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What is an Environmental Impact Statement?

Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen

An environmental impact statement is a written statement drawing conclusions on how a course of action is likely to affect the environment. In the US, the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) enacted in 1970 provides that the federal government and individuals or businesses must give advance notice to the public when taking any action that might have impact on the environment. The environment considered is not only the ecological, biological, and geological environment, but also the social structure of a country.

An environmental impact statement (EIS) is prepared for the government and should include the following:
1. Environmental impact that is unavoidable through the action.
2. All alternatives to the action.
3. The impact of short-term use of the environment on the long term production capacities of the environment.
4. Statements regarding the use of resources that cannot be replaced as part of the action.
5. The total effect to the environment related to the action, and other possible effects on the environment, termed secondary effects.

Woman holding a book
Woman holding a book

The environmental impact statement is then subject to review. Once reviewed, the government or private business is either given permission to proceed with an action, or to not proceed. Sometimes NEPA will approve one of the proposed alternate actions instead of the proposed action.

The environmental impact statement does not need to be prepared for all actions. Some actions are excluded from requiring an environmental impact statement. For example the Forest Service can usually take actions like controlled burning or removal of trees in small amounts without filing an environmental impact statement.

Recently, NEPA overhauled their definitions of categorical exclusions and implemented new definitions for what constitutes environmental impact. Some actions taken by a federal agency or company are now excluded. In other cases, a company or government agency need now only file an environmental assessment (EA), instead of the longer environmental impact statement form.

Environmentalists, who believed that the previous policies worked well, contested the changes. Small businesses and large corporations, conversely, supported the changes, as certain actions taken by companies can be costly when an environmental impact statement must be published. Some, however, feel that softening the rules is inappropriate when the environment is already at risk from many behaviors practiced by companies and individuals.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS)?

An Environmental Impact Statement is a comprehensive document that assesses the potential effects of a proposed project on the environment. It evaluates both the positive and negative impacts, considering factors like biodiversity, water and air quality, and soil erosion. The EIS helps decision-makers and the public understand the environmental consequences before any action is taken.

Who is responsible for preparing an EIS?

Typically, the project proponent or developer is responsible for preparing the Environmental Impact Statement, although the actual work is often done by environmental consultants. However, it is the government agency overseeing the proposed project that must review and approve the EIS, ensuring it meets all regulatory standards and adequately addresses all environmental concerns.

When is an EIS required?

An EIS is mandated by law for all major federal actions that significantly affect the quality of the human environment. This includes large-scale projects like highways, dams, airports, and pipelines. The requirement for an EIS can also be triggered by state or local laws, depending on the potential environmental impact of the project.

What does an EIS include?

An Environmental Impact Statement includes a detailed description of the proposed action, the environmental setting, and the range of potential impacts. It also explores alternatives to the proposed action, including the 'no action' alternative, and proposes mitigation measures to reduce adverse effects. Public input is a critical component, ensuring a thorough analysis of environmental consequences.

How does the public get involved in the EIS process?

The public plays a crucial role in the EIS process through public comment periods and hearings. After the draft EIS is published, the public has the opportunity to review and provide feedback, which must be considered and addressed in the final document. This ensures transparency and community involvement in environmental decision-making.

What happens after an EIS is finalized?

Once an EIS is finalized, the lead agency issues a Record of Decision (ROD) that outlines the chosen action and discusses any mitigation measures that will be implemented. The ROD signifies the completion of the EIS process and allows the project to move forward, provided that it adheres to the identified environmental safeguards and monitoring plans.

Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen

Tricia has a Literature degree from Sonoma State University and has been a frequent AllThingsNature contributor for many years. She is especially passionate about reading and writing, although her other interests include medicine, art, film, history, politics, ethics, and religion. Tricia lives in Northern California and is currently working on her first novel.

Learn more...
Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen

Tricia has a Literature degree from Sonoma State University and has been a frequent AllThingsNature contributor for many years. She is especially passionate about reading and writing, although her other interests include medicine, art, film, history, politics, ethics, and religion. Tricia lives in Northern California and is currently working on her first novel.

Learn more...

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