We are writing regarding the National Environmental Policy Act ("NEPA") of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) and the federal costs associated with agencies' compliance, including those reimbursed to federal agencies by third-parties. Specifically, the NEPA process includes the required evaluation of the environmental effects of a federal action or nexus, including its alternatives. Public interest is best served when there is full disclosure of all expenditures associated with any government action. In addition to the federal costs of implementing NEPA, there are also costs associated with NEPA related litigation and delays in regulatory approvals.

Consequently, we request that GAO provide the below information for the last five fiscal years for the following agencies: the Department of Defense; the Department of the Interior; the Department of Transportation; the Department of Energy; and USDA's Forest Service.

Read the entire letter HERE.