CPP Stakeholder Engagement & Public Participation Flashcards

Which federal law requires federal agencies to involve the public in decisions that affect the environment?

Answer: National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)

NEPA mandates public participation through comment periods and public hearings for major federal actions affecting the environment.

What is a Notice of Intent (NOI) in the context of public participation?

Answer: A document announcing an agency's plan to prepare an EIS

A Notice of Intent announces an agency's plan to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement, officially beginning the scoping and public comment process.

What is the primary purpose of a public scoping meeting during the permitting process?

Answer: To identify key issues and alternatives that should be analyzed

Scoping meetings gather input from stakeholders to define the range of issues, alternatives, and impacts that must be addressed in environmental review documents.

Which stakeholder group is typically given formal 'consulting' status under Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act?

Answer: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and/or NOAA Fisheries

Section 7 consultation requires federal action agencies to consult with USFWS and/or NOAA Fisheries to ensure actions don't jeopardize listed species or critical habitat.

What is a 'hard look' requirement as it applies to public comments?

Answer: An agency must genuinely consider and respond to substantive public comments

Courts require agencies to take a 'hard look' at environmental impacts and meaningfully respond to substantive public comments rather than dismiss them.

In US permitting, what is the standard minimum public comment period for a Draft EIS?

Answer: 45 days

CEQ regulations require a minimum 45-day public comment period for Draft Environmental Impact Statements to allow meaningful public participation.