Civil Penalties Adjustment for 2023, 2004-2006 [2023-00501]

Download as PDF 2004 Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 8 / Thursday, January 12, 2023 / Rules and Regulations complying with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321–4370f), and have determined that this action is one of a category of actions that do not individually or cumulatively have a significant effect on the human environment. This rule involves a safety zone encompassing an area extending 500-yards out from a grounded vessel in vicinity of Chinese Harbor and will last only while oil recovery operations are ongoing. It is categorically excluded from further review under paragraph L60, in Appendix A, Table 1 of DHS Instruction Manual 023–001–01, Rev. 1. G. Protest Activities The Coast Guard respects the First Amendment rights of protesters. Protesters are asked to contact the person listed in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section to coordinate protest activities so that your message can be received without jeopardizing the safety or security of people, places, or vessels. List of Subjects in 33 CFR Part 165 Harbors, Marine safety, Navigation (water), Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Security measures, Waterways. For the reasons discussed in the preamble, the Coast Guard amends 33 CFR part 165 as follows: BILLING CODE 9110–04–P NATIONAL FOUNDATION ON THE ARTS AND THE HUMANITIES National Endowment for the Arts Civil Penalties Adjustment for 2023 Authority: 46 U.S.C. 70034, 70051; 33 CFR 1.05–1, 6.04–1, 6.04–6, and 160.5; Department of Homeland Security Delegation No. 00170.1, Revision No. 01.2. 2. 2. Add § 165. T11–120 to read as follows: ■ khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with RULES National Endowment for the Arts, National Foundation on the Arts and the Humanities. ACTION: Final rule. AGENCY: The National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) is adjusting the maximum civil monetary penalties (CMPs) that may be imposed for violations of the Program Fraud Civil Remedies Act (PFCRA) and the NEA’s Restrictions on Lobbying to reflect the requirements of the Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act Improvements Act of 2015 (the 2015 Act). The 2015 Act further amended the Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act of 1990 (the Inflation Adjustment Act) to improve the effectiveness of civil monetary penalties and to maintain their deterrent effect. This final rule provides the 2023 annual inflation adjustments to the initial ‘‘catch-up’’ adjustments made on June 15, 2017, and reflects all other inflation adjustments made in the interim. SUMMARY: § 165. T11–120 Safety Zone; Chinese Harbor; Santa Cruz Island, California. (a) Location. The following area is a safety zone: All navigable waters from the surface to the sea floor in and around Chinese Harbor from the vessel SPERANZA MARIE, currently on the shoreline at 34°01.87′ N, 119°36.25′ W, and extending out along a 500-yard radius from the vessel. These coordinates are based on North American Datum of 1983. (b) Definitions. As used in this section, Designated representative means a Coast Guard coxswain, petty officer, or other officer operating a Coast Guard vessel designated by or assisting the Captain of the Port Los Angeles— Long Beach (COTP) in the enforcement of the safety zone. Jkt 259001 45 CFR Parts 1149 and 1158 RIN 3135–AA33 1. The authority citation for part 165 continues to read as follows: ■ 16:10 Jan 11, 2023 Dated: January 4, 2023. R.D. Manning, Captain, U.S. Coast Guard, Captain of the Port Sector Los Angeles—Long Beach. [FR Doc. 2023–00488 Filed 1–11–23; 8:45 am] PART 165—REGULATED NAVIGATION AREAS AND LIMITED ACCESS AREAS VerDate Sep<11>2014 (c) Regulations. (1) Under the general safety zone regulations in subpart C of this part, you may not enter the safety zone described in paragraph (a) of this section unless authorized by the COTP or the COTP’s designated representative. (2) To seek permission to enter, contact the COTP or the COTP’s representative by hailing Coast Guard Sector Los Angeles—Long Beach on VHF–FM Channel 16 or calling at (310) 521–3801. Those in the safety zone must comply with all lawful orders or directions given to them by the COTP or the COTP’s designated representative. (d) Enforcement period. This section will be enforced from January 5, 2023, through January 23, 2023. If the COTP determines that the zone need not be enforced during this entire period, the Coast Guard will announce via Broadcast Notice to Mariners when the zone will no longer be subject to enforcement. PO 00000 Frm 00032 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 DATES: This rule is effective January 12, 2023. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Daniel Fishman, Assistant General Counsel, National Endowment for the Arts, 400 7th St. SW, Washington, DC 20506, Telephone: 202–682–5418. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 1. Background On December 12, 2017, the NEA issued a final rule entitled ‘‘Federal Civil Penalties Adjustments’’,1 which finalized the NEA’s June 15, 2017, interim final rule entitled ‘‘Implementing the Federal Civil Penalties Adjustment Act Improvements Act’’,2 implementing the 2015 Act (section 701 of Pub. L. 114–74), which amended the Inflation Adjustment Act (28 U.S.C. 2461 note) requiring catch-up and annual adjustments to the NEA’s CMPs. The 2015 Act requires agencies make annual adjustments to its CMPs for inflation. A CMP is defined in the Inflation Adjustment Act as any penalty, fine, or other sanction that is (1) for a specific monetary amount as provided by Federal law, or has a maximum amount provided for by Federal law; (2) assessed or enforced by an agency pursuant to Federal law; and (3) assessed or enforced pursuant to an administrative proceeding or a civil action in the Federal courts. These annual inflation adjustments are based on the percentage change in the Consumer Price Index for all Urban Consumers (CPI–U) for the month of October preceding the date of the adjustment, relative to the October CPI– U in the year of the previous adjustment. The formula for the amount of a CMP inflation adjustment is prescribed by law, as explained in Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Memorandum M–16–06 (February 24, 2016), and therefore the amount of the adjustment is not subject to the exercise of discretion by the Chairman of the National Endowment for the Arts (Chairman). OMB has issued guidance on implementing and calculating the 2023 adjustment under the 2015 Act.3 Per this guidance, the CPI–U adjustment multiplier for this annual adjustment is 1.07745. In its prior rules, the NEA identified two CMPs, which require adjustment: the penalty for false statements under the PFCRA and the penalty for violations of the NEA’s Restrictions on Lobbying. With this rule, 1 82 FR 58348. FR 27431. 3 OMB Memorandum M–22–05 (December 15, 2022). 2 82 E:\FR\FM\12JAR1.SGM 12JAR1 Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 8 / Thursday, January 12, 2023 / Rules and Regulations the NEA is adjusting the amount of those CMPs accordingly. 2. Dates of Applicability The inflation adjustments contained in this rule shall apply to any violations assessed after January 15, 2023. 3. Adjustments Two CMPs in NEA regulations require adjustment in accordance with the 2015 Act: (1) the penalty associated with the Program Fraud Civil Remedies Act (45 CFR 1149.9) and (2) the penalty associated with Restrictions on Lobbying (45 CFR 1158.400; 45 CFR part 1158, app. A). khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with RULES A. Adjustments to Penalties Under the NEA’s Program Fraud Civil Remedies Act Regulations The current maximum penalty under the PFCRA for false claims and statements is currently set at $12,536. The post-adjustment penalty or range is obtained by multiplying the preadjustment penalty or range by the percent change in the CPI–U over the relevant time period and rounding to the nearest dollar. Between October 2021 and October 2022, the CPI–U increased by a multiplier of 107.745%. Therefore, the new post-adjustment maximum penalty under the PFCRA for false statements is $12,536 × 1.07745 = $13,506.91 which rounds to $13,507 Therefore, the maximum penalty under the PFCRA for false claims and statements will be $13,507. B. Adjustments to Penalties Under the NEA’s Restrictions on Lobbying Regulations The penalty for violations of the Restrictions on Lobbying is currently set at a range of a minimum of $22,009 and a maximum of $220,213. The postadjustment penalty or range is obtained by multiplying the pre-adjustment penalty or range by the percent change in the CPI–U over the relevant time period and rounding to the nearest dollar. Between October 2021 and October 2022, the CPI–U increased by a multiplier of 107.745%. Therefore, the new post-adjustment minimum penalty under the Restrictions on Lobbying is $22,009 × 1.07745 = $23,713.60, which rounds to $23,714 and the maximum penalty under the Restrictions on Lobbying is $220,213 × 1.07745 = $237,268.50, which rounds to $237,268. Therefore, the range of penalties under the law on the Restrictions on Lobbying shall be between $23,714 and $237,268. Administrative Procedure Act Section 553 of the Administrative Procedure Act requires agencies to VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:10 Jan 11, 2023 Jkt 259001 provide an opportunity for notice and comment on rulemaking and also requires agencies to delay a rule’s effective date for 30 days following the date of publication in the Federal Register unless an agency finds good cause to forgo these requirements. However, section 4(b)(2) of the 2015 Act requires agencies to adjust civil monetary penalties notwithstanding section 553 of the Administrative Procedure Act (APA) and publish annual inflation adjustments in the Federal Register. ‘‘This means that the public procedure the APA generally requires . . . is not required for agencies to issue regulations implementing the annual adjustment.’’ OMB Memorandum M–18–03. Even if the 2015 Act did not except this final rule from section 553 of the APA, the NEA has good cause to dispense with notice and comment. Section 553(b)(B), authorizes agencies to dispense with notice and comment procedures for rulemaking if the agency finds good cause that notice and comment are impracticable, unnecessary, or contrary to public interest. The annual adjustments to civil penalties for inflation and the method of calculating those adjustments are established by section 5 of the 2015 Act, as amended, leaving no discretion for the NEA. Accordingly, public comment would be impracticable because the NEA would be unable to consider such comments in the rulemaking process. Regulatory Planning and Review (Executive Order 12866) Executive Order 12866 (E.O. 12866) established a process for review of rules by the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, which is within OMB. Only ‘‘significant’’ proposed and final rules are subject to review under this Executive Order. ‘‘Significant,’’ as used in E.O. 12866, means ‘‘economically significant.’’ It refers to rules with (1) an impact on the economy of $100 million; or that (2) were inconsistent or interfered with an action taken or planned by another agency; (3) materially altered the budgetary impact of entitlements, grants, user fees, or loan programs; or (4) raised novel legal or policy issues. This final rule would not be a significant policy change and OMB has not reviewed this final rule under E.O. 12866. The NEA has made the assessments required by E.O. 12866 and determined that this final rule: (1) will not have an effect of $100 million or more on the economy; (2) will not adversely affect in a material way the economy, productivity, competition, jobs, the environment, public health or PO 00000 Frm 00033 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 2005 safety, or State, local, or Tribal governments or communities; (3) will not create a serious inconsistency or otherwise interfere with an action taken or planned by another agency; (4) does not alter the budgetary effects of entitlements, grants, user fees, or loan programs or the rights or obligations of their recipients; and (5) does not raise novel legal or policy issues. Federalism (Executive Order 13132) This final rule does not have federalism implications, as set forth in E.O. 13132. As used in this order, federalism implications mean ‘‘substantial direct effects on the States, on the relationship between the [N]ational [G]overnment and the States, or on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government.’’ The NEA has determined that this final rule will not have federalism implications within the meaning of E.O. 13132. Civil Justice Reform (Executive Order 12988) This final rule meets the applicable standards set forth in section 3(a) and 3(b)(2) of E.O. 12988. Specifically, this final rule is written in clear language designed to help reduce litigation. Indian Tribal Governments (Executive Order 13175) Under the criteria in E.O. 13175, the NEA has evaluated this final rule and determined that it would have no potential effects on federally recognized Indian Tribes. Takings (Executive Order 12630) Under the criteria in E.O. 12630, this final rule does not have significant takings implications. Therefore, a takings implication assessment is not required. Regulatory Flexibility Act of 1980 (5 U.S.C. 605(b)) This final rule will not have a significant adverse impact on a substantial number of small entities, including small businesses, small governmental jurisdictions, or certain small not-for-profit organizations. Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C., Chapter 35) This final rule will not impose any ‘‘information collection’’ requirements under the Paperwork Reduction Act. Under the Act, information collection means the obtaining or disclosure of facts or opinions by or for an agency by 10 or more non-Federal persons. E:\FR\FM\12JAR1.SGM 12JAR1 2006 Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 8 / Thursday, January 12, 2023 / Rules and Regulations Unfunded Mandates Act of 1995 (Section 202, Pub. L. 104–4) This final rule does not contain a Federal mandate that will 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. National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (5 U.S.C. 804) The final rule will not have a significant effect on the human environment. khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with RULES Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act of 1996 (Sec. 804, Pub. L. 104–121) This final rule would not be a major rule as defined in section 804 of the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act of 1996. This final rule will not result in an annual effect on the economy of $100 million or more, a major increase in costs or prices, significant adverse effects on competition, employment, investment, productivity, innovation, or on the ability of United States-based companies to compete with foreign based companies in domestic and export markets. E-Government Act of 2002 (44 U.S.C. 3504) Section 206 of the E-Government Act requires agencies, to the extent practicable, to ensure that all information about that agency required to be published in the Federal Register is also published on a publicly accessible website. All information about the NEA required to be published in the Federal Register may be accessed at https://www.arts.gov. This Act also requires agencies to accept public comments on their rules ‘‘by electronic means.’’ See heading ‘‘Public Participation’’ for directions on electronic submission of public comments on this final rule. Finally, the E-Government Act requires, to the extent practicable, that agencies ensure that a publicly accessible Federal Government website contains electronic dockets for rulemakings under the Administrative Procedure Act of 1946 (5 U.S.C. 551 et seq.). Under this Act, an electronic docket consists of all submissions under section 553(c) of title 5, United States Code; and all other materials that by agency rule or practice are included in the rulemaking docket under section 553(c) of title 5, United States Code, whether or not submitted electronically. The website https:// www.regulations.gov contains electronic dockets for the NEA’s rulemakings VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:10 Jan 11, 2023 Jkt 259001 under the Administrative Procedure Act of 1946. Plain Writing Act of 2010 (5 U.S.C. 301) Under this Act, the term ‘‘plain writing’’ means writing that is clear, concise, well-organized, and follows other best practices appropriate to the subject or field and intended audience. To ensure that this final rule has been written in plain and clear language so that it can be used and understood by the public, the NEA has modeled the language of this final rule on the Federal Plain Language Guidelines. Appendix A to Part 1158 [Amended] 5. Amend appendix A to part 1158 by: a. Removing ‘‘$22,009’’ and adding in its place ‘‘$23,714’’ each place it appears. ■ b. Removing ‘‘$220,213’’ and adding in its place ‘‘$237,268’’ each place it appears. ■ ■ Dated: January 9, 2023. Bonita Smith, Director of Administrative Services and Contracts, National Endowment for the Arts. [FR Doc. 2023–00501 Filed 1–11–23; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 7537–01–P Public Participation (Executive Order 13563) The NEA encourages public participation by ensuring its documentation is understandable by the general public, and has written this final rule in compliance with Executive Order 13563 by ensuring its accessibility, consistency, simplicity of language, and overall comprehensibility. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR List of Subjects in 45 CFR Parts 1149 and 1158 Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Reclassifying Fender’s Blue Butterfly From Endangered to Threatened With a Section 4(d) Rule Administrative practice and procedure, Government contracts, Grant programs, Loan programs, Lobbying, Penalties. For the reasons stated in the preamble, the NEA amends 45 CFR chapter XI, subchapter B, as follows: PART 1149—PROGRAM FRAUD CIVIL REMEDIES ACT REGULATIONS 1. The authority citation for part 1149 continues to read as follows: ■ Authority: 5 U.S.C. App. 8G(a)(2); 20 U.S.C. 959; 28 U.S.C. 2461 note; 31 U.S.C. 3801–3812. § 1149.9 [Amended] 2. Amend § 1149.9 in paragraph (a)(1) by removing ‘‘$12,536’’ and adding in its place ‘‘$13,507’’. ■ PART 1158—NEW RESTRICTIONS ON LOBBYING 3. The authority citation for part 1158 continues to read as follows: ■ Authority: 20 U.S.C. 959; 28 U.S.C. 2461; 31 U.S.C. 1352. § 1158.400 [Amended] 4. Amend § 1158.400 in paragraphs (a), (b), and (e) by: ■ a. Removing ‘‘$22,009’’ and adding in its place ‘‘$23,714’’ each place it appears. ■ b. Removing ‘‘$220,213’’ and adding in its place ‘‘$237,268’’ each place it appears. ■ PO 00000 Frm 00034 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 Fish and Wildlife Service 50 CFR Part 17 [Docket No. FWS–R1–ES–2020–0082; FF09E22000 FXES1113090FEDR 223] RIN 1018–BD97 Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior. ACTION: Final rule. AGENCY: We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service or USFWS), are reclassifying Fender’s blue butterfly (Icaricia icarioides fenderi) from endangered to threatened under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). Fender’s blue butterfly is endemic to the Willamette Valley of Oregon. This action is based on our evaluation of the best available scientific and commercial information, which indicates that the species’ status has improved such that it is not currently in danger of extinction throughout all or a significant portion of its range, but that it is still likely to become so in the foreseeable future. We are also finalizing a rule issued under section 4(d) of the Act that provides for the conservation of the species. DATES: This rule is effective February 13, 2023. ADDRESSES: The proposed rule and this final rule, the comments we received on the proposed rule, and supporting documents are available at https:// www.fws.gov/oregonfwo and at https:// www.regulations.gov under Docket No. FWS–R1–ES–2020–0082. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Craig Rowland, Acting State Supervisor, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Oregon SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\12JAR1.SGM 12JAR1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 88, Number 8 (Thursday, January 12, 2023)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 2004-2006]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2023-00501]


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NATIONAL FOUNDATION ON THE ARTS AND THE HUMANITIES

National Endowment for the Arts

45 CFR Parts 1149 and 1158

RIN 3135-AA33


Civil Penalties Adjustment for 2023

AGENCY: National Endowment for the Arts, National Foundation on the 
Arts and the Humanities.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: The National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) is adjusting the 
maximum civil monetary penalties (CMPs) that may be imposed for 
violations of the Program Fraud Civil Remedies Act (PFCRA) and the 
NEA's Restrictions on Lobbying to reflect the requirements of the 
Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act Improvements Act of 
2015 (the 2015 Act). The 2015 Act further amended the Federal Civil 
Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act of 1990 (the Inflation Adjustment 
Act) to improve the effectiveness of civil monetary penalties and to 
maintain their deterrent effect. This final rule provides the 2023 
annual inflation adjustments to the initial ``catch-up'' adjustments 
made on June 15, 2017, and reflects all other inflation adjustments 
made in the interim.

DATES: This rule is effective January 12, 2023.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Daniel Fishman, Assistant General 
Counsel, National Endowment for the Arts, 400 7th St. SW, Washington, 
DC 20506, Telephone: 202-682-5418.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

1. Background

    On December 12, 2017, the NEA issued a final rule entitled 
``Federal Civil Penalties Adjustments'',\1\ which finalized the NEA's 
June 15, 2017, interim final rule entitled ``Implementing the Federal 
Civil Penalties Adjustment Act Improvements Act'',\2\ implementing the 
2015 Act (section 701 of Pub. L. 114-74), which amended the Inflation 
Adjustment Act (28 U.S.C. 2461 note) requiring catch-up and annual 
adjustments to the NEA's CMPs. The 2015 Act requires agencies make 
annual adjustments to its CMPs for inflation.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\ 82 FR 58348.
    \2\ 82 FR 27431.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    A CMP is defined in the Inflation Adjustment Act as any penalty, 
fine, or other sanction that is (1) for a specific monetary amount as 
provided by Federal law, or has a maximum amount provided for by 
Federal law; (2) assessed or enforced by an agency pursuant to Federal 
law; and (3) assessed or enforced pursuant to an administrative 
proceeding or a civil action in the Federal courts.
    These annual inflation adjustments are based on the percentage 
change in the Consumer Price Index for all Urban Consumers (CPI-U) for 
the month of October preceding the date of the adjustment, relative to 
the October CPI-U in the year of the previous adjustment. The formula 
for the amount of a CMP inflation adjustment is prescribed by law, as 
explained in Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Memorandum M-16-06 
(February 24, 2016), and therefore the amount of the adjustment is not 
subject to the exercise of discretion by the Chairman of the National 
Endowment for the Arts (Chairman).
    OMB has issued guidance on implementing and calculating the 2023 
adjustment under the 2015 Act.\3\ Per this guidance, the CPI-U 
adjustment multiplier for this annual adjustment is 1.07745. In its 
prior rules, the NEA identified two CMPs, which require adjustment: the 
penalty for false statements under the PFCRA and the penalty for 
violations of the NEA's Restrictions on Lobbying. With this rule,

[[Page 2005]]

the NEA is adjusting the amount of those CMPs accordingly.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \3\ OMB Memorandum M-22-05 (December 15, 2022).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

2. Dates of Applicability

    The inflation adjustments contained in this rule shall apply to any 
violations assessed after January 15, 2023.

3. Adjustments

    Two CMPs in NEA regulations require adjustment in accordance with 
the 2015 Act: (1) the penalty associated with the Program Fraud Civil 
Remedies Act (45 CFR 1149.9) and (2) the penalty associated with 
Restrictions on Lobbying (45 CFR 1158.400; 45 CFR part 1158, app. A).

A. Adjustments to Penalties Under the NEA's Program Fraud Civil 
Remedies Act Regulations

    The current maximum penalty under the PFCRA for false claims and 
statements is currently set at $12,536. The post-adjustment penalty or 
range is obtained by multiplying the pre-adjustment penalty or range by 
the percent change in the CPI-U over the relevant time period and 
rounding to the nearest dollar. Between October 2021 and October 2022, 
the CPI-U increased by a multiplier of 107.745%. Therefore, the new 
post-adjustment maximum penalty under the PFCRA for false statements is 
$12,536 x 1.07745 = $13,506.91 which rounds to $13,507 Therefore, the 
maximum penalty under the PFCRA for false claims and statements will be 
$13,507.

B. Adjustments to Penalties Under the NEA's Restrictions on Lobbying 
Regulations

    The penalty for violations of the Restrictions on Lobbying is 
currently set at a range of a minimum of $22,009 and a maximum of 
$220,213. The post-adjustment penalty or range is obtained by 
multiplying the pre-adjustment penalty or range by the percent change 
in the CPI-U over the relevant time period and rounding to the nearest 
dollar. Between October 2021 and October 2022, the CPI-U increased by a 
multiplier of 107.745%. Therefore, the new post-adjustment minimum 
penalty under the Restrictions on Lobbying is $22,009 x 1.07745 = 
$23,713.60, which rounds to $23,714 and the maximum penalty under the 
Restrictions on Lobbying is $220,213 x 1.07745 = $237,268.50, which 
rounds to $237,268. Therefore, the range of penalties under the law on 
the Restrictions on Lobbying shall be between $23,714 and $237,268.
Administrative Procedure Act
    Section 553 of the Administrative Procedure Act requires agencies 
to provide an opportunity for notice and comment on rulemaking and also 
requires agencies to delay a rule's effective date for 30 days 
following the date of publication in the Federal Register unless an 
agency finds good cause to forgo these requirements. However, section 
4(b)(2) of the 2015 Act requires agencies to adjust civil monetary 
penalties notwithstanding section 553 of the Administrative Procedure 
Act (APA) and publish annual inflation adjustments in the Federal 
Register. ``This means that the public procedure the APA generally 
requires . . . is not required for agencies to issue regulations 
implementing the annual adjustment.'' OMB Memorandum M-18-03.
    Even if the 2015 Act did not except this final rule from section 
553 of the APA, the NEA has good cause to dispense with notice and 
comment. Section 553(b)(B), authorizes agencies to dispense with notice 
and comment procedures for rulemaking if the agency finds good cause 
that notice and comment are impracticable, unnecessary, or contrary to 
public interest. The annual adjustments to civil penalties for 
inflation and the method of calculating those adjustments are 
established by section 5 of the 2015 Act, as amended, leaving no 
discretion for the NEA. Accordingly, public comment would be 
impracticable because the NEA would be unable to consider such comments 
in the rulemaking process.
Regulatory Planning and Review (Executive Order 12866)
    Executive Order 12866 (E.O. 12866) established a process for review 
of rules by the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, which is 
within OMB. Only ``significant'' proposed and final rules are subject 
to review under this Executive Order. ``Significant,'' as used in E.O. 
12866, means ``economically significant.'' It refers to rules with (1) 
an impact on the economy of $100 million; or that (2) were inconsistent 
or interfered with an action taken or planned by another agency; (3) 
materially altered the budgetary impact of entitlements, grants, user 
fees, or loan programs; or (4) raised novel legal or policy issues.
    This final rule would not be a significant policy change and OMB 
has not reviewed this final rule under E.O. 12866. The NEA has made the 
assessments required by E.O. 12866 and determined that this final rule: 
(1) will not have an effect of $100 million or more on the economy; (2) 
will not adversely affect in a material way the economy, productivity, 
competition, jobs, the environment, public health or safety, or State, 
local, or Tribal governments or communities; (3) will not create a 
serious inconsistency or otherwise interfere with an action taken or 
planned by another agency; (4) does not alter the budgetary effects of 
entitlements, grants, user fees, or loan programs or the rights or 
obligations of their recipients; and (5) does not raise novel legal or 
policy issues.
Federalism (Executive Order 13132)
    This final rule does not have federalism implications, as set forth 
in E.O. 13132. As used in this order, federalism implications mean 
``substantial direct effects on the States, on the relationship between 
the [N]ational [G]overnment and the States, or on the distribution of 
power and responsibilities among the various levels of government.'' 
The NEA has determined that this final rule will not have federalism 
implications within the meaning of E.O. 13132.
Civil Justice Reform (Executive Order 12988)
    This final rule meets the applicable standards set forth in section 
3(a) and 3(b)(2) of E.O. 12988. Specifically, this final rule is 
written in clear language designed to help reduce litigation.
Indian Tribal Governments (Executive Order 13175)
    Under the criteria in E.O. 13175, the NEA has evaluated this final 
rule and determined that it would have no potential effects on 
federally recognized Indian Tribes.
Takings (Executive Order 12630)
    Under the criteria in E.O. 12630, this final rule does not have 
significant takings implications. Therefore, a takings implication 
assessment is not required.
Regulatory Flexibility Act of 1980 (5 U.S.C. 605(b))
    This final rule will not have a significant adverse impact on a 
substantial number of small entities, including small businesses, small 
governmental jurisdictions, or certain small not-for-profit 
organizations.
Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C., Chapter 35)
    This final rule will not impose any ``information collection'' 
requirements under the Paperwork Reduction Act. Under the Act, 
information collection means the obtaining or disclosure of facts or 
opinions by or for an agency by 10 or more non-Federal persons.

[[Page 2006]]

Unfunded Mandates Act of 1995 (Section 202, Pub. L. 104-4)
    This final rule does not contain a Federal mandate that will 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.
National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (5 U.S.C. 804)
    The final rule will not have a significant effect on the human 
environment.
Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act of 1996 (Sec. 804, 
Pub. L. 104-121)
    This final rule would not be a major rule as defined in section 804 
of the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act of 1996. This 
final rule will not result in an annual effect on the economy of $100 
million or more, a major increase in costs or prices, significant 
adverse effects on competition, employment, investment, productivity, 
innovation, or on the ability of United States-based companies to 
compete with foreign based companies in domestic and export markets.
E-Government Act of 2002 (44 U.S.C. 3504)
    Section 206 of the E-Government Act requires agencies, to the 
extent practicable, to ensure that all information about that agency 
required to be published in the Federal Register is also published on a 
publicly accessible website. All information about the NEA required to 
be published in the Federal Register may be accessed at https://www.arts.gov. This Act also requires agencies to accept public comments 
on their rules ``by electronic means.'' See heading ``Public 
Participation'' for directions on electronic submission of public 
comments on this final rule.
    Finally, the E-Government Act requires, to the extent practicable, 
that agencies ensure that a publicly accessible Federal Government 
website contains electronic dockets for rulemakings under the 
Administrative Procedure Act of 1946 (5 U.S.C. 551 et seq.). Under this 
Act, an electronic docket consists of all submissions under section 
553(c) of title 5, United States Code; and all other materials that by 
agency rule or practice are included in the rulemaking docket under 
section 553(c) of title 5, United States Code, whether or not submitted 
electronically. The website https://www.regulations.gov contains 
electronic dockets for the NEA's rulemakings under the Administrative 
Procedure Act of 1946.
Plain Writing Act of 2010 (5 U.S.C. 301)
    Under this Act, the term ``plain writing'' means writing that is 
clear, concise, well-organized, and follows other best practices 
appropriate to the subject or field and intended audience. To ensure 
that this final rule has been written in plain and clear language so 
that it can be used and understood by the public, the NEA has modeled 
the language of this final rule on the Federal Plain Language 
Guidelines.
Public Participation (Executive Order 13563)
    The NEA encourages public participation by ensuring its 
documentation is understandable by the general public, and has written 
this final rule in compliance with Executive Order 13563 by ensuring 
its accessibility, consistency, simplicity of language, and overall 
comprehensibility.

List of Subjects in 45 CFR Parts 1149 and 1158

    Administrative practice and procedure, Government contracts, Grant 
programs, Loan programs, Lobbying, Penalties.

    For the reasons stated in the preamble, the NEA amends 45 CFR 
chapter XI, subchapter B, as follows:

PART 1149--PROGRAM FRAUD CIVIL REMEDIES ACT REGULATIONS

0
1. The authority citation for part 1149 continues to read as follows:

    Authority:  5 U.S.C. App. 8G(a)(2); 20 U.S.C. 959; 28 U.S.C. 
2461 note; 31 U.S.C. 3801-3812.


Sec.  1149.9   [Amended]

0
2. Amend Sec.  1149.9 in paragraph (a)(1) by removing ``$12,536'' and 
adding in its place ``$13,507''.

PART 1158--NEW RESTRICTIONS ON LOBBYING

0
3. The authority citation for part 1158 continues to read as follows:

    Authority:  20 U.S.C. 959; 28 U.S.C. 2461; 31 U.S.C. 1352.


Sec.  1158.400   [Amended]

0
4. Amend Sec.  1158.400 in paragraphs (a), (b), and (e) by:
0
a. Removing ``$22,009'' and adding in its place ``$23,714'' each place 
it appears.
0
b. Removing ``$220,213'' and adding in its place ``$237,268'' each 
place it appears.

Appendix A to Part 1158 [Amended]

0
5. Amend appendix A to part 1158 by:
0
a. Removing ``$22,009'' and adding in its place ``$23,714'' each place 
it appears.
0
b. Removing ``$220,213'' and adding in its place ``$237,268'' each 
place it appears.

    Dated: January 9, 2023.
Bonita Smith,
Director of Administrative Services and Contracts, National Endowment 
for the Arts.
[FR Doc. 2023-00501 Filed 1-11-23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 7537-01-P
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