The body of laws and procedures that requires local agencies, when reviewing development projects, adopting plans and establishing programs, to prepare an environmental impact statement for actions that may have an adverse impact on the environment.

To protect and increase the understanding of the ecological systems and the natural, human and community resources important to the people of the state.

Consideration of environmental impacts must be comprehensive and supported by objective findings.

Can be broadly conceived to address a wide variety of community interests and objectives.