National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)

NEPA is a procedural law that requires federal agencies to equally consider the impacts of their proposed actions on the human (built) and natural environments. It also requires the agency involve the public in the decision-making process.

The NEPA process applies to ITD actions with a federal “nexus,” such as projects that use federal funding. Using the NEPA process, ITD evaluates the environmental and related social and economic effects of the proposed actions.

NEPA Requirements

• Study a reasonable range of alternatives based on “Purpose and Need”
• Use a systematic, interdisciplinary approach while evaluating environmental factors during the planning process
• Widespread interagency coordination, review, and consultation
• Documentation of the environmental analysis process in plain language
• Provide the public opportunity to participate and comment throughout the process

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