Opinion ID: 168143
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: National Environmental Protection Act

Text: 14 NEPA, 42 U.S.C. § 4321 et seq., was enacted in recognition of the profound impact of man's activity on the interrelations of all components of the natural environment, [and] . . . the critical importance of restoring and maintaining environmental quality to the overall welfare . . . of man. 42 U.S.C. § 4331. NEPA prescribes the necessary process by which federal agencies must take a hard look at the environmental consequences of the proposed courses of action. Pennaco Energy, Inc. v. U.S. Dept. of Interior, 377 F.3d 1147, 1150 (10th Cir.2004) (internal quotations omitted). At bottom, NEPA insure[s] a fully informed and well-considered decision, see Vermont Yankee Nuclear Power Corp. v. Natural Res. Def. Council, 435 U.S. 519, 558, 98 S.Ct. 1197, 55 L.Ed.2d 460 (1978), especially when proposed activity may significantly affect[ ] the quality of the human environment. 42 U.S.C. § 4332(2)(C). 15 Accordingly, NEPA requires all agencies that propose a major federal action that significantly affects the quality of the environment to prepare an environmental impact statement (EIS) that describes the environmental impact of the action; unavoidable adverse environmental effects; alternatives to the action; relationship between the short-term uses and long-term productivity of the affected environment; and irretrievable and irreversible commitments of resources should the action be implemented. Catron County Bd. of Comm'rs, N.M. v. U.S. Fish & Wildlife Serv., 75 F.3d 1429, 1434 (10th Cir.1996) (citing 42 U.S.C. § 4332(2)(C)(i)-(v)). If the impact of the major federal action on the environment is uncertain, the agency must prepare an environmental assessment (EA) to determine whether the impact will be significant such that an EIS is required. Id. (citing 42 U.S.C. § 4332(2)(E)). An EA and/or an EIS is also required when an RMP is to be amended. See 43 C.F.R. § 1610.5-5. Notwithstanding these mandates, regulations provide for emergency exceptions: 16 Where emergency circumstances make it necessary to take an action with significant environmental impact without observing the provisions of these regulations, the Federal agency taking the action should consult with the Council about alternative arrangements. Agencies and the Council will limit such arrangements to actions necessary to control the immediate impacts of the emergency. Other actions remain subject to NEPA review. 17 40 C.F.R. § 1506.11. In this way, agencies must comply with NEPA's requirements to the fullest extent possible. 42 U.S.C. § 4332.