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USDA/FS RIN: 0596-AB73 Publication ID: Spring 2000 
Title: Categorical Exclusion for Certain Special Uses Permit Actions (FSH 1909.15, Chapter 30) 
Abstract: In April 1997, the Forest Service completed a reengineering study of its special uses program. One finding in that study was that the Forest Service is conducting extensive National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) analysis and documentation for the renewal or transfer of ownership of special use authorizations having no significant effect on the human environment, either individually or cumulatively. This level of NEPA compliance is costly, time consuming, and not commensurate with the risk attributed to the activity. Therefore, the Forest Service proposes to add a new category of categorical exclusions from NEPA documentation at sections 31.1b and 31.2 of FSH 1909.15, Environmental Policy and Procedures Handbook. This action would give clearer direction regarding the NEPA obligation, when issuance of a special use authorization is a purely ministerial action and no changes are proposed in permitted activities or facilities. Further, the Forest Service proposes to amend section 30.3 to clarify the NEPA documentation that is needed for processing applications and authorizations under a categorical exclusion when extraordinary circumstances exist. The existing definition in section 30.3 implies that the "mere presence" of an extraordinary circumstance would require that an Environmental Assessment (EA) or Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) be completed for actions that would otherwise be categorically excluded. The Forest Service proposes to amend this section to provide that an identified extraordinary circumstance must clearly have an impact on the National Forest resource to merit preparation of an EA or EIS. 
Agency: Department of Agriculture(USDA)  Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant 
RIN Status: Previously published in the Unified Agenda Agenda Stage of Rulemaking: Proposed Rule Stage 
Major: No  Unfunded Mandates: No 
CFR Citation: Not Yet Determined     (To search for a specific CFR, visit the Code of Federal Regulations.)
Legal Authority: 42 USC 4321 to 4346   
Legal Deadline:  None
Timetable:
Action Date FR Cite
NPRM  05/00/2000    
NPRM Comment Period End  07/00/2000    
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No  Government Levels Affected: None 
Small Entities Affected: No  Federalism: No 
Included in the Regulatory Plan: No 
Related RINs: Related to 0596-AB94 
Agency Contact:
Marian P. Connolly
Regulatory Officer
Department of Agriculture
Forest Service
MS 1134, ATTN: IRM, D&R, 1400 Independence Avenue SW,
Washington, DC 20250-1134
Phone:703 605-4533
Fax:703 605-5111
Email: mconnolly@fs.fed.us