(a) Basis for action.

(1) Determinations as to whether State plans (including plan amendments and administrative practice under the plans) originally meet or continue to meet the requirements for approval are based on relevant Federal statutes and regulations.

(2) Guidelines are furnished to assist in the interpretation of the regulations.

(b) Approval authority. The Regional Administrator exercises delegated authority to approve the State plan and plan amendments on the basis of policy statements and precedents previously approved by the Administrator.

(c) Disapproval authority.

(1) The Administrator retains authority for determining that proposed plan material is not approvable or that previously approved material no longer meets the requirements for approval.

(2) The Administrator does not make a final determination of disapproval without first consulting the Secretary.