(a) Planning. NEPA is a procedural statute intended to ensure Federal agencies consider the environmental impacts of their proposed actions in the decision-making process. Full and early integration of the NEPA process with NASA project and program planning improves agency decisions.
(b) Limitations on actions during the NEPA process. Except as provided in paragraph (c) of this section, until NASA issues a record of decision or finding of no significant impact, or makes a categorical exclusion determination, as applicable, NASA will take no action concerning a proposed action that would have an adverse environmental effect; or limit the choice of reasonable alternatives.
(c) Actions developed by non-Federal project sponsor. If NASA is considering a proposed action from a non-Federal entity and becomes aware that the non-Federal project sponsor is about to take an action within NASA's jurisdiction that would meet either of the criteria in paragraph (b) of this section, NASA will promptly notify the non-Federal project sponsor that NASA will take appropriate action to ensure that the objectives and procedures of NEPA are achieved. This section does not preclude development by non-Federal project sponsors of plans or designs or performance of other activities necessary to support an application for Federal, State, Tribal, or local permits or assistance. When considering a proposed action for Federal funding, NASA may authorize such activities, including but not limited to, acquisition of interests in land (e.g., fee simple, rights-of-way, and conservation easements), purchase of long lead-time equipment, and purchase options made by non-Federal project sponsors.
(d) Non-Federal project sponsor preparation of environmental documents. A non-Federal project sponsor may prepare an environmental assessment or environmental impact statement under NASA's supervision. NASA's requirements for third-party- prepared environmental assessments and environmental impact statements are included in subpart 1216.8 of this part. For proposed actions that are initially developed by non-Federal entities, NASA will:
(1) Coordinate with the non-Federal project sponsor at the earliest reasonable time in the planning process to inform the project sponsor what information NASA will need to comply with NEPA and establish a schedule for completing steps in the NEPA review process, consistent with NEPA's statutory deadlines and any internal agency NEPA schedule requirements.
(2) Begin the NEPA process by determining whether NEPA applies, as described in § 1216.200, and if it does, determine the appropriate level of NEPA review, as described in § 1216.201.
(e) Real Estate Actions. NASA must comply with this subpart when considering issuance of a permit, license, enhanced use lease (EUL), easement, right of way, or grant, to a Federal or a non-Federal party, as may be applicable, and seek such Federal or non-Federal party's assistance in obtaining necessary information and completing the NEPA process.