NEPA Changes Underway, ARTBA Weighs In

What’s happening: The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) and Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) are enacting formal changes to their implementation of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).

ARTBA weighed in this week, urging the administration to streamline reviews, reduce duplication, and align NEPA with its original purpose and recent court decisions, including the Supreme Court Seven County ruling. The association also urged greater use of applicant-prepared documents while adhering to lead agency requirements, consistency in reevaluation timelines, and continued expansion of the NEPA delegation program.

Why it matters: Originally intended as a procedural statute, NEPA has evolved into a legal and administrative hurdle that can stall critical transportation improvements. ARTBA supports the agencies’ efforts to make NEPA regulations more efficient and predictable, while maintaining environmental safeguards.

The association’s comments build on ARTBA’s broader reauthorization recommendations, recent testimony before Congress on the SPEED Act, and support for NEPA reforms in legislation and agency rulemakings throughout the year.

What’s next: DOT and FHWA’s recent rules are already in effect, though the agencies may still revise them based on comments received. No timeline has been provided for additional updates. ARTBA will continue advocating for policies that make environmental reviews more efficient, predictable, and focused. Contact Prianka Sharma for more information.