LINCOLN, Neb. (Oct. 1, 2025) – The Nebraska Department of Transportation (NDOT) is moving forward with plans to take on more authority in reviewing environmental impacts for federally funded road projects, a move the agency says could speed up construction timelines across the state.
In July, Gov. Jim Pillen signed a letter of intent supporting the shift, which would allow NDOT to assume additional responsibilities currently handled by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). The process falls under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), the federal law that governs environmental reviews for major projects.
“Governor Pillen has made it clear that state agency leaders must continue to find more efficiency in government,” NDOT Director Vicki Kramer said in a statement. “For NDOT, this means looking for new ways to streamline and expedite the delivery of key transportation projects. Full NEPA assignment will allow Nebraska highway users to see a better return on investment, while federal environmental standards will continue to be upheld.”
Right now, NDOT has only limited authority in NEPA reviews. A full assignment would allow the state to handle more of the process directly, which officials say would reduce bureaucracy and cut project delays.
Several other states – including Texas, Florida, Ohio, and Utah – have already taken on full NEPA authority. According to NDOT, those states report faster project delivery and cost savings.
The department has posted its draft application online and is seeking public feedback. The proposal is available for review at ndot.info/NEPA.
If approved, the expanded role would apply statewide to federally funded highway and bridge projects – including those in central and western Nebraska.