FR 2021-01957

The document in question is a notice from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) about the availability of Environmental Impact Statements (EIS). These statements, filed from January 14 to January 25, 2021, are part of the EPA's obligation under the Clean Air Act to make its comments on EISs from other federal agencies public. The notice highlights new developments as well as amendments or withdrawals of previous notices.

Summary

In this notice, the EPA informs the public about a draft EIS for a North Alabama Utility-Scale Solar Facility, inviting public comments until March 15, 2021. This provides an opportunity for individuals and organizations to give feedback or express concerns about the environmental implications of such a project.

Furthermore, the notice includes the withdrawal of two prior EIS documents. One concerns a draft by the U.S. Forest Service related to locatable minerals, and the other is a final statement by the Bureau of Land Management concerning a solar project in California. These withdrawals may pique interest or concern, particularly among stakeholders engaged or invested in these areas.

Concerns and Issues

One noticeable issue in the document is the lack of detailed explanation regarding the withdrawal of the EIS documents. The document states that these were officially withdrawn upon request but provides no rationale or context. This can be puzzling for the general public and might lead to speculation or misunderstanding about the reasons behind these actions, especially for those less familiar with environmental regulatory processes.

Additionally, the technical language and references to sections such as "40 CFR 1506.9" and divisions like "NEPA Compliance Division" may not be easily understandable to everyone and could benefit from some clarification.

Impact on the Public

The availability of EIS documents and the invitation for public comment represents an essential aspect of democratic participation in government decision-making. It allows the public to weigh in on projects that could impact the environment and society.

The withdrawal of the two EIS documents might have different implications. On the one hand, it may delay or halt projects that were under consideration, which could be seen as negative or positive depending on perspective. If the projects had potential environmental risks, concerned citizens or environmental groups might view the withdrawal as a victory. Conversely, those in favor of the projects for economic or developmental reasons might see it as a setback.

Impact on Specific Stakeholders

Stakeholders such as environmental advocacy groups, local communities, industry representatives, and government agencies are directly affected by such notices. Environmental groups may scrutinize these documents closely and actively participate during comment periods to influence the final outcomes of proposed projects.

Local communities potentially affected by the solar projects in Alabama and California could either support or oppose these initiatives based on perceived benefits, such as renewable energy resources and economic development, versus potential environmental impacts.

In summary, this EPA notice outlines critical developments in the EIS process, opening avenues for public involvement while also raising questions about the future of certain projects following the withdrawal of key documents. Understanding the nuances and implications of such bureaucratic actions is vital for stakeholders and the general public alike.