Environmental Assessments
The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) was created in 1969 under 42 U.S.C. §§ 4321-4347. NEPA requires all federal agencies, including NOAA, to consider the impacts of their major federal activities on the environment. OCRM's primary responsibilities under the Coastal Zone Management Act (CZMA) that typically require NEPA review include: (1) approval of state coastal management programs and changes to these programs; (2) designation of National Estuarine Research Reserves; and (3) distributing federal funds in the form of grants and cooperative agreements to states and universities.
When NOAA takes a major federal action that is determined as subject to NEPA review, the environmental impacts must be documented at one of three levels of NEPA analysis depending upon the potential impact:
- A brief memorandum to the administrative record documenting that the activity qualifies for a Categorical Exclusion (CE);
- A concise Environmental Assessment (EA), and, if appropriate, a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI);
- A detailed Environmental Impact Statement (EIS).
More information on NEPA is available at the following websites:
- The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)
- NOAA's NEPA Website — Provides an overview of NEPA, information about NOAA's responsibilities under NEPA as well as guidance documents and tools to assist in determining the appropriate level of NEPA review.
- Regulations for Implementing the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)
- Coastal Zone Management Act Regulations (15 CFR 923)
For more information, contact Helen Farr.