# 2026-03708: Interior Dept Ditches NEPA Rules for a Handy Handbook Switch 2026-03708, National Environmental Policy Act Implementing Regulations, is a Federal Register rule from Interior Department published 2026-02-24, effective 2026-02-24; deemed significant under Executive Order 12866 (as of 2026-06-11). - Canonical: https://policyrisk.com/federal-register/2026-03708 - As of: 2026-06-11 - Plain-text twin of the page above; the HTML and this file carry the same facts. ## Facts - Document number: 2026-03708 - Title: National Environmental Policy Act Implementing Regulations - Type: Rule - Agencies: Interior Department - Citation: 91 FR 8738 - Published: 2026-02-24 - Effective: 2026-02-24 - Comments close: not stated - Significant: yes (FR_METADATA) - Touches household money: no - Regulation identifier numbers: 1090-AB18 - Last updated: 2026-06-11 ## In one line Interior Dept Ditches NEPA Rules for a Handy Handbook Switch ## Summary The Department of the Interior just finalized new rules that simplify how it follows the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). These changes mainly affect DOI’s internal processes by moving most NEPA procedures out of official federal rules and into a more flexible handbook. The new rules take effect on February 24, 2026, making it easier and quicker for DOI to handle environmental reviews without extra costs or delays. ## Abstract The Department of the Interior (Department or DOI) is adopting the interim final rule (IFR) published on July 3, 2025, with minor changes, as final. In the IFR, DOI provided a 30-day comment period for the public to review and make comments. This final rule addresses public comments and adopts as final the IFR, with certain substantive changes as explained herein. The IFR partially rescinded DOI's regulations implementing the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and made necessary targeted updates to those provisions that were not repealed. DOI will henceforth maintain the majority of its NEPA procedures--which apply only to DOI's internal processes--in a Departmental Handbook separate from the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR). ## Effects PRIA read - DOI moves NEPA rules into Handbook: benefit, medium. DOI moved most of its NEPA procedures out of the Code of Federal Regulations into the Department of the Interior NEPA Handbook. DOI says this change is meant to make reviews faster, more flexible, and more efficient and to help DOI complete documents within the statutory timelines; the final rule i… - Applicants may prepare NEPA documents: benefit, medium. The rule retains and updates regulations allowing DOI bureaus to rely on environmental assessments and environmental impact statements prepared by applicants or by contractors hired by DOI. This implements NEPA Section 107(f) and adds standards and procedures for using applicant- and contractor-pre… - Categorical exclusions retained and clarified: benefit, medium. DOI retained regulations for categorical exclusions (43 CFR 46.205, 46.210, 46.215) that let many actions avoid longer environmental assessments or impact statements. The final rule also says bureaus may rely on categorical exclusion determinations by other agencies, may apply multiple categorical… - Emergency actions may proceed without NEPA: benefit, medium. DOI retained 43 CFR 46.150 to clarify that responsible officials may take actions needed to address imminent threats to life, property, or important natural, cultural, or historic resources without conducting a NEPA review. Officials should consider probable environmental consequences and mitigatio… - EIS page limits and certification rules: benefit, medium. The DOI NEPA Handbook and final rule adopt statutory page limits for environmental impact statements: no more than 150 pages normally and up to 300 pages when a proposed action is of extraordinary complexity. The handbook also directs the Responsible Official to certify that the EIS prioritizes the… ## Related documents - [2026-18261](https://policyrisk.com/federal-register/2026-18261): National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska Production Site Development, 2026-09-08 - [2026-15953](https://policyrisk.com/federal-register/2026-15953): Oil and Gas and Sulfur Operations on the Outer Continental Shelf-Revisions to the Requirements for Exploratory Drilling on the Arctic Outer…, 2026-08-06 - [2026-14629](https://policyrisk.com/federal-register/2026-14629): Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Regulations for Designating Critical Habitat, 2026-07-21 - [2026-14633](https://policyrisk.com/federal-register/2026-14633): Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Regulations Pertaining to Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants, 2026-07-21 - [2026-14299](https://policyrisk.com/federal-register/2026-14299): Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Revised Designation of Critical Habitat for the Contiguous U.S. Distinct Population Segment…, 2026-07-16 - [2026-14195](https://policyrisk.com/federal-register/2026-14195): Rescinding the Definition of “Harm” Under the Endangered Species Act, 2026-07-14 ## Sources - [2026-03708 on federalregister.gov](https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/02/24/2026-03708/national-environmental-policy-act-implementing-regulations) - [2026-03708 as published (PDF)](https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2026-02-24/pdf/2026-03708.pdf) ## Related - [Previous: 2026-03658, Removal of Regulations Limiting Authorizations To Proceed With Construction Act…](https://policyrisk.com/federal-register/2026-03658) - [Next: 2026-03716, Rescinding 30-Day Notification Requirements Related to Eviction Based on Nonpay…](https://policyrisk.com/federal-register/2026-03716) - [All Federal Register documents](https://policyrisk.com/federal-register) Source: PRIA, https://policyrisk.com/federal-register/2026-03708 (as of 2026-06-11).