What is the Applicant role in the NEPA review process?
The Applicant is required to complete an Environmental Report as part of the loan application. This should be a comprehensive description and environmental effects analysis of their proposed project, the preparation of which may require the assistance of an environmental contractor, particularly for EIS-level projects. The information submitted should be based on guidance and requirements identified by the LGPO. Once a project sponsor has decided to submit an application, they are encouraged to contact the NEPA Division of the Loan Guarantee Program for preliminary guidance on what to include in their application. An example of such guidance is Attachment B to the 2008 solicitations for loan guarantee applications. Upon commencement of due diligence and negotiations, the NEPA division of the LGPO will work with the applicant and contractor in an iterative process to ensure smooth and timely completion of the NEPA process. DOE in many cases, particularly for EISs, plans to develop the N
