Environmental Review

Because Tri-State is requesting federal funds from the Rural Utilities Service (RUS), the agency will lead the environmental review process outlined by the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). To ensure the impacts of construction and operation of the proposed transmission line are considered, the project is undergoing an in-depth environmental review. Input gathered during multiple rounds of public comment periods (including the August 2009 public scoping meetings and upcoming routing workshops) will be considered in developing an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). A scoping report is available that summarizes comments received during the August 2009 scoping period.

Scoping report (28 mb)
Index of Public Comments

Environmental Impact Statement

The public will have an opportunity to comment on the draft EIS once it is complete, which is expected late in 2010. At the conclusion of the study, the RUS will issue a Record of Decision (ROD) that describes the final agency decision and the associated environmental impacts.

In addition to NEPA, other federal environmental laws including the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) and Endangered Species Act (ESA) apply. NHPA requires federal agencies to consider the effects of their undertakings on historic properties and affords the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation, as well as interested parties, an opportunity to comment. Consultation under Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act may be needed if any endangered or threatened species are likely to be affected.

Environmental Review

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