States and counties nationwide take legal stand against Trump-deregulation effort they say could trigger chaotic federal project approvals

Lansing, Michigan – Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel has joined 20 attorneys general from around the United States in a significant effort to protect environmental regulations by contesting a court ruling that would undermine the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).

This act, which requires federal agencies to assess the environmental consequences of their initiatives, is the foundation of environmental law in the United States. The attorneys general are fighting the Council of Environmental Quality (CEQ)’s interim final rule, known as the Repeal Rule, which aims to reverse current NEPA implementing rules.

The coalition, expressing its disapproval via a submitted comment letter, contends that the Repeal Rule is an unmatched rollback of environmental and community protections. The well-being of Michigan’s citizens as well as the environmental health of areas like the Great Lakes could be threatened by this Trump Administration action.

“The Trump Administration’s illegal move threatens the well-being of Michigan residents and the health of our Great Lakes,” Nessel said. “These decades-old safeguards that require federal agencies to consider climate change and environmental justice impacts play a vital role in preserving our environment and protecting our communities. Abandoning them will leave our natural resources and public health at risk.”

The coalition claims the Repeal Rule not only breaches NEPA itself and the Endangered Species Act but also goes against the Administrative Procedure Act. They warn that this regulation change will result in greater uncertainty, longer project approval delays, less public participation, and less thorough environmental decision-making.

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Dating back to 1978, the current NEPA rules have directed federal agencies in carrying out comprehensive environmental assessments, so guaranteeing coordinated activities between federal and state bodies and enabling public involvement in environmental control.

The coalition’s comment letter highlights several key concerns:

• The enduring effectiveness of current NEPA regulations in protecting public health and the environment.
• The insufficient 30-day comment period offered for public engagement and feedback on the proposed rule change, which they argue does not allow for adequate public participation.
• The characterization of the Repeal Rule as “arbitrary, capricious, an abuse of discretion, and without observance of procedure required by law.”
• The failure of the CEQ to properly assess potential environmental damages stemming from the Repeal Rule, a requirement under both NEPA and the Endangered Species Act.

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Attorneys general from states including California, New York, and Oregon as well as officials from places like Harris County, Texas, claim that removing these essential rules will upset the environmental assessment procedures for federal projects, therefore producing chaotic outcomes and potentially environmental consequences.

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State legal officials’ united effort highlights a strong dedication to maintain environmental laws safeguarding public areas, resources, and the health of people throughout the country. The results might significantly impact how environmental policies are carried out in the United States as these court battles go on, hence affecting all from local community initiatives to government land use and development plans on a large scale.