Training Descriptions
All of the trainings listed below can be tailored to fit agency needs and requirements.
Notice:
We continuously monitor and update our training to reflect the latest changes in NEPA regulations. While revisions are underway, agencies should continue using their existing NEPA practices as guided by the NEPA statute, Executive Order 14154, and current guidance. Ongoing NEPA analyses should not be delayed; instead, apply your current procedures with any necessary adjustments to remain consistent with the revised NEPA statute as amended by the FRA. Although the CEQ is rescinding its NEPA implementing regulations (40 C.F.R. Parts 1500–1508), agencies may still opt to rely on those regulations for completing or defending ongoing NEPA reviews.
Accelerating Environmental Reviews with Technology: Tips and Techniques - AERT
This training provides participants with a comprehensive understanding of how technology is being used to make the environmental review process more effective and efficient. The training covers a wide range of topics, including managing project workflow, managing environmental analyses, managing documents (writing, filing, responding to Freedom of Information Act requests, reviews, signatures, publication and notifications, administrative records), managing public information (websites, social media, list serves, and comment analyses) and managing accomplishment reporting and accountability. The course will cover examples of standard technology applications already available as well as examples of agency-specific applications. Participants will share technology they are using in their own environmental reviews. The workshop includes exposure to various technologies, but does not include instruction for specific technologies.
Adaptive Management - AM
The term adaptive management has been applied to many different types of management strategies that allow for experimentation and learning. This workshop provides students with an in-depth understanding of the different types of adaptive strategies. The workshop clarifies how these strategies have been misused and where miscommunication about these different approaches has led to confusion. Specific tools are presented to ensure the right adaptive model is used for the right problem. Four different adaptive models are discussed with specific connections to the requirements of the NEPA: (1) Research, (2) Programmatic, (3) Project, and (4) Environmental Management Systems. Examples for each of the four adaptive models are explored. Case studies are used by students to reinforce the techniques and principles taught in the workshop.
Advanced Environmental Cross-Cutter - AECC
Participants in this advanced course will learn how to best integrate requirements of key environmental statutes into the NEPA analysis in order to increase efficiencies and reduce analysis costs. The course will address the NEPA process, including selected regulatory and statutory requirements. The workshop will address compliance requirements of several selected major environmental cross-cutters, including § 404 of the Clean Water Act, Marine Mammal Protection Act, § 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act, Endangered Species Act and Coastal Zone Management Act, as well as Environmental Justice and other Executive Orders.
Applying the EIAP/NEPA Process: Air Force Specific - EIAP
Participants learn to conduct the EIAP effectively to fulfill the spirit and letter of NEPA. They also learn to apply the CEQ regulations and 32 CFR 989. They learn planning, analysis, and writing skills, as well as the value and function of AF Form 813 and the DOPAA.
Applying the NEPA Process & Writing Effective NEPA Documents: Dept. of Defense Specific - ANP-DOD
Participants in this highly acclaimed training workshop learn how to fulfill the spirit and letter of NEPA and CEQ in applications specific to the Department of Defense. They also explore how good decision making, analysis, and documentation all must integrate to prepare a legally compliant EIS, EA, FONSI, ROD, or CE/CATEX. For over 20 years, this interactive workshop has been received by thousands of government personnel in both state and federal agencies, and in private industry.
Applying the NEPA Process and Writing Effective NEPA Documents - ANPWEND
Participants in this highly acclaimed training workshop learn how to fulfill the spirit and letter of NEPA and CEQ while preparing documents. Interdisciplinary specialists who carefully manage the NEPA process will generate better NEPA documents that require less preparation time, and that facilitate informed decisions and specific comments. (There are additional writing exercises and practical skills applications in the 4-day workshop)
Applying the NEPA Process for State DOT Assignment Authority - ANP-DOT
This workshop is specifically designed for those state agency employees, consultants, attorneys, and other key participants in the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) process conducted by State agencies that have been assigned NEPA responsibilities (or expected to obtain the authority in the future) under the Surface Transportation Project Delivery Program administered by the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) for highway, transit and rail projects. Participants develop an understanding of NEPA and transportation decisionmaking and skills to document decisions and their rationale. You will learn to identify the appropriate form of environmental documentation and the appropriate level of detail. Through practice you will learn to organize and write well-designed, consistent, and analytic EISs/EAs and decision memos for Categorical Exclusions (CEs) that clearly and concisely present managerial information to decisionmakers and the interested public.
Applying the NEPA Process and Writing Effective NEPA Documents for (FAA) Actions - ANP-FAA
Participants in this highly-acclaimed training workshop learn how to fulfill the spirit and letter of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), the White House Council of Environmental Quality (CEQ) NEPA Implementing Regulations, and the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) Order 1050.1F Environmental Impacts: Policies and Procedures while participating in the NEPA process for Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) actions. Resource specialists and scientists, project managers, editors, engineers, consultants, attorneys and other key participants in the FAA NEPA process who carefully manage the NEPA process will generate better NEPA documents that require less preparation time, and that facilitate informed decisions and specific comments. Participants will learn to identify the appropriate form of environmental documentation and the appropriate level of detail for NEPA compliance.
Applying the NEPA Process: Native American Tribal Concerns and Participation - ANP-NA
The course will review the following documents for compliance with NEPA, CEQ regulations, and federal agencies’ implementing procedures (with an emphasis on the BIA NEPA regulations): Categorical Exclusions; Environmental Assessments/Findings of No Significant Impacts; and Environmental Impact Statements/Records of Decisions. As part of the course participants will review an EA for compliance and clarity of information. As part of this exercise participants will identify what information is sufficient, what information is missing, and what information is extraneous. As well as what advice would they give for improving the document by redrafting it.
The course will also discuss scoping and public involvement requirements associated with tribal treaty rights, self-government (government-to-government consultation requirements), and BIA requirements for tribal involvement.
The last day of the course will focus on the National Historic Preservation Act Section 106 process and how it’s integrated into the NEPA process and Document. Additionally, we will discuss the Endangered Species Act and how it applies to Indian lands for projects funded by federal agencies.
Building Strong Administrative Records: Defensible Decision-Making
Participants in this training will learn how to create comprehensive and defensible administrative records that withstand legal scrutiny. The course emphasizes the essential components of a strong record, including documentation of decision-making processes, interagency collaboration, and public engagement. By focusing on best practices and practical strategies, attendees will gain the skills needed to minimize legal risks, enhance transparency, and build records that support sound, defensible decisions under NEPA.
Clean Air Act - Overview - CAA
Participants in this workshop will learn the history of the Clean Air Act (CAA) and how the Act applies to Federal, State, and local governments, as well as private companies and citizens. Participants will also learn the terminology associated with the Act, and review case law that guided its implementation. In addition, participants will gain an understanding of the relationship between the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) oversight of the Act and the role played by States. Lastly, participants will study important aspects of the Act, such as how the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) are determined, when permits are required, and the processes for obtaining permits.
Clean Water Act - Overview - CWA
Participants in this workshop will learn the history of the Clean Water Act (CWA) and how it applies to Federal, State, and local governments, as well as private companies and citizens. Participants will also learn terminology associated with the Act, the case law that guided implementation, and the relationship between oversight by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), and States. Lastly, participants will study important aspects of the Act, such as when 401 and 404 permits are required and the process for obtaining these permits.
Clear Writing for NEPA Practitioners - CWN
Participants in this course learn how to plan/scope the writing process for a NEPA document including how to present technical information and graphics. They also learn review skills to ensure document effectiveness, clarity, and accuracy.
Conditions Based Management in the Forest Service
This training provides participants with an understanding of Condition Based Management (CBM) as applied within the U.S. Forest Service. The course covers essential aspects of CBM, including its principles, implementation strategies, and the shift from traditional, output-based management to more flexible, condition-based approaches. Participants will explore adaptive management techniques, site-specific management actions, and the importance of achieving desired ecological outcomes. Real-world case studies will illustrate how CBM can improve forest health, resilience, and strategic project planning.
Cultural and Natural Resource Compliance - CNRM
Participants learn to identify stewardship responsibilities included in major cultural and natural resource laws and regulations, including the Endangered Species Act and National Historic Preservation Act. They also survey cultural and natural resource legal compliance steps and review how to integrate compliance into the agency mission.
Document Review - DR
A Shipley Group consultant will review environmental documentation required for National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) compliance to determine analysis sufficiency, efficiency, and logic flow. The consultant will present findings via a 1-day instructor led webinar (virtual classroom) for up to 35 students. The review will provide rationale as to why environmental information that was included may not be relevant or necessary to the decision being made, as well as why any missing environmental information/rationale may be relevant and important in making findings and decisions.
Environmental Risk and Public Involvement - RC-ENV
Participants learn the meaning and application of risk communication. They explore the full range of response communication, including developing a communication plan and strategy, standing before an audience, and responding in writing.
From Decision to Action: Managing Project Implementation and Monitoring
Participants in this advanced course will learn how to effectively transition from NEPA compliance and decision-making to project implementation and monitoring. The training provides practical strategies for ensuring that project decisions, including environmental commitments and mitigation measures outlined in NEPA documents are carried out successfully. Participants will explore best practices for integrating NEPA decisions into on-the-ground actions, aligning implementation strategies with agency directives, and developing robust monitoring frameworks to track compliance and project performance. Case studies of successful implementation will highlight key lessons learned and strategies to overcome common challenges.
Implementing the 8-Step Process for Floodplain Impact Assessment-FLOOD
Participants in this course learn about Executive Order (E.O.) 11988’s procedural requirements, E.O. 13690 and the Federal Flood Risk Management Standard (FFRMS), and coordination with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) process. They also explore how to find a Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) for a property, how to determine the appropriate floodplain for the 8-Step decision-making process, and when Class Reviews and Simplified Evaluation and Review Processes can be used.
Issues Based NEPA - IBNEPA
Concern that compliance with NEPA is too time consuming and results in lengthy environmental documents has been around for decades. To address this concern, some Federal agencies have begun to develop issued-based NEPA analyses. This workshop is designed to help NEPA practitioners understand how to undertake an issued-based analysis that will help them emphasize important environmental issues, determine reasonable alternatives, and focus technical analyses. A range of best practices for focusing the analysis includes using scoping to identify issues, integrating issues into the purpose of the action, generating and streamlining alternatives to address issues, and focusing the analyses on issues. The workshop also evaluates options for organizing NEPA documents around issues. The workshop draws on information from CEQ regulations and guidance, NEPA case law, and additional guidance from agencies and CEQ for developing issue-based analyses.
Making Effective NEPA Categorical Exclusion Determinations - ENCD
This training is designed to equip environmental professionals, planners, and project managers with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate the complexities of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) Categorical Exclusion (CATEX) process. This course provides an in-depth understanding of the regulatory framework, criteria, and best practices for making accurate and efficient CATEX determinations. Participants will engage in interactive discussions, real-world case studies, and hands-on exercises to master the key elements of the CATEX decision-making process. By the end of this course, attendees will be well-versed in identifying and applying appropriate CATEXs for proposed actions, reviewing actions for potential extraordinary circumstances. ensuring overall compliance with individual agency and the CEQ NEPA regulations, and understanding how proper use of Categorical Exclusions can assisting with streamlining environmental reviews for faster project approvals.
Managing NEPA Projects & Teams - MNPT
Participants learn management of the NEPA process, as opposed to technical competency and skills. The course provides training in managing and reviewing the NEPA process. This includes prototyping the document before writing begins and determining what tasks might best be assigned to contractors.
National Forest Management Act and Planning in the Forest Service
This training offers a comprehensive introduction to the National Forest Management Act (NFMA) and its role in guiding Forest Service land management planning. Participants will explore the NFMA’s requirements for developing planning rules under the principles of the Multiple-Use Sustained-Yield Act of 1960, as well as the regulatory framework codified in Title 36, Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) part 219 and Forest Service directives FSM 1920 and FSH 1909.12.
The training covers essential NFMA components, Forest Service Planning Rules, and implementing directives, with a focus on principles, strategies, and the shift toward desired conditions-based planning. Participants will also review real-world case studies that demonstrate how the Forest Service revises land management plans to address pressing natural resource issues.
Navigating NEPA for State Natural Resource Agencies: Aligning State and Federal Priorities
This focused training is designed specifically for state (and county) natural resource agencies to address their unique challenges in navigating environmental compliance requirements. Participants will learn how to align state and county-level priorities and processes with federal NEPA requirements, ensuring streamlined collaboration and compliance. This workshop equips participants with practical strategies to strengthen their role in resource management and environmental planning while fostering effective interagency partnerships. Additionally, the training will delve into the benefits of Cooperating Agency Status under NEPA and how state and county agencies can leverage lessons from the NEPA process to enhance their own specific review processes for greater efficiency.
Navigating Interagency Coordination: Strategies for Effective Collaboration
This course empowers participants to navigate the complexities of interagency coordination during the NEPA process, with an emphasis on strategies for improving communication and streamlining workflows. Participants will learn techniques for building collaborative relationships, resolving conflicts, and aligning priorities across federal, state, and local agencies. By enhancing coordination, attendees will be better equipped to avoid delays, reduce redundancies, and achieve more efficient and effective project outcomes.
Navigating NEPA Changes: Congressional, Regulatory, and Supreme Court Revisions and Rulings - NEPAREGS
The start of President Donald Trump’s second term has introduced a wave of regulatory, legislative, and judicial changes affecting the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). These shifts have created substantial uncertainty regarding how NEPA practice will evolve.
Most significantly, in February 2025, the White House Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) issued an Interim Final Rule rescinding CEQ’s NEPA Implementing Regulations, which have guided federal NEPA compliance for over four decades. This rule was driven by two recent federal court decisions (late 2024 and early 2025), which held that CEQ never had statutory authority to issue binding NEPA regulations, as Congress did not explicitly grant this power in the NEPA statute. In response, CEQ issued a guidance memorandum directing federal agencies on how to comply with NEPA during a one-year transition period, while agencies work to revise or establish their own NEPA-specific regulations and procedures.
These changes build upon several years of NEPA-related developments, including:
• Congressional Amendments to NEPA (Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023 – the first-ever substantive amendment to the NEPA statute).
• The Biden Administration’s “Phase 2” NEPA Rulemaking, which introduced major revisions that took effect for new NEPA reviews beginning July 1, 2024.
• Reversals and modifications of the 2020 Trump-era NEPA regulations by the Biden Administration, particularly in areas related to climate change and environmental justice analysis.
In addition to legislative and regulatory shifts, recent federal court rulings have had significant implications for NEPA implementation. Key decisions include:
1. State of Iowa et al. v. CEQ (2025)
• U.S. District Court for the District of North Dakota issued a nationwide injunction on the Biden Administration’s Phase 2 NEPA Rule, ruling that CEQ had violated the NEPA statute and the Administrative Procedure Act (APA).
• The ruling required federal agencies to revert to the NEPA regulations in effect as of June 30, 2024 (i.e., Biden’s Phase 1 rulemaking from May 20, 2022).
2. Marin Audubon Society v. Federal Aviation Administration (2024)
• U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit ruled that CEQ lacks statutory authority to create binding NEPA regulations, as Congress never explicitly delegated that authority in the NEPA statute.
3. Loper Bright Enterprises v. Raimondo (2024)
• The U.S. Supreme Court overturned Chevron deference, limiting the ability of federal agencies to interpret vague statutory language without clear congressional authorization.
4. Corner Post, Inc. v. Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (2024)
• Expanded the timeframe in which plaintiffs can challenge federal agency decisions, including NEPA-based approvals and rulemakings.
5. Seven County Infrastructure Coalition v. Eagle County (2025 – Pending Supreme Court Review)
• The first NEPA-specific Supreme Court case in 20 years.
• Will address the scope of indirect impact analysis when a federal agency has limited control over environmental effects.
Given the scope, complexity, and implications of these removals and changes to the CEQ NEPA Implementing Regulations, NEPA Statute, and recent and upcoming federal court decisions, there will be considerable uncertainty and debate about the implications of all of this change for NEPA practice. This workshop aims to clarify these issues as much as possible, providing participants with a comprehensive understanding of these changes to NEPA practice and their implications for how practitioners can best respond to this ever-evolving situation. While some of the changes and implications are straightforward, others require in-depth analysis and discussion, and are likely to continue to generate uncertainty and likely litigation for many years into the future.
NEPA and the APA - Public’s Role: Involve, Collaborate, and Comment
This interactive workshop teaches participants how to structure public involvement under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and the Administrative Procedure Act (APA). The workshop explores techniques on how to involve the public, collaborate with interest groups and government agencies, and resolve difficult conflicts. The workshop also teaches best techniques for influencing Federal actions through the commenting process.
NEPA Greenhouse Gas Analysis and Documentation - NCCA
As federal priorities on GHG continue to shift across administrations, agencies face evolving expectations regarding the level of GHG analysis required in NEPA documents. This course is designed to inform, not prescribe—providing you with an understanding of the risks and legal considerations associated with different levels of GHG analysis.
Participants will receive a practical, risk-based framework for incorporating GHG considerations into their NEPA documents. The training will cover:
• The fundamentals of GHG science relevant to NEPA.
• Approaches to assessing greenhouse gas emissions and impacts on projects and affected resources.
• The trade-offs and legal risks associated with varying depths of GHG analysis.
• Step-by-step guidance on conducting analyses at different levels of detail, tailored to agency discretion and project scope.
• Case studies illustrating recent litigation outcomes and best practices for legally defensible GHG analyses in EAs and EISs.
NEPA Reasonably Foreseeable Effects Analysis and Documentation - NEAD
Participants learn how to evaluate various impact methodologies, examining their strengths and limitations in clearly disclosing environmental effects. The course focuses on recording environmental effects in a manner that produces clear, legally robust Environmental Assessments (EAs) and Environmental Impact Statements (EISs).
NEPA Statute Requirements
This course provides a deep dive into the statutory requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), focusing on the text of the law (42 U.S.C. §§ 4321–4370h) including as amended by the Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023, and key judicial decisions from federal courts – including the U.S. Supreme Court - that have shaped NEPA compliance. Participants will gain an understanding of how agencies and courts interpret and implement NEPA’s fundamental requirements—such as public involvement, environmental review, and decision-making—even in the absence of government-wide White House Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) Implementing Regulations. This training clarifies the core legal expectations, obligations, and directions within NEPA, helping practitioners prepare their environmental analyses and documentation in a compliant and efficient manner.
Overview of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) - OCE
Participants in this highly acclaimed training workshop learn how to fulfill the spirit and letter of NEPA, CEQ, and (California Environmental Quality Act)CEQA. They also explore how good decision making, analysis, and documentation all must integrate to prepare a legally compliant EIS, EA, FONSI, ROD, or CE/CATEX. For over 20 years, this interactive workshop has been received by thousands of government personnel in both state and federal agencies, and in private industry.
Overview of the Coastal Zone Management Act - CZMA
Participants in this workshop will learn the history of the Coastal Zone Management Act (CZMA) and how it applies to Federal, State, and local governments, as well as private companies and citizens. Additionally, participants will learn the terminology associated with the Act, the case law that guides implementation, and the relationship between the states and NOAA’s Office of Costal Management (OCM) in the Department of Commerce. The course will also discuss requirements of the Act, and the states’ responsibilities for reviewing Federal consistency determinations and issuing permits for non-point source pollution programs. Since each coastal state has their own Coastal Management Program, we will examine these programs state-by-state.
Overview of the Endangered Species Act - ESA
Participants learn about the requirements and procedures for complying with the Endangered Species Act. The course reviews the history of the law, the listing process, the Section 7 consultation process, and the Section 10 permit process.
Overview of the Marine Mammal Protection Act and Magnuson-Stevens Act Consultations - MMPA
This one-day overview workshop focuses primarily on the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), including the goals of the Act, and the consultation process used to obtain Letters of Authorization (LOA) and Incidental Harassment Authorizations (IHAs). In addition, some discussion on how the Endangered Species Act (ESA) and the MMPA are integrated. The course will also include a discussion on the Magnuson-Stevens Act (MSA) consisting of defining Essential Fish Habitat (EFH), the types of actions which could adversely affect habitat, and the consultation and compliance requirements of the Act. Finally, the course discusses how to incorporate compliance with both Acts into the NEPA process.
Overview of the National Historic Preservation Act /Section 106 - 106
Participants learn to understand and initiate Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act.
Overview of the NEPA Process - NEPAO
Participants in this course learn about NEPA’s procedural requirements and implementing process. They also explore the steps to preparing a quality Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) or Environmental Assessment (EA).
Overview of Tribal Sovereignty and Federal Consultation - TSO
This one-day workshop focuses on the Government-to-Government relationship between Federal government agencies and Native American Tribal governments. We will discuss the evolution of Tribal and Federal government relationships, Tribal Sovereignty, and current expectations and requirements for government-to-government consultation. Participants will learn about the Executive Orders and White House Memorandums imposing expectations for federal agency consultation with Indian tribes , beginning with President Clinton’s 1994 Executive Order through President Biden’s 2022 Presidential Memorandum, and including E.O. 13175, Consultation and Coordination with Indian Tribal Governments. We will also review best practices for government-to-government consultation as identified by the Working Group of the Memorandum of Understanding Regarding Interagency Coordination and Collaboration for the Protection of Tribal Treaty and Reserved Rights.
Preparing Effective Purpose & Need and Alternatives Sections - PNA
Participants in this intermediate-advanced level two or three-day workshop will learn how to craft clear, effective, and compliant Purpose & Need and Alternatives sections for their NEPA Environmental Assessments (EAs) and Environmental Impact Statements (EISs). These sections are among the most important to get right in a NEPA analysis, as they serve essentially as the framework for the entire impact analysis. In addition, in recent years there has been an increasing focus in NEPA litigation on challenges to these two sections, many of which have been successful. This workshop will cover how to create effective Purpose, Need, and Proposed Action statements, as well as how to develop a reasonable range of alternatives for a given proposed federal action. Course materials will draw from the NEPA Statute, the White House Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) Regulations for Implementing NEPA, key CEQ Guidance documents, NEPA Case Law, and federal agency case studies and example documents. Agency-specific tailored workshops will concentrate on agency-specific NEPA Regulations and their corresponding policies and procedures for Purpose & Need and Alternatives sections.
Preparing Programmatic NEPA Reviews - PPNR
Participants learn what NEPA program documents are, the different types of program documents, how they can be effectively used, and how project-level NEPA documents can be effectively tiered to Programmatic NEPA reviews to reduce analysis requirements at the project level. Students will learn how to best determine what type of program document is most appropriate in different situations and the scope of environmental analysis that is most appropriate.
Preparing Specialist Reports as Part of the NEPA Process - PSRNEPA
To prepare resource specialists (e.g. range specialists, hydrologists, cultural resource specialists) to actively and meaningfully participate in the NEPA process from inception through completion.
Reviewing NEPA Documents - RND
Participants in this course learn how to systematically review the full range of NEPA documents: EISs, RODs, EAs, and FONSIs. They also learn to present clear review findings for NEPA documents, which analyze a range of alternatives and disclose all potential impacts.
Section 4(f) - 4(f)
Participants in this workshop will learn the specific requirements for the analysis of Section 4(f) and how to comply with the Section 4(f) of the Department of Transportation Act of 1966 as amended (Pub. L. 89-670, 80 Stat. 931) (DTA). They will learn how to conduct the 4(f) analysis by identifying lands and resources subject to the 4(f) requirements, how to conduct the analysis, and to document findings. We also explore how these 4(f) requirements intersect with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) and the Land and Water Conservation Act (LWCA).
Storyboarding for NEPA Documents - SND
Participants in this course will learn how to prepare and use storyboarding for projected NEPA documents. The goal of a storyboard is to have a "working" version of your document in place before writers begin to generate text.
Technical Writing and Science Communication - TW
Participants in this course will learn how to ensure that their readers do not miss the main point or spend unnecessary time searching for key information. Although documents are varied and often complex; they must be clear, understandable, and accurate. 100% clarity is the primary goal.
Tools for Efficient NEPA - TEN
Participants in this intermediate-advanced level workshop will learn techniques to improve their efficiency in implementing the NEPA process. As NEPA practitioners are aware, a long-standing and frequent criticism of NEPA is that it, “takes too long, and costs too much.” Measures to address these concerns have included new administration and internal agency policies, and legislative proposals to expedite the NEPA process. The two main focuses of these efforts are implementing timelines to substantially shortening completion of NEPA reviews; and, setting maximum page limits for Environmental Assessments (EAs) and Environmental Impact Statements (EISs). This workshop begins with a comprehensive review of NEPA basics, followed by techniques and best practices to improve agencies’ efficiency in completing the NEPA process. A range of best practices includes improving project management, scoping, decision making, defining proposal scope and scale, adaptive management, interagency coordination processes, and writing, will be discussed. We will draw on information from CEQ Regulations and guidance, NEPA case law, and federal agency case studies. Agency-specific tailored workshops will concentrate on the agency’s NEPA policies and procedures and specific techniques to improve efficiencies tied to them.
Understanding and Preparing Preliminary EIAP Documents (DOPAA): Air Force Specific - DOPAA
Participants learn to complete AF Form 813 and write meaningful DOPAAs. A well-written Air Force Form 813 describes the proposed action as well as alternatives, to determine whether environmental issues are serious enough to delay or even stop the proposed project.
Comprehensive NEPA Warrant I curriculum (32 Hours) – Course Number – WI 5
This comprehensive training fulfills all of the requirements for the U.S. Coast Guard Warrant I curriculum.
Comprehensive NEPA Warrant II curriculum (40 Hours) – Course Number – WII 6
This comprehensive training fulfills all of the requirements for the U.S. Coast Guard Warrant II curriculum.