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NEPA review of fossil fuels projects – principles for applying a “climate test” for new production and infrastructure

This report, co-authored by SEI US Climate Policy Program Director Peter Erickson and Earthjustice attorney Jan Hasselman, critiques the US’ greenhouse gas analysis required before the approval of new fossil fuel infrastructure and points to some solutions.

Peter Erickson / Published on 3 May 2022
Citation

Hasselman, J. & Erickson, P. NEPA review of fossil fuels projects – principles for applying a “climate test” for new production and infrastructure. Earthjustice working paper. https://earthjustice.org/sites/default/files/files/climate_test_-_hasselman_erickson.pdf

Red and blue gas or oil pipeline valves contrast with an expanse of brown ground against a pink sunset

Photo: onurdongel / Getty Images

US federal courts have struck down new fossil fuel projects in recent years, citing environmental agencies’ flawed assessments of their greenhouse gas impacts. These decisions have, in part, relied on math provided by SEI research.

SEI Senior Scientist Peter Erickson, a longtime researcher in this area, and Earthjustice attorney Jan Hasselman co-produced a report outlining the better and potentially simpler ways to evaluate the emissions connected to new fossil fuel infrastructure.

By applying the three principles they propose, the authors believe that federal agencies could better fulfil legal obligations while also helping align new energy infrastructure with climate goals.

SEI author

Peter Erickson

SEI Affiliated Researcher

SEI US

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