Chairwoman Johnson Comments on Weakening of National Environmental Policy Act

(Dallas, TX) – On July 15, the Trump Administration finalized the rollback of the landmark environmental law, the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). For 50 years, NEPA has required that the Federal government assess the long-term environmental impacts of new infrastructure projects, communicate that with the public, and consider community input on how those projects can impact their health and safety.

Chairwoman Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-TX) made the following statement.

“For the last half-century, NEPA has been a common-sense, bedrock environmental law that safeguards our natural resources and gives communities a voice in major construction projects. Wednesday’s action ignores science and harms public health and safety. 

“This decision is especially cruel as it will have a disproportionate impact on the communities of color and other frontline communities who are already most impacted by extreme weather, industrial pollution, and the COVID-19 pandemic. It is disturbing that during these compounding crises, the rule eliminates the obligation to consider data that shows how a Federal project might contribute to, or be impacted by, climate change. I believe this rule is fundamentally flawed and a step back for environmental justice in our country.”

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