[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 202 (Thursday, October 17, 1996)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 54120-54141]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-26397]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Bureau of Land Management

43 CFR Parts 1600, 1820, 1840, 1850, 1860, 1880, 2090, 2200, 2300, 
2450, 2520, 2540, 2560, 2620, 2640, 2650, 2720, 2800, 2810, 2880, 
2910, 2920, 3000, 3100, 3120, 3150, 3160, 3180, 3200, 3240, 3250, 
3260, 3280, 3410, 3420, 3430, 3450, 3470, 3480, 3500, 3510, 3520, 
3530, 3540, 3550, 3560, 3590, 3710, 3730, 3740, 3800, 3810, 3830, 
3870, 4200, 4300, 4700, 5000, 5470, 5510, 8370, 9180 and 9230

[WO-130-1820-00 24 1A]
RIN 1004-AC99


Appeals Procedures; Hearings Procedures

AGENCY: Bureau of Land Management, Interior.

ACTION: Proposed rule.

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SUMMARY: The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) proposes to amend its 
regulations that govern procedures for protests of proposed decisions, 
contests, appeals of BLM decisions and hearings. The proposed 
regulations provide more consistent procedures for administrative 
review of BLM decisions. The proposal also clarifies when and how BLM 
decisions go into effect and if an appeal will or will not stay the 
effectiveness of a BLM decision. The goal of the proposed regulation is 
to present a single, streamlined administrative review process for most 
of BLM's decisions, thereby reducing costs and time spent on appeals by 
the appellants, BLM and the Office of Hearings and Appeals (OHA).

DATES: Comments: Submit comments by November 18, 1996. BLM will 
consider comments received or postmarked on or before this date in the 
preparation of the final rule.

ADDRESSES: Commenters may hand-deliver comments to the Bureau of Land 
Management, Administrative Record, Room 401, 1620 L St., NW., 
Washington, DC.; or mail comments to the Bureau of Land Management, 
Administrative Record, Room 401LS, 1849 C Street, NW., Washington, DC. 
20240. Commenters may send comments through the internet to 
[email protected]. Please include ``attn: AC99'', and your 
name and return address in your Internet message. If you do not receive 
a confirmation from the system that we have received your internet 
message, please contact us by telephone or mail.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jeff Holdren 202-452-7779, or Bernie 
Hyde 202-452-5057.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I.  Public Comment Procedures
II.  Background
III.  Discussion of Proposed Rule
IV.  Procedural Matters

I. Public Comment Procedures

    Please provide written comments about the proposed rule which 
explain the reason for any recommended changes to the addresses listed 
above. Please indicate the section or paragraph of the proposed rule on 
which you are commenting.
    Comments received after the closing date of the comment period (see 
DATES) or comments delivered to an address other than those listed 
above (see ADDRESSES) may, but need not be, considered or included in 
the Administrative Record for the final rule.

II. Background

A. Introduction--Protests, Appeals, Contests and Hearings

    This rule pertains to the following: Protests--which are objections 
to any action proposed to be taken in any proceeding before the BLM. A 
protest is normally considered by the official who has the next higher 
rank above the BLM official who will make the proposed decision, unless 
otherwise directed in a notice of proposed decision, if such a notice 
is issued.
    Appeals--which are requests under part 4 of title 43 of the Code of 
Federal Regulations for a review of a BLM decision. You may appeal a 
BLM decision if you are a party to a case and adversely affected by 
BLM's decision.
    Contests--which are formal proceedings regarding such matters as 
disputes over title to lands or the validity of mining claims as 
described in 43 CFR 4.450 and 4.451. Contests usually involve hearings.
    Hearings--which are evidentiary and factfinding proceedings before 
an administrative law judge. They may be held in a variety of 
circumstances. The Interior Board of Land Appeals (IBLA) may, on its 
own or at the request of an appellant, order a hearing to resolve a 
factual dispute related to an appeal of a BLM decision. In some cases, 
a hearing must be on the record when statutorily required.

B. Historical and Current Procedures

    The Department of the Interior (Department) has been handling 
protests, appeals, contests and hearings since its creation in 1849. 
From 1849 until BLM was created in 1946, the

[[Page 54121]]

Secretary, an under secretary, or an assistant secretary signed 
decisions, which made them final agency actions. Prior to 1970, 
decisions regarding the public lands were reviewed in an administrative 
review process involving review by the BLM Director and then by the 
Secretary. This procedure was criticized for a perceived lack of 
impartiality. Thus, in 1970, OHA, and its component, the IBLA, were 
created. 43 CFR 4.1.
    Under current Department regulations, anyone who seeks to protest a 
proposed decision, appeal a BLM decision, participate in a contest or 
seek a hearing, is confronted with a wide variety of procedures 
described in title 43 of the Code of Federal Regulations (43 CFR). 
Because of decades of statutory changes and resulting regulatory 
amendments, Departmental appeals procedures have become increasingly 
inconsistent.
    While parts 1840 and 1850 in 43 CFR currently serve only as a cross 
reference to OHA regulations in 43 CFR part 4, over 40 other protest 
regulations and 100 other appeals regulations are found in Chapter II 
of 43 CFR. Chapter II of 43 CFR also contains regulations regarding 
hearings, contests, administrative remedies, and the effectiveness of 
decisions. As a result, anyone who wants to protest a proposed decision 
or to appeal a BLM decision may often have difficulty in understanding 
or following proper administrative procedures.

C. Legal Authorities for Administrative Review

    The Federal Land Policy and Management Act (FLPMA) establishes a 
policy in favor of considering the views of the general public in 
establishing rules and regulations and structuring adjudication 
procedures to assure adequate third party participation, objective 
administrative review of initial decisions and expeditious 
decisionmaking. 43 U.S.C. 1701(a). FLPMA also authorizes the Secretary 
of the Interior to promulgate rules and regulations to carry out the 
purposes of the FLPMA and of other laws applicable to the public lands. 
43 U.S.C. 1740.

D. Proposed Procedures

    BLM is proposing regulations to make the procedures for filing 
protests and appeals more consistent and more readily understandable 
and accessible to members of the public. BLM is also proposing to amend 
the regulations in Chapter II of 43 CFR wherever they describe protest, 
contest, appeals or hearings procedures. While BLM has attempted to 
streamline its appeals procedures and make them as consistent as 
possible in this proposed rule, some variation in handling of protests, 
contests, hearings and appeals is still necessary in BLM's regulations 
due to the wide variety of subject matter about which BLM makes 
decisions. The proposed rule identifies these variations.
    When seeking administrative review of a BLM decision, you should 
refer to three places in the regulations: (1) The regulations which 
govern the specific activity, (2) the regulations proposed for part 
1840 of title 43 CFR which describe general review procedures for BLM 
decisions and (3) the regulations in part 4 of title 43 CFR which 
describe OHA review procedures. Under 4.1(b) of title 43 CFR, if the 
general rules in subpart B of part 4 conflict with a special rule in 
another subpart of title 43 CFR, the special rule governs.

III. Discussion of Proposed Rule

A. Protests, Appeals, Contests and Hearings

    This proposed rule identifies the steps a person would follow in 
order to seek to protest a decision proposed by BLM, to appeal a 
decision made by BLM, or to participate in a contest or hearing 
regarding a disputed matter. This proposed rule applies to these 
activities with regard to decisions proposed to be made or made by BLM 
under the regulations found in chapter II of 43 CFR.
    The proposed rule amends the regulations found in chapter II of 43 
CFR in three ways: (1) By eliminating provisions which duplicate those 
found in the proposed part 1840 regulations, (2) by eliminating 
unnecessary steps in the administrative review process where possible, 
and (3) by adding cross references to the proposed part 1840 and to 
part 4 of 43 CFR. In a few instances, certain protests, appeals, 
contests and hearings regulations may not follow the same general 
procedures outlined in proposed part 1840. Those regulations will 
describe the procedures which differ from the provisions in proposed 
part 1840.
    The proposed rule explains that, when a decision has been appealed, 
BLM is not prohibited from reconsidering or discussing the appealed 
decision with the appellant or other interested parties. If BLM decides 
to rescind or amend the appealed decision as a result of additional 
review or discussion with the appellant or other interested parties, it 
may do so by requesting OHA to remand the matter for further action by 
BLM. BLM officials and appellants are encouraged to work toward 
informal resolutions regarding disputes over decisions proposed or made 
by BLM before and after appeals are filed. These informal reviews and 
discussions are intended to replace the unnecessarily formal mid-level 
reviews, such as State Director reviews, found in the existing 
regulations.

B. Effect of Decisions

    Under the existing regulations in part 4 of 43 CFR, except as 
provided by other regulations, BLM decisions do not go into effect 
during a 30-day appeals period. If an appeal and a petition for a stay 
is filed during the 30-day appeals period, the decision does not go 
into effect for an additional 45 days or until OHA denies the petition, 
whichever is first. The 45-day period is used by OHA to decide if a 
stay is warranted. If OHA concludes that a stay is not warranted and 
denies the petition, the decision goes into effect when OHA denies the 
petition. If the 45 days pass without a decision from OHA regarding the 
petition for a stay, the decision goes into effect after the 45-day 
period. If a stay is granted, the decision does not go into effect 
while the appeal is pending. If neither an appeal nor a request for a 
stay is filed, the decision goes into effect after the 30-day appeal 
period.
    Some regulations in chapter II of 43 CFR provide for certain 
categories of decisions to go into effect immediately and to remain in 
effect while appeals are pending. The following categories of decisions 
will go into effect as provided in the regulations cited below:
    (1) Right-of-Way decisions under part 2800 (see Sec. 2804.1);
    (2) Right-of-Way under the Mineral Leasing Act decisions under part 
2880 (see Sec. 2884.1);
    (3) Minimum impact permit decisions under subpart 2920 (see 
Sec. 2920.2-2(b) as published in 61 FR 32351 (1996));
    (4) Decisions to hold competitive oil and gas lease sales under 
Sec. 3120.1-3;
    (5) Onshore Oil and Gas Geophysical Exploration decisions under 
subpart 3150 (see Sec. 3150.2);
    (6) Onshore Oil and Gas Operations decisions under part 3160 (see 
Secs. 3165.3(e) and 3165.4(c));
    (7) Geothermal Resources Operations decisions under part 3260 (see 
Sec. 3266.1);
    (8) Coal Lease Readjustments under Sec. 3451.2;
    (9) Coal Lease Termination decisions for disqualified lessees under 
Sec. 3472.1-2(e)(4) (ii) and (iii);
    (10) Phosphate Lease Readjustments under Sec. 3511.4(b);
    (11) Potassium Lease Readjustments under Sec. 3531.4(b);
    (12) Gilsonite Lease Readjustments under Sec. 3551.4(b);

[[Page 54122]]

    (13) Hardrock Mining Surface Management decisions under subpart 
3809 (see Sec. 3809.4(f));
    (14) Notices of closure to abate unauthorized grazing use under 
Sec. 4150.2;
    (15) Grazing decisions under group 4100 (see Sec. 4160.3);
    (16) Adopted Wild Horse and Burro removal decisions under 
Sec. 4770.3;
    (17) Forest Management decisions under group 5000 (see 
Sec. 5003.1); and
    (18) Use authorization decisions under part 8370 (see Sec. 8372.6).
    The proposed rule amends the current way in which most BLM 
decisions are put in effect while appeals are pending. The proposed 
rule describes three general classes of decisions, how those classes of 
decisions will go into effect, and how an appeal may or may not change 
the effectiveness of those classes of decisions.
    First, the proposed rule describes a general rule under which BLM 
decisions will go into effect 30 days after the date of service of the 
decisions. If an appeal is filed during this 30-day appeals period, the 
general rule provides that BLM decisions will be stayed while appeals 
are pending. Under this provision, BLM may ask OHA to put a decision 
into effect if public interest requires.
    Second, the proposed rule provides for an exception from the 
general rule for those categories of decisions listed above which go 
into effect and remain in effect while appeals are pending as provided 
in specific existing regulations.
    Third, the proposed rule provides for a second exception for 
decisions which suspend use, occupancy or development of the public 
lands which must be put in effect immediately in order to protect 
health, safety or the environment. If a decision is placed in effect 
under either exception, the appellant may request a stay of the 
decision under Sec. 4.21(b) of 43 CFR.
    Because hearings procedures are located in part 4 of 43 CFR to 
which proposed part 1840 refers, BLM is proposing to delete part 1850 
of 43 CFR from the regulations.

C. Scope of Rule

    Except as specifically provided, this proposed rule does not apply 
to protests of BLM's planning recommendations (see 43 CFR 1610.5-2 and 
1610.5-5), protests of proposed and initial classification decisions 
(see 43 CFR part 2400), or protests or appeals of grazing decisions 
(see 43 CFR part 4100). However, 43 CFR parts 1600, 2400, and 4100 may 
be modified in the future so that the protest provisions in part 1840 
will apply to them. Also, this proposed rulemaking does not apply to 
protests and appeals decided by the Board of Contract Appeals under 43 
CFR part 4, subpart C, or arising from Indian Affairs as addressed 
under 43 CFR part 4, subpart D.

D. Section by Section Description of the Rule

    Section 1840.1--describes the purposes of the rule, which is to 
tell you how you may protest a decision proposed by BLM, appeal a BLM 
decision, participate in a contest or seek a hearing related to BLM 
decisions.
    Section 1840.5--defines terms that apply to this subpart and other 
protest, appeals, contest and hearings regulations in chapter II of 
this title as amended by this rule.
    Section 1840.7--describes what is not covered by this subpart.
    Section 1841.10--describes what you must submit when you want to 
file a protest of a proposed decision.
    Section 1841.11--explains how much time you have to file a protest.
    Section 1841.12--tells you where you may file a protest.
    Section 1842.10--describes who may appeal a BLM decision regarding 
the public lands and resources.
    Section 1842.11--directs you to the procedures in part 4 of 43 CFR 
for additional information regarding appeals procedures.
    Section 1843.10--describes who may file a contest.
    Section 1843.11--describes who may request a hearing.
    Section 1844.10--explains that BLM may reconsider a decision which 
has been appealed by reviewing it or by discussing it with the 
appellant or other interested parties.
    Section 1844.11--describes how and when decisions will go into 
effect.
    Section 1844.12--describes how you may request that a decision be 
stayed.
    Section 1845--directs you to part 4, subparts A, B, and E, of 43 
CFR for more detailed information concerning administrative review 
procedures.

IV. Procedural Matters

    The principal authors of this proposed rule are members of the 
Protest and Appeals Redesign Team, under the leadership of Jeff Holdren 
and Bernie Hyde, assisted by the staff of the Regulatory Management 
Team.

National Environmental Policy Act

    BLM has determined that this proposed rule is categorically 
excluded from environmental review under section 102(2)(C) of the 
National Environmental Policy Act, in accordance with 516 Departmental 
Manual (DM), Chapter 2, Appendix 1, Item 1.10, and that the proposed 
rule does not meet any of the 10 criteria for exceptions to categorical 
exclusions listed in 516 DM, Chapter 2, Appendix 2. Under Council on 
Environmental Quality regulations (40 CFR 1508.4) and the environmental 
policies and procedures of the Department of the Interior, the term 
``categorical exclusion'' means a category of actions which do not 
individually or cumulatively have a significant effect on the human 
environment and which have been found to have no such effect in 
procedures adopted by a Federal agency and for which neither an 
environmental assessment nor an environmental impact statement is 
required.

Paperwork Reduction Act

    This rule does not contain information collection requirements that 
the Office of Management and Budget must approve under 44 U.S.C. 3501.

Regulatory Flexibility Act

    Congress enacted the Regulatory Flexibility Act of 1980 (RFA) to 
ensure that Government regulations do not unnecessarily or 
disproportionately burden small entities. The RFA requires a regulatory 
flexibility analysis if a rule would have a significant economic 
impact, either detrimental or beneficial, on a substantial number of 
small entities. BLM has determined that this proposed rule would not 
have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small 
entities under the RFA (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.).

Unfunded Mandates Reform Act

    BLM has determined that this proposed rule will not result in the 
expenditure by State, local and tribal governments, in the aggregate, 
or by the private sector, of $100 million or more in any one year.

Executive Order 12612

    The proposed rule does not have 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. Therefore, BLM has determined that this 
proposed rule does not have sufficient federalism implications to 
warrant BLM's preparation of a federalism assessment.

Executive Order 12630

    The proposed rule does not represent a government action that 
interferes with constitutionally protected property

[[Page 54123]]

rights or would result in a taking of private property.

Executive Order 12866

    The proposed rule is not significant regulatory action under 
section 3(f) of Executive Order 12866 and, accordingly, is not subject 
to review by the Office of Management and Budget.

List of Subjects

43 CFR Part 1600

    Administrative practice and procedure, Environmental impact 
statements, Indians, Intergovernmental relations, Public lands.

43 CFR Part 1820

    Administrative practice and procedure, Alaska, Archives and 
records, Land Management Bureau, Public lands.

43 CFR Part 1840

    Administrative practice and procedure, Land Management Bureau, 
Public lands.

43 CFR Part 1850

    Administrative practice and procedure, Land Management Bureau, 
Public lands.

43 CFR Part 1860

    Administrative practice and procedure, Land Management Bureau, 
Public lands.

43 CFR Part 1880

    Administrative practice and procedure, Civil rights, Grants 
programs--natural resources, Intergovernmental relations, Land 
Management Bureau, Loan programs--natural resources, Public lands, 
Public lands-mineral resources.

43 CFR Part 2090

    Airports, Alaska, Coal, Grazing lands, Indians--lands, Land 
Management Bureau, Public lands, Public lands--classification, Public 
lands--mineral resources, Public lands--withdrawal, Seashores, 
Veterans.

43 CFR Part 2200

    Land Management Bureau, National forests, Public lands.

43 CFR Part 2300

    Administrative practice and procedure, Electric power, Federal 
Energy Regulatory Commission, Land Management Bureau, Public lands--
withdrawal.

43 CFR Part 2450

    Administrative practice and procedure, Land Management Bureau, 
Public lands--classification.

43 CFR Part 2520

    Irrigation, Land Management Bureau, Public lands, Reclamation, 
Reporting and recordkeeping requirements.

43 CFR Part 2540

    Land Management Bureau, Public lands, Public lands--sale, Reporting 
and recordkeeping requirements.

43 CFR Part 2560

    Alaska, Homesteads, Indians-lands, Land Management Bureau, Public 
lands, Public lands-sale, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements.

43 CFR Part 2620

    Alaska, Intergovernmental relations, Land Management Bureau, Public 
lands-grants, Public lands-mineral resources.

43 CFR Part 2640

    Airports, Land Management Bureau, Public lands-grants.

43 CFR Part 2650

    Administrative practice and procedure, Alaska, Federal buildings 
and facilities, Indians-claims, Indians- lands, Land Management Bureau, 
National forests, Public land-grants, Wildlife refuges.

43 CFR Part 2710

    Administrative practice and procedure, Land Management Bureau, 
Public lands-mineral resources, Public lands-sale.

43 CFR Part 2720

    Administrative practice and procedure, Land Management Bureau, 
Public lands-mineral resources, Public lands-sale.

43 CFR Part 2800

    Communications, Electric power, Highways and roads, Land Management 
Bureau, Pipelines, Public lands-rights-of-way, Reporting and 
recordkeeping requirements.

43 CFR Part 2810

    Highways and roads, Land Management Bureau, Public lands-rights-of-
way, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements.

43 CFR Part 2880

    Administrative practice and procedure, Common carriers, Land 
Management Bureau, Pipelines, Public lands-rights-of-way, Reporting and 
recordkeeping requirements.

43 CFR Part 2910

    Airports, Alaska, Land Management Bureau, Public lands, Recreation 
and recreation areas, Waste treatment and disposal.

43 CFR Part 2920

    Land Management Bureau, Public lands, Reporting and recordkeeping 
requirements.

43 CFR Part 3000

    Land Management Bureau, Public lands-mineral resources.

43 CFR Part 3100

    Government contracts, Land Management Bureau, Mineral royalties, 
Oil and gas exploration, Public lands-mineral resources, Reporting and 
recordkeeping requirements, Surety bonds.

43 CFR Part 3120

    Government contracts, Land Management Bureau, Oil and gas 
exploration, Public lands-mineral resources, Reporting and 
recordkeeping requirements.

43 CFR Part 3150

    Oil and gas exploration, Public lands-mineral resources, Reporting 
and recordkeeping requirements, Surety bonds.

43 CFR Part 3160

    Government contracts, Indians-lands, Land Management Bureau, 
Mineral royalties, Oil and gas exploration, Penalties, Public lands-
mineral resources, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements.

43 CFR Part 3180

    Government contracts, Land Management Bureau, Oil and gas 
exploration, Public lands-mineral resources, Surety bonds.

43 CFR Part 3200

    Geothermal energy, Government contracts, Land Management Bureau, 
Mineral royalties, Public lands-mineral resources, Reporting and 
recordkeeping requirements, Surety bonds.

43 CFR Part 3240

    Geothermal energy, Government contracts, Land Management Bureau, 
Mineral royalties, Public lands-mineral resources, Reporting and 
recordkeeping requirements, Water resources.

43 CFR Part 3250

    Geothermal energy, Government contracts, Land Management Bureau, 
Public lands-mineral resources, Reporting and recordkeeping 
requirements, Surety bonds.

43 CFR Part 3260

    Environmental protection, Geothermal energy, Government contracts, 
Land Management Bureau,

[[Page 54124]]

Public lands-mineral resources, Reporting and recordkeeping 
requirements.

43 CFR Part 3280

    Geothermal energy, Government contracts, Land Management Bureau, 
Public lands-mineral resources, Reporting and recordkeeping 
requirements, Surety bonds.

43 CFR Part 3410

    Administrative practice and procedure, Coal, Land Management 
Bureau, Mines, Public lands-mineral resources, Reporting and 
recordkeeping requirements, Surety bonds.

43 CFR Part 3420

    Administrative practice and procedure, Coal, Government contracts, 
Intergovernmental relations, Land Management Bureau, Mines, Public 
lands-mineral resources, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements.

43 CFR Part 3430

    Administrative practice and procedure, Coal, Government contracts, 
Intergovernmental relations, Land Management Bureau, Mines, Public 
lands-mineral resources, Public lands-rights-of-way, Reporting and 
recordkeeping requirements.

43 CFR Part 3450

    Coal, Government contracts, Intergovernmental relations, Land 
Management Bureau, Mines, Public lands-mineral resources, Reporting and 
recordkeeping requirements.

43 CFR Part 3470

    Coal, Government contracts, Land Management Bureau, Mineral 
royalties, Mines, Public lands-mineral resources, Reporting and 
recordkeeping requirements, Surety bonds.

43 CFR Part 3480

    Government contracts, Intergovernmental relations, Land Management 
Bureau, Mineral royalties, Mines, Public lands-mineral resources, 
Reporting and recordkeeping requirements.

43 CFR Part 3500

    Government contracts, Land Management Bureau, Mineral royalties, 
Public lands-mineral resources, Reporting and recordkeeping 
requirements, Surety bonds.

43 CFR Part 3510

    Land Management Bureau, Public lands-mineral resources, Reporting 
and recordkeeping requirements.

43 CFR Part 3520

    Government contracts, Land Management Bureau, Public lands-mineral 
resources.

43 CFR Part 3530

    Government contracts, Mineral royalties, Mines, Potassium, Public 
lands-mineral resources, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, 
Surety bonds.

43 CFR Part 3540

    Land Management Bureau, Public lands-mineral resources.

43 CFR Part 3550

    Land Management Bureau, Public lands-mineral resources.

43 CFR Part 3560

    Government contracts, Land Management Bureau, Mineral royalties, 
Public lands-mineral resources, Surety bonds.

43 CFR Part 3590

    Environmental protection, Government contracts, Indian-lands, 
Mines, Public lands-mineral resources, Reporting and recordkeeping 
requirements.

43 CFR Part 3710

    Administrative practice and procedure, Land Management Bureau, 
Mines, Public lands-mineral resources.

43 CFR Part 3730

    Administrative practice and procedure, Land Management Bureau, 
Mines, Public lands-mineral resources, Reporting and recordkeeping 
requirements, Surety bonds.

43 CFR Part 3740

    Administrative practice and procedure, Land Management Bureau, 
Mines, Public lands-mineral resources.

43 CFR Part 3800

    Administrative practice and procedure, Environmental protection, 
Intergovernmental relations, Land Management Bureau, Mines, Public 
lands-mineral resources, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, 
Surety bonds, Wilderness areas.

43 CFR Part 3810

    Land Management Bureau, Mines, Public lands-mineral resources, 
Reporting and recordkeeping requirements.

43 CFR Part 3830

    Land Management Bureau, Mineral royalties, Mines, Public lands-
mineral resources, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements.

43 CFR Part 3870

    Administrative practice and procedure, Land Management Bureau, 
Mines, Public lands-mineral resources, Reporting and recordkeeping 
requirements.

43 CFR Part 4200

    Administrative practice and procedure, Alaska, Grazing lands, Land 
Management Bureau, Livestock, Range management.

43 CFR Part 4300

    Administrative practice and procedure, Alaska, Grazing lands, Land 
Management Bureau, Range Management, Reindeer, Reporting and 
recordkeeping requirements

43 CFR Part 4700

    Horses, Intergovernmental relations, Land Management Bureau, 
Penalties, Public lands, Range management, Reporting and recordkeeping 
requirements, Wildlife.

43 CFR Part 5000

    Administrative practice and procedure, Forests and forest products, 
Land Management Bureau, Public lands.

43 CFR Part 5470

    Forests and forest products, Government contracts, Land Management 
Bureau, Public lands, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements.

43 CFR Part 5510

    Forests and forest products, Land Management Bureau, Public lands.

43 CFR Part 8370

    Land Management Bureau, Penalties, Public lands, Recreation and 
recreation areas, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Surety 
bonds.

43 CFR Part 9180

    Land Management Bureau, Public lands, Reporting and recordkeeping 
requirements.

43 CFR Part 9230

    Land Management Bureau, Penalties, Public lands.

    Dated: September 27, 1996.
Sylvia V. Baca,
Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Interior.
    For the reasons set forth in the preamble and under the authority 
of 43 U.S.C. 1740, BLM proposes to amend subchapter A, chapter II, 
subtitle B of Title 43 of the Code of Federal Regulations as follows:

[[Page 54125]]

PART 1600--PLANNING, PROGRAMMING, BUDGETING

    1. The authority citation for part 1600 is revised to read as 
follows:

    Authority: 43 U.S.C. 1740.

    2. Section 1610.5-3 is amended by revising paragraph (b) to read as 
follows:


Sec. 1610.5-3  Conformity and Implementation.

* * * * *
    (b) Within a reasonable time after a plan is approved or amended, 
subject to valid existing rights, the District or Area Manager will 
take action to make operations and activities under existing permits, 
contracts, cooperative agreements or other instruments for occupancy 
and use conform to the approved plan or amendment to the extent 
applicable laws and regulations or the existing permits, contracts, 
cooperative agreements or other instruments of occupancy and use allow. 
Any party adversely affected by this action by the District or Area 
Manager may appeal the action in accordance with parts 4 and 1840 of 
this title.
* * * * *

Group 1800--Public Administrative Procedures

PART 1820--APPLICATION PROCEDURES

    3. An authority citation for part 1820 is added to read as follows:

    Authority: 43 U.S.C. 1740.

    4. Section 1821.2-2 is amended by revising paragraph (b) to read as 
follows:


Sec. 1821.2-2  Time limit for filing documents.

* * * * *
    (b) If you are adversely affected by a decision, to reject an 
application may appeal the decision in accordance with parts 4 and 1840 
of this title. Alternatively, if not precluded by other law or 
regulation, the party may file a new and properly executed application 
or re-execute the rejected application. The re-executed application 
will not relate back to the date of first execution.
    5. The authority citation for subparts 1821, 1822, 1823, 1824, 
1825, and 1826 is removed.
    6. Part 1840 is revised to read as follows:

PART 1840--PROTESTS, APPEALS, CONTESTS, AND HEARINGS PROCEDURES

Subpart 1840--Protests, Appeals, Contests, and Hearings--General

Sec.
1840.1  What are the purposes of this subpart?
1840.5  Definitions.
1840.7  What is not covered by this subpart?
       Protests
1841.10  What must I submit with a protest?
1841.11  How long do I have to file a protest?
1841.12  Where may I file a protest?
       Appeals
1842.10  Who may appeal a BLM decision regarding the public lands 
and resources?
1842.11  How do I appeal a BLM decision regarding public lands and 
resources?
       Contests and Hearings
1843.10  Who can file a contest?
1843.11  Who can request a hearing?
       Decisions
1844.10  May BLM reconsider a decision which has been appealed?
1844.11  When will BLM decisions go into effect?
1844.12  How can I request that a decision be stayed?
1845.10  Where can I find more information on appeals, contests, and 
hearings procedures?

    Authority: 43 U.S.C. 1740.

Subpart 1840--Protests, Appeals, Contests, and Hearings


Sec. 1840.1  What are the purposes of this part?

    (a) Except as noted in Sec. 1840.7 below, this part tells you how 
you may:
    (1) protest a decision proposed by BLM;
    (2) appeal from a BLM decision; or
    (3) seek a contest or hearing related to BLM decisions.
    (b) This part is to be used in conjunction with the procedures set 
out in subparts A, B, and E of part 4 of this title. Under Sec. 4.1(b) 
of this title, if the general rules in subpart B of part 4 conflict 
with a special rule in another subpart of this title, the special rule 
governs.


Sec. 1840.5  Definitions.

    The following definitions apply in this subpart and in other 
regulations in chapter II of this title which are related to protests, 
appeals, contests or hearings:
    Adversely Affected Party means a party who may appeal, or seek a 
hearing on, a decision of the BLM as provided in part 4 of this title.
    Appeal means a request for review of a BLM decision under part 4 of 
this title. See part 4 of this title.
    Contest means a formal proceeding referred to in either sections 
4.450 or 4.451 of this title.
    Decision and BLM Decision mean a decision by BLM officials which is 
subject to appeal under part 4 of this title, including but not limited 
to, notices of decision, notices of violation, notices of incidents of 
non-compliance, records of decision, orders, instructions, and 
assessments.
    Hearing means an evidentiary or factfinding proceeding before an 
administrative law judge under Sec. 4.415 and 4.470 of this title and 
under regulations contained within Chapter II of this title which may 
require a hearing and other applicable laws. See Sec. 4.420 through 
4.439 and Sec. 4.452 through 4.478 of this title for hearings 
procedures. In some cases, a hearing must be ``on the record'' when 
statutorily required to be so.
    Protest means any objection to any action proposed to be taken by 
BLM. See Sec. 4.450-2 of this title.
    Stay means injunction in the form of an order or regulation which 
stops a BLM decision from going into effect or suspends the 
effectiveness of a BLM decision.


Sec. 1840.7  What is not covered by this subpart?

    Except as specifically provided, this subpart does not apply to:
    (a) protests to planning decisions made under Sec. 1610.5-2 and 
1610.5-5 of this title;
    (b) protests to proposed or initial classification decisions made 
under the provisions of part 2400 of this title; or
    (c) grazing decisions issued under part 4100 of this title; or
    (d) protests and appeals which are decided by the Board of Contract 
Appeals under 43 CFR part 4, subpart C.
Protests


Sec. 1841.10  What must I submit with a protest?

    Unless otherwise provided in other regulations in this Chapter II, 
you must submit:
    (a) your objections to or concerns about the proposed decision, and 
why you feel the proposed decision is wrong; and,
    (b) the reasons, if any, why you believe you would be adversely 
affected by the proposed decision.


Sec. 1841.11  How long do I have to file a protest?

    (a) If a proposed decision is issued to you, it will inform you how 
long you have to file a protest from the date you receive the notice of 
the proposed decision.

[[Page 54126]]

    (b) If the proposed decision is published in the Federal Register 
or in some other way, you may file a protest as specified in the 
publication.
    (c) If a regulation in this Chapter II provides for a specific time 
period for protests, you may file a protest in that time period.
    (d) In all other cases, you may file a protest until the BLM 
decision is made.


Sec. 1841.12  Where may I file a protest?

    You may file a protest at the BLM office in which the proposed 
decision will be made.
Appeals


Sec. 1842.10  Who may appeal a BLM decision regarding the public lands 
and resources?

    You may appeal a BLM decision if you are an adversely affected 
party.


Sec. 1842.11  How do I appeal a BLM decision regarding public lands and 
resources?

    You may appeal a BLM decision by following the procedures described 
in the applicable provisions of this subpart and part 4 of this title.
Contests and Hearings


Sec. 1843.10  Who may file a contest?

    A contest may be initiated by a private entity or by a government 
agency such as BLM or the Department. See Sec. 4.450 and Sec. 4.451 of 
this title.


Sec. 1843.11  Who may request a hearing?

    (a) Anyone who is a party to an appeal before the Interior Board of 
Land Appeals (see Sec. 4.415 of this title) and
    (b) Anyone who may properly seek a hearing under any pertinent 
statutes or applicable regulations.
Decisions


Sec. 1844.10  May BLM reconsider a decision which has been appealed?

    BLM is not prohibited from reconsidering or discussing matters 
which have been appealed with the appellant. If BLM decides to rescind 
or amend the appealed decision as a result of the reconsideration or 
discussion, it may do so by requesting the Office of Hearings and 
Appeals in writing to remand the matter for further action by BLM.


Sec. 1844.11  When will BLM decisions go into effect?

    (a)(1) Except as otherwise provided in this section, BLM decisions 
issued under this title will go into effect 30 days after the date of 
service of the decision. If a decision is published in the Federal 
Register, it will go into effect 30 days after the date of publication. 
However, except as provided in paragraphs (b) and (c) of this section, 
if an adversely affected party appeals the decision in accordance with 
this part and part 4 of this title, the decision is stayed while the 
appeal is pending.
    (2) BLM may request, in writing, the Director of the Office of 
Hearings and Appeals or the Interior Board of Land Appeals to place a 
decision, or any part of it, which is not effective or has been stayed 
under this paragraph, into effect immediately when the public interest 
requires.
    (b) The regulations listed below provide that certain BLM decisions 
will remain effective during the time a notice of appeal may be filed 
or while an appeal is pending. Decisions made under the following 
regulations will go into effect as provided in the regulations:
    (1) Right-of-Way decisions under part 2800 (see Sec. 2804.1);
    (2) Right-of-Way under the Mineral Leasing Act decisions under part 
2880 (see Sec. 2884.1);
    (3) Minimum impact permit decisions under subpart 2920 (see 
Sec. 2920.2-2(b) as published in 61 FR 32351 (1996));
    (4) Decisions to hold competitive oil and gas lease sales under 
Sec. 3120.1-3;
    (5) Onshore Oil and Gas Geophysical Exploration decisions under 
subpart 3150 (see Sec. 3150.2);
    (6) Onshore Oil and Gas Operations decisions under part 3160 (see 
Secs. 3165.3(e) and 3165.4(c));
    (7) Geothermal Resources Operations decisions under part 3260 (see 
Sec. 3266.1);
    (8) Coal Lease Readjustments under Sec. 3451.2;
    (9) Coal Lease Termination decisions for disqualified lessees under 
Sec. 3472.1-2(e)(4)(ii) and (iii);
    (10) Phosphate Lease Readjustments under Sec. 3511.4(b);
    (11) Potassium Lease Readjustments under Sec. 3531.4(b);
    (12) Gilsonite Lease Readjustments under Sec. 3551.4(b);
    (13) Hardrock Mining Surface Management decisions under subpart 
3809 (see Sec. 3809.4(f));
    (14) Notices of closure to abate unauthorized grazing use under 
Sec. 4150.2;
    (15) Grazing decisions under group 4100 (see Sec. 4160.3);
    (16) Adopted Wild Horse and Burro removal decisions under 
Sec. 4770.3;
    (17) Forest Management decisions under group 5000 (see 
Sec. 5003.1); and
    (18) Use authorization decisions under part 8370 (see Sec. 8372.6).
    (c) BLM may place a decision which temporarily suspends use, 
occupancy or development of the public lands into effect immediately if 
it finds that immediate implementation is necessary to protect health, 
safety or the environment.
    (d) A decision which is in effect under paragraph (b) or (c) of 
this section will remain in effect unless a petition for a stay is 
granted under Sec. 4.21(b) of this title.


Sec. 1844.12  How can I request that a decision be stayed?

    You may request a stay of a decision which is in effect under 
Sec. 1844.11(b) or (c) by filing a petition in accordance with 
Sec. 4.21(b) of this title, which sets out criteria and procedures for 
requesting stays.


Sec. 1845.10  Where can I find more information on appeals, contests, 
and hearings procedures?

    You can find more information on the procedures of the Department 
of the Interior's Office of Hearings and Appeals for appeals, contests, 
and hearings procedure in part 4, subparts A, B and E, of this title.

PART 1850--HEARINGS PROCEDURES--[REMOVED]

    7. Part 1850 is removed.

PART 1860--CONVEYANCES, DISCLAIMERS AND CORRECTION DOCUMENTS

    8. An authority citation for part 1860 is added to read as follows:

    Authority: R.S. 2450, as amended; 43 U.S.C. 1161, 1201, 1740 and 
1745.

    9. The authority citation for subpart 1862 is removed.
    10. The authority citation for subpart 1863 is removed.
    11. Section 1864.4 is revised to read as follows:


Sec. 1864.4  Appeals.

    Any party adversely affected by a BLM decision made under this 
subpart may appeal the decision in accordance with parts 4 and 1840 of 
this title.
    12. Section 1865.4 is revised to read as follows:


Sec. 1865.4  Appeals.

    Any party adversely affected by a BLM decision made under this 
subpart may appeal the decision in accordance with parts 4 and 1840 of 
this title.

PART 1880--FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE, LOCAL GOVERNMENTS

    13. An authority citation for part 1880 is added to read as 
follows:

    Authority: Pub. L. No. 94-565, 90 Stat. 2662, 31 U.S.C. 1601-
1607; and 43 U.S.C. 1740.

    14. The authority citation for subpart 1881 is removed.

[[Page 54127]]

    15. The authority citation for subpart 1882 is removed.
    16. Paragraphs (b) and (e) of Sec. 1881.3 are revised to read as 
follows:


Sec. 1881.3  Protests.

* * * * *
    (b) Any affected unit of local government may protest the results 
of the computations of its payment to BLM in accordance with part 1840 
and part 4 of this title.
* * * * *
    (e) BLM will consult with the affected unit of local government and 
the administering agency to resolve conflicts in land records and other 
data sources.
    17. Section 1881.4 is revised to read as follows:


Sec. 1881.4  Appeals.

    Any unit of local government which is adversely affected by BLM's 
rejection of a protest filed under this subpart may appeal the 
rejection in accordance with parts 4 and 1840 of this title.

PART 2090--SPECIAL LAWS AND RULES

    18. An authority citation for part 2090 is added to read as 
follows:

    Authority: 16 U.S.C. 3124; 30 U.S.C. 189; 43 U.S.C. 322, 641, 
1201, 1624, and 1740.

    19. The authority citation for subpart 2093 is removed.
    20. The authority citation for subpart 2094 is removed.
    21. In Sec. 2091.07, the last sentence of paragraph (a) is revised 
to read as follows:


Sec. 2091.07  Principles.

    (a) * * * If a BLM decision regarding an application, selection, 
sale, location, entry, claim or settlement has been appealed in 
accordance with parts 4 and 1840 of this title, the segregation 
continues in effect until publication of an opening order.
* * * * *
    22. In Sec. 2093.0-3, the last sentence of paragraph (a) is revised 
to read as follows:


Sec. 2093.0-3  Authority.

    (a) * * * Any party adversely affected by a BLM decision made under 
this subpart may appeal the decision in accordance with parts 4 and 
1840 of this title.
* * * * *
    23. In Sec. 2093.2-3, paragraph (b) is revised to read as follows:


Sec. 2093.2-3  Procedures.

* * * * *
    (b) Hearing. Except for persons who file applications under section 
2 of the Act (36 Stat. 584; 30 U.S.C. 84), BLM will allow any person 
filing a non-mineral application or filing for lands classified as coal 
lands 30 days in which to submit evidence, preferably in the form of 
statements of experts or practical miners, that the land is in fact not 
coal in character, together with an application that BLM reclassify the 
land. BLM will reject the application if the applicant fails to furnish 
any evidence within the time specified. If, after considering the 
evidence presented and after other appropriate inquiry, BLM classifies 
the land as agricultural land, in the absence of other objections, BLM 
will allow the non-mineral application. If BLM denies reclassification, 
the applicant may, within 30 days from receipt of notice, apply for a 
hearing in accordance with parts 4 and 1840 of this title, at which he 
or she will have the burden of proof for showing that the 
classification is improper. If he or she fails to apply for a hearing 
within the time allowed, BLM will reject his or her application to 
enter or file. The rejection of the application does not preclude the 
person from filing another application under section 2 of the Act.
    24. Section 2093.3-3 is amended by revising paragraphs (c), 
(d)(1)(iv) and (d)(2)(ii) to read as follows:


Sec. 2093.3-3  Procedures.

* * * * *
    (c) Notice to entryman; action by entryman. (1) BLM will notify an 
entryman or claimant if the Geological Survey reports that land 
included in a non-mineral entry or claim, on which final proof has not 
been submitted or which has not been perfected, is in an area in which 
valuable deposits of oil and gas may occur, because no reliable 
evidence exists that the land contains geological structures which are 
not favorable to oil and gas accumulation. After notifying the entryman 
or claimant, BLM will give the entryman or claimant a reasonable time 
to apply for reclassification of the land as non-mineral and to submit 
evidence in support of the reclassification. If BLM denies the 
reclassification request, the entryman or claimant may seek a hearing 
regarding the reclassification request or appeal BLM's decision denying 
the reclassification request in accordance with parts 4 and 1840 of 
this title. If a hearing is ordered, the entryman or claimant has the 
burden of proof to show that BLM's denial of the reclassification was 
in error. If the entryman or claimant does not seek a hearing or appeal 
the BLM decision denying the request for reclassification, the entry or 
claim and any patent issued for lands under the entry or claim will 
reserve the oil and gas to the United States.
    (2) If the Geological Survey reports that land included in a non-
mineral entry or claim is in an area in which valuable deposits of oil 
and gas may occur after an entryman has submitted acceptable final 
proof or perfected a claim, BLM will not rely on the report in order to 
reserve the oil and gas unless it can prove that the land was known to 
be of mineral character on or before the date on which the entryman 
submitted acceptable final proof or the claim was perfected, according 
to the established criteria for distinguishing mineral from non-mineral 
lands, including the criteria recognized by the Supreme Court in United 
States v. Southern Pacific Company et al. (251 U.S. 1, 64 L. ed. 97). 
If BLM decides to reclassify the lands for the reasons stated above 
and, after notification, the entryman disagrees with BLM's decision 
within a reasonable time, BLM will seek a hearing in accordance with 
parts 4 and 1840 of this title. BLM has the burden of proof for 
justifying the reclassification. If the entryman fails to answer BLM's 
allegations within the time allowed, the entry or claim and any patent 
issued the lands under the entry or claim will reserve the oil or gas 
to the United States.
* * * * *
    (d) Applications to disprove classification of land; hearing. (1) * 
* *
    (iv) If the application is denied, the applicant may, within 30 
days from notice of the denial, seek a hearing to disprove the 
classification in accordance with parts 4 and 1840 of this title. If 
the applicant fails to seek a hearing within the time allowed, BLM will 
reject the application to locate, select, enter or purchase.
* * * * *
    (2) * * *
    (ii) Claimants to whom this provision applies may file an 
application for a classification of the land as non-mineral, together 
with the evidence prescribed here to be filed by an original applicant 
with his request for classification with the BLM office having 
jurisdiction. If BLM denies the application, the claimant has 30 days 
from receipt of the notice of the denial to seek a hearing to establish 
the non-mineral character of the land in accordance with parts 4 and 
1840 of this title.
* * * * *

[[Page 54128]]

PART 2200--EXCHANGES: GENERAL PROCEDURES

    25. The authority citation for part 2200 is revised to read as 
follows:

    Authority: 43 U.S.C. 1740.

    26. In Sec. 2201.1, paragraph (g) is revised to read as follows:


Sec. 2201.1   Agreement to initiate an exchange.

* * * * *
    (g) BLM's withdrawal from or termination of an exchange proposal or 
its agreement to begin an exchange, at any time prior to a notice of 
decision, under Sec. 2201.7-1, may not be protested or appealed.
    27. Section 2201.7-1 is amended by revising paragraphs (b) and (c) 
to read as follows:


Sec. 2201.7-1  Notice of decision.

* * * * *
    (b) For a period of 45 days after the date of publication of a 
notice of the availability of a decision to approve or disapprove an 
exchange proposal, the decision will be subject to protest in 
accordance with parts 4 and 1840 of this title.
    (c) Any party adversely affected by BLM's decision on a protest may 
appeal that decision in accordance with parts 4 and 1840 of this title.
    28. Section 2201.7-2 is amended by revising paragraph (b)(4) to 
read as follows:


Sec. 2201.7-2  Exchange agreement.

    (b)* * *
    (4) Any BLM decision to approve an exchange in response to a 
protest under Sec. 2201.7-1 has been affirmed if appealed in accordance 
with parts 4 and 1840 of this title; and
* * * * *

PART 2300--LAND WITHDRAWALS

    29. The authority citation for part 2300 continues to read as 
follows:

    Authority: 43 U.S.C. 1201; 43 U.S.C. 1740; E.O. 10355 (17 FR 
4831, 4833).

    30. In Sec. 2310.3-2, paragraphs (f)(1) and (f)(2) are revised to 
read as follows:


Sec. 2310.3-2  Development and processing of the case file for 
submission to the Secretary.

* * * * *
    (f) * * *
    (1) If the applicant objects to BLM's findings and recommendations 
to the Secretary, the applicant may, within 30 days of receipt by the 
applicant of notification thereof, protest the findings and 
recommendations in accordance with parts 4 and 1840 of this title, 
stating his or her objections in writing, and requesting the BLM 
Director to review BLM's findings and recommendations. BLM will advise 
the applicant of the BLM Director's decision within 30 days of receipt 
of the applicant's protest in BLM's Washington Office. The applicant's 
protest and the BLM Director's decision must be made part of the case 
file and thereafter the case file must be submitted to the Secretary.
    (2) If the applicant disagrees with the decision of the BLM 
Director, he/she may, within 30 days of receipt by the applicant of the 
BLM Director's decision, submit to the Secretary a statement of reasons 
for disagreement. The statement will be considered by the Secretary 
together with BLM's findings and recommendations, the applicant's 
protest, the decision of the BLM Director, the balance of the case file 
and any additional information the Secretary may request.

PART 2450--PETITION-APPLICATION CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM

    31. An authority citation for part 2450 is added to read as 
follows:

    Authority: 43 U.S.C. 1740.

    32. In Sec. 2450.5, paragraphs (d) is removed.

PART 2520--DESERT LAND ENTRIES

    33. The authority citation for part 2520 is revised to read as 
follows:

    Authority: R.S. 2478; 43 U.S.C. 1201 and 1740.

    34. In Sec. 2520.0-7, paragraph (b) is revised to read as follows:


Sec. 2520.0-7  Cross references.

* * * * *
    (b) For protests, appeals, contests and hearings procedures, see 
parts 4 and 1840 of this title.
    35. Section 2521.6 is amended by revising the last sentence of 
paragraph (i)(2) to read as follows:


Sec. 2521.6  Final proof.

* * * * *
    (1) * * *
    (2) * * * In default of any action by the claimant within the 
specified time, BLM will reject the proof. Any claimant adversely 
affected by BLM's rejection of a proof under this section may appeal 
the rejection decision in accordance with parts 4 and 1840 of this 
title.
    36. In Sec. 2521.8, paragraph (a) is revised to read as follows:


Sec. 2521.8  Contests.

    (a) Contests may be initiated in accordance with parts 4 and 1840 
of this title by any person seeking to acquire title to or to claim an 
interest in the land involved against a party to any desert-land entry 
because of priority of claim or for any sufficient cause affecting the 
legality or validity of the claim not shown by the BLM records.
* * * * *
    37. Section 2522.2 is revised to read as follows:


Sec. 2522.2  Procedure on applications for extensions of time, where 
contest is pending.

    (a) A pending contest against a desert-land entry will not prevent 
BLM from granting an application for extension of time, where the 
contest affidavit does not charge facts tending to overcome the prima 
facie showing of a right to such an extension (41 L.D. 603).
    (b) BLM will not defer its consideration of an application for 
extension of time because of a pending contest against the entry in 
question unless the contest charges are sufficient, if proven, to 
negate the right of the entryman to an extension of time for making 
final proof. If the contest charges are insufficient to negate the 
right of the entryman to an extension of time for making final proof, 
BLM will grant the application for extension if the application is 
regular in all respects and dismiss the contest subject to the right of 
appeal, but without prejudice to the contestant's right to amend his or 
her charges.

PART 2540--COLOR-OF-TITLE AND OMITTED LANDS

    38. An authority citation for Part 2540 is added to read as 
follows:

    Authority: 43 U.S.C. 1740.

    39. In Sec. 2541.5, paragraph (a) is revised to read as follows:


Sec. 2541.5  Publication; protests and contests.

    (a) The applicant must publish a notice once a week for four 
consecutive weeks in accordance with Sec. 1824.3 of this title, at the 
applicant's expense, in a newspaper and in a form designated by BLM. 
The purpose of the notice is to give anyone who may claim the land 
adversely against the applicant an opportunity to file a protest or 
contest to the issuance of patent under the application in accordance 
with parts 4 and 1840 of this title. Anyone who protests or contests 
the issuance of patent must serve a copy of the protest or contest on 
the applicant and furnish BLM with evidence of the service. BLM will 
post a copy of the notice for publication in the appropriate office 
during the entire period of publication.

[[Page 54129]]

Before to patent issuance, the applicant must give BLM copies of the 
published notice and the statement of the publisher, which will serve 
as evidence that the notice was published for the required period.
* * * * *
    40. Section 2542.3 is revised to read as follows:


Sec. 2542.3  Publication and posting of notice.

    If upon consideration of the application BLM determines that the 
applicant is entitled to purchase the land applied for, the applicant, 
at the applicant's expense, must publish notice of the application in a 
form designated by the BLM and in a newspaper of general circulation in 
the county in which the land applied for is located. The purpose of 
this notice is to give all persons who may claim the lands adversely to 
the applicant or who may have a bona fide objection to the proposed 
purchase an opportunity to file a protest or contest in accordance with 
parts 4 and 1840 of this title before the purchase is completed. Anyone 
who protests or contests the purchase must serve a copy of the protest 
or contest on the applicant and must furnish BLM with evidence of the 
service. BLM will post a copy of the notice for publication in the 
appropriate office during the entire period of publication. Before, to 
purchase, the applicant must give BLM copies of the published notice 
and the statement of the publisher, which will serve as evidence that 
the notice was published for the required period.
    41. In Sec. 2542.4, paragraph (a) is revised to read as follows:


Sec. 2542.4  Patent.

    (a) If the applicant submits satisfactory proof of publication and 
no one has filed a protest or contest against the application in 
accordance with parts 4 and 1840 of this title during the time allowed 
for filing objections against the application, BLM will issue the 
applied-for patent.
* * * * *
    42. Section 2543.4 is revised to read as follows:


Sec. 2543.4  Publication and posting.

    Upon payment of the appraised price, BLM will issue a notice of 
application. The applicant must pay for publication of the notice of 
the application in a newspaper of general circulation, designated by 
BLM, in the vicinity of the applied-for lands. The notice must be 
published once a week for five consecutive weeks immediately prior to 
the date of sale. However, a sufficient time should elapse between the 
date of last publication and the date of sale to enable the statement 
of the publisher to be filed. The purpose of the notice is to give all 
persons who may claim the lands adversely to the applicant an 
opportunity during the publication period to file a protest or contest 
in accordance with parts 4 and 1840 of this title. Protests and 
contests must be corroborated. Anyone who files a protest or contest 
must serve a copy on the applicant and must furnish BLM with evidence 
of the service. BLM will post a copy of the notice for publication in 
the appropriate office during the entire period of publication. Before 
to the date fixed for the sale, the applicant must give BLM copies of 
the published notice and the statement of the publisher, which will 
serve as evidence that the notice was published for the required 
period.
    43. Section 2543.5 is revised to read as follows:


Sec. 2543.5  Patent.

    If the applicant submits satisfactory proof and no one has filed a 
protest or contest against the application in accordance with parts 4 
and 1840 of this title, BLM will issue the applied-for patent.
    44. Section 2544.4 is revised to read as follows:


Sec. 2544.4  Publication and posting.

    Upon payment of the appraised price of the land, BLM will issue a 
notice of application. In accordance with Sec. 1824.3 of this title, 
the notice must be published at the expense of the applicant in a 
newspaper of general circulation, designated by the BLM, in the 
vicinity of the applied-for lands, once a week for five consecutive 
weeks immediately prior to the date of sale. However, a sufficient time 
must elapse between the date of the last publication and the date of 
sale to enable the statement of the publisher to be filed. The purpose 
of the notice is to give all persons who may claim the lands adversely 
to the applicant an opportunity during the publication period to file a 
protest or contest in accordance with parts 4 and 1840 of this title. 
Protests and contests must be corroborated. Anyone who files a protest 
or contest must serve a copy on the applicant and must furnish BLM with 
evidence of the service. BLM will post a copy of the notice of 
publication in the appropriate office during the entire period of 
publication. Before the date fixed for the sale, the applicant must 
give BLM copies of the notice of publication and the statement of the 
publisher as evidence that the notice was published for the required 
period.
    45. Section 2545.3 is revised to read as follows:


Sec. 2545.3  Publication and posting.

    Upon payment of the appraised price, BLM will issue a notice of 
application. The applicant must pay for publication of the notice of 
the application at his/her own expense in a newspaper of general 
circulation, designated by BLM, in the vicinity of the applied-for 
lands. The notice must be published once a week for five consecutive 
weeks immediately before the date of sale. However, a sufficient time 
must elapse between the date of last publication and the date that 
patent is issued to enable the statement of the publisher to be filed. 
The purpose of the notice is to give all persons who may claim the 
lands adversely to the applicant an opportunity to file a protest or 
contest in accordance with parts 4 and 1840 of this title. Protests and 
contests must be corroborated. Anyone who files a protest or contest 
must serve a copy on the applicant and must furnish BLM with evidence 
of the service. BLM will post a copy of the notice of application in 
the appropriate office during the entire period of publication. Before 
patent issuance, the applicant must give BLM copies of the published 
notice and the statement of the publisher, which will serve as evidence 
that the notice was published for the required period.
    46. In Sec. 2546.3, paragraph (a) is revised to read as follows:


Sec. 2546.3  Payment and publication.

    (a) Before lands may be sold to a qualified preference-right 
claimant, the claimant must pay the purchase price of the lands and 
must publish a notice, once a week for four consecutive weeks, at his/
her expense, in a newspaper and format designated by BLM. The purpose 
of the notice is to give all persons an opportunity to file with the 
BLM State Office at Boise, Idaho, any protests or contests to issuance 
of patent to the claimant in accordance with parts 4 and 1840 of this 
title. Anyone who files a protest or contest must serve on the claimant 
a copy of the protest or contest and must furnish BLM with evidence of 
the service.
* * * * *
    47. In Sec. 2547.4, paragraph (a) is revised to read as follows:


Sec. 2547.4  Publication and posting.

    (a) The applicant must publish a notice of the application once a 
week for five consecutive weeks in accordance with 1824.3 of this 
title, in a newspaper and a format designated by BLM. All persons who 
may claim the land adversely to the applicant may file with

[[Page 54130]]

the BLM State Office identified in the notice, a protest or contest to 
issuance of patent under the application in accordance with parts 4 and 
1840 of this title. Anyone who files a protest or contest must serve on 
the applicant a copy of the protest or contest and furnish BLM with 
evidence of the service.
* * * * *

PART 2560--ALASKA OCCUPANCY AND USE

    48. An authority citation for part 2560 is added to read as 
follows:

    Authority: R.S. 2473; 43 U.S.C. 1201 and 1740.

    49. The authority citation for subpart 2562 is removed.
    50. Section 2565.2 is amended by revising paragraph (d) to read as 
follows:


Sec. 2565.2  Application; fees; contests and protests.

* * * * *
    (d) Contests and protests. Applications for entry will be subject 
to contest or protest in accordance with parts 4 and 1840 of this 
title.
    51. Section 2565.4 is amended by revising the last sentence of 
paragraphs (b)(1) and (b)(2) to read as follows:


Sec. 2565.4  Deeds.

    (b)(1) * * * In case of conflicting applications for lots, the 
trustee, if he or she considers it necessary, may order a hearing to be 
conducted in accordance with parts 4 and 1840 of this title.
    (2) * * * Any party adversely affected by a decision of the trustee 
or a decision of BLM made under this subpart may appeal the decision in 
accordance with parts 4 and 1840 of this title.

PART 2620--STATE GRANTS

    52. The authority citation for part 2620 continues to read as 
follows:

    Authority: R.S. 2478; 43 U.S.C. 1201.

    53. Section 2621.2 is amended by revising paragraph (a) to read as 
follows:


Sec. 2621.2  Publication, protests, and contests.

    (a) The State must publish a notice of the application once a week 
for five consecutive weeks in accordance with Sec. 1824.3 of this 
title, at its own expense, in a newspaper and format designated by BLM. 
The purpose of the notice is to give all persons who may claim the land 
adversely an opportunity to file with BLM a protest or contest, in 
accordance with parts 4 and 1840 of this title, to the issuance of a 
certification to the State for lands selected under the law. Anyone who 
files a protest or contest must serve on the State a copy of the 
protest or contest and furnish evidence of service to the appropriate 
BLM office.
* * * * *
    54. Section 2623.2 is amended by removing the paragraph designation 
(a) and revising the last sentence to read as follows:


Sec. 2623.2  Claims protected.

    * * * BLM will follow the procedures of parts 4 and 1840 of this 
title for all protests, contests, or claims filed by individuals, 
associations, or corporations against the States, affecting school-
section lands.

PART 2640--FAA AIRPORT GRANTS

    55. The authority citation for part 2640 is revised to read as 
follows:

    Authority: 49 U.S.C. 2215.

    56. In Sec. 2641.3 paragraph (c) is revised to read as follows:


Sec. 2641.3   Publication and payment.

* * * * *
    (c) BLM will send the decision concerning the granting or denial of 
an application to the applicant and to any party who commented on the 
application. Any party who is adversely affected by BLM's decision may 
appeal the decision in accordance with parts 4 and 1840 of this title.
* * * * *

PART 2650--ALASKA NATIVE SELECTIONS

    57. The authority citation for part 2650 is revised to read as 
follows:

    Authority: 43 U.S.C. 1624.

    58. In Sec. 2650.7, the third sentence of paragraph (d), 
introductory text, and the second sentence of paragraph (d)(2) are 
revised to read as follows:


Sec. 2650.7  Publication.

* * * * *
    (d) * * * Any decision or notice actually served on parties or 
constructively served on parties in accordance with this section must 
state that any party claiming a property interest in land affected by 
the decision may appeal the decision in accordance with parts 4 and 
1840 of this title. * * *
* * * * *
    (2) * * * Furthermore, the decision or notice of decision must 
inform readers where further information about filing an appeal may be 
found. It must also state that any party known or unknown who may claim 
a property interest which may be adversely affected by the decision 
will be deemed to have waived their rights which may have been 
adversely affected unless they file an appeal. They must file the 
appeal in accordance with the requirements stated in the decisions or 
notices provided for in this subsection and parts 4 and 1840 of this 
title.
    59. Section 2650.8 is revised to read as follows:


Sec. 2650.8  Appeals.

    Any decision relating to a land selection will become final unless 
appealed in accordance with parts 4 and 1840 of this title.
    60. In Sec. 2653.5, paragraph (l) is revised to read as follows:


Sec. 2653.5  Cemetery sites and historical places.

* * * * *
    (l) BLM or the Secretary will serve the decision on the applicant 
and all parties of record in accordance with the provisions of parts 4 
and 1840 of this title. The decision will be published in accordance 
with the requirements of Sec. 2650.7 of this title. The decision of BLM 
will become final unless appealed in accordance with parts 4 and 1840 
of this title. Any agency adversely affected by the certification of 
BIA or the decision of BLM may also appeal the matter in accordance 
with parts 4 and 1840 of this title. After a decision to convey an 
existing cemetery site or historical place has become final, BLM will 
adjust the segregation of the lands to conform with that conveyance.
    61. Section 2653.8-3 is revised to read as follows:


Sec. 2653.8-3  Appeals.

    Any party who is adversely affected by a decision made by BLM on 
applications filed under section 14(h)(5) of the Act may appeal the 
decision in accordance with parts 4 and 1840 of this title.
    62. Section 2655.4 is revised to read as follows:


Sec. 2655.4  Adverse decisions.

    (a) Any decision adverse to the holding agency or Native 
corporation will become final unless appealed in accordance with parts 
4 and 1840 of this title. If a decision is appealed, the Secretary may 
take personal jurisdiction over the matter in accordance with Sec. 4.5 
of this title. In the case of appeals from affected Federal agencies, 
the Secretary may take jurisdiction upon written request from the 
appropriate cabinet level official. The requesting official, the State 
Director and any affected Native corporation must be notified in 
writing of the Secretary's decision regarding the request for 
Secretarial jurisdiction and

[[Page 54131]]

the reasons for the decision must be sent in writing to the requesting 
agency and any other parties to the appeal.
    (b) When an appeal to a decision to issue a conveyance is made by a 
holding agency or a Native corporation on the basis that BLM neglected 
to make a determination under section 3(e)(1) of the Act, the matter 
will be remanded by the Interior Board of Land Appeals to BLM for a 
determination under section 3(e)(1) of the Act and these regulations: 
provided, that the holding agency or Native corporation has reasonably 
satisfied the Board that its claim is not frivolous.

PART 2720--CONVEYANCE OF FEDERALLY-OWNED MINERAL INTERESTS

    63. The authority citation for part 2720 continues to read as 
follows:

    Authority: 43 U.S.C. 1719 and 1740.

    64. Section 2720.5 is revised to read as follows:


Sec. 2720.5  Appeals.

    Any applicant adversely affected by a decision of BLM made under 
this subpart may appeal the decision in accordance with parts 4 and 
1840 of this title.

PART 2800-- RIGHTS-OF-WAY, PRINCIPLES AND PROCEDURES

    65. The authority citation for part 2800 is revised to read as 
follows:

    Authority: 43 U.S.C. 1733, 1740, and 1763-1764.

    66. Section 2803.4 is amended by revising paragraph (e) to read as 
follows:


Sec. 2803.4  Suspension and termination of right-of-way authorizations.

* * * * *
    (e) In the case of a right-of-way grant which is, under its terms, 
an easement, BLM will give written notice to the holder of the 
suspension or termination. BLM will then refer the matter to the Office 
of Hearings and Appeals for a hearing before an administrative law 
judge in accordance with parts 4 and 1840 of this title. If the 
administrative law judge determines that grounds for suspension or 
termination exist and such an action is justified, BLM will suspend or 
terminate the right-of-way grant.
    67. Section 2804.1 is revised to read as follows:


Sec. 2804.1  Appeals procedure.

    (a) A party adversely affected by a decision of BLM made under this 
subpart may appeal the decision in accordance with parts 4 and 1840 of 
this title.
    (b) All decisions of BLM made under this part will go into effect 
immediately and will remain in effect while appeals are pending unless 
a stay is granted in accordance with Sec. 4.21(b) of this title.
    68. Section 2808.2-2 is revised to read as follows:


Sec. 2808.2-2  Category determination.

    (a) BLM will determine the appropriate category and collect the 
required application processing fee under Sec. 2808.3-1 and 2808.5 
before processing an application. A record of BLM's category 
determination will be made and given to the applicant. A party 
adversely affected by this determination may appeal the decision in 
accordance with Secs. 2804.1 and 2808.6.
    (b) During the processing of an application, BLM may change a 
category determination to place an application in Category V at any 
time it is determined that the application requires the preparation of 
an environmental impact statement. A record of change in category 
determination under this paragraph will be made and given to the 
applicant. A party adversely affected by a revised determination may 
appeal the decision in the same manner as an original category 
determination under paragraph (a) of this section. BLM will make no 
other changes of category determination.
    69. In Sec. 2808.3-1, paragraph (i) is revised to read as follows:


Sec. 2808.3-1  Application fees.

* * * * *
    (i) BLM will provide the applicant with a written determination of 
the reasonable costs to be reimbursed by the applicant or holder and 
those that will be funded by the United States under paragraphs (e) and 
(f) of this section and Sec. 2808.5. A party adversely affected by this 
determination may appeal the decision in accordance with Secs. 2804.1 
and 2808.6.
    70. In Sec. 2808.5, paragraph (c) is revised to read as follows:


Sec. 2808.5  Other cost considerations.

* * * * *
    (c) The State Director may reduce or waive fees under this section 
in determining reimbursable costs made under Sec. 2808.3. Any party 
adversely affected by the State Director's decision may appeal the 
decision in accordance with Secs. 2804.1 and 2808.6.
    71. Section 2808.6 is revised to read as follows:


Sec. 2808.6  Action pending decision on appeal.

    (a) Even if an appeal is filed regarding BLM's determination under 
Sec. 2808.2-2(a) that an application is in Categories I through IV, the 
application will not be accepted for processing without payment of the 
fee for the application according to the category determined by BLM. 
However, when the payment is received, BLM may process the application 
and, if proper, issue the grant or temporary use permit. BLM will 
refund monies or make any other adjustments necessary as a result of 
the outcome of the appeal.
    (b) If an appeal is filed regarding BLM's determination that an 
application is in Category V under Sec. 2808.2-2(a) or that an 
applicant must pay additional costs under Sec. 2808.3-1 (e) through (i) 
or Sec. 2808.5(c), BLM will suspend processing of the application 
pending the outcome of the appeal.

PART 2810--TRAMROADS AND LOGGING ROADS

    72. The authority citation for part 2810 continues to read as 
follows:

    Authority: 43 U.S.C. 1181a, 1181b, 1732, 1733, and 1740.

    73. Section 2812.8-1 is amended by revising paragraph (c) to read 
as follows:


Sec. 2812.8-1  Notice of termination.

* * * * *
    (c) BLM will serve notice of the termination personally or by 
registered mail on the permittee and will describe the 
misrepresentation, failure or default involved. Any permittee adversely 
affected by BLM's notice of termination may appeal the decision in 
accordance with parts 4 and 1840 of this title.
* * * * *
    74. Section 2812.8-2 is amended by revising the second and third 
sentences of paragraph (b) as follows:


Sec. 2812.8-2  Remedies for violations by licensee.

* * * * *
    (b) * * * The permittee is bound by BLM's decision. A permittee who 
is adversely affected by the BLM decision may appeal the decision in 
accordance with parts 4 and 1840 of this title. In the alternative, a 
permittee who believes that a licensee has violated the terms of the 
timber sale contract or cooperative agreement respecting the use of the 
permittee's roads may proceed against the licensee in any court of 
competent jurisdiction to obtain appropriate relief.
    75. Section 2812.9 is revised to read as follows:


Sec. 2812.9  Appeals.

    Any party adversely affected by a BLM decision made under this 
subpart may appeal the decision in accordance with parts 4 and 1840 of 
this title.

[[Page 54132]]

PART 2880--RIGHTS-OF-WAY UNDER THE MINERAL LEASING ACT

    76. The authority citation for part 2880 is revised to read as 
follows:

    Authority: 30 U.S.C. 185.

    77. In Sec. 2883.1-1, paragraph (a)(4) is revised to read as 
follows:


Sec. 2883.1-1  Cost reimbursement.

    (a) * * *
    (4)(i) BLM may accept an application for the purpose of determining 
the appropriate category and the nonrefundable application processing 
fee. However, BLM will collect the full amount of the nonrefundable 
application processing fee prior to processing the application. BLM 
will make a record of BLM's category determination and give it to the 
applicant. Any party who is adversely affected by BLM's category 
determination may appeal the decision in accordance with Sec. 2884.1. 
Even if a category determination is appealed, BLM will not process an 
application without payment of the fee determined by BLM. If the 
payment is made, BLM will process the application and will issue the 
grant or permit if the application is proper. BLM will refund fees if 
directed to do so in the appeal decision. Where the amount of the 
nonrefundable application processing fee submitted by an applicant 
exceeds the amount of the fee required in BLM's category determination, 
BLM will refund the excess unless requested in writing by the applicant 
to apply all or part of the refund to the grant monitoring fee required 
by paragraph (b) of this section or to the rental payment for the grant 
or permit.
    (ii) During the processing of an application, BLM may change a 
category determination to place an application in Category VI at any 
time BLM determines that the application requires preparation of an 
environmental impact statement. BLM will make a record of the change in 
category determination under this paragraph. Any party adversely 
affected by BLM's decision to change the category determination may 
appeal the decision in accordance with Sec. 2884.1.
    78. Section 2883.5 is revised to read as follows:


Sec. 2883.5  Immediate temporary suspension of activities.

    (a) BLM may order immediate remedial actions or an immediate 
temporary suspension of any activity being conducted or authorized by a 
holder within a right-of-way or temporary use permit area in accordance 
with this section and parts 4 and 1840 of this title.
    (b) BLM may order an immediate suspension without regard to actions 
which have been or may be taken by another federal or state agency.
    (c) BLM may order an immediate temporary suspension orally or in 
writing on the site of the activity to the holder or a contractor or 
subcontractor of the holder, or to any representative, agent, employee, 
or contractor of any of them. The activity must end at that time. As 
soon as practicable, BLM will send a written notice to the holder or 
the holder's designated agent to confirm the previous oral order.
    79. In Sec. 2883.6-1, paragraph (c) is revised to read as follows:


Sec. 2883.6-1  Suspension and termination of right-of-way grants.

* * * * *
    (c) If BLM determines that a situation under Sec. 2883.6 or this 
section exists in connection with a right-of-way grant, BLM will give 
written notice to the holder, and refer the matter to the Office of 
Hearings and Appeals for a hearing before an administrative law judge 
in accordance with parts 4 and 1840 of this title. BLM will suspend or 
terminate the right-of-way grant if the administrative law judge 
determines that grounds for suspension or termination exist and that 
the action is justified.
    80. Section 2883.6-2 is amended by revising paragraphs (b) and (c) 
to read as follows:


Sec. 2883.6-2  Suspension and termination of temporary permits.

* * * * *
    (b) If BLM determines that a situation under Sec. 2883.6 or this 
section exists, BLM will give written notice to the holder. The holder 
may protest the determination to the BLM office issuing the notice. The 
reviewing official will, within the time specified in the notice, 
affirm, modify, or cancel the determination and will provide the holder 
with a written decision.
    (c) A holder who is adversely affected by the decision made under 
paragraph (b) of this section may appeal the decision in accordance 
with parts 4 and 1840 of this title.
    81. Section 2884.1 is revised to read as follows:


Sec. 2884.1  Appeals procedure.

    (a) A party adversely affected by a decision of BLM under this 
subpart may appeal the decision in accordance with parts 4 and 1840 of 
this title.
    (b) Except for decisions under Sec. 2883.6 through 2883.6-2, all 
BLM decisions under this part will go into effect immediately and will 
remain in effect while appeals are pending unless a stay is granted in 
accordance with Sec. 4.21(b) of this title.

PART 2910--LEASES

    82. The authority citation for part 2900 is revised to read as 
follows:

    Authority: 43 U.S.C. 687c-1, 1441-1443 and 1740.

    83. The authority citation for subpart 2911 is removed.
    84. The authority citation for subpart 2912 is removed.
    85. Section 2916.2-5 is added to read as follows:


Sec. 2916.2-5  Appeals.

    Any party adversely affected by a BLM decision made under this 
subpart may appeal the decision in accordance with parts 4 and 1840 of 
this title.

PART 2920--LEASES, PERMITS AND EASEMENTS

    86. The authority citation for part 2920 is revised to read as 
follows:

    Authority: 43 U.S.C. 1732-1733 and 1740.

    87. Section 2920.2-2 is revised to read as follows:


Sec. 2920.2-2  Minimum impact permits.

    (a) BLM may, without publication of a notice of realty action, 
issue a permit for a land use authorization if BLM determines that the 
proposed use conforms with BLM plans, policies and programs, local 
zoning ordinances and any other requirements and will not cause 
appreciable damage or disturbance to the public lands, their resources 
or improvements.
    (b) Permit decisions made under paragraph (a) of this section will 
go into effect immediately upon execution, and remain in effect during 
the period of time specified in the decision to issue the permit. Any 
person adversely affected by a decision to grant or deny a permit under 
paragraph (a) of this section may appeal the decision in accordance 
with parts 4 and 1840 of this title. However, decisions and permits 
issued under paragraph (a) of this section will remain in effect unless 
a petition for a stay is granted under Sec. 4.21(b) of this title.
    88. In Sec. 2920.2-5 paragraph (b), introductory text, and 
paragraph (b)(4) are revised to read as follows:


Sec. 2920.2-5  Proposal review.

* * * * *
    (b) If the proposal is found to be appropriate for further 
consideration, BLM will examine the proposal and make one of the 
following determinations:
* * * * *

[[Page 54133]]

    (4) The proposed land use does not conform with the approved land 
use plan. Any party adversely affected by this determination may appeal 
the determination in accordance with parts 4 and 1840 of this title.
    89. Section 2920.4 is amended by revising paragraph (d) to read as 
follows:


Sec. 2920.4  Notice of realty action.

* * * * *
    (d) An application submitted before a notice of realty action is 
published will not be processed and will be returned to the person who 
submitted it. Return of an application may not be appealed or 
protested.
    90. Section 2920.9-3 is amended by revising paragraphs (b)(1) and 
(c), introductory text, and (c)(2) to read as follows:


Sec. 2920.9-3  Termination and suspension.

* * * * *
    (b)(1) If BLM determines that there is noncompliance with the terms 
and conditions of a land use authorization which adversely affects 
health, safety or the environment, BLM will order an immediate 
temporary suspension of the land use in accordance with Sec. 1844.11 
(c) of this title.
* * * * *
    (c) Process for termination or suspension other than temporary 
immediate suspension.
* * * * *
    (2) After BLM gives the holder of the land use authorization due 
notice of termination or suspension, if noncompliance still exists 
after a reasonable time, BLM will give written notice to the holder and 
refer the matter to the Office of Hearings and Appeals for a hearing 
before an administrative law judge in accordance with part 1840 and 
4.420-4.439 of this title. BLM will suspend or revoke the land use 
authorization if the administrative law judge determines that grounds 
for suspension or revocation exist and that such an action is 
justified.

PART 3000--MINERALS MANAGEMENT: GENERAL

    91. The authority citation for part 3000 is revised to read as 
follows:

    Authority: 30 U.S.C. 189, 306 and 359; 16 U.S.C. 3150; 43 U.S.C. 
1740; 42 U.S.C. 6508; 31 U.S.C. 9701(b); and 40 Op. Atty. Gen. 41.

    92. Section 3000.4 is revised to read as follows:


Sec. 3000.4  Appeals.

    Except as provided in Sec. 3101.7-3(b), 3102.5-1, 3108.3, and 
3120.1-3 of this title, any party adversely affected by a decision of 
BLM made under the provisions of Group 3000 or Group 3100 of this title 
may appeal the decision in accordance with parts 4 and 1840 of this 
title.


Sec. 3000.5  [Removed]

    93. Section 3000.5 is removed.

PART 3100--ONSHORE OIL AND GAS LEASING

    94. The authority citation for part 3100 continues to read as 
follows:

    Authority: 30 U.S.C. 181 et seq., 30 U.S.C. 351-359.

    95. Section 3101.7-3 is revised to read as follows:


Sec. 3101.7-3  Appeals.

    (a) Any party adversely affected by a decision of BLM to reject an 
offer to lease or to issue a lease with stipulations recommended by the 
surface managing agency may appeal the decision in accordance with 
parts 4 and 1840 of this title.
    (b) If, as provided by statute, a surface managing agency has 
required that certain stipulations be included in a lease or has 
consented, or objected or refused to consent to leasing, any lease 
offeror adversely affected by the surface managing agency decision may 
appeal the decision only in accordance with the administrative appeals 
procedures provided for by the particular surface managing agency.

PART 3120--COMPETITIVE LEASES

    96. The authority citation for part 3120 is revised to read as 
follows:

    Authority: 30 U.S.C. 181 et seq.; 30 U.S.C. 351-359; 16 U.S.C. 
3101 et seq.; 43 U.S.C. 1701 et seq.; 40 U.S.C. 471 et seq., and 40 
Op. Atty. Gen. 41.97. Section 3120.1-3 is revised to read as 
follows:


Sec. 3120.1-3  Protests and appeals.

    (a) A decision of BLM to hold a lease sale as provided under this 
subpart will not be suspended or stayed under Sec. 4.21(a) or 
Sec. 1844.11 of this title if an appeal of the decision is filed. BLM 
may suspend the offering of a specific parcel while considering a 
protest or appeal regarding its inclusion in a Notice of Competitive 
Lease Sale.
    (b) Only the Secretary or the Assistant Secretary for Land and 
Minerals Management may suspend a lease sale for good and just cause 
after reviewing the reason(s) for an appeal.

PART 3150--ONSHORE OIL AND GAS GEOPHYSICAL EXPLORATION

    98. The authority citation for part 3150 is revised to read as 
follows:

    Authority: 30 U.S.C. 189; 30 U.S.C. 359; 43 U.S.C. 1733 and 
1740; 16 U.S.C. 3150; 42 U.S.C. 6508; and 31 U.S.C. 9701.

    99. In Sec. 3150.1, the second sentence is revised to read as 
follows:


Sec. 3150.1  Suspension, revocation or cancellation.

     * * * The Secretary may order an immediate temporary suspension of 
activities authorized under a permit or other use authorization as 
provided in Sec. 1844.11(c) of this title.
    100. Section 3150.2 is revised to read as follows:


Sec. 3150.2  Appeals.

    (a) Any party adversely affected by a decision or approval of BLM 
under this subpart may appeal that decision in accordance with parts 4 
and 1840 of this title.
    (b) All decisions and approvals of BLM under this part will go into 
effect immediately and will remain in effect while appeals are pending 
unless a stay is granted in accordance with Sec. 4.21(b) of this title.
    (c) Notwithstanding paragraph (b) of this section, nothing in this 
section will diminish BLM's discretionary authority to stay the 
effectiveness of a decision under this subpart if the decision is 
appealed and an adversely affected party requests a stay or BLM decides 
to stay the decision on its own initiative.

PART 3160--ONSHORE OIL AND GAS OPERATIONS

    101. The authority citation for part 3160 continues to read as 
follows:

    Authority: 43 U.S.C. 1733; 30 U.S.C. 189; 30 U.S.C. 359; 30 
U.S.C. 306; 25 U.S.C. 396, 396d, 398e and 399; 42 U.S.C. 6508; 30 
U.S.C. 1701 et seq.

    102. Section 3165.3 is revised to read as follows:


Sec. 3165.3  Notice and hearing on the record.

    (a) Notice. If an operating rights owner or operator fails to 
comply with any provisions of the lease, the regulars in this part, 
applicable orders or notices, or any other appropriate orders of BLM, 
BLM will give the party written notice to remedy any defaults or 
violations. BLM will serve written orders or notices of violation, 
assessment, or proposed penalty on the party by personal service or by 
certified mail. Any person may designate a representative to receive 
any notice of violation, assessment, or proposed penalty on his/her 
behalf. In the case of a major violation, BLM will make a good faith 
effort to contact the designated representative by telephone to be 
followed by a written notice. Receipt of notice will be deemed to

[[Page 54134]]

occur at the time of the telephone contact, and the time of notice and 
the name of the receiving party will be documented in the file. If BLM 
is unable to contact the designated representative after good faith 
efforts, BLM will serve notice of the major violation on any person 
conducting or supervising operations subject to the regulations in this 
part. In the case of a minor violation, BLM will serve notice as 
described above. A copy of all orders, notices, or instructions served 
on any contractor or field employee or designated representative will 
also be mailed to the operator. Any notice involving a civil penalty 
will be mailed to the operating rights owner.
    (b) No civil penalty will be assessed under this part until the 
party charged with the violation has been given the opportunity for a 
hearing on the record in accordance with section 109(e) of the Federal 
Oil and Gas Royalty Management Act. Any party adversely affected by 
BLM's decision on the proposed penalty may request a hearing on the 
record before an administrative law judge or, in lieu of a hearing, may 
appeal that decision directly to the Interior Board of Land Appeals as 
provided in Sec. 3165.4(b)(2). If the party elects to request a hearing 
on the record, the request must be filed in the office of the State 
Director having jurisdiction over the lands covered by the lease within 
30 days of receipt of the notice of proposed penalty. If a hearing on 
the record is requested, the State Director will refer the complete 
case file to the Office of Hearings and Appeals for a hearing before an 
administrative law judge in accordance with parts 4 and 1840 of this 
title.
    (c) Effect of request for hearing on the record. Any request for a 
hearing on the record before an administrative law judge under this 
section will not suspend the requirement to comply with the notice of 
violation or proposed penalty or stop the daily accumulation of 
assessments, unless an administrative law judge so determines in 
accordance with part 4 of this title. However, a request for a hearing 
on the record will suspend the accumulation of additional daily 
penalties until a final decision is rendered, except that within 10 
days of receipt of a request for a hearing on the record, the State 
Director may, after review of the request, recommend that the BLM 
Director reinstate the accumulation of daily civil penalties until the 
violation is abated. Within 45 days of the filing of the request for a 
hearing on the record, the BLM Director may reinstate the accumulation 
of civil penalties if he/she determines that the public interest 
requires a reinstatement of the accumulation and that the violation is 
causing or threatening immediate, substantial and adverse impacts on 
public health and safety, the environment, production accountability, 
or royalty income. If the BLM Director does not reinstate the daily 
accumulation within 45 days of the filing of the request for a hearing 
on the record, the suspension of accumulation of additional daily 
penalties will continue.
    103. Section 3165.4 is revised to read as follows:


Sec. 3165.4  Appeals.

    (a) Appeal of decision. Any party adversely affected by a notice, 
instruction, order, or decision under this subpart may appeal it in 
accordance with parts 4 and 1840 of this title.
    (b) Appeal from decision on a proposed penalty after a hearing on 
the record. (1) Any party adversely affected by the decision of an 
administrative law judge on a proposed penalty after a hearing on the 
record under Sec. 3165.3 may appeal that decision in accordance with 
parts 4 and 1840 of this title.
    (2) In lieu of a hearing on the record under Sec. 3165.3, any party 
adversely affected by a proposed penalty may waive the opportunity for 
such a hearing on the record by appealing directly to the Interior 
Board of Land Appeals in accordance with parts 4 and 1840 of this 
title. However, waiving the right to a hearing on the record precludes 
further appeal to the District Court under section 109(j) of the 
Federal Oil and Gas Royalty Management Act.
    (c) Effect of an appeal on a decision by an administrative law 
judge. All decisions of an administrative law judge under this part 
will go into effect immediately and remain in effect while any appeals 
are pending unless a stay is granted in accordance Sec. 4.21(b) of this 
title. Notwithstanding the foregoing sentence, nothing in this 
paragraph will diminish the BLM's discretionary authority to stay the 
effectiveness of a decision which has been appealed under paragraph (a) 
or (b) of this section if an adversely affected party requests a stay 
or if BLM's decides a stay is warranted on its own initiative.
    (d) Effect of appeal on compliance requirements. Except as provided 
in paragraph (e) of this section, any appeal filed in accordance with 
paragraphs (a) and (b) of this section will not result in a suspension 
of the requirement for compliance with the order or decision from which 
the appeal is taken unless the Interior Board of Land Appeals 
determines that a suspension will not harm the interests of the lessor 
or that a bond has been submitted and accepted which is adequate to 
indemnify the lessor from loss or damage.
    (e) Effect of appeal on assessments and penalties. (1) Except as 
provided in paragraph (e)(3) of this section, an appeal filed under 
paragraph (a) of this section will suspend the accumulation of 
additional daily assessments. However, the filing of an appeal will not 
bar BLM from assessing civil penalties under Sec. 3163.2 in the event 
the operator has failed to abate the violation which resulted in the 
assessment. The Interior Board of Land Appeals may issue appropriate 
orders to coordinate the pending appeal and the pending civil penalty 
proceeding.
    (2) Except as provided in paragraph (e)(3) of this section, an 
appeal filed under paragraph (b) of this section will suspend the 
accumulation of additional daily civil penalties.
    (3) When an appeal is filed under paragraph (a) or (b) of this 
section, the State Director may, within 10 days of receipt of the 
notice of appeal, recommend that the BLM Director reinstate the 
accumulation of assessments and daily civil penalties until a final 
decision is rendered or until the violation is abated. The BLM Director 
may, if he/she determines that the public interest requires it, 
reinstate the accumulation(s) upon a finding that the violation is 
causing or threatening immediate substantial and adverse impacts on 
public health and safety, the environment, production accountability, 
or royalty income. If the BLM Director does not act on the 
recommendation to reinstate the accumulation(s) within 45 days of the 
filing of the notice of appeal, the suspension will continue.
    (f) Judicial review. Any person who is adversely affected by a 
final order of the Secretary under this section may seek review of the 
order in the United States District Court for the judicial district in 
which the alleged violation occurred. Because section 109 of the 
Federal Oil and Gas Royalty Management Act provides for judicial review 
of civil penalty determinations only where a person has requested a 
hearing on the record, a waiver of such hearing precludes further 
review by the district court. Review by the district court will be on 
the administrative record only and not de novo. Such an action will be 
barred unless filed within 90 days after issuance of final decision.

PART 3180--ONSHORE OIL AND GAS UNIT AGREEMENTS: UNPROVEN AREAS

    104. The authority citation for part 3180 continues to read as 
follows:

    Authority: 30 U.S.C. 181 and 226.


[[Page 54135]]


    105. Section 3185.1 is revised to read as follows:


Sec. 3185.1  Appeals.

    Any party adversely affected by an instruction, order, or decision 
issued under this part may appeal it in accordance with parts 4 and 
1840 of this title.

PART 3200--GEOTHERMAL RESOURCES LEASING: GENERAL

    106. The authority citation for part 3200 is revised to read as 
follows:

    Authority: 30 U.S.C. 1023.

    107. In Sec. 3205.3-9, the sixth, seventh, and eighth sentences, 
are revised to read as follows:


Sec. 3205.3-9  Readjustments.

    * * * If the lessee files a protest in accordance with parts 4 and 
1840 of this title, and no agreement can be reached between BLM and the 
lessee within a period of 60 days, the lease may be terminated by 
either party to the lease. Any party adversely affected by such a lease 
termination may appeal the termination in accordance with parts 4 and 
1840 of this title. If the lessee files a protest to the proposed 
readjusted terms and conditions, the existing terms and conditions will 
remain in effect until there has been an agreement between BLM and the 
lessee on the new terms and conditions to be applied to the lease or 
until the lease is terminated, except payments of any proposed 
readjusted rentals and royalties must be paid in the timely manner 
prescribed in these regulations and may be paid under protest. The 
readjusted terms and conditions will be effective as of the end of the 
term being adjusted. * * *

PART 3240--RULES GOVERNING LEASES

    108. The authority citation for part 3240 is revised to read as 
follows:

    Authority: 30 U.S.C. 1023.

    109. Section 3244.3 is revised to read as follows:


Sec. 3244.3  Cancellation of lease for noncompliance with regulations 
or lease terms; notice; hearing.

    (a) A lease may be canceled by BLM for any violation of these 
regulations, the regulations in part 3260 of this title, or the lease 
terms, 30 days after the lessee receives notice from BLM of the 
violation, unless the lessee corrects the violation within that time 
period, or the violation is one that cannot be corrected within the 
notice period and the lessee has in good faith begun to correct the 
violation within the notice period and thereafter continues to 
diligently complete the correction.
    (b) Any lessee may seek a hearing before an administrative law 
judge regarding the violation or the proposed cancellation of lease. 
The lessee must request a hearing in accordance with parts 4 and 1840 
of this title within the 30-day period after notice. BLM will extend 
the time in which a lessee may correct a violation of the regulations 
or of the lease terms to a date which is 30 days after the lessee 
receives the administrative law judge's decision on the hearing if the 
administrative law judge finds that a violation has occurred.

PART 3250--UTILIZATION OF GEOTHERMAL RESOURCES

    110. The authority citation for part 3250 is revised to read as 
follows:

    Authority: 30 U.S.C. 1001-1025.

    111. Section 3250.9 is amended by revising paragraph (b) to read as 
follows:


Sec. 3250.9  Relinquishment, expiration, or termination of license.

* * * * *
    (b) A license issued under this part may be terminated by written 
order of BLM for any violation of any applicable regulation or any 
license term or condition, after 30 days notice. However, the 
termination will not take effect if within the 30-day notice period 
either the violation is corrected or the licensee has commenced in good 
faith to correct the violation and will thereafter proceed diligently 
to correct the violation where the violation is such that it cannot be 
corrected within the notice period. Any licensee who may be adversely 
affected by BLM's termination order may appeal the order and is 
entitled to a hearing regarding the violation and the termination in 
accordance with parts 4 and 1840 of this title if the appeal is filed 
within the 30-day notice period. If an appeal is filed on time, BLM 
will extend the time in which the licensee may begin to correct the 
violation to a date which is 30 days after a final decision is rendered 
if it is found that a violation exists.

PART 3260--GEOTHERMAL RESOURCES OPERATIONS

    112. The authority citation for part 3260 is revised to read as 
follows:

    Authority: 30 U.S.C. 1023.

    113. Section 3266.1 is revised to read as follows:


Sec. 3266.1  Appeals.

    (a) Any party adversely affected by a decision of BLM made under 
this part may appeal that decision in accordance with parts 4 and 1840 
of this title.
    (b) All decisions or approvals of BLM under this part will go into 
effect immediately and remain in effect while appeals are pending 
unless a stay is granted in accordance with Sec. 4.21(b) of this title.

PART 3280--GEOTHERMAL RESOURCES UNIT AGREEMENTS: UNPROVEN AREAS

    114. The authority citation for part 3280 is revised to read as 
follows:

    Authority: 30 U.S.C. 1001-1025.

    115. Section 3285.1 is revised to read as follows:


Sec. 3285.1  Appeals.

    Any party adversely affected by an order or decision made under 
this part may appeal the order or decision in accordance with parts 4 
and 1840 of this title.

PART 3410--EXPLORATION LICENSES

    116. The authority citation for part 3410 is revised to read as 
follows:

    Authority: 30 U.S.C. 210(b).

    117. In Sec. 3410.3-1, paragraphs (g)(1) and (g)(2) are revised to 
read as follows:


Sec. 3410.3-1  Issuance and termination of an exploration license.

* * * * *
    (g) * * *
    (1) BLM may adjust the terms and conditions of the exploration 
license, or
    (2) BLM may direct adjustment in or approve modification of the 
exploration plan. Any licensee who is adversely affected by BLM's 
adjustment or modification decision may appeal the decision in 
accordance with parts 4 and 1840 of this title or may relinquish the 
exploration license.
* * * * *

PART 3420--COMPETITIVE LEASING

    118. The authority citation for part 3420 is revised to read as 
follows:

    Authority: 30 U.S.C. 189; 30 U.S.C. 359; 30 U.S.C. 1272 and 
1273; and 43 U.S.C. 1733 and 1740.

    119. Section 3427.2 is amended by revising paragraphs (j) and (k) 
to read as follows:


Sec. 3427.2  Procedures.

* * * * *
    (j) If the surface owner fails to provide evidence of 
qualifications in response to surface owner consultation or to a 
written request for such evidence, and if BLM is unable to 
independently

[[Page 54136]]

determine whether or not the surface owner is qualified, BLM will 
presume that the surface owner is unqualified. BLM will notify the 
surface owner in writing of this determination and will provide the 
surface owner an opportunity to appeal the determination.
    (k) Any surface owner determined to be unqualified by decision of 
the field official of the surface management agency will have 30 days 
from the date of receipt of such decision in which to appeal the 
decision in accordance with parts 4 and 1840 of this title.

PART 3430--NONCOMPETITIVE LEASES

    120. The authority citation for part 3430 is revised to read as 
follows:

    Authority: 30 U.S.C. 189; 30 U.S.C. 359; 30 U.S.C. 1260, 1272 
and 1273; and 43 U.S.C. 1733 and 1740.

    121. Section 3430.5-2 is revised to read as follows:


Sec. 3430.5-2  Appeals, lack of showing.

    (a) Any applicant whose application is rejected because the 
applicant has not shown the existence of commercial quantities of coal 
may appeal the decision to reject the application in accordance with 
parts 4 and 1840 of this title.
    (b) The applicant is entitled to a hearing before an administrative 
law judge in accordance with parts 4 and 1840 of this title if the 
applicant has alleged that the facts in the application are sufficient 
to show an entitlement to a lease.
     (c) In such a hearing, the applicant bears both the burden of 
going forward and the burden of proof to show, by a preponderance of 
evidence, that commercial quantities of coal exist in the proposed 
lease area.

PART 3450--MANAGEMENT OF EXISTING LEASES

    122. The authority citation for part 3450 is revised to read as 
follows:

    Authority: 30 U.S.C. 189; 30 U.S.C. 359; 30 U.S.C. 1272 and 
1273; and 43 U.S.C. 1733 and 1740.

    123. In Sec. 3451.2, paragraph (d) is revised to read as follows:


Sec. 3451.2  Notification of readjusted lease terms.

* * * * *
    (d) Any lessee adversely affected by the readjustment decision may 
appeal the decision in accordance with parts 4 and 1840 of this title; 
and
* * * * *

PART 3470--COAL MANAGEMENT PROVISIONS AND LIMITATIONS

    124. The authority citation for part 3470 is revised to read as 
follows:

    Authority: 30 U.S.C. 189 and 30 U.S.C. 359.

    125. Section 3472.1-2 is amended by revising paragraphs (e)(4)(ii) 
and (iii) to read as follows:


Sec. 3472.1-2  Special leasing qualifications.

 * * * * *
    (e) * * *
    (4) * * *
    (ii) Once a lease has been issued, or transfer approved, to an 
entity that qualifies under paragraph (e)(4)(i) of this section, an 
adverse decision by BLM on the pending action, or the withdrawal of the 
pending action by the applicant, will result in termination of the 
lease or recision of the transfer approval. An entity who is adversely 
affected by such a decision may appeal the decision in accordance with 
parts 4 and 1840 of this title. Such a decision will go into effect 
immediately and remain in effect while any appeal is pending unless a 
stay is granted in accordance with Sec. 4.21(b) of this title. The 
possibility of lease termination will be included as a special 
stipulation in every lease issued to an entity that qualifies under 
paragraph (e)(4) of this section.
    (iii) The entity will not qualify for lease issuance or transfer 
under paragraph (e)(4)(i) of this section while an appeal is pending 
before the Office of Hearings and Appeals regarding an adverse decision 
by BLM on any of the actions described in paragraph (e)(4)(i) of this 
section.
* * * * *

PART 3480--COAL EXPLORATION AND MINING OPERATIONS RULES

    126. The authority citation for part 3480 is revised to read as 
follows:

    Authority: 30 U.S.C. 189; 30 U.S.C. 359; 30 U.S.C. 1266 and 
1273; and 43 U.S.C. 1461, 1733 and 1740.

    137. Section 3486.4 is revised to read as follows:


Sec. 3486.4  Appeals.

    Any party adversely affected by a decision or order issued by BLM 
under this part may appeal the decision or order in accordance with 
parts 4 and 1840 of this title.

PART 3500--LEASING OF SOLID MINERALS OTHER THAN COAL AND OIL SHALE

    128. The authority citation for part 3500 is revised to read as 
follows:

    Authority: 30 U.S.C. 189; 30 U.S.C. 359; 43 U.S.C. 1733 and 
1740; 30 U.S.C. 192c; 30 U.S.C. 293; 16 U.S.C. 460n-5; 16 U.S.C. 
460q-1; 16 U.S.C. 460dd-2; 16 U.S.C. 460mm-2--460mm-3; 31 U.S.C. 
9701.

    129. Section 3500.4 is revised to read as follows:


Sec. 3500.4  Appeals.

    Any party adversely affected by a decision of BLM made under this 
part may appeal the decision in accordance with parts 4 and 1840 of 
this title.
    130. In Sec. 3500.9-1, paragraph (c) is revised to read as follows:


Sec. 3500.9-1  Federal lands administered by agencies outside of the 
Department of the Interior.

* * * * *
    (c) If, as provided by statute, a surface managing agency has 
required that certain stipulations be included in a lease or permit or 
has consented, or objected or refused to consent to leasing or 
permitting, any applicant adversely affected by the surface managing 
agency decision may appeal the decision only in accordance with the 
administrative appeals procedures provided for by the particular 
surface managing agency.

PART 3510--PHOSPHATE

    131. The authority citation for part 3510 is revised to read as 
follows:

    Authority: 30 U.S.C. 181 et seq.; 30 U.S.C. 351-359; 43 U.S.C. 
1701 et seq.; 47 Stat. 1487; 43 U.S.C. 387; 16 U.S.C. 460n et seq.; 
16 U.S.C. 460q et seq.; 16 U.S.C. 90c et seq.; 16 U.S.C. 460dd et 
seq.; 16 U.S.C. 460mm-2--460mm-4; 31 U.S.C. 9701.

    132. Section 3511.4 is revised to read as follows:


Sec. 3511.4  Readjustment.

    (a) The terms and conditions of a lease are subject to reasonable 
readjustment at the end of each 20-year period following the effective 
date of the lease unless otherwise provided by law at the time of 
expiration of such period. Before the expiration of each 20-year 
period, BLM will send proposed readjusted terms and conditions to the 
lessee. If BLM fails to send the proposed readjusted terms and 
conditions prior to the expiration of the 20-year period, the right to 
readjust the lease will have been waived until the expiration of the 
next 20-year term.
    (b) The lessee is deemed to have agreed to the readjusted terms and 
conditions unless within 60 days after receiving them, the lessee files 
a protest in accordance with part 4 and 1840 of this title to the 
readjusted terms and conditions or relinquishes the lease. BLM will 
issue a decision responding to the protest, and if the response is

[[Page 54137]]

adverse to the lessee, the lessee may appeal the decision in accordance 
with parts 4 and 1840 of this title. The effective date of the 
readjustment will not be affected by the filing of a protest or appeal.
    (c) Except as provided in this paragraph, the readjusted terms and 
conditions will be effective pending a response to the protest or the 
outcome of the appeal provided for in paragraph (b) of this section 
unless BLM provides otherwise in the decision. Upon the filing of a 
protest or appeal, the obligation to pay any increased readjusted 
royalties, minimum royalties and rentals will be suspended pending the 
outcome of the protest or appeal. However, any such increased 
royalties, minimum royalties and rentals will accrue while the protest 
or appeal is pending, commencing with the effective date of the 
readjustment. If the increased royalties, minimum royalties and rentals 
are sustained by the decision on the protest or on appeal, the accrued 
balance, plus interest at the rate specified for late payment by the 
Service will be payable. (See part 3590 of this title.) Pending the 
decision on the protest or the appeal, the royalties, minimum royalties 
and rentals will be payable as specified by the lease terms and 
conditions in effect prior to the end of the 20-year period.
    133. Section 3513.4 is revised to read as follows:


Sec. 3513.4  Rejection of application.

    (a) BLM will reject an application for a preference right lease if 
it determines that:
    (1) The applicant did not discover a valuable deposit of phosphate;
    (2) The applicant did not submit requested information in a timely 
manner; or
    (3) The applicant did not otherwise comply with the requirements of 
this subpart.
    (b) The applicant has a right to a hearing before an administrative 
law judge in accordance with parts 4 and 1840 of this title if the 
applicant has alleged facts in the application that are sufficient to 
show an entitlement to a lease.
    (c) At the hearing, the lease applicant will have both the burden 
of going forward and the burden of proof to show, by a preponderance of 
the evidence, that a valuable deposit of phosphate was discovered.

PART 3520--SODIUM

    134. The authority citation for part 3520 is revised to read as 
follows:

    Authority: 30 U.S.C. 181 et seq.; 30 U.S.C. 351-359; 43 U.S.C. 
1701 et seq.; 47 Stat. 1487; 43 U.S.C. 387; 16 U.S.C. 460n et seq.; 
16 U.S.C. 460q et seq.; 16 U.S.C. 90c et seq.; 16 U.S.C. 460dd et 
seq.; 16 U.S.C. 460mm-2--460mm-4; 31 U.S.C. 9701.

    135. Section 3523.4 is revised to read as follows:


Sec. 3523.4  Rejection of application.

    (a) BLM will reject the application for a preference right lease if 
it determines that:
    (1) The applicant did not discover a valuable deposit of sodium 
and/or the lands are not chiefly valuable therefor;
    (2) The applicant did not submit requested information in a timely 
manner; or
    (3) The applicant did not otherwise comply with the requirements of 
this subpart.
    (b) The applicant has a right to a hearing before an administrative 
law judge in accordance with parts 4 and 1840 of this title if the 
applicant has alleged facts in the application that are sufficient to 
show an entitlement to a lease.
    (c) At the hearing, the applicant will have both the burden of 
going forward and the burden of proof to show, by a preponderance of 
the evidence, that a valuable deposit of sodium or any sodium compound 
was discovered and that the lands are chiefly valuable therefor.

PART 3530--POTASSIUM

    136. The authority citation for part 3530 is revised to read as 
follows:

    Authority: 30 U.S.C. 181 et seq.; 30 U.S.C. 351-359; 43 U.S.C. 
1701 et seq.; 43 U.S.C. 387; 16 U.S.C. 460n et seq.; 16 U.S.C. 460q 
et seq.; 16 U.S.C. 90c et seq.; 16 U.S.C. 460dd et seq.; 16 U.S.C. 
460mm-2--460mm-4; 31 U.S.C. 9701.

    137. Section 3531.4 is revised to read as follows:


Sec. 3531.4  Readjustment.

    (a) The terms and conditions of a lease are subject to reasonable 
readjustment at the end of each 20-year period following the effective 
date of the lease unless otherwise provided by law at the time of 
expiration of such period. Prior to the expiration of each 20-year 
period, BLM will send proposed readjusted terms and conditions to the 
lessee. If BLM fails to send the proposed readjusted terms and 
conditions prior to the expiration of the 20-year period, the right to 
readjust the lease will have been waived until the expiration of the 
next 20-year term.
    (b) The lessee is deemed to have agreed to the readjusted terms and 
conditions unless, within 60 days after receiving them, the lessee 
files a protest of the readjusted terms in accordance with parts 4 and 
1840 of this title or relinquishes the lease. BLM will issue a decision 
responding to the protest, and if the response is adverse to the 
lessee, the lessee may appeal the decision in accordance with parts 4 
and 1840 of this title. The effective date of the readjustment will not 
be affected by the filing of a protest or appeal.
    (c) Except as provided in this paragraph, the readjusted lease 
terms and conditions will be effective pending the outcome of the 
protest or the appeal provided for in paragraph (b) of this section 
unless BLM provides otherwise. Upon the filing of a protest or appeal, 
the obligation to pay any increased readjusted royalties, minimum 
royalties and rentals will be suspended pending the outcome of the 
protest or appeal. However, any such increased royalties, minimum 
royalties and rentals will accrue while the protest or appeal is 
pending, commencing with the effective date of the readjustment. If the 
increased royalties, minimum royalties and rentals are sustained by the 
decision on the protest or appeal, the accrued balance, plus interest 
at the rate specified for late payment by the Service will be payable 
(See part 3590). Pending the decision on the protest or appeal, the 
royalties, minimum royalties and rentals will be payable as specified 
by the lease terms and conditions in effect prior to the end of the 20-
year period.
    138. Section 3533.4 is revised to read as follows:


Sec. 3533.4  Rejection of application.

    (a) BLM will reject an application for a preference right lease if 
it determines that:
    (1) The applicant did not discover a valuable deposit of potassium 
and/or the lands are not chiefly valuable therefor;
    (2) The applicant did not submit requested information in a timely 
manner; or
    (3) The applicant did not otherwise comply with the requirements of 
this subpart.
    (b) The applicant has a right to a hearing before an administrative 
law judge in accordance with parts 4 and 1840 of this title if the 
applicant has alleged facts in the application that are sufficient to 
show an entitlement to a lease.
    (c) At the hearing, the applicant will have both the burden of 
going forward and the burden of proof to show, by a preponderance of 
the evidence, that a valuable deposit of potassium or any potassium 
compound was discovered

[[Page 54138]]

and that the lands are chiefly valuable therefor.

PART 3540--SULPHUR

    139. The authority citation for part 3540 is revised to read as 
follows:

    Authority: 30 U.S.C. 181 et seq.; 30 U.S.C. 351-359; 43 U.S.C. 
1701 et seq.; 47 Stat. 1487; 43 U.S.C. 387; 16 U.S.C. 460n et seq.; 
16 U.S.C. 460q et seq.; 16 U.S.C. 90c et seq.; 16 U.S.C. 460dd et 
seq.; 16 U.S.C. 460mm-2--460mm-4; 31 U.S.C. 9701.

    140. Section 3543.4 is revised to read as follows:


Sec. 3543.4  Rejection of application.

    (a) BLM will reject an application for a preference right lease if 
it determines that:
    (1) The applicant did not discover a valuable deposit of sulphur 
and/or the lands are not chiefly valuable therefor;
    (2) The applicant did not submit requested information in a timely 
manner; or
    (3) The applicant did not otherwise comply with the requirements of 
this subpart.
    (b) The applicant has a right to a hearing before an administrative 
law judge in accordance with parts 4 and 1840 of this title if the 
applicant has alleged facts in the application that are sufficient to 
show an entitlement to a lease.
    (c) At the hearing, the applicant will have both the burden of 
going forward and the burden of proof to show, by a preponderance of 
the evidence, that a valuable deposit of sulphur was discovered and 
that the lands are chiefly valuable therefor.

PART 3550--``GILSONITE'' (INCLUDING ALL VEIN-TYPE SOLID 
HYDROCARBONS)

    141. The authority citation for part 3550 is revised to read as 
follows:

    Authority: 30 U.S.C. 181 et seq.; 30 U.S.C. 351-359; 43 U.S.C. 
1701 et seq.; 31 U.S.C. 9701.

    142. Section 3551.4 is revised to read as follows:


Sec. 3551.4  Readjustment.

    (a) The terms and conditions of a lease are subject to reasonable 
readjustment at the end of each 20-year period following the effective 
date of the lease unless otherwise provided by law at the time of 
expiration of that period. Before the expiration of each 20-year 
period, BLM will send proposed readjusted terms and conditions to the 
lessee. If BLM fails to send the proposed readjusted terms and 
conditions prior to the expiration of the 20-year period, the right to 
readjust the lease will have been waived until the expiration of the 
next 20-year term.
    (b) The lessee is deemed to have agreed to the readjusted terms and 
conditions unless, within 60 days after receiving them, the lessee 
files a protest of the readjusted terms in accordance with parts 4 and 
1840 of this title or relinquishes the lease. BLM will issue a decision 
responding to the protest, and if the response is adverse to the 
lessee, the lessee may appeal the decision in accordance with parts 4 
and 1840 of this title. The effective date of the readjustment will not 
be affected by the filing of a protest or an appeal.
    (c) Except as provided in this paragraph, the readjusted lease 
terms and conditions will be effective pending a response to the 
protest or appeal provided for in paragraph (b) of this section unless 
BLM provides otherwise. Upon the filing of a protest or appeal, the 
obligation to pay any increased readjusted royalties, minimum royalties 
and rentals will be suspended pending the outcome of the protest or 
appeal. However, any such increased royalties, minimum royalties and 
rentals will accrue during the pendency of the protest or appeal, 
commencing with the effective date of the readjustment. If the 
increased royalties, minimum royalties and rentals are sustained by the 
decision on the protest or appeal, the accrued balance, plus interest 
at the rate specified for late payment by the Service will be payable 
(See part 3590). Pending the decision on the protest or appeal, the 
royalties, minimum royalties and rentals will be payable as specified 
by the lease terms and conditions in effect before the end of the 20-
year period.
    143. Section 3553.4 is revised to read as follows:


Sec. 3553.4  Rejection of application.

    (a) BLM will reject an application for a preference right lease if 
it determines that:
    (1) The applicant did not discover a valuable deposit of 
``Gilsonite'';
    (2) The applicant did not submit requested information in a timely 
manner; or
    (3) The applicant did not otherwise comply with the requirements of 
this subpart.
    (b) The applicant has a right to a hearing before an administrative 
law judge in accordance with parts 4 and 1840 of this title if the 
applicant has alleged facts in the application that are sufficient to 
show an entitlement to a lease.
    (c) At the hearing, the applicant will have both the burden of 
going forward and the burden of proof to show, by a preponderance of 
the evidence, that a valuable deposit of ``Gilsonite'' was discovered.

PART 3560--HARDROCK MINERALS

    144. The authority citation for part 3560 is revised to read as 
follows:

    Authority: 43 U.S.C. 1701 et seq.; 30 U.S.C. 192c; 16 U.S.C. 
508(b); 47 Stat. 1487; 43 U.S.C. 387; 16 U.S.C. 460n et seq.; 16 
U.S.C. 460q et seq.; 16 U.S.C. 90c et seq.; 16 U.S.C. 460dd et seq.; 
16 U.S.C. 460mm-2--460mm-4; 31 U.S.C. 9701.

    145. Section 3563.4 is revised to read as follows:


Sec. 3563.4  Rejection of application.

    (a) BLM will reject an application for a preference right lease if 
it determines that:
    (1) The applicant did not discover a valuable deposit of any 
mineral covered by the prospecting permit;
    (2) The applicant did not submit requested information in a timely 
manner; or
    (3) The applicant did not otherwise comply with the requirements of 
this subpart.
    (b) The applicant has a right to a hearing before an administrative 
law judge in accordance with parts 4 and 1840 of this title if the 
applicant has alleged facts in the application that are sufficient to 
show an entitlement to a lease.
    (c) At the hearing, the applicant will have both the burden of 
going forward and the burden of proof to show, by a preponderance of 
the evidence, that a valuable deposit of the mineral(s) was discovered.

PART 3590--SOLID MINERALS (OTHER THAN COAL) EXPLORATION AND MINING 
OPERATIONS

    146. The authority citation for part 3590 is revised to read as 
follows:

    Authority: 30 U.S.C. 181 et seq.; 30 U.S.C. 351-359; 42 U.S.C. 
4331 et seq.; 43 U.S.C. 1701 et seq.; 30 U.S.C. 192c; 16 U.S.C. 
508(b); 30 U.S.C. 291-293; 47 Stat. 1487; 43 U.S.C. 387; 16 U.S.C. 
460n et seq.; 16 U.S.C. 90c et seq.; 16 U.S.C. 460dd et seq.; 16 
U.S.C. 460mm-2--460mm-4; 31 U.S.C. 9701; 95 Stat. 1070; 35 Stat. 
315; 95 Stat. 1070; 25 U.S.C. 396; 25 U.S.C. 396a-396q; 25 U.S.C. 
2101 et seq.

    147. In Sec. 3598.4, paragraph (c) is revised to read as follows:


Sec. 3598.4   Enforcement orders.

* * * * *
    (c) If, in BLM's judgment, a failure to comply with established 
requirements threatens health, safety, or the environment, BLM may, in 
writing or orally with written confirmation, order

[[Page 54139]]

the suspension of operations without prior notice in accordance with 
Sec. 1844.11(c) of this title.
    148. Section 3598.5 is revised to read as follows:


Sec. 3598.5  Appeals.

    Any party adversely affected by an order or decision made under 
this part may appeal the order or decision in accordance with parts 4 
and 1840 of this title.

PART 3710--PUBLIC LAW 167; ACT OF JULY 1955

    149. An authority citation for part 3710 is added to read as 
follows:

    Authority: 30 U.S.C. 601; 61 Stat. 681.

    150. Section 3713.1 is revised to read as follows:


Sec. 3713.1  Hearing procedures.

    The procedures to be followed for hearings and appeals are set 
forth in parts 4 and 1840 of this title.
    151. In Sec. 3715.7-1, paragraph (a)(1)(ii) is revised to read as 
follows:


Sec. 3715.7-1  What types of enforcement action can BLM take if I do 
not meet the requirements of this subpart?

* * * * *
    (a) * * *
    (1) * * *
    (ii) an immediate, temporary suspension in accordance with 
1844.11(c) of this title is necessary to protect health, safety, or the 
environment.
* * * * *
    152. Section 3715.9 is revised to read as follows:


Sec. 3715.9  What appeal rights do I have?

    If you are adversely affected by a BLM decision, order, or 
determination made under this subpart, you may appeal the decision, 
order or determination in accordance with parts 4 and 1840 of this 
title.
    153. Section 3715.9-1 is revised to read as follows:


Sec. 3715.9-1  Does an appeal suspend a BLM decision?

    (a) An immediate, temporary suspension issued under Sec. 3715.7-
1(a) will go into effect immediately and will, in accordance with part 
1840 of this title, remain in effect while an appeal is pending unless 
a stay is granted in accordance with Sec. 4.21(b) of this title.
    (b) The effect of all other decisions, orders, or determinations 
under this subpart will be stayed in accordance with part 1840 of this 
title.

PART 3730--PUBLIC LAW 359; MINING IN POWERSITE WITHDRAWALS: GENERAL

    154. The authority citation for part 3730 continues to read as 
follows:

    Authority: 69 Stat. 681, 30 U.S.C. 621-625; 43 U.S.C. 1701 et 
seq.; 43 U.S.C. 28f-k; 107 Stat. 405.

    155. Section 3736.2 is revised to read as follows:


Sec. 3736.2  Hearing; notice of contest.

    (a) If a hearing is to be held, notice of the hearing will be 
delivered personally or by registered mail or certified mail to the 
locator of the placer claim. The notice will give the time and place of 
hearing. The procedures to be followed for the hearing are set forth in 
parts 4 and 1840 of this title. No publication of the notice will be 
required but a copy of the notice must be posted in the BLM State and 
District offices for a period of not less than 30 days before the date 
set for the hearing.
    (b) Any party, other than a Federal agency, who would like to 
appear and testify at a hearing in protest of a placer mining 
operation, must file a written notice of protest in the proper offices 
where the notice of hearing is posted. The notice of protest must be 
accompanied by a $10 filing fee and contain the party's name and 
address and a statement showing the nature of the party's interest in 
the use of the lands embraced within the mining claim. Each notice of 
protest must be filed within the period of time specified in the notice 
of hearing. BLM will forward a copy of each notice of protest that is 
filed to the mining locator prior to the hearing.
    (c) Following the hearing, any party adversely affected by a 
decision of the administrative law judge may appeal the decision in 
accordance with part 4 of this title. Each decision by an 
administrative law judge and each decision on an appeal will provide 
for the issuance of an appropriate order as provided in section 2(b) of 
the Act after the decision becomes final. A certified copy of any order 
issued must be filed in the same State or county office in which the 
location notice has been filed. Any order permitting mining operations 
must be filed at the expense of the mining locator.

PART 3740--PUBLIC LAW 585; MULTIPLE MINERAL DEVELOPMENT

    156. An authority citation for part 3740 is added to read as 
follows:

    Authority: 30 U.S.C. 521; 68 Stat. 708.

    157. Section 3743.1 is revised to read as follows:


Sec. 3743.1  Hearing procedures.

    The procedures to be followed for hearings and appeals are set 
forth in parts 4 and 1840 of this title.

PART 3800--MINING CLAIMS UNDER THE GENERAL MINING LAWS

    158. The authority citation for part 3800 continues to read as 
follows:

    Authority: 16 U.S.C. 447; 16 U.S.C. 347-354; 16 U.S.C. 460y et 
seq.; 16 U.S.C. 473, 478-482; 16 U.S.C. 1901 and 1907; 30 U.S.C. 22 
et seq.; 30 U.S.C. 122, 161 and 162; 30 U.S.C. 242; 31 U.S.C. 9701; 
43 U.S.C. 2; 43 U.S.C. 154; 43 U.S.C. 299 and 300; 43 U.S.C. 1201; 
43 U.S.C. 1474; 43 U.S.C. 1701 et seq.; 50 U.S.C. Appendix 565; 62 
Stat. 162; 100 Stat. 3457-3468; 107 Stat. 60; and 30 U.S.C. 28f-k, 
107 Stat. 405.

    159. Section 3802.5 is revised to read as follows:


Sec. 3802.5  Appeals.

    (a) Any party adversely affected by a decision made under this 
subpart may appeal the decision in accordance with parts 4 and 1840 of 
this title.
    (b) In any case involving lands under the jurisdiction of any 
agency or office other than BLM, if a party appeals a decision of that 
agency or office which relates to mineral development in a wilderness 
study area, the appellant must serve the other agency or office with a 
copy of the notice of appeal and any statement of reasons, written 
arguments, and briefs.
    160. Section 3809.4 is revised to read as follows:


Sec. 3809.4  Appeals.

    (a) Any party adversely affected by a decision made under this 
subpart may appeal the decision in accordance with parts 4 and 1840 of 
this title.
    (b) In order for an appeal of a decision made under this subpart to 
be considered, a notice of appeal must be filed in writing with the BLM 
office where the decision was made within 30 days after the date of 
receipt of the decision. All decisions under this subpart will go into 
effect immediately and will remain in effect while appeals are pending 
unless a stay is granted in accordance with Sec. 4.21(b) of this title.
    (c) The written appeal must contain:
    (1) The name and mailing address of the appellant;
    (2) When applicable, the name of the mining claim(s) and serial 
number(s) assigned to the mining claims recorded in accordance with 
subpart 3833 of this title which are subject to the appeal; and
    (3) A statement of the reasons for the appeal and any arguments the 
appellant wishes to present which would justify reversal or 
modification of the decision.

[[Page 54140]]

PART 3810--LANDS AND MINERALS SUBJECT TO LOCATION

    161. The citation for the authority for part 3810 continues to read 
as follows:

    Authority: 30 U.S.C. 22 et seq.; 43 U.S.C. 1201 and 1740.

    162. Section 3816.3 is revised to read as follows:


Sec. 3816.3  Recommendations of Bureau of Reclamation to open lands.

    If BLM receives an application and finds it to be satisfactory, BLM 
will send the duplicate to the Bureau of Reclamation and request a 
report and recommendation. If the Bureau of Reclamation recommends that 
the application be rejected, BLM will reject the application. Any party 
adversely affected by the rejection decision may appeal the decision in 
accordance with parts 4 and 1840 of this title.

PART 3830--LOCATION OF MINING CLAIMS

    163. The authority citation for part 3830 continues to read as 
follows:

    Authority: 30 U.S.C. 22 and 28; 43 U.S.C. 1201; 31 U.S.C. 9701; 
16 U.S.C. 1901 and 1907; 43 U.S.C. 1740 and 1744; 30 U.S.C. 242; 50 
U.S.C. Appendix 565; 107 Stat. 60; 107 Stat. 405.

    164. Section 3833.5 is amended by revising paragraphs (d) and (h) 
to read as follows:


Sec. 3833.5  Effect of recording and filing.

* * * * *
    (d) In the case of any action or contest initiated by the United 
States affecting an unpatented mining claim, mill, or tunnel site, only 
those owners who have recorded their claim or site under Sec. 3833.1-2 
or filed a notice of transfer of interest under Sec. 3833.3 will be 
considered by the United States as parties whose rights are affected by 
the action or contest and will be personally notified and served by 
certified mail sent to their last address of record. As provided in 
subpart 1810 of this title, all owners of record with BLM will be 
personally notified and served by certified mail, return receipt 
requested, sent to their last address of record. Such owners will be 
deemed to have been served if the certified mail was delivered to that 
address of record, regardless of whether the certified mail was in fact 
received by them. The notice provisions of this subpart are not 
applicable to the procedures for public notice of a mineral patent 
application required under part 3860 of this title.
* * * * *
    (h) Any party adversely affected by a decision of BLM made under 
this subpart may appeal the decision in accordance with parts 4 and 
1840 of this title.

PART 3870--ADVERSE CLAIMS, PROTESTS AND CONFLICTS

    165. An authority citation for part 3870 is added to read as 
follows:

    Authority: 30 U.S.C. 22 et seq., 43 U.S.C. 1740 et seq., 43 
U.S.C. 1201 et seq.

    166. In Sec. 3872.1, the first sentence of paragraph (a) is revised 
to read as follows:


Sec. 3872.1  Protest against mineral applications.

    (a) At any time prior to the issuance of patent, a protest may be 
filed in accordance with parts 4 and 1840 of this title against the 
patenting of the claim as applied for, upon any ground tending to show 
that the applicant has failed to comply with the law in any matter 
essential to a valid entry under the patent proceedings. * * *
    167. Section 3872.2 is revised to read as follows:


Sec. 3872.2  Procedure in contest cases.

    The procedures to be followed in all contests and hearings to 
determine the character of lands are in parts 4 and 1840 of this title.
    168. In Sec. 3872.4 paragraph (c) is revised to read as follows:


Sec. 3872.4  Procedure to dispute record character of land.

* * * * *
    (c) Where as against the claimed right to enter such lands as 
agricultural it is alleged that the same are mineral, or are applied 
for as mineral lands, the proceedings in this class of cases will be in 
the nature of a contest, and will be conducted in accordance with parts 
4 and 1840 of this title.

PART 4200--GRAZING ADMINISTRATION; ALASKA; LIVESTOCK

    169. The authority citation for part 4200 is revised to read as 
follows:

    Authority: 25 U.S.C. 500k; 43 U.S.C. 1740.

    170. Section 4240.1 is revised to read as follows:


Sec. 4240.1  Protests.

    Protests against an application for a lease must be filed with the 
appropriate BLM office in accordance with parts 4 and 1840 of this 
title. A protest must disclose all facts upon which it is based, 
describe the lands involved, and be accompanied by evidence of service 
of a copy of the protest on the applicant. If the person filing the 
protest wants to lease all or part of the land embraced in the 
application against which the protest is filed, the protest must be 
accompanied by an application for a grazing lease.

PART 4300--GRAZING ADMINISTRATION; ALASKA; REINDEER

    171. The authority citation for part 4300 is revised to read as 
follows:

    Authority: 43 U.S.C. 315; 43 U.S.C. 1740.

    172. Section 4330.1 is revised to read as follows:


Sec. 4330.1   Protests.

    Protests against an application for a grazing permit must be filed 
with the appropriate BLM office in accordance with parts 4 and 1840 of 
this title. The protest must disclose all facts upon which it is based, 
describe the lands involved, and be accompanied by evidence of service 
of a copy of the protest upon the applicant. If the person filing the 
protest wants to obtain a grazing permit for all or part of the land 
embraced in the application against which the protest is filed, the 
protest must be accompanied by an application for a grazing permit.

PART 4700--PROTECTION, MANAGEMENT, AND CONTROL OF WILD FREE-ROAMING 
HORSES AND BURROS

    173. The authority citation for part 4700 continues to read as 
follows:

    Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1331-1340; 18 U.S.C. 47; 43 U.S.C. 315 and 
1740.

    174. Section 4770.3 is revised to read as follows:


Sec. 4770.3  Administrative remedies.

    (a) Any party who is adversely affected by a decision of BLM made 
under this part may appeal the decision in accordance with parts 4 and 
1840 of this title. Appeals and petitions for stay of a decision of BLM 
must be filed within 30 days of receipt of the decision by the 
adversely affected party.
    (b) Notwithstanding the provisions of Sec. 4.21(a) of this title, 
BLM may provide that the decision to cancel a private maintenance and 
care agreement will be effective upon issuance or on a date established 
in the decision so as to allow repossession of wild horses or burros 
from adopters to protect the animals' welfare.
    (c) Notwithstanding the provisions of Sec. 4.21(a) of this title, 
BLM may provide that decisions to remove wild horses or burros from 
public or private lands in situations where removal is required by 
applicable law or is necessary to preserve or maintain a thriving

[[Page 54141]]

ecological balance and multiple use relationship will be effective upon 
issuance or on a date established in the decision.

PART 5000--ADMINISTRATION OF FOREST MANAGEMENT DECISIONS

    175. The authority citation for part 5000 is revised to read as 
follows:

    Authority: 43 U.S.C. 1181(a); 30 U.S.C. 601 et seq.; 43 U.S.C. 
1740.

    176. Section 5003.1 is revised to read as follows:


Sec. 5003.1  Effect of decisions; general.

    The filing of an appeal in accordance with parts 4 and 1840 of this 
title will not automatically stay the effect of a decision governing or 
relating to forest management made under Secs. 5003.2 and 5003.3.
    177. Section 5003.3 is revised to read as follows:


Sec. 5003.3  Protests.

    (a) Protests of a forest management decision, including advertised 
timber sales, must be made in accordance with parts 4 and 1840 of this 
title within 15 days of the publication of a notice of decision or 
notice of sale in a newspaper of general circulation.
    (b) Protests must be filed with BLM and must contain a written 
statement of reasons for protesting the decision.
    (c) Protests received more than 15 days after the publication of 
the notice of decision or the notice of sale are not timely filed and 
will not be considered.
    (d) Upon timely filing of a protest, BLM will reconsider the 
decision to be implemented in light of the statement of reasons for the 
protest and other pertinent information available to BLM.
    (e) At the conclusion of the review, BLM will provide the 
protesting party with a copy of the written decision.
    (f) Upon denial of a protest filed under paragraph (a) of this 
section, BLM may proceed with implementation of the decision.

PART 5470--CONTRACT MODIFICATION--EXTENSION--ASSIGNMENT

    178. The authority citation for part 5470 continues to read as 
follows:

    Authority: 30 U.S.C. 601 et seq., 43 U.S.C. 1181e.

    179. Section 5475.7 is amended by revising paragraph (a) to read as 
follows:


Sec. 5475.7  Protests and appeals.

    (a) Any appeal filed prior to the execution of a buy-out agreement 
must be in accordance with the provisions of parts 4 and 1840 of this 
title.

PART 5510--FREE USE OF TIMBER

    180. The authority citation for part 5510 is revised to read as 
follows:

    Authority: 61 Stat. 681; 69 Stat. 367; 48 Stat. 1269; 30 Stat. 
414; 30 U.S.C. 189 and 601 et seq.; 43 U.S.C. 315, 1201 and 1740; 
and 48 U.S.C. 423.

    181. In Sec. 5511.1-4, paragraphs (a)(2) and (a)(4) are revised to 
read as follows:


Sec. 5511.1-4  Free use of timber upon oil and gas leases.

    (a) * * *
    (2) Notice of rejection of application; right of appeal. The 
applicant will be notified by registered mail if the permit applied for 
is not granted. The applicant is allowed 30 days from service of notice 
within which to appeal from the decision in accordance with parts 4 and 
1840 of this title.
* * * * *
    (4) Notice of action on application. The applicant will be notified 
by registered mail if the permit applied for is not granted. The 
settler or homestead entryman will be notified in a like manner before 
the issuance of the permit if protests are filed in accordance with 
parts 4 and 1840 of this title against the issuance of the permit.

PART 8370--USE AUTHORIZATIONS

    182. The authority citation for part 8370 continues to read as 
follows:

    Authority: 16 U.S.C. 460l-6a, 16 U.S.C. 670(g-n), 16 U.S.C. 
1271-1287, 6 U.S.C. 1241-1249, 43 U.S.C. 1201, 43 U.S.C. 1701 et 
seq.

    183. Section 8372.6 is revised to read as follows:


Sec. 8372.6  Appeals.

    (a) Any party adversely affected by a decision of BLM made under 
this part may appeal the decision in accordance with parts 4 and 1840 
of this title.
    (b) All decisions of BLM made under this part will go into effect 
immediately and will remain in effect while appeals are pending unless 
a stay is granted in accordance with Sec. 4.21(b) of this title.

PART 9180--CADASTRAL SURVEY

    184. The authority citation for part 9180 continues to read as 
follows:

    Authority: R.S. 2478; 43 U.S.C. 1201; 40 Stat. 965, as amended; 
and 43 U.S.C. 773.

    185. In Sec. 9185.2-2, paragraph (b) is revised to read as follows:


Sec. 9185.2-2  Lands omitted from original survey.

* * * * *
    (b) Form of notice. No particular form of notice is required. The 
notice must make it clear, however, that the land covered by the 
application is contended to be public land owned by the United States 
and subject to survey and administration as such, and that any protest 
against the proposed survey should be filed with the appropriate State 
Director in accordance with parts 4 and 1840 of this title. It must be 
shown what particular surveyed lands opposite the island, or adjoining 
the unsurveyed land, are owned by the adjacent land owner on whom the 
notice is served.
    186. Section 9185.3-3 is revised to read as follows:


Sec. 9185.3-3   Majority of land owners.

    A majority of the settlers in each township are required to join in 
the application, and the endorsements of the entrymen and owners, 
including the State, whose holdings represent the major part of the 
area entered or patented must appear, with a description opposite each 
name of the lands actually occupied, entered, or owned, and a statement 
as to whether the applicant is a settler, entryman, or owner thereof. 
If an entryman or owner, including the State, has failed for any reason 
to join in the application, evidence of service of notice upon the 
entryman or owner is required. Notice must be given for at least 30 
days in advance of the filing of the application in order that the 
entryman or owner may be afforded ample opportunity to protest in 
accordance with parts 4 and 1840 of this title against the granting of 
the resurvey.

PART 9230--TRESPASS

    187. The authority citation for part 9230 continues to read as 
follows:

    Authority: R.S. 2478; 43 U.S.C. 1201; 43 U.S.C. 1701 et seq.; 18 
U.S.C. 1851-1858.

    188. In Sec. 9239.5-3, paragraph (f)(3) is revised to read as 
follows:


Sec. 9239.5-3  Coal.

* * * * *
     (f) * * *
    (3) No penalty under this section may be assessed unless the person 
is given notice and an opportunity for a hearing with respect to the 
violation in accordance with parts 4 and 1840 of this title.

[FR Doc. 96-26397 Filed 10-16-96; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-84-P