Reports on the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process and the problems that some local authorities are experiencing with the new screening and scoping procedures. Outlines the key requirements of Directive 85/337/EEC and explains the changes brought in by the amended directive which introduced a duty on local authorities to carry out formal screening of Annex II projects. Highlights the growing number of projects passing through the EIA process and suggests that this is a result of the amended directive, high-profile legal cases and the impact of the energy sector. Despite this increase in EIA activity, a lack of experience prevails among many planning authorities as demonstrated by new research from Oxford Brookes University's Impacts Assessment Unit. Presents the findings of the research and concludes by discussing the quality of environmental statements. Also looks at EIA as business for environmental consultancies. Tables.