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NEPA

Water sample

National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)

Enacted into law in 1969, the purpose of NEPA is to ensure that federal decision makers understand a projects environmental impacts before making permitting decisions.  NEPA includes an extensive public process, requires consultation and coordination with tribal governments and is triggered by certain federal actions.

  • Federal lands
  • Major federal permits, such as wetlands
  • Federal funding 

 

Environmental Impact Statement (EIS)

An EIS is part of the NEPA process.  This document, prepared by a federal agency, provides a detailed evaluation of the proposed action and alternatives.  The public, other federal agencies and outside parties may provide input into the preparation of an EIS.

  • An EIS will likely be required for a Pebble Project mine development plan 

 

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE)

The federal permit likely to trigger NEPA for the Pebble Project is the USACE 404 Wetlands permit.

 

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

The Pebble Project will have to meet the nation's environmental standards for multiple federal policies, including the Clean Water Act, Clean Air Act and more.