California Supplemental (CSE) Practice Exam

What is issued when a Lead Agency determines a project will have significant environmental impacts?

1. Negative Declaration

2. Environmental Impact Report (EIR)

3. Notice of Preparation

4. Mitigated Negative Declaration

The correct answer is: Environmental Impact Report (EIR)

When a Lead Agency determines that a project will have significant environmental impacts, the correct document issued is an Environmental Impact Report (EIR). The purpose of the EIR is to provide a comprehensive analysis of the potential environmental effects of the proposed project and to outline measures that can be taken to mitigate those impacts. An EIR is required under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) whenever there are significant adverse impacts associated with a project. It serves not only as a means of informing decision-makers and the public about the potential environmental consequences but also facilitates informed decision-making by presenting alternatives and mitigation measures. The process involves extensive research, input from various stakeholders, and often public comment periods. In contrast, the other options represent different scenarios in the environmental review process. A Negative Declaration is issued when a project is determined not to have significant impacts. A Notice of Preparation is a preliminary notification that signifies a project will be assessed, typically preceding the EIR preparation. A Mitigated Negative Declaration is used when potential impacts can be mitigated to a less-than-significant level, avoiding the need for a full EIR. Thus, an EIR is specifically associated with significant environmental impacts, making it the correct choice in this context.