NEPA requires federal agencies to consider the environmental impacts of their actions before granting use of federal lands for right-of-way or issuing permits. The North Plains Connector route crosses some federal lands (U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, and U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Research Service) and is therefore subject to a federal environmental review under NEPA.

The NEPA process involves a comprehensive study of the environmental effects of an agency action. Public engagement is a critical part of the process, with opportunities for the public to shape the study and be made fully aware of the potential impacts. The Department of Energy oversees this environmental review process and prepares associated documents in coordination with the other federal agencies.