Departments & agenciesView all actions on the Federal Register
At a glance
Type
Executive Office of the President
Removal of leadership
Removable at will
Appointed by
Appointed by the President, confirmed by the Senate
Structure
Single Chair
Term
No fixed term
Funding
Annual appropriations
Independence
Direct presidential control
NEPA (42 U.S.C. 4342) authorizes three Senate-confirmed members serving 'at the President's pleasure,' one designated Chairman. Since FY2001, appropriations acts have reduced CEQ to a single member appointed by the President with Senate advice and consent, serving as Chair and exercising all powers of the Council. Members are removable at will; no for-cause protection.
What it does
The Council on Environmental Quality is an office inside the Executive Office of the President that advises the President on environmental and energy matters. It coordinates federal environmental efforts and oversees how agencies carry out the National Environmental Policy Act, which requires the government to study the environmental effects of major federal actions.
EnvironmentEnergyScience
Where it sits
A component of Executive Office of the President.
How it fits
Created by Congress under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA), Title II (Pub. L. 91-190, Title II; 42 U.S.C. 4342), it acts within the authority that statute grants. Its actions are subject to judicial review and to congressional oversight and funding.
Recent actions
Notification of Withdrawal of Guidance Documents
Implementation of the National Environmental Policy Act Guidance
Emergencies and the National Environmental Policy Act Guidance
Removal of National Environmental Policy Act Implementing Regulations
Implementation of the National Environmental Policy Act Guidance
Withdrawal of National Environmental Policy Act Guidance on Consideration of Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Climate Change
Removal of National Environmental Policy Act Implementing Regulations
Removal of National Environmental Policy Act Implementing Regulations