The goal of the National Environmental Policy Act is to encourage harmony between:

The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), enacted in 1969, aims to promote a harmonious relationship between human beings and the natural environment. The primary objective of NEPA is to ensure that federal agencies consider the environmental impacts of their proposed actions and decisions, thereby fostering responsible development that does not compromise ecological integrity.

This focus on the relationship between humanity and the environment is reflected in the requirement for environmental assessments and impact statements, which are designed to evaluate the potential environmental consequences of projects before they proceed. By integrating these considerations into the planning and decision-making processes, NEPA encourages actions that respect and protect both natural ecosystems and human needs, ultimately striving for a sustainable balance between development and environmental stewardship.