"The Trump administration’s move to reduce requirements has puzzled some legal experts while drawing applause from oil states."
"Trump administration officials have removed endangered species and historic preservation reviews from federal orphaned well programs, potentially speeding the cleanup of tens of thousands of abandoned sites.
But the administration’s rationale for why the reviews are not required has puzzled some attorneys, who are skeptical of the legal arguments and say the move could open up litigation threats for states.
The change — which was put in place July 17 — could also indicate a broader shift in what kinds of environmental or historic reviews officials will require for federally funded grant programs. If implemented, that wider change could mean fewer environmental reviews for a range of federal initiatives."
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