Overview

• The administration’s proposal would let housing-centered, dense, energy-efficient projects that meet seven criteria clear MEPA with an Environmental Notification Form instead of a full Environmental Impact Report.
• Officials estimate about 70% of housing projects subject to MEPA would shift to the shorter review or be exempt.
• Public hearings are set for Oct. 14–15 with comments due Oct. 31, and the administration expects final rules could take effect by December.
• The package also streamlines reviews for certain ecological restoration projects and exempts some single-family homes when the only trigger is a wetlands appeal.
• State leaders cast the move as part of a broader push to boost housing production under the 2024 Affordable Homes Act, while advocates express both support for streamlining and concern for environmental justice protections.