§ 1794.14 - Interagency involvement and coordination.

In an attempt to reduce or eliminate duplication of effort with state or local procedures, RUS will, to the extent possible and in accordance with 40 CFR 1506.2, actively participate with any governmental agency to cooperatively or jointly prepare environmental documents so that one document will comply with all applicable laws. Where RUS has agreed to participate as a cooperating agency, in accordance with 40 CFR 1501.6, RUS may rely upon the lead agency's procedures for implementing NEPA procedures. In addition, RUS shall request that:

(a) The lead agency indicates that RUS is a cooperating agency in all NEPA-related notices published for the proposed action;

(b) The scope and content of the EA or EIS satisfies the statutory and regulatory requirements applicable to RUS; and

(c) The applicant shall inform RUS in a timely manner of its involvement in a proposed action where another Federal agency is preparing an environmental document so as to permit RUS to adequately fulfill its duties as a cooperating agency.