Department of Energy June 4, 2014 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announces its intent to prepare an environmental assessment (EA), (DOE/EA-1977) pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) to analyze the potential environmental impacts from a proposed project to accept used nuclear fuel from the Federal Republic of Germany at DOE's Savannah River Site (SRS) for processing and disposition. This used nuclear fuel is composed of kernels containing thorium and U.S.-origin highly enriched uranium (HEU) embedded in small graphite spheres that were irradiated in nuclear reactors used for research and development purposes. DOE invites public comments on the scope of the EA and will conduct a public meeting.

The Office of Fossil Energy (FE) of the Department of Energy (DOE) announces the availability of the Draft Addendum to Environmental Review Documents Concerning Exports of Natural Gas From The United States (Addendum) for public review and comment. The purpose of this Addendum is to provide additional information to the public regarding the potential environmental impacts of unconventional natural gas exploration and production activities. DOE has received many comments in related proceedings expressing concerns about the potential impacts from increased development of unconventional natural gas resources in the United States, particularly production that involves hydraulic fracturing. While not required by the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), DOE has prepared this Addendum in an effort to be responsive to the public and provide the best information available. DOE is making this draft Addendum available for public review and comment, and will consider comments prior to finalizing this Addendum.

The Department of Energy (DOE) has submitted to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for clearance, a proposal for collection of information under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. The proposed collection will ``support the administration and enforcement of the Department of Energy's regulation at 10 CFR part 217, issued pursuant to section 705 of the Defense Production Act of 1950 as amended (50 U.S.C. App.2061, et seq.) (EPAS regulation). The collection assures the availability of records for at least 3 years of transactions that are directly related to the placement of contracts or purchase orders under the EPAS regulation by contractors with suppliers to acquire items (materials, products, and services) needed to fill defense orders. Such records would include administrative, accounting, purchasing, scheduling, production, and shipping records, the receipt and acceptance or rejection of contractors' orders by suppliers, and any other relevant and material record to evidence the timely production and delivery of items.