What is an EIS?

An EIS is an Environmental Impact Statement, a document that provides public discussion of significant environmental impacts of a proposed action. It describes reasonable alternatives, which would avoid or minimize adverse impacts or enhance quality of the human environment.

What is NEPA?

The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) was passed by Congress in 1969, and represents the most significant piece of environmental legislation enacted in the United States. NEPA provides national policy for Federal agencies by governing the decision-making and planning process used to reach significant environmental decisions. Through NEPA, the public is informed of  the decision-making process, and a systematic, interdisciplinary approach is used to consider the environmental impacts of the proposed action.

How do the two interact?

. For NEPA to apply an action must involve federal funds, facilities, contracts, or permits.

. Issues and concerns are identified using input from federal and state agencies, interested organizations, and the public.

. A draft EIS is produced, which includes alternatives to the proposed action, and is made available for public review and comment.

. After an appropriate and published waiting period, a final EIS is published which incorporates all substantive comments received from the public and government agencies.

. A Record of Decision is signed, approving the selected alternative.