Environmental impact reports, also sometimes known as environmental impact statements, are an essential tool in assessing the potential effects of a development or project on the environment. However, there are several alternative names that are occasionally used for these reports. These include environmental assessment, environmental review, and environmental analysis. Each of these terms conveys a similar idea - that a thorough evaluation of the potential consequences of a proposed action on the natural environment needs to be conducted before any decisions are made. Ultimately, regardless of the terminology used, the goal of any environmental impact report is the same - to ensure that development takes place in a sustainable and responsible manner.