CEQA glossary

Environmental impact report (EIR)

What EIR means in CEQA, where draft and final versions fit, and what the label does not establish.

An environmental impact report, usually shortened to EIR, is CEQA’s detailed informational document about a proposed project’s likely environmental effects, ways to reduce significant effects, and alternatives to the project.

Why it matters

Public Resources Code section 21061 says an EIR provides detailed information to public agencies and the public and must be considered before an agency approves or disapproves a project when CEQA requires the document. The CEQA Guidelines explain that “EIR” can mean a draft EIR or final EIR, depending on context.

When the term appears in a file, record which document is meant, its publication or certification date, the lead agency, the project description, and any later supplement, subsequent EIR, or addendum. A draft EIR presents the analysis for review. A final EIR includes the draft, comments received, a list of commenters, and the lead agency’s responses.

What it does not establish

The label “EIR” does not by itself identify the operative version, prove that the analysis is complete, or state whether the agency approved the project. Read the document and the agency’s later findings, decision, and notices. An EIR informs agency action; it is not the project approval itself.

Primary sources

Published 2026-09-10 · Last materially reviewed 2026-09-10