Significance of NEPA in the Environmental Movement

As the environmental movement gained traction in the United States during the 1960s and 1970s, various events spurred legislative action aimed at protecting natural resources and improving air and water quality. One landmark piece of legislation was the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), signed into law in 1969. This act mandated that federal agencies assess the environmental effects of their proposed actions before making decisions. It marked a significant shift in how government approached environmental issues. Understanding NEPA's impact is crucial for grasping the evolution of environmental policy in the U.S.

This question asks you to identify the significance of NEPA in the broader context of the environmental movement. Consider how it shaped federal agency procedures and public participation in environmental decision-making.