This programmatic environmental assessment (PEA) on exploration activites is a reference document designed to streamline processing of the environmental reviews required to evaluate industry exploration plans in the Eastern Planning Area as defined herein. This PEA is intended to consider the areawide environmental resources and impacts from exploratory drilling and well completion or abandonment in this area. Subsequent site-specific EA's that are prepared to evaluate specific industry proposals in a leased block will be tiered from this PEA and other relevant National Environmental Policy Act documents. Preparation of this PEA is consistent with recommendations in the President's 2001 National Energy Policy to review and streamline the permitting process for exploration projects important to fulfilling the Nation's energy needs.