Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustments, 44535-44541 [2016-16190]
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Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 131 / Friday, July 8, 2016 / Rules and Regulations
(2) The cost versus the benefit or
therapeutic value to the victim;
(3) The procedures for ensuring that
participation of the victim and offenders
are voluntary and that the nature of the
meeting is clear;
(4) The provision of appropriate
support and accompaniment for the
victim;
(5) Appropriate debriefing
opportunities for the victim after the
meeting; and
(6) The credentials of the facilitators.
jstallworth on DSK7TPTVN1PROD with RULES
§ 94.121 Allowable sub-recipient
administrative costs.
Administrative costs for which VOCA
funds may be used by sub-recipients
include, but are not limited to, the
following:
(a) Personnel costs—Personnel costs
that are directly related to providing
direct services and supporting activities,
such as staff and coordinator salaries
expenses (including fringe benefits), and
a prorated share of liability insurance;
(b) Skills training for staff—Training
exclusively for developing the skills of
direct service providers, including paid
staff and volunteers (both VOCA-funded
and not), so that they are better able to
offer quality direct services, including,
but not limited to, manuals, books,
videoconferencing, electronic training
resources, and other materials and
resources relating to such training.
(c) Training-related travel—Trainingrelated costs such as travel (in-State,
regional, and national), meals, lodging,
and registration fees for paid directservice staff (both VOCA-funded and
not);
(d) Organizational Expenses—
Organizational expenses that are
necessary and essential to providing
direct services and other allowable
victim services, including, but not
limited to, the prorated costs of rent;
utilities; local travel expenses for
service providers; and required minor
building adaptations necessary to meet
the Department of Justice standards
implementing the Americans with
Disabilities Act and/or modifications
that would improve the program’s
ability to provide services to victims;
(e) Equipment and furniture—
Expenses of procuring furniture and
equipment that facilitate the delivery of
direct services (e.g., mobile
communication devices, telephones,
braille and TTY/TDD equipment,
computers and printers, beepers, video
cameras and recorders for documenting
and reviewing interviews with children,
two-way mirrors, colposcopes, digital
cameras, and equipment and furniture
for shelters, work spaces, victim waiting
rooms, and children’s play areas),
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except that the VOCA grant may be
charged only the prorated share of an
item that is not used exclusively for
victim-related activities;
(f) Operating costs—Operating costs
include but are not limited to—
(1) Supplies;
(2) Equipment use fees;
(3) Property insurance;
(4) Printing, photocopying, and
postage;
(5) Courier service;
(6) Brochures that describe available
services;
(7) Books and other victim-related
materials;
(8) Computer backup files/tapes and
storage;
(9) Security systems;
(10) Design and maintenance of Web
sites and social media; and
(11) Essential communication
services, such as web hosts and mobile
device services.
(g) VOCA administrative time—Costs
of administrative time spent performing
the following:
(1) Completing VOCA-required time
and attendance sheets and
programmatic documentation, reports,
and statistics;
(2) Collecting and maintaining crime
victims’ records;
(3) Conducting victim satisfaction
surveys and needs assessments to
improve victim services delivery in the
project; and
(4) Funding the prorated share of
audit costs.
(h) Leasing or purchasing vehicles—
Costs of leasing or purchasing vehicles,
as determined by the SAA after
considering, at a minimum, if the
vehicle is essential to the provision of
direct services;
(i) Maintenance, repair, or
replacement of essential items—Costs of
maintenance, repair, and replacement of
items that contribute to maintenance of
a healthy or safe environment for crime
victims (such as a furnace in a shelter;
and routine maintenance, repair costs,
and automobile insurance for leased
vehicles), as determined by the SAA
after considering, at a minimum, if other
sources of funding are available; and
(j) Project evaluation—Costs of
evaluations of specific projects (in order
to determine their effectiveness), within
the limits set by SAAs.
§ 94.122 Expressly unallowable subrecipient costs.
Notwithstanding any other provision
of this subpart, no VOCA funds may be
used to fund or support the following:
(a) Lobbying—Lobbying or advocacy
activities with respect to legislation or
to administrative changes to regulations
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44535
or administrative policy (cf. 18 U.S.C.
1913), whether conducted directly or
indirectly;
(b) Research and studies—Research
and studies, except for project
evaluation under § 94.121(j);
(c) Active investigation and
prosecution of criminal activities—The
active investigation and prosecution of
criminal activity, except for the
provision of victim assistance services
(e.g., emotional support, advocacy, and
legal services) to crime victims, under
§ 94.119, during such investigation and
prosecution;
(d) Fundraising—Any activities
related to fundraising, except for feebased, or similar, program income
authorized by the SAA under this
subpart.
(e) Capital expenses—Capital
improvements; property losses and
expenses; real estate purchases;
mortgage payments; and construction
(except as specifically allowed
elsewhere in this subpart).
(f) Compensation for victims of
crime—Reimbursement of crime victims
for expenses incurred as a result of a
crime, except as otherwise allowed by
other provisions of this subpart;
(g) Medical care—Medical care,
except as otherwise allowed by other
provisions of this subpart; and
(h) Salaries and expenses of
management—Salaries, benefits, fees,
furniture, equipment, and other
expenses of executive directors, board
members, and other administrators
(except as specifically allowed
elsewhere in this subpart).
Dated: June 30, 2016.
Karol V. Mason,
Assistant Attorney General, Office of Justice
Programs.
[FR Doc. 2016–16085 Filed 7–7–16; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4410–18–P
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Office of Surface Mining Reclamation
and Enforcement
30 CFR Parts 723, 724, 845, and 846
RIN 1029–AC72
[Docket ID: OSM–2016–0008; S1D1S
SS08011000 SX066A0067F 167S180110;
S2D2D SS08011000 SX066A00 33F
16XS501520]
Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustments
Office of Surface Mining
Reclamation and Enforcement, Interior.
ACTION: Interim final rule.
AGENCY:
Pursuant to the Federal Civil
Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act
SUMMARY:
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Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 131 / Friday, July 8, 2016 / Rules and Regulations
Improvements Act of 2015 and Office of
Management and Budget (OMB)
guidance, this rule adjusts the level of
civil monetary penalties assessed under
the Surface Mining Control and
Reclamation Act of 1977 (SMCRA).
DATES: This rule is effective on August
1, 2016. Comments will be accepted
until September 6, 2016.
ADDRESSES: You may submit comments
by any of the following methods:
• Federal eRulemaking Portal: https://
www.regulations.gov. Search for Docket
No. OSM–2016–0008 and follow the
online instructions for submitting
comments.
• Mail, Hand Delivery, or Courier:
Office of Surface Mining Reclamation
and Enforcement, Administrative
Record, Room 252 SIB, 1951
Constitution Avenue NW., Washington,
DC 20240. Please include the Docket ID:
OSM–2016–0008.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Adrienne Alsop, Office of Surface
Mining Reclamation and Enforcement,
South Interior Building MS–203, 1951
Constitution Avenue NW., Washington,
DC 20240; Telephone (202) 208–2818.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Table of Contents
I. Background
A. The Federal Civil Penalties Inflation
Adjustment Act Improvements Act of
2015
B. Calculation of Adjustments
C. Effect of Rule in Federal Program States
and on Indian Lands
D. Effect of the Rule on Approved State
Programs
II. Procedural Matters and Required
Determinations
A. Regulatory Planning and Review (E.O.
12866 and 13563)
B. Regulatory Flexibility Act
C. Small Business Regulatory Enforcement
Fairness Act
D. Unfunded Mandates Reform Act
E. Takings (E.O. 12630)
F. Federalism (E.O. 13132)
G. Civil Justice Reform (E.O. 12988)
H. Consultation with Indian Tribes (E.O.
13175 and Departmental Policy)
I. Paperwork Reduction Act
J. National Environmental Policy Act
K. Effects on Energy Supply, Distribution,
and Use (E.O. 13211)
L. Clarity of this Regulation
M. Data Quality Act
N. Administrative Procedure Act
I. Background
A. The Federal Civil Penalties Inflation
Adjustment Act Improvements Act of
2015
Section 518 of SMCRA, 30 U.S.C.
1268, authorizes the Secretary of the
Interior to assess civil monetary
penalties (CMPs) for violations of
SMCRA. The Office of Surface Mining
Reclamation and Enforcement (OSMRE)
regulations implementing the CMP
provisions of section 518 are located in
30 CFR parts 723, 724, 845, and 846. We
are adjusting CMPs in four sections—30
CFR 723.14, 724.14, 845.14, and 846.14.
On November 2, 2015, the President
signed the Federal Civil Penalties
Inflation Adjustment Act Improvements
Act of 2015 (Sec. 701 of Public Law
114–74) (‘‘the Act’’) into law. The Act
requires that Federal agencies
promulgate rules to adjust the level of
civil monetary penalties (‘‘CMPs’’) to
account for inflation. The Act requires
agencies to enact an initial ‘‘catch-up’’
adjustment by August 1, 2016. The Act
also authorizes agencies to make
subsequent annual adjustments to civil
monetary penalties to account for
inflation. These adjustments are aimed
at maintaining the deterrent effect of
civil penalties and furthering the policy
goals of the statutes which authorize
them.
Pursuant to SMCRA, this rule adjusts
the following civil penalties:
Current
penalty
($)
Points
30 CFR 723.14 ..........................................................................................
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CFR Citation
1 .......................................................
2 .......................................................
3 .......................................................
3 .......................................................
5 .......................................................
6 .......................................................
7 .......................................................
8 .......................................................
9 .......................................................
10 .....................................................
11 .....................................................
12 .....................................................
13 .....................................................
14 .....................................................
15 .....................................................
16 .....................................................
17 .....................................................
18 .....................................................
19 .....................................................
20 .....................................................
21 .....................................................
22 .....................................................
23 .....................................................
24 .....................................................
25 .....................................................
26 .....................................................
27 .....................................................
28 .....................................................
29 .....................................................
30 .....................................................
31 .....................................................
32 .....................................................
33 .....................................................
34 .....................................................
35 .....................................................
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32
74
96
108
210
232
254
276
298
320
342
364
486
508
530
552
574
596
718
740
762
784
806
828
850
960
1,070
1,080
1,090
2,100
2,210
2,320
2,430
2,540
2,650
Adjusted
penalty
($)
63
127
190
253
316
380
443
506
569
633
696
759
822
886
949
1,012
1,075
1,139
1,202
1,265
1,328
1,392
1,455
1,518
1,581
1,898
2,214
2,530
2,725
3,163
3,479
3,795
4,112
4,428
4,744
Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 131 / Friday, July 8, 2016 / Rules and Regulations
Current
penalty
($)
Points
30 CFR 723.15(b) (Assessment of separate violations for each day) ......
30 CFR 724.14(b) (Individual) ...................................................................
30 CFR 845.14 ..........................................................................................
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CFR Citation
36 .....................................................
37 .....................................................
38 .....................................................
39 .....................................................
40 .....................................................
41 .....................................................
42 .....................................................
43 .....................................................
44 .....................................................
45 .....................................................
46 .....................................................
47 .....................................................
48 .....................................................
49 .....................................................
50 .....................................................
51 .....................................................
52 .....................................................
53 .....................................................
54 .....................................................
55 .....................................................
56 .....................................................
57 .....................................................
58 .....................................................
59 .....................................................
60 .....................................................
61 .....................................................
62 .....................................................
63 .....................................................
64 .....................................................
65 .....................................................
66 .....................................................
67 .....................................................
68 .....................................................
69 .....................................................
70 .....................................................
Maximum .........................................
Maximum .........................................
1 .......................................................
2 .......................................................
3 .......................................................
3 .......................................................
5 .......................................................
6 .......................................................
7 .......................................................
8 .......................................................
9 .......................................................
10 .....................................................
11 .....................................................
12 .....................................................
13 .....................................................
14 .....................................................
15 .....................................................
16 .....................................................
17 .....................................................
18 .....................................................
19 .....................................................
20 .....................................................
21 .....................................................
22 .....................................................
23 .....................................................
24 .....................................................
25 .....................................................
26 .....................................................
27 .....................................................
28 .....................................................
29 .....................................................
30 .....................................................
31 .....................................................
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34 .....................................................
35 .....................................................
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08JYR1
2,760
2,870
2,980
3,090
3,200
3,310
3,420
3,530
3,640
4,750
4,860
4,970
5,080
5,190
5,300
5,410
5,520
5,630
5,740
5,850
5,960
7,070
7,180
7,290
7,400
7,510
7,620
7,730
7,840
7,950
8,060
8,170
8,280
8,390
8,500
1,025
8,500
32
74
96
108
210
232
254
276
298
320
342
364
486
508
530
552
574
596
718
740
762
784
806
828
850
960
1,070
1,080
1,090
2,100
2,210
2,320
2,430
2,540
2,650
44537
Adjusted
penalty
($)
5,060
5,377
5,693
6,009
6,325
6,642
6,958
7,274
7,591
7,907
8,223
8,539
8,856
9,172
9,488
9,804
10,121
10,437
10,753
11,070
11,386
11,702
12,018
12,335
12,651
12,967
13,284
13,600
13,916
14,232
14,549
14,865
15,181
15,497
15,814
2,372
17,395
63
127
190
253
316
380
443
506
569
633
696
759
822
886
949
1,012
1,075
1,139
1,202
1,265
1,328
1,392
1,455
1,518
1,581
1,898
2,214
2,530
2,725
3,163
3,479
3,795
4,112
4,428
4,744
44538
Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 131 / Friday, July 8, 2016 / Rules and Regulations
Current
penalty
($)
Points
30 CFR 845.15(b) (Assessment of separate violations for each day) ......
30 CFR 846.14(b) (Individual) ...................................................................
jstallworth on DSK7TPTVN1PROD with RULES
CFR Citation
36 .....................................................
37 .....................................................
38 .....................................................
39 .....................................................
40 .....................................................
41 .....................................................
42 .....................................................
43 .....................................................
44 .....................................................
45 .....................................................
46 .....................................................
47 .....................................................
48 .....................................................
49 .....................................................
50 .....................................................
51 .....................................................
52 .....................................................
53 .....................................................
54 .....................................................
55 .....................................................
56 .....................................................
57 .....................................................
58 .....................................................
59 .....................................................
60 .....................................................
61 .....................................................
62 .....................................................
63 .....................................................
64 .....................................................
65 .....................................................
66 .....................................................
67 .....................................................
68 .....................................................
69 .....................................................
70 .....................................................
Maximum .........................................
Maximum .........................................
B. Calculation of Adjustments
The Office of Management and Budget
(OMB) issued guidance on calculating
the catch-up adjustment. See February
24, 2016, Memorandum for the Heads of
Executive Departments and Agencies,
from Shaun Donovan, Director, Office of
Management and Budget, re:
Implementation of the Federal Civil
Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act
Improvements Act of 2015.
The OMB guidance defines ‘‘civil
monetary penalty’’ as ‘‘any assessment
with a dollar amount that is levied for
a violation of a Federal civil statute or
regulation, and is assessed or
enforceable through a civil action in
Federal court or an administrative
proceeding.’’ It further instructs that a
civil monetary penalty ‘‘does not
include a penalty levied for violation of
a criminal statute, or fees for services,
licenses, permits, or other regulatory
reviews.’’ The guidance also specifies
that agencies should calculate the catchup adjustment by determining the
percent change between the Consumer
Price Index for all Urban Consumers
(CPI–U) for the month of October in the
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calendar year of the previous
adjustment (or in the year of
establishment, if no adjustment has
been made) and the October 2015 CPI–
U. OSMRE used this guidance to
identify applicable civil monetary
penalties and calculate the required
catch-up adjustments.
Generally, OSMRE assigns points to a
violation as described in 30 CFR 723.13
and 845.13. The CMP owed is based on
the number of points received, ranging
from one point to seventy points. For
2016, the Act requires that OSMRE
adjust the civil penalty amounts for
violations of SMCRA and provides the
adjustment timing. The Act instructs
OSMRE to use the maximum civil
penalty amount as last adjusted by a
provision of law other than the Federal
Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act
of 1990 (Public Law 104–410) (FCPIA of
1990) when calculating the 2016 civil
penalty adjustment. The maximum civil
penalty amounts for violations of
SMCRA have not been adjusted by a
provision of law other than the FCPIA
of 1990 since the penalties were
established in SMCRA in 1977. Because
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2,760
2,870
2,980
3,090
3,200
3,310
3,420
3,530
3,640
4,750
4,860
4,970
5,080
5,190
5,300
5,410
5,520
5,630
5,740
5,850
5,960
7,070
7,180
7,290
7,400
7,510
7,620
7,730
7,840
7,950
8,060
8,170
8,280
8,390
8,500
1,025
8,500
Adjusted
penalty
($)
5,060
5,377
5,693
6,009
6,325
6,642
6,958
7,274
7,591
7,907
8,223
8,539
8,856
9,172
9,488
9,804
10,121
10,437
10,753
11,070
11,386
11,702
12,018
12,335
12,651
12,967
13,284
13,600
13,916
14,232
14,549
14,865
15,181
15,497
15,814
2,372
17,395
the penalties were first published in the
Federal Register in 1979, in computing
the new civil penalty amounts for
violations of SMCRA, OSMRE used the
adjustment factor for 1979 provided in
OMB’s guidance. This resulted in a
multiplying factor of 3.16274. The
statutory maximum civil penalty
amount (e.g., $5,000) was multiplied by
the multiplying factor (e.g., $5,000 ×
3.16274 = $15,813.70). The Act requires
that the maximum civil penalty amount
be rounded to the nearest $1.00 at the
end of the calculation process (e.g.,
$15,814). OSMRE’s calculated increases
do not exceed 150 percent of the
maximum civil penalty amount as of
November 2, 2015, and thus, they
comply with the Act. Also, pursuant to
the Act, these increases apply to civil
penalties assessed after the date they
take effect, even if the associated
violation predates such increase.
C. Effect of Rule in Federal Program
States and on Indian Lands
OSMRE directly regulates surface coal
mining and reclamation activities
within a State or on tribal lands if the
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Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 131 / Friday, July 8, 2016 / Rules and Regulations
State or tribe does not adopt its own
program pursuant to section 503 of
SMCRA. The increase in civil monetary
penalties contained in this rule will
apply to the following Federal program
states: Arizona, California, Georgia,
Idaho, Massachusetts, Michigan, North
Carolina, Oregon, Rhode Island, South
Dakota, Tennessee, and Washington.
The Federal programs for those States
appear at 30 CFR parts 903, 905, 910,
912, 921, 922, 933, 937, 939, 941, 942,
and 947, respectively. The increase in
civil monetary penalties also applies to
Indian lands under the Federal program
for Indian lands, which appears in 30
CFR 750.18.
D. Effect of the Rule on Approved State
Programs
State regulatory programs are not
required to mirror all of the penalty
provisions of our regulations. In re
Permanent Surface Mining Regulation
Litigation, No. 79–1144, Mem. Op.
(D.D.C. May 16, 1980), 19 Env’t Rep.
Cas. (BNA) 1477. Thus, this rule has no
effect on CMPs in states with SMCRA
primacy.
II. Procedural Matters and Required
Determinations
jstallworth on DSK7TPTVN1PROD with RULES
A. Regulatory Planning and Review
(E.O. 12866 and 13563)
Executive Order 12866 provides that
the Office of Information and Regulatory
Affairs in the Office of Management and
Budget will review all significant rules.
The Office of Information and
Regulatory Affairs has determined that
this rule is not significant.
Executive Order 13563 reaffirms the
principles of E.O. 12866 while calling
for improvements in the nation’s
regulatory system to promote
predictability, to reduce uncertainty,
and to use the best, most innovative,
and least burdensome tools for
achieving regulatory ends. The
executive order directs agencies to
consider regulatory approaches that
reduce burdens and maintain flexibility
and freedom of choice for the public
where these approaches are relevant,
feasible, and consistent with regulatory
objectives. E.O. 13563 emphasizes
further that regulations must be based
on the best available science and that
the rulemaking process must allow for
public participation and an open
exchange of ideas. We have developed
this rule in a manner consistent with
these requirements, to the extent
permitted by statute.
B. Regulatory Flexibility Act
The Regulatory Flexibility Act (FRA)
requires an agency to prepare a
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regulatory flexibility analysis for all
rules unless the agency certifies that the
rule will not have a significant
economic impact on a substantial
number of small entities. The RFA
applies only to rules for which an
agency is required to first publish a
proposed rule. See 5 U.S.C. 603(a) and
604(a). The Federal Civil Penalties
Inflation Adjustment Act Improvements
Act of 2015 requires agencies to adjust
civil penalties with an initial ‘‘catchup’’ adjustment through an interim final
rule. An interim final rule does not
include first publishing a proposed rule.
Thus, the RFA does not apply to this
rulemaking.
C. Small Business Regulatory
Enforcement Fairness Act
This rule is not a major rule under 5
U.S.C. 804(2), the Small Business
Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act.
This rule:
(a) Does not have an annual effect on
the economy of $100 million or more.
(b) Will not cause a major increase in
costs or prices for consumers,
individual industries, Federal, State, or
local government agencies, or
geographic regions.
(c) Does not have significant adverse
effects on competition, employment,
investment, productivity, innovation, or
the ability of U.S.-based enterprises to
compete with foreign-based enterprises.
D. Unfunded Mandates Reform Act
This rule does not impose an
unfunded mandate on State, local, or
tribal governments, or the private sector
of more than $100 million per year. The
rule does not have a significant or
unique effect on State, local, or tribal
governments or the private sector. A
statement containing the information
required by the Unfunded Mandates
Reform Act (2 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.) is not
required.
E. Takings (E.O. 12630)
This rule does not effect a taking of
private property or otherwise have
taking implications under Executive
Order 12630. A takings implication
assessment is not required.
F. Federalism (E.O. 13132)
Under the criteria in section 1 of
Executive Order 13132, this rule does
not have sufficient federalism
implications to warrant the preparation
of a federalism summary impact
statement. A federalism summary
impact statement is not required.
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44539
G. Civil Justice Reform (E.O. 12988)
This rule complies with the
requirements of Executive Order 12988.
Specifically, this rule:
(a) Meets the criteria of section 3(a)
requiring that all regulations be
reviewed to eliminate errors and
ambiguity and be written to minimize
litigation; and
(b) Meets the criteria of section 3(b)(2)
requiring that all regulations be written
in clear language and contain clear legal
standards.
H. Consultation With Indian Tribes
(E.O. 13175 and Departmental Policy)
The Department of the Interior strives
to strengthen its government-togovernment relationship with Indian
tribes through a commitment to
consultation with Indian tribes and
recognition of their right to selfgovernance and tribal sovereignty. We
have evaluated this rule under the
Department’s consultation policy and
under the criteria in Executive Order
13175 and have determined that it has
no substantial direct effects on federally
recognized Indian tribes and that
consultation under the Department’s
tribal consultation policy is not
required.
I. Paperwork Reduction Act
This rule does not contain
information collection requirements,
and a submission to the Office of
Management and Budget under the
Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C.
3501 et seq.) is not required. We may
not conduct or sponsor, and you are not
required to respond to, a collection of
information unless it displays a
currently valid OMB control number.
J. National Environmental Policy Act
This rule does not constitute a major
Federal action significantly affecting the
quality of the human environment. A
detailed statement under the National
Environmental Policy Act of 1969
(NEPA) is not required because the rule
is covered by a categorical exclusion.
This rule is excluded from the
requirement to prepare a detailed
statement because it is a regulation of an
administrative nature. (For further
information see 43 CFR 46.210(i).) We
have also determined that the rule does
not involve any of the extraordinary
circumstances listed in 43 CFR 46.215
that would require further analysis
under NEPA.
K. Effects on Energy Supply,
Distribution, and Use (E.O. 13211)
This rule is not a significant energy
action under the definition in Executive
E:\FR\FM\08JYR1.SGM
08JYR1
44540
Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 131 / Friday, July 8, 2016 / Rules and Regulations
Order 13211. A Statement of Energy
Effects is not required.
L. Clarity of This Regulation
We are required by Executive Orders
12866 (section 1 (b)(12)), 12988 (section
3(b)(1)(B)), and 13563 (section 1(a)), and
by the Presidential Memorandum of
June 1, 1998, to write all rules in plain
language. This means that each rule we
publish must:
(a) Be logically organized;
(b) Use the active voice to address
readers directly;
(c) Use common, everyday words and
clear language rather than jargon;
(d) Be divided into short sections and
sentences; and
(e) Use lists and tables wherever
possible.
If you believe that we have not met
these requirements, send us comments
by one of the methods listed in the
ADDRESSES section. To better help us
revise the rule, your comments should
be as specific as possible. For example,
you should tell us the numbers of the
sections or paragraphs that you find
unclear, which sections or sentences are
too long, the sections where you feel
lists or tables would be useful, etc.
jstallworth on DSK7TPTVN1PROD with RULES
M. Data Quality Act
In developing this rule, we did not
conduct or use a study, experiment, or
survey requiring peer review under the
Data Quality Act (Pub. L. 106–554).
N. Administrative Procedure Act
The Federal Civil Penalties Inflation
Adjustment Act Improvements Act of
2015 requires agencies to publish
interim final rules by July 1, 2016, with
an effective date for the adjusted
penalties no later than August 1, 2016.
To comply with the Act, we are issuing
these regulations as an interim final rule
and are requesting comments postpromulgation. Section 553(b) of the
Administrative Procedure Act (APA)
provides that, when an agency for good
cause finds that ‘‘notice and public
procedure . . . are impracticable,
unnecessary, or contrary to the public
interest,’’ the agency may issue a rule
without providing notice and an
opportunity for prior public comment. 5
U.S.C. 553(b).
OSMRE finds that there is good cause
to promulgate this rule without first
providing for public comment. It would
not be practicable to meet the deadlines
imposed by the Act if we were to first
publish a proposed rule, allow the
public sufficient time to submit
comments, analyze the comments, and
publish a final rule. Also, OSMRE is
promulgating this final rule to
implement the statutory directive in the
VerDate Sep<11>2014
14:29 Jul 07, 2016
Jkt 238001
Act, which requires agencies to publish
an interim final rule and to update the
civil penalty amounts by applying a
specified formula. OSMRE has no
discretion to vary the amount of the
adjustment to reflect any views or
suggestions provided by commenters.
Accordingly, it would serve no purpose
to provide an opportunity for prepromulgation public comment on this
rule. Thus, OSMRE finds prepromulgation notice and public
comment to be impracticable and
unnecessary.
Also, OSMRE finds that there is good
cause for publishing this rule less than
thirty days before its effective date,
since the Act requires agencies to
publish interim final rules with an
effective date no later than August 1,
2016. 5 U.S.C. 553(d). OSMRE has no
discretion to provide for an effective
date that is later than August 1, 2016.
List of Subjects
30 CFR Part 723
Administrative practice and
procedure, Penalties, Surface mining,
Underground mining.
30 CFR Part 724
Administrative practice and
procedure, Penalties, Surface mining,
Underground mining.
30 CFR Part 845
Administrative practice and
procedure, Law enforcement, Penalties,
Reporting and recordkeeping
requirements, Surface mining,
Underground mining.
30 CFR Part 846
Administrative practice and
procedure, Penalties, Surface mining,
Underground mining.
Dated: June 29, 2016.
Janice M. Schneider,
Assistant Secretary, Land and Minerals
Management.
For the reasons given in the preamble,
the Department of the Interior amends
30 CFR parts 723, 724, 845, and 846 as
set forth below.
PART 723—CIVIL PENALTIES
1. The authority citation for Part 723
is amended to read as follows:
■
Authority: 28 U.S.C. 2461, 30 U.S.C. 1201
et seq., and 31 U.S.C. 3701.
2. Section 723.14 is amended by
revising the table to read as follows:
■
§ 723.14
penalty.
*
PO 00000
Determination of amount of
*
Frm 00052
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*
Fmt 4700
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1 ............................................
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39 ..........................................
40 ..........................................
41 ..........................................
42 ..........................................
43 ..........................................
44 ..........................................
45 ..........................................
46 ..........................................
47 ..........................................
48 ..........................................
49 ..........................................
50 ..........................................
51 ..........................................
52 ..........................................
53 ..........................................
54 ..........................................
55 ..........................................
56 ..........................................
57 ..........................................
58 ..........................................
59 ..........................................
60 ..........................................
61 ..........................................
62 ..........................................
63 ..........................................
64 ..........................................
65 ..........................................
66 ..........................................
67 ..........................................
68 ..........................................
69 ..........................................
70 ..........................................
Dollars
63
127
190
253
316
380
443
506
569
633
696
759
822
886
949
1,012
1,075
1,139
1,202
1,265
1,328
1,392
1,455
1,518
1,581
1,898
2,214
2,530
2,725
3,163
3,479
3,795
4,112
4,428
4,744
5,060
5,377
5,693
6,009
6,325
6,642
6,958
7,274
7,591
7,907
8,223
8,539
8,856
9,172
9,488
9,804
10,121
10,437
10,753
11,070
11,386
11,702
12,018
12,335
12,651
12,967
13,284
13,600
13,916
14,232
14,549
14,865
15,181
15,497
15,814
3. Section 723.15 is amended by
revising paragraph (b) introductory text
to read as follows:
■
E:\FR\FM\08JYR1.SGM
08JYR1
Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 131 / Friday, July 8, 2016 / Rules and Regulations
§ 723.15 Assessment of separate
violations for each day.
Points
*
*
*
*
*
(b) In addition to the civil penalty
provided for in paragraph (a) of this
section, whenever a violation contained
in a notice of violation or cessation
order has not been abated within the
abatement period set in the notice or
order or as subsequently extended
pursuant to section 521(a) of the Act, 30
U.S.C. 1271(a), a civil penalty of not less
than $2,372 will be assessed for each
day during which such failure to abate
continues, except that:
*
*
*
*
*
PART 724—INDIVIDUAL CIVIL
PENALTIES
4. The authority citation for part 724
continues to read as follows:
■
Authority: 28 U.S.C. 2461, 30 U.S.C. 1201
et seq., and 31 U.S.C. 3701.
5. Section 724.14 is amended by
revising the first sentence of paragraph
(b) to read as follows:
■
§ 724.14
Amount of individual civil penalty.
*
*
*
*
*
(b) The penalty will not exceed
$17,395 for each violation. * * *
PART 845—CIVIL PENALTIES
6. The authority citation for part 845
continues to read as follows:
■
Authority: 28 U.S.C. 2461, 30 U.S.C. 1201
et seq., 31 U.S.C. 3701, Pub. L. 100–202, and
Pub. L. 100–446.
7. Section 845.14 is amended by
revising the table to read as follows:
■
§ 845.14 Determination of amount of
penalty.
*
*
*
*
*
jstallworth on DSK7TPTVN1PROD with RULES
Points
14:29 Jul 07, 2016
..........................................
..........................................
..........................................
..........................................
..........................................
..........................................
..........................................
..........................................
..........................................
..........................................
..........................................
..........................................
..........................................
..........................................
..........................................
..........................................
..........................................
..........................................
..........................................
..........................................
..........................................
..........................................
..........................................
..........................................
..........................................
..........................................
..........................................
..........................................
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..........................................
..........................................
..........................................
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..........................................
..........................................
..........................................
..........................................
..........................................
..........................................
..........................................
..........................................
..........................................
..........................................
..........................................
..........................................
..........................................
..........................................
1,455
1,518
1,581
1,898
2,214
2,530
2,725
3,163
3,479
3,795
4,112
4,428
4,744
5,060
5,377
5,693
6,009
6,325
6,642
6,958
7,274
7,591
7,907
8,223
8,539
8,856
9,172
9,488
9,804
10,121
10,437
10,753
11,070
11,386
11,702
12,018
12,335
12,651
12,967
13,284
13,600
13,916
14,232
14,549
14,865
15,181
15,497
15,814
Dollars
1 ............................................
2 ............................................
3 ............................................
4 ............................................
5 ............................................
6 ............................................
7 ............................................
8 ............................................
9 ............................................
10 ..........................................
11 ..........................................
12 ..........................................
13 ..........................................
14 ..........................................
15 ..........................................
16 ..........................................
17 ..........................................
18 ..........................................
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52
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55
56
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59
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62
63
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65
66
67
68
69
70
Dollars
63
127
190
253
316
380
443
506
569
633
696
759
822
886
949
1,012
1,075
1,139
1,202
1,265
1,328
1,392
Jkt 238001
8. Section 845.15 is amended by
revising paragraph (b) introductory text
to read as follows:
■
§ 845.15 Assessment of separate
violations for each day.
*
*
*
*
*
(b) In addition to the civil penalty
provided for in paragraph (a) of this
section, whenever a violation contained
in a notice of violation or cessation
order has not been abated within the
abatement period set in the notice or
order or as subsequently extended
pursuant to section 521(a) of the Act, a
civil penalty of not less than $2,372 will
be assessed for each day during which
such failure to abate continues, except
that:
*
*
*
*
*
PO 00000
Frm 00053
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
44541
PART 846—CIVIL PENALTIES
9. The authority citation for part 846
continues to read as follows:
■
Authority: 28 U.S.C. 2461, 30 U.S.C. 1201
et seq., and 31 U.S.C. 3701.
10. Section 846.14 is amended by
revising the first sentence of paragraph
(b) to read as follows:
■
§ 846.14
Amount of individual civil penalty.
*
*
*
*
*
(b) The penalty will not exceed
$17,395 for each violation. * * *
[FR Doc. 2016–16190 Filed 7–7–16; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310–05–P
DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND
SECURITY
Coast Guard
33 CFR Part 117
[Docket No. USCG–2016–0633]
Drawbridge Operation Regulation;
Housatonic River, Stratford, CT
Coast Guard, DHS.
Notice of deviation from
drawbridge regulation.
AGENCY:
ACTION:
The Coast Guard has issued a
temporary deviation from the operating
schedule that governs the Metro-North
Devon Bridge across the Housatonic
River, mile 3.9, at Stratford,
Connecticut. This deviation is necessary
to allow the bridge owner to perform
timber ties replacement and steel repairs
at the bridge.
DATES: This deviation is effective from
8 a.m. on September 6, 2016 to 8 a.m.
on September 19, 2016.
ADDRESSES: The docket for this
deviation, [USCG–2016–0633] is
available at https://www.regulations.gov.
Type the docket number in the
‘‘SEARCH’’ box and click ‘‘SEARCH’’.
Click on Open Docket Folder on the line
associated with this deviation.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: If
you have questions on this temporary
deviation, call or email Judy Leung-Yee,
Project Officer, First Coast Guard
District, telephone (212) 514–4330,
email judy.k.leung-yee@uscg.mil.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The
Metro-North Devon Bridge, mile 3.9,
across the Housatonic River, has a
vertical clearance in the closed position
of 19 feet at mean high water and 25 feet
at mean low water. The existing bridge
operating regulations are found at 33
CFR 117.207(b).
The waterway is transited by seasonal
recreational vessels.
SUMMARY:
E:\FR\FM\08JYR1.SGM
08JYR1
]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 131 (Friday, July 8, 2016)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 44535-44541]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-16190]
=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement
30 CFR Parts 723, 724, 845, and 846
RIN 1029-AC72
[Docket ID: OSM-2016-0008; S1D1S SS08011000 SX066A0067F 167S180110;
S2D2D SS08011000 SX066A00 33F 16XS501520]
Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustments
AGENCY: Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement, Interior.
ACTION: Interim final rule.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: Pursuant to the Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment
Act
[[Page 44536]]
Improvements Act of 2015 and Office of Management and Budget (OMB)
guidance, this rule adjusts the level of civil monetary penalties
assessed under the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977
(SMCRA).
DATES: This rule is effective on August 1, 2016. Comments will be
accepted until September 6, 2016.
ADDRESSES: You may submit comments by any of the following methods:
Federal eRulemaking Portal: https://www.regulations.gov.
Search for Docket No. OSM-2016-0008 and follow the online instructions
for submitting comments.
Mail, Hand Delivery, or Courier: Office of Surface Mining
Reclamation and Enforcement, Administrative Record, Room 252 SIB, 1951
Constitution Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20240. Please include the
Docket ID: OSM-2016-0008.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Adrienne Alsop, Office of Surface
Mining Reclamation and Enforcement, South Interior Building MS-203,
1951 Constitution Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20240; Telephone (202)
208-2818.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Table of Contents
I. Background
A. The Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act
Improvements Act of 2015
B. Calculation of Adjustments
C. Effect of Rule in Federal Program States and on Indian Lands
D. Effect of the Rule on Approved State Programs
II. Procedural Matters and Required Determinations
A. Regulatory Planning and Review (E.O. 12866 and 13563)
B. Regulatory Flexibility Act
C. Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act
D. Unfunded Mandates Reform Act
E. Takings (E.O. 12630)
F. Federalism (E.O. 13132)
G. Civil Justice Reform (E.O. 12988)
H. Consultation with Indian Tribes (E.O. 13175 and Departmental
Policy)
I. Paperwork Reduction Act
J. National Environmental Policy Act
K. Effects on Energy Supply, Distribution, and Use (E.O. 13211)
L. Clarity of this Regulation
M. Data Quality Act
N. Administrative Procedure Act
I. Background
A. The Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act Improvements
Act of 2015
Section 518 of SMCRA, 30 U.S.C. 1268, authorizes the Secretary of
the Interior to assess civil monetary penalties (CMPs) for violations
of SMCRA. The Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement
(OSMRE) regulations implementing the CMP provisions of section 518 are
located in 30 CFR parts 723, 724, 845, and 846. We are adjusting CMPs
in four sections--30 CFR 723.14, 724.14, 845.14, and 846.14.
On November 2, 2015, the President signed the Federal Civil
Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act Improvements Act of 2015 (Sec. 701
of Public Law 114-74) (``the Act'') into law. The Act requires that
Federal agencies promulgate rules to adjust the level of civil monetary
penalties (``CMPs'') to account for inflation. The Act requires
agencies to enact an initial ``catch-up'' adjustment by August 1, 2016.
The Act also authorizes agencies to make subsequent annual adjustments
to civil monetary penalties to account for inflation. These adjustments
are aimed at maintaining the deterrent effect of civil penalties and
furthering the policy goals of the statutes which authorize them.
Pursuant to SMCRA, this rule adjusts the following civil penalties:
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Current Adjusted
CFR Citation Points penalty ($) penalty ($)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
30 CFR 723.14................................. 1............................... 32 63
2............................... 74 127
3............................... 96 190
3............................... 108 253
5............................... 210 316
6............................... 232 380
7............................... 254 443
8............................... 276 506
9............................... 298 569
10.............................. 320 633
11.............................. 342 696
12.............................. 364 759
13.............................. 486 822
14.............................. 508 886
15.............................. 530 949
16.............................. 552 1,012
17.............................. 574 1,075
18.............................. 596 1,139
19.............................. 718 1,202
20.............................. 740 1,265
21.............................. 762 1,328
22.............................. 784 1,392
23.............................. 806 1,455
24.............................. 828 1,518
25.............................. 850 1,581
26.............................. 960 1,898
27.............................. 1,070 2,214
28.............................. 1,080 2,530
29.............................. 1,090 2,725
30.............................. 2,100 3,163
31.............................. 2,210 3,479
32.............................. 2,320 3,795
33.............................. 2,430 4,112
34.............................. 2,540 4,428
35.............................. 2,650 4,744
[[Page 44537]]
36.............................. 2,760 5,060
37.............................. 2,870 5,377
38.............................. 2,980 5,693
39.............................. 3,090 6,009
40.............................. 3,200 6,325
41.............................. 3,310 6,642
42.............................. 3,420 6,958
43.............................. 3,530 7,274
44.............................. 3,640 7,591
45.............................. 4,750 7,907
46.............................. 4,860 8,223
47.............................. 4,970 8,539
48.............................. 5,080 8,856
49.............................. 5,190 9,172
50.............................. 5,300 9,488
51.............................. 5,410 9,804
52.............................. 5,520 10,121
53.............................. 5,630 10,437
54.............................. 5,740 10,753
55.............................. 5,850 11,070
56.............................. 5,960 11,386
57.............................. 7,070 11,702
58.............................. 7,180 12,018
59.............................. 7,290 12,335
60.............................. 7,400 12,651
61.............................. 7,510 12,967
62.............................. 7,620 13,284
63.............................. 7,730 13,600
64.............................. 7,840 13,916
65.............................. 7,950 14,232
66.............................. 8,060 14,549
67.............................. 8,170 14,865
68.............................. 8,280 15,181
69.............................. 8,390 15,497
70.............................. 8,500 15,814
30 CFR 723.15(b) (Assessment of separate Maximum......................... 1,025 2,372
violations for each day).
30 CFR 724.14(b) (Individual)................. Maximum......................... 8,500 17,395
30 CFR 845.14................................. 1............................... 32 63
2............................... 74 127
3............................... 96 190
3............................... 108 253
5............................... 210 316
6............................... 232 380
7............................... 254 443
8............................... 276 506
9............................... 298 569
10.............................. 320 633
11.............................. 342 696
12.............................. 364 759
13.............................. 486 822
14.............................. 508 886
15.............................. 530 949
16.............................. 552 1,012
17.............................. 574 1,075
18.............................. 596 1,139
19.............................. 718 1,202
20.............................. 740 1,265
21.............................. 762 1,328
22.............................. 784 1,392
23.............................. 806 1,455
24.............................. 828 1,518
25.............................. 850 1,581
26.............................. 960 1,898
27.............................. 1,070 2,214
28.............................. 1,080 2,530
29.............................. 1,090 2,725
30.............................. 2,100 3,163
31.............................. 2,210 3,479
32.............................. 2,320 3,795
33.............................. 2,430 4,112
34.............................. 2,540 4,428
35.............................. 2,650 4,744
[[Page 44538]]
36.............................. 2,760 5,060
37.............................. 2,870 5,377
38.............................. 2,980 5,693
39.............................. 3,090 6,009
40.............................. 3,200 6,325
41.............................. 3,310 6,642
42.............................. 3,420 6,958
43.............................. 3,530 7,274
44.............................. 3,640 7,591
45.............................. 4,750 7,907
46.............................. 4,860 8,223
47.............................. 4,970 8,539
48.............................. 5,080 8,856
49.............................. 5,190 9,172
50.............................. 5,300 9,488
51.............................. 5,410 9,804
52.............................. 5,520 10,121
53.............................. 5,630 10,437
54.............................. 5,740 10,753
55.............................. 5,850 11,070
56.............................. 5,960 11,386
57.............................. 7,070 11,702
58.............................. 7,180 12,018
59.............................. 7,290 12,335
60.............................. 7,400 12,651
61.............................. 7,510 12,967
62.............................. 7,620 13,284
63.............................. 7,730 13,600
64.............................. 7,840 13,916
65.............................. 7,950 14,232
66.............................. 8,060 14,549
67.............................. 8,170 14,865
68.............................. 8,280 15,181
69.............................. 8,390 15,497
70.............................. 8,500 15,814
30 CFR 845.15(b) (Assessment of separate Maximum......................... 1,025 2,372
violations for each day).
30 CFR 846.14(b) (Individual)................. Maximum......................... 8,500 17,395
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
B. Calculation of Adjustments
The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) issued guidance on
calculating the catch-up adjustment. See February 24, 2016, Memorandum
for the Heads of Executive Departments and Agencies, from Shaun
Donovan, Director, Office of Management and Budget, re: Implementation
of the Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act Improvements
Act of 2015.
The OMB guidance defines ``civil monetary penalty'' as ``any
assessment with a dollar amount that is levied for a violation of a
Federal civil statute or regulation, and is assessed or enforceable
through a civil action in Federal court or an administrative
proceeding.'' It further instructs that a civil monetary penalty ``does
not include a penalty levied for violation of a criminal statute, or
fees for services, licenses, permits, or other regulatory reviews.''
The guidance also specifies that agencies should calculate the catch-up
adjustment by determining the percent change between the Consumer Price
Index for all Urban Consumers (CPI-U) for the month of October in the
calendar year of the previous adjustment (or in the year of
establishment, if no adjustment has been made) and the October 2015
CPI-U. OSMRE used this guidance to identify applicable civil monetary
penalties and calculate the required catch-up adjustments.
Generally, OSMRE assigns points to a violation as described in 30
CFR 723.13 and 845.13. The CMP owed is based on the number of points
received, ranging from one point to seventy points. For 2016, the Act
requires that OSMRE adjust the civil penalty amounts for violations of
SMCRA and provides the adjustment timing. The Act instructs OSMRE to
use the maximum civil penalty amount as last adjusted by a provision of
law other than the Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act of
1990 (Public Law 104-410) (FCPIA of 1990) when calculating the 2016
civil penalty adjustment. The maximum civil penalty amounts for
violations of SMCRA have not been adjusted by a provision of law other
than the FCPIA of 1990 since the penalties were established in SMCRA in
1977. Because the penalties were first published in the Federal
Register in 1979, in computing the new civil penalty amounts for
violations of SMCRA, OSMRE used the adjustment factor for 1979 provided
in OMB's guidance. This resulted in a multiplying factor of 3.16274.
The statutory maximum civil penalty amount (e.g., $5,000) was
multiplied by the multiplying factor (e.g., $5,000 x 3.16274 =
$15,813.70). The Act requires that the maximum civil penalty amount be
rounded to the nearest $1.00 at the end of the calculation process
(e.g., $15,814). OSMRE's calculated increases do not exceed 150 percent
of the maximum civil penalty amount as of November 2, 2015, and thus,
they comply with the Act. Also, pursuant to the Act, these increases
apply to civil penalties assessed after the date they take effect, even
if the associated violation predates such increase.
C. Effect of Rule in Federal Program States and on Indian Lands
OSMRE directly regulates surface coal mining and reclamation
activities within a State or on tribal lands if the
[[Page 44539]]
State or tribe does not adopt its own program pursuant to section 503
of SMCRA. The increase in civil monetary penalties contained in this
rule will apply to the following Federal program states: Arizona,
California, Georgia, Idaho, Massachusetts, Michigan, North Carolina,
Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Tennessee, and Washington. The
Federal programs for those States appear at 30 CFR parts 903, 905, 910,
912, 921, 922, 933, 937, 939, 941, 942, and 947, respectively. The
increase in civil monetary penalties also applies to Indian lands under
the Federal program for Indian lands, which appears in 30 CFR 750.18.
D. Effect of the Rule on Approved State Programs
State regulatory programs are not required to mirror all of the
penalty provisions of our regulations. In re Permanent Surface Mining
Regulation Litigation, No. 79-1144, Mem. Op. (D.D.C. May 16, 1980), 19
Env't Rep. Cas. (BNA) 1477. Thus, this rule has no effect on CMPs in
states with SMCRA primacy.
II. Procedural Matters and Required Determinations
A. Regulatory Planning and Review (E.O. 12866 and 13563)
Executive Order 12866 provides that the Office of Information and
Regulatory Affairs in the Office of Management and Budget will review
all significant rules. The Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs
has determined that this rule is not significant.
Executive Order 13563 reaffirms the principles of E.O. 12866 while
calling for improvements in the nation's regulatory system to promote
predictability, to reduce uncertainty, and to use the best, most
innovative, and least burdensome tools for achieving regulatory ends.
The executive order directs agencies to consider regulatory approaches
that reduce burdens and maintain flexibility and freedom of choice for
the public where these approaches are relevant, feasible, and
consistent with regulatory objectives. E.O. 13563 emphasizes further
that regulations must be based on the best available science and that
the rulemaking process must allow for public participation and an open
exchange of ideas. We have developed this rule in a manner consistent
with these requirements, to the extent permitted by statute.
B. Regulatory Flexibility Act
The Regulatory Flexibility Act (FRA) requires an agency to prepare
a regulatory flexibility analysis for all rules unless the agency
certifies that the rule will not have a significant economic impact on
a substantial number of small entities. The RFA applies only to rules
for which an agency is required to first publish a proposed rule. See 5
U.S.C. 603(a) and 604(a). The Federal Civil Penalties Inflation
Adjustment Act Improvements Act of 2015 requires agencies to adjust
civil penalties with an initial ``catch-up'' adjustment through an
interim final rule. An interim final rule does not include first
publishing a proposed rule. Thus, the RFA does not apply to this
rulemaking.
C. Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act
This rule is not a major rule under 5 U.S.C. 804(2), the Small
Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act. This rule:
(a) Does not have an annual effect on the economy of $100 million
or more.
(b) Will not cause a major increase in costs or prices for
consumers, individual industries, Federal, State, or local government
agencies, or geographic regions.
(c) Does not have significant adverse effects on competition,
employment, investment, productivity, innovation, or the ability of
U.S.-based enterprises to compete with foreign-based enterprises.
D. Unfunded Mandates Reform Act
This rule does not impose an unfunded mandate on State, local, or
tribal governments, or the private sector of more than $100 million per
year. The rule does not have a significant or unique effect on State,
local, or tribal governments or the private sector. A statement
containing the information required by the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act
(2 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.) is not required.
E. Takings (E.O. 12630)
This rule does not effect a taking of private property or otherwise
have taking implications under Executive Order 12630. A takings
implication assessment is not required.
F. Federalism (E.O. 13132)
Under the criteria in section 1 of Executive Order 13132, this rule
does not have sufficient federalism implications to warrant the
preparation of a federalism summary impact statement. A federalism
summary impact statement is not required.
G. Civil Justice Reform (E.O. 12988)
This rule complies with the requirements of Executive Order 12988.
Specifically, this rule:
(a) Meets the criteria of section 3(a) requiring that all
regulations be reviewed to eliminate errors and ambiguity and be
written to minimize litigation; and
(b) Meets the criteria of section 3(b)(2) requiring that all
regulations be written in clear language and contain clear legal
standards.
H. Consultation With Indian Tribes (E.O. 13175 and Departmental Policy)
The Department of the Interior strives to strengthen its
government-to-government relationship with Indian tribes through a
commitment to consultation with Indian tribes and recognition of their
right to self-governance and tribal sovereignty. We have evaluated this
rule under the Department's consultation policy and under the criteria
in Executive Order 13175 and have determined that it has no substantial
direct effects on federally recognized Indian tribes and that
consultation under the Department's tribal consultation policy is not
required.
I. Paperwork Reduction Act
This rule does not contain information collection requirements, and
a submission to the Office of Management and Budget under the Paperwork
Reduction Act (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.) is not required. We may not
conduct or sponsor, and you are not required to respond to, a
collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB
control number.
J. National Environmental Policy Act
This rule does not constitute a major Federal action significantly
affecting the quality of the human environment. A detailed statement
under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) is not
required because the rule is covered by a categorical exclusion. This
rule is excluded from the requirement to prepare a detailed statement
because it is a regulation of an administrative nature. (For further
information see 43 CFR 46.210(i).) We have also determined that the
rule does not involve any of the extraordinary circumstances listed in
43 CFR 46.215 that would require further analysis under NEPA.
K. Effects on Energy Supply, Distribution, and Use (E.O. 13211)
This rule is not a significant energy action under the definition
in Executive
[[Page 44540]]
Order 13211. A Statement of Energy Effects is not required.
L. Clarity of This Regulation
We are required by Executive Orders 12866 (section 1 (b)(12)),
12988 (section 3(b)(1)(B)), and 13563 (section 1(a)), and by the
Presidential Memorandum of June 1, 1998, to write all rules in plain
language. This means that each rule we publish must:
(a) Be logically organized;
(b) Use the active voice to address readers directly;
(c) Use common, everyday words and clear language rather than
jargon;
(d) Be divided into short sections and sentences; and
(e) Use lists and tables wherever possible.
If you believe that we have not met these requirements, send us
comments by one of the methods listed in the ADDRESSES section. To
better help us revise the rule, your comments should be as specific as
possible. For example, you should tell us the numbers of the sections
or paragraphs that you find unclear, which sections or sentences are
too long, the sections where you feel lists or tables would be useful,
etc.
M. Data Quality Act
In developing this rule, we did not conduct or use a study,
experiment, or survey requiring peer review under the Data Quality Act
(Pub. L. 106-554).
N. Administrative Procedure Act
The Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act Improvements
Act of 2015 requires agencies to publish interim final rules by July 1,
2016, with an effective date for the adjusted penalties no later than
August 1, 2016. To comply with the Act, we are issuing these
regulations as an interim final rule and are requesting comments post-
promulgation. Section 553(b) of the Administrative Procedure Act (APA)
provides that, when an agency for good cause finds that ``notice and
public procedure . . . are impracticable, unnecessary, or contrary to
the public interest,'' the agency may issue a rule without providing
notice and an opportunity for prior public comment. 5 U.S.C. 553(b).
OSMRE finds that there is good cause to promulgate this rule
without first providing for public comment. It would not be practicable
to meet the deadlines imposed by the Act if we were to first publish a
proposed rule, allow the public sufficient time to submit comments,
analyze the comments, and publish a final rule. Also, OSMRE is
promulgating this final rule to implement the statutory directive in
the Act, which requires agencies to publish an interim final rule and
to update the civil penalty amounts by applying a specified formula.
OSMRE has no discretion to vary the amount of the adjustment to reflect
any views or suggestions provided by commenters. Accordingly, it would
serve no purpose to provide an opportunity for pre-promulgation public
comment on this rule. Thus, OSMRE finds pre-promulgation notice and
public comment to be impracticable and unnecessary.
Also, OSMRE finds that there is good cause for publishing this rule
less than thirty days before its effective date, since the Act requires
agencies to publish interim final rules with an effective date no later
than August 1, 2016. 5 U.S.C. 553(d). OSMRE has no discretion to
provide for an effective date that is later than August 1, 2016.
List of Subjects
30 CFR Part 723
Administrative practice and procedure, Penalties, Surface mining,
Underground mining.
30 CFR Part 724
Administrative practice and procedure, Penalties, Surface mining,
Underground mining.
30 CFR Part 845
Administrative practice and procedure, Law enforcement, Penalties,
Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Surface mining, Underground
mining.
30 CFR Part 846
Administrative practice and procedure, Penalties, Surface mining,
Underground mining.
Dated: June 29, 2016.
Janice M. Schneider,
Assistant Secretary, Land and Minerals Management.
For the reasons given in the preamble, the Department of the
Interior amends 30 CFR parts 723, 724, 845, and 846 as set forth below.
PART 723--CIVIL PENALTIES
0
1. The authority citation for Part 723 is amended to read as follows:
Authority: 28 U.S.C. 2461, 30 U.S.C. 1201 et seq., and 31
U.S.C. 3701.
0
2. Section 723.14 is amended by revising the table to read as follows:
Sec. 723.14 Determination of amount of penalty.
* * * * *
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Points Dollars
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1....................................................... 63
2....................................................... 127
3....................................................... 190
4....................................................... 253
5....................................................... 316
6....................................................... 380
7....................................................... 443
8....................................................... 506
9....................................................... 569
10...................................................... 633
11...................................................... 696
12...................................................... 759
13...................................................... 822
14...................................................... 886
15...................................................... 949
16...................................................... 1,012
17...................................................... 1,075
18...................................................... 1,139
19...................................................... 1,202
20...................................................... 1,265
21...................................................... 1,328
22...................................................... 1,392
23...................................................... 1,455
24...................................................... 1,518
25...................................................... 1,581
26...................................................... 1,898
27...................................................... 2,214
28...................................................... 2,530
29...................................................... 2,725
30...................................................... 3,163
31...................................................... 3,479
32...................................................... 3,795
33...................................................... 4,112
34...................................................... 4,428
35...................................................... 4,744
36...................................................... 5,060
37...................................................... 5,377
38...................................................... 5,693
39...................................................... 6,009
40...................................................... 6,325
41...................................................... 6,642
42...................................................... 6,958
43...................................................... 7,274
44...................................................... 7,591
45...................................................... 7,907
46...................................................... 8,223
47...................................................... 8,539
48...................................................... 8,856
49...................................................... 9,172
50...................................................... 9,488
51...................................................... 9,804
52...................................................... 10,121
53...................................................... 10,437
54...................................................... 10,753
55...................................................... 11,070
56...................................................... 11,386
57...................................................... 11,702
58...................................................... 12,018
59...................................................... 12,335
60...................................................... 12,651
61...................................................... 12,967
62...................................................... 13,284
63...................................................... 13,600
64...................................................... 13,916
65...................................................... 14,232
66...................................................... 14,549
67...................................................... 14,865
68...................................................... 15,181
69...................................................... 15,497
70...................................................... 15,814
------------------------------------------------------------------------
0
3. Section 723.15 is amended by revising paragraph (b) introductory
text to read as follows:
[[Page 44541]]
Sec. 723.15 Assessment of separate violations for each day.
* * * * *
(b) In addition to the civil penalty provided for in paragraph (a)
of this section, whenever a violation contained in a notice of
violation or cessation order has not been abated within the abatement
period set in the notice or order or as subsequently extended pursuant
to section 521(a) of the Act, 30 U.S.C. 1271(a), a civil penalty of not
less than $2,372 will be assessed for each day during which such
failure to abate continues, except that:
* * * * *
PART 724--INDIVIDUAL CIVIL PENALTIES
0
4. The authority citation for part 724 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 28 U.S.C. 2461, 30 U.S.C. 1201 et seq., and 31
U.S.C. 3701.
0
5. Section 724.14 is amended by revising the first sentence of
paragraph (b) to read as follows:
Sec. 724.14 Amount of individual civil penalty.
* * * * *
(b) The penalty will not exceed $17,395 for each violation. * * *
PART 845--CIVIL PENALTIES
0
6. The authority citation for part 845 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 28 U.S.C. 2461, 30 U.S.C. 1201 et seq., 31 U.S.C.
3701, Pub. L. 100-202, and Pub. L. 100-446.
0
7. Section 845.14 is amended by revising the table to read as follows:
Sec. 845.14 Determination of amount of penalty.
* * * * *
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Points Dollars
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1....................................................... 63
2....................................................... 127
3....................................................... 190
4....................................................... 253
5....................................................... 316
6....................................................... 380
7....................................................... 443
8....................................................... 506
9....................................................... 569
10...................................................... 633
11...................................................... 696
12...................................................... 759
13...................................................... 822
14...................................................... 886
15...................................................... 949
16...................................................... 1,012
17...................................................... 1,075
18...................................................... 1,139
19...................................................... 1,202
20...................................................... 1,265
21...................................................... 1,328
22...................................................... 1,392
23...................................................... 1,455
24...................................................... 1,518
25...................................................... 1,581
26...................................................... 1,898
27...................................................... 2,214
28...................................................... 2,530
29...................................................... 2,725
30...................................................... 3,163
31...................................................... 3,479
32...................................................... 3,795
33...................................................... 4,112
34...................................................... 4,428
35...................................................... 4,744
36...................................................... 5,060
37...................................................... 5,377
38...................................................... 5,693
39...................................................... 6,009
40...................................................... 6,325
41...................................................... 6,642
42...................................................... 6,958
43...................................................... 7,274
44...................................................... 7,591
45...................................................... 7,907
46...................................................... 8,223
47...................................................... 8,539
48...................................................... 8,856
49...................................................... 9,172
50...................................................... 9,488
51...................................................... 9,804
52...................................................... 10,121
53...................................................... 10,437
54...................................................... 10,753
55...................................................... 11,070
56...................................................... 11,386
57...................................................... 11,702
58...................................................... 12,018
59...................................................... 12,335
60...................................................... 12,651
61...................................................... 12,967
62...................................................... 13,284
63...................................................... 13,600
64...................................................... 13,916
65...................................................... 14,232
66...................................................... 14,549
67...................................................... 14,865
68...................................................... 15,181
69...................................................... 15,497
70...................................................... 15,814
------------------------------------------------------------------------
0
8. Section 845.15 is amended by revising paragraph (b) introductory
text to read as follows:
Sec. 845.15 Assessment of separate violations for each day.
* * * * *
(b) In addition to the civil penalty provided for in paragraph (a)
of this section, whenever a violation contained in a notice of
violation or cessation order has not been abated within the abatement
period set in the notice or order or as subsequently extended pursuant
to section 521(a) of the Act, a civil penalty of not less than $2,372
will be assessed for each day during which such failure to abate
continues, except that:
* * * * *
PART 846--CIVIL PENALTIES
0
9. The authority citation for part 846 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 28 U.S.C. 2461, 30 U.S.C. 1201 et seq., and 31
U.S.C. 3701.
0
10. Section 846.14 is amended by revising the first sentence of
paragraph (b) to read as follows:
Sec. 846.14 Amount of individual civil penalty.
* * * * *
(b) The penalty will not exceed $17,395 for each violation. * * *
[FR Doc. 2016-16190 Filed 7-7-16; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-05-P
