Scoping: The process to determine the scope, focus and content of the environmental analysis.

National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA): In 1969 Congress passed the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) with the goal of encouraging a balance between the needs of human beings and the need for environmental protection. The law requires that federal, state, and local agencies identify all significant environmental impacts that may be caused by their actions.

Environmental Impact Statement (EIS): Under NEPA, Projects that would create significant impacts must complete an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) which includes an analysis of all environmental impacts and strategies to avoid or mitigate these impacts.

California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA): In 1970, soon after NEPA was passed at the federal level, the California State Legislature passed the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). The purpose of CEQA was to supplement NEPA through state law by establishing stricter criteria for the environmental review process.

Environmental Impact Report (EIR): According to CEQA, state or local projects that may have significant environmental impacts must complete an Environmental Impact Report (EIR), California’s equivalent of an EIS.