Proposed Information Collection; Comment Request; Coastal and Marine Ecological Classification Standard Solicitation for Revisions, 11348-11349 [2020-03963]

Download as PDF lotter on DSKBCFDHB2PROD with NOTICES 11348 Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 39 / Thursday, February 27, 2020 / Notices that right, the Makah Tribe is seeking authorization from NMFS under the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) and Whaling Convention Act. The MMPA imposes a general moratorium on the taking of marine mammals but authorizes the Secretary of Commerce to waive the moratorium and issue regulations governing the take of marine mammals if certain statutory criteria are met. The decision to waive the moratorium and issue regulations must be made on the record after an opportunity for an agency hearing on both the waiver and regulations (16 U.S.C. 1373(d)). On May 9, 2008, NMFS released a DEIS but later terminated that DEIS in 2012 (77 FR 29967, May 21, 2012) because of new scientific information. In that 2012 notice the agency announced its intent to prepare a new DEIS and open a scoping process (77 FR 29967, May 21, 2012). On March 13, 2015, NMFS released a new DEIS (80 FR 13373) for public comment that included a no-action alternative and five action alternatives. On April 5, 2019, NMFS published a proposed rule (84 FR 13604) and notice of hearing (84 FR 13639) to issue a waiver under the MMPA and propose regulations governing the hunting of ENP gray whales by the Makah Tribe for a 10-year period. The hunt proposal as set forth in the proposed rule represents a composite alternative that combines certain elements from the five DEIS action alternatives. As required under the MMPA, NMFS convened a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge regarding the proposed waiver and regulations (16 U.S.C. 1373(d)). The hearing took place from November 14, 2019 through November 21, 2019 in Seattle, Washington. In addition to NMFS, five parties participated at the hearing. Following the hearing, the Administrative Law Judge will issue a recommended decision regarding the proposed waiver and regulations, NMFS will provide notice of a 20-day public comment period, and then the NMFS Assistant Administrator will make a final decision on the proposed regulations and waiver in accordance with the regulations at 50 CFR part 228. NEPA regulations at 40 CFR 1502.9 provide for supplementing a DEIS if the agency determines that there are significant new circumstances or information relevant to environmental concerns and bearing on the proposed action or its impacts. An agency may also prepare a supplement when it determines that the purposes of NEPA will be furthered by doing so. A new issue of fact that occurred after issuance VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:26 Feb 26, 2020 Jkt 250001 of the 2015 DEIS but was addressed at the agency hearing is the Unusual Mortality Event (UME) for ENP gray whales declared by NMFS in May 2019 (see information posted https:// www.fisheries.noaa.gov/national/ marine-life-distress/2019-gray-whaleunusual-mortality-event-along-westcoast). Because information concerning the ongoing 2019 UME was presented at the agency hearing but not expressly addressed in the 2015 DEIS, NMFS has determined that it would now benefit both the public and agency decision making to prepare a supplement to the DEIS. NMFS expects that the supplement will incorporate the information presented at the hearing regarding the 2019 UME and any additional relevant information and will take into consideration the Administrative Law Judge’s recommended decision. NMFS also intends to expressly identify the hunt proposal, as described in the proposed rule and addressed at the agency hearing, as a separate action alternative in the supplement. Previously, NMFS determined that because the hunt proposal comprises elements and outcomes within the scope of the DEIS action alternatives and does not substantially change the proposed action in a manner relevant to environmental concerns, a supplement to the DEIS was not warranted based on the consideration of the composite alternative alone. Given our determination that NEPA’s purposes would be furthered through a DSEIS addressing the 2019 UME, we will also separately evaluate the composite alternative/hunt proposal in the DEIS. Authority The environmental review of the Makah Tribe’s request to resume treatybased hunting of ENP gray whales will be conducted under the authority and in accordance with the requirements of the NEPA of 1969 as amended (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.), Council on Environmental Quality Regulations (40 CFR parts 1500– 1508), the MMPA (16 U.S.C. 1361– 1421h), other applicable Federal laws and regulations, and policies and procedures of NMFS for compliance with those regulations. Dated: February 24, 2020. Donna S. Wieting, Director, Office of Protected Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. 2020–04044 Filed 2–26–20; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–22–P PO 00000 Frm 00019 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Proposed Information Collection; Comment Request; Coastal and Marine Ecological Classification Standard Solicitation for Revisions National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Notice. AGENCY: The Department of Commerce, as part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork and respondent burden, invites the general public and other Federal agencies to take this opportunity to comment on proposed and/or continuing information collections, as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. DATES: Written comments must be submitted on or before April 27, 2020. ADDRESSES: Direct all written comments to Adrienne Thomas, PRA Officer, NOAA, 151 Patton Avenue, Room 159, Asheville, NC 28801 (or via the internet at PRAcomments@doc.gov). All comments received are part of the public record. Comments will generally be posted without change. All Personally Identifiable Information (for example, name and address) voluntarily submitted by the commenter may be publicly accessible. Do not submit Confidential Business Information or otherwise sensitive or protected information. SUMMARY: FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Requests for additional information or copies of the information collection instrument and instructions should be directed to Becky Allee, Office for Coastal Management, 1021 Balch Blvd., Suite 1003, Stennis Space Center, MS 39529, (228) 688–1701, becky.allee@ noaa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: I. Abstract This is a request for review of a new information collection. NOAA’s Office of Coastal Management (OCM) is proposing a new information collection that will allow interested parties to submit requests for revisions to update the Coastal and Marine Ecological Classification Standard (CMECS). CMECS was approved by the Federal Geographic Data Committee (FGDC) in August 2012 and provides a national standard for consistent descriptions of coastal and marine ecological features. The primary uses of CMECS are in mapping and E:\FR\FM\27FEN1.SGM 27FEN1 Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 39 / Thursday, February 27, 2020 / Notices classifying the geological, physical, biological, and chemical components of the environment. Among other applications, the CMECS framework can be used to integrate data from disparate sources, facilitate comparisons among sites, and organize data for regional assessment. Since its publication in 2012, the CMECS has been used to characterize habitats ranging from coastal wetlands and estuaries to the deep ocean and at local to global scales. Benefits of CMECS include: Data collected by different sensors and methods can be integrated into a single database; all the physical, biological, and chemical-forcing functions that collectively determine a habitat type can be captured; and the system has the flexibility to accommodate new units as additional information becomes available. The CMECS was developed as a dynamic standard to allow periodic revisions to continue to meet the needs of the user community and as such, the CMECS can be updated to accommodate the requirements of evolving scientific practices, technology, and coastal and marine resource management. The review process allows the CMECS to retain its consistency, credibility, and rigor through periodic reviews and an orderly, authoritative, and transparent updating process as required by the Federal Geographic Data Committee. Anyone can propose changes, which can include minor edits, such as grammatical or typographical corrections, clarifications of definitions and meaning, or more substantial changes to the hierarchy within components. The CMECS Implementation Group, through the Office for Coastal Management, has determined it is necessary to initiate the dynamic standard process to revise the CMECS. We are soliciting recommendations for revisions to the CMECS through a form to be posted on the CMECS website. All recommendations collected will be reviewed and revisions will be made to the CMECS to reflect those recommendations found to be valuable for implementation of the CMECS and supportive of the user community needs. lotter on DSKBCFDHB2PROD with NOTICES II. Method of Collection Information will primarily be collected through a form on the CMECS website; however, we will also accept paper format for anyone unable to access the form through the internet. Some follow up interviews may occur to better understand recommendations as needed. VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:26 Feb 26, 2020 Jkt 250001 III. Data IV. Request for Comments Comments are invited on: (a) Whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information shall have practical utility; (b) the accuracy of the agency’s estimate of the burden (including hours and cost) of the proposed collection of information; (c) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (d) ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on respondents, including through the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology. Comments submitted in response to this notice will be summarized and/or included in the request for OMB approval of this information collection; they also will become a matter of public record. Sheleen Dumas, Departmental Lead PRA Clearance Officer, Office of the Chief Information Officer, Commerce Department. [FR Doc. 2020–03963 Filed 2–26–20; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–JE–P COURT SERVICES AND OFFENDER SUPERVISION AGENCY FOR THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Notice of CSOSA and PSA Guidance Portals Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency for the District of Columbia. ACTION: Notice of availability. AGENCY: PO 00000 Frm 00020 Pursuant to Executive Order 13891 and OMB M–20–02: Memorandum for Regulatory Policy Officers at Executive Departments and Agencies and Managing and Executive Directors of Certain Agencies and Commissions (OMB Memorandum M– 20–02), Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency for the District of Columbia (CSOSA) and Pretrial Services Agency for the District of Columbia (PSA) are noticing the February 28, 2020 by both CSOSA and PSA of a single, searchable, indexed database, each containing all of the respective agency’s guidance documents currently in effect. DATES: Applicable February 28, 2020. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: CSOSA, Hyun-Ju E. Park, Supervisory Policy Analyst, Office of Policy Analysis, Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency, 633 Indiana Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20004, hyun-ju.park@csosa.gov PSA: Victor Valentine Davis, Chief of Staff, Pretrial Services Agency for the District of Columbia, 633 Indiana Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20004, Victor.Davis@psa.gov SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency for the District of Columbia (CSOSA) was established within the Executive Branch of the Federal Government by the National Capital Revitalization and Self-Government Improvement Act of 1997, Public Law 105–33, 111 Stat. 251, 712 (D.C. Code § 24–133(a)). On August 4, 2000, CSOSA was certified by the United States Attorney General as an independent Federal agency. The Pretrial Services Agency for the District of Columbia (PSA) is an independent entity within CSOSA. Section 3 of Executive Order 13891 requires federal agencies to ‘‘establish or maintain on its website a single, searchable, indexed database that contains or links to all guidance documents in effect from such agency or component.’’ Executive Order 13891, 84 FR 55, 235 (October 9, 2019). OMB Memorandum M–20–02 further requires agencies to ‘‘send to the Federal Register a notice announcing the existence of the new guidance portal and explaining that all guidance documents remaining in effect are contained on the new guidance portal.’’ OMB Memorandum M–20–02, page 1 (October 31, 2019). In compliance with the above, CSOSA and PSA are respectively noticing the availability of a single, searchable, indexed database for CSOSA containing all CSOSA guidance documents currently in effect, which may be SUMMARY: OMB Control Number: 0648–NEW. Form Number(s): None. Type of Review: Regular submission; request for a new information collection. Affected Public: Coastal scientists and managers throughout the United States responsible for characterization of coastal and marine habitats or ecosystems more broadly. This may include academia; non-governmental organizations; State, Local or Tribal government; Federal government; and for-profit environmental support businesses. Estimated Number of Respondents: 100 Estimated Time per Response: 1 hour Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours: 100 Estimated Total Annual Cost to Public: $0. Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 11349 E:\FR\FM\27FEN1.SGM 27FEN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 39 (Thursday, February 27, 2020)]
[Notices]
[Pages 11348-11349]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-03963]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration


Proposed Information Collection; Comment Request; Coastal and 
Marine Ecological Classification Standard Solicitation for Revisions

AGENCY: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), 
Commerce.

ACTION: Notice.

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

SUMMARY: The Department of Commerce, as part of its continuing effort 
to reduce paperwork and respondent burden, invites the general public 
and other Federal agencies to take this opportunity to comment on 
proposed and/or continuing information collections, as required by the 
Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995.

DATES: Written comments must be submitted on or before April 27, 2020.

ADDRESSES: Direct all written comments to Adrienne Thomas, PRA Officer, 
NOAA, 151 Patton Avenue, Room 159, Asheville, NC 28801 (or via the 
internet at [email protected]). All comments received are part of the 
public record. Comments will generally be posted without change. All 
Personally Identifiable Information (for example, name and address) 
voluntarily submitted by the commenter may be publicly accessible. Do 
not submit Confidential Business Information or otherwise sensitive or 
protected information.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Requests for additional information or 
copies of the information collection instrument and instructions should 
be directed to Becky Allee, Office for Coastal Management, 1021 Balch 
Blvd., Suite 1003, Stennis Space Center, MS 39529, (228) 688-1701, 
[email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Abstract

    This is a request for review of a new information collection.
    NOAA's Office of Coastal Management (OCM) is proposing a new 
information collection that will allow interested parties to submit 
requests for revisions to update the Coastal and Marine Ecological 
Classification Standard (CMECS). CMECS was approved by the Federal 
Geographic Data Committee (FGDC) in August 2012 and provides a national 
standard for consistent descriptions of coastal and marine ecological 
features. The primary uses of CMECS are in mapping and

[[Page 11349]]

classifying the geological, physical, biological, and chemical 
components of the environment. Among other applications, the CMECS 
framework can be used to integrate data from disparate sources, 
facilitate comparisons among sites, and organize data for regional 
assessment. Since its publication in 2012, the CMECS has been used to 
characterize habitats ranging from coastal wetlands and estuaries to 
the deep ocean and at local to global scales. Benefits of CMECS 
include: Data collected by different sensors and methods can be 
integrated into a single database; all the physical, biological, and 
chemical-forcing functions that collectively determine a habitat type 
can be captured; and the system has the flexibility to accommodate new 
units as additional information becomes available.
    The CMECS was developed as a dynamic standard to allow periodic 
revisions to continue to meet the needs of the user community and as 
such, the CMECS can be updated to accommodate the requirements of 
evolving scientific practices, technology, and coastal and marine 
resource management. The review process allows the CMECS to retain its 
consistency, credibility, and rigor through periodic reviews and an 
orderly, authoritative, and transparent updating process as required by 
the Federal Geographic Data Committee. Anyone can propose changes, 
which can include minor edits, such as grammatical or typographical 
corrections, clarifications of definitions and meaning, or more 
substantial changes to the hierarchy within components. The CMECS 
Implementation Group, through the Office for Coastal Management, has 
determined it is necessary to initiate the dynamic standard process to 
revise the CMECS. We are soliciting recommendations for revisions to 
the CMECS through a form to be posted on the CMECS website. All 
recommendations collected will be reviewed and revisions will be made 
to the CMECS to reflect those recommendations found to be valuable for 
implementation of the CMECS and supportive of the user community needs.

II. Method of Collection

    Information will primarily be collected through a form on the CMECS 
website; however, we will also accept paper format for anyone unable to 
access the form through the internet. Some follow up interviews may 
occur to better understand recommendations as needed.

III. Data

    OMB Control Number: 0648-NEW.
    Form Number(s): None.
    Type of Review: Regular submission; request for a new information 
collection.
    Affected Public: Coastal scientists and managers throughout the 
United States responsible for characterization of coastal and marine 
habitats or ecosystems more broadly. This may include academia; non-
governmental organizations; State, Local or Tribal government; Federal 
government; and for-profit environmental support businesses.
    Estimated Number of Respondents: 100
    Estimated Time per Response: 1 hour
    Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours: 100
    Estimated Total Annual Cost to Public: $0.

IV. Request for Comments

    Comments are invited on: (a) Whether the proposed collection of 
information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of 
the agency, including whether the information shall have practical 
utility; (b) the accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden 
(including hours and cost) of the proposed collection of information; 
(c) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the 
information to be collected; and (d) ways to minimize the burden of the 
collection of information on respondents, including through the use of 
automated collection techniques or other forms of information 
technology.
    Comments submitted in response to this notice will be summarized 
and/or included in the request for OMB approval of this information 
collection; they also will become a matter of public record.

Sheleen Dumas,
Departmental Lead PRA Clearance Officer, Office of the Chief 
Information Officer, Commerce Department.
[FR Doc. 2020-03963 Filed 2-26-20; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 3510-JE-P
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