What are the essential components of an environmental impact statement? How are business people affected by the environmental impact statement requirement?

The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)requires that an environmental impact statement be prepared for every recommendation or report on legislation and for every major federal action significantly affecting the quality of the environment.The environmental impact statement must (1)describe the environmental impact of the proposed action,(2)discuss impacts that cannot be avoided,(3)discuss the alternatives to the proposed action,(4)indicate differences between short- and long-term impacts,and (5)detail any irreversible commitments of resources.
Although the environmental impact statement requirement and the associated federal and state laws are directed at government actions,covered government actions often include granting of permits to private parties.This may translate into involvement of business people in preparation of relevant environmental impact statements.