Comment Letter on NEPA Implementing Regulations Phase 2

technologyrestoration
Written By Christopher Putney

In response to the recent invitation for public comment from the White House Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) on NEPA revisions, EPIC submitted comments in collaboration with the the Federation of American Scientists and NEPAccess. Given both the pace of climate change and the long-standing challenges linked to federal permitting, we see innovation around technology, data, and talent as essential to achieving NEPA goals. Effective and well-designed IT systems can only be built with input from strong technical teams, and our recommendations reflect how CEQ can leverage and amplify leading practices with new technology, data, and teaming. Our recommendations include:

  • Following Human Centered Design (HCD) processes.

  • Centralizing access to NEPA documents and ensure that a user-friendly platform is available to facilitate public engagement.

  • Piloting interagency programs to coordinate permitting data for existing and future needs.

  • Prioritizing digital applications with easy-to-use forms.

  • Bolstering the use of decision support tools.

  • Utilizing e-NEPA to improve deadline tracking.

Read the Public Comment
Christopher Putney

Christopher leads the Technology Program’s cross-cutting technology talent and workforce initiatives. He also supports EPIC’s evolving legislative affairs work related to environmental tech and data use in government, tech capacity, and other workforce priorities. Before EPIC, he worked in Deloitte’s Government & Public Services practice doing technology modernization, human capital, and workforce strategy, communications, and change management for federal clients in the executive branch and DoD. His previous work spanned sectors and mission-driven teams, and includes roles in politics, non-profits, and academia, a small e-commerce start-up, and working for a Member of Congress. He holds degrees in Government and Philosophy from the University of Texas at Austin (BA), and in Political Science, from the Graduate Center (Masters), City University of New York (CUNY). His research and teaching interests are at the intersection of democracy, race, and American political development (APD).

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