New NEPA Changes Could Speed Up Key Infrastructure Work

USDOT Says NEPA Update May Reduce Project Delays

On June 30, 2025, the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) announced a major update to how it follows the National Environmental Policy Act, also known as NEPA. The agency hopes these changes will speed up the process for building roads, bridges, energy systems, and other projects.

USDOT says the goal is to cut red tape. The new rules may also help lower costs and shorten delays. This is the first full update to NEPA procedures across the department in 40 years.

Three New NEPA Rules Released

USDOT released three separate documents to update NEPA:

1. Order 5610.1D – Combines six older sets of rules into one clear standard.
2. Joint Procedures for FHWA, FRA, and FTA – These agencies now follow updated guidance under 23 CFR Part 771.
3. FAA’s Order 1050.1G – A revised process for environmental reviews by the FAA.

These changes were developed with help from the White House Council on Environmental Quality. The updates aim to make reviews faster and simpler.

Deadlines and Page Limits Introduced

A major change in the updates is the use of time limits and page limits for environmental studies. USDOT says this will help agencies stay on schedule and avoid lengthy paperwork.

The rules also clarify when NEPA is required. It only applies when a federal agency has control over a project’s environmental impact. This may prevent reviews for projects where the agency has little influence.

NEPA Categorical Exclusions Made Easier

USDOT is expanding the use of “categorical exclusions,” or CEs, within NEPA. These are used for simple projects that have very little environmental impact. CEs do not require a full environmental review.

The new procedures allow agencies to create their own CEs more easily. They can also use CEs developed by other federal agencies. This may help save time and reduce duplicate work.

What Prompted the Changes

USDOT’s new rules follow guidance from several sources:

• The Unleashing American Energy Executive Order
• The BUILDER Act, passed by Congress in 2023
• A Supreme Court decision in Seven County Infrastructure Coalition v. Eagle County

The agency says these events helped shape the new approach to NEPA across the department.

Changes May Speed Up Key Infrastructure Work

USDOT believes the changes may help the U.S. build faster and more affordably. This could affect projects like highways, broadband, and power systems. The agency hopes the changes will support job growth and reduce overall costs.

However, the full impact will depend on how the changes are used. Some observers may wait to see how the new NEPA rules work in practice.

Secretary Duffy Comments on NEPA Reforms

“Under President Trump’s leadership, America is building again,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy. “USDOT’s NEPA reforms will make it possible to deliver roads, bridges, and other critical infrastructure projects faster and more affordably. For too long, unelected Washington bureaucrats have weaponized environmental reviews to create endless delays and block projects. No more. These changes will help usher in a golden age of transportation for the American people.”

USDOT Replaces 40-Year-Old NEPA Rules

Some parts of USDOT had been using procedures that had not changed since 1985. The agency says the new rules are meant to be more modern and efficient.

The updated NEPA policies now apply to most of USDOT’s operating administrations. The goal is to focus reviews on projects that truly impact the environment, while letting smaller projects move forward more quickly.

What’s Next for NEPA Projects

USDOT says the new process may help speed up infrastructure work across the country. Reviews are expected to be simpler, faster, and easier to manage.

Still, how well these changes work will depend on how each agency puts them into action. State and local governments, project leaders, and communities will likely watch closely to see what happens as the changes take effect.