The purpose of an environmental assessment is to allow the Responsible Official to determine whether to prepare an environmental impact statement or a finding of no significant impact.
(a)
A bureau must ensure that an environmental assessment is prepared for all proposed Federal actions, except those:
(1)
That are covered by a categorical exclusion;
(2)
That are covered sufficiently by an earlier environmental document as determined and documented by the Responsible Official; or
(3)
For which the bureau has already decided to prepare an environmental impact statement.
(b)
A bureau may prepare an environmental assessment for any proposed action at any time to:
(1)
Assist in planning and decision-making;
(2)
Further the purposes of NEPA when no environmental impact statement is necessary; or
(3)
Facilitate environmental impact statement preparation.