Gov. Gordon criticizes NEPA rule change, citing federal overreach and project delays
CHEYENNE, Wyo. (KIFI) – Calling them unreasonable and burdensome to energy producing states like Wyoming, Governor Mark Gordon opposes proposed revisions to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).
The governor called for reconsideration of the proposed changes in a comment letter delivered to the Biden Administration’s Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ).
Throughout the revision process, Governor Gordon referred to the proposed changes as federal overreach and an encroachment on private and state rights. In his comment letter, Governor Gordon said any revisions to NEPA regulations should, “incentivize this cooperation with states and emphasize the important roles of state, county, city, local agency and rural government expertise as vital, contributing partners.”
Governor Gordon asserted that policy priorities in the proposed changes go beyond the Congressionally authorized scope of NEPA. A proposal to broaden the scope to estimating the “significant effects” to include climate change is highly problematic and vague, and will lead to delays and increased project costs, while ignoring economic factors.
“The Biden Administration is apparently using every opportunity – every government action, whether authorized by Congress or not – to cripple our domestic economy in the name of addressing climate concerns,” Governor Gordon said. “We are charged with addressing environmental issues responsibly, thoughtfully and honestly and Wyoming takes that responsibility seriously.
By hobbling innovation and curtailing opportunity here at home, we are not making things better, only incentivizing bad behaviors beyond the reach of these proposed regulations. The shallow intent to punish fossil fuels ignores real cultural and economic impacts to Wyoming and her citizens, as well as other energy producing states. These proposed changes to NEPA are not responsible rulemaking.”
The Governor also signed a letter with 16 other Republican Governors outlining joint concerns from the states —namely efficiency and causes for delay.
The governor’s NEPA comment letter concluded with a request for reconsideration of many of the proposed changes, and asked the CEQ to exercise restraint with sweeping changes.
A copy of Governor Gordon’s comment letter, which includes letters from each state agency specific to their expertise, may be found here. The comment period ended Sept. 29.
