A group of 27 attorneys generals filed a lawsuit challenging changes to the National Environmental Policy Act.
Led by California and Washington, the coalition claims the changes are unlawful and limits public participation in the review process.
In the lawsuit, the coalition argues that the final rule abandons informed decision making, public participation and environmental and public health protections in violation of the Administrative Procedure Act.
California Attorney General Xavier Becerra says, “The Trump Administration has spent the better part of four years trying to roll back critical protections and undo hard-fought progress, particularly when it comes to our environment, public lands, and natural resources.”
NEPA requires federal agencies to assess the environmental effects of their proposed actions before making decisions.
The Environmental Protection Agency enforces NEPA.
In July, EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler said the changes modernize and streamline the federal permitting process required under NEPA and speed up infrastructure projects.
