WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Trump Administration’s newly finalized rule governing how federal decision-makers implement the National Environmental Policy Act will eviscerate the public’s right to be heard and jettison science-based decision-making. The National Wildlife Federation pledged to fight the rule and protect taxpayers and wildlife from its consequences.

"The National Environmental Policy Act ensures that federal policymakers look before they leap on major projects and decisions. This final rule effectively guts that, transforming federal decision-making from being informed by science and public input into a dangerous trust fall," said Collin O’Mara, president and CEO of the National Wildlife Federation. "Make no mistake, these changes will result in communities suffering new public health challenges, avoidable losses of wildlife habitat, and wastes of taxpayer dollars. We will work tirelessly to restore this landmark environmental law."

"The most vulnerable communities have always been the first to suffer and the last to be heard when it comes to their air, water, land, wealth and health. This perverse rule will only further perpetuate the idea that some communities' lives don't matter," said Mustafa Santiago Ali, vice president for environmental justice, climate, and community revitalization at the National Wildlife Federation. "This rule is a clear and present danger to all Americans, but especially those who need NEPA the most to be heard."