FR 2025-04109

The document in question is a notice from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), published in the Federal Register, announcing the receipt of several Environmental Impact Statements (EISs) over the period from March 3 to March 10, 2025. These statements are crucial documents detailing the potential environmental impacts of certain federal or federally-assisted projects, which are prepared to ensure that environmental considerations are taken into account before decisions are made.

General Summary

The notice provides a brief overview of the EISs received, including a list of projects, final or draft statuses, deadlines for public review or comment, and contact information for further inquiries. Among the projects listed are the 492nd Special Operations Wing Beddown project in Arizona and the Kimball Junction project in Utah, each accompanied by specific details such as review or comment period end dates.

The role of the EPA in this context is significant; pursuant to Section 309(a) of the Clean Air Act, the agency is mandated to publicly share its comments on EISs, thereby promoting transparency and accountability. The document also directs readers to an online portal where these comments can be accessed.

Significant Issues or Concerns

One notable issue with the document is the absence of an abstract. An abstract could have provided a concise summary, offering readers a quick insight into the content. Additionally, the document lacks specific financial information, which would allow stakeholders to scrutinize potential fiscal impacts, including any possible misuse of funds or favoritism.

Another problem is the inconsistency in the format of contact information, especially phone numbers, which might create confusion. Considering that the notice includes various projects requiring distinct contacts, standardization would help ensure clarity. Furthermore, the un-clickable nature of URLs in printed formats may hinder access to additional online resources for those relying on physical copies.

The document also does not specify the type of action the agency is taking or the subtypes of the projects. This omission might cause ambiguity concerning the goals and the broader implications of the notice.

Impact on the Public

For the general public, this document serves as an invitation to engage in the discussion about environmental considerations tied to federal projects. The availability of public comment periods allows individuals and groups to express concerns or support for specific initiatives, ensuring that a diversity of voices is heard in the decision-making process. However, the accessibility issues with contact information and URLs may impede full public participation.

Impact on Specific Stakeholders

Specific stakeholders, such as environmentalists, local communities, and businesses near the project sites, could be directly affected by the content of this document.

• Environmentalists: They gain an opportunity to review the potential environmental consequences of projects and advocate for changes where needed.

• Local Communities: These residents are likely to experience firsthand the outcomes of these federal projects. Consequently, they have a vested interest in reviewing and commenting during the designated periods.

• Businesses: Companies that might be impacted by these projects, either positively through increased economic activity or negatively due to environmental regulations, need clear guidance on how these projects will proceed.

In conclusion, while this EPA notice serves a critical function in promoting environmental transparency and public engagement, it exhibits several deficiencies that need addressing to enhance its clarity, accessibility, and comprehensiveness. Both the public at large and specific stakeholders stand to gain from improvements in these areas, enabling them to make more informed contributions to environmental governance.