NEPA Process and EIS Schedule

The National Environmental Policy Act

The Department of the Air Force (DAF) and the National Guard Bureau (NGB) is preparing an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) to evaluate the potential environmental impacts of its proposal to replace legacy aircraft (F-15C/D) with new generation aircraft (F-15EX or F-35A) at select fighter wings.

The NGB is requesting the public's input as it develops the EIS. The Draft EIS is posted on the Documents page. The public comment period starts on February 16, 2024.

Click here for information on upcoming public meetings and how to submit comments.

Lead and Cooperating Agencies

The DAF and NGB are co-lead agencies responsible for the scope and content of the EIS.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is a cooperating agency because two of the fighter wing locations are at civil airports, Westfield-Barnes Regional Airport (BAF) and Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT), and the scope of the Proposed Action and alternatives involve activities for which the FAA has jurisdiction by law and special expertise. The purpose and need of the FAA’s action is to ensure the components of the Proposed Action subject to FAA approval do not derogate aviation safety and meet FAA airport design standards at BAF and FAT.

The Department of the Navy (Navy) is a cooperating agency for the EIS because the Navy is the land-holding command at Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base (NAS JRB) New Orleans, has a connected federal action subject to NEPA, and has subject matter requirements and relevant expertise. The Navy’s federal action is approval of the Proposed Action occurring at NAS JRB New Orleans. The purpose and need of the Navy’s action is to support the NGB in maintaining the combat capability and mission readiness of the Air National Guard’s 159th Fighter Wing while ensuring the components of the Proposed Action do not impede ongoing mission requirements at NAS JRB New Orleans.

The NGB, FAA, and Navy are coordinating to develop the EIS to meet each agency's distinct obligations under NEPA (42 USC 4321-4347) to support the decision-making of all three agencies.

Stay up to date!

The NGB wants interested parties to be aware of progress on the project and opportunities to be involved during the environmental review process. Join the mailing list to receive project notifications.