[20210922]IF11549_《国家环境政策法》的法律框架.pdf

https:/crsreports.congress.gov Updated September 22, 2021The Legal Framework of the National Environmental Policy ActThe National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA), 42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq., requires federal agencies to identify and evaluate impacts of “major Federal actions significantly affecting the quality of the human environment.” Although an agency must consider these impacts, it need not elevate these environmental concerns above others. Instead, NEPA requires agencies to “take a hard look at environmental consequences” of their proposed actions, consider alternatives, and publicly disseminate such information before taking final action. Robertson v. Methow Valley Citizens Council, 490 U.S. 332, 350 (1989) (emphasis added). NEPA also established the Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ), which issues regulations and guidance detailing how federal agencies must implement NEPA. 40 C.F.R. pts. 15001518. Through these actions, CEQ has defined and interpreted some of NEPAs broad procedural mandate. In 2020, CEQ finalized revisions to its 1978 NEPA regulations, which apply to all proposals subject to NEPA reviews after September 14, 2020, although agencies may choose to app