What does the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) require?

The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) is a significant piece of legislation that requires federal agencies to assess the environmental effects of their proposed actions before making decisions. Specifically, one of the key requirements of NEPA is the preparation of an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). This document serves to inform decision-makers and the public about the potential environmental impacts associated with a proposed project and considers alternatives and mitigation measures.

By mandating the preparation of an EIS, NEPA ensures that environmental factors are weighed in the planning of federal projects, which promotes transparency and public involvement in environmental decision-making. This is essential for fostering responsible and sustainable management of natural resources.

The other options do not accurately reflect the primary focus of NEPA. While it addresses environmental concerns, it does not mandate the elimination of all hazardous waste, the creation of national parks, or directly fund environmental research. Instead, NEPA’s central role is to ensure that environmental considerations are integrated into federal decision-making processes through the EIS requirement.