The President's Council on Environmental Quality has issued its finalized guidance on how federal agencies should consider greenhouse gas emissions and the effects of climate change in reviews of federal actions under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).

This action finalized the draft guidance that was first issued in 2010 and was modified in draft form in 2014. NEPA requires consideration of the environmental impacts of federal administrative actions, including federal approvals and permits and financial assistance provided to private companies and state and local governments.

Although this guidance is limited to federal actions, it may also provide helpful guidance for others considering disclosures regarding the impacts of climate change on their operations. Notice of the guidance will be published in the Federal Register.