(a) The final decision of the commission may include a ruling upon any matter brought before or decided by the hearing officer, except for those matters for which an interim appeal is provided under sections 645-6.4(f) and 645-6.6(d) of this Subpart. The commission's decision shall be made after the official closing of the hearing record and shall be mailed to the applicant and the applicant's attorney of record (if any) by certified mail and to all other parties by ordinary mail.

(b) The commission's decision shall be made upon consideration of the report and the complete record, supported by substantial evidence, and shall be in writing stating the reasons for the action taken. Where applicable, the commission shall take into account any FEIS prepared for the proposed project, and shall include a statement of findings pursuant to SEQR.