Categorical Exclusions

A categorical exclusion (CE) is a class of actions that a Federal agency has determined, after review by CEQ, do not individually or cumulatively have a significant effect on the human environment and for which, therefore, neither an environmental assessment nor an environmental impact statement is normally required. The use of categorical exclusions can reduce paperwork and save time and resources.

CEQ has developed a comprehensive list of the Federal agencies' CEs. This resource is intended to assist agencies in revising their CEs, as well as to help CEQ in reviewing proposed revisions, by identifying how similar classes of actions are treated in the CEs established by various agencies.

• List of Federal Agency Categorical Exclusions (CE LIST), May 2024
• Guidance: Establishing, Applying, and Revising Categorical Exclusions under the National Environmental Policy Act, 23 November 2010