These procedures implement section 102(2) of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) by assuring early and adequate consideration of environmental factors in Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service planning and decisionmaking and by promoting the effective, efficient integration of all relevant environmental requirements under the NEPA. The goal of timely, relevant environmental analysis will be secured principally by adhering to the NEPA implementing regulations (40 CFR parts 1500-1508), especially provisions pertaining to timing (§1502.5), integration (§1502.25), and scope of analysis (§1508.25).

[60 FR 6002, Feb. 1, 1995, as amended at 83 FR 24009, May 24, 2018]