California Attorney General Bonta Strongly Opposes Trump Administration’s Proposal to Weaken Environmental Protections for Nuclear Energy Projects

OAKLAND - California Attorney General Rob Bonta joined a multistate comment letter opposing the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission's (NRC) proposal to update its procedures for implementing the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). The updates would significantly weaken the implementation of NEPA by ignoring reasonably foreseeable environmental impacts, curtailing public participation in environmental reviews, and limiting the consideration of potential alternative actions. In the comment letter, the states argue that NRC should withdraw its proposal because it would lead to less-informed decisions that could cause significant environmental harm to communities.

"Americans deserve a process that is transparent, accountable, and grounded in science. NEPA provides that framework. This critical law helps identify potential problems early, reduces costly delays and conflicts, protects important environmental resources, and gives communities a meaningful opportunity to be heard," said Attorney General Bonta. "The Trump Administration's attempt to strip these critical protections is not only illegal, but it will also weaken safeguards that protect our environment and public health. We urge the administration not to move forward with this proposal."

Enacted in 1969, NEPA requires that before any federal agency takes any action significantly affecting the quality of the human environment, it must thoroughly review the environmental impacts of the proposed actions and adequately inform the public of their findings before they decide to act.

In the comment letter Attorney General Bonta and the coalition assert that:

• The proposed rule would curtail community participation in critical decision-making involving the development and approval of nuclear energy facilities throughout the U.S.
• The proposed rule would accelerate major decisions involving nuclear energy development without adequate consideration for the environmental and public health risks for those closest to the project.
• The rule is arbitrary and capricious, violating the Administrative Procedure Act and NEPA by abandoning the requisite public participation and consideration of environmental impacts these laws require.

In sending the comment letter, Attorney General Bonta joins the attorneys general of Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Vermont, Washington, and Harris County, Texas.