Permitting Council Agencies

The Department of Agriculture (USDA) leads efforts in food, agriculture, natural resources, rural development, and nutrition. Its policies are based on public policy, scientific research, and efficient management. 

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USDA Rural Development (RD)

The USDA Rural Development (RD) aims to improve the economy and quality of life in rural America. RD offers loans, grants, and loan guarantees for essential services like housing, economic development, healthcare, first responder services, and infrastructure for water, electricity, and communications. RD also supports economic growth by providing loans to businesses through financial institutions and community lending pools and offers technical assistance to agricultural producers and cooperatives.  

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U.S. Forest Service (USFS)

The U.S. Forest Service (USFS) protects national forests and grasslands by requiring special-use authorizations for projects seeking rights-of-way or other uses of National Forest system land.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) provides essential public and military engineering services to enhance national security, energize the economy, and reduce disaster risks. 

The USACE Directorate of Civil Works handles water resource development, including flood risk management, navigation, ecosystem restoration, hydropower, recreation, and environmental stewardship. USACE grants permissions for altering or using Civil Works projects and regulates activities affecting U.S. waters under various acts like the Rivers and Harbors Act and the Clean Water Act.

The Department of Commerce fosters economic growth and opportunity by promoting innovation, entrepreneurship, and competitiveness.

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National Telecommunications & Information Administration

The National Telecommunications & Information Administration works to increase broadband Internet access to support economic growth, job creation, and improved education, healthcare, and public safety. 

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National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS)

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) manages ocean resources and their habitats and enforces laws like the Marine Mammal Protection Act and the Endangered Species Act to recover protected species while allowing economic activities. It also ensures compliance with fisheries regulations under the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act. 

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NOAA Office of National Marine Sanctuaries (ONMS)

The NOAA Office of National Marine Sanctuaries (ONMS) manages a network of underwater parks to conserve natural and cultural resources and promote sustainable recreation and tourism. The National Marine Sanctuaries Act allows ONMS to issue permits for activities and requires federal agencies to consult ONMS if their actions might harm sanctuary resources.

The U.S. Department of the Interior manages and protects natural resources and cultural heritage, provides scientific information, and honors commitments to American Indians, Alaska Natives, and affiliated Island Communities. 

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U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS)

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) conserves fish, wildlife, and plants and their habitats. USFWS ensures federal activities do not jeopardize protected species under laws like the Endangered Species Act and issues biological opinions or letters of concurrence for federal projects. 

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Bureau of Land Management (BLM) 

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) oversees public lands for multiple uses while conserving resources. BLM collaborates with various entities to develop Resource Management Plans for public lands, which guide decisions on land use. 

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Bureau of Reclamation

The Bureau of Reclamation manages water resources in the western U.S., providing irrigation, municipal and industrial water, and hydropower. It operates land, facilities, and waterbodies according to environmental and economic considerations.

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National Park Service (NPS)

The National Park Service (NPS) reviews permit applications for activities in NPS-managed areas, striving to minimize impacts on park resources and values. NPS preserves natural and cultural resources for future generations. 

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Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM)

The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) manages energy and mineral resources on the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS). BOEM conducts resource assessments, scientific research, and environmental reviews, and oversees leasing and project management. 

The Department of Energy (DOE) addresses energy, environmental, and nuclear challenges through science and technology. DOE works to transform the nation’s energy system, secure leadership in energy technologies, plan resilient infrastructure, and modernize the electric grid.

The Department of Transportation (DOT) oversees policies and programs that help ensure a fast, safe, efficient, accessible, and convenient transportation system. DOT modernizes permitting and project delivery processes to enhance economic growth and competitiveness. It supports innovative financing mechanisms and promotes best practices in environmental streamlining. 

The Department of War (DOW) is America’s largest and oldest government agency, providing military forces to deter war and protect national security. The Department's Siting Clearinghouse, established in 2010, serves as the point of contact for analyzing energy development projects' impacts on military readiness and operations.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) mission is to protect human health and the environment.

EPA works to ensure that:

• Americans have clean air, land and water;

• National efforts to reduce environmental risks are based on the best available scientific information;

• Federal laws protecting human health and the environment are administered and enforced fairly, effectively and as Congress intended;

• Environmental stewardship is integral to U.S. policies concerning natural resources, human health, economic growth, energy, transportation, agriculture, industry, and international trade, and these factors are similarly considered in establishing environmental policy;

• All parts of society--communities, individuals, businesses, and state, local and tribal governments--have access to accurate information sufficient to effectively participate in managing human health and environmental risks;

• Contaminated lands and toxic sites are cleaned up by potentially responsible parties and revitalized; and

• Chemicals in the marketplace are reviewed for safety.

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) helps consumers access reliable, efficient, and sustainable energy services at reasonable costs. FERC regulates the development of infrastructure like hydropower projects, LNG terminals, and interstate pipelines. 

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) ensures public health and safety, promotes defense and security, and protects the environment by regulating civilian uses of nuclear materials. NRC oversees nuclear power plants, fuel cycle facilities, waste disposal, and the medical use of nuclear materials through licensing, inspection, and enforcement. 

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) ensures a safe, secure, and resilient homeland. DHS oversees the U.S. Coast Guard, which administers bridge permits and reviews plans for structures crossing navigable waters, and FEMA, which coordinates federal disaster recovery efforts and supports disaster preparedness. 

The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) creates sustainable, inclusive communities and quality affordable homes. HUD strengthens the housing market, meets the need for rental homes, and supports infrastructure planning and disaster recovery, including leading the Hurricane Sandy Rebuilding Task Force. 

The Advisory Council on Historic Preservation (ACHP) is an independent federal agency that promotes the preservation, enhancement, and sustainable use of our nation's diverse historic resources, and advises the President and the Congress on historic preservation policy. The ACHP oversees the implementation of Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act to ensure that federal agencies consult with interested parties to identify and evaluate historic properties, assess the effects of federal actions on historic properties, and resolve any adverse effects. The ACHP also can tailor the Section 106 process for specific activities, improving the effectiveness and efficiency of reviews. 

The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) implements the President’s vision across the Executive Branch. OMB resolves disputes over permitting timetables and issues guidance to federal agencies, ensuring compliance with the Fixing America’s Surface Transportation Act (FAST-41). 

The Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) coordinates federal environmental efforts and develops environmental policies. CEQ ensures federal agencies meet their National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) obligations and resolves disputes over NEPA compliance. CEQ also helps implement FAST-41 by resolving disputes over project facilitation.