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From page 6... ... 4INTRODUCTION This section outlines a framework for decision making that is used throughout this guide as a reference for how greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions analysis can support the types of decisions facing transportation offi cials. Read the entire page →
From page 7... ... 5PRACTITIONERS GUIDE TO INCORPORATING GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS INTO THE COLLABORATIVE DECISION-MAKING PROCESS COLLABORATIVE DECISION-MAKING PROCESS Most of the steps that make up the transportation decision-making process are work activities that take place in the technical decision-making process. Key decisions are those points in the process at which the general work activities need review and approval from higher levels of authority or at which consensus needs to be reached among diverse decision makers before the project can advance further. Read the entire page →
From page 8... ... 6PRACTITIONERS GUIDE TO INCORPORATING GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS INTO THE COLLABORATIVE DECISION-MAKING PROCESS LONG-RANGE TRANSPORTATION PLANNING This phase constitutes the early steps in the decision-making framework and relates to the actions undertaken to develop long-range transportation plans (LRTPs) Read the entire page →
From page 9... ... 7PRACTITIONERS GUIDE TO INCORPORATING GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS INTO THE COLLABORATIVE DECISION-MAKING PROCESS Approve Vision and Goals Defining the vision and goals (LRP-2) is often the first public effort in a transportation planning process. Read the entire page →
From page 10... ... 8PRACTITIONERS GUIDE TO INCORPORATING GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS INTO THE COLLABORATIVE DECISION-MAKING PROCESS Approve Vision and Goals (LRP-2) GHG Consideration Integrating GHG considerations into the vision and goals decision point involves defining, through high-level statements of purpose, what the agency GHG goals are for the long-range plan. Read the entire page →
From page 11... ... 9PRACTITIONERS GUIDE TO INCORPORATING GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS INTO THE COLLABORATIVE DECISION-MAKING PROCESS Approve Evaluation Criteria, Methodology, and Performance Measures (LRP-3) GHG Consideration Evaluation criteria and methods defined at this point are transferred to LRP-4, in which transportation deficiencies are defined and evaluated (e.g., congestion issues, safety needs, environmental impacts) Read the entire page →
From page 12... ... 10 PRACTITIONERS GUIDE TO INCORPORATING GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS INTO THE COLLABORATIVE DECISION-MAKING PROCESS Approve Transportation Deficiencies Using the evaluation criteria and performance measures from the previous step (LRP-3) , the planning process next identifies current and expected deficiencies (LRP-4) Read the entire page →
From page 13... ... 11 PRACTITIONERS GUIDE TO INCORPORATING GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS INTO THE COLLABORATIVE DECISION-MAKING PROCESS Approve Financial Assumptions Federal law requires LRTPs and short-range transportation improvement programs (TIPs) developed by MPOs to be fiscally constrained. Read the entire page →
From page 14... ... 12 PRACTITIONERS GUIDE TO INCORPORATING GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS INTO THE COLLABORATIVE DECISION-MAKING PROCESS Approve Strategies (LRP-6) GHG Consideration Integration of GHG considerations at this point involves defining possible transportation solutions for GHG reduction. Read the entire page →
From page 15... ... 13 PRACTITIONERS GUIDE TO INCORPORATING GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS INTO THE COLLABORATIVE DECISION-MAKING PROCESS Select Preferred Plan Scenario After different alternative scenarios have been evaluated, one scenario (i.e., an assumed future with associated transportation investments) is selected by the decision-making body (LRP-8) Read the entire page →
From page 16... ... 14 PRACTITIONERS GUIDE TO INCORPORATING GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS INTO THE COLLABORATIVE DECISION-MAKING PROCESS Select Preferred Plan Scenario (LRP-8) GHG Consideration The consideration of GHG emissions at this decision point involves estimating the impact of various plan scenarios on GHG emissions levels and using this information as part of the selection and adoption of the preferred longrange investment scenario. Read the entire page →
From page 17... ... 15 PRACTITIONERS GUIDE TO INCORPORATING GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS INTO THE COLLABORATIVE DECISION-MAKING PROCESS Adopt Finding of Conformity by MPO (LRP-9) GHG Consideration At this time, there is no requirement for GHG emissions to be included in a conformity analysis. Read the entire page →
From page 18... ... 16 PRACTITIONERS GUIDE TO INCORPORATING GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS INTO THE COLLABORATIVE DECISION-MAKING PROCESS Obtain U.S. DOT Conformity Determination The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Read the entire page →
From page 19... ... 17 PRACTITIONERS GUIDE TO INCORPORATING GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS INTO THE COLLABORATIVE DECISION-MAKING PROCESS Approve Methodology for Project Costs and Criteria for Allocating Revenue The most important product of the programming process is a document that indicates the timing and costs associated with the transportation projects and strategies that the metropolitan area is implementing over the following 4 to 5 years (PRO-2) Read the entire page →
From page 20... ... 18 PRACTITIONERS GUIDE TO INCORPORATING GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS INTO THE COLLABORATIVE DECISION-MAKING PROCESS Approve Methodology for Project Costs and Criteria for Allocating Revenue (PRO-2) GHG Consideration This key decision point involves defining methods to estimate project costs, at a minimum for the three federally funded project phases (preliminary engineering, right-of-way, and construction) Read the entire page →
From page 21... ... 19 PRACTITIONERS GUIDE TO INCORPORATING GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS INTO THE COLLABORATIVE DECISION-MAKING PROCESS Approve Project List Drawn from Adopted Plan Scenario The programming process usually begins with a preliminary listing of projects ( PRO-3) that surface from the LRTP and/or newly identified projects resulting from completed corridor or subarea studies (see step below in corridor planning on adopting priorities) Read the entire page →
From page 22... ... 20 PRACTITIONERS GUIDE TO INCORPORATING GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS INTO THE COLLABORATIVE DECISION-MAKING PROCESS Approve Project Prioritization This step takes the project list developed as part of the adopted plan scenario and develops an approved list of projects based on the application of prioritization criteria (PRO-4) Read the entire page →
From page 23... ... 21 PRACTITIONERS GUIDE TO INCORPORATING GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS INTO THE COLLABORATIVE DECISION-MAKING PROCESS Reach Consensus on Draft TIP A draft TIP (PRO-5) , developed as part of the programming process, represents an important indication of regional transportation investment priorities. Read the entire page →
From page 24... ... 22 PRACTITIONERS GUIDE TO INCORPORATING GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS INTO THE COLLABORATIVE DECISION-MAKING PROCESS Reach Consensus on Draft TIP (PRO-5) GHG Consideration At this key decision point, project priorities are aligned with available funding within program restrictions to select those projects to be included in the TIP. Read the entire page →
From page 25... ... 23 PRACTITIONERS GUIDE TO INCORPORATING GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS INTO THE COLLABORATIVE DECISION-MAKING PROCESS Adopt TIP by MPO (PRO-6) GHG Consideration At this key decision point, the MPO adopts the TIP. Read the entire page →
From page 26... ... 24 PRACTITIONERS GUIDE TO INCORPORATING GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS INTO THE COLLABORATIVE DECISION-MAKING PROCESS Approve TIP by Governor and Incorporate into Draft STIP (PRO-7) GHG Consideration At this point, the MPO-adopted TIP is reviewed against federal and state requirements and approved by the state governor or governor designee for incorporation into the STIP. Read the entire page →
From page 27... ... 25 PRACTITIONERS GUIDE TO INCORPORATING GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS INTO THE COLLABORATIVE DECISION-MAKING PROCESS Reach Consensus on Draft STIP (PRO-8) GHG Consideration At this key decision point, the draft STIP is released for public comment. Read the entire page →
From page 28... ... 26 PRACTITIONERS GUIDE TO INCORPORATING GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS INTO THE COLLABORATIVE DECISION-MAKING PROCESS Approve STIP with Respect to Conformity and Fiscal Constraint (PRO-9) GHG Consideration This step relates specifically to reviewing the STIP with respect to federal transportation planning regulations to include fiscal constraint and transportation and air quality conformity requirements in air quality nonattainment and maintenance areas. Read the entire page →
From page 29... ... 27 PRACTITIONERS GUIDE TO INCORPORATING GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS INTO THE COLLABORATIVE DECISION-MAKING PROCESS Approve Scope of Corridor Planning Process (COR-1) GHG Consideration This initial key decision point involves assessing what data, decisions, and relationships need to be considered as part of the corridor study process. Read the entire page →
From page 30... ... 28 PRACTITIONERS GUIDE TO INCORPORATING GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS INTO THE COLLABORATIVE DECISION-MAKING PROCESS Technical Information Needed to Answer Questions • Technical information needed at this key decision point involves a review of existing or readily available tools and data resources to support the preferred mechanism and scope for incorporating GHG analysis into the long-range planning process. • Emissions source(s) Read the entire page →
From page 31... ... 29 PRACTITIONERS GUIDE TO INCORPORATING GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS INTO THE COLLABORATIVE DECISION-MAKING PROCESS Approve Problem Statements and Opportunities (COR-2) GHG Consideration The full range of deficiencies and opportunities within a corridor are defined at this key decision. Read the entire page →
From page 32... ... 30 PRACTITIONERS GUIDE TO INCORPORATING GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS INTO THE COLLABORATIVE DECISION-MAKING PROCESS Approve Goals for the Corridor (COR-3) GHG Consideration At this key decision point, a broad range of corridor-specific transportation, community, and environmental goals are considered. Read the entire page →
From page 33... ... 31 PRACTITIONERS GUIDE TO INCORPORATING GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS INTO THE COLLABORATIVE DECISION-MAKING PROCESS Reach Consensus on Scope of Environmental Review and Analysis (COR-4) GHG Consideration In order to provide a clear linkage to the subsequent environmental review process, this key decision point defines the acceptable level of detail for the corridor study analysis. Read the entire page →
From page 34... ... 32 PRACTITIONERS GUIDE TO INCORPORATING GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS INTO THE COLLABORATIVE DECISION-MAKING PROCESS Approve Evaluation Criteria, Methodology, and Performance Measures (COR-5) GHG Consideration At this key decision point, evaluation criteria, evaluation methodology, and performance measures are approved to support corridor analysis. Read the entire page →
From page 35... ... 33 PRACTITIONERS GUIDE TO INCORPORATING GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS INTO THE COLLABORATIVE DECISION-MAKING PROCESS Approve Range of Solution Sets (COR-6) GHG Consideration A range of approved solution sets for the corridor results from this key decision. Read the entire page →
From page 36... ... 34 PRACTITIONERS GUIDE TO INCORPORATING GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS INTO THE COLLABORATIVE DECISION-MAKING PROCESS Adopt Preferred Solution Set (COR-7) GHG Consideration At this key decision point, a preferred solution set is adopted for the corridor study. Read the entire page →
From page 37... ... 35 PRACTITIONERS GUIDE TO INCORPORATING GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS INTO THE COLLABORATIVE DECISION-MAKING PROCESS Approve Evaluation Criteria, Methodology, and Performance Measures for Prioritization The number of projects that results from a corridor study usually surpasses the level of funding available for their implementation. This situation requires a set of criteria and performance measures to establish priorities among the different recommended projects (COR-8) Read the entire page →
From page 38... ... 36 PRACTITIONERS GUIDE TO INCORPORATING GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS INTO THE COLLABORATIVE DECISION-MAKING PROCESS Adopt Priorities for Implementation This decision step represents the actual selection of projects and strategies that are recommended for future funding consideration (COR-9) Read the entire page →
From page 39... ... 37 PRACTITIONERS GUIDE TO INCORPORATING GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS INTO THE COLLABORATIVE DECISION-MAKING PROCESS ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW, NEPA, AND PERMITTING MERGED WITH PLANNING This final decision-making phase focuses on the steps necessary for project environmental review and permitting. This series of steps, many of which are required by national or state environmental laws, represents two aspects of the environmental process: the environmental review (NEPA) Read the entire page →
From page 40... ... 38 PRACTITIONERS GUIDE TO INCORPORATING GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS INTO THE COLLABORATIVE DECISION-MAKING PROCESS ENV-1 decisions also transfer to ENV-3 (project purpose) , if desired. Read the entire page →
From page 41... ... 39 PRACTITIONERS GUIDE TO INCORPORATING GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS INTO THE COLLABORATIVE DECISION-MAKING PROCESS Approve and Publish Notice of Intent This step (ENV-2) is an official action on the part of the agency sponsoring a project environmental study. Read the entire page →
From page 42... ... 40 PRACTITIONERS GUIDE TO INCORPORATING GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS INTO THE COLLABORATIVE DECISION-MAKING PROCESS Approve Purpose and Need and Reach Consensus on Project Purpose (ENV-3/PER-2) GHG Consideration Integrating GHG considerations at this step requires first defining if GHG emissions reduction is a project purpose or is simply a factor in deciding among project alternatives. Read the entire page →
From page 43... ... 41 PRACTITIONERS GUIDE TO INCORPORATING GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS INTO THE COLLABORATIVE DECISION-MAKING PROCESS What is the GHG emissions reduction need? Does it go beyond "any reduction in GHG emissions is good? Read the entire page →
From page 44... ... 42 PRACTITIONERS GUIDE TO INCORPORATING GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS INTO THE COLLABORATIVE DECISION-MAKING PROCESS Reach Consensus on Study Area (ENV-4) GHG Consideration This key decision point involves selection of the area over which GHG reductions will be compared between the nobuild and build alternatives. Read the entire page →
From page 45... ... 43 PRACTITIONERS GUIDE TO INCORPORATING GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS INTO THE COLLABORATIVE DECISION-MAKING PROCESS Approve Evaluation Criteria, Methodology, and Performance Measures (ENV-5) GHG Consideration This step involves defining the important differentiators between the no-build alternative and the build alternatives associated with GHG emissions, including the ability of alternatives to meet the project purpose and need and to reduce GHG emissions. Read the entire page →
From page 46... ... 44 PRACTITIONERS GUIDE TO INCORPORATING GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS INTO THE COLLABORATIVE DECISION-MAKING PROCESS Technical Information Needed to Answer Questions Traffic information developed under ENV-3. Indicators of the potential for induced change in development, including: • Changes in distance and travel time between the project area and major trip attractors such as employment centers. Read the entire page →
From page 47... ... 45 PRACTITIONERS GUIDE TO INCORPORATING GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS INTO THE COLLABORATIVE DECISION-MAKING PROCESS What alternatives were considered under predecessor planning and programming studies, and what conclusions were reached at that time? What alternatives were suggested of scoping associated with the NOI (ENV-2) Read the entire page →
From page 48... ... 46 PRACTITIONERS GUIDE TO INCORPORATING GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS INTO THE COLLABORATIVE DECISION-MAKING PROCESS Approve Draft Environmental Impact Statement The approval of a draft environmental impact statement (DEIS) Read the entire page →
From page 49... ... 47 PRACTITIONERS GUIDE TO INCORPORATING GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS INTO THE COLLABORATIVE DECISION-MAKING PROCESS Approve Draft EIS (ENV-8) GHG Consideration For the alternatives carried forward, this step assesses the changes in GHG emissions according to the criteria, methods, and performance measures developed under ENV-5, including, as applicable, direct, indirect, and cumulative impacts. Read the entire page →
From page 50... ... 48 PRACTITIONERS GUIDE TO INCORPORATING GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS INTO THE COLLABORATIVE DECISION-MAKING PROCESS Approve Preferred Alternative (ENV-9) GHG Consideration Integrating GHG considerations at this step involves using the GHG analysis conducted in previous steps to support selection of the preferred alternative from the perspective of GHG emissions reduction. Read the entire page →
From page 51... ... 49 PRACTITIONERS GUIDE TO INCORPORATING GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS INTO THE COLLABORATIVE DECISION-MAKING PROCESS Approve Final NEPA Environmental Impact Statement (ENV-10) GHG Consideration No explicit GHG considerations in this step. Read the entire page →

From page 6...

... 4INTRODUCTION This section outlines a framework for decision making that is used throughout this guide as a reference for how greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions analysis can support the types of decisions facing transportation offi cials.