Upon receipt of a request for approval of a designation made under this section, the Secretary of Energy shall:

(a) Determine to the best of his ability the consistency of the supporting data submitted along with the designation by the Governor;

(b) Confer with Rural Development on approval;

(c) Notify the Governor and the Under Secretary for Rural Development of action taken on each designation within 30 calendar days of the receipt of a request for approval;

(d) Consult with the Governor before the disapproval of any designation; and

(e) Publish a description in the Federal Register of all designated areas approved within 30 days of their approval.