Land Use Planning, 14561-14567 [05-5683]

Agencies

• DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
• Bureau of Land Management
• Land Management Bureau

[Federal Register Volume 70, Number 55 (Wednesday, March 23, 2005)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 14561-14567]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 05-5683]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Bureau of Land Management

43 CFR Part 1600

[WO-350-2520-24 1A]
RIN 1004-AD 57


Land Use Planning

AGENCY: Bureau of Land Management (BLM), Interior.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: This final rule modifies the BLM's planning regulations with 
three objectives. It defines cooperating agency and cooperating agency 
status. It clarifies the responsibility of managers to offer this 
status to qualified agencies and governments, and to respond to 
requests for this status. Finally, it makes clear the role of 
cooperating agencies in the various steps of BLM's planning process.
    The rule is necessary to emphasize the importance of working with 
Federal and state agencies and local and tribal governments through 
cooperating agency relationships in developing, amending, and revising 
the Bureau's resource management plans. BLM's current planning 
regulations do not mention the cooperating agency relationship.

DATES: This final rule is effective on April 22, 2005.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Robert Winthrop at (202) 785-6597 or 
Mark Lambert at (202) 452-7763. Persons who use a telecommunications 
device for the deaf (TDD) may call the Federal Information Relay 
Service (FIRS) at 1-800-877-8339, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Background and Purpose
II. Response to Comments
III. Procedural Matters

I. Background and Purpose

Why Is BLM Implementing This Rule?

    BLM's policy emphasizes the importance of working with Federal and 
state agencies and local and tribal governments to develop the Bureau's 
resource management plans. BLM's current planning regulations do not 
mention the cooperating agency relationship, an important tool for 
working with other agencies and governments. This final rule:
     Defines cooperating agency and cooperating agency status;
     Clarifies the responsibility of managers to offer this 
status to qualified agencies and governments, and to respond to 
requests for this status; and
     Formally establishes the role of cooperating agencies in 
the various steps of BLM's planning process.
    This final rule does not make any substantive changes in the public 
participation requirements found at Sec.  1610.2. This rule directs BLM 
to provide the public with meaningful opportunities to participate in 
the preparation of plans, amendments, and related guidance. The 
collaboration between BLM and cooperating agencies envisioned by this 
final rule is in addition to existing requirements to engage the public 
in the planning process.
    Because cooperating agencies are government agencies, meetings 
between BLM and agencies that hold cooperating agency status would not 
normally be subject to the requirements of the Federal Advisory 
Committee Act (FACA), 5 U.S.C. Appendix 1. This is because section 
204(b) of the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995, Public Law 104-4, 
provides that FACA does not apply to meetings held exclusively between 
Federal officials and officers of state, local, and tribal governments.
    BLM made other minor changes not directly related to cooperating 
agencies that update our planning regulations to reflect our current 
organizational structure. BLM was reorganized in many district and area 
jurisdictions. We now use the term ``field office'' in referencing 
these jurisdictions. Therefore, resource management plan boundaries do 
not typically follow the previous ``resource area'' boundaries and 
managers of these new jurisdictions have assumed the title of Field 
Manager. These organizational adjustments are reflected in this final 
rule.

Section by Section Discussion

Section 1601.0-4 Responsibilities

    The changes for this section are editorial, and do not affect the 
substance of this rule. This section remains as proposed.

Section 1601.0-5 Definitions

    We amended this section by adding definitions of ``eligible 
cooperating agency'' and ``cooperating agency.'' The definition of 
cooperating agency makes clear that an agency becomes a cooperating 
agency only after it has entered into a written agreement with BLM. In 
the proposed rule, we used the terms ``cooperating agency'' and 
``cooperating agency status.'' We changed these terms in the final rule 
to improve clarity. We also revised subsection (d) (defining eligible 
cooperating agency) in the final rule by imposing uniform eligibility 
criteria for tribes, states, and local governments to become 
cooperating agencies. Please see the Responses to Comments discussion 
for an explanation of the changes.
    We are also adding a definition for Field Manager. The purpose of 
the definition is to update the regulations to reflect BLM's current 
organizational structure. In many cases, BLM has moved away from having 
district offices and subordinate area offices. BLM now has field 
offices that we formerly called area offices or district offices. 
However, in some instances, we maintain a district office with 
subordinate field offices. Therefore, to avoid having to use the term 
``District Manager and/or Field Manager'' we are defining Field Manager 
to include both positions.

Section 1610.1 Resource Management Planning Guidance

    The changes for this section are editorial, and do not affect the 
substance of this rule. This section remains as proposed.

[[Page 14562]]

Section 1610.2 Public Participation

    The changes for this section are editorial, and do not affect the 
substance of this rule. This section remains as proposed.

Section 1610.3-1 Coordination of Planning Efforts

    The changes to this section provide direction that explicitly 
requires State Directors and Field Managers to utilize the cooperating 
agency relationship in their efforts to coordinate with other Federal 
and state agencies and local and tribal governments, where possible and 
appropriate. We include language instructing State Directors and Field 
Managers to invite eligible Federal agencies, state and local 
governments, and federally recognized Indian tribes to participate as 
cooperating agencies in the development, amendment, and revision of 
resource management plans. New language requires Field Managers to 
consider requests for cooperating agency status from other Federal 
agencies, state and local governments, and federally recognized Indian 
tribes, and to inform the State Director if the Field Manager denies 
the request. These changes provide a more consistent approach to the 
use of cooperating agencies by the BLM. Other changes for this section 
are editorial, and do not affect the substance of this rule. This 
section remains as proposed with the exception of two minor edits: we 
replaced the term ``tribal governments'' with ``federally recognized 
Indian tribes'' in two places to be consistent with other changes made 
to the rule (see the Responses to Comments discussion for an 
explanation of the changes), and substituted ``eligible'' for 
``qualifying'' in subsection (b).

Section 1610.4-1 Identification of Issues

    We revised this section to instruct Field Managers to collaborate 
with cooperating agencies throughout the scoping process. Other changes 
for this section are editorial, and do not affect the substance of this 
rule. Other than a minor word change (deleting ``participating'' from 
``participating cooperating agencies''), this section remains as 
proposed.

Section 1610.4-2 Development of Planning Criteria

    We revised the first sentence of this section expressly to include 
cooperating agencies among those the BLM will coordinate with in 
developing planning criteria for resource management plans and 
revisions. This section remains as proposed with one exception: We 
deleted ``participating'' from ``participating cooperating agencies.''

Section 1610.4-3 Inventory Data and Information Collection

    We revised the first sentence of this section to instruct Field 
Managers to collaborate with cooperating agencies in arranging for the 
collection of data and information. Other changes for this section are 
editorial, and do not affect the substance of this rule. Other than a 
minor word change (deleting ``participating'' from ``participating 
cooperating agencies''), this section remains as proposed.

Section 1610.4-4 Analysis of the Management Situation

    We revised the first sentence of this section to instruct Field 
Managers to collaborate with cooperating agencies in preparing the 
analysis of the management situation. Other than a minor word change 
(deleting ``participating'' from ``participating cooperating 
agencies''), this section remains as proposed.

Section 1610.4-5 Formulation of Alternatives

    We revised the first sentence of this section to instruct BLM to 
collaborate with cooperating agencies in formulating alternatives. We 
also emphasized that the decision to designate alternatives for further 
development and analysis remains the exclusive responsibility of the 
BLM. Other than a minor word change (deleting ``participating'' from 
``participating cooperating agencies''), this section remains as 
proposed.

Section 1610.4-6 Estimation of Effects of Alternatives

    We revised this section to instruct Field Managers to collaborate 
with cooperating agencies in analyzing and displaying the effects of 
implementing each alternative. Other changes for this section are 
editorial, and do not affect the substance of this rule. Other than a 
minor word change (deleting ``participating'' from ``participating 
cooperating agencies''), this section remains as proposed.

Section 1610.4-7 Selection of Preferred Alternative

    In the final rule, we changed the title of the section, and in the 
first sentence deleted ``participating'' from ``participating 
cooperating agencies.'' Please see the Responses to Comments discussion 
for an explanation of this change. The first sentence instructs Field 
Managers to collaborate with cooperating agencies in evaluating the 
alternatives and identifying a preferred alternative. We rewrote the 
second sentence to clarify terminology. The second sentence emphasizes 
that the decision to select a preferred alternative remains the 
exclusive responsibility of the BLM. Other changes for this section are 
editorial, and do not affect the substance of this rule.

Changing Titles

    Throughout part 1600, we changed our reference to position titles. 
We replaced the title of District Manager and Area Manager with the 
term Field Manager to reflect the current BLM organization.

II. Responses to Comments

    In this portion of the Supplementary Information, we summarize the 
comments received, and then discuss those sections of the proposed rule 
addressed by comments. If we do not discuss a particular section or 
paragraph, it means that no public comments addressed the provision.
    The public comment period for 43 CFR part 1600 ended on September 
20, 2004. BLM received 14 comments from agencies, organizations, and 
individuals. Eleven of the comments supported the proposed rule change, 
though often suggesting modifications. Several comments emphasized the 
importance of including state and local governments in the planning 
process. One comment suggested that other Federal land management 
agencies should adopt similar policies. Another comment objected to the 
proposed rule because of the Bureau's policies regarding the management 
of wild horses; this comment is outside the scope of land use planning 
or cooperating agency relationships and this rule.
    A number of comments suggested how BLM should work with cooperating 
agencies. These suggestions include:
     BLM should notify potential cooperating agencies early in 
the planning process;
     The cooperating agency relationship should be formalized 
through memoranda of understanding (MOUs);
     Cooperating agencies should be involved in identifying 
planning issues;
     Cooperating agencies should be involved in selecting 
contractors for plan preparation;
     BLM should be more consistent in the application of 
cooperating agency provisions, including the conditions under which 
cooperating agencies may use consultants to represent them in its 
planning process;

[[Page 14563]]

     BLM should ensure that current plan language and proposed 
changes are depicted in a single document throughout the planning 
process;
     BLM should respond to all written suggestions and comments 
from cooperating agencies throughout the planning process; and
     BLM managers should be directly involved in the planning 
process.
    We agree with many of these suggestions, but believe they are more 
appropriate for BLM's internal guidance rather than its regulations. 
The Planning, Assessment, and Community Support Group is preparing a 
desk guide for field offices on working effectively with cooperating 
agencies. We will consider these comments in preparing the guide. In 
addition, several points these comments raised, including the 
importance of the Field Manager's involvement and the need to establish 
the cooperating agency relationship through a written memorandum of 
understanding, are addressed in recent BLM guidance: Instruction 
Memorandum 2004-231, The Scope of Collaboration in the Cooperating 
Agency Relationship.
    Three comments urged BLM to ensure that all planning efforts 
included an adequate assessment of local social and economic conditions 
and impacts. We agree. The Land Use Planning Handbook (H-1601-1) is 
under revision and will include specific direction for field office 
staff to work with state, local, and tribal planning partners as well 
as the public in identifying socio-economic issues, sources of data, 
and methods of analysis (Planning Handbook, Appendix D, Sec. III.A). In 
addition, every field office preparing a resource management plan is 
required to conduct an economic strategies workshop to bring together 
local government officials, community leaders, and BLM staff to review 
regional conditions and trends, identify local economic and social 
goals, and seek opportunities for advancing them through collaboration 
in plans and policies (Planning Handbook, Appendix D, Sec. III.B).
    Two comments urged the BLM to incorporate the suggested rule change 
language into its Land Use Planning Handbook. Language in the Handbook 
concerning cooperating agencies will be consistent with this final 
rule.
    In the remainder of this section we address those comments that 
suggested changes in specific provisions of the proposed regulations.

Section 1601.0-5 Definitions

    In reviewing the proposed rule for consistency with its regulations 
and guidance, the Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) indicated that 
use of the term ``participating'' (as in the phrase ``participating 
cooperating agencies'') may lead to confusion with unrelated policy 
proposals involving the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) 
process. To correct this, we modified the term defined at subsection 
(d) from ``cooperating agency'' to ``eligible cooperating agency,'' and 
at subsection (e) from ``cooperating agency status'' to ``cooperating 
agency.'' As a result ``cooperating agency'' now refers unambiguously 
to a governmental entity that meets the requirements identified in 
subsection (d) and has entered into a written agreement establishing 
its cooperating agency status with the BLM as required by subsection 
(e). This allowed us to strike the word ``participating'' from 
Sec. Sec.  1610.4-1, 1610.4-2, 1610.4-3, 1610.4-4, 1610.4-5, 1610.4-6, 
and 1610.4-7. We also made other minor changes to subsection (e) for 
clarity.
    Subsection (d): Eligible Cooperating Agency [formerly: Cooperating 
Agency]. For a tribe to become a cooperating agency the CEQ regulations 
require that there be effects on its reservation (40 CFR 1508.5). In 
the proposed rule, we included this language, but added a second 
option, allowing tribes to qualify when potential effects occur ``on 
ceded public land with reserved treaty rights.'' In the final rule we 
reorganized this section altogether to provide consistent criteria for 
tribes, states, and local governments.
    One comment recommended changing the criteria for tribal 
eligibility because the proposed rule would restrict tribal 
participation as a cooperating agency to situations where activities 
authorized through a resource management plan may affect reservation 
lands or those lands outside reservation boundaries in which tribes had 
rights reserved through treaties. Thus, the comment explained that the 
proposed rule would exclude almost all federally recognized Alaskan 
native groups because their reservations were dissolved by the Alaska 
Native Claims Settlement Act (43 U.S.C. 1618(a)). The comment proposed 
that we recast the criteria for tribal eligibility in terms of effects 
(a) in ``Indian Country'' (a term defined in federal statute as lands 
within the boundaries of a reservation, dependent Indian communities, 
or Indian allotments (see 18 U.S.C. 1151)), or (b) ``outside of Indian 
country where federally-recognized tribes have recognized rights and 
interests protected by treaty, statute, judicial decisions or other 
authorities.''
    We agree that BLM's use of cooperating agency status should apply 
consistently to all federally recognized Indian tribes, which the 
proposed rule did not achieve. In reconsidering the rationale for 
federally recognized Indian tribes to participate as cooperating 
agencies, we also concluded that there was no justification to impose 
different eligibility criteria for tribes than for state and local 
governments. By applying the criteria used for state and local 
governments to federally recognized Indian tribes, and deleting any 
requirement to demonstrate potential effects on particular tribal lands 
or resources, both inconsistencies are removed. All federally 
recognized Indian tribes are potentially eligible, whether or not they 
possess reservations. In the final rule we use the following language 
at Sec.  1601.0-5(d):

    (1) A Federal agency other than a lead agency that is qualified 
* * * by virtue of its jurisdiction by law as defined in 40 CFR 
1508.15, or special expertise as defined in 40 CFR 1508.26; or
    (2) A federally recognized Indian tribe, a state agency, or a 
local government agency with similar qualifications.

    This has the merit of assessing tribal qualifications on the same 
basis we use for other government entities: primarily for expertise 
regarding the physical, biological, or socio-economic conditions of the 
planning area and its environs.
    Separate from the cooperating agency relationship, federal agencies 
have a responsibility to consult with federally recognized Indian 
tribes on a government-to-government basis. In a planning context, BLM 
may also have specific statutory obligations, such as the tribal 
consultation requirement established through the National Historic 
Preservation Act (36 CFR 800.2(c)(2)). The cooperating agency 
relationship will complement such formal consultation efforts.
    Subsection (e): Cooperating Agency [formerly: Cooperating Agency 
Status]. One comment suggested that eligible entities seeking 
cooperating agency status should have the right to waive the 
requirement of a written agreement with BLM. We disagree. An essential 
element of a productive relationship between BLM and its cooperating 
agencies is that each party has a common understanding of its roles and 
responsibilities throughout a planning process. A written agreement 
provides this common understanding. The requirement is reasonable, will 
benefit agency relationships, and should not prove burdensome for BLM 
or its cooperating agency partners.

[[Page 14564]]

Section 1610.2 Public Participation

    Two comments proposed that when a new or revised resource 
management plan is prepared, the existing, approved plan and any 
amendments be made available on the Internet (at proposed Sec.  
1610.2(g)). This suggestion is more appropriate for internal BLM 
guidance than regulation. The revised Land Use Planning Handbook will 
encourage use of the Internet to communicate with our publics about 
land use planning activities (Appendix A (II), Appendix G-1 (8)), 
though it does not require Internet posting of approved plans.

Section 1610.3-1 Coordination of Planning Efforts

    In subsection (b) we replaced ``qualifying Federal agencies'' with 
``eligible Federal agencies,'' to make the wording consistent with the 
revised definition at Sec.  1601.0-5 (d).
    Several comments addressed the degree of discretion the proposed 
rule would give Field Managers. One comment suggested that to ensure 
that the planning team does not become unnecessarily large and 
cumbersome, the invitation to cooperating agencies should be at the 
discretion of the Field Manager rather than obligatory for all 
qualifying Federal agencies and state, local, and tribal governments 
(at proposed Sec.  1610.3-1(b)). In contrast, one comment stated that 
the phrase ``where possible and appropriate'' as applied to 
collaboration with cooperating agencies was unnecessarily discretionary 
(at proposed Sec.  1610.3-1(a)(5)). Two comments suggested that it was 
inappropriate to include the option for a Field Manager to deny a 
request for cooperating agency status when the requesting agency is 
qualified by ``special expertise'' as defined at 40 CFR 1508.26 (at 
Sec.  1610.3-1(b)).
    We believe that the rule provides an appropriate balance. While the 
intent of the rule is to ensure that other government entities have 
early and consistent involvement in BLM's planning efforts, the rule 
also recognizes that the question of whether a potential cooperating 
agency has ``special expertise'' relative to a given planning effort 
must be judged on a case-by-case basis by the Field Manager. As noted 
in the proposed rule and this final rule, the State Director may 
overrule a Field Manager's denial of a request for cooperating agency 
status (at section 1610.3-1(b)).
    Two comments suggested that the language of Sec. Sec.  1610.3-
1(a)(1) and (2), which requires BLM managers to consider the plans of 
other Federal agencies, state and local governments, and tribes, be 
modified to require consideration of programs and policies. Sections 
1610.3-2(a) through (d) currently require BLM managers to seek 
consistency with the plans, policies, and programs of other government 
entities. We believe those requirements are sufficient to meet the 
intent of these comments.

Section 1610.3-2 Consistency Requirements

    Two comments proposed that the provision for a Governor's 
consistency review of BLM's resource management plans, described in the 
existing regulations at Sec.  1610.3-2(e), be expanded to include 
comparable reviews by affected local and tribal governments. Because we 
did not propose changes to this section of the planning regulations, 
these suggestions fall outside the scope of the proposed rule. The 
Planning, Assessment, and Community Support Group may propose 
additional changes to BLM's planning regulations in the future. If we 
do so, we will consider these suggestions.

Section 1610.4-7 Selection of Preferred Alternative

    One comment urged us to clarify the language concerning development 
of the preferred alternative, suggesting that it was confusing to use 
``identification'' to describe both collaboration with cooperating 
agencies and the final decision reserved to BLM. We agree. The current 
planning regulations use ``select,'' as does the planning handbook. The 
last sentence of this section of the final rule reads: ``Nonetheless, 
the decision to select a preferred alternative remains the exclusive 
responsibility of the BLM'' (emphasis added). Therefore, we also 
changed the title of Sec.  1610.4-7 from ``Identification of preferred 
alternative'' to ``Selection of preferred alternative.''

III. Procedural Matters

Executive Order 12866, Regulatory Planning and Review

    This rule is not a significant regulatory action and is not subject 
to review by the Office of Management and Budget under Executive Order 
12866. The effect of the rule is limited to governmental entities, and 
merely clarifies within BLM's planning regulations the criteria for 
cooperating agency relationships, and their application to BLM's 
planning process. BLM does not have to assess the potential costs and 
benefits of the rule under section 6(a)(3) of that order because it 
does not result in economic impacts of $100 million or more per year, 
does not propose any novel policy changes, does not cause any 
significant sectoral impacts, and does not conflict with any other 
regulations.

Regulatory Flexibility Act

    Congress enacted the Regulatory Flexibility Act of 1980 (RFA), as 
amended, 5 U.S.C. 601-612, to ensure that Government regulations do not 
unnecessarily or disproportionately burden small entities. The RFA 
requires a regulatory flexibility analysis if a rule would have a 
significant economic impact, either detrimental or beneficial, on a 
substantial number of small entities. This rule will not have a 
significant economic effect on a substantial number of small entities 
under the Regulatory Flexibility Act. The effect of the rule is limited 
to governmental entities, and merely clarifies within BLM's planning 
regulations the criteria for cooperating agency relationships, and 
their application to BLM's planning process. While state agencies and 
local and tribal governments may incur some expense in participating as 
cooperating agencies in BLM planning processes, their participation is 
voluntary. Moreover, this rule does not alter their opportunities to 
participate as cooperating agencies, which is already provided for in 
the Council on Environmental Quality (40 CFR 1500 et seq.) regulations.

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 does not have 
an annual effect on the economy of $100 million or more. It will not 
cause an increase in costs or prices for consumers, individual 
industries, Federal, state, or local government agencies, or geographic 
regions. While state agencies and local and tribal governments may 
entail some expense in participating as cooperating agencies in BLM 
planning processes, their participation is voluntary. This rule does 
not alter their opportunities to participate as cooperating agencies. 
The rule 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.

Unfunded Mandates Reform Act

    BLM has determined that this rule is not significant under the 
Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995, 2 U.S.C. 532, because it will not 
result in state,

[[Page 14565]]

local, and tribal government, or private sector expenditures of $100 
million or more in any one year. This rule will not significantly or 
uniquely affect small governments. Therefore, BLM is not required to 
prepare a statement containing the information required by the Unfunded 
Mandates Reform Act (2 U.S.C. 1502 et seq.).

Executive Order 12630, Governmental Actions and Interference With 
Constitutionally Protected Property Rights (Takings)

    The rule does not represent a government action capable of 
interfering with constitutionally protected property rights. Therefore, 
the Department of the Interior has determined that the rule would not 
cause a taking of private property or require further discussion of 
takings implications under this Executive Order.

Executive Order 13132, Federalism

    The rule would not have a substantial direct effect on the states, 
on the relationship between the national government and the states, or 
on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various 
levels of government. The rule only codifies existing policy that 
allows states and local government to participate in land use planning 
with BLM and neither adds nor removes these entities from a decision-
making role. Therefore, BLM has determined that this rule does not have 
sufficient Federalism implications to warrant BLM preparation of a 
Federalism Assessment.

Executive Order 13175, Consultation and Coordination With Indian Tribal 
Governments

    The rule will have ``tribal implications'' as defined in Section 
1(a), in that it will enlarge the opportunities for tribal 
participation as cooperating agencies in BLM's planning process. The 
rule will not impose substantial direct compliance costs on Indian 
tribal governments nor will it preempt tribal law. Therefore, neither 
formal consultation with tribal officials nor preparation of a tribal 
summary impact statement is required. Tribal governments are sovereign 
dependent nations, standing in a government-to-government relationship 
with the U.S. government; this provides the primary basis for 
consultation with Federal agencies.

Executive Order 12988, Civil Justice Reform

    Under Executive Order 12988, the Office of the Solicitor has 
determined that this rule would not unduly burden the judicial system 
and that it meets the requirements of sections 3(a) and 3(b)(2) of the 
Order.

Paperwork Reduction Act

    This regulation does not contain any information collection 
requirements.

National Environmental Policy Act of 1969

    BLM has determined that this rule is categorically excluded from 
environmental review under section 102(2)(c) of the National 
Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). Under the Department of the Interior 
Manual 516 DM, Chapter 2, Appendix 1, Sec.  1.10, this rule qualifies 
as a categorical exclusion because it is procedural in nature and 
because its environmental effect is too broad, speculative or 
conjectural to analyze. Furthermore, the rule does not meet any of the 
10 criteria for exceptions to the categorical exclusions listed in 516 
DM, Chapter 2, Appendix 2.
    Under Council on Environmental Quality regulations (40 CFR 1508.4) 
and the environmental policies and procedures of the Department of the 
Interior, the term ``categorical exclusions'' means a category of 
actions that do not individually or cumulatively have a significant 
effect on the human environment and that have been found to have no 
such effect in procedures adopted by a Federal agency and for which 
neither an environmental assessment nor an environmental impact 
statement is required.

Endangered Species Act of 1973

    The final rule will have no effect on listed or proposed species or 
on designated or proposed critical habitat under the Endangered Species 
Act (16 U.S.C. 1531-1544). Nothing in the final rule changes existing 
planning processes and procedures that ensure the protection of such 
species and habitat. Therefore consultation under Section 7 of the 
Endangered Species Act is not required. Further compliance with the 
Endangered Species Act will occur when resource management plans are 
developed, revised, or amended.

Executive Order 13211, Actions Concerning Regulations That 
Significantly Affect Energy Supply, Distribution or Use

    In accordance with Executive Order 13211, BLM has determined that 
the rule will not have substantial direct effects on the energy supply, 
distribution or use, including a shortfall in supply or price increase.
    The principal authors of this final rulemaking are Robert Winthrop 
and Mark Lambert, of BLM's Planning, Assessment, and Community Support 
Group, assisted by Kelly Odom, of BLM's Regulatory Affairs Group and 
Amy Sosin of the Department of the Interior, Office of the Solicitor.

Lists of Subjects at 43 CFR Part 1600

    Administrative practice and procedures, Environmental impact 
statements, Indians, Intergovernmental relations, Public lands.

    Dated: January 6, 2005.
Rebecca W. Watson,
Assistant Secretary, Land and Minerals Management.

0
For reasons set forth in the preamble and under the authority of the 
FLPMA (43 U.S.C. 1740), BLM amends part 1600 of Title 43 of the Code of 
Federal Regulations as set forth below:

PART 1600--PLANNING, PROGRAMMING, BUDGETING

0
1. The authority citation for part 1600 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 43 U.S.C. 1711-1712.


0
2. Amend Sec.  1601.0-4 by revising paragraphs (b) and (c) to read as 
follows:


Sec.  1601.0-4  Responsibilities.

* * * * *
    (b) State Directors will provide quality control and supervisory 
review, including plan approval, for plans and related environmental 
impact statements and provide additional guidance, as necessary, for 
use by Field Managers. State Directors will file draft and final 
environmental impact statements associated with resource management 
plans and amendments.
    (c) Field Managers will prepare resource management plans, 
amendments, revisions and related environmental impact statements. 
State Directors must approve these documents.

0
3. Amend Sec.  1601.0-5 by redesignating paragraphs (d) through (k) as 
paragraphs (g) through (n) respectively, by adding in a newly 
designated paragraph (m) ``or field office'' following the word 
``area'' in the first sentence and by adding new paragraphs (d), (e), 
and (f) to read as follows:


Sec.  1601.0-5  Definitions.

* * * * *
    (d) Eligible cooperating agency means:
    (1) A Federal agency other than a lead agency that is qualified to 
participate in the development of environmental impact statements as 
provided in 40 CFR 1501.6 and 1508.5 or, as necessary, other 
environmental documents that BLM prepares, by virtue of its

[[Page 14566]]

jurisdiction by law as defined in 40 CFR 1508.15, or special expertise 
as defined in 40 CFR 1508.26; or
    (2) A federally recognized Indian tribe, a state agency, or a local 
government agency with similar qualifications.
    (e) Cooperating agency means an eligible governmental entity that 
has entered into a written agreement with the BLM establishing 
cooperating agency status in the planning and NEPA processes. BLM and 
the cooperating agency will work together under the terms of the 
agreement. Cooperating agencies will participate in the various steps 
of BLM's planning process as feasible, given the constraints of their 
resources and expertise.
    (f) Field Manager means a BLM employee with the title ``Field 
Manager'' or ``District Manager.''
* * * * *


Sec.  1610.1  [Amended]

0
4. Amend Sec.  1610.1 by inserting after ``resource areas'' wherever it 
appears, the term ``or field office.''
0
5. Amend Sec.  1610.2 by revising the first sentence of paragraph (c) 
and revising paragraph (g) to read as follows:


Sec.  1610.2  Public participation.

* * * * *
    (c) When BLM starts to prepare, amend, or revise resource 
management plans we will begin the process by publishing a notice in 
the Federal Register and appropriate local media, including newspapers 
of general circulation in the state and field office area. The Field 
Manager may also decide if it is appropriate to publish a notice in 
media in adjoining States. * * *
* * * * *
    (g) BLM will make copies of an approved resource management plan 
and amendments reasonably available for public review. Upon request, we 
will make single copies available to the public during the public 
participation process. After BLM approves a plan, amendment, or 
revision we may charge a fee for additional copies. We will also have 
copies available for public review at the:
    (1) State Office that has jurisdiction over the lands,
    (2) Field Office that prepared the plan; and
    (3) District Office, if any, having jurisdiction over the Field 
Office that prepared the plan.
* * * * *

0
6. Amend Sec.  1610.3-1 by:
0
a. Revising paragraph (a);
0
b. Redesignating existing paragraphs (b), (c), (d), (e), and (f) as 
(c), (d), (e), (f), and (g), respectively;
0
c. Revising newly designated paragraph (g); and
0
d. Adding a new paragraph (b) to read as follows:


Sec.  1610.3-1  Coordination of planning efforts.

    (a) In addition to the public involvement prescribed by Sec.  
1610.2, the following coordination is to be accomplished with other 
Federal agencies, state and local governments, and federally recognized 
Indian tribes. The objectives of the coordination are for the State 
Directors and Field Managers to:
    (1) Keep apprised of non-Bureau of Land Management plans;
    (2) Assure that BLM considers those plans that are germane in the 
development of resource management plans for public lands;
    (3) Assist in resolving, to the extent practicable, inconsistencies 
between Federal and non-Federal government plans;
    (4) Provide for meaningful public involvement of other Federal 
agencies, State and local government officials, both elected and 
appointed, and federally recognized Indian tribes, in the development 
of resource management plans, including early public notice of final 
decisions that may have a significant impact on non-Federal lands; and
    (5) Where possible and appropriate, develop resource management 
plans collaboratively with cooperating agencies.
    (b) When developing or revising resource management plans, BLM 
State Directors and Field Managers will invite eligible Federal 
agencies, state and local governments, and federally recognized Indian 
tribes to participate as cooperating agencies. The same requirement 
applies when BLM amends resource management plans through an 
environmental impact statement. State Directors and Field Managers will 
consider any requests of other Federal agencies, state and local 
governments, and federally recognized Indian tribes for cooperating 
agency status. Field Managers who deny such requests will inform the 
State Director of the denial. The State Director will determine if the 
denial is appropriate.
* * * * *
    (g) When an advisory council has been formed under section 309 of 
the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 for the area 
addressed in a resource management plan or plan amendment, BLM will 
inform that council, seek its views, and consider them throughout the 
planning process.

0
7. Amend Sec.  1610.4-1 by revising the second sentence to read as 
follows:


Sec.  1610.4-1  Identification of issues.

    The Field Manager, in collaboration with any cooperating agencies, 
will analyze those suggestions and other available data, such as 
records of resource conditions, trends, needs, and problems, and select 
topics and determine the issues to be addressed during the planning 
process.* * *

0
8. Revise Sec.  1610.4-2 to read as follows:


Sec.  1610.4-2  Development of planning criteria.

    (a) The Field Manager will prepare criteria to guide development of 
the resource management plan or revision, to ensure:
    (1) It is tailored to the issues previously identified; and
    (2) That BLM avoids unnecessary data collection and analyses.
    (b) Planning criteria will generally be based upon applicable law, 
Director and State Director guidance, the results of public 
participation, and coordination with any cooperating agencies and other 
Federal agencies, State and local governments, and federally recognized 
Indian tribes.
    (c) BLM will make proposed planning criteria, including any 
significant changes, available for public comment prior to being 
approved by the Field Manager for use in the planning process.
    (d) BLM may change planning criteria as planning proceeds if we 
determine that public suggestions or study and assessment findings make 
such changes desirable.

0
9. Amend Sec.  1610.4-3 by removing the paragraph designation and 
revising the first sentence to read as follows:


Sec.  1610.4-3  Inventory data and information collection.

    The Field Manager, in collaboration with any cooperating agencies, 
will arrange for resource, environmental, social, economic and 
institutional data and information to be collected, or assembled if 
already available. * * *

0
10. Amend Sec.  1610.4-4 by revising the first sentence of the 
introductory text to read as follows:


Sec.  1610.4-4  Analysis of the management situation.

    The Field Manager, in collaboration with any cooperating agencies, 
will analyze the inventory data and other information available to 
determine the ability of the resource area to respond to

[[Page 14567]]

identified issues and opportunities. * * *
* * * * *

0
11. Amend Sec.  1610.4-5 by revising the first sentence to read as 
follows:


Sec.  1610.4-5  Formulation of alternatives.

    At the direction of the Field Manager, in collaboration with any 
cooperating agencies, BLM will consider all reasonable resource 
management alternatives and develop several complete alternatives for 
detailed study. Nonetheless, the decision to designate alternatives for 
further development and analysis remains the exclusive responsibility 
of the BLM. * * *
0
12. Amend Sec.  1610.4-6 by revising the first sentence to read as 
follows:


Sec.  1610.4-6  Estimation of effects of alternatives.

    The Field Manager, in collaboration with any cooperating agencies, 
will estimate and display the physical, biological, economic, and 
social effects of implementing each alternative considered in detail. * 
* *

0
13. Amend Sec.  1610.4-7 by revising the section heading and revising 
the first two sentences to read as follows:


Sec.  1610.4-7  Selection of preferred alternatives.

    The Field Manager, in collaboration with any cooperating agencies, 
will evaluate the alternatives, estimate their effects according to the 
planning criteria, and identify a preferred alternative that best meets 
Director and State Director guidance. Nonetheless, the decision to 
select a preferred alternative remains the exclusive responsibility of 
the BLM. * * *

0
14. In addition to the amendments set forth above, in 43 CFR part 1600, 
in the table below, for each section indicated in the left column, 
remove the title indicated in the middle column from wherever it 
appears in the section, and add the title indicated in the right 
column.


Sec. Sec.  1601.0-5, 1610.1, 1610.2, 1610.3-1, 1610.3-2, 1610.4-8, 
1610.4-9, 1610.5-1, 1610.5-3, 1610.5-5, 1610.5-7, 1610.7-1, and 
1610.8  [Amended]

------------------------------------------------------------------------
             Section                    Remove                Add
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1601.0-5........................  District and Area   Field Managers.
                                   Managers.
1610.1..........................  District and Area   Field Manager.
                                   Manager.
1610.2..........................  District Manager..  Field Manager.
1610.3-1........................  District or Area    Field Manager.
                                   Manager.
1610.3-2........................  District and Area   Field Managers.
                                   Managers.
1610.4-8........................  District Manager..  Field Manager.
1610.4-9........................  District Manager..  Field Manager.
1610.5-1........................  District Manager..  Field Manager.
1610.5-3........................  District and Area   Field Manager.
                                   Manager.
1610.5-5........................  District Manager..  Field Manager.
1610.5-7........................  District and Area   Field Manager.
                                   Manager.
1610.7-1........................  District Manager..  Field Manager.
1610.8..........................  District or Area    Field Manager.
                                   Manager.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

[FR Doc. 05-5683 Filed 3-18-05; 2:46 pm]
BILLING CODE 4310-84-P