Environmental Justice and NEPA in the Transportation Arena: Project Highlights

Relationship of this Report to Environmental Justice Reference Materials

There is extensive help for practitioners available through the Federal Highway Administration's (FHWA's) Environmental Justice website.[1] This report supplements the following specific reference material:

• Case Studies: Full-length case studies providing additional context and details for the 10 projects highlighted in this report are available through the website.
• Guidance on Environmental Justice and NEPA (2011 Guidance): In December of 2011, FHWA issued this guidance advising practitioners on the process to address environmental justice during the NEPA review, including documentation requirements. This guidance supplements the FHWA Technical Advisory 6640.8A, which provides guidance for documenting the potential social, economic, and environmental impacts considered in the selection and implementation of highway projects. Where possible, connections are made between the effective practices used in the example projects and the 2011 Guidance.[2]
• Environmental Justice Emerging Trends and Best Practices Guidebook: In 2011 FHWA released this guidebook addressing foundational issues or emerging trends in environmental justice and highlighting noteworthy case studies and best practices that promote environmental justice in transportation decision-making. The guidebook does not focus on the NEPA review process specifically, but provides much of the background material highlighted in the next section.[3]