Public Meeting: Secure Flight Program, 50916-50918 [E7-17607]

Download as PDF rfrederick on PROD1PC67 with PROPOSALS 50916 Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 171 / Wednesday, September 5, 2007 / Proposed Rules 22, 2001). This action merely proposes to approve State law as meeting Federal requirements and would impose no additional requirements beyond those imposed by State law. Accordingly, the Administrator certifies that this proposed rule would not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities under the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.). Because this action proposes to approve pre-existing requirements under State law and would not impose any additional enforceable duty beyond that required by State law, it does not contain any unfunded mandate or significantly or uniquely affect small governments, as described in the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 (Pub. L. 104–4). This proposal also does not have Tribal implications because it would not have a substantial direct effect on one or more Indian tribes, on the relationship between the Federal Government and Indian tribes, or on the distribution of power and responsibilities between the Federal Government and Indian tribes, as specified by Executive Order 13175 (65 FR 67249, November 9, 2000). This proposed action also does not have Federalism implications because it would not have substantial direct effects 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, as specified in Executive Order 13132 (64 FR 43255, August 10, 1999). This action merely proposes to approve a State rule implementing a Federal standard. It does not alter the relationship or the distribution of power and responsibilities established in the CAA. This proposed rule also is not subject to Executive Order 13045 ‘‘Protection of Children from Environmental Health Risks and Safety Risks’’ (62 FR 19885, April 23, 1997), because it proposes to approve a State rule implementing a Federal standard. Executive Order 12898, ‘‘Federal Actions to Address Environmental Justice in Minority Populations and Low-Income Populations,’’ requires Federal agencies to consider the impact of programs, policies, and activities on minority populations and low-income populations. EPA guidance 1 states that EPA is to assess whether minority or low-income populations face risk or a rate of exposure to hazards that is significant and that ‘‘appreciably exceed[s] or is likely to appreciably exceed the risk or rate to the general population or to the appropriate comparison group.’’ (EPA, 1998) Because this rule merely proposes to approve a state rule implementing the Federal standard established by CAMR, EPA lacks the discretionary authority to modify today’s regulatory decision on the basis of environmental justice considerations. However, EPA has already considered the impact of CAMR, including this Federal standard, on minority and low-income populations. In the context of EPA’s CAMR published in the Federal Register on May 18, 2005, in accordance with Executive Order 12898, the Agency has considered whether CAMR may have disproportionate negative impacts on minority or low income populations and determined it would not. In reviewing State Plan submissions, EPA’s role is to approve State choices, provided that they meet the criteria of the CAA. In this context, in the absence of a prior existing requirement for the State to use voluntary consensus standards (VCS), EPA has no authority to disapprove a State Plan for failure to use VCS. It would thus be inconsistent with applicable law for EPA, when it reviews a State Plan submission, to use VCS in place of a State Plan submission that otherwise satisfies the provisions of the CAA. Thus, the requirements of section 12(d) of the National Technology Transfer and Advancement Act of 1995 (15 U.S.C. 272 note) do not apply. This proposed rule would not impose an information collection burden under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.). List of Subjects in Part 62 Environmental protection, Air pollution control, Electric utilities, Intergovernmental relations, Mercury, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements. Dated: August 23, 2007. John B. Askew, Regional Administrator, Region 7. [FR Doc. E7–17414 Filed 9–4–07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6560–50–P 1 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 1998. Guidance for Incorporating Environmental Justice Concerns in EPA’s NEPA Compliance Analyses. Office of Federal Activities, Washington, DC, April, 1998. VerDate Aug<31>2005 13:47 Sep 04, 2007 Jkt 211001 PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY Transportation Security Administration 49 CFR Parts 1540, 1544, and 1560 [Docket No. TSA–2007–28572] RIN 1652–ZA15 Public Meeting: Secure Flight Program Transportation Security Administration, DHS. ACTION: Notice of public meeting and request for comments. AGENCY: SUMMARY: This notice provides the time and location of the public meeting which will be held by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) regarding the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) entitled ‘‘Secure Flight Program,’’ which was published in the Federal Register on August 23, 2007 (72 FR 48356). DATES: The public meeting will be on September 20, 2007, in Washington, DC. The meeting will begin at 9 am. Persons not able to attend the meeting are invited to provide written comments, which must be received by October 22, 2007. ADDRESSES: The public meeting will be held at the Grand Hyatt Washington, 1000 H Street, NW., Washington, DC 20001. Participants should check in with Secure Flight staff. Persons unable to attend the meeting may submit comments, identified by the TSA docket number to this rulemaking, using any one of the following methods: Comments Filed Electronically: You may submit comments through the docket Web site at https://dms.dot.gov. You also may submit comments through the Federal eRulemaking portal at https://www.regulations.gov. Comments Submitted by Mail, Fax, or In Person: Address or deliver your written, signed comments to the Docket Management System at: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M–30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Ave., SE., Washington, DC 20590; Fax: 202–493–2251. See SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION for format and other information about comment submissions. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kevin Knott, Policy Manager, Secure Flight, Office of Transportation Threat Assessment and Credentialing, TSA–19, Transportation Security Administration, 601 South 12th Street, Arlington, VA 22202–4220; Telephone (240) 568–5611. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: E:\FR\FM\05SEP1.SGM 05SEP1 Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 171 / Wednesday, September 5, 2007 / Proposed Rules Comments Invited TSA invites interested persons to participate in the public meeting by submitting written comments, data, or views. We invite comments relating to any aspect of the Secure Flight Program. The areas in particular in which TSA seeks information and comment at the public meeting are listed below in the ‘‘Specific Issues for Discussion’’ section. See ADDRESSES above for information on where to submit comments. We also invite comments relating to the economic, environmental, energy, or federalism impacts that might result from this rulemaking action. See ADDRESSES above for information on where to submit comments. With each comment, please include your name and address, identify the docket number at the beginning of your comments, and give the reason for each comment. The most helpful comments reference a specific topic, explain the reason for any recommendation, and include supporting data. You may submit comments and material electronically, in person, by mail, or fax as provided under ADDRESSES, but please submit your comments and material by only one means. If you submit comments by mail or delivery, submit them in two copies, in an unbound format, no larger than 8.5 by 11 inches, suitable for copying and electronic filing. If you want TSA to acknowledge receipt of comments submitted by mail, include with your comments a selfaddressed, stamped postcard on which the docket number appears. We will stamp the date on the postcard and mail it to you. TSA will file in the public docket all comments received by TSA, except for comments containing confidential information and sensitive security information (SSI),1 TSA will consider all comments received on or before the closing date for comments and will consider comments filed late to the extent practicable. The docket is available for public inspection before and after the comment closing date. rfrederick on PROD1PC67 with PROPOSALS Handling of Confidential or Proprietary Information and Sensitive Security Information (SSI) Submitted in Public Comments Do not submit comments that include trade secrets, confidential commercial 1 ‘‘Sensitive Security Information’’ or ‘‘SSI’’ is information obtained or developed in the conduct of security activities, the disclosure of which would constitute an unwarranted invasion of privacy, reveal trade secrets or privileged or confidential information, or be detrimental to the security of transportation. The protection of SSI is governed by 49 CFR part 1520. VerDate Aug<31>2005 13:47 Sep 04, 2007 Jkt 211001 or financial information, or SSI to the public regulatory docket. Please submit such comments separately from other comments on the rulemaking. Comments containing this type of information should be appropriately marked as containing such information and submitted by mail to the address listed in FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section. Upon receipt of such comments, TSA will not place the comments in the public docket and will handle them in accordance with applicable safeguards and restrictions on access. TSA will hold them in a separate file to which the public does not have access, and place a note in the public docket that TSA has received such materials from the commenter. If TSA receives a request to examine or copy this information, TSA will treat it as any other request under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) (5 U.S.C. 552) and the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS’s) FOIA regulation found in 6 CFR part 5. Reviewing Comments in the Docket Please be aware that anyone is able to search the electronic form of all comments received into any of our dockets by the name of the individual submitting the comment (or signing the comment, if submitted on behalf of an association, business, labor union, etc.). You may review the applicable Privacy Act Statement published in the Federal Register on April 11, 2000 (65 FR 19477), or you may visit https:// dms.dot.gov. You may review the comments in the public docket by visiting the Dockets Office between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The Dockets Office is located in the West Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140, at the Department of Transportation address, previously provided under ADDRESSES. Also, you may review public dockets on the Internet at https://dms.dot.gov. Availability of Document You can get an electronic copy using the Internet by— (1) Searching the Department of Transportation’s electronic Docket Management System (DMS) Web page (https://dms.dot.gov/search); or (2) Visiting TSA’s Security Regulations Web page at https:// www.tsa.gov and accessing the link for ‘‘Research Center’’ at the top of the page. In addition, copies are available by writing or calling the individual in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section. Make sure to identify the docket number of this action. PO 00000 Frm 00006 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 50917 Background TSA performs passenger and baggage screening at the Nation’s commercial airports.2 Aircraft operators currently supplement this security screening by performing passenger watch list matching using the Federal No Fly and Selectee Lists, as required under security directives that TSA issued following the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. Aircraft operators also conduct this watch list matching process for non-traveling individuals 3 authorized to enter the sterile area 4 of an airport in order to escort a passenger or for some other purpose approved by TSA. The Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004 (IRTPA) requires TSA to assume from air carriers the comparison of passenger information to the automatic Selectee and No Fly Lists and to utilize all appropriate records in the consolidated and integrated watch list that the Federal Government maintains.5 The final report of the National Commission on Terrorist Attacks Upon the United States (9/11 Commission Report) recommends that the watch list matching function ‘‘should be performed by TSA and it should utilize the larger set of watch lists maintained by the Federal Government.’’ See 9/11 Commission Report at 393. On August 23, 2007, TSA published in the Federal Register (72 FR 48356) the NPRM for the Secure Flight Program describing TSA’s proposal for assuming the responsibility for passenger watch list matching from covered aircraft operators.6 TSA seeks comment on the 2 See the Aviation and Transportation Security Act (ATSA) (Pub. L. 107–71, 115 Stat. 597, Nov. 19, 2001). 3 ‘‘Non-traveling individual’’ is defined in the NPRM for the Secure Flight Program as an individual to whom a covered aircraft operator or covered airport operator seeks to issue an authorization to enter the sterile area of an airport in order to escort a minor or a passenger with disabilities or for some other purpose permitted by TSA. It would not include employees or agents of airport or aircraft operators or other individuals whose access to a sterile area is governed by another TSA regulation or security directive. Proposed 49 CFR 1560.3. 4 ‘‘Sterile area’’ is defined in 49 CFR 1520.5 as ‘‘a portion of an airport defined in the airport security program that provides passengers access to boarding aircraft and to which the access generally is controlled by TSA, or by an aircraft operator under part 1544 of this chapter or a foreign air carrier under part 1546 of this chapter, through the screening of persons and property.’’ 5 Pub. L. 108–458, 118 Stat. 3638, Dec. 17, 2004. 6 TSA proposes to define a ‘‘covered aircraft operator’’ as a U.S. aircraft operator that is required to have a full program under 49 CFR 1544.101(a) or a foreign air carrier that is required to have a security program under 49 CFR 1546.101(a) or (b). Proposed § 1560.3. E:\FR\FM\05SEP1.SGM 05SEP1 50918 Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 171 / Wednesday, September 5, 2007 / Proposed Rules proposal described in the NPRM. TSA intends to analyze the public comments and issue a final rule. Specific Issues for Discussion There are several areas in particular in which TSA seeks information and comment from the industry at the public meeting, listed below. These key issues are intended to help focus public comments on subjects that TSA must explore in order to complete its review of the proposed Secure Flight program. The comments at the meeting need not be limited to these issues, and TSA invites comments on any other aspect of the proposed Secure Flight program. These are: (1) Proposed data elements. (2) Proposed data retention schedule. (3) Proposed 72-hour data transmission requirement. (4) Proposed watch list matching procedures for overflights. (5) Proposed watch list matching procedures for international 2-leg boarding pass issuance. (6) Proposed requirement for placing a code, such as a bar code, on boarding passes. (7) Proposed privacy notice requirement. (8) Proposed compliance schedule and estimated compliance costs. rfrederick on PROD1PC67 with PROPOSALS Participation at the Meeting The meeting is expected to begin at 9 a.m. Following an introduction by TSA, members of the public will be invited to ask clarifying questions or present their views. Anyone wishing to present an oral statement at the meeting must register to present comments between 8 and 9:30 a.m. on the day of the meeting, and provide his or her name and affiliation. Such requests will be met on a firstcome, first-served basis. Speakers should keep comments brief and plan to speak for no more than five minutes when presenting comments. Public Meeting Procedures TSA will use the following procedures to facilitate the meeting: (1) There will be no admission fee or other charge to attend or to participate in the meeting. The meeting will be open to all persons. All persons who wish to present an oral statement must register to present comments between 8 and 9:30 a.m. on the day of the meeting. TSA will make every effort to accommodate all persons who wish to participate, but admission will be subject to availability of space in the meeting room. The meeting may adjourn early if scheduled speakers complete their statements or questions in less time than is scheduled for the meeting. VerDate Aug<31>2005 13:47 Sep 04, 2007 Jkt 211001 (2) An individual, whether speaking in a personal or a representative capacity on behalf of an organization, will be limited to a five-minute statement and scheduled on a firstcome, first-served basis. (3) Any speaker prevented by time constraints from speaking will be encouraged to submit written remarks, which will be made part of the record. (4) For information on facilities or services for individuals with disabilities or to request assistance at the meeting, please contact the person listed in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section above before September 13, 2007. (5) Representatives of TSA will preside over the meeting. (6) The meeting will be recorded by a court reporter. Any person who is interested in purchasing a copy of the transcript should contact the court reporter directly. (7) Statements made by TSA representatives are intended to facilitate discussion of the issues or to clarify issues. Any statement made during the meeting by a TSA representative is not intended to be, and should not be construed as, a position of TSA. (8) The meeting is designed to invite public views and gather additional information. No individual will be subject to cross-examination by any other participant; however, TSA representatives may ask questions to clarify a statement. Issued in Arlington, Virginia, on August 31, 2007. Stephanie Rowe, Assistant Administrator for Transportation Threat Assessment & Credentialing. [FR Doc. E7–17607 Filed 9–4–07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 9110–05–P DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Fish and Wildlife Service 50 CFR Part 17 RIN 1018–AU68 Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Establishment of a Nonessential Experimental Population of Rio Grande Silvery Minnow in the Big Bend Reach of the Rio Grande in Texas Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior. ACTION: Proposed rule; notice of availability of draft environmental assessment; notice of public hearing. AGENCY: SUMMARY: We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), in PO 00000 Frm 00007 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 cooperation with the National Park Service, and the United States Section of the International Boundary and Water Commission, propose to reestablish the Rio Grande silvery minnow (Hybognathus amarus), a Federally listed endangered fish, into its historic habitat in the Big Bend reach of the Rio Grande in Presidio, Brewster, and Terrell counties, Texas. We propose to reestablish the Rio Grande silvery minnow under section 10(j) of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (ESA), and to classify it as a nonessential experimental population (NEP). On the Rio Grande, the geographic boundaries of the NEP would extend from Little Box Canyon downstream of Ft. Quitman, Hudspeth County, Texas, through Big Bend National Park and the Rio Grande Wild and Scenic River, to Amistad Dam and the nearby railroad bridge (Big Bend reach of the Rio Grande). On the Pecos River, the geographic boundaries of the NEP would extend from the river’s confluence with Independence Creek to its confluence with the Rio Grande. This proposed reestablishment is part of the recovery actions that the Service, Federal and State agencies, and other partners are conducting throughout the species’ historic range. This proposed rule provides a plan for establishing the NEP and provides for limited allowable legal taking of Rio Grande silvery minnows within the defined NEP area. A draft environmental assessment (EA) has been prepared on this proposed action and is available for comment (see ADDRESSES section below). We request that comments on this proposal be submitted by the close of business on November 5, 2007. We will also hold one public hearing on this proposed rule on October 10, 2007, at 7 p.m. ADDRESSES: Written Comments. You may submit written comments and other information by any of the following methods (please see ‘‘Public Comments Solicited’’ section below for additional guidance): 1. Mail or hand delivery: Field Supervisor, Austin Ecological Services Field Office, 107011 Burnet Road, Suite 200, Austin, TX 78758. 2. Fax: (512) 490–0974. 3. E-mail: Aimee_Roberson@fws.gov. Obtaining information from the Service. You may obtain copies of the proposed rule and the draft EA from the street address given above or by calling (512) 490–0057. The proposed rule and draft EA are also available from our Web site at https://www.fws.gov/southwest/es/ Library/. DATES: E:\FR\FM\05SEP1.SGM 05SEP1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 72, Number 171 (Wednesday, September 5, 2007)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 50916-50918]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E7-17607]


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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Transportation Security Administration

49 CFR Parts 1540, 1544, and 1560

[Docket No. TSA-2007-28572]
RIN 1652-ZA15


Public Meeting: Secure Flight Program

AGENCY: Transportation Security Administration, DHS.

ACTION: Notice of public meeting and request for comments.

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

SUMMARY: This notice provides the time and location of the public 
meeting which will be held by the Transportation Security 
Administration (TSA) regarding the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) 
entitled ``Secure Flight Program,'' which was published in the Federal 
Register on August 23, 2007 (72 FR 48356).

DATES: The public meeting will be on September 20, 2007, in Washington, 
DC. The meeting will begin at 9 am. Persons not able to attend the 
meeting are invited to provide written comments, which must be received 
by October 22, 2007.

ADDRESSES: The public meeting will be held at the Grand Hyatt 
Washington, 1000 H Street, NW., Washington, DC 20001. Participants 
should check in with Secure Flight staff.
    Persons unable to attend the meeting may submit comments, 
identified by the TSA docket number to this rulemaking, using any one 
of the following methods:
    Comments Filed Electronically: You may submit comments through the 
docket Web site at https://dms.dot.gov. You also may submit comments 
through the Federal eRulemaking portal at https://www.regulations.gov.
    Comments Submitted by Mail, Fax, or In Person: Address or deliver 
your written, signed comments to the Docket Management System at: U.S. 
Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West Building 
Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Ave., SE., Washington, DC 
20590; Fax: 202-493-2251.
    See SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION for format and other information 
about comment submissions.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kevin Knott, Policy Manager, Secure 
Flight, Office of Transportation Threat Assessment and Credentialing, 
TSA-19, Transportation Security Administration, 601 South 12th Street, 
Arlington, VA 22202-4220; Telephone (240) 568-5611.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

[[Page 50917]]

Comments Invited

    TSA invites interested persons to participate in the public meeting 
by submitting written comments, data, or views. We invite comments 
relating to any aspect of the Secure Flight Program. The areas in 
particular in which TSA seeks information and comment at the public 
meeting are listed below in the ``Specific Issues for Discussion'' 
section. See ADDRESSES above for information on where to submit 
comments.
    We also invite comments relating to the economic, environmental, 
energy, or federalism impacts that might result from this rulemaking 
action. See ADDRESSES above for information on where to submit 
comments.
    With each comment, please include your name and address, identify 
the docket number at the beginning of your comments, and give the 
reason for each comment. The most helpful comments reference a specific 
topic, explain the reason for any recommendation, and include 
supporting data. You may submit comments and material electronically, 
in person, by mail, or fax as provided under ADDRESSES, but please 
submit your comments and material by only one means. If you submit 
comments by mail or delivery, submit them in two copies, in an unbound 
format, no larger than 8.5 by 11 inches, suitable for copying and 
electronic filing.
    If you want TSA to acknowledge receipt of comments submitted by 
mail, include with your comments a self-addressed, stamped postcard on 
which the docket number appears. We will stamp the date on the postcard 
and mail it to you.
    TSA will file in the public docket all comments received by TSA, 
except for comments containing confidential information and sensitive 
security information (SSI),\1\ TSA will consider all comments received 
on or before the closing date for comments and will consider comments 
filed late to the extent practicable. The docket is available for 
public inspection before and after the comment closing date.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\ ``Sensitive Security Information'' or ``SSI'' is information 
obtained or developed in the conduct of security activities, the 
disclosure of which would constitute an unwarranted invasion of 
privacy, reveal trade secrets or privileged or confidential 
information, or be detrimental to the security of transportation. 
The protection of SSI is governed by 49 CFR part 1520.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Handling of Confidential or Proprietary Information and Sensitive 
Security Information (SSI) Submitted in Public Comments

    Do not submit comments that include trade secrets, confidential 
commercial or financial information, or SSI to the public regulatory 
docket. Please submit such comments separately from other comments on 
the rulemaking. Comments containing this type of information should be 
appropriately marked as containing such information and submitted by 
mail to the address listed in FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section.
    Upon receipt of such comments, TSA will not place the comments in 
the public docket and will handle them in accordance with applicable 
safeguards and restrictions on access. TSA will hold them in a separate 
file to which the public does not have access, and place a note in the 
public docket that TSA has received such materials from the commenter. 
If TSA receives a request to examine or copy this information, TSA will 
treat it as any other request under the Freedom of Information Act 
(FOIA) (5 U.S.C. 552) and the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS's) 
FOIA regulation found in 6 CFR part 5.

Reviewing Comments in the Docket

    Please be aware that anyone is able to search the electronic form 
of all comments received into any of our dockets by the name of the 
individual submitting the comment (or signing the comment, if submitted 
on behalf of an association, business, labor union, etc.). You may 
review the applicable Privacy Act Statement published in the Federal 
Register on April 11, 2000 (65 FR 19477), or you may visit https://
dms.dot.gov.
    You may review the comments in the public docket by visiting the 
Dockets Office between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except 
Federal holidays. The Dockets Office is located in the West Building 
Ground Floor, Room W12-140, at the Department of Transportation 
address, previously provided under ADDRESSES. Also, you may review 
public dockets on the Internet at https://dms.dot.gov.

Availability of Document

    You can get an electronic copy using the Internet by--
    (1) Searching the Department of Transportation's electronic Docket 
Management System (DMS) Web page (https://dms.dot.gov/search); or
    (2) Visiting TSA's Security Regulations Web page at https://
www.tsa.gov and accessing the link for ``Research Center'' at the top 
of the page.
    In addition, copies are available by writing or calling the 
individual in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section. Make sure to 
identify the docket number of this action.

Background

    TSA performs passenger and baggage screening at the Nation's 
commercial airports.\2\ Aircraft operators currently supplement this 
security screening by performing passenger watch list matching using 
the Federal No Fly and Selectee Lists, as required under security 
directives that TSA issued following the terrorist attacks of September 
11, 2001. Aircraft operators also conduct this watch list matching 
process for non-traveling individuals \3\ authorized to enter the 
sterile area \4\ of an airport in order to escort a passenger or for 
some other purpose approved by TSA.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \2\ See the Aviation and Transportation Security Act (ATSA) 
(Pub. L. 107-71, 115 Stat. 597, Nov. 19, 2001).
    \3\ ``Non-traveling individual'' is defined in the NPRM for the 
Secure Flight Program as an individual to whom a covered aircraft 
operator or covered airport operator seeks to issue an authorization 
to enter the sterile area of an airport in order to escort a minor 
or a passenger with disabilities or for some other purpose permitted 
by TSA. It would not include employees or agents of airport or 
aircraft operators or other individuals whose access to a sterile 
area is governed by another TSA regulation or security directive. 
Proposed 49 CFR 1560.3.
    \4\ ``Sterile area'' is defined in 49 CFR 1520.5 as ``a portion 
of an airport defined in the airport security program that provides 
passengers access to boarding aircraft and to which the access 
generally is controlled by TSA, or by an aircraft operator under 
part 1544 of this chapter or a foreign air carrier under part 1546 
of this chapter, through the screening of persons and property.''
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004 
(IRTPA) requires TSA to assume from air carriers the comparison of 
passenger information to the automatic Selectee and No Fly Lists and to 
utilize all appropriate records in the consolidated and integrated 
watch list that the Federal Government maintains.\5\ The final report 
of the National Commission on Terrorist Attacks Upon the United States 
(9/11 Commission Report) recommends that the watch list matching 
function ``should be performed by TSA and it should utilize the larger 
set of watch lists maintained by the Federal Government.'' See 9/11 
Commission Report at 393.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \5\ Pub. L. 108-458, 118 Stat. 3638, Dec. 17, 2004.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    On August 23, 2007, TSA published in the Federal Register (72 FR 
48356) the NPRM for the Secure Flight Program describing TSA's proposal 
for assuming the responsibility for passenger watch list matching from 
covered aircraft operators.\6\ TSA seeks comment on the

[[Page 50918]]

proposal described in the NPRM. TSA intends to analyze the public 
comments and issue a final rule.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \6\ TSA proposes to define a ``covered aircraft operator'' as a 
U.S. aircraft operator that is required to have a full program under 
49 CFR 1544.101(a) or a foreign air carrier that is required to have 
a security program under 49 CFR 1546.101(a) or (b). Proposed Sec.  
1560.3.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Specific Issues for Discussion

    There are several areas in particular in which TSA seeks 
information and comment from the industry at the public meeting, listed 
below. These key issues are intended to help focus public comments on 
subjects that TSA must explore in order to complete its review of the 
proposed Secure Flight program. The comments at the meeting need not be 
limited to these issues, and TSA invites comments on any other aspect 
of the proposed Secure Flight program. These are:
    (1) Proposed data elements.
    (2) Proposed data retention schedule.
    (3) Proposed 72-hour data transmission requirement.
    (4) Proposed watch list matching procedures for overflights.
    (5) Proposed watch list matching procedures for international 2-leg 
boarding pass issuance.
    (6) Proposed requirement for placing a code, such as a bar code, on 
boarding passes.
    (7) Proposed privacy notice requirement.
    (8) Proposed compliance schedule and estimated compliance costs.

Participation at the Meeting

    The meeting is expected to begin at 9 a.m. Following an 
introduction by TSA, members of the public will be invited to ask 
clarifying questions or present their views.
    Anyone wishing to present an oral statement at the meeting must 
register to present comments between 8 and 9:30 a.m. on the day of the 
meeting, and provide his or her name and affiliation. Such requests 
will be met on a first-come, first-served basis. Speakers should keep 
comments brief and plan to speak for no more than five minutes when 
presenting comments.

Public Meeting Procedures

    TSA will use the following procedures to facilitate the meeting:
    (1) There will be no admission fee or other charge to attend or to 
participate in the meeting. The meeting will be open to all persons. 
All persons who wish to present an oral statement must register to 
present comments between 8 and 9:30 a.m. on the day of the meeting. TSA 
will make every effort to accommodate all persons who wish to 
participate, but admission will be subject to availability of space in 
the meeting room. The meeting may adjourn early if scheduled speakers 
complete their statements or questions in less time than is scheduled 
for the meeting.
    (2) An individual, whether speaking in a personal or a 
representative capacity on behalf of an organization, will be limited 
to a five-minute statement and scheduled on a first-come, first-served 
basis.
    (3) Any speaker prevented by time constraints from speaking will be 
encouraged to submit written remarks, which will be made part of the 
record.
    (4) For information on facilities or services for individuals with 
disabilities or to request assistance at the meeting, please contact 
the person listed in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section above 
before September 13, 2007.
    (5) Representatives of TSA will preside over the meeting.
    (6) The meeting will be recorded by a court reporter. Any person 
who is interested in purchasing a copy of the transcript should contact 
the court reporter directly.
    (7) Statements made by TSA representatives are intended to 
facilitate discussion of the issues or to clarify issues. Any statement 
made during the meeting by a TSA representative is not intended to be, 
and should not be construed as, a position of TSA.
    (8) The meeting is designed to invite public views and gather 
additional information. No individual will be subject to cross-
examination by any other participant; however, TSA representatives may 
ask questions to clarify a statement.

    Issued in Arlington, Virginia, on August 31, 2007.
Stephanie Rowe,
Assistant Administrator for Transportation Threat Assessment & 
Credentialing.
 [FR Doc. E7-17607 Filed 9-4-07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 9110-05-P
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