Minerals Management: Adjustment of Cost Recovery Fees, 49945-49950 [2013-20037]

Download as PDF 49945 Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 159 / Friday, August 16, 2013 / Rules and Regulations TABLE 1—GENERAL SUPERFUND SECTION State MI ..... Site name Notes (a) City/County * * * * * * * Torch Lake ................................................................................ Houghton .................................................................................. P * * * * * * * (a) * * * * P = Sites with partial deletion(s). 800–877–8339, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: [FR Doc. 2013–19759 Filed 8–15–13; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6560–50–P I. Background DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Bureau of Land Management 43 CFR Part 3000 [L13100000 PP0000 LLWO310000; L1990000 PO0000 LLWO320000] RIN 1004–AE32 Minerals Management: Adjustment of Cost Recovery Fees Bureau of Land Management, Interior. ACTION: Final rule. AGENCY: 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, 2013. 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–AE32. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Steven Wells, Chief, Division of Fluid Minerals, 202–912–7143, Mitchell Leverette, Chief, Division of Solid Minerals, 202–912–7113; 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– tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with RULES SUMMARY: VerDate Mar<15>2010 17:24 Aug 15, 2013 Jkt 229001 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. II. Discussion of Final Rule The BLM publishes a fee update rule each year, which becomes effective on PO 00000 Frm 00043 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 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 2011 to the 4th Quarter of 2012, 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, 30 fees will remain the same and 18 fees will increase. Nine of the fee increases will amount to $5 each. The largest increase, $55, will be applied to the fee for adjudicating a mineral patent application containing more than 10 claims, which will increase from $2,940 to $2,995. The fee for adjudicating a patent application containing 10 or fewer claims will increase by $25—from $1,470 to $1,495. In this rule, we will correct the title given in the table for 43 CFR part 3730. The title used in prior rules, ‘‘Multiple Use, Mining,’’ is actually the title for Group 3700, the group of regulations that includes part 3730. The specific title for part 3730, in which the fee for a notice of protest of placer mining operations is found at 43 CFR 3736.2(b), is ‘‘Public Law 359; Mining in Powersite Withdrawals: General.’’ This is a technical revision that has no substantive effect. The calculations that resulted in the new fees are included in the table below: E:\FR\FM\16AUR1.SGM 16AUR1 49946 Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 159 / Friday, August 16, 2013 / Rules and Regulations FIXED COST RECOVERY FEES FY14 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 ........................... $ 390 150 $ 390.65 151.60 $ 7.19 2.79 $ 397.84 154.39 $ 400 155 85 10 87.46 11.66 1.61 0.21 89.07 11.87 90 10 205 430 390 75 390 25 25 204.06 431.46 390.65 75.79 390.65 .......................... .......................... 3.75 7.94 7.19 1.39 7.19 ........................ ........................ 207.81 439.40 397.84 77.18 397.84 .......................... .......................... 210 440 400 75 400 6 25 7 25 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 ............................. 390 150 390.65 151.60 7.19 2.79 397.84 154.39 400 155 85 87.46 1.61 89.07 90 205 430 75 110 0.11 60 60 204.06 431.46 75.79 109.15 0.10915 58.30 58.30 3.75 7.94 1.39 2.01 0.00201 1.07 1.07 207.81 439.40 77.18 111.16 0.11116 59.37 59.37 210 440 75 110 0.11 60 60 11.87 326.58 65.33 10 325 65 35.63 65.33 106.88 29.70 510.67 29.70 29.70 29.70 29.70 29.70 35 65 105 30 510 30 30 30 30 30 11.87 10 Coal (parts 3400, 3470) License to mine application ............................................. Exploration license application ........................................ Lease or lease interest transfer ....................................... 10 320 65 11.66 320.68 64.15 0.21 5.90 1.18 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 34.99 64.15 104.95 29.16 501.44 29.16 29.16 29.16 29.16 29.16 0.64 1.18 1.93 0.54 9.23 0.54 0.54 0.54 0.54 0.54 Public Law 359; Mining in Powersite Withdrawals: General (part 3730) Notice of protest of placer mining operations .................. 10 11.66 0.21 tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with RULES 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 .............................................................................. VerDate Mar<15>2010 17:24 Aug 15, 2013 Jkt 229001 PO 00000 Frm 00044 10 15 10 10 10 105 11.66 17.48 11.66 11.66 11.66 104.95 0.21 0.32 0.21 0.21 0.21 1.93 11.87 17.80 11.87 11.87 11.87 106.88 10 20 10 10 10 105 30 29.16 0.54 29.70 30 2,940 1,470 105 65 2,938.65 1,469.31 104.95 64.15 54.07 27.04 1.93 1.18 2,992.72 1,496.35 106.88 65.33 2,995 1,495 105 65 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\16AUR1.SGM 16AUR1 Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 159 / Friday, August 16, 2013 / Rules and Regulations 49947 FIXED COST RECOVERY FEES FY14—Continued Existing fee 1 Document/Action Existing value 2 IPD–GDP Increase 3 New value 4 New fee 5 Oil Shale Management (parts 3900, 3910, 3930) Exploration license application ........................................ Application for assignment or sublease of record title or overriding royalty .......................................................... 310 307.58 5.66 313.24 315 65 62.56 1.15 63.71 65 1 The Existing Fee was established by the 2012 (Fiscal Year 2013) cost recovery fee update rule published September 10, 2012 (77 FR 55420), effective October 1, 2012. 2 The Existing Value is the figure from the New Value column in the previous year’s rule. 3 From 4th Quarter 2011 to 4th Quarter 2012, the IPD–GDP increased by 1.84 percent. The value in the IPD–GDP Increase column is 1.84 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 2014 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 26, 2013). 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 tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with RULES Regulatory Planning and Review (Executive Order 12866) This document is not a significant rule and the Office of Management and 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 VerDate Mar<15>2010 17:24 Aug 15, 2013 Jkt 229001 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 applies 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 PO 00000 Frm 00045 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 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 18 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 30 documents relating to the BLM’s minerals programs. The highest adjustment, in dollar terms, is for adjudications of mineral patent applications involving E:\FR\FM\16AUR1.SGM 16AUR1 49948 Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 159 / Friday, August 16, 2013 / Rules and Regulations more than 10 mining claims, which will be increased by $55. 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. tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with RULES 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; VerDate Mar<15>2010 17:24 Aug 15, 2013 Jkt 229001 (2) 1004–0137 which expires October 31, 2014; (3) 1004–0162 which expires July 31, 2015; (4) 1004–0185 which expires December 31, 2015; Geothermal (5) 1004–0132 which expires December 31, 2013; Coal (6) 1004–0073 which expires August 31, 2013, renewal pending; Mining Claims (7) 1004–0025 which expires March 31, 2016; (8) 1004–0114 which expires August 31, 2013; and Leasing of Solid Minerals Other Than Oil Shale (9) 1004–0121 which expires March 31, 2016. 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. 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) regulations and the environmental policies and procedures of the PO 00000 Frm 00046 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 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 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. E:\FR\FM\16AUR1.SGM 16AUR1 Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 159 / Friday, August 16, 2013 / Rules and Regulations Author The principal author of this rule is Faith Bremner of the Division of Regulatory Affairs, Bureau of Land Management. § 3000.12 What is the fee schedule for fixed fees? PART 3000—MINERALS MANAGEMENT: GENERAL 1. The authority citation for part 3000 continues to read as follows: ■ List of Subjects in 43 CFR Part 3000 Public lands—mineral resources, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements. 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. Tommy P. Beaudreau, Acting Assistant Secretary, Land and Minerals Management. Subpart 3000—General For reasons stated in the preamble, the Bureau of Land Management amends 43 CFR Chapter II as follows: 2. Amend § 3000.12 by revising paragraph (a) to read as follows: ■ (a) The table in this section shows the fixed fees that you must pay to the BLM for the services listed for Fiscal Year 2014. 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 2014 PROCESSING AND FILING FEE TABLE Document/action FY 2014 fee 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 ...................................................................................................................... $400 155 90 10 210 440 400 75 400 25 25 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 ........................................................................................................................ 400 155 90 210 440 75 110 0.11 60 60 Coal (parts 3400, 3470) License to mine application ........................................................................................................................................ Exploration license application .................................................................................................................................... Lease or lease interest transfer .................................................................................................................................. 10 325 65 Leasing of Solid Minerals Other Than Coal and Oil Shale (parts 3500, 3580) tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with RULES 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 30 510 30 30 30 30 30 Public Law 359; Mining in Powersite Withdrawals: General (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 .......................................................................................................................... VerDate Mar<15>2010 17:24 Aug 15, 2013 Jkt 229001 PO 00000 Frm 00047 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 49949 E:\FR\FM\16AUR1.SGM 16AUR1 10 49950 Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 159 / Friday, August 16, 2013 / Rules and Regulations FY 2014 PROCESSING AND FILING FEE TABLE—Continued Document/action FY 2014 fee 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 ......................................................................................................................................................................... 20 10 10 10 105 30 2,995 (more than 10 claims) 1,495 (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 .............................................................. 315 65 * 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. * * * * Chief, Recovery Directorate, Federal Emergency Management Agency, 500 C Street SW., Washington, DC, 20472– 3100, Phone: (202) 212–2340 or Email: william.roche@fema.dhs.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: * [FR Doc. 2013–20037 Filed 8–15–13; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310–84–P DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY Table of Abbreviations Federal Emergency Management Agency 44 CFR Part 206 [Docket ID: FEMA–2013–0015] RIN 1660–AA79 Dispute Resolution Pilot Program for Public Assistance Appeals Federal Emergency Management Agency, DHS. ACTION: Final rule. AGENCY: Section 1105 of the Sandy Recovery Improvement Act of 2013 directs FEMA to establish a nationwide Dispute Resolution Pilot Program (DRPP) in order to facilitate an efficient recovery from major disasters, including arbitration by an independent review panel, to resolve disputes relating to Public Assistance projects. This final rule establishes an option for arbitration under the Public Assistance Program administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The option allows applicants to file for arbitration, instead of a second appeal under FEMA’s current Public Assistance Program. The requests for review under the DRPP must be submitted by December 31, 2015. This final rule provides the procedures and the standard of review that FEMA will apply under the arbitration option. DATES: Effective Date: August 16, 2013. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: William Roche, Infrastructure Branch tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with RULES SUMMARY: VerDate Mar<15>2010 17:24 Aug 15, 2013 Jkt 229001 APA—Administrative Procedure Act ARRA—American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 CFR—Code of Federal Regulations DRPP—Dispute Resolution Pilot Program EA—Environmental Assessment EIS—Environmental Impact Statement FEMA—Federal Emergency Management Agency NEPA—National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 OMB—Office of Management and Budget PRA—Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 RFA—Regulatory Flexibility Act SRIA—Sandy Recovery Improvement Act of 2013 Stafford Act—Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, as amended Table of Contents I. Executive Summary A. Purpose of the Regulatory Action 1. Need for the Regulatory Action 2. Legal Authority for the Regulatory Action B. Summary of the Major Provisions of the Regulatory Action C. Summary of Costs and Benefits II. Background A. Sandy Recovery Improvement Act of 2013 B. Public Assistance Process for Project Approval C. Public Assistance Appeal Process under 44 CFR 206.206 III. Discussion of the Rule A. Scope B. Definitions C. Applicability D. Governing Rules E. Limitations F. Request for Arbitration PO 00000 Frm 00048 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 G. Administrative Record H. Submissions Related to Arbitration I. Selection of Panel J. Challenge of Arbitrator(s) K. Preliminary Administrative Conference L. Jurisdictional and Arbitrability Challenges M. Hearing N. Standard of Review O. Ex Parte Communications P. Decision Q. Costs R. Frivolous Requests S. Deadline IV. Regulatory Analyses A. Administrative Procedure Act B. Executive Order 12866, Regulatory Planning and Review and Executive Order 13563, Improving Regulation and Regulatory Review C. Regulatory Flexibility Act D. Unfunded Mandates Reform Act E. Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) of 1995 F. National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969 G. Executive Order 13175, Consultation and Coordination With Indian Tribal Governments H. Executive Order 13132, Federalism I. Executive Order 12630, Taking of Private Property J. Executive Order 12898, Environmental Justice K. Executive Order 12988, Civil Justice Reform L. Executive Order 13045, Protection of Children From Environmental Health Risks and Safety Risks M. Congressional Review Act I. Executive Summary A. Purpose of the Regulatory Action This section provides a concise description of the major provisions in this final rule. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) also provides a summary of the costs and benefits of this final rule in this section. E:\FR\FM\16AUR1.SGM 16AUR1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 159 (Friday, August 16, 2013)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 49945-49950]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-20037]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Bureau of Land Management

43 CFR Part 3000

[L13100000 PP0000 LLWO310000; L1990000 PO0000 LLWO320000]
RIN 1004-AE32


Minerals Management: Adjustment of Cost Recovery Fees

AGENCY: Bureau of Land Management, Interior.

ACTION: Final rule.

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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, 2013.

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-AE32.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Steven Wells, Chief, Division of Fluid 
Minerals, 202-912-7143, Mitchell Leverette, Chief, Division of Solid 
Minerals, 202-912-7113; 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.

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 2011 to the 
4th Quarter of 2012, 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, 30 fees will remain the same and 18 fees will 
increase. Nine of the fee increases will amount to $5 each. The largest 
increase, $55, will be applied to the fee for adjudicating a mineral 
patent application containing more than 10 claims, which will increase 
from $2,940 to $2,995. The fee for adjudicating a patent application 
containing 10 or fewer claims will increase by $25--from $1,470 to 
$1,495.
    In this rule, we will correct the title given in the table for 43 
CFR part 3730. The title used in prior rules, ``Multiple Use, Mining,'' 
is actually the title for Group 3700, the group of regulations that 
includes part 3730. The specific title for part 3730, in which the fee 
for a notice of protest of placer mining operations is found at 43 CFR 
3736.2(b), is ``Public Law 359; Mining in Powersite Withdrawals: 
General.'' This is a technical revision that has no substantive effect.
    The calculations that resulted in the new fees are included in the 
table below:

[[Page 49946]]



                                          Fixed Cost Recovery Fees FY14
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                   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           $ 390     $ 390.65             $ 7.19     $ 397.84              $ 400
Competitive lease application...             150       151.60               2.79       154.39                155
Assignment and transfer of                    85        87.46               1.61        89.07                 90
 record title or operating
 rights.........................
Overriding royalty transfer,                  10        11.66               0.21        11.87                 10
 payment out of production......
Name change, corporate merger or             205       204.06               3.75       207.81                210
 transfer to heir/devisee.......
Lease consolidation.............             430       431.46               7.94       439.40                440
Lease renewal or exchange.......             390       390.65               7.19       397.84                400
Lease reinstatement, Class I....              75        75.79               1.39        77.18                 75
Leasing under right-of-way......             390       390.65               7.19       397.84                400
Geophysical exploration permit                25  ..............  ..............  ..............          \6\ 25
 application--Alaska............
Renewal of exploration permit--               25  ..............  ..............  ..............          \7\ 25
 Alaska.........................
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                             Geothermal (part 3200)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Noncompetitive lease application             390       390.65               7.19       397.84                400
Competitive lease application...             150       151.60               2.79       154.39                155
Assignment and transfer of                    85        87.46               1.61        89.07                 90
 record title or operating
 rights.........................
Name change, corporate merger or             205       204.06               3.75       207.81                210
 transfer to heir/devisee.......
Lease consolidation.............             430       431.46               7.94       439.40                440
Lease reinstatement.............              75        75.79               1.39        77.18                 75
Nomination of lands:............             110       109.15               2.01       111.16                110
    plus per acre nomination fee            0.11         0.10915         0.00201         0.11116            0.11
Site license application........              60        58.30               1.07        59.37                 60
Assignment or transfer of site                60        58.30               1.07        59.37                 60
 license........................
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                             Coal (parts 3400, 3470)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
License to mine application.....              10        11.66               0.21        11.87                 10
Exploration license application.             320       320.68               5.90       326.58                325
Lease or lease interest transfer              65        64.15               1.18        65.33                 65
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                   Leasing of Solid Minerals Other Than Coal and Oil Shale (parts 3500, 3580)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Applications other than those                 35        34.99               0.64        35.63                 35
 listed below...................
Prospecting permit application                65        64.15               1.18        65.33                 65
 amendment......................
Extension of prospecting permit.             105       104.95               1.93       106.88                105
Lease modification or fringe                  30        29.16               0.54        29.70                 30
 acreage lease..................
Lease renewal...................             500       501.44               9.23       510.67                510
Assignment, sublease, or                      30        29.16               0.54        29.70                 30
 transfer of operating rights...
Transfer of overriding royalty..              30        29.16               0.54        29.70                 30
Use permit......................              30        29.16               0.54        29.70                 30
Shasta and Trinity hardrock                   30        29.16               0.54        29.70                 30
 mineral lease..................
Renewal of existing sand and                  30        29.16               0.54        29.70                 30
 gravel lease in Nevada.........
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                      Public Law 359; Mining in Powersite Withdrawals: General (part 3730)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Notice of protest of placer                   10        11.66               0.21        11.87                 10
 mining operations..............
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                      Mining Law Administration (parts 3800, 3810, 3830, 3850, 3860, 3870)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Application to open lands to                  10        11.66               0.21        11.87                 10
 location.......................
Notice of location..............              15        17.48               0.32        17.80                 20
Amendment of location...........              10        11.66               0.21        11.87                 10
Transfer of mining claim/site...              10        11.66               0.21        11.87                 10
Recording an annual FLPMA filing              10        11.66               0.21        11.87                 10
Deferment of assessment work....             105       104.95               1.93       106.88                105
Recording a notice of intent to               30        29.16               0.54        29.70                 30
 locate mining claims on
 Stockraising Homestead Act
 lands..........................
Mineral patent adjudication:
    (more than 10 claims).......           2,940     2,938.65              54.07     2,992.72              2,995
    (10 or fewer claims)........           1,470     1,469.31              27.04     1,496.35              1,495
Adverse claim...................             105       104.95               1.93       106.88                105
Protest.........................              65        64.15               1.18        65.33                 65
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[[Page 49947]]

 
                                  Oil Shale Management (parts 3900, 3910, 3930)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Exploration license application.             310       307.58               5.66       313.24                315
Application for assignment or                 65        62.56               1.15        63.71                 65
 sublease of record title or
 overriding royalty.............
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ The Existing Fee was established by the 2012 (Fiscal Year 2013) cost recovery fee update rule published
  September 10, 2012 (77 FR 55420), effective October 1, 2012.
\2\ The Existing Value is the figure from the New Value column in the previous year's rule.
\3\ From 4th Quarter 2011 to 4th Quarter 2012, the IPD-GDP increased by 1.84 percent. The value in the IPD-GDP
  Increase column is 1.84 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 2014 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 26, 2013).

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 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 applies 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 18 
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 30 documents relating to the BLM's minerals programs. The 
highest adjustment, in dollar terms, is for adjudications of mineral 
patent applications involving

[[Page 49948]]

more than 10 mining claims, which will be increased by $55. 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 December 31, 2015;
Geothermal
    (5) 1004-0132 which expires December 31, 2013;
Coal
    (6) 1004-0073 which expires August 31, 2013, renewal pending;
Mining Claims
    (7) 1004-0025 which expires March 31, 2016;
    (8) 1004-0114 which expires August 31, 2013; and
Leasing of Solid Minerals Other Than Oil Shale
    (9) 1004-0121 which expires March 31, 2016.

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.

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) regulations 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.

[[Page 49949]]

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.

Tommy P. Beaudreau,
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 2014. 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 2014 Processing and Filing Fee Table
------------------------------------------------------------------------
        Document/action                        FY 2014 fee
------------------------------------------------------------------------
             Oil & Gas (parts 3100, 3110, 3120, 3130, 3150)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Noncompetitive lease             $400
 application.
Competitive lease application..  155
Assignment and transfer of       90
 record title or operating
 rights.
Overriding royalty transfer,     10
 payment out of production.
Name change, corporate merger    210
 or transfer to heir/devisee.
Lease consolidation............  440
Lease renewal or exchange......  400
Lease reinstatement, Class I...  75
Leasing under right-of-way.....  400
Geophysical exploration permit   25
 application--Alaska.
Renewal of exploration permit--  25
 Alaska.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                         Geothermal (part 3200)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Noncompetitive lease             400
 application.
Competitive lease application..  155
Assignment and transfer of       90
 record title or operating
 rights.
Name change, corporate merger    210
 or transfer to heir/devisee.
Lease consolidation............  440
Lease reinstatement............  75
Nomination of lands............  110
    plus per acre nomination     0.11
     fee.
Site license application.......  60
Assignment or transfer of site   60
 license.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                         Coal (parts 3400, 3470)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
License to mine application....  10
Exploration license application  325
Lease or lease interest          65
 transfer.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Leasing of Solid Minerals Other Than Coal and Oil Shale (parts 3500,
                                  3580)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Applications other than those    35
 listed below.
Prospecting permit application   65
 amendment.
Extension of prospecting permit  105
Lease modification or fringe     30
 acreage lease.
Lease renewal..................  510
Assignment, sublease, or         30
 transfer of operating rights.
Transfer of overriding royalty.  30
Use permit.....................  30
Shasta and Trinity hardrock      30
 mineral lease.
Renewal of existing sand and     30
 gravel lease in Nevada.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Public Law 359; Mining in Powersite Withdrawals: General (part 3730)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Notice of protest of placer      10
 mining operations.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Mining Law Administration (parts 3800, 3810, 3830, 3850, 3860, 3870)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Application to open lands to     10
 location.

[[Page 49950]]

 
Notice of location\*\..........  20
Amendment of location..........  10
Transfer of mining claim/site..  10
Recording an annual FLPMA        10
 filing.
Deferment of assessment work...  105
Recording a notice of intent to  30
 locate mining claims on
 Stockraising Homestead Act
 lands.
Mineral patent adjudication....  2,995 (more than 10 claims)
                                 1,495 (10 or fewer claims)
Adverse claim..................  105
Protest........................  65
------------------------------------------------------------------------
              Oil Shale Management (parts 3900, 3910, 3930)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Exploration license application  315
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. 2013-20037 Filed 8-15-13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-84-P
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