Notice of Inquiry on Preparation of Report to Congress on the Price-Anderson Act, 45714-45715 [2021-17440]

Download as PDF lotter on DSK11XQN23PROD with NOTICES1 45714 Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 155 / Monday, August 16, 2021 / Notices accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA) (44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(2)(A)), provides the general public and Federal agencies with an opportunity to comment on proposed, revised, and continuing collections of information. This helps the Department assess the impact of its information collection requirements and minimize the public’s reporting burden. It also helps the public understand the Department’s information collection requirements and provide the requested data in the desired format. ED is soliciting comments on the proposed information collection request (ICR) that is described below. The Department of Education is especially interested in public comment addressing the following issues: (1) Is this collection necessary to the proper functions of the Department; (2) will this information be processed and used in a timely manner; (3) is the estimate of burden accurate; (4) how might the Department enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (5) how might the Department minimize the burden of this collection on the respondents, including through the use of information technology. Please note that written comments received in response to this notice will be considered public records. Title of Collection: Impact Evaluation of Training in Multi-Tiered Systems of Support for Reading in Early Elementary School. OMB Control Number: 1850–0953. Type of Review: A revision of a currently approved collection. Respondents/Affected Public: Individuals and Households; State, Local, and Tribal Governments Total Estimated Number of Annual Responses: 24,480. Total Estimated Number of Annual Burden Hours: 5,413. Abstract: This study will provide much needed evidence on strategies to support US students’ development of foundational reading skills, essential to later learning. A third of US students fail to develop foundational reading skills by 4th grade that are necessary to succeed academically. In addition, the achievement gap is growing as demonstrated by The Nation’s Report Card. To address this, the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) promotes the use of evidence-based literacy interventions. And, the Department of Education (ED) has made supporting educators with the knowledge, skills, professional development, or materials necessary to improve reading instruction a key priority. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:21 Aug 13, 2021 Jkt 253001 similarly encourages high quality instruction along with better identification of students needing extra support to prevent or mitigate student reading issues. This study will provide much needed evidence by evaluating two professional development strategies for bolstering core reading instruction and supplemental supports, guided by data, within a MTSS–R framework. MTSS–R is a widely used framework for providing high-quality reading instruction for all students, identifying students needing supplemental or more intensive supports, and providing these additional supports for those who need it. Dated: August 11, 2021. Juliana Pearson, PRA Coordinator, Strategic Collections and Clearance Governance and Strategy Division, Office of Chief Data Officer, Office of Planning, Evaluation and Policy Development. [FR Doc. 2021–17500 Filed 8–13–21; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4000–01–P DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Notice of Inquiry on Preparation of Report to Congress on the PriceAnderson Act AGENCY: Office of General Counsel, DOE. ACTION: Extension of public comment period. On July 26, 2021, the Department of Energy (the ‘‘Department’’ or ‘‘DOE’’) published in the Federal Register a notice of inquiry (‘‘NOI’’) and request for comment from the public concerning the need for continuation or modification of the provisions of the Price-Anderson Act (‘‘PAA’’) as administered by DOE. The PAA establishes a system of financial protection that encourages the safe and secure operation of nuclear power and other nuclear activities and assures equitable compensation of victims in the event of a nuclear incident. Comments from the public will assist the Department in the preparation of its report on the PAA to be submitted to Congress, as required by the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 (AEA), as amended. The NOI provided an August 25, 2021, deadline for comments. This notice announces a 60-day extension of the comment period to October 25, 2021. DATES: The comment period for the NOI published on July 26, 2021 (86 FR 40032) is extended. DOE will accept written comments regarding the NOI SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00013 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 submitted no later than October 25, 2021. You may submit comments to: paareportnoi@hq.doe.gov. Although DOE has routinely accepted public comment submissions through a variety of mechanisms, including postal mail and hand delivery/courier, the Department has found it necessary to make temporary modifications to the comment submission process in light of the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. DOE is currently suspending receipt of public comments via postal mail and hand delivery/courier. If a commenter finds that this change poses undue hardship, please contact the Office of the General Counsel staff at (202) 586–2177 to discuss the need for alternative arrangements. Once the Covid-19 pandemic health emergency is resolved, DOE anticipates resuming all of its regular options for public comment submission, including postal mail and hand delivery/courier. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Stewart Forbes, Office of the Assistant General Counsel for Civilian Nuclear Programs, U.S. Department of Energy, Room 6A–167, 1000 Independence Ave SW, Washington, DC 20585; Email: stewart.forbes@hq.doe.gov; and Phone: (202) 586–2177. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The PAA was enacted in 1957 as an amendment to the AEA to encourage the development of nuclear power and nuclear activities by establishing a system of financial protection for persons who may be liable for and persons who may be injured by a nuclear incident.1 Since enactment, the PAA has been amended several times, most recently in 2005 as part of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (Title VI, Subtitle A).2 The recent amendments extended the authority of DOE to grant the DOE Price-Anderson indemnification until December 31, 2025 3 and amended section 170p. of the AEA 4 to mandate, as it had done with a prior extension, that DOE submit a report to Congress by December 31, 2021 (‘‘2021 Report’’) on whether ADDRESSES: 1 Price-Anderson Act, Public Law 85–256, 71 Stat. 576 (amending Atomic Energy Act of 1954, Pub. L. 83–703, codified as amended at 42 U.S.C. 2011 et. seq.). The pertinent sections of the PAA amended AEA § 11 and created AEA § 170, which are codified respectively at 42 U.S.C. 2014 and 2210. 2 Price-Anderson Amendments Act of 2005, Public Law 109–58, tit. VI, 119 Stat. 779 (amending Atomic Energy Act § 170, codified as amended at 42 U.S.C. 2210 et. seq.). 3 Id. at tit. VI, § 602(b) (amending Atomic Energy Act § 170d.(1)(A), codified as amended at 42 U.S.C. 2210(d)(1)(A)). 4 Id. at tit. VI, § 606 (amending Atomic Energy Act § 170p., codified as amended at 42 U.S.C. 2210(p)). E:\FR\FM\16AUN1.SGM 16AUN1 lotter on DSK11XQN23PROD with NOTICES1 Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 155 / Monday, August 16, 2021 / Notices provisions of the PAA should be continued, modified, or eliminated. DOE issued a prior report to Congress pursuant to section 170p. in 1998 5 (‘‘1998 Report’’) recommending renewal of the PAA, which was developed and informed by a public comment process. On July 26, 2021, DOE published a NOI in the Federal Register (86 FR 40032) requesting public comment to assist with its preparation of a report to Congress on the need for continuation or modification of the provisions of the PAA as administered by DOE. In the NOI, DOE provided an update on significant changes in law or circumstances since the 1998 Report, included a non-exhaustive list of questions and topics to be considered by commenters, and requested public comment to assist with preparation of the 2021 Report. The NOI requested public comment from interested persons to be submitted by August 25, 2021. On July 29, 2021, DOE received comments from the Nuclear Energy Institute (‘‘NEI’’) expressing appreciation for the opportunity for public participation in the development of the 2021 Report while requesting additional time, a 30-day extension, to provide comments. NEI stated the additional time is necessary to collect views and comments from its members on the future of the PAA and to enable those comments to reflect meaningful and substantive responses to the specific enumerated questions and topics posed by DOE in the NOI. NEI also noted that granting the additional time is consistent with the extensions in the public comment deadlines provided by DOE in connection with the 1998 Report, resulting in a public comment period equal to 56 calendar days. DOE also received comments and a request for a 60-day extension on August 6, 2021, from the Natural Resources Defense Council (‘‘NRDC’’), on behalf of the combined membership of NRDC, Nuclear Information and Resources Service, Beyond Nuclear, and Savannah River Site Watch. NRDC stated that given the significance of the PAA to the framework of the nuclear industry and the range of economic, technical, policy and legal considerations raised in the NOI, an extension of the public period is warranted to provide its members and other stakeholders sufficient time to consider, deliberate and formulate comments in response to the NOI. NRDC particularly noted the need for a 5 U.S. Dep’t of Energy, Report to Congress on the Price-Anderson Act (1998), https://www.energy.gov/ sites/prod/files/gcprod/documents/paa-rep.pdf (to be referenced as ‘‘1998 Report’’). VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:21 Aug 13, 2021 Jkt 253001 meaningful review period in order to evaluate and address impacts of the PAA in regard to the vital topic of environmental justice, equity, and inclusion, and the evolving and developing technologies in the nuclear industry, such as small modular reactors and potential as-yet unused nuclear fuels. DOE has determined that extension of the comment period is appropriate based on the foregoing reasons and is hereby extending the comment period to October 25, 2021. Given the importance of proceeding in a timely manner toward development of the 2021 Report that is due to Congress by December 31, 2021, DOE does not intend to grant any further extensions. Accordingly, DOE will consider any comments received by October 25, 2021. Signing Authority This document of the Department of Energy was signed on August 10, 2021, by John T. Lucas, Acting General Counsel, Office of the General Counsel, pursuant to delegated authority from the Secretary of Energy. That document with the original signature and date is maintained by DOE. For administrative purposes only, and in compliance with requirements of the Office of the Federal Register, the undersigned DOE Federal Register Liaison Officer has been authorized to sign and submit the document in electronic format for publication, as an official document of the Department of Energy. This administrative process in no way alters the legal effect of this document upon publication in the Federal Register. Signed in Washington, DC on August 11, 2021. Treena V. Garrett, Federal Register Liaison Officer, U.S. Department of Energy. [FR Doc. 2021–17440 Filed 8–13–21; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6450–01–P DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Request for Information: Access to Quantum Systems Office of Science, Department of Energy (DOE). ACTION: Request for information (RFI). AGENCY: Congress has requested DOE to develop a roadmap to provide researchers access to quantum systems so as to enhance the U.S. quantum research enterprise, stimulate the fledgling U.S. quantum computing industry, educate the future quantum computing workforce, and accelerate advancement of quantum computer SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00014 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 45715 capabilities. In collaboration with private sector stakeholders, the research facility user community, and interagency partners, the Department of Energy (DOE), through the Office of Science, intends to develop such a roadmap. DOE invites interested parties to provide input on the quantum systems that DOE should include in the roadmap; how the current access models can meet the needs of quantum researchers; and the appropriate timeline and sequencing for components of the roadmap. DATES: Written comments and information are requested on or before September 30, 2021. ADDRESSES: DOE is using the https:// www.regulations.gov system for the submission and posting of public comments in this proceeding. All comments in response to this RFI are therefore to be submitted electronically through https://www.regulations.gov, via the web form accessed by following the ‘‘Submit a Formal Comment’’ link near the top right of the Federal Register web page for this document. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Requests for additional information may be submitted to Quantum-SystemsAccess-RFI@science.doe.gov or Dr. Ceren Susut, (301) 903–0366. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: I. Background Quantum information science (QIS) is a potentially transformative emerging field, with resulting quantum technologies having significant implications for scientific discovery as well as for our Nation’s economic prosperity and security.1 Widespread access to a variety of quantum systems for research, development, testing, and evaluation is critical to continued rapid progress and competitiveness in this field and to accelerate QIS research and development. Congress, in the Joint Explanatory Statement accompanying the Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act of 2021, requested DOE to ‘‘develop a roadmap to provide researchers access to quantum systems so as to enhance the U.S. quantum research enterprise, stimulate the fledgling U.S. quantum computing industry, educate the future quantum computing workforce, and accelerate advancement of quantum computer capabilities.’’ 2 Types of quantum systems under consideration: DOE may consider access models for research and development 1 See https://www.quantum.gov/. 2 https://docs.house.gov/billsthisweek/20201221/ BILLS-116RCP68-JES-DIVISION-D.pdf. E:\FR\FM\16AUN1.SGM 16AUN1

Agencies

DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY

[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 155 (Monday, August 16, 2021)]
[Notices]
[Pages 45714-45715]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-17440]


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DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY


Notice of Inquiry on Preparation of Report to Congress on the 
Price-Anderson Act

AGENCY: Office of General Counsel, DOE.

ACTION: Extension of public comment period.

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

SUMMARY: On July 26, 2021, the Department of Energy (the ``Department'' 
or ``DOE'') published in the Federal Register a notice of inquiry 
(``NOI'') and request for comment from the public concerning the need 
for continuation or modification of the provisions of the Price-
Anderson Act (``PAA'') as administered by DOE. The PAA establishes a 
system of financial protection that encourages the safe and secure 
operation of nuclear power and other nuclear activities and assures 
equitable compensation of victims in the event of a nuclear incident. 
Comments from the public will assist the Department in the preparation 
of its report on the PAA to be submitted to Congress, as required by 
the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 (AEA), as amended. The NOI provided an 
August 25, 2021, deadline for comments. This notice announces a 60-day 
extension of the comment period to October 25, 2021.

DATES: The comment period for the NOI published on July 26, 2021 (86 FR 
40032) is extended. DOE will accept written comments regarding the NOI 
submitted no later than October 25, 2021.

ADDRESSES: You may submit comments to: [email protected]. 
Although DOE has routinely accepted public comment submissions through 
a variety of mechanisms, including postal mail and hand delivery/
courier, the Department has found it necessary to make temporary 
modifications to the comment submission process in light of the ongoing 
Covid-19 pandemic. DOE is currently suspending receipt of public 
comments via postal mail and hand delivery/courier. If a commenter 
finds that this change poses undue hardship, please contact the Office 
of the General Counsel staff at (202) 586-2177 to discuss the need for 
alternative arrangements. Once the Covid-19 pandemic health emergency 
is resolved, DOE anticipates resuming all of its regular options for 
public comment submission, including postal mail and hand delivery/
courier.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Stewart Forbes, Office of the 
Assistant General Counsel for Civilian Nuclear Programs, U.S. 
Department of Energy, Room 6A-167, 1000 Independence Ave SW, 
Washington, DC 20585; Email: [email protected]; and Phone: 
(202) 586-2177.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The PAA was enacted in 1957 as an amendment 
to the AEA to encourage the development of nuclear power and nuclear 
activities by establishing a system of financial protection for persons 
who may be liable for and persons who may be injured by a nuclear 
incident.\1\ Since enactment, the PAA has been amended several times, 
most recently in 2005 as part of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (Title 
VI, Subtitle A).\2\ The recent amendments extended the authority of DOE 
to grant the DOE Price-Anderson indemnification until December 31, 2025 
\3\ and amended section 170p. of the AEA \4\ to mandate, as it had done 
with a prior extension, that DOE submit a report to Congress by 
December 31, 2021 (``2021 Report'') on whether

[[Page 45715]]

provisions of the PAA should be continued, modified, or eliminated. DOE 
issued a prior report to Congress pursuant to section 170p. in 1998 \5\ 
(``1998 Report'') recommending renewal of the PAA, which was developed 
and informed by a public comment process.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\ Price-Anderson Act, Public Law 85-256, 71 Stat. 576 
(amending Atomic Energy Act of 1954, Pub. L. 83-703, codified as 
amended at 42 U.S.C. 2011 et. seq.). The pertinent sections of the 
PAA amended AEA Sec.  11 and created AEA Sec.  170, which are 
codified respectively at 42 U.S.C. 2014 and 2210.
    \2\ Price-Anderson Amendments Act of 2005, Public Law 109-58, 
tit. VI, 119 Stat. 779 (amending Atomic Energy Act Sec.  170, 
codified as amended at 42 U.S.C. 2210 et. seq.).
    \3\ Id. at tit. VI, Sec.  602(b) (amending Atomic Energy Act 
Sec.  170d.(1)(A), codified as amended at 42 U.S.C. 2210(d)(1)(A)).
    \4\ Id. at tit. VI, Sec.  606 (amending Atomic Energy Act Sec.  
170p., codified as amended at 42 U.S.C. 2210(p)).
    \5\ U.S. Dep't of Energy, Report to Congress on the Price-
Anderson Act (1998), https://www.energy.gov/sites/prod/files/gcprod/documents/paa-rep.pdf (to be referenced as ``1998 Report'').
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    On July 26, 2021, DOE published a NOI in the Federal Register (86 
FR 40032) requesting public comment to assist with its preparation of a 
report to Congress on the need for continuation or modification of the 
provisions of the PAA as administered by DOE. In the NOI, DOE provided 
an update on significant changes in law or circumstances since the 1998 
Report, included a non-exhaustive list of questions and topics to be 
considered by commenters, and requested public comment to assist with 
preparation of the 2021 Report. The NOI requested public comment from 
interested persons to be submitted by August 25, 2021.
    On July 29, 2021, DOE received comments from the Nuclear Energy 
Institute (``NEI'') expressing appreciation for the opportunity for 
public participation in the development of the 2021 Report while 
requesting additional time, a 30-day extension, to provide comments. 
NEI stated the additional time is necessary to collect views and 
comments from its members on the future of the PAA and to enable those 
comments to reflect meaningful and substantive responses to the 
specific enumerated questions and topics posed by DOE in the NOI. NEI 
also noted that granting the additional time is consistent with the 
extensions in the public comment deadlines provided by DOE in 
connection with the 1998 Report, resulting in a public comment period 
equal to 56 calendar days.
    DOE also received comments and a request for a 60-day extension on 
August 6, 2021, from the Natural Resources Defense Council (``NRDC''), 
on behalf of the combined membership of NRDC, Nuclear Information and 
Resources Service, Beyond Nuclear, and Savannah River Site Watch. NRDC 
stated that given the significance of the PAA to the framework of the 
nuclear industry and the range of economic, technical, policy and legal 
considerations raised in the NOI, an extension of the public period is 
warranted to provide its members and other stakeholders sufficient time 
to consider, deliberate and formulate comments in response to the NOI. 
NRDC particularly noted the need for a meaningful review period in 
order to evaluate and address impacts of the PAA in regard to the vital 
topic of environmental justice, equity, and inclusion, and the evolving 
and developing technologies in the nuclear industry, such as small 
modular reactors and potential as-yet unused nuclear fuels.
    DOE has determined that extension of the comment period is 
appropriate based on the foregoing reasons and is hereby extending the 
comment period to October 25, 2021. Given the importance of proceeding 
in a timely manner toward development of the 2021 Report that is due to 
Congress by December 31, 2021, DOE does not intend to grant any further 
extensions. Accordingly, DOE will consider any comments received by 
October 25, 2021.

Signing Authority

    This document of the Department of Energy was signed on August 10, 
2021, by John T. Lucas, Acting General Counsel, Office of the General 
Counsel, pursuant to delegated authority from the Secretary of Energy. 
That document with the original signature and date is maintained by 
DOE. For administrative purposes only, and in compliance with 
requirements of the Office of the Federal Register, the undersigned DOE 
Federal Register Liaison Officer has been authorized to sign and submit 
the document in electronic format for publication, as an official 
document of the Department of Energy. This administrative process in no 
way alters the legal effect of this document upon publication in the 
Federal Register.

    Signed in Washington, DC on August 11, 2021.
Treena V. Garrett,
Federal Register Liaison Officer, U.S. Department of Energy.
[FR Doc. 2021-17440 Filed 8-13-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6450-01-P

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