NEPA: LEGAL INTERPRETATIONS AND SUGGESTED DIRECTION

The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) developed a mandate for considering the environmental impact of federal actions. NEPA, which was enacted in 1969, requires all federal agencies and officials of the government to consider the environmental effects of their actions. Specifically, NEPA requires all agencies of the federal government to (1) use a systematic and interdisciplinary approach integrating the natural and social sciences and environmental design art in the planning of projects which may have an impact on man's environment; (2) insure that presently unqualified environmental amenities are given appropriate consideration; and (3) produce a detailed environmental statement for major federal actions.