80_FR_45065 80 FR 44921 - Procedures Related to Commission Views

80 FR 44921 - Procedures Related to Commission Views

POSTAL REGULATORY COMMISSION

Federal Register Volume 80, Issue 144 (July 28, 2015)

Page Range44921-44922
FR Document2015-18425

The Commission is proposing rules which establish the Commission's process for developing views to the Secretary of State on certain international mail matters. The proposed rules focus on those proposals concerning international mail that could affect a market dominant rate or classification. The Commission invites public comment on the proposed rules.

Federal Register, Volume 80 Issue 144 (Tuesday, July 28, 2015) 
[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 144 (Tuesday, July 28, 2015)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 44921-44922]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2015-18425]


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POSTAL REGULATORY COMMISSION

39 CFR Part 3017

[Docket No. RM2015-14; Order No. 2602]


Procedures Related to Commission Views

AGENCY: Postal Regulatory Commission.

ACTION: Proposed rulemaking.

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SUMMARY: The Commission is proposing rules which establish the 
Commission's process for developing views to the Secretary of State on 
certain international mail matters. The proposed rules focus on those 
proposals concerning international mail that could affect a market 
dominant rate or classification. The Commission invites public comment 
on the proposed rules.

DATES: Comments are due: August 27, 2015. Reply comments are due: 
September 11, 2015.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: David A. Trissell, General Counsel, at 
202-789-6820.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Table of Contents

I. Introduction
II. New Commission Responsibility Under the Postal Accountability 
and Enhancement Act (PAEA)
III. The Proposed Rules
IV. Section-by-Section Analysis
V. Administrative Actions
VI. Ordering Paragraphs

I. Introduction

    This rulemaking addresses the Commission's process for developing 
views to the Secretary of State on certain international mail matters 
pursuant to 39 U.S.C. 407(c)(1).
    The Commission develops its views mainly in the context of the 
United States' membership in the Universal Postal Union (UPU), the 
Secretary of State's lead role in international mail matters, and UPU 
procedures for regulating international mail. For purposes of 
developing its views, the Commission focuses on those proposals that 
could affect a market dominant rate or classification.

II. New Commission Responsibility Under the Postal Accountability and 
Enhancement Act (PAEA)

    Under section 407(c)(1) of the PAEA, the Secretary of State, before 
concluding a treaty, convention, or amendment establishing a market 
dominant rate or classification, shall request the Commission's views 
on the consistency of such rate or classification with modern rate-
setting criteria.\1\ In the context of the UPU, the term ``rate'' 
typically refers to terminal dues.\2\
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    \1\ See Postal Accountability and Enhancement Act, Public Law 
109-435, 120 Stat. 3198 (2006), section 405(a). 39 U.S.C. 407(c)(1) 
refers to a product subject to subchapter I of chapter 36 of the 
title 39, United States Code. A product subject to the referenced 
chapter is a market dominant product. Section 407(c)(1) also refers 
to the standards and criteria established by the Commission under 
section 3622. In this Order, the phrase ``modern rate regulation'' 
is used in place of statutory language referring to standards and 
criteria established pursuant to 39 U.S.C. 3622.
    \2\ Terminal dues are the fees paid among postal operators for 
the processing and delivery of inbound letters, large envelopes, and 
small packets weighing up to 4.4 pounds. They are set every 4 years 
by the UPU.
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    Since enactment of the PAEA, the Secretary of State has requested--
and the Commission has transmitted--its views on relevant proposals 
considered at two UPU Congresses.\3\ The Commission also has 
transmitted views to the Secretary of State on relevant proposals 
considered at the initial meeting of the Postal Operations Council 
following the 2008 and 2012 Congresses.\4\
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    \3\ The first UPU Congress following enactment of the PAEA was 
held in July 2008 in Geneva, Switzerland; the second was held in 
September and October 2012 in Doha, Qatar.
    \4\ In addition, the Commission has posted supplemental views on 
its Web site.
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III. The Proposed Rules

    The development of the Commission's views entails review and 
analysis of numerous proposals, which typically are posted on the UPU 
Web site pursuant to a series of deadlines that begin about 6 months 
before a Congress convenes. In July 2012, based on an interest in 
obtaining public input, the Commission established a public inquiry 
docket to solicit comments on the general principles that should guide 
the development of its views in response to the anticipated request 
from the Secretary of State.\5\
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    \5\ See Docket No. PI2012-1, Order No. 1420, Notice Providing 
Opportunity to Comment on Development of Commission Views Pursuant 
to 39 U.S.C. 407(c)(1), July 31, 2012. Comments submitted in that 
docket are available on the Commission's Web site.
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    The Commission proposes formalizing the general approach it adopted 
in 2012 by enacting rules providing for establishment of an umbrella 
public inquiry docket associated with each UPU Congress and related 
meetings. Each docket will be established on or about 150 days before 
the date the UPU Congress is scheduled to convene. This timeframe is 
designed to allow adequate time for commenters to prepare submissions 
(on general principles or on specific proposals, to the extent such 
proposals are available). It also should allow the Commission 
sufficient time to consider the comments and prepare its views.
    The proposed rules also reflect the Commission's commitment to 
having the public inquiry docket serve as a mechanism for handling 
related matters, such as informing the public about the availability of 
relevant proposals, the Commission's views, or other documents. It also 
allows available documents to be incorporated into one

[[Page 44922]]

comprehensive record for improved public accessibility.
    The Commission proposes to establish comment deadlines on a docket-
by-docket basis, consistent with timely submission of views to the 
Secretary of State. Due to time constraints, the Commission does not 
propose inviting reply comments. The Commission may suspend 
solicitation of comments if it determines that seeking comments would 
interfere with timely submission of Commission views.

VI. Section-by-Section Analysis

    Proposed Rule 3017.1. This section sets out two definitions.
    Proposed Rule 3017.2. This section describes the purpose of the 
rules.
    Proposed Rule 3017.3. This section addresses the public inquiry 
docket.
    Proposed Rule 3017.4. This section addresses comment deadlines.
    Proposed Rule 3017.5. This section addresses the Commission's use 
of public comments.

V. Administrative Actions

    The Commission establishes Docket No. RM2015-14 for consideration 
of matters raised in this Order. Pursuant to 39 U.S.C. 505, the 
Commission designates Laura Zuber to serve as an officer of the 
Commission (Public Representative) in this proceeding. The Commission 
invites public comment on the proposed rules. Initial comments are due 
no later than 30 days from the date of publication of this Order in the 
Federal Register. Reply comments are due no later than 45 days from the 
date of publication of this Order in the Federal Register.

VI. Ordering Paragraphs

    It is ordered:
    1. The Commission establishes Docket No. RM2015-14 for 
consideration of the matters raised in this Order.
    2. Comments are due no later than 30 days after date of publication 
in the Federal Register. Reply comments are due no later than 45 days 
after date of publication in the Federal Register.
    3. Pursuant to 39 U.S.C. 505, the Commission appoints Laura Zuber 
to serve as an officer of the Commission (Public Representative) to 
represent the interests of the general public in this docket.
    4. The Secretary shall arrange for publication of this Order in the 
Federal Register.

List of Subjects in 39 CFR Part 3017

    Administrative practice and procedure, International agreements, 
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:

0
1. Add part 3017 to read as follows:

PART 3017--PROCEDURES RELATED TO COMMISSION VIEWS

Sec.
3017.1 Definitions in this part.
3017.2 Purpose.
3017.3 Establishment and scope of public inquiry docket.
3017.4 Comment deadline(s).
3017.5 Commission discretion as to impact of public comments on its 
views.

    Authority: 39 U.S.C. 407; 503.


Sec.  3017.1  Definitions in this part.

    (a) Modern rate regulation refers to the standards and criteria the 
Commission has established pursuant to 39 U.S.C. 3622.
    (b) Views refers to the opinion the Commission provides to the 
Secretary of State in the context of certain Universal Postal Union 
proceedings on the consistency of a proposal affecting a market 
dominant rate or classification with modern rate regulation.


Sec.  3017.2  Purpose.

    The rules in this part are intended to facilitate public 
participation in, and promote the transparency of, the development of 
Commission views.


Sec.  3017.3  Establishment and scope of public inquiry docket.

    (a) On or about 150 days before a Universal Postal Union Congress 
convenes, the Commission will establish a public inquiry docket to 
solicit comments on the general principles that should guide the 
Commission's development of views on relevant proposals, in a general 
way, and, if available, on specific relevant proposals.
    (b) The public inquiry docket established pursuant to paragraph (a) 
of this section may also include matters related to development of the 
Commission's views, such as the availability of relevant proposals, 
Commission views, other documents, or related actions.
    (c) The Commission shall arrange for publication in the Federal 
Register of the notice establishing each public inquiry docket 
authorized under this part.


Sec.  3017.4  Comment deadline(s).

    (a) The Commission shall establish a deadline for public comments 
upon establishment of the public inquiry docket that is consistent with 
timely submission of the Commission's views to the Secretary of State. 
The Commission may establish other deadlines for public comments as 
appropriate.
    (b) The Commission may suspend or forego solicitation of public 
comments if it determines that such solicitation is not consistent with 
timely submission of Commission views to the Secretary of State.


Sec.  3017.5  Commission discretion as to impact of public comments on 
its views.

    The Commission will review timely filed comments prior to 
submitting its views to the Secretary of State.

    By the Commission.
Ruth Ann Abrams,
Acting Secretary.
[FR Doc. 2015-18425 Filed 7-27-15; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 7710-FW-P

Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 144 / Tuesday, July 28, 2015 / Proposed Rules 44921 APPENDIX C TO PART 4—ALPHABETICAL INDEX OF DISABILITIES—Continued Diagnostic Code No. * * * * * * * Malignant: * * * * * * * Hard and soft tissue .............................................................................................................................................................. 9918 * * * * * * * Nonunion: Mandible, confirmed by diagnostic imaging studies ..................................................................................................................... 9903 * * * * * * * [FR Doc. 2015–17266 Filed 7–27–15; 8:45 am] Postal Union (UPU), the Secretary of Council following the 2008 and 2012 BILLING CODE 8320–01–P State’s lead role in international mail Congresses.4 matters, and UPU procedures for III. The Proposed Rules regulating international mail. For POSTAL REGULATORY COMMISSION purposes of developing its views, the The development of the Commission’s Commission focuses on those proposals views entails review and analysis of 39 CFR Part 3017 that could affect a market dominant rate numerous proposals, which typically or classification. are posted on the UPU Web site [Docket No. RM2015–14; Order No. 2602] pursuant to a series of deadlines that Procedures Related to Commission II. New Commission Responsibility begin about 6 months before a Congress Views Under the Postal Accountability and convenes. In July 2012, based on an Enhancement Act (PAEA) interest in obtaining public input, the AGENCY: Postal Regulatory Commission. Commission established a public ACTION: Proposed rulemaking. Under section 407(c)(1) of the PAEA, inquiry docket to solicit comments on the Secretary of State, before concluding the general principles that should guide SUMMARY: The Commission is proposing a treaty, convention, or amendment the development of its views in rules which establish the Commission’s establishing a market dominant rate or response to the anticipated request from process for developing views to the classification, shall request the the Secretary of State.5 Secretary of State on certain Commission’s views on the consistency The Commission proposes international mail matters. The of such rate or classification with formalizing the general approach it proposed rules focus on those proposals modern rate-setting criteria.1 In the adopted in 2012 by enacting rules concerning international mail that could context of the UPU, the term ‘‘rate’’ providing for establishment of an affect a market dominant rate or typically refers to terminal dues.2 umbrella public inquiry docket classification. The Commission invites associated with each UPU Congress and public comment on the proposed rules. Since enactment of the PAEA, the related meetings. Each docket will be Secretary of State has requested—and established on or about 150 days before DATES: Comments are due: August 27, the Commission has transmitted—its the date the UPU Congress is scheduled 2015. Reply comments are due: views on relevant proposals considered to convene. This timeframe is designed September 11, 2015. at two UPU Congresses.3 The to allow adequate time for commenters FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Commission also has transmitted views to prepare submissions (on general David A. Trissell, General Counsel, at to the Secretary of State on relevant principles or on specific proposals, to 202–789–6820. proposals considered at the initial the extent such proposals are available). SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: meeting of the Postal Operations It also should allow the Commission Table of Contents sufficient time to consider the I. Introduction 1 See Postal Accountability and Enhancement comments and prepare its views. Act, Public Law 109–435, 120 Stat. 3198 (2006), The proposed rules also reflect the II. New Commission Responsibility Under section 405(a). 39 U.S.C. 407(c)(1) refers to a the Postal Accountability and Commission’s commitment to having product subject to subchapter I of chapter 36 of the Enhancement Act (PAEA) title 39, United States Code. A product subject to the public inquiry docket serve as a III. The Proposed Rules the referenced chapter is a market dominant mechanism for handling related matters, IV. Section-by-Section Analysis product. Section 407(c)(1) also refers to the such as informing the public about the V. Administrative Actions standards and criteria established by the availability of relevant proposals, the VI. Ordering Paragraphs Commission under section 3622. In this Order, the phrase ‘‘modern rate regulation’’ is used in place of Commission’s views, or other asabaliauskas on DSK5VPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS I. Introduction statutory language referring to standards and documents. It also allows available criteria established pursuant to 39 U.S.C. 3622. documents to be incorporated into one This rulemaking addresses the 2 Terminal dues are the fees paid among postal Commission’s process for developing operators for the processing and delivery of 4 In addition, the Commission has posted views to the Secretary of State on inbound letters, large envelopes, and small packets supplemental views on its Web site. certain international mail matters weighing up to 4.4 pounds. They are set every 4 5 See Docket No. PI2012–1, Order No. 1420, years by the UPU. Notice Providing Opportunity to Comment on pursuant to 39 U.S.C. 407(c)(1). 3 The first UPU Congress following enactment of Development of Commission Views Pursuant to 39 The Commission develops its views the PAEA was held in July 2008 in Geneva, U.S.C. 407(c)(1), July 31, 2012. Comments mainly in the context of the United Switzerland; the second was held in September and submitted in that docket are available on the States’ membership in the Universal October 2012 in Doha, Qatar. Commission’s Web site. VerDate Sep<11>2014 19:07 Jul 27, 2015 Jkt 235001 PO 00000 Frm 00030 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 E:\FR\FM\28JYP1.SGM 28JYP1

44922 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 144 / Tuesday, July 28, 2015 / Proposed Rules comprehensive record for improved amend chapter III of title 39 of the Code deadlines for public comments as public accessibility. of Federal Regulations as follows: appropriate. The Commission proposes to establish ■ 1. Add part 3017 to read as follows: (b) The Commission may suspend or comment deadlines on a docket-by- forego solicitation of public comments if docket basis, consistent with timely PART 3017—PROCEDURES RELATED it determines that such solicitation is submission of views to the Secretary of TO COMMISSION VIEWS not consistent with timely submission State. Due to time constraints, the of Commission views to the Secretary of Commission does not propose inviting Sec. State. reply comments. The Commission may 3017.1 Definitions in this part. 3017.2 Purpose. § 3017.5 Commission discretion as to suspend solicitation of comments if it 3017.3 Establishment and scope of public determines that seeking comments impact of public comments on its views. inquiry docket. would interfere with timely submission The Commission will review timely 3017.4 Comment deadline(s). of Commission views. 3017.5 Commission discretion as to impact filed comments prior to submitting its of public comments on its views. views to the Secretary of State. VI. Section-by-Section Analysis Authority: 39 U.S.C. 407; 503. By the Commission. Proposed Rule 3017.1. This section Ruth Ann Abrams, sets out two definitions. § 3017.1 Definitions in this part. Acting Secretary. Proposed Rule 3017.2. This section (a) Modern rate regulation refers to describes the purpose of the rules. [FR Doc. 2015–18425 Filed 7–27–15; 8:45 am] the standards and criteria the Proposed Rule 3017.3. This section BILLING CODE 7710–FW–P Commission has established pursuant to addresses the public inquiry docket. Proposed Rule 3017.4. This section 39 U.S.C. 3622. addresses comment deadlines. (b) Views refers to the opinion the ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION Proposed Rule 3017.5. This section Commission provides to the Secretary of AGENCY addresses the Commission’s use of State in the context of certain Universal public comments. Postal Union proceedings on the 40 CFR Part 52 consistency of a proposal affecting a V. Administrative Actions market dominant rate or classification [EPA–R07–OAR–2015–0357; FRL 9931–32– Region 7] The Commission establishes Docket with modern rate regulation. No. RM2015–14 for consideration of Approval and Promulgation of Air § 3017.2 Purpose. matters raised in this Order. Pursuant to Quality Implementation Plans; State of 39 U.S.C. 505, the Commission The rules in this part are intended to facilitate public participation in, and Iowa; Revisions to Linn County Air designates Laura Zuber to serve as an Quality Ordinance officer of the Commission (Public promote the transparency of, the Representative) in this proceeding. The development of Commission views. AGENCY: Environmental Protection Commission invites public comment on Agency (EPA). § 3017.3 Establishment and scope of the proposed rules. Initial comments are public inquiry docket. ACTION: Proposed rule. due no later than 30 days from the date (a) On or about 150 days before a SUMMARY: The Environmental Protection of publication of this Order in the Universal Postal Union Congress Agency (EPA) is proposing to approve Federal Register. Reply comments are convenes, the Commission will revisions to the State Implementation due no later than 45 days from the date establish a public inquiry docket to Plan (SIP) for the State of Iowa. The of publication of this Order in the solicit comments on the general purpose of these revisions is to update Federal Register. principles that should guide the the Linn County Air Quality Ordinance, VI. Ordering Paragraphs Commission’s development of views on chapter 10. These proposed revisions It is ordered: relevant proposals, in a general way, reflect updates to the Iowa statewide 1. The Commission establishes Docket and, if available, on specific relevant rules previously approved by EPA and No. RM2015–14 for consideration of the proposals. will ensure consistency between the matters raised in this Order. (b) The public inquiry docket applicable local agency rules and 2. Comments are due no later than 30 established pursuant to paragraph (a) of Federally-approved rules. days after date of publication in the this section may also include matters DATES: Comments on this proposed Federal Register. Reply comments are related to development of the action must be received in writing by due no later than 45 days after date of Commission’s views, such as the August 27, 2015. publication in the Federal Register. availability of relevant proposals, 3. Pursuant to 39 U.S.C. 505, the ADDRESSES: Submit your comments, Commission views, other documents, or Commission appoints Laura Zuber to related actions. identified by Docket ID No. EPA–R07– serve as an officer of the Commission (c) The Commission shall arrange for OAR–2015–0357, by mail to Heather (Public Representative) to represent the publication in the Federal Register of Hamilton, Environmental Protection interests of the general public in this the notice establishing each public Agency, Air Planning and Development docket. inquiry docket authorized under this Branch, 11201 Renner Boulevard, 4. The Secretary shall arrange for part. Lenexa, Kansas 66219. Comments may asabaliauskas on DSK5VPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS publication of this Order in the Federal also be submitted electronically or Register. § 3017.4 Comment deadline(s). through hand delivery/courier by (a) The Commission shall establish a following the detailed instructions in List of Subjects in 39 CFR Part 3017 deadline for public comments upon the ADDRESSES section of the direct final Administrative practice and establishment of the public inquiry rule located in the rules section of this procedure, International agreements, docket that is consistent with timely Federal Register. Postal Service. submission of the Commission’s views FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For the reasons discussed in the to the Secretary of State. The Heather Hamilton, Environmental preamble, the Commission proposes to Commission may establish other Protection Agency, Air Planning and VerDate Sep<11>2014 19:07 Jul 27, 2015 Jkt 235001 PO 00000 Frm 00031 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 E:\FR\FM\28JYP1.SGM 28JYP1


Document Created: 2018-02-23 09:28:17
Document Modified: 2018-02-23 09:28:17
CategoryRegulatory Information
CollectionFederal Register
sudoc ClassAE 2.7:
GS 4.107:
AE 2.106:
PublisherOffice of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration
SectionProposed Rules
ActionProposed rulemaking.
DatesComments are due: August 27, 2015. Reply comments are due: September 11, 2015.
ContactDavid A. Trissell, General Counsel, at 202-789-6820.
FR Citation80 FR 44921 
CFR AssociatedAdministrative Practice and Procedure; International Agreements and Postal Service
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