All comments must be in writing and submitted through one of the methods specified in the ADDRESSES section above. All submissions (and attachments) must include the form number, information collection title, and OMB control number. Please include your name, title, organization, postal address, telephone number, and email address in the text of the message. Please note that USAID recommends sending all comments via email or via the Federal eRulemaking Portal because security screening precautions have slowed the delivery and dependability of surface mail to USAID/Washington. Please note that comments submitted in response to this Notice are public record. We recommend that you do not submit detailed personal information, Confidential Business Information (CBI), or any information that is otherwise protected from disclosure by statute. USAID will only address comments that explain why this form would be inappropriate, ineffective, or unacceptable without a change. Comments that are insubstantial or outside the scope of the notice of request for public comment may not be considered.

• Title of Information Collection: Partner Information Form.

• OMB Control Number: 0412-0577.

• Type of Request: Revision of a Currently Approved Collection.

• Originating Office: Bureau for Management, Office of Management Policy, Budget, and Performance (M/MPBP).

• Form Number: AID 500-13.

• Respondents: Potential awardees and subawardees.

• Estimated Annual Number of Responses: 5,800.

• Average Time per Response: 1 hour 30 minutes.

• Total Estimated Burden Time: 8,700 hours.

• Frequency: On occasion.

• Obligation to Respond: Voluntary.

USAID solicits public comments on the following:

• Evaluate whether the proposed information collection is necessary for the proper functions of the Agency.

• Evaluate the accuracy of our estimate of the time and cost burden for this proposed collection, including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used.

• Enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected.

• Minimize the reporting burden on respondents, including the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology.

USAID collects information from individuals and organizations to conduct screening to help ensure that USAID funds, USAID-funded activities, or other resources will not be used to provide support to entities or individuals deemed to be a risk to national security.

USAID vets prospective awardees seeking funding from USAID to mitigate the risk that such funds might benefit entities or individuals who present a national security risk. To conduct vetting, USAID collects information from prospective awardees and subawardees regarding their directors, officers, and/or key employees. The information collected is compared to information gathered from commercial, public, and U.S. Government databases to determine the risk that the applying organization or individual might use Agency funds or programs in a way that presents a threat to national security.

USAID collects information via mail or electronic submission.

In accordance with Public Law 116-156, 1134 Stat. 700 (2020), the Commission on the Social Status of Black Men and Boys (CSSBMB) will hold a public briefing focused on preventative strategies to mitigate the social disparities of Black men in America.

This briefing is open to the public via livestream on the Commission on Civil Rights' YouTube Page at https://www.youtube.com/user/USCCR/videos. (Streaming information subject to change.) Public participation is available for the event with view access, along with an audio option for listening. Computer assisted real-time transcription (CART) will be provided. The web link to access CART (in English) on Thursday November 3, 2022, is, https://www.steamtext.net/player?event=USCCR (*subject to change). Please note that CART is text-only translation that occurs in real time during the meeting and is not an exact transcript.

* Date and meeting details are subject to change. For more information on the CSSBMB or the upcoming public briefing, please visit CSSBMB's website at www.usccr.gov/about/CSSBMB.

The Census Bureau conducts the Survey of State Government Research and Development (SGRD) to measure research and development performed and funded by state government agencies in the United States. The Census Bureau conducts the survey on behalf of the National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics (NCSES) within the National Science Foundation.

The National Science Foundation Act of 1950, as amended, includes a statutory charge to “provide a central clearinghouse for the collection, interpretation, and analysis of data on scientific and engineering resources and to provide a source of information for policy formulation by other agencies in the Federal Government.” This mandate was further codified in the America COMPETES Reauthorization Act of 2010 section 505, which requires NCSES to “collect, acquire, analyze, report, and disseminate . . . statistical data on (A) research and development trends . . .” Under the aegis of these legislative mandates, NCSES has sponsored surveys of research and development (R&D) since 1951, including the SGRD since 2006. The Census Bureau's authorization to undertake this work is found at 13 U.S.C. 8(b) which provides that the Census Bureau “may make special statistical compilations and surveys for departments, agencies, and establishments of the Federal government, the government of the District of Columbia, the government of any possession or area (including political subdivisions thereof) . . . State or local agencies, or other public and private persons and agencies.”

The SGRD is the only comprehensive source of state government research and development expenditure data collected on a nationwide scale using uniform definitions, concepts, and procedures. The collection covers the expenditures of all agencies in the fifty state governments, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico that perform or fund R&D. The NCSES coordinates with the Census Bureau for the data collection. The NCSES uses this collection to satisfy, in part, its need to collect research and development expenditures data.

Fiscal data provided by respondents aid data users in measuring the effectiveness of resource allocation. The products of this data collection make it possible for data users to obtain information on such things as expenditures according to source of funding ( e.g., federal funds or state funds), by performer of the work ( e.g., intramural and extramural to state agencies), by function ( e.g., agriculture, energy, health, transportation, etc.), by type of work ( e.g., basic research, applied research, or experimental development) for intramural performance of R&D, and by R&D plant ( e.g., construction projects). Final results produced by NCSES contain state and national estimates useful to a variety of data users interested in research and development performance including: The National Science Board; the Office of Management and Budget; the Office of Science and Technology Policy and other science policy makers; institutional researchers; and private organizations.

We have analyzed responses to a question about burden which appears on the instrument. That analysis indicates that the average burden for agency respondents should be 2 hours rather than the current estimate of 3 hours. We are adjusting the burden of the collection downward accordingly.

The survey announcements and forms used in the SGRD are: Survey Announcement. An introductory email from the Directors of the NCSES and the Census Bureau is sent to Chief of Staff of Governor's Office to announce the survey collection and to solicit assignment of a State Coordinator. The State Coordinator's Announcement is sent electronically at the beginning of each survey period to solicit assistance in identifying state agencies which may perform or fund R&D activities.

Form SRD-1. This form contains item descriptions and definitions of the research and development items collected by the Census Bureau on behalf of the NCSES. All states supply their data by electronic means.

The Census Bureau emails Chief of Staff for the 50 state governors, the mayor of DC, and the governor of Puerto Rico requesting that they appoint a state coordinator for the survey. The Census Bureau then emails the state coordinators a spreadsheet asking them to identify state agencies that may have the capacity to perform or fund R&D. The Census Bureau subsequently emails the survey form to each state agency identified by the respective state coordinators. The form contains embedded data checks and auto-summing functionality. Agencies are asked to complete and email back the form. Alternatively, agencies are able to report to the Census Bureau by telephone.

OMB Control Number: 0607-0933.

Form Number(s): SRD-1.

Type of Review: Regular submission, request for an extension, without change, of a currently approved collection.

Affected Public: State government agencies.

Estimated Number of Respondents: 51 governors, 1 mayor, 52 state coordinators, and approximately 700 state government agencies.

Estimated Time per Response: 5 minutes for each governor or mayor, 1 hour for each state coordinator, and 2 hours for each state agency surveyed.

Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours: 1,456.

Estimated Total Annual Cost to Public: $0 (This is not the cost of respondents' time, but the indirect costs respondents may incur for such things as purchases of specialized software or hardware needed to report, or expenditures for accounting or records maintenance services required specifically by the collection.)

Respondent's Obligation: Voluntary.

Legal Authority: National Science Foundation Act of 1950 as amended and the America COMPETES Reauthorization Act of 2010, title 42 U.S.C. 1861-76; title 13, U.S.C. 8(b).

We are soliciting public comments to permit the Department/Bureau to: (a) Evaluate whether the proposed information collection is necessary for the proper functions of the Department, including whether the information will have practical utility; (b) Evaluate the accuracy of our estimate of the time and cost burden for this proposed collection, including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used; (c) Evaluate ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (d) Minimize the reporting burden on those who are to respond, including the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology.

Comments that you submit in response to this notice are a matter of public record. We will include, or summarize, each comment in our request to OMB to approve this ICR. Before including your address, phone number, email address, or other personal identifying information in your comment, you should be aware that your entire comment—including your personal identifying information—may be made publicly available at any time. While you may ask us in your comment to withhold your personal identifying information from public review, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to do so.

On April 19, 2017, Commerce published the AD order on R-134a from China. 1 On March 1, 2022, Commerce initiated the first five-year (sunset) review of the Order pursuant to section 751(c) of the Tariff Act of 1930, as amended (the Act). 2 As a result of its review, Commerce determined that revocation of the Order would likely lead to a continuation or recurrence of dumping and, therefore, notified the ITC of the magnitude of the margins likely to prevail should the Order be revoked. 3 On October 25, 2022, the ITC published its determination, pursuant to section 751(c) of the Act, that revocation of the Order would likely lead to a continuation or recurrence of material injury to an industry in the United States within a reasonably foreseeable time. 4

The merchandise covered by the Order is 1,1,1,2-Tetrafluoroethane, R-134a, or its chemical equivalent, regardless of form, type, or purity level. The chemical formula for 1,1,1,2- Tetrafluoroethane is CF3-CH2 F, and the Chemical Abstracts Service (CAS) registry number is CAS 811-97-2. 5

Merchandise subject to the Order is currently classified in the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS) at subheading 2903.45.1000. Although the HTSUS subheading and CAS registry number are provided for convenience and customs purposes, the written description of the scope is dispositive.

As a result of the determinations by Commerce and the ITC that revocation of the Order would likely lead to a continuation or recurrence of dumping and material injury to an industry in the United States, pursuant to section 751(d)(2) of the Act, Commerce hereby orders the continuation of the Order. U.S. Customs and Border Protection will continue to collect AD cash deposits at the rates in effect at the time of entry for all imports of subject merchandise.

The effective date of the continuation of the Order will be the date of publication in the Federal Register of this notice of continuation. Pursuant to section 751(c)(2) of the Act, Commerce intends to initiate the next five-year review of the Order not later than 30 days prior to the fifth anniversary of the effective date of continuation.

This notice also serves as the only reminder to parties subject to an administrative protective order (APO) of their responsibility concerning the disposition of proprietary information disclosed under APO in accordance with 19 CFR 351.305(a)(3), which continues to govern business proprietary information in this segment of the proceeding. Timely notification of return/destruction or conversion to judicial protective order is hereby requested. Failure to comply is a violation of the APO which may be subject to sanctions.

This five-year (sunset) review and this notice are in accordance with section 751(c) of the Act and published pursuant to section 777(i)(1) of the Act.

On May 2, 2022, Commerce published the notice of initiation of the sunset review of the AD orders on WSSP from Korea and Taiwan, pursuant to section 751(c) of the Tariff Act of 1930, as amended (the Act). 1 On May 13, 2022, Commerce received a notice of intent to participate from the domestic interested parties  2 for both of the Orders within the 15-day deadline specified in 19 CFR 351.218(d)(1)(i). 3 The domestic interested parties claimed interested party status under section 771(9)(C) of the Act, as manufacturers of the domestic like product in the United States. 4 On June 1, 2022, the domestic interested parties submitted a timely substantive response for both sunset reviews within the 30-day deadline specified in 19 CFR 351.218(d)(3)(i). 5 Commerce did not receive a substantive response from any other interested parties with respect to the Orders covered by these sunset reviews.

On June 21, 2022, Commerce notified the U.S. International Trade Commission that it did not receive an adequate substantive response from respondent interested parties in either of these sunset reviews. 6 As a result, pursuant to section 751(c)(3)(B) of the Act and 19 CFR 351.218(e)(1)(ii)(C)(2), Commerce is conducting expedited (120-day) sunset reviews of these Orders.

The products covered by the Orders are shipments of WSSP from Korea and Taiwan that meet the standards and specifications set forth by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) for the welded form of chromium-nickel pipe designated ASTM A-312. For a full description of the scope of the Orders, see the Issues and Decision Memorandum. 7

All issues raised in these sunset reviews are addressed in the Issues and Decision Memorandum. A list of topics discussed in the Issues and Decision Memorandum is included as an appendix to this notice. The Issues and Decision Memorandum is a public document and is on file electronically via Enforcement and Compliance's Antidumping and Countervailing Duty Centralized Electronic Service System (ACCESS). ACCESS is available to registered users at https://access.trade.gov. A complete version of the Issues and Decision Memorandum can be accessed directly at https://access.trade.gov/public/FRNotices/ListLayout.aspx.

Pursuant to sections 751(c) and 752(c) of the Act, Commerce determines that revocation of the Orders would be likely to lead to continuation or recurrence of dumping, and that the magnitude of the dumping margins likely to prevail would be weighted-average margins of up to 17.14 percent for Korea and up to 31.90 percent for Taiwan.

This notice serves as the only reminder to parties subject to an administrative protective order (APO) of their responsibility concerning the destruction of proprietary information disclosed under APO in accordance with 19 CFR 351.305(a). Timely notification of the destruction of APO materials or conversion to judicial protective orders is hereby requested. Failure to comply with the regulations and terms of an APO is a violation which is subject to sanction.

We are issuing and publishing these final results in accordance with sections 751(c), 752(c), and 777(i)(1) of the Act, and 19 CFR 351.218(e)(1)(ii)(C)(2) and 19 CFR 351.221(c)(5)(ii).

On July 12, 2022, Commerce published the Preliminary Results of this administrative review in the Federal Register . 1 Although we invited interested parties to comment on the Preliminary Results, 2 we received no comments. Accordingly, no decision memorandum accompanies this Federal Register notice, and no changes have been made in the final results of this review.

The merchandise covered by the Order is stainless steel flanges from India. For a complete description of the scope of the Order, see Appendix I.

For the period January 1, 2020, through December 31, 2020, we determine that the following net subsidy rates exist:

Normally, Commerce discloses to interested parties the calculations performed in connection with the final results of review within five days of a public announcement or, if there is no public announcement, within five days of the date of publication of the notice of final results in the Federal Register , in accordance with 19 CFR 351.224(b). However, because we have made no changes from the Preliminary Results, there are no calculations to disclose.

Consistent with section 751(a)(2)(C) of the Tariff Act of 1930, as amended (the Act) and 19 CFR 351.212(b)(2), upon completion of the administrative review, Commerce shall determine, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) shall assess, countervailing duties on all appropriate entries covered by this review. Commerce intends to issue assessment instructions to CBP no earlier than 35 days after the date of publication of the final results of this review in the Federal Register . If a timely summons is filed at the U.S. Court of International Trade, the assessment instructions will direct CBP not to liquidate relevant entries until the time for parties to file a request for a statutory injunction has expired ( i.e., within 90 days of publication).

Pursuant to section 751(a)(2)(C) of the Act, Commerce intends to instruct CBP to collect cash deposits of estimated countervailing duties in the amounts indicated above on shipments of subject merchandise entered, or withdrawn from warehouse, for consumption on or after the date of publication of the final results of this review. For all non-reviewed firms, we will instruct CBP to continue to collect cash deposits of estimated countervailing duties at the most recent company-specific or all-others rate applicable to the company, as appropriate. These cash deposit instructions, when imposed, shall remain in effect until further notice.

This notice also serves as a reminder to parties subject to an administrative protective order (APO) of their responsibility concerning the destruction of proprietary information disclosed under APO in accordance with 19 CFR 351.305(a)(3). Timely written notification of the return or destruction of APO materials or conversion to judicial protective order is hereby requested. Failure to comply with the regulations and terms of an APO is a sanctionable violation.

We are issuing and publishing these final results in accordance with sections 751(a)(1) and 777(i)(1) of the Act and 19 CFR 351.221(b)(5).

You may join the OEAP hybrid public meeting (via Zoom) from a computer, tablet or smartphone by entering the following address:

Join Zoom Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84039986774?pwd=SUhDc1hXeFloQWF3ajVtL2ZHRGN3Zz09 .

Meeting ID: 840 3998 6774

Passcode: 179728

One tap mobile:

Dial by your location:

Meeting ID: 840 3998 6774

Passcode: 179728

The order of business may be adjusted as necessary to accommodate the completion of agenda items. The meeting will begin on November 22, 2022 at 9:30 a.m., and will end on November 22, 2022, at 5 p.m. Other than the start time, interested parties should be aware that discussions may start earlier or later than indicated. In addition, the meeting may be extended from, or completed prior to the date established in this notice.

For any additional information on this public virtual meeting, please contact Diana Martino, Caribbean Fishery Management Council, 270 Muñoz Rivera Avenue, Suite 401, San Juan, Puerto Rico, 00918-1903, telephone: (787) 226-8849.

Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.

The Advisory Panel and Committee will discuss progress on the Atlantic Salmon Aquaculture Framework, including goals, objectives, and draft management alternatives. They will also discuss potential 2023 work priorities in advance of the December Council meeting, focusing on possible new actions: (1) revisions to Habitat Management Areas on the northern edge of Georges Bank, including consideration of recent research, and (2) essential fish habitat 5-year review and updates to designations. Discuss other business, as necessary.

Although non-emergency issues not contained in this agenda may come before this group for discussion, those issues may not be the subject of formal action during this meeting. Action will be restricted to those issues specifically listed in this notice and any issues arising after publication of this notice that require emergency action under section 305(c) of the Magnuson-Stevens Act, provided the public has been notified of the Council's intent to take final action to address the emergency.

This meeting is physically accessible to people with disabilities. Requests for sign language interpretation or other auxiliary aids should be directed to Thomas A. Nies, Executive Director, at (978) 465-0492, at least 5 days prior to the date. This meeting will be recorded. Consistent with 16 U.S.C. 1852, a copy of the recording is available upon request.

Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.

Atlantic HMS fisheries (tunas, billfish, swordfish, and sharks) are managed under the authority of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (Magnuson-Stevens Act; 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq. ) and the Atlantic Tunas Convention Act (16 U.S.C. 971 et seq. ). The 2006 Consolidated Atlantic HMS FMP and its amendments are implemented by regulations at 50 CFR part 635.

The Magnuson-Stevens Act requires the establishment of an AP for each FMP for HMS, i.e., tunas, swordfish, billfish, and sharks (16 U.S.C. 1854(g)(1)(A)-(B)). Since the inception of the AP in 1998, NMFS has consulted with and considered the comments and views of AP members when preparing and implementing HMS FMPs or FMP amendments. In this notice, NMFS solicits nominations for the HMS AP. Nominations are being sought to fill approximately one-third (10) of the seats on the HMS AP for 3-year appointments. Individuals with definable interests in the recreational and commercial fishing and related industries, environmental community, academia, and non-governmental organizations are considered for membership on the HMS AP as described below.

Nomination packages should include:

1. The name of the nominee and a description of his/her interest in HMS or HMS fisheries, or in particular species of sharks, swordfish, tunas, or billfish;

2. Contact information, including mailing address, phone, and email of the nominee;

3. A statement of background and/or qualifications;

4. A written commitment that the nominee shall actively participate in good faith, and consistent with ethics obligations, in the meetings and tasks of the HMS AP; and

5. A list of outreach resources that the nominee has at his/her disposal to communicate qualifications for HMS AP membership.

Qualification for membership includes one or more of the following: (1) experience in HMS recreational fisheries; (2) experience in HMS commercial fisheries; (3) experience in fishery-related industries ( e.g., marinas, bait and tackle shops); (4) experience in the scientific community working with HMS; and/or (5) representation of a private, non-governmental, regional, national, or international organization that represents marine fisheries, or environmental, governmental, or academic interests regarding HMS.

Member tenure will be for 3 years, with approximately one-third of the members' terms expiring on December 31 of each year. Nominations are sought for terms beginning January 2023 and expiring December 2025.

Members can serve a maximum of three consecutive terms (a total of 9 consecutive years). Afterwards, a member must then sit off the HMS AP for a single year before reapplying for a new term.

Nominations for the HMS AP will be accepted to allow representation from commercial and recreational fishing interests, academic/scientific interests, and the environmental/non-governmental organization community, for individuals who are knowledgeable about HMS and/or HMS fisheries. Current representation on the HMS AP, as shown in table 1, consists of 12 members representing commercial interests, 12 members representing recreational interests, 4 members representing environmental interests, 4 academic representatives, and the ICCAT Advisory Committee Chair. NMFS seeks to fill three commercial, five recreational, and two environmental organization vacancies for terms starting in 2023.

In filling vacancies, NMFS will seek to maintain the current representation from each of the sectors. NMFS also considers species expertise and representation from the fishing regions (Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, Southeast, Gulf of Mexico, and Caribbean) to ensure the diversity and balance of the HMS AP. Table 1 includes the current representation on the HMS AP by sector, region, and species with terms that are expiring identified in the “Member Status” column. It is not meant to indicate that NMFS will only consider persons who have expertise in the species or fishing regions that are listed. Rather, NMFS will aim toward having as diverse and balanced an AP as possible. The intent is to have a group that, as a whole, reflects an appropriate and equitable balance and mix of interests given the responsibilities of the HMS AP.

Five additional members on the HMS AP include one member representing each of the following Councils: New England Fishery Management Council, the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council, the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council, the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council, and the Caribbean Fishery Management Council. The HMS AP also includes 22 ex-officio participants: 20 representatives of the coastal states and 2 representatives of the interstate commissions (the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission and the Gulf States Marine Fisheries Commission).

NMFS will provide the necessary administrative support, including technical assistance, for the HMS AP. However, NMFS will not compensate participants with monetary support of any kind. Depending on availability of funds, members may be reimbursed for travel costs related to the HMS AP meetings.

Meetings of the HMS AP will be held as frequently as necessary but are routinely held twice each year. In recent years, meetings have been held once in the spring, and once in the fall. The meetings may be held in conjunction with public hearings.

The Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) prohibits the “take” of marine mammals, with certain exceptions. Sections 101(a)(5)(A) and (D) of the MMPA (16 U.S.C. 1361 et seq. ) direct the Secretary of Commerce (as delegated to NMFS) to allow, upon request, the incidental, but not intentional, taking of small numbers of marine mammals by U.S. citizens who engage in a specified activity (other than commercial fishing) within a specified geographical region if certain findings are made and either regulations are proposed or, if the taking is limited to harassment, a notice of a proposed incidental take authorization is provided to the public for review.

Authorization for incidental takings shall be granted if NMFS finds that the taking will have a negligible impact on the species or stock(s) and will not have an unmitigable adverse impact on the availability of the species or stock(s) for taking for subsistence uses (where relevant). Further, NMFS must prescribe the permissible methods of taking and other “means of effecting the least practicable adverse impact” on the affected species or stocks and their habitat, paying particular attention to rookeries, mating grounds, and areas of similar significance, and on the availability of such species or stocks for taking for certain subsistence uses (referred to here as “mitigation measures”). Monitoring and reporting of such takings are also required. The meaning of key terms such as “take,” “harassment,” and “negligible impact” can be found in section 3 of the MMPA (16 U.S.C. 1362) and the agency's regulations at 50 CFR 216.103.

NMFS' regulations implementing the MMPA at 50 CFR 216.107(e) indicate that IHAs may be renewed for additional periods of time not to exceed one year for each reauthorization. In the notice of proposed IHA for the initial authorization, NMFS described the circumstances under which we would consider issuing a renewal for this activity, and requested public comment on a potential renewal under those circumstances. Specifically, on a case-by-case basis, NMFS may issue a one-time one-year renewal IHA following notice to the public providing an additional 15 days for public comments when (1) up to another year of identical or nearly identical, or nearly identical, activities as described in the Detailed Description of Specified Activities section of the initial IHA issuance notice is planned or (2) the activities as described in the Detailed Description of Specified Activities section of the initial IHA issuance notice would not be completed by the time the initial IHA expires and a renewal would allow for completion of the activities beyond that described in the DATES section of the initial IHA issuance, provided all of the following conditions are met:

(1) A request for renewal is received no later than 60 days prior to the needed renewal IHA effective date (recognizing that the renewal IHA expiration date cannot extend beyond 1 year from expiration of the initial IHA).

(2) The request for renewal must include the following:

• An explanation that the activities to be conducted under the requested renewal IHA are identical to the activities analyzed under the initial IHA, are a subset of the activities, or include changes so minor ( e.g., reduction in pile size) that the changes do not affect the previous analyses, mitigation and monitoring requirements, or take estimates (with the exception of reducing the type or amount of take).

• A preliminary monitoring report showing the results of the required monitoring to date and an explanation showing that the monitoring results do not indicate impacts of a scale or nature not previously analyzed or authorized.

(3) Upon review of the request for renewal, the status of the affected species or stocks, and any other pertinent information, NMFS determines that there are no more than minor changes in the activities, the mitigation and monitoring measures will remain the same and appropriate, and the findings in the initial IHA remain valid.

An additional public comment period of 15 days (for a total of 45 days), with direct notice by email, phone, or postal service to commenters on the initial IHA, is provided to allow for any additional comments on the proposed renewal. A description of the renewal process may be found on our website at: www.fisheries.noaa.gov/national/marine-mammal-protection/incidental-harassment-authorization-renewals.

On January 22, 2021, NMFS issued an IHA to the Navy to take California sea lions ( Zalophus californianus ), by Level B harassment only, incidental to the Naval Base San Diego Pier 6 Replacement Project in San Diego, California (86 FR 7993; February 3, 2021), effective from October 1, 2021 through September 30, 2022. On July 29, 2022, NMFS received an application for the renewal of that initial IHA. As described in the application for renewal IHA, the activities for which incidental take is requested consist of activities that are covered by the initial authorization but will not be completed prior to its expiration. As required, the applicant also provided a preliminary monitoring report (available at https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/national/marine-mammal-protection/incidental-take-authorizations-construction-activities ) which confirms that the applicant has implemented the required mitigation and monitoring, and which also shows that no impacts of a scale or nature not previously analyzed or authorized have occurred as a result of the activities conducted. The notice of the proposed renewal incidental harassment authorization was published on September 20, 2022 (87 FR 57480).

The purpose of the Naval Base San Diego Pier 6 Replacement Project is to remove and replace a decaying and inadequate pier for Navy ships. Specifically, the planned in-water construction work authorized under the initial IHA included removing piles that supported the existing pier and installing new piles using an impact hammer. After first removing the above-water structures and utilities, the Navy planned to remove a total of 1,998 piles, including 1,833 12 to 24-inch (in) square concrete piles, 149 12-in composite (timber-plastic) piles, and 16 16-in I-shaped steel piles. Once demolition had opened up space, the Navy planned to begin construction in the same location on a new pier measuring 37 meters (m; 120 feet (ft)) wide by 457 m (1,500 ft) long. New construction work involved impact driving of 966 piles, including 528 24-in octagonal concrete structural piles, 208 24-in square concrete fender piles, four 20-in square concrete piles for a load-out ramp, and 226 16-in fiberglass secondary and corner fender piles. Pile installation and removal was expected to take no more than 250 days.

Of the planned pile removal and installation activities described in the initial IHA, the Navy removed a total of 1,835 concrete piles over 70 days using a vibratory hammer and installed a total of 526 new concrete piles over 62 days using an impact hammer (Table 1). The Navy also removed 149 12-in composite piles and 16 16-in I-shaped steel piles using direct pull ( i.e., no pile hammer required). All planned pile removal activities described in the initial IHA have been completed. The Navy now plans to install the remaining piles over the course of approximately 54 days starting in November or early December 2022 and continuing through February 2023.

The types of impacts of the Navy's planned activities are identical to those described in the initial IHA. As in the initial IHA, NMFS anticipates that only the U.S. stock of California sea lions may be taken by Level B harassment incidental to underwater noise resulting from construction associated with the remaining planned activities.

The following documents are referenced in this notice and include important supporting information:

• Federal Register notice of proposed initial IHA (85 FR 80027; December 11, 2020);

• Federal Register notice of final initial IHA (86 FR 7993; February 3, 2021); and

• Initial IHA application, references cited, IHA renewal request, and preliminary monitoring report (available at www.fisheries.noaa.gov/national/marine-mammal-protection/incidental-take-authorizations-construction-activities ).

The purpose of the project is to remove and replace a decaying and inadequate pier built in 1945. A new, wider pier is needed to provide adequate ship berthing infrastructure to support modern Navy ships and fleet readiness. All in-water demolition ( i.e., pile removal) and installation of concrete structural piles has been completed. The remaining in-water construction activities covered under this IHA renewal include the following:

• Impact installation of 204 2-in square concrete fender piles; and

• Impact installation of 226 16-in round fiberglass fender piles.

A detailed description of the construction activities for which authorization of take is authorized here may be found in the Federal Register notice of proposed IHA for the initial IHA (85 FR 80027; December 11, 2020). The location, timing ( e.g., seasonality), and nature of the pile driving operations, including the type and size of piles and the methods of pile driving, are identical to those analyzed in the initial IHA. The IHA renewal is effective from DATE through September 30, 2023.

A description of the marine mammals in the area of the activities for which authorization of take is authorized here, including information on abundance, status, distribution, and hearing, may be found in the Federal Register notice of the proposed IHA for the initial authorization (85 FR 80027; December 11, 2020). NMFS has reviewed the monitoring data from the initial IHA, recent Stock Assessment Reports, information on relevant Unusual Mortality Events, and other scientific literature, and determined that neither this nor any other new information affects which species or stocks have the potential to be affected or the pertinent information in the Description of the Marine Mammals in the Area of Specified Activities contained in the supporting documents for the initial IHA.

A description of the potential effects of the specified activity on marine mammals and their habitat for the activities for which take is authorized here may be found in the Federal Register notice of the proposed IHA for the initial authorization (85 FR 80027; December 11, 2020). NMFS has reviewed the monitoring data from the initial IHA, recent Stock Assessment Reports, information on relevant Unusual Mortality Events, and other scientific literature, and determined that neither this nor any other new information affects our initial analysis of impacts on marine mammals and their habitat.

A detailed description of the methods and inputs used to estimate take for the specified activity are found in the Federal Register notice for the proposed and final initial IHAs (85 FR 80027; December 11, 2020 and 86 FR 7993; February 3, 2021). Specifically, the source levels and marine mammal occurrence data applicable to this authorization remain unchanged from the previously issued IHA, with the exception of fewer days of activity since the planned activities are a subset of those covered in the initial IHA. Similarly, the stocks taken, methods of take, and types of take remain unchanged from the previously issued IHA.

Based on the number of piles to be installed, the Navy estimates that the remaining activity would take 54 days (Table 1). As in the initial IHA, the Navy estimates four California sea lions could be present in the project area each day. Multiplication of the above estimate of animals per day (4) times the days of work (54) results in an estimated 216 Level B harassment takes of California sea lions (Table 2). The Navy intends to avoid Level A harassment take by shutting down activities if a California sea lion approaches within 20 m of the project site, which encompasses all Level A harassment ensonification zones. Therefore, no take by Level A harassment is anticipated or authorized.

With the exception of measures specific to vibratory pile removal that are not relevant to this IHA renewal, the mitigation, monitoring, and reporting measures included as requirements in this authorization are identical to those included in the Federal Register notice announcing the issuance of the initial IHA (86 FR 7993; February 3, 2021), and the discussion of the least practicable adverse impact included in that document remains accurate. The following measures are included in this renewal:

Establishment of Shutdown Zones— The Navy must establish shutdown zones for all pile driving and removal activities. The purpose of a shutdown zone is generally to define an area within which shutdown of the activity would occur upon sighting of a marine mammal (or in anticipation of an animal entering the defined area). Shutdown zones typically vary based on the activity type and marine mammal hearing group (Table 3). In this case, there is only one species affected and all Level A harassment isopleths are less than 10 m radius. To be conservative, the Navy must establish a 20 m shutdown zone for all pile driving or removal activities.

The placement of Protected Species Observers (PSOs) during all pile driving and removal activities (described in detail in the Monitoring section below) must ensure that the entire shutdown zone is visible during pile installation. Should environmental conditions deteriorate such that marine mammals within the entire shutdown zone would not be visible ( e.g., fog, heavy rain), pile driving and removal must be delayed until the PSO is confident marine mammals within the shutdown zone could be detected.

For in-water heavy machinery work other than pile driving, if a marine mammal comes within 10 m, operations must cease and vessels must reduce speed to the minimum level required to maintain steerage and safe working conditions. This type of work could include the following activities: (1) movement of the barge to the pile location; or (2) positioning of the pile on the substrate via a crane ( i.e., stabbing the pile).

The Navy must conduct briefings between construction supervisors and crews and the marine mammal monitoring team prior to the start of all pile driving activity and when new personnel join the work, to explain responsibilities, communication procedures, marine mammal monitoring protocol, and operational procedures.

For marine mammal species for which take by Level B harassment has not been authorized, in-water pile driving must shut down immediately if such species are observed within or entering the Level B harassment zone.

If take reaches the authorized limit for an authorized species, pile installation must be stopped as these species approach the Level B harassment zone to avoid additional take.

Monitoring for Level B Harassment —The Navy must monitor the Level A and B harassment zones. Monitoring zones provide utility for observing by establishing monitoring protocols for areas adjacent to the shutdown zones. Monitoring zones enable observers to be aware of and communicate the presence of marine mammals in the project area outside the shutdown zone and thus prepare for a potential halt of activity should the animal enter the shutdown zone. Placement of PSOs must allow PSOs to observe marine mammals within the Level B harassment zones.

Soft Start —Soft-start procedures are believed to provide additional protection to marine mammals by providing warning and/or giving marine mammals a chance to leave the area prior to the impact hammer operating at full capacity. For impact pile driving, contractors are required to provide an initial set of three strikes from the hammer at reduced energy, followed by a 30-second waiting period. This procedure must be conducted three times before impact pile driving begins. Soft start must be implemented at the start of each day's impact pile driving and at any time following cessation of impact pile driving for a period of 30 minutes or longer.

Pre-activity Monitoring —Prior to the start of daily in-water construction activity, or whenever a break in pile driving/removal of 30 minutes or longer occurs, PSOs must observe the shutdown and monitoring zones for a period of 30 minutes. The shutdown zone is considered cleared when a marine mammal has not been observed within the zone for that 30-minute period. If a marine mammal is observed within the shutdown zone, a soft-start must not proceed until the animal has left the zone or has not been observed for 15 minutes. When a marine mammal for which Level B harassment take is authorized is present in the Level B harassment zone, activities may begin and Level B harassment take will be recorded. If the entire Level B harassment zone is not visible at the start of construction, pile driving activities can begin. If work ceases for more than 30 minutes, the pre-activity monitoring of the shutdown zones must commence.

Marine mammal monitoring during pile driving and removal must be conducted by NMFS-approved PSOs in a manner consistent with the following:

• Independent PSOs ( i.e., not construction personnel) who have no other assigned tasks during monitoring periods must be used;

• At least one PSO must have prior experience performing the duties of a PSO during construction activity pursuant to a NMFS-issued incidental take authorization;

• Other PSOs may substitute education (degree in biological science or related field) or training for experience;

• Where a team of three or more PSOs are required, a lead observer or monitoring coordinator must be designated. The lead observer must have prior experience performing the duties of a PSO during construction activity pursuant to a NMFS-issued incidental take authorization; and

• The Navy must submit PSO Curriculum Vitae for approval by NMFS prior to the onset of pile driving.

PSOs must have the following additional qualifications:

• Ability to conduct field observations and collect data according to assigned protocols;

• Experience or training in the field identification of marine mammals, including the identification of behaviors;

• Sufficient training, orientation, or experience with the construction operation to provide for personal safety during observations;

• Writing skills sufficient to prepare a report of observations including but not limited to the number and species of marine mammals observed; dates and times when in-water construction activities were conducted; dates, times, and reason for implementation of mitigation (or why mitigation was not implemented when required); and marine mammal behavior; and

• Ability to communicate orally, by radio or in person, with project personnel to provide real-time information on marine mammals observed in the area as necessary.

Up to four PSOs must be employed. PSO locations must provide an unobstructed view of all water within the shutdown zone, and as much of the Level A and Level B harassment zones as possible. PSO locations are as follows:

(1) At the pile driving/removal site or best vantage point practicable to monitor the shutdown zones;

(2) For activities with Level B harassment zones larger than 400 m ( i.e., water jetting), two additional PSO locations must be used. One must be across from the project location along Inchon Road at Naval Amphibious Base Coronado; and

(3) Two additional PSOs must be located in a small boat. The boat must conduct a pre-activity survey of the entire monitoring area prior to in-water construction. The boat must start from south of the project area (where potential marine mammal occurrence is lowest) and proceed to the north. When the boat arrives near the northern boundary of the Level B harassment zone ( e.g., just north of the western side of the Coronado Bridge as depicted in the Figures in the monitoring plan) it must set up a station so the PSOs are best situated to detect any marine mammals that may approach from the north. The two PSOs aboard must split monitoring duties in order to monitor a 360 degree sweep around the vessel with each PSO responsible for 180 degrees of observable area.

Monitoring must be conducted 30 minutes before, during, and 30 minutes after pile driving/removal activities. In addition, observers must record all incidents of marine mammal occurrence, regardless of distance from activity, and must document any behavioral reactions in concert with distance from piles being driven or removed. Pile driving activities include the time to install or remove a single pile or series of piles, as long as the time elapsed between uses of the pile driving or drilling equipment is no more than 30 minutes.

Hydroacoustic Monitoring and Reporting —The Navy has volunteered to conduct hydroacoustic monitoring of all pile driving and removal methods. Data must be collected for a representative number of piles (three to five) for each pile size and/or type. As part of the below-mentioned report, or in a separate report with the same timelines as above, the Navy must provide an acoustic monitoring report for this work. Hydroacoustic monitoring results could be used to adjust the size of the Level B harassment and monitoring zones after a request is made and approved by NMFS. The acoustic monitoring report must, at minimum, include the following:

• Hydrophone equipment and methods: recording device, sampling rate, distance (m) from the pile where recordings were made; depth of recording device(s);

• Type of pile being driven or removed, substrate type, method of driving or removal during recordings;

• For impact pile driving: Pulse duration and mean, median, and maximum sound levels (dB re: 1µPa): SELcum, peak sound pressure level (SPLpeak), and single-strike sound exposure level (SELs-s);

• For non-impulsive sources ( e.g., water jetting): Mean, median, and maximum sound levels (dB re: 1µPa): root mean square sound pressure level (SPLrms), SELcum; and

• Number of strikes (impact) or duration (non-impulsive sources) per pile measured, one-third octave band spectrum and power spectral density plot.

A draft marine mammal monitoring report must be submitted to NMFS within 90 days after the completion of pile driving and removal activities, or 60 days prior to a requested date of issuance of any future IHAs for projects at the same location, whichever comes first. The report must include an overall description of work completed, a narrative regarding marine mammal sightings, and associated PSO data sheets. Specifically, the report must include:

• Dates and times (begin and end) of all marine mammal monitoring;

• Construction activities occurring during each daily observation period, including how many and what type of piles were driven or removed and by what method ( i.e., impact or vibratory and if other removal methods were used);

• Weather parameters and water conditions during each monitoring period ( e.g., wind speed, percent cover, visibility, sea state);

• The number of marine mammals observed, by species, relative to the pile location and if pile driving or removal was occurring at time of sighting;

• Age and sex class, if possible, of all marine mammals observed;

• PSO locations during marine mammal monitoring;

• Distances and bearings of each marine mammal observed to the pile being driven or removed for each sighting (if pile driving was occurring at time of sighting);

• Description of any marine mammal behavior patterns during observation, including direction of travel and estimated time spent within the Level A and Level B harassment zones while the source was active;

• Number of individuals of each species (differentiated by month as appropriate) detected within the monitoring zone;

• Detailed information about any implementation of any mitigation triggered ( e.g., shutdowns and delays), a description of specific actions that ensued, and resulting behavior of the animal, if any; and

• Description of attempts to distinguish between the number of individual animals taken and the number of incidences of take, such as ability to track groups or individuals.

If no comments are received from NMFS within 30 days, the draft final report will constitute the final report. If comments are received, a final report addressing NMFS comments must be submitted within 30 days after receipt of comments.

In the event that personnel involved in the construction activities discover an injured or dead marine mammal, the Navy must report the incident to the Office of Protected Resources (OPR), NMFS, and to the regional stranding coordinator as soon as feasible. If the death or injury was clearly caused by the specified activity, the Navy must immediately cease the specified activities until NMFS is able to review the circumstances of the incident and determine what, if any, additional measures are appropriate to ensure compliance with the terms of the IHA. The Navy must not resume their activities until notified by NMFS. The report must include the following information:

• Time, date, and location (latitude/longitude) of the first discovery (and updated location information if known and applicable);

• Species identification (if known) or description of the animal(s) involved;

• Condition of the animal(s) (including carcass condition if the animal is dead);

• Observed behaviors of the animal(s), if alive;

• If available, photographs or video footage of the animal(s); and

• General circumstances under which the animal was discovered.

A notice of NMFS' proposal to issue a renewal IHA to the Navy was published in the Federal Register on September 20, 2022 (87 FR 57480). That notice either described, or referenced descriptions of, the Navy's activity, the marine mammal species that may be affected by the activity, the anticipated effects on marine mammals and their habitat, estimated amount and manner of take, and proposed mitigation, monitoring and reporting measures. During the 15-day public comment period, NMFS received no public comments.

The construction activities planned by the Navy are a subset of those analyzed in the initial IHA, as are the method of taking and the effects of the action. The planned number of days of activity are reduced given the completion of a portion of the originally planned work. The potential effects of the Navy's activities are limited to Level B harassment in the form of behavioral disturbance and temporary threshold shift. In analyzing the effects of the activities in the initial IHA, NMFS determined that the Navy's activities would have a negligible impact on the affected species or stocks and that the authorized take numbers of each species or stock were small relative to the relevant stocks ( e.g., less than one-third of the abundance of all stocks). The mitigation measures and monitoring and reporting requirements as described above are identical to the initial IHA.

NMFS has concluded that there is no new information suggesting that our analysis or findings should change from those reached for the initial IHA. Based on the information and analysis contained here and in the referenced documents, NMFS has determined the following: (1) the required mitigation measures will effect the least practicable impact on marine mammal species or stocks and their habitat; (2) the authorized takes will have a negligible impact on the affected marine mammal species or stocks; (3) the authorized takes represent small numbers of marine mammals relative to the affected stock abundances; (4) the Navy's activities will not have an unmitigable adverse impact on taking for subsistence purposes as no relevant subsistence uses of marine mammals are implicated by this action; and (5) appropriate monitoring and reporting requirements are included.

To comply with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA; 42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq. ) and NOAA Administrative Order (NAO) 216-6A, NMFS must review our action ( i.e., the issuance of an IHA renewal) with respect to potential impacts on the human environment.

This action is consistent with categories of activities identified in Categorical Exclusion B4 (IHAs with no anticipated serious injury or mortality) of the Companion Manual for NOAA Administrative Order 216-6A, which do not individually or cumulatively have the potential for significant impacts on the quality of the human environment and for which we have not identified any extraordinary circumstances that would preclude this categorical exclusion. Accordingly, NMFS has determined that the issuance of the proposed IHA renewal qualifies to be categorically excluded from further NEPA review.

Section 7(a)(2) of the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (ESA; 16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq. ) requires that each Federal agency insure that any action it authorizes, funds, or carries out is not likely to jeopardize the continued existence of any endangered or threatened species or result in the destruction or adverse modification of designated critical habitat. No incidental take of ESA-listed marine mammal species is expected to result from this activity, and none would be authorized. Therefore, NMFS has determined that consultation under section 7 of the ESA is not required for this action.

NMFS has issued a renewal IHA to the Navy for the take of marine mammals incidental to conducting the Naval Base San Diego Pier 6 Replacement Project in San Diego, California, effective from October 17, 2022 through September 30, 2023.

The OMB is particularly interested in comments which:

• Evaluate whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of CNCS, including whether the information will have practical utility;

• Evaluate the accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information, including the validity of the methodology and assumptions;

• Propose ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and

• Propose ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are to respond, including through the use of appropriate automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology.

A 60-day notice requesting public comment was published in the Federal Register on Tuesday, July 12, 2022 at 87 FR 41297. This comment period ended September 12, 2022. Zero public comments were received from this notice.

Title of Collection: Granteee Project Progress Report (PPR) Data Collection.

OMB Control Number: 3045-0184.

Type of Review: Revision.

Respondents/Affected Public: Businesses and organizations; State, local or Tribal governments.

Total Estimated Number of Annual Responses: 350 respondents for AmeriCorps State and National. 52 respondents each for Commission Support Grants and Commission Investment Funds.

Total Estimated Number of Annual Burden Hours: 12,240.

Abstract: AmeriCorps uses information collected via the Project Progress Reports (PPRs), formerly known as Grantee Progress Reports (GPRs), to assess grantee progress toward meeting approved objectives; to identify areas of challenge and opportunity; to guide the allocation of training and technical assistance resources; and to compile portfolio-wide data to report to external stakeholders. AmeriCorps seeks to revise the current information collection. The revisions are intended to capture data related to new funding opportunities. The information collection will otherwise be used in the same manner as the existing application. AmeriCorps also seeks to continue using the current progress report instruments until the revised instrument is approved by OMB. The current information collection is due to expire on October 31, 2022.

Purpose: In accordance with the Government in the Sunshine Act (Sunshine Act), Public Law 94-409, as amended (5 U.S.C. 552b), the U.S. Election Assistance Commission (EAC) will hold a public meeting to conduct regular business of the agency.

Agenda: The U.S. Election Assistance Commission (EAC) will host a public meeting to discuss a range of topics related to agency regular business. The agenda will include a presentation on accreditation of Voting System Testing Lab (VSTL) SLI Compliance to test voting systems to the Voluntary Voting System Guidelines (VVSG) 2.0, an overview of agency activities from Interim Executive Director, Mark A. Robbins, a presentation from the EAC Inspector General on EAC management challenges and recent audits, and remarks from state election officials on initial lessons learned from the 2022 election.

The full agenda will be posted in advance on the EAC website: https://www.eac.gov.

Section 231(b) of the Help America Vote Act (HAVA) of 2002 (52 U.S.C. 20971(b)) requires that the EAC provide for the accreditation and revocation of accreditation of independent, non-federal laboratories qualified to test voting systems to Federal standards.

In order to meet its statutory requirements under HAVA § 20971(b), the EAC has developed the EAC's Voting System Test Laboratory Accreditation Program. The procedural requirements of the program are established in the EAC Voting System Test Laboratory Accreditation Program Manual. Although participation in the program is voluntary, adherence to the program's procedural requirements is mandatory for participants.

This meeting will be open to the public.

I. Obtaining a Copy of the Proposed Consent Decree

The official public docket for this action (identified by Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-OGC-2022-0862) contains a copy of the proposed consent decree. The official public docket is available for public viewing at the Office of Environmental Information (OEI) Docket in the EPA Docket Center, EPA West, Room 3334, 1301 Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, DC. The EPA Docket Center Public Reading Room is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding legal holidays. The telephone number for the Public Reading Room is (202) 566-1744, and the telephone number for the OEI Docket is (202) 566-1752.

The electronic version of the public docket for this action contains a copy of the proposed consent decree and is available through https://www.regulations.gov. You may use https://www.regulations.gov to submit or view public comments, access the index listing of the contents of the official public docket, and access those documents in the public docket that are available electronically. Once in the system, key in the appropriate docket identification number then select “search.”

On February 2, 2022, Plaintiff Our Children's Earth Foundation filed a complaint in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia, alleging that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA or the Agency) failed to perform certain non-discretionary duties in accordance with the Act to timely respond to numerous state implementation plan (SIP) submissions from the State of New Jersey. The proposed consent decree would establish deadlines for EPA to take action pursuant to CAA section 110(k) on certain SIP revisions by the State of New Jersey.

On July 20, 2009, New Jersey submitted a SIP revision on Diesel I/M, Opacity Cutpoints. The proposed consent decree would require EPA to take action to approve, disapprove, conditionally approve, or approve in part and conditionally approve or disapprove in part, the Diesel I/M, Opacity Cutpoints SIP revision by August 31, 2023.

On October 17, 2014, New Jersey submitted a SIP revision on 2010 SO 2 Transport. The proposed consent decree would require EPA to take action to approve, disapprove, conditionally approve, or approve in part and conditionally approve or disapprove in part, the 2010 SO 2 Transport SIP revision by August 30, 2024.

On December 14, 2017, New Jersey submitted a SIP revision covering PM 2.5 and Ammonia Emission Statement Reporting, PM 2.5 in Air Permitting, and Subchapter 8 permitting. The proposed consent decree would require EPA to take action to approve, disapprove, conditionally approve, or approve in part and conditionally approve or disapprove in part, the PM 2.5 and Ammonia Emission Statement Reporting and PM 2.5 in Air Permitting SIP revisions by November 30, 2023, and the Subchapter 8 permitting SIP revision by February 28, 2025.

On August 23, 2018, New Jersey submitted a SIP revision covering Resiliency, Air Toxics, and Removal of CAIR and NO X Budget Programs. The proposed consent decree would require EPA to take action to approve, disapprove, conditionally approve, or approve in part and conditionally approve or disapprove in part, the Resiliency and Air Toxics SIP revisions by November 30, 2023, and on the Removal of CAIR and NO X Budget Programs by August 30, 2024.

On January 2, 2018, New Jersey submitted a SIP revision on its 2008 Ozone Attainment Demonstration including RFP and its 2008 Ozone Contingency Measures. The proposed consent decree would require EPA to take action to approve, disapprove, conditionally approve, or approve in part and conditionally approve or disapprove in part, these two SIP revisions by August 30, 2024.

On May 13, 2019, New Jersey submitted a SIP revision for its 2015 Ozone Infrastructure SIP. The proposed consent decree would require EPA to take action to approve, disapprove, conditionally approve, or approve in part and conditionally approve or disapprove in part certain elements of the 2015 Ozone Infrastructure SIP revision by August 30, 2024.

And on March 26, 2020, New Jersey submitted a SIP revision on the Regional Haze Requirements for 2nd Planning Phase. The proposed consent decree would require EPA to take action to approve, disapprove, conditionally approve, or approve in part and conditionally approve or disapprove in part the Regional Haze Requirements for 2nd Planning Phase SIP revision by November 30, 2023.

In accordance with section 113(g) of the CAA, for a period of thirty (30) days following the date of publication of this document, the Agency will accept written comments relating to the proposed consent decree. EPA or the Department of Justice may withdraw or withhold consent to the proposed consent decree if the comments disclose facts or considerations that indicate that such consent is inappropriate, improper, inadequate, or inconsistent with the requirements of the Act.

Submit your comments, identified by Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-OGC-2022-0862, via https://www.regulations.gov. Once submitted, comments cannot be edited or removed from this docket. EPA may publish any comment received to its public docket. Do not submit to EPA's docket at https://www.regulations.gov any information you consider to be Confidential Business Information (CBI) or other information whose disclosure is restricted by statute. Multimedia submissions (audio, video, etc.) must be accompanied by a written comment. The written comment is considered the official comment and should include discussion of all points you wish to make. EPA will generally not consider comments or comment contents located outside of the primary submission ( i.e., on the web, cloud, or other file sharing system). For additional submission methods, the full EPA public comment policy, information about CBI or multimedia submissions, and general guidance on making effective comments, please visit https://www.epa.gov/dockets/commenting-epa-dockets. For additional information about submitting information identified as CBI, please contact the person listed in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section of this document. Note that written comments containing CBI and submitted by mail may be delayed and deliveries or couriers will be received by scheduled appointment only.

If you submit an electronic comment, EPA recommends that you include your name, mailing address, and an email address or other contact information in the body of your comment. This ensures that you can be identified as the submitter of the comment and allows EPA to contact you in case EPA cannot read your comment due to technical difficulties or needs further information on the substance of your comment. Any identifying or contact information provided in the body of a comment will be included as part of the comment that is placed in the official public docket and made available in EPA's electronic public docket. If EPA cannot read your comment due to technical difficulties and cannot contact you for clarification, EPA may not be able to consider your comment.

Use of the https://www.regulations.gov website to submit comments to EPA electronically is EPA's preferred method for receiving comments. The electronic public docket system is an “anonymous access” system, which means EPA will not know your identity, email address, or other contact information unless you provide it in the body of your comment.

Please ensure that your comments are submitted within the specified comment period. Comments received after the close of the comment period will be marked “late.” EPA is not required to consider these late comments.

Background: The Advisory Board was established under the Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program Act of 2000 to advise the President on a variety of policy and technical functions required to implement and effectively manage the new compensation program. Key functions of the Advisory Board include providing advice on the development of probability of causation guidelines, which have been promulgated by HHS as a final rule; advice on methods of dose reconstruction, which have also been promulgated by HHS as a final rule; advice on the scientific validity and quality of dose estimation and reconstruction efforts being performed for purposes of the compensation program; and advice on petitions to add classes of workers to the Special Exposure Cohort (SEC). In December 2000, the President delegated responsibility for funding, staffing, and operating the Advisory Board to HHS, which subsequently delegated this authority to the CDC. NIOSH implements this responsibility for CDC.

The Advisory Board's charter was issued on August 3, 2001, was renewed at appropriate intervals, was rechartered under Executive Order 13889 on March 22, 2022, and will terminate on March 22, 2024.

Purpose: This Advisory Board is charged with (a) providing advice to the Secretary, HHS, on the development of guidelines under Executive Order 13179; (b) providing advice to the Secretary, HHS, on the scientific validity and quality of dose reconstruction efforts performed for this program; and (c) upon request by the Secretary, HHS, advising the Secretary on whether there is a class of employees at any Department of Energy facility who were exposed to radiation but for whom it is not feasible to estimate their radiation dose, and on whether there is reasonable likelihood that such radiation doses may have endangered the health of members of this class.

Matters To Be Considered: The agenda will include discussions on the following: NIOSH Program Update; Department of Labor Program Update; Department of Energy Program Update; SEC Petitions Update; Procedures Review Finalization/Document Approvals; Rocky Flats Plant Work Group Update; Update on Review of SEC-00256 Pinellas Plant Evaluation Report; and a Board Work Session. Agenda items are subject to change as priorities dictate.

For additional information, please contact Toll Free 1-800-232-4636.

The Director, Strategic Business Initiatives Unit, Office of the Chief Operating Officer, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, has been delegated the authority to sign Federal Register notices pertaining to announcements of meetings and other committee management activities, for both the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry.

Purpose: The Council advises and makes recommendations to the Secretary of Health and Human Services, the Assistant Secretary for Health, and the Director, CDC, regarding the elimination of tuberculosis (TB). Specifically, the Council makes recommendations regarding policies, strategies, objectives, and priorities; addresses the development and application of new technologies; and reviews the extent to which progress has been made toward eliminating tuberculosis.

Matters To Be Considered: The agenda will include discussions on (1) electronic data systems for overseas medical evaluations; (2) TB commercial diagnostics; (3) TB screening in the Uniting for Ukraine response; (4) CDC electronic directly observed therapy recommendations; and (5) the TB Elimination Alliance. Agenda items are subject to change as priorities dictate.

Written Public Comment: Members of the public are welcome to submit written comments in advance of the meeting. Written comments must be submitted by emailing nchhstppolicy@cdc.gov with subject line “December 2022 ACET Public Comment Registration” by November 29, 2022.

Oral Public Comment: Individuals who would like to make an oral comment during the public comment period must register by emailing nchhstppolicy@cdc.gov with subject line “December 2022 ACET Public Comment Registration” by November 29, 2022. The public comment period is on December 13, 2022, at 4:45 p.m., EST.

The Director, Strategic Business Initiatives Unit, Office of the Chief Operating Officer, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, has been delegated the authority to sign Federal Register notices pertaining to announcements of meetings and other committee management activities, for both the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry.

On December 21, 2000, Congress enacted the Medicare, Medicaid, and State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) Benefits Improvement and Protection Act of 2000 (BIPA) (Pub. L. 106-554). Section 531(b) of BIPA mandated that the Secretary establish procedures that permit public consultation for coding and payment determinations for new durable medical equipment (DME) under Medicare Part B of title XVIII of the Social Security Act (the Act). In the November 23, 2001 Federal Register (66 FR 58743), we published a notice providing information regarding the establishment of the annual public meeting process for DME.

In 2020, we implemented changes to our Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS) coding procedures, including the establishment of quarterly coding cycles for drugs and biological products and biannual coding cycles for non-drug and non-biological items and services.

In the December 28, 2021 Federal Register (86 FR 73860), we published a final rule that established procedures for making Medicare benefit category and payment determinations for new items and services that are DME, prosthetic devices, orthotics and prosthetics, therapeutic shoes and inserts, surgical dressings, or splints, casts, and other devices used for reductions of fractures and dislocations under Medicare Part B.

The November 29, 2022 through December 1, 2022 HCPCS public meetings will be virtual and available for remote audio attendance and participation only via Zoom.

The following information must be provided when registering online to attend:

• Name;

• Company name (if applicable);

• Email address;

• Any special assistance requests (which, as stated above, will be considered if the registration is submitted by 5 p.m., e.s.t., Tuesday, November 15, 2022);

• Whether the registrant is a primary speaker or a 5-minute speaker for an agenda item;

• Agenda item and Application number;

• Whether the primary speaker will use a PowerPoint presentation; and

• Whether the registrant will participate in a practice Zoom session, to be held on Monday, November 28, 2022.

Each applicant that submitted a HCPCS code application that will be discussed at the virtual public meetings is permitted to designate a primary speaker. As stated above, we will accept PowerPoint presentations and relevant studies published after the date the applicant submitted its HCPCS code application if those materials are emailed to: HCPCS@cms.hhs.gov by 5 p.m., e.s.t., Tuesday, November 15, 2022. Due to the timeframe needed for the planning and coordination of the HCPCS virtual public meetings, materials that are not submitted in accordance with these deadlines cannot be accommodated.

All PowerPoint presentation materials must not exceed 10 pages. Relevant studies that were published after the date the applicant submitted its HCPCS code application are not subject to this page limit.

Fifteen minutes is the total time interval for each presentation. In establishing the public meeting agenda, we may group multiple, related code requests under the same agenda item.

On the day of the virtual meeting that the primary speaker attends and speaks on a HCPCS code application, before 5 p.m., e.s.t., the primary speaker must email a brief written summary (one paragraph) of their comments and conclusions to: HCPCS@cms.hhs.gov.

Every primary speaker must also declare at the beginning of their presentation at the meeting, as well as in their written summary, whether they have any financial involvement with the manufacturer of the item that is the subject of the HCPCS code application that the primary speaker presented, or any competitors of that manufacturer with respect to the item. This includes any payment, salary, remuneration, or benefit provided to that speaker by the applicant.

As noted above, the deadline for registering to be a 5-minute speaker is 5 p.m., e.s.t., Tuesday, November 15, 2022.

On the day of the virtual meeting that the 5-minute speaker attends and speaks on a HCPCS code application or agenda item, before 5 p.m., e.s.t., the 5-minute speaker must email a brief written summary of their comments and conclusions to: HCPCS@cms.hhs.gov. CMS will not accept any other written materials from a 5-minute speaker.

Every 5-minute speaker must also declare at the beginning of their presentation at the meeting, as well as in their written summary, whether they have any financial involvement with the manufacturer of the item that is the subject of the HCPCS code application or agenda item that the 5-minute speaker presented, or any competitors of that manufacturer with respect to the item. This includes any payment, salary, remuneration, or benefit provided to that speaker by the applicant.

Prior to registering to attend a virtual public meeting, all potential participants and other stakeholders are advised to review the public meeting agendas at https://www.cms.gov/Medicare/Coding/MedHCPCSGenInfo/HCPCSPublicMeetings which identify our preliminary coding, Medicare benefit category, and payment determinations, and the date each item will be discussed. All potential participants and other stakeholders are also encouraged to regularly check the HCPCS section of the CMS website at https://www.cms.gov/Medicare/Coding/MedHCPCSGenInfo/HCPCSPublicMeetings for publication of the draft agendas, including a summary of each HCPCS code application, our preliminary coding, Medicare benefit category, and payment determinations.

The HCPCS section of the CMS website also includes details regarding the public meeting process for new revisions to the HCPCS code set, including information on how to join the meeting remotely, and guidelines for an effective presentation. The HCPCS section of the CMS website also contains a document titled “Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS) Level II Coding Procedures,” which is a description of the HCPCS coding process, including a detailed explanation of the procedures CMS uses to make HCPCS coding determinations.

When CMS refers to HCPCS code or HCPCS coding application above, CMS may also be referring to circumstances when a HCPCS code has already been issued but a Medicare benefit category and/or payment has not been determined. At this meeting, CMS may or may not be able to provide preliminary Medicare benefit category and payment determinations for HCPCS codes that were effective October 1, 2022 or earlier, or that will be considered during this public meeting for coding actions. CMS is working diligently to address Medicare benefit category and payment determinations for new items and services that may be DME, prosthetic devices, orthotics and prosthetics, therapeutic shoes and inserts, surgical dressings, or splints, casts, and other devices used for reductions of fractures and dislocations under Medicare Part B. Please check the CMS website listed above for the final agenda.

Written comments from anyone who is not a primary speaker or 5-minute speaker will only be accepted when emailed to: HCPCS@cms.hhs.gov before 5 p.m., e.s.t., on the date of the virtual public meeting at which the HCPCS code application that is the subject of the comments is discussed.

The Administrator of CMS, Chiquita Brooks-LaSure, having reviewed and approved this document, authorizes Lynette Wilson, who is the Federal Register Liaison, to electronically sign this document for purposes of publication in the Federal Register .

Description: The evaluation involves seven data collection activities. Initial interviews with Project Directors and leaders from partner organizations and initial interviews with staff from lead and partner organizations have been completed. This request includes the remaining five activities:

• Survey Invitee Template: This template requests the Project Director of each CWCC grant to fill out a Survey Invitee Template to gather contact information for leaders and staff from lead and partner organizations who the evaluation team will invite to complete the Collaboration Survey (see below).

• Collaboration Survey: This electronic survey documents perceptions that leaders and staff from the CWCC lead and partner organizations have regarding their organizational/group processes, implementation activities, and progress towards goals. This survey is administered to staff at all grantee and partner organizations on an annual basis during each cohort's grant period.

• Site Visit Planning Template: Each project director (or their designee) will complete a Site Visit Planning Template to schedule site visit activities prior to each annual site visit.

• Two Site Visit Discussion Guides: To systematically document the approaches and strategies used by the first two cohorts of CWCC grantees (fiscal year (FY) 18 and FY 19 awardees), the evaluation team will conduct follow-up interviews with: (1) Project Directors from lead grantee organizations and leaders from partner organizations, and (2) Staff from the lead and partner organizations. These interviews will take place during site visits. Each grantee will participate in four site visits in total. As noted above, the first two have already been completed.

Respondents: Leadership and staff from CWCC lead (grantee) organizations and from partner organizations.

Development programs for CBER- and CDER-regulated drugs and biologics intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent a serious disease or condition where there is an unmet medical need may have accelerated clinical development timelines. Yet marketing applications for products in expedited development programs still need to meet FDA's approval standards, including manufacturing facility compliance with current good manufacturing practice (CGMP). Products with accelerated clinical development activities may face challenges in expediting CMC development activities to align with the accelerated clinical timelines. Successfully expediting CMC readiness may require additional interactions with FDA during product development and, if applicable, warrant the use of science- and risk-based regulatory approaches allowing streamlining of CMC development activities, so that clinical benefits of earlier patient access to these products can be realized.

As described in the FDA Prescription Drug User Fee Act (PDUFA) VII Commitment Letter for fiscal years (FYs) 2023 through 2027 (Ref. 1), FDA is implementing the CDRP program to facilitate CMC readiness for selected CBER- and CDER-regulated products with accelerated clinical development timelines. To accelerate CMC development and facilitate CMC readiness, the pilot features increased communication between FDA and sponsors and explores the use of science- and risk-based regulatory approaches, such as those described in the FDA guidance for industry entitled “Expedited Programs for Serious Conditions—Drugs and Biologics” (May 2014) (Ref. 2), as applicable.

Starting in FY 2023, FDA (CBER and CDER) will conduct a CDRP to facilitate the CMC development of selected products under INDs which have expedited clinical development timeframes, based upon the anticipated clinical benefits of earlier patient access to the products. This includes products with Breakthrough Therapy (BT), Fast Track (FT), and Regenerative Medicine Advance Therapy (RMAT) designations. For sponsors participating in the pilot, FDA will provide product-specific CMC advice during product development, to include two additional CMC-focused Type B meetings, as well as a limited number of additional CMC-focused discussions, based on readiness and defined CMC milestones. The increased communication between FDA review staff and sponsors is intended to ensure a mutual understanding of approaches to completing CMC activities, including what information should be provided at the appropriate timepoint ( i.e., at the time of new drug application (NDA) or biologics license application (BLA) submission, prior to the end of the review cycle, or post-approval), to ensure CMC readiness for a marketing application.

Starting April 1, 2023, FDA will accept requests to participate in the CDRP program and select no more than nine proposals, with approximately two thirds being CBER-regulated products and one third CDER-regulated products. Taking into consideration lessons from the prior year, FDA will publish in the Federal Register a notice to announce pilot programs for each of the 3 following fiscal years. Sponsors who are interested in participating in the pilot program should submit a request to participate in the pilot as an amendment to their IND. The cover letter should state “Request to participate in the CMC Development and Readiness Pilot.”

To promote innovation and understanding in this area, lessons learned through the pilot may be presented by FDA ( e.g., in a public workshop) as case studies, including when the product studied in the pilot has not yet been approved by FDA. FDA intends to conduct a public workshop and issue a strategy document focused on CMC aspects of expedited development incorporating lessons from the CDRP. Participation in the pilot program is voluntary and at the discretion of the sponsor. To be eligible for the pilot, the sponsor's written request should include the following statement:

Information Collection Request Title: The National Health Service Corps (NHSC) Loan Repayment Programs (LRP) OMB No. 0915-0127—Revision.

Abstract: The NHSC LRP was established to assure an adequate supply of trained primary care health professionals to provide services in the neediest Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSAs) of the United States. The NHSC Substance Use Disorder Workforce LRP and the NHSC Rural Community LRP were established to recruit and retain a health professional workforce with specific training and credentials to provide evidence-based substance use disorder treatment in HPSAs. Under these programs, the Department of Health and Human Services agrees to repay the qualifying educational loans of selected primary care health professionals. In return, the health professionals agree to serve for a specified period of time in an NHSC-approved site located in a federally-designated HPSA approved by the Secretary for LRP participants.

The forms utilized by each LRP include the following: (1) the NHSC LRP Application, (2) the Authorization for Disclosure of Loan Information form, (3) the Privacy Act Release Authorization form, and if applicable, (4) the Verification of Disadvantaged Background form, and (5) the Private Practice Option form. The first four of the NHSC LRP forms collect information that is needed for selecting participants and repaying qualifying educational loans. The last referenced form, the Private Practice Option Form, is needed to collect information for all participants who have applied for that service option.

NHSC-approved sites are health care facilities that provide comprehensive outpatient, ambulatory, primary health care services to populations residing in HPSAs. Related in-patient services may be provided by NHSC-approved Critical Access Hospitals and Indian Health Service hospitals. In order to become an NHSC-approved site, new sites must submit a Site Application for review and approval. Existing NHSC-approved sites are required to complete a Site Recertification Application every 3 years in order to maintain their NHSC-approved status. Both the NHSC Site Application and Site Recertification Application request information on the clinical service site, sponsoring agency, recruitment contact, staffing levels, service users, charges for services, employment policies, and fiscal management capabilities. Assistance in completing these applications may be obtained through the appropriate State Primary Care Offices and the NHSC. The information collected on the applications is used for determining the eligibility of sites for the assignment of NHSC health professionals and to verify the need for NHSC clinicians. NHSC service site approval is valid for 3 years.

Need and Proposed Use of the Information: The need and purpose of this information collection is to assess an LRP applicant's eligibility and qualifications for the LRP, and to obtain information for NHSC site applicants. The NHSC LRP application asks for personal, professional, and financial/loan information.

The proposed revisions in this ICR include asking applicants to provide their educational information on the completion of post graduate training. The NHSC will use this information to identify graduates or completers of the following HRSA-funded programs: the Primary Care Training and Enhancement: Training Primary Care Champions Program, the Addiction Medicine Fellowship, the Teaching Health Center Graduate Medical Education Program, the Advanced Nursing Education Nurse Practitioner Residency Program, or the Advanced Nursing Education Nurse Practitioner Residency Integration Program. To identify the graduates or completers of these HRSA-funded programs, the NHSC will require applicants to respond to the following additional questions:

(1) Have you completed a post graduate training?

(2) Applicants who selected “yes” to the question above are required to submit the National Practitioner Identifier number.

(3) Further, if applicable, applicants are asked to enter the residency identification number and their residency completion certificate, if available.

NHSC policy requires behavioral health providers to practice in a community-based setting that provides access to comprehensive behavioral health services. Accordingly, for those sites seeking to be assigned behavioral health NHSC participants, additional site information will be collected from an NHSC Comprehensive Behavioral Health Services Checklist. NHSC sites that do not directly offer all required behavioral health services must demonstrate a formal affiliation with a comprehensive, community-based primary behavioral health setting or facility to provide these services.

Likely Respondents: Likely respondents include: (1) Licensed primary care medical, dental, and mental and behavioral health providers who are employed or seeking employment, and are interested in serving underserved populations; (2) health care facilities interested in participating in the NHSC and becoming an NHSC-approved service site; and (3) NHSC sites providing behavioral health care services directly, or through a formal affiliation with a comprehensive community-based primary behavioral health setting or facility providing comprehensive behavioral health services.

Burden Statement: Burden in this context means the time expended by persons to generate, maintain, retain, disclose, or provide the information requested. This includes the time needed to review instructions; to develop, acquire, install, and utilize technology and systems for the purpose of collecting, validating and verifying information, processing and maintaining information, and disclosing and providing information; to train personnel and to be able to respond to a collection of information; to search data sources; to complete and review the collection of information; and to transmit or otherwise disclose the information. The total annual burden hours estimated for this Information Collection Request are summarized in the table below.

The REAL ID Act of 2005 (the Act) prohibits Federal agencies from accepting State-issued drivers' licenses or identification cards for any official purpose—defined by the Act and regulations as boarding commercial aircraft, accessing federal facilities, or entering nuclear power plants—unless the license or card is issued by a State that meets the requirements set forth in the Act. Title II of Division B of Public Law 109-13, codified at 49 U.S.C. 30301 note. The REAL ID regulations, which DHS issued in January 2008, establish the minimum standards that States must meet to comply with the Act. See 73 FR 5272, also 6 CFR part 37 (Jan. 29, 2008). These include requirements for presentation and verification of documents to establish identity and lawful status, standards for document issuance and security, and physical security requirements for driver's license production facilities. For a State to achieve full compliance, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) must make a final determination that the State has met the requirements contained in the regulations and is compliant with the Act. The regulations include new information reporting and record keeping requirements for States seeking a full compliance determination by DHS. As discussed in more detail below, States seeking DHS's full compliance determination must certify that they are meeting certain standards in the issuance of driver's licenses and identification cards and submit security plans covering physical security of document production and storage facilities as well as security of personally identifiable information. 6 CFR 37.55(a). States also must conduct background checks and training for employees involved in the document production and issuance processes and retain and store applicant photographs and other source documents. 6 CFR 37.31 and 37.45. States must recertify compliance with REAL ID every three years on a rolling basis as determined by the Secretary of Homeland Security. 6 CFR 37.55.

Section 202(a)(2) of the REAL ID Act requires the Secretary to determine whether a State is meeting its requirements, “based on certifications made by the State to the Secretary.” To assist DHS in making a final compliance determination, 37.55 of the rule requires the submission of the following materials:

(1) A certification by the highest level Executive official in the state overseeing the DMV that the state has implemented a program for issuing driver's licenses and identification cards in compliance with the REAL ID Act.

(2) A letter from the Attorney General of the State confirming the State has the legal authority to impose requirements necessary to meet the standards.

(3) A description of a State's exceptions process to accept alternate documents to establish identity and lawful status and wavier process used when conducting background checks for individuals involved in the document production process.

(4) The State's security plan.

Additionally, after a final compliance determination by DHS, states must recertify compliance every three years on a rolling basis as determined by DHS. 6 CFR 37.55(b).

State REAL ID programs will be subject to DHS review to determine whether the state meets the requirements for compliance. States must cooperate with DHS's compliance review and provide any reasonable information requested by DHS relevant to determining compliance. Under the rule, DHS may inspect sites associated with the enrollment of applicants and the production, manufacture, personalization, and issuance of driver's licenses or identification cards. DHS also may conduct interviews of employees and contractors involved in the document issuance, verification, and production processes. 6 CFR 37.59(a).

Following a review of a State's certification package, DHS may make a preliminary determination that the State needs to take corrective actions to achieve full compliance. In such cases, a State may have to respond to DHS and explain the actions it took or plans to take to correct any deficiencies cited in the preliminary determination or alternatively, detail why the DHS preliminary determination is incorrect. 6 CFR 37.59(b).

In order for States to be in compliance with the Act, they must ensure the security of production facilities and materials and conduct background checks and fraudulent document training for employees involved in document issuance and production. REAL ID Act sec. 202(d)(7)-(9). The Act also requires compliant licenses and identification cards to include features to prevent tampering, counterfeiting, or duplication. REAL ID Act sec. 202(b). To document compliance with these requirements the regulations require States to prepare a security plan and submit it as part of their certification package. 6 CFR 37.41. At a minimum, the security plan must address steps the State is taking to ensure:

• the physical security of production materials and storage and production facilities;

• security of personally identifiable information maintained at DMVs including a privacy policy and standards and procedures for document retention and destruction;

• document security features including a description of the use of biometrics and the technical standards used;

• facility access control including credentialing and background checks;

• fraudulent document and security awareness training;

• emergency response;

• internal audit controls; and

• an affirmation that the State possesses the authority and means to protect the confidentiality of REAL ID documents issued in support of criminal justice agencies or similar programs.

The security plan also must include a report on card security and integrity.

Within its security plans, the rule requires States to outline their approach to conducting background checks of certain DMV employees involved in the card production process. 6 CFR 37.45. Specifically, States are required to perform background checks on persons who are involved in the manufacture or production of REAL ID driver's licenses and identification cards, as well as on individuals who have the ability to affect the identity information that appears on the driver's license or identification card and on current employees who will be assigned to such positions. The background check must include a name-based and fingerprint-based criminal history records check, an employment eligibility check, and for newer employees a prior employment reference check. The regulation permits a State to establish procedures to allow for a waiver for certain background check requirements in cases, for example, where the employee has been arrested, but no final disposition of the matter has been reached.

Under the rule, a State DMV may choose to establish written, defined exceptions process for persons who, for reasons beyond their control, are unable to present all necessary documents and must rely on alternate documents to establish identity, and date of birth. 6 CFR 37.11(h). Alternative documents to demonstrate lawful status will only be allowed to demonstrate U.S. citizenship. The State must retain copies or images of the alternate documents accepted under the exceptions process and submit a report with a copy of the exceptions process as part of its certification package.

The rule requires States to maintain photographs of applicants and records of certain source documents. Paper or microfiche copies of these documents must be retained for a minimum of seven years. Digital images of these documents must be retained for a minimum of ten years. 6 CFR 37.31.

Pursuant to 37.63 of the Final Rule, States granted an initial extension may file a request for an additional extension. Subsequent extensions will be granted at the discretion of the Secretary.

To assist in program administration and enforcement planning efforts, DHS is requesting data from the states describing (1) the total number of driver's license/identification card holders in the state, (2) the total number of REAL ID compliant licenses and identification cards issued by the state, and (3) the total number of noncompliant licenses and identification cards issued by the state.

The collection of the information will support the information needs of DHS in its efforts to determine state compliance with requirements for issuing REAL ID driver's licenses and identification cards. States may submit the required documents in any format that they choose. DHS has not defined specific format submission requirements for states. DHS will use all of the submitted documentation to evaluate State progress in implementing the requirements of the REAL ID Final Rule. DHS has used information provided under the current collection to grant extensions and track state progress. Collection of the issuance data will help DHS and other federal agencies in planning for full enforcement.

Submission of the security plan helps to ensure the integrity of the license and identification card issuance and production process and outlines the measures taken to protect personal information collected, maintained, and used by state DMVs. Additionally, the collection will assist other Federal and State agencies conducting or assisting with necessary background and immigration checks for certain employees. The purpose of the name-based and fingerprint based CHRC requirement is to ensure the suitability and trustworthiness of individuals who have the ability to affect the identity information that appears on the license; have access to the production process; or who are involved in the manufacture or issuance of the licenses and identification cards.

In compliance with GPEA, States will be permitted to electronically submit the information for their security plans, certification packages, recertifications, extensions, written exceptions processes, and issuance data. States will be permitted to submit electronic signatures but must keep the original signature on file. Additionally, because they contain sensitive security information (SSI), the security plans must be handled and protected in accordance with 49 CFR part 1520. 6 CFR 37.41(c). The final rule does not dictate how States must submit their employees' fingerprints to the FBI for background checks; however it is assumed States will do so via electronic means or another means determined by the FBI.

The information collection discussed in this analysis applies to states, state agencies, and certain employees involved in the card production process. Therefore, it is DHS's belief that the information collection does not have a significant impact on a substantial number of small businesses.

In accordance with the regulations, submission of certification materials and security plans will assist DHS in determining full compliance. DHS may also review documents, audit processes, and conduct inspections. Failure to make a compliance determination would prevent state-issued licenses and identification cards from being used for official purposes, which includes boarding commercial aircraft and accessing federal facilities. Additional requirements for recordkeeping, document retention and storage, as well as background checks for certain employees help to ensure the integrity of the card production and issuance process and will assist DHS during audits or inspections of a state's processes. Submission of issuance data will assist DHS in evaluating individual state and the overall issuance rate of REAL IDs, which will help in enforcement planning efforts.

Information provided will be protected from disclosure to the extent appropriate under applicable provisions of the Freedom of Information Act, the Privacy Act of 1974, the Driver's Privacy Protection Act, as well as DHS's Privacy Impact Assessment for the REAL ID Act.

There has been no program changes or new requirements established as a result of this collection request.

Extensions were covered in the initial request however it was incorrectly removed from the subsequent request.

The submission of issuance data by the states was not included in the original ICR or its subsequent renewals or updates.

The Office of Management and Budget is particularly interested in comments which:

1. Evaluate whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information will have practical utility;

2. Evaluate the accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information, including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used;

3. Enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and

4. Minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are to respond, including through the use of appropriate automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology, e.g., permitting electronic submissions of responses.

Agency: Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

Title: Minimum Standards for Driver's licenses and Identification Cards Acceptable by Federal Agencies for Official Purposes.

OMB Number: 1601-0005.

Frequency: Annually.

Affected Public: State, Local, Tribal Government.

Number of Respondents: 56.

Estimated Time per Respondent: 1.

Total Burden Hours: 444,134.

The REAL ID Act of 2005 (the Act) prohibits Federal agencies from accepting State-issued drivers' licenses or identification cards for any official purpose—defined in the Act and regulations to include accessing federal facilities, boarding federally regulated commercial aircraft, and entering nuclear power plants—unless the license or card is issued by a State that meets the requirements set forth in the Act. The REAL ID regulations, which DHS issued in January 2008, establish the minimum standards that States must meet to comply with the Act. DHS has a separate collection of information related to DHS interaction with States, e.g., State certification (see OMB Control No. 1601-0005). By contrast to that collection of information, this collection of information relates to the States' collection of information from driver's license applicants.

The Act and regulations also prescribe the documents and information an individual must present as proof of identity and lawful status when applying for a REAL ID compliant license or identification card. This includes information and documentation establishing a person's identity, date of birth, social security number, residence address, and evidence of U.S. citizenship or lawful status in the United States. Additionally, states may permit an applicant to establish a name other than the name that appears on a source document but must require evidence of the name change through presentation of documents issued by a court, governmental body or other entity as determined by the state. The costs of these activities are one-time costs because they accrue as part of the initial issuance process only.

With certain exceptions, the REAL ID regulations generally permit an applicant to renew or obtain a reissued replacement REAL ID license or identification card remotely and without presenting additional documentation or information. States may not, however, remotely renew or reissue a replacement license or identification card where there has been a material change in any personally identifiable information since the prior issuance. In such cases, an applicant must present documentation establishing the material change. The regulations also require applicants to renew their REAL ID licenses and identification cards in-person at least once every sixteen years. Additionally, holders of temporary or limited-term REAL ID driver's licenses and identification cards must present evidence of continued lawful status when renewing their license or identification card.

In addition to requiring applicants to present certain identity and lawful status documentation and information as described in paragraph 1 above, the REAL ID Act and regulations require states to verify and retain copies of that information. These requirements help states to ensure the authenticity of an applicant's information and reduce opportunities for fraud in the application and document issuance process. The regulations specifically require states to verify identity and lawful status information and documentation presented by an applicant to ensure (1) the source document provided is genuine and has not been altered (“document authentication”), and (2) the identity data contained on the document is valid (“data verification”). States must verify documents and information provided by an applicant with the issuer of the document and use electronic validation systems as they become available for use. For example, to verify an applicant's lawful status in the United States, the regulations require states to verify a document issued by the Department of Homeland Security through the use of the Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE) system or alternate method approved by DHS. Similarly, states must verify documents issued by the U.S. Department of State, including U.S. passports, with the Department of State, social security information with the Social Security Administration, and birth certificates using the Electronic Verification of Vital Events (EVVE) system or other electronic system when the records are available. The regulations also require state department of motor vehicle employees who are involved in the handling of an applicant's source documents or who are engaged in the issuance of driver's licenses and identification cards to undergo periodic fraudulent document recognition training and security awareness training. The Act and regulations also require states to retain copies of the application, declaration, and source documents, including documents establishing name changes for either seven years or ten years depending on whether the documents are retained electronically or in paper format.

Applicants for REAL ID licenses and identification cards generally submit their documentation and information in-person at a state DMV office. During the application process the state will review and make copies of an applicant's information, collect the completed application, take the applicant's photograph, and obtain a declaration that the information presented is true and correct. Although this transaction generally occurs in-person, DHS has provided guidance authorizing states to allow applicants to pre-submit identity and lawful status source documents through a secure electronic process in advance of an in-person DMV visit at which time the applicant would physically present those same documents for authentication and verification by DMV personnel. States that utilize this process have indicated that it helps to ensure an applicant has the correct information and reduces customer wait times by allowing the state to electronically copy the information in advance of the visit.

In December 2020, Congress enacted the REAL ID Modernization Act, which includes provisions that would allow states to accept applicant information through electronic transmission methods following the DHS issuance of regulations and state certification that they comply with those regulations. DHS is in the process of developing regulations to implement this provision, which when implemented by the state could help to reduce the burden's associated with an in-person DMV visit to obtain a REAL ID compliant license or identification card.

The information collection discussed in this analysis applies to applicant's for REAL ID licenses and identification cards. Therefore, it is DHS's belief that the information collection does not have a significant impact on a substantial number of small businesses.

Without the presentation, verification, and retention of applicant identity and lawful status documentation and information, states would be unable to comply with REAL ID requirements. As a consequence, individuals would be unable to use their state-issued driver's license or identification card for REAL ID official purposes. This is a new collection.

The Office of Management and Budget is particularly interested in comments which:

1. Evaluate whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information will have practical utility;

2. Evaluate the accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information, including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used;

3. Enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and

4. Minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are to respond, including through the use of appropriate automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology, e.g., permitting electronic submissions of responses.

Agency: Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

Title: REAL ID Applicant Information and Documentation.

OMB Number: 1601-NEW.

Frequency: Annually.

Affected Public: Public.

Number of Respondents: 89,958,000.

Estimated Time per Respondent: 2.42.

Total Burden Hours: 34,887,000.

As required by 43 CFR 2650.7(d), notice is hereby given that the BLM will issue an appealable decision to Calista Corporation. The decision approves conveyance of surface and subsurface estates in certain lands pursuant to ANCSA (43 U.S.C. 1601, et seq. ), as amended.

The lands are located within the Yukon Delta National Wildlife Refuge, in the following townships, and aggregate 34.29 acres: T. 19 N., R. 64 W., Seward Meridian (SM); T. 19 N., R. 65 W., SM; T. 28 N., R. 67 W., SM; T. 13 N., R. 79 W., SM; T. 19 N., R. 85 W., SM; T. 19 N., R. 92 W., SM. The decision addresses public access easements, if any, to be reserved to the United States pursuant to Sec. 17(b) of ANCSA (43 U.S.C. 1616(b)), in the lands approved for conveyance.

The BLM will also publish notice of the decision once a week for four consecutive weeks in “The Delta Discovery” newspaper.

Any party claiming a property interest in the lands affected by the decision may appeal the decision in accordance with the requirements of 43 CFR part 4 within the following time limits:

1. Unknown parties, parties unable to be located after reasonable efforts have been expended to locate, parties who fail or refuse to sign their return receipt, and parties who receive a copy of the decision by regular mail which is not certified, return receipt requested, shall have until November 30, 2022 to file an appeal.

2. Parties receiving service of the decision by certified mail shall have 30 days from the date of receipt to file an appeal.

Parties who do not file an appeal in accordance with the requirements of 43 CFR part 4 shall be deemed to have waived their rights. Notices of appeal transmitted by facsimile will not be accepted as timely filed.

As required by 43 CFR 2650.7(d), notice is hereby given that the BLM will issue an appealable decision to Calista Corporation. The decision approves conveyance of surface and subsurface estates in certain lands pursuant to ANCSA (43 U.S.C. 1601, et seq. ), as amended.

The lands aggregate 137.39 acres and are located within the Yukon Delta National Wildlife Refuge in the following townships: T. 9 N., R. 79 W., Seward Meridian (SM); T. 11 N., R. 79 W., SM; T. 8 N., R. 80 W., SM; T. 9 N., R. 80 W., SM; T. 16 N., R. 88 W., SM; T. 23 N., R. 89 W., SM; T 20 N., R. 93 W., SM.

The decision addresses public access easements, if any, to be reserved to the United States pursuant to Sec. 17(b) of ANCSA (43 U.S.C. 1616(b)), in the lands approved for conveyance.

The BLM will also publish notice of the decision once a week for four consecutive weeks in “The Delta Discovery” newspaper.

Any party claiming a property interest in the lands affected by the decision may appeal the decision in accordance with the requirements of 43 CFR part 4 within the following time limits:

1. Unknown parties, parties unable to be located after reasonable efforts have been expended to locate, parties who fail or refuse to sign their return receipt, and parties who receive a copy of the decision by regular mail, which is not certified, return receipt requested, shall have until November 30, 2022 to file an appeal.

2. Parties receiving service of the decision by certified mail shall have 30 days from the date of receipt to file an appeal.

Parties who do not file an appeal in accordance with the requirements of 43 CFR part 4 shall be deemed to have waived their rights. Notices of appeal transmitted by facsimile will not be accepted as timely filed.

As required by 43 CFR 2650.7(d), notice is hereby given that the BLM will issue an appealable decision to Calista Corporation. The decision approves conveyance of the surface estate in certain lands pursuant to the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (43 U.S.C. 1601, et seq. ), as amended. Ownership of the subsurface estate will be retained by the United States. The lands are located within the Yukon Delta National Wildlife Refuge, in the following townships, and aggregate 35.06 acres: T. 11 N., R. 89 W., Seward Meridian (SM); T. 16 N., R. 89 W., SM; T. 16 N., R. 90 W., SM; T. 1 S, R. 85 W., SM; T. 3 S, R. 100 W., SM; T. 4 S, R. 100 W., SM.

The decision addresses public access easements, if any, to be reserved to the United States pursuant to Sec. 17(b) of ANCSA (43 U.S.C. 1616(b)), in the lands described above. The BLM will also publish notice of the decision once a week for four consecutive weeks in “The Delta Discovery” newspaper. Any party claiming a property interest in the lands affected by the decision may appeal the decision in accordance with the requirements of 43 CFR part 4 within the following time limits:

1. Unknown parties, parties unable to be located after reasonable efforts have been expended to locate, parties who fail or refuse to sign their return receipt, and parties who receive a copy of the decision by regular mail, which is not certified, return receipt requested, shall have until November 30, 2022 to file an appeal.

2. Parties receiving service of the decision by certified mail shall have 30 days from the date of receipt to file an appeal.

Parties who do not file an appeal in accordance with the requirements of 43 CFR part 4 shall be deemed to have waived their rights. Notices of appeal transmitted by facsimile will not be accepted as timely filed.

As required by 43 CFR 2650.7(d), notice is hereby given that the BLM will issue an appealable decision to Calista Corporation. The decision approves conveyance of surface estate in certain lands pursuant to ANCSA (43 U.S.C. 1601, et seq. ), as amended. Ownership of the subsurface estate will be retained by the United States.

The lands aggregate 148.33 acres and are located within the Yukon Delta National Wildlife Refuge in the following townships: T. 13 N., R. 89 W., Seward Meridian (SM); T. 13 N., R. 90 W., SM; T. 12 N., R. 91 W., SM; T. 13 N., R. 91 W., SM; T. 14 N., R. 91 W., SM.

The decision addresses public access easements, if any, to be reserved to the United States pursuant to Sec. 17(b) of ANCSA (43 U.S.C. 1616(b)), in the lands approved for conveyance.

The BLM will also publish notice of the decision once a week for four consecutive weeks in “The Delta Discovery” newspaper.

Any party claiming a property interest in the lands affected by the decision may appeal the decision in accordance with the requirements of 43 CFR part 4 within the following time limits:

1. Unknown parties, parties unable to be located after reasonable efforts have been expended to locate, parties who fail or refuse to sign their return receipt, and parties who receive a copy of the decision by regular mail, which is not certified, return receipt requested, shall have until November 30, 2022 to file an appeal.

2. Parties receiving service of the decision by certified mail shall have 30 days from the date of receipt to file an appeal.

Parties who do not file an appeal in accordance with the requirements of 43 CFR part 4 shall be deemed to have waived their rights. Notices of appeal transmitted by facsimile will not be accepted as timely filed.

On June 8, 1981, the Director of the National Park Service (NPS) relinquished jurisdiction and the Governor of the State of Washington accepted concurrent jurisdiction at Fort Vancouver National Historic Site. On May 22, 2012, the Department of Army transferred the East and South Barracks (“Barracks”) to the NPS for inclusion in the Fort Vancouver National Historic Site. On October 5, 2022, acting in accordance with the provisions of 54 U.S.C. 100754 and Revised Code of Washington section 37.04.050, the Director of the NPS relinquished jurisdiction and the Governor of the State of Washington accepted concurrent jurisdiction over the Barracks, in order to enable the United States and State of Washington to exercise concurrent jurisdiction over the Barracks consistent with the remainder of the Fort Vancouver National Historical Site.

Written comments and suggestions from the public and affected agencies concerning the proposed collection of information are encouraged. Your comments should address one or more of the following four points:

• Evaluate whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information will have practical utility;

• Evaluate the accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information, including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used;

• Evaluate whether and, if so, how the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected can be enhanced; and

• Minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are to respond, including through the use of appropriate automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology, e.g., permitting electronic submission of responses.

1. Type of Information Collection: Extension with Revision of a Currently Approved Collection.

2. The Title of the Form/Collection: National Firearms Act (NFA) Responsible Person Questionnaire.

3. The agency form number, if any, and the applicable component of the Department sponsoring the collection:

Form number: ATF Form 5320.23.

Component: Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, U.S. Department of Justice.

4. Affected public who will be asked or required to respond, as well as a brief abstract:

Primary: Business or other for-profit, Federal Government, State Local or Tribal Government.

Other: Not-for-profit institutions and Farms.

Abstract: The National Firearms Act (NFA) Responsible Person Questionnaire—ATF Form 5320.23 (ATF Form 5320.23) must be completed by a responsible person (RP), identified as part of a trust or legal entity on the Application to Make and Register a Firearm—ATF Form 1 (5320.1) (ATF Form 1). This form must also be completed by a RP who is the identified as the firearm maker or the transferee on the Application for Tax Paid Transfer and Registration of Firearm—ATF Form 4 (5320.4) (ATF Form 4), or the Application for Tax Exempt Transfer of Firearm—ATF Form 5 (5320.5) ATF Form 5.

5. An estimate of the total number of respondents and the amount of time estimated for an average respondent to respond: An estimated 115,829 respondents will respond to this collection once annually, and it will take each respondent approximately 30 minutes to complete their responses.

6. An estimate of the total public burden (in hours) associated with the collection: The estimated annual public burden associated with this collection is 57,914.5 or 57,915 hours, which is equal to 115,829 (total respondents) * 1 (# of response per respondent) * .5 (30 minutes or the time taken to prepare each response).

If additional information is required contact: Robert Houser, Department Clearance Officer, Policy and Planning Staff, Office of the Chief Information Officer, Justice Management Division, United States Department of Justice, Two Constitution Square, 145 N Street NE, 3.E-206, Washington, DC 20530.

In accordance with 21 CFR 1301.33(a), this is notice that on September 2, 2022, Nanosyn Inc., 3331 Industrial Drive, Suite B, Santa Rosa, California 95403-2062, applied to be registered as a bulk manufacturer of the following basic class(es) of controlled substance(s):

The company is a contract manufacturer. At the request of the company's customers, it manufactures derivatives of the above controlled substances in bulk form. No other activities for these drug codes are authorized for this registration.

In accordance with 21 CFR 1301.33(a), this is notice that on September 29, 2022, Noramco, 500 Swedes Landing Road, Wilmington, Delaware 19801-4417, applied to be registered as a bulk manufacturer of the following basic class(es) of controlled substance(s):

The company plans to bulk manufacture the listed controlled substances as an Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API) for supply to its customers. In reference to drug codes 7360 (Marihuana), and 7370 (Tetrahydrocannabinols), the company plans to bulk manufacture these drugs as synthetic. No other activities for these drug codes are authorized for this registration.

In accordance with 21 CFR 1301.34(a), this is notice that on July 18, 2022, Curia New York, Inc., 33 Riverside Avenue, Rensselaer, New York 12144-2951, applied to be registered as an importer of the following basic class(es) of controlled substance(s):

The company plans to import the listed controlled substances to manufacture bulk controlled substances for distribution to its customers. No other activity for this drug code is authorized for this registration.

Approval of permit applications will occur only when the registrant's business activity is consistent with what is authorized under 21 U.S.C. 952(a)(2). Authorization will not extend to the import of Food and Drug Administration-approved or non-approved finished dosage forms for commercial sale.

In accordance with 21 CFR 1301.34(a), this is notice that on October 4, 2022, Mylan Technologies, Inc., 110 Lake Street, Saint Albans, Vermont 05478-2266, applied to be registered as an importer of the following basic class(es) of controlled substance(s):

The company plans to import the listed controlled substances in finished dosage form (FDF) from foreign sources for analytical testing and clinical trials in which the foreign FDF will be compared to the company's own domestically manufactured FDF. This analysis is required to allow the company to export domestically manufactured FDF to foreign markets. No other activity for this drug code is authorized for this registration.

Approval of permit applications will occur only when the registrant's business activity is consistent with what is authorized under 21 U.S.C. 952(a)(2).

Authorization will not extend to the import of Food and Drug Administration-approved or non-approved finished dosage forms for commercial sale.

Written comments and suggestions from the public and affected agencies concerning the proposed collection of information are encouraged. Your comments should address one or more of the following four points:

• Evaluate whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the Office of Justice Progrms, including whether the information will have practical utility;

• Evaluate the accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information, including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used;

• Evaluate whether and if so how the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected can be enhanced; and

• Minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are to respond, including through the use of appropriate automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology, e.g., permitting electronic submission of responses.

1. Type of Information Collection: Existing collection in use without an OMB Control Number.

2. The Title of the Form/Collection: The Avue Digital Services application for federal employment.

3. The agency form number, if any, and the applicable component of the Department sponsoring the collection: NA.

Sponsor: The Office of Justice Programs, Department of Justice.

4. Affected public who will be asked or required to respond, as well as a brief abstract: The primary respondents are public citizens who are applying for OJP federal positions. Avue is a web-based application system that provides automated support for posting federal vacancies. The applicants use the system to submit electronic applications for job vacancies. Candidates enter pertinent information and responds to a series of electronic screens and experience statements. The data is then certified and submitted for OJP HR Specialists to review and certify the applications. The candidate is automatically notified by email that his/her application has been received when he/she certifies and submits his/her electronic application and provided other status updates throughout the hiring cycle.

5. An Estimate of the Total Number of Respondents and the Amount of Time Estimated for an Average Respondent to Respond: In calendar year 2021, there were 1,707 applications submitted for jobs at OJP. A sampling of applicants who started and completed their OJP applications on the same day in 2021 was 740 applicants and using this sample, the system reported a total of 56,832 minutes for those 740 applications, or an average of 76.8 minutes (76 minutes, 48 seconds) spent on each application.

6. An Estimate of the Total Public Burden (in hours) Associated with the collection: The estimated public burden associated with this application is 949 hours in calendar year 2021. This is based on 740 applicants spending 77 (rounded up) minutes on each application for a total of 56,980 minutes.

If additional information is required contact: Robert Houser, Department Clearance Officer, Policy and Planning Staff, Justice Management Division, United States Department of Justice, Two Constitution Square, 145 N Street NE, Suite 3E.206, Washington, DC 20530.

The Foundations for Evidence-Based Policymaking Act of 2018 mandates that the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) establish a Standard Application Process (SAP) for requesting access to certain confidential data assets. While the adoption of the SAP is required for statistical agencies and units designated under the Confidential Information Protection and Statistical Efficiency Act of 2018, it is recognized that other agencies and organizational units within the Executive branch may benefit from the adoption of the SAP to accept applications for access to confidential data assets. The SAP is to be a process through which agencies, the Congressional Budget Office, State, local, and Tribal governments, researchers, and other individuals, as appropriate, may apply to access confidential data assets held by a federal statistical agency or unit for the purposes of developing evidence. With the Interagency Council on Statistical Policy (ICSP) as advisors, the entities upon whom this requirement is levied are working with the SAP Project Management Office (PMO) and with OMB to implement the SAP. The SAP Portal is to be a single web-based common application for requesting access to confidential data assets from federal statistical agencies and units. NCSES submitted a Federal Register Notice in September 2022 announcing plans to collect information through the SAP Portal (87 FR 53793).

Once an application for confidential data is approved through the SAP Portal, NCSES will collect information to meet its data security requirements. This collection will occur outside of the SAP Portal.

Title of collection: Data Security Requirements for Accessing Confidential Data.

OMB Control Number: 3145-NEW.

Expiration Date of Current Approval: Not Applicable.

Type of Request: Intent to seek approval to collect information to fulfill NCSES's security requirements allowing individuals to access confidential data assets for the purposes of building evidence.

Abstract: Title III of the Foundations for Evidence-Based Policymaking Act of 2018 (hereafter referred to as the Evidence Act) mandates that OMB establish a Standard Application Process (SAP) for requesting access to certain confidential data assets. Specifically, the Evidence Act requires OMB to establish a common application process through which agencies, the Congressional Budget Office, State, local, and Tribal governments, researchers, and other individuals, as appropriate, may apply for access to confidential data assets collected, accessed, or acquired by a statistical agency or unit. This new process will be implemented while maintaining stringent controls to protect confidentiality and privacy, as required by law.

Data collected, accessed, or acquired by statistical agencies and units is vital for developing evidence on the characteristics and behaviors of the public and on the operations and outcomes of public programs and policies. This evidence can benefit the stakeholders in the programs, the broader public, as well as policymakers and program managers at the local, State, Tribal, and National levels. The many benefits of access to data for evidence building notwithstanding, NCSES is required by law to maintain careful controls that allow it to minimize disclosure risk while protecting confidentiality and privacy. The fulfillment of NCSES's data security requirements places a degree of burden on individuals, which is outlined below.

The SAP Portal is a web-based application to allow individuals to request access to confidential data assets from federal statistical agencies and units. The objective of the SAP Portal is to broaden access to confidential data for the purposes of evidence building and reduce the burden of applying for confidential data. Once an individual's application in the SAP Portal has received a positive determination, the data-owning agency(ies) or unit(s) will begin the process of collecting information to fulfill their data security requirements.

The paragraphs below outline the SAP Policy, the steps to complete an application through the SAP Portal, and the process NCSES uses to collect information fulfilling its data security requirements.

The SAP Policy: At the recommendation of the ICSP, the SAP Policy establishes the SAP to be implemented by statistical agencies and units and incorporates directives from the Evidence Act. The policy is intended to provide guidance as to the application and review processes using the SAP Portal, setting forth clear standards that enable statistical agencies and units to implement a common application form and a uniform review process. The SAP Policy was submitted to the public for comment in January 2022 (87 FR 2459). The policy is currently under review and has not yet been finalized.

The SAP Portal: The SAP Portal is an application interface connecting applicants seeking data with a catalog of metadata for data assets owned by the federal statistical agencies and units. The SAP Portal is not a new data repository or warehouse; confidential data assets will continue to be stored in secure data access facilities owned and hosted by the federal statistical agencies and units. The Portal will provide a streamlined application process across agencies, reducing redundancies in the application process. This single SAP Portal will improve the process for applicants, tracking and communicating the application process throughout its lifecycle. This reduces redundancies and burden on applicants who request access to data from multiple agencies. The SAP Portal will automate key tasks to save resources and time and will bring agencies into compliance with the Evidence Act statutory requirements.

Data Discovery: Individuals begin the process of accessing restricted use data by discovering confidential data assets through the SAP metadata catalog maintained by federal statistical agencies at www.researchdatagov.org. Potential applicants can search by agency, topic, or keyword to identify data of interest or relevance. Once they have identified data of interest, applicants can view metadata outlining the title, description or abstract, scope and coverage, and detailed methodology related to a specific data asset to determine its relevance to their research.

While statistical agencies and units shall endeavor to include information in the SAP metadata catalog on all confidential data assets for which they accept applications, it may not be feasible to include metadata for some data assets ( e.g., potential special tabulations of administrative data). A statistical agency or unit may still accept an application through the SAP Portal even if the requested data asset or special tabulation is not listed in the SAP metadata catalog.

SAP Application Process: Individuals who have identified and wish to access confidential data assets will be able to apply for access through the SAP Portal when it is released to the public in late 2022. Applicants must create an account and follow all steps to complete the application. Applicants begin by entering their personal, contact, and institutional information, as well as the personal, contact, and institutional information of all individuals on their research team. Applicants provide summary information about their proposed project to include project title, duration, funding, and timeline. Other details provided by applicants include the data asset(s) they are requesting and any proposed linkages to data not listed in the SAP metadata catalog, including non-federal data sources. Applicants then enter detailed information regarding their proposed project, including a project abstract, research question(s), literature review, project scope, research methodology, project products, and anticipated output. Within the application, applicants must demonstrate a need for confidential data, outlining why their research question cannot be answered using publicly available information.

Submission for Review: Upon submission of their application, applicants will receive a notification that their application has been received and is under review by the data-owning agency or agencies (in the event where data assets are requested from multiple agencies). At this point, applicants will also be notified that application approval does not alone grant access to confidential data, and that, if approved, applicants must comply with the data-owning agency's security requirements outside of the SAP Portal, which may include a background check.

In accordance with the Evidence Act and the direction of the ICSP, agencies will approve or reject an application within a prompt timeframe. In some cases, agencies may determine that additional clarity, information, or modification is needed and request the applicant to “revise and resubmit” their application.

Data discovery, the SAP application process, and the submission for review are planned to take place within the web-based SAP Portal. As noted above, the notice announcing plans to collect information through the SAP Portal has been published separately (87 FR 53793).

Access to Restricted Use Data: In the event of a positive determination, the applicant will be notified that their proposal has been accepted. The positive or final adverse determination concludes the SAP Portal process. In the instance of a positive determination, the data-owning agency (or agencies) will contact the applicant to provide instructions on the agency's security requirements that must be completed by the applicant to gain access to the confidential data. The completion and submission of the agency's security requirements will take place outside of the SAP Portal.

Collection of Information for Data Security Requirements: In the instance of a positive determination for an application requesting access to an NCSES-owned confidential data asset, NCSES will contact the applicant(s) to initiate the process of collecting information to fulfill its data security requirements. This process allows NCSES to place the applicant(s) in a trusted access category and includes the collection of the following information from applicant(s):

• Restricted-use licensing agreement—This document is an agreement between NCSES and the applicant's organization provisioning NCSES's confidential data assets exclusively for statistical purposes in accordance with the terms and conditions stated in the agreement and all prevailing laws and regulations. The agreement requires signatures from the applicant(s) and a senior official at the applicant's organization who has the authority to enter the organization into a legal agreement with NCSES.

• Security plan form—This document requests information from the applicant(s) to ensure the confidential data assets are protected from unauthorized access, disclosure, or modification. The information collected in the security plan form includes the following:

○ planned work location address(es),

○ workstation specifications (make, model, serial number, type, and operating system),

○ workstation authorized users,

○ workstation monitor position (to prevent unauthorized viewing), and

○ workstation antivirus brand and version.

In addition, the applicant(s) must initial a series of security measures to indicate compliance. Finally, the form requires signatures from the applicant(s), a senior official at the applicant's organization, and a System Security Officer (SSO) at the applicant's organization. The SSO, in signing the Security plan form, assures the inspection and integrity of the applicant's security plan.

• Affidavit of nondisclosure form—This document describes the confidentiality protections the applicant(s) must uphold and the penalties for unauthorized access or disclosure. The form requires signatures from the applicant(s) and the principal researcher for the project as well as the imprint of a notary public.

Estimate of Burden: The amount of time to complete the agreements and other paperwork that comprise NCSES's security requirements will vary based on the confidential data assets requested. To obtain access to NCSES confidential data assets, it is estimated that the average time to complete and submit NCSES's data security agreements and other paperwork is 30 minutes. This estimate does not include the time needed to complete and submit an application within the SAP Portal. All efforts related to SAP Portal applications occur prior to and separate from NCSES's effort to collect information related to data security requirements.

The expected number of applications in the SAP Portal that receive a positive determination from NCSES in a given year may vary. Overall, per year, NCSES estimates it will collect data security information for 20 application submissions that received a positive determination within the SAP Portal. NCSES estimates that the total burden for the collection of information for data security requirements over the course of the three-year OMB clearance will be about 30 hours and, as a result, an average annual burden of 10 hours.

The NRC is reviewing an exemption request from Holtec Decommissioning International, LLC (HDI) dated March 24, 2022, as supplemented via a June 16, 2022, Microsoft Teams conversation and a September 20, 2022, Microsoft Teams call. Therefore, as required by sections 51.21 and 51.30(a) of title 10 of the Code of Federal Regulations (10 CFR), the NRC performed an environmental assessment (EA). Based on the results of the EA, discussed further, the NRC has determined not to prepare an environmental impact statement for the exemption request and is issuing a finding of no significant impact (FONSI).

In its exemption request, HDI stated that it intends to store Pressurized Water Reactor spent fuel at the Indian Point Energy Center Independent Spent Fuel Storage Installation (ISFSI) using the HI-STORM 100 storage system, Certificate of Compliance (CoC) No. 1014, Amendment No. 15 under the general license provisions in 10 CFR part 72, “Licensing Requirements for the Independent Storage of Spent Nuclear Fuel, High-Level Radioactive Waste, and Reactor-Related Greater Than Class C Waste.” HDI requested an exemption from the requirements of 10 CFR 72.212(b)(3), and the portion of 10 CFR 72.212(b)(11) that states “[t]he licensee shall comply with the terms, conditions, and specifications of the certificate of compliance (CoC).”

Specifically, HDI requested an exemption that, if granted, would allow it to load up to three MPC-32Ms, using Amendment No. 15 for CoC No. 1014, with either up to thirty-two fuel assemblies having either Californium-252 (Cf-252) or Antimony-Beryllium (Sb-Be) NSAs with sufficient cooling time, or a combination of up to five fuel assemblies having primary Plutonium Beryllium (Pu-Be) NSAs and the remaining basket locations with fuel assemblies having either Cf-252 or Sb-Be NSAs with sufficient cooling time. Further, as discussed in this notice, the exemption would permit HDI to load the fuel assemblies having either Cf-252 or Sb-Be NSAs in any location in the basket and the fuel assemblies having Pu-Be NSAs such that one is located in the center of the basket and one is located in each of the four basket quadrants. Additionally, although HDI's analysis included information about fuel assemblies having Polonium-Beryllium (Po-Be) NSAs, based on the September 20, 2022 Microsoft Teams call, the NRC staff understands that HDI does not have fuel assemblies with Po-Be NSAs.

Although HDI only requested exemptions from 10 CFR 72.12(b)(3) and (b)(11), to carry out this action, the NRC would also need to grant exemptions from 72.212(a)(2), (b)(5)(i), and 72.214. Consequently, in evaluating the request, the NRC also considered, pursuant to its authority in 10 CFR 72.7, exempting HDI from the requirements in 10 CFR 72.212(a)(2), 10 CFR 72.212(b)(5)(i); and 10 CFR 72.214. For clarity, when this Federal Register notice refers to HDI's requested exemption, it means both the two provisions from which HDI requested exemption and the additional provisions from which the NRC staff is considering exempting HDI on its own initiative.

The proposed action, if granted, would permit HDI to load up to three MPC-32Ms with multiple fuel assemblies that have NSAs, that cannot be removed from the fuel assembly, under Amendment No. 15 of CoC No. 1014. More specifically, the exemption would, if granted, allow HDI to load up to three MPC-32Ms, using Amendment No. 15 for CoC No. 1014, with either up to thirty-two fuel assemblies having either Cf-252 or Sb-Be NSAs with sufficient cooling time, or a combination of up to five fuel assemblies having primary Pu-Be NSAs and the remaining basket locations with fuel assemblies having either Cf-252 or Sb-Be NSAs with sufficient cooling time. Appendix D, table 2.1-1, section V, “MPC MODEL: MPC-32M,” Item C of Amendment No. 15 for CoC No. 1014 only permits general licensees to load a single NSA per cask. Further, per FSAR table 2.II.1.1, Rev. 22, the single NSA must be located in a cell in the inner part of the basket ( i.e., fuel storage location 13, 14, 19, or 20). Accordingly, the exemption, if granted, would also permit HDI to load the fuel assemblies having either Cf-252 or Sb-Be NSAs in any location in the basket and the fuel assemblies having Pu-Be NSAs such that one is located in the center of the basket and one is located in each of the four basket quadrants.

Under the requirements of 10 CFR 51.21 and 10 CFR 51.30(a), the NRC staff developed an EA to evaluate the proposed action. The EA defines the NRC's proposed action ( i.e., to grant, if appropriate, an exemption from the requirements of 10 CFR 72.212(a)(2), (b)(3), (b)(5)(i) and 10 CFR 72.214 per 10 CFR 72.7) and the purpose of and need for the proposed action. Evaluations of the potential environmental impacts of the proposed action and alternatives to the proposed action are presented further, followed by the NRC's conclusion.

HDI is currently decommissioning Indian Point Unit 2 and Indian Point Unit 3 and, as part of that decommissioning, is transferring all spent fuel assemblies from the Indian Point Energy Center (Indian Point) Units 2 and 3 spent fuel pools to the ISFSI. HDI currently plans to load Indian Point Unit 2 spent fuel assemblies and the NSAs during the fall of 2022. HDI also plans to commence loading Indian Point Unit 3 spent fuel assemblies and the NSAs in February 2023. Without this exemption, the licensee would have to pause loading until the NRC staff could process a CoC amendment. This would require the licensee to prolong the use of the spent fuel pools and their cleaning system. Longer use of the spent fuel pool cleaning system would generate additional low-level waste in the form of ion exchange resins. Granting an exemption now, if appropriate, would avoid the additional production of waste.

This EA evaluates the potential environmental impacts of granting the exemption to allow HDI to load up to three MPC-32Ms, using Amendment No. 15 for CoC No. 1014, with either up to thirty-two fuel assemblies having either Cf-252 or Sb-Be NSAs with sufficient cooling time, or a combination of up to five fuel assemblies having primary Pu-Be NSAs and the remaining basket locations with fuel assemblies having either Cf-252 or Sb-Be NSAs with sufficient cooling time. It also evaluates the potential environmental impacts of granting the exemption permitting HDI to load the fuel assemblies having either Cf-252 or Sb-Be NSAs in any location in the basket and the fuel assemblies having Pu-Be NSAs such that one is located in the center of the basket and one is located in each of the four basket quadrants.

On July 18, 1990 (55 FR 29181), the NRC amended 10 CFR part 72 to provide for the storage of spent fuel under a general license in cask designs approved by the NRC. The EA for the 1990 final rule analyzed the potential environmental impact of using NRC-approved storage casks. The NRC has also considered the potential environmental impacts of storing spent fuel in accordance with Amendment No. 15 to the CoC for the HI-STORM 100 storage cask when it issued the direct final rule adding Amendment No. 15 to the list of acceptable casks in 10 CFR 72.214 (86 FR 16291). The EA accompanying the direct final rule determined the environmental impacts resulting from the implementation of Amendment No. 15 would not significantly differ from the environmental impacts evaluated in the EA supporting the July 18, 1990, final rule. The EA for HI-STORM 100, Amendment No. 15 (86 FR 16291), tiered off the EA issued for the July 18, 1990, final rule. The EA for this exemption tiers off the EA for HI-STORM 100, Amendment No. 15 direct final rule. Tiering off earlier EAs is a standard process under the National Environmental Policy Act by which the impact analyses of previous EAs can be cited by a subsequent EA, such as this one, to include the impacts of the proposed action within the scope of the previous EA. Thus, for the proposed action, this EA will only consider the potential impacts from granting the exemption.

This exemption request involves neither the disturbance of land, the construction of new facilities, nor modifications to current operating practices. The EA for Holtec's HI-STORM 100, Amendment No. 15 analyzed the effects of design-basis accidents that could occur during storage operations. Design-basis accidents account for human-induced events and the most severe natural phenomena reported for the site and surrounding area as well as the resultant effects on the storage cask. The NRC staff evaluated the exemption request and concluded that HDI's proposed exemption did not reflect any structural design changes or fabrication requirement changes; therefore, there is no additional risk of loss of structure or confinement in the event a design-basis accident occurs. Further, because there is no increased risk in the loss of structure or confinement, there is no significant increase in the consequences of design-basis accidents. As a result, the proposed action will result in no change in the types or amounts of any effluent released.

Additionally, this exemption, if granted, would neither introduce shielding design changes nor operational changes. Although the requested exemption would change the source term, HDI submitted dose rate calculations as part of its exemption request, which the NRC staff reviewed and will discuss in its safety evaluation. As will be discussed further in the staff's safety evaluation, HDI submitted dose rate calculations for the same locations for which it calculated dose for Amendment No. 15 to CoC 1014. These calculations demonstrate that, in most instances, the source term change would only increase the dose rate by small amounts ( e.g., a few millirem/hour at the cask surface and less than a millirem/hour at a distance of 1 meter). The greatest dose rate increase at one of these locations occurred when the canister is in the transfer cask at the axial midplane of the transfer cask radial surface. The dose rate would increase by approximately 28 percent, which works out to an increase of 1099.92 millirem/hour and a total dose of 5033.67 millirem/hour. However, most cask operations are not performed at this location. Cask operations that are performed at this location are typically not performed at the surface, but rather approximately 1 meter from the surface. At that distance, the increase in dose rate would fall to approximately 122.69 millirem/hour and the total dose rate, including the increase, would fall to 1445.59 millirem/hour. Given that the workers would only be exposed to this increased dose rate for relatively short periods of time, the NRC staff does not consider this increase significant. Importantly, dose will remain within the applicable limits of 10 CFR part 20. Consequently, the exemption, if granted, will not cause a significant increase in either individual or cumulative radiation exposure to workers.

With regard to public dose rate increases, as previously noted, most of the dose rate increases are only a few millirem/hour at the cask surface and are less than a millirem/hour at a distance of 1 meter. HDI's dose calculations demonstrate that even the highest dose rate increase (at the surface of the transfer cask) would be significantly less at a distance of 1 meter. The dose rates will continue to fall off at even greater distances. Thus, the dose increase at the site boundary—which, under 10 CFR 72.106, must be at least 100 meters from the spent fuel, will be even smaller and, therefore, not significant. Importantly, dose will remain within applicable 10 CFR part 20 limits as well as the 72.104 and 72.106 limits. Consequently, the proposed exemption would not significantly affect the exposure to the public.

Therefore, the proposed exemption request, if granted, will not result in radiological or non-radiological environmental impacts that significantly differ from impacts evaluated in the EA supporting the HI-STORM 100, Amendment No. 15 direct final rule. Accordingly, the NRC finds that granting the exemption will not significantly impact the quality of the human environment. Based on the foregoing discussion, the NRC staff finds that HDI's requested action, if approved is bounded by the EA for CoC No. 1014, Amendment No. 15.

In addition to the proposed action, the staff also considered the no-action alternative—the denial of the proposed exemption request. Denial of the exemption would preserve the status quo, i.e., the licensee could continue loading one fuel assembly having an NSA in baskets but could not load multiple fuel assemblies having NSAs in the same basket and could only load that one fuel assembly having an NSA in the inner part of the basket. The NRC staff has previously found that the Indian Point Post-Shutdown Decommissioning Activities Report (PSDAR) contained a discussion providing the reasons for concluding that the environmental impacts associated with site-specific decommissioning activities will be bounded by appropriate previously issued environmental impact statements. Further, the NRC staff has previously found that the licensee provided adequate reasons in its PSDAR and associated request for additional information responses to conclude that, for generic issues, the environmental impacts of decommissioning Indian Point Units 2 and 3 are bounded by the previous environmental reviews. The effects of preserving the status quo would be bounded by these previous reviews. This is because preserving the status quo, in this regard, would preserve the status considered when the NRC staff reviewed the PSDAR. Under this alternative, the licensee would need to maintain the spent fuel pools for longer periods of time. This would lead to the generation of additional low-level waste from fuel pool cleaning activities. The licensee would need to dispose of this low-level waste, which would itself have environmental impacts. Based on that additional waste, the NRC staff has determined that the environmental impact of the no-action alternative would either be the same or may be greater than the proposed action.

The NRC staff also considered a different alternative to granting the exemption. The licensee could request that the certificate holder, in this case Holtec International, request an amendment to CoC No. 1014. Under this alternative, the licensee could either continue loading canisters with only one fuel assembly having an NSA in the inner part of the basket or postpone loading of multiple spent fuel assemblies that contain NSAs and not load spent fuel assemblies that contain NSAs in basket cells not located in the inner part of the baskets while the CoC holder prepared the request and the NRC staff reviewed it. In either scenario, HDI would extend the timeframe for which it maintained the Indian Point Units 2 and 3 spent fuel pools. Thus, the environmental impacts of the licensee requesting the certificate holder request an amendment, would be the generation of additional low-level waste from fuel pool cleaning activities. The licensee would need to dispose of this low-level waste, which would itself have environmental impacts. Further, if the CoC holder did seek an amendment and the NRC staff granted that requested amendment, the licensee would then load multiple fuel assemblies having NSAs in a single canister, in basket cells not located in the inner part of the baskets, thus ultimately leading to the environmental impacts caused by granting this exemption. Therefore, the NRC staff has determined that the environmental impact of this alternative would either be the same or may be greater than the proposed action.

Issuance of this exemption does not impact the resource implications discussed in previous environmental reviews.

The NRC provided the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) a draft copy of this EA for review in an email dated July 19, 2022. In an email dated August 1, 2022, NYSERDA stated that it had completed its review. NYSERDA provided no comments explicitly addressing the NRC's assessment that granting the HDI exemption request has no significant impacts on the environment. However, NYSERDA noted that increasing the surface dose rate to approximately 3,934 millirem/hour, “appears to be a very large increase.”  1 For the reasons previously stated, however, the NRC staff does not consider this increase significant from the perspective of this EA and FONSI.

NYSERDA also provided three comments on the exemptions. The first two comments raised safety concerns with the exemption. The NRC staff will address these concerns, as appropriate, in the safety evaluation report it prepares as part of its review of the requested exemption. NYSERDA also raised a third comment related to transportability/retrievability. The NRC staff responded to this comment in a letter to NYSERDA dated October 14, 2022.

While preparing the safety evaluation, staff identified typographical errors in the draft EA provided to NYSERDA on July 19, 2022, and as noted earlier, participated in a clarification call with HDI about the scope of the exemption. After correcting the typographical errors, as well as incorporating the clarification call information related to Cf-252 and Sb-Be NSAs, the NRC resubmitted the draft EA to NYSERDA for review on September 28, 2022. In an email dated September 29, 2022, NYSERDA reaffirmed their prior comments on the proposed exemption request, as submitted by letter on August 1, 2022, but did not provide additional comments.

Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act (ESA) requires Federal agencies to consult with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service or National Marine Fisheries Service regarding actions that may affect listed species or designated critical habitats. The ESA is intended to prevent further decline of endangered and threatened species and restore those species and their critical habitat.

The NRC staff determined that a consultation under section 7 of the ESA is not required because the proposed action will not affect listed species or critical habitat.

Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) requires Federal agencies to consider the effects of their undertakings on historic properties. As stated in the NHPA, historic properties are any prehistoric or historic district, site, building, structure, or object included in, or eligible for inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places.

The NRC determined that the scope of activities described in this exemption request do not have the potential to cause effects on historic properties because the NRC's approval of this exemption request will not authorize new construction or land-disturbing activities. The NRC staff also determined that the proposed action is not a type of activity that has the potential to impact historic properties because the proposed action would occur within the established Indian Point site boundary. Therefore, in accordance with 36 CFR 800.3(a)(1), no consultation is required under section 106 of NHPA.

The NRC staff has prepared an EA and associated FONSI in support of the proposed action. As discussed in this notice the proposed action is for the NRC to grant the exemption requested by Indian Point Energy Center that would allow HDI to load up to three MPC-32Ms, using Amendment No. 15 for CoC No. 1014, with either up to thirty-two fuel assemblies having either Cf-252 or Sb-Be NSAs with sufficient cooling time, or a combination of up to five fuel assemblies having primary Pu-Be NSAs and the remaining basket locations with fuel assemblies having either Cf-252 or Sb-Be NSAs with sufficient cooling time. It would also permit HDI to load the fuel assemblies having either Cf-252 or Sb-Be NSAs in any location in the basket and the fuel assemblies having Pu-Be NSAs such that one is located in the center of the basket and one is located in each of the four basket quadrants. The NRC staff has concluded that the proposed action will not result in radiological or non-radiological environmental impacts that significantly differ from impacts evaluated in the EA supporting the HI-STORM 100, Amendment No. 15 direct final rule. In this EA, the NRC staff considered two alternatives and determined that the environmental impacts of granting this exemption will be less than or the same as both alternatives. No changes are being made in the types or quantities of effluents that may be released offsite, and there is no significant increase in occupational or public radiation exposures in granting this exemption request for HDI. Accordingly, the NRC finds that granting the exemption will not significantly impact the quality of the human environment.

The NRC staff has determined that this exemption would have no impact on historic and cultural resources or ecological resources and therefore no consultations are necessary under section 7 of the ESA or section 106 of the NHPA.

Therefore, based on the previously noted discussions, the NRC finds that there are no significant environmental impacts from the proposed action, and that preparation of an environmental impact statement is not warranted. Accordingly, the NRC has determined that a FONSI is appropriate.

The documents identified in the following table are available to interested persons through one or more of the following methods, as indicated.

The NRC has received an application from VOC, dated October 3, 2022, filed pursuant to section 103 of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, as amended, and part 54 of title 10 of the Code of Federal Regulations, “Requirements for Renewal of Operating Licenses for Nuclear Power Plants,” to renew the operating licenses for CPNPP. Renewal of the licenses would authorize the applicant to operate the facility for an additional 20-year period beyond the period specified in the respective current operating licenses. The current operating licenses for CPNPP expire as follows: Unit 1 on February 8, 2030, and Unit 2 on February 2, 2033. The CPNPP units are Pressurized Water Reactors located in Somervell County, Texas. The acceptability of the tendered application for docketing, and other matters, including an opportunity to request a hearing, will be the subject of subsequent Federal Register notices.

The text of the exemption is attached.

The Commission gives notice that the Postal Service filed request(s) for the Commission to consider matters related to negotiated service agreement(s). The request(s) may propose the addition or removal of a negotiated service agreement from the market dominant or the competitive product list, or the modification of an existing product currently appearing on the market dominant or the competitive product list.

Section II identifies the docket number(s) associated with each Postal Service request, the title of each Postal Service request, the request's acceptance date, and the authority cited by the Postal Service for each request. For each request, the Commission appoints an officer of the Commission to represent the interests of the general public in the proceeding, pursuant to 39 U.S.C. 505 (Public Representative). Section II also establishes comment deadline(s) pertaining to each request.

The public portions of the Postal Service's request(s) can be accessed via the Commission's website ( http://www.prc.gov ). Non-public portions of the Postal Service's request(s), if any, can be accessed through compliance with the requirements of 39 CFR 3011.301. 1

The Commission invites comments on whether the Postal Service's request(s) in the captioned docket(s) are consistent with the policies of title 39. For request(s) that the Postal Service states concern market dominant product(s), applicable statutory and regulatory requirements include 39 U.S.C. 3622, 39 U.S.C. 3642, 39 CFR part 3030, and 39 CFR part 3040, subpart B. For request(s) that the Postal Service states concern competitive product(s), applicable statutory and regulatory requirements include 39 U.S.C. 3632, 39 U.S.C. 3633, 39 U.S.C. 3642, 39 CFR part 3035, and 39 CFR part 3040, subpart B. Comment deadline(s) for each request appear in section II.

1. Docket No(s).: MC2023-26 and CP2023-25; Filing Title: USPS Request to Add Priority Mail & First-Class Package Service Contract 223 to Competitive Product List and Notice of Filing Materials Under Seal; Filing Acceptance Date: October 25, 2022; Filing Authority: 39 U.S.C. 3642, 39 CFR 3040.130 through 3040.135, and 39 CFR 3035.105; Public Representative: Arif Hafiz; Comments Due: November 2, 2022.

This Notice will be published in the Federal Register .