WHAT IS NEPA?

NEPA is the National Environmental Policy Act, enacted in 1969 to require 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

• Constructing highways and other publicly-owned facilities

Using the NEPA process, agencies develop alternatives and evaluate the environmental and related social and economic effects of their proposed actions. Agencies also provide opportunities for public review and comment on those evaluations.

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