EVSP 411 Environmental Policy, Regulation, and Law Professor
Browning, Lisa American Military University
NEPA’s Role and U.S.-Germany Renewable Energy Policy Comparison 1
NEPA’s Influence and a Comparative Analysis of Renewable Energy Policies in the U.S. and
Germany
Abel Castaneda Jr
American Military University
EVSP411 Environmental Policy, Regulation, and Law
Professor Browning, Lisa
, NEPA’s Role and U.S.-Germany Renewable Energy Policy Comparison 2
The Role of NEPA and Comparative Environmental Policies
Introduction
Environmental policies guide nations in balancing development with ecological
preservation, ensuring sustainable use of resources. One such policy, the National Environmental
Policy Act (NEPA) of the U.S., established in 1969, has influenced both national and
international environmental frameworks. This essay explores NEPA's role as a foundational
environmental law in the U.S., discussing whether it constitutes a unique approach or aligns with
general environmental legislation. Additionally, a comparative analysis examines renewable
energy policies in the United States and Germany, providing insights into how different
regulatory approaches shape environmental programs.
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
Browning, Lisa American Military University
NEPA’s Role and U.S.-Germany Renewable Energy Policy Comparison 1
NEPA’s Influence and a Comparative Analysis of Renewable Energy Policies in the U.S. and
Germany
Abel Castaneda Jr
American Military University
EVSP411 Environmental Policy, Regulation, and Law
Professor Browning, Lisa
, NEPA’s Role and U.S.-Germany Renewable Energy Policy Comparison 2
The Role of NEPA and Comparative Environmental Policies
Introduction
Environmental policies guide nations in balancing development with ecological
preservation, ensuring sustainable use of resources. One such policy, the National Environmental
Policy Act (NEPA) of the U.S., established in 1969, has influenced both national and
international environmental frameworks. This essay explores NEPA's role as a foundational
environmental law in the U.S., discussing whether it constitutes a unique approach or aligns with
general environmental legislation. Additionally, a comparative analysis examines renewable
energy policies in the United States and Germany, providing insights into how different
regulatory approaches shape environmental programs.
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
