[Federal Register Volume 88, Number 96 (Thursday, May 18, 2023)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 31622-31623]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2023-10718]


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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Coast Guard

33 CFR Part 165

[Docket Number USCG-2023-0009]
RIN 1625-AA00


Safety Zone; Chinese Harbor; Santa Cruz Island, California

AGENCY: Coast Guard, Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

ACTION: Temporary final rule.

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SUMMARY: The U.S. Coast Guard is establishing a temporary safety zone 
for the navigable waters in Chinese Harbor of Santa Cruz Island, 
California. This safety zone is needed to protect personnel, vessels, 
and the marine environment from potential hazards created by ongoing 
salvage operations relating to the December 2022 grounding of a 60-foot 
fishing vessel in Chinese Harbor. Entry of persons or vessels into this 
safety zone is prohibited unless specifically authorized by the Captain 
of the Port (COTP), Los Angeles--Long Beach, or their designated 
representative.

DATES: This rule is effective without actual notice from May 18, 2023, 
until May 25, 2023. For the purposes of enforcement, actual notice will 
be used from May 15, 2023, until May 18, 2023.

ADDRESSES: To view documents mentioned in this preamble as being 
available in the docket, go to https://www.regulations.gov, type USCG-
2023-0009 in the ``SEARCH'' box and click ``SEARCH.'' Click on Open 
Docket Folder on the line associated with this rule.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: If you have questions about this rule, 
call or email LCDR Maria Wiener, Waterways Management, U.S. Coast Guard 
Sector Los Angeles--Long Beach; telephone (310) 357-1603, email [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Table of Abbreviations

CFR Code of Federal Regulations
DHS Department of Homeland Security
E.O. Executive order
FR Federal Register
LLNR Light List Number
NPRM Notice of proposed rulemaking
Pub. L. Public Law
Sec.  Section
U.S.C. United States Code

II. Background Information and Regulatory History

    The Coast Guard is issuing this temporary rule without prior notice 
and opportunity to comment pursuant to authority under section 4(a) of 
the Administrative Procedure Act (APA) (5 U.S.C. 553(b)). This 
provision authorizes an agency to issue a rule without prior notice and 
opportunity to comment when the agency for good cause finds that those 
procedures are ``impracticable, unnecessary, or contrary to the public 
interest.'' Under 5 U.S.C. 553(b)(B), the Coast Guard finds that good 
cause exists for not publishing a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) 
because it is impracticable. This is a response to a vessel grounding 
and immediate action is needed to respond to potential safety hazards 
associated with vessel salvage operations. It is impracticable to 
publish an NPRM because we must establish this safety zone by May 15, 
2023.
    Under 5 U.S.C. 553(d)(3), the Coast Guard finds that good cause 
exists for making this rule effective less than 30 days after 
publication in the Federal Register. Delaying the effective date of 
this rule would be contrary to public interest because immediate action 
is needed to ensure the safety of persons, vessels, and the marine 
environment in the vicinity of Chinese Harbor during vessel salvage 
operations.

III. Legal Authority and Need for Rule

    The Coast Guard is issuing this rule under authority in 46 U.S.C. 
70034 (previously 33 U.S.C. 1231) and 46 U.S.C. 70011(b)(3). The 
Captain of the Port (COTP), Los Angeles--Long Beach has determined that 
potential hazards associated with salvage operations starting May 15, 
2023, will be a safety concern for anyone within a 500-yard radius of 
the operations in Chinese Harbor. This rule is needed to protect 
personnel, vessels, and the marine environment in the navigable waters 
within the safety zone while salvage operations take place in the 
vicinity of Chinese Harbor.

IV. Discussion of the Rule

    This rule establishes a safety zone from May 15, 2023, until May 
25, 2023. The safety zone will cover all navigable waters from the 
surface to the sea floor in and around the M/V DANNY C (Official Number 
506332) and extending out along a 500-yard radius from the vessel's 
location while it is in Chinese Harbor. These coordinates are based on 
North American Datum of 1983. No vessel or person will be permitted to 
enter the safety zone without obtaining permission from the COTP or his 
designated representative. Sector Los Angeles--Long Beach may be 
contacted on VHF-FM Channel 16 or (310) 521-3801. The marine public 
will be notified of the safety zone via Broadcast Notice to Mariners.
    If the COTP determines that the zone need not be enforced during 
this entire period, the Coast Guard will announce via Broadcast Notice 
to Mariners when the zone will no longer be subject to enforcement.

V. Regulatory Analyses

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

A. Regulatory Planning and Review

    Executive Orders 12866 and 13563 direct agencies to assess the 
costs and benefits of available regulatory alternatives and, if 
regulation is necessary, to select regulatory approaches that maximize 
net benefits. This rule has not been designated a ``significant 
regulatory action,'' under Executive Order 12866. Accordingly, this 
rule has not been reviewed by the Office of Management and Budget 
(OMB).
    This regulatory action determination is based on the size, 
location, duration, and time-of-year of the safety zone. Vessel traffic 
will be able to safely transit around this safety zone, which will 
impact a small, designated area of Chinese Harbor, Santa Cruz Island, 
CA. Moreover, the Coast Guard will issue Broadcast Notice to Mariners 
via VHF-FM marine channel 16 regarding the safety zone and the rule 
allows vessels to seek permission to enter the zone.

B. Impact on Small Entities

    The Regulatory Flexibility Act of 1980, 5 U.S.C. 601-612, as 
amended, requires Federal agencies to consider the potential impact of 
regulations on small entities during rulemaking. The term ``small 
entities'' comprises small businesses, not-for-profit organizations 
that are independently owned and operated and are not dominant in their 
fields, and governmental jurisdictions with populations of less than 
50,000. The Coast Guard certifies under 5 U.S.C. 605(b) that this rule 
will not have a

[[Page 31623]]

significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities.
    While some owners or operators of vessels intending to transit the 
safety zone may be small entities, for the reasons stated in section 
V.A. above, this rule will not have a significant economic impact on 
any vessel owner or operator.
    Under section 213(a) of the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement 
Fairness Act of 1996 (Pub. L. 104-121), we want to assist small 
entities in understanding this rule. If the rule would affect your 
small business, organization, or governmental jurisdiction and you have 
questions concerning its provisions or options for compliance, please 
call or email the person listed in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT 
section.
    Small businesses may send comments on the actions of Federal 
employees who enforce, or otherwise determine compliance with, Federal 
regulations to the Small Business and Agriculture Regulatory 
Enforcement Ombudsman and the Regional Small Business Regulatory 
Fairness Boards. The Ombudsman evaluates these actions annually and 
rates each agency's responsiveness to small business. If you wish to 
comment on actions by employees of the Coast Guard, call 1-888-REG-FAIR 
(1-888-734-3247). The Coast Guard will not retaliate against small 
entities that question or complain about this rule or any policy or 
action of the Coast Guard.

C. Collection of Information

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

D. Federalism and Indian Tribal Governments

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

E. Unfunded Mandates Reform Act

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

F. Environment

    We have analyzed this rule under Department of Homeland Security 
Management Directive 023-01, Rev. 1, associated implementing 
instructions, and COMDTINST 5090.1 (series), which guide the Coast 
Guard in complying with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 
(42 U.S.C. 4321-4370f), and have determined that this action is one of 
a category of actions that do not individually or cumulatively have a 
significant effect on the human environment. This rule involves a 
safety zone encompassing an area extending 500-yards out from a vessel 
engaged in salvage operations in vicinity of Chinese Harbor and will 
last only 10 days while salvage operations are ongoing. It is 
categorically excluded from further review under paragraph L60(c), in 
Appendix A, Table 1 of DHS Instruction Manual 023-001-01, Rev. 1.

G. Protest Activities

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

List of Subjects in 33 CFR Part 165

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

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

PART 165--REGULATED NAVIGATION AREAS AND LIMITED ACCESS AREAS

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

    Authority:  46 U.S.C. 70034, 70051, 70124; 33 CFR 1.05-1, 6.04-
1, 6.04-6, and 160.5; Department of Homeland Security Delegation No. 
00170.1, Revision No. 01.3.

0
2. Add Sec.  165.T11-124 to read as follows:


Sec.  165.T11-124   Safety Zone; Chinese Harbor; Santa Cruz Island, 
California.

    (a) Location. The following area is a safety zone: all navigable 
waters from the surface to the sea floor in and around the M/V DANNY C 
(Official Number 506332) and extending out along a 500-yard radius from 
that vessel while it is in Chinese Harbor. These coordinates are based 
on North American Datum of 1983.
    (b) Definitions. As used in this section, designated representative 
means a Coast Guard Patrol Commander, including a Coast Guard coxswain, 
petty officer, or other officer operating a Coast Guard vessel and a 
Federal, State, and local officer designated by or assisting the 
Captain of the Port Los Angeles-Long Beach (COTP) in the enforcement of 
the safety zone.
    (c) Regulations. (1) Under the general safety zone regulations in 
subpart C of this part, you may not enter the safety zone described in 
paragraph (a) of this section unless authorized by the COTP or the 
COTP's designated representative.
    (2) To seek permission to enter, contact the COTP or the COTP's 
representative by hailing Coast Guard Sector Los Angeles--Long Beach on 
VHF-FM Channel 16 or calling at (310) 521-3801. Those in the safety 
zone must comply with all lawful orders or directions given to them by 
the COTP or the COTP's designated representative.
    (d) Enforcement period. This section will be enforced from May 15, 
2023, through May 25, 2023. The marine public will be notified of this 
safety zone via Broadcast Notice to Mariners. If the Captain of the 
Port determines that the zone need not be enforced during this entire 
period, the Coast Guard will announce via Broadcast Notice to Mariners 
when the zone will no longer be subject to enforcement.

    Dated: May 15, 2023.
R.D. Manning,
Captain, U.S. Coast Guard, Captain of the Port, Los Angeles--Long 
Beach.
[FR Doc. 2023-10718 Filed 5-16-23; 11:15 am]
BILLING CODE 9110-04-P