216 Support
22 CFR 216 (Reg. 216) are USAID's environmental impact assessment procedures. They are intended to
implement the requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1970, as amended, as they
affect the USAID program. Reg. 216 applies to all USAID programs, projects, activities, and substantive
amendments.
The purposes of the Reg. 216 requirement are to:
- Ensure that the environmental consequences of USAID-financed activities are identified and
considered by USAID and the host country prior to a final decision to proceed and that appropriate
environmental safeguards are adopted;
- Assist developing countries to strengthen their capabilities to appreciate and effectively evaluate
the potential environmental effects of proposed development strategies and projects, and to select,
implement and manage effective environmental programs;
- Identify impacts resulting from USAID's actions upon the environment, including those aspects of the
biosphere which are the common and cultural heritage of all mankind; and
- Define environmental limiting factors that constrain development and identify and carry out
activities that assist in restoring the renewable resource base on which sustained development depends.
Implementing Reg. 216 in the E&E:
The management structure for implementation of Reg. 216 in the E&E Bureau begins in Washington with the
Bureau Environmental Officer (BEO) and his deputy, the Regional Environmental Officer (REO). Each USAID
Mission has a Mission Environmental Officer (MEO) to provide support and oversight of Mission funded
projects.
During the design phase of projects, Missions prepare an Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) for
projects that may have impact on the environment or a Request for Categorical Exclusion (CE) for projects
that will not. These documents are submitted by the MEO for the review and approval of the BEO. On
occasion Missions may opt to prepare Environmental Assessments for projects that will clearly have
significant environmental impacts. Much of USAID's assistance falls under one or more of the fifteen
categorical exclusions, found under Reg. 216 for projects not having impact on the environment. For
projects that may have environmental impacts, steps are taken to mitigate those impacts.
Decision tree for the Reg. 216 process - coming soon
Download the Environmental
Compliance Procedures, Regulation 216 Booklet [PDF, 256KB]
Other relevant USG environmental compliance
regulations
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