American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) Practice Exam

What does the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 require?

1. Only public sectors to follow environmental guidelines

2. Private and public sectors to adhere to environmental standards

3. Environmental assessments for only residential properties

4. A complete halt to environmental regulations

The correct answer is: Private and public sectors to adhere to environmental standards

The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969 establishes a framework for considering environmental impacts in federal decision-making processes. It requires federal agencies to assess the environmental effects of their proposed actions before making decisions. This includes evaluating both the potential impacts on the environment and alternatives to the proposed actions. The correct answer highlights that both private and public sectors must adhere to the environmental standards set forth by NEPA when their projects require federal funding or federal permits. This broad applicability ensures that environmental considerations are integrated into the planning and decision-making processes across various sectors. Additionally, while NEPA primarily applies to federal actions, its implications often spill over into state and local planning practices as they often seek federal funding or permits. This cross-sector requirement promotes a more comprehensive approach to environmental stewardship, engaging various stakeholders in the planning process and ensuring that environmental impacts are not overlooked. The other options refer to restrictions or limitations not inherent in NEPA. For instance, the act does not solely target the public sector, nor does it limit assessments to only residential properties or advocate for halting environmental regulations altogether. Rather, NEPA serves to enhance the transparency and consideration of environmental factors in a wide array of projects, influencing both public and private initiatives that intersect with federal involvement.