The National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) establishes policy and requirements for Federal agencies with respect to protecting the environment. Its goal is to prevent or eliminate damage to the environment and biosphere and stimulate the health and welfare of man. The NIH NEPA program requires that the potential environmental impacts of agency actions be considered before a decision is made to proceed with an action.
NEPA establishes environmental policy, sets goals (Section 101), and provides procedures for carrying out the policy. Specifically, Section 102(2)(C) of NEPA requires all agencies of the federal government to include an environmental statement "in every recommendation or report on proposals for legislation and other major federal actions significantly affecting the quality of the human environment”.
NIH proactively manages all requirements under the NEPA (42 USC 4321-4370d). The range of actions covered by NEPA is broad and, specifically for the NIH, includes making decisions on construction and renovation projects, new or controversial research, and grants given to non-NIH organizations.
If you would like more information about this program, please contact
Mark Radtke.
Related Links
NEPA Documents