[Federal Register Volume 74, Number 235 (Wednesday, December 9, 2009)]
[Notices]
[Pages 65102-65103]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E9-29270]


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COUNCIL ON ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY


Draft Principles and Standards Sections of the ``Economic and 
Environmental Principles and Guidelines for Water and Related Land 
Resources Implementation Studies''; Initiation of Revision and Request 
for Comments

AGENCY: Council on Environmental Quality.

ACTION: Notice and request for comments.

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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,'' (P&G) dated March 10, 
1983, consistent with a number of considerations enumerated in the 
statute. The Administration has initiated the development of uniform 
planning standards for the development of water resources that would 
apply to water resources development programs and activities 
government-wide, to agencies in addition to 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), in coordination with the Office of Management and 
Budget, has implemented a two phase interagency process revising the 
planning guidance. The first phase focused on facilitating interagency 
revisions to the ``Principles and Standards'' (Chapter I of the 
existing P&G) of Principles and Guidelines for planning water resources

[[Page 65103]]

projects. The second phase will address revisions to the Procedures 
(Chapters II through IV of the 1983 P&G)
    Upon approval of the revised ``Principles and Standards'' and the 
future revision of the Procedures, the entire revision will apply to 
Federal water resources implementation studies including project 
reevaluations and modifications except those commenced prior to the 
issuance of the revised guidance. The purpose of this notice is to 
provide an opportunity for interested individuals and organizations to 
submit comments on the revised ``Principles and Standards''. Using 
these comments and those from the National Academy of Sciences, CEQ 
will lead an interagency effort to finalize the Principles and 
Standards and draft the Procedures sections of the Principles and 
Guidelines.
    Draft Document for Review: The draft ``Principles and Standards'' 
for review can be accessed on the Internet at http://www.whitehouse.gov/administration/eop/ceq/initiatives/PandG/ or, upon 
request, will be provided by mail or e-mail.

DATES: CEQ is inviting written comments and they will be accepted 
through March 5, 2010.

ADDRESSES: Comments may be submitted in writing to the Council on 
Environmental Quality, Attn: Terry Breyman, 722 Jackson Place, NW., 
Washington, DC 20503, via e-mail to [email protected], FAX 202-456-6546, 
or submitted via the CEQ Web page at http://www.whitehouse.gov/administration/eop/ceq/initiatives/PandG/.

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

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Council on Environmental Quality in 
conjunction with the Office of Management and Budget is seeking 
comments on the revised draft of the ``Principles and Standards'' 
(Chapter I of the 1983 P&G) which is the first phase. Revision of 
Chapters II through IV of the Procedures will be initiated at a later 
date. Written comments 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. Comments may also be submitted 
directly to the Council of Environmental Quality Web page at http://www.whitehouse.gov/administration/eop/ceq/initiatives/PandG/. To help 
understand the changes, the following background documents will be made 
available by mail or e-mail or they may be accessed 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: December 3, 2009.
Nancy H. Sutley,
Chairman, Council on Environmental Quality.
[FR Doc. E9-29270 Filed 12-8-09; 8:45 am]
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