When the United States Congress passed the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969, it set forth the first comprehensive environmental policy of our nation. Today, it remains one of the most important and influential federal environmental laws in the United States, as it requires all agencies of the federal government to evaluate the impacts of their actions on the environment.
| Some states have recognized the need for environmental assessment of state and local government actions as well as federal actions. They have enacted state environmental quality acts (SEQAs), or “little NEPAs.” These state acts generally mirror the federal Act and require state, county, and/or municipal governments to consider the environmental impacts of their actions and decisions. Road projects and building construction are examples of projects that are funded and/or permitted at the state level, and both can cause serious environmental degradation if not carefully analyzed. |
Construction photo courtesy of the U.S. Department of Energy, National Renewable Energy Laboratory |
SEQAs require state agencies to assess the impact of their actions on the environment. If the proposed action may significantly affect the environment, the agency prepares an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). Among other things, an EIS must evaluate the possible environmental consequences of a project or action; it must identify mitigation measures to reduce impacts on the environment; and, it must discuss possible alternatives to the proposed action. SEQAs can have a wide-ranging effect on government agencies by requiring them to factor environmental considerations into their decisions. SEQAs also provide the public affected by state and local decisions a say in the decisions.
To date, only sixteen states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico have enacted SEQAs. The information contained in these web pages is designed to assist state legislators, concerned citizens, and environmental advocates in their efforts to enact SEQAs in their home states. This website offers a sample bill, talking points, a fact pack, frequently asked questions, and other background information.
We may have other useful materials on this subject which are not posted on our website. Please feel free to contact us at info@serconline.org or call our office in Madison, WI at (608) 252-9800.
If you have used this site and found it helpful, or if you have suggestions about how it could be made more helpful, please let us know. Please feel free to use the sample bill text included here in your state. If you do, please notify us.
106 East Doty Street, Suite 200 § Madison, Wisconsin 53703
Phone: 608-252-9800 § Fax: 608-252-9828
Email: info@serconline.org