Environmental Impact Statement Explained: Definition, Advantages, and Real-World Examples

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What Exactly Is an Environmental Impact Statement?

An Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) is a detailed governmental document that assesses how a proposed federal project could influence the natural surroundings. While mandatory for significant infrastructure initiatives, smaller projects may not require an EIS.

Regulatory bodies utilize EIS reports to balance the advantages of planned developments against their environmental repercussions. During the draft phase, the public is invited to provide feedback.

Key Points to Remember

• An EIS outlines the possible environmental impacts of federal projects.
• These statements are accessible via the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) website.
• They must explore a reasonable range of alternatives and their potential outcomes.
• An EIS is more comprehensive than an Environmental Assessment (EA), which can sometimes lead to an EIS.
• The public has the opportunity to comment during the draft stage.

Delving Deeper into Environmental Impact Statements

Mandated by Section 102(2)(C) of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969, EISs undergo review by the EPA. Public commentary during the draft phase can influence the finalized document.

All EIS documents are published in the Federal Register and are available online through the EPA’s portal. Draft versions open for comment and finalized statements are both accessible. Historic EIS records dating back to 1969 can be found at Northwestern University’s Transportation Library.

Besides detailing proposed actions, an EIS also presents alternative approaches and their environmental impacts. Some states, including California, have adopted similar standards for projects funded by taxpayers.

Did You Know?

Topics covered by EISs on the EPA website include liquid natural gas, electric transmission, and ecosystem management.

The Environmental Impact Statement Process

The NEPA approval process starts when a federal agency proposes a significant federal action. This proposal is then evaluated under NEPA guidelines to determine its appropriateness.

Creating an EIS is a substantial task. NEPA requires proof that the action will "significantly affect the quality of the human environment."

The process begins with publishing a "Notice of Intent" in the Federal Register, informing the public about the upcoming analysis and how they can participate. The agency and community then collaborate to define key issues and potential alternatives.

A draft EIS is published for public review and comment, typically for 45 days or more. Feedback is considered for further study, followed by the publication of the final EIS and a 30-day waiting period before official release.

The final stage involves issuing the "Record of Decision (ROD)," which outlines monitoring plans, mitigation strategies, considered alternatives, and the agency’s final decision.

Essential Components of an Environmental Impact Statement

According to the EPA, an EIS includes:

• Cover sheet with lead and cooperating agencies
• Agency contact details
• Title and location of the proposed action
• Abstract summarizing the EIS
• Deadline for public comments
• Summary highlighting key conclusions and unresolved issues
• Table of contents for navigation
• Purpose and need explaining the rationale and objectives
• Alternatives presenting viable options
• Description of the affected environment
• Analysis of environmental consequences and their significance
• Summary of alternatives and input from state, tribal, and local governments as well as public commenters
• List of preparers with qualifications
• Appendices containing supporting materials, if necessary

Important Note

An EIS identifies potential environmental and economic benefits and challenges associated with a project.

Advantages of Preparing an Environmental Impact Statement

Developing an EIS enables local, state, federal agencies, tribal governments, and the public to contribute feedback and suggestions. The scoping phase encourages brainstorming alternative solutions and assessing community impacts.

The thorough timeline to complete an EIS fosters opportunities for meaningful environmental improvements.

Real-World Environmental Impact Statement Examples

For instance, as of November 2019, a finalized EIS was completed for Gulf LNG Energy, LLC’s liquefied natural gas terminal expansion in Jackson County, Mississippi. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and the Department of Energy (DOE) collaborated to evaluate environmental impacts of adding liquefaction and export capabilities.

Another active EIS, available as of December 2021, examines a proposal to construct a 305-mile, 500-kV electric transmission line from northeast Oregon to southwest Idaho. This project involves the Bureau of Land Management and DOE’s Bonneville Power Administration (BPA), which is partially funding the initiative.

What Must an Environmental Impact Statement Include?

An EIS should encompass a summary, alternatives, public input and analyses, the purpose and need, and a comprehensive list of environmental consequences.

Environmental Assessment vs. Environmental Impact Statement: What’s the Difference?

The primary difference lies in scope and detail. An Environmental Assessment (EA) is a concise report outlining the proposal, alternatives, and a brief environmental review. An EIS is an extensive document requiring in-depth analysis and public involvement, including local, state, and tribal governments.

When Is an Environmental Impact Statement Mandatory?

Major projects involving federal land, funding, or jurisdiction must assess environmental impacts. While not all require a full EIS, smaller projects might only need an EA or receive a "Finding of No Significant Impact" (FONSI), allowing them to proceed.

Who Is Responsible for Preparing an Environmental Impact Statement?

The federal agency overseeing the project is responsible for filing the EIS, often delegating the task to contractors.

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