Notice of Intent To Conduct a Review of Categorical Exclusions for Outer Continental Shelf Decisions

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The Department of the Interior (DOI), Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Regulation and Enforcement (BOEMRE) is announcing its intent to conduct a broad review of its categorical exclusions (CEs) for Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) decisions. This review is being conducted in accordance with section 102 of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA), as amended, 42 U.S.C. 4332; the Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) Regulations for Implementing the Procedural Provisions of NEPA, 40 CFR parts 1500-1508 (Nov. 1978); the CEQ Draft Guidance on Establishing and Applying Categorical Exclusions under NEPA (February 18, 2010); and consistent with recommendations provided by CEQ in their "Report Regarding the Minerals Management Service's National Environmental Policy Act Policies, Practices, and Procedures as They Relate to Outer Continental Shelf Oil and Gas Exploration and Development" (August 16, 2010). Furthermore, this notice provides the public an opportunity to comment on the issues that should be addressed by BOEMRE during the review of its CEs and their application to OCS decisionmaking. The BOEMRE will use and coordinate a commenting process to ensure public involvemen