What Are The Regulations, Laws, and Guidance That Relate to the Environmental Process?
Process-Oriented Regulatory Requirements
There are sveral requirements that relate to the procedures FTA should follow during te environmental review process for FTA-funded projects. While many of these procedures are general, there are some that establish a process for evaluating specific resources; so there may be some overlap between this list and the one below.
Resource-Specific Laws, Regulations, and Executive Orders
In addition to procedural requirements, FTA must follow other environmental laws, regulations, and executive orders that may require additional outreach or analysis specific to a particular resource.
Environmental Guidance
FTA occasionally publishes guidance intended to clarify and interpret laws and regulaions as they apply to transit projects. While not legally binding, official guidance has the force of law and should be followed to the fullest extent practivable. Keep in mind that guidance may not take into account the provisions in recently passed Federal law. In addition, State and local environmental regulations or guidance may supplement the resources listed. Look for such resources often published by State departments of environmentl quality or the project sponsor.