National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)

1970 In 1969, Congress, galvanized by the Santa Barbara oil spill, passed the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). It was enacted into law on January 1, 1970. The NEPA required environmental impact statements (EIS) for all federal programs with the potential to affect the environment. A detailed statement must be prepared and circulated prior to making decisions that may have significant effects on the environment and must include possible alternatives to lessen potential dangers. The NEPA also created the President’s Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) to coordinate federal environmental efforts.