Legal Definitions - Office of Environmental Quality

The Office of Environmental Quality (OEQ) is a department within the Executive Office of the President that provides support to the Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ). The OEQ is responsible for ensuring that federal agencies comply with environmental regulations and policies.

The Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) is a group of three members appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate. The CEQ is responsible for developing and recommending national policies on environmental quality. It was created by the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969.

When a new highway is being built, the OEQ ensures that the construction complies with environmental regulations, such as protecting wetlands and minimizing air pollution. The CEQ may develop policies on how to balance economic development with environmental protection.

Another example is when a company wants to build a new factory, the OEQ will review the environmental impact of the proposed project and make sure that it complies with federal regulations. The CEQ may develop policies on how to reduce the environmental impact of industrial development.

These examples illustrate how the OEQ and CEQ work together to protect the environment while promoting economic growth.