(a) When a project sponsor proposes to undertake an action that will require TVA's authorization, TVA will determine whether NEPA is triggered and the scope of the review of TVA's proposed action.

(b) When TVA prepares an environmental document to consider authorization of a project sponsor's action, TVA will provide the project sponsor with information on its responsibilities for assisting TVA in conducting the necessary NEPA review. At TVA's discretion, this assistance can include providing TVA detailed information about the scope and nature of the proposed action, environmental analyses and studies, and copies of associated environmental permit applications submitted to other Federal, Tribal, State, or local agencies. TVA will independently evaluate the submitted information for accuracy.

(c) In accordance with NEPA sec. 107(f), 42 U.S.C. 4336a(f), TVA allows project sponsors, or contractors hired by project sponsors, to prepare NEPA documents under TVA's supervision.

(d) TVA will independently evaluate the environmental document and will take responsibility for its contents.

(e) TVA will assist project sponsors and project sponsor-hired contractors by providing guidance and outlining the types of information required for the preparation of the environmental document. TVA will work with the project sponsor to define the purpose and need, and, when appropriate, to develop a reasonable range of alternatives to meet that purpose and need.

(f) A project sponsor normally will be required to reimburse TVA for all of the costs in reviewing the project sponsor's proposed action or environmental document. (See 16 U.S.C. 831c(d); 18 CFR part 1310.) Participation of a project sponsor in a TVA NEPA review, including reimbursement of TVA's costs, does not commit TVA to any favorable action on a request for authorization.

(g) Project sponsors or contractors assisting in the preparation of the environmental documents will submit a disclosure statement to TVA that specifies any financial or other interest in the outcome of the action.

(h) Project sponsors intending to pay a fee for an expedited EA or EIS deadline pursuant to NEPA sec, 112, 42 U.S.C. 4336f,for. TVA will use such consultation to assist the project sponsor in providing an accurate description of the project as it relates to the anticipated EA or EIS-associated costs and understanding the anticipated scope of the environmental review including whether to prepare an EA or an EIS.

(i) TVA's compliance with NEPA sec. 107(g), 42 U.S.C. 4336a(g), and NEPA sec. 112, 42 U.S.C. 4336f,is.

(j) Project sponsors must not take actions concerning a proposal that may have an environmental impact or that would limit or affect TVA's decision until TVA determines that the requirements of these procedures have been met. If such actions are taken prior to that determination, TVA may deny the project sponsor's request for TVA's authorization. This section does not preclude a project sponsor from developing plans or designs or taking other actions that will not have environmental impact to support an application or proposal for TVA's authorization.