Categorical Exemptions

NEPA Categorical Exemptions are a set of exemptions established by the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) that allow certain types of actions to be carried out without the need for a full Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) or Environmental Assessment (EA). These exemptions are intended to streamline the NEPA process by eliminating the need for a full EIS or EA for certain low-impact or routine actions that have been determined to have minimal environmental impact.

Categorical exemptions are typically used for activities such as:

• Maintenance and repair of existing facilities

• Routine administrative and management activities

• Construction of minor facilities

• Issuance of permits for certain types of activities

• Activities that are already subject to environmental review under other laws

The main goal of NEPA Categorical Exemptions is to speed up the environmental review process, allowing federal agencies to quickly move forward with certain types of activities that have been determined to have minimal environmental impact. The exemptions are intended to streamline the process while still ensuring that the environment is protected.

NEPA Categorical Exemptions can be a useful tool for federal agencies, but it's important to note that they are not mandatory and some exemptions may not be appropriate for certain actions. It is essential that federal agencies are familiar with the exemptions and use them appropriately to ensure that environmental review is not unduly delayed and that the environment is protected.