Air traffic changes above 3,000 feet AGL are categorized from further environmental documentation as what?

• A. Categorically excluded
• B. Significant impact
• C. Moderate impact
• D. Exempt from review

Answer: (A)

The concept being tested is how an agency categorizes actions that are not expected to have significant environmental effects. Air traffic changes above 3,000 feet AGL are treated as categorically excluded from further environmental documentation because changes at that altitude generally don’t produce meaningful environmental impacts—noise remains a concern mainly at lower altitudes near communities, and other resources like land, water, or wildlife are far less affected. When an action is categorically excluded, it means no additional NEPA analyses (like an EA or EIS) are needed, though the rationale for the exclusion is documented. The other options imply some level of environmental significance or a review process, which isn’t the case here.