16 USC 6514 - Environmental analysis

U.S Code last checked for updates: Nov 22, 2024

§ 6514.

Environmental analysis

(a)

Authorized hazardous fuel reduction projects

Except as otherwise provided in this subchapter, the Secretary shall conduct authorized hazardous fuel reduction projects in accordance with—

(1)

the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 [42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.]; and

(2)

other applicable laws.

(b)

Environmental assessment or environmental impact statement

(c)

Consideration of alternatives

(1)

In general

Except as provided in subsection (d), in the environmental assessment or environmental impact statement prepared under subsection (b), the Secretary shall study, develop, and describe—

(A)

the proposed agency action;

(B)

the alternative of no action; and

(C)

an additional action alternative, if the additional alternative—

(i)

is proposed during scoping or the collaborative process under subsection (f); and

(ii)

meets the purpose and need of the project, in accordance with regulations promulgated by the Council on Environmental Quality.

(2)

Multiple additional alternatives

If more than 1 additional alternative is proposed under paragraph (1)(C), the Secretary shall—

(A)

select which additional alternative to consider, which is a choice that is in the sole discretion of the Secretary; and

(B)

provide a written record describing the reasons for the selection.

(d)

Alternative analysis process for projects in wildland-urban interface

(1)

Proposed agency action and 1 action alternative

(2)

Proposed agency action

(3)

Proposed agency action and community wildfire protection plan alternative

(e)

Public notice and meeting

(1)

Public notice

(2)

Public meeting

During the preparation stage of each authorized hazardous fuel reduction project, the Secretary shall—

(A)

conduct a public meeting at an appropriate location proximate to the administrative unit of the Federal land on which the authorized hazardous fuel reduction project will be conducted; and

(B)

provide advance notice of the location, date, and time of the meeting.

(f)

Public collaboration

(g)

Environmental analysis and public comment

(h)

Decision document

(Pub. L. 108–148, title I, § 104, Dec. 3, 2003, 117 Stat. 1897.)

cite as: 16 USC 6514