What is the National Environmental Policy Act?

The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) is a federal law enacted in 1970 that requires all federal agencies to consider the potential environmental impacts of their actions and decisions. NEPA is also known as the Environment Protection Act of 1969. This law is very important in South Carolina, as it provides federal oversight and regulations of state-level environmental policies. NEPA applies to all federal actions that could have a significant impact on the environment, such as actions by federal agencies, plans by federal agencies, contracts for services, and any other federal action that involves public or private resources. Under NEPA, any federal agency must assess the potential environmental effects of its actions and then use this information to inform decision making. Every federal agency must prepare an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) before undertaking any action that is likely to have significant environmental effects. The EIS should contain a detailed description of the proposed activity, its potential environmental consequences, and any possible impacts that the proposed activity may have on human health and safety. The EIS must also include an analysis of the potential environmental changes and risks associated with the action, and plans for mitigation or avoiding the risks. South Carolina is responsible for ensuring that federal actions comply with NEPA in the state. This means that if a federal action may have significant effects on the environment or public health in the state, there should be an EIS prepared to document and analyze the potential impacts. South Carolina also works with other states to coordinate NEPA requirements and shares information about NEPA compliance.

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What is the National Environmental Policy Act?

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