Are indirect and cumulative impact consideration, analysis, and documentation requirements the same for categorical exclusions, environmental assessments, and environmental impact statements?
No. Categorical exclusions (CE) and environmental assessments (EA) are intended for Federal agencies to comply with NEPA in those situations where the proposed action does not warrant the preparation of a detailed environmental impact statement (EIS). The consideration, documentation, and analysis requirements vary in degree by class of action and should be commensurate with the potential for adverse and significant impacts, whether direct, indirect, or cumulative. Environmental impact statements are the detailed documents required by NEPA (Section 102(2)(c)) and are prepared for major Federal actions that significantly impact the human environment (40 CFR ยง1508.11). Because actions requiring EISs will have significant environmental impacts, the consideration, analysis, and documentation of the appropriate issues must be reasonably detailed and disclosed as required by the CEQ regulations. The level of analysis and documentation required for a specific EIS is primarily dependant on the
