MEPA requires public study, disclosure, and development of feasible mitigation for a proposed project for which agency action is required. Agencies covered by MEPA include any state agency or authority, as well as municipal authorities specifically created as an authority under special or general law such as redevelopment authorities.
Agency action includes permitting, provision of financial assistance, and land disposition. It also includes instances where an Agency directly undertakes a project as a proponent. MEPA review occurs before agencies take action (and before any permitting agencies can issue permits), to ensure that the agencies understand the potential environmental consequences of their actions and use all feasible measures to avoid damage to the environment or, to the extent damage to the environment cannot be avoided, to minimize and mitigate damage to the environment to the maximum extent possible. MEPA review is not a permitting process and does not result in the ultimate approval or denial of a project.
