1. (1) The department may:

   1. (a) assume responsibilities under 23 U.S.C. Sec. 326 for:

      1. (i) determining whether transportation design and construction projects are categorically excluded from requirements for environmental assessments or environmental impact statements; and
      2. (ii) environmental review, consultation, or other actions required under federal law for categorically excluded projects;
   2. (b) assume responsibilities under 23 U.S.C. Sec. 327 with respect to one or more railroad, public transportation, highway, or multimodal projects within the state under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 for environmental review, consultation, or other action required under any federal environmental law pertaining to the review or approval of a specific transportation project;
   3. (c) enter one or more memoranda of understanding with the United States Department of Transportation related to transportation programs as provided in 23 U.S.C. Secs. 326 and 327 subject to the requirements of Subsection 72-1-207(5);
   4. (d) accept, receive, and administer grants, other money, or gifts from public and private agencies, including the federal government, for the purpose of carrying out the programs authorized under this section; and
   5. (e) cooperate with the federal government in implementing this section and any memorandum of understanding entered into under Subsection 72-1-207(5).

2. (2) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, in implementing a program under this section that is approved by the United States Department of Transportation, the department is authorized to:

   1. (a) perform or conduct any of the activities described in a memorandum of understanding entered into under Subsection 72-1-207(5);
   2. (b) take actions necessary to implement the program; and
   3. (c) adopt relevant federal environmental standards as the standards for this state for categorically excluded projects.
3. (3) In accordance with Title 63G, Chapter 3, Utah Administrative Rulemaking Act, the department may makes rules to implement the provisions of this section.

Amended by Chapter 432, 2026 General Session