Supreme Court to Hear Environmental Review Case

The U.S. Supreme Court is set to hear a pivotal case on December 10, 2024, regarding the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and its implications for federal environmental reviews. This case, Seven County Infrastructure Coalition v. Eagle County, Colorado, centers on a proposed railway that would connect Utah's Uinta Basin to Colorado, allowing for the transport of oil. The Supreme Court's ruling could redefine how federal agencies evaluate the environmental impacts of major projects, potentially limiting the scope of assessments related to climate change. Proponents argue that the railway will boost economic growth by enhancing oil exports, while opponents, including environmental groups and state officials, highlight the risks of pollution and wildfire. A previous ruling deemed the project's environmental review incomplete, raising critical questions about federal oversight. The outcome could set a precedent affecting future infrastructure projects and their environmental evaluations.