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
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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.
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Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
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Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
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Harvard GSD Executive Education
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada
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