81 FR 44535 - Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustments

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement

Federal Register Volume 81, Issue 131 (July 8, 2016)

Page Range44535-44541
FR Document2016-16190

Pursuant to the Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act Improvements Act of 2015 and Office of Management and Budget (OMB) guidance, this rule adjusts the level of civil monetary penalties assessed under the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 (SMCRA).

Federal Register, Volume 81 Issue 131 (Friday, July 8, 2016)
[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 131 (Friday, July 8, 2016)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 44535-44541]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2016-16190]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement

30 CFR Parts 723, 724, 845, and 846

RIN 1029-AC72
[Docket ID: OSM-2016-0008; S1D1S SS08011000 SX066A0067F 167S180110; 
S2D2D SS08011000 SX066A00 33F 16XS501520]


Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustments

AGENCY: Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement, Interior.

ACTION: Interim final rule.

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

SUMMARY: Pursuant to the Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment 
Act

[[Page 44536]]

Improvements Act of 2015 and Office of Management and Budget (OMB) 
guidance, this rule adjusts the level of civil monetary penalties 
assessed under the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 
(SMCRA).

DATES: This rule is effective on August 1, 2016. Comments will be 
accepted until September 6, 2016.

ADDRESSES: You may submit comments by any of the following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: http://www.regulations.gov. 
Search for Docket No. OSM-2016-0008 and follow the online instructions 
for submitting comments.
     Mail, Hand Delivery, or Courier: Office of Surface Mining 
Reclamation and Enforcement, Administrative Record, Room 252 SIB, 1951 
Constitution Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20240. Please include the 
Docket ID: OSM-2016-0008.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Adrienne Alsop, Office of Surface 
Mining Reclamation and Enforcement, South Interior Building MS-203, 
1951 Constitution Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20240; Telephone (202) 
208-2818.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Table of Contents

I. Background
    A. The Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act 
Improvements Act of 2015
    B. Calculation of Adjustments
    C. Effect of Rule in Federal Program States and on Indian Lands
    D. Effect of the Rule on Approved State Programs
II. Procedural Matters and Required Determinations
    A. Regulatory Planning and Review (E.O. 12866 and 13563)
    B. Regulatory Flexibility Act
    C. Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act
    D. Unfunded Mandates Reform Act
    E. Takings (E.O. 12630)
    F. Federalism (E.O. 13132)
    G. Civil Justice Reform (E.O. 12988)
    H. Consultation with Indian Tribes (E.O. 13175 and Departmental 
Policy)
    I. Paperwork Reduction Act
    J. National Environmental Policy Act
    K. Effects on Energy Supply, Distribution, and Use (E.O. 13211)
    L. Clarity of this Regulation
    M. Data Quality Act
    N. Administrative Procedure Act

I. Background

A. The Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act Improvements 
Act of 2015

    Section 518 of SMCRA, 30 U.S.C. 1268, authorizes the Secretary of 
the Interior to assess civil monetary penalties (CMPs) for violations 
of SMCRA. The Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement 
(OSMRE) regulations implementing the CMP provisions of section 518 are 
located in 30 CFR parts 723, 724, 845, and 846. We are adjusting CMPs 
in four sections--30 CFR 723.14, 724.14, 845.14, and 846.14.
    On November 2, 2015, the President signed the Federal Civil 
Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act Improvements Act of 2015 (Sec. 701 
of Public Law 114-74) (``the Act'') into law. The Act requires that 
Federal agencies promulgate rules to adjust the level of civil monetary 
penalties (``CMPs'') to account for inflation. The Act requires 
agencies to enact an initial ``catch-up'' adjustment by August 1, 2016. 
The Act also authorizes agencies to make subsequent annual adjustments 
to civil monetary penalties to account for inflation. These adjustments 
are aimed at maintaining the deterrent effect of civil penalties and 
furthering the policy goals of the statutes which authorize them.
    Pursuant to SMCRA, this rule adjusts the following civil penalties:

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                      Current        Adjusted
                 CFR Citation                                Points                penalty  ($)    penalty  ($)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
30 CFR 723.14.................................  1...............................              32              63
                                                2...............................              74             127
                                                3...............................              96             190
                                                3...............................             108             253
                                                5...............................             210             316
                                                6...............................             232             380
                                                7...............................             254             443
                                                8...............................             276             506
                                                9...............................             298             569
                                                10..............................             320             633
                                                11..............................             342             696
                                                12..............................             364             759
                                                13..............................             486             822
                                                14..............................             508             886
                                                15..............................             530             949
                                                16..............................             552           1,012
                                                17..............................             574           1,075
                                                18..............................             596           1,139
                                                19..............................             718           1,202
                                                20..............................             740           1,265
                                                21..............................             762           1,328
                                                22..............................             784           1,392
                                                23..............................             806           1,455
                                                24..............................             828           1,518
                                                25..............................             850           1,581
                                                26..............................             960           1,898
                                                27..............................           1,070           2,214
                                                28..............................           1,080           2,530
                                                29..............................           1,090           2,725
                                                30..............................           2,100           3,163
                                                31..............................           2,210           3,479
                                                32..............................           2,320           3,795
                                                33..............................           2,430           4,112
                                                34..............................           2,540           4,428
                                                35..............................           2,650           4,744

[[Page 44537]]

 
                                                36..............................           2,760           5,060
                                                37..............................           2,870           5,377
                                                38..............................           2,980           5,693
                                                39..............................           3,090           6,009
                                                40..............................           3,200           6,325
                                                41..............................           3,310           6,642
                                                42..............................           3,420           6,958
                                                43..............................           3,530           7,274
                                                44..............................           3,640           7,591
                                                45..............................           4,750           7,907
                                                46..............................           4,860           8,223
                                                47..............................           4,970           8,539
                                                48..............................           5,080           8,856
                                                49..............................           5,190           9,172
                                                50..............................           5,300           9,488
                                                51..............................           5,410           9,804
                                                52..............................           5,520          10,121
                                                53..............................           5,630          10,437
                                                54..............................           5,740          10,753
                                                55..............................           5,850          11,070
                                                56..............................           5,960          11,386
                                                57..............................           7,070          11,702
                                                58..............................           7,180          12,018
                                                59..............................           7,290          12,335
                                                60..............................           7,400          12,651
                                                61..............................           7,510          12,967
                                                62..............................           7,620          13,284
                                                63..............................           7,730          13,600
                                                64..............................           7,840          13,916
                                                65..............................           7,950          14,232
                                                66..............................           8,060          14,549
                                                67..............................           8,170          14,865
                                                68..............................           8,280          15,181
                                                69..............................           8,390          15,497
                                                70..............................           8,500          15,814
30 CFR 723.15(b) (Assessment of separate        Maximum.........................           1,025           2,372
 violations for each day).
30 CFR 724.14(b) (Individual).................  Maximum.........................           8,500          17,395
30 CFR 845.14.................................  1...............................              32              63
                                                2...............................              74             127
                                                3...............................              96             190
                                                3...............................             108             253
                                                5...............................             210             316
                                                6...............................             232             380
                                                7...............................             254             443
                                                8...............................             276             506
                                                9...............................             298             569
                                                10..............................             320             633
                                                11..............................             342             696
                                                12..............................             364             759
                                                13..............................             486             822
                                                14..............................             508             886
                                                15..............................             530             949
                                                16..............................             552           1,012
                                                17..............................             574           1,075
                                                18..............................             596           1,139
                                                19..............................             718           1,202
                                                20..............................             740           1,265
                                                21..............................             762           1,328
                                                22..............................             784           1,392
                                                23..............................             806           1,455
                                                24..............................             828           1,518
                                                25..............................             850           1,581
                                                26..............................             960           1,898
                                                27..............................           1,070           2,214
                                                28..............................           1,080           2,530
                                                29..............................           1,090           2,725
                                                30..............................           2,100           3,163
                                                31..............................           2,210           3,479
                                                32..............................           2,320           3,795
                                                33..............................           2,430           4,112
                                                34..............................           2,540           4,428
                                                35..............................           2,650           4,744

[[Page 44538]]

 
                                                36..............................           2,760           5,060
                                                37..............................           2,870           5,377
                                                38..............................           2,980           5,693
                                                39..............................           3,090           6,009
                                                40..............................           3,200           6,325
                                                41..............................           3,310           6,642
                                                42..............................           3,420           6,958
                                                43..............................           3,530           7,274
                                                44..............................           3,640           7,591
                                                45..............................           4,750           7,907
                                                46..............................           4,860           8,223
                                                47..............................           4,970           8,539
                                                48..............................           5,080           8,856
                                                49..............................           5,190           9,172
                                                50..............................           5,300           9,488
                                                51..............................           5,410           9,804
                                                52..............................           5,520          10,121
                                                53..............................           5,630          10,437
                                                54..............................           5,740          10,753
                                                55..............................           5,850          11,070
                                                56..............................           5,960          11,386
                                                57..............................           7,070          11,702
                                                58..............................           7,180          12,018
                                                59..............................           7,290          12,335
                                                60..............................           7,400          12,651
                                                61..............................           7,510          12,967
                                                62..............................           7,620          13,284
                                                63..............................           7,730          13,600
                                                64..............................           7,840          13,916
                                                65..............................           7,950          14,232
                                                66..............................           8,060          14,549
                                                67..............................           8,170          14,865
                                                68..............................           8,280          15,181
                                                69..............................           8,390          15,497
                                                70..............................           8,500          15,814
30 CFR 845.15(b) (Assessment of separate        Maximum.........................           1,025           2,372
 violations for each day).
30 CFR 846.14(b) (Individual).................  Maximum.........................           8,500          17,395
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

B. Calculation of Adjustments

    The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) issued guidance on 
calculating the catch-up adjustment. See February 24, 2016, Memorandum 
for the Heads of Executive Departments and Agencies, from Shaun 
Donovan, Director, Office of Management and Budget, re: Implementation 
of the Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act Improvements 
Act of 2015.
    The OMB guidance defines ``civil monetary penalty'' as ``any 
assessment with a dollar amount that is levied for a violation of a 
Federal civil statute or regulation, and is assessed or enforceable 
through a civil action in Federal court or an administrative 
proceeding.'' It further instructs that a civil monetary penalty ``does 
not include a penalty levied for violation of a criminal statute, or 
fees for services, licenses, permits, or other regulatory reviews.'' 
The guidance also specifies that agencies should calculate the catch-up 
adjustment by determining the percent change between the Consumer Price 
Index for all Urban Consumers (CPI-U) for the month of October in the 
calendar year of the previous adjustment (or in the year of 
establishment, if no adjustment has been made) and the October 2015 
CPI-U. OSMRE used this guidance to identify applicable civil monetary 
penalties and calculate the required catch-up adjustments.
    Generally, OSMRE assigns points to a violation as described in 30 
CFR 723.13 and 845.13. The CMP owed is based on the number of points 
received, ranging from one point to seventy points. For 2016, the Act 
requires that OSMRE adjust the civil penalty amounts for violations of 
SMCRA and provides the adjustment timing. The Act instructs OSMRE to 
use the maximum civil penalty amount as last adjusted by a provision of 
law other than the Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act of 
1990 (Public Law 104-410) (FCPIA of 1990) when calculating the 2016 
civil penalty adjustment. The maximum civil penalty amounts for 
violations of SMCRA have not been adjusted by a provision of law other 
than the FCPIA of 1990 since the penalties were established in SMCRA in 
1977. Because the penalties were first published in the Federal 
Register in 1979, in computing the new civil penalty amounts for 
violations of SMCRA, OSMRE used the adjustment factor for 1979 provided 
in OMB's guidance. This resulted in a multiplying factor of 3.16274. 
The statutory maximum civil penalty amount (e.g., $5,000) was 
multiplied by the multiplying factor (e.g., $5,000 x 3.16274 = 
$15,813.70). The Act requires that the maximum civil penalty amount be 
rounded to the nearest $1.00 at the end of the calculation process 
(e.g., $15,814). OSMRE's calculated increases do not exceed 150 percent 
of the maximum civil penalty amount as of November 2, 2015, and thus, 
they comply with the Act. Also, pursuant to the Act, these increases 
apply to civil penalties assessed after the date they take effect, even 
if the associated violation predates such increase.

C. Effect of Rule in Federal Program States and on Indian Lands

    OSMRE directly regulates surface coal mining and reclamation 
activities within a State or on tribal lands if the

[[Page 44539]]

State or tribe does not adopt its own program pursuant to section 503 
of SMCRA. The increase in civil monetary penalties contained in this 
rule will apply to the following Federal program states: Arizona, 
California, Georgia, Idaho, Massachusetts, Michigan, North Carolina, 
Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Tennessee, and Washington. The 
Federal programs for those States appear at 30 CFR parts 903, 905, 910, 
912, 921, 922, 933, 937, 939, 941, 942, and 947, respectively. The 
increase in civil monetary penalties also applies to Indian lands under 
the Federal program for Indian lands, which appears in 30 CFR 750.18.

D. Effect of the Rule on Approved State Programs

    State regulatory programs are not required to mirror all of the 
penalty provisions of our regulations. In re Permanent Surface Mining 
Regulation Litigation, No. 79-1144, Mem. Op. (D.D.C. May 16, 1980), 19 
Env't Rep. Cas. (BNA) 1477. Thus, this rule has no effect on CMPs in 
states with SMCRA primacy.

II. Procedural Matters and Required Determinations

A. Regulatory Planning and Review (E.O. 12866 and 13563)

    Executive Order 12866 provides that the Office of Information and 
Regulatory Affairs in the Office of Management and Budget 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, to the extent permitted by statute.

B. Regulatory Flexibility Act

    The Regulatory Flexibility Act (FRA) requires an agency to prepare 
a regulatory flexibility analysis for all rules unless the agency 
certifies that the rule will not have a significant economic impact on 
a substantial number of small entities. The RFA applies only to rules 
for which an agency is required to first publish a proposed rule. See 5 
U.S.C. 603(a) and 604(a). The Federal Civil Penalties Inflation 
Adjustment Act Improvements Act of 2015 requires agencies to adjust 
civil penalties with an initial ``catch-up'' adjustment through an 
interim final rule. An interim final rule does not include first 
publishing a proposed rule. Thus, the RFA does not apply to this 
rulemaking.

C. 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, or local government 
agencies, or geographic regions.
    (c) Does not have significant adverse effects on competition, 
employment, investment, productivity, innovation, or the ability of 
U.S.-based enterprises to compete with foreign-based enterprises.

D. Unfunded Mandates Reform Act

    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.

E. Takings (E.O. 12630)

    This rule does not effect a taking of private property or otherwise 
have taking implications under Executive Order 12630. A takings 
implication assessment is not required.

F. Federalism (E.O. 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.

G. Civil Justice Reform (E.O. 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.

H. Consultation With Indian Tribes (E.O. 13175 and Departmental 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. We have evaluated this 
rule under the Department's consultation policy and under the criteria 
in Executive Order 13175 and have determined that it has no substantial 
direct effects on federally recognized Indian tribes and that 
consultation under the Department's tribal consultation policy is not 
required.

I. Paperwork Reduction Act

    This rule does not contain information collection requirements, and 
a submission to the Office of Management and Budget under the Paperwork 
Reduction Act (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.) is not required. We 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.

J. 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 (NEPA) is not 
required because the rule is covered by a categorical exclusion. This 
rule is excluded from the requirement to prepare a detailed statement 
because it is a regulation of an administrative nature. (For further 
information see 43 CFR 46.210(i).) 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 NEPA.

K. Effects on Energy Supply, Distribution, and Use (E.O. 13211)

    This rule is not a significant energy action under the definition 
in Executive

[[Page 44540]]

Order 13211. A Statement of Energy Effects is not required.

L. Clarity of This Regulation

    We are required by Executive Orders 12866 (section 1 (b)(12)), 
12988 (section 3(b)(1)(B)), and 13563 (section 1(a)), and by the 
Presidential Memorandum of June 1, 1998, to write all rules in plain 
language. This means that each rule we publish must:
    (a) Be logically organized;
    (b) Use the active voice to address readers directly;
    (c) Use common, everyday words and clear language rather than 
jargon;
    (d) Be divided into short sections and sentences; and
    (e) Use lists and tables wherever possible.
    If you believe that we have not met these requirements, send us 
comments by one of the methods listed in the ADDRESSES section. To 
better help us revise the rule, your comments should be as specific as 
possible. For example, you should tell us the numbers of the sections 
or paragraphs that you find unclear, which sections or sentences are 
too long, the sections where you feel lists or tables would be useful, 
etc.

M. Data Quality Act

    In developing this rule, we did not conduct or use a study, 
experiment, or survey requiring peer review under the Data Quality Act 
(Pub. L. 106-554).

N. Administrative Procedure Act

    The Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act Improvements 
Act of 2015 requires agencies to publish interim final rules by July 1, 
2016, with an effective date for the adjusted penalties no later than 
August 1, 2016. To comply with the Act, we are issuing these 
regulations as an interim final rule and are requesting comments post-
promulgation. Section 553(b) of the Administrative Procedure Act (APA) 
provides that, when an agency for good cause finds that ``notice and 
public procedure . . . are impracticable, unnecessary, or contrary to 
the public interest,'' the agency may issue a rule without providing 
notice and an opportunity for prior public comment. 5 U.S.C. 553(b).
    OSMRE finds that there is good cause to promulgate this rule 
without first providing for public comment. It would not be practicable 
to meet the deadlines imposed by the Act if we were to first publish a 
proposed rule, allow the public sufficient time to submit comments, 
analyze the comments, and publish a final rule. Also, OSMRE is 
promulgating this final rule to implement the statutory directive in 
the Act, which requires agencies to publish an interim final rule and 
to update the civil penalty amounts by applying a specified formula. 
OSMRE has no discretion to vary the amount of the adjustment to reflect 
any views or suggestions provided by commenters. Accordingly, it would 
serve no purpose to provide an opportunity for pre-promulgation public 
comment on this rule. Thus, OSMRE finds pre-promulgation notice and 
public comment to be impracticable and unnecessary.
    Also, OSMRE finds that there is good cause for publishing this rule 
less than thirty days before its effective date, since the Act requires 
agencies to publish interim final rules with an effective date no later 
than August 1, 2016. 5 U.S.C. 553(d). OSMRE has no discretion to 
provide for an effective date that is later than August 1, 2016.

List of Subjects

30 CFR Part 723

    Administrative practice and procedure, Penalties, Surface mining, 
Underground mining.

30 CFR Part 724

    Administrative practice and procedure, Penalties, Surface mining, 
Underground mining.

30 CFR Part 845

    Administrative practice and procedure, Law enforcement, Penalties, 
Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Surface mining, Underground 
mining.

30 CFR Part 846

    Administrative practice and procedure, Penalties, Surface mining, 
Underground mining.

    Dated: June 29, 2016.
Janice M. Schneider,
Assistant Secretary, Land and Minerals Management.
    For the reasons given in the preamble, the Department of the 
Interior amends 30 CFR parts 723, 724, 845, and 846 as set forth below.

PART 723--CIVIL PENALTIES

0
1. The authority citation for Part 723 is amended to read as follows:

    Authority:  28 U.S.C. 2461, 30 U.S.C. 1201 et seq., and 31 
U.S.C. 3701.


0
2. Section 723.14 is amended by revising the table to read as follows:


Sec.  723.14  Determination of amount of penalty.

* * * * *

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                         Points                               Dollars
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1.......................................................              63
2.......................................................             127
3.......................................................             190
4.......................................................             253
5.......................................................             316
6.......................................................             380
7.......................................................             443
8.......................................................             506
9.......................................................             569
10......................................................             633
11......................................................             696
12......................................................             759
13......................................................             822
14......................................................             886
15......................................................             949
16......................................................           1,012
17......................................................           1,075
18......................................................           1,139
19......................................................           1,202
20......................................................           1,265
21......................................................           1,328
22......................................................           1,392
23......................................................           1,455
24......................................................           1,518
25......................................................           1,581
26......................................................           1,898
27......................................................           2,214
28......................................................           2,530
29......................................................           2,725
30......................................................           3,163
31......................................................           3,479
32......................................................           3,795
33......................................................           4,112
34......................................................           4,428
35......................................................           4,744
36......................................................           5,060
37......................................................           5,377
38......................................................           5,693
39......................................................           6,009
40......................................................           6,325
41......................................................           6,642
42......................................................           6,958
43......................................................           7,274
44......................................................           7,591
45......................................................           7,907
46......................................................           8,223
47......................................................           8,539
48......................................................           8,856
49......................................................           9,172
50......................................................           9,488
51......................................................           9,804
52......................................................          10,121
53......................................................          10,437
54......................................................          10,753
55......................................................          11,070
56......................................................          11,386
57......................................................          11,702
58......................................................          12,018
59......................................................          12,335
60......................................................          12,651
61......................................................          12,967
62......................................................          13,284
63......................................................          13,600
64......................................................          13,916
65......................................................          14,232
66......................................................          14,549
67......................................................          14,865
68......................................................          15,181
69......................................................          15,497
70......................................................          15,814
------------------------------------------------------------------------


0
3. Section 723.15 is amended by revising paragraph (b) introductory 
text to read as follows:

[[Page 44541]]

Sec.  723.15  Assessment of separate violations for each day.

* * * * *
    (b) In addition to the civil penalty provided for in paragraph (a) 
of this section, whenever a violation contained in a notice of 
violation or cessation order has not been abated within the abatement 
period set in the notice or order or as subsequently extended pursuant 
to section 521(a) of the Act, 30 U.S.C. 1271(a), a civil penalty of not 
less than $2,372 will be assessed for each day during which such 
failure to abate continues, except that:
* * * * *

PART 724--INDIVIDUAL CIVIL PENALTIES

0
4. The authority citation for part 724 continues to read as follows:

    Authority:  28 U.S.C. 2461, 30 U.S.C. 1201 et seq., and 31 
U.S.C. 3701.

0
5. Section 724.14 is amended by revising the first sentence of 
paragraph (b) to read as follows:


Sec.  724.14  Amount of individual civil penalty.

* * * * *
    (b) The penalty will not exceed $17,395 for each violation. * * *

PART 845--CIVIL PENALTIES

0
6. The authority citation for part 845 continues to read as follows:

    Authority:  28 U.S.C. 2461, 30 U.S.C. 1201 et seq., 31 U.S.C. 
3701, Pub. L. 100-202, and Pub. L. 100-446.

0
7. Section 845.14 is amended by revising the table to read as follows:


Sec.  845.14  Determination of amount of penalty.

* * * * *

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                         Points                               Dollars
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1.......................................................              63
2.......................................................             127
3.......................................................             190
4.......................................................             253
5.......................................................             316
6.......................................................             380
7.......................................................             443
8.......................................................             506
9.......................................................             569
10......................................................             633
11......................................................             696
12......................................................             759
13......................................................             822
14......................................................             886
15......................................................             949
16......................................................           1,012
17......................................................           1,075
18......................................................           1,139
19......................................................           1,202
20......................................................           1,265
21......................................................           1,328
22......................................................           1,392
23......................................................           1,455
24......................................................           1,518
25......................................................           1,581
26......................................................           1,898
27......................................................           2,214
28......................................................           2,530
29......................................................           2,725
30......................................................           3,163
31......................................................           3,479
32......................................................           3,795
33......................................................           4,112
34......................................................           4,428
35......................................................           4,744
36......................................................           5,060
37......................................................           5,377
38......................................................           5,693
39......................................................           6,009
40......................................................           6,325
41......................................................           6,642
42......................................................           6,958
43......................................................           7,274
44......................................................           7,591
45......................................................           7,907
46......................................................           8,223
47......................................................           8,539
48......................................................           8,856
49......................................................           9,172
50......................................................           9,488
51......................................................           9,804
52......................................................          10,121
53......................................................          10,437
54......................................................          10,753
55......................................................          11,070
56......................................................          11,386
57......................................................          11,702
58......................................................          12,018
59......................................................          12,335
60......................................................          12,651
61......................................................          12,967
62......................................................          13,284
63......................................................          13,600
64......................................................          13,916
65......................................................          14,232
66......................................................          14,549
67......................................................          14,865
68......................................................          15,181
69......................................................          15,497
70......................................................          15,814
------------------------------------------------------------------------


0
8. Section 845.15 is amended by revising paragraph (b) introductory 
text to read as follows:


Sec.  845.15  Assessment of separate violations for each day.

* * * * *
    (b) In addition to the civil penalty provided for in paragraph (a) 
of this section, whenever a violation contained in a notice of 
violation or cessation order has not been abated within the abatement 
period set in the notice or order or as subsequently extended pursuant 
to section 521(a) of the Act, a civil penalty of not less than $2,372 
will be assessed for each day during which such failure to abate 
continues, except that:
* * * * *

PART 846--CIVIL PENALTIES

0
9. The authority citation for part 846 continues to read as follows:

    Authority:  28 U.S.C. 2461, 30 U.S.C. 1201 et seq., and 31 
U.S.C. 3701.


0
10. Section 846.14 is amended by revising the first sentence of 
paragraph (b) to read as follows:


Sec.  846.14  Amount of individual civil penalty.

* * * * *
    (b) The penalty will not exceed $17,395 for each violation. * * *

[FR Doc. 2016-16190 Filed 7-7-16; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4310-05-P


Current View
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
ActionInterim final rule.
DatesThis rule is effective on August 1, 2016. Comments will be accepted until September 6, 2016.
ContactAdrienne Alsop, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement, South Interior Building MS-203, 1951 Constitution Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20240; Telephone (202) 208-2818.
FR Citation81 FR 44535 
RIN Number1029-AC72
CFR Citation30 CFR 723
30 CFR 724
30 CFR 845
30 CFR 846
CFR AssociatedAdministrative Practice and Procedure; Penalties; Surface Mining; Underground Mining; Law Enforcement and Reporting and Recordkeeping Requirements

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