USNoticeOfficial ✓October 9, 2026· Federal Register
National Environmental Policy Act Implementing Procedures: Wintertime Oil and Gas Exploration in the National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska Categorical Exclusion
What happened
The Department of the Interior revised its procedures by adding a new 'categorical exclusion' for wintertime oil and gas exploration activities in the National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska (NPR-A). This change was added to the DOI Handbook of NEPA Implementing Procedures, Appendix 2. The revision was signed by Donald Trump.
Why it matters
The new categorical exclusion means certain oil and gas exploration activities in NPR-A will face less extensive environmental review. This could accelerate development by reducing the time and resources needed for environmental impact assessments.
Who it affects
- ›Department of the Interior (Department)
- ›Oil and gas companies
- ›Residents near National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska
- ›Environmental review processes
Receipts
The receipts are official. The summary is ours.
Read on Federal Register ↗Summaries are generated from the official text and may simplify or omit nuance. The official document is the source of truth.
More from US
USBillOfficial ✓
Notice of Availability of the Proposed Notice of Sale for Gulf of America Outer Continental Shelf Oil and Gas One Big Beautiful Bill Act Lease Sale 4Federal Register·Oct 9, 2026
USRuleOfficial ✓
Approval and Promulgation of State Implementation Plans; New Jersey; RACT Certifications for the 2008 and 2015 Ozone National Ambient Air Quality StandardsFederal Register·Oct 8, 2026
USRuleOfficial ✓
Air Plan Approval; Maryland; Reasonably Available Control Technology for Municipal Waste CombustorsFederal Register·Oct 8, 2026