Minerals Management: Adjustment of Cost Recovery Fees, 55420-55425 [2012-22217]

Download as PDF 55420 Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 175 / Monday, September 10, 2012 / Rules and Regulations of Management and Budget under Executive Order 12866 (58 FR 51735, October 4, 1993); • Does not impose an information collection burden under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.); • Is certified as not having a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities under the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.); • Does not contain any unfunded mandate or significantly or uniquely affect small governments, as described in the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 (Pub. L. 104–4); • Does not have Federalism implications as specified in Executive Order 13132 (64 FR 43255, August 10, 1999); • Is not an economically significant regulatory action based on health or safety risks subject to Executive Order 13045 (62 FR 19885, April 23, 1997); • Is not a significant regulatory action subject to Executive Order 13211 (66 FR 28355, May 22, 2001); • Is not subject to requirements of Section 12(d) of the National Technology Transfer and Advancement Act of 1995 (15 U.S.C. 272 note) because application of those requirements would be inconsistent with the CAA; and • Does not provide EPA with the discretionary authority to address, as appropriate, disproportionate human health or environmental effects, using practicable and legally permissible methods, under Executive Order 12898 (59 FR 7629, February 16, 1994). In addition, this rule does not have tribal implications as specified by Executive Order 13175 (65 FR 67249, November 9, 2000), because the SIP is not approved to apply in Indian country located in the state, and EPA notes that it will not impose substantial direct costs on tribal governments or preempt tribal law. B. Submission to Congress and the Comptroller General The Congressional Review Act, 5 U.S.C. 801 et seq., as added by the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act of 1996, generally provides that before a rule may take effect, the agency promulgating the rule must submit a rule report, which includes a copy of the rule, to each House of the Congress and to the Comptroller General of the United States. EPA will submit a report containing this action and other required information to the U.S. Senate, the U.S. House of Representatives, and the Comptroller General of the United States prior to publication of the rule in the Federal Register. A major rule cannot take effect until 60 days after it is published in the Federal Register. This action is not a ‘‘major rule’’ as defined by 5 U.S.C. 804(2). C. Petitions for Judicial Review Under section 307(b)(1) of the CAA, petitions for judicial review of this action must be filed in the United States Court of Appeals for the appropriate circuit by November 9, 2012. Filing a petition for reconsideration by the Administrator of this final rule does not Name of non-regulatory SIP revision Applicable geographic or nonattainment area State submittal date * * Section 110(a)(2) Infrastructure Requirements for the 2008 Lead NAAQS.. * Statewide .......... 10/17/12 BILLING CODE 6560–50–P wreier-aviles on DSK5TPTVN1PROD with RULES Environmental protection, Air pollution control, Incorporation by reference, Lead, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements. Dated: August 23, 2012. W. C. Early, Acting Regional Administrator, Region III. 40 CFR part 52 is amended as follows: PART 52—[AMENDED] 1. The authority citation for part 52 continues to read as follows: ■ Authority: 42 U.S.C. 7401 et seq. Subpart I—Delaware 2. In § 52.420, the table in paragraph (e) is amended by adding an entry at the end of the table for Delaware’s Section 110(a)(2) Infrastructure Requirements for the 2008 Lead NAAQS to read as follows: ■ § 52.420 * Identification of plan. * * (e) * * * * * 9/10/12 [Insert Federal Register page number where the document begins and date]. * * This action addresses the following CAA elements: 110(a)(2)(A), (B), (C), (D), (E), (F), (G), (H), (J), (K), (L), and (M) or portions thereof. Final rule. ACTION: SUMMARY: [L13100000 PP0000 LLWO310000; L1990000 PO0000 LLWO320000] RIN 1004–AE29 Minerals Management: Adjustment of Cost Recovery Fees Bureau of Land Management, Interior. Jkt 226001 PO 00000 Frm 00010 * Additional explanation DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR AGENCY: * EPA approval date 43 CFR Part 3000 13:46 Sep 07, 2012 List of Subjects in 40 CFR Part 52 Bureau of Land Management [FR Doc. 2012–22086 Filed 9–7–12; 8:45 am] VerDate Mar<15>2010 affect the finality of this action for the purposes of judicial review nor does it extend the time within which a petition for judicial review may be filed, and shall not postpone the effectiveness of such rule or action. This action pertaining to Delaware’s section 110(a)(2) infrastructure elements for the 2008 lead NAAQS, may not be challenged later in proceedings to enforce its requirements. (See section 307(b)(2).) Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 This final rule amends the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) mineral resources regulations to update some fees that cover the BLM’s cost of processing certain documents relating to its minerals programs and some filing fees for mineral-related documents. These updated fees include those for actions such as lease renewals and mineral patent adjudications. DATES: This final rule is effective October 1, 2012. E:\FR\FM\10SER1.SGM 10SER1 Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 175 / Monday, September 10, 2012 / Rules and Regulations You may send inquiries or suggestions to Director (630), Bureau of Land Management, 2134LM, 1849 C Street NW., Washington, DC, 20240; Attention: RIN 1004–AE29. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Steven Wells, Chief, Division of Fluid Minerals, 202–912–7143, or Faith Bremner, Regulatory Affairs Analyst, 202–912–7441. Persons who use a telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD) may leave a message for these individuals with the Federal Information Relay Service (FIRS) at 1– 800–877–8339, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: ADDRESSES: I. Background The BLM has specific authority to charge fees for processing applications and other documents relating to public lands under Section 304 of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (FLPMA), 43 U.S.C. 1734. In 2005, the BLM published a final cost recovery rule (70 FR 58854) establishing or revising certain fees and service charges, and establishing the method it would use to adjust those fees and service charges on an annual basis. At 43 CFR 3000.12(a), the regulations provide that the BLM will annually 55421 from the 4th Quarter of one calendar year to the 4th Quarter of the following calendar year. This fee update rule is based on the change in the IPD–GDP from the 4th Quarter of 2010 to the 4th Quarter of 2011, thus reflecting the rate of inflation over four calendar quarters. The fee is calculated by applying the IPD–GDP to the base value from the previous year’s rule, also known as the ‘‘existing value.’’ This calculation results in an updated base value. The updated base value is then rounded to the closest multiple of $5, or to the nearest cent for fees under $1, to establish the new fee. Under this rule, 31 fees will remain the same and 17 fees will increase. Seven of the fee increases will amount to $5 each. The largest increase, $65, will be applied to the fee for adjudicating a mineral patent application containing more than 10 claims, which will increase from $2,875 to $2,940. The fee for adjudicating a patent application containing 10 or fewer claims will increase by $30—from $1,440 to $1,470. The calculations that resulted in the new fees are included in the table below: adjust fees established in Subchapter C according to changes in the Implicit Price Deflator for Gross Domestic Product (IPD–GDP), which is published quarterly by the U.S. Department of Commerce. See also 43 CFR 3000.10. This final rule will allow the BLM to update these fees and service charges by October 1 of this year, as required by the 2005 regulation. The fee recalculations are based on a mathematical formula. The public had an opportunity to comment on this procedure during the comment period on the original cost recovery rule, and this new rule simply administers the procedure set forth in those regulations. Therefore, the BLM has changed the fees in this final rule without providing opportunity for additional notice and comment. The Department of the Interior, therefore, for good cause finds under 5 U.S.C. 553(b)(B) and (d)(3) that notice and public comment procedures are unnecessary and that the rule may be effective less than 30 days after publication. II. Discussion of Final Rule The BLM publishes a fee update rule each year, which becomes effective on October 1 of that year. The fee updates are based on the change in the IPD–GDP FIXED COST RECOVERY FEES FY13 Existing fee 1 Document/Action Existing value 2 IPD–GDP increase 3 New value 4 New fee 5 Oil & Gas (parts 3100, 3110, 3120, 3130, 3150) Noncompetitive lease application ........................................ Competitive lease application .............................................. Assignment and transfer of record title or operating rights Overriding royalty transfer, payment out of production ....... Name change, corporate merger or transfer to heir/devisee .................................................................................... Lease consolidation ............................................................. Lease renewal or exchange ................................................ Lease reinstatement, Class I ............................................... Leasing under right-of-way .................................................. Geophysical exploration permit application—Alaska ........... Renewal of exploration permit—Alaska ............................... $380 150 85 10 $382.32 148.37 85.59 11.41 $8.33 3.23 1.87 0.25 $390.65 151.60 87.46 11.66 $390 150 85 10 200 420 380 75 380 25 25 199.71 422.25 382.32 74.17 382.32 ........................ ........................ 4.35 9.21 8.33 1.62 8.33 ........................ ........................ 204.06 431.46 390.65 75.79 390.65 ........................ ........................ 205 430 390 75 390 6 25 7 25 wreier-aviles on DSK5TPTVN1PROD with RULES Geothermal (part 3200) Noncompetitive lease application ........................................ Competitive lease application .............................................. Assignment and transfer of record title or operating rights Name change, corporate merger or transfer to heir/devisee .................................................................................... Lease consolidation ............................................................. Lease reinstatement ............................................................ Nomination of lands ............................................................. plus per acre nomination fee ........................................ Site license application ........................................................ Assignment or transfer of site license ................................. 380 150 85 382.32 148.37 85.59 8.33 3.23 1.87 390.65 151.60 87.46 390 150 85 200 420 75 105 0.11 55 55 199.71 422.25 74.17 106.82 0.10682 57.06 57.06 4.35 9.21 1.62 2.33 0.00233 1.24 1.24 204.06 431.46 75.79 109.15 0.10915 58.30 58.30 205 430 75 110 0.11 60 60 11.41 313.84 0.25 6.84 11.66 320.68 10 320 Coal (parts 3400, 3470) License to mine application ................................................. Exploration license application ............................................ VerDate Mar<15>2010 13:46 Sep 07, 2012 Jkt 226001 PO 00000 Frm 00011 10 315 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\10SER1.SGM 10SER1 55422 Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 175 / Monday, September 10, 2012 / Rules and Regulations FIXED COST RECOVERY FEES FY13—Continued Existing fee 1 Document/Action Lease or lease interest transfer ........................................... Existing value 2 65 IPD–GDP increase 3 62.78 1.37 New value 4 New fee 5 64.15 65 0.75 1.37 2.24 0.62 10.70 0.62 0.62 0.62 0.62 0.62 34.99 64.15 104.95 29.16 501.44 29.16 29.16 29.16 29.16 29.16 35 65 105 30 500 30 30 30 30 30 0.25 11.66 10 Leasing of Solid Minerals Other Than Coal and Oil Shale (parts 3500, 3580) Applications other than those listed below .......................... Prospecting permit application amendment ........................ Extension of prospecting permit .......................................... Lease modification or fringe acreage lease ........................ Lease renewal ...................................................................... Assignment, sublease, or transfer of operating rights ......... Transfer of overriding royalty ............................................... Use permit ............................................................................ Shasta and Trinity hardrock mineral lease .......................... Renewal of existing sand and gravel lease in Nevada ....... 35 65 105 30 490 30 30 30 30 30 34.24 62.78 102.71 28.54 490.74 28.54 28.54 28.54 28.54 28.54 Multiple Use; Mining (part 3700) Notice of protest of placer mining operations ...................... 10 11.41 Mining Law Administration (parts 3800, 3810, 3830, 3850, 3860, 3870) Application to open lands to location ................................... Notice of location ................................................................. Amendment of location ........................................................ Transfer of mining claim/site ................................................ Recording an annual FLPMA filing ...................................... Deferment of assessment work ........................................... Recording a notice of intent to locate mining claims on Stockraising Homestead Act lands .................................. Mineral patent adjudication (more than 10 claims) ................................................... (10 or fewer claims) ...................................................... Adverse claim ...................................................................... Protest .................................................................................. 10 15 10 10 10 105 11.41 17.11 11.41 11.41 11.41 102.71 0.25 0.37 0.25 0.25 0.25 2.24 11.66 17.48 11.66 11.66 11.66 104.95 10 15 10 10 10 105 30 28.54 0.62 29.16 30 2,875 1,440 105 65 2,875.95 1,437.96 102.71 62.78 62.70 31.35 2.24 1.37 2,938.65 1,469.31 104.95 64.15 2,940 1,470 105 65 Oil Shale Management (parts 3900, 3910, 3930) Exploration license application ............................................ Application for assignment or sublease of record title or overriding royalty .............................................................. 300 301.02 6.56 307.58 310 60 61.23 1.33 62.56 65 1 The Existing Fee was established by the 2011 (Fiscal Year 2012) cost recovery fee update rule published September 23, 2011 (76 FR 59058), effective October 1, 2011. 2 The Existing Value is the figure from the New Value column in the previous year’s rule. 3 From 4th Quarter 2010 to 4th Quarter 2011, the IPD–GDP increased by 2.18 percent. The value in the IPD–GDP Increase column is 2.18 percent of the Existing Value. 4 The sum of the Existing Value and the IPD–GDP Increase is the New Value. 5 The New Fee for Fiscal Year 2013 is the New Value rounded to the nearest $5 for values equal to or greater than $1, or to the nearest penny for values under $1. 6 Section 365 of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (Pub. L. 109–58) directed in subsection (i) that ‘‘the Secretary shall not implement a rulemaking that would enable an increase in fees to recover additional costs related to processing drilling-related permit applications and use authorizations.’’ In the 2005 cost recovery rule, the BLM interpreted this prohibition to apply to geophysical exploration permits. 70 FR 58854–58855. While the $25 fees for geophysical exploration permit applications for Alaska and renewals of exploration permits for Alaska pre-dated the 2005 cost recovery rule and were not affected by the Energy Policy Act prohibition, the BLM interprets the Energy Policy Act provision as prohibiting it from increasing this $25 fee. 7 The BLM interprets the Energy Policy Act prohibition discussed in footnote 6, above, as prohibiting it from increasing this $25 fee, as well. Source for Implicit Price Deflator for Gross Domestic Product data: U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of Economic Analysis (April 27, 2012). wreier-aviles on DSK5TPTVN1PROD with RULES III. How Fees Are Adjusted Each year, the figures in the Existing Value column in the table above (not those in the Existing Fee column) are used as the basis for calculating the adjustment to these fees. The Existing Value is the figure from the New Value column in the previous year’s rule. In the case of fees that were not in the table the previous year, or that had no figure in the New Value column the previous VerDate Mar<15>2010 13:46 Sep 07, 2012 Jkt 226001 year, the Existing Value is the same as the Existing Fee. Because the new fees are derived from the new values— rounded to the nearest $5 or the nearest penny for fees under $1—adjustments based on the figures in the Existing Fee column would lead to significantly over- or under-valued fees over time. Accordingly, fee adjustments are made by multiplying the annual change in the IPD–GDP by the figure in the Existing Value column. This calculation defines PO 00000 Frm 00012 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 the New Value for this year, which is then rounded to the nearest $5 or the nearest penny for fees under $1, to establish the New Fee. IV. Procedural Matters Regulatory Planning and Review (Executive Order 12866) This document is not a significant rule and the Office of Management and E:\FR\FM\10SER1.SGM 10SER1 Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 175 / Monday, September 10, 2012 / Rules and Regulations wreier-aviles on DSK5TPTVN1PROD with RULES Budget has not reviewed this rule under Executive Order 12866. The BLM has determined that the rule will not have an annual effect on the economy of $100 million or more. It will not adversely affect in a material way the economy, a sector of the economy, productivity, competition, jobs, the environment, public health or safety, or State, local, or tribal governments or communities. The changes in today’s rule are much smaller than those in the 2005 final rule, which did not approach the threshold in Executive Order 12866. For instructions on how to view a copy of the analysis prepared in conjunction with the 2005 final rule, please contact one of the persons listed in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section above. This rule will not create inconsistencies or otherwise interfere with an action taken or planned by another agency. This rule does not change the relationships of the onshore minerals programs with other agencies’ actions. These relationships are included in agreements and memoranda of understanding that would not change with this rule. In addition, this final rule does not materially affect the budgetary impact of entitlements, grants, or loan programs, or the rights and obligations of their recipients. This rule does apply an inflation factor that increases some existing user fees for processing documents associated with the onshore minerals programs. However, most of these fee increases are less than 3 percent and none of the increases materially affect the budgetary impact of user fees. Finally, this rule will not raise novel legal issues. As explained above, this rule simply implements an annual process to account for inflation that was adopted by and explained in the 2005 cost recovery rule. The Regulatory Flexibility Act This final rule will not have a significant economic effect on a substantial number of small entities as defined under the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.). A Regulatory Flexibility Analysis is not required. Accordingly, a Small Entity Compliance Guide is not required. For the purposes of this section, a small entity is defined by the Small Business Administration (SBA) for mining (broadly inclusive of metal mining, coal mining, oil and gas extraction, and the mining and quarrying of nonmetallic minerals) as an individual, limited partnership, or small company considered to be at arm’s length from the control of any parent companies, with fewer than 500 VerDate Mar<15>2010 13:46 Sep 07, 2012 Jkt 226001 55423 employees. The SBA defines a small entity differently, however, for leasing Federal land for coal mining. A coal lessee is a small entity if it employs not more than 250 people, including people working for its affiliates. The SBA would consider many, if not most, of the operators the BLM works with in the onshore minerals programs to be small entities. The BLM notes that this final rule does not affect service industries, for which the SBA has a different definition of ‘‘small entity.’’ The final rule may affect a large number of small entities since 17 fees for activities on public lands will be increased. However, the BLM has concluded that the effects will not be significant. Most of the fixed fee increases will be less than 3 percent as a result of this final rule. The adjustments result in no increase in the fee for the processing of 31 documents relating to the BLM’s minerals programs. The highest adjustment, in dollar terms, is for adjudications of mineral patent applications involving more than 10 mining claims, which will be increased by $65. For the 2005 final rule, the BLM completed a threshold analysis, which is available for public review in the administrative record for that rule. For instructions on how to view a copy of that analysis, please contact one of the persons listed in the Executive Order 13132, Federalism FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT Geothermal section above. The analysis for the 2005 rule concluded that the fees would not have a significant economic effect on a substantial number of small entities. The fee increases implemented in today’s rule are substantially smaller than those provided for in the 2005 rule. The Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act This final rule is not a ‘‘major rule’’ as defined at 5 U.S.C. 804(2). The final rule will not have an annual effect on the economy greater than $100 million; it will not result in major cost or price increases for consumers, industries, government agencies, or regions; and it will not have significant adverse effects on competition, employment, investment, productivity, innovation, or the ability of U.S.-based enterprises to compete with foreign-based enterprises. For the 2005 final rule, which established the fee adjustment procedure that this rule implements, the BLM completed a threshold analysis, which is available for public review in the administrative record for that rule. The fee increases implemented in today’s rule are substantially smaller than those provided for in the 2005 rule. PO 00000 Frm 00013 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 This final rule will not have a substantial direct effect on the States, on the relationship between the national government and the States, or on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government. In accordance with Executive Order 13132, therefore, we find that the final rule does not have significant federalism effects. A federalism assessment is not required. The Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 These regulations contain information collection requirements. As required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.), the BLM submitted a copy of the proposed information collection requirements to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review. The OMB approved the information collection requirements under the following Control Numbers: Oil and Gas (1) 1004–0034 which expires July 31, 2015; (2) 1004–0137 which expires October 31, 2014; (3) 1004–0162 which expires July 31, 2015; (4) 1004–0185 which expires November 30, 2012; (5) 1004–0132 which expires December 31, 2013; Coal (6) 1004–0073 which expires June 30, 2013; Mining Claims (7) 1004–0025 which expires March 31, 2013; (8) 1004–0114 which expires August 31, 2013; and Leasing of Solid Minerals Other Than Oil Shale (9) 1004–0121 which expires February 28, 2013. Takings Implication Assessment (Executive Order 12630) As required by Executive Order 12630, the BLM has determined that this rule will not cause a taking of private property. No private property rights will be affected by a rule that merely updates fees. The BLM therefore certifies that this final rule does not represent a governmental action capable of interference with constitutionally protected property rights. E:\FR\FM\10SER1.SGM 10SER1 55424 Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 175 / Monday, September 10, 2012 / Rules and Regulations Civil Justice Reform (Executive Order 12988) In accordance with Executive Order 12988, the BLM finds that this final rule will not unduly burden the judicial system and meets the requirements of sections 3(a) and 3(b)(2) of the Executive Order. The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) The BLM has determined that this final rule is administrative and involves only procedural changes addressing fee requirements. In promulgating this rule, the government is conducting routine and continuing government business of an administrative nature having limited context and intensity. Therefore, it is categorically excluded from environmental review under section 102(2)(C) of NEPA, pursuant to 43 CFR 46.205 and 46.210(c) and (i). The final rule does not meet any of the 12 criteria for exceptions to categorical exclusions listed at 43 CFR 46.215. Pursuant to Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) regulation and the environmental policies and procedures of the Department of the Interior, the term ‘‘categorical exclusions’’ means categories of actions ‘‘which do not individually or cumulatively have a significant effect on the human environment and which have been found to have no such effect in procedures adopted by a Federal agency in implementation of [CEQ] regulations (§ 1507.3) and for which, therefore, neither an environmental assessment nor an environmental impact statement is required.’’ 40 CFR 1508.4; see also BLM National Environmental Policy Act Handbook H– 1790–1, Ch. 4, at 17 (Jan. 2008). The Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 The BLM has determined that this final rule is not significant under the Regulatory Affairs, Bureau of Land Management. Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995, 2 U.S.C. 1501 et seq., because it will not result in State, local, private sector, or tribal government expenditures of $100 million or more in any one year, 2 U.S.C. 1532. This rule will not significantly or uniquely affect small governments. Therefore, the BLM is not required to prepare a statement containing the information required by the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act. Marcilynn A. Burke, Acting Assistant Secretary, Land and Minerals Management. Consultation and Coordination With Indian Tribal Governments (Executive Order 13175) For reasons stated in the preamble, the Bureau of Land Management amends 43 CFR Chapter II as follows: In accordance with Executive Order 13175, the BLM has determined that this final rule does not include policies that have tribal implications. A key factor is whether the rule would have substantial direct effects on one or more Indian tribes. The BLM has not found any substantial direct effects. Consequently, the BLM did not utilize the consultation process set forth in Section 5 of the Executive Order. Information Quality Act In developing this rule, the BLM did not conduct or use a study, experiment, or survey requiring peer review under the Information Quality Act (Pub. L. 106–554). Effects on the Nation’s Energy Supply (Executive Order 13211) In accordance with Executive Order 13211, the BLM has determined that this final rule is not likely to have a significant adverse effect on the supply, distribution, or use of energy. The distribution of or use of energy would not be unduly affected by this final rule. It merely adjusts certain administrative cost recovery fees to account for inflation. Author The principal author of this rule is Faith Bremner of the Division of List of Subjects in 43 CFR Part 3000 Public lands—mineral resources, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements. PART 3000—MINERALS MANAGEMENT: GENERAL 1. The authority citation for part 3000 continues to read as follows: ■ Authority: 16 U.S.C. 3101 et seq.; 30 U.S.C. 181 et seq., 301–306, 351–359, and 601 et seq.; 31 U.S.C. 9701; 40 U.S.C. 471 et seq.; 42 U.S.C. 6508; 43 U.S.C. 1701 et seq.; and Pub. L. 97–35, 95 Stat. 357. Subpart 3000—General 2. Amend § 3000.12 by revising paragraph (a) to read as follows: ■ § 3000.12 What is the fee schedule for fixed fees? (a) The table in this section shows the fixed fees that you must pay to the BLM for the services listed for Fiscal Year 2013. These fees are nonrefundable and must be included with documents you file under this chapter. Fees will be adjusted annually according to the change in the Implicit Price Deflator for Gross Domestic Product (IPD–GDP) by way of publication of a final rule in the Federal Register and will subsequently be posted on the BLM Web site (https://www.blm.gov) before October 1 each year. Revised fees are effective each year on October 1. FY 2013 PROCESSING AND FILING FEE TABLE Document/action FY 2013 fee wreier-aviles on DSK5TPTVN1PROD with RULES Oil & Gas (parts 3100, 3110, 3120, 3130, 3150) Noncompetitive lease application ............................................................................................................................................ Competitive lease application .................................................................................................................................................. Assignment and transfer of record title or operating rights ..................................................................................................... Overriding royalty transfer, payment out of production ........................................................................................................... Name change, corporate merger or transfer to heir/devisee .................................................................................................. Lease consolidation ................................................................................................................................................................. Lease renewal or exchange .................................................................................................................................................... Lease reinstatement, Class I ................................................................................................................................................... Leasing under right-of-way ...................................................................................................................................................... Geophysical exploration permit application—Alaska .............................................................................................................. Renewal of exploration permit—Alaska .................................................................................................................................. VerDate Mar<15>2010 13:46 Sep 07, 2012 Jkt 226001 PO 00000 Frm 00014 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\10SER1.SGM 10SER1 $390 150 85 10 205 430 390 75 390 25 25 Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 175 / Monday, September 10, 2012 / Rules and Regulations 55425 FY 2013 PROCESSING AND FILING FEE TABLE—Continued Document/action FY 2013 fee Geothermal (part 3200) Noncompetitive lease application ............................................................................................................................................ Competitive lease application .................................................................................................................................................. Assignment and transfer of record title or operating rights ..................................................................................................... Name change, corporate merger or transfer to heir/devisee .................................................................................................. Lease consolidation ................................................................................................................................................................. Lease reinstatement ................................................................................................................................................................ Nomination of lands ................................................................................................................................................................. plus per acre nomination fee ............................................................................................................................................ Site license application ............................................................................................................................................................ Assignment or transfer of site license ..................................................................................................................................... 390 150 85 205 430 75 110 0.11 60 60 Coal (parts 3400, 3470) License to mine application ..................................................................................................................................................... Exploration license application ................................................................................................................................................ Lease or lease interest transfer ............................................................................................................................................... 10 320 65 Leasing of Solid Minerals Other Than Coal and Oil Shale (parts 3500, 3580) Applications other than those listed below .............................................................................................................................. Prospecting permit application amendment ............................................................................................................................ Extension of prospecting permit .............................................................................................................................................. Lease modification or fringe acreage lease ............................................................................................................................ Lease renewal ......................................................................................................................................................................... Assignment, sublease, or transfer of operating rights ............................................................................................................ Transfer of overriding royalty ................................................................................................................................................... Use permit ............................................................................................................................................................................... Shasta and Trinity hardrock mineral lease .............................................................................................................................. Renewal of existing sand and gravel lease in Nevada ........................................................................................................... 35 65 105 30 500 30 30 30 30 30 Multiple Use; Mining (part 3730) Notice of protest of placer mining operations ......................................................................................................................... 10 Mining Law Administration (parts 3800, 3810, 3830, 3850, 3860, 3870) Application to open lands to location ...................................................................................................................................... Notice of location * ................................................................................................................................................................... Amendment of location ............................................................................................................................................................ Transfer of mining claim/site ................................................................................................................................................... Recording an annual FLPMA filing .......................................................................................................................................... Deferment of assessment work ............................................................................................................................................... Recording a notice of intent to locate mining claims on Stockraising Homestead Act lands ................................................ Mineral patent adjudication ...................................................................................................................................................... Adverse claim .......................................................................................................................................................................... Protest ...................................................................................................................................................................................... 10 15 10 10 10 105 30 2,940 (more than 10 claims) 1,470 (10 or fewer claims) 105 65 Oil Shale Management (parts 3900, 3910, 3930) Exploration license application ................................................................................................................................................ Application for assignment or sublease of record title or overriding royalty ........................................................................... 310 65 wreier-aviles on DSK5TPTVN1PROD with RULES * To record a mining claim or site location, you must pay this processing fee along with the initial maintenance fee and the one-time location fee required by statute. 43 CFR part 3833. * * * * * [FR Doc. 2012–22217 Filed 9–7–12; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310–84–P VerDate Mar<15>2010 15:54 Sep 07, 2012 Jkt 226001 PO 00000 Frm 00015 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\10SER1.SGM 10SER1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 175 (Monday, September 10, 2012)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 55420-55425]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-22217]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Bureau of Land Management

43 CFR Part 3000

[L13100000 PP0000 LLWO310000; L1990000 PO0000 LLWO320000]
RIN 1004-AE29


Minerals Management: Adjustment of Cost Recovery Fees

AGENCY: Bureau of Land Management, Interior.

ACTION: Final rule.

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

SUMMARY: This final rule amends the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) 
mineral resources regulations to update some fees that cover the BLM's 
cost of processing certain documents relating to its minerals programs 
and some filing fees for mineral-related documents. These updated fees 
include those for actions such as lease renewals and mineral patent 
adjudications.

DATES: This final rule is effective October 1, 2012.

[[Page 55421]]


ADDRESSES: You may send inquiries or suggestions to Director (630), 
Bureau of Land Management, 2134LM, 1849 C Street NW., Washington, DC, 
20240; Attention: RIN 1004-AE29.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Steven Wells, Chief, Division of Fluid 
Minerals, 202-912-7143, or Faith Bremner, Regulatory Affairs Analyst, 
202-912-7441. Persons who use a telecommunications device for the deaf 
(TDD) may leave a message for these individuals with the Federal 
Information Relay Service (FIRS) at 1-800-877-8339, 24 hours a day, 7 
days a week.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Background

    The BLM has specific authority to charge fees for processing 
applications and other documents relating to public lands under Section 
304 of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (FLPMA), 43 
U.S.C. 1734. In 2005, the BLM published a final cost recovery rule (70 
FR 58854) establishing or revising certain fees and service charges, 
and establishing the method it would use to adjust those fees and 
service charges on an annual basis.
    At 43 CFR 3000.12(a), the regulations provide that the BLM will 
annually adjust fees established in Subchapter C according to changes 
in the Implicit Price Deflator for Gross Domestic Product (IPD-GDP), 
which is published quarterly by the U.S. Department of Commerce. See 
also 43 CFR 3000.10. This final rule will allow the BLM to update these 
fees and service charges by October 1 of this year, as required by the 
2005 regulation. The fee recalculations are based on a mathematical 
formula. The public had an opportunity to comment on this procedure 
during the comment period on the original cost recovery rule, and this 
new rule simply administers the procedure set forth in those 
regulations. Therefore, the BLM has changed the fees in this final rule 
without providing opportunity for additional notice and comment. The 
Department of the Interior, therefore, for good cause finds under 5 
U.S.C. 553(b)(B) and (d)(3) that notice and public comment procedures 
are unnecessary and that the rule may be effective less than 30 days 
after publication.

II. Discussion of Final Rule

    The BLM publishes a fee update rule each year, which becomes 
effective on October 1 of that year. The fee updates are based on the 
change in the IPD-GDP from the 4th Quarter of one calendar year to the 
4th Quarter of the following calendar year. This fee update rule is 
based on the change in the IPD-GDP from the 4th Quarter of 2010 to the 
4th Quarter of 2011, thus reflecting the rate of inflation over four 
calendar quarters.
    The fee is calculated by applying the IPD-GDP to the base value 
from the previous year's rule, also known as the ``existing value.'' 
This calculation results in an updated base value. The updated base 
value is then rounded to the closest multiple of $5, or to the nearest 
cent for fees under $1, to establish the new fee.
    Under this rule, 31 fees will remain the same and 17 fees will 
increase. Seven of the fee increases will amount to $5 each. The 
largest increase, $65, will be applied to the fee for adjudicating a 
mineral patent application containing more than 10 claims, which will 
increase from $2,875 to $2,940. The fee for adjudicating a patent 
application containing 10 or fewer claims will increase by $30--from 
$1,440 to $1,470.
    The calculations that resulted in the new fees are included in the 
table below:

                                          Fixed Cost Recovery Fees FY13
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                   Existing fee   Existing value      IPD-GDP
         Document/Action                \1\             \2\        increase \3\    New value \4\    New fee \5\
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                 Oil & Gas (parts 3100, 3110, 3120, 3130, 3150)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Noncompetitive lease application            $380         $382.32           $8.33         $390.65            $390
Competitive lease application...             150          148.37            3.23          151.60             150
Assignment and transfer of                    85           85.59            1.87           87.46              85
 record title or operating
 rights.........................
Overriding royalty transfer,                  10           11.41            0.25           11.66              10
 payment out of production......
Name change, corporate merger or             200          199.71            4.35          204.06             205
 transfer to heir/devisee.......
Lease consolidation.............             420          422.25            9.21          431.46             430
Lease renewal or exchange.......             380          382.32            8.33          390.65             390
Lease reinstatement, Class I....              75           74.17            1.62           75.79              75
Leasing under right-of-way......             380          382.32            8.33          390.65             390
Geophysical exploration permit                25  ..............  ..............  ..............          \6\ 25
 application--Alaska............
Renewal of exploration permit--               25  ..............  ..............  ..............          \7\ 25
 Alaska.........................
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                             Geothermal (part 3200)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Noncompetitive lease application             380          382.32            8.33          390.65             390
Competitive lease application...             150          148.37            3.23          151.60             150
Assignment and transfer of                    85           85.59            1.87           87.46              85
 record title or operating
 rights.........................
Name change, corporate merger or             200          199.71            4.35          204.06             205
 transfer to heir/devisee.......
Lease consolidation.............             420          422.25            9.21          431.46             430
Lease reinstatement.............              75           74.17            1.62           75.79              75
Nomination of lands.............             105          106.82            2.33          109.15             110
    plus per acre nomination fee            0.11         0.10682         0.00233         0.10915            0.11
Site license application........              55           57.06            1.24           58.30              60
Assignment or transfer of site                55           57.06            1.24           58.30              60
 license........................
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                             Coal (parts 3400, 3470)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
License to mine application.....              10           11.41            0.25           11.66              10
Exploration license application.             315          313.84            6.84          320.68             320

[[Page 55422]]

 
Lease or lease interest transfer              65           62.78            1.37           64.15              65
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                   Leasing of Solid Minerals Other Than Coal and Oil Shale (parts 3500, 3580)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Applications other than those                 35           34.24            0.75           34.99              35
 listed below...................
Prospecting permit application                65           62.78            1.37           64.15              65
 amendment......................
Extension of prospecting permit.             105          102.71            2.24          104.95             105
Lease modification or fringe                  30           28.54            0.62           29.16              30
 acreage lease..................
Lease renewal...................             490          490.74           10.70          501.44             500
Assignment, sublease, or                      30           28.54            0.62           29.16              30
 transfer of operating rights...
Transfer of overriding royalty..              30           28.54            0.62           29.16              30
Use permit......................              30           28.54            0.62           29.16              30
Shasta and Trinity hardrock                   30           28.54            0.62           29.16              30
 mineral lease..................
Renewal of existing sand and                  30           28.54            0.62           29.16              30
 gravel lease in Nevada.........
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                        Multiple Use; Mining (part 3700)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Notice of protest of placer                   10           11.41            0.25           11.66              10
 mining operations..............
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                      Mining Law Administration (parts 3800, 3810, 3830, 3850, 3860, 3870)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Application to open lands to                  10           11.41            0.25           11.66              10
 location.......................
Notice of location..............              15           17.11            0.37           17.48              15
Amendment of location...........              10           11.41            0.25           11.66              10
Transfer of mining claim/site...              10           11.41            0.25           11.66              10
Recording an annual FLPMA filing              10           11.41            0.25           11.66              10
Deferment of assessment work....             105          102.71            2.24          104.95             105
Recording a notice of intent to               30           28.54            0.62           29.16              30
 locate mining claims on
 Stockraising Homestead Act
 lands..........................
Mineral patent adjudication
    (more than 10 claims).......           2,875        2,875.95           62.70        2,938.65           2,940
     (10 or fewer claims).......           1,440        1,437.96           31.35        1,469.31           1,470
Adverse claim...................             105          102.71            2.24          104.95             105
Protest.........................              65           62.78            1.37           64.15              65
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                  Oil Shale Management (parts 3900, 3910, 3930)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Exploration license application.             300          301.02            6.56          307.58             310
Application for assignment or                 60           61.23            1.33           62.56              65
 sublease of record title or
 overriding royalty.............
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ The Existing Fee was established by the 2011 (Fiscal Year 2012) cost recovery fee update rule published
  September 23, 2011 (76 FR 59058), effective October 1, 2011.
\2\ The Existing Value is the figure from the New Value column in the previous year's rule.
\3\ From 4th Quarter 2010 to 4th Quarter 2011, the IPD-GDP increased by 2.18 percent. The value in the IPD-GDP
  Increase column is 2.18 percent of the Existing Value.
\4\ The sum of the Existing Value and the IPD-GDP Increase is the New Value.
\5\ The New Fee for Fiscal Year 2013 is the New Value rounded to the nearest $5 for values equal to or greater
  than $1, or to the nearest penny for values under $1.
\6\ Section 365 of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (Pub. L. 109-58) directed in subsection (i) that ``the
  Secretary shall not implement a rulemaking that would enable an increase in fees to recover additional costs
  related to processing drilling-related permit applications and use authorizations.'' In the 2005 cost recovery
  rule, the BLM interpreted this prohibition to apply to geophysical exploration permits. 70 FR 58854-58855.
  While the $25 fees for geophysical exploration permit applications for Alaska and renewals of exploration
  permits for Alaska pre-dated the 2005 cost recovery rule and were not affected by the Energy Policy Act
  prohibition, the BLM interprets the Energy Policy Act provision as prohibiting it from increasing this $25
  fee.
\7\ The BLM interprets the Energy Policy Act prohibition discussed in footnote 6, above, as prohibiting it from
  increasing this $25 fee, as well.
Source for Implicit Price Deflator for Gross Domestic Product data: U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of
  Economic Analysis (April 27, 2012).

III. How Fees Are Adjusted

    Each year, the figures in the Existing Value column in the table 
above (not those in the Existing Fee column) are used as the basis for 
calculating the adjustment to these fees. The Existing Value is the 
figure from the New Value column in the previous year's rule. In the 
case of fees that were not in the table the previous year, or that had 
no figure in the New Value column the previous year, the Existing Value 
is the same as the Existing Fee. Because the new fees are derived from 
the new values--rounded to the nearest $5 or the nearest penny for fees 
under $1--adjustments based on the figures in the Existing Fee column 
would lead to significantly over- or under-valued fees over time. 
Accordingly, fee adjustments are made by multiplying the annual change 
in the IPD-GDP by the figure in the Existing Value column. This 
calculation defines the New Value for this year, which is then rounded 
to the nearest $5 or the nearest penny for fees under $1, to establish 
the New Fee.

IV. Procedural Matters

Regulatory Planning and Review (Executive Order 12866)

    This document is not a significant rule and the Office of 
Management and

[[Page 55423]]

Budget has not reviewed this rule under Executive Order 12866.
    The BLM has determined that the rule will not have an annual effect 
on the economy of $100 million or more. It will not adversely affect in 
a material way the economy, a sector of the economy, productivity, 
competition, jobs, the environment, public health or safety, or State, 
local, or tribal governments or communities. The changes in today's 
rule are much smaller than those in the 2005 final rule, which did not 
approach the threshold in Executive Order 12866. For instructions on 
how to view a copy of the analysis prepared in conjunction with the 
2005 final rule, please contact one of the persons listed in the FOR 
FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section above.
    This rule will not create inconsistencies or otherwise interfere 
with an action taken or planned by another agency. This rule does not 
change the relationships of the onshore minerals programs with other 
agencies' actions. These relationships are included in agreements and 
memoranda of understanding that would not change with this rule.
    In addition, this final rule does not materially affect the 
budgetary impact of entitlements, grants, or loan programs, or the 
rights and obligations of their recipients. This rule does apply an 
inflation factor that increases some existing user fees for processing 
documents associated with the onshore minerals programs. However, most 
of these fee increases are less than 3 percent and none of the 
increases materially affect the budgetary impact of user fees.
    Finally, this rule will not raise novel legal issues. As explained 
above, this rule simply implements an annual process to account for 
inflation that was adopted by and explained in the 2005 cost recovery 
rule.

The Regulatory Flexibility Act

    This final rule will not have a significant economic effect on a 
substantial number of small entities as defined under the Regulatory 
Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.). A Regulatory Flexibility 
Analysis is not required. Accordingly, a Small Entity Compliance Guide 
is not required. For the purposes of this section, a small entity is 
defined by the Small Business Administration (SBA) for mining (broadly 
inclusive of metal mining, coal mining, oil and gas extraction, and the 
mining and quarrying of nonmetallic minerals) as an individual, limited 
partnership, or small company considered to be at arm's length from the 
control of any parent companies, with fewer than 500 employees. The SBA 
defines a small entity differently, however, for leasing Federal land 
for coal mining. A coal lessee is a small entity if it employs not more 
than 250 people, including people working for its affiliates.
    The SBA would consider many, if not most, of the operators the BLM 
works with in the onshore minerals programs to be small entities. The 
BLM notes that this final rule does not affect service industries, for 
which the SBA has a different definition of ``small entity.''
    The final rule may affect a large number of small entities since 17 
fees for activities on public lands will be increased. However, the BLM 
has concluded that the effects will not be significant. Most of the 
fixed fee increases will be less than 3 percent as a result of this 
final rule. The adjustments result in no increase in the fee for the 
processing of 31 documents relating to the BLM's minerals programs. The 
highest adjustment, in dollar terms, is for adjudications of mineral 
patent applications involving more than 10 mining claims, which will be 
increased by $65. For the 2005 final rule, the BLM completed a 
threshold analysis, which is available for public review in the 
administrative record for that rule. For instructions on how to view a 
copy of that analysis, please contact one of the persons listed in the 
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section above. The analysis for the 
2005 rule concluded that the fees would not have a significant economic 
effect on a substantial number of small entities. The fee increases 
implemented in today's rule are substantially smaller than those 
provided for in the 2005 rule.

The Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act

    This final rule is not a ``major rule'' as defined at 5 U.S.C. 
804(2). The final rule will not have an annual effect on the economy 
greater than $100 million; it will not result in major cost or price 
increases for consumers, industries, government agencies, or regions; 
and it will not have significant adverse effects on competition, 
employment, investment, productivity, innovation, or the ability of 
U.S.-based enterprises to compete with foreign-based enterprises. For 
the 2005 final rule, which established the fee adjustment procedure 
that this rule implements, the BLM completed a threshold analysis, 
which is available for public review in the administrative record for 
that rule. The fee increases implemented in today's rule are 
substantially smaller than those provided for in the 2005 rule.

Executive Order 13132, Federalism

    This final rule will not have a substantial direct effect on the 
States, on the relationship between the national government and the 
States, or on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the 
various levels of government. In accordance with Executive Order 13132, 
therefore, we find that the final rule does not have significant 
federalism effects. A federalism assessment is not required.

The Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995

    These regulations contain information collection requirements. As 
required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501 et 
seq.), the BLM submitted a copy of the proposed information collection 
requirements to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review. 
The OMB approved the information collection requirements under the 
following Control Numbers:
Oil and Gas
    (1) 1004-0034 which expires July 31, 2015;
    (2) 1004-0137 which expires October 31, 2014;
    (3) 1004-0162 which expires July 31, 2015;
    (4) 1004-0185 which expires November 30, 2012;
Geothermal
    (5) 1004-0132 which expires December 31, 2013;
Coal
    (6) 1004-0073 which expires June 30, 2013;
Mining Claims
    (7) 1004-0025 which expires March 31, 2013;
    (8) 1004-0114 which expires August 31, 2013; and
Leasing of Solid Minerals Other Than Oil Shale
    (9) 1004-0121 which expires February 28, 2013.

Takings Implication Assessment (Executive Order 12630)

    As required by Executive Order 12630, the BLM has determined that 
this rule will not cause a taking of private property. No private 
property rights will be affected by a rule that merely updates fees. 
The BLM therefore certifies that this final rule does not represent a 
governmental action capable of interference with constitutionally 
protected property rights.

[[Page 55424]]

Civil Justice Reform (Executive Order 12988)

    In accordance with Executive Order 12988, the BLM finds that this 
final rule will not unduly burden the judicial system and meets the 
requirements of sections 3(a) and 3(b)(2) of the Executive Order.

The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)

    The BLM has determined that this final rule is administrative and 
involves only procedural changes addressing fee requirements. In 
promulgating this rule, the government is conducting routine and 
continuing government business of an administrative nature having 
limited context and intensity. Therefore, it is categorically excluded 
from environmental review under section 102(2)(C) of NEPA, pursuant to 
43 CFR 46.205 and 46.210(c) and (i). The final rule does not meet any 
of the 12 criteria for exceptions to categorical exclusions listed at 
43 CFR 46.215.
    Pursuant to Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) regulation and 
the environmental policies and procedures of the Department of the 
Interior, the term ``categorical exclusions'' means categories of 
actions ``which do not individually or cumulatively have a significant 
effect on the human environment and which have been found to have no 
such effect in procedures adopted by a Federal agency in implementation 
of [CEQ] regulations (Sec.  1507.3) and for which, therefore, neither 
an environmental assessment nor an environmental impact statement is 
required.'' 40 CFR 1508.4; see also BLM National Environmental Policy 
Act Handbook H-1790-1, Ch. 4, at 17 (Jan. 2008).

The Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995

    The BLM has determined that this final rule is not significant 
under the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995, 2 U.S.C. 1501 et seq., 
because it will not result in State, local, private sector, or tribal 
government expenditures of $100 million or more in any one year, 2 
U.S.C. 1532. This rule will not significantly or uniquely affect small 
governments. Therefore, the BLM is not required to prepare a statement 
containing the information required by the Unfunded Mandates Reform 
Act.

Consultation and Coordination With Indian Tribal Governments (Executive 
Order 13175)

    In accordance with Executive Order 13175, the BLM has determined 
that this final rule does not include policies that have tribal 
implications. A key factor is whether the rule would have substantial 
direct effects on one or more Indian tribes. The BLM has not found any 
substantial direct effects. Consequently, the BLM did not utilize the 
consultation process set forth in Section 5 of the Executive Order.

Information Quality Act

    In developing this rule, the BLM did not conduct or use a study, 
experiment, or survey requiring peer review under the Information 
Quality Act (Pub. L. 106-554).

Effects on the Nation's Energy Supply (Executive Order 13211)

    In accordance with Executive Order 13211, the BLM has determined 
that this final rule is not likely to have a significant adverse effect 
on the supply, distribution, or use of energy. The distribution of or 
use of energy would not be unduly affected by this final rule. It 
merely adjusts certain administrative cost recovery fees to account for 
inflation.

Author

    The principal author of this rule is Faith Bremner of the Division 
of Regulatory Affairs, Bureau of Land Management.

List of Subjects in 43 CFR Part 3000

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

Marcilynn A. Burke,
Acting Assistant Secretary, Land and Minerals Management.

    For reasons stated in the preamble, the Bureau of Land Management 
amends 43 CFR Chapter II as follows:

PART 3000--MINERALS MANAGEMENT: GENERAL

0
1. The authority citation for part 3000 continues to read as follows:

    Authority:  16 U.S.C. 3101 et seq.; 30 U.S.C. 181 et seq., 301-
306, 351-359, and 601 et seq.; 31 U.S.C. 9701; 40 U.S.C. 471 et 
seq.; 42 U.S.C. 6508; 43 U.S.C. 1701 et seq.; and Pub. L. 97-35, 95 
Stat. 357.

Subpart 3000--General

0
2. Amend Sec.  3000.12 by revising paragraph (a) to read as follows:


Sec.  3000.12  What is the fee schedule for fixed fees?

    (a) The table in this section shows the fixed fees that you must 
pay to the BLM for the services listed for Fiscal Year 2013. These fees 
are nonrefundable and must be included with documents you file under 
this chapter. Fees will be adjusted annually according to the change in 
the Implicit Price Deflator for Gross Domestic Product (IPD-GDP) by way 
of publication of a final rule in the Federal Register and will 
subsequently be posted on the BLM Web site (https://www.blm.gov) before 
October 1 each year. Revised fees are effective each year on October 1.

                 FY 2013 Processing and Filing Fee Table
------------------------------------------------------------------------
           Document/action                        FY 2013 fee
------------------------------------------------------------------------
             Oil & Gas (parts 3100, 3110, 3120, 3130, 3150)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Noncompetitive lease application.....  $390
Competitive lease application........  150
Assignment and transfer of record      85
 title or operating rights.
Overriding royalty transfer, payment   10
 out of production.
Name change, corporate merger or       205
 transfer to heir/devisee.
Lease consolidation..................  430
Lease renewal or exchange............  390
Lease reinstatement, Class I.........  75
Leasing under right-of-way...........  390
Geophysical exploration permit         25
 application--Alaska.
Renewal of exploration permit--Alaska  25
------------------------------------------------------------------------

[[Page 55425]]

 
                         Geothermal (part 3200)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Noncompetitive lease application.....  390
Competitive lease application........  150
Assignment and transfer of record      85
 title or operating rights.
Name change, corporate merger or       205
 transfer to heir/devisee.
Lease consolidation..................  430
Lease reinstatement..................  75
Nomination of lands..................  110
    plus per acre nomination fee.....  0.11
Site license application.............  60
Assignment or transfer of site         60
 license.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                         Coal (parts 3400, 3470)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
License to mine application..........  10
Exploration license application......  320
Lease or lease interest transfer.....  65
------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Leasing of Solid Minerals Other Than Coal and Oil Shale (parts 3500,
                                  3580)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Applications other than those listed   35
 below.
Prospecting permit application         65
 amendment.
Extension of prospecting permit......  105
Lease modification or fringe acreage   30
 lease.
Lease renewal........................  500
Assignment, sublease, or transfer of   30
 operating rights.
Transfer of overriding royalty.......  30
Use permit...........................  30
Shasta and Trinity hardrock mineral    30
 lease.
Renewal of existing sand and gravel    30
 lease in Nevada.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                    Multiple Use; Mining (part 3730)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Notice of protest of placer mining     10
 operations.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Mining Law Administration (parts 3800, 3810, 3830, 3850, 3860, 3870)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Application to open lands to location  10
Notice of location \*\...............  15
Amendment of location................  10
Transfer of mining claim/site........  10
Recording an annual FLPMA filing.....  10
Deferment of assessment work.........  105
Recording a notice of intent to        30
 locate mining claims on Stockraising
 Homestead Act lands.
Mineral patent adjudication..........  2,940 (more than 10 claims)
                                       1,470 (10 or fewer claims)
Adverse claim........................  105
Protest..............................  65
------------------------------------------------------------------------
              Oil Shale Management (parts 3900, 3910, 3930)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Exploration license application......  310
Application for assignment or          65
 sublease of record title or
 overriding royalty.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
* To record a mining claim or site location, you must pay this
  processing fee along with the initial maintenance fee and the one-time
  location fee required by statute. 43 CFR part 3833.

* * * * *
[FR Doc. 2012-22217 Filed 9-7-12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-84-P
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