Blm National Environmental Policy Act Handbook H 1790 1 January 30 2008 PDF Download

The Energy Policy Act of 2005 was enacted in part to expedite oil and gas development. Section 390 of the act authorized the Dept. of the Interior¿s Bureau of Land Mgmt. (BLM) to use categorical exclusions to streamline the environmental analysis required when approving certain oil and gas activities. Numerous questions have been raised about how and when BLM should use these section 390 categorical exclusions. This report examines: (1) the extent to which BLM has used section 390 categorical exclusions and the benefits, if any, associated with their use; (2) the extent to which BLM has complied with the act and agency guidance; and (3) key concerns, if any, associated with section 390 categorical exclusions. Charts and tables.