80 FR 26517 - Rules for Automatic Closure of Inactive Dockets
POSTAL REGULATORY COMMISSION Federal Register Volume 80, Issue 89 (May 8, 2015)
Federal Register Volume 80, Issue 89 (May 8, 2015)
| Page Range | 26517-26518 | |
| FR Document | 2015-11061 |
[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 89 (Friday, May 8, 2015)] [Proposed Rules] [Pages 26517-26518] From the Federal Register Online [www.thefederalregister.org] [FR Doc No: 2015-11061] ======================================================================= ----------------------------------------------------------------------- POSTAL REGULATORY COMMISSION 39 CFR Part 3001 [Docket No. RM2015-8; Order No. 2465] Rules for Automatic Closure of Inactive Dockets AGENCY: Postal Regulatory Commission. ACTION: Proposed rulemaking. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: The Commission is proposing a rule which establishes procedures related to the automatic closure of inactive dockets. The primary purpose of the proposed rule is to simplify the docket closure process and reduce uncertainty over the status of inactive dockets. The Commission invites public comment on the proposal. DATES: Comments are due: June 8, 2015. ADDRESSES: Submit comments electronically via the Commission's Filing Online system at http://www.prc.gov. Those who cannot submit comments electronically should contact the person identified in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section by telephone for advice on filing alternatives. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: David A. Trissell, General Counsel, at 202-789-6820. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Table of Contents I. Introduction II. Background III. Proposed Rules IV. Comments Requested V. Ordering Paragraphs I. Introduction The Commission establishes a rulemaking docket pursuant to the Postal Accountability and Enhancement Act (PAEA), Public Law 109-435, 120 Stat. 3198 (2006), which authorizes the Commission to develop rules and establish procedures that it deems necessary and proper to carry out Commission functions.\1\ --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \1\ See 39 U.S.C. 503; see also Postal Reorganization Act, Public Law 91-375, 84 Stat. 759 (1970), at section 3603. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- The primary purpose of this rulemaking is to establish procedures that would simplify the docket closure process by permitting automatic closure of a docket where there has been no activity in the docket for at least 12 months. The proposed rule would ensure that the information provided to the public concerning active dockets remains current. The proposed rule promotes sound and efficient administrative practice, and would serve the public interest by reducing uncertainty over the status of inactive dockets. II. Background Currently, there are no regulations in place that allow for the automatic closure of an inactive docket. In recent years, the Commission has initiated closure of inactive dockets by issuing an order to that effect. For example, on January 29, 2015, the Commission issued an order closing Docket No. PI2012-1 after nearly two years of inactivity.\2\ On January 30, 2015, the Commission issued an order closing Docket No. PI2010-1 as there had been no activity in the docket since June 2011.\3\ Certain other long-standing dockets, such as the ones noted above, remain open and are identified on the Commission's Web site as active dockets, despite years of inactivity. The proposed rule would establish a maximum inactive period that would automatically initiate docket closure, without Commission action, thereby preventing dormant dockets from remaining open without productive activity. It would also establish an opportunity for interested persons to request the reopening of an automatically closed docket for good cause. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \2\ Docket No. PI2012-1, Order No. 2335, Order Closing Docket, January 29, 2015. \3\ Docket No. PI2010-1, Order No. 2337, Order Closing Proceeding, January 30, 2015, at 2. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- III. Proposed Rules Proposed Sec. 3001.44(a) sets an inactive period of 12 months as the triggering event for automatic docket closure. Proposed Sec. 3001.44(b) provides interested persons with an opportunity to request that an inactive docket remain open at least 10 days prior to automatic closure. Proposed Sec. 3001.44(c) provides interested persons with an opportunity to request that an automatically closed docket be reopened for good cause. IV. Comments Requested Interested persons are invited to provide written comments concerning the proposed rules. Comments are due no later than 30 days after the date of publication of this notice in the Federal Register. All comments and suggestions received will be available for review on the Commission's Web site, http://www.prc.gov. Pursuant to 39 U.S.C. 505, Anne C. O'Connor is appointed to serve as an officer of the Commission (Public Representative) to represent the interests of the general public in the above-captioned docket. VI. Ordering Paragraphs It is ordered: 1. Docket No. RM2015-8 is established for the purpose of receiving comments on the proposed changes to part 3001, as discussed in this Order. 2. Interested persons may submit comments no later than 30 days from the date of publication of this notice in the Federal Register. 3. Pursuant to 39 U.S.C. 505, Anne C. O'Connor is appointed to serve as Public Representative in this proceeding. 4. The Secretary shall arrange for publication of this Order in the Federal Register. By the Commission. Shoshana M. Grove, Secretary. Concurring Opinion of Commissioner Goldway I believe due process and transparency in public proceedings obliges a notice to the public when a [[Page 26518]] docket is closed. Lacking such notice, it will be more difficult for interested persons to determine when, how and for what reason a docket was terminated. I would add the following language to the Proposed Rule: The Commission shall issue a public notice announcing the automatic closure of the docket, at the time of closure. The rule would be improved and the Commission's commitment to openness and citizen participation would be enhanced if the Commission were to adopt in the Final Rule the additional step I had recommended. Ruth Y. Goldway List of Subjects in 39 CFR Part 3001 Administrative practice and procedure, Postal Service. For the reasons discussed in the preamble, the Commission proposes to amend chapter III of title 39 of the Code of Federal Regulations as follows: PART 3001--RULES OF PRACTICE AND PROCEDURE 0 1. The authority citation for part 3001 continues to read as follows: Authority: 39 U.S.C. 404(d); 503; 504; 3661. 0 2. Add new Sec. 3001.44 to read as follows: Sec. 3001.44 Automatic Closure of Inactive Docket. (a) The Commission shall automatically close a docket in which there has been no activity of record by any interested party or participant for 12 consecutive months. (b) Motion to stay automatic closure. Any interested party or participant, including the Postal Service, a Public Representative, or the Commission, may file a motion to stay automatic closure, pursuant to Sec. 3001.21, and request that the docket remain open for a specified term not to exceed 12 months. Motions to stay automatic closure must be filed at least 10 days prior to the automatic closure date. (c) Motion to reopen automatically closed docket. If, at any time after a docket has been automatically closed, any interested party or participant, including the Postal Service, a Public Representative, or the Commission, may file a motion to reopen an automatically closed docket, pursuant to Sec. 3001.21, and must set forth with particularity good cause for reopening the docket. [FR Doc. 2015-11061 Filed 5-7-15; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 7710-FW-P
![Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 89 / Friday, May 8, 2015 / Proposed Rules 26517
within the zone shall proceed as comments electronically should contact proposed rule would establish a
directed. Any person or vessel within the person identified in the FOR FURTHER maximum inactive period that would
the safety zone shall exit the zone when INFORMATION CONTACT section by automatically initiate docket closure,
directed by the COTP or the COTP’s telephone for advice on filing without Commission action, thereby
representatives. alternatives. preventing dormant dockets from
(3) To obtain permissions required by FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: remaining open without productive
this regulation, individuals may reach David A. Trissell, General Counsel, at activity. It would also establish an
the COTP or a COTP representative via 202–789–6820. opportunity for interested persons to
VHF channel 16 or 617–223–5757 SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
request the reopening of an
(Sector Boston Command Center). automatically closed docket for good
(c) Penalties. Those who violate this Table of Contents cause.
section are subject to the penalties set I. Introduction III. Proposed Rules
forth in 33 U.S.C. 1232 and 50 U.S.C. II. Background
1226. III. Proposed Rules Proposed § 3001.44(a) sets an inactive
(d) Notification. Coast Guard Sector IV. Comments Requested period of 12 months as the triggering
Boston will give notice through the V. Ordering Paragraphs event for automatic docket closure.
Local Notice to Mariners, Broadcast Proposed § 3001.44(b) provides
I. Introduction
Notice to Mariners, and to mariners for interested persons with an opportunity
the purpose of enforcement of this The Commission establishes a to request that an inactive docket
temporary safety zone. Also, Sector rulemaking docket pursuant to the remain open at least 10 days prior to
Boston will notify the public to the Postal Accountability and Enhancement automatic closure. Proposed
greatest extent possible of any period in Act (PAEA), Public Law 109–435, 120 § 3001.44(c) provides interested persons
which the Coast Guard will suspend Stat. 3198 (2006), which authorizes the with an opportunity to request that an
enforcement of this safety zone. Commission to develop rules and automatically closed docket be
(e) COTP representative. The COTP’s establish procedures that it deems reopened for good cause.
representative may be any Coast Guard necessary and proper to carry out
Commission functions.1 IV. Comments Requested
commissioned, warrant, or petty officer
or any Federal, state, or local law The primary purpose of this Interested persons are invited to
enforcement officer who has been rulemaking is to establish procedures provide written comments concerning
designated by the COTP to act on the that would simplify the docket closure the proposed rules. Comments are due
COTP’s behalf. The COTP’s process by permitting automatic closure no later than 30 days after the date of
representative may be on a Coast Guard of a docket where there has been no publication of this notice in the Federal
vessel, a Coast Guard Auxiliary vessel, activity in the docket for at least 12 Register. All comments and suggestions
a state or local law enforcement vessel, months. The proposed rule would received will be available for review on
or a location on shore. ensure that the information provided to the Commission’s Web site, http://
the public concerning active dockets www.prc.gov.
Dated: April 27, 2015. remains current. The proposed rule Pursuant to 39 U.S.C. 505, Anne C.
J.C. O’Connor III, promotes sound and efficient O’Connor is appointed to serve as an
Captain, U.S. Coast Guard, Captain of the administrative practice, and would officer of the Commission (Public
Port Boston. serve the public interest by reducing Representative) to represent the
[FR Doc. 2015–11189 Filed 5–7–15; 8:45 am] uncertainty over the status of inactive interests of the general public in the
BILLING CODE 9110–04–P dockets. above-captioned docket.
II. Background VI. Ordering Paragraphs
POSTAL REGULATORY COMMISSION Currently, there are no regulations in It is ordered:
place that allow for the automatic 1. Docket No. RM2015–8 is
39 CFR Part 3001 closure of an inactive docket. In recent established for the purpose of receiving
years, the Commission has initiated comments on the proposed changes to
[Docket No. RM2015–8; Order No. 2465]
closure of inactive dockets by issuing an part 3001, as discussed in this Order.
Rules for Automatic Closure of order to that effect. For example, on 2. Interested persons may submit
Inactive Dockets January 29, 2015, the Commission comments no later than 30 days from
issued an order closing Docket No. the date of publication of this notice in
AGENCY: Postal Regulatory Commission. PI2012–1 after nearly two years of the Federal Register.
ACTION: Proposed rulemaking. inactivity.2 On January 30, 2015, the 3. Pursuant to 39 U.S.C. 505, Anne C.
Commission issued an order closing O’Connor is appointed to serve as
SUMMARY: The Commission is proposing Docket No. PI2010–1 as there had been Public Representative in this
a rule which establishes procedures no activity in the docket since June proceeding.
related to the automatic closure of 2011.3 Certain other long-standing 4. The Secretary shall arrange for
inactive dockets. The primary purpose dockets, such as the ones noted above, publication of this Order in the Federal
of the proposed rule is to simplify the remain open and are identified on the Register.
asabaliauskas on DSK5VPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS
docket closure process and reduce Commission’s Web site as active By the Commission.
uncertainty over the status of inactive dockets, despite years of inactivity. The Shoshana M. Grove,
dockets. The Commission invites public
Secretary.
comment on the proposal. 1 See 39 U.S.C. 503; see also Postal
DATES: Comments are due: June 8, 2015. Reorganization Act, Public Law 91–375, 84 Stat. Concurring Opinion of Commissioner
ADDRESSES: Submit comments
759 (1970), at section 3603. Goldway
2 Docket No. PI2012–1, Order No. 2335, Order
electronically via the Commission’s Closing Docket, January 29, 2015. I believe due process and
Filing Online system at http:// 3 Docket No. PI2010–1, Order No. 2337, Order transparency in public proceedings
www.prc.gov. Those who cannot submit Closing Proceeding, January 30, 2015, at 2. obliges a notice to the public when a
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![26518 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 89 / Friday, May 8, 2015 / Proposed Rules
docket is closed. Lacking such notice, it ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
will be more difficult for interested AGENCY I. What is the topic of this public
persons to determine when, how and for
40 CFR Part 704 meeting?
what reason a docket was terminated.
I would add the following language to [EPA–HQ–OPPT–2010–0572; FRL–9926–86] In the Federal Register issue of April
the Proposed Rule: The Commission 6, 2015 (80 FR 18330; FRL–9920–90),
shall issue a public notice announcing Chemical Substances When EPA proposed reporting and
the automatic closure of the docket, at Manufactured or Processed as recordkeeping requirements for certain
the time of closure. Nanoscale Materials; TSCA Reporting chemical substances when they are
and Recordkeeping Requirements; manufactured or processed at the
The rule would be improved and the nanoscale. EPA is seeking public
Notice of Public Meeting
Commission’s commitment to openness comment on all aspects of the proposed
and citizen participation would be AGENCY: Environmental Protection rule. In addition, EPA is especially
enhanced if the Commission were to Agency (EPA). interested in comments pertaining to the
adopt in the Final Rule the additional ACTION: Notice of public meeting. following specific issues identified in
step I had recommended. Unit V. of the proposed rule:
Ruth Y. Goldway SUMMARY: EPA is holding a public
meeting during the comment period of 1. Identifying the chemical substances that
List of Subjects in 39 CFR Part 3001 would be subject to reporting.
the proposed rule that published in the 2. Distinguishing between nanoscale forms of
Federal Register of April 6, 2015, which a reportable chemical substance.
Administrative practice and
involved proposed reporting and 3. Reporting discrete forms at least 135 days
procedure, Postal Service.
recordkeeping requirements for certain before commencement of manufacture or
For the reasons discussed in the chemical substances when they are processing.
preamble, the Commission proposes to manufactured or processed at the 4. Considerations for the Agency’s economic
amend chapter III of title 39 of the Code nanoscale. Specifically, that proposal analysis.
of Federal Regulations as follows: involves one-time reporting for existing 5. Electronic reporting.
nanoscale materials and one-time 6. Consideration of potential future
PART 3001—RULES OF PRACTICE rulemaking regarding periodic reporting.
reporting for new discrete nanoscale
AND PROCEDURE materials before they are manufactured II. How can I request to participate in
or processed. As stated in that proposed this meeting?
■ 1. The authority citation for part 3001 rule, the public meeting will provide an
continues to read as follows: Requests to participate in this
opportunity for further discussion of the
meeting, as well as any requests for
Authority: 39 U.S.C. 404(d); 503; 504; proposed requirements and is intended
accommodation of a disability, should
3661. to facilitate comments on all aspects of
be submitted directly to the technical
that proposed rule, especially comments
■ 2. Add new § 3001.44 to read as person listed under FOR FURTHER
on specific issues as identified in the
follows: INFORMATION CONTACT. Do not submit
proposed rule.
any information in your request that is
§ 3001.44 Automatic Closure of Inactive DATES: The meeting will be held on June considered Confidential Business
Docket. 11, 2015, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Information (CBI), and do not submit
Requests to participate in the meeting any comments. Such requests must be
(a) The Commission shall
must be received on or before June 1, received on or before June 1, 2015.
automatically close a docket in which
2015. Please remember that your comments
there has been no activity of record by
To request accommodation of a must be submitted in accordance with
any interested party or participant for 12
disability, please contact the technical the instructions in the proposed rule;
consecutive months.
person listed under FOR FURTHER must be identified by docket ID number
(b) Motion to stay automatic closure. INFORMATON CONTACT, preferably at least
Any interested party or participant, EPA–HQ–OPPT–2010–0572; and must
10 days prior to the meeting, to give be received on or before July 6, 2015.
including the Postal Service, a Public EPA as much time as possible to process
Representative, or the Commission, may your request. III. How can I access the docket for the
file a motion to stay automatic closure, ADDRESSES: The meeting will be held at Proposed Rule?
pursuant to § 3001.21, and request that the East William Jefferson Clinton
the docket remain open for a specified The docket for the proposed rule,
Building, Room 1153, 1201 Constitution identified by docket identification (ID)
term not to exceed 12 months. Motions Avenue NW., Washington, DC.
to stay automatic closure must be filed number EPA–HQ–OPPT–2010–0572, is
at least 10 days prior to the automatic FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For available at http://www.regulations.gov
closure date. technical information contact: Jim or at the Office of Pollution Prevention
Alwood, Chemical Control Division and Toxics Docket (OPPT Docket),
(c) Motion to reopen automatically (7405M), Office of Pollution Prevention Environmental Protection Agency
closed docket. If, at any time after a and Toxics, Environmental Protection Docket Center (EPA/DC), West William
docket has been automatically closed, Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave. NW., Jefferson Clinton Bldg., Rm. 3334, 1301
asabaliauskas on DSK5VPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS
any interested party or participant, Washington, DC 20460–0001; telephone Constitution Ave. NW., Washington,
including the Postal Service, a Public number: (202) 564–8974; email address: DC. The Public Reading Room is open
Representative, or the Commission, may alwood.jim@epa.gov. from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday
file a motion to reopen an automatically For general information contact: The through Friday, excluding legal
closed docket, pursuant to § 3001.21, TSCA-Hotline, ABVI-Goodwill, 422 holidays. The telephone number for the
and must set forth with particularity South Clinton Ave., Rochester, NY Public Reading Room is (202) 566–1744,
good cause for reopening the docket. 14620; telephone number: (202) 554– and the telephone number for the OPPT
[FR Doc. 2015–11061 Filed 5–7–15; 8:45 am] 1404; email address: TSCA-Hotline@ Docket is (202) 566–0280. Please review
BILLING CODE 7710–FW–P epa.gov. the visitor instructions and additional
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Document Created: 2018-02-21 10:24:12
Document Modified: 2018-02-21 10:24:12
| Category | Regulatory Information | |
| Collection | Federal Register | |
| sudoc Class | AE 2.7: GS 4.107: AE 2.106: | |
| Publisher | Office of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration | |
| Section | Proposed Rules | |
| Action | Proposed rulemaking. | |
| Dates | Comments are due: June 8, 2015. | |
| Contact | David A. Trissell, General Counsel, at 202-789-6820. | |
| FR Citation | 80 FR 26517 | |
| CFR Associated | Administrative Practice and Procedure and Postal Service |
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