Episode 26: Unpacking NEPA’s Evolving Impact on Environmental Justice Communities with Hannah Perls & Idalmis Vaquero

In this episode, we examine the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and its critical role in environmental justice policy. NEPA remains one of the foundational laws for environmental protection, but to fully safeguard EJ communities, it's essential that their priorities, values, and expertise shape how NEPA is implemented. We’re joined by Hannah Perls, Senior Staff Attorney with the Harvard Environmental & Energy Law Program, and Idalmis Vaquero, Senior Policy Analyst at Just Solutions. Together, they discuss the recent changes under NEPA’s phase 2 regulations, which aim to strengthen protections, and examine the current status of implementation. Join us to learn how these updates impact EJ communities and the path forward for a more equitable policy landscape. 

RESOURCES TO LEARN MORE:

Environmental Integrity Project - Oil and Gas Watch

https://oilandgaswatch.org/ 

Key Changes in CEQ’s Phase 2 Regulations Implementing NEPA

https://eelp.law.harvard.edu/nepa-phase2-final/

NEPA Environmental Review Requirements (Tracker Page)

https://eelp.law.harvard.edu/tracker/nepa-environmental-review-requirements/

National Environmental Policy Act: Recommendations for Environmental Justice

https://justsolutionscollective.org/national-environmental-policy-act-recommendations-for-environmental-justice/ 

Federal Debt Ceiling, Environmental Justice Communities and NEPA 

https://justsolutionscollective.org/federal-debt-ceiling-environmental-justice-communities-and-nepa/ 

EELP Podcast CleanLaw Quick Take: The Debt Ceiling Bill and NEPA Permitting Reform with Ari Peskoe and Carrie Jenks 

https://eelp.law.harvard.edu/cleanlaw-quick-take-the-debt-ceiling-bill-and-nepa-permitting-reform/ 

STAY CONNECTED:

www.justsolutionscollective.org

Instagram @justsolutions_org

Twitter: @Just_Solutions_

Facebook: /JustSolutionsOrg

LinkedIn: /just-solutions-collective

EPISODE CREDITS: 

Host: Aiko Schaefer 

Producer: Tayler Ward 

Editor and Recording Engineer: Angel Bautista

Graphic Designer: Angel Bautista

Music: Paolo Pavan - Street Walk

Album: The Swing of Things - Mar 14, 2019

Info about license and crediting can be found here and in the folder