§ 6962. Natural Resources Conservation Service
(a)
Establishment
The Secretary is authorized to establish and maintain within the Department a Natural Resources Conservation Service.
(b)
Functions
If the Secretary establishes the Natural Resources Conservation Service under subsection (a) of this section, the Secretary is authorized to assign to the Service jurisdiction over the following:
(c)
Special concurrence requirements for certain functions
In carrying out the programs specified in paragraphs (1), (2), and (4) of subsection (b) of this section and the program under subchapter C of chapter 1 of subtitle D of title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3837–3837f), the Secretary shall—
(1)
acting on the recommendations of the Natural Resources Conservation Service, with the concurrence of the Consolidated Farm Service Agency, issue regulations to carry out such programs;
(2)
ensure that the Natural Resources Conservation Service, in establishing policies, priorities, and guidelines for each such program, does so with the concurrence of the Consolidated Farm Service Agency at national, State, and local levels;
(3)
ensure that, in reaching such concurrence at the local level, the Natural Resources Conservation Service works in cooperation with Soil and Water Conservation Districts or similar organizations established under State law;
(d)
Use of Federal and non-Federal employees
(1)
Use authorized
In the implementation of functions assigned to the Natural Resources Conservation Service, the Secretary may use interchangeably in local offices of the Service both Federal employees of the Department and non-Federal employees of county and area committees established under section
590h
(b)(5) of title
16.
(e)
Savings provision
For purposes of subsections (c) and (d) of this section:
(1)
A reference to the “Natural Resources Conservation Service” includes any other office, agency, or administrative unit of the Department assigned the functions authorized for the Natural Resources Conservation Service under this section.
(2)
A reference to the “Consolidated Farm Service Agency” includes any other office, agency, or administrative unit of the Department assigned the functions authorized for the Consolidated Farm Service Agency under section
6932 of this title.