The Department of the Interior announced the rescission of 80 percent of its regulations under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) this week.

“For decades, NEPA has been twisted into a weapon to block American energy, infrastructure, and conservation projects,” said Interior Secretary Doug Burgum. “We are cutting unnecessary bureaucracy, speeding up approvals, and putting Americans back to work, while enforcing NEPA as Congress originally intended.”  

The Interior Department explained, “The reforms are expected to significantly reduce delays and costs for projects across public lands, including energy development, critical minerals, livestock grazing approvals, infrastructure, wildfire mitigation, water projects and conservation efforts. … These reforms do not eliminate environmental review. NEPA remains in full effect, and Interior will continue to consider environmental impacts and other impacts to the human environment, coordinate with tribes, state and local governments, and other partners, and comply with all applicable environmental laws.“ 

As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…

• For President Trump as he directs the review and reform of federal regulations.
• For discernment for Secretary Burgum as he oversees updates to department policies.
• For U.S. Interior Department officials as they steward the nation’s public lands.