(a) Environmental assessments and environmental impact statements. In accordance with NEPA section 107(f), 42 U.S.C. 4336a(f), USDA subcomponents may allow an applicant or other third party (e.g., contractor) to prepare an environmental assessment or environmental impact statement, in whole or in part, under their supervision. Each USDA subcomponent is responsible for the accuracy, scope, and content of documentation prepared by an applicant or third party under the supervision of the agency. USDA subcomponents shall ensure applicants or third parties apply the process and documentation criteria set forth in this part and comply with all other applicable environmental laws, regulations, or executive orders under the subcomponent's purview. The agency may provide additional guidance to the applicants or third parties. Applicant and third-party preparation is subject to the following:

(1) A USDA subcomponent may require an applicant to submit environmental information for possible use by the subcomponent in preparing an environmental assessment or environmental impact statement. The subcomponent may also direct an applicant or authorize a third party to prepare an environmental assessment or environmental impact statement under the supervision of the agency.

(2) The subcomponent will assist the applicant by outlining the types of information required or, for the preparation of an environmental assessment or environmental impact statement, should provide guidance to the applicant or third party and participate in their preparation.

(3) The subcomponent may also provide appropriate guidance and assist in preparation of an environmental assessment or environmental impact statement, to the extent that the subcomponent's resources and policy priorities admit. The subcomponent will work with the applicant to define the purpose and need, and, when appropriate, to develop a reasonable range of alternatives to meet that purpose and need.

(4) The subcomponent shall independently evaluate the information or documentation submitted to determine if the accuracy, scope, and contents are sufficient and comply with USDA documentation criteria for an environmental assessment or environmental impact statement, and it shall take responsibility for its contents.

(5) Applicants or third parties preparing an environmental assessment or environmental impact statement shall submit a disclosure statement to the lead agency that specifies any financial or other interest in the outcome of the action. Such statement need not include privileged or confidential trade secrets or other confidential business information.

(6) Nothing in this section is intended to prohibit any USDA subcomponent from requesting any person, including the applicant, to submit information to it or to prohibit any person from submitting information to any agency for use in preparing an environmental assessment or environmental impact statement.

(7) The USDA subcomponent will work with the applicant to develop a schedule for preparation of an environmental assessment or an environmental impact statement. Major changes to the schedule or related matters will be documented through written correspondence in accordance with § 1b.5(g) and 1b.7(l)(1).

(b) NEPA documentation for categorical exclusions. For purposes of this part, subcomponents may also allow an applicant or other third party to complete, in whole or in part, documentation for a finding of applicability and no extraordinary circumstance for categorical exclusions requiring NEPA documentation. Applicant and third-party preparation of categorical exclusion NEPA documentation is also subject to paragraphs (a)(1) through (6) of this section, as it would pertain to NEPA documentation for a categorical exclusion.