NEPA: National Environmental Policy Act - The foundational federal law that requires environmental assessments for major federal actions significantly affecting the environment
Clean Air Act: Federal law regulating air emissions and requiring consideration of air quality impacts in environmental assessments
Clean Water Act: Federal law governing water pollution and water quality standards that must be addressed in environmental assessments
Endangered Species Act: Federal law requiring consideration of impacts on threatened and endangered species and their habitats
National Historic Preservation Act: Federal law requiring consideration of impacts on historic properties and cultural resources
CEQ Regulations: Council on Environmental Quality regulations implementing NEPA and providing detailed requirements for environmental assessment procedures
EPA Guidelines: Environmental Protection Agency guidelines for conducting environmental assessments and evaluating environmental impacts
Agency-Specific Requirements: Environmental assessment requirements specific to federal agencies like DOE, DOI, Forest Service, and Army Corps of Engineers
State Environmental Laws: State-level environmental review acts (SEQRAs) and environmental protection laws that may impose additional requirements
Local Requirements: County and municipal environmental review requirements that may apply to specific jurisdictions
Environmental Justice: Executive Order 12898 requirements for considering disproportionate environmental impacts on minority and low-income populations
Public Participation: Requirements for public notice, comment periods, and community engagement in the environmental assessment process
Tribal Consultation: Requirements for consulting with Native American tribes on projects that may affect tribal lands or resources
EIS Thresholds: Criteria for determining when a more comprehensive Environmental Impact Statement is required instead of an Environmental Assessment
Categorical Exclusions: Categories of actions that are exempt from detailed environmental assessment requirements due to minimal environmental impact
