Effective early planning and integration of NEPA into the decision-making process

Conference · Fri Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1993 · Environmental Professional; (United States)

OSTI ID:5999711

Hannon, W C; Gensler, J D ^[1]

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1. Allen and Hamilton, Inc., Bethesda, MD (United States)

This paper covers several key challenges and lessons learned in a federal agency assignment to educate the decision makers in NEPA and then to effectuate decisions early in the decision-making process based on the information derived from the NEPA process participants and documentation. Many of the key challenges faced by these federal decision makers stem, in part, from unfamiliarity with NEPA requirements and the benefits that can be derived by utilizing the process to support making an informed decision. Secondly, federal managers, at times believe that the process is a hindrance to accomplishing their mission. Lastly, there was a genuine belief that the public and other organizations within the agency should have no part in evaluating or commenting on the proposed action. Using the knowledge gained from drafting and reviewing EISs and EAs, Booz, Allen devised a systematic process that effectively: educated management on NEPA requirements; developed a management tool to guide and integrate the process; and encouraged the early and effective use of environmental and social information into all decision-making processes.

• OSTI ID: 5999711
• Report Number(s): CONF-930523--
• Conference Information: Journal Name: Environmental Professional; (United States) Journal Volume: Supplement
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY
290300* -- Energy Planning & Policy-- Environment
Health
& Safety
DECISION MAKING
DOCUMENT TYPES
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENTS
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS
IMPLEMENTATION
LAWS
PLANNING
US NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY ACT