This Committee meeting is available to the public through the registration link above. Any interested members of the public may attend this meeting. An open comment period will be provided to allow members of the public to make oral statements as time allows. Pursuant to the Federal Advisory Committee Act, public minutes of the meeting will include a list of persons who are present at the meeting. If joining via phone, callers can expect to incur regular charges for calls they initiate over wireless lines, according to their wireless plan. The Commission will not refund any incurred charges. Callers will incur no charge for calls they initiate over land-line connections to the toll-free telephone number. Closed captioning is available by selecting “CC” in the meeting platform. To request additional accommodations, please email svillanueva@usccr.gov at least 10 business days prior to the meeting.

Members of the public are entitled to submit written comments; the comments must be received in the regional office within 30 days following the scheduled meeting. Written comments may be emailed to Sarah Villanueva at svillanueva@usccr.gov. Persons who desire additional information may contact the Regional Programs Coordination Unit at 1-202-809-9618.

Records generated from this meeting may be inspected and reproduced at the Regional Programs Coordination Unit Office, as they become available, both before and after the meeting. Records of the meetings will be available via the file sharing website, https://bit.ly/3YnhKJx. Persons interested in the work of this Committee are directed to the Commission's website, http://www.usccr.gov, or may contact the Regional Programs Coordination Unit at svillanueva@usccr.gov.

This Committee meeting is available to the public through the registration link above. Any interested members of the public may attend this meeting. An open comment period will be provided to allow members of the public to make oral statements as time allows. Pursuant to the Federal Advisory Committee Act, public minutes of the meeting will include a list of persons who are present at the meeting. If joining via phone, callers can expect to incur regular charges for calls they initiate over wireless lines, according to their wireless plan. The Commission will not refund any incurred charges. Callers will incur no charge for calls they initiate over land-line connections to the toll-free telephone number. Closed captioning is available by selecting “CC” in the meeting platform. To request additional accommodations, please email svillanueva@usccr.gov at least 10 business days prior to the meeting.

Members of the public are entitled to submit written comments; the comments must be received in the regional office within 30 days following the scheduled meeting. Written comments may be emailed to Sarah Villanueva at svillanueva@usccr.gov. Persons who desire additional information may contact the Regional Programs Coordination Unit at 1-202-809-9618.

Records generated from this meeting may be inspected and reproduced at the Regional Programs Coordination Unit Office, as they become available, both before and after the meeting. Records of the meetings will be available via the file sharing website, https://bit.ly/47mDPeL. Persons interested in the work of this Committee are directed to the Commission's website, http://www.usccr.gov, or may contact the Regional Programs Coordination Unit at svillanueva@usccr.gov.

On January 8, 2025, the U.S. Department of Commerce (Commerce) initiated the less-than-fair-value (LTFV) investigations on imports of float glass products from China and Malaysia. 1 The preliminary determinations are currently due no later than May 20, 2025.

Section 733(b)(1)(A) of the Tariff Act of 1930, as amended (the Act), requires Commerce to issue the preliminary determination in an LTFV investigation within 140 days after the date on which Commerce initiated the investigation. However, section 733(c)(1)(A) of the Act permits Commerce to postpone the preliminary determination until no later than 190 days after the date on which Commerce initiated the investigation if: (A) the petitioner makes a timely request for a postponement; or (B) Commerce concludes that the parties concerned are cooperating, that the investigation is extraordinarily complicated, and that additional time is necessary to make a preliminary determination. Under 19 CFR 351.205(e), the petitioner must submit a request for postponement 25 days or more before the scheduled date of the preliminary determination and must state the reasons for the request. Commerce will grant the request unless it finds compelling reasons to deny the request.

On March 31, 2025, Vitro Flat Glass, LLC and Vitro Meadville Flat Glass, LLC. (the petitioner) submitted a timely request that Commerce postpone the preliminary determinations in these LTFV investigations. 2 The petitioner stated that it requests postponement to ensure that Commerce has sufficient time to review and consider the information provided in questionnaire responses and allow the petitioner time to submit rebuttal factual information or otherwise comment on the adequacy of any questionnaire responses. 3

For the reasons stated above and because there are no compelling reasons to deny the request, Commerce is postponing the deadline for the preliminary determinations by 50 days, i.e., 190 days after the date on which these investigations were initiated, in accordance with section 733(c)(1)(A) of the Act. As a result, Commerce will issue its preliminary determinations no later than July 9, 2025. In accordance with section 735(a)(1) of the Act and 19 CFR 351.210(b)(1), the deadline for the final determinations of these investigations will continue to be 75 days after the date of the preliminary determinations, unless postponed at a later date.

This notice is issued and published pursuant to section 733(c)(2) of the Act and 19 CFR 351.205(f)(1).

The Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (MSA) and 2007 Reauthorization Act (MSRA) established the CCC by amending section 302 (16 U.S.C. 1852) of the MSA. The Committee consists of the chairs, vice chairs, and executive directors of each of the eight Regional Fishery Management Councils authorized by the MSA, or their proxies, other Council members or staff. All sessions are open to the public and time will be set aside for public comments at the end of each day and after specific sessions at the discretion of the meeting Chair. The meeting Chair will announce public comment times and instructions to provide comments at the start of each meeting day. There will be opportunities for public comments to be provided in-person and remotely via webinar. Updates to this meeting, briefing materials, public comment instructions, and additional information will be posted when available at https://www.fisherycouncils.org/ccc-meetings/may-2025 .

• Meeting Registration: Harbor Hotel Lobby.

• Welcome and Introductions;

• Council round robin of current issues;

• NOAA Fisheries Update and FY 25/26 Priorities;

• Executive Orders Update; and

• Public Comment.

Adjourn for the day.

• NOAA Fisheries Science Updates;

• Budget;

• NEPA Update;

• Discussion on Priorities and Future Planning;

• Legislative Outlook;

• Draft Policy and Guidance: National Marine Sanctuaries Act Section 304(a)(5); International Fisheries Issues; and

• Public Comment.

Adjourn for the day.

• Scientific Coordination Subcommittee (SCS);

• CMOD Workshop Recap;

• CCC Workgroups/Subcommittees;

• 2026 CCC Meetings; and

• Other Business and Wrap-Up.

The timing and order in which agenda items are addressed may change as required to effectively address the issues. The CCC will meet as late as necessary to complete scheduled business.

Although non-emergency issues not contained in the meeting agenda may be discussed, those issues may not be the subject of formal action during these meetings. Action will be restricted to those issues specifically listed in this document and any issues arising after publication of this document that require emergency action under section 305 (c) of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, provided the public has been notified of the intent to take final action to address the emergency.

The public also should be aware that the meeting will be recorded and a transcript prepared. Consistent with 16 U.S.C. 1852, a copy of the recording is available upon request.

The meeting is physically accessible to people with disabilities. Requests for sign language interpretation or other auxiliary aids should be directed to Cate O'Keefe (see ADDRESSES ) at least 5 days prior to the meeting date.

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

The Spiny Dogfish Monitoring Committee will meet to develop recommendations regarding alternatives and analyses for a framework action that is considering modifications to payback accountability measures when spiny dogfish annual catch limits (ACLs) are exceeded. More information on this framework action is available at https://www.mafmc.org/actions/spiny-dogfish-accountability-measures-fw. Public comments will also be taken.

The meeting is physically accessible to people with disabilities. Requests for sign language interpretation or other auxiliary aid should be directed to Shelley Spedden, (302) 526-5251, at least 5 days prior to the meeting date.

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

We are initiating the 5-year reviews of six foreign elasmobranch species, including three endangered species (Argentine angelshark, spiny angelshark, and striped smoothhound shark) and three threatened species (narrownose smoothhound shark, common guitarfish, and blackchin guitarfish). Section 4(c)(2) of the ESA requires us to conduct a review of listed species at least once every 5 years to determine whether species should be removed from the list, changed in status from an endangered species to a threatened species, or changed in status from a threatened species to an endangered species (16 U.S.C. 1533(c)(2)). Section 4(a)(1) of the ESA requires us to determine whether any species is an endangered or threatened species because of any of the following factors: (A) the present or threatened destruction, modification, or curtailment of its habitat or range; (B) overutilization for commercial, recreational, scientific, or educational purposes; (C) disease or predation; (D) the inadequacy of existing regulatory mechanisms; or (E) other natural or manmade factors affecting its continued existence (16 U.S.C. 1533(a)(1)). Section 4(b)(1)(A) of the ESA requires us to make the determination based solely on the best scientific and commercial data available at the time of the review and after taking into account efforts to protect the species (16 U.S.C. 1533(b)(1)(A)). Regulations (50 CFR 424.21) require us to publish a notice in the Federal Register announcing species under active review.

In 2015, we published status reviews of the Argentine angelshark, spiny angelshark, striped smoothhound shark, and narrownose smoothhound shark. In 2017, we published a status review of the common and blackchin guitarfishes. These status reviews and additional information on the species are available on NMFS' website: https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/national/endangered-species-conservation/foreign-species. After reviewing information available since the publication of these status reviews, we will make our determinations regarding the classification of these species and publish them on NMFS' website. Any recommended changes ( i.e., delistings and/or reclassifications) would require a separate rulemaking process.

To ensure that the 5-year reviews are based on the best scientific and commercial data available, we are soliciting information from the public, governmental agencies, Tribes, the scientific community, industry, environmental organizations, and other interested parties. We request information that has become available since the previous reviews were published in 2015 (Argentine and spiny angelsharks and striped and narrownose smoothhound sharks) and 2017 (common and blackchin guitarfishes). Categories of requested information include: (1) species biology including, but not limited to, abundance, population trends, demographics, distribution, and diversity; (2) habitat conditions including, but not limited to, amount, distribution, suitability, and important features for conservation; (3) degree, nature, and trends of threats to the species and its habitats, especially those factors described in section 4(a)(1) of the ESA; (4) conservation efforts that have been implemented to benefit the species, including monitoring data demonstrating the effectiveness of such efforts; and (5) other information, data, or corrections including taxonomic or nomenclatural changes and improved analytical methods for evaluating extinction risk.

We request that all information be accompanied by supporting documentation such as maps, bibliographic references, or reprints of pertinent publications. Please submit all information and supporting documentation electronically (see ADDRESSES section).

Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.

The objective of the Convention is to ensure, through effective management, the long-term conservation and sustainable use of highly migratory fish stocks in the western and central Pacific Ocean in accordance with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea of 10 December 1982 (UNCLOS) and the Agreement for the Implementation of the Provisions of the UNCLOS Relating to the Conservation and Management of Straddling Fish Stocks and Highly Migratory Fish Stocks. The Convention establishes the Commission, the secretariat of which is based in Pohnpei, Federated States of Micronesia.

The Convention applies to all highly migratory fish stocks (defined as all fish stocks of the species listed in Annex I of the UNCLOS occurring in the Convention Area, and such other species of fish as the Commission may determine), except sauries.

The United States actively supported the negotiations and the development of the Convention and signed the Convention when it was opened for signature in 2000. It participated as a cooperating non-member of the Commission since it became operational in 2005. The United States became a Contracting Party to the Convention and a full member of the Commission when it ratified the Convention in January 2007. Under the Act (16 U.S.C. 6901 et seq. ), the United States is to be represented on the Commission by five U.S. Commissioners, appointed by the President.

The Act provides in section 6902(d) that the Secretary of Commerce, in consultation with the U.S. Commissioners to the Commission, will appoint individuals as members of the advisory committee established under the Act, referred to here as the PAC.

The appointed members of the Permanent Advisory Committee are to include not less than 15 nor more than 20 individuals selected from the various groups concerned with the fisheries covered by the Convention, providing, to the extent practicable, an equitable balance among such groups. On behalf of the Secretary of Commerce, NMFS is now seeking nominations for these appointments.

In addition to the 15-20 appointed members, the Permanent Advisory Committee includes the chair of the Western Pacific Fishery Management Council's Advisory Committee (or designee), and officials of the fisheries management authorities of American Samoa, Guam, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (or their designees).

Members of the Permanent Advisory Committee will be invited to attend all non-executive meetings of the U.S. Commissioners to the Commission and at such meetings will be given the opportunity to examine and be heard on all proposed programs of investigation, reports, recommendations, and regulations of the Commission. Members of the Permanent Advisory Committee are also invited to participate in meetings of the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission, as members of the United States' delegation.

Each appointed member of the Permanent Advisory Committee will serve for a term of 2 years and is eligible for reappointment. This request for nominations is for the term to begin on August 3, 2025, and is for a term of 2 consecutive years.

All members of the Advisory Committee are appointed in their individual professional capacity and undergo a background screening. Any individual appointed to the Committee who is unable to attend all or part of an Advisory Committee meeting may not appoint another person to attend such meetings as their proxy. Nominees should be able to fulfill the time and travel commitments required to participate in the Committee's meeting(s). The meetings are normally two to three days long and can be held virtually or in Honolulu, Hawaii.

The Secretaries of Commerce and State will furnish the Permanent Advisory Committee with relevant information concerning fisheries and international fishery agreements.

NMFS, on behalf of the Secretary of Commerce, will provide to the Permanent Advisory Committee administrative and technical support services as are necessary for its effective functioning.

Appointed members of the Permanent Advisory Committee will serve without pay, but while away from their homes or regular places of business in the performance of services for the advisory committee will be allowed travel expenses, including per diem in lieu of subsistence, in the same manner as persons employed intermittently in the Government service are allowed expenses under 5 U.S.C. 5703. They will not be considered Federal employees while performing service as members of the advisory committee except for the purposes of injury compensation or tort claims liability as provided in chapter 81 of title 5 and chapter 171 of title 28.

Nominations for the Permanent Advisory Committee should be submitted to NMFS (see ADDRESSES ). This request for nominations is for first-time nominees as well as previous and current Permanent Advisory Committee members. Self-nominations are acceptable. Nominations should include a letter of interest and a resume or curriculum vitae that covers the following information: (1) full name, address, telephone, and email address of nominee; (2) nominee's organization(s) or professional affiliation(s) serving as the basis for the nomination, if any; and (3) a background statement, not to exceed one page in length, describing the nominee's qualifications, experience and interests, specifically as related to the fisheries covered by the Convention. For those who have submitted a nomination in response to the initial solicitation, 90 FR 7080, those nominations will still count towards consideration for the next PAC term, August 2025 through August 2027. The solicitation period for nominations has been reopened as a result of either not receiving a sufficient number of nominations and/or meeting an equitable balance among groups.

Authority: 16 U.S.C. 6902.

The Gloucester Marine Genomics Institute submitted a complete application for an EFP to conduct commercial fishing activities that the regulations would otherwise restrict. This EFP would exempt the participating vessels from the following Federal regulations:

This project would assess spatial stock structure and signals of natural selection of American lobster by using a population genomics approach. The intention is for the project to assist in improving management unit delineations for lobster in the Gulf of Maine, Georges Bank, and Southern New England regions. To achieve this, the project sets four aims: (1) improve the chromosome-level reference genome assembly for the American lobster; (2) build collaborative partnerships with commercial lobstermen and regional lobster biologists by collecting lobster tissue samples from locations throughout U.S. waters and one Canadian location; (3) assess genetic population structure and interpret responses to regional and environmental conditions recorded within the genome; and (4) disseminate results to the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission's American Lobster Technical Committee to improve stock delineations and management strategies.

While the overall project targets 21 locations in state and Federal waters, this EFP only includes vessels fishing at 7 of these locations of which 6 would be in Federal waters and 1 would be in Long Island Sound. At each of the seven locations, fishermen would fish for lobster using standard lobster pots, which would be configured and set consistent with offshore lobster fishing practices. This fishing activity is planned to be conducted as part of the fishermen's regular fishing activity. Legal lobsters that are harvested during the trips would be landed for sale. For each late-stage egg-bearing female, the fishermen would remove for collection the smallest walking leg. After recording carapace length and latitude and longitude, the female would be released. A maximum of 280 samples would be collected from across the 7 locations, with a target sample size of 25 at each location. One trip would be taken for each location with each trip lasting three days.

If approved, the applicant may request minor modifications and extensions to the EFP throughout the year. EFP modifications and extensions may be granted without further notice if they are deemed essential to facilitate completion of the proposed research and have minimal impacts that do not change the scope or impact of the initially approved EFP request. Any fishing activity conducted outside the scope of the exempted fishing activity would be prohibited.

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

The Gulf, South Atlantic, and Caribbean Fishery Management Councils, in conjunction with NMFS and the Atlantic and Gulf States Marine Fisheries Commissions have implemented the Southeast Data, Assessment and Review (SEDAR) process, a multi-step method for determining the status of fish stocks in the Southeast Region. SEDAR is a multi-step process including: (1) Data/Assessment Workshop, and (2) a series of webinars. The product of the Data/Assessment Workshop is a report which compiles and evaluates potential datasets and recommends which datasets are appropriate for assessment analyses, and describes the fisheries, evaluates the status of the stock, estimates biological benchmarks, projects future population conditions, and recommends research and monitoring needs. Participants for SEDAR Workshops are appointed by the Gulf, South Atlantic, and Caribbean Fishery Management Councils and NMFS Southeast Regional Office, Highly Migratory Species (HMS) Management Division, and Southeast Fisheries Science Center. Participants include data collectors and database managers; stock assessment scientists, biologists, and researchers; constituency representatives including fishermen, environmentalists, and NGO's; International experts; and staff of Councils, Commissions, and state and federal agencies.

The items of discussion in the SEDAR 90 Post Data Workshop Webinar1 are as follows:

• Review any data issues remaining.

• Finalize any data decisions remaining.

• Continue discussion on modelling issues and decisions.

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 identified in this notice and any issues arising after publication of this notice that require emergency action under section 305(c) of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, provided the public has been notified of the intent to take final action to address the emergency.

The meeting is physically accessible to people with disabilities. Requests for sign language interpretation or other auxiliary aids should be directed to the Council office (see ADDRESSES ) at least 5 business days prior to each workshop.

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

On November 8, 2024, notice was published in the Federal Register (89 FR 88736) that a request for a permit to conduct research and enhancement activities had been submitted by the above-named applicant. The requested permit was issued on April 9, 2025, under the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972, as amended (MMPA; 16 U.S.C. 1361 et seq. ), the regulations governing the taking and importing of marine mammals (50 CFR part 216), the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (ESA; 16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq. ), and the regulations governing the taking, importing, and exporting of endangered and threatened species (50 CFR parts 222 through 226).

The permit authorizes the applicant to carry out research and enhancement activities to recover the endangered Hawaiian monk seal along beaches and nearshore waters throughout the Hawaiian Archipelago (Northwestern Hawaiian Islands and main Hawaiian Islands) and Johnston Atoll. Research will identify impediments to recovery, inform the design of conservation interventions, and evaluate those measures. Research activities include visual and photographic monitoring, capture, tagging, pelage marking, health screening, foraging studies, deworming, necropsies, tissue sampling, behavioral modification, vocalization studies, and vaccination. Enhancement activities are designed to improve survival, reproductive success, and overall species' status. Enhancement activities include deworming, capture, translocation, hazing and removal of aggressive adult male seals, disentangling, dehooking, medical treatment, behavioral modification, vaccination, and supplemental feeding of post-release rehabilitated seals. Unintentional mortalities during research and enhancement activities are requested. Unintentional disturbance of spinner dolphins ( Stenella longirostris ) and bottlenose dolphins ( Tursiops truncatus ) during research and enhancement activities is also requested. See the application for complete numbers of animals requested by species, age-class, and procedure. Pinniped parts may be collected, received, exported, and imported for analysis. The permit is valid through December 31, 2029.

In compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq. ), a final determination has been made that the activity proposed is categorically excluded from the requirement to prepare an environmental assessment or environmental impact statement.

The meeting will begin with Introductions of Members, Adoption of Agenda, and Scope of Work. The Committee will review and discuss the Gulf Fishery Ecosystem Plan (FEP) Status Review and Inflation Reduction Act project update and the Pilot Fishery Ecosystem Issue: Red Tide; including presentations and background materials.

The committee will discuss next steps to develop and operationalize the Gulf FEP and receive an update on Ecosystem Status Reports for the Gulf.

Lastly, the committee will receive Public Comment and discuss any Other Business items.

The meeting will also be broadcast via webinar. You may register for the webinar by visiting www.gulfcouncil.org and clicking on the Technical Committee meeting on the calendar. The Agenda is subject to change, and the latest version along with other meeting materials will be posted on www.gulfcouncil.org as they become available.

Although other non-emergency issues not on the agenda may come before the Technical Committee for discussion, in accordance with the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, those issues may not be the subject of formal action during this meeting. Actions of the Technical Committee will be restricted to those issues specifically identified in the agenda and any issues arising after publication of this notice that require emergency action under Section 305(c) of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, provided the public has been notified of the Council's intent to take-action to address the emergency.

The meeting is physically accessible to people with disabilities. Requests for sign language interpretation or other auxiliary aid should be directed to Kathy Pereira, (813) 348-1630, at least 5 days prior to the meeting date.

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

The Annual Report to Congress on Future Water Resources Development (33 U.S.C. 2282d) provides an opportunity for communities to inform Congress about their interest in a new congressional authorization—or modifying an existing authorization—for specifically authorized Civil Works water resources studies, projects, and environmental infrastructure programs. The Annual Report provides Congress with a list of potential studies and projects to newly authorize and a list of existing study, project, and environmental infrastructure program authorities to modify. Congress generally authorizes new USACE studies, projects, and environmental infrastructure programs in an omnibus authorization bill, typically called the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA).

If a proposal from a non-federal interest for a new study authorization is included in the Annual Report, it is anticipated that authorization would be for the study, not for construction. To begin a water resources feasibility study, USACE must have sufficient study authority, and funds must be appropriated and made available for the federal cost share of the feasibility study. A primary outcome of a USACE water resources feasibility study is a recommendation for Congressional authorization to construct a water resources project. For USACE to proceed to construction, the project must be authorized for construction by Congress, and funds must be appropriated and made available for project construction. An overview of USACE Civil Works water resources study and project processes is found in the document entitled “Partnering with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers: A Guide for Communities, Local Governments, States, Tribes, and Non- Governmental Organizations,” which is available online at https://planning.erdc.dren.mil/toolbox/library/IWRServer/2019-R-02.pdf.

Proposals for the Annual Report are submitted by non-federal interests, and each feasibility study or project is conducted in partnership with a non-federal interest. For the purposes of the Annual Report, the term “non-federal interest” is defined in Section 221(b) of the Flood Control Act of 1970 (Pub. L. 91-611), as amended (42 U.S.C. 1962-5b(b)). The term “non-federal interest” means (1) a legally constituted public body (including an Indian tribe and a Tribal organization (as those terms are defined in section 5304 of title 25)) and an inter-tribal consortium (as defined in section 3202 of title 25); or (2) a nonprofit entity with the consent of the affected local government, that has full authority and capability to perform the terms of its agreement and to pay damages, if necessary, in the event of failure to perform.

The information for proposals from a non-federal interest is normally entered into a fillable PDF form which can be found at the HQ Annual Report website and submitted by email to WRRDA7001Proposal@usace.army.mil. If a different method of submission is needed, use the contact information in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section of this Notice to arrange an alternative submission process. Proposals must be submitted by August 15, 2025.

The fillable PDF proposal form requests the following information:

1. Contact information for the individual/agency submitting the proposal: name, phone number, email.

2. Proposal Name.

3. Project Location (State(s)/Territory).

4. Study or project area map; you'll have the option to upload a map of the study/project area (preferred format is an 8.5″ x 11″ PDF).

5. Specific project purpose(s) of the proposed study or modification (USACE mission areas).

6. Project description: demonstrate the proposal is related to USACE missions and authorities and why additional or new authorization is needed.

7. State if this proposal is for a new feasibility study, a modification to a USACE water resources development feasibility study authority, a modification to a USACE water resources project authority, or a modification to a USACE environmental infrastructure program authority.

8. If the proposal is for a modification to an existing authority, provide the name of the authorized study, project, or environmental infrastructure program. Cite the authority ( e.g., section of WRDA) if possible.

9. If the proposal is for a modification to an environmental infrastructure program authority, provide a brief description of the assistance provided to date and total federal cost of assistance provided to date.

10. Provide an estimate, to the extent practicable, of the total cost, and the federal and non-federal share of those costs, of the proposed study and, separately, an estimate of the cost of construction or modification.

11. Describe, to the extent applicable and practicable, an estimate of the anticipated monetary and non-monetary benefits of the proposal regarding benefits to the protection of human life and property and improvement to transportation, the national, regional, or local economy, the environment, or the national security interests of the United States.

12. The name of the non-federal interest planning to act as the sponsor, or all non-federal interests in the case of a modification to an environmental infrastructure program authority, including any non-federal interest that has contributed to or is expected to contribute toward the non-federal share of the proposed feasibility study or modification.

13. A statement of support from each associated non-federal interest. Optional: attach letter(s) of support by others. Letters may be addressed generically to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the local Corps District office, or the Assistant Secretary of the Army of Civil Works office.

14. State if the non-federal interest has the financial ability to provide for the required cost share.

15. State if there is local support for the proposal, and (optional) describe the local support.

A complete list of information requested on the proposal form is available on the USACE Headquarters Annual Report web page: https://www.usace.army.mil/Missions/Civil-Works/Project-Planning/WRRDA-7001-Proposals/.

The information provided in a proposal will be included in the Annual Report or posted to the Headquarters public website for the Annual Report. Therefore, any information that is Confidential Business Information, information that should not be disclosed because of statutory restrictions, or any other information that a non-federal interest would not want to appear publicly should not be included in the proposal.

All proposals submitted within the time frame set forth in this notice will be considered for inclusion in the 2026 Annual Report to Congress on Future Water Resources Development. To be included in the Annual Report table, the proposals must meet all the following five criteria established by Congress:

1. The proposal is related to USACE missions and authorities. The proposal must involve a proposed or existing USACE water resources project or effort where the primary purpose is flood and/or coastal storm damage reduction, commercial navigation, aquatic ecosystem restoration, or municipal or agricultural water supply. Proposals for recreation or hydropower are eligible for inclusion if undertaken in conjunction with one of the primary purposes described in this paragraph. For the purposes of this criterion, environmental infrastructure proposals will also be considered “related to USACE missions and authorities.”

2. The proposal requires specific Congressional authorization, including by an Act of Congress.

3. The proposal has not been previously authorized by Congress.

4. The proposal has not been included in the Annual Report table of any previous Annual Report to Congress on Future Water Resources Development.

5. The proposal, if authorized, could be carried out by USACE.

The purpose of the five criteria is, primarily, to determine if a proposal will require Congressional authorization for USACE to undertake the proposed water resources study or project with the non-federal interest.

Environmental infrastructure proposals are an exception to the criteria. To be included in the table within the Annual Report, a proposal must identify a programmatic modification to an environmental infrastructure assistance program that was not included in any previous Annual Report. Additional information and frequently asked questions on the five criteria are available on the USACE Headquarters Annual Report web page: https://www.usace.army.mil/Missions/Civil-Works/Project-Planning/WRRDA-7001-Proposals/.

The Annual Report will be transmitted to Congress by the ASA(CW) and posted to the USACE Headquarters website at https:// www.usace.army.mil/Missions/Civil-Works/Project-Planning/WRRDA-7001-Proposals/.

1. The Annual Report will include a certification by the ASA(CW) stating that each proposal included in the Annual Report meets the five criteria established by Congress or the requirements for proposed modifications to environmental infrastructure program authorities.

2. Signed Chief's Reports recommending authorization of a water resources project will be included in the Annual Report table by the ASA(CW); these proposals should not be submitted in response to this notice.

3. Section 902 of WRDA 1986, as amended, (33 U.S.C. 2280) establishes a maximum authorized cost for water resources projects (also known as the 902 limit). A post authorization change report is required to be completed to support potential modifications to the project authority, including updates to authorized project costs. Completed post authorization change reports recommending modifications to the authorization of a water resources project will be included in the Annual Report table by the ASA(CW); these proposals should not be submitted in response to this notice.

4. Proposals that do not meet all five criteria established by Congress or the requirements for proposed modifications to environmental infrastructure program authorities will be included in an appendix table included in the Annual Report to Congress on Future Water Resources Development. Proposals in the appendix table will include a description of why those proposals did not meet the criteria established by Congress.

The following are sources of more information for the Annual Report and the proposal submittal and evaluation process:

1. USACE will host two public virtual information sessions about the Annual Report and the proposal submission and evaluation process for the 2026 Annual Report on June 26, 2025, and August 7, 2025. The Headquarters website ( https://www.usace.army.mil/Missions/Civil-Works/Project-Planning/WRRDA-7001-Proposals/ ) contains additional information and frequently asked questions about the Annual Report.

2. The local USACE district office will assist in researching and identifying existing Congressional authorities for Civil Works water resources feasibility studies, projects, and environmental infrastructure programs. Websites for all USACE district offices are available online at: https://www.usace.army.mil/Contact/Unit-websites/.

The Department is especially interested in public comment addressing the following issues: (1) is this collection necessary to the proper functions of the Department; (2) will this information be processed and used in a timely manner; (3) is the estimate of burden accurate; (4) how might the Department enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (5) how might the Department minimize the burden of this collection on the respondents, including through the use of information technology. Please note that written comments received in response to this notice will be considered public records.

Title of Collection: Part D Discretionary Grant Application—Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.

OMB Control Number: 1820-0028.

Type of Review: Extension without change of a currently approved ICR.

Respondents/Affected Public: State, Local, and Tribal Governments.

Total Estimated Number of Annual Responses: 800.

Total Estimated Number of Annual Burden Hours: 21,200.

Abstract: The collection of information (Part D Discretionary Grant Application—Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) is necessary to ensure that potential applicants provide the information necessary for the Department of Education to ascertain the eligibility of the applicant and determine the programmatic responsiveness and technical quality of the application. Under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act discretionary grants are authorized to support technology, State personnel development, personnel preparation, parent training and information, and technical assistance activities. In making competitive grant awards under this collection, applicants shall use the SF-424 series and those forms and instructions prescribed by the Secretary. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, which provides the programmatic authority for this collection, requires that grant awards under these programs be made through competition. This discretionary grant falls under the Streamlined clearance process for Discretionary Grant Information Collections, 1894-0001. Therefore, the 30-day public comment period notice will be the only public comment notice published for this information collection.

Purpose of the Board: The purpose of the Board is to provide advice and recommendations concerning the following EM site-specific issues: clean-up activities and environmental restoration; waste and nuclear materials management and disposition; excess facilities; future land use and long-term stewardship. The Board may also be asked to provide advice and recommendations on other EM program components. The Board also provides an avenue to fulfill public participation requirements outlined in the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERLA), the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), Federal Facility Agreements, Consent Orders, Consent Decrees and Settlement Agreements.

Tentative Agenda: (agenda topics are subject to change; please email orssab@orem.doe.gov for the most current agenda).

Public Participation: The meeting is open to the public and public comment can be given orally or in writing. Fifteen minutes are allocated during the meeting for public comment and those wishing to make oral comment will be given a minimum of two minutes to speak. Written comments received at least two working days prior to the meeting will be provided to the members and included in the meeting minutes. Written comments received within two working days after the meeting will be included in the minutes. For additional information on public comment and to submit written comment, please email orssab@orem.doe.gov. The EM SSAB, Oak Ridge, welcomes the attendance of the public at its meetings and will make every effort to accommodate persons with physical disabilities or special needs. If you require special accommodations due to a disability, please contact Melyssa P. Noe at least seven days in advance of the meeting.

Meeting conduct: The Designated Federal Officer is empowered to conduct the meeting in a fashion that will facilitate the orderly conduct of business. Questioning of board members or presenters by the public is not permitted.

Minutes: Minutes will be available at the following website: https://www.energy.gov/orem/listings/oak-ridge-site-specific-advisory-board-meetings.

Signing Authority: This document of the Department of Energy was signed on April 10, 2025, by David Borak, Committee Management Officer, pursuant to delegated authority from the Secretary of Energy. That document with the original signature and date is maintained by DOE. For administrative purposes only, and in compliance with requirements of the Office of the Federal Register, the undersigned DOE Federal Register Liaison Officer has been authorized to sign and submit the document in electronic format for publication, as an official document of the Department of Energy. This administrative process in no way alters the legal effect of this document upon publication in the Federal Register .

The proposed NPDES General Permit for Bulk Fuel Facilities in Guam is intended to provide NPDES permit coverage to certain discharges from the following bulk fuel storage facilities operating in Guam:

a. Mobil Oil Guam Inc. Cabras Terminal,

b. Tristar Guam F-1 Pier Terminal,

c. South Pacific Petroleum Corporation Cabras Island Terminal,

d. Tristar Guam Agat Terminal, and

e. Guam Power Authority Piti Terminal

The proposed permit does not provide coverage for any other discharges or facilities.

• Submit comments by the deadline identified in this Federal Register notice.

• No public hearing is planned. If you would like to request a hearing, please see instructions at: https://www.epa.gov/npdes-permits/npdes-permits-epas-pacific-southwest-region-9.

• Provide your comments in writing via instructions found here: https://www.epa.gov/npdes-permits/npdes-permits-epas-pacific-southwest-region-9. If you need assistance in a language other than English or if you are a person with disabilities who needs a reasonable accommodation at no cost to you, please reach out by email or telephone to the EPA contact. EPA encourages electronic submittals of comments, but if you are unable to submit electronically or need other assistance, please reach out using the contact information above.

• Please note “General Permit for Bulk Fuel Facilities in Guam” in the subject line of any email submittal.

Authority: Clean Water Act, 33 U.S.C. 1251 et seq.

Supporting documents which explain in detail the information that EPA will be collecting are available in the public docket for this ICR. The docket can be viewed online at https://www.regulations.gov or in person at the EPA Docket Center, WJC West, Room 3334, 1301 Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, DC. The telephone number for the Docket Center is 202-566-1744. For additional information about EPA's public docket, visit https://www.epa.gov/dockets.

Pursuant to section 3506(c)(2)(A) of the PRA, EPA is soliciting comments and information to enable it to: (i) 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; (ii) 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; (iii) enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (iv) 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. EPA will consider the comments received and amend the ICR as appropriate. The final ICR package will then be submitted to OMB for review and approval. At that time, EPA will issue another Federal Register document to announce the submission of the ICR to OMB and the opportunity to submit additional comments to OMB.

Abstract: This ICR renewal is for the final rule, Accidental Release Prevention Requirements; Risk Management Programs Under the Clean Air Act Section 112(r)(7); Distribution of Off-Site Consequence Analysis Information. CAA section 112(r)(7) required EPA to promulgate reasonable regulations and appropriate guidance to provide for the prevention and detection of accidental releases and for responses to such releases. The regulations include requirements for submittal of a risk management plan (RMP) to EPA. The RMP includes information on off-site consequence analyses (OCA) as well as other required program elements.

The Chemical Safety Information, Site Security, and Fuels Regulatory Relief Act (CSISSFRRA) required the President to promulgate regulations on the distribution of OCA information (CAA section 112(r)(7)(H)(ii)). The President delegated this responsibility to EPA and the Department of Justice (DOJ). The final rule, published on August 4, 2000 (65 FR 48108), imposed minimal information and recordkeeping requirements.

In accordance with the final rule, the Federal Government established 55 reading rooms at Federal facilities geographically distributed across the United States and its territories. At these reading rooms, members of the public are able to read, but not mechanically copy or remove, paper copies of OCA information for up to 10 stationary sources per calendar month. Members of the public may also have access to OCA information that the Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) in whose jurisdiction the person lives or works, is authorized to provide. The final rule also authorizes and encourages state and local government officials to have access to OCA information for their official use.

EPA also established a Vulnerable Zone Indicator System (VZIS) which informs any person located in any state whether an address specified by that person might be within the vulnerable zone of one or more stationary sources, according to the data reported in RMPs. The VZIS is available on the internet or through a request through regular mail to the EPA.

The burden estimates, numbers and types of respondents, wage rates and unit and total costs for this ICR renewal will be revised and updated, if needed, during the 60-day comment period while the ICR Supporting Statement is undergoing review at OMB.

Form numbers: None.

Respondents/affected entities: State and local agencies and the public.

Respondent's obligation to respond: Required to obtain or retain a benefit (40 CFR part 1400).

Estimated number of respondents: 377 (total).

Frequency of response: As necessary.

Total estimated burden: 665 hours (per year). Burden is defined at 5 CFR 1320.03(b).

Total estimated cost: $35,637 (per year), includes $95 annualized capital or operation & maintenance costs.

Changes in the estimates: Any change in burden or cost resulting from the 60-day OMB review period will be described and explained in this section when the updated ICR Supporting Statement is completed.

This is a proposed extension of the ICR, which is currently approved through September 30, 2025. An agency may not conduct or sponsor and a person is not required to respond to a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number.

This notice allows 60 days for public comments. Supporting documents, which explain in detail the information that the EPA will be collecting, are available in the public docket for this ICR. The docket can be viewed online at www.regulations.gov or in person at the EPA Docket Center, WJC West, Room 3334, 1301 Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, DC. The telephone number for the Docket Center is 202-566-1744. For additional information about EPA's public docket, visit https://www.epa.gov/dockets.

Pursuant to section 3506(c)(2)(A) of the PRA, EPA is soliciting comments and information to enable it to: (i) 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; (ii) 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; (iii) enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (iv) minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are to respond, including through the use of appropriate forms of information technology. EPA will consider the comments received and amend the ICR as appropriate. The final ICR package will then be submitted to OMB for review and approval. At that time, EPA will issue another Federal Register notice to announce the submission of the ICR to OMB and the opportunity to submit additional comments to OMB.

Abstract: Information collection for on-site documentation of Risk Management Plans (RMPs) is authorized by Clean Air Act (CAA) sections 112(r)(7)(B)(i) and (ii), which state, “The Administrator shall promulgate reasonable regulations and appropriate guidance to provide . . . for the prevention and detection of accidental releases of regulated substances . . . .” and, “The regulations . . . shall require the owner or operator . . . to prepare and implement a risk management plan to detect and prevent or minimize accidental releases . . .” Information collection for submitting an RMP is authorized under CAA section 112(r)(7)(B)(iii), which states in relevant part, “The, owner or operator of each stationary source . . . shall register a risk management plan . . . with the Administrator before the effective date of the regulations . . . in such form and manner as the Administrator shall, by rule, require . . . and shall be available to the public under section 114(c).” Information collection for on-site documentation and submittal of RMPs also is authorized by CAA section 114(a)(1). State and local authorities use the information in RMPs to modify and enhance their community response plans. The agencies implementing the Risk Management Program use RMPs to evaluate compliance with the Chemical Accident Provisions in 40 CFR part 68 and to identify sources for inspection that may pose significant risks to the community. Citizens may use the information to assess chemical hazards in their communities.

This request for comments relates to the renewal of the existing approved ICR. The burden estimates, numbers and types of respondents, wage rates, and unit and total costs for this ICR renewal will be revised and updated, if needed, based on comments received during the 60-day comment period.

Form numbers: None.

Respondents/affected entities: Stationary sources that manufacture, react, mix, store, or use substances in processes that require equipment designed, constructed, installed, operated, or maintained in specific ways to prevent accidental releases and ensure safe operations.

Respondent's obligation to respond: Mandatory under CAA section 112(r)(7)(B)(iii).

Estimated number of respondents: 14,513 (total).

Frequency of response: Sources are required to register and submit an RMP once every five years unless there are significant changes in the information provided.

Total estimated burden: 667,639 hours (per year). Burden is defined at 5 CFR 1320.03(b).

Total estimated cost: $52,611,420 (per year), which includes $36,792 annual operation & maintenance costs.

Changes in the estimates: There is a decrease of 109,098 hours in the total estimated respondent burden compared with the ICR currently approved by OMB due to two reasons. First, the burden varies from one ICR renewal to the next due to sources' different resubmission and other regulatory deadlines. Therefore, the burden changes each year depending on how many sources must submit their RMP and comply with certain prevention program requirements. Second, the number of regulated sources fluctuates. It is lower than in the previous ICR (12,074 vs.12,341) due to the net change in the number of sources, as well as a lower number of new facilities anticipated to become subject to the RMP requirements during the three-year renewal period.

Supporting documents which explain in detail the information that EPA will be collecting are available in the public docket for this ICR. The docket can be viewed online at https://www.regulations.gov or in person at the EPA Docket Center, WJC West, Room 3334, 1301 Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, DC. The telephone number for the Docket Center is 202-566-1744. For additional information about EPA's public docket, visit https://www.epa.gov/dockets.

Pursuant to section 3506(c)(2)(A) of the PRA, EPA is soliciting comments and information to enable it to: (i) 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; (ii) 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; (iii) enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (iv) 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. EPA will consider the comments received and amend the ICR as appropriate. The final ICR package will then be submitted to OMB for review and approval. At that time, EPA will issue another Federal Register document to announce the submission of the ICR to OMB and the opportunity to submit additional comments to OMB.

Abstract: Section 103(a) of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA), as amended, requires the person in charge of a facility or vessel to immediately notify the National Response Center (NRC) of a hazardous substance release into the environment if the amount of the release equals or exceeds the substance's reportable quantity (RQ) limit. The RQs for the hazardous substance can be found in table 302.4 of 40 CFR 302.4. Section 311 of the Clean Water Act (CWA) as amended, requires the person in charge of a facility or vessel to immediately notify the NRC of an oil spill into U.S. navigable waters if the spill causes a sheen., violates applicable water quality standards, or causes a sludge or emulsion to be deposited beneath the surface of the water or upon adjoining shorelines. The reporting of a hazardous substance release that is at or above the substance's RQ allows the Federal government to determine whether a Federal response action is required to control or mitigate any potential adverse effects to public health or welfare or the environment. Likewise, the reporting of oil spills allows the Federal government to determine whether cleaning up the oil spill is required to mitigate or prevent damage to public health or welfare or the environment. The hazardous substance release and oil discharge information collected under CERCLA section 103(a) and CWA section 311 also is available to EPA program offices and other Federal agencies that use the information to evaluate the potential need for additional regulations, new permitting requirements for specific substances or sources, or improved emergency response planning. Release notification information, which is stored in WebEOC, a web-based crisis management system which supports response management for significant incidents and daily operations in the Regional Response Centers and EPA's Headquarters Emergency Operations Center (EOC), is available to state and local government authorities as well as the general public. State and local government authorities and the regulated community use release information for purposes of local emergency response planning. Members of the general public, who have access to release information through the Freedom of Information Act, may request release information for purposes of maintaining an awareness of what types of releases are occurring in different localities and what actions, if any, are being taken to protect public health and welfare and the environment.

The burden estimates, numbers and types of respondents, wage rates and unit and total costs for this ICR renewal will be revised and updated if needed during the 60-day comment period while the ICR Supporting statement is undergoing review at OMB.

Form numbers: None.

Respondents/affected entities: Facilities and vessels that may have releases of any hazardous substances or oil at or above its RQ.

Respondent's obligation to respond: Mandatory under CERCLA section 103(a).

Estimated number of respondents: 21,789.

Frequency of response: As releases occur from a facility or a vessel.

Total estimated burden: 22,225 hours (per year). Burden is defined at 5 CFR 1320.03(b).

Total estimated cost: $1,486,297 (per year), which includes no capital or operation and maintenance costs associated with this ICR.

Changes in estimates: Any change in burden or cost resulting from the 60-day OMB review period will be described and explained in this section when the updated ICR Supporting Statement is completed.

This document extends the comment period for a draft risk assessment published on January 15, 2025 (90 FR 3859), and the extension of comment period published on February 21, 2025 (90 FR 10078). Comments for notice FRL-12451-01-OW (90 FR 3859, January 15, 2025) must now be received on or before August 14, 2025.

This document extends the public comment period for the notice “Draft Sewage Sludge Risk Assessment for Perfluorooctanoic Acid (PFOA) and Perfluorooctane Sulfonic Acid (PFOS),” published in the Federal Register document on January 15, 2025 (90 FR 3859) (FRL-12451-01-OW), for an additional 120 days. In that document, the EPA announced the availability of the “Draft Sewage Sludge Risk Assessment for Perfluorooctanoic Acid (PFOA) and Perfluorooctane Sulfonic Acid (PFOS)” for a 60-day public comment period. On February 21, 2025, the EPA extended the public comment period for an additional 30 days (90 FR 10078) (FRL-12587-02-OA).

The draft risk assessment reflects the agency's latest scientific understanding of the potential risks to human health and the environment posed by the presence of PFOA and PFOS in sewage sludge that is land applied as a soil conditioner or fertilizer (on agricultural, forested, and other lands), surface disposed, or incinerated. The draft risk assessment focuses on those living on or near impacted sites or those that rely primarily on their products ( e.g., food crops, animal products, drinking water); the draft risk assessment does not model risks for the general public. The draft risk assessment underwent independent external peer review, and the EPA revised the draft document accordingly. Once finalized, the risk assessment will provide information on risk from use or disposal of sewage sludge and will inform the EPA's potential future regulatory actions under the Clean Water Act.

The EPA is extending the comment period to allow interested parties additional time to thoroughly review and analyze this draft science document. Comments previously submitted need not be resubmitted as they are already incorporated into the public record and will be considered in the final risk assessment as appropriate.

To submit comments, or access the docket, please follow the detailed instructions provided under ADDRESSES . If you have questions, consult the technical person listed under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT .

The FCC may not conduct or sponsor a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid control number. No person shall be subject to any penalty for failing to comply with a collection of information subject to the PRA that does not display a valid Office of Management and Budget (OMB) control number.

OMB Control Number: 3060-1192.

Title: Survey of Urban Rates, DA 13-598.

Form Number: N/A.

Type of Review: Extension of a currently approved collection.

Respondents: Business or other for-profit.

Number of Respondents and Responses: 2,350 respondents; 2,350 responses.

Estimated Time per Response: 3 hours.

Frequency of Response: Annual reporting requirement.

Obligation to Respond: Mandatory. Statutory authority for this information collection is contained in 47 U.S.C. 254(b).

Total Annual Burden: 7,050 hours.

Total Annual Cost: No cost.

Needs and Uses: In April 2013, the Wireline Competition Bureau of the Federal Communications Commission adopted an Order (Order), in WC Docket No. 10-90; DA 13-598, 78 FR 29063, Connect America Fund. The Order adopted the form and content for a survey of urban rates for fixed voice and fixed broadband residential services for purposes of implementing various reforms adopted as part of the USF/ICC Transformation Order, 76 FR 73830, November 29, 2011. The information collected in this survey will be used to help ensure that universal service support recipients offering fixed voice and broadband services do so at reasonably comparable rates to those in urban areas. The comparability requirements are important components of the Commission's overall effort to improve accountability for the use of universal service funding. The comparability requirements will ensure that rates are reasonably comparable for voice as well as broadband service, between urban and rural, insular, and high cost areas. Rates must be reasonably comparable so that consumers in rural, insular, and high cost areas have meaningful access to these services. This Order requires a statistically valid sample of urban providers to complete a survey with information regarding the types and prices of their offerings. The Commission conducts this survey through an online reporting form accessible to those urban providers of fixed voice and broadband services that are chosen to participate.

Pursuant to section 6(g) of the Federal Trade Commission Act, 15 U.S.C. 46(g), and FTC Rule 2.51, 16 CFR 2.51, notice is hereby given that the above-captioned petition has been filed with the Secretary of the Commission and is being placed on the public record for a period of 30 days. After the period for public comments has expired and no later than 120 days after the date of the filing of the request, the Commission shall determine whether to reopen the proceeding and modify the Order as requested. In making its determination, the Commission will consider, among other information, all timely and responsive comments submitted in connection with this notification.

The text of the petition is provided below. An electronic copy of the filed petition and any public exhibits attached to it can be obtained from the FTC website at this URL: https://www.ftc.gov/legal-library/browse/cases-proceedings/241-0008-chevronhess-matter.

You can file a comment online or on paper. For the Commission to consider your comment, we must receive it on or before May 12, 2025. Write “Chevron/Hess Petition to Reopen; Docket No. C-4814” on your comment. Your comment—including your name and your State—will be placed on the public record of this proceeding, including, to the extent practicable, on the www.regulations.gov website.

Because of the agency's heightened security screening, postal mail addressed to the Commission will be subject to delay. We strongly encourage you to submit your comments online through the www.regulations.gov website. If you prefer to file your comment on paper, write “Chevron/Hess Petition to Reopen; Docket No. C-4814” on your comment and on the envelope, and mail your comment to the following address: Federal Trade Commission, Office of the Secretary, 600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Mail Stop H-144 (Annex O), Washington, DC 20580. If possible, submit your paper comment to the Commission by overnight service.

Because your comment will be placed on the publicly accessible website at www.regulations.gov, you are solely responsible for making sure that your comment does not include any sensitive or confidential information. In particular, your comment should not include any sensitive personal information, such as your or anyone else's Social Security number; date of birth; driver's license number or other State identification number, or foreign country equivalent; passport number; financial account number; or credit or debit card number. You are also solely responsible for making sure your comment does not include any sensitive health information, such as medical records or other individually identifiable health information. In addition, your comment should not include any “trade secret or any commercial or financial information which . . . is privileged or confidential”—as provided by section 6(f) of the FTC Act, 15 U.S.C. 46(f), and FTC Rule 4.10(a)(2), 16 CFR 4.10(a)(2)—including in particular competitively sensitive information such as costs, sales statistics, inventories, formulas, patterns, devices, manufacturing processes, or customer names.

Comments containing material for which confidential treatment is requested must be filed in paper form, must be clearly labeled “Confidential,” and must comply with FTC Rule 4.9(c). In particular, the written request for confidential treatment that accompanies the comment must include the factual and legal basis for the request and must identify the specific portions of the comment to be withheld from the public record. See FTC Rule 4.9(c). Your comment will be kept confidential only if the General Counsel grants your request in accordance with the law and the public interest. Once your comment has been posted on www.regulations.gov —as legally required by FTC Rule 4.9(b)—we cannot redact or remove your comment from that website, unless you submit a confidentiality request that meets the requirements for such treatment under FTC Rule 4.9(c), and the General Counsel grants that request.

Visit the FTC website at https://www.ftc.gov to read this document and the news release describing this matter. The FTC Act and other laws that the Commission administers permit the collection of public comments to consider and use in this proceeding, as appropriate. The Commission will consider all timely and responsive public comments that it receives on or before May 12, 2025. For information on the Commission's privacy policy, including routine uses permitted by the Privacy Act, see https://www.ftc.gov/site-information/privacy-policy.

Authority: 15 U.S.C. 46, 5 U.S.C. 552.

Pursuant to section 5(b) of the Federal Trade Commission Act, 15 U.S.C. 45(b), and section 2.51 of the Federal Trade Commission Rules of Practice, 16 CFR 2.51, Respondents Chevron Corporation (“Chevron”) and Hess Corporation (“Hess”) (collectively, the “Respondents”) respectfully request that the Commission reopen and set aside the Commission's Decision and Order entered on January 17, 2025, 1 in Docket No. C-4814 (the “Order”).

The Order bars Chevron from nominating, designating or appointing Hess CEO John B. Hess from joining Chevron's Board of Directors, as is required by the Respondents' merger agreement. 2 A divided Commission voted to issue a Complaint alleging that Mr. Hess's appointment to the Chevron Board “would heighten the risk of harm to competition, including meaningfully increasing the risk of industry coordination” in the global market for the development, production, and sale of crude oil. 3 As set forth below, and as made clear in Chairman Ferguson's and Commissioner Holyoak's September 30, 2024 dissenting statements, the Commission's Complaint failed to state a cognizable theory of competitive harm under section 7 of the Clayton Act, as amended, 15 U.S.C. 18, or section 5 of the Federal Trade Commission Act, 15 U.S.C. 45, under which to challenge the Chevron/Hess merger. 4 The Respondents hereby respectfully petition the Commission to reopen and set aside the Order in the public interest.

On October 22, 2023, the Respondents entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger (the “Merger Agreement”) pursuant to which Chevron will acquire Hess. As consideration for the merger, Hess shareholders will receive shares of Chevron voting securities with an aggregate value of approximately $53 billion at signing. Among other things, Section 1.3(a) of the Merger Agreement requires Chevron and its Board of Directors, upon closing of the proposed merger, to take all actions necessary to increase the size of the Chevron Board from twelve to thirteen members and to appoint Mr. Hess as a Chevron director. Upon closing of the merger, Hess's shareholders will hold in the aggregate approximately 15 percent of Chevron's outstanding voting securities, and the covenant to appoint Mr. Hess to Chevron's Board is consistent with board representation for those shareholders, as well as with their expectations when they voted to approve the merger. Mr. Hess's appointment to Chevron's Board is also consistent with Chevron's communications to Hess before the Merger Agreement was signed, in which Chevron conveyed its desire that Mr. Hess join the Chevron Board upon the closing of the merger. Chevron's commitment to appoint Mr. Hess as one of thirteen members of the Chevron Board is a fundamental part of the overall merger transaction.

The Respondents have not yet closed the merger. On May 28, 2024, holders of a majority of Hess's outstanding common stock voted to approve the merger. Hess Guyana Exploration Limited (“HGEL”), a wholly owned subsidiary of Hess, is currently in arbitration relating to the applicability of a right of first refusal (the “Stabroek ROFR”) contained in the operating agreement among HGEL and affiliates of Exxon Mobil Corporation and China National Offshore Oil Corporation to the merger. An arbitration merits hearing about the applicability of the Stabroek ROFR to the merger has been scheduled for May 2025, with a decision expected in the following three months.

On January 17, 2025, on the last Federal working day before the change of administrations, the Commission finalized the Order following a 3-to-2 vote. The Order bars Chevron from nominating, designating, or appointing Mr. Hess to the Chevron Board, or allowing Mr. Hess to serve in an advisory or consulting capacity to, or as a representative of, Chevron or the Chevron Board, other than with respect to interactions and discussions with (a) Guyanese government officials about Hess's oil-related and health ministry-related activities in Guyana, and (b) the Salk Institute's Harnessing Plants Initiative.

By its terms, the Order will terminate in ten years. Unless set aside, the Order will preclude Chevron from fulfilling its contractual obligation to appoint Mr. Hess to the Chevron board upon closing of the merger, and deprive shareholders of the benefit of his service.

The Respondents acknowledge that a majority of the prior Commission voted to issue the Order pursuant to an Agreement Containing Consent Order among Chevron, Hess, and the Commission staff (the “ACCO”). The Respondents did not sign the ACCO because they agreed with the prior Commission's characterization of the facts, or with its interpretation and application of section 7 or section 5 to those facts. As explicitly noted in the document, the ACCO was “for settlement purposes only and does not constitute an admission . . . that the law has been violated as alleged in the Draft Complaint, or that the facts as alleged in the Draft Complaint, other than jurisdictional facts, are true.”  5 Chevron and Hess entered into the ACCO solely to satisfy a key closing condition to their Merger Agreement, and thereby to reduce uncertainty and facilitate a more prompt closing of the proposed transaction, in the best interest of each company's shareholders. As noted in the Ferguson Dissent, in getting the Respondents to agree to the ACCO, “[t]he Commission leveraged its Hart-Scott-Rodino Act authority by threatening to hold up Chevron and Hess's $53 billion merger even though the lack of a plausible section 7 theory had long been obvious.”  6 That the Respondents acceded to this leverage should not factor into the Commission's decision whether to reopen and set aside this Order.

Chevron has been in compliance with the Proposed Decision and Order contained in the ACCO since it was executed on September 23, 2024, and with the Order since it was finalized on January 17, 2025, as reflected in the required compliance reports filed by Chevron on October 23, 2024; November 22, 2024; December 20, 2024; and March 17, 2025.

Respondents subject to a Commission decision containing an order which has become effective may file a request that the Commission reopen the proceeding to consider whether the order should be altered, modified, or set aside in whole or in part, if the public interest requires it. 7

Here, public interest in the effective enforcement of the antitrust laws, as well as in the continued investment in oil and gas production championed by Mr. Hess, is best served by setting aside the Order and allowing Mr. Hess to join Chevron's Board.

Section 7 prohibits acquisitions the effect of which “may be substantially to lessen competition, or to tend to create a monopoly,”  8 and section 5 declares unlawful “unfair methods of competition in or affecting commerce.”  9 As noted in the Holyoak Dissent, the Complaint “does not take issue with Chevron's acquisition of Hess Corporation's assets. Nor could it.”  10 The Respondents' combined share in the global market for oil and gas is in the low single digits, and Hess's incremental portion of that share—what Hess will add to Chevron post-close—is de minimis. Even under the agencies' 2023 Merger Guidelines, the Respondents' combined share is far below the level at which a merger could be presumed to harm competition. The fact that the prior Commission, after its months-long investigation into the Respondents' operations, allowed the merger to proceed without any structural or behavioral remedies demonstrates that there are no anticompetitive grounds on which to challenge the combination of these two companies. That fact was amplified by Senator Mike Lee and Congressman Jim Jordan in their November 18, 2024 joint letter to former Chair Khan: “These mergers did not present any anticompetitive concerns, thus the FTC's consent decrees are unwarranted and did nothing to enforce the Clayton Act or protect consumers from anticompetitive harm.”  11

Rather, the prior Commission relied on a novel theory on which to extract a concession from the parties, focused not on the two companies' asset footprints and oil and gas production, but rather on the appointment of Mr. Hess to Chevron's Board of Directors. Pointing to certain communications by Mr. Hess with Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (“OPEC”) officials and a representative of an OPEC member State—but without alleging any improper collusion—the Commission alleged that, through the merger, Mr. Hess would have access to Chevron's “broader platform” from which to continue such communications, and in turn increase the likelihood that Chevron would collude with OPEC regarding the supply and price of oil and gas.

This allegation fails to state a cognizable antitrust theory of harm. As highlighted in the Holyoak Dissent,

Nothing in the complaint alleges that Mr. Hess has ever attempted to, or coordinated with, a rival.

Pursuant to section 6(g) of the Federal Trade Commission Act, 15 U.S.C. 46(g), and FTC Rule 2.51, 16 CFR 2.51, notice is hereby given that the above-captioned petition has been filed with the Secretary of the Commission and is being placed on the public record for a period of 30 days. After the period for public comments has expired and no later than 120 days after the date of the filing of the request, the Commission shall determine whether to reopen the proceeding and modify the Order as requested. In making its determination, the Commission will consider, among other information, all timely and responsive comments submitted in connection with this notification.

The text of the petition is provided below. An electronic copy of the filed petition and any public exhibits attached to it can be obtained from the FTC website at this URL: https://www.ftc.gov/legal-library/browse/cases-proceedings/241-0004-c-4815-exxon-mobil-corporation-matter.

You can file a comment online or on paper. For the Commission to consider your comment, we must receive it on or before May 12, 2025. Write “Sheffield Petition to Reopen; Docket No. C-4815” on your comment. Your comment—including your name and your State—will be placed on the public record of this proceeding, including, to the extent practicable, on the www.regulations.gov website.

Because of the agency's heightened security screening, postal mail addressed to the Commission will be subject to delay. We strongly encourage you to submit your comments online through the www.regulations.gov website. If you prefer to file your comment on paper, write “Sheffield Petition to Reopen; Docket No. C-4815” on your comment and on the envelope, and mail your comment to the following address: Federal Trade Commission, Office of the Secretary, 600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Mail Stop H-144 (Annex M), Washington, DC 20580. If possible, submit your paper comment to the Commission by overnight service.

Because your comment will be placed on the publicly accessible website at www.regulations.gov, you are solely responsible for making sure that your comment does not include any sensitive or confidential information. In particular, your comment should not include any sensitive personal information, such as your or anyone else's Social Security number; date of birth; driver's license number or other State identification number, or foreign country equivalent; passport number; financial account number; or credit or debit card number. You are also solely responsible for making sure your comment does not include any sensitive health information, such as medical records or other individually identifiable health information. In addition, your comment should not include any “trade secret or any commercial or financial information which . . . is privileged or confidential”—as provided by section 6(f) of the FTC Act, 15 U.S.C. 46(f), and FTC Rule 4.10(a)(2), 16 CFR 4.10(a)(2)—including in particular competitively sensitive information such as costs, sales statistics, inventories, formulas, patterns, devices, manufacturing processes, or customer names.

Comments containing material for which confidential treatment is requested must be filed in paper form, must be clearly labeled “Confidential,” and must comply with FTC Rule 4.9(c). In particular, the written request for confidential treatment that accompanies the comment must include the factual and legal basis for the request and must identify the specific portions of the comment to be withheld from the public record. See FTC Rule 4.9(c). Your comment will be kept confidential only if the General Counsel grants your request in accordance with the law and the public interest. Once your comment has been posted on www.regulations.gov —as legally required by FTC Rule 4.9(b)—we cannot redact or remove your comment from that website, unless you submit a confidentiality request that meets the requirements for such treatment under FTC Rule 4.9(c), and the General Counsel grants that request.

Visit the FTC website at https://www.ftc.gov to read this document and the news release describing this matter. The FTC Act and other laws that the Commission administers permit the collection of public comments to consider and use in this proceeding, as appropriate. The Commission will consider all timely and responsive public comments that it receives on or before May 12, 2025. For information on the Commission's privacy policy, including routine uses permitted by the Privacy Act, see https://www.ftc.gov/site-information/privacy-policy.

Authority: 15 U.S.C. 46, 5 U.S.C. 552.

Pursuant to section 5(b) of the Federal Trade Commission Act, 15 U.S.C. 45(b), and section 2.51 of the Federal Trade Commission's Rules of Practice, 16 CFR § 2.51, Scott Sheffield respectfully requests that the Commission set aside and vacate in its entirety the Decision and Order entered on January 16, 2025 in Docket No. C-4815 (“Order”). As contemplated by section 2.51(a) of the Federal Trade Commission's Rules of Practice, 16 CFR 2.51(a), Mr. Sheffield is a “person . . . subject to a Commission decision containing a rule or order which has become effective,” and is therefore entitled to “file with the Secretary a request that the Commission reopen the proceeding to consider whether the rule or order . . . should be altered, modified, or set aside in whole or in part.” The public interest requires that the Order be set aside and vacated in its entirety. 16 CFR 2.51(b).

After the close of business on the final business day of the last administration, the Federal Trade Commission (“FTC”) by a 3-2 vote issued the Order prohibiting ExxonMobil Corporation (“Exxon”) from appointing Mr. Sheffield to its Board of Directors, prohibiting Exxon from appointing Mr. Sheffield to serve “in an advisory capacity in any way” to Exxon's management, and prohibiting Exxon from appointing thousands of other current or former employees of Pioneer Natural Resources Company (“Pioneer”) to its Board. See Decision and Order § II. Mr. Sheffield requests that the FTC vacate that Order, which was unsupported by any antitrust law and violates his constitutional and other legally protected rights.

First, in their thoughtful and well-reasoned dissent from the Order, now-Chairman Ferguson and Commissioner Holyoak explained in detail why the Exxon/Pioneer transaction could not be challenged by the FTC on any established theory of antitrust law: (1) Exxon and Pioneer's combined share in the alleged global market—and market concentration metrics generally—falls way below any level of concentration that would be conducive to coordination; (2) the merger does not eliminate a maverick; (3) nothing in the Complaint suggests a post-merger change in incentives that would make the global market conducive to coordination; and (4) one of twelve board members will likely be less able to orchestrate coordination than could that same individual when he was a chief executive officer (and never coordinated the market). See Dissenting Statement of Comm'r Melissa Holyoak Joined by Comm'r Andrew N. Ferguson at 2 (Jan. 17, 2025) (“Dissenting Statement”). As the Dissenting Statement explains, “There is no reason to believe that Section 7 has been violated, which invalidates any justification for the order.” Id. at 6.

The FTC premised the Order on a Complaint that was filed publicly in this matter on May 2, 2024. That Complaint alleged that Mr. Sheffield “campaigned to organize anticompetitive coordinated output reductions between and among U.S. crude oil producers, and others, including the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (‘OPEC’), and a related cartel of other oil-producing countries known as OPEC+.” Complaint ¶ 1. As noted by Commissioners Ferguson and Holyoak, however, “the factual interpretations and context of the Complaint, as written, [do] not provide reason to believe that the law ha[s] been violated.” Dissenting Statement at 4. Mr. Sheffield's Comment on the Complaint further dispelled any notion of a “campaign[ ]” of anticompetitive coordination with OPEC, clarifying that, of the supposed “hundreds of text messages with OPEC representatives and officials” decried in the Complaint, “almost all of these were blast text messages containing public information like news articles that went to many recipients without any response or ‘exchange.’ ” Ex. 1, Comment on Behalf of Scott Sheffield at 2 (“Sheffield Comment”). As Commissioners Ferguson and Holyoak noted, “Such contact is far less frequent than would be expected by a central figure allegedly coordinating with OPEC, the world's most well-known output-fixing cartel that has damaged oil customers for decades.” Dissenting Statement at 3.

The Complaint also alleged that Mr. Sheffield exercised his First Amendment rights in a manner that the three majority commissioners found objectionable: Mr. Sheffield made public statements about oil production, and supported a petition by Pioneer to the Texas Railroad Commission (“TRRC”) during the COVID-19 Pandemic to exercise its statutory authority to regulate oil production in Texas. See Ex. 1, Sheffield Comment at 15-19. But protected activities cannot be the basis for a law enforcement action. The FTC's claim otherwise is a frontal assault on Mr. Sheffield's constitutionally protected activities, as acknowledged by Commissioners Ferguson and Holyoak. See Dissenting Statement at 3.

Conspicuously absent from the FTC's Complaint was any allegation that Mr. Sheffield had himself violated the law. The Complaint alleged no instance in which he entered into any agreement in restraint of trade or any other unlawful conduct. Also absent was any viable theory that the combination of Exxon and Pioneer would violate antitrust laws. Pioneer was a comparatively small producer, and its acquisition by Exxon would not have meaningfully changed the market concentration in the global oil market. Nor did the FTC allege otherwise. As noted by the dissenting Commissioners, “With these egregious failings, the Complaint does not provide even an ‘ephemeral possibilit[y]’ of harm, let alone a ‘reason to believe’ the law has been violated.” Dissenting Statement at 2. The lack of legal justification for the Order, standing alone, is sufficient justification to vacate it.

Second, setting aside and vacating the Order would benefit the efficiency of both the FTC and the federal judiciary. On January 21, 2025, Mr. Sheffield filed a complaint in the Northern District of Texas, Fort Worth Division against the FTC, then-Chair Khan, and Commissioners Slaughter and Bedoya. See Complaint, Sheffield v. U.S. Fed. Trade Comm'n, No. 25-cv-00048 (N.D. Tex. Jan. 21, 2025), ECF No. 1. In his complaint, Mr. Sheffield seeks an order from the district court, inter alia, “[v]acating the FTC's Final Consent Order in Docket No. C-4815.” Id. at 53. Setting aside and vacating the Order would resolve those claims and would preserve the FTC's and the United States Attorney's Office's resources in defending the case, as well as the district court's resources in adjudicating the case.

Third, the Order is manifestly contrary to the public interest. The allegations in the Complaint supporting the Order were described by Commissioners Ferguson and Holyoak as “fabricated,” “embarrassing,” “indifferen[t] to First Amendment rights,” “woefully inadequate,” “lawless,” “nonsensical,” and “one of the most ludicrous theories of harm in [the FTC's] merger-enforcement history.” Id. at 1-2, 4-6. In light of the numerous defects of the Order, which “disregards the public interest,” Commissioners Ferguson and Holyoak invited and encouraged the FTC to “scrutinize[ ]” the “continuing viability of this order” under section 5(b) of the Federal Trade Commission Act. Id. at 6.

The public interest requires setting aside and vacating the Order. As Commissioners Ferguson and Holyoak noted in their dissenting statement, section 5(b) of the Federal Trade Commission Act permits the FTC to “reopen and alter, modify, or set aside, in whole or in part any report or order . . . whenever in the opinion of the Commission conditions of fact or of law have so changed as to require such action or if the public interest shall so require.” 15 U.S.C. 45(b) ( quoted in Dissenting Statement at 6 n.46). The Commission will set aside orders (and order provisions) which “unnecessarily inhibit[ ] respondent[s] from engaging in conduct which, in and of itself, is innocuous and may, in certain circumstances, be procompetitive.” In the matter of Occidental Petroleum Corp., Dkt. No. C-2492, 101 F.T.C. 373, 1974 WL 175259, at *1 (F.T.C. Mar. 9, 1983); see also, e.g., In the matter of the Readers' Digest Ass'n, Dkt. No. C-2075, 102 F.T.C. 1268, 1971 WL 128725, at *2 (F.T.C. Sept. 30, 1983) (concluding that “the public interest requires eliminating” a provision where “the costs that the [provision] imposes on respondent appear to outweigh any consumer benefits [that it] may confer”). Furthermore, the public interest is served by setting aside orders and provisions that restrict constitutionally protected speech where such restrictions “cause[ ] injury to [respondent] and the public that outweighs any benefit that may be derived from the restriction.” In the Matter of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, Dkt. No. C-2855, 104 F.T.C. 524, 1984 WL 565347, at *1 (F.T.C. Aug. 28, 1984).

Here, the Order should be vacated in its entirety because “the Complaint does not provide even an ‘ephemeral possibilit[y]’ of harm, let alone a ‘reason to believe’ the law has been violated.” Dissenting Statement at 2. The fact that the Complaint fails to identify any violation of section 7 “invalidates any justification for the order,” id. at 6, and confirms that the Order confers no benefit on consumers. In light of the utter lack of justification for the Order, the harm that the Order causes to Mr. Sheffield easily outweighs its nonexistent benefits. See Readers' Digest Ass'n, 102 F.T.C. 1268, 1971 WL 128725, at *2. Furthermore, the only restrictions imposed by the Order—preventing Exxon from appointing Mr. Sheffield or any Pioneer employee to its Board and prohibiting Exxon from appointing Mr. Sheffield to serve as an adviser in any capacity to Exxon's management—“unnecessarily inhibit” Mr. Sheffield, thousands of Pioneer employees, and even Exxon “from engaging in conduct which, in and of itself, is innocuous and may, in certain circumstances, be procompetitive.” In the matter of Occidental Petroleum Corp., 101 F.T.C. 373, 1974 WL 175259, at *1. Vacatur of the Order is warranted to remove these unnecessary restrictions.

The Order “ignored the public interest by using [the FTC's] Complaint to obtain a consent agreement” that specifically targeted Mr. Sheffield, “an individual who was not party to the agreement.” Dissenting Statement at 1. The public interest is harmed when an individual's constitutional and other legally protected rights are trampled upon by a federal agency without due process or other protections. As outlined in detail in Mr. Sheffield's Comment, the FTC shared the draft Complaint with Mr. Sheffield only two days before Exxon signed the Consent Order, without ever engaging with Mr. Sheffield's counsel on the allegations in the Complaint. See Ex. 1, Sheffield Comment at 21-22. The “factual failings” of the Complaint are therefore “exacerbated by the process failings that the Majority embraced in this investigation,” including the Majority's decision to “hide[ ] behind the caption that names only Exxon” despite the fact that the Order directly targets Mr. Sheffield, whose name appears “47 times in an eight-page redacted Complaint.” Dissenting Statement at 4-5.

In addition to violating Mr. Sheffield's constitutional right to due process, the Order and Complaint disregard Mr. Sheffield's First Amendment rights, leveraging his protected government petitioning to support the FTC's flawed narrative that Mr. Sheffield is a purported advocate for collusion among oil producers, see id. at 4-5. Vacatur of the Order is therefore also warranted to protect Mr. Sheffield's constitutional rights to due process and to petition the government for redress. See In the Matter of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, 104 F.T.C. 524, 1984 WL 565347, at *2 (modifying order to clarify that “this order shall not be construed to prevent [respondent] from . . . [e]xercising rights permitted under the First Amendment to the United States Constitution to petition any federal or state government, executive agency, or legislative body concerning legislation, rules or procedures.”).

In light of all of these factors, the Order should be set aside and vacated in its entirety.

GSA is rescinding FMR Bulletin B-2023-55 in line with Executive Orders (E.O.) 14148, Initial Rescissions of Harmful Executive Orders and Actions, dated January 20, 2025, and E.O. 14154, Unleashing American Energy, dated January 20, 2025, which revoked E.O. 14057, Catalyzing Clean Energy Industries and Jobs Through Federal Sustainability, dated December 8, 2021.

The following represents the intellectual property to be licensed under the prospective agreement: European Patent Application Patent Application No. EP23386021.2, filed March 10, 2023, titled “Conductive Polymer Coated Electrodes for Dielectrophoretic Cell Positioning and Electroporation” (HHS Reference No. E-266-2023-0-EP-01) and International Patent Application No. PCT/EP2024/056247, filed on March 8, 2024, titled “Conductive Polymer Coated Electrodes for Dielectrophoretic Cell Positioning and Electroporation” (HHS Reference No. E-266-2023-0-PC-01). All rights in these inventions have been assigned to Cambridge Enterprise Limited and the Government of the United States of America.

The prospective patent license will be for the purpose of consolidating patent rights with Cambridge Enterprise Limited, the co-owner of said rights, for commercial development and marketing. Consolidation of these co-owned rights is intended to expedite development of the invention, consistent with the goals of the Bayh-Dole Act codified as 35 U.S.C. 200-212.

The prospective patent license will be exclusive, and may be limited to those fields of use commensurate in scope with the patent rights. It will be sublicensable, and any sublicenses granted by Cambridge Enterprise Limited in the United Kingdom will be subject to the provisions of 37 CFR part 404.

The subject patent rights pertain to devices and methods for single-cell electroporation of human cells for clinical uses. Specifically, this subject invention describes certain conductive polymer electrodes that have properties that may allow for their use in the development of microfluidic-based electroporation devices for clinical uses.

This notice is made in accordance with 35 U.S.C. 209 and 37 CFR part 404. The prospective exclusive license will be royalty-bearing, and may be granted unless within fifteen (15) days from the date of this published notice, the National Insitute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases receives written evidence and argument that establishes that the grant of the license would not be consistent with the requirements of 35 U.S.C. 209 and 37 CFR part 404.

In response to this Notice, the public may file comments or objections. Comments and objections, other than those in the form of a license application, will not be treated confidentially, and may be made publicly available.

License applications submitted in response to this Notice will be presumed to contain business confidential information and any release of information in these license applications will be made only as required and upon a request under the Freedom of Information Act, 5 U.S.C. 552.

Funding Opportunity Title: Cooperative Agreement for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline and Disaster Distress Helpline, SM-21-005.

Assistance Listing Number: 93.243.

Authority: Section 520E-3 [42 U.S.C. 290bb-36c] of the Public Health Service Act, as amended.

Justification: The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline Cooperative Agreement (988 Lifeline) manages, enhances, and strengthens the 988 Lifeline network that routes individuals in the United States to a network of certified crisis centers that links to local emergency, mental health, and social services resources. The 988 Lifeline is a 24/7 confidential suicide and crisis hotline providing phone, chat, and text services for anyone in the United States experiencing a suicidal crisis or in emotional distress. This supplemental funding will ensure continuation of all active services and supporting infrastructure to ensure stability, safety, privacy, and connection of service.

Since 2005, Vibrant Emotional Health has provided oversight and management of the Suicide Prevention Lifeline and its local call centers and subnetwork functions with a network of over 215+ centers in all fifty states. Vibrant Emotional Health has the infrastructure, experience, and national reach to work with the backup centers, language services, and chat/text organizations to address the increased contact volumes expected in 2025 and beyond. With the transition to 988 accomplished, consistent services, such as ensuring access to the local and national Lifeline backup centers, geo-routing, language services, system evaluation and data reporting, and access are required to fully realize the potential impact to 988 contact service. Through this supplemental funding, SAMHSA and Vibrant can ensure capacity to address increased call, chat and text volume following 988 implementation, further develop connection and support, and strengthen the efficiency and customer experience of the network through unified, integrated and coordinated technology.

This is not a formal request for application. Assistance will only be provided to Vibrant Emotional Health funded in FY 2021 under the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline Cooperative Agreement (SM-21-005) based on the receipt of a satisfactory application and associated budget that is approved by a review group.

This document announces that U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) will convene the 2025 Trade and Cargo Security (TCS) Summit in New Orleans, LA, on May 6-8, 2025. The format of the 2025 TCS Summit will consist of general sessions on the first day and breakout sessions on the second and third days. The 2025 TCS Summit will feature panels composed of CBP personnel, members of the trade community, and members of other government agencies. The panel discussions will address various topics of interest to the trade community. The 2025 TCS Summit agenda will be posted on the CBP website: https://inevent.com/en/USCustomsandBorderProtection-1686596630/2025TFCSSummit/hotsite.php.

Hotel accommodations have been made available at the Hilton New Orleans Riverside at Two Poydras Street, New Orleans, LA 70130. Hotel room block reservation information can be found on the event web page at https://inevent.com/en/USCustomsandBorderProtection-1686596630/2025TFCSSummit/hotsite.php.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) makes the final determinations listed below for the new or modified flood hazard information for each community listed. Notification of these changes has been published in newspapers of local circulation and 90 days have elapsed since that publication. The Deputy Associate Administrator for Insurance and Mitigation has resolved any appeals resulting from this notification.

This final notice is issued in accordance with section 110 of the Flood Disaster Protection Act of 1973, 42 U.S.C. 4104, and 44 CFR part 67. FEMA has developed criteria for floodplain management in floodprone areas in accordance with 44 CFR part 60.

Interested lessees and owners of real property are encouraged to review the new or revised FIRM and FIS report available at the address cited below for each community or online through the FEMA Map Service Center at https://msc.fema.gov.

The flood hazard determinations are made final in the watersheds and/or communities listed in the table below.

FEMA proposes to make flood hazard determinations for each community listed below, in accordance with section 110 of the Flood Disaster Protection Act of 1973, 42 U.S.C. 4104, and 44 CFR 67.4(a).

These proposed flood hazard determinations, together with the floodplain management criteria required by 44 CFR 60.3, are the minimum that are required. They should not be construed to mean that the community must change any existing ordinances that are more stringent in their floodplain management requirements. The community may at any time enact stricter requirements of its own or pursuant to policies established by other Federal, State, or regional entities. These flood hazard determinations are used to meet the floodplain management requirements of the NFIP.

The communities affected by the flood hazard determinations are provided in the tables below. Any request for reconsideration of the revised flood hazard information shown on the Preliminary FIRM and FIS report that satisfies the data requirements outlined in 44 CFR 67.6(b) is considered an appeal. Comments unrelated to the flood hazard determinations also will be considered before the FIRM and FIS report become effective.

Use of a Scientific Resolution Panel (SRP) is available to communities in support of the appeal resolution process. SRPs are independent panels of experts in hydrology, hydraulics, and other pertinent sciences established to review conflicting scientific and technical data and provide recommendations for resolution. Use of the SRP only may be exercised after FEMA and local communities have been engaged in a collaborative consultation process for at least 60 days without a mutually acceptable resolution of an appeal. Additional information regarding the SRP process can be found online at https://www.floodsrp.org/pdfs/srp_overview.pdf.

The watersheds and/or communities affected are listed in the tables below. The Preliminary FIRM, and where applicable, FIS report for each community are available for inspection at both the online location https://hazards.fema.gov/femaportal/prelimdownload and the respective Community Map Repository address listed in the tables. For communities with multiple ongoing Preliminary studies, the studies can be identified by the unique project number and Preliminary FIRM date listed in the tables. Additionally, the current effective FIRM and FIS report for each community are accessible online through the FEMA Map Service Center at https://msc.fema.gov for comparison.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) makes the final determinations listed below for the new or modified flood hazard information for each community listed. Notification of these changes has been published in newspapers of local circulation and 90 days have elapsed since that publication. The Deputy Associate Administrator for Insurance and Mitigation has resolved any appeals resulting from this notification.

This final notice is issued in accordance with section 110 of the Flood Disaster Protection Act of 1973, 42 U.S.C. 4104, and 44 CFR part 67. FEMA has developed criteria for floodplain management in floodprone areas in accordance with 44 CFR part 60.

Interested lessees and owners of real property are encouraged to review the new or revised FIRM and FIS report available at the address cited below for each community or online through the FEMA Map Service Center at https://msc.fema.gov.

The flood hazard determinations are made final in the watersheds and/or communities listed in the table below.

FEMA proposes to make flood hazard determinations for each community listed below, in accordance with section 110 of the Flood Disaster Protection Act of 1973, 42 U.S.C. 4104, and 44 CFR 67.4(a).

These proposed flood hazard determinations, together with the floodplain management criteria required by 44 CFR 60.3, are the minimum that are required. They should not be construed to mean that the community must change any existing ordinances that are more stringent in their floodplain management requirements. The community may at any time enact stricter requirements of its own or pursuant to policies established by other Federal, State, or regional entities. These flood hazard determinations are used to meet the floodplain management requirements of the NFIP.

The communities affected by the flood hazard determinations are provided in the tables below. Any request for reconsideration of the revised flood hazard information shown on the Preliminary FIRM and FIS report that satisfies the data requirements outlined in 44 CFR 67.6(b) is considered an appeal. Comments unrelated to the flood hazard determinations also will be considered before the FIRM and FIS report become effective.

Use of a Scientific Resolution Panel (SRP) is available to communities in support of the appeal resolution process. SRPs are independent panels of experts in hydrology, hydraulics, and other pertinent sciences established to review conflicting scientific and technical data and provide recommendations for resolution. Use of the SRP only may be exercised after FEMA and local communities have been engaged in a collaborative consultation process for at least 60 days without a mutually acceptable resolution of an appeal. Additional information regarding the SRP process can be found online at https://www.floodsrp.org/pdfs/srp_overview.pdf.

The watersheds and/or communities affected are listed in the tables below. The Preliminary FIRM, and where applicable, FIS report for each community are available for inspection at both the online location https://hazards.fema.gov/femaportal/prelimdownload and the respective Community Map Repository address listed in the tables. For communities with multiple ongoing Preliminary studies, the studies can be identified by the unique project number and Preliminary FIRM date listed in the tables. Additionally, the current effective FIRM and FIS report for each community are accessible online through the FEMA Map Service Center at https://msc.fema.gov for comparison.

FEMA proposes to make flood hazard determinations for each community listed below, in accordance with section 110 of the Flood Disaster Protection Act of 1973, 42 U.S.C. 4104, and 44 CFR 67.4(a).

These proposed flood hazard determinations, together with the floodplain management criteria required by 44 CFR 60.3, are the minimum that are required. They should not be construed to mean that the community must change any existing ordinances that are more stringent in their floodplain management requirements. The community may at any time enact stricter requirements of its own or pursuant to policies established by other Federal, State, or regional entities. These flood hazard determinations are used to meet the floodplain management requirements of the NFIP.

The communities affected by the flood hazard determinations are provided in the tables below. Any request for reconsideration of the revised flood hazard information shown on the Preliminary FIRM and FIS report that satisfies the data requirements outlined in 44 CFR 67.6(b) is considered an appeal. Comments unrelated to the flood hazard determinations also will be considered before the FIRM and FIS report become effective.

Use of a Scientific Resolution Panel (SRP) is available to communities in support of the appeal resolution process. SRPs are independent panels of experts in hydrology, hydraulics, and other pertinent sciences established to review conflicting scientific and technical data and provide recommendations for resolution. Use of the SRP only may be exercised after FEMA and local communities have been engaged in a collaborative consultation process for at least 60 days without a mutually acceptable resolution of an appeal. Additional information regarding the SRP process can be found online at https://www.floodsrp.org/pdfs/srp_overview.pdf.

The watersheds and/or communities affected are listed in the tables below. The Preliminary FIRM, and where applicable, FIS report for each community are available for inspection at both the online location https://hazards.fema.gov/femaportal/prelimdownload and the respective Community Map Repository address listed in the tables. For communities with multiple ongoing Preliminary studies, the studies can be identified by the unique project number and Preliminary FIRM date listed in the tables. Additionally, the current effective FIRM and FIS report for each community are accessible online through the FEMA Map Service Center at https://msc.fema.gov for comparison.

The National Training and Education Division (NTED), the Center for Domestic Preparedness (CDP) and the National Disaster and Emergency Management University (NDEMU) are geographically separated components of FEMA's National Preparedness Directorate. As such, all three organizations are part of the National Preparedness Directorate Training Enterprise with unique training missions for specific target audiences and are responsible for supporting and enabling national preparedness Core Capability, Community Lifelines, and Recovery Sector Preparedness performance outcomes described in Presidential Policy Directive (PPD) 8 National Preparedness, the National Preparedness Goal, the National Preparedness System, and 2022-2026 FEMA Strategic Plan objectives 1.3, 2.1, 2.2, and 3.1.

Like other Federal training organizations, the NTED, CDP and NDEMU utilize the Kirkpatrick Training Evaluation Model Level 3 survey results as one of several training evaluation tools to inform component program managers and leadership with metrics that monitor and report organizational performance and compliance with the Government Performance, Results and Modernization Act of 2010 (the “GPRA Modernization Act of 2010”). 31 U.S.C. 1115(b)(6) requires a balanced set of performance indicators to be used in measuring or assessing progress toward each performance goal, including, as appropriate, customer service, efficiency, output, and outcome indicators. Because the survey collects qualitative feedback from participants about how the training impacted their job performance, occupation, or organization, the results—along with other data—are used to assess the effectiveness of NTED, CDP and NDEMU training programs. NTED and CDP are members of the National Domestic Preparedness Consortium (NDPC). Per 6 U.S.C. 1102(c), the NDPC shall identify, develop, test, and deliver training to State, local, and Tribal emergency response providers, provide onsite and mobile training at the performance and management and planning levels, and facilitate the delivery of training by the training partners of the Department. FEMA interprets this authority to “test training” as the ability to assess its effectiveness, which this survey directly facilitates.

Per 6 U.S.C. 748(a)(1), the FEMA Administrator in coordination with heads of appropriate Federal agencies, the National Council on Disability, and the National Advisory Council, carries out a national training program to implement the national preparedness goal, National Incident Management System, National Response Plan, and other related plans and strategies. In addition, 6 U.S.C. 748(a)(2) directs the FEMA Administrator, in developing and implementing the national training program, to work with government training facilities, academic institutions, private organizations, and other entities that provide specialized, state-of-the-art training for emergency managers or emergency response providers; and utilize, as appropriate, training courses provided by community colleges, State and local public safety academies, State and private universities, and other facilities.

The Level 3 data collected from course graduates 3 to 6 months following training provides NTED, CDP and NDEMU with information and data on how training knowledge, skill and attitudes gained from training transfer to the student's job and organization and if the training was applied to the job, an exercise, or during an operational mission. Note: The number of NTED Continuing Training Grants training providers may fluctuate, increase, or decrease based on fiscal year grant funding levels approved by Congress. This reinstatement, with change, consolidates all evaluation forms for all offices into two shared instruments.

This proposed information collection previously published in the Federal Register on January 17, 2025, at 90 FR 5924 with a 60-day public comment period. No comments were received. The purpose of this notice is to notify the public that FEMA will submit the information collection abstracted below to the Office of Management and Budget for review and clearance.

Title: Consolidated FEMA-National Training and Education Division (NTED) Level 3 Training Evaluation Forms.

Type of Information Collection: Reinstatement, with change, of a previously approved information collection.

OMB Number: 1660-0132.

FEMA Forms: CDP, NDEMU, and NTED Level 3 Student Evaluation Form, FEMA Form FF-008-FY-25-100; CDP, NDEMU, and NTED Level 3 Supervisor Evaluation Form, FEMA Form FF-008-FY-25-101.

Abstract: NTED, CDP, and NDEMU all utilize the Kirkpatrick Four Level Training Evaluation Model to assess training effectiveness. Donald Kirkpatrick developed the four-level model of training evaluation: Level 1 evaluation captures the students' perception or reaction to training. Level 2 completes a pre-post comparison of learning via tests/examinations and performance assessment checklists of the student learning (change in behavior). Level 3 evaluation instruments capture how the training transfers to the students' work environment and their particular job. Lastly, Level 4 captures information about the return on key stakeholder expectations of the course or training program. The data collected by these training evaluation forms is shared with representatives from each course/program's respective target audience during 3-year course/program reviews. All three organizations analyze the data to determine what revisions are needed in curriculum, delivery, and to elicit inputs to improve training while providing documentation as to how training was applied, and how it impacts the individual and organization.

Affected Public: State, Local, and Tribal Government; Private Sector.

Estimated Number of Respondents: 20,224.

Estimated Number of Responses: 20,224.

Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours: 5,057.

Estimated Total Annual Respondent Cost: $303,922.

Estimated Respondents' Operation and Maintenance Costs: $0.

Estimated Respondents' Capital and Start-Up Costs: $0.

Estimated Total Annual Cost to the Federal Government: $32,314.

Comments may be submitted as indicated in the ADDRESSES caption above. Comments are solicited to (a) evaluate whether the proposed data collection is necessary for the proper performance of the Agency, including whether the information shall have practical utility; (b) 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; (c) enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (d) 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.

The Transit Security Grant Program (TSGP) is a Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) grant program that focuses on transportation infrastructure protection activities. The collection of information for TSGP is mandated by Section 1406, Title XIV of the Implementing Recommendations of the 9/11 Commission Act of 2007 (Pub. L. 110-53) (codified at 6 U.S.C. 1135), which directs the Secretary to establish a program for making grants to eligible public transportation agencies for security improvements. Additionally, information is collected in accordance with Section 1406(c) of the Implementing Recommendations of the 9/11 Commission Act of 2007 (6 U.S.C. 1135(c)) which authorizes the Secretary to determine the requirements for grant recipients, including application requirements. The Intercity Bus Security Grant Program (IBSGP) is a FEMA grant program that focuses on transportation infrastructure protection activities. The collection of information for IBSGP is mandated by Section 1532 of the Implementing Recommendations of the 9/11 Commission Act of 2007 (Pub. L. 110-53) (codified at 6 U.S.C. 1182), which directs the Secretary to establish a program for making grants to eligible private operators providing transportation by an over-the-road bus for security improvements. Additionally, information is collected in accordance with Section 1532(d) of the Implementing Recommendations of the 9/11 Commission Act of 2007 (6 U.S.C. 1182(d)) which authorizes the Secretary to determine the requirements for grant recipients, including application requirements.

With this reinstatement, with change, FEMA adds the instruments for the IBSGP to this collection for easier management and transparency.

This proposed information collection previously published in the Federal Register at 89 FR 102932, Dec. 18, 2024 with a 60-day public comment period. FEMA received zero public comments. The purpose of this notice is to notify the public that FEMA will submit the information collection abstracted below to the Office of Management and Budget for review and clearance.

Title: FEMA Preparedness Grants: Transit Security Grant Program (TSGP) and Intercity Bus Security Grant Program (IBSGP).

Type of Information Collection: Reinstatement, with change, of a previously approved information collection.

OMB Number: 1660-0112.

FEMA Forms: TSGP Five Year Security Capital and Operational Sustainment Plan, FEMA Form FF-207-FY-21-101; TSGP Investment Justification Background Document, FEMA Form FF-207-FY-21-102; TSGP Investment Justification, FEMA Form FF-207-FY-21-103; TSGP Public Transit Risk Assessment Methodology (PT-RAM) Gap Analysis, FEMA Form FF-207-FY-21-104; TSGP PT-RAM Implementation Plan, FEMA Form FF-207-FY-21-105; TSGP PT-RAM, FEMA Form FF-207-FY-21-106; IBSGP Investment Justification Form, FEMA Form FF-207-FY-23-102; IBSGP Detailed Budget Worksheet, FEMA Form FF-207-FY-23-103; and IBSGP Vulnerability Assessment and Security Plan, FEMA Form FF-207-FY-23-104.

Abstract: The TSGP and IBSGP are important components of the Department's effort to enhance the security of the Nation's critical infrastructure. The programs provide funds to owners and operators of transit systems (TSGP) and private bus operators (IBSGP) to protect critical surface transportation infrastructure and the traveling public from acts of terrorism, major disasters, and other emergencies.

Affected Public: Business or other for-profit entities, State and local governments.

Estimated Number of Respondents: 906.

Estimated Number of Responses: 906.

Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours: 15,940.

Estimated Total Annual Respondent Cost: $1,537,792.

Estimated Respondents' Operation and Maintenance Costs: $0.

Estimated Respondents' Capital and Start-Up Costs: $0.

Estimated Total Annual Cost to the Federal Government: $1,188,925.

Comments may be submitted as indicated in the ADDRESSES caption above. Comments are solicited to (a) evaluate whether the proposed data collection is necessary for the proper performance of the Agency, including whether the information shall have practical utility; (b) 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; (c) enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (d) 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.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) makes the final flood hazard determinations as shown in the LOMRs for each community listed in the table below. Notice of these modified flood hazard determinations has been published in newspapers of local circulation and 90 days have elapsed since that publication. The Deputy Associate Administrator for Insurance and Mitigation has resolved any appeals resulting from this notification.

The modified flood hazard determinations are made pursuant to section 206 of the Flood Disaster Protection Act of 1973, 42 U.S.C. 4105, and are in accordance with the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968, 42 U.S.C. 4001 et seq., and with 44 CFR part 65. The current effective community number is shown and must be used for all new policies and renewals.

The new or modified flood hazard information is the basis for the floodplain management measures that the community is required either to adopt or to show evidence of being already in effect in order to remain qualified for participation in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).

This new or modified flood hazard information, together with the floodplain management criteria required by 44 CFR 60.3, are the minimum that are required. They should not be construed to mean that the community must change any existing ordinances that are more stringent in their floodplain management requirements. The community may at any time enact stricter requirements of its own or pursuant to policies established by other Federal, State, or regional entities.

This new or modified flood hazard determinations are used to meet the floodplain management requirements of the NFIP. The changes in flood hazard determinations are in accordance with 44 CFR 65.4.

Interested lessees and owners of real property are encouraged to review the final flood hazard information available at the address cited below for each community or online through the FEMA Map Service Center at https://msc.fema.gov.

Table of Contents I. Authority to Grant Waivers II. Public Law 115-56 and 115-123 Waiver and Alternative Requirements III. Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) I. Authority To Grant Waivers

The Supplemental Appropriations for Disaster Relief Requirements Act, 2017 (Division B, Pub. L. 115-56), approved September 8, 2017, and the Further Additional Supplemental Appropriations for Disaster Relief Requirements Act, 2018 (Division B, Subdivision 1, Pub. L. 115-123), approved February 9, 2018, authorize the Secretary to waive, or specify alternative requirements for, any provision of any statute or regulation that the Secretary administers in connection with the obligation by the Secretary, or use by the recipient, of grant funds, except for requirements related to fair housing, nondiscrimination, labor standards, and the environment. HUD may also exercise its regulatory waiver authority under 24 CFR 5.110, 91.600, and 570.5.

The waiver authorized in this notice is based upon a determination by the Secretary that good cause exists and that the waiver is not inconsistent with the overall purposes of title I of the HCDA. The good cause for the waiver is summarized below.

The Department has awarded CDBG-DR funds to the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico (the Commonwealth) under Public Laws 115-56 and 115-123 to assist in the long-term recovery from the 2017 disasters, Hurricanes Irma and Maria. This notice waives requirements and specifies alternative requirements for CDBG-DR funds awarded to the Commonwealth under these two Public Laws. The CDGB-DR funds awarded to the Commonwealth under these two Public Laws remain subject to the requirements in prior applicable Federal Register notices, including environmental requirements found in HUD's Federal Register notices published on February 9, 2018 (83 FR 5844) and August 14, 2018 (83 FR 40314).

The Puerto Rico Department of Housing (PRDOH) is using CDBG-DR funds provided under Public Laws 115-56 and 115-123 to implement its Home Repair, Reconstruction, or Relocation (R3) Program. The R3 Program is intended to provide relief for those individuals and families whose households were impacted by the qualifying disasters and have unmet housing needs.

Under the R3 Program, PRDOH provides relocation assistance to eligible low- to moderate-income (LMI) applicants who are owner-occupants of homes that are substantially damaged by the qualifying disaster (the “disaster-damaged property”). If the disaster-damaged property is in a high-risk area and it is determined that it is not reasonable to elevate the property, the owner-occupant has the option to voluntarily relocate to a lower-risk area. As part of this process, eligible owner-occupants receive relocation assistance to purchase a replacement property outside the high-risk area and an acquisition offer from PRDOH to voluntarily transfer the disaster-damaged property to PRDOH.

In order to acquire a disaster-damaged property under the R3 Program, the disaster-damaged property must be registered in the Property Registry under the owner-occupant's name. However, there are cases where the ownership of a property cannot be transferred to PRDOH because the property title is not duly registered in the Property Registry or the owner-occupant has no legal means of documenting their proprietary interest ( i.e., full or partial ownership interest). In the Commonwealth, there is no legal requirement to register a property, so many properties are not registered, and some have been subdivided without complying with applicable laws and requirements.

When a person does not have a registered and clear title ( i.e., a title free of claims or disputes about ownership) to a property, an acquiring agency cannot fulfill the voluntary acquisition requirements under the URA and its implementing regulations at 49 CFR part 24. The URA regulations at 49 CFR 24.101 require that before an acquiring agency engages in a voluntary acquisition of properties with Federal financial assistance, all owners of the property to be acquired must be provided with a written offer reflecting what the agency believes to be the market value of the property. If a R3 applicant does not have a clear title to their property because of unknown heirs or the absence of indispensable parties, then PRDOH cannot fulfill the applicable voluntary acquisition requirements for an acquiring agency under the URA regulations.

To address situations where R3 applicants do not have clear title, PRDOH created the Title Clearance (TC) Program. The goal of the TC Program is to help LMI households that own disaster-damaged properties to register and obtain clear and marketable title to their properties. However, if clear title cannot be obtained in a timely manner because of unknown heirs or the absence of indispensable parties, PRDOH's only option is to acquire the disaster-damaged property through the use of an eminent domain process, as described in this waiver (the “R3 Eminent Domain process”).

The URA regulations at 49 CFR 24.102 require that PRDOH provide owners with just compensation when acquiring property through eminent domain for a program or project using Federal financial assistance. Based on the information provided by PRDOH, for purposes of the R3 Eminent Domain process, just compensation will be at least equal to the amount of PRDOH's determination of the fair market value of the disaster-damaged property (the PRDOH-determined FMV) that is attributable to an owner's proprietary interest in the property to be acquired, or the court's determination of an owner's entitlement to compensation through the eminent domain action if the court-determined compensation attributable to the owner's proprietary interest is higher. PRDOH will notify all parties with a proprietary interest of its intent to acquire the property through the R3 Eminent Domain process to the greatest extent possible, as set forth in the CDBG-DR action plan.

Prior to filing an eminent domain action against the property, PRDOH will compensate program participants for their proprietary interest, which includes the provision of relocation assistance for the acquisition of a replacement property.

Upon acquisition of a replacement property by the program participant, the program participant will assign their rights to the compensation they are entitled to through the eminent domain action to PRDOH, in an amount equal to the PRDOH-determined FMV attributable to the program participant's proprietary interest in the disaster-damaged property. PRDOH will not proceed with filing an eminent domain action against a disaster-damaged property until the program participant has obtained a replacement property with PRDOH's assistance and PRDOH has provided any required additional compensation based on the PRDOH-determined FMV attributable to the program participant's proprietary interests in the property. PRDOH will also not proceed with filing an eminent domain action against a property until all Known Owners (as defined below) of the property to be acquired through the R3 Eminent Domain process have received compensation based on the PRDOH-determined FMV attributable to the Known Owner's proprietary interests in the property.

Once PRDOH files the eminent domain action, PRDOH deposits the amount equal to the PRDOH-determined FMV of the property with the court, in accordance with Commonwealth laws. The court may determine the PRDOH-determined FMV is insufficient to satisfy the just compensation owed and require PRDOH to deposit an additional amount with the court. The court will distribute the deposited funds as just compensation based on the court's ownership determination. If the court-determined compensation for a program participant or Known Owner exceeds the PRDOH-determined FMV attributable to a program participant's or Known Owner's proprietary interest, PRDOH shall provide for any amounts in excess of the PRDOH-determined FMV attributable to that program participant's or Known Owner's proprietary interest to the program participant or Known Owner.

PRDOH has requested a waiver of certain sections of the URA to acquire disaster-damaged properties to implement the R3 Eminent Domain process and assist in the recovery of its municipalities. In the Department's review of PRDOH's request, the Department determined additional waivers, in addition to those requested by PRDOH, are required under the URA and sections 104(d) and 105(a)(1) of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 (HCDA) (42 U.S.C. 5304(d); 42 U.S.C. 5305(a)(1)). These waivers are described in sections II.A.4. and II.A.5.

The Secretary has determined there is sufficient good cause to grant the following waivers for CDBG-DR funds provided under Public Laws 115-56 and 115-123 because these waivers will allow PRDOH to acquire disaster-damaged properties from LMI owner-occupants, despite the property's various title issues. The following waivers will also assist LMI owner-occupants to purchase replacement housing in lower risk areas. In doing so, PRDOH will provide decent, safe, and sanitary housing in the Most Impacted and Distressed Areas to LMI owners affected by the qualifying disasters. Without the waivers, PRDOH would not be able to meet the acquisition requirements in 49 CFR part 24, subpart B and the requirements in 24 CFR part 570 for these disaster-damaged properties because of unknown heirs or the absence of indispensable parties with proprietary interests in the properties. PRDOH would also be required to consider a program participant in the R3 Eminent Domain process to be a displaced person under the URA and 24 CFR part 570, thereby causing a potential duplication of benefits in the issuance of relocation assistance. The Secretary therefore grants the following waiver to permit PRDOH to carry out the R3 Eminent Domain process for properties acquired by PRDOH, subject to the alternative requirements described below.

HUD waives 49 CFR 24.101(b), and 24 CFR 570.606(e) to the extent that the R3 Eminent Domain process is considered an involuntary acquisition subject to the requirements at 49 CFR part 24, subpart B. HUD also waives the definition of “displaced person” under 49 CFR 24.2(a), 24 CFR 42.305, and 24 CFR 570.606(b)(2) to the extent that program participants would be considered displaced persons under these regulations. HUD imposes the following alternative requirements on the use of this waiver:

1. The R3 Eminent Domain process will only be available to R3 applicants that are owner-occupants of disaster-damaged properties under the following conditions:

a. The R3 applicant agrees to voluntarily relocate from their disaster-damaged property;

b. The R3 applicant has a proprietary interest in their disaster-damaged property;

c. The R3 applicant does not have clear title to their disaster-damaged property; and,

d. All of the following criteria have been met:

i. The R3 applicant has evidence of their proprietary interest in the disaster-damaged property;

ii. The R3 applicant and/or PRDOH has used their best efforts to clear title, as defined by PRDOH in its CDBG-DR Action Plan(s), which may include attempting to obtain clear title through the TC program; and

iii. The R3 applicant and/or PRDOH has used best efforts, as defined by PRDOH in its CDBG-DR Action Plan(s), to contact all indispensable parties and heirs ( i.e., persons having or claiming to have a proprietary interest in the disaster-damaged property) to provide the required compensation attributable to their proprietary interests.

2. PRDOH will notify all parties with a proprietary interest in a disaster-damaged property of its intent to acquire the property through the R3 Eminent Domain process to the greatest extent possible, as set forth in the CDBG-DR action plan.

3. Prior to acquiring a property through the R3 Eminent Domain process, PRDOH must obtain written consent from all program participants and every Known Owner with a proprietary interest in the program participant's disaster-damaged property. “Known Owner” is a person having a verifiable proprietary interest in the disaster-damaged property, other than program participant(s), that PRDOH is able to contact. Written consent must be obtained through one or more written agreements that describe the R3 Eminent Domain process, declare that there is no other means of obtaining clear title to the disaster-damaged property and the basis for the determination, and state that the program participant or Known Owner is voluntarily participating in the R3 Eminent Domain process.

4. The PRDOH-determined FMV for a disaster-damaged property must be based on a third-party appraisal completed no more than 12 months prior to the date of execution of the written agreement or any amendment of the written agreement that revises the PRDOH-determined FMV between the program participant or Known Owner and PRDOH.

5. PRDOH must provide just compensation to the property's program participant(s) and Known Owners(s). Just compensation must be at least equal to the amount of the PRDOH-determined FMV that is attributable to an owner's proprietary interest in a property to be acquired or the court's determination of an owner's entitlement to compensation through the eminent domain action if the court-determined compensation is higher than the PRDOH-determined FMV attributable to an owner's proprietary interest.

6. The fully executed written agreement with each Known Owner must contain the following specific terms and conditions:

a. PRDOH will provide the Known Owner with just compensation, as defined in condition 5. above;

b. Upon receiving compensation in the amount of the PRDOH-determined FMV attributable to the Known Owner's proprietary interest in the disaster-damaged property, the Known Owner will assign their rights to the compensation they are entitled to through the eminent domain action to PRDOH, in an amount equal to the PRDOH-determined FMV attributable to the Known Owner's proprietary interest in the disaster-damaged property; and,

c. If the court's determination of a Known Owner's entitlement to compensation through the eminent domain action is higher than the PRDOH-determined FMV attributable to the Known Owner's proprietary interest in the disaster-damaged property, PRDOH shall provide the amount of just compensation greater than the PRDOH-determined FMV to the Known Owner, as determined by the court in the eminent domain action.

7. The fully executed written agreement with each program participant must contain the following specific terms and conditions:

a. PRDOH will provide the program participant with just compensation, as defined in condition 5. above;

b. PRDOH will assist the program participant by providing relocation assistance to acquire a replacement property;

c. PRDOH is only permitted to place a forgivable lien on the replacement property equal to or less than the difference between the cost of the replacement property and the PRDOH-determined estimated FMV attributable to the program participant's proprietary interest in the property, in accordance with the lien terms established in the R3 Program and disclosed in the written agreement;

d. If the final purchase price of the replacement property is less than the PRDOH-determined FMV attributable to the program participant's proprietary interest in the property to be acquired through the R3 Eminent Domain process, then PRDOH must provide additional compensation that is no less than the difference between the final purchase price of the replacement property and the PRDOH-determined FMV attributable to the program participant's proprietary interest;

e. Upon acquiring a replacement property and receiving any additional compensation (if applicable) up to the amount of the PRDOH-determined FMV attributable to the program participant's proprietary interest in the property, the program participant will assign their rights to the compensation determined by the court through the R3 Eminent Domain process to PRDOH. The amount of compensation assigned to PRDOH must be equal to the PRDOH-determined FMV attributable to the program participant's proprietary interest in the disaster-damaged property.

f. If the court's determination of the program participant's entitlement to compensation through the eminent domain action is higher than the PRDOH-determined FMV attributable to the program participant's proprietary interest in the disaster-damaged property, PRDOH shall provide the amount of court-determined compensation that is greater than the PRDOH-determined FMV attributable to the proprietary interest to the program participant;

g. PRDOH may only require a program participant to vacate the disaster-damaged property to be acquired through the R3 Eminent Domain process after a reasonable period of time following the program participant's completed acquisition of the replacement property;

h. If the program participant is unable to acquire a replacement property and vacate, PRDOH shall not proceed with its acquisition of the disaster-damaged property through the R3 Eminent Domain process and is prohibited from filing the eminent domain action.

i. PRDOH must amend the written agreement with the program participant for any changes to the terms and conditions of the payment of just compensation and the terms and conditions of the forgivable lien placed on the replacement property.

8. Throughout the R3 Eminent Domain process, PRDOH shall provide advisory services to program participants and Known Owners including, but not limited to:

a. Explaining the R3 program, the R3 Eminent Domain process, and the rights and requirements associated with each; and,

b. Advising on the terms and conditions of any written agreements, assignments of their just compensation for real property, and for program participants, any liens that will be recorded against a replacement property by PRDOH.

9. If PRDOH and a program participant or Known Owner have already entered into a written agreement for just compensation or relocation and the property will be acquired by PRDOH through the R3 Eminent Domain process, then PRDOH and the program participant or Known Owner must amend the written agreement or execute a new written agreement to include all applicable terms and conditions of this waiver and alternative requirement.

11. Before PRDOH proceeds with the R3 Eminent Domain process for any disaster-damaged property, PRDOH must update its policies, procedures, and Residential Antidisplacement and Relocation Assistance Plan (RARAP).

12. Before PRDOH proceeds with the R3 Eminent Domain process for any disaster-damaged property, PRDOH must certify that it shall comply with the URA, section 104(d), and 24 CFR 570.606, as modified by all applicable waivers and alternative requirements.

13. Records for each property acquired by PRDOH through the R3 Eminent Domain process must include:

a. Documentation of the reasonable efforts conducted prior to starting the R3 Eminent Domain process (as described in the grantee's action plan) for any disaster-damaged property;

b. The written offer(s) for the amount of compensation attributable to a program participant's proprietary interest in the disaster-damaged property using the PRDOH-determined FMV and the written acceptance of the offer by a program participant;

c. The written offer(s) for the amount of compensation attributable to a Known Owner's proprietary interest in the disaster-damaged property using the PRDOH-determined FMV and the written acceptances of the offer by the Known Owner;

d. The written agreements and all amendments with program participants and Known Owners;

e. Documentation of the certified, third-party appraisal and PRDOH FMV determination;

f. Any required certification;

g. All notices, filings, and court records related to the R3 Eminent Domain process;

h. Evidence of the provision of advisory services to program participants and Known Owners;

i. Records relating to the purchase of the replacement property, including but not limited to the final sales price including all fees and closing costs and any liens placed on the property by PRDOH;

j. Evidence of all additional compensation provided to a program participant when the final purchase price of a replacement property including all fees and closing costs is less than the PRDOH-determined FMV;

k. If the court's determination of an owner's entitlement to compensation through the eminent domain action is higher than the PRDOH-determined FMV that is attributable to an owner, evidence that PRDOH provided that owner with additional compensation so that the owner received overall compensation in the amount of the court-determined just compensation for that owner's court-determined proprietary interest;

l. Evidence that the property obtained through the R3 Eminent Domain process was disaster-damaged and qualified under the R3 Program; and

m. Evidence that PRDOH provided any residential tenants of the disaster-damaged property acquired through the R3 Eminent Domain process, other than the program participant, with all services, assistance, and benefits due to them under the applicable URA regulations at 49 CFR part 24 and CDBG regulations at 24 CFR 570.606, as amended by waivers and alternative requirements.

14. All properties obtained through the R3 Eminent Domain process must only be employed for a public use, as follows:

a. Public use shall not be construed to include economic development that primarily benefits private entities; and

b. Any use of funds for mass transit, railroad, airport, seaport or highway projects, as well as utility projects which benefit or serve the general public (including energy-related, communication-related, water-related and wastewater-related infrastructure), other structures designated for use by the general public or which have other common-carrier or public-utility functions that serve the general public and are subject to regulation and oversight by the government, and projects for the removal of an immediate threat to public health and safety or brownfields as defined in the Small Business Liability Relief and Brownfields Revitalization Act (Public Law 107-118) shall be considered a public use for purposes of eminent domain.

15. All URA requirements contained in 49 CFR part 24 or the requirements contained in 24 CFR 570.606 for tenants of disaster-damaged property obtained through the R3 Eminent Domain Process still apply. PRDOH must provide tenants living in property acquired by PRDOH through the R3 Eminent Domain process with all required written notices, advisory services, and replacement housing assistance payments required under 49 CFR part 24 and 24 CFR 570.606.

Based on the good cause described in section II.A.2., HUD waives the one-for-one replacement requirements at section 104(d)(2)(A)(i) and (ii) and 104(d)(3) of the HCDA and 24 CFR 42.375 in the purchase and demolition of the disaster-damaged properties through the R3 Eminent Domain process. The section104(d) one-for-one replacement housing requirements apply to occupied and vacant occupiable lower-income dwelling units demolished or converted in connection with a CDBG-assisted activity. This waiver exempts property purchased in accordance with the URA waiver and alternative requirement in II.A.2. from being replaced in accordance with the one-for-one replacement housing requirements of 24 CFR 42.375. This waiver is necessary to reduce burdensome administrative requirements by allowing the Commonwealth to document that a disaster-damaged property was acquired pursuant to these waivers and alternative requirement for the R3 Eminent Domain process instead of documenting that the acquisition of the property met another exception to, or waiver of the section 104(d) one-for-one replacement requirements contained in 24 CFR 42.375.

Based on the good cause described in section II.A.2., HUD waives the definition of acquisition in section 105(a)(1) of the HCDA to allow the use of the R3 Eminent Domain process to be considered an eligible form of acquisition in the purchase of disaster-damaged properties in the R3 Program. Eminent domain is not an eligible form of acquisition under the HCDA. This waiver is necessary to enable property purchased through the R3 Eminent Domain process in accordance with the waiver and alternative requirement contained in section II.A.2. of this notice to be considered eligible CDBG-DR acquisition activities even though the purchases are made through the use of eminent domain actions.

A Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) with respect to the environment has been made in accordance with HUD regulations at 24 CFR part 50, which implement section 102(2)(C) of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4332(2)(C)). The FONSI is available online on HUD's CDBG-DR website at https://www.hud.gov/program_offices/comm_planning/cdbg-dr and for public inspection between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. weekdays in the Regulations Division, Office of General Counsel, Department of Housing and Urban Development, 451 7th Street SW, Room 10276, Washington, DC 20410-0500. Due to security measures at the HUD Headquarters building, an advance appointment to review the docket file must be scheduled by calling the Regulations Division at 202-708-3055 (this is not a toll-free number). HUD welcomes and is prepared to receive calls from individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing, as well as individuals with speech or communication disabilities. To learn more about how to make an accessible telephone call, please visit https://www.fcc.gov/consumers/guides/telecommunications-relay-service-trs.

The HEARTH Act makes a voluntary, alternative land leasing process available to Tribes, by amending the Indian Long-Term Leasing Act of 1955, 25 U.S.C. 415. The HEARTH Act authorizes Tribes to negotiate and enter into business leases of Tribal trust lands with a primary term of 25 years, and up to two renewal terms of 25 years each, without the approval of the Secretary of the Interior (Secretary). The HEARTH Act also authorizes Tribes to enter into leases for residential, recreational, religious or educational purposes for a primary term of up to 75 years without the approval of the Secretary. Participating Tribes develop Tribal Leasing regulations, including an environmental review process, and then must obtain the Secretary's approval of those regulations prior to entering into leases. The HEARTH Act requires the Secretary to approve Tribal regulations if the Tribal regulations are consistent with the Department of the Interior's (Department) leasing regulations at 25 CFR part 162 and provide for an environmental review process that meets requirements set forth in the HEARTH Act. This notice announces that the Secretary, through the Assistant Secretary—Indian Affairs, has approved the Tribal regulations for the Shawnee Tribe.

The Department's regulations governing the surface leasing of trust and restricted Indian lands specify that, subject to applicable Federal law, permanent improvements on leased land, leasehold or possessory interests, and activities under the lease are not subject to State and local taxation and may be subject to taxation by the Indian Tribe with jurisdiction. See 25 CFR 162.017. As explained further in the preamble to the final regulations, the Federal Government has a strong interest in promoting economic development, self-determination, and Tribal sovereignty. 77 FR 72440, 72447-48 (December 5, 2012). The principles supporting the Federal preemption of State law in the field of Indian leasing and the taxation of lease-related interests and activities applies with equal force to leases entered into under Tribal leasing regulations approved by the Federal Government pursuant to the HEARTH Act.

Section 5 of the Indian Reorganization Act (IRA), 25 U.S.C. 5108, preempts State and local taxation of permanent improvements on trust land. Confederated Tribes of the Chehalis Reservation v. Thurston County, 724 F.3d 1153, 1157 (9th Cir. 2013) (citing Mescalero Apache Tribe v. Jones, 411 U.S. 145 (1973)). Similarly, section 5108 of the IRA preempts State taxation of rent payments by a lessee for leased trust lands, because “tax on the payment of rent is indistinguishable from an impermissible tax on the land.” See Seminole Tribe of Florida v. Stranburg, 799 F.3d 1324, 1331, n.8 (11th Cir. 2015). In addition, as explained in the preamble to the revised leasing regulations at 25 CFR part 162, Federal courts have applied a balancing test to determine whether State and local taxation of non-Indians on the reservation is preempted. White Mountain Apache Tribe v. Bracker, 448 U.S. 136, 143 (1980). The Bracker balancing test, which is conducted against a backdrop of “traditional notions of Indian self- government,” requires a particularized examination of the relevant State, Federal, and Tribal interests. We hereby adopt the Bracker analysis from the preamble to the surface leasing regulations, 77 FR at 72447-48, as supplemented by the analysis below.

The strong Federal and Tribal interests against State and local taxation of improvements, leaseholds, and activities on land leased under the Department's leasing regulations apply equally to improvements, leaseholds, and activities on land leased pursuant to Tribal leasing regulations approved under the HEARTH Act. Congress's overarching intent was to “allow Tribes to exercise greater control over their own land, support self-determination, and eliminate bureaucratic delays that stand in the way of homeownership and economic development in Tribal communities.” 158 Cong. Rec. H. 2682 (May 15, 2012). The HEARTH Act was intended to afford Tribes “flexibility to adapt lease terms to suit [their] business and cultural needs” and to “enable [Tribes] to approve leases quickly and efficiently.” H. Rep. 112-427 at 6 (2012).

Assessment of State and local taxes would obstruct these express Federal policies supporting Tribal economic development and self-determination, and also threaten substantial Tribal interests in effective Tribal government, economic self-sufficiency, and territorial autonomy. See Michigan v. Bay Mills Indian Community, 572 U.S. 782, 810 (2014) (Sotomayor, J., concurring) (determining that “[a] key goal of the Federal Government is to render Tribes more self-sufficient, and better positioned to fund their own sovereign functions, rather than relying on Federal funding”). The additional costs of State and local taxation have a chilling effect on potential lessees, as well as on a Tribe that, as a result, might refrain from exercising its own sovereign right to impose a Tribal tax to support its infrastructure needs. See id. at 810-11 (finding that State and local taxes greatly discourage Tribes from raising tax revenue from the same sources because the imposition of double taxation would impede Tribal economic growth).

Similar to BIA's surface leasing regulations, Tribal regulations under the HEARTH Act pervasively cover all aspects of leasing. See 25 U.S.C. 415(h)(3)(B)(i) (requiring Tribal regulations be consistent with BIA surface leasing regulations). Furthermore, the Federal Government remains involved in the Tribal land leasing process by approving the Tribal leasing regulations in the first instance and providing technical assistance, upon request by a Tribe, for the development of an environmental review process. The Secretary also retains authority to take any necessary actions to remedy violations of a lease or of the Tribal regulations, including terminating the lease or rescinding approval of the Tribal regulations and reassuming lease approval responsibilities. Moreover, the Secretary continues to review, approve, and monitor individual Indian land leases and other types of leases not covered under the Tribal regulations according to 25 CFR part 162.

Accordingly, the Federal and Tribal interests weigh heavily in favor of preemption of State and local taxes on lease-related activities and interests, regardless of whether the lease is governed by Tribal leasing regulations or 25 CFR part 162. Improvements, activities, and leasehold or possessory interests may be subject to taxation by the Shawnee Tribe.

Pursuant to the Act of August 15, 1953, Public Law 83-277, 67 Stat. 586, 18 U.S.C. 1161, as interpreted by the Supreme Court in Rice v. Rehner, 463 U.S. 713 (1983), the Secretary of the Interior shall certify and publish in the Federal Register notice of adopted liquor ordinances for the purpose of regulating liquor transactions in Indian country. On December 13, 2024, the Tribal Council of the Pueblo of Santa Clara adopted amendments to the Santa Clara Pueblo Liquor Code by Resolution No. 2024-101. The Pueblo of Santa Clara, in furtherance of its economic and social goals, has taken positive steps to regulate retail sales of alcohol and use revenues to combat alcohol abuse and its debilitating effects among individuals and family members within the reservation of the Pueblo of Santa Clara.

This notice is published in accordance with the authority delegated by the Secretary of the Interior to the Assistant Secretary-Indian Affairs. I certify that the Pueblo of Santa Clara, New Mexico, duly adopted these amendments to the Pueblo of Santa Clara Liquor Code by on December 13, 2024.

The Pueblo of Santa Clara, New Mexico, Liquor Code, as amended, shall read as follows:

The Tribal Council finds as follows:

A. The introduction, possession and sale of alcoholic beverages into Santa Clara Indian Lands has long been regarded as a matter of special concern to the Pueblo, that bears directly on the health, welfare and security of the Pueblo and its members; and

B. Under Federal law and New Mexico state law, and as a matter of inherent Tribal sovereignty, the question of to what extent and under what circumstances alcoholic beverages may be introduced into and sold or consumed within Santa Clara Indian Lands is to be decided by the governing body of the Tribe; and

C. It is desirable that the Tribal Council legislate comprehensively on the subject of the sale and possession of alcoholic beverages within Santa Clara Indian Lands, both to establish a consistent and reasonable Tribal policy on this important subject, as well as to facilitate economic development projects within Santa Clara Indian Lands that may involve outlets for the sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages; and

D. It is the policy of the Tribal Council that the introduction, sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages within Santa Clara Indian Lands be carefully regulated so as to protect the public health, safety and welfare, and that licensees be made fully accountable for violations of conditions of their licenses and the consequences thereof.

Enacted by Res. No. 01-15, May 8, 2001; approved by Sec'y, June 1, 2001.

As used in this chapter, the following words shall have the following meanings:

A. “Pueblo” or “Tribe” means the Pueblo of Santa Clara.

B. “Tribal Council” or “Council” means the Tribal Council of the Pueblo of Santa Clara.

C. “Governor” means the Governor of the Pueblo of Santa Clara.

D. “Administrator” means the Tax Administrator of the Pueblo of Santa Clara.

E. “Person” means any natural person, partnership, corporation, joint venture, association, or other legal entity.

F “Sale” or “sell” means any exchange, barter, or other transfer of goods from one person to another for commercial purposes, whether with or without consideration.

G. “Liquor” or “Alcoholic Beverage” includes the four varieties of liquor commonly referred to as alcohol, spirits, wine and beer, and all fermented, spirituous, vinous or malt liquors or combinations thereof, mixed liquor, any part of which is fermented, spirituous, vinous, or malt liquor, or any otherwise intoxicating liquid, including every liquid or solid or semi-solid or other substance, patented or not, containing alcohol, spirits, wine or beer and intended for oral consumption.

H. “Licensee” means a person who has been issued a license to sell alcoholic beverages on the licensed premises under the provisions of this Liquor Code.

I. “Licensed Premises” means the location within Santa Clara Indian Lands at which a licensee is permitted to sell and allow the consumption of alcoholic beverages, and may, if requested by the applicant and approved by the Tribal Council, include any related or associated areas or facilities under the control of the licensee, or within which the licensee is otherwise authorized to conduct business (but subject to any conditions or limitations as to sales within such area that may be imposed by the Governor in issuance of the license).

J. “Santa Clara Indian Lands” means all lands within the exterior boundaries of the Santa Clara Indian Reservation, all lands within the exterior boundaries of the Santa Clara Pueblo Grant, and all other lands owned by the Pueblo subject to Federal law restrictions on alienation or held by the United States for the use and benefit of the Pueblo.

K. “Special Event” means a bona fide special occasion such as a fair, fiesta, show, tournament, contest, meeting, picnic or similar event held on Santa Clara Indian Lands that is sponsored by an established business or non-governmental organization, lasting no more than three days. A special event may be open to the public or to a designated group, and it may be a one-time event or periodic, provided, however, that such events held more than four times a year by the same business or organization shall not be deemed special events for purposes of this Liquor Code.

L. “Server” means an individual who sells, serves or dispenses alcoholic beverages for consumption on or off licensed premises, and including persons who manage, direct or control the sale or service of such beverages.

M. “Liquor Code” means the Santa Clara Pueblo Liquor Code, this chapter.

Enacted by Res. No. 01-15, May 8, 2001; approved by Sec'y, June 1, 2001.

Nothing in the Liquor Code shall be construed as a waiver or limitation of the sovereign immunity of the Pueblo.

Enacted by Res. No. 01-15, May 8, 2001; approved by Sec'y, June 1, 2001.

No person shall be disqualified from being issued a license under the provisions of this Liquor Code, or shall be found to have violated any provision of this Liquor Code, solely because such person, having been duly authorized to engage in the sale of alcoholic beverages within Santa Clara Indian Lands under the law as it existed prior to enactment of this Liquor Code, continues to engage in such business without a license issued under the provisions of this Liquor Code after the effective date hereof, so long as such person complies with the provisions of this Section. Within 90 days after the effective date of this Liquor Code (or within 30 days after receiving written notice from the Pueblo of the enactment of the Liquor Code, whichever is later) any person who is licensed to sell alcoholic beverages within Santa Clara Pueblo Indian Lands under the law as it existed prior to the enactment of this Liquor Code shall submit an application for a license under the provisions of this Liquor Code. Upon the issuance of a license under the provisions of this Liquor Code to such person, or upon the rejection of an application for such license by such person, no license issued by the State of New Mexico or issued under the provisions of any prior law of the Pueblo that is held by such person, or that purports to authorize the possession, sale or consumption of alcoholic beverages on premises covered by a license issued (or a license application rejected) under the provisions of this Liquor Code, shall have any further validity or effect within Santa Clara Indian Lands.

Enacted by Res. No. 01-15, May 8, 2001; approved by Sec'y, June 1, 2001.

In the event any provision of this Liquor Code is held invalid or unenforceable by any court of competent jurisdiction, the remainder of the Code shall continue in full force and effect, notwithstanding the invalidity or unenforceability of such provision, to the fullest extent practicable.

Enacted by Res. No. 01-15, May 8, 2001; approved by Sec'y, June 1, 2001.

The Administrator shall have the authority to issue such regulations, consistent with the provisions of this Liquor Code, as may be helpful to the effective administration of the Liquor Code, provided that such regulations shall be provided to the Tribal Council no less than 90 days prior to their effective date. If the Council votes to reject the regulations, or any particular provisions thereof, within such 90-day time period, the regulations, or such provisions as were rejected, shall not take effect.

Enacted by Res. No. 01-15, May 8, 2001; approved by Sec'y, June 1, 2001.

The sale, introduction for sale, purchase, or other commercial dealing in alcoholic beverages, except as is specifically authorized by the Liquor Code, is prohibited within Santa Clara Indian Lands.

Enacted by Res. No. 01-15, May 8, 2001; approved by Sec'y, June 1, 2001.

Possession of alcoholic beverages for personal use shall be lawful within Santa Clara Indian Lands only if such alcoholic beverages were lawfully purchased from an establishment duly licensed to sell such beverages, whether on or off Santa Clara Indian Lands, and are possessed by a person or persons 21 years of age or older. Such possession is otherwise prohibited.

Enacted by Res. No. 01-15, May 8, 2001; approved by Sec'y, June 1, 2001.

Nothing herein shall pertain to the otherwise lawful transportation of alcoholic beverages through Santa Clara Indian Lands by persons remaining upon public highways (or other paved public facilities for motor vehicles) and where such beverages are not delivered, sold or offered for sale to anyone within Santa Clara Indian Lands.

Enacted by Res. No. 01-15, May 8, 2001; approved by Sec'y, June 1, 2001.

No person shall sell any alcoholic beverage within Santa Clara Indian Lands, or offer any such beverage for sale, unless such person holds a license issued by the Pueblo under the provisions of this chapter that is in effect.

Enacted by Res. No. 01-15, May 8, 2001; approved by Sec'y, June 1, 2001.; amended by Res. No. 2016-113, Sept. 12, 2016; approved by Sec'y, July 13, 2017.

No person licensed to sell alcoholic beverages within Santa Clara Indian Lands shall sell any such beverage for resale, but all such sales shall be for the personal use of the purchaser. Nothing herein shall prohibit a duly licensed wholesale dealer in alcoholic beverages from selling and delivering such beverages to properly licensed retailers within Santa Clara Indian Lands, so long as such sales and deliveries are otherwise in conformity with the laws of the State of New Mexico and this Liquor Code, and so long as such wholesale dealer registers with the Administrator and pays any taxes due on such sales.

Enacted by Res. No. 01-15, May 8, 2001; approved by Sec'y, June 1, 2001.

Sales of alcoholic beverages on Santa Clara Indian Lands may be in package form or for consumption on the premises, or both, so long as the seller is properly licensed by the Pueblo to make sales of that type. No seller of alcoholic beverages shall permit any person to consume, on premises where liquor by the drink is authorized to be sold, any alcoholic beverages purchased elsewhere by the consumer, except that a restaurant holding a premises license may allow a customer who is ordering a meal, and who is legally entitled to consume alcoholic beverages, to bring onto the premises one or more bottles of wine that were legally acquired elsewhere and came from a New Mexico licensed wholesaler (but not to exceed one bottle per person at the table), for consumption with such customer's meal, provided that any such bottle is opened by an employee of the restaurant who is legally entitled to serve alcoholic beverages, and the restaurant may charge a corkage fee for each such bottle opened.

Enacted by Res. No. 01-15, May 8, 2001; approved by Sec'y, June 1, 2001; amended by Res. No. 2016-113, Sept. 12, 2016; approved by Sec'y, July 13, 2017.

No alcoholic beverages may be sold within Santa Clara Indian Lands to any person under the age of 21 years.

Enacted by Res. No. 01-15, May 8, 2001; approved by Sec'y, June 1, 2001.

Alcoholic beverages may be sold, offered for sale, delivered or consumed on licensed premises within Santa Clara Indian Lands every day during the following hours:

A. From 8:00 a.m. until 12:00 midnight; and

B. From 12:01 a.m. until 2:00 a.m.; provided, however, that any such sales made between midnight and 2:00 a.m. shall only be for consumption on the premises.

Enacted by Res. No. 01-15, May 8, 2001; approved by Sec'y, June 1, 2001; amended by Res. No. 2016-113, Sept. 12, 2016; approved by Sec'y, July 13, 2017.

[Repealed.]

Enacted by Res. No. 01-15, May 8, 2001; approved by Sec'y, June 1, 2001; repealed by Res. No. 2016-113, Sept. 12, 2016; approved by Sec'y, July 13, 2017.

The Tribal Council may, by duly enacted resolution, establish other days on which or times at which sales or consumption of alcoholic beverages are not permitted within Santa Clara Indian Lands, or specified portions thereof. The Council shall give notice of any such enactment promptly to all licensees within Santa Clara Indian Lands. In addition, the Governor of the Pueblo may, in the event of a bona fide emergency, and by written order, prohibit the sale of any alcoholic beverages within Santa Clara Indian Lands, or any specified portions thereof, for a period of time not to exceed 48 hours. The Governor shall give prompt notice of such emergency order to all licensees within Santa Clara Indian Lands. No such emergency order may extend beyond 48 hours, unless during that time the Tribal Council meets and determines by resolution that the emergency requires a further extension of such order.

Enacted by Res. No. 01-15, May 8, 2001; approved by Sec'y, June 1, 2001.

No person licensed to sell alcoholic beverages within Santa Clara Indian Lands shall make such sales except at the licensed premises specifically designated in such license. No person holding only a premises license shall permit alcoholic beverages purchased from such licensee for consumption on the premises to be consumed off of the licensed premises; except that nothing herein shall prohibit a premises licensee that is a restaurant from permitting a customer who has purchased a bottle of wine with a meal, but only partially consumed the contents of such bottle, from taking the partially consumed bottle off of the premises, after such bottle has been recorked by the licensee and placed in a sealed bag, to which a receipt for the purchase of the bottle has been affixed.

Enacted by Res. No. 01-15, May 8, 2001; approved by Sec'y, June 1, 2001; amended by Res. No. 2016-113, Sept. 12, 2016; approved by Sec'y, July 13, 2017.

A. Except as provided in subsection B of this Section, no person shall take any order, make any delivery, or accept payment for any sale of alcoholic beverages within Santa Clara Indian Lands, or otherwise have any direct involvement in any such sale, who is less than 21 years of age.

B. A person holding a premises license may employ persons eighteen (18) years of age or older to sell or serve alcoholic beverages in an establishment that is held out to the public as a place where meals are prepared and served and the primary source of revenue is food, and where the sale or consumption of alcoholic beverages is not the primary activity, provided that such person has successfully completed, within the past five years, an alcohol server education program and examination approved by the director of the New Mexico Alcohol and Gaming Division, and further provided that a person under twenty-one (21) years of age shall not be employed as a bartender or deliverer (a deliverer being a person who transports alcoholic beverages from a licensed premises to consumers, off of a licensed premises at or near the time of sale).

Enacted by Res. No. 01-15, May 8, 2001; approved by Sec'y, June 1, 2001.

No licensee shall make any sale of any alcoholic beverages within Santa Clara Indian Lands without receiving payment therefor by cash, check, credit card or cash equivalent, such as, in the case of a licensee that is a gaming establishment, chips, or player's club points in accordance with policies of the licensee applicable to the redemption of such points, at or about the time the sale is made; provided, that nothing herein shall preclude a licensee from receiving a delivery of alcoholic beverages from a duly authorized wholesaler where arrangements have been made to pay for such delivery at a different time; and provided further that nothing herein shall preclude a licensee from allowing a customer to purchase more than one alcoholic beverage in sequence, and to pay for all such purchases at the conclusion thereof, so long as payment is made in full before the customer has left the licensed premises; and provided further that nothing herein shall prevent a licensee from distributing alcoholic beverages to customers without charge, so long as such distribution is not otherwise in violation of any provision of this Liquor Code.

Enacted by Res. No. 01-15, May 8, 2001; approved by Sec'y, June 1, 2001; amended by Res. No. 2016-113, Sept. 12, 2016; approved by Sec'y, July 13, 2017.

No licensee shall knowingly conduct its business in such a location, or in such a manner, or at such times of day or night, as to amount to a nuisance, in that such activity is injurious to public health, safety or morals, or interferes with the exercise and enjoyment of public rights, including the right to use public property.

Enacted by Res. No. 01-15, May 8, 2001; approved by Sec'y, June 1, 2001.

[Repealed.]

Enacted by Res. No. 01-15, May 8, 2001; approved by Sec'y, June 1, 2001; repealed by Res. No. 2016-113, Sept. 12, 2016; approved by Sec'y, July 13, 2017.

The following types or classes of licenses for the sale or distribution of alcoholic beverages within Santa Clara Indian Lands shall be permitted:

A. Package license, which shall authorize the licensee to store, possess, sell and offer for sale alcoholic beverages in sealed containers, for consumption only off of the licensed premises.

B. Premises license, which shall authorize the licensee to store, possess and sell alcoholic beverages in open containers, for consumption on the licensed premises only, and to permit such consumption on the licensed premises only.

C. Special event license, which shall authorize the licensee to possess, distribute, sell and offer for sale alcoholic beverages for consumption only on the licensed premises, and to permit such consumption on the licensed premises only, but only for a bona fide special event, and only during the period or periods specified in such license, which period or periods shall be limited to the periods during which the special event is occurring and from beginning to end shall not exceed 72 hours.

Enacted by Res. No. 01-15, May 8, 2001; approved by Sec'y, June 1, 2001.

Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter, no license shall be issued under the provisions of this Liquor Code for any location as the proposed licensed premises that is within the geographical area encompassed by Sections 9, 10, 15 and 16, Township 20 North, Range 8 East, New Mexico Principal Meridian, and the area located south of said Sections 15 and 16, bounded on the east by the Rio Grande and on the west by the right-of-way line for NM Rte. 30, to the south boundary of the Santa Clara Pueblo Grant. The area described herein from which licenses are excluded is hereinafter referred to as the “Prohibited Zone.”

Enacted by Res. No. 01-15, May 8, 2001; approved by Sec'y, June 1, 2001.

A. No person shall be entitled to be issued a license under the provisions of this Liquor Code who has previously been the subject of any proceeding resulting in the revocation of any license for the sale of alcoholic beverages issued by the Pueblo or by any state or other jurisdiction, or who has been convicted of any felony in any jurisdiction involving theft, dishonesty, corruption, embezzlement or violation of laws regulating the sale, possession and use of alcoholic beverages, or who (if a natural person) has not at the time the application for license is submitted attained the age of 25 years, or who is otherwise determined by the Pueblo to be unfit to be licensed to sell alcoholic beverages, or (if a natural person) whose spouse is a person not qualified to hold a license under the provisions of this section.

B. No partnership, corporation or other legal entity shall be entitled to be issued a license under the provisions of this Liquor Code if any individual occupying any management or supervisory position within such entity, or who sits on the management committee or board of directors or trustees thereof, or who holds or controls a financial interest of ten percent or more in such entity, is a person who would not be entitled to be issued a license under the provisions of this section.

C. No person shall be entitled to be issued a package or premises license hereunder unless such person owns, or has an approved lease or other valid interest in, land within Santa Clara Indian Lands, is lawfully entitled to engage in a business on such land with which such license would be compatible, and can demonstrate that such person is otherwise capable of complying with all of the requirements imposed on licensees by this Liquor Code.

D. An applicant for a package or premises license hereunder, including, if the applicant is not a natural person, each principal in the applicant entity who will have any direct involvement in the proposed business, must have successfully completed within the three years preceding the date of the application an alcohol server education program and examination that is approved by the director of the New Mexico Alcohol and Gaming Division.

E. Notwithstanding anything in this section to the contrary, the Pueblo and its wholly owned commercial entities shall be entitled to be issued licenses hereunder upon application therefor to the Administrator, provided that all other provisions of this Liquor Code are complied with.

Enacted by Res. No. 01-15, May 8, 2001; approved by Sec'y, June 1, 2001.

A. Every person seeking a package or premises license under the provisions of this Liquor Code (other than the Pueblo or any of its wholly owned commercial entities) shall submit to the Administrator a written application, under oath, in the form prescribed by and containing the information required by this section.

B. If the applicant is a natural person, the application shall contain, at a minimum, all of the following information:

1. The full legal name of the applicant, plus any other names under which the applicant has been known or done business during the previous 20 years, and the applicant's date and place of birth, as shown by a certified copy of the applicant's birth certificate.

2. The applicant's current legal residence address and business address, if any, and every residence address that the applicant has maintained during the previous ten years, with the dates during which each such address was current.

3. The trade name, business address and description of every business in which the applicant has engaged or had any interest (other than stock ownership or partnership interest amounting to less than five percent of total capital) during the previous ten years, and the dates during which the applicant engaged in or held an interest in any such business.

4. A listing of every other jurisdiction in which the applicant has ever applied for a license to sell or distribute alcoholic beverages, the date on which each such application was filed, the name of the regulatory agency with which the application was filed, the action taken on each such application, and if any such license was issued, the dates during which it remained in effect, and as to each such license a statement whether any action was ever taken by the regulatory body to suspend or revoke such license, with full dates and details of any such incident.

5. A listing of every crime with which the applicant has ever been charged, other than routine traffic offenses (but including any charge of driving while intoxicated or the like), giving as to each the date on which the charge was made, the location, the jurisdiction, the court in which the matter was heard, and the outcome or ultimate disposition thereof.

6. The name and address of every person or entity holding any security interest in any of the assets of the business to be conducted by the applicant, or in any of the proceeds of such business.

7. A detailed plat of the applicant's business premises within Santa Clara Indian Lands including the floor plans of any structure and the details of any exterior areas intended to be part of the licensed premises, together with evidence of the applicant's right to conduct business on such premises.

8. A detailed description of the business conducted or intended to be conducted on the licensed premises and including (but not limited to) hours of operation and number of employees.

9. The type(s) of license(s) requested.

C. If the applicant is a corporation, the corporation, each officer of the corporation and every person holding 10% or more of the outstanding stock in the corporation shall submit an application complying with the provisions of paragraph B of this section, and in addition, the applicant shall also submit the following:

1. A certified copy of its Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws.

2. The names and addresses of all officers and directors and those stockholders owning 5% or more of the voting stock of the corporation, and the amount of stock held by each such stockholder.

3. The name of the resident agent of the corporation who would be authorized to accept service of process, including orders and notices issued by the Pueblo, and who will have principal supervisory responsibility for the business to be conducted on the licensed premises.

4. Such additional information regarding the corporation as the Administrator may require to assure a full disclosure of the corporation's structure and financial responsibility.

D. If the applicant is a partnership or a limited liability corporation (“LLC”), the partnership or LLC, the managing partner or manager and every person or entity having an interest amounting to 10% or more of the total equity interest in the partnership or LLC shall submit an application complying with the provisions of paragraph B of this section, and in addition, the applicant shall submit the following:

1. A certified copy of the Partnership Agreement, or, in the case of an LLC, the Articles of Organization and the Operating Agreement.

2. The names and addresses of all general partners and of all limited partners contributing 10% or more of the total value of contributions made to the limited partnership or who are entitled to 10% or more of any distributions of the limited partnership; and in the case of an LLC, the names and addresses of every person or entity holding an ownership interest of 10% or more.

3. The name and address of the partner, manager or other agent of the partnership or LLC who or which is authorized to accept service of process, including orders and notices issued by the Pueblo, and who will have principal supervisory responsibility for the business to be conducted in the licensed premises.

4. Such additional information regarding the partnership or LLC as the Administrator may require to assure a full disclosure of the partnership's or LLC's structure and financial responsibility.

E. Every applicant who is a natural person, and every person required by paragraphs C or D of this section to comply with the provisions of paragraph B, shall also submit with the application a complete set of fingerprints, taken under the supervision of and certified to by an officer of an authorized law enforcement agency located within the State of New Mexico.

F. The applicant shall also submit proof that applicant, if a natural person, and every person who will be directly involved in the sale or service of alcoholic beverages as part of the applicant's business, has successfully completed, within the three years next preceding the date of the application, an alcohol server education program and examination approved by the director of the New Mexico Alcohol and Gaming Division.

G. Every applicant for either a package license or a premises license shall submit with the completed license application a non-refundable license processing fee, in the amount set forth below:

In addition, each such applicant shall pay a fee to cover the cost of a background investigation, in an amount to be set by the Administrator from time to time, but which shall not exceed the sum of $1000.00.

H. Upon receiving a completed license application together with the required fees, the Administrator shall cause a background investigation to be performed of the applicant, to determine whether the applicant is qualified to be licensed under the provisions of this Liquor Code. Upon the written recommendation of the Administrator (if requested by the applicant), the Tribal Council may, in its discretion, approve the issuance of a preliminary license to the applicant effective for a period of no more than 90 days, but which shall be renewable for one additional period of 90 days in the event the background investigation cannot be completed within the first 90-day period; provided, however, that in no event shall the issuance of a preliminary license, or the renewal of such license for an additional 90-day period, entitle the applicant to favorable consideration with respect to the application for a package or premises license.

I. The Pueblo or any of its wholly owned commercial entities may apply for a package or premises license by submitting an application to the Administrator identifying the applicant, describing in detail the purpose of the license, including a detailed description of the proposed licensed premises, and including the appropriate fee as set forth in Paragraph G of this section.

Enacted by Res. No. 01-15, May 8, 2001; approved by Sec'y, June 1, 2001; amended by Res. No. 2016-113, Sept. 12, 2016; approved by Sec'y, July 13, 2017.

A. Upon making a determination that an applicant for a package or premises license satisfies the requirements of this chapter, the Administrator shall prepare a written recommendation for the issuance of such license, setting forth sufficient information about the applicant, the proposed business, and any other matters deemed relevant by the Administrator, to enable the Tribal Council to evaluate the merits of the license, together with any and all supporting data deemed suitable by the Administrator. The recommendation shall include a detailed description of the proposed leased premises, and any limitations or conditions the Administrator recommends be included in the license. The Administrator shall deliver the recommendation to the Governor, who shall place the matter on the agenda for the Tribal Council's next regular meeting that is at least fifteen days after the recommendation was received by the Governor, and shall give written notice thereof to the Administrator and the applicant, and to the public. The Governor shall provide a complete copy of the Administrator's recommendation, with all supporting documentation, to each member of the Tribal Council, by no later than ten days before the meeting at which the matter is to be heard.

B. The Tribal Council shall take up the Administrator's recommendation at its next regular meeting. The Administrator shall explain the application and the basis for his or her recommendation, and the applicant shall be permitted to speak in favor of the application. Any interested member of the public may also be heard on the matter. The Tribal Council shall vote either to approve or deny the application, and if it votes to approve the license, it shall specify whether the Administrator's recommendations as to the description of the licensed premises and any limitations or conditions on the license are accepted, rejected, or modified, and may add any additional limitations or conditions it deems appropriate.

C. If the Administrator concludes that the applicant is not qualified for a license under the provisions of Section 108.24 of this chapter, or that the application is otherwise not allowable under the provisions of this chapter, he or she shall give written notice to the applicant that the license is rejected, by certified mail, return receipt requested. The applicant may appeal that decision to the Tribal Council, by delivering written notice of such appeal to the office of the Governor, with a copy to the Administrator, within thirty days of the date the notice of rejection was received. Upon receipt of the notice of appeal, the Governor shall set the matter for hearing before the Tribal Council at a regular meeting that is no less than thirty days, but no more than forty-five days, from the date of receipt of the notice. The Governor shall send written notice to the applicant and the Administrator of the date and time the appeal is to be heard and shall give such notice to the public.

D. By no less than fifteen days before the hearing, the Administrator shall prepare and submit to the Governor a report explaining in detail the basis for his or her decision to reject the application, to which shall be attached the complete application submitted by the applicant and any additional information concerning the application obtained by the Administrator. By the same deadline, the applicant may submit to the Governor its argument in support of the application, together with such documents as the applicant deems relevant. The Governor shall provide each member of the Council with complete copies of both submissions by no less than ten days before the date of the hearing.

E. At the hearing on the applicant's appeal, the applicant or its representative shall present argument in favor of the application, and the Administrator or his or her representative shall present argument in favor of the Administrator's decision. The Council may permit members of the public to speak. The Council shall vote either to uphold or reverse the Administrator's decision on the application. If the Council votes to reverse the decision, and to approve the application, it shall further determine whether any limitations or conditions should be attached to the license.

F. In the event the Council approves the issuance of a license, the Administrator shall issue the license forthwith, incorporating therein any limitations or conditions thereon approved by the Tribal Council.

Enacted by Res. No. 01-15, May 8, 2001; approved by Sec'y, June 1, 2001; amended by Res. No. 2016-113, Sept. 12, 2016; approved by Sec'y, July 13, 2017.

A. Each package or premises license issued hereunder shall have a term of one (1) year from the date of issuance, provided that such license shall be renewable for additional periods of one year each by any licensee who has complied fully with the terms and provisions of the license and of this Liquor Code during the term of the license, and who remains fully qualified to be licensed under the provisions of Section 108.24 of this Chapter. A licensee who is eligible for renewal of his or her license shall submit to the Administrator an application for renewal on a form specified by the Administrator, together with proof that the licensee and each person employed by the licensee as a server has successfully completed, within the past five years, an alcohol server education program and examination approved by the director of the New Mexico Alcohol and Gaming Division, and a license renewal fee in the amount of $500.00, no less than thirty (30) days prior to the expiration date of the license.

B. The failure to submit a timely renewal application, with the required fee, may subject the licensee to a late charge of $500.00. If the renewal application is not submitted prior to expiration of the license, the Administrator may treat the license as having expired, and may require the licensee to file a new application in compliance with Section 108.25 of this chapter.

C. The Administrator may, in his or her discretion, conduct an update on the applicant's background investigation prior to acting on any renewal application, and the Administrator shall update such investigation prior to issuing a third renewal of a license since the last such investigation was performed, or if the Administrator has acquired information indicating that the applicant is not qualified for a license under the provisions of Section 108.24 of this chapter. Whenever any such investigation is performed, the Administrator shall require the applicant to pay an additional fee to cover the costs of such investigation, in an amount to be determined by the Administrator but in no event in excess of the sum of $1000.00.

D. The Administrator may refuse to approve a renewal of a license in the event a background investigation reveals facts that would disqualify the applicant from being licensed under this Liquor Code, or if the Administrator determines that the licensee has operated in a manner violative of the provisions of this chapter. In that event, the applicant shall have the right to appeal the Administrator's decision to the Tribal Council, which appeal shall be governed by and conducted in accordance with the same requirements and procedures that apply an appeal of a denial of an original application, as set forth in Section 108.26 (C), (D), and (E) of this chapter.

Enacted by Res. No. 01-15, May 8, 2001; approved by Sec'y, June 1, 2001.

No licensee shall have any property interest in any license issued under the provisions of this Liquor Code, and every such license shall be deemed to confer a non-transferable privilege, revocable by the Pueblo in accordance with the provisions of this Chapter. The continued validity of every package and premises license issued hereunder shall be dependent upon the following conditions:

A. Every representation made by the licensee and any of its officers, directors, shareholders, partners or other persons required to submit information in support of the application, shall have been true at the time such information was submitted, and shall continue to be true, except to the extent the licensee advises the Administrator in writing of any change in any such information, and notwithstanding any such change, the licensee shall continue to be qualified to be licensed under the provisions of this Liquor Code.

B. The licensee shall at all times conduct its business on Santa Clara Indian Lands in full compliance with the provisions of this Liquor Code and with the other laws of the Pueblo.

C. The licensee shall maintain in force, public liability insurance covering the licensed premises, insuring the licensee and the Pueblo against any claims, losses or liability whatsoever for any acts or omissions of the licensee or of any business invitee on the licensed premises resulting in injury, loss or damage to any other party, with coverage limits of at least $1 million per injured person, and the Administrator shall at all times have written evidence of the continued existence of such policy of insurance.

D. The licensee shall be lawfully entitled to engage in business within Santa Clara Indian Lands, and shall have paid all required rentals, assessments, taxes, or other payments due the Pueblo.

E. The business conducted on the licensed premises shall be conducted by the licensee or its employees directly, and shall not be conducted by any lessee, sublessee, assignee or other transferee, nor shall any license issued hereunder or any interest therein be sold, assigned, leased or otherwise transferred to any other person.

F. All alcoholic beverages sold on the licensed premises shall have been obtained from a New Mexico licensed wholesaler.

G. No person shall be employed by the licensee as a server who has not, within the past five years, successfully completed an alcohol server education program and examination approved by the director of the New Mexico Alcohol and Gaming Division.

H. No licensee shall sell, serve or deliver any alcoholic beverage to a customer through a drive-up window, or otherwise to a customer who at the time of the transaction is in a motor vehicle.

I. By having applied for and obtained a license hereunder, the licensee shall be deemed to have submitted to the jurisdiction of the Tribal Court of the Pueblo with respect to any action brought by the Pueblo or any of its agencies or offices to enforce the provisions of this Liquor Code or any other provision of tribal law, or by any person claiming to have suffered loss or damage due to any act or omission of the licensee in the course of the conduct of its business on Santa Clara Indian Lands.

Enacted by Res. No. 01-15, May 8, 2001; approved by Sec'y, June 1, 2001; amended by Res. No. 2016-113, Sept. 12, 2016; approved by Sec'y, July 13, 2017.

A. Upon determining that any person licensed by the Pueblo to sell alcoholic beverages under the provisions of the Liquor Code is for any reason no longer qualified to hold such license under the provisions of Section 108.24 of the Liquor Code, or has violated any of the conditions set forth in Section 108.28, the Administrator shall immediately serve written notice upon such licensee directing that he show cause within ten calendar days why his license should not be suspended or revoked, or a fine imposed, or both. The notice shall specify the precise grounds relied upon and the action proposed.

B. If the licensee fails to respond to such notice within ten calendar days of service of such notice, the Administrator shall issue an order suspending the license for such period as the Administrator deems appropriate, or revoking the license, effective immediately, or imposing a fine, in such amount as the Administrator deems reasonable. The licensee may request a hearing on such notice, by filing a written response and a request for hearing, within the ten-day period, with the Administrator and with the Clerk of the Santa Clara Tribal Court. The hearing shall be held before the Tribal Court, no later than 30 calendar days after receipt of such request, unless the Court for good cause extends such time period.

C. At the hearing, the Administrator shall have the burden to prove facts supporting the contentions set forth in the notice, and justifying the sanctions proposed in the notice. The licensee shall have the right to present its evidence in response.

D. The Court after considering all of the evidence and arguments shall issue a written decision, within fifteen days after the hearing concludes, either upholding the proposed action of the Administrator, modifying such action by imposing some lesser penalty, or ruling in favor of the licensee, and such decision shall be final and conclusive.

Enacted by Res. No. 01-15, May 8, 2001; approved by Sec'y, June 1, 2001.

A. Any established business or any non-governmental organization that includes any member of the Pueblo, that has authority to conduct any activities within Santa Clara Indian Lands and that is not a licensee hereunder, may apply to the Administrator for a special event license, which shall entitle the applicant to distribute alcoholic beverages, whether or not for consideration, in connection with a bona fide special event to be held by the applicant within Santa Clara Indian Lands. Any such application must be filed in writing, in a form prescribed by the Administrator, no later than 45 calendar days prior to the event, must be accompanied by a fee in the amount of $50.00, and must contain at least the following information:

1. The nature and purpose of the event, the identity of the applicant and its relationship to the event, and a description of the persons who are invited to participate in the event, including their ages;

2. The precise location within Santa Clara Indian Lands where the event will occur, and where alcoholic beverages will be distributed, no part of which shall be within the Prohibited Zone;

3. The exact days and times during which the event will occur (provided, that in no event shall any license be in effect for a period exceeding 72 hours, from the beginning of the first day of the event until the end of the last day);

4. The nature of any food and beverages to be distributed, and the manner in which such distribution shall occur;

5. Details of all provisions made by the applicant for sanitation, security and other measures to protect the health and welfare of participants at the event;

6. Certification that the event will be covered by a policy of public liability insurance as described in Section 108.28 (C) of this Liquor Code, that includes the Pueblo as a co-insured.

7. Any other information required by the Administrator relative to the event.

B. The Administrator shall review the application, and shall prepare a written recommendation as to whether the application should be approved or denied, and whether it should be conditioned or limited in any respect, by no later than ten days following receipt of the complete application, which recommendation, together with any supporting documents, shall be delivered to the office of the Governor.

C. The Governor shall place the application on the agenda of the next regular Tribal Council meeting that is at least fifteen days after the Administrator's recommendation is received and shall give written notice of the date and time of such meeting to the applicant and the Administrator. The Governor shall provide complete copies of the Administrator's recommendation to each member of the Council by no later than ten days before the meeting. The Tribal Council shall hear presentations from the applicant and the administrator on the application and shall vote to approve or reject the application. If the Council votes to approve the application, it shall also decide whether the license should be conditioned or limited in any fashion. If the application is approved, the Administrator shall issue the license, including any conditions or limitations approved by the Council, and specifying the hours during which and the premises within which sales, distribution and consumption of alcoholic beverages may occur.

D. Alcoholic beverages may be sold or distributed pursuant to a special event license only at the location and during the hours specified in such license, in connection with the special event, only to participants in such special event, and only for consumption on the premises described in the license. Such sales or distribution must comply with any conditions imposed by the license, and with all other applicable provisions of this Liquor Code. All such alcoholic beverages must have been obtained from a New Mexico licensed wholesaler or retailer.

Enacted by Res. No. 01-15, May 8, 2001; approved by Sec'y, June 1, 2001.

Every person licensed by the Pueblo to sell alcoholic beverages within Santa Clara Indian Lands shall prominently display the license on the licensed premises during hours of operation.

Enacted by Res. No. 01-15, May 8, 2001; approved by Sec'y, June 1, 2001.

There is hereby imposed a tax, that is in addiction to any other applicable tax, in the amount of two percent of the gross receipts of each licensee from sales of alcoholic beverages, which shall be paid monthly by each licensee to the Administrator. The proceeds of this tax shall be maintained by the Administrator in a special fund, which shall be utilized solely to fund programs for the prevention and treatment of alcoholism and related problems, as determined from time to time by the Tribal Council. The Administrator may, by the issuance of appropriate regulations, establish procedures for the enforcement of this Section.

Enacted by Res. No. 01-15, May 8, 2001; approved by Sec'y, June 1, 2001.

Within Santa Clara Indian Lands, no person shall purchase any alcoholic beverage at retail except from a person licensed by the Pueblo under the provisions of this title; no person except a person licensed by the Pueblo under the provisions of this title shall sell any alcoholic beverage at retail; nor shall any person sell any alcoholic beverage for resale within Santa Clara Indian Lands to any person other than a person properly licensed by the Pueblo under the provisions of this chapter.

Enacted by Res. No. 01-15, May 8, 2001; approved by Sec'y, June 1, 2001.

A. No person shall sell or provide any alcoholic beverage to any person under the age of 21 years.

B. It shall be a defense to an alleged violation of this Section that the purchaser presented to the seller an apparently valid identification document showing the purchaser's age to be 21 years or older, and that the seller had no actual or constructive knowledge of the falsity of the identification document and relied in good faith on its apparent validity.

Enacted by Res. No. 01-15, May 8, 2001; approved by Sec'y, June 1, 2001.

No person under the age of 21 years shall purchase, attempt to purchase or possess any alcoholic beverage.

Enacted by Res. No. 01-15, May 8, 2001; approved by Sec'y, June 1, 2001.

No person shall sell any alcoholic beverage to a person who the seller has reason to believe is under the influence of alcohol or who the seller has reason to believe intends to provide such alcoholic beverage to a person under the influence of alcohol.

Enacted by Res. No. 01-15, May 8, 2001; approved by Sec'y, June 1, 2001.

No person under the influence of alcohol shall purchase any alcoholic beverage.

Enacted by Res. No. 01-15, May 8, 2001; approved by Sec'y, June 1, 2001.

No person shall bring any alcoholic beverage for personal consumption onto any premises within Santa Clara Indian Lands where liquor is authorized to be sold by the drink, unless such beverage was purchased on such premises, or unless the possession or distribution of such beverages on such premises is otherwise licensed under the provisions of this Liquor Code.

Enacted by Res. No. 01-15, May 8, 2001; approved by Sec'y, June 1, 2001.

No person shall purchase or attempt to purchase any alcoholic beverage by the use of any false or altered identification document that falsely purports to show the individual to be 21 years of age or older.

Enacted by Res. No. 01-15, May 8, 2001; approved by Sec'y, June 1, 2001.

A. Any person convicted of committing any violation of this Chapter shall be subject to punishment of up to one (1) year imprisonment or a fine not to exceed Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000.00), or to both such imprisonment and fine.

B. Any person not a member of a federally recognized Indian tribe, upon committing any violation of any provision of this Chapter, may be subject to a civil action for trespass, and upon having been determined by the court to have committed the alleged violation, shall be found to have trespassed upon the Lands of the Pueblo, and shall be assessed such damages as the court deems appropriate in the circumstances.

C. Any person suspected of having violated any provision of this Chapter shall, in addition to any other penalty imposed hereunder, be required to surrender any alcoholic beverages in such person's possession to the officer making the arrest or issuing the complaint.

Enacted by Res. No. 01-15, May 8, 2001; approved by Sec'y, June 1, 2001.

Any and all actions, whether civil or criminal, pertaining to alleged violations of this title, or seeking any relief against the Pueblo or any officer or employee of the Pueblo with respect to any matter addressed by this Liquor Code, shall be brought in the Tribal Court of the Pueblo, which court shall have exclusive jurisdiction thereof.

Enacted by Res. No. 01-15, May 8, 2001; approved by Sec'y, June 1, 2001.

An extension to an existing Tribal-State class III gaming compact does not require approval by the Secretary of the Interior if the extension does not modify any other terms of the compact. 25 CFR 293.5. The Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe of the Pyramid Lake Reservation and State of Nevada have reached an agreement to extend the expiration date of their existing class III gaming compact to February 23, 2027. This publication provides notice of the new expiration date of the compacts.

The Commission has received a complaint and a submission pursuant to § 210.8(b) of the Commission's Rules of Practice and Procedure filed on behalf of Nokia Technologies Oy, and Nokia Corporation on April 11, 2025. The complaint alleges violations of section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930 (19 U.S.C. 1337) in the importation into the United States, the sale for importation, and the sale within the United States after importation of certain video-capable laptop, desktop computers, handheld computers, tablets, televisions, projectors, and components and modules thereof. The complaint names as respondents: Acer America Corporation of San Jose, CA; Acer Inc. of Taiwan; ASUSTeK Computer Inc. of Taiwan; ASUS Computer International of Fremont, CA; Hisense Co., Ltd. of China; Hisense USA Corporation of Suwanee, GA; and Hisense Electronics Manufacturing Company of America Corporation of Suwanee, GA. The complainant requests that the Commission issue a limited exclusion order, cease and desist orders, and impose a bond upon respondents' alleged infringing articles during the 60-day Presidential review period pursuant to 19 U.S.C. 1337(j).

Proposed respondents, other interested parties, members of the public, and interested government agencies are invited to file comments on any public interest issues raised by the complaint or § 210.8(b) filing. Comments should address whether issuance of the relief specifically requested by the complainant in this investigation would affect the public health and welfare in the United States, competitive conditions in the United States economy, the production of like or directly competitive articles in the United States, or United States consumers.

In particular, the Commission is interested in comments that:

(i) explain how the articles potentially subject to the requested remedial orders are used in the United States;

(ii) identify any public health, safety, or welfare concerns in the United States relating to the requested remedial orders;

(iii) identify like or directly competitive articles that complainant, its licensees, or third parties make in the United States which could replace the subject articles if they were to be excluded;

(iv) indicate whether complainant, complainant's licensees, and/or third party suppliers have the capacity to replace the volume of articles potentially subject to the requested exclusion order and/or a cease and desist order within a commercially reasonable time; and

(v) explain how the requested remedial orders would impact United States consumers.

Written submissions on the public interest must be filed no later than by close of business, eight calendar days after the date of publication of this notice in the Federal Register . There will be further opportunities for comment on the public interest after the issuance of any final initial determination in this investigation. Any written submissions on other issues must also be filed by no later than the close of business, eight calendar days after publication of this notice in the Federal Register . Complainant may file replies to any written submissions no later than three calendar days after the date on which any initial submissions were due, notwithstanding § 201.14(a) of the Commission's Rules of Practice and Procedure. No other submissions will be accepted, unless requested by the Commission. Any submissions and replies filed in response to this Notice are limited to five (5) pages in length, inclusive of attachments.

Persons filing written submissions must file the original document electronically on or before the deadlines stated above. Submissions should refer to the docket number (“Docket No. 3821”) in a prominent place on the cover page and/or the first page. ( See Handbook for Electronic Filing Procedures, Electronic Filing Procedures  1 ). Please note the Secretary's Office will accept only electronic filings during this time. Filings must be made through the Commission's Electronic Document Information System (EDIS, https://edis.usitc.gov. ) No in-person paper-based filings or paper copies of any electronic filings will be accepted until further notice. Persons with questions regarding filing should contact the Secretary at EDIS3Help@usitc.gov.

Any person desiring to submit a document to the Commission in confidence must request confidential treatment. All such requests should be directed to the Secretary to the Commission and must include a full statement of the reasons why the Commission should grant such treatment. See 19 CFR 201.6. Documents for which confidential treatment by the Commission is properly sought will be treated accordingly. All information, including confidential business information and documents for which confidential treatment is properly sought, submitted to the Commission for purposes of this Investigation may be disclosed to and used: (i) by the Commission, its employees and Offices, and contract personnel (a) for developing or maintaining the records of this or a related proceeding, or (b) in internal investigations, audits, reviews, and evaluations relating to the programs, personnel, and operations of the Commission including under 5 U.S.C. Appendix 3; or (ii) by U.S. government employees and contract personnel, 2 solely for cybersecurity purposes. All nonconfidential written submissions will be available for public inspection at the Office of the Secretary and on EDIS. 3

This action is taken under the authority of section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930, as amended (19 U.S.C. 1337), and of §§ 201.10 and 210.8(c) of the Commission's Rules of Practice and Procedure (19 CFR 201.10, 210.8(c)).

To observe the meeting in person, individuals must contact the office listed above by 5 p.m. (eastern time) on September 18, 2025. After this deadline, only remote observation is permitted. Remote registration is available until the meeting date, provided it is completed before the projected end time.

To observe the meeting in person, individuals must contact the office listed above by 5 p.m. (eastern time) on June 3, 2025. After this deadline, only remote observation is permitted. Remote registration is available until the meeting date, provided it is completed before the projected end time.

The DOJ is modifying this system of records, Recognition and Accreditation Program Records, JUSTICE/EOIR-004, as a replacement for the prior system of records, entitled Roster of Organizations and Their Accredited Representatives Recognized by the Board of Immigration Appeals, JUSTICE/BIA-002, (45 FR 75908), rescinded on March 31, 2025, in part because the Board is no longer responsible for overseeing and maintaining the R&A Program and in part due to the modernization of the R&A Program permitting an online application process and online account management for an approved organization through the RAA system. Established pursuant to 8 CFR 1292.1(a)(4), the R&A Program aims to increase the availability of competent legal immigration representation for low-income and indigent aliens by recognizing non-profit, federally tax-exempt organizations and accrediting their non-attorney representatives. The R&A Program recognizes eligible organizations to provide representation through non-attorney Accredited Representatives who appear on behalf of clients before the Immigration Courts, the Board, and DHS, or DHS alone. 8 CFR 1292.11. Each organization must designate an Authorized Officer to act on behalf of the organization in recognition and accreditation matters. Id. Pursuant to 8 CFR 1292.11-.13, OP is presently responsible for recognizing organizations and accrediting their representatives. OP maintains the system of records, which consists of (1) a roster of non-profit religious, charitable, social service, and similar organizations and their Accredited Representatives; (2) applications and related documents submitted by such organizations for recognition and accreditation; (3) documents generated by OP in the course of reviewing such applications, including determinations approving or disapproving recognition and accreditation requests as well as determinations terminating recognition or accreditation status; and (4) documents obtained by OP from external sources in the course of reviewing such applications, including recommendations from EOIR's Office of Security, recommendations or complaints received from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), as well as complaints received from the public about specific organizations or representatives. On January 18, 2017, control of the R&A Program and its attendant responsibilities of recognizing organizations and accrediting their representatives was transferred from the Board to OLAP. See 81 FR 92346 (Dec. 19, 2016). In 2019, such control transferred from OLAP to OP. See 84 FR 44537 (Aug. 26, 2019). Accordingly, the relevant records in the Board system of records have been transferred to OP.

In furtherance of the agency's Access EOIR initiative, OP is instituting an updated and streamlined electronic management and storage system for R&A Program records. The new system will improve efficiencies, accountability, and accuracy in OP's review of applications for recognition and accreditation and for the management of the R&A Program. The system is a full-scope computer-based program that will fully automate the R&A Program application process. Internally, the system will shift all processing of the R&A Program applications to the automated system, which will include processes that will require the verification of the presence and sufficiency of all documentation necessary to demonstrate an applicant's or organization's eligibility for admittance into the Program. Externally through the RAA system, the system will allow applicants and organizations to fully submit all applications for recognition and accreditation electronically. On behalf of DHS, USCIS will have the ability to upload, save, edit, digitally sign, and submit documents online through the system, as well as view application documents received by EOIR. See https://getaccredited.eoir.justice.gov/login. Pursuant to the regulations, recognition and accreditation applications must be served on USCIS, and USCIS is afforded an opportunity to comment on the application prior to EOIR's final determination. See 8 CFR 1292.13 et seq. Lastly, OP will have the ability to issue determinations through the system, send and receive notifications and periodic reminders, and run reports based on data in the system's different data fields.

In accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552a(r), the Department has provided a report to OMB and Congress on this notice of a modified system of records.

The meeting will take place on May 1, 2025.

Open Session: May 1, 2025; 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Location: Videoconference. There will be a discussion of general agency business. This session will be held open to the public by videoconference. To view the webcasting of this session of the meeting, go to: https://www.arts.gov/. If you need special accommodations due to a disability, please contact Beth Bienvenu, Office of Accessibility, National Endowment for the Arts, Constitution Center, 400 7th St. SW, Washington, DC 20506, 202/682-5733, Voice/T.T.Y. 202/682-5496, at least seven (7) days prior to the meeting. If, in the course of the open session discussion, it becomes necessary for the Council to discuss non-public commercial or financial information of intrinsic value, the Council will go into closed session pursuant to subsection (c)(4) of the Government in the Sunshine Act, 5 U.S.C. 552b, and in accordance with the March 11, 2022, determination of the Chair. Additionally, discussion concerning purely personal information about individuals, such as personal biographical and salary data or medical information, may be conducted by the Council in closed session in accordance with subsection (c)(6) of 5 U.S.C. 552b.

Closed Session: May 1, 2025; 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. Location: Videoconference. This meeting session will be closed to the public for the aforementioned reasons.

The United States Postal Service® hereby gives notice that, pursuant to 39 U.S.C. 3642 and 3632(b)(3), on April 4, 2025, it filed with the Postal Regulatory Commission a USPS Request to Add Priority Mail & USPS Ground Advantage® Contract 687 to Competitive Product List. Documents are available at www.prc.gov, Docket Nos. MC2025-1288, K2025-1287.

The United States Postal Service® hereby gives notice that, pursuant to 39 U.S.C. 3642 and 3632(b)(3), on April 7, 2025, it filed with the Postal Regulatory Commission a USPS Request to Add Priority Mail & USPS Ground Advantage® Contract 695 to Competitive Product List. Documents are available at www.prc.gov, Docket Nos. MC2025-1297, K2025-1296.

The United States Postal Service® hereby gives notice that, pursuant to 39 U.S.C. 3642 and 3632(b)(3), on April 7, 2025, it filed with the Postal Regulatory Commission a USPS Request to Add Priority Mail & USPS Ground Advantage® Contract 694 to Competitive Product List. Documents are available at www.prc.gov, Docket Nos. MC2025-1295, K2025-1294.

The United States Postal Service® hereby gives notice that, pursuant to 39 U.S.C. 3642 and 3632(b)(3), on April 4, 2025, it filed with the Postal Regulatory Commission a USPS Request to Add Priority Mail & USPS Ground Advantage® Contract 686 to Competitive Product List. Documents are available at www.prc.gov, Docket Nos. MC2025-1287, K2025-1286.

The United States Postal Service® hereby gives notice that, pursuant to 39 U.S.C. 3642 and 3632(b)(3), on April 9, 2025, it filed with the Postal Regulatory Commission a USPS Request to Add Priority Mail & USPS Ground Advantage® Contract 698 to Competitive Product List. Documents are available at www.prc.gov, Docket Nos. MC2025-1303, K2025-1301.

The United States Postal Service® hereby gives notice that, pursuant to 39 U.S.C. 3642 and 3632(b)(3), on April 4, 2025, it filed with the Postal Regulatory Commission a USPS Request to Add Priority Mail & USPS Ground Advantage® Contract 688 to Competitive Product List. Documents are available at www.prc.gov, Docket Nos. MC2025-1281, K2025-1280.

The United States Postal Service® hereby gives notice that, pursuant to 39 U.S.C. 3642 and 3632(b)(3), on April 10, 2025, it filed with the Postal Regulatory Commission a USPS Request to Add Priority Mail & USPS Ground Advantage® Contract 700 to Competitive Product List. Documents are available at www.prc.gov, Docket Nos. MC2025-1305, K2025-1306.

The United States Postal Service® hereby gives notice that, pursuant to 39 U.S.C. 3642 and 3632(b)(3), on April 8, 2025, it filed with the Postal Regulatory Commission a USPS Request to Add Priority Mail & USPS Ground Advantage® Contract 696 to Competitive Product List. Documents are available at www.prc.gov, Docket Nos. MC2025-1300, K2025-1298.

The United States Postal Service® hereby gives notice that, pursuant to 39 U.S.C. 3642 and 3632(b)(3), on April 3, 2025 it filed with the Postal Regulatory Commission a USPS Request to Add Priority Mail Express, Priority Mail & USPS Ground Advantage® Contract 1385 to Competitive Product List. Documents are available at www.prc.gov, Docket Nos. MC2025-1284, K2025-1283.

The United States Postal Service® hereby gives notice that, pursuant to 39 U.S.C. 3642 and 3632(b)(3), on April 4, 2025, it filed with the Postal Regulatory Commission a USPS Request to Add Priority Mail & USPS Ground Advantage® Contract 693 to Competitive Product List. Documents are available at www.prc.gov, Docket Nos. MC2025-1294, K2025-1293.

The United States Postal Service® hereby gives notice that, pursuant to 39 U.S.C. 3642 and 3632(b)(3), on April 8, 2025, it filed with the Postal Regulatory Commission a USPS Request to Add Priority Mail Express, Priority Mail & USPS Ground Advantage® Contract 1360 to Competitive Product List. Documents are available at www.prc.gov, Docket Nos. MC2025-1301, K2025-1299.

The United States Postal Service® hereby gives notice that, pursuant to 39 U.S.C. 3642 and 3632(b)(3), on April 3, 2025, it filed with the Postal Regulatory Commission a USPS Request to Add Priority Mail & USPS Ground Advantage® Contract 684 to Competitive Product List. Documents are available at www.prc.gov, Docket Nos. MC2025-1285, K2025-1284.

The United States Postal Service® hereby gives notice that, pursuant to 39 U.S.C. 3642 and 3632(b)(3), on April 3, 2025, it filed with the Postal Regulatory Commission a USPS Request to Add Priority Mail & USPS Ground Advantage® Contract 685 to Competitive Product List. Documents are available at www.prc.gov, Docket Nos. MC2025-1286, K2025-1285.

The United States Postal Service® hereby gives notice that, pursuant to 39 U.S.C. 3642 and 3632(b)(3), on April 10, 2025, it filed with the Postal Regulatory Commission a USPS Request to Add Priority Mail & USPS Ground Advantage® Contract 699 to Competitive Product List. Documents are available at www.prc.gov, Docket Nos. MC2025-1304, K2025-1305.

The United States Postal Service® hereby gives notice that, pursuant to 39 U.S.C. 3642 and 3632(b)(3), on April 4, 2025, it filed with the Postal Regulatory Commission a USPS Request to Add Priority Mail & USPS Ground Advantage® Contract 692 to Competitive Product List. Documents are available at www.prc.gov, Docket Nos. MC2025-1293, K2025-1292.

The United States Postal Service® hereby gives notice that, pursuant to 39 U.S.C. 3642 and 3632(b)(3), on April 11, 2025, it filed with the Postal Regulatory Commission a USPS Request to Add Priority Mail Express, Priority Mail & USPS Ground Advantage® Contract 1361 to Competitive Product List. Documents are available at www.prc.gov, Docket Nos. MC2025-1307, K2025-1308.

The United States Postal Service® hereby gives notice that, pursuant to 39 U.S.C. 3642 and 3632(b)(3), on April 4, 2025, it filed with the Postal Regulatory Commission a USPS Request to Add Priority Mail & USPS Ground Advantage® Contract 691 to Competitive Product List. Documents are available at www.prc.gov, Docket Nos. MC2025-1292, K2025-1291.

The United States Postal Service® hereby gives notice that, pursuant to 39 U.S.C. 3642 and 3632(b)(3), on April 8, 2025, it filed with the Postal Regulatory Commission a USPS Request to Add Priority Mail Express, Priority Mail & USPS Ground Advantage® Contract 1359 to Competitive Product List. Documents are available at www.prc.gov, Docket Nos. MC2025-1299, K2025-1297.

The United States Postal Service® hereby gives notice that, pursuant to 39 U.S.C. 3642 and 3632(b)(3), on April 4, 2025, it filed with the Postal Regulatory Commission a USPS Request to Add Priority Mail & USPS Ground Advantage® Contract 689 to Competitive Product List. Documents are available at www.prc.gov, Docket Nos. MC2025-1290, K2025-1289.

The United States Postal Service® hereby gives notice that, pursuant to 39 U.S.C. 3642 and 3632(b)(3), on April 8, 2025, it filed with the Postal Regulatory Commission a USPS Request to Add Priority Mail & USPS Ground Advantage® Contract 697 to Competitive Product List. Documents are available at www.prc.gov, Docket Nos. MC2025-1302, K2025-1300.

The United States Postal Service® hereby gives notice that, pursuant to 39 U.S.C. 3642 and 3632(b)(3), on April 10, 2025, it filed with the Postal Regulatory Commission a USPS Request to Add Priority Mail & USPS Ground Advantage® Contract 701 to Competitive Product List. Documents are available at www.prc.gov, Docket Nos. MC2025-1306, K2025-1307.

The United States Postal Service® hereby gives notice that, pursuant to 39 U.S.C. 3642 and 3632(b)(3), on April 4, 2025, it filed with the Postal Regulatory Commission a USPS Request to Add Priority Mail & USPS Ground Advantage® Contract 690 to Competitive Product List. Documents are available at www.prc.gov, Docket Nos. MC2025-1291, K2025-1290.