Department of Homeland Security 2014 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

The Coast Guard announces a public meeting to receive comments on a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) entitled ``Drawbridge Operation Regulation; Illinois Waterway, Joliet, IL'' that was published in the Federal Register on August 27, 2014. As stated in the NPRM, the Coast Guard proposes to modify the operating regulations for six drawbridges, located between river mile 285.8 and river mile 288.7, across the Illinois Waterway, at Joliet, Illinois. The NPRM proposes to consolidate the current operating regulation, which includes five on-site bridge tender control stations, into one centralized control point for all five drawbridges. The NPRM also proposes to add a sixth drawbridge that will also operate under the centralized control point. The proposed action is intended to improve navigational safety and operational efficiency in the Joliet area.

The Coast Guard has issued a temporary deviation from the operating schedule that governs the Louisiana State Route 23 (LA 23) vertical lift span bridge, also known as the Judge Perez Bridge, across the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway (Algiers Alternate Route), mile 3.8, at Belle Chasse, Plaquemines Parish, Louisiana. This deviation is necessary to provide for the safe movement of vehicular traffic during major plant reconstruction on one side of the waterway and the resulting change in work schedule and increase in workforce transiting the bridge. This deviation allows the bridge to remain temporarily closed to navigation for an additional one hour in the evening during weekdays for five weeks.

The Coast Guard is disestablishing Commercial Anchorage ``A'' and is revising the permission and notification requirements in the regulations for the anchorage grounds of Los Angeles and Long Beach Harbors, California. Commercial Anchorage ``A'' has become the location of a Submerged Material Storage Site and is no longer usable. Revised permission and notification requirements affect the six commercial anchorages within the breakwater of the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach that can accommodate vessels with lengths exceeding 800 feet overall and drafts greater than 40 feet. This revision requires vessels using these deep draft anchorages for more than 48 hours to obtain extended anchorage permission from the Captain of the Port (COTP) Los Angeles-Long Beach. This action will assist the COTP and the Pilots for the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach to reduce congestion in the deep draft anchorage grounds within the harbor breakwater.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), National Protection and Programs Directorate (NPPD), Office of Cybersecurity and Communications (CS&C), Office of Emergency Communications (OEC), will submit the following Information Collection Request (ICR) to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and clearance in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (Pub. L. 104-13, 44 U.S.C. Chapter 35).

Notice is hereby given, pursuant to CBP regulations, that NMK Resources, Inc. has been approved to gauge petroleum and certain petroleum products and accredited to test petroleum and certain petroleum products for customs purposes for the next three years as of June 6, 2014.

The Coast Guard is extending the comment period for the notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) entitled ``Great Lakes Pilotage Rates 2015 Annual Review and Adjustment,'' published on September 4, 2014, for 30 days. We have decided to extend the comment period as we have received new financial data that could affect the discretion provided by Step 7 of the Appendix A methodology and the final rate.

The Coast Guard is establishing a temporary safety zone for all waters of the Upper Mississippi River, extending the entire width from mile 44 and 46. This safety zone is needed to protect persons, property, and infrastructure from potential damage and safety hazards associated with the removal of two 16 inch Enterprise pipelines in the navigation channel. Entry into this zone is prohibited unless specifically authorized by the Captain of the Port (COTP) Ohio Valley or a designated representative.

This notice announces U.S. Customs and Border Protection's (CBP's) plan to conduct a voluntary National Customs Automation Program test concerning automation of CBP's bond program (eBond test). The eBond test utilizes an automated system (eBond system) that provides for the transmission of electronic bond contracts (eBonds) between principals and sureties, with CBP as third-party beneficiary, in the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) for the purpose of linking those eBonds to the transactions they are intended to secure. All eBonds transmitted pursuant to this test must be transmitted to ACE electronically, either via the CBP-approved Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) or emailed to CBP for manual input into ACE. The transmission of eBonds to CBP must be made by a surety or surety agent. The eBond system works with ACE to ensure that transactions secured by an eBond have the proper bond coverage to protect the revenue and secure legal compliance. The eBond system is intended to establish a single repository for the centralization of all eBonds within the Office of Administration's Revenue Division, to harmonize and enhance CBP's bond processes, and to eliminate flaws in the execution of customs bonds, which may lead to increased legal risk for CBP. It is anticipated that the eBond test will reduce paper processing, expedite cargo release, allow for bonds to be transmitted beyond regular CBP business hours, and enhance traceability for audit purposes. The eBond test is intended to evaluate the automation of CBP's bond program, its impact on trade, and CBP's ability to enforce applicable laws and protect the revenue. This notice invites public comment concerning any aspect of the test, describes the eligibility, procedural and documentation requirements for voluntary participation in the test, and outlines the development and evaluation methodology to be used in the test.

The Coast Guard proposes to establish minimum design, operation, training, and manning standards for mobile offshore drilling units (MODUs) and other vessels using dynamic positioning systems to engage in Outer Continental Shelf activities. Establishing these minimum standards is necessary to improve the safety of people and property involved in such operations, and the protection of the environment in which they operate. This notice of proposed rulemaking would decrease the risk of a loss of position by a dynamically- positioned MODU or other vessel that could result in a fire, explosion, or subsea spill, and supports the Coast Guard's strategic goals of maritime safety and protection of natural resources.

In compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 the U.S. Coast Guard is forwarding Information Collection Requests (ICRs), abstracted below, to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA), requesting approval of a revision to the following collection of information: 1625-0022, Application for Tonnage Measurement of Vessels. Review and comments by OIRA ensure we only impose paperwork burdens commensurate with our performance of duties.

Notice is hereby given, pursuant to CBP regulations, that Saybolt, LP, has been approved to gauge petroleum and certain petroleum products for customs purposes for the next three years as of June 11, 2014.

The purpose of this notice is to inform the public that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS or the Department) is issuing the final update to its policy and procedures for implementing the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.), as amended, and the Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) regulations for implementing the procedural provisions of NEPA (40 CFR parts 1500- 1508). The Department's NEPA procedures are contained in Directive 023- 01, Rev. 01 and Instruction Manual 023-01-001-01, Rev. 01, Implementation of the National Environmental Policy Act (herein after referred to as Directive and Instruction). This notice also responds to the comments received on the Department's draft updated procedures published on June 5, 2014 (79 FR 32563).

This notice announces that the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has forwarded the Information Collection Request (ICR), Office of Management and Budget (OMB) control number 1652-0028, abstracted below to OMB for review and approval of an extension of the currently approved collection under the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA). The ICR describes the nature of the information collection and its expected burden. TSA published a Federal Register notice, with a 60-day comment period soliciting comments of the following collection of information, on September 9, 2014, 79 FR 53438. Upon registering for a voluntary advanced self-defense training class provided by TSA, the collection process involves requesting the name, contact information, airline employee number, and Social Security number (last four digits) from flight and cabin crew members of air carriers to verify employment status and to confirm eligibility to participate. Eligible training participants are flight and cabin crew members of a U.S. airline conducting scheduled passenger operations. On attending class in person, crew members are asked to show a second form of identification to confirm registration information. Additionally, each participant is asked to complete a voluntary course evaluation form after the training concludes.

In compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, the U.S. Coast Guard intends to submit an Information Collection Request (ICR) to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA), requesting approval of an extension of a currently approved collection: 1625-0077, Security Plans for Ports, Vessels, Facilities, Outer Continental Shelf Facilities and Other Security-Related Requirements. Our ICR describes the information we seek to collect from the public. Before submitting this ICR to OIRA, the Coast Guard is inviting comments as described below.

The Coast Guard will enforce the safety zone for Connectquot River Fall Fireworks on Connectquot River in Oakdale, NY from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on November 29, 2014. In the event of inclement weather the safety zone will be enforced from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on November 30, 2014. This action is necessary and intended to ensure safety of life on the navigable waters immediately prior to, during, and immediately after the fireworks event. During the aforementioned period, the Coast Guard will enforce restrictions upon, and control movement of, vessels in a specified area immediately prior to, during, and immediately after the fireworks event. During the enforcement period, no person or vessel may enter the safety zone without permission of the Captain of the Port.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) of the Department of Homeland Security will be submitting the following information collection request to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and approval in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act: Drawback Process Regulations. This is a proposed extension of an information collection that was previously approved. CBP is proposing that this information collection be extended with no change to the burden hours or to the information collected. This document is published to obtain comments from the public and affected agencies.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will be submitting the following information collection request to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and clearance in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. The information collection notice was previously published in the Federal Register on August 8, 2014, at 79 FR 46446, allowing for a 60-day public comment period. USCIS did not receive any comments in connection with the 60-day notice.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will be submitting the following information collection request to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and clearance in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. The information collection notice was previously published in the Federal Register on July 16, 2014, at 79 FR 41585, allowing for a 60-day public comment period. USCIS did receive a comment in connection with the 60-day notice.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will be submitting the following information collection request to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and clearance in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. The information collection notice was previously published in the Federal Register on August 21, 2014, at 79 FR 49529, allowing for a 60-day public comment period. USCIS did receive two comments in connection with the 60-day notice.

Through this Notice, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announces that the Secretary of Homeland Security (Secretary) has designated Sierra Leone for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for a period of 18 months, effective November 21, 2014 through May 21, 2016. Under section 244(b)(1)(C) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), 8 U.S.C. 1254a(b)(1)(C), the Secretary is authorized to designate a foreign state (or any part thereof) for TPS upon finding that the foreign state is experiencing extraordinary and temporary conditions that prevent its nationals from returning in safety and that permitting such aliens to remain temporarily in the United States is not contrary to the national interest. This designation allows eligible Sierra Leonean nationals (and aliens having no nationality who last habitually resided in Sierra Leone) who have continuously resided in the United States since November 20, 2014 and been continuously physically present in the United States since November 21, 2014 to be granted TPS. This Notice also describes the other eligibility criteria applicants must meet. Individuals who believe they may qualify for TPS under this designation may apply within the 180-day registration period that begins on November 21, 2014 and ends on May 20, 2015. They may also apply for Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) and for travel authorization. Through this Notice, DHS also sets forth the procedures for nationals of Sierra Leone (or aliens having no nationality who last habitually resided in Sierra Leone) to apply for TPS, EADs, and travel authorization with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Given the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD)-related basis for the designations of Liberia, Guinea, and Sierra Leone for TPS and ongoing efforts to prevent the spread of EVD, requests for advance travel authorization (``advance parole'') for travel to one or more of these three countries will not be approved, as a matter of discretion, absent extraordinary circumstances. If you depart from the United States without obtaining advance parole or you do not comply with any conditions that may be placed on your advance parole document, you may not be permitted to re-enter the United States. TPS beneficiaries who are granted advance parole to travel to Liberia, Guinea or Sierra Leone are advised that they, like other aliens granted advance parole, are not guaranteed parole into the United States. A separate decision regarding your ability to enter will be made when you arrive at a port- of-entry upon your return. Individuals considering travel outside the United States should visit the Department of State's Web site for the most up-to-date information in Travel Alerts and Warnings and in the Ebola Fact Sheet for Travelers.

Through this Notice, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announces that the Secretary of Homeland Security (Secretary) has designated Guinea for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for a period of 18 months, effective November 21, 2014 through May 21, 2016. Under section 244(b)(1)(C) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), 8 U.S.C. 1254a(b)(1)(C), the Secretary is authorized to designate a foreign state (or any part thereof) for TPS upon finding that the foreign state is experiencing extraordinary and temporary conditions that prevent its nationals from returning in safety and that permitting such aliens to remain temporarily in the United States is not contrary to the national interest. This designation allows eligible Guinean nationals (and aliens having no nationality who last habitually resided in Guinea) who have continuously resided in the United States since November 20, 2014 and been continuously physically present in the United States since November 21, 2014 to be granted TPS. This Notice also describes the other eligibility criteria applicants must meet. Individuals who believe they may qualify for TPS under this designation may apply within the 180-day registration period that begins on November 21, 2014 and ends on May 20, 2015. They may also apply for Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) and for travel authorization. Through this Notice, DHS also sets forth the procedures for nationals of Guinea (or aliens having no nationality who last habitually resided in Guinea) to apply for TPS, EADs, and travel authorization with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Given the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD)-related basis for the designations of Liberia, Guinea, and Sierra Leone for TPS and ongoing efforts to prevent the spread of EVD, requests for advance travel authorization (``advance parole'') for travel to one or more of these three countries will not be approved, as a matter of discretion, absent extraordinary circumstances. If you depart from the United States without obtaining advance parole or you do not comply with any conditions that may be placed on your advance parole document, you may not be permitted to re-enter the United States. TPS beneficiaries who are granted advance parole to travel to Liberia, Guinea or Sierra Leone are advised that they, like other aliens granted advance parole, are not guaranteed parole into the United States. A separate decision regarding your ability to enter will be made when you arrive at a port- of-entry upon your return. Individuals considering travel outside the United States should visit the Department of State's Web site for the most up-to-date information in Travel Alerts and Warnings and in the Ebola Fact Sheet for Travelers.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) of the Department of Homeland Security will be submitting the following information collection request to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and approval in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act: Crew's Effects Declaration (CBP Form 1304). CBP is proposing that this information collection be extended with no change to the burden hours or to the information collected. This document is published to obtain comments from the public and affected agencies.

On February 26, 2014, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) published a final rule (79 FR 10685) revising the monetary thresholds for when FEMA will process an application using simplified procedures under its Public Assistance Program. FEMA based the revised thresholds on an analysis it completed pursuant to the Sandy Recovery Improvement Act of 2013. The findings of the analysis were submitted in a Report to Congress on January 29, 2014. FEMA is seeking comment on the findings in this Report to inform any future revisions to the project thresholds.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Technical Mapping Advisory Council (TMAC) will meet in person on December 4-5, 2014, in Arlington, Virginia. The meeting will be open to the public.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will be submitting the following information collection request to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and clearance in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. The information collection notice was previously published in the Federal Register on August 13, 2014, at 79 FR 47471, allowing for a 60-day public comment period. USCIS did not receive any comment in connection with the 60-day notice.