CEQ’s Proposed NEPA Guidance Listening Session _________________________ Welcome Please Sign In Horst Greczmiel Council on Environmental Quality April 15, 2010

NEPA Fundamentals Categorical Exclusions (CE) Environmental Assessments (EA) Environmental Impact Statements (EIS)

Draft Climate Change & GHG Guidance Purpose of the Guidance Two aspects: GHG Emissions Effects of the Proposed Action and Alternative Actions Relationship of Climate Change to a Proposed Action or Alternatives and to Proposal Design, Impacts, Mitigation and Adaptation Measures

Draft Climate Change & GHG Guidance When to Evaluate GHG Emissions  25,000 Metric Tons of CO 2 Equivalent GHG  Reference Point for Evaluation and Disclosure How to evaluate GHG Emissions  Use Information in Existing Technical Documents  Comment Requested on Land and Resource Management protocol What to consider  Energy Requirements

Draft Climate Change & GHG Guidance Considering Current or Projected Effects of CC  Affected Environment  Integrity of Development or Structure  Vulnerable Communities - Subsistence Nexus of Project Effects and CC Effects Adaptation Incorporate Existing Research by Reference

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Draft Categorical Exclusion Guidance Purpose of the Guidance Substantiating a New Categorical Exclusion – Evaluate Agency’s Implemented Actions – Use Impact Demonstration Projects – Rely on Professional Staff and Expert Opinions, and Scientific Analyses – Benchmark Public and Private Entities’ Experiences

Draft Categorical Exclusion Guidance Applying an Established Categorical Exclusion – Determine what Documentation is Necessary – Public Involvement Periodic Review of Categorical Exclusions

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Draft Mitigation and Monitoring Guidance Purpose of the guidance MITIGATION: - Mitigated Findings of No Significant Impact -- Distinct from Elements Integral to Design - Mitigation Commitments in an EIS / ROD -- Mitigation Alternatives - Mitigation Needs, Plans, Implementation -- Document and Monitor -- Issue: Funding - Deference to Agency Professionals

Draft Mitigation and Monitoring Guidance MONITORING: - Factors to Consider for Prioritizing Monitoring - Form / Method of Monitoring -- Agency discretion -- EMS / Landscape or Facility Monitoring -- Open Government Agenda/reporting Implementation Effectiveness Role of the Public

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Thank You Horst Greczmiel Council on Environmental Quality