Air Force Eyes Northwest Radar Towers: Environment Takes a Hit?
Published Date: 4/18/2025
Notice
Summary
The Air Force plans to build new radar sites in the Northwest to spot airborne threats early and keep us safe. This means buying land and building big radar towers, which could affect local communities and the environment. They’re starting a study now to understand the impact, with help from Oregon and land managers, so everyone knows what’s coming and when.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
Federal land acquisition and radar construction
The Air Force plans to acquire land and build Homeland Defense Over-The-Horizon Radar transmission and receiver sites in the Northwest region of the United States. This work includes buying land and constructing and operating large radar towers, which the notice says could affect local communities and the environment.
New radar provides long-range detection
Once built, the Homeland Defense Over-The-Horizon Radar would provide persistent, long-range early detection capabilities of airborne threats approaching North America. The notice states this as the purpose of the proposed transmission and receiver sites.
Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) study starts
The Department of the Air Force is preparing an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) to evaluate the environmental effects of acquiring land and building and operating the radar sites. The EIS will be carried out under the National Environmental Policy Act and the Federal Land Policy and Management Act, with the Oregon Military Department and the Bureau of Land Management listed as cooperating agencies.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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