Press Releases and Statements

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT:
Emily Wong

Phone: (202) 464-2742

Email: ewong@apga.org

APGA Applauds Efforts to Utilize the CRA to Repeal CEQ’s Recent Rule Revising its Regulations for Implementing NEPA

Washington, D.C. (August 2, 2022) – The American Public Gas Association (APGA), representing more than 730 communities across the U.S. that own and operate their retail natural gas distribution entities, issued the following statement in response to the introduction of Congressional Review Act (CRA) resolutions of disapproval in both the House and Senate related to the Council on Environmental Quality’s (CEQ) recent rulemaking revising its regulations for implementing the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).

“APGA applauds House and Senate efforts to utilize the CRA to repeal CEQ’s recent rule revising its regulations for implementing NEPA. This rule undermines recent attempts to modernize and streamline the federal permitting process, including through certain provisions of the recently passed Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. APGA was a strong supporter of this legislation, which also includes a significant investment in modernizing the natural gas distribution pipeline infrastructure our members use to deliver energy to American homes and businesses. A timely and efficient permitting process is critical to ensure federal funds deliver much-needed infrastructure projects to the communities APGA members serve.”

“If this rule remains in effect, it will increase the regulatory burden on infrastructure project sponsors and delay much-needed projects. While APGA and its members appreciate the need to safeguard the environment, we believe there is a way to do that while still permitting infrastructure projects in a timely and efficient manner. Rolling back efforts to modernize the process is not the solution.”

“APGA appreciates the members of the House and Senate who are willing to use the important oversight powers afforded by the CRA to push back against this rule and call attention to the negative impact it will have on efforts to strengthen and improve American infrastructure.”