§  1.1319   Consideration of the environmental impact statements.

   (a) If the action is designated for hearing:

   (1) In rendering an initial decision, the presiding officer (other than
   the Commission) shall use the FEIS in considering the environmental
   issues, together with all other non-environmental issues.

   (2) When the Commission serves as the presiding officer or upon its
   review of an initial decision, the Commission will consider and assess
   all aspects of the FEIS and will render its decision, giving due
   consideration to the environmental and nonenvironmental issues.

   (b) In all non-hearing matters, the Commission, as part of its
   decision-making process, will review the FEIS, along with other
   relevant issues, to ensure that the environmental effects are
   specifically assessed and given comprehensive consideration.

   [ 51 FR 15000 , Apr. 22, 1986, as amended at  62 FR 4171 , Jan. 29, 1997;
    85 FR 63183 , Oct. 6, 2020]