Under certain circumstances, states can conduct environmental reviews under state rather than federal regulations.
A pilot program suggested in the 2015 Fixing America's Surface Transportation Act was approved by the Federal Railroad Administration, Federal Transit Administration, and Federal Highway Administration, establishing rules for allowing states to forgo the federal National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) in environmental reviews in favor of using state regulations.
Effective January 27, the new rule permits environmental review and approval under state laws "under certain circumstances" in an effort to streamline transportation projects and reduce red tape.
The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), passed in 1970, requires federal agencies to assess the "environmental and related social and economic effects of their proposed actions" and provide opportunities for public comment before approving permits.
FULL STORY: Federal pilot to allow some projects to avoid NEPA
Misuse of Environmental Laws Betrays Their Intent
How laws written to protect natural resources and biodiversity are being reinterpreted by NIMBY groups to block development.
New House Transportation Reauthorization Bill Expected for Mark Up This Week
The current patch bill funding highway and transit spending expires on Oct. 29. The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee has released a multi-year bill called the Surface Transportation Reauthorization & Reform Act of 2015 (STRR Act).
Obama to Expand NEPA Reviews to Consider Climate Change
It what would be a significant policy shift that could impact major projects that are subject to federal oversight, the Obama administration is expected to guide all federal agencies to consider the impact on global warming in their NEPA reviews.
National Parks Layoffs Will Cause Communities to Lose Billions
Thousands of essential park workers were laid off this week, just before the busy spring break season.
Retro-silient?: America’s First “Eco-burb,” The Woodlands Turns 50
A master-planned community north of Houston offers lessons on green infrastructure and resilient design, but falls short of its founder’s lofty affordability and walkability goals.
Delivering for America Plan Will Downgrade Mail Service in at Least 49.5 Percent of Zip Codes
Republican and Democrat lawmakers criticize the plan for its disproportionate negative impact on rural communities.
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Balancing Bombs and Butterflies: How the National Guard Protects a Rare Species
The National Guard at Fort Indiantown Gap uses GIS technology and land management strategies to balance military training with conservation efforts, ensuring the survival of the rare eastern regal fritillary butterfly.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
EMC Planning Group, Inc.
Planetizen
Planetizen
Mpact (formerly Rail~Volution)
Great Falls Development Authority, Inc.
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service