[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 159 (Friday, August 16, 2024)]
[Unknown Section]
[Pages 66822-66829]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2024-16453]



[[Page 66821]]

Vol. 89

Friday,

No. 159

August 16, 2024

Part VIII





Department of Homeland Security





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Semiannual Regulatory Agenda

  Federal Register / Vol. 89 , No. 159 / Friday, August 16, 2024 / UA: 
Reg Flex Agenda  

[[Page 66822]]


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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Office of the Secretary

6 CFR Chs. I and II

[DHS Docket No. OGC-RP-04-001]


Unified Agenda of Federal Regulatory and Deregulatory Actions

AGENCY: Office of the Secretary, DHS.

ACTION: Semiannual Regulatory Agenda.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: This regulatory agenda is a semiannual summary of projected 
regulations, existing regulations, and completed actions of the 
Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and its components. This agenda 
provides the public with information about DHS's regulatory and 
deregulatory activity. DHS expects that this information will enable 
the public to be more aware of, and effectively participate in, the 
Department's regulatory and deregulatory activity. DHS invites the 
public to submit comments on any aspect of this agenda.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

General

    Please direct general comments and inquiries on the agenda to the 
Regulatory Affairs Law Division, Office of the General Counsel, U.S. 
Department of Homeland Security, 2707 Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue SE, 
Mail Stop 0485, Washington, DC 20528-0485.

Specific

    Please direct specific comments and inquiries on individual actions 
identified in this agenda to the individual listed in the summary 
portion as the point of contact for that action.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: DHS provides this notice pursuant to the 
requirements of the Regulatory Flexibility Act (Pub. L. 96-354, Sept. 
19, 1980) and Executive Order 12866 ``Regulatory Planning and Review'' 
(Sept. 30, 1993) as incorporated in Executive Order 13563 ``Improving 
Regulation and Regulatory Review'' (Jan. 18, 2011), which require the 
Department to publish a semiannual agenda of regulations. The 
regulatory agenda is a summary of existing and projected regulations as 
well as actions completed since the publication of the last regulatory 
agenda for the Department. DHS's last semiannual regulatory agenda was 
published online on December 6, 2023, at https://www.reginfo.gov/public/do/eAgendaMain.
    Beginning in fall 2007, the internet became the basic means for 
disseminating the Unified Agenda. The complete Unified Agenda is 
available online at www.reginfo.gov.
    The Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 602) requires Federal 
agencies to publish their regulatory flexibility agendas in the Federal 
Register. A regulatory flexibility agenda shall contain, among other 
things, a brief description of the subject area of any rule which is 
likely to have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of 
small entities. DHS's printed agenda entries include regulatory actions 
that are in the Department's regulatory flexibility agenda. Printing of 
these entries is limited to fields that contain information required by 
the agenda provisions of the Regulatory Flexibility Act. Additional 
information on these entries is available in the Unified Agenda 
published on the internet.
    The semiannual agenda of the Department conforms to the Unified 
Agenda format developed by the Regulatory Information Service Center.

Christina E. McDonald,
Associate General Counsel for Regulatory Affairs.

     U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services--Proposed Rule Stage
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Regulation
       Sequence No.                    Title             Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
116.......................  Modernizing Regulations            1615-AC88
                             Governing Nonimmigrant
                             Workers.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


       U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services--Final Rule Stage
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Regulation
       Sequence No.                    Title             Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
117.......................  Modernizing H-1B                   1615-AC70
                             Requirements and
                             Oversight, Providing
                             Flexibility in the F-1
                             Program, and Program
                             Improvements Affecting
                             Other Nonimmigrant
                             Workers.
118.......................  Modernizing H-2 Program            1615-AC76
                             Requirements, Oversight,
                             and Worker Protections.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


      U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services--Long-Term Actions
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Regulation
       Sequence No.                    Title             Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
119.......................  Petition for Immigrant             1615-AC85
                             Worker Reforms.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


      U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services--Completed Actions
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Regulation
       Sequence No.                    Title             Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
120.......................  U.S. Citizenship and               1615-AC68
                             Immigration Services Fee
                             Schedule and Changes to
                             Certain Other Immigration
                             Benefit Request
                             Requirements.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


[[Page 66823]]


                  U.S. Coast Guard--Proposed Rule Stage
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Regulation
       Sequence No.                    Title             Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
121.......................  Claims Procedures Under            1625-AA03
                             the Oil Pollution Act of
                             1990.
122.......................  Safety Management Systems          1625-AC65
                             for Domestic Passenger
                             Vessels.
123.......................  Implementation of Training         1625-AC68
                             Requirements for
                             Personnel Serving on U.S.-
                             Flagged Passenger Ships
                             That Carry More than 12
                             Passengers on
                             International Voyages.
124.......................  MARPOL Annex VI;                   1625-AC78
                             Prevention of Air
                             Pollution From Ships.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


                   U.S. Coast Guard--Final Rule Stage
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Regulation
       Sequence No.                    Title             Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
125.......................  Commercial Fishing                 1625-AB85
                             Vessels--Implementation
                             of 2010 and 2012
                             Legislation.
126.......................  Lifejacket Approval                1625-AC62
                             Harmonization.
127.......................  Cybersecurity in the               1625-AC77
                             Marine Transportation
                             System.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


                   U.S. Coast Guard--Completed Actions
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Regulation
       Sequence No.                    Title             Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
128.......................  User Fees for Inspected            1625-AC55
                             Towing Vessels.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


         U.S. Customs and Border Protection--Proposed Rule Stage
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Regulation
       Sequence No.                    Title             Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
129.......................  Automated Commercial               1651-AB59
                             Environment (ACE)
                             Electronic Export
                             Manifest For Vessel Cargo.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


        Transportation Security Administration--Long-Term Actions
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Regulation
       Sequence No.                    Title             Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
130.......................  Vetting of Certain Surface         1652-AA69
                             Transportation Employees.
131.......................  Amending Vetting                   1652-AA70
                             Requirements for
                             Employees With Access to
                             a Security Identification
                             Display Area (SIDA).
------------------------------------------------------------------------


          Federal Emergency Management Agency--Final Rule Stage
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Regulation
       Sequence No.                    Title             Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
132.......................  Updates to Floodplain              1660-AB12
                             Management and Protection
                             of Wetlands Regulations
                             to Implement the Federal
                             Flood Risk Management
                             Standard.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


  Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency--Proposed Rule Stage
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Regulation
       Sequence No.                    Title             Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
133.......................  Ammonium Nitrate Security          1670-AA00
                             Program.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


[[Page 66824]]

DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY (DHS)

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)

Proposed Rule Stage

116. Modernizing Regulations Governing Nonimmigrant Workers [1615-AC88]

    Legal Authority: 8 U.S.C. 1101; 8 U.S.C. 1184; 8 U.S.C. 1324a
    Abstract: The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) proposes to 
amend its regulations governing certain nonimmigrant workers. The 
proposed changes include updating the employment authorization rules 
regarding dependent spouses of certain nonimmigrants; increasing 
flexibilities for certain nonimmigrant workers, including those who 
resign or are terminated from employment, and religious workers who 
have reached their maximum period of stay or are waiting for immigrant 
visas to become available; and modernizing policies and procedures for 
Employment Authorization Documents.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   01/00/25
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Mark Phillips, Residence and Naturalization 
Division Chief, Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and 
Immigration Services, Office of Policy and Strategy, 5900 Capital 
Gateway Drive, Suite 4S190, Camp Springs, MD 20588-0009, Phone: 240 
721-3000.
    RIN: 1615-AC88

DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY (DHS)

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)

Final Rule Stage

117. Modernizing H-1B Requirements and Oversight, Providing Flexibility 
in the F-1 Program, and Program Improvements Affecting Other 
Nonimmigrant Workers [1615-AC70]

    Legal Authority: 6 U.S.C. 101, 112 and 202; 8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(15)(F) 
and (H)(i)(b), 1103(a)(3), 1184(a), (c), (g); and (i) and 1357(b). . . 
. ; . . .
    Abstract: On October 23, 2023, the Department of Homeland Security 
(DHS) published a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM or proposed rule) 
88 FR 72870 that proposed to amend its regulations governing H-1B 
specialty occupation workers and F-1 students who are the beneficiaries 
of timely filed H-1B cap-subject petitions. Specifically, DHS proposed 
to revise the regulations relating to definition of ``specialty 
occupation'' and the ``employer-employee relationship''; provide 
flexibility for start-up entrepreneurs; implement new requirements and 
guidelines for H-1B site visits; provide flexibility on the employment 
start date listed on the petition (in limited circumstances); address 
``cap-gap'' issues; bolster the H-1B registration process to reduce the 
possibility of misuse and fraud in the H-1B registration system; 
modernize cap exemptions; clarify the requirement that an amended or 
new petition be filed where there are material changes; and codify 
USCIS' deference policy and requirement of maintenance of status for 
all employment-based nonimmigrant classifications that use Form I-129, 
among other provisions. The October 23, 2023 NPRM was informed by 
public comments USCIS received in response to a Request for Public 
Input that published on April 19, 2021.
    On February 2, 2024, DHS published a final rule, 89 FR 7456, 
implementing a beneficiary centric selection process for H-1B 
registrations, as well as additional integrity measures and 
flexibilities related to H-1B registration. DHS continues to consider 
the suggestions made in public comments received as they relate to the 
other proposed provisions discussed in the October 23, 2023 NPRM, and 
intends to finalize the remaining provisions in one or more actions.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   10/23/23  88 FR 72870
NPRM Comment Period End.............   12/22/23
Final Action........................   02/02/24  89 FR 7456
Final Action Effective..............   03/06/24
Final Action........................   12/00/24
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Charles Nimick, Chief, Business and Foreign Workers 
Division, Office of Policy and Strategy, Department of Homeland 
Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, 5900 Capital 
Gateway Drive, Suite 4S190, Camp Springs, MD 20588-0009, Phone: 240 
721-3000.
    RIN: 1615-AC70

118. Modernizing H-2 Program Requirements, Oversight, and Worker 
Protections [1615-AC76]

    Legal Authority: 6 U.S.C. 202, 8 U.S.C. secs. 1101(a)(15)(H)(ii)(a) 
and (b);1103(a)(3), 1184(a), (c) and (g), 1324a, 1225; 1357
    Abstract: On September 20, 2023, DHS published a notice of proposed 
rulemaking (NPRM) which proposed several changes to modernize and 
reform the H-2A and H-2B nonimmigrant worker programs. Many of the 
proposals contained in the NPRM were informed by public feedback USCIS 
received in response to its April 19, 2021 Request for Public Input. 
Specifically, the NPRM incorporated new policies that if finalized 
would produce program efficiencies, address current aspects of the 
program that may unintentionally result in exploitation or other abuse 
of persons seeking to come to this country as H-2A and H-2B workers, 
build upon existing protections against prohibited payments or other 
assessment of fees and/or salary deductions by H-2A and H-2B employers 
in connection with recruitment and/or H-2 employment, and otherwise add 
protections for workers. DHS did not propose any changes that would 
revise the temporary labor certification process or the regulations 
contained in 20 CFR part 655 or 29 CFR part 501 and 503. The public 
comment period closed November 20, 2023, and DHS is continuing to 
review the comments received during the comment period and in 
accordance with the instructions contained in the NPRM.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   09/20/23  88 FR 65040
NPRM Comment Period End.............   11/20/23
Final Action........................   11/00/24
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Charles Nimick, Chief, Business and Foreign Workers 
Division, Office of Policy and Strategy, Department of Homeland 
Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, 5900 Capital 
Gateway Drive, Suite 4S190, Camp Springs, MD 20588-0009, Phone: 240 
721-3000.
    RIN: 1615-AC76


[[Page 66825]]



DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY (DHS)

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)

Long-Term Actions

119. Petition for Immigrant Worker Reforms [1615-AC85]

    Legal Authority: 6 U.S.C. 112; 8 U.S.C. 1103(a); 8 U.S.C. 1153(b); 
8 U.S.C. 1154(a)(1)(E) and (F); 8 U.S.C. 1182(a)(5)(C) and (r)
    Abstract: The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is proposing to 
amend its regulations governing employment-based immigrant petitions in 
the first, second, and third preference classifications. Petitions for 
these classifications are filed by employers, or in certain cases by 
noncitizens on their own behalf, to bring talent and skills to the 
United States. The proposed rule would, if finalized, codify current 
policy guidance and implement administrative decisions regarding 
successorship-in-interest and ability to pay; update provisions 
governing extraordinary ability and outstanding professors and 
researchers; modernize outdated provisions for individuals of 
extraordinary ability and outstanding professors and researchers; 
clarify evidentiary requirements for first preference classifications, 
second preference national interest waiver (NIW) classifications, and 
physicians of national and international renown; implement reforms to 
ensure the integrity of the I-140 program; and correct errors and 
omissions.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   06/00/25
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Charles Nimick, Chief, Business and Foreign Workers 
Division, Office of Policy and Strategy, Department of Homeland 
Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, 5900 Capital 
Gateway Drive, Suite 4S190, Camp Springs, MD 20588-0009, Phone: 240 
721-3000.
    RIN: 1615-AC85

DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY (DHS)

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)

Completed Actions

120. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Fee Schedule and Changes 
to Certain Other Immigration Benefit Request Requirements [1615-AC68]

    Legal Authority: 8 U.S.C. 1356(m), (n)
    Abstract: On January 31, 2024, the Department of Homeland Security 
(DHS) published a final rule, 89 FR 6194, that adjusted the fees 
charged by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for 
immigration and naturalization benefit requests. The rule rescinds and 
replaces the changes made by an August 3, 2020, rule and establishes 
new USCIS fees to recover USCIS operating costs. This rule also 
provides additional fee exemptions for certain humanitarian categories 
and makes changes to certain other immigration benefit request 
requirements.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   01/04/23  88 FR 402
NPRM Correction.....................   01/09/23  88 FR 1172
NPRM Comment Period End.............   03/06/23
NPRM Comment Period Extended........   02/24/23  88 FR 11825
NPRM Comment Period Extended End....   03/13/23
Final Rule..........................   01/31/24  89 FR 6194
Final Rule; Correction..............   03/21/24  89 FR 20101
Final Rule Effective................   04/01/24
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Kika Scott, Chief Financial Officer, Department of 
Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, 5900 
Capital Gateway Drive, Suite 4S190, Camp Springs, MD 20588-0009, Phone: 
240 721-3000.
    RIN: 1615-AC68

DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY (DHS)

U.S. Coast Guard (USCG)

Proposed Rule Stage

121. Claims Procedures Under the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 [1625-AA03]

    Legal Authority: 33 U.S.C. 2713 and 2714
    Abstract: The purpose of this project is to remove superseded 
regulations at 33 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) part 135, and to 
finalize the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 (OPA90) claims procedures at 33 
CFR part 136. The OPA90 claims procedures, implementing OPA90 section 
1013 (Claims Procedures) and section 1014 (Designation of Source and 
Advertisement), were established by an interim rule, titled ``Claims 
under the Oil Pollution Act of 1990'' (Interim Rule) that has not been 
substantively amended since it was published in 1992. This rulemaking 
supports the Coast Guard's strategic goal of protection of natural 
resources.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Interim Final Rule..................   08/12/92  57 FR 36314
Correction..........................   09/09/92  57 FR 41104
Interim Final Rule Comment Period      12/10/92
 End.
Notice of Inquiry...................   11/01/11  76 FR 67385
Notice of Inquiry Comment Period End   01/30/12
NPRM................................   03/00/25
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Benjamin White, Project Manager, Department of 
Homeland Security, U.S. Coast Guard, National Pollution Funds Center 
(NPFC), 2703 Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue SE, STOP 7605, Washington, 
DC 20593-7605, Phone: 202 795-6066, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 1625-AA03

122. Safety Management Systems For Domestic Passenger Vessels [1625-
AC65]

    Legal Authority: 46 U.S.C. 3202 and 3203; DHS Delegation No. 
0170.1(92)(b)
    Abstract: The Coast Guard reviewed the public input received in 
response to its January 2021 ANPRM on a possible new safety management 
system (SMS) for passenger and small passenger vessels. This proposed 
rulemaking would outline new SMS regulations for small passenger 
vessels (SPVs) meeting the statutory definition of a covered small 
passenger vessel in line with the 2010 and 2020 Coast Guard 
Authorization Acts. Under this proposed rulemaking, all SPVs on oceans 
or coastwise routes, or having overnight accommodations for passengers, 
would be required to implement an SMS conforming to the requirements of 
a newly developed SPV SMS or an accepted alternative.
    Timetable:

[[Page 66826]]



------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
ANPRM...............................   01/15/21  86 FR 3899
ANPRM Correction....................   03/01/21  86 FR 11913
ANPRM Comment Period Extended.......   04/01/21  86 FR 17090
ANPRM Comment Period End............   04/15/21  .......................
ANPRM Comment Period Extended End...   06/01/21  .......................
NPRM................................   10/00/24  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: David Ward, Occupational Safety and Health Program 
Manager, Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Coast Guard, Office of 
Operating & Environmental Standards (CG-OES-2), 2703 Martin Luther King 
Jr. Avenue SE, Stop 7509, Washington, DC 20593, Phone: 202 372-1386, 
Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 1625-AC65

123. Implementation of Training Requirements for Personnel Serving on 
U.S.-Flagged Passenger Ships That Carry More Than 12 Passengers on 
International Voyages [1625-AC68]

    Legal Authority: 14 U.S.C. 102(3); 14 U.S.C. 503; 46 U.S.C. 7101; 
46 U.S.C. 7306; 46 U.S.C. 7313
    Abstract: This proposed rule would implement the 2016 amendments to 
the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification 
and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW) and the STCW Code by revising 
U.S. Coast Guard regulations at 46 CFR subchapter B, parts 11 and 12 to 
include additional requirements for the training and qualifications of 
masters, officers, and ratings on passenger ships, as required by the 
STCW Convention, to which the United States is a signatory. First, the 
Coast Guard would implement the 2016 amendments to the STCW Convention 
and the STCW Code for personnel serving on passenger ships that operate 
on international voyages. The proposed revisions would add a 
requirement for all personnel to complete passenger ship emergency 
familiarization training appropriate to their capacity, duties, and 
responsibilities during an emergency before being assigned to shipboard 
duties. The proposal would also expand the applicability of crowd 
management training to include qualified ratings.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   08/00/24  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Megan Johns Henry, Marine Transportation 
Specialist, Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Coast Guard, Office 
of Merchant Mariner Credentialing (CG-MMC-1), 2703 Martin Luther King 
Jr. Avenue SE, STOP 7509, Washington, DC 20593-7509, Phone: 202 372-
1255, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 1625-AC68

124. MARPOL Annex VI; Prevention of Air Pollution From Ships [1625-
AC78]

    Legal Authority: 33 U.S.C. 1903
    Abstract: The Coast Guard is proposing regulations to carry out the 
provisions of Annex VI of the MARPOL Protocol, which is focused on the 
prevention of air pollution from ships. The Act to Prevent Pollution 
from Ships has already given direct effect to most provisions of Annex 
VI, and the Coast Guard and the Environmental Protection Agency have 
carried out some Annex VI provisions through previous rulemakings. This 
proposed rule would fill gaps in the existing framework for carrying 
out the provisions of Annex VI. Chapter 4 of Annex VI contains 
shipboard energy efficiency measures that include short-term measures 
reducing carbon emissions linked to climate change and supports 
Administration goals outlined in Executive Order 14008 titled Tackling 
the Climate Crisis at Home and Abroad. This proposed rule would apply 
to U.S.-flagged ships. It would also apply to foreign-flagged ships 
operating either in U.S. navigable waters or in the U.S. Exclusive 
Economic Zone.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   09/00/24  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Frank Strom, Chief, Systems Engineering Division 
(CG-ENG-3), Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Coast Guard, Office 
of Design and Engineering Standards, 2703 Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue 
SE, STOP 7509, Washington, DC 20593-7509, Phone: 202 372-1375, Email: 
[email protected].
    RIN: 1625-AC78

DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY (DHS)

Final Rule Stage

U.S. Coast Guard (USCG)

125. Commercial Fishing Vessels-Implementation of 2010 and 2012 
Legislation [1625-AB85]

    Legal Authority: 46 U.S.C. 4502 and 5103; Pub. L. 111-281; Pub. L. 
112-213
    Abstract: The Coast Guard will implement 2010 and 2012 legislation 
that pertains to uninspected commercial fishing industry vessels. The 
requirements took effect upon enactment of the legislation but require 
amendments to Coast Guard regulations to be implemented. Coast Guard is 
changing the applicability of the regulations, and adding new 
requirements to safety training, equipment, vessel examinations, vessel 
safety standards, the documentation of maintenance, and the termination 
of unsafe operations. This rulemaking promotes the Coast Guard's 
maritime safety mission.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   06/21/16  81 FR 40437
NPRM Comment Period Extended........   08/15/16  81 FR 53986
NPRM Comment Period End.............   09/19/16  .......................
NPRM Comment Period Extended End....   12/18/16  .......................
Final Rule..........................   05/00/25  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Joseph Myers, Project Manager, Department of 
Homeland Security, U.S. Coast Guard, Office of Commercial Vessel 
Compliance (CG-CVC-3), 2703 Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue SE, STOP 
7501, Washington, DC 20593-7501, Phone: 202 372-1249, Email: 
[email protected].
    RIN: 1625-AB85

126. Lifejacket Approval Harmonization [1625-AC62]

    Legal Authority: 46 U.S.C. 3306(a); 46 U.S.C. 3306(b); 46 U.S.C. 
4102(a); 46 U.S.C. 4102(b); 46 U.S.C. 4302(a); 46 U.S.C. 4502(a); 46 
U.S.C. 4502(c)(2)(B)
    Abstract: The Coast Guard is amending the lifejacket approval 
requirements and follow-up program requirements by incorporating new 
bi-national standards. At the same time, the Coast Guard is amending 
lifejacket and personal flotation devices (PFDs) carriage requirements 
to allow for the use of equipment approved to the new

[[Page 66827]]

standards, and to remove obsolete equipment approval requirements. The 
new standards are intended to replace the legacy standards. The 
amendments streamline the process for approval of PFDs and allow 
manufacturers the opportunity to produce more innovative equipment that 
meets the approval requirements of both Canada and the United States, 
while reducing the burden for manufacturers in both the approval 
process and follow-up program. The rule is expected to provide a cost 
savings by reducing the regulatory burden on PFD manufacturers by 
harmonizing our PFD approval standards with Canada, requiring less 
frequent inspections of manufacturing facilities, and providing lower 
cost PFD user manuals. This rule is consistent with Executive Order 
14058, which directs agencies to take actions that improve service 
delivery and customer experience by decreasing administrative burdens, 
enhancing transparency, and improving the efficiency and effectiveness 
of government.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   04/07/23  88 FR 21016
NPRM Correction.....................   05/01/23  88 FR 26514
NPRM Comment Period End.............   06/06/23  .......................
Final Rule..........................   09/00/24  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Jacqueline M. Yurkovich, Project Manager, 
Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Coast Guard, Office of Design and 
Engineering Standards (CG-ENG-4), 2703 Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue 
SE, STOP 7509, Washington, DC 20593-7509, Phone: 571 607-4931, Email: 
[email protected].
    RIN: 1625-AC62

127. Cybersecurity in the Marine Transportation System [1625-AC77]

    Legal Authority: 46 U.S.C. 70101; 46 U.S.C. 70102; 46 U.S.C. 70103; 
46 U.S.C. 70104; 46 U.S.C. 70124
    Abstract: The Coast Guard has published a proposed rule to update 
its maritime security regulations by adding regulations specifically 
focused on establishing minimum cybersecurity requirements for U.S.-
flagged vessels, Outer Continental Shelf facilities, and U.S. 
facilities subject to the Maritime Transportation Security Act of 2002 
regulations. This proposed rulemaking is part of an ongoing effort to 
address emerging cybersecurity risks and threats to maritime security 
by including additional security requirements to safeguard the marine 
transportation system.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   02/22/24  89 FR 13403
NPRM Comment Period Extended........   04/09/24  89 FR 24751
NPRM Comment Period End.............   04/22/24  .......................
Extended Comment Period End.........   05/22/24  .......................
Final Rule..........................   12/00/24  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Frank Strom, Chief, Systems Engineering Division 
(CG-ENG-3), Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Coast Guard, Office 
of Design and Engineering Standards, 2703 Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue 
SE, STOP 7509, Washington, DC 20593-7509, Phone: 202 372-1375, Email: 
[email protected].
    RIN: 1625-AC77

DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY (DHS)

U.S. Coast Guard (USCG)

Completed Actions

128. User Fees For Inspected Towing Vessels [1625-AC55]

    Legal Authority: 46 U.S.C. 2103; 46 U.S.C. 2110; Pub. L. 115-282, 
sec. 815
    Abstract: This rulemaking revised user fees for towing vessels 
inspected under 46 CFR subchapter M and updated the existing user fee 
in 46 CFR 2.10-101 for sea-going towing vessels inspected under 46 CFR 
subchapter I. These user fees are for services related to the 
inspection of these vessels and will reflect the differences in cost to 
the government to provide these services to vessels that use a safety 
management system involving a third party and vessels that do not.
    Timetable:

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               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   01/11/22  87 FR 1378
NPRM Comment Period End.............   04/11/22  .......................
Final Rule..........................   12/28/23  88 FR 89595
Final Rule Effective................   03/27/24  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Jennifer Hnatow, Project Manager, Department of 
Homeland Security, U.S. Coast Guard, Commercial Vessel Compliance (CG-
CVC-1), 2703 Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue SE, STOP 7501, Washington, 
DC 20593-7501, Phone: 202 372-1216, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 1625-AC55

DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY (DHS)

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (USCBP)

Proposed Rule Stage

129.  Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) Electronic Export 
Manifest for Vessel Cargo [1651-AB59]

    Legal Authority: Not Yet Determined
    Abstract: U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) proposes to 
amend its regulations to require the advance submission of electronic 
export manifest (EEM) information to CBP in the Automated Commercial 
Environment for cargo transported by vessel departing the United 
States. The proposed rule would identify the parties eligible to 
transmit advance vessel EEM information, and their responsibilities, 
and describe the time frames for transmission of the information prior 
to cargo loading or conveyance departure. Requiring this data in 
advance would significantly improve cargo safety and security while 
minimizing disruption to the flow of commerce in the sea environment.
    Timetable:

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               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   09/00/24  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Thomas Pagano, Chief, Outbound Enforcement Branch, 
Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, 
Office of Field Operations, 1300 Pennsylvania Ave, NW, Washington, DC 
20229, Phone: 202 344-3277, Email: [email protected]
    RIN: 1651-AB59

DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY (DHS)

Transportation Security Administration (TSA)

Long-Term Actions

130. Vetting of Certain Surface Transportation Employees [1652-AA69]

    Legal Authority: 49 U.S.C. 114; Pub. L. 108-90, sec. 520; Pub. L. 
110-53, secs. 1411, 1414, 1512, 1520, 1522, and 1531

[[Page 66828]]

    Abstract: The 9/11 Act requires vetting of certain railroad, public 
transportation, and over-the-road bus employees. Also, 6 U.S.C. 469 
requires TSA to collect fees to recover the costs of the vetting 
services. On May 23, 2023, the Transportation Security Administration 
(TSA) issued a proposed rule to establish the standards and procedures 
to conduct the required vetting and recover costs. This regulation is 
related to 1652-AA55, Security Training for Surface Transportation 
Employees.
    Timetable:

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               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   05/23/23  88 FR 33472
NPRM Comment Period End.............   08/21/23  .......................
NPRM Extension of Comment Period....   08/22/23  88 FR 57044
NPRM Extension Comment Period End...   10/01/23  .......................
                                     -----------------------------------
Final Rule..........................           To Be Determined
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Ashlee Marks, Branch Manager, Policy Development 
Branch, Surface Division, Department of Homeland Security, 
Transportation Security Administration, Policy, Plans, and Engagement, 
6595 Springfield Center Drive, Springfield, VA 20598-6028, Phone: 571 
227-3740, Email: [email protected].
    James Ruger, Chief Economist, Economic Analysis Branch-Coordination 
& Analysis Division, Department of Homeland Security, Transportation 
Security Administration, Policy, Plans, and Engagement, 6595 
Springfield Center Drive, Springfield, VA 20598-6028, Phone: 571 227-
5519, Email: [email protected].
    Christine Beyer, Senior Counsel, Regulations and Security 
Standards, Department of Homeland Security, Transportation Security 
Administration, Chief Counsel's Office, 6595 Springfield Center Drive, 
Springfield, VA 20598-6002, Phone: 571 227-3653, Email: 
[email protected].
    RIN: 1652-AA69

131. Amending Vetting Requirements for Employees With Access to a 
Security Identification Display Area (SIDA) [1652-AA70]

    Legal Authority: Pub. L. 114-190, sec. 3405
    Abstract: As required by the FESSA, TSA will propose a rule to 
revise its regulations, reflecting current knowledge of insider threat 
and intelligence, to enhance the eligibility requirements and 
disqualifying criminal offenses for individuals seeking or having 
unescorted access to any SIDA of an airport. Consistent with the 
statutory mandate, TSA will consider adding to the list of 
disqualifying criminal offenses and criteria, develop an appeal and 
waiver process for the issuance of credentials for unescorted access, 
and propose an extension of the lookback period for disqualifying 
crimes. As part of TSA's reevaluation of the eligibility and redress 
standards for aviation workers required by the Act, TSA is also 
reevaluating the current vetting process to minimize any security risks 
that may exist.
    Timetable:

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               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................           To Be Determined
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Zachary Landis, Branch Manager, Airports Security 
Programs, Department of Homeland Security, Transportation Security 
Administration, Aviation Division, Policy, Plans, and Engagement, 
Springfield, VA 20598-6028, Phone: 571 230-4863, Email: 
[email protected].
    James Ruger, Chief Economist, Economic Analysis Branch-Coordination 
& Analysis Division, Department of Homeland Security, Transportation 
Security Administration, Policy, Plans, and Engagement, 6595 
Springfield Center Drive, Springfield, VA 20598-6028, Phone: 571 227-
5519, Email: [email protected].
    Christine Beyer, Senior Counsel, Regulations and Security 
Standards, Department of Homeland Security, Transportation Security 
Administration, Chief Counsel's Office, 6595 Springfield Center Drive, 
Springfield, VA 20598-6002, Phone: 571 227-3653, Email: 
[email protected].
    RIN: 1652-AA70

DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY (DHS)

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)

Final Rule Stage

132. Updates to Floodplain Management and Protection of Wetlands 
Regulations To Implement the Federal Flood Risk Management Standard 
[1660-AB12]

    Legal Authority: 6 U.S.C. 101 et seq.; 42 U.S.C. 4001 et seq.; 42 
U.S.C. 4321 et seq.; E.O. 11988 of May 24, 1977, 42 FR 26951, 3 CFR, 
1977 Comp., p. 117; E.O. 11990 of May 24, 1977, 42 FR 26961, 3 CFR, 
1977 Comp., p. 121; E.O. 13690, 80 FR 6425; E.O. 14030, 86 FR 27967
    Abstract: On October 2, 2023, consistent with President Biden's 
Executive Order on Climate Related Financial Risk (E.O. 14030), the 
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) proposed to amend its 
regulations at 44 CFR part 9, ``Floodplain Management and Protection of 
Wetlands,'' to incorporate amendments to Executive Order 11988 and the 
Federal Flood Risk Management Standard (FFRMS). The FFRMS is a flexible 
framework allowing agencies to choose among three approaches to define 
the floodplain and corresponding flood elevation requirements for 
federally funded projects. 44 CFR part 9 describes FEMA's process under 
Executive Order 11988 for determining whether the proposed location for 
an action falls within a floodplain and how to complete the action in 
the floodplain, in light of the risk of flooding.
    The rule would change how FEMA defines a floodplain with respect to 
certain actions. Additionally, under the rule, FEMA would use natural 
systems, ecosystem process, and nature-based approaches, where 
practicable, when developing alternatives to locating the proposed 
action in the floodplain. FEMA has engaged the public extensively on 
these matters.

[[Page 66829]]

    On February 5, 2015, FEMA acting on behalf of the Mitigation 
Framework Leadership Group, published a Federal Register notice seeking 
comments on a draft of the Revised Guidelines for Implementing 
Executive Order 11988, Floodplain Management. The 60-day comment period 
was extended an additional 30 days. During the public comment period 
for the Revised Guidelines, FEMA sent advisories to representatives 
from Governors' offices nationwide inviting comments on the draft 
Revised Guidelines. Over 25 meetings were held across the country with 
State, local, and Tribal officials and interested stakeholders to 
discuss the draft Revised Guidelines as well as 9 public listening 
sessions across the country attended by over 700 participants to 
facilitate feedback. All relevant comments received in response to 
these efforts have been posted to the public rulemaking docket on the 
Federal eRulemaking portal at https://www.regulations.gov/document/FEMA-2015-0006-0001/comment. Comments from meetings and listening 
sessions can be found at https://www.regulations.gov/docket/FEMA-2015-0006/document. Additionally, FEMA published a Notice of Proposed 
Rulemaking (NPRM) in 2016 seeking public comment on FEMA's proposed 
implementation of the Revised Guidelines. All relevant comments 
received in response to the 2016 NPRM were posted to the public 
rulemaking docket on the Federal eRulemaking portal at https://www.regulations.gov/document/FEMA-2015-0006-0373/comment.
    Timetable:

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               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Proposed Policy: Request for           10/02/23  88 FR 67697
 Comments.
Proposed Policy: Comment Period End.   12/01/23  .......................
NPRM................................   10/02/23  88 FR 67869
NPRM Comment Period End.............   12/01/23  .......................
Final Rule..........................   07/00/24  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Portia Ross, Office of Environmental and Historic 
Preservation, Department of Homeland Security, Federal Emergency 
Management Agency, 400 C Street SW, Washington, DC 20472, Phone: 202 
709-0677, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 1660-AB12

DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY (DHS)

Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA)

Proposed Rule Stage

133. Ammonium Nitrate Security Program [1670-AA00]

    Legal Authority: 6 U.S.C. 488 et seq.
    Abstract: The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency 
(CISA) is proposing a rulemaking to implement the December 2007 
amendment to the Homeland Security Act titled ``Secure Handling of 
Ammonium Nitrate.'' This amendment requires the Department of Homeland 
Security to ``regulate the sale and transfer of ammonium nitrate by an 
ammonium nitrate facility...to prevent the misappropriation or use of 
ammonium nitrate in an act of terrorism.'' CISA previously issued a 
Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) on August 3, 2011. CISA is 
planning to issue a Supplemental Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (SNPRM).
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
ANPRM...............................   10/29/08  73 FR 64280
ANPRM Correction....................   11/05/08  73 FR 65783
ANPRM Comment Period End............   12/29/08  .......................
NPRM................................   08/03/11  76 FR 46908
Notice of Public Meetings...........   10/07/11  76 FR 62311
Notice of Public Meetings...........   11/14/11  76 FR 70366
NPRM Comment Period End.............   12/01/11  .......................
Notice of Availability..............   06/03/19  84 FR 25495
Notice of Availability Comment         09/03/19  .......................
 Period End.
Supplemental NPRM...................   07/00/24  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Ann Hunziker, Branch Chief for Policy Rulemaking 
and Engagement, Department of Homeland Security, Cybersecurity and 
Infrastructure Security Agency, 1310 N. Courthouse Rd., Arlington, VA 
22202, Phone: 202 604-5817, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 1670-AA00

[FR Doc. 2024-16453 Filed 8-15-24; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 9110-9B-P