What is the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)?
The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) is a federal law that was created in 1969 to help protect the environment in the United States. The purpose of NEPA is to ensure that all federal agencies consider the environmental impacts of their actions and decisions. It is also intended to provide the public with an opportunity to participate in the decision-making process. Under the NEPA, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is responsible for overseeing all aspects of the law. The EPA issues guidance to all Federal agencies and requires them to create an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) when proposing a new project. The EIS considers the potential environmental impacts of the project and includes information about alternatives, mitigation measures, and expected impacts. The NEPA also requires the federal government to prepare an Environmental Assessment (EA) for any proposed action that is likely to have a significant effect on the environment. This assessment provides an overall look at the potential impacts of a proposed action. It also provides an opportunity for the public to provide written comments and question the proposed action before a decision is made. The NEPA has been hugely successful in Washington State over the years. It has helped protect air quality, promote renewable energy, prevent water pollution, and conserve natural resources. It has also helped to inform the public about potential environmental impacts and ensure that they have a say in the decision-making process.
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