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Sienificant Effects Or Represents A Decision hi Principle About A Future Consideration. This decision is not • <br />precedent setting. The Forest has previously analyzed and permitted coal leasing activities in adjacent areas, and <br />areas in proxinuty to this project area. My decision follows the implementing regulations for federal coal leasing <br />(EA, Section 1.3), and is an identified and anticipated activity in the GMUG Forest Plan. Any future ]easing <br />proposals would have to be evaluated on their own merits based on the issues and effects related to the location, <br />tinting and intensity of each action. <br />My decision does not set a precedent or represent a decision in principle about a future consideration therefore <br />documentation in an EIS is not required. <br />7. Consideration Of The Action in Relation To Other Actions With Individually Insignificant But Cumulatively <br />Sienificant Impacts. Mineral related activity, including coal mining and exploration drilling, has occurred in or <br />adjacent to the project areas over the past SO~years (EA, Table 2-2). No reasonably foreseeable future projects have <br />been identified that would, in connection with this decision, produce cumulative effects beyond those currently <br />occurring. The~limi[ed scale of activity creates minimal individual effects, as well as minimal cumulative effects <br />when added to the existing situation and other potential activities. <br />8. Consideration Of The Degree To Which The Action Mav Adversely Affect Areas Or Obiects Listed In Or <br />Eligible For Listing In The National Register Of Historic Places Or Mav Cause Loss Or Des[mction Of Sienificant <br />Scientific, Cultural, Or Historical Resources. The project record and field reviews support that no cultural or <br />historic sites would be affected by this decision (EA, section 2.3.1, and project file). When implementing the <br />decision, any previously unidenrified sites inadvertently discovered would be avoided or mitigated so there would be <br />no effect upon them (see Appendix A of this Decision Notice). <br />9. Consideration Of The Degree To Which The Action Mav Adversely Affect An Endangered~Or Threatened <br />S_ pecies Or Its Habitat Has Been Determined Not To Be Critical Under The Endangered Species Act. The US Fish <br />and Wildlife Service has been consulted in [his environmental analysis process. A Biological Assessment has been <br />conducted for this decision (EA, Section 3.6.1.6, Project File -Biological Assessment, EA, Appendix A, • <br />Unsuitability Analysis and Report). All known endangered or threatened species were considered. My decision will <br />leave no affect on any endangered or threatened species or its habitat. Protection for these species has been <br />incorporated in my decision though Coal Lease Stipulations, shown in Appendix A of this Decision Notice. If <br />additional findings regarding threatened or endangered, proposed or sensitive species are discovered, a new <br />biological assessment or evaluation will be written, and any mitigation incorporated into the Coal Lease <br />Stipulations. <br />10. Consideration Of Whether The Action Threatens A Violatioh Of Law Or Requirement Imposed For The <br />Protection Of The Environrnent. To the best of my knowledge, this decision does no[ threaten violation of any laws <br />and regulations imposed for the protection of the environment (refer to Section VII of this document). <br />VII. FINDINGS REQUIRED BY OTHER LAWS AND REGULATIONS <br />To the best of my knowledge, this decision complies with all applicable laws and regulations. In the following, I <br />have summarized the association of my decision to some pertinent legal requirements. <br />Executive Order 13212 of May 18 2001. This Order called the federal agencies to expedite their review of permits <br />for energy-related projects while maintaining safety, public health, and environmental protections. My decision is <br />consistent with this Order. <br />Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976: This Act allows the granting of land use permits on National <br />i'orest System lands. The regulations at Code of Federal Regulations Title 36 Part 251 (36 CFR 251) guide the <br />issuance of permits under this Act. Land use permits are granted on National Forest System lands when [he need for <br />such is consistent with planned uses. <br />National Forest Management Act of 1976: The Forest Plan was approved in 1983 and amended in 1991, as required <br />by [his Act. This long-range land and resource management plan provides guidance for all resource management • <br />Page 8 <br />