Montana Regulatory Program, 30010-30014 [2011-12746]
Download as PDF
30010
Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 100 / Tuesday, May 24, 2011 / Rules and Regulations
upon the data and assumptions for the
Federal regulations.
Small Business Regulatory Enforcement
Fairness Act
This rule is not a major rule under 5
U.S.C. 804(2), the Small Business
Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act.
This rule: (a) Does not have an annual
effect on the economy of $100 million;
(b) Will not cause a major increase in
costs or prices for consumers,
individual industries, Federal, State, or
local government agencies, or
geographic regions; and (c) Does not
have significant adverse effects on
competition, employment, investment,
productivity, innovation, or the ability
of U.S.-based enterprises to compete
with foreign-based enterprises. This
determination is based upon the fact
that the State submittal, which is the
subject of this rule, is based upon
Federal regulations for which an
analysis was prepared and a
determination made that the Federal
regulations were not considered major.
Unfunded Mandates
This rule will not impose an
unfunded mandate on State, local, or
tribal governments or the private sector
of $100 million or more in any given
year. This determination is based upon
the fact that the State submittal, which
is the subject of this rule, is based upon
Federal regulations for which an
analysis was prepared and a
determination made that the Federal
regulation did not impose an unfunded
mandate.
List of Subjects in 30 CFR Part 901
Intergovernmental relations, Surface
mining, Underground mining.
Dated: March 25, 2011.
Ervin J. Barchenger,
Regional Director, Mid-Continent Region.
For the reasons set out in the
preamble, 30 CFR part 901 is amended
as set forth below:
PART 901—ALABAMA
1. The authority citation for Part 901
continues to read as follows:
■
Authority: 30 U.S.C. 1201 et seq.
2. Section 901.15 is amended in the
table by adding a new entry in
chronological order by ‘‘Date of final
publication’’ to read as follows:
■
§ 901.15 Approval of Alabama regulatory
program amendments.
*
*
*
*
*
Original amendment
submission date
Date of final publication
Citation/description
*
*
October 28, 2010 ..............................................
*
*
*
May 24, 2011 ....................................................
*
*
Sections 880–X–6A–.07, 880–X–6A–.08, and
880–X–12A–.09.
[FR Doc. 2011–12747 Filed 5–23–11; 8:45 am]
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
BILLING CODE 4310–05–P
Jeffrey Fleischman, Casper Field Office
Director, Telephone: (307) 261–6550,
Internet address:
jfleischman@OSMRE.gov.
and conditions of approval in the April
1, 1980, Federal Register (45 FR 21560).
You can also find later actions
concerning Montana’s program and
program amendments at 30 CFR 926.15,
926.16, and 926.30.
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Office of Surface Mining Reclamation
and Enforcement
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
[SATS No. MT–030–FOR; Docket ID No.
OSM–2009–0007]
I. Background on the Montana Program
II. Submission of the Proposed Amendment
III. Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement’s (OSM’s) Findings
IV. Summary and Disposition of Comments
V. OSM’s Decision
VI. Procedural Determinations
Montana Regulatory Program
I. Background on the Montana Program
Office of Surface Mining
Reclamation and Enforcement, Interior.
Section 503(a) of the Act permits a
State to assume primacy for the
regulation of surface coal mining and
reclamation operations on non-Federal
and non-Indian lands within its borders
by demonstrating that its State program
includes, among other things, ‘‘a State
law which provides for the regulation of
surface coal mining and reclamation
operations in accordance with the
requirements of this Act * * *; and
rules and regulations consistent with
regulations issued by the Secretary
pursuant to this Act.’’ See 30 U.S.C.
1253(a)(1) and (7). On the basis of these
criteria, the Secretary of the Interior
conditionally approved the Montana
program on April 1, 1980. You can find
background information on the Montana
program, including the Secretary’s
findings, the disposition of comments,
30 CFR Part 926
AGENCY:
Final rule; approval of
amendment.
ACTION:
We are approving an
amendment to the Montana regulatory
program (the ‘‘Montana program’’) under
the Surface Mining Control and
Reclamation Act of 1977 (‘‘SMCRA’’ or
‘‘the Act’’). Montana proposed revisions
to and additions of statutes about bond
release responsibility periods for water
management facilities and other support
facilities comprising less than 10
percent of the total bond release area.
Montana revised its program to clarify
ambiguities and improve operational
efficiency.
wwoods2 on DSK1DXX6B1PROD with RULES_PART 1
SUMMARY:
DATES:
Effective Date: May 24, 2011.
VerDate Mar<15>2010
15:04 May 23, 2011
Jkt 223001
PO 00000
Frm 00020
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
II. Submission of the Proposed
Amendment
By letter dated May 12, 2009,
Montana sent us an amendment to its
program (Administrative Record No.
MT–27–01, Regulations.gov Document
ID No. OSM–2009–0007–0002) under
SMCRA (30 U.S.C. 1201 et seq.).
Montana sent the amendment to include
changes made at its own initiative.
We announced receipt of the
proposed amendment in the August 12,
2009, Federal Register (74 FR 40537). In
the same document, we opened the
public comment period and provided an
opportunity for a public hearing or
meeting on the amendment’s adequacy
(Administrative Record No. MT–27–05;
Regulations.gov Document ID No. OSM–
2009–0007–0001). We did not hold a
public hearing or meeting because no
one requested one. The public comment
period ended on September 11, 2009.
We received one public comment and
one Federal agency comment. During
our review of Montana’s original
submittal and the comments received,
we identified concerns with the
amendment proposal. We conveyed our
E:\FR\FM\24MYR1.SGM
24MYR1
Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 100 / Tuesday, May 24, 2011 / Rules and Regulations
concerns to Montana by letter dated
March 19, 2010 (Administrative Record
No. MT–27–08; Regulations.gov
Document ID No. OSM–2009–0007–
0006). In response to our concerns,
Montana revised its proposed language
at MCA 82–4–235(3)(a) by letter dated
April 12, 2010 (Administrative Record
No. MT–27–09; Regulations.gov
Document ID No. OSM–2009–0007–
0007). We then reopened the public
comment period on the amendment’s
adequacy (75 FR 43476; Regulations.gov
Document ID No. OSM–2009–0007–
0008). We did not receive any
comments on the revised amendment
proposal.
III. OSM’s Findings
Following are the findings we made
concerning the amendment under
SMCRA and the Federal regulations at
30 CFR 732.15 and 732.17. We are
approving the amendment.
wwoods2 on DSK1DXX6B1PROD with RULES_PART 1
A. Minor Revisions to Montana’s
Statutes
Montana proposed minor wording,
editorial, and recodification changes to
the following previously-approved
statutes: 82–4–235(2); 82–4–235(3)
recodififed as 82–4–235(4)(a) and 82–4–
235(4)(b). These minor revisions were
necessary to implement the changes
made at 82–4–235(3)(a) and (b)
discussed below.
These minor, editorial, and
recodification changes, which are
necessary to implement the changes to
MCA 82–4–235(3)(a) and (b) approved
below, do not impact the effectiveness
of the current statute. We find that they
are no less stringent than SMCRA and
therefore we approve them.
B. Revisions to Montana’s Statute With
No Federal Counterpart (82–4–235(3)(a)
and (b))
Montana proposed to revise its
regulations for bond release procedures
to allow areas that were utilized for
water management and other support
facilities to be exempt from the ten-year
revegetation responsibility period.
Water management and other support
facilities in the proposal include
sedimentation ponds, diversions, other
water management structures, soil
stockpiles, and access roads. The
exemption cannot comprise more than
ten percent of a bond release area. The
exempted areas will still be subject to
all other applicable reclamation and
revegetation requirements under
Montana’s regulatory program.
Section 515(b)(20) of SMCRA
provides that the revegetation
responsibility period shall commence
‘‘after the last year of augmented
VerDate Mar<15>2010
15:04 May 23, 2011
Jkt 223001
seeding, fertilizing, irrigation, or other
work’’ needed to assure revegetation
success. In the absence of any indication
of Congressional intent in the legislative
history, OSM interprets this
requirement as applying to the
increment or permit area as a whole, not
individually to those lands within the
permit area upon which revegetation is
delayed solely because of their use in
support of the reclamation effort on the
replanted area. As implied in the
preamble discussion of 30 CFR
816.46(b)(5), which prohibits the
removal of ponds or other siltation
structures until 2 years after the last
augmented seeding, planting of the sites
from which such structures are removed
need not be considered an augmented
seeding necessitating an extended or
separate responsibility period (48 FR
44038–44039; September 26,1983).
Indeed, given the Federal regulation that
prohibits removal of sediment ponds
until two years after the last augmented
seeding, restarting the ten year
responsibility period when a sediment
pond is removed would result in the
responsibility period being a minimum
of twelve years in all cases. This is
clearly not consistent with the ten year
minimum period mandated by SMCRA
at section 515(b)(20)(A). Montana’s
counterpart Administrative Rule
prohibiting sedimentation ponds and
other water treatment facilities from
being removed sooner than 2 years after
the last augmented seeding of reclaimed
land within the drainage basin can be
found at MAR 26.4.639(22)(a)(i).
The purpose of the revegetation
responsibility period is to ensure that
the mined area has been reclaimed to a
condition capable of supporting the
desired permanent vegetation.
Achievement of this purpose will not be
adversely affected by this interpretation
of section 515(b)(20) of SMCRA because
(1) the lands involved are small in size
and widely dispersed, and (2) the delay
in establishing revegetation on these
sites is due not to reclamation
deficiencies or the facilitation of
mining, but rather to the regulatory
requirement that ponds and diversions
be retained and maintained to control
runoff from the planted area until
vegetation is sufficiently established to
render such structures unnecessary for
the protection of water quality.
In addition, the affected areas are not
likely to be larger than those which
could be reseeded (without restarting
the responsibility period) in the course
of performing normal husbandry
practices, as that term is defined in 30
CFR 816.116(c)(4) and explained in the
preamble to that rule (53 FR 34636,
34641; September 7, 1988; 52 FR 28012,
PO 00000
Frm 00021
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
30011
28016; July 27, 1987). Areas this small
would have a negligible impact on any
evaluation of the permit area as a whole.
Most importantly, this interpretation is
unlikely to adversely affect the
regulatory authority’s ability to make a
statistically valid determination as to
whether a diverse, effective, and
permanent vegetative cover has been
successfully established in accordance
with the appropriate revegetation
success standards.
From a practical standpoint, it is
usually difficult to identify precisely
where such areas are located in the field
once vegetation is established in
accordance with the approved
reclamation plan. The above discussion
of the rules in 30 CFR part 816, which
applies to surface mining activities, also
pertains to similarly or identically
constructed section 30 CFR part 817,
which applies to underground mining
activities.
For the reasons outlined above, OSM
adopted a policy to allow the approval
of State program amendment provisions
specifying that areas reclaimed
following the removal of siltation
structures, associated diversions, and
access roads are not subject to a
revegetation responsibility period and
bond liability period separate from that
of the permit area or increment thereof
served by such facilities (58 FR 48333;
September 15, 1993). OSM has since
taken a consistent position in approving
amendments of this sort. Such
amendments to the Colorado (61 FR
26792; May 29, 1996), Illinois (62 FR
54765; October 22, 1997), Kentucky (63
FR 41423; August 4, 1998), and Ohio (63
FR 51829; September 29, 1998) State
programs have already been approved.
OSM’s policy clearly distinguishes
which types of areas may be excluded
from the revegetation responsibility
period. Montana proposed to allow
sedimentation ponds, diversions, other
water management structures, soil
stockpiles, and access roads to be
exempted from the revegetation
responsibility period.
Water management structures
including sedimentation ponds and
diversions form the basis for OSM’s
policy to allow State program
amendments such as what Montana
proposed. These are the areas which are
required to be retained for two years
after surrounding areas have been
reclaimed. These relatively small areas
are retained in support of reclamation.
This retention is not due to any
deficiency in reclamation or in support
of mining activities.
Access roads would be maintained in
order to provide access to sediment
ponds and other water treatment
E:\FR\FM\24MYR1.SGM
24MYR1
wwoods2 on DSK1DXX6B1PROD with RULES_PART 1
30012
Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 100 / Tuesday, May 24, 2011 / Rules and Regulations
facilities. Access roads are generally
smaller and less traveled than haul
roads or primary roads and are therefore
less likely to encompass a significant
portion of the permit area or cause
significant environmental harm.
Additionally, access roads are not used
to haul coal or spoil, so they are not
retained to facilitate mining.
Soil stockpiles would be depleted
because soil would already be spread
over at least 90% of the bond release
area before the revegetation
responsibility period begins. Small soil
stockpiles would be temporarily
retained in order to reclaim water
treatment facilities and associated
access road areas. Therefore, they would
be temporarily retained in support of
reclamation and not due to any
deficiency in reclamation or in support
of mining activities. Soil stockpile areas
must be reclaimed and revegetated in
order to meet all bond release
requirements other than the ten-year
responsibility period.
The effect of this provision will be to
start the responsibility ‘‘clock’’ for an
entire bond release area when
reclamation work has been completed
on at least ninety percent of the land.
Successfully reclaimed areas that had
been utilized for water treatment
facilities and associated soil stockpile
and access road areas will not need to
be delineated and held out of the bond
release when surrounding areas have
completed the responsibility timeframe.
The entire bond release area will be
sampled for vegetation adequacy and
inspected for compliance with bond
release requirements.
This amendment helps facilitate
timely bond release for areas disturbed
by the removal of overburden and coal
that are properly backfilled, reclaimed,
and meet revegetation success standards
for the ten year responsibility period.
Bond release for the majority of the
reclaimed area will not be held up by
reclamation of the small areas
associated with support facilities. All
areas will be sampled and assessed for
reclamation success. Small parcels of
more recently reclaimed land within the
bond release area must demonstrate
stability and reclamation success as if
vegetation has had ten years to
establish. If reclamation success cannot
be demonstrated, bond release cannot be
approved.
As discussed above, OSM has an
established policy permitting regulatory
authorities to promulgate amendments
providing for bond releases to be
conducted as Montana proposed. The
amendment is consistent with SMCRA
section 515(b)(20) and we approve it.
VerDate Mar<15>2010
15:04 May 23, 2011
Jkt 223001
IV. Summary and Disposition of
Comments
Public Comments
We asked for public comments on the
original amendment proposal (74 FR
40537; Regulations.gov Document ID
No. OSM–2009–0007–0001). We
received one public comment. The
commenter did not believe that the
proposed amendment complied with
SMCRA.
Montana’s original submittal was
proposing to exempt more types of areas
than permissible under OSM’s
interpretation of SCMRA 515(b)(20). We
sent a concern letter to Montana
identifying problematic language (‘‘but
are not limited to,’’ ‘‘segments of haul
roads, and electrical substations’’).
Montana responded by deleting this
language from the amendment proposal.
OSM’s interpretation of SMCRA
515(b)(20) pertaining to this type of
State program amendment was
established in 1993. Since then OSM
has taken a consistent stance on such
State program amendments, provided
that they meet the standards put forth in
58 FR 48333, as discussed above. The
intent of SMCRA’s revegetation
responsibility period is to ensure the
establishment of a diverse, effective, and
permanent vegetative cover on
reclaimed mine lands. All revegetation
and stability standards must be met on
all lands before being released from
bond. The intent of SMCRA is met
while allowing the regulatory authority
to process bond releases on logical units
of land in a timely manner. OSM
believes that the revised amendment is
not inconsistent with SMCRA.
Federal Agency Comments
Under 30 CFR 732.17(h)(11)(i) and
section 503(b) of SMCRA, we requested
comments on the amendment from
various Federal agencies with an actual
or potential interest in the Montana
program (Administrative Record ID No.
MT–27–03; Regulations.gov Document
ID No. OSM–2009–0007–0003).
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
Concurrence and Comments
Under 30 CFR 732.17(h)(11)(i), OSM
requested comments on the amendment
from EPA (Administrative Record ID
No. MT–27–03; Regulations.gov
Document ID No. OSM–2009–0007–
0004). EPA responded on July 9, 2009,
stating its agreement that granting some
relaxation from the 10-year
responsibility period for the last types of
disturbances to be reclaimed may be
warranted (Administrative Record ID
No. MT–27–04; Regulations.gov
Document ID No. OSM–2009–0007–
PO 00000
Frm 00022
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
0005.1). We agree that a small
percentage of land containing structures
which by necessity must be reclaimed
last need not restart the reclamation
responsibility period, and are approving
this amendment.
State Historic Preservation Officer
(SHPO) and the Advisory Council on
Historic Preservation (ACHP)
Under 30 CFR 732.17(h)(4), we are
required to request comments from the
SHPO and ACHP on amendments that
may have an effect on historic
properties. Although this amendment
does not pertain to historic preservation,
we requested SHPO comments on
Montana’s amendment by letter dated
on June 9, 2009 (Administrative Record
ID No. MT–27–03; Regulations.gov
Document ID No. OSM–2009–0007–
0004). We did not receive a response to
our request.
V. OSM’s Decision
Based on the above findings, we
approve Montana’s May 12, 2009, as
revised on April 12, 2010, amendment.
To implement this decision, we are
amending the Federal regulations at 30
CFR part 926, which codify decisions
concerning the Montana program. We
find that good cause exists under 5
U.S.C. 553(d)(3) to make this final rule
effective immediately. Section 503(a) of
SMCRA requires that the State’s
program demonstrate that the State has
the capability of carrying out the
provisions of the Act and meeting its
purposes. Making this regulation
effective immediately will expedite that
process. SMCRA requires consistency of
State and Federal standards.
Effect of OSM’s Decision
Section 503 of SMCRA provides that
a State may not exercise jurisdiction
under SMCRA unless the State program
is approved by the Secretary. Similarly,
30 CFR 732.17(a) requires that any
change of an approved State program be
submitted to OSM for review as a
program amendment. The Federal
regulations at 30 CFR 732.17(g) prohibit
any changes to approved State programs
that are not approved by OSM. In the
oversight of the Montana program, we
will recognize only the statutes,
regulations, and other materials we have
approved, together with any consistent
implementing policies, directives, and
other materials. We will require
Montana to enforce only approved
provisions.
VI. Procedural Determinations
Executive Order 12630—Takings
This rule does not have takings
implications. This determination is
E:\FR\FM\24MYR1.SGM
24MYR1
Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 100 / Tuesday, May 24, 2011 / Rules and Regulations
based on the analysis performed for the
Federal regulation.
Executive Order 12866—Regulatory
Planning and Review
This rule is exempted from review by
the Office of Management and Budget
(OMB) under Executive Order 12866
(Regulatory Planning and Review).
Executive Order 12988—Civil Justice
Reform
The Department of the Interior has
conducted the reviews required by
section 3 of Executive Order 12988 and
has determined that this rule meets the
applicable standards of subsections (a)
and (b) of that section. However, these
standards are not applicable to the
actual language of State regulatory
programs and program amendments
because each program is drafted and
promulgated by a specific State, not by
OSM. Under sections 503 and 505 of
SMCRA (30 U.S.C. 1253 and 1255) and
the Federal regulations at 30 CFR
730.11, 732.15, and 732.17(h)(10),
decisions on proposed State regulatory
programs and program amendments
submitted by the States must be based
solely on a determination of whether the
submittal is consistent with SMCRA and
its implementing Federal regulations
and whether the other requirements of
30 CFR Parts 730, 731, and 732 have
been met.
wwoods2 on DSK1DXX6B1PROD with RULES_PART 1
Executive Order 13132—Federalism
This rule does not have Federalism
implications. SMCRA delineates the
roles of the Federal and State
governments with regard to the
regulation of surface coal mining and
reclamation operations. One of the
purposes of SMCRA is to ‘‘establish a
nationwide program to protect society
and the environment from the adverse
effects of surface coal mining
operations.’’ Section 503(a)(1) of SMCRA
requires that State laws regulating
surface coal mining and reclamation
operations be ‘‘in accordance with’’ the
requirements of SMCRA, and section
503(a)(7) requires that State programs
contain rules and regulations
‘‘consistent with’’ regulations issued by
the Secretary pursuant to SMCRA.
Executive Order 13175—Consultation
and Coordination With Indian Tribal
Governments
In accordance with Executive Order
13175, we have evaluated the potential
effects of this rule on Federally
recognized Indian Tribes and have
determined that the rule does not have
VerDate Mar<15>2010
15:04 May 23, 2011
Jkt 223001
substantial direct effects on one or more
Indian Tribes, on the relationship
between the Federal government and
Indian Tribes, or on the distribution of
power and responsibilities between the
Federal government and Indian Tribes.
The rule does not involve or affect
Indian Tribes in any way.
30013
Small Business Regulatory Enforcement
Fairness Act
On May 18, 2001, the President issued
Executive Order 13211 which requires
agencies to prepare a Statement of
Energy Effects for a rule that is (1)
considered significant under Executive
Order 12866, and (2) likely to have a
significant adverse effect on the supply,
distribution, or use of energy. Because
this rule is exempt from review under
Executive Order 12866 and is not
expected to have a significant adverse
effect on the supply, distribution, or use
of energy, a Statement of Energy Effects
is not required.
This rule is not a major rule under 5
U.S.C. 804(2), of the Small Business
Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act.
This rule:
a. Does not have an annual effect on
the economy of $100 million.
b. Will not cause a major increase in
costs or prices for consumers,
individual industries, Federal, State, or
local government agencies, or
geographic regions.
c. Does not have significant adverse
effects on competition, employment,
investment, productivity, innovation, or
the ability of U.S.-based enterprises to
compete with foreign-based enterprises.
This determination is based upon the
fact that the State submittal which is the
subject of this rule is based upon
Federal regulations for which an
analysis was prepared and a
determination made that the Federal
regulation was not considered a major
rule.
National Environmental Policy Act
Unfunded Mandates
This rule does not require an
environmental impact statement
because section 702(d) of SMCRA (30
CFR U.S.C. 1292(d)) provides that
agency decisions on proposed State
regulatory program provisions do not
constitute major Federal actions within
the meaning of section 102(2)(C) of the
National Environmental Policy Act (42
U.S.C. 4332(2)(C) et seq.).
This rule will not impose an
unfunded Mandate on State, local, or
tribal governments or the private sector
of $100 million or more in any given
year. This determination is based upon
the fact that the State submittal, which
is the subject of this rule, is based upon
Federal regulations for which an
analysis was prepared and a
determination made that the Federal
regulation did not impose an unfunded
mandate.
Executive Order 13211—Regulations
That Significantly Affect The Supply,
Distribution, or Use of Energy
Paperwork Reduction Act
This rule does not contain
information collection requirements that
require approval by OMB under the
Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C.
3501 et seq.).
Regulatory Flexibility Act
The Department of the Interior
certifies that this rule will not have a
significant economic impact on a
substantial number of small entities
under the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5
U.S.C. 601 et seq.). The State submittal,
which is the subject of this rule, is based
upon Federal regulations for which an
economic analysis was prepared and
certification made that such regulations
would not have a significant economic
effect upon a substantial number of
small entities. In making the
determination as to whether this rule
would have a significant economic
impact, the Department relied upon the
data and assumptions for the Federal
regulations.
PO 00000
Frm 00023
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
List of Subjects in 30 CFR Part 926
Intergovernmental relations, Surface
mining, Underground mining.
Dated: March 16, 2011.
Allen D. Klein,
Regional Director, Western Region.
For the reasons set out in the
preamble, 30 CFR part 926 is amended
as set forth below:
PART 926—MONTANA
1. The authority citation for part 926
continues to read as follows:
■
Authority: 30 U.S.C. 1201 et seq.
2. Section 926.15 is amended in the
table by adding a new entry in
chronological order by ‘‘Date of Final
Publication’’ to read as follows:
■
§ 926.15 Approval of Montana regulatory
program amendments.
*
E:\FR\FM\24MYR1.SGM
*
*
24MYR1
*
*
30014
Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 100 / Tuesday, May 24, 2011 / Rules and Regulations
Original amendment submission date
Date of final publication
Citation/description
*
*
May 12, 2009 ....................................................
*
*
*
May 24, 2011 ....................................................
*
*
MCA 82–4–235(2), –235(3)(a), –235(3)(b),
–235(4)(a), and –235(4)(b).
[FR Doc. 2011–12746 Filed 5–23–11; 8:45 am]
Docket Operations, telephone 202–366–
9826.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The New
Jersey Department of Transportation
owns and operates this bascule
drawbridge and has requested a
temporary deviation from the current
operating regulations set out in 33 CFR
117.733(f) to facilitate the free
movement of 70,000 fans and vehicles
during the three-day concert and
fireworks display.
The US40–322 (Albany Avenue)
Bridge, at NJICW mile 70.0 across Inside
Thorofare in Atlantic City, NJ has a
vertical clearance in the closed position
to vessels of 10 feet above mean high
water.
Under normal operating conditions
the draw would open on signal, except
that:
(1)Year-round, from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m.
and from November 1 through March 31
from 3 p.m. to 11 p.m. the draw need
only open if at least four hours notice
is given; and
(2)From June 1 through September 30:
(i) from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and from
6 p.m. to 9 p.m., the draw need only
open on the hour and half hour; and (ii)
from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., the draw need not
open.
Under this temporary deviation,
beginning at 8 a.m. on Friday June 24,
2011 and ending at 2 a.m. on Monday
June 27, 2011, the Albany Avenue
Bridge will open according to the
following schedule: The drawbridge
will only open on signal at 8 a.m.,
10 a.m., 12 noon, 2 p.m., 4 p.m., 6 p.m.,
8 p.m., and the bridge will open
between 2 a.m. and 7 a.m. with four
hours advance notice provided. The
drawbridge will not open on signal,
except as provided in this paragraph.
The drawbridge will be able to open
in the event of an emergency. Vessels
that can pass under the bridge without
a bridge opening may do so at all times.
Vessels with heights greater than 10 feet
could use an alternate route. One
alternate route is by way of the Atlantic
Ocean.
The Coast Guard will inform the users
of the waterway through our Local and
Broadcast Notices to Mariners of the
closure periods for the bridge so that
vessels can arrange their transits to
minimize any impact caused by the
temporary deviation.
In accordance with 33 CFR 117.35(e),
the drawbridge must return to its regular
operating schedule immediately at the
end of the designated time period. This
deviation from the operating regulations
is authorized under 33 CFR 117.35.
BILLING CODE 4310–05–P
DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND
SECURITY
Coast Guard
33 CFR Part 117
[Docket No. USCG–2011–0378]
Drawbridge Operation Regulation; New
Jersey Intracoastal Waterway (NJICW),
Inside Thorofare, Atlantic City, NJ
Coast Guard, DHS.
Notice of temporary deviation
from regulations.
AGENCY:
ACTION:
The Commander, Fifth Coast
Guard District, has issued a temporary
deviation from the regulations
governing the operation of the US40–
322 (Albany Avenue) Bridge, at NJICW
mile 70.0, across Inside Thorofare in
Atlantic City, NJ. The deviation restricts
the operation of the draw span in order
to facilitate the free movement of
vehicles over the bridge during the Dave
Matthews Band three-day series of
concerts and fireworks display.
DATES: This deviation is effective from
7 a.m. on June 24, 2011 until 2 a.m. on
June 27, 2011.
ADDRESSES: Documents mentioned in
this preamble as being available in the
docket are part of docket USCG–2011–
0378 and are available online by going
to https://www.regulations.gov, inserting
USCG–2011–0378 in the ‘‘Keyword’’ box
and then clicking ‘‘Search’’. They are
also available for inspection or copying
at the Docket Management Facility (M–
30), U.S. Department of Transportation,
West Building Ground Floor, Room
W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE.,
Washington, DC 20590, between 9 a.m.
and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday,
except Federal holidays.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: If
you have questions on this rule, call or
e-mail Terrance Knowles,
Environmental Protection Specialist,
Fifth Coast Guard District; telephone
757–398–6587, e-mail
Terrance.A.Knowles@uscg.mil. If you
have questions on viewing the docket,
call Renee V. Wright, Program Manager,
wwoods2 on DSK1DXX6B1PROD with RULES_PART 1
SUMMARY:
VerDate Mar<15>2010
15:04 May 23, 2011
Jkt 223001
PO 00000
Frm 00024
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
Dated: May 12, 2011.
Waverly W. Gregory, Jr.,
Bridge Program Manager, By direction of the
Commander, Fifth Coast Guard District.
[FR Doc. 2011–12674 Filed 5–23–11; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 9110–04–P
DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND
SECURITY
Coast Guard
33 CFR Part 165
[Docket No. USCG–2010–0062]
RIN 1625–AA00
Safety Zone; Fleet Week Maritime
Festival, Pier 66, Elliott Bay, Seattle,
WA
Coast Guard, DHS.
Final rule.
AGENCY:
ACTION:
The Coast Guard is
establishing a permanent safety zone
extending 100 yards from Pier 66, Elliott
Bay, WA to ensure adequate safety
during the annual parade of ships and
aerial demonstration for Fleet Week.
This safety zone is necessary to promote
safety on navigable waters and will do
so by enforcing vessel movement
restrictions in the immediate vicinity of
Pier 66, Elliott Bay, WA, immediately
prior to, during and immediately
following this annual event. Entry into,
transit through, mooring, or anchoring
within these zones is prohibited unless
authorized by the Captain of the Port,
Puget Sound or Designated
Representative.
DATES: This rule is effective June 23,
2011. This rule is enforced annually
during the parade of ships which
typically occurs on a Wednesday during
the last week of July or the first week
in August from 8 a.m. until 8 p.m;
however, it will only be enforced thirty
minutes prior to, during, and thirty
minutes after the annual parade of ships
and aerial demonstration.
ADDRESSES: Comments and material
received from the public, as well as
SUMMARY:
E:\FR\FM\24MYR1.SGM
24MYR1
Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 100 (Tuesday, May 24, 2011)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 30010-30014]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-12746]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement
30 CFR Part 926
[SATS No. MT-030-FOR; Docket ID No. OSM-2009-0007]
Montana Regulatory Program
AGENCY: Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement, Interior.
ACTION: Final rule; approval of amendment.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: We are approving an amendment to the Montana regulatory
program (the ``Montana program'') under the Surface Mining Control and
Reclamation Act of 1977 (``SMCRA'' or ``the Act''). Montana proposed
revisions to and additions of statutes about bond release
responsibility periods for water management facilities and other
support facilities comprising less than 10 percent of the total bond
release area. Montana revised its program to clarify ambiguities and
improve operational efficiency.
DATES: Effective Date: May 24, 2011.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jeffrey Fleischman, Casper Field
Office Director, Telephone: (307) 261-6550, Internet address:
jfleischman@OSMRE.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
I. Background on the Montana Program
II. Submission of the Proposed Amendment
III. Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement's (OSM's)
Findings
IV. Summary and Disposition of Comments
V. OSM's Decision
VI. Procedural Determinations
I. Background on the Montana Program
Section 503(a) of the Act permits a State to assume primacy for the
regulation of surface coal mining and reclamation operations on non-
Federal and non-Indian lands within its borders by demonstrating that
its State program includes, among other things, ``a State law which
provides for the regulation of surface coal mining and reclamation
operations in accordance with the requirements of this Act * * *; and
rules and regulations consistent with regulations issued by the
Secretary pursuant to this Act.'' See 30 U.S.C. 1253(a)(1) and (7). On
the basis of these criteria, the Secretary of the Interior
conditionally approved the Montana program on April 1, 1980. You can
find background information on the Montana program, including the
Secretary's findings, the disposition of comments, and conditions of
approval in the April 1, 1980, Federal Register (45 FR 21560). You can
also find later actions concerning Montana's program and program
amendments at 30 CFR 926.15, 926.16, and 926.30.
II. Submission of the Proposed Amendment
By letter dated May 12, 2009, Montana sent us an amendment to its
program (Administrative Record No. MT-27-01, Regulations.gov Document
ID No. OSM-2009-0007-0002) under SMCRA (30 U.S.C. 1201 et seq.).
Montana sent the amendment to include changes made at its own
initiative.
We announced receipt of the proposed amendment in the August 12,
2009, Federal Register (74 FR 40537). In the same document, we opened
the public comment period and provided an opportunity for a public
hearing or meeting on the amendment's adequacy (Administrative Record
No. MT-27-05; Regulations.gov Document ID No. OSM-2009-0007-0001). We
did not hold a public hearing or meeting because no one requested one.
The public comment period ended on September 11, 2009. We received one
public comment and one Federal agency comment. During our review of
Montana's original submittal and the comments received, we identified
concerns with the amendment proposal. We conveyed our
[[Page 30011]]
concerns to Montana by letter dated March 19, 2010 (Administrative
Record No. MT-27-08; Regulations.gov Document ID No. OSM-2009-0007-
0006). In response to our concerns, Montana revised its proposed
language at MCA 82-4-235(3)(a) by letter dated April 12, 2010
(Administrative Record No. MT-27-09; Regulations.gov Document ID No.
OSM-2009-0007-0007). We then reopened the public comment period on the
amendment's adequacy (75 FR 43476; Regulations.gov Document ID No. OSM-
2009-0007-0008). We did not receive any comments on the revised
amendment proposal.
III. OSM's Findings
Following are the findings we made concerning the amendment under
SMCRA and the Federal regulations at 30 CFR 732.15 and 732.17. We are
approving the amendment.
A. Minor Revisions to Montana's Statutes
Montana proposed minor wording, editorial, and recodification
changes to the following previously-approved statutes: 82-4-235(2); 82-
4-235(3) recodififed as 82-4-235(4)(a) and 82-4-235(4)(b). These minor
revisions were necessary to implement the changes made at 82-4-
235(3)(a) and (b) discussed below.
These minor, editorial, and recodification changes, which are
necessary to implement the changes to MCA 82-4-235(3)(a) and (b)
approved below, do not impact the effectiveness of the current statute.
We find that they are no less stringent than SMCRA and therefore we
approve them.
B. Revisions to Montana's Statute With No Federal Counterpart (82-4-
235(3)(a) and (b))
Montana proposed to revise its regulations for bond release
procedures to allow areas that were utilized for water management and
other support facilities to be exempt from the ten-year revegetation
responsibility period. Water management and other support facilities in
the proposal include sedimentation ponds, diversions, other water
management structures, soil stockpiles, and access roads. The exemption
cannot comprise more than ten percent of a bond release area. The
exempted areas will still be subject to all other applicable
reclamation and revegetation requirements under Montana's regulatory
program.
Section 515(b)(20) of SMCRA provides that the revegetation
responsibility period shall commence ``after the last year of augmented
seeding, fertilizing, irrigation, or other work'' needed to assure
revegetation success. In the absence of any indication of Congressional
intent in the legislative history, OSM interprets this requirement as
applying to the increment or permit area as a whole, not individually
to those lands within the permit area upon which revegetation is
delayed solely because of their use in support of the reclamation
effort on the replanted area. As implied in the preamble discussion of
30 CFR 816.46(b)(5), which prohibits the removal of ponds or other
siltation structures until 2 years after the last augmented seeding,
planting of the sites from which such structures are removed need not
be considered an augmented seeding necessitating an extended or
separate responsibility period (48 FR 44038-44039; September 26,1983).
Indeed, given the Federal regulation that prohibits removal of sediment
ponds until two years after the last augmented seeding, restarting the
ten year responsibility period when a sediment pond is removed would
result in the responsibility period being a minimum of twelve years in
all cases. This is clearly not consistent with the ten year minimum
period mandated by SMCRA at section 515(b)(20)(A). Montana's
counterpart Administrative Rule prohibiting sedimentation ponds and
other water treatment facilities from being removed sooner than 2 years
after the last augmented seeding of reclaimed land within the drainage
basin can be found at MAR 26.4.639(22)(a)(i).
The purpose of the revegetation responsibility period is to ensure
that the mined area has been reclaimed to a condition capable of
supporting the desired permanent vegetation. Achievement of this
purpose will not be adversely affected by this interpretation of
section 515(b)(20) of SMCRA because (1) the lands involved are small in
size and widely dispersed, and (2) the delay in establishing
revegetation on these sites is due not to reclamation deficiencies or
the facilitation of mining, but rather to the regulatory requirement
that ponds and diversions be retained and maintained to control runoff
from the planted area until vegetation is sufficiently established to
render such structures unnecessary for the protection of water quality.
In addition, the affected areas are not likely to be larger than
those which could be reseeded (without restarting the responsibility
period) in the course of performing normal husbandry practices, as that
term is defined in 30 CFR 816.116(c)(4) and explained in the preamble
to that rule (53 FR 34636, 34641; September 7, 1988; 52 FR 28012,
28016; July 27, 1987). Areas this small would have a negligible impact
on any evaluation of the permit area as a whole. Most importantly, this
interpretation is unlikely to adversely affect the regulatory
authority's ability to make a statistically valid determination as to
whether a diverse, effective, and permanent vegetative cover has been
successfully established in accordance with the appropriate
revegetation success standards.
From a practical standpoint, it is usually difficult to identify
precisely where such areas are located in the field once vegetation is
established in accordance with the approved reclamation plan. The above
discussion of the rules in 30 CFR part 816, which applies to surface
mining activities, also pertains to similarly or identically
constructed section 30 CFR part 817, which applies to underground
mining activities.
For the reasons outlined above, OSM adopted a policy to allow the
approval of State program amendment provisions specifying that areas
reclaimed following the removal of siltation structures, associated
diversions, and access roads are not subject to a revegetation
responsibility period and bond liability period separate from that of
the permit area or increment thereof served by such facilities (58 FR
48333; September 15, 1993). OSM has since taken a consistent position
in approving amendments of this sort. Such amendments to the Colorado
(61 FR 26792; May 29, 1996), Illinois (62 FR 54765; October 22, 1997),
Kentucky (63 FR 41423; August 4, 1998), and Ohio (63 FR 51829;
September 29, 1998) State programs have already been approved. OSM's
policy clearly distinguishes which types of areas may be excluded from
the revegetation responsibility period. Montana proposed to allow
sedimentation ponds, diversions, other water management structures,
soil stockpiles, and access roads to be exempted from the revegetation
responsibility period.
Water management structures including sedimentation ponds and
diversions form the basis for OSM's policy to allow State program
amendments such as what Montana proposed. These are the areas which are
required to be retained for two years after surrounding areas have been
reclaimed. These relatively small areas are retained in support of
reclamation. This retention is not due to any deficiency in reclamation
or in support of mining activities.
Access roads would be maintained in order to provide access to
sediment ponds and other water treatment
[[Page 30012]]
facilities. Access roads are generally smaller and less traveled than
haul roads or primary roads and are therefore less likely to encompass
a significant portion of the permit area or cause significant
environmental harm. Additionally, access roads are not used to haul
coal or spoil, so they are not retained to facilitate mining.
Soil stockpiles would be depleted because soil would already be
spread over at least 90% of the bond release area before the
revegetation responsibility period begins. Small soil stockpiles would
be temporarily retained in order to reclaim water treatment facilities
and associated access road areas. Therefore, they would be temporarily
retained in support of reclamation and not due to any deficiency in
reclamation or in support of mining activities. Soil stockpile areas
must be reclaimed and revegetated in order to meet all bond release
requirements other than the ten-year responsibility period.
The effect of this provision will be to start the responsibility
``clock'' for an entire bond release area when reclamation work has
been completed on at least ninety percent of the land. Successfully
reclaimed areas that had been utilized for water treatment facilities
and associated soil stockpile and access road areas will not need to be
delineated and held out of the bond release when surrounding areas have
completed the responsibility timeframe. The entire bond release area
will be sampled for vegetation adequacy and inspected for compliance
with bond release requirements.
This amendment helps facilitate timely bond release for areas
disturbed by the removal of overburden and coal that are properly
backfilled, reclaimed, and meet revegetation success standards for the
ten year responsibility period. Bond release for the majority of the
reclaimed area will not be held up by reclamation of the small areas
associated with support facilities. All areas will be sampled and
assessed for reclamation success. Small parcels of more recently
reclaimed land within the bond release area must demonstrate stability
and reclamation success as if vegetation has had ten years to
establish. If reclamation success cannot be demonstrated, bond release
cannot be approved.
As discussed above, OSM has an established policy permitting
regulatory authorities to promulgate amendments providing for bond
releases to be conducted as Montana proposed. The amendment is
consistent with SMCRA section 515(b)(20) and we approve it.
IV. Summary and Disposition of Comments
Public Comments
We asked for public comments on the original amendment proposal (74
FR 40537; Regulations.gov Document ID No. OSM-2009-0007-0001). We
received one public comment. The commenter did not believe that the
proposed amendment complied with SMCRA.
Montana's original submittal was proposing to exempt more types of
areas than permissible under OSM's interpretation of SCMRA 515(b)(20).
We sent a concern letter to Montana identifying problematic language
(``but are not limited to,'' ``segments of haul roads, and electrical
substations''). Montana responded by deleting this language from the
amendment proposal.
OSM's interpretation of SMCRA 515(b)(20) pertaining to this type of
State program amendment was established in 1993. Since then OSM has
taken a consistent stance on such State program amendments, provided
that they meet the standards put forth in 58 FR 48333, as discussed
above. The intent of SMCRA's revegetation responsibility period is to
ensure the establishment of a diverse, effective, and permanent
vegetative cover on reclaimed mine lands. All revegetation and
stability standards must be met on all lands before being released from
bond. The intent of SMCRA is met while allowing the regulatory
authority to process bond releases on logical units of land in a timely
manner. OSM believes that the revised amendment is not inconsistent
with SMCRA.
Federal Agency Comments
Under 30 CFR 732.17(h)(11)(i) and section 503(b) of SMCRA, we
requested comments on the amendment from various Federal agencies with
an actual or potential interest in the Montana program (Administrative
Record ID No. MT-27-03; Regulations.gov Document ID No. OSM-2009-0007-
0003).
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Concurrence and Comments
Under 30 CFR 732.17(h)(11)(i), OSM requested comments on the
amendment from EPA (Administrative Record ID No. MT-27-03;
Regulations.gov Document ID No. OSM-2009-0007-0004). EPA responded on
July 9, 2009, stating its agreement that granting some relaxation from
the 10-year responsibility period for the last types of disturbances to
be reclaimed may be warranted (Administrative Record ID No. MT-27-04;
Regulations.gov Document ID No. OSM-2009-0007-0005.1). We agree that a
small percentage of land containing structures which by necessity must
be reclaimed last need not restart the reclamation responsibility
period, and are approving this amendment.
State Historic Preservation Officer (SHPO) and the Advisory Council on
Historic Preservation (ACHP)
Under 30 CFR 732.17(h)(4), we are required to request comments from
the SHPO and ACHP on amendments that may have an effect on historic
properties. Although this amendment does not pertain to historic
preservation, we requested SHPO comments on Montana's amendment by
letter dated on June 9, 2009 (Administrative Record ID No. MT-27-03;
Regulations.gov Document ID No. OSM-2009-0007-0004). We did not receive
a response to our request.
V. OSM's Decision
Based on the above findings, we approve Montana's May 12, 2009, as
revised on April 12, 2010, amendment.
To implement this decision, we are amending the Federal regulations
at 30 CFR part 926, which codify decisions concerning the Montana
program. We find that good cause exists under 5 U.S.C. 553(d)(3) to
make this final rule effective immediately. Section 503(a) of SMCRA
requires that the State's program demonstrate that the State has the
capability of carrying out the provisions of the Act and meeting its
purposes. Making this regulation effective immediately will expedite
that process. SMCRA requires consistency of State and Federal
standards.
Effect of OSM's Decision
Section 503 of SMCRA provides that a State may not exercise
jurisdiction under SMCRA unless the State program is approved by the
Secretary. Similarly, 30 CFR 732.17(a) requires that any change of an
approved State program be submitted to OSM for review as a program
amendment. The Federal regulations at 30 CFR 732.17(g) prohibit any
changes to approved State programs that are not approved by OSM. In the
oversight of the Montana program, we will recognize only the statutes,
regulations, and other materials we have approved, together with any
consistent implementing policies, directives, and other materials. We
will require Montana to enforce only approved provisions.
VI. Procedural Determinations
Executive Order 12630--Takings
This rule does not have takings implications. This determination is
[[Page 30013]]
based on the analysis performed for the Federal regulation.
Executive Order 12866--Regulatory Planning and Review
This rule is exempted from review by the Office of Management and
Budget (OMB) under Executive Order 12866 (Regulatory Planning and
Review).
Executive Order 12988--Civil Justice Reform
The Department of the Interior has conducted the reviews required
by section 3 of Executive Order 12988 and has determined that this rule
meets the applicable standards of subsections (a) and (b) of that
section. However, these standards are not applicable to the actual
language of State regulatory programs and program amendments because
each program is drafted and promulgated by a specific State, not by
OSM. Under sections 503 and 505 of SMCRA (30 U.S.C. 1253 and 1255) and
the Federal regulations at 30 CFR 730.11, 732.15, and 732.17(h)(10),
decisions on proposed State regulatory programs and program amendments
submitted by the States must be based solely on a determination of
whether the submittal is consistent with SMCRA and its implementing
Federal regulations and whether the other requirements of 30 CFR Parts
730, 731, and 732 have been met.
Executive Order 13132--Federalism
This rule does not have Federalism implications. SMCRA delineates
the roles of the Federal and State governments with regard to the
regulation of surface coal mining and reclamation operations. One of
the purposes of SMCRA is to ``establish a nationwide program to protect
society and the environment from the adverse effects of surface coal
mining operations.'' Section 503(a)(1) of SMCRA requires that State
laws regulating surface coal mining and reclamation operations be ``in
accordance with'' the requirements of SMCRA, and section 503(a)(7)
requires that State programs contain rules and regulations ``consistent
with'' regulations issued by the Secretary pursuant to SMCRA.
Executive Order 13175--Consultation and Coordination With Indian Tribal
Governments
In accordance with Executive Order 13175, we have evaluated the
potential effects of this rule on Federally recognized Indian Tribes
and have determined that the rule does not have substantial direct
effects on one or more Indian Tribes, on the relationship between the
Federal government and Indian Tribes, or on the distribution of power
and responsibilities between the Federal government and Indian Tribes.
The rule does not involve or affect Indian Tribes in any way.
Executive Order 13211--Regulations That Significantly Affect The
Supply, Distribution, or Use of Energy
On May 18, 2001, the President issued Executive Order 13211 which
requires agencies to prepare a Statement of Energy Effects for a rule
that is (1) considered significant under Executive Order 12866, and (2)
likely to have a significant adverse effect on the supply,
distribution, or use of energy. Because this rule is exempt from review
under Executive Order 12866 and is not expected to have a significant
adverse effect on the supply, distribution, or use of energy, a
Statement of Energy Effects is not required.
National Environmental Policy Act
This rule does not require an environmental impact statement
because section 702(d) of SMCRA (30 CFR U.S.C. 1292(d)) provides that
agency decisions on proposed State regulatory program provisions do not
constitute major Federal actions within the meaning of section
102(2)(C) of the National Environmental Policy Act (42 U.S.C.
4332(2)(C) et seq.).
Paperwork Reduction Act
This rule does not contain information collection requirements that
require approval by OMB under the Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C.
3501 et seq.).
Regulatory Flexibility Act
The Department of the Interior certifies that this rule will not
have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small
entities under the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.).
The State submittal, which is the subject of this rule, is based upon
Federal regulations for which an economic analysis was prepared and
certification made that such regulations would not have a significant
economic effect upon a substantial number of small entities. In making
the determination as to whether this rule would have a significant
economic impact, the Department relied upon the data and assumptions
for the Federal regulations.
Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act
This rule is not a major rule under 5 U.S.C. 804(2), of the Small
Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act. This rule:
a. Does not have an annual effect on the economy of $100 million.
b. Will not cause a major increase in costs or prices for
consumers, individual industries, Federal, State, or local government
agencies, or geographic regions.
c. Does not have significant adverse effects on competition,
employment, investment, productivity, innovation, or the ability of
U.S.-based enterprises to compete with foreign-based enterprises.
This determination is based upon the fact that the State submittal
which is the subject of this rule is based upon Federal regulations for
which an analysis was prepared and a determination made that the
Federal regulation was not considered a major rule.
Unfunded Mandates
This rule will not impose an unfunded Mandate on State, local, or
tribal governments or the private sector of $100 million or more in any
given year. This determination is based upon the fact that the State
submittal, which is the subject of this rule, is based upon Federal
regulations for which an analysis was prepared and a determination made
that the Federal regulation did not impose an unfunded mandate.
List of Subjects in 30 CFR Part 926
Intergovernmental relations, Surface mining, Underground mining.
Dated: March 16, 2011.
Allen D. Klein,
Regional Director, Western Region.
For the reasons set out in the preamble, 30 CFR part 926 is amended
as set forth below:
PART 926--MONTANA
0
1. The authority citation for part 926 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 30 U.S.C. 1201 et seq.
0
2. Section 926.15 is amended in the table by adding a new entry in
chronological order by ``Date of Final Publication'' to read as
follows:
Sec. 926.15 Approval of Montana regulatory program amendments.
* * * * *
[[Page 30014]]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Original amendment submission Date of final Citation/
date publication description
------------------------------------------------------------------------
* * * * * * *
May 12, 2009.................... May 24, 2011...... MCA 82-4-235(2), -
235(3)(a), -
235(3)(b), -
235(4)(a), and -
235(4)(b).
------------------------------------------------------------------------
[FR Doc. 2011-12746 Filed 5-23-11; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-05-P