Implementing Base Realignment and Closure Decisions in Compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act

Signing the Records of Decision (RODs) for U.S. Army Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) Environmental Impact Statements (EISs) has been impeded by modified proposed action, lack of environmental information, and unclear definition of responsibilities in the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) process. This policy analysis provides a framework to implement the spirit and intent of NEPA in accordance with BRAC mandates. Changes in U.S. Army force structure require base realignments and closures. These actions may not proceed without adequate implementation of NEPA. The issues and problems associated with implementing NEPA for BRAC are complex and difficult to define concisely. This policy analysis attempts to identify the underlying problems of BRAC and evaluates alternative strategies to overcome difficulties in preparing environmental analyses and documentation. These strategies focus on improving decision-making, NEPA flexibility, and the overall substantive quality of environmental analysis and documentation.