On the heels of the House of Representatives passing H.R. 1, the “Polluters Over People Act”, Oxfam submitted comments today to the Council on Environmental Quality on their proposed Climate Guidance that underscored the importance of protecting the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) for communities across the United States. NEPA plays a critical role in ensuring a just energy transition and addressing systemic oppression that has driven national development for centuries.
“It’s clear that some in Congress are ready to sell out communities on the frontlines to dirty polluters and are sticking their head in the sand about our urgent need to address the climate crisis or the need for a sustainable and just energy transition,” said Dorcas Robinson, Oxfam America’s senior manager for climate policy and programs.
“NEPA is one of the few protections for those most impacted by infrastructure projects. Make no mistake, these communities are disproportionately Black, Indigenous, rural, poor—and NEPA remains an essential tool to maximize sustainable and equitable outcomes for them."
While Republicans in the House of Representatives want to gut this crucial law, the Biden administration’s Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) has offered an opportunity to support realizing the vision of NEPA through their Climate Guidance.
“As the largest historical polluter, the United States has a responsibility to rapidly phase out fossil fuels and reduce emissions,” continued Robinson. “While the Biden administration—through its executive orders and climate commitments at home and abroad—has taken some steps to build a fairer and more just America, NEPA is fundamental to achieving this vision and must be protected and strengthened to fulfill its promise.”
Oxfam’s comments further call for more robust consideration of climate impacts in project evaluations and greater accessibility of the federal impact assessment process for community members and activists, particularly those from marginalized groups. This guidance has the opportunity to provide a foundation to ensure the voices of activists and community members are heard and considered in the impact assessment process.
This rule also comes as a precursor to CEQ’s anticipated Phase 2 rulemaking, which has the opportunity to further solidify provisions that could protect communities from climate and environmental disasters.
“We urge CEQ and the Biden administration to swiftly publish the Phase 2 rule in order to reestablish and reaffirm their commitment to environmental justice by strengthening monitoring and enforcement when considering emissions and climate change impacts of projects,” said Robinson. “By doing so, the US can work towards a just, equitable, and sustainable future for all communities.”
Notes to Editors
- The full text of the comments submitted by Oxfam America to CEQ can be accessed here
- Oxfam America President and CEO Abby Maxman also previously submitted a letter to CEQ Chair Brenda Mallory; the full text can be accessed here