NEPA

Implementing EO 13807 — Coordinating NEPA and Compliance with Other Federal Laws

Michael Mayer, Jennifer Bring, Josh Fitzpatrick, and Kris Thoemke

Tuesday, May 21
Baltimore Theater
11:15 AM

About the Session

If environmental reviews and authorizations under other federal laws are not effectively coordinated, meeting the requirements outlined in Executive Order (EO) 13807 on Establishing Discipline and Accountability in the Environmental Review and Permitting Process for Infrastructure will be difficult, if not impossible. The purpose of EO 13807 is to support the timely processing of federal environmental reviews and agency authorization decisions for proposed major infrastructure projects. In addition to outlining the goal of completing all environmental reviews in an average of two years, EO 13807 stipulates that all federal authorization decisions, including issuing permits, shall be completed within 90 days of the issuance of a ROD. This session will examine how to effectively coordinate planning and permitting for three federal laws, compliance with which is commonly needed for major infrastructure projects – the Endangered Species Act, the Clean Water Act, and the National Historic Preservation Act.

About the Presenters

Michael Mayer, ERM

Biography pending

Jennifer Bring, 106 Group

Jennifer Bring is a senior project manager with extensive expertise in cultural resources management (CRM) and environmental documentation. Her multidisciplinary background in archaeology, architectural history, planning, and business management informs her detailed understanding of National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) Section 106/Section 110 processes, as well as state-level compliance issues. With nationwide project experience, Jennifer can navigate challenges to successfully lead complex projects to completion. Clients have praised Jennifer’s sharp focus and ability to effectively coordinate the NHPA and NEPA processes as project manager for a wide range of projects, including small-scale development projects, interstate pipelines, wind and solar projects, and rail and transit projects. Jennifer has also facilitated consultation with agencies, Native American tribes, and community groups to bring resolution to potential project issues.

Josh Fitzpatrick, Federal Aviation Administration

Josh Fitzpatrick works for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) as an Environmental Protection Specialist where he manages the NEPA and Cultural Resources program for 208 airports across the Upper Great Plains. Prior to joining the FAA, he worked for the Army Corps of Engineers in wetland permitting and ecosystem restoration. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his family and most silent sports including fishing, camping, rafting, hiking and…hockey.

Kris Thoemke, Coastal Engineering Consultants, Inc.

Dr. Kris Thoemke, CEP, is a part time faculty member at American Public University and a Senior Scientist at Coastal Engineering Consultants, Inc. He teaches graduate classes on Environmental Management and NEPA. His research interests are in dredging impacts on seagrass and using living shorelines for mitigation. His favorite places are on, in or underwater.