Secretary Bernhardt Touts Streamlined NEPA Processes and Spotlights Nevada Gold Mines’ Pledge to America’s Worker

Date: July 23, 2019
Contact: Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov

Elko, NV - Today at the Cortez Mine, Nevada Gold Mines LLC signed the Trump Administration's Pledge to America’s Workers alongside U.S. Secretary of the Interior David Bernhardt, who touted the Department of the Interior’s streamlined National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) processes as a reason for their commitment and the Deep South expansion project. 

July marks the one-year anniversary of in accordance with this executive order, which implemented a new, streamlined process for infrastructure and energy projects.

The Order requires that environmental impact statement (EIS) documents be completed in one year and in less than 150 pages with exceptions for those that are unusually complex or in coordination with other Federal agencies. Additionally, to achieve improved efficiency without sacrificing any science, quality, or legal sufficiency, the DOI’s Solicitor’s Office is involved in each EIS from day one, and DOI’s Bureaus review each EIS in a concurrent briefing format rather than linearly. This has reduced EIS timelines by nearly a year per project.

Please be advised that this press release does not constitute an endorsement by the U.S. Department of the Interior or its employees of any product, service, or enterprise, including the Nevada Gold Mines LLC.