USDA, Forest Service is adopting a final rule amending its NEPA regulations. The final rule establishes new and revised categorical exclusions (pertaining to certain special use authorizations, infrastructure management activities, and restoration and resilience activities) and adds the determination of NEPA adequacy provision to the Agency's NEPA regulations. These amendments will increase efficiency in the Agency's environmental analysis and decision-making while meeting NEPA's requirements and fully honoring the Agency's environmental stewardship responsibilities. Public comment has informed and improved the final rule. This rule is effective 19 November 2020. POC is Christine Dawe; Director, Ecosystem Management Coordination; 406-370-8865.

(Federal Register: 19 November 2020 [Rule] Pages 73620-73632).