Government Agencies Share Environmental Paperwork Shortcuts Like Trading Cards
Published Date: 1/15/2025
Notice
Summary
Starting January 15, 2025, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) will use special shortcuts called categorical exclusions to speed up decisions on certain land actions, like temporary closures and protecting water areas. This change affects visitors and wildlife lovers by helping BLM protect public lands faster without extra paperwork. It’s a smart move to keep our parks and waters safe while saving time and resources.
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.
Faster Small Rights‑of‑Way Permits
Effective January 15, 2025, the BLM will adopt a Fish and Wildlife Service categorical exclusion for issuing or reissuing permits for limited additional use of existing rights‑of‑way (examples: single power poles, fiber optic cable on existing structures, authorizing development of a domestic water source) so these low‑disturbance permits can be processed without an EA or EIS unless extraordinary circumstances apply. This can speed permitting for small projects with negligible environmental disturbance.
Extraordinary Circumstances Still Require Review
The BLM will apply the adopted categorical exclusions only when no extraordinary circumstances (as listed at 43 CFR 46.215, e.g., effects on listed species, wetlands, floodplains, historic properties, low‑income or minority populations) are present; if such circumstances exist the action must be analyzed in an EA or EIS. Project applicants should expect that some proposals will still require full NEPA analysis despite the CX adoptions.
Faster Temporary Closures for Safety
Starting January 15, 2025, the BLM will use an adopted National Park Service categorical exclusion to approve temporary closures or restrictions on public lands (roads, trails, waterways, or specific areas) to protect people, property, and resources without preparing an environmental assessment or impact statement unless extraordinary circumstances exist. This change lets the BLM act faster to protect visitors and resources when it applies the exclusion.
Quicker Aquatic Habitat Work
As of January 15, 2025, the BLM will adopt U.S. Forest Service categorical exclusions to modify or maintain existing stream or lake habitat structures and to restore wetlands, streams, riparian areas, and other water bodies without preparing an EA or EIS, provided no extraordinary circumstances apply. This lets the BLM approve work such as repairing fish screens or replacing legacy rip-rap more quickly to improve water quality and habitat.
Streamlined Land Acquisitions
Beginning January 15, 2025, the BLM will use an adopted Fish and Wildlife Service categorical exclusion for acquisition of real property (purchase, exchange, donation, easements, etc.) from willing sellers when funding and plan support exist, enabling such acquisitions to proceed without an EA or EIS unless extraordinary circumstances are present. The notice says acquisitions can enhance recreation, preserve open space, and strengthen resource protection.
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