Special Local Regulations; Sabine River, Orange, TX, 30890-30893 [2011-13175]

Download as PDF jdjones on DSK8KYBLC1PROD with PROPOSALS-1 30890 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 103 / Friday, May 27, 2011 / Proposed Rules 38770), thence southerly to Causeway Channel Daybeacon 2 (LLNR 28720), thence southeasterly to Money Island Daybeacon 1 (LLNR 38645), thence easterly to Eight and One Half Marina Daybeacon 2 (LLNR 38685), thence easterly to the westernmost shoreline of Brant island approximate position latitude 34°42′36″ N, longitude 076°42′11″ W, thence northeasterly along the shoreline to Tombstone Point approximate position latitude 34°42′14″ N, longitude 076°41′20″ W, thence southeasterly to Morehead City Channel Lighted Buoy 23 (LLNR 29455), thence easterly to approximate position latitude 34°41′25″ N, longitude 076°41′22″ W, thence northerly along the shoreline to approximate position latitude 34°43′00″ N, longitude 076°41′25″ , thence westerly to the North Carolina State Port Facility, thence westerly along the State Port to the southwest corner approximate position latitude 34°42′55″ N, longitude 076°42′12″ , thence westerly to the southern tip of Sugar Loaf Island the point of origin. All coordinates reference Datum NAD 1983. (b) Definitions: (1) Coast Guard Patrol Commander means a commissioned, warrant, or petty officer of the U. S. Coast Guard who has been designated by the Commander, Coast Guard Sector North Carolina. (2) Official Patrol means any vessel assigned or approved by Commander, Coast Guard Sector North Carolina with a commissioned, warrant, or petty officer on board and displaying a Coast Guard ensign. (3) Participant means all vessels participating in the ‘‘The Crystal Coast Grand Prix’’ powerboat race under the auspices of the Marine Event Permit issued to the event sponsor and approved by Commander, Coast Guard Sector North Carolina. (4) Spectator means all persons and vessels not registered with the event sponsor as participants or official patrol. (c) Special local regulations. (1) The Coast Guard Patrol Commander may forbid and control the movement of all vessels in the vicinity of the regulated area. When hailed or signaled by an official patrol vessel, a vessel approaching the regulated area shall immediately comply with the directions given. Failure to do so may result in termination of voyage and citation for failure to comply. (2) The Coast Guard Patrol Commander may terminate the event, or the operation of any support vessel participating in the event, at any time it is deemed necessary for the protection of life or property. The Coast Guard may be assisted in the patrol and VerDate Mar<15>2010 15:24 May 26, 2011 Jkt 223001 enforcement of the regulated area by other Federal, State, and local agencies. (3) Vessel traffic, not involved with the event, may be allowed to transit the regulated area with the permission of the Patrol Commander. Vessels that desire passage through the regulated area shall contact the Coast Guard Patrol Commander on VHF–FM marine band radio for direction. Only participants and official patrol vessels are allowed to enter the regulated area. (4) All Coast Guard vessels enforcing the regulated area can be contacted on marine band radio VHF–FM channel 16 (156.8 MHz) and channel 22 (157.1 MHz). The Coast Guard will issue marine information broadcast on VHF– FM marine band radio announcing specific event date and times. (d) Enforcement period: This section will be enforced from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on August 20–21, 2011. Dated: May 5, 2011. A. Popiel, Captain, U.S. Coast Guard, Captain of the Port North Carolina. [FR Doc. 2011–13177 Filed 5–26–11; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 9110–04–P DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY Coast Guard 33 CFR Part 100 [Docket No. USCG–2011–0194] RIN 1625–AA08 Special Local Regulations; Sabine River, Orange, TX Coast Guard, DHS. ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking. AGENCY: The Coast Guard proposes to establish a temporary Special Local Regulation in the Port Arthur Captain of the Port Zone on the Sabine River, Orange, Texas on September 24–25, 2011. This Special Local Regulation is intended to restrict vessels from portions of the Sabine River during the annual S.P.O.R.T boat races. This Special Local Regulations is necessary to protect spectators and vessels from the hazards associated with powerboat races. DATES: Comments and related material must be received by the Coast Guard on or before June 27, 2011. ADDRESSES: You may submit comments identified by docket number USCG– 2011–0194 using any one of the following methods: (1) Federal eRulemaking Portal: https://www.regulations.gov. SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00027 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 (2) Fax: 202–493–2251. (3) Mail: 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– 0001. (4) Hand delivery: Same as mail address above, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The telephone number is 202–366–9329. To avoid duplication, please use only one of these four methods. See the ‘‘Public Participation and Request for Comments’’ portion of the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section below for instructions on submitting comments. If you have questions on this proposed rule, call or e-mail Mr. Scott Whalen, Marine Safety Unit Port Arthur, TX, Coast Guard; telephone 409–719–5086, e-mail scott.k.whalen@uscg.mil. If you have questions on viewing or submitting material to the docket, call Renee V. Wright, Program Manager, Docket Operations, telephone 202–366–9826. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Public Participation and Request for Comments We encourage you to participate in this rulemaking by submitting comments and related materials. All comments received will be posted without change to https:// www.regulations.gov and will include any personal information you have provided. Submitting Comments If you submit a comment, please include the docket number for this rulemaking (USCG–2011–0194), indicate the specific section of this document to which each comment applies, and provide a reason for each suggestion or recommendation. You may submit your comments and material online (via https:// www.regulations.gov) or by fax, mail, or hand delivery, but please use only one of these means. If you submit a comment online via www.regulations.gov, it will be considered received by the Coast Guard when you successfully transmit the comment. If you fax, hand deliver, or mail your comment, it will be considered as having been received by the Coast Guard when it is received at the Docket Management Facility. We recommend that you include your name and a mailing address, an e-mail address, or a telephone number in the body of your document so that we can E:\FR\FM\27MYP1.SGM 27MYP1 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 103 / Friday, May 27, 2011 / Proposed Rules contact you if we have questions regarding your submission. To submit your comment online, go to https://www.regulations.gov, click on the ‘‘submit a comment’’ box, which will then become highlighted in blue. In the ‘‘Document Type’’ drop down menu select ‘‘Proposed Rule’’ and insert ‘‘USCG–2011–0194’’ in the ‘‘Keyword’’ box. Click ‘‘Search’’ then click on the balloon shape in the ‘‘Actions’’ column. If you submit your comments by mail or hand delivery, submit them in an unbound format, no larger than 8c by 11 inches, suitable for copying and electronic filing. If you submit comments by mail and would like to know that they reached the Facility, please enclose a stamped, self-addressed postcard or envelope. We will consider all comments and material received during the comment period and may change the rule based on your comments. Viewing Comments and Documents To view comments, as well as documents mentioned in this preamble as being available in the docket, go to https://www.regulations.gov, click on the ‘‘read comments’’ box, which will then become highlighted in blue. In the ‘‘Keyword’’ box insert ‘‘USCG–2011– 0194’’ and click ‘‘Search.’’ Click the ‘‘Open Docket Folder’’ in the ‘‘Actions’’ column. You may also visit the Docket Management Facility in Room W12–140 on the ground floor of the Department of Transportation West Building, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. We have an agreement with the Department of Transportation to use the Docket Management Facility. jdjones on DSK8KYBLC1PROD with PROPOSALS-1 Privacy Act Anyone can search the electronic form of comments received into any of our dockets by the name of the individual submitting the comment (or signing the comment, if submitted on behalf of an association, business, labor union, etc.). You may review a Privacy Act notice regarding our public dockets in the January 17, 2008, issue of the Federal Register (73 FR 3316). Public Meeting We do not now plan to hold a public meeting. But you may submit a request for one using one of the four methods specified under ADDRESSES. Please explain why you believe a public meeting would be beneficial. If we determine that one would aid this rulemaking, we will hold one at a time and place announced by a later notice in the Federal Register. VerDate Mar<15>2010 15:24 May 26, 2011 Jkt 223001 Background and Purpose This temporary special local regulation is necessary to ensure the safety of vessels and spectators from hazards associated with a powerboat race. The Captain of the Port has determined that powerboat races in close proximity to watercraft and infrastructure pose significant risk to public safety and property. The likely combination of large numbers of recreation vessels, powerboats traveling at high speeds, and large numbers of spectators in close proximity to the water could easily result in serious injuries or fatalities. Establishing a special local regulation around the location of the race course will help ensure the safety of persons and property at these events and help minimize the associated risks. Discussion of Proposed Rule This proposed temporary special local regulation is necessary to ensure the safety of spectators and vessels during the setup, course familiarization, testing and race in conjunction with the Orange, TX S.P.O.R.T. boat races. The powerboat race and associated testing will occur between 8 a.m. on September 24, 2011 and 6 p.m. on September 25, 2011. The special local regulation will be enforced daily from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on September 24 and 25, 2011. The special local regulation will encompass all waters of the Sabine River adjacent to Naval Reserve Center and Orange, TX public boat ramp. The northern boundary will be from the end of Navy Pier One at 30°05′45″ N 93°43′24″ W then easterly to the rivers eastern shore. The southern boundary is a line shoreline to shoreline at latitude 30°05′33″ N. All geographic coordinates are North American Datum of 1983 [NAD 83]. All persons and vessels shall comply with the instructions of the Coast Guard Captain of the Port or the designated on scene patrol personnel. Entry into, transiting, or anchoring within the special local regulation area is prohibited unless authorized by the Captain of the Port or his designated on scene representative. For authorization to enter the proposed safety zone, vessels can contact the Captain of the Port’s on scene representative on VHF Channel 16 or Vessel Traffic Service Port Arthur on VHF Channel 65A, by telephone at (409) 719–5070, or by facsimile at (409) 719–5090. Regulatory Analyses We developed this proposed rule after considering numerous statutes and executive orders related to rulemaking. PO 00000 Frm 00028 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 30891 Below we summarize our analyses based on 13 of these statutes or executive orders. Regulatory Planning and Review This rule is not a significant regulatory action under section 3(f) of Executive Order 12866, Regulatory Planning and Review, as supplemented by Executive Order 13563, Improving Regulation and Regulatory Review, and does not require an assessment of potential costs and benefits under section 6(a)(3) of that Executive Order 12866 or under section 1 of Executive Order 13563. The Office of Management and Budget has not reviewed it under that those Orders. We expect the economic impact of this proposed rule to be so minimal that a full Regulatory Evaluation is unnecessary. The basis of this finding is that the safety zone will only be in effect for 10 hours each day and notifications to the marine community will be made through broadcast notice to mariners and Marine Safety Information Bulletin. During non-enforcement hours all vessels will be allowed to transit through the safety zone without permission of the Captain of the Port, Port Arthur or a designated representative. Additionally, scheduled breaks will be provided to allow waiting vessels to transit safely through the safety zone. Small Entities Under the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601–612), we have considered whether this proposed rule would have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. The term ‘‘small entities’’ comprises small businesses, not-for-profit organizations that are independently owned and operated and are not dominant in their fields, and governmental jurisdictions with populations of less than 50,000. The Coast Guard certifies under 5 U.S.C. 605(b) that this proposed rule would not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. This proposed rule would not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities for the following reasons: (1) This rule will only be enforced from 8 a.m. until 6 p.m. each day that it is effective; (2) during non-enforcement hours all vessels will be allowed to transit through the safety zone without having to obtain permission from the Captain of the Port, Port Arthur or a designated representative; and (3) vessels will be allowed to pass through the zone with permission of the Coast Guard Patrol E:\FR\FM\27MYP1.SGM 27MYP1 30892 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 103 / Friday, May 27, 2011 / Proposed Rules Commander during scheduled break periods between races and at other times when permitted by the Coast Guard Patrol Commander. If you think that your business, organization, or governmental jurisdiction qualifies as a small entity and that this rule would have a significant economic impact on it, please submit a comment (see ADDRESSES) explaining why you think it qualifies and how and to what degree this rule would economically affect it. Assistance for Small Entities Under section 213(a) of the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act of 1996 (Pub. L. 104–121), we want to assist small entities in understanding this proposed rule so that they can better evaluate its effects on them and participate in the rulemaking. If the rule would affect your small business, organization, or governmental jurisdiction and you have questions concerning its provisions or options for compliance, please contact Mr. Scott Whalen, Marine Safety Unit Port Arthur, TX; telephone (409) 719–5086, e-mail scott.k.whalen@uscg.mil. The Coast Guard will not retaliate against small entities that question or complain about this proposed rule or any policy or action of the Coast Guard. Collection of Information This proposed rule would call for no new collection of information under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501–3520). Federalism A rule has implications for federalism under Executive Order 13132, Federalism, if it has a substantial direct effect on State or local governments and would either preempt State law or impose a substantial direct cost of compliance on them. We have analyzed this proposed rule under that Order and have determined that it does not have implications for federalism. jdjones on DSK8KYBLC1PROD with PROPOSALS-1 Unfunded Mandates Reform Act The Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 (2 U.S.C. 1531–1538) requires Federal agencies to assess the effects of their discretionary regulatory actions. In particular, the Act addresses actions that may result in the expenditure by a State, local, or tribal government, in the aggregate, or by the private sector of $100,000,000 (adjusted for inflation) or more in any one year. Though this proposed rule would not result in such an expenditure, we do discuss the effects of this rule elsewhere in this preamble. VerDate Mar<15>2010 15:24 May 26, 2011 Jkt 223001 Taking of Private Property This proposed rule would not cause a taking of private property or otherwise have taking implications under Executive Order 12630, Governmental Actions and Interference with Constitutionally Protected Property Rights. Civil Justice Reform This proposed rule meets applicable standards in sections 3(a) and 3(b)(2) of Executive Order 12988, Civil Justice Reform, to minimize litigation, eliminate ambiguity, and reduce burden. Protection of Children We have analyzed this proposed rule under Executive Order 13045, Protection of Children from Environmental Health Risks and Safety Risks. This rule is not an economically significant rule and would not create an environmental risk to health or risk to safety that might disproportionately affect children. Indian Tribal Governments This proposed rule does not have tribal implications under Executive Order 13175, Consultation and Coordination with Indian Tribal Governments, because it would not have a substantial direct effect on one or more Indian tribes, on the relationship between the Federal Government and Indian tribes, or on the distribution of power and responsibilities between the Federal Government and Indian tribes. Energy Effects We have analyzed this proposed rule under Executive Order 13211, Actions Concerning Regulations That Significantly Affect Energy Supply, Distribution, or Use. We have determined that it is not a ‘‘significant energy action’’ under that order because it is not a ‘‘significant regulatory action’’ under Executive Order 12866 and is not likely to have a significant adverse effect on the supply, distribution, or use of energy. The Administrator of the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs has not designated it as a significant energy action. Therefore, it does not require a Statement of Energy Effects under Executive Order 13211. Technical Standards The National Technology Transfer and Advancement Act (NTTAA) (15 U.S.C. 272 note) directs agencies to use voluntary consensus standards in their regulatory activities unless the agency provides Congress, through the Office of Management and Budget, with an explanation of why using these PO 00000 Frm 00029 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 standards would be inconsistent with applicable law or otherwise impractical. Voluntary consensus standards are technical standards (e.g., specifications of materials, performance, design, or operation; test methods; sampling procedures; and related management systems practices) that are developed or adopted by voluntary consensus standards bodies. This proposed rule does not use technical standards. Therefore, we did not consider the use of voluntary consensus standards. Environment We have analyzed this proposed rule under Department of Homeland Security Management Directive 023–01 and Commandant Instruction M16475.lD, which guide the Coast Guard in complying with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) (42 U.S.C. 4321–4370f), and have made a preliminary determination that this action is one of a category of actions which do not individually or cumulatively have a significant effect on the human environment. This rule involves the establishment of a special local regulation. Based on our preliminary determination, there are no factors in this case that would limit the use of a categorical exclusion under section 2.B.2 of the Instruction. Therefore, we believe that this rule should be categorically excluded. Because this event establishes a special local regulation, paragraph (34)(h) of figure 2–1 of the Instruction applies. Thus, no further environmental documentation is required. We seek any comments or information that may lead to the discovery of a significant environmental impact from this proposed rule. List of Subjects in 33 CFR Part 100 Marine safety, Navigation (water), Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Waterways. For the reasons discussed in the preamble, the Coast Guard proposes to amend 33 CFR part 100 as follows: PART 100—REGULATED—SAFETY OF LIFE ON NAVIGABLE WATERS 1. The authority citation for part 100 continues to read as follows: Authority: 33 U.S.C. 1233. 2. Add a new temporary § 100.35T08– 0194 to read as follows: § 100.35T08–0194 Special Local Regulations for Marine Events; Sabine River, Orange, TX. (a) Definitions. As used in this section ‘‘Participant Vessel’’ means all vessels E:\FR\FM\27MYP1.SGM 27MYP1 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 103 / Friday, May 27, 2011 / Proposed Rules officially registered with event officials to race or work in the event. These vessels include race boats, rescue boats, tow boats, and picket boats associated with the race. (b) Location. The following area is a safety zone: All waters of the Sabine River, shoreline to shoreline, adjacent to the Naval Reserve Unit and the Orange public boat ramps located in Orange, TX. The northern boundary is from the end of Navy Pier One at 30°05′45″ N 93°43′24″ W then easterly to the rivers eastern shore. The southern boundary is a line shoreline to shoreline at latitude 30°05′33″ N. (c) Enforcement Periods. This regulation will be enforced daily from 8 a.m. until 6 p.m. on September 24 and 25, 2011. (d) Regulations. (1) In accordance with the general regulations in § 100 of this part, entry into this zone is prohibited to all vessels except participant vessels and those vessels specifically authorized by the Captain of the Port, Port Arthur or a designated representative. (2) Persons or vessels requiring entry into or passage through must request permission from the Captain of the Port, Port Arthur, or a designated representative. They may be contacted on VHF Channel 13 or 16, or by telephone at (409) 723–6500. (3) All persons and vessels shall comply with the instructions of the Captain of the Port, Port Arthur, designated representatives and designated on-scene U.S. Coast Guard patrol personnel. On-scene U.S. Coast Guard patrol personnel include commissioned, warrant, and petty officers of the U.S. Coast Guard. Dated: March 22, 2011. J.J. Plunkett, Captain, U.S. Coast Guard, Captain of the Port, Port Arthur. [FR Doc. 2011–13175 Filed 5–26–11; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 9110–04–P POSTAL REGULATORY COMMISSION 39 CFR Part 3050 [Docket No. RM2011–11; Order No. 736] jdjones on DSK8KYBLC1PROD with PROPOSALS-1 Periodic Reporting Postal Regulatory Commission. Notice of proposed rulemaking. AGENCY: ACTION: The Commission is noticing a recently-filed Postal Service petition to initiate an informal rulemaking proceeding to consider changes in analytical principles. Proposal Three involves changes to the method by SUMMARY: VerDate Mar<15>2010 15:24 May 26, 2011 Jkt 223001 which unused stamp and meter revenue are allocated in its Revenue, Pieces, and Weight report. This notice informs the public of the filing, addresses preliminary procedural matters, and invites public comment. DATES: Comments are due: June 23, 2011. Submit comments electronically by accessing the ‘‘Filing Online’’ link in the banner at the top of the Commission’s Web site (https:// www.prc.gov) or by directly accessing the Commission’s Filing Online system at https://www.prc.gov/prc-pages/filingonline/login.aspx. Commenters who cannot submit their views electronically should contact the person identified in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section as the source for case-related information for advice on alternatives to electronic filing. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Stephen L. Sharfman, General Counsel, at 202–789–6820 (case-related information) or DocketAdmins@prc.gov (electronic filing assistance). SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On May 18, 2011, the Postal Service filed a petition pursuant to 39 CFR 3050.11 requesting the Commission to initiate an informal rulemaking proceeding to consider changes in the analytical methods approved for use in periodic reporting.1 Proposal Three would revise the method by which unused stamp and meter revenue reflected in the Postal Service’s financial accounts are allocated to single-piece First-Class, Priority, and other mail in its Revenue, Pieces, and Weight (RPW) report. The Postal Service’s Trial Balance revenue accounts are set up to identify revenue by source. One of the sources of revenue that those accounts identify is method of payment (by stamp or by meter). Stamp and meter revenue are generated by single-piece First-Class Mail and Priority Mail and, to a small extent, other products. Since the amount of stamp and metered postage purchased is always greater than the amount used, the unused portion is accounted for as a liability. Changes in the amount of this liability are tracked by revenue adjustment accounts labeled ‘‘Postage-in-the-Hands-of-the-Public’’ (PIHOP). There is a PIHOP for stamp revenue and another for meter revenue. The Postal Service currently distributes PIHOP stamp and PIHOP meter revenue adjustments to First-Class Mail and Priority Mail in proportion to total ADDRESSES: 1 Petition of the United States Postal Service Requesting Initiation of a Proceeding to Consider a Proposed Change in Analytic Principles (Proposal Three), May 18, 2011 (Petition). PO 00000 Frm 00030 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 30893 ODIS–RPW sampling revenue. Petition, Supporting Material, at 3–6. The Postal Service believes that this method over-allocates the PIHOP revenue adjustment to Priority Mail and under-allocates it to single-piece FirstClass Mail. Id. at 3. It also believes that there is an over-allocation of the meter PIHOP, although to a much lesser degree. Id. at 6–7. It estimates that in the Q2 FY 2011 RPW report, the current misallocation of PIHOP results in an underestimate of domestic Priority Mail revenue by $35 million and an overestimate of single-piece First-Class letter mail revenue by $63 million. Id. at 13. The Postal Service proposes to remedy this misallocation of stamp and meter revenue to products by distributing PIHOP stamp adjustments in proportion to ODIS–RPW sampling stamp revenue and PIHOP meter adjustments in proportion to ODIS– RPW sampling meter revenue. Id. at 9. The details of the rather intricate process by which this revised distribution would be accomplished are described at pages 10 and 11 of the material supporting the Petition. The Postal Service asserts that, if approved, Proposal Three could be implemented immediately. Id. at 12. The Petition and spreadsheets illustrating the proposed method are available for review on the Commission’s Web site, https:// www.prc.gov. Pursuant to 39 U.S.C. 505, Curtis Kidd is designated as Public Representative to represent the interests of the general public in this proceeding. Comments are due no later than June 23, 2011. It is ordered: 1. The Petition of the United States Postal Service Requesting Initiation of a Proceeding to Consider a Proposed Change in Analytic Principles (Proposal Three), filed May 18, 2011, is granted. 2. The Commission establishes Docket No. RM2011–11 to consider the matters raised by the Postal Service’s Petition. 3. Interested persons may submit comments on Proposal Three no later than June 23, 2011. 4. The Commission will determine the need for reply comments after review of the initial comments. 5. Curtis Kidd is appointed to serve as the Public Representative to represent the interests of the general public in this proceeding. 6. The Secretary shall arrange for publication of this notice in the Federal Register. E:\FR\FM\27MYP1.SGM 27MYP1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 103 (Friday, May 27, 2011)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 30890-30893]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-13175]


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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Coast Guard

33 CFR Part 100

[Docket No. USCG-2011-0194]
RIN 1625-AA08


Special Local Regulations; Sabine River, Orange, TX

AGENCY: Coast Guard, DHS.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking.

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

SUMMARY: The Coast Guard proposes to establish a temporary Special 
Local Regulation in the Port Arthur Captain of the Port Zone on the 
Sabine River, Orange, Texas on September 24-25, 2011. This Special 
Local Regulation is intended to restrict vessels from portions of the 
Sabine River during the annual S.P.O.R.T boat races. This Special Local 
Regulations is necessary to protect spectators and vessels from the 
hazards associated with powerboat races.

DATES: Comments and related material must be received by the Coast 
Guard on or before June 27, 2011.

ADDRESSES: You may submit comments identified by docket number USCG-
2011-0194 using any one of the following methods:
    (1) Federal eRulemaking Portal: https://www.regulations.gov.
    (2) Fax: 202-493-2251.
    (3) Mail: Docket Management Facility (M-30), U.S. Department of 
Transportation, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590-0001.
    (4) Hand delivery: Same as mail address above, between 9 a.m. and 5 
p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The telephone 
number is 202-366-9329.
    To avoid duplication, please use only one of these four methods. 
See the ``Public Participation and Request for Comments'' portion of 
the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section below for instructions on 
submitting comments.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: If you have questions on this proposed 
rule, call or e-mail Mr. Scott Whalen, Marine Safety Unit Port Arthur, 
TX, Coast Guard; telephone 409-719-5086, e-mail 
scott.k.whalen@uscg.mil. If you have questions on viewing or submitting 
material to the docket, call Renee V. Wright, Program Manager, Docket 
Operations, telephone 202-366-9826.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Public Participation and Request for Comments

    We encourage you to participate in this rulemaking by submitting 
comments and related materials. All comments received will be posted 
without change to https://www.regulations.gov and will include any 
personal information you have provided.

Submitting Comments

    If you submit a comment, please include the docket number for this 
rulemaking (USCG-2011-0194), indicate the specific section of this 
document to which each comment applies, and provide a reason for each 
suggestion or recommendation. You may submit your comments and material 
online (via https://www.regulations.gov) or by fax, mail, or hand 
delivery, but please use only one of these means. If you submit a 
comment online via www.regulations.gov, it will be considered received 
by the Coast Guard when you successfully transmit the comment. If you 
fax, hand deliver, or mail your comment, it will be considered as 
having been received by the Coast Guard when it is received at the 
Docket Management Facility. We recommend that you include your name and 
a mailing address, an e-mail address, or a telephone number in the body 
of your document so that we can

[[Page 30891]]

contact you if we have questions regarding your submission.
    To submit your comment online, go to https://www.regulations.gov, 
click on the ``submit a comment'' box, which will then become 
highlighted in blue. In the ``Document Type'' drop down menu select 
``Proposed Rule'' and insert ``USCG-2011-0194'' in the ``Keyword'' box. 
Click ``Search'' then click on the balloon shape in the ``Actions'' 
column. If you submit your comments by mail or hand delivery, submit 
them in an unbound format, no larger than 8[frac12] by 11 inches, 
suitable for copying and electronic filing. If you submit comments by 
mail and would like to know that they reached the Facility, please 
enclose a stamped, self-addressed postcard or envelope. We will 
consider all comments and material received during the comment period 
and may change the rule based on your comments.

Viewing Comments and Documents

    To view comments, as well as documents mentioned in this preamble 
as being available in the docket, go to https://www.regulations.gov, 
click on the ``read comments'' box, which will then become highlighted 
in blue. In the ``Keyword'' box insert ``USCG-2011-0194'' and click 
``Search.'' Click the ``Open Docket Folder'' in the ``Actions'' column. 
You may also visit the Docket Management Facility in Room W12-140 on 
the ground floor of the Department of Transportation West Building, 
1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590, between 9 a.m. and 5 
p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. We have an 
agreement with the Department of Transportation to use the Docket 
Management Facility.

Privacy Act

    Anyone can search the electronic form of comments received into any 
of our dockets by the name of the individual submitting the comment (or 
signing the comment, if submitted on behalf of an association, 
business, labor union, etc.). You may review a Privacy Act notice 
regarding our public dockets in the January 17, 2008, issue of the 
Federal Register (73 FR 3316).

Public Meeting

    We do not now plan to hold a public meeting. But you may submit a 
request for one using one of the four methods specified under 
ADDRESSES. Please explain why you believe a public meeting would be 
beneficial. If we determine that one would aid this rulemaking, we will 
hold one at a time and place announced by a later notice in the Federal 
Register.

Background and Purpose

    This temporary special local regulation is necessary to ensure the 
safety of vessels and spectators from hazards associated with a 
powerboat race. The Captain of the Port has determined that powerboat 
races in close proximity to watercraft and infrastructure pose 
significant risk to public safety and property. The likely combination 
of large numbers of recreation vessels, powerboats traveling at high 
speeds, and large numbers of spectators in close proximity to the water 
could easily result in serious injuries or fatalities. Establishing a 
special local regulation around the location of the race course will 
help ensure the safety of persons and property at these events and help 
minimize the associated risks.

Discussion of Proposed Rule

    This proposed temporary special local regulation is necessary to 
ensure the safety of spectators and vessels during the setup, course 
familiarization, testing and race in conjunction with the Orange, TX 
S.P.O.R.T. boat races. The powerboat race and associated testing will 
occur between 8 a.m. on September 24, 2011 and 6 p.m. on September 25, 
2011. The special local regulation will be enforced daily from 8 a.m. 
to 6 p.m. on September 24 and 25, 2011.
    The special local regulation will encompass all waters of the 
Sabine River adjacent to Naval Reserve Center and Orange, TX public 
boat ramp. The northern boundary will be from the end of Navy Pier One 
at 30[deg]05'45'' N 93[deg]43'24'' W then easterly to the rivers 
eastern shore. The southern boundary is a line shoreline to shoreline 
at latitude 30[deg]05'33'' N. All geographic coordinates are North 
American Datum of 1983 [NAD 83].
    All persons and vessels shall comply with the instructions of the 
Coast Guard Captain of the Port or the designated on scene patrol 
personnel. Entry into, transiting, or anchoring within the special 
local regulation area is prohibited unless authorized by the Captain of 
the Port or his designated on scene representative. For authorization 
to enter the proposed safety zone, vessels can contact the Captain of 
the Port's on scene representative on VHF Channel 16 or Vessel Traffic 
Service Port Arthur on VHF Channel 65A, by telephone at (409) 719-5070, 
or by facsimile at (409) 719-5090.

Regulatory Analyses

    We developed this proposed rule after considering numerous statutes 
and executive orders related to rulemaking. Below we summarize our 
analyses based on 13 of these statutes or executive orders.

Regulatory Planning and Review

    This rule is not a significant regulatory action under section 3(f) 
of Executive Order 12866, Regulatory Planning and Review, as 
supplemented by Executive Order 13563, Improving Regulation and 
Regulatory Review, and does not require an assessment of potential 
costs and benefits under section 6(a)(3) of that Executive Order 12866 
or under section 1 of Executive Order 13563. The Office of Management 
and Budget has not reviewed it under that those Orders.
    We expect the economic impact of this proposed rule to be so 
minimal that a full Regulatory Evaluation is unnecessary. The basis of 
this finding is that the safety zone will only be in effect for 10 
hours each day and notifications to the marine community will be made 
through broadcast notice to mariners and Marine Safety Information 
Bulletin. During non-enforcement hours all vessels will be allowed to 
transit through the safety zone without permission of the Captain of 
the Port, Port Arthur or a designated representative. Additionally, 
scheduled breaks will be provided to allow waiting vessels to transit 
safely through the safety zone.

Small Entities

    Under the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601-612), we have 
considered whether this proposed rule would have a significant economic 
impact on a substantial number of small entities. The term ``small 
entities'' comprises small businesses, not-for-profit organizations 
that are independently owned and operated and are not dominant in their 
fields, and governmental jurisdictions with populations of less than 
50,000.
    The Coast Guard certifies under 5 U.S.C. 605(b) that this proposed 
rule would not have a significant economic impact on a substantial 
number of small entities.
    This proposed rule would not have a significant economic impact on 
a substantial number of small entities for the following reasons: (1) 
This rule will only be enforced from 8 a.m. until 6 p.m. each day that 
it is effective; (2) during non-enforcement hours all vessels will be 
allowed to transit through the safety zone without having to obtain 
permission from the Captain of the Port, Port Arthur or a designated 
representative; and (3) vessels will be allowed to pass through the 
zone with permission of the Coast Guard Patrol

[[Page 30892]]

Commander during scheduled break periods between races and at other 
times when permitted by the Coast Guard Patrol Commander.
    If you think that your business, organization, or governmental 
jurisdiction qualifies as a small entity and that this rule would have 
a significant economic impact on it, please submit a comment (see 
ADDRESSES) explaining why you think it qualifies and how and to what 
degree this rule would economically affect it.

Assistance for Small Entities

    Under section 213(a) of the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement 
Fairness Act of 1996 (Pub. L. 104-121), we want to assist small 
entities in understanding this proposed rule so that they can better 
evaluate its effects on them and participate in the rulemaking. If the 
rule would affect your small business, organization, or governmental 
jurisdiction and you have questions concerning its provisions or 
options for compliance, please contact Mr. Scott Whalen, Marine Safety 
Unit Port Arthur, TX; telephone (409) 719-5086, e-mail 
scott.k.whalen@uscg.mil. The Coast Guard will not retaliate against 
small entities that question or complain about this proposed rule or 
any policy or action of the Coast Guard.

Collection of Information

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

Federalism

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

Unfunded Mandates Reform Act

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

Taking of Private Property

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

Civil Justice Reform

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

Protection of Children

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

Indian Tribal Governments

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

Energy Effects

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

Technical Standards

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

Environment

    We have analyzed this proposed rule under Department of Homeland 
Security Management Directive 023-01 and Commandant Instruction 
M16475.lD, which guide the Coast Guard in complying with the National 
Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) (42 U.S.C. 4321-4370f), and 
have made a preliminary determination that this action is one of a 
category of actions which do not individually or cumulatively have a 
significant effect on the human environment. This rule involves the 
establishment of a special local regulation. Based on our preliminary 
determination, there are no factors in this case that would limit the 
use of a categorical exclusion under section 2.B.2 of the Instruction.
    Therefore, we believe that this rule should be categorically 
excluded. Because this event establishes a special local regulation, 
paragraph (34)(h) of figure 2-1 of the Instruction applies. Thus, no 
further environmental documentation is required. We seek any comments 
or information that may lead to the discovery of a significant 
environmental impact from this proposed rule.

List of Subjects in 33 CFR Part 100

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

    For the reasons discussed in the preamble, the Coast Guard proposes 
to amend 33 CFR part 100 as follows:

PART 100--REGULATED--SAFETY OF LIFE ON NAVIGABLE WATERS

    1. The authority citation for part 100 continues to read as 
follows:

    Authority:  33 U.S.C. 1233.

    2. Add a new temporary Sec.  100.35T08-0194 to read as follows:


Sec.  100.35T08-0194  Special Local Regulations for Marine Events; 
Sabine River, Orange, TX.

    (a) Definitions. As used in this section ``Participant Vessel'' 
means all vessels

[[Page 30893]]

officially registered with event officials to race or work in the 
event. These vessels include race boats, rescue boats, tow boats, and 
picket boats associated with the race.
    (b) Location. The following area is a safety zone: All waters of 
the Sabine River, shoreline to shoreline, adjacent to the Naval Reserve 
Unit and the Orange public boat ramps located in Orange, TX. The 
northern boundary is from the end of Navy Pier One at 30[deg]05'45'' N 
93[deg]43'24'' W then easterly to the rivers eastern shore. The 
southern boundary is a line shoreline to shoreline at latitude 
30[deg]05'33'' N.
    (c) Enforcement Periods. This regulation will be enforced daily 
from 8 a.m. until 6 p.m. on September 24 and 25, 2011.
    (d) Regulations. (1) In accordance with the general regulations in 
Sec.  100 of this part, entry into this zone is prohibited to all 
vessels except participant vessels and those vessels specifically 
authorized by the Captain of the Port, Port Arthur or a designated 
representative.
    (2) Persons or vessels requiring entry into or passage through must 
request permission from the Captain of the Port, Port Arthur, or a 
designated representative. They may be contacted on VHF Channel 13 or 
16, or by telephone at (409) 723-6500.
    (3) All persons and vessels shall comply with the instructions of 
the Captain of the Port, Port Arthur, designated representatives and 
designated on-scene U.S. Coast Guard patrol personnel. On-scene U.S. 
Coast Guard patrol personnel include commissioned, warrant, and petty 
officers of the U.S. Coast Guard.

    Dated: March 22, 2011.
J.J. Plunkett,
Captain, U.S. Coast Guard, Captain of the Port, Port Arthur.
[FR Doc. 2011-13175 Filed 5-26-11; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 9110-04-P
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