What affect does the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) have on the planning process?
As part of the reuse planning phase, the Military Department, under the National Environmental Policy Act, 42 U.S.C. Section 4321 et seq. (NEPA), must consider all reasonable disposal alternatives and their respective environmental consequences. This is accomplished by means of a formal environmental impact analysis, which commonly takes the form of an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). Additionally, the Military Department is required to analyze impacts to natural and cultural resources (e.g., historic structures, wetlands, threatened and endangered species, Native American sites and others), and may be required to consult with other Federal and State agencies before making final property disposal decisions.
