National Environmental Policy Act

NOAA’s National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) compliance is overseen by the Office of the General Counsel and the designated NOAA NEPA Coordinator. The NOAA NEPA Coordinator and staff provide information, training, and advice to staff across the agency in order to ensure NOAA’s compliance with NEPA.

NOAA’s NEPA compliance is guided by the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, NOAA Administrative Order (NAO) 216-6A, and a Companion Manual to the NAO entitled Policy and Procedures for Compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act and Related Authorities (“Companion Manual”).

Revised Companion Manual Available
On June 30, 2025, NOAA finalized revisions to the agency’s procedures for implementing the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and related authorities, as contained in the Companion Manual to NOAA Administrative Order NAO 216– 6A (Companion Manual).

The revised procedures are effective June 30, 2025.

As part of the revision process, NOAA has proposed revisions to NOAA's existing categorical exclusions (CE). 

• Current Categorical Exclusions
• Proposed Changes to Categorical Exclusions (in redline)
• Federal Register Notice for proposed changes to CEs
• Technical Correction to Notice
• Draft Substantiation Record of Proposed New and Revised CEs

The NOAA NEPA Intranet can be found here offsite link. (NOAA only)