The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) was enacted in
December 1969 and signed into law on January 1, 1970. NEPA declares a national
policy “to use all practicable means and measures… to create and maintain
conditions under which man and nature can exist in productive harmony, and
fulfill the social, economic, and other requirements of present and future
generations of America” [NEPA, Section 101(a); 42 U.S.C. § 4331(a)].
Federal agencies are to promote this policy and consider environmental values in
decision making by preparing a “detailed statement” on “every recommendation or
report on proposals for legislation and other major Federal actions
significantly affecting the quality of the human environment” [NEPA, Section
102(2)(c); 42 U.S.C. § 4332(2)(C)].
Among other things, the detailed statement- which is referred to as an Environmental
Impact Statement (EIS) – describes the environmental impacts of the
proposed action and alternatives to the proposed action. NEPA also created the
Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) to serve as an environmental advisor to
the President [NEPA, Sections 201-209; 42 U.S.C. § § 4341-47].
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