---
kind: "section"
citation: "50 C.F.R. § 86.59"
title: "50"
number: "86.59"
heading: "What does the Service consider when evaluating a project for innovative physical components, technology, or techniques that improve the BIG project?"
url: "https://uscodex.org/cfr/50/86.59"
---

# §86.59. What does the Service consider when evaluating a project for innovative physical components, technology, or techniques that improve the BIG project?

- (a) In evaluating a proposed project under the criterion at [§ 86.51(c)(2)](/cfr/50/86.51.md?p=c-2), we consider if the project will include physical components, technology, or techniques that are:
  - (1) Newly available; or
  - (2) **Repurposed in a unique way.**
- (b) Examples of the type of innovations we will consider are components, technology, or techniques that:
  - (1) Extend the useful life of the BIG-funded project;
  - (2) Are designed to allow the operator to save costs, decrease maintenance, or improve operation;
  - (3) Are designed to improve BIG-eligible services or amenities;
  - (4) **Reduce the carbon footprint of the BIG-funded facility.** Carbon footprint means the impact of the total set of greenhouse gas emissions;
  - (5) Are used during construction specifically to reduce negative environmental impacts, beyond compliance requirements; or
  - (6) **Improve facility resilience.**

## Notes

### Authority

Authority: 16 U.S.C. 777c, g, and g-1.

### Source

Source: 80 FR 26161, May 6, 2015, unless otherwise noted.