Categorical exclusion for electric utility lines rights-of-way

(a) Categorical exclusion established Forest management activities described in subsection (b) are a category of activities hereby designated as being categorically excluded from the preparation of an environmental assessment or an environmental impact statement under section 102 of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4332). (b) Forest management activities designated for categorical exclusion The forest management activities designated under subsection (a) for a categorical exclusion are— (1) the development and approval of a vegetation management, facility inspection, and operation and maintenance plan submitted under section 512(c)(1) of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C. 1772(c)(1)) by the Secretary concerned; and (2) the implementation of routine activities conducted under the plan referred to in paragraph (1). (c) Availability of categorical exclusion On and after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary concerned may use the categorical exclusion established under subsection (a) in accordance with this section. (d) Exclusion of certain areas from categorical exclusion The categorical exclusion established under subsection (a) shall not apply to any forest management activity conducted— (1) in a component of the National Wilderness Preservation System; or (2) on National Forest System lands on which the removal of vegetation is restricted or prohibited by an Act of Congress. (e) Permanent roads (1) Prohibition on establishment A forest management activity designated under subsection (b) shall not include the establishment of a permanent road. (2) Existing roads The Secretary concerned may carry out necessary maintenance and repair on an existing permanent road for the purposes of conducting a forest management activity designated under subsection (b). (3) Temporary roads The Secretary concerned shall decommission any temporary road constructed for carrying out a forest management activity designated under subsection (b) not later than the date that is 3 years after the date on which the forest management activity is completed. (f) Applicable laws Clauses (iii) and (iv) of section 106(a)(3) shall apply to forest management activities designated under subsection (b).

(a) Categorical exclusion established Forest management activities described in subsection (b) are a category of activities hereby designated as being categorically excluded from the preparation of an environmental assessment or an environmental impact statement under section 102 of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4332). (b) Forest management activities designated for categorical exclusion The forest management activities designated under subsection (a) for a categorical exclusion are— (1) the development and approval of a vegetation management, facility inspection, and operation and maintenance plan submitted under section 512(c)(1) of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C. 1772(c)(1)) by the Secretary concerned; and (2) the implementation of routine activities conducted under the plan referred to in paragraph (1). (c) Availability of categorical exclusion On and after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary concerned may use the categorical exclusion established under subsection (a) in accordance with this section. (d) Exclusion of certain areas from categorical exclusion The categorical exclusion established under subsection (a) shall not apply to any forest management activity conducted— (1) in a component of the National Wilderness Preservation System; or (2) on National Forest System lands on which the removal of vegetation is restricted or prohibited by an Act of Congress. (e) Permanent roads (1) Prohibition on establishment A forest management activity designated under subsection (b) shall not include the establishment of a permanent road. (2) Existing roads The Secretary concerned may carry out necessary maintenance and repair on an existing permanent road for the purposes of conducting a forest management activity designated under subsection (b). (3) Temporary roads The Secretary concerned shall decommission any temporary road constructed for carrying out a forest management activity designated under subsection (b) not later than the date that is 3 years after the date on which the forest management activity is completed. (f) Applicable laws Clauses (iii) and (iv) of section 106(a)(3) shall apply to forest management activities designated under subsection (b).