An Overview of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) Process
The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969 (42 U.S.C.
4321-4347) is the foundation of environmental policy making in the United
States. The NEPA process is intended to help public officials make decisions based
on an understanding of environmental consequences and take actions that protect, restore,
and enhance the environment. NEPA established two primary mechanisms for this
purpose:
- The Council on Environmental
Quality (CEQ) was established to advise agencies on the environmental decision making
process and to oversee and coordinate the development of Federal environmental policy.
- Agencies must include an environmental review process early in the planning for proposed
actions.
The CEQ issued regulations (40 CFR 1500-1508) in 1978 implementing NEPA. The regulations
include procedures to be used by Federal agencies for the environmental review
process. In 1981, the CEQ issued the Forty Most Asked
Questions to assist government agencies and efficently respond to public inquiries
about the NEPA regulations. The CEQ's NEPAnet website includes
additional guidance for implementing NEPA and links to other websites dealing with
environmental impact assessment.
For more information, contact George Valiulis.
