This subpart provides supplemental instruction for implementing those provisions for the CEQ regulations pertaining to procedures for implementing and managing the NEPA process.

(a) Executive Director. The Executive Director is responsible for providing advice and assistance to the Commission on matters pertaining to environmental quality and for overseeing and coordinating the Commission's compliance with NEPA, Executive Order 11514 as amended by Executive Order 11991, the CEQ regulations, and this part.

(b) NEPA Coordinator. The Executive Director will designate organizational elements or individuals, as appropriate, to be responsible for overseeing matters pertaining to the environmental effects of the Commission's plans and programs. The individual(s) assigned these responsibilities should have management experience or potential, understand the Commission's planning and decision making processes, and be well trained in environmental matters, including the Commission's policies and procedures so that his/her/their advice has significance in the Commission's planning and decisions.

The Chairman of the Commission (Chairman), acting on the part of the full Commission, is authorized to approve an EIS. The Chairman may further assign the authority to approve the EIS if he or she chooses. The Executive Director will make certain that there are adequate safeguards to assure that EISs and other environmental documents comply with NEPA, the CEQ regulations, this part, and other relevant Commission procedures.

(a) The Commission staff shall:

(1) As deemed necessary, prepare a NEPA handbook or adapt applicable materials prepared by other agencies, providing guidance on how to implement NEPA in principal program areas.

(2) Prepare program regulations or directives for applicants.

(3) Propose categorical exclusions.

(4) Prepare EAs.

(5) Recommend whether to prepare an EIS.

(6) Prepare NOIs and FONSIs.

(7) Prepare EISs.

(b) The Executive Director shall:

(1) Approve agency handbooks and other NEPA guidance.

(2) Approve regulations or directives for applicants.

(3) Approve categorical exclusions.

(4) Approve EAs.

(5) Decide whether to prepare an EIS.

(6) Approve NOIs and FONSIs.

(7) Make recommendations regarding the adequacy of EISs.

(c) The Chairman of the Commission, acting on behalf of the full Commission, shall:

(1) Concur with regulations or directives for applicants.

(2) Concur with EAs.

(3) Approve EISs.

The Executive Director will identify staff contacts where information about the NEPA process and the status of EISs may be obtained.