Planning and Environmental Linkages (PEL)

Environmental considerations in planning studies

We include environmental considerations during planning and project development to help reduce rework during environmental review. All WSDOT planning studies, including PEL studies, should include environmental considerations appropriate to the study scope. The level of environmental investigation in a PEL study will vary depending on the study purpose, authority, and desired outcome. Some PEL studies require a more robust level of environmental investigation, particularly when planning products may later be adopted into NEPA. See the Environmental Guidance for Planning Studies webpage for guidance on the basic environmental considerations for your planning studies. 

How is a PEL study useful?

A PEL study is a type of planning study used before National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) for some projects that are likely to require an Environmental Assessment (EA) or Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). PELs are optional and are generally not used for projects expected to qualify as NEPA Categorical Exclusions (CEs). See the NEPA and SEPA webpage for additional information on NEPA class of action.

Federal PEL studies use a collaborative and integrated approach to transportation decision making that considers environmental, community, and economic benefits and impacts early in the transportation planning process. PEL uses information, analysis, and products developed during planning to inform environmental review. 

PELs can improve early agency coordination, public and Tribal engagement, reduce duplication between planning and environmental review, and improve project delivery. PEL can result in better environmental outcomes, expedited permit decisions, and accelerated project delivery. The NEPA and SEPA webpage has more information on the environmental review process.  

We partner with the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) or the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) on PEL studies. See the FHWA PEL webpage for additional information and resources.

View the recorded introductory PEL training for an overview of federal PEL requirements. 

The PEL Process

This WSDOT PEL process tool outlines the major steps and deliverables of a PEL study.

PEL study requirements depend on study purpose and desired outcome. The WSDOT PEL Authorities Chart (PDF 425KB) and the FHWA PEL Authorities Chart describe the authorities commonly used by WSDOT and requirements associated with each. 

PEL Studies that intend to formally adopt planning products into NEPA, such as the Purpose and Need or reasonable range of alternatives, use the 23 USC 168 authority. Broader PEL studies may use the 23 CFR 450 authority, which allows planning information and analysis to be used or incorporated by reference into future NEPA review.

The WSDOT PEL Questionnaire (DOCX 33KB) helps teams scope and develop a PEL study and should be revisited throughout the process. The completed questionnaire is a required component of the final PEL study. The Questionnaire documents key decisions, environmental considerations, agency and public engagement, and development of reasonable alternatives that may later inform environmental review. 

See Environmental Manual Chapter 200 for additional PEL requirements and guidance.

Contact the NEPA/SEPA Program Manager to discuss whether a PEL study is appropriate and to develop a PEL study strategy.