The Energy Department wants to stop following rules for building in floodplains

The US Department of Energy wants to get rid of its own rules for building projects in floodplains and wetlands. This means the department would no longer have to formally review how its projects affect these sensitive environmental areas.

For decades, federal agencies have had specific rules about how they must consider environmental impacts when building. These rules often slow down projects and force design changes to protect natural areas. If the Energy Department removes its own rules, it could build projects faster and cheaper in places that were previously restricted, like coastal areas or riverbanks. This could make it easier to site new energy infrastructure, but it also shifts the environmental risk to local communities and ecosystems.