To President-Elect Biden:

The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) ensures federal decision making is transparent, scientifically informed, and that the public has an opportunity to share their expertise and concerns. It's a bedrock environmental law that requires Federal agencies to engage in a project review process to identify the environmental, cultural, economic, and health impacts of a project, as well as offering alternatives to the plan before a decision is made. 

The Council on Environmental Quality's 2020 changes to the NEPA implementing regulations mark a significant departure from how the government has previously interpreted this landmark environmental law. Rather than prioritizing transparency, science-based decision making, and environmental protection, the 2020 regulations limit public participation, restrict the scope of environmental analyses, and are wholly intended to fast-track approval for development and infrastructure projects. These policy changes raise major concerns not only for the protection of public lands and outdoor recreation, but for the health and well-being of communities across the country who rely on clean air, water and a healthy climate. 

We, the undersigned, respectfully request that you work quickly to overturn and revise CEQ's 2020 NEPA implementing regulations, and consider adding this item to your first 100 days priority list. These regulations pose a significant threat to public health and public lands and they cannot stand. A new Rulemaking process is necessary to restore the National Environmental Policy Act.