What are the three types of NEPA?

Each level of NEPA review serves an important purpose in ensuring that federal actions are evaluated for their potential environmental impacts. By identifying and mitigating potential impacts, NEPA helps to protect the environment and ensure that federal actions are carried out in a responsible and sustainable manner.

The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) outlines a comprehensive framework for evaluating the potential environmental impacts of federal actions. This process involves three distinct levels of review, each designed to assess the severity and scope of potential impacts.

The first level of NEPA review is Categorical Exclusion (CATEX). This process applies to actions that are deemed to have minimal or no potential for significant environmental impacts. If an action falls under a categorical exclusion, it is exempt from further NEPA review, allowing for a more streamlined approval process.

The second level of NEPA review is Environmental Assessment (EA). An EA is conducted when an action is not categorically excluded but may have the potential for significant environmental impacts. The EA process involves a thorough analysis of the potential impacts and the identification of any necessary mitigation measures.

The third and most rigorous level of NEPA review is the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). An EIS is required for actions that are likely to have significant impacts on the environment. The EIS process involves an extensive analysis of the potential impacts, including a detailed description of the proposed action, the affected environment, and the range of alternatives considered.