National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)

The Department has broad responsibilities to manage Federal lands and resources for the public’s benefit. The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) applies to the execution of many of the Department’s responsibilities with the goal of ensuring that information regarding environmental impacts is available to decision makers and the public before decisions are made.

Both the Department and the Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) have issued regulations to implement NEPA. Find our requirements and guidance by following the links below.

NEPA Wheel Graphic
NEPA Wheel Graphic

NEPA Tips

Here are some tips to successfully complete the NEPA process.
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Bison grazing
Bison grazing

Requirements & Guidance for DOI

NEPA requirements for Interior projects are determined by pollution control and environmental protection statutes, federal regulations, Executive Orders, Secretarial Orders, and Departmental Manuals. The Department provides additional internal guidance to bureaus and offices to ensure compliance.
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Altamont Pass Wind Farm - Northern California
Altamont Pass Wind Farm - Northern California

Applicant Assistance

The Department's bureaus and offices provide a wide range of services and expertise to protect and manage the Nation's natural resources and cultural heritage.
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Arrowrock Dam, Bureau of Reclamation - Idaho
Arrowrock Dam, Bureau of Reclamation - Idaho

Review of Non-Interior Actions

The Office of Environmental Policy and Compliance provides guidance to Interior bureaus and offices regarding the technical and policy review of non-Interior actions.
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