Federal Environmental Statutes, Regulations, and Executive Orders Applicable to the Development and Review of Transportation Infrastructure Projects

A number of Federal environmental statutes, regulations, and Executive Orders establish requirements applicable to the development and review of transportation infrastructure projects that receive financial support from the United States Department of Transportation (DOT).  DOT strives to meet these requirements in a manner that is both environmentally sound and expeditious.  The goal of this document is to contribute to this important effort by providing a brief description of the primary statutes, regulations, and Executive Orders applicable to the development and review of these transportation infrastructure projects.  Additionally, many agencies have developed guidance to assist in implementation of the law, and this document references certain guidance.  This summary is not, and should not be relied upon as, a complete list of statutes, regulations, and Executive Orders that could apply to a transportation infrastructure project or an official or independent interpretation or expression of policy on the matters summarized.

DOT includes nine operating administrations and the Office of the Secretary of Transportation.  The following table lists the Department’s operating administrations, a citation to their National Environmental Policy Act implementing procedures, and websites where more information on environmental procedures and requirements may be found.  All referenced regulations may be accessed on the Federal Digital System.  Because this document only presents a brief summary of the more frequently applicable statutes, regulations, and Executive Orders, readers who want more complete information should refer to the relevant operating administration’s website.