Question

Please briefly explain the circumstances under which an environmental impact statement (EIS) must be filed and describe the statement’s required content.

Answer 1

An Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) is a document prepared to explain the environmental impacts of the planned activities. In this case, "Environment" is characterized as the natural and physical environment, and people's relationship with that environment. This means that an EIS '"climate" includes land, water, air, structures, living organisms, on-site environmental values, and physical, cultural, and economic aspects. An "effect" is a consequence shift which is the outcome of an action. Impacts may be either negative or positive, or both. An EIS explains impacts, and ways of "mitigating" impacts. Mitigating involves lessening or reducing adverse impacts.

Consequently, an Environmental Impact Statement, or EIS, is a document which describes the environmental impacts resulting from a proposed action. It also explains alternative impacts as well as measures to minimize the impacts.

Federal laws and regulations mandate that the federal government analyze the environmental consequences of its decisions and explore possible courses of action. The 1969 National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) determines when to draw up an environmental impact statement (EIS). Among other items, NEPA regulations allow federal agencies to provide information in an EIS regarding a proposed action and the range of appropriate alternatives.

Sufficient details for reviewers to determine the relative merits of each solution needs to be included in the EIS. Regulations of the Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) include the structure and material required on environmental impact statements.