Benefits Payable in Terminated Single-Employer Plans; Allocation of Assets in Single-Employer Plans; Interest Assumptions for Valuing and Paying Benefits, 45637-45639 [E7-15986]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 157 / Wednesday, August 15, 2007 / Rules and Regulations The Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 Regulatory Findings Administrative Procedure Act The Department is publishing this rule as an interim final rule, with a 30day provision for post-promulgation public comments, based on the ‘‘good cause’’ exceptions set forth at 5 U.S.C. 553(b)(3)(B) and 553(d)(3). Publishing the rule in this way, with a postpromulgation opportunity for comment, will allow the Department of State to make the rule effective at the earliest opportunity. Allowing a full 30-day comment period followed by a publication of the final rule with a further 30 days before its effective date is not practicable or in the public interest. That process would delay retention by the Department of State of the increased surcharge, urgently needed in order to cover the increased costs attendant to implementing the provisions of the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004 on travel to the United States. That law, passed in the aftermath of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, seeks to increase the national security of the United States by requiring all arrivals (both foreign nationals and U.S. citizen), even from countries where it was previously not required, to possess a suitably secure travel document. By expedited retention of the surcharge through an interim final rule, the Department of State will be able to fund the costs of increased passport demand and the production of a new, convenient card format passport to be introduced in fiscal year 2008. Section 202 of the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 (UFMA), Public Law 104–4; 109 Stat. 48; 2 U.S.C. 1532, generally requires agencies to prepare a statement before proposing any rule that may result in an annual expenditure of $100 million or more by State, local, or tribal governments, or by the private sector. This rule does not result in any such expenditure nor will it significantly or uniquely affect small governments. Therefore, no actions were deemed necessary. Executive Order 13132: Federalism The Department of State finds that this regulation will not have substantial direct effects on the States, on the relationship between the national government and the States, or the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government. Nor does the rule have federalism implications warranting the application of Executive Orders No. 12372 and No. 13132. Executive Order 12866: Regulatory Review The Department of State has reviewed this interim final rule to ensure its consistency with the regulatory philosophy and principles set forth in Executive Order 12866. The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has determined that this rule has important policy implications and is significant. This rule has been provided to OMB for review. Executive Order 12988: Civil Justice Reform These changes to the regulations are hereby certified as not expected to have a significant impact on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria of the Regulatory Flexibility Act, 5 U.S.C. 601–612. The Department has reviewed the regulations in light of sections 3(a) and 3(b)(2) of Executive Order No. 12988 to eliminate ambiguity, minimize litigation, establish clear legal standards, and reduce burden. The Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act of 1996 ebenthall on PRODPC61 with RULES Regulatory Flexibility Act/Executive Order 13272: Small Business The Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 This rule is not a major rule as defined by 5 U.S.C. 804, for purposes of congressional review of agency rulemaking under the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act of 1996, Public Law 104–121. This rule will not result in an annual effect on the economy of $100 million or more; a major increase in costs or prices; or adverse effects on competition, employment, investment, productivity, innovation, or the ability of United States-based companies to compete with foreign based companies in domestic and import markets. VerDate Aug<31>2005 14:56 Aug 14, 2007 Jkt 211001 This rule does not impose information collection requirements under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act, 44 U.S.C., Chapter 35. List of Subjects in 22 CFR Part 51 Administrative practice and procedure, Drug traffic control, Passports and Visas. I Accordingly, for the reason set forth above, 22 CFR part 51 is amended as follows: PART 51—PASSPORTS 1. The authority citation for part 51 is continues to read as follows: I PO 00000 Frm 00027 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 45637 Authority: 8 U.S.C. 1153 note, 1351, 1351 note; 10 U.S.C. 2602(c); 22 U.S.C. 214, 2504(a), 4201, 4206, 4215, 4219; 31 U.S.C. 9701; Pub. L. 105–277, 112 Stat. 2681 et seq.; Pub. L. 109–167, 119 Stat. 3578; Pub. L. 108– 447, 118 Stat. 2809 et seq.; E.O. 10718, 22 FR 4632, 3 CFR, 1954–1958 Comp., p. 382; E.O. 11295, 31 FR 10603, 3 CFR, 1966–1970 Comp., p. 570. 2. Section 51.61(b) is amended to read as follows: I § 51.61 Passport fees. * * * * * (b) A surcharge of twenty dollars on the filing of each application for a passport in order to cover the costs of meeting the increased demand for passports as a result of actions taken to comply with section 7209(b) of the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004 (8 U.S.C. 1165 note). The surcharge will be recovered by the Department of State from within the passport fee reflected in Schedule of Consular Fees. * * * * * Dated: August 10, 2007. Henrietta Fore, Under Secretary for Management, Department of State. [FR Doc. E7–16177 Filed 8–14–07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4710–06–P PENSION BENEFIT GUARANTY CORPORATION 29 CFR Parts 4022 and 4044 Benefits Payable in Terminated SingleEmployer Plans; Allocation of Assets in Single-Employer Plans; Interest Assumptions for Valuing and Paying Benefits Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation. ACTION: Final rule. AGENCY: SUMMARY: The Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation’s regulations on Benefits Payable in Terminated Single-Employer Plans and Allocation of Assets in Single-Employer Plans prescribe interest assumptions for valuing and paying benefits under terminating singleemployer plans. This final rule amends the regulations to adopt interest assumptions for plans with valuation dates in September 2007. Interest assumptions are also published on the PBGC’s Web site (https://www.pbgc.gov). DATES: Effective September 1, 2007. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Catherine B. Klion, Manager, Regulatory and Policy Division, Legislative and Regulatory Department, Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation, 1200 K Street, E:\FR\FM\15AUR1.SGM 15AUR1 45638 Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 157 / Wednesday, August 15, 2007 / Rules and Regulations NW., Washington, DC 20005, 202–326– 4024. (TTY/TDD users may call the Federal relay service toll-free at 1–800– 877–8339 and ask to be connected to 202–326–4024.) SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The PBGC’s regulations prescribe actuarial assumptions—including interest assumptions—for valuing and paying plan benefits of terminating singleemployer plans covered by title IV of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974. The interest assumptions are intended to reflect current conditions in the financial and annuity markets. Three sets of interest assumptions are prescribed: (1) A set for the valuation of benefits for allocation purposes under section 4044 (found in Appendix B to part 4044), (2) a set for the PBGC to use to determine whether a benefit is payable as a lump sum and to determine lump-sum amounts to be paid by the PBGC (found in Appendix B to part 4022), and (3) a set for private-sector pension practitioners to refer to if they wish to use lump-sum interest rates determined using the PBGC’s historical methodology (found in Appendix C to Part 4022). This amendment (1) adds to Appendix B to part 4044 the interest assumptions for valuing benefits for allocation purposes in plans with valuation dates during September 2007, (2) adds to Appendix B to part 4022 the interest assumptions for the PBGC to use for its own lump-sum payments in plans with valuation dates during September 2007, and (3) adds to Appendix C to part 4022 the interest assumptions for private-sector pension practitioners to refer to if they wish to Rate set For plans with a valuation date On or after * 167 Before use lump-sum interest rates determined using the PBGC’s historical methodology for valuation dates during September 2007. For valuation of benefits for allocation purposes, the interest assumptions that the PBGC will use (set forth in Appendix B to part 4044) will be 5.53 percent for the first 20 years following the valuation date and 5.20 percent thereafter. These interest assumptions represent an increase (from those in effect for August 2007) of 0.04 percent for the first 20 years following the valuation date and 0.04 percent for all years thereafter. The interest assumptions that the PBGC will use for its own lump-sum payments (set forth in Appendix B to part 4022) will be 3.25 percent for the period during which a benefit is in pay status and 4.00 percent during any years preceding the benefit’s placement in pay status. These interest assumptions represent a decrease of 0.25 percent in the immediate rate from those in effect for August 2007 and are otherwise unchanged. For private-sector payments, the interest assumptions (set forth in Appendix C to part 4022) will be the same as those used by the PBGC for determining and paying lump sums (set forth in Appendix B to part 4022). The PBGC has determined that notice and public comment on this amendment are impracticable and contrary to the public interest. This finding is based on the need to determine and issue new interest assumptions promptly so that the assumptions can reflect current market conditions as accurately as possible. Because of the need to provide immediate guidance for the valuation and payment of benefits in plans with 3. In appendix C to part 4022, Rate Set 167, as set forth below, is added to the table. I For plans with a valuation date ebenthall on PRODPC61 with RULES On or after * 167 VerDate Aug<31>2005 Before * 9–1–07 14:56 Aug 14, 2007 Employee benefit plans, Pension insurance, Pensions, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements. 29 CFR Part 4044 Employee benefit plans, Pension insurance, Pensions. I In consideration of the foregoing, 29 CFR parts 4022 and 4044 are amended as follows: PART 4022—BENEFITS PAYABLE IN TERMINATED SINGLE-EMPLOYER PLANS 1. The authority citation for part 4022 continues to read as follows: I Authority: 29 U.S.C. 1302, 1322, 1322b, 1341(c)(3)(D), and 1344. 2. In appendix B to part 4022, Rate Set 167, as set forth below, is added to the table. I Appendix B to Part 4022—Lump Sum Interest Rates for PBGC Payments * * * * * i3 4.00 n1 * * 4.00 n2 * 7 8 n1 n2 Appendix C to Part 4022—Lump Sum Interest Rates for Private-Sector Payments * * Immediate annuity rate (percent) * 10–1–07 Jkt 211001 29 CFR Part 4022 i2 * 4.00 3.25 * Rate set i1 * 10–1–07 List of Subjects Deferred annuities (percent) Immediate annuity rate (percent) * 9–1–07 valuation dates during September 2007, the PBGC finds that good cause exists for making the assumptions set forth in this amendment effective less than 30 days after publication. The PBGC has determined that this action is not a ‘‘significant regulatory action’’ under the criteria set forth in Executive Order 12866. Because no general notice of proposed rulemaking is required for this amendment, the Regulatory Flexibility Act of 1980 does not apply. See 5 U.S.C. 601(2). PO 00000 3.25 Frm 00028 * * Deferred annuities (percent) i1 i2 * 4.00 4.00 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 i3 * * 4.00 E:\FR\FM\15AUR1.SGM 15AUR1 * 7 8 Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 157 / Wednesday, August 15, 2007 / Rules and Regulations 45639 Authority: 29 U.S.C. 1301(a), 1302(b)(3), 1341, 1344, 1362. PART 4044—ALLOCATION OF ASSETS IN SINGLE-EMPLOYER PLANS Appendix B to Part 4044—Interest Rates Used to Value Benefits 5. In appendix B to part 4044, a new entry for September 2007, as set forth below, is added to the table. * I 4. The authority citation for part 4044 continues to read as follows: I * * * * The values of it are: For valuation dates occurring in the month— for t = it * * * September 2007 ................................................................... * .0553 it * 1–20 Issued in Washington, DC, on this 8th day of August 2007. Vincent K. Snowbarger, Deputy Director, Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation. [FR Doc. E7–15986 Filed 8–14–07; 8:45 am] FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: BILLING CODE 7709–01–P Regulatory Information On June 13, 2007, we published a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) entitled Special Local Regulation for Marine Event, Bogue Sound, Morehead City, North Carolina in the Federal Register (72 FR 32567). We received no letters commenting on the proposed rule. No public meeting was requested, and none was held. DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY Coast Guard 33 CFR Part 100 [Docket No. CGD05–07–059] RIN 1625–AA08 Special Local Regulation for Marine Event, Bogue Sound, Morehead City, NC Coast Guard, DHS. Temporary final rule. AGENCY: ebenthall on PRODPC61 with RULES ACTION: SUMMARY: The Coast Guard is establishing temporary special local regulations for the ‘‘Crystal Coast Super Boat Grand Prix’’, a power boat race to be held on the waters of Bogue Banks adjacent to Morehead City, NC. These special local regulations are necessary to provide for the safety of life on navigable waters during the event. This action is intended to restrict vessel traffic in the Morehead City Turning Basin including sections of the IntraCoastal Waterways and Morehead City Channel during the power boat race. DATES: This rule is effective from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on September 23, 2007. ADDRESSES: Comments and material received from the public, as well as documents indicated in this preamble as being available in the docket, are part of docket CGD05–07–059 and are available for inspection or copying at Commander (dpi), Fifth Coast Guard District, Room 415, 431 Crawford Street, Portsmouth, Virginia 23704 between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. VerDate Aug<31>2005 14:56 Aug 14, 2007 Jkt 211001 CWO Christopher Humphrey, Prevention Department, Sector North Carolina, at (252) 247–4525 or via e-mail to Christopher.D.Humphrey@uscg.mil. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Background and Purpose On September 23, 2007, the Super Boat International Productions Inc. will sponsor the ‘‘Crystal Coast Super Boat Grand Prix’’, on the waters of Bogue Sound including the Morehead City Turning Basin, sections of the IntraCoastal Waterway, and Morehead City Channel at Morehead City, North Carolina. The event will consist of approximately 35 power boats participating in two high-speed competitive races, traveling counterclockwise around a race course. A fleet of spectator vessels are expected to gather near the event site to view the competition. To provide for the safety of participants, spectators and other transiting vessels, the Coast Guard will temporarily restrict vessel traffic in the event area during the races. Discussion of Comments and Changes The Coast Guard did not receive comments in response to the notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) published in the Federal Register. Accordingly, the Coast Guard is establishing temporary special local regulations on specified waters of the Bogue Sound, Morehead City, NC. Regulatory Evaluation This rule is not a ‘‘significant regulatory action’’ under section 3(f) of Executive Order 12866, Regulatory PO 00000 Frm 00029 Fmt 4700 for t = Sfmt 4700 * >20 .0520 it N/A for t = * N/A Planning and Review, and does not require an assessment of potential costs and benefits under section 6(a)(3) of that Order. The Office of Management and Budget has not reviewed it under that Order. We expect the economic impact of this proposed rule to be so minimal that a full Regulatory Evaluation is unnecessary. Although this regulation prevents traffic from transiting a portion of Morehead City State Port Turning Basin, sections of the Intra-Coastal Waterway and Morehead City Channel during the event, the effect of this regulation will not be significant due to the limited duration that the regulated area will be in effect. Extensive advance notification will be made to the maritime community via marine information broadcast, local radio stations, and area newspapers so mariners can adjust their plans accordingly. Additionally, the regulated area has been narrowly tailored to impose the least impact on general navigation yet provide the level of safety deemed necessary. Vessel traffic will be able to transit the regulated area between heats, when the Coast Guard Patrol Commander deems it is safe to do so. Small Entities Under the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601–612), we have considered whether this rule would have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. The term ‘‘small entities’’ comprises small businesses, not-for-profit organizations that are independently owned and operated and are not dominant in their fields, and governmental jurisdictions with populations of less than 50,000. The Coast Guard certifies under 5 U.S.C. 605(b) that this rule will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. This rule will affect the following entities, some of which may be small entities: The owners or operators of E:\FR\FM\15AUR1.SGM 15AUR1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 72, Number 157 (Wednesday, August 15, 2007)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 45637-45639]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E7-15986]


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PENSION BENEFIT GUARANTY CORPORATION

29 CFR Parts 4022 and 4044


Benefits Payable in Terminated Single-Employer Plans; Allocation 
of Assets in Single-Employer Plans; Interest Assumptions for Valuing 
and Paying Benefits

AGENCY: Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation.

ACTION: Final rule.

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

SUMMARY: The Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation's regulations on 
Benefits Payable in Terminated Single-Employer Plans and Allocation of 
Assets in Single-Employer Plans prescribe interest assumptions for 
valuing and paying benefits under terminating single-employer plans. 
This final rule amends the regulations to adopt interest assumptions 
for plans with valuation dates in September 2007. Interest assumptions 
are also published on the PBGC's Web site (https://www.pbgc.gov).

DATES: Effective September 1, 2007.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Catherine B. Klion, Manager, 
Regulatory and Policy Division, Legislative and Regulatory Department, 
Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation, 1200 K Street,

[[Page 45638]]

NW., Washington, DC 20005, 202-326-4024. (TTY/TDD users may call the 
Federal relay service toll-free at 1-800-877-8339 and ask to be 
connected to 202-326-4024.)

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The PBGC's regulations prescribe actuarial 
assumptions--including interest assumptions--for valuing and paying 
plan benefits of terminating single-employer plans covered by title IV 
of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974. The interest 
assumptions are intended to reflect current conditions in the financial 
and annuity markets.
    Three sets of interest assumptions are prescribed: (1) A set for 
the valuation of benefits for allocation purposes under section 4044 
(found in Appendix B to part 4044), (2) a set for the PBGC to use to 
determine whether a benefit is payable as a lump sum and to determine 
lump-sum amounts to be paid by the PBGC (found in Appendix B to part 
4022), and (3) a set for private-sector pension practitioners to refer 
to if they wish to use lump-sum interest rates determined using the 
PBGC's historical methodology (found in Appendix C to Part 4022).
    This amendment (1) adds to Appendix B to part 4044 the interest 
assumptions for valuing benefits for allocation purposes in plans with 
valuation dates during September 2007, (2) adds to Appendix B to part 
4022 the interest assumptions for the PBGC to use for its own lump-sum 
payments in plans with valuation dates during September 2007, and (3) 
adds to Appendix C to part 4022 the interest assumptions for private-
sector pension practitioners to refer to if they wish to use lump-sum 
interest rates determined using the PBGC's historical methodology for 
valuation dates during September 2007.
    For valuation of benefits for allocation purposes, the interest 
assumptions that the PBGC will use (set forth in Appendix B to part 
4044) will be 5.53 percent for the first 20 years following the 
valuation date and 5.20 percent thereafter. These interest assumptions 
represent an increase (from those in effect for August 2007) of 0.04 
percent for the first 20 years following the valuation date and 0.04 
percent for all years thereafter.
    The interest assumptions that the PBGC will use for its own lump-
sum payments (set forth in Appendix B to part 4022) will be 3.25 
percent for the period during which a benefit is in pay status and 4.00 
percent during any years preceding the benefit's placement in pay 
status. These interest assumptions represent a decrease of 0.25 percent 
in the immediate rate from those in effect for August 2007 and are 
otherwise unchanged. For private-sector payments, the interest 
assumptions (set forth in Appendix C to part 4022) will be the same as 
those used by the PBGC for determining and paying lump sums (set forth 
in Appendix B to part 4022).
    The PBGC has determined that notice and public comment on this 
amendment are impracticable and contrary to the public interest. This 
finding is based on the need to determine and issue new interest 
assumptions promptly so that the assumptions can reflect current market 
conditions as accurately as possible.
    Because of the need to provide immediate guidance for the valuation 
and payment of benefits in plans with valuation dates during September 
2007, the PBGC finds that good cause exists for making the assumptions 
set forth in this amendment effective less than 30 days after 
publication.
    The PBGC has determined that this action is not a ``significant 
regulatory action'' under the criteria set forth in Executive Order 
12866.
    Because no general notice of proposed rulemaking is required for 
this amendment, the Regulatory Flexibility Act of 1980 does not apply. 
See 5 U.S.C. 601(2).

List of Subjects

29 CFR Part 4022

    Employee benefit plans, Pension insurance, Pensions, Reporting and 
recordkeeping requirements.

29 CFR Part 4044

    Employee benefit plans, Pension insurance, Pensions.

0
In consideration of the foregoing, 29 CFR parts 4022 and 4044 are 
amended as follows:

PART 4022--BENEFITS PAYABLE IN TERMINATED SINGLE-EMPLOYER PLANS

0
1. The authority citation for part 4022 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 29 U.S.C. 1302, 1322, 1322b, 1341(c)(3)(D), and 1344.


0
2. In appendix B to part 4022, Rate Set 167, as set forth below, is 
added to the table.

Appendix B to Part 4022--Lump Sum Interest Rates for PBGC Payments

* * * * *

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                   For plans with a valuation date     Immediate                                 Deferred annuities (percent)
    Rate set     ----------------------------------   annuity rate  ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                    On or after         Before         (percent)            i1               i2               i3               n1               n2
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                                                                      * * * * * * *
          167            9-1-07          10-1-07             3.25             4.00             4.00             4.00                7                8
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


0
3. In appendix C to part 4022, Rate Set 167, as set forth below, is 
added to the table.

Appendix C to Part 4022--Lump Sum Interest Rates for Private-Sector 
Payments

* * * * *

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                   For plans with a valuation date     Immediate                                 Deferred annuities (percent)
    Rate set     ----------------------------------   annuity rate  ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                    On or after         Before         (percent)            i1               i2               i3               n1               n2
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                                                                      * * * * * * *
          167            9-1-07          10-1-07             3.25             4.00             4.00             4.00                7                8
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


[[Page 45639]]

PART 4044--ALLOCATION OF ASSETS IN SINGLE-EMPLOYER PLANS

0
4. The authority citation for part 4044 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 29 U.S.C. 1301(a), 1302(b)(3), 1341, 1344, 1362.


0
5. In appendix B to part 4044, a new entry for September 2007, as set 
forth below, is added to the table.

Appendix B to Part 4044--Interest Rates Used to Value Benefits

* * * * *

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                             The values of it are:
For valuation dates occurring ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
        in the month--              it        for t =         it        for t =          it           for t =
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                                                  * * * * * * *
September 2007...............        .0553         1-20        .0520          >20  N/A             N/A
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


    Issued in Washington, DC, on this 8th day of August 2007.
Vincent K. Snowbarger,
Deputy Director, Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation.
[FR Doc. E7-15986 Filed 8-14-07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 7709-01-P
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