The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) offers an online, interactive training entitled "Linking Planning and NEPA". The purpose of this training is to provide CDOT, its regional transportation planning partners, and other states with guidance to integrate useful National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) information into statewide and regional transportation planning processes. In addition to offering basic information on statewide and regional planning and NEPA processes, the training provides an "applied" portion, which takes the participant step by step through the contents of a potential corridor or area plan to illustrate and describe how information typically related to a NEPA process can be effectively incorporated into the planning process. Finally, the course offers case studies of successful examples of Linking Planning and NEPA put into practice in Colorado and other states. For more information, see http://www.dot.state.co.us/environmental/Training/NEPA_index.asp

MPOs Present and Future Conference Environment Workshop Materials

This workshop, held in August 2006 and targeted to Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) participants, fostered an interactive discussion about the latest developments regarding environmental considerations in metropolitan transportation planning and how MPOs can best respond to these developments. The workshop provided a brief introduction to the concepts and supported participant discussion on what MPOs need in order to evolve the planning practice toward these new ways of doing business.

Materials from the workshop include presentations on:

Planning and environment linkage concepts (available in PDF or html)
Implementing the concepts (available in PowerPoint or html)
The Wasatch Front Regional Council's experience (available in PDF or html)

Also see the workshop's discussion guide and discussion highlights.

Greenhouse Gas Reduction Through State and Local Transportation Planning

This project evaluates how and why states, metropolitan planning organizations, cities, and transportation providers are pursuing GHG emission reductions, with a focus on transportation planning. The research improves understanding of how states and localities might contribute to GHG reduction through transportation decisions. Research conducted by the Volpe National Transportation Systems Center. View the final report: Greenhouse Gas Reduction Through State and Local Transportation Planning.

Assessing State Long-Range Transportation Planning Initiatives in the Northeast for Climate Energy Efficiency Benefits

This project identifies tools and methodologies to help the Northeastern states develop and implement strategies to reduce GHG emissions through the statewide, long-range transportation planning process. This research will raise the awareness among state transportation planners for correlating long-range plans with statewide GHG emissions. It will also provide best practices and methods by which states can integrate GHG-reduction/mitigation goals in their long-range plans. Research conducted by The BBG Group. View the final report: Assessing State Long-Range Transportation Planning Initiatives in the Northeast for Climate Energy Efficiency Benefits.

Applications of Geographic Information Systems for Planning and Environment Linkages

In October 2007, the FHWA’s Office of Interstate and Border Planning sponsored a 1.5–day peer exchange focusing on select State DOT’s applications of GIS for Planning and Environment Linkages. The purpose of the peer exchange was to explore how GIS can help accomplish the goals of PEL. View the final report for a summary of the event (available in html or PDF).

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