Special Local Regulations; Marine Events, Potomac River; National Harbor Access Channel, MD, 20849-20852 [2013-08040]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 67 / Monday, April 8, 2013 / Proposed Rules Association (NFA) 6 has recommended that the Commission clarify that the prohibition in CEA Section 4s(b)(6) does not bar association with an SD or MSP by employees who are employed in a clerical or ministerial capacity. In light of NFA’s recommendation, and in accordance with the language in CEA Section 4s(b)(6) that qualifies the Prohibition (‘‘Except to the extent otherwise specifically provided by rule, regulation, or order’’), the Commission is proposing to amend paragraph (a) of Regulation 23.22 to clarify that the Prohibition does not apply to an individual employed by an SD or MSP in a clerical or ministerial capacity.7 III. Related Matters A. Regulatory Flexibility Act The Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA) 8 requires that agencies, in proposing regulations, consider the impact of those regulations on small businesses.9 The Commission previously has determined that SDs and MSPs are not ‘‘small entities’’ for RFA purposes.10 Moreover, as is explained below, if adopted, the Proposal will not have a significant economic impact on any person who would be affected thereby, because it will not impose any additional operational requirements or otherwise direct or confine the activities of affected persons. Accordingly, the Chairman hereby certifies pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 605(b) that the Proposal will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS B. Paperwork Reduction Act The Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA) 11 imposes certain requirements on Federal agencies (including the Commission) in connection with their conducting or sponsoring any collection of information as defined by the PRA. The Commission believes that the Proposal will not impose new recordkeeping or information collection requirements that require approval by 6 Letter from Thomas W. Sexton, Senior Vice President and General Counsel, NFA, to Gary Barnett, Director of the Division of Swap Dealer and Intermediary Oversight, dated November 12, 2012. NFA is a registered futures association (and the sole association so registered) under CEA Section 17. 7 In this regard, the Commission notes that pursuant to this authority in CEA Section 4s(b)(6), it previously adopted an exception from the Prohibition for a person already listed as a principal of, or already registered as an associated person of, another Commission registrant, notwithstanding a statutory disqualification. See Regulation 23.22(b), proviso. 8 5 U.S.C. 601 et seq. (2006). 9 By its terms, the RFA does not apply to ‘‘individuals.’’ See 48 FR 14933, n. 115 (Apr. 6, 1983). 10 See 77 FR 2613, 2620 (Jan. 19, 2012). 11 44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq. VerDate Mar<15>2010 16:58 Apr 05, 2013 Jkt 229001 the Office of Management and Budget under 44 U.S.C. 3501, et seq. Accordingly, the PRA does not apply to this rulemaking. C. Cost-Benefit Considerations CEA Section 15(a) requires the Commission to consider the costs and benefits of its actions before issuing a rulemaking under the CEA. CEA Section 15(a) further specifies that the costs and benefits shall be evaluated in light of five broad areas of market and public concern: (1) Protection of market participants and the public; (2) efficiency, competitiveness and financial integrity of futures markets; (3) price discovery; (4) sound risk management practices; and (5) other public interest considerations. The Commission considers the costs and benefits resulting from its discretionary determinations with respect to the Section 15(a) factors. Summary of the Proposal. As is explained above, the Proposal would make a clarifying change to the text of one of the Commission’s regulations that were adopted to reflect changes made to the CEA by the Dodd-Frank Act, by specifying that the prohibition against an SD or MSP permitting a statutorily disqualified person to associate with it does not include a person employed in a clerical or ministerial capacity. Costs. With respect to costs, the Commission believes that the Proposal will not impose any costs. This is because the Proposal would clarify that an SD or MSP need not consider whether CEA section 4s(b)(6) applies to employees performing clerical or ministerial duties. Thus the Commission proposes that there will be little (if any) costs to persons who will be affected by the Proposal. Benefits. With respect to benefits, the Commission proposes that the Proposal will benefit SDs and MSPs by reducing the search costs associated with determining whether a clerical or ministerial employee is statutorily disqualified. This, in turn, mitigates the cost of compliance with CEA Section 4s(b)(6). Public Comment. The Commission invites public comment on its costbenefit considerations. Commenters are also invited to submit any data or other information that they may have quantifying or qualifying the costs and benefits of the Proposal with their comment letters. List of Subjects in 17 CFR Part 23 Associated persons, Commodity futures, Major swap participants, Ministerial or clerical employees, PO 00000 Frm 00030 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 20849 Registration, Statutory disqualification, Swap dealers, Swaps. For the reasons presented above, the Commission hereby proposes to amend chapter I of title 17 of the Code of Federal Regulations as follows: PART 23—SWAP DEALERS AND MAJOR SWAP PARTICIPANTS 1. The authority citation for part 23 continues to read as follows: ■ Authority: 7 U.S.C. 1a, 2, 6, 6a, 6b, 6b– 1, 6c, 6p, 6r, 6s, 6t, 9, 9a, 12, 12a, 13b, 13c, 16a, 18, 19, and 21. 2. Section 23.22 is amended by revising the section heading and paragraph (a) to read as follows: ■ § 23.22 Prohibition against statutory disqualification in the case of an associated person of a swap dealer or major swap participant. (a) Definition. For purposes of this section, the term ‘‘person’’ means an ‘‘associated person of a swap dealer or major swap participant’’ as defined in section 1a(4) of the Act and § 1.3(aa)(6) of this chapter, but does not include an individual employed in a clerical or ministerial capacity. * * * * * Issued in Washington, DC, on March 27, 2013, by the Commission. Christopher J. Kirkpatrick, Deputy Secretary of the Commission. [FR Doc. 2013–07538 Filed 4–5–13; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6351–01–P DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY Coast Guard 33 CFR Part 100 [Docket No. USCG–2013–0156] RIN 1625–AA08 Special Local Regulations; Marine Events, Potomac River; National Harbor Access Channel, MD Coast Guard, DHS. Notice of proposed rulemaking. AGENCY: ACTION: The Coast Guard proposes to establish special local regulations during the ‘‘Swim Across the Potomac’’ swimming competition, to be held on the waters of the Potomac River on June 2, 2013. These special local regulations are necessary to provide for the safety of life on navigable waters during the event. This action is intended to temporarily restrict vessel traffic in a portion of the Potomac River during the event. SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\08APP1.SGM 08APP1 20850 Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 67 / Monday, April 8, 2013 / Proposed Rules Comments and related material must be received by the Coast Guard on or before May 8, 2013. ADDRESSES: You may submit comments identified by docket number using any one of the following methods: (1) Federal eRulemaking Portal: https://www.regulations.gov. (2) Fax: 202–493–2251. (3) Mail or Delivery: 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. Deliveries accepted between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except federal holidays. The telephone number is 202– 366–9329. See the ‘‘Public Participation and Request for Comments’’ portion of the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section below for further instructions on submitting comments. To avoid duplication, please use only one of these three methods. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: If you have questions on this rule, call or email Mr. Ronald Houck, U.S. Coast Guard Sector Baltimore, MD; telephone 410–576–2674, email Ronald.L.Houck@uscg.mil. If you have questions on viewing or submitting material to the docket, call Barbara Hairston, Program Manager, Docket Operations, telephone (202) 366–9826. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: DATES: Table of Acronyms DHS Department of Homeland Security FR Federal Register NPRM Notice of Proposed Rulemaking mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS A. 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. 1. Submitting Comments If you submit a comment, please include the docket number for this rulemaking, 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 at 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, it will be considered received by the Coast Guard when you VerDate Mar<15>2010 16:58 Apr 05, 2013 Jkt 229001 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 email address, or a telephone number in the body of your document so that we can contact you if we have questions regarding your submission. To submit your comment online, go to https://www.regulations.gov, type the docket number [USCG–2013–0156] in the ‘‘SEARCH’’ box and click ‘‘SEARCH.’’ Click on ‘‘Submit a Comment’’ on the line associated with this rulemaking. If you submit your comments by mail or hand delivery, submit them in an unbound format, no larger than 81⁄2 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. 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. 2. 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, type the docket number (USCG–2013–0156) in the ‘‘SEARCH’’ box and click ‘‘SEARCH.’’ Click on Open Docket Folder on the line associated with this rulemaking. 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. C. Discussion of Proposed Rule The Coast Guard proposes to establish special local regulations on specified waters of the Potomac River. The regulations will be enforced from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. on June 2, 2013. The regulated area, approximately 1,900 yards in length and 350 yards in width, extends across the entire width of the National Harbor Access Channel and includes the waters of the Potomac River, from shoreline to shoreline, bounded to the north by a line drawn that originates at Jones Point Park, VA at the west shoreline latitude 38°47′35″ N, longitude 077°02′22″ W, thence east to latitude 38°47′12″ N, longitude 077°00′58″ W, at east shoreline near National Harbor, MD. The regulated area is bounded to the south by a line drawn originating at George Washington Memorial Parkway highway overpass and Cameron Run, west shoreline latitude 38°47′23″ N, longitude 077°03′03″ W thence east to latitude 38°46′52″ N, longitude 077°01′13″ W, at east shoreline near National Harbor, MD. The effect of this proposed rule will be to restrict general navigation in the regulated area during the event. Vessels intending to transit the Potomac River through the regulated area, including the National Harbor Access Channel, will only be allowed to safely transit the regulated area when the Coast Guard 3. 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). 4. Public Meeting We do not now plan to hold a public meeting. But you may submit a request for one, using one of the methods specified under ADDRESSES. Please explain why you believe a public PO 00000 Frm 00031 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 B. Basis and Purpose The legal basis for the rule is the Coast Guard’s authority to establish special local regulations: 33 U.S.C. 1233. The purpose of the rule is to ensure safety of life on navigable waters of the United States during the Swim Across the Potomac event. On June 2, 2013, WaveOne Swimming of Washington, DC, and the National Harbor Marina of National Harbor, MD, will sponsor a swimming competition across the Potomac River between Virginia and Maryland. The event consists of up to 150 swimmers on a 1.3mile linear course located downriver from the Woodrow Wilson Memorial (I– 495/I–95) Bridge. The swimmers will be supported by sponsor-provided watercraft. The start will be located at North Point in Jones Point Park and the finish will be located along the shore at National Harbor Marina. Portions of the swim course will cross the Potomac River federal navigation channel and the National Harbor Access Channel. E:\FR\FM\08APP1.SGM 08APP1 Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 67 / Monday, April 8, 2013 / Proposed Rules Patrol Commander has deemed it safe to do so. Due to the need for vessel control during the event, the Coast Guard will temporarily restrict vessel traffic in the event area to provide for the safety of participants, spectators and other transiting vessels. The Coast Guard will provide notice of the special local regulations by Local Notice to Mariners, Broadcast Notice to Mariners, and onscene designated representatives. D. Regulatory Analyses We developed this proposed rule after considering numerous statutes and executive orders related to rulemaking. Below we summarize our analyses based on a number of these statutes or executive orders. mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS 1. Regulatory Planning and Review This proposed 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 Executive Order 12866 or under section 1 of Executive Order 13563. The Office of Management and Budget has not reviewed it under those Orders. Although this regulation will prevent traffic from transiting portions of the Potomac River and National Harbor Access Channel during the event, the effect of this regulation will not be significant due to the following reasons: (1) The regulated area will be in effect for only 4 hours; (2) the regulated area has been narrowly tailored to impose the least impact on general navigation yet provide the level of safety deemed necessary; (3) vessel traffic will be able to transit safely through a portion of the regulated area, but only after the last participant has cleared that portion of the regulated area and when the Coast Guard Patrol Commander deems it safe to do so; and (4) the Coast Guard will provide advance notification of the special local regulations to the local maritime community by Local Notice to Mariners and Broadcast Notice to Mariners. 2. Impact on Small Entities Under the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601–612), we have considered the impact of this proposed rule on small entities. The Coast Guard certifies under 5 U.S.C. 605(b) that this proposed rule will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. This rule may affect the following entities, some of which may be small VerDate Mar<15>2010 16:58 Apr 05, 2013 Jkt 229001 entities: The owners or operators of vessels intending to enter, transit through, anchor in, or remain within that portion of Potomac River encompassed within the special local regulations from 7 a.m. until 11 a.m. on June 2, 2013. For the reasons discussed in the Regulatory Planning and Review section above, this rule will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. 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. 3. 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. 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 the person listed in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT, above. 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. 4. Collection of Information This proposed rule will not call for a new collection of information under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501–3520.). 5. Federalism A rule has implications for federalism under Executive Order 13132, Federalism, if it has 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. We have analyzed this proposed rule under that Order and determined that this rule does not have implications for federalism. 6. Protest Activities The Coast Guard respects the First Amendment rights of protesters. Protesters are asked to contact the person listed in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section to coordinate protest activities so that your message can be received without jeopardizing the safety or security of people, places or vessels. PO 00000 Frm 00032 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 20851 7. 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. 8. 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. 9. 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. 10. Protection of Children from Environmental Health Risks 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. 11. 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. 12. Energy Effects This proposed rule is not a ‘‘significant energy action’’ under Executive Order 13211, Actions Concerning Regulations That Significantly Affect Energy Supply, Distribution, or Use. 13. Technical Standards This proposed rule does not use technical standards. Therefore, we did E:\FR\FM\08APP1.SGM 08APP1 20852 Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 67 / Monday, April 8, 2013 / Proposed Rules not consider the use of voluntary consensus standards. 14. 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 that do not individually or cumulatively have a significant effect on the human environment. This proposed rule involves special local regulations issued in conjunction with a regatta or marine parade. This rule is categorically excluded from further review under paragraph 34(h) of Figure 2–1 of the Commandant Instruction. A preliminary environmental analysis checklist supporting this determination and a Categorical Exclusion Determination are available in the docket where indicated under ADDRESSES. 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—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 § 100.35–T05–0156 to read as follows: ■ mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS § 100.35–T05–0156 Special Local Regulations for Marine Events; Potomac River, National Harbor Access Channel, MD. (a) Regulated Area. The following regulated area is established as special local regulations. All coordinates are North American Datum 1983. (1) Regulated Area: All water of the Potomac River, from shoreline to shoreline, bounded to the north by a line drawn that originates at Jones Point Park, VA at the west shoreline latitude 38°47′35″ N, longitude 077°02′22″ W, thence east to latitude 38°47′12″ N, longitude 077°00′58″ W, at east shoreline near National Harbor, MD. The regulated area is bounded to the south by a line drawn originating at George Washington Memorial Parkway VerDate Mar<15>2010 16:58 Apr 05, 2013 Jkt 229001 highway overpass and Cameron Run, west shoreline latitude 38°47′23″ N, longitude 077°03′03″ W thence east to latitude 38°46′52″ N, longitude 077°01′13″ W, at east shoreline near National Harbor, MD. (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 Baltimore. (2) Official Patrol means any vessel assigned or approved by Commander, Coast Guard Sector Baltimore with a commissioned, warrant, or petty officer on board and displaying a Coast Guard ensign. (3) Participant means all persons and vessels participating in the Swim Across the Potomac event under the auspices of the Marine Event Permit issued to the event sponsor and approved by Commander, Coast Guard Sector Baltimore. (c) Special local regulations. (1) The Coast Guard Patrol Commander may forbid and control the movement of all vessels and persons in the regulated area. When hailed or signaled by an official patrol vessel, a vessel or person in the regulated area shall immediately comply with the directions given. Failure to do so may result in expulsion from the area, citation for failure to comply, or both. (2) Persons desiring to transit the regulated area must first obtain authorization from the Captain of the Port Baltimore or his designated representative. To seek permission to transit the area, the Captain of the Port Baltimore and his designated representatives can be contacted at telephone number 410–576–2693 or on Marine Band Radio, VHF–FM channel 16 (156.8 MHz). All Coast Guard vessels enforcing this regulated area can be contacted on marine band radio VHF– FM channel 16 (156.8 MHz). (3) The Coast Guard Patrol Commander may terminate the event, or the operation of any participant in the event, at any time it is deemed necessary for the protection of life or property. (4) The Coast Guard will publish a notice in the Fifth Coast Guard District Local Notice to Mariners and issue a marine information broadcast on VHF– FM marine band radio announcing specific event date and times. (d) Enforcement period: This section will be enforced from 7 a.m. until 11 a.m. on June 2, 2013. PO 00000 Frm 00033 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 Dated: March 21, 2013. Kevin C. Kiefer, Captain, U.S. Coast Guard, Captain of the Port Baltimore. [FR Doc. 2013–08040 Filed 4–5–13; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 9110–04–P DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY Coast Guard 33 CFR Part 165 [Docket No. USCG–2013–0124] RIN 1625–AA00 Safety Zones; Marine Week Air Ground Demonstration, Lake Washington; Seattle, WA Coast Guard, DHS. Notice of Proposed Rulemaking. AGENCY: ACTION: The U.S. Coast Guard proposes to establish safety zones around vessels and persons involved in the Marine Week Seattle Special Marine Air Ground Task Force Demonstration on Lake Washington, Seattle, WA. This event will occur from August 9, 2013, until August 11, 2013. A safety zone is necessary to ensure the safety of the maritime public during this event, which involves demonstrations of low flying aircraft, amphibious vehicles, swimmers, combat equipment, and other elements that could create safety concerns for waterway users. This safety zone would ensure the safety of the maritime public by prohibiting any person or vessel from entering or remaining in the safety zone unless authorized by the Captain of the Port (COTP) or a Designated Representative. DATES: Comments and related material must be received by the Coast Guard on or before May 8, 2013. ADDRESSES: You may submit comments identified by docket number using any one of the following methods: (1) Federal eRulemaking Portal: https://www.regulations.gov. (2) Fax: 202–493–2251. (3) Mail or Delivery: 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. Deliveries accepted between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except federal holidays. The telephone number is 202– 366–9329. See the ‘‘Public Participation and Request for Comments’’ portion of the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section below for further instructions on submitting comments. To avoid SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\08APP1.SGM 08APP1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 67 (Monday, April 8, 2013)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 20849-20852]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-08040]


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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Coast Guard

33 CFR Part 100

[Docket No. USCG-2013-0156]
RIN 1625-AA08


Special Local Regulations; Marine Events, Potomac River; National 
Harbor Access Channel, MD

AGENCY: Coast Guard, DHS.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking.

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

SUMMARY: The Coast Guard proposes to establish special local 
regulations during the ``Swim Across the Potomac'' swimming 
competition, to be held on the waters of the Potomac River on June 2, 
2013. These special local regulations are necessary to provide for the 
safety of life on navigable waters during the event. This action is 
intended to temporarily restrict vessel traffic in a portion of the 
Potomac River during the event.

[[Page 20850]]


DATES: Comments and related material must be received by the Coast 
Guard on or before May 8, 2013.

ADDRESSES: You may submit comments identified by docket number using 
any one of the following methods:
    (1) Federal eRulemaking Portal: https://www.regulations.gov.
    (2) Fax: 202-493-2251.
    (3) Mail or Delivery: 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. Deliveries 
accepted between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except 
federal holidays. The telephone number is 202-366-9329.
    See the ``Public Participation and Request for Comments'' portion 
of the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section below for further instructions 
on submitting comments. To avoid duplication, please use only one of 
these three methods.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: If you have questions on this rule, 
call or email Mr. Ronald Houck, U.S. Coast Guard Sector Baltimore, MD; 
telephone 410-576-2674, email Ronald.L.Houck@uscg.mil. If you have 
questions on viewing or submitting material to the docket, call Barbara 
Hairston, Program Manager, Docket Operations, telephone (202) 366-9826.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Table of Acronyms

DHS Department of Homeland Security
FR Federal Register
NPRM Notice of Proposed Rulemaking

A. 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.

1. Submitting Comments

    If you submit a comment, please include the docket number for this 
rulemaking, 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 at 
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, 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 email address, or a 
telephone number in the body of your document so that we can contact 
you if we have questions regarding your submission.
    To submit your comment online, go to https://www.regulations.gov, 
type the docket number [USCG-2013-0156] in the ``SEARCH'' box and click 
``SEARCH.'' Click on ``Submit a Comment'' on the line associated with 
this rulemaking.
    If you submit your comments by mail or hand delivery, submit them 
in an unbound format, no larger than 8\1/2\ 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.

2. 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, 
type the docket number (USCG-2013-0156) in the ``SEARCH'' box and click 
``SEARCH.'' Click on Open Docket Folder on the line associated with 
this rulemaking. 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.

3. 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).

4. Public Meeting

    We do not now plan to hold a public meeting. But you may submit a 
request for one, using one of the 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.

B. Basis and Purpose

    The legal basis for the rule is the Coast Guard's authority to 
establish special local regulations: 33 U.S.C. 1233. The purpose of the 
rule is to ensure safety of life on navigable waters of the United 
States during the Swim Across the Potomac event.
    On June 2, 2013, WaveOne Swimming of Washington, DC, and the 
National Harbor Marina of National Harbor, MD, will sponsor a swimming 
competition across the Potomac River between Virginia and Maryland. The 
event consists of up to 150 swimmers on a 1.3-mile linear course 
located downriver from the Woodrow Wilson Memorial (I-495/I-95) Bridge. 
The swimmers will be supported by sponsor-provided watercraft. The 
start will be located at North Point in Jones Point Park and the finish 
will be located along the shore at National Harbor Marina. Portions of 
the swim course will cross the Potomac River federal navigation channel 
and the National Harbor Access Channel.

C. Discussion of Proposed Rule

    The Coast Guard proposes to establish special local regulations on 
specified waters of the Potomac River. The regulations will be enforced 
from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. on June 2, 2013. The regulated area, 
approximately 1,900 yards in length and 350 yards in width, extends 
across the entire width of the National Harbor Access Channel and 
includes the waters of the Potomac River, from shoreline to shoreline, 
bounded to the north by a line drawn that originates at Jones Point 
Park, VA at the west shoreline latitude 38[deg]47'35'' N, longitude 
077[deg]02'22'' W, thence east to latitude 38[deg]47'12'' N, longitude 
077[deg]00'58'' W, at east shoreline near National Harbor, MD. The 
regulated area is bounded to the south by a line drawn originating at 
George Washington Memorial Parkway highway overpass and Cameron Run, 
west shoreline latitude 38[deg]47'23'' N, longitude 077[deg]03'03'' W 
thence east to latitude 38[deg]46'52'' N, longitude 077[deg]01'13'' W, 
at east shoreline near National Harbor, MD.
    The effect of this proposed rule will be to restrict general 
navigation in the regulated area during the event. Vessels intending to 
transit the Potomac River through the regulated area, including the 
National Harbor Access Channel, will only be allowed to safely transit 
the regulated area when the Coast Guard

[[Page 20851]]

Patrol Commander has deemed it safe to do so. Due to the need for 
vessel control during the event, the Coast Guard will temporarily 
restrict vessel traffic in the event area to provide for the safety of 
participants, spectators and other transiting vessels. The Coast Guard 
will provide notice of the special local regulations by Local Notice to 
Mariners, Broadcast Notice to Mariners, and on-scene designated 
representatives.

D. Regulatory Analyses

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

1. Regulatory Planning and Review

    This proposed 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 Executive Order 12866 or 
under section 1 of Executive Order 13563. The Office of Management and 
Budget has not reviewed it under those Orders.
    Although this regulation will prevent traffic from transiting 
portions of the Potomac River and National Harbor Access Channel during 
the event, the effect of this regulation will not be significant due to 
the following reasons: (1) The regulated area will be in effect for 
only 4 hours; (2) the regulated area has been narrowly tailored to 
impose the least impact on general navigation yet provide the level of 
safety deemed necessary; (3) vessel traffic will be able to transit 
safely through a portion of the regulated area, but only after the last 
participant has cleared that portion of the regulated area and when the 
Coast Guard Patrol Commander deems it safe to do so; and (4) the Coast 
Guard will provide advance notification of the special local 
regulations to the local maritime community by Local Notice to Mariners 
and Broadcast Notice to Mariners.

2. Impact on Small Entities

    Under the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601-612), we have 
considered the impact of this proposed rule on small entities. The 
Coast Guard certifies under 5 U.S.C. 605(b) that this proposed rule 
will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of 
small entities.
    This rule may affect the following entities, some of which may be 
small entities: The owners or operators of vessels intending to enter, 
transit through, anchor in, or remain within that portion of Potomac 
River encompassed within the special local regulations from 7 a.m. 
until 11 a.m. on June 2, 2013. For the reasons discussed in the 
Regulatory Planning and Review section above, this rule will not have a 
significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities.
    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.

3. 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. 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 the person listed in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION 
CONTACT, above. 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.

4. Collection of Information

    This proposed rule will not call for a new collection of 
information under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501-
3520.).

5. Federalism

    A rule has implications for federalism under Executive Order 13132, 
Federalism, if it has 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. We have analyzed this proposed rule under that Order and 
determined that this rule does not have implications for federalism.

6. Protest Activities

    The Coast Guard respects the First Amendment rights of protesters. 
Protesters are asked to contact the person listed in the FOR FURTHER 
INFORMATION CONTACT section to coordinate protest activities so that 
your message can be received without jeopardizing the safety or 
security of people, places or vessels.

7. 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.

8. 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.

9. 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.

10. Protection of Children from Environmental Health Risks

    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.

11. 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.

12. Energy Effects

    This proposed rule is not a ``significant energy action'' under 
Executive Order 13211, Actions Concerning Regulations That 
Significantly Affect Energy Supply, Distribution, or Use.

13. Technical Standards

    This proposed rule does not use technical standards. Therefore, we 
did

[[Page 20852]]

not consider the use of voluntary consensus standards.

14. 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 that do not individually or cumulatively have a significant 
effect on the human environment. This proposed rule involves special 
local regulations issued in conjunction with a regatta or marine 
parade. This rule is categorically excluded from further review under 
paragraph 34(h) of Figure 2-1 of the Commandant Instruction. A 
preliminary environmental analysis checklist supporting this 
determination and a Categorical Exclusion Determination are available 
in the docket where indicated under ADDRESSES. 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--SAFETY OF LIFE ON NAVIGABLE WATERS

0
1. The authority citation for part 100 continues to read as follows:

    Authority:  33 U.S.C. 1233.

0
2. Add Sec.  100.35-T05-0156 to read as follows:


Sec.  100.35-T05-0156  Special Local Regulations for Marine Events; 
Potomac River, National Harbor Access Channel, MD.

    (a) Regulated Area. The following regulated area is established as 
special local regulations. All coordinates are North American Datum 
1983.
    (1) Regulated Area: All water of the Potomac River, from shoreline 
to shoreline, bounded to the north by a line drawn that originates at 
Jones Point Park, VA at the west shoreline latitude 38[deg]47'35'' N, 
longitude 077[deg]02'22'' W, thence east to latitude 38[deg]47'12'' N, 
longitude 077[deg]00'58'' W, at east shoreline near National Harbor, 
MD. The regulated area is bounded to the south by a line drawn 
originating at George Washington Memorial Parkway highway overpass and 
Cameron Run, west shoreline latitude 38[deg]47'23'' N, longitude 
077[deg]03'03'' W thence east to latitude 38[deg]46'52'' N, longitude 
077[deg]01'13'' W, at east shoreline near National Harbor, MD.
    (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 Baltimore.
    (2) Official Patrol means any vessel assigned or approved by 
Commander, Coast Guard Sector Baltimore with a commissioned, warrant, 
or petty officer on board and displaying a Coast Guard ensign.
    (3) Participant means all persons and vessels participating in the 
Swim Across the Potomac event under the auspices of the Marine Event 
Permit issued to the event sponsor and approved by Commander, Coast 
Guard Sector Baltimore.
    (c) Special local regulations. (1) The Coast Guard Patrol Commander 
may forbid and control the movement of all vessels and persons in the 
regulated area. When hailed or signaled by an official patrol vessel, a 
vessel or person in the regulated area shall immediately comply with 
the directions given. Failure to do so may result in expulsion from the 
area, citation for failure to comply, or both.
    (2) Persons desiring to transit the regulated area must first 
obtain authorization from the Captain of the Port Baltimore or his 
designated representative. To seek permission to transit the area, the 
Captain of the Port Baltimore and his designated representatives can be 
contacted at telephone number 410-576-2693 or on Marine Band Radio, 
VHF-FM channel 16 (156.8 MHz). All Coast Guard vessels enforcing this 
regulated area can be contacted on marine band radio VHF-FM channel 16 
(156.8 MHz).
    (3) The Coast Guard Patrol Commander may terminate the event, or 
the operation of any participant in the event, at any time it is deemed 
necessary for the protection of life or property.
    (4) The Coast Guard will publish a notice in the Fifth Coast Guard 
District Local Notice to Mariners and issue a marine information 
broadcast on VHF-FM marine band radio announcing specific event date 
and times.
    (d) Enforcement period: This section will be enforced from 7 a.m. 
until 11 a.m. on June 2, 2013.

    Dated: March 21, 2013.
Kevin C. Kiefer,
Captain, U.S. Coast Guard, Captain of the Port Baltimore.
[FR Doc. 2013-08040 Filed 4-5-13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 9110-04-P
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