One of the major reasons behind EIRs was the attitude of the Ca Div of Hiways, which did what it pleased, no matter what.
An early example was the revised south approach to the Carquinez bridge. The cut today is ho-hum, as we have become inurred to such works, but when it was new, there was a photo - perhaps in LIFE that showed just how that world had been modified- for the time it was HUGE.
Early casualties of the EIR requirement- or the acts of citizens getting up on their hind legs, was a freeway across the center of the San Fernando Valley, parallel to the 101. NOw there is the 118 at the edge of the foothills, but not the wiping out of commercial and residential property and the tax-base.
As for Romans- who needs permission when one is backed by Legions
DOn't like my aqueduct? come over hear and listen to the point of my spear.
And remember, tax laws are backed by the power to use deadly force. The difference is , now, the two are separated by some due process.