Environmental Education (EE)

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NNEMS Project 2010-106

Category:
Environmental Policy, Regulation, and Law

Preferred Project Period:
6/1/10 - 8/20/10

Desired Education Level(s):

• Junior
• Senior

Project Title:
Environmental Impact Assessment Resource Planning and Review

Sponsoring Office:
Region 3, Environmental Assessment and Innovation Division, Office of Environmental Programs

Project Overview:
NEPA requires that any project involving a federal action use a systematic, interdisciplinary approach to evaluate the action and alternative actions. This evaluation takes into consideration environmental, social, and economic issues. The key purpose of this analysis is to integrate environmental values into the decision making process. There are three levels of analysis, depending on whether an undertaking could significantly affect the environment. These three levels include categorical exclusion determination (Cat Ex); preparation of an environmental assessment/finding of no significant impact (EA/FONSI); and preparation of an environmental impact statement (EIS). Furthermore, EPA is required under Section 309 of the Clean Air Act to review and rate all EIS documents.

Working with the NEPA Team, the fellow will review NEPA projects in energy and transportation. The fellow will research issues related to energy development and transportation infrastructure planning and implementation and will learn about specific environmental issues related to a particular project or sector of projects. In addition, the fellow will provide research related to specific EISs from project proponents, such as energy development (gas, coal, nuclear, and electric transmission line proposals). The fellow may also work with the NEPA Team as it develops and implements a strategy to integrate stormwater management control measures early in the project development process.

Project Goals:
The fellow will acquire and enhance his or her knowledge of environmental science, including issues associated with land development and energy resource extraction, habitat fragmentation, wetland protection, hydrology, water quality degradation, and stormwater management. The fellow will gain valuable insight into the roles of different stakeholders in the process and the impacts of these projects on communities. Finally, the experience will enhance the fellow’s understanding of environmental laws, regulations, and policies.

Final Product of the Project:
The fellow will provide a research report about NEPA projects and develop a presentation for the NEPA Team. Additional related project products may include briefing documents and issue papers.

Project Location:
EPA Region 3, Philadelphia, PA

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Project Officer Information

Jessica Martinsen
Region 3, Environmental Assessment and Innovation Division, Office of Environmental Programs

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Office Mission/Responsibility

The Office of Environmental Programs is responsible for implementation of the Wetlands Program under Section 404 of the Clean Water Act (CWA) and the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) Program. The office integrates regulatory responsibilities and activities in innovative ways to maximize environmental benefits.

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