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Environmental Assessment Bowie Resources, L.L.C. <br />August 2005 Spruce Stomp Federal Coal Exploration License (150- 200543) <br />(Steven's Gulch Road) passes diagonally through the center of the exploration license area <br />(Figure 1 -2). <br />1.3 National Environmental Policy Act <br />Under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), an EA is prepared to document the <br />results of environmental analyses and to disclose the environmental consequences associated <br />with the Proposed Action that are not categorically excluded from documentation. Upon the <br />completion of an EA, a determination of significance is made. If the Proposed Actions would <br />not result in a significant impact, a Finding of No Significance (FONSI) would be issued. <br />Alternatively, if the Proposed Action would result in significant impacts, a Notice of Intent <br />(NOI) to prepare a more extensive Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) would be published. <br />This EA was prepared in compliance with NEPA (Public Law 91 -190, 42 U.S.C. 4321 -4347, as <br />amended) and the Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) Regulations for Implementing the <br />Procedural Provisions of NEPA (Title 40 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), Parts 1500 <br />through 1508) (40 CFR 1500- 1508)). <br />0 1.4 Regulatory Background and Agency Decisions Framework <br />The SSCEL is being processed under authorities given in the Mineral Leasing act of 1920, as <br />amended by the Federal Coal Leasing Amendments Act of 1976, and according to procedures set <br />forth in the implementing regulations at 43 CFR 3410. As part of the Coal Exploration and <br />' Mining Operations Rules (43 CFR 3480) the BLM is required to "achieve maximum economic <br />recovery of Federal recoverable coal reserves..." <br />In addition, the BLM and the USDA -FS manage their minerals programs under guidance given <br />in the Mining and Minerals Policy Act of 1970 which states in part that it is the: <br />' "Continuing policy of the federal government in the national interest to foster <br />and encourage private enterprise in ... (the) development of economically <br />sound and stable domestic mining minerals and mineral reclamation <br />industries .... (and) the orderly and economic development of domestic <br />mineral resources..." <br />' The Proposed Action would conform to the overall guidance provided in the GMUG Forest Plan <br />(GMUG 1991), encourage environmentally sound energy and minerals development, and <br />' emphasize mineral exploration and development outside wilderness areas. The Proposed Action <br />is also consistent with the BLM/Uncompahgre Basin Resource Management Plan (BLM 1989). <br />Lands in the SSCEL lie within the following management prescription areas of the GMUG <br />Forest Plan (GMUG 1991): <br />Area 4B - Wildlife habitat management for one or more species of wildlife. Semi - primitive non- <br />motorized, semi - primitive motorized and roaded natural recreation opportunities will be <br />provided. Livestock grazing will be compatible with wildlife habitat management. Vegetation <br />treatment will enhance plant and animal diversity. <br />1 -2 <br />