# 42 C.F.R. § 137.287 (2026): What is the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)?

> Federal · Regulations · In force

URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T42_P137_S137_287

## Section

- **Citation:** 42 C.F.R. § 137.287 (2026)
- **Heading:** What is the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)?
- **Jurisdiction:** Federal
- **Kind:** Regulations
- **Status:** In force
- **Text as of:** August 14, 2026
- **Source:** Compiled text
- **Location:** Title 42 CFR: Public Health / Chapter I: PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES / Part 137: TRIBAL SELF-GOVERNANCE / Subpart N: Construction / § 137.287: § 137.287   What is the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)?

## Text

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.

## Nearby sections

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- [42 C.F.R. § 137.271 (2026) § 137.271   Why is there a separate subpart in these regulations for construction project agreements?](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T42_P137_S137_271.md)
- [42 C.F.R. § 137.272 (2026) § 137.272   What other alternatives are available for Self-Governance Tribes to perform construction projects?](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T42_P137_S137_272.md)
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- [42 C.F.R. § 137.274 (2026) § 137.274   Does this subpart cover construction programs?](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T42_P137_S137_274.md)
- [42 C.F.R. § 137.275 (2026) § 137.275   May Self-Governance Tribes include IHS construction programs in a construction project agreement or in a funding agreement?](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T42_P137_S137_275.md)
- [42 C.F.R. § 137.280 (2026) § 137.280   Construction Definitions.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T42_P137_S137_280.md)
- [42 C.F.R. § 137.285 (2026) § 137.285   Are Self-Governance Tribes required to accept Federal environmental responsibilities to enter into a construction project agreement?](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T42_P137_S137_285.md)
- [42 C.F.R. § 137.286 (2026) § 137.286   Do Self-Governance Tribes become Federal agencies when they assume these Federal environmental responsibilities?](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T42_P137_S137_286.md)
- [42 C.F.R. § 137.287 (2026) § 137.287   What is the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)?](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T42_P137_S137_287.md)
- [42 C.F.R. § 137.288 (2026) § 137.288   What is the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA)?](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T42_P137_S137_288.md)
- [42 C.F.R. § 137.289 (2026) § 137.289   What is a Federal undertaking under NHPA?](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T42_P137_S137_289.md)
- [42 C.F.R. § 137.290 (2026) § 137.290   What additional provisions of law are related to NEPA and NHPA?](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T42_P137_S137_290.md)
- [42 C.F.R. § 137.291 (2026) § 137.291   May Self-Governance Tribes carry out construction projects without assuming these Federal environmental responsibilities?](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T42_P137_S137_291.md)

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Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T42_P137_S137_287. Check the current official text before relying on it. Not legal advice.