United States Department of Agriculture
PN 658: Changes to RD Instruction 1970-A, 1970-B, 1970-C and 1970-D
July 22, 2026
Summary
USDA Rural Development obsoletes RD Instructions 1970-A, 1970-B, 1970-C, and 1970-D because the underlying 7 CFR 1970 regulations were rescinded. These instructions on environmental policies, categorical exclusions, environmental assessments, and environmental impact statements are replaced by updated procedures under the new 7 CFR Part 1b framework. Lenders originating USDA loans must adopt the new environmental review procedures to remain compliant.
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PROCEDURE NOTICE
NOTICE
REMOVE RD * (WSAL) The following Instruction are being obsoleted. The existing environmental review instructions are obsolete because they were established under the rescinded 7 CFR 1970 regulations (Subparts A, B, C, and D). These subparts have been replaced by the updated 7 CFR Part 1b framework. Consequently, the current instructions must be replaced with updated procedures to ensure strict operational compliance with 7 CFR 1b environmental review mandates.
| * RD INS | TITLES |
|---|---|
| 1970-A | ENVIRONMENTAL POLICIES dated 04-01-2016. |
| 1970-B | NEPA CATEGORICAL EXCLUSIONS dated 06-03-24. |
| 1970-C | NEPA ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENTS dated 04-01-2016. |
| 1970-D | NEPA ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENTS dated 04-01-16. |
oOo
Source: https://www.rd.usda.gov/media/file/download/pn658.pdf
Common questions
- What does "PN 658: Changes to RD Instruction 1970-A, 1970-B, 1970-C and 1970-D" cover?
- USDA Rural Development obsoletes RD Instructions 1970-A, 1970-B, 1970-C, and 1970-D because the underlying 7 CFR 1970 regulations were rescinded. These…
- Which agency issued this update?
- This update was issued by United States Department of Agriculture.
- When was it published?
- It was published on July 22, 2026.