Is there any general guidance regarding biomass or biofuels projects?
Biomass projects that are small in scale and located at existing facilities likely are eligible for SEP funds. From a NEPA standpoint, small biorefineries in a previously developed location (e.g., a retrofit to an existing structure), and absent any extraordinary circumstances, may fit within a categorical exclusion and not require further NEPA review. DOE would be unable to determine whether a categorical exclusion applies to a proposed biorefinery without a defined size or production limit. Size and production limits may indicate whether DOE considers a project to be “small.” Although there is no definition of “small,” DOE will attempt to identify sizes of facilities below which categorical exclusions may be appropriate. Building at a brownfield or existing facility may help obtain a categorical exclusion. • Can one NEPA questionnaire be submitted for lighting on a number of buildings, so the State can get projects started, then can another NEPA questionnaire be submitted on the same
