Doug Burgum, Interior Secretary | https://www.facebook.com/photo.php
The National Park Service has announced the adoption of 33 categorical exclusions under Section 109 of the National Environmental Policy Act. This decision is aligned with efforts to reduce regulatory burdens and improve government efficiency, as emphasized by the Trump administration. The exclusions allow the agency to skip lengthy environmental reviews for actions that do not have significant environmental impacts, thereby accelerating decision-making and project implementation.
Doug Burgum, Secretary of the Interior, stated, "The Department of the Interior is focused on streamlining government processes that have slowed progress for too long. These reforms will help the National Park Service act more efficiently while continuing to uphold environmental standards. This is a win for the American people and for the responsible management of public lands."
These new categorical exclusions are adopted from various federal agencies such as the Federal Highway Administration, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and Department of Homeland Security. They cover routine actions including infrastructure upgrades, communications improvements, rights-of-way authorizations, cultural and natural resource management, recreation access, and emergency response efforts. Many align with administrative goals to modernize infrastructure and boost economic growth.
The authority to implement these exclusions was granted through a Department of the Interior memorandum issued in July 2024. The process involved necessary consultations and an evaluation to ensure alignment with existing environmental laws and policies. Details on each exclusion can be found in a notice published in the Federal Register.
These changes represent a shift towards practical stewardship by emphasizing efficiency, accountability, and responsiveness within the National Park Service. The reforms aim to better meet the needs of park visitors, partners, and communities without unnecessary delays.
