The National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 is considered one of the most iconic environmental policies passed in the U.S. It is considered the Magna Carta of environmental policies in America. The sole purpose of the act was to ensure that environmental factors are given the same consideration as other factors in decision-making by the federal agencies (Spensley 2017, 663). The political context of the act is to ensure that all environmental impact information from federal agencies, or any federally funded action is readily available to the public before any decision is made or taken (USGS 2016). One of the major influences for the establishment of NEPA was the conflict between the Interior Department and the National Park Service vs the department of transportation and the Army Corps over the environmental impact of development on the everglades. Jackson realized that there wasn't much thought put on environmental impact. …show more content…
A lot of work was conducted to build this act and to establish the pitch that would work with congress. Fortunately for Jackson, the bill was passed partly due to perfect timing. President Nixon had made promises of making the 70s the decade that “gives back”, and the signing of the bill would prove that he is keeping his word. Nixon recognized the popular vote in favor of the bill and so he signed it as one of the first acts of the decade. Documents have even stated that it is unknown if Nixon knew the full extent of the bill (Kershner 2011). Another reason as to why it was passed has largely to do with how short, simple, and comprehensive the act