[Federal Register Volume 84, Number 151 (Tuesday, August 6, 2019)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 38118-38135]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2019-16513]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration

15 CFR Part 923

[Docket No. 080416573-8999-03]
RIN 0648-AW74


Coastal Zone Management Act Program Change Procedures

AGENCY: Office for Coastal Management, National Ocean Service, National 
Oceanic Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Department of Commerce 
(Commerce).

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is 
providing states and NOAA with a more efficient process for making 
changes to state coastal management programs (``management programs''). 
The final rule revises the Coastal Zone Management Act (CZMA) program 
change regulations and alleviates the need for previous associated 
guidance (Program Change Guidance (July 1996) and Addendum (November 
2013)); the 1996 Guidance and 2013 Addendum no longer apply. Under the 
CZMA, a coastal state may not implement any amendment, modification, or 
other change as part of its approved management program unless the 
amendment, modification, or other change is approved by the Secretary 
of Commerce under the regulations. Once NOAA approves the incorporation 
of a change into a management program, any new or amended management 
program enforceable policies are applied to Federal actions through the 
CZMA Federal consistency provision. The final rule addresses the 
objectives raised in NOAA's May 2008 Advance Notice of Proposed 
Rulemaking (ANPR) and November 2016 Proposed Rule. These objectives 
include: Provide a more efficient process for states and NOAA to make 
changes to state management programs; remove unnecessary requirements 
in the current regulations; establish program change documentation that 
all states would adhere to; continue to ensure that Federal agencies 
and the public have an opportunity to comment to NOAA on a state's 
proposed change to its management program; and comply with the 
requirements of the CZMA and other applicable Federal law. The final 
rule also addresses comments submitted on the proposed rule.

DATES: Effective: September 5, 2019.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Kerry Kehoe, Federal Consistency 
Specialist, Office for Coastal Management, NOAA, at 240-533-0782 or 
[email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Background

    Unless otherwise specified, the term ``NOAA'' refers to the Office 
for Coastal Management, within NOAA's National Ocean Service. The 
Office for Coastal Management formed in 2014 through the merger of the 
former Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management and the Coastal 
Services Center.
    The CZMA (16 U.S.C. 1451-1466) was enacted on October 27, 1972, to 
encourage coastal states, Great Lake states, and United States 
territories and commonwealths (collectively referred to as ``coastal 
states'' or ``states'') to be proactive in managing the uses and 
resources of the coastal zone for their benefit and the benefit of the 
Nation. The CZMA recognizes a national interest in the uses and 
resources of the coastal zone and in the importance of balancing the 
competing uses of coastal resources. The CZMA established the National 
Coastal Zone Management Program, a voluntary program for states. If a 
state decides to participate in the program, it must develop and 
implement a comprehensive management program pursuant to Federal 
requirements. See CZMA Sec.  306(d) (16 U.S.C. 1455(d)); 15 CFR part 
923. Of the thirty-five coastal states that are eligible to participate 
in the National Coastal Zone Management Program, thirty-four have 
federally-approved management programs. Alaska is currently not 
participating in the program.
    An important component of the National Coastal Zone Management 
Program is that state management programs are developed with the full 
participation of state and local agencies, industry, the public, other 
interested groups and Federal agencies. See e.g., 16 U.S.C. 1451(i) and 
(m), 1452(2)(H) and (I), 1452(4) and (5), 1455(d)(1) and (3)(B), and 
1456. The comprehensive state management programs must address the 
following areas pursuant to 15 CFR part 923:
    1. Uses Subject to Management (Subpart B);
    2. Special Management Areas (Subpart C);
    3. Boundaries (Subpart D);
    4. Authorities and Organization (Subpart E); and
    5. Coordination, Public Involvement and National Interest (Subpart 
F).
    NOAA approval is required for the establishment of a state 
management program. Once approved, changes to one or more of the 
program management areas listed above, including new or revised 
enforceable policies, must be submitted to NOAA for approval through 
the program change process.
    Program changes are important for several reasons: The CZMA 
requires states to submit changes to their programs to NOAA for review 
and approval (16 U.S.C. 1455(e)); state programs are not static--laws 
and issues change, requiring continual operation of the CZMA state-
Federal partnership; and the CZMA ``Federal consistency'' provisions 
require that Federal actions that have reasonably foreseeable coastal 
effects be consistent with the enforceable policies of federally-
approved management programs. The state-Federal partnership is a 
cornerstone of the CZMA. The primacy of state decisions under the CZMA 
and compliance with the CZMA Federal consistency provision is balanced 
with adequate consideration of the national interest in CZMA 
objectives; the

[[Page 38119]]

opportunity for Federal agency input into the content of state 
management programs; NOAA evaluation of management programs; and NOAA 
review and approval of changes to management programs.
    In establishing and maintaining their federally-approved management 
programs, states must consider national interest objectives of the CZMA 
in addition to state and local interests. These national interest 
objectives are contained in CZMA Sec. Sec.  302 and 303 (16 U.S.C. 1451 
and 1452). NOAA must also evaluate whether a state program change would 
meet these national interest objectives. As part of NOAA's national 
interest evaluation, by statute and regulations NOAA also determines 
whether a state's management program if changed would continue to give 
``priority consideration to coastal-dependent uses and orderly 
processes for siting major facilities related to national defense, 
energy, fisheries, recreation, and ports and transportation.'' 16 
U.S.C. 1452(2)(D). Further, states, in developing and implementing 
their management programs, must provide for adequate consideration of 
the national interest involved in planning for, and managing the 
coastal zone, including the siting of facilities such as energy 
facilities which are of greater than local significance. In the case of 
energy facilities, the Secretary shall find that the State has given 
consideration to any applicable national or interstate energy plan or 
program. (16 U.S.C. 1455(d)(8), see 15 CFR 923.52 (Consideration of the 
national interest in facilities)). These CZMA national interest 
requirements for the development and implementation of state management 
programs are further described in NOAA's CZMA regulations. See 15 CFR 
923.52.
    Some of the important issues NOAA must consider when evaluating 
program changes include whether the change would: (1) Conflict with 
CZMA national interest objectives; (2) attempt to regulate Federal 
agencies, lands or waters, or areas outside state jurisdiction; (3) be 
preempted by Federal law; (4) discriminate against particular coastal 
users or Federal agencies; (5) include policies that are enforceable 
under state law; and (6) raise issues under the National Environmental 
Policy Act (NEPA), Endangered Species Act (ESA), Marine Mammal 
Protection Act (MMPA), National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA), or 
Magnuson Stevens Fisheries Conservation and Management Act (MSFCMA).
    NOAA review and approval of program changes is also important 
because the CZMA provides for Federal agency and public participation 
in the content of a state's management program. NOAA can only approve 
management programs and changes to management programs after Federal 
agencies and the public have an opportunity to comment on the content 
of the program change. Within the context of the CZMA Federal 
consistency provisions, an enforceable policy is a state policy that 
has been incorporated into a state's federally-approved management 
program, is legally binding under state law (e.g., through 
constitutional provisions, laws, regulations, land use plans, 
ordinances, or judicial or administrative decisions), and by which a 
state exerts control over private and public coastal uses and 
resources. See 16 U.S.C. 1453(6a) and 15 CFR 930.11(h) (enforceable 
policy). This means that enforceable policies must be given legal 
effect by state law and cannot apply to Federal lands, Federal waters, 
Federal agencies or other areas or entities outside a state's 
jurisdiction, unless authorized by Federal law. Also, the CZMA section 
307 Federal consistency provision requires that state enforceable 
policies are the standards that apply to Federal agency activities, 
Federal license or permit activities, outer continental shelf plans and 
Federal financial assistance activities. (16 U.S.C. 1456; see also 15 
CFR 930.11(h)). Therefore, Federal agencies and the public must have an 
opportunity to review proposed substantive changes to a state's 
enforceable policies.
    Program changes are also important because the CZMA Federal 
consistency provision applies only if the Federal action has reasonably 
foreseeable coastal effects and a state has applicable policies 
approved by NOAA that are legally enforceable under state law. It is 
therefore important for states to submit to NOAA for approval timely 
updates to state management program enforceable policies.

II. Need for Revised Program Change Regulations

    The previous program change regulations, 15 CFR part 923, subpart 
H, were in place since the late 1970s. The CZMA was revised in 1990, in 
part, to place greater emphasis on state management program enforceable 
policies. This has led to an increase in the number of program changes 
submitted to NOAA and the workload for state and Federal staff. States 
and NOAA have, therefore, recognized the need to clarify the program 
change procedures and to provide a more administratively efficient 
submission and review process. In 1996, NOAA made minor revisions to 
the regulations and also issued program change guidance that further 
described program change requirements. In 2013, NOAA issued an addendum 
to the 1996 program change guidance for added clarification. Over the 
years, states and NOAA have, at times, found the regulations difficult 
to interpret. For example, there has been confusion about determining: 
When a program change is ``routine'' versus an ``amendment;'' when a 
program change is ``substantial;'' what level of state analysis is 
required; what level of detail is needed for a policy to be 
enforceable; and what can be approved as an enforceable policy. The 
final rule addresses these points of confusion by revising the 
regulations at 15 CFR part 923, subpart H, and alleviating the need for 
the 1996 program change guidance and the 2013 addendum; the 1996 
guidance and 2013 addendum no longer apply. The final rule addresses 
the objectives raised in NOAA's May 2008 Advance Notice of Proposed 
Rulemaking, 73 FR 29093 (May 20, 2008) (ANPR) and November 2016 
Proposed Rule, 81 FR 78514 (Nov. 8, 2016).

III. Objectives of the Final Rule

    NOAA's objectives in revising the program change regulations are 
to:
    1. Establish a clear, efficient and transparent process for program 
change review;
    2. Describe approval criteria and how these apply;
    3. Use terminology from the CZMA, including time lines and 
extensions;
    4. Eliminate the distinction between ``routine program changes 
(RPCs)'' and ``amendments.'' This removes the program change analysis 
currently done by states to determine if a change is substantial, and 
therefore an amendment, and instead requires states to describe the 
nature of the program change and indicate whether the state believes 
the program change would impact CZMA program approvability areas, 
national interest objectives, or compliance with other Federal laws. 
The distinction between RPCs and amendments, and the substantiality 
analyses by states were administrative and paperwork burdens with 
little or no benefit;
    5. Continue to determine on a case-by-case basis the appropriate 
level of NEPA analysis warranted. With over 35 years of reviewing 
program changes, NOAA has determined that the vast majority of program 
changes do not, for purposes of

[[Page 38120]]

NEPA, significantly affect the human environment;
    6. Encourage states to use underline/strikeout documents for 
program change submissions to show changes to previously approved 
policies;
    7. Create a program change form that all states must use to submit 
changes to NOAA, easing state and NOAA paperwork burdens, promoting 
more consistent submissions and NOAA analyses, and expediting NOAA's 
review;
    8. Use the NOAA ``Program Change website'' through which NOAA will 
electronically post program changes and public comments received, and 
notify Federal agencies and the public of the status of program 
changes, http://coast.noaa.gov/czmprogramchange; and
    9. Require states to post program change public notices on the 
state's management program website.
    In addition, the previous regulations at 15 CFR part 923, subpart 
H, included ``termination of approved management programs.'' However, 
sanctions to and termination of management programs are described in 
detail in Subpart L--Review of Performance. Therefore, the final rule 
no longer includes termination of approved management programs under 
subpart H.

Changes Between the Proposed Rule and Final Rule

    In general, the final rule has the same overall provisions, 
requirements, and structure as the proposed rule. The final rule does 
not introduce major new requirements. There are various minor changes 
and clarifications in the final rule preamble and regulatory text in 
response to comments and to ensure that NOAA's new Program Change 
website is consistent with the final rule. This final rule also 
provides further explanation and clarification of CZMA national 
interest considerations, public notice for state program change 
submissions to NOAA, and how NOAA applies the Federal preemption 
doctrine to its review of state CZMA program change submissions.
    NOAA describes the changes from the proposed rule for each of the 
five regulation sections (923.80, 923.81, 923.82, 923.83, 923.84, and 
923.85) in the preamble below under section IV. Explanation of Changes 
to the CZMA Program Change Regulations.

Comments on the Proposed Rule

    NOAA received comments on the proposed rule from the state coastal 
management programs from California (from both the California Coastal 
Commission and San Francisco Bay Conservation and Development 
Commission), Hawaii, Maine, New York, Oregon, and Virginia. The Coastal 
States Organization and the National Ocean Policy Coalition also 
submitted comments. In addition, NOAA discussed some of the proposed 
changes with the U.S. Navy. NOAA addresses general comments below. NOAA 
addresses comments on specific sections in section IV. Explanation of 
Changes to the CZMA Program Change Regulations. The comments on the 
proposed rule can be viewed in their entirety and downloaded at https://www.regulations.gov/docket?D=NOAA-NOS-2016-0137.

General Comments on the Proposed Rule

    Comment 1 (Hawaii, Maine, California, Oregon, Coastal States 
Organization): We support the purposes of the rulemaking to provide a 
more effective and efficient process for states and NOAA to make 
changes to state coastal management programs.
    Response: NOAA appreciates the comment.
    Comment 2 (Oregon): We support doing away with the concepts of 
``routine'' changes or ``amendments'' and removing the need to provide 
an analysis of whether a change is ``substantial.''
    Response: NOAA appreciates the comment.
    Comment 3 (Virginia): We have no comments or concerns with the 
proposed rule.
    Response: NOAA appreciates the comment.
    Comment 4 (National Ocean Policy Coalition): The proposed rule 
refers to proposed revisions to the associated guidance and Addendum 
within NOAA regulations, such revisions were not included in the 
proposed rule and the Coalition requests that the proposed guidance and 
Addendum revisions be provided for public comment before being 
finalized.
    Response: NOAA was not proposing any changes to the 1996 program 
change guidance and addendum to the guidance. Rather NOAA is removing 
the guidance and addendum and replacing them with the final rulemaking; 
the program change guidance and addendum are no longer effective.

IV. Explanation of Changes to the CZMA Program Change Regulations

Sec.  923.80 General

    This section describes the general requirements for program 
changes. Paragraph (a) states that the term ``program changes'' 
includes all terms used in the statute, CZMA Sec.  306(e), and 
identifies the Office for Coastal Management as the NOAA office that 
administers these regulations. Paragraph (b), derived from CZMA Sec.  
306(e), states that a coastal state may not implement a change as part 
of its management program until NOAA approves the program change. 
Similarly, a coastal state may not use a state or local government 
policy or requirement as an ``enforceable policy'' for purposes of 
Federal consistency unless NOAA has approved the state or local policy 
or requirement as an ``enforceable policy.'' State or local government 
law not approved by NOAA as part of a state's management program remain 
legal requirements for state and local government purposes, but will 
not be part of a state's management program and, therefore, cannot be 
used for CZMA Federal consistency purposes.
    Paragraph (d) states that the term ``enforceable policies'' has the 
same definition as that included in NOAA's CZMA Federal consistency 
regulations at 15 CFR 930.11(h). NOAA has added enforceable policy 
decision criteria in Sec.  923.84. These criteria have been included in 
NOAA guidance and information documents and have been part of long-
standing NOAA implementation of program changes and enforceable 
policies. See, e.g., NOAA's former Program Change Guidance (July 1996) 
(http://coast.noaa.gov/czm/consistency/media/guidanceappendices .pdf) 
and NOAA's Federal Consistency Overview document (http://www.coast.noaa.gov/czm/consistency/media/FC_overview_022009.pdf).
    Paragraph (e) notes that the submission of program changes may be 
required as a necessary action under NOAA's evaluation of management 
programs under CZMA Sec.  312 and 15 CFR part 923, subpart L. Failure 
to comply with a necessary action to submit a program change can result 
in a suspension of CZMA grants pursuant to CZMA Sec.  312 and the 
subpart L regulations.

Comments on Proposed Sec.  923.80

    Comment 5 (New York): Under Sec.  923.80(e), how will NOAA identify 
which program changes are ``necessary actions'' under section 312 of 
the Act and part 923, subpart L (Review of Performance) that will 
trigger the process for suspending NOAA funding allocations to states 
or impose new program changes to previously-approved Federal program 
elements?
    Response: NOAA does not have authority to require a state to make a 
change to state law or its coastal management program, except in 
limited circumstances if a state is not adhering

[[Page 38121]]

to its NOAA-approved coastal management program. See California Coastal 
Com'n v. Mack, 693 F.Supp. 821 (N.D. Cal. 1988). However, if a state 
makes a change to any part of its NOAA-approved management program that 
was needed to obtain NOAA approval or that a state uses for Federal 
consistency purposes, then section 306(e)(1) of the Act requires the 
state to submit those changes to NOAA for approval. NOAA can find the 
failure to do so as part of a periodic evaluation of a state's 
management program pursuant to section 312 of the Act and require 
submission of the changes to those management program provisions as a 
necessary action. Failure to meet the section 312 necessary action for 
the program change could form the basis for enforcement action under 15 
CFR 923.135.
    Changes from Proposed Rule. NOAA did not make any material changes 
between the proposed rule and final rule.

Sec.  923.81 Program Change Procedures, Deadlines, Public Notice and 
Comment, and Application of Approved Changes

    This section sets forth various procedures for submitting program 
changes.
    Paragraph (a). Program changes must be submitted by the Governor of 
a coastal state, the head of the single state agency designated under 
the management program to be the lead state agency for administering 
the CZMA, or the head of an office within the designated single state 
agency if the state has authorized that person to submit program 
changes.
    NOAA will no longer require states to mail hard copies of program 
changes. Rather, states must submit all program changes through the new 
Program Change website or through an alternative method, agreed to by 
the state and NOAA, if an electronic submission through the website is 
not possible.
    All deadlines and timeframes will start on the first full business 
day after NOAA receives a program change (Day 1). For example, if NOAA 
receives a submission on a Thursday, Day 1 for timeline purposes would 
be Friday. If the day of receipt is Friday and Monday is a Federal 
holiday, Day 1 would be Tuesday. All days, starting with Day 1, are 
included in the calculation of total time for a deadline, including 
weekends and Federal holidays, except for the last day (e.g., Day 30 or 
Day 120). The day that NOAA's decision is due must also end on a full 
business day. For example, if Day 30 is a Saturday, then NOAA's 
decision would be due the next Monday, or if Monday is a Federal 
holiday, on Tuesday. States may request that the official start date 
occur at a later time; this is an administrative convenience NOAA has 
allowed states to use in the past to account for various state 
administrative purposes.
    Paragraph (b). NOAA shall confirm receipt of all program changes 
and future deadlines. During NOAA's review of a program change, NOAA 
may request additional information that it needs to make its decision.
    Paragraph (c). This paragraph sets forth the deadlines NOAA must 
follow in responding to state program change requests. The deadlines in 
paragraph (c) are the same as NOAA's current practice and clarify a 
discrepancy that exists in the current program change regulations and 
the CZMA. NOAA is required by the Act to respond within 30 calendar 
days of receipt of a program change request. The 30-day period starts 
on Day 1 (the first full business day after receipt of a program change 
request). If NOAA does not respond within the 30-day period, then 
NOAA's approval is presumed. NOAA may extend its review period up to 
120 days after receipt of a program change request, if NOAA so notifies 
the state during the 30-day period. NOAA can extend its review period 
beyond 120 days for NEPA compliance; NOAA must notify the state of the 
NEPA extension during the 120-day review period.
    Paragraph (d). This paragraph codifies the current practice of pre-
submission consultation with NOAA to identify any potential approval 
issues prior to submitting a program change submission. States are 
encouraged to submit draft program changes to NOAA for informal review 
and to consult with NOAA, to the extent practicable, prior to state 
adoption of new or revised laws, policies and other provisions that the 
state intends to submit as a program change.
    Paragraph (e). Given the reliance on electronic means of 
communication and the demise of hard copy notices in newspapers and 
other formats, all states must post a public notice of its program 
change on the state management program's website and directly email or 
mail the notice to applicable local and regional offices of relevant 
Federal agencies, Federal agency headquarter contacts, affected local 
governments and state agencies, and any individuals or groups 
requesting direct notice. NOAA will also post the state notice on its 
Program Change website and directly notify via email Federal agency 
headquarter contacts and any other individual or group requesting 
direct notice. The state's public notice will describe the program 
change, any new or modified enforceable policies, and indicate that any 
comments on the incorporation of the program change into the state's 
management program shall be submitted to NOAA through NOAA's Program 
Change website. NOAA will post the program change and all NOAA 
decisions on its website and notify Federal agency headquarter contacts 
and other individuals or groups requesting notification. NOAA may 
extend the public comment period.
    State program change approval requests will be submitted 
electronically by the state through the Program Change website. The 
timing of the state's public notice will occur in the following manner. 
States will draft a public notice of a submission, which shall be 
included as part of the contents of the program change submission form. 
When NOAA posts the program change submission on its Program Change 
website, NOAA will notify the state management program via email. The 
state will then post its public notice on the state web page providing 
a link to the submission on NOAA's Program Change website. The state 
shall send the public notice and link to the state and local agencies, 
Federal agency contacts, and others who have requested the state's 
public notice. Day 1 for NOAA review purposes will be the first 
business day after the state submits to NOAA the program change 
request. However, the 21-day comment period will not start until the 
state posts its public notice on the state web page. If a state fails 
to post its public notice, then NOAA would either determine the program 
change submission is not complete and the review period has not started 
or deny the program change request.
    Paragraph (f). This paragraph states that program changes to 
enforceable policies can only be applied for CZMA Federal consistency 
review purposes on or after the date NOAA approves the changes. The 
effective date for the approved changes will be the date on NOAA's 
approval letter. NOAA will post its program change decision letters on 
its Program Change website. This section codifies in regulation NOAA's 
long-standing position that a state enforceable policy cannot apply 
retroactively to previously proposed Federal actions; proposed Federal 
actions are only subject to the management program enforceable policies 
approved at the time the Federal action is proposed under the various 
subparts of 15 CFR part 930. Applying newly approved program changes 
retroactively to proposed Federal actions would be contrary to

[[Page 38122]]

Congressional intent that Federal consistency apply in an expeditious 
and timely manner, and could impose unfair retroactive requirements on 
applicants and Federal agencies.

Comments on Proposed Sec.  923.81

    Comment 6 (Hawaii, Coastal States Organization): We support Sec.  
923.81(a) that program changes may be submitted on a cyclical basis or 
as changes occur giving states flexibility.
    Response: NOAA appreciates the comment.
    Comment 7 (Hawaii): The proposed rules should change ``Sec.  923.81 
Program change procedures, deadlines, public notice and comment and 
application of Federal consistency'' to ``Sec.  923.81 Program change 
procedures, deadlines, public notice and comment and application of 
approved changes.''
    Response: NOAA agrees that the phrase ``application of approved 
changes'' would be more appropriate to match the title of Subpart H--
Changes to Approved Management Programs, and maintain the title 
consistency from Sec.  923.81 to Sec.  923.84.
    Comment 8 (Hawaii): The proposed rule should include a deadline 
under Sec.  923.81(b) for NOAA to determine and notify the state 
whether its submission is complete.
    Response: NOAA agrees with the comment and has added to Sec.  
923.81(b) five- and ten-day timeframes, respectively, for responding to 
the receipt of a program change and notifying the state if a program 
change submission is incomplete. This timeframe does not preclude NOAA 
from requesting additional information from the state on the 
submission.
    Comment 9 (Hawaii): A state's public notice is required by Sec.  
923.81(e)(2)(iii) to indicate that any comments on the content of the 
program change shall be submitted to NOAA through NOAA's Program Change 
website within 21 calendar days of the date NOAA's review period 
starts. However, as required by Sec.  923.81(e)(1), when the state 
posts its public notice prior to, or on the same date as, the date the 
state submits the electronic program change to NOAA, the state does not 
know the date when NOAA's review period will start. Therefore, when a 
state posts its public notice on the state's management program 
website, the deadline for comment submitted to NOAA has to be left as 
``to be determined,'' which shall be updated when the day one of NOAA's 
review period is available from NOAA.
    Response: NOAA agrees that this could be confusing and has modified 
Sec.  923.81(e)(2)(iii) to state that comments shall be submitted 
within 21 days of the date of the state's notice.
    Comment 10 (National Ocean Policy Coalition): NOAA must publish 
notice and provide public comment opportunities in the Federal Register 
for any changes that are not editorial, non-substantive, and/or minor 
in scope, including but not limited to any proposed changes or 
additions to state Federal consistency lists or geographic location 
descriptions, any major changes requiring analysis for their 
justification, and any changes that may require analysis under NEPA, 
rather than rely solely on website notices and communications to 
individuals who opt-in to receive such announcements.
    Response: The CZMA establishes a 30-day timeframe for reviewing 
program changes that are further detailing of state programs. 
Preparation and publication of a public notice in the Federal Register 
while providing a meaningful opportunity for public comment cannot be 
accomplished within a 30-day timeframe. Nonetheless, public notice and 
an opportunity for public comment is provided through state management 
program websites and email list serves as well as NOAA's Program Change 
website and list serve. Furthermore, additional public notice and an 
enhanced opportunity to submit comments will be provided through the 
NOAA's new Program Change website with direct notifications sent to 
interested parties. Where changes are so substantial as to bring into 
question the continued approvability of a state program and when NOAA 
needs additional time for NEPA compliance, NOAA's practice has been to 
extend its review timeframe in order to provide for notice and comment 
in the Federal Register. NOAA will continue to follow that practice.
    Comment 11 (National Ocean Policy Coalition): NOAA should provide 
for at least 45 days of public comment on proposed changes to 
management programs that are not editorial, non-substantive, and/or 
minor in scope, including but not limited to any proposed changes or 
additions to state Federal consistency lists or geographic location 
descriptions, any major changes requiring analysis for their 
justification, and any changes that may require analysis under NEPA.
    Response: NOAA disagrees. NOAA is required by statute to respond to 
the state within 30 days of receipt of a program change. Therefore, 
NOAA retains the 21-day comment period. However, both the proposed rule 
and final rule, in Sec.  923.81(e)(4), allow NOAA to extend a public 
notice period at NOAA's discretion. See 16 U.S.C. 1455(e)(2).
    Comment 12 (New York, Oregon): Please clarify how this rule will 
relate to the new NOAA Revised National Environmental Policy Act 
Implementing Procedures in its draft Companion Manual for NOAA 
Administrative Order 216-6A containing policy and procedures for 
implementing NEPA. What standards will OCM use to determine ``on a case 
by case basis'' the appropriate level of NEPA analysis to be applied?
    Response: All program changes are now subject to NOAA's Companion 
Manual for NOAA Administrative Order 216-6A, Appendix E, Categorical 
Exclusion A6, effective January 13, 2017. See http://www.nepa.noaa.gov/. NOAA will evaluate each program change submitted by 
a coastal state on a case-by-case basis pursuant to the Administrative 
Record for Categorical Exclusion A6 to determine if the magnitude of 
the difference between the current NOAA approved management program and 
the management program as changed would no longer be covered under this 
Categorical Exclusion (CE) and would require an environmental 
assessment or environmental impact statement. Factors NOAA will 
consider when determining if the CE applies include, but are not 
limited to, the following. The presence of any of these factors in a 
program change does not necessarily mean the change is not covered by 
the CE; rather, NOAA will consider the magnitude of the change to the 
management program for these factors. Factors considered prior to 
applying the CE:
     Whether the program change is further detailing of 
existing: Uses subject to the management program; enforceable policies; 
organizational structure; coastal zone boundaries; special area 
management plans; national interest objectives; geographic location 
descriptions; or Federal consistency lists.
     Whether the program change contains new: Uses subject to 
the management program; enforceable policies; organizational structure; 
coastal zone boundaries; special area management plans; national 
interest objectives; geographic location descriptions; or Federal 
consistency lists.
     Whether the approval of a program change may be 
controversial.
     Whether the program change may have a potentially 
significant effect on tribal resources or sovereignty, threatened or 
endangered species, historic properties, essential fish habitat, or 
marine mammals.

[[Page 38123]]

     Whether the program change may trigger any informal or 
formal consultations for tribal or other Federal law purposes. Not all 
tribal or other Federal law consultations would necessarily trigger the 
need for an environmental assessment; rather, NOAA would determine the 
magnitude of the issues and whether the CE would still apply.
    Comment 13 (Oregon): We support the use of the language in the 
statute for establishing NOAA's review periods and extensions.
    Response: NOAA appreciates the comment.
    Comment 14 (New York, Maine): Please clarify the time limits NOAA 
will have to review and approve program changes and for extensions and 
public hearings. It is unclear how long of an extension ``beyond 120 
days'' NOAA can make based on the language under Sec.  923.81(c) (see 
Page 78523 column 1). Can the extension be indefinite?
    Response: The CZMA requires NOAA to respond within 30 days of 
receipt of a program change request. Determining the 30 days is 
described in this preamble and in Sec.  923.81(a), (b), and (c). The 
Act authorizes NOAA to extend the 30-day response period to 120 days. 
16 U.S.C. 1455(e)(2). Whether NOAA extends the 30-day time period will 
depend on the complexity or issues raised by a program change, 
including whether NOAA will hold a public hearing. NOAA can extend 
beyond 120 days if NOAA needs that time to comply with NEPA and the 
length of time NOAA extends beyond 120 days will depend on the time 
needed to produce additional NEPA documents.
    Comment 15 (New York): Will the public be able to comment on every 
program change submitted to the NOAA Program Change website, and what 
will be the process for states responding to those comments? What type 
of comments will be accepted during the public comment period under 
this new rule?
    Response: The public and Federal agencies will be able to respond 
to any program change that NOAA determines is complete and is under 
NOAA review. This applies to all program changes that states submit to 
NOAA through the Program Change website and that NOAA has made publicly 
available on the Program Change website. NOAA has modified Sec.  
923.81(e)(3) to state that NOAA will not accept and will not consider 
any comments received after NOAA issues its decision. If a state 
responds to a public comment before NOAA issues its decision, then NOAA 
will consider the state's response and may post the state's response on 
the Program Change website. A state's response to a comment would be 
sent directly to NOAA via email or mail and not through the Program 
Change website. NOAA has modified Sec.  923.81(e)(2)(iii) to state that 
any public comments on a state's request to incorporate the program 
changes into the state's management program may be submitted to NOAA.
    Comment 16 (New York): Please clarify the time requirements or 
limits for submitting program changes ``as the changes occur'' or ``on 
a cyclical basis.'' Will the states get to choose the option they 
prefer (``as the changes occur'' or ``on a cyclical basis'')?
    Response: There is no requirement for a state to submit program 
changes within a specified time period, unless the submission of 
program changes is a necessary action in a CZMA section 312 finding and 
that 312 finding has a specified time frame that would have been 
discussed between NOAA and the state. Section 923.81(a) gives states 
choices on submitting program changes as they occur or on some cyclical 
basis. When a state submits a program change may also depend on whether 
the state wants NOAA to approve a program change so the state can use 
the change for Federal consistency reviews.
    Comment 17 (New York): Under Sec.  923.81(e)(4) how will NOAA 
determine if a proposed program change is elevated to a 
``controversial'' status that would necessitate a public hearing? How 
would NOAA weigh the information gathered during a public hearing in 
its decision making regarding whether or not to approve the proposed 
program change?
    Response: NOAA will evaluate the magnitude of the proposed change 
to the management program and the totality of any issues raised on any 
particular program change submission to determine if any controversy 
over a request for approval of a program change warrants a public 
hearing. If NOAA conducts a public hearing, public comments become part 
of NOAA's decision record and NOAA will evaluate the usefulness of the 
comments submitted when applying NOAA's decision criteria.
    Comment 18 (New York): When will the new proposed regulations take 
effect, and how will program changes happen while the Program Change 
Form and website are being developed, tested, and finalized?
    Response: The final regulations will take effect 30 days after 
publication in the Federal Register. The Program Change website 
described in Sec.  923.81(a)(1) has been developed, tested, and 
finalized concurrently with development of this rulemaking. Any program 
change submitted after the effective date identified in the Federal 
Register notice for the final rule must apply these regulations and use 
the Program Change website.
    Comment 19 (Maine, Coastal States Organization): Under Sec.  
923.81(e)(1), allowing a coastal state to provide public notice and 
opportunity for comment on proposed program changes by publishing a 
notice on its website seems like a sensible change that, in today's 
world, provides notice in a forum likely to reach interested parties 
and reduces administrative costs related to publication of newspaper 
notices.
    Response: NOAA appreciates the comment.
    Comment 20 (Maine, Coastal States Organization): Under Sec.  
923.81(e)(3), NOAA would notify and solicit comments from Federal 
agencies regarding all proposed program changes and provide access to 
information on such changes on its website. Section 923.81(e)(1) 
appears to require coastal states to provide the same notice to the 
same Federal agencies. NOAA should revise these provisions to avoid 
duplicative notice and consider clarifying that it will assume sole 
responsibility for notifying Federal agencies via its website as 
outlined in proposed Sec.  923.81(e)(3).
    Response: NOAA disagrees with the comment. States have a wider set 
of local, regional, and sometimes headquarter Federal agency contacts. 
In addition, Federal agencies should have the full 21 days to provide 
comments, which starts from when the state provides notice. It is the 
state's notice that solicits comments; NOAA's notice via the Program 
Change website alerts Federal agency headquarter contacts and anyone 
else asking for direct notification that the program change is 
available for viewing on the Program Change website.
    Comment 21 (Maine, Coastal States Organization): Section 923.81(f) 
clarifies that enforceable policies become effective on the date of 
NOAA's letter to a coastal state providing its decision on proposed 
program changes. This seems helpful and well-aligned with rules 
regarding web-based notice of approved program changes.
    Response: NOAA appreciates the comment.
    Changes from the Proposed Rule. NOAA modified the title of the 
section by replacing ``Federal consistency'' with ``approved changes.'' 
NOAA added to Sec.  923.81(b) five- and ten-day timeframes, 
respectively, for responding to the receipt of a program change and 
notifying the state if a program change

[[Page 38124]]

submission is incomplete. NOAA modified Sec.  923.81(e)(2)(iii) to 
state that comments shall be submitted within 21 days of the date of 
the state's notice. NOAA modified Sec.  923.81(e)(3) to state that NOAA 
will not accept and will not consider any comments received after NOAA 
issues its decision. If a state responds to a public comment before 
NOAA issues its decision, then NOAA will consider the state's response 
and may post the state's response on the Program Change website. NOAA 
modified Sec.  923.81(e)(2)(iii) to state that any public comments on a 
state's request to incorporate the program changes into the state's 
management program may be submitted to NOAA.

Sec.  923.82 Program Change Submissions

    Section 923.82 identifies the type of changes that a state would 
submit to NOAA. Paragraph (a) reflects the statutory requirement that 
states may not implement changes to their management programs unless 
the changes are approved by NOAA. Paragraph (b) identifies the five 
CZMA management program approval areas; all changes to a state 
management program would fall under one or more of these five areas. 
The changes described in Sec.  923.82(c) are editorial, non-
substantive, or are minor in scope, both procedurally and 
substantively. The distinction between paragraph (c) (editorial, non-
substantive, or minor in scope) and paragraph (d) (substantive changes) 
does not re-introduce ``routine'' changes and ``substantial'' changes 
from the previous regulations. Rather, paragraph (c) changes that are 
editorial, non-substantive, or minor in scope are not controversial and 
pose little or no impact on Federal agencies or the public. Therefore, 
NOAA's review of changes under Sec.  923.82(c) would be expedited.
    Paragraphs (c)(1) through (4) describe program changes that are 
either editorial in nature or are minor in scope, both procedurally and 
substantively. Paragraph (c)(1) addresses editorial or non-substantive 
changes to state laws, regulations, enforceable policies, local 
government coastal programs or plans that contain enforceable policies, 
and other authorities. Paragraph (c)(2) covers changes to special area 
management plans that do not change a state's coastal zone boundary, 
enforceable policies, or geographic location descriptions, and are not 
otherwise used by the state for Federal consistency review. Paragraph 
(c)(3) covers most organizational changes where the primary structure 
and responsibilities of the management remain intact. NOAA will closely 
monitor organizational changes to ensure that major overhauls of a 
state's management program structure would not weaken a coastal 
program.
    Most program changes, even those that result in some substantive 
change to enforceable policies, have historically been minor and non-
controversial, and have not posed any approval issues or resulted in 
any comments from Federal agencies or the public. Under paragraph 
(c)(4), NOAA's review of these types of program changes should be 
expedited so long as these minor substantive changes would only apply 
to revised enforceable policies, not wholly new enforceable policies, 
and the changes are consistent with the scope and application of the 
previously approved enforceable policy.
    The types of program changes under Sec.  923.82(d) are self-
explanatory and include: Any changes that are not covered under Sec.  
923.82(c) and would be used for Federal consistency purposes (new or 
revised enforceable policies, changes to state lists of Federal actions 
subject to Federal consistency review, geographic location descriptions 
outside the coastal zone, necessary data and information); new or 
revised coastal uses; changes in the coastal zone boundary; program 
approval authorities; and special area management plans.
    Paragraph (d)(4) recognizes that for some states with local coastal 
programs or plans, the state can respond to Federal consistency reviews 
without having to refer to the local programs or plans. In such cases, 
while the local programs and plans are important implementing 
mechanisms for coastal management in the states, states do not need to 
submit updates to the local programs or plans if they do not contain 
enforceable policies for Federal consistency purposes. This removes the 
substantial administrative burden for states and NOAA to submit and 
review local coastal programs.
    Paragraph (e) addresses changes to state Clean Air Act (CAA) and 
Clean Water Act (CWA) Pollution Control Requirements. CZMA section 
307(f) states that CAA and CWA requirements established by the Federal 
Government or by any state or local government pursuant to the CWA and 
CAA shall be incorporated in state management programs and shall be the 
water pollution control and air pollution control requirements 
applicable to such management program. NOAA's long-standing 
interpretation of 307(f) has been that these CWA and CAA pollution 
control requirements are automatically enforceable policies of the 
state management programs and, therefore, states are not required to 
submit as program changes any changes to state CAA and CWA provisions. 
NOAA notes, however, that changes to state CWA or CAA pollution control 
requirements must be consistent with the Acts and not seek to 
circumvent or supersede exemptions provided for specified military 
activities. For example, state CWA and CAA requirements must not 
attempt to regulate or prohibit discharges from vessels of the armed 
forces that are permissible as a matter of law under the CWA.

Comments on Proposed Sec.  923.82

    Comment 22 (Hawaii): We support Sec.  923.82(c)(4) [now (d)(4)] 
that the states are not required to submit program changes for local 
government coastal management programs or plans that do not contain 
enforceable policies for Federal consistency review.
    Response: NOAA appreciates the comment.
    Comment 23 (Hawaii, Maine, Coastal States Organization): We support 
Sec.  923.82(d) [now (e)] that the states are not required to submit as 
program changes, any changes to state Clean Air Act (CAA) and Clean 
Water Act (CWA) provisions. The CZMA itself expressly makes such 
requirements applicable under NOAA-approved state coastal management 
programs.
    Response: NOAA appreciates the comment.
    Comment 24 (Oregon, Coastal States Organization): Section 
923.82(c)(3) [now (d)(3)] concerns changes to provisions that are not 
enforceable policies but that help determine whether an enforceable 
policy applies. Please clarify which provisions would fall under this 
category.
    Response: In their program, some states include guidance documents 
and explanatory text for enforceable policies to help interpret and 
apply the policies. While such guidance or explanatory text may explain 
how a Federal agency or license or permit applicant may demonstrate 
consistency with the policies, the actual guidance or explanatory text 
cannot be treated as enforceable policies and cannot serve as the basis 
for a state's finding of inconsistency or objection.
    Changes from the Proposed Rule. NOAA made minor wording changes to 
clarify program change submission types. In the preamble, NOAA further 
explained the incorporation of Clean Air Act and Clean Water Act 
provisions into management programs and that state CWA and CAA 
provisions cannot circumvent or supersede exemptions provided for 
specified military activities.

[[Page 38125]]

Sec.  923.83 Program Change Materials

    Section 923.83 describes all the program change information a state 
must submit to NOAA. NOAA has transformed these paragraphs into a form 
that will, to the greatest extent practicable, use check-boxes or 
``radio-buttons,'' and require minimal text input. While the same form 
will be used for all program changes, there will be less information 
needed for those changes that fall under Sec.  923.82(b).
    Paragraph (a)(1) is a brief general overview of the entire program 
change submission. Paragraph (a)(2) is a more detailed overview 
requiring states to briefly describe each authority or policy included 
in a program change. For example, if a program change submission 
contains changes to two state statutes and three different state 
regulatory programs, then the state would briefly describe the changes 
in each of the two statutes and three regulations. The brief 
description would also describe the effect of the change on the 
management program, that is, the ``delta''--how the management program 
as changed is different than the previously approved management 
program.
    Paragraph (a)(3) requires states to indicate which of the five 
program approval areas the program change applies to.
    Paragraph (a)(4) is the table states will fill out for each change 
within a state statute, regulation, or other program change authority. 
This is similar to the table format states previously used to fill out, 
but NOAA has eliminated some of the columns.
    Paragraph (a)(4)(vi) codifies NOAA interpretation and long-standing 
practice of the term ``enforceable mechanism.'' An enforceable 
mechanism is the state legal authority that makes a state policy 
enforceable under state law. In order to be an ``enforceable policy,'' 
CZMA Sec.  304(6a) requires that the policies be legally binding under 
state law. NOAA has interpreted this to mean that the enforceable 
policy must be incorporated into the state's NOAA-approved management 
program, but the underlying enforceable mechanism does not necessarily 
have to be incorporated into a state's management program or submitted 
for NOAA approval. Some enforceable mechanisms are integral parts of 
the management program or are needed for NOAA approval of a state's 
management program and changes to these enforceable mechanisms would be 
submitted to NOAA as program changes (e.g., core management program 
statutes, regulatory permit programs that implement a part of a 
management program). States need to identify the enforceable mechanism 
for each enforceable policy. This is needed not only so NOAA can concur 
that a state policy is legally binding under state law, but an 
enforceable mechanism may be changed in such a way that makes an 
enforceable policy no longer legally binding under state law. In such 
cases, that policy, while previously approved by NOAA as part of the 
state's management program, would no longer be an enforceable policy 
that could be used for Federal consistency purposes.
    Paragraph (a)(5) applies to changes to state Federal consistency 
lists or geographic location descriptions under 15 CFR 930.53.
    Paragraph (a)(6) applies to necessary data and information under 15 
CFR 930.58.
    Paragraph (a)(7) requires states to indicate whether they believe 
that NOAA's decision criteria are met.
    Paragraph (a)(8) requires states to describe any impacts related to 
other Federal laws. This does not require states to develop new 
information or to consult with Federal agencies or tribes. Rather, NOAA 
needs any information a state may have regarding requirements of other 
Federal laws.
    Paragraph (a)(9) requires states to identify their websites where 
the public notices and program change submissions are located.
    Paragraph (a)(10) requires states to provide any correspondence 
they have with Federal agencies regarding the program change.
    Paragraph (a)(11) requires states to specify whether a program 
change is responding to a CZMA Sec.  312 evaluation necessary action.
    States are encouraged to show the changes, additions and deletions 
to enforceable policies using an underline/strikeout format or other 
similar format. If a state uses an underline/strikeout format, the 
state should only show the changes from the version of the policy last 
approved by NOAA and the most current version that is being submitted 
to NOAA.
    States are also encouraged to post comprehensive lists of the 
enforceable policies to the state's coastal management program website.

Comments on Proposed Sec.  923.83

    Comment 25 (Hawaii, New York): NOAA should provide the states an 
opportunity to review and comment on the Program Change Form and 
website before it is finalized for use.
    Response: The Program Change website and web-based form that states 
will have to use to submit program changes once these regulations are 
final and will not be available for public review and comment. The 
website and form are directly tied to these regulations and do not 
contain any requirements that are in addition to these regulations. The 
website and form were developed by NOAA's in-house web designers and 
NOAA did conduct testing of the web-based form with three states 
(Maine, North Carolina, Oregon).
    Comment 26 (National Ocean Policy Coalition, Oregon, Coastal States 
Organization): We oppose, are concerned with, or have questions on 
proposed Sec.  923.83(a)(3)(iii), which would have allowed use of a 
Regional Planning Body (RPB) process to replace the program change 
requirements in the regulations for notifications to Federal agencies 
and the public for the development of geographic location descriptions 
and changes to state lists of Federal license or permit activities that 
describe general concurrences for minor Federal license or permit 
activities resulting from state and Federal agency agreements as part 
of an RPB's regional ocean plan, and agreed to by NOAA through the RPB 
process.
    Response: NOAA has deleted Sec.  923.83(a)(3)(iii) from the final 
rule, regarding establishment of geographic location descriptions and 
changes to state Federal consistency lists by states as part of a 
regional ocean plan by an RPB. NOAA's intent was that the public 
process used by an RPB when developing a regional ocean plan would 
suffice for meeting public notice and comment for changes to state CZMA 
programs. However, neither the Northeast RPB nor the Mid-Atlantic RPB 
proposed geographic locations descriptions or changes to state Federal 
consistency lists and, while there was public discussion at the RPBs of 
the concept, there was no discussion of any proposed geographic 
location description. NOAA agrees that now that these two regional 
ocean plans are final, any further RPB or other regional process should 
not suffice for the CZMA's and NOAA's public participation 
requirements. In addition, Executive Order 13840 (Ocean Policy to 
Advance the Economic, Security, and Environmental Interests of the 
United States) revokes and replaces the 2010 ocean policy Executive 
Order 13547 and disbands the RPBs. States could discuss and coordinate 
on geographic location descriptions and other changes to a state's 
management program through regional discussions, but any changes to a 
state's management program would need to follow all requirements of 15 
CFR part 923, subpart H, including public notice requirements.

[[Page 38126]]

    Comment 27 (New York): One of NOAA's objectives in revising the 
program change regulations is for the states to ``indicate whether the 
state believes the program change would impact CZMA program 
approvability areas.'' (82 FR at 78515). Would this new analysis 
require a state to defend the entirety of NOAA's prior program 
approval(s) when just one program component is being updated?
    Response: This is not a new requirement. The comment refers to 
Sec. Sec.  923.83(a)(3) and 923.82(b), which is the requirement for the 
state to identify which of, and assess the impact to, the five program 
approvability areas the program change applies to: Uses Subject to 
Management (subpart B); Special Management Areas (subpart C); 
Boundaries (subpart D); Authorities and Organization (subpart E); and 
Coordination, Public Involvement and National Interest (subpart F). 
Neither the state nor NOAA assess the approvability of a state's entire 
program when submitting and reviewing program changes. If a program 
change raises an approvability issue, NOAA addresses that particular 
issue and not the entire management program.
    Comment 28 (New York): What standards will OCM use to determine 
that ``enforceable mechanisms'' are inadequate for making enforceable 
policies legally binding?
    Response: As described in Sec.  923.83(a)(2)(v) and in this 
preamble for subpart H, NOAA relies on a state's identification of the 
state statutes, regulations, or other state legal requirements that can 
be shown to compel compliance with the policy. In reviewing state 
program change submissions NOAA, in consultation with the state, may 
identify policies that are no longer supported by an enforceable 
mechanism, e.g., the enforceable mechanism was repealed by the state or 
changed in such a manner that it no longer supports the enforceable 
policy.
    Comment 29 (New York): Please clarify and describe how the 
``Coastal Effects Analysis'' will be applied. Will states be able to 
create their own ``Coastal Effects Analysis'' tools, and what standards 
will be acceptable? For the ``causal connection,'' will probabilistic 
(Bayesian) statistics methods and tools be allowable?
    Response: For the coastal effects analyses described in Sec.  
923.83(a)(5) and Sec.  923.84(d), NOAA will determine whether the state 
has demonstrated that there will be reasonably foreseeable effects to 
uses or resources of a state's coastal zone for a new item on a state's 
Federal consistency list or from listed activities in a proposed 
geographic location description. NOAA has provided the steps for states 
to use in making a coastal effects analysis in Sec.  923.84(d) and 
states may use a variety of tools that help them address these steps. 
For example, there are new ocean-related data portals for the Northeast 
and Mid-Atlantic Regional Ocean Plans, as well as the Federal Marine 
Cadastre that can provide substantial information on resources, uses, 
and economic information, related to coastal effects analyses. At this 
time, NOAA is not speculating on what tools may or may not be 
persuasive in making a coastal effects analysis.
    Comment 30 (New York): Related to Sec.  923.83(a)(4)(vi), after 
this proposed rule is adopted, how will NOAA carry out its review 
process for state coastal programs to identify which, if any, state 
coastal policies are no longer enforceable for lack of standards?
    Response: In reviewing state program change submissions that 
include previously approved enforceable policies, NOAA, in consultation 
with the state, may identify policies submitted in a program change 
request that were approved many years ago, but do not contain a 
sufficient standard for Federal consistency. NOAA will work with the 
state to revise the policy or to determine that it is no longer 
enforceable.
    Comment 31 (Maine, Coastal States Organization): Section 
923.83(a)(4)(i) raises a technical issue. Use of the citation to the 
pertinent public law section(s) is an accurate way to reference a 
proposed program change. Use of the popular name or citation to the 
codified law may prove confusing. The same section of codified law may 
be amended multiple times over the years. In Maine, not all public laws 
are codified. This section may be improved by asking that states not 
provide just public law citations but reference to the codified law as 
well, to the extent practicable.
    Response: NOAA agrees with the comment and has modified Sec.  
923.83(a)(4)(i) to include state code, public law number, state 
regulation, and other official state formats.
    Comment 32 (Maine): Section 923.83(a)(4) requires coastal states to 
submit to NOAA information that it presumably already has. Accordingly, 
for efficiency's sake, it should be deleted.
    Response: NOAA has determined that the only date needed for program 
change submissions is the date the state policy became effective in the 
state. NOAA has deleted the other dates, including date last approved 
by NOAA.
    Comment 33 (Oregon): We support creating a program change form that 
states would submit to ease state and NOAA paperwork burdens and 
promote consistent submissions and NOAA analyses.
    Response: NOAA appreciates the comment.
    Comment 34 (Oregon): We believe providing underline/strikeout 
documents showing changes to previously approved policies is an 
unnecessary and overly burdensome requirement. There may be instances 
where such a technique is employed to clearly explain a program change, 
but this should be an available tool, not a strict requirement.
    Response: The regulation does not contain a requirement for states 
to submit underline/strikeout documents. However, the preamble to the 
final rule does encourage states to submit underline/strikeout 
documents as these documents can be very useful in reviewing the 
changes to management programs and help expedite NOAA's review and 
approval.
    Changes from the Proposed Rule. NOAA made minor wording and 
organization changes to Sec.  923.83. NOAA removed from the final rule 
a provision, included in the proposed rule as Sec.  923.83(a)(3)(iii), 
that would have allowed use of the Regional Planning Body process to 
replace some of the program change requirements for the development of 
geographic location descriptions and changes to state Federal 
consistency lists that describe general concurrences for minor Federal 
license or permit activities. NOAA made this change after considering 
the public comments, the current status of the Northeast and Mid-
Atlantic regional ocean plans, and Executive Order 13840 (June 19, 
2018--Ocean Policy to Advance the Economic, Security, and Environmental 
Interests of the United States), which revokes and replaces the 2010 
ocean policy Executive Order 13547 and disbands the Regional Planning 
Bodies. NOAA modified Sec.  923.83(a)(4)(i) to include state code, 
public law number, state regulation, and other official state formats. 
NOAA modified Sec.  923.83(a)(4) so that the only date a state needs to 
include for program change submissions is the date the state policy 
became effective in the state. NOAA deleted the other dates that were 
in the proposed rule, including date last approved by NOAA.

Sec.  923.84 Program Change Decision Criteria

    The decision criteria in this section are taken from the previous 
Program Change Guidance (1996) and NOAA's

[[Page 38127]]

Federal Consistency Overview document. NOAA has applied these criteria 
since at least 1996 when reviewing program change requests. These 
criteria are generally self-explanatory, and states will use NOAA's 
program change form to assess whether these criteria are satisfied. For 
enforceable policies under paragraph (b) of this section, a policy must 
contain a standard; if a provision of a state law or regulation merely 
directs a state agency to develop standards, then that provision would 
not be an enforceable policy as it does not contain a standard. An 
enforceable policy should contain terms such as ``shall,'' ``must,'' or 
other terms interpreted under state law that mandate some action or 
compliance. Paragraph (b) also clarifies that it does not always make 
sense to parse out the enforceable policies within a statute or 
regulation that also contain parts that are necessary details for 
applying enforceable policies even though not enforceable themselves. 
This includes definitions, procedures, and information requirements 
that are essential elements of interpreting the substantive standards 
and determining consistency with the standards. Therefore, in some 
cases NOAA may designate a statute or regulation as an enforceable 
policy; however, this designation only applies to the substantive 
standards within the statute or regulation. Procedural requirements are 
not considered to be enforceable policies for CZMA review purposes.
    Paragraph (b) also clarifies that enforceable policies must: Apply 
to areas and entities within state jurisdiction; not assert regulatory 
authority over Federal agencies, lands or waters unless Federal law 
authorizes such jurisdiction; not be preempted by Federal law; not 
attempt to incorporate by reference other state or local mandatory 
requirements not submitted to, reviewed, and approved by NOAA; not 
discriminate against a particular activity or entity; and not adversely 
affect the national interest in the CZMA objectives.
    State review under the CZMA is contingent upon a Federal action 
having coastal effects. State enforceable policies must relate to the 
particular effects of a Federal action. NOAA will not approve proposed 
enforceable policies that arbitrarily discriminate against a particular 
type of Federal action. There must be a sufficient justification for 
discriminatory policies. NOAA would determine if a discriminatory 
policy is reasonable and also whether a prohibition of an activity 
would violate the national interest objectives of the CZMA.
    State enforceable policies must apply equally to private and public 
entities, and for Federal consistency purposes states cannot apply 
enforceable policies differently to Federal agencies. This is derived 
from requirements in the CZMA for states to ``exert control over 
private and public land and water uses and natural resources in the 
coastal zone'' (16 U.S.C. 1453(6a), definition of enforceable policy), 
and for management programs to contain ``standards to guide public and 
private uses. . . .'' (16 U.S.C. 1453(12), definition of management 
program).
    NOAA evaluates whether a program change would adversely affect the 
national interests in the CZMA because states are required to consider 
the national interest in numerous activities and activities that have a 
regional or national benefit. The primary national interest 
requirements for program change considerations are set forth in 16 
U.S.C. 1452(2)(D) and 1455(d)(8), and 15 CFR 923.52. See above 
discussion of national interest requirements under Background. If a 
state policy adversely affects these national interests, then NOAA will 
not approve the state policy as part of a state's management program.
    For example, if a state is concerned about having policies that 
would apply to offshore oil and gas activities, the state would need to 
develop policies that would apply to any activity or industry that 
would have similar coastal effects; the state could not single out and 
discriminate against offshore oil and gas unless there are specific 
activities or coastal effects that only apply to the offshore oil and 
gas industry. Likewise, if a state wants to promote marine renewable 
energy in its enforceable policies, it may do so, but could not at the 
same time prohibit other forms of energy development without sufficient 
justification. Blanket prohibitions are generally not approved by NOAA 
as part of a state's management program unless a state provides 
sufficient justification. These examples have both discrimination and 
national interest issues. Not only is energy one of the national 
interests in the CZMA, but states also have to give priority 
consideration to energy siting and must have energy facility siting 
processes as part of their management program.
    In addition, NOAA will not approve a proposed enforceable policy if 
Federal law expressly preempts the state policy. For example, NOAA 
could not approve a state proposed policy that regulates the siting of 
onshore liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminals regulated by the Federal 
Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) under the Natural Gas Act, since 
FERC has exclusive jurisdiction over the siting of onshore LNG 
terminals and states are federally preempted from regulating the siting 
of LNG terminals. Such a policy could not be legally binding under 
state law, as required by the CZMA definition of enforceable policy in 
CZMA section 304(6a). States can still apply enforceable policies of 
general applicability to address coastal effects from the siting of an 
LNG terminal.
    Paragraph (c) codifies long-standing NOAA practice and guidance 
when enforceable policies previously approved by NOAA are no longer 
enforceable for purposes of Federal consistency review. If an 
underlying enforceable mechanism, e.g., a state law, is repealed or 
changed in such a way that an enforceable policy is no longer legally 
enforceable under state law, then that policy can no longer be used for 
Federal consistency purposes. The same applies if a policy previously 
approved by NOAA is subsequently preempted by Federal law.
    Paragraph (d) describes NOAA criteria for states to amend their 
lists of Federal actions subject to Federal consistency review and to 
propose geographic location descriptions (GLDs) to review Federal 
actions outside the coastal zone, either landward or seaward. This 
paragraph focuses on the need for a state to make an adequate 
justification based on reasonably foreseeable effects to the state's 
coastal uses or resources. For NOAA to find that an activity in a 
proposed GLD outside the coastal zone may have coastal effects, a state 
must show that the impact from an activity will have a reasonably 
foreseeable effect to coastal uses or resources of the state. A state's 
burden to demonstrate coastal effects means that a mere assertion that 
an activity in Federal waters will have an impact is insufficient to 
make a finding of reasonably foreseeable coastal effects. Moreover, a 
state's effects analysis must provide more than general assertions. A 
persuasive coastal effects analysis should identify, to the extent 
practicable, each of the following:
    1. The affected uses (e.g., commercial and recreational fishing, 
boating, tourism, shipping, energy facilities) and resources (e.g., 
fish, marine mammals, reptiles, birds, landmarks).
    2. Where and in what densities the uses and resources are found.
    3. How the state has a specific interest in the resource or use. Be 
specific in showing their connection to the coastal zone of the state 
(e.g., economic values, harvest amounts, vulnerabilities, seasonal 
information relevant to the proposed activity).

[[Page 38128]]

    4. Where the proposed activity overlaps with these resources, uses 
and values.
    5. Impacts to the resources or uses from the proposed activity.
    6. A reasonable showing of a causal connection to the proposed 
activity, including how any impacts from the activity results in 
reasonably foreseeable effects on the state's coastal uses or 
resources.
    7. Why any required mitigation may be inadequate. While there may 
be mitigation considerations while reviewing Federal consistency list 
additions or geographic location descriptions, NOAA expects that the 
mitigation analysis would mostly be used case-by-case for state 
requests to review an unlisted activity under the Federal consistency 
regulations (15 CFR 930.54), and not for program change requests for 
state-Federal consistency lists or state geographic location 
descriptions.
    8. Empirical data and information that supports the effects 
analysis and: Can be shown to be reliable; visualizes the affected 
area, resources and uses with maps; and shows values, trends and 
vulnerabilities.

Comments on Proposed Sec.  923.84.

    Comment 35 (New York): Please further clarify, define and provide 
examples of ``standards'' to be used in policies. How does this new 
requirement comport with the definition of an ``enforceable policy?'' 
Will standards allow probabilistic (Bayesian) statistics methods and 
tools in cases of future uncertainties?
    Response: NOAA is not adding a new requirement for the content of 
enforceable policies and will use the definition of an enforceable 
policy under 15 CFR 930.11(h). NOAA is not providing further 
specificity to the regulatory requirement that enforceable policies 
must be some form of a directive or other standard for compliance, but 
``need not establish detailed criteria such that a proponent of an 
activity could determine the consistency of an activity without 
interaction with the State agency.'' 15 CFR 930.11(h). A state may 
propose any manner of criteria for an enforceable policy and NOAA would 
determine whether in the specific context a probabilistic statistic 
method for an enforceable policy is a sufficient standard for 
compliance.
    Comment 36 (Maine, Oregon, Coastal States Organization): Section 
923.83(a)(8) calls on coastal states to ``describe whether and how the 
program change will impact'' the interests of federally-recognized 
tribes and natural and cultural resources managed under a host of 
Federal laws. This provision, which appears related to coastal states' 
consideration of the national interest, imposes a new and potentially 
significant and burdensome requirement on coastal states. We suggest 
that NOAA should continue to bear the burden of conducting the 
assessments called for by this provision if such assessments are 
needed. Federally-recognized tribes are the best ones to articulate 
whether and how a given proposed change may affect their interests. The 
trust responsibility for consideration of tribal interests and for 
compliance with consultation requirements of other Federal laws is 
NOAA's responsibility. Federal agencies responsible for administration 
of the laws referenced in this section are best positioned to provide 
comments to NOAA on how a proposed change may relate to those laws.
    Response: NOAA recognizes that it has responsibility for conducting 
potential government-to-government consultation with tribes as well as 
compliance for various consultations that may be needed under other 
Federal statutes. Section 923.85 describes NOAA's responsibilities. 
However, when submitting a program change, NOAA needs the state's 
assessment of whether it believes any tribal or other Federal law 
interests are impacted given a state's local knowledge. NOAA is not 
asking the state to gather additional information or to reach out to 
tribes or to initiate and consult under other Federal statutes. Rather, 
NOAA is merely asking for information that a state may have for these 
consultation processes.
    Comment 37 (California, Coastal States Organization, Maine): The 
commenters assert that, under Sec.  923.84(b)(5), Federal preemption 
should not apply to state CZMA enforceable policies, because the state 
policies are implemented through a Federal statute, the CZMA. Further, 
they comment that NOAA should not make a determination of whether an 
enforceable policy is federally preempted and, therefore, not 
approvable. Rather, the determination should be made by state attorneys 
general or the courts. In making these comments, the commenters assert 
that NOAA's application of the Federal preemption doctrine to the 
definition of enforceable policy in CZMA section 304(6a) is incorrect.
    Response: Federal preemption of state law arises from the Supreme 
Court's interpretation of the Supremacy Clause which states that the 
``Constitution, and the Laws of the United States . . . shall be the 
supreme Law of the land.'' U.S. Const., Art. VI, cl. 2. There are two 
main types of Federal preemption, both of which result in the 
invalidation of state law: Express preemption and implied preemption. 
Express preemption occurs when a Federal law explicitly conveys 
Congress' intent to preempt state law or regulation. Implied preemption 
occurs when a state law conflicts with a Federal law, or Congress 
intends to ``occupy the field'' in a particular area of law. If a 
Federal law preempts a state policy, the policy is not legally binding 
under state law and shall not be an enforceable policy under 16 U.S.C. 
1453(6a). NOAA will not approve for incorporation into a state's 
management program a state policy that is expressly preempted by 
Federal law. NOAA also recognizes that situations may arise in which an 
approved enforceable policy is not expressly preempted by Federal law, 
but could be impliedly preempted by Federal law. In such situations, 
NOAA encourages states to coordinate with the applicable Federal agency 
to determine whether Federal law preempts application of the state's 
enforceable policy.
    Even though states review Federal actions under the CZMA Federal 
consistency authority (a Federal law requirement), the states apply 
their CZMA enforceable policies, which are based on state law, to 
review Federal actions. NOAA does not believe that the CZMA Federal 
consistency authority or NOAA's approval of state enforceable policies 
for incorporation into state management programs, removes the 
application of Federal preemption to the state enforceable policies. 
The application of the Federal preemption doctrine to the CZMA and 
state enforceable policies as described in the proposed rule and in 
this final rule is NOAA's long-standing position and does not represent 
a change in NOAA's view or how NOAA would review state CZMA program 
changes under the revised regulations. NOAA believes that its 
application of Federal preemption to state CZMA enforceable policies is 
required by the definition of ``enforceable policy'' in CZMA section 
304(6a) (must be legally binding under state law).
    The Federal preemption doctrine results in the invalidation of 
state law, not Federal law. Therefore, even if a Federal law preempts a 
state's enforceable policy, CZMA Federal consistency review still 
applies to Federal actions. For example, under the CZMA Federal 
consistency authority, states have routinely reviewed Federal actions 
that are regulated by a Federal law that preempts certain state law, 
such as: Onshore liquefied natural gas

[[Page 38129]]

terminals or oil and gas pipelines regulated by the Federal Energy 
Regulatory Commission (FERC) under the Natural Gas Act; hydroelectric 
facilities regulated by FERC under the Federal Power Act; abandonment 
of railway lines regulated by the Surface Transportation Board under 
the Revised Interstate Commerce Act; and impacts to marine mammals 
regulated by NOAA's National Marine Fisheries Service under the Marine 
Mammal Protection Act. In such instances, states conduct CZMA Federal 
consistency reviews by applying their enforceable policies of general 
applicability to address coastal effects of the proposed Federal 
actions.
    NOAA has removed the phrase ``on its face,'' from Sec.  
923.84(b)(5) as this term could be misinterpreted and is not needed 
when discussing Federal preemption.
    Comment 38 (Maine, Coastal States Organization): Section 
923.84(d)(6) is problematic and raises concerns about how it may be 
interpreted and applied to frustrate coastal states' efforts to address 
the potential effects of ocean-based activities on coastal resources. 
In order to secure jurisdiction to review an extra-territorial or 
unlisted activity or establish a ``geographic location description'' 
(GLD) under NOAA's rules, a coastal state need only show that a coastal 
effect is ``reasonably foreseeable.'' As this term is typically used 
that refers to a level of knowledge or information that an average 
person may have based on experience. The basic problem with this 
provision is that, as applied, it may put the cart well before the 
horse by asking coastal states to prove too much, too soon. This 
provision appears to require a coastal state to make a significant 
factual showing establishing a direct causal link between such 
activities and foreseeable effect(s) simply in order to secure 
jurisdiction to review such activities for consistency with its 
enforceable policies. As a consequence, it has the potential to 
inappropriately shift the burden of coming forward with information 
regarding coastal effects to coastal states as opposed to Federal 
agencies or Federal applicants. Whereas subparts (1)-(4) call for 
factual information that may be reasonably available to a coastal 
state, subparts (5) and (6) in effect state core issues which a coastal 
state may want to examine in detail in light of the factual information 
called for by subparts (1-4).
    Response: NOAA disagrees with the comment. Paragraphs 5 (impacts 
from the activity) and 6 (causal connection to coastal effects) have 
always been essential to NOAA's analysis when reviewing a change to a 
state's list of Federal license or permit activities for Federal 
consistency review and state requests to add a geographic location 
description outside a state's coastal zone for Federal consistency 
purposes. (In addition, while not related to this rulemaking these have 
also been essential to NOAA review of state requests to review unlisted 
activities under the Federal consistency regulations at 15 CFR 930.54.) 
Paragraphs 5 and 6 explain how a state makes the ``reasonably 
foreseeable effects'' argument. Paragraphs 1-4 and 8 have been 
developed to assist states in better understanding how to show effects 
under paragraphs 5 and 6, especially by using new geospatial tools such 
as the data portals for the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic Regional Ocean 
Plans and the Marine Cadastre developed by the Bureau of Ocean Energy 
Management (BOEM) and NOAA. In addition, while states should address 
all of the paragraphs 1-8 to make the most persuasive effects argument, 
the precursor language to paragraphs 1-8 includes the phrase ``to the 
extent practicable,'' and NOAA has added to paragraph 6 the phrase ``A 
reasonable showing of a causal connection . . . .''
    Comment 39 (Maine, Coastal States Organization): Section 
923.84(d)(7) would authorize NOAA to reject a coastal state's attempt 
to assert Federal consistency review authority through establishment of 
a geographic location description or a change in its list of Federal 
license and permit actions subject to consistency review based on 
NOAA's assessment of whether mitigation that may be proposed in the 
future would effectively eliminate the ``coastal effect'' necessary for 
such extensions of state review authority. This provision is 
problematic. Mitigation proposed to ameliorate adverse effects of a 
development or other activity cannot reliably be known or presumed 
until an actual proposal, such as a Federal permit application, has 
been filed. Accordingly, it is not clear how NOAA could conclude that 
mitigation which has not actually been proposed may eliminate a coastal 
effect. The question of whether and how the proposed mitigation may 
ameliorate the effect is best examined following detailed review of the 
proposed action and based on the understanding of project-specific 
effects that must be mitigated.
    Response: NOAA believes that mitigation information may be relevant 
to determining reasonably foreseeable coastal effects. When mitigation 
is included as part of the programmatic requirements for a Federal 
activity a state is requesting to add to its Federal consistency list 
or a geographic location description, the mitigation measures may be 
relevant in determining effects. NOAA understands that additional 
mitigation measures may ultimately be required for a project beyond 
those proposed and that these cannot be considered in determining 
effects if they are unknown at the time of NOAA's review.
    NOAA agrees with the comment, in part, related to changes to state 
Federal consistency lists and state geographic location description 
proposals. NOAA has added language to the preamble description of 
paragraph 7 explaining that NOAA expects that the mitigation analysis 
would be used mostly for state case-by-case requests to review an 
unlisted activity, but still may be relevant for additions to state 
Federal consistency lists or state geographic location descriptions.
    Comment 40 (Oregon): We are concerned with the last sentence of 
section 923.84(c) (Effect of Prior Program Change Approvals) regarding 
a previously approved enforceable policy that may become unenforceable 
if subsequent Federal law preempts state regulation of a particular 
activity. We are concerned with situations where a state has regulated 
an activity based on similar coastal effects. It is not clear how that 
would interplay with the ``particular activity'' preemption.
    Response: This sentence has been revised to clarify that a 
previously approved enforceable policy will no longer be legally 
enforceable under state law if subsequent Federal law preempts the 
state policy. For example, if a state policy that NOAA previously 
approved as part of the state's management program has text that 
determines where someone can ``site liquefied natural gas (LNG) 
terminals,'' that requirement would no longer be enforceable for CZMA 
purposes as states are federally preempted from siting LNG terminals, 
because the Energy Policy Act of 2005 amended the Natural Gas Act to 
give FERC exclusive authority for the siting of LNG terminals. States 
would still review applications to FERC for LNG terminals under the 
CZMA Federal consistency provision and apply its relevant enforceable 
policies that address coastal effects.
    Comment 41 (Oregon): It would be helpful if NOAA identified what 
criteria were not met when they do not approve a portion of a plan or 
statute as enforceable.
    Response: The criteria NOAA uses to approve or not to approve an 
enforceable policy are discussed in this

[[Page 38130]]

preamble and are contained in 15 CFR 930.11(h) and 15 CFR 923.84(b) and 
(c).
    Comment 42 (Oregon): Regarding NOAA's decision criteria, we believe 
that the only applicable criteria are first, the program continues to 
meet the standards set forth in CZMA Sec.  306(d), and second, the 
revised program does not place an unacceptable burden on a Federal 
agency operating in the coastal zone. Absent either of those 
circumstances, NOAA should approve any change to a coastal program.
    Response: NOAA decision criteria must include the program approval 
standards in 16 U.S.C. 1455(d) and in corresponding program approval 
regulations in 15 CFR part 923, the program change requirements in 16 
U.S.C. 1455(e), and criteria established for determining enforceable 
policies under 16 U.S.C. 1453(6a), 15 CFR 930.11(h), and as further 
described in 15 CFR part 923, subpart H. These criteria have been part 
of NOAA regulations and guidance for decades. NOAA is not making 
substantial changes to program change decision criteria in this final 
rule.
    Changes from the Proposed Rule. NOAA modified the preamble language 
to further clarify how the Federal preemption doctrine applies to the 
CZMA. NOAA removed the phrase ``on its face,'' from Sec.  923.84(b)(5) 
as this term could be misinterpreted and is not needed when discussing 
Federal preemption. NOAA revised Sec.  923.84(c) to clarify that a 
previously approved enforceable policy will no longer be legally 
enforceable under state law if subsequent Federal law preempts the 
state policy. NOAA added to Sec.  923.84(d)(6) the phrase ``A 
reasonable showing of a causal connection to the proposed activity . . 
. .'' This further emphasizes that the information described in Sec.  
923.84(d) does not require states to provide absolute proof of coastal 
effects, but to provide information to the ``extent practicable'' that 
supports a reasonable causal connection of coastal effects to the 
proposed activity.

Sec.  923.85 Procedural Requirements of Other Federal Law

    This section describes compliance and consultations under other 
Federal law such as ESA, NHPA, MSFCMA or MMPA and also coordination 
with federally-recognized Indian Tribes. A ``federally-recognized 
Indian Tribe'' is an Indian or Alaska Native Tribe, Band, Nation, 
Pueblo, Village, or Community that the Secretary of the Interior 
acknowledges to exist as an Indian Tribe pursuant to the Federally 
Recognized Indian Tribe List Act. See 82 FR 4915 (Jan. 17, 2017).
    NOAA's action in approving a program change may require NOAA to 
coordinate with tribes or with other Federal agencies to determine if 
NOAA needs to consult under other Federal statutes. In some 
circumstances NOAA may need to conduct government-to-government 
consultation with tribes pursuant to applicable executive orders and 
Federal case law.
    However, it is important to understand the nature of NOAA's 
discretion for the review and approval of program changes when 
informally or formally consulting on Endangered Species Act, other 
Federal consultations and addressing tribal concerns. NOAA can approve 
or deny a program change, but cannot affect the state's ability to 
enact a law and implement it at the state level. NOAA's approval of any 
state or local provisions as enforceable policies of the state's 
management program means those provisions can be used during a state's 
CZMA Federal consistency review.
    The CZMA is a voluntary program and if a state chooses to 
participate it develops a management program unique to its state, based 
on state laws and policies pursuant to general program requirements in 
the CZMA and NOAA's regulations. As such, the national coastal zone 
management program is not a federally delegated program and if a state 
chooses not to participate NOAA does not implement a coastal management 
program in the state. Once NOAA approves a state's management program, 
NOAA cannot require a state to change its program. NOAA can, through 
periodic evaluations of a state's management program under CZMA section 
312, establish necessary actions if NOAA finds a state is not adhering 
to its NOAA-approved program, but NOAA can only recommend that a state 
change its program to create a different state standard or to address 
emerging issues. If NOAA finds that a state is not adhering to its 
management program and the state does not remedy the issue, NOAA's only 
recourse is to impose financial sanctions by withholding a part of a 
state's annual CZMA implementation grant until the state remedies the 
issue or ultimately NOAA could decertify a state's management program.
    If a state submits a program change, NOAA can approve or disapprove 
that program change. When NOAA reviews a program change, NOAA has a 
limited ability to require a state to make changes to state policies. 
If NOAA disapproves, this does not require a state to change state law. 
Therefore, there is no effect from NOAA's denial on the implementation 
of state law at the state (or local government) level. NOAA's denial 
means the disapproved state policy is not part of the state's NOAA 
approved management program and cannot be used for CZMA Federal 
consistency purposes. NOAA cannot use a program change to require 
changes to other parts of a state's management program.
    Changes from the Proposed Rule. NOAA made minor wording changes to 
Sec.  923.85.

V. Miscellaneous Rulemaking Requirements

Executive Order 12372: Intergovernmental Review

    This program is subject to Executive Order 12372.

Executive Order 13132: Federalism Assessment

    NOAA has concluded that this regulatory action is consistent with 
federalism principles, criteria, and requirements stated in Executive 
Order 13132. The proposed changes in the program change regulations are 
intended to facilitate Federal agency coordination with coastal states, 
and ensure compliance with CZMA requirements. The CZMA and these 
revised implementing regulations promote the principles of federalism 
articulated in Executive Order 13132 by granting the states a qualified 
right to amend their federally-approved management programs to address 
activities that affect the land and water uses or natural resources of 
state coastal zones and to apply these amended management programs to 
Federal actions through the CZMA Federal consistency provision. CZMA 
section 307 and NOAA's implementing regulations (15 CFR part 930) 
balance responsibilities between Federal agencies and state agencies 
whenever Federal agencies propose activities, or applicants for a 
required Federal license or permit propose to undertake activities, 
affecting state coastal uses or resources. Through the CZMA, Federal 
agencies are required to carry out their activities in a manner that is 
consistent to the maximum extent practicable with federally-approved 
state management programs while licensees and permittees are to be 
fully consistent with the state programs. The CZMA and these 
implementing regulations provide a mechanism for states to object to 
Federal actions that are not consistent with the state's management 
program. A state objection prevents the issuance of the Federal permit 
or license, unless the

[[Page 38131]]

Secretary of Commerce overrides the objection. Because the CZMA and 
these regulations promote the principles of federalism and enhance 
state authorities, no federalism assessment need be prepared.

Executive Order 12866: Regulatory Planning and Review

    This final rule is not significant for purposes of Executive Order 
12866.

Regulatory Flexibility Act

    The Chief Counsel for Regulation of the Department of Commerce 
certified to the Chief Counsel for Advocacy of the Small Business 
Administration during the proposed rule stage that this action would 
not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small 
entities. The factual basis for the certification was published in the 
proposed rule and is not repeated here. No comments were received that 
would change the certification that this action will not have a 
significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities 
regarding this certification. As a result, a final regulatory 
flexibility analysis and not required and none was prepared.

Paperwork Reduction Act

    This rule contains no additional collection-of-information 
requirement subject to review and approval by the Office of Management 
and Budget under the Paperwork Reduction Act; rather it changes the 
manner in which states provide information to NOAA and, in some cases, 
eliminates or reduces information currently required.

National Environmental Policy Act

    NOAA has concluded that this action does not have the potential to 
pose significant impacts on the quality of the human environment. 
Further, NOAA has concluded that this final rule would not result in 
any changes to the human environment and that no extraordinary 
circumstances exist. Therefore, NOAA has concluded that this rulemaking 
does not have a significant impact on the human environment and is 
categorically excluded from the need to prepare an environmental impact 
statement pursuant to the requirements of NEPA in accordance with NAO 
216-6A, Categorical Exclusion G7: Preparation of policy directives, 
rules, regulations, and guidelines of an administrative, financial, 
legal, technical, or procedural nature, or for which the environmental 
effects are too broad, speculative or conjectural to lend themselves to 
meaningful analysis and will be subject later to the NEPA process, 
either collectively or on a case-by-case basis. See also the 
description above on NEPA compliance for program changes.

List of Subjects in 15 CFR Part 923

    Administrative practice and procedure, Coastal zone, Reporting and 
record keeping requirements.

Nicole R. LeBoeuf,
Acting Assistant Administrator, for Ocean Services and Coastal Zone 
Management, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
    For the reasons stated in the preamble, 15 CFR part 923 is amended 
as follows:

PART 923--COASTAL ZONE MANAGEMENT PROGRAM REGULATIONS

0
1. The authority citation continues to read as follows:

    Authority:  16 U.S.C. 1451 et seq.; 31 U.S.C. 6506; 42 U.S.C. 
3334; Sections 923.92 and 923.94 are also issued under E.O. 12372, 
July 14, 1982, 3 CFR 1982 Comp. p. 197, as amended by E.O. 12416, 
April 8, 1983, 3 CFR 1983 Comp. p. 186.


0
2. Revise subpart H to read as follows:
Subpart H--Changes to Approved Management Programs
Sec.
923.80 General.
923.81 Program change procedures, deadlines, public notice and 
comment, and application of approved changes.
923.82 Program change submissions.
923.83 Program change materials.
923.84 Program change decision criteria.
923.85 Procedural requirements of other Federal law.

Subpart H--Changes to Approved Management Programs


Sec.  923.80  General.

    (a) This subpart establishes the criteria and procedures by which 
any proposed change to approved management programs shall be made. The 
term ``program change'' includes all terms used in section 306(e) of 
the Act, including amendment, modification or other program change. 
Draft program changes submitted to NOAA for informal review and comment 
are not subject to these requirements. Unless otherwise specified, the 
term ``NOAA'' refers to the Office for Coastal Management, within 
NOAA's National Ocean Service. (The Office for Coastal Management was 
formerly known as the Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management 
and the Coastal Services Center.)
    (b) Pursuant to section 306(e) of the Act, a coastal state may not 
implement any change to a management program as part of its management 
program unless the state submits, and NOAA approves, the change for 
incorporation into the state's federally-approved management program. A 
state shall not use a state or local government policy or requirement 
as an ``enforceable policy'' under 16 U.S.C. 1453(6a) and Sec.  
930.11(h) of this subchapter for purposes of Federal consistency under 
16 U.S.C. 1456 and part 930 of this subchapter, unless NOAA has 
approved the incorporation of, and subsequent changes to, the state or 
local policy into the state's management program under this subpart. 
State or local government law not approved by NOAA as part of a state's 
management program remain legal requirements for state and local 
government purposes, but not for CZMA Federal consistency purposes.
    (c) For purposes of this subpart, program changes include changes 
to enforceable policies as well as changes to one or more of the 
following management program areas under part 923: Uses Subject to 
Management (Subpart B); Special Management Areas (Subpart C); 
Boundaries (Subpart D); Authorities and Organization (Subpart E); and 
Coordination, Public Involvement and National Interest (Subpart F).
    (d) The phrase ``enforceable policies'' used in this subpart is 
described in 16 U.S.C. 1453(6a) and Sec.  930.11(h) of this subchapter. 
Enforceable policies are the only policies states can use to determine 
whether a Federal action is consistent with its management program 
under section 307, the Federal Consistency provision, of the Act (16 
U.S.C. 1456 and part 930 of this subchapter).
    (e) Pursuant to section 306(e)(1) of the Act and Sec.  923.135, 
NOAA may suspend all or part of any grant or cooperative agreement made 
under section 306 of the Act if the state has failed to submit a 
program change identified as a necessary action under section 312 of 
the Act and part 923, subpart L (Review of Performance) and pursuant to 
the requirements for NOAA to notify the Governor of a state under the 
enforcement provisions of Sec.  923.135.


Sec.  923.81  Program change procedures, deadlines, public notice and 
comment, and application of approved changes.

    (a) Pursuant to section 306(d)(6) of the Act and Sec.  930.11(o) of 
this subchapter, all program changes shall be submitted to NOAA by: The 
Governor of a coastal state with an approved management program; the 
head of the single state agency designated under the management program 
to be the lead state agency for administering the CZMA; or the head of 
an office within the designated single state agency if the

[[Page 38132]]

state has authorized that person to submit program changes. Program 
changes may be submitted to NOAA on a cyclical basis (e.g., quarterly, 
twice a year, annually) or as the changes occur.
    (1) One (1) copy shall be submitted electronically using the 
Program Change Form on NOAA's Program Change website, http://coast.noaa.gov/czmprogramchange.
    (i) If a state is not able to electronically send all or part of a 
program change to NOAA through NOAA's Program Change website, the state 
and NOAA shall agree to an alternative method (e.g., email, electronic 
CD, or a state website). In such instances, NOAA will, to the extent 
practicable, post the program change to NOAA's Program Change website.
    (ii) [Reserved]
    (2) All deadlines and timeframes under this subpart shall start on 
the first full business day after the day NOAA receives a program 
change (Day 1). For example, if a submission is received on a Thursday, 
day one of NOAA's review period would be Friday; if the day of receipt 
is Friday and Monday is a Federal holiday, Day 1 would be Tuesday. All 
days, starting with Day 1, are included in the calculation of total 
time for a deadline, including weekends and Federal holidays, except 
for the last day (e.g., Day 30 or Day 120). The day that NOAA's 
decision is due shall also end on a full business day. For example, if 
Day 30 is a Saturday, then NOAA's decision will be due the next Monday, 
or if Monday is a Federal holiday, on Tuesday. A state may request that 
NOAA's review period begin on a specified date following receipt by 
NOAA.
    (b) Within 5 days of receipt of a program change submission, NOAA 
shall notify the state (via email or letter) of the date the program 
change was received and NOAA's expected decision deadline. NOAA will 
also notify the state within 10 days of receipt of a program change 
submission if NOAA determines the submission is incomplete. If NOAA 
determines a submission is incomplete, NOAA shall inform the state that 
the program change review timeline shall not start until the missing 
information is submitted. During NOAA's review of a program change 
request, NOAA may request additional information that NOAA needs to 
make its decision.
    (c) NOAA's program change review period shall start on Day 1 
pursuant to paragraph (a)(2) of this section, unless NOAA determines 
the submission is incomplete pursuant to paragraph (b) of this section. 
NOAA shall respond to the state (via email or letter) within 30 
calendar days after the date NOAA receives a program change. NOAA's 
approval is presumed if NOAA does not respond or extend its review 
period within the 30-day period. NOAA may extend its review period up 
to 120 days after receipt of a program change request, if NOAA so 
notifies the state during the 30-day period. NOAA can extend beyond 120 
days only as necessary to meet the requirements of the National 
Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.). NOAA shall 
inform the state via email or letter whether NOAA approves, approves in 
part, approves with qualifications or denies the incorporation of the 
program change into the state's management program.
    (d) States shall, to the extent practicable, consult with NOAA 
prior to state adoption of new or revised state laws, policies, 
regulations, and other changes the state intends to submit to NOAA as a 
program change. States are encouraged to submit draft program changes 
to NOAA for informal review and comment prior to submitting a program 
change. If consulted, NOAA shall review draft submissions to identify 
issues that would need to be addressed in the formal submission.
    (e)(1) A state shall post a public notice of its program change on 
the state's management program website in a conspicuous manner, and 
email or mail the public notice to local and regional offices of 
relevant Federal agencies, Federal agency CZMA headquarter contacts 
identified on NOAA's Federal consistency website, affected local 
governments and state agencies, and to individuals requesting direct 
notice. To meet the requirement for direct public notice (via email or 
mail), states are encouraged to maintain a coastal management listserv 
or mailing list. In addition to posting the public notice on the 
state's website and notifying the parties described above, states may, 
but are not required to, publish the notice in any state bulletin or 
newspaper. The timing of the state's public notice. States will draft a 
public notice of a submission, which shall be included as part of the 
contents of the program change submission form. When NOAA posts the 
program change submission on its Program Change website, NOAA will 
notify the state management program via email. The state will then post 
its public notice on the state web page providing a link to the 
submission on NOAA's Program Change website. The state shall send the 
public notice and link to the state and local agencies, Federal agency 
contacts, and others who have requested the state's public notice. Day 
1 for NOAA review purposes will be the first business day after the 
state submits to NOAA the program change request. However, the 21-day 
comment period shall not start until the state posts its public notice 
on the state web page. If a state fails to post its public notice, then 
NOAA may either determine the program change submission is not complete 
and the review period has not started or deny the program change 
request.
    (2) A state's public notice shall:
    (i) Describe the changes to the management program;
    (ii) If applicable, identify any new, modified or deleted 
enforceable policies of the management program;
    (iii) Indicate that any comments on the incorporation of the 
program change into the state's management program shall be submitted 
to NOAA through NOAA's Program Change website within 21 calendar days 
of the date of the state's public notice; and
    (3) NOAA shall post all program changes on its Program Change 
website where any interested party may review or download materials. 
NOAA shall also post on its Program Change website deadlines, 
extensions and any comments received. For each program change posted on 
NOAA's website, NOAA shall notify the Federal agency CZMA headquarter 
contacts (identified on NOAA's Federal consistency website) via email. 
In addition, any party may request through the Program Change website 
that NOAA notify them via email when program changes are submitted by 
one or more state(s). NOAA's email shall also state that any party may, 
through NOAA's Program Change website, submit comments to NOAA on a 
state's request to incorporate a program change into the state's 
management program within 21 calendar days from the date of the state's 
public notice. NOAA shall only consider public and Federal agency 
comments for program change requests that are pending for a NOAA 
decision; no comments shall be accepted or considered for program 
changes once NOAA issues its decision. If a state, during or after the 
public comment period, submits directly to NOAA a response to a comment 
before NOAA issues a decision, NOAA shall consider the state's response 
and post the state's response on the Program Change website.
    (4) NOAA may, at its discretion, extend the public comment period 
or hold a public hearing. NOAA shall only consider holding a public 
hearing for a program change that would substantially change a 
management program and/or be controversial.

[[Page 38133]]

    (5) NOAA shall post its program change decisions on its CZMA 
Program Change website and shall notify, by email, Federal agency CZMA 
headquarter contacts and individuals requesting such notice. A state 
shall post NOAA's decision regarding a state's program change on the 
state agency's website.
    (f) Application of approved program changes for Federal consistency 
purposes under section 307 of the Act (16 U.S.C. 1456) and part 930 of 
this subchapter. The effective date for the approved changes will be 
the date on NOAA's approval letter. NOAA will post its program change 
decision letters on its Program Change website. Changes to a state's 
management program and enforceable policies shall apply for Federal 
consistency purposes to Federal actions proposed on or after the date 
NOAA approves the changes. Approved program changes shall not apply 
retroactively to state Federal consistency reviews under 15 CFR part 
930 initiated prior to the date NOAA approved the changes, except as 
allowed by part 930 (e.g., a Federal action was finalized or authorized 
and there is a substantial change, amendment or renewal proposed for 
the Federal action on or after the date of NOAA's approval of a program 
change, pursuant to the applicable subpart of part 930).


Sec.  923.82  Program change submissions.

    (a) As required by CZMA section 306(e)(3)(A), coastal states may 
not implement a change as part of its approved management program 
unless the change is approved by NOAA. In accordance with Sec. Sec.  
923.81 and 923.83, states shall submit program changes to NOAA for 
approval using the Program Change Form on NOAA's Program Change 
website.
    (b) All state program changes shall identify the program approval 
area(s) that apply to the program change. The five program approval 
areas are: Uses Subject to Management (subpart B of this part); Special 
Management Areas (subpart C of this part); Boundaries (subpart D of 
this part); Authorities and Organization (subpart E of this part); and 
Coordination, Public Involvement and National Interest (subpart F of 
this part).
    (c) Program changes that are editorial, non-substantive, or minor 
in scope. The types of program changes in paragraphs (c)(1) through (4) 
of this section shall be approved by NOAA and need less review as long 
as they satisfy the decision criteria in Sec.  923.84 and do not raise 
issues under any Federal laws, as described in Sec.  923.85:
    (1) Editorial or non-substantive changes (e.g., citation changes, 
minor technical changes, or changes to state agency name) to state 
laws, regulations, enforceable policies, local government coastal 
management programs, special area management plans, and other 
authorities;
    (2) Changes that do not change a state's coastal zone boundary or 
geographic location description(s), and are not otherwise used by the 
state for Federal consistency review;
    (3) Changes to the organization of a state's management program if 
the management program's structure and responsibilities will remain 
intact; and
    (4) Changes to enforceable policies previously approved by NOAA 
that make minor substantive revisions consistent with the scope and 
application of the previously approved enforceable policy. If the 
proposed changes are not consistent with the scope and application of 
the previously approved enforceable policy, then NOAA shall more 
closely review the changes under paragraph (d) of this section to 
ensure they satisfy the decision criteria.
    (d) Any program change that is not described in paragraph (c) of 
this section shall be reviewed by NOAA to ensure the state's management 
program will remain approvable if the proposed program change is 
approved. These changes include:
    (1) Changes to the five program approval areas, including: Uses 
Subject to Management (subpart B of this part); Special Management 
Areas (subpart C of this part); Boundaries (subpart D of this part); 
Authorities and Organization (subpart E of this part); and 
Coordination, Public Involvement and National Interest (subpart F of 
this part);
    (2) Changes to enforceable policies, including modifications, 
additions and deletions;
    (3) Changes to provisions that are not enforceable policies, but 
which a state may use to evaluate the scope or applicability of an 
enforceable policy (e.g., definitions, advisory statements);
    (4) Changes to local government coastal management programs or 
plans if those local programs or plans contain enforceable policies 
that the state uses for Federal consistency review. States are not 
required to submit program changes for local government coastal 
management programs or plans that do not contain enforceable policies 
for Federal consistency review;
    (5) Changes or additions to the state's Federal consistency list or 
geographic location descriptions (part 930 of this subchapter); and
    (6) Changes or additions to Necessary Data and Information (Sec.  
930.58 of this subchapter).
    (e) Changes to state Clean Air Act (CAA) and Clean Water Act (CWA) 
Pollution Control Requirements. Pursuant to section 307(f) of the Act, 
requirements established by the CWA (33 U.S.C. 1251-1387) and the CAA 
(42 U.S.C. 7401-7671), or established by the Federal Government or by 
any state or local government pursuant to the CWA and CAA shall be 
incorporated in state management programs and shall be the water 
pollution control and air pollution control requirements applicable to 
such management program. Therefore, states are not required to submit 
as program changes any changes to state CAA and CWA provisions.


Sec.  923.83  Program change materials.

    (a) All program changes submitted to NOAA shall be submitted in 
accordance with Sec.  923.81. States shall use the Program Change 
website Form and Table to provide the following.
    (1) A brief general overview description of the proposed program 
change(s) and a current version of the document(s) containing the 
program change (e.g., text of the revised statute, regulation, policy, 
map). The general overview description shall identify the law, 
regulation, policy, or other type of program provision contained in the 
program change submission.
    (2) A brief summary of the changes of each authority or policy 
identified in paragraph (a)(1) of this section, and how the management 
program as changed is different than the previously approved management 
program.
    (3) Indicate which of one or more of the five management program 
approval areas under this part apply to the program change:
    (i) Uses Subject to Management (subpart B);
    (ii) Special Management Areas (subpart C);
    (iii) Boundaries (subpart D);
    (iv) Authorities and Organization (subpart E); or
    (v) Coordination, Public Involvement and National Interest (subpart 
F).
    (4) States shall use the Program Change Table provided by NOAA 
through the Program Change website to provide:
    (i) The State legal citation for the policy (state code, public law 
number, state regulation, other official state format);
    (ii) The title of the policy, section, or other descriptor;
    (iii) Whether the change or policy is new, revised, or deleted;

[[Page 38134]]

    (iv) The date the change was effective in the state;
    (v) Identification of each enforceable policy submitted as part of 
the program change; and
    (vi) The state enforceable mechanism citation that makes the policy 
enforceable under state law. The phrase ``enforceable mechanism'' means 
a state authority that makes an enforceable policy legally binding 
under state law, as described in this subpart and Sec.  930.11(h) of 
this subchapter. Examples of an enforceable mechanism include state 
statutes, regulations, permitting programs, local government ordinances 
or court decisions. If an enforceable mechanism is changed so that an 
enforceable policy is no longer legally binding under state law, then 
the enforceable policy shall be submitted as a program change with a 
new underlying state enforceable mechanism; otherwise the policy is no 
longer enforceable for purposes of state CZMA Federal consistency 
reviews under part 930 of this subchapter.
    (5) Changes or additions to the state's Federal consistency list or 
geographic location descriptions.
    (i) For each new or revised listed Federal action, states shall 
describe the:
    (A) Type of Federal action;
    (B) Specific Federal statutory authority;
    (C) Responsible Federal agency; and
    (D) Reasonably foreseeable effects to the uses and resources of the 
state's coastal zone (Sec.  923.84(d)).
    (ii) For each new or revised geographic location description, 
states shall describe the:
    (A) Geographic location description, using specific geographic 
boundaries;
    (B) Listed Federal actions to be included within a geographic 
location description; and
    (C) Reasonably foreseeable effects to the uses and resources of the 
state's coastal zone (Sec.  923.84(d)).
    (6) States shall describe any changes or additions to Necessary 
Data and Information approved by NOAA in accordance with Sec.  930.58 
of this subchapter and explain why such information is necessary in 
order for the state to commence its Federal consistency review period.
    (7) The state shall indicate that the program change meets each of 
NOAA's decision criteria in Sec.  923.84.
    (8) The state shall describe whether and how the program change 
will impact the following:
    (i) Resources or interests of any federally-recognized Indian 
Tribe.
    (ii) Threatened or endangered species listed under the Federal 
Endangered Species Act (ESA);
    (iii) Historic properties designated under the National Historic 
Preservation Act (NHPA);
    (iv) Essential fish habitat designated under the Magnuson Stevens 
Fishery Conservation and Management Act (MSFCMA); and
    (v) Marine mammals managed under the Marine Mammal Protection Act 
(MMPA).
    (9) The state shall identify the state's website where the public 
notices for the notification and submission requests are, or will be, 
located and where, if applicable, state documents related to the 
request may be viewed.
    (10) The state shall submit to NOAA any substantive correspondence 
between the state and Federal agencies (not including NOAA's Office for 
Coastal Management) concerning the development of the changes that are 
the subject of the program change request.
    (11) The state shall indicate if the program change was developed 
as a necessary action pursuant to section 312 of the Act (16 U.S.C. 
1458--Review of performance) and, if so, shall briefly describe the 
necessary action.
    (b) [Reserved]


Sec.  923.84  Program change decision criteria.

    (a) NOAA shall review all program changes on a case-by-case basis. 
NOAA shall determine whether a management program, if changed, would 
continue to satisfy the applicable program approval criteria of CZMA 
section 306(d) and subparts B through F of this part and the 
requirements of this subpart (subpart H).
    (b) Enforceable policies. In order for NOAA to approve the 
incorporation of a new or revised enforceable policy into a state's 
management program, the policy shall:
    (1) Be legally binding under state law;
    (2) Contain standards of sufficient specificity to guide public and 
private uses. A policy is not enforceable if it merely directs a state 
agency to develop regulations or standards.
    (i) Definitions and information requirements are essential elements 
of determining compliance with regulatory and permit standards. As 
such, a state law or regulation that contains numerous standards, 
definitions, and information requirements may be considered enforceable 
in its entirety after consultation with NOAA. If NOAA determines that a 
law or regulation may be considered enforceable in its entirety, a 
state shall still need to apply only the substantive standards within 
the statute or regulation as enforceable policies for CZMA Federal 
consistency reviews. Procedural requirements are not considered to be 
enforceable policies for CZMA review purposes.
    (ii) [Reserved]
    (3) Apply only to areas and/or entities under state jurisdiction;
    (4) Not refer to or otherwise purport to apply to Federal agencies, 
Federal lands or Federal waters. The Act does not authorize states to 
establish regulatory standards for Federal agencies or for Federal 
lands or waters. A state policy that would regulate or otherwise 
establish standards for Federal agencies or Federal lands or waters 
shall not meet the Act's definition of ``enforceable policy'' (i.e., 
legally binding under state law) under 16 U.S.C. 1453(6a). States apply 
their NOAA-approved enforceable policies to Federal actions, regardless 
of location, through CZMA Federal consistency reviews under 16 U.S.C. 
1456 and part 930 of this subchapter;
    (5) Not be preempted by Federal law. If a state policy is preempted 
by Federal law, the policy is not legally binding under state law and 
shall not be an enforceable policy under 16 U.S.C. 1453(6a). Policies 
previously approved by NOAA as enforceable policies shall no longer be 
enforceable if Federal law enacted after NOAA's approval preempts the 
state policy;
    (6) Not incorporate by reference other state or local requirements 
that are not identified, described and evaluated as part of the program 
change request. Any state or local requirements incorporated by 
reference shall not be applicable for Federal consistency review 
purposes unless separately approved by NOAA as enforceable policies;
    (7) Not discriminate against a particular type of activity or 
entity. Enforceable policies shall be applied to all relevant public 
and private entities that would have similar coastal effects. 
Enforceable policies may be specific to a particular type of activity 
or entity if NOAA agrees that a state has demonstrated that the 
activity or entity present unique circumstances; and
    (8) Not adversely affect the national interest in the CZMA 
objectives described in 16 U.S.C. 1451 and 1452.
    (c) If enforceable policies previously approved by NOAA become 
obsolete or unenforceable through application of subsequently enacted 
state or Federal law, such policies will no longer be enforceable for 
purposes of CZMA Federal consistency review. For example, a state law 
change may repeal a previous policy or may change the policy in a 
manner that changes the scope and application of the policy. In such 
cases, the previously approved enforceable policy is no longer 
applicable under state law and the new or substantially revised policy 
is not applicable for Federal consistency

[[Page 38135]]

purposes until that policy has been submitted by the state as a program 
change and approved by NOAA. A previously approved enforceable policy 
will no longer be legally enforceable under state law if subsequent 
Federal law preempts the state policy.
    (d) Changes to a management program's Federal consistency list or a 
new or revised geographic location description under part 930 of this 
subchapter, subparts C, D, E, F or I. For changes to a management 
program's list of Federal actions or a new or revised geographic 
location description, the state's effects analysis shall be based on 
information that would allow NOAA to find that the listed activity, 
either within the state's coastal zone or within a geographic location 
described outside the state's coastal zone, would have reasonably 
foreseeable effects on the uses or resources of the state's coastal 
zone. A state's analysis asserting impacts to uses or resources outside 
of the coastal zone shall not, by itself, demonstrate a coastal effect; 
rather, the state shall describe a causal connection of how an impact 
outside the coastal zone could result in a coastal effect. A state's 
effects analysis shall not be based on unsupported conclusions, 
speculation or the mere existence of coastal uses or resources within a 
geographic location. A state's coastal effects analysis shall, to the 
extent practicable, identify:
    (1) The affected uses (e.g., commercial and recreational fishing, 
boating, tourism, shipping, energy facilities) and resources (e.g., 
fish, marine mammals, reptiles, birds, landmarks).
    (2) Where and in what densities the uses and resources are found.
    (3) How the state has a specific interest in the resource or use. 
States should be specific in showing the connection to the coastal zone 
of the state (e.g., economic values, harvest amounts, vulnerabilities, 
seasonal information relevant to the proposed activity).
    (4) Where the proposed activity overlaps with these resources, uses 
and values.
    (5) Impacts to the resources or uses from the proposed activity.
    (6) A reasonable showing of a causal connection to the proposed 
activity, including how the impacts from the activity results in 
reasonably foreseeable effects on the state's coastal uses or 
resources.
    (7) Why any required mitigation may be inadequate.
    (8) Empirical data and information that supports the effects 
analysis and: Can be shown to be reliable; visualizes the affected 
area, resources and uses with maps; and shows values, trends and 
vulnerabilities.


Sec.  923.85  Procedural requirements of other Federal law.

    NOAA shall determine on a case-by-case basis whether each program 
change requires NOAA to take additional actions under any other Federal 
requirements.
    (a) If a state's program change will affect the resources or 
interests of any federally-recognized Indian Tribe (tribe), NOAA shall 
contact the affected tribe(s) and determine if Government-to-Government 
consultation is desired under Executive Order 13175 (Nov. 6, 2000).
    (b) If, for the purposes of ESA, NHPA, MSFCMA or MMPA compliance, 
NOAA determines that a state's program change will have effects on 
listed threatened or endangered species, historic properties, essential 
fish habitat or marine mammals, then NOAA shall determine if 
consultation is needed with the applicable Federal agency under the 
ESA, NHPA, MSFCMA and MMPA.
    (c) When NOAA determines whether to consult under other Federal 
statutes or tribal executive orders, NOAA's ability to require changes 
to a state's proposed program change are limited by the following:
    (1) Once NOAA approves a state's management program, NOAA cannot 
require a state to change its program. NOAA can, through periodic 
evaluations of a state's management program under section 312 of the 
Act, establish necessary actions if NOAA finds a state is not adhering 
to its NOAA-approved program, but NOAA can only recommend that a state 
change its program to create a different state standard or to address 
emerging issues; and
    (2) NOAA can approve or disapprove a program change request. When 
NOAA reviews a program change, NOAA has a limited ability to require a 
state to make changes to state policies. If NOAA disapproves a program 
change request, this does not require a state to change state law. 
Therefore, there is no effect from NOAA's denial on the implementation 
of state law at the state (or local government) level. NOAA's denial 
means the disapproved state policy is not part of the state's NOAA-
approved management program and cannot be used for CZMA Federal 
consistency purposes. NOAA cannot use a program change to require 
changes to other parts of a state's management program.

[FR Doc. 2019-16513 Filed 8-5-19; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 3510-08-P