What is the purpose of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)?

The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) was enacted to ensure that federal agencies consider the environmental impacts of their proposed actions before making decisions. At the heart of NEPA is the requirement for an Environmental Assessment (EA) or an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for major federal actions that significantly affect the quality of the human environment. This process allows for public involvement and helps to identify potential environmental effects and alternatives before any action is taken.

The obligation for federal agencies to evaluate environmental consequences emphasizes the importance of informed decision-making in the public interest. This aligns with NEPA’s goal of promoting sustainable development and protecting the environment for current and future generations. While the other options touch on important environmental issues, they do not reflect NEPA's primary focus on integrating environmental considerations into federal decision-making processes.