Search Results for keywords:"environmental oversight"

The Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) has issued an interim rule to remove its regulations implementing the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) from the Code of Federal Regulations. This action follows an executive order that rescinded the previous directive requiring these regulations and raised questions about CEQ's authority to impose binding rules. CEQ invites public comments on this rule by March 27, 2025, and will consider these before finalizing the rule. The interim rule’s removal of regulations is aimed at addressing legal uncertainties and simplifying agency compliance with NEPA.

Norfolk Southern Corporation and Norfolk Southern Railway Company are asking the Surface Transportation Board for permission to take control of the Norfolk & Portsmouth Belt Line Railroad Company. The Board is announcing the suggested schedule for reviewing this proposal and is seeking public feedback on it. The schedule outlines the key deadlines for public comments, application reviews, and final decisions, with the entire process expected to conclude in about 300 days. The Board has also decided that 2023 will be used as the year for evaluating the impact of this acquisition.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has made comprehensive updates to the regulations overseeing Clean Water Act (CWA) section 404 programs, which involve the management of dredged and fill material by Tribes and States. These updates aim to clarify requirements for how Tribes and States can assume these programs, enhance procedures for public and inter-agency coordination, and strengthen oversight and enforcement aspects. They also allow for greater Tribal involvement in commenting on permits that might impact Tribal resources. The EPA has also streamlined the process for withdrawing State programs if they are not compliant with the CWA requirements, ensuring effective and efficient program operations.