[Federal Register Volume 74, Number 125 (Wednesday, July 1, 2009)]
[Notices]
[Page 31415]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E9-15517]


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COUNCIL ON ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY


Economic and Environmental Principles and Guidelines for Water 
and Related Land Resources Implementation Studies; Initiation of 
Revision and Request for Suggested Changes

AGENCY: Council on Environmental Quality.

ACTION: Notice and Request for Suggestions.

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SUMMARY: Section 2031 of the Water Resources Development Act of 2007 
(Pub. L. 110-114) directs the Secretary of the Army to revise the 
``Economic and Environmental Principles and Guidelines for Water and 
Related Land Resources Implementation Studies,'' dated March 10, 1983, 
consistent with a number of considerations enumerated in the statute. 
The Administration is considering developing uniform planning standards 
for the development of water resources that would apply government-
wide, including agencies other than the traditional water resources 
development agencies covered under the current Principles and 
Guidelines: the Army Corps of Engineers, Bureau of Reclamation 
(Interior), Natural Resources Conservation Service (USDA), and 
Tennessee Valley Authority. Therefore, the Council on Environmental 
Quality (CEQ) will facilitate an interagency drafting of revised 
Principles and Guidelines for planning water resources projects that 
could be applied government-wide.
    Upon completion, the revision would apply to Federal water 
resources implementation studies including project reevaluations and 
modifications except those commenced prior to the issuance of the 
revised guidance. It is intended that the revision will be conducted in 
two phases, with the first phase addressing revisions to the 1983 
Principles and Standards (Chapter I of the existing Guidelines) and the 
second phase addressing revisions to the Procedures (Chapters II 
through IV of the 1983 Guidelines). The purpose of this notice is to 
provide an opportunity for interested individuals and organizations to 
submit suggestions for revising the Principles and Guidelines. Using 
that input, CEQ intends for the initial draft of the revision to be 
prepared and released for public comments and review by the National 
Academy of Sciences.

DATES: CEQ will hold a Webinar to hear public comment on 
recommendations to revise the Principles and Guidelines on July 13, 
2009, from 1 to 3:30 p.m. EDT. Written suggestions are being accepted 
now and will be accepted through the end of the business day, July 17, 
2009.

ADDRESSES: Suggestions should be submitted in writing to the Council on 
Environmental Quality, Attn: Terry Breyman, 722 Jackson Place, NW., 
Washington, DC 20503 or via e-mail to [email protected] or FAX 202-456-
6546.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Terry Breyman, Associate Director for 
Natural Resources, at 202-456-9721.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Council on Environmental Quality is 
initiating the first phase of this revision to include the 1983 
Principles and Standards (Chapter I of the Guidelines). Revision of 
Chapters II through IV of the Guidelines will be initiated at a later 
date. The Secretary requests that each suggested revision be 
accompanied by a statement of the intent of the revision. Written 
suggestions (by mail, e-mail, or fax) are preferred and should be 
submitted to Terry Breyman, 722 Jackson Place, NW., Washington, DC 
20503 or via e-mail to [email protected] or FAX 202-456-6546. In 
addition, CEQ will hold a Webinar to hear suggestions for proposed 
revisions on July 13, 2009, from 1 to 3:30 p.m. EDT. To participate in 
the Webinar, you must register at https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/411954714. After registering, you will receive a confirmation 
e-mail containing information about joining the Webinar. System 
requirements for PC-based attendees: Windows2000, XP Home, XP Pro, 2003 
Server, Vista. Mcintosh-based attendees require Mac OS X 10.4 (Tiger) 
or newer. Those needing to make suggestions and ask questions may 
attend this meeting in person at the U.S. EPA offices at Two Potomac 
Yard (North Building), Room n-1600 (6th floor), 2733 South Crystal 
Drive, Arlington, VA 22202. To facilitate oral suggestions, the time 
available to speak will be divided by random drawing. Interested 
individuals and organizations may request copies of the following 
documents by mail or e-mail or access them at the Internet addresses 
indicated: ``Economic and Environmental Principles and Guidelines for 
Water and Related Land Resources Implementation Studies dated March 10, 
1983 (http://www.usace.army.mil/CECW/PlanningCOP/Documents/library/Principles_Guidelines.pdf) Water Resources Development Act of 2007 
(Pub. L. 110-114) at http://www.usace.army.mil/CECW/PlanningCOP/Documents/library/hr1495_pl110-114.pdf.

    Dated: June 26, 2009.
Nancy H. Sutley,
Chairman, Council on Environmental Quality.
[FR Doc. E9-15517 Filed 6-30-09; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3125-W9-P