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NEPA Implementing Regulations Desk Reference - 2020
CEQ has developed this Desk Reference to provide the current text of 40 CFR Parts 1500–1508, together with the text of National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, as amended; the Environmental Quality Improvement Act of 1970; Section 309 of the Clean Air Act; and Executive Order 11514, as amended by Executive Order 11991. (including CEQ’s regulations as amended by the 2022 final rule and the version of NEPA that was in place at the time of the 2020 final rule effective date).
- Guidance Document
Guidance on the Applicability of E.O. 13807 to States with NEPA Assignment Authority Under the Surface Transportation Project Delivery Program
This joint memorandum issued by CEQ and the Office of Management and Budget provides guidance regarding the applicability of E.O. 13807 to State agencies that have been assigned NEPA responsibilities under the Surface Transportation Project Delivery Program administered by the U.S. Department of Transportation.
- Guidance Document
- One Federal Decision
Guidance on the Applicability of E.O. 13807 to Responsible Entities Assuming Department of Housing and Urban Development Review Responsibilities
This joint memorandum issued by CEQ and the Office of Management and Budget provides guidance regarding the applicability of E.O. 13807 to responsible entities that have assumed NEPA and other environmental responsibilities under 24 CFR Part 58, administered by the Department of Housing and Urban Development.
- Guidance Document
- One Federal Decision
Memorandum for Heads of Departments and Agencies: One Federal Decision Framework for the Environmental Review and Authorization Process for Major Infrastructure Projects under Executive Order 13807
This joint memorandum issued by CEQ and the Office of Management and Budget provides guidance to agencies for carrying out responsibilities under E.). 13807, which requires Federal agencies to process environmental reviews and authorization decisions for “major infrastructure projects” as One Federal Decision.
- Guidance Document
- One Federal Decision
2016 Guidance on Emergencies and the National Environmental Policy Act (superseded by January 21, 2026 guidance)
2016 Guidance on Emergencies and the National Environmental Policy Act (superseded by January 21, 2026 guidance)
- Guidance Document
- Emergencies
Memorandum for Heads of Departments and Agencies: Guidance on Effective Use of Programmatic NEPA Reviews - Withdrawn
CEQ issued this guidance for Federal departments and agencies on effective use of programmatic National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) reviews. The guidance explains the requirements of NEPA and the prior CEQ Regulations when agencies prepare programmatic NEPA reviews. This guidance has been withdrawn by CEQ.
- Guidance Document
- Programmatic Environmental Documents
NEPA Litigation Surveys: 2001-2013
From 2001 through 2013, CEQ conducted an annual survey on litigation involving a NEPA-based cause of action. For cases filed during the year, the survey tallied the lead defendant Federal agency and type of plaintiff. For NEPA-based case dispositions during the year, the survey tallied outcome types and basis for dispositions.
- Reports & Publications
- Litigation
Memorandum for Heads of Federal Departments and Agencies: Improving the Process for Preparing Efficient and Timely Environmental Reviews under the National Environmental Policy Act
This memorandum issues guidance for Federal departments and agencies to emphasize and clarify opportunities to meet high quality, efficient, and timely environmental reviews under the National Environmental Policy Act.
- Guidance Document
Memorandum for Heads of Departments and Agencies: Improving the Process for Preparing Efficient and Timely Environmental Reviews under the National Environmental Policy Act - Withdrawn
CEQ issued this guidance to emphasize tools and practices available to meet the goal of high quality, efficient, and timely environmental reviews under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).
- Guidance Document
- Efficient Reviews
CEQ & OMB Memorandum on Environmental Collaboration and Conflict Resolution
This joint memorandum from the Council on Environmental Quality and the Office of Management and Budget directs departments and agencies to increase the appropriate and effective use of third-party assisted environmental collaboration as well as environmental conflict resolution to resolve problems and conflicts that arise in the context of environmental, public lands, or natural resources issues.
- Guidance Document
- Public Engagement/Collaboration
Memorandum for Heads of Federal Departments and Agencies: Appropriate Use of Mitigation and Monitoring and Appropriate Use of Mitigated Findings of No Significant Impact - Withdrawn
This memorandum provides guidance for Federal departments and agencies on establishing, implementing, and monitoring mitigation commitments identified and analyzed in environmental assessments and environmental impact statements and adopted in final decision documents. It also clarifies the appropriate use of mitigated findings of no significant impact under the National Environmental Policy Act.
- Guidance Document
- CEQ NEPA Implementing Regulations
Memorandum for Heads of Federal Departments and Agencies: Appropriate Use of Mitigation and Monitoring and Appropriate Use of Mitigated Findings of No Significant Impact
Memorandum for Heads of Federal Departments and Agencies: Appropriate Use of Mitigation and Monitoring and Appropriate Use of Mitigated Findings of No Significant Impact
- Guidance Document
Eleventh Recovery Act NEPA Report
Section 1609(c) of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 required the Council on Environmental Quality to submit reports every 90 days from the date of enactment until September 30, 2011 on the status and progress of projects and activities funded by the Act regarding compliance with NEPA and documentation.
- Reports & Publications
2010 Memorandum for Heads of Federal Departments and Agencies: Emergencies and the National Environmental Policy Act (superseded by January 21, 2026 guidance)
2010 Memorandum for Heads of Federal Departments and Agencies: Emergencies and the National Environmental Policy Act (superseded by January 21, 2026 guidance)
- Guidance Document
- Emergencies
NEPA Success Stories: Celebrating 40 Years of Transparency and Open Government
This publication is a joint effort by the Environmental Law Institute, the Grand Canyon Trust and the Partnership Project released during the 40th anniversary of NEPA. It includes case studies highlighting successes of implementation of NEPA.
- Reports & Publications
CEQ Exchange of Letters with Secretary of Energy: Application of NEPA Categorical Exclusions to the Auto Loan Program under section 136 of the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007
This exchange of letters between the Department of Energy (DOE) and CEQ provides direction on application of categorical exclusions to the Auto Loan Program under section 136 of the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007.
- Guidance Document
- Categorical Exclusions
Collaboration in NEPA: A Handbook for NEPA Practitioners
Collaboration in NEPA: A Handbook for NEPA Practitioners
- Reports & Publications
- Collaboration