Safety Zones: Northeast Gateway, Deepwater Port, Atlantic Ocean, Boston, MA, 28039-28041 [08-1267]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 95 / Thursday, May 15, 2008 / Rules and Regulations For the special local regulations described in 33 CFR 100.114, Fireworks Display Table entry 7.11, the zone will be enforced on June 28, 2008. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Chief Eldridge McFadden at phone number 617–223–3000. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Coast Guard will enforce the special local regulation in 33 CFR 100.114 for the annual Weymouth 4th of July Fireworks on June 28, 2008, from 9 p.m. through 11 p.m. Under the provisions of 33 CFR 100.114, a vessel may not enter the regulated area, unless it receives permission from the COTP. Additionally, no person or vessel may enter or remain within 500 yards around the fireworks barge. Spectator vessels may safely transit outside the regulated area but may not anchor, block, loiter in, or impede the transit of ship parade participants or official patrol vessels. The Coast Guard may be assisted by other Federal, State, or local law enforcement agencies in enforcing this regulation. This notice is issued under authority of 33 CFR 100.114 and 5 U.S.C. 552(a). In addition to this notice in the Federal Register, the Coast Guard will provide the maritime community with extensive advance notification of this enforcement period via the Local Notice to Mariners. If the COTP determines that the regulated area need not be enforced for the full duration stated in this notice, he or she may use a Broadcast Notice to Mariners to grant general permission to enter the regulated area. DATES: Dated: May 6, 2008. G.P. Kulisch, Captain, U.S. Coast Guard, Captain of the Port Boston. [FR Doc. E8–10804 Filed 5–14–08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–15–P DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY Coast Guard 33 CFR Part 165 [Docket No. USCG–2008–0372] RIN 1625–AA00 yshivers on PROD1PC66 with RULES Safety Zones: Northeast Gateway, Deepwater Port, Atlantic Ocean, Boston, MA Coast Guard, DHS. Temporary final rule. AGENCY: ACTION: SUMMARY: The Coast Guard is reestablishing two temporary safety zones of 500 meter radii around the primary VerDate Aug<31>2005 15:14 May 14, 2008 Jkt 214001 components, two independent submerged turret-loading buoys, of Excelerate Energy’s Northeast Gateway Deepwater Port, Atlantic Ocean, and its accompanying systems. The purpose of these temporary safety zones is to protect vessels and mariners from the potential safety hazards associated with deepwater port facilities. All vessels, with the exception of deepwater port support vessels, are prohibited from entering into or moving within either of the safety zones. DATES: This rule is effective from May 7, 2008 through July 12, 2008. ADDRESSES: Documents indicated in this preamble as being available in the docket are part of docket USCG–2008– 0372 and are available online at https:// www.regulations.gov. They are also available for inspection or copying at two locations: The Docket Management Facility (M–30), U.S. Department of Transportation, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays, and the U.S. Coast Guard, Sector Boston, 427 Commercial Street, Boston, MA 02109 between 7 a.m. and 3 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: If you have questions on this temporary rule, call Chief Petty Officer Eldridge McFadden, Waterways Management Division, U.S. Coast Guard Sector Boston, at 617–223–5160. If you have questions on viewing the docket, call Renee V. Wright, Program Manager, Docket Operations, telephone 202–366– 9826. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Regulatory Information We did not publish a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) for this regulation. Under 5 U.S.C. 553(b)(B), the Coast Guard finds that good cause exists for not publishing an NPRM. The deepwater port facilities discussed elsewhere in this rule were recently completed and present a potential safety hazard to vessels, especially fishing vessels, operating in the vicinity of submerged structures associated with the deepwater port facility. A more robust regulatory scheme to ensure the safety and security of vessels operating in the area, has been developed via separate rulemaking, and is available for review and comment at the Web site https://www.regulations.gov using a search term of USCG–2007–0087. These safety zones are needed pending implementation of a final regulatory scheme, proposed in a separate PO 00000 Frm 00015 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 28039 rulemaking docket, USCG–2007–0087, to protect vessels from the hazard posed by the presence of the currently uncharted, submerged deepwater infrastructure. Delaying the effective day pending completion of notice and comment rulemaking is contrary to the public interest to the extent it would expose vessels currently operating in the area to the known, but otherwise uncharted submerged hazards. For the same reasons, under 5 U.S.C. 553(d)(3), the Coast Guard finds that good cause exists for making this rule effective less than 30 days after publication in the Federal Register. Background and Purpose On May 14, 2007, the Maritime Administration (MARAD), in accordance with the Deepwater Port Act of 1974, as amended, issued a license to Excelerate Energy to own, construct, and operate a natural gas deepwater port, ‘‘Northeast Gateway.’’ Northeast Gateway Deepwater Port (NEGDWP) is located in the Atlantic Ocean, approximately 13 nautical miles southsoutheast of the City of Gloucester, Massachusetts, in Federal waters. The coordinates for its two submerged turret loading (STL) buoys are: STL Buoy A, Latitude 42°23′38″ N, Longitude 070°35′31″ W and STL Buoy B, Latitude 42°23′56″ N, Longitude 070°37′00″ W. The NEGDWP will accommodate the mooring, connecting, and offloading of two liquefied natural gas carriers (LNGCs) at one time. The NEGDWP operator plans to offload LNG by degasifying the LNG on board the vessels. The regasified natural gas is then transferred through two submerged turret-loading buoys, via a flexible riser leading to a seabed pipeline that ties into the Algonquin Gas Transmission Pipeline for transfer to shore. Excelerate recently completed installation of the STL buoys and associated sub-surface infrastructure, which includes, among other things, a significant sub-surface sea anchor and mooring system. In December 2007, the Coast Guard established a safety zone around the submerged turret loading buoys while regulations were developed to protect the buoys as well as passing vessels. See 73 FR 1274. That temporary safety zone expires May 7, 2007. The comment period for the permanent rulemaking project, docket number USCG–2007– 0087, ends May 12, 2008. The temporary zone created by this rule ensures that there is no gap in authority to ensure safety around the submerged deepwater port infrastructure while comments on proposed permanent E:\FR\FM\15MYR1.SGM 15MYR1 28040 Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 95 / Thursday, May 15, 2008 / Rules and Regulations regulatory regime are analyzed, and that rulemaking project is completed. qualifies and how and to what degree this rule would economically affect it. Discussion of Rule Assistance for Small Entities Under section 213(a) of the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act of 1996 (Pub. L. 104–121), in the NPRM we offered to assist small entities in understanding the rule so that they could better evaluate its effects on them and participate in the rulemaking process. Under section 213(a) of the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act of 1996 (Pub. L. 104–121), we offer to assist small entities in understanding the rule so that they can better evaluate its effects on them and participate in the rulemaking process. If this rule will affect your small business, organization, or governmental jurisdiction and you have questions concerning its provisions or options for compliance, please call Lieutenant Commander Heather Morrison, Chief, Waterways Management Division, Coast Guard Sector Boston, at 617–223–3028. Small businesses may send comments on the actions of Federal employees who enforce, or otherwise determine compliance with, Federal regulations to the Small Business and Agriculture Regulatory Enforcement Ombudsman and the Regional Small Business Regulatory Fairness Boards. The Ombudsman evaluates these actions annually and rates each agency’s responsiveness to small business. If you wish to comment on actions by employees of the Coast Guard, call 1– 888–REG–FAIR (1–888–734–3247). The Coast Guard will not retaliate against small entities that question or complain about this rule or any policy or action of the Coast Guard. The Coast Guard is re-establishing two temporary safety zones 500 meters around the Northeast Gateway Deepwater Port (NEGDWP) STL buoys as described above to protect vessels from these submerged hazards. All vessels, other than Liquefied Natural Gas carriers and associated support vessels are prohibited from entering into or moving within the safety zones. This rule is effective immediately through July 12, 2008. Regulatory Evaluation This rule is not a ‘‘significant regulatory action’’ under section 3(f) of Executive Order 12866, Regulatory Planning and Review, and does not require an assessment of potential costs and benefits under section 6(a)(3) of that Order. The Office of Management and Budget has not reviewed it under that Order. This regulation may have some impact on the public in excluding vessels from the areas of these zones. This impact, however, is outweighed by the safety risk mitigated by the enactment of these zones. yshivers on PROD1PC66 with RULES Small Entities Under the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601–612), we have considered whether this rule would have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. The term ‘‘small entities’’ comprises small businesses, not-for-profit organizations that are independently owned and operated and are not dominant in their fields, and governmental jurisdictions with populations of less than 50,000. The Coast Guard certifies under 5 U.S.C. 605(b) that this rule will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. This rule may affect the following entities, some of which may be small entities: The owners or operators of vessels intending to transit or anchor in those portions of Atlantic Ocean covered by the safety zones. For the reasons outlined in the Regulatory Evaluation section above, this rule will not have a significant impact on a substantial number of small entities. If you think that your business, organization, or governmental jurisdiction qualifies as a small entity and that this rule would have a significant economic impact on it, please submit a comment (see ADDRESSES) explaining why you think it VerDate Aug<31>2005 15:14 May 14, 2008 Jkt 214001 Collection of Information This rule calls for no new collection of information under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501– 3520). Federalism A rule has implications for federalism under Executive Order 13132, Federalism, if it has a substantial direct effect on State or local governments and would either preempt State law or impose a substantial direct cost of compliance on them. We have analyzed this rule under that Order and have determined that it does not have implications for federalism. Unfunded Mandates Reform Act The Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 (2 U.S.C. 1531–1538) requires Federal agencies to assess the effects of their discretionary regulatory actions. In PO 00000 Frm 00016 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 particular, the Act addresses actions that may result in the expenditure by a State, local, or tribal government, in the aggregate, or by the private sector of $100,000,000 or more in any one year. Though this rule will not result in such an expenditure, we do discuss the effects of this rule elsewhere in this preamble. Taking of Private Property This rule will not effect a taking of private property or otherwise have taking implications under Executive Order 12630, Governmental Actions and Interference with Constitutionally Protected Property Rights. Civil Justice Reform This rule meets applicable standards in sections 3(a) and 3(b)(2) of Executive Order 12988, Civil Justice Reform, to minimize litigation, eliminate ambiguity, and reduce burden. Protection of Children We have analyzed this rule under Executive Order 13045, Protection of Children from Environmental Health Risks and Safety Risks. This rule is not an economically significant rule and does not create an environmental risk to health or risk to safety that may disproportionately affect children. Indian Tribal Governments This rule does not have tribal implications under Executive Order 13175, Consultation and Coordination with Indian Tribal Governments, because it does not have a substantial direct effect on one or more Indian tribes, on the relationship between the Federal Government and Indian tribes, or on the distribution of power and responsibilities between the Federal Government and Indian tribes. Energy Effects We have analyzed this rule under Executive Order 13211, Actions Concerning Regulations That Significantly Affect Energy Supply, Distribution, or Use. We have determined that it is not a ‘‘significant energy action’’ under that order because it is not a ‘‘significant regulatory action’’ under Executive Order 12866 and is not likely to have a significant adverse effect on the supply, distribution, or use of energy. The Administrator of the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs has not designated it as a significant energy action. Therefore, it does not require a Statement of Energy Effects under Executive Order 13211. E:\FR\FM\15MYR1.SGM 15MYR1 Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 95 / Thursday, May 15, 2008 / Rules and Regulations Technical Standards The National Technology Transfer and Advancement Act (NTTAA) (15 U.S.C. 272 note) directs agencies to use voluntary consensus standards in their regulatory activities unless the agency provides Congress, through the Office of Management and Budget, with an explanation of why using these standards would be inconsistent with applicable law or otherwise impractical. Voluntary consensus standards are technical standards (e.g., specifications of materials, performance, design, or operation; test methods; sampling procedures; and related management systems practices) that are developed or adopted by voluntary consensus standards bodies. This rule does not use technical standards. Therefore, we did not consider the use of voluntary consensus standards. Environment We have analyzed this rule under Commandant Instruction M16475.lD which guides the Coast Guard in complying with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) (42 U.S.C. 4321–4370f), and have concluded that there are no factors in this case that would limit the use of a categorical exclusion under section 2.B.2 of the Instruction. Therefore, this rule is categorically excluded, under figure 2–1, paragraph (34)(g), of the Instruction, from further environmental documentation as the rule establishes a safety zone. A final ‘‘Environmental Analysis Check List’’ and a final ‘‘Categorical Exclusion Determination’’ will be available in the docket where indicated under ADDRESSES. List of Subjects in 33 CFR Part 165 Harbors, Marine safety, Navigation (water), Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Security measures, and Waterways. Words of Issuance and Regulatory Text For the reasons discussed in the preamble, the Coast Guard amends 33 CFR part 165 as follows: I PART 165—REGULATED NAVIGATION AREAS AND LIMITED ACCESS AREAS 1. The authority citation for part 165 continues to read as follows: yshivers on PROD1PC66 with RULES I Authority: 33 U.S.C. 1226 and 1231; 46 U.S.C. Chapter 701; 50 U.S.C. 191, 195; 33 CFR 1.05–1, 6.04–1, 6.04–6, and 160.5; Public Law 107–295, 116 Stat. 2064; Department of Homeland Security Delegation No. 0170.1. VerDate Aug<31>2005 15:14 May 14, 2008 2. Add temporary § 165.T01–0372 to read as follows: I Jkt 214001 § 165.T01–0372 Safety Zones: Northeast Gateway, Deepwater Port, Atlantic Ocean, Boston, MA. (a) Location. The following areas are safety zones: All navigable waters of the United States within a 500-meter radius of the two submerged turret loading buoys of the Northeast Gateway Deepwater Port located at 42°23′38″ N, 070°35′31″ W and 42°23′56″ N, 070°37′00″. All coordinates are North American Datum 1983. (b) Definitions. As used in this section— Authorized representative means a Coast Guard commissioned, warrant, or petty officer or a Federal, State, or local law enforcement officer designated by or assisting the Captain of the Port, Boston (COTP). Deepwater port means any facility or structure meeting the definition of deepwater port in 33 CFR 148.5. Support vessel means any vessel meeting the definition of support vessel in 33 CFR 148.5. (c) Regulations. (1) The general regulations contained in 33 CFR 165.23 apply. (2) In accordance with the general regulations in § 165.23 of this part, entry into or movement within these zones is prohibited unless authorized by the Captain of the Port, Boston. Liquefied Natural Gas Carrier vessels and related Support Vessels calling on the Northeast Gateway Deepwater Port are authorized to enter and move within the safety zones of this section in the normal course of their operations. (3) All persons and vessels shall comply with the Coast Guard Captain of the Port or authorized representative. (4) Upon being hailed by an authorized representative by siren, radio, flashing light or other means, the operator of the vessel shall proceed as directed. (5) Persons and vessels may contact the Coast Guard to request permission to enter the zone on VHF–FM Channel 16 or via phone at 617–223–5761. 28041 POSTAL SERVICE 39 CFR Part 111 Repositionable Notes Transitioned from an Experimental Test to a Permanent Classification Postal ServiceTM. ACTION: Final rule. AGENCY: SUMMARY: On February 27, 2008, the Postal ServiceTM, in accordance with the Postal Accountability and Enhancement Act, gave notice to the Postal Regulatory Commission, that the Governors of the Postal Service established Repositionable Notes (RPNs) as a permanent classification. The 3″ by 3″ removable, paper notes are an optional feature for commercial FirstClass Mail, Periodicals, and Standard Mail. DATES: Effective Date: May 15, 2008. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Carol A. Lunkins at 202–268–7262. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Over a three-year testing period, RPNs have proven compatible with postal automation letter and flat processing equipment. The removable notes can be mailed on postcards, envelopes, flats, catalogs, magazines, and newspapers to highlight important information or special offers. The notes are easily removed so that customers can keep the information handy. RPNs add to the value of mail as an advertising medium and contribute directly to net postal revenue. The use of RPNs has aided postal customers with increasing brand awareness and generated sales and repeat business for their organizations. The Postal Service adopts the following changes to the Mailing Standards of the United States Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM), which is incorporated by reference in the Code of Federal Regulations. See 39 CFR 111.1. List of Subjects in 39 CFR Part 111 Administrative practice and procedure, Postal Service. I Accordingly, 39 CFR part 111 is amended as follows: PART 111—[AMENDED] 1. The authority citation for 39 CFR part 111 continues to read as follows: Dated: May 7, 2008. Gail P. Kulisch, Captain, U.S. Coast Guard, Captain of the Port, Boston. [FR Doc. 08–1267 Filed 5–12–08; 3:11 pm] I BILLING CODE 4910–15–P I PO 00000 Frm 00017 Fmt 4700 Authority: 5 U.S.C. 552(a); 39 U.S.C. 101, 401, 403, 404, 414, 416, 3001–3011, 3201– 3219, 3403–3406, 3621, 3622, 3626, 3632, 3633, and 5001. 2. Revise the following sections of the Mailing Standards of the United States Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\15MYR1.SGM 15MYR1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 73, Number 95 (Thursday, May 15, 2008)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 28039-28041]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 08-1267]


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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Coast Guard

33 CFR Part 165

[Docket No. USCG-2008-0372]
RIN 1625-AA00


Safety Zones: Northeast Gateway, Deepwater Port, Atlantic Ocean, 
Boston, MA

AGENCY: Coast Guard, DHS.

ACTION: Temporary final rule.

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

SUMMARY: The Coast Guard is re-establishing two temporary safety zones 
of 500 meter radii around the primary components, two independent 
submerged turret-loading buoys, of Excelerate Energy's Northeast 
Gateway Deepwater Port, Atlantic Ocean, and its accompanying systems. 
The purpose of these temporary safety zones is to protect vessels and 
mariners from the potential safety hazards associated with deepwater 
port facilities. All vessels, with the exception of deepwater port 
support vessels, are prohibited from entering into or moving within 
either of the safety zones.

DATES: This rule is effective from May 7, 2008 through July 12, 2008.

ADDRESSES: Documents indicated in this preamble as being available in 
the docket are part of docket USCG-2008-0372 and are available online 
at https://www.regulations.gov. They are also available for inspection 
or copying at two locations: The Docket Management Facility (M-30), 
U.S. Department of Transportation, West Building Ground Floor, Room 
W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590, between 9 
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays, and 
the U.S. Coast Guard, Sector Boston, 427 Commercial Street, Boston, MA 
02109 between 7 a.m. and 3 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal 
holidays.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: If you have questions on this 
temporary rule, call Chief Petty Officer Eldridge McFadden, Waterways 
Management Division, U.S. Coast Guard Sector Boston, at 617-223-5160. 
If you have questions on viewing the docket, call Renee V. Wright, 
Program Manager, Docket Operations, telephone 202-366-9826.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Regulatory Information

    We did not publish a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) for this 
regulation. Under 5 U.S.C. 553(b)(B), the Coast Guard finds that good 
cause exists for not publishing an NPRM. The deepwater port facilities 
discussed elsewhere in this rule were recently completed and present a 
potential safety hazard to vessels, especially fishing vessels, 
operating in the vicinity of submerged structures associated with the 
deepwater port facility. A more robust regulatory scheme to ensure the 
safety and security of vessels operating in the area, has been 
developed via separate rulemaking, and is available for review and 
comment at the Web site https://www.regulations.gov using a search term 
of USCG-2007-0087. These safety zones are needed pending implementation 
of a final regulatory scheme, proposed in a separate rulemaking docket, 
USCG-2007-0087, to protect vessels from the hazard posed by the 
presence of the currently uncharted, submerged deepwater 
infrastructure. Delaying the effective day pending completion of notice 
and comment rulemaking is contrary to the public interest to the extent 
it would expose vessels currently operating in the area to the known, 
but otherwise uncharted submerged hazards.
    For the same reasons, under 5 U.S.C. 553(d)(3), the Coast Guard 
finds that good cause exists for making this rule effective less than 
30 days after publication in the Federal Register.

Background and Purpose

    On May 14, 2007, the Maritime Administration (MARAD), in accordance 
with the Deepwater Port Act of 1974, as amended, issued a license to 
Excelerate Energy to own, construct, and operate a natural gas 
deepwater port, ``Northeast Gateway.'' Northeast Gateway Deepwater Port 
(NEGDWP) is located in the Atlantic Ocean, approximately 13 nautical 
miles south-southeast of the City of Gloucester, Massachusetts, in 
Federal waters. The coordinates for its two submerged turret loading 
(STL) buoys are: STL Buoy A, Latitude 42[deg]23[min]38[sec] N, 
Longitude 070[deg]35[min]31[sec] W and STL Buoy B, Latitude 
42[deg]23[min]56[sec] N, Longitude 070[deg]37[min]00[sec] W. The NEGDWP 
will accommodate the mooring, connecting, and offloading of two 
liquefied natural gas carriers (LNGCs) at one time. The NEGDWP operator 
plans to offload LNG by degasifying the LNG on board the vessels. The 
regasified natural gas is then transferred through two submerged 
turret-loading buoys, via a flexible riser leading to a seabed pipeline 
that ties into the Algonquin Gas Transmission Pipeline for transfer to 
shore.
    Excelerate recently completed installation of the STL buoys and 
associated sub-surface infrastructure, which includes, among other 
things, a significant sub-surface sea anchor and mooring system.
    In December 2007, the Coast Guard established a safety zone around 
the submerged turret loading buoys while regulations were developed to 
protect the buoys as well as passing vessels. See 73 FR 1274. That 
temporary safety zone expires May 7, 2007. The comment period for the 
permanent rulemaking project, docket number USCG-2007-0087, ends May 
12, 2008. The temporary zone created by this rule ensures that there is 
no gap in authority to ensure safety around the submerged deepwater 
port infrastructure while comments on proposed permanent

[[Page 28040]]

regulatory regime are analyzed, and that rulemaking project is 
completed.

Discussion of Rule

    The Coast Guard is re-establishing two temporary safety zones 500 
meters around the Northeast Gateway Deepwater Port (NEGDWP) STL buoys 
as described above to protect vessels from these submerged hazards. All 
vessels, other than Liquefied Natural Gas carriers and associated 
support vessels are prohibited from entering into or moving within the 
safety zones.
    This rule is effective immediately through July 12, 2008.

Regulatory Evaluation

    This rule is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under section 
3(f) of Executive Order 12866, Regulatory Planning and Review, and does 
not require an assessment of potential costs and benefits under section 
6(a)(3) of that Order. The Office of Management and Budget has not 
reviewed it under that Order.
    This regulation may have some impact on the public in excluding 
vessels from the areas of these zones. This impact, however, is 
outweighed by the safety risk mitigated by the enactment of these 
zones.

Small Entities

    Under the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601-612), we have 
considered whether this rule would have a significant economic impact 
on a substantial number of small entities. The term ``small entities'' 
comprises small businesses, not-for-profit organizations that are 
independently owned and operated and are not dominant in their fields, 
and governmental jurisdictions with populations of less than 50,000.
    The Coast Guard certifies under 5 U.S.C. 605(b) that this rule will 
not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small 
entities.
    This rule may affect the following entities, some of which may be 
small entities: The owners or operators of vessels intending to transit 
or anchor in those portions of Atlantic Ocean covered by the safety 
zones. For the reasons outlined in the Regulatory Evaluation section 
above, this rule will not have a significant impact on a substantial 
number of small entities.
    If you think that your business, organization, or governmental 
jurisdiction qualifies as a small entity and that this rule would have 
a significant economic impact on it, please submit a comment (see 
ADDRESSES) explaining why you think it qualifies and how and to what 
degree this rule would economically affect it.

Assistance for Small Entities

    Under section 213(a) of the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement 
Fairness Act of 1996 (Pub. L. 104-121), in the NPRM we offered to 
assist small entities in understanding the rule so that they could 
better evaluate its effects on them and participate in the rulemaking 
process.
    Under section 213(a) of the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement 
Fairness Act of 1996 (Pub. L. 104-121), we offer to assist small 
entities in understanding the rule so that they can better evaluate its 
effects on them and participate in the rulemaking process.
    If this rule will affect your small business, organization, or 
governmental jurisdiction and you have questions concerning its 
provisions or options for compliance, please call Lieutenant Commander 
Heather Morrison, Chief, Waterways Management Division, Coast Guard 
Sector Boston, at 617-223-3028.
    Small businesses may send comments on the actions of Federal 
employees who enforce, or otherwise determine compliance with, Federal 
regulations to the Small Business and Agriculture Regulatory 
Enforcement Ombudsman and the Regional Small Business Regulatory 
Fairness Boards. The Ombudsman evaluates these actions annually and 
rates each agency's responsiveness to small business. If you wish to 
comment on actions by employees of the Coast Guard, call 1-888-REG-FAIR 
(1-888-734-3247). The Coast Guard will not retaliate against small 
entities that question or complain about this rule or any policy or 
action of the Coast Guard.

Collection of Information

    This rule calls for no new collection of information under the 
Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501-3520).

Federalism

    A rule has implications for federalism under Executive Order 13132, 
Federalism, if it has a substantial direct effect on State or local 
governments and would either preempt State law or impose a substantial 
direct cost of compliance on them. We have analyzed this rule under 
that Order and have determined that it does not have implications for 
federalism.

Unfunded Mandates Reform Act

    The Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 (2 U.S.C. 1531-1538) 
requires Federal agencies to assess the effects of their discretionary 
regulatory actions. In particular, the Act addresses actions that may 
result in the expenditure by a State, local, or tribal government, in 
the aggregate, or by the private sector of $100,000,000 or more in any 
one year. Though this rule will not result in such an expenditure, we 
do discuss the effects of this rule elsewhere in this preamble.

Taking of Private Property

    This rule will not effect a taking of private property or otherwise 
have taking implications under Executive Order 12630, Governmental 
Actions and Interference with Constitutionally Protected Property 
Rights.

Civil Justice Reform

    This rule meets applicable standards in sections 3(a) and 3(b)(2) 
of Executive Order 12988, Civil Justice Reform, to minimize litigation, 
eliminate ambiguity, and reduce burden.

Protection of Children

    We have analyzed this rule under Executive Order 13045, Protection 
of Children from Environmental Health Risks and Safety Risks. This rule 
is not an economically significant rule and does not create an 
environmental risk to health or risk to safety that may 
disproportionately affect children.

Indian Tribal Governments

    This rule does not have tribal implications under Executive Order 
13175, Consultation and Coordination with Indian Tribal Governments, 
because it does not have a substantial direct effect on one or more 
Indian tribes, on the relationship between the Federal Government and 
Indian tribes, or on the distribution of power and responsibilities 
between the Federal Government and Indian tribes.

Energy Effects

    We have analyzed this rule under Executive Order 13211, Actions 
Concerning Regulations That Significantly Affect Energy Supply, 
Distribution, or Use. We have determined that it is not a ``significant 
energy action'' under that order because it is not a ``significant 
regulatory action'' under Executive Order 12866 and is not likely to 
have a significant adverse effect on the supply, distribution, or use 
of energy. The Administrator of the Office of Information and 
Regulatory Affairs has not designated it as a significant energy 
action. Therefore, it does not require a Statement of Energy Effects 
under Executive Order 13211.

[[Page 28041]]

Technical Standards

    The National Technology Transfer and Advancement Act (NTTAA) (15 
U.S.C. 272 note) directs agencies to use voluntary consensus standards 
in their regulatory activities unless the agency provides Congress, 
through the Office of Management and Budget, with an explanation of why 
using these standards would be inconsistent with applicable law or 
otherwise impractical. Voluntary consensus standards are technical 
standards (e.g., specifications of materials, performance, design, or 
operation; test methods; sampling procedures; and related management 
systems practices) that are developed or adopted by voluntary consensus 
standards bodies.
    This rule does not use technical standards. Therefore, we did not 
consider the use of voluntary consensus standards.

Environment

    We have analyzed this rule under Commandant Instruction M16475.lD 
which guides the Coast Guard in complying with the National 
Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) (42 U.S.C. 4321-4370f), and 
have concluded that there are no factors in this case that would limit 
the use of a categorical exclusion under section 2.B.2 of the 
Instruction. Therefore, this rule is categorically excluded, under 
figure 2-1, paragraph (34)(g), of the Instruction, from further 
environmental documentation as the rule establishes a safety zone.
    A final ``Environmental Analysis Check List'' and a final 
``Categorical Exclusion Determination'' will be available in the docket 
where indicated under ADDRESSES.

List of Subjects in 33 CFR Part 165

    Harbors, Marine safety, Navigation (water), Reporting and 
recordkeeping requirements, Security measures, and Waterways.

Words of Issuance and Regulatory Text

0
For the reasons discussed in the preamble, the Coast Guard amends 33 
CFR part 165 as follows:

PART 165--REGULATED NAVIGATION AREAS AND LIMITED ACCESS AREAS

0
1. The authority citation for part 165 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 33 U.S.C. 1226 and 1231; 46 U.S.C. Chapter 701; 50 
U.S.C. 191, 195; 33 CFR 1.05-1, 6.04-1, 6.04-6, and 160.5; Public 
Law 107-295, 116 Stat. 2064; Department of Homeland Security 
Delegation No. 0170.1.


0
2. Add temporary Sec.  165.T01-0372 to read as follows:


Sec.  165.T01-0372  Safety Zones: Northeast Gateway, Deepwater Port, 
Atlantic Ocean, Boston, MA.

    (a) Location. The following areas are safety zones: All navigable 
waters of the United States within a 500-meter radius of the two 
submerged turret loading buoys of the Northeast Gateway Deepwater Port 
located at 42[deg]23[min]38[sec] N, 070[deg]35[min]31[sec] W and 
42[deg]23[min]56[sec] N, 070[deg]37[min]00[sec]. All coordinates are 
North American Datum 1983.
    (b) Definitions. As used in this section--
    Authorized representative means a Coast Guard commissioned, 
warrant, or petty officer or a Federal, State, or local law enforcement 
officer designated by or assisting the Captain of the Port, Boston 
(COTP).
    Deepwater port means any facility or structure meeting the 
definition of deepwater port in 33 CFR 148.5.
    Support vessel means any vessel meeting the definition of support 
vessel in 33 CFR 148.5.
    (c) Regulations.
    (1) The general regulations contained in 33 CFR 165.23 apply.
    (2) In accordance with the general regulations in Sec.  165.23 of 
this part, entry into or movement within these zones is prohibited 
unless authorized by the Captain of the Port, Boston. Liquefied Natural 
Gas Carrier vessels and related Support Vessels calling on the 
Northeast Gateway Deepwater Port are authorized to enter and move 
within the safety zones of this section in the normal course of their 
operations.
    (3) All persons and vessels shall comply with the Coast Guard 
Captain of the Port or authorized representative.
    (4) Upon being hailed by an authorized representative by siren, 
radio, flashing light or other means, the operator of the vessel shall 
proceed as directed.
    (5) Persons and vessels may contact the Coast Guard to request 
permission to enter the zone on VHF-FM Channel 16 or via phone at 617-
223-5761.

    Dated: May 7, 2008.
Gail P. Kulisch,
Captain, U.S. Coast Guard, Captain of the Port, Boston.
[FR Doc. 08-1267 Filed 5-12-08; 3:11 pm]
BILLING CODE 4910-15-P

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