PURPOSE. In support and promotion of NASA's Strategic Plan, NASA's Strategy for Environmental excellence in the Twenty-First Century, and NASA Policy Directive (NPD) 8500.1, NASA Environmental Management and consistent with the requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA), as amended (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.), The Council on Environmental Quality Regulations for Implementing the Procedural Provisions of NEPA (40 CFR Parts 1500-1508), and NASA's regulations (14 CFR Part 1216 Subpart 1216.3), this NASA Procedures and Guidelines (NPG) establishes standard procedures for implementing NEPA and NASA's overall environmental planning process. This NPG establishes responsibilities, procedures, and guidelines for carrying out the requirements of NEPA, its implementing regulations, and Executive Order (EO) 12114, Environmental Effects Abroad of Major Federal Actions.

The requirements of NEPA, its implementing regulations, and, if applicable, EO 12114 must be satisfied before an action can be taken that would (a) have an adverse environmental impact, or (b) limit the choice of reasonable alternatives.

APPLICABILITY. This NPG is applicable to NASA Headquarters and NASA Centers, including Component Facilities.

This NPG is applicable for 5 years from the date of signature, unless the date is otherwise extended.

For programs, projects, and activities for which NASA commenced the NEPA process before the effective date of this NPG, it should be followed to the extent practicable.