
11
2
Summary of the National Environmental
Policy Act and Implementing Regulations
2.1 Development of a National Environmental Policy
In the early 1960s, the U.S. Congress responded to the increased environ-
mental awareness and pressure for action discussed in Chapter 1, with the
exploration of options to address environmental degradation and lack of
sustainability. The effort to respond to the environmental threat and public
pressure for environmental action was led by academics and members of
Congress from districts reliant on the economic and recreational opportuni-
ties afforded by natural resources that were being threatened by ...