Proposed Memorandum of Understanding Revision (MOU) Assigning Certain Federal Environmental Responsibilities to the State of Alaska, Including National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) Authority for Certain Categorical Exclusions (CEs), 46091-46092 [2015-18958]

Download as PDF mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 148 / Monday, August 3, 2015 / Notices fuel consumption and carbon dioxide emissions in the entirety of the airspace area under study and believes the same should be done for noise for statutory consistency. A total netting of noise across all noise exposure levels is not current FAA policy or practice; however, it is FAA’s best interpretation of this new legislated CATEX. The FAA continues to give greater importance to changes at higher noise levels by precluding the use of this CATEX if increases in noise at DNL 65 dB and higher levels would be considered significant. Comment: A number of commenters said that the law should be changed to either revise or eliminate the Section 213(c)(2) CATEX. Some opined that the law conflicts with NEPA. FAA Response: In this notice, the FAA is fulfilling its responsibility to implement existing law. The FAA does not believe that the law conflicts with NEPA; rather, it legislatively establishes a new CATEX under NEPA. Comment: Some commenters objected to the Net Noise Reduction Method on the basis that it would not preclude a CATEX if there are significant noise impacts. Several commenters advocated lowering FAA’s significant noise threshold from DNL 65 dB to DNL 55 dB. FAA Response: The NAC’s recommendation provided for the FAA to exercise discretion not to use this CATEX in certain circumstances, even if PBN procedures would result in an overall net noise reduction, based on an additional test for significant impacts. The FAA has modified this aspect of the NAC’s recommendation. The FAA interprets the phrase ‘‘measurable reductions in . . . noise’’ in the statutory text to be inconsistent with noise increases that would be considered significant; therefore, the FAA would not use this CATEX if noise increases would be significant. The issue of the FAA’s NEPA threshold of significance for aircraft noise is entirely separate from the implementation of this legislated CATEX and is not addressed in this Federal Register notice. Comment: Multiple commenters and the petition signed by 140 people did not comment directly on the CATEX or the Net Noise Reduction Method, but commented generally on adverse effects of aircraft noise over their homes and requested that the FAA undo objectionable flight patterns. Specific objections to the TNNIS procedure in New York and to the CATEX for this procedure were raised. FAA Response: These comments refer to the implementation of PBN VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:35 Jul 31, 2015 Jkt 235001 procedures that were supported by other existing CATEXs that were administratively established following public notice and comment and review by CEQ. The FAA understands that these commenters object to aircraft noise in their neighborhoods, even when noise is below significant levels. As part of NextGen, FAA has a robust research program to reduce aircraft noise and is currently giving increased attention to improving FAA’s community involvement. Authority: FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012, Sec. 213(c)(2), Pub. L. 112–95, 126 Stat. 11, 49–50. Issued in Washington, DC on July 27, 2015. Lourdes Q. Maurice, Executive Director, Office of Environment and Energy, Federal Aviation Administration. [FR Doc. 2015–18823 Filed 7–31–15; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Highway Administration [Docket No. FHWA–2015–0018] Proposed Memorandum of Understanding Revision (MOU) Assigning Certain Federal Environmental Responsibilities to the State of Alaska, Including National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) Authority for Certain Categorical Exclusions (CEs) Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). ACTION: Notice of proposed MOU, request for comments. AGENCY: The FHWA and the State of Alaska, acting by and through its Department of Transportation (State), propose a renewal of the State’s participation in the 23 U.S.C. 326 program. This program allows FHWA to assign to States its authority and responsibility for determining whether certain designated activities within the geographic boundaries of the State, as specified in the proposed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), are categorically excluded from preparation of an environmental assessment or an environmental impact statement under the National Environmental Policy Act. An amended MOU would renew the State’s participation in the program. The MOU will be amended by incorporating the following changes: Projects that include Federal Aid Highway Program funds and other Federal funds would now be assignable; Federal Lands Highway Program (FLHP) projects funded under 23 U.S.C. 204 and SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00160 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 46091 designed and constructed by the State would now be assignable; and projects involving Section 7 Endangered Species Act (ESA) formal consultation would now be assignable. DATES: Comments must be received on or before September 2, 2015. ADDRESSES: You may submit comments, identified by DOT Document Management System (DMS) Docket Number [FHWA–2015–0018], by any of the methods described below. Electronic or facsimile comments are preferred because Federal offices experience intermittent mail delays from security screening. Web site: https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments on the DOT electronic docket site. Facsimile (Fax): 1–202–493–2251. Mail: Docket Management Facility; U.S. Department of Transportation, 1200 New Jersey Ave. SE., Washington, DC 20590. Hand Delivery: 1200 New Jersey Ave. SE., Washington, DC 20590 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. e.t., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. For access to the docket to view a complete copy of the proposed MOU, or to read background documents or comments received, go to https:// www.regulations.gov at any time or to 1200 New Jersey Ave., SE., Washington, DC 20590, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. e.t., Monday through Friday, except for Federal holidays. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For FHWA: Tim Haugh; by email at tim.haugh@dot.gov or by telephone at 907–586–7430. The FHWA Alaska Division Office’s normal business hours are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (Alaska Time), Monday–Friday, except for Federal Holidays. For State: Taylor Horne; by email at taylor.horne@alaska.gov; by telephone at 907–465–6957. The Alaska Department of Transportation’s normal business hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Alaska Time), Monday–Friday, except for State and Federal holidays. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Electronic Access Internet users may reach the Office of the Federal Register’s home page at: https://www.archives.gov/ and the Government Printing Office’s database: https://www.fdsys.gov. An electronic version of the proposed MOU may be downloaded by accessing the DOT DMS docket, as described above, at https://www.regulations.gov. Background Section 326 of Title 23 U.S. Code, creates a program that allows the E:\FR\FM\03AUN1.SGM 03AUN1 mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES 46092 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 148 / Monday, August 3, 2015 / Notices Secretary of the DOT (Secretary), to assign, and a State to assume, responsibility for determining whether certain highway projects are included within classes of action that are categorically excluded (CE) from requirements for environmental assessments or environmental impact statements pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, 42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq. (NEPA). In addition, this program allows the assignment of other environmental review requirements applicable to these actions. The FHWA is authorized to act on behalf of the Secretary with respect to these matters. Through an amended MOU, FHWA would renew Alaska’s participation in this program for a second time. The original MOU became effective on September 22, 2009, for an initial term of three (3) years and the first renewal followed on September 20, 2012. The proposed MOU revision is set to supersede the renewed MOU prior to its expiration date on September 20, 2015. Stipulation I(B) of the MOU describes the types of actions for which the State would assume project-level responsibility for determining whether the criteria for a CE are met. Statewide decision-making responsibility would be assigned for all activities within the categories listed in 23 CFR 771.117(c) and those listed as examples in 23 CFR 771.117(d). In addition to the NEPA CE determination responsibilities, the MOU would assign to the State the responsibility for conducting Federal environmental review, consultation, and other related activities for projects that are subject to the MOU with respect to the following Federal laws and Executive Orders: 1. Clean Air Act (CAA), 42 U.S.C. 7401–7671q (determinations of projectlevel conformity if required for the project). 2. Compliance with the noise regulations in 23 CFR 772. 3. Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, 16 U.S.C. 1531– 1544, and Section 1536. 4. Marine Mammal Protection Act, 16 U.S.C. 1361. 5. Anadromous Fish Conservation Act, 16 U.S.C. 757a–757g. 6. Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act, 16 U.S.C. 661–667d. 7. Migratory Bird Treaty Act, 16 U.S.C. 703–712. 8. Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act of 1976, as amended, 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq. VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:35 Jul 31, 2015 Jkt 235001 9. Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, as amended, 54 U.S.C. 306101 et seq. 10. Section 4(f) of the Department of Transportation Act of 1966, 23 U.S.C. 138 and 49 U.S.C. 303; and 23 CFR part 774. 11. Archeological and Historic Preservation Act of 1966, as amended, 54 U.S.C. 3201 12. American Indian Religious Freedom Act, 42 U.S.C. 1996. 13. Farmland Protection Policy Act (FPPA), 7 U.S.C. 4201–4209. 14. Clean Water Act, 33 U.S.C. 1251– 1377 (Section 404, Section 401, Section 319). 15. Coastal Barrier Resources Act, 16 U.S.C. 3501–3510. 16. Coastal Zone Management Act, 16 U.S.C. 1451–1465. 17. Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA), 42 U.S.C. 300f–300j–6. 18. Rivers and Harbors Act of 1899, 33 U.S.C. 401–406. 19. Wild and Scenic Rivers Act, 16 U.S.C. 1271–1287. 20. Emergency Wetlands Resources Act, 16 U.S.C. 3921–3931. 21. TEA–21 Wetlands Mitigation, 23 U.S.C. 103(b)(6)(m), 133 (b)(11). 22. Flood Disaster Protection Act, 42 U.S.C. 4001–4128. 23. Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF), 16 U.S.C. 4601–4604 (known as section 6(f)). 24. Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA), 42 U.S.C. 9601–9675. 25. Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act of 1986 (SARA). 26. Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), 42 U.S.C. 6901– 6992k. 27. Landscaping and Scenic Enhancement (Wildflowers), 23 U.S.C. 28. Executive Orders Relating to Highway Projects (E.O. 11990, Protection of Wetlands; E.O. 11988, Floodplain Management; E.O. 12898, Federal Actions to Address Environmental Justice in Minority Populations and Low Income Populations; E.O. 11593, Protection and Enhancement of Cultural Resources; E.O. 13007, Indian Sacred Sites; E.O. 13175, Consultation and Coordination with Indian Tribal Governments; E.O. 13112, Invasive Species). The MOU allows the State to act in the place of the FHWA in carrying out the functions described above, except with respect to government-togovernment consultations with federally recognized Indian tribes. The FHWA will retain responsibility for conducting formal government-to-government consultation with federally recognized Indian tribes, which is required under PO 00000 Frm 00161 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 9990 some of the above-listed laws and executive orders. The State also may assist the FHWA with formal consultations, with consent of a tribe, but the FHWA remains responsible for the consultation. This assignment includes transfer to the State of Alaska the obligation to fulfill the assigned environmental responsibilities on any proposed projects meeting the criteria in Stipulation I(B) of the MOU that were determined to be CEs prior to the effective date of the proposed MOU but that have not been completed as of the effective date of the MOU. In addition to proposing a renewal of the State’s participation in the program, the proposed MOU would have three changes from the previous version. The MOU will be amended by allowing assignment of projects that include Federal Aid Highway Program funds and other Federal funds. These types of projects were not available for assignment in the previous versions. The MOU would also be amended to allow assignment of Federal Lands Highway Program (FLHP) projects funded under 23 U.S.C. 204 and designed and constructed by ADOT&PF. For example, projects receiving Federal Land Access Program funds would be available for assignment as long as the State is the entity designing and constructing the project. Finally, the MOU would be amended by allowing the State to engage in formal consultation under Section 7 Endangered Species Act (ESA). This responsibility was retained by FHWA in previous versions of the MOU. The FHWA will consider the comments submitted on the proposed MOU when making its decision on whether to execute this renewal MOU. The FHWA will make the final, executed MOU publicly available. (Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Program Number 20.205, Highway Planning and Construction. The regulations implementing Executive Order 12372 regarding intergovernmental consultation on Federal programs and activities apply to this program.) Authority: 23 U.S.C. 326; 42 U.S.C. 4331, 4332; 23 CFR 771.117; 40 CFR 1507.3, 1508.4. Issued on: July 27, 2015. Sandra A. Garcia-Aline, Division Administrator, Juneau, Alaska. [FR Doc. 2015–18958 Filed 7–31–15; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–22–P E:\FR\FM\03AUN1.SGM 03AUN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 148 (Monday, August 3, 2015)]
[Notices]
[Pages 46091-46092]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2015-18958]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Highway Administration

[Docket No. FHWA-2015-0018]


Proposed Memorandum of Understanding Revision (MOU) Assigning 
Certain Federal Environmental Responsibilities to the State of Alaska, 
Including National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) Authority for 
Certain Categorical Exclusions (CEs)

AGENCY: Federal Highway Administration (FHWA).

ACTION: Notice of proposed MOU, request for comments.

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

SUMMARY: The FHWA and the State of Alaska, acting by and through its 
Department of Transportation (State), propose a renewal of the State's 
participation in the 23 U.S.C. 326 program. This program allows FHWA to 
assign to States its authority and responsibility for determining 
whether certain designated activities within the geographic boundaries 
of the State, as specified in the proposed Memorandum of Understanding 
(MOU), are categorically excluded from preparation of an environmental 
assessment or an environmental impact statement under the National 
Environmental Policy Act. An amended MOU would renew the State's 
participation in the program. The MOU will be amended by incorporating 
the following changes: Projects that include Federal Aid Highway 
Program funds and other Federal funds would now be assignable; Federal 
Lands Highway Program (FLHP) projects funded under 23 U.S.C. 204 and 
designed and constructed by the State would now be assignable; and 
projects involving Section 7 Endangered Species Act (ESA) formal 
consultation would now be assignable.

DATES: Comments must be received on or before September 2, 2015.

ADDRESSES: You may submit comments, identified by DOT Document 
Management System (DMS) Docket Number [FHWA-2015-0018], by any of the 
methods described below. Electronic or facsimile comments are preferred 
because Federal offices experience intermittent mail delays from 
security screening.
    Web site: https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for 
submitting comments on the DOT electronic docket site.
    Facsimile (Fax): 1-202-493-2251.
    Mail: Docket Management Facility; U.S. Department of 
Transportation, 1200 New Jersey Ave. SE., Washington, DC 20590.
    Hand Delivery: 1200 New Jersey Ave. SE., Washington, DC 20590 
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. e.t., Monday through Friday, except Federal 
holidays.
    For access to the docket to view a complete copy of the proposed 
MOU, or to read background documents or comments received, go to https://www.regulations.gov at any time or to 1200 New Jersey Ave., SE., 
Washington, DC 20590, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. e.t., Monday through 
Friday, except for Federal holidays.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For FHWA: Tim Haugh; by email at 
tim.haugh@dot.gov or by telephone at 907-586-7430. The FHWA Alaska 
Division Office's normal business hours are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (Alaska 
Time), Monday-Friday, except for Federal Holidays. For State: Taylor 
Horne; by email at taylor.horne@alaska.gov; by telephone at 907-465-
6957. The Alaska Department of Transportation's normal business hours 
are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Alaska Time), Monday-Friday, except for State and 
Federal holidays.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Electronic Access

    Internet users may reach the Office of the Federal Register's home 
page at: https://www.archives.gov/ and the Government Printing Office's 
database: https://www.fdsys.gov.
    An electronic version of the proposed MOU may be downloaded by 
accessing the DOT DMS docket, as described above, at https://www.regulations.gov.

Background

    Section 326 of Title 23 U.S. Code, creates a program that allows 
the

[[Page 46092]]

Secretary of the DOT (Secretary), to assign, and a State to assume, 
responsibility for determining whether certain highway projects are 
included within classes of action that are categorically excluded (CE) 
from requirements for environmental assessments or environmental impact 
statements pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, 
42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq. (NEPA). In addition, this program allows the 
assignment of other environmental review requirements applicable to 
these actions. The FHWA is authorized to act on behalf of the Secretary 
with respect to these matters.
    Through an amended MOU, FHWA would renew Alaska's participation in 
this program for a second time. The original MOU became effective on 
September 22, 2009, for an initial term of three (3) years and the 
first renewal followed on September 20, 2012. The proposed MOU revision 
is set to supersede the renewed MOU prior to its expiration date on 
September 20, 2015. Stipulation I(B) of the MOU describes the types of 
actions for which the State would assume project-level responsibility 
for determining whether the criteria for a CE are met. Statewide 
decision-making responsibility would be assigned for all activities 
within the categories listed in 23 CFR 771.117(c) and those listed as 
examples in 23 CFR 771.117(d).
    In addition to the NEPA CE determination responsibilities, the MOU 
would assign to the State the responsibility for conducting Federal 
environmental review, consultation, and other related activities for 
projects that are subject to the MOU with respect to the following 
Federal laws and Executive Orders:
    1. Clean Air Act (CAA), 42 U.S.C. 7401-7671q (determinations of 
project-level conformity if required for the project).
    2. Compliance with the noise regulations in 23 CFR 772.
    3. Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, 16 U.S.C. 1531- 
1544, and Section 1536.
    4. Marine Mammal Protection Act, 16 U.S.C. 1361.
    5. Anadromous Fish Conservation Act, 16 U.S.C. 757a-757g.
    6. Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act, 16 U.S.C. 661-667d.
    7. Migratory Bird Treaty Act, 16 U.S.C. 703-712.
    8. Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act of 
1976, as amended, 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
    9. Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, 
as amended, 54 U.S.C. 306101 et seq.
    10. Section 4(f) of the Department of Transportation Act of 1966, 
23 U.S.C. 138 and 49 U.S.C. 303; and 23 CFR part 774.
    11. Archeological and Historic Preservation Act of 1966, as 
amended, 54 U.S.C. 3201
    12. American Indian Religious Freedom Act, 42 U.S.C. 1996.
    13. Farmland Protection Policy Act (FPPA), 7 U.S.C. 4201-4209.
    14. Clean Water Act, 33 U.S.C. 1251- 1377 (Section 404, Section 
401, Section 319).
    15. Coastal Barrier Resources Act, 16 U.S.C. 3501-3510.
    16. Coastal Zone Management Act, 16 U.S.C. 1451-1465.
    17. Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA), 42 U.S.C. 300f-300j-6.
    18. Rivers and Harbors Act of 1899, 33 U.S.C. 401-406.
    19. Wild and Scenic Rivers Act, 16 U.S.C. 1271-1287.
    20. Emergency Wetlands Resources Act, 16 U.S.C. 3921-3931.
    21. TEA-21 Wetlands Mitigation, 23 U.S.C. 103(b)(6)(m), 133 
(b)(11).
    22. Flood Disaster Protection Act, 42 U.S.C. 4001-4128.
    23. Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF), 16 U.S.C. 4601-4604 
(known as section 6(f)).
    24. Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and 
Liability Act (CERCLA), 42 U.S.C. 9601-9675.
    25. Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act of 1986 (SARA).
    26. Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), 42 U.S.C. 6901- 
6992k.
    27. Landscaping and Scenic Enhancement (Wildflowers), 23 U.S.C.
    28. Executive Orders Relating to Highway Projects (E.O. 11990, 
Protection of Wetlands; E.O. 11988, Floodplain Management; E.O. 12898, 
Federal Actions to Address Environmental Justice in Minority 
Populations and Low Income Populations; E.O. 11593, Protection and 
Enhancement of Cultural Resources; E.O. 13007, Indian Sacred Sites; 
E.O. 13175, Consultation and Coordination with Indian Tribal 
Governments; E.O. 13112, Invasive Species).
    The MOU allows the State to act in the place of the FHWA in 
carrying out the functions described above, except with respect to 
government-to-government consultations with federally recognized Indian 
tribes. The FHWA will retain responsibility for conducting formal 
government-to-government consultation with federally recognized Indian 
tribes, which is required under some of the above-listed laws and 
executive orders. The State also may assist the FHWA with formal 
consultations, with consent of a tribe, but the FHWA remains 
responsible for the consultation. This assignment includes transfer to 
the State of Alaska the obligation to fulfill the assigned 
environmental responsibilities on any proposed projects meeting the 
criteria in Stipulation I(B) of the MOU that were determined to be CEs 
prior to the effective date of the proposed MOU but that have not been 
completed as of the effective date of the MOU.
    In addition to proposing a renewal of the State's participation in 
the program, the proposed MOU would have three changes from the 
previous version. The MOU will be amended by allowing assignment of 
projects that include Federal Aid Highway Program funds and other 
Federal funds. These types of projects were not available for 
assignment in the previous versions. The MOU would also be amended to 
allow assignment of Federal Lands Highway Program (FLHP) projects 
funded under 23 U.S.C. 204 and designed and constructed by ADOT&PF. For 
example, projects receiving Federal Land Access Program funds would be 
available for assignment as long as the State is the entity designing 
and constructing the project. Finally, the MOU would be amended by 
allowing the State to engage in formal consultation under Section 7 
Endangered Species Act (ESA). This responsibility was retained by FHWA 
in previous versions of the MOU.
    The FHWA will consider the comments submitted on the proposed MOU 
when making its decision on whether to execute this renewal MOU. The 
FHWA will make the final, executed MOU publicly available.

(Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Program Number 20.205, 
Highway Planning and Construction. The regulations implementing 
Executive Order 12372 regarding intergovernmental consultation on 
Federal programs and activities apply to this program.)


    Authority:  23 U.S.C. 326; 42 U.S.C. 4331, 4332; 23 CFR 771.117; 
40 CFR 1507.3, 1508.4.

    Issued on: July 27, 2015.
Sandra A. Garcia-Aline,
Division Administrator, Juneau, Alaska.
[FR Doc. 2015-18958 Filed 7-31-15; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-22-P
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