42 USC 12838 - Environmental review

U.S Code last checked for updates: May 02, 2024

§ 12838.

Environmental review

(a)

In general

In order to assure that the policies of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 [42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.] and other provisions of law which further the purposes of such Act (as specified in regulations issued by the Secretary) are most effectively implemented in connection with the expenditure of funds under this subchapter, and to assure to the public undiminished protection of the environment, the Secretary, in lieu of the environmental protection procedures otherwise applicable, may under regulations provide for the release of funds for particular projects to jurisdictions or insular areas under this subchapter who assume all of the responsibilities for environmental review, decisionmaking, and action pursuant to such Act, and such other provisions of law as the regulations of the Secretary specify, that would apply to the Secretary were he to undertake such projects as Federal projects. The Secretary shall issue regulations to carry out this section only after consultation with the Council on Environmental Quality. The regulations shall provide—

(1)

for the monitoring of the environmental reviews performed under this section;

(2)

in the discretion of the Secretary, to facilitate training for the performance of such reviews; and

(3)

for the suspension or termination of the assumption under this section.

The Secretary’s duty under the preceding sentence shall not be construed to limit or reduce any responsibility assumed by a State or unit of general local government with respect to any particular release of funds.

(b)

Procedure

(c)

Certification

A certification under the procedures authorized by this section shall—

(1)

be in a form acceptable to the Secretary,

(2)

be executed by the chief executive officer or other officer of the recipient of assistance under this subchapter qualified under regulations of the Secretary,

(3)

specify that the recipient of assistance under this subchapter has fully carried out its responsibilities as described under subsection (a), and

(4)

specify that the certifying officer (A) consents to assume the status of a responsible Federal official under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 [42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.] and each provision of law specified in regulations issued by the Secretary insofar as the provisions of such Act or other such provision of law apply pursuant to subsection (a), and (B) is authorized and consents on behalf of the jurisdiction or insular area and himself to accept the jurisdiction of the Federal courts for the purpose of enforcement of his responsibilities as such an official.

(d)

Assistance to units of general local government from a State

(Pub. L. 101–625, title II, § 288, Nov. 28, 1990, 104 Stat. 4127; Pub. L. 103–233, title II, § 206, Apr. 11, 1994, 108 Stat. 365; Pub. L. 104–330, title V, § 505(a)(2), Oct. 26, 1996, 110 Stat. 4044.)

cite as: 42 USC 12838