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The 7 CFR 1970 is Rural Development’s regulation that applies to all programs across the mission area. This regulation is the vehicle through which the Agency implements National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)and the Council on Environmental Quality Regulations in 40 CFR 1500-1508. The current regulation lists a set of actions that always require an Environmental Impact Statement. The change in the proposed rule intends to give the Agency flexibility when sufficient environmental information is available to indicate no significant impacts to allow the agency to proceed with an Environmental Assessment (EA) not requiring an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). If implemented, the modification will allow the agency to focus its resources on those projects with the most potential impact on the environment.  It will also reduce duplicative work and activity for both applicants and the government.