Lisa A. Ryan

Lisa A. Ryan serves as the Deputy Regional Administrator, Southwest Region. She directly supports the Regional Administrator, Southwest Region as the second principal FAA representative and provides leadership and agency representation with state and local governments, aviation organizations, educational institutions, aviation industry representatives, civic and local organizations, and other Federal agencies.

Ms. Ryan also serves as the Department of Transportation (DOT) Regional Emergency Transportation Coordinator (RETCO) for the DOT region within her purview. She leads coordinated DOT emergency transportation programs tailored to the requirements of the Southwest region and directs the development of contingency planning, along with the necessary training and exercises, to confirm preparedness for emergency response within the region. Contingency planning efforts are coordinated with other DOT Operating Administrations, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and other Federal, state, and local organizations.

Ms. Ryan has over 16 years of FAA experience. She began her Federal career in Finance where she built financial pay and staffing models to support her engagement in multiple union negotiations as well as the air traffic controller workforce planning efforts. She went on to hold leadership positions within the FAA's Air Traffic Organization to include: Technical Operations, Safety and Technical Training, Program Management Organization and System Operations.

Prior to assuming her role as the Deputy Regional Administrator, Southwest Region she served as the Director of Operational Readiness, System Operations Services. While in this position Ms. Ryan lead the agency and industry into a new perspective of Operational Contingency Planning to include activities such as: rebuilding air traffic facility operational contingency plans (OCP) for all facility domains (ATCTs, TRACONs, ARTCCs, & Oceanic), developing and deploying facility exercises to confirm OCP awareness, building Letters of Agreement (LOA) with International Air Navigation Service Providers, building LOAs with airports, rewriting and sustaining the Agency Contingency Order, and leading a collaborative contingency workgroup with an array of industry stakeholders.

Ms. Ryan holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering & Management from Clarkson University and a Master of Science degree in Education from Canisius College.

Julie Marks

Ms. Julie Marks is the Executive Director of the Environment and Energy.  In this role, she leads research, develops policy, and collaborates with the domestic and international aviation community to address the environmental impacts of aviation. Additionally, she formulates, directs, and coordinates strategic approaches to aviation environmental and energy issues as well as represents the U.S. Government before the International Civil Aviation Organization's (ICAO) Committee on Aviation Environmental Protection (CAEP) to develop recommendations for international standards and policies for aviation environmental issues.

From 2020 to 2024 Ms. Marks served as the Deputy Director of the Office of Environment & Energy. In this role, she led the development of aviation environmental and energy policies, goals, and priorities.  She provided strategic direction for the advancement of national and international aviation environmental and energy policies, goals and priorities, aircraft environmental certification standards, and aircraft environmental research, engineering, and development. 

Previously, Ms. Marks held several roles within the Federal Aviation Administration. She served as the Deputy Director of the Safety & Integration Division in the UAS Integration Office, collaborating across the FAA and with industry to facilitate solutions to advance UAS operations and integration efforts.  Prior to joining the UAS Integration Office, Ms. Marks was with Air Traffic Organization's (ATO's) Mission Support Services, where she supported the UAS Integration Pilot Program (IPP) by leading the facilitation of IPP participant community involvement efforts. Prior to supporting the IPP, she performed a detail as Special Assistant to the FAA Assistant Administrator for NextGen to facilitate integration of community involvement considerations and concerns related to aviation environmental issues into NextGen planning and implementation activities. From 2016 to 2018, Ms. Marks served in ATO's Mission Support Services as the FAA Community Involvement Manager for Airspace Projects, which was the Agency’s focal point for collaboration and coordination of community involvement activities, policy, and programs associated with airspace projects.

Prior to joining ATO Mission Support Services, she held multiple positions in the FAA’s Environment and Energy Office (including Manager of the Environmental Policy and Operations Division and Special Assistant for International Environmental Planning) and performed details as Deputy Executive Director of Emerging Technologies in ATO's Mission Support Services and as Deputy Executive Director of FAA’s Office of International Affairs. Prior to joining the FAA, Ms. Marks worked as a private consultant on aviation air quality issues and energy model development.

Ms. Marks holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Applied Mathematics, and a minor in Psychology, from James Madison University.

Abigail A. Smith

Abby Smith, as the Executive Director of Policy and Plans within the Office of Policy, International Affairs, and Environment; oversees strategic planning and policy development for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). She also provides formulation of aviation policies, plans, goals, and priorities through stakeholder outreach.

Abby's responsibilities include the development of the official FAA Terminal Area Forecasts of aviation activity at over 3400 airports, and the operational performance analysis for the National Airspace System (NAS) ; conducts analyses and reviews of FAA regulatory and investment activities; delivers independent economic, quantitative and qualitative analyses, information, and tools for policy decisions involving crosscutting or novel new entrants into the NAS; and serves as the agency's focal point for business planning development and coordination as well as corporate performance management.

Ms. Smith began her career with the FAA in 1991 as an air traffic controller at the Miami Air Route Traffic Control Center. While in Miami, she served as a Quality Through Partnership Coordinator. She also worked as a quality assurance support specialist providing training administration and Display System Replacement implementation support.

Ms. Smith relocated to Washington, DC, in 1999 to join Air Traffic Systems Requirements as a requirements analyst. She then joined the National Transportation Safety Board in 2001 as an accident investigator where she worked on multiple investigations, including American 587. Since returning to the FAA in 2002, she has held multiple positions including Domestic Event Network Supervisor, Air Traffic Evaluations Manager, ATO Safety Management System Implementation Manager, Professional Training and Development Manager, Workforce Services Manager, AeroNav Products' Business Development Manager, Director of Aeronautical Information Services, and most recently, Director of Air Traffic Organization's Technical Training.

Ms. Smith graduated from Indiana University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology, and received her Master of Science degree in Dispute Resolution from Nova South Eastern University.

Environmental Policy & Guidance

Environmental Policy

The FAA's Office of Environment and Energy develops and coordinates policy recommendations and legislative issues on environmental and energy-related matters. 

Environmental Review

The FAA considers the impact of its actions on the environment through coordinated environmental review under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), the National Historic Preservation Act, and other federal laws.

• NEW June 30, 2025:Order 1050.1G FAA National Environmental Policy Act Implementing Procedures serves as the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) policy and procedures for compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), as amended, and aligns with the February 25, 2025, Interim Final Rule issued by the Council on Environmental Quality rescinding its regulations implementing NEPA.
• Existing projects that are currently underway should continue to follow Order 1050.1F and new projects started June 30th and after should follow Order 1050.1G.  Order 1050.1F Environmental Impacts: Policies and Procedures outlines how the FAA implements NEPA and related federal laws. 
• The 1050.1 Desk Reference is being updated and will be posted when a final version is complete. Please continue monitoring this site for updates. The Desk Reference provides additional guidance for environmental impact analysis performed to comply with NEPA. The Desk Reference is designed to be used in conjunction with Order 1050.1. 
• The Office of Environment and Energy implements NEPA for FAA actions related to environmental policy and energy-related matters. The environmental review process may result in the preparation of environmental documents (environmental impact statements (EISs), environmental assessment (EAs), or findings of no significant impact (FONSIs)). 

Additional Guidance and Memoranda

• Use and Documentation of Categorical Exclusions (September 2019)
• Guidance on Noise Screening Assessments (June 2018)
• Consolidated Guidance for Implementation of the Categorical Exclusion in Section 213(c)(1) of the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 (June 2018)
• Section 106 Handbook: How to Assess the Effects of FAA Actions on Historic Properties under Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (June 2015)
• Proposed CATEXs for Revision of FAA Order 1050.1E (August 2013)
• Approval of Aerobatic Practice Area (APA) noise equivalent methodology (November 2012)
• DOT Procedures for Considering Environmental Impacts

Community Involvement

The FAA is committed to open and effective public participation and regards community involvement as an important consideration in decisions that affect the public. 

• The FAA Community Involvement Manual provides FAA practitioners with an understanding of the value of community involvement and describes practices and effective techniques for community participation.
• The Promising Practices for Meaningful Public Involvement in Transportation Decision-Making (October 2022) provides practices which can promote a shared understanding of meaningful public involvement with an aim to incorporate meaningful public involvement into each stage of the transportation decision-making process.

Additional Environmental Programs

• Airport Environmental Programs
• Air Traffic Organization Environmental Reviews
• Commercial Space Transportation Environmental Program
• National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and Drones

1050.1 Desk Reference

This Desk Reference provides explanatory guidance for implementing Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Order 1050.1G Environmental Impacts: Policies and Procedures.

This Desk Reference is designed to complement FAA Order 1050.1 and should therefore be used in conjunction with the Order. FAA Order 1050.1 defines basic terms that are used throughout the Order and this Desk Reference. In addition, FAA Order 1050.1 outlines the requirements under the FAA's National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) implementing procedures.

The Desk Reference is designed to be updated regularly based on changes to existing environmental laws and regulations. The Desk Reference chapters may be updated independently, as needed. The full version will always contain the most up to date chapters. Each chapter will indicate date of revision within the document. In addition, each individual chapter is listed below indicating the date of revision.

Version 3 of the Desk Reference includes updates, modifications, and clarifications to the February 2020 version based on its review by representatives from across the Federal Aviation Administration lines of business as well as to reflect new policy and guidance. The Desk Reference is currently being updated to correspond with the current version of 1050.1.

1050.1 Desk Reference

• 1050.1 Desk Reference Full Version – Temporarily Unavailable

Individual Chapters

• Chapter 1. Air Quality – July 2015(PDF)
• Chapter 2. Biological Resources – February 2020(PDF)
• Chapter 3. Climate – July 2015(PDF)
• Chapter 4. Coastal Resources – June 2023(PDF)
• Chapter 5. Department of Transportation Act, Section 4(f) – July 2015(PDF)
• Chapter 6. Farmlands – June 2023(PDF)
• Chapter 7. Hazardous Materials, Solid Waste, and Pollution Prevention – February 2020(PDF)
• Chapter 8. Historical, Architectural, Archeological, and Cultural Resources – February 2020(PDF)
• Chapter 9. Land Use – October 2023 (PDF)
• Chapter 10. Natural Resources and Energy Supply – October 2023 (PDF)
• Chapter 11. Noise and Noise-Compatible Land Use – February 2020(PDF)
• Chapter 12. Temporarily Unavailable
• Chapter 13. Visual Effects – February 2020(PDF)
• Chapter 14. Water Resources – February 2020(PDF)
• Chapter 15. Cumulative Impacts – February 2020(PDF)
• Chapter 16. Irreversible and Irretrievable Commitment of Resources – February 2020(PDF)
• Chapter 17. Specific Guidance on use of FAA Categorical Exclusions – February 2020(PDF)

Reference Documents

• Aviation Emissions and Air Quality Handbook – January 2015
• Guidance of Quantifying Speciated Organic Gas Emissions from Airport Sources – September 2009(PDF)
• Select Resource Materials and Annotated Bibliography on the Topic of Hazardous Air Pollutants (HAPs) associated with Aircraft, Airports, and Aviation – July 2003(PDF)
• Section 106 Handbook – June 2015(PDF)
• Approval of Aerobatic Practice Area (APA) Noise Equivalent Methodology – October 2012(PDF)

Comments or Questions

If you have questions or comments on the Desk Reference please contact the Manager of the Environmental Policy and Operations Division in the Office of Environment & Energy at (202) 267-3576.

International Leadership Development & Training

Leadership Development

Our contribution to the growth of leadership skills in foreign aviation professionals is an integral component of developing civil aviation organizations worldwide. We are committed to investing in people who will drive aviation safety and efficiency improvement within their aviation authorities. The FAA promotes developmental opportunities for current of potential foreign leaders to mentor and influence aviation leaders and enhances foreign aviation expertise. We are continually looking for new opportunities to develop programs that teach junior level aviation professionals best practices in strategic planning, program management, regulatory practices and organizational development.

• International Visitor Leadership Program
• Executive Management Development Training

The FAA works with many other areas or regional organizations to develop aviation leaders to strengthen the global aviation infrastructure. FAA has been successful in the development and recommendation of aviation-focused programs such as the Department of State International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) process, Executive Management Development Training, and management courses at the FAA Academy.

FAA Academy Training Opportunities

The FAA Academy is committed to improving worldwide aviation safety by providing quality training and related service to the international community. They are a proud partner with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and have been designated as an ICAO Trainer Plus Regional Training Center of Excellence (RTCE). The Academy offers a wide range of training including Technical Operations, Airworthiness, Avionics, Aircraft Certification, Airports, Air Traffic Control, Flight Inspection, Aviation English and Management. And most of the FAA's training courses are offered to International participants.

The International Training Program (ITP) is responsible for enrolling international participants and can provide additional information on training courses available at the FAA Academy.

Areas of Responsibility in Africa, Europe, and the Middle East

David S. Burkholder

Mr. David S. Burkholder serves as the Acting Executive Director for the Office of International Affairs in the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). In this role, he is the principal advisor to FAA leadership on matters of international policy, global affairs, foreign training and technical assistance, and strategic international engagement and related prioritization of resources in support of FAA global priorities and initiatives. He coordinates FAA efforts to advance U.S. aviation policies, positions, technologies, and procedures internationally with international organizations, domestic and international industry stakeholders, U.S. Government Agencies, Civil Aviation Authorities (CAA) and Air Navigation Service Providers (ANSPs). Mr. Burkholder is also accountable to encourage the advancement of aviation safety oversight and standardization of global policies, practices and procedures across all regions. Previously, he served as the Deputy Executive Director in the Office of International Affairs. 

Mr. Burkholder is the Chair of the FAA International Governance Board (IGB) and more technical International Steering Committee (ISC), which collectively comprise the internal governance structure for developing the Agency's international mission, goals, and supporting strategies for FAA’s global leadership and engagement efforts. He oversees the development and execution of FAA’s International Strategy to transform the Agency’s approach to international engagement, leadership, and influence to improve safety and efficiency of the global aviation system.

Mr. Burkholder previously held several senior leadership positions in the FAA's Air Traffic Organization (ATO), including the Director for Resource Enterprise and the Deputy Vice President for the Management Services group. In the ATO, he was a key leader in the establishment of the organizational structure and functional alignment, and had oversight of the ATO's expansive budget, support services contracts, and space logistics management. Mr. Burkholder was also directly responsible for leading service teams supporting the ATO with administrative and business services, budget and contract resource prioritization, allocation and execution, and technical hiring planning and execution.

Mr. Burkholder spent the first 10 years of his FAA career leading the Air Traffic Organization's international initiatives in several positions, including the Director for the ATO International Office, Manager for the Asia Pacific Region, and Manager for the North, Central and South American Region. In these roles, Mr. Burkholder was able to develop and execute the ATO International Strategic Plan and guide international air traffic engagements to support Agency priorities and advance air traffic management improvements globally. Mr. Burkholder graduated from James Madison University in 1992 with a Bachelors of Business Administration (B.B.A.) degree with double majors in International Business and Spanish.

Nicholas Reyes

Nicholas Reyes is the Director, Western Hemisphere, Office of International Affairs (API) with base in Panama City, Panama. As the Director, Western Hemisphere Office, he is responsible for promoting U.S. interests and advancing civil aviation safety, security and efficiency. He plays a lead role in the development of international aviation policy and serves as the chief advocate for the U.S. aviation interests in the region. Mr. Reyes works directly with top U.S. and foreign civil aviation officials and serves as the agency's chief spokesperson at major international aviation forums to articulate and advance FAA policy.

Mr. Reyes served as the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) Acting Deputy Director, Office of Safety Standards, Deputy Director, Office of Foundational Business and Division Manager of both Southwest and Western-Pacific Regions in the Flight Standards Service. In this role, he managed more than 1100 employees. His leadership responsibilities included 26 Flight Standards District Offices and six Certificate Management Offices and was responsible for oversight of aviation regulations, policies, standards, systems, and procedures.

Previously, he served as Manager of the Southwest Certificate Management office and the Dallas Fort-Worth International Field office. Mr. Reyes also served on several advisory boards for the Director of the Flight Standards Service.

Mr. Reyes is a former U.S. Airways and American Eagle airline pilot. He served in the military as a Flight Examiner/Pilot with the Puerto Rico Air National Guard and the Texas Army National Guard. In addition, he was a Manager of Pilot Training and Standards at American Eagle Airlines. Mr. Reyes is certificated as an Airline Transport Pilot with Multi-Engine Land, ATR-72, ATR-42, B-737, BA-3100, SA-227, and SD-3 as well as, commercial privileges for Rotorcraft Helicopters and Instrument Helicopters and has logged over 4,000 flying hours, in both commercial and military aircrafts.

Mr. Reyes holds a Bachelor's degree in Occupational Education from Wayland Baptist University. He is a graduate of the FAA Senior Leadership Development Program and has completed courses at Harvard's John F. Kennedy School of Government and the University of Texas Executive Education.

NextGen International Outreach

International Aviation: Next Generation Air Transportation System

The FAA works closely with its international partners to ensure that global air traffic management (ATM) modernization programs are compatible with the Next Generation Air Transportation System (NextGen). By collaborating with industry and leveraging international relationships, the FAA helps shape international standards that improve the safety and efficiency of aviation around the globe. The FAA's NextGen International Office collaborates with key foreign states to leverage ATM knowledge and ensure that NextGen remains at the center of global harmonization. The office maintains international agreements with the European Union, Japan, and Singapore for joint research and development of future air traffic systems. Through these agreements, the FAA engages partners to support the adoption of our system standards as globally accepted standards. The work supports the International Civil Aviation Organization's (ICAO) Global Air Navigation Plan, which aims to harmonize air traffic systems around the world.