Search Results for keywords:"environmental review"

The Federal Permitting Improvement Steering Council has announced a new rule that includes mining as a sector eligible for coverage under the Fixing America's Surface Transportation Act (FAST-41). This means that mining projects can now benefit from improved coordination and transparency in the federal permitting process. The rule aims to make the permitting process for mining projects more efficient without bypassing any environmental reviews or public consultations. By adding mining to the list of FAST-41 sectors, it is expected to help streamline the project review process for eligible mining endeavors.

The Department of the Interior is informing the public about its decision to adopt certain categorical exclusions (CXs) for environmental reviews from the Department of Energy and the National Telecommunications Information Administration. These CXs will be used by the Bureau of Land Management and the Bureau of Indian Affairs to streamline actions like setting up fences, roads, or communication towers without needing full environmental assessments if no special circumstances exist. This decision is aimed at improving efficiency in managing public and Tribal lands, while ensuring actions don't harm the environment. The adoption became effective on January 16, 2025.

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is asking for feedback on three proposed National Interest Electric Transmission Corridors (NIETCs) that could be important for energy access and connectivity across certain regions. These include the Tribal Energy Access Corridor, the Southwestern Grid Connector Corridor, and the Lake Erie-Canada Corridor. The DOE is interested in public opinion on the potential environmental, cultural, and socioeconomic impacts of these projects and has scheduled webinars in January 2025 to discuss them. Suggestions will help fine-tune the projects and determine if any environmental review is necessary under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).

The Surface Transportation Board reviewed a petition from the Seven County Infrastructure Coalition to build an 85-mile railway in Utah to connect the Uinta Basin with the national rail network. The Coalition seeks an exemption from the usual prior approval requirements, arguing that the rail line will provide critical transportation benefits and support local industries. While there is significant support, including endorsements from state officials, there is also opposition citing financial viability concerns and potential environmental impacts. The Board has made a preliminary decision on the transportation merits but will only finalize its decision after completing an environmental review.

The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) has received a request from Louisiana Energy Services, LLC to amend a specific nuclear materials license for their uranium enrichment facility in New Mexico. The amendment seeks to remove a condition that limits where depleted uranium can be sent for processing. A period is open until March 31, 2025, for the public to request a hearing or to petition to intervene regarding this proposed change. The NRC will conduct both safety and environmental reviews before making a decision.

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission is reviewing an application from Brookfield White Pine Hydro LLC to obtain a new major license for the Lewiston Falls Hydroelectric Project located on the Androscoggin River in Maine. This project consists of various infrastructure and generates an average of 157,614 megawatt-hours yearly. The public is invited to participate in the scoping meetings on February 19, 2025, to discuss environmental concerns, and attend a site review on February 20, 2025. Comments and motions to intervene in the licensing process are accepted until March 31, 2025.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has finalized a rule to update Class E airspace in Ahoskie, NC. This change adds new airspace for the ECU Health Roanoke Chowan Heliport and updates information for the Tri-County at Henry Joyner Field Airport. The amendments ensure airspace compliance with FAA standards and support new instrument approach procedures needed for the safety of flight operations. These updates will help manage air traffic more efficiently and safely in the area starting from April 17, 2025.

Eastern Gas Transmission and Storage, Inc. has filed an application with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) for its Capital Area Project, which involves upgrading compressor stations in Pennsylvania and Virginia. The project aims to increase gas transportation capacity to Washington Gas Light Company, with an estimated cost of $171 million. Interested parties are invited to participate by filing comments, protests, or motions to intervene by January 13, 2024. FERC will conduct an environmental review, and all related documents can be accessed online through the Commission's website.

The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) have taken final actions on several highway projects in Texas. These actions, which include the necessary environmental reviews and approvals, concern projects such as the expansion and reconstruction of highways and roads in different counties, like US 287, RM 2871, and IH 20. The notice advises that legal claims against these actions must be filed by specified deadlines, such as May 16, 2025, or possibly sooner depending on federal laws. Detailed documents about these projects are available for public examination at various TxDOT district offices.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the availability of its comments on Environmental Impact Statements (EISs) issued by other federal agencies. These comments, required by Section 309(a) of the Clean Air Act, can be accessed online. The notice lists two EIS documents filed recently: one regarding a watershed plan in Georgia and another about a site-specific environmental impact for the renewal of the Oconee Nuclear Station in South Carolina. The review period for these documents ends on March 10, 2025.