What is the purpose of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)?

The purpose of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) is to ensure that federal agencies consider the environmental impacts of their proposed actions before making decisions. NEPA was enacted in 1969 and established a framework for environmental planning and decision-making. It requires federal agencies to prepare detailed environmental impact statements (EIS) for actions that significantly affect the quality of the human environment. This process promotes transparency, public involvement, and informed decision-making by evaluating the potential environmental consequences and exploring alternatives.

This focus on assessing environmental impacts helps to protect natural resources, preserve ecosystems, and ensure that development activities are conducted sustainably. By requiring agencies to consider the ecological and social consequences of their actions, NEPA serves as a critical tool in environmental governance, leading to more environmentally conscious federal policies and projects.