NEPA
Science & Engineering abbreviation · Environmental
| Stands for | National Environmental Policy Act |
|---|---|
| Categories | Science & Engineering |
NEPA stands for National Environmental Policy Act, an environmental abbreviation also used in government.
US law signed on January 1, 1970, that requires federal agencies to consider the environmental effects of their proposed actions and alternatives before deciding, through environmental assessments and impact statements. It also created the White House Council on Environmental Quality.
Example: Because the bridge receives federal funding, it must complete NEPA review.
Usage notes
NEPA is procedural: it requires agencies to study and disclose impacts, not to choose the least harmful option. Many states have similar laws, such as the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). In 2025 the Supreme Court, in Seven County Infrastructure Coalition v. Eagle County, held that courts should defer to agencies on the scope of NEPA reviews.
Related abbreviations
More environmental abbreviations
- LULUCF – Land use, land-use change and forestry
- MPA – Marine protected area
- MRV – Measurement, reporting and verification
- MSW – Municipal solid waste
- NbS – Nature-based solutions
- NDC – Nationally determined contribution
- NOx – Nitrogen oxides
- NPDES – National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System
- ODS – Ozone-depleting substance
- PM10 – Particulate matter 10 micrometers or smaller
- PM2.5 – Particulate matter 2.5 micrometers or smaller
- RCP – Representative Concentration Pathway