Environmental Impact Statements are required by which federal act?

Environmental Impact Statements (EIS) are a requirement established under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969. This significant piece of legislation mandates federal agencies to assess the environmental effects of their proposed actions before making decisions. The primary purpose of an EIS is to ensure that all potential environmental impacts are considered, and it facilitates public participation in the decision-making process. An EIS requires detailed information, including the potential environmental consequences, alternative actions, and measures to minimize impacts, thereby promoting informed decision-making and accountability in federal projects.

The other acts listed, while important in environmental governance, do not specifically require the preparation of Environmental Impact Statements in the same comprehensive manner as NEPA. The Resource Planning Act, Endangered Species Act, and Federal Land Management and Policy Act each address different aspects of environmental management and protection but do not include the explicit requirement for an EIS as mandated by NEPA.