50 C.F.R. § 86.59 — What does the Service consider when evaluating a project for innovative physical components, technology, or techniques that improve the BIG project?
§ 86.59 What does the Service consider when evaluating a project for innovative physical components, technology, or techniques that improve the BIG project? (a) In evaluating a proposed project under the criterion at § 86.51(c)(2), we consider if the project will include physical components, technology, or techniques that are: (1) Newly available; or (2) Repurposed in a unique way. (b) Examples of the type of innovations we will consider are components, technology, or techniques that: (1) Extend the useful life of the BIG-funded project; (2) Are designed to allow the operator to save costs, decrease maintenance, or improve operation; (3) Are designed to improve BIG-eligible services or amenities; (4) Reduce the carbon footprint of the BIG-funded facility. Carbon footprint means the impact of the total set of greenhouse gas emissions; (5) Are used during construction specifically to reduce negative environmental impacts, beyond compliance requirements; or (6) Improve facility resilience.