Although NEPA serves as the foundation of modern environmental law in the United States, it does not require agencies to avoid environmental harm, rather just consider and disclose it. As a result, if the requirements of NEPA do not protect an environmental space consult the regulations provided by other environmental acts. 

Environmental Protections Beyond NEPA

Clean Air Act (CAA)

The Clean Air Act, passed in 1963, created a national policy regarding the control of air pollution. It authorized the EPA to create regulations to protect against airborne contaminants. The Clean Air act is codified in 42 U.S.C. §§ 7401-7671q.

Clean Water Act (CWA) 

The Clean Water Act, passed in 1972, created a national policy regarding water contamination. The Act established national goals to improve the quality of surface water and prevent the release of toxic substances that may impact health or environmental quality. The Clean Water Act is codified in 33 U.S.C. §§ 1251-1389.

Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 (CERLA)

The Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act, otherwise known as CERCLA or Superfund, provides clean up for uncontrolled or abandoned hazardous waste sites as well as accidents, spills, and other emergency releases of pollutants and contaminants into the environment. CERLA authorizes the EPA to seek out the parties responsible for any release of such hazardous materials and assure their cooperation in the clean up. CERCLA is codified in 42 U.S.C. §§ 9601-9675.

Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) 

The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act governs hazardous and toxic waste. RCRA was significantly amended by the Hazardous Solid Waste Amendments of 1984 (HSWA). HSWA, established the national hazardous waste management program and requires the EPA to identify hazardous waste characteristics and list specific substances as hazardous wastes. RCRA is codified in 42 U.S.C. §§ 6901-6987.

Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA)

The Safe Drinking Water Act was established to protect the quality of drinking water in the U.S. This law focuses on all water actually or potentially designed for drinking purposes, whether from above ground or underground sources. The SDWA is codified in 42 U.S.C. §§ 300f-300j-25.

Endangered Species Act (ESA)

The Endangered Species Act was enacted to conserve threatened and endangered plants and animals as well as their habitats. In order to receive protection under the ESA, a plant or animal species must be placed on the federal list of endangered and threatened wildlife and plants maintained by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The Endangered Species Act is codified in 16 U.S.C. §§ 1531-1544.