[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 2 (Friday, January 3, 2020)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 216-218]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2019-28113]


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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Coast Guard

33 CFR Part 165

[Docket Number USCG-2019-0947]
RIN 1625-AA87


Security Zone; Lower Mississippi River, New Orleans, LA

AGENCY: Coast Guard, DHS.

ACTION: Temporary final rule.

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SUMMARY: The Coast Guard is establishing a temporary security zone. 
This security zone is necessary to provide security and protection for 
visiting personnel during the events related to the College Football 
Playoff game. Entry of vessels or persons into this zone is prohibited 
unless specifically authorized by the Captain of the Port New Orleans 
or a designated representative.

DATES: This rule is effective from 1:30 p.m. on January 11, 2020, 
through 5 p.m. on January 13, 2020.

ADDRESSES: To view documents mentioned in this preamble as being 
available in the docket, go to https://www.regulations.gov, type USCG-
2019-0947 in the ``SEARCH'' box and click ``SEARCH.'' Click on Open 
Docket Folder on the line associated with this rule.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: If you have questions about this 
proposed rulemaking, call or email Lieutenant Commander Corinne 
Plummer, Sector New Orleans, U.S. Coast Guard; telephone 504-365-2375, 
email [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Table of Abbreviations

COTP Captain of the Port Sector New Orleans
CFR Code of Federal Regulations
DHS Department of Homeland Security
FR Federal Register
NPRM Notice of proposed rulemaking
Sec.  Section
U.S.C. United States Code

II. Background Information and Regulatory History

    The Coast Guard is issuing this temporary rule without prior notice 
and opportunity to comment pursuant to authority under section 4(a) of 
the Administrative Procedure Act (APA) (5 U.S.C. 553(b)). This 
provision authorizes an agency to issue a rule without prior notice and 
opportunity to comment when the agency for good cause finds that those 
procedures are

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``impracticable, unnecessary, or contrary to the public interest.'' 
Under 5 U.S.C. 553(b)(B), the Coast Guard finds that good cause exists 
for not publishing a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) with respect 
to this rule because it would be impractical. We must establish this 
security zone by January 11, 2020 in order to provide proper security 
for these visiting personnel, and we do not have sufficient time to 
request and respond to comments.
    Under 5 U.S.C. 553(d)(3), the Coast Guard finds that good cause 
exists for making this rule effective less than 30 days after 
publication in the Federal Register. Delaying the effective date of 
this rule would be contrary to the public interest because immediate 
action is needed to provide adequate security to protect the public.

III. Legal Authority and Need for Rule

    The Coast Guard is issuing this rule under authority in 46 U.S.C. 
70034 (previously 33 U.S.C. 1231). The Captain of the Port Sector New 
Orleans (COTP) has determined that the increased number of personnel 
anticipated to be visiting the city during the College Football 
playoffs requires certain security measures to ensure that the persons 
and property are kept secure during the events. The Coast Guard 
determined that a temporary security zone is needed for this and 
related events that will be taking place adjacent to a portion of Lower 
Mississippi River.

IV. Discussion of the Rule

    This rule establishes a security zone from January 11, 2020 through 
January 13, 2020. The security zone will be enforced from 1:30 p.m. 
through 11:30 p.m. on January 11, 2020, from 1:30 p.m. through 11:30 
p.m. on January 12, 2020, and from 11:30 a.m. through 5 p.m. on January 
13, 2020. The security zone will cover all navigable waters within 400-
yards of the Left Descending Bank (LDB) of the Lower Mississippi River 
(LMR) between MM 94.5 and MM 96, Ahead of Passes, (AHOP), New Orleans, 
Louisiana. This zone is necessary in order to provide waterside 
security for the protection of visitors attending the events related to 
the College Football playoffs. No vessel or person will be permitted to 
enter the security zone without obtaining permission from the COTP or a 
designated representative. A designated representative is a 
commissioned, warrant, or petty officer of the U.S. Coast Guard 
assigned to units under the operational control of USCG Sector New 
Orleans. They may be contacted on VHF-FM Channel 16 or 67 or by 
telephone at (504) 365-2200.
    Persons and vessels permitted to enter this security zone must 
transit at their slowest safe speed and comply with all lawful 
directions issued by the COTP or the designated representative.
    The COTP or a designated representative will inform the public of 
the enforcement times and date for this regulated area through 
Broadcast Notices to Mariners (BNMs), Local Notice to Mariners (LNMs), 
and/or Marine Safety Information Bulletins (MSIBs), as appropriate.

V. Regulatory Analyses

    We developed this rule after considering numerous statutes and 
Executive orders related to rulemaking. Below we summarize our analyses 
based on a number of these statutes and Executive orders, and we 
discuss First Amendment rights of protestors.

A. Regulatory Planning and Review

    Executive Orders 12866 and 13563 direct agencies to assess the 
costs and benefits of available regulatory alternatives and, if 
regulation is necessary, to select regulatory approaches that maximize 
net benefits. Executive Order 13771 directs agencies to control 
regulatory costs through a budgeting process. This rule has not been 
designated a ``significant regulatory action,'' under Executive Order 
12866. Accordingly, this rule has not been reviewed by the Office of 
Management and Budget (OMB), and pursuant to OMB guidance it is exempt 
from the requirements of Executive Order 13771.
    This regulatory action determination is based on the size, 
location, and duration of the security zone. Vessel traffic will be 
able to safely transit around this security zone which would impact a 
small designated area of the Mississippi River near New Orleans, LA for 
a limited number of hours on each of three days, and will not overly 
impede vessel traffic during the periods in effect. Moreover, the Coast 
Guard would issue a Broadcast Notice to Mariners via VHF-FM marine 
channel 16 about the zone, and the rule would allow vessels to seek 
permission to enter the zone.

B. Impact on Small Entities

    The Regulatory Flexibility Act of 1980, 5 U.S.C. 601-612, as 
amended, requires Federal agencies to consider the potential impact of 
regulations on small entities during rulemaking. The term ``small 
entities'' comprises small businesses, not-for-profit organizations 
that are independently owned and operated and are not dominant in their 
fields, and governmental jurisdictions with populations of less than 
50,000. The Coast Guard certifies under 5 U.S.C. 605(b) that this rule 
will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of 
small entities.
    While some owners or operators of vessels intending to transit the 
security zone may be small entities, for the reasons stated in section 
V.A above, this rule will not have a significant economic impact on any 
vessel owner or operator.
    Under section 213(a) of the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement 
Fairness Act of 1996 (Pub. L. 104-121), we want to assist small 
entities in understanding this rule. If the rule would affect your 
small business, organization, or governmental jurisdiction and you have 
questions concerning its provisions or options for compliance, please 
contact the person listed in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT 
section.
    Small businesses may send comments on the actions of Federal 
employees who enforce, or otherwise determine compliance with, Federal 
regulations to the Small Business and Agriculture Regulatory 
Enforcement Ombudsman and the Regional Small Business Regulatory 
Fairness Boards. The Ombudsman evaluates these actions annually and 
rates each agency's responsiveness to small business. If you wish to 
comment on actions by employees of the Coast Guard, call 1-888-REG-FAIR 
(1-888-734-3247). The Coast Guard will not retaliate against small 
entities that question or complain about this rule or any policy or 
action of the Coast Guard.

C. Collection of Information

    This rule will not call for a new collection of information under 
the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501-3520).

D. Federalism and Indian Tribal Governments

    A rule has implications for federalism under Executive Order 13132, 
Federalism, if it has a substantial direct effect on the States, on the 
relationship between the national government and the States, or on the 
distribution of power and responsibilities among the various levels of 
government. We have analyzed this rule under that Order and have 
determined that it is consistent with the fundamental federalism 
principles and preemption requirements described in Executive Order 
13132.
    Also, this rule does not have tribal implications under Executive 
Order 13175, Consultation and Coordination with Indian Tribal 
Governments, because it does not have a substantial

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direct effect on one or more Indian tribes, on the relationship between 
the Federal Government and Indian tribes, or on the distribution of 
power and responsibilities between the Federal Government and Indian 
tribes. If you believe this rule has implications for federalism or 
Indian tribes, please contact the person listed in the FOR FURTHER 
INFORMATION CONTACT section above.

E. Unfunded Mandates Reform Act

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

F. Environment

    We have analyzed this rule under Department of Homeland Security 
Directive 023-01 and Environmental Planning COMDTINST 5090.1 (series), 
which guide the Coast Guard in complying with the National 
Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321-4370f), and have 
determined that this action is one of a category of actions that do not 
individually or cumulatively have a significant effect on the human 
environment. This rule involves establishing a security zone to protect 
the public in a small designated area of the Mississippi River near New 
Orleans, LA for a limited number of hours on each of three days. It is 
categorically excluded from further review under paragraph L60(a) in 
Table 3-1 of U.S. Coast Guard Environmental Planning Implementing 
Procedures 5090.1. A Record of Environmental Consideration supporting 
this determination is available in the docket. For instructions on 
locating the docket, see the ADDRESSES section of this preamble.

G. Protest Activities

    The Coast Guard respects the First Amendment rights of protesters. 
Protesters are asked to contact the person listed in the FOR FURTHER 
INFORMATION CONTACT section to coordinate protest activities so that 
your message can be received without jeopardizing the safety or 
security of people, places or vessels.

List of Subjects in 33 CFR Part 165

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

    For the reasons discussed in the preamble, the Coast Guard amends 
33 CFR part 165 as follows:

PART 165--REGULATED NAVIGATION AREAS AND LIMITED ACCESS AREAS

0
1. The authority citation for part 165 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 46 U.S.C. 70034, 70051; 33 CFR 1.05-1, 6.04-1, 6.04-
6, and 160.5; Department of Homeland Security Delegation No. 0170.1.

0
2. Add Sec.  165.T08-0947 to read as follows:


Sec.  165.T08-0947  Security Zone; Mississippi River, New Orleans, LA.

    (a) Location. The following area is a temporary security zone: All 
navigable waters of Mississippi River, New Orleans, LA within 400-yards 
of the Left Descending Bank (LDB) of the Lower Mississippi River (LMR) 
between MM 94.5 and MM 96, Ahead of Passes, (AHOP), New Orleans, 
Louisiana.
    (b) Effective period. This section is effective from 1:30 p.m. on 
January 11, 2020, through 5 p.m. on January 13, 2020.
    (c) Enforcement period. This section will be enforced from 1:30 
p.m. through 11:30 p.m. on January 11, 2020, from 1:30 p.m. through 
11:30 p.m. on January 12, 2020, and from 11:30 a.m. through 5 p.m. on 
January 13, 2020.
    (d) Regulations. (1) In accordance with the general regulations in 
Sec.  165.33 of this part, entry into or remaining within this 
regulated area is prohibited unless authorized by the Captain of the 
Port Sector New Orleans (COTP) or designated representative. A 
designated representative is a commissioned, warrant, or petty officer 
of the U.S. Coast Guard assigned to units under the operational control 
of USCG Sector New Orleans.
    (2) Vessels requiring entry into this regulated area must request 
permission from the COTP or a designated representative. They may be 
contacted on VHF-FM Channel 16 or 67 or by telephone at (504) 365-2200.
    (3) Persons and vessels permitted to enter this security zone must 
transit at their slowest safe speed and comply with all lawful 
directions issued by the COTP or the designated representative.

    Dated: December 20, 2019.
K.M. Luttrell,
Captain, U.S. Coast Guard, Captain of the Port Sector New Orleans.
[FR Doc. 2019-28113 Filed 1-2-20; 8:45 am]
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