Notice of Adoption of Categorical Exclusions under Section 109 of the National Environmental Policy Act
Published Date: 1/16/2025
Notice
Summary
Starting January 16, 2025, the Department of the Interior is using special shortcuts called categorical exclusions to speed up certain land and recreation projects managed by the Bureau of Land Management and Bureau of Indian Affairs. This means less paperwork and faster approvals for things like trails, communication sites, and wildlife protection, helping people enjoy and care for public and Tribal lands without delays. These changes save time and keep projects moving smoothly without extra costs.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Faster Recreation and Land Projects
Starting January 16, 2025, the Department of the Interior adopted 17 categorical exclusions (11 from DOE and 6 from NTIA) so the BLM and BIA can speed up certain land and recreation projects. You may see faster approvals and less paperwork for things like trails, walkways, camping sites, and small habitat restoration projects, which the notice says keeps projects moving without extra costs.
Quicker Approvals for Infrastructure Projects
The adopted categorical exclusions cover infrastructure such as fiber optic cables, transmission upgrades, solar photovoltaic systems, electric vehicle charging stations, and battery energy storage systems. Project sponsors and the public can expect faster authorizations on BLM and Indian lands for those listed actions when no extraordinary circumstances exist.
No EA or EIS Needed Unless Extraordinary
Under the adopted CXs, the BLM and BIA may apply a categorical exclusion so they do not have to prepare an environmental assessment (EA) or environmental impact statement (EIS) for covered actions unless extraordinary circumstances are present. Responsible Officials will check the Department's list of extraordinary circumstances (including impacts to historic properties, listed species, wetlands, and public health) before using a CX.
BIA Approval for New Communication and Wind Leases
The notice says the BIA may rely on the DOE communication-facility categorical exclusion (B1.19) to approve siting or construction of new communication facilities and to approve Wind Energy Evaluation Leases on Indian lands. The BLM would not rely on that CX to site or construct a new communication facility.
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