When is nepa required

NEPA ensures agencies consider the significant environmental consequences of their proposed actions and inform the public about their decision making. Countries and non-governmental organizations all over the globe have created their own environmental impact assessment programs, modeled upon NEPA, making NEPA an international catalyst in the field of environmental protection. CEQ also reviews and approves Federal agency NEPA procedures, approves alternative arrangements for compliance with NEPA for emergencies, and helps to resolve disputes between Federal agencies and with other governmental entities and members of the public.

The environmental review under NEPA can involve three different levels of analysis:. 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 The reason for the exclusion is generally detailed in NEPA procedures adopted by each federal agency.

The federal agency may then prepare an Environmental Assessment EA. The EA determines whether or not a federal action has the potential to cause significant environmental effects. See NEPA procedures adopted by each federal agency. Federal agencies prepare an Environmental Impact Statement EIS if a proposed major federal action is determined to significantly affect the quality of the human environment.

The regulatory requirements for an EIS are more detailed and rigorous than the requirements for an EA. For a detailed explanation read 40 CFR Part Skip to main content. Contact Us. Generally, the EA includes a brief discussion of: The purpose and need for the proposed action Alternatives as required by section 2 E of NEPA The environmental impacts of the proposed action and alternatives A listing of agencies and persons consulted.

A FONSI is a document that presents the reasons why the agency has concluded that there are no significant environmental impacts projected to occur upon implementation of the action. Categorical Exclusion CX Determinations Categorical exclusions are categories of actions that DOE has determined, by regulation, 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 normally is required.

Environmental Assessments EAs A concise public document that a Federal agency prepares under NEPA to provide sufficient evidence and analysis to determine whether a proposed agency action would require preparation of an environmental impact statement or a finding of no significant impact.

Findings of No Significant Impact FONSIs A public document issued by a Federal agency briefly presenting the reasons why an action for which the agency has prepared an environmental assessment will not have a significant effect on the human environment and, therefore, will not require preparation of an environmental impact statement. Other Documents and Notices NEPA-related documents and notices such as notices of availability, cancellation, and comment period extension; and interim action determinations.