DHS first published its procedures for implementing the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) in 2006. DHS is proposing a revision to its procedures that meets the needs of a maturing organization and ensures the appropriate integration of environmental stewardship into DHS decision making. In accordance with the Council on Environmental Quality's regulations, DHS is providing an opportunity for public comment on its draft revised procedures, which are found in draft Directive 023-01, Rev. 01 and Instruction Manual 023-01-001-01, Rev. 01 (Directive and Instruction).

The Department’s existing NEPA procedures and supporting documentation are available here.

How to Comment

To submit comments on the draft revised Directive and Instruction during the public comment period: please visit www.regulations.gov, search for docket number DHS-2013-0052 and follow the instructions. The 60-day public comment period started on June 5, 2014, and closes on August 4, 2014.

Documents for Public Review

The docket includes the draft revised Directive and Instruction, as well as a synopsis of the administrative record support for several proposed new Categorical Exclusions (CATEXs). These three documents are also available here:

• Draft Revised Directive 023-01, Rev. 01 (June 2014)
• Draft Revised Instruction Manual 023-01-001-01 (June 2014)
• CATEXs Admin Record (June 2014)