Part 1: Defining NEPA and Its Unique Position in Environmental Law
NEPA, often referred to as a core pillar of environmental law, mandates federal agencies
to assess the environmental impacts of their actions (Mandelker, 2012). NEPA's requirements
extend beyond traditional regulatory functions; it emphasizes comprehensive analysis and public
transparency through Environmental Impact Statements (EIS) and Environmental Assessments
(EA). As outlined by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the NEPA review
process involves several steps, including identifying potential significant environmental impacts
and engaging public and agency consultation to inform decision-making (U.S. EPA, n.d.).
While NEPA shares certain features with other environmental laws, such as a focus on
protecting natural resources, it holds a distinct position due to its procedural rather than
substantive mandates. Unlike traditional regulations that enforce specific standards, NEPA
primarily requires federal agencies to evaluate and disclose the environmental consequences of
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