Navigating NEPA for State Natural Resource Agencies: Aligning State and Federal Priorities

Description

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.

Objectives

Upon completion of this training, participants will be able to:

    •          Understand the foundational principles of NEPA and how they intersect with state resource management priorities.

    •          Identify key differences between federal and state environmental review processes and develop strategies to align them effectively.

    •          Gain insights into the roles, responsibilities, and benefits of Cooperating Agency Status, and how to maximize involvement in NEPA processes.

    •          Develop practical approaches for integrating environmental compliance into   project planning and implementation.

    •          Use the NEPA process as a learning tool to identify areas for improving state-specific environmental review processes and achieving operational efficiency.

    •          Navigate interagency coordination challenges and build collaborative frameworks for project success.

    •          Apply best practices for managing public involvement, developing alternatives, and mitigating environmental impacts.

Content

The interactive workshop includes the following components:

    •          Aligning State, County, and Federal Environmental Review Processes

Examine the differences between federal and state environmental review processes, with a focus on identifying opportunities for alignment to streamline compliance.

    •          Maximizing Cooperating Agency Status in NEPA

Understand the roles, rights, and responsibilities of a Cooperating Agency, and learn how to use this status to influence project outcomes, protect state interests, and improve coordination with federal partners.

    •          Improving State Review Processes Through NEPA Lessons

Learn how insights and best practices from the NEPA process can inform and enhance state-specific environmental review frameworks, leading to more efficient and effective processes.

    •          Integrating Environmental Compliance into State Project Planning

Discover how to incorporate NEPA requirements and other environmental compliance considerations into state-level project planning and implementation to ensure smooth project delivery.

    •          Interagency Coordination for Effective Collaboration

Review strategies for fostering productive relationships with federal agencies and other stakeholders, emphasizing the importance of communication and shared goals in the NEPA process.

    •          Public Involvement and Stakeholder Engagement

Discuss best practices for engaging the public and other stakeholders, developing meaningful alternatives, and addressing concerns to build stronger community support for projects.

    •          Mitigation and Monitoring for Sustainable Outcomes

Delve into methods for creating focused mitigation and monitoring plans that align with NEPA objectives while supporting state resource management goals.

    •          Case Studies and Practical Exercises

Work through real-world examples and scenarios that highlight challenges and solutions in aligning state and federal priorities under NEPA.

Audience

This training is tailored for natural resource staff, including resource managers, environmental planners, state decision-makers, and professionals who collaborate with federal agencies on NEPA-related initiatives.

Process

This 1 or 2 day workshop consists of a carefully designed combination of the following:

  • 40% Lecture

  • 40% Discussion

  • 20% Exercises

Materials

Participants receive the following:

  • Participants receive a comprehensive workshop manual designed to support the instruction and to serve as an ongoing reference.