When is a public project required to complete a CEQA environmental review?

These principles regarding alternatives and timing must be considered in light of the fundamental purpose of CEQA, which is to ensure "that environmental considerations play a significant role in governmental decision-making." (Friends of Mammoth, supra, 8 Cal.3d at p. 263, 104 Cal.Rptr. 761, 502 P.2d 1049; Fullerton v. State Board, supra, 32 Cal.3d at p. 797, 187 Cal.Rptr. 398, 654 P.2d 168.) Accordingly, "[c]hoosing the precise time for CEQA compliance involves a balancing of competing factors. EIRs ... should be prepared as early as feasible in the planning process to enable environmental considerations to influence project program and design and yet late enough to provide meaningful information for environmental [235 Cal.App.3d 781] assessment. [p] (1) With public projects, at the earliest feasible time, project sponsors shall incorporate environmental considerations into project conceptualization, design, and planning. CEQA compliance should be completed prior to acquisition of a site for a public project." (Guidelines, 15004, subd. (b)(1).)