N.Y. Comp. Codes R. & Regs. tit. 6 § 617.11 : DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION — General Regulations — State Environmental Quality Review — Decision-making and findings requirements

(a) Prior to the lead agency's decision on an action that has been the subject of a final EIS, it shall afford agencies and the public a reasonable time period (not less than 10 calendar days) in which to consider the final EIS before issuing its written findings statement. If a project modification or change of circumstance related to the project requires a lead or involved agency to substantively modify its decision, findings may be amended and filed in accordance with section 617.12(b) of this Part.
(b) In the case of an action involving an applicant, the lead agency's filing of a written findings statement and decision on whether or not to fund or approve an action must be made within 30 calendar days after the filing of the final EIS.
(c) No involved agency may make a final decision to undertake, fund, approve or disapprove an action that has been the subject of a final EIS, until the time period provided in subdivision (a) of this section has passed and the agency has made a written findings statement. Findings and a decision may be made simultaneously.
(d) Findings must:
(1) consider the relevant environmental impacts, facts and conclusions disclosed in the final EIS;
(2) weigh and balance relevant environmental impacts with social, economic and other considerations;
(3) provide a rationale for the agency's decision;
(4) certify that the requirements of this Part have been met; and
(5) certify that consistent with social, economic and other essential considerations from among the reasonable alternatives available, the action is one that avoids or minimizes adverse environmental impacts to the maximum extent practicable, and that adverse environmental impacts will be avoided or minimized to the maximum extent practicable by incorporating as conditions to the decision those mitigative measures that were identified as practicable.
(e) No state agency may make a final decision on an action that has been the subject of a final EIS and is located in the coastal area until the agency has made a written finding that the action is consistent with applicable policies set forth in 19 NYCRR 600.5. When the Secretary of State has approved a local government waterfront revitalization program, no state agency may make a final decision on an action, that is likely to affect the achievement of the policies and purposes of such program, until the agency has made a written finding that the action is consistent to the maximum extent practicable with that local waterfront revitalization program.

N.Y. Comp. Codes R. & Regs. Tit. 6 § 617.11

Amended New York State Register July 18, 2018/Volume XL, Issue 29, eff.1/1/2019