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Proposed Revisions to APHIS Regulation of Genetically Engineered Organisms |
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Preparation of the EIS |
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As part of the regulatory revision process, APHIS is conducting a detailed analysis of the biotechnology regulatory alternatives that APHIS is considering. In accord with APHIS National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), APHIS is preparing a Programmatic environmental impact statement (EIS) that evaluates the environmental impacts of its proposed regulatory changes. Programmatic EISs are often prepared for actions that typically involve the agency, an entire program or a substantial program component. These actions are characterized by their broad scope (often global or nationwide) and potential effect (impacting a wide range of environmental quality values or indicators) and whether or not affected individuals or systems may be completely identified at the time.
The EIS Process |
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The process by which EIS' are prepared, reviewed, and approved is complex, but is granted some latitude based on the exigencies of program service.
- A proposal first undergoes scoping to determine the principal issues to be considered within the EIS. Scoping is informal (usually internal) and formal (a refined public process may involve public meetings).
- A draft EIS is prepared and made available to the public. The public is notified of the availability of the draft through appropriate means, including a notice in the Federal Register, and is given an opportunity to comment on the draft.
- The agency then considers the comments, integrates any new information or analysis into the EIS, and prepares a final EIS.
- The public is notified of the availability of the final EIS, again through a Federal Register notice and appropriate means. No decision on the proposed action can take place until the later of the following dates: 90 days after publication of the notice of the draft EIS or 30 days after the notice of publication of a final EIS. (Agencies with formal appeal processes may make and record a decision at the same time a final EIS is published, if they justify the timing and offer a real opportunity to alter the decision.)
View frequently asked questions about the EIS Process
APHIS' Notice of Intent |
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On January 23, 2004, BRS published a notice of intent (NOI), advising the public that APHIS intended to prepare an environmental impact statement (EIS) in connection with potential changes to the regulations for the importation, interstate movement, and environmental release of certain genetically engineered (GE) organisms. The notice identified potential issues and alternatives that would be studied in the EIS and requested public comment to further shape the scope of the issues and alternatives. APHIS gathered comments through March 23, 2004, and reopened the comment period on March 29, 2004 through April 13, 2004.
The NOI announced a scoping period during which written and other comments on the content of the programmatic EIS were gathered. Other comments received included statements made by stakeholders at public meetings and at APHIS staff meetings.
View the January 23, 2004 Notice of Intent
View the NOI Summary of Comments
APHIS' Draft EIS |
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In July 2007, BRS published a Notice of Availability of its draft EIS. The draft EIS evaluated the environmental impacts of the current regulations and the potential environmental effects of the revisions under consideration and was a crucial step in the regulatory revision process.
View the Complete Draft Environmental Impact Statement (pdf, 310 pages)
View the July 17, 2007 Federal Register Notice Announcing the Availability of the Draft EIS
View the July 12, 2007 Press Release Announcing the Availability of the Draft EIS
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