AICP Environmental and Sustainability Planning

Question 1

What federal law requires Environmental Impact Statements (EIS) for major federal actions?

Accepted Answer

National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)

Answer

Clean Air Act

Answer

Resource Conservation and Recovery Act

Answer

Clean Water Act

Question 2

Which concept refers to development that meets present needs without compromising future generations' ability to meet theirs?

Accepted Answer

Sustainable development

Answer

Smart growth

Answer

New Urbanism

Answer

Transit-oriented development

Question 3

What is a 'categorical exclusion' under NEPA?

Accepted Answer

A category of actions that do not individually or cumulatively have significant environmental effects

Answer

A list of endangered species excluded from review

Answer

An exemption from environmental review for private projects

Answer

A waiver granted by the EPA for industrial facilities

Question 4

Which document is prepared when a federal action may have significant environmental impacts but it is unclear if an EIS is needed?

Accepted Answer

Environmental Assessment (EA)

Answer

Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI)

Answer

Environmental Impact Statement (EIS)

Answer

Record of Decision (ROD)

Question 5

The 'three pillars' of sustainability in planning are typically defined as:

Accepted Answer

Economic, Social, and Environmental

Answer

Economic, Political, and Environmental

Answer

Land use, Transportation, and Housing

Answer

Fiscal, Physical, and Natural

Question 6

What is the primary purpose of a Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) under the Endangered Species Act?

Accepted Answer

To allow otherwise prohibited 'take' of listed species in exchange for conservation measures

Answer

To designate critical habitat for threatened species

Answer

To create wildlife refuges on federal lands

Answer

To prohibit development in wetland areas