Notice of Department of State Public Guidance for the Protecting Europe's Energy Security Act (PEESA), 70702-70703 [2020-24579]

Download as PDF 70702 Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 215 / Thursday, November 5, 2020 / Notices proposed rule change was published for comment in the Federal Register on September 17, 2020.3 The Commission has received no comment letters on the proposal. Section 19(b)(2) of the Act 4 provides that, within 45 days of the publication of notice of the filing of a proposed rule change, or within such longer period up to 90 days as the Commission may designate if it finds such longer period to be appropriate and publishes its reasons for so finding or as to which the self-regulatory organization consents, the Commission shall either approve the proposed rule change, disapprove the proposed rule change, or institute proceedings to determine whether the proposed rule change should be disapproved. The 45th day after publication of the notice for this proposed rule change is November 1, 2020. The Commission is extending this 45-day time period. The Commission finds that it is appropriate to designate a longer period within which to take action on the proposed rule change so that it has sufficient time to consider the proposed rule change. Accordingly, the Commission, pursuant to Section 19(b)(2) of the Act,5 designates December 16, 2020, as the date by which the Commission shall either approve or disapprove, or institute proceedings to determine whether to disapprove, the proposed rule change (File Number SR–NYSEArca-2020–54). For the Commission, by the Division of Trading and Markets, pursuant to delegated authority.6 Jill M. Peterson, Assistant Secretary. [FR Doc. 2020–24497 Filed 11–4–20; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 8011–01–P DEPARTMENT OF STATE [Public Notice 11193] 60-Day Notice of Proposed Information Collection: Special Immigrant Visa Biodata Form Notice of request for public comment. ACTION: The Department of State is seeking Office of Management and Budget (OMB) approval for the information collection described below. In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, we are khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with NOTICES SUMMARY: 3 See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 89834 (September 11, 2020), 85 FR 58090. 4 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(2). 5 Id. 6 17 CFR 200.30–3(a)(31). VerDate Sep<11>2014 20:36 Nov 04, 2020 Jkt 253001 requesting comments on this collection from all interested individuals and organizations. The purpose of this notice is to allow 60 days for public comment preceding submission of the collection to OMB. DATES: The Department will accept comments from the public up to January 4, 2021. ADDRESSES: You may submit comments by any of the following methods: • Web: Persons with access to the internet may comment on this notice by going to www.Regulations.gov. You can search for the document by entering ‘‘Docket Number: DOS–2020–0037’’ in the Search field. Then click the ‘‘Comment Now’’ button and complete the comment form. • Email: JonesJI2@state.gov. • Regular Mail: Send written comments to: Irving Jones, PRM/ Admissions, 2025 E Street NW, SA–9, 8th Floor, Washington, DC 20522–0908. • Fax: 202.453.9393. You must include the DS form number (if applicable), information collection title, and the OMB control number in any correspondence. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Direct requests for additional information regarding the collection listed in this notice, including requests for copies of the proposed collection instrument and supporting documents, to Irving Jones, PRM/Admissions, 2025 E Street NW, SA–9, 8th Floor, Washington, DC 20522–0908, who may be reached on 202.453.9248 or at JonesJI2@state.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: • Title of Information Collection: Special Immigrant Visa Biodata Form. • OMB Control Number: 1405–0203. • Type of Request: Revision of a Currently Approved Collection. • Originating Office: Office of Admissions, Bureau of Population, Refugees and Migration (PRM/A). • Form Number: DS–0234. • Respondents: Iraqi and Afghan Special Immigrant Visa recipients eligible for resettlement benefits. • Estimated Number of Respondents: 14,000. • Estimated Number of Responses: 14,000. • Average Time Per Response: 30 minutes. • Total Estimated Burden Time: 7,000 hours. • Frequency: On Occasion. • Obligation to Respond: Required to Obtain a Benefit. We are soliciting public comments to permit the Department to: • Evaluate whether the proposed information collection is necessary for the proper functions of the Department. PO 00000 Frm 00127 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 • Evaluate the accuracy of our estimate of the time and cost burden for this proposed collection, including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used. • Enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected. • Minimize the reporting burden on those who are to respond, including the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology. Please note that comments submitted in response to this Notice are public record. Before including any detailed personal information, you should be aware that your comments as submitted, including your personal information, will be available for public review. Abstract of Proposed Collection Form DS–234 elicits information used to determine the eligibility of certain Iraqis and Afghan SIV recipients for refugee resettlement benefits. Methodology The SIV Biodata information form (DS–234) is submitted electronically by the applicant to the National Visa Center, which will forward the forms to the Refugee Processing Center of the Bureau of Population, Refugees and Migration. Zachary Parker, Director. [FR Doc. 2020–24600 Filed 11–4–20; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4710–33–P DEPARTMENT OF STATE [Public Notice 11236] Notice of Department of State Public Guidance for the Protecting Europe’s Energy Security Act (PEESA) ACTION: Notice. The Department of State is issuing public guidance for PEESA on October 20, 2020 to take an expansive interpretation of the available authorities under PEESA by issuing clarifying public guidance and FAQs on the term ‘‘provided those vessels for the construction of such a project’’ under Section 7503(a)(1)(B) of PEESA. DATES: The public guidance for PEESA is effective on October 20, 2020. ADDRESSES: The Department of State has published the public guidance for PEESA on its website.https:// www.state.gov/protecting-europesenergy-security-act-peesa/ SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\05NON1.SGM 05NON1 Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 215 / Thursday, November 5, 2020 / Notices Stu Huffman at PEESAEnergySanctions@ state.gov or (202)-647–7201. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: PEESA Public Guidance The Department of State is committed to fully implementing sanctions authorities in the Protecting Europe’s Energy Security Act of 2019 (‘‘PEESA’’ or ‘‘the Act,’’ Title LXXV, National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020, Public Law 116–92). We continue to call on Russia to cease using its energy resources for coercive purposes. Russia uses its energy export pipelines to create national and regional dependencies on Russian energy supplies, leveraging these dependencies to expand its political, economic, and military influence, weaken European security, and undermine U.S. national security and foreign policy interests. These pipelines also reduce European energy diversification, and hence weaken European energy security. PEESA provides the United States with the authority to advance U.S. national security and foreign policy objectives, in particular, to address Russian pipeline projects that create risks to U.S. national security, threaten Europe’s energy security, and consequently, endanger Europe’s political and economic welfare. In accordance with PEESA Section 7503, the Secretary of State, in consultation with the Secretary of the Treasury, is to submit a report to Congress for the relevant period, identifying (A) vessels that engaged in pipe-laying at depths of 100 feet or more below sea level for the construction of the Nord Stream 2 pipeline project, the TurkStream pipeline project, or any project that is a successor to either such project; and (B) foreign persons that the Secretary of State, in consultation with the Secretary of the Treasury, determines have knowingly sold, leased or provided those vessels for the construction of such a project; or facilitated deceptive or structured transactions to provide those vessels for the construction of such a project. khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with NOTICES Frequently Asked Questions 1. How does the State Department interpret the term knowingly ‘‘provide[d] those vessels for the construction of such a project’’ in PEESA Section 7503(a)(1)(B)? For the purposes of PEESA, which focuses on vessels engaged in pipelaying at depths of 100 feet or more below sea level for the construction of the Nord Stream 2 pipeline project, the TurkStream pipeline project, or any VerDate Sep<11>2014 20:36 Nov 04, 2020 Jkt 253001 project that is a successor to either such project (see Section 7503(a)(1)(A)), the phrase knowingly ‘‘provide[d] those vessels for the construction of such a project’’ in Section 7503(a)(1)(B) may cover foreign firms or persons who provide certain services or goods that are necessary or essential to the provision or operation of a vessel engaged in the process of pipe-laying for such projects. Such activities subject to sanctions pursuant to PEESA or other authorities may include, but are not limited to, providing services or facilities for upgrades or installation of equipment for those vessels, or funding for upgrades or installation of equipment for those vessels. The Department of State and the Department of the Treasury are prepared to use the full range of sanctions authorities to halt construction of these pipelines. Pursuant to section 7503(e)(3) of PEESA, sanctions will not apply to persons providing provisions to a relevant vessel if such provisions are intended for the safety and care of the crew aboard the vessel, the protection of human life aboard the vessel, or the maintenance of the vessel to avoid any environmental or other significant damage. Pursuant to section 7503(e)(4) of PEESA, sanctions will not apply to persons engaging in activities necessary for or related to the repair or maintenance of, or environmental remediation with respect to, Nord Stream 2, TurkStream, or any project that is a successor to either such project. 2. Will the United States impose sanctions on persons engaged in certain activities prior to the issuance of this clarification of the term ‘‘provided?’’ No, the United States will not impose sanctions on persons that the Secretary of State, in consultation with the Secretary of the Treasury, determines, on or after October 20, 2020 meet the above criteria for having knowingly ‘‘provided those vessels for the construction of such a project’’ under Section 7503(a)(1)(B) of PEESA, if those persons immediately engage in, and complete within 30 days, a good-faith wind down of such activities upon the issuance of this clarification. Melissa M. Simpson, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Bureau of Energy Resources, Department of State. [FR Doc. 2020–24579 Filed 11–4–20; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4710–AE–P PO 00000 Frm 00128 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 70703 DEPARTMENT OF STATE [Public Notice:11252] In the Matter of the Designation of the Eastern Turkistan Islamic Movement Also Known as ETIM as a ‘‘Terrorist Organization’’ Pursuant to Section 212(a)(3)(B)(vi)(II) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, as Amended Acting under the authority of Section 212(a)(3)(B)(vi)(II) if the INA, as amended, I hereby revoke the designation of the Eastern Turkistan Islamic Movement, also known as ETIM, as a ‘‘terrorist organization’’ under Section 212(a)(3)(B)(vi)(II) if the INA. This determination shall be published in the Federal Register. Dated: October 20, 2020. Michael R. Pompeo, Secretary of State. [FR Doc. 2020–24620 Filed 11–4–20; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4710–AD–P DEPARTMENT OF STATE [Public Notice 11249] 60-Day Notice of Proposed Information Collection: Training/Internship Placement Plan Notice of request for public comment. ACTION: The Department of State is seeking Office of Management and Budget (OMB) approval for the information collection described below. In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, we are requesting comments on this collection from all interested individuals and organizations. The purpose of this notice is to allow 60 days for public comment preceding submission of the collection to OMB. DATES: The Department will accept comments from the public up to January 4, 2021. ADDRESSES: You may submit comments by any of the following methods: • Web: Persons with access to the internet may comment on this notice by going to www.Regulations.gov. You can search for the document by entering ‘‘Docket Number: DOS–2020–0047’’ in the Search field. Then click the ‘‘Comment Now’’ button and complete the comment form. • Email: JExchanges@State.gov. • Regular Mail: Send written comments to: U.S. Department of State, ECA/EC, SA–4E, Washington, DC 20522–0505, ATTN: Federal Register Notice Response. SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\05NON1.SGM 05NON1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 215 (Thursday, November 5, 2020)]
[Notices]
[Pages 70702-70703]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-24579]


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DEPARTMENT OF STATE

[Public Notice 11236]


Notice of Department of State Public Guidance for the Protecting 
Europe's Energy Security Act (PEESA)

ACTION: Notice.

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

SUMMARY: The Department of State is issuing public guidance for PEESA 
on October 20, 2020 to take an expansive interpretation of the 
available authorities under PEESA by issuing clarifying public guidance 
and FAQs on the term ``provided those vessels for the construction of 
such a project'' under Section 7503(a)(1)(B) of PEESA.

DATES: The public guidance for PEESA is effective on October 20, 2020.

ADDRESSES: The Department of State has published the public guidance 
for PEESA on its website.https://www.state.gov/protecting-europes-energy-security-act-peesa/

[[Page 70703]]


FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Stu Huffman at 
[email protected] or (202)-647-7201.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

PEESA Public Guidance

    The Department of State is committed to fully implementing 
sanctions authorities in the Protecting Europe's Energy Security Act of 
2019 (``PEESA'' or ``the Act,'' Title LXXV, National Defense 
Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020, Public Law 116-92). We continue 
to call on Russia to cease using its energy resources for coercive 
purposes. Russia uses its energy export pipelines to create national 
and regional dependencies on Russian energy supplies, leveraging these 
dependencies to expand its political, economic, and military influence, 
weaken European security, and undermine U.S. national security and 
foreign policy interests. These pipelines also reduce European energy 
diversification, and hence weaken European energy security.
    PEESA provides the United States with the authority to advance U.S. 
national security and foreign policy objectives, in particular, to 
address Russian pipeline projects that create risks to U.S. national 
security, threaten Europe's energy security, and consequently, endanger 
Europe's political and economic welfare.
    In accordance with PEESA Section 7503, the Secretary of State, in 
consultation with the Secretary of the Treasury, is to submit a report 
to Congress for the relevant period, identifying (A) vessels that 
engaged in pipe-laying at depths of 100 feet or more below sea level 
for the construction of the Nord Stream 2 pipeline project, the 
TurkStream pipeline project, or any project that is a successor to 
either such project; and (B) foreign persons that the Secretary of 
State, in consultation with the Secretary of the Treasury, determines 
have knowingly sold, leased or provided those vessels for the 
construction of such a project; or facilitated deceptive or structured 
transactions to provide those vessels for the construction of such a 
project.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How does the State Department interpret the term knowingly 
``provide[d] those vessels for the construction of such a project'' in 
PEESA Section 7503(a)(1)(B)?

    For the purposes of PEESA, which focuses on vessels engaged in 
pipe-laying at depths of 100 feet or more below sea level for the 
construction of the Nord Stream 2 pipeline project, the TurkStream 
pipeline project, or any project that is a successor to either such 
project (see Section 7503(a)(1)(A)), the phrase knowingly ``provide[d] 
those vessels for the construction of such a project'' in Section 
7503(a)(1)(B) may cover foreign firms or persons who provide certain 
services or goods that are necessary or essential to the provision or 
operation of a vessel engaged in the process of pipe-laying for such 
projects. Such activities subject to sanctions pursuant to PEESA or 
other authorities may include, but are not limited to, providing 
services or facilities for upgrades or installation of equipment for 
those vessels, or funding for upgrades or installation of equipment for 
those vessels. The Department of State and the Department of the 
Treasury are prepared to use the full range of sanctions authorities to 
halt construction of these pipelines.
    Pursuant to section 7503(e)(3) of PEESA, sanctions will not apply 
to persons providing provisions to a relevant vessel if such provisions 
are intended for the safety and care of the crew aboard the vessel, the 
protection of human life aboard the vessel, or the maintenance of the 
vessel to avoid any environmental or other significant damage.
    Pursuant to section 7503(e)(4) of PEESA, sanctions will not apply 
to persons engaging in activities necessary for or related to the 
repair or maintenance of, or environmental remediation with respect to, 
Nord Stream 2, TurkStream, or any project that is a successor to either 
such project.

2. Will the United States impose sanctions on persons engaged in 
certain activities prior to the issuance of this clarification of the 
term ``provided?''

    No, the United States will not impose sanctions on persons that the 
Secretary of State, in consultation with the Secretary of the Treasury, 
determines, on or after October 20, 2020 meet the above criteria for 
having knowingly ``provided those vessels for the construction of such 
a project'' under Section 7503(a)(1)(B) of PEESA, if those persons 
immediately engage in, and complete within 30 days, a good-faith wind 
down of such activities upon the issuance of this clarification.

Melissa M. Simpson,
Deputy Assistant Secretary, Bureau of Energy Resources, Department of 
State.

[FR Doc. 2020-24579 Filed 11-4-20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4710-AE-P
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