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What We DoThe primary driver of the Environmental Review and Permitting Office’s (ERPO) work is outlined in the Fixing America’s Surface Transportation Act (FAST Act). Title 41 of this Act (42 U.S.C. § 4370m et seq.), referred to as “FAST-41,” was signed into law in 2015. FAST-41 established the Permitting Council, a unique Federal agency charged with improving the transparency, predictability, and outcomes of the Federal environmental review and authorization process for certain large-scale critical infrastructure projects.

IA combines Robotic Process Automation (RPA) with advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) to form smarter, and increasingly, more intelligent automation systems. Intelligent automation will lead to significant impacts for people, processes, and USDA mission areas.IA aligns with one of the Secretary’s top priorities to ensure USDA programs are delivered efficiently, effectively, and with integrity and focus on customer service as well as the USDA OCIO’s strategic goal 5 “Optimize Value of IT Services.”

In addition to leading the way in agriculture, natural resources, and food, USDA is committed to strengthen communities and nourishing kids. The Center is here to help communities connect with USDA priorities and programs so that together, we can positively impact lives.Please don’t hesitate to contact us and discuss how we can better serve your community.To get the latest news from us, please sign up for the USDA Center newsletter.

The Office of Energy Policy and New Uses (OEPNU) operates within the Office of Energy and Environmental Policy (OEEP) to assist and advise the Secretary of Agriculture in developing and coordinating USDA energy policy, programs, and strategies, and helps ensure that USDA is positioned to anticipate and respond to emerging challenges and opportunities in the rapidly evolving field of renewable energy.OEPNU’s responsibilities include:

The  Office of Energy and Environmental Policy (OEEP) serves as a focal point for the Department’s energy, environmental markets, and global change activities, positioning USDA and the people we serve to meet future challenges and opportunities. OEEP coordinates policy analysis, long-range planning, research priority setting, and response strategies for addressing energy development and environmental policy.

Welcome to the National Appeals Division (NAD) websiteNAD is an office that reports directly to the Se

The Office of the Judicial Officer was established pursuant to the Act of April 4, 1940 (7 U.S.C. §§ 2204-1 through 2204-5 (formerly cited as 7 U.S.C. §§ 450c-450g)). The Act of April 4, 1940, is also known as the Schwellenbach Act. The Judicial Officer is delegated authority by the Secretary of Agriculture to act as final deciding officer in United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) adjudicatory proceedings subject to 5 U.S.C. §§ 556 and 557 and other proceedings listed in 7 C.F.R. § 2.35.

Blanket Order Extending Filing Deadlines Occurring During Furlough (PDF, 172 KB)The Office of Administrative Law Judges (OALJ) conducts rulemaking and adjudicatory hearings throughout the United States in proceedings subject to the Administrative Procedure Act (APA), 5 U.S.C. § 551 et seq. Over fifty statutes administered by USDA agencies require APA hearings.

The Departmental Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and Records Management (RM) programs were realigned under the General Counsel (GC), specifically in a new stand alone, the Office of Information Affairs (OIA) pursuant to Secretary Memorandums issued in 2019 and 2020.Alexis Graves serves as the OIA Director. In this role, Ms. Graves provides high-level oversight, counsel, and support to the Department’s FOIA and RM programs.

The Office of External and Intergovernmental Affairs (EIA) builds trusted relationships with state, county and local elected and appointed officials, and external organizations (trade associations, philanthropic organizations, and faith-based organizations) throughout the nation to advance USDA and the Secretary’s priorities and to serve as the hub for elected and appointed officials and external organizations to communicate with the Secretary and USDA officials and access programs and services.