[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 103 (Friday, May 27, 2011)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 30890-30893]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-13175]


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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Coast Guard

33 CFR Part 100

[Docket No. USCG-2011-0194]
RIN 1625-AA08


Special Local Regulations; Sabine River, Orange, TX

AGENCY: Coast Guard, DHS.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking.

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SUMMARY: The Coast Guard proposes to establish a temporary Special 
Local Regulation in the Port Arthur Captain of the Port Zone on the 
Sabine River, Orange, Texas on September 24-25, 2011. This Special 
Local Regulation is intended to restrict vessels from portions of the 
Sabine River during the annual S.P.O.R.T boat races. This Special Local 
Regulations is necessary to protect spectators and vessels from the 
hazards associated with powerboat races.

DATES: Comments and related material must be received by the Coast 
Guard on or before June 27, 2011.

ADDRESSES: You may submit comments identified by docket number USCG-
2011-0194 using any one of the following methods:
    (1) Federal eRulemaking Portal: http://www.regulations.gov.
    (2) Fax: 202-493-2251.
    (3) Mail: Docket Management Facility (M-30), U.S. Department of 
Transportation, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590-0001.
    (4) Hand delivery: Same as mail address above, between 9 a.m. and 5 
p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The telephone 
number is 202-366-9329.
    To avoid duplication, please use only one of these four methods. 
See the ``Public Participation and Request for Comments'' portion of 
the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section below for instructions on 
submitting comments.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: If you have questions on this proposed 
rule, call or e-mail Mr. Scott Whalen, Marine Safety Unit Port Arthur, 
TX, Coast Guard; telephone 409-719-5086, e-mail 
[email protected]. If you have questions on viewing or submitting 
material to the docket, call Renee V. Wright, Program Manager, Docket 
Operations, telephone 202-366-9826.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Public Participation and Request for Comments

    We encourage you to participate in this rulemaking by submitting 
comments and related materials. All comments received will be posted 
without change to http://www.regulations.gov and will include any 
personal information you have provided.

Submitting Comments

    If you submit a comment, please include the docket number for this 
rulemaking (USCG-2011-0194), indicate the specific section of this 
document to which each comment applies, and provide a reason for each 
suggestion or recommendation. You may submit your comments and material 
online (via http://www.regulations.gov) or by fax, mail, or hand 
delivery, but please use only one of these means. If you submit a 
comment online via www.regulations.gov, it will be considered received 
by the Coast Guard when you successfully transmit the comment. If you 
fax, hand deliver, or mail your comment, it will be considered as 
having been received by the Coast Guard when it is received at the 
Docket Management Facility. We recommend that you include your name and 
a mailing address, an e-mail address, or a telephone number in the body 
of your document so that we can

[[Page 30891]]

contact you if we have questions regarding your submission.
    To submit your comment online, go to http://www.regulations.gov, 
click on the ``submit a comment'' box, which will then become 
highlighted in blue. In the ``Document Type'' drop down menu select 
``Proposed Rule'' and insert ``USCG-2011-0194'' in the ``Keyword'' box. 
Click ``Search'' then click on the balloon shape in the ``Actions'' 
column. If you submit your comments by mail or hand delivery, submit 
them in an unbound format, no larger than 8[frac12] by 11 inches, 
suitable for copying and electronic filing. If you submit comments by 
mail and would like to know that they reached the Facility, please 
enclose a stamped, self-addressed postcard or envelope. We will 
consider all comments and material received during the comment period 
and may change the rule based on your comments.

Viewing Comments and Documents

    To view comments, as well as documents mentioned in this preamble 
as being available in the docket, go to http://www.regulations.gov, 
click on the ``read comments'' box, which will then become highlighted 
in blue. In the ``Keyword'' box insert ``USCG-2011-0194'' and click 
``Search.'' Click the ``Open Docket Folder'' in the ``Actions'' column. 
You may also visit the Docket Management Facility in Room W12-140 on 
the ground floor of the Department of Transportation West Building, 
1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590, between 9 a.m. and 5 
p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. We have an 
agreement with the Department of Transportation to use the Docket 
Management Facility.

Privacy Act

    Anyone can search the electronic form of comments received into any 
of our dockets by the name of the individual submitting the comment (or 
signing the comment, if submitted on behalf of an association, 
business, labor union, etc.). You may review a Privacy Act notice 
regarding our public dockets in the January 17, 2008, issue of the 
Federal Register (73 FR 3316).

Public Meeting

    We do not now plan to hold a public meeting. But you may submit a 
request for one using one of the four methods specified under 
ADDRESSES. Please explain why you believe a public meeting would be 
beneficial. If we determine that one would aid this rulemaking, we will 
hold one at a time and place announced by a later notice in the Federal 
Register.

Background and Purpose

    This temporary special local regulation is necessary to ensure the 
safety of vessels and spectators from hazards associated with a 
powerboat race. The Captain of the Port has determined that powerboat 
races in close proximity to watercraft and infrastructure pose 
significant risk to public safety and property. The likely combination 
of large numbers of recreation vessels, powerboats traveling at high 
speeds, and large numbers of spectators in close proximity to the water 
could easily result in serious injuries or fatalities. Establishing a 
special local regulation around the location of the race course will 
help ensure the safety of persons and property at these events and help 
minimize the associated risks.

Discussion of Proposed Rule

    This proposed temporary special local regulation is necessary to 
ensure the safety of spectators and vessels during the setup, course 
familiarization, testing and race in conjunction with the Orange, TX 
S.P.O.R.T. boat races. The powerboat race and associated testing will 
occur between 8 a.m. on September 24, 2011 and 6 p.m. on September 25, 
2011. The special local regulation will be enforced daily from 8 a.m. 
to 6 p.m. on September 24 and 25, 2011.
    The special local regulation will encompass all waters of the 
Sabine River adjacent to Naval Reserve Center and Orange, TX public 
boat ramp. The northern boundary will be from the end of Navy Pier One 
at 30[deg]05'45'' N 93[deg]43'24'' W then easterly to the rivers 
eastern shore. The southern boundary is a line shoreline to shoreline 
at latitude 30[deg]05'33'' N. All geographic coordinates are North 
American Datum of 1983 [NAD 83].
    All persons and vessels shall comply with the instructions of the 
Coast Guard Captain of the Port or the designated on scene patrol 
personnel. Entry into, transiting, or anchoring within the special 
local regulation area is prohibited unless authorized by the Captain of 
the Port or his designated on scene representative. For authorization 
to enter the proposed safety zone, vessels can contact the Captain of 
the Port's on scene representative on VHF Channel 16 or Vessel Traffic 
Service Port Arthur on VHF Channel 65A, by telephone at (409) 719-5070, 
or by facsimile at (409) 719-5090.

Regulatory Analyses

    We developed this proposed rule after considering numerous statutes 
and executive orders related to rulemaking. Below we summarize our 
analyses based on 13 of these statutes or executive orders.

Regulatory Planning and Review

    This rule is not a significant regulatory action under section 3(f) 
of Executive Order 12866, Regulatory Planning and Review, as 
supplemented by Executive Order 13563, Improving Regulation and 
Regulatory Review, and does not require an assessment of potential 
costs and benefits under section 6(a)(3) of that Executive Order 12866 
or under section 1 of Executive Order 13563. The Office of Management 
and Budget has not reviewed it under that those Orders.
    We expect the economic impact of this proposed rule to be so 
minimal that a full Regulatory Evaluation is unnecessary. The basis of 
this finding is that the safety zone will only be in effect for 10 
hours each day and notifications to the marine community will be made 
through broadcast notice to mariners and Marine Safety Information 
Bulletin. During non-enforcement hours all vessels will be allowed to 
transit through the safety zone without permission of the Captain of 
the Port, Port Arthur or a designated representative. Additionally, 
scheduled breaks will be provided to allow waiting vessels to transit 
safely through the safety zone.

Small Entities

    Under the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601-612), we have 
considered whether this proposed rule would have a significant economic 
impact on a substantial number of small entities. The term ``small 
entities'' comprises small businesses, not-for-profit organizations 
that are independently owned and operated and are not dominant in their 
fields, and governmental jurisdictions with populations of less than 
50,000.
    The Coast Guard certifies under 5 U.S.C. 605(b) that this proposed 
rule would not have a significant economic impact on a substantial 
number of small entities.
    This proposed rule would not have a significant economic impact on 
a substantial number of small entities for the following reasons: (1) 
This rule will only be enforced from 8 a.m. until 6 p.m. each day that 
it is effective; (2) during non-enforcement hours all vessels will be 
allowed to transit through the safety zone without having to obtain 
permission from the Captain of the Port, Port Arthur or a designated 
representative; and (3) vessels will be allowed to pass through the 
zone with permission of the Coast Guard Patrol

[[Page 30892]]

Commander during scheduled break periods between races and at other 
times when permitted by the Coast Guard Patrol Commander.
    If you think that your business, organization, or governmental 
jurisdiction qualifies as a small entity and that this rule would have 
a significant economic impact on it, please submit a comment (see 
ADDRESSES) explaining why you think it qualifies and how and to what 
degree this rule would economically affect it.

Assistance for Small Entities

    Under section 213(a) of the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement 
Fairness Act of 1996 (Pub. L. 104-121), we want to assist small 
entities in understanding this proposed rule so that they can better 
evaluate its effects on them and participate in the rulemaking. If the 
rule would affect your small business, organization, or governmental 
jurisdiction and you have questions concerning its provisions or 
options for compliance, please contact Mr. Scott Whalen, Marine Safety 
Unit Port Arthur, TX; telephone (409) 719-5086, e-mail 
[email protected]. The Coast Guard will not retaliate against 
small entities that question or complain about this proposed rule or 
any policy or action of the Coast Guard.

Collection of Information

    This proposed rule would call for no new collection of information 
under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501-3520).

Federalism

    A rule has implications for federalism under Executive Order 13132, 
Federalism, if it has a substantial direct effect on State or local 
governments and would either preempt State law or impose a substantial 
direct cost of compliance on them. We have analyzed this proposed rule 
under that Order and have determined that it does not have implications 
for federalism.

Unfunded Mandates Reform Act

    The Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 (2 U.S.C. 1531-1538) 
requires Federal agencies to assess the effects of their discretionary 
regulatory actions. In particular, the Act addresses actions that may 
result in the expenditure by a State, local, or tribal government, in 
the aggregate, or by the private sector of $100,000,000 (adjusted for 
inflation) or more in any one year. Though this proposed rule would not 
result in such an expenditure, we do discuss the effects of this rule 
elsewhere in this preamble.

Taking of Private Property

    This proposed rule would not cause a taking of private property or 
otherwise have taking implications under Executive Order 12630, 
Governmental Actions and Interference with Constitutionally Protected 
Property Rights.

Civil Justice Reform

    This proposed rule meets applicable standards in sections 3(a) and 
3(b)(2) of Executive Order 12988, Civil Justice Reform, to minimize 
litigation, eliminate ambiguity, and reduce burden.

Protection of Children

    We have analyzed this proposed rule under Executive Order 13045, 
Protection of Children from Environmental Health Risks and Safety 
Risks. This rule is not an economically significant rule and would not 
create an environmental risk to health or risk to safety that might 
disproportionately affect children.

Indian Tribal Governments

    This proposed rule does not have tribal implications under 
Executive Order 13175, Consultation and Coordination with Indian Tribal 
Governments, because it would not have a substantial direct effect on 
one or more Indian tribes, on the relationship between the Federal 
Government and Indian tribes, or on the distribution of power and 
responsibilities between the Federal Government and Indian tribes.

Energy Effects

    We have analyzed this proposed rule under Executive Order 13211, 
Actions Concerning Regulations That Significantly Affect Energy Supply, 
Distribution, or Use. We have determined that it is not a ``significant 
energy action'' under that order because it is not a ``significant 
regulatory action'' under Executive Order 12866 and is not likely to 
have a significant adverse effect on the supply, distribution, or use 
of energy. The Administrator of the Office of Information and 
Regulatory Affairs has not designated it as a significant energy 
action. Therefore, it does not require a Statement of Energy Effects 
under Executive Order 13211.

Technical Standards

    The National Technology Transfer and Advancement Act (NTTAA) (15 
U.S.C. 272 note) directs agencies to use voluntary consensus standards 
in their regulatory activities unless the agency provides Congress, 
through the Office of Management and Budget, with an explanation of why 
using these standards would be inconsistent with applicable law or 
otherwise impractical. Voluntary consensus standards are technical 
standards (e.g., specifications of materials, performance, design, or 
operation; test methods; sampling procedures; and related management 
systems practices) that are developed or adopted by voluntary consensus 
standards bodies.
    This proposed rule does not use technical standards. Therefore, we 
did not consider the use of voluntary consensus standards.

Environment

    We have analyzed this proposed rule under Department of Homeland 
Security Management Directive 023-01 and Commandant Instruction 
M16475.lD, which guide the Coast Guard in complying with the National 
Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) (42 U.S.C. 4321-4370f), and 
have made a preliminary determination that this action is one of a 
category of actions which do not individually or cumulatively have a 
significant effect on the human environment. This rule involves the 
establishment of a special local regulation. Based on our preliminary 
determination, there are no factors in this case that would limit the 
use of a categorical exclusion under section 2.B.2 of the Instruction.
    Therefore, we believe that this rule should be categorically 
excluded. Because this event establishes a special local regulation, 
paragraph (34)(h) of figure 2-1 of the Instruction applies. Thus, no 
further environmental documentation is required. We seek any comments 
or information that may lead to the discovery of a significant 
environmental impact from this proposed rule.

List of Subjects in 33 CFR Part 100

    Marine safety, Navigation (water), Reporting and recordkeeping 
requirements, Waterways.

    For the reasons discussed in the preamble, the Coast Guard proposes 
to amend 33 CFR part 100 as follows:

PART 100--REGULATED--SAFETY OF LIFE ON NAVIGABLE WATERS

    1. The authority citation for part 100 continues to read as 
follows:

    Authority:  33 U.S.C. 1233.

    2. Add a new temporary Sec.  100.35T08-0194 to read as follows:


Sec.  100.35T08-0194  Special Local Regulations for Marine Events; 
Sabine River, Orange, TX.

    (a) Definitions. As used in this section ``Participant Vessel'' 
means all vessels

[[Page 30893]]

officially registered with event officials to race or work in the 
event. These vessels include race boats, rescue boats, tow boats, and 
picket boats associated with the race.
    (b) Location. The following area is a safety zone: All waters of 
the Sabine River, shoreline to shoreline, adjacent to the Naval Reserve 
Unit and the Orange public boat ramps located in Orange, TX. The 
northern boundary is from the end of Navy Pier One at 30[deg]05'45'' N 
93[deg]43'24'' W then easterly to the rivers eastern shore. The 
southern boundary is a line shoreline to shoreline at latitude 
30[deg]05'33'' N.
    (c) Enforcement Periods. This regulation will be enforced daily 
from 8 a.m. until 6 p.m. on September 24 and 25, 2011.
    (d) Regulations. (1) In accordance with the general regulations in 
Sec.  100 of this part, entry into this zone is prohibited to all 
vessels except participant vessels and those vessels specifically 
authorized by the Captain of the Port, Port Arthur or a designated 
representative.
    (2) Persons or vessels requiring entry into or passage through must 
request permission from the Captain of the Port, Port Arthur, or a 
designated representative. They may be contacted on VHF Channel 13 or 
16, or by telephone at (409) 723-6500.
    (3) All persons and vessels shall comply with the instructions of 
the Captain of the Port, Port Arthur, designated representatives and 
designated on-scene U.S. Coast Guard patrol personnel. On-scene U.S. 
Coast Guard patrol personnel include commissioned, warrant, and petty 
officers of the U.S. Coast Guard.

    Dated: March 22, 2011.
J.J. Plunkett,
Captain, U.S. Coast Guard, Captain of the Port, Port Arthur.
[FR Doc. 2011-13175 Filed 5-26-11; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 9110-04-P