Graves’ Statement on Final NEPA Rule that Violates Bipartisan Agreement

Graves' Statement on Final NEPA Rule that Violates Bipartisan Agreement

U.S. Congressman Garret Graves (South Louisiana) issued the following statement in response to the White House Council on Environmental Quality's (CEQ) announcement of a final National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) rule:

"The new NEPA rule undeniably violates the bipartisan agreement that President Biden signed into law last year," said Graves. "It is completely misguided and further complicates the permitting process. The Biden Administration continues to stray away from principles agreed upon as part of the Fiscal Responsibility Act, acting in bad faith in order to advance their flawed climate agenda. Rather than prioritizing streamlined project delivery that will result in better environmental outcomes, we should expect more frivolous litigation and biased project evaluation. This final rule ensures that there will continue to be higher electricity and gas prices, higher global emissions, and it will take even longer to complete projects that protect our communities."

Background:

• In 2018, Graves first introduced the Building U.S. Infrastructure through Limited Delays & Efficient Reviews (BUILDER) Act, which modernizes the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) to expedite infrastructure project review to improve efficiency, reduce project costs, spur economic recovery, and rebuild America.
• BUILDER was included as part of H.R. 1 - the Lower Energy Costs Act, the House's marquee energy legislation that passed on March 30, 2023.
• Sections of BUILDER were also included in H.R. 3746 - the Fiscal Responsibility Act, which was signed into law by President Biden on June 3, 2023.