The National Environmental Policy Act, or NEPA, requires federal agencies to consider environmental effects for certain proposed actions.
Definition
NEPA is a federal decision-making framework that applies when a federal agency proposes an action covered by the law. Depending on the action and applicable procedures, review may include a categorical exclusion, an environmental assessment, or an environmental impact statement. The process can involve documenting effects, considering alternatives, and coordinating with the public or other agencies. A civil engineering firm may provide studies or technical support when engaged, but the federal agency retains its decision role. NEPA is not a general project permit and does not apply simply because a project is an infrastructure project. Whether it applies, and what documentation is needed, depends on the federal action and governing procedures. Review steps may affect scope, alternatives, and schedule assumptions. The Council on Environmental Quality has a central role in federal environmental review policy, and the EPA provides NEPA-related information.
How owners use it
- Check whether a federal agency action is involved when scoping environmental documentation and coordination.
- Separate agency decision responsibilities from technical studies the firm is contracted to provide.
- Account for potential review documentation and coordination milestones in project plans when NEPA applies.
- A project team includes an environmental assessment task in its schedule after the federal agency determines that NEPA review applies.
