Environmental Impact Statement

An Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) is a detailed written statement as required by Section 102(2)(C) of the National Environmental Policy Act for any Federal government agency actions "significantly affecting the quality of the human environment." As a tool for decision making, an EIS describes the positive and negative environmental effects of proposed agency action and cites alternative actions. The Environmental Impact Statement is a product of a review and assessment process known as an Environmental Assessment.

Sections
An EIS typically has four sections:
 * An introduction including a statement of the purpose and need of the proposed action.
 * A description of the affected environment (including any historic resources).
 * A range of alternatives to the proposed action (alternatives are considered the "heart" of the EIS).
 * An analysis of the environmental impacts of each of the possible alternatives.

While not required in the EIS, the following subjects may be included as part of the EIS or as separate documents based on agency policy:
 * Financial plan for the proposed action identifying the sources of secured funding for the action. For example, the Federal Highway Administration has started requiring states to include a financial plan showing that funding has been secured for major highway projects before it will approve an EIS and issue a Record of Decision.
 * An environmental mitigation plan is often requested by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) if substantial environmental impacts are expected from the preferred alternative.
 * Additional documentation to comply with state and local environmental policy laws and secure required federal, state, and local permits before the action can proceed.