Categorical Exclusion (CX) Determinations

Categorical exclusions are categories of actions that a federal agency has determined, in its NEPA procedures, 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. A CX determination is the application of one or more CXs to a particular project or group of projects. There are 3 methods for DOE to make a CX determination.

1. Most DOE CX determinations are based on the CXs listed in Appendices A and B to Subpart D of DOE’s NEPA regulations (10 CFR Part 1021). Those CX determinations are posted at DOE Categorical Exclusion (CX) Determinations.
2. Section 109 of NEPA provides a method for a federal agency to adopt a categorical exclusion listed in another agency’s NEPA procedures. If DOE adopts another agency’s CX, DOE may then make a CX determination based on the adopted CX. See the Section 109: Adopting of Categorical Exclusions page.
3. DOE may adopt another agency’s CX determination in certain instances. See the Adopted Categorical Exclusion (CX) Determinations page.