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The National Environmental Policy Act was signed into law in 1970 to establish a national policy for the environment.  It requires that a report be prepared for every major federal action significantly affecting the quality of the human environment as a part of the decision making process.  The most commonly recognized report called for by this act is the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS).

What is often overlooked in the application of this law is the clear intent of Congress to ensure a healthy, productive environment for man’s benefit.  The impact of an action on the local economy and the productive use of the land must be rigorously analyzed and included in every study.  It is through the coordination process that local governments have found success insisting that these elements be a part of the decision making process.