42 CFR § 137.287 - What is the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)?

---
identifier: "/us/cfr/t42/s137.287"
source: "ecfr"
legal_status: "authoritative_unofficial"
title: "42 CFR § 137.287 - What is the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)?"
title_number: 42
title_name: "Public Health"
section_number: "137.287"
section_name: "What is the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)?"
chapter_name: "PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES"
subchapter_number: "M"
subchapter_name: "INDIAN HEALTH SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES"
part_number: "137"
part_name: "TRIBAL SELF-GOVERNANCE"
positive_law: false
currency: "2026-04-05"
last_updated: "2026-04-05"
format_version: "1.1.0"
generator: "[email protected]"
authority: "25 U.S.C. 458"
regulatory_source: "67 FR 35342, May 17, 2002, unless otherwise noted."
cfr_part: "137"
---


# 137.287 What is the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)?

The NEPA is a procedural law that requires Federal agencies to follow established environmental review procedures, which include reviewing and documenting the environmental impact of their actions. NEPA establishes a comprehensive policy for protection and enhancement of the environment by the Federal Government; creates the Council on Environmental Quality in the Office of the President; and directs Federal agencies to carry out the policies and procedures of the Act. CEQ regulations (40 CFR 1500-1508) establish three levels of environmental review: categorical exclusions, environmental assessments, and environmental impact statements.