National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)
The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) establishes national policy for the protection of the environment. The NEPA process is intended to help federal agencies make decisions that are based on an understanding of environmental consequences and take actions that protect, restore, and enhance the environment.
For applicable actions undertaken at Berkeley Lab that may affect the environment, DOE must determine what level of NEPA review is necessary. Such review may take the form of a Categorical Exclusion, an Environmental Assessment, or an Environmental Impact Statement. Applicable actions include those that are funded, permitted, approved, or otherwise discretionarily authorized by DOE. The Facilities Planning Department typically assists the DOE in carrying through its NEPA responsibilities.
NEPA links and information relevant to DOE and Berkeley Lab are provided below. Otherwise, for more information, please contact the Lab’s Environmental Planner.
- National Environmental Policy Act
- 40 CFR 1500 (NEPA Regulations)
- 10 CFR 1021 (DOE’s NEPA Implementing Regulations)
- DOE NEPA Homepage
- NEPA FAQ
California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)
The California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) informs both state and local governmental decision-makers and the public about potential significant environmental effects of proposed activities, identifies ways to avoid or reduce environmental impacts, and discloses the reasons why a project is approved if significant environmental impacts would result.
For applicable projects undertaken at Berkeley Lab that may affect the environment, the University must determine what level of CEQA review is necessary. Such review may take the form of a Categorical Exemption, a Negative Declaration, or an Environmental Impact Report. Applicable projects include those that are funded, permitted, approved, or otherwise discretionarily authorized by the University. The Facilities Planning Department typically assists UC LBNL and/or the UC Regents in carrying through the University’s CEQA responsibilities.
CEQA links and information relevant to the University UC LBNL are provided below. Otherwise, for more information, please contact the Lab’s Environmental Planner.
- California Environmental Quality Act (Statute and Guidelines)
- UC CEQA Handbook
- Active Projects
- Project Library
- CEQA FAQ
Most activities at Berkeley Lab are subject to both NEPA (US Department of Energy) and CEQA (UC Regents) decision-making authority. The Facilities Planning Group reviews and analyzes all applicable Berkeley Lab construction, maintenance, planning, and research programs to assist these agencies in making fully informed decisions.
For information regarding NEPA/CEQA Forms and processes, please visit the Environmental Planning Page. Otherwise, for more information, please contact the Lab’s Environmental Planner.