Forest Service NEPA Procedures and Guidance

Amendments to the Forest Service’s NEPA regulations are final as of November 19, 2020. The final rule establishes new and revised categorical exclusions and a Determination of NEPA Adequacy provision. The updates will help expedite environmental analysis and decision making through these new tools and flexibility that supports the Forest Service in its mission to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of the nation's forests and grasslands to meet the needs of present and future generations. Public comment informed and improved the final rule, which is effective immediately. View comments.

An informational webinar was held on December 2, 2020. View the recorded webinar.

Federal Register Notice
CEQ Letter re NEPA Procedures (.pdf, 146 KB)
Proposed Rule (.pdf, 408 KB)
Redline of Previous Regulations (.pdf, 296 KB)
Table Comparing Previous, Proposed, and Final Regulations (.pdf, 150 KB)
Supporting Information for Categorical Exclusions

In July 2008, the Forest Service moved its NEPA procedures from directives to regulations to include new provisions that incorporate Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) guidance and to better align Agency NEPA documentation to Agency decision-making processes. Most existing Forest Service NEPA procedures were moved to regulation without substantial change.