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. At Berkeley Lab, the responsible federal agency is the Department of Energy (DOE).
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.