The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321-4347) is our basic national charter for protection of the environment. The purpose of NEPA is:

• To declare a national policy that will encourage a harmonious relationship between humans and their environment,
• To promote efforts that will prevent, mitigate, or eliminate damage to the environment,
• To promote efforts that will stimulate the health and welfare of humans,
• To enrich the understanding of the ecological systems and natural resources important to the Nation, and
• To establish a Council on Environmental Quality.

Contact
NERO NEPA Coordinator
(978) 281-9391
National Marine Fisheries Service
One Blackburn Drive
Gloucester, MA 01930

Laws and Executive Orders
Links to requirements for environmental/socio-economic analysis

• Endangered Species Act
• Council on Environmental Quality Regulations
• Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act
• Marine Mammal Protection Act
• Atlantic Coast Fish Coop Mgmt Act

Regulatory Compliance Requirements

• Administrative Procedures Act
• Data Quality Act
• EO 12866: Regulatory Planning and Review
• NOAA Administrative Order 216-6
• Regulatory Flexibility Act

Related Links

• Federal Register
• New England Fishery Management Council
• Mid Atlantic Fishery Management Council
• Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission
• CEQ NEPAnet
• NOAA NEPA website