February 19, 2015 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

The Department of Defense has submitted to OMB for clearance, the following proposal for collection of information under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act.

The Notice is hereby given that the U.S. Geological Survey intends to grant to Alpha Mach, Inc., 101-2205 Bombardier, Ste-Julie, Qc, Canada, J3E 2J9, an exclusive license to practice the following: A device for monitoring subsurface temperatures.

The Coast Guard will enforce one safety zone for a fireworks display in the Sector Long Island Sound area of responsibility on the dates and times listed in the table below. This action is necessary to provide for the safety of life on navigable waterways during the event. During the enforcement period, no person or vessel may enter the safety zone without permission of the Captain of the Port (COTP) Sector Long Island Sound or designated representative.

The Coast Guard announces its intent to enter into a cooperative research and development agreement (CRADA) to prepare for a demonstration, the ``Ohio River eNav Technology Demonstration'' of electronic navigation (eNav) technology to be conducted by the Coast Guard, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration. The eNav demonstration will involve the transmission of navigation safety and environmental information via automatic identification system (AIS) technology to the electronic charting system (ECS) displays on bridges of commercial vessels that are operating in the test area. The purpose of the demonstration is to identify the extent to which mariners would benefit from the distribution of e-AtoN information; and the policy changes, the infrastructure, and level of effort needed by the Coast Guard and its partner agencies to operate and maintain this technology. The geographic area to be covered by the Ohio River eNav Technology Demonstration includes the Ohio River from Markland Lock (north of Louisville, KY) to the mouth of the Ohio River, and reaches of the Mississippi River within 45 statute miles of its confluence with the Ohio River. The Coast Guard needs end user participants, who are commercial operators that regularly operate in the Ohio River eNav Technology Demonstration test area, to receive the information via AIS. While the Coast Guard is currently considering partnering with Rose Point Navigation Systems (Rose Point), and CNS, Inc. (CNS), it solicits public comment on the possible participation of other parties in the proposed CRADA, and the nature of that participation.

The Coast Guard proposes to issue a special local regulation on the waters of Charleston Harbor in Charleston, SC during the Charleston Race Week on April 17, 2015 through April 19, 2015. This special local regulation is necessary to ensure the safety of participants, spectators, and the general public during the event. The special local regulation would temporarily restrict vessel traffic in a portion of Charleston Harbor, preventing non-participant vessels from entering, transiting through, anchoring in, or remaining within the regulated area unless authorized by the Captain of the Port Charleston or a designated representative.

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), are removing the Oregon chub (Oregonichthys crameri) from the Federal List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife. This determination is based on a thorough review of the best available scientific and commercial information, which indicates that the Oregon chub has recovered and no longer meets the definition of an endangered species or a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). Our review of the status of this species shows that the threats to this species have been eliminated or reduced and populations are stable so that the species is not currently, and is not likely to again become, a threatened species within the foreseeable future in all or a significant portion of its range. This rule also removes the currently designated critical habitat for the Oregon chub throughout its range.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing this action on several amendments involving technical clarifications for different mobile source regulations. First, we are making a variety of corrections to the Tier 3 motor vehicle emission and fuel standards. These changes generally correct or clarify various provisions from the Tier 3 rule without expanding the Tier 3 program or otherwise making substantive changes. Second, we are revising the test procedures and compliance provisions for nonroad spark-ignition engines at or below 19 kW (and for the corresponding nonroad equipment) to conform to current practices. The changes to evaporative emission test procedures also apply to some degree to other types of nonroad equipment powered by volatile liquid fuels. Third, we are addressing an ambiguity regarding permissible design approaches for portable fuel containers meeting evaporative emission standards. Fourth, we are revising the regulations to more carefully align with current requirements that apply to marine vessels with diesel engines as specified under MARPOL Annex VI. Fifth, we are correcting typographical errors in regulatory changes finalized in the Voluntary Quality Assurance Program rulemaking. In the ``Rules and Regulations'' section of this Federal Register, we are taking direct final action without a prior proposed rule. If we receive no adverse comment, we will not take further action on this proposed rule.

The Coast Guard proposes to amend its regulations for commercial diving that is conducted from deepwater ports or deepwater port safety zones, or in connection with Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) activities, or from vessels that are required to have a Coast Guard certificate of inspection. The regulations would be revised and updated to improve safety and to reflect current industry best practices. The proposed regulations would also allow the Coast Guard to approve independent third-party organizations to assist with ensuring regulatory compliance of commercial diving regulations. The proposed amendments promote the Coast Guard's maritime safety mission.