What is the National Environmental Protection Act (NEPA)?

The National Environmental Protection Act (NEPA) is a federal law passed in 1970 that protects and improves the environment in the United States and its territories. It provides for the protection of public health, safety, and welfare; the preservation of natural and cultural resources; and the protection of air, land, and water quality. The law requires the federal government to consider the environmental impacts of its actions before making decisions. In South Carolina, NEPA is the main federal law governing environmental protection, and it serves to protect and enhance the quality of life for current and future generations. The law requires a full assessment of environmental impacts of proposed federal actions. This includes a written environmental impact statement (EIS) that outlines potential positive and negative impacts, as well as potential mitigation measures. The EIS must be open to public review and comment before the agency can make a final decision. The purpose of the review is to ensure that the agency has taken into account the environmental effects of their decisions. NEPA also requires that agencies review their actions to make sure they are consistent with other federal, state, and local laws that protect the environment. This includes ensuring that projects are consistent with goals and objectives set forth in the state’s Environmental Management Plan. If a proposed action would conflict with the state or local regulations, the agency may be required to make changes to the project to comply with the laws. In South Carolina, NEPA is an important tool that is used to protect environmental quality and to ensure that our environment is healthy and safe for all residents.

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What is the National Environmental Protection Act (NEPA)?

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