Categorical exclusions are categories of actions that DOE has determined, by regulation, normally do not have a significant effect on the human environment and for which, therefore, neither an environmental assessment nor an environmental impact statement normally is required. DOE's categorical exclusions are listed in Appendices A and B to Subpart D of its NEPA regulations, 10 CFR Part 1021.
DOE has updated its categorical exclusions three times since online posting began in late 2009.
Effective November 14, 2011, DOE revised several categorical exclusions and added 20 new categorical exclusions. More information, including a document showing the changes, is available here: 2011 DOE NEPA rulemaking.
Effective January 4, 2021, DOE revised a categorical exclusion for natural gas export authorizations, among other changes. More information is available here: categorical exclusion determinations for B5.7.
Effective May 30, 2024, DOE revised the categorical exclusions for solar photovoltaic systems and for upgrading and rebuilding transmission lines, and added a categorical exclusion for certain energy storage systems. More information is available here: DOE NEPA Categorical Exclusion Rulemaking (2024).
Not all categorical exclusion determinations contain the full text of the relevant categorical exclusions. To find the full text, refer to the DOE NEPA regulations that were in effect at the time the categorical exclusion determination was signed.
For information on two other methods for DOE to make a CX determination, including Section 109 of NEPA and adopting another agency's CX determination, see NEPA Documents.
If you have any trouble finding a specific document, please contact AskNEPA@hq.doe.gov for assistance.