Transportation Planning and the Environment

The National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, signed into law on January 1, 1973, by the President, requires that all federal agencies prepare a detailed environmental impact statement for every federal action that could affect the natural or human environment. Section 102 (2) (c) of the Act requires, in part, that the statement define: (1) the environmental impact of the proposed action; 2) adverse environmental effects that cannot be avoided should the action be taken; (3) alternatives considered; (4) the relationship between short-term uses of man's environment and the maintenance and enhancement of long-term productivity; and (5) any irreversible or irretrievable commitments of resources that would be involved. The review herein also identifies certain measures that may be considered in the design of a transportation facility to ameliorate adverse environmental impact of the facility.