Which act is aimed at ensuring environmental assessments for federal actions?

The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) is designed specifically to require federal agencies to assess the environmental effects of their proposed actions before making decisions. This act mandates that major federal projects or actions that significantly affect the environment must undergo a thorough evaluation process known as an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) or Environmental Assessment (EA). This ensures that all potential environmental consequences are considered, and it promotes informed decision-making that balances the need for development with environmental protection.

Other laws, although related to environmental protection, focus on specific areas rather than the overall assessment of environmental impacts for federal actions. For instance, the Clean Air Act primarily regulates air quality and emissions, the Endangered Species Act focuses on the protection of threatened and endangered species and their habitats, and the Clean Water Act regulates discharges into the waters of the United States. Each of these acts has specific goals and frameworks, but NEPA is distinct in its requirement for comprehensive environmental assessments across a wide range of federal actions.