The Council on Environmental Quality

The Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) views sustainability as a critical priority. The agency's website states that "sustainability is essential to CEQ's mission of improving, preserving, and protecting America's public health and environment."

CEQ is working to advance sustainability in a number of ways, including:

• Advising the President on policies to promote sustainability and climate action
• Developing guidance for federal agencies on how to implement sustainability practices
• Supporting research and development on sustainable technologies
• Working with stakeholders to raise awareness of sustainability and its importance

CEQ's stance on sustainability is aligned with the Biden-Harris Administration's commitment to building a clean energy economy and addressing the climate crisis. CEQ is playing a leading role in the Administration's efforts to promote sustainability and protect the environment.

Here are some specific examples of CEQ actions to advance sustainability:

• CEQ has issued guidance to federal agencies on how to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions and achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.
• CEQ is also working with agencies to develop and implement sustainability plans for their operations and programs.
• CEQ is supporting research and development on sustainable technologies, such as renewable energy, energy efficiency, and sustainable transportation.
• CEQ is also working with stakeholders to raise awareness of sustainability and its importance through public education campaigns and outreach efforts.

CEQ's commitment to sustainability is essential to building a cleaner, more equitable, and more resilient future for all Americans.

The Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) is a division of the Executive Office of the President that coordinates federal environmental efforts and works closely with agencies and other White House offices on the development of environmental and energy policies and initiatives.

CEQ was established in 1969 by the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), which is considered the foundational environmental law in the United States. NEPA requires federal agencies to assess the environmental impacts of proposed major federal actions prior to making decisions. CEQ oversees the implementation of NEPA across the federal government.

CEQ also advises the President on environmental policy matters and develops policies on climate change, environmental justice, federal sustainability, public lands, oceans, and wildlife conservation, among other areas.

CEQ is a small agency with about 60 employees. The agency is led by the Chair of CEQ, who is appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate.

CEQ's work has a significant impact on the lives of all Americans. The agency's policies and initiatives shape the federal government's approach to environmental protection and management.

Here is an unbiased overview of some of the pros and cons of CEQ:

Pros:

• CEQ plays a vital role in coordinating federal environmental efforts and ensuring that NEPA is implemented effectively.
• CEQ provides expert advice to the President on environmental policy matters.
• CEQ develops policies on a wide range of environmental issues, including climate change, environmental justice, and federal sustainability.

Cons:

• CEQ has been criticized for being too weak and ineffective in enforcing NEPA.
• CEQ has also been accused of being biased towards certain environmental groups and industries.
• CEQ's budget has been cut in recent years, which has limited its ability to carry out its mission.

Overall, CEQ is an important agency that plays a vital role in the federal government's environmental efforts. However, it is not without its flaws.

It is important to note that CEQ's views on environmental policy can vary depending on the political administration in power. For example, the Trump administration weakened CEQ's authority and rolled back a number of environmental regulations, while the Biden administration has strengthened CEQ and made climate action a priority.

The CEQ website is a good resource for learning more about the agency's work and its views on environmental policy.