The National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) is the federal government's charter for protection of the human environment.  Through NEPA, Congress directed federal agencies to integrate environmental considerations into their planning and decision making.  The NEPA process provides agency decision makers and the public with an understanding of the potential environmental impacts of proposed actions. 

Recent NEPA Documents Prepared for DHS Actions

The public is invited to participate in the Department's NEPA process by reviewing documents and findings issued by the Department, and providing comments during the public comment period.  NEPA documents include Environmental Assessments, Findings of No Significant Impact (FONSI), Environmental Impact Statements, and Records of Decision.

Environmental Impact Statements

• DHS Environmental Impact Statements

Environmental Assessments

• Final Environmental Assessment and FONSI for Bacillus subtilis Particles to Challenge Bio-Detection Sensors in Boston Subway Stations

View NEPA documents prepared for rulemaking actions

DHS Environmental Justice Strategy

DHS Environmental Justice Annual Implementation Progress Report, February 2012, (PDF, 11 pages - 225 KB)

NEPA Alternative Arrangements

• Alternative Arrangements for the Reconstruction of New Orleans Metropolitan Area Critical Infrastructure
• Alternative Arrangements for Issuing and Implementing the Emergency Temporary Interim Rule to Support Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill Response

DHS Procedures for Implementing NEPA

• Department Procedures for Implementing NEPA and Administrative Record to Support the Department’s Categorical Exclusions