FAQ: Because this project is slated to go into federal waters it has to conform to the NEPA process but not the SEQRA process, what is the difference?

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Because this project is slated to go into federal waters it has to conform to the NEPA process but not the SEQRA process, what is the difference?

The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) provides for an interdisciplinary, comprehensive environmental impact assessment. It was first established by the Congress of the United States of America as part of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969(NEPA). NEPA regulations require all federal agencies to evaluate the environmental consequences of proposed actions and to consider alternatives. NEPA applies to federal actions and federal jurisdictions.

The State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA) was established by New York State in 1975, requiring state and local governmental agencies assess environmental effects of discretionary actions before undertaking, funding or approving such actions, unless they fall within certain statutory or regulatory exemptions from the requirements for review.

The Minerals Management Service will serve as the lead federal agency and will make decisions under NEPA on the scoping process and the necessary studies after consultation with other agencies. The full NEPA process involves a scoping process, which solicits input for study and evaluation from the public and interested agencies, the development of environmental documents complying with NEPA requirements, and public comment periods and meetings after an environmental review document is issued.

In light of the comments received, the public interest in the Project, and size of the Project, the Project currently anticipates that the lead agency will require that the Project be reviewed using the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) process under NEPA.

The Minerals Management Service will issue a Notice of Intent concerning its formal determination than an EIS will be conducted to satisfy NEPA requirements.