A significant public concern that influenced the establishment of NEPA was?

The establishment of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) was significantly influenced by public concern about environmental degradation. During the time of NEPA's inception in the 1960s, there was rising awareness and alarm regarding the negative impacts of industrial activities, urban development, and pollution on the environment. Events such as oil spills, air and water pollution, and the degradation of natural habitats brought attention to the need for a systematic approach to environmental protection.

NEPA was designed to ensure that federal agencies consider the environmental impacts of their proposed actions and that they involve the public in the decision-making process. This act established a framework for environmental assessments and environmental impact statements, which aimed to mitigate environmental harm and promote sustainable practices. In essence, the public concern about deteriorating environmental conditions led to a legislative response that prioritized environmental health as a critical component of federal projects and initiatives.