The purposes of this part include:
(a) Integrating the NEPA process into agency planning at an early stage to facilitate appropriate consideration of NEPA's policies, promote an efficient process, and reduce delay;(b) Providing for early engagement in the environmental review process with other agencies, State, Tribal, and local governments, and affected or interested persons, entities, and communities before a decision is made;(c) Providing for the swift and fair resolution of interagency disputes;(d) Identifying at an early stage the important environmental issues deserving of study, and deemphasizing unimportant issues, narrowing the scope of the environmental review and enhancing efficiency accordingly; and(e) Promoting accountability by establishing appropriate deadlines and requiring schedules. 85 FR 43359 , 9/14/2020; 89 FR 35554 , 7/1/2024