NEPA and alternative energy: wind as a case study

Journal Article · Tue May 01 04:00:00 EDT 1979 · Sol. Law Rep.; (United States)

OSTI ID:6107635

Phillips, P D

This article analyzes the problem of whether and when the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) applies to alternative energy sources, using wind energy as a case study. The three issues which determine whether and when an environmental impact statement is required can be summarized as follows: (1) is there a recommendation or report on a proposal for (2) Federal action (3) that is major and will significantly affect the environment. A lively awareness of how NEPA works serves two important functions. First, an agency or individual attuned to the requirements of NEPA is more likely to take the necessary procedural steps to comply with the statute and less likely to see a worthwhile project mired in litigation, as lawyers quarrel over the precise meaning of a federal or significant action. Second, the process of preparing an environmental assessment (and, if necessary, an environmental impact statement) can serve important ends. By forcing project proponents to confront the full range of possible environmental impacts, balance competing values and search out mitigating actions, NEPA promotes decision making by federal agencies which will be environmentally more sensitive and ultimately more wise. Wind may well be one of the most environmentally sound energy alternatives available. Nevertheless, as the inventories of impacts in this article illustrate, even wind energy has its environmental effects.

• OSTI ID: 6107635
• Journal Information: Sol. Law Rep.; (United States), Journal Name: Sol. Law Rep.; (United States) Vol. 1:1; ISSN SLRED
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

17 WIND ENERGY
170500 -- Wind Energy-- Environmental Aspects
29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY
290300 -- Energy Planning & Policy-- Environment
Health
& Safety
293000 -- Energy Planning & Policy-- Policy
Legislation
& Regulation
299003* -- Energy Planning & Policy-- Unconventional Sources & Power Generation-- Other-- (-1989)
AESTHETICS
DOCUMENT TYPES
ENERGY SOURCES
ENERGY SUPPLIES
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENTS
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS
ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY
GOVERNMENT POLICIES
IMPLEMENTATION
LAND POLLUTION
LAWS
NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY ACT
NATIONAL GOVERNMENT
POLLUTION
POWER
POWER PLANTS
REGULATIONS
RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCES
WIND POWER
WIND POWER PLANTS
WIND TURBINES