Action
Withdrawal of proposed rulemaking and closing of public docket.
Summary
This document withdraws a proposed rulemaking proceeding to update and revise our National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) implementation regulation for projects funded or approved by the FHWA and the FTA. The agencies undertook this action to update and revise the NEPA and related procedures regulation which was last issued in 1987. The agencies intended to modify the regulation to reflect experience gained in administering these requirements and substantial changes in legislation that occurred during the time since 1987. The agencies have determined that the proposed changes generated such a diversity and disparity of comments that substantial further work is necessary to develop new proposals that accommodate these comments. However, with the close proximity of legislative reauthorization of the surface transportation program, the agencies believe that it would be prudent to wait for the outcome of the legislative process to see what further changes are needed. Accordingly, we are withdrawing the proposed rulemaking action and closing the docket.