Double Hull Tanker Escorts on the Waters of Prince William Sound, Alaska, 50335-50340 [2013-20075]
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Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 160 / Monday, August 19, 2013 / Rules and Regulations
reference ASTM F406–13). In addition,
for firewalled third party conformity
assessment bodies, the firewalled third
party conformity assessment body must
be one that the Commission, by order,
has accredited on or before the time that
the children’s product was tested, even
if the order did not include ASTM
F406–13 or 16 CFR Part 1221
(incorporating by reference ASTM
F406–13) at the time of initial
Commission acceptance. For
governmental third party conformity
assessment bodies, accreditation of the
body must be accepted by the
Commission on or before the time that
the children’s product was tested, even
if the scope of accreditation did not
include ASTM F406–13 or 16 CFR Part
1221 (incorporating by reference ASTM
F406–13) at the time of initial CPSC
acceptance.
• The test results show compliance
with ASTM F406–13 or 16 CFR Part
1221 (incorporating by reference ASTM
F406–13).
• The play yard was tested on or after
May 1, 2013, the date that ASTM
approved ASTM F406–13, and before
February 19, 2014.
• The laboratory’s accreditation
remains in effect through February 19,
2014.
List of Subjects in 16 CFR Part 1221
Consumer Protection, Imports,
Incorporation by reference, Infants and
children, Labeling, Law enforcement,
Safety and toys.
Therefore, the Commission amends
Title 16 of the Code of Federal
Regulations as follows:
PART 1221—SAFETY STANDARD FOR
PLAY YARDS
Register approves this incorporation by
reference in accordance with 5 U.S.C.
552(a) and 1 CFR Part 51. You may
obtain a copy from ASTM International,
100 Bar Harbor Drive, P.O. Box 0700,
West Conshohocken, PA 19428; https://
www.astm.org. You may inspect a copy
at the Office of the Secretary, U.S.
Consumer Product Safety Commission,
Room 820, 4330 East West Highway,
Bethesda, MD 20814, telephone 301–
504–7923, or at the National Archives
and Records Administration (NARA).
For information on the availability of
this material at NARA, call 202–741–
6030, or go to: https://www.archives.gov/
federal_register/code_of_federal
regulations/ibr_locations.html.
(b) Comply with the ASTM F406–13
standard with the following exclusions:
(1) Do not comply with section 5.17
of ASTM F406–13.
(2) Do not comply with section 5.20
of ASTM F406–13.
(3) Do not comply with section 6,
Performance Requirements for RigidSided Products, of ASTM F406–13, in
its entirety.
(4) Do not comply with sections 8.1
through 8.10.5 of ASTM F406–13.
(5) Instead of complying with section
9.4.2.10 of ASTM F406–13, comply only
with the following:
(i) 9.4.2.10 For products that have a
separate mattress that is not
permanently fixed in place: Use ONLY
mattress/pad provided by manufacturer.
(ii) [Reserved]
(6) Do not comply with section
10.1.1.1 of ASTM F406–13.
Dated: August 13, 2013.
Todd A. Stevenson,
Secretary, Consumer Product Safety
Commission
[FR Doc. 2013–19964 Filed 8–16–13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6355–01–P
■
2. Revise § 1221.1 to read as follows:
§ 1221.1
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■
§ 1221.2
Requirements for play yards.
(a) Except as provided in paragraph
(b) of this section, each play yard must
comply with all applicable provisions of
ASTM F406–13, Standard Consumer
Safety Specification for Non-Full-Size
Baby Cribs/Play Yards, approved on
May 1, 2013. The Director of the Federal
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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND
SECURITY
Coast Guard
33 CFR Part 168
[Docket No. USCG–2012–0975]
RIN 1625–AB96
Double Hull Tanker Escorts on the
Waters of Prince William Sound,
Alaska
DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY
Fiscal Service
SUMMARY:
Sale and Issue of Marketable BookEntry Treasury Bills, Notes, and Bonds
3. Revise § 1221.2 to read as follows:
BILLING CODE 1505–01–D
Coast Guard, DHS.
Interim rule with request for
comments.
[Docket No. Fiscal-BPD–2013–0001]
This part establishes a consumer
product safety standard for play yards
manufactured or imported on or after
February 19, 2014.
[FR Doc. C1–2013–18178 Filed 8–16–13; 8:45 am]
ACTION:
31 CFR Part 356
Scope.
2. On the same page, in the second
column, in the sixth line from the
bottom, ‘‘a1’’ should read ‘‘ai’’.
3. On the same page, in the same
column, in the third line from the
bottom, ‘‘T1’’ should read ‘‘Ti’’.
4. On the same page, in the third
column, in the seventh line above Table
3, ‘‘0.004278267 + 0.00472818’’ should
read ‘‘0.004278267 + 0.004472818’’.
5. On page 46438, in the first column,
in the third line, ‘‘Ti-1’’ should read ‘‘Ti
¥ Ti-1’’.
6. On the same page, in the same
column, in the ninth line, ‘‘Ai = 61 ×
0.000625077 = 0.038129697’’ should
read ‘‘A1 = 61 × 0.000625077 =
0.038129697’’.
7. One the same page, in the second
column, in the fourth line, ‘‘Bi = 1 + (r
+ m) × (Ti ¥ 1)/360’’, should read ‘‘Bi
= 1 + (r + m) × (Ti ¥ Ti-1)/360’’.
8. On page 46441, in Table 6, in the
second column, in the first line, ‘‘TO ¥
T-1 = 31’’ should read ‘‘T0 ¥ T¥1 = 31’’.
9. On the same page, in the second
column, the tenth line above Table 4,
‘‘Ti-1 and T1’’ should read ‘‘Ti-1 and Ti’’.
AGENCY:
1. The authority citation for part 1221
continues to read as follows:
■
Authority: The Consumer Product Safety
Improvement Act of 2008, Pub. L. 110–314,
section 104, 122 Stat. 3016 (August 14, 2008).
50335
Correction
In rule document 2013–18178
appearing on pages 46426–46445 in the
issue of July 31, 2013, make the
following corrections:
Appendix B to Part 356 [Corrected]
1. On page 46437, in the first column,
in the third line from the bottom, ‘‘a1 =
100 × max(r + s, 0)/360’’ should read ‘‘ai
= 100 × max(r + s, 0)/360’’.
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The Coast Guard is amending
the escort requirements for certain
tankers operating on the waters of
Prince William Sound, Alaska (PWS).
This interim rule is necessary to
implement section 711 of the Coast
Guard Authorization Act of 2010 (Act),
which mandates two tug escorts for
double hull tankers over 5,000 gross
tons transporting oil in bulk in PWS.
The Act directed the Coast Guard to
promulgate interim regulations as soon
and practicable to ensure that tug escort
requirements apply to certain double
hull tankers.
DATES: This interim rule is effective
September 18, 2013. Comments and
related material must either be
submitted to our online docket via http:
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//www.regulations.gov on or before
November 18, 2013 or reach the Docket
Management Facility by that date.
ADDRESSES: You may submit comments
identified by docket number USCG–
2012–0975 using any one of the
following methods:
(1) Federal eRulemaking Portal:
https://www.regulations.gov.
(2) Fax: 202–493–2251.
(3) Mail: Docket Management Facility
(M–30), U.S. Department of
Transportation, West Building Ground
Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey
Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590–
0001.
(4) Hand delivery: Same as mail
address above, between 9 a.m. and 5
p.m., Monday through Friday, except
Federal holidays. The telephone number
is 202–366–9329.
To avoid duplication, please use only
one of these four methods. See the
‘‘Public Participation and Request for
Comments’’ portion of the
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section
below for instructions on submitting
comments.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: If
you have questions on this rule, email
or call Mr. Kevin Tone, Office of
Operating and Environmental
Standards, Coast Guard; email
Kevin.P.Tone@uscg.mil, telephone 202–
372–1441. If you have questions on
viewing or submitting material to the
docket, call Ms. Barbara Hairston,
Program Manager, Docket Operations,
telephone 202–366–9826.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
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Table of Contents for Preamble
I. Public Participation and Request for
Comments
A. Submitting Comments
B. Viewing Comments and Documents
C. Privacy Act
D. Public Meeting
II. Abbreviations
III. Regulatory History
IV. Basis and Purpose
V. Discussion of the Interim Rule
VI. Regulatory Analyses
A. Regulatory Planning and Review
B. Small Entities
C. Assistance for Small Entities
D. Collection of Information
E. Federalism
F. Unfunded Mandates Reform Act
G. Taking of Private Property
H. Civil Justice Reform
I. Protection of Children
J. Indian Tribal Governments
K. Energy Effects
L. Technical Standards
M. Environment
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A. Submitting Comments
If you submit a comment, please
include the docket number for this
rulemaking (USCG–2012–0975),
indicate the specific section of this
document to which each comment
applies, and provide a reason for each
suggestion or recommendation. You
may submit your comments and
material online, or by fax, mail or hand
delivery, but please use only one of
these means. We recommend that you
include your name and a mailing
address, an email address, or a phone
number in the body of your document
so that we can contact you if we have
questions regarding your submission.
To submit your comment online, go to
https://www.regulations.gov and insert
‘‘USCG–2012–0975’’ in the ‘‘Search’’
box. Click the ‘‘Search’’ button. Locate
the title of this rule in the search results.
Click on the ‘‘Comment Now!’’ button to
the right of the title. Complete the
required fields, include your comment,
and click on the ‘‘Submit’’ button. If you
submit your comments by mail or hand
delivery, submit them in an unbound
format, no larger than 81⁄2 by 11 inches,
suitable for copying and electronic
filing. If you submit them by mail and
would like to know that they reached
the Facility, please enclose a stamped,
self-addressed postcard or envelope. We
will consider all comments and material
received during the comment period
and may change this rule based on your
comments.
B. Viewing Comments and Documents
I. Public Participation and Request for
Comments
We encourage you to participate in
this rulemaking by submitting
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comments and related materials. All
comments received will be posted,
without change, to https://
www.regulations.gov and will include
any personal information you have
provided.
To view comments, as well as
documents mentioned in this preamble
as being available in the docket, go to
https://www.regulations.gov and insert
‘‘USCG–2012–0975’’ in the ‘‘Search’’
box. Click ‘‘Search.’’ Click the ‘‘Open
Docket Folder’’ in the ‘‘Actions’’
column. If you do not have access to the
internet, you may view the docket
online by visiting the Docket
Management Facility in Room W12–140
on the ground floor of the Department
of Transportation West Building, 1200
New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington,
DC 20590, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.,
Monday through Friday, except Federal
holidays. We have an agreement with
the Department of Transportation to use
the Docket Management Facility.
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C. Privacy Act
Anyone can search the electronic
form of comments received into any of
our dockets by the name of the
individual submitting the comment (or
signing the comment, if submitted on
behalf of an association, business, labor
union, etc.). You may review a Privacy
Act notice regarding our public dockets
in the January 17, 2008, issue of the
Federal Register (73 FR 3316).
D. Public Meeting
We do not now plan to hold a public
meeting. You may submit a request for
one to the docket using one of the
methods specified under ADDRESSES. In
your request, explain why you believe a
public meeting would be beneficial. If
we determine that one would aid this
rulemaking, we will hold one at a time
and place announced by a later notice
in the Federal Register.
II. Abbreviations
APA Administrative Procedure Act (5
U.S.C. 553)
CFR Code of Federal Regulations
DHS Department of Homeland Security
FR Federal Register
GT Gross tons
NAICS North American Industry
Classification System
NEPA National Environmental Policy Act
of 1969
NPRM Notice of proposed rulemaking
NTTAA National Technology Transfer and
Advancement Act
OPA 90 Oil Pollution Act of 1990 (Pub. L.
101–380, 104 Stat. 484)
PWS Prince William Sound, Alaska
RFA Regulatory Flexibility Act of 1980 (5
U.S.C. 601–612)
§ Section symbol
SBA Small Business Administration
U.S.C. United States Code
III. Regulatory History
The Coast Guard is issuing this
interim rule without prior notice and
opportunity to comment pursuant to
section 711 of the Coast Guard
Authorization Act of 2010 (Pub. L. 111–
281, 124 Stat. 2905)(Act) that mandates
the requirements in this rule. The Act
requires that interim regulations be
issued without notice and hearing
pursuant to section 553 of title 5 of the
United States Code. Because of this
congressional directive, publication of
an NPRM is unnecessary.
Although this interim rule will
become effective 30 days after
publication in the Federal Register, we
are issuing this rule with a request for
comments to solicit and consider
information from those entities that may
be impacted by this rule. See Section
I.A. of this rule for information
regarding the submission of comments.
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IV. Basis and Purpose
The basis of this rulemaking is section
711 of the Act. In section 711, Congress
directed the Coast Guard to revise its
regulations to require all double hull
tankers over 5,000 gross tons (GT)
transporting oil in bulk in Prince
William Sound, Alaska (PWS) to be
escorted by at least two towing vessels
or other vessels considered to be
appropriate by the Secretary. This
requirement is intended to increase the
protection of the environment and the
safety of vessels transiting PWS by
reducing the risk of groundings,
allisions or collisions when escort
vessels are readily available to assist a
tanker in distress.
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Background
Section 4116(c) of the Oil Pollution
Act of 1990 (Pub. L. 101–380, 104 Stat.
484)(OPA 90) required the two vessel
escort system for single hull tank vessels
over 5,000 GT transporting oil in bulk
in PWS. These regulations are found in
33 CFR part 168. OPA 90 also mandated
the phase-out of single hull tank vessels
by January 1, 2015, and required that
newly built tank vessels be double
hulled.
With the phase-out of the single hull
tank vessels, there would be no
requirement for any tank vessel to
maintain an escort system. Section 711
of the Act extends the escort system
requirement to double hull tank vessels
over 5,000 GT transporting oil in bulk
in PWS.
A double hull provides a tank vessel
with added protection from an oil spill
as a result of a hull breach due to a
grounding, allision or collision. While
double hull tank vessels provide greater
protection from oil spills over single
hull tank vessels, with section 711 of
the Act Congress further intended to
increase the protection of the
environment and the safety of vessels
transiting PWS.
V. Discussion of the Interim Rule
The purpose of the existing
regulations in 33 CFR part 168, Escort
Requirements for Certain Tankers, is to
reduce the risk of oil spills from laden,
single hull tankers over 5,000 GT by
requiring that these tankers be escorted
by at least two suitable escort vessels in
applicable waters. The applicable
waters are defined in § 168.40.
The requirement of two escort vessels
has contributed to a reduction in spill
incidents because the escort vessels are
immediately available to influence the
tanker’s speed and course in the event
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of a steering or propulsion equipment
failure, thereby reducing the possibility
of a grounding, allision or collision.
This interim rule amends part 168 so
that it also applies to double hull
tankers over 5,000 GT transporting oil in
PWS. This rule codifies established
industry practice for escorting double
hull tank vessels on transits in and out
of PWS.
This interim rule revises three
sections of 33 CFR part 168. We revised
§ 168.01 to make it clear that part 168
now addresses escort vessels for double
hull tankers as well as single hull
tankers. We added a definition of the
term double hull tanker to § 168.05.
Finally, this rule amends § 168.20 to
extend the applicability of part 168 to
include double hull tankers over 5,000
GT transporting oil in bulk in PWS. All
other sections of part 168, including the
escort vessel performance and
operational requirements in § 168.50,
which includes prescribed transit
speeds and other maneuvering
parameters such as directional variances
for escort vessels, remain unchanged.
With these changes, the Coast Guard is
implementing the escort vessel
requirements of section 711 of the Act.
We considered two alternatives
(including the preferred alternative) in
the development of this rule. The key
factors that we evaluated in considering
each alternative included: (1) The
degree to which the alternative
comported with the congressional
mandate in section 711 of the Act; (2)
what benefits, if any, would be derived,
such as enhancement of personal and
environmental safety and security; and
(3) cost effectiveness. The alternatives
considered are as follows:
Alternative 1: Revise 33 CFR 168 to
include double hull tankers over 5,000
GT transporting oil in bulk in PWS, but
do not revise the existing performancebased escort requirements (preferred
alternative). At present, two tug escorts
of both single and double hull tankers
is the industry practice being employed
on the waters of PWS. Implementation
of this interim rule will codify current
industry practice.
Alternative 2: Take no action. This
option was not selected as it would not
implement section 711 of the Act,
which specifically requires the Coast
Guard to issue regulations.
We also considered adding a third
escort vessel for double hull tank
vessels that transit PWS. However, this
would impose additional
disproportionate costs on double hull
tank vessel owners and operators (as
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50337
single hull tank vessels would remain
subject to the two escort requirement)
without any incremental gain in benefits
from the current industry practice of a
dual vessel escort system (i.e., no
casualties or other data indicating that
two escort vessels were insufficient).
Ultimately, we chose Alternative 1 as
the preferred alternative to make
revisions to 33 CFR part 168.
Alternative 1 satisfactorily implements
section 711 of the Act by adding two
escort vessels for each double hull
tanker transporting oil in bulk in PWS
while also retaining the performance
requirements in § 168.50 that are readily
applicable to tanker escorts regardless of
whether the tanker is single or double
hulled.
VI. Regulatory Analyses
We developed this interim rule after
considering numerous statutes and
executive orders related to rulemaking.
Below we summarize our analyses
based on these statutes or executive
orders.
A. Regulatory Planning and Review
Executive Orders 12866 (‘‘Regulatory
Planning and Review’’) and 13563
(‘‘Improving Regulation and Regulatory
Review’’) direct agencies to assess the
costs and benefits of available regulatory
alternatives and, if regulation is
necessary, to select regulatory
approaches that maximize net benefits
(including potential economic,
environmental, public health and safety
effects, distributive impacts, and
equity). Executive Order 13563
emphasizes the importance of
quantifying both costs and benefits, of
reducing costs, of harmonizing rules,
and of promoting flexibility. This
interim rule has not been designated a
‘‘significant regulatory action’’ under
section 3(f) of Executive Order 12866.
Accordingly, the interim rule has not
been reviewed by the Office of
Management and Budget. The
Regulatory Assessment follows:
This interim rule will require a two
vessel escort system for double hull
tankers over 5,000 GT transporting oil in
bulk in PWS, as mandated by section
711(b) of the Act. Currently, single hull
tankers are required to have two escort
vessels per 33 CFR part 168. This
interim rule will amend this part to
extend this requirement to double hull
tankers in PWS.
Table 1 below summarizes the
impacts of the interim rule.
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TABLE 1—SUMMARY OF INTERIM RULE IMPACTS
Category
Summary
Population .....................
—15 double-hull tank vessels that transit PWS annually.
—One company that owns the 12 escort vessels in PWS.
None—codification of existing practice.
—Elimination of confusion within industry by harmonizing CFR with U.S.C.
—Codification of current industry practice ensures benefits of dual vessel escort system in PWS remain, including reduction of the risk of an oil spill by influencing a vessel’s speed and course in the event of equipment failure or loss
of steering and/or propulsion.
Costs .............................
Unquantified Benefits ...
Costs
OPA 90 requires the two vessel escort
system for single hull vessels over 5,000
GT transporting oil in bulk in PWS.
However, single hull tankers are
currently being phased out in favor of
double hull tankers. Based on vessel
traffic data from the Coast Guard Marine
Safety Unit in Valdez, Alaska, no single
hull vessels have called on PWS since
2009.
Based on communications with the
Marine Safety Unit in Valdez, AK, as
well as the Vessel Traffic Service and
Captain of the Port for that region, we
determined that it has been an industry
practice since 2008 that double hull
tankers be escorted by a two vessel
escort system when in transit through
PWS. Currently, 15 double hull tank
vessels transit PWS and over the last 5
years, double hull tank vessels made an
average of 250 port calls annually on
PWS. One company operates the 12 tugs
that participate in the two tug escort
system in PWS.
Since this interim rule will codify an
industry practice that has been in place
for over 5 years, we do not anticipate
that this interim rule will impose
additional costs on the public or
industry, or alter industry behavior in
any way. Finally, we do not anticipate
that this interim rule will impose new
costs on the Coast Guard or require the
Coast Guard to expend additional
resources.
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Analysis of Alternatives
We chose Alternative 1, which
codifies current industry practice and
implements section 711 of the Act as
described above and in Section VI.B.
below. We chose to reject Alternative 2,
the ‘‘no action’’ alternative, because it
would not implement section 711 of the
Act.
Benefits
This interim rule codifies the current
industry practice of a dual vessel escort
system in PWS. The primary benefit of
the interim rule is eliminating confusion
within industry by harmonizing the CFR
with U.S.C. The practice of a dual vessel
escort system also results in safety and
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environmental benefits, although these
benefits exist under current practice.
However, codification of the industry
practice ensures the continuing benefits
of the dual vessel escort system, which
is to reduce the risk of an oil spill by
ensuring the safe transit of tank vessels
over 5,000 GT transporting oil in bulk
in PWS. For PWS, we believe a two
vessel escort system is beneficial in the
event of equipment failure such as the
loss of steering or propulsion.
Additionally, if a tanker becomes
disabled, the two escort vessels can
influence the speed and course of the
tanker, thereby reducing the likelihood
of an allision, collision, or grounding.
We reviewed allision, collision, and
grounding casualty data for tank vessels
in PWS over a 15-year period from 1998
through 2012 and found no casualty
cases that involved a double hull tank
vessel. All of these vessels were
escorted by a two vessel escort.
B. Small Entities
The Regulatory Flexibility Act of 1980
(RFA), 5 U.S.C. 601–612, as amended,
requires federal agencies to consider the
potential impact of regulations on small
entities during rulemaking. However,
when an agency is not required to
publish an NPRM for a rule, the RFA
does not require an agency to prepare a
regulatory flexibility analysis. The Coast
Guard was not required to publish an
NPRM for this rule for the reasons stated
in section III. ‘‘Regulatory History’’ and
therefore is not required to publish a
regulatory flexibility analysis.
If you think that your business,
organization, or governmental
jurisdiction qualifies as a small entity
and that this rule will have a significant
economic impact on it, please submit a
comment to the Docket Management
Facility at the address under ADDRESSES.
In your comment, explain why you
think it qualifies and how and to what
degree this rule would economically
affect it.
C. Assistance for Small Entities
Under section 213(a) of the Small
Business Regulatory Enforcement
Fairness Act of 1996 (Pub. L. 104–121),
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we want to assist small entities in
understanding this rule so that they can
better evaluate its effects on them and
participate in the rulemaking. If the rule
would affect your small business,
organization, or governmental
jurisdiction and you have questions
concerning its provisions or options for
compliance, please consult Mr. Kevin
Tone, CG–OES, Coast Guard; telephone
202–372–1441, email Kevin.P.Tone@
uscg.mil. The Coast Guard will not
retaliate against small entities that
question or complain about this rule or
any policy or action of the Coast Guard.
Small businesses may send comments
on the actions of Federal employees
who enforce, or otherwise determine
compliance with, Federal regulations to
the Small Business and Agriculture
Regulatory Enforcement Ombudsman
and the Regional Small Business
Regulatory Fairness Boards. The
Ombudsman evaluates these actions
annually and rates each agency’s
responsiveness to small business. If you
wish to comment on actions by
employees of the Coast Guard, call 1–
888–REG–FAIR (1–888–734–3247).
D. Collection of Information
This rule calls for no new collection
of information under the Paperwork
Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501–
3520).
E. Federalism
A rule has implications for federalism
under Executive Order 13132,
Federalism, if it has a substantial direct
effect on the States, on the relationship
between the national government and
the States, or on the distribution of
power and responsibilities among the
various levels of government. We have
analyzed this rule under that Order and
have determined that it is consistent
with the fundamental federalism
principles and preemption requirements
described in Executive Order 13132.
Our analysis is explained below.
As noted earlier in the preamble, this
rule implements section 711 of Public
Law 118–281 for PWS. With respect to
federalism, section 711(c) of Public Law
118–281 provides that nothing in the
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Act or any other provision of Federal
law related to the regulation of maritime
transportation of oil should be
construed or interpreted as preempting
the authority of the State, or a political
subdivision thereof, from requiring
escort vessels to accompany tankers
transporting oil in bulk in PWS. Because
this statute preserves the authority of
the State of Alaska to promulgate
additional requirements beyond that
required by this rule in PWS, and
because this rule merely implements the
Congressional mandate, this rule does
not have an effect on the relationship
between the national government and
the State of Alaska, and therefore is
consistent with the fundamental
federalism principles and preemption
requirements described in Executive
Order 13132.
Although this rule does not have an
effect on the relationship between the
national government and the State of
Alaska, the Coast Guard recognizes the
key role that State and local
governments may have in making
regulatory determinations. Additionally,
for rules with implications and
preemptive effect, Executive Order
13132 specifically directs agencies to
consult with State and local
governments during the rulemaking
process.
Therefore, the Coast Guard invites
State and local governments and their
representative national organizations to
indicate their desire for participation
and consultation in this rulemaking
process by submitting comments to this
interim rule. In accordance with
Executive Order 13132, the Coast Guard
will provide a federalism impact
statement to document: (1) The extent of
the Coast Guard’s consultation with
State and local officials who submit
comments to this rule; (2) a summary of
the nature of any concerns raised by
State or local governments and the Coast
Guard’s position thereon; and (3) a
statement of the extent to which the
concerns of State and local officials
have been met. We will also report to
the Office of Management and Budget
any written communications with the
States.
F. Unfunded Mandates Reform Act
The Unfunded Mandates Reform Act
of 1995 (2 U.S.C. 1531–1538) requires
Federal agencies to assess the effects of
their discretionary regulatory actions. In
particular, the Act addresses actions
that may result in the expenditure by a
State, local, or tribal government, in the
aggregate, or by the private sector of
$100,000,000 (adjusted for inflation) or
more in any one year. Though this rule
will not result in such an expenditure,
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we do discuss the effects of this rule
elsewhere in this preamble.
G. Taking of Private Property
This rule will not cause a taking of
private property or otherwise have
taking implications under Executive
Order 12630, Governmental Actions and
Interference with Constitutionally
Protected Property Rights.
H. Civil Justice Reform
This rule meets applicable standards
in sections 3(a) and 3(b)(2) of Executive
Order 12988, Civil Justice Reform, to
minimize litigation, eliminate
ambiguity, and reduce burden.
I. Protection of Children
We have analyzed this rule under
Executive Order 13045, Protection of
Children from Environmental Health
Risks and Safety Risks. This rule is not
an economically significant rule and
does not create an environmental risk to
health or risk to safety that may
disproportionately affect children.
J. Indian Tribal Governments
This rule does not have tribal
implications under Executive Order
13175, Consultation and Coordination
with Indian Tribal Governments,
because it does not have a substantial
direct effect on one or more Indian
tribes, on the relationship between the
Federal Government and Indian tribes,
or on the distribution of power and
responsibilities between the Federal
Government and Indian tribes.
K. Energy Effects
We have analyzed this rule under
Executive Order 13211, Actions
Concerning Regulations That
Significantly Affect Energy Supply,
Distribution, or Use. We have
determined that it is not a ‘‘significant
energy action’’ under that order because
it is not a ‘‘significant regulatory action’’
under Executive Order 12866 and is not
likely to have a significant adverse effect
on the supply, distribution, or use of
energy.
L. Technical Standards
The National Technology Transfer
and Advancement Act (NTTAA) (15
U.S.C. 272 note) directs agencies to use
voluntary consensus standards in their
regulatory activities unless the agency
provides Congress, through the Office of
Management and Budget, with an
explanation of why using these
standards would be inconsistent with
applicable law or otherwise impractical.
Voluntary consensus standards are
technical standards (e.g., specifications
of materials, performance, design, or
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50339
operation; test methods; sampling
procedures; and related management
systems practices) that are developed or
adopted by voluntary consensus
standards bodies.
This rule does not use technical
standards. Therefore, we did not
consider the use of voluntary consensus
standards.
M. Environment
We have analyzed this rule under
Department of Homeland Security
Management Directive 023–01 and
Commandant Instruction M16475.lD,
which guide the Coast Guard in
complying with the National
Environmental Policy Act of 1969
(NEPA) (42 U.S.C. 4321–4370f), and
have concluded that this action is one
of a category of actions that do not
individually or cumulatively have a
significant effect on the human
environment. This rule is categorically
excluded under section 6(b) of the
‘‘Appendix to National Environmental
Policy Act: Coast Guard Procedures for
Categorical Exclusions, Notice of Final
Agency Policy,’’ (67 FR 48244, July 23,
2002). This rule involves
Congressionally-mandated regulations
designed to protect the environment,
specifically, regulations implementing
the requirements of the Act. An
environmental analysis checklist and a
categorical exclusion determination are
available in the docket where indicated
under ADDRESSES.
List of Subjects in 33 CFR Part 168
Cargo vessels, Navigation (water), Oil
pollution, Water pollution control.
For the reasons discussed in the
preamble, the Coast Guard amends 33
CFR part 168 as follows:
PART 168—ESCORT REQUIREMENTS
FOR CERTAIN TANKERS
1. The authority citation for part 168
is revised to read as follows:
■
Authority: Section 4116(c), Pub. L. 101–
380, 104 Stat. 520 (46 U.S.C. 3703 note);
section 711 Pub. L. 111–281, 124 Stat 2905;
Department of Homeland Security Delegation
No. 170.1, para. 2(82).
§ 168.01
[Amended]
2. Amend § 168.01(a) as follows:
a. After the words ‘‘(Pub. L. 101–
380)’’, add the words ‘‘, as amended by
section 711 of the Coast Guard
Authorization Act of 2010 (Pub. L. 111–
281)’’;
■ b. After the words ‘‘single hull’’, add
the words ‘‘and double hull’’; and
■ c. After the words ‘‘suitable escort
vessels’’, add the words ‘‘in applicable
waters, as defined in § 168.40’’.
■
■
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Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 160 / Monday, August 19, 2013 / Rules and Regulations
3. In § 168.05, add, in alphabetical
order, the definition of the term ‘‘Double
hull tanker’’ to read as follows:
■
§ 168.05
Definitions.
*
*
*
*
*
Double hull tanker means any selfpropelled tank vessel that is constructed
with both double bottom and double
sides in accordance with the provisions
of 33 CFR 157.10d.
*
*
*
*
*
■ 4. Revise § 168.20 to read as follows:
§ 168.20
Applicable vessels.
The requirements of this part apply to
the following laden tankers of 5,000
gross tons or more:
(a) All single hull tankers on the
waters listed in § 168.40(a) and (b); and
(b) All double hull tankers on the
waters listed in § 168.40(a).
Dated: August 9, 2013.
J.G. Lantz,
Director of Commercial Regulations and
Standards, U.S. Coast Guard.
[FR Doc. 2013–20075 Filed 8–16–13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 9110–04–P
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS
COMMISSION
47 CFR Part 90
[PS Docket No. 09–19; RM–11514 and RM–
11531; FCC 13–98]
Travelers’ Information Stations
Federal Communications
Commission.
ACTION: Final rule.
AGENCY:
In this document, the
Commission clarifies and amends its
rules pertaining to public safety
Travelers’ Information Stations (TIS),
which Public Safety Pool-eligible
entities operate to transmit
noncommercial, travel-related
information over AM band frequencies
to motorists on a localized basis. First,
the Commission clarifies that
permissible content under the TIS rules
must continue to have a nexus to travel,
an emergency, or an imminent threat of
danger. Second, the Commission
clarifies that TIS licensees may transmit
any communications related directly to
the imminent safety-of-life or property,
and may transmit emergency
communications during a period of
emergency in which the normal
communication facilities are disrupted
as a result of hurricane, flood,
earthquake or similar disaster. Third,
the Commission partially removes the
present restriction on so-called ‘‘ribbon’’
pmangrum on DSK3VPTVN1PROD with RULES
SUMMARY:
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networks of TIS transmitters (i.e.,
multiple simulcast transmitters),
requiring only that simulcast TIS
transmissions be relevant to travelers in
the vicinity of each transmitter in the
network. Finally, the Commission
updates the definition of TIS in the
rules to replace the reference to the
former Local Government Radio Service
with a reference to the Public Safety
Pool. These rule changes will remove
confusion about what type of content is
permissible on the TIS, thus improving
administrative efficiency for the both
the Commission and TIS licensees.
DATES: Effective September 18, 2013.
ADDRESSES: Federal Communications
Commission, 445 12th Street SW.,
Washington, DC 20554.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Thomas Eng, Policy and Licensing
Division, Public Safety and Homeland
Security Bureau, Federal
Communications Commission, 445 12th
Street SW., Washington, DC 20554, at
(202) 418–0019, TTY (202) 418–7233, or
via email at Thomas.Eng@fcc.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This is a
summary of the Commission’s Report
and Order in PS Docket No. 09–19; RM–
11514 and RM–11531; adopted July 18,
2013 and released on July 23, 2013. The
complete text of this document is
available for inspection and copying
during normal business hours in the
FCC Reference Information Center,
Portals II, 445 12th Street SW., Room
CY–A257, Washington, DC 20554. This
document may also be purchased from
the Commission’s duplicating
contractor, Best Copy and Printing, Inc.,
in person at 445 12th Street SW., Room
CY–B402, Washington, DC 20554, via
telephone at (202) 488–5300, via
facsimile at (202) 488–5563, or via email
at FCC@BCPIWEB.com. Alternative
formats (computer diskette, large print,
audio cassette, and Braille) are available
to persons with disabilities or by
sending an email to FCC504@fcc.gov or
calling the Consumer and Governmental
Affairs Bureau at (202) 418–0530, TTY
(202) 418–0432. This document is also
available on the Commission’s Web site
at https://www.fcc.gov.
Introduction
Currently, the Commission authorizes
Public Safety Pool-eligible entities to
use Travelers’ Information Stations (TIS)
to transmit noncommercial, travelrelated information over AM band
frequencies to motorists on a localized
basis. In this proceeding, we address the
scope of permissible operations under
our TIS rules in response to petitions
filed by Highway Information Systems
(HIS), the American Association of
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Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
Information Radio Operators (AAIRO),
and the American Association of State
Highway and Transportation Officials
(AASHTO). The Commission invited
comment on the issues raised in these
three petitions in a Notice of Proposed
Rulemaking (NPRM) adopted in 2010.
In today’s Report and Order, we both
clarify and amend our TIS rules in order
to promote a more efficient and effective
service. First, we clarify that permissible
content under the TIS rules must
continue to have a nexus to travel, an
emergency, or an imminent threat of
danger. Second, we amend § 90.242 of
our rules, which defines and authorizes
TIS, to cross-reference §§ 90.405(a)(1)
and 90.407 of the rules, which
respectively allow the use of all part 90
facilities, including TIS, for the
transmission of ‘‘any communications
related directly to the imminent safetyof-life or property,’’ and for emergency
communications ‘‘during a period of
emergency in which the normal
communication facilities are disrupted
as a result of hurricane, flood,
earthquake or similar disaster.’’ Third,
we partially remove the present
restriction on so-called ‘‘ribbon’’
networks of TIS transmitters (i.e.,
multiple simulcast transmitters),
requiring only that simulcast TIS
transmissions be relevant to travelers in
the vicinity of each transmitter in the
network. Finally, we update the
definition of TIS in § 90.7 to replace the
reference to the former Local
Government Radio Service with a
reference to the Public Safety Pool.
The rule changes in the Report and
Order serve either to clarify or to
modestly expand the operating
parameters of the TIS service. The costs
associated with these rule changes are
negligible because the changes impose
no investment or expenditure
requirements on any affected entities to
achieve compliance. The rule changes
will also remove confusion about what
type of content is permissible on the
TIS, thus improving administrative
efficiency for the both the Commission
and TIS licensees. Moreover, by
permitting the simulcasting of TIS
transmissions, the rule changes will
lower licensees’ operating costs because
licensees will no longer need to create
individual TIS transmissions for each
transmitter in a network.
Background
The Commission established TIS in
1977 in order to ‘‘establish an efficient
means of communicating certain kinds
of information to travelers over low
power radio transmitters licensed to
Local Government entities.’’ The
Commission specifically noted that such
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Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 160 (Monday, August 19, 2013)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 50335-50340]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-20075]
=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY
Coast Guard
33 CFR Part 168
[Docket No. USCG-2012-0975]
RIN 1625-AB96
Double Hull Tanker Escorts on the Waters of Prince William Sound,
Alaska
AGENCY: Coast Guard, DHS.
ACTION: Interim rule with request for comments.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The Coast Guard is amending the escort requirements for
certain tankers operating on the waters of Prince William Sound, Alaska
(PWS). This interim rule is necessary to implement section 711 of the
Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2010 (Act), which mandates two tug
escorts for double hull tankers over 5,000 gross tons transporting oil
in bulk in PWS. The Act directed the Coast Guard to promulgate interim
regulations as soon and practicable to ensure that tug escort
requirements apply to certain double hull tankers.
DATES: This interim rule is effective September 18, 2013. Comments and
related material must either be submitted to our online docket via
http:
[[Page 50336]]
//www.regulations.gov on or before November 18, 2013 or reach the
Docket Management Facility by that date.
ADDRESSES: You may submit comments identified by docket number USCG-
2012-0975 using any one of the following methods:
(1) Federal eRulemaking Portal:
https://www.regulations.gov.
(2) Fax: 202-493-2251.
(3) Mail: Docket Management Facility (M-30), U.S. Department of
Transportation, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New
Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590-0001.
(4) Hand delivery: Same as mail address above, between 9 a.m. and 5
p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The telephone
number is 202-366-9329.
To avoid duplication, please use only one of these four methods.
See the ``Public Participation and Request for Comments'' portion of
the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section below for instructions on
submitting comments.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: If you have questions on this rule,
email or call Mr. Kevin Tone, Office of Operating and Environmental
Standards, Coast Guard; email Kevin.P.Tone@uscg.mil, telephone 202-372-
1441. If you have questions on viewing or submitting material to the
docket, call Ms. Barbara Hairston, Program Manager, Docket Operations,
telephone 202-366-9826.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Table of Contents for Preamble
I. Public Participation and Request for Comments
A. Submitting Comments
B. Viewing Comments and Documents
C. Privacy Act
D. Public Meeting
II. Abbreviations
III. Regulatory History
IV. Basis and Purpose
V. Discussion of the Interim Rule
VI. Regulatory Analyses
A. Regulatory Planning and Review
B. Small Entities
C. Assistance for Small Entities
D. Collection of Information
E. Federalism
F. Unfunded Mandates Reform Act
G. Taking of Private Property
H. Civil Justice Reform
I. Protection of Children
J. Indian Tribal Governments
K. Energy Effects
L. Technical Standards
M. Environment
I. Public Participation and Request for Comments
We encourage you to participate in this rulemaking by submitting
comments and related materials. All comments received will be posted,
without change, to https://www.regulations.gov and will include any
personal information you have provided.
A. Submitting Comments
If you submit a comment, please include the docket number for this
rulemaking (USCG-2012-0975), indicate the specific section of this
document to which each comment applies, and provide a reason for each
suggestion or recommendation. You may submit your comments and material
online, or by fax, mail or hand delivery, but please use only one of
these means. We recommend that you include your name and a mailing
address, an email address, or a phone number in the body of your
document so that we can contact you if we have questions regarding your
submission.
To submit your comment online, go to https://www.regulations.gov and
insert ``USCG-2012-0975'' in the ``Search'' box. Click the ``Search''
button. Locate the title of this rule in the search results. Click on
the ``Comment Now!'' button to the right of the title. Complete the
required fields, include your comment, and click on the ``Submit''
button. If you submit your comments by mail or hand delivery, submit
them in an unbound format, no larger than 8\1/2\ by 11 inches, suitable
for copying and electronic filing. If you submit them by mail and would
like to know that they reached the Facility, please enclose a stamped,
self-addressed postcard or envelope. We will consider all comments and
material received during the comment period and may change this rule
based on your comments.
B. Viewing Comments and Documents
To view comments, as well as documents mentioned in this preamble
as being available in the docket, go to https://www.regulations.gov and
insert ``USCG-2012-0975'' in the ``Search'' box. Click ``Search.''
Click the ``Open Docket Folder'' in the ``Actions'' column. If you do
not have access to the internet, you may view the docket online by
visiting the Docket Management Facility in Room W12-140 on the ground
floor of the Department of Transportation West Building, 1200 New
Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.,
Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. We have an agreement
with the Department of Transportation to use the Docket Management
Facility.
C. Privacy Act
Anyone can search the electronic form of comments received into any
of our dockets by the name of the individual submitting the comment (or
signing the comment, if submitted on behalf of an association,
business, labor union, etc.). You may review a Privacy Act notice
regarding our public dockets in the January 17, 2008, issue of the
Federal Register (73 FR 3316).
D. Public Meeting
We do not now plan to hold a public meeting. You may submit a
request for one to the docket using one of the methods specified under
ADDRESSES. In your request, explain why you believe a public meeting
would be beneficial. If we determine that one would aid this
rulemaking, we will hold one at a time and place announced by a later
notice in the Federal Register.
II. Abbreviations
APA Administrative Procedure Act (5 U.S.C. 553)
CFR Code of Federal Regulations
DHS Department of Homeland Security
FR Federal Register
GT Gross tons
NAICS North American Industry Classification System
NEPA National Environmental Policy Act of 1969
NPRM Notice of proposed rulemaking
NTTAA National Technology Transfer and Advancement Act
OPA 90 Oil Pollution Act of 1990 (Pub. L. 101-380, 104 Stat. 484)
PWS Prince William Sound, Alaska
RFA Regulatory Flexibility Act of 1980 (5 U.S.C. 601-612)
Sec. Section symbol
SBA Small Business Administration
U.S.C. United States Code
III. Regulatory History
The Coast Guard is issuing this interim rule without prior notice
and opportunity to comment pursuant to section 711 of the Coast Guard
Authorization Act of 2010 (Pub. L. 111-281, 124 Stat. 2905)(Act) that
mandates the requirements in this rule. The Act requires that interim
regulations be issued without notice and hearing pursuant to section
553 of title 5 of the United States Code. Because of this congressional
directive, publication of an NPRM is unnecessary.
Although this interim rule will become effective 30 days after
publication in the Federal Register, we are issuing this rule with a
request for comments to solicit and consider information from those
entities that may be impacted by this rule. See Section I.A. of this
rule for information regarding the submission of comments.
[[Page 50337]]
IV. Basis and Purpose
The basis of this rulemaking is section 711 of the Act. In section
711, Congress directed the Coast Guard to revise its regulations to
require all double hull tankers over 5,000 gross tons (GT) transporting
oil in bulk in Prince William Sound, Alaska (PWS) to be escorted by at
least two towing vessels or other vessels considered to be appropriate
by the Secretary. This requirement is intended to increase the
protection of the environment and the safety of vessels transiting PWS
by reducing the risk of groundings, allisions or collisions when escort
vessels are readily available to assist a tanker in distress.
Background
Section 4116(c) of the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 (Pub. L. 101-380,
104 Stat. 484)(OPA 90) required the two vessel escort system for single
hull tank vessels over 5,000 GT transporting oil in bulk in PWS. These
regulations are found in 33 CFR part 168. OPA 90 also mandated the
phase-out of single hull tank vessels by January 1, 2015, and required
that newly built tank vessels be double hulled.
With the phase-out of the single hull tank vessels, there would be
no requirement for any tank vessel to maintain an escort system.
Section 711 of the Act extends the escort system requirement to double
hull tank vessels over 5,000 GT transporting oil in bulk in PWS.
A double hull provides a tank vessel with added protection from an
oil spill as a result of a hull breach due to a grounding, allision or
collision. While double hull tank vessels provide greater protection
from oil spills over single hull tank vessels, with section 711 of the
Act Congress further intended to increase the protection of the
environment and the safety of vessels transiting PWS.
V. Discussion of the Interim Rule
The purpose of the existing regulations in 33 CFR part 168, Escort
Requirements for Certain Tankers, is to reduce the risk of oil spills
from laden, single hull tankers over 5,000 GT by requiring that these
tankers be escorted by at least two suitable escort vessels in
applicable waters. The applicable waters are defined in Sec. 168.40.
The requirement of two escort vessels has contributed to a
reduction in spill incidents because the escort vessels are immediately
available to influence the tanker's speed and course in the event of a
steering or propulsion equipment failure, thereby reducing the
possibility of a grounding, allision or collision. This interim rule
amends part 168 so that it also applies to double hull tankers over
5,000 GT transporting oil in PWS. This rule codifies established
industry practice for escorting double hull tank vessels on transits in
and out of PWS.
This interim rule revises three sections of 33 CFR part 168. We
revised Sec. 168.01 to make it clear that part 168 now addresses
escort vessels for double hull tankers as well as single hull tankers.
We added a definition of the term double hull tanker to Sec. 168.05.
Finally, this rule amends Sec. 168.20 to extend the applicability of
part 168 to include double hull tankers over 5,000 GT transporting oil
in bulk in PWS. All other sections of part 168, including the escort
vessel performance and operational requirements in Sec. 168.50, which
includes prescribed transit speeds and other maneuvering parameters
such as directional variances for escort vessels, remain unchanged.
With these changes, the Coast Guard is implementing the escort vessel
requirements of section 711 of the Act.
We considered two alternatives (including the preferred
alternative) in the development of this rule. The key factors that we
evaluated in considering each alternative included: (1) The degree to
which the alternative comported with the congressional mandate in
section 711 of the Act; (2) what benefits, if any, would be derived,
such as enhancement of personal and environmental safety and security;
and (3) cost effectiveness. The alternatives considered are as follows:
Alternative 1: Revise 33 CFR 168 to include double hull tankers
over 5,000 GT transporting oil in bulk in PWS, but do not revise the
existing performance-based escort requirements (preferred alternative).
At present, two tug escorts of both single and double hull tankers is
the industry practice being employed on the waters of PWS.
Implementation of this interim rule will codify current industry
practice.
Alternative 2: Take no action. This option was not selected as it
would not implement section 711 of the Act, which specifically requires
the Coast Guard to issue regulations.
We also considered adding a third escort vessel for double hull
tank vessels that transit PWS. However, this would impose additional
disproportionate costs on double hull tank vessel owners and operators
(as single hull tank vessels would remain subject to the two escort
requirement) without any incremental gain in benefits from the current
industry practice of a dual vessel escort system (i.e., no casualties
or other data indicating that two escort vessels were insufficient).
Ultimately, we chose Alternative 1 as the preferred alternative to
make revisions to 33 CFR part 168. Alternative 1 satisfactorily
implements section 711 of the Act by adding two escort vessels for each
double hull tanker transporting oil in bulk in PWS while also retaining
the performance requirements in Sec. 168.50 that are readily
applicable to tanker escorts regardless of whether the tanker is single
or double hulled.
VI. Regulatory Analyses
We developed this interim rule after considering numerous statutes
and executive orders related to rulemaking. Below we summarize our
analyses based on these statutes or executive orders.
A. Regulatory Planning and Review
Executive Orders 12866 (``Regulatory Planning and Review'') and
13563 (``Improving Regulation and Regulatory Review'') direct agencies
to assess the costs and benefits of available regulatory alternatives
and, if regulation is necessary, to select regulatory approaches that
maximize net benefits (including potential economic, environmental,
public health and safety effects, distributive impacts, and equity).
Executive Order 13563 emphasizes the importance of quantifying both
costs and benefits, of reducing costs, of harmonizing rules, and of
promoting flexibility. This interim rule has not been designated a
``significant regulatory action'' under section 3(f) of Executive Order
12866. Accordingly, the interim rule has not been reviewed by the
Office of Management and Budget. The Regulatory Assessment follows:
This interim rule will require a two vessel escort system for
double hull tankers over 5,000 GT transporting oil in bulk in PWS, as
mandated by section 711(b) of the Act. Currently, single hull tankers
are required to have two escort vessels per 33 CFR part 168. This
interim rule will amend this part to extend this requirement to double
hull tankers in PWS.
Table 1 below summarizes the impacts of the interim rule.
[[Page 50338]]
Table 1--Summary of Interim Rule Impacts
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Category Summary
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Population.................................. --15 double-hull tank vessels that transit PWS annually.
--One company that owns the 12 escort vessels in PWS.
Costs....................................... None--codification of existing practice.
Unquantified Benefits....................... --Elimination of confusion within industry by harmonizing CFR with
U.S.C.
--Codification of current industry practice ensures benefits of
dual vessel escort system in PWS remain, including reduction of
the risk of an oil spill by influencing a vessel's speed and
course in the event of equipment failure or loss of steering and/
or propulsion.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Costs
OPA 90 requires the two vessel escort system for single hull
vessels over 5,000 GT transporting oil in bulk in PWS. However, single
hull tankers are currently being phased out in favor of double hull
tankers. Based on vessel traffic data from the Coast Guard Marine
Safety Unit in Valdez, Alaska, no single hull vessels have called on
PWS since 2009.
Based on communications with the Marine Safety Unit in Valdez, AK,
as well as the Vessel Traffic Service and Captain of the Port for that
region, we determined that it has been an industry practice since 2008
that double hull tankers be escorted by a two vessel escort system when
in transit through PWS. Currently, 15 double hull tank vessels transit
PWS and over the last 5 years, double hull tank vessels made an average
of 250 port calls annually on PWS. One company operates the 12 tugs
that participate in the two tug escort system in PWS.
Since this interim rule will codify an industry practice that has
been in place for over 5 years, we do not anticipate that this interim
rule will impose additional costs on the public or industry, or alter
industry behavior in any way. Finally, we do not anticipate that this
interim rule will impose new costs on the Coast Guard or require the
Coast Guard to expend additional resources.
Analysis of Alternatives
We chose Alternative 1, which codifies current industry practice
and implements section 711 of the Act as described above and in Section
VI.B. below. We chose to reject Alternative 2, the ``no action''
alternative, because it would not implement section 711 of the Act.
Benefits
This interim rule codifies the current industry practice of a dual
vessel escort system in PWS. The primary benefit of the interim rule is
eliminating confusion within industry by harmonizing the CFR with
U.S.C. The practice of a dual vessel escort system also results in
safety and environmental benefits, although these benefits exist under
current practice. However, codification of the industry practice
ensures the continuing benefits of the dual vessel escort system, which
is to reduce the risk of an oil spill by ensuring the safe transit of
tank vessels over 5,000 GT transporting oil in bulk in PWS. For PWS, we
believe a two vessel escort system is beneficial in the event of
equipment failure such as the loss of steering or propulsion.
Additionally, if a tanker becomes disabled, the two escort vessels can
influence the speed and course of the tanker, thereby reducing the
likelihood of an allision, collision, or grounding. We reviewed
allision, collision, and grounding casualty data for tank vessels in
PWS over a 15-year period from 1998 through 2012 and found no casualty
cases that involved a double hull tank vessel. All of these vessels
were escorted by a two vessel escort.
B. Small Entities
The Regulatory Flexibility Act of 1980 (RFA), 5 U.S.C. 601-612, as
amended, requires federal agencies to consider the potential impact of
regulations on small entities during rulemaking. However, when an
agency is not required to publish an NPRM for a rule, the RFA does not
require an agency to prepare a regulatory flexibility analysis. The
Coast Guard was not required to publish an NPRM for this rule for the
reasons stated in section III. ``Regulatory History'' and therefore is
not required to publish a regulatory flexibility analysis.
If you think that your business, organization, or governmental
jurisdiction qualifies as a small entity and that this rule will have a
significant economic impact on it, please submit a comment to the
Docket Management Facility at the address under ADDRESSES. In your
comment, explain why you think it qualifies and how and to what degree
this rule would economically affect it.
C. Assistance for Small Entities
Under section 213(a) of the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement
Fairness Act of 1996 (Pub. L. 104-121), we want to assist small
entities in understanding this rule so that they can better evaluate
its effects on them and participate in the rulemaking. If the rule
would affect your small business, organization, or governmental
jurisdiction and you have questions concerning its provisions or
options for compliance, please consult Mr. Kevin Tone, CG-OES, Coast
Guard; telephone 202-372-1441, email Kevin.P.Tone@uscg.mil. The Coast
Guard will not retaliate against small entities that question or
complain about this rule or any policy or action of the Coast Guard.
Small businesses may send comments on the actions of Federal
employees who enforce, or otherwise determine compliance with, Federal
regulations to the Small Business and Agriculture Regulatory
Enforcement Ombudsman and the Regional Small Business Regulatory
Fairness Boards. The Ombudsman evaluates these actions annually and
rates each agency's responsiveness to small business. If you wish to
comment on actions by employees of the Coast Guard, call 1-888-REG-FAIR
(1-888-734-3247).
D. Collection of Information
This rule calls for no new collection of information under the
Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501-3520).
E. Federalism
A rule has implications for federalism under Executive Order 13132,
Federalism, if it has a substantial direct effect on the States, on the
relationship between the national government and the States, or on the
distribution of power and responsibilities among the various levels of
government. We have analyzed this rule under that Order and have
determined that it is consistent with the fundamental federalism
principles and preemption requirements described in Executive Order
13132. Our analysis is explained below.
As noted earlier in the preamble, this rule implements section 711
of Public Law 118-281 for PWS. With respect to federalism, section
711(c) of Public Law 118-281 provides that nothing in the
[[Page 50339]]
Act or any other provision of Federal law related to the regulation of
maritime transportation of oil should be construed or interpreted as
preempting the authority of the State, or a political subdivision
thereof, from requiring escort vessels to accompany tankers
transporting oil in bulk in PWS. Because this statute preserves the
authority of the State of Alaska to promulgate additional requirements
beyond that required by this rule in PWS, and because this rule merely
implements the Congressional mandate, this rule does not have an effect
on the relationship between the national government and the State of
Alaska, and therefore is consistent with the fundamental federalism
principles and preemption requirements described in Executive Order
13132.
Although this rule does not have an effect on the relationship
between the national government and the State of Alaska, the Coast
Guard recognizes the key role that State and local governments may have
in making regulatory determinations. Additionally, for rules with
implications and preemptive effect, Executive Order 13132 specifically
directs agencies to consult with State and local governments during the
rulemaking process.
Therefore, the Coast Guard invites State and local governments and
their representative national organizations to indicate their desire
for participation and consultation in this rulemaking process by
submitting comments to this interim rule. In accordance with Executive
Order 13132, the Coast Guard will provide a federalism impact statement
to document: (1) The extent of the Coast Guard's consultation with
State and local officials who submit comments to this rule; (2) a
summary of the nature of any concerns raised by State or local
governments and the Coast Guard's position thereon; and (3) a statement
of the extent to which the concerns of State and local officials have
been met. We will also report to the Office of Management and Budget
any written communications with the States.
F. Unfunded Mandates Reform Act
The Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 (2 U.S.C. 1531-1538)
requires Federal agencies to assess the effects of their discretionary
regulatory actions. In particular, the Act addresses actions that may
result in the expenditure by a State, local, or tribal government, in
the aggregate, or by the private sector of $100,000,000 (adjusted for
inflation) or more in any one year. Though this rule will not result in
such an expenditure, we do discuss the effects of this rule elsewhere
in this preamble.
G. Taking of Private Property
This rule will not cause a taking of private property or otherwise
have taking implications under Executive Order 12630, Governmental
Actions and Interference with Constitutionally Protected Property
Rights.
H. Civil Justice Reform
This rule meets applicable standards in sections 3(a) and 3(b)(2)
of Executive Order 12988, Civil Justice Reform, to minimize litigation,
eliminate ambiguity, and reduce burden.
I. Protection of Children
We have analyzed this rule under Executive Order 13045, Protection
of Children from Environmental Health Risks and Safety Risks. This rule
is not an economically significant rule and does not create an
environmental risk to health or risk to safety that may
disproportionately affect children.
J. Indian Tribal Governments
This rule does not have tribal implications under Executive Order
13175, Consultation and Coordination with Indian Tribal Governments,
because it does not have a substantial direct effect on one or more
Indian tribes, on the relationship between the Federal Government and
Indian tribes, or on the distribution of power and responsibilities
between the Federal Government and Indian tribes.
K. Energy Effects
We have analyzed this rule under Executive Order 13211, Actions
Concerning Regulations That Significantly Affect Energy Supply,
Distribution, or Use. We have determined that it is not a ``significant
energy action'' under that order because it is not a ``significant
regulatory action'' under Executive Order 12866 and is not likely to
have a significant adverse effect on the supply, distribution, or use
of energy.
L. Technical Standards
The National Technology Transfer and Advancement Act (NTTAA) (15
U.S.C. 272 note) directs agencies to use voluntary consensus standards
in their regulatory activities unless the agency provides Congress,
through the Office of Management and Budget, with an explanation of why
using these standards would be inconsistent with applicable law or
otherwise impractical. Voluntary consensus standards are technical
standards (e.g., specifications of materials, performance, design, or
operation; test methods; sampling procedures; and related management
systems practices) that are developed or adopted by voluntary consensus
standards bodies.
This rule does not use technical standards. Therefore, we did not
consider the use of voluntary consensus standards.
M. Environment
We have analyzed this rule under Department of Homeland Security
Management Directive 023-01 and Commandant Instruction M16475.lD, which
guide the Coast Guard in complying with the National Environmental
Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) (42 U.S.C. 4321-4370f), and have concluded
that this action is one of a category of actions that do not
individually or cumulatively have a significant effect on the human
environment. This rule is categorically excluded under section 6(b) of
the ``Appendix to National Environmental Policy Act: Coast Guard
Procedures for Categorical Exclusions, Notice of Final Agency Policy,''
(67 FR 48244, July 23, 2002). This rule involves Congressionally-
mandated regulations designed to protect the environment, specifically,
regulations implementing the requirements of the Act. An environmental
analysis checklist and a categorical exclusion determination are
available in the docket where indicated under ADDRESSES.
List of Subjects in 33 CFR Part 168
Cargo vessels, Navigation (water), Oil pollution, Water pollution
control.
For the reasons discussed in the preamble, the Coast Guard amends
33 CFR part 168 as follows:
PART 168--ESCORT REQUIREMENTS FOR CERTAIN TANKERS
0
1. The authority citation for part 168 is revised to read as follows:
Authority: Section 4116(c), Pub. L. 101-380, 104 Stat. 520 (46
U.S.C. 3703 note); section 711 Pub. L. 111-281, 124 Stat 2905;
Department of Homeland Security Delegation No. 170.1, para. 2(82).
Sec. 168.01 [Amended]
0
2. Amend Sec. 168.01(a) as follows:
0
a. After the words ``(Pub. L. 101-380)'', add the words ``, as amended
by section 711 of the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2010 (Pub. L.
111-281)'';
0
b. After the words ``single hull'', add the words ``and double hull'';
and
0
c. After the words ``suitable escort vessels'', add the words ``in
applicable waters, as defined in Sec. 168.40''.
[[Page 50340]]
0
3. In Sec. 168.05, add, in alphabetical order, the definition of the
term ``Double hull tanker'' to read as follows:
Sec. 168.05 Definitions.
* * * * *
Double hull tanker means any self-propelled tank vessel that is
constructed with both double bottom and double sides in accordance with
the provisions of 33 CFR 157.10d.
* * * * *
0
4. Revise Sec. 168.20 to read as follows:
Sec. 168.20 Applicable vessels.
The requirements of this part apply to the following laden tankers
of 5,000 gross tons or more:
(a) All single hull tankers on the waters listed in Sec. 168.40(a)
and (b); and
(b) All double hull tankers on the waters listed in Sec.
168.40(a).
Dated: August 9, 2013.
J.G. Lantz,
Director of Commercial Regulations and Standards, U.S. Coast Guard.
[FR Doc. 2013-20075 Filed 8-16-13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 9110-04-P