Civil Monetary Penalty Inflation Adjustments, 23908-23911 [2024-07205]
Download as PDF
<![CDATA[
23908
Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 67 / Friday, April 5, 2024 / Rules and Regulations
a specified severity limit, does not
contain any exposed rotating parts that
would lacerate human skin, and does
not contain any safety defects. Section
107.155 requires that means of
compliance with § 107.120(a) or
§ 107.130(a) be established and FAAaccepted. Section 107.160 requires an
applicant to declare that sUA for
Category 2 or Category 3 operations
meet an FAA-accepted means of
compliance.
Means of Compliance Accepted
This notification of availability serves
as a formal acceptance by the FAA of
the AVSS’s ‘‘Means of Compliance with
§§ 107.120(a) and 107.130(a) for Small
Unmanned Aircraft,’’ revision 5.0, as an
acceptable means of compliance, but not
the only means of compliance with
§§ 107.120(a) and 107.130(a).
Applicants may also propose alternative
means of compliance for FAA review
and possible acceptance.
Revisions
Revisions to AVSS’s ‘‘Means of
Compliance (MOC) with §§ 107.120(a)
and 107.130(a) for Small Unmanned
Aircraft (sUA),’’ revision 5.0, will not be
automatically accepted, and will require
further FAA acceptance for any
revisions to be considered an accepted
means of compliance.
Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on April
2, 2024.
Patrick R. Mullen,
Manager, Technical Policy Branch, Policy and
Standards Division, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2024–07266 Filed 4–4–24; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Office of Surface Mining Reclamation
and Enforcement
30 CFR Parts 723, 724, 845, and 846
RIN 1029–AC86
[Docket ID: OSM 2024–0001; S1D1S
SS08011000 SX064A000 245S180110;
S2D2SSS08011000 SX064A00 24XS501520]
Civil Monetary Penalty Inflation
Adjustments
Office of Surface Mining
Reclamation and Enforcement, Interior.
ACTION: Final rule.
khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with RULES
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
SUMMARY:
VerDate Sep<11>2014
15:47 Apr 04, 2024
Jkt 262001
of 1990 (1990 Act), and Office of
Management and Budget 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
its implementing regulations.
DATES: Effective April 5, 2024.
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 14094, 12866 and
13563)
B. Regulatory Flexibility Act
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. Administrative Procedure Act
M. National Technology Transfer and
Advancement Act
N. 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. The Office of
Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement (OSMRE) is 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 2015 Act into law (Sec. 701
of Pub. L. 114–74). The 2015 Act, which
PO 00000
Frm 00002
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
amended the 1990 Act (Pub. L. 101–
410), requires Federal agencies to
promulgate rules to adjust the level of
CMPs to account for inflation. The 2015
Act 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.
B. Calculation of Adjustments
The Office of Management and Budget
(OMB) issued guidance on the 2024
annual adjustments for inflation.
December 19, 2023, Memorandum for
the Heads of Executive Departments and
Agencies (M–24–07), Implementation of
Penalty Inflation Adjustments for 2024,
Pursuant to the Federal Civil Penalties
Inflation Adjustment Act Improvements
Act of 2015 (OMB Memorandum). 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 costof-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 2024,
not seasonally adjusted, is 1.03241 (the
October 2023 CPI–U (307.671) divided
by the October 2022 CPI–U (298.012) =
1.03241). 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
E:\FR\FM\05APR1.SGM
05APR1
Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 67 / Friday, April 5, 2024 / Rules and Regulations
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 $19,815 CMP.
To adjust this amount, OSMRE
multiplied $19,815 by the 2023 inflation
factor of 1.03241, resulting in a raw
adjusted amount of $20,457.20. Because
the 2015 Act requires rounding 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 $20,457. 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.
There are no points associated with
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, only
dollar amounts.
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.
khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with RULES
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, 13563, and
14094)
Executive Order (E.O.) 14094
reaffirms the principles of E.O. 12866
VerDate Sep<11>2014
15:47 Apr 04, 2024
Jkt 262001
23909
and E.O. 13563 and states that
regulatory analysis should facilitate
agency efforts to develop regulations
that serve the public interest, advance
statutory objectives, and are consistent
with E.O. 12866, E.O. 13563, and the
Presidential Memorandum of January
20, 2021 (Modernizing Regulatory
Review). E.O. 12866, as reaffirmed by
E.O. 13563 and E.O. 14094, 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 and that are
consistent with the OMB Memorandum,
such as this rule, are not significant.
Unfunded Mandates Reform Act (2
U.S.C. 1531 et seq.) is not required.
B. Regulatory Flexibility Act
G. Civil Justice Reform (Executive Order
12988)
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 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
PO 00000
Frm 00003
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
E. Takings (Executive Order 12630)
This rule does not effect a taking of
private property or otherwise have
takings implications under E.O. 12630.
A takings implication assessment is not
required.
F. Federalism (Executive Order 13132)
Under the criteria in section 1 of E.O.
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.
This rule complies with the
requirements of E.O. 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-togovernment relationship with Tribes
through a commitment to consultation
with Tribes and recognition of their
right to self-governance and Tribal
sovereignty. OSMRE has evaluated this
rule under the Department’s
consultation policy, under Departmental
Manual Part 512, Chapters 4, 5, 6, and
7 and under the criteria in E.O. 13175
and has 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 and
ANCSA consultation policies 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. OSMRE
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.
E:\FR\FM\05APR1.SGM
05APR1
23910
Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 67 / Friday, April 5, 2024 / Rules and Regulations
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 2015 Act 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.
the NTTAA because application of those
requirements would be inconsistent
with SMCRA, and the requirements
would not be applicable to this final
rulemaking.
K. Effects on Energy Supply,
Distribution, and Use (Executive Order
13211)
This rule is not a significant energy
action under the definition in E.O.
13211. A Statement of Energy Effects is
not required.
Administrative practice and
procedure, Law enforcement, Penalties,
Reporting and recordkeeping
requirements, Surface mining,
Underground mining.
khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with RULES
L. Administrative Procedure Act
OSMRE is issuing this final rule
without prior public notice or
opportunity for public comment. The
2015 Act 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–
24–07, at 3–4.
M. 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
VerDate Sep<11>2014
15:47 Apr 04, 2024
Jkt 262001
N. Protection of Children From
Environmental Health Risks and Safety
Risks (Executive Order 13045)
E.O. 13045 requires that
environmental and related rules
separately evaluate the potential impact
to children. However, E.O. 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 E.O. 13045.
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
30 CFR Part 846
Administrative practice and
procedure, Penalties, Surface mining,
Underground mining.
Delegation of Signing Authority
The action taken herein is pursuant to
an existing delegation of authority.
Steven H. Feldgus,
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.
2. Amend § 723.14 by revising table 1
to read as follows:
■
§ 723.14
penalty.
*
PO 00000
*
Determination of amount of
*
Frm 00004
*
Fmt 4700
*
Sfmt 4700
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 ..............................................
66 ..............................................
67 ..............................................
68 ..............................................
69 ..............................................
70 ..............................................
E:\FR\FM\05APR1.SGM
05APR1
Dollars
82
164
246
327
410
491
573
651
736
819
899
982
1,061
1,145
1,230
1,309
1,391
1,475
1,555
1,636
1,720
1,801
1,882
1,963
2,045
2,455
2,864
3,271
3,527
4,091
4,499
4,910
5,319
5,729
6,137
6,547
6,956
7,365
7,773
8,182
8,594
9,002
9,408
9,819
10,228
10,638
11,046
11,457
11,864
12,273
12,681
13,093
13,502
13,912
14,322
14,730
15,137
15,546
15,957
16,365
16,774
17,183
17,593
18,002
18,410
18,821
19,230
19,637
20,047
20,457
Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 67 / Friday, April 5, 2024 / Rules and Regulations
3. Amend § 723.15 by revising
paragraph (b) introductory text to read
as follows:
TABLE 1 TO § 854.14—Continued
■
§ 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 $3,068 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
$20,457 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. Amend § 845.14 by revising table 1
to read as follows:
■
§ 845.14 Determination of amount of
penalty.
*
*
*
*
*
TABLE 1 TO § 854.14
khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with RULES
Points
1 ................................................
2 ................................................
3 ................................................
4 ................................................
5 ................................................
6 ................................................
7 ................................................
8 ................................................
9 ................................................
10 ..............................................
11 ..............................................
12 ..............................................
13 ..............................................
14 ..............................................
15 ..............................................
16 ..............................................
17 ..............................................
VerDate Sep<11>2014
15:47 Apr 04, 2024
Dollars
82
164
246
327
410
491
573
651
736
819
899
982
1,061
1,145
1,230
1,309
1,391
Jkt 262001
Points
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
Dollars
..............................................
..............................................
..............................................
..............................................
..............................................
..............................................
..............................................
..............................................
..............................................
..............................................
..............................................
..............................................
..............................................
..............................................
..............................................
..............................................
..............................................
..............................................
..............................................
..............................................
..............................................
..............................................
..............................................
..............................................
..............................................
..............................................
..............................................
..............................................
..............................................
..............................................
..............................................
..............................................
..............................................
..............................................
..............................................
..............................................
..............................................
..............................................
..............................................
..............................................
..............................................
..............................................
..............................................
..............................................
..............................................
..............................................
..............................................
..............................................
..............................................
..............................................
..............................................
..............................................
..............................................
1,475
1,555
1,636
1,720
1,801
1,882
1,963
2,045
2,455
2,864
3,271
3,527
4,091
4,499
4,910
5,319
5,729
6,137
6,547
6,956
7,365
7,773
8,182
8,594
9,002
9,408
9,819
10,228
10,638
11,046
11,457
11,864
12,273
12,681
13,093
13,502
13,912
14,322
14,730
15,137
15,546
15,957
16,365
16,774
17,183
17,593
18,002
18,410
18,821
19,230
19,637
20,047
20,457
8. Amend § 845.15 by revising
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
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
PO 00000
Frm 00005
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
23911
than $3,068 will be assessed for each
day during which such failure to abate
continues, except that:
*
*
*
*
*
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
$20,457 for each violation. * * *
[FR Doc. 2024–07205 Filed 4–4–24; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310–05–P
DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND
SECURITY
Coast Guard
33 CFR Part 165
[Docket Number USCG–2023–0269]
RIN 1625–AA00
Safety Zone; Heavy Weather and
Natural or Other Disasters in San Juan
Captain of the Port Zone, Sector San
Juan
Coast Guard, DHS.
Final rule.
AGENCY:
ACTION:
The Coast Guard is
establishing a safety zone to be enforced
in the event of hurricanes, tropical
storms, and other disasters in the San
Juan Captain of the Port (COTP) Zone.
This action is necessary to ensure the
safety of the waters of the San Juan
COTP zone. This regulation establishes
actions to be completed by parties
operating on and around the navigable
waterways of the San Juan COTP zone.
This may include the owners and
operators, and those in management and
control positions of regulated facilities,
waterfront facilities, and vessels, prior
to landfall of hurricanes, tropical
storms, and other disasters threatening
the San Juan COTP Zone.
DATES: This rule is effective May 6,
2024.
SUMMARY:
To view documents
mentioned in this preamble as being
available in the docket, go to https://
www.regulations.gov, type USCG–2023–
0269 in the search box and click
‘‘Search.’’ Next, in the Document Type
ADDRESSES:
E:\FR\FM\05APR1.SGM
05APR1
]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 67 (Friday, April 5, 2024)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 23908-23911]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2024-07205]
=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement
30 CFR Parts 723, 724, 845, and 846
RIN 1029-AC86
[Docket ID: OSM 2024-0001; S1D1S SS08011000 SX064A000 245S180110;
S2D2SSS08011000 SX064A00 24XS501520]
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 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 its
implementing regulations.
DATES: Effective April 5, 2024.
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 14094, 12866
and 13563)
B. Regulatory Flexibility Act
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. Administrative Procedure Act
M. National Technology Transfer and Advancement Act
N. 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. The
Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSMRE) is
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 2015 Act into law
(Sec. 701 of Pub. L. 114-74). The 2015 Act, which amended the 1990 Act
(Pub. L. 101-410), requires Federal agencies to promulgate rules to
adjust the level of CMPs to account for inflation. The 2015 Act
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.
B. Calculation of Adjustments
The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) issued guidance on the
2024 annual adjustments for inflation. December 19, 2023, Memorandum
for the Heads of Executive Departments and Agencies (M-24-07),
Implementation of Penalty Inflation Adjustments for 2024, Pursuant to
the Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act Improvements Act
of 2015 (OMB Memorandum). 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 2024, not
seasonally adjusted, is 1.03241 (the October 2023 CPI-U (307.671)
divided by the October 2022 CPI-U (298.012) = 1.03241). 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
[[Page 23909]]
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 $19,815 CMP. To adjust this amount, OSMRE multiplied
$19,815 by the 2023 inflation factor of 1.03241, resulting in a raw
adjusted amount of $20,457.20. Because the 2015 Act requires rounding
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 $20,457. 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.
There are no points associated with 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, only dollar
amounts.
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.
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, 13563, and
14094)
Executive Order (E.O.) 14094 reaffirms the principles of E.O. 12866
and E.O. 13563 and states that regulatory analysis should facilitate
agency efforts to develop regulations that serve the public interest,
advance statutory objectives, and are consistent with E.O. 12866, E.O.
13563, and the Presidential Memorandum of January 20, 2021 (Modernizing
Regulatory Review). E.O. 12866, as reaffirmed by E.O. 13563 and E.O.
14094, 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 and that are consistent with the OMB Memorandum,
such as this rule, are not significant.
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 E.O. 12630. A takings implication
assessment is not required.
F. Federalism (Executive Order 13132)
Under the criteria in section 1 of E.O. 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 E.O. 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. OSMRE has evaluated this rule under
the Department's consultation policy, under Departmental Manual Part
512, Chapters 4, 5, 6, and 7 and under the criteria in E.O. 13175 and
has 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 and
ANCSA consultation policies 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. OSMRE 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.
[[Page 23910]]
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 2015 Act 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.
K. Effects on Energy Supply, Distribution, and Use (Executive Order
13211)
This rule is not a significant energy action under the definition
in E.O. 13211. A Statement of Energy Effects is not required.
L. Administrative Procedure Act
OSMRE is issuing this final rule without prior public notice or
opportunity for public comment. The 2015 Act 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-24-
07, at 3-4.
M. 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.
N. Protection of Children From Environmental Health Risks and Safety
Risks (Executive Order 13045)
E.O. 13045 requires that environmental and related rules separately
evaluate the potential impact to children. However, E.O. 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 E.O. 13045.
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.
Delegation of Signing Authority
The action taken herein is pursuant to an existing delegation of
authority.
Steven H. Feldgus,
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. Amend Sec. 723.14 by revising table 1 to read as follows:
Sec. 723.14 Determination of amount of penalty.
* * * * *
Table 1 to Sec. 723.14
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Points Dollars
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1.......................................................... 82
2.......................................................... 164
3.......................................................... 246
4.......................................................... 327
5.......................................................... 410
6.......................................................... 491
7.......................................................... 573
8.......................................................... 651
9.......................................................... 736
10......................................................... 819
11......................................................... 899
12......................................................... 982
13......................................................... 1,061
14......................................................... 1,145
15......................................................... 1,230
16......................................................... 1,309
17......................................................... 1,391
18......................................................... 1,475
19......................................................... 1,555
20......................................................... 1,636
21......................................................... 1,720
22......................................................... 1,801
23......................................................... 1,882
24......................................................... 1,963
25......................................................... 2,045
26......................................................... 2,455
27......................................................... 2,864
28......................................................... 3,271
29......................................................... 3,527
30......................................................... 4,091
31......................................................... 4,499
32......................................................... 4,910
33......................................................... 5,319
34......................................................... 5,729
35......................................................... 6,137
36......................................................... 6,547
37......................................................... 6,956
38......................................................... 7,365
39......................................................... 7,773
40......................................................... 8,182
41......................................................... 8,594
42......................................................... 9,002
43......................................................... 9,408
44......................................................... 9,819
45......................................................... 10,228
46......................................................... 10,638
47......................................................... 11,046
48......................................................... 11,457
49......................................................... 11,864
50......................................................... 12,273
51......................................................... 12,681
52......................................................... 13,093
53......................................................... 13,502
54......................................................... 13,912
55......................................................... 14,322
56......................................................... 14,730
57......................................................... 15,137
58......................................................... 15,546
59......................................................... 15,957
60......................................................... 16,365
61......................................................... 16,774
62......................................................... 17,183
63......................................................... 17,593
64......................................................... 18,002
65......................................................... 18,410
66......................................................... 18,821
67......................................................... 19,230
68......................................................... 19,637
69......................................................... 20,047
70......................................................... 20,457
------------------------------------------------------------------------
[[Page 23911]]
0
3. Amend Sec. 723.15 by revising 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 $3,068 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 $20,457 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. Amend Sec. 845.14 by revising table 1 to read as follows:
Sec. 845.14 Determination of amount of penalty.
* * * * *
Table 1 to Sec. 854.14
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Points Dollars
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1.......................................................... 82
2.......................................................... 164
3.......................................................... 246
4.......................................................... 327
5.......................................................... 410
6.......................................................... 491
7.......................................................... 573
8.......................................................... 651
9.......................................................... 736
10......................................................... 819
11......................................................... 899
12......................................................... 982
13......................................................... 1,061
14......................................................... 1,145
15......................................................... 1,230
16......................................................... 1,309
17......................................................... 1,391
18......................................................... 1,475
19......................................................... 1,555
20......................................................... 1,636
21......................................................... 1,720
22......................................................... 1,801
23......................................................... 1,882
24......................................................... 1,963
25......................................................... 2,045
26......................................................... 2,455
27......................................................... 2,864
28......................................................... 3,271
29......................................................... 3,527
30......................................................... 4,091
31......................................................... 4,499
32......................................................... 4,910
33......................................................... 5,319
34......................................................... 5,729
35......................................................... 6,137
36......................................................... 6,547
37......................................................... 6,956
38......................................................... 7,365
39......................................................... 7,773
40......................................................... 8,182
41......................................................... 8,594
42......................................................... 9,002
43......................................................... 9,408
44......................................................... 9,819
45......................................................... 10,228
46......................................................... 10,638
47......................................................... 11,046
48......................................................... 11,457
49......................................................... 11,864
50......................................................... 12,273
51......................................................... 12,681
52......................................................... 13,093
53......................................................... 13,502
54......................................................... 13,912
55......................................................... 14,322
56......................................................... 14,730
57......................................................... 15,137
58......................................................... 15,546
59......................................................... 15,957
60......................................................... 16,365
61......................................................... 16,774
62......................................................... 17,183
63......................................................... 17,593
64......................................................... 18,002
65......................................................... 18,410
66......................................................... 18,821
67......................................................... 19,230
68......................................................... 19,637
69......................................................... 20,047
70......................................................... 20,457
------------------------------------------------------------------------
0
8. Amend Sec. 845.15 by revising 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 $3,068 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 $20,457 for each violation. * * *
[FR Doc. 2024-07205 Filed 4-4-24; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-05-P
