88 FR 31890
The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration proposed regulatory amendments that implement congressional mandates in the Protecting our Infrastructure of Pipelines and Enhancing Safety Act of 2020 to reduce methane emissions from new and existing gas transmission lines, distribution pipelines, regulated gas gathering pipelines, underground natural gas storage facilities, and liquefied natural gas facilities.
88 FR 27804
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) proposed to amend and update its regulations for implementing NEPA to better align with its current and near future actions, adjust the level of NEPA review and documentation required for certain actions, and provide more concise descriptions of NASA actions, as well as incorporate updates to existing categorical exclusions.
Managing Threats to Beaches From Storms and Rising Seas
More severe storms and rising sea levels resulting from the changing climate pose a threat to ecosystems along the U.S. coast. These include beaches, dunes, wetlands, and marshes, which provide significant environmental, recreational, and economic benefits. Practices to sustain these ecosystems are available, but are not well understood, face legal and financial obstacles, and have not been widely implemented. On January 25, 2023, the Environmental Law Institute hosted a panel of experts who explored measures and practices for sustaining beaches and dunes in the face of a changing climate.
88 FR 25619
The Natural Resources Conservation Service announced its intent to issue a series of revised conservation practice standards in the National Handbook of Conservation Practices (NHCP), and seeks comment on specified conservation practice standards in the NHCP.
88 FR 19089
The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) proposed to follow the First Responder Network Authority’s NEPA procedures on an interim basis with modifications to account for NTIA’s internal organization and establish 33 categorical exclusions in compliance with NEPA, the CEQ regulations, and other related authorities.
Addressing the “Green Resource Curse” in Sub-Saharan Africa
The global transition to a carbon-neutral economy will bring about a surging demand for land and for minerals required in renewable energy technologies. It brings the threat of conflict between those seeking to develop these resources and those who live on the lands and risk displacement, loss of livelihood, and environmental contamination. These risks are particularly acute in Sub-Saharan Africa, though many Sub-Saharan countries have adopted legislation to prevent and peacefully resolve disputes.
88 FR 6358
The Federal Highway Administration received, reviewed, and issued a determination of complete, for a renewal package from the Alaska Department of Transportation & Public Facilities requesting renewed participation in the Surface Transportation Project Delivery Program, which allows the Administration to assign, and states to assume, responsibilities under NEPA, and all or part of the Administration’s responsibilities for environmental review, consultation, or other actions required under any federal environmental law with respect to one or more federal highway projects within the state.