FR-6598-I-01 Removal of Environmental Clearance Officer Review and Comment for Assessments for Projects Over 200 Lots/Dwelling Units or Beds

The Council of Large Public Housing Authorities (CLPHA) supports the Interim Final Rule to remove the FECO/PECO review requirement for projects over 200 units, arguing that it streamlines internal processes and reduces costly delays in affordable housing development. They also urge HUD to pursue further administrative actions to reduce duplicative federal environmental reviews and extend NEPA approval durations.

Saundra Holloway opposes the proposed rule to remove mandatory environmental review by FECOs/PECOs for large-scale housing projects. She argues that this change undermines NEPA compliance, increases litigation risks, and incorrectly applies energy-sector deregulation to residential housing.

The commenter supports the removal of duplicative environmental review steps to speed up housing development and reduce costs. However, they recommend that HUD include clear guardrails for high-risk projects and monitor the rule's impact on processing times and environmental compliance.

The commenter opposes the proposed action, arguing that it is a cynical attempt to weaken environmental enforcement and regulations without the authority to change statutes. They claim the move will enrich donors while increasing health risks for residents of HUD properties.

A former regional environmental officer with thirty years of experience argues against eliminating the Environmental Clearance Officer (ECO) review for large-scale housing projects. The commenter contends that ECO review is a vital quality control measure for high-impact projects and suggests establishing a response time limit instead of removing the review requirement entirely.