USDA RD NEPA & Regulatory Compatibility Review Support

The team supports the USDA Rural Business-Cooperative Service (RBCS) for the environmental reviews of client application for the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) and the Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program (HBIIP). The team completes reviews for projects classified as either Categorical Exclusions (CEs), CEs with Environmental Report, or Environmental Assessments (EAs). Our review of draft environmental documents, which have been prepared by the applicant and/or their consultants, ensure consistency with Federal Regulation and Environmental Policies and Procedures. We also perform outreach with the applicant and their consultant, as needed, for additional information or clarification of information submitted. We ensure coordination with the appropriate State and Tribal Historic Preservation Offices (SHPOs/THPOs) and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service offices, among other agencies, and, where needed, obtains concurrence with findings and completed determinations of effects of a proposed project for proper documentation.

A highly skilled team of multi-disciplinary scientists and NEPA practitioners was assembled to plan and implement tasks to complete the environmental review for proposed projects to be funded under either the REAP or HBIIB grant program. Our environmental reviewers assess whether an applicant has provided sufficient documentation to demonstrate compliance with RD environmental regulations and any other application regulations or policies. Additionally, we work directly with the RD program, project, or applicant as required to satisfy all environmental requirements and consults with USDA State Environmental Coordinators, as needed, to accurately classify a project as either a CE or an EA. After completion of the review process, we recommend an environmental finding. If necessary, we recommend covenants or best management practices that can mitigate any environmental issues identified during the regulatory review of the project. The team also worked with the USDA to assist in design, testing, and modifying a suitable project tracking system and has been responsible to populate, catalog, update, and maintain the system. The tracking system, the Centralized Environmental Review (CERT) PowerApp, has been used to assemble and submit project status report to USDA officials. All projects are entered into the project racking system for program reporting requirements.