[Federal Register Volume 84, Number 51 (Friday, March 15, 2019)]
[Notices]
[Pages 9540-9541]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2019-04876]


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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Coast Guard

[Docket No. USCG-2019-0032]


Prince William Sound Regional Citizens' Advisory Council 
Recertification

AGENCY: Coast Guard, DHS.

ACTION: Notice of recertification.

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SUMMARY: This notice informs the public that the Coast Guard has 
recertified the Prince William Sound Regional Citizens' Advisory 
Council (PWSRCAC) as an alternative voluntary advisory group for Prince 
William Sound, Alaska. This certification allows the PWSRCAC to monitor 
the activities of terminal facilities and crude oil tankers under an 
alternative composition, other than prescribed, Prince William Sound 
Program established by statute.

DATES: This recertification is effective for the period from February 
28, 2019 through March 1, 2020.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: LT Ian McPhillips, Seventeenth Coast 
Guard District (dpi), by phone at (907)463-2809, email at 
[email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background and Purpose

    As part of the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 (OPA 90), Congress passed 
the Oil Terminal and Oil Tanker Environmental Oversight and Monitoring 
Act of 1990 (the Act), 33 U.S.C. 2732, to foster a long-term 
partnership among industry, government, and local communities in 
overseeing compliance with environmental concerns in the operation of 
crude oil terminals and oil tankers.
    The President has delegated his authority under 33 U.S.C 2732(o) 
respecting certification of advisory councils, or groups, subject to 
the Act to the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security. 
Section 8(g) of Executive Order 12777, (56 FR 54757, October 22, 1991), 
as amended by section 34 of Executive Order 13286 (68 FR 10619, March 
5, 2003). The Secretary redelegated that authority to the Commandant of 
the USCG. Department of Homeland Security Delegation No. 0170.1, 
paragraph 80 of section II. The Commandant redelegated that authority 
to the Chief, Office of Marine Safety, Security and Environmental 
Protection (G-M) on March 19, 1992 (letter #5402).
    The Assistant Commandant for Marine Safety and Environmental 
Protection (G-M), redelegated recertification authority for advisory 
councils, or groups, to the Commander, Seventeenth Coast Guard District 
on February 26, 1999 (letter #16450).
    On July 7, 1993, the USCG published a policy statement, 
``Alternative Voluntary Advisory Groups, Prince William Sound and Cook 
Inlet'' (58 FR 36504), to clarify the factors considered in making the 
determination as to whether advisory councils, or groups, should be 
certified in accordance with the Act.
    On September 16, 2002, the USCG published a policy statement, 67 FR 
58440, which changed the recertification procedures such that 
applicants are required to provide the USCG with comprehensive 
information every three years (triennially). For each of the two years 
between the triennial application procedures, applicants submit a 
letter requesting recertification that includes a description of any 
substantive changes to the information provided at the previous 
triennial recertification. Further, public comment is only solicited 
during the triennial comprehensive review.
    The Alyeska Pipeline Service Company pays the PWSRCAC $3.6 million 
annually in the form of a long-term contract. In return for this 
funding, the PWSRCAC must annually show that it ``fosters the goals and 
purposes'' of OPA 90 and is ``broadly representative of the communities 
and interests in the vicinity of the terminal facilities and Prince 
William Sound.'' The PWSRCAC

[[Page 9541]]

is an independent, nonprofit organization founded in 1989. Though it 
receives federal oversight like many independent, non-profit 
organizations, it is not a federal agency. The PWSRCAC is a local 
organization that predates the passage of OPA 90. The existence of the 
PWSRCAC was specifically recognized in OPA 90 where it is defined as an 
``alternate voluntary advisory group.''
    Alyeska funds the PWSRCAC, and the Coast Guard makes sure the 
PWSRCRC operates in a fashion that is broadly consistent with OPA 90.

Recertification

    By letter dated Feb 04 2019, the Commander, Seventeenth Coast Guard 
District, certified that the PWSRCAC qualifies as an alternative 
voluntary advisory group under 33 U.S.C. 2732(o). This recertification 
terminates on March 1, 2020.

Matthew T. Bell Jr.,
Rear Admiral, U.S. Coast Guard, Commander, Seventeenth Coast Guard 
District.
[FR Doc. 2019-04876 Filed 3-14-19; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 9110-04-P