FEMA's NEPA Desk Reference

This desk reference is designed to provide a brief background on the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and direction on how the NEPA process is implemented at the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Although all aspects of the documentation process are discussed, the primary focus is on the Categorical Exclusion (CATEX) and the Environmental Assessment (EA) since those are the most common forms of documentation required for FEMA projects subject to the NEPA process. Other than the officially signed policy, guidance, and regulations contained within this reference, this Desk Reference is only informal guidance. Chapter One discusses the background and intent of the National Environmental Policy Act as passed by Congress. Chapter Two focuses on the NEPA environmental review process and general implementation of that process. This Chapter provides an introduction to the essential elements of the implementation of NEPA and their interrelation. Chapter Three covers the environmental review process and levels discussed, as implemented at FEMA. This chapter focuses on FEMA's regulations and procedures and involvement with Grantees and Subgrantees. A detailed, step-by -step discussion on conducting Environmental Assessments is contained in Chapter Four. The Appendices contain resource documents on NEPA guidance, FEMA policy, overviews of other environmental laws, executive orders, and sample documents.