Electronic Payment of Fees for Outer Continental Shelf Activities, 49943-49949 [E8-19373]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 165 / Monday, August 25, 2008 / Rules and Regulations (HFZ–215), 1350 Piccard Dr., Rockville, MD 20857; for devices regulated by the Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, addressed to the Document Control Center (HFM–99), Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, Food and Drug Administration, 1401 Rockville Pike, suite 200N, Rockville, MD 20852–1448; for devices regulated by the Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, addressed to the Central Document Control Room, Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, Food and Drug Administration, 5901–B Ammendale Rd., Beltsville, MD 20705– 1266, as applicable. * * * * * authority for deciding claims worth less than $5,000. This rule amends section 304.10(b) to provide that the Chief Financial Officer will make final determinations for claims worth less than $5,000. Dated: August 18, 2008. Jeffrey Shuren, Associate Commissioner for Policy and Planning. [FR Doc. E8–19654 Filed 8–22–08; 8:45 am] PEACE CORPS 22 CFR Part 304 RIN 0420–AA23 Claims Against the Government Under the Federal Tort Claims Act Peace Corps. ACTION: Final rule. ebenthall on PRODPC60 with RULES AGENCY: SUMMARY: The Peace Corps is revising its regulation concerning claims filed under the Federal Tort Claims Act, to make the regulation internally consistent with another provision stating that the Chief Financial Officer has authority to approve claims for amounts under $5000. DATES: The final rule is effective September 24, 2008. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Nancy G. Miller, Associate General Counsel, Office of the General Counsel, 202–692–2150. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Peace Corps published a proposed rule on July 9, 2008, for public review and comment. See 73 FR 39270, (July 9, 2008). The Peace Corps received no public comments and the Agency has made no further revisions. Therefore, this rule is final and will be effective on the date stated above. On March 16, 2007, Peace Corps revised 22 CFR 304.7 to provide that the Chief Financial Officer ‘‘has the authority to adjust, determine, compromise, and settle claims for less than $5,000.’’ This final rule will rectify an omission in sec. 304.10 which did not refer to the Chief Financial Officer’s 14:53 Aug 22, 2008 Financial Officer will make the written determination. Dated: August 18, 2008. Tyler Posey, General Counsel. [FR Doc. E8–19642 Filed 8–22–08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6015–01–P This regulation has been determined to be non-significant within the meaning of Executive Order 12866. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Jkt 214001 Regulatory Flexibility Act of 1980 (5 U.S.C. 605(b)) Minerals Management Service This regulatory action will not have a significant adverse impact on a substantial number of small entities. 30 CFR Parts 203, 250, 251, 256, 280, 281, and 290 Unfunded Mandates Act of 1995 (Sec. 202, Pub. L. 104–4) RIN 1010–AD43 This regulatory action does not contain a Federal mandate that will result in the expenditure by state, local, and tribal governments, in aggregate, or by the private sector of $100 million or more in any one year. Electronic Payment of Fees for Outer Continental Shelf Activities Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C., Chapter 35) BILLING CODE 4160–01–S VerDate Aug<31>2005 Executive Order 12866 49943 SUMMARY: This final rule requires that all lessees, operators, permittees, and right-of-way holders pay all fees for processing plans, applications, and permits electronically. This rule will aid industry in payment processing and reduce payment processing errors. This rule will improve MMS processing efficiency and facilitate the correction of industry payment errors. The MMS will not accept checks, money orders, or cashier’s checks for payment of fees after the effective date of this final rule. The final rule also adjusts certain cost recovery fees for inflation. DATES: Effective Date: This rule becomes effective on September 24, 2008. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kirk Malstrom, Office of Offshore Regulatory Programs, Regulations and Standards Branch, (703) 787–1751. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This regulatory action will not impose any additional reporting or recordkeeping requirements under the Paperwork Reduction Act. Federalism (Executive Order 13132) This regulatory action does not have Federalism implications, as set forth in Executive Order 13132. It will not have substantial direct effects on the States, on the relationship between the national government and the States, or on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government. List of Subjects in 22 CFR Part 304 Claims. Accordingly, Peace Corps amends 22 CFR part 304 as follows: I PART 304—CLAIMS AGAINST THE GOVERNMENT UNDER THE FEDERAL TORT CLAIMS ACT 1. The authority citation for part 304 continues to read as follows: I Authority: 28 U.S.C. 2672; 22 U.S.C. 2503(b); E.O. 12137, as amended. 2. Amend § 304.10 by revising paragraph (b) to read as follows: I § 304.10 Review of claim. * * * * * (b) After legal review and recommendation by the General Counsel, the Director of the Peace Corps will make a written determination on the claim, unless the claim is worth less than $5,000, in which case the Chief PO 00000 Frm 00011 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 [Docket ID: MMS–2007–OMM–0065] Minerals Management Service (MMS), Interior. ACTION: Final rule. AGENCY: Background The MMS published a proposed rule on December 21, 2007 (72 FR 72648), that would require all lessees, operators, pipeline right-of-way (ROW) holders, and permittees to submit payments for cost recovery service fees electronically. The comment period for the proposed rule closed February 19, 2008, and Chevron submitted the one and only comment on the proposed rule. The commenter supports the concept of submitting fees electronically through Pay.gov. The commenter stated concerns about only using Pay.gov and provided rule language to allow alternatives for a different payment portal if so needed. The MMS believes Pay.gov to be the best option for paying E:\FR\FM\25AUR1.SGM 25AUR1 49944 Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 165 / Monday, August 25, 2008 / Rules and Regulations electronically. Pay.gov is the U.S. Treasury’s government-wide collection portal which was developed specifically for Federal agencies to process collections electronically using Internet technologies. The MMS proposed the rulemaking to improve the application and fee process and to alleviate industry payment errors associated with non-electronic payments. Most errors encountered are associated with check payments. Examples of check payment errors include incorrect date, incorrect payment amount, check sent to a 2005 Cost Recovery Fee Amount (Current Fee) + 2005 Annual Inflation Rate (AIR) of 3.23% = Adjusted Fee for 2005 AIR To update the 2005 cost recovery rule fees, we started with the 2005 fee amount and increased it by the 2005 inflation rate of 3.23 percent. We then used that adjusted amount and increased it by the 2006 inflation rate of ebenthall on PRODPC60 with RULES 2006 Cost Recovery Fee Amount (Current Fee) + 14:53 Aug 22, 2008 Jkt 214001 + 2006 AIR of 3.16% = = Adjusted Fee for 2006 AIR + Regulatory Planning and Review (Executive Order (E.O.) 12866) This final rule is not a significant rule as defined by E.O. 12866 and is not subject to review under E.O. 12866. (1) This final rule will not have an annual effect of $100 million or more on the economy. It will not adversely affect in a material way the economy, productivity, competition, jobs, the environment, public health or safety, or State, local, or tribal governments or communities. This final rule will require all fees be paid electronically through Pay.gov and adjust certain cost recovery fees by inflation only. This rulemaking does slightly increase costs due to inflation of the cost recovery fees; however, the total annual increase in fees industry-wide is estimated at $800,000. No new equipment is required by this rulemaking. (2) This final rule will not create a serious inconsistency or otherwise interfere with an action taken or planned by another agency. By requiring electronic payment through the Pay.gov system, MMS is supporting the President’s Management Agenda of Frm 00012 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 + 2007 AIR of 2.66% = 2005 Cost Recovery Fee Adjusted for 2007 AIR (Updated Fee) recovery rule fees increase by approximately 9 percent. The fees in the 2006 cost recovery rule are updated with inflation rates from 2006 and 2007 as shown in the following formula: 2007 AIR of 2.66% Procedural Matters PO 00000 30 CFR 250.125(a). The proposed rule clearly states that the final rule will contain the updated fees. The following explains the methodology used to update the fees for inflation. There are two sets of fees that are adjusted. The first set of fees is from the 2005 cost recovery rule published August 25, 2005 (70 FR 49871), and the second set of fees is from the 2006 cost recovery rule published July 19, 2006 (71 FR 40904). The fees in the 2005 cost recovery rule have been adjusted with inflation rates from 2005–2007 as shown in the following formula: Adjusted Fee for 2006 AIR 3.16 percent. Finally, we used that latest adjusted amount and increased it by the 2007 inflation rate of 2.66 percent. The results were rounded to the nearest dollar and are part of the new fee amounts in this rule. The 2005 cost 2006 Annual Inflation Rate (AIR) of 3.16% To update the 2006 cost recovery rule fees, we used the fee amount set in the 2006 rule and increased it by the 2006 inflation rate of 3.16 percent. We then used that adjusted rate and increased it by the 2007 inflation rate of 2.66 percent. The results were rounded to the nearest dollar and are part of the new fee amounts in this rule. The 2006 cost recovery rule fees increase by approximately 6 percent. The inflation rates are calculated from the percent difference between the gross domestic product for one year and the previous year as contained in the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) Table 1.1.9., Implicit Price Deflators for Gross Domestic Product. The 2007 inflation rate of 2.66 percent is current as of the March 27, 2008, BEA table. We expect BEA to revise the rate during future updates and, as in the last few years, we expect revisions to be upward. Even if BEA revises the inflation rate, MMS will retain the published fee schedule until the next update or fee recalculation. The MMS also made a few minor additional changes to the proposed rule for clarity. VerDate Aug<31>2005 different address than application, and closing an account shortly after the check is sent to MMS. Check payment errors can result in delay or lead to denial of an application or permit due to non-payment. Rectifying a check payment error requires additional time and expense from industry, MMS, or both. Electronic payments are more efficient and less prone to mistakes than check payments. This final rule has the same requirements as the proposed rule, with the exception of updating the cost recovery fees for inflation as allowed by = 2006 Cost Recovery Fee Adjusted for 2007 AIR (Updated Fee) expanding electronic government or ‘‘EGovernment.’’ (3) This final rule will not alter the budgetary effects of entitlements, grants, user fees or loan programs, or the rights or obligations of their recipients. (4) This final rule will not raise novel legal or policy issues. Regulatory Flexibility Act The Department of the Interior certifies that this final rule will not have a significant economic effect on a substantial number of small entities under the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.). The changes in the rule will affect lessees, operators of leases, pipeline right-of-way (ROW) holders in the OCS, and permittees. This could include about 130 active Federal oil and gas lessees, 88 pipeline ROW holders, and 10 geophysical companies. Small lessees that operate under this rule mostly fall under the Small Business Administration’s (SBA) North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) Codes 211111, Crude Petroleum and Natural Gas Extraction, and 213111, Drilling Oil and Gas Wells. For these NAICS code classifications, a small E:\FR\FM\25AUR1.SGM 25AUR1 ebenthall on PRODPC60 with RULES Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 165 / Monday, August 25, 2008 / Rules and Regulations company is one with fewer than 500 employees. Based on these criteria, an estimated 70 percent of these companies are considered small. A pipeline ROW holder (nonproducer) is a small entity if it is a liquid pipeline company with fewer than 1,500 employees, or a natural gas pipeline company with gross annual receipts of $6.5 million or less. We estimate that 18 entities could be categorized as small independent pipeline companies in the sense that they provide transportation services for several non-major oil or gas producers. These companies are classified by NAICS codes 486110, Pipeline Transportation of Crude Oil, and 486210, Pipeline Transportation of Natural Gas. The SBA classifies geophysical surveying and mapping service companies under the NAICS Code 541360. The criteria for determining a small entity for this classification code is annual receipts of less than $4.5 million. All of the 10 geophysical companies potentially affected by this final rule have annual receipts greater than $4.5 million. There are 228 companies affected by this proposed rule, of which 109 would be considered small businesses. This rule, therefore, affects a substantial number of small entities. The changes in the rule will not have a significant economic effect on a substantial number of small entities. There is no credit card or automated clearing house (ACH) fee for using Pay.gov. We do not expect any company to incur significant other costs because no special software or other equipment is required to pay through Pay.gov or ACH. We have no information that any company will incur any costs associated with accounting processes, changes in business procedures, or other compliance costs. Also, the cost recovery fees are being updated with only a small percentage rate accounting for inflation only. In the fiscal year 2007, MMS collected approximately $12 million in cost recovery fees from industry. After a simple economic analysis, once the fees are adjusted for inflation there will only be an industry-wide estimated annual increase of $800,000. The increases in fees are negligible compared to the costs of operating on the OCS and will not stop a company of any size from operating on the OCS. Your comments are important. The Small Business and Agriculture Regulatory Enforcement Ombudsman and 10 Regional Fairness Boards were established to receive comments from small businesses about Federal agency VerDate Aug<31>2005 14:53 Aug 22, 2008 Jkt 214001 enforcement actions. The Ombudsman will annually evaluate the enforcement activities and rate each agency’s responsiveness to small business. If you wish to comment on the actions of MMS, call 1–888–734–3247. You may comment to the Small Business Administration without fear of retaliation. Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act The final rule is not a major rule under 5 U.S.C. 804(2) of the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act. This final rule: a. Will not have an annual effect on the economy of $100 million or more. b. Will not cause a major increase in costs or prices for consumers, individual industries, Federal, State, or local government agencies, or geographic regions. c. Will 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. Unfunded Mandates Reform Act This final rule will not impose an unfunded mandate on State, local, or tribal governments or the private sector of more than $100 million per year. The final rule will not have a significant or unique effect on State, local, or tribal governments or the private sector. A statement containing the information required by the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act (2 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.) is not required. Takings Implication Assessment (E.O. 12630) Under the criteria in E.O. 12630, this rule does not have significant takings implications. The rule is not a governmental action capable of interference with constitutionally protected property rights. A Takings Implication Assessment is not required. Federalism (E.O. 13132) Under the criteria in E.O. 13132, this rule does not have federalism implications. This rule will not substantially and directly affect the relationship between the Federal and State governments. To the extent that State and local governments have a role in OCS activities, this rule will not affect that role. A Federalism Assessment is not required. Civil Justice Reform (E.O. 12988) This final rule complies with the requirements of E.O. 12988. Specifically, this rule: (a) Meets the criteria of section 3(a) requiring that all regulations be PO 00000 Frm 00013 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 49945 reviewed to eliminate errors and ambiguity, be written to minimize litigation, and promote simplification and burden reduction; and (b) Meets the criteria of section 3(b)(2) requiring that all regulations be written in clear language and contain clear legal standards. Consultation With Indian Tribes (E.O. 13175) Under the criteria in E.O. 13175, we have evaluated this rule and determined that it has no substantial direct effects on federally recognized Indian tribes. There are no Indian or tribal lands in the OCS. Paperwork Reduction Act The rule contains no new reporting or recordkeeping requirements, and an Office of Management and Budget (OMB) submission under section 3507(d) of the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA 44 U.S.C. 3507(a)) is not required. The PRA provides that an agency may not conduct or sponsor a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number. Until OMB approves a collection of information and assigns a control number, you are not required to respond. The regulations will specify that all operators, lessees, and ROW holders must now use Pay.gov for every fee that will be submitted to MMS. The revisions in this rulemaking refer to, but do not change, information collection requirements in numerous current regulations. The OMB approved the referenced information collection requirements under OMB Control Numbers 1010–0071, 1010–0114, 1010– 0151, 1010–0141, 1010–0067, 1010– 0043, 1010–0059, 1010–0149, 1010– 0050, 1010–0051, 1010–0086, 1010– 0142, 1010–0048, 1010–0006, and 1010– 0072, respectively. National Environmental Policy Act This final rule does not constitute a major Federal action significantly affecting the quality of the human environment. The MMS has analyzed this rule under the criteria of the National Environmental Policy Act, 516 Departmental Manual (DM) 2.3, and 516 DM 2, Appendix 1, and determined that it falls within the categorical exclusion for ‘‘regulations * * * that are of an administrative, financial, legal, technical, or procedural nature.’’ The MMS Categorical Exclusion Review for this action concluded that the provisions of this rule are administrative. Furthermore, MMS concluded that the rulemaking does not involve an extraordinary circumstance set forth in 516 DM 2, Appendix 2. For E:\FR\FM\25AUR1.SGM 25AUR1 49946 Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 165 / Monday, August 25, 2008 / Rules and Regulations these reasons, preparation of an environmental assessment or environmental impact statement is not required. Data Quality Act In developing this rule we did not conduct or use a study, experiment, or survey requiring peer review under the Data Quality Act (Pub. L. 106–554, app. C § 515, 114 Stat. 2763, 2763A–153– 154). Effects on the Energy Supply (E.O. 13211) This rule is not a significant energy action under the definition in E.O. 13211. A Statement of Energy Effects is not required. Clarity of This Regulation We are required by E.O. 12866, E.O. 12988, and by the Presidential Memorandum of June 1, 1998, to write all rules in plain language. This means that each rule we publish must: (a) Be logically organized; (b) Use the active voice to address readers directly; (c) Use clear language rather than jargon; (d) Be divided into short sections and sentences; and (e) Use lists and tables wherever possible. If you feel that we have not met these requirements, send us comments by one of the methods listed in the ADDRESSES section. To better help us revise the rule, your comments should be as specific as possible. For example, you should tell us the numbers of the sections or paragraphs that you find unclear, which sections or sentences are too long, the sections where you feel lists or tables would be useful, etc. 30 CFR Part 250 2. Revise § 203.3 and its heading to read as follows: I Administrative practice and procedure, Continental shelf, Pipelines, Public lands—mineral resources, Public lands—rights-of-way, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements. 30 CFR Part 251 Continental shelf, Public lands— mineral resources, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements. 30 CFR Part 256 Administrative practice and procedure, Public lands—mineral resources, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements. 30 CFR Part 280 Continental Shelf, Public lands— mineral resources, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements. 30 CFR Part 281 Administrative practice and procedure, Continental shelf, Public lands—mineral resources, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements. 30 CFR Part 290 Administrative practice and procedure. Dated: August 8, 2008. C. Stephen Allred, Assistant Secretary—Land and Minerals Management. For the reasons stated in the preamble, the Minerals Management Service (MMS) amends 30 CFR parts 203, 250, 251, 256, 280, 281, and 290 as follows: I PART 203—RELIEF OR REDUCTION IN ROYALTY RATES 1. The authority citation for part 203 is revised to read as follows: List of Subjects Authority: 25 U.S.C. 396; 25 U.S.C. 2107; 30 U.S.C. 189, 241; 30 U.S.C. 359; 30 U.S.C. 1023; 30 U.S.C. 1751; 31 U.S.C. 9701; and 43 U.S.C. 1334. When you submit an application or ask for a preview assessment, you must include a fee to reimburse us for our costs of processing your application or assessment. Federal policy and law require us to recover the cost of services that confer special benefits to identifiable non-Federal recipients. The Independent Offices Appropriation Act (31 U.S.C. 9701), Office of Management and Budget Circular A–25, and the Omnibus Appropriations Bill (Pub. L. 104–134, 110 Stat. 1321, April 26, 1996) authorize us to collect these fees. (a) We will specify the necessary fees for each of the types of royalty relief applications and possible MMS audits in a Notice to Lessees. We will periodically update the fees to reflect changes in costs, as well as provide other information necessary to administer royalty relief. (b) You must file all payments electronically through the Pay.gov Web site and you must include a copy of the Pay.gov confirmation receipt page with your application or assessment. The Pay.gov Web site may be accessed through a link on the MMS Offshore Web site at: https://www.mms.gov/ offshore/ homepage or directly through Pay.gov at: https://www.pay.gov/ paygov/. PART 250—OIL AND GAS AND SULPHUR OPERATIONS IN THE OUTER CONTINENTAL SHELF 3. The authority citation for part 250 continues to read as follows: I Authority: 31 U.S.C. 9701, 43 U.S.C. 1334. I 30 CFR Part 203 Continental shelf, Mineral royalties, Oil and gas exploration, Public lands— mineral resources. § 203.3 Do I have to pay a fee to request royalty relief? 4. Revise the table in § 250.125(a) to read as follows: I § 250.125 Service fees. (a) * * * SERVICE FEE TABLE ebenthall on PRODPC60 with RULES Service—processing of the following: Fee amount (1) Change in Designation of Operator ............................ (2) Right-of-Use and Easement for State lessee ............. (3) Suspension of Operations/Suspension of Production (SOO/SOP) Request. (4) Exploration Plan (EP) .................................................. (5) Development and Production Plan (DPP) or Development Operations Coordination Document (DOCD). (6) Deepwater Operations Plan ........................................ (7) Conservation Information Document .......................... $164 ................................................................................ $2,569 ............................................................................. $1,968 ............................................................................. § 250.143(d). § 250.165. § 250.171(e). $3,442 for each surface location; no fee for revisions ... $3,971 for each well proposed; no fee for revisions ...... § 250.211(d). § 250.241(e). $3,336 ............................................................................. $25,629 ........................................................................... § 250.292(p). § 250.296(a). VerDate Aug<31>2005 14:53 Aug 22, 2008 Jkt 214001 PO 00000 Frm 00014 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\25AUR1.SGM 30 CFR citation 25AUR1 Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 165 / Monday, August 25, 2008 / Rules and Regulations 49947 SERVICE FEE TABLE—Continued Service—processing of the following: Fee amount 30 CFR citation (8) Application for Permit to Drill (APD; Form MMS–123) $1,959 for initial applications only; no fee for revisions (9) Application for Permit to Modify (APM; Form MMS– 124). $116 ................................................................................ (10) New Facility Production Safety System Application for facility with more than 125 components. $5,030 A component is a piece of equipment or ancillary system that is protected by one or more of the safety devices required by API RP 14C (incorporated by reference as specified in § 250.198); $13,238 additional fee will be charged if MMS deems it necessary to visit a facility offshore, and $6,884 to visit a facility in a shipyard. $1,218 Additional fee of $8,313 will be charged if MMS deems it necessary to visit a facility offshore, and $4,766 to visit a facility in a shipyard. $604 ................................................................................ (11) New Facility Production Safety System Application for facility with 25–125 components. (12) New Facility Production Safety System Application for facility with fewer than 25 components. (13) Production Safety System Application—Modification with more than 125 components reviewed. (14) Production Safety System Application—Modification with 25–125 components reviewed. (15) Production Safety System Application—Modification with fewer than 25 components reviewed. (16) Platform Application—Installation—Under the Platform Verification Program. (17) Platform Application—Installation—Fixed Structure Under the Platform Approval Program. (18) Platform Application—Installation—Caisson/Well Protector. (19) Platform Application—Modification/Repair ................ (20) New Pipeline Application (Lease Term) .................... (21) Pipeline Application—Modification (Lease Term) ..... (22) Pipeline Application—Modification (ROW) ................ (23) Pipeline Repair Notification ....................................... (24) Pipeline Right-of-Way (ROW) Grant Application ...... (25) Pipeline Conversion of Lease Term to ROW ........... (26) Pipeline ROW Assignment ........................................ (27) 500 Feet From Lease/Unit Line Production Request (28) Gas Cap Production Request ................................... (29) Downhole Commingling Request .............................. (30) Complex Surface Commingling and Measurement Application. $201 ................................................................................ § 250.802(e). $85 .................................................................................. § 250.802(e). $21,075 ........................................................................... § 250.905(k). $3,018 ............................................................................. § 250.905(k). $1,536 ............................................................................. § 250.905(k). $3,601 ............................................................................. $3,283 ............................................................................. $1,906 ............................................................................. $3,865 ............................................................................. $360 ................................................................................ $2,569 ............................................................................. $219 ................................................................................ $186 ................................................................................ $3,608 ............................................................................. $4,592 ............................................................................. $5,357 ............................................................................. $3,760 ............................................................................. § 250.905(k). § 250.1000(b). § 250.1000(b). § 250.1000(b). § 250.1008(e). § 250.1015(a). § 250.1015(a). § 250.1018(b). § 250.1101(f). § 250.1101(f). § 250.1106(d). § 250.1202(a); § 250.1203(b); § 250.1204(a). § 250.1202(a); § 250.1203(b); § 250.1204(a). § 250.1303(d). § 250.1303(d). § 250.1727. § 250.1751(a) or § 250.1752(a). § 250.1751(a) or § 250.1752(a). (32) Voluntary Unitization Proposal or Unit Expansion .... (33) Unitization Revision ................................................... (34) Application to Remove a Platform or Other Facility (35) Application to Decommission a Pipeline (Lease Term). (36) Application to Decommission a Pipeline (ROW) ...... $11,698 ........................................................................... $831 ................................................................................ $4,342 ............................................................................. $1,059 ............................................................................. ebenthall on PRODPC60 with RULES I * * * 5. Revise § 250.126 to read as follows: § 250.126 Electronic payment instructions. You must file all payments electronically through Pay.gov. This includes, but is not limited to, all OCS applications or filing fee payments. The VerDate Aug<31>2005 14:53 Aug 22, 2008 Jkt 214001 $2,012 ............................................................................. Pay.gov Web site may be accessed through a link on the MMS Offshore Web site at: https://www.mms.gov/ offshore/ homepage or directly through Pay.gov at: https://www.pay.gov/ paygov/. (a) If you submitted an application through eWell, you must use the interactive payment feature in that PO 00000 § 250.802(e). § 250.802(e). $1,271 ............................................................................. * § 250.802(e). $561 ................................................................................ (31) Simple Surface Commingling and Measurement Application. * § 250.410(d); § 250.411; § 250.460; § 250.513(b); § 250.515; § 250.1605; § 250.1617(a); § 250.1622. § 250.460; § 250.465(b); § 250.513(b); § 250.515; § 250.613(b); § 250.615; § 250.1618(a); § 250.1622; § 250.1704(g). § 250.802(e). Frm 00015 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 system, which directs you through Pay.gov. (b) For applications not submitted electronically through eWell, you must use credit card or automated clearing house (ACH) payments through the Pay.gov Web site, and you must include a copy of the Pay.gov confirmation receipt page with your application. E:\FR\FM\25AUR1.SGM 25AUR1 49948 Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 165 / Monday, August 25, 2008 / Rules and Regulations 6. Revise § 250.160(h) to read as follows: I § 250.160 When will MMS grant me a rightof-use and easement, and what requirements must I meet? * * * * * (h) You may make the rental payments required by paragraph (g)(1) and (g)(2) of this section on an annual basis, for a 5-year period, or for multiples of 5 years. You must make the first payment electronically through Pay.gov and you must include a copy of the Pay.gov confirmation receipt page with your right-of-use and easement application. You must make all subsequent payments before the respective time periods begin. * * * * * PART 251—GEOLOGICAL AND GEOPHYSICAL (G&G) EXPLORATIONS OF THE OUTER CONTINENTAL SHELF 7. The authority citation for part 251 is revised to read as follows: I Authority: 31 U.S.C. 9701, 43 U.S.C. 1334. I 8. Revise § 251.5(a) to read as follows: § 251.5 Applying for permits or filing Notices. (a) Permits. You must submit a signed original and three copies of the MMS permit application form (Form MMS– 327). The form includes names of persons; the type, location, purpose, and dates of activity; and environmental and other information. A nonrefundable service fee of $2,012 must be paid electronically through Pay.gov at: https://www.pay.gov/paygov/, and you must include a copy of the Pay.gov confirmation receipt page with your application. * * * * * PART 256—LEASING OF SULPHUR OR OIL AND GAS IN THE OUTER CONTINENTAL SHELF 9. The authority citation for part 256 is revised to read as follows: I Authority: 31 U.S.C. 9701, 42 U.S.C. 6213, 43 U.S.C. 1334. 10. Revise the table in § 256.63(a) to read as follows: (a) * * * I SERVICE FEE TABLE Service Fee amount (1) Record Title/Operating Rights (Transfer) ........................................................................................................... (2) Non-required Document Filing ........................................................................................................................... Authority: 31 U.S.C. 9701, 43 U.S.C. 1334. * * * * * 11. Revise § 256.64(a)(8) to read as follows: I § 256.64 13. Revise § 280.12(a) to read as follows: I How to file transfers. * * * * (a) * * * (8) You must pay electronically through Pay.gov at: https:// www.pay.gov/paygov/ the service fee listed in § 256.63 of this subpart and you must include a copy of the Pay.gov confirmation receipt page with your application for approval of any instrument of transfer you are required to file (Record Title/Operating Rights (Transfer) Fee). Where multiple transfers of interest are included in a single instrument, a separate fee applies to each individual transfer of interest. For any document you are not required to file by these regulations but which you submit for record purposes, you must also pay electronically through Pay.gov the service fee listed in § 256.63 (Non-required Document Filing Fee) per lease affected, and you must include a copy of the Pay.gov confirmation receipt page with your document. Such documents may be rejected at the discretion of the authorized officer. * * * * * ebenthall on PRODPC60 with RULES * PART 280—PROSPECTING FOR MINERALS OTHER THAN OIL, GAS, AND SULPHUR ON THE OUTER CONTINENTAL SHELF VerDate Aug<31>2005 14:53 Aug 22, 2008 Jkt 214001 (a) Permits. You must submit to the Regional Director a signed original and three copies of the permit application form (Form MMS–134) at least 30 days before the startup date for activities in the permit area. If unusual circumstances prevent you from meeting this deadline, you must immediately contact the Regional Director to arrange an acceptable deadline. The form includes names of persons; the type, location, purpose, and dates of activity; and environmental and other information. A nonrefundable service fee of $2,012 must be paid electronically through Pay.gov at: https://www.pay.gov/paygov/, and you must include a copy of the Pay.gov confirmation receipt page with your application. * * * * * PART 281—LEASING OF MINERALS OTHER THAN OIL, GAS, AND SULPHUR IN THE OUTER CONTINENTAL SHELF 14. The authority citation for part 281 is revised to read as follows: I Authority: 31 U.S.C. 9701, 43 U.S.C. 1334. 12. The authority citation for part 280 is revised to read as follows: I § 280.12 What must I include in my application or notification? 15. Revise § 281.41(a)(2) to read as follows: I PO 00000 Frm 00016 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 30 CFR citation $186 27 § 256.64 § 256.64 § 281.41 Requirements for filing for transfers. (a) * * * (2) An application for approval of any instrument required to be filed will not be accepted unless a nonrefundable fee of $50 is paid electronically through Pay.gov at: https://www.pay.gov/ paygov/ and a copy of the Pay.gov confirmation receipt page is included with your application. For any document you are not required to file by these regulations but which you submit for record purposes, you must also pay electronically through Pay.gov a nonrefundable fee of $50 per lease affected, and you must include a copy of the Pay.gov confirmation receipt page with your document. Such documents may be rejected at the discretion of the authorized officer. * * * * * PART 290—APPEAL PROCEDURES 16. The authority citation for part 290 is revised to read as follows: I Authority: 5 U.S.C. 301; 25 U.S.C. 396, 2107; 30 U.S.C. 189, 359, 1023, 1701 et seq., 1751(a); 31 U.S.C. 3716, 9701; and 43 U.S.C. 1334. 17. Revise § 290.4(b) to read as follows: I § 290.4 How do I file an appeal? * * * * * (b) A nonrefundable processing fee of $150 paid with the Notice of Appeal. E:\FR\FM\25AUR1.SGM 25AUR1 Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 165 / Monday, August 25, 2008 / Rules and Regulations (1) You must pay electronically through Pay.gov at: https:// www.pay.gov/paygov/, and you must include a copy of the Pay.gov confirmation receipt page with your Notice of Appeal. (2) You cannot extend the 60-day period for payment of the processing fee. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Throughout this document whenever ‘‘we’’, ‘‘us’’, or ‘‘our’’ is used, we mean EPA. Organization of this document. The following outline is provided to aid in locating information in this preamble. [FR Doc. E8–19373 Filed 8–22–08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310–MR–P ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY 40 CFR Part 52 [EPA–R03–OAR–2008–0257; FRL–8707–3] Approval and Promulgation of Air Quality Implementation Plans; Pennsylvania; Determination of Attainment of Fine Particle Standard Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). ACTION: Final rule. ebenthall on PRODPC60 with RULES AGENCY: SUMMARY: EPA is determining that the Harrisburg-Lebanon-Carlisle, Pennsylvania nonattainment area for the 1997 fine particle (PM2.5) National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS) has attained the 1997 PM2.5 NAAQS. DATES: Effective Date: This final rule is effective on August 25, 2008. ADDRESSES: EPA has established a docket for this action under Docket ID Number EPA–R03–OAR–2008–0257. All documents in the docket are listed in the https://www.regulations.gov Web site. Although listed in the electronic docket, some information is not publicly available, i.e., confidential business information (CBI) or other information whose disclosure is restricted by statute. Certain other material, such as copyrighted material, is not placed on the Internet and will be publicly available only in hard copy form. Publicly available docket materials are available either electronically through https://www.regulations.gov or in hard copy for public inspection during normal business hours at the Air Protection Division, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region III, 1650 Arch Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103. Copies of the State submittal are available at the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, Bureau of Air Quality Control, P.O. Box 8468, 400 Market Street, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania 17105. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Rose Quinto, (215) 814–2182, or by e-mail at quinto.rose@epa.gov. VerDate Aug<31>2005 14:53 Aug 22, 2008 Jkt 214001 I. What Action Is EPA Taking? II. What Is the Effect of This Action? III. When Is This Action Effective? IV. Final Action V. Statutory and Executive Order Reviews I. What Action Is EPA Taking? EPA is determining that the Harrisburg-Lebanon-Carlisle, Pennsylvania nonattainment area (Harrisburg Nonattainment Area) for the 1997 PM2.5 NAAQS has attained the 1997 PM2.5 NAAQS. This determination is based upon quality assured, quality controlled and certified ambient air monitoring data that show the area has monitored attainment of the 1997 PM2.5 NAAQS since the 2004–2006 monitoring period, and monitoring data that continue to show attainment of the 1997 PM2.5 NAAQS based on the 2005– 2007 data. In addition, quality controlled and quality assured monitoring data submitted during the calendar year 2008, which are available in the EPA AQS database, but not yet certified, show this area continues to attain the 1997 PM2.5 NAAQS. Other specific requirements of the determination and the rationale for EPA’s proposed action are explained in the notice of proposed rulemaking (NPR) published on June 13, 2008 (73 FR 33755) and will not be restated here. No public comments were received in response to the NPR. II. What Is the Effect of This Action? This final action, in accordance with 40 CFR 51.1004(c), suspends the requirements for this area to submit attainment demonstrations and associated reasonably available control measures, reasonable further progress plans, contingency measures, and other planning state implementation plans (SIPs) related to attainment of the 1997 PM2.5 NAAQS for so long as the area continues to attain the 1997 PM2.5 NAAQS. III. When Is This Action Effective? EPA finds that there is good cause for this approval to become effective on the date of publication of this action in the Federal Register, because a delayed effective date is unnecessary due to the nature of the approval. The expedited effective date for this action is authorized under both 5 U.S.C. 553(d)(1), which provides that rule actions may become effective less than PO 00000 Frm 00017 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 49949 30 days after publication if the rule ‘‘grants or recognizes an exemption or relieves a restriction’’ and 5 U.S.C. 553(d)(3), which allows an effective date less than 30 days after publication ‘‘as otherwise provided by the agency for good cause found and published with the rule.’’ As noted above, this determination of attainment suspends the requirements for the Harrisburg nonattainment area to submit an attainment demonstration and associated reasonably available measures, a reasonable further progress plan, contingency measures, and any other planning SIPs related to attainment of the standard for so long as the area continues to attain the 1997 PM2.5 NAAQS. The suspension of these requirements is sufficient reason to allow an expedited effective date of this rule under 5 U.S.C. 553(d)(1). In addition, the Harrisburg nonattainment area’s suspension from these requirements provide good cause to make this rule effective on the date of publication of this action in the Federal Register, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553(d)(3). The purpose of the 30-day waiting period prescribed in 5 U.S.C. 553(d) is to give affected parties a reasonable time to adjust their behavior and prepare before the final rule takes effect. Where, as here, the final rule suspends requirements rather than imposing obligations, affected parties, such as the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, do not need time to adjust and prepare before the rule takes effect. IV. Final Action EPA is determining that the Harrisburg nonattainment area for the 1997 PM2.5 NAAQS has attained the 1997 PM2.5 NAAQS. This determination is based upon quality assured, quality controlled, and certified ambient air monitoring data that show that the area has monitored attainment of the 1997 PM2.5 NAAQS since the 2004–2006 monitoring period, and continues to monitor attainment of the standard based on the 2005–2007 data. This final action, in accordance with 40 CFR 51.1004(c), will suspend the requirements for this area to submit attainment demonstrations and associated reasonably available control measures, reasonable further progress plans, contingency measures, and other planning SIPs related to attainment of the 1997 PM2.5 NAAQS for so long as the area continues to attain the 1997 PM2.5 NAAQS. E:\FR\FM\25AUR1.SGM 25AUR1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 73, Number 165 (Monday, August 25, 2008)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 49943-49949]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E8-19373]

=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Minerals Management Service

30 CFR Parts 203, 250, 251, 256, 280, 281, and 290

[Docket ID: MMS-2007-OMM-0065]
RIN 1010-AD43

Electronic Payment of Fees for Outer Continental Shelf Activities

AGENCY: Minerals Management Service (MMS), Interior.

ACTION: Final rule.

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

SUMMARY: This final rule requires that all lessees, operators,
permittees, and right-of-way holders pay all fees for processing plans,
applications, and permits electronically. This rule will aid industry
in payment processing and reduce payment processing errors. This rule
will improve MMS processing efficiency and facilitate the correction of
industry payment errors. The MMS will not accept checks, money orders,
or cashier's checks for payment of fees after the effective date of
this final rule. The final rule also adjusts certain cost recovery fees
for inflation.

DATES: Effective Date: This rule becomes effective on September 24,
2008.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kirk Malstrom, Office of Offshore
Regulatory Programs, Regulations and Standards Branch, (703) 787-1751.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

The MMS published a proposed rule on December 21, 2007 (72 FR
72648), that would require all lessees, operators, pipeline right-of-
way (ROW) holders, and permittees to submit payments for cost recovery
service fees electronically. The comment period for the proposed rule
closed February 19, 2008, and Chevron submitted the one and only
comment on the proposed rule. The commenter supports the concept of
submitting fees electronically through Pay.gov. The commenter stated
concerns about only using Pay.gov and provided rule language to allow
alternatives for a different payment portal if so needed. The MMS
believes Pay.gov to be the best option for paying

[[Page 49944]]

electronically. Pay.gov is the U.S. Treasury's government-wide
collection portal which was developed specifically for Federal agencies
to process collections electronically using Internet technologies.
The MMS proposed the rulemaking to improve the application and fee
process and to alleviate industry payment errors associated with non-
electronic payments. Most errors encountered are associated with check
payments. Examples of check payment errors include incorrect date,
incorrect payment amount, check sent to a different address than
application, and closing an account shortly after the check is sent to
MMS. Check payment errors can result in delay or lead to denial of an
application or permit due to non-payment. Rectifying a check payment
error requires additional time and expense from industry, MMS, or both.
Electronic payments are more efficient and less prone to mistakes than
check payments.
This final rule has the same requirements as the proposed rule,
with the exception of updating the cost recovery fees for inflation as
allowed by 30 CFR 250.125(a). The proposed rule clearly states that the
final rule will contain the updated fees. The following explains the
methodology used to update the fees for inflation.
There are two sets of fees that are adjusted. The first set of fees
is from the 2005 cost recovery rule published August 25, 2005 (70 FR
49871), and the second set of fees is from the 2006 cost recovery rule
published July 19, 2006 (71 FR 40904). The fees in the 2005 cost
recovery rule have been adjusted with inflation rates from 2005-2007 as
shown in the following formula:

2005 Cost Recovery
2005 Cost Recovery Fee Amount 2005 Annual Inflation Adjusted Fee for 2005 Adjusted Fee for Fee Adjusted for
(Current Fee) + Rate (AIR) of 3.23% = AIR + 2006 AIR of 3.16% = 2006 AIR + 2007 AIR of 2.66% = 2007 AIR (Updated
Fee)

To update the 2005 cost recovery rule fees, we started with the 2005
fee amount and increased it by the 2005 inflation rate of 3.23 percent.
We then used that adjusted amount and increased it by the 2006
inflation rate of 3.16 percent. Finally, we used that latest adjusted
amount and increased it by the 2007 inflation rate of 2.66 percent. The
results were rounded to the nearest dollar and are part of the new fee
amounts in this rule. The 2005 cost recovery rule fees increase by
approximately 9 percent.
The fees in the 2006 cost recovery rule are updated with inflation
rates from 2006 and 2007 as shown in the following formula:

2006 Cost
2006 Annual Recovery Fee
2006 Cost Recovery Fee + Inflation Rate = Adjusted Fee + 2007 AIR of = Adjusted for
Amount (Current Fee) (AIR) of 3.16% for 2006 AIR 2.66% 2007 AIR
(Updated Fee)

To update the 2006 cost recovery rule fees, we used the fee amount set
in the 2006 rule and increased it by the 2006 inflation rate of 3.16
percent. We then used that adjusted rate and increased it by the 2007
inflation rate of 2.66 percent. The results were rounded to the nearest
dollar and are part of the new fee amounts in this rule. The 2006 cost
recovery rule fees increase by approximately 6 percent.
The inflation rates are calculated from the percent difference
between the gross domestic product for one year and the previous year
as contained in the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) Table 1.1.9.,
Implicit Price Deflators for Gross Domestic Product. The 2007 inflation
rate of 2.66 percent is current as of the March 27, 2008, BEA table. We
expect BEA to revise the rate during future updates and, as in the last
few years, we expect revisions to be upward. Even if BEA revises the
inflation rate, MMS will retain the published fee schedule until the
next update or fee recalculation. The MMS also made a few minor
additional changes to the proposed rule for clarity.

Procedural Matters

Regulatory Planning and Review (Executive Order (E.O.) 12866)

This final rule is not a significant rule as defined by E.O. 12866
and is not subject to review under E.O. 12866.
(1) This final rule will not have an annual effect of $100 million
or more on the economy. It will not adversely affect in a material way
the economy, productivity, competition, jobs, the environment, public
health or safety, or State, local, or tribal governments or
communities. This final rule will require all fees be paid
electronically through Pay.gov and adjust certain cost recovery fees by
inflation only. This rulemaking does slightly increase costs due to
inflation of the cost recovery fees; however, the total annual increase
in fees industry-wide is estimated at $800,000. No new equipment is
required by this rulemaking.
(2) This final rule will not create a serious inconsistency or
otherwise interfere with an action taken or planned by another agency.
By requiring electronic payment through the Pay.gov system, MMS is
supporting the President's Management Agenda of expanding electronic
government or ``E-Government.''
(3) This final rule will not alter the budgetary effects of
entitlements, grants, user fees or loan programs, or the rights or
obligations of their recipients.
(4) This final rule will not raise novel legal or policy issues.

Regulatory Flexibility Act

The Department of the Interior certifies that this final rule will
not have a significant economic effect on a substantial number of small
entities under the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.).
The changes in the rule will affect lessees, operators of leases,
pipeline right-of-way (ROW) holders in the OCS, and permittees. This
could include about 130 active Federal oil and gas lessees, 88 pipeline
ROW holders, and 10 geophysical companies. Small lessees that operate
under this rule mostly fall under the Small Business Administration's
(SBA) North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) Codes
211111, Crude Petroleum and Natural Gas Extraction, and 213111,
Drilling Oil and Gas Wells. For these NAICS code classifications, a
small

[[Page 49945]]

company is one with fewer than 500 employees. Based on these criteria,
an estimated 70 percent of these companies are considered small.
A pipeline ROW holder (non-producer) is a small entity if it is a
liquid pipeline company with fewer than 1,500 employees, or a natural
gas pipeline company with gross annual receipts of $6.5 million or
less. We estimate that 18 entities could be categorized as small
independent pipeline companies in the sense that they provide
transportation services for several non-major oil or gas producers.
These companies are classified by NAICS codes 486110, Pipeline
Transportation of Crude Oil, and 486210, Pipeline Transportation of
Natural Gas.
The SBA classifies geophysical surveying and mapping service
companies under the NAICS Code 541360. The criteria for determining a
small entity for this classification code is annual receipts of less
than $4.5 million. All of the 10 geophysical companies potentially
affected by this final rule have annual receipts greater than $4.5
million.
There are 228 companies affected by this proposed rule, of which
109 would be considered small businesses. This rule, therefore, affects
a substantial number of small entities.
The changes in the rule will not have a significant economic effect
on a substantial number of small entities. There is no credit card or
automated clearing house (ACH) fee for using Pay.gov. We do not expect
any company to incur significant other costs because no special
software or other equipment is required to pay through Pay.gov or ACH.
We have no information that any company will incur any costs associated
with accounting processes, changes in business procedures, or other
compliance costs.
Also, the cost recovery fees are being updated with only a small
percentage rate accounting for inflation only. In the fiscal year 2007,
MMS collected approximately $12 million in cost recovery fees from
industry. After a simple economic analysis, once the fees are adjusted
for inflation there will only be an industry-wide estimated annual
increase of $800,000. The increases in fees are negligible compared to
the costs of operating on the OCS and will not stop a company of any
size from operating on the OCS.
Your comments are important. The Small Business and Agriculture
Regulatory Enforcement Ombudsman and 10 Regional Fairness Boards were
established to receive comments from small businesses about Federal
agency enforcement actions. The Ombudsman will annually evaluate the
enforcement activities and rate each agency's responsiveness to small
business. If you wish to comment on the actions of MMS, call 1-888-734-
3247. You may comment to the Small Business Administration without fear
of retaliation.

Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act

The final rule is not a major rule under 5 U.S.C. 804(2) of the
Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act. This final rule:
a. Will not have an annual effect on the economy of $100 million or
more.
b. Will not cause a major increase in costs or prices for
consumers, individual industries, Federal, State, or local government
agencies, or geographic regions.
c. Will 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.

Unfunded Mandates Reform Act

This final rule will not impose an unfunded mandate on State,
local, or tribal governments or the private sector of more than $100
million per year. The final rule will not have a significant or unique
effect on State, local, or tribal governments or the private sector. A
statement containing the information required by the Unfunded Mandates
Reform Act (2 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.) is not required.

Takings Implication Assessment (E.O. 12630)

Under the criteria in E.O. 12630, this rule does not have
significant takings implications. The rule is not a governmental action
capable of interference with constitutionally protected property
rights. A Takings Implication Assessment is not required.

Federalism (E.O. 13132)

Under the criteria in E.O. 13132, this rule does not have
federalism implications. This rule will not substantially and directly
affect the relationship between the Federal and State governments. To
the extent that State and local governments have a role in OCS
activities, this rule will not affect that role. A Federalism
Assessment is not required.

Civil Justice Reform (E.O. 12988)

This final rule complies with the requirements of E.O. 12988.
Specifically, this rule:
(a) Meets the criteria of section 3(a) requiring that all
regulations be reviewed to eliminate errors and ambiguity, be written
to minimize litigation, and promote simplification and burden
reduction; and
(b) Meets the criteria of section 3(b)(2) requiring that all
regulations be written in clear language and contain clear legal
standards.

Consultation With Indian Tribes (E.O. 13175)

Under the criteria in E.O. 13175, we have evaluated this rule and
determined that it has no substantial direct effects on federally
recognized Indian tribes. There are no Indian or tribal lands in the
OCS.

Paperwork Reduction Act

The rule contains no new reporting or recordkeeping requirements,
and an Office of Management and Budget (OMB) submission under section
3507(d) of the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA 44 U.S.C. 3507(a)) is not
required. The PRA provides that an agency may not conduct or sponsor a
collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB
control number. Until OMB approves a collection of information and
assigns a control number, you are not required to respond. The
regulations will specify that all operators, lessees, and ROW holders
must now use Pay.gov for every fee that will be submitted to MMS. The
revisions in this rulemaking refer to, but do not change, information
collection requirements in numerous current regulations. The OMB
approved the referenced information collection requirements under OMB
Control Numbers 1010-0071, 1010-0114, 1010-0151, 1010-0141, 1010-0067,
1010-0043, 1010-0059, 1010-0149, 1010-0050, 1010-0051, 1010-0086, 1010-
0142, 1010-0048, 1010-0006, and 1010-0072, respectively.

National Environmental Policy Act

This final rule does not constitute a major Federal action
significantly affecting the quality of the human environment. The MMS
has analyzed this rule under the criteria of the National Environmental
Policy Act, 516 Departmental Manual (DM) 2.3, and 516 DM 2, Appendix 1,
and determined that it falls within the categorical exclusion for
``regulations * * * that are of an administrative, financial, legal,
technical, or procedural nature.'' The MMS Categorical Exclusion Review
for this action concluded that the provisions of this rule are
administrative. Furthermore, MMS concluded that the rulemaking does not
involve an extraordinary circumstance set forth in 516 DM 2, Appendix
2. For

[[Page 49946]]

these reasons, preparation of an environmental assessment or
environmental impact statement is not required.

Data Quality Act

In developing this rule we did not conduct or use a study,
experiment, or survey requiring peer review under the Data Quality Act
(Pub. L. 106-554, app. C Sec. 515, 114 Stat. 2763, 2763A-153-154).

Effects on the Energy Supply (E.O. 13211)

This rule is not a significant energy action under the definition
in E.O. 13211. A Statement of Energy Effects is not required.

Clarity of This Regulation

We are required by E.O. 12866, E.O. 12988, and by the Presidential
Memorandum of June 1, 1998, to write all rules in plain language. This
means that each rule we publish must:
(a) Be logically organized;
(b) Use the active voice to address readers directly;
(c) Use clear language rather than jargon;
(d) Be divided into short sections and sentences; and
(e) Use lists and tables wherever possible.
If you feel that we have not met these requirements, send us
comments by one of the methods listed in the ADDRESSES section. To
better help us revise the rule, your comments should be as specific as
possible. For example, you should tell us the numbers of the sections
or paragraphs that you find unclear, which sections or sentences are
too long, the sections where you feel lists or tables would be useful,
etc.

List of Subjects

30 CFR Part 203

Continental shelf, Mineral royalties, Oil and gas exploration,
Public lands--mineral resources.

30 CFR Part 250

Administrative practice and procedure, Continental shelf,
Pipelines, Public lands--mineral resources, Public lands--rights-of-
way, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements.

30 CFR Part 251

Continental shelf, Public lands--mineral resources, Reporting and
recordkeeping requirements.

30 CFR Part 256

Administrative practice and procedure, Public lands--mineral
resources, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements.

30 CFR Part 280

Continental Shelf, Public lands--mineral resources, Reporting and
recordkeeping requirements.

30 CFR Part 281

Administrative practice and procedure, Continental shelf, Public
lands--mineral resources, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements.

30 CFR Part 290

Administrative practice and procedure.

Dated: August 8, 2008.
C. Stephen Allred,
Assistant Secretary--Land and Minerals Management.

0
For the reasons stated in the preamble, the Minerals Management Service
(MMS) amends 30 CFR parts 203, 250, 251, 256, 280, 281, and 290 as
follows:

PART 203--RELIEF OR REDUCTION IN ROYALTY RATES

0
1. The authority citation for part 203 is revised to read as follows:

Authority: 25 U.S.C. 396; 25 U.S.C. 2107; 30 U.S.C. 189, 241; 30
U.S.C. 359; 30 U.S.C. 1023; 30 U.S.C. 1751; 31 U.S.C. 9701; and 43
U.S.C. 1334.

0
2. Revise Sec. 203.3 and its heading to read as follows:

Sec. 203.3 Do I have to pay a fee to request royalty relief?

When you submit an application or ask for a preview assessment, you
must include a fee to reimburse us for our costs of processing your
application or assessment. Federal policy and law require us to recover
the cost of services that confer special benefits to identifiable non-
Federal recipients. The Independent Offices Appropriation Act (31
U.S.C. 9701), Office of Management and Budget Circular A-25, and the
Omnibus Appropriations Bill (Pub. L. 104-134, 110 Stat. 1321, April 26,
1996) authorize us to collect these fees.
(a) We will specify the necessary fees for each of the types of
royalty relief applications and possible MMS audits in a Notice to
Lessees. We will periodically update the fees to reflect changes in
costs, as well as provide other information necessary to administer
royalty relief.
(b) You must file all payments electronically through the Pay.gov
Web site and you must include a copy of the Pay.gov confirmation
receipt page with your application or assessment. The Pay.gov Web site
may be accessed through a link on the MMS Offshore Web site at: https://
www.mms.gov/offshore/ homepage or directly through Pay.gov at: https://
www.pay.gov/paygov/.

PART 250--OIL AND GAS AND SULPHUR OPERATIONS IN THE OUTER
CONTINENTAL SHELF

0
3. The authority citation for part 250 continues to read as follows:

Authority: 31 U.S.C. 9701, 43 U.S.C. 1334.

0
4. Revise the table in Sec. 250.125(a) to read as follows:

Sec. 250.125 Service fees.

(a) * * *

Service Fee Table
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Service--processing of the
following: Fee amount 30 CFR citation
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) Change in Designation of $164.................. Sec.
Operator. 250.143(d).
(2) Right-of-Use and Easement $2,569................ Sec. 250.165.
for State lessee.
(3) Suspension of Operations/ $1,968................ Sec.
Suspension of Production (SOO/ 250.171(e).
SOP) Request.
(4) Exploration Plan (EP)..... $3,442 for each Sec.
surface location; no 250.211(d).
fee for revisions.
(5) Development and Production $3,971 for each well Sec.
Plan (DPP) or Development proposed; no fee for 250.241(e).
Operations Coordination revisions.
Document (DOCD).
(6) Deepwater Operations Plan. $3,336................ Sec.
250.292(p).
(7) Conservation Information $25,629............... Sec.
Document. 250.296(a).

[[Page 49947]]

(8) Application for Permit to $1,959 for initial Sec.
Drill (APD; Form MMS-123). applications only; no 250.410(d);
fee for revisions. Sec. 250.411;
Sec. 250.460;
Sec.
250.513(b);
Sec. 250.515;
Sec.
250.1605; Sec.
250.1617(a);
Sec.
250.1622.
(9) Application for Permit to $116.................. Sec. 250.460;
Modify (APM; Form MMS-124). Sec.
250.465(b);
Sec.
250.513(b);
Sec. 250.515;
Sec.
250.613(b);
Sec. 250.615;
Sec.
250.1618(a);
Sec.
250.1622; Sec.
250.1704(g).
(10) New Facility Production $5,030 A component is Sec.
Safety System Application for a piece of equipment 250.802(e).
facility with more than 125 or ancillary system
components. that is protected by
one or more of the
safety devices
required by API RP
14C (incorporated by
reference as
specified in Sec.
250.198); $13,238
additional fee will
be charged if MMS
deems it necessary to
visit a facility
offshore, and $6,884
to visit a facility
in a shipyard.
(11) New Facility Production $1,218 Additional fee Sec.
Safety System Application for of $8,313 will be 250.802(e).
facility with 25-125 charged if MMS deems
components. it necessary to visit
a facility offshore,
and $4,766 to visit a
facility in a
shipyard.
(12) New Facility Production $604.................. Sec.
Safety System Application for 250.802(e).
facility with fewer than 25
components.
(13) Production Safety System $561.................. Sec.
Application--Modification 250.802(e).
with more than 125 components
reviewed.
(14) Production Safety System $201.................. Sec.
Application--Modification 250.802(e).
with 25-125 components
reviewed.
(15) Production Safety System $85................... Sec.
Application--Modification 250.802(e).
with fewer than 25 components
reviewed.
(16) Platform Application-- $21,075............... Sec.
Installation--Under the 250.905(k).
Platform Verification Program.
(17) Platform Application-- $3,018................ Sec.
Installation--Fixed Structure 250.905(k).
Under the Platform Approval
Program.
(18) Platform Application-- $1,536................ Sec.
Installation--Caisson/Well 250.905(k).
Protector.
(19) Platform Application-- $3,601................ Sec.
Modification/Repair. 250.905(k).
(20) New Pipeline Application $3,283................ Sec.
(Lease Term). 250.1000(b).
(21) Pipeline Application-- $1,906................ Sec.
Modification (Lease Term). 250.1000(b).
(22) Pipeline Application-- $3,865................ Sec.
Modification (ROW). 250.1000(b).
(23) Pipeline Repair $360.................. Sec.
Notification. 250.1008(e).
(24) Pipeline Right-of-Way $2,569................ Sec.
(ROW) Grant Application. 250.1015(a).
(25) Pipeline Conversion of $219.................. Sec.
Lease Term to ROW. 250.1015(a).
(26) Pipeline ROW Assignment.. $186.................. Sec.
250.1018(b).
(27) 500 Feet From Lease/Unit $3,608................ Sec.
Line Production Request. 250.1101(f).
(28) Gas Cap Production $4,592................ Sec.
Request. 250.1101(f).
(29) Downhole Commingling $5,357................ Sec.
Request. 250.1106(d).
(30) Complex Surface $3,760................ Sec.
Commingling and Measurement 250.1202(a);
Application. Sec.
250.1203(b);
Sec.
250.1204(a).
(31) Simple Surface $1,271................ Sec.
Commingling and Measurement 250.1202(a);
Application. Sec.
250.1203(b);
Sec.
250.1204(a).
(32) Voluntary Unitization $11,698............... Sec.
Proposal or Unit Expansion. 250.1303(d).
(33) Unitization Revision..... $831.................. Sec.
250.1303(d).
(34) Application to Remove a $4,342................ Sec. 250.1727.
Platform or Other Facility.
(35) Application to $1,059................ Sec.
Decommission a Pipeline 250.1751(a) or
(Lease Term). Sec.
250.1752(a).
(36) Application to $2,012................ Sec.
Decommission a Pipeline (ROW). 250.1751(a) or
Sec.
250.1752(a).
------------------------------------------------------------------------

* * * * *

0
5. Revise Sec. 250.126 to read as follows:

Sec. 250.126 Electronic payment instructions.

You must file all payments electronically through Pay.gov. This
includes, but is not limited to, all OCS applications or filing fee
payments. The Pay.gov Web site may be accessed through a link on the
MMS Offshore Web site at: https://www.mms.gov/offshore/ homepage or
directly through Pay.gov at: https://www.pay.gov/paygov/.
(a) If you submitted an application through eWell, you must use the
interactive payment feature in that system, which directs you through
Pay.gov.
(b) For applications not submitted electronically through eWell,
you must use credit card or automated clearing house (ACH) payments
through the Pay.gov Web site, and you must include a copy of the
Pay.gov confirmation receipt page with your application.

[[Page 49948]]

0
6. Revise Sec. 250.160(h) to read as follows:

Sec. 250.160 When will MMS grant me a right-of-use and easement, and
what requirements must I meet?

* * * * *
(h) You may make the rental payments required by paragraph (g)(1)
and (g)(2) of this section on an annual basis, for a 5-year period, or
for multiples of 5 years. You must make the first payment
electronically through Pay.gov and you must include a copy of the
Pay.gov confirmation receipt page with your right-of-use and easement
application. You must make all subsequent payments before the
respective time periods begin.
* * * * *

PART 251--GEOLOGICAL AND GEOPHYSICAL (G&G) EXPLORATIONS OF THE
OUTER CONTINENTAL SHELF

0
7. The authority citation for part 251 is revised to read as follows:

Authority: 31 U.S.C. 9701, 43 U.S.C. 1334.

0
8. Revise Sec. 251.5(a) to read as follows:

Sec. 251.5 Applying for permits or filing Notices.

(a) Permits. You must submit a signed original and three copies of
the MMS permit application form (Form MMS-327). The form includes names
of persons; the type, location, purpose, and dates of activity; and
environmental and other information. A nonrefundable service fee of
$2,012 must be paid electronically through Pay.gov at: https://
www.pay.gov/paygov/, and you must include a copy of the Pay.gov
confirmation receipt page with your application.
* * * * *

PART 256--LEASING OF SULPHUR OR OIL AND GAS IN THE OUTER
CONTINENTAL SHELF

0
9. The authority citation for part 256 is revised to read as follows:

Authority: 31 U.S.C. 9701, 42 U.S.C. 6213, 43 U.S.C. 1334.

0
10. Revise the table in Sec. 256.63(a) to read as follows:
(a) * * *

Service Fee Table
------------------------------------------------------------------------
30 CFR
Service Fee amount citation
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) Record Title/Operating Rights $186 Sec. 256.64
(Transfer).............................
(2) Non-required Document Filing........ 27 Sec. 256.64
------------------------------------------------------------------------

* * * * *

0
11. Revise Sec. 256.64(a)(8) to read as follows:

Sec. 256.64 How to file transfers.

* * * * *
(a) * * *
(8) You must pay electronically through Pay.gov at: https://
www.pay.gov/paygov/ the service fee listed in Sec. 256.63 of this
subpart and you must include a copy of the Pay.gov confirmation receipt
page with your application for approval of any instrument of transfer
you are required to file (Record Title/Operating Rights (Transfer)
Fee). Where multiple transfers of interest are included in a single
instrument, a separate fee applies to each individual transfer of
interest. For any document you are not required to file by these
regulations but which you submit for record purposes, you must also pay
electronically through Pay.gov the service fee listed in Sec. 256.63
(Non-required Document Filing Fee) per lease affected, and you must
include a copy of the Pay.gov confirmation receipt page with your
document. Such documents may be rejected at the discretion of the
authorized officer.
* * * * *

PART 280--PROSPECTING FOR MINERALS OTHER THAN OIL, GAS, AND SULPHUR
ON THE OUTER CONTINENTAL SHELF

0
12. The authority citation for part 280 is revised to read as follows:

Authority: 31 U.S.C. 9701, 43 U.S.C. 1334.

0
13. Revise Sec. 280.12(a) to read as follows:

Sec. 280.12 What must I include in my application or notification?

(a) Permits. You must submit to the Regional Director a signed
original and three copies of the permit application form (Form MMS-134)
at least 30 days before the startup date for activities in the permit
area. If unusual circumstances prevent you from meeting this deadline,
you must immediately contact the Regional Director to arrange an
acceptable deadline. The form includes names of persons; the type,
location, purpose, and dates of activity; and environmental and other
information. A nonrefundable service fee of $2,012 must be paid
electronically through Pay.gov at: https://www.pay.gov/paygov/, and you
must include a copy of the Pay.gov confirmation receipt page with your
application.
* * * * *

PART 281--LEASING OF MINERALS OTHER THAN OIL, GAS, AND SULPHUR IN
THE OUTER CONTINENTAL SHELF

0
14. The authority citation for part 281 is revised to read as follows:

Authority: 31 U.S.C. 9701, 43 U.S.C. 1334.

0
15. Revise Sec. 281.41(a)(2) to read as follows:

Sec. 281.41 Requirements for filing for transfers.

(a) * * *
(2) An application for approval of any instrument required to be
filed will not be accepted unless a nonrefundable fee of $50 is paid
electronically through Pay.gov at: https://www.pay.gov/paygov/ and a
copy of the Pay.gov confirmation receipt page is included with your
application. For any document you are not required to file by these
regulations but which you submit for record purposes, you must also pay
electronically through Pay.gov a nonrefundable fee of $50 per lease
affected, and you must include a copy of the Pay.gov confirmation
receipt page with your document. Such documents may be rejected at the
discretion of the authorized officer.
* * * * *

PART 290--APPEAL PROCEDURES

0
16. The authority citation for part 290 is revised to read as follows:

Authority: 5 U.S.C. 301; 25 U.S.C. 396, 2107; 30 U.S.C. 189,
359, 1023, 1701 et seq., 1751(a); 31 U.S.C. 3716, 9701; and 43
U.S.C. 1334.

0
17. Revise Sec. 290.4(b) to read as follows:

Sec. 290.4 How do I file an appeal?

* * * * *
(b) A nonrefundable processing fee of $150 paid with the Notice of
Appeal.

[[Page 49949]]

(1) You must pay electronically through Pay.gov at: https://
www.pay.gov/paygov/, and you must include a copy of the Pay.gov
confirmation receipt page with your Notice of Appeal.
(2) You cannot extend the 60-day period for payment of the
processing fee.

[FR Doc. E8-19373 Filed 8-22-08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-MR-P

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