[Federal Register Volume 73, Number 29 (Tuesday, February 12, 2008)]
[Notices]
[Pages 8043-8044]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E8-2554]


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COUNCIL ON ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY


The National Environmental Policy Act

AGENCY: Council on Environmental Quality.

ACTION: Notice of Availability, ``A Citizen's Guide to the National

[[Page 8044]]

Environmental Policy Act--Having Your Voice Heard.''

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SUMMARY: The Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) has published ``A 
Citizen's Guide to the NEPA--Having Your Voice Heard.'' The guide 
explains the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), and how it is 
implemented, as well as how people outside the Federal government--
individual citizens, private sector permit applicants, members of 
organized groups, and representatives of Tribal, State, or local 
governments--can better participate in the Federal environmental impact 
assessment process. This informational guide contains no new 
requirements.

ADDRESSES: Electronic or facsimile requests are preferred given that 
Federal agencies often experience mail delays as a result of security 
screening. Submit requests for the guide via electronic mail to 
[email protected] with the subject line ``NEPA Citizen's Guide.'' 
Fax requests to ``NEPA Citizen's Guide'' at (202) 456-0753. Mail 
requests to NEPA Citizen's Guide, Attn.: Associate Director for NEPA 
Oversight, 722 Jackson Place, NW., Washington, DC 20503.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Horst Greczmiel at (202) 395-5750.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: CEQ established a NEPA task force and is 
implementing its recommendations to modernize the implementation of 
NEPA and make the NEPA process more effective and efficient. This guide 
responds to public requests and comments received during the 
development of the ``National Environmental Policy Act Task Force 
Report to the CEQ--Modernizing NEPA Implementation,'' and from 
participants in the four NEPA Regional Roundtables that reviewed the 
report. More information about the task force is posted at http://ceq.eh.doe.gov/ntf. CEQ requested public comments on the proposed guide 
on February 21, 2007, 72 FR 7876. Those comments are posted at http://ceq.eh.doe.gov/ntf/implementation.html.
    The ``A Citizen's Guide to the NEPA--Having Your Voice Heard'' 
describes the NEPA process and suggests ways in which citizens and non-
Federal entities can participate in Federal agencies' implementation of 
NEPA. The final guide, revised in response to public comments, includes 
a discussion of the environmental policies set out in section 101 of 
NEPA, clarifying specific points in the process when public comments 
and input are effective, explaining variations in planning processes 
for Federal highways, and distinguishing between required and optional 
implementation.
    The procedural steps in analyzing proposed Federal actions through 
the three levels of analysis provided in the CEQ Regulations 
Implementing the Procedural Requirements of the National Environmental 
Policy Act (40 CFR parts 1500-1508)--the categorical exclusion, the 
environmental assessment, and the environmental impact statement--are 
described. The guide also advises how to obtain assistance from CEQ and 
other government agencies, in addition to available options to those 
concerned whether an agency is properly implementing its NEPA 
responsibilities.

    Dated: February 4, 2008.
James L. Connaughton,
Chairman, Council on Environmental Quality.
 [FR Doc. E8-2554 Filed 2-11-08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3125-W8-P