National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)

Department of the Interior NEPA Implementing Procedures

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The Department of the Interior (DOI) has updated its procedures for implementation of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). These procedures include a Final Rule that reaffirms the rescission of approximately 80% of Interior’s prior NEPA regulations as first documented in an Interim Final Rulemaking of July 3, 2025. The majority of those prior regulations have now been moved into a streamlined DOI Handbook of Implementing Procedures that provides guidance to NEPA practitioners across the Department while preserving flexibility to meet operational and project needs. 

DOI Final Rule 

DOI Handbook of NEPA Implementing Procedures

Regulatory Impact Analysis

DOI Interim Final Rule

News Release

  • A group of bison standing in a field with white tree branches

    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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