Streamlining Department of Defense Microgrid Deployment Through a Programmatic Categorical Exclusion Framework
Open Access DepositedThis thesis proposes a programmatic categorical exclusion framework for accelerating Department of Defense installation microgrids while preserving the protective function of the National Environmental Policy Act. Military installations increasingly need resilient, behind-the-meter energy systems to sustain critical missions during grid disruption, extreme weather, cyber threats, and geopolitical energy shocks. Yet the current review structure often treats solar generation, battery storage, controls, trenching, and interconnection equipment as separate utility upgrades rather than components of one integrated mission-assurance system.The thesis argues that a bounded, checklist-driven categorical exclusion can reduce avoidable procedural friction without weakening environmental safeguards. The proposed approach reduces improper segmentation risk, improves administrative consistency across military departments, and creates a defensible record under arbitrary-and-capricious review. The thesis frames microgrid review reform as a capacity-building measure
a way to make routine, low-impact resilience projects faster and more legally durable while preserving escalation when site-specific risks warrant closer review.
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