Coast Guard September 20, 2021 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

The United States (U.S.) Coast Guard (Coast Guard), as the lead agency, announces the availability of the Draft Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement (PEIS)/Overseas Environmental Impact Statement (POEIS) for the Offshore Patrol Cutter (OPC) Program's Stage 2 acquisition of up to 21 OPCs and for the operation of up to 25 total OPCs. The complete OPC Program of Record comprises 25 OPCs. OPC Stage 1 is already under contract to provide the first 4 OPCs. OPC Stage 2 is the focus of this PEIS/POEIS and will provide the remaining 21 OPCs. This PEIS/POEIS is being prepared in compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act and the regulations implemented by the Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) and the Executive order titled ``Environmental Effects Abroad of Major Federal Actions.'' The Coast Guard has determined that a PEIS/POEIS is the most appropriate type of NEPA document for this action because of the scope and complexity of the proposed acquisition and operation of up to 25 OPCs. This Notice of Availability (NOA) announces the start of the public review and comment period on this PEIS/POEIS. After the Coast Guard addresses comments provided, Coast Guard will publish a final PEIS/POEIS.