---
kind: "section"
citation: "18 C.F.R. § 707.8"
title: "18"
number: "707.8"
heading: "Typical classes of action requiring similar treatment under NEPA."
url: "https://uscodex.org/cfr/18/707.8"
---

# §707.8. Typical classes of action requiring similar treatment under NEPA.

- (a) [Section 1507.3(b)(2)](/cfr/18/1507.3.md?p=b-2) of the CEQ NEPA regulations in conjunction with [§ 1508.4](/cfr/18/1508.4.md) requires agencies to establish three typical classes of action for similar treatment under NEPA. These typical classes of actions are set forth below:
  - (1) **Actions normally requiring EIS's—**
    - (i) Adoption, approval or submittal of regional water resources management plans (comprehensive, coordinated, joint plans or elements thereof).
    - (ii) **Adoption, approval or submittal of Level B plans.**
  - (2) **Actions normally requiring assessments but not necessarily EIS's—**
    - (i) Establishment and implementing guidance (including significant changes) in principles, standards, and procedures for planning water and related land resources.
    - (ii) Adoption, approval or submittal of framework studies and special studies which include recommendations for future actions.
    - (iii) **Any action not in paragraph (a) (1) or (3) of this section.**
  - (3) **Actions normally not requiring assessments or EIS's (categorical exclusions)—**
    - (i) **Approval of Title III State planning grants.**
    - (ii) **Adoption, approval or transmittal or priorities reports.**
    - (iii) **Preparation of the National Water Assessment.**
    - (iv) Recommendations to the President with the respect to Federal policies and programs, except for transmittal of plans described in [paragraph (a)](#a) (1) or (2) of this section for which the original EIS or Environmental Assessment (EA) will be transmitted with the plan. A second EIS is not required.
    - (v) Framework studies and assessments and special studies which do not include recommendations for future actions.
- (b) Where the presence of extraordinary circumstances indicates that an action normally excluded may have a significant environmental effect, the appropriate RFO shall independently determine whether an EIS or an environmental assessment is required.

## Notes

### Authority

Authority: National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq. ); E.O. 11991, 42 FR 26967; 3 CFR 1977 Compl. p. 123.

### Source

Source: 44 FR 69922, Dec. 5, 1979, unless otherwise noted.