The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) were established in 1970 to address environmental impacts of projects. NEPA requires detailed reports on environmental impacts and alternative actions, while CEQA mandates guidelines for environmental impact reports. Both acts emphasize the use of natural and social sciences in decision-making. NEPA created the Council on Environmental Quality to oversee these efforts. CEQA defines the environment broadly to include various aspects like land, air, water, flora, fauna, and historic objects.