Court Opinion

ID: 9429138
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-08-02 23:25:47.641676+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T17:23:17.415808
License: Public Domain

Justice Brennan,
concurring.
I join the opinion of the Court. There can be no doubt that psychological injuries are cognizable under NEPA. See ante, at 771. As the Court points out, however, the particular psychological injury alleged in these cases did not arise, for example, out of the direct sensory impact of a change in the physical environment, cf. Chelsea Neighborhood Assns. v. United States Postal Service, 516 F. 2d 378, 388 (CA2 1975), but out of a perception of risk. Ante, at 775. In light of the history and policies underlying NEPA, I agree with the Court that this crucial distinction “lengthens the causal chain beyond the reach” of the statute. Ibid.