THE NEPA PROCESS

The process BLM will use to determine whether the application for rights-of-way should be granted is comprehensive and includes compliance with the requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and other laws. NEPA is a tool designed to enhance and improve decision making by requiring federal agencies to take a close look at the potential impacts proposed actions will have on the environment. NEPA also requires agencies to consider reasonable alternatives to proposed actions. The NEPA process emphasizes agency cooperation and invites public participation. To meet NEPA's requirements, BLM has determined that each groundwater project will require the preparation of an EIS.

Click here to learn about the groundwater projects and the status of the EIS's.

Please visit the BLM's Planning web page to learn more about NEPA and other laws and regulations relating to lands actions.

In December, 2007 the Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) published A Citizen's Guide to the NEPA: Having Your Voice Heard. This document explains the NEPA process and provides guidance for public participation in the environmental assessment process. To view the Citizen's Guide, please visit http://www.nepa.gov/nepa/Citizens_Guide_Dec07.pdf.