This document establishes the criteria and framework, for the purpose of Part 12 of the Energy Resources Act 2000, upon which the environmental impact of a regulated activity must be assessed. Through providing environmental impact assessment criteria, this framework ensures assessments are consistent, informed, transparent and auditable. This impact assessment must be prepared by the licensee and be included as part of the Environmental Impact Report (EIR) submitted by the licensee as required under section 97(4) of the Energy Resources Act 2000.