What is the primary purpose of the Environmental Impact Statement under NEPA?

The primary purpose of the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) is to detail potential environmental impacts of a project. An EIS is a document that provides a comprehensive analysis of how a proposed project might affect the environment. This includes an evaluation of the potential adverse environmental outcomes, as well as any beneficial impacts.

The EIS serves as a crucial tool for decision-makers, regulatory agencies, and the public, ensuring that environmental factors are considered in the planning and decision-making process. It requires an in-depth assessment of the environment and outlines measures that can mitigate negative impacts. By presenting this information, the EIS helps ensure transparency and public participation in the environmental review process, which is a foundational principle of NEPA.

While evaluating alternatives and stakeholder involvement are important aspects of the NEPA process, the core focus of the EIS is specifically centered around outlining and assessing environmental impacts, making the correct answer undeniably related to its essential function.