Other Federal Requirements
Human Environment
Americans with Disabilities Act—The American Disabilities Act (ADA) is a civil rights law that protects individuals with disabilities from discrimination in all areas of public life including jobs, schools, transportation, and areas open to the public. The purpose of the law is to ensure people with disabilities have the same rights and opportunities as everyone else.
The Civil Rights Act—42 U.S.C. 2000d-d4, Title VI of the Civil Rights Act prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, or national origin and requires equal access to employment and public places.
Executive Order on Environmental Justice—The Executive Order 12898 on Environmental Justice directs federal agencies to identify and address the disproportionately high and adverse human health or environmental effects of their actions on minority and low-income populations. The E.O. is intended to promote nondiscrimination in federal programs that affect human health and the environment.
National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA)—The NHPA is intended to preserve historical and archaeological sites in the U.S. Section 106 of the NHPA requires agencies using federal funds to identify historic properties and consider the effects of their projects on those historic properties. Under Section 4(f) agencies of the U.S. Department of Transportation must avoid use of historic sites.
Title 23 USC § 109—This section of the United States Code provides that design standards for projects on the National Highway System (NHS) must be approved by the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Transportation in cooperation with the State highway departments. The Secretary has delegated this authority to the Federal Highway Administrator.
Title 23 U.S.C. § 109(h)—This section of the United States Code establishes guidelines designed to assure that possible adverse economic, social, and environmental effects related to any proposed Federal-aid project have been considered and that final decisions are made in the best overall public interest.
Title 23 U.S.C. § 109(i)—This section of the United States Code provides authority for the establishment of highway noise standards.
- The FHWA Office of Planning, Environment, and Realty maintains a website with resources and information on highway traffic noise.
Title 23 U.S.C. § 217—This section of the United States Code provides the funding mechanisms, planning requirements, and policy tools necessary to create more walkable and bicycle-friendly communities.
- The FHWA’s Bicycle and Pedestrian Program promotes safe, comfortable, and convenient walking and bicycling for people of all ages and abilities. We support pedestrian and bicycle transportation through funding, policy guidance, program management, and resource development.
ADDITIONAL LAWS AND REGULATIONS
| Subject/Title |
Resource URL |
| Social and Economic Impacts |
| American Indian Religious Freedom Act |
Statute |
| Executive Order 13175, Consultation and Coordination With Indian Tribal Governments |
E.O. 13175 |
| Farmland Protection Policy Act (7 U.S.C. 4201 et seq.) |
Statute |
| Farmland Protection Policy Act Implementing Regulations (7 CFR 658) |
Regulation |
| Historical and Cultural Resources |
| National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 (16 U.S.C. 470, Sections 106, 110(d), and 110(f)) |
Statute |
| Archeological Resources Protection Act of 1979 (54 U.S.C. 312501—312508 and 23 U.S.C. 305) |
Statute |
| Archeological and Historic Preservation Act |
Statute |
| Native American Grave Protection and Repatriation Act (25 U.S.C. 3001—3013 and 18 U.S.C. 1170) |
Statute |
| Environmental Justice |
| Federal Actions to Address Environmental Justice in Minority Populations and Low Income Populations |
E.O. 12898 |
| FHWA Guidance on Environmental Justice and NEPA |
Memorandum |
| Noise |
| Noise Control Act of 1972 (42 U.S.C. 4901 et seq.) |
Summary |
GUIDANCE
| Subject/Title |
Resource URL |
| Farmland |
| Analysis of Impacts on Prime or Unique Agricultural Lands in Implementing NEPA |
Memorandum |
| USDA Farmland Protection Policy Act Resources |
Webpage |
RESOURCES
| Subject/Title |
Resource URL |
| Farmland |
| NRCS Web Soil Survey |
Webpage |
| NRCS Farmland Conversion Impact Rating Form |
Webpage |
