82_FR_45053 82 FR 44868 - Request for Comments Concerning an Environmental Review of the Proposed Renegotiation of the North American Free Trade Agreement

82 FR 44868 - Request for Comments Concerning an Environmental Review of the Proposed Renegotiation of the North American Free Trade Agreement

OFFICE OF THE UNITED STATES TRADE REPRESENTATIVE

Federal Register Volume 82, Issue 185 (September 26, 2017)

Page Range44868-44869
FR Document2017-20526

The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR), through the Trade Policy Staff Committee (TPSC), is initiating an environmental review relating to the renegotiation of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), a free trade agreement between the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The TPSC invites written comments on the topics that should be included in the scope of the environmental review, including potential positive or negative environmental effects that might result from the trade agreement and potential implications for U.S. environmental laws and regulations. The TPSC also welcomes comments on appropriate methodologies and sources of data for conducting the review. We will take comments on environmental issues we received in response to the notice published in the Federal Register on May 23, 2017, requesting comments on NAFTA negotiating objectives into account in preparing the environmental review and you do not need to resubmit these comments.

Federal Register, Volume 82 Issue 185 (Tuesday, September 26, 2017) 
[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 185 (Tuesday, September 26, 2017)]
[Notices]
[Pages 44868-44869]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2017-20526]


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OFFICE OF THE UNITED STATES TRADE REPRESENTATIVE

[DOCKET NUMBER USTR-2017-0013]


Request for Comments Concerning an Environmental Review of the 
Proposed Renegotiation of the North American Free Trade Agreement

AGENCY: Office of the United States Trade Representative.

ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR), 
through the Trade Policy Staff Committee (TPSC), is initiating an 
environmental review relating to the renegotiation of the North 
American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), a free trade agreement between 
the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The TPSC invites written 
comments on the topics that should be included in the scope of the 
environmental review, including potential positive or negative 
environmental effects that might result from the trade agreement and 
potential implications for U.S. environmental laws and regulations. The 
TPSC also welcomes comments on appropriate methodologies and sources of 
data for conducting the review. We will take comments on environmental 
issues we received in response to the notice published in the Federal 
Register on May 23, 2017, requesting comments on NAFTA negotiating 
objectives into account in preparing the environmental review and you 
do not need to resubmit these comments.

DATES: We must receive your comments by November 27, 2017.

ADDRESSES: We strongly prefers electronic submissions made through the 
Federal eRulemaking Portal: http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the 
instructions for submitting comments in section 3 below. The docket 
number is USTR-2017-0013. For alternatives to on-line submissions, 
please contact Yvonne Jamison, Trade Policy Staff Committee, at (202) 
395-3475.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Direct questions about submission of 
comments to Yvonne Jamison at (202) 395-3475. Direct substantive 
questions to Sarah Stewart at (202) 395-7320.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

1. Background

    On May 18, 2017, following consultations with relevant 
Congressional committees, USTR informed Congress that the President was 
entering into negotiations with Canada and Mexico with respect to the 
NAFTA. Through a notice in the Federal Register (82 FR 23699) and a 
public hearing held on June 27-29, 2017, in Washington, DC, the TPSC 
invited the public to provide comments and testimony to assist USTR in 
assessing U.S. objectives for the proposed agreement. You can find a 
description of the U.S. negotiating objectives for the NAFTA on the 
USTR Web site: https://ustr.gov/sites/default/files/files/Press/Releases/NAFTAObjectives.pdf.

2. Environmental Review

    Section 105(d)(1)(A) of the Bipartisan Congressional Trade 
Priorities and Accountability Act of 2015, 19 U.S.C. 4201, requires 
environmental reviews of trade agreements consistent with Executive 
Order 13141 (64 FR 63169, Nov. 18, 1999) and the implementing 
guidelines (65 FR 79442, Dec. 19, 2000). The purpose of environmental 
reviews is to ensure that policymakers and the public are informed 
about reasonably foreseeable environmental impacts of trade agreements 
(both positive and negative), to identify complementarities between 
trade and environmental objectives, and to help shape appropriate 
responses if environmental impacts are identified. Reviews are one of 
the tools we use to integrate environmental information and analysis 
into the fluid, dynamic process of trade negotiations. USTR and the 
Council on Environmental Quality jointly oversee implementation of the 
Executive Order and its implementing guidelines. USTR, through the 
TPSC, is responsible for conducting the individual reviews. You can 
find additional background information and examples of prior 
environmental reviews on the USTR Web site: https://ustr.gov/issue-areas/environment/environmental-reviews.

3. Requirements for Submissions

    Persons submitting comments must do so in English and must identify 
(on the first page of the submission) ``Comments Regarding the NAFTA 
Environmental Review.'' In order to be assured of consideration, you 
must

[[Page 44869]]

submit comments by November 27, 2017. In order to ensure the timely 
receipt and consideration of comments, USTR strongly encourages 
commenters to make on-line submissions using the www.regulations.gov.
    To submit comments via www.regulations.gov, enter docket number 
USTR 2017-0013 on the home page and click ``search.'' The site will 
provide a search-results page listing all documents associated with 
this docket. Find a reference to this notice and click on the link 
entitled ``Comment Now!'' For further information on using the 
www.regulations.gov Web site, please consult the resources provided on 
the Web site by clicking on ``How to Use Regulations.gov'' on the 
bottom of the home page. We will not accept hand-delivered submissions.
    The www.regulations.gov Web site allows users to submit comments by 
filling in a ``Type Comment'' field or by attaching a document using an 
``Upload File'' field. USTR prefers that you submit comments in an 
attached document. USTR prefers submissions in Microsoft Word (.doc) or 
Adobe Acrobat (.pdf). If you use an application other than those two, 
please indicate the name of the application in the ``Type Comment'' 
field.
    For any comments submitted electronically containing business 
confidential information, the file name of the business confidential 
version should begin with the characters ``BC''. Any page containing 
business confidential information must be clearly marked ``BUSINESS 
CONFIDENTIAL'' on the top of that page. Filers of submissions 
containing business confidential information also must submit a public 
version of their comments that we will place in the docket for public 
inspection. The file name of the public version should begin with the 
character ``P''. The ``BC'' and ``P'' should be followed by the name of 
the person or entity submitting the comments. Filers submitting 
comments containing no business confidential information should name 
their file using the name of the person or entity submitting the 
comments.
    Please do not attach separate cover letters to electronic 
submissions; rather, include any information that might appear in a 
cover letter in the submission itself. Similarly, to the extent 
possible, please include any exhibits, annexes, or other attachments in 
the same file as the submission itself, not as separate files.
    As noted, USTR strongly urges submitters to file comments through 
www.regulations.gov. You must make any alternative arrangements in 
advance of transmitting a comment by contacting Yvonne Jamison at (202) 
395-3475. General information concerning USTR is available at 
www.ustr.gov.
    We will place comments in the public docket except business 
confidential information. You can view comments on the 
www.regulations.gov Web site by entering the relevant docket number in 
the search field on the home page.

Edward Gresser,
Chair, Trade Policy Staff Committee, Office of the United States Trade 
Representative.
[FR Doc. 2017-20526 Filed 9-25-17; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 3290-F7-P

44868 Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 185 / Tuesday, September 26, 2017 / Notices of Information and Regulatory Affairs, order to continually improve program FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Office of Management and Budget performance and deliver better results to Direct questions about submission of (OMB), Washington, DC 20503. U.S. taxpayers. As a matter of good comments to Yvonne Jamison at (202) FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: management practice, such information 395–3475. Direct substantive questions Contact Carolyn Hum, Administrative is necessary to responsibly carry out the to Sarah Stewart at (202) 395–7320. Officer, Attn: PRA, U.S. Trade and Agency’s mission of monitoring current SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Development Agency, 1000 Wilson and recently completed activities. 1. Background Blvd., Suite 1600, Arlington, VA 22209– Dated: September 19, 2017. 3901; Tel.: (703) 875–4357, Fax: (703) On May 18, 2017, following Carolyn Hum, 875–4009; Email: chum@ustda.gov. consultations with relevant Administrative Officer. Congressional committees, USTR SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Comments [FR Doc. 2017–20464 Filed 9–25–17; 8:45 am] informed Congress that the President are again being solicited on: (1) Whether BILLING CODE 8040–01–P was entering into negotiations with the proposed collection of information Canada and Mexico with respect to the is necessary for the proper performance NAFTA. Through a notice in the of the functions of the agency, including Federal Register (82 FR 23699) and a OFFICE OF THE UNITED STATES whether the information will have public hearing held on June 27–29, TRADE REPRESENTATIVE practical utility; (2) the accuracy of the 2017, in Washington, DC, the TPSC agency’s estimate of the burden of the [DOCKET NUMBER USTR–2017–0013] invited the public to provide comments proposed collection of information and testimony to assist USTR in including the validity of the Request for Comments Concerning an assessing U.S. objectives for the methodology and assumptions used; (3) Environmental Review of the Proposed proposed agreement. You can find a ways to enhance the quality, utility, and Renegotiation of the North American description of the U.S. negotiating clarity of the information to be Free Trade Agreement objectives for the NAFTA on the USTR collected; and (4) ways to minimize the Web site: https://ustr.gov/sites/default/ AGENCY: Office of the United States burden of the collection of information files/files/Press/Releases/NAFTA Trade Representative. on those who are to respond, including Objectives.pdf. the use of appropriate automated, ACTION: Notice. electronic, mechanical, or other 2. Environmental Review SUMMARY: The Office of the United technological collection techniques or States Trade Representative (USTR), Section 105(d)(1)(A) of the Bipartisan other forms of information technology. through the Trade Policy Staff Congressional Trade Priorities and Summary Collection Under Review Committee (TPSC), is initiating an Accountability Act of 2015, 19 U.S.C. environmental review relating to the 4201, requires environmental reviews of Type of Request: Extension of a trade agreements consistent with renegotiation of the North American currently approved information Executive Order 13141 (64 FR 63169, Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), a free collection. Nov. 18, 1999) and the implementing trade agreement between the United Expiration Date of Previous Approval: guidelines (65 FR 79442, Dec. 19, 2000). States, Canada, and Mexico. The TPSC 11/30/2017. The purpose of environmental reviews Title: Evaluation of USTDA invites written comments on the topics that should be included in the scope of is to ensure that policymakers and the Performance. public are informed about reasonably Form Number: USTDA 1000E–2011a. the environmental review, including potential positive or negative foreseeable environmental impacts of Frequency of Use: Annually for trade agreements (both positive and duration of project. environmental effects that might result from the trade agreement and potential negative), to identify complementarities Type of Respondents: Business or between trade and environmental other for profit; Not-for-profit implications for U.S. environmental laws and regulations. The TPSC also objectives, and to help shape institutions; Farms; Federal appropriate responses if environmental Government. welcomes comments on appropriate methodologies and sources of data for impacts are identified. Reviews are one Estimated Number of Responses: of the tools we use to integrate 1,440 to 1,800 per year. conducting the review. We will take comments on environmental issues we environmental information and analysis Estimated Total Annual Burden on into the fluid, dynamic process of trade Respondents: 480 to 600 hours per year. received in response to the notice published in the Federal Register on negotiations. USTR and the Council on Federal Cost: $324,453. Environmental Quality jointly oversee Authority for Information Collection: May 23, 2017, requesting comments on NAFTA negotiating objectives into implementation of the Executive Order Government Performance and Results and its implementing guidelines. USTR, Act of 1993 103 Pub. L. 62; 107 Stat. account in preparing the environmental review and you do not need to resubmit through the TPSC, is responsible for 285. conducting the individual reviews. You Abstract: USTDA and contractors will these comments. can find additional background collect information from various DATES: We must receive your comments information and examples of prior stakeholders on USTDA-funded by November 27, 2017. environmental reviews on the USTR activities regarding development impact ADDRESSES: We strongly prefers Web site: https://ustr.gov/issue-areas/ and/or commercial objectives as well as electronic submissions made through environment/environmental-reviews. evaluate success regarding GPRA the Federal eRulemaking Portal: http:// objectives. This information collection www.regulations.gov. Follow the 3. Requirements for Submissions enables USTDA to assess the impacts instructions for submitting comments in Persons submitting comments must that its program investments have on section 3 below. The docket number is do so in English and must identify (on U.S. commercial interests and economic USTR–2017–0013. For alternatives to the first page of the submission) development abroad. The goal of this on-line submissions, please contact ‘‘Comments Regarding the NAFTA information collection is to gather Yvonne Jamison, Trade Policy Staff Environmental Review.’’ In order to be evidence and stakeholder feedback in Committee, at (202) 395–3475. assured of consideration, you must VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:28 Sep 25, 2017 Jkt 241001 PO 00000 Frm 00110 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 E:\FR\FM\26SEN1.SGM 26SEN1

Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 185 / Tuesday, September 26, 2017 / Notices 44869 submit comments by November 27, of transmitting a comment by contacting SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The FAA 2017. In order to ensure the timely Yvonne Jamison at (202) 395–3475. proposes to rule and invites public receipt and consideration of comments, General information concerning USTR comment on the request to release USTR strongly encourages commenters is available at www.ustr.gov. property for non-aeronautical purposes to make on-line submissions using the We will place comments in the public at Harnett Regional Jetport, Harnett www.regulations.gov. docket except business confidential County, NC under the provisions of 49 To submit comments via information. You can view comments U.S.C. 47107(h)(2). The FAA www.regulations.gov, enter docket on the www.regulations.gov Web site by determined that the request to release number USTR 2017–0013 on the home entering the relevant docket number in property at Harnett Regional Jetport page and click ‘‘search.’’ The site will the search field on the home page. (HRJ) submitted by the County of provide a search-results page listing all Harnett meets the procedural documents associated with this docket. Edward Gresser, requirements of the FAA and the release Find a reference to this notice and click Chair, Trade Policy Staff Committee, Office of the property does not and will not on the link entitled ‘‘Comment Now!’’ of the United States Trade Representative. impact future aviation needs at the For further information on using the [FR Doc. 2017–20526 Filed 9–25–17; 8:45 am] airport. The FAA may approve the www.regulations.gov Web site, please BILLING CODE 3290–F7–P request, in whole or in part, no sooner consult the resources provided on the than thirty days after the publication of Web site by clicking on ‘‘How to Use this notice. Regulations.gov’’ on the bottom of the DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION The following is a brief overview of home page. We will not accept hand- the request: delivered submissions. Federal Aviation Administration The County of Harnett is proposing The www.regulations.gov Web site the release of approximately 2.49 acres allows users to submit comments by Notice of Intent To Rule on Change in to Piedmont Natural Gas Company, Inc. filling in a ‘‘Type Comment’’ field or by Use of Aeronautical Property at for use as a permanent utility easement attaching a document using an ‘‘Upload Harnett Regional Jetport, Harnett for the installation of a gas line. This File’’ field. USTR prefers that you County, NC property is located along US Highway submit comments in an attached AGENCY: Federal Aviation 421 South on the existing airport document. USTR prefers submissions in Administration (FAA), DOT. northeastern property line. This Microsoft Word (.doc) or Adobe Acrobat property is separated from the majority ACTION: Notice (.pdf). If you use an application other of airport property by US Highway 421 than those two, please indicate the SUMMARY: The Federal Aviation South. The proposed use of this name of the application in the ‘‘Type Administration (FAA) is requesting property is compatible with airport Comment’’ field. public comment on a request by the operations. For any comments submitted County of Harnett of North Carolina, Any person may inspect, by electronically containing business owner of the Harnett Regional Jetport, to appointment, the request in person at confidential information, the file name change a portion of airport property the FAA office listed above under FOR of the business confidential version from aeronautical to non-aeronautical FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT. should begin with the characters ‘‘BC’’. use at the Harnett Regional Jetport. The Issued in Memphis, TN on September 19, Any page containing business request consists of approximately 2.49 2017. confidential information must be clearly acres to Piedmont Natural Gas Phillip J. Braden, marked ‘‘BUSINESS CONFIDENTIAL’’ Company, Inc. for use as a permanent on the top of that page. Filers of Manager, Memphis Airports District Office, utility easement for the installation of a Southern Region. submissions containing business gas line. confidential information also must [FR Doc. 2017–20574 Filed 9–25–17; 8:45 am] DATES: Comments must be received on submit a public version of their BILLING CODE 4910–13–P comments that we will place in the or before October 26, 2017. docket for public inspection. The file ADDRESSES: Comments on this notice name of the public version should begin may be mailed or delivered in triplicate DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION with the character ‘‘P’’. The ‘‘BC’’ and to the FAA at the following address: Memphis Airports District Office, Attn: Federal Aviation Administration ‘‘P’’ should be followed by the name of the person or entity submitting the Koty Brown, Program Manager, 2600 [Summary Notice No. 2017–67] comments. Filers submitting comments Thousand Oaks Boulevard, Suite 2250, containing no business confidential Memphis, TN 38118. Petition for Exemption; Summary of information should name their file using In addition, one copy of any Petition Received; BNSF Railway the name of the person or entity comments submitted to the FAA must Company submitting the comments. be mailed or delivered to Mr. Gordon AGENCY: Federal Aviation Please do not attach separate cover Springle, Chairman of the Harnett Administration (FAA), Department of letters to electronic submissions; rather, County Board of Commissioners at the Transportation (DOT). include any information that might following address: 540 Tippet Road, ACTION: Notice. appear in a cover letter in the Angier, NC 27501. submission itself. Similarly, to the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Koty SUMMARY: This notice contains a extent possible, please include any Brown, Program Manager, Federal summary of a petition seeking relief exhibits, annexes, or other attachments Aviation Administration, Memphis from specified requirements of Federal in the same file as the submission itself, Airports District Office, 2600 Thousand Aviation Regulations. The purpose of not as separate files. Oaks Boulevard, Suite 2250, Memphis, this notice is to improve the public’s As noted, USTR strongly urges TN 38118–2482. awareness of, and participation in, the submitters to file comments through The application may be reviewed in FAA’s exemption process. Neither www.regulations.gov. You must make person at this same location, by publication of this notice nor the any alternative arrangements in advance appointment. inclusion or omission of information in VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:28 Sep 25, 2017 Jkt 241001 PO 00000 Frm 00111 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 E:\FR\FM\26SEN1.SGM 26SEN1


Document Created: 2017-09-26 02:48:49
Document Modified: 2017-09-26 02:48:49
CategoryRegulatory Information
CollectionFederal Register
sudoc ClassAE 2.7:
GS 4.107:
AE 2.106:
PublisherOffice of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration
SectionNotices
ActionNotice.
DatesWe must receive your comments by November 27, 2017.
ContactDirect questions about submission of comments to Yvonne Jamison at (202) 395-3475. Direct substantive questions to Sarah Stewart at (202) 395-7320.
FR Citation82 FR 44868 
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