(a) For a potential project involving the issuance of a lease, permit, license, certificate, or other entitlement for use by one or more public agencies, the lead agency shall, upon the request of a potential applicant and prior to the filing of a formal application, provide for consultation with the potential applicant to consider the range of actions, potential alternatives, mitigation measures, and any potential significant effects on the environment of the potential project.

(b) The lead agency may include in the consultation one or more responsible agencies, trustee agencies, and other public agencies who in the opinion of the lead agency may have an interest in the proposed project. The lead agency may consult the Office of Permit Assistant in the Trade and Commerce Agency for help in identifying interested agencies.