[Federal Register Volume 60, Number 34 (Tuesday, February 21, 1995)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 9612-9613]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 95-3449]



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EXPORT-IMPORT BANK OF THE UNITED STATES

12 CFR Part 409


Environmental Review Procedures

AGENCY: Export-Import Bank of the United States.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: As part of the implementation of 1992 amendments to the 
Charter of the Export-Import Bank (``Ex-Im Bank''), Ex-Im Bank is 
removing its existing environmental regulations at 12 CFR part 409.

EFFECTIVE DATE: The removal of 12 CFR part 409 is effective as of 
February 21, 1995.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Popi Artavanis, Export-Import Bank of the United States, Engineering 
and Environment Division, 811 Vermont Ave. NW., Washington, DC 20571, 
tel. (202) 565-3570.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Section 106 of the Export Enhancement Act 
(12 U.S.C. 635i-5) (``Section 106'') provides that Ex-IM Bank shall 
establish environmental review procedures consistent with the Bank's 
overall mandate to maintain U.S. export competitiveness. The procedures 
to be issued under Section 106 are intended to inform relevant 
decision-makers of potential beneficial and adverse environmental 
effects of goods and services for which financing is requested, so that 
such information will be taken into account in the decision to grant or 
withhold financing. Section 106 also grants the Ex-Im Bank Board of 
Directors explicit authority to withhold financing in a particular 
transaction solely for environmental reasons.

    Ex-Im Bank is removing the regulations at title 12, chapter IV, of 
the Code of Federal Regulations, part 409 (promulgated under E.O. 
12114), which were issued in 1979. In place of these regulations, the 
Ex-Im Bank Board of Directors has approved a set of Environmental 
Procedures and Guidelines after informal consultations with exporters, 
environmental groups, and other government agencies. The new procedures 
and guidelines will be effective on a one-year trial basis until 
[[Page 9613]] February 1, 1996. These procedures and guidelines, 
designed to comply with the 1992 amendments to Ex-Im Bank's charter, 
are not subject to notice and comment requirements or to publication in 
the Federal Register pursuant to 5 U.S.C. (a)(2), 553(b)(A), and 
553(d)(2). Copies may be obtained by written request from Ex-Im Bank's 
Engineering and Environment Division, 811 Vermont Avenue NW., 
Washington, DC 20571.

List of Subjects in 12 CFR Part 409

    Environmental impact statements, Foreign Relations.

    Accordingly, under the authority of section 106 of the Export 
Enhancement Act (12 U.S.C. 635i-5) 12 CFR part 409 is removed.

    Dated: February 7, 1995.
Carol F. Lee,
General Counsel, Export-Import Bank of the United States.
[FR Doc. 95-3449 Filed 2-17-95; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6690-01-M