---
kind: "section"
citation: "42 C.F.R. § 137.287"
title: "42"
number: "137.287"
heading: "What is the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)?"
url: "https://uscodex.org/cfr/42/137.287"
---

# §137.287. What is the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)?


The NEPA is a procedural law that requires Federal agencies to follow established environmental review procedures, which include reviewing and documenting the environmental impact of their actions. NEPA establishes a comprehensive policy for protection and enhancement of the environment by the Federal Government; creates the Council on Environmental Quality in the Office of the President; and directs Federal agencies to carry out the policies and procedures of the Act. CEQ regulations ([40 CFR 1500-1508](/cfr/40/1500-1508.md)) establish three levels of environmental review: categorical exclusions, environmental assessments, and environmental impact statements.


## Notes

### Authority

Authority: 25 U.S.C. 458 et seq.

### Source

Source: 67 FR 35342, May 17, 2002, unless otherwise noted.