Upholding the National Environmental Policy Act and Its Implementing Regulations

The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) is the foundation of our nation's environmental laws, helping ensure we have clean air, clean water, and a safe environment. For more than 50 years, NEPA has saved taxpayers countless dollars, protected wildlife, and worked to improve the safety, quality of life, vitality, and health of American communities. NEPA gives the public a voice in federal decision-making that affects our lives and livelihoods. It requires federal agencies vet the impacts of major federal actions on wildlife, natural resources, and communities; identify disproportionate adverse impacts for frontline and indigenous communities; and identify less environmentally damaging alternatives.

In February 2025, the Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) issued an interim final ruling that revokes all versions of regulations tied to implementing NEPA. The National Aquarium, along with more than 200 organizations, submitted comments voicing strong opposition to this outcome.

The unprecedented elimination of CEQ regulations to implement NEPA will hurt people and wildlife and cause immense harm to the natural resources on which our economy and way of life depend. The National Aquarium urges reconsideration of this shortsighted decision.