Civil Monetary Penalty Inflation Adjustments, 24330-24336 [2023-08371]
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Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 76 / Thursday, April 20, 2023 / Rules and Regulations
approved changes to the Filer Manual.6
Volume II is updated to add a new ‘‘Is
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The updated EDGAR Filer Manual is
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The effective date for the updated
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V. Statutory Basis
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We are adopting the amendments to
17 CFR part 232 (‘‘Regulation S–T’’)
under the authority in sections 6, 7, 8,
10, and 19(a) of the Securities Act of
1933,11 sections 3, 12, 13, 14, 15, 15B,
23, and 35A of the Securities Exchange
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Indenture Act of 1939,13 and sections 8,
6 Software changes to EDGAR were made in
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7 5 U.S.C. 553(b)(A).
8 5 U.S.C. 601 through 612.
9 5 U.S.C. 804(3)(C).
10 5 U.S.C. 553(d)(3).
11 15 U.S.C. 77f, 77g, 77h, 77j, and 77s(a).
12 15 U.S.C. 78c, 78l, 78m, 78n, 78o, 78o–4, 78w,
and 78ll.
13 15 U.S.C. 77sss.
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30, 31, and 38 of the Investment
Company Act of 1940.14
List of Subjects in 17 CFR Part 232
Incorporation by reference, Reporting
and recordkeeping requirements,
Securities.
Text of the Amendments
In accordance with the foregoing, title
17, chapter II of the Code of Federal
Regulations is amended as follows:
PART 232—REGULATION S–T—
GENERAL RULES AND REGULATIONS
FOR ELECTRONIC FILINGS
1. The general authority citation for
part 232 continues to read as follows:
■
Authority: 15 U.S.C. 77c, 77f, 77g, 77h, 77j,
77s(a), 77z–3, 77sss(a), 78c(b), 78l, 78m, 78n,
78o(d), 78w(a), 78ll, 80a–6(c), 80a–8, 80a–29,
80a–30, 80a–37, 80b–4, 80b–6a, 80b–10, 80b–
11, 7201 et seq.; and 18 U.S.C. 1350, unless
otherwise noted.
*
*
*
*
*
2. Section 232.301 is revised to read
as follows:
■
§ 232.301
EDGAR Filer Manual.
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U.S.C. 80a–8, 80a–29, 80a–30, and 80a–37.
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Manual at NARA, visit
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By the Commission.
Dated: March 20, 2023.
Vanessa A. Countryman,
Secretary.
[FR Doc. 2023–08216 Filed 4–19–23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 8011–01–P
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Office of Surface Mining Reclamation
and Enforcement
30 CFR Parts 723, 724, 845, and 846
RIN 1029–AC84
[Docket ID: OSM 2023–0006; S1D1S
SS08011000 SX064A000 234S180110;
S2D2SSS08011000 SX064A00 23XS501520]
Civil Monetary Penalty Inflation
Adjustments
Office of Surface Mining
Reclamation and Enforcement, Interior.
ACTION: Final rule.
AGENCY:
Pursuant to the Federal Civil
Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act
Improvements Act of 2015 (2015 Act),
which further amended the Federal
Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act
of 1990 (1990 Act), and Office of
Management and Budget (OMB)
guidance, this rule adjusts for inflation
the level of civil monetary penalties
assessed under the Surface Mining
Control and Reclamation Act of 1977
(SMCRA) and the implementing
regulations.
SUMMARY:
DATES:
Effective April 20, 2023.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Khalia A. Boyd, Office of Surface
Mining Reclamation and Enforcement,
1849 C Street NW, Mail Stop 4558,
Washington, DC 20240; Telephone (202)
208–2823. Email: kboyd@osmre.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Table of Contents
I. Background
A. The Federal Civil Penalties Inflation
Adjustment Act Improvements Act of
2015
B. Calculation of Adjustments
C. Effect of the Rule in Federal Program
States and on Indian Lands
D. Effect of the Rule on Approved State
Programs
II. Procedural Matters
A. Regulatory Planning and Review
(Executive Orders 12866 and 13563)
B. Regulatory Flexibility Act
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Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 76 / Thursday, April 20, 2023 / Rules and Regulations
C. Congressional Review Act
D. Unfunded Mandates Reform Act
E. Takings (Executive Order 12630)
F. Federalism (Executive Order 13132)
G. Civil Justice Reform (Executive Order
12988)
H. Consultation With Indian Tribes
(Executive Order 13175 and
Departmental Policy)
I. Paperwork Reduction Act
J. National Environmental Policy Act
K. Effects on Energy Supply, Distribution,
and Use (Executive Order 13211)
L. Clarity of This Regulation
M. Data Quality Act
N. Administrative Procedure Act
O. National Technology Transfer and
Advancement Act
P. Protection of Children From
Environmental Health Risks and Safety
Risks (Executive Order 13045)
I. Background
A. The Federal Civil Penalties Inflation
Adjustment Act Improvements Act of
2015
Section 518 of SMCRA, 30 U.S.C.
1268, authorizes the Secretary of the
Interior to assess civil monetary
penalties (CMPs) for violations of
SMCRA. The Federal regulations
implementing the CMP provisions of
section 518 are located in 30 CFR parts
723, 724, 845, and 846. We are adjusting
CMPs in six sections—30 CFR 723.14,
723.15, 724.14, 845.14, 845.15, and
846.14.
On November 2, 2015, the President
signed the Federal Civil Penalties
Inflation Adjustment Act Improvements
Act of 2015 (Sec. 701 of Pub. L. 114–74)
(2015 Act) into law. The 2015 Act,
which further amended the Federal
Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act
of 1990 (codified, as amended, at 28
U.S.C. 2461 note), requires Federal
agencies to promulgate rules to adjust
the level of CMPs to account for
inflation. The 2015 Act required an
initial ‘‘catch-up’’ adjustment. The
Office of Surface Mining Reclamation
and Enforcement (OSMRE) published
the initial adjustment in the Federal
Register on July 8, 2016 (81 FR 44535),
and the adjustment took effect on
August 1, 2016. The 2015 Act also
requires agencies to publish annual
inflation adjustments. These
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30 CFR 723.14 ..........................................................................................................
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adjustments are aimed at maintaining
the deterrent effect of civil penalties and
furthering the policy goals of the
statutes that authorize the penalties.
Further, the 2015 Act provides that
agencies must adjust civil monetary
penalties ‘‘notwithstanding section 553
of [the Administrative Procedure Act
(APA)].’’ Therefore, ‘‘the public
procedure the APA generally requires—
notice, an opportunity for comment, and
a delay in effective date—is not required
for agencies to issue regulations
implementing the annual adjustment.’’
December 15, 2022, Memorandum for
the Heads of Executive Departments and
Agencies (M–23–05) from Shalanda D.
Young, Office of Management and
Budget, Implementation of Penalty
Inflation Adjustments for 2023,
Pursuant to the Federal Civil Penalties
Inflation Adjustment Act Improvements
Act of 2015 (OMB Memorandum), at 3–
4.
Pursuant to SMCRA and the 2015 Act,
this final rule reflects the statutorily
required CMP adjustments as follows:
Points
(where applicable)
CFR citation
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24331
Current penalty
dollar amounts
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
E:\FR\FM\20APR1.SGM
$73
148
221
294
368
442
515
586
662
736
808
883
954
1,029
1,105
1,177
1,250
1,326
1,398
1,471
1,546
1,619
1,692
1,764
1,839
2,207
2,575
2,940
3,170
3,678
4,045
4,414
4,782
5,150
5,517
5,885
6,254
6,621
6,988
7,355
7,726
20APR1
Adjusted penalty
dollar amounts
$79
159
238
317
397
476
555
631
713
793
871
951
1,028
1,109
1,191
1,268
1,347
1,429
1,506
1,585
1,666
1,744
1,823
1,901
1,981
2,378
2,774
3,168
3,416
3,963
4,358
4,756
5,152
5,549
5,944
6,341
6,738
7,134
7,529
7,925
8,324
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Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 76 / Thursday, April 20, 2023 / Rules and Regulations
Points
(where applicable)
CFR citation
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30 CFR 723.15(b) (Assessment of separate violations for each day) ......................
30 CFR 724.14(b) (Individual civil penalties) ............................................................
30 CFR 845.14 ..........................................................................................................
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Current penalty
dollar amounts
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
53
54
55
56
57
58
59
60
61
62
63
64
65
66
67
68
69
70
................................
................................
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
E:\FR\FM\20APR1.SGM
8,092
8,458
8,827
9,195
9,563
9,930
10,299
10,666
11,033
11,400
11,770
12,138
12,506
12,875
13,242
13,608
13,976
14,345
14,712
15,079
15,448
15,816
16,184
16,550
16,920
17,287
17,654
18,022
18,391
2,758
18,391
73
148
221
294
368
442
515
586
662
736
808
883
954
1,029
1,105
1,177
1,250
1,326
1,398
1,471
1,546
1,619
1,692
1,764
1,839
2,207
2,575
2,940
3,170
3,678
4,045
4,414
4,782
5,150
5,517
5,885
6,254
6,621
6,988
7,355
7,726
8,092
20APR1
Adjusted penalty
dollar amounts
8,719
9,113
9,511
9,907
10,304
10,699
11,097
11,492
11,888
12,283
12,682
13,078
13,475
13,872
14,268
14,662
15,058
15,456
15,851
16,247
16,644
17,041
17,437
17,832
18,230
18,626
19,021
19,418
19,815
2,972
19,815
79
159
238
317
397
476
555
631
713
793
871
951
1,028
1,109
1,191
1,268
1,347
1,429
1,506
1,585
1,666
1,744
1,823
1,901
1,981
2,378
2,774
3,168
3,416
3,963
4,358
4,756
5,152
5,549
5,944
6,341
6,738
7,134
7,529
7,925
8,324
8,719
Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 76 / Thursday, April 20, 2023 / Rules and Regulations
CFR citation
Points
(where applicable)
30 CFR 845.15(b) (Assessment of separate violations for each day) ......................
30 CFR 846.14(b) (Individual civil penalties) ............................................................
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
53
54
55
56
57
58
59
60
61
62
63
64
65
66
67
68
69
70
................................
................................
In the chart above, there are no
numbers listed in the ‘‘Points’’ column
relative to 30 CFR 723.15(b), 30 CFR
724.14(b), 30 CFR 845.15(b), and 30 CFR
846.14(b) because those regulatory
provisions do not set forth numbers of
points. For those provisions, the current
regulations only set forth the dollar
amounts shown in the chart in the
‘‘Current Penalty Dollar Amounts’’
column; the adjusted amounts, which
we are adopting in this rule, are shown
in the ‘‘Adjusted Penalty Dollar
Amounts’’ column.
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B. Calculation of Adjustments
OMB issued guidance on the 2023
annual adjustments for inflation. See
OMB Memorandum (December 15,
2022). The OMB Memorandum notes
that the 1990 Act defines ‘‘civil
monetary penalty’’ as ‘‘any penalty, fine,
or other sanction that . . . is for a
specific monetary amount as provided
by Federal law; or . . . has a maximum
amount provided for by Federal law;
and . . . is assessed or enforced by an
agency pursuant to Federal law; and
. . . is assessed or enforced pursuant to
an administrative proceeding or a civil
action in the Federal courts . . . .’’ Id.
at 2. It further instructs that agencies
‘‘are to adjust ‘the maximum civil
monetary penalty or the range of
minimum and maximum civil monetary
penalties, as applicable, for each civil
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monetary penalty by the cost-of-living
adjustment.’ ’’ Id. The 1990 Act, as
amended by the 2015 Act, and the OMB
Memorandum specify that the annual
inflation adjustments are based on the
percent change between the Consumer
Price Index for all Urban Consumers
(the CPI–U) published by the
Department of Labor for the month of
October in the year of the previous
adjustment, and the October CPI–U for
the preceding year. The recent OMB
Memorandum specified that the cost-ofliving adjustment multiplier for 2023,
not seasonally adjusted, is 1.07745 (the
October 2022 CPI–U (298.012) divided
by the October 2021 CPI–U (276.589) =
1.07745). OSMRE used this guidance to
identify applicable CMPs and calculate
the required inflation adjustments. The
1990 Act, as amended by the 2015 Act,
specifies that any resulting increases in
CMPs must be rounded according to a
stated rounding formula and that the
increased CMPs apply only to CMP
assessments that occur after the date
that the increases take effect.
Generally, OSMRE assigns points to a
violation as described in 30 CFR 723.13
and 845.13. The CMP owed is based on
the number of points received, ranging
from one point to 70 points. For
example, under our existing regulations
in 30 CFR 845.14, a violation totaling 70
points would amount to a $18,391 CMP.
To adjust this amount, we multiply
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Current penalty
dollar amounts
8,458
8,827
9,195
9,563
9,930
10,299
10,666
11,033
11,400
11,770
12,138
12,506
12,875
13,242
13,608
13,976
14,345
14,712
15,079
15,448
15,816
16,184
16,550
16,920
17,287
17,654
18,022
18,391
2,758
18,391
24333
Adjusted penalty
dollar amounts
9,113
9,511
9,907
10,304
10,699
11,097
11,492
11,888
12,283
12,682
13,078
13,475
13,872
14,268
14,662
15,058
15,456
15,851
16,247
16,644
17,041
17,437
17,832
18,230
18,626
19,021
19,418
19,815
2,972
19,815
$18,391 by the 2022 inflation factor of
1.07745, resulting in a raw adjusted
amount of $19,815.38. Because the 2015
Act requires us to round any increase in
the CMP amount to the nearest dollar,
in this case a violation of 70 points
would amount to a new CMP of
$19,815. Pursuant to the 2015 Act, the
increases in this Final Rule apply to
CMPs assessed after the date the
increases take effect, even if the
associated violation predates the
applicable increase.
C. Effect of the Rule in Federal Program
States and on Indian Lands
OSMRE directly regulates surface coal
mining and reclamation operations
within a State or on Indian lands if the
State or Tribe does not obtain its own
approved program pursuant to sections
503 or 710(j) of SMCRA, 30 U.S.C. 1253
or 1300(j). The increases in CMPs
contained in this rule will apply to the
following Federal program States:
Arizona, California, Georgia, Idaho,
Massachusetts, Michigan, North
Carolina, Oregon, Rhode Island, South
Dakota, Tennessee, and Washington.
The Federal programs for those States
appear at 30 CFR parts 903, 905, 910,
912, 921, 922, 933, 937, 939, 941, 942,
and 947, respectively. Under 30 CFR
750.18, the increases in CMPs also
apply to Indian lands under the Federal
program for Indian lands.
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Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 76 / Thursday, April 20, 2023 / Rules and Regulations
D. Effect of the Rule on Approved State
Programs
As a result of litigation, State
regulatory programs are not required to
mirror all of the penalty provisions of
our regulations. See In re Permanent
Surface Mining Regul. Litig., No. 79–
1144, 1980 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 17722, at
*21–23 (D.D.C. Feb. 26, 1980); 1980 U.S.
Dist. LEXIS 17660, at *87–88 (D.D.C.
May 16, 1980). Thus, this rule has no
effect on CMPs in States with SMCRA
primacy.
II. Procedural Matters
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A. Regulatory Planning and Review
(Executive Orders 12866 and 13563)
Executive Order 12866 provides that
the Office of Information and Regulatory
Affairs (OIRA) within OMB will review
all significant rules. OIRA has
determined that agency regulations
exclusively implementing the annual
inflation adjustments are not significant,
provided they are consistent with the
OMB Memorandum. Because this final
rule exclusively implements the annual
inflation adjustments, is consistent with
the OMB Memorandum, and will have
an annual impact of less than $100
million, it is not significant under
Executive Order 12866.
Executive Order 13563 reaffirms the
principles of Executive Order 12866
while calling for improvements in the
Nation’s regulatory system to promote
predictability, to reduce uncertainty,
and to use the best, most innovative,
and least burdensome tools for
achieving regulatory ends. The
Executive Order directs agencies to
consider regulatory approaches that
reduce burdens and maintain flexibility
and freedom of choice for the public
where these approaches are relevant,
feasible, and consistent with regulatory
objectives. Executive Order 13563
emphasizes further that regulations
must be based on the best available
science and that the rulemaking process
must allow for public participation and
an open exchange of ideas. We have
developed this rule in a manner
consistent with these requirements, to
the extent permitted by statute.
B. Regulatory Flexibility Act
The Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA)
requires an agency to prepare a
regulatory flexibility analysis for all
rules unless the agency certifies that the
rule will not have a significant
economic impact on a substantial
number of small entities. The RFA
applies only to rules for which an
agency is required to first publish a
proposed rule. See 5 U.S.C. 603(a) and
604(a). The Federal Civil Penalties
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Inflation Adjustment Act Improvements
Act of 2015 requires agencies to adjust
civil penalties annually for inflation
‘‘notwithstanding section 553 [of the
Administrative Procedure Act].’’ Thus,
no proposed rule will be published, and
the RFA does not apply to this
rulemaking.
C. Congressional Review Act
This rule is not a major rule under 5
U.S.C. 804(2), the Congressional Review
Act. This rule:
(a) Will not have an annual effect on
the economy of $100 million or more.
(b) Will not cause a major increase in
costs or prices for consumers,
individual industries, Federal, State, or
local government agencies, or
geographic regions.
(c) Will not have significant adverse
effects on competition, employment,
investment, productivity, innovation, or
the ability of United States-based
enterprises to compete with foreignbased enterprises.
D. Unfunded Mandates Reform Act
This rule does not impose an
unfunded mandate on State, local, or
Tribal governments, or the private
sector, of more than $100 million per
year. The rule does not have a
significant or unique effect on State,
local, or Tribal governments, or the
private sector. A statement containing
the information required by the
Unfunded Mandates Reform Act (2
U.S.C. 1531 et seq.) is not required.
E. Takings (Executive Order 12630)
This rule does not effect a taking of
private property or otherwise have
takings implications under Executive
Order 12630. A takings implication
assessment is not required.
F. Federalism (Executive Order 13132)
Under the criteria in section 1 of
Executive Order 13132, this rule does
not have sufficient federalism
implications to warrant the preparation
of a federalism summary impact
statement. A federalism summary
impact statement is not required.
G. Civil Justice Reform (Executive Order
12988)
This rule complies with the
requirements of Executive Order 12988.
Specifically, this rule:
(a) Meets the criteria of section 3(a)
requiring that all regulations be
reviewed to eliminate errors and
ambiguity and be written to minimize
litigation; and
(b) Meets the criteria of section 3(b)(2)
requiring that all regulations be written
in clear language and contain clear legal
standards.
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H. Consultation With Indian Tribes
(Executive Order 13175 and
Departmental Policy)
The Department of the Interior strives
to strengthen its government-togovernment relationship with Tribes
through a commitment to consultation
with Tribes and recognition of their
right to self-governance and Tribal
sovereignty. We have evaluated this rule
under the Department’s consultation
policy, under Departmental Manual Part
512, Chapters 4 and 5, and under the
criteria in Executive Order 13175 and
have determined that it has no
substantial direct effects on Federallyrecognized Tribes or Alaska Native
Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA)
Corporations, and that consultation
under the Department’s Tribal
consultation policy is not required.
I. Paperwork Reduction Act
This rule does not contain
information collection requirements,
and a submission to OMB under the
Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C.
3501 et seq.) is not required. We may
not conduct or sponsor, and you are not
required to respond to, a collection of
information unless it displays a
currently valid OMB control number.
J. National Environmental Policy Act
This rule does not constitute a major
Federal action under the National
Environmental Policy Act of 1969
(NEPA) because of the non-discretionary
nature of the civil penalty adjustment as
required by law (see 40 CFR
1508.1(q)(1)(ii)). The Federal Civil
Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act
Improvements Act of 2015 requires
OSMRE to annually adjust the amounts
of its civil penalties to account for
inflation as measured by the Department
of Labor’s Consumer Price Index.
Accordingly, OSMRE has no discretion
in the execution of the civil penalty
adjustments reflected in this final rule.
Because this rule is not a major Federal
action, it is therefore not subject to the
requirements of NEPA. Even if this were
a discretionary action subject to NEPA,
which it is not, a detailed statement
under NEPA would nevertheless not be
required because, as a regulation of an
administrative nature, this rule would
otherwise be covered by a categorical
exclusion (see 43 CFR 46.210(i)).
OSMRE has determined that the rule
does not implicate any of the
extraordinary circumstances listed in 43
CFR 46.215 that would prevent reliance
on the categorical exclusion. Therefore,
a detailed statement under NEPA is not
required.
E:\FR\FM\20APR1.SGM
20APR1
Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 76 / Thursday, April 20, 2023 / Rules and Regulations
K. Effects on Energy Supply,
Distribution, and Use (Executive Order
13211)
This rule is not a significant energy
action under the definition in Executive
Order 13211. A Statement of Energy
Effects is not required.
L. Clarity of This Regulation
We are required by Executive Orders
12866 (section 1(b)(12)), 12988 (section
3(b)(1)(B)), and 13563 (section 1(a)), and
by the Presidential Memorandum of
June 1, 1998, to write all rules in plain
language. This means that each rule we
publish must:
(a) Be logically organized;
(b) Use the active voice to address
readers directly;
(c) Use common, everyday words and
clear language rather than jargon;
(d) Be divided into short sections and
sentences; and
(e) Use lists and tables wherever
possible.
If you believe that we have not met
these requirements in issuing this final
rule, please contact the individual listed
in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION
CONTACT section. Your comments
should be as specific as possible in
order to help us determine whether any
future revisions to the rule are
necessary. For example, you should tell
us the numbers of the sections or
paragraphs that you find unclear, which
sections or sentences are too long, the
sections where you feel lists or tables
would be useful, etc.
ddrumheller on DSK120RN23PROD with RULES1
M. Data Quality Act
In developing this rule, we did not
conduct or use a study, experiment, or
survey requiring peer review under the
Data Quality Act (Pub. L. 106–554).
N. Administrative Procedure Act
We are issuing this final rule without
prior public notice or opportunity for
public comment. As discussed above,
the Federal Civil Penalties Inflation
Adjustment Act Improvements Act of
2015 requires agencies to publish
adjusted penalties annually. Under the
2015 Act, the public procedure that the
Administrative Procedure Act generally
requires—notice, an opportunity for
comment, and a delay in the effective
date—is not required for agencies to
issue regulations implementing the
annual adjustments required by the
2015 Act. See OMB Memorandum, M–
23–05, at 3–4.
O. National Technology Transfer and
Advancement Act
Section 12(d) of the National
Technology Transfer and Advancement
Act (NTTAA) (15 U.S.C. 3701 et seq.)
VerDate Sep<11>2014
16:36 Apr 19, 2023
Jkt 259001
directs Federal agencies to use
voluntary consensus standards when
implementing regulatory activities
unless to do so would be inconsistent
with applicable law or otherwise
impractical. This final rule is not subject
to the requirements of section 12(d) of
the NTTAA because application of those
requirements would be inconsistent
with SMCRA, and the requirements
would not be applicable to this final
rulemaking.
P. Protection of Children From
Environmental Health Risks and Safety
Risks (Executive Order 13045)
Executive Order 13045 requires that
environmental and related rules
separately evaluate the potential impact
to children. However, Executive Order
13045 is inapplicable to this rulemaking
because this is not a substantive
rulemaking, and a notice of proposed
rulemaking was neither required nor
prepared. See sections 2–202 and 5–501
of Executive Order 13045.
Delegation of Signing Authority
The action taken herein is pursuant to
an existing delegation of authority.
List of Subjects
30 CFR Part 723
Administrative practice and
procedure, Penalties, Surface mining,
Underground mining.
30 CFR Part 724
Administrative practice and
procedure, Penalties, Surface mining,
Underground mining.
30 CFR Part 845
Administrative practice and
procedure, Law enforcement, Penalties,
Reporting and recordkeeping
requirements, Surface mining,
Underground mining.
30 CFR Part 846
Administrative practice and
procedure, Penalties, Surface mining,
Underground mining.
Laura Daniel-Davis,
Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary, Land
and Minerals Management.
For the reasons given in the preamble,
the Department of the Interior amends
30 CFR parts 723, 724, 845, and 846 as
set forth below.
PART 723—CIVIL PENALTIES
1. The authority citation for part 723
continues to read as follows:
■
Authority: 28 U.S.C. 2461, 30 U.S.C. 1201
et seq., and 31 U.S.C. 3701.
PO 00000
Frm 00007
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
24335
2. Revise table 1 to § 723.14 to read as
follows:
■
§ 723.14
penalty.
*
*
Determination of amount of
*
*
*
TABLE 1 TO § 723.14
Points
1 ......................................................
2 ......................................................
3 ......................................................
4 ......................................................
5 ......................................................
6 ......................................................
7 ......................................................
8 ......................................................
9 ......................................................
10 ....................................................
11 ....................................................
12 ....................................................
13 ....................................................
14 ....................................................
15 ....................................................
16 ....................................................
17 ....................................................
18 ....................................................
19 ....................................................
20 ....................................................
21 ....................................................
22 ....................................................
23 ....................................................
24 ....................................................
25 ....................................................
26 ....................................................
27 ....................................................
28 ....................................................
29 ....................................................
30 ....................................................
31 ....................................................
32 ....................................................
33 ....................................................
34 ....................................................
35 ....................................................
36 ....................................................
37 ....................................................
38 ....................................................
39 ....................................................
40 ....................................................
41 ....................................................
42 ....................................................
43 ....................................................
44 ....................................................
45 ....................................................
46 ....................................................
47 ....................................................
48 ....................................................
49 ....................................................
50 ....................................................
51 ....................................................
52 ....................................................
53 ....................................................
54 ....................................................
55 ....................................................
56 ....................................................
57 ....................................................
58 ....................................................
59 ....................................................
60 ....................................................
61 ....................................................
62 ....................................................
63 ....................................................
64 ....................................................
65 ....................................................
E:\FR\FM\20APR1.SGM
20APR1
Dollars
79
159
238
317
397
476
555
631
713
793
871
951
1,028
1,109
1,191
1,268
1,347
1,429
1,506
1,585
1,666
1,744
1,823
1,901
1,981
2,378
2,774
3,168
3,416
3,963
4,358
4,756
5,152
5,549
5,944
6,341
6,738
7,134
7,529
7,925
8,324
8,719
9,113
9,511
9,907
10,304
10,699
11,097
11,492
11,888
12,283
12,682
13,078
13,475
13,872
14,268
14,662
15,058
15,456
15,851
16,247
16,644
17,041
17,437
17,832
24336
Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 76 / Thursday, April 20, 2023 / Rules and Regulations
TABLE 1 TO § 723.14—Continued
Points
66
67
68
69
70
18,230
18,626
19,021
19,418
19,815
3. In § 723.15, revise paragraph (b)
introductory text to read as follows:
■
§ 723.15 Assessment of separate
violations for each day.
*
*
*
*
*
(b) In addition to the civil penalty
provided for in paragraph (a) of this
section, whenever a violation contained
in a notice of violation or cessation
order has not been abated within the
abatement period set in the notice or
order or as subsequently extended
pursuant to section 521(a) of the Act, 30
U.S.C. 1271(a), a civil penalty of not less
than $2,972 will be assessed for each
day during which such failure to abate
continues, except that:
*
*
*
*
*
PART 724—INDIVIDUAL CIVIL
PENALTIES
4. The authority citation for part 724
continues to read as follows:
■
Authority: 28 U.S.C. 2461, 30 U.S.C. 1201
et seq., and 31 U.S.C. 3701.
5. In § 724.14, revise the first sentence
of paragraph (b) to read as follows:
■
§ 724.14
Amount of individual civil penalty.
*
*
*
*
*
(b) The penalty will not exceed
$19,815 for each violation. * * *
PART 845—CIVIL PENALTIES
6. The authority citation for part 845
continues to read as follows:
■
Authority: 28 U.S.C. 2461, 30 U.S.C. 1201
et seq., 31 U.S.C. 3701, Pub. L. 100–202, and
Pub. L. 100–446.
7. Revise table 1 to § 845.14 to read as
follows:
■
§ 845.14 Determination of amount of
penalty.
*
*
*
*
*
ddrumheller on DSK120RN23PROD with RULES1
TABLE 1 TO § 845.14
Points
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Dollars
......................................................
......................................................
......................................................
......................................................
......................................................
......................................................
......................................................
VerDate Sep<11>2014
Points
Dollars
....................................................
....................................................
....................................................
....................................................
....................................................
16:36 Apr 19, 2023
Jkt 259001
79
159
238
317
397
476
555
section, whenever a violation contained
in a notice of violation or cessation
Dollars
order has not been abated within the
abatement period set in the notice or
631 order or as subsequently extended
713
pursuant to section 521(a) of the Act, 30
793
871 U.S.C. 1271(a), a civil penalty of not less
951 than $2,972 will be assessed for each
1,028 day during which such failure to abate
1,109 continues, except that:
1,191 *
*
*
*
*
TABLE 1 TO § 845.14—Continued
8 ......................................................
9 ......................................................
10 ....................................................
11 ....................................................
12 ....................................................
13 ....................................................
14 ....................................................
15 ....................................................
16 ....................................................
17 ....................................................
18 ....................................................
19 ....................................................
20 ....................................................
21 ....................................................
22 ....................................................
23 ....................................................
24 ....................................................
25 ....................................................
26 ....................................................
27 ....................................................
28 ....................................................
29 ....................................................
30 ....................................................
31 ....................................................
32 ....................................................
33 ....................................................
34 ....................................................
35 ....................................................
36 ....................................................
37 ....................................................
38 ....................................................
39 ....................................................
40 ....................................................
41 ....................................................
42 ....................................................
43 ....................................................
44 ....................................................
45 ....................................................
46 ....................................................
47 ....................................................
48 ....................................................
49 ....................................................
50 ....................................................
51 ....................................................
52 ....................................................
53 ....................................................
54 ....................................................
55 ....................................................
56 ....................................................
57 ....................................................
58 ....................................................
59 ....................................................
60 ....................................................
61 ....................................................
62 ....................................................
63 ....................................................
64 ....................................................
65 ....................................................
66 ....................................................
67 ....................................................
68 ....................................................
69 ....................................................
70 ....................................................
1,268
1,347
1,429
1,506
1,585
1,666
1,744
1,823
1,901
1,981
2,378
2,774
3,168
3,416
3,963
4,358
4,756
5,152
5,549
5,944
6,341
6,738
7,134
7,529
7,925
8,324
8,719
9,113
9,511
9,907
10,304
10,699
11,097
11,492
11,888
12,283
12,682
13,078
13,475
13,872
14,268
14,662
15,058
15,456
15,851
16,247
16,644
17,041
17,437
17,832
18,230
18,626
19,021
19,418
19,815
8. In § 845.15, revise paragraph (b)
introductory text to read as follows:
■
§ 845.15 Assessment of separate
violations for each day.
*
*
*
*
*
(b) In addition to the civil penalty
provided for in paragraph (a) of this
PO 00000
Frm 00008
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
PART 846—INDIVIDUAL CIVIL
PENALTIES
9. The authority citation for part 846
continues to read as follows:
■
Authority: 28 U.S.C. 2461, 30 U.S.C. 1201
et seq., and 31 U.S.C. 3701.
10. In § 846.14, revise the first
sentence of paragraph (b) to read as
follows:
■
§ 846.14
Amount of individual civil penalty.
*
*
*
*
*
(b) The penalty will not exceed
$19,815 for each violation. * * *
[FR Doc. 2023–08371 Filed 4–19–23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310–05–P
DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND
SECURITY
Coast Guard
33 CFR Part 117
[Docket No. USCG–2023–0231]
RIN 1625–AA09
Drawbridge Operation Regulation; Old
River, Between Victoria Island and
Byron Tract, CA
Coast Guard, DHS.
Temporary interim rule and
request for comments.
AGENCY:
ACTION:
The Coast Guard is
temporarily modifying the operating
schedule that governs the draw of the
California Department of Transportation
(Route 4) highway bridge, mile 14.8
between Victoria Island and Byron
Tract, CA. This action is necessary to
allow the bridge owner to complete
rehabilitation of the bridge after an
unexpected delay in construction
material delivery related to the COVID–
19 pandemic, vandalism, and inclement
weather.
DATES: This temporary interim rule is
effective from April 20, 2023 through 5
p.m. on November 30, 2023.
Comments and related material must
reach the Coast Guard on or before May
22, 2023.
SUMMARY:
E:\FR\FM\20APR1.SGM
20APR1
]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 88, Number 76 (Thursday, April 20, 2023)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 24330-24336]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2023-08371]
=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement
30 CFR Parts 723, 724, 845, and 846
RIN 1029-AC84
[Docket ID: OSM 2023-0006; S1D1S SS08011000 SX064A000 234S180110;
S2D2SSS08011000 SX064A00 23XS501520]
Civil Monetary Penalty Inflation Adjustments
AGENCY: Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement, Interior.
ACTION: Final rule.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: Pursuant to the Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment
Act Improvements Act of 2015 (2015 Act), which further amended the
Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act of 1990 (1990 Act),
and Office of Management and Budget (OMB) guidance, this rule adjusts
for inflation the level of civil monetary penalties assessed under the
Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 (SMCRA) and the
implementing regulations.
DATES: Effective April 20, 2023.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Khalia A. Boyd, Office of Surface
Mining Reclamation and Enforcement, 1849 C Street NW, Mail Stop 4558,
Washington, DC 20240; Telephone (202) 208-2823. Email: [email protected].
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Table of Contents
I. Background
A. The Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act
Improvements Act of 2015
B. Calculation of Adjustments
C. Effect of the Rule in Federal Program States and on Indian
Lands
D. Effect of the Rule on Approved State Programs
II. Procedural Matters
A. Regulatory Planning and Review (Executive Orders 12866 and
13563)
B. Regulatory Flexibility Act
[[Page 24331]]
C. Congressional Review Act
D. Unfunded Mandates Reform Act
E. Takings (Executive Order 12630)
F. Federalism (Executive Order 13132)
G. Civil Justice Reform (Executive Order 12988)
H. Consultation With Indian Tribes (Executive Order 13175 and
Departmental Policy)
I. Paperwork Reduction Act
J. National Environmental Policy Act
K. Effects on Energy Supply, Distribution, and Use (Executive
Order 13211)
L. Clarity of This Regulation
M. Data Quality Act
N. Administrative Procedure Act
O. National Technology Transfer and Advancement Act
P. Protection of Children From Environmental Health Risks and
Safety Risks (Executive Order 13045)
I. Background
A. The Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act Improvements
Act of 2015
Section 518 of SMCRA, 30 U.S.C. 1268, authorizes the Secretary of
the Interior to assess civil monetary penalties (CMPs) for violations
of SMCRA. The Federal regulations implementing the CMP provisions of
section 518 are located in 30 CFR parts 723, 724, 845, and 846. We are
adjusting CMPs in six sections--30 CFR 723.14, 723.15, 724.14, 845.14,
845.15, and 846.14.
On November 2, 2015, the President signed the Federal Civil
Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act Improvements Act of 2015 (Sec. 701
of Pub. L. 114-74) (2015 Act) into law. The 2015 Act, which further
amended the Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act of 1990
(codified, as amended, at 28 U.S.C. 2461 note), requires Federal
agencies to promulgate rules to adjust the level of CMPs to account for
inflation. The 2015 Act required an initial ``catch-up'' adjustment.
The Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSMRE)
published the initial adjustment in the Federal Register on July 8,
2016 (81 FR 44535), and the adjustment took effect on August 1, 2016.
The 2015 Act also requires agencies to publish annual inflation
adjustments. These adjustments are aimed at maintaining the deterrent
effect of civil penalties and furthering the policy goals of the
statutes that authorize the penalties. Further, the 2015 Act provides
that agencies must adjust civil monetary penalties ``notwithstanding
section 553 of [the Administrative Procedure Act (APA)].'' Therefore,
``the public procedure the APA generally requires--notice, an
opportunity for comment, and a delay in effective date--is not required
for agencies to issue regulations implementing the annual adjustment.''
December 15, 2022, Memorandum for the Heads of Executive Departments
and Agencies (M-23-05) from Shalanda D. Young, Office of Management and
Budget, Implementation of Penalty Inflation Adjustments for 2023,
Pursuant to the Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act
Improvements Act of 2015 (OMB Memorandum), at 3-4.
Pursuant to SMCRA and the 2015 Act, this final rule reflects the
statutorily required CMP adjustments as follows:
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Points (where Current penalty Adjusted penalty
CFR citation applicable) dollar amounts dollar amounts
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
30 CFR 723.14.......................................... 1 $73 $79
2 148 159
3 221 238
4 294 317
5 368 397
6 442 476
7 515 555
8 586 631
9 662 713
10 736 793
11 808 871
12 883 951
13 954 1,028
14 1,029 1,109
15 1,105 1,191
16 1,177 1,268
17 1,250 1,347
18 1,326 1,429
19 1,398 1,506
20 1,471 1,585
21 1,546 1,666
22 1,619 1,744
23 1,692 1,823
24 1,764 1,901
25 1,839 1,981
26 2,207 2,378
27 2,575 2,774
28 2,940 3,168
29 3,170 3,416
30 3,678 3,963
31 4,045 4,358
32 4,414 4,756
33 4,782 5,152
34 5,150 5,549
35 5,517 5,944
36 5,885 6,341
37 6,254 6,738
38 6,621 7,134
39 6,988 7,529
40 7,355 7,925
41 7,726 8,324
[[Page 24332]]
42 8,092 8,719
43 8,458 9,113
44 8,827 9,511
45 9,195 9,907
46 9,563 10,304
47 9,930 10,699
48 10,299 11,097
49 10,666 11,492
50 11,033 11,888
51 11,400 12,283
52 11,770 12,682
53 12,138 13,078
54 12,506 13,475
55 12,875 13,872
56 13,242 14,268
57 13,608 14,662
58 13,976 15,058
59 14,345 15,456
60 14,712 15,851
61 15,079 16,247
62 15,448 16,644
63 15,816 17,041
64 16,184 17,437
65 16,550 17,832
66 16,920 18,230
67 17,287 18,626
68 17,654 19,021
69 18,022 19,418
70 18,391 19,815
30 CFR 723.15(b) (Assessment of separate violations for .................. 2,758 2,972
each day).............................................
30 CFR 724.14(b) (Individual civil penalties).......... .................. 18,391 19,815
30 CFR 845.14.......................................... 1 73 79
2 148 159
3 221 238
4 294 317
5 368 397
6 442 476
7 515 555
8 586 631
9 662 713
10 736 793
11 808 871
12 883 951
13 954 1,028
14 1,029 1,109
15 1,105 1,191
16 1,177 1,268
17 1,250 1,347
18 1,326 1,429
19 1,398 1,506
20 1,471 1,585
21 1,546 1,666
22 1,619 1,744
23 1,692 1,823
24 1,764 1,901
25 1,839 1,981
26 2,207 2,378
27 2,575 2,774
28 2,940 3,168
29 3,170 3,416
30 3,678 3,963
31 4,045 4,358
32 4,414 4,756
33 4,782 5,152
34 5,150 5,549
35 5,517 5,944
36 5,885 6,341
37 6,254 6,738
38 6,621 7,134
39 6,988 7,529
40 7,355 7,925
41 7,726 8,324
42 8,092 8,719
[[Page 24333]]
43 8,458 9,113
44 8,827 9,511
45 9,195 9,907
46 9,563 10,304
47 9,930 10,699
48 10,299 11,097
49 10,666 11,492
50 11,033 11,888
51 11,400 12,283
52 11,770 12,682
53 12,138 13,078
54 12,506 13,475
55 12,875 13,872
56 13,242 14,268
57 13,608 14,662
58 13,976 15,058
59 14,345 15,456
60 14,712 15,851
61 15,079 16,247
62 15,448 16,644
63 15,816 17,041
64 16,184 17,437
65 16,550 17,832
66 16,920 18,230
67 17,287 18,626
68 17,654 19,021
69 18,022 19,418
70 18,391 19,815
30 CFR 845.15(b) (Assessment of separate violations for .................. 2,758 2,972
each day).............................................
30 CFR 846.14(b) (Individual civil penalties).......... .................. 18,391 19,815
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
In the chart above, there are no numbers listed in the ``Points''
column relative to 30 CFR 723.15(b), 30 CFR 724.14(b), 30 CFR
845.15(b), and 30 CFR 846.14(b) because those regulatory provisions do
not set forth numbers of points. For those provisions, the current
regulations only set forth the dollar amounts shown in the chart in the
``Current Penalty Dollar Amounts'' column; the adjusted amounts, which
we are adopting in this rule, are shown in the ``Adjusted Penalty
Dollar Amounts'' column.
B. Calculation of Adjustments
OMB issued guidance on the 2023 annual adjustments for inflation.
See OMB Memorandum (December 15, 2022). The OMB Memorandum notes that
the 1990 Act defines ``civil monetary penalty'' as ``any penalty, fine,
or other sanction that . . . is for a specific monetary amount as
provided by Federal law; or . . . has a maximum amount provided for by
Federal law; and . . . is assessed or enforced by an agency pursuant to
Federal law; and . . . is assessed or enforced pursuant to an
administrative proceeding or a civil action in the Federal courts . . .
.'' Id. at 2. It further instructs that agencies ``are to adjust `the
maximum civil monetary penalty or the range of minimum and maximum
civil monetary penalties, as applicable, for each civil monetary
penalty by the cost-of-living adjustment.' '' Id. The 1990 Act, as
amended by the 2015 Act, and the OMB Memorandum specify that the annual
inflation adjustments are based on the percent change between the
Consumer Price Index for all Urban Consumers (the CPI-U) published by
the Department of Labor for the month of October in the year of the
previous adjustment, and the October CPI-U for the preceding year. The
recent OMB Memorandum specified that the cost-of-living adjustment
multiplier for 2023, not seasonally adjusted, is 1.07745 (the October
2022 CPI-U (298.012) divided by the October 2021 CPI-U (276.589) =
1.07745). OSMRE used this guidance to identify applicable CMPs and
calculate the required inflation adjustments. The 1990 Act, as amended
by the 2015 Act, specifies that any resulting increases in CMPs must be
rounded according to a stated rounding formula and that the increased
CMPs apply only to CMP assessments that occur after the date that the
increases take effect.
Generally, OSMRE assigns points to a violation as described in 30
CFR 723.13 and 845.13. The CMP owed is based on the number of points
received, ranging from one point to 70 points. For example, under our
existing regulations in 30 CFR 845.14, a violation totaling 70 points
would amount to a $18,391 CMP. To adjust this amount, we multiply
$18,391 by the 2022 inflation factor of 1.07745, resulting in a raw
adjusted amount of $19,815.38. Because the 2015 Act requires us to
round any increase in the CMP amount to the nearest dollar, in this
case a violation of 70 points would amount to a new CMP of $19,815.
Pursuant to the 2015 Act, the increases in this Final Rule apply to
CMPs assessed after the date the increases take effect, even if the
associated violation predates the applicable increase.
C. Effect of the Rule in Federal Program States and on Indian Lands
OSMRE directly regulates surface coal mining and reclamation
operations within a State or on Indian lands if the State or Tribe does
not obtain its own approved program pursuant to sections 503 or 710(j)
of SMCRA, 30 U.S.C. 1253 or 1300(j). The increases in CMPs contained in
this rule will apply to the following Federal program States: Arizona,
California, Georgia, Idaho, Massachusetts, Michigan, North Carolina,
Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Tennessee, and Washington. The
Federal programs for those States appear at 30 CFR parts 903, 905, 910,
912, 921, 922, 933, 937, 939, 941, 942, and 947, respectively. Under 30
CFR 750.18, the increases in CMPs also apply to Indian lands under the
Federal program for Indian lands.
[[Page 24334]]
D. Effect of the Rule on Approved State Programs
As a result of litigation, State regulatory programs are not
required to mirror all of the penalty provisions of our regulations.
See In re Permanent Surface Mining Regul. Litig., No. 79-1144, 1980
U.S. Dist. LEXIS 17722, at *21-23 (D.D.C. Feb. 26, 1980); 1980 U.S.
Dist. LEXIS 17660, at *87-88 (D.D.C. May 16, 1980). Thus, this rule has
no effect on CMPs in States with SMCRA primacy.
II. Procedural Matters
A. Regulatory Planning and Review (Executive Orders 12866 and 13563)
Executive Order 12866 provides that the Office of Information and
Regulatory Affairs (OIRA) within OMB will review all significant rules.
OIRA has determined that agency regulations exclusively implementing
the annual inflation adjustments are not significant, provided they are
consistent with the OMB Memorandum. Because this final rule exclusively
implements the annual inflation adjustments, is consistent with the OMB
Memorandum, and will have an annual impact of less than $100 million,
it is not significant under Executive Order 12866.
Executive Order 13563 reaffirms the principles of Executive Order
12866 while calling for improvements in the Nation's regulatory system
to promote predictability, to reduce uncertainty, and to use the best,
most innovative, and least burdensome tools for achieving regulatory
ends. The Executive Order directs agencies to consider regulatory
approaches that reduce burdens and maintain flexibility and freedom of
choice for the public where these approaches are relevant, feasible,
and consistent with regulatory objectives. Executive Order 13563
emphasizes further that regulations must be based on the best available
science and that the rulemaking process must allow for public
participation and an open exchange of ideas. We have developed this
rule in a manner consistent with these requirements, to the extent
permitted by statute.
B. Regulatory Flexibility Act
The Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA) requires an agency to prepare
a regulatory flexibility analysis for all rules unless the agency
certifies that the rule will not have a significant economic impact on
a substantial number of small entities. The RFA applies only to rules
for which an agency is required to first publish a proposed rule. See 5
U.S.C. 603(a) and 604(a). The Federal Civil Penalties Inflation
Adjustment Act Improvements Act of 2015 requires agencies to adjust
civil penalties annually for inflation ``notwithstanding section 553
[of the Administrative Procedure Act].'' Thus, no proposed rule will be
published, and the RFA does not apply to this rulemaking.
C. Congressional Review Act
This rule is not a major rule under 5 U.S.C. 804(2), the
Congressional Review Act. This rule:
(a) Will not have an annual effect on the economy of $100 million
or more.
(b) Will not cause a major increase in costs or prices for
consumers, individual industries, Federal, State, or local government
agencies, or geographic regions.
(c) Will not have significant adverse effects on competition,
employment, investment, productivity, innovation, or the ability of
United States-based enterprises to compete with foreign-based
enterprises.
D. Unfunded Mandates Reform Act
This rule does not impose an unfunded mandate on State, local, or
Tribal governments, or the private sector, of more than $100 million
per year. The rule does not have a significant or unique effect on
State, local, or Tribal governments, or the private sector. A statement
containing the information required by the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act
(2 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.) is not required.
E. Takings (Executive Order 12630)
This rule does not effect a taking of private property or otherwise
have takings implications under Executive Order 12630. A takings
implication assessment is not required.
F. Federalism (Executive Order 13132)
Under the criteria in section 1 of Executive Order 13132, this rule
does not have sufficient federalism implications to warrant the
preparation of a federalism summary impact statement. A federalism
summary impact statement is not required.
G. Civil Justice Reform (Executive Order 12988)
This rule complies with the requirements of Executive Order 12988.
Specifically, this rule:
(a) Meets the criteria of section 3(a) requiring that all
regulations be reviewed to eliminate errors and ambiguity and be
written to minimize litigation; and
(b) Meets the criteria of section 3(b)(2) requiring that all
regulations be written in clear language and contain clear legal
standards.
H. Consultation With Indian Tribes (Executive Order 13175 and
Departmental Policy)
The Department of the Interior strives to strengthen its
government-to-government relationship with Tribes through a commitment
to consultation with Tribes and recognition of their right to self-
governance and Tribal sovereignty. We have evaluated this rule under
the Department's consultation policy, under Departmental Manual Part
512, Chapters 4 and 5, and under the criteria in Executive Order 13175
and have determined that it has no substantial direct effects on
Federally-recognized Tribes or Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act
(ANCSA) Corporations, and that consultation under the Department's
Tribal consultation policy is not required.
I. Paperwork Reduction Act
This rule does not contain information collection requirements, and
a submission to OMB under the Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C. 3501
et seq.) is not required. We may not conduct or sponsor, and you are
not required to respond to, a collection of information unless it
displays a currently valid OMB control number.
J. National Environmental Policy Act
This rule does not constitute a major Federal action under the
National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) because of the non-
discretionary nature of the civil penalty adjustment as required by law
(see 40 CFR 1508.1(q)(1)(ii)). The Federal Civil Penalties Inflation
Adjustment Act Improvements Act of 2015 requires OSMRE to annually
adjust the amounts of its civil penalties to account for inflation as
measured by the Department of Labor's Consumer Price Index.
Accordingly, OSMRE has no discretion in the execution of the civil
penalty adjustments reflected in this final rule. Because this rule is
not a major Federal action, it is therefore not subject to the
requirements of NEPA. Even if this were a discretionary action subject
to NEPA, which it is not, a detailed statement under NEPA would
nevertheless not be required because, as a regulation of an
administrative nature, this rule would otherwise be covered by a
categorical exclusion (see 43 CFR 46.210(i)). OSMRE has determined that
the rule does not implicate any of the extraordinary circumstances
listed in 43 CFR 46.215 that would prevent reliance on the categorical
exclusion. Therefore, a detailed statement under NEPA is not required.
[[Page 24335]]
K. Effects on Energy Supply, Distribution, and Use (Executive Order
13211)
This rule is not a significant energy action under the definition
in Executive Order 13211. A Statement of Energy Effects is not
required.
L. Clarity of This Regulation
We are required by Executive Orders 12866 (section 1(b)(12)), 12988
(section 3(b)(1)(B)), and 13563 (section 1(a)), and by the Presidential
Memorandum of June 1, 1998, to write all rules in plain language. This
means that each rule we publish must:
(a) Be logically organized;
(b) Use the active voice to address readers directly;
(c) Use common, everyday words and clear language rather than
jargon;
(d) Be divided into short sections and sentences; and
(e) Use lists and tables wherever possible.
If you believe that we have not met these requirements in issuing
this final rule, please contact the individual listed in the FOR
FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section. Your comments should be as
specific as possible in order to help us determine whether any future
revisions to the rule are necessary. For example, you should tell us
the numbers of the sections or paragraphs that you find unclear, which
sections or sentences are too long, the sections where you feel lists
or tables would be useful, etc.
M. Data Quality Act
In developing this rule, we did not conduct or use a study,
experiment, or survey requiring peer review under the Data Quality Act
(Pub. L. 106-554).
N. Administrative Procedure Act
We are issuing this final rule without prior public notice or
opportunity for public comment. As discussed above, the Federal Civil
Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act Improvements Act of 2015 requires
agencies to publish adjusted penalties annually. Under the 2015 Act,
the public procedure that the Administrative Procedure Act generally
requires--notice, an opportunity for comment, and a delay in the
effective date--is not required for agencies to issue regulations
implementing the annual adjustments required by the 2015 Act. See OMB
Memorandum, M-23-05, at 3-4.
O. National Technology Transfer and Advancement Act
Section 12(d) of the National Technology Transfer and Advancement
Act (NTTAA) (15 U.S.C. 3701 et seq.) directs Federal agencies to use
voluntary consensus standards when implementing regulatory activities
unless to do so would be inconsistent with applicable law or otherwise
impractical. This final rule is not subject to the requirements of
section 12(d) of the NTTAA because application of those requirements
would be inconsistent with SMCRA, and the requirements would not be
applicable to this final rulemaking.
P. Protection of Children From Environmental Health Risks and Safety
Risks (Executive Order 13045)
Executive Order 13045 requires that environmental and related rules
separately evaluate the potential impact to children. However,
Executive Order 13045 is inapplicable to this rulemaking because this
is not a substantive rulemaking, and a notice of proposed rulemaking
was neither required nor prepared. See sections 2-202 and 5-501 of
Executive Order 13045.
Delegation of Signing Authority
The action taken herein is pursuant to an existing delegation of
authority.
List of Subjects
30 CFR Part 723
Administrative practice and procedure, Penalties, Surface mining,
Underground mining.
30 CFR Part 724
Administrative practice and procedure, Penalties, Surface mining,
Underground mining.
30 CFR Part 845
Administrative practice and procedure, Law enforcement, Penalties,
Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Surface mining, Underground
mining.
30 CFR Part 846
Administrative practice and procedure, Penalties, Surface mining,
Underground mining.
Laura Daniel-Davis,
Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary, Land and Minerals Management.
For the reasons given in the preamble, the Department of the
Interior amends 30 CFR parts 723, 724, 845, and 846 as set forth below.
PART 723--CIVIL PENALTIES
0
1. The authority citation for part 723 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 28 U.S.C. 2461, 30 U.S.C. 1201 et seq., and 31
U.S.C. 3701.
0
2. Revise table 1 to Sec. 723.14 to read as follows:
Sec. 723.14 Determination of amount of penalty.
* * * * *
Table 1 to Sec. 723.14
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Points Dollars
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1............................................................. 79
2............................................................. 159
3............................................................. 238
4............................................................. 317
5............................................................. 397
6............................................................. 476
7............................................................. 555
8............................................................. 631
9............................................................. 713
10............................................................ 793
11............................................................ 871
12............................................................ 951
13............................................................ 1,028
14............................................................ 1,109
15............................................................ 1,191
16............................................................ 1,268
17............................................................ 1,347
18............................................................ 1,429
19............................................................ 1,506
20............................................................ 1,585
21............................................................ 1,666
22............................................................ 1,744
23............................................................ 1,823
24............................................................ 1,901
25............................................................ 1,981
26............................................................ 2,378
27............................................................ 2,774
28............................................................ 3,168
29............................................................ 3,416
30............................................................ 3,963
31............................................................ 4,358
32............................................................ 4,756
33............................................................ 5,152
34............................................................ 5,549
35............................................................ 5,944
36............................................................ 6,341
37............................................................ 6,738
38............................................................ 7,134
39............................................................ 7,529
40............................................................ 7,925
41............................................................ 8,324
42............................................................ 8,719
43............................................................ 9,113
44............................................................ 9,511
45............................................................ 9,907
46............................................................ 10,304
47............................................................ 10,699
48............................................................ 11,097
49............................................................ 11,492
50............................................................ 11,888
51............................................................ 12,283
52............................................................ 12,682
53............................................................ 13,078
54............................................................ 13,475
55............................................................ 13,872
56............................................................ 14,268
57............................................................ 14,662
58............................................................ 15,058
59............................................................ 15,456
60............................................................ 15,851
61............................................................ 16,247
62............................................................ 16,644
63............................................................ 17,041
64............................................................ 17,437
65............................................................ 17,832
[[Page 24336]]
66............................................................ 18,230
67............................................................ 18,626
68............................................................ 19,021
69............................................................ 19,418
70............................................................ 19,815
------------------------------------------------------------------------
0
3. In Sec. 723.15, revise paragraph (b) introductory text to read as
follows:
Sec. 723.15 Assessment of separate violations for each day.
* * * * *
(b) In addition to the civil penalty provided for in paragraph (a)
of this section, whenever a violation contained in a notice of
violation or cessation order has not been abated within the abatement
period set in the notice or order or as subsequently extended pursuant
to section 521(a) of the Act, 30 U.S.C. 1271(a), a civil penalty of not
less than $2,972 will be assessed for each day during which such
failure to abate continues, except that:
* * * * *
PART 724--INDIVIDUAL CIVIL PENALTIES
0
4. The authority citation for part 724 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 28 U.S.C. 2461, 30 U.S.C. 1201 et seq., and 31
U.S.C. 3701.
0
5. In Sec. 724.14, revise the first sentence of paragraph (b) to read
as follows:
Sec. 724.14 Amount of individual civil penalty.
* * * * *
(b) The penalty will not exceed $19,815 for each violation. * * *
PART 845--CIVIL PENALTIES
0
6. The authority citation for part 845 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 28 U.S.C. 2461, 30 U.S.C. 1201 et seq., 31 U.S.C.
3701, Pub. L. 100-202, and Pub. L. 100-446.
0
7. Revise table 1 to Sec. 845.14 to read as follows:
Sec. 845.14 Determination of amount of penalty.
* * * * *
Table 1 to Sec. 845.14
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Points Dollars
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1............................................................. 79
2............................................................. 159
3............................................................. 238
4............................................................. 317
5............................................................. 397
6............................................................. 476
7............................................................. 555
8............................................................. 631
9............................................................. 713
10............................................................ 793
11............................................................ 871
12............................................................ 951
13............................................................ 1,028
14............................................................ 1,109
15............................................................ 1,191
16............................................................ 1,268
17............................................................ 1,347
18............................................................ 1,429
19............................................................ 1,506
20............................................................ 1,585
21............................................................ 1,666
22............................................................ 1,744
23............................................................ 1,823
24............................................................ 1,901
25............................................................ 1,981
26............................................................ 2,378
27............................................................ 2,774
28............................................................ 3,168
29............................................................ 3,416
30............................................................ 3,963
31............................................................ 4,358
32............................................................ 4,756
33............................................................ 5,152
34............................................................ 5,549
35............................................................ 5,944
36............................................................ 6,341
37............................................................ 6,738
38............................................................ 7,134
39............................................................ 7,529
40............................................................ 7,925
41............................................................ 8,324
42............................................................ 8,719
43............................................................ 9,113
44............................................................ 9,511
45............................................................ 9,907
46............................................................ 10,304
47............................................................ 10,699
48............................................................ 11,097
49............................................................ 11,492
50............................................................ 11,888
51............................................................ 12,283
52............................................................ 12,682
53............................................................ 13,078
54............................................................ 13,475
55............................................................ 13,872
56............................................................ 14,268
57............................................................ 14,662
58............................................................ 15,058
59............................................................ 15,456
60............................................................ 15,851
61............................................................ 16,247
62............................................................ 16,644
63............................................................ 17,041
64............................................................ 17,437
65............................................................ 17,832
66............................................................ 18,230
67............................................................ 18,626
68............................................................ 19,021
69............................................................ 19,418
70............................................................ 19,815
------------------------------------------------------------------------
0
8. In Sec. 845.15, revise paragraph (b) introductory text to read as
follows:
Sec. 845.15 Assessment of separate violations for each day.
* * * * *
(b) In addition to the civil penalty provided for in paragraph (a)
of this section, whenever a violation contained in a notice of
violation or cessation order has not been abated within the abatement
period set in the notice or order or as subsequently extended pursuant
to section 521(a) of the Act, 30 U.S.C. 1271(a), a civil penalty of not
less than $2,972 will be assessed for each day during which such
failure to abate continues, except that:
* * * * *
PART 846--INDIVIDUAL CIVIL PENALTIES
0
9. The authority citation for part 846 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 28 U.S.C. 2461, 30 U.S.C. 1201 et seq., and 31
U.S.C. 3701.
0
10. In Sec. 846.14, revise the first sentence of paragraph (b) to read
as follows:
Sec. 846.14 Amount of individual civil penalty.
* * * * *
(b) The penalty will not exceed $19,815 for each violation. * * *
[FR Doc. 2023-08371 Filed 4-19-23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-05-P
