Receipt of Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) Regarding Nongovernmental Activities in Antarctica

Updated U.S. Policy on the Antarctic Region

 On May 17, 2024, President Biden signed a National Security Memorandum on United States Policy on the Antarctic Region. Under this policy, the United States will continue to lead cooperative international efforts through the Antarctic Treaty System to maintain the Antarctic Region for peaceful purposes, protect its relatively pristine environment and ecosystems, and conduct scientific research, long into the future. Read the fact sheet from the White House to learn more.

Read more about scientific cooperation through the United States Antarctic Program and our diplomatic efforts, including through the Antarctic Treaty System.

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As required by the Antarctic Science, Tourism, and Conservation Act of 1996, EPA has issued regulations that provide for the environmental impact assessment of nongovernmental activities (including tourism) in Antarctica, and that coordinate the information review of environmental impact assessments received from other Parties.  These activities are called for by the Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty of 1959.

When nongovernmental operators (including tour operators) plan to conduct expeditions to Antarctica, they are required to submit environmental documentation to EPA.  The purpose of the documentation is to evaluate the potential environmental impact of their proposed activities.

Below is a list of Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) received by EPA regarding nongovernmental activities in Antarctica for the current austral summer season (October through March).  An EIA describes an activity’s purpose, location, duration and intensity, and considers alternatives and assesses impacts, including cumulative impacts, in light of existing and known proposed activities.  

The list includes Initial Environmental Evaluations (IEEs) and Preliminary Environmental Review Memorandums (PERMs).

If you are interested in obtaining a copy of these documents or a list of previous austral summer season EIAs, please contact Julie Roemele ([email protected]).