What is the National Environmental Policy Act of 1970?

The National Environmental Policy Act of 1970 (NEPA) was first major federal environmental statute. It lays out broad goals and steps for federal agencies to incorporate environmental considerations into decision-making. NEPA has been held to not be a substantive act; rather, it is made up of procedural statutes requiring federal agencies to consider the environmental impact of proposed projects before taking action. 

NEPA applies to all federal agencies. It does not apply to states or private parties, unless there is sufficient federal involvement to bring the actions within the federal nexus (i.e. federal financing or federal permitting). Most notably, NEPA requires that the federal government undertake an environmental assessment and prepare an environmental impact statement before undertaking certain projects. 

The agency is not required to prepare an impact statement if the initial assessment deems that the project will have no significant adverse impact on the environment. If the agency moves forward with the impact statement, it must include the statement in every procedural reporting aspect of the project.

Note: Before the environmental statement is completed, NEPA requires that agencies designate significant environmental issues associated with a contemplated action.

Related Topics

• Environmental Law (Intro)
• What are environmental laws?
• What is the structure of environmental protection law?
• What is the Environmental Protection Agency?
• How are environmental laws enforced?
• What is the National Environmental Policy Act of 1970?
• Environmental Impact Statement?
• What is the Clean Air Act?
• State Implementation Plan?
• New Source Performance Standards and New Source Review?
• Prevention of Significant Deterioration?
• Non-attainment Areas?
• Interstate Pollution?
• Enforcement?
• What is the Clean Water Act?
• Exceptions or Variances?
• What is the Endangered Species Act of 1973?
• What federal laws control pesticides?
• What laws govern solid waste disposal?
• What is the Toxic Substance Control Act of 1976?
• What is the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act?