[Federal Register Volume 72, Number 116 (Monday, June 18, 2007)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 33417-33423]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 07-2960]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Minerals Management Service

30 CFR Part 251

RIN 1010-AD41


Geological and Geophysical (G&G) Explorations of the Outer 
Continental Shelf--Changing Proprietary Term of Certain Geophysical 
Information

AGENCY: Minerals Management Service (MMS), Interior.

ACTION: Proposed rule.

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SUMMARY: The MMS proposes to extend the proprietary term of certain 
reprocessed geophysical information submitted to MMS under a permit. 
The proposed rule would give up to 5 years of additional protection to 
reprocessed vintage geophysical information that MMS retained and, 
under the current rule, is subject to release by MMS 25 years after 
issuing the germane permit. The extension would provide incentives to 
permittees and third parties to reprocess, market, or in other ways use 
geophysical information that may not otherwise be reprocessed without 
the term extension.

DATES: Submit comments by August 17, 2007. The MMS may not fully 
consider comments received after this date. Submit comments to the 
Office of Management and Budget (OMB) on the information collection 
burden in this proposed rule by July 18, 2007.

ADDRESSES: You may submit comments on the rulemaking by any of the 
following methods. Please use the Regulation Identifier Number (RIN) 
1010-AD41 as an identifier in your message. See also Public 
Availability of Comments under Procedural Matters.
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: http://www.regulations.gov. 
Follow the instructions on the website for submitting comments.
     E-mail MMS at [email protected]. Use RIN 1010-AD41 in 
the subject line.
     Fax: 703-787-1546. Identify with the RIN, 1010-AD41.
     Mail or hand-carry comments to the Department of the 
Interior; Minerals Management Service; Attention: Regulations and 
Standards Branch (RSB); 381 Elden Street, MS-4024; Herndon, Virginia 
20170-4817. Please reference ``Changing Proprietary Term of Certain 
Geophysical Information, 1010-AD41'' in your comments and include your 
name and return address.
     Send comments on the information collection in this rule 
to: Interior Desk Officer 1010-0048, Office of Management and Budget; 
202-395-6566 (fax); e-mail: [email protected]. Please also send 
a copy to MMS.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: David Zinzer, Geophysicist, Offshore 
Minerals Management, Resource Evaluation Division, at (703) 787-1628 or 
e-mail [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Summary of Proposed Rulemaking

    The MMS proposes to extend, upon successful application to MMS, the 
proprietary term of geophysical information that a permittee or third 
party reprocessed 20 or more years after MMS issued the germane permit 
under which the originating data were collected. The proposed rule 
gives up to 5 years of additional protection to reprocessed vintage 
geophysical information that MMS retained and, under the current rule, 
is subject to release by MMS 25 years after issuing the permit. The 
extension would provide incentives to permittees and third parties to 
reprocess, market, or in

[[Page 33418]]

other ways use geophysical information that may not otherwise be 
reprocessed without the term extension.

Industry Concerns With Previous Final Rulemaking

    Final rulemaking at part 251 (71 FR 16033, March 30, 2006, 
effective date May 1, 2006) modified the start dates of proprietary 
terms for geophysical data and information and any derivatives of these 
data and information that MMS acquires for retention from permittees 
and third parties. The start dates changed from the date of submittal 
to the date of the permit under which the originating data were 
collected, retroactive to 1976.
    The International Association of Geophysical Contractors (IAGC), in 
an April 21, 2006, letter to Director R.M. ``Johnnie'' Burton, mostly 
objected to changes that affect the proprietary term for reprocessed 
geophysical information. Before the May 1, 2006, rule changes, the 
derivative reprocessed information enjoyed its own new 25-year term, 
starting on the date of its submittal to MMS. After the May 1 changes, 
reprocessed information enjoyed the same 25-year term as the original 
information, starting on the date the germane permit was issued.
    An example of IAGC's concerns is if before the May 1, 2006, 
changes, geophysical information derived from data collected under a 
1985 permit were reprocessed and submitted to MMS for retention in 
January 2006, its proprietary term would expire in 2031 (2006 + 25). 
After the May 1, 2006, rule changes, the proprietary term of the 
reprocessed information submitted in January 2006, would expire in 2010 
(1985 + 25). If the same information were to be submitted in 2011 or 
later, it would be subject to immediate public release, since the 
applicable 25-year term would have already expired.
    The IAGC letter also stated that one permittee that is actively 
reprocessing vintage geophysical information derived from data 
collected in the Alaska Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) concluded that 
the May 1 changes to the rule will cost the permittee significant 
future revenue, as repeated global experience demonstrates that some 
clients will just wait for the new geophysical information to be handed 
to them for free in a short time (after release by MMS). Third parties 
who reprocess geophysical information acquired from permittees would 
also lose reprocessing investment opportunities for their geophysical 
information.

MMS Response to Industry Concerns

    The MMS recognizes that industry invests significant capital in 
reprocessing geophysical information; however, the IAGC letter did not 
document or quantify costs to industry directly related to the May 1 
changes to part 251. Furthermore, MMS rarely selects and retains 
minimally processed geophysical information, the type of reprocessed 
geophysical information that is of most interest and value to industry.
    Permittees commonly offer licenses for geophysical information with 
application of only routine editing of field tapes and common 
processing and reprocessing techniques. Geophysical information at this 
early stage of the processing sequence is the most suitable and 
flexible for subsequent reprocessing. Many third parties prefer to 
apply their own advanced processing techniques to geophysical 
information licensed from permittees. Permittees will also further 
reprocess the information, applying advanced algorithms and other 
techniques, for license or sale.
    However, as a matter of practice, MMS does not acquire minimally 
reprocessed geophysical information, as MMS does not have the 
capability to further process the information using advanced 
techniques. Moreover, MMS does not release geophysical information it 
does not acquire for retention, including valuable minimally processed 
geophysical information.
    Most geophysical information submitted to and retained by MMS was 
reprocessed to or near the final stages of the processing sequence. 
This geophysical information is useful for viewing and merging with 
other types of information. However, it is basically not suitable for 
further processing and consequently of little interest or value to 
industry for that purpose when it is released to the public following 
expiration of its proprietary term.
    Furthermore, most reprocessing by permittees or third parties 
occurs in the first few years of the 25-year proprietary term, not near 
the end of the term, when there is less time to sell, license, or 
otherwise make use of the reprocessed information.
    Also cited in the IAGC letter is lost opportunity for MMS and the 
public interest to have vintage information made available in a format 
that can be meaningful using modern processing technologies. Industry 
submitted similar comments on changes put forth in the related notice 
of proposed rulemaking, published July 17, 2002 (67 FR 46942), which 
preceded the March 31, 2006, final rulemaking.
    In some cases the confidentiality period is in effect shortened by 
more than 10 years. In such cases, more than 40 percent of the time 
over which one would expect to recover the initial investment and earn 
a return will be lost. For example, if geophysical information from a 
1985 permit were submitted to MMS in 2002, the information would be 
released in 2027 (2002 + 25), a total term of protection of 42 years 
(1985-2027) under the previous rule. It would be released in 2010 under 
the current rule, a loss of 17 years (2027-2010), or 40 percent (17/42) 
of the 42-year term under the previous rule. Resetting the start date 
of the 25-year proprietary term to the date the permit is issued 
reduces the economic life of new geophysical information, and in effect 
reduces the return on investment in future non-exclusive seismic 
programs, stifling healthy competition and investment in new 
technologies and innovation. Value-added derivative products created 
when legacy (vintage) geophysical information is reprocessed, applying 
new technology and computer power, are becoming increasingly vital to 
the exploration and production process in the Gulf of Mexico.
    The MMS notes that before the May 1, 2006, changes, reprocessed 
geophysical information could have in effect up to a 50-year 
proprietary term if it were submitted at the end of the initial 25-year 
term (25-year original term + 25-year new term). This would be 
virtually the same as the 50-year term for geophysical data and in 
sharp contrast to the proprietary terms for geophysical data and 
information submitted under a MMS lease (10 years or when the lease 
expires, whichever is sooner), or for geophysical information collected 
on the continental shelves of the United Kingdom, Australia, or Norway 
(2 to 10 years). The 25-year term, starting on the date of the permit, 
in the 2006 final rule was considered by MMS a reasonable amount of 
time for a permittee or third party to receive a fair return on 
investment in acquiring, processing, or reprocessing geophysical 
information.

Proposed Rulemaking Details

    To address industry concerns regarding release of geophysical 
information reprocessed near the end of its 25-year term, MMS proposes 
in this rule to extend, upon successful application to MMS, the 
proprietary term for geophysical information for which reprocessing was 
completed in the last 5 years of its initial 25-year

[[Page 33419]]

proprietary term, or thereafter. The term of geophysical information 
that was processed or reprocessed up to the 20th anniversary of the 
date of the germane permit is not affected by this proposed rulemaking.
    Permittees and third parties may apply to MMS for an extension of 
the proprietary term, starting on the date of completion of 
reprocessing the geophysical information. The application must include:
     Name and address of the permittee or third party;
     Product name;
     Identification of the geophysical information-area;
     Identification of originating permit number and date;
     Description of reprocessing performed;
     Identification of the date of completion of reprocessing 
the geophysical information;
     Certification that the product meets the definition of 
processed geophysical information and that all other information in the 
application is accurate; and
     Signature and date.
    If MMS disapproves the application for an extension, the Regional 
Director will state the reasons for the denial and will advise the 
applicant of changes needed to obtain approval. There will be a 1-year 
grace period, starting on the date that the final rule becomes 
effective, to allow permittees and third parties sufficient time to 
meet the above requirements and file separate applications for each 
extension. During this time, MMS will not release geophysical 
information which was reprocessed 20 or more years after MMS issued the 
germane permit.
    After the 1-year grace period, MMS will resume releasing eligible 
reprocessed information. Also, in order to obtain an extension, 
permittees and third parties must apply for the extension within 30 
days after the date of completion of the reprocessing. If an 
application is not filed, not filed on time, or if the application is 
not approved by MMS, the original 25-year proprietary term applies to 
the release date of the reprocessed geophysical information.

Procedural Matters

Public Availability of Comments

    Before including your address, phone number, email address, or 
other personal identifying information in your comment, you should be 
aware that your entire comment--including your personal identifying 
information--may be made publicly available at any time. While you can 
ask us in your comment to withhold your personal identifying 
information from public review, we cannot guarantee that we will be 
able to do so.

Regulatory Planning and Review (Executive Order (E.O.) 12866)

    This proposed rule is not a significant rule as determined by the 
OMB and is not subject to review under E.O. 12866.
    (1) The proposed rule would not have an annual effect of $100 
million or more on the economy. It would not adversely affect in a 
material way the economy, productivity, competition, jobs, the 
environment, public health or safety, or State, local, or tribal 
governments or communities.
    The MMS estimates that over the first 5 years after the rule 
becomes effective, revenue generated by licensing or selling 
geophysical information reprocessed 20 or more years after MMS issued 
the germane permit and for which MMS extended the proprietary term, 
would be in a range from $3 million to $25 million over the period. 
More revenue would be generated in the first year during which there is 
a 1-year grace period to apply for extensions of proprietary terms of 
all eligible reprocessed information. In subsequent years, applications 
must be filed within 30 days of completion of processing.
    The range of estimated values depends on the number of lease sales 
in areas where eligible vintage geophysical information exists, mostly 
in the Alaska OCS, the amount and quality of reprocessed geophysical 
information, and economic factors. MMS assumes 15 extensions would be 
approved over the 5-year period after the final rule is effective.
    (2) The proposed rule would not create a serious inconsistency or 
otherwise interfere with an action taken or planned by another agency.
    (3) The proposed rule would not alter the budgetary effects of 
entitlements, grants, user fees or loan programs, or the rights or 
obligations of their recipients.
    (4) The proposed rule would not raise novel legal or policy issues.

Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA)

    The Department certifies that this proposed rule would not have a 
significant economic effect on a substantial number of small entities 
under the RFA (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.).
    This proposed rule would extend the proprietary term for vintage 
reprocessed geophysical information. The only entities affected by this 
proposed rule change are about 10 geophysical companies, if still in 
existence, whose reprocessed geophysical information being held by MMS 
may be released later than under current regulations. The Small 
Business Administration classifies geophysical surveying and mapping 
service companies under the North American Industry Classification 
System Code 541360. The criteria for determining a small entity for 
this classification code is annual receipts of less than $4.5 million. 
All of the 10 geophysical companies potentially affected by this 
proposed rule have annual receipts greater than $4.5 million; 
therefore, this proposed rule will not have a significant economic 
effect on a substantial number of small entities.
    Your comments are important. The Small Business and Agriculture 
Regulatory Enforcement Ombudsman and 10 Regional Fairness Boards were 
established to receive comments from small businesses about Federal 
agency enforcement actions. The Ombudsman will annually evaluate the 
enforcement activities and rate each agency's responsiveness to small 
business. If you wish to comment on the actions of MMS, call 1-888-734-
3247. You may comment to the Small Business Administration without fear 
of retaliation. Disciplinary action for retaliation by an MMS employee 
may include suspension or termination from employment with the DOI.

Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act (SBREFA)

    This proposed rule is not a major rule under the SBREFA (5 U.S.C. 
804(2)). This proposed rule:
    a. Would not have an annual effect on the economy of $100 million 
or more.
    b. Would not cause a major increase in costs or prices for 
consumers, individual industries, Federal, State, or local government 
agencies, or geographic regions.
    c. Would not have significant adverse effects on competition, 
employment, investment, productivity, innovation, or the ability of 
U.S.-based enterprises to compete with foreign-based enterprises. 
Leasing on the U.S. Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) is limited to 
residents of the U.S. or companies incorporated in the U.S. The 
proposed rule would not change that requirement.

Unfunded Mandates Reform Act (UMRA)

    This proposed rule would not impose an unfunded mandate on State, 
local, or tribal governments or the private sector of more than $100 
million per year. The proposed rule would not have a significant or 
unique effect on State, local or tribal governments or the private 
sector. A statement containing

[[Page 33420]]

the information required by the UMRA (2 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.) is not 
required. This is because the proposal would not affect State, local, 
or tribal governments, and the effect on the private sector is small.

Takings Implication Assessment (Executive Order 12630)

    This proposed rule is not a governmental action capable of 
interference with constitutionally protected property rights. Thus, MMS 
did not need to prepare a Takings Implication Assessment according to 
E.O. 12630, Governmental Actions and Interference with Constitutionally 
Protected Property Rights.

Federalism (Executive Order 13132)

    With respect to E.O. 13132, this proposed rule would not have 
federalism implications. This proposed rule would not substantially and 
directly affect the relationship between the Federal and State 
governments. To the extent that State and local governments have a role 
in OCS activities, this proposed rule would not affect that role.

Civil Justice Reform (Executive Order 12988)

    With respect to E.O. 12988, The Office of the Solicitor has 
determined that the proposed rule does not unduly burden the judicial 
system and does meet the requirements of sections 3(a) and 3(b)(2) of 
the Order.

Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA)

    This proposed rule contains a collection of information that is 
being submitted to OMB for review and approval under Sec.  3507(d) of 
the PRA. As part of our continuing effort to reduce paperwork and 
respondent burdens, MMS invites the public and other Federal agencies 
to comment on any aspect of the reporting and recordkeeping burden. If 
you wish to comment on the information collection aspects of revised 30 
CFR 251, you may send your comments directly to OMB (see the ADDRESSES 
section of this notice). Please identify your comments with 1010-0048. 
Send a copy of your comments to the Regulations and Standards Branch, 
Attn: Comments; 381 Elden Street, MS-4024; Herndon, Virginia 20170-
4817. You may obtain a copy of our submission to OMB to revise and 
extend the OMB approval for 1010-0048 by contacting the Bureau's 
Information Collection Clearance Officer at (202) 208-7744.
    The PRA provides that an agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a 
person is not required to respond to, a collection of information 
unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number. OMB is 
required to make a decision concerning the collection of information 
contained in these proposed regulations between 30 to 60 days after 
publication of this document in the Federal Register. Therefore, a 
comment to OMB is best assured of having its full effect if OMB 
received it by July 18, 2007. This does not affect the deadline for the 
public to comment to MMS on the proposed regulations.
    The title of the collection of information for the rule is ``30 CFR 
251, Geological and Geophysical (G&G) Explorations of the Outer 
Continental Shelf.''
    Respondents for this rulemaking include approximately 10 Federal 
OCS permittees. Responses to this collection are mandatory and required 
for a benefit. The frequency of reporting is on occasion. The proposed 
new requirement allows permittees and third parties to apply for an 
extension of the 25-year proprietary term within 30 days after the date 
of completion of the reprocessing. MMS will protect proprietary 
information according to the Freedom of Information Act (5 U.S.C. 552) 
and its implementing regulations (43 CFR part 2), the Federal Oil and 
Gas Royalty Management Act of 1982 (30 U.S.C. 1733), and under 
regulations at 30 CFR parts 250, 251, and 252. The information 
collection (IC) does not include questions of a sensitive nature.
    The collection of information required by the current subpart 30 
CFR 251 regulations is approved under OMB Control Number 1010-0048 
(expiration 7/31/09). The proposed rule imposes a new requirement to 
the information collection for 3 burden hours. Once the rulemaking 
becomes effective, the new burden hours will be incorporated into the 
existing information collection. Refer to the chart for the current and 
proposed burden.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                    Reporting and
 Current 30 CFR 251  proposed       recordkeeping        Hour burden   Average number  of annual   Annual burden
                                     requirement                                responses              hours
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                               Fee
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                      Form
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
251.4(a), (b); 251.5(a), (b),   Apply for permits                   6  110 Applications.........             660
 (d); 251.6; 251.7.              (form MMS-327) to
                                 conduct G&G
                                 exploration,
                                 including deep
                                 stratigraphic tests/
                                 revisions when
                                 necessary.
                                                      ----------------------------------------------------------
                                                                110 applications x $1,900 fee = $209,000
                               ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                 Subtotal                             110 responses                          660
                                                      ----------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                $209,000
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                     General
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
251.4(b); 251.5(c), (d); 251.6  File notices to                     6  4 Notices................              24
                                 conduct scientific
                                 research activities,
                                 including notice to
                                 MMS prior to
                                 beginning and after
                                 concluding
                                 activities.
251.6(b) 251.7(b)(5)..........  Notify MMS if                       1  1 Notice.................               1
                                 specific actions
                                 should occur; report
                                 archaeological
                                 resources. (No
                                 instances reported
                                 since 1982.).
251.7(c)......................  Enter into agreement                1  1 Agreement..............               1
                                 for group
                                 participation in
                                 test drilling,
                                 including publishing
                                 summary statement;
                                 provide MMS copy of
                                 notice/list of
                                 participants. (No
                                 agreements submitted
                                 since 1989.).
251.9(c)......................  Notify MMS to                   \1/2\  8 Notices................               4
                                 relinquish a permit.

[[Page 33421]]

 
251.10(c).....................  File appeals.........           Not subject to the PRA.                        0
 
251.1-251.14..................  General departure and               2  1 Request................               2
                                 alternative
                                 compliance requests
                                 not specifically
                                 covered elsewhere in
                                 part 251 regulations.
Permit Form (Form MMS-327)....  Retain G&G data/                    1  100 Recordkeepers........             100
                                 information for 10
                                 years and make
                                 available to MMS
                                 upon request.
                                                      ----------------------------------------------------------
                                 Subtotal                            115 responses                           132
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                   Submissions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
251.7.........................  Submit information on  Burden included under 1010-0141.                        0
                                 test drilling
                                 activities under a
                                 permit, including
                                 Form MMS-123.
251.7(d)......................  Submit bond(s) on      Burden included under 30 CFR part 256                   0
                                 deep stratigraphic    (1010-0006).
                                 test.
                                                      -------------------------------------------
251.8(b), (c).................  Submit modifications                2  55 Respondents x 4                    440
                                 to, and status/final                   Reports = 220.
                                 reports on,
                                 activities conducted
                                 under a permit.
251.11; 251.12................  Notify MMS and submit               4  50 Submissions...........             200
                                 G&G data information
                                 collected under a
                                 permit and/or
                                 processed by
                                 permittees or 3rd
                                 parties, including
                                 reports, logs or
                                 charts, results
                                 analyses,
                                 descriptions, etc.
251.14(a).....................  Submit comments on                  1  1 Comment................               1
                                 MMS intent to
                                 disclose data/info.
                                 to the public.
251.14(c)(2)..................  Submit comments on                  1  1 Comment................               1
                                 MMS intent to
                                 disclose data/info.
                                 to an independent
                                 contractor/agent.
251.14(c)(4)..................  Contractor/agent                    1  1 Commitment.............               1
                                 submits written
                                 commitment not to
                                 sell, trade,
                                 license, or disclose
                                 data/info. without
                                 MMS consent.
                                                      ----------------------------------------------------------
                                 Subtotal                            273 responses                           643
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                    Requests
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
251.8(a)......................  Request reimbursement               1  1 Request................               1
                                 for certain costs
                                 associated with MMS
                                 inspections. (No
                                 requests in many
                                 years. OCS Lands Act
                                 requires Government
                                 reimbursement.).
251.13........................  Request reimbursement               2  50 Submissions...........             100
                                 for certain costs
                                 associated with
                                 reproducing data/
                                 information.
Permit Form (MMS-327);          Request extension of                1  50 Extensions............              50
 251.14(b)(3).                   time period for
                                 permitted
                                 activities..
                                                      ----------------------------------------------------------
                                 Subtotal                            101 responses                           151
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                    Extension
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
251.14(b)(1), (2), (5)........  Permittees and 3rd                  1  3 Extensions.............               3
                                 parties apply for
                                 extension for
                                 geophysical
                                 information within
                                 30 days after
                                 reprocessing
                                 completion date.
                                                      ----------------------------------------------------------
                                 Subtotal                             3 responses                              3
                                                      ----------------------------------------------------------
    Total Hour and Fee Burden.  .....................                  599                                 1,586
                                                                      ------------------------------------------
                                                                       602                                 1,589
                                                                      ------------------------------------------
                                                                                      $209,000 Fee
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The MMS specifically solicits comments on the following questions:
    (1) Is the collection of information necessary for MMS to properly 
perform its functions, and will it be useful?
    (2) Are the estimates of the burden hours of the collection 
reasonable?
    (3) Do you have any suggestions that would enhance the quality, 
clarity, or usefulness of the information to be collected?
    (4) Is there a way to minimize the information collection burden on 
those who are to respond, including the use of appropriate automated 
electronic, mechanical, or other forms of information technology?
    In addition, the PRA requires agencies to estimate the total annual 
reporting and recordkeeping ``non-hour cost'' burden resulting from the 
collection of information. Other than the cost recovery fee listed in 
current regulations at Sec.  251.5, we have not identified any other 
costs, and we solicit your comments. For reporting and recordkeeping 
only, your response should split the cost estimate into two components: 
(1) Total capital and

[[Page 33422]]

startup cost component, and (2) annual operation, maintenance, and 
purchase of services components. Your estimates should consider the 
costs to generate, maintain, disclose or provide the information. You 
should describe the methods you use to estimate major cost factors 
including system and technology acquisition, expected useful life of 
capital equipment, discount rate(s), and the period over which you 
incur costs. Capital and start-up costs include, among other items, 
computers and software you purchase to prepare for collecting 
information; monitoring, sampling, drilling, and testing equipment; and 
record storage facilities. Generally, our estimates should not include 
equipment or services purchased: Before October 1, 1995; to comply with 
requirements not associated with the information collection; for 
reasons other than to provide information or keep records for the 
Government; or as part of customary and usual business or private 
practices.

National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969

    This rule does not constitute a major Federal action significantly 
affecting the quality of the human environment. MMS has analyzed this 
proposed rule under the criteria of the NEPA and 516 Departmental 
Manual 6, Appendix 10.4C(1). MMS completed a Categorical Exclusion 
Review for this action and concluded that ``the rulemaking does not 
represent an exception to the established criteria for categorical 
exclusion; therefore, preparation of an environmental analysis or 
environmental impact statement will not be required.''

Energy Supply, Distribution, or Use (Executive Order 13211)

    Executive Order 13211 requires the agency to prepare a Statement of 
Energy Effects when it takes a regulatory action that is identified as 
a significant energy action. This proposed rule is not a significant 
energy action, and therefore would not require a Statement of Energy 
Effects because it:
    a. Is not a significant regulatory action under E.O. 12866,
    b. Is not likely to have a significant adverse effect on the 
supply, distribution, or use of energy, and
    c. Has not been designated by the Administrator of the Office of 
Information and Regulatory Affairs, OMB, as a significant energy 
action.

Consultation With Indian Tribes (Executive Order 13175)

    Under the criteria in E.O. 13175, we have evaluated this proposed 
rule and determined that it has no potential effects on federally 
recognized Indian tribes. There are no Indian or tribal lands in the 
OCS.

Clarity of This Regulation

    Executive Order 12866 requires each agency to write regulations 
that are easy to understand. MMS invites your comments on how to make 
this proposed rule easier to understand, including answers to questions 
such as the following:
    (1) Are the requirements in the rule clearly stated?
    (2) Does the rule contain technical language or jargon that 
interferes with its clarity?
    (3) Does the format of the rule (grouping and order of sections, 
use of headings, paragraphing, etc.) aid or reduce its clarity?
    (4) Is the description of the proposed rule in the SUPPLEMENTARY 
INFORMATION section of this preamble helpful in understanding the rule? 
What else can MMS do to make the rule easier to understand?
    Send a copy of any comments that concern how MMS could make this 
rule easier to understand to: Office of Regulatory Affairs, Department 
of the Interior, Room 7229, 1849 C Street, NW., Washington, DC 20240. 
You may also e-mail the comments to this address: [email protected].

List of Subjects in 30 CFR Part 251

    Continental shelf, Freedom of information, Oil and gas exploration, 
Public lands--mineral resources, Reporting and recordkeeping 
requirements, Research.

    Dated: June 1, 2007.
C. Stephen Allred,
Assistant Secretary--Land and Minerals Management.
    For the reasons stated in the preamble, MMS proposes to amend 30 
CFR part 251 as follows:

PART 251--GEOLOGICAL AND GEOPHYSICAL (G&G) EXPLORATIONS OF THE 
OUTER CONTINENTAL SHELF

    1. The authority citation for part 251 continues to read as 
follows:

    Authority: 43 U.S.C. 1331 et seq., 31 U.S.C. 9701.

    2. Amend Sec.  251.14 as set forth below:
    A. Revise the introductory text in paragraph (b);
    B. Revise the table in paragraph (b)(1);
    C. Redesignate paragraphs (b)(2) and (b)(3) as (b)(6) and (b)(7), 
respectively; and
    D. Add new paragraphs (b)(2), (b)(3), (b)(4), and (b)(5) to read as 
follows:


Sec.  251.14  Protecting and disclosing data and information submitted 
to MMS under a permit.

* * * * *
    (b) Timetable for release of G&G data and information related to 
oil, gas, and sulphur that MMS acquires. Except for high-resolution 
data and information released under 30 CFR 250.197(b)(2), MMS will 
release or disclose acquired data and information in accordance with 
paragraphs (b)(1) through (b)(7) of this section.
    (1) * * *

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                            The Regional Director will
 If you or a third party submit and MMS   release them to the public . .
             retains . . .                              .
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(i) Geological data and information....  10 years after MMS issued the
                                          permit.
(ii) Geophysical data..................  50 years after MMS issued the
                                          permit.
(iii) Geophysical information            25 years after MMS issued the
 reprocessed less than 20 years after     permit.
 MMS issued the germane permit.
(iv) Geophysical information             25 years after MMS issued the
 reprocessed 20 or more years after MMS   permit; or, if you or a third
 issued the germane permit.               party applied for an extension
                                          of the proprietary term, 5
                                          years after MMS approved the
                                          application.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (2) Permittees and third parties may apply to MMS for an extension 
of the 25-year proprietary term for geophysical information reprocessed 
20 or more years after MMS issued the germane permit. You must submit 
the application to MMS within 30 days after completion of the 
reprocessing, except during the initial 1-year grace period as provided 
in paragraph (b)(3) of this section. Filing locations are listed in 
Sec.  251.5(d). Your application must include:
    (i) Name and address of the permittee or third party;
    (ii) Product name;

[[Page 33423]]

    (iii) Identification of the geophysical information-area;
    (iv) Identification of originating permit number and date;
    (v) Description of reprocessing performed;
    (vi) Identification of the date of completion of reprocessing the 
geophysical information;
    (vii) Certification that the product meets the definition of 
processed geophysical information and that all other information in the 
application is accurate; and
    (viii) Signature and date.
    (3) There will be a 1-year grace period, starting [EFFECTIVE DATE 
OF THE FINAL RULE], to allow permittees and third parties sufficient 
time to meet the above requirements and to apply for all eligible 
extensions. During this time, MMS will not release geophysical 
information which was reprocessed 20 or more years after the date that 
MMS issued the germane permit.
    (4) After [DATE 1 YEAR AFTER EFFECTIVE DATE OF THE FINAL RULE], MMS 
will resume releasing eligible reprocessed information. If an 
application for extension is not filed, not filed on time, or not 
approved by MMS, the original 25-year proprietary term applies to the 
release date of the reprocessed geophysical information.
    (5) You may apply for multiple extensions related to the same 
permit; however, the maximum proprietary term for geophysical 
information is 50 years after MMS issued the permit.
* * * * *
[FR Doc. 07-2960 Filed 6-15-07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-MR-P