33 U.S.C. § 2356 — Project consultation

The report required under section 1214 of the Water Resources Development Act of 2018 (132 Stat. 3809).

The report required under section 1120(a)(3) of the Water Resources Development Act of 2016 (130 Stat. 1643).

In the formulation of water development resources projects, the Secretary shall comply with any existing Executive order regarding environmental justice in effect as of December 27, 2020, to address any disproportionate and adverse human health or environmental effects on minority communities, low-income communities, and Indian Tribes.

Not later than 1 year after December 27, 2020, the Secretary shall review, and shall update, where appropriate, any policies, regulations, and guidance of the Corps of Engineers necessary to implement any Executive order described in paragraph (1) with respect to water resources development projects.

In updating the policies, regulations, or guidance under paragraph (2), the Secretary shall—

promote the meaningful involvement of minority communities, low-income communities, and Indian Tribes;

provide guidance and technical assistance to such communities or Tribes to increase understanding of the project development and implementation activities, regulations, and policies of the Corps of Engineers; and

cooperate with State, Tribal, and local governments with respect to activities carried out pursuant to this subsection.

promote meaningful involvement with Indian Tribes specifically on any Tribal lands near or adjacent to any water resources development projects, for purposes of identifying lands of ancestral, cultural, or religious importance;

consult with Indian Tribes specifically on any Tribal areas near or adjacent to any water resources development projects, for purposes of identifying lands, waters, and other resources critical to the livelihood of the Indian Tribes; and

cooperate with Indian Tribes to avoid, or otherwise find alternate solutions with respect to, such areas.