PART 2 - RURAL DEVELOPMENT (RHS, RBS, RUS) POLICIES AND GUIDELINES:

2.0. GENERAL POLICY

Rural Development shall consider environmental quality as equal with economic, social, and other relevant factors in program development and decision making processes.

In assessing the potential environmental impacts of its actions, Rural Development shall consult early with appropriate federal, state, and local agencies and other organizations to provide decision-makers with the technical and human aspects of environmental planning.

When adverse environmental impacts are identified, either direct or indirect, an examination shall be made of alternative courses of action including their potential environmental impacts. The objective of the environmental review shall be to develop a feasible alternative with the least adverse environmental impact. The alternative of not proceeding with the proposal shall also be considered, particularly with respect to the need for the proposal.