increase transparency, and enhance the participation of States, Tribes, and localities. The amendments will advance the original goals of the CEQ regulations to reduce paperwork and delays, and promote better decisions consistent with the national environmental policy set forth in section 101 of NEPA.

Action & Dates

Action
Final rule.
Dates
This is a major rule subject to congressional review. The effective date is September 14, 2020. However, if congressional review has changed the effective date, CEQ will publish a document in the Federal Register to establish the actual effective date or to terminate the rule.
Effective Date
2020-09-14

CFR References

Topics

AccountingAdministrative practice and procedureEnvironmental impact statementsEnvironmental protectionFreedom of informationNatural resourcesPrivacySunshine Act

Document Excerpt

Document Headings Document headings vary by document type but may contain the following: the agency or agencies that issued and signed a document the number of the CFR title and the number of each part the document amends, proposes to amend, or is directly related to the agency docket number / agency internal file number the RIN which identifies each regulatory action listed in the Unified Agenda of Federal Regulatory and Deregulatory Actions See the Document Drafting Handbook for more details. Council on Environmental Quality 40 CFR Parts 1500, 1501, 1502, 1503, 1504, 1505, 1506, 1507, 1508, 1515, 1516, 1517, and 1518 [CEQ-2019-0003] RIN 0331-AA03 AGENCY: Council on Environmental Quality. ACTION: Final rule. SUMMARY: The Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) issues this final rule to update its regulations for Federal agencies to implement the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). CEQ has not comprehensively updated its regulations since their promulgation in 1978, more than four decades ago. This final rule comprehensively updates, modernizes, and clarifies the regulations to facilitate more efficient, effective, and timely NEPA reviews by Federal agencies in connection with proposals for agency action. The rule will improve interagency coordination in the environmental review process, promote earlier public involvement, increase transparency, and enhance the participation of States, Tribes, and localities. The amendments will advance the original goals of the CEQ regulations to reduce paperwork and delays, and promote better decisions consistent with the national environmental policy set forth in section 101 of NEPA. DATES: This is a major rule subject to congressional review. The effective date is September 14, 2020. However, if congressional review has changed the effective date, CEQ will publish a document in the Federal Register to establish the actual effective date or to terminate the rule. ADDRESSES: CEQ has established a docket for this action under

Read full document on FederalRegister.gov →

Related Documents

Other Federal Register documents from the same docket.

Full Document

Citation: 85 FR 43304