
51Summary of the National Environmental Policy Act
creating greater environmental impacts. This is most clearly illustrated by
the long-term record of EISs rated as Lack of Objection by EPA under the
Clean Air Act Section 309 rating process (Figure 2.3). Other rating categories
have changed over time (i.e., Environmental Concern and Environmental
Objection since 1984 and a combined Environmental Restriction prior to
1984), so the trend in other environmental rating categories cannot be as eas-
ily depicted over time. There has been some maturation and change in the
application of the rating system over time, which could acco ...