human environment . " 



Usually the EIS is put together in two stages - the first is called a 

 draft EIS and the second a final EIS. 



A draft EIS must include a description of the proposed action; and dis- 

 cussion of current environmental conditions; evaluations of impacts to the 

 physical and human environments, analysis of potential growth-indicating or 

 growth-inhibiting impacts; irreversible or irretrievable commitments or re- 

 sources; economic and environmental costs and benefits; a comparison of 

 short-term costs with long-term environmental enhancement benefits; and, 

 finally, a list of the people involved and the source materials used in com- 

 piling the draft. 



Upon completion, the draft must be circulated to the EQ.C, the legis- 

 lative group set up to monitor the action of executive agencies in environ- 

 mental matters, the Governor, governmental agencies, and groups, organiza- 

 tions, and individuals interested in the outcome of the proposed action. A 

 review and comment period of 30 to 45 days is allowed. Often, public meet- 

 ings or hearings are held during this time to gather and assess local opinion. 



At the end of the public comment period, the state agency prepares a 

 final EIS which is supposed to recommend the alternative which best balances 

 economic and environmental values. This judgement is usually reached through 

 an interdisciplinary study team, which weighs many factors relating to the 

 environment, economics, and public opinion. A final EIS customarily includes 

 written comments from the public, along with a good faith evaluation of and 

 response to these comments. The same review time (50-45 days) is allowed 

 for comments on the final EIS. 



Depending on the law under which the action was proposed, the final de- 

 cision may be made by a Board, a Department Director, or a person to whom 

 this authority has been delegated. 



Numerous criticisms have been leveled by all groups at the obviously 

 time-consuming, paper-generating, and complicated EIS process. The most 

 important of these are: 



1) Government uses EIS's to justify decisions already made without 

 public input; 



2) Government uses EIS's to avoid making decisions; 



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