We help navigate the challenges of rulemaking and policy development using innovative, forward-thinking approaches steeped in an agency’s legal charter

EMPSi staff understand each agency and the nuances of their policies. We are adept at guiding agencies through the development of new or revised regulations, from facilitating working groups at the start of a process or tracking and analyzing public comments on a proposed rule or procedure. Our staff are recognized leaders in federal rules and guidelines, making EMPSi the perfect partner to work alongside agencies as they develop new regulations and policies. 

SELECT PROJECTS

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BLM Grazing Rule, Nationwide

  • Analyzing alternatives to BLM’s livestock grazing regulations at 43 CFR 4100

  • Coordinating consistency between rulemaking and NEPA

  • Evaluating public input under both NEPA and proposed rule

 
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DOI Categorical Exclusion Development, Nationwide

  • Working with the DOI’s OEPC to create new categorical exclusions for BIA, BLM, USFWS, and OIA

  • Synthesizing analyses from hundreds of NEPA documents for multiple actions

  • Updates agency NEPA regulations

 
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RENEWABLE Energy Regulatory Roadmapping, AK/Ca/Co/HI/Id MT/NM/NV/OR/TX/UT/VT/WA

  • Developed regulatory roadmaps for federal and state permitting for utility-scale renewable energy

  • Facilitated 21 geothermal, 3 hydropower, and 3 solar energy stakeholder meetings in 13 states

 
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Federal Coal PROGRAM, Nationwide

  • Solicited and analyzed public input on the federal coal leasing program

  • Developed policy option alternatives for a programmatic NEPA

  • Collaborated with BLM leadership staff, the Director's office, and OSM leadership

 
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Streamlining the DOI NEPA Process, Nationwide

  • Created a report to update the BLM NEPA Handbook, Land Use Planning Handbook, and other guidance

  • Facilitated an intensive three-day workshop with BLM and other Interior agencies to identify priorities to streamline the NEPA process

 
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Quagga Mussel Interagency Containment Strategy Working Group, AZ/CA

  • Prioritizes inter-jurisdictional strategies and regulations for preventing quagga mussel spread

  • Facilitated a workshop with 10 federal, Tribal, state, and local agencies, and marine associations to identify challenges and solutions

 
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Timber RULEMAKING ANALYSIS, Nationwide

  • Addressed proposed rule changes for pinyon pine and juniper management and for timber CEs

  • Synthesized responses to proposed rule changes, including publication in the Federal Register