Which of these is NOT a focus of an Environmental Impact Statement?

An Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) primarily centers on evaluating the environmental consequences of a proposed action, assessing the socioeconomic impacts on surrounding communities, and exploring alternatives to that action. The main aim of an EIS is to ensure that decision-makers consider the potential environmental risks associated with proposed projects and to promote informed decision-making.

The financial implications of a proposed action, while important in the overall planning and decision-making process, do not fall under the central focus of an EIS. The financial aspects are typically addressed separately in project feasibility studies or business cases, rather than in the EIS itself. An EIS concentrates on the natural and human environments, aiming to identify and mitigate impacts on ecological systems, local populations, and resources, thus emphasizing environmental stewardship rather than financial assessments. This distinction is crucial for understanding the role of an EIS in environmental regulation and project planning.