Request for Comments Concerning an Environmental Review of the Proposed Renegotiation of the North American Free Trade Agreement, 44868-44869 [2017-20526]

Download as PDF 44868 Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 185 / Tuesday, September 26, 2017 / Notices of Information and Regulatory Affairs, Office of Management and Budget (OMB), Washington, DC 20503. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Contact Carolyn Hum, Administrative Officer, Attn: PRA, U.S. Trade and Development Agency, 1000 Wilson Blvd., Suite 1600, Arlington, VA 22209– 3901; Tel.: (703) 875–4357, Fax: (703) 875–4009; Email: chum@ustda.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Comments are again being solicited on: (1) Whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information will have practical utility; (2) the accuracy of the agency’s estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used; (3) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (4) ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are to respond, including the use of appropriate automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology. Summary Collection Under Review Type of Request: Extension of a currently approved information collection. Expiration Date of Previous Approval: 11/30/2017. Title: Evaluation of USTDA Performance. Form Number: USTDA 1000E–2011a. Frequency of Use: Annually for duration of project. Type of Respondents: Business or other for profit; Not-for-profit institutions; Farms; Federal Government. Estimated Number of Responses: 1,440 to 1,800 per year. Estimated Total Annual Burden on Respondents: 480 to 600 hours per year. Federal Cost: $324,453. Authority for Information Collection: Government Performance and Results Act of 1993 103 Pub. L. 62; 107 Stat. 285. Abstract: USTDA and contractors will collect information from various stakeholders on USTDA-funded activities regarding development impact and/or commercial objectives as well as evaluate success regarding GPRA objectives. This information collection enables USTDA to assess the impacts that its program investments have on U.S. commercial interests and economic development abroad. The goal of this information collection is to gather evidence and stakeholder feedback in VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:28 Sep 25, 2017 Jkt 241001 order to continually improve program performance and deliver better results to U.S. taxpayers. As a matter of good management practice, such information is necessary to responsibly carry out the Agency’s mission of monitoring current and recently completed activities. Dated: September 19, 2017. Carolyn Hum, Administrative Officer. [FR Doc. 2017–20464 Filed 9–25–17; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 8040–01–P OFFICE OF THE UNITED STATES TRADE REPRESENTATIVE [DOCKET NUMBER USTR–2017–0013] Request for Comments Concerning an Environmental Review of the Proposed Renegotiation of the North American Free Trade Agreement Office of the United States Trade Representative. ACTION: Notice. AGENCY: The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR), through the Trade Policy Staff Committee (TPSC), is initiating an environmental review relating to the renegotiation of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), a free trade agreement between the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The TPSC invites written comments on the topics that should be included in the scope of the environmental review, including potential positive or negative environmental effects that might result from the trade agreement and potential implications for U.S. environmental laws and regulations. The TPSC also welcomes comments on appropriate methodologies and sources of data for conducting the review. We will take comments on environmental issues we received in response to the notice published in the Federal Register on May 23, 2017, requesting comments on NAFTA negotiating objectives into account in preparing the environmental review and you do not need to resubmit these comments. DATES: We must receive your comments by November 27, 2017. ADDRESSES: We strongly prefers electronic submissions made through the Federal eRulemaking Portal: https:// www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments in section 3 below. The docket number is USTR–2017–0013. For alternatives to on-line submissions, please contact Yvonne Jamison, Trade Policy Staff Committee, at (202) 395–3475. SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00110 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Direct questions about submission of comments to Yvonne Jamison at (202) 395–3475. Direct substantive questions to Sarah Stewart at (202) 395–7320. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 1. Background On May 18, 2017, following consultations with relevant Congressional committees, USTR informed Congress that the President was entering into negotiations with Canada and Mexico with respect to the NAFTA. Through a notice in the Federal Register (82 FR 23699) and a public hearing held on June 27–29, 2017, in Washington, DC, the TPSC invited the public to provide comments and testimony to assist USTR in assessing U.S. objectives for the proposed agreement. You can find a description of the U.S. negotiating objectives for the NAFTA on the USTR Web site: https://ustr.gov/sites/default/ files/files/Press/Releases/NAFTA Objectives.pdf. 2. Environmental Review Section 105(d)(1)(A) of the Bipartisan Congressional Trade Priorities and Accountability Act of 2015, 19 U.S.C. 4201, requires environmental reviews of trade agreements consistent with Executive Order 13141 (64 FR 63169, Nov. 18, 1999) and the implementing guidelines (65 FR 79442, Dec. 19, 2000). The purpose of environmental reviews is to ensure that policymakers and the public are informed about reasonably foreseeable environmental impacts of trade agreements (both positive and negative), to identify complementarities between trade and environmental objectives, and to help shape appropriate responses if environmental impacts are identified. Reviews are one of the tools we use to integrate environmental information and analysis into the fluid, dynamic process of trade negotiations. USTR and the Council on Environmental Quality jointly oversee implementation of the Executive Order and its implementing guidelines. USTR, through the TPSC, is responsible for conducting the individual reviews. You can find additional background information and examples of prior environmental reviews on the USTR Web site: https://ustr.gov/issue-areas/ environment/environmental-reviews. 3. Requirements for Submissions Persons submitting comments must do so in English and must identify (on the first page of the submission) ‘‘Comments Regarding the NAFTA Environmental Review.’’ In order to be assured of consideration, you must E:\FR\FM\26SEN1.SGM 26SEN1 Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 185 / Tuesday, September 26, 2017 / Notices submit comments by November 27, 2017. In order to ensure the timely receipt and consideration of comments, USTR strongly encourages commenters to make on-line submissions using the www.regulations.gov. To submit comments via www.regulations.gov, enter docket number USTR 2017–0013 on the home page and click ‘‘search.’’ The site will provide a search-results page listing all documents associated with this docket. Find a reference to this notice and click on the link entitled ‘‘Comment Now!’’ For further information on using the www.regulations.gov Web site, please consult the resources provided on the Web site by clicking on ‘‘How to Use Regulations.gov’’ on the bottom of the home page. We will not accept handdelivered submissions. The www.regulations.gov Web site allows users to submit comments by filling in a ‘‘Type Comment’’ field or by attaching a document using an ‘‘Upload File’’ field. USTR prefers that you submit comments in an attached document. USTR prefers submissions in Microsoft Word (.doc) or Adobe Acrobat (.pdf). If you use an application other than those two, please indicate the name of the application in the ‘‘Type Comment’’ field. For any comments submitted electronically containing business confidential information, the file name of the business confidential version should begin with the characters ‘‘BC’’. Any page containing business confidential information must be clearly marked ‘‘BUSINESS CONFIDENTIAL’’ on the top of that page. Filers of submissions containing business confidential information also must submit a public version of their comments that we will place in the docket for public inspection. The file name of the public version should begin with the character ‘‘P’’. The ‘‘BC’’ and ‘‘P’’ should be followed by the name of the person or entity submitting the comments. Filers submitting comments containing no business confidential information should name their file using the name of the person or entity submitting the comments. Please do not attach separate cover letters to electronic submissions; rather, include any information that might appear in a cover letter in the submission itself. Similarly, to the extent possible, please include any exhibits, annexes, or other attachments in the same file as the submission itself, not as separate files. As noted, USTR strongly urges submitters to file comments through www.regulations.gov. You must make any alternative arrangements in advance VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:28 Sep 25, 2017 Jkt 241001 of transmitting a comment by contacting Yvonne Jamison at (202) 395–3475. General information concerning USTR is available at www.ustr.gov. We will place comments in the public docket except business confidential information. You can view comments on the www.regulations.gov Web site by entering the relevant docket number in the search field on the home page. Edward Gresser, Chair, Trade Policy Staff Committee, Office of the United States Trade Representative. [FR Doc. 2017–20526 Filed 9–25–17; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3290–F7–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration Notice of Intent To Rule on Change in Use of Aeronautical Property at Harnett Regional Jetport, Harnett County, NC Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Notice AGENCY: The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is requesting public comment on a request by the County of Harnett of North Carolina, owner of the Harnett Regional Jetport, to change a portion of airport property from aeronautical to non-aeronautical use at the Harnett Regional Jetport. The request consists of approximately 2.49 acres to Piedmont Natural Gas Company, Inc. for use as a permanent utility easement for the installation of a gas line. DATES: Comments must be received on or before October 26, 2017. ADDRESSES: Comments on this notice may be mailed or delivered in triplicate to the FAA at the following address: Memphis Airports District Office, Attn: Koty Brown, Program Manager, 2600 Thousand Oaks Boulevard, Suite 2250, Memphis, TN 38118. In addition, one copy of any comments submitted to the FAA must be mailed or delivered to Mr. Gordon Springle, Chairman of the Harnett County Board of Commissioners at the following address: 540 Tippet Road, Angier, NC 27501. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Koty Brown, Program Manager, Federal Aviation Administration, Memphis Airports District Office, 2600 Thousand Oaks Boulevard, Suite 2250, Memphis, TN 38118–2482. The application may be reviewed in person at this same location, by appointment. SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00111 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 44869 The FAA proposes to rule and invites public comment on the request to release property for non-aeronautical purposes at Harnett Regional Jetport, Harnett County, NC under the provisions of 49 U.S.C. 47107(h)(2). The FAA determined that the request to release property at Harnett Regional Jetport (HRJ) submitted by the County of Harnett meets the procedural requirements of the FAA and the release of the property does not and will not impact future aviation needs at the airport. The FAA may approve the request, in whole or in part, no sooner than thirty days after the publication of this notice. The following is a brief overview of the request: The County of Harnett is proposing the release of approximately 2.49 acres to Piedmont Natural Gas Company, Inc. for use as a permanent utility easement for the installation of a gas line. This property is located along US Highway 421 South on the existing airport northeastern property line. This property is separated from the majority of airport property by US Highway 421 South. The proposed use of this property is compatible with airport operations. Any person may inspect, by appointment, the request in person at the FAA office listed above under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Issued in Memphis, TN on September 19, 2017. Phillip J. Braden, Manager, Memphis Airports District Office, Southern Region. [FR Doc. 2017–20574 Filed 9–25–17; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration [Summary Notice No. 2017–67] Petition for Exemption; Summary of Petition Received; BNSF Railway Company Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of Transportation (DOT). ACTION: Notice. AGENCY: This notice contains a summary of a petition seeking relief from specified requirements of Federal Aviation Regulations. The purpose of this notice is to improve the public’s awareness of, and participation in, the FAA’s exemption process. Neither publication of this notice nor the inclusion or omission of information in SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\26SEN1.SGM 26SEN1

Agencies

Office of the United States Trade Representative

[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 185 (Tuesday, September 26, 2017)]
[Notices]
[Pages 44868-44869]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2017-20526]


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OFFICE OF THE UNITED STATES TRADE REPRESENTATIVE

[DOCKET NUMBER USTR-2017-0013]


Request for Comments Concerning an Environmental Review of the 
Proposed Renegotiation of the North American Free Trade Agreement

AGENCY: Office of the United States Trade Representative.

ACTION: Notice.

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

SUMMARY: The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR), 
through the Trade Policy Staff Committee (TPSC), is initiating an 
environmental review relating to the renegotiation of the North 
American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), a free trade agreement between 
the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The TPSC invites written 
comments on the topics that should be included in the scope of the 
environmental review, including potential positive or negative 
environmental effects that might result from the trade agreement and 
potential implications for U.S. environmental laws and regulations. The 
TPSC also welcomes comments on appropriate methodologies and sources of 
data for conducting the review. We will take comments on environmental 
issues we received in response to the notice published in the Federal 
Register on May 23, 2017, requesting comments on NAFTA negotiating 
objectives into account in preparing the environmental review and you 
do not need to resubmit these comments.

DATES: We must receive your comments by November 27, 2017.

ADDRESSES: We strongly prefers electronic submissions made through the 
Federal eRulemaking Portal: https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the 
instructions for submitting comments in section 3 below. The docket 
number is USTR-2017-0013. For alternatives to on-line submissions, 
please contact Yvonne Jamison, Trade Policy Staff Committee, at (202) 
395-3475.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Direct questions about submission of 
comments to Yvonne Jamison at (202) 395-3475. Direct substantive 
questions to Sarah Stewart at (202) 395-7320.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

1. Background

    On May 18, 2017, following consultations with relevant 
Congressional committees, USTR informed Congress that the President was 
entering into negotiations with Canada and Mexico with respect to the 
NAFTA. Through a notice in the Federal Register (82 FR 23699) and a 
public hearing held on June 27-29, 2017, in Washington, DC, the TPSC 
invited the public to provide comments and testimony to assist USTR in 
assessing U.S. objectives for the proposed agreement. You can find a 
description of the U.S. negotiating objectives for the NAFTA on the 
USTR Web site: https://ustr.gov/sites/default/files/files/Press/Releases/NAFTAObjectives.pdf.

2. Environmental Review

    Section 105(d)(1)(A) of the Bipartisan Congressional Trade 
Priorities and Accountability Act of 2015, 19 U.S.C. 4201, requires 
environmental reviews of trade agreements consistent with Executive 
Order 13141 (64 FR 63169, Nov. 18, 1999) and the implementing 
guidelines (65 FR 79442, Dec. 19, 2000). The purpose of environmental 
reviews is to ensure that policymakers and the public are informed 
about reasonably foreseeable environmental impacts of trade agreements 
(both positive and negative), to identify complementarities between 
trade and environmental objectives, and to help shape appropriate 
responses if environmental impacts are identified. Reviews are one of 
the tools we use to integrate environmental information and analysis 
into the fluid, dynamic process of trade negotiations. USTR and the 
Council on Environmental Quality jointly oversee implementation of the 
Executive Order and its implementing guidelines. USTR, through the 
TPSC, is responsible for conducting the individual reviews. You can 
find additional background information and examples of prior 
environmental reviews on the USTR Web site: https://ustr.gov/issue-areas/environment/environmental-reviews.

3. Requirements for Submissions

    Persons submitting comments must do so in English and must identify 
(on the first page of the submission) ``Comments Regarding the NAFTA 
Environmental Review.'' In order to be assured of consideration, you 
must

[[Page 44869]]

submit comments by November 27, 2017. In order to ensure the timely 
receipt and consideration of comments, USTR strongly encourages 
commenters to make on-line submissions using the www.regulations.gov.
    To submit comments via www.regulations.gov, enter docket number 
USTR 2017-0013 on the home page and click ``search.'' The site will 
provide a search-results page listing all documents associated with 
this docket. Find a reference to this notice and click on the link 
entitled ``Comment Now!'' For further information on using the 
www.regulations.gov Web site, please consult the resources provided on 
the Web site by clicking on ``How to Use Regulations.gov'' on the 
bottom of the home page. We will not accept hand-delivered submissions.
    The www.regulations.gov Web site allows users to submit comments by 
filling in a ``Type Comment'' field or by attaching a document using an 
``Upload File'' field. USTR prefers that you submit comments in an 
attached document. USTR prefers submissions in Microsoft Word (.doc) or 
Adobe Acrobat (.pdf). If you use an application other than those two, 
please indicate the name of the application in the ``Type Comment'' 
field.
    For any comments submitted electronically containing business 
confidential information, the file name of the business confidential 
version should begin with the characters ``BC''. Any page containing 
business confidential information must be clearly marked ``BUSINESS 
CONFIDENTIAL'' on the top of that page. Filers of submissions 
containing business confidential information also must submit a public 
version of their comments that we will place in the docket for public 
inspection. The file name of the public version should begin with the 
character ``P''. The ``BC'' and ``P'' should be followed by the name of 
the person or entity submitting the comments. Filers submitting 
comments containing no business confidential information should name 
their file using the name of the person or entity submitting the 
comments.
    Please do not attach separate cover letters to electronic 
submissions; rather, include any information that might appear in a 
cover letter in the submission itself. Similarly, to the extent 
possible, please include any exhibits, annexes, or other attachments in 
the same file as the submission itself, not as separate files.
    As noted, USTR strongly urges submitters to file comments through 
www.regulations.gov. You must make any alternative arrangements in 
advance of transmitting a comment by contacting Yvonne Jamison at (202) 
395-3475. General information concerning USTR is available at 
www.ustr.gov.
    We will place comments in the public docket except business 
confidential information. You can view comments on the 
www.regulations.gov Web site by entering the relevant docket number in 
the search field on the home page.

Edward Gresser,
Chair, Trade Policy Staff Committee, Office of the United States Trade 
Representative.
[FR Doc. 2017-20526 Filed 9-25-17; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 3290-F7-P

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