Re:NEPA was envisioned as a tool and a resource to allow NEPA practitioners from FHWA and other Federal Agencies, State DOTs, Consultant firms and others to exchange knowledge, information and learn from each other's experiences. This is the reason Re:NEPA is open to everyone.

In the early days of the planning and development of Re:NEPA, there were some that thought the site should be for FHWA's internal use only. It was then, and still is our belief that the exclusion of the larger community (everyone but FHWA) would not provide nearly the same level of service or be as beneficial if a select few only were allowed access to the information. There are those that still think this site should be internal to avoid abuses that can occur by allowing individuals who are only interested in getting their message across the opportunity to do so.

There have been very few cases of abuse and few complaints of unacceptable behavior of any kind. Up until recently we have not had to exercise our authority in managing the discussion or comments.

Re:NEPA remains a public website that is managed by the FHWA for the use and enjoyment of the community of hard working and dedicated practitioners. It is not a forum for the expression of extreme personal opinion or unfounded harsh criticisms of any groups, organizations or persons. Inappropriate use will be addressed immediately.

By using the Re:NEPA Community of Practice site, you agree to the following:

1. You understand that this site may experience failures or other service outages without notice.
2. You will not hold the FHWA or the creators, operators, or related entities to the site responsible or liable ("indemnify and hold harmless") for the inability to connect to or use the site, or for any loss or corrupted data, or for any defamatory or offensive material(s) which you may encounter on or originating from this site, or for the conduct, opinions, or publications of any user, or for any other problem whatsoever related to the use or existence of the site.
3. You understand that the FHWA has no obligation to acknowledge, mediate, or otherwise settle any disputes or differences in opinion that may arise between users.

1. Falsely present yourself as a representative, employee, or official of a governmental entity by accidental or deliberate means including misleading or confusing statements in your postings.
2. Stray from the discussion topic, or make personal attacks on other users and/or participants (personal attacks are defined as comments that reflect upon the person instead of their opinion), or make specific accusations regarding individual corporations or contracts.
3. Post or transmit any slanderous, defamatory, obscene, indecent, pornographic, profane, violent, abusive, insulting, threatening, offensive or harassing comments and/or information of any kind. We will not tolerate such postings, including without limitation any transmissions constituting or encouraging conduct that would constitute a criminal offense.
4. Post or re-post a message excessively, especially unsolicited advertisements, even if they are directly or indirectly related to the purpose of the site.
5. Add or post any copyrighted material to the site, without written permission of the copyright owner.