Trump executive order targets regulatory barriers to homebuilding

"The order, signed by Donald Trump, directs multiple federal agencies to review, revise or possibly eliminate regulations that the administration argues slow residential construction and raise the cost of building new homes. For homebuilders, developers and residential real estate investors keeping track of Washington's focus on housing policy, the order signals a priority: accelerate approvals, reduce compliance costs and expand incentives related to single-family housing development."

"At the center of the executive order is a directive to federal agencies to reexamine a broad set of rules affecting housing development, including environmental permitting, building standards, financing programs and infrastructure approvals. Among the most consequential areas for homebuilders: The order instructs the Army Corps of Engineers and the Environmental Protection Agency to review stormwater rules, Section 404 wetlands permitting under the Clean Water Act, and related water-quality regulations."

"The administration also directed the White House Council on Environmental Quality to expand the use of categorical exclusions under the National Environmental Policy Act, potentially allowing certain housing and infrastructure projects to bypass lengthy environmental review processes."

The Trump administration issued a broad executive order aimed at reducing regulatory obstacles to residential construction. The order directs multiple federal agencies to review, revise, or eliminate regulations that slow housing development and increase building costs. Key areas targeted include environmental permitting, building standards, financing programs, and infrastructure approvals. Specific directives address stormwater rules, wetlands permitting under the Clean Water Act, and water-quality regulations managed by the Army Corps of Engineers and EPA. The administration also instructed the White House Council on Environmental Quality to expand categorical exclusions under the National Environmental Policy Act, potentially allowing certain housing projects to bypass lengthy environmental reviews. Federal agencies must also review energy-efficiency and water-use requirements affecting housing programs.

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