National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)
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.
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 Laboratory’s Site and Environmental Planner typically assists the DOE in carrying through its NEPA responsibilities.
NEPA links and information relevant to DOE and Berkeley Lab are provided below.
- National Environmental Policy Act
- 40 CFR 1500 (NEPA Regulations)
- 10 CFR 1021 (DOE’s NEPA Implementing Regulations)
- DOE NEPA Homepage
- Citizen’s Guide to NEPA
California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)
The California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) informs both state and local governmental decision-makers and the public about potential significant environmental effects of proposed activities, identifies ways to avoid or reduce environmental impacts, and discloses the reasons why a project is approved if significant environmental impacts would result.
As a UC campus, Berkeley Lab must determine the level of CEQA review necessary for applicable projects undertaken that may affect the environment. Such review may take the form of a Categorical Exemption, a Negative Declaration, or an Environmental Impact Report. Applicable projects include those that are funded, permitted, approved, or otherwise discretionarily authorized by the University. The Laboratory’s Site and Environmental Planner typically assists Berkeley Lab and/or the UC Regents in carrying through the Laboratory’s CEQA responsibilities.
CEQA links and information relevant to Berkeley Lab are provided below.
- California Environmental Quality Act (Statute and Guidelines)
- UC CEQA Handbook
- UC CEQA Implementation Guide FAQ
- Environmental Documents for Major Berkeley Lab Projects
Most activities at Berkeley Lab are subject to both NEPA (US Department of Energy) and CEQA (UC Regents) decision-making authority. The Laboratory’s Site and Environmental Planner reviews and analyzes all applicable Berkeley Lab construction, maintenance, planning, and research programs to assist these agencies in making fully informed decisions.
For more information regarding NEPA or CEQA, please contact Site & Environmental Planning at planning@lbl.gov.
