Search Results for keywords:"categorical exclusions"

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is proposing new procedures to comply with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), including the addition of new categorical exclusions (CEs). These CEs are actions usually not expected to impact the environment significantly. NIST seeks public input on these draft procedures and the justification for the new CEs by January 10, 2025. The proposal is part of a larger effort to streamline and ensure consistency with environmental regulations.

The Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM) announced that it is adopting several categorical exclusions (CEs) from the Department of Energy under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). These exclusions allow for certain proposed actions by EXIM that do not significantly impact the human environment, thereby speeding up project approvals and conserving resources by eliminating the need for detailed environmental assessments. This decision supports EXIM's Make More in America initiative by enabling quicker processing of transactions that promote U.S. business exports. EXIM consulted with the Department of Energy to ensure the appropriateness of these CEs for their proposed actions.

The Executive Order 14225, titled "Immediate Expansion of American Timber Production," aims to boost domestic timber production by reducing regulatory barriers. It directs the Secretaries of the Interior and Agriculture to update guidance and implement strategies for more efficient timber production and forest management. This involves streamlining processes under the Endangered Species Act (ESA), eliminating unnecessary permitting delays, and considering categorical exclusions to simplify environmental assessments. The Order also emphasizes coordination among agencies to identify and address obstacles to domestic timber production.

The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) has renewed a license for the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), allowing them to continue using special nuclear materials (SNM) for research and development at their Gaithersburg, Maryland site. This renewed license, identified as SNM-362, is valid for 10 years and will expire on April 10, 2035. The renewal process included public notices and opportunities for hearings, but no requests for these were received. The NRC has ensured that the license renewal meets all safety and environmental standards, allowing NIST to maintain operations safely.

The Department of the Interior, through the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), is adopting six categorical exclusions (CXs) under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) from other federal agencies like the U.S. Forest Service, National Park Service, and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. These CXs relate to managing public lands, including activities like habitat improvement, land acquisition, and handling rights-of-way, without needing extensive environmental evaluations. They worked with these agencies to ensure the exclusions are appropriate, and any actions taken will be considered to avoid extraordinary circumstances that could cause significant environmental impacts. The public can view documentation of this adoption online.

The Department of the Interior is informing the public about its decision to adopt certain categorical exclusions (CXs) for environmental reviews from the Department of Energy and the National Telecommunications Information Administration. These CXs will be used by the Bureau of Land Management and the Bureau of Indian Affairs to streamline actions like setting up fences, roads, or communication towers without needing full environmental assessments if no special circumstances exist. This decision is aimed at improving efficiency in managing public and Tribal lands, while ensuring actions don't harm the environment. The adoption became effective on January 16, 2025.

The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), part of the Department of Transportation, is proposing new procedures to implement the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). These procedures establish categorical exclusions (CEs), which are categories of actions deemed to typically have minimal environmental impacts. PHMSA invites public comments on these proposed CEs and procedures, aiming to ensure their activities minimize environmental effects and involve public and governmental engagement. Comments must be submitted by January 9, 2025.