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What is NEPA?

 

The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) was signed into law on January 1, 1970, which established a national environmental policy specifically focused on federal activities and the desire for a sustainable environment balanced with other needs. NEPA established a supplemental mandate for federal agencies to analyze the potential environmental consequences of their proposed actions. It also requires the federal agencies to document the analysis and make the findings available to the public for comment prior to implementation of the proposed action.

The NEPA process is designed to facilitate public involvement in the planning process. NEPA is intended to help officials make decisions that are based on a solid understanding of the potential environmental consequences and to take actions to mitigate those impacts. NEPA is designed to be proactive and reactive. It requires reasonable alternatives be considered with the intent of diminishing adverse environmental effects. NEPA procedures are intended to insure environmental information is available to the public before decisions are made and actions taken.

Environmental Assessments (EA) are required for all federal actions (or those involving federal monies) that could have impacts on the environment as required by NEPA. An EA presents information regarding the proposed project and how it may affect the natural and built/social environment within the study area. Elements of the natural environment typically studied include air quality, vegetation, wildlife and associated habitat, and water resources. Elements of the built/social environment typically studied include cultural resources, parks and recreation, environmental justice, noise, and aesthetics.

The I-15 South Project will follow NEPA as described below.

 

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