NEPA ‘Phase 2’ revamp aims to reverse Trump, boost renewables
NEPA 'Phase 2' revamp aims to reverse Trump, boost renewables E&E News
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The Biden Administration Proposes Rule to Expedite Renewable Energy Project Reviews
The Biden administration has unveiled a draft rule aimed at accelerating federal reviews of renewable energy projects and reversing changes made to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) during the Trump era. The proposal, released by the White House Council on Environmental Quality, seeks to streamline the permitting process for initiatives such as wildfire management, electric vehicle charging infrastructure, and offshore wind. It also emphasizes the need to minimize projects’ impact on climate change and communities already burdened by pollution. Additionally, the draft rule eliminates previous requirements regarding public comments on projects.
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This proposal represents the Biden administration’s latest effort to facilitate the permitting process for major renewable energy projects, which are crucial to achieving the administration’s climate goals. Brenda Mallory, chair of the White House Council on Environmental Quality, stated that this rule is a key element of President Biden’s permitting reform agenda, aiming to expedite the development of a clean energy future while reducing pollution and addressing environmental injustices.
The draft rule also incorporates changes mandated by a bipartisan agreement to raise the federal debt limit, including page limits and deadlines for environmental reviews. Republicans have expressed their intention to closely monitor the administration’s proposal to ensure it aligns with its promises.
NEPA ‘Pendulum Swing’
The proposed rule, known as the Bipartisan Permitting Reform Implementation Rule, is part of the Biden administration’s broader efforts to overhaul the federal permitting process under NEPA. Last year, the administration reversed some of the Trump administration’s controversial changes to the environmental review process, reinstating requirements for federal agencies to consider the cumulative environmental impacts of projects, including their contribution to climate change and their effects on communities already facing pollution.
Ted Boling, a former CEQ career staffer who participated in the Trump administration’s NEPA rewrite, expressed hope that the proposed rule would restore stability to NEPA reform and prioritize thorough environmental impact assessments. Boling also highlighted the significance of codifying considerations for climate change and environmental justice, which he believes is a first for CEQ.
Green groups and renewable energy advocates have voiced their support for the Biden administration’s proposed changes. They appreciate the administration’s focus on environmental justice and community engagement in NEPA reviews, as well as the establishment of clear review deadlines to ensure timely project progress. The Solar Energy Industries Association’s Senior Vice President of Policy, Sean Gallagher, commended the proposed rule for prioritizing these important aspects. Earthjustice President Abigail Dillen praised the administration for reversing the Trump administration’s rollbacks and restoring NEPA regulations to their original intent.
The Biden administration has announced that its proposal eliminates certain changes made by the previous administration, particularly those that imposed detailed and burdensome requirements on public comments. However, Brett Hartl, the Government Affairs Director at the Center for Biological Diversity, expressed concerns about the changes required by the debt deal, which he believes weaken the NEPA process. Hartl emphasized the urgency of finalizing the rule to ensure agencies prioritize climate and environmental protection.
The proposal is open for public comment until September 29, and virtual meetings will be held by CEQ in August and September to discuss the draft rule.
Reporter Kevin Bogardus contributed to this report.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Analysis
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
- SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
- SDG 13: Climate Action
- SDG 15: Life on Land
The article discusses the Biden administration’s proposal to speed up federal reviews of renewable energy projects and address climate change impacts. These issues are directly connected to SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), SDG 13 (Climate Action), and SDG 15 (Life on Land).
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- SDG 7.2: Increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix.
- SDG 9.1: Develop quality, reliable, sustainable, and resilient infrastructure.
- SDG 11.6: Reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities.
- SDG 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning.
- SDG 15.2: Promote the implementation of sustainable management of all types of forests.
Based on the article’s content, the specific targets under the mentioned SDGs include increasing the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix (SDG 7.2), developing quality, reliable, sustainable, and resilient infrastructure (SDG 9.1), reducing the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities (SDG 11.6), integrating climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning (SDG 13.2), and promoting the implementation of sustainable management of all types of forests (SDG 15.2).
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
- Indicator: Share of renewable energy in the global energy mix
- Indicator: Number of renewable energy projects permitted
- Indicator: Number of electric vehicle charging infrastructure projects
- Indicator: Reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from renewable energy projects
- Indicator: Number of communities benefiting from renewable energy projects
The article implies several indicators that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets. These indicators include the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix, the number of renewable energy projects permitted, the number of electric vehicle charging infrastructure projects, the reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from renewable energy projects, and the number of communities benefiting from renewable energy projects.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Table
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy | Increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix (SDG 7.2) | Share of renewable energy in the global energy mix |
| SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure | Develop quality, reliable, sustainable, and resilient infrastructure (SDG 9.1) | Number of renewable energy projects permitted |
| SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities | Reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities (SDG 11.6) | Number of electric vehicle charging infrastructure projects |
| SDG 13: Climate Action | Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning (SDG 13.2) | Reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from renewable energy projects |
| SDG 15: Life on Land | Promote the implementation of sustainable management of all types of forests (SDG 15.2) | Number of communities benefiting from renewable energy projects |
Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.
Source: eenews.net
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