The Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act (MEPA) requires that state agencies study the environmental consequences of their actions, including permitting and financial assistance. It also requires them to take all feasible measures to avoid, minimize, and mitigate damage to the environment.

MEPA further requires that state agencies "use all practicable means and measures to minimize damage to the environment," by studying alternatives to the proposed project, and developing enforceable mitigation commitments, which will become conditions for the project if and when they are permitted.

MEPA applies to projects that exceed MEPA review thresholds and that require a state agency action, specifically that they are either proposed by a state agency or are proposed by municipal, nonprofit or private parties and require a permit, financial assistance, or land transfer from state agencies.

The NEMT school project is funded by MA School Building Authority (MSBA), a state agency.