National Environmental Policy Act
/ˈnæʃənəl ɪnˌvaɪrənˈmɛntəl ˈpɒlɪsi ækt/
Definitions
- (n.) A U.S. federal statute enacted in 1969 requiring federal agencies to assess the environmental impact of their proposed actions prior to decision-making.
The National Environmental Policy Act mandates an Environmental Impact Statement before major federal projects.
Forms
- national environmental policy act
- national environmental policy acts
Related terms
See also
Commentary
NEPA is foundational for environmental law, emphasizing procedural duties over substantive outcomes; precise drafting of impact assessments is critical to compliance.
This glossary is for general informational and educational purposes only. Definitions are jurisdiction-agnostic but reflect terminology and concepts primarily drawn from English and American legal traditions. Nothing herein constitutes legal advice or creates a lawyer-client relationship. Users should consult qualified counsel for advice on specific matters or jurisdictions.