The National Environmental Policy Act

In 1969 the Congress passed the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) declaring that 'It is the continuing policy of the Federal Government, in cooperation with state and local governments and other concerned and private organizations to use all practical means and measures, including financial and technical assistance, in a manner calculated to foster and promote the general welfare, to create and maintain conditions under which man and nature can exist in productive harmony, and fulfill the social, economic, and other requirements of present and future generations of Americans'.It was further stated that 'The Congress authorizes and directs that - to the fullest extent possible - the policies, regulations and public laws of the United States shall be interpreted and administered in accordance with the policy set forth in this Act ...' What has been achieved since NEPA became national policy?This book points out where and how NEPA has affected national environmental policy and where and why its intent has been frustrated. The roles of Congress, the President, and the courts in the implementation of NEPA are analyzed. Professor Caldwell also looks at the conflicted state of public opinion regarding the environment and conjectures as to what must be done in order to develop a coherent and sustained policy. He analyzes ways in which the act has been subverted by procedures, how NEPA has been integrated into agency missions, and how NEPA has faired beyond U.S. territorial jurisdiction (especially with regard to foreign relations and the global commons). A final chapter suggests how the full intent of NEPA can be realized in public policy and ultimately lead to an amendment to the Constitution.