NEPA Guidance

Categorical Exclusions

The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) defines Categorical Exclusions (CE) as actions that based on past agency experience with similar actions, do not involve significant environmental impacts.

Actions that meet the criteria for CEs in 23 CFR 771.117(a) and (b) are approved as CEs. Both (c)-list and (d)-list categorical exclusions may be approved by ADOT under the CE Assignment Program.

Actions individually documented under paragraph (d) are approved by ADOT under the NEPA Assignment Program.

CE Process

Guidance

The following guidance documents will assist in preparing CEs:

Environmental Commitments

EA/EIS Process Guidance

Federal Highway Administration and the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials

Previous Highway Acts Affecting Change in Environmental Law

NEPA Regulations and Processes

• The Council of Environmental Quality Regulations
  This document consists of regulations for implementing the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). Also included in this document is the actual NEPA legislation.
• Federal Highway Administration NEPA Regulations
  This document consists of regulations for implementing the NEPA legislation for projects funded by the Federal Highway Administration.
• Federal Highway Administration Technical Advisory T6640.8A
  This document provides guidance for the practitioner in preparing Categorical Exclusions, Environmental Assessments, and Environmental Impact Statements for highway projects funded by the Federal Highway Administration.