Help Save NEPA
Help Us Fight Back - Comments due Today!!!
Help Us Fight Back - Comments due Today!!!
Link to submit a public comment: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/02/25/2025-03014/removal-of-national-environmental-policy-act-implementing-regulations#open-comment
A template has been provided to help you build your comments. Please personalize it with your own thoughts and experiences. Your voice matters, and by personalizing your comments, you can make a more impactful statement.
The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) has been a crucial framework for environmental laws in the United States since its enactment in 1970. NEPA has protected both the environment and its people while fostering a healthy balance between progress and thriving communities. However, recent changes threaten t by the Trump Administration make it easier for corporations to bypass thorough environmental reviews, neglecting cumulative impacts and health risks associated with their projects.
The Villain
The Trump administration published a rule in the Federal Register on February 25, 2025, titled "Removal of National Environmental Policy Act Implementing Regulations." This rule aims to weaken NEPA by rescinding protective regulations that have been in place for decades. It would also reduce opportunities for public comment and allow federal agencies to develop their own procedures, removing a central standard.
Why It Matters
The rollback of NEPA regulations would not only undermine decades of progress but would also exacerbate existing inequalities and health disparities. Vulnerable populations, including children, the elderly, and low-income communities, will be disproportionately affected by these rollbacks. These groups often lack the resources to advocate for themselves or recover from environmental harm, making them more susceptible to the adverse effects of pollution and climate change.
The failure to adequately assess the cumulative impacts of new projects will further entrench these disparities, placing additional burdens on those who are already at risk since marginalized communities are often located near industrial sites or areas with high pollution levels.
Help Us Fight Back - Comments due Today!!!
It is essential that we raise our voices and express our opposition to these changes. We must advocate for NEPA to remain intact and continue to improve its programs and regulations. Our goal is to ensure healthy communities, clean air, land, and water, and vibrant ecosystems for future generations to enjoy, particularly for those who are most vulnerable among us.
Template 1
As a resident of [your community or city], I have witnessed firsthand the importance of environmental reviews in safeguarding our local air and water quality. [You can add a personal story or specific example of how NEPA has positively impacted your community or how a lack of oversight has led to negative consequences.] This experience reinforces my belief that we must maintain robust environmental standards to protect vulnerable populations, including children, the elderly, and low-income communities who are often disproportionately affected by environmental harm.
Thank you for considering my comments.
Sincerely,
[Your name]
[Your City, your state, your zip]
Template 2
Dear Council on Environmental Quality,
As a resident of [your community or city], I urge you to vote against the proposed rule change that seeks to weaken the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and to continue using NEPA as the standard for all federal projects in the United States. The importance of NEPA cannot be overstated; it was enacted to address the very issues that arise from unregulated corporate practices. Allowing corporations to revert to the business practices that necessitated NEPA's implementation would be a grave mistake.
We cannot afford to turn back the clock on the progress we have made in environmental protection. The safeguards provided by NEPA are essential for protecting our communities, our environment, our ecosystems, and our health. These regulations ensure that the voices of the public are heard and that the cumulative impacts of projects are thoroughly assessed. Without these protections, we risk exposing our communities to increased pollution, health risks, and environmental degradation.
As a resident of [your community or city], I have witnessed firsthand the importance of environmental reviews in safeguarding our local air and water quality. [You can add a personal story or specific example of how NEPA has positively impacted your community or how a lack of oversight has led to negative consequences.] This experience reinforces my belief that we must maintain robust environmental standards to protect vulnerable populations, including children, the elderly, and low-income communities who are often disproportionately affected by environmental harm.
The rollback of NEPA regulations would not only undermine decades of progress but would also exacerbate existing inequalities and health disparities. It is crucial that our federal agencies prioritize the health and well-being of all citizens over corporate interests.I urge you to stand firm in your commitment to environmental protection and to reject this proposed rule change. Let us continue to uphold NEPA as a vital tool for ensuring a sustainable and equitable future for all.
Thank you for considering my comments.
Sincerely,
[Your name]
[Your City, your state, your zip]
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Customize the letter including examples such as:
Personal stories or specific examples of how NEPA has positively impacted your community or how a lack of oversight has led to negative consequences.
The importance of environmental reviews in safeguarding local air and water quality.
The need to maintain robust environmental standards to protect vulnerable populations, including children, the elderly, and low-income communities.
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