NEPA in Antarctica

While NEPA is intended to apply only to actions taken in the United States, it does apply to Antarctica. This is due to a case involving the National Science Foundation that resulted in 1991 Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty. This treaty is currently implemented in accordance with the Antarctic Science, Tourism, and Conservation Act of 1996.

Background on the Case Study: 

• EDF v. Massey Case Summary
• Extraterritorial Reach of NEPA Article ​

NASA Applies NEPA to its Scientific Balloon Campaign conducted in Antarctic

Balloons on Ice: NASA Launches Antarctica Scientific Balloon Campaign