uses of the local environment and the maintenance and enhancement of long-term productivity. (E) Any irreversible and irretrievable commitment of resources that would be involved in the proposed action. (2) Publication The lead agency shall publish a determination under paragraph (1) not later than 90 days after receipt of an application for the permit. (3) Verification The lead agency shall publish a determination that the factors under paragraph (1) have been sufficiently addressed and public participation has occurred with regard to any authorizing actions before issuing any mineral exploration or mine permit. (d) Schedule for permitting process For any project for which the lead agency cannot make the determination described in (c), at the request of a project sponsor, 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 sponsor that sets time limits for each part of the permitting process, including— (1) 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.)