[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 247 (Friday, December 23, 2016)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 94769-94773]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-29868]



[[Page 94769]]

Vol. 81

Friday,

No. 247

December 23, 2016

Part XI





Department of the Interior





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Office of the Secretary





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Semiannual Regulatory Agenda

  Federal Register / Vol. 81 , No. 247 / Friday, December 23, 2016 / 
Unified Agenda  

[[Page 94770]]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Office of the Secretary

25 CFR Ch. I

30 CFR Chs. II and VII

36 CFR Ch. I

43 CFR Subtitle A, Chs. I and II

48 CFR Ch. 14

50 CFR Chs. I and IV

[167D0102DM; DS6CS00000; DLSN00000.00000; DX6CS25]


Semiannual Regulatory Agenda

AGENCY: Office of the Secretary, Interior.

ACTION: Semiannual regulatory agenda.

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SUMMARY: This notice provides the unified agenda of rules scheduled for 
review or development between fall 2016 and fall 2017. The Regulatory 
Flexibility Act and Executive Order 12866 require publication of the 
agenda.

ADDRESSES: Unless otherwise indicated, all agency contacts are located 
at the Department of the Interior, 1849 C Street NW., Washington, DC 
20240.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: You should direct all comments and 
inquiries to the about these rules to the appropriate agency contact. 
You should direct general comments relating to the agenda to the Office 
of Executive Secretariat and Regulatory Affairs, Department of the 
Interior, at the address above or at 202-208-3181.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: With this publication, the Department 
satisfies the requirement of Executive Order 12866 that the Department 
publish an agenda of rules that we have issued or expect to issue and 
of currently effective rules that we have scheduled for review.
    Simultaneously, the Department meets the requirement of the 
Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.) to publish an agenda 
in April and October of each year identifying rules that will have 
significant economic effects on a substantial number of small entities. 
We have specifically identified in the agenda rules that will have such 
effects.
    This edition of the Unified Agenda of Federal Regulatory and 
Deregulatory Actions includes The Regulatory Plan, which appears in 
both the online Unified Agenda and in part II of the Federal Register 
that includes the Unified Agenda. The Department's Statement of 
Regulatory Priorities is included in the Plan.

 Mark Lawyer,
Federal Register Liaison Officer.

   Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement--Proposed Rule Stage
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Regulation
       Sequence No.                    Title             Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
331.......................  Cost Recovery Adjustment..         1014-AA31
------------------------------------------------------------------------


    Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement--Completed Action
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Regulation
       Sequence No.                    Title             Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
332.......................  Production Safety Systems          1014-AA10
                             and Lifecycle Analysis.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


 Assistant Secretary for Land and Minerals Management--Completed Actions
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Regulation
       Sequence No.                    Title             Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
333.......................  Arctic Regulations........         1082-AA00
------------------------------------------------------------------------


      United States Fish and Wildlife Service--Proposed Rule Stage
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Regulation
       Sequence No.                    Title             Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
334.......................  Migratory Bird Permits;            1018-BA69
                             Incidental Take of
                             Migratory Birds.
335.......................  Migratory Bird Hunting;            1018-BB73
                             2018-2019 Migratory Game
                             Bird Hunting Regulations.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


        United States Fish and Wildlife Service--Final Rule Stage
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Regulation
       Sequence No.                    Title             Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
336.......................  National Wildlife Refuge           1018-AX36
                             System; Management of Non-
                             Federal Oil and Gas
                             Rights.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


                 National Park Service--Final Rule Stage
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Regulation
       Sequence No.                    Title             Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
337.......................  Non-Federal Oil and Gas            1024-AD78
                             Rights.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


[[Page 94771]]


 Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement--Final Rule Stage
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Regulation
       Sequence No.                    Title             Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
338.......................  Stream Protection Rule....         1029-AC63
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               Bureau of Land Management--Final Rule Stage
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Regulation
       Sequence No.                    Title             Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
339.......................  Waste Prevention,                  1004-AE14
                             Production Subject to
                             Royalties, and Resource
                             Conservation.
340.......................  Onshore Oil and Gas Order          1004-AE16
                             4: Oil Measurement.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR (DOI)

Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE)

Proposed Rule Stage

331. Cost Recovery Adjustment

    Legal Authority: 31 U.S.C. 9701
    Abstract: This rule would update 31 cost recovery fees to allow the 
Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement to recover the full 
costs of the services it provides to the oil and gas industry. It 
complies with the Independent Office Appropriations Act of 1952 which 
established that government services should be self-sustaining to the 
extent possible. Rulemaking is the only method available to update 
these fees and comply with the intent of Congress to recover government 
costs when a special benefit is bestowed on an identifiable recipient. 
The practice of cost recovery is well-established and this rulemaking 
is not expected to be controversial.
    Timetable:

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               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   11/00/16  .......................
Final Action........................   04/00/17  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Kimberly Monaco, Department of the Interior, Bureau 
of Safety and Environmental Enforcement, 1849 C Street NW., Washington, 
DC 20240, Phone: 703 787-1658.
    RIN: 1014-AA31

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR (DOI)

Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE)

Completed Actions

332. Production Safety Systems and Lifecycle Analysis

    Legal Authority: 31 U.S.C. 9701; 43 U.S.C. 1334
    Abstract: The Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) 
will amend and update the regulations regarding offshore oil and 
natural gas production. It will address issues such as production 
safety systems, subsurface safety devices, and safety device testing. 
BSEE has expanded the rule to differentiate the requirements for 
operating dry tree and wet tree production systems on the Outer 
Continental Shelf (OCS). This rule will also expand use of life cycle 
analysis of critical equipment.
    Completed:

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               Reason                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Final Action........................   09/07/16  81 FR 61834
Final Action Effective..............   11/07/16  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Lakeisha Harrison, Phone: 703 787-1552, Fax: 703 
787-1555, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 1014-AA10

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR (DOI)

Assistant Secretary for Land and Minerals Management (ASLM)

Completed Actions

333. Arctic Regulations

    Legal Authority: 34 U.S.C. 1331 et seq.
    Abstract: The Department of the Interior, through the Bureau of 
Ocean Energy Management and Bureau of Safety and Environmental 
Enforcement, is developing joint proposed rules to promote safe, 
responsible, and effective drilling activities on the Arctic 
Continental Shelf, while also ensuring the protection of Alaska's 
coastal communities and the marine environment.
    Completed:

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               Reason                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Final Action........................   07/15/16  81 FR 46478
Final Action Effective..............   09/13/16  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Michael Farber, Phone: 202 208-3976, Email: 
[email protected].
    RIN: 1082-AA00

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR (DOI)

United States Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS)

Proposed Rule Stage

334. Migratory Bird Permits; Incidental Take of Migratory Birds

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 703 to 712; 42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.
    Abstract: We are preparing a programmatic environmental impact 
statement (PEIS) pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act of 
1969 (NEPA) to evaluate the potential environmental impacts of a 
proposal to authorize incidental take of migratory birds under the 
Migratory Bird Treaty Act (16 U.S.C. 703 to 711). In drafting the PEIS, 
we invited input from other Federal and State agencies, tribes, 
nongovernmental organizations, and members of the public on the scope 
of the proposed NEPA analysis, the pertinent issues we should address, 
and alternatives to our proposed approach for authorizing incidental 
take. Based on this PEIS, we propose to establish regulations to govern 
the incidental take of migratory birds from activities under

[[Page 94772]]

which migratory birds are killed incidental to otherwise lawful 
activities. These proposed regulations will establish rules for 
individual permits and programmatic agreements with Federal agencies 
and will establish the basis for future rulemaking for general 
authorizations for incidental take of migratory birds.
    Timetable:

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               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Notice..............................   05/26/15  80 FR 30032
Comment Period End..................   07/27/15  .......................
NPRM................................   12/00/16  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Stephen Earsom, Biologist--Pilot, Regions 4 & 5 
Aviation Manager, Department of the Interior, United States Fish and 
Wildlife Service, 11510 American Holly Drive, Laurel, MD 20708, Phone: 
301 980-8711, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 1018-BA69

335.  Migratory Bird Hunting; 2018-2019 Migratory Game Bird 
Hunting Regulations

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 703 to 711; 16 U.S.C. 742a-j
    Abstract: We propose to establish annual hunting regulations for 
certain migratory game birds for the 2018-2019 hunting season. We 
annually prescribe outside limits (frameworks), within which States may 
select hunting seasons. This proposed rule provides the regulatory 
schedule, describes the proposed regulatory alternatives for the 2018-
2019 duck hunting seasons, requests proposals from Indian tribes that 
wish to establish special migratory game bird hunting regulations on 
Federal Indian reservations and ceded lands, and requests proposals for 
the 2018 spring and summer migratory bird subsistence season in Alaska. 
Migratory game bird hunting seasons provide opportunities for 
recreation and sustenance; aid Federal, State, and tribal governments 
in the management of migratory game birds; and permit harvests at 
levels compatible with migratory game bird population status and 
habitat conditions.
    Timetable:

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               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   05/00/17  .......................
Final Action........................   03/00/18  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Ronald Kokel, Wildlife Biologist, Division of 
Migratory Bird Management, Department of the Interior, United States 
Fish and Wildlife Service, 5275 Leesburg Pike, MS: MB, Falls Church, VA 
22041-3808, Phone: 703 358-1714, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 1018-BB73

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR (DOI)

United States Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS)

Final Rule Stage

336. National Wildlife Refuge System; Management of Non-Federal Oil and 
Gas Rights

    Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 668dd to ee; 42 U.S.C. 7401 et seq.; 16 
U.S.C. 1131 to 1136; 40 CFR 51.300 to 51.309
    Abstract: We anticipate publishing regulations that ensure that all 
operators conducting oil or gas operations within a National Wildlife 
Refuge System unit do so in a manner that prevents or minimizes damage 
to National Wildlife Refuge System resources, visitor values, and 
management objectives. These regulations will not result in a taking of 
a property interest, but rather to impose reasonable controls on 
operations that affect federally owned or controlled lands, and/or 
waters.
    Timetable:

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               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
ANPRM...............................   02/24/14  79 FR 10080
ANPRM Comment Period End............   04/25/14  .......................
ANPRM Comment Period Reopened.......   06/09/14  79 FR 32903
ANPRM Comment Period Reopening End..   07/09/14  .......................
NPRM................................   12/11/15  80 FR 77200
NPRM Comment Period End.............   02/09/16  .......................
NPRM; Final Environmental Impact       08/22/16  81 FR 56575
 Statement.
Final Action........................   12/00/16  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Jillian Cohen, Conservation Policy Analyst, 
Department of the Interior, United States Fish and Wildlife Service, 
5275 Leesburg Pike, MS: NWRS, Falls Church, VA 22041, Phone: 703 358-
1764, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 1018-AX36

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR (DOI)

National Park Service (NPS)

Final Rule Stage

337. Non-Federal Oil and Gas Rights

    Legal Authority: 54 U.S.C. 100101; 54 U.S.C. 100301; 54 U.S.C. 
100302; 54 U.S.C. 100731; 54 U.S.C. 100732
    Abstract: This rule would update National Park Service (NPS) 
regulations governing the exercise of non-Federal oil and gas rights 
within NPS unit boundaries outside of Alaska. It would accommodate new 
technology and industry practices, eliminate regulatory exemptions, 
update requirements, remove caps on bond amounts, and allow NPS to 
recover administrative costs. The changes make the regulations more 
effective and efficient and maintain the highest level of protection 
compatible with park resources and values.
    Timetable:

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               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
ANPRM...............................   11/25/09  74 FR 61596
ANPRM Comment Period End............   01/25/10  .......................
NPRM................................   10/26/15  80 FR 65571
NPRM Comment Period End.............   12/28/15  .......................
Final Action........................   12/00/16  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Edward O. Kassman Jr., Geologic Resources Division, 
Department of the Interior, National Park Service, P.O. Box 25287, 
Denver, CO 80225, Phone: 303 969-2146, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 1024-AD78

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR (DOI)

Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSMRE)

Final Rule Stage

338. Stream Protection Rule

    Legal Authority: 30 U.S.C. 1201 et seq.
    Abstract: This rule revises our regulations to improve the balance 
between environmental protection and the Nation's need for coal as a 
source of energy. This final rule will better protect streams, fish, 
wildlife, and related environmental values from the adverse impacts of 
surface coal mining operations and provide mine operators with a 
regulatory framework to avoid water pollution and the long-term costs 
associated with water treatment.
    Timetable:

[[Page 94773]]



------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
ANPRM...............................   11/30/09  74 FR 62664
ANPRM Comment Period End............   12/30/09  .......................
NPRM................................   07/27/15  80 FR 44436
NPRM Comment Period Extended........   09/10/15  80 FR 54590
NPRM Comment Period End.............   09/25/15  .......................
NPRM Comment Period Extended End....   10/26/15  .......................
Final Action........................   11/00/16  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Dennis Rice, Regulatory Analyst, Department of the 
Interior, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement, 1951 
Constitution Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20240, Phone: 202 208-2829, 
Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 1029-AC63

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR (DOI)

Bureau of Land Management (BLM)

Final Rule Stage

339. Waste Prevention, Production Subject to Royalties, and Resource 
Conservation

    Legal Authority: 25 U.S.C. 396d; 25 U.S.C. 2107; 30 U.S.C. 189; 30 
U.S.C. 306; 30 U.S.C. 359; 30 U.S.C. 1751; 43 U.S.C. 1732(b); 43 U.S.C. 
1733; 43 U.S.C. 1740
    Abstract: The rule would update decades-old standards to reduce 
wasteful venting, flaring, and leaks of natural gas from onshore wells 
located on Federal and Indian oil and gas leases. The proposed 
standards would establish requirements and incentives to reduce waste 
of gas and clarify when royalties apply to lost gas. This action will 
enhance our energy security and economy by boosting America's natural 
gas supplies, ensuring that taxpayers receive the royalties due to them 
from development of public resources, and reducing emissions.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   02/08/16  81 FR 6616
NPRM Comment Period Extended........   04/04/16  81 FR 19110
NPRM Comment Period End.............   04/08/16  .......................
NPRM Comment Period Extended End....   04/22/16  .......................
Final Action........................   11/00/16  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Steven Wells, Division Chief, Fluid Minerals 
Division, Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management, Room 
2134 LM, 20 M Street SE., Washington, DC 20003, Phone: 202 912-7143, 
Fax: 202 912-7194, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 1004-AE14

340. Onshore Oil and Gas Order 4: Oil Measurement

    Legal Authority: 25 U.S.C. 396(d); 25 U.S.C. 2107; 30 U.S.C. 189; 
30 U.S.C. 306; 30 U.S.C. 359; 30 U.S.C. 1751; 43 U.S.C. 1732(b); 43 
U.S.C. 1733; 43 U.S.C. 1740
    Abstract: Onshore Order 4 establishes minimum standards to ensure 
liquid hydrocarbons are accurately measured and reported. This Order 
was last updated in 1989, and since then changes in technology have 
allowed for more accurate fluid measurement. This order will 
incorporate current industry standards and allow for the use of new 
technology.
    Timetable:

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               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   09/30/15  80 FR 58952
NPRM Comment Period Extended........   11/23/15  80 FR 72943
NPRM Comment Period End.............   11/30/15  .......................
NPRM Comment Period Extended End....   12/14/15  .......................
Final Action........................   11/00/16  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Steven Wells, Division Chief, Fluid Minerals 
Division, Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management, Room 
2134 LM, 20 M Street SE., Washington, DC 20003, Phone: 202 912-7143, 
Fax: 202 912-7194, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 1004-AE16

[FR Doc. 2016-29868 Filed 12-22-16; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4334-63-P