Parties Asked To Refresh the Record Regarding Property Records for Rate-of-Return Carriers, 49420-49422 [2013-19762]

Download as PDF 49420 Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 157 / Wednesday, August 14, 2013 / Proposed Rules (b) PFDs not meeting the performance specifications in UL 1180 (incorporated by reference, see § 160.076–11) may be conditionally approved when the Commandant determines that the performance or design characteristics of the PFD make such classification appropriate. § 160.076–13 [Amended] § 169.539 20. Amend § 160.076–13 as follows: a. Remove paragraph (c)(3); and b. Redesignate paragraphs (c)(4), (c)(5), (c)(6), (c)(7), (c)(8), and (c)(9) as paragraphs (c)(3), (c)(4), (c)(5), (c)(6), (c)(7), and (c)(8), respectively. ■ ■ ■ § 160.076–23 [Amended] 21. Amend § 160.076–23(a)(1) by removing the words ‘‘applicable to the PFD performance type for which approval is sought’’. [Amended] Marking. Each inflatable PFD must be marked as specified in UL 1180 (incorporated by reference, see § 160.076–11). At a minimum, all labels must include— (a) Size information, as appropriate; (b) The Coast Guard approval number; (c) Manufacturer’s contact information; (d) Model name/number; (e) Lot number, manufacturer date; and (f) Any limitations or restrictions on approval or special instructions for use. § 160.176–23 [Amended] 24. Amend § 160.176–23 as follows: a. In paragraph (c), remove the words ‘‘Type V PFD-’’ and remove the words ’’in lieu of (see paragraph (f) of this section for exact text to be used here)’’; and ■ b. Remove paragraph (f). ■ ■ PART 169—SAILING SCHOOL VESSELS 25. The authority citation for part 169 continues to read as follows: tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS ■ Authority: 33 U.S.C. 1321(j); 46 U.S.C. 3306, 6101; Pub. L. 103–206, 107 Stat. 2439; E.O. 11735, 38 FR 21243, 3 CFR, 1971–1975 Comp., p. 793; Department of Homeland Security Delegation No. 0170.1; § 169.117 also issued under the authority of 44 U.S.C. 3507. 26. Amend § 169.539 as follows: a. In the introductory text, remove the word ‘‘either’’; ■ ■ VerDate Mar<15>2010 16:04 Aug 13, 2013 * * * * (c) Approved under subparts 160.047, 160.052, or 160.060 or approved under subpart 160.064 if the vessel carries exposure suits or exposure PFDs, in accordance with § 169.551 of this subpart. Dated: August 2, 2013. J.G. Lantz, Director of Commercial Regulations and Standards, U.S. Coast Guard. [FR Doc. 2013–19677 Filed 8–13–13; 8:45 am] 22. Amend § 160.076–25(b) by removing the words ‘‘that are applicable to the PFD performance type for which approval is sought’’. ■ 23. Revise § 160.076–39 to read as follows: ■ § 160.076–39 Type required. * ■ § 160.076–25 b. In paragraph (a), remove the words ‘‘A Type I approved’’ and add, in their place, the word ‘‘Approved’’, and remove the second use of the word ‘‘or’’; ■ c. In paragraph (b), remove the words ‘‘a Type V approved’’ and add, in their place, the word ‘‘Approved’’; and ■ d. Revise paragraph (c) to read as follows: ■ Jkt 229001 BILLING CODE 9110–04–P FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION 47 CFR Part 32 [CC Docket Nos. 00–199 and 99–301; DA 13–1617] Parties Asked To Refresh the Record Regarding Property Records for Rateof-Return Carriers Federal Communications Commission. ACTION: Proposed rule; request for additional comments. AGENCY: In this document, the Commission seeks comment to update the record in a 2001 pending rulemaking to assess whether there are changes the Commission can make to the property record rules that would reduce record-keeping burdens for rateof-return carriers in light of regulatory and marketplace changes that have occurred since 2001. DATES: Comments are due on or before September 13, 2013. Reply Comments are due on or before September 30, 2013. SUMMARY: You may submit comments identified by CC Docket Nos. 00–199 and 99–301 by any of the following methods: D Federal Communications Commission’s Web site: https:// fjallfoss.fcc.gov/ecfs2/. Follow the instructions for submitting comments. D People with Disabilities: Contact the FCC to request reasonable accommodations (accessible format documents, sign language interpreters, ADDRESSES: PO 00000 Frm 00047 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 CART, etc.) by email: FCC504@fcc.gov or phone: 202–418–0530 or TTY: 202– 418–0432. For detailed instructions for submitting comments and additional information on the rulemaking process, see the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section of this document. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Marvin F. Sacks, Wireline Competition Bureau, Pricing Policy Division, (202) 418–1520 or (202) 418–0484 (TTY), or via email Marvin.Sacks@fcc.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Pursuant to §§ 1.415 and 1.419 of the Commission’s rules, 47 CFR 1.415, 1.419, interested parties may file comments and reply comments on or before the dates indicated on the first page of this document. Comments may be filed using the Commission’s Electronic Comment Filing System (ECFS). See Electronic Filing of Documents in Rulemaking Proceedings, 63 FR 24121, May 1, 1998. D Electronic Filers: Comments may be filed electronically using the Internet by accessing the ECFS: https:// fjallfoss.fcc.gov/ecfs2/. D Paper Filers: Parties who choose to file by paper must file an original and one copy of each filing. If more than one docket or rulemaking number appears in the caption of this proceeding, filers must submit two additional copies for each additional docket or rulemaking number. Filings can be sent by hand or messenger delivery, by commercial overnight courier, or by first-class or overnight U.S. Postal Service mail. All filings must be addressed to the Commission’s Secretary, Office of the Secretary, Federal Communications Commission. Æ All hand-delivered or messengerdelivered paper filings for the Commission’s Secretary must be delivered to FCC Headquarters at 445 12th Street SW., Room TW–A325, Washington, DC 20554. The filing hours are 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. All hand deliveries must be held together with rubber bands or fasteners. Any envelopes and boxes must be disposed of before entering the building. Æ Commercial overnight mail (other than U.S. Postal Service Express Mail and Priority Mail) must be sent to 9300 East Hampton Drive, Capitol Heights, MD 20743. Æ U.S. Postal Service first-class, Express, and Priority mail must be addressed to 445 12th Street SW., Washington, DC 20554. People with Disabilities: To request materials in accessible formats for people with disabilities (braille, large E:\FR\FM\14AUP1.SGM 14AUP1 Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 157 / Wednesday, August 14, 2013 / Proposed Rules tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS print, electronic files, audio format), send an email to fcc504@fcc.gov or call the Consumer & Governmental Affairs Bureau at 202–418–0530 (voice), 202– 418–0432 (tty). The proceeding this Notice initiates shall be treated as a ‘‘permit-butdisclose’’ proceeding in accordance with the Commission’s ex parte rules. Persons making ex parte presentations must file a copy of any written presentation or a memorandum summarizing any oral presentation within two business days after the presentation (unless a different deadline applicable to the Sunshine period applies). Persons making oral ex parte presentations are reminded that memoranda summarizing the presentation must (1) list all persons attending or otherwise participating in the meeting at which the ex parte presentation was made, and (2) summarize all data presented and arguments made during the presentation. If the presentation consisted in whole or in part of the presentation of data or arguments already reflected in the presenter’s written comments, memoranda or other filings in the proceeding, the presenter may provide citations to such data or arguments in his or her prior comments, memoranda, or other filings (specifying the relevant page and/or paragraph numbers where such data or arguments can be found) in lieu of summarizing them in the memorandum. Documents shown or given to Commission staff during ex parte meetings are deemed to be written ex parte presentations and must be filed consistent with rule 1.1206(b). In proceedings governed by rule 1.49(f) or for which the Commission has made available a method of electronic filing, written ex parte presentations and memoranda summarizing oral ex parte presentations, and all attachments thereto, must be filed through the electronic comment filing system available for that proceeding, and must be filed in their native format (e.g., .doc, .xml, .ppt, searchable .pdf). Participants in this proceeding should familiarize themselves with the Commission’s ex parte rules. I. Synopsis of Public Notice Seeking Additional Comment in Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking 1. On May 10, 2013, the Commission adopted the USTelecom Forbearance Long Order, WC Docket No. 12–61 et. al, 28 FCC Rcd 7627, FCC 13–69 (2013). It granted conditional forbearance from section 32.2000(e) and (f) (‘‘property record rules’’) to price cap carriers. However, it denied forbearance from VerDate Mar<15>2010 16:04 Aug 13, 2013 Jkt 229001 those rules to rate-of-return carriers because, among other things, it concluded that property records enable the Commission to verify the accuracy of such carriers’ costs, which impacts the reasonableness of their rates. However, in an effort to obtain a record sufficient to assess whether further Commission action on property records was proper, it sought to update the record received on those issues in an earlier, pending rulemaking on accounting and reporting matters. In that rulemaking, 2000 Biennial Regulatory Review, Comprehensive Review of the Accounting Requirements and ARMIS Reporting Requirements for Incumbent Local Exchange Carriers: Phase 2; Amendments to the Uniform System of Accounts for Interconnection, Jurisdictional Separations Reform and Referral to the Federal-State Joint Board, Local Competition and Broadband Reporting, 67 FR 5704, Feb. 6, 2002 (Property Records FNPRM), the Commission sought comment on ‘‘alternative approaches to streamline our [property records] rules.’’ 2. In the USTelecom Forbearance Long Order, the Commission decided to refresh the record to assist in determining ‘‘whether there are changes we can make to our property records rules that would reduce record-keeping burdens for rate-of-return carriers by focusing on substantial assets and investments while maintaining sufficiently detailed records for the Commission’s needs.’’ The Commission noted that there have been ‘‘significant regulatory and marketplace changes [that] have occurred’’ since 2001 when the Commission adopted the Property Records FNPRM. Therefore, the Commission directed the Wireline Competition Bureau to release a Public Notice, which the Commission did in DA 13–1617, requesting parties to comment on property records issues as they relate to rate-of-return carriers in light of such changes, including the USTelecom Forbearance Long Order. 3. Consistent with the objective in the Property Records FNPRM noted above and the Commission’s stated intent in the USTelecom Forbearance Long Order to examine what changes to the property records rules would reduce recordkeeping burdens for rate-of-return carriers, we request comment on the feasibility of alternative approaches to property records requirements in rules 32.2000(e) and (f). We ask that parties suggesting alternatives: (1) Identify from which sections and subsections of rules 32.2000(e) and (f) are ‘‘more burdensome than necessary;’’ (2) Explain how rate-of-return carriers presently comply with property record PO 00000 Frm 00048 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 49421 requirements, describe the current burdens with specific costs if possible, and provide a cost-benefit analysis of any proposed rule changes; (3) Propose changes to the rules, including clearly stating which subsections should be deleted or modified, and if so, in what manner; (4) Explain how their alternative proposals would achieve the Commission’s objectives to ensure just and reasonable rates and compliance with its universal service rules, and would provide adequate property record information in support of any requests for waiver of Commission rules; and (5) Explain how any changes to the rules would continue to allow independent auditors to reconcile property records to the carriers’ general ledgers and provide audit assurance that carriers are meeting regulatory accounting requirements. 4. With respect to the third point above, we request specific examples of the level of detail and type of information that should be maintained, and what information is of limited or no value to achieving the Commission’s objectives. If there are examples of less burdensome property record rules that are applicable to regulated companies in other industries, we seek more information about these rules and whether they could be applied to rateof-return carriers in the telecommunications industry. Further, we seek comment on alternative approaches, including whether and how possible changes to retirement units might reduce record-keeping burdens. We note that the current rules allow for some flexibility in the maintenance of property records. For example, section 32.2000(f)(2) states that companies may request a revision to the list of retirement units used in the basic property records, or exemption from the retirement units previously used. Therefore, we seek input on how our rules on retirement units might be changed to ease the record-keeping burden. 5. With regard to the fourth point above, we request that parties suggesting alternatives to our present requirements explain in detail how rate-of-return carriers would maintain property records going forward under any new system in a manner that would enable the Commission to satisfy its statutory responsibility to ensure just and reasonable rates, particularly considering that rate-of-return carriers’ rates are directly tied to the cost of their investment. For example, would the conditional forbearance we granted to price cap carriers in the USTelecom Forbearance Long Order enable the Commission to satisfy this statutory obligation for rate-of-return carriers? We E:\FR\FM\14AUP1.SGM 14AUP1 49422 Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 157 / Wednesday, August 14, 2013 / Proposed Rules also request that commenters address how such alternatives would be sufficient to verify expenditures that are supported under the universal service high-cost program rules. We also generally ask parties to demonstrate how their alternative approach would satisfy basic requirements of property records. 6. The USTelecom Forbearance Long Order sought comments and reply comments refreshing the record 30 days and 45 days, respectively, after the accompanying Report and Order eliminating CEI/ONA narrowband reporting requirements was published in the Federal Register, 78 FR 39617, July 2, 2013. Thus the comment deadline would have been Aug. 1, 2013 and the reply comment deadline would have been Aug. 16, 2013. To ensure all interested parties have a sufficient opportunity to consider and respond to the issues identified above, comment and reply comments dates were extended in the Public Notice to 30 days and 45 days after this Federal Register document is published. The new comment due dates are set forth under the DATES section above. II. Procedural Matters A. Paperwork Reduction Act Analysis 7. Document DA 13–1617 does not contain proposed information collection requirements subject to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, Public Law 104– 13. In addition, therefore, it does not contain any proposed information collection burden ‘‘for small business concerns with fewer than 25 employees,’’ pursuant to the Small Business Paperwork Relief Act of 2002, Public Law 107–198. See 44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(4). However, the original notice in this proceeding contained information collections subject to the PRA. We invite updated comments on the information collections proposed in this docket. tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS B. Initial Regulatory Flexibility Analysis 8. As discussed above, this Public Notice asks parties to refresh the record in the Property Records FNPRM proceeding with respect to the property records rules for rate-of-return carriers. The Initial Regulatory Flexibility Analysis for that proceeding is found at Appendix H of the Property Records FNPRM. We invite comment on the IRFA in light of developments since the issuance of the original IRFA. 9. For further information, please contact Marvin F. Sacks, Wireline Competition Bureau, Pricing Policy Division, at (202) 418–1520 or via email at Marvin.Sacks@fcc.gov. VerDate Mar<15>2010 16:04 Aug 13, 2013 Jkt 229001 Federal Communications Commission. Elizabeth McIntyre, Deputy Division Chief, Pricing Policy Division, Wireline Competition Bureau. [FR Doc. 2013–19762 Filed 8–13–13; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6712–01–P DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Fish and Wildlife Service or questions concerning this finding to the above street address. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Richard C. Nelson, Field Supervisor, Rock Island Field Office (see ADDRESSES); by telephone at 309–757– 5800; or by facsimile at 309–757–5807. If you use a telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD), please call the Federal Information Relay Service (FIRS) at 800–877–8339. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 50 CFR Part 17 Background [Docket No. FWS–R3–ES–2013–0089; 4500030113] Section 4(b)(3)(B) of the Act (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.) requires that, for any petition to revise the Federal Lists of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants that contains substantial scientific or commercial information that listing a species may be warranted, we make a finding within 12 months of the date of receipt of the petition. In this finding, we will determine that the petitioned action is: (1) Not warranted; (2) warranted; or (3) warranted, but the immediate proposal of a regulation implementing the petitioned action is precluded by other pending proposals to determine whether species are endangered or threatened, and expeditious progress is being made to add or remove qualified species from the Federal Lists of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants. Section 4(b)(3)(C) of the Act requires that we treat a petition for which the requested action is found to be warranted but precluded as though resubmitted on the date of such finding, that is, requiring a subsequent finding to be made within 12 months. We must publish these 12month findings in the Federal Register. Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; 12-Month Finding on a Petition to List the Rattlesnake-Master Borer Moth (Papaipema eryngii) as an Endangered or Threatened Species Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior. ACTION: Notice of 12-month petition finding. AGENCY: We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce a 12-month finding on a petition to list the rattlesnake-master borer moth (Papaipema eryngii) as an endangered or a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). After review of the best available scientific and commercial information, we find that listing the rattlesnake-master borer moth is warranted. Currently, however, listing the rattlesnake-master borer moth is precluded by higher priority actions to amend the Lists of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants. Upon publication of this 12-month petition finding, we will add the rattlesnakemaster borer moth to our candidate species list. We will develop a proposed rule to list the rattlesnake-master borer moth as our priorities allow. In any interim period, we will address the status of the candidate taxon through our annual Candidate Notice of Review (CNOR). DATES: The finding announced in this document was made on August 14, 2013. SUMMARY: This finding is available on the Internet at https:// www.regulations.gov at Docket Number FWS–R3–ES–2013–0089. Supporting documentation we used in preparing this finding is available for public inspection, by appointment, during normal business hours at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 1511 47th Ave, Moline, IL 61265. Please submit any new information, materials, comments, ADDRESSES: PO 00000 Frm 00049 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 Previous Federal Actions On June 25, 2007, we received a formal petition dated June 18, 2007, from Forest Guardians (now WildEarth Guardians), requesting that the rattlesnake-master borer moth be listed as either endangered or threatened under the Act with critical habitat. The petitioner incorporated into the petition all analyses, references, and documentation provided by NatureServe in its online database at https://www.natureserve.org/. The petition clearly identified itself as a petition and included the appropriate identification information, as required in 50 CFR 424.14(a). We sent a letter to the petitioner dated July 11, 2007, acknowledging receipt of the petition and stating that the petition was under review by staff in our Southwest Regional Office. On March 19, 2008, WildEarth Guardians filed a complaint indicating that the Service failed to E:\FR\FM\14AUP1.SGM 14AUP1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 157 (Wednesday, August 14, 2013)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 49420-49422]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-19762]


=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION

47 CFR Part 32

[CC Docket Nos. 00-199 and 99-301; DA 13-1617]


Parties Asked To Refresh the Record Regarding Property Records 
for Rate-of-Return Carriers

AGENCY: Federal Communications Commission.

ACTION: Proposed rule; request for additional comments.

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

SUMMARY: In this document, the Commission seeks comment to update the 
record in a 2001 pending rulemaking to assess whether there are changes 
the Commission can make to the property record rules that would reduce 
record-keeping burdens for rate-of-return carriers in light of 
regulatory and marketplace changes that have occurred since 2001.

DATES: Comments are due on or before September 13, 2013. Reply Comments 
are due on or before September 30, 2013.

ADDRESSES: You may submit comments identified by CC Docket Nos. 00-199 
and 99-301 by any of the following methods:
    [ssquf] Federal Communications Commission's Web site: https://fjallfoss.fcc.gov/ecfs2/. Follow the instructions for submitting 
comments.
    [ssquf] People with Disabilities: Contact the FCC to request 
reasonable accommodations (accessible format documents, sign language 
interpreters, CART, etc.) by email: FCC504@fcc.gov or phone: 202-418-
0530 or TTY: 202-418-0432.
    For detailed instructions for submitting comments and additional 
information on the rulemaking process, see the SUPPLEMENTARY 
INFORMATION section of this document.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Marvin F. Sacks, Wireline Competition 
Bureau, Pricing Policy Division, (202) 418-1520 or (202) 418-0484 
(TTY), or via email Marvin.Sacks@fcc.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Pursuant to Sec. Sec.  1.415 and 1.419 of 
the Commission's rules, 47 CFR 1.415, 1.419, interested parties may 
file comments and reply comments on or before the dates indicated on 
the first page of this document. Comments may be filed using the 
Commission's Electronic Comment Filing System (ECFS). See Electronic 
Filing of Documents in Rulemaking Proceedings, 63 FR 24121, May 1, 
1998.
    [ssquf] Electronic Filers: Comments may be filed electronically 
using the Internet by accessing the ECFS: https://fjallfoss.fcc.gov/ecfs2/.
    [ssquf] Paper Filers: Parties who choose to file by paper must file 
an original and one copy of each filing. If more than one docket or 
rulemaking number appears in the caption of this proceeding, filers 
must submit two additional copies for each additional docket or 
rulemaking number.
    Filings can be sent by hand or messenger delivery, by commercial 
overnight courier, or by first-class or overnight U.S. Postal Service 
mail. All filings must be addressed to the Commission's Secretary, 
Office of the Secretary, Federal Communications Commission.
    [cir] All hand-delivered or messenger-delivered paper filings for 
the Commission's Secretary must be delivered to FCC Headquarters at 445 
12th Street SW., Room TW-A325, Washington, DC 20554. The filing hours 
are 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. All hand deliveries must be held together 
with rubber bands or fasteners. Any envelopes and boxes must be 
disposed of before entering the building.
    [cir] Commercial overnight mail (other than U.S. Postal Service 
Express Mail and Priority Mail) must be sent to 9300 East Hampton 
Drive, Capitol Heights, MD 20743.
    [cir] U.S. Postal Service first-class, Express, and Priority mail 
must be addressed to 445 12th Street SW., Washington, DC 20554.
    People with Disabilities: To request materials in accessible 
formats for people with disabilities (braille, large

[[Page 49421]]

print, electronic files, audio format), send an email to fcc504@fcc.gov 
or call the Consumer & Governmental Affairs Bureau at 202-418-0530 
(voice), 202-418-0432 (tty).
    The proceeding this Notice initiates shall be treated as a 
``permit-but-disclose'' proceeding in accordance with the Commission's 
ex parte rules. Persons making ex parte presentations must file a copy 
of any written presentation or a memorandum summarizing any oral 
presentation within two business days after the presentation (unless a 
different deadline applicable to the Sunshine period applies). Persons 
making oral ex parte presentations are reminded that memoranda 
summarizing the presentation must (1) list all persons attending or 
otherwise participating in the meeting at which the ex parte 
presentation was made, and (2) summarize all data presented and 
arguments made during the presentation. If the presentation consisted 
in whole or in part of the presentation of data or arguments already 
reflected in the presenter's written comments, memoranda or other 
filings in the proceeding, the presenter may provide citations to such 
data or arguments in his or her prior comments, memoranda, or other 
filings (specifying the relevant page and/or paragraph numbers where 
such data or arguments can be found) in lieu of summarizing them in the 
memorandum. Documents shown or given to Commission staff during ex 
parte meetings are deemed to be written ex parte presentations and must 
be filed consistent with rule 1.1206(b). In proceedings governed by 
rule 1.49(f) or for which the Commission has made available a method of 
electronic filing, written ex parte presentations and memoranda 
summarizing oral ex parte presentations, and all attachments thereto, 
must be filed through the electronic comment filing system available 
for that proceeding, and must be filed in their native format (e.g., 
.doc, .xml, .ppt, searchable .pdf). Participants in this proceeding 
should familiarize themselves with the Commission's ex parte rules.

I. Synopsis of Public Notice Seeking Additional Comment in Further 
Notice of Proposed Rulemaking

    1. On May 10, 2013, the Commission adopted the USTelecom 
Forbearance Long Order, WC Docket No. 12-61 et. al, 28 FCC Rcd 7627, 
FCC 13-69 (2013). It granted conditional forbearance from section 
32.2000(e) and (f) (``property record rules'') to price cap carriers. 
However, it denied forbearance from those rules to rate-of-return 
carriers because, among other things, it concluded that property 
records enable the Commission to verify the accuracy of such carriers' 
costs, which impacts the reasonableness of their rates. However, in an 
effort to obtain a record sufficient to assess whether further 
Commission action on property records was proper, it sought to update 
the record received on those issues in an earlier, pending rulemaking 
on accounting and reporting matters. In that rulemaking, 2000 Biennial 
Regulatory Review, Comprehensive Review of the Accounting Requirements 
and ARMIS Reporting Requirements for Incumbent Local Exchange Carriers: 
Phase 2; Amendments to the Uniform System of Accounts for 
Interconnection, Jurisdictional Separations Reform and Referral to the 
Federal-State Joint Board, Local Competition and Broadband Reporting, 
67 FR 5704, Feb. 6, 2002 (Property Records FNPRM), the Commission 
sought comment on ``alternative approaches to streamline our [property 
records] rules.''
    2. In the USTelecom Forbearance Long Order, the Commission decided 
to refresh the record to assist in determining ``whether there are 
changes we can make to our property records rules that would reduce 
record-keeping burdens for rate-of-return carriers by focusing on 
substantial assets and investments while maintaining sufficiently 
detailed records for the Commission's needs.'' The Commission noted 
that there have been ``significant regulatory and marketplace changes 
[that] have occurred'' since 2001 when the Commission adopted the 
Property Records FNPRM. Therefore, the Commission directed the Wireline 
Competition Bureau to release a Public Notice, which the Commission did 
in DA 13-1617, requesting parties to comment on property records issues 
as they relate to rate-of-return carriers in light of such changes, 
including the USTelecom Forbearance Long Order.
    3. Consistent with the objective in the Property Records FNPRM 
noted above and the Commission's stated intent in the USTelecom 
Forbearance Long Order to examine what changes to the property records 
rules would reduce record-keeping burdens for rate-of-return carriers, 
we request comment on the feasibility of alternative approaches to 
property records requirements in rules 32.2000(e) and (f). We ask that 
parties suggesting alternatives: (1) Identify from which sections and 
subsections of rules 32.2000(e) and (f) are ``more burdensome than 
necessary;'' (2) Explain how rate-of-return carriers presently comply 
with property record requirements, describe the current burdens with 
specific costs if possible, and provide a cost-benefit analysis of any 
proposed rule changes; (3) Propose changes to the rules, including 
clearly stating which subsections should be deleted or modified, and if 
so, in what manner; (4) Explain how their alternative proposals would 
achieve the Commission's objectives to ensure just and reasonable rates 
and compliance with its universal service rules, and would provide 
adequate property record information in support of any requests for 
waiver of Commission rules; and (5) Explain how any changes to the 
rules would continue to allow independent auditors to reconcile 
property records to the carriers' general ledgers and provide audit 
assurance that carriers are meeting regulatory accounting requirements.
    4. With respect to the third point above, we request specific 
examples of the level of detail and type of information that should be 
maintained, and what information is of limited or no value to achieving 
the Commission's objectives. If there are examples of less burdensome 
property record rules that are applicable to regulated companies in 
other industries, we seek more information about these rules and 
whether they could be applied to rate-of-return carriers in the 
telecommunications industry. Further, we seek comment on alternative 
approaches, including whether and how possible changes to retirement 
units might reduce record-keeping burdens. We note that the current 
rules allow for some flexibility in the maintenance of property 
records. For example, section 32.2000(f)(2) states that companies may 
request a revision to the list of retirement units used in the basic 
property records, or exemption from the retirement units previously 
used. Therefore, we seek input on how our rules on retirement units 
might be changed to ease the record-keeping burden.
    5. With regard to the fourth point above, we request that parties 
suggesting alternatives to our present requirements explain in detail 
how rate-of-return carriers would maintain property records going 
forward under any new system in a manner that would enable the 
Commission to satisfy its statutory responsibility to ensure just and 
reasonable rates, particularly considering that rate-of-return 
carriers' rates are directly tied to the cost of their investment. For 
example, would the conditional forbearance we granted to price cap 
carriers in the USTelecom Forbearance Long Order enable the Commission 
to satisfy this statutory obligation for rate-of-return carriers? We

[[Page 49422]]

also request that commenters address how such alternatives would be 
sufficient to verify expenditures that are supported under the 
universal service high-cost program rules. We also generally ask 
parties to demonstrate how their alternative approach would satisfy 
basic requirements of property records.
    6. The USTelecom Forbearance Long Order sought comments and reply 
comments refreshing the record 30 days and 45 days, respectively, after 
the accompanying Report and Order eliminating CEI/ONA narrowband 
reporting requirements was published in the Federal Register, 78 FR 
39617, July 2, 2013. Thus the comment deadline would have been Aug. 1, 
2013 and the reply comment deadline would have been Aug. 16, 2013. To 
ensure all interested parties have a sufficient opportunity to consider 
and respond to the issues identified above, comment and reply comments 
dates were extended in the Public Notice to 30 days and 45 days after 
this Federal Register document is published. The new comment due dates 
are set forth under the DATES section above.

II. Procedural Matters

A. Paperwork Reduction Act Analysis

    7. Document DA 13-1617 does not contain proposed information 
collection requirements subject to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, 
Public Law 104-13. In addition, therefore, it does not contain any 
proposed information collection burden ``for small business concerns 
with fewer than 25 employees,'' pursuant to the Small Business 
Paperwork Relief Act of 2002, Public Law 107-198. See 44 U.S.C. 
3506(c)(4). However, the original notice in this proceeding contained 
information collections subject to the PRA. We invite updated comments 
on the information collections proposed in this docket.

B. Initial Regulatory Flexibility Analysis

    8. As discussed above, this Public Notice asks parties to refresh 
the record in the Property Records FNPRM proceeding with respect to the 
property records rules for rate-of-return carriers. The Initial 
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis for that proceeding is found at 
Appendix H of the Property Records FNPRM. We invite comment on the IRFA 
in light of developments since the issuance of the original IRFA.
    9. For further information, please contact Marvin F. Sacks, 
Wireline Competition Bureau, Pricing Policy Division, at (202) 418-1520 
or via email at Marvin.Sacks@fcc.gov.

Federal Communications Commission.
Elizabeth McIntyre,
Deputy Division Chief, Pricing Policy Division, Wireline Competition 
Bureau.
[FR Doc. 2013-19762 Filed 8-13-13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6712-01-P
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