80_FR_68679 80 FR 68465 - Disposition of Unclaimed Human Remains, Funerary Objects, Sacred Objects, or Objects of Cultural Patrimony

80 FR 68465 - Disposition of Unclaimed Human Remains, Funerary Objects, Sacred Objects, or Objects of Cultural Patrimony

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Office of the Secretary of the Interior

Federal Register Volume 80, Issue 214 (November 5, 2015)

Page Range68465-68471
FR Document2015-28041

This final rule provides procedures for the disposition of unclaimed human remains, funerary objects, sacred objects, or objects of cultural patrimony excavated or discovered on, and removed from, Federal lands after November 16, 1990. It implements section 3(b) of the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act.

Federal Register, Volume 80 Issue 214 (Thursday, November 5, 2015)
[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 214 (Thursday, November 5, 2015)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 68465-68471]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2015-28041]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Office of the Secretary of the Interior

43 CFR Part 10

[NPS-WASO-NAGPRA-19087; PPWOCRADN0-PCU00RP14.R50000]
RIN 1024-AE00


Disposition of Unclaimed Human Remains, Funerary Objects, Sacred 
Objects, or Objects of Cultural Patrimony

AGENCY: Office of the Secretary, Interior.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: This final rule provides procedures for the disposition of 
unclaimed human remains, funerary objects, sacred objects, or objects 
of cultural patrimony excavated or discovered on, and removed from, 
Federal lands after November 16, 1990. It implements section 3(b) of 
the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act.

DATES: The rule is effective December 7, 2015.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Melanie O'Brien, Manager, National 
NAGPRA Program, National Park Service, 1849 C Street NW., Washington, 
DC 20240, telephone (202) 354-2204, email melanie_o'brien@nps.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Background

    The Secretary of the Interior (Secretary) is responsible for 
implementation of the Native American Graves Protection and 
Repatriation Act (NAGPRA or Act) (25 U.S.C. 3001 et seq.), including 
the issuance of appropriate regulations implementing and interpreting 
its provisions. NAGPRA addresses the rights of lineal descendants, 
Indian tribes, and Native Hawaiian organizations in certain human 
remains, funerary objects, sacred objects, and objects of cultural 
patrimony, for which the Act uses the broader term ``cultural items'' 
(25 U.S.C. 3001(3)). Pursuant to Section 13 of NAGPRA (25 U.S.C. 3011), 
the Department of the Interior (Department) published the initial rules 
to implement NAGPRA in 1995 (60 FR 62158, December 4, 1995); those 
rules are now codified at 43 CFR part 10. Subsequently, the Department 
published additional rules concerning:
     Civil penalties (68 FR 16354, April 3, 2003);
     Future applicability (72 FR 13189, March 21, 2007); and
     Disposition of culturally unidentifiable human remains (75 
FR 12378, March 15, 2010).
    Section 3(b) of the Act (25 U.S.C. 3002 (b)) explicitly directs the 
Secretary to publish regulations for the disposition of unclaimed 
cultural items excavated or discovered on, and removed from, Federal 
lands after November 16, 1990. When we published the NAGPRA regulations 
on December 4, 1995, we reserved 43 CFR 10.7 for this purpose.
    This rule is limited to Federal lands, as NAGPRA provides that 
ownership or control of any cultural item excavated or discovered on, 
and removed from, tribal land after November 16, 1990, is in either a 
known lineal descendant (for human remains and associated funerary 
objects) or in the Indian tribe from whose tribal land the cultural 
items were removed, and does not require the lineal descendant or the 
Indian tribe to make a claim for the cultural items.
    Consultation regarding a proposed rule for Sec.  10.7 began in 
2005. On three separate occasions, we consulted with representatives of 
Indian tribes, Native Hawaiian organizations, museums, and scientific 
organizations. We also consulted with the Native American Graves 
Protection and Repatriation Review Committee (Review Committee) during 
its scheduled meetings in Albuquerque, NM (November 2005); Washington, 
DC (April 2007); Phoenix, AZ (October 2007); and Washington, DC 
(November 2010).
    We published a proposed rule on October 29, 2013 (78 FR 64436). 
Public comment was invited for a 60-day period, ending December 30, 
2013. The proposed rule also was posted on the National Park Service's 
National NAGPRA Program Web site. The Review Committee commented on the 
record on the proposed rule at a public meeting on November 6, 2013.

Summary of and Responses to Comments on the Proposed Rule

    During the comment period, we received 27 written comments on the 
proposed rule, contained in 20 separate submissions from 5 Indian 
tribes, 1 Indian organization, 1 non-federally recognized Indian group, 
1 Native Hawaiian organization, 1 museum, 1 scientific organization, 3 
Federal entities, 6 individual members of the public, and 1 anonymous 
commenter. All relevant comments on the proposed rule were considered 
during the final rulemaking.

Final Rule 43 CFR 10.2 Definition of ``Unclaimed Cultural Items''

    Comment 1: Four commenters stated that the definition of unclaimed 
cultural items should include the phrase ``as used in Sec.  10.7 of 
this part.''
    Our Response: The term ``unclaimed cultural items'' is used only in 
Sec.  10.7 and therefore the specific reference is not needed.
    Comment 2: Three commenters stated that the definition of unclaimed 
cultural items should be expanded and the difference between the 
categories of unclaimed cultural items be clarified. One of these 
commenters added that the definition should provide a timeframe that 
structures how long cultural items must be held by the Federal agency 
prior to being classified as unclaimed.
    Our Response: We agree. In the final rule, we have revised the 
definition of unclaimed cultural items and clarified the difference 
between the categories. We have included a timeframe.
    Comment 3: Four commenters stated that the definition of unclaimed 
cultural items imposes an inappropriate time limit on Indian tribes and 
Native Hawaiian organizations to make claims for cultural items. One of 
these commenters added that the definition assumes Federal agencies 
have been proactive and have provided notice to all potential 
claimants.
    Our Response: A potential claimant may make a claim for unclaimed 
cultural items at any time prior to transfer or reinterment under this 
rule. While the rule establishes a timeframe for cultural items to 
become unclaimed, there is no timeline imposed for Federal agencies to 
transfer or to reinter cultural items. We feel the timeframes 
established by the definitions in this final rule strike an appropriate 
balance between assuring Federal agencies that the NAGPRA process will 
end at a certain time and granting non-claimant Indian tribes and 
Native Hawaiian organizations an opportunity to request the transfer of 
these cultural items.
    Comment 4: One commenter stated that the definition of 
``disposition'' in Sec.  10.2(g)(5) should be changed to include 
disposition of unclaimed cultural items.

[[Page 68466]]

    Our Response: We agree. In this final rule, we have added a new 
paragraph at Sec.  10.2 (g)(5)(iv).
    Comment 5: One commenter stated that a notice under Sec.  10.6(c) 
is only required upon ``proposed disposition,'' and not upon the 
determination of an Indian tribe entitled to priority of custody. 
Therefore, publication of a notice under Sec.  10.6(c) cannot be a 
determining factor in the definition of unclaimed cultural items.
    Our Response: A notice under Sec.  10.6(c) is not dependent on an 
actual claim but is dependent on the existence of a potential claimant. 
Under section 3(a) of the Act (25 U.S.C. 3002(a)), ownership or control 
of cultural items is transferred to the Indian tribe or Native Hawaiian 
organization which ``upon notice, states a claim. . .'' The notice 
required by Sec.  10.6(c) precedes a claim from an Indian tribe or 
Native Hawaiian organization and is dependent only upon the 
identification of one or more Indian tribes or Native Hawaiian 
organizations or lineal descendants as a potential claimant. 
Furthermore, that notice is the only communication to the public during 
the disposition process. Consequently, publication of a notice under 
Sec.  10.6(c) is an appropriate factor for determining when cultural 
items become unclaimed.
    Comment 6: One commenter stated that reasonableness is not a 
criterion for transfer of custody under the disposition process 
established in Sec.  10.6. The definition at Sec.  10.2(h)(2)(ii) 
should read: ``No Indian tribe with priority of custody has been 
identified.''
    Our Response: We believe, as a general matter, that Federal 
agencies should use reasonable efforts in complying with the 
requirements of NAGPRA. In addition, section 3(a)(2)(C) of the Act (25 
U.S.C. 3002 (a)(2)(C)) explicitly states that the cultural affiliation 
of cultural items is established using a reasonableness standard.

Final Rule Sec.  10.7(b)(1) Federal Agencies Must Report Unclaimed 
Cultural Items to the Manager, National NAGPRA Program

    Comment 7: One commenter stated that the term ``has'' is better 
defined by adding ``possession or control'' after it.
    Our Response: A Federal agency does not have ``possession'' or 
``control'' of cultural items that are excavated or discovered on, and 
removed from, Federal lands after November 16, 1990, as the terms 
``possession'' and ``control'' are defined in Sec.  10.2. Instead, the 
Federal agency acts as caretaker or temporary custodian for these 
cultural items.
    Comment 8: One commenter stated that the phrase ``a list of the 
items'' should be replaced with ``a list of currently held items.'' The 
commenter also suggested that ``the nature'' of unclaimed items be 
better explained.
    Our Response: The sentence introducing Sec.  10.7(b)(1) in this 
final rule (previously Sec.  10.7(a)(1)) states the unclaimed cultural 
items on the list are items that the Federal agency ``has.'' We believe 
that the use of the present tense in the introductory sentence makes 
clear that the reporting requirement refers to unclaimed cultural items 
currently held by the Federal agency. The required description of ``the 
nature of the unclaimed cultural items'' is the same as the current 
requirement in a notice under 43 CFR 10.6(c). The purpose of both 
documents is the same--to provide information adequate to allow lineal 
descendants, Indian tribes, or Native Hawaiian organizations to 
determine their interest in the cultural items under these regulations.
    Comment 9: One commenter stated that there is nothing in the 
statute that allows the National NAGPRA Program to create and maintain 
an inventory of cultural items that have been removed from Federal 
lands after 1990, unclaimed or otherwise. The commenter suggested that 
Federal agencies should convey periodic notices of the existence of 
unclaimed cultural items to potential claimants but not report those 
items to the National NAGPRA Program.
    Our Response: Section 3(b) of the Act (25 U.S.C. 3002(b)) directs 
the Secretary to promulgate regulations for the disposition of 
unclaimed cultural items in consultation with the Native American 
Graves Protection and Repatriation Review Committee and other 
interested parties. The Review Committee recommended that the National 
NAGPRA Program maintain a database of unclaimed cultural items. We have 
included the Review Committee's recommendation in this final rule. The 
list of unclaimed cultural items submitted to the National NAGPRA 
Program promotes transparency in the disposition of unclaimed cultural 
items by providing information adequate to allow lineal descendants, 
Indian tribes, or Native Hawaiian organizations to determine their 
interest in cultural items under these regulations.
    Comment 10: Seven commenters stated that the list of unclaimed 
cultural items should include additional information. Suggestions 
included the specific site of removal, the specific types of cultural 
items, the names of those consulted on the cultural items, and any 
potential claimants. One of these commenters added that the list of 
unclaimed cultural items should identify which items have potential 
claimants and which items have no identified potential claimants.
    Our Response: The proposed rule required that the list include a 
description of the place of discovery and the nature of the unclaimed 
cultural items, and these requirements are retained in this final rule 
at Sec.  10.7(b)(1). We agree that information on consultation efforts 
under 43 CFR 10.5 could be useful for purposes of disposition of 
cultural items. In response to these comments, this final rule requires 
that the list include a summary of consultation efforts under Sec.  
10.5. A summary of consultation efforts inherently will include the 
identification of potential claimants. We have qualified that the 
description of the place of discovery or excavation, and removal, 
should generally protect any sensitive information.
    Comment 11: Three commenters questioned the date of the reporting 
requirement for Federal agencies to submit a list of unclaimed cultural 
items to the National NAGPRA Program. One of these commenters added 
that it would be difficult for Federal agencies to track when reports 
were required, as cultural items might have varying reporting 
deadlines. Two of these commenters added that the requirement should be 
shortened and lists should be submitted within one year or 90 days 
after excavation or discovery and removal.
    Our Response: By adding to the definition of unclaimed cultural 
items the specific circumstances under which cultural items become 
unclaimed in this final rule, we adjusted the dates for submitting a 
list of unclaimed cultural items to the Manager of the National NAGPRA 
Program. For those cultural items that meet the definition of unclaimed 
cultural items on the effective date of the regulation, the list must 
be submitted within one year. We feel this provides Federal agencies 
with sufficient time to prepare this list. For items that meet the 
definition of unclaimed cultural items after the effective date of the 
regulation, the list must be submitted within one year after the 
cultural items meet the definition. This allows for Federal agencies to 
submit lists of unclaimed cultural items at regular intervals. To 
simplify the reporting requirements, a Federal agency could submit a 
list of all unclaimed cultural items that met the definition for 
unclaimed cultural items during the previous year and still be 
compliant with the regulation.

[[Page 68467]]

    For example, under the definition at Sec.  10.2 (h)(2)(ii), if a 
Federal agency:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                   and cannot
                               reasonably identify
                              any Indian tribes or   then a list of the
 obtains cultural items from     Native Hawaiian    unclaimed items must
   Federal lands on . . .       organizations or     be submitted by . .
                               lineal descendants             .
                                 as a potential
                                claimant by . . .
------------------------------------------------------------------------
January 19, 2016............  January 19, 2018....  January 19, 2019.
May 23, 2016................  May 23, 2018........  May 23, 2019.
October 16, 2016............  October 16, 2018....  October 16, 2019.
December 5, 2016............  December 5, 2018....  December 5, 2019.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    In this example, a list submitted on January 18, 2019, of all 
unclaimed cultural items that met the definition during calendar year 
2018 would satisfy the requirements of this final rule.
    Alternately, under the definition at Sec.  10.2 (h)(2)(i), if a 
Federal agency:

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                        and publishes a notice
                                      under Sec.   10.6(c) after  and no Indian tribe or
                                        determining the lineal        Native Hawaiian
obtains cultural items from Federal   descendant, Indian tribe,   organization submits a    then a list of the
           lands on . . .                 or Native Hawaiian        claim, or no lineal    unclaimed items must
                                      organization that appears   descendant responds to   be submitted by . . .
                                     to be entitled to ownership    the notice by . . .
                                         or control on . . .
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
January 19, 2016...................  January 18, 2018...........  January 18, 2019......  January 18, 2020.
May 23, 2016.......................  May 22, 2018...............  May 22, 2019..........  May 22, 2020.
October 16, 2016...................  October 15, 2018...........  October 15, 2019......  October 15, 2020.
December 5, 2016...................  December 4, 2018...........  December 4, 2019......  December 4, 2020.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    In this example, a list submitted on January 17, 2020, of all 
unclaimed cultural items that met the definition during calendar year 
2019 would satisfy the requirements of this final rule.
    Comment 12: Five commenters stated that the National NAGPRA Program 
should be required to post the lists submitted by Federal agencies to 
its Web site.
    Our Response: The National NAGPRA Program publishes information on 
summaries, inventories, and notices on its Web site, and will publish 
similar information for these lists.

Final Rule Sec.  10.7(b)(2) Federal Agencies Must Care for Unclaimed 
Cultural Items Consistent With the Federal Curation Regulations at 36 
CFR Part 79

    Comment 13: Seven commenters requested an expansion of the language 
in the proposed rule, including adding language directly from 36 CFR 
part 79 in the text of Sec.  10.7. Some of these commenters noted that 
some cultural items under NAGPRA do not fit within the definitions 
established by 36 CFR part 79.
    Our Response: This final rule requires Federal agencies to care for 
and manage all unclaimed cultural items under NAGPRA in a manner 
consistent with but not pursuant to 36 CFR part 79. Even unclaimed 
cultural items that do not fit the definitions of 36 CFR part 79 must 
be provided with the same level of care and management as those items 
that are covered by 36 CFR part 79. There is no need to include the 
text at 36 CFR part 79 in this final rule.
    Comment 14: One commenter suggested that, in addition to 36 CFR 
part 79, unclaimed cultural items should be cared for in accordance 
with a Plan of Action if one was prepared under Sec.  10.5(e).
    Our Response: As long as there is no conflict with this final rule, 
a Plan of Action prepared under Sec.  10.5(e) related to the care and 
management of unclaimed cultural items that is consistent with 36 CFR 
part 79 and already in place may still be used.

Final Rule Sec.  10.7(b)(3) Federal Agencies Must Consider and Respect 
the Traditions of Identified Potential Claimants to the Maximum Extent 
Feasible

    Comment 15: Three commenters stated that there should be respect 
for cultural practices of potential claimants to unclaimed cultural 
items.
    Our Response: We agree, and in the final rule we clarified that the 
potential claimants referenced in this section are the potential 
claimants listed in a notice of intended disposition.
    Comment 16: Five commenters stated that the word ``feasible'' was 
vague and should be replaced with ``permitted under law.''
    Our Response: There are no applicable laws that require 
consideration or respect of potential claimants to unclaimed cultural 
items. The suggested wording is more restrictive and could result in 
less consideration for the traditions of potential claimants. We 
believe that the word ``feasible'' provides Federal agencies with 
appropriate discretion to respect the desires of potential claimants 
listed in a notice of intended disposition, and better aligns with the 
existing requirements at Sec.  10.5(e)(7).

Final Rule Sec.  10.7(c) Federal Agencies May Transfer Control of 
Unclaimed Cultural Items

    Comment 17: Five commenters approved of the process for 
transferring control of unclaimed cultural items to other Indian tribes 
or Native Hawaiian organizations. One of these commenters suggested 
concurrence with any disposition plan should be required from any non-
claiming Indian tribes. One of these commenters suggested that tribal 
laws or customs of the Indian tribe with the closest cultural 
relationship to the unclaimed cultural items should be followed. One of 
these commenters suggested the word ``another'' before Indian tribe or 
Native Hawaiian organization should not be used and ``an'' should be 
substituted.
    Our Response: The transferee of unclaimed cultural items will have 
the right to control the disposition of the cultural items, as no 
potential claimant will have made a claim. Consequently, we have 
specified in this final rule that the transfer of cultural items is 
conditioned on the transferee agreeing to accept transfer and treat the 
cultural items according to the transferee's own laws and customs. 
Also, in this final rule we have specified that the transferee in 
question is an Indian tribe or Native Hawaiian organization that is

[[Page 68468]]

not an Indian tribe or Native Hawaiian organization with a potential 
claim to the unclaimed cultural items.
    Comment 18: Three commenters stated that transfer should be allowed 
to Indian groups that are not federally recognized, and that Sec.  10.7 
should include the same authority to transfer as applied to culturally 
unidentifiable human remains in 43 CFR 10.11(c)(2)(ii)(A).
    Our Response: Because this was not proposed, including non-
federally recognized Indian groups among the potential transferees of 
cultural items is beyond the scope of this final rule. This comment 
will be considered during any proposed revision of these regulations in 
their entirety.

Final Rule Sec.  10.7(d) Federal Agencies May Reinter Unclaimed Human 
Remains or Funerary Objects

    Comment 19: One commenter stated that reinterment should be noted 
as satisfactory for the requirement to care and manage cultural items 
consistent with 36 CFR part 79.
    Our Response: Title 36 CFR part 79 does not address reinterment. 
Under this final rule, the requirement to care for and manage unclaimed 
cultural items consistent with 36 CFR part 79 does not impinge on, or 
otherwise affect, the discretion of a Federal agency to transfer or 
reinter cultural items for which it acts as caretaker or temporary 
custodian.
    Comment 20: Three commenters stated that the draft rule unfairly 
emphasized reinterment and precluded options for other disposition 
strategies, including cooperative curation agreements or future claims. 
One of these commenters also felt allowing reinterment violates tribal 
rights as established in the Act in section 11 (25 U.S.C. 3009).
    Our Response: This final rule provides a Federal agency with the 
discretion to transfer or reinter unclaimed cultural items. It does not 
require either of these actions. Also, this final rule is consistent 
with sections 3(e) and 11(1)(B) of the Act (25 U.S.C. 3002(e) and 
3009(1)(B), respectively). In order to take the actions under sections 
3(e) and 11(1)(B) of the Act, an Indian tribe or Native Hawaiian 
organization must first have control of the cultural items in question.
    Comment 21: Five commenters stated that the draft rule should put 
more emphasis on reinterment and require Federal agencies to justify 
not reinterring unclaimed cultural items. One of these commenters 
suggested that Federal agencies should use field documentation 
procedures and immediately rebury any human remains discovered on 
Federal land.
    Our Response: This final rule provides a Federal agency with the 
discretion to reinter unclaimed human remains or funerary objects 
according to applicable interment laws or policy. Requiring a Federal 
agency to immediately rebury human remains or funerary objects removed 
from Federal land contradicts section 3(a) of the Act (25 U.S.C. 
3002(a)).
    Comment 22: Two commenters stated that reinterment should require 
the concurrence of any potential claimants or consulting Indian tribes 
and Native Hawaiian organizations and any reinterment should be done in 
accordance with the tribal laws and customs of the potential claimants. 
One of these commenters felt any application of state law in 
reinterment should be restricted.
    Our Response: An Indian tribe or Native Hawaiian organization that 
has been identified as a potential claimant in a notice of intended 
disposition but has not made a claim does not control the right of 
disposition of human remains or funerary objects. The concurrence of 
such potential claimants or consulting Indian tribes and Native 
Hawaiian organizations with a proposed reburial of unclaimed human 
remains or funerary objects, and the conduct of the reburial in 
accordance with their laws and customs, are not legally required. 
Moreover, requiring a Federal agency to obtain the concurrence of the 
potential claimants very likely would be infeasible where there are 
multiple such Indian tribes or Native Hawaiian organizations, each 
having different laws and customs. However, this rule does not preclude 
a Federal agency from consulting with any potential claimant on the 
proposed reinterment of unclaimed human remains or funerary objects and 
on having the reburial conducted in accordance with their laws and 
customs. As for restricting the application of State law to the 
reinterment of unclaimed human remains or funerary objects, we have 
eliminated altogether the provision in the proposed rule allowing for 
the offer of human remains or funerary objects for disposition 
according to State or other law or policy.

Final Rule Sec.  10.7(e) Federal Agencies Must Follow Certain 
Requirements Prior to Transferring Control or Reinterring Under 
Paragraphs (c) and (d)

    Comment 23: Seven commenters stated that any notice related to the 
transfer or reinterment of unclaimed cultural items should be published 
in the Federal Register, either in addition to or in place of a notice 
in a newspaper. Three of these commenters suggested posting the notices 
to the National NAGPRA Program Web site in addition to other forms of 
notice.
    Our Response: We believe that requiring notices to be published in 
newspapers is consistent with other notice requirements currently 
required under the regulations at Sec.  10.6 implementing section 3 of 
the Act (25 U.S.C. 3002). This comment will be considered during any 
proposed revision of these regulations in their entirety. In light of 
technological changes since the promulgation of Sec.  10.6, we have 
provided a second form of notice of proposed transfer of cultural items 
or reinterment of unclaimed human remains or funerary objects through 
postings on the National NAGPRA Program's Web site.
    Comment 24: One commenter stated that the notice should include the 
previous determination of the Indian tribe or Native Hawaiian 
organization with priority of custody, if any (e.g., aboriginal land 
determination), and not only the ``affiliation, if any, of the 
unclaimed cultural items.''
    Our Response: In response to this comment, the final rule requires 
that the notice include a summary of consultation efforts under Sec.  
10.5. A summary of consultation efforts inherently will include the 
identification of any potential claimants.
    Comment 25: One commenter stated that a newspaper with general 
circulation ``in the area in which each potential claimant now 
resides'' is impractical. Disposition could possibly be to all Indian 
tribes or NHOs with standing under the Act.
    Our Response: In the case where potential claimants have been 
identified, the locations of the newspapers where a notice of proposed 
transfer or reinterment is published under this final rule are 
identical to the locations of the newspapers where a notice of intended 
disposition was published under Sec.  10.6(c). In the case of cultural 
items for which no potential claimant could be identified, the location 
where a notice of proposed transfer or reinterment is published is only 
the area in which the cultural items were excavated or discovered, and 
removed, as there are no potential claimants for these cultural items.
    Comment 26: One commenter stated that there was no process provided 
if an Indian tribe or Native Hawaiian organization asserts priority of 
ownership or control under section 3(a) of the Act and Sec.  10.6 . If 
the claim is determined to be valid, disposition

[[Page 68469]]

would occur under Sec.  10.6(c) and not under Sec.  10.7, as the 
cultural items would no longer be unclaimed.
    Our Response: If an Indian tribe or Native Hawaiian organization 
states a valid claim for cultural items appearing in a notice of 
proposed transfer or reinterment under Sec.  10.7, the cultural items 
are no longer unclaimed. As the Federal agency will no longer have the 
discretion to proceed with a transfer or reinterment under this final 
rule, the disposition of these cultural items will proceed under Sec.  
10.6(c). If the valid claim is from an Indian tribe or Native Hawaiian 
organization already listed in a notice of intended disposition, and if 
there are no competing claims, the Federal agency will transfer the 
right of control over the cultural items to the claimant. If the valid 
claim is from an Indian tribe or Native Hawaiian organization not 
already listed in a notice of intended disposition, the Federal agency 
will follow the notice provision under Sec.  10.6(c) prior to any 
transfer.

Final Rule Sec.  10.7(a) The Secretary Has the Authority To Promulgate 
the Rule on Unclaimed Cultural Items

    Comment 27: Two commenters suggested moving the statement on the 
purpose of this rule from the end of the rule to the beginning of the 
rule.
    Our Response: We agree. Proposed rule Sec.  10.7(e) has been 
renumbered Sec.  10.7(a) in this final rule.

Changes From the Proposed Rule

    Based on the preceding comments and responses, the drafters have 
made the following changes to the proposed rule language:
     Sec.  10.2(g)(5)(iv). This section specifies that 
disposition of unclaimed cultural items is established under Sec.  10.7 
of these regulations.
     Sec.  10.2(h)(2)(i). This section specifies that cultural 
items are unclaimed under the following circumstances: The Federal 
agency publishes a notice of intended disposition, and the agency has 
not received any claim from an Indian tribe or Native Hawaiian 
organization, or any response from a lineal descendant to the notice 
within one year of publishing the notice.
     Sec.  10.2(h)(2)(ii). This section specifies that cultural 
items are unclaimed under the following circumstances: The Federal 
agency knows, or has reason to know, that cultural items have been 
excavated or discovered on, and removed from Federal lands; for two 
years, the Federal agency has tried to reasonably identify any Indian 
tribe or Native Hawaiian organization, or a lineal descendant, as a 
potential claimant, and at the end of the two-year period, the Federal 
agency cannot reasonably identify an Indian tribe or Native Hawaiian 
organization, or a lineal descendant, as a potential claimant.
     Sec.  10.7(a) of the proposed rule has been renumbered 
Sec.  10.7(b) in this final rule.
     Sec.  10.7(a)(1) has been renumbered Sec.  10.7(b)(1) in 
this final rule. This section specifies that the list of unclaimed 
cultural items must include a summary of consultation efforts under 
Sec.  10.5, and adjusts the deadline for submitting a list of unclaimed 
cultural items. For those cultural items that meet the definition of 
unclaimed cultural items on the effective date of the regulation, a 
list of items must be submitted within one year. For items that meet 
the definition of unclaimed cultural items after the effective date of 
the regulation, a list of items must be submitted within one year of 
the cultural items becoming unclaimed.
     Sec.  10.7(a)(3) has been renumbered Sec.  10.7(b)(3) in 
this final rule. This section specifies that the potential claimants 
who are referenced are the potential claimants listed in a notice of 
intended disposition.
     Sec.  10.7(b) of the proposed rule has been renumbered 
Sec.  10.7(c) in this final rule. This section specifically identifies 
the Indian tribe or Native Hawaiian organization to which control may 
be transferred under this rule as an Indian tribe or Native Hawaiian 
organization that does not have a potential claim to the cultural 
items. Also, this section specifies that such transfer is conditioned 
on the transferee agreeing to accept transfer and treat the cultural 
items according to the transferee's own laws and customs.
     Sec.  10.7(c) of the proposed rule has been renumbered 
Sec.  10.7(d) in this final rule. This section specifies that, under 
this rule, any reinterment of unclaimed human remains or funerary 
objects by the Federal agency must be according to applicable interment 
laws. Also, the provision in the proposed rule regarding the offer of 
human remains or funerary objects for disposition according to State or 
other law has been eliminated.
     Sec.  10.7(d) of the proposed rule has been renumbered 
Sec.  10.7(e) in this final rule.
     Sec.  10.7(d)(3) has been renumbered Sec.  10.7(e)(3) in 
this final rule. This section specifies that the Manager of the 
National NAGPRA Program will post information received from the Federal 
agency under Sec.  10.7(e)(2) of this rule, on the National NAGPRA 
Program's Web site.
     Sec.  10.7(e) has been renumbered Sec.  10.7(a) in this 
final rule.

Compliance With Other Laws, Executive Orders, and Department Policy 
Regulatory Planning and Review (Executive Orders 12866 and 13563)

    Executive Order 12866 provides that the Office of Information and 
Regulatory Affairs will review all significant rules. The Office of 
Information and Regulatory Affairs has determined that this rule is not 
significant.
    Executive Order 13563 reaffirms the principles of E.O. 12866 while 
calling for improvements in the nation's regulatory system to promote 
predictability, to reduce uncertainty, and to use the best, most 
innovative, and least burdensome tools for achieving regulatory ends. 
The executive order directs agencies to consider regulatory approaches 
that reduce burdens and maintain flexibility and freedom of choice for 
the public where these approaches are relevant, feasible, and 
consistent with regulatory objectives, E.O. 13563 emphasizes further 
that regulations must be based on the best available science and that 
the rulemaking process must allow for public participation and an open 
exchange of ideas. We have developed this rule in a manner consistent 
with these requirements.

Regulatory Flexibility Act

    The Department of the Interior certifies that this rule will not 
have a significant economic effect on a substantial number of small 
entities under the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.). 
This rule only pertains to the disposition of cultural items in the 
custody of a Federal agency for which potential claimants have chosen 
not to take ownership or control, or when no potential claimants have 
been identified. Thus, this rule does not constitute a significant 
economic burden.

Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act

    This rule is not a major rule under 5 U.S.C. 804(2), the Small 
Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act. This rule:
    a. Does not have an annual effect on the economy of $100 million or 
more.
    b. Will not cause a major increase in costs or prices for 
consumers, individual industries, Federal, State, local or tribal 
government agencies, or geographic regions.
    c. Does not have significant adverse effects on competition, 
employment, investment, productivity, innovation, or

[[Page 68470]]

the ability of U.S.-based enterprises to compete with foreign-based 
enterprises.

Unfunded Mandates Reform Act (UMRA)

    This rule does not impose an unfunded mandate on State, local, or 
tribal governments or the private sector of more than $100 million per 
year. The rule does not have a significant or unique effect on State, 
local or tribal governments, or the private sector. A statement 
containing the information required by the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act 
(2 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.) is not required.

Takings (Executive Order 12630)

    This rule does not effect a taking of private property or otherwise 
have takings implications under Executive Order 12630. A takings 
implication assessment is not required. No taking of property will 
occur as a result of this rule.

Federalism (Executive Order 13132)

    Under the criteria in section 1 of Executive Order 13132, this rule 
does not have sufficient Federalism implications to warrant the 
preparation of a Federalism summary impact statement. A Federalism 
summary impact statement is not required.

Civil Justice Reform (Executive Order 12988)

    This rule complies with the requirements of Executive Order 12988. 
Specifically, this rule:
    (a) Meets the criteria of section 3(a) requiring that all 
regulations be reviewed to eliminate errors and ambiguity and be 
written to minimize litigation; and
    (b) Meets the criteria of section 3(b)(2) requiring that all 
regulations be written in clear language and contain clear legal 
standards.

Consultation With Indian Tribes (Executive Order 13175 and Department 
Policy)

    The Department of the Interior strives to strengthen its 
government-to-government relationship with Indian Tribes through a 
commitment to consultation with Indian Tribes and recognition of their 
right to self-governance and tribal sovereignty. In accordance with the 
Presidential Memorandum entitled ``Government to Government Relations 
with Native American Tribal Governments'' (59 FR 22951, April 29, 
1994); Executive Order 13175, ``Consultation and Coordination with 
Indian Tribal Governments'' (65 FR 67249, Nov. 9, 2000); the 
President's Memorandum for the Heads of Executive Departments and 
Agencies on the Implementation of Executive Order 13175 (Nov. 5, 2009); 
and the Secretary of the Interior's Order No. 3317--Department of the 
Interior Policy on Consultation With Indian Tribes (Dec. 1, 2011); we 
have evaluated this rule and determined that it has a potential effect 
on federally recognized Indian tribes. The rule was developed in 
consultation with the Native American Graves Protection and 
Repatriation Review Committee, which includes members nominated by 
Indian tribes and traditional religious leaders. Formal consultation 
with the Review Committee was held on November 16-17, 2005, in 
Albuquerque, NM; on April 19-20, 2007, in Washington, DC; on October 
15-16, 2007, in Phoenix, AZ; on May 15-16, 2008, in De Pere, WI; on 
October 30-31, 2009, in Sarasota, FL; and on November 18-19, 2010, in 
Washington, DC. Also, the Review Committee had an opportunity to 
comment on the proposed rule following publication, which it did at a 
public meeting on November 6, 2013, in Mt. Pleasant, MI.
    Formal consultation with Indian tribes began on November 15, 2005, 
in Albuquerque, NM, and continued on April 18, 2007, in Washington, DC, 
and on October 14, 2007, in Phoenix, AZ. We have fully considered 
tribal and Review Committee comments in the final rule.

Paperwork Reduction Act

    The Office of Management and Budget has approved the information 
collection requirements in 43 CFR part 10 and assigned OMB Control 
Number 1024-0144. This rule does not contain any new information 
collections that require OMB approval under the Paperwork Reduction 
Act. An agency may not conduct or sponsor and you are not required to 
respond to a collection of information unless it displays a currently 
valid OMB control number.

National Environmental Policy Act

    This rule does not constitute a major Federal action significantly 
affecting the quality of the human environment. A detailed statement 
under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 is not required 
because the rule is covered by a categorical exclusion under 43 CFR 
46.210(i): ``Policies, directives, regulations, and guidelines: That 
are of an administrative, financial, legal, technical, or procedural 
nature; or whose environmental effects are too broad, speculative, or 
conjectural to lend themselves to meaningful analysis and will later be 
subject to the NEPA process, either collectively or case-by-case.'' We 
have also determined that the rule does not involve any of the 
extraordinary circumstances listed in 43 CFR 46.215 that would require 
further analysis under the National Environmental Policy Act.

Effects on the Energy Supply (Executive Order 13211)

    This rule is not a significant energy action under the definition 
in Executive Order 13211. A statement of Energy Effects is not 
required.

Drafting Information

    The proposed rule and this final rule were prepared by staff of the 
National NAGPRA Program, National Park Service; Office of Regulations 
and Special Park Uses, National Park Service; and Office of the 
Solicitor, Division of Parks and Wildlife and Division of Indian 
Affairs, Department of the Interior.

List of Subjects in 43 CFR Part 10

    Administrative practice and procedure, Hawaiian Natives, Historic 
preservation, Indians-claims, Indians-lands, Museums, Penalties, Public 
lands, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements.

    In consideration of the foregoing, the Department amends 43 CFR 
part 10 as follows:

PART 10--NATIVE AMERICAN GRAVES PROTECTION AND REPATRIATION 
REGULATIONS

0
1. The authority citation for part 10 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 16 U.S.C. 470dd; 25 U.S.C. 9, 3001 et seq.


0
2. Amend Sec.  10.2 by adding paragraph (g)(5)(iv) and paragraph (h) to 
read as follows:


Sec.  10.2  Definitions.

* * * * *
    (g) * * *
    (5) * * *
    (iv) Disposition of unclaimed human remains, funerary objects, 
sacred objects, or objects of cultural patrimony is governed by Sec.  
10.7.
    (h) Unclaimed cultural items means Native American human remains, 
funerary objects, sacred objects, or objects of cultural patrimony:
    (1) That have been excavated or discovered on, and removed from, 
Federal lands after November 16, 1990, and
    (2) Whose disposition under 25 U.S.C. 3002(a) and Sec.  10.6 of 
this part has not occurred because either:
    (i) Within one year after publication of a notice under Sec.  
10.6(c) of this part,

[[Page 68471]]

no Indian tribe or Native Hawaiian organization has sent a written 
claim for the cultural items to the appropriate Federal agency, or no 
lineal descendant has responded to a notice for human remains and 
associated funerary objects; or
    (ii) Within two years after knowing or having reason to know that 
cultural items were excavated or discovered, and removed, the 
appropriate Federal agency could not reasonably identify any Indian 
tribe or Native Hawaiian organization or lineal descendant as a 
potential claimant.


0
3. Add Sec.  10.7 to read as follows:


Sec.  10.7  Disposition of unclaimed human remains, funerary objects, 
sacred objects, or objects of cultural patrimony.

    (a) This section carries out section 3(b) of the Act (25 U.S.C. 
3002(b)) regarding unclaimed cultural items.
    (b) A Federal agency that has unclaimed cultural items (human 
remains, funerary objects, sacred objects, or objects of cultural 
patrimony) must:
    (1) Submit a list of the items to the Manager, National NAGPRA 
Program that describes the general place of discovery or excavation, 
and removal; the nature of the unclaimed cultural items; and a summary 
of consultation efforts under Sec.  10.5 of this part. This list must 
be received by December 5, 2016, or within 1 year after the cultural 
items have become unclaimed under Sec.  10.2(h), whichever is later;
    (2) Care for and manage unclaimed cultural items consistent with 
the regulations at 36 CFR part 79; and
    (3) To the maximum extent feasible, consider and respect the 
traditions of any potential claimants listed in a notice under Sec.  
10.6(c) concerning the unclaimed cultural items, including, but not 
limited to, traditions regarding housing, maintenance, and 
preservation.
    (c) Subject to paragraph (e) of this section, a Federal agency that 
has unclaimed cultural items may, upon request, transfer them to an 
Indian tribe or Native Hawaiian organization that is not a potential 
claimant and agrees:
    (1) To accept transfer; and
    (2) To treat them according to the laws and customs of the 
transferee.
    (d) Subject to paragraph (e) of this section, a Federal agency that 
has unclaimed human remains or funerary objects may reinter them 
according to applicable interment laws.
    (e) Before a Federal agency makes a transfer or reinterment under 
paragraphs (c) or (d) of this section, it must:
    (1) Submit the list required under paragraph (b)(1) of this section 
to the Manager, National NAGPRA Program; and
    (2) Publish a notice of the proposed transfer or reinterment in a 
newspaper of general circulation in the area in which the unclaimed 
cultural items were excavated or discovered, and removed, and, if 
applicable, in a newspaper of general circulation in the area in which 
each potential claimant now resides.
    (i) The notice must explain the nature of the unclaimed cultural 
items, summarize consultation efforts under Sec.  10.5, and solicit 
claims under the priority of ownership or control in section 3(a) of 
the Act (25 U.S.C. 3002(a)) and Sec.  10.6.
    (ii) The notice must be published at least two times at least a 
week apart.
    (iii) The transfer or reinterment may not take place until at least 
30 days after publication of the second notice to allow time for any 
claimants under the priority of ownership or control in section 3(a) of 
the Act and Sec.  10.6 to come forward.
    (3) Send to the Manager, National NAGPRA Program a copy of the 
notice published under paragraph (d)(2) of this section and information 
on when and in what newspaper(s) the notice was published. The National 
NAGPRA Program will post information from published notices on its Web 
site.

    Dated: October 21, 2015.
Michael Bean,
Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Fish and Wildlife and Parks .
[FR Doc. 2015-28041 Filed 11-4-15; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4310-EJ-P



                                                                 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 214 / Thursday, November 5, 2015 / Rules and Regulations                                        68465

                                                List of Subjects in 40 CFR Part 52                      broader term ‘‘cultural items’’ (25 U.S.C.            Indian organization, 1 non-federally
                                                  Environmental protection, Air                         3001(3)). Pursuant to Section 13 of                   recognized Indian group, 1 Native
                                                pollution control, Incorporation by                     NAGPRA (25 U.S.C. 3011), the                          Hawaiian organization, 1 museum, 1
                                                reference, Intergovernmental relations,                 Department of the Interior (Department)               scientific organization, 3 Federal
                                                Particulate matter, Reporting and                       published the initial rules to implement              entities, 6 individual members of the
                                                recordkeeping requirements.                             NAGPRA in 1995 (60 FR 62158,                          public, and 1 anonymous commenter.
                                                                                                        December 4, 1995); those rules are now                All relevant comments on the proposed
                                                  Dated: October 22, 2015.                              codified at 43 CFR part 10.                           rule were considered during the final
                                                Susan Hedman,                                           Subsequently, the Department                          rulemaking.
                                                Regional Administrator, Region 5.                       published additional rules concerning:
                                                                                                           • Civil penalties (68 FR 16354, April              Final Rule 43 CFR 10.2 Definition of
                                                [FR Doc. 2015–28095 Filed 11–4–15; 8:45 am]
                                                                                                        3, 2003);                                             ‘‘Unclaimed Cultural Items’’
                                                BILLING CODE 6560–50–P
                                                                                                           • Future applicability (72 FR 13189,                  Comment 1: Four commenters stated
                                                                                                        March 21, 2007); and                                  that the definition of unclaimed cultural
                                                                                                           • Disposition of culturally                        items should include the phrase ‘‘as
                                                DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR                              unidentifiable human remains (75 FR                   used in § 10.7 of this part.’’
                                                Office of the Secretary of the Interior                 12378, March 15, 2010).
                                                                                                           Section 3(b) of the Act (25 U.S.C. 3002               Our Response: The term ‘‘unclaimed
                                                                                                        (b)) explicitly directs the Secretary to              cultural items’’ is used only in § 10.7
                                                43 CFR Part 10                                                                                                and therefore the specific reference is
                                                                                                        publish regulations for the disposition
                                                [NPS–WASO–NAGPRA–19087;                                 of unclaimed cultural items excavated                 not needed.
                                                PPWOCRADN0–PCU00RP14.R50000]                            or discovered on, and removed from,                      Comment 2: Three commenters stated
                                                                                                        Federal lands after November 16, 1990.                that the definition of unclaimed cultural
                                                RIN 1024–AE00                                                                                                 items should be expanded and the
                                                                                                        When we published the NAGPRA
                                                                                                        regulations on December 4, 1995, we                   difference between the categories of
                                                Disposition of Unclaimed Human
                                                                                                        reserved 43 CFR 10.7 for this purpose.                unclaimed cultural items be clarified.
                                                Remains, Funerary Objects, Sacred
                                                                                                           This rule is limited to Federal lands,             One of these commenters added that the
                                                Objects, or Objects of Cultural
                                                                                                        as NAGPRA provides that ownership or                  definition should provide a timeframe
                                                Patrimony
                                                                                                        control of any cultural item excavated or             that structures how long cultural items
                                                AGENCY:    Office of the Secretary, Interior.           discovered on, and removed from, tribal               must be held by the Federal agency
                                                ACTION:   Final rule.                                   land after November 16, 1990, is in                   prior to being classified as unclaimed.
                                                                                                        either a known lineal descendant (for                    Our Response: We agree. In the final
                                                SUMMARY:   This final rule provides                     human remains and associated funerary                 rule, we have revised the definition of
                                                procedures for the disposition of                       objects) or in the Indian tribe from                  unclaimed cultural items and clarified
                                                unclaimed human remains, funerary                       whose tribal land the cultural items                  the difference between the categories.
                                                objects, sacred objects, or objects of                  were removed, and does not require the                We have included a timeframe.
                                                cultural patrimony excavated or                         lineal descendant or the Indian tribe to                 Comment 3: Four commenters stated
                                                discovered on, and removed from,                        make a claim for the cultural items.                  that the definition of unclaimed cultural
                                                Federal lands after November 16, 1990.                     Consultation regarding a proposed                  items imposes an inappropriate time
                                                It implements section 3(b) of the Native                rule for § 10.7 began in 2005. On three               limit on Indian tribes and Native
                                                American Graves Protection and                          separate occasions, we consulted with                 Hawaiian organizations to make claims
                                                Repatriation Act.                                       representatives of Indian tribes, Native              for cultural items. One of these
                                                DATES: The rule is effective December 7,                Hawaiian organizations, museums, and                  commenters added that the definition
                                                2015.                                                   scientific organizations. We also                     assumes Federal agencies have been
                                                FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
                                                                                                        consulted with the Native American                    proactive and have provided notice to
                                                Melanie O’Brien, Manager, National                      Graves Protection and Repatriation                    all potential claimants.
                                                NAGPRA Program, National Park                           Review Committee (Review Committee)
                                                                                                                                                                 Our Response: A potential claimant
                                                Service, 1849 C Street NW.,                             during its scheduled meetings in
                                                                                                                                                              may make a claim for unclaimed
                                                Washington, DC 20240, telephone (202)                   Albuquerque, NM (November 2005);
                                                                                                                                                              cultural items at any time prior to
                                                354–2204, email melanie_o’brien@                        Washington, DC (April 2007); Phoenix,
                                                                                                                                                              transfer or reinterment under this rule.
                                                nps.gov.                                                AZ (October 2007); and Washington, DC
                                                                                                                                                              While the rule establishes a timeframe
                                                                                                        (November 2010).
                                                SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:                                 We published a proposed rule on                    for cultural items to become unclaimed,
                                                                                                        October 29, 2013 (78 FR 64436). Public                there is no timeline imposed for Federal
                                                Background                                                                                                    agencies to transfer or to reinter cultural
                                                                                                        comment was invited for a 60-day
                                                  The Secretary of the Interior                         period, ending December 30, 2013. The                 items. We feel the timeframes
                                                (Secretary) is responsible for                          proposed rule also was posted on the                  established by the definitions in this
                                                implementation of the Native American                   National Park Service’s National                      final rule strike an appropriate balance
                                                Graves Protection and Repatriation Act                  NAGPRA Program Web site. The Review                   between assuring Federal agencies that
                                                (NAGPRA or Act) (25 U.S.C. 3001 et                      Committee commented on the record on                  the NAGPRA process will end at a
                                                seq.), including the issuance of                        the proposed rule at a public meeting on              certain time and granting non-claimant
                                                appropriate regulations implementing                    November 6, 2013.                                     Indian tribes and Native Hawaiian
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                                                and interpreting its provisions.                                                                              organizations an opportunity to request
                                                NAGPRA addresses the rights of lineal                   Summary of and Responses to                           the transfer of these cultural items.
                                                descendants, Indian tribes, and Native                  Comments on the Proposed Rule                            Comment 4: One commenter stated
                                                Hawaiian organizations in certain                         During the comment period, we                       that the definition of ‘‘disposition’’ in
                                                human remains, funerary objects, sacred                 received 27 written comments on the                   § 10.2(g)(5) should be changed to
                                                objects, and objects of cultural                        proposed rule, contained in 20 separate               include disposition of unclaimed
                                                patrimony, for which the Act uses the                   submissions from 5 Indian tribes, 1                   cultural items.


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                                                68466            Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 214 / Thursday, November 5, 2015 / Rules and Regulations

                                                   Our Response: We agree. In this final                   Comment 8: One commenter stated                    these commenters added that the list of
                                                rule, we have added a new paragraph at                  that the phrase ‘‘a list of the items’’               unclaimed cultural items should
                                                § 10.2 (g)(5)(iv).                                      should be replaced with ‘‘a list of                   identify which items have potential
                                                   Comment 5: One commenter stated                      currently held items.’’ The commenter                 claimants and which items have no
                                                that a notice under § 10.6(c) is only                   also suggested that ‘‘the nature’’ of                 identified potential claimants.
                                                required upon ‘‘proposed disposition,’’                 unclaimed items be better explained.                     Our Response: The proposed rule
                                                and not upon the determination of an                       Our Response: The sentence                         required that the list include a
                                                Indian tribe entitled to priority of                    introducing § 10.7(b)(1) in this final rule           description of the place of discovery
                                                custody. Therefore, publication of a                    (previously § 10.7(a)(1)) states the                  and the nature of the unclaimed cultural
                                                notice under § 10.6(c) cannot be a                      unclaimed cultural items on the list are              items, and these requirements are
                                                determining factor in the definition of                 items that the Federal agency ‘‘has.’’ We             retained in this final rule at § 10.7(b)(1).
                                                unclaimed cultural items.                               believe that the use of the present tense             We agree that information on
                                                   Our Response: A notice under                         in the introductory sentence makes clear              consultation efforts under 43 CFR 10.5
                                                § 10.6(c) is not dependent on an actual                 that the reporting requirement refers to              could be useful for purposes of
                                                claim but is dependent on the existence                 unclaimed cultural items currently held               disposition of cultural items. In
                                                of a potential claimant. Under section                  by the Federal agency. The required                   response to these comments, this final
                                                3(a) of the Act (25 U.S.C. 3002(a)),                    description of ‘‘the nature of the                    rule requires that the list include a
                                                ownership or control of cultural items is               unclaimed cultural items’’ is the same                summary of consultation efforts under
                                                transferred to the Indian tribe or Native               as the current requirement in a notice                § 10.5. A summary of consultation
                                                Hawaiian organization which ‘‘upon                      under 43 CFR 10.6(c). The purpose of                  efforts inherently will include the
                                                notice, states a claim. . .’’ The notice                both documents is the same—to provide                 identification of potential claimants. We
                                                required by § 10.6(c) precedes a claim                  information adequate to allow lineal                  have qualified that the description of
                                                from an Indian tribe or Native Hawaiian                 descendants, Indian tribes, or Native                 the place of discovery or excavation,
                                                organization and is dependent only                      Hawaiian organizations to determine                   and removal, should generally protect
                                                upon the identification of one or more                  their interest in the cultural items under            any sensitive information.
                                                Indian tribes or Native Hawaiian                        these regulations.
                                                                                                                                                                 Comment 11: Three commenters
                                                organizations or lineal descendants as a                   Comment 9: One commenter stated
                                                                                                                                                              questioned the date of the reporting
                                                potential claimant. Furthermore, that                   that there is nothing in the statute that
                                                                                                        allows the National NAGPRA Program                    requirement for Federal agencies to
                                                notice is the only communication to the
                                                                                                        to create and maintain an inventory of                submit a list of unclaimed cultural items
                                                public during the disposition process.
                                                                                                        cultural items that have been removed                 to the National NAGPRA Program. One
                                                Consequently, publication of a notice
                                                                                                        from Federal lands after 1990,                        of these commenters added that it
                                                under § 10.6(c) is an appropriate factor
                                                                                                        unclaimed or otherwise. The commenter                 would be difficult for Federal agencies
                                                for determining when cultural items
                                                                                                        suggested that Federal agencies should                to track when reports were required, as
                                                become unclaimed.
                                                   Comment 6: One commenter stated                      convey periodic notices of the existence              cultural items might have varying
                                                that reasonableness is not a criterion for              of unclaimed cultural items to potential              reporting deadlines. Two of these
                                                transfer of custody under the                           claimants but not report those items to               commenters added that the requirement
                                                disposition process established in                      the National NAGPRA Program.                          should be shortened and lists should be
                                                § 10.6. The definition at § 10.2(h)(2)(ii)                 Our Response: Section 3(b) of the Act              submitted within one year or 90 days
                                                should read: ‘‘No Indian tribe with                     (25 U.S.C. 3002(b)) directs the Secretary             after excavation or discovery and
                                                priority of custody has been identified.’’              to promulgate regulations for the                     removal.
                                                   Our Response: We believe, as a                       disposition of unclaimed cultural items                  Our Response: By adding to the
                                                general matter, that Federal agencies                   in consultation with the Native                       definition of unclaimed cultural items
                                                should use reasonable efforts in                        American Graves Protection and                        the specific circumstances under which
                                                complying with the requirements of                      Repatriation Review Committee and                     cultural items become unclaimed in this
                                                NAGPRA. In addition, section 3(a)(2)(C)                 other interested parties. The Review                  final rule, we adjusted the dates for
                                                of the Act (25 U.S.C. 3002 (a)(2)(C))                   Committee recommended that the                        submitting a list of unclaimed cultural
                                                explicitly states that the cultural                     National NAGPRA Program maintain a                    items to the Manager of the National
                                                affiliation of cultural items is                        database of unclaimed cultural items.                 NAGPRA Program. For those cultural
                                                established using a reasonableness                      We have included the Review                           items that meet the definition of
                                                standard.                                               Committee’s recommendation in this                    unclaimed cultural items on the
                                                                                                        final rule. The list of unclaimed cultural            effective date of the regulation, the list
                                                Final Rule § 10.7(b)(1) Federal                         items submitted to the National                       must be submitted within one year. We
                                                Agencies Must Report Unclaimed                          NAGPRA Program promotes                               feel this provides Federal agencies with
                                                Cultural Items to the Manager, National                 transparency in the disposition of                    sufficient time to prepare this list. For
                                                NAGPRA Program                                          unclaimed cultural items by providing                 items that meet the definition of
                                                   Comment 7: One commenter stated                      information adequate to allow lineal                  unclaimed cultural items after the
                                                that the term ‘‘has’’ is better defined by              descendants, Indian tribes, or Native                 effective date of the regulation, the list
                                                adding ‘‘possession or control’’ after it.              Hawaiian organizations to determine                   must be submitted within one year after
                                                   Our Response: A Federal agency does                  their interest in cultural items under                the cultural items meet the definition.
                                                not have ‘‘possession’’ or ‘‘control’’ of               these regulations.                                    This allows for Federal agencies to
                                                cultural items that are excavated or                       Comment 10: Seven commenters                       submit lists of unclaimed cultural items
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                                                discovered on, and removed from,                        stated that the list of unclaimed cultural            at regular intervals. To simplify the
                                                Federal lands after November 16, 1990,                  items should include additional                       reporting requirements, a Federal
                                                as the terms ‘‘possession’’ and ‘‘control’’             information. Suggestions included the                 agency could submit a list of all
                                                are defined in § 10.2. Instead, the                     specific site of removal, the specific                unclaimed cultural items that met the
                                                Federal agency acts as caretaker or                     types of cultural items, the names of                 definition for unclaimed cultural items
                                                temporary custodian for these cultural                  those consulted on the cultural items,                during the previous year and still be
                                                items.                                                  and any potential claimants. One of                   compliant with the regulation.


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                                                                   Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 214 / Thursday, November 5, 2015 / Rules and Regulations                                                                        68467

                                                  For example, under the definition at
                                                § 10.2 (h)(2)(ii), if a Federal agency:

                                                                                                                     and cannot reasonably identify any Indian
                                                obtains cultural items from Federal lands on                         tribes or Native Hawaiian organizations or lin-                    then a list of the unclaimed items must be
                                                . . .                                                                eal descendants as a potential claimant by                         submitted by . . .
                                                                                                                     . . .

                                                January 19, 2016 ...............................................     January 19, 2018 .............................................     January 19, 2019.
                                                May 23, 2016 .....................................................   May 23, 2018 ...................................................   May 23, 2019.
                                                October 16, 2016 ...............................................     October 16, 2018 .............................................     October 16, 2019.
                                                December 5, 2016 ..............................................      December 5, 2018 ...........................................       December 5, 2019.



                                                  In this example, a list submitted on                               during calendar year 2018 would satisfy                              Alternately, under the definition at
                                                January 18, 2019, of all unclaimed                                   the requirements of this final rule.                               § 10.2 (h)(2)(i), if a Federal agency:
                                                cultural items that met the definition

                                                                                       and publishes a notice under § 10.6(c) after de-                        and no Indian tribe or Native Hawai-                then a list of the un-
                                                obtains cultural items from            termining the lineal descendant, Indian tribe, or                       ian organization submits a claim, or                claimed items must be
                                                Federal lands on . . .                 Native Hawaiian organization that appears to be                         no lineal descendant responds to the                submitted by . . .
                                                                                       entitled to ownership or control on . . .                               notice by . . .

                                                January 19, 2016 .............         January 18, 2018 ..................................................     January 18, 2019 ..............................     January 18, 2020.
                                                May 23, 2016 ...................       May 22, 2018 ........................................................   May 22, 2019 ....................................   May 22, 2020.
                                                October 16, 2016 .............         October 15, 2018 ..................................................     October 15, 2019 ..............................     October 15, 2020.
                                                December 5, 2016 ...........           December 4, 2018 .................................................      December 4, 2019 .............................      December 4, 2020.



                                                   In this example, a list submitted on                              There is no need to include the text at                            word ‘‘feasible’’ provides Federal
                                                January 17, 2020, of all unclaimed                                   36 CFR part 79 in this final rule.                                 agencies with appropriate discretion to
                                                cultural items that met the definition                                 Comment 14: One commenter                                        respect the desires of potential
                                                during calendar year 2019 would satisfy                              suggested that, in addition to 36 CFR                              claimants listed in a notice of intended
                                                the requirements of this final rule.                                 part 79, unclaimed cultural items                                  disposition, and better aligns with the
                                                   Comment 12: Five commenters stated                                should be cared for in accordance with                             existing requirements at § 10.5(e)(7).
                                                                                                                     a Plan of Action if one was prepared
                                                that the National NAGPRA Program                                                                                                        Final Rule § 10.7(c) Federal Agencies
                                                                                                                     under § 10.5(e).
                                                should be required to post the lists                                                                                                    May Transfer Control of Unclaimed
                                                                                                                       Our Response: As long as there is no
                                                submitted by Federal agencies to its                                 conflict with this final rule, a Plan of                           Cultural Items
                                                Web site.                                                            Action prepared under § 10.5(e) related                               Comment 17: Five commenters
                                                   Our Response: The National NAGPRA                                 to the care and management of                                      approved of the process for transferring
                                                Program publishes information on                                     unclaimed cultural items that is                                   control of unclaimed cultural items to
                                                summaries, inventories, and notices on                               consistent with 36 CFR part 79 and                                 other Indian tribes or Native Hawaiian
                                                its Web site, and will publish similar                               already in place may still be used.                                organizations. One of these commenters
                                                information for these lists.                                                                                                            suggested concurrence with any
                                                                                                                     Final Rule § 10.7(b)(3) Federal
                                                Final Rule § 10.7(b)(2) Federal                                      Agencies Must Consider and Respect the                             disposition plan should be required
                                                Agencies Must Care for Unclaimed                                     Traditions of Identified Potential                                 from any non-claiming Indian tribes.
                                                Cultural Items Consistent With the                                   Claimants to the Maximum Extent                                    One of these commenters suggested that
                                                Federal Curation Regulations at 36 CFR                               Feasible                                                           tribal laws or customs of the Indian tribe
                                                Part 79                                                                                                                                 with the closest cultural relationship to
                                                                                                                        Comment 15: Three commenters
                                                                                                                     stated that there should be respect for                            the unclaimed cultural items should be
                                                   Comment 13: Seven commenters                                                                                                         followed. One of these commenters
                                                requested an expansion of the language                               cultural practices of potential claimants
                                                                                                                     to unclaimed cultural items.                                       suggested the word ‘‘another’’ before
                                                in the proposed rule, including adding                                                                                                  Indian tribe or Native Hawaiian
                                                                                                                        Our Response: We agree, and in the
                                                language directly from 36 CFR part 79                                                                                                   organization should not be used and
                                                                                                                     final rule we clarified that the potential
                                                in the text of § 10.7. Some of these                                                                                                    ‘‘an’’ should be substituted.
                                                                                                                     claimants referenced in this section are
                                                commenters noted that some cultural                                                                                                        Our Response: The transferee of
                                                                                                                     the potential claimants listed in a notice
                                                items under NAGPRA do not fit within                                                                                                    unclaimed cultural items will have the
                                                                                                                     of intended disposition.
                                                the definitions established by 36 CFR                                   Comment 16: Five commenters stated                              right to control the disposition of the
                                                part 79.                                                             that the word ‘‘feasible’’ was vague and                           cultural items, as no potential claimant
                                                   Our Response: This final rule requires                            should be replaced with ‘‘permitted                                will have made a claim. Consequently,
                                                Federal agencies to care for and manage                              under law.’’                                                       we have specified in this final rule that
                                                all unclaimed cultural items under                                      Our Response: There are no                                      the transfer of cultural items is
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                                                NAGPRA in a manner consistent with                                   applicable laws that require                                       conditioned on the transferee agreeing
                                                but not pursuant to 36 CFR part 79.                                  consideration or respect of potential                              to accept transfer and treat the cultural
                                                Even unclaimed cultural items that do                                claimants to unclaimed cultural items.                             items according to the transferee’s own
                                                not fit the definitions of 36 CFR part 79                            The suggested wording is more                                      laws and customs. Also, in this final
                                                must be provided with the same level of                              restrictive and could result in less                               rule we have specified that the
                                                care and management as those items                                   consideration for the traditions of                                transferee in question is an Indian tribe
                                                that are covered by 36 CFR part 79.                                  potential claimants. We believe that the                           or Native Hawaiian organization that is


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                                                68468            Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 214 / Thursday, November 5, 2015 / Rules and Regulations

                                                not an Indian tribe or Native Hawaiian                  immediately rebury any human remains                  to or in place of a notice in a newspaper.
                                                organization with a potential claim to                  discovered on Federal land.                           Three of these commenters suggested
                                                the unclaimed cultural items.                              Our Response: This final rule                      posting the notices to the National
                                                  Comment 18: Three commenters                          provides a Federal agency with the                    NAGPRA Program Web site in addition
                                                stated that transfer should be allowed to               discretion to reinter unclaimed human                 to other forms of notice.
                                                Indian groups that are not federally                    remains or funerary objects according to                 Our Response: We believe that
                                                recognized, and that § 10.7 should                      applicable interment laws or policy.                  requiring notices to be published in
                                                include the same authority to transfer as               Requiring a Federal agency to                         newspapers is consistent with other
                                                applied to culturally unidentifiable                    immediately rebury human remains or                   notice requirements currently required
                                                human remains in 43 CFR                                 funerary objects removed from Federal                 under the regulations at § 10.6
                                                10.11(c)(2)(ii)(A).                                     land contradicts section 3(a) of the Act              implementing section 3 of the Act (25
                                                  Our Response: Because this was not                    (25 U.S.C. 3002(a)).                                  U.S.C. 3002). This comment will be
                                                proposed, including non-federally                          Comment 22: Two commenters stated                  considered during any proposed
                                                recognized Indian groups among the                      that reinterment should require the                   revision of these regulations in their
                                                potential transferees of cultural items is              concurrence of any potential claimants                entirety. In light of technological
                                                beyond the scope of this final rule. This               or consulting Indian tribes and Native                changes since the promulgation of
                                                comment will be considered during any                   Hawaiian organizations and any                        § 10.6, we have provided a second form
                                                proposed revision of these regulations                  reinterment should be done in                         of notice of proposed transfer of cultural
                                                in their entirety.                                      accordance with the tribal laws and                   items or reinterment of unclaimed
                                                                                                        customs of the potential claimants. One               human remains or funerary objects
                                                Final Rule § 10.7(d) Federal Agencies
                                                                                                        of these commenters felt any application              through postings on the National
                                                May Reinter Unclaimed Human                             of state law in reinterment should be                 NAGPRA Program’s Web site.
                                                Remains or Funerary Objects                             restricted.                                              Comment 24: One commenter stated
                                                   Comment 19: One commenter stated                        Our Response: An Indian tribe or                   that the notice should include the
                                                that reinterment should be noted as                     Native Hawaiian organization that has                 previous determination of the Indian
                                                satisfactory for the requirement to care                been identified as a potential claimant               tribe or Native Hawaiian organization
                                                and manage cultural items consistent                    in a notice of intended disposition but               with priority of custody, if any (e.g.,
                                                with 36 CFR part 79.                                    has not made a claim does not control                 aboriginal land determination), and not
                                                   Our Response: Title 36 CFR part 79                   the right of disposition of human                     only the ‘‘affiliation, if any, of the
                                                does not address reinterment. Under                     remains or funerary objects. The                      unclaimed cultural items.’’
                                                this final rule, the requirement to care                concurrence of such potential claimants                  Our Response: In response to this
                                                for and manage unclaimed cultural                       or consulting Indian tribes and Native                comment, the final rule requires that the
                                                items consistent with 36 CFR part 79                    Hawaiian organizations with a proposed                notice include a summary of
                                                does not impinge on, or otherwise                       reburial of unclaimed human remains or                consultation efforts under § 10.5. A
                                                affect, the discretion of a Federal agency              funerary objects, and the conduct of the              summary of consultation efforts
                                                to transfer or reinter cultural items for               reburial in accordance with their laws                inherently will include the
                                                which it acts as caretaker or temporary                 and customs, are not legally required.                identification of any potential
                                                custodian.                                              Moreover, requiring a Federal agency to               claimants.
                                                   Comment 20: Three commenters                         obtain the concurrence of the potential                  Comment 25: One commenter stated
                                                stated that the draft rule unfairly                     claimants very likely would be                        that a newspaper with general
                                                emphasized reinterment and precluded                    infeasible where there are multiple such              circulation ‘‘in the area in which each
                                                options for other disposition strategies,               Indian tribes or Native Hawaiian                      potential claimant now resides’’ is
                                                including cooperative curation                          organizations, each having different                  impractical. Disposition could possibly
                                                agreements or future claims. One of                     laws and customs. However, this rule                  be to all Indian tribes or NHOs with
                                                these commenters also felt allowing                     does not preclude a Federal agency from               standing under the Act.
                                                reinterment violates tribal rights as                   consulting with any potential claimant                   Our Response: In the case where
                                                established in the Act in section 11 (25                on the proposed reinterment of                        potential claimants have been
                                                U.S.C. 3009).                                           unclaimed human remains or funerary                   identified, the locations of the
                                                   Our Response: This final rule                        objects and on having the reburial                    newspapers where a notice of proposed
                                                provides a Federal agency with the                      conducted in accordance with their                    transfer or reinterment is published
                                                discretion to transfer or reinter                       laws and customs. As for restricting the              under this final rule are identical to the
                                                unclaimed cultural items. It does not                   application of State law to the                       locations of the newspapers where a
                                                require either of these actions. Also, this             reinterment of unclaimed human                        notice of intended disposition was
                                                final rule is consistent with sections 3(e)             remains or funerary objects, we have                  published under § 10.6(c). In the case of
                                                and 11(1)(B) of the Act (25 U.S.C.                      eliminated altogether the provision in                cultural items for which no potential
                                                3002(e) and 3009(1)(B), respectively). In               the proposed rule allowing for the offer              claimant could be identified, the
                                                order to take the actions under sections                of human remains or funerary objects                  location where a notice of proposed
                                                3(e) and 11(1)(B) of the Act, an Indian                 for disposition according to State or                 transfer or reinterment is published is
                                                tribe or Native Hawaiian organization                   other law or policy.                                  only the area in which the cultural
                                                must first have control of the cultural                                                                       items were excavated or discovered, and
                                                items in question.                                      Final Rule § 10.7(e) Federal Agencies                 removed, as there are no potential
                                                   Comment 21: Five commenters stated                   Must Follow Certain Requirements Prior                claimants for these cultural items.
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                                                that the draft rule should put more                     to Transferring Control or Reinterring                   Comment 26: One commenter stated
                                                emphasis on reinterment and require                     Under Paragraphs (c) and (d)                          that there was no process provided if an
                                                Federal agencies to justify not                            Comment 23: Seven commenters                       Indian tribe or Native Hawaiian
                                                reinterring unclaimed cultural items.                   stated that any notice related to the                 organization asserts priority of
                                                One of these commenters suggested that                  transfer or reinterment of unclaimed                  ownership or control under section 3(a)
                                                Federal agencies should use field                       cultural items should be published in                 of the Act and § 10.6 . If the claim is
                                                documentation procedures and                            the Federal Register, either in addition              determined to be valid, disposition


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                                                                 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 214 / Thursday, November 5, 2015 / Rules and Regulations                                       68469

                                                would occur under § 10.6(c) and not                     a potential claimant, and at the end of                 • § 10.7(e) has been renumbered
                                                under § 10.7, as the cultural items                     the two-year period, the Federal agency               § 10.7(a) in this final rule.
                                                would no longer be unclaimed.                           cannot reasonably identify an Indian
                                                   Our Response: If an Indian tribe or                                                                        Compliance With Other Laws,
                                                                                                        tribe or Native Hawaiian organization,
                                                Native Hawaiian organization states a                                                                         Executive Orders, and Department
                                                                                                        or a lineal descendant, as a potential
                                                valid claim for cultural items appearing                                                                      Policy Regulatory Planning and Review
                                                                                                        claimant.
                                                                                                                                                              (Executive Orders 12866 and 13563)
                                                in a notice of proposed transfer or                        • § 10.7(a) of the proposed rule has
                                                reinterment under § 10.7, the cultural                  been renumbered § 10.7(b) in this final                 Executive Order 12866 provides that
                                                items are no longer unclaimed. As the                   rule.                                                 the Office of Information and Regulatory
                                                Federal agency will no longer have the                     • § 10.7(a)(1) has been renumbered                 Affairs will review all significant rules.
                                                discretion to proceed with a transfer or                § 10.7(b)(1) in this final rule. This                 The Office of Information and
                                                reinterment under this final rule, the                  section specifies that the list of                    Regulatory Affairs has determined that
                                                disposition of these cultural items will                unclaimed cultural items must include                 this rule is not significant.
                                                proceed under § 10.6(c). If the valid                   a summary of consultation efforts under                 Executive Order 13563 reaffirms the
                                                claim is from an Indian tribe or Native                 § 10.5, and adjusts the deadline for                  principles of E.O. 12866 while calling
                                                Hawaiian organization already listed in                 submitting a list of unclaimed cultural               for improvements in the nation’s
                                                a notice of intended disposition, and if                items. For those cultural items that meet             regulatory system to promote
                                                there are no competing claims, the                      the definition of unclaimed cultural                  predictability, to reduce uncertainty,
                                                Federal agency will transfer the right of               items on the effective date of the                    and to use the best, most innovative,
                                                control over the cultural items to the                  regulation, a list of items must be                   and least burdensome tools for
                                                claimant. If the valid claim is from an                 submitted within one year. For items                  achieving regulatory ends. The
                                                Indian tribe or Native Hawaiian                         that meet the definition of unclaimed                 executive order directs agencies to
                                                organization not already listed in a                    cultural items after the effective date of            consider regulatory approaches that
                                                notice of intended disposition, the                     the regulation, a list of items must be               reduce burdens and maintain flexibility
                                                Federal agency will follow the notice                   submitted within one year of the                      and freedom of choice for the public
                                                provision under § 10.6(c) prior to any                  cultural items becoming unclaimed.                    where these approaches are relevant,
                                                transfer.                                                  • § 10.7(a)(3) has been renumbered                 feasible, and consistent with regulatory
                                                Final Rule § 10.7(a) The Secretary Has                  § 10.7(b)(3) in this final rule. This                 objectives, E.O. 13563 emphasizes
                                                the Authority To Promulgate the Rule                    section specifies that the potential                  further that regulations must be based
                                                on Unclaimed Cultural Items                             claimants who are referenced are the                  on the best available science and that
                                                                                                        potential claimants listed in a notice of             the rulemaking process must allow for
                                                  Comment 27: Two commenters                            intended disposition.                                 public participation and an open
                                                suggested moving the statement on the                      • § 10.7(b) of the proposed rule has               exchange of ideas. We have developed
                                                purpose of this rule from the end of the                been renumbered § 10.7(c) in this final               this rule in a manner consistent with
                                                rule to the beginning of the rule.                      rule. This section specifically identifies            these requirements.
                                                  Our Response: We agree. Proposed
                                                                                                        the Indian tribe or Native Hawaiian                   Regulatory Flexibility Act
                                                rule § 10.7(e) has been renumbered
                                                                                                        organization to which control may be
                                                § 10.7(a) in this final rule.                                                                                    The Department of the Interior
                                                                                                        transferred under this rule as an Indian
                                                Changes From the Proposed Rule                          tribe or Native Hawaiian organization                 certifies that this rule will not have a
                                                   Based on the preceding comments                      that does not have a potential claim to               significant economic effect on a
                                                and responses, the drafters have made                   the cultural items. Also, this section                substantial number of small entities
                                                the following changes to the proposed                   specifies that such transfer is                       under the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5
                                                rule language:                                          conditioned on the transferee agreeing                U.S.C. 601 et seq.). This rule only
                                                   • § 10.2(g)(5)(iv). This section                     to accept transfer and treat the cultural             pertains to the disposition of cultural
                                                specifies that disposition of unclaimed                 items according to the transferee’s own               items in the custody of a Federal agency
                                                cultural items is established under                     laws and customs.                                     for which potential claimants have
                                                § 10.7 of these regulations.                               • § 10.7(c) of the proposed rule has               chosen not to take ownership or control,
                                                   • § 10.2(h)(2)(i). This section specifies            been renumbered § 10.7(d) in this final               or when no potential claimants have
                                                that cultural items are unclaimed under                 rule. This section specifies that, under              been identified. Thus, this rule does not
                                                the following circumstances: The                        this rule, any reinterment of unclaimed               constitute a significant economic
                                                Federal agency publishes a notice of                    human remains or funerary objects by                  burden.
                                                intended disposition, and the agency                    the Federal agency must be according to               Small Business Regulatory Enforcement
                                                has not received any claim from an                      applicable interment laws. Also, the                  Fairness Act
                                                Indian tribe or Native Hawaiian                         provision in the proposed rule regarding
                                                organization, or any response from a                    the offer of human remains or funerary                   This rule is not a major rule under 5
                                                lineal descendant to the notice within                  objects for disposition according to State            U.S.C. 804(2), the Small Business
                                                one year of publishing the notice.                      or other law has been eliminated.                     Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act.
                                                   • § 10.2(h)(2)(ii). This section                        • § 10.7(d) of the proposed rule has               This rule:
                                                specifies that cultural items are                       been renumbered § 10.7(e) in this final                  a. Does not have an annual effect on
                                                unclaimed under the following                           rule.                                                 the economy of $100 million or more.
                                                circumstances: The Federal agency                          • § 10.7(d)(3) has been renumbered                    b. Will not cause a major increase in
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                                                knows, or has reason to know, that                      § 10.7(e)(3) in this final rule. This                 costs or prices for consumers,
                                                cultural items have been excavated or                   section specifies that the Manager of the             individual industries, Federal, State,
                                                discovered on, and removed from                         National NAGPRA Program will post                     local or tribal government agencies, or
                                                Federal lands; for two years, the Federal               information received from the Federal                 geographic regions.
                                                agency has tried to reasonably identify                 agency under § 10.7(e)(2) of this rule, on               c. Does not have significant adverse
                                                any Indian tribe or Native Hawaiian                     the National NAGPRA Program’s Web                     effects on competition, employment,
                                                organization, or a lineal descendant, as                site.                                                 investment, productivity, innovation, or


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                                                68470            Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 214 / Thursday, November 5, 2015 / Rules and Regulations

                                                the ability of U.S.-based enterprises to                Executive Departments and Agencies on                 case.’’ We have also determined that the
                                                compete with foreign-based enterprises.                 the Implementation of Executive Order                 rule does not involve any of the
                                                                                                        13175 (Nov. 5, 2009); and the Secretary               extraordinary circumstances listed in 43
                                                Unfunded Mandates Reform Act
                                                                                                        of the Interior’s Order No. 3317—                     CFR 46.215 that would require further
                                                (UMRA)
                                                                                                        Department of the Interior Policy on                  analysis under the National
                                                   This rule does not impose an                         Consultation With Indian Tribes (Dec. 1,              Environmental Policy Act.
                                                unfunded mandate on State, local, or                    2011); we have evaluated this rule and
                                                tribal governments or the private sector                determined that it has a potential effect             Effects on the Energy Supply (Executive
                                                of more than $100 million per year. The                 on federally recognized Indian tribes.                Order 13211)
                                                rule does not have a significant or                     The rule was developed in consultation                  This rule is not a significant energy
                                                unique effect on State, local or tribal                 with the Native American Graves                       action under the definition in Executive
                                                governments, or the private sector. A                   Protection and Repatriation Review                    Order 13211. A statement of Energy
                                                statement containing the information                    Committee, which includes members                     Effects is not required.
                                                required by the Unfunded Mandates                       nominated by Indian tribes and
                                                                                                                                                              Drafting Information
                                                Reform Act (2 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.) is not               traditional religious leaders. Formal
                                                required.                                               consultation with the Review                            The proposed rule and this final rule
                                                                                                        Committee was held on November 16–                    were prepared by staff of the National
                                                Takings (Executive Order 12630)                                                                               NAGPRA Program, National Park
                                                                                                        17, 2005, in Albuquerque, NM; on April
                                                  This rule does not effect a taking of                 19–20, 2007, in Washington, DC; on                    Service; Office of Regulations and
                                                private property or otherwise have                      October 15–16, 2007, in Phoenix, AZ;                  Special Park Uses, National Park
                                                takings implications under Executive                    on May 15–16, 2008, in De Pere, WI; on                Service; and Office of the Solicitor,
                                                Order 12630. A takings implication                      October 30–31, 2009, in Sarasota, FL;                 Division of Parks and Wildlife and
                                                assessment is not required. No taking of                and on November 18–19, 2010, in                       Division of Indian Affairs, Department
                                                property will occur as a result of this                 Washington, DC. Also, the Review                      of the Interior.
                                                rule.                                                   Committee had an opportunity to                       List of Subjects in 43 CFR Part 10
                                                                                                        comment on the proposed rule
                                                Federalism (Executive Order 13132)                                                                              Administrative practice and
                                                                                                        following publication, which it did at a
                                                  Under the criteria in section 1 of                    public meeting on November 6, 2013, in                procedure, Hawaiian Natives, Historic
                                                Executive Order 13132, this rule does                   Mt. Pleasant, MI.                                     preservation, Indians-claims, Indians-
                                                not have sufficient Federalism                             Formal consultation with Indian                    lands, Museums, Penalties, Public
                                                implications to warrant the preparation                 tribes began on November 15, 2005, in                 lands, Reporting and recordkeeping
                                                of a Federalism summary impact                          Albuquerque, NM, and continued on                     requirements.
                                                statement. A Federalism summary                         April 18, 2007, in Washington, DC, and                  In consideration of the foregoing, the
                                                impact statement is not required.                       on October 14, 2007, in Phoenix, AZ.                  Department amends 43 CFR part 10 as
                                                                                                        We have fully considered tribal and                   follows:
                                                Civil Justice Reform (Executive Order
                                                                                                        Review Committee comments in the
                                                12988)                                                                                                        PART 10—NATIVE AMERICAN
                                                                                                        final rule.
                                                   This rule complies with the                                                                                GRAVES PROTECTION AND
                                                requirements of Executive Order 12988.                  Paperwork Reduction Act                               REPATRIATION REGULATIONS
                                                Specifically, this rule:                                  The Office of Management and Budget
                                                   (a) Meets the criteria of section 3(a)               has approved the information collection               ■ 1. The authority citation for part 10
                                                requiring that all regulations be                       requirements in 43 CFR part 10 and                    continues to read as follows:
                                                reviewed to eliminate errors and                        assigned OMB Control Number 1024–                       Authority: 16 U.S.C. 470dd; 25 U.S.C. 9,
                                                ambiguity and be written to minimize                    0144. This rule does not contain any                  3001 et seq.
                                                litigation; and                                         new information collections that require              ■ 2. Amend § 10.2 by adding paragraph
                                                   (b) Meets the criteria of section 3(b)(2)            OMB approval under the Paperwork                      (g)(5)(iv) and paragraph (h) to read as
                                                requiring that all regulations be written               Reduction Act. An agency may not                      follows:
                                                in clear language and contain clear legal               conduct or sponsor and you are not
                                                standards.                                              required to respond to a collection of                § 10.2   Definitions.
                                                Consultation With Indian Tribes                         information unless it displays a                      *      *    *     *     *
                                                (Executive Order 13175 and                              currently valid OMB control number.                      (g) * * *
                                                Department Policy)                                      National Environmental Policy Act                        (5) * * *
                                                                                                                                                                 (iv) Disposition of unclaimed human
                                                  The Department of the Interior strives                  This rule does not constitute a major               remains, funerary objects, sacred
                                                to strengthen its government-to-                        Federal action significantly affecting the            objects, or objects of cultural patrimony
                                                government relationship with Indian                     quality of the human environment. A                   is governed by § 10.7.
                                                Tribes through a commitment to                          detailed statement under the National                    (h) Unclaimed cultural items means
                                                consultation with Indian Tribes and                     Environmental Policy Act of 1969 is not               Native American human remains,
                                                recognition of their right to self-                     required because the rule is covered by               funerary objects, sacred objects, or
                                                governance and tribal sovereignty. In                   a categorical exclusion under 43 CFR                  objects of cultural patrimony:
                                                accordance with the Presidential                        46.210(i): ‘‘Policies, directives,                       (1) That have been excavated or
                                                Memorandum entitled ‘‘Government to                     regulations, and guidelines: That are of              discovered on, and removed from,
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                                                Government Relations with Native                        an administrative, financial, legal,                  Federal lands after November 16, 1990,
                                                American Tribal Governments’’ (59 FR                    technical, or procedural nature; or                   and
                                                22951, April 29, 1994); Executive Order                 whose environmental effects are too                      (2) Whose disposition under 25 U.S.C.
                                                13175, ‘‘Consultation and Coordination                  broad, speculative, or conjectural to                 3002(a) and § 10.6 of this part has not
                                                with Indian Tribal Governments’’ (65 FR                 lend themselves to meaningful analysis                occurred because either:
                                                67249, Nov. 9, 2000); the President’s                   and will later be subject to the NEPA                    (i) Within one year after publication
                                                Memorandum for the Heads of                             process, either collectively or case-by-              of a notice under § 10.6(c) of this part,


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                                                                 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 214 / Thursday, November 5, 2015 / Rules and Regulations                                      68471

                                                no Indian tribe or Native Hawaiian                      Manager, National NAGPRA Program;                     the transition to the new CBP system,
                                                organization has sent a written claim for               and                                                   parties importing RF devices will lose
                                                the cultural items to the appropriate                      (2) Publish a notice of the proposed               the ability to electronically file the
                                                Federal agency, or no lineal descendant                 transfer or reinterment in a newspaper                required FCC information. The
                                                has responded to a notice for human                     of general circulation in the area in                 Commission does not believe that it
                                                remains and associated funerary objects;                which the unclaimed cultural items                    would serve the public interest to
                                                or                                                      were excavated or discovered, and                     establish an alternative means for
                                                   (ii) Within two years after knowing or               removed, and, if applicable, in a                     importers to submit this information
                                                having reason to know that cultural                     newspaper of general circulation in the               with us during the pendency of the
                                                items were excavated or discovered, and                 area in which each potential claimant                 rulemaking.
                                                removed, the appropriate Federal                        now resides.                                          DATES: Effective December 7, 2015.
                                                agency could not reasonably identify                       (i) The notice must explain the nature
                                                                                                                                                              FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
                                                any Indian tribe or Native Hawaiian                     of the unclaimed cultural items,
                                                                                                                                                              Brian Butler, Office of Engineering and
                                                organization or lineal descendant as a                  summarize consultation efforts under
                                                                                                                                                              Technology, (202) 418–2702.
                                                potential claimant.                                     § 10.5, and solicit claims under the
                                                                                                                                                              SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This is a
                                                ■ 3. Add § 10.7 to read as follows:                     priority of ownership or control in
                                                                                                        section 3(a) of the Act (25 U.S.C.                    summary of the Commission’s Order, ET
                                                § 10.7 Disposition of unclaimed human                   3002(a)) and § 10.6.                                  Docket No. 15–170, FCC 15–135,
                                                remains, funerary objects, sacred objects,                 (ii) The notice must be published at               adopted October 16, 2015 and released
                                                or objects of cultural patrimony.                       least two times at least a week apart.                October 19, 2015. The full text of this
                                                   (a) This section carries out section                    (iii) The transfer or reinterment may              document is available on the
                                                3(b) of the Act (25 U.S.C. 3002(b))                     not take place until at least 30 days after           Commission’s Internet site at
                                                regarding unclaimed cultural items.                     publication of the second notice to                   www.fcc.gov. It is also available for
                                                   (b) A Federal agency that has                        allow time for any claimants under the                inspection and copying during regular
                                                unclaimed cultural items (human                         priority of ownership or control in                   business hours in the FCC Reference
                                                remains, funerary objects, sacred                       section 3(a) of the Act and § 10.6 to                 Center (Room CY–A257), 445 12th
                                                objects, or objects of cultural patrimony)              come forward.                                         Street SW., Washington, DC 20554.
                                                must:                                                      (3) Send to the Manager, National                  Synopsis of the Suspension Order
                                                   (1) Submit a list of the items to the                NAGPRA Program a copy of the notice
                                                Manager, National NAGPRA Program                                                                                 1. The Commission took action to
                                                                                                        published under paragraph (d)(2) of this              temporarily waive the requirements in
                                                that describes the general place of                     section and information on when and in
                                                discovery or excavation, and removal;                                                                         §§ 2.1203 and 2.1205 of the
                                                                                                        what newspaper(s) the notice was                      Commission’s rules that govern the
                                                the nature of the unclaimed cultural                    published. The National NAGPRA
                                                items; and a summary of consultation                                                                          submission of information in
                                                                                                        Program will post information from                    connection with imported Radio
                                                efforts under § 10.5 of this part. This list            published notices on its Web site.
                                                must be received by December 5, 2016,                                                                         Frequency (RF) devices, effective July 1,
                                                                                                          Dated: October 21, 2015.                            2016, through December 31, 2016, for
                                                or within 1 year after the cultural items
                                                have become unclaimed under § 10.2(h),                  Michael Bean,                                         the following reasons:
                                                whichever is later;                                     Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Fish            2. Section 2.1203 of the Commission’s
                                                   (2) Care for and manage unclaimed                    and Wildlife and Parks .                              rules states that no RF device may be
                                                cultural items consistent with the                      [FR Doc. 2015–28041 Filed 11–4–15; 8:45 am]           imported unless the importer or
                                                regulations at 36 CFR part 79; and                      BILLING CODE 4310–EJ–P                                ultimate consignee (or their designated
                                                   (3) To the maximum extent feasible,                                                                        customs broker) declares that the device
                                                consider and respect the traditions of                                                                        meets the conditions of entry set forth
                                                any potential claimants listed in a                     FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS                                in our importation rules. Section 2.1205
                                                notice under § 10.6(c) concerning the                   COMMISSION                                            provides two ways to make this
                                                unclaimed cultural items, including, but                                                                      declaration. At ports of entry where
                                                not limited to, traditions regarding                    47 CFR Part 2                                         electronic filing with the U.S. Customs
                                                housing, maintenance, and preservation.                                                                       and Border Protection (CBP) is not
                                                                                                        [ET Docket No. 15–170; FCC 15–135]                    available, the importer completes FCC
                                                   (c) Subject to paragraph (e) of this
                                                section, a Federal agency that has                      Radio Frequency Devices, FCC Form                     Form 740 and attaches a copy to its
                                                unclaimed cultural items may, upon                      740 Temporary Suspension                              customs import papers. Where
                                                request, transfer them to an Indian tribe                                                                     electronic customs filing is available,
                                                or Native Hawaiian organization that is                 AGENCY:  Federal Communications                       the importer may submit the
                                                not a potential claimant and agrees:                    Commission.                                           information electronically as part of its
                                                   (1) To accept transfer; and                          ACTION: Final rule; temporary                         entry documentation submission to
                                                   (2) To treat them according to the                   suspension.                                           CBP. Currently, nearly all submissions
                                                laws and customs of the transferee.                                                                           are made electronically through the
                                                   (d) Subject to paragraph (e) of this                 SUMMARY:   This document temporarily                  CBP’s Automated Commercial System
                                                section, a Federal agency that has                      waives the requirements of the                        (ACS), and very few paper filings are
                                                unclaimed human remains or funerary                     Commission’s rules that govern the                    submitted.
                                                objects may reinter them according to                   submission of information associated                     3. CBP is deploying a new electronic
jstallworth on DSK7TPTVN1PROD with RULES




                                                applicable interment laws.                              with FCC Form 740 concerning                          filing system, the Automated
                                                   (e) Before a Federal agency makes a                  imported Radio Frequency (RF) devices.                Commercial Environment (ACE), which
                                                transfer or reinterment under                           U.S. Customs and Border Protection                    will not have the capability for
                                                paragraphs (c) or (d) of this section, it               (CBP) is implementing a new electronic                importers to submit the FCC-required
                                                must:                                                   filing system which is scheduled to                   Form 740 information electronically.
                                                   (1) Submit the list required under                   become fully operational by December                  FCC-related importation filings can
                                                paragraph (b)(1) of this section to the                 2016. In light of steps taken related to              continue to be submitted electronically


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Document Created: 2015-12-14 15:03:06
Document Modified: 2015-12-14 15:03:06
CategoryRegulatory Information
CollectionFederal Register
sudoc ClassAE 2.7:
GS 4.107:
AE 2.106:
PublisherOffice of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration
SectionRules and Regulations
ActionFinal rule.
DatesThe rule is effective December 7, 2015.
ContactMelanie O'Brien, Manager, National NAGPRA Program, National Park Service, 1849 C Street NW., Washington, DC 20240, telephone (202) 354-2204, email melanie_o'[email protected]
FR Citation80 FR 68465 
RIN Number1024-AE00
CFR AssociatedAdministrative Practice and Procedure; Hawaiian Natives; Historic Preservation; Indians-Claims; Indians-Lands; Museums; Penalties; Public Lands and Reporting and Recordkeeping Requirements

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