What is environmental impact assessment?

Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is a process used to identify, analyze, and manage the potential environmental effects of a proposed project or development. In California, the State Clearinghouse mandated by the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) is responsible for environmental review of projects. The EIA is an important part of the environmental review process and helps to identify potential environmental impacts a proposed project may have. The EIA looks at a variety of different factors including air quality, noise, soil and water quality, wildlife, and visual resources. This helps to determine the potential impacts of a project on the environment, and also to identify ways to minimize or prevent those impacts. The EIA process also includes public participation, which allows for public input and concerns to be taken into account. Once the EIA is complete, the results are then used by decision-makers to understand the potential environmental impacts of the project, and to decide if the project should move forward. This helps to provide protection for the environment, while at the same time allowing for responsible development in California.

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What is environmental impact assessment?

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