Definition
A federal advisory body within the Executive Office of the President of the United States that coordinates environmental policy across federal agencies and oversees implementation of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). In aviation contexts, CEQ guidelines shape how the FAA evaluates the environmental impact of airport projects, airspace changes, and new flight procedures.
Plain English
A government group that sets the rules for how federal agencies, including the FAA, must study and report the environmental effects of what they do.
Context Anchor
Seen in aviation documents that discuss airport development, runway projects, land use, noise, or federal environmental review.
Why Pilots Care
CEQ rules are the reason new runways, instrument procedures, and airspace redesigns can take years to approve. Pilots see the downstream effect in delayed projects, noise abatement procedures, and altitude restrictions over sensitive areas.
Intuition Check
CEQ is not an aviation operating procedure or a local airport committee. It refers to a federal office involved in environmental policy and review.
Example Sentence 1
The environmental assessment for the new runway followed CEQ guidelines before the FAA could approve construction.
Example Sentence 2
CEQ standards guide how aviation facilities address environmental concerns during planning.