FR 2021-02888

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has published a notice regarding recent submissions of Environmental Impact Statements (EIS) that were received between February 1 and February 8, 2021. This notice, found in the Federal Register, provides updates on various projects across the United States, describing the involvement of federal agencies and the current status of each project's EIS.

General Summary

The notice outlines recent developments in the preparation and approval process for several Environmental Impact Statements. Among the key points:

• FEMA Adoption of an EIS: The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has adopted an EIS from the Connecticut Department of Housing concerning the Resilient Bridgeport project. This indicates FEMA's involvement in supporting efforts to increase resilience within the Bridgeport area, even though it was not initially a cooperating agency.

• BLM Statement on Solar Project: The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has released its final statement on the Crimson Solar Project in California, suggesting intentions to amend land use in the California Desert Conservation Area.

• Corrections and Extensions of Comment Periods: Additional projects, including those involving the Nuclear Regulatory Commission in New Mexico, and the Department of Energy in Idaho, have updates on extended comment periods. This extension allows more time for public input, highlighting transparency in governmental processes.

Significant Issues or Concerns

While the document does not explicitly outline specific controversies or challenges, the mention of extended comment periods points to potential concerns or the need for further public discourse. Extended deadlines may indicate complexities in the projects, legal challenges, or community concerns needing additional attention.

Broad Public Impact

For the general public, this document represents a key part of the environmental governance process. The EIS procedures under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) ensure that large projects consider environmental impacts and public opinion. Consequently, these notices keep citizens informed about significant projects that could affect their local communities and the environment.

Impact on Specific Stakeholders

Several stakeholders are likely impacted by these developments:

• Local Communities: Residents in areas such as Bridgeport, Connecticut, or those near the proposed Crimson Solar Project in California, may see changes in their environment and land use. These projects aim to improve infrastructure or land management but could also result in disruptions during implementation.

• Federal Agencies and Regulators: Agencies like FEMA and BLM are instrumental in overseeing these projects, ensuring that environmental standards are upheld while balancing community and development needs.

• Environmental Advocates: These stakeholders might view extended comment periods as opportunities to voice concerns and advocate for more sustainable practices within large projects.

• Project Developers: They are bound to comply with regulations and consider public input, which could introduce additional challenges but also lend legitimacy to their efforts if they align with environmental standards.

In summary, this document informs on the progression of several large-scale projects under review by federal agencies, emphasizing the transparency and public involvement facilitated by the EPA's processes. Such documents are critical for ensuring that governmental actions remain aligned with environmental protection and community interests.