Workplace Substance Abuse Programs at DOE Sites, 49932-49936 [2021-19231]
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Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 170 / Tuesday, September 7, 2021 / Proposed Rules
negatively impact the marketing of fresh
Washington potatoes because this action
reduces costs to both handlers and
producers. Therefore, in an action taken
on June 11, 2020, the Committee
unanimously recommended that USDA
terminate the Order.
Section 946.63(b) of the Order
provides that USDA to terminate or
suspend any or all provisions of the
Order when a finding is made that the
Order does not tend to effectuate the
declared policy of the Act. Furthermore,
§ 608c(16)(A) of the Act provides that
USDA shall terminate or suspend the
operation of any order whenever the
order or provision thereof obstructs or
does not tend to effectuate the declared
policy of the Act. An additional
provision requires that Congress be
notified not later than 60 days before the
date on which order would be
terminated.
The Committee considered
alternatives to this rule, including
taking no action (which would keep the
Order active but with the handling
regulations suspended) and suspending
all of the Order’s remaining regulatory
provisions but not terminating the
Order. The Committee determined that
neither option was a viable long-term
solution, and subsequently,
recommended that the Order be
terminated.
This proposed rule is intended to
solicit input and other available
information from interested parties on
whether the Order should be
terminated. USDA will evaluate all
available information prior to making a
final action on this matter.
In accordance with the Paperwork
Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C.
Chapter 35), the Order’s information
collection requirements have been
previously approved by OMB and
assigned OMB No. 0581–0178 Vegetable
and Specialty Crops. Termination of the
Order and reporting requirements
prescribed therein, would reduce the
reporting burden on Washington potato
handlers by an estimated 9.7 hours per
handler. Handlers would no longer be
required to file forms with the
Committee, which is expected to reduce
industry expenses. This rule would not
impose any additional reporting or
recordkeeping requirements on either
small or large potato handlers. As with
all Federal marketing order programs,
reports and forms are periodically
reviewed to reduce information
requirements and duplication by
industry and public sector agencies. In
addition, USDA has not identified any
relevant Federal rules that duplicate,
overlap or conflict with this rule.
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AMS is committed to complying with
the E-Government Act, to promote the
use of the internet and other
information technologies to provide
increased opportunities for citizen
access to Government information and
services, and for other purposes.
Committee meetings are widely
publicized throughout the Washington
potato industry, and all interested
persons are invited to attend the
meetings and participate in Committee
deliberations on all issues. Like all
Committee meetings, the January 22 and
June 11, 2020, meetings were public
meetings, and all entities, both large and
small, were able to express their views
on these issues. Interested persons are
invited to submit comments on this
proposed rule, including regulatory and
information collection impacts of this
proposed action on small businesses.
A small business guide on complying
with fruit, vegetable, and specialty crop
marketing agreements and orders may
be viewed at: https://
www.ams.usda.gov/rules-regulations/
moa/small-businesses. Any questions
about the compliance guide should be
sent to Richard Lower at the previously
mentioned address in the FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION CONTACT section.
This rule invites comments on the
proposed termination of Marketing
Order 946, which regulates the handling
of Irish potatoes grown in Washington.
A 60-day comment period is provided to
allow interested persons to respond to
this proposal. All written comments
timely received will be considered
before a final action is made on this
matter.
Based on the foregoing and pursuant
to § 608c(16)(A) of the Act and § 946.63
of the Order, USDA is considering
termination of the Order. If USDA
decides to terminate the Order, trustees
would be appointed to conclude and
liquidate the Committee affairs and
would continue in that capacity until
discharged by USDA. In addition, USDA
would notify Congress 60 days in
advance of termination pursuant to
§ 608c(16)(A) of the Act.
List of Subjects in 7 CFR Part 946
Marketing agreements, Potatoes,
Reporting and recordkeeping
requirements.
For reasons set forth in the preamble,
part 946 is proposed to be removed.
PART 946—IRISH POTATOES GROWN
IN WASHINGTON—[REMOVED]
1. The authority citation for part 946
continues to read as follows:
■
Authority: 7 U.S.C. 601–674.
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■
2. Accordingly, part 946 is removed.
Erin Morris,
Administrator, Agricultural Marketing
Service.
[FR Doc. 2021–19238 Filed 9–3–21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410–02–P
DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY
10 CFR Part 707
[AU–RM–19–WSAP]
RIN 1992–AA60
Workplace Substance Abuse Programs
at DOE Sites
Office of Environment, Health,
Safety and Security; Department of
Energy.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking.
AGENCY:
The U.S. Department of
Energy (DOE or the Department) is
proposing to amend its current
regulations on contractor workplace
substance abuse programs at DOE sites
to be consistent with the Secretary of
Energy’s memorandum, dated
September 14, 2007, entitled Decisions
regarding drug testing for Department of
Energy positions that require access
authorizations (Security Clearances),
and because there is a continued need
for these changes. The proposed
amendments would decrease the
random drug testing rate for individuals
in certain testing designated positions,
and clarify that all positions requiring
access authorizations (security
clearances) are included in the testing
designated positions. In addition, the
proposed amendments would clarify
requirements for DOE approval prior to
allowing persons in certain testing
designated positions to return to work
after removal for illegal drug use.
DATES: The comment period for this
proposed rule will end on October 7,
2021.
SUMMARY:
You may submit comments,
identified by Docket No. AU–RM–19–
WSAP and/or Regulation Identification
Number (RIN) 1992–AA60, through the
Federal e-Rulemaking Portal: https://
www.regulations.gov. Follow the
instructions in the portal for submitting
comments.
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 accepting only electronic
ADDRESSES:
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submissions at this time. If a commenter
finds that this change poses an undue
hardship, please contact Ms. Moriah
Ferullo at (301) 903–0881 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 detailed instructions on
submitting comments and additional
information on the rulemaking process,
see section V. of this document (Public
Participation—Submission of
Comments).
Docket: The docket, which includes
Federal Register notices, comments,
and other supporting documents/
materials, is available for review at
https://www.regulations.gov. All
documents in the docket are listed in
the https://www.regulations.gov index.
However, some documents listed in the
index, such as those containing
information that is exempt from public
disclosure, may not be publicly
available. A link to the docket web page
can be found at: https://
www.energy.gov/ehss/contractorworkplace-substance-abuse-programdoe-sites-10-cfr-707. This web page
contains a link to the docket for this
document on the https://
www.regulations.gov site. The https://
www.regulations.gov web page contains
instructions on how to access all
documents, including public comments,
in the docket. See section V. of this
document for further information on
how to submit comments through
https://www.regulations.gov.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms.
Moriah Ferullo, U.S. Department of
Energy, Office of Environment, Health,
Safety and Security, AU–11, 1000
Independence Avenue SW, Washington,
DC 20585; (301) 903–0881 or by email
at: moriah.ferullo@hq.doe.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
I. Background
II. Authority
III. Discussion of Proposed Amendments
IV. Procedural Review Requirements
A. Review Under Executive Order 12866
and 13563
B. Review Under the National
Environmental Policy Act
C. Review Under the Regulatory Flexibility
Act
D. Review Under the Paperwork Reduction
Act
E. Review Under the Unfunded Mandates
Reform Act of 1995
F. Review Under the Treasury and General
Government Appropriations Act, 1999
G. Review Under Executive Order 13132
H. Review Under Executive Order 12988
I. Review Under the Treasury and General
Government Appropriations Act, 2001
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J. Review Under Executive Order 13211
V. Public Participation—Submission of
Comments
VI. Approval by the Office of the Secretary
of Energy
I. Background
Pursuant to the Department of
Energy’s (DOE or the Department)
statutory authority, including the
Atomic Energy Act of 1954, as amended
(AEA), and the Drug-Free Workplace
Act of 1988, DOE promulgated a rule on
July 22, 1992 (57 FR 32652),
establishing minimum requirements for
DOE contractor workplace substance
abuse programs. The rule provided for
drug testing of contractor employees in,
and applicants for, testing designated
positions (TDPs) at sites owned or
controlled by DOE and operated under
the authority of the AEA. The
Department determined that possible
risks of serious harm to the environment
and to public health, safety, and
national security justified the
imposition of a uniform rule
establishing a baseline workplace
substance abuse program, including
drug testing. The rule created a new Part
707 of Title 10 in the Code of Federal
Regulations (CFR) entitled Workplace
Substance Abuse Programs at DOE
Sites.
On September 14, 2007, the Secretary
of Energy (Secretary) issued a
memorandum addressing drug testing
for DOE positions that require access
authorizations (security clearances). The
memorandum stated the Secretary’s
determination that all Federal and
contractor positions that require a
security clearance, and all employees in
positions that currently have security
clearances, have the potential to
significantly affect the environment,
public health and safety, or national
security. The Secretary determined that
all such positions would be considered
to be TDPs, which means they are
subject to applicant, random, and for
cause drug testing. The Secretary further
determined, with regard to random drug
testing, that employees in TDPs, other
than those designated to be included in
the 100 percent annual sample pool
(primarily employees in the Human
Reliability Program), be tested at a 30
percent annual sample rate. To
implement the memorandum’s
provisions regarding TDPs for DOE
contractor employees, the Department
issued a final rule at 10 CFR part 707.
See 73 FR 3861 (Jan. 23, 2008).
However, the 2008 final rule contained
incorrect section references. Whereas 10
CFR 707.7(a)(2) states that ‘‘positions
identified in paragraph (b)(3) of this
section shall provide for random tests at
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49933
a rate equal to 30 percent of the total
number of employees in testing
designated positions for each 12-month
period’’, the correct reference should
have been to paragraphs (b)(2) and
(b)(3). Furthermore, the second sentence
of 10 CFR 707.7(a)(2), 10 CFR
707.7(b)(2)(iii), and 10 CFR 707.14(e)
each contain an incorrect reference to
paragraph (b)(2) of 10 CFR 707.7. Since
TDPs identified in paragraph (b)(2)
should be tested at a 30 percent annual
sample rate and do not require DOE
approval for return to work after illegal
drug use, the references to ‘‘(b)(2)’’ in
the second sentence of 10 CFR
707.7(a)(2); in 10 CFR 707.7(b)(2)(iii);
and in 10 CFR 707.14(e) should be
removed. The proposed second sentence
of 10 CFR 707.7(a)(2) would state that
employees in the positions identified in
paragraphs (b)(1) and (c) of this section
will be subject to random testing at a
rate equal to 100 percent of the total
number of employees identified, and
those identified in paragraphs (b)(1) and
(c) of this section may be subject to
additional drug tests. DOE proposes to
replace the reference to (b)(2) with (c) in
10 CFR 707.7(b)(2)(iii). In accordance
with the 2007 Secretarial memorandum,
and because there is a continued need
for these changes, DOE proposes to add
a new requirement at 10 CFR
707.7(b)(2)(vi) that access authorization
(security clearance) holders be tested.
That proposed section would refer to all
other personnel in positions that require
an access authorization (security
clearance), other than those identified in
paragraphs (b)(1) and (c) of this section.
II. Authority
This proposed rule would continue to
establish minimum requirements for the
workplace substance abuse programs for
DOE contractors and their employees,
and would be promulgated pursuant to
DOE’s authority under section 161 of
the AEA to prescribe such regulations as
it deems necessary to govern any
activity authorized by the AEA,
including standards for the protection of
health and minimization of danger to
life or property (42 U.S.C. 2201(i)(3) and
(p)) and section 8102 of the Drug Free
Workplace Act of 1988, as amended (41
U.S.C. 8102).
III. Discussion of Proposed
Amendments
This proposed rule would amend
DOE’s regulations on contractor
workplace substance abuse programs at
DOE sites to modify the random drug
testing rate of contractor employees in
TDPs, other than those in the 100
percent rate of testing pool, and to
clarify that all positions requiring access
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authorizations (security clearances) are
TDPs, as the Secretary established in
2007.
Currently, 10 CFR 707.7(a)(2)
provides that contractor employees in
positions identified in paragraphs 10
CFR 707.7(b)(2) will be subject to
random testing at a rate equal to 100
percent of the total number of
employees identified. The 2008
revisions to the rule incorrectly placed
these TDPs in the random testing rate of
100 percent, which was never the intent
of the Department. Rather, the
employees identified in paragraph 10
CFR 707.7(b)(2) should have been
placed in the 30 percent testing rate
category and their return to work in
TDPs after illegal drug use should not
require DOE approval. This proposed
rule would modify references to the
employees identified in 10 CFR
707.7(b)(2) to be consistent with the
Secretary’s 2007 decision to decrease
the random drug testing rate for certain
TDPs. This proposed rule would also
make clear that all positions requiring a
security clearance are TDPs, as the
Secretary had intended to establish in
2007.
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IV. Procedural Review Requirements
A. Review Under Executive Order 12866
and 13563
This regulatory action has been
determined not to be a ‘‘significant
regulatory action’’ under Executive
Order 12866, ‘‘Regulatory Planning and
Review,’’ 58 FR 51735 (October 4, 1993).
Accordingly, this action is not subject to
review under that Executive Order by
the Office of Information and Regulatory
Affairs (OIRA) of the Office of
Management and Budget (OMB).
DOE has also reviewed this regulation
pursuant to Executive Order 13563,
issued on January 18, 2011. 76 FR 3281
(January 21, 2011). Executive Order
13563 is supplemental to and explicitly
reaffirms the principles, structures, and
definitions governing regulatory review
established in Executive Order 12866.
To the extent permitted by law, agencies
are required by Executive Order 13563
to: (1) Propose or adopt a regulation
only upon a reasoned determination
that its benefits justify its costs
(recognizing that some benefits and
costs are difficult to quantify); (2) tailor
regulations to impose the least burden
on society, consistent with obtaining
regulatory objectives, taking into
account, among other things, and to the
extent practicable, the costs of
cumulative regulations; (3) select, in
choosing among alternative regulatory
approaches, those approaches that
maximize net benefits (including
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potential economic, environmental,
public health and safety, and other
advantages; distributive impacts; and
equity); (4) to the extent feasible, specify
performance objectives, rather than
specifying the behavior or manner of
compliance that regulated entities must
adopt; and (5) identify and assess
available alternatives to direct
regulation, including providing
economic incentives to encourage the
desired behavior, such as user fees or
marketable permits, or providing
information upon which choices can be
made by the public.
DOE emphasizes as well that
Executive Order 13563 requires agencies
to use the best available techniques to
quantify anticipated present and future
benefits and costs as accurately as
possible. In its guidance, OIRA has
emphasized that such techniques may
include identifying changing future
compliance costs that might result from
technological innovation or anticipated
behavioral changes. For the reasons
stated in the preamble, DOE believes
that this proposed rule is consistent
with these principles, including the
requirement that, to the extent
permitted by law, benefits justify costs
and that net benefits are maximized.
B. Review Under the National
Environmental Policy Act
DOE has determined that this
proposed rule is covered under the
Categorical Exclusion found in DOE’s
National Environmental Policy Act
regulations at paragraph A.5 of
Appendix A to Subpart D, 10 CFR part
1021, which applies to interpretive
rulemakings that amend an existing rule
or regulation that do not change the
environmental effect of the rule or
regulation being amended.
C. Review Under the Regulatory
Flexibility Act
The Regulatory Flexibility Act of 1980
(5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.) requires that an
agency prepare an initial regulatory
flexibility analysis for any regulation for
which a general notice of proposed
rulemaking is required, unless the
agency certifies that the proposed rule,
if promulgated, will not have a
significant economic impact on a
substantial number of small entities (5
U.S.C. 605(b)).
This proposed rule would update
DOE’s regulations on workplace
substance abuse programs for its
contractor workers. This proposed rule
applies only to activities conducted by
DOE’s contractors. The contractors who
manage and operate DOE facilities
would be principally responsible for
implementing the rule requirements.
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DOE considered whether these
contractors are ‘‘small businesses’’ as
the term is defined in the Regulatory
Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601(3)). The
Regulatory Flexibility Act’s definition
incorporates the definition of small
business concerns in the Small Business
Act, which the Small Business
Administration (SBA) has developed
through size standards in 13 CFR part
121. The DOE contractors subject to the
proposed rule exceed the SBA’s size
standards for small businesses. In
addition, DOE expects that any potential
economic impact of this proposed rule
on small businesses would be minimal
because DOE contractors perform work
under contracts to DOE or prime
contractors at a DOE site. DOE
contractors are reimbursed through their
contracts for the costs of complying
with workplace substance abuse
program requirements. They would not,
therefore, be adversely impacted by the
requirements in this proposed rule. For
these reasons, DOE certifies that this
proposed rule, if promulgated, would
not have a significant economic impact
on a substantial number of small
entities, and therefore, no regulatory
flexibility analysis need be prepared.
D. Review Under the Paperwork
Reduction Act
This proposed rule does not impose
any new collection of information
subject to review and approval by OMB
under the Paperwork Reduction Act (44
U.S.C. 3501 et seq.).
E. Review Under the Unfunded
Mandates Reform Act of 1995
The Unfunded Mandates Reform Act
of 1995 (Pub. L. 104–4) generally
requires Federal agencies to examine
closely the impacts of regulatory actions
on State, local, and tribal governments.
Subsection 101(5) of title I of that law
defines a Federal intergovernmental
mandate to include any regulation that
would impose upon State, local, or
tribal governments an enforceable duty,
except a condition of Federal assistance
or a duty arising from participating in a
voluntary Federal program. Title II of
that law requires each Federal agency to
assess the effects of Federal regulatory
actions on State, local, and tribal
governments, in the aggregate, or to the
private sector, other than to the extent
such actions merely incorporate
requirements specifically set forth in a
statute. Section 202 of that title requires
a Federal agency to perform a detailed
assessment of the anticipated costs and
benefits of any rule that includes a
Federal mandate, which may result in
costs to State, local or tribal
governments, or to the private sector, of
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$100 million or more in any one year
(adjusted annually for inflation). Section
204 of that title requires each agency
that proposes a rule containing a
significant Federal intergovernmental
mandate to develop an effective process
for obtaining meaningful and timely
input from elected officers of State,
local, and tribal governments.
This proposed rule does not impose a
Federal mandate on State, local or tribal
governments. The proposed rule would
not result in the expenditure by State,
local, and tribal governments in the
aggregate, or by the private sector, of
$100 million or more in any one year.
Accordingly, no assessment or analysis
is required under the Unfunded
Mandates Reform Act of 1995.
F. Review Under the Treasury and
General Government Appropriations
Act, 1999
Section 654 of the Treasury and
General Government Appropriations
Act, 1999 (Pub. L. 105–277), requires
Federal agencies to issue a Family
Policymaking Assessment for any
rulemaking that may affect family wellbeing. This proposed rule would not
have any impact on the autonomy or
integrity of the family as an institution.
Accordingly, DOE has concluded that it
is not necessary to prepare a Family
Policymaking Assessment.
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G. Review Under Executive Order 13132
Executive Order 13132, ‘‘Federalism,’’
64 FR 43255 (August 4, 1999) imposes
certain requirements on agencies
formulating and implementing policies
or regulations that preempt State law or
that have federalism implications.
Agencies are required to examine the
constitutional and statutory authority
supporting any action that would limit
the policymaking discretion of the
States and carefully assess the necessity
for such actions. DOE has examined this
proposed rule and has determined that
it would not preempt State law and
would not have a substantial direct
effect on the States, on the relationship
between the national government and
the States, or on the distribution of
power and responsibilities among the
various levels of government. No further
action is required by Executive Order
13132.
H. Review Under Executive Order 12988
With respect to the review of existing
regulations and the promulgation of
new regulations, section 3(a) of
Executive Order 12988, ‘‘Civil Justice
Reform,’’ 61 FR 4729 (February 7, 1996),
imposes on Executive agencies the
general duty to adhere to the following
requirements: (1) Eliminate drafting
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errors and ambiguity; (2) write
regulations to minimize litigation; and
(3) provide a clear legal standard for
affected conduct rather than a general
standard and promote simplification
and burden reduction. With regard to
the review required by section 3(a),
section 3(b) of Executive Order 12988
specifically requires that Executive
agencies make every reasonable effort to
ensure that the regulation: (1) Clearly
specifies the preemptive effect, if any;
(2) clearly specifies any effect on
existing Federal law or regulation; (3)
provides a clear legal standard for the
affected conduct while promoting
simplification and burden reduction; (4)
specifies the retroactive effect, if any; (5)
adequately defines key terms; and (6)
addresses other important issues
affecting clarity and general
draftsmanship under any guidelines
issued by the Attorney General. Section
3(c) of Executive Order 12988 requires
Executive agencies to review regulations
in light of applicable standards in
section 3(a) and section 3(b) to
determine whether they are met or it is
unreasonable to meet one or more of the
standards. DOE has completed the
required review and determined that, to
the extent permitted by law, this
proposed rule meets the relevant
standards of Executive Order 12988.
I. Review Under the Treasury and
General Government Appropriations
Act, 2001
The Treasury and General
Government Appropriations Act, 2001
(44 U.S.C. 3516 note) provides for
agencies to review most disseminations
of information to the public under
guidelines established by each agency
pursuant to general guidelines issued by
OMB. OMB’s guidelines were published
at 67 FR 8452 (February 22, 2002), and
DOE’s guidelines were published at 67
FR 62446 (October 7, 2002). DOE has
reviewed this proposed rule under OMB
and DOE guidelines and has concluded
that it is consistent with applicable
policies in those guidelines.
J. Review Under Executive Order 13211
Executive Order 13211, ‘‘Actions
Concerning Regulations That
Significantly Affect Energy Supply,
Distribution, or Use,’’ 66 FR 28355 (May
22, 2001) requires Federal agencies to
prepare, and submit to OMB, a
Statement of Energy Effects for any
proposed significant energy action. A
‘‘significant energy action’’ is defined as
any action by an agency that
promulgated or is expected to lead to
promulgation of a final rule, and that:
(1)(i) Is a significant regulatory action
under Executive Order 12866, or any
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49935
successor order; and (ii) is likely to have
a significant adverse effect on the
supply, distribution, or use of energy, or
(2) is designated by the Administrator of
OIRA as a significant energy action. For
any proposed significant energy action,
the agency must give a detailed
statement of any adverse effects on
energy supply, distribution, or use
should the proposal be implemented,
and of reasonable alternatives to the
action and their expected benefits on
energy supply, distribution, and use.
This proposed rule would not have a
significant adverse effect on the supply,
distribution, or use of energy and is
therefore not a significant energy action.
Accordingly, DOE has not prepared a
Statement of Energy Effects.
V. Public Participation—Submission of
Comments
DOE will accept comments, data and
information regarding this proposed
rule before or until October 7, 2021.
Interested individuals are invited to
participate in this proceeding by
submitting data, views, or arguments
with respect to this proposed rule using
the method described in the ADDRESSES
section at the beginning of this proposed
rule. To help the Department review the
submitted comments, commenters are
requested to reference the paragraph(s)
to which they refer, e.g., 10 CFR
707.7(a)(2), where possible.
Submitting comments via https://
www.regulations.gov. The https://
www.regulations.gov web page will
require you to provide your name and
contact information. Your contact
information will be viewable to DOE’s
Office of Worker Safety and Health
Policy staff only. Your contact
information will not be publicly
viewable except for your first and last
names, organization name (if any), and
submitter representative name (if any).
If your comment is not processed
properly because of technical
difficulties, DOE will use this
information to contact you. If DOE
cannot read your comment due to
technical difficulties and cannot contact
you for clarification, DOE may not be
able to consider your comment.
However, your contact information will
be publicly viewable if you include it in
the comment or in any documents
attached to your comment. Any
information that you do not want to be
publicly viewable should not be
included in your comment, nor in any
document attached to your comment.
Persons viewing comments will see only
first and last names, organization
names, correspondence containing
comments, and any documents
submitted with the comments.
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Do not submit to https://
www.regulations.gov information for
which disclosure is restricted by statute,
such as trade secrets and commercial or
financial information (hereinafter
referred to as Confidential Business
Information (‘‘CBI’’)). Comments
submitted through https://
www.regulations.gov cannot be claimed
as CBI. Comments received through the
website will waive any CBI claims for
the information submitted. For
information on submitting CBI, see the
Confidential Business Information
section below.
DOE processes submissions made
through https://www.regulations.gov
before posting. Normally, comments
will be posted within a few days of
being submitted. However, if large
volumes of comments are being
processed simultaneously, your
comment may not be viewable for up to
several weeks. Please keep the comment
tracking number that https://
www.regulations.gov provides after you
have successfully uploaded your
comment.
Comments, data, and other
information submitted to DOE
electronically should be provided in
PDF (preferred), Microsoft Word or
Excel, or text (ASCII) file format.
Provide documents that are not secured,
written in English and free of any
defects or viruses. Documents should
not contain special characters or any
form of encryption and, if possible, they
should carry the electronic signature of
the author.
Campaign form letters. Please submit
campaign form letters by the originating
organization in batches of between 50 to
500 form letters per PDF or as one form
letter with a list of supporters’ names
compiled into one or more PDFs. This
reduces comment processing and
posting time.
Confidential Business Information.
Pursuant to 10 CFR 1004.11, any person
submitting information that he or she
believes to be confidential and exempt
by law from public disclosure should
submit two well-marked copies: One
copy of the document marked
‘‘confidential’’ including all the
information believed to be confidential,
and one copy of the document marked
‘‘non-confidential’’ with the information
believed to be confidential deleted.
Submit these documents via email to
moriah.ferullo@hq.doe.gov. DOE will
make its own determination about the
confidential status of the information
and treat it according to its
determination.
It is DOE’s policy that all comments
may be included in the public docket
without change and as received,
VerDate Sep<11>2014
16:43 Sep 03, 2021
Jkt 253001
including any personal information
provided in the comments (except
information deemed to be exempt from
public disclosure).
DOE considers public participation to
be a very important part of the process
for developing its regulations. DOE
actively encourages the participation
and interaction of the public during the
comment period in each stage of this
process. Interactions with and between
members of the public provide a
balanced discussion of the issues and
assist DOE in the rulemaking process.
VI. Approval by the Office of the
Secretary of Energy
The Secretary of Energy has approved
publication of this notice of proposed
rulemaking.
List of Subjects in 10 CFR Part 707
Classified information, Drug testing,
Employee assistance programs, Energy,
Government contracts, Health and
safety, National security, Reasonable
suspicion, Special nuclear material,
Substance abuse.
Signing Authority
This document of the Department of
Energy was signed on July 20, 2021, by
Jennifer Granholm, 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 September
1, 2021.
Treena V. Garrett,
Federal Register Liaison Officer, U.S.
Department of Energy.
For the reasons set out in the
preamble, DOE proposes to amend part
707 of Chapter III of Title 10 of the Code
of Federal Regulations as set forth
below:
PART 707—WORKPLACE
SUBSTANCE ABUSE PROGRAMS AT
DOE SITES
1. The authority citation for part 707
is revised to read as follows:
■
Authority: 41 U.S.C. 8102 et seq.; 42 U.S.C.
2012, 2013, 2051, 2061, 2165, 2201b, 2201i,
and 2201p; 42 U.S.C. 5814 and 5815; 42
U.S.C. 7151, 7251, 7254, and 7256; 50 U.S.C.
2401 et seq.
PO 00000
Frm 00007
Fmt 4702
Sfmt 9990
2. Section 707.7 is amended by:
a. Revising paragraph (a)(2);
b. Revising paragraphs (b)(2)(iii)
through (v); and
■ c. Adding paragraph (b)(2)(vi).
The revisions and addition read as
follows:
■
■
■
§ 707.7 Random drug testing requirements
and identification of testing designated
positions.
(a) * * *
(2) Programs developed under this
part for positions identified in
paragraphs (b)(2) and (b)(3) of this
section shall provide for random tests at
a rate equal to 30 percent of the total
number of employees in testing
designated positions for each 12 month
period. Employees in the positions
identified in paragraphs (b)(1) and (c) of
this section will be subject to random
testing at a rate equal to 100 percent of
the total number of employees
identified, and those identified in
paragraphs (b)(1) and (c) of this section
may be subject to additional drug tests.
(b) * * *
(2) * * *
(iii) Protective force personnel,
exclusive of those covered in paragraph
(b)(1) and (c) of this section, in positions
involving use of firearms where the
duties also require potential contact
with, or proximity to, the public at
large;
(iv) Personnel directly engaged in
construction, maintenance, or operation
of nuclear reactors;
(v) Personnel directly engaged in
production, use, storage, transportation,
or disposal of hazardous materials
sufficient to cause significant harm to
the environment or public health and
safety; or
(vi) All other personnel in positions
that require an access authorization
(security clearance), other than those
identified in paragraphs (b)(1) and (c) of
this section.
*
*
*
*
*
■ 3. Section 707.14 is amended by
revising paragraph (e) to read as follows:
§ 707.14 Action pursuant to a
determination of illegal drug use.
*
*
*
*
*
(e) If a DOE access authorization is
involved, DOE must be notified of a
contractor’s intent to return to a testing
designated position an employee
removed from such duty for use of
illegal drugs. Positions identified in
§ 707.7(b)(1) of this part will require
DOE approval prior to return to a testing
designated position.
*
*
*
*
*
[FR Doc. 2021–19231 Filed 9–3–21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6450–01–P
E:\FR\FM\07SEP1.SGM
07SEP1
Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 170 (Tuesday, September 7, 2021)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 49932-49936]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-19231]
=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY
10 CFR Part 707
[AU-RM-19-WSAP]
RIN 1992-AA60
Workplace Substance Abuse Programs at DOE Sites
AGENCY: Office of Environment, Health, Safety and Security; Department
of Energy.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE or the Department) is
proposing to amend its current regulations on contractor workplace
substance abuse programs at DOE sites to be consistent with the
Secretary of Energy's memorandum, dated September 14, 2007, entitled
Decisions regarding drug testing for Department of Energy positions
that require access authorizations (Security Clearances), and because
there is a continued need for these changes. The proposed amendments
would decrease the random drug testing rate for individuals in certain
testing designated positions, and clarify that all positions requiring
access authorizations (security clearances) are included in the testing
designated positions. In addition, the proposed amendments would
clarify requirements for DOE approval prior to allowing persons in
certain testing designated positions to return to work after removal
for illegal drug use.
DATES: The comment period for this proposed rule will end on October 7,
2021.
ADDRESSES: You may submit comments, identified by Docket No. AU-RM-19-
WSAP and/or Regulation Identification Number (RIN) 1992-AA60, through
the Federal e-Rulemaking Portal: https://www.regulations.gov. Follow
the instructions in the portal for submitting comments.
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 accepting only
electronic
[[Page 49933]]
submissions at this time. If a commenter finds that this change poses
an undue hardship, please contact Ms. Moriah Ferullo at (301) 903-0881
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 detailed instructions on submitting comments and additional
information on the rulemaking process, see section V. of this document
(Public Participation--Submission of Comments).
Docket: The docket, which includes Federal Register notices,
comments, and other supporting documents/materials, is available for
review at https://www.regulations.gov. All documents in the docket are
listed in the https://www.regulations.gov index. However, some
documents listed in the index, such as those containing information
that is exempt from public disclosure, may not be publicly available. A
link to the docket web page can be found at: https://www.energy.gov/ehss/contractor-workplace-substance-abuse-program-doe-sites-10-cfr-707.
This web page contains a link to the docket for this document on the
https://www.regulations.gov site. The https://www.regulations.gov web
page contains instructions on how to access all documents, including
public comments, in the docket. See section V. of this document for
further information on how to submit comments through https://www.regulations.gov.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. Moriah Ferullo, U.S. Department of
Energy, Office of Environment, Health, Safety and Security, AU-11, 1000
Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20585; (301) 903-0881 or by
email at: [email protected].
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
I. Background
II. Authority
III. Discussion of Proposed Amendments
IV. Procedural Review Requirements
A. Review Under Executive Order 12866 and 13563
B. Review Under the National Environmental Policy Act
C. Review Under the Regulatory Flexibility Act
D. Review Under the Paperwork Reduction Act
E. Review Under the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995
F. Review Under the Treasury and General Government
Appropriations Act, 1999
G. Review Under Executive Order 13132
H. Review Under Executive Order 12988
I. Review Under the Treasury and General Government
Appropriations Act, 2001
J. Review Under Executive Order 13211
V. Public Participation--Submission of Comments
VI. Approval by the Office of the Secretary of Energy
I. Background
Pursuant to the Department of Energy's (DOE or the Department)
statutory authority, including the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, as
amended (AEA), and the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988, DOE promulgated
a rule on July 22, 1992 (57 FR 32652), establishing minimum
requirements for DOE contractor workplace substance abuse programs. The
rule provided for drug testing of contractor employees in, and
applicants for, testing designated positions (TDPs) at sites owned or
controlled by DOE and operated under the authority of the AEA. The
Department determined that possible risks of serious harm to the
environment and to public health, safety, and national security
justified the imposition of a uniform rule establishing a baseline
workplace substance abuse program, including drug testing. The rule
created a new Part 707 of Title 10 in the Code of Federal Regulations
(CFR) entitled Workplace Substance Abuse Programs at DOE Sites.
On September 14, 2007, the Secretary of Energy (Secretary) issued a
memorandum addressing drug testing for DOE positions that require
access authorizations (security clearances). The memorandum stated the
Secretary's determination that all Federal and contractor positions
that require a security clearance, and all employees in positions that
currently have security clearances, have the potential to significantly
affect the environment, public health and safety, or national security.
The Secretary determined that all such positions would be considered to
be TDPs, which means they are subject to applicant, random, and for
cause drug testing. The Secretary further determined, with regard to
random drug testing, that employees in TDPs, other than those
designated to be included in the 100 percent annual sample pool
(primarily employees in the Human Reliability Program), be tested at a
30 percent annual sample rate. To implement the memorandum's provisions
regarding TDPs for DOE contractor employees, the Department issued a
final rule at 10 CFR part 707. See 73 FR 3861 (Jan. 23, 2008). However,
the 2008 final rule contained incorrect section references. Whereas 10
CFR 707.7(a)(2) states that ``positions identified in paragraph (b)(3)
of this section shall provide for random tests at a rate equal to 30
percent of the total number of employees in testing designated
positions for each 12-month period'', the correct reference should have
been to paragraphs (b)(2) and (b)(3). Furthermore, the second sentence
of 10 CFR 707.7(a)(2), 10 CFR 707.7(b)(2)(iii), and 10 CFR 707.14(e)
each contain an incorrect reference to paragraph (b)(2) of 10 CFR
707.7. Since TDPs identified in paragraph (b)(2) should be tested at a
30 percent annual sample rate and do not require DOE approval for
return to work after illegal drug use, the references to ``(b)(2)'' in
the second sentence of 10 CFR 707.7(a)(2); in 10 CFR 707.7(b)(2)(iii);
and in 10 CFR 707.14(e) should be removed. The proposed second sentence
of 10 CFR 707.7(a)(2) would state that employees in the positions
identified in paragraphs (b)(1) and (c) of this section will be subject
to random testing at a rate equal to 100 percent of the total number of
employees identified, and those identified in paragraphs (b)(1) and (c)
of this section may be subject to additional drug tests. DOE proposes
to replace the reference to (b)(2) with (c) in 10 CFR 707.7(b)(2)(iii).
In accordance with the 2007 Secretarial memorandum, and because there
is a continued need for these changes, DOE proposes to add a new
requirement at 10 CFR 707.7(b)(2)(vi) that access authorization
(security clearance) holders be tested. That proposed section would
refer to all other personnel in positions that require an access
authorization (security clearance), other than those identified in
paragraphs (b)(1) and (c) of this section.
II. Authority
This proposed rule would continue to establish minimum requirements
for the workplace substance abuse programs for DOE contractors and
their employees, and would be promulgated pursuant to DOE's authority
under section 161 of the AEA to prescribe such regulations as it deems
necessary to govern any activity authorized by the AEA, including
standards for the protection of health and minimization of danger to
life or property (42 U.S.C. 2201(i)(3) and (p)) and section 8102 of the
Drug Free Workplace Act of 1988, as amended (41 U.S.C. 8102).
III. Discussion of Proposed Amendments
This proposed rule would amend DOE's regulations on contractor
workplace substance abuse programs at DOE sites to modify the random
drug testing rate of contractor employees in TDPs, other than those in
the 100 percent rate of testing pool, and to clarify that all positions
requiring access
[[Page 49934]]
authorizations (security clearances) are TDPs, as the Secretary
established in 2007.
Currently, 10 CFR 707.7(a)(2) provides that contractor employees in
positions identified in paragraphs 10 CFR 707.7(b)(2) will be subject
to random testing at a rate equal to 100 percent of the total number of
employees identified. The 2008 revisions to the rule incorrectly placed
these TDPs in the random testing rate of 100 percent, which was never
the intent of the Department. Rather, the employees identified in
paragraph 10 CFR 707.7(b)(2) should have been placed in the 30 percent
testing rate category and their return to work in TDPs after illegal
drug use should not require DOE approval. This proposed rule would
modify references to the employees identified in 10 CFR 707.7(b)(2) to
be consistent with the Secretary's 2007 decision to decrease the random
drug testing rate for certain TDPs. This proposed rule would also make
clear that all positions requiring a security clearance are TDPs, as
the Secretary had intended to establish in 2007.
IV. Procedural Review Requirements
A. Review Under Executive Order 12866 and 13563
This regulatory action has been determined not to be a
``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order 12866,
``Regulatory Planning and Review,'' 58 FR 51735 (October 4, 1993).
Accordingly, this action is not subject to review under that Executive
Order by the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA) of the
Office of Management and Budget (OMB).
DOE has also reviewed this regulation pursuant to Executive Order
13563, issued on January 18, 2011. 76 FR 3281 (January 21, 2011).
Executive Order 13563 is supplemental to and explicitly reaffirms the
principles, structures, and definitions governing regulatory review
established in Executive Order 12866. To the extent permitted by law,
agencies are required by Executive Order 13563 to: (1) Propose or adopt
a regulation only upon a reasoned determination that its benefits
justify its costs (recognizing that some benefits and costs are
difficult to quantify); (2) tailor regulations to impose the least
burden on society, consistent with obtaining regulatory objectives,
taking into account, among other things, and to the extent practicable,
the costs of cumulative regulations; (3) select, in choosing among
alternative regulatory approaches, those approaches that maximize net
benefits (including potential economic, environmental, public health
and safety, and other advantages; distributive impacts; and equity);
(4) to the extent feasible, specify performance objectives, rather than
specifying the behavior or manner of compliance that regulated entities
must adopt; and (5) identify and assess available alternatives to
direct regulation, including providing economic incentives to encourage
the desired behavior, such as user fees or marketable permits, or
providing information upon which choices can be made by the public.
DOE emphasizes as well that Executive Order 13563 requires agencies
to use the best available techniques to quantify anticipated present
and future benefits and costs as accurately as possible. In its
guidance, OIRA has emphasized that such techniques may include
identifying changing future compliance costs that might result from
technological innovation or anticipated behavioral changes. For the
reasons stated in the preamble, DOE believes that this proposed rule is
consistent with these principles, including the requirement that, to
the extent permitted by law, benefits justify costs and that net
benefits are maximized.
B. Review Under the National Environmental Policy Act
DOE has determined that this proposed rule is covered under the
Categorical Exclusion found in DOE's National Environmental Policy Act
regulations at paragraph A.5 of Appendix A to Subpart D, 10 CFR part
1021, which applies to interpretive rulemakings that amend an existing
rule or regulation that do not change the environmental effect of the
rule or regulation being amended.
C. Review Under the Regulatory Flexibility Act
The Regulatory Flexibility Act of 1980 (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.)
requires that an agency prepare an initial regulatory flexibility
analysis for any regulation for which a general notice of proposed
rulemaking is required, unless the agency certifies that the proposed
rule, if promulgated, will not have a significant economic impact on a
substantial number of small entities (5 U.S.C. 605(b)).
This proposed rule would update DOE's regulations on workplace
substance abuse programs for its contractor workers. This proposed rule
applies only to activities conducted by DOE's contractors. The
contractors who manage and operate DOE facilities would be principally
responsible for implementing the rule requirements. DOE considered
whether these contractors are ``small businesses'' as the term is
defined in the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601(3)). The
Regulatory Flexibility Act's definition incorporates the definition of
small business concerns in the Small Business Act, which the Small
Business Administration (SBA) has developed through size standards in
13 CFR part 121. The DOE contractors subject to the proposed rule
exceed the SBA's size standards for small businesses. In addition, DOE
expects that any potential economic impact of this proposed rule on
small businesses would be minimal because DOE contractors perform work
under contracts to DOE or prime contractors at a DOE site. DOE
contractors are reimbursed through their contracts for the costs of
complying with workplace substance abuse program requirements. They
would not, therefore, be adversely impacted by the requirements in this
proposed rule. For these reasons, DOE certifies that this proposed
rule, if promulgated, would not have a significant economic impact on a
substantial number of small entities, and therefore, no regulatory
flexibility analysis need be prepared.
D. Review Under the Paperwork Reduction Act
This proposed rule does not impose any new collection of
information subject to review and approval by OMB under the Paperwork
Reduction Act (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.).
E. Review Under the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995
The Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 (Pub. L. 104-4) generally
requires Federal agencies to examine closely the impacts of regulatory
actions on State, local, and tribal governments. Subsection 101(5) of
title I of that law defines a Federal intergovernmental mandate to
include any regulation that would impose upon State, local, or tribal
governments an enforceable duty, except a condition of Federal
assistance or a duty arising from participating in a voluntary Federal
program. Title II of that law requires each Federal agency to assess
the effects of Federal regulatory actions on State, local, and tribal
governments, in the aggregate, or to the private sector, other than to
the extent such actions merely incorporate requirements specifically
set forth in a statute. Section 202 of that title requires a Federal
agency to perform a detailed assessment of the anticipated costs and
benefits of any rule that includes a Federal mandate, which may result
in costs to State, local or tribal governments, or to the private
sector, of
[[Page 49935]]
$100 million or more in any one year (adjusted annually for inflation).
Section 204 of that title requires each agency that proposes a rule
containing a significant Federal intergovernmental mandate to develop
an effective process for obtaining meaningful and timely input from
elected officers of State, local, and tribal governments.
This proposed rule does not impose a Federal mandate on State,
local or tribal governments. The proposed rule would not result in the
expenditure by State, local, and tribal governments in the aggregate,
or by the private sector, of $100 million or more in any one year.
Accordingly, no assessment or analysis is required under the Unfunded
Mandates Reform Act of 1995.
F. Review Under the Treasury and General Government Appropriations Act,
1999
Section 654 of the Treasury and General Government Appropriations
Act, 1999 (Pub. L. 105-277), requires Federal agencies to issue a
Family Policymaking Assessment for any rulemaking that may affect
family well-being. This proposed rule would not have any impact on the
autonomy or integrity of the family as an institution. Accordingly, DOE
has concluded that it is not necessary to prepare a Family Policymaking
Assessment.
G. Review Under Executive Order 13132
Executive Order 13132, ``Federalism,'' 64 FR 43255 (August 4, 1999)
imposes certain requirements on agencies formulating and implementing
policies or regulations that preempt State law or that have federalism
implications. Agencies are required to examine the constitutional and
statutory authority supporting any action that would limit the
policymaking discretion of the States and carefully assess the
necessity for such actions. DOE has examined this proposed rule and has
determined that it would not preempt State law and would not have a
substantial direct effect on the States, on the relationship between
the national government and the States, or on the distribution of power
and responsibilities among the various levels of government. No further
action is required by Executive Order 13132.
H. Review Under Executive Order 12988
With respect to the review of existing regulations and the
promulgation of new regulations, section 3(a) of Executive Order 12988,
``Civil Justice Reform,'' 61 FR 4729 (February 7, 1996), imposes on
Executive agencies the general duty to adhere to the following
requirements: (1) Eliminate drafting errors and ambiguity; (2) write
regulations to minimize litigation; and (3) provide a clear legal
standard for affected conduct rather than a general standard and
promote simplification and burden reduction. With regard to the review
required by section 3(a), section 3(b) of Executive Order 12988
specifically requires that Executive agencies make every reasonable
effort to ensure that the regulation: (1) Clearly specifies the
preemptive effect, if any; (2) clearly specifies any effect on existing
Federal law or regulation; (3) provides a clear legal standard for the
affected conduct while promoting simplification and burden reduction;
(4) specifies the retroactive effect, if any; (5) adequately defines
key terms; and (6) addresses other important issues affecting clarity
and general draftsmanship under any guidelines issued by the Attorney
General. Section 3(c) of Executive Order 12988 requires Executive
agencies to review regulations in light of applicable standards in
section 3(a) and section 3(b) to determine whether they are met or it
is unreasonable to meet one or more of the standards. DOE has completed
the required review and determined that, to the extent permitted by
law, this proposed rule meets the relevant standards of Executive Order
12988.
I. Review Under the Treasury and General Government Appropriations Act,
2001
The Treasury and General Government Appropriations Act, 2001 (44
U.S.C. 3516 note) provides for agencies to review most disseminations
of information to the public under guidelines established by each
agency pursuant to general guidelines issued by OMB. OMB's guidelines
were published at 67 FR 8452 (February 22, 2002), and DOE's guidelines
were published at 67 FR 62446 (October 7, 2002). DOE has reviewed this
proposed rule under OMB and DOE guidelines and has concluded that it is
consistent with applicable policies in those guidelines.
J. Review Under Executive Order 13211
Executive Order 13211, ``Actions Concerning Regulations That
Significantly Affect Energy Supply, Distribution, or Use,'' 66 FR 28355
(May 22, 2001) requires Federal agencies to prepare, and submit to OMB,
a Statement of Energy Effects for any proposed significant energy
action. A ``significant energy action'' is defined as any action by an
agency that promulgated or is expected to lead to promulgation of a
final rule, and that: (1)(i) Is a significant regulatory action under
Executive Order 12866, or any successor order; and (ii) is likely to
have a significant adverse effect on the supply, distribution, or use
of energy, or (2) is designated by the Administrator of OIRA as a
significant energy action. For any proposed significant energy action,
the agency must give a detailed statement of any adverse effects on
energy supply, distribution, or use should the proposal be implemented,
and of reasonable alternatives to the action and their expected
benefits on energy supply, distribution, and use. This proposed rule
would not have a significant adverse effect on the supply,
distribution, or use of energy and is therefore not a significant
energy action. Accordingly, DOE has not prepared a Statement of Energy
Effects.
V. Public Participation--Submission of Comments
DOE will accept comments, data and information regarding this
proposed rule before or until October 7, 2021. Interested individuals
are invited to participate in this proceeding by submitting data,
views, or arguments with respect to this proposed rule using the method
described in the ADDRESSES section at the beginning of this proposed
rule. To help the Department review the submitted comments, commenters
are requested to reference the paragraph(s) to which they refer, e.g.,
10 CFR 707.7(a)(2), where possible.
Submitting comments via https://www.regulations.gov. The https://www.regulations.gov web page will require you to provide your name and
contact information. Your contact information will be viewable to DOE's
Office of Worker Safety and Health Policy staff only. Your contact
information will not be publicly viewable except for your first and
last names, organization name (if any), and submitter representative
name (if any). If your comment is not processed properly because of
technical difficulties, DOE will use this information to contact you.
If DOE cannot read your comment due to technical difficulties and
cannot contact you for clarification, DOE may not be able to consider
your comment. However, your contact information will be publicly
viewable if you include it in the comment or in any documents attached
to your comment. Any information that you do not want to be publicly
viewable should not be included in your comment, nor in any document
attached to your comment. Persons viewing comments will see only first
and last names, organization names, correspondence containing comments,
and any documents submitted with the comments.
[[Page 49936]]
Do not submit to https://www.regulations.gov information for which
disclosure is restricted by statute, such as trade secrets and
commercial or financial information (hereinafter referred to as
Confidential Business Information (``CBI'')). Comments submitted
through https://www.regulations.gov cannot be claimed as CBI. Comments
received through the website will waive any CBI claims for the
information submitted. For information on submitting CBI, see the
Confidential Business Information section below.
DOE processes submissions made through https://www.regulations.gov
before posting. Normally, comments will be posted within a few days of
being submitted. However, if large volumes of comments are being
processed simultaneously, your comment may not be viewable for up to
several weeks. Please keep the comment tracking number that https://www.regulations.gov provides after you have successfully uploaded your
comment.
Comments, data, and other information submitted to DOE
electronically should be provided in PDF (preferred), Microsoft Word or
Excel, or text (ASCII) file format. Provide documents that are not
secured, written in English and free of any defects or viruses.
Documents should not contain special characters or any form of
encryption and, if possible, they should carry the electronic signature
of the author.
Campaign form letters. Please submit campaign form letters by the
originating organization in batches of between 50 to 500 form letters
per PDF or as one form letter with a list of supporters' names compiled
into one or more PDFs. This reduces comment processing and posting
time.
Confidential Business Information. Pursuant to 10 CFR 1004.11, any
person submitting information that he or she believes to be
confidential and exempt by law from public disclosure should submit two
well-marked copies: One copy of the document marked ``confidential''
including all the information believed to be confidential, and one copy
of the document marked ``non-confidential'' with the information
believed to be confidential deleted. Submit these documents via email
to [email protected]. DOE will make its own determination about
the confidential status of the information and treat it according to
its determination.
It is DOE's policy that all comments may be included in the public
docket without change and as received, including any personal
information provided in the comments (except information deemed to be
exempt from public disclosure).
DOE considers public participation to be a very important part of
the process for developing its regulations. DOE actively encourages the
participation and interaction of the public during the comment period
in each stage of this process. Interactions with and between members of
the public provide a balanced discussion of the issues and assist DOE
in the rulemaking process.
VI. Approval by the Office of the Secretary of Energy
The Secretary of Energy has approved publication of this notice of
proposed rulemaking.
List of Subjects in 10 CFR Part 707
Classified information, Drug testing, Employee assistance programs,
Energy, Government contracts, Health and safety, National security,
Reasonable suspicion, Special nuclear material, Substance abuse.
Signing Authority
This document of the Department of Energy was signed on July 20,
2021, by Jennifer Granholm, 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 September 1, 2021.
Treena V. Garrett,
Federal Register Liaison Officer, U.S. Department of Energy.
For the reasons set out in the preamble, DOE proposes to amend part
707 of Chapter III of Title 10 of the Code of Federal Regulations as
set forth below:
PART 707--WORKPLACE SUBSTANCE ABUSE PROGRAMS AT DOE SITES
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1. The authority citation for part 707 is revised to read as follows:
Authority: 41 U.S.C. 8102 et seq.; 42 U.S.C. 2012, 2013, 2051,
2061, 2165, 2201b, 2201i, and 2201p; 42 U.S.C. 5814 and 5815; 42
U.S.C. 7151, 7251, 7254, and 7256; 50 U.S.C. 2401 et seq.
0
2. Section 707.7 is amended by:
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a. Revising paragraph (a)(2);
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b. Revising paragraphs (b)(2)(iii) through (v); and
0
c. Adding paragraph (b)(2)(vi).
The revisions and addition read as follows:
Sec. 707.7 Random drug testing requirements and identification of
testing designated positions.
(a) * * *
(2) Programs developed under this part for positions identified in
paragraphs (b)(2) and (b)(3) of this section shall provide for random
tests at a rate equal to 30 percent of the total number of employees in
testing designated positions for each 12 month period. Employees in the
positions identified in paragraphs (b)(1) and (c) of this section will
be subject to random testing at a rate equal to 100 percent of the
total number of employees identified, and those identified in
paragraphs (b)(1) and (c) of this section may be subject to additional
drug tests.
(b) * * *
(2) * * *
(iii) Protective force personnel, exclusive of those covered in
paragraph (b)(1) and (c) of this section, in positions involving use of
firearms where the duties also require potential contact with, or
proximity to, the public at large;
(iv) Personnel directly engaged in construction, maintenance, or
operation of nuclear reactors;
(v) Personnel directly engaged in production, use, storage,
transportation, or disposal of hazardous materials sufficient to cause
significant harm to the environment or public health and safety; or
(vi) All other personnel in positions that require an access
authorization (security clearance), other than those identified in
paragraphs (b)(1) and (c) of this section.
* * * * *
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3. Section 707.14 is amended by revising paragraph (e) to read as
follows:
Sec. 707.14 Action pursuant to a determination of illegal drug use.
* * * * *
(e) If a DOE access authorization is involved, DOE must be notified
of a contractor's intent to return to a testing designated position an
employee removed from such duty for use of illegal drugs. Positions
identified in Sec. 707.7(b)(1) of this part will require DOE approval
prior to return to a testing designated position.
* * * * *
[FR Doc. 2021-19231 Filed 9-3-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6450-01-P