What is the National Environmental Policy Act?

The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) is a law that was established in the United States in 1969. This law requires the federal government to consider potential environmental impacts prior to implementing any project or activity that could affect the environment. This law applies to all projects conducted, approved, or funded by federal agencies, including activities that take place in Washington State. NEPA mandates an environmental assessment or environmental impact statement (EIS) for any proposed action that could significantly affect the environment. This document must include the environmental, social, economic, and human health impacts the proposed project will have on the surrounding environment. It must also consider reasonable alternatives and explain why one alternative was chosen over the others. Once the assessment is complete, the agency involved must review the analysis and make a decision based on the findings. If a project is approved, the agency must adopt reasonable measures to minimize the potential negative impacts. This law also requires the agency to be transparent and provide information to the public on the proposed project and its potential impacts. In essence, the NEPA helps ensure that any federal project is mindful of the environment and its impact on human health and the natural world. This law helps ensure that Washington’s waterways remain clean and healthy while also protecting the public from any potential environmental damage that could occur from these projects.

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What is the National Environmental Policy Act?

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