Substantive scientific and technical guidance for NEPA analysis: Pitfalls in the real world

The issue of how to improve the science in environmental impact statements (EISs) and the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) process has been receiving increased attention during the last decade. Based on review of several studies on prediction in NEPA reviews and their own professional experience, the authors conclude that the NEPA process is reasonably effective in producing useful predictions of impact. However, the federal government could take steps to upgrade the quality of scientific analysis in the NEPA process, particularly in addressing issues where the state of scientific knowledge is uncertain. These steps include increased peer review of NEPA documents, more oversight of NEPA implementation, and refinement and development of various methodologies and technical guidance.