NEPA: Understanding the Basics

Get practical advice to avoid common mistakes so that you can prepare useful and legally compliant NEPA documents.

Since 1970, the National Environmental Policy Act has been the cornerstone for environmental protection in the United States. To implement NEPA, federal agencies must prepare environmental impact statements or environmental assessments to study the impacts of their proposed actions. Unfortunately, some federal agencies, their consultants and affected citizens do not fully understand the regulations, legal interpretations and practices for properly complying with NEPA. Thus, there are many mistakes in implementing the law. This topic will identify some of the most common mistakes made under NEPA and reveal the best ways to avoid them. You will get practical advice for preparing useful and legally sufficient NEPA documents. This information is critical for federal agency staff, consultants working for federal agencies and others interested in the NEPA process.

Learning Objectives

- You will be able to review what will happen if you fail to properly document decisions.

- You will be able to explain mistakes with environmental assessments and findings of no significant impact.

- You will be able to identify mistakes with environmental impact statements.

- You will be able to review failure to maintain a complete administrative record.