81_FR_65503 81 FR 65319 - Appraisals and Valuations of Indian Property

81 FR 65319 - Appraisals and Valuations of Indian Property

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Office of the Secretary

Federal Register Volume 81, Issue 184 (September 22, 2016)

Page Range65319-65324
FR Document2016-22650

Congress recently passed the Indian Trust Asset Reform Act (ITARA), which requires the Secretary of the Interior to establish and publish in the Federal Register minimum qualifications for individuals to prepare appraisals and valuations of Indian trust property. This proposed rule would establish the minimum qualifications and would also implement provisions of ITARA that require the Secretary to accept appraisals and valuations without additional review or approval under certain circumstances.

Federal Register, Volume 81 Issue 184 (Thursday, September 22, 2016)
[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 184 (Thursday, September 22, 2016)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 65319-65324]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2016-22650]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Office of the Secretary

43 CFR Part 100

[167A2100DD/AAKC001030/A0A501010.999900]
RIN 1093-AA20


Appraisals and Valuations of Indian Property

AGENCY: Office of the Secretary, Interior.

ACTION: Proposed rule.

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SUMMARY: Congress recently passed the Indian Trust Asset Reform Act 
(ITARA), which requires the Secretary of the Interior to establish and 
publish in the Federal Register minimum qualifications for individuals 
to prepare appraisals and valuations of Indian trust property. This 
proposed rule would establish the minimum qualifications and would also 
implement provisions of ITARA that require the Secretary to accept 
appraisals and valuations without additional review or approval under 
certain circumstances.

DATES: Please submit written comments by November 21, 2016.

[[Page 65320]]


ADDRESSES: You may submit comments on the proposed rule by any of the 
following methods:

--Federal rulemaking portal: http://www.regulations.gov. The proposed 
rule is listed under the agency name ``Office of the Secretary'' and 
has been assigned Docket ID: DOI-2016-0005. If you would like to submit 
comments through the Federal e-Rulemaking Portal, go to 
www.regulations.gov and follow the instructions.
--Email: [email protected]. Include the number ``1093-AA20'' in 
the subject line of the message.
--Mail or hand-delivery: Ms. Elizabeth Appel, Office of Regulatory 
Affairs & Collaborative Action, U.S. Department of the Interior, 1849 C 
Street NW., MS 3642, Washington, DC 20240. Include the number ``1093-
AA20'' on the envelope. Please note, email or www.regulations.gov are 
the preferred methods for submitting comments; there is no need to 
submit a hard copy if you have submitted the comments through either of 
these electronic methods.

    Comments on the Paperwork Reduction Act information collections 
contained in this rule are separate from comments on the substance of 
the rule. Submit comments on the information collection requirements in 
this rule to the Desk Officer for the Department of the Interior by 
email at [email protected] or by facsimile at (202) 395-5806. 
Please also send a copy of your comments to [email protected].
    We cannot ensure that comments received after the close of the 
comment period (see DATES) will be included in the docket for this 
rulemaking and considered. Comments sent to an address other than those 
listed above will not be included in the docket for this rulemaking.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. Elizabeth Appel, Office of 
Regulatory Affairs and Collaborative Action--Indian Affairs at 
[email protected] or (202) 273-4680.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

I. Background
II. Summary of Proposed Rule
III. Tribal Consultation
IV. Specific Questions on Which the Department Seeks Comment
V. Procedural Requirements
    A. Regulatory Planning and Review (E.O. 12866)
    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)
    I. Paperwork Reduction Act
    J. National Environmental Policy Act
    K. Effects on the Energy Supply (E.O. 13211)
    L. Clarity of This Regulation
    M. Public Availability of Comments

I. Background

    On June 22, 2016, President Obama signed into law the Indian Trust 
Asset Reform Act, Public Law 114-178. Title III of this Act. In 
relevance to this rulemaking, the Act requires Interior to establish 
minimum qualifications for individuals to prepare appraisals and 
valuations of Indian trust property and allow an appraisal or valuation 
by a qualified person to be considered final without being reviewed or 
approved by Interior.
    This proposed rule would establish the minimum qualifications for 
individuals to prepare appraisals and valuations of Indian trust 
property and allow an appraisal or valuation by a qualified person to 
be considered final without being reviewed or approved by Interior.
    The Act also requires appraisals and valuations of Indian trust 
property to be administered by a single administrative entity within 
Interior. This rule is proposed under the Office of the Secretary for 
Department of the Interior, but may be finalized by another entity or 
agency within Interior depending on what single entity ultimately 
administers appraisals and valuations of Indian trust property.

II. Summary of Proposed Rule

    This rule would establish a new Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 
part to establish the minimum qualifications for appraisers, employed 
by or under contract with an Indian tribe or individual Indian, to 
become qualified appraisers who may prepare an appraisal or valuation 
of Indian property that will, in certain circumstances, be accepted by 
the Department without further review or approval. We note that, 
because the Department is not reviewing and approving the appraisal or 
valuation, it is not liable for any deficiency or inaccuracy in the 
appraisal or valuation.
    Subpart A, General Provisions, would define terms used in the 
regulation, describe the purpose of the regulation, and provide the 
standard Paperwork Reduction Act compliance statement. The terms are 
defined to include, in the context of this regulation, any property 
that the U.S. Government holds in trust or restricted status for an 
Indian tribe or individual Indian, to include not just land, but also 
natural resources or other assets. Other important terms include 
``appraisal,'' ``valuation,'' and ``qualified appraiser.'' Consistent 
with the statutory direction, the purpose of the regulations is written 
broadly, to include appraisals or valuations of any Indian trust 
property, including:

     Appraisals and valuations of real property;
     Appraisals and valuations of timber, minerals, or other 
property to the extent they contribute to the value of the whole 
property (for use in appraisals and valuations of real property); 
and
     Appraisals and valuations of timber, minerals, or other 
property separate from appraisals and valuations of real property.

    Subpart B, Appraiser Qualifications, would establish the minimum 
qualifications an appraiser must meet to be considered a ``qualified 
appraiser'' and would establish that the Secretary must verify that the 
appraiser meets those minimum qualifications. The Department seeks 
comment as to whether these minimum qualifications are appropriate for 
both real property appraisals and valuations and for appraisals and 
valuations of timber, minerals, or other property separate from 
appraisals and valuations of real property.
    This subpart would require that the verification information be 
submitted contemporaneously with the appraisal or valuation so that the 
Secretary can verify that the appraiser is a qualified appraiser at 
that point in time. The Department seeks ideas for allowing for 
verification in a way that would not require submission with each 
appraisal, but would ensure there were no changes in the appraiser's 
qualifications (e.g., the appraiser no longer holds a current Certified 
General Appraiser license) at the time the appraisal is submitted.
    Subpart C, Appraisals and Valuations, would require the submission 
of appraisals and valuations to the Department for transactions 
requiring Secretarial approval under titles 25 and 43 of the Code of 
Federal Regulations (e.g., 25 CFR 162, Leases and Permits; 25 CFR 169, 
Rights-of-Way on Indian Land). This subpart also sets out the 
circumstances in which the Department will forego review and approval 
of the appraisal or valuation. The proposed rule would require 
submission of the appraisal or valuation to the Department regardless 
of whether the Department will be reviewing and approving the appraisal 
or valuation. This requirement is included because the Department must 
use the results of the appraisal or valuation in completing the 
transaction requiring Secretarial approval.
    The proposed rule would require the Department to forego review and

[[Page 65321]]

approval of the appraisal or valuation and consider the appraisal or 
valuation final if three conditions are met: (1) The appraisal or 
valuation was completed by a qualified appraiser; (2) the Indian tribe 
or individual Indian expressed their intent to waive Departmental 
review and approval; and (3) no owner of any interest in the Indian 
property objects to the use of the appraisal or valuation without 
Departmental review and approval. The first condition is clearly 
required by ITARA. The second condition is implied by ITARA. The number 
of individual Indian owners of fractionated tracts that must express 
their intent to waive Departmental review and approval, under the 
second condition, would depend upon the underlying title 43 or title 25 
requirements. For example, if the underlying transaction is a right-of-
way, then the owners of a majority of the interests in the tract must 
express their intent to waive Departmental review and approval, 
consistent with the general consent requirements in 25 CFR part 169. 
The third condition, that no Indian property owner objects, is 
necessary to address situations where one or more owners of the tract 
still want Departmental review and approval of the appraisal or 
valuation, consistent with our trust responsibility to all owners of 
the Indian trust property.
    This subpart proposes to exempt certain transactions, thereby 
requiring Departmental review of the appraisal or valuation. The 
exempted transactions include any legislation expressly requiring the 
Department to review and approve an appraisal or valuation, such as the 
Land Buy Back Program under Claims Resolution Act of 2010 (Pub. L. 111-
291), and purchase at probate under 43 CFR part 30, because the judge 
will not be in a position to verify an appraiser's qualifications.

III. Tribal Consultation

    The Department is hosting listening sessions and consultation 
sessions with Indian tribes and trust beneficiaries on each of the 
items in Title III of ITARA (see ``I. Background'' for the list of 
items) at the dates and locations announced in 81 FR 47176 (July 20, 
2016), as corrected by 81 FR 51210 (August 3, 2016). The Department 
will also consult on this proposed rule at those listening sessions and 
consultation sessions.

IV. Specific Questions on Which the Department Seeks Comment

    The Department seeks comment on any aspect of this rule that 
commenters wish to comment on, but also specifically poses the 
following questions for your consideration in commenting:
    1. Do any tribes grant Certified General Appraiser licenses similar 
to those granted by States? If so, are the prerequisite requirements of 
individuals receiving this license consistent with the requirements 
established by the Appraisal Qualifications Board for State 
certification?
    2. Are the minimum qualifications in this regulation appropriate 
for appraisals and valuations of timber, minerals, or other property 
separate from appraisals and valuations of real property? If not, what 
qualifications would be better suited to those appraisals and 
valuations?
    3. Is there a way to allow for the Department to verify an 
appraiser's qualifications, without requiring the qualifications to be 
submitted with each appraisal, that would ensure the appraiser is 
qualified at the time the appraisal is submitted (and that there have 
been no changes in the appraiser's qualifications)?

V. Procedural Requirements

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

    Executive Order (E.O.) 12866 provides that the Office of 
Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA) at the Office of Management 
and Budget (OMB) will review all significant rules. OIRA has determined 
that this rule is not significant.
    E.O. 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 E.O. 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.

B. Regulatory Flexibility Act

    The Department of the Interior certifies that this document 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.). 
It does not change current funding requirements and any economic 
effects on small entities (e.g., the cost to obtain an appraiser 
license) would be incurred as part of their normal cost of doing 
business.

C. Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act

    This proposed rule is not a major rule under 5 U.S.C. 804(2), the 
Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act. This proposed rule:
    (a) Will 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) Will not have significant adverse effects on competition, 
employment, investment, productivity, innovation, or the ability of the 
U.S.-based enterprises to compete with foreign-based enterprises.

D. Unfunded Mandates Reform Act

    This proposed 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 proposed 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 proposed rule does not affect 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 
proposed 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 proposed 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.

[[Page 65322]]

H. Consultation With Indian Tribes (E.O. 13175)

    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 
proposed rule under the Department's consultation policy and under the 
criteria in Executive Order 13175 and have identified substantial 
direct effects on federally recognized Indian tribes that will result 
from this rulemaking. Tribes may be substantially and directly affected 
by this rulemaking because it allows for the submission of appraisals 
for transactions involving Indian property without Departmental review 
and approval. As such, the Department is consulting with tribes on this 
proposed rule as part of the consultation sessions addressing ITARA.

I. Paperwork Reduction Act

    This proposed rule contains an information collection that requires 
approval by OMB. The Department is seeking approval of a new 
information collection and a revision to an existing regulation, as 
follows.
    OMB Control Number: 1076--NEW.
    Title: Appraisals & Valuations of Indian Property, 43 CFR 100.
    Brief Description of Collection: The Department is proposing to 
establish minimum qualifications for appraisers of Indian property that 
require the submission of the appraiser's qualifications to the 
Department for verification. Submission of the appraisal or valuation 
itself is already authorized by other OMB Control Numbers under the 
associated 43 CFR or 25 CFR part (for example, the submission of 
appraisals for leasing of Indian land is included in the lease 
information collection authorized by OMB Control Number 1076-0181).
    Type of Review: New collection.
    Respondents: Individuals and Private Sector.
    Obligation to Respond: To Obtain or Retain a Benefit
    Number of Respondents: 155.
    Number of Responses: 465.
    Frequency of Response: 3 per year, on average.
    Estimated Time per Response: One hour.
    Estimated Total Annual Hour Burden: 465 hours.
    Estimated Total Annual Non-Hour Cost Burden: $0.
    A Federal agency may not conduct or sponsor, and you are not 
required to respond to, a collection of information unless the form or 
regulation requesting the information displays a currently valid OMB 
Control Number.

J. National Environmental Policy Act

    This proposed 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 this is an administrative and procedural 
regulation. (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 the Energy Supply (E.O. 13211)

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

L. Clarity of This Regulation

    We are required by Executive Orders 12866 and 12988 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 clear language rather than jargon;
    d. Be divided into short sections and sentences; and
    e. Use lists and tables wherever possible.
    If you feel 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 are unclearly written, which sections or sentences 
are too long, the sections where you believe lists or tables would be 
useful, etc.

M. Public Availability of Comments

    Before including your address, phone number, email address, or 
other personal identifying information in your comment, you should be 
aware that your entire comment--including your personal identifying 
information--may be made publicly available at any time. While you can 
ask us in your comment to withhold your personal identifying 
information from public review, we cannot guarantee that we will be 
able to do so.

List of Subjects in 43 CFR Part 100

    Indians, Indians--claims, Indians--lands, Mineral resources.


0
For the reasons given in the preamble, the Department of the Interior 
proposes to amend 43 CFR subtitle A, to add part 100 to read as 
follows:

Title 43--Public Lands; Interior

Subtitle A--Office of the Secretary of the Interior

Department of the Interior

PART 100--APPRAISALS AND VALUATIONS OF INDIAN PROPERTY

Subpart A--General Provisions

Sec.
100.100 What terms should I know for this part?
100.101 What is the purpose of this part?
100.102 Does this part apply to me?
100.103 How does the Paperwork Reduction Act affect this part?

Subpart B--Appraiser Qualifications

100.200 What are the minimum qualifications for qualified 
appraisers?
100.201 Does a qualified appraiser have authority to conduct 
appraisals or valuations of any type of Indian property?
100.202 Will the Secretary verify the appraiser's qualifications?
100.203 What must the tribe or individual Indian submit to the 
Secretary for verification of the appraiser's qualifications?
100.204 When must the tribe or individual Indian submit a package 
for Secretarial verification of appraiser qualifications?

Subpart C--Appraisals and Valuations

100.300 Must I submit an appraisal or valuation to the Department?
100.301 Will the Department review and approve by appraisal or 
valuation?
100.302 May I request Departmental review of an appraisal even if a 
qualified appraiser completed the appraisal or valuation?
100.303 What happens if the Indian tribe or individual Indian does 
not agree with the submitted appraisal or valuation?

    Authority: 5 U.S.C. 301; Pub. L. 114-178.

Subpart A--General Provisions


Sec.  100.100   What terms I should know for this part?

    Appraisal means a written statement independently and impartially 
prepared by a qualified appraiser setting forth an opinion of defined 
value of an adequately described property as of a specific date, 
supported by the presentation and analysis of relevant market 
information.

[[Page 65323]]

    Appraiser means one who is expected to perform an appraisal or 
valuation competently and in a manner that is independent, impartial, 
and objective.
    Indian means:
    (1) Any person who is a member of any Indian tribe, is eligible to 
become a member of any Indian tribe, or is an owner as of October 27, 
2004, of a trust or restricted interest in land;
    (2) Any person meeting the definition of Indian under the Indian 
Reorganization Act (25 U.S.C. 479) and the regulations promulgated 
thereunder; or
    (3) With respect to the inheritance and ownership of trust or 
restricted land in the State of California under 25 U.S.C. 2206, any 
person described in paragraph (1) or (2) of this definition or any 
person who owns a trust or restricted interest in a parcel of such land 
in that State.
    Indian property means trust property or restricted property.
    Indian tribe means an Indian tribe under section 102 of the 
Federally Recognized Indian Tribe List Act of 1994 (25 U.S.C. 479a).
    Land Buy-Back Program for Tribal Nations means the program 
implementing the land consolidation provisions of the settlement 
agreement in Cobell v. Salazar, No. 1:96CV01285-JR (D.D.C.), as 
confirmed by Congress in the Claims Resolution Act of 2010 (Pub. L. 
111-291).
    Qualified appraiser means an appraiser that is authorized to 
prepare an appraisal or valuation of Indian property because he or she 
meets the minimum qualifications of this part.
    Qualifications statement means a written overview of an appraiser's 
education, professional history and job qualifications, providing an 
indication of an appraiser's competency to perform specific types of 
assignments. The qualifications may include information regarding 
education (degrees and educational institutions or programs); 
professional affiliations, designations, certifications, and licenses; 
work experience (including companies or organizations, the dates of 
employment, job titles and duties, and any service as an expert 
witness); awards and publications; types of properties appraised; types 
of appraisal and valuation assignments; and clients.
    Restricted property means lands, natural resources, or other assets 
owned by Indian tribes or individual Indians that can only be alienated 
or encumbered with the approval of the United States because of 
limitations contained in the conveyance instrument, or limitations in 
Federal law.
    Secretary means the Secretary of the Interior or an authorized 
representative.
    Trust property means lands, natural resources, or other assets held 
by the United States in trust for Indian tribes or individual Indians.
    Us/we/our means the single bureau, agency, or entity within the 
Department of the Interior that administers appraisals and valuations 
of Indian property.
    Valuation means all other valuation methods or a market analysis, 
such as a general description of market trends, values, or benchmarks, 
prepared by a qualified appraiser.


Sec.  100.101  What is the purpose of this part?

    This part describes the minimum qualifications for appraisers, 
employed by or under contract with an Indian tribe or individual 
Indian, to become qualified appraisers who may prepare an appraisal or 
valuation of Indian property that will be accepted by the Department 
without further review or approval.


Sec.  100.102   Does this part apply to me?

    This part applies to anyone preparing or relying upon an appraisal 
or valuation of Indian property.


Sec.  100.103  How does the Paperwork Reduction Act affect this part?

    The collections of information contained in this part have been 
approved by the Office of Management and Budget under 44 U.S.C. 3501 et 
seq. and assigned OMB Control Number 1076--NEW. Response is required to 
obtain a benefit.

Subpart B--Appraiser Qualifications


Sec.  100.200  What are the minimum qualifications for qualified 
appraisers?

    (a) An appraiser must meet the following minimum qualifications to 
be a qualified appraiser under this part:
    (1) The appraiser must hold a current Certified General Appraiser 
license in the State in which the property appraised or valued is 
located;
    (2) The appraiser must be in good standing with the appraiser 
regulatory agency of the State in which the property appraised or 
valued is located; and
    (3) The appraiser must comply with the Uniform Standards of 
Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP) rules and provisions applicable 
to appraisers (including but not limited to Competency requirements 
applicable to the type of property being appraised or valued and Ethics 
requirements). This includes competency in timber and mineral 
valuations if applicable to the subject property.


Sec.  100.201  Does a qualified appraiser have the authority to conduct 
appraisals or valuations of any type of Indian property?

    All qualified appraisers of Indian property must meet the 
Competency requirements of USPAP for the type of property being 
appraised or valued. Competency can be demonstrated by previous 
completed assignments on the type of properties being appraised, 
additional education or training in specific property types, or 
membership and/or professional designation by a related professional 
appraisal association or group.


Sec.  100.202  Will the Secretary verify the appraiser's 
qualifications?

    The Secretary will verify the appraiser's qualifications to 
determine whether the appraiser meets the requirements of Sec.  
100.200.


Sec.  100.203  What must the tribe or individual Indian submit to the 
Secretary for a verification of the appraiser's qualifications?

    The tribe or individual Indian must submit the following with the 
appraisal or valuation:
    (a) A copy of the appraiser's current Certified General Appraiser 
license;
    (b) A copy of the appraiser's qualifications statement;
    (c) The appraiser's self-certification that the appraiser meets the 
criteria in Sec.  100.200; and
    (d) If the property contains natural resource elements that 
contribute to the value of the property, such as timber or minerals, a 
list of the appraiser's additional qualifications for the specific type 
of property being valued in the appraisal report.


Sec.  100.204   When must the tribe or individual Indian submit a 
package for Secretarial verification of appraiser qualifications?

    The tribe or individual Indian must submit the package of appraiser 
qualifications to the Secretary with the appraisal or valuation.

Subpart C--Appraisals and Valuations


Sec.  100.300  Must I submit an appraisal or valuation to the 
Department?

    Appraisals and valuations must be submitted to us for transactions 
requiring Secretarial approval under titles 25 and 43 of the CFR.


Sec.  100.301   Will the Department review and approve my appraisal or 
valuation?

    (a) The Department will not review the appraisal or valuation of 
Indian property and the appraisal or valuation will be considered final 
as long as:
    (1) The submission acknowledges the intent of the Indian tribe or 
individual

[[Page 65324]]

Indian to waive Departmental review and approval;
    (2) The appraisal or valuation was completed by a qualified 
appraiser meeting the requirements of this part; and
    (3) No owner of any interest in the Indian property objects to use 
of the appraisal or valuation without Departmental review and approval.
    (b) The Department must review and approve the appraisal or 
valuation if:
    (1) Any of the criteria in paragraph (a) of this section are not 
met; or
    (2) The appraisal or valuation was submitted for:
    (i) Purchase at probate under 43 CFR 30;
    (ii) The Land Buy-Back Program for Tribal Nations; or
    (iii) Specific legislation requiring the Department to review and 
approve an appraisal or valuation.


Sec.  100.302   May I request Departmental review of an appraisal even 
if a qualified appraiser completed the appraisal or valuation?

    If you do not specifically request waiver of Departmental review 
and approval under Sec.  100.300(a)(1), the Department will review the 
appraisal or valuation.


Sec.  100.303  What happens if the Indian tribe or individual Indian 
does not agree with the submitted appraisal or valuation?

    If the Indian tribe or individual Indian does not agree with the 
submitted appraisal or valuation, the Indian tribe or individual Indian 
may request that the Department perform an appraisal or valuation 
instead of relying on the submitted appraisal or valuation.

    Dated: September 7, 2016.
Michael L. Connor,
Deputy Secretary.
[FR Doc. 2016-22650 Filed 9-21-16; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4337-15-P



                                                                  Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 184 / Thursday, September 22, 2016 / Proposed Rules                                                65319

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                                               groups and city council meetings, local                    EPA Region 7 completed the EPA lead                  Environmental protection, air
                                               public access television, public service                portion of the remedial action on                     pollution control, Chemicals, Hazardous
                                               announcements on local cable                            December 29, 2015. The City of Omaha                  waste, Hazardous substances,
                                               television, coverage on radio, television,              and the Douglas County Health                         Intergovernmental relations, Penalties,
                                               in local and national newspapers, mass                  Department will be performing the                     Reporting and recordkeeping
                                               mailings of informational materials,                    remaining field work. As of December                  requirements, Superfund, Water
                                               public outreach by telephone,                           29, 2015, EPA collected soil samples                  pollution control, Water supply.
                                               conducting public meetings, and                         from 42,047 properties. There are 489                   Authority: 33 U.S.C. 1321(c)(2); 42 U.S.C.
                                               through the EPA Web site.                               remaining properties to be sampled. The               9601–9657; E.O. 12777, 56 FR 54757,3 CFR,
                                                  EPA has been performing outreach to                  EPA has obtained access to collect                    1991 Comp., p.351; E.O. 12580, 52 FR 2923,
                                               Omaha citizens, elected officials, school               samples from 163 of the 489 properties.               3 CFR, 1987 Comp., p.193.
                                                                                                          Based on the soil sampling results,                  Dated: September 12, 2016.
                                               officials, health officials, the media,
                                                                                                       14,019 properties were eligible for soil              Mark Hague,
                                               nonprofit groups, and others since
                                                                                                       remediation. The EPA remediated lead
                                               becoming involved in the project in an                                                                        Regional Administrator, Region 7.
                                                                                                       contaminated soil at 13,090 properties
                                               effort to convey information about the                                                                        [FR Doc. 2016–22877 Filed 9–21–16; 8:45 am]
                                                                                                       (93 percent) of the properties that were
                                               hazards of lead poisoning, particularly                                                                       BILLING CODE 6560–50–P
                                                                                                       eligible for remediation. There are
                                               the ways that lead affects the health of
                                                                                                       approximately 929 remaining properties
                                               children. The EPA participated in
                                                                                                       that are eligible for soil remediation.
                                               numerous formal and informal meetings                                                                         DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
                                                                                                       The EPA obtained access to remediate
                                               to explain EPA’s role and commitment
                                                                                                       fifty-one of the remaining properties.
                                               in Omaha, convey information about the                                                                        Office of the Secretary
                                               Superfund process, and provide general                  Lead-Based Paint Testing and
                                               information about the site and lead                     Stabilization                                         43 CFR Part 100
                                               contamination. EPA responds to                            The EPA tested 12,057 properties for                [167A2100DD/AAKC001030/
                                               inquiries on a daily basis regarding the                the presence of lead-based paint (LBP)                A0A501010.999900]
                                               site and individual property owner’s                    and determined 6,782 properties
                                               sampling results.                                                                                             RIN 1093–AA20
                                                                                                       qualified for LBP stabilization. The EPA
                                                  In January 2004, a Community                         has completed LBP stabilization on                    Appraisals and Valuations of Indian
                                               Advisory Group (CAG) was formed for                     6,249, (92 percent) of the eligible                   Property
                                               the OLS site. A CAG is a committee,                     properties.
                                               task force, or board made up of residents                                                                     AGENCY:    Office of the Secretary, Interior.
                                               affected by a Superfund site. They                      Dust Sampling                                         ACTION:   Proposed rule.
                                               provided a public forum where                             The EPA collected dust samples from
                                               representatives with diverse community                  3,933 properties consisting of 4,477                  SUMMARY:   Congress recently passed the
                                               interests could present and discuss their               residences for lead contaminated dust.                Indian Trust Asset Reform Act (ITARA),
                                               needs and concerns related to the site                  These numbers reflect the fact that some              which requires the Secretary of the
                                               and the cleanup process. The CAG was                    of the properties are multi-residence                 Interior to establish and publish in the
                                               discontinued after the last meeting was                 properties.                                           Federal Register minimum
                                               held in October 2011. A new group,                                                                            qualifications for individuals to prepare
                                               Child Lead Poisoning Prevention Group,                  Continuing Remedial Action                            appraisals and valuations of Indian trust
                                               formed. The first meeting of the Child                    EPA completed Cooperative                           property. This proposed rule would
                                                                                                       Agreements with the City of Omaha and                 establish the minimum qualifications
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                                               Lead Poisoning Group was held at City
                                               Hall in May 2012. The Group is no                       the Douglas County Health Department                  and would also implement provisions of
                                               longer active.                                          that provide funds to allow these local               ITARA that require the Secretary to
                                                                                                       government agencies to continue efforts               accept appraisals and valuations
                                               Five-Year Review                                        to obtain access to the remaining                     without additional review or approval
                                                 EPA completed the first Five-Year                     properties and conduct sampling and                   under certain circumstances.
                                               Review for the site in September 2014.                  remediation activities at those                       DATES: Please submit written comments
                                               Five-Year Reviews for the site are                      properties where they obtain access.                  by November 21, 2016.


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                                               65320              Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 184 / Thursday, September 22, 2016 / Proposed Rules

                                               ADDRESSES:    You may submit comments                     H. Consultation With Indian Tribes (E.O.            assets. Other important terms include
                                               on the proposed rule by any of the                           13175)                                           ‘‘appraisal,’’ ‘‘valuation,’’ and ‘‘qualified
                                               following methods:                                        I. Paperwork Reduction Act                          appraiser.’’ Consistent with the statutory
                                                                                                         J. National Environmental Policy Act
                                               —Federal rulemaking portal: http://                       K. Effects on the Energy Supply (E.O.
                                                                                                                                                             direction, the purpose of the regulations
                                                 www.regulations.gov. The proposed                          13211)                                           is written broadly, to include appraisals
                                                 rule is listed under the agency name                    L. Clarity of This Regulation                       or valuations of any Indian trust
                                                 ‘‘Office of the Secretary’’ and has been                M. Public Availability of Comments                  property, including:
                                                 assigned Docket ID: DOI–2016–0005.                    I. Background                                            • Appraisals and valuations of real
                                                 If you would like to submit comments                                                                        property;
                                                 through the Federal e-Rulemaking                         On June 22, 2016, President Obama                     • Appraisals and valuations of timber,
                                                 Portal, go to www.regulations.gov and                 signed into law the Indian Trust Asset                minerals, or other property to the extent they
                                                 follow the instructions.                              Reform Act, Public Law 114–178. Title                 contribute to the value of the whole property
                                                                                                       III of this Act. In relevance to this                 (for use in appraisals and valuations of real
                                               —Email: Elizabeth.appel@bia.gov.
                                                                                                       rulemaking, the Act requires Interior to              property); and
                                                 Include the number ‘‘1093–AA20’’ in                                                                            • Appraisals and valuations of timber,
                                                 the subject line of the message.                      establish minimum qualifications for                  minerals, or other property separate from
                                               —Mail or hand-delivery: Ms. Elizabeth                   individuals to prepare appraisals and                 appraisals and valuations of real property.
                                                 Appel, Office of Regulatory Affairs &                 valuations of Indian trust property and
                                                                                                       allow an appraisal or valuation by a                     Subpart B, Appraiser Qualifications,
                                                 Collaborative Action, U.S. Department
                                                                                                       qualified person to be considered final               would establish the minimum
                                                 of the Interior, 1849 C Street NW., MS
                                                                                                       without being reviewed or approved by                 qualifications an appraiser must meet to
                                                 3642, Washington, DC 20240. Include
                                                                                                       Interior.                                             be considered a ‘‘qualified appraiser’’
                                                 the number ‘‘1093–AA20’’ on the
                                                                                                          This proposed rule would establish                 and would establish that the Secretary
                                                 envelope. Please note, email or
                                                                                                       the minimum qualifications for                        must verify that the appraiser meets
                                                 www.regulations.gov are the preferred
                                                                                                       individuals to prepare appraisals and                 those minimum qualifications. The
                                                 methods for submitting comments;
                                                                                                       valuations of Indian trust property and               Department seeks comment as to
                                                 there is no need to submit a hard copy
                                                                                                       allow an appraisal or valuation by a                  whether these minimum qualifications
                                                 if you have submitted the comments
                                                                                                       qualified person to be considered final               are appropriate for both real property
                                                 through either of these electronic
                                                                                                       without being reviewed or approved by                 appraisals and valuations and for
                                                 methods.
                                                                                                       Interior.                                             appraisals and valuations of timber,
                                                 Comments on the Paperwork                                The Act also requires appraisals and               minerals, or other property separate
                                               Reduction Act information collections                   valuations of Indian trust property to be             from appraisals and valuations of real
                                               contained in this rule are separate from                administered by a single administrative               property.
                                               comments on the substance of the rule.                  entity within Interior. This rule is                     This subpart would require that the
                                               Submit comments on the information                      proposed under the Office of the                      verification information be submitted
                                               collection requirements in this rule to                 Secretary for Department of the Interior,             contemporaneously with the appraisal
                                               the Desk Officer for the Department of                  but may be finalized by another entity                or valuation so that the Secretary can
                                               the Interior by email at OIRA_                          or agency within Interior depending on                verify that the appraiser is a qualified
                                               Submission@omb.eop.gov or by                            what single entity ultimately                         appraiser at that point in time. The
                                               facsimile at (202) 395–5806. Please also                administers appraisals and valuations of              Department seeks ideas for allowing for
                                               send a copy of your comments to                         Indian trust property.                                verification in a way that would not
                                               comments@bia.gov.                                                                                             require submission with each appraisal,
                                                 We cannot ensure that comments                        II. Summary of Proposed Rule                          but would ensure there were no changes
                                               received after the close of the comment                    This rule would establish a new Code               in the appraiser’s qualifications (e.g., the
                                               period (see DATES) will be included in                  of Federal Regulations (CFR) part to                  appraiser no longer holds a current
                                               the docket for this rulemaking and                      establish the minimum qualifications                  Certified General Appraiser license) at
                                               considered. Comments sent to an                         for appraisers, employed by or under                  the time the appraisal is submitted.
                                               address other than those listed above                   contract with an Indian tribe or                         Subpart C, Appraisals and Valuations,
                                               will not be included in the docket for                  individual Indian, to become qualified                would require the submission of
                                               this rulemaking.                                        appraisers who may prepare an                         appraisals and valuations to the
                                               FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms.                    appraisal or valuation of Indian                      Department for transactions requiring
                                               Elizabeth Appel, Office of Regulatory                   property that will, in certain                        Secretarial approval under titles 25 and
                                               Affairs and Collaborative Action—                       circumstances, be accepted by the                     43 of the Code of Federal Regulations
                                               Indian Affairs at elizabeth.appel@                      Department without further review or                  (e.g., 25 CFR 162, Leases and Permits;
                                               bia.gov or (202) 273–4680.                              approval. We note that, because the                   25 CFR 169, Rights-of-Way on Indian
                                               SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:                              Department is not reviewing and                       Land). This subpart also sets out the
                                                                                                       approving the appraisal or valuation, it              circumstances in which the Department
                                               I. Background
                                               II. Summary of Proposed Rule                            is not liable for any deficiency or                   will forego review and approval of the
                                               III. Tribal Consultation                                inaccuracy in the appraisal or valuation.             appraisal or valuation. The proposed
                                               IV. Specific Questions on Which the                        Subpart A, General Provisions, would               rule would require submission of the
                                                     Department Seeks Comment                          define terms used in the regulation,                  appraisal or valuation to the Department
                                               V. Procedural Requirements                              describe the purpose of the regulation,               regardless of whether the Department
                                                  A. Regulatory Planning and Review (E.O.              and provide the standard Paperwork
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                                                                                                                                                             will be reviewing and approving the
                                                     12866)                                            Reduction Act compliance statement.                   appraisal or valuation. This requirement
                                                  B. Regulatory Flexibility Act                        The terms are defined to include, in the              is included because the Department
                                                  C. Small Business Regulatory Enforcement
                                                     Fairness Act
                                                                                                       context of this regulation, any property              must use the results of the appraisal or
                                                  D. Unfunded Mandates Reform Act                      that the U.S. Government holds in trust               valuation in completing the transaction
                                                  E. Takings (E.O. 12630)                              or restricted status for an Indian tribe or           requiring Secretarial approval.
                                                  F. Federalism (E.O. 13132)                           individual Indian, to include not just                   The proposed rule would require the
                                                  G. Civil Justice Reform (E.O. 12988)                 land, but also natural resources or other             Department to forego review and


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                                                                  Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 184 / Thursday, September 22, 2016 / Proposed Rules                                            65321

                                               approval of the appraisal or valuation                  questions for your consideration in                   economic effects on small entities (e.g.,
                                               and consider the appraisal or valuation                 commenting:                                           the cost to obtain an appraiser license)
                                               final if three conditions are met: (1) The                1. Do any tribes grant Certified                    would be incurred as part of their
                                               appraisal or valuation was completed by                 General Appraiser licenses similar to                 normal cost of doing business.
                                               a qualified appraiser; (2) the Indian tribe             those granted by States? If so, are the
                                                                                                                                                             C. Small Business Regulatory
                                               or individual Indian expressed their                    prerequisite requirements of individuals
                                               intent to waive Departmental review                                                                           Enforcement Fairness Act
                                                                                                       receiving this license consistent with
                                               and approval; and (3) no owner of any                   the requirements established by the                      This proposed rule is not a major rule
                                               interest in the Indian property objects to              Appraisal Qualifications Board for State              under 5 U.S.C. 804(2), the Small
                                               the use of the appraisal or valuation                   certification?                                        Business Regulatory Enforcement
                                               without Departmental review and                           2. Are the minimum qualifications in                Fairness Act. This proposed rule:
                                               approval. The first condition is clearly                this regulation appropriate for                          (a) Will not have an annual effect on
                                               required by ITARA. The second                           appraisals and valuations of timber,                  the economy of $100 million or more.
                                               condition is implied by ITARA. The                      minerals, or other property separate                     (b) Will not cause a major increase in
                                               number of individual Indian owners of                   from appraisals and valuations of real                costs or prices for consumers,
                                               fractionated tracts that must express                   property? If not, what qualifications
                                               their intent to waive Departmental                                                                            individual industries, Federal, State, or
                                                                                                       would be better suited to those                       local government agencies, or
                                               review and approval, under the second                   appraisals and valuations?
                                               condition, would depend upon the                                                                              geographic regions.
                                                                                                         3. Is there a way to allow for the
                                               underlying title 43 or title 25                         Department to verify an appraiser’s                      (c) Will not have significant adverse
                                               requirements. For example, if the                       qualifications, without requiring the                 effects on competition, employment,
                                               underlying transaction is a right-of-way,               qualifications to be submitted with each              investment, productivity, innovation, or
                                               then the owners of a majority of the                    appraisal, that would ensure the                      the ability of the U.S.-based enterprises
                                               interests in the tract must express their               appraiser is qualified at the time the                to compete with foreign-based
                                               intent to waive Departmental review                     appraisal is submitted (and that there                enterprises.
                                               and approval, consistent with the                       have been no changes in the appraiser’s               D. Unfunded Mandates Reform Act
                                               general consent requirements in 25 CFR                  qualifications)?
                                               part 169. The third condition, that no                                                                          This proposed rule does not impose
                                               Indian property owner objects, is                       V. Procedural Requirements                            an unfunded mandate on State, local, or
                                               necessary to address situations where                   A. Regulatory Planning and Review                     Tribal governments or the private sector
                                               one or more owners of the tract still                   (E.O. 12866)                                          of more than $100 million per year. The
                                               want Departmental review and approval                                                                         proposed rule does not have a
                                               of the appraisal or valuation, consistent                  Executive Order (E.O.) 12866 provides              significant or unique effect on State,
                                               with our trust responsibility to all                    that the Office of Information and                    local, or Tribal governments or the
                                               owners of the Indian trust property.                    Regulatory Affairs (OIRA) at the Office               private sector. A statement containing
                                                  This subpart proposes to exempt                      of Management and Budget (OMB) will                   the information required by the
                                               certain transactions, thereby requiring                 review all significant rules. OIRA has                Unfunded Mandates Reform Act (2
                                               Departmental review of the appraisal or                 determined that this rule is not                      U.S.C. 1531 et seq.) is not required.
                                               valuation. The exempted transactions                    significant.
                                                                                                          E.O. 13563 reaffirms the principles of             E. Takings (E.O. 12630)
                                               include any legislation expressly
                                               requiring the Department to review and                  E.O. 12866 while calling for                            This proposed rule does not affect a
                                               approve an appraisal or valuation, such                 improvements in the Nation’s regulatory               taking of private property or otherwise
                                               as the Land Buy Back Program under                      system to promote predictability, to                  have taking implications under
                                               Claims Resolution Act of 2010 (Pub. L.                  reduce uncertainty, and to use the best,              Executive Order 12630. A takings
                                               111–291), and purchase at probate                       most innovative, and least burdensome                 implication assessment is not required.
                                               under 43 CFR part 30, because the judge                 tools for achieving regulatory ends. The
                                               will not be in a position to verify an                  E.O. directs agencies to consider                     F. Federalism (E.O. 13132)
                                               appraiser’s qualifications.                             regulatory approaches that reduce
                                                                                                                                                               Under the criteria in section 1 of
                                                                                                       burdens and maintain flexibility and
                                               III. Tribal Consultation                                                                                      Executive Order 13132, this proposed
                                                                                                       freedom of choice for the public where
                                                                                                                                                             rule does not have sufficient federalism
                                                  The Department is hosting listening                  these approaches are relevant, feasible,
                                                                                                                                                             implications to warrant the preparation
                                               sessions and consultation sessions with                 and consistent with regulatory
                                                                                                                                                             of a federalism summary impact
                                               Indian tribes and trust beneficiaries on                objectives. E.O. 13563 emphasizes
                                                                                                                                                             statement. A federalism summary
                                               each of the items in Title III of ITARA                 further that regulations must be based
                                                                                                                                                             impact statement is not required.
                                               (see ‘‘I. Background’’ for the list of                  on the best available science and that
                                               items) at the dates and locations                       the rulemaking process must allow for                 G. Civil Justice Reform (E.O. 12988)
                                               announced in 81 FR 47176 (July 20,                      public participation and an open
                                                                                                                                                                This proposed rule complies with the
                                               2016), as corrected by 81 FR 51210                      exchange of ideas. We have developed
                                                                                                                                                             requirements of Executive Order 12988.
                                               (August 3, 2016). The Department will                   this rule in a manner consistent with
                                                                                                                                                             Specifically, this rule:
                                               also consult on this proposed rule at                   these requirements.
                                               those listening sessions and                                                                                     (a) Meets the criteria of section 3(a)
                                                                                                       B. Regulatory Flexibility Act                         requiring that all regulations be
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                                               consultation sessions.
                                                                                                         The Department of the Interior                      reviewed to eliminate errors and
                                               IV. Specific Questions on Which the                     certifies that this document will not                 ambiguity and be written to minimize
                                               Department Seeks Comment                                have a significant economic effect on a               litigation; and
                                                 The Department seeks comment on                       substantial number of small entities                     (b) Meets the criteria of section 3(b)(2)
                                               any aspect of this rule that commenters                 under the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5               requiring that all regulations be written
                                               wish to comment on, but also                            U.S.C. 601 et seq.). It does not change               in clear language and contain clear legal
                                               specifically poses the following                        current funding requirements and any                  standards.


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                                               65322              Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 184 / Thursday, September 22, 2016 / Proposed Rules

                                               H. Consultation With Indian Tribes                      respond to, a collection of information               cannot guarantee that we will be able to
                                               (E.O. 13175)                                            unless the form or regulation requesting              do so.
                                                  The Department of the Interior strives               the information displays a currently
                                                                                                                                                             List of Subjects in 43 CFR Part 100
                                               to strengthen its government-to-                        valid OMB Control Number.
                                                                                                                                                               Indians, Indians—claims, Indians—
                                               government relationship with Indian                     J. National Environmental Policy Act                  lands, Mineral resources.
                                               tribes through a commitment to
                                               consultation with Indian tribes and                       This proposed rule does not                         ■ For the reasons given in the preamble,
                                               recognition of their right to self-                     constitute a major Federal action                     the Department of the Interior proposes
                                               governance and tribal sovereignty. We                   significantly affecting the quality of the            to amend 43 CFR subtitle A, to add part
                                               have evaluated this proposed rule under                 human environment. A detailed                         100 to read as follows:
                                               the Department’s consultation policy                    statement under the National
                                                                                                       Environmental Policy Act of 1969                      Title 43—Public Lands; Interior
                                               and under the criteria in Executive
                                                                                                       (NEPA) is not required because this is                Subtitle A—Office of the Secretary of
                                               Order 13175 and have identified
                                                                                                       an administrative and procedural                      the Interior
                                               substantial direct effects on federally
                                               recognized Indian tribes that will result               regulation. (For further information see              Department of the Interior
                                               from this rulemaking. Tribes may be                     43 CFR 46.210(i)). We have also
                                               substantially and directly affected by                  determined that the rule does not                     PART 100—APPRAISALS AND
                                               this rulemaking because it allows for the               involve any of the extraordinary                      VALUATIONS OF INDIAN PROPERTY
                                               submission of appraisals for                            circumstances listed in 43 CFR 46.215
                                                                                                       that would require further analysis                   Subpart A—General Provisions
                                               transactions involving Indian property
                                               without Departmental review and                         under NEPA.
                                                                                                                                                             Sec.
                                               approval. As such, the Department is                    K. Effects on the Energy Supply (E.O.                 100.100 What terms should I know for this
                                               consulting with tribes on this proposed                 13211)                                                     part?
                                               rule as part of the consultation sessions                                                                     100.101 What is the purpose of this part?
                                                                                                         This proposed rule is not a significant             100.102 Does this part apply to me?
                                               addressing ITARA.                                                                                             100.103 How does the Paperwork
                                                                                                       energy action under the definition in
                                               I. Paperwork Reduction Act                              Executive Order 13211. A Statement of                      Reduction Act affect this part?
                                                  This proposed rule contains an                       Energy Effects is not required.
                                                                                                                                                             Subpart B—Appraiser Qualifications
                                               information collection that requires                    L. Clarity of This Regulation
                                               approval by OMB. The Department is                                                                            100.200 What are the minimum
                                               seeking approval of a new information                      We are required by Executive Orders                    qualifications for qualified appraisers?
                                               collection and a revision to an existing                12866 and 12988 and by the                            100.201 Does a qualified appraiser have
                                                                                                       Presidential Memorandum of June 1,                        authority to conduct appraisals or
                                               regulation, as follows.                                                                                           valuations of any type of Indian
                                                  OMB Control Number: 1076—NEW.                        1998, to write all rules in plain
                                                                                                                                                                 property?
                                                  Title: Appraisals & Valuations of                    language. This means that each rule we
                                                                                                                                                             100.202 Will the Secretary verify the
                                               Indian Property, 43 CFR 100.                            publish must:                                             appraiser’s qualifications?
                                                  Brief Description of Collection: The                    a. Be logically organized;                         100.203 What must the tribe or individual
                                               Department is proposing to establish                       b. Use the active voice to address                     Indian submit to the Secretary for
                                               minimum qualifications for appraisers                   readers directly;                                         verification of the appraiser’s
                                                                                                          c. Use clear language rather than                      qualifications?
                                               of Indian property that require the                                                                           100.204 When must the tribe or individual
                                               submission of the appraiser’s                           jargon;
                                                                                                                                                                 Indian submit a package for Secretarial
                                               qualifications to the Department for                       d. Be divided into short sections and                  verification of appraiser qualifications?
                                               verification. Submission of the appraisal               sentences; and
                                               or valuation itself is already authorized                  e. Use lists and tables wherever                   Subpart C—Appraisals and Valuations
                                               by other OMB Control Numbers under                      possible.
                                                                                                                                                             100.300 Must I submit an appraisal or
                                               the associated 43 CFR or 25 CFR part                       If you feel that we have not met these                 valuation to the Department?
                                               (for example, the submission of                         requirements, send us comments by one                 100.301 Will the Department review and
                                               appraisals for leasing of Indian land is                of the methods listed in the ADDRESSES                    approve by appraisal or valuation?
                                               included in the lease information                       section. To better help us revise the                 100.302 May I request Departmental review
                                               collection authorized by OMB Control                    rule, your comments should be as                          of an appraisal even if a qualified
                                               Number 1076–0181).                                      specific as possible. For example, you                    appraiser completed the appraisal or
                                                  Type of Review: New collection.                      should tell us the numbers of the                         valuation?
                                                                                                                                                             100.303 What happens if the Indian tribe or
                                                  Respondents: Individuals and Private                 sections or paragraphs that are unclearly                 individual Indian does not agree with
                                               Sector.                                                 written, which sections or sentences are                  the submitted appraisal or valuation?
                                                  Obligation to Respond: To Obtain or                  too long, the sections where you believe
                                               Retain a Benefit                                                                                                Authority: 5 U.S.C. 301; Pub. L. 114–178.
                                                                                                       lists or tables would be useful, etc.
                                                  Number of Respondents: 155.                                                                                Subpart A—General Provisions
                                                                                                       M. Public Availability of Comments
                                                  Number of Responses: 465.
                                                  Frequency of Response: 3 per year, on                  Before including your address, phone                § 100.100 What terms I should know for
                                               average.                                                number, email address, or other                       this part?
                                                  Estimated Time per Response: One                     personal identifying information in your                Appraisal means a written statement
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                                               hour.                                                   comment, you should be aware that                     independently and impartially prepared
                                                  Estimated Total Annual Hour Burden:                  your entire comment—including your                    by a qualified appraiser setting forth an
                                               465 hours.                                              personal identifying information—may                  opinion of defined value of an
                                                  Estimated Total Annual Non-Hour                      be made publicly available at any time.               adequately described property as of a
                                               Cost Burden: $0.                                        While you can ask us in your comment                  specific date, supported by the
                                                  A Federal agency may not conduct or                  to withhold your personal identifying                 presentation and analysis of relevant
                                               sponsor, and you are not required to                    information from public review, we                    market information.


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                                                                  Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 184 / Thursday, September 22, 2016 / Proposed Rules                                            65323

                                                  Appraiser means one who is expected                    Secretary means the Secretary of the                § 100.201 Does a qualified appraiser have
                                               to perform an appraisal or valuation                    Interior or an authorized representative.             the authority to conduct appraisals or
                                               competently and in a manner that is                       Trust property means lands, natural                 valuations of any type of Indian property?
                                               independent, impartial, and objective.                  resources, or other assets held by the                  All qualified appraisers of Indian
                                                  Indian means:                                        United States in trust for Indian tribes              property must meet the Competency
                                                  (1) Any person who is a member of                    or individual Indians.                                requirements of USPAP for the type of
                                               any Indian tribe, is eligible to become a                 Us/we/our means the single bureau,                  property being appraised or valued.
                                               member of any Indian tribe, or is an                    agency, or entity within the Department               Competency can be demonstrated by
                                               owner as of October 27, 2004, of a trust                of the Interior that administers                      previous completed assignments on the
                                               or restricted interest in land;                         appraisals and valuations of Indian                   type of properties being appraised,
                                                  (2) Any person meeting the definition                property.                                             additional education or training in
                                               of Indian under the Indian                                Valuation means all other valuation                 specific property types, or membership
                                               Reorganization Act (25 U.S.C. 479) and                  methods or a market analysis, such as a               and/or professional designation by a
                                               the regulations promulgated thereunder;                 general description of market trends,                 related professional appraisal
                                               or                                                      values, or benchmarks, prepared by a                  association or group.
                                                  (3) With respect to the inheritance                  qualified appraiser.
                                               and ownership of trust or restricted land                                                                     § 100.202 Will the Secretary verify the
                                               in the State of California under 25                     § 100.101    What is the purpose of this part?        appraiser’s qualifications?
                                               U.S.C. 2206, any person described in                       This part describes the minimum                      The Secretary will verify the
                                               paragraph (1) or (2) of this definition or              qualifications for appraisers, employed               appraiser’s qualifications to determine
                                               any person who owns a trust or                          by or under contract with an Indian                   whether the appraiser meets the
                                               restricted interest in a parcel of such                 tribe or individual Indian, to become                 requirements of § 100.200.
                                               land in that State.                                     qualified appraisers who may prepare
                                                                                                                                                             § 100.203 What must the tribe or individual
                                                  Indian property means trust property                 an appraisal or valuation of Indian                   Indian submit to the Secretary for a
                                               or restricted property.                                 property that will be accepted by the                 verification of the appraiser’s
                                                  Indian tribe means an Indian tribe                   Department without further review or                  qualifications?
                                               under section 102 of the Federally                      approval.                                               The tribe or individual Indian must
                                               Recognized Indian Tribe List Act of                                                                           submit the following with the appraisal
                                               1994 (25 U.S.C. 479a).                                  § 100.102    Does this part apply to me?
                                                                                                         This part applies to anyone preparing               or valuation:
                                                  Land Buy-Back Program for Tribal                                                                             (a) A copy of the appraiser’s current
                                               Nations means the program                               or relying upon an appraisal or
                                                                                                       valuation of Indian property.                         Certified General Appraiser license;
                                               implementing the land consolidation                                                                             (b) A copy of the appraiser’s
                                               provisions of the settlement agreement                                                                        qualifications statement;
                                                                                                       § 100.103 How does the Paperwork
                                               in Cobell v. Salazar, No. 1:96CV01285–                  Reduction Act affect this part?                         (c) The appraiser’s self-certification
                                               JR (D.D.C.), as confirmed by Congress in                                                                      that the appraiser meets the criteria in
                                                                                                         The collections of information
                                               the Claims Resolution Act of 2010 (Pub.                                                                       § 100.200; and
                                                                                                       contained in this part have been
                                               L. 111–291).                                                                                                    (d) If the property contains natural
                                                  Qualified appraiser means an                         approved by the Office of Management
                                                                                                       and Budget under 44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.               resource elements that contribute to the
                                               appraiser that is authorized to prepare                                                                       value of the property, such as timber or
                                               an appraisal or valuation of Indian                     and assigned OMB Control Number
                                                                                                       1076—NEW. Response is required to                     minerals, a list of the appraiser’s
                                               property because he or she meets the                                                                          additional qualifications for the specific
                                               minimum qualifications of this part.                    obtain a benefit.
                                                                                                                                                             type of property being valued in the
                                                  Qualifications statement means a                                                                           appraisal report.
                                                                                                       Subpart B—Appraiser Qualifications
                                               written overview of an appraiser’s
                                               education, professional history and job                 § 100.200 What are the minimum                        § 100.204 When must the tribe or
                                               qualifications, providing an indication                 qualifications for qualified appraisers?              individual Indian submit a package for
                                               of an appraiser’s competency to perform                    (a) An appraiser must meet the                     Secretarial verification of appraiser
                                               specific types of assignments. The                      following minimum qualifications to be                qualifications?
                                               qualifications may include information                  a qualified appraiser under this part:                  The tribe or individual Indian must
                                               regarding education (degrees and                           (1) The appraiser must hold a current              submit the package of appraiser
                                               educational institutions or programs);                  Certified General Appraiser license in                qualifications to the Secretary with the
                                               professional affiliations, designations,                the State in which the property                       appraisal or valuation.
                                               certifications, and licenses; work                      appraised or valued is located;
                                               experience (including companies or                         (2) The appraiser must be in good                  Subpart C—Appraisals and Valuations
                                               organizations, the dates of employment,                 standing with the appraiser regulatory                § 100.300 Must I submit an appraisal or
                                               job titles and duties, and any service as               agency of the State in which the                      valuation to the Department?
                                               an expert witness); awards and                          property appraised or valued is located;                 Appraisals and valuations must be
                                               publications; types of properties                       and                                                   submitted to us for transactions
                                               appraised; types of appraisal and                          (3) The appraiser must comply with                 requiring Secretarial approval under
                                               valuation assignments; and clients.                     the Uniform Standards of Professional                 titles 25 and 43 of the CFR.
                                                  Restricted property means lands,                     Appraisal Practice (USPAP) rules and
                                               natural resources, or other assets owned                provisions applicable to appraisers
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                                                                                                                                                             § 100.301 Will the Department review and
                                               by Indian tribes or individual Indians                  (including but not limited to                         approve my appraisal or valuation?
                                               that can only be alienated or                           Competency requirements applicable to                   (a) The Department will not review
                                               encumbered with the approval of the                     the type of property being appraised or               the appraisal or valuation of Indian
                                               United States because of limitations                    valued and Ethics requirements). This                 property and the appraisal or valuation
                                               contained in the conveyance                             includes competency in timber and                     will be considered final as long as:
                                               instrument, or limitations in Federal                   mineral valuations if applicable to the                 (1) The submission acknowledges the
                                               law.                                                    subject property.                                     intent of the Indian tribe or individual


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                                               65324              Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 184 / Thursday, September 22, 2016 / Proposed Rules

                                               Indian to waive Departmental review                     12-month finding on a petition to list                Executive Summary
                                               and approval;                                           the rusty patched bumble bee (Bombus                     Why we need to publish a proposed
                                                 (2) The appraisal or valuation was                    affinis) as endangered or threatened                  rule. Under the Act, if a species is
                                               completed by a qualified appraiser                      under the Endangered Species Act, as                  determined to be an endangered or
                                               meeting the requirements of this part;                  amended (Act). After review of the best               threatened species throughout all or a
                                               and                                                     available scientific and commercial                   significant portion of its range, we are
                                                 (3) No owner of any interest in the                   information, we find that listing the
                                               Indian property objects to use of the                                                                         required to promptly publish a proposal
                                                                                                       rusty patched bumble bee is warranted.                in the Federal Register and make a
                                               appraisal or valuation without                          Accordingly, we propose to list the
                                               Departmental review and approval.                                                                             determination on our proposal within 1
                                                                                                       rusty patched bumble bee, a species that              year. Critical habitat shall be designated,
                                                 (b) The Department must review and                    occurs in the eastern and midwestern
                                               approve the appraisal or valuation if:                                                                        to the maximum extent prudent and
                                                                                                       United States and Ontario, Canada, as
                                                 (1) Any of the criteria in paragraph (a)                                                                    determinable, for any species
                                                                                                       an endangered species under the
                                               of this section are not met; or                                                                               determined to be an endangered or
                                                                                                       Endangered Species Act (Act). If we
                                                 (2) The appraisal or valuation was                                                                          threatened species under the Act.
                                                                                                       finalize this rule as proposed, it would
                                               submitted for:                                                                                                Listing a species as an endangered or
                                                                                                       extend the Act’s protections to this
                                                 (i) Purchase at probate under 43 CFR                                                                        threatened species and designations and
                                                                                                       species. The effect of this regulation will
                                               30;                                                                                                           revisions of critical habitat can only be
                                                                                                       be to add this species to the List of
                                                 (ii) The Land Buy-Back Program for                                                                          completed by issuing a rule. This
                                                                                                       Endangered and Threatened Wildlife.
                                               Tribal Nations; or                                                                                            rulemaking will propose the listing of
                                                 (iii) Specific legislation requiring the              DATES: We will accept comments
                                                                                                                                                             the rusty patched bumble bee (Bombus
                                               Department to review and approve an                     received or postmarked on or before                   affinis) as an endangered species.
                                               appraisal or valuation.                                 November 21, 2016. Comments                              The basis for our action. Under the
                                                                                                       submitted electronically using the                    Act, we can determine that a species is
                                               § 100.302 May I request Departmental                    Federal eRulemaking Portal (see
                                               review of an appraisal even if a qualified                                                                    an endangered or threatened species
                                                                                                       ADDRESSES below) must be received by
                                               appraiser completed the appraisal or                                                                          based on any of five factors: (A) The
                                                                                                       11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on the closing                present or threatened destruction,
                                               valuation?
                                                                                                       date. We must receive requests for                    modification, or curtailment of its
                                                 If you do not specifically request                    public hearings, in writing, at the
                                               waiver of Departmental review and                                                                             habitat or range; (B) Overutilization for
                                                                                                       address shown in FOR FURTHER                          commercial, recreational, scientific, or
                                               approval under § 100.300(a)(1), the                     INFORMATION CONTACT by November 7,
                                               Department will review the appraisal or                                                                       educational purposes; (C) Disease or
                                                                                                       2016.                                                 predation; (D) The inadequacy of
                                               valuation.
                                                                                                       ADDRESSES: You may submit comments                    existing regulatory mechanisms; or (E)
                                               § 100.303 What happens if the Indian tribe              by one of the following methods:                      Other natural or manmade factors
                                               or individual Indian does not agree with the               (1) Electronically: Go to the Federal              affecting its continued existence. While
                                               submitted appraisal or valuation?                       eRulemaking Portal: http://                           the exact cause of the species’ decline
                                                 If the Indian tribe or individual Indian              www.regulations.gov. In the Search box,               is uncertain, the primary causes
                                               does not agree with the submitted                       enter FWS–R3–ES–2015–0112, which is                   attributed to the decline include habitat
                                               appraisal or valuation, the Indian tribe                the docket number for this rulemaking.                loss and degradation, pathogens,
                                               or individual Indian may request that                   Then, in the Search panel on the left                 pesticides, and small population
                                               the Department perform an appraisal or                  side of the screen, under the Document                dynamics.
                                               valuation instead of relying on the                     Type heading, click on the Proposed                      We will seek peer review. We sought
                                               submitted appraisal or valuation.                       Rules link to locate this document. You               comments on the species status
                                                 Dated: September 7, 2016.                             may submit a comment by clicking on                   assessment (SSA) from independent
                                               Michael L. Connor,                                      ‘‘Comment Now!’’                                      specialists to ensure that our analysis
                                               Deputy Secretary.                                          (2) By hard copy: Submit by U.S. mail              was based on scientifically sound data,
                                                                                                       or hand-delivery to: Public Comments                  assumptions, and analyses. We will also
                                               [FR Doc. 2016–22650 Filed 9–21–16; 8:45 am]
                                                                                                       Processing, Attn: FWS–R3–ES–2015–                     invite these peer reviewers to comment
                                               BILLING CODE 4337–15–P
                                                                                                       0112; U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service                  on our listing proposal. Because we will
                                                                                                       Headquarters, MS: BPHC, 5275 Leesburg                 consider all comments and information
                                                                                                       Pike, Falls Church, VA 22041–3803.                    received during the comment period,
                                               DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR                                 We request that you send comments                  our final determinations may differ from
                                                                                                       only by the methods described above.                  this proposal.
                                               Fish and Wildlife Service
                                                                                                       We will post all comments on http://                     An SSA team prepared an SSA report
                                                                                                       www.regulations.gov. This generally                   for the rusty patched bumble bee. The
                                               50 CFR Part 17
                                                                                                       means that we will post any personal                  SSA team was composed of U.S. Fish
                                               [Docket No. FWS–R3–ES–2015–0112;                        information you provide us (see Public                and Wildlife Service biologists, in
                                               4500030113]                                             Comments below for more information).                 consultation with other species experts.
                                               RIN 1018–BB66                                           FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:                      The SSA represents a compilation of the
                                                                                                       Peter Fasbender, Field Supervisor, U.S.               best scientific and commercial data
                                               Endangered and Threatened Wildlife                      Fish and Wildlife Service, Twin Cities                available concerning the status of the
                                               and Plants; Endangered Species                          Ecological Services Field Office, 4101                species, including the impacts of past,
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                                               Status for Rusty Patched Bumble Bee                     American Blvd. E., Bloomington, MN                    present, and future factors (both
                                               AGENCY:   Fish and Wildlife Service,                    55425, by telephone 952–252–0092,                     negative and beneficial) affecting the
                                               Interior.                                               extension 210. Persons who use a                      rusty patched bumble bee. The SSA
                                                                                                       telecommunications device for the deaf                underwent independent peer review by
                                               ACTION: Proposed rule.
                                                                                                       (TDD) may call the Federal Information                15 scientists with expertise in bumble
                                               SUMMARY:  We, the U.S. Fish and                         Relay Service (FIRS) at 800–877–8339.                 bee biology, habitat management, and
                                               Wildlife Service (Service), announce a                  SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:                            stressors (factors negatively affecting the


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Document Created: 2016-09-22 01:03:57
Document Modified: 2016-09-22 01:03:57
CategoryRegulatory Information
CollectionFederal Register
sudoc ClassAE 2.7:
GS 4.107:
AE 2.106:
PublisherOffice of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration
SectionProposed Rules
ActionProposed rule.
DatesPlease submit written comments by November 21, 2016.
ContactMs. Elizabeth Appel, Office of Regulatory Affairs and Collaborative Action--Indian Affairs at [email protected] or (202) 273-4680.
FR Citation81 FR 65319 
RIN Number1093-AA20
CFR AssociatedIndians; Indians-Claims; Indians-Lands and Mineral Resources

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