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New NEPA Guidance Can Give Us the Roadmap to a Just and Equitable Clean Energy Future

Summary

In this article published by Earthjustice, Stephen Schima, Senior Legislative Counsel at Earthjustice's Policy and Legislation team, discusses the importance of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) in shaping a just and equitable clean energy future. Schima highlights the attempts by radical Republican lawmakers to weaken NEPA, which allows communities to have a say in the projects built in their areas. He emphasizes the need for NEPA regulations to focus on environmental justice, ensuring climate change is adequately considered in project reviews, increasing public engagement and accountability, respecting tribal sovereignty and obligations, and facilitating the clean energy transition. Schima argues that by restoring and improving NEPA regulations, the Biden administration can provide clarity, guidance, and protection for impacted communities, resulting in better, more resilient clean energy projects while reducing the likelihood of litigation.

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