What are categorical exclusions?

Hear this out loudPauseCategorical exclusions are categories of actions that DOE has determined, by regulation, normally do not have a significant effect on the human environment and for which, therefore, neither an environmental assessment nor an environmental impact statement normally is required.

When would you use a categorical exclusion?

Hear this out loudPauseCategorical Exclusion (CATEX) A federal action may be “categorically excluded” from a detailed environmental analysis when the federal action normally does not have a significant effect on the human environment (40 CFR 1508.1(d)).

What is a catex?

Hear this out loudPauseA categorical exclusion (CATEX) is defined in 40 CFR 1508.4 as a category of actions which do not individually or cumulatively have a significant effect on the human environment and, for which in the absence of extraordinary circumstances or sensitive resources, neither an EA nor an EIS is required.

What is the lowest level of NEPA analysis?

Hear this out loudPauseThe lowest level of National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) analysis is that given to CATEXs (also called CX, CatEx, CatX, etc.). “Extraordinary Circumstances” CATEX lists must provide for “extraordinary circumstances” under which, in essence, a CATEX is not a CATEX, and further analysis is required.

What did the National Environmental Policy Act do?

Hear this out loudPauseThe National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) was signed into law on January 1, 1970. NEPA requires federal agencies to assess the environmental effects of their proposed actions prior to making decisions.

What is NEPA environmental assessment?

Hear this out loudPauseAn Environmental Assessment (EA) under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) is a concise public document that provides sufficient evidence and analysis for determining whether HRSA should issue a Finding of No Significant Environmental Impact (FONSI) or prepare an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS).

Who writes environmental impacts?

Hear this out loudPauseAn EIS might have one or more authors. Federal agencies typically outsource the writing of an EIS to third party contractors (including lawyers, scientists, engineers) with expertise in their preparation and in relation to the proposed project.

How is NEPA different from other environmental laws?

Hear this out loudPauseBoth were written mindful of the need and importance to develop policy and procedural framework that legally requires consideration, prevention, and mitigation of adverse environmental impacts. A key difference between NEPA and CEIA is that NEPA is strictly procedural, while CEIA is both procedural and substantive.

What three activities were NEPA enacted?

Hear this out loudPauseThe stated purposes of NEPA are: To declare a national policy which will encourage productive and enjoyable harmony between man and his environment; to promote efforts which will prevent or eliminate damage to the environment and biosphere and stimulate the health and welfare of man; to enrich the understanding of the …

What is an environmental mitigation plan?

Hear this out loudPauseEnvironmental mitigation, compensatory mitigation, or mitigation banking, are terms used primarily by the United States government and the related environmental industry to describe projects or programs intended to offset known impacts to an existing historic or natural resource such as a stream, wetland, endangered …

What is the main goal of environmental policy?

Hear this out loudPauseThe main goal of environmental policy is to regulate resource use or reduce pollution to promote human welfare and/or protect natural systems.

What was the first environmental law?

Hear this out loudPauseNational Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), the first major U.S. environmental law. Enacted in 1969 and signed into law in 1970 by President Richard M. Nixon, NEPA requires all federal agencies to go through a formal process before taking any action anticipated to have substantial impact on the environment.

What does a categorical exclusion ( CE ) mean?

Home / Categorical Exclusions A categorical exclusion (CE) is a class of actions that a Federal agency has determined, after review by CEQ, do not individually or cumulatively have a significant effect on the human environment and for which, therefore, neither an environmental assessment nor an environmental impact statement is normally required.

What are the categorical exclusions in part 651?

(12) Reductions and realignments of civilian and/or military personnel that: fall below the thresholds for reportable actions as prescribed by statute ( 10 U.S.C. 2687) and do not involve related activities such as construction, renovation, or demolition activities that would otherwise require an EA or an EIS to implement (REC required).

What are the categorical exclusions in the CFR?

(1) Routine law and order activities performed by military/military police and physical plant protection and security personnel, and civilian natural resources and environmental law officers. (2) Emergency or disaster assistance provided to federal, state, or local entities (REC required).