ELR Citation: ELR 20525
No(s). 72-1331 (D.C. Cir. Jun 12, 1973)

The Atomic Energy Commission must file a programmatic environmental impact statement assessing the cumulative effects of the overall Liquid Metal Fast Breeder Reactor program separate from statements evaluating individual test projects. The National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 was intended to require the early evaluation of large-scale policy decisions, as well as discrete government actions implementing those policies, in light of their environmental consequences. Thus, the potential environmental damage resulting from the pursuit of a long-range research and development project such as the LMFBR program must be determined prior to the time when implementation is possible, and must include aggregate effects and policy alternatives not covered in the assessment of individual projects. For lower court decision, see 2 ELR 20641 (1972); also see Comment, 3 ELR 10099.

Counsel for Plaintiff
J.G. Speth
Natural Resources Defense Council, Inc.
1710 N Street, NW
Washington, DC 20036

Counsel for Defendant
Kent Frizzel Asst. Attorney General
Department of Justice
Washington, DC 20530

Martin Hoffman General Counsel
Atomic Energy Commission
Washington, DC 20545

Jerome Nelson Solicitor
Atomic Energy Commission
Washington, DC 20545