Categorical Exclusions From Environmental Review

The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) is amending its regulations that describe the categories of actions which do not require an environmental review under the requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) as the NRC has determined that such actions do not individually or cumulatively have a significant effect on the human environment. The amended regulations eliminate the need for the preparation of environmental assessments for NRC actions that are minor, administrative, or procedural in nature. The amendments do not change any requirements for licensees, but may provide for more time for NRC action on more substantial issues and/or speed up the process for review of the amendments.