California Supplemental (CSE) Practice Exam

What determines the scope of an Environmental Impact Report (EIR)?

1. Public agency assessments

2. Lead Agency findings of significant effects

3. Community feedback

4. State mandates

The correct answer is: Lead Agency findings of significant effects

The scope of an Environmental Impact Report (EIR) is fundamentally determined by the lead agency's findings of significant effects. This process involves identifying the environmental impacts that are likely to result from a proposed project. The lead agency assesses which aspects of the environment may be significantly affected, such as air quality, water resources, noise, and biological resources. Based on these findings, the lead agency outlines the specific areas of concern that need to be analyzed in the EIR. This step is crucial because it ensures that the report is focused on the most critical environmental issues rather than being overly broad or unfocused. The lead agency considers various factors, including project descriptions, project alternatives, and existing environmental conditions, which all contribute to a targeted assessment of potential impacts. While community feedback is important for gathering public input and understanding local concerns, it does not itself determine the scope of the EIR. Similarly, while public agency assessments can provide insights, they are generally part of the information considered by the lead agency rather than the main determinant of the EIR’s focus. State mandates establish the framework and requirements for the EIR process but do not directly dictate the specific issues that will be addressed in each individual report. Thus, it is the lead agency's findings on