§4336e. Definitions — Inbound Citations
42 U.S.C. § 4336e
Cited by 256 provisions in release 119-102.
Citations to 42 U.S.C. § 4336e as a whole
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(1) In this subsection, the term “lead agency” has the meaning given the term in section 111 of NEPA (42 U.S.C. 4336e).
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(1) In this subsection, the term “lead agency” has the meaning given the term in section 111 of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4336e).
Citations to §4336e(1)
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(2) the proposed agency action is excluded pursuant to one of the agency’s categorical exclusions, another agency’s categorical exclusions consistent with section 4336c of this title, or another provision of law;
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(2) An agency shall prepare an environmental assessment with respect to a proposed agency action that does not have a reasonably foreseeable significant effect on the quality of the human environment, or if the significance of such effect is unknown, unless the agency finds that the proposed agency action is excluded pursuant to one of the agency’s categorical exclusions, another agency’s categorical exclusions consistent with section 4336c of this title, or another provision of law. Such environmental assessment shall be a concise public document prepared by a Federal agency to set forth the basis of such agency’s finding of no significant impact or determination that an environmental impact statement is necessary.
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An agency may adopt a categorical exclusion listed in another agency’s NEPA procedures for a category of proposed agency actions for which the categorical exclusion was established consistent with this paragraph. The agency shall—
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(1) identify the categorical exclusion listed in another agency’s NEPA procedures that covers a category of proposed actions or related actions;
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(2) consult with the agency that established the categorical exclusion to ensure that the proposed adoption of the categorical exclusion to a category of actions is appropriate;
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(3) identify to the public the categorical exclusion that the agency plans to use for its proposed actions; and
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(4) document adoption of the categorical exclusion.
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(11) The term “environmental review” means the agency procedures and processes for applying a categorical exclusion or for preparing an environmental assessment, an environmental impact statement, or other document required under NEPA.
Citations to §4336e(2)
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(B) request the participation of each cooperating agency at the earliest practicable time;
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(C) in preparing an environmental document, give consideration to any analysis or proposal created by a cooperating agency;
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(D) develop a schedule, in consultation with each cooperating agency, the applicant, and such other entities as the lead agency determines appropriate, for completion of any environmental review, permit, or authorization required to carry out the proposed agency action;
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(F) meet with a cooperating agency that requests such a meeting.
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(3) The lead agency may, with respect to a proposed agency action, designate any Federal, State, Tribal, or local agency that has jurisdiction by law or special expertise with respect to any environmental impact involved in a proposal to serve as a cooperating agency. A cooperating agency may, not later than a date specified in the schedule established by the lead agency, submit comments to the lead agency.
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(b) To the extent practicable, if a proposed agency action will require action by more than one Federal agency and the lead agency has determined that it requires preparation of an environmental document, the lead and cooperating agencies shall evaluate the proposal in a single environmental document.
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(4) The term “cooperating agency” has the meaning given the term in section 1508.1 of title 40, Code of Federal Regulations (or successor regulations).
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(ii) invite all Federal agencies identified under clause (i) to become a participating agency or a cooperating agency, as appropriate, in the environmental review and authorization management process described in section 4370m–4 of this title.
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(A) An agency invited under paragraph (2) shall be designated as a participating or cooperating agency for a covered project, unless the agency informs the facilitating or lead agency, as applicable, and the Executive Director in writing before the deadline under paragraph (2)(B) that the agency—(i) has no jurisdiction or authority with respect to the proposed project; or(ii) does not intend to exercise authority related to, or submit comments on, the proposed project.
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(B) On request and a showing of changed circumstances, the Executive Director may designate an agency that has opted out under subparagraph (A)(ii) to be a participating or cooperating agency, as appropriate.
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(B) expand any jurisdiction or authority a cooperating agency may have over the proposed project.
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(bb) the status of the compliance of each lead agency, cooperating agency, and participating agency with the permitting timetable required under item (aa);
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(A) As part of the coordinated project plan under paragraph (1), the facilitating or lead agency, as applicable, in consultation with each cooperating and participating agency, the project sponsor, and any State in which the project is located, and, subject to subparagraph (C), with the concurrence of each cooperating agency, shall establish a permitting timetable that includes intermediate and final completion dates for action by each participating agency on any Federal environmental review or authorization required for the project.
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(II) the facilitating or lead agency, as applicable, and the affected cooperating agencies, after consultation with the participating agencies, the Executive Director, and the project sponsor, agree to a different completion date;
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(III) the facilitating agency or lead agency, as applicable, or the affected cooperating agency provides a written justification for the modification; and
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(1) A lead agency may designate a participating agency as a cooperating agency in accordance with part 1501 of title 40, Code of Federal Regulations (or successor regulations).
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(3) Any agency not designated as a participating agency under subsection (a)(3) shall not be designated as a cooperating agency under paragraph (1).
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(A) the lead agency, the project sponsor, and any cooperating agency agree to a longer deadline; or
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(A) As early as practicable during the environmental review, but not later than the commencement of scoping for a project requiring the preparation of an environmental impact statement, the lead agency shall engage the cooperating agencies and the public to determine the range of reasonable alternatives to be considered for a covered project.
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(A) The lead agency shall determine, in collaboration with each cooperating agency at appropriate times during the environmental review, the methodologies to be used and the level of detail required in the analysis of each alternative for a covered project.
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(B) A cooperating agency shall use the methodologies referred to in subparagraph (A) when conducting any required environmental review, to the extent consistent with existing law.
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(4) With the concurrence of the cooperating agencies with jurisdiction under Federal law and at the discretion of the lead agency, the preferred alternative for a project, after being identified, may be developed to a higher level of detail than other alternatives to facilitate the development of mitigation measures or concurrent compliance with other applicable laws if the lead agency determines that—(A) the development of the higher level of detail will not prevent the lead agency from making an impartial decision as to whether to accept another alternative that is being considered in the environmental review; and(B) the preferred and other alternatives are developed in sufficient detail to enable the public to comment on the alternatives.
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(A) the lead agency, the project sponsor, and any cooperating agency agree to a longer deadline; or
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(B) the lead agency, in consultation with each cooperating agency, extends the deadline for good cause.
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(A) the lead agency, the project sponsor, and any cooperating agency agree to a longer deadline; or
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(b) Lead and cooperating agencies may share with State, tribal, and local authorities best practices involved in review of covered projects and invite input from State, tribal, and local authorities regarding best practices.
Citations to §4336e(3)
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(B) identify and develop methods and procedures, in consultation with the Council on Environmental Quality established by subchapter II of this chapter, which will ensure that presently unquantified environmental amenities and values may be given appropriate consideration in decisionmaking along with economic and technical considerations;
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(C) consistent with the provisions of this chapter and except where compliance would be inconsistent with other statutory requirements, include in every recommendation or report on proposals for legislation and other major Federal actions significantly affecting the quality of the human environment, a detailed statement by the responsible official on—(i) reasonably foreseeable environmental effects of the proposed agency action;(ii) any reasonably foreseeable adverse environmental effects which cannot be avoided should the proposal be implemented;(iii) a reasonable range of alternatives to the proposed agency action, including an analysis of any negative environmental impacts of not implementing the proposed agency action in the case of a no action alternative, that are technically and economically feasible, and meet the purpose and need of the proposal;(iv) the relationship between local short-term uses of man’s environment and the maintenance and enhancement of long-term productivity; and(v) any irreversible and irretrievable commitments of Federal resources which would be involved in the proposed agency action should it be implemented.Prior to making any detailed statement, the head of the lead agency shall consult with and obtain the comments of any Federal agency which has jurisdiction by law or special expertise with respect to any environmental impact involved. Copies of such statement and the comments and views of the appropriate Federal, State, and local agencies, which are authorized to develop and enforce environmental standards, shall be made available to the President, the Council on Environmental Quality and to the public as provided by section 552 of title 5, and shall accompany the proposal through the existing agency review processes;
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(L) assist the Council on Environmental Quality established by subchapter II of this chapter.
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(4) Any Federal, State, Tribal, or local agency or person that is substantially affected by the lack of a designation of a lead agency with respect to a proposed agency action under paragraph (1) may submit a written request for such a designation to a participating Federal agency. An agency that receives a request under this paragraph shall transmit such request to each participating Federal agency and to the Council.
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(A) If the participating Federal agencies are unable to agree on the designation of a lead agency within 45 days of the request under paragraph (4), then the Federal, State, Tribal or local agency or person that is substantially affected by the lack or a designation of a lead agency may request that the Council designate a lead agency. Such request shall consist of—(i) a precise description of the nature and extent of the proposed agency action; and(ii) a detailed statement with respect to each participating Federal agency and each factor listed in paragraph (1) regarding which agency should serve as lead agency.
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(B) The Council shall transmit a request received under subparagraph (A) to each participating Federal agency.
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(C) A participating Federal agency may, not later than 20 days after the date of the submission of a request under subparagraph (A), submit to the Council a response to such request.
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(D) Not later than 40 days after the date of the submission of a request under subparagraph (A), the Council shall designate the lead agency with respect to the relevant proposed agency action.
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(a) The Council on Environmental Quality shall conduct a study and submit a report to Congress within 1 year of the enactment of this Act1 on the potential for online and digital technologies to address delays in reviews and improve public accessibility and transparency under section 4332(2)(C) of this title including, but not limited to, a unified permitting portal that would—(1) allow applicants to—(A) submit required documents or materials for their project in one unified portal;(B) upload and collaborate with the applicable agencies to edit documents in real-time, as required;(C) upload and display visual features such as video, animation, geographic information system displays, and three-dimensional renderings; and(D) track the progress of individual applications;(2) include a cloud based, digital tool for more complex reviews that would enhance interagency coordination in consultation by—(A) centralizing, across all necessary agencies, the data, visuals, and documents, including but not limited to geographic information system displays, other visual renderings, and completed reports and analyses necessary for reviews;(B) streamlining communications between all necessary agencies and the applicant;(C) allowing for comments and responses by and to all necessary agencies in one unified portal;(D) generating analytical reports to aid in organizing and cataloguing public comments; and(E) be2 accessible on mobile devices;(3) boost transparency in agency processes and present information suitable for a lay audience, including but not limited to—(A) scientific data and analysis; and(B) anticipated agency process and timeline; and(4) include examples describing how at least five permits would be reviewed and processed through this portal.
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(b) There is authorized to be appropriated $500,000 for the Council on Environmental Quality to carry out the study directed by this section.
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(1) A project sponsor that intends to pay a fee under this section for the preparation, or supervision of the preparation, of an environmental assessment or environmental impact statement for a project shall submit to the Council—(A) a description of the project; and(B) a declaration of whether the project sponsor intends to prepare the environmental assessment or environmental impact statement under section 4336a(f) of this title.
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(2) Not later than 15 days after the date on which the Council receives information described in paragraph (1) from a project sponsor, the Council shall provide to the project sponsor notice of the amount of the fee to be paid under this section, as determined under subsection (b).
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There is created in the Executive Office of the President a Council on Environmental Quality (hereinafter referred to as the “Council”). The Council shall be composed of three members who shall be appointed by the President to serve at his pleasure, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. The President shall designate one of the members of the Council to serve as Chairman. Each member shall be a person who, as a result of his training, experience, and attainments, is exceptionally well qualified to analyze and interpret environmental trends and information of all kinds; to appraise programs and activities of the Federal Government in the light of the policy set forth in subchapter I of this chapter; to be conscious of and responsive to the scientific, economic, social, esthetic, and cultural needs and interests of the Nation; and to formulate and recommend national policies to promote the improvement of the quality of the environment.
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(a) The Council may employ such officers and employees as may be necessary to carry out its functions under this chapter. In addition, the Council may employ and fix the compensation of such experts and consultants as may be necessary for the carrying out of its functions under this chapter, in accordance with section 3109 of title 5 (but without regard to the last sentence thereof).
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(b) Notwithstanding section 1342 of title 31, the Council may accept and employ voluntary and uncompensated services in furtherance of the purposes of the Council.
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It shall be the duty and function of the Council—
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In exercising its powers, functions, and duties under this chapter, the Council shall—
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(2) utilize, to the fullest extent possible, the services, facilities, and information (including statistical information) of public and private agencies and organizations, and individuals, in order that duplication of effort and expense may be avoided, thus assuring that the Council’s activities will not unnecessarily overlap or conflict with similar activities authorized by law and performed by established agencies.
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Members of the Council shall serve full time and the Chairman of the Council shall be compensated at the rate provided for Level II of the Executive Schedule Pay Rates (5 U.S.C. 5313). The other members of the Council shall be compensated at the rate provided for Level IV or1 the Executive Schedule Pay Rates (5 U.S.C. 5315).
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The Council may accept reimbursements from any private nonprofit organization or from any department, agency, or instrumentality of the Federal Government, any State, or local government, for the reasonable travel expenses incurred by an officer or employee of the Council in connection with his attendance at any conference, seminar, or similar meeting conducted for the benefit of the Council.
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The Council may make expenditures in support of its international activities, including expenditures for: (1) international travel; (2) activities in implementation of international agreements; and (3) the support of international exchange programs in the United States and in foreign countries.
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(1) In order to promote the coordination of environmental research and development activities, and to assure that the action taken and methods used (under subsection (a) and otherwise) to bring about such coordination will be as effective as possible for that purpose, the Council on Environmental Quality in consultation with the Office of Science and Technology Policy shall promptly undertake and carry out a joint study of all aspects of the coordination of environmental research and development. The Chairman of the Council shall prepare a report on the results of such study, together with such recommendations (including legislative recommendations) as he deems appropriate, and shall submit such report to the President and the Congress not later than May 31, 1978.
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(5) The term “Council” means the Federal Permitting Improvement Steering Council established under section 4370m–1(a) of this title.
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(A) The term “covered project” means any activity in the United States that requires authorization or environmental review by a Federal agency involving construction of infrastructure for renewable or conventional energy production, electricity transmission, surface transportation, aviation, ports and waterways, water resource projects, broadband, pipelines, manufacturing, semiconductors, artificial intelligence and machine learning, high-performance computing and advanced computer hardware and software, quantum information science and technology, data storage and data management, cybersecurity, carbon capture, energy storage, or any other sector as determined by a majority vote of the Council that—(I) is subject to NEPA;(II) is likely to require a total investment of more than $200,000,000; and(III) does not qualify for abbreviated authorization or environmental review processes under any applicable law;(ii) is covered by a programmatic plan or environmental review developed for the primary purpose of facilitating development of carbon dioxide pipelines;(iii) is—(I) subject to NEPA;(II) sponsored by an Indian Tribe (as defined in section 5304 of title 25), an Alaska Native Corporation, a Native Hawaiian organization (as defined in section 7517 of title 20), the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands, or the Office of Hawaiian Affairs; and(III) located on land owned or under the jurisdiction of the entity that sponsors the activity under subclause (II); or(iv) is subject to NEPA and the size and complexity of which, in the opinion of the Council, make the project likely to benefit from enhanced oversight and coordination, including a project likely to require—(I) authorization from or environmental review involving more than 2 Federal agencies; or(II) the preparation of an environmental impact statement under NEPA.
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(iv) is subject to NEPA and the size and complexity of which, in the opinion of the Council, make the project likely to benefit from enhanced oversight and coordination, including a project likely to require—(I) authorization from or environmental review involving more than 2 Federal agencies; or(II) the preparation of an environmental impact statement under NEPA.
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(a) There is established the Federal Permitting Improvement Steering Council.
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(B) serve as Chair of the Council.
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(I) Each individual listed in subparagraph (B) shall designate a member of the agency in which the individual serves to serve on the Council.
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(II) If an individual listed in subparagraph (B) designates a different member to serve on the Council than the member designated under subclause (I), the individual shall notify the Executive Director of the designation by not later than 30 days after the date on which the designation is made.
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(xiii) The Chairman of the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation.
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(xiv) Any other head of a Federal agency that the Executive Director may invite to participate as a member of the Council.
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(A) The Executive Director, in consultation with the Council, shall—(i) not later than 180 days after December 4, 2015, establish an inventory of covered projects that are pending the environmental review or authorization of the head of any Federal agency;(II) for each category, identify the types of environmental reviews and authorizations most commonly involved; and(iii) add a covered project to the inventory after receiving a notice described in section 4370m–2(a)(1) of this title.
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(B) The Executive Director, in consultation with the Council, shall—(i) designate a facilitating agency for each category of covered projects described in subparagraph (A)(ii); and(ii) publish the list of designated facilitating agencies for each category of projects in the inventory on the Dashboard in an easily accessible format.
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(i) Not later than 1 year after December 4, 2015, the Executive Director, in consultation with the Council, shall develop recommended performance schedules, including intermediate and final completion dates, for environmental reviews and authorizations most commonly required for each category of covered projects described in subparagraph (A)(ii).
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(aa) To the maximum extent practicable, and consistent with applicable Federal law, the Executive Director, in consultation with the Council, shall aim to develop recommended performance schedules under clause (i) of not more than 2 years.
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(bb) If a recommended performance schedule developed under clause (i) exceeds 2 years, the relevant agencies, in consultation with the Executive Director and the Council, shall explain in that recommended performance schedule the factors that cause the environmental reviews and authorizations in that category of covered projects to take longer than 2 years.
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(iii) Not later than 2 years after the date on which the performance schedules are established under this subparagraph, and not less frequently than once every 2 years thereafter, the Executive Director, in consultation with the Council, shall review and revise the performance schedules.
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(D) The Executive Director, in consultation with the Council, may recommend to the Director of the Office of Management and Budget or to the Council on Environmental Quality, as appropriate, that guidance be issued as necessary for agencies—(i) to carry out responsibilities under this subchapter; and(ii) to effectuate the adoption by agencies of the best practices and recommendations of the Council described in paragraph (2).
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(ii) to effectuate the adoption by agencies of the best practices and recommendations of the Council described in paragraph (2).
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(E) The Executive Director of the Council may appoint and fix the compensation of such employees as the Executive Director considers necessary to carry out the roles and responsibilities of the Executive Director.
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(i) The Council shall make recommendations to the Executive Director with respect to the designations under paragraph (1)(B) and the performance schedules under paragraph (1)(C).
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(ii) The Council may update the recommendations described in clause (i).
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(B) Not less frequently than annually, the Council shall issue recommendations on the best practices for improving the Federal permitting process for covered projects, which may include—(i) enhancing early stakeholder engagement, including—(I) engaging with Native American stakeholders to ensure that project sponsors and agencies identify potential natural, archeological, and cultural resources and locations of historic and religious significance in the area of a covered project; and(II) fully considering and, as appropriate, incorporating recommendations provided in public comments on any proposed covered project;(ii) ensuring timely decisions regarding environmental reviews and authorizations, including through the development of performance metrics;(iii) improving coordination between Federal and non-Federal governmental entities, including through the development of common data standards and terminology across agencies;(iv) increasing transparency;(v) reducing information collection requirements and other administrative burdens on agencies, project sponsors, and other interested parties;(vi) developing and making available to applicants appropriate geographic information systems and other tools;(vii) creating and distributing training materials useful to Federal, State, tribal, and local permitting officials;(viii) in coordination with the Executive Director, improving preliminary engagement with project sponsors in developing coordinated project plans;(ix) using programmatic assessments, templates, and other tools based on the best available science and data; and(x) addressing other aspects of infrastructure permitting, as determined by the Council.
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(x) addressing other aspects of infrastructure permitting, as determined by the Council.
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(B) The Chairman of the Council on Environmental Quality shall resolve any dispute over designation of a facilitating or lead agency for a particular covered project.
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(ii) If a dispute remains unresolved 30 days after the date on which the dispute was submitted to the Executive Director, the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, in consultation with the Chairman of the Council on Environmental Quality, shall facilitate a resolution of the dispute and direct the agencies party to the dispute to resolve the dispute by the end of the 60-day period beginning on the date of submission of the dispute to the Executive Director.
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(A) On the request of a project sponsor, a lead agency shall consider and, as appropriate, adopt or incorporate by reference, the analysis and documentation that has been prepared for a covered project under the laws and procedures of a State or Indian Tribe (as defined in section 5130 of title 25) as the documentation, or part of the documentation, required to complete an environmental review for the covered project, if the analysis and documentation were, as determined by the lead agency in consultation with the Council on Environmental Quality, developed pursuant to laws and procedures of that State or Indian Tribe (as so defined) that are of equal or greater rigor to each applicable Federal law and procedure, and prepared under circumstances that allowed for opportunities for public participation and consideration of alternatives, environmental consequences, and other required analyses that are substantially equivalent to what would have been available had the documents and analysis been prepared by a Federal agency pursuant to NEPA.
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(B) The Council on Environmental Quality may issue guidance to carry out this subsection.
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(1) on publication by the Council of best practices under section 4370m–1(c)(2)(B) of this title, initiate a national process, with public participation, to determine whether and the extent to which any of the best practices are generally applicable on a delegation- or authorization-wide basis to permitting under the statute; and
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(2) Amounts in the Fund shall be available to the Executive Director, without fiscal year limitation, solely for the purposes of administering, implementing, and enforcing this subchapter, including the expenses of the Council, appointing and fixing the compensation of such employees as the Executive Director considers necessary to carry out the roles and responsibilities of the Executive Director, and support of the role of the Council as a Federal center for permitting excellence, which may include supporting interagency detailee and rotation opportunities, advanced training, enhanced support for agency project managers, and fora for sharing information and lessons learned.
Citations to §4336e(4)
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(2) An agency shall prepare an environmental assessment with respect to a proposed agency action that does not have a reasonably foreseeable significant effect on the quality of the human environment, or if the significance of such effect is unknown, unless the agency finds that the proposed agency action is excluded pursuant to one of the agency’s categorical exclusions, another agency’s categorical exclusions consistent with section 4336c of this title, or another provision of law. Such environmental assessment shall be a concise public document prepared by a Federal agency to set forth the basis of such agency’s finding of no significant impact or determination that an environmental impact statement is necessary.
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(2) An environmental assessment shall not exceed 75 pages, not including any citations or appendices.
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(f) A lead agency shall prescribe procedures to allow a project sponsor to prepare an environmental assessment or an environmental impact statement under the supervision of the agency. Such agency may provide such sponsor with appropriate guidance and assist in the preparation. The lead agency shall independently evaluate the environmental document and shall take responsibility for the contents.
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(B) the environmental assessment not later than the date that is 1 year after the sooner of, as applicable—(i) the date on which such agency determines that section 4336(b)(2) of this title requires the preparation of an environmental assessment with respect to such action;(ii) the date on which such agency notifies the applicant that the application to establish a right-of-way for such action is complete; and(iii) the date on which such agency issues a notice of intent to prepare the environmental assessment for such action.
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(i) the date on which such agency determines that section 4336(b)(2) of this title requires the preparation of an environmental assessment with respect to such action;
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(iii) the date on which such agency issues a notice of intent to prepare the environmental assessment for such action.
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(2) A lead agency that determines it is not able to meet the deadline described in paragraph (1) may extend such deadline, in consultation with the applicant, to establish a new deadline that provides only so much additional time as is necessary to complete such environmental impact statement or environmental assessment.
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(A) identifies any environmental assessment and environmental impact statement that such lead agency did not complete by the deadline described in subsection (g); and
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(A) the office, bureau, division, unit, or other entity within the Federal agency responsible for each such environmental assessment and environmental impact statement;
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(iii) such lead agency issued a notice of intent to prepare the environmental assessment or environmental impact statement for the major Federal action; and
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(C) when such environmental assessment and environmental impact statement is expected to be complete.
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(1) A project sponsor that intends to pay a fee under this section for the preparation, or supervision of the preparation, of an environmental assessment or environmental impact statement for a project shall submit to the Council—(A) a description of the project; and(B) a declaration of whether the project sponsor intends to prepare the environmental assessment or environmental impact statement under section 4336a(f) of this title.
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(B) a declaration of whether the project sponsor intends to prepare the environmental assessment or environmental impact statement under section 4336a(f) of this title.
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(A) an environmental assessment for which a fee is paid under this section shall be completed not later than 180 days after the date on which the fee is paid; and
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(1) 125 percent of the anticipated costs to prepare the environmental assessment or environmental impact statement; and
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(2) in the case of an environmental assessment or environmental impact statement to be prepared in whole or in part by a project sponsor under section 4336a(f) of this title, 125 percent of the anticipated costs to supervise preparation of, and, as applicable, prepare, the environmental assessment or environmental impact statement.
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(8) The term “environmental assessment” has the meaning given the term in section 1508.1 of title 40, Code of Federal Regulations (or successor regulations).
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(A) The term “environmental document” means an environmental assessment, finding of no significant impact, notice of intent, environmental impact statement, or record of decision.
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(11) The term “environmental review” means the agency procedures and processes for applying a categorical exclusion or for preparing an environmental assessment, an environmental impact statement, or other document required under NEPA.
Citations to §4336e(5)
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(D) ensure the professional integrity, including scientific integrity, of the discussion and analysis in an environmental document;
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(a) An agency is not required to prepare an environmental document with respect to a proposed agency action if—(1) the proposed agency action is not a final agency action within the meaning of such term in chapter 5 of title 5;(2) the proposed agency action is excluded pursuant to one of the agency’s categorical exclusions, another agency’s categorical exclusions consistent with section 4336c of this title, or another provision of law;(3) the preparation of such document would clearly and fundamentally conflict with the requirements of another provision of law; or
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(1) An agency shall issue an environmental impact statement with respect to a proposed agency action requiring an environmental document that has a reasonably foreseeable significant effect on the quality of the human environment.
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(A) supervise the preparation of an environmental document if, with respect to such proposed agency action, there is more than one participating Federal agency;
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(C) in preparing an environmental document, give consideration to any analysis or proposal created by a cooperating agency;
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(b) To the extent practicable, if a proposed agency action will require action by more than one Federal agency and the lead agency has determined that it requires preparation of an environmental document, the lead and cooperating agencies shall evaluate the proposal in a single environmental document.
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(d) Each environmental document shall include a statement of purpose and need that briefly summarizes the underlying purpose and need for the proposed agency action.
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(f) A lead agency shall prescribe procedures to allow a project sponsor to prepare an environmental assessment or an environmental impact statement under the supervision of the agency. Such agency may provide such sponsor with appropriate guidance and assist in the preparation. The lead agency shall independently evaluate the environmental document and shall take responsibility for the contents.
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When an agency prepares a programmatic environmental document for which judicial review was available, the agency may rely on the analysis included in the programmatic environmental document in a subsequent environmental document for related actions as follows:
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(A) The term “environmental document” means an environmental assessment, finding of no significant impact, notice of intent, environmental impact statement, or record of decision.
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(B) The term “environmental document” includes—(i) any document that is a supplement to a document described in subparagraph (A); and(ii) a document prepared pursuant to a court order.
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(3) where an environmental impact statement is required for a project, prepare a single, joint interagency environmental impact statement for the project unless the lead agency provides justification in the coordinated project plan that multiple environmental documents are more efficient for project review and authorization.
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(2) An environmental document adopted under paragraph (1) or a document that includes documentation incorporated under paragraph (1) may serve as the documentation required for an environmental review or a supplemental environmental review required to be prepared by a lead agency under NEPA.
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(B) If Federal law requires the preparation of a supplemental environmental impact statement or other supplemental environmental document, the preparation of such document shall be considered a separate final agency action and the deadline for filing a claim for judicial review of the agency action shall be 2 years after the date on which a notice announcing the final agency action is published in the Federal Register, unless a shorter time is specified in the Federal law under which judicial review is allowed.
Citations to §4336e(6)
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(1) An agency shall issue an environmental impact statement with respect to a proposed agency action requiring an environmental document that has a reasonably foreseeable significant effect on the quality of the human environment.
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(2) An agency shall prepare an environmental assessment with respect to a proposed agency action that does not have a reasonably foreseeable significant effect on the quality of the human environment, or if the significance of such effect is unknown, unless the agency finds that the proposed agency action is excluded pursuant to one of the agency’s categorical exclusions, another agency’s categorical exclusions consistent with section 4336c of this title, or another provision of law. Such environmental assessment shall be a concise public document prepared by a Federal agency to set forth the basis of such agency’s finding of no significant impact or determination that an environmental impact statement is necessary.
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(c) Each notice of intent to prepare an environmental impact statement under section 4332 of this title shall include a request for public comment on alternatives or impacts and on relevant information, studies, or analyses with respect to the proposed agency action.
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(A) Except as provided in subparagraph (B), an environmental impact statement shall not exceed 150 pages, not including any citations or appendices.
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(B) An environmental impact statement for a proposed agency action of extraordinary complexity shall not exceed 300 pages, not including any citations or appendices.
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(f) A lead agency shall prescribe procedures to allow a project sponsor to prepare an environmental assessment or an environmental impact statement under the supervision of the agency. Such agency may provide such sponsor with appropriate guidance and assist in the preparation. The lead agency shall independently evaluate the environmental document and shall take responsibility for the contents.
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(A) the environmental impact statement not later than the date that is 2 years after the sooner of, as applicable—(i) the date on which such agency determines that section 4332(2)(C) of this title requires the issuance of an environmental impact statement with respect to such action;(ii) the date on which such agency notifies the applicant that the application to establish a right-of-way for such action is complete; and(iii) the date on which such agency issues a notice of intent to prepare the environmental impact statement for such action; and
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(i) the date on which such agency determines that section 4332(2)(C) of this title requires the issuance of an environmental impact statement with respect to such action;
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(iii) the date on which such agency issues a notice of intent to prepare the environmental impact statement for such action; and
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(2) A lead agency that determines it is not able to meet the deadline described in paragraph (1) may extend such deadline, in consultation with the applicant, to establish a new deadline that provides only so much additional time as is necessary to complete such environmental impact statement or environmental assessment.
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(A) identifies any environmental assessment and environmental impact statement that such lead agency did not complete by the deadline described in subsection (g); and
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(A) the office, bureau, division, unit, or other entity within the Federal agency responsible for each such environmental assessment and environmental impact statement;
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(iii) such lead agency issued a notice of intent to prepare the environmental assessment or environmental impact statement for the major Federal action; and
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(C) when such environmental assessment and environmental impact statement is expected to be complete.
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(1) A project sponsor that intends to pay a fee under this section for the preparation, or supervision of the preparation, of an environmental assessment or environmental impact statement for a project shall submit to the Council—(A) a description of the project; and(B) a declaration of whether the project sponsor intends to prepare the environmental assessment or environmental impact statement under section 4336a(f) of this title.
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(B) a declaration of whether the project sponsor intends to prepare the environmental assessment or environmental impact statement under section 4336a(f) of this title.
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(B) an environmental impact statement for which a fee is paid under this section shall be completed not later than 1 year after the date of publication of the notice of intent to prepare the environmental impact statement.
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(1) 125 percent of the anticipated costs to prepare the environmental assessment or environmental impact statement; and
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(2) in the case of an environmental assessment or environmental impact statement to be prepared in whole or in part by a project sponsor under section 4336a(f) of this title, 125 percent of the anticipated costs to supervise preparation of, and, as applicable, prepare, the environmental assessment or environmental impact statement.
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(II) the preparation of an environmental impact statement under NEPA.
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(A) The term “environmental document” means an environmental assessment, finding of no significant impact, notice of intent, environmental impact statement, or record of decision.
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(10) The term “environmental impact statement” means the detailed written statement required under section 102(2)(C) of NEPA [42 U.S.C. 4332(2)(C)].
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(11) The term “environmental review” means the agency procedures and processes for applying a categorical exclusion or for preparing an environmental assessment, an environmental impact statement, or other document required under NEPA.
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(B) an environmental impact statement under NEPA.
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(3) where an environmental impact statement is required for a project, prepare a single, joint interagency environmental impact statement for the project unless the lead agency provides justification in the coordinated project plan that multiple environmental documents are more efficient for project review and authorization.
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(A) As early as practicable during the environmental review, but not later than the commencement of scoping for a project requiring the preparation of an environmental impact statement, the lead agency shall engage the cooperating agencies and the public to determine the range of reasonable alternatives to be considered for a covered project.
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(1) For comments by an agency or the public on a draft environmental impact statement, the lead agency shall establish a comment period of not less than 45 days and not more than 60 days after the date on which a notice announcing availability of the environmental impact statement is published in the Federal Register, unless—(A) the lead agency, the project sponsor, and any cooperating agency agree to a longer deadline; or(B) the lead agency, in consultation with each cooperating agency, extends the deadline for good cause.
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(f) When an environmental impact statement is prepared, Federal agencies must, to the maximum extent practicable, issue a record of decision not later than 90 days after the date on which the final environmental impact statement is issued.
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(B) If Federal law requires the preparation of a supplemental environmental impact statement or other supplemental environmental document, the preparation of such document shall be considered a separate final agency action and the deadline for filing a claim for judicial review of the agency action shall be 2 years after the date on which a notice announcing the final agency action is published in the Federal Register, unless a shorter time is specified in the Federal law under which judicial review is allowed.
Citations to §4336e(7)
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(2) An agency shall prepare an environmental assessment with respect to a proposed agency action that does not have a reasonably foreseeable significant effect on the quality of the human environment, or if the significance of such effect is unknown, unless the agency finds that the proposed agency action is excluded pursuant to one of the agency’s categorical exclusions, another agency’s categorical exclusions consistent with section 4336c of this title, or another provision of law. Such environmental assessment shall be a concise public document prepared by a Federal agency to set forth the basis of such agency’s finding of no significant impact or determination that an environmental impact statement is necessary.
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(A) The term “environmental document” means an environmental assessment, finding of no significant impact, notice of intent, environmental impact statement, or record of decision.
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(5) A lead agency shall issue a record of decision or finding of no significant impact, as appropriate, based on the document adopted under paragraph (1) and any supplemental document prepared under paragraph (3).
Citations to §4336e(8)
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(A) If there are two or more participating Federal agencies, such agencies shall determine, by letter or memorandum, which agency shall be the lead agency based on consideration of the—(i) magnitude of agency’s involvement;(ii) project approval or disapproval authority;(iii) expertise concerning the action’s environmental effects;(iv) duration of agency’s involvement; and(v) sequence of agency’s involvement.
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(B) In making a determination under subparagraph (A), the participating Federal agencies may appoint such State, Tribal, or local agencies as joint lead agencies as the involved Federal agencies shall determine appropriate. Joint lead agencies shall jointly fulfill the role described in paragraph (2).
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(A) supervise the preparation of an environmental document if, with respect to such proposed agency action, there is more than one participating Federal agency;
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(4) Any Federal, State, Tribal, or local agency or person that is substantially affected by the lack of a designation of a lead agency with respect to a proposed agency action under paragraph (1) may submit a written request for such a designation to a participating Federal agency. An agency that receives a request under this paragraph shall transmit such request to each participating Federal agency and to the Council.
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(A) If the participating Federal agencies are unable to agree on the designation of a lead agency within 45 days of the request under paragraph (4), then the Federal, State, Tribal or local agency or person that is substantially affected by the lack or a designation of a lead agency may request that the Council designate a lead agency. Such request shall consist of—(i) a precise description of the nature and extent of the proposed agency action; and(ii) a detailed statement with respect to each participating Federal agency and each factor listed in paragraph (1) regarding which agency should serve as lead agency.
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(ii) a detailed statement with respect to each participating Federal agency and each factor listed in paragraph (1) regarding which agency should serve as lead agency.
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(B) The Council shall transmit a request received under subparagraph (A) to each participating Federal agency.
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(C) A participating Federal agency may, not later than 20 days after the date of the submission of a request under subparagraph (A), submit to the Council a response to such request.
Citations to §4336e(9)
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(C) consistent with the provisions of this chapter and except where compliance would be inconsistent with other statutory requirements, include in every recommendation or report on proposals for legislation and other major Federal actions significantly affecting the quality of the human environment, a detailed statement by the responsible official on—(i) reasonably foreseeable environmental effects of the proposed agency action;(ii) any reasonably foreseeable adverse environmental effects which cannot be avoided should the proposal be implemented;(iii) a reasonable range of alternatives to the proposed agency action, including an analysis of any negative environmental impacts of not implementing the proposed agency action in the case of a no action alternative, that are technically and economically feasible, and meet the purpose and need of the proposal;(iv) the relationship between local short-term uses of man’s environment and the maintenance and enhancement of long-term productivity; and(v) any irreversible and irretrievable commitments of Federal resources which would be involved in the proposed agency action should it be implemented.Prior to making any detailed statement, the head of the lead agency shall consult with and obtain the comments of any Federal agency which has jurisdiction by law or special expertise with respect to any environmental impact involved. Copies of such statement and the comments and views of the appropriate Federal, State, and local agencies, which are authorized to develop and enforce environmental standards, shall be made available to the President, the Council on Environmental Quality and to the public as provided by section 552 of title 5, and shall accompany the proposal through the existing agency review processes;
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(A) If there are two or more participating Federal agencies, such agencies shall determine, by letter or memorandum, which agency shall be the lead agency based on consideration of the—(i) magnitude of agency’s involvement;(ii) project approval or disapproval authority;(iii) expertise concerning the action’s environmental effects;(iv) duration of agency’s involvement; and(v) sequence of agency’s involvement.
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(B) In making a determination under subparagraph (A), the participating Federal agencies may appoint such State, Tribal, or local agencies as joint lead agencies as the involved Federal agencies shall determine appropriate. Joint lead agencies shall jointly fulfill the role described in paragraph (2).
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(2) A lead agency shall, with respect to a proposed agency action—(A) supervise the preparation of an environmental document if, with respect to such proposed agency action, there is more than one participating Federal agency;(B) request the participation of each cooperating agency at the earliest practicable time;(C) in preparing an environmental document, give consideration to any analysis or proposal created by a cooperating agency;(D) develop a schedule, in consultation with each cooperating agency, the applicant, and such other entities as the lead agency determines appropriate, for completion of any environmental review, permit, or authorization required to carry out the proposed agency action;(E) if the lead agency determines that a review, permit, or authorization will not be completed in accordance with the schedule developed under subparagraph (D), notify the agency responsible for issuing such review, permit, or authorization of the discrepancy and request that such agency take such measures as such agency determines appropriate to comply with such schedule; and(F) meet with a cooperating agency that requests such a meeting.
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(D) develop a schedule, in consultation with each cooperating agency, the applicant, and such other entities as the lead agency determines appropriate, for completion of any environmental review, permit, or authorization required to carry out the proposed agency action;
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(E) if the lead agency determines that a review, permit, or authorization will not be completed in accordance with the schedule developed under subparagraph (D), notify the agency responsible for issuing such review, permit, or authorization of the discrepancy and request that such agency take such measures as such agency determines appropriate to comply with such schedule; and
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(3) The lead agency may, with respect to a proposed agency action, designate any Federal, State, Tribal, or local agency that has jurisdiction by law or special expertise with respect to any environmental impact involved in a proposal to serve as a cooperating agency. A cooperating agency may, not later than a date specified in the schedule established by the lead agency, submit comments to the lead agency.
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(4) Any Federal, State, Tribal, or local agency or person that is substantially affected by the lack of a designation of a lead agency with respect to a proposed agency action under paragraph (1) may submit a written request for such a designation to a participating Federal agency. An agency that receives a request under this paragraph shall transmit such request to each participating Federal agency and to the Council.
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(A) If the participating Federal agencies are unable to agree on the designation of a lead agency within 45 days of the request under paragraph (4), then the Federal, State, Tribal or local agency or person that is substantially affected by the lack or a designation of a lead agency may request that the Council designate a lead agency. Such request shall consist of—(i) a precise description of the nature and extent of the proposed agency action; and(ii) a detailed statement with respect to each participating Federal agency and each factor listed in paragraph (1) regarding which agency should serve as lead agency.
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(ii) a detailed statement with respect to each participating Federal agency and each factor listed in paragraph (1) regarding which agency should serve as lead agency.
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(D) Not later than 40 days after the date of the submission of a request under subparagraph (A), the Council shall designate the lead agency with respect to the relevant proposed agency action.
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(b) To the extent practicable, if a proposed agency action will require action by more than one Federal agency and the lead agency has determined that it requires preparation of an environmental document, the lead and cooperating agencies shall evaluate the proposal in a single environmental document.
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(f) A lead agency shall prescribe procedures to allow a project sponsor to prepare an environmental assessment or an environmental impact statement under the supervision of the agency. Such agency may provide such sponsor with appropriate guidance and assist in the preparation. The lead agency shall independently evaluate the environmental document and shall take responsibility for the contents.
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(1) Except as provided in paragraph (2), with respect to a proposed agency action, a lead agency shall complete, as applicable—(A) the environmental impact statement not later than the date that is 2 years after the sooner of, as applicable—(i) the date on which such agency determines that section 4332(2)(C) of this title requires the issuance of an environmental impact statement with respect to such action;(ii) the date on which such agency notifies the applicant that the application to establish a right-of-way for such action is complete; and(iii) the date on which such agency issues a notice of intent to prepare the environmental impact statement for such action; and(B) the environmental assessment not later than the date that is 1 year after the sooner of, as applicable—(i) the date on which such agency determines that section 4336(b)(2) of this title requires the preparation of an environmental assessment with respect to such action;(ii) the date on which such agency notifies the applicant that the application to establish a right-of-way for such action is complete; and(iii) the date on which such agency issues a notice of intent to prepare the environmental assessment for such action.
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(2) A lead agency that determines it is not able to meet the deadline described in paragraph (1) may extend such deadline, in consultation with the applicant, to establish a new deadline that provides only so much additional time as is necessary to complete such environmental impact statement or environmental assessment.
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(1) The head of each lead agency shall annually submit to the Committee on Natural Resources of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Environment and Public Works of the Senate a report that—(A) identifies any environmental assessment and environmental impact statement that such lead agency did not complete by the deadline described in subsection (g); and(B) provides an explanation for any failure to meet such deadline.
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(A) identifies any environmental assessment and environmental impact statement that such lead agency did not complete by the deadline described in subsection (g); and
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(i) such lead agency notified the applicant that the application to establish a right-of-way for the major Federal action is complete;
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(ii) such lead agency began the scoping for the major Federal action; or
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(iii) such lead agency issued a notice of intent to prepare the environmental assessment or environmental impact statement for the major Federal action; and
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(15) The term “lead agency” means the agency with principal responsibility for an environmental review of a covered project under NEPA and parts 1500 through 1508 of title 40, Code of Federal Regulations (or successor regulations).
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(A) Not later than 21 calendar days after the date on which the Executive Director must make a specific entry for the project on the Dashboard under subsection (b)(2)(A), the facilitating agency or lead agency, as applicable, shall—(i) identify all Federal and non-Federal agencies and governmental entities likely to have financing, environmental review, authorization, or other responsibilities with respect to the proposed project; and(ii) invite all Federal agencies identified under clause (i) to become a participating agency or a cooperating agency, as appropriate, in the environmental review and authorization management process described in section 4370m–4 of this title.
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(B) Each invitation made under subparagraph (A) shall include a 14 calendar day deadline for a response to be submitted to the facilitating or lead agency, as applicable.
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(A) An agency invited under paragraph (2) shall be designated as a participating or cooperating agency for a covered project, unless the agency informs the facilitating or lead agency, as applicable, and the Executive Director in writing before the deadline under paragraph (2)(B) that the agency—(i) has no jurisdiction or authority with respect to the proposed project; or(ii) does not intend to exercise authority related to, or submit comments on, the proposed project.
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(A) On establishment of the lead agency, the lead agency shall assume the responsibilities of the facilitating agency under this subchapter.
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(B) If the lead agency assumes the responsibilities of the facilitating agency under subparagraph (A), the facilitating agency may be designated as a cooperative or participating agency.
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(A) On the request of a participating agency or project sponsor, the Executive Director may designate a different agency as the facilitating or lead agency, as applicable, for a covered project, if the facilitating or lead agency or the Executive Director receives new information regarding the scope or nature of a covered project that indicates that the project should be placed in a different category under section 4370m–1(c)(1)(B) of this title.
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(B) The Chairman of the Council on Environmental Quality shall resolve any dispute over designation of a facilitating or lead agency for a particular covered project.
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(ii) Not later than 14 days after the date on which the Executive Director receives a notice under subsection (a)(1), the Executive Director shall create a specific entry on the Dashboard for the covered project, unless the Executive Director, facilitating agency, or lead agency, as applicable, determines that the project is not a covered project.
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(I) The Executive Director may direct a lead agency to create a specific entry on the Dashboard for a project that is not a covered project and is under review by the lead agency if the Executive Director determines that a Dashboard entry for that project is in the interest of transparency.
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(II) Not later than 14 days after the date on which the Executive Director directs the lead agency to create a specific entry on the Dashboard for a project described in subclause (I), the lead agency shall create and maintain a specific entry on the Dashboard for the project that contains—(aa) a comprehensive permitting timetable, as described in subsection (c)(2)(A);(bb) the status of the compliance of each lead agency, cooperating agency, and participating agency with the permitting timetable required under item (aa);(cc) any modifications of the permitting timetable required under item (aa), including an explanation as to why the permitting timetable was modified; and
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(bb) the status of the compliance of each lead agency, cooperating agency, and participating agency with the permitting timetable required under item (aa);
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(B) If the facilitating agency or lead agency, as applicable, determines that the project is not a covered project, the project sponsor may submit a further explanation as to why the project is a covered project not later than 14 days after the date of the determination under subparagraph (A).
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(A) For each covered project added to the Dashboard under paragraph (2), the facilitating or lead agency, as applicable, and each cooperating and participating agency shall post to the Dashboard—(i) a hyperlink that directs to a website that contains, to the extent consistent with applicable law—(I) the notification submitted under subsection (a)(1);(aa) where practicable, the application and supporting documents, if applicable, that have been submitted by a project sponsor for any required environmental review or authorization; or(bb) a notice explaining how the public may obtain access to such documents;(III) a description of any Federal agency action taken or decision made that materially affects the status of a covered project;(IV) any significant document that supports the action or decision described in subclause (III);(V) information on the status of mitigation measures that were agreed to as part of the environmental review and permitting process, including whether and when the mitigation measures have been fully implemented; and(VI) a description of the status of any litigation to which the agency is a party that is directly related to the project, including, if practicable, any judicial document made available on an electronic docket maintained by a Federal, State, or local court;(ii) any document described in clause (i) that is not available by hyperlink on another website; and
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(A) Not later than 60 days after the date on which the Executive Director must make a specific entry for the project on the Dashboard under subsection (b)(2)(A), the facilitating or lead agency, as applicable, in consultation with each coordinating and participating agency, shall establish a concise plan for coordinating public and agency participation in, and completion of, any required Federal environmental review and authorization for the project.
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(B) The Coordinated Project Plan shall include the following information and be updated by the facilitating or lead agency, as applicable, at least once per quarter:(i) A list of, and roles and responsibilities for, all entities with environmental review or authorization responsibility for the project.(ii) A permitting timetable, as described in paragraph (2), setting forth a comprehensive schedule of dates by which all environmental reviews and authorizations, and to the maximum extent practicable, State permits, reviews and approvals must be made.(iii) A discussion of potential avoidance, minimization, and mitigation strategies, if required by applicable law and known.(iv) Plans and a schedule for public and tribal outreach and coordination, to the extent required by applicable law.
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(A) As part of the coordinated project plan under paragraph (1), the facilitating or lead agency, as applicable, in consultation with each cooperating and participating agency, the project sponsor, and any State in which the project is located, and, subject to subparagraph (C), with the concurrence of each cooperating agency, shall establish a permitting timetable that includes intermediate and final completion dates for action by each participating agency on any Federal environmental review or authorization required for the project.
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(B) In establishing the permitting timetable under subparagraph (A), the facilitating or lead agency shall follow the performance schedules established under section 4370m–1(c)(1)(C) of this title, but may vary the timetable based on relevant factors, including—(i) the size and complexity of the covered project;(ii) the resources available to each participating agency;(iii) the regional or national economic significance of the project;(iv) the sensitivity of the natural or historic resources that may be affected by the project;(v) the financing plan for the project; and(vi) the extent to which similar projects in geographic proximity to the project were recently subject to environmental review or similar procedures under State law.
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(i) The facilitating or lead agency, as applicable, may modify a permitting timetable established under subparagraph (A) only if—(I) the facilitating or lead agency, as applicable, consults with the Executive Director regarding the potential modification not less than 15 days before engaging in the consultation under subclause (II);(II) the facilitating or lead agency, as applicable, and the affected cooperating agencies, after consultation with the participating agencies, the Executive Director, and the project sponsor, agree to a different completion date;(III) the facilitating agency or lead agency, as applicable, or the affected cooperating agency provides a written justification for the modification; and(IV) in the case of a modification that would necessitate an extension of a final completion date under a permitting timetable established under subparagraph (A) to a date more than 30 days after the final completion date originally established under subparagraph (A), the facilitating or lead agency submits a request to modify the permitting timetable to the Executive Director, who shall consult with the project sponsor and make a determination on the record, based on consideration of the relevant factors described under subparagraph (B), whether to grant the facilitating or lead agency, as applicable, authority to make such modification.
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(I) the facilitating or lead agency, as applicable, consults with the Executive Director regarding the potential modification not less than 15 days before engaging in the consultation under subclause (II);
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(II) the facilitating or lead agency, as applicable, and the affected cooperating agencies, after consultation with the participating agencies, the Executive Director, and the project sponsor, agree to a different completion date;
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(III) the facilitating agency or lead agency, as applicable, or the affected cooperating agency provides a written justification for the modification; and
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(IV) in the case of a modification that would necessitate an extension of a final completion date under a permitting timetable established under subparagraph (A) to a date more than 30 days after the final completion date originally established under subparagraph (A), the facilitating or lead agency submits a request to modify the permitting timetable to the Executive Director, who shall consult with the project sponsor and make a determination on the record, based on consideration of the relevant factors described under subparagraph (B), whether to grant the facilitating or lead agency, as applicable, authority to make such modification.
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(II) in consultation with the facilitating or lead agency, as applicable, establish an alternative completion date; and
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(i) If the facilitating or lead agency, as applicable, has a reasonable basis to doubt the continuing technical or financial ability of the project sponsor to construct the covered project, the facilitating or lead agency may request the project sponsor provide an updated statement regarding the ability of the project sponsor to complete the project.
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(iii) On publication of a notice under clause (ii), the completion dates in the permitting timetable shall be tolled and agencies shall be relieved of the obligation to comply with subparagraph (F) until such time as the project sponsor submits to the facilitating or lead agency, as applicable, an updated statement regarding the technical and financial ability of the project sponsor to construct the project.
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(B) To the maximum extent practicable under applicable law, the facilitating or lead agency, as applicable, shall coordinate the Federal environmental review and authorization processes under this subsection with any State, local, or tribal agency responsible for conducting any separate review or authorization of the covered project to ensure timely and efficient completion of environmental reviews and authorizations.
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(i) Any coordination plan between the facilitating or lead agency, as applicable, and any State, local, or tribal agency shall, to the maximum extent practicable, be included in a memorandum of understanding.
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(ii) The facilitating or lead agency, as applicable, shall submit to the Executive Director each memorandum of understanding described in clause (i).
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(d) The facilitating or lead agency, as applicable, shall provide an expeditious process for project sponsors to confer with each cooperating and participating agency involved and, not later than 60 days after the date on which the project sponsor submits a request under this subsection, to have each such agency provide to the project sponsor information concerning—(1) the availability of information and tools, including pre-application toolkits, to facilitate early planning efforts;(2) key issues of concern to each agency and to the public; and(3) issues that must be addressed before an environmental review or authorization can be completed.
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(1) A lead agency may designate a participating agency as a cooperating agency in accordance with part 1501 of title 40, Code of Federal Regulations (or successor regulations).
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(3) where an environmental impact statement is required for a project, prepare a single, joint interagency environmental impact statement for the project unless the lead agency provides justification in the coordinated project plan that multiple environmental documents are more efficient for project review and authorization.
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(A) On the request of a project sponsor, a lead agency shall consider and, as appropriate, adopt or incorporate by reference, the analysis and documentation that has been prepared for a covered project under the laws and procedures of a State or Indian Tribe (as defined in section 5130 of title 25) as the documentation, or part of the documentation, required to complete an environmental review for the covered project, if the analysis and documentation were, as determined by the lead agency in consultation with the Council on Environmental Quality, developed pursuant to laws and procedures of that State or Indian Tribe (as so defined) that are of equal or greater rigor to each applicable Federal law and procedure, and prepared under circumstances that allowed for opportunities for public participation and consideration of alternatives, environmental consequences, and other required analyses that are substantially equivalent to what would have been available had the documents and analysis been prepared by a Federal agency pursuant to NEPA.
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(2) An environmental document adopted under paragraph (1) or a document that includes documentation incorporated under paragraph (1) may serve as the documentation required for an environmental review or a supplemental environmental review required to be prepared by a lead agency under NEPA.
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(3) If the lead agency adopts or incorporates analysis and documentation described in paragraph (1), the lead agency shall prepare and publish a supplemental document if the lead agency determines that during the period after preparation of the analysis and documentation and before the adoption or incorporation—(A) a significant change has been made to the covered project that is relevant for purposes of environmental review of the project; or(B) there has been a significant circumstance or new information has emerged that is relevant to the environmental review for the covered project.
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(4) If a lead agency prepares and publishes a supplemental document under paragraph (3), the lead agency shall solicit comments from other agencies and the public on the supplemental document for a period of not more than 45 days, beginning on the date on which the supplemental document is published, unless—(A) the lead agency, the project sponsor, and any cooperating agency agree to a longer deadline; or(B) the lead agency extends the deadline for good cause.
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(A) the lead agency, the project sponsor, and any cooperating agency agree to a longer deadline; or
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(B) the lead agency extends the deadline for good cause.
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(5) A lead agency shall issue a record of decision or finding of no significant impact, as appropriate, based on the document adopted under paragraph (1) and any supplemental document prepared under paragraph (3).
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(A) As early as practicable during the environmental review, but not later than the commencement of scoping for a project requiring the preparation of an environmental impact statement, the lead agency shall engage the cooperating agencies and the public to determine the range of reasonable alternatives to be considered for a covered project.
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(A) Following participation under paragraph (1) and subject to subparagraph (B), the lead agency shall determine the range of reasonable alternatives for consideration in any document that the lead agency is responsible for preparing for the covered project.
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(B) In determining the range of alternatives under subparagraph (A), the lead agency shall include all alternatives required to be considered by law.
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(A) The lead agency shall determine, in collaboration with each cooperating agency at appropriate times during the environmental review, the methodologies to be used and the level of detail required in the analysis of each alternative for a covered project.
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(4) With the concurrence of the cooperating agencies with jurisdiction under Federal law and at the discretion of the lead agency, the preferred alternative for a project, after being identified, may be developed to a higher level of detail than other alternatives to facilitate the development of mitigation measures or concurrent compliance with other applicable laws if the lead agency determines that—(A) the development of the higher level of detail will not prevent the lead agency from making an impartial decision as to whether to accept another alternative that is being considered in the environmental review; and(B) the preferred and other alternatives are developed in sufficient detail to enable the public to comment on the alternatives.
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(A) the development of the higher level of detail will not prevent the lead agency from making an impartial decision as to whether to accept another alternative that is being considered in the environmental review; and
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(1) For comments by an agency or the public on a draft environmental impact statement, the lead agency shall establish a comment period of not less than 45 days and not more than 60 days after the date on which a notice announcing availability of the environmental impact statement is published in the Federal Register, unless—(A) the lead agency, the project sponsor, and any cooperating agency agree to a longer deadline; or(B) the lead agency, in consultation with each cooperating agency, extends the deadline for good cause.
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(A) the lead agency, the project sponsor, and any cooperating agency agree to a longer deadline; or
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(B) the lead agency, in consultation with each cooperating agency, extends the deadline for good cause.
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(2) For all other review or comment periods in the environmental review process described in parts 1500 through 1508 of title 40, Code of Federal Regulations (or successor regulations), the lead agency shall establish a comment period of not more than 45 days after the date on which the materials on which comment is requested are made available, unless—(A) the lead agency, the project sponsor, and any cooperating agency agree to a longer deadline; or(B) the lead agency extends the deadline for good cause.
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(A) the lead agency, the project sponsor, and any cooperating agency agree to a longer deadline; or
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(B) the lead agency extends the deadline for good cause.
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(1) The lead agency and each cooperating and participating agency shall work cooperatively in accordance with this section to identify and resolve issues that could delay completion of an environmental review or an authorization required for the project under applicable law or result in the denial of any approval under applicable law.
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(A) The lead agency shall make information available to each cooperating and participating agency and project sponsor as early as practicable in the environmental review regarding the environmental, historic, and socioeconomic resources located within the project area and the general locations of the alternatives under consideration.
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(ii) any commenter filed a sufficiently detailed comment so as to put the lead agency on notice of the issue on which the party seeks judicial review, or the lead agency did not provide a reasonable opportunity for such a comment on that issue.
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(A) The head of a lead agency or participating agency shall consider new information received after the close of a comment period if the information satisfies the requirements under regulations implementing NEPA.
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(3) Not later than April 15 of each year, each participating agency and lead agency shall submit to Congress and the Director of the Office of Management and Budget a report assessing the performance of the agency in implementing the best practices described in section 4370m–1(c)(2)(B) of this title.
Citations to §4336e(10)(A)
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(C) consistent with the provisions of this chapter and except where compliance would be inconsistent with other statutory requirements, include in every recommendation or report on proposals for legislation and other major Federal actions significantly affecting the quality of the human environment, a detailed statement by the responsible official on—(i) reasonably foreseeable environmental effects of the proposed agency action;(ii) any reasonably foreseeable adverse environmental effects which cannot be avoided should the proposal be implemented;(iii) a reasonable range of alternatives to the proposed agency action, including an analysis of any negative environmental impacts of not implementing the proposed agency action in the case of a no action alternative, that are technically and economically feasible, and meet the purpose and need of the proposal;(iv) the relationship between local short-term uses of man’s environment and the maintenance and enhancement of long-term productivity; and(v) any irreversible and irretrievable commitments of Federal resources which would be involved in the proposed agency action should it be implemented.Prior to making any detailed statement, the head of the lead agency shall consult with and obtain the comments of any Federal agency which has jurisdiction by law or special expertise with respect to any environmental impact involved. Copies of such statement and the comments and views of the appropriate Federal, State, and local agencies, which are authorized to develop and enforce environmental standards, shall be made available to the President, the Council on Environmental Quality and to the public as provided by section 552 of title 5, and shall accompany the proposal through the existing agency review processes;
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(G) any detailed statement required under subparagraph (C) after January 1, 1970, for any major Federal action funded under a program of grants to States shall not be deemed to be legally insufficient solely by reason of having been prepared by a State agency or official, if:(i) the State agency or official has statewide jurisdiction and has the responsibility for such action,(ii) the responsible Federal official furnishes guidance and participates in such preparation,(iii) the responsible Federal official independently evaluates such statement prior to its approval and adoption, and(iv) after January 1, 1976, the responsible Federal official provides early notification to, and solicits the views of, any other State or any Federal land management entity of any action or any alternative thereto which may have significant impacts upon such State or affected Federal land management entity and, if there is any disagreement on such impacts, prepares a written assessment of such impacts and views for incorporation into such detailed statement.The procedures in this subparagraph shall not relieve the Federal official of his responsibilities for the scope, objectivity, and content of the entire statement or of any other responsibility under this chapter; and further, this subparagraph does not affect the legal sufficiency of statements prepared by State agencies with less than statewide jurisdiction.1
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(i) such lead agency notified the applicant that the application to establish a right-of-way for the major Federal action is complete;
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(ii) such lead agency began the scoping for the major Federal action; or
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(iii) such lead agency issued a notice of intent to prepare the environmental assessment or environmental impact statement for the major Federal action; and
Citations to §4336e(11)
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When an agency prepares a programmatic environmental document for which judicial review was available, the agency may rely on the analysis included in the programmatic environmental document in a subsequent environmental document for related actions as follows:
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(1) Within 5 years and without additional review of the analysis in the programmatic environmental document, unless there are substantial new circumstances or information about the significance of adverse effects that bear on the analysis.
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(2) After 5 years, so long as the agency reevaluates the analysis in the programmatic environmental document and any underlying assumption to ensure reliance on the analysis remains valid.
Citations to §4336e(12)
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(C) consistent with the provisions of this chapter and except where compliance would be inconsistent with other statutory requirements, include in every recommendation or report on proposals for legislation and other major Federal actions significantly affecting the quality of the human environment, a detailed statement by the responsible official on—(i) reasonably foreseeable environmental effects of the proposed agency action;(ii) any reasonably foreseeable adverse environmental effects which cannot be avoided should the proposal be implemented;(iii) a reasonable range of alternatives to the proposed agency action, including an analysis of any negative environmental impacts of not implementing the proposed agency action in the case of a no action alternative, that are technically and economically feasible, and meet the purpose and need of the proposal;(iv) the relationship between local short-term uses of man’s environment and the maintenance and enhancement of long-term productivity; and(v) any irreversible and irretrievable commitments of Federal resources which would be involved in the proposed agency action should it be implemented.Prior to making any detailed statement, the head of the lead agency shall consult with and obtain the comments of any Federal agency which has jurisdiction by law or special expertise with respect to any environmental impact involved. Copies of such statement and the comments and views of the appropriate Federal, State, and local agencies, which are authorized to develop and enforce environmental standards, shall be made available to the President, the Council on Environmental Quality and to the public as provided by section 552 of title 5, and shall accompany the proposal through the existing agency review processes;
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(ii) any reasonably foreseeable adverse environmental effects which cannot be avoided should the proposal be implemented;
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(iii) a reasonable range of alternatives to the proposed agency action, including an analysis of any negative environmental impacts of not implementing the proposed agency action in the case of a no action alternative, that are technically and economically feasible, and meet the purpose and need of the proposal;
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(H) study, develop, and describe appropriate alternatives to recommended courses of action in any proposal which involves unresolved conflicts concerning alternative uses of available resources;
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(C) in preparing an environmental document, give consideration to any analysis or proposal created by a cooperating agency;
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(3) The lead agency may, with respect to a proposed agency action, designate any Federal, State, Tribal, or local agency that has jurisdiction by law or special expertise with respect to any environmental impact involved in a proposal to serve as a cooperating agency. A cooperating agency may, not later than a date specified in the schedule established by the lead agency, submit comments to the lead agency.
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(b) To the extent practicable, if a proposed agency action will require action by more than one Federal agency and the lead agency has determined that it requires preparation of an environmental document, the lead and cooperating agencies shall evaluate the proposal in a single environmental document.
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(I) promptly submit to the Executive Director for publication on the Dashboard an explanation of the specific reasons for failing or reasonably believing the agency will fail to conform to the completion date and a proposal for an alternative completion date;
Citations to §4336e(13)
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(C) consistent with the provisions of this chapter and except where compliance would be inconsistent with other statutory requirements, include in every recommendation or report on proposals for legislation and other major Federal actions significantly affecting the quality of the human environment, a detailed statement by the responsible official on—(i) reasonably foreseeable environmental effects of the proposed agency action;(ii) any reasonably foreseeable adverse environmental effects which cannot be avoided should the proposal be implemented;(iii) a reasonable range of alternatives to the proposed agency action, including an analysis of any negative environmental impacts of not implementing the proposed agency action in the case of a no action alternative, that are technically and economically feasible, and meet the purpose and need of the proposal;(iv) the relationship between local short-term uses of man’s environment and the maintenance and enhancement of long-term productivity; and(v) any irreversible and irretrievable commitments of Federal resources which would be involved in the proposed agency action should it be implemented.Prior to making any detailed statement, the head of the lead agency shall consult with and obtain the comments of any Federal agency which has jurisdiction by law or special expertise with respect to any environmental impact involved. Copies of such statement and the comments and views of the appropriate Federal, State, and local agencies, which are authorized to develop and enforce environmental standards, shall be made available to the President, the Council on Environmental Quality and to the public as provided by section 552 of title 5, and shall accompany the proposal through the existing agency review processes;
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(3) The lead agency may, with respect to a proposed agency action, designate any Federal, State, Tribal, or local agency that has jurisdiction by law or special expertise with respect to any environmental impact involved in a proposal to serve as a cooperating agency. A cooperating agency may, not later than a date specified in the schedule established by the lead agency, submit comments to the lead agency.