National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) – 42 U.S.C. §4321 et seq. (1969)

Abstract

The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) was signed into law on January 1, 1970, as one of the first laws ever written that established a national policy to protect the environment, created a Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ), and required that environmental evaluations be prepared for major federal actions having a significant effect on the environment. NEPA requires federal agencies to assess the environmental effects of their proposed actions prior to making decisions. The range of actions covered by NEPA is broad and includes:

  • Making decisions on permit applications,
  • Adopting federal land management actions, and
  • Constructing highways and other publicly owned facilities.
Using the NEPA process, agencies evaluate the environmental and related social and economic effects of their proposed actions. There are three levels of analysis: categorical exclusion determination, preparation of an environmental assessment/finding of no significant impact (EA/FONSI), and preparation of an environmental impact statement/record of decision (EIS/ROD). NEPA requirements are invoked when airports, buildings, military complexes, highways, parkland purchases, and other federal activities are proposed.

Publication Date

1969

Source

Environmental Protection Agency

Author

N/A

Final/Updatable

Updatable