Request for Comments Concerning an Environmental Review of the Proposed Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership Agreement, 37834-37835 [2014-15537]

Download as PDF 37834 Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 127 / Wednesday, July 2, 2014 / Notices • Enrollment and Identity Verification—We collect identifying data and use SSA and EDS records to verify an individual’s identity. Individuals have the option of obtaining an enhanced, stronger, User ID by providing certain financial information (e.g., Medicare wages, self-employed earnings, direct deposit amount, or the last eight digits of a credit card number) for verification. We also ask individuals to answer out-of-wallet questions so we can further verify their identities. Individuals who are unable to complete the process online can present identification at a field office to obtain a User ID. • Establishing the User Profile—The individual self-selects a username and password, both of which can be of variable length and alphanumeric. We provide a password strength indicator to help the individual select a strong password. We also ask the individual to choose challenge questions for use in restoring a lost or forgotten username or password. • Enhancing the User ID—If an individual opts to enhance or upgrade the User IDs, we mail a one-time-use upgrade code to the individual’s verified residential address. When the individual receives the upgrade code in the mail, he or she can enter this code online to enhance the security of the account. At this time, we also ask the individual to enter a cell phone number. We send an initial text message to that number and require the individual to confirm its receipt. We send a text message to that number each time the individual signs in, subsequently. • Login and Use—Standard authentication provides an individual with a User ID for access to most online applications. Enhanced authentication uses the standard User ID along with a one-time code sent to the individual’s cell phone, via text message, to create a more secure session, and to grant access to certain sensitive Social Security services. An individual who forgets the password can reset it automatically without contacting SSA. The enrollment process is a one-time only activity for the respondents. After the respondents enroll and choose their User ID (Username & Password), they have to sign in with their User ID every time they want to access Social Security’s secured online services. SSA requires the individuals to agree to the ‘‘Terms of Service’’ detailed on our Web site before we allow them to begin the enrollment process. The ‘‘Terms of Service’’ inform the individuals what we will and will not do with their personal information and the privacy and security protections we provide on all data we collect. These terms also detail the consequences of misusing this service. To verify the individual’s identity, we ask the individual to give us minimal personal information, which may include: Æ Name; Æ SSN; Æ Date of Birth; Æ Address—mailing and residential; Æ Telephone number; Æ Email address; Æ Financial information; Æ Cell phone number; and Number of respondents Modality of completion Æ Selecting and answering password reset questions. We send a subset of this information to the EDS, who then generates a series of out-of-wallet questions back to the individual. The individual must answer all or most of the questions correctly before continuing in the process. The exact questions generated are unique to each individual. This collection of information, or a subset of it, is mandatory for respondents who want to do business with SSA via the Internet. We collect this information via the Internet, on SSA’s public-facing Web site. We also offer an in-person identification verification process for individuals who cannot, or are not willing, to register online. For this process, the individual must go to a local SSA field office and provide identifying information. We do not ask for financial information with the in-person process. We only collect the identity verification information one time, when the individual registers for a credential. We ask for the User ID (username and password) every time an individual signs in to our automated services. If individuals opt for the enhanced or upgraded account, they also receive a text message on their cell phones (this serves as the second factor for authentication) each time they sign in. The respondents are individuals who choose to use the Internet or Automated Telephone Response System to conduct business with SSA. Type of Request: Revision of an OMBapproved information collection. Frequency of response Average burden per response (minutes) Estimated total annual burden (hours) Internet Requestors ......................................................................................... In-Person (Intranet) Requestors ...................................................................... 38,251,877 1,370,633 1 1 8 8 5,100,250 182,751 Totals ........................................................................................................ 39,622,510 ........................ ........................ 5,283,001 Dated: June 27, 2014. Faye Lipsky, Reports Clearance Director, Social Security Administration. [FR Doc. 2014–15504 Filed 7–1–14; 8:45 am] mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES BILLING CODE 4191–02–P OFFICE OF THE UNITED STATES TRADE REPRESENTATIVE Request for Comments Concerning an Environmental Review of the Proposed Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership Agreement Office of the United States Trade Representative. AGENCY: Notice of intent to conduct an environmental review of the proposed Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership agreement and request for comments. ACTION: VerDate Mar<15>2010 17:49 Jul 01, 2014 Jkt 232001 PO 00000 Frm 00124 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR), through the Trade Policy Staff Committee (TPSC), is initiating an environmental review of the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership agreement (T–TIP), a free trade agreement under negotiation between the United States and the European Union. The TPSC invites written comments from the public on the topics that should be included in the scope of the environmental review, including potential positive or negative environmental effects that might result SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\02JYN1.SGM 02JYN1 Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 127 / Wednesday, July 2, 2014 / Notices from the trade agreement and potential implications for U.S. environmental laws and regulations. The TPSC also welcomes public views on appropriate methodologies and sources of data for conducting the review. The review will be conducted consistent with the relevant procedures of Executive Order 13141: Environmental Review of Trade Agreement and its implementing guidelines. Persons submitting written comments should provide as much detail as possible on the manner and degree to which the subject matter they propose for inclusion in the review may raise significant environmental issues that should be considered in the context of the negotiations. Public comments on environmental issues submitted in response to a notice published in the Federal Register on April 1, 2013, requesting comments from the public regarding the T–TIP will be taken into account in preparing the environmental review and do not need to be resubmitted. Comments should be submitted on or before September 2, 2014, to be assured of timely consideration by the TPSC. DATES: Public comments should be submitted electronically to www.regulations.gov, docket number USTR 2014–0012. If you are unable to provide submissions at www.regulations.gov, please contact Ms. Yvonne Jamison (202–395–3475) to arrange for an alternative method of transmission. ADDRESSES: FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Questions regarding the submission of comments in response to this notice should be directed to Ms. Yvonne Jamison at (202) 395–3475. Questions concerning the environmental review should be addressed to Mr. David Oliver at (202) 395–7320. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES 1. Background Information On March 20, 2013, USTR notified Congress of the President’s intent to enter into negotiations for a Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership agreement with the European Union aimed at achieving a substantial increase in transatlantic trade and investment. Through a notice in the Federal Register and a public hearing (held May 29–30, 2013, in Washington, DC), the TPSC invited the public to provide written comments and/or oral testimony to assist USTR in assessing U.S. objectives for the proposed agreement (see 78 FR 19566, April 1, 2013). A description of U.S. negotiating objectives for the T–TIP is VerDate Mar<15>2010 17:49 Jul 01, 2014 Jkt 232001 available at https://www.ustr.gov/aboutus/press-office/press-releases/2014/ March/US-Objectives-US-Benefits-Inthe-TTIP-a-Detailed-View. Additional information about the proposed T–TIP can be found at https://www.ustr.gov/ ttip. 2. Environmental Review USTR, through the TPSC, will conduct an environmental review of the agreement consistent with Executive Order 13141 (64 FR 63169, Nov. 18, 1999) and its implementing guidelines (65 FR 79442, Dec. 19, 2000). The purpose of environmental reviews is to ensure that policymakers and the public are informed about reasonably foreseeable environmental impacts of trade agreements (both positive and negative), to identify complementarities between trade and environmental objectives, and to help shape appropriate responses if environmental impacts are identified. Reviews are intended to be one tool, among others, for integrating environmental information and analysis into the fluid, dynamic process of trade negotiations. USTR and the Council on Environmental Quality jointly oversee implementation of the Executive Order and its implementing guidelines. USTR, through the TPSC, is responsible for conducting the individual reviews. Additional background information and examples of prior environmental reviews are available at: https://www. ustr.gov/trade-topics/environment/ environmental-reviews. 3. Requirements for Submissions Persons submitting comments must do so in English and must identify (on the first page of the submission) ‘‘Comments Regarding the T–TIP Environmental Review.’’ In order to be assured of consideration, comments should be submitted by September 2, 2014. In order to ensure the timely receipt and consideration of comments, USTR strongly encourages commenters to make on-line submissions, using the www.regulations.gov Web site. To submit comments via www.regulations.gov, enter docket number USTR 2014–0012 on the home page and click ‘‘search.’’ The site will provide a search-results page listing all documents associated with this docket. Find a reference to this notice and click on the link entitled ‘‘Comment Now!’’ (For further information on using the www.regulations.gov Web site, please consult the resources provided on the Web site by clicking on ‘‘How to Use This Site’’ on the left side of the home page). PO 00000 Frm 00125 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 9990 37835 The www.regulations.gov Web site allows users to provide comments by filling in a ‘‘Type Comment’’ field, or by attaching a document using an ‘‘Upload File’’ field. USTR prefers that comments be provided in an attached document. USTR prefers submissions in Microsoft Word (.doc) or Adobe Acrobat (.pdf). If the submission is in an application other than those two, please indicate the name of the application in the ‘‘Type Comment’’ field. For any comments submitted electronically containing business confidential information, the file name of the business confidential version should begin with the characters ‘‘BC’’. Any page containing business confidential information must be clearly marked ‘‘BUSINESS CONFIDENTIAL’’ on the top of that page. Filers of submissions containing business confidential information must also submit a public version of their comments. The file name of the public version should begin with the character ‘‘P’’. The ‘‘BC’’ and ‘‘P’’ should be followed by the name of the person or entity submitting the comments. Filers submitting comments containing no business confidential information should name their file using the name of the person or entity submitting the comments. Please do not attach separate cover letters to electronic submissions; rather, include any information that might appear in a cover letter in the submission itself. Similarly, to the extent possible, please include any exhibits, annexes, or other attachments in the same file as the submission itself, not as separate files. As noted, USTR strongly urges submitters to file comments through the www.regulations.gov Web site if at all possible. Any alternative arrangements must be made with Ms. Jamison in advance of transmitting a comment. Ms. Jamison may be contacted at (202) 395– 3475. General information concerning USTR is available at www.ustr.gov. Comments will be placed in the docket and open to public inspection, except business confidential information. Comments may be viewed on the www.regulations.gov Web site by entering the relevant docket number in the search field on the home page. Douglas Bell, Chair, Trade Policy Staff Committee. [FR Doc. 2014–15537 Filed 7–1–14; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3290–F4–P E:\FR\FM\02JYN1.SGM 02JYN1

Agencies

Office of the United States Trade Representative

[Federal Register Volume 79, Number 127 (Wednesday, July 2, 2014)]
[Notices]
[Pages 37834-37835]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2014-15537]


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OFFICE OF THE UNITED STATES TRADE REPRESENTATIVE


Request for Comments Concerning an Environmental Review of the 
Proposed Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership Agreement

AGENCY: Office of the United States Trade Representative.

ACTION: Notice of intent to conduct an environmental review of the 
proposed Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership agreement and 
request for comments.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR), 
through the Trade Policy Staff Committee (TPSC), is initiating an 
environmental review of the Transatlantic Trade and Investment 
Partnership agreement (T-TIP), a free trade agreement under negotiation 
between the United States and the European Union. The TPSC invites 
written comments from the public on the topics that should be included 
in the scope of the environmental review, including potential positive 
or negative environmental effects that might result

[[Page 37835]]

from the trade agreement and potential implications for U.S. 
environmental laws and regulations. The TPSC also welcomes public views 
on appropriate methodologies and sources of data for conducting the 
review. The review will be conducted consistent with the relevant 
procedures of Executive Order 13141: Environmental Review of Trade 
Agreement and its implementing guidelines. Persons submitting written 
comments should provide as much detail as possible on the manner and 
degree to which the subject matter they propose for inclusion in the 
review may raise significant environmental issues that should be 
considered in the context of the negotiations. Public comments on 
environmental issues submitted in response to a notice published in the 
Federal Register on April 1, 2013, requesting comments from the public 
regarding the T-TIP will be taken into account in preparing the 
environmental review and do not need to be resubmitted.

DATES: Comments should be submitted on or before September 2, 2014, to 
be assured of timely consideration by the TPSC.

ADDRESSES: Public comments should be submitted electronically to 
www.regulations.gov, docket number USTR 2014-0012. If you are unable to 
provide submissions at www.regulations.gov, please contact Ms. Yvonne 
Jamison (202-395-3475) to arrange for an alternative method of 
transmission.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Questions regarding the submission of 
comments in response to this notice should be directed to Ms. Yvonne 
Jamison at (202) 395-3475. Questions concerning the environmental 
review should be addressed to Mr. David Oliver at (202) 395-7320.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

1. Background Information

    On March 20, 2013, USTR notified Congress of the President's intent 
to enter into negotiations for a Transatlantic Trade and Investment 
Partnership agreement with the European Union aimed at achieving a 
substantial increase in transatlantic trade and investment. Through a 
notice in the Federal Register and a public hearing (held May 29-30, 
2013, in Washington, DC), the TPSC invited the public to provide 
written comments and/or oral testimony to assist USTR in assessing U.S. 
objectives for the proposed agreement (see 78 FR 19566, April 1, 2013). 
A description of U.S. negotiating objectives for the T-TIP is available 
at https://www.ustr.gov/about-us/press-office/press-releases/2014/March/US-Objectives-US-Benefits-In-the-TTIP-a-Detailed-View. Additional 
information about the proposed T-TIP can be found at https://www.ustr.gov/ttip.

2. Environmental Review

    USTR, through the TPSC, will conduct an environmental review of the 
agreement consistent with Executive Order 13141 (64 FR 63169, Nov. 18, 
1999) and its implementing guidelines (65 FR 79442, Dec. 19, 2000). The 
purpose of environmental reviews is to ensure that policymakers and the 
public are informed about reasonably foreseeable environmental impacts 
of trade agreements (both positive and negative), to identify 
complementarities between trade and environmental objectives, and to 
help shape appropriate responses if environmental impacts are 
identified. Reviews are intended to be one tool, among others, for 
integrating environmental information and analysis into the fluid, 
dynamic process of trade negotiations. USTR and the Council on 
Environmental Quality jointly oversee implementation of the Executive 
Order and its implementing guidelines. USTR, through the TPSC, is 
responsible for conducting the individual reviews. Additional 
background information and examples of prior environmental reviews are 
available at: https://www.ustr.gov/trade-topics/environment/environmental-reviews.

3. Requirements for Submissions

    Persons submitting comments must do so in English and must identify 
(on the first page of the submission) ``Comments Regarding the T-TIP 
Environmental Review.'' In order to be assured of consideration, 
comments should be submitted by September 2, 2014. In order to ensure 
the timely receipt and consideration of comments, USTR strongly 
encourages commenters to make on-line submissions, using the 
www.regulations.gov Web site. To submit comments via 
www.regulations.gov, enter docket number USTR 2014-0012 on the home 
page and click ``search.'' The site will provide a search-results page 
listing all documents associated with this docket. Find a reference to 
this notice and click on the link entitled ``Comment Now!'' (For 
further information on using the www.regulations.gov Web site, please 
consult the resources provided on the Web site by clicking on ``How to 
Use This Site'' on the left side of the home page).
    The www.regulations.gov Web site allows users to provide comments 
by filling in a ``Type Comment'' field, or by attaching a document 
using an ``Upload File'' field. USTR prefers that comments be provided 
in an attached document. USTR prefers submissions in Microsoft Word 
(.doc) or Adobe Acrobat (.pdf). If the submission is in an application 
other than those two, please indicate the name of the application in 
the ``Type Comment'' field. For any comments submitted electronically 
containing business confidential information, the file name of the 
business confidential version should begin with the characters ``BC''. 
Any page containing business confidential information must be clearly 
marked ``BUSINESS CONFIDENTIAL'' on the top of that page. Filers of 
submissions containing business confidential information must also 
submit a public version of their comments. The file name of the public 
version should begin with the character ``P''. The ``BC'' and ``P'' 
should be followed by the name of the person or entity submitting the 
comments. Filers submitting comments containing no business 
confidential information should name their file using the name of the 
person or entity submitting the comments.
    Please do not attach separate cover letters to electronic 
submissions; rather, include any information that might appear in a 
cover letter in the submission itself. Similarly, to the extent 
possible, please include any exhibits, annexes, or other attachments in 
the same file as the submission itself, not as separate files.
    As noted, USTR strongly urges submitters to file comments through 
the www.regulations.gov Web site if at all possible. Any alternative 
arrangements must be made with Ms. Jamison in advance of transmitting a 
comment. Ms. Jamison may be contacted at (202) 395-3475. General 
information concerning USTR is available at www.ustr.gov.
    Comments will be placed in the docket and open to public 
inspection, except business confidential information. Comments may be 
viewed on the www.regulations.gov Web site by entering the relevant 
docket number in the search field on the home page.

Douglas Bell,
Chair, Trade Policy Staff Committee.
[FR Doc. 2014-15537 Filed 7-1-14; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3290-F4-P

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