Washington, February 15 (RHC)-- The Donald Trump administration is facing public outcry over a proposal to weaken the National Environmental Policy Act.  The law was enacted in 1970 to address growing concern with runaway pollution and the potential impacts of major projects like highways, dams and mines. 

The Trump White House is attempting to fast-track new rules that govern how NEPA is implemented — slashing the environmental review time while eliminating any consideration of climate change as a potential impact of a project. Supporters of the changes include the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the Koch Brothers-funded American Petroleum Institute.

Earlier this week, the Council on Environmental Quality held a public hearing in Denver on the rule change.  An indigenous-led rally opposing the NEPA regulatory rollback was held nearby, criticizing the proposed rules as well as the limited access the public had to the hearing itself.  Advance online registration for the hearing was required and filled up within two minutes.