Bureau Environmental Officer (BEO) Action Tracker

The Bureau Environmental Officer's (BEO) database of Initial Environmental Examinations (IEEs) and other environmental assessment documentation for USAID programs in the Near East

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Federal law requires USAID missions and cooperating sponsors to find out whether their programs and activities will affect the natural or physical environment. To help meet this important legal requirement USAID conducts environmental reviews (or "assessments") of USAID activities, the most common review type being an Initial Environmental Examination (IEE). It's essential that environmental reviews take place early in the activity-planning process. This allows time to conduct more detailed investigations if necessary, and to build actions into program design that avoid or mitigate any negative environmental effects.

An IEE makes a threshold decision as to whether the proposed program or program activity will have a significant impact on the environment.

USAID units must prepare an IEE for all programs and activities unless they are exempted , are categorically excluded or trigger an a priori positive determination . IEEs should be prepared along with an initial pro.posal, so that any modifications can be made to the activity design with minimum delay or difficulty.

IEEs must be prepared in compliance with Title 22 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Part 216, commonly known as 22 CFR 216 , or simply "Reg 216

IEEs are prepared in the field by USAID staff or consultants and approved by the field mission and the Regional Environmental Officer (REO). Then, they are forwarded to Washington for approval by the Bureau Environmental Officer (BEO) and clearance by the General Counsel's office.