In carrying out agency responsibilities under NEPA, NIFA officials shall:

(a) Consider all relevant environmental documents in evaluating programs, proposals, or projects for final agency action.

(b) Make all relevant final environmental documents, comments, and responses part of the record in rulemaking and adjudicatory proceedings.

(c) Ensure that all relevant final environmental documents, comments, and responses are submitted to NIFA in a timely fashion, are subjected to normal agency review processes, and are made a part of the official record.

(d) Consider only those alternatives encompassed by the range of alternatives discussed in the relevant environmental documents when evaluating plans, programs, or proposals for agency action.