Missile Defense Agency Ballistic Missile Defense System (BMDS): Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement. Volume 1 Final BMDS PEIS

This Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement PEIS evaluates the potential environmental impacts of activities associated with the development, testing, deployment, and planning for decommissioning of the Ballistic Missile Defense System BMDS. This PEIS considers the current technology components, assets, and programs that make up the proposed BMDS as well as the development and application of new technologies, and considers cumulative impacts of implementing the BMDS. A programmatic NEPA evaluation is the appropriate approach for projects that are large in scope, diverse geographically, and implemented in phases over many years. It provides the analytical framework that supports subsequent NEPA analysis of specific actions at specific locations within the overall system, i.e., tiering. The purpose of the proposed action is for the Missile Defense Agency MDA to incrementally develop and field a BMDS that layers defenses to intercept ballistic missiles of all ranges in all phases of flight. The proposed action is needed to protect the United States U.S., its deployed forces, friends, and allies from ballistic missile threats. The BMDS is a key component of U.S. policy for addressing ballistic missile threats worldwide.