Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ)
The Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) is a key component of the executive branch of the United States government, established in 1970 as part of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). Its primary role is to coordinate federal environmental initiatives and develop policies that consider the potential environmental impacts of government actions. Under NEPA, federal agencies are required to conduct environmental impact assessments for their proposed actions, and the CEQ oversees this process to ensure compliance and mediate disagreements between agencies.
The CEQ serves as the president's principal environmental policy advisor, providing guidance and advancing the administration's environmental agenda. The chair of the CEQ is appointed by the president and leads efforts to balance various environmental, economic, and social priorities. In addition to coordinating with other agencies and stakeholders, the CEQ also gathers and analyzes environmental data, contributing to the annual Environmental Quality Report, which assesses the nation's environmental health and is submitted to Congress. Overall, the CEQ plays a vital role in shaping the environmental landscape of the United States by advocating for sustainable practices and ensuring that environmental considerations are integrated into federal decision-making.
Subject Terms
Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ)
IDENTIFICATION: Division of the executive office of the president of the United States that is responsible for coordinating federal environmental efforts and aiding in developing environmental policies and initiatives
DATE: Established in 1970
The Council on Environmental Quality is a major player in the US government’s environmental efforts. As the overseer of the National Environmental Policy Act and adviser to the president, the council plays an integral part in shaping and directing the federal government’s environmental policies.
The Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) was established as part of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA), sweeping legislation that requires US federal agencies to consider the environmental impacts that could arise from any actions they plan to take before they act. Under NEPA, federal agencies must undertake environmental impact assessments, whereby the environmental consequences of any planned actions are analyzed and alternatives are considered. The CEQ is charged with overseeing this general process and ensuring that federal agencies fulfill their duties under the act. Additionally, the CEQ acts as a mediator in cases in which an agency disagrees regarding the adequacy of another’s assessment.
The CEQ also works to advance the president’s agenda and to advise on issues related to the environment. The council’s chair is chosen by the president and serves as the president’s chief environmental policy adviser. As the environmental arm of the White House, the CEQ works with different agencies, scientists, and the public to balance environmental, economic, and social agendas. The council is also directed to collect and analyze the latest information related to the environment. As part of this role, the CEQ assists the president in preparing the Environmental Quality Report, an overview of the nation’s environmental status submitted annually to Congress.
Bravender, Robyn, and Kelsey Brugger. "Inside Biden's Sparsely Staffed, High Pressure Environmental Shop." E & E News, Politico, 18 Apr. 2022, www.eenews.net/articles/inside-bidens-sparsely-staffed-high-pressure-environmental-shop/. Accessed 19 July 2024.
"Council on Environmental Quality." The White House, www.whitehouse.gov/ceq/. Accessed 17 July 2024.
"Council on Environmental Quality." Federal Register, www.federalregister.gov/agencies/council-on-environmental-quality. Accessed 17 July 2024.