Which regulation must be considered for highway projects?

The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) is a crucial regulation that must be considered for highway projects because it establishes a framework for evaluating the environmental impacts of proposed federal actions, including construction and infrastructure projects like highways. Under NEPA, federal agencies are required to prepare detailed environmental impact statements (EIS) or environmental assessments (EA) to assess the potential effects of their actions on the environment and the community. This process encourages public participation and helps to ensure that environmental factors are weighed alongside economic and technical considerations before decisions are made. Thus, NEPA is central in guiding highway projects to minimize detrimental environmental effects, making it a necessary regulatory consideration.

While the other regulations listed—for example, the Clean Water Act, the Occupational Safety and Health Act, and the Endangered Species Act—also play important roles in various aspects of environmental protection and worker safety, NEPA specifically focuses on the broader environmental assessment required for federal projects, including highways.