On January 1, 1970, President Richard M. Nixon signed the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), the world's first national declaration of environmental policy. NEPA outlined requirements of an environmental review process before any governmental decision to take an action. It also established the President's Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ), which coordinates environmental efforts with federal agencies in the development of environmental policies and initiatives. In 1978, the CEQ issued binding regulations which implement the procedural provisions of NEPA (40 CFR Parts 1500-1508).

Overall, NEPA promotes environmental, economic and social balance at federal agencies through compliance with NEPA's goal to "encourage productive and enjoyable harmony between man and his environment."

To meet federal requirements outlined in both NEPA and CEQ regulations, the Air Force codified their formal NEPA analysis process in 32 CFR Part 989 - Environmental Impact Analysis Process (EIAP). EIAP is the Air Force's NEPA compliance program. It also provides the framework for complying with overseas environmental impact analysis requirements."

The NEPA Division offers expertise in the management and oversight of NEPA projects and in the implementation of new and streamlined approaches to support compliance with NEPA. The NEPA Center, located at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas at the Air Force Civil Engineer Center, offers a full range of services to provide technical, execution, oversight and program support for NEPA projects for installations, major commands, air staff and other clients in support of Air Force mission proposals.

Inquiries may be directed to the NEPA Division mailbox at afcec.czn.workflow@us.af.mil.