Civil Monetary Penalty Inflation Adjustments, 20830-20836 [2020-07390]
Download as PDF
<![CDATA[
20830
Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 73 / Wednesday, April 15, 2020 / Rules and Regulations
For plans with a valuation date
Rate
set
On or after
*
Before
*
319 ....
5–1–20
For plans with a valuation date
*
*
319 ....
5–1–20
Office of Surface Mining Reclamation
and Enforcement
30 CFR Parts 723, 724, 845, and 846
RIN 1029–AC78
[Docket ID: OSM–2019–0015; S1D1S
SS08011000 SX064A000 201S180110;
S2D2S SS08011000 SX064A00 20XS501520]
Civil Monetary Penalty Inflation
Adjustments
Office of Surface Mining
Reclamation and Enforcement, Interior.
ACTION: Final rule.
AGENCY:
Pursuant to the Federal Civil
Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act
Improvements Act of 2015 (2015 Act),
which further amended the Federal
Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act
of 1990 (1990 Act), and Office of
Management and Budget (OMB)
guidance, this rule adjusts for inflation
the level of civil monetary penalties
assessed under the Surface Mining
Control and Reclamation Act of 1977
(SMCRA).
DATES: Effective April 15, 2020.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Kathleen Vello, Office of Surface Mining
Reclamation and Enforcement, 1849 C
Street NW, Mail Stop 4550, Washington,
Jkt 250001
n1
n2
*
*
4.00
7
8
*
Deferred annuities
(percent)
i2
i1
*
4.00
i3
*
4.00
Table of Contents
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
SUMMARY:
*
4.00
DC 20240; Telephone (202) 208–1908.
Email: kvello@osmre.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
BILLING CODE 7709–02–P
jbell on DSKJLSW7X2PROD with RULES
*
0.50
[FR Doc. 2020–07763 Filed 4–14–20; 8:45 am]
16:09 Apr 14, 2020
*
*
6–1–20
Issued in Washington, DC.
Hilary Duke,
Assistant General Counsel for Regulatory
Affairs, Pension Benefit Guaranty
Corporation.
VerDate Sep<11>2014
*
Immediate
annuity rate
(percent)
Before
i3
Appendix C to Part 4022—Lump Sum
Interest Rates for Private-Sector
Payments
*
On or after
*
4.00
0.50
3. In appendix C to part 4022, rate set
319 is added at the end of the table to
read as follows:
i2
i1
*
6–1–20
■
Rate
set
Deferred annuities
(percent)
Immediate
annuity rate
(percent)
I. Background
A. The Federal Civil Penalties Inflation
Adjustment Act Improvements Act of
2015
B. Calculation of Adjustments
C. Effect of the Rule in Federal Program
States and on Indian Lands
D. Effect of the Rule on Approved State
Programs
II. Procedural Matters
A. Regulatory Planning and Review
(Executive Orders 12866, 13563, and
13771)
B. Regulatory Flexibility Act
C. Small Business Regulatory Enforcement
Fairness Act
D. Unfunded Mandates Reform Act
E. Takings (Executive Order 12630)
F. Federalism (Executive Order 13132)
G. Civil Justice Reform (Executive Order
12988)
H. Consultation With Indian Tribes
(Executive Order 13175 and
Departmental Policy)
I. Paperwork Reduction Act
J. National Environmental Policy Act
K. Effects on Energy Supply, Distribution,
and Use (Executive Order 13211)
L. Clarity of This Regulation
M. Data Quality Act
N. Administrative Procedure Act
I. Background
A. The Federal Civil Penalties Inflation
Adjustment Act Improvements Act of
2015
Section 518 of SMCRA, 30 U.S.C.
1268, authorizes the Secretary of the
Interior to assess civil monetary
penalties (CMPs) for violations of
SMCRA. The Office of Surface Mining
Reclamation and Enforcement’s
PO 00000
Frm 00020
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
n1
n2
*
4.00
*
7
8
(OSMRE) regulations implementing the
CMP provisions of section 518 are
located in 30 CFR parts 723, 724, 845,
and 846. We are adjusting CMPs in six
sections—30 CFR 723.14, 723.15,
724.14, 845.14, 845.15, and 846.14.
On November 2, 2015, the President
signed the Federal Civil Penalties
Inflation Adjustment Act Improvements
Act of 2015 (Sec. 701 of Pub. L. 114–74)
(2015 Act) into law. The 2015 Act,
which further amended the Federal
Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act
of 1990 (codified as amended at 28
U.S.C. 2461 note), requires Federal
agencies to promulgate rules to adjust
the level of CMPs to account for
inflation. The 2015 Act required an
initial ‘‘catch-up’’ adjustment. OSMRE
published the initial adjustment in the
Federal Register on July 8, 2016 (81 FR
44535), and the adjustment took effect
on August 1, 2016. The 2015 Act also
requires agencies to publish annual
inflation adjustments in the Federal
Register no later than January 15 of each
year. These adjustments are aimed at
maintaining the deterrent effect of civil
penalties and furthering the policy goals
of the statutes that authorize the
penalties. Further, the 2015 Act
provides that agencies must adjust civil
monetary penalties ‘‘notwithstanding
section 553 of [the Administrative
Procedure Act].’’ Therefore, the public
procedure that the Administrative
Procedure Act generally requires for
rulemaking—notice, an opportunity for
comment, and a delay in the effective
date—is not required for agencies to
issue regulations implementing the
annual CMP adjustments. See also
December 16, 2019, Memorandum for
the Heads of Executive Departments and
E:\FR\FM\15APR1.SGM
15APR1
Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 73 / Wednesday, April 15, 2020 / Rules and Regulations
Agencies (M–20–05), from Russell T.
Vought, Acting Director, Office of
Management and Budget,
Implementation of Penalty Inflation
Adjustments for 2020, Pursuant to the
Federal Civil Penalties Inflation
Adjustment Act Improvements Act of
2015 (OMB Memorandum).
Pursuant to SMCRA and the 2015 Act,
this final rule reflects the statutorily
required CMP adjustments as follows:
Points
(where
applicable)
CFR citation
jbell on DSKJLSW7X2PROD with RULES
30 CFR 723.14 ............................................................................................................................
VerDate Sep<11>2014
16:09 Apr 14, 2020
Jkt 250001
PO 00000
Frm 00021
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
20831
E:\FR\FM\15APR1.SGM
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
53
54
55
56
57
58
59
60
61
62
63
64
65
66
67
15APR1
Current
penalty dollar
amounts
$67
135
202
269
336
404
471
537
605
673
739
807
873
941
1,010
1,076
1,143
1,212
1,278
1,345
1,413
1,480
1,547
1,614
1,681
2,018
2,354
2,689
2,898
3,364
3,699
4,035
4,372
4,708
5,044
5,380
5,718
6,053
6,389
6,724
7,063
7,398
7,734
8,071
8,407
8,744
9,079
9,417
9,752
10,088
10,423
10,762
11,098
11,433
11,771
12,106
12,442
12,778
13,116
13,451
13,787
14,124
14,461
14,797
15,132
15,470
15,805
Adjusted
penalty dollar
amounts
$68
137
206
274
342
411
479
546
616
685
752
821
888
958
1,028
1,095
1,163
1,233
1,301
1,369
1,438
1,506
1,574
1,642
1,711
2,054
2,396
2,736
2,949
3,423
3,764
4,106
4,449
4,791
5,133
5,475
5,819
6,160
6,502
6,843
7,188
7,529
7,870
8,213
8,555
8,898
9,239
9,583
9,924
10,266
10,607
10,952
11,294
11,635
11,979
12,320
12,661
13,003
13,347
13,688
14,030
14,373
14,716
15,058
15,399
15,743
16,084
20832
Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 73 / Wednesday, April 15, 2020 / Rules and Regulations
Points
(where
applicable)
CFR citation
jbell on DSKJLSW7X2PROD with RULES
30 CFR 723.15(b) (Assessment of separate violations for each day) ........................................
30 CFR 724.14(b) (Individual civil penalties) ..............................................................................
30 CFR 845.14 ............................................................................................................................
VerDate Sep<11>2014
16:09 Apr 14, 2020
Jkt 250001
PO 00000
Frm 00022
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
68
69
70
........................
........................
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
53
54
55
56
57
58
59
60
61
62
63
64
65
66
67
E:\FR\FM\15APR1.SGM
15APR1
Current
penalty dollar
amounts
16,141
16,477
16,815
2,522
16,815
67
135
202
269
336
404
471
537
605
673
739
807
873
941
1,010
1,076
1,143
1,212
1,278
1,345
1,413
1,480
1,547
1,614
1,681
2,018
2,354
2,689
2,898
3,364
3,699
4,035
4,372
4,708
5,044
5,380
5,718
6,053
6,389
6,724
7,063
7,398
7,734
8,071
8,407
8,744
9,079
9,417
9,752
10,088
10,423
10,762
11,098
11,433
11,771
12,106
12,442
12,778
13,116
13,451
13,787
14,124
14,461
14,797
15,132
15,470
15,805
Adjusted
penalty dollar
amounts
16,426
16,768
17,112
2,566
17,112
68
137
206
274
342
411
479
546
616
685
752
821
888
958
1,028
1,095
1,163
1,233
1,301
1,369
1,438
1,506
1,574
1,642
1,711
2,054
2,396
2,736
2,949
3,423
3,764
4,106
4,449
4,791
5,133
5,475
5,819
6,160
6,502
6,843
7,188
7,529
7,870
8,213
8,555
8,898
9,239
9,583
9,924
10,266
10,607
10,952
11,294
11,635
11,979
12,320
12,661
13,003
13,347
13,688
14,030
14,373
14,716
15,058
15,399
15,743
16,084
Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 73 / Wednesday, April 15, 2020 / Rules and Regulations
Points
(where
applicable)
CFR citation
30 CFR 845.15(b) (Assessment of separate violations for each day) ........................................
30 CFR 846.14(b) (Individual civil penalties) ..............................................................................
jbell on DSKJLSW7X2PROD with RULES
In the chart above, there are no
numbers listed in the ‘‘Points’’ column
relative to 30 CFR 723.15(b), 30 CFR
724.14(b), 30 CFR 845.15(b), and 30 CFR
846.14(b) because those regulatory
provisions do not set forth numbers of
points. For those provisions, the current
regulations only set forth the dollar
amounts shown in the chart in the
‘‘Current Penalty Dollar Amounts’’
column; the adjusted amounts, which
we are adopting in this rule, are shown
in the ‘‘Adjusted Penalty Dollar
Amounts’’ column.
B. Calculation of Adjustments
OMB issued guidance on the 2020
annual adjustments for inflation. See
OMB Memorandum (December 16,
2019). The OMB Memorandum notes
that the 1990 Act defines ‘‘civil
monetary penalty’’ as ‘‘any penalty, fine,
or other sanction that . . . is for a
specific monetary amount as provided
by Federal law; or . . . has a maximum
amount provided for by Federal law;
and . . . is assessed or enforced by an
agency pursuant to Federal law; and
. . . is assessed or enforced pursuant to
an administrative proceeding or a civil
action in the Federal courts . . . .’’ It
further instructs that agencies ‘‘are to
adjust ‘the maximum civil monetary
penalty or the range of minimum and
maximum civil monetary penalties, as
applicable, for each civil monetary
penalty by the cost-of-living
adjustment.’ ’’ See December 16, 2019
OMB Memorandum. The 1990 Act, as
amended by the 2015 Act, and the OMB
Memorandum specify that the annual
inflation adjustments are based on the
percent change between the Consumer
Price Index for all Urban Consumers
(the CPI–U) published by the
Department of Labor for the month of
October in the year of the previous
adjustment, and the October CPI–U for
the preceding year. The recent OMB
Memorandum specified that the cost-ofliving adjustment multiplier for 2020,
not seasonally adjusted, is 1.01764 (the
October 2019 CPI–U (257.346) divided
by the October 2018 CPI–U (252.885) =
1.01764). OSMRE used this guidance to
identify applicable CMPs and calculate
the required inflation adjustments. The
1990 Act, as amended by the 2015 Act,
VerDate Sep<11>2014
16:09 Apr 14, 2020
Jkt 250001
specifies that any resulting increases in
CMPs must be rounded according to a
stated rounding formula and that the
increased CMPs apply only to violations
that occur after the date the increase
takes effect.
Generally, OSMRE assigns points to a
violation as described in 30 CFR 723.13
and 845.13. The CMP owed is based on
the number of points received, ranging
from one point to 70 points. For
example, under our existing regulations
in 30 CFR 845.14, a violation totaling 70
points would amount to a $16,815 CMP.
To adjust this amount, we multiply
$16,815 by the 2020 inflation factor of
1.01764, resulting in a raw adjusted
amount of $17,111.62. Because the 2015
Act requires us to round any increase in
the CMP amount to the nearest dollar,
in this case a violation of 70 points
would amount to a new CMP of
$17,112. Pursuant to the 2015 Act, the
increases in this final rule apply to
CMPs assessed after the date the
increases take effect, even if the
associated violation predates the
applicable increase.
C. Effect of the Rule in Federal Program
States and on Indian Lands
OSMRE directly regulates surface coal
mining and reclamation operations
within a State or on Tribal lands if the
State or Tribe does not obtain its own
approved program pursuant to sections
503 or 710(j) of SMCRA, 30 U.S.C. 1253
or 1300(j). The increases in CMPs
contained in this rule will apply to the
following Federal program States:
Arizona, California, Georgia, Idaho,
Massachusetts, Michigan, North
Carolina, Oregon, Rhode Island, South
Dakota, Tennessee, and Washington.
The Federal programs for those States
appear at 30 CFR parts 903, 905, 910,
912, 921, 922, 933, 937, 939, 941, 942,
and 947, respectively. Under 30 CFR
750.18, the increase in CMPs also
applies to Indian lands under the
Federal program for Indian lands.
D. Effect of the Rule on Approved State
Programs
As a result of litigation, see In re
Permanent Surface Mining Regulation
Litigation, No. 79–1144, Mem. Op.
(D.D.C. May 16, 1980), 19 Env’t. Rep.
PO 00000
Frm 00023
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
68
69
70
........................
........................
Current
penalty dollar
amounts
16,141
16,477
16,815
2,522
16,815
20833
Adjusted
penalty dollar
amounts
16,426
16,768
17,112
2,566
17,112
Cas. (BNA) 1477, State regulatory
programs are not required to mirror all
of the penalty provisions of our
regulations. Thus, this rule has no effect
on CMPs in States with SMCRA
primacy.
II. Procedural Matters
A. Regulatory Planning and Review
(Executive Orders 12866, 13563, and
13771)
Executive Order 12866 provides that
the Office of Information and Regulatory
Affairs (OIRA) in the Office of
Management and Budget will review all
significant rules. OIRA has determined
that agency regulations exclusively
implementing the annual inflation
adjustments are not significant,
provided they are consistent with the
OMB Memorandum. Because this final
rule exclusively implements the annual
inflation adjustments, is consistent with
the OMB Memorandum, and will have
an annual impact of less than $100
million, it is not significant under
Executive Order 12866.
Executive Order 13563 reaffirms the
principles of Executive Order 12866
while calling for improvements in the
Nation’s regulatory system to promote
predictability, to reduce uncertainty,
and to use the best, most innovative,
and least burdensome tools for
achieving regulatory ends. The
Executive order directs agencies to
consider regulatory approaches that
reduce burdens and maintain flexibility
and freedom of choice for the public
where these approaches are relevant,
feasible, and consistent with regulatory
objectives. Executive Order 13563
emphasizes further that regulations
must be based on the best available
science and that the rulemaking process
must allow for public participation and
an open exchange of ideas. We have
developed this rule in a manner
consistent with these requirements, to
the extent permitted by statute.
Executive Order 13771 of January 30,
2017, directs Federal agencies to reduce
the regulatory burden on regulated
entities and control regulatory costs.
Executive Order 13771, however,
applies only to significant regulatory
actions, as defined in Section 3(f) of
Executive Order 12866. As mentioned
E:\FR\FM\15APR1.SGM
15APR1
20834
Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 73 / Wednesday, April 15, 2020 / Rules and Regulations
above, OIRA has determined that agency
regulations exclusively implementing
the annual adjustments are generally not
significant regulatory actions under
Executive Order 12866, provided they
are consistent with the OMB
Memorandum (see OMB Memorandum,
M–20–05, at 3) and have an annual
impact of less than $100 million.
Because this final rule exclusively
implements the annual adjustments, is
consistent with the OMB Memorandum,
and will have an annual impact less
than $100 million, Executive Order
13771 does not apply to this
rulemaking.
B. Regulatory Flexibility Act
The Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA)
requires an agency to prepare a
regulatory flexibility analysis for all
rules unless the agency certifies that the
rule will not have a significant
economic impact on a substantial
number of small entities. The RFA
applies only to rules for which an
agency is required to first publish a
proposed rule. See 5 U.S.C. 603(a) and
604(a). The Federal Civil Penalties
Inflation Adjustment Act Improvements
Act of 2015 requires agencies to adjust
civil penalties annually for inflation
‘‘notwithstanding section 553 [of the
Administrative Procedure Act].’’ Thus,
no proposed rule will be published, and
the RFA does not apply to this
rulemaking.
C. Small Business Regulatory
Enforcement Fairness Act
This rule is not a major rule under 5
U.S.C. 804(2), the Small Business
Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act.
This rule:
(a) Will not have an annual effect on
the economy of $100 million or more.
(b) Will not cause a major increase in
costs or prices for consumers,
individual industries, Federal, State, or
local government agencies, or
geographic regions.
(c) Will not have significant adverse
effects on competition, employment,
investment, productivity, innovation, or
the ability of United States-based
enterprises to compete with foreignbased enterprises.
jbell on DSKJLSW7X2PROD with RULES
D. Unfunded Mandates Reform Act
This rule does not impose an
unfunded mandate on State, local, or
Tribal governments, or the private
sector, of more than $100 million per
year. The rule does not have a
significant or unique effect on State,
local, or Tribal governments or the
private sector. A statement containing
the information required by the
VerDate Sep<11>2014
16:09 Apr 14, 2020
Jkt 250001
Unfunded Mandates Reform Act (2
U.S.C. 1531 et seq.) is not required.
E. Takings (Executive Order 12630)
This rule does not effect a taking of
private property or otherwise have
takings implications under Executive
Order 12630. A takings implication
assessment is not required.
F. Federalism (Executive Order 13132)
Under the criteria in section 1 of
Executive Order 13132, this rule does
not have sufficient federalism
implications to warrant the preparation
of a federalism summary impact
statement. A federalism summary
impact statement is not required.
G. Civil Justice Reform (Executive Order
12988)
This rule complies with the
requirements of Executive Order 12988.
Specifically, this rule:
(a) Meets the criteria of section 3(a)
requiring that all regulations be
reviewed to eliminate errors and
ambiguity and be written to minimize
litigation; and
(b) Meets the criteria of section 3(b)(2)
requiring that all regulations be written
in clear language and contain clear legal
standards.
H. Consultation with Indian Tribes
(Executive Order 13175 and
Departmental Policy)
J. National Environmental Policy Act
This rule does not constitute a major
Federal action significantly affecting the
quality of the human environment. A
detailed statement under the National
Environmental Policy Act of 1969
(NEPA) is not required because the rule
is covered by a categorical exclusion.
This rule is excluded from the
requirement to prepare a detailed
statement because it is a regulation of an
administrative nature. (For further
information see 43 CFR 46.210(i).) We
have also determined that the rule does
not involve any of the extraordinary
circumstances listed in 43 CFR 46.215
that would require further analysis
under NEPA.
K. Effects on Energy Supply,
Distribution, and Use (Executive Order
13211)
This rule is not a significant energy
action under the definition in Executive
Order 13211. A Statement of Energy
Effects is not required.
L. Clarity of This Regulation
We are required by Executive Orders
12866 (section 1(b)(12)), 12988 (section
3(b)(1)(B)), and 13563 (section 1(a)), and
by the Presidential Memorandum of
June 1, 1998, to write all rules in plain
language. This means that each rule we
publish must:
(a) Be logically organized;
(b) Use the active voice to address readers
directly;
(c) Use common, everyday words and clear
language rather than jargon;
(d) Be divided into short sections and
sentences; and
(e) Use lists and tables wherever possible.
The Department of the Interior strives
to strengthen its government-togovernment relationship with Tribes
through a commitment to consultation
with Tribes and recognition of their
right to self-governance and Tribal
sovereignty. We have evaluated this rule
under the Department’s consultation
policy, under Departmental Manual Part
512, Chapters 4 and 5, and under the
criteria in Executive Order 13175 and
have determined that it has no
substantial direct effects on Federallyrecognized Tribes or Alaska Native
Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA)
Corporations, and that consultation
under the Department’s Tribal
consultation policy is not required.
If you believe that we have not met
these requirements in issuing this final
rule, please contact the individual listed
in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION
CONTACT section. Your comments
should be as specific as possible in
order to help us determine whether any
future revisions to the rule are
necessary. For example, you should tell
us the numbers of the sections or
paragraphs that you find unclear, which
sections or sentences are too long, the
sections where you feel lists or tables
would be useful, etc.
I. Paperwork Reduction Act
M. Data Quality Act
This rule does not contain
information collection requirements,
and a submission to the Office of
Management and Budget under the
Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C.
3501 et seq.) is not required. We may
not conduct or sponsor, and you are not
required to respond to, a collection of
information unless it displays a
currently valid OMB control number.
In developing this rule, we did not
conduct or use a study, experiment, or
survey requiring peer review under the
Data Quality Act (Pub. L. 106–554).
PO 00000
Frm 00024
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
N. Administrative Procedure Act
We are issuing this final rule without
prior public notice or opportunity for
public comment. As discussed above,
the Federal Civil Penalties Inflation
E:\FR\FM\15APR1.SGM
15APR1
20835
Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 73 / Wednesday, April 15, 2020 / Rules and Regulations
Adjustment Act Improvements Act of
2015 requires agencies to publish
adjusted penalties annually. Under the
2015 Act, the public procedure that the
Administrative Procedure Act generally
requires—notice, an opportunity for
comment, and a delay in the effective
date—is not required for agencies to
issue regulations implementing the
annual adjustments required by the
2015 Act. See OMB Memorandum, M–
20–05, at 4.
List of Subjects
30 CFR Part 723
Administrative practice and
procedure, Penalties, Surface mining,
Underground mining.
30 CFR Part 724
Administrative practice and
procedure, Penalties, Surface mining,
Underground mining.
30 CFR Part 845
Administrative practice and
procedure, Law enforcement, Penalties,
Reporting and recordkeeping
requirements, Surface mining,
Underground mining.
30 CFR Part 846
Administrative practice and
procedure, Penalties, Surface mining,
Underground mining.
Casey Hammond,
Acting Assistant Secretary, Land and
Minerals Management.
For the reasons given in the preamble,
the Department of the Interior amends
30 CFR parts 723, 724, 845, and 846 as
set forth below.
PART 723—CIVIL PENALTIES
1. The authority citation for part 723
continues to read as follows:
■
Authority: 28 U.S.C. 2461, 30 U.S.C. 1201
et seq., and 31 U.S.C. 3701.
2. Revise the table in § 723.14 to read
as follows:
■
§ 723.14 Determination of amount of
penalty.
*
*
*
*
Points
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
53
54
55
56
57
58
59
60
61
62
63
64
65
66
67
68
69
70
Dollars
......................................
......................................
......................................
......................................
......................................
......................................
......................................
......................................
......................................
......................................
......................................
......................................
......................................
......................................
......................................
......................................
......................................
......................................
......................................
......................................
......................................
......................................
......................................
......................................
......................................
......................................
......................................
......................................
......................................
......................................
......................................
......................................
......................................
......................................
......................................
......................................
......................................
......................................
......................................
......................................
......................................
......................................
......................................
......................................
......................................
......................................
......................................
......................................
......................................
......................................
......................................
......................................
......................................
......................................
......................................
......................................
......................................
......................................
......................................
821
888
958
1,028
1,095
1,163
1,233
1,301
1,369
1,438
1,506
1,574
1,642
1,711
2,054
2,396
2,736
2,949
3,423
3,764
4,106
4,449
4,791
5,133
5,475
5,819
6,160
6,502
6,843
7,188
7,529
7,870
8,213
8,555
8,898
9,239
9,583
9,924
10,266
10,607
10,952
11,294
11,635
11,979
12,320
12,661
13,003
13,347
13,688
14,030
14,373
14,716
15,058
15,399
15,743
16,084
16,426
16,768
17,112
*
3. In § 723.15, revise introductory text
of paragraph (b) to read as follows:
■
jbell on DSKJLSW7X2PROD with RULES
Points
Dollars
1 ........................................
2 ........................................
3 ........................................
4 ........................................
5 ........................................
6 ........................................
7 ........................................
8 ........................................
9 ........................................
10 ......................................
11 ......................................
VerDate Sep<11>2014
16:09 Apr 14, 2020
68
137
206
274
342
411
479
546
616
685
752
Jkt 250001
§ 723.15 Assessment of separate
violations for each day.
*
*
*
*
*
(b) In addition to the civil penalty
provided for in paragraph (a) of this
section, whenever a violation contained
in a notice of violation or cessation
order has not been abated within the
abatement period set in the notice or
order or as subsequently extended
PO 00000
Frm 00025
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
pursuant to section 521(a) of the Act, 30
U.S.C. 1271(a), a civil penalty of not less
than $2,566 will be assessed for each
day during which such failure to abate
continues, except that:
*
*
*
*
*
PART 724—INDIVIDUAL CIVIL
PENALTIES
4. The authority citation for part 724
continues to read as follows:
■
Authority: 28 U.S.C. 2461, 30 U.S.C. 1201
et seq., and 31 U.S.C. 3701.
5. In § 724.14, revise the first sentence
of paragraph (b) to read as follows:
■
§ 724.14
Amount of individual civil penalty.
*
*
*
*
*
(b) The penalty will not exceed
$17,112 for each violation. * * *
PART 845—CIVIL PENALTIES
6. The authority citation for part 845
continues to read as follows:
■
Authority: 28 U.S.C. 2461, 30 U.S.C. 1201
et seq., 31 U.S.C. 3701, Pub. L. 100–202, and
Pub. L. 100–446.
7. Revise the table in § 845.14 to read
as follows:
■
§ 845.14
penalty.
*
*
Determination of amount of
*
*
*
Points
1 ........................................
2 ........................................
3 ........................................
4 ........................................
5 ........................................
6 ........................................
7 ........................................
8 ........................................
9 ........................................
10 ......................................
11 ......................................
12 ......................................
13 ......................................
14 ......................................
15 ......................................
16 ......................................
17 ......................................
18 ......................................
19 ......................................
20 ......................................
21 ......................................
22 ......................................
23 ......................................
24 ......................................
25 ......................................
26 ......................................
27 ......................................
28 ......................................
29 ......................................
30 ......................................
31 ......................................
32 ......................................
33 ......................................
34 ......................................
E:\FR\FM\15APR1.SGM
15APR1
Dollars
68
137
206
274
342
411
479
546
616
685
752
821
888
958
1,028
1,095
1,163
1,233
1,301
1,369
1,438
1,506
1,574
1,642
1,711
2,054
2,396
2,736
2,949
3,423
3,764
4,106
4,449
4,791
20836
Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 73 / Wednesday, April 15, 2020 / Rules and Regulations
Points
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
53
54
55
56
57
58
59
60
61
62
63
64
65
66
67
68
69
70
(b) The penalty will not exceed
$17,112 for each violation. * * *
Dollars
......................................
......................................
......................................
......................................
......................................
......................................
......................................
......................................
......................................
......................................
......................................
......................................
......................................
......................................
......................................
......................................
......................................
......................................
......................................
......................................
......................................
......................................
......................................
......................................
......................................
......................................
......................................
......................................
......................................
......................................
......................................
......................................
......................................
......................................
......................................
......................................
5,133
5,475
5,819
6,160
6,502
6,843
7,188
7,529
7,870
8,213
8,555
8,898
9,239
9,583
9,924
10,266
10,607
10,952
11,294
11,635
11,979
12,320
12,661
13,003
13,347
13,688
14,030
14,373
14,716
15,058
15,399
15,743
16,084
16,426
16,768
17,112
8. In § 845.15, revise introductory text
of paragraph (b) to read as follows:
■
§ 845.15 Assessment of separate
violations for each day.
*
*
*
*
*
(b) In addition to the civil penalty
provided for in paragraph (a) of this
section, whenever a violation contained
in a notice of violation or cessation
order has not been abated within the
abatement period set in the notice or
order or as subsequently extended
pursuant to section 521(a) of the Act, 30
U.S.C. 1271(a), a civil penalty of not less
than $2,566 will be assessed for each
day during which such failure to abate
continues, except that:
*
*
*
*
*
PART 846—INDIVIDUAL CIVIL
PENALTIES
9. The authority citation for part 846
continues to read as follows:
■
jbell on DSKJLSW7X2PROD with RULES
Authority: 28 U.S.C. 2461, 30 U.S.C. 1201
et seq., and 31 U.S.C. 3701.
10. In § 846.14, revise the first
sentence of paragraph (b) to read as
follows:
■
§ 846.14
*
*
Amount of individual civil penalty.
*
VerDate Sep<11>2014
*
*
16:09 Apr 14, 2020
Jkt 250001
[FR Doc. 2020–07390 Filed 4–14–20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310–05–P
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
AGENCY
40 CFR Part 52
[EPA–R04–OAR–2019–0503; FRL–10007–
45–Region 4]
Air Plan Approvals; GA and NC;
Prevention of Significant Deterioration
Infrastructure Requirements for the
2015 Ozone NAAQS
Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA).
ACTION: Final rule.
AGENCY:
The Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA) is conditionally
approving portions of the Georgia and
North Carolina infrastructure State
Implementation Plan (SIP) submissions
for the 2015 8-hour ozone National
Ambient Air Quality Standards
(NAAQS) provided to EPA on
September 24, 2018, and September 27,
2018, respectively. Whenever EPA
promulgates a new or revised NAAQS,
the Clean Air Act (CAA or Act) requires
that each state adopt and submit a SIP
submission to establish that the state’s
SIP meets infrastructure requirements
for the implementation, maintenance,
and enforcement of each such NAAQS.
Specifically, EPA is taking final action
to conditionally approve the portions of
the Georgia and North Carolina
infrastructure SIP submissions related to
the prevention of significant
deterioration (PSD) infrastructure
elements for the 2015 8-hour ozone
NAAQS.
SUMMARY:
This rule will be effective May
15, 2020.
ADDRESSES: EPA has established a
docket for this action under Docket
Identification No. EPA–R04–OAR–
2019–0503. All documents in the docket
are listed on the www.regulations.gov
website. Although listed in the index,
some information is not publicly
available, i.e., Confidential Business
Information or other information whose
disclosure is restricted by statute.
Certain other material, such as
copyrighted material, is not placed on
the internet and will be publicly
available only in hard copy form.
Publicly available docket materials are
available either electronically through
www.regulations.gov or in hard copy at
the Air Regulatory Management Section,
Air Planning and Implementation
DATES:
PO 00000
Frm 00026
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
Branch, Air and Radiation Division,
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency,
Region 4, 61 Forsyth Street SW, Atlanta,
Georgia 30303–8960. EPA requests that
if at all possible, you contact the person
listed in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION
CONTACT section to schedule your
inspection. The Regional Office’s
official hours of business are Monday
through Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.,
excluding Federal holidays.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Nacosta C. Ward of the Air Regulatory
Management Section, Air Planning and
Implementation Branch, Air and
Radiation Division, U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency, Region 4, 61 Forsyth
Street SW, Atlanta, Georgia 30303–8960.
Ms. Ward can be reached by telephone
at (404) 562–9140 or via electronic mail
at ward.nacosta@epa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
I. Background and Overview
On October 1, 2015, EPA promulgated
revised primary and secondary NAAQS
for ozone, revising the 8-hour ozone
standards from 0.075 parts per million
(ppm) to a new more protective level of
0.070 ppm. See 80 FR 65292 (October
26, 2015). Pursuant to section 110(a)(1)
of the CAA, states are required to submit
SIP revisions meeting the applicable
requirements of section 110(a)(2) within
three years after promulgation of a new
or revised NAAQS or within such
shorter period as EPA may prescribe.
Section 110(a)(2) requires states to
address basic SIP elements such as
requirements for monitoring, basic
program requirements, and legal
authority that are designed to assure
attainment and maintenance of the
NAAQS. This particular type of SIP is
commonly referred to as an
‘‘infrastructure SIP.’’ States were
required to submit such SIP revisions
for the 2015 8-hour ozone NAAQS to
EPA no later than October 1, 2018.1
As explained in a notice of proposed
rulemaking (NPRM) published on
February 11, 2020 (85 FR 7695), Georgia
and North Carolina cite to several
regulations 2 3 to demonstrate that their
1 In infrastructure SIP submissions, states
generally certify evidence of compliance with
sections 110(a)(1) and (2) of the CAA through a
combination of state regulations and statutes, some
of which have been incorporated into the SIP. In
addition, certain federally-approved, non-SIP
regulations may also be appropriate for
demonstrating compliance with sections 110(a)(1)
and (2).
2 Georgia’s September 24, 2018, infrastructure SIP
submission cites the following rules to meet the
PSD program requirements of 110(a)(2)(C): Georgia
Rules for Air Quality Control 391–3–1-.02—
‘‘Provisions. Amended,’’ including PSD
requirements under Rule 391–3–1–.02(7)—
‘‘Prevention of Significant Deterioration,’’ 391–3–1–
E:\FR\FM\15APR1.SGM
15APR1
]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 73 (Wednesday, April 15, 2020)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 20830-20836]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-07390]
=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement
30 CFR Parts 723, 724, 845, and 846
RIN 1029-AC78
[Docket ID: OSM-2019-0015; S1D1S SS08011000 SX064A000 201S180110; S2D2S
SS08011000 SX064A00 20XS501520]
Civil Monetary Penalty Inflation Adjustments
AGENCY: Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement, Interior.
ACTION: Final rule.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: Pursuant to the Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment
Act Improvements Act of 2015 (2015 Act), which further amended the
Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act of 1990 (1990 Act),
and Office of Management and Budget (OMB) guidance, this rule adjusts
for inflation the level of civil monetary penalties assessed under the
Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 (SMCRA).
DATES: Effective April 15, 2020.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kathleen Vello, Office of Surface
Mining Reclamation and Enforcement, 1849 C Street NW, Mail Stop 4550,
Washington, DC 20240; Telephone (202) 208-1908. Email:
[email protected].
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Table of Contents
I. Background
A. The Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act
Improvements Act of 2015
B. Calculation of Adjustments
C. Effect of the Rule in Federal Program States and on Indian
Lands
D. Effect of the Rule on Approved State Programs
II. Procedural Matters
A. Regulatory Planning and Review (Executive Orders 12866,
13563, and 13771)
B. Regulatory Flexibility Act
C. Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act
D. Unfunded Mandates Reform Act
E. Takings (Executive Order 12630)
F. Federalism (Executive Order 13132)
G. Civil Justice Reform (Executive Order 12988)
H. Consultation With Indian Tribes (Executive Order 13175 and
Departmental Policy)
I. Paperwork Reduction Act
J. National Environmental Policy Act
K. Effects on Energy Supply, Distribution, and Use (Executive
Order 13211)
L. Clarity of This Regulation
M. Data Quality Act
N. Administrative Procedure Act
I. Background
A. The Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act Improvements
Act of 2015
Section 518 of SMCRA, 30 U.S.C. 1268, authorizes the Secretary of
the Interior to assess civil monetary penalties (CMPs) for violations
of SMCRA. The Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement's
(OSMRE) regulations implementing the CMP provisions of section 518 are
located in 30 CFR parts 723, 724, 845, and 846. We are adjusting CMPs
in six sections--30 CFR 723.14, 723.15, 724.14, 845.14, 845.15, and
846.14.
On November 2, 2015, the President signed the Federal Civil
Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act Improvements Act of 2015 (Sec. 701
of Pub. L. 114-74) (2015 Act) into law. The 2015 Act, which further
amended the Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act of 1990
(codified as amended at 28 U.S.C. 2461 note), requires Federal agencies
to promulgate rules to adjust the level of CMPs to account for
inflation. The 2015 Act required an initial ``catch-up'' adjustment.
OSMRE published the initial adjustment in the Federal Register on July
8, 2016 (81 FR 44535), and the adjustment took effect on August 1,
2016. The 2015 Act also requires agencies to publish annual inflation
adjustments in the Federal Register no later than January 15 of each
year. These adjustments are aimed at maintaining the deterrent effect
of civil penalties and furthering the policy goals of the statutes that
authorize the penalties. Further, the 2015 Act provides that agencies
must adjust civil monetary penalties ``notwithstanding section 553 of
[the Administrative Procedure Act].'' Therefore, the public procedure
that the Administrative Procedure Act generally requires for
rulemaking--notice, an opportunity for comment, and a delay in the
effective date--is not required for agencies to issue regulations
implementing the annual CMP adjustments. See also December 16, 2019,
Memorandum for the Heads of Executive Departments and
[[Page 20831]]
Agencies (M-20-05), from Russell T. Vought, Acting Director, Office of
Management and Budget, Implementation of Penalty Inflation Adjustments
for 2020, Pursuant to the Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment
Act Improvements Act of 2015 (OMB Memorandum).
Pursuant to SMCRA and the 2015 Act, this final rule reflects the
statutorily required CMP adjustments as follows:
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Current Adjusted
CFR citation Points (where penalty dollar penalty dollar
applicable) amounts amounts
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
30 CFR 723.14................................................... 1 $67 $68
2 135 137
3 202 206
4 269 274
5 336 342
6 404 411
7 471 479
8 537 546
9 605 616
10 673 685
11 739 752
12 807 821
13 873 888
14 941 958
15 1,010 1,028
16 1,076 1,095
17 1,143 1,163
18 1,212 1,233
19 1,278 1,301
20 1,345 1,369
21 1,413 1,438
22 1,480 1,506
23 1,547 1,574
24 1,614 1,642
25 1,681 1,711
26 2,018 2,054
27 2,354 2,396
28 2,689 2,736
29 2,898 2,949
30 3,364 3,423
31 3,699 3,764
32 4,035 4,106
33 4,372 4,449
34 4,708 4,791
35 5,044 5,133
36 5,380 5,475
37 5,718 5,819
38 6,053 6,160
39 6,389 6,502
40 6,724 6,843
41 7,063 7,188
42 7,398 7,529
43 7,734 7,870
44 8,071 8,213
45 8,407 8,555
46 8,744 8,898
47 9,079 9,239
48 9,417 9,583
49 9,752 9,924
50 10,088 10,266
51 10,423 10,607
52 10,762 10,952
53 11,098 11,294
54 11,433 11,635
55 11,771 11,979
56 12,106 12,320
57 12,442 12,661
58 12,778 13,003
59 13,116 13,347
60 13,451 13,688
61 13,787 14,030
62 14,124 14,373
63 14,461 14,716
64 14,797 15,058
65 15,132 15,399
66 15,470 15,743
67 15,805 16,084
[[Page 20832]]
68 16,141 16,426
69 16,477 16,768
70 16,815 17,112
30 CFR 723.15(b) (Assessment of separate violations for each .............. 2,522 2,566
day)...........................................................
30 CFR 724.14(b) (Individual civil penalties)................... .............. 16,815 17,112
30 CFR 845.14................................................... 1 67 68
2 135 137
3 202 206
4 269 274
5 336 342
6 404 411
7 471 479
8 537 546
9 605 616
10 673 685
11 739 752
12 807 821
13 873 888
14 941 958
15 1,010 1,028
16 1,076 1,095
17 1,143 1,163
18 1,212 1,233
19 1,278 1,301
20 1,345 1,369
21 1,413 1,438
22 1,480 1,506
23 1,547 1,574
24 1,614 1,642
25 1,681 1,711
26 2,018 2,054
27 2,354 2,396
28 2,689 2,736
29 2,898 2,949
30 3,364 3,423
31 3,699 3,764
32 4,035 4,106
33 4,372 4,449
34 4,708 4,791
35 5,044 5,133
36 5,380 5,475
37 5,718 5,819
38 6,053 6,160
39 6,389 6,502
40 6,724 6,843
41 7,063 7,188
42 7,398 7,529
43 7,734 7,870
44 8,071 8,213
45 8,407 8,555
46 8,744 8,898
47 9,079 9,239
48 9,417 9,583
49 9,752 9,924
50 10,088 10,266
51 10,423 10,607
52 10,762 10,952
53 11,098 11,294
54 11,433 11,635
55 11,771 11,979
56 12,106 12,320
57 12,442 12,661
58 12,778 13,003
59 13,116 13,347
60 13,451 13,688
61 13,787 14,030
62 14,124 14,373
63 14,461 14,716
64 14,797 15,058
65 15,132 15,399
66 15,470 15,743
67 15,805 16,084
[[Page 20833]]
68 16,141 16,426
69 16,477 16,768
70 16,815 17,112
30 CFR 845.15(b) (Assessment of separate violations for each .............. 2,522 2,566
day)...........................................................
30 CFR 846.14(b) (Individual civil penalties)................... .............. 16,815 17,112
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
In the chart above, there are no numbers listed in the ``Points''
column relative to 30 CFR 723.15(b), 30 CFR 724.14(b), 30 CFR
845.15(b), and 30 CFR 846.14(b) because those regulatory provisions do
not set forth numbers of points. For those provisions, the current
regulations only set forth the dollar amounts shown in the chart in the
``Current Penalty Dollar Amounts'' column; the adjusted amounts, which
we are adopting in this rule, are shown in the ``Adjusted Penalty
Dollar Amounts'' column.
B. Calculation of Adjustments
OMB issued guidance on the 2020 annual adjustments for inflation.
See OMB Memorandum (December 16, 2019). The OMB Memorandum notes that
the 1990 Act defines ``civil monetary penalty'' as ``any penalty, fine,
or other sanction that . . . is for a specific monetary amount as
provided by Federal law; or . . . has a maximum amount provided for by
Federal law; and . . . is assessed or enforced by an agency pursuant to
Federal law; and . . . is assessed or enforced pursuant to an
administrative proceeding or a civil action in the Federal courts . . .
.'' It further instructs that agencies ``are to adjust `the maximum
civil monetary penalty or the range of minimum and maximum civil
monetary penalties, as applicable, for each civil monetary penalty by
the cost-of-living adjustment.' '' See December 16, 2019 OMB
Memorandum. The 1990 Act, as amended by the 2015 Act, and the OMB
Memorandum specify that the annual inflation adjustments are based on
the percent change between the Consumer Price Index for all Urban
Consumers (the CPI-U) published by the Department of Labor for the
month of October in the year of the previous adjustment, and the
October CPI-U for the preceding year. The recent OMB Memorandum
specified that the cost-of-living adjustment multiplier for 2020, not
seasonally adjusted, is 1.01764 (the October 2019 CPI-U (257.346)
divided by the October 2018 CPI-U (252.885) = 1.01764). OSMRE used this
guidance to identify applicable CMPs and calculate the required
inflation adjustments. The 1990 Act, as amended by the 2015 Act,
specifies that any resulting increases in CMPs must be rounded
according to a stated rounding formula and that the increased CMPs
apply only to violations that occur after the date the increase takes
effect.
Generally, OSMRE assigns points to a violation as described in 30
CFR 723.13 and 845.13. The CMP owed is based on the number of points
received, ranging from one point to 70 points. For example, under our
existing regulations in 30 CFR 845.14, a violation totaling 70 points
would amount to a $16,815 CMP. To adjust this amount, we multiply
$16,815 by the 2020 inflation factor of 1.01764, resulting in a raw
adjusted amount of $17,111.62. Because the 2015 Act requires us to
round any increase in the CMP amount to the nearest dollar, in this
case a violation of 70 points would amount to a new CMP of $17,112.
Pursuant to the 2015 Act, the increases in this final rule apply to
CMPs assessed after the date the increases take effect, even if the
associated violation predates the applicable increase.
C. Effect of the Rule in Federal Program States and on Indian Lands
OSMRE directly regulates surface coal mining and reclamation
operations within a State or on Tribal lands if the State or Tribe does
not obtain its own approved program pursuant to sections 503 or 710(j)
of SMCRA, 30 U.S.C. 1253 or 1300(j). The increases in CMPs contained in
this rule will apply to the following Federal program States: Arizona,
California, Georgia, Idaho, Massachusetts, Michigan, North Carolina,
Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Tennessee, and Washington. The
Federal programs for those States appear at 30 CFR parts 903, 905, 910,
912, 921, 922, 933, 937, 939, 941, 942, and 947, respectively. Under 30
CFR 750.18, the increase in CMPs also applies to Indian lands under the
Federal program for Indian lands.
D. Effect of the Rule on Approved State Programs
As a result of litigation, see In re Permanent Surface Mining
Regulation Litigation, No. 79-1144, Mem. Op. (D.D.C. May 16, 1980), 19
Env't. Rep. Cas. (BNA) 1477, State regulatory programs are not required
to mirror all of the penalty provisions of our regulations. Thus, this
rule has no effect on CMPs in States with SMCRA primacy.
II. Procedural Matters
A. Regulatory Planning and Review (Executive Orders 12866, 13563, and
13771)
Executive Order 12866 provides that the Office of Information and
Regulatory Affairs (OIRA) in the Office of Management and Budget will
review all significant rules. OIRA has determined that agency
regulations exclusively implementing the annual inflation adjustments
are not significant, provided they are consistent with the OMB
Memorandum. Because this final rule exclusively implements the annual
inflation adjustments, is consistent with the OMB Memorandum, and will
have an annual impact of less than $100 million, it is not significant
under Executive Order 12866.
Executive Order 13563 reaffirms the principles of Executive Order
12866 while calling for improvements in the Nation's regulatory system
to promote predictability, to reduce uncertainty, and to use the best,
most innovative, and least burdensome tools for achieving regulatory
ends. The Executive order directs agencies to consider regulatory
approaches that reduce burdens and maintain flexibility and freedom of
choice for the public where these approaches are relevant, feasible,
and consistent with regulatory objectives. Executive Order 13563
emphasizes further that regulations must be based on the best available
science and that the rulemaking process must allow for public
participation and an open exchange of ideas. We have developed this
rule in a manner consistent with these requirements, to the extent
permitted by statute.
Executive Order 13771 of January 30, 2017, directs Federal agencies
to reduce the regulatory burden on regulated entities and control
regulatory costs. Executive Order 13771, however, applies only to
significant regulatory actions, as defined in Section 3(f) of Executive
Order 12866. As mentioned
[[Page 20834]]
above, OIRA has determined that agency regulations exclusively
implementing the annual adjustments are generally not significant
regulatory actions under Executive Order 12866, provided they are
consistent with the OMB Memorandum (see OMB Memorandum, M-20-05, at 3)
and have an annual impact of less than $100 million. Because this final
rule exclusively implements the annual adjustments, is consistent with
the OMB Memorandum, and will have an annual impact less than $100
million, Executive Order 13771 does not apply to this rulemaking.
B. Regulatory Flexibility Act
The Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA) requires an agency to prepare
a regulatory flexibility analysis for all rules unless the agency
certifies that the rule will not have a significant economic impact on
a substantial number of small entities. The RFA applies only to rules
for which an agency is required to first publish a proposed rule. See 5
U.S.C. 603(a) and 604(a). The Federal Civil Penalties Inflation
Adjustment Act Improvements Act of 2015 requires agencies to adjust
civil penalties annually for inflation ``notwithstanding section 553
[of the Administrative Procedure Act].'' Thus, no proposed rule will be
published, and the RFA does not apply to this rulemaking.
C. Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act
This rule is not a major rule under 5 U.S.C. 804(2), the Small
Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act. This rule:
(a) Will not have an annual effect on the economy of $100 million
or more.
(b) Will not cause a major increase in costs or prices for
consumers, individual industries, Federal, State, or local government
agencies, or geographic regions.
(c) Will not have significant adverse effects on competition,
employment, investment, productivity, innovation, or the ability of
United States-based enterprises to compete with foreign-based
enterprises.
D. Unfunded Mandates Reform Act
This rule does not impose an unfunded mandate on State, local, or
Tribal governments, or the private sector, of more than $100 million
per year. The rule does not have a significant or unique effect on
State, local, or Tribal governments or the private sector. A statement
containing the information required by the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act
(2 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.) is not required.
E. Takings (Executive Order 12630)
This rule does not effect a taking of private property or otherwise
have takings implications under Executive Order 12630. A takings
implication assessment is not required.
F. Federalism (Executive Order 13132)
Under the criteria in section 1 of Executive Order 13132, this rule
does not have sufficient federalism implications to warrant the
preparation of a federalism summary impact statement. A federalism
summary impact statement is not required.
G. Civil Justice Reform (Executive Order 12988)
This rule complies with the requirements of Executive Order 12988.
Specifically, this rule:
(a) Meets the criteria of section 3(a) requiring that all
regulations be reviewed to eliminate errors and ambiguity and be
written to minimize litigation; and
(b) Meets the criteria of section 3(b)(2) requiring that all
regulations be written in clear language and contain clear legal
standards.
H. Consultation with Indian Tribes (Executive Order 13175 and
Departmental Policy)
The Department of the Interior strives to strengthen its
government-to-government relationship with Tribes through a commitment
to consultation with Tribes and recognition of their right to self-
governance and Tribal sovereignty. We have evaluated this rule under
the Department's consultation policy, under Departmental Manual Part
512, Chapters 4 and 5, and under the criteria in Executive Order 13175
and have determined that it has no substantial direct effects on
Federally-recognized Tribes or Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act
(ANCSA) Corporations, and that consultation under the Department's
Tribal consultation policy is not required.
I. Paperwork Reduction Act
This rule does not contain information collection requirements, and
a submission to the Office of Management and Budget under the Paperwork
Reduction Act (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.) is not required. We may not
conduct or sponsor, and you are not required to respond to, a
collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB
control number.
J. National Environmental Policy Act
This rule does not constitute a major Federal action significantly
affecting the quality of the human environment. A detailed statement
under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) is not
required because the rule is covered by a categorical exclusion. This
rule is excluded from the requirement to prepare a detailed statement
because it is a regulation of an administrative nature. (For further
information see 43 CFR 46.210(i).) We have also determined that the
rule does not involve any of the extraordinary circumstances listed in
43 CFR 46.215 that would require further analysis under NEPA.
K. Effects on Energy Supply, Distribution, and Use (Executive Order
13211)
This rule is not a significant energy action under the definition
in Executive Order 13211. A Statement of Energy Effects is not
required.
L. Clarity of This Regulation
We are required by Executive Orders 12866 (section 1(b)(12)), 12988
(section 3(b)(1)(B)), and 13563 (section 1(a)), and by the Presidential
Memorandum of June 1, 1998, to write all rules in plain language. This
means that each rule we publish must:
(a) Be logically organized;
(b) Use the active voice to address readers directly;
(c) Use common, everyday words and clear language rather than
jargon;
(d) Be divided into short sections and sentences; and
(e) Use lists and tables wherever possible.
If you believe that we have not met these requirements in issuing
this final rule, please contact the individual listed in the FOR
FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section. Your comments should be as
specific as possible in order to help us determine whether any future
revisions to the rule are necessary. For example, you should tell us
the numbers of the sections or paragraphs that you find unclear, which
sections or sentences are too long, the sections where you feel lists
or tables would be useful, etc.
M. Data Quality Act
In developing this rule, we did not conduct or use a study,
experiment, or survey requiring peer review under the Data Quality Act
(Pub. L. 106-554).
N. Administrative Procedure Act
We are issuing this final rule without prior public notice or
opportunity for public comment. As discussed above, the Federal Civil
Penalties Inflation
[[Page 20835]]
Adjustment Act Improvements Act of 2015 requires agencies to publish
adjusted penalties annually. Under the 2015 Act, the public procedure
that the Administrative Procedure Act generally requires--notice, an
opportunity for comment, and a delay in the effective date--is not
required for agencies to issue regulations implementing the annual
adjustments required by the 2015 Act. See OMB Memorandum, M-20-05, at
4.
List of Subjects
30 CFR Part 723
Administrative practice and procedure, Penalties, Surface mining,
Underground mining.
30 CFR Part 724
Administrative practice and procedure, Penalties, Surface mining,
Underground mining.
30 CFR Part 845
Administrative practice and procedure, Law enforcement, Penalties,
Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Surface mining, Underground
mining.
30 CFR Part 846
Administrative practice and procedure, Penalties, Surface mining,
Underground mining.
Casey Hammond,
Acting Assistant Secretary, Land and Minerals Management.
For the reasons given in the preamble, the Department of the
Interior amends 30 CFR parts 723, 724, 845, and 846 as set forth below.
PART 723--CIVIL PENALTIES
0
1. The authority citation for part 723 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 28 U.S.C. 2461, 30 U.S.C. 1201 et seq., and 31
U.S.C. 3701.
0
2. Revise the table in Sec. 723.14 to read as follows:
Sec. 723.14 Determination of amount of penalty.
* * * * *
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Points Dollars
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1..................................................... 68
2..................................................... 137
3..................................................... 206
4..................................................... 274
5..................................................... 342
6..................................................... 411
7..................................................... 479
8..................................................... 546
9..................................................... 616
10.................................................... 685
11.................................................... 752
12.................................................... 821
13.................................................... 888
14.................................................... 958
15.................................................... 1,028
16.................................................... 1,095
17.................................................... 1,163
18.................................................... 1,233
19.................................................... 1,301
20.................................................... 1,369
21.................................................... 1,438
22.................................................... 1,506
23.................................................... 1,574
24.................................................... 1,642
25.................................................... 1,711
26.................................................... 2,054
27.................................................... 2,396
28.................................................... 2,736
29.................................................... 2,949
30.................................................... 3,423
31.................................................... 3,764
32.................................................... 4,106
33.................................................... 4,449
34.................................................... 4,791
35.................................................... 5,133
36.................................................... 5,475
37.................................................... 5,819
38.................................................... 6,160
39.................................................... 6,502
40.................................................... 6,843
41.................................................... 7,188
42.................................................... 7,529
43.................................................... 7,870
44.................................................... 8,213
45.................................................... 8,555
46.................................................... 8,898
47.................................................... 9,239
48.................................................... 9,583
49.................................................... 9,924
50.................................................... 10,266
51.................................................... 10,607
52.................................................... 10,952
53.................................................... 11,294
54.................................................... 11,635
55.................................................... 11,979
56.................................................... 12,320
57.................................................... 12,661
58.................................................... 13,003
59.................................................... 13,347
60.................................................... 13,688
61.................................................... 14,030
62.................................................... 14,373
63.................................................... 14,716
64.................................................... 15,058
65.................................................... 15,399
66.................................................... 15,743
67.................................................... 16,084
68.................................................... 16,426
69.................................................... 16,768
70.................................................... 17,112
------------------------------------------------------------------------
0
3. In Sec. 723.15, revise introductory text of paragraph (b) to read
as follows:
Sec. 723.15 Assessment of separate violations for each day.
* * * * *
(b) In addition to the civil penalty provided for in paragraph (a)
of this section, whenever a violation contained in a notice of
violation or cessation order has not been abated within the abatement
period set in the notice or order or as subsequently extended pursuant
to section 521(a) of the Act, 30 U.S.C. 1271(a), a civil penalty of not
less than $2,566 will be assessed for each day during which such
failure to abate continues, except that:
* * * * *
PART 724--INDIVIDUAL CIVIL PENALTIES
0
4. The authority citation for part 724 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 28 U.S.C. 2461, 30 U.S.C. 1201 et seq., and 31
U.S.C. 3701.
0
5. In Sec. 724.14, revise the first sentence of paragraph (b) to read
as follows:
Sec. 724.14 Amount of individual civil penalty.
* * * * *
(b) The penalty will not exceed $17,112 for each violation. * * *
PART 845--CIVIL PENALTIES
0
6. The authority citation for part 845 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 28 U.S.C. 2461, 30 U.S.C. 1201 et seq., 31 U.S.C.
3701, Pub. L. 100-202, and Pub. L. 100-446.
0
7. Revise the table in Sec. 845.14 to read as follows:
Sec. 845.14 Determination of amount of penalty.
* * * * *
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Points Dollars
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1..................................................... 68
2..................................................... 137
3..................................................... 206
4..................................................... 274
5..................................................... 342
6..................................................... 411
7..................................................... 479
8..................................................... 546
9..................................................... 616
10.................................................... 685
11.................................................... 752
12.................................................... 821
13.................................................... 888
14.................................................... 958
15.................................................... 1,028
16.................................................... 1,095
17.................................................... 1,163
18.................................................... 1,233
19.................................................... 1,301
20.................................................... 1,369
21.................................................... 1,438
22.................................................... 1,506
23.................................................... 1,574
24.................................................... 1,642
25.................................................... 1,711
26.................................................... 2,054
27.................................................... 2,396
28.................................................... 2,736
29.................................................... 2,949
30.................................................... 3,423
31.................................................... 3,764
32.................................................... 4,106
33.................................................... 4,449
34.................................................... 4,791
[[Page 20836]]
35.................................................... 5,133
36.................................................... 5,475
37.................................................... 5,819
38.................................................... 6,160
39.................................................... 6,502
40.................................................... 6,843
41.................................................... 7,188
42.................................................... 7,529
43.................................................... 7,870
44.................................................... 8,213
45.................................................... 8,555
46.................................................... 8,898
47.................................................... 9,239
48.................................................... 9,583
49.................................................... 9,924
50.................................................... 10,266
51.................................................... 10,607
52.................................................... 10,952
53.................................................... 11,294
54.................................................... 11,635
55.................................................... 11,979
56.................................................... 12,320
57.................................................... 12,661
58.................................................... 13,003
59.................................................... 13,347
60.................................................... 13,688
61.................................................... 14,030
62.................................................... 14,373
63.................................................... 14,716
64.................................................... 15,058
65.................................................... 15,399
66.................................................... 15,743
67.................................................... 16,084
68.................................................... 16,426
69.................................................... 16,768
70.................................................... 17,112
------------------------------------------------------------------------
0
8. In Sec. 845.15, revise introductory text of paragraph (b) to read
as follows:
Sec. 845.15 Assessment of separate violations for each day.
* * * * *
(b) In addition to the civil penalty provided for in paragraph (a)
of this section, whenever a violation contained in a notice of
violation or cessation order has not been abated within the abatement
period set in the notice or order or as subsequently extended pursuant
to section 521(a) of the Act, 30 U.S.C. 1271(a), a civil penalty of not
less than $2,566 will be assessed for each day during which such
failure to abate continues, except that:
* * * * *
PART 846--INDIVIDUAL CIVIL PENALTIES
0
9. The authority citation for part 846 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 28 U.S.C. 2461, 30 U.S.C. 1201 et seq., and 31
U.S.C. 3701.
0
10. In Sec. 846.14, revise the first sentence of paragraph (b) to read
as follows:
Sec. 846.14 Amount of individual civil penalty.
* * * * *
(b) The penalty will not exceed $17,112 for each violation. * * *
[FR Doc. 2020-07390 Filed 4-14-20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-05-P
