Nebraska has entered into a new agreement with the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) that will allow the state to take on expanded environmental review authority and accelerate transportation infrastructure projects.
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Announced by U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, the agreement gives the Nebraska Department of Transportation (NDOT) broader responsibilities under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), a move aimed at reducing federal review timelines and expediting project delivery.
“Today’s agreement removes unnecessary federal red tape — ensuring more major infrastructure projects are built on time and on budget,” Duffy said. “I hope to see other states follow Nebraska’s lead so we can get shovels in the ground sooner and continue delivering results for the American people.”
Nebraska becomes the third state to adopt the full partnership model, joining Texas and Maine.
Under the NEPA Assignment Program, participating states assume legal responsibility for conducting environmental reviews and issuing decisions that were traditionally handled by federal agencies.
“Burdensome reviews and approvals by Washington have slowed progress on road and highway improvements in Nebraska and across the country,” FHWA Administrator Sean McMaster said. “Now NDOT, the agency that knows Nebraska’s transportation needs best, will be able to take on additional NEPA responsibilities and ensure projects like the Lincoln East Beltway are completed in less time and at less cost to taxpayers.”
Nebraska initially received limited NEPA authority in September 2018, allowing it to process categorical exclusions. The newly signed agreement expands that authority to full programmatic NEPA assignment, covering environmental assessments (EAs) and environmental impact statements (EIS) for future transportation projects statewide.
State officials say the change will provide greater control over project timelines, enhance coordination between planners and regulators, and improve cost certainty for contractors and taxpayers.
Several high-profile infrastructure initiatives are expected to move forward more efficiently under the expanded authority:
By streamlining federal oversight, Nebraska officials anticipate shorter environmental review periods, fewer duplicative steps and faster groundbreaking schedules.
The agreement reflects a broader federal push to delegate more project review authority to states in order to accelerate infrastructure delivery nationwide. Supporters argue that states are better positioned to understand regional transportation priorities and can move projects forward more efficiently without compromising environmental protections.
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For Nebraska, the timing is significant. With growing freight volumes, agricultural transportation demands and urban expansion in areas like Omaha and Lincoln, the need for upgraded highways and improved safety corridors has intensified.
Assuming full NEPA responsibility also increases accountability. Under the program, Nebraska now carries legal liability for environmental determinations — a responsibility that underscores the state’s commitment to balancing infrastructure growth with environmental stewardship.
Federal officials say the move could serve as a model for other states seeking to fast-track critical transportation investments while maintaining compliance with national environmental standards.
As infrastructure funding remains a national priority, Nebraska’s expanded authority may offer a test case for whether state-led environmental review can meaningfully reduce project timelines and deliver long-planned improvements to communities more quickly.
Originally reported by Liz Carey in Transportation Today News.
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