Tulsa, Okla. (March 26, 2015) – The Gas Processors Association (GPA) filed comments this week with the Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) on its Revised Draft Guidance for Federal Departments and Agencies Consideration of Greenhouse Gas Emissions and the Effects of Climate Change in National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) Reviews.

On Dec. 18, 2014, CEQ released revised draft guidance for public comment that describes how federal departments and agencies should consider the effects of greenhouse gas emissions and climate change in their NEPA reviews.

This guidance explains that agencies should consider both the potential effects of a proposed action on climate change, as indicated by its estimated greenhouse gas emissions, and the implications of climate change for the environmental effects of a proposed action.

The guidance also emphasizes that agency analyses should be commensurate with projected greenhouse gas emissions and climate impacts, and should employ appropriate quantitative or qualitative analytical methods to ensure useful information is available to inform the public and the decision-making process in distinguishing between alternatives and mitigations.

“GPA is happy to join so many of our fellow trade associations representing the leading manufacturing, energy, agriculture, and transportation sectors that serve as the foundation of our economy on these comments led by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce,” said GPA President and CEO Mark Sutton. “GPA members need permit certainty in the permitting process, and CEQ’s guidance will only create uncertainty, delays, and potential litigation in new projects for our membership. Since NEPA reviews can potentially impact GPA members’ operations, CEQ needs to ensure they are not increasing costs, increasing potential litigation, and going beyond the scope of NEPA as a result of this guidance.”

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