1. L O N G B E A C H, C A

2. Ed Melisky Environmental Specialist, FAA, Office of Airports, Airport Planning and Environmental Division, APP-400 edward.melisky@faa.gov NEPA’s Background and History L O N G B E A C H, C A

3. TOPICS WE’LL MENTION Why have NEPA? NEPA’s intent NEPA’s purposes NEPA’s requirements How FAA & ARP meet NEPA

4. WHY WE NEED NEPA To address Federal government actions that would affect human, natural, and social environments. Examples of actions triggering such impacts occur… –in high-density urban areas –in undeveloped areas –during industrial expansion –when we exploit natural resources –during the building, operation, and maintenance of transportation facilities.

5. NEPA’S BIRTH NEPA resulted from a 10+-year effort to include environmental considerations in Federal decision making. Those considerations need to be part of economic, technological, financial decisions. NEPA’s effective date: January 1, 1970. President Richard M. Nixon signed NEPA into law. Public Law 91-190 / 42 U.S.C. 4321- 4347. Note: NEPA does not mean the National Environmental Protection Act. Implementing regs. @ 40 CFR 1500 et. seq. Chief Sponsors: Sen. Henry “Scoop” Jackson (WA) and Rep. John Dingell (MI) Primary Author: Dr. Lynton Caldwell.

6. NEPA’S INTENT NEPA requires Federal agencies taking actions that affect the environment to… - cooperate with state & local governments and agencies at federal, state, and local levels. - cooperate with public and private organizations. - promote and foster general welfare. - find ways for man and nature to exist in “productive harmony.”

7. NEPA’S PURPOSES

8. NEPA DOES NOT REQUIRE… that a Federal agency (FAA) give up its authority to make decisions; a Federal Agency to place environmental concerns above all other factors critical to a decision; that Federal actions avoid controversy; a Federal agency to analyze impacts to “nth” degree; stopping needed projects; generating useless mountains of paperwork; or courts to make agency decisions. –Note: Courts determine if the responsible or lead Federal Agency met applicable environmental laws/regulations.

9. NEPA DOES… urge Federal agencies to learn about nationally-important ecological systems and natural resources; encourage Federal agencies to approve needed projects in ways that are harmonious with human, natural, and social environments; require Federal agencies to disclose the effects of their actions on human, natural, and social environments; require public participation in Federal agency decisions when their actions affect human, natural, and social environments; and establish the Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ).

10. HOW DO FAA & ARP MEET NEPA’S GOALS FAA does so by… - trying to sustain a preferred standard of living, while providing necessary aviation infrastructure; - considering environmental effects before making decisions; - responding to variety of many demands; - including NEPA’s intent in its mission. FAA’s Office of Airports (ARP) mission statement recognizes NEPA: “ ARP provides leadership in planning and developing a safe, efficient national airport system to satisfy the needs of the United States. In doing so, ARP will consider economics, environmental compatibility, and local proprietary right, and safeguard the public investment.” ARP instructions specifically for airport actions: - Order 5050.4B, NEPA Implementing Instructions for Airport Actions - Desk Reference for Airport Actions - (Advisory Circular 150/5070-6, Airport Master Planning, Chap. 5)

11. Thanks for your attention!! Questions??