What is the National Environmental Protection Act (NEPA)?

The National Environmental Protection Act, or NEPA, was passed in 1970 in the United States and is the foundation for all federal environmental laws. It is a sweeping law that set out “to create and maintain conditions under which humans and nature can exist in productive harmony”. It is based on the principle that all Americans have a right to a healthy environment and it requires the federal government to ensure this happens. NEPA requires federal agencies to consider the impacts of any action they take on the environment. This includes assessing the environmental effects of any proposed project, such as building a road or a pipeline. It also requires that the public be informed about and have an opportunity to comment on potential environmental impacts. In California, the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) is the state’s version of NEPA. CEQA is similar, but with additional requirements for projects or activities carried out or approved by local governments or state agencies. Overall, NEPA is an important federal law that ensures environmental impacts are taken into consideration when the government undertakes actions that affect the environment. This helps preserve and protect our environment for future generations.

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What is the National Environmental Protection Act (NEPA)?

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