EPA has released a new implementation memorandum aimed at improving transparency, clarity, and efficiency in the agency’s review of Environmental Impact Statements under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and Clean Air Act Section 309.
The memorandum provides guidance for how EPA develops and submits comment letters on environmental reviews conducted by other federal agencies, including reviews associated with federal permitting decisions.
According to EPA, the updated approach is intended to:
- Promote common-sense and transparent environmental reviews.
- Clarify EPA’s advisory role in the NEPA process.
- Reinforce that EPA is not the lead agency or final decisionmaker for many federal projects.
- Support more efficient federal permitting and interagency coordination.
EPA’s comment letters provide environmental analysis and recommendations that become part of the public record and may inform federal agency decisions on proposed projects.
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