[Code of Federal Regulations]
[Title 7, Volume 11]
[Revised as of January 1, 2003]
From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access
[CITE: 7CFR1794.25]

[Page 1140-1141]
 
                          TITLE 7--AGRICULTURE
 
    CHAPTER XVII--RURAL UTILITIES SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
 
PART 1794--ENVIRONMENTAL POLICIES AND PROCEDURES--Table of Contents
 
                 Subpart C--Classification of Proposals
 
Sec. 1794.25  Proposals normally requiring an EIS.

    Applications for financial assistance for certain proposed actions 
that may significantly affect the quality of the human environment shall 
require the preparation of an EIS.
    (a) Electric program. An EIS will normally be required in connection 
with proposed actions involving the following types of facilities:
    (1) New electric generating facilities of more than 50 MW (nameplate 
rating) other than diesel generators or combustion turbines. All new 
associated facilities and related electric power lines shall be covered 
in the EIS; and
    (2) A new mining operation when the applicants have effective 
control (e.g.,

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dedicated mine or purchase of a substantial portion of the mining 
equipment).
    (b) Proposals listed above are subject to the requirements of 
Secs. 1794.60, 1794.61, 1794.63, and 1794.64. Preparation of a 
supplemental draft or final EIS in accordance with 40 CFR 1502.9 shall 
be subject to the requirements of Secs. 1794.62 and 1794.64.
    (c) Telecommunications and water and waste programs. No groups or 
sets of proposed actions normally require the preparation of an EIS. The 
environmental review process, as described in this part, shall be used 
to identify those proposed actions for which the preparation of an EIS 
is necessary. If an EIS is required, RUS shall proceed directly to its 
preparation. Prior completion of an EA is not mandatory.