Environmental Matters > Historic Preservation

As a Federal agency, the Surface Transportation Board (Board) is required to take into consideration the impact of its licensing decisions on historic properties under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) and other Federal environmental laws. The Board’s Section of Environmental Analysis (SEA) is responsible for carrying out the Board’s responsibilities under NEPA, NHPA and related laws and has developed this guidance to assist applicants seeking the Board’s authority for rail line constructions, acquisitions, abandonments and mergers, to better understand the Board’s historic review process. The guidance is not intended to impose regulatory requirements, but rather to clarify the historic preservation review requirements of the Board.

The historic preservation guidance is presented in the six sections shown below:

● Section I - Questions and Answers (Q&As) on Historic Preservation Review
● Section II - Step-by Step Guide on Completing the Board’s Historic Report Requirement
● Section III - Historic Preservation Legislation
● Section IV - Useful Resources and Links
● Section V - Glossary of Terms
● Section VI - SEA Staff Contact Information