CEQ Chair Critiques NEPA Regulations

Catherine Scarlett, Chair of the Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ), expressed to the Daily Caller News Foundation that the U.S. has been weighed down by a “regulatory pendulum” and what she calls “excessive” CEQ regulations for far too long.

The CEQ recently revealed that on President Donald Trump’s first day in office, he confirmed the repeal of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) enforcement regulations. This law is crucial as it mandates that government agencies consider environmental consequences before proceeding with projects. However, some analysts argue that NEPA is hindering the energy sector with lawsuits and urgently requires reform.

CEQ stated that this move allows federal agencies to reform NEPA processes. Increased demand is evident, particularly with the growth of domestic manufacturing and artificial intelligence. Scarlett noted that many agencies haven’t updated their NEPA guidelines in decades.

“For too long, the regulatory pendulum and the added burden of litigation over excessive CEQ regulations have hampered meaningful NEPA reform,” Scarlett mentioned. “President Trump’s initiative aims to return CEQ to its essential mission, alleviating the burden of NEPA compliance while allowing federal agencies to modernize their permitting procedures for efficient environmental reviews.”

Scarlett emphasized the need to streamline the process, stating, “We really want to cut through that red tape, reduce redundant requirements, and let projects progress more fluidly without endless reviews.” The CEQ was set up in 1970 through NEPA and is situated within the Executive Office of the President.

Previously, Scarlett served as a special assistant at CEQ during Trump’s first administration and was confirmed as the 13th chairperson in September 2025.

“This administration marks the end of NEPA’s extensive regulatory challenges,” Scarlett declared. “With President Trump’s guidance, the CEQ has acted proactively to eliminate unnecessary bureaucratic overlap, restoring logic to the environmental review and permitting process. We are prioritizing the need for clarity in permitting for infrastructure projects, which will foster job creation and economic development while enhancing environmental outcomes.”

The Trump administration asserts that safeguarding the environment and advancing economic growth can go hand in hand, highlighting their achievements in conservation while pushing for regulatory changes. They have raised concerns regarding the U.S. power grid, suggesting that without adequate replacements, the country may experience significantly more power outages by 2030.

Reflecting on her previous time at CEQ, Scarlett observed how permitting challenges stalled various projects. In a unanimous ruling, the Supreme Court ruled on the “Seven Counties Infrastructure Coalition v. Eagle County” case, deciding that narrowing NEPA’s scope was appropriate, as broad interpretations had delayed critical rail projects. CEQ pointed out that expansive interpretations of NEPA can lead to unnecessary delays in essential infrastructure.

“Our goals at CEQ are clear: we aim to minimize project delays,” Scarlett stated. “This administration is focused on dependable, reliable energy, and we’re committed to our core mission of working with government entities on NEPA implementation. Ensuring these projects, which strengthen our power grid, aren’t hindered by NEPA or the permitting process will be a significant priority.”