; (B) minimizing paperwork; and (C) engaging other agencies and stakeholders early in the process. (2) Considerations In carrying out paragraph (1), the lead agency shall consider— (A) deferring to, and relying on, baseline data, analyses, and reviews performed by State agencies with jurisdiction over the proposed project; and (B) to the maximum extent practicable, conducting any consultations or reviews concurrently rather than sequentially if the concurrent consultation or review would expedite the process. (3) Memorandum of Agency Agreement If requested at any time by a State or local planning agency, the lead agency, in consultation with other Federal agencies with relevant jurisdiction in the environmental review process, may establish memoranda of agreement with the project sponsor, State and local governments, and other appropriate entities to accomplish the coordination activities described in this subsection. (d) Schedule for Permitting Process (1) In general For any project for which the lead agency cannot make the determination described subsection (b), at the request of a project proponent, the lead agency, cooperating agencies, and any other agencies involved with the mineral exploration or mine permitting process shall enter into an agreement with the project proponent that sets time limits for each part of the permitting process, including— (A) the decision on whether to prepare an environmental impact statement or similar analysis required under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 ( 42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.); (B) a determination of the scope of any environmental impact statement or similar analysis required under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 ( 42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.); (C) the scope of, and schedule for, the baseline studies required to prepare an environmental impact statement or similar analysis required under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 ( 42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.)