As the agency writes:

“Categorical exclusions are categories of actions that a federal agency has determined, after review by the Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ), do not individually or cumulatively have a significant effect on the human environment and therefore typically require neither an environmental assessment nor an environmental impact statement. The use of categorical exclusions can reduce paperwork and save time and resources.”

The full list of new exclusions can be found here. Amanda Pereira, serving as the Environmental Program Officer at NTIA, has been identified as the point of contact for further information.

Notably, the agency’s approach incorporates lessons from the First Responder Network Authority’s (FirstNet Authority) NEPA procedures, adapting them with modifications to align with NTIA’s organizational structure and mission objectives. This adaptive address the urgent need for broadband expansion, particularly in unserved and underserved areas.

Detailed lists can be found on the National Environmental Policy Act Procedures and Categorical Exclusions and Adoption of FirstNet Categorical Exclusions under the National Environmental Policy Act pages.

For more information, see:
https://www.ntia.gov/press-release/2024/ntia-adopts-new-measures-streamline-environmental-impact-permitting-review