NEPA Mitiggation: New Guidance From Council...

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Presenting a live 90minute webinar with interactive Q&A NEPA Mitigation: New Guidance From Council on Environmental Quality Preparing for Heightened Mitigation and Monitoring Accountability and Agency Oversight T d ’ f l f 1pm Eastern | 12pm Central | 11am Mountain | 10am Pacific TUESDAY, APRIL 5, 2011 T odays faculty features: Nicholas C. Yost, Partner, SNR Denton, San Francisco George J. Mannina, Jr., Partner, Nossaman, Washington, D.C. The audio portion of the conference may be accessed via the Stephen L. Leathery, National NEPA Coordinator, US Department of Commerce National Marine Fisheries Service, Silver Spring, Md. telephone or by using your computer's speakers. Please refer to the instructions emailed to registrants for additional information. If you have any questions, please contact Customer Service at 1-800-926-7926 ext. 10.

Transcript of NEPA Mitiggation: New Guidance From Council...

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Presenting a live 90‐minute webinar with interactive Q&A

NEPA Mitigation: New Guidance From gCouncil on Environmental QualityPreparing for Heightened Mitigation and Monitoring Accountability and Agency Oversight

T d ’ f l f

1pm Eastern | 12pm Central | 11am Mountain | 10am Pacific

TUESDAY, APRIL 5, 2011

Today’s faculty features:

Nicholas C. Yost, Partner, SNR Denton, San Francisco

George J. Mannina, Jr., Partner, Nossaman, Washington, D.C.

The audio portion of the conference may be accessed via the

Stephen L. Leathery, National NEPA Coordinator, US Department of Commerce National Marine Fisheries Service, Silver Spring, Md.

p ytelephone or by using your computer's speakers.

Please refer to the instructions emailed to registrants for additional information. If you have any questions, please contact Customer Service at 1-800-926-7926 ext. 10.

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Continuing Education Credits FOR LIVE EVENT ONLY

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Tips for Optimal Quality

S d Q litSound QualityIf you are listening via your computer speakers, please note that the quality of your sound will vary depending on the speed and quality of your internet connection.

If the sound quality is not satisfactory and you are listening via your computer speakers, you may listen via the phone: dial 1-866-443-5798 and enter your PIN when prompted Otherwise please send us a chat or e mail when prompted. Otherwise, please send us a chat or e-mail [email protected] immediately so we can address the problem.

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NEPA Mitigation Webinar:The Context – the Law, the Regulations, the Court Decisions

Nicholas C. YostSNR Denton US LLP525 Market Street, 26th FloorSan Francisco, CA 94105Telephone: 415-882-2440Facsimile: 415-882-0300E-mail: [email protected]

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E mail: [email protected]

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NEPA § 102(2)(C), 42 USC § 4332(2)(C)

“[A]ll agencies of the Federal Government shall ---[A]ll agencies of the Federal Government shall . . .

(C) Include in every recommendation or report on proposals for legislation and other major Federal actions significantly affecting the quality of the human

i t d t il d t t t b th ibl ffi i lenvironment, a detailed statement by the responsible officials on –(i) The environmental impact of the proposed action,(ii) Any adverse environmental effects which cannot be avoided should

the proposal be implemented.(iii) Alternatives to the proposed action(iii) Alternatives to the proposed action,(iv) The relationship between local short-term use of man’s environment

and the maintenance and enhancement of long-term productivity, and(v) Any irreversible and irretrievable commitments of resources which

would be involved in the proposed action should it be implemented . . p p p.

(Emphasis added.)

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What is mitigation?

40 CFR § 1508.20:

§ 1508 20 Mitigation§ 1508.20 Mitigation.

• “Mitigation” includes:• (a) Avoiding the impact altogether by not taking a certain action or parts of

an actionan action.• (b) Minimizing impacts by limiting the degree or magnitude of the action and

its implementation.• (c) Rectifying the impact by repairing, rehabilitating, or restoring the affected(c) Rectifying the impact by repairing, rehabilitating, or restoring the affected

environment.• (d) Reducing or eliminating the impact over time by preservation and

maintenance operations during the life of the action.• (e) Compensation for the impact by replacing or providing substitute

resources or environments.

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How is mitigation to be discussed?

40 CFR § 1502.14(f) (Alternatives Including the Proposed Action):

“[A]gencies shall:[A]gencies shall:

(f) Include appropriate mitigation measures not already included in the proposed action or alternatives.”

40 CFR § 1502 16(h) (E i t l C )40 CFR § 1502.16(h) (Environmental Consequences).

Section “shall include discussion of:

. . .

(h) Means to mitigate adverse environmental impacts (if not fully covered under § 1502.14(f)).”

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Record of Decision (ROD)

40 CFR § 1505.2(c):

The ROD “shall:The ROD shall:

. . .

(c) State whether all practicable means to avoid or minimize environmental h f th lt ti l t d h b d t d d if t h thharm from the alternative selected have been adopted, and if not, why they were not. A monitoring and enforcement program shall be adopted and summarized where applicable for any mitigation.”

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Implementing the Decision

40 CFR § 1505.3:

§ 1505 3 Implementing the decision§ 1505.3 Implementing the decision.

Agencies may provide for monitoring to assure that their decisions are carried out and should do so in important cases. Mitigation (§ 1505.2(c)) and other conditions established in the environmental impact statement orand other conditions established in the environmental impact statement or during its review and committed as part of the decision shall be implemented by the lead agency. The lead agency shall:

(a) Include appropriate conditions in grants, permits or other approvals.(b) Condition funding of actions on mitigation.(c) Upon request, inform cooperating or commenting agencies on

progress in carrying out mitigation measures which they have proposed and hi h d t d b th ki th d i iwhich were adopted by the agency making the decision.(d) Upon request, make available to the public the results of relevant

monitoring.

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CEQ’s initial position on “mitigated FONSIs” (mitigated Findings of No Significant Impact).

• Balancing of factors:

Achieving environmental protection efficiently vsAchieving environmental protection efficiently vs.Potential for misuse and bypassing public input.

• CEQ, Forty Most Asked Questions Concerning CEQ’s NEPA Regulations (“Forty Questions”). 46 Fed. Reg. 18026, 18038 (Mar. 23, 1981), Q. 40:Q ) g , ( , ), Q

40 Q. If an environmental impact assessment indicates that the environmental effects of a proposal are significant but that, with mitigation, those effects may be reduced to less than significant levels, may the agency make a finding of no significant impact rather than prepare an EIS? Is that a legitimate function of an EA and scoping?A. Mitigation measures may be relied upon to make a finding of no significant i t l if th i d b t t t l ti b itt d bimpact only if they are imposed by statute or regulation, or submitted by an applicant or agency as part of the original proposal. As a general rule, the regulations contemplate that agencies should use a broad approach in definingsignificance and should not rely on the possibility of mitigation as an excuse to

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significance and should not rely on the possibility of mitigation as an excuse to avoid the EIS requirement. Sections 1508.8, 1508.27. (cont.)

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CEQ’s initial position on “mitigated FONSIs” (mitigated Findings of No Significant Impact).

If a proposal appears to have adverse effects which would be significant, and certain mitigation measures are then developed during the scoping or EA g p g p gstages, the existence of such possible mitigation does not obviate the need for an EIS. Therefore, if scoping or the EA identifies certain mitigation possibilities without altering the nature of the overall proposal itself, the agency should continue the EIS process and submit the proposal, and the potential mitigation, for public and agency review and comment. This is essential to ensure that the final decision is based on all the relevant factors and that the full NEPA process will result in enforceable mitigation measures through the Record of Decisionwill result in enforceable mitigation measures through the Record of Decision.

In some instances, where the proposal itself so integrates mitigation from the beginning that it is impossible to define the proposal without including mitigation, the agency may then rely on the mitigation measures in determining that the overall effects would not be significant (e.g., where an applicant for a permit of a small hyrdo dam is based on a binding commitment to build fish ladders, to permit adequate down stream flow, and to replace any lost

l d ildlif h bi d i l i l )

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wetlands, wildlife habitat and recreational potential.)

(cont.)

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CEQ’s initial position on “mitigated FONSIs” (mitigated Findings of No Significant Impact).

In those instances, agencies should make the FONSI and EA available for 30 days of public comment before taking action. Section 1501.4(e)(2).y p g ( )( )

Similarly, scoping may result in a redefinition of the entire project, as a result of mitigation proposals. In that case, the agency may alter its previous decision to do an EIS, as long as the agency or applicant resubmits the entire proposal and the EA and FONSI are available for 30 days of review and comment. One example of this would be where the size and location of a proposed industrial park are changed to avoid affecting a nearby wetland areanearby wetland area.

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The Courts of Appeals and mitigated FONSIs.

The Courts of Appeals have unanimously upheld the concept of mitigated FONSIs as bypassing the paperwork, but achieving an environmentally protective yp g p p g y pend.

• Examples:

Cabinet Mountain Wilderness v Peterson 685 F 2d 678 (D C CirCabinet Mountain Wilderness v. Peterson, 685 F.2d 678 (D.C. Cir. 1982).

C.A.R.E. Now, Inc. v. Federal Aviation Administration, 844 F.2d 1569 (11th Cir 1988)(11 Cir. 1988).

City of Auburn v. United States, 154 F.3d 1025 (9th Cir. 1998).

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Mitigation must be feasible and supported by the record.

• O’Reilly v. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, 477 F.3d 225, 234 (5th Cir. 2007).

• Environmental Protection Information Center v U S Forrest Service 451 F 3d• Environmental Protection Information Center v. U.S. Forrest Service, 451 F.3d 1005 (9th Cir. 2006).

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The Supreme Court:

• NEPA as “essentially procedural.”

Vermont Yankee Nuclear Power Corp v Natural Resources DefenseVermont Yankee Nuclear Power Corp. v. Natural Resources Defense Council, 435 U.S. 519, 558 (1978).

• NEPA does not require adoption of a mitigation plan as part of an EIS.

R b t M th V ll Citi C il 490 U S 332 (1989)Robertson v. Methow Valley Citizens Council, 490 U.S. 332 (1989).

• Supreme Court has never had the occasion to decide a mitigated FONSI case.

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Courts of Appeal:

• However Courts of Appeal have held that if a mitigation plan is adopted by an agency, it is enforceable.g y

see, e.g. Tyler v. Cisneros, 136 F.3d 603 (9th Cir. 1998).

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Putting Things Into Perspective

• According to CEQ in a typical year:

450 Environmental Impact Statements (EISs) are prepared450 Environmental Impact Statements (EISs) are prepared.

45,000 Environmental Assessments (EAs) are prepared.

• CEQ, Considering Cumulative Effects Under the National Environmental Policy A t t 4 (1997) il bl t NEPAAct at 4 (1997); available at NEPA.gov.

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In conclusion:

• Mitigation is a vital part of the implementation of NEPA.

• Mitigation is enforceable through either (a) the adoption of mitigation on a ROD• Mitigation is enforceable through either (a) the adoption of mitigation on a ROD or (2) the commitments to mitigation in a mitigated FONSI.

• Such mitigated FONSIs have unanimously been upheld by the Courts of AppealsAppeals.

• The Supreme Court has never had the occasion to decide a mitigated FONSI case.

Thi i th b k d d hi h CEQ h i d it iti ti id• This is the background under which CEQ has issued its mitigation guidance, the specifics of which will be addressed by the next two speakers.

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SNR Denton US LLPUSAsnrdenton.com

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© 2011 SNR Denton. SNR Denton is the collective trade name for an international legal practice. Any reference to a "partner" means a partner, member, consultant or employee with equivalent standing and qualifications in one of SNR Denton's affiliates. This publication is not designed to provide legal or other advice and you should not take, or refrain from taking, action based on its content. Attorney Advertising. Please see snrdenton.com for Legal Notices.

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NEPA Mitigation Webinar:Th CEQ G id A d It I li tiThe CEQ Guidance And Its Implications

George J. Mannina, Jr.Nossaman LLPNossaman LLP1666 K Street, N.W., Suite 500Washington, DC 20006Telephone: (202) 887-1400Email: [email protected]

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CEQ: Three GuidancesCEQ: Three Guidances

To “modernize and reinvigorate” NEPA, CEQ gproposed three Guidances on February 18, 2010.– Establishing and applying categorical exclusions.– Mitigation and monitoring.Mitigation and monitoring.– Consideration of GHG emissions and climate change in

NEPA documents. The Final Guidance on categorical exclusions issuedThe Final Guidance on categorical exclusions issued

December 6, 2010. 75 Fed. Reg. 75628. The Final Guidance on mitigation and monitoring

i d J 21 2011 76 F d R 3843issued January 21, 2011. 76 Fed. Reg. 3843. The Final Guidance on the consideration of GHG

emissions and climate change to be issued next.

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Why This Guidance?Why This Guidance? CEQ regulations already require that:

– EISs analyze mitigation measures; and– the final NEPA document identify mitigation measures being

adopted. 40 C.F.R. §§1502.14(f) and 1505.2(c).S h thi G id ? So why this Guidance?

Many observers felt there was no adequate system for monitoring and ensuring that promised mitigation

doccurred. A major concern was the growth in the number of

EAs (45,000 annually) and the number of mitigated FONSIFONSIs.– Many observers felt the mitigation promised in a mitigated

FONSI might not actually be happening.

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What Is The Legal Status Of The G id ?Guidance?

CEQ states the Guidance is neither aCEQ states the Guidance is neither a rule nor a regulation. Agencies will feel pressure to implement Agencies will feel pressure to implement

the Guidance. Courts give substantial deference to

CEQ guidelines when considering NEPA cases.

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When Does The Guidance Apply?When Does The Guidance Apply?

The Guidance addresses mitigation that anThe Guidance addresses mitigation that an agency has committed to implement as part of the NEPA process.

Once mitigation commitments are made, the Guidance states federal agencies should take steps to “ensure” they are implemented.

But how do federal agencies “ensure” mitigation commitments are implemented?

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How To Do It – Part IHow To Do It Part I

Mitigation commitments should have gmeasurable performance standards to establish “clear performance expectations.”

Agencies should not commit to mitigation measures “absent the authority or expectation of resources to ensure that theexpectation of resources to ensure that the mitigation is performed.”

Agencies can make funding and permitting g g p gdecisions “conditional on the performance of mitigation commitments by third parties.”

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How To Do It – Part IIHow To Do It Part II

CEQ recognizes agencies cannot commit to Q g gfuture funding but:– “a commitment to seek future funding is

id d ti l” dconsidered essential”; and– if such funding may not be available, the agency

should disclose and assess the resulting genvironmental effects.

As to EAs, if the agency has disclosed and assessed the lack of funding “the actionassessed the lack of funding, the action could proceed … unless the mitigation is essential to a mitigated FONSI….”

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How To Do It – Part IIIHow To Do It Part III

Agencies should create internalAgencies should create internal processes “to ensure that”:

mitigation commitments are implemented;– mitigation commitments are implemented; and“relevant funding permitting and other– relevant funding, permitting, and other agency approvals or decisions are made conditional on performance of mitigationconditional on performance of mitigation commitments.”

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The ModelThe Model

CEQ’s Guidance identifies Department of the Army p yNEPA regulations as an appropriate model.

The Guidance notes the Army’s NEPA regulations:consider mitigation adopted in an EIS record of decision or in– consider mitigation adopted in an EIS record of decision or in a mitigated FONSI as “legally binding”;

– require full funding and implementation of adopted mitigation; andmitigation; and

– provide the “proposed action cannot proceed until all adopted mitigation is fully resourced or until the lack of funding is addressed in the NEPA analysis.”

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The Action Proceeds – Now We MonitorThe Action Proceeds Now We Monitor

Monitoring has two purposes:Monitoring has two purposes:– to determine if the mitigation actually works

which will guide future agency decisions on g g yappropriate mitigation measures; and

– to “ensure” mitigation is actually occurring. For activities involving third parties

(permittees or grantees), agencies can i h hi d d hrequire the third party to do the

monitoring.

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The Role Of The Public In MonitoringThe Role Of The Public In Monitoring

The Guidance, consistent with NEPA, callsThe Guidance, consistent with NEPA, calls public involvement “key.”

Thus, agencies are encouraged to provide forThus, agencies are encouraged to provide for public involvement in mitigation monitoring.– “Agencies should provide for public access to g p p

mitigation monitoring information consistent with NEPA and the Freedom of Information Act.”

“Th bli l i t ith t l “The public may also assist with actual monitoring through public-private partnership programs ”

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programs.

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What Happens If Mitigation Is Not I l t d? P t IImplemented? – Part I

If mitigation is not implemented or failsIf mitigation is not implemented, or fails, agencies should consider preparing a supplemental NEPA analysissupplemental NEPA analysis. If a supplemental EA or EIS is required,

the agency “must avoid actions thatthe agency must avoid actions that would have adverse environmental impacts and limit its choice ofimpacts and limit its choice of reasonable alternatives.”

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What Happens If Mitigation Is Not I l t d? P t IIImplemented? – Part II

Since agencies should not commit to mitigation g gabsent sufficient legal authority and resources to carry it out, and since agencies can make funding, permitting, or other approvals conditional on p g ppmitigation performance:– “It follows that an agency must rely on its underlying

authority … to take remedial steps” and “to enforce y pconditions placed on funding, grants, permits, or other approvals.”

Failed mitigation should also be considered when the agency evaluates future proposed actions.

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What Does This Mean? – Part IWhat Does This Mean? Part I

Agencies including their permittees andAgencies, including their permittees and grantees, will be required to implement agreed upon mitigation via agencyagreed upon mitigation via agency action or court decisions. The standard of securing mitigation The standard of securing mitigation

funding and monitoring mitigation may change how agencies operatechange how agencies operate.

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What Does This Mean? – Part IIWhat Does This Mean? Part II

Although NEPA is a procedural, not aAlthough NEPA is a procedural, not a substantive, statute, the Guidance may move NEPA in the direction of a substantive statute.

Agencies may avoid committing to mitigation.– There may be more EISs and fewer mitigated y g

EAs. More NEPA litigation based on failed

mitigation compliance.

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NEPA Mitigation Webinar: Th CEQ G id d ItThe CEQ Guidance and Its

Implications for Federal Agencies

April 5, 2011

Steve Leatheryi l A C diNational NEPA Coordinator

National Marine Fisheries Servicet l th @

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[email protected]

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NOAA Organization

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric pAdministration (NOAA) is a science-based federal agency within the Department of Commerce with regulatory, operational, and information service responsibilities

NOAA manages a $3.9 billion (FY2008) budget and has about 12,800 service responsibilities. ( ) g

employees and is supplemented with around 4,000 contractors with a presence in every state and our

territories.

National Ocean

National Environmental

Oceanic &Atmospheric

National Marine

NationalWeather

Office ofMarineOcean

ServiceEnvironmentalSatellite, Data,& Information Service

AtmosphericResearch

MarineFisheriesService

WeatherService

Marine and AviationOperations

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National Marine Fisheries ServiceNational Marine Fisheries ServicePrimary Statutory Authorities

Magnuson-Stevens Act (MSA) Marine Fisheries Research, Stock Assessments Marine Fisheries Management, Habitat Protection and Restoration,

Bycatch Reduction, Enforcement, InternationalA l Aquaculture

E d d S i A (ESA) Endangered Species Act (ESA) List and Recover ESA Marine/Estuarine Species

Mi i i h i t t i d h bit t37

Minimize human impacts to species and habitats Conduct and Authorize Research

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National Marine Fisheries ServiceNational Marine Fisheries ServiceStatutory Authorities

Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) Health and Stranding, Ship Strike, Fishery Bycatch

Reduction, “Incidental Take” Authorization Conduct and Authorize Marine Mammal Research

Oil and Chemical Spill Response and Habitat RestorationOil P ll i A (OPA) Oil Pollution Act (OPA)

Coastal Wetlands Planning, Protection and Restoration Act (CWPPRA)

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Act (CWPPRA)

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d Coastal and Inland States

NMFS CONSTITUENTS and PARTNERS Coastal and Inland States Congress including Members and staff Commercial and Recreational Fishermen and Associated Industries Aquaculture Industryq y Colleges and Universities Domestic and International Businesses incl. Energy Sector Environmental Groups Federal Agencies incl. Dept. of Defense, Transportation, Energy General Public / Seafood Consumers Regional Fishery Management Councils

I t t t Fi h i C i i Interstate Fisheries Commissions International Fisheries and Natural Resources Management Agencies Subsistence Fishermen Tribes / Native Americans

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Tribes / Native Americans

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Some Selected Recent ExecutiveSome Selected Recent Executive Branch Initiatives

January 14, 2011 CEQ NEPA Mitigation d i i G idand Monitoring Guidance

December 8, 2009 Open Government Directive to Federal Agenciesg

January 21 2009 Presidential Memorandum40

January 21, 2009 Presidential Memorandum on Transparency and Open Government

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December 8 2009 OpenDecember 8, 2009 Open Government Directive

“The three principles of transparency, participation, and collaboration form the cornerstone of an open government. Transparency promotes accountability by providing theTransparency promotes accountability by providing the public with information about what the Government is doing. Participation allows members of the public to contribute ideas and expertise so that their government can make policies with the benefit of information that is widely dispersed in society. Collaboration improves the p y peffectiveness of Government by encouraging partnerships and cooperation within the Federal Government, across levels of government and between the Government and

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levels of government, and between the Government and private institutions.”

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N ti l E i t l P li A tNational Environmental Policy Act (1969)

Requires federal agencies to use all feasible means to create and maintain conditions under which man and nature can exist in productive harmony and to fulfill the social, economic, and other requirements of present and future

igenerations Federal agencies must consider and publicly disclose the

t ti l i t l i t f f d l tipotential environmental impacts of federal actions Environmental Impact Statements, Environmental

Assessments and Categorical Exclusions42

Assessments, and Categorical Exclusions

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NOAA’ NEPA Si ifi C it iNOAA’s NEPA Significance Criteria

Involves geographic area with unique Involves geographic area with unique characteristics

Environmental impacts subject of scientific or Environmental impacts subject of scientific or public controversy

Has uncertain environmental impacts or unique or unknown risks

Establishes precedent or decision in principle about future proposalsfuture proposals

May result in cumulatively significant impacts May have any adverse effects upon endangered or

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May have any adverse effects upon endangered or threatened species or their habitats

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NMFS Mi i i R iNMFS Mitigation Requirementso Usually mitigation in EA and EIS documents is y gdeveloped as part of the proposed action under the requirements of NMFS statutory authority

o Monitoring and Mitigation requirements are specified in permits, authorizations, approvals, and spec ed pe s, u o o s, pp ov s, dfederal assistance actions (i.e., non-discretionary “special award conditions” in federal grants)

o Federal agencies receiving permits, authorizations, approvals, or funding are involved

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authorizations, approvals, or funding are involved in developing the mitigation and have a vested interest in the outcomes

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CEQ NEPA Mitigation andCEQ NEPA Mitigation and Monitoring Guidance

Guidance addresses mitigation an agency has committed to implement as part of a project design

d iti ti it t i f d b thand mitigation commitments informed by the NEPA review processCl ifi i t f iti t d FONSI d Clarifies appropriateness of mitigated FONSIs and importance of monitoringStresses need to identify mitigation adopted as an Stresses need to identify mitigation adopted as an agency commitment to “ensure the integrity of the NEPA process and allow for greater transparency”

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NEPA process and allow for greater transparency

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CEQ NEPA Mitigation andCEQ NEPA Mitigation and Monitoring Guidance

New guidance clarifies agency NEPA practices in three contexts:p As components of project design As mitigation alternatives in an EA or EIS and As mitigation alternatives in an EA or EIS and

adopted in agency decision documents As measures identified and committed to in an

EA as necessary to support a mitigated FONSI

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CEQ NEPA Mitigation andCEQ NEPA Mitigation and Monitoring Guidance

Key considerations: Sufficient legal authority for mitigation Sufficient legal authority for mitigation

requirements Sufficient resources to perform or ensure the p

mitigation is carried out Mitigated FONSIs result in enforceableg f

mitigation measures “Agencies must provide for appropriate public

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involvement during the development of the EA and FONSI”

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Ensuring Mitigation is Implemented

Agency implementing procedures should require clear documentation of mitigation q gcommitments

Mitigation commitments should specify Mitigation commitments should specify measureable performance standards and establish performance expectationsestablish performance expectations

Mitigation monitoring is important for EAs with mitigated FONSIs

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with mitigated FONSIs

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Mitigation Monitoring ProgramsMitigation Monitoring Programs

Serve NEPA’s goals of ensuring transparency and Serve NEPA s goals of ensuring transparency and openness by making relevant and useful information available to decisionmakers and the public

Adaptive managementp g Implementation monitoring Effectiveness monitoringg Mitigation monitoring procedures should

appropriately provide for public involvement

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pp p y p p

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The Role of the Public

Public involvement is a key procedural requirement of the NEPA review processq p

Agencies are encouraged to consider including public involvement componentsincluding public involvement components in mitigation monitoring programsAgencies should involve the public when Agencies should involve the public when preparing EAs and mitigated FONSIs

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The Role of the Public (continued)A i h ld id f bli Agencies should provide for public access to mitigation monitoring information

i t t ith NEPA d th F d fconsistent with NEPA and the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)

Agencies are encouraged to make proactive, discretionary release of mitigation monitoring reports and information

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For more information on NOAAFor more information on NOAA National Marine Fisheries Service NEPA

Program Acti ities:Program Activities:

C t t t 301 713 2239• Contact me at 301.713.2239

l h @• [email protected]

• Visit our website at: http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/

52Border Artwork:

© Ray Troll 2002,© Terry Pyles, colorization 2002.