News Alert: White House plan would reduce environmental requirements for infrastructure projects

The White House aims to make it easier to build roads, bridges and pipelines across the country as part of an infrastructure plan that President Trump could release as soon as next week, according to a document obtained by The Washington Post. The plan would change things such as how officials decide a pipeline route, how a proposed border wall with Mexico would be built and whether the National Park Service could object to a development that would impair tourists' views from scenic parks such as the Grand Canyon. Administration officials — who have briefed GOP lawmakers, trade associations and other groups about their plans — have emphasized they are willing to compromise to win enough votes in the Senate. But they are seeking to make the most sweeping changes in decades to how the federal government approves and oversees infrastructure projects. A White House official on Friday described the document as an earlier "discussion draft." But individuals familiar with the plan said many of the proposals are still the basis for negotiations with lawmakers. Critics said the proposal, detailed in the 23-page document, would gut key environmental protections enshrined in laws dating back to the 1970s. The president will pitch his plan during next week's State of the Union address and flesh out the details afterward, aides said.

Democracy Dies in Darkness     News Alert Fri, Jan 26, 2018, 5:53 PM     White House plan would reduce environmental requirements for infrastructure projects The White House aims to make it easier to build roads, bridges and pipelines across the country as part of an infrastructure plan that President Trump could release as soon as next week, according to a document obtained by The Washington Post. The plan would change things such as how officials decide a pipeline route, how a proposed border wall with Mexico would be built and whether the National Park Service could object to a development that would impair tourists' views from scenic parks such as the Grand Canyon. Administration officials — who have briefed GOP lawmakers, trade associations and other groups about their plans — have emphasized they are willing to compromise to win enough votes in the Senate. But they are seeking to make the most sweeping changes in decades to how the federal government approves and oversees infrastructure projects. A White House official on Friday described the document as an earlier "discussion draft." But individuals familiar with the plan said many of the proposals are still the basis for negotiations with lawmakers. Critics said the proposal, detailed in the 23-page document, would gut key environmental protections enshrined in laws dating back to the 1970s. The president will pitch his plan during next week's State of the Union address and flesh out the details afterward, aides said. Read more » Advertisement You received this email because you signed up for news alerts from The Washington Post. Manage my newsletters and alerts | Unsubscribe Privacy Policy | Help ©2018 The Washington Post, 1301 K St NW, Washington DC 20071