Second, this handbook provides a framework for a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between two or more agencies entering a joint NEPA/CEQA review process. MOUs can be important tools for clarifying agencies’ responsibilities and avoiding conflict. The MOU framework highlights a number of issues that agencies can discuss and agree on before embarking on their joint effort. Many agencies already have their own MOU guidance, and this handbook is not intended to replace or replicate those; rather, it supplements them by raising topics agencies should consider incorporating into their own MOUs. Much like the Q&A document, a key goal of this framework is to encourage state and Federal agencies to consider and resolve up-front several common potential issues and challenges that may arise throughout the joint NEPA/CEQA review process in order to avoid issues arising late in the review process.