The Office of the Secretary, Interior Department has revised rules for certain environmental actions by the Bureau of Reclamation to ensure clearer interpretations and more efficient reviews. These changes apply to seven categorical exclusions (CEs) related to financial assistance and water-related agreements under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). The updates aim to eliminate outdated terms and better define the scope of activities covered by these exclusions. The revisions also respond to public comments and address concerns about project transparency, Tribal resources, and consultation regarding historic preservation.
Simple Explanation
The government has updated some rules to make it easier and clearer for people to understand how to take care of the environment when working with water projects. They want to make sure everyone knows what's happening, especially when it affects places that are important to Native American tribes and old historic sites.