The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) requires all Federal agencies to consider the effects of their projects and programs on the environment. The Farm Service Agency complies with NEPA by completing an environmental review prior to approving a project or program. The type of review that is completed depends on the size of the project or program. For example, smaller projects that have little potential to affect the environment may be reviewed by completion of an environmental worksheet. The potential environmental effects of larger projects and programs are usually addressed by completing a document known as an environmental assessment. If an environmental review determines that adverse effects may result from approval of a project, FSA must either develop solutions referred to as mitigation measures or complete a higher level of review referred to as an environmental impact statement.
FSA Environmental Policy
When completing environmental reviews of its projects and programs, FSA considers the effects of those projects or programs on a wide range of natural resources as well as areas of special concern such as effects on minority or low income populations. When completing its environmental reviews to comply with the requirements of NEPA, FSA also complies with other environmental laws such as the National Historic Preservation Act and the Endangered Species Act. For environmental assessments and environmental impact statements, FSA invites public participation.
FSA NEPA Regulations were published in the Federal Register on August 3rd, 2016 (81 FR 51273).
Related Links
The Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) has upgraded their site, NEPA.gov.
This site provides access to the following, among other things:
- 40 CFR 1500-1508, CEQ’s Regulations for Implementing the Procedural Provisions of the NEPA
- CEQ Guidance Documents
- Steps to Modernize and Reinvigorate NEPA
- NEPA: After 25 years, a Study of Effectiveness
- Environmental Quality Statistics
- NEPA Documents and Contacts for Federal Agencies