The following is a collection of approved, exceptional capstone papers submitted by students to the Duke Environmental Leadership Program. This collection should serve as a guide for formatting and how to compose your paper. The capstone paper is an original, research-based culminating exercise related to NEPA theory or practice. The paper should be based on what you have learned in the courses and your current or future work in the field; case study examples are encouraged. The rationale of the capstone paper is twofold: to demonstrate knowledge of the subject, and to make a contribution to the field. Exemplary papers may be incorporated into future course offerings and compiled for distribution, with authors' permission. Papers are reviewed by a panel of experts in NEPA. Topics must be approved in advance.