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

> Federal · Regulations · In force

URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/ecfr-42-137.287

## Section

- **Citation:** 42 CFR § 137.287
- **Heading:** What is the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)?
- **Jurisdiction:** Federal
- **Kind:** Regulations
- **Status:** In force
- **Text as of:** September 22, 2026
- **Source:** Publisher's official text
- **Location:** Title 42—Public Health > CHAPTER I—PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES > SUBCHAPTER M—INDIAN HEALTH SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES > PART 137—TRIBAL SELF-GOVERNANCE > Subpart N—Construction > NEPA Process

## 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

- [42 CFR § 137.270 § 137.270 What is covered by this subpart?](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/ecfr-42-137.270.md)
- [42 CFR § 137.271 § 137.271 Why is there a separate subpart in these regulations for construction project agreements?](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/ecfr-42-137.271.md)
- [42 CFR § 137.272 § 137.272 What other alternatives are available for Self-Governance Tribes to perform construction projects?](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/ecfr-42-137.272.md)
- [42 CFR § 137.273 § 137.273 What are IHS construction PSFAs?](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/ecfr-42-137.273.md)
- [42 CFR § 137.274 § 137.274 Does this subpart cover construction programs?](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/ecfr-42-137.274.md)
- [42 CFR § 137.275 § 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/ecfr-42-137.275.md)
- [42 CFR § 137.280 § 137.280 Construction Definitions.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/ecfr-42-137.280.md)
- [42 CFR § 137.285 § 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/ecfr-42-137.285.md)
- [42 CFR § 137.286 § 137.286 Do Self-Governance Tribes become Federal agencies when they assume these Federal environmental responsibilities?](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/ecfr-42-137.286.md)
- [42 CFR § 137.287 § 137.287 What is the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)?](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/ecfr-42-137.287.md)
- [42 CFR § 137.288 § 137.288 What is the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA)?](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/ecfr-42-137.288.md)
- [42 CFR § 137.289 § 137.289 What is a Federal undertaking under NHPA?](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/ecfr-42-137.289.md)
- [42 CFR § 137.290 § 137.290 What additional provisions of law are related to NEPA and NHPA?](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/ecfr-42-137.290.md)
- [42 CFR § 137.291 § 137.291 May Self-Governance Tribes carry out construction projects without assuming these Federal environmental responsibilities?](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/ecfr-42-137.291.md)

---

Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/ecfr-42-137.287. Check the current official text before relying on it. Not legal advice.