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of NEPA. In some cases"there may be more than one federal agency involved in an undertaking. In .this situation, a lead agency is designated to supervise preparation of the environmental analysis, Federal agencies, together with state or 10cAalfagdenalcies, may ..act .as joint lei ad agencies. th ,t, e er agency llavmg specia expertise wi respect to an environmental issue or jurisdiction by law may be a cooperating agency in the NEP A process. A cooperating agency l1as the responsibility to assist the lead agency by participating in the NEP A process at the earliest possible time; by participating in the scoping process; in developing information and preparing environmental analyses including portions of the environmental impact statement concerning wl1ich the cooperating agency has special expertise: and in making available staff support at the lead agency's request to enhance the lead agency's interdisciplinary capabilities. Under Section 1504 of CEQ's NEPA regulations, federal agencies may refer to CEQ interagency disagreements concerning proposed federal actions that might cause unsatisfactory environmental effects. CEQ's role, when it accepts a referral, is generally to develop findings and recommendations, consistent with the policy goals of Section 101 of NEP A. The referral process consists of certain steps and is carried out within a specified time frame, In deciding whether or not to refer an action, an agency must consider the extent of potential adverse environmental impacts including: possible violation of national environmental standards or policies, severity, geographical scope, duration, importance as precedents, and availability of environmentally preferable alternatives. A referring agency must advise the lead agency of its intention to refer the matter to CEQ and notify CEQ. In advising the lead agency, the referring agency will address the reasons for the referral and recommendations for remedying the situation. If the lead agency does " not satisfactorily respond to the referral agency, I then the matter is forwarded to CEQ. CEQ may J take several actions to resolve the situation i including: . Discussing the matter with both agencies. . Holding public meetings to obtain additional information. . Determining that the issue is not of national importance and that the agencies sl10uld proceed with their decision.making. 4 . Publishing its fin,dings and recommendations. . Submitting (when appropriate) the referral and its recommendations to the President for action. Altl10ugh not binding, CEQ's recommendations carry weight and influence. Agencies generally follow CEQ's guidance, EP A's Role The Environmental Protection Agency, like other federal agencies, prepares and reviews NEPA documents. However, EPA l1as a unique responsibility in the NEPA review process, Under Section 309 of the Clean Air Act, EP A is required to review and publicly comment on the environmental impacts of major federal actions including actions which are the subject of EISs, If EP A determines that the action is environmentally unsatisfactory, it is required by Section 309 to refer the matter to CEQ. In the period between 1974 to 1989, there were 24 referrals to CEQ, of which 14 were submitted by EP A, EP A's 309 review process is described at the end of this pamphlet. Also, in accordance with a Memorandum of Agreement between EPA and CEo. EPA carries out the operational duties associated with the administrative aspects of the EIS filing process, The Office of Federal Activities in EP A l1as been designated the officiaI"recipient in EPA of all EISs prepared by federal agencies. Tbe Public's Role The public l1as an important role in the NEPA process, particularly during scoping: in providing input on wl1at issues should be addressed in an EIS and in commenting on the findings in an agency's NEPA documents. The public can participate in the NEPA process by attending NEP A-related hearings or public meetings and by submitting comments directly to the lead agency. The lead agency must take into consideration all comments received from the publ.ic and other parties on NEP A documents during the comment period. NEP A And Other Environmental Laws The NEP A review takes into consideration the effect that an action may have on various aspects of the environment. Some of these areas, such as impacts on endangered specles and cultural resources, are also covered by other environmental laws including the Endangered 5