If, after performing an environmental assessment, a federal agency concludes that an EIS is not required, the agency must engage in "scoping."

Environmental Assessment

An evaluation process that examines the environmental impact of a proposed project or action before proceeding.

Scoping

The process of determining and documenting the aims, objectives, and boundaries of a project, including what is and is not included in the work.

EIS

Environmental Impact Statement, a document prepared to describe the effects for proposed activities on the environment.