National Environmental Policy Act (42 U.S.C. 4321-4370m-12).

This Act establishes the broad national framework for protecting the environment. It promotes efforts which will prevent or eliminate damage to the environment and requires all executive federal agencies to give proper consideration to the environment prior to undertaking any major federal action that significantly affects the environment. Federal agencies shall prepare environmental assessments (EAs) and environmental impact statements (EISs). It establish a Council on Environmental Quality. The Chapter is divided into three sections: the first section outlines national environmental policies and goals; the second establishes provisions for federal agencies to enforce such policies and goals; and the third establishes the Council on Environmental Quality in the Executive Office of the President. NEPA covers a vast array of federal agency actions, but the Act does not apply to state action where there is a complete absence of federal influence or funding. Exemptions and exclusions are also present within NEPA's guidelines, including specific federal projects detailed in legislation and EPA exemptions. Exemptions also apply when compliance with other environmental laws require an impact analysis similar to that mandated by NEPA. Such laws can include but are not limited to the Clean Air Act, Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, Safe Drinking Water Act, and the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act.