Frequently Asked Questions

The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969, codified at 42 United States Code (USC) Parts 4321–4347, was enacted to address concerns about environmental quality. NEPA is a federal statute requiring the identification and analysis of potential environmental impacts associated with proposed federal actions before those actions are taken.

The main objectives of NEPA are to:

• Support decision makers in making well-informed decisions based on an understanding of the potential environmental consequences, and in taking actions to protect, restore, or enhance the environment.
• Inform the public of proposed federal activities that have the potential to affect the human environment, including the natural and physical environments.
• Encourage and facilitate public involvement in the decision making process.

The Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) was established to implement and oversee Federal policy in the NEPA process. The CEQ’s process for implementing NEPA is codified in 40 CFR Parts 1500–1508, Regulations for Implementing the Procedural Provisions of NEPA. CEQ NEPA regulations specify that an EIS be prepared when a federal agency proposes a major action with the potential to significantly affect the quality of the human environment.

Air Force Policy Directive 32-70, Environmental Quality, states that the Department of the Air Force (DAF) will comply with applicable federal, state, and local environmental laws and regulations, including NEPA. The DAF’s implementing regulation for NEPA is the Environmental Impact Analysis Process (EIAP; 32 CFR Part 989).

The KC-46A MOB 6 Draft EIS has been prepared in accordance with NEPA (42 USC Part 4321 et seq.); the July 16, 2020, version of the CEQ NEPA regulations (85 Federal Register 43304–43376); the May 2022 amendments of the 2020 CEQ NEPA regulations (85 Federal Register 23453–23470); and the DAF’s EIAP. The Draft EIS considers the potential consequences to the human and natural environment that may result from implementation of the activities proposed in this document, which constitute a major federal action and, therefore, must be assessed in accordance with NEPA.

An Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) is the most intensive analysis prescribed by the Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) regulations for implementing NEPA. An EIS is a detailed public document describing a proposed action, all alternative actions that were considered, and the environmental impacts of implementing the proposed action and reasonable alternatives.

CEQ regulations specify that an EIS be prepared when a federal agency proposes a major action with the potential to significantly affect the quality of the human environment. An EIS is required to “provide a basis of consideration and inform decisionmakers and the public of the reasonable alternatives.”

The KC-46A Pegasus (KC-46A) is the newest aerial refueling aircraft in the U.S. Department of the Air Force (DAF) fleet. In April 2006, the DAF completed an Analysis of Alternatives to determine the most appropriate strategy to modernize the existing tanker aircraft fleet. Based on this analysis, the DAF concluded that a commercial derivative replacement tanker would result in the best value. The KC-46A will provide capabilities currently lacking in the existing tanker fleet, resulting in a fully capable, combat operational tanker force to accomplish aerial refueling and related worldwide missions.

The technological improvements of the KC 46A include the following:

• Receiver Capability. The ability to receive fuel from other tanker aircraft is a force multiplier. Currently, this capability is available on only a small number of tanker aircraft. This lack of capability limits persistence over the battlefield and results in inefficient use of aerial refueling assets.
• Night Vision Imaging System. The existing tanker aircraft fleet lacks a standard night vision imaging system for tanker cockpits and boom operators. External aircraft lighting is not currently compatible with night vision imaging systems. This deficiency degrades effectiveness for special operations support and limits the use of these aircraft for covert operations.
• Multi-Point Refueling. Only a small number of existing tanker aircraft are equipped for simultaneous multi-point refueling. This deficiency severely limits the aircraft’s functionality to support multiple simultaneous refueling operations, as well as boom and drogue refueling on the same mission. The drogue on an aerial refueling tanker is a flexible hose with a basket on the end that is extended to trail the tanker and connects with another aircraft. Pilots flying aircraft to be refueled will guide a probe on their aircraft into the basket to connect with the drogue on the refueling tanker. In contrast, the refueling boom is a rigid fuel arm that is "flown" by an operator in coordination with the tanker pilot to make a connection with a fueling receptacle on a second aircraft.
• Command and Control Network. The existing tanker aircraft fleet lacks connectivity to command and control assets, and aircraft have no secure tactical datalink and only limited connectivity to other combat support and mobility aircraft.
• Defensive Protection. Existing tanker aircraft are normally not equipped with aircraft defensive systems, which limits aircraft from operating in anything other than a low-threat environment.

Under the Proposed Action, the DAF is considering MacDill Air Force Base, Florida (Preferred Alternative), or Fairchild Air Force Base, Washington for the KC-46A MOB 6 Beddown.

Draft EIS Public Hearings

The DAF held two virtual public hearings to provide the public with the opportunity to learn more about the proposal and provide input in March 2023 (see table below for specific dates and times). One virtual public hearing was held in the local time of each installation alternative. A PDF of the public hearing presentation is available to access via the project website.

To request a CD of the hearing presentation, please contact the MacDill AFB 6 Aerial Refueling Wing (ARW) Public Affairs Office (PAO) by phone (813-828-2215) or email (6.arw.pa@us.af.mil) or Fairchild AFB PAO by phone (509-247-5705) or email (92arw.pa@us.af.mil).

The dates for the two virtual public hearings are listed below. The Get Involved - Virtual Public Hearing Event Table provided links to access and participate in the public hearings.

• MacDill AFB: March 7, 2023 from 5:30 to 8:00 pm Eastern Time
• Fairchild AFB: March 9, 2023 from 5:30 to 8:00 pm Pacific Time

The Public Hearing Flyer provides KC-46A MOB 6 EIS weblinks and QR code and information on the dates, times, and access codes for the public hearings. The Public Hearing Process Sheet also provides the hearing event information including online and phone access details and guidance on how to access and participate in the public hearing and comment process.

You can view the anticipated timeline for the EIS on the Home Page, Steps in the EIS Process.

Scoping has ended. During the public scoping period, the DAF conducted remote scoping through this website for the KC-46A MOB 6 Beddown EIS. The extended public scoping period closed on 30 June 2022. Comments received during the public scoping period informed development of the Draft EIS.

The Draft EIS Public Comment Period started on February 10, 2023 and ended on March 27, 2023. Please visit the Documents page to review the Draft EIS and the virtual public hearing materials.

Providing Comments: Comments were accepted electronically through the Provide Comments page on this website or through one of the following mailing methods: