§ 408.4 Early involvement in foreign activities for which Eximbank financing may be requested.

(a) Section 1501.2(d) of the NEPA Regulations requires agencies to provide for early involvement in actions which, while planned by private applicants or other non-Federal entities, require some form of Federal approval. Pursuant to the Export-Import Bank Act of 1945, as amended, Eximbank is asked to provide financing for transactions involving exports of U.S. goods and services for projects in foreign countries which are planned by non-U.S. entities (Transactions). (b) To implement the requirements of § 1501.2(d) with respect to these Transactions, Eximbank: (1) Will provide on a project-by-project basis to applicant seeking financing from Eximbank guidance as to the scope and level of environmental information to be used in evaluating a proposed Transaction where: (i) The proposed Eximbank financing would be a major action and (ii) A Transaction may significantly affect the quality of the human environment in the United States, its territories or possessions. (2) Upon receipt of an application for Eximbank financing or notification that an application will be filed, will consult as required with other appropriate parties to initiate and coordinate the necessary environmental analyses. These responsibilities will be performed by the General Counsel and the Engineers of Eximbank. (c) To facilitate Eximbank review of Transactions for which positive determinations have been made under paragraphs (b)(1)(i) and (ii) of this section, applicants should: (1) Consult with the Engineer as early as possible in the planning process for guidance on the scope and level of environmental information required to be submitted in support of their application; (2) Conduct any studies which are deemed necessary and appropriate by Eximbank to determine the impact of the proposed action on the quality of the human environment; (3) Consult with appropriate U.S. (Federal, regional, State and local) agencies and other potentially interested parties during preliminary planning stages to ensure that all environmental factors are identified; (4) Submit applications for all U.S. (Federal, regional, State and local) approvals as early as possible in the planning process; (5) Notify Eximbank as early as possible of all other applicable legal requirements for project completion so that all applicable Federal environmental reviews may be coordinated; and (6) Notify Eximbank of all known parties potentially affected by or interested in the proposed action.