Geological and Geophysical (G&G) Explorations of the Outer Continental Shelf-Changing Proprietary Term of Certain Geophysical Information, 40726-40731 [E9-19198]

Agencies

• DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
• Minerals Management Service

[Federal Register Volume 74, Number 155 (Thursday, August 13, 2009)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 40726-40731]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E9-19198]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Minerals Management Service

30 CFR Part 251

[Docket ID: MMS-2008-OMM-0006]
RIN 1010-AD41


Geological and Geophysical (G&G) Explorations of the Outer 
Continental Shelf--Changing Proprietary Term of Certain Geophysical 
Information

AGENCY: Minerals Management Service (MMS), Interior.

ACTION: Final rule.

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

SUMMARY: This final rule extends the proprietary term of certain 
reprocessed geophysical information submitted to MMS under a permit. 
The rule gives up to 5 years of additional protection to reprocessed 
vintage geophysical information that MMS retains and, without an 
extension, is subject to release by MMS 25 years after issuing the 
permit. The extension provides incentives to permittees and third 
parties to reprocess, market, or in other ways use geophysical 
information that may not otherwise be reprocessed without the term 
extension. The extension does not apply to geological data or 
information.

DATES: Effective Date: This rule becomes effective on September 14, 
2009.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:  David Zinzer, Geophysicist, Offshore 
Energy and Minerals Management, Resource Evaluation Division, at (703) 
787-1628.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This final rule implements changes put 
forward by our proposed rulemaking published June 18, 2007 (72 FR 
33417). The comment period ended August 17, 2007. The MMS received four 
sets of written comments. One set of comments and recommendations was 
from an industry association; two sets were from third party users of 
geophysical data and information collected on the Outer Continental 
Shelf (OCS); and one set was from the public.

Summary of Proposed Rulemaking

    The MMS proposed to extend, upon successful application to MMS, the 
proprietary term of geophysical information that a permittee or third 
party reprocessed 20 or more years after MMS issued the germane permit 
under which the originating data were collected. The rule proposed to 
give up to 5 years of additional protection to reprocessed vintage 
geophysical information that MMS retains and, without an extension, is 
subject to release by MMS 25 years after issuing the permit. The 
extension provides incentives to permittees and third parties to 
reprocess, market, or in other ways use geophysical information that 
may not otherwise be reprocessed without the term extension.

Analysis of Comments and Recommendations

    The MMS has decided to proceed with the final rule after carefully 
considering all written comments on the proposed rulemaking.
    Comment: One commenter continued to comment about issues and 
changes put forward by our proposed rulemaking, published July 17, 2002 
(67 FR 46942), and the subsequent related final rulemaking, published 
March 30, 2006 (71 FR 16033).
    Response: Changes put forth by the June 18, 2007, proposed 
rulemaking are directly addressed in this final rulemaking. However, 
MMS has clarified, where necessary, certain points or matters that 
pertain to all of 30 CFR part 251.
    Comment: Three comments cited the substantial costs that can be 
incurred in reprocessing existing geophysical information. One 
estimated costs of reprocessing exclusive 2-D data of $5-10 million for 
a project of 5,000 sq. km (1,930 sq./mi.). The second comment

[[Page 40727]]

noted several geophysical service companies have and continue to invest 
vast amounts of capital in the acquisition, processing, and 
reprocessing of nonexclusive geophysical data; and that the annual 
aggregate of investments by companies in the Gulf of Mexico (GOM) and 
other OCS areas is in the hundreds-of-millions of dollars. A third 
comment stated the time involved (typically about 1 year) in 
reprocessing and the substantial costs that can be incurred in 
reprocessing existing geophysical information warrant a minimum of 10 
years proprietary term extension.
    Response: The MMS recognizes the significant investment that the 
geophysical service industry and oil and gas industry make in 
acquiring, licensing, processing, and reprocessing geophysical data and 
information; and that the competitive and economic value of these data 
and information continues during the proprietary period. However, only 
data and information that are selected and retained by MMS will be 
released to the public. Data and information not retained by MMS are 
not subject to release by MMS; therefore, the extension does not apply 
to data and information not retained by MMS. The MMS maintains that the 
original proprietary term and the 5-year extension in the proposed rule 
provide an adequate incentive for investing in reprocessing and the 
opportunity to recoup that investment.
    Comment: One comment noted that all processed or reprocessed 
geophysical information is of value to a licensee (third party). 
Instances of licensees applying their own processing techniques should 
be considered the exception rather than the norm; Exploration and 
Production (E&P) companies license raw data (from permittees). It 
appears that MMS is failing to consider or fully appreciate that an 
operator must secure a license to geophysical information in order to 
apply those additional processing techniques. MMS states that these 
sophisticated processing techniques are only performed by E&P 
companies, an assertion and premise the commenter categorically 
rejects. The commenter also noted that reprocessing of geophysical 
information can and does occur numerous times over a number of years.
    Response: The MMS recognizes that geophysical companies make 
significant investment in developing reprocessed geophysical 
information, apply advanced algorithms and other sophisticated 
techniques in reprocessing geophysical information for license or sale, 
and acknowledges the recurrence of reprocessing during the proprietary 
period. Also for clarification, MMS reminds permit applicants that we 
issue separate geological and geophysical permits, or one of each, for 
a survey. The MMS does not issue a combined geological and geophysical 
permit, i.e., there is no ``G&G'' permit per se.
    Comment: One comment noted that the proposed rule requires filing 
for an extension of the proprietary term (after a 1-year grace period) 
within 30 days of completion of reprocessing. The commenter believes 
this required time is too short and recommends the required time to 
file for an extension should be extended to 90 days.
    Response: The MMS agrees that 30 days may be an insufficient amount 
of time to file for an extension, and will allow permittees and third 
parties up to 90 days to file (see Sec.  251.14(b)(2)). The sooner an 
application is filed, the sooner MMS may approve the extension.
    Comment: Another comment requested that MMS not require a seismic 
company to apply for an extension. If MMS still requires submission of 
an application, then MMS should allow the seismic company to submit the 
application as early as the 15th anniversary of the originating permit. 
The commenter also stated that MMS' proposed rulemaking creates a new 
administrative and management burden on MMS of tracking these 
extensions and the geophysical data and information to which they 
apply.
    Response: The MMS does not require a permittee to apply for an 
extension of the proprietary term; absent an extension, the reprocessed 
information would retain its 25-year term. However, an approved 
application is required for a permittee to get an extension of the 
term. Adding 5 years to the proprietary term for information 
reprocessed between 15 and 20 years after the permit date will not 
extend the term beyond the original 25-year term. Extending the term 
for information that is reprocessed 20 or more years after the permit 
date allows a sufficient amount of time for permittees and third 
parties to market, sell, trade, license, or otherwise use the 
reprocessed information, and allows MMS to keep the number of 
applications for an extension at a manageable level.
    Comment: One comment questioned MMS' estimates of $3 million to $25 
million in revenue over the first 5 years after the rule becomes 
effective, generated by licensing or selling geophysical information 
reprocessed 20 or more years after MMS issued the germane permit and 
for which MMS extended the proprietary term. The commenter also 
questioned why most eligible vintage geophysical information would come 
from the Alaska OCS.
    Response: These are revenue estimates only, expected to be in the 
ballpark but with a wide range. The MMS believes that the best market 
for this type of vintage, reprocessed geophysical information is in the 
Alaska OCS where little or no modern 3-D information exists and where 
OCS lease sales are currently scheduled. While reprocessed vintage 2-D 
and 3-D geophysical information in the GOM that MMS retains is eligible 
for 5-year extensions of the 25-year proprietary term, there is less 
demand as modern 2-D and 3-D information is available in most of the 
same areas.
    Comment: One comment asked for clarification of a ``germane 
permit.'' Another commenter used the term ``underlying permit'' in 
their comments.
    Response: Both refer to the MMS permit under which the original raw 
data were collected by the permittee.
    Comment: One commenter recommended MMS add to the rule definitions 
for processed geophysical information and date of completion of 
reprocessing. Another commenter recommended adding the definition of 
reprocessing.
    Response: The definitions for processed geophysical information and 
reprocessing are already in the 30 CFR 251 regulations (see Sec.  
251.1). It appears that commenters were not clear on what definitions 
apply to this rulemaking. The definition for processed geophysical 
information is contained in the definition titled processed geophysical 
or geological information. The definition for reprocessing is also 
contained in that same definition--reprocessing is the additional 
processing other than ordinary processing used in the general course of 
evaluation. The MMS interprets date of completion to be the date that 
the reprocessed information first becomes available in a useable format 
for inhouse interpretation by MMS or the permittee, or first becomes 
available to third parties via sale, trade, license agreement, or other 
means. We revised the definition of processed geophysical or geological 
information to include this wording for date of completion. To further 
clarify that this revised regulation applies strictly to reprocessed 
geophysical information, we have added definitions for geophysical 
information and geological information to the rule. Also, to recognize 
its growing use as a major geophysical technique in the OCS, 
electromagnetic is added to the list of key geophysical techniques in 
the definition of geophysical exploration.

[[Page 40728]]

    Comment: One commenter believes there is justification for greater 
than a 5-year term extension, stating that Brazil has a 10-year reset 
when data are reprocessed before they are made public.
    Response: The confidentiality (proprietary) period for geophysical 
data/information collected offshore Brazil by data acquisition 
companies (similar to permittees in the U.S.) is 10 years, plus an 
additional 10 years if the information is reprocessed during the 
initial 10-year confidentiality period. In Brazil and other countries, 
``data'' and ``information'' are treated the same with regards to a 
proprietary term. For the U.S. OCS, geophysical data has a 50-year 
proprietary term while processed geophysical information has a 25-year 
term.
    Comment: The commenter strongly supports the proposed rule and 
urges MMS to adopt the proposed changes quickly. The proposed rule is 
necessary to amend changes to the final rule in 2006, which modifies 
the start dates of proprietary terms for geophysical data and 
information and any derivatives of these data. The commenter also 
supports provisions in the proposed rule that would allow multiple 
extensions up to a maximum of 50 years.
    Response: The MMS believes that the proposed extension of up to 5 
years of the proprietary term of geophysical information that a 
permittee or third party reprocessed 20 or more years after MMS issued 
the germane permit under which the originating data were collected, is 
fair and appropriate.
    Comment: Another commenter similarly believes that the concept of 
an extension to the proprietary period for geophysical information is a 
much needed addition to the regulations as they currently exist after 
the changes enacted in 2006. The commenter contends that the proposed 
extension is too short and should be extended to 10 years. The proposed 
5-year extension would significantly limit the value of projects 
conducted by geophysical contractors and processing firms, and as a 
result, degrade the value of preexisting information and lessen 
interest in applying new reprocessing techniques to older information 
sets. A third commenter believes that proposing an additional 5 years, 
while certainly appreciated, does not adequately address concerns that 
the commenter articulated to the MMS Director in the April 21, 2006 
letter and in a June 2006 workshop with MMS. The commenter recommends 
an extension by MMS of no less than 7 years. The commenter states that 
this is a reasonable amount of time to ensure that a seismic company 
will achieve a return on their investment of the reprocessed 
geophysical information and creates an incentive for the seismic 
companies to pursue and implement technological advances in processing 
that will certainly occur. In turn, this will minimize the need for 
acquiring more costly, new geophysical data that will be constrained by 
obstructions offshore and marine environmental concerns.
    Response: The MMS maintains that the original proprietary term and 
the 5-year extension in the proposed rule provide an adequate incentive 
for investing in reprocessing and the opportunity to recoup that 
investment.
    Comment: The commenter also suggests MMS state that the extension 
of the confidentiality period may be applied to other processed or 
reprocessed information derived from data collected under the same 
originating permit.
    Response: The extension of the proprietary term will be determined 
separately for each approved application, including reprocessed 
information derived from data collected under the same originating 
permit.
    Comment: Another commenter stated that the 25-year proprietary term 
was too long and objected to any extension of time. The commenter 
proposed a 10-year [basic] term with a 5-year extension for 
reprocessing geophysical data. If geophysical information is allowed to 
become public sooner, the effect would be to encourage exploration, 
allow the scientific community to access important information that 
could be valuable to research, and to give students training to be 
geophysicists a much more robust data set with which to hone their 
processing and interpretative skills.
    Response: The MMS finds that an extension of the proprietary term, 
by up to 5 years, is appropriate. The MMS encourages geophysical 
service companies and E&P companies to make vintage and other 
geophysical information available, as soon as possible, to the science 
community, students, and to government agencies for research.
    Comment: One commenter contends that most, if not all, processed or 
reprocessed geophysical information submitted to MMS includes data 
added as a convenience to the user that allows the user to work the 
data on seismic workstations. The additional data can be used by a 
third party to reverse-engineer the processing, allowing them to 
effectively obtain the raw underlying data, at which point they can 
apply their own processing techniques and market products as their own. 
The ending result would be a total violation of a seismic company's 
intellectual property rights. It would also raise a question as to 
whether MMS has any rights to that processed geophysical data, and 
whether MMS has breached its obligation to hold the raw seismic data in 
confidence for 50 years.
    Response: The MMS does not acquire processed or reprocessed 
geophysical information that can be reverse-engineered back to its raw 
data format. Most geophysical information retained by MMS has undergone 
stacking and migration, following previous processing steps such as 
demultiplexing, gain adjustments, deconvolution, amplitude and velocity 
analyses, normal move-out corrections, and filtering. Other geophysical 
information, which has not undergone migration, would still require 
identification of field geometry (source and receiver locations) and 
other parameters and filters used to collect data before attempting 
reverse engineering. As such, the geophysical information that MMS 
retains enjoys a 25-year term, not a 50-year term since it is not, nor 
can it become, raw data.
    Comment: The same commenter suggested that MMS incorporate in the 
rule, a comprehensive list of the criteria the Regional Director would 
use to determine whether to approve or deny a seismic company's 
application for an extension of the confidentiality period. Without 
stated criteria, a seismic company would have added uncertainty/risk to 
account for in its analysis and determination of whether to make an 
investment in reprocessing geophysical information in the later years 
of an originating permit.
    The commenter also stated that requiring an application process to 
obtain an extension of the confidentiality period wrongly ``implies 
that the seismic company may somehow be able to obfuscate the 
regulatory requirements of the original permit, submit geophysical 
information that is not in fact recently reprocessed geophysical 
information, or submit geophysical information that is not reprocessed 
geophysical information.''
    Response: In according confidentiality to reprocessed geophysical 
information, MMS does not need and will not apply any criteria other 
than those specified in 30 CFR part 251, and in particular, the 
definitions of geophysical information and processed geophysical 
information as they appear in this rulemaking. An applicant who 
completes the MMS application for the 5-year extension of the 
proprietary term will furnish MMS all the information MMS will need to

[[Page 40729]]

approve the protection. The application will request such information 
as name and address, the area in which the information was collected, 
permit number, date, description of the processing performed, date of 
completion of reprocessing, and certification that the geophysical 
information meets the definition of processed geophysical information. 
The MMS believes that the information required on the application is 
relevant to its approval of a seismic company's application for an 
extension.

Additional Clarification Added To the Final Rule

    We have added a new paragraph to Sec.  251.14(b) to make it clear 
that geophysical information that is granted the extension is subject 
to same submission, inspection, and selection criteria under 30 CFR 
251.12 and reimbursement criteria identified under 30 CFR 251.13. This 
paragraph clarifies the intent that the reprocessed geophysical 
information is treated in the same manner as other geophysical data and 
information collected under a permit and processed by permittees or 
third parties. We also clarified paragraph (3) of Sec.  251.14(b) by 
explicitly stating under what conditions one may apply for an extension 
for a new reprocessing of permitted data.

Procedural Matters

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

    This final rule is not a significant rule as determined by the 
Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and is not subject to review 
under E.O. 12866.
    (1) This final rule will not have an 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.
    The MMS estimates that over the first 5 years after the rule 
becomes effective, revenue generated by licensing or selling 
geophysical information reprocessed 20 or more years after MMS issued 
the germane permit, and for which MMS extended the proprietary term, 
will be in a range from $3 million to $25 million over the period. More 
revenue will be generated in the first year during which there is a 1-
year grace period to apply for extensions of proprietary terms of all 
eligible reprocessed information. In subsequent years, applications 
must be filed within 90 days of completion of processing.
    The range of estimated values depends on the number of lease sales 
in areas where eligible vintage geophysical information exists, mostly 
in the Alaska OCS, the amount and quality of reprocessed geophysical 
information, and economic factors. The MMS assumes 15 extensions will 
be approved over the 5-year period after this final rule is effective.
    (2) This final rule will not create a serious inconsistency or 
otherwise interfere with an action taken or planned by another agency.
    (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 
arising out of legal mandates, the President's priorities, or the 
priorities set forth in E.O. 12866.

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.).
    This final rule will extend the proprietary term for vintage 
reprocessed geophysical information. The only entities affected by this 
final rule change are about 10 geophysical companies, if still in 
existence, whose reprocessed geophysical information being held by MMS 
may be released later than under current regulations. The Small 
Business Administration classifies geophysical surveying and mapping 
service companies under the North American Industry Classification 
System 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; therefore, this 
final rule will not have a significant economic effect on a substantial 
number of small entities.
    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. Allegations of discrimination/retaliation filed with 
the Small Business Administration will be investigated for appropriate 
action.

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 an 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. 1501 et seq.) is not required.

Takings Implication Assessment (E.O. 12630)

    Under the criteria in E.O. 12630, this final rule does not have 
significant takings implications. The final 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 final rule does not have 
federalism implications. This final 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 final rule will not affect that role. A 
Federalism Assessment is not required.

Civil Justice Reform (E.O. 12988)

    This 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 and be 
written to minimize litigation; and
    (b) Meets the criteria of section 3(b)(2) requiring that all 
regulations be written in clear language and contain clear legal 
standards.

[[Page 40730]]

Consultation With Indian Tribes (E.O. 13175)

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

Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA)

    This rule contains a new information collection requirement; 
therefore, a submission to OMB under the PRA is required. The OMB has 
approved the new requirement under OMB Control Number 1010-0179 
(expiration 08/31/2012; total 3 burden hours). Once the rulemaking 
becomes effective, we will consolidate the burden into the primary 
collection, 30 CFR 251, 1010-0048.
    The title of the collection of information is ``30 CFR part 251, 
Request for Geophysical Extension.'' Respondents include approximately 
10 Federal OCS permittees. Responses to this collection are required to 
obtain or retain a benefit. The frequency of reporting is on occasion. 
The MMS will protect proprietary information according to the Freedom 
of Information Act (5 U.S.C. 552) and its implementing regulations (43 
CFR part 2), and under regulations at 30 CFR part 251. The information 
collection does not include questions of a sensitive nature.
    The final regulation will allow permittees and third parties to 
apply for an up to 5-year extension of the 25-year proprietary term 
within 90 days after the date of completion of the reprocessing. This 
benefit adds 3 new burden hours to the information collection 
requirements already approved for 30 CFR part 251. The rulemaking 
imposes no new non-hour burden costs. Refer to the chart for the new 
requirement and burden.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                        Reporting and
            30 CFR 251                  recordkeeping        Hour burden     Average number of     Annual burden
                                         requirement                          annual responses         hours
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
251.14(b)(3)......................  Request extension of     Burden included in 30 CFR Part 251                0
                                     time period for                    (1010-0048)
                                     permitted activities.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
251.14(b)(1), (2), (3)............  NEW: Apply for                      1  3 Extensions.........               3
                                     extension of the
                                     proprietary term for
                                     geophysical
                                     information within
                                     90 days after
                                     reprocessing
                                     completion date; any
                                     subsequent extension
                                     requests.
                                   -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Total.........................  .....................  ..............  3 responses..........               3
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Based on a comment received during the proposed rule stage, MMS 
extended the time allowed for respondents to request an extension of 
the proprietary term from 30 days to 90 days after completion of 
reprocessing. This change did not affect the paperwork burden between 
the proposed and final rule.
    A Federal agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not 
required to respond to, a collection of information unless it displays 
a currently valid OMB control number. The public may comment, at any 
time, on the accuracy of the information collection burden of our 
regulations and may submit comments to the Department of the Interior; 
Minerals Management Service; Attention: Regulations and Standards 
Branch; MS-4024; 381 Elden Street; Herndon, Virginia 20170-4817.

National Environmental Policy Act of 1969

    This 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 
(42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) and determined that it falls within the 
categorical exclusion for ``regulations * * * that are of an 
administrative, financial, legal, technical, or procedural nature and 
whose environmental effects are too broad, speculative, or conjectural 
to lend themselves to meaningful analysis'' in that it is a rule of a 
legal nature. The MMS completed a Categorical Exclusion Review for this 
action and concluded that the rulemaking does not include an 
extraordinary circumstance, therefore, preparation of an environmental 
analysis or environmental impact statement will not be 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.

List of Subjects in 30 CFR Part 251

    Continental shelf, Freedom of information, Oil and gas exploration, 
Public lands--mineral resources, Reporting and recordkeeping 
requirements, Research.

    Dated: July 2, 2009.
Ned Farquhar,
Acting Assistant Secretary--Land and Minerals Management.

0
For the reasons stated in the preamble, the Minerals Management Service 
(MMS) amends 30 CFR part 251 as follows:

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

0
1. The authority citation for part 251 continues to read as follows:

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


0
2. Amend Sec.  251.1 as set forth below:
0
A. Add definitions for Geological information, Geophysical data, and 
Geophysical information in alphabetical order;
0
B. Revise the definitions for Geophysical exploration and Processed 
geological or geophysical information; and
0
C. Delete the definition for Information.


Sec.  251.1  Definitions.

* * * * *
    Geological information means geological or geochemical data that 
have been analyzed, processed, or interpreted.
* * * * *
    Geophysical data means measurements that have not been processed or 
interpreted.
    Geophysical exploration means exploration that utilizes geophysical 
techniques (e.g., gravity, magnetic, electromagnetic, or seismic) to 
produce data and information on oil, gas, and sulphur resources in 
support of possible exploration and development activities.

[[Page 40731]]

    The term does not include geophysical scientific research.
* * * * *
    Geophysical information means geophysical data that have been 
processed or interpreted.
* * * * *
    Processed geological or geophysical information means data 
collected under a permit and later processed or reprocessed. Processing 
involves changing the form of data so as to facilitate interpretation. 
Processing operations may include, but are not limited to, applying 
corrections for known perturbing causes, rearranging or filtering data, 
and combining or transforming data elements. Reprocessing is the 
additional processing other than ordinary processing used in the 
general course of evaluation. Reprocessing operations may include 
varying identified parameters for the detailed study of a specific 
problem area. Reprocessing may occur several years after the original 
processing date. Reprocessing is determined to be completed on the date 
that the reprocessed information is first available in a useable format 
for in-house interpretation by MMS or the permittee, or becomes first 
available to third parties via sale, trade, license agreement, or other 
means.
* * * * *


0
3. Amend Sec.  251.14 as set forth below:
0
A. Revise the introductory text in paragraph (b);
0
B. Revise the table in paragraph (b)(1);
0
C. Redesignate paragraphs (b)(2) and (b)(3) as (b)(7) and (b)(8), 
respectively; and
0
D. Add new paragraphs (b)(2), (b)(3), (b)(4), (b)(5), and (b)(6) to 
read as follows:


Sec.  251.14  Protecting and disclosing data and information submitted 
to MMS under a permit.

* * * * *
    (b) Timetable for release of G&G data and information related to 
oil, gas, and sulphur that MMS acquires. Except for high-resolution 
data and information released under 30 CFR 250.197(b)(2), MMS will 
release or disclose acquired data and information in accordance with 
paragraphs (b)(1) through (b)(7) of this section.
    (1) * * *

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                            The Regional Director will
 If you or a third party submit and MMS   release them to the public * *
             retains * * *                              *
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(i) Geological data and information,...  10 years after MMS issued the
                                          permit.
(ii) Geophysical data,.................  50 years after MMS issued the
                                          permit.
(iii) Geophysical information processed  25 years after MMS issued the
 or reprocessed less than 20 years        permit.
 after MMS issued the germane permit,
(iv) Geophysical information processed   25 years after MMS issued the
 or reprocessed 20 or more years after    permit; or, if you or a third
 MMS issued the germane permit,           party applied for an extension
                                          of the proprietary term, 5
                                          years after MMS approved the
                                          application for an extension.
                                          In any case MMS will release
                                          the information no later than
                                          50 years after MMS issued the
                                          permit.
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    (2) Permittees and third parties may apply to MMS for an extension 
of the 25-year proprietary term for geophysical information reprocessed 
20 or more years after MMS issued the germane permit. You must submit 
the application to MMS within 90 days after completion of the 
reprocessing, except during the initial 1-year grace period as provided 
in paragraph (b)(5) below. Filing locations are listed in Sec.  
251.5(d). Your application must include:
    (i) Name and address of the permittee or third party;
    (ii) Product name;
    (iii) Identification of the geophysical information area;
    (iv) Identification of originating permit number and date;
    (v) Description of reprocessing performed;
    (vi) Identification of the date of completion of reprocessing the 
geophysical information;
    (vii) Certification that the product meets the definition of 
processed geophysical information and that all other information in the 
application is accurate; and
    (viii) Signature and date.
    (3) With each new reprocessing of permitted data, you may apply for 
an extension of up to 5 years. However, the maximum proprietary term 
for geophysical information is 50 years after MMS issued the permit. 
Once the maximum term is reached, the MMS Regional Director will 
release the information to the public.
    (4) Geophysical information processed or reprocessed 20 or more 
years after MMS issued the germane permit and granted the extension 
will be subject to submission, inspection, and selection criteria under 
30 CFR 251.12 and reimbursement criteria identified under 30 CFR 
251.13.
    (5) There will be a 1-year grace period, starting September 14, 
2009, to allow permittees and third parties sufficient time to meet the 
above requirements and to apply for all eligible extensions. During 
this time, MMS will not release geophysical information which was 
reprocessed 20 or more years after the date that MMS issued the germane 
permit.
    (6) After September 14, 2010 MMS will resume releasing eligible 
reprocessed information. If an application for extension is not filed, 
not filed on time, or not approved by MMS, the original 25-year 
proprietary term applies to the release date of the reprocessed 
geophysical information.
* * * * *
 [FR Doc. E9-19198 Filed 8-12-09; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-MR-P