The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) Process with Military Projects

Abstract

The purpose of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) is to include environmental considerations into federal agency planning and action. This is done by providing decision makers and other stakeholders with information they need to understand any potentially significant environmental impacts resulting from an action. NEPA requires, to the fullest extent possible, that the policies, regulations, and laws of the Federal Government be interpreted and administered in accordance with its environmental protection goals. NEPA also requires Federal agencies to use an interdisciplinary approach in planning and decision making for any action that adversely impacts the environment. The process used in complying with NEPA is very similar to the decision-making process taught to military leaders for years. The first step in the NEPA process is to receive a mission assignment. If that mission assignment involves the potential for construction, or earth disturbing, or planning on either of those actions, you are now in the NEPA process. The goal is to review the application and management of the NEPA process as it pertains to military projects, so that the spirit and the letter of the act are fulfilled legally and efficiently by informing military planners and decision makers and help integrate environmental considerations into the decision-making process.