Notice and Request for Comments, 66362-66363 [E6-19179]

Download as PDF 66362 Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 219 / Tuesday, November 14, 2006 / Notices national defense or the conduct of foreign affairs. Retaliation against an employee or applicant for making a protected disclosure is prohibited by 5 U.S.C. 2302(b)(8). If you believe that you have been the victim of whistleblower retaliation, you may file a written complaint (Form OSC–11) with the U.S. Office of Special Counsel at 1730 M Street, NW., Suite 218, Washington, DC 20036–4505 or online through the OSC Web site—https://www.osc.gov. Retaliation for Engaging in Protected Activity A Federal agency cannot retaliate against an employee or applicant because that individual exercises his or her rights under any of the Federal antidiscrimination or whistleblower protection laws listed above. If you believe that you are the victim of retaliation for engaging in protected activity, you must follow, as appropriate, the procedures described in the Antidiscrimination Laws and Whistleblower Protection Laws sections or, if applicable, the administrative or negotiated grievance procedures in order to pursue any legal remedy. sroberts on PROD1PC70 with NOTICES Disciplinary Actions Under the existing laws, each agency retains the right, where appropriate, to discipline a Federal employee for conduct that is inconsistent with Federal Antidiscrimination and Whistleblower Protection Laws up to and including removal. If OSC has initiated an investigation under 5 U.S.C. 1214, however, according to 5 U.S.C. 1214(f), agencies must seek approval from the Special Counsel to discipline employees for, among other activities, engaging in prohibited retaliation. Nothing in the No FEAR Act alters existing laws or permits an agency to take unfounded disciplinary action against a Federal employee or to violate the procedural rights of a Federal employee who has been accused of discrimination. Additional Information For further information regarding the No FEAR Act regulations, refer to 5 CFR Part 724. You may also contact the Office of Civil Rights and Equal Opportunity (Headquarters), the appropriate Civil Rights and Equal Opportunity office (Regions), or the Civil Rights and Equal Opportunity Manager (Office of Disability Adjudication and Review). Additional information regarding Federal antidiscrimination, whistleblower protection and retaliation laws can be found at the EEOC Web site—https:// VerDate Aug<31>2005 19:07 Nov 13, 2006 Jkt 211001 www.eeoc.gov and the OSC Web site— https://www.osc.gov. Existing Rights Unchanged Pursuant to section 205 of the No FEAR Act, neither the Act nor this notice creates, expands or reduces any rights otherwise available to any employee, former employee or applicant under the laws of the United States, including the provisions of law specified in 5 U.S.C. 2302(d). Dated: October 25, 2006. Mark A. Anderson, Associate Commissioner, Office of Civil Rights and Equal Opportunity. [FR Doc. E6–19140 Filed 11–13–06; 8:45 am] requirements, non-Government attendees should plan to arrive not less than 15 minutes before the meeting begins. For additional information, contact David Freudenwald, Office of Economic Policy and Public Diplomacy, Bureau of Economic and Business Affairs, at (202) 647–2231 or FreudenwaldDJ@state.gov. Dated: November 7, 2006. David R. Burnett, Office Director, Office of Economic Policy Analysis and Public Diplomacy, Department of State. [FR Doc. E6–19178 Filed 11–13–06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4710–07–P BILLING CODE 4191–02–P DEPARTMENT OF STATE [Public Notice 5592] DEPARTMENT OF STATE [Public Notice 5590] Advisory Committee on International Economic Policy; Notice of Open Meeting The Advisory Committee on International Economic Policy (ACIEP) will meet from 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, November 29, 2006, in Room 1107, U.S. Department of State, 2201 C Street, NW., Washington, DC. The meeting will be hosted by Assistant Secretary of State for Economic and Business Affairs Daniel S. Sullivan and Committee Chairman R. Michael Gadbaw. The ACIEP serves the U.S. Government in a solely advisory capacity concerning issues and problems in international economic policy. The meeting will focus on transformational economic diplomacy, including a discussion of U.S. international economic objectives in South and Central Asia. This meeting is open to the public as seating capacity allows. Entry to the building is controlled; to obtain preclearance for entry, members of the public planning to attend should provide, by November 24, 2006, their name, professional affiliation, valid government-issued ID number (i.e., U.S. government ID (agency), U.S. military ID (branch), passport (country), or driver’s license (state)), date of birth, and citizenship to La Keisha Barner by fax (202) 647–5936, e-mail (BarnerLR@state.gov), or telephone (202) 647–0847. One of the following forms of valid photo identification will be required for admission to the State Department building: U.S. driver’s license, passport, or U.S. Government identification card. Enter the Department of State from the C Street lobby. In view of escorting PO 00000 Frm 00061 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 Announcement of Meetings of the International Telecommunication Advisory Committee SUMMARY: This notice announces meetings of the International Telecommunication Advisory Committee (ITAC) to continue to prepare advice on the U.S. position on ITU budget shortfalls and related matters. The International Telecommunication Advisory Committee (ITAC) will meet to continue to prepare advice on the U.S. position on ITU budget shortfalls, their impact on the structure of the ITU study programs, and the impact on the U.S. preparatory process on December 1, 2006 from 9:30 to noon Eastern Time at a location in the metropolitan Washington area. A conference bridge will be provided. This meeting is open to the public. Further information may be obtained from the secretariat minardje@state.gov, telephone 202 647–3234. Dated: November 7, 2006. James G. Ennis, Foreign Affairs Officer, International Communications & Information Policy, Multilateral Affairs, Department of State. [FR Doc. E6–19181 Filed 11–13–06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4710–07–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Surface Transportation Board Notice and Request for Comments 30-Day Notice of Information Collection Under Review: Maps in Abandonment Exemption Proceedings. ACTION: SUMMARY: The Surface Transportation Board (Board), as part of its continuing E:\FR\FM\14NON1.SGM 14NON1 Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 219 / Tuesday, November 14, 2006 / Notices under the National Trails System Act, 16 U.S.C 1247(d); or to acquire the line for another public purpose under 49 U.S.C. 10905. Deadline: Comments on this information collection should be submitted by December 14, 2006. ADDRESSES: Comments should be in writing and directed to the Office of Management and Budget, Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, Attention: Surface Transportation Board Desk Officer, Room 10235, 725 17th Street, NW., Washington, DC 20503, or to Alexander_T._Hunt@omb.eop.gov. Comments should be identified as ‘‘Paperwork Reduction Act Comments, Surface Transportation Board, Maps Submitted in Abandonment Proceedings, OMB Control Number 2140–0008.’’ FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: A copy of the regulations pertaining to this information collection may be obtained by contacting Barbara G. Saddler at (202) 565–1656 or saddlerb@stb.dot.gov. These rules can also be found on the Board’s Web site at https:// www.stb.dot.gov by searching under ‘‘ELibrary,’’ and then ‘‘Research Aids.’’ SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Under the PRA, a Federal agency conducting or sponsoring a collection of information must display a currently valid OMB Description of Collection control number. Collection of Title: Maps Required in Abandonment information, which is defined in 44 U.S.C. 3502(3) and 5 CFR 1320.3(c), Exemption Proceedings. includes agency requirements that OMB Control Number: 2140–0008. persons submit reports, keep records, or Form Number: None. provide information to the agency, third Type of Review: Extension without parties, or the public. Section 3507(b) of change. Respondents: Railroads initiating the PRA requires, concurrent with an abandonment exemption proceedings. agency’s submitting a collection to OMB Number of Respondents: 91. for approval, a 30-day notice and Estimated Time Per Response: 1 hour, comment period through publication in based on average time reported in the Federal Register concerning each informal survey of respondents proposed collection of information, conducted in 2003. including each proposed extension of an Frequency of Response: 1. existing collection of information. Total Annual Burden Hours: 91. Dated: November 14, 2006. Total Annual ‘‘Non-Hour Burden’’ Vernon A. Williams, Cost: None has been identified. Secretary. Needs and Uses: Under 49 CFR 1152.50(d)(2) and 1152.60(b), the Board [FR Doc. E6–19179 Filed 11–13–06; 8:45 am] requires in each abandonment BILLING CODE 4915–01–P exemption proceeding a detailed map of the rail line, depicting the line’s relation DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION to other rail lines, roads, water routes, and population centers. The Board uses Surface Transportation Board this information to determine the scope and the impact of the proposed Notice and Request for Comments abandonment. In addition, this information is posted on the Board’s ACTION: 30-Day Notice of Information Web site and serves as a form of notice Collection Under Review: System to current and/or potential shippers, Diagram Maps. and to persons who might want either to continue rail service under 49 U.S.C. SUMMARY: The Surface Transportation 10904; to acquire the line as a trail Board (Board), as part of its continuing sroberts on PROD1PC70 with NOTICES effort to reduce paperwork burdens, and as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, 44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq. (PRA), has submitted a request to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for an extension of approval for the currently approved collection of maps in abandonment exemption proceedings. The Board previously published a notice about these collections in the Federal Register on July 12, 2006, at 71 FR 39395. That notice allowed for a 60-day public review and comment period. No comments were received. The purpose of the current notice is to allow an additional 30 days for public comment to satisfy the requirements of the PRA, 44 U.S.C. 3507(b). Comments are sought from interested persons concerning (1) whether the collection of maps is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the Board, including whether the collection has practical utility; (2) the accuracy of the Board’s burden estimates; (3) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information collected; and (4) ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on the respondents, including the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology when appropriate. VerDate Aug<31>2005 19:07 Nov 13, 2006 Jkt 211001 PO 00000 Frm 00062 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 66363 effort to reduce paperwork burdens, and as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, 44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq. (PRA), has submitted a request to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for an extension of approval for the currently approved collection of rail system diagram maps. The Board previously published a notice about these collections in the Federal Register on July 21, 2006, at 71 FR 41513. That notice allowed for a 60-day public review and comment period. One comment was received. As pertinent here, the commenter emphasized the importance of the Board’s collection of system diagram maps in providing advance notice to the public about rail service that is likely to be abandoned, especially in light of the importance of that notice to the viability of the Board’s feeder-line program, 49 U.S.C. 10907, which enables shippers and communities to acquire marginal rail lines that are likely to be downgraded or abandoned. The purpose of the current notice is to allow an additional 30 days for public comment to satisfy the requirements of the PRA, 44 U.S.C. 3507(b). Comments are sought from rail carriers that have recently filed amended or new system diagram maps (or, in the case of small carriers, the alternative narrative description of rail system), as well as from members of the shipping public who may make use of these maps, concerning (1) whether the particular collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the Board, including whether the collection has practical utility; (2) the accuracy of the Board’s burden estimates; (3) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information collected; and (4) ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on the respondents, including the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology when appropriate. Description of Collection Title: System Diagram Maps. OMB Control Number: 2140–0003. Form Number: None. Type of Review: Extension without change. Respondents: Common carrier freight railroads that are either new or reporting changes in the status of one or more of their rail lines. Number of Respondents: 4. Estimated Time per Response: 4.5 hours, based on average time reported in informal survey of respondents conducted in 2003. Frequency of Response: 1. E:\FR\FM\14NON1.SGM 14NON1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 71, Number 219 (Tuesday, November 14, 2006)]
[Notices]
[Pages 66362-66363]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E6-19179]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Surface Transportation Board


Notice and Request for Comments

ACTION: 30-Day Notice of Information Collection Under Review: Maps in 
Abandonment Exemption Proceedings.

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

SUMMARY: The Surface Transportation Board (Board), as part of its 
continuing

[[Page 66363]]

effort to reduce paperwork burdens, and as required by the Paperwork 
Reduction Act of 1995, 44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq. (PRA), has submitted a 
request to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for an extension 
of approval for the currently approved collection of maps in 
abandonment exemption proceedings. The Board previously published a 
notice about these collections in the Federal Register on July 12, 
2006, at 71 FR 39395. That notice allowed for a 60-day public review 
and comment period. No comments were received.
    The purpose of the current notice is to allow an additional 30 days 
for public comment to satisfy the requirements of the PRA, 44 U.S.C. 
3507(b). Comments are sought from interested persons concerning (1) 
whether the collection of maps is necessary for the proper performance 
of the functions of the Board, including whether the collection has 
practical utility; (2) the accuracy of the Board's burden estimates; 
(3) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the 
information collected; and (4) ways to minimize the burden of the 
collection of information on the respondents, including the use of 
automated collection techniques or other forms of information 
technology when appropriate.

Description of Collection

    Title: Maps Required in Abandonment Exemption Proceedings.
    OMB Control Number: 2140-0008.
    Form Number: None.
    Type of Review: Extension without change.
    Respondents: Railroads initiating abandonment exemption 
proceedings.
    Number of Respondents: 91.
    Estimated Time Per Response: 1 hour, based on average time reported 
in informal survey of respondents conducted in 2003.
    Frequency of Response: 1.
    Total Annual Burden Hours: 91.
    Total Annual ``Non-Hour Burden'' Cost: None has been identified.
    Needs and Uses: Under 49 CFR 1152.50(d)(2) and 1152.60(b), the 
Board requires in each abandonment exemption proceeding a detailed map 
of the rail line, depicting the line's relation to other rail lines, 
roads, water routes, and population centers. The Board uses this 
information to determine the scope and the impact of the proposed 
abandonment. In addition, this information is posted on the Board's Web 
site and serves as a form of notice to current and/or potential 
shippers, and to persons who might want either to continue rail service 
under 49 U.S.C. 10904; to acquire the line as a trail under the 
National Trails System Act, 16 U.S.C 1247(d); or to acquire the line 
for another public purpose under 49 U.S.C. 10905.
    Deadline: Comments on this information collection should be 
submitted by December 14, 2006.

ADDRESSES: Comments should be in writing and directed to the Office of 
Management and Budget, Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, 
Attention: Surface Transportation Board Desk Officer, Room 10235, 725 
17th Street, NW., Washington, DC 20503, or to Alexander--T.--
Hunt@omb.eop.gov. Comments should be identified as ``Paperwork 
Reduction Act Comments, Surface Transportation Board, Maps Submitted in 
Abandonment Proceedings, OMB Control Number 2140-0008.''

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: A copy of the regulations pertaining 
to this information collection may be obtained by contacting Barbara G. 
Saddler at (202) 565-1656 or saddlerb@stb.dot.gov. These rules can also 
be found on the Board's Web site at https://www.stb.dot.gov by searching 
under ``E-Library,'' and then ``Research Aids.''

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Under the PRA, a Federal agency conducting 
or sponsoring a collection of information must display a currently 
valid OMB control number. Collection of information, which is defined 
in 44 U.S.C. 3502(3) and 5 CFR 1320.3(c), includes agency requirements 
that persons submit reports, keep records, or provide information to 
the agency, third parties, or the public. Section 3507(b) of the PRA 
requires, concurrent with an agency's submitting a collection to OMB 
for approval, a 30-day notice and comment period through publication in 
the Federal Register concerning each proposed collection of 
information, including each proposed extension of an existing 
collection of information.

    Dated: November 14, 2006.
Vernon A. Williams,
Secretary.
 [FR Doc. E6-19179 Filed 11-13-06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4915-01-P

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