Notice of Tribal Consultation; Request for Comments, 13605-13609 [2021-04883]
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Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 44 / Tuesday, March 9, 2021 / Notices
TABLE 1—BURDEN HOURS ESTIMATES FOR VSSA, PER SAFETY ELEMENT—Continued
Burden hours
for VSSA
development
Safety element in voluntary guidance
Burden hours
for VSSA
summary
L. Federal, State, and Local Laws ..........................................................................................................................
80
5
Total Burden Hours Per ADS ...........................................................................................................................
520
80
TABLE 2—CALCULATION OF ANNUAL BURDEN HOURS
Estimated Number of Respondents Annually ..................................................................................................................................
Estimated Burden Hours for Voluntary Assessment Development ..........................................................................................
Estimated Burden Hours for Summarizing Information ............................................................................................................
Total Burden Hours per Respondent ...............................................................................................................................................
Total Estimated Burden Hours for Industry per Year ...............................................................................................................
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NHTSA estimates the hourly cost
associated with preparing VSSAs to be
$97.36 5 per hour using the Bureau of
Labor Statistics’ mean hourly wage
estimate for architectural and
engineering managers in the motor
vehicle manufacturing industry
(Standard Occupational Classification
#11–9041). Therefore, the total
estimated annual burden to each
respondent is $58,416 (600 hours ×
$97.36 = $58,416). Therefore, the total
estimated labor costs to all respondents
to this collection is $1,168,320.
Estimated Total Annual Burden Cost:
NHTSA does not anticipate any further
burden to respondents beyond the labor
costs associated with the burden hours.
Public Comments Invited: You are
asked to comment on any aspect of this
information collection, including (a)
whether the proposed collection of
information is necessary for the proper
performance of the functions of the
Department, including whether the
information will have practical utility;
(b) the accuracy of the Department’s
estimate of the burden of the proposed
information collection; (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 the use of
automated collection techniques or
other forms of information technology.
Authority: The Paperwork Reduction
Act of 1995; 44 U.S.C. Chapter 35, as
5 The hourly wage is estimated to be $68.35 per
hour. National Industry-Specific Occupational
Employment and Wage Estimates NAICS 336100—
Motor Vehicle Manufacturing, May 2019, https://
www.bls.gov/oes/current/naics4_336100.htm, last
accessed June 30, 2020. The Bureau of Labor
Statistics estimates that wages represent 70.2
percent of total compensation to private workers, on
average. Therefore, NHTSA estimates the total
hourly compensation cost to be $97.36.
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amended; 49 CFR 1.49; and DOT Order
1351.29.
Cem Hatipoglu,
Associate Administrator for Vehicle Safety
Research.
[FR Doc. 2021–04877 Filed 3–8–21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–59–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Office of the Secretary of
Transportation
[Docket No. DOT–OST–2021–0023]
Notice of Tribal Consultation; Request
for Comments
Office of the Secretary (OST),
U.S. Department of Transportation
(DOT).
ACTION: Notice of Tribal consultation;
request for comments.
AGENCY:
The U.S. Department of
Transportation (DOT or we) announces
that it is holding virtual Tribal
consultation with American Indian and
Alaskan Native Tribes on its
implementation of Executive Order
13175 of November 6, 2000, consistent
with the Presidential Memorandum of
January 26, 2021. We also announce the
establishment of a docket to receive
comments on our Tribal consultation
policies and practices. Testimony
presented at these Tribal consultations
will be considered by DOT in
formulating its plan of actions in
response to the Presidential
Memorandum of January 26, 2021. We
will host a virtual Tribal consultation on
March 24, 2021.
DATES: Consistent with Executive Order
13175, Consultation and Coordination
with Indian Tribal Governments, we
will hold a virtual Tribal consultation
meeting to take oral testimony. The
Tribal consultation meeting will be held
SUMMARY:
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20
520 hours
80 hours
600 hours
12,000 hours
on Wednesday, March 24, 2021 from
2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. EDT. Participants
can access the presentation by logging
into the following: https://
www.transportation.gov/selfgovernance. Participants may submit
written questions in advance of the
meeting to tribalaffairs@dot.gov, or
provide written comments/questions
using the chat function during the
presentation. Any questions or
comments to be considered must be
received in writing via email to
tribalaffairs@dot.gov by 5 p.m. EST,
Wednesday, March 31, 2021. Additional
information about how to participate
during the consultation will be made
available at https://
www.transportation.gov/self-governance
in advance of the consultation and
announced at the beginning of the
consultation.
Additional follow-on listening
sessions with Tribal associations may be
scheduled. These listening sessions will
be open to the public. Please check
https://www.transportation.gov/selfgovernance for additional details.
The closing date for comments on this
notice is April 19, 2021. The
Department will consider late comments
to the extent practicable.
ADDRESSES: You may submit comments
by any of the following methods:
• Electronic mail: Send electronic
mail to tribalaffairs@dot.gov and
reference OST–2021–0023 in the subject
line.
• Electronically through the Federal
eRulemaking Portal:
www.regulations.gov. Follow the online
instructions for submitting comments;
• Mail: U.S. Department of
Transportation, Docket Operations,
M–30, West Building Ground Floor,
Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey
Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590;
• Hand Delivery: U.S. Department of
Transportation, Docket Operations,
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West Building Ground Floor, Room
W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE,
Washington, DC 20590, between 9 a.m.
and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday,
except Federal holidays; or
• Fax: 1–202–493–2251.
All comment submissions must
include the agency name, docket name,
and docket number (DOT–OST–2021–
0023). DOT solicits comments from the
public to better inform its deliberations.
DOT posts these comments, without
edit, including any personal information
the commenter provides, to
www.regulations.gov, as described in
the system of records notice (DOT/ALL–
14 FDMS), which can be viewed at
www.dot.gov/privacy. Physical access to
the Docket is available at the Hand
Delivery address noted in this section.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Milo
Booth, Director of Tribal Affairs, 202–
309–9786, milo.booth@dot.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
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I. Purpose
On January 26, 2021, President Biden
issued a Presidential Memorandum on
Tribal consultation and Strengthening
Nation-to-Nation Relationships
(Presidential Memorandum) 1
reaffirming Executive Order (E.O.)
13175 titled ‘‘Consultation and
Coordination With Indian Tribal
Governments’’ 2 and the policy
announced in the 2009 Presidential
Memorandum titled ‘‘Tribal
Consultation’’ (2009 Presidential
Memorandum).3 The Presidential
Memorandum directs agencies to
consult with Indian Tribes to develop a
detailed plan of actions to implement
E.O. 13175 and subsequently submit
this plan to the Director of the Office of
Management and Budget (OMB) and the
Assistant to the President for Domestic
Policy (APDP) within 90 days (April 26,
2021).
Consistent with E.O. 13175 and the
Presidential Memorandum, the U.S.
Department of Transportation (DOT or
we) announces its intent to engage in
Tribal consultation on whether our
existing consultation policies and
practices are effective in implementing
E.O. 13175 and ways we can improve
our outreach and communication with
Indian Tribes. We also announce the
establishment of a docket to receive
comments from Indian Tribal officials,4
tribal organizations, individual tribal
1 86
FR 7491 (January 29, 2021).
2 65 FR 67249 (November 9, 2000).
3 74 FR 57879 (November 9, 2009).
4 ‘‘Tribal officials,’’ as defined in Section I(d) of
E.O. 13175, means elected or duly appointed
officials of Indian tribal governments or authorized
intertribal organizations.
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members and other interested persons
on our communication and outreach
with Indian Tribes when we consider
‘‘policies that have tribal
implications.’’ 5 In section II, below, we
identify specific questions to help us
assess our implementation of E.O.
13175.
II. Background
A. Agency Mission. Our mission is to
ensure America has the safest, most
efficient and modern transportation
system in the world, which boosts our
economic productivity and global
competitiveness and enhances the
quality of life in communities both rural
and urban. The Department and its
Operating Administrations (OAs)
implement a diverse set of funding and
safety programs. We are interested in
any general comments or concerns that
would help us improve our
communication and outreach with
Indian Tribes on ‘‘policies that have
tribal implications,’’ as we strive to
achieve our mission.
B. Existing Policies Regarding
Interactions with Indian Tribes. We
previously have issued two policy
statements that set forth principles to
promote effective government-togovernment interactions with American
Indian and Alaska Native Tribes, and to
encourage and facilitate Tribal
involvement in areas over which the
DOT has jurisdiction. DOT Order
5301.1, ‘‘Department of Transportation
Programs, Policies, and Procedures
Affecting American Indians, Alaska
Natives, and Tribes’’ (November 16,
1999). (https://www.transportation.gov/
sites/dot.gov/files/docs/DOT%20
5301.1.pdf) and a Consultation Plan
issued in response to the 2009
Presidential Memorandum (https://
www.transportation.gov/sites/dot.gov/
files/docs/Tribal%20Consultation%20
Plan.pdf) comprise these policy
statements. These policy statements
provide Department-wide guidelines to
achieve consistency, but also encourage
tailored approaches to consultation and
coordination that reflect the
circumstances of each situation and the
preference of each Tribal government. It
is our expectation that all program and
OA consultation and coordination
practices will be consistent with or
5 ‘‘Policies that have tribal implications,’’ as
defined in Section l(a) of E.O. 13175, refers to
regulations, legislative comments or proposed
legislation, and other policy statements or actions
that have substantial direct effects on one or more
Indian tribes, on the relationship between the
Federal Government and Indian tribes, or on the
distribution of power and responsibilities between
the Federal Government and Indian tribes.
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adhere to the Department’s Tribal
consultation policies.
1. Consultation Plan
The U.S. Department of
Transportation Tribal Consultation Plan
(Consultation Plan) (https://
www.transportation.gov/sites/dot.gov/
files/docs/Tribal%20Consultation%20
Plan.pdf) summarized E.O. 13175, the
2009 Presidential Memorandum, and
DOT Order 5301.1. The Consultation
Plan did not cancel or displace DOT
Order 5301.1. Rather, we read the two
documents jointly. The Consultation
Plan identified seven goals and specific
actions associated with each goal that
we would continue to take to support
the principles of self-governance, selfdetermination, and tribal sovereignty
identified in E.O. 13175. These goals
and actions include the following:
Goal 1: Foster meaningful
government-to-government relations by:
• Ensuring participation by
Department officials at national tribal
conferences, tribal/State meetings,
summits, and conferences discussing
tribal issues.
• Establishing direct contact with
Indian tribal governments, including
visiting tribal governments at
reservations, Native Villages, and
communities.
• Seeking tribal government
representation in meetings, conferences,
summits, advisory committees, and
review boards concerning issues with
tribal implications.
Goal 2: Improve existing tribal
programs by:
• Seeking tribal input when the DOT
develops or revises regulations with
tribal implications and providing
adequate time to allow for comment.
• Notifying tribes of grant
opportunities through multiple means,
including direct letters and emails
whenever appropriate, as well as
announcements on the DOT website and
in the Federal Register.
• Providing timely technical
assistance on changes to legislation,
regulations, programs, and grants.
Goal 3: Ensure meaningful tribal input
into future tribal transportation
programs by:
• Developing policy and programs
using input, guidance, and
recommendations from tribal leaders.
• Seeking and responding to
comments from tribal governments.
• Soliciting tribal comments in the
development of the DOT’s surface
transportation reauthorization proposal.
• Conducting meetings throughout
the country after the passage of the next
surface transportation authorization
legislation to discuss impacts on and
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opportunities for the tribes and their
transportation systems.
• Consulting with tribal governments
on making transportation services
available to improve mobility,
employment opportunities, and access
to community services for people who
have disabilities, are elderly, or lowincome.
Goal 4: Ensure the DOT’s uniform and
effective delivery of tribal programs
throughout the country by:
• Reviewing existing tribal policies in
DOT’s OAs to ensure consistency with
this action plan and each other.
• Assessing the resource needs of the
tribal transportation programs at DOT.
• Developing training modules for
DOT employees on tribal transit and
highway programs.
• Developing a training program for
DOT employees regarding tribes, the
sovereignty of tribal governments, and
the unique government-to-government
relationship between tribes and the
Federal Government.
• Reaffirming DOT’s commitment to
working with the Bureau of Indian
Affairs on the administration of tribal
highway safety grants.
• Continuing to support the tribal
Technical Assistance Program (TTAP).
• Addressing tribal transportation
issues in DOT Strategic Plans.
• Enhancing support for tribal
Liaisons in the Federal Transit
Administration, the Federal Highway
Administration, the Federal Aviation
Administration, and other staff
throughout the Department working
with tribal governments.
• Coordinating efforts among DOT’s
OAs by establishing a Department-wide
working group tasked with making
specific recommendations to the
Secretary of Transportation.
Goal 5: Assist in implementing tribal
infrastructure projects by:
• Building capacity of tribes on DOT
Programs and processes, including the
Indian Reservation Roads Program and
the Tribal Transit Program.
• Initiating a review of the grant
process for the Tribal Transit Program in
consultation with the tribes.
• Working with tribal governments to
develop case studies and best practices
in transportation planning and highway
safety.
• Developing a highway Safety
Management System (SMS) for tribal
governments and forming a Steering
Committee that includes tribal
representatives to advise on the SMS.
• Identifying and communicating to
tribal leaders emerging issues that could
impact tribal transportation programs.
• Publishing guidance on DOT’s
programs with potential benefits to
tribal governments.
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Goal 6: Assist tribal members in
developing transportation capacities by:
• Increasing internships for American
Indians and Alaska Natives at DOT
through outreach to tribal colleges and
universities.
• Creating a web page for tribes on
the DOT website.
• Increasing the representation of
American Indians and Alaska Natives in
the DOT workforce, within merit
principles and consistent with the
application of appropriate veterans’
preference criteria.
Goal 7: Assist efforts to coordinate
national tribal infrastructure policy and
programs within the Federal
Government by:
• Working with the U.S. Department
of Agriculture, the Indian Health
Service, and the Bureau of Indian
Affairs to coordinate Federal tribal
infrastructure programs and
incorporating livability principles as
adopted by the Department’s
Sustainability Partnership with the U.S.
Department of Housing and Urban
Development and the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency.
We seek your input on these seven
goals, which the Department identified
in the Consultation Plan developed in
2010 to guide the actions we will take
to support the principles set forth in
E.O. 13175. Should we revise any of
these goals or incorporate new goals?
Please explain your recommendation. If
a new goal is proposed, what actions
should we take, to the extent practicable
and consistent with law, to support the
principles set forth in E.O. 13175?
Please explain why these actions are
appropriate and how they are consistent
with law.
2. DOT Order 5301.1
The Department issued DOT Order
5301.1 (https://www.transportation.gov/
sites/dot.gov/files/docs/DOT%20
5301.1.pdf) to ensure that programs,
policies, and procedures administered
by the Department are responsive to the
needs and concerns of American
Indians, Alaska Natives, and tribes. DOT
Order 5301.1 predates E.O. 13175. It
affirms the Department’s and the OAs’
unique legal relationship with Indian
tribes; establishes the Department’s
consultation and coordination process
with Indian tribes for any action that
may ‘‘significantly or uniquely affect’’
them; and, lists goals and requirements
for OAs carrying out policies, programs,
and activities affecting American
Indians, Alaska Natives, and tribes.
These requirements were designed to
recognize Indian statutory preferences
in employment, Federal financial
assistance arrangements, and
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contracting; respond to the
transportation concerns of Indian tribes
related to environmental justice,
children’s safety and environmental
health risks, occupational health and
safety, and environmental matters;
foster opportunities for hiring tribal
members and increasing participation in
Federal training activities; include tribal
colleges and universities in
Departmental educational, research, and
program activities; and treat
correspondence from leaders of Indian
tribes in the same manner as
Congressional correspondence.
In developing our detailed plan of
action for consideration by OMB and
the APDP, we have identified a need to
review DOT Order 5301.1.
E.O. 13175 requires agencies to ensure
meaningful and timely input from
Tribal government representatives in the
development of rules that have
substantial direct effects. What
additional or different steps can we take
to ‘‘ensure meaningful and timely
input’’ in the development of ‘‘policies
that have tribal implications’’? Please
explain why these actions are
appropriate.
What steps should we continue to
take to ensure meaningful and timely
input by tribal officials in the
development of regulatory ‘‘policies that
have tribal implications?’’
Are there recommendations for ways
the accountability of our consultation
process can be improved?
DOT Order 5301.1 defines
consultation, in relevant part, as a
‘‘meaningful and timely discussion . . .
during the development of regulations,
policies, programs, plans or matters that
significantly or uniquely affect’’ Tribal
communities. DOT Order 5301.1
references implementing instructions
found in OMB Memorandum M–95–20
and the 1994 Presidential Memorandum
titled ‘‘Government-to-Government
Consultations with Native American
Tribal Governments.’’ How do you
recommend that we revise DOT Order
5301.1 to align it with E.O 13175?
Please explain your recommendation.
E.O. 13175 requires agencies to
consult with Tribal governments in the
development of rules that impose
‘‘substantial direct compliance costs’’ or
‘‘substantial direct effects’’ on Tribal
communities or the relationship and
distribution of power between the
Federal Government and Tribes. Please
identify actions we have taken that, in
your view, impose ‘‘substantial direct
compliance costs’’ or ‘‘substantial direct
effects’’ on Tribes or the distribution of
power between the Federal Government
and Tribes. Please explain why, in your
view, these actions have a substantial
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direct effect on Tribal communities and
how these actions impose substantial
direct compliance costs or on Tribes.
Would it be helpful to define the
meaning of the terms ‘‘substantial direct
compliance costs’’ and ‘‘substantial
direct effects?’’ How do you define these
terms when determining whether to
consult with DOT?
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3. Consultation With ANCSA
Corporations
Our policies address consultation
with federally-recognized Indian tribes
(including Alaska Native tribes, villages,
and communities) that the Secretary of
the Interior acknowledges to exist as an
Indian tribe pursuant to the Federally
Recognized Indian Tribe List Act of
1994.11 It does not, however, address
consultation with corporations
established pursuant to the Alaska
Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA
Corporations). In 2004, through two
consolidated appropriations acts,
Congress required Federal agencies to
consult with Alaska Native
Corporations 6 on the same basis as
Federally recognized Indian Tribes
under E.O. 13175. (Pub. L. 108–199, 118
Stat. 452, as amended by Pub. L. 108–
447,118 Stat. 3267.) DOT interprets the
term ‘‘Alaska Native Corporations’’ in
this requirement to mean ‘‘Native
Corporations’’ as that term is defined
under the Alaska Native Claims
Settlement Act (ANCSA) of 1971. DOT
is considering adding to the DOT
Consultation Policy the requirement to
consult with Alaska Native Corporations
on the same basis as Indian Tribes
under E.O. 13175. The Department
requests comments on the requirement
to consult with Alaska Native
Corporations that would help us
improve our policy while recognizing
the important differences between them
and sovereign tribal governments, the
Federal trust responsibility to those
Tribal governments and corporations
obligated to maximize financial returns
to shareholders, and that Alaska Native
Corporations may not necessarily
represent the same perspective or
interests as Tribal nations.
4. Consultation With Native Hawaiians
and State-Recognized Tribes
Our policies currently include
references to non-Federally recognized
groups of Indigenous people, such as
State-recognized Tribes, but not Native
Hawaiians and Native Hawaiian
6 ‘‘Alaska Native Corporation,’’ pursuant to 43
U.S.C. 1602 et seq., is any Regional Corporation,
any Village Corporation, any Urban Corporation,
and any Group Corporation as defined in, or
established pursuant to, the Alaska Native Claims
Settlement Act.
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organizations. The intent of our Tribal
consultation policies is to outline how
DOT will engage and conduct
consultation with Federally recognized
Tribal Governments in accordance with
E.O. 13175 and applicable requirements.
To be consistent with the definition of
an ‘‘Indian tribe’’ in E.O. 13175, the
Department is considering removing
from our policies implementing E.O.
13175 references to non-Federally
recognized Tribes. Please comment on
whether you would agree with removing
references to non-Federally recognized
Tribes.
activities with Indian tribes. Please
explain your recommendation.
What treaty or other source do you
consider creates an obligation that the
Department should carry out? Please
explain your response.
What treaty or other source do you
consider creates a trust obligation for
the Department?
In addition to carrying out
consultations with tribes on ‘‘policies
that have tribal implications,’’ what
other specific trust obligations should
be carried out by the Department?
Please explain your recommendation.
5. Communicating Agency Disposition
of Tribal Input
III. Tribal Consultation Meeting
This Tribal consultation meeting and
any listening sessions hosted by Tribal
associations are intended to provide
interested parties with an opportunity to
discuss their views on the issues; and
for us to obtain the views of Federally
recognized Tribes, in accordance with
E.O. 13175 and the Presidential
Memorandum, on ways we can improve
our outreach and communication with
Indian Tribes when we develop policies
with Tribal implications. We consider
Tribal consultation meetings a valuable
component of our deliberations and
believe that these meetings will allow
for constructive dialogue with the Tribal
community, Tribal officials, Tribal
Elders, elected members of Alaska
Native Villages or their appointed
representatives, and principals of
tribally-owned and Alaska Native
Corporation-owned firms. Testimony
received at these Tribal consultations
will guide our review process of our
Tribal consultation policies and practice
and may be used to develop new
policies and strategies for consultation.
Respondents. The Consultation will
prioritize the Government-toGovernment discussion and will
provide elected or appointed leaders of
Tribal governments or their designated
representatives first opportunity to
comment. Other representatives of
Tribal governments, Tribal
organizations, and members of the
public may offer comment after official
Tribal representatives. The order of
comments will be as follows: First,
elected or appointed leaders of Tribal
governments or their designated
representatives who requested to
provide testimony in advance of the
meeting; second, elected or appointed
leaders of Tribal governments or their
designated representatives who
requested to provide testimony via a
chat function during the consultation;
third, other representatives of Tribal
governments who request to provide
oral testimony in advance of the
meeting or via the chat function; fourth,
DOT and its OAs describe tribal input
and concerns regarding specific projects
in its environmental documents and
decision documents. DOT similarly
addresses tribal input and concerns in
its rulemaking documents by describing
any Tribal consultations or concerns
that were identified in the course of
developing the rulemaking. We are
interested in any general comments or
concerns that would help us improve
our process for communicating with
Tribes how their input was considered
by agency decision makers. How could
we improve our post-consultation
communication? Are there best
practices of which we should be aware
to ensure that tribal concerns are heard
and addressed?
6. Recognition of Federal Trust and
Treaty Obligations
As set forth in the U.S. Constitution,
treaties, U.S. Supreme Court decisions,
Federal statutes and regulations, and
Executive Orders, the United States has
a unique legal relationship with Indian
tribes and a special relationship with
Alaska Native entities. Based on treaties
with Indian tribes, the U.S. Supreme
Court shortly after the founding of the
United States established the concept of
a Federal trust to define the relationship
between the Federal and tribal
governments. This trust relationship
continues to guide and interpret the
responsibility of the United States to
Indian tribes. The Department
acknowledges that the Federal trust
doctrine is a cornerstone of Federal
Indian law and that it is the
responsibility of the U.S. government to
faithfully carry out its treaty promises
and trust obligations to Indian tribes.
To ensure that the Department is
meeting its treaty obligations and trust
responsibilities, we are therefore
seeking comments on what actions you
think the Department should conduct or
not conduct regarding its programs and
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representatives of Tribal organizations,
who request to provide oral testimony
in advance of the meeting or via the chat
function; fifth, other members of the
public who request to provide oral
testimony in advance of the meeting or
via the chat function; and sixth, all
other members of the public who
identify themselves orally.
Adjournment. We will adjourn Tribal
consultation meetings early if all
attendees who requested to provide oral
testimony in advance of and during the
consultation have delivered their
comments. We may provide additional
or alternate opportunities to comment,
including in virtual listening sessions
hosted by Tribal transportation
associations with Departmental officials.
Additional information regarding
additional opportunities to provide oral
comment will be made available at
https://www.transportation.gov/selfgovernance. We will summarize in a
letter to Tribal governments the
comments received and indicate how
Tribal input was considered in the final
action. The letter will constitute formal
follow-up notification and will be
entered as the date Tribal consultation
ended.
Tribal consultation meetings and
listening sessions are not the only
opportunity you have to comment on
this matter. In addition to, or in place
of, attending a virtual meeting, we
encourage you to submit comments in
accordance with the instructions in
ADDRESSES, above. Public comment
submissions should include the Docket
number OST–2021–0023.
DOT solicits comments from the
public to better inform its deliberations.
The DOT posts these comments,
without edit, including any personal
information the commenter provides, to
www.regulations.gov, as described in
the system of records notice (DOT/ALL–
14 FDMS), which can be viewed at
www.dot.gov/privacy.
IV. Request for Comments
Notice of OFAC Sanctions Actions
We request public comment from
Indian Tribes on the Department’s
implementation of E.O. 13175 and its
Tribal consultation policies and
practice. Your comments may relate to,
but should not be limited to, the
questions identified above. All
comments will be accepted. The virtual
AGENCY:
VerDate Sep<11>2014
17:03 Mar 08, 2021
Jkt 253001
Issued in Washington, DC, on or about
March 4, 2021.
Peter Paul Montgomery Buttigieg,
Secretary of Transportation.
placed on OFAC’s Specially Designated
Nationals and Blocked Persons List
(SDN List) based on OFAC’s
determination that one or more
applicable legal criteria were satisfied.
All property and interests in property
subject to U.S. jurisdiction of these
persons are blocked, and U.S. persons
are generally prohibited from engaging
in transactions with them.
See SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION
section for effective date(s).
DATES:
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
OFAC: Bradley Smith, Acting Director,
tel.: 202–622–2480; Associate Director
for Global Targeting, tel.: 202–622–2420;
Assistant Director for Licensing, tel.:
202–622–2480; Assistant Director for
Regulatory Affairs, tel.: 202–622–4855;
or the Assistant Director for Sanctions
Compliance & Evaluation, tel.: 202–622–
2490.
[FR Doc. 2021–04883 Filed 3–8–21; 8:45 am]
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
BILLING CODE 4910–9X–P
Electronic Availability
DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY
Office of Foreign Assets Control
Office of Foreign Assets
Control, Treasury.
ACTION: Notice.
The U.S. Department of the
Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets
Control (OFAC) is publishing the names
of one or more persons that have been
SUMMARY:
PO 00000
Frm 00091
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
13609
The Specially Designated Nationals
and Blocked Persons List and additional
information concerning OFAC sanctions
programs are available on OFAC’s
website (www.treasury.gov/ofac).
Notice of OFAC Action
On March 2, 2021, OFAC determined
that the property and interests in
property subject to U.S. jurisdiction of
the following persons are blocked under
the relevant sanctions authorities listed
below.
BILLING CODE 4810–AL–P
E:\FR\FM\09MRN1.SGM
09MRN1
Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 44 (Tuesday, March 9, 2021)]
[Notices]
[Pages 13605-13609]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-04883]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Office of the Secretary of Transportation
[Docket No. DOT-OST-2021-0023]
Notice of Tribal Consultation; Request for Comments
AGENCY: Office of the Secretary (OST), U.S. Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Notice of Tribal consultation; request for comments.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT or we) announces
that it is holding virtual Tribal consultation with American Indian and
Alaskan Native Tribes on its implementation of Executive Order 13175 of
November 6, 2000, consistent with the Presidential Memorandum of
January 26, 2021. We also announce the establishment of a docket to
receive comments on our Tribal consultation policies and practices.
Testimony presented at these Tribal consultations will be considered by
DOT in formulating its plan of actions in response to the Presidential
Memorandum of January 26, 2021. We will host a virtual Tribal
consultation on March 24, 2021.
DATES: Consistent with Executive Order 13175, Consultation and
Coordination with Indian Tribal Governments, we will hold a virtual
Tribal consultation meeting to take oral testimony. The Tribal
consultation meeting will be held on Wednesday, March 24, 2021 from
2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. EDT. Participants can access the presentation by
logging into the following: https://www.transportation.gov/self-governance. Participants may submit written questions in advance of the
meeting to [email protected], or provide written comments/questions
using the chat function during the presentation. Any questions or
comments to be considered must be received in writing via email to
[email protected] by 5 p.m. EST, Wednesday, March 31, 2021.
Additional information about how to participate during the consultation
will be made available at https://www.transportation.gov/self-governance in advance of the consultation and announced at the
beginning of the consultation.
Additional follow-on listening sessions with Tribal associations
may be scheduled. These listening sessions will be open to the public.
Please check https://www.transportation.gov/self-governance for
additional details.
The closing date for comments on this notice is April 19, 2021. The
Department will consider late comments to the extent practicable.
ADDRESSES: You may submit comments by any of the following methods:
Electronic mail: Send electronic mail to
[email protected] and reference OST-2021-0023 in the subject line.
Electronically through the Federal eRulemaking Portal:
www.regulations.gov. Follow the online instructions for submitting
comments;
Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New
Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590;
Hand Delivery: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket
Operations,
[[Page 13606]]
West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE,
Washington, DC 20590, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday,
except Federal holidays; or
Fax: 1-202-493-2251.
All comment submissions must include the agency name, docket name,
and docket number (DOT-OST-2021-0023). DOT solicits comments from the
public to better inform its deliberations. DOT posts these comments,
without edit, including any personal information the commenter
provides, to www.regulations.gov, as described in the system of records
notice (DOT/ALL-14 FDMS), which can be viewed at www.dot.gov/privacy.
Physical access to the Docket is available at the Hand Delivery address
noted in this section.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Milo Booth, Director of Tribal
Affairs, 202-309-9786, [email protected].
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
I. Purpose
On January 26, 2021, President Biden issued a Presidential
Memorandum on Tribal consultation and Strengthening Nation-to-Nation
Relationships (Presidential Memorandum) \1\ reaffirming Executive Order
(E.O.) 13175 titled ``Consultation and Coordination With Indian Tribal
Governments'' \2\ and the policy announced in the 2009 Presidential
Memorandum titled ``Tribal Consultation'' (2009 Presidential
Memorandum).\3\ The Presidential Memorandum directs agencies to consult
with Indian Tribes to develop a detailed plan of actions to implement
E.O. 13175 and subsequently submit this plan to the Director of the
Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and the Assistant to the
President for Domestic Policy (APDP) within 90 days (April 26, 2021).
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\1\ 86 FR 7491 (January 29, 2021).
\2\ 65 FR 67249 (November 9, 2000).
\3\ 74 FR 57879 (November 9, 2009).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Consistent with E.O. 13175 and the Presidential Memorandum, the
U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT or we) announces its intent to
engage in Tribal consultation on whether our existing consultation
policies and practices are effective in implementing E.O. 13175 and
ways we can improve our outreach and communication with Indian Tribes.
We also announce the establishment of a docket to receive comments from
Indian Tribal officials,\4\ tribal organizations, individual tribal
members and other interested persons on our communication and outreach
with Indian Tribes when we consider ``policies that have tribal
implications.'' \5\ In section II, below, we identify specific
questions to help us assess our implementation of E.O. 13175.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\4\ ``Tribal officials,'' as defined in Section I(d) of E.O.
13175, means elected or duly appointed officials of Indian tribal
governments or authorized intertribal organizations.
\5\ ``Policies that have tribal implications,'' as defined in
Section l(a) of E.O. 13175, refers to regulations, legislative
comments or proposed legislation, and other policy statements or
actions that have substantial direct effects on one or more Indian
tribes, on the relationship between the Federal Government and
Indian tribes, or on the distribution of power and responsibilities
between the Federal Government and Indian tribes.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
II. Background
A. Agency Mission. Our mission is to ensure America has the safest,
most efficient and modern transportation system in the world, which
boosts our economic productivity and global competitiveness and
enhances the quality of life in communities both rural and urban. The
Department and its Operating Administrations (OAs) implement a diverse
set of funding and safety programs. We are interested in any general
comments or concerns that would help us improve our communication and
outreach with Indian Tribes on ``policies that have tribal
implications,'' as we strive to achieve our mission.
B. Existing Policies Regarding Interactions with Indian Tribes. We
previously have issued two policy statements that set forth principles
to promote effective government-to-government interactions with
American Indian and Alaska Native Tribes, and to encourage and
facilitate Tribal involvement in areas over which the DOT has
jurisdiction. DOT Order 5301.1, ``Department of Transportation
Programs, Policies, and Procedures Affecting American Indians, Alaska
Natives, and Tribes'' (November 16, 1999). (https://www.transportation.gov/sites/dot.gov/files/docs/DOT%205301.1.pdf) and a
Consultation Plan issued in response to the 2009 Presidential
Memorandum (https://www.transportation.gov/sites/dot.gov/files/docs/Tribal%20Consultation%20Plan.pdf) comprise these policy statements.
These policy statements provide Department-wide guidelines to achieve
consistency, but also encourage tailored approaches to consultation and
coordination that reflect the circumstances of each situation and the
preference of each Tribal government. It is our expectation that all
program and OA consultation and coordination practices will be
consistent with or adhere to the Department's Tribal consultation
policies.
1. Consultation Plan
The U.S. Department of Transportation Tribal Consultation Plan
(Consultation Plan) (https://www.transportation.gov/sites/dot.gov/files/docs/Tribal%20Consultation%20Plan.pdf) summarized E.O. 13175, the
2009 Presidential Memorandum, and DOT Order 5301.1. The Consultation
Plan did not cancel or displace DOT Order 5301.1. Rather, we read the
two documents jointly. The Consultation Plan identified seven goals and
specific actions associated with each goal that we would continue to
take to support the principles of self-governance, self-determination,
and tribal sovereignty identified in E.O. 13175. These goals and
actions include the following:
Goal 1: Foster meaningful government-to-government relations by:
Ensuring participation by Department officials at national
tribal conferences, tribal/State meetings, summits, and conferences
discussing tribal issues.
Establishing direct contact with Indian tribal
governments, including visiting tribal governments at reservations,
Native Villages, and communities.
Seeking tribal government representation in meetings,
conferences, summits, advisory committees, and review boards concerning
issues with tribal implications.
Goal 2: Improve existing tribal programs by:
Seeking tribal input when the DOT develops or revises
regulations with tribal implications and providing adequate time to
allow for comment.
Notifying tribes of grant opportunities through multiple
means, including direct letters and emails whenever appropriate, as
well as announcements on the DOT website and in the Federal Register.
Providing timely technical assistance on changes to
legislation, regulations, programs, and grants.
Goal 3: Ensure meaningful tribal input into future tribal
transportation programs by:
Developing policy and programs using input, guidance, and
recommendations from tribal leaders.
Seeking and responding to comments from tribal
governments.
Soliciting tribal comments in the development of the DOT's
surface transportation reauthorization proposal.
Conducting meetings throughout the country after the
passage of the next surface transportation authorization legislation to
discuss impacts on and
[[Page 13607]]
opportunities for the tribes and their transportation systems.
Consulting with tribal governments on making
transportation services available to improve mobility, employment
opportunities, and access to community services for people who have
disabilities, are elderly, or low-income.
Goal 4: Ensure the DOT's uniform and effective delivery of tribal
programs throughout the country by:
Reviewing existing tribal policies in DOT's OAs to ensure
consistency with this action plan and each other.
Assessing the resource needs of the tribal transportation
programs at DOT.
Developing training modules for DOT employees on tribal
transit and highway programs.
Developing a training program for DOT employees regarding
tribes, the sovereignty of tribal governments, and the unique
government-to-government relationship between tribes and the Federal
Government.
Reaffirming DOT's commitment to working with the Bureau of
Indian Affairs on the administration of tribal highway safety grants.
Continuing to support the tribal Technical Assistance
Program (TTAP).
Addressing tribal transportation issues in DOT Strategic
Plans.
Enhancing support for tribal Liaisons in the Federal
Transit Administration, the Federal Highway Administration, the Federal
Aviation Administration, and other staff throughout the Department
working with tribal governments.
Coordinating efforts among DOT's OAs by establishing a
Department-wide working group tasked with making specific
recommendations to the Secretary of Transportation.
Goal 5: Assist in implementing tribal infrastructure projects by:
Building capacity of tribes on DOT Programs and processes,
including the Indian Reservation Roads Program and the Tribal Transit
Program.
Initiating a review of the grant process for the Tribal
Transit Program in consultation with the tribes.
Working with tribal governments to develop case studies
and best practices in transportation planning and highway safety.
Developing a highway Safety Management System (SMS) for
tribal governments and forming a Steering Committee that includes
tribal representatives to advise on the SMS.
Identifying and communicating to tribal leaders emerging
issues that could impact tribal transportation programs.
Publishing guidance on DOT's programs with potential
benefits to tribal governments.
Goal 6: Assist tribal members in developing transportation
capacities by:
Increasing internships for American Indians and Alaska
Natives at DOT through outreach to tribal colleges and universities.
Creating a web page for tribes on the DOT website.
Increasing the representation of American Indians and
Alaska Natives in the DOT workforce, within merit principles and
consistent with the application of appropriate veterans' preference
criteria.
Goal 7: Assist efforts to coordinate national tribal infrastructure
policy and programs within the Federal Government by:
Working with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the
Indian Health Service, and the Bureau of Indian Affairs to coordinate
Federal tribal infrastructure programs and incorporating livability
principles as adopted by the Department's Sustainability Partnership
with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency.
We seek your input on these seven goals, which the Department
identified in the Consultation Plan developed in 2010 to guide the
actions we will take to support the principles set forth in E.O. 13175.
Should we revise any of these goals or incorporate new goals? Please
explain your recommendation. If a new goal is proposed, what actions
should we take, to the extent practicable and consistent with law, to
support the principles set forth in E.O. 13175? Please explain why
these actions are appropriate and how they are consistent with law.
2. DOT Order 5301.1
The Department issued DOT Order 5301.1 (https://www.transportation.gov/sites/dot.gov/files/docs/DOT%205301.1.pdf) to
ensure that programs, policies, and procedures administered by the
Department are responsive to the needs and concerns of American
Indians, Alaska Natives, and tribes. DOT Order 5301.1 predates E.O.
13175. It affirms the Department's and the OAs' unique legal
relationship with Indian tribes; establishes the Department's
consultation and coordination process with Indian tribes for any action
that may ``significantly or uniquely affect'' them; and, lists goals
and requirements for OAs carrying out policies, programs, and
activities affecting American Indians, Alaska Natives, and tribes.
These requirements were designed to recognize Indian statutory
preferences in employment, Federal financial assistance arrangements,
and contracting; respond to the transportation concerns of Indian
tribes related to environmental justice, children's safety and
environmental health risks, occupational health and safety, and
environmental matters; foster opportunities for hiring tribal members
and increasing participation in Federal training activities; include
tribal colleges and universities in Departmental educational, research,
and program activities; and treat correspondence from leaders of Indian
tribes in the same manner as Congressional correspondence.
In developing our detailed plan of action for consideration by OMB
and the APDP, we have identified a need to review DOT Order 5301.1.
E.O. 13175 requires agencies to ensure meaningful and timely input
from Tribal government representatives in the development of rules that
have substantial direct effects. What additional or different steps can
we take to ``ensure meaningful and timely input'' in the development of
``policies that have tribal implications''? Please explain why these
actions are appropriate.
What steps should we continue to take to ensure meaningful and
timely input by tribal officials in the development of regulatory
``policies that have tribal implications?''
Are there recommendations for ways the accountability of our
consultation process can be improved?
DOT Order 5301.1 defines consultation, in relevant part, as a
``meaningful and timely discussion . . . during the development of
regulations, policies, programs, plans or matters that significantly or
uniquely affect'' Tribal communities. DOT Order 5301.1 references
implementing instructions found in OMB Memorandum M-95-20 and the 1994
Presidential Memorandum titled ``Government-to-Government Consultations
with Native American Tribal Governments.'' How do you recommend that we
revise DOT Order 5301.1 to align it with E.O 13175? Please explain your
recommendation.
E.O. 13175 requires agencies to consult with Tribal governments in
the development of rules that impose ``substantial direct compliance
costs'' or ``substantial direct effects'' on Tribal communities or the
relationship and distribution of power between the Federal Government
and Tribes. Please identify actions we have taken that, in your view,
impose ``substantial direct compliance costs'' or ``substantial direct
effects'' on Tribes or the distribution of power between the Federal
Government and Tribes. Please explain why, in your view, these actions
have a substantial
[[Page 13608]]
direct effect on Tribal communities and how these actions impose
substantial direct compliance costs or on Tribes.
Would it be helpful to define the meaning of the terms
``substantial direct compliance costs'' and ``substantial direct
effects?'' How do you define these terms when determining whether to
consult with DOT?
3. Consultation With ANCSA Corporations
Our policies address consultation with federally-recognized Indian
tribes (including Alaska Native tribes, villages, and communities) that
the Secretary of the Interior acknowledges to exist as an Indian tribe
pursuant to the Federally Recognized Indian Tribe List Act of 1994.11
It does not, however, address consultation with corporations
established pursuant to the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA
Corporations). In 2004, through two consolidated appropriations acts,
Congress required Federal agencies to consult with Alaska Native
Corporations \6\ on the same basis as Federally recognized Indian
Tribes under E.O. 13175. (Pub. L. 108-199, 118 Stat. 452, as amended by
Pub. L. 108-447,118 Stat. 3267.) DOT interprets the term ``Alaska
Native Corporations'' in this requirement to mean ``Native
Corporations'' as that term is defined under the Alaska Native Claims
Settlement Act (ANCSA) of 1971. DOT is considering adding to the DOT
Consultation Policy the requirement to consult with Alaska Native
Corporations on the same basis as Indian Tribes under E.O. 13175. The
Department requests comments on the requirement to consult with Alaska
Native Corporations that would help us improve our policy while
recognizing the important differences between them and sovereign tribal
governments, the Federal trust responsibility to those Tribal
governments and corporations obligated to maximize financial returns to
shareholders, and that Alaska Native Corporations may not necessarily
represent the same perspective or interests as Tribal nations.
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\6\ ``Alaska Native Corporation,'' pursuant to 43 U.S.C. 1602 et
seq., is any Regional Corporation, any Village Corporation, any
Urban Corporation, and any Group Corporation as defined in, or
established pursuant to, the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act.
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4. Consultation With Native Hawaiians and State-Recognized Tribes
Our policies currently include references to non-Federally
recognized groups of Indigenous people, such as State-recognized
Tribes, but not Native Hawaiians and Native Hawaiian organizations. The
intent of our Tribal consultation policies is to outline how DOT will
engage and conduct consultation with Federally recognized Tribal
Governments in accordance with E.O. 13175 and applicable requirements.
To be consistent with the definition of an ``Indian tribe'' in E.O.
13175, the Department is considering removing from our policies
implementing E.O. 13175 references to non-Federally recognized Tribes.
Please comment on whether you would agree with removing references to
non-Federally recognized Tribes.
5. Communicating Agency Disposition of Tribal Input
DOT and its OAs describe tribal input and concerns regarding
specific projects in its environmental documents and decision
documents. DOT similarly addresses tribal input and concerns in its
rulemaking documents by describing any Tribal consultations or concerns
that were identified in the course of developing the rulemaking. We are
interested in any general comments or concerns that would help us
improve our process for communicating with Tribes how their input was
considered by agency decision makers. How could we improve our post-
consultation communication? Are there best practices of which we should
be aware to ensure that tribal concerns are heard and addressed?
6. Recognition of Federal Trust and Treaty Obligations
As set forth in the U.S. Constitution, treaties, U.S. Supreme Court
decisions, Federal statutes and regulations, and Executive Orders, the
United States has a unique legal relationship with Indian tribes and a
special relationship with Alaska Native entities. Based on treaties
with Indian tribes, the U.S. Supreme Court shortly after the founding
of the United States established the concept of a Federal trust to
define the relationship between the Federal and tribal governments.
This trust relationship continues to guide and interpret the
responsibility of the United States to Indian tribes. The Department
acknowledges that the Federal trust doctrine is a cornerstone of
Federal Indian law and that it is the responsibility of the U.S.
government to faithfully carry out its treaty promises and trust
obligations to Indian tribes.
To ensure that the Department is meeting its treaty obligations and
trust responsibilities, we are therefore seeking comments on what
actions you think the Department should conduct or not conduct
regarding its programs and activities with Indian tribes. Please
explain your recommendation.
What treaty or other source do you consider creates an obligation
that the Department should carry out? Please explain your response.
What treaty or other source do you consider creates a trust
obligation for the Department?
In addition to carrying out consultations with tribes on ``policies
that have tribal implications,'' what other specific trust obligations
should be carried out by the Department? Please explain your
recommendation.
III. Tribal Consultation Meeting
This Tribal consultation meeting and any listening sessions hosted
by Tribal associations are intended to provide interested parties with
an opportunity to discuss their views on the issues; and for us to
obtain the views of Federally recognized Tribes, in accordance with
E.O. 13175 and the Presidential Memorandum, on ways we can improve our
outreach and communication with Indian Tribes when we develop policies
with Tribal implications. We consider Tribal consultation meetings a
valuable component of our deliberations and believe that these meetings
will allow for constructive dialogue with the Tribal community, Tribal
officials, Tribal Elders, elected members of Alaska Native Villages or
their appointed representatives, and principals of tribally-owned and
Alaska Native Corporation-owned firms. Testimony received at these
Tribal consultations will guide our review process of our Tribal
consultation policies and practice and may be used to develop new
policies and strategies for consultation.
Respondents. The Consultation will prioritize the Government-to-
Government discussion and will provide elected or appointed leaders of
Tribal governments or their designated representatives first
opportunity to comment. Other representatives of Tribal governments,
Tribal organizations, and members of the public may offer comment after
official Tribal representatives. The order of comments will be as
follows: First, elected or appointed leaders of Tribal governments or
their designated representatives who requested to provide testimony in
advance of the meeting; second, elected or appointed leaders of Tribal
governments or their designated representatives who requested to
provide testimony via a chat function during the consultation; third,
other representatives of Tribal governments who request to provide oral
testimony in advance of the meeting or via the chat function; fourth,
[[Page 13609]]
representatives of Tribal organizations, who request to provide oral
testimony in advance of the meeting or via the chat function; fifth,
other members of the public who request to provide oral testimony in
advance of the meeting or via the chat function; and sixth, all other
members of the public who identify themselves orally.
Adjournment. We will adjourn Tribal consultation meetings early if
all attendees who requested to provide oral testimony in advance of and
during the consultation have delivered their comments. We may provide
additional or alternate opportunities to comment, including in virtual
listening sessions hosted by Tribal transportation associations with
Departmental officials. Additional information regarding additional
opportunities to provide oral comment will be made available at https://www.transportation.gov/self-governance. We will summarize in a letter
to Tribal governments the comments received and indicate how Tribal
input was considered in the final action. The letter will constitute
formal follow-up notification and will be entered as the date Tribal
consultation ended.
IV. Request for Comments
We request public comment from Indian Tribes on the Department's
implementation of E.O. 13175 and its Tribal consultation policies and
practice. Your comments may relate to, but should not be limited to,
the questions identified above. All comments will be accepted. The
virtual Tribal consultation meetings and listening sessions are not the
only opportunity you have to comment on this matter. In addition to, or
in place of, attending a virtual meeting, we encourage you to submit
comments in accordance with the instructions in ADDRESSES, above.
Public comment submissions should include the Docket number OST-2021-
0023.
DOT solicits comments from the public to better inform its
deliberations. The DOT posts these comments, without edit, including
any personal information the commenter provides, to
www.regulations.gov, as described in the system of records notice (DOT/
ALL-14 FDMS), which can be viewed at www.dot.gov/privacy.
Issued in Washington, DC, on or about March 4, 2021.
Peter Paul Montgomery Buttigieg,
Secretary of Transportation.
[FR Doc. 2021-04883 Filed 3-8-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-9X-P