NEPA Requirements
National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) at NASA
Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ)
The Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) was established by The National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 and oversees Federal environmental actions with regard to NEPA. The CEQ works with Federal agencies, such as NASA, to develop environmental policies and initiatives.
- 42 U.S. C. 4321-4347 – The National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, as amended
- 40 CFR 1500-1508 – CEQ Regulations for Implementing NEPA
Additional information can be found on the CEQ website. These include new and emerging guidance on (1) mitigation measures, (2) categorical exclusions, and (3) climate change and greenhouse gases. For more information click here.
NASA NEPA Regulations and Policies
- NASA has promulgated Agency-specific NEPA regulations that are mapped to NASA’s mission and personnel: 14 CFR 1216.3 – Procedures for Implementing the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) Updated January 23, 2012
- NASA manages its NEPA program in accordance to Agency policy: NPR 8580.1A – Implementing the National Environmental Policy Act and Executive Order 12114 Updated August 1, 2012
Other Federal Regulatory Drivers
NEPA is a procedural law that requires Federal agencies to look at the full spectrum of environmental resources or media (air, water, threatened and endangered species, soils, hazardous materials, cultural resources, etc.). Due to this comprehensive review of potential environmental effects, NEPA it is often referred to as “umbrella” legislation. The NEPA process involves coordinating compliance with other environmental laws including:
