The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) Term Paper

The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) - Term Paper Example The Congress noted that the activities of man had profound effects on the environment. These activities include: industrialization, high-density urbanization, resource exploitation and technological novelties. To top it off, there was the issue of population growth. The Congress set to the purpose of restoring and maintaining the environment because it in turn reflected on the prosperity of the human race. The intention was to achieve these goals with the partnership of the state, the private and public sectors and the support of local governments. The required support was to be in the form of financial and technical assistance. The Congress had the intention of preserving a future in which the environment and the human race were in harmony for their future generations, (Pub. L. 91-190, 42 U.S.C. 4321-4347, January 1, 1970). Being motivated by the notion of equal rights of each person to enjoy a healthy environment, the Congress set the Act into motion and outlined the responsibiliti es of the Federal Government. The government was required to use all resources at its disposal to ensure that Federal plans and functions related to environmental conservation processes are improved for the sake of the nation. It was in the 1950s and 1960s that the outcry of the public on matters concerning the state of the environment was heard and acted upon by the Congress. A series of congressional debates ensued soon after and a national environmental policy was the outcome. The policy targeted federal agencies which at the time were the main culprits in environmental pollution.