DOE is adopting a categorical exclusion established by the U.S. Coast Guard.
Office of NEPA Policy and Compliance
July 13, 2026
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The Department of Energy (DOE) has identified a categorical exclusion established by the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) that covers categories of actions pertinent to DOE operations, specifically L14. This categorical exclusion is listed in the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Instruction Manual 023-01-001-01, Revision 01, Implementation of the National Environmental Policy Act, Appendix A, Table 1.
This categorical exclusion applies to new construction upon, or improvement of, land where all of the following conditions are met:
(a) The structure and proposed use are substantially in compliance with prevailing local planning and zoning standards.
(b) The site is on heavily developed property and/or located on a previously disturbed site in a developed area.
(c) The proposed use will not substantially increase the number of motor vehicles at the facility.
(d) The site and scale of construction are consistent with those of existing, adjacent, or nearby buildings.
Categorical exclusions adopted pursuant to NEPA section 109 appear in Appendix C of the DOE NEPA Implementing Procedures. For more information on adoption of categorical exclusions, please see Section 109: Adopting Categorical Exclusions.