What does the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) require?

The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) requires federal agencies to prepare environmental impact statements (EIS) for any major federal actions that may significantly affect the environment. This process ensures that environmental factors are weighted equally when compared to other factors in the decision-making process. By mandating the preparation of an EIS, NEPA promotes informed decision-making and public participation, allowing stakeholders to understand the potential environmental consequences of proposed actions. This helps safeguard against unforeseen environmental degradation and encourages more sustainable practices.

While the other options may concern environmental assessments or public engagements in various contexts, they do not encapsulate the core requirement of NEPA as accurately as the need for environmental impact statements. For instance, cost-benefit analyses, public consultations, and regular air quality assessments are important but are not specifically mandated by NEPA itself. Instead, NEPA's primary focus is on the thorough evaluation of environmental impacts through the EIS process.