New Rules Speed Up Environmental Reviews Without Cutting Corners
Published Date: 4/13/2026
Notice
Summary
The Council on Environmental Quality just updated the rules for how federal agencies use 'categorical exclusions' to speed up environmental reviews under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). This new guidance replaces the old 2010 version and reflects recent law changes, helping agencies work smarter and faster without skipping important environmental checks. Agencies need to follow this updated guidance starting now, which could save time and money on many projects.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Faster NEPA Reviews via Categorical Exclusions
If you run a business that needs a federal NEPA review, CEQ issued new guidance on April 9, 2026 about using 'categorical exclusions' to decide whether a full Environmental Assessment (EA) or Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) is needed. The guidance is intended to expedite and simplify the permitting process and promote consistency in NEPA implementation.
Cross-Agency Adoption of Categorical Exclusions
Congress revised NEPA to include a definition of 'categorical exclusion' and to establish a process (42 U.S.C. 4336e(1), 4336c) that allows an agency to adopt and use a categorical exclusion listed in another agency's NEPA procedures. CEQ's guidance tells agencies to establish categorical exclusions, adopt other agencies' categorical exclusions where appropriate, and consider whether a proposed action is excluded before beginning an EA or EIS.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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