[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 54 (Wednesday, March 20, 2013)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 17090-17094]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-06428]


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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Coast Guard

33 CFR Part 117

[Docket No. USCG-2012-0357]
RIN 1625-AA09


Drawbridge Operation Regulation; Elizabeth River, Eastern Branch, 
Norfolk, VA

AGENCY: Coast Guard, DHS.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: The Coast Guard is adopting an interim drawbridge rule 
published in August 2012 as a final rule for the Berkley (I-264) 
Bridge, at mile 0.4, across the Eastern Branch of the Elizabeth River, 
Norfolk, VA. This rule, allowing only four scheduled bridge openings 
during the day, is necessary to alleviate heavy vehicular traffic 
delays throughout the day and secondary congestion during the afternoon 
rush hour, while still providing for the reasonable needs of 
navigation.

DATES: Effective April 19, 2013.

ADDRESSES: Comments and related materials received from the public, as 
well as documents mentioned in this preamble as being available in the 
docket, are part of docket USCG-2012-0357 and are available online by 
going to www.regulations.gov, and inserting USCG-2012-0357 in the 
``Search'' box, and then clicking ``Search''. This material is also 
available for inspection or copying at the 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, between 
9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: If you have questions on this rule, 
call or email Terrance A. Knowles, Bridge Administration Branch, Fifth 
Coast Guard District, telephone (757) 398-6587, email 
[email protected]. If you have questions on viewing or 
submitting material to the docket, call Docket Operations, telephone 
202-366-9826.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Table of Acronyms

CFR Code of Federal Regulations
DHS Department of Homeland Security
FR Federal Register
U.S.C. United States Code
VDOT Virginia Department of Transportation
VMA Virginia Maritime Association

A. Regulatory History and Information

    On August 30, 2012, we published an interim rule (IR) entitled, 
``Drawbridge Operation Regulations; Elizabeth River, Eastern Branch, 
Norfolk, VA'' in the Federal Register (77 FR 52599). We received 545 
comments on the proposed rule. No public meeting was requested, and 
none was held.
    Other Related Regulatory Action: The following table describes 
regulatory actions related to this bridge. A discussion of those 
actions follows.

                                              Table 1--Rulemakings
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                     Drawbridge  operation regs.
               Date                       Action                  FR Cite                    (Docket No.)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
10/09/2009.......................  Temporary Deviation  74 FR 52143................  USCG-2009-0754.
10/09/2009.......................  Proposed Rulemaking  74 FR 52158................  USCG-2009-0754.
                                    (NPRM).
03/03/2010.......................  Temporary Deviation  75 FR 9521.................  USCG-2010-0083.
03/03/2010.......................  Supplemental NPRM..  75 FR 9557.................  USCG-2009-0754.
08/06/2010.......................  Temporary Final      75 FR 47461................  USCG-2009-0754.
                                    Rule.
08/30/2012.......................  Interim Rule.......  77 FR 52599................  USCG-2012-0357.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    On October 9, 2009, we published a notice of temporary deviation 
request for comments entitled; ``Drawbridge Operation Regulations; 
Elizabeth River, Eastern Branch, Norfolk, VA'' in the Federal Register 
(74 FR 52143) and a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) entitled 
``Drawbridge Operation Regulation; Elizabeth River, Eastern Branch, 
Norfolk, VA'' in the Federal Register (74 FR 52158). We received 861 
comments for both the temporary deviation and NPRM. No public meeting 
was requested then, and none was held.
    On March 3, 2010, we published a notice of temporary deviation 
request for comments entitled; ``Drawbridge Operation Regulations; 
Elizabeth River, Eastern Branch, VA'' in the Federal Register (75 FR 
9521) and a supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking (SNPRM) entitled 
``Drawbridge Operation Regulations; Elizabeth River, Eastern Branch, 
Norfolk, VA'' in the Federal Register (75 FR 9557). That time we 
received four comments on the published deviation and SNPRM. No public 
meeting was requested then, and none was held.
    On August 6, 2010, we published a temporary final rule entitled 
``Drawbridge Operation Regulations; Elizabeth River, Eastern Branch, 
Norfolk, VA'' in the Federal Register (75 FR 47461) that temporarily 
changed the drawbridge operation regulations effective from 9 a.m. on 
September 4, 2010, until 2:30 p.m. on October 5, 2012.
    The establishment of the recent interim rule, effective since 
October 6, 2012, and the previous temporary final rule, with its 
similar operating rules/provisions, which was in effect since September 
4, 2010, did not place any additional constraints on the waterway users 
because mariners already used the temporary schedule for almost two 
years and could still plan their trips in accordance with the scheduled 
bridge openings. Any operating schedule that would revert back to the 
previous on-demand operation of the drawbridge would produce a 
tremendous amount of delay. Prior to these four scheduled daytime 
openings, delays for motorists were unpredictable and were expected to 
increase with population growth and any increase in associated traffic.

B. Basis and Purpose

    VDOT, which owns and operates the bascule-type Berkley Bridge, 
requested a

[[Page 17091]]

permanent change to the bridge regulations. This final rule makes 
permanent those temporary regulations currently in effect in the 
interim rule.
    The Berkley Bridge is the principle arterial route in and out of 
the City of Norfolk and serves as the major evacuation highway in the 
event of emergencies. In the closed to navigation position, the Berkley 
Bridge has a vertical clearance of 48 feet above mean high water. 
Vessel traffic on this portion of the Elizabeth River waterway consists 
of pleasure craft, tug and barge traffic, and ships with assist tugs 
seeking repairs. There is no alternate waterway route.
    The regulation set out in Title 33 CFR 117.1007 (b) allows the 
Berkley Bridge, mile 0.4, in Norfolk, Virginia to remain closed one 
hour prior to the published start of a scheduled marine event regulated 
under Sec.  100.501, and remain closed until one hour following the 
completion of the event unless the Patrol Commander designated under 
Sec.  100.501 allows the bridge to open for commercial vessel traffic. 
In addition, the bridge shall open on signal any time except from 5 
a.m. to 9 a.m. and from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday, except 
Federal holidays, and shall open at any time for vessels with a draft 
of 18 feet or more, provided that at least 6 hours advance notice has 
been given to the Berkley Bridge Traffic Control Room at (757) 494-2490 
as required by 33 CFR 117.1007 (c).
    The interim rule, which modified the above schedule, became 
effective on October 6, 2012. During the interim rule regulation, the 
draw shall remain closed one hour prior to the published start of a 
scheduled marine event regulated under Sec.  100.501, and remain closed 
until one hour following the completion of the event unless the Patrol 
Commander designated under Sec.  100.501 allows the bridge to open for 
commercial vessel traffic. The draw shall open on signal at any time 
for vessels carrying, in bulk, cargoes regulated by 46 CFR subchapters 
D or O, or Certain Dangerous Cargoes as defined in 33 CFR 160.204. For 
all other vessels, the draw shall open on signal at any time, except 
from 5 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. 
During these times, the draw shall open for commercial vessels with a 
draft of 18 feet or more, provided at least 6 hours notice was given to 
the Berkley Bridge Traffic Control room at (757) 494-2490; open on 
signal at 9 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 2:30 p.m.; and if the bridge is 
not opened during a particular scheduled opening and a vessel has made 
prior arrangements for a delayed opening, the draw tender may provide a 
single opening up to 30 minutes past that scheduled opening time for 
that signaling vessel, except at 2:30 p.m. The draw tender may provide 
a single opening up to 20 minutes past the 2:30 p.m. scheduled opening 
time for a signaling vessel that made prior arrangements for a delayed 
opening. A vessel may make prior arrangements for a delayed opening by 
contacting the Berkley Bridge Traffic Control room at (757) 494-2490.
    This final rule will make the interim final rule opening procedures 
permanent. Due to this, we anticipate less vehicular traffic congestion 
between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m., while causing fewer secondary back-ups 
during rush hours, as compared to increased traffic congestion when the 
bridge opened on signal.
    In 2009, prior to implementing the temporary regulation, a Test 
Deviation published in the Federal Register (74 FR 52143) was issued to 
allow VDOT to test the proposed schedule and to obtain data and public 
comments. During that Test Deviation period, a count of the delayed 
vessels during the closure periods was taken to ensure the regulation 
would not have a significant impact on navigation. The monthly 
vehicular traffic counts submitted by VDOT for the last quarter of 
calendar year 2008 showed the average daily traffic volumes at the 
Berkley Bridge (See Table A):

                                 Table A
------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
------------------------------------------------------------------------
OCT 2008...............................  83,296 vehicles.
NOV 2008...............................  99,643 vehicles.
DEC 2008...............................  106,856 vehicles.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The traffic counts revealed that from October 2008 to December 
2008, the Berkley Bridge experienced a seven percent (or 23,560-car) 
increase in vehicular traffic flow. The Coast Guard believes that the 
increase was due to the previously referenced temporary closure of two 
Norfolk-area bridges and that vehicular traffic will subside when those 
bridges return to service.
    The Coast Guard received 861 comments on both the temporary 
deviation and NPRM originally proposed in 2009. A large majority of the 
responses from commuters were in support of the scheduled opening set-
up. However, the local maritime community expressed some objections to 
the schedule change to vessels.
    After review of all of the comments and bridge-related data 
received, the Coast Guard had determined that an alternative proposal 
should be considered.
    From September 4, 2010, to October 5, 2012, a temporary final rule 
(75 FR 47461, August 6, 2010) introduced changes that allowed for the 
draw of the Berkley Bridge to open on signal for the proposed 
drawbridge openings (scheduled during the daytime) which expected to 
similarly cause a decrease in traffic congestion. Concurrent with the 
publication of the SNPRM (75 FR 9557, March 3, 2010), another Test 
Deviation (75 FR 9521, March 3, 2010) was issued to allow VDOT to test 
another proposed schedule and to acquire additional data and public 
comments.
    The Coast Guard received four responses to the SNPRM and the second 
temporary deviation, one each by letter and to the Web site at 
www.regulations.gov along with two emails, all of which were considered 
in the interim rule (77 FR 52599, August 30, 2012).
    The VMA, which represents waterborne commerce in the Port of 
Hampton Roads, responded in writing with its support of the revised 
regulation and its statement that the current operating regulation 
incorporates the minimum degree of flexibility that the maritime 
industry can accept. VDOT also indicated that the new Berkley Bridge 
operating regulation had improved the flow of vehicular traffic while 
still meeting the minimum needs of navigation.
    VMA, VDOT and two private citizens expressed concerns about 
unscheduled openings that caused vehicular traffic congestion. The 
unscheduled openings were provided for Government vessels and vessels 
with a draft of 18 feet or more that provided at least 6 hours advance 
notice and for vessels hauling dangerous cargo.
    The Coast Guard reviewed the bridge data supplied by VDOT. The 
information indicated that during the deviation test period (from March 
10, 2010, to September 3, 2010), that a total of 260 potential bridge 
openings for vessels could have been provided Monday through Friday, 
except Federal holidays, at 9 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. The 
data showed the bridge only opened 88 times of the 260 potential 
openings. The data also revealed that seven bridge openings were 
provided just about 15 minutes past the scheduled opening time at 9 
a.m., 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. and that the average opening usually lasted 12 
minutes; a later opening at 2:30 p.m. would add to the traffic 
congestion during the rush hour. However, due to good communication 
with the general public by using road signs and broadcasts, there was 
only one opening

[[Page 17092]]

that occurred after 2:45 p.m. A majority of those openings were 
provided primarily for commercial vessels, with a maximum of four 
vessels transiting through a single bridge opening. The subsequent 
changes to the operating procedures appear to have reduced vehicular 
traffic congestion while still providing for the reasonable needs of 
navigation. Based on the information provided, the revised temporary 
rule was implemented with no changes to the SNPRM.
    Between October 2010 and January 2012, from 9 a.m. and 3 p.m., 
according to data provided by VDOT, the Berkley Bridge averaged 
approximately 6,533 vehicles per hour which ranks it among the most 
heavily traveled routes in the region (See Table B).

                                                     Table B--Average Daily Vehicular Traffic Count
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                      Hourly total                           Oct 2010        Jan 2011        May 2011        Aug 2011        Jan 2012         Average
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
9AM-10AM................................................           6,509           6,230           6,545           6,335           5,956           6,315
10AM-11AM...............................................           6,248           6,074           6,362           6,383           5,898           6,193
11AM-12PM...............................................           6,443           6,008           6,457           6,439           5,927           6,255
12PM-1PM................................................           6,714           6,583           6,781           6,780           6,283           6,628
1PM-2PM.................................................           6,860           6,345           6,766           6,760           6,249           6,596
2PM-3PM.................................................           7,330           7,133           7,361           7,210           7,032           7,213
    Total...............................................          40,103          38,373          40,270          39,906          37,345          39,199
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Overall hourly average--6,533.

    The temporary regulation schedule provided four bridge lift 
opportunities each weekday between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. This equated to a 
maximum of 88 lifts per month (assuming 22 workdays per month). Since 
October 2010, there has been an average of only 24 requested lifts per 
month--a usage rate of only 27% of capacity (See Table C).

                                                             Table C--Bridge Opening Counts
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 2010    2010    2010    2011    2011    2011    2011    2011    2011    2011    2011    2011    2011    2011    2011    2012   2012
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  Monthly   Total
  Oct     Nov     Dec     Jan     Feb     Mar     Apr     May     Jun     Jul     Aug     Sep     Oct     Nov     Dec    Jan    Feb    average
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   30      15      23      28      27      29      23      22      28      20       9      21      19      34      15     23     35      23.6       401
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                                             Bridge Opening Average Duration
                                                                      [In minutes]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  2010     2010     2010     2011     2011     2011     2011    2011    2011    2011    2011    2011    2011    2011    2011    2012    2012
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  Monthly
  Oct      Nov      Dec      Jan      Feb      Mar      Apr      May     Jun     Jul     Aug     Sep     Oct     Nov     Dec     Jan     Feb    average
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  10.0      9.9      9.7      8.9      9.4      9.1      9.0     8.9    10.2    10.1     9.3    10.0     9.1     9.1     8.7    10.1    12.3        9.6
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Prior to execution of the temporary regulation period, the average 
duration of a bridge lift was approximately 15 minutes. Throughout the 
same periods, the average duration of bridge lifts has been 9.6 
minutes--a reduction of 5.4 minutes per lift.
    The temporary closures of two Norfolk-area bridges, forced 
increased use of the Berkley Bridge by vehicular traffic. Now with 
those bridges completed there is some temporary traffic relief, but 
VDOT suggests that the Berkley Bridge and its approaches will still 
experience back-ups, delays, and congestion, due to increased traffic 
and population growth. The Hampton Roads Planning District Commission 
projected a population growth of 31% by 2034. This continued increase 
in traffic volume in Norfolk and at the Berkley Bridge is not expected 
to decrease in the future. The interim rule draw opening schedule has 
helped to decrease the average bridge opening times, and the rule has 
led to only 27% of the available opening time being utilized by 
mariners. Adopting the interim rule as final will help to mitigate 
future adverse impacts caused by the increased traffic congestion.
    Assuming no reduction in maritime traffic volume, this reduction in 
lift duration has resulted in a significant efficiency increase in the 
use of time the bridge is actually opened for vessels and a significant 
reduction in delays to vehicular traffic during vessel openings. The 
reduction in lift duration combined with the predictability of 
scheduled lifts optimally balances the competing demands of both road 
and waterway users.

C. Discussion of Comments, Changes, and the Final Rule

    The Coast Guard is adopting as final the interim rule (77 FR 52604, 
August 30, 2012) without changes, permanently amending the regulations 
governing the Berkley Bridge, mile 0.4, at Norfolk, Virginia, at 33 CFR 
117.1007, by revising paragraph (b)(2) to read as follows: The draw 
shall open on signal at any time for vessels carrying, in bulk, cargoes 
regulated by 46 CFR subchapters D or O, or Certain Dangerous Cargoes as 
defined in 33 CFR 160.204; For all other vessels, the draw shall open 
on signal at any time, except from 5 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through 
Friday, except Federal holidays. During these times, the draw shall 
open for commercial vessels with a draft of 18 feet or more, provided 
at least 6 hours notice was given to the Berkley Bridge Traffic Control 
room at (757) 494-2490; open on signal at 9 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 
2:30 p.m.; and if the bridge is not opened during a particular 
scheduled opening and a vessel has made prior arrangements for a 
delayed opening, the draw tender may provide a single opening up to 30 
minutes past that scheduled opening time for that signaling vessel, 
except at 2:30 p.m. The draw tender may provide a single opening up to 
20 minutes past the 2:30 p.m. scheduled opening time for a

[[Page 17093]]

signaling vessel that made prior arrangements for a delayed opening. A 
vessel may make prior arrangements for a delayed opening by contacting 
the Berkley Bridge Traffic Control room at (757) 494-2490.
    The Coast Guard believes that this permanent change is necessary to 
help reduce current and future vehicular traffic congestion throughout 
the day and during rush hour time periods. Results of studies conducted 
since the temporary regulation went into effect in September 2010 
confirm that scheduled lifts have decreased congestion without 
negatively impacting waterway users. Scheduled lifts, according to the 
statistics, are currently being utilized well under capacity by the 
maritime public. Furthermore, waterway users are accustomed to this 
schedule, as it has been in effect since September 2010.
    The Coast Guard provided 32 days for comment on the interim rule 
and received 545 total comments (533 public e-comments from 
www.regulations.gov, 11 phone calls, and one email message). Of the 545 
comments, 544 overwhelmingly supported the regulation, and only one 
individual wanted the bridge to open on demand. Several of the 544 
supporting comments wanted the schedule to be stricter on navigation by 
only allowing openings at night, or by lessening the number of openings 
during the day, or by adjusting the scheduled opening time by fifteen 
minutes to avoid additional rush hour impacts.
    There were two comments from known waterway users. The first 
commenter, whose business is located along the Eastern Branch of the 
Elizabeth River, opined that the interim opening schedule to be a 
reasonable compromise and should be retained. The second commenter 
stated that all drawbridges should open on-demand due to the excessive 
expense put on mariners while waiting hours for a few commuters.
    As previously stated, the vast majority of respondents supported 
the predictability of scheduled lifts during the day that will 
optimally balances the competing demands of both waterway users and the 
excessively high numbers of vehicles on the roadway.

D. Regulatory Analyses

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

1. 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 Order 12866 or under 
section 1 of Executive Order 13563. The Office of Management and Budget 
has not reviewed it under those Orders.
    We reached this conclusion based on the fact that the changes have 
only a minimal impact on maritime traffic transiting the bridge. 
Mariners can plan their trips in accordance with the scheduled bridge 
openings, to minimize delays. This regulation will allow the provisions 
of the interim rule to be made permanent.

2. Impact on Small Entities

    The Regulatory Flexibility Act of 1980 (RFA), 5 U.S.C. 601-612, as 
amended, requires federal agencies to consider the potential impact of 
regulations on small entities during rulemaking. 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 received 0 comments from the Small Business 
Administration on this rule. The Coast Guard certifies under 5 U.S.C. 
605(b) that this rule will not have a significant economic impact on a 
substantial number of small entities.
    This action will not have a significant economic impact on a 
substantial number of small entities because the rule only adds minimal 
restrictions to the movement of navigation, in allowing four scheduled 
openings during the day. Mariners who plan their transits in accordance 
with the scheduled bridge openings can minimize delay. Additionally, 
vessels that can pass under the bridge without a bridge opening may do 
so at all times. Before the effective period, we will issue maritime 
advisories widely available to users of the river.

3. 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 rule. 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 the person listed in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT, 
above.
    Small businesses may send comments on the actions of Federal 
employees who enforce, or otherwise determine compliance with, Federal 
regulations to the Small Business and Agriculture Regulatory 
Enforcement Ombudsman and the Regional Small Business Regulatory 
Fairness Boards. The Ombudsman evaluates these actions annually and 
rates each agency's responsiveness to small business. If you wish to 
comment on actions by employees of the Coast Guard, call 1-888-REG-FAIR 
(1-888-734-3247). The Coast Guard will not retaliate against small 
entities that question or complain about this rule or any policy or 
action of the Coast Guard.

4. Collection of Information

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

5. Federalism

    A rule has implications for federalism under Executive Order 13132, 
Federalism, if it has 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. We have analyzed this rule under that Order and have 
determined that it does not have implications for federalism.

6. Protest Activities

    The Coast Guard respects the First Amendment rights of protesters. 
Protesters are asked to contact the person listed in the ``For Further 
Information Contact'' section to coordinate protest activities so that 
your message can be received without jeopardizing the safety or 
security of people, places or vessels.

7. 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 rule will not result in 
such an expenditure, we do discuss the effects of this rule elsewhere 
in this preamble.

[[Page 17094]]

8. Taking of Private Property

    This 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.

9. Civil Justice Reform

    This 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.

10. Protection of Children

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

11. Indian Tribal Governments

    This 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.

12. Energy Effects

    We have analyzed this 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.

13. Technical Standards

    This rule does not use technical standards. Therefore, we did not 
consider the use of voluntary consensus standards.

14. Environment

    We have analyzed this rule under Department of Homeland Security 
Management Directive 023-01, and Commandant Instruction M16475.lD which 
guides the Coast Guard in complying with the National Environmental 
Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) (42 U.S.C. 4321-4370f), and have concluded 
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 is categorically excluded under figure 2-1, 
paragraph (32)(e), of the Instruction.
    Under figure 2-1, paragraph (32)(e), of the instruction, an 
environmental analysis checklist and a categorical exclusion 
determination are not required for this rule.

PART 117--DRAWBRIDGE OPERATION REGULATIONS

0
For the reasons discussed in the preamble, under the authority of 33 
U.S.C. 499; 33 CFR 1.05-1; and Department of Homeland Security 
Delegation No. 0170.1, the interim rule amending 33 CFR part 117 that 
was published at 77 FR 52604 on August 30, 2012, is adopted without 
change as a final rule.

    Dated: February 28, 2013.
Steven H. Ratti,
Rear Admiral, U.S. Coast Guard, Commander, Fifth Coast Guard District.
[FR Doc. 2013-06428 Filed 3-19-13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 9110-04-P