What’s happening: The Federal Highway Administration announced Feb. 23 that Nebraska entered a new agreement to assume additional responsibilities for environmental reviews under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). The state previously operated under more limited authority, so the agreement expands its existing role. Under the NEPA Assignment Program, qualified states may assume certain federal environmental review responsibilities.
The move follows Maine’s first-time entry into the program Jan. 30, bringing total state participation to nine. Together, these developments signal continued interest by state departments of transportation in taking on larger roles in federal environmental reviews.
States with NEPA Assignment: AK, AZ, CA, FL, ME, NE, OH, TX, & UT
Why it matters: Environmental permitting reviews remain a driver of project delay and cost escalation for transportation projects. ARTBA has long supported broader use of NEPA Assignment because participating states report faster review timelines and lower costs while maintaining environmental protections. These reforms are part of ARTBA’s broader push to eliminate redundant reviews and empower states to deliver projects more efficiently.
What’s next: As Congress prepares the next surface transportation reauthorization bill, ARTBA is recommending targeted improvements to strengthen the program and make it easier for states to apply, remain in the program, and cover implementation costs.
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