Facilitation of Stakeholder Input in the National Environmental Policy Act Process

Use of effective communication techniques can greatly facilitate the process of receiving stakeholder input. Section 102(2) of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, as amended (NEPA) offers a chance for members of the public to be involved in the Federal agency decision making process. It requires a federal agency to consider the impacts of their undertaking on many resources areas to include social, cultural, economic and natural environments. Regulation for implementing NEPA Section 102(2) is provided in the Council on Environmental Quality’s (CEQ’s) regulations in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), Title 40, Part 1500 (40 CFR 1500). CEQ’s regulation at 40 CFR 1500.2(d) requires federal agencies to encourage and facilitate public involvement in decisions which affect the quality of the human environment. In addition to being mandated by federal regulation, these interactions can be beneficial to the preparing agency during the gathering and assessing information phase of the federal action. This paper looks at: the role and importance of stakeholder interactions and input, the potential benefits of information exchanges, and various techniques to enhance communication among the participating stakeholders. To illustrate these points, real world examples are presented. Additionally, how current and future environmental reviews can benefit from using these techniques, throughout the NEPA process.