Indiana Regulatory Program, 59005-59009 [07-5144]

Download as PDF 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 assistance? (a) IHBG funds may be used for project-based or tenant-based rental assistance. (b) IHBG funds may be used for project-based or tenant-based rental assistance that is provided in a manner consistent with section 8 of the United States Housing Act of 1937 (42 U.S.C. 1437f). (c) IHBG funds used for project-based or tenant-based rental assistance must comply with the requirements of NAHASDA and this part. Dated: October 11, 2007. Orlando J. Cabrera, Assistant Secretary for Public and Indian Housing. [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: yshivers on PROD1PC62 with RULES 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). VerDate Aug<31>2005 14:36 Oct 17, 2007 Jkt 214001 PO 00000 Frm 00013 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\18OCR1.SGM 18OCR1 59006 Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 201 / Thursday, October 18, 2007 / Rules and Regulations 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. yshivers on PROD1PC62 with RULES 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 VerDate Aug<31>2005 14:36 Oct 17, 2007 Jkt 214001 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 PO 00000 Frm 00014 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 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 E:\FR\FM\18OCR1.SGM 18OCR1 Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 201 / Thursday, October 18, 2007 / Rules and Regulations yshivers on PROD1PC62 with RULES 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. VerDate Aug<31>2005 14:36 Oct 17, 2007 Jkt 214001 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 PO 00000 Frm 00015 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\18OCR1.SGM 18OCR1 59008 Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 201 / Thursday, October 18, 2007 / Rules and Regulations 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 yshivers on PROD1PC62 with RULES 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. VerDate Aug<31>2005 14:36 Oct 17, 2007 Jkt 214001 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. PO 00000 Frm 00016 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 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 E:\FR\FM\18OCR1.SGM 18OCR1 Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 201 / Thursday, October 18, 2007 / Rules and Regulations 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]

0
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
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.