Council on Environmental Quality

“The Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) coordinates Federal environmental efforts and works closely with agencies and other White House offices in the development of environmental policies and initiatives. CEQ was established within the Executive Office of the President by Congress as part of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) and additional responsibilities were provided by the Environmental Quality Improvement Act of 1970.”   whitehouse.gov  The Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) prepared by the Rural Utilities Service (RUS) for the Cardinal Hickory line is required to be in accordance with NEPA and CEQ rules.