Which statement best describes the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)?

Which statement best describes the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)?

• A. A requirement to maximize economic growth
• B. A requirement to consider only economic implications
• C. Requires federal agencies to integrate environmental values into decision making by considering impacts and reasonable alternatives
• D. A requirement to privatize federal lands

Answer: (C)

NEPA requires federal agencies to integrate environmental values into decision making by considering environmental impacts and reasonable alternatives. When the government contemplates a project, it must assess how it would affect the environment and compare options that could avoid or lessen those impacts, providing a fuller view before deciding. This is carried out through environmental assessments for smaller actions and environmental impact statements for major actions, often with public input. This approach keeps environmental considerations central rather than prioritizing growth or economics alone, and it isn’t about privatizing lands.

NEPA requires federal agencies to integrate environmental values into decision making by considering environmental impacts and reasonable alternatives. When the government contemplates a project, it must assess how it would affect the environment and compare options that could avoid or lessen those impacts, providing a fuller view before deciding. This is carried out through environmental assessments for smaller actions and environmental impact statements for major actions, often with public input. This approach keeps environmental considerations central rather than prioritizing growth or economics alone, and it isn’t about privatizing lands.