What Is Nepa and Ceqa

NEPA and CEQA promote informed decision making by requiring an environmental review process (i.e., analyses and documentation) before a final decision on whether and how to proceed. NEPA applies specifically to Federal proposed actions and CEQA applies to state and local government proposed actions.

How are NEPA and CEQA similar?

NEPA and CEQA are similar, both in their intent and review process (the analyses, public engagement, and document preparation). Importantly, both statutes encourage a joint Federal and State review where a project requires both Federal and State approvals.

What is the meaning of CEQA?

The California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) is a statute that requires state and local agencies to identify the significant environmental impacts of their actions and to avoid or mitigate those impacts, if feasible. CEQA applies to certain activities of state and local public agencies.