FTA's Office of Environmental Programs

We are responsible for administering the agency's compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and related Federal laws during execution of the Federal transit program.  We guide FTA regional offices and project sponsors in fulfilling their NEPA and NEPA-related responsibilities for proposed transit projects by providing guidance and advice on procedural and technical matters.  

We develop and implement agency-wide regulations, policies, standard operating procedures, and guidance related to the analysis and mitigation of the environmental and community impacts of proposed transit projects, including assessment of impacts in areas such as: land use, displacement of businesses and residences, noise and vibration, air quality, wetlands and water quality, ecologically-sensitive areas and endangered species, historic and archeological resources, parklands, and contaminated soil or property.  

In short, we're FTA’s principal advocate for the improvement of the human environment and for minimizing the adverse impact of public transportation projects on the natural environment.