Search Results for keywords:"environmental review"

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.

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 Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has announced an adjustment to the Basic Statutory Mortgage Limits for its Multifamily Housing Programs. This change, effective January 1, 2025, reflects a 3.4% increase based on the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers. The adjusted mortgage limits apply to FHA multifamily mortgage insurance applications submitted on or after this date. This adjustment does not require environmental review as it does not affect the physical state of project areas.

The Office of Local Defense Community Cooperation (OLDCC) within the Department of Defense is using a rule from the Department of the Navy (DoN) to renovate a building in York, Pennsylvania, without needing an extensive environmental review. This adoption falls under a specific rule that allows federal agencies to use certain exclusions if they typically don't harm the environment. OLDCC confirmed with DoN that using this rule is appropriate for the planned renovations, which won't involve significant changes to the site. The project aims to enhance training facilities as part of a Defense Manufacturing Community Support Program grant.

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission has announced that Scott's Mill Hydro, LLC has submitted an application for an original major license for the Scott's Mill Hydroelectric Project on the James River in Virginia. The proposed project involves constructing a dam, a powerhouse with nine turbines, and a transmission line, along with enhancements like eel ramps, a fishing pier, and a boat ramp. The public is encouraged to submit scoping comments by March 28, 2025, as part of the environmental review process. The Commission's Office of Public Participation is available to assist the public in engaging with the process.

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 Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has proposed a rule to modify the Class E airspace at Petersburg James A Johnson Airport in Alaska. This change aims to optimize the space for instrument flight procedures by expanding certain areas and removing redundant sections. The proposed amendments would also correct and simplify the airport's legal description. These updates are intended to enhance the safety and management of instrument flight rules (IFR) operations in the area.

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 Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a final rule to amend the Class E airspace designation at the Bradford Regional Airport in Pennsylvania. This change was prompted by the removal of the Bradford VHF omnidirectional range (VOR) navigation aid, as part of the VOR Minimum Operational Network (MON) Program. The amendment involves adjusting the airspace dimensions and removing outdated navigation references to improve safety and efficiency for aircraft operations at the airport. The rule is set to take effect on June 17, 2021.

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.