View Rule
View EO 12866 Meetings | Printer-Friendly Version Download RIN Data in XML |
USDA/FS | RIN: 0596-AB73 | Publication ID: Spring 2002 |
Title: Categorical Exclusion for Certain Special Uses Permit Actions (FSH 1909.15, Chapter 30) | |
Abstract: In April 1997, the Forest Service completed a reengineering study of its special uses program. One finding in that study was that the Forest Service is conducting extensive National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) analysis and documentation for the renewal or transfer of ownership of special use authorizations having no significant effect on the human environment, either individually or cumulatively. This level of NEPA compliance is costly, time consuming, and not commensurate with the risk attributed to the activity. Therefore, the Forest Service proposes to add a new category of categorical exclusions from NEPA documentation at sections 31.1b and 31.2 of FSH 1909.15, Environmental Policy and Procedures Handbook. This action would give clearer direction regarding the NEPA obligation, when issuance of a special use authorization is a purely ministerial action and no changes are proposed in permitted activities or facilities. Further, the Forest Service proposes to amend section 30.3 to clarify the NEPA documentation that is needed for processing applications and authorizations under a categorical exclusion when extraordinary circumstances exist. There is confusion surrounding section 30.3 about the "mere presence" of an extraordinary circumstance and the implication of a need for an Environmental Assessment (EA) or Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). The Forest Service proposes to amend this section to provide that an identified extraordinary circumstance must clearly have a significant impact on the National Forest resource to merit preparation of an EA or EIS. | |
Agency: Department of Agriculture(USDA) | Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant |
RIN Status: Previously published in the Unified Agenda | Agenda Stage of Rulemaking: Final Rule Stage |
Major: No | Unfunded Mandates: No |
CFR Citation: None (To search for a specific CFR, visit the Code of Federal Regulations.) | |
Legal Authority: 42 USC 4321 to 4346 |
Legal Deadline:
None |
|||||||||||||||
Timetable:
|
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No | Government Levels Affected: None |
Small Entities Affected: No | Federalism: No |
Included in the Regulatory Plan: No | |
Related RINs: Related to 0596-AB94 | |
Agency Contact: Marian P. Connolly Regulatory Officer Department of Agriculture Forest Service MS 1134, ATTN: IRM, D&R, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-1134 Phone:703 605-4533 Fax:703 605-5111 Email: mconnolly@fs.fed.us |