As a Federal agency, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) / Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is required to consider the effects of its actions on the environment and/or historic properties to ensure that all activities and programs funded by the agency, including grants-funded projects, comply with Federal Environmental Planning and Historic Preservation (EHP) regulations, laws and Executive Orders as applicable. Grant recipients proposing projects that have the potential to impact the environment, including but not limited to construction of communication towers, modification or renovation of existing buildings, structures and facilities (including installation of equipment), or new construction including replacement of facilities, must participate in the DHS/FEMA EHP review process.
Environmental Planning and Historic Preservation Compliance Process
The EHP review process involves the submission of a detailed project description that explains the proposed project along with supporting documentation (See EHP Screening Form below) so that DHS/FEMA may determine whether the proposed project has the potential to impact environmental resources and/or historic properties. In some cases, DHS/FEMA is also required to consult with other regulatory agencies and the public in order to complete the review process. The EHP review process must be completed before funds are released to carry out the proposed project. DHS/FEMA will not fund projects that are initiated without the required EHP review.
EHP Reference Documentation
Grant Programs Directorate (GPD) Policy - Environmental Planning and Historic Preservation (EHP) Policy Guidance (FEMA Policy 108-023-1, dated March 13, 2017). The purpose of this policy is to standardize the process under which GPD-funded projects undergo environmental planning and/or historic preservation reviews, replacing several GPD Information Bulletins.
GPD Environmental Planning and Historic Preservation Screening Form (FEMA Form 024-0-1)
Additional EHP Resources
If you have questions about the EHP review process, ask your FEMA Program Analyst, or submit your inquiries electronically to GPDEHPinfo@fema.dhs.gov.