Indiana Regulatory Program, 59005-59009 [07-5144]
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Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 201 / Thursday, October 18, 2007 / Rules and Regulations
§ 1000.103 How may IHBG funds be used
for tenant-based or project-based rental
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(a) IHBG funds may be used for
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assistance.
(b) IHBG funds may be used for
project-based or tenant-based rental
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Dated: October 11, 2007.
Orlando J. Cabrera,
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[FR Doc. E7–20525 Filed 10–17–07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4210–67–P
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Office of Surface Mining Reclamation
and Enforcement
30 CFR Part 914
[Docket No. IN–156–FOR, Administrative
Cause No. 06–046R]
Indiana Regulatory Program
Office of Surface Mining
Reclamation and Enforcement, Interior.
ACTION: Final rule; approval of
amendment.
AGENCY:
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SUMMARY: We, the Office of Surface
Mining Reclamation and Enforcement
(OSM), are approving, with certain
exceptions, an amendment to the
Indiana regulatory program (Indiana
program) under the Surface Mining
Control and Reclamation Act of 1977
(SMCRA or the Act). The Indiana
Department of Natural Resources,
Division of Reclamation (IDNR,
department, or Indiana) revised its rules
concerning the definition of
‘‘government-financed construction’’;
underground mining reclamation plans
for siltation structures, impoundments,
dams, embankments, and refuse piles;
requirements for performance bond
release; surface mining permanent and
temporary impoundments; surface
mining primary roads; and inspections
of sites. Indiana revised its program to
be consistent with the corresponding
Federal regulations, to clarify
ambiguities, and to improve operational
efficiency.
DATES: Effective Date: October 18, 2007.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Andrew R. Gilmore, Chief, Alton Field
Division—Indianapolis Area Office.
Telephone: (317) 226–6700. E-mail:
IFOMAIL@osmre.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
I. Background on the Indiana Program
II. Submission of the Amendment
III. OSM’s Findings
IV. Summary and Disposition of Comments
V. OSM’s Decision
VI. Procedural Determinations
I. Background on the Indiana Program
Section 503(a) of the Act permits a
State to assume primacy for the
regulation of surface coal mining and
reclamation operations on non-Federal
and non-Indian lands within its borders
by demonstrating that its State program
includes, among other things, ‘‘a State
law which provides for the regulation of
surface coal mining and reclamation
operations in accordance with the
requirements of this Act * * *; and
rules and regulations consistent with
regulations issued by the Secretary
pursuant to this Act.’’ See 30 U.S.C.
1253(a)(1) and (7). On the basis of these
criteria, the Secretary of the Interior
conditionally approved the Indiana
program effective July 29, 1982. You can
find background information on the
Indiana program, including the
Secretary’s findings, the disposition of
comments, and the conditions of
approval, in the July 26, 1982, Federal
Register (47 FR 32071). You can also
find later actions concerning the Indiana
program and program amendments at 30
CFR 914.10, 914.15, 914.16, and 914.17.
II. Submission of the Amendment
By letter dated December 11, 2006
(Administrative Record No. IND–1741),
Indiana sent us an amendment to its
program under SMCRA (30 U.S.C. 1201
et seq.) in response to a required
program amendment at 30 CFR
914.16(ff) and to include changes made
at its own initiative. The provisions of
312 Indiana Administrative Code (IAC)
25 that Indiana proposed to revise were:
312 IAC 25–1–57, definition of
‘‘government-financed construction’’;
25–4–87, underground mining
59005
reclamation plans for siltation
structures, impoundments, dams,
embankments, and refuse piles; 25–5–
16, requirements for performance bond
release; 25–6–20, surface mining
permanent and temporary
impoundments; 25–6–66, surface
mining primary roads; and 25–7–1,
inspections of sites.
We announced receipt of the
proposed amendment in the February 6,
2007, Federal Register (72 FR 5374). In
the same document, we opened the
public comment period and provided an
opportunity for a public hearing or
meeting on the adequacy of the
amendment. We did not hold a public
hearing or meeting because no one
requested one. The public comment
period ended on March 8, 2007. We
received comments from two Federal
agencies.
During our review of the amendment,
we identified concerns about
requirements for performance bond
release. We notified Indiana of these
concerns by letter dated May 9, 2007,
(Administrative Record No. IND–1748).
We also met with Indiana staff on June
26, 2007, to discuss the concerns
regarding the amendment and
corresponded with the State via email
on June 23, 2007 (Administrative
Record No. IND–1752). Indiana
responded by email on July 24, 2007
(Administrative Record No. IND–1752),
that it would not submit revisions to
this portion of the amendment at this
time and that we should proceed with
processing the other portions of the
amendment. Therefore, we are
proceeding with the final rule Federal
Register document.
III. OSM’s Findings
Following are the findings we made
concerning the amendment under
SMCRA and the Federal regulations at
30 CFR 732.15 and 732.17. We are
approving the amendment with
exceptions as described below. Any
revisions that we do not specifically
discuss below concern nonsubstantive
wording or editorial changes.
A. Minor Revisions to Indiana’s Rules
Indiana made minor wording,
editorial, punctuation, grammatical,
restructuring, and recodification
changes to the following previouslyapproved rules:
Topic
State rule
Underground mining reclamation plans for siltation structures, impoundments, dams, embankments, and refuse piles.
Requirements for performance bond release. .........................................
312 IAC 25–4–87(a)(1)(B) and (a)(2)(A) and (C), (c), (e)(1) and (e)(4),
and (f)(1).
312 IAC 25–5–16(b).
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Topic
State rule
Surface mining permanent and temporary impoundments ......................
312 IAC 25–6–20(a)(1), (a)(3)(A), (B), and (C), (a)(5), (a)(6),
(a)(7)(B)(iii), (a)(9)(A), (D), (E)(iii), (b)(3), (b)(8)(B), (c)(1) and (2), (d)
and (e).
312 IAC 25–6–66(2)(A) and (C), (2)(H), and (4)(B)(i).
312 IAC 25–7–1(f)(3)(E) and (F), (g)(2), (h)(1)(D)(ii), and (h)(3)(A).
Surface mining primary roads ..................................................................
Inspections of sites ...................................................................................
1. For example, 312 IAC 25–4–
87(a)(2)(A) was restructured from:
(A) Be prepared by, or under the direction
of, and certified by a qualified registered
professional engineer with assistance from
experts in related fields such as geology, land
surveying, and landscape architecture.
to:
(A) Be prepared by, or under the direction
of, and certified by a qualified registered
professional engineer with assistance from
experts in related fields, such as the
following:
(i) Geology.
(ii) Land surveying.
(iii) Landscape architecture.
2. For example, 312 IAC 25–5–16(b)
was recodified as 312 IAC 25–5–16(c).
3. For example, at 312 IAC 25–6–
20(a)(3)(C), the phrase ‘‘in lieu of’’ was
replaced by the phrase ‘‘instead of’’.
Because these changes are minor, we
find that they will not make Indiana’s
previously approved rules less effective
than the corresponding Federal
regulations.
B. Revisions to Indiana’s Rules That
Have the Same Meaning as the
Corresponding Provisions of the Federal
Regulations
Indiana’s rules listed in the table
below contain language that is the same
as or similar to the corresponding
Federal regulations.
Federal counterpart
[regulation]
Topic
State [rule]
Definition of ‘‘Government-financed construction’’ ...........
Surface Mining Primary Roads .........................................
312 IAC 25–1–57 ............................................................
312 IAC 25–6–66(2) ........................................................
Because the above State rules contain
language that is the same as or similar
to the corresponding Federal
regulations, we find that they are no less
effective than the Federal counterpart
regulations.
C. 312 IAC 25–4–87 Underground
Mining Reclamation Plans for Siltation
Structures, Impoundments, Dams,
Embankments, and Refuse Piles
1. At subsection (g)(3), Indiana
proposed to remove the following
sentence:
If necessary to protect the health or safety
of persons or property or the environment,
even though the volume of water impounded
is less than one hundred (100) acre feet, the
director may require an application to be
made.
There is no Federal counterpart to
Indiana’s rule at subsection (g)(3). On
November 29, 2004 (69 FR 69283), we
approved the removal of a similar
requirement at 312 IAC 25–4–49(g)(3)
for surface mining reclamation plans.
Therefore, we find the revision made to
previously approved 312 IAC 25–4–
87(g)(3) will not make the Indiana rules
less effective than the Federal
regulations or SMCRA.
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D. 312 IAC 25–5–16 Requirements for
Performance Bond Release
1. Indiana proposed to revise its rule
at subsection (a) concerning what a
permittee must include in the
newspaper advertisement that is part of
the bond release application. Currently,
Indiana’s rule requires the permittee to
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state in the newspaper advertisement
that, ‘‘any person with a valid legal
interest that might be adversely affected
by release of bond, or the responsible
officer or head of any federal, Indiana,
or local governmental agency that has
jurisdiction by law or is authorized to
develop and enforce environmental
standards with respect to the operations,
may file written comments or objections
or may request a public hearing or
informal conference.’’ Indiana proposed
to revise this requirement by deleting
the words ‘‘informal conference.’’
The counterpart Federal regulation at
30 CFR 800.40(a)(2) specifies that the
advertisement must contain the name
and address of the regulatory authority
to which written comments, objections,
or requests for public hearings and
informal conferences on the specific
bond release may be submitted pursuant
to 30 CFR 800.40(f) and (h). The Federal
regulation at 30 CFR 800.40(f) provides
that certain persons may file written
objections and request a ‘‘public
hearing’’ regarding the proposed bond
release. The Federal regulation at 30
CFR 800.40(h) provides that ‘‘without
prejudice to the right of an objector or
the applicant, the regulatory authority
may hold an informal conference * * *
to resolve such written objections.’’
We find that Indiana’s proposed
revision is no less effective than the
Federal regulation at 30 CFR
800.40(a)(2) because this Federal
regulation does not require the
newspaper advertisement to contain
information on who may request a
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30 CFR 707.5.
30 CFR 816.151(b).
public hearing or informal conference.
Instead, it requires the advertisement to
contain information on where requests
for public hearings or informal
conferences may be submitted.
Therefore, we are approving Indiana’s
revision.
2. Indiana proposed to add a new rule
at subsection (b) that allows the director
of IDNR to initiate an application for the
release of bond. If a bond release
application is initiated by the director of
IDNR, the department will have to
perform the notification and
certification requirements otherwise
imposed on the permittee. While the
counterpart Federal regulation at 30
CFR 800.40(a) allows a permittee to file
an application for bond release, the
Federal regulations are silent as to
whether a regulatory authority may
initiate bond release proceedings.
However, a similar provision was
approved for the Kentucky program on
December 31, 1990 (55 FR 53490) and
the Illinois program on April 7, 2000 (65
FR 18239). Also, on September 14, 2004,
we approved a similar change for
Indiana’s statute at IC 14–34–6–7 (69 FR
55348). We approved the statutory
change with the understanding that
Indiana would revise its implementing
rule at 312 IAC 25–5–16. Indiana’s
revision at 312 IAC 25–5–16(b) meets
this requirement.
Under Indiana’s proposal, bond
release proceedings initiated by the
director of IDNR must conform to the
same procedural steps as a bond release
initiated by the permittee. Thus, the
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public participation and notification
requirements of section 519 of SMCRA
and the Federal regulation at 30 CFR
800.40 would still apply when the
director of IDNR initiates a bond release
in Indiana. For the above reasons, we
find that allowing the director of IDNR
to initiate bond release does not make
Indiana’s performance bond release
requirements at 312 IAC 25–5–16(b) less
effective than the Federal regulation at
30 CFR 800.40(a). Therefore, we are
approving the new provision.
3. Indiana proposed to redesignate
existing subsections (c) through (f) as
new subsections (d) through (g) and to
revise new subsection (d). Indiana also
proposed to delete existing subsections
(g) and (i) and to add new subsection
(h). In addition, Indiana proposed to
revise existing subsection (h) and
redesignate it as new subsection (i).
Finally, Indiana proposed to add new
subsection (j).
In a letter dated May 9, 2007
(Administrative Record No. IND–1748),
we notified Indiana that we completed
our review of the State’s proposed
amendment and identified some
provisions that appeared to be less
effective than the Federal regulations.
We also met with Indiana staff on June
26, 2007, to discuss our concerns
regarding the amendment.
We advised Indiana that 312 IAC 25–
5–16, starting at new subsection (d),
contains deficiencies that include
inappropriate reference citations and
the removal and/or absence of required
program provisions, thus making the
Indiana rules less effective than the
Federal regulations. During our
discussions and in an email dated July
24, 2007 (Administrative Record No.
IND–1752), Indiana advised us that it
would submit revisions to the
amendment to address these concerns at
a later date and that we should proceed
with processing the amendment.
Therefore, we cannot approve Indiana’s
proposed revisions at 312 IAC 25–5–16
new subsections (d) through (j).
E. 312 IAC 25–6–20 Surface Mining
Permanent and Temporary
Impoundments
1. At subsection (a)(3)(B) regarding
criteria for stability of impoundments,
Indiana proposed to remove the
language ‘‘and located where failure
would not be expected to cause loss of
life or serious property damage.’’
The counterpart Federal regulation at
30 CFR 816.49(a)(4)(ii) does not contain
the deleted language. Therefore, we find
that the removal of the language will not
make Indiana’s rule at 312 IAC 25–6–
20(a)(3)(B) less effective than the
counterpart Federal regulation.
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2. At subsection (a)(9)(E)(ii) regarding
inspection of impoundments, Indiana
proposed to add the following type of
impoundment to its list of those nonhazardous impoundments that are
exempt from its quarterly examination
requirements:
59007
Inspections of Sites
amendment from various Federal
agencies with an actual or potential
interest in the Indiana program
(Administrative Record No. IND–1744).
We received comments from two
agencies. The U.S. Department of the
Interior Fish and Wildlife Service
responded on January 22, 2007
(Administrative Record No. IND–1745),
that it had no specific comments on the
proposed amendment. The U.S.
Department of Agriculture Forest
Service (Forest Service) responded on
February 9, 2007 (Administrative
Record No. IND–1746), by
recommending that Indiana retain,
instead of deleting, the provision at 312
IAC 25–4–87(g)(3) that requires a permit
application and prior approval from the
director of IDNR before the construction
of structures that impound less than 100
acre-feet of water. The Forest Service
also recommended that Indiana add one
or more criteria to 312 IAC 25–6–66(4)
that encourages design parameters that
foster the passage of aquatic organisms
instead of having only criteria that
approaches the design of water crossing
structures strictly from an engineering
standpoint. Because the Federal
regulations do not contain requirements
related to the Forest Service’s above two
recommendations, Indiana is not
required to have them in the State’s
approved regulatory program. However,
we sent a copy of the Forest Service’s
comments to Indiana for consideration.
At subsection (h)(1)(D)(i) regarding
the definition of ‘‘abandoned site,’’
Indiana proposed to remove the
language ‘‘or permit revocation
proceedings have been initiated and are
being pursued diligently.’’
On November 29, 2004, we required
Indiana to revise its regulation at 312
IAC 25–7–1(h)(1)(D)(i) to allow a site to
be classified as abandoned only in cases
where a permit has expired or been
revoked (69 FR 69287). We codified this
requirement at 30 CFR 914.16(ff).
Indiana’s removal of the above quoted
language meets this requirement.
Therefore, we find that 312 IAC 25–7–
1(h)(1)(D)(i) is no less effective than 30
CFR 840.11(g)(4)(i), and we approve it.
We are also removing the required
amendment at 30 CFR 914.16(ff).
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
Concurrence and Comments
Under 30 CFR 732.17(h)(11)(ii), we
are required to get a written concurrence
from EPA for those provisions of the
program amendment that relate to air or
water quality standards issued under
the authority of the Clean Water Act (33
U.S.C. 1251 et seq.) or the Clean Air Act
(42 U.S.C. 7401 et seq.). None of the
revisions that Indiana proposed to make
in this amendment pertain to air or
water quality standards. Therefore, we
did not ask EPA to concur on the
amendment.
On January 4, 2007, under 30 CFR
732.17(h)(11)(i), we requested
comments on the amendment from EPA
(Administrative Record No. IND–1744).
EPA did not respond to our request.
IV. Summary and Disposition of
Comments
State Historical Preservation Officer
(SHPO) and the Advisory Council on
Historic Preservation (ACHP)
Under 30 CFR 732.17(h)(4), we are
required to request comments from the
SHPO and ACHP on amendments that
may have an effect on historic
properties. On January 4, 2007, we
requested comments on Indiana’s
amendment (Administrative Record No.
(ii) Impoundments that are entirely
contained within an incised structure such
that the incised structure would completely
contain the waters of the impoundment
should failure occur and failure would not
create a potential threat to public health and
safety or threaten significant environmental
harm.
The impoundments listed in
subsection (a)(9)(E) are among those that
do not meet the size or other criteria of
30 CFR 77.216(a) or do not meet the
Class B or C criteria for dams in the
NRCS publication, Technical Release
No. 60.
There is no Federal counterpart to the
added provision. The Federal regulation
at 30 CFR 816.49(a)(12) requires
quarterly inspections of impoundments
for appearance of structural weakness
and other hazardous conditions.
Because incised structures do not have
dams, there is no probability of
impoundment failure. Therefore, we
find that 312 IAC 25–6–20(a)(9)(E)(ii) is
no less effective than the counterpart
Federal regulation at 30 CFR
816.49(a)(12), and we are approving it.
F. 312 IAC 25–7–1
Public Comments
We asked for public comments on the
amendment, but did not receive any.
Federal Agency Comments
On January 4, 2007, under 30 CFR
732.17(h)(11)(i) and section 503(b) of
SMCRA, we requested comments on the
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IND–1744), but neither responded to our
request.
V. OSM’s Decision
Based on our discussions in OSM’s
Findings III.A. through D.2., and E. and
F. above, we approve those revisions to
Indiana’s rules sent to us on December
11, 2006. We do not approve Indiana’s
newly redesignated subsections (d)
through (g) and (i) and new subsections
(h) and (j) at 312 IAC 25–5–16 as
discussed in OSM’s Findings III.D.3. For
those rules we approve, Indiana must
fully promulgate them in identical form
to the rules submitted to and reviewed
by OSM and the public.
To implement our decision, we are
amending the Federal regulations at 30
CFR part 914, which codify decisions
concerning the Indiana program. We
find that good cause exists under 5
U.S.C. 553(d)(3) to make this final rule
effective immediately. Section 503(a) of
SMCRA requires that the State’s
program demonstrate that the State has
the capability of carrying out the
provisions of the Act and meeting its
purposes. Making this rule effective
immediately will expedite that process.
SMCRA requires consistency of State
and Federal standards.
Effect of OSM’s Decision
Section 503 of SMCRA provides that
a State may not exercise jurisdiction
under SMCRA unless the State program
is approved by the Secretary. Similarly,
30 CFR 732.17(a) requires that any
change to an approved State program be
submitted to OSM for review as a
program amendment. The Federal
regulations at 30 CFR 732.17(g) prohibit
any changes to approved State programs
that are not approved by OSM. In the
oversight of the Indiana program, we
will recognize only the statutes, rules
and other materials we have approved,
together with any consistent
implementing policies, directives and
other materials. We will require Indiana
to enforce only approved provisions.
VI. Procedural Determinations
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Executive Order 12630—Takings
The provisions in the rule based on
counterpart Federal regulations do not
have takings implications. This
determination is based on the analysis
performed for the counterpart Federal
regulations. The revisions made at the
initiative of the State that do not have
Federal counterparts have also been
reviewed and a determination made that
they do not have takings implications.
This determination is based on the fact
that this rulemaking has no takings
implications.
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Executive Order 12866—Regulatory
Planning and Review
This rule is exempted from review by
the Office of Management and Budget
(OMB) under Executive Order 12866.
Executive Order 12988—Civil Justice
Reform
The Department of the Interior has
conducted the reviews required by
section 3 of Executive Order 12988 and
has determined that this rule meets the
applicable standards of subsections (a)
and (b) of that section. However, these
standards are not applicable to the
actual language of State regulatory
programs and program amendments
because each program is drafted and
promulgated by a specific State, not by
OSM. Under sections 503 and 505 of
SMCRA (30 U.S.C. 1253 and 1255) and
the Federal regulations at 30 CFR
730.11, 732.15, and 732.17(h)(10),
decisions on proposed State regulatory
programs and program amendments
submitted by the States must be based
solely on a determination of whether the
submittal is consistent with SMCRA and
its implementing Federal regulations
and whether the other requirements of
30 CFR parts 730, 731, and 732 have
been met.
Executive Order 13132—Federalism
This rule does not have Federalism
implications. SMCRA delineates the
roles of the Federal and State
governments with regard to the
regulation of surface coal mining and
reclamation operations. One of the
purposes of SMCRA is to ‘‘establish a
nationwide program to protect society
and the environment from the adverse
effects of surface coal mining
operations.’’ Section 503(a)(1) of
SMCRA requires that State laws
regulating surface coal mining and
reclamation operations be ‘‘in
accordance with’’ the requirements of
SMCRA, and section 503(a)(7) requires
that State programs contain rules and
regulations ‘‘consistent with’’
regulations issued by the Secretary
pursuant to SMCRA.
Executive Order 13175—Consultation
and Coordination With Indian Tribal
Governments
In accordance with Executive Order
13175, we have evaluated the potential
effects of this rule on Federallyrecognized Indian tribes and have
determined that the rule does not have
substantial direct effects 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.
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This determination is based on the fact
that the Indiana program does not
regulate coal exploration and surface
coal mining and reclamation operations
on Indian lands. Therefore, the Indiana
program has no effect on federallyrecognized Indian tribes.
Executive Order 13211—Regulations
That Significantly Affect the Supply,
Distribution, or Use of Energy
On May 18, 2001, the President issued
Executive Order 13211 which requires
agencies to prepare a Statement of
Energy Effects for a rule that is (1)
considered significant under Executive
Order 12866, and (2) likely to have a
significant adverse effect on the supply,
distribution, or use of energy. Because
this rule is exempt from review under
Executive Order 12866 and is not
expected to have a significant adverse
effect on the supply, distribution, or use
of energy, a Statement of Energy Effects
is not required.
National Environmental Policy Act
This rule does not require an
environmental impact statement
because section 702(d) of SMCRA (30
U.S.C. 1292(d)) provides that agency
decisions on proposed State regulatory
program provisions do not constitute
major Federal actions within the
meaning of section 102(2)(C) of the
National Environmental Policy Act (42
U.S.C. 4332(2)(C)).
Paperwork Reduction Act
This rule does not contain
information collection requirements that
require approval by OMB under the
Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C.
3507 et seq.).
Regulatory Flexibility Act
The Department of the Interior
certifies that a portion of the provisions
in this rule will 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 they are based upon
counterpart Federal regulations for
which an economic analysis was
prepared and certification made that
such regulations would not have a
significant economic effect upon a
substantial number of small entities. In
making the determination as to whether
this part of the rule would have a
significant economic impact, the
Department relied upon the data and
assumptions for the counterpart Federal
regulations. The Department of the
Interior also certifies that the provisions
in this rule that are not based upon
counterpart Federal regulations will not
have a significant economic impact on
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a substantial number of small entities
under the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5
U.S.C. 601 et seq.). This determination
is based upon the fact that the
provisions are administrative and
procedural in nature and are not
expected to have a substantive effect on
the regulated industry.
Small Business Regulatory Enforcement
Fairness Act
This rule is not a major rule under 5
U.S.C. 804(2), the Small Business
Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act.
This rule: (a) Does not have an annual
effect on the economy of $100 million;
(b) Will not cause a major increase in
costs or prices for consumers,
individual industries, Federal, State, or
local government agencies, or
geographic regions; and (c) Does not
have significant adverse effects on
competition, employment, investment,
productivity, innovation, or the ability
of U.S.-based enterprises to compete
with foreign-based enterprises. This
determination is based upon the fact
that a portion of the State provisions are
based upon counterpart Federal
regulations for which an analysis was
§ 914.16
Dated: September 27, 2007.
William Joseph,
Acting Regional Director, Mid-Continent
Regional Office.
Unfunded Mandates
This rule will not impose an
unfunded mandate on State, local, or
tribal governments or the private sector
of $100 million or more in any given
year. This determination is based upon
the fact that a portion of the State
submittal, which is the subject of this
rule, is based upon counterpart Federal
regulations for which an analysis was
prepared and a determination made that
the Federal regulation did not impose
an unfunded mandate. For the portion
of the State provisions that is not based
upon counterpart Federal regulations,
this determination is based upon the
fact that the State provisions are
administrative and procedural in nature
For the reasons set out in the
preamble, 30 CFR part 914 is amended
as set forth below:
I
PART 914—INDIANA
1. The authority citation for part 914
continues to read as follows:
I
Authority: 30 U.S.C. 1201 et seq.
2. Section 914.15 is amended in the
table by adding a new entry in
chronological order by ‘‘Date of final
publication’’ to read as follows:
I
§ 914.15 Approval of Indiana regulatory
program amendments.
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
312 IAC 25–1–57; 25–4–87; 25–5–16(a), (b) [new], and (c) [formerly (b)]; 25–
6–20; 25–6–66; and 25–7–1.
3. Section 914.16 is amended by
removing paragraph (ff) and removing
reserved paragraphs (gg) through (mm).
I
[FR Doc. 07–5144 Filed 10–17–07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310–05–P
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Office of Surface Mining Reclamation
and Enforcement
30 CFR Part 946
[VA–125–FOR]
Control and Reclamation Act of 1977
(SMCRA or the Act). The program
amendment revises the Virginia Coal
Surface Mining Reclamation
Regulations concerning review of a
decision not to inspect or enforce. The
amendment is intended to specify the
time limit for filing a request for review
of a decision and to identify with whom
a request for review should be filed.
Effective Date: October 18, 2007.
Mr.
Earl Bandy, Director, Knoxville Field
Office; Telephone: (276) 523–4303.
Internet: ebandy@osmre.gov.
DATES:
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Virginia Regulatory Program
Office of Surface Mining
Reclamation and Enforcement (OSM),
Interior.
ACTION: Final rule; approval of
amendment.
AGENCY:
yshivers on PROD1PC62 with RULES
Intergovernmental relations, Surface
mining, Underground mining.
Citation/description
[Amended]
SUMMARY: We are approving an
amendment to the Virginia regulatory
program under the Surface Mining
16:50 Oct 17, 2007
List of Subjects in 30 CFR Part 914
*
October 18, 2007 ......
*
VerDate Aug<31>2005
and are not expected to have a
substantive effect on the regulated
industry.
Date of final
publication
Original amendment submission date
*
prepared and a determination made that
the Federal regulation was not
considered a major rule. For the portion
of the State provisions that is not based
upon counterpart Federal regulations,
this determination is based upon the
fact that the State provisions are
administrative and procedural in nature
and are not expected to have a
substantive effect on the regulated
industry.
59009
Jkt 214001
I. Background on the Virginia Program
II. Submission of the Amendment
III. OSM’s Findings
IV. Summary and Disposition of Comments
V. OSM’s Decision
VI. Procedural Determinations
I. Background on the Virginia Program
Section 503(a) of the Act permits a
State to assume primacy for the
regulation of surface coal mining and
PO 00000
Frm 00017
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
reclamation operations on non-Federal
and non-Indian lands within its borders
by demonstrating that its program
includes, among other things, ‘‘* * * a
State law which provides for the
regulation of surface coal mining and
reclamation operations in accordance
with the requirements of the Act * * *;
and rules and regulations consistent
with regulations issued by the Secretary
pursuant to the Act.’’ See 30 U.S.C.
1253(a) (1) and (7). On the basis of these
criteria, the Secretary of the Interior
conditionally approved the Virginia
program on December 15, 1981. You can
find background information on the
Virginia program, including the
Secretary’s findings, the disposition of
comments, and conditions of approval
of the Virginia program in the December
15, 1981, Federal Register (46 FR
61088). You can also find later actions
concerning Virginia’s program and
program amendments at 30 CFR 946.12,
946.13, and 946.15.
E:\FR\FM\18OCR1.SGM
18OCR1
Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 72, Number 201 (Thursday, October 18, 2007)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 59005-59009]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 07-5144]
=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement
30 CFR Part 914
[Docket No. IN-156-FOR, Administrative Cause No. 06-046R]
Indiana Regulatory Program
AGENCY: Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement, Interior.
ACTION: Final rule; approval of amendment.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: We, the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement
(OSM), are approving, with certain exceptions, an amendment to the
Indiana regulatory program (Indiana program) under the Surface Mining
Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 (SMCRA or the Act). The Indiana
Department of Natural Resources, Division of Reclamation (IDNR,
department, or Indiana) revised its rules concerning the definition of
``government-financed construction''; underground mining reclamation
plans for siltation structures, impoundments, dams, embankments, and
refuse piles; requirements for performance bond release; surface mining
permanent and temporary impoundments; surface mining primary roads; and
inspections of sites. Indiana revised its program to be consistent with
the corresponding Federal regulations, to clarify ambiguities, and to
improve operational efficiency.
DATES: Effective Date: October 18, 2007.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Andrew R. Gilmore, Chief, Alton Field
Division--Indianapolis Area Office. Telephone: (317) 226-6700. E-mail:
IFOMAIL@osmre.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
I. Background on the Indiana Program
II. Submission of the Amendment
III. OSM's Findings
IV. Summary and Disposition of Comments
V. OSM's Decision
VI. Procedural Determinations
I. Background on the Indiana Program
Section 503(a) of the Act permits a State to assume primacy for the
regulation of surface coal mining and reclamation operations on non-
Federal and non-Indian lands within its borders by demonstrating that
its State program includes, among other things, ``a State law which
provides for the regulation of surface coal mining and reclamation
operations in accordance with the requirements of this Act * * *; and
rules and regulations consistent with regulations issued by the
Secretary pursuant to this Act.'' See 30 U.S.C. 1253(a)(1) and (7). On
the basis of these criteria, the Secretary of the Interior
conditionally approved the Indiana program effective July 29, 1982. You
can find background information on the Indiana program, including the
Secretary's findings, the disposition of comments, and the conditions
of approval, in the July 26, 1982, Federal Register (47 FR 32071). You
can also find later actions concerning the Indiana program and program
amendments at 30 CFR 914.10, 914.15, 914.16, and 914.17.
II. Submission of the Amendment
By letter dated December 11, 2006 (Administrative Record No. IND-
1741), Indiana sent us an amendment to its program under SMCRA (30
U.S.C. 1201 et seq.) in response to a required program amendment at 30
CFR 914.16(ff) and to include changes made at its own initiative. The
provisions of 312 Indiana Administrative Code (IAC) 25 that Indiana
proposed to revise were: 312 IAC 25-1-57, definition of ``government-
financed construction''; 25-4-87, underground mining reclamation plans
for siltation structures, impoundments, dams, embankments, and refuse
piles; 25-5-16, requirements for performance bond release; 25-6-20,
surface mining permanent and temporary impoundments; 25-6-66, surface
mining primary roads; and 25-7-1, inspections of sites.
We announced receipt of the proposed amendment in the February 6,
2007, Federal Register (72 FR 5374). In the same document, we opened
the public comment period and provided an opportunity for a public
hearing or meeting on the adequacy of the amendment. We did not hold a
public hearing or meeting because no one requested one. The public
comment period ended on March 8, 2007. We received comments from two
Federal agencies.
During our review of the amendment, we identified concerns about
requirements for performance bond release. We notified Indiana of these
concerns by letter dated May 9, 2007, (Administrative Record No. IND-
1748). We also met with Indiana staff on June 26, 2007, to discuss the
concerns regarding the amendment and corresponded with the State via
email on June 23, 2007 (Administrative Record No. IND-1752). Indiana
responded by email on July 24, 2007 (Administrative Record No. IND-
1752), that it would not submit revisions to this portion of the
amendment at this time and that we should proceed with processing the
other portions of the amendment. Therefore, we are proceeding with the
final rule Federal Register document.
III. OSM's Findings
Following are the findings we made concerning the amendment under
SMCRA and the Federal regulations at 30 CFR 732.15 and 732.17. We are
approving the amendment with exceptions as described below. Any
revisions that we do not specifically discuss below concern
nonsubstantive wording or editorial changes.
A. Minor Revisions to Indiana's Rules
Indiana made minor wording, editorial, punctuation, grammatical,
restructuring, and recodification changes to the following previously-
approved rules:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Topic State rule
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Underground mining reclamation plans 312 IAC 25-4-87(a)(1)(B) and
for siltation structures, (a)(2)(A) and (C), (c), (e)(1)
impoundments, dams, embankments, and and (e)(4), and (f)(1).
refuse piles.
Requirements for performance bond 312 IAC 25-5-16(b).
release..
[[Page 59006]]
Surface mining permanent and temporary 312 IAC 25-6-20(a)(1),
impoundments. (a)(3)(A), (B), and (C),
(a)(5), (a)(6),
(a)(7)(B)(iii), (a)(9)(A),
(D), (E)(iii), (b)(3),
(b)(8)(B), (c)(1) and (2), (d)
and (e).
Surface mining primary roads........... 312 IAC 25-6-66(2)(A) and (C),
(2)(H), and (4)(B)(i).
Inspections of sites................... 312 IAC 25-7-1(f)(3)(E) and
(F), (g)(2), (h)(1)(D)(ii),
and (h)(3)(A).
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. For example, 312 IAC 25-4-87(a)(2)(A) was restructured from:
(A) Be prepared by, or under the direction of, and certified by
a qualified registered professional engineer with assistance from
experts in related fields such as geology, land surveying, and
landscape architecture.
to:
(A) Be prepared by, or under the direction of, and certified by
a qualified registered professional engineer with assistance from
experts in related fields, such as the following:
(i) Geology.
(ii) Land surveying.
(iii) Landscape architecture.
2. For example, 312 IAC 25-5-16(b) was recodified as 312 IAC 25-5-
16(c).
3. For example, at 312 IAC 25-6-20(a)(3)(C), the phrase ``in lieu
of'' was replaced by the phrase ``instead of''.
Because these changes are minor, we find that they will not make
Indiana's previously approved rules less effective than the
corresponding Federal regulations.
B. Revisions to Indiana's Rules That Have the Same Meaning as the
Corresponding Provisions of the Federal Regulations
Indiana's rules listed in the table below contain language that is
the same as or similar to the corresponding Federal regulations.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Topic State [rule] Federal counterpart [regulation]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Definition of ``Government-financed 312 IAC 25-1-57.............. 30 CFR 707.5.
construction''.
Surface Mining Primary Roads......... 312 IAC 25-6-66(2)........... 30 CFR 816.151(b).
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Because the above State rules contain language that is the same as
or similar to the corresponding Federal regulations, we find that they
are no less effective than the Federal counterpart regulations.
C. 312 IAC 25-4-87 Underground Mining Reclamation Plans for Siltation
Structures, Impoundments, Dams, Embankments, and Refuse Piles
1. At subsection (g)(3), Indiana proposed to remove the following
sentence:
If necessary to protect the health or safety of persons or
property or the environment, even though the volume of water
impounded is less than one hundred (100) acre feet, the director may
require an application to be made.
There is no Federal counterpart to Indiana's rule at subsection
(g)(3). On November 29, 2004 (69 FR 69283), we approved the removal of
a similar requirement at 312 IAC 25-4-49(g)(3) for surface mining
reclamation plans. Therefore, we find the revision made to previously
approved 312 IAC 25-4-87(g)(3) will not make the Indiana rules less
effective than the Federal regulations or SMCRA.
D. 312 IAC 25-5-16 Requirements for Performance Bond Release
1. Indiana proposed to revise its rule at subsection (a) concerning
what a permittee must include in the newspaper advertisement that is
part of the bond release application. Currently, Indiana's rule
requires the permittee to state in the newspaper advertisement that,
``any person with a valid legal interest that might be adversely
affected by release of bond, or the responsible officer or head of any
federal, Indiana, or local governmental agency that has jurisdiction by
law or is authorized to develop and enforce environmental standards
with respect to the operations, may file written comments or objections
or may request a public hearing or informal conference.'' Indiana
proposed to revise this requirement by deleting the words ``informal
conference.''
The counterpart Federal regulation at 30 CFR 800.40(a)(2) specifies
that the advertisement must contain the name and address of the
regulatory authority to which written comments, objections, or requests
for public hearings and informal conferences on the specific bond
release may be submitted pursuant to 30 CFR 800.40(f) and (h). The
Federal regulation at 30 CFR 800.40(f) provides that certain persons
may file written objections and request a ``public hearing'' regarding
the proposed bond release. The Federal regulation at 30 CFR 800.40(h)
provides that ``without prejudice to the right of an objector or the
applicant, the regulatory authority may hold an informal conference * *
* to resolve such written objections.''
We find that Indiana's proposed revision is no less effective than
the Federal regulation at 30 CFR 800.40(a)(2) because this Federal
regulation does not require the newspaper advertisement to contain
information on who may request a public hearing or informal conference.
Instead, it requires the advertisement to contain information on where
requests for public hearings or informal conferences may be submitted.
Therefore, we are approving Indiana's revision.
2. Indiana proposed to add a new rule at subsection (b) that allows
the director of IDNR to initiate an application for the release of
bond. If a bond release application is initiated by the director of
IDNR, the department will have to perform the notification and
certification requirements otherwise imposed on the permittee. While
the counterpart Federal regulation at 30 CFR 800.40(a) allows a
permittee to file an application for bond release, the Federal
regulations are silent as to whether a regulatory authority may
initiate bond release proceedings. However, a similar provision was
approved for the Kentucky program on December 31, 1990 (55 FR 53490)
and the Illinois program on April 7, 2000 (65 FR 18239). Also, on
September 14, 2004, we approved a similar change for Indiana's statute
at IC 14-34-6-7 (69 FR 55348). We approved the statutory change with
the understanding that Indiana would revise its implementing rule at
312 IAC 25-5-16. Indiana's revision at 312 IAC 25-5-16(b) meets this
requirement.
Under Indiana's proposal, bond release proceedings initiated by the
director of IDNR must conform to the same procedural steps as a bond
release initiated by the permittee. Thus, the
[[Page 59007]]
public participation and notification requirements of section 519 of
SMCRA and the Federal regulation at 30 CFR 800.40 would still apply
when the director of IDNR initiates a bond release in Indiana. For the
above reasons, we find that allowing the director of IDNR to initiate
bond release does not make Indiana's performance bond release
requirements at 312 IAC 25-5-16(b) less effective than the Federal
regulation at 30 CFR 800.40(a). Therefore, we are approving the new
provision.
3. Indiana proposed to redesignate existing subsections (c) through
(f) as new subsections (d) through (g) and to revise new subsection
(d). Indiana also proposed to delete existing subsections (g) and (i)
and to add new subsection (h). In addition, Indiana proposed to revise
existing subsection (h) and redesignate it as new subsection (i).
Finally, Indiana proposed to add new subsection (j).
In a letter dated May 9, 2007 (Administrative Record No. IND-1748),
we notified Indiana that we completed our review of the State's
proposed amendment and identified some provisions that appeared to be
less effective than the Federal regulations. We also met with Indiana
staff on June 26, 2007, to discuss our concerns regarding the
amendment.
We advised Indiana that 312 IAC 25-5-16, starting at new subsection
(d), contains deficiencies that include inappropriate reference
citations and the removal and/or absence of required program
provisions, thus making the Indiana rules less effective than the
Federal regulations. During our discussions and in an email dated July
24, 2007 (Administrative Record No. IND-1752), Indiana advised us that
it would submit revisions to the amendment to address these concerns at
a later date and that we should proceed with processing the amendment.
Therefore, we cannot approve Indiana's proposed revisions at 312 IAC
25-5-16 new subsections (d) through (j).
E. 312 IAC 25-6-20 Surface Mining Permanent and Temporary Impoundments
1. At subsection (a)(3)(B) regarding criteria for stability of
impoundments, Indiana proposed to remove the language ``and located
where failure would not be expected to cause loss of life or serious
property damage.''
The counterpart Federal regulation at 30 CFR 816.49(a)(4)(ii) does
not contain the deleted language. Therefore, we find that the removal
of the language will not make Indiana's rule at 312 IAC 25-6-
20(a)(3)(B) less effective than the counterpart Federal regulation.
2. At subsection (a)(9)(E)(ii) regarding inspection of
impoundments, Indiana proposed to add the following type of impoundment
to its list of those non-hazardous impoundments that are exempt from
its quarterly examination requirements:
(ii) Impoundments that are entirely contained within an incised
structure such that the incised structure would completely contain
the waters of the impoundment should failure occur and failure would
not create a potential threat to public health and safety or
threaten significant environmental harm.
The impoundments listed in subsection (a)(9)(E) are among those
that do not meet the size or other criteria of 30 CFR 77.216(a) or do
not meet the Class B or C criteria for dams in the NRCS publication,
Technical Release No. 60.
There is no Federal counterpart to the added provision. The Federal
regulation at 30 CFR 816.49(a)(12) requires quarterly inspections of
impoundments for appearance of structural weakness and other hazardous
conditions. Because incised structures do not have dams, there is no
probability of impoundment failure. Therefore, we find that 312 IAC 25-
6-20(a)(9)(E)(ii) is no less effective than the counterpart Federal
regulation at 30 CFR 816.49(a)(12), and we are approving it.
F. 312 IAC 25-7-1 Inspections of Sites
At subsection (h)(1)(D)(i) regarding the definition of ``abandoned
site,'' Indiana proposed to remove the language ``or permit revocation
proceedings have been initiated and are being pursued diligently.''
On November 29, 2004, we required Indiana to revise its regulation
at 312 IAC 25-7-1(h)(1)(D)(i) to allow a site to be classified as
abandoned only in cases where a permit has expired or been revoked (69
FR 69287). We codified this requirement at 30 CFR 914.16(ff). Indiana's
removal of the above quoted language meets this requirement. Therefore,
we find that 312 IAC 25-7-1(h)(1)(D)(i) is no less effective than 30
CFR 840.11(g)(4)(i), and we approve it. We are also removing the
required amendment at 30 CFR 914.16(ff).
IV. Summary and Disposition of Comments
Public Comments
We asked for public comments on the amendment, but did not receive
any.
Federal Agency Comments
On January 4, 2007, under 30 CFR 732.17(h)(11)(i) and section
503(b) of SMCRA, we requested comments on the amendment from various
Federal agencies with an actual or potential interest in the Indiana
program (Administrative Record No. IND-1744). We received comments from
two agencies. The U.S. Department of the Interior Fish and Wildlife
Service responded on January 22, 2007 (Administrative Record No. IND-
1745), that it had no specific comments on the proposed amendment. The
U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service (Forest Service)
responded on February 9, 2007 (Administrative Record No. IND-1746), by
recommending that Indiana retain, instead of deleting, the provision at
312 IAC 25-4-87(g)(3) that requires a permit application and prior
approval from the director of IDNR before the construction of
structures that impound less than 100 acre-feet of water. The Forest
Service also recommended that Indiana add one or more criteria to 312
IAC 25-6-66(4) that encourages design parameters that foster the
passage of aquatic organisms instead of having only criteria that
approaches the design of water crossing structures strictly from an
engineering standpoint. Because the Federal regulations do not contain
requirements related to the Forest Service's above two recommendations,
Indiana is not required to have them in the State's approved regulatory
program. However, we sent a copy of the Forest Service's comments to
Indiana for consideration.
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Concurrence and Comments
Under 30 CFR 732.17(h)(11)(ii), we are required to get a written
concurrence from EPA for those provisions of the program amendment that
relate to air or water quality standards issued under the authority of
the Clean Water Act (33 U.S.C. 1251 et seq.) or the Clean Air Act (42
U.S.C. 7401 et seq.). None of the revisions that Indiana proposed to
make in this amendment pertain to air or water quality standards.
Therefore, we did not ask EPA to concur on the amendment.
On January 4, 2007, under 30 CFR 732.17(h)(11)(i), we requested
comments on the amendment from EPA (Administrative Record No. IND-
1744). EPA did not respond to our request.
State Historical Preservation Officer (SHPO) and the Advisory Council
on Historic Preservation (ACHP)
Under 30 CFR 732.17(h)(4), we are required to request comments from
the SHPO and ACHP on amendments that may have an effect on historic
properties. On January 4, 2007, we requested comments on Indiana's
amendment (Administrative Record No.
[[Page 59008]]
IND-1744), but neither responded to our request.
V. OSM's Decision
Based on our discussions in OSM's Findings III.A. through D.2., and
E. and F. above, we approve those revisions to Indiana's rules sent to
us on December 11, 2006. We do not approve Indiana's newly redesignated
subsections (d) through (g) and (i) and new subsections (h) and (j) at
312 IAC 25-5-16 as discussed in OSM's Findings III.D.3. For those rules
we approve, Indiana must fully promulgate them in identical form to the
rules submitted to and reviewed by OSM and the public.
To implement our decision, we are amending the Federal regulations
at 30 CFR part 914, which codify decisions concerning the Indiana
program. We find that good cause exists under 5 U.S.C. 553(d)(3) to
make this final rule effective immediately. Section 503(a) of SMCRA
requires that the State's program demonstrate that the State has the
capability of carrying out the provisions of the Act and meeting its
purposes. Making this rule effective immediately will expedite that
process. SMCRA requires consistency of State and Federal standards.
Effect of OSM's Decision
Section 503 of SMCRA provides that a State may not exercise
jurisdiction under SMCRA unless the State program is approved by the
Secretary. Similarly, 30 CFR 732.17(a) requires that any change to an
approved State program be submitted to OSM for review as a program
amendment. The Federal regulations at 30 CFR 732.17(g) prohibit any
changes to approved State programs that are not approved by OSM. In the
oversight of the Indiana program, we will recognize only the statutes,
rules and other materials we have approved, together with any
consistent implementing policies, directives and other materials. We
will require Indiana to enforce only approved provisions.
VI. Procedural Determinations
Executive Order 12630--Takings
The provisions in the rule based on counterpart Federal regulations
do not have takings implications. This determination is based on the
analysis performed for the counterpart Federal regulations. The
revisions made at the initiative of the State that do not have Federal
counterparts have also been reviewed and a determination made that they
do not have takings implications. This determination is based on the
fact that this rulemaking has no takings implications.
Executive Order 12866--Regulatory Planning and Review
This rule is exempted from review by the Office of Management and
Budget (OMB) under Executive Order 12866.
Executive Order 12988--Civil Justice Reform
The Department of the Interior has conducted the reviews required
by section 3 of Executive Order 12988 and has determined that this rule
meets the applicable standards of subsections (a) and (b) of that
section. However, these standards are not applicable to the actual
language of State regulatory programs and program amendments because
each program is drafted and promulgated by a specific State, not by
OSM. Under sections 503 and 505 of SMCRA (30 U.S.C. 1253 and 1255) and
the Federal regulations at 30 CFR 730.11, 732.15, and 732.17(h)(10),
decisions on proposed State regulatory programs and program amendments
submitted by the States must be based solely on a determination of
whether the submittal is consistent with SMCRA and its implementing
Federal regulations and whether the other requirements of 30 CFR parts
730, 731, and 732 have been met.
Executive Order 13132--Federalism
This rule does not have Federalism implications. SMCRA delineates
the roles of the Federal and State governments with regard to the
regulation of surface coal mining and reclamation operations. One of
the purposes of SMCRA is to ``establish a nationwide program to protect
society and the environment from the adverse effects of surface coal
mining operations.'' Section 503(a)(1) of SMCRA requires that State
laws regulating surface coal mining and reclamation operations be ``in
accordance with'' the requirements of SMCRA, and section 503(a)(7)
requires that State programs contain rules and regulations ``consistent
with'' regulations issued by the Secretary pursuant to SMCRA.
Executive Order 13175--Consultation and Coordination With Indian Tribal
Governments
In accordance with Executive Order 13175, we have evaluated the
potential effects of this rule on Federally-recognized Indian tribes
and have determined that the rule does not have substantial direct
effects 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.
This determination is based on the fact that the Indiana program does
not regulate coal exploration and surface coal mining and reclamation
operations on Indian lands. Therefore, the Indiana program has no
effect on federally-recognized Indian tribes.
Executive Order 13211--Regulations That Significantly Affect the
Supply, Distribution, or Use of Energy
On May 18, 2001, the President issued Executive Order 13211 which
requires agencies to prepare a Statement of Energy Effects for a rule
that is (1) considered significant under Executive Order 12866, and (2)
likely to have a significant adverse effect on the supply,
distribution, or use of energy. Because this rule is exempt from review
under Executive Order 12866 and is not expected to have a significant
adverse effect on the supply, distribution, or use of energy, a
Statement of Energy Effects is not required.
National Environmental Policy Act
This rule does not require an environmental impact statement
because section 702(d) of SMCRA (30 U.S.C. 1292(d)) provides that
agency decisions on proposed State regulatory program provisions do not
constitute major Federal actions within the meaning of section
102(2)(C) of the National Environmental Policy Act (42 U.S.C.
4332(2)(C)).
Paperwork Reduction Act
This rule does not contain information collection requirements that
require approval by OMB under the Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C.
3507 et seq.).
Regulatory Flexibility Act
The Department of the Interior certifies that a portion of the
provisions in this rule will 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 they are based upon counterpart
Federal regulations for which an economic analysis was prepared and
certification made that such regulations would not have a significant
economic effect upon a substantial number of small entities. In making
the determination as to whether this part of the rule would have a
significant economic impact, the Department relied upon the data and
assumptions for the counterpart Federal regulations. The Department of
the Interior also certifies that the provisions in this rule that are
not based upon counterpart Federal regulations will not have a
significant economic impact on
[[Page 59009]]
a substantial number of small entities under the Regulatory Flexibility
Act (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.). This determination is based upon the fact
that the provisions are administrative and procedural in nature and are
not expected to have a substantive effect on the regulated industry.
Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act
This rule is not a major rule under 5 U.S.C. 804(2), the Small
Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act. This rule: (a) Does not
have an annual effect on the economy of $100 million; (b) Will not
cause a major increase in costs or prices for consumers, individual
industries, Federal, State, or local government agencies, or geographic
regions; and (c) Does not have significant adverse effects on
competition, employment, investment, productivity, innovation, or the
ability of U.S.-based enterprises to compete with foreign-based
enterprises. This determination is based upon the fact that a portion
of the State provisions are based upon counterpart Federal regulations
for which an analysis was prepared and a determination made that the
Federal regulation was not considered a major rule. For the portion of
the State provisions that is not based upon counterpart Federal
regulations, this determination is based upon the fact that the State
provisions are administrative and procedural in nature and are not
expected to have a substantive effect on the regulated industry.
Unfunded Mandates
This rule will not impose an unfunded mandate on State, local, or
tribal governments or the private sector of $100 million or more in any
given year. This determination is based upon the fact that a portion of
the State submittal, which is the subject of this rule, is based upon
counterpart Federal regulations for which an analysis was prepared and
a determination made that the Federal regulation did not impose an
unfunded mandate. For the portion of the State provisions that is not
based upon counterpart Federal regulations, this determination is based
upon the fact that the State provisions are administrative and
procedural in nature and are not expected to have a substantive effect
on the regulated industry.
List of Subjects in 30 CFR Part 914
Intergovernmental relations, Surface mining, Underground mining.
Dated: September 27, 2007.
William Joseph,
Acting Regional Director, Mid-Continent Regional Office.
0
For the reasons set out in the preamble, 30 CFR part 914 is amended as
set forth below:
PART 914--INDIANA
0
1. The authority citation for part 914 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 30 U.S.C. 1201 et seq.
0
2. Section 914.15 is amended in the table by adding a new entry in
chronological order by ``Date of final publication'' to read as
follows:
Sec. 914.15 Approval of Indiana regulatory program amendments.
* * * * *
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Original amendment submission date Date of final publication Citation/description
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* * * * * * *
October 18, 2007..................... 312 IAC 25-1-57; 25-4-87; 25-5-
16(a), (b) [new], and (c)
[formerly (b)]; 25-6-20; 25-6-
66; and 25-7-1.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sec. 914.16 [Amended]
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3. Section 914.16 is amended by removing paragraph (ff) and removing
reserved paragraphs (gg) through (mm).
[FR Doc. 07-5144 Filed 10-17-07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-05-P