Florida Scrub-Jay. Photo by Judd Patterson

Contact: Steve Holmer (sholmer@abcbirds.org), Vice President of Policy, American Bird Conservancy, 202-888-7490

(June 20, 2018, Washington, D.C.) Today, the Council on Environmental Quality posted an Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking regarding one of our country's bedrock environmental laws, the National Environmental Policy Act, to “update the regulations and ensure a more efficient, timely, and effective NEPA process.” The action follows an August 15, 2017 Executive Order (13807).

“While increasing efficiency is a good thing, this action fits into a broader pattern of environmental rollbacks by this Administration,” said Steve Holmer, Vice President of Policy at American Bird Conservancy. “We urge concerned citizens and groups to rally around keeping NEPA intact. Without strong support, we risk truncating public involvement, lowering standards for acceptable data, and minimizing scientific analysis.”

The public has until July 20, 2018 to comment.

“The National Environmental Policy Act is a look-before-you-leap policy that has served the American people well by protecting the environment and ensuring smarter development decisions," said Holmer. "This essential environmental law does not need an overhaul any more than the Endangered Species Act or the Migratory Bird Treaty Act — two other laws that are currently under attack.”

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American Bird Conservancy is dedicated to conserving birds and their habitats throughout the Americas. With an emphasis on achieving results and working in partnership, we take on the greatest problems facing birds today, innovating and building on rapid advancements in science to halt extinctions, protect habitats, eliminate threats and build capacity for bird conservation.