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Environment and Permitting

Water running over rocks

Overview

The Office of Environment and Permitting implements Departmental efforts on issues pertaining to environment and associated permitting. It accomplished this by coordinating across DOT’s modes and with other Federal agencies. The team also develops and reviews transportation legislation and regulations and coordinates national transportation policy initiatives relating to the environment.

Programs and Resources

Surface Transportation NEPA Process Improvements Report to Congress
Surface Transportation NEPA Process Improvements Report to Congress

Environment and Permitting Staff

Jenell Brown
Jenell.brown@dot.gov

Andrew Brunner
andrew.brunner@dot.gov

Michelle Ethun
Michelle.ethun@dot.gov

Kelsey Owens
kelsey.owens@dot.gov

Julianne Schwarzer, Acting Director of Environment and Permitting
Julianne.schwarzer@dot.gov

Rhonda Solomon
rhonda.solomon@dot.gov

Last updated: Wednesday, October 15, 2025