EIA stands for Environmental Impact Assessment, which is a tool used to assess the significant effects of a project or development proposal on the environment. The purpose of EIA is to ensure the protection and conservation of the environment and natural resources, including human health aspects, against uncontrolled development. EIA is an important tool in the integrated environmental management approach. The fundamental components of an EIA would necessarily involve the following stages: screening, scoping, preparing the EIA report, making an application and consultation, and decision making. EIA must be performed for new establishments or projects and for expansions or renovations of existing establishments according to the Law for the Environment.

It is important to note that EIA can also refer to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, which is the statistical and analytical agency within the U.S. Department of Energy. The U.S. EIA collects, analyzes, and disseminates independent and impartial energy information to promote sound policymaking, efficient markets, and public understanding of energy and its interaction with the economy and the environment.