[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 172 (Thursday, September 9, 2021)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 50454-50456]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-19426]


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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Coast Guard

33 CFR Part 165

[Docket Number USCG-2021-0710]
RIN 1625-AA00


Safety Zone; Anacostia River, Washington, DC

AGENCY: Coast Guard, DHS.

ACTION: Temporary final rule.

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SUMMARY: The Coast Guard is establishing a temporary safety zone for 
certain waters of the Anacostia River. The safety zone is needed to 
protect personnel, vessels, and the marine environment on these 
navigable waters near Washington, DC, on September 4, 2021, and 
September 17, 2021, from potential hazards during fireworks displays 
occuring after Washington Nationals baseball games. Entry of vessels or 
persons into this zone is prohibited unless specifically authorized by 
the Captain of the Port, Maryland-National Capital Region or a 
designated representative.

DATES: This rule is effective without actual notice from September 9, 
2021 until 11 p.m. on September 17, 2021. For the purposes of 
enforcement, actual notice will be used from 8 p.m. on September 4, 
2021, until September 9, 2021.

ADDRESSES: To view documents mentioned in this preamble as being 
available in the docket, go to https://www.regulations.gov, type USCG-
2021-0710 in the ``SEARCH'' box and click ``SEARCH.'' Next, in the 
Document Type column, select ``Supporting & Related Material.''

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: If you have questions on this rule, 
call or email MST3 Melissa Kelly, Sector Maryland-National Capital 
Region Waterways Management Division, U.S. Coast Guard; telephone 410-
576-2596, email [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Table of Abbreviations

CFR Code of Federal Regulations
COTP Captain of the Port
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 ``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 is impracticable and contrary to 
the public interest to do so. We must establish this safety zone by 
September 4, 2021, to protect the public from hazards associated with 
the fireworks events. Hazards include explosive materials, dangerous 
projectiles, and falling debris. The fireworks fall out zone extends 
across the navigable channel.
    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 impracticable and contrary to the public interest 
because immediate action is needed to respond to the potential safety 
hazards associated with the fireworks displays.

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, Maryland-
National Capital Region (COTP) has determined that potential hazards 
associated with the fireworks to be used in the September 4, 2021, and 
September 17, 2021, displays will be a safety concern for anyone near 
the fireworks barges. This rule is needed to protect personnel, 
vessels, and the marine environment in the navigable waters within the 
safety zone before, during, and after the scheduled event.

IV. Discussion of the Rule

    This rule establishes a temporary safety zone from 8 p.m. on 
September 4, 2021, through 11 p.m. on September 17, 2021. The safety 
zone will be enforced from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. on September 4, 2021, and 
from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. on September 17, 2021. The safety zone

[[Page 50455]]

covers all navigable waters of the Anacostia River within 600 feet of 
the fireworks barge in approximate position latitude 38[deg]52'14.29'' 
N, longitude 077[deg]00'12.00'' W, located near Nationals Park in 
Washington, DC. The size of the zone and duration of the rule are 
intended to protect personnel, vessels, and the marine environment in 
these navigable waters before, during, and after the scheduled 
fireworks displays. No vessel or person will be permitted to enter the 
safety zone without obtaining permission from the COTP or a designated 
representative.

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. 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).
    This regulatory action determination is based on the size, 
duration, and time-of-day of the safety zone, which will impact a small 
designated area of the Anacostia River for 2 hours during evening hours 
when vessel traffic is normally low. Moreover, the Coast Guard will 
issue a Broadcast Notice to Mariners via VHF-FM marine channel 16 about 
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 
safety 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 
call or email 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 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.

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, Rev. 1, associated implementing instructions, 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 a 
safety zone that will be enforced for 6 hours that will prohibit entry 
within a portion of the Anacostia River. It is categorically excluded 
from further review under paragraph L60(a) of Appendix A, Table 1 of 
DHS Instruction Manual 023-01-001-01, Rev. 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 call or email 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:


[[Page 50456]]


    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. 
00170.1, Revision No. 01.2.

0
2. Add Sec.  165.T05-0710 to read as follows:


Sec.  165.T05-0710  Safety Zone; Anacostia River, Washington, DC

    (a) Location. The following area is a safety zone: All navigable 
waters of the Anacostia River within 600 feet of the fireworks barge in 
approximate position latitude 38[deg]52'14.29'' N, longitude 
077[deg]00'12.00'' W, located near Nationals Park, in Washington, DC. 
These coordinates are based on datum NAD 83.
    (b) Definitions. As used in this section--
    Captain of the Port (COTP) means the Commander, U.S. Coast Guard 
Sector Maryland-National Capital Region.
    Designated representative means any Coast Guard commissioned, 
warrant, or petty officer who has been authorized by the Captain of the 
Port Maryland-National Capital Region to assist in enforcing the safety 
zone described in paragraph (a) of this section.
    (c) Regulations. (1) Under the general safety zone regulations in 
subpart C of this part, you may not enter the safety zone described in 
paragraph (a) of this section unless authorized by the COTP or the 
COTP's designated representative.
    (2) To seek permission to enter, contact the COTP or the COTP's 
representative by telephone at 410-576-2693 or on Marine Band Radio 
VHF-FM channel 16 (156.8 MHz). The Coast Guard vessels enforcing this 
section can be contacted on Marine Band Radio VHF-FM channel 16 (156.8 
MHz). Those in the safety zone must comply with all lawful orders or 
directions given to them by the COTP or the COTP's designated 
representative.
    (d) Enforcement officials. The U.S. Coast Guard may be assisted in 
the patrol and enforcement of the safety zone by Federal, State, and 
local agencies.
    (e) Enforcement period. This section will be enforced from 8 p.m. 
to 11 p.m. on September 4, 2021, and from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. on 
September 17, 2021.

    Dated: September 2, 2021.
David E. O'Connell,
Captain, U.S. Coast Guard, Captain of the Port Maryland-National 
Capital Region.
[FR Doc. 2021-19426 Filed 9-8-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 9110-04-P