National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)

New NEPA Procedures

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DOI Seal

The Department of the Interior (DOI) is updating and partially rescinding its regulations on implementation of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). DOI will now maintain the majority of its NEPA procedures in a handbook separate from the Code of Federal Regulations. DOI is issuing an interim final rule requesting comments on these actions. These documents will be available in docket number DOI-2025-0004 at https://www.regulations.gov or at the links below:

DOI Interim Final Rule

Regulatory Impact Analysis

DOI Handbook of NEPA Implementing Procedures and its appendices: 

Appendix 1 Actions Normally Requiring an Environmental Assessment or Environmental Impact Statement

Appendix 2 Bureau Categorical Exclusions

Appendix 3 Implementation Guidance to Bureaus.

The Department has broad responsibilities to manage Federal lands and resources for the public’s benefit. The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) applies to the execution of many of the Department’s responsibilities with the goal of ensuring that information regarding environmental impacts is available to decision makers and the public before decisions are made.

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    Requirements & Guidance for DOI

    NEPA requirements for Interior projects are determined by pollution control and environmental protection statutes, federal regulations, Executive Orders, Secretarial Orders, and Departmental Manuals. The Department provides additional internal guidance to bureaus and offices to ensure compliance.
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    Categorical Exclusions

    Categorical exclusions are categories of actions that a Federal agency has determined normally do not significantly affect the quality of the human environment.
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