Department of Defense January 28, 2011 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

Pursuant to Section 102(2)(c) of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, as implemented by the Council on Environmental Quality regulations (40 Code of Federal Regulations [CFR] parts 1500- 1508), the Department of the Navy (Navy) announces its intent to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) to identify and evaluate the potential environmental consequences associated with providing facilities and functions to homebase the F-35C Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) aircraft on the West Coast of the United States. Under this proposal, a total of seven active-duty F/A-18C Hornet aircraft squadrons and one fleet replacement squadron (FRS) will progressively transition from F/A-18C Hornet aircraft to the more advanced F-35C JSF beginning in 2015. This transition will occur as a one-for-one replacement. The aging FA-18C Hornet aircraft are expected to be replaced with F-35C aircraft by 2025. The Navy will evaluate two basing options (plus a no action alternative) to efficiently and economically transition the F-35C aircraft into the fleet. This basing action is consistent with past Navy strike-fighter homebasing actions. Dates and Addresses: Public scoping meetings are scheduled to receive oral and/or written comments on environmental concerns that should be addressed in the EIS, as follows: 1. Tuesday, February 15, 2011, at the Southwest High School, 2001 Ocotillo Drive, El Centro, CA 92243 (located in Imperial County, California). 2. Thursday, February 17, 2011, at Lemoore Senior Center, 789 South Lemoore Avenue (18th Avenue), Lemoore, CA (located in Kings County, California). Each meeting will occur from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. The meetings will be an open house format with informational displays and materials available for public review. The public will have an opportunity to submit written comments on environmental concerns that should be addressed in the U.S. Navy F-35C West Coast Homebasing EIS. Navy staff will be present at these open houses to answer questions.