Opinion: National Environmental Policy Act needs reform

The National Environmental Policy Act and Sustainable Development Goals

Introduction

At nearly every meeting I attend involving Idaho’s plans for future infrastructure and growth, I hear local and state officials mention project delays tied to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). NEPA requires all federal agencies to evaluate the potential environmental effects of proposed projects on our natural environment. However, the consequences of this program are evident to every Idahoan, as it increases the cost of Idaho projects to the tune of millions and probably hundreds of millions of dollars over time.

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are a set of global goals adopted by the United Nations to address various social, economic, and environmental challenges. The SDGs provide a framework for countries to achieve sustainable development and improve the well-being of their citizens. It is important to consider the SDGs when evaluating the impact of policies and regulations, such as NEPA, on infrastructure and growth.

Impact on Sustainable Development Goals

NEPA’s requirements and associated costs have implications for several SDGs:

1. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure – Delays and increased costs due to NEPA can hinder the development of sustainable infrastructure projects.
2. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities – NEPA’s bureaucratic processes can slow down urban development and the creation of sustainable communities.
3. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production – The additional costs associated with NEPA can impact the affordability and accessibility of goods and services.
4. SDG 13: Climate Action – NEPA’s focus on evaluating environmental effects aligns with the goal of addressing climate change and promoting sustainable practices.
5. SDG 15: Life on Land – NEPA’s evaluation of potential environmental effects helps protect and preserve natural ecosystems and biodiversity.

The Cost of NEPA

According to the American Consumer Institute, the administration of NEPA costs $229.4 billion, with most of the burden falling on the states. This significant cost primarily contributes to bureaucracy in action rather than delivering tangible benefits. Instead, it leads to more delays and costly price hikes while waiting for the completion of the NEPA review.

Conclusion

While NEPA’s intention to evaluate the environmental impact of projects is important, it is crucial to strike a balance between environmental protection and sustainable development. The Sustainable Development Goals provide a useful framework for assessing the impact of regulations like NEPA on infrastructure and growth. By considering the SDGs, policymakers can ensure that environmental considerations are integrated into decision-making processes while minimizing unnecessary delays and costs.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure

   • Target 9.1: Develop quality, reliable, sustainable, and resilient infrastructure
   • Indicator: None mentioned or implied in the article

2. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

   • Target 11.1: Ensure access for all to adequate, safe, and affordable housing and basic services
   • Indicator: None mentioned or implied in the article

3. SDG 13: Climate Action

   • Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning
   • Indicator: None mentioned or implied in the article

Analysis

The article discusses the delays and cost increases associated with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) in Idaho. While the article highlights the negative consequences of NEPA on infrastructure projects, it does not explicitly mention any specific Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), targets, or indicators. However, based on the content of the article, we can identify relevant SDGs and targets that align with the issues discussed.

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

The issues highlighted in the article are connected to the following SDGs:

1. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
2. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
3. SDG 13: Climate Action

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

Based on the article’s content, the following specific targets can be identified:

• Target 9.1: Develop quality, reliable, sustainable, and resilient infrastructure
• Target 11.1: Ensure access for all to adequate, safe, and affordable housing and basic services
• Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

No indicators are mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets. The article primarily focuses on the negative consequences of NEPA without providing specific data or metrics to measure progress.

Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

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Source: postregister.com

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