Categorical Exclusions (CE, CX, CATEX) Using AI Tools
POL-301
Screen a proposal. Show your work.
Practice using agency sources to screen proposals and document categorical exclusion decisions with AI assistance.
Use AI to organize screening details while you check the evidence.
Where AI helps
- Find the current authorityThen verify it against the source
- Check fit, criterion by criterionMatch each proposal to the exclusion's terms
- Screen a batch consistentlyThe same standard for every proposal
Every AI result gets a decision: Accept, Verify, Reject or Escalate.
Your experience, put to work
- Apply your judgment on fit to every proposal
- Spot extraordinary circumstances sooner
- Explain each call clearly
New techniques, new options
- Screen many proposals with one consistent standard
- Keep a record that shows how each call was made
- Handle more first-pass work yourself
What you'll have the opportunity to build
- Authority worksheet
- Fit matrix + screen record
- Determination + checklist
- Workflow + verification record
- Capstone batch + AI-use rules
Since mid-2024, NWETC has changed its ways of working by incorporating AI tools. We earned that expertise the hard way, through constant practice, success and failure, and every class gives you hands-on time applying AI tools in your professional role.
Course details
Usual length
Two days
Usual times
8:30 am to 4:00 pm Pacific
CEUs
1.40
Intended audience
For staff, project managers and consultants preparing or reviewing categorical exclusion determinations.
Prerequisites
Basic NEPA familiarity; no AI experience needed.
Course Topics
- Authority: Locate an agency's current exclusion text.
- Matching: Check each criterion and possible exceptions.
- Records: Draft a determination tied to its sources.
- Capstone: Screen a batch and review uncertain cases.
Course Subject
Course family