Federal Register #Docket No. EP 779

STB Proposes Regulatory Updates to Environmental Review for Rail Projects

This opportunity involves proposed regulatory updates by the Surface Transportation Board (STB) to modernize and streamline its environmental review processes for rail-related projects under NEPA and NHPA. - Government Buyer: - Surface Transportation Board (STB), Office of Environmental Analysis - Products/Services Requested: - Regulatory revisions to environmental review procedures for rail projects - Updates include: - Delegation of authority to the Director of the Office of Environmental Analysis - Revised categorical exclusions - Updated Environmental Assessment (EA) and Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) procedures - Modified consultation and reporting requirements - Unique or Notable Requirements: - Alignment with recent legal changes, including CEQ NEPA updates and Congressional amendments - Clarification of actions not subject to NEPA - Streamlined procedures for efficiency and consistency - Public comment period to inform final regulations - No OEMs or commercial vendors are involved, as this is a regulatory rulemaking rather than a procurement of goods or services.

Description

The Surface Transportation Board proposes to update and streamline its environmental regulations implementing the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). The rulemaking aims to align regulations with recent legal changes, including CEQ's rescission of prior NEPA regulations and amendments to NEPA by Congress. Key updates include clarifications on delegations of authority, categorical exclusions, and processes for Environmental Assessments and Impact Statements to improve efficiency and consistency in rail transportation environmental reviews. Public comments are requested by April 24, 2026.

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