Safety Zone; Empire Wind 1 Wind Farm Project Area, Outer Continental Shelf, Lease OCS-A 0512, Offshore New York and New Jersey, Atlantic Ocean, 84316-84322 [2024-24393]

Download as PDF 84316 Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 204 / Tuesday, October 22, 2024 / Proposed Rules because the disclosure and other requirements of the Privacy Act could substantially compromise the efficacy and integrity of PBGC’s ability to investigate administrative, civil, or criminal legal matters. Disclosure could invade the privacy of individuals and disclose their identity when they were expressly promised confidentiality. Disclosure could interfere with the integrity of information which would otherwise be subject to legal privileges, see, e.g., 5 U.S.C. 552(b)(5), and which could interfere with other important law enforcement concerns, see, e.g., 5 U.S.C. 552(b)(7). Issued in Washington, DC. Ann Y. Orr, Acting Director, Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation. I. Table of Abbreviations BOEM Bureau of Ocean Energy Management CFR Code of Federal Regulations DD Degrees Decimal DHS Department of Homeland Security EW1 Empire Wind 1 FR Federal Register NJ New Jersey NPRM Notice of Proposed Rulemaking NY New York OCS Outer Continental Shelf OSS Offshore Substation NAD 83 North American Datum of 1983 NM Nautical Mile § Section U.S.C. United States Code WTG Wind Turbine Generator [FR Doc. 2024–24210 Filed 10–21–24; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 7709–02–P DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY Coast Guard 33 CFR Part 147 [Docket Number USCG–2024–0704] RIN 1625–AA00 Safety Zone; Empire Wind 1 Wind Farm Project Area, Outer Continental Shelf, Lease OCS–A 0512, Offshore New York and New Jersey, Atlantic Ocean Coast Guard, DHS. Notice of proposed rulemaking. AGENCY: ACTION: The Coast Guard proposes to establish 55 temporary safety zones around the construction of each facility during the development of the Empire Wind 1 Wind Farm project area within federal waters on the Outer Continental Shelf, specifically in the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management Renewable Energy Lease Area OCS–A 0512, approximately 12 nautical miles south of Long Island, NY. This action protects life, property, and the environment during construction of each facility from March 1, 2025, to February 29, 2028. When enforced, only attending vessels and vessels with authorization are permitted to enter or remain in the temporary safety zones. DATES: Comments and related material must be received by the Coast Guard on or before November 21, 2024. ADDRESSES: You may submit comments identified by docket number USCG– 2024–0704 using the Federal DecisionMaking Portal at https:// www.regulations.gov. See the ‘‘Public ddrumheller on DSK120RN23PROD with PROPOSALS1 SUMMARY: VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:51 Oct 21, 2024 Jkt 265001 Participation and Request for Comments’’ portion of the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section for further instructions on submitting comments. This notice of proposed rulemaking with its plain-language, 100word-or-less proposed rule summary will be available in this same docket. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: If you have questions about this proposed rulemaking, call or email Mr. Craig Lapiejko, Waterways Management, at Coast Guard First District, telephone 617–603–8592, email craig.d.lapiejko@ uscg.mil. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: II. Background, Purpose, and Legal Basis Empire Offshore Wind LLC, an offshore wind farm developer, notified the Coast Guard that they plan to begin construction of the Empire Wind 1 (EW1) facilities in the EW1 Wind Farm project area within federal waters on the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS). Specifically, construction will begin in a portion of the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) Renewable Energy Lease Area OCS–A 0512, approximately 12 nautical miles (NM) offshore south of Long Island, New York (NY), and 17 NM offshore east of Long Branch, New Jersey (NJ), possibly as early as March 2025. The extremely complex offshore construction of these OCS facilities presents many unusually hazardous conditions including hydraulic pile driving hammer operations, heavy lift operations, overhead cutting operations, potential falling debris, increased vessel traffic, and stationary vessels and barges in close proximity to the facilities and each other. Based on these circumstances, the First Coast Guard District Commander has determined that establishment of 55 temporary safety zones through rulemaking is warranted to ensure the safety of life, property, and the PO 00000 Frm 00013 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 environment within a 500-meter radius of each of the 55 facilities during their construction. The Coast Guard is proposing this rule under the authorities provided in 14 U.S.C. 544, 43 U.S.C. 1333, and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Delegation No. 00170.1, Revision No. 01.3. As an implementing regulation of this authority, 33 CFR part 147 permits the establishment of safety zones for non-mineral energy resource permanent or temporary structures located on the OCS for the purpose of protecting life and property on the facilities, appurtenances and attending vessels, and on the adjacent waters within the safety zone (see 33 CFR 147.10). Accordingly, a safety zone established under 33 CFR part 147 may also include provisions to restrict, prevent, or control certain activities, including access by vessels or persons to maintain safety of life, property, and the environment. III. Discussion of Proposed Rule The District Commander is proposing to establish 55 temporary 500-meter safety zones around the construction of 54 wind turbine generators (WTGs) and one offshore substation (OSS) on the OCS from March 1, 2025, through 11:59 p.m. on February 29, 2028. The construction of these facilities is expected to repeatedly include the installation of the foundations followed by the installation of the upper structures for all 55 facilities. Major construction activity could take place for a period lasting approximately 96 hours or more at several locations, sometimes simultaneously, in the lease area for these 55 facilities. The Coast Guard will make notice of each enforcement period via the Local Notice to Mariners and issue a Broadcast Notice to Mariners via marine channel 16 (VHF–FM) as soon as practicable in response to an emergency or hazardous condition. The Coast Guard is publishing this rulemaking to be effective, and enforceable, through February 29, 2028, to encompass any construction delays due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances. If, as currently scheduled, the project is completed before February 29, 2028, enforcement of the safety zones would be suspended, and notice given via Local Notice to Mariners. Additional information about the construction process of the EW1 can be found at https://www.boem.gov/ renewable-energy/state-activities/ empire-wind. The 55 temporary 500-meter safety zones around the construction of 54 WTGs and one OSS are in the EW1 E:\FR\FM\22OCP1.SGM 22OCP1 Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 204 / Tuesday, October 22, 2024 / Proposed Rules project area, specifically in a portion of the BOEM Renewable Energy Lease Area OCS–A 0512, approximately 12 NM offshore south of Long Island, NY, and 17 NM offshore east of Long Branch, NJ. The positions of each individual safety zone proposed by this rulemaking will be referred to using a unique alphanumeric naming convention. Aligning with authorities under 33 CFR 147.15, the proposed safety zones 84317 would include the area within 500meters of the center point of the positions provided in the table below expressed in Degrees (°) Minutes (′) Seconds (″) (DMS) based on North American Datum 1983 (NAD 83). TABLE 1—LIST OF PROPOSED SAFETY ZONES USING UNIQUE ALPHA-NUMERIC NAMING CONVENTION, FACILITY TYPE, AND LATITUDE AND LONGITUDE ddrumheller on DSK120RN23PROD with PROPOSALS1 Name Facility type B01 ................................................................................................................. C01 ................................................................................................................. B02 ................................................................................................................. D02 ................................................................................................................. B03 ................................................................................................................. D03 ................................................................................................................. B04 ................................................................................................................. D04 ................................................................................................................. B05 ................................................................................................................. D05 ................................................................................................................. B06 ................................................................................................................. E06 ................................................................................................................. B07 ................................................................................................................. E07 ................................................................................................................. B08 ................................................................................................................. E08 ................................................................................................................. B09 ................................................................................................................. C09 ................................................................................................................. F09 .................................................................................................................. B10 ................................................................................................................. C10 ................................................................................................................. D10 ................................................................................................................. E10 ................................................................................................................. B11 ................................................................................................................. C11 ................................................................................................................. D11 ................................................................................................................. E11 ................................................................................................................. F11 .................................................................................................................. B12 ................................................................................................................. C12 ................................................................................................................. B13 ................................................................................................................. C13 ................................................................................................................. B14 ................................................................................................................. D14 ................................................................................................................. C15 ................................................................................................................. H15 ................................................................................................................. B16 ................................................................................................................. G16 ................................................................................................................. H16 ................................................................................................................. B17 ................................................................................................................. D17 ................................................................................................................. F17 .................................................................................................................. C18 ................................................................................................................. D18 ................................................................................................................. E18 ................................................................................................................. F18 .................................................................................................................. B19 ................................................................................................................. C19 ................................................................................................................. D19 ................................................................................................................. E19 ................................................................................................................. B20 ................................................................................................................. C20 ................................................................................................................. D20 ................................................................................................................. B21 ................................................................................................................. C21 ................................................................................................................. VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:51 Oct 21, 2024 Jkt 265001 PO 00000 Frm 00014 Fmt 4702 WTG WTG WTG WTG WTG WTG WTG WTG WTG WTG WTG WTG WTG WTG WTG WTG WTG OSS WTG WTG WTG WTG WTG WTG WTG WTG WTG WTG WTG WTG WTG WTG WTG WTG WTG WTG WTG WTG WTG WTG WTG WTG WTG WTG WTG WTG WTG WTG WTG WTG WTG WTG WTG WTG WTG Sfmt 4702 Latitude 40°22′25.878″ N 40°21′35.382″ N 40°22′15.912″ N 40°21′12.870″ N 40°22′05.938″ N 40°20′50.352″ N 40°21′55.959″ N 40°20′27.828″ N 40°21′45.973″ N 40°20′05.299″ N 40°21′35.981″ N 40°19′42.762″ N 40°21′25.983″ N 40°19′20.220″ N 40°21′15.978″ N 40°18′57.671″ N 40°21′05.967″ N 40°20′25.307″ N 40°18′35.116″ N 40°20′55.950″ N 40°20′15.2898″ N 40°19′34.629″ N 40°18′53.969″ N 40°20′45.926″ N 40°20′05.266″ N 40°19′24.606″ N 40°18′43.946″ N 40°17′49.988″ N 40°20′35.896″ N 40°19′55.236″ N 40°20′25.860″ N 40°19′45.200″ N 40°20′15.817″ N 40°18′54.499″ N 40°19′25.110″ N 40°16′19.659″ N 40°19′55.714″ N 40°16′32.420″ N 40°15′57.881″ N 40°19′45.652″ N 40°18′24.335″ N 40°17′03.018″ N 40°18′54.926″ N 40°18′14.268″ N 40°17′33.610″ N 40°16′52.952″ N 40°19′25.511″ N 40°18′44.853″ N 40°18′04.195″ N 40°17′23.537″ N 40°19′15.431″ N 40°18′34.773″ N 40°17′54.115″ N 40°19′05.344″ N 40°18′24.687″ N E:\FR\FM\22OCP1.SGM 22OCP1 Longitude 73°33′41.509″ 73°33′42.583″ 73°32′49.958″ 73°32′51.312″ 73°31′58.412″ 73°32′00.051″ 73°31′06.870″ 73°31′08.799″ 73°30′15.333″ 73°30′17.557″ 73°29′23.800″ 73°29′26.325″ 73°28′32.271″ 73°28′35.102″ 73°27′40.747″ 73°27′43.888″ 73°26′49.227″ 73°26′50.160″ 73°26′52.685″ 73°25′57.712″ 73°25′58.653″ 73°25′59.594″ 73°26′00.534″ 73°25′06.201″ 73°25′07.150″ 73°25′08.100″ 73°25′09.048″ 73°25′10.306″ 73°24′14.694″ 73°24′15.652″ 73°23′23.192″ 73°23′24.159″ 73°22′31.694″ 73°22′33.644″ 73°21′41.185″ 73°21′45.664″ 73°20′48.712″ 73°20′53.667″ 73°20′54.528″ 73°19′57.228″ 73°19′59.229″ 73°20′01.227″ 73°19′06.757″ 73°19′07.766″ 73°19′08.774″ 73°19′09.781″ 73°18′14.273″ 73°18′15.290″ 73°18′16.307″ 73°18′17.324″ 73°17′22.802″ 73°17′23.828″ 73°17′24.853″ 73°16′31.335″ 73°16′32.370″ W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W 84318 Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 204 / Tuesday, October 22, 2024 / Proposed Rules The positions of the 55 proposed safety zones are shown on the chartlets below. For scaling purposes, there is approximately 0.65 NM spacing between each position. BILLING CODE 9110–04–P Figure 1 Small Scale Chartlet Showing the Positions of the Proposed Safety Zones in Relation to the Approaches to New York and New Jersey N A .I f I I I , l I f I I I I I I f. I I I I: • ., .i," J ,:_ 5 __ 10 VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:51 Oct 21, 2024 Jkt 265001 PO 00000 Frm 00015 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 E:\FR\FM\22OCP1.SGM 22OCP1 EP22OC24.006</GPH> ddrumheller on DSK120RN23PROD with PROPOSALS1 Figure 2 Large Scale Chartlet Showing the Positions of the Proposed Safety Zones With a 500-Meter Safety Zone Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 204 / Tuesday, October 22, 2024 / Proposed Rules 84319 Figure 3 Chartlet Showing Locations Using Alpha-Numeric Naming Convention .001 .002 803 804 • .co1 • .sos 806 • .002 7 .sos .B09 .BO .D03 .810 .811 .812 .813 .cog .c10 .c11 .814 C12 C13 .D04 .oos . . .E06 010 D11 .E07 _E08 816 817 .819 .820 .821 ElO E11 .F09 • . . . . .D14 C18 C19 C20 • • • • .e21 .017 .018 .D19 .020 .fll •l:lS •E19 . . F17 F18 • 2 16:51 Oct 21, 2024 . 4Miles BILLING CODE 9110–04–C VerDate Sep<11>2014 H15 • H16 Navigation in the vicinity of the proposed safety zones consists of large Jkt 265001 PO 00000 Frm 00016 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 commercial shipping vessels, fishing E:\FR\FM\22OCP1.SGM 22OCP1 EP22OC24.007</GPH> EP22OC24.008</GPH> ddrumheller on DSK120RN23PROD with PROPOSALS1 G16 84320 Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 204 / Tuesday, October 22, 2024 / Proposed Rules vessels, cruise ships, tugs with tows, and recreational vessels. When enforced, no unauthorized vessel or person would be permitted to enter the safety zone without obtaining permission from the First Coast Guard District Commander or a designated representative. Requests for entry into the safety zone would be considered and reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Persons or vessels seeking to enter the safety zone must request authorization from the First Coast Guard District Commander or designated representative via VHF–FM channel 16 or by phone at 866–842–1560 (First Coast Guard District Command Center). If permission is granted, all persons and vessels shall comply with the instructions of the First Coast Guard District Commander or designated representative. The proposed regulatory text appears at the end of this document. ddrumheller on DSK120RN23PROD with PROPOSALS1 IV. Regulatory Analyses We developed this proposed rule after considering numerous statutes and Executive Orders related to rulemaking. A summary of our analyses based on these statutes and Executive Orders follows. A. Regulatory Planning and Review Executive Orders 12866 and 13563 direct agencies to assess the costs and benefits of available regulatory alternatives and, if regulation is necessary, to select regulatory approaches that maximize net benefits. This NPRM has not been designated a ‘‘significant regulatory action,’’ under Executive Order 12866. Accordingly, the NPRM has not been reviewed by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). Aligning with 33 CFR 147.15, the safety zones established would extend to a maximum distance of 500-meters around the OCS facility measured from its center point. Vessel traffic would be able to safely transit around the proposed safety zones, which would impact a small, designated area in the Atlantic Ocean, without significant impediment to their voyage. This safety zone would provide for the safety of life, property, and the environment during the construction of each structure, in accordance with Coast Guard maritime safety missions. B. Impact on Small Entities The Regulatory Flexibility Act of 1980, 5 U.S.C. 601–612, as amended, requires Federal agencies to consider the potential impact of regulations on small entities during rulemaking. The term ‘‘small entities’’ comprises small VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:51 Oct 21, 2024 Jkt 265001 businesses, not-for-profit organizations that are independently owned and operated and are not dominant in their fields, and governmental jurisdictions with populations of less than 50,000. The Coast Guard certifies under 5 U.S.C. 605(b) that this proposed rule would not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. This rule may affect owners or operators of vessels intending to transit or anchor in the EW1, some of which might be small entities. However, these safety zones would not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of these entities because they are temporarily enforced, allow for deviation requests, and do not impact vessel transit significantly. Regarding the enforcement period, although these safety zones would be in effect from March 1, 2025, through February 29, 2028, vessels would only be prohibited from the regulated zone during periods of actual construction activity in correspondence to the period of enforcement. We expect the enforcement period at each location to last for a short period. Additionally, vessel traffic could pass safely around each safety zone using an alternate route. Use of an alternate route likely will cause minimal delay for the vessel in reaching their destination depending on other traffic in the area and vessel speed. Vessels would also be able to request deviation from this rule to transit through a safety zone. Such requests would be considered on a case by-case basis and may be authorized by the First Coast Guard District Commander or a designated representative. For these reasons, the Coast Guard expects any impact of this rulemaking establishing a temporary safety zone around these OCS facilities to be minimal and have no significant economic impact on small entities. If you think that your business, organization, or governmental jurisdiction qualifies as a small entity and that this proposed rule would have a significant economic impact on it, please submit a comment (see ADDRESSES) explaining why you think it qualifies and how and to what degree this rule would economically affect it. Under section 213(a) of the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act of 1996 (Pub. L. 104–121), we want to assist small entities in understanding this proposed rule. If the proposed rule would affect your small business, organization, or governmental jurisdiction and you have questions concerning its provisions or options for compliance, please call or email the person listed in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section. The Coast PO 00000 Frm 00017 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 Guard will not retaliate against small entities that question or complain about this proposed rule or any policy or action of the Coast Guard. C. Collection of Information This proposed rule would not call for a new collection of information under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501–3520). D. Federalism and Indian Tribal Governments A rule has implications for federalism under Executive Order 13132 (Federalism), if it has a substantial direct effect on the States, on the relationship between the National Government and the States, or on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government. We have analyzed this proposed rule under that Order and have determined that it is consistent with the fundamental federalism principles and preemption requirements described in Executive Order 13132. Also, this proposed rule does not have Tribal implications under Executive Order 13175 (Consultation and Coordination with Indian Tribal Governments) because it would not have a substantial direct effect on one or more Indian tribes, on the relationship between the Federal Government and Indian tribes, or on the distribution of power and responsibilities between the Federal Government and Indian tribes. If you believe this proposed rule has implications for federalism or Indian tribes, please call or email the person listed in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section. E. Unfunded Mandates Reform Act The Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 (2 U.S.C. 1531–1538) requires Federal agencies to assess the effects of their discretionary regulatory actions. In particular, the Act addresses actions that may result in the expenditure by a State, local, or Tribal government, in the aggregate, or by the private sector of $100,000,000 (adjusted for inflation) or more in any one year. Though this proposed rule would not result in such an expenditure, we do discuss the potential effects of this proposed rule elsewhere in this preamble. F. Environment We have analyzed this proposed rule under Department of Homeland Security Directive 023–01, Rev. 1, associated implementing instructions, and Environmental Planning COMDTINST 5090.1 (series), which guide the Coast Guard in complying with the National Environmental Policy E:\FR\FM\22OCP1.SGM 22OCP1 84321 Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 204 / Tuesday, October 22, 2024 / Proposed Rules Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321–4370f), and have made a preliminary determination that this action is one of a category of actions that do not individually or cumulatively have a significant effect on the human environment. This proposed rule involves the establishment of a safety zone around an OCS facility to protect life, property, and the marine environment. Normally such actions are categorically excluded from further review under paragraph L60(a) of appendix A, table 1 of DHS Instruction Manual 023–01–001–01, Rev. 1. A preliminary Record of Environmental Consideration supporting this determination is available in the docket. For instructions on locating the docket, see the ADDRESSES section of this preamble. We seek any comments or information that may lead to the discovery of a significant environmental impact from this proposed rule. G. Protest Activities The Coast Guard respects the First Amendment rights of protesters. Protesters are asked to call or email the person listed in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section to coordinate protest activities so that your message can be received without jeopardizing the safety or security of people, places, or vessels. V. Public Participation and Request for Comments We view public participation as essential to effective rulemaking and will consider all comments and material received during the comment period. Your comment can help shape the outcome of this rulemaking. If you submit a comment, please include the docket number for this rulemaking, indicate the specific section of this document to which each comment applies, and provide a reason for each suggestion or recommendation. Submitting comments. We encourage you to submit comments through the Federal Decision-Making Portal at https://www.regulations.gov. To do so, go to https://www.regulations.gov, type USCG–2024–0704 in the search box and click ‘‘Search.’’ Next, look for this document in the Search Results column, and click on it. Then click on the Comment option. If you cannot submit your material by using https:// www.regulations.gov, call or email the person in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section of this proposed rule for alternate instructions. Viewing material in docket. To view documents mentioned in this proposed rule as being available in the docket, find the docket as described in the previous paragraph, and then select ‘‘Supporting & Related Material’’ in the Document Type column. Public comments will also be placed in our online docket and can be viewed by following instructions on the https:// www.regulations.gov Frequently Asked Questions web page. We review all comments received, but we will only post comments that address the topic of the proposed rule. We may choose not to post off-topic, inappropriate, or duplicate comments that we receive. Personal information. We accept anonymous comments. Comments we post to https://www.regulations.gov will include any personal information you have provided. For more about privacy and submissions to the docket in response to this document, see DHS’s eRulemaking System of Records notice (85 FR 14226, March 11, 2020). List of Subjects in 33 CFR Part 147 Continental shelf, Marine safety, Navigation (waters). For the reasons discussed in the preamble, the Coast Guard is proposing to amend 33 CFR part 147 as follows: PART 147—SAFETY ZONES 1. The authority citation for part 147 continues to read as follows: ■ Authority: 14 U.S.C. 544; 43 U.S.C. 1333; 33 CFR 1.05–1; Department of Homeland Security Delegation No. 00170.1, Revision No. 01.3. 2. Add § 147.T01–0704 to read as follows: ■ § 147.T01–0704 Safety Zone; Empire Wind 1 Wind Farm Project Area, Outer Continental Shelf, Lease OCS–A 0512, Offshore New York and New Jersey, Atlantic Ocean. (a) Description. The area within 500meters of the center point of the positions provided in the table below is an individual safety zone: TABLE 1 TO PARAGRAPH (a) ddrumheller on DSK120RN23PROD with PROPOSALS1 Name Facility type B01 ................................................................................................................. C01 ................................................................................................................. B02 ................................................................................................................. D02 ................................................................................................................. B03 ................................................................................................................. D03 ................................................................................................................. B04 ................................................................................................................. D04 ................................................................................................................. B05 ................................................................................................................. D05 ................................................................................................................. B06 ................................................................................................................. E06 ................................................................................................................. B07 ................................................................................................................. E07 ................................................................................................................. B08 ................................................................................................................. E08 ................................................................................................................. B09 ................................................................................................................. C09 ................................................................................................................. F09 .................................................................................................................. B10 ................................................................................................................. C10 ................................................................................................................. D10 ................................................................................................................. E10 ................................................................................................................. B11 ................................................................................................................. C11 ................................................................................................................. D11 ................................................................................................................. E11 ................................................................................................................. VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:51 Oct 21, 2024 Jkt 265001 PO 00000 Frm 00018 Fmt 4702 WTG WTG WTG WTG WTG WTG WTG WTG WTG WTG WTG WTG WTG WTG WTG WTG WTG OSS WTG WTG WTG WTG WTG WTG WTG WTG WTG Sfmt 4702 Latitude 40°22′25.878″ N 40°21′35.382″ N 40°22′15.912″ N 40°21′12.870″ N 40°22′05.938″ N 40°20′50.352″ N 40°21′55.959″ N 40°20′27.828″ N 40°21′45.973″ N 40°20′05.299″ N 40°21′35.981″ N 40°19′42.762″ N 40°21′25.983″ N 40°19′20.220″ N 40°21′15.978″ N 40°18′57.671″ N 40°21′05.967″ N 40°20′25.307″ N 40°18′35.116″ N 40°20′55.950″ N 40°20′15.2898″ N 40°19′34.629″ N 40°18′53.969″ N 40°20′45.926″ N 40°20′05.266″ N 40°19′24.606″ N 40°18′43.946″ N E:\FR\FM\22OCP1.SGM 22OCP1 Longitude 73°33′41.509″ 73°33′42.583″ 73°32′49.958″ 73°32′51.312″ 73°31′58.412″ 73°32′00.051″ 73°31′06.870″ 73°31′08.799″ 73°30′15.333″ 73°30′17.557″ 73°29′23.800″ 73°29′26.325″ 73°28′32.271″ 73°28′35.102″ 73°27′40.747″ 73°27′43.888″ 73°26′49.227″ 73°26′50.160″ 73°26′52.685″ 73°25′57.712″ 73°25′58.653″ 73°25′59.594″ 73°26′00.534″ 73°25′06.201″ 73°25′07.150″ 73°25′08.100″ 73°25′09.048″ W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W 84322 Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 204 / Tuesday, October 22, 2024 / Proposed Rules TABLE 1 TO PARAGRAPH (a)—Continued Name Facility type ddrumheller on DSK120RN23PROD with PROPOSALS1 F11 .................................................................................................................. B12 ................................................................................................................. C12 ................................................................................................................. B13 ................................................................................................................. C13 ................................................................................................................. B14 ................................................................................................................. D14 ................................................................................................................. C15 ................................................................................................................. H15 ................................................................................................................. B16 ................................................................................................................. G16 ................................................................................................................. H16 ................................................................................................................. B17 ................................................................................................................. D17 ................................................................................................................. F17 .................................................................................................................. C18 ................................................................................................................. D18 ................................................................................................................. E18 ................................................................................................................. F18 .................................................................................................................. B19 ................................................................................................................. C19 ................................................................................................................. D19 ................................................................................................................. E19 ................................................................................................................. B20 ................................................................................................................. C20 ................................................................................................................. D20 ................................................................................................................. B21 ................................................................................................................. C21 ................................................................................................................. (b) Definitions. As used in this section, designated representative means a Coast Guard Patrol Commander, including a Coast Guard coxswain, petty officer, or other officer operating a Coast Guard vessel and a Federal, State, and local officer designated by or assisting the First Coast Guard District Commander in the enforcement of the safety zones. Local officer means any officer, agent, or employee of a unit of local government authorized by law or by a local government agency to engage in or supervise the prevention, detection, investigation, or prosecution of any violation of criminal law. (c) Regulations. No vessel may enter or remain in this safety zone except for the following: (1) An attending vessel as defined in 33 CFR 147.20; (2) A vessel authorized by the First Coast Guard District Commander or a designated representative. (d) Request for Permission. Persons or vessels seeking to enter the safety zone must request authorization from the First Coast Guard District Commander or a designated representative. If permission is granted, all persons and vessels must comply with lawful instructions of the First Coast Guard District Commander or designated representative via VHF–FM channel 16 or by phone at 866–842–1560 (First Coast Guard District Command Center). VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:51 Oct 21, 2024 Jkt 265001 WTG WTG WTG WTG WTG WTG WTG WTG WTG WTG WTG WTG WTG WTG WTG WTG WTG WTG WTG WTG WTG WTG WTG WTG WTG WTG WTG WTG 40°17′49.988″ 40°20′35.896″ 40°19′55.236″ 40°20′25.860″ 40°19′45.200″ 40°20′15.817″ 40°18′54.499″ 40°19′25.110″ 40°16′19.659″ 40°19′55.714″ 40°16′32.420″ 40°15′57.881″ 40°19′45.652″ 40°18′24.335″ 40°17′03.018″ 40°18′54.926″ 40°18′14.268″ 40°17′33.610″ 40°16′52.952″ 40°19′25.511″ 40°18′44.853″ 40°18′04.195″ 40°17′23.537″ 40°19′15.431″ 40°18′34.773″ 40°17′54.115″ 40°19′05.344″ 40°18′24.687″ (e) Effective and enforcement periods. This section will be effective from March 1, 2025, through 11:59 p.m. on February 29, 2028. But it will only be enforced during active construction or other instances which may cause a hazard to navigation deemed necessary by the First Coast Guard District Commander. The First Coast Guard District Commander will make notification of the exact dates and times in advance of each enforcement period for the safety zones in paragraph (a) of this section to the local maritime community through the Local Notice to Mariners and will issue a Broadcast Notice to Mariners via marine channel 16 (VHF–FM) as soon as practicable in response to an emergency. If the project is completed before February 29, 2028, enforcement of the safety zones will be suspended, and notice given via Local Notice to Mariners. The First Coast Guard District Local Notice to Mariners can be found at: https:// www.navcen.uscg.gov. (f) Processing of violations. Violations of this section may be processed in accordance with 33 CFR 140.40 on civil and criminal penalty proceedings. M.E. Platt, Rear Admiral, U.S. Coast Guard, Commander, First Coast Guard District. [FR Doc. 2024–24393 Filed 10–21–24; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 9110–04–P PO 00000 Frm 00019 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 Latitude Longitude N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N 73°25′10.306″ 73°24′14.694″ 73°24′15.652″ 73°23′23.192″ 73°23′24.159″ 73°22′31.694″ 73°22′33.644″ 73°21′41.185″ 73°21′45.664″ 73°20′48.712″ 73°20′53.667″ 73°20′54.528″ 73°19′57.228″ 73°19′59.229″ 73°20′01.227″ 73°19′06.757″ 73°19′07.766″ 73°19′08.774″ 73°19′09.781″ 73°18′14.273″ 73°18′15.290″ 73°18′16.307″ 73°18′17.324″ 73°17′22.802″ 73°17′23.828″ 73°17′24.853″ 73°16′31.335″ 73°16′32.370″ W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY 40 CFR Part 52 [EPA–R10–OAR–2024–0372; FRL–12293– 01–R10] Air Plan Approval; WA; Excess Emissions, Startup, Shutdown, and Malfunction Revisions, Energy Facility Site Evaluation Council Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). ACTION: Proposed rule. AGENCY: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing to approve Washington State Implementation Plan (SIP) revisions to the Energy Facility Site Evaluation Council (EFSEC) air quality regulations submitted by the State of Washington, through the Department of Ecology (Ecology) on June 15, 2023. The revisions were submitted in response to EPA’s June 12, 2015 ‘‘SIP call’’ in which the EPA found a substantially inadequate Washington SIP provision providing affirmative defenses that operate to limit the jurisdiction of the Federal court in an enforcement action related to excess emissions during startup, shutdown, and malfunction (SSM) events. The EPA is proposing approval of the SIP revisions and proposing to determine that removal of the substantially SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\22OCP1.SGM 22OCP1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 204 (Tuesday, October 22, 2024)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 84316-84322]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2024-24393]


=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Coast Guard

33 CFR Part 147

[Docket Number USCG-2024-0704]
RIN 1625-AA00


Safety Zone; Empire Wind 1 Wind Farm Project Area, Outer 
Continental Shelf, Lease OCS-A 0512, Offshore New York and New Jersey, 
Atlantic Ocean

AGENCY: Coast Guard, DHS.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking.

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

SUMMARY: The Coast Guard proposes to establish 55 temporary safety 
zones around the construction of each facility during the development 
of the Empire Wind 1 Wind Farm project area within federal waters on 
the Outer Continental Shelf, specifically in the Bureau of Ocean Energy 
Management Renewable Energy Lease Area OCS-A 0512, approximately 12 
nautical miles south of Long Island, NY. This action protects life, 
property, and the environment during construction of each facility from 
March 1, 2025, to February 29, 2028. When enforced, only attending 
vessels and vessels with authorization are permitted to enter or remain 
in the temporary safety zones.

DATES: Comments and related material must be received by the Coast 
Guard on or before November 21, 2024.

ADDRESSES: You may submit comments identified by docket number USCG-
2024-0704 using the Federal Decision-Making Portal at https://www.regulations.gov. See the ``Public Participation and Request for 
Comments'' portion of the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section for further 
instructions on submitting comments. This notice of proposed rulemaking 
with its plain-language, 100-word-or-less proposed rule summary will be 
available in this same docket.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: If you have questions about this 
proposed rulemaking, call or email Mr. Craig Lapiejko, Waterways 
Management, at Coast Guard First District, telephone 617-603-8592, 
email [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

I. Table of Abbreviations

BOEM Bureau of Ocean Energy Management
CFR Code of Federal Regulations
DD Degrees Decimal
DHS Department of Homeland Security
EW1 Empire Wind 1
FR Federal Register
NJ New Jersey
NPRM Notice of Proposed Rulemaking
NY New York
OCS Outer Continental Shelf
OSS Offshore Substation
NAD 83 North American Datum of 1983
NM Nautical Mile
Sec.  Section
U.S.C. United States Code
WTG Wind Turbine Generator

II. Background, Purpose, and Legal Basis

    Empire Offshore Wind LLC, an offshore wind farm developer, notified 
the Coast Guard that they plan to begin construction of the Empire Wind 
1 (EW1) facilities in the EW1 Wind Farm project area within federal 
waters on the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS). Specifically, construction 
will begin in a portion of the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) 
Renewable Energy Lease Area OCS-A 0512, approximately 12 nautical miles 
(NM) offshore south of Long Island, New York (NY), and 17 NM offshore 
east of Long Branch, New Jersey (NJ), possibly as early as March 2025.
    The extremely complex offshore construction of these OCS facilities 
presents many unusually hazardous conditions including hydraulic pile 
driving hammer operations, heavy lift operations, overhead cutting 
operations, potential falling debris, increased vessel traffic, and 
stationary vessels and barges in close proximity to the facilities and 
each other.
    Based on these circumstances, the First Coast Guard District 
Commander has determined that establishment of 55 temporary safety 
zones through rulemaking is warranted to ensure the safety of life, 
property, and the environment within a 500-meter radius of each of the 
55 facilities during their construction.
    The Coast Guard is proposing this rule under the authorities 
provided in 14 U.S.C. 544, 43 U.S.C. 1333, and Department of Homeland 
Security (DHS) Delegation No. 00170.1, Revision No. 01.3. As an 
implementing regulation of this authority, 33 CFR part 147 permits the 
establishment of safety zones for non-mineral energy resource permanent 
or temporary structures located on the OCS for the purpose of 
protecting life and property on the facilities, appurtenances and 
attending vessels, and on the adjacent waters within the safety zone 
(see 33 CFR 147.10). Accordingly, a safety zone established under 33 
CFR part 147 may also include provisions to restrict, prevent, or 
control certain activities, including access by vessels or persons to 
maintain safety of life, property, and the environment.

III. Discussion of Proposed Rule

    The District Commander is proposing to establish 55 temporary 500-
meter safety zones around the construction of 54 wind turbine 
generators (WTGs) and one offshore substation (OSS) on the OCS from 
March 1, 2025, through 11:59 p.m. on February 29, 2028.
    The construction of these facilities is expected to repeatedly 
include the installation of the foundations followed by the 
installation of the upper structures for all 55 facilities. Major 
construction activity could take place for a period lasting 
approximately 96 hours or more at several locations, sometimes 
simultaneously, in the lease area for these 55 facilities. The Coast 
Guard will make notice of each enforcement period via the Local Notice 
to Mariners and issue a Broadcast Notice to Mariners via marine channel 
16 (VHF-FM) as soon as practicable in response to an emergency or 
hazardous condition. The Coast Guard is publishing this rulemaking to 
be effective, and enforceable, through February 29, 2028, to encompass 
any construction delays due to weather or other unforeseen 
circumstances. If, as currently scheduled, the project is completed 
before February 29, 2028, enforcement of the safety zones would be 
suspended, and notice given via Local Notice to Mariners.
    Additional information about the construction process of the EW1 
can be found at https://www.boem.gov/renewable-energy/state-activities/empire-wind.
    The 55 temporary 500-meter safety zones around the construction of 
54 WTGs and one OSS are in the EW1

[[Page 84317]]

project area, specifically in a portion of the BOEM Renewable Energy 
Lease Area OCS-A 0512, approximately 12 NM offshore south of Long 
Island, NY, and 17 NM offshore east of Long Branch, NJ.
    The positions of each individual safety zone proposed by this 
rulemaking will be referred to using a unique alpha-numeric naming 
convention.
    Aligning with authorities under 33 CFR 147.15, the proposed safety 
zones would include the area within 500-meters of the center point of 
the positions provided in the table below expressed in Degrees ([deg]) 
Minutes (') Seconds ('') (DMS) based on North American Datum 1983 (NAD 
83).

Table 1--List of Proposed Safety Zones Using Unique Alpha-Numeric Naming Convention, Facility Type, and Latitude
                                                  and Longitude
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
             Name                     Facility type                 Latitude                   Longitude
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
B01..........................  WTG                         40[deg]22'25.878'' N        73[deg]33'41.509'' W
C01..........................  WTG                         40[deg]21'35.382'' N        73[deg]33'42.583'' W
B02..........................  WTG                         40[deg]22'15.912'' N        73[deg]32'49.958'' W
D02..........................  WTG                         40[deg]21'12.870'' N        73[deg]32'51.312'' W
B03..........................  WTG                         40[deg]22'05.938'' N        73[deg]31'58.412'' W
D03..........................  WTG                         40[deg]20'50.352'' N        73[deg]32'00.051'' W
B04..........................  WTG                         40[deg]21'55.959'' N        73[deg]31'06.870'' W
D04..........................  WTG                         40[deg]20'27.828'' N        73[deg]31'08.799'' W
B05..........................  WTG                         40[deg]21'45.973'' N        73[deg]30'15.333'' W
D05..........................  WTG                         40[deg]20'05.299'' N        73[deg]30'17.557'' W
B06..........................  WTG                         40[deg]21'35.981'' N        73[deg]29'23.800'' W
E06..........................  WTG                         40[deg]19'42.762'' N        73[deg]29'26.325'' W
B07..........................  WTG                         40[deg]21'25.983'' N        73[deg]28'32.271'' W
E07..........................  WTG                         40[deg]19'20.220'' N        73[deg]28'35.102'' W
B08..........................  WTG                         40[deg]21'15.978'' N        73[deg]27'40.747'' W
E08..........................  WTG                         40[deg]18'57.671'' N        73[deg]27'43.888'' W
B09..........................  WTG                         40[deg]21'05.967'' N        73[deg]26'49.227'' W
C09..........................  OSS                         40[deg]20'25.307'' N        73[deg]26'50.160'' W
F09..........................  WTG                         40[deg]18'35.116'' N        73[deg]26'52.685'' W
B10..........................  WTG                         40[deg]20'55.950'' N        73[deg]25'57.712'' W
C10..........................  WTG                         40[deg]20'15.2898'' N       73[deg]25'58.653'' W
D10..........................  WTG                         40[deg]19'34.629'' N        73[deg]25'59.594'' W
E10..........................  WTG                         40[deg]18'53.969'' N        73[deg]26'00.534'' W
B11..........................  WTG                         40[deg]20'45.926'' N        73[deg]25'06.201'' W
C11..........................  WTG                         40[deg]20'05.266'' N        73[deg]25'07.150'' W
D11..........................  WTG                         40[deg]19'24.606'' N        73[deg]25'08.100'' W
E11..........................  WTG                         40[deg]18'43.946'' N        73[deg]25'09.048'' W
F11..........................  WTG                         40[deg]17'49.988'' N        73[deg]25'10.306'' W
B12..........................  WTG                         40[deg]20'35.896'' N        73[deg]24'14.694'' W
C12..........................  WTG                         40[deg]19'55.236'' N        73[deg]24'15.652'' W
B13..........................  WTG                         40[deg]20'25.860'' N        73[deg]23'23.192'' W
C13..........................  WTG                         40[deg]19'45.200'' N        73[deg]23'24.159'' W
B14..........................  WTG                         40[deg]20'15.817'' N        73[deg]22'31.694'' W
D14..........................  WTG                         40[deg]18'54.499'' N        73[deg]22'33.644'' W
C15..........................  WTG                         40[deg]19'25.110'' N        73[deg]21'41.185'' W
H15..........................  WTG                         40[deg]16'19.659'' N        73[deg]21'45.664'' W
B16..........................  WTG                         40[deg]19'55.714'' N        73[deg]20'48.712'' W
G16..........................  WTG                         40[deg]16'32.420'' N        73[deg]20'53.667'' W
H16..........................  WTG                         40[deg]15'57.881'' N        73[deg]20'54.528'' W
B17..........................  WTG                         40[deg]19'45.652'' N        73[deg]19'57.228'' W
D17..........................  WTG                         40[deg]18'24.335'' N        73[deg]19'59.229'' W
F17..........................  WTG                         40[deg]17'03.018'' N        73[deg]20'01.227'' W
C18..........................  WTG                         40[deg]18'54.926'' N        73[deg]19'06.757'' W
D18..........................  WTG                         40[deg]18'14.268'' N        73[deg]19'07.766'' W
E18..........................  WTG                         40[deg]17'33.610'' N        73[deg]19'08.774'' W
F18..........................  WTG                         40[deg]16'52.952'' N        73[deg]19'09.781'' W
B19..........................  WTG                         40[deg]19'25.511'' N        73[deg]18'14.273'' W
C19..........................  WTG                         40[deg]18'44.853'' N        73[deg]18'15.290'' W
D19..........................  WTG                         40[deg]18'04.195'' N        73[deg]18'16.307'' W
E19..........................  WTG                         40[deg]17'23.537'' N        73[deg]18'17.324'' W
B20..........................  WTG                         40[deg]19'15.431'' N        73[deg]17'22.802'' W
C20..........................  WTG                         40[deg]18'34.773'' N        73[deg]17'23.828'' W
D20..........................  WTG                         40[deg]17'54.115'' N        73[deg]17'24.853'' W
B21..........................  WTG                         40[deg]19'05.344'' N        73[deg]16'31.335'' W
C21..........................  WTG                         40[deg]18'24.687'' N        73[deg]16'32.370'' W
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


[[Page 84318]]

    The positions of the 55 proposed safety zones are shown on the 
chartlets below. For scaling purposes, there is approximately 0.65 NM 
spacing between each position.
BILLING CODE 9110-04-P

Figure 1 Small Scale Chartlet Showing the Positions of the Proposed 
Safety Zones in Relation to the Approaches to New York and New Jersey
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP22OC24.006

Figure 2 Large Scale Chartlet Showing the Positions of the Proposed 
Safety Zones With a 500-Meter Safety Zone

[[Page 84319]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP22OC24.007

Figure 3 Chartlet Showing Locations Using Alpha-Numeric Naming 
Convention
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP22OC24.008

BILLING CODE 9110-04-C
    Navigation in the vicinity of the proposed safety zones consists of 
large commercial shipping vessels, fishing

[[Page 84320]]

vessels, cruise ships, tugs with tows, and recreational vessels.
    When enforced, no unauthorized vessel or person would be permitted 
to enter the safety zone without obtaining permission from the First 
Coast Guard District Commander or a designated representative. Requests 
for entry into the safety zone would be considered and reviewed on a 
case-by-case basis. Persons or vessels seeking to enter the safety zone 
must request authorization from the First Coast Guard District 
Commander or designated representative via VHF-FM channel 16 or by 
phone at 866-842-1560 (First Coast Guard District Command Center). If 
permission is granted, all persons and vessels shall comply with the 
instructions of the First Coast Guard District Commander or designated 
representative.
    The proposed regulatory text appears at the end of this document.

IV. Regulatory Analyses

    We developed this proposed rule after considering numerous statutes 
and Executive Orders related to rulemaking. A summary of our analyses 
based on these statutes and Executive Orders follows.

A. Regulatory Planning and Review

    Executive Orders 12866 and 13563 direct agencies to assess the 
costs and benefits of available regulatory alternatives and, if 
regulation is necessary, to select regulatory approaches that maximize 
net benefits. This NPRM has not been designated a ``significant 
regulatory action,'' under Executive Order 12866. Accordingly, the NPRM 
has not been reviewed by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB).
    Aligning with 33 CFR 147.15, the safety zones established would 
extend to a maximum distance of 500-meters around the OCS facility 
measured from its center point. Vessel traffic would be able to safely 
transit around the proposed safety zones, which would impact a small, 
designated area in the Atlantic Ocean, without significant impediment 
to their voyage. This safety zone would provide for the safety of life, 
property, and the environment during the construction of each 
structure, in accordance with Coast Guard maritime safety missions.

B. Impact on Small Entities

    The Regulatory Flexibility Act of 1980, 5 U.S.C. 601-612, as 
amended, requires Federal agencies to consider the potential impact of 
regulations on small entities during rulemaking. The term ``small 
entities'' comprises small businesses, not-for-profit organizations 
that are independently owned and operated and are not dominant in their 
fields, and governmental jurisdictions with populations of less than 
50,000. The Coast Guard certifies under 5 U.S.C. 605(b) that this 
proposed rule would not have a significant economic impact on a 
substantial number of small entities.
    This rule may affect owners or operators of vessels intending to 
transit or anchor in the EW1, some of which might be small entities. 
However, these safety zones would not have a significant economic 
impact on a substantial number of these entities because they are 
temporarily enforced, allow for deviation requests, and do not impact 
vessel transit significantly. Regarding the enforcement period, 
although these safety zones would be in effect from March 1, 2025, 
through February 29, 2028, vessels would only be prohibited from the 
regulated zone during periods of actual construction activity in 
correspondence to the period of enforcement. We expect the enforcement 
period at each location to last for a short period. Additionally, 
vessel traffic could pass safely around each safety zone using an 
alternate route. Use of an alternate route likely will cause minimal 
delay for the vessel in reaching their destination depending on other 
traffic in the area and vessel speed. Vessels would also be able to 
request deviation from this rule to transit through a safety zone. Such 
requests would be considered on a case by-case basis and may be 
authorized by the First Coast Guard District Commander or a designated 
representative. For these reasons, the Coast Guard expects any impact 
of this rulemaking establishing a temporary safety zone around these 
OCS facilities to be minimal and have no significant economic impact on 
small entities.
    If you think that your business, organization, or governmental 
jurisdiction qualifies as a small entity and that this proposed rule 
would have a significant economic impact on it, please submit a comment 
(see ADDRESSES) explaining why you think it qualifies and how and to 
what degree this rule would economically affect it.
    Under section 213(a) of the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement 
Fairness Act of 1996 (Pub. L. 104-121), we want to assist small 
entities in understanding this proposed rule. If the proposed rule 
would affect your small business, organization, or governmental 
jurisdiction and you have questions concerning its provisions or 
options for compliance, please call or email the person listed in the 
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section. The Coast Guard will not 
retaliate against small entities that question or complain about this 
proposed rule or any policy or action of the Coast Guard.

C. Collection of Information

    This proposed rule would not call for a new collection of 
information under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501-
3520).

D. Federalism and Indian Tribal Governments

    A rule has implications for federalism under Executive Order 13132 
(Federalism), if it has a substantial direct effect on the States, on 
the relationship between the National Government and the States, or on 
the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various levels 
of government. We have analyzed this proposed rule under that Order and 
have determined that it is consistent with the fundamental federalism 
principles and preemption requirements described in Executive Order 
13132.
    Also, this proposed rule does not have Tribal implications under 
Executive Order 13175 (Consultation and Coordination with Indian Tribal 
Governments) because it would not have a substantial direct effect on 
one or more Indian tribes, on the relationship between the Federal 
Government and Indian tribes, or on the distribution of power and 
responsibilities between the Federal Government and Indian tribes. If 
you believe this proposed rule has implications for federalism or 
Indian tribes, please call or email the person listed in the FOR 
FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section.

E. Unfunded Mandates Reform Act

    The Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 (2 U.S.C. 1531-1538) 
requires Federal agencies to assess the effects of their discretionary 
regulatory actions. In particular, the Act addresses actions that may 
result in the expenditure by a State, local, or Tribal government, in 
the aggregate, or by the private sector of $100,000,000 (adjusted for 
inflation) or more in any one year. Though this proposed rule would not 
result in such an expenditure, we do discuss the potential effects of 
this proposed rule elsewhere in this preamble.

F. Environment

    We have analyzed this proposed rule under Department of Homeland 
Security Directive 023-01, Rev. 1, associated implementing 
instructions, and Environmental Planning COMDTINST 5090.1 (series), 
which guide the Coast Guard in complying with the National 
Environmental Policy

[[Page 84321]]

Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321-4370f), and have made a preliminary 
determination that this action is one of a category of actions that do 
not individually or cumulatively have a significant effect on the human 
environment. This proposed rule involves the establishment of a safety 
zone around an OCS facility to protect life, property, and the marine 
environment. Normally such actions are categorically excluded from 
further review under paragraph L60(a) of appendix A, table 1 of DHS 
Instruction Manual 023-01-001-01, Rev. 1. A preliminary Record of 
Environmental Consideration supporting this determination is available 
in the docket. For instructions on locating the docket, see the 
ADDRESSES section of this preamble. We seek any comments or information 
that may lead to the discovery of a significant environmental impact 
from this proposed rule.

G. Protest Activities

    The Coast Guard respects the First Amendment rights of protesters. 
Protesters are asked to call or email the person listed in the FOR 
FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section to coordinate protest activities so 
that your message can be received without jeopardizing the safety or 
security of people, places, or vessels.

V. Public Participation and Request for Comments

    We view public participation as essential to effective rulemaking 
and will consider all comments and material received during the comment 
period. Your comment can help shape the outcome of this rulemaking. If 
you submit a comment, please include the docket number for this 
rulemaking, indicate the specific section of this document to which 
each comment applies, and provide a reason for each suggestion or 
recommendation.
    Submitting comments. We encourage you to submit comments through 
the Federal Decision-Making Portal at https://www.regulations.gov. To 
do so, go to https://www.regulations.gov, type USCG-2024-0704 in the 
search box and click ``Search.'' Next, look for this document in the 
Search Results column, and click on it. Then click on the Comment 
option. If you cannot submit your material by using https://www.regulations.gov, call or email the person in the FOR FURTHER 
INFORMATION CONTACT section of this proposed rule for alternate 
instructions.
    Viewing material in docket. To view documents mentioned in this 
proposed rule as being available in the docket, find the docket as 
described in the previous paragraph, and then select ``Supporting & 
Related Material'' in the Document Type column. Public comments will 
also be placed in our online docket and can be viewed by following 
instructions on the https://www.regulations.gov Frequently Asked 
Questions web page. We review all comments received, but we will only 
post comments that address the topic of the proposed rule. We may 
choose not to post off-topic, inappropriate, or duplicate comments that 
we receive.
    Personal information. We accept anonymous comments. Comments we 
post to https://www.regulations.gov will include any personal 
information you have provided. For more about privacy and submissions 
to the docket in response to this document, see DHS's eRulemaking 
System of Records notice (85 FR 14226, March 11, 2020).

List of Subjects in 33 CFR Part 147

    Continental shelf, Marine safety, Navigation (waters).

    For the reasons discussed in the preamble, the Coast Guard is 
proposing to amend 33 CFR part 147 as follows:

PART 147--SAFETY ZONES

0
1. The authority citation for part 147 continues to read as follows:

    Authority:  14 U.S.C. 544; 43 U.S.C. 1333; 33 CFR 1.05-1; 
Department of Homeland Security Delegation No. 00170.1, Revision No. 
01.3.

0
2. Add Sec.  147.T01-0704 to read as follows:


Sec.  147.T01-0704  Safety Zone; Empire Wind 1 Wind Farm Project Area, 
Outer Continental Shelf, Lease OCS-A 0512, Offshore New York and New 
Jersey, Atlantic Ocean.

    (a) Description. The area within 500-meters of the center point of 
the positions provided in the table below is an individual safety zone:

                                            Table 1 to Paragraph (a)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
             Name                     Facility type                 Latitude                   Longitude
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
B01..........................  WTG                         40[deg]22'25.878'' N        73[deg]33'41.509'' W
C01..........................  WTG                         40[deg]21'35.382'' N        73[deg]33'42.583'' W
B02..........................  WTG                         40[deg]22'15.912'' N        73[deg]32'49.958'' W
D02..........................  WTG                         40[deg]21'12.870'' N        73[deg]32'51.312'' W
B03..........................  WTG                         40[deg]22'05.938'' N        73[deg]31'58.412'' W
D03..........................  WTG                         40[deg]20'50.352'' N        73[deg]32'00.051'' W
B04..........................  WTG                         40[deg]21'55.959'' N        73[deg]31'06.870'' W
D04..........................  WTG                         40[deg]20'27.828'' N        73[deg]31'08.799'' W
B05..........................  WTG                         40[deg]21'45.973'' N        73[deg]30'15.333'' W
D05..........................  WTG                         40[deg]20'05.299'' N        73[deg]30'17.557'' W
B06..........................  WTG                         40[deg]21'35.981'' N        73[deg]29'23.800'' W
E06..........................  WTG                         40[deg]19'42.762'' N        73[deg]29'26.325'' W
B07..........................  WTG                         40[deg]21'25.983'' N        73[deg]28'32.271'' W
E07..........................  WTG                         40[deg]19'20.220'' N        73[deg]28'35.102'' W
B08..........................  WTG                         40[deg]21'15.978'' N        73[deg]27'40.747'' W
E08..........................  WTG                         40[deg]18'57.671'' N        73[deg]27'43.888'' W
B09..........................  WTG                         40[deg]21'05.967'' N        73[deg]26'49.227'' W
C09..........................  OSS                         40[deg]20'25.307'' N        73[deg]26'50.160'' W
F09..........................  WTG                         40[deg]18'35.116'' N        73[deg]26'52.685'' W
B10..........................  WTG                         40[deg]20'55.950'' N        73[deg]25'57.712'' W
C10..........................  WTG                         40[deg]20'15.2898'' N       73[deg]25'58.653'' W
D10..........................  WTG                         40[deg]19'34.629'' N        73[deg]25'59.594'' W
E10..........................  WTG                         40[deg]18'53.969'' N        73[deg]26'00.534'' W
B11..........................  WTG                         40[deg]20'45.926'' N        73[deg]25'06.201'' W
C11..........................  WTG                         40[deg]20'05.266'' N        73[deg]25'07.150'' W
D11..........................  WTG                         40[deg]19'24.606'' N        73[deg]25'08.100'' W
E11..........................  WTG                         40[deg]18'43.946'' N        73[deg]25'09.048'' W

[[Page 84322]]

 
F11..........................  WTG                         40[deg]17'49.988'' N        73[deg]25'10.306'' W
B12..........................  WTG                         40[deg]20'35.896'' N        73[deg]24'14.694'' W
C12..........................  WTG                         40[deg]19'55.236'' N        73[deg]24'15.652'' W
B13..........................  WTG                         40[deg]20'25.860'' N        73[deg]23'23.192'' W
C13..........................  WTG                         40[deg]19'45.200'' N        73[deg]23'24.159'' W
B14..........................  WTG                         40[deg]20'15.817'' N        73[deg]22'31.694'' W
D14..........................  WTG                         40[deg]18'54.499'' N        73[deg]22'33.644'' W
C15..........................  WTG                         40[deg]19'25.110'' N        73[deg]21'41.185'' W
H15..........................  WTG                         40[deg]16'19.659'' N        73[deg]21'45.664'' W
B16..........................  WTG                         40[deg]19'55.714'' N        73[deg]20'48.712'' W
G16..........................  WTG                         40[deg]16'32.420'' N        73[deg]20'53.667'' W
H16..........................  WTG                         40[deg]15'57.881'' N        73[deg]20'54.528'' W
B17..........................  WTG                         40[deg]19'45.652'' N        73[deg]19'57.228'' W
D17..........................  WTG                         40[deg]18'24.335'' N        73[deg]19'59.229'' W
F17..........................  WTG                         40[deg]17'03.018'' N        73[deg]20'01.227'' W
C18..........................  WTG                         40[deg]18'54.926'' N        73[deg]19'06.757'' W
D18..........................  WTG                         40[deg]18'14.268'' N        73[deg]19'07.766'' W
E18..........................  WTG                         40[deg]17'33.610'' N        73[deg]19'08.774'' W
F18..........................  WTG                         40[deg]16'52.952'' N        73[deg]19'09.781'' W
B19..........................  WTG                         40[deg]19'25.511'' N        73[deg]18'14.273'' W
C19..........................  WTG                         40[deg]18'44.853'' N        73[deg]18'15.290'' W
D19..........................  WTG                         40[deg]18'04.195'' N        73[deg]18'16.307'' W
E19..........................  WTG                         40[deg]17'23.537'' N        73[deg]18'17.324'' W
B20..........................  WTG                         40[deg]19'15.431'' N        73[deg]17'22.802'' W
C20..........................  WTG                         40[deg]18'34.773'' N        73[deg]17'23.828'' W
D20..........................  WTG                         40[deg]17'54.115'' N        73[deg]17'24.853'' W
B21..........................  WTG                         40[deg]19'05.344'' N        73[deg]16'31.335'' W
C21..........................  WTG                         40[deg]18'24.687'' N        73[deg]16'32.370'' W
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (b) Definitions. As used in this section, designated representative 
means a Coast Guard Patrol Commander, including a Coast Guard coxswain, 
petty officer, or other officer operating a Coast Guard vessel and a 
Federal, State, and local officer designated by or assisting the First 
Coast Guard District Commander in the enforcement of the safety zones. 
Local officer means any officer, agent, or employee of a unit of local 
government authorized by law or by a local government agency to engage 
in or supervise the prevention, detection, investigation, or 
prosecution of any violation of criminal law.
    (c) Regulations. No vessel may enter or remain in this safety zone 
except for the following:
    (1) An attending vessel as defined in 33 CFR 147.20;
    (2) A vessel authorized by the First Coast Guard District Commander 
or a designated representative.
    (d) Request for Permission. Persons or vessels seeking to enter the 
safety zone must request authorization from the First Coast Guard 
District Commander or a designated representative. If permission is 
granted, all persons and vessels must comply with lawful instructions 
of the First Coast Guard District Commander or designated 
representative via VHF-FM channel 16 or by phone at 866-842-1560 (First 
Coast Guard District Command Center).
    (e) Effective and enforcement periods. This section will be 
effective from March 1, 2025, through 11:59 p.m. on February 29, 2028. 
But it will only be enforced during active construction or other 
instances which may cause a hazard to navigation deemed necessary by 
the First Coast Guard District Commander. The First Coast Guard 
District Commander will make notification of the exact dates and times 
in advance of each enforcement period for the safety zones in paragraph 
(a) of this section to the local maritime community through the Local 
Notice to Mariners and will issue a Broadcast Notice to Mariners via 
marine channel 16 (VHF-FM) as soon as practicable in response to an 
emergency. If the project is completed before February 29, 2028, 
enforcement of the safety zones will be suspended, and notice given via 
Local Notice to Mariners. The First Coast Guard District Local Notice 
to Mariners can be found at: https://www.navcen.uscg.gov.
    (f) Processing of violations. Violations of this section may be 
processed in accordance with 33 CFR 140.40 on civil and criminal 
penalty proceedings.

M.E. Platt,
Rear Admiral, U.S. Coast Guard, Commander, First Coast Guard District.
[FR Doc. 2024-24393 Filed 10-21-24; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 9110-04-P


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