; cooperative agreements The Secretary may make grants to, or enter into cooperative agreements with, State, tribal, and local governmental entities and private entities to conduct research, interpretation, or public education or to carry out any other initiative relating to the restoration, conservation, or management of the National Scenic Area. (o) Air and water quality Nothing in this Act modifies any standard governing air or water quality outside of the boundaries of the National Scenic Area. (p) Utility facilities and rights of way (1) Nothing in this Act shall— (A) affect the existence, use, operation, maintenance (including but not limited to vegetation control), repair, construction, reconfiguration, expansion, inspection, renewal, reconstruction, alteration, addition, relocation, improvement, funding, removal, or replacement of utility facilities or appurtenant rights of way within or adjacent to the National Scenic Area; (B) affect necessary or efficient access to utility facilities or rights of way within or adjacent to the National Scenic Area subject to subsection (e); or (C) preclude the Secretary from authorizing the establishment of new utility facility rights of way (including instream sites, routes, and areas) within the National Scenic Area in a manner that minimizes harm to the purpose of the National Scenic Area as described in subsection (b)— (i) with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 ( 42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) and any other applicable law; (ii) subject to such terms and conditions as the Secretary determines to be appropriate