NEPA Overview Online

Target Audience:

FWS personnel who need a basic understanding of the purpose and significance of NEPA.

Summary and Objectives:

NEPA 101 provides those who need a basic understanding of the purpose and significance of NEPA, a comprehensive introduction to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). This course offers participants an overview of NEPA's historical background, core principles, and procedural components. Through engaging modules, interactive activities, and case studies, participants will gain a basic understanding of the purpose and significance of NEPA, its role in promoting environmental protection, and its application in federal decision-making processes, including categorical exclusions, environmental assessments, and environmental impact statements.

Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:

• Explain the events that lead to creation of the NEPA, the purpose of NEPA, and its key components and requirements.
• Describe the basic process and steps involved in applying NEPA regulations to a project.
• Apply NEPA guidelines to a simple case study or hypothetical project, identifying which NEPA process (CE, EA, EIS) is applicable.
• Compare different types of NEPA processes (CE, EA, EIS) and determine their appropriate applications based on project characteristics.
• Assess a given project scenario to decide if a Categorical Exclusion (CE) is suitable, considering potential environmental impacts.
• Develop a basic plan outlining steps to ensure NEPA compliance for a new, small-scale project, considering the need for public involvement and inter-agency coordination.

Competency Addressed:

Public Planning - Basic; Scope Management - Basic; Compliance - Basic; Wildlife Biology - Basic