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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.

The Department uses the Environmental Management Information System (EMIS) to track NEPA documents and approvals. The NEPA Tracking Database includes information on projects for which a bureau/office is the lead federal agency for an environmental impact statement (EIS) or environmental assessment (EA).  

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 Tips

Here are some tips to successfully complete the NEPA process.
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A group of bison standing in a field with white tree branches
A group of bison standing in a field with white tree branches

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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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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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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