NEPA Implementation

To assist Federal agencies in effectively implementing the environmental policy and "action forcing" provisions of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), (in 1978) the Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) issued Regulations for Implementing the Procedural Provisions of the National Environmental Policy Act (40 CFR §§ 1500 -1508). In 1980,CEQ issued the guidance document, Forty Questions and Answers on the CEQ Regulations. Since that time, CEQ has issued additional guidance and other information covering a variety of issues relevant to the NEPA process. This information is available at CEQ NEPAnet.

To address the NEPA responsibilities established by CEQ, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) issued regulations (23 CFR § 771), Environmental Impact and Related Procedures. The FHWA guidance complementing the regulations were issued in the form of a Technical Advisory (T.6640.8a), Guidance for Preparing and Processing Environmental and Section 4(f) Documents. The Technical Advisory provides detailed information on the contents and processing of environmental documents. Additional guidance and information on the NEPA process and other environmental requirements are found in the Environmental Guidebook.

Federal NEPA Laws and Regulations

• NEPA of 1969
• CEQ Regulations 40 CFR 1500 - 1508

FHWA Laws and Regulations

• 23 USC 109 (h)
  23 CFR 771
  • Subchapter H Environmental Impact and Related Procedures (pdf and text)
  • Environmental Impact and Related Procedures (text)
• 23 CFR 771 — Preamble to the Regulation
• 23 CFR 771 — Environmental Impact and Related Procedures; Final Rule (pdf)  

NEPA Guidance

• Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU) Section 6002 Environmental Review Process Final Guidance
• Section 6002 Checklist
• Project Development and Documentation Overview
• The Importance of Purpose and Need in Environmental Documents
• The Development of Logical Project Termini
• Guidance for Preparing and Processing Environmental and Section 4(f) Documents — FHWA Technical Advisory
• CEQ Guidance

For additional information, contact the Office of Project Development and Environmental Review at (202) 366-2065.

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