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Archived Guidance & Memos

Over the years CEQ has provided guidance to Federal agencies to assist in implementation of NEPA and promote consistency. Below is a list of archived guidance and memos available for historical and informative reference. Some of these archived guidance documents have been superseded by updated guidance. CEQ has also withdrawn many of these documents; withdrawn documents are now marked as such: This guidance has been withdrawn and should not be relied on to represent the current views of CEQ. It is maintained on public display for historical and informative purposes.

CEQ’s Active NEPA guidance and memos are available.


 

Topics
Date Title Sort descending Topic
2005 CEQ & OMB Memorandum on Environmental Conflict Resolution (superseded by 2012 memorandum) Public Engagement/Collaboration
2010 Memorandum for Heads of Federal Departments and Agencies: Emergencies and the National Environmental Policy Act (superseded by January 21, 2026 guidance) Emergencies
2016 Guidance on Emergencies and the National Environmental Policy Act (superseded by January 21, 2026 guidance) Emergencies
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 Categorical Exclusions
CEQ Exchange of Letters with Secretary of Transportation: Purpose and Need Purpose and Need
CEQ Memorandum for Heads of Agencies: Implementation of Executive Order 11988 on Floodplain Management and Executive Order 11990 on Protection of Wetlands Floodplains and Wetlands
CEQ Memorandum for Heads of Federal Agencies: Designation of Non-Federal Agencies to be Cooperating Agencies in Implementing the Procedural Requirements of NEPA - Withdrawn Agency Roles
CEQ Memorandum for NEPA Liaisons: Agency Implementing Procedures Under CEQ's NEPA Regulations - Withdrawn Agency Procedures
CEQ Memorandum to Secretary of Agriculture and Secretary of Interior: Guidance for Environmental Assessments of Forest Health Projects - Withdrawn Efficient Reviews, Public Lands/Land Use
Council on Environmental Quality Guidance on NEPA Analyses for Transboundary Impacts Effects Analysis