Environmental Impact Statements: Process and Content

• Overview
• Credits

The National Environmental Policy Act requires federal agencies to prepare environmental impact statements whenever they propose to carry out, approve, or fund proposed actions that would “significantly affect the quality of the human environment”. EISs are typically prepared for some of the most important and complex actions undertaken by federal agencies. Yet, many people involved in the NEPA process do not fully understand the criteria that trigger the preparation of an EIS or the process for preparing them. This reference set will explain the role of the EIS in NEPA implementation, the different types of EISs and the process for preparing them. It will also cover the key content requirements of an EIS and how these important documents are used in federal decision making. This reference set is particularly relevant for federal agency staff, consultants who prepare NEPA documents, attorneys, and interest groups involved in the NEPA process.

Learning Objectives
•You will be able to discuss the role of environmental impact statements in the NEPA process.
•You will be able to identify when an EIS must be prepared.
•You will be able to review the key steps in preparing an EIS.
•You will be able to describe the different types of EISs.

Authors

Ronald Bass, J.D., AICP, ICF International
Terry Rivasplata, ICF International

Self Study Credit - CD & Reference Manual

Sponsored by Lorman Education

Additional Formats