83 FR 10611 - Civil Monetary Penalty Inflation Adjustments
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement Federal Register Volume 83, Issue 48 (March 12, 2018)
Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement
Federal Register Volume 83, Issue 48 (March 12, 2018)
| Page Range | 10611-10616 | |
| FR Document | 2018-04909 |
[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 48 (Monday, March 12, 2018)] [Rules and Regulations] [Pages 10611-10616] From the Federal Register Online [www.thefederalregister.org] [FR Doc No: 2018-04909] [[Page 10611]] ======================================================================= ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement 30 CFR Parts 723, 724, 845, and 846 RIN 1029-AC75 [Docket ID: OSM-2017-0012; S1D1S SS08011000 SX064A000 189S180110; S2D2S SS08011000 SX064A00 18XS501520] Civil Monetary Penalty Inflation Adjustments AGENCY: Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement, Interior. ACTION: Final rule. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: Pursuant to the Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act Improvements Act of 2015 (2015 Act), which further amended the Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act of 1990 (1990 Act), and Office of Management and Budget (OMB) guidance, this rule adjusts for inflation the level of civil monetary penalties assessed under the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 (SMCRA). DATES: This rule is effective on March 12, 2018. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Michael Kuhns, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement, 1849 C Street NW, Mail Stop 4550, Washington, DC 20240; Telephone (202) 208-2860. Email: mkuhns@osmre.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Table of Contents I. Background A. The Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act Improvements Act of 2015 B. Calculation of Adjustments C. Effect of the Rule in Federal Program States and on Indian Lands D. Effect of the Rule on Approved State Programs II. Procedural Matters and Required Determinations A. Regulatory Planning and Review (E.O. 12866, 13563 and 13771) B. Regulatory Flexibility Act C. Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act D. Unfunded Mandates Reform Act E. Takings (E.O. 12630) F. Federalism (E.O. 13132) G. Civil Justice Reform (E.O. 12988) H. Consultation With Indian Tribes (E.O. 13175 and Departmental Policy) I. Paperwork Reduction Act J. National Environmental Policy Act K. Effects on Energy Supply, Distribution, and Use (E.O. 13211) L. Clarity of This Regulation M. Data Quality Act N. Administrative Procedure Act I. Background A. The Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act Improvements Act of 2015 Section 518 of SMCRA, 30 U.S.C. 1268, authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to assess civil monetary penalties (CMPs) for violations of SMCRA. The Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement's (OSMRE) regulations implementing the CMP provisions of section 518 are located in 30 CFR parts 723, 724, 845, and 846. We are adjusting CMPs in four sections--30 CFR 723.14, 724.14, 845.14, and 846.14. On November 2, 2015, the Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act Improvements Act of 2015 (Sec. 701 of Pub. L. 114-74) (2015 Act) became law. The 2015 Act, which further amended the Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act of 1990 (codified as amended at 28 U.S.C. 2461 note), requires Federal agencies to promulgate rules to adjust the level of CMPs to account for inflation. The 2015 Act required an initial ``catch-up'' adjustment. OSMRE published the initial adjustment in the Federal Register on July 8, 2016 (81 FR 44535), and the adjustment took effect on August 1, 2016. The 2015 Act also requires agencies to publish annual inflation adjustments in the Federal Register no later than January 15 of each year. These adjustments are aimed at maintaining the deterrent effect of civil penalties and furthering the policy goals of the statutes that authorize the penalties. Further, the 2015 Act provides that agencies must adjust civil monetary penalties ``notwithstanding Section 553 of the Administrative Procedure Act.'' Therefore, the public procedure that the APA generally requires for rulemaking--notice, an opportunity for comment, and a delay in the effective date--is not required for agencies to issue regulations implementing the annual CMP adjustments. See December 15, 2017, Memorandum for the Heads of Executive Departments and Agencies (M-18-03), from Mick Mulvaney, Director, Office of Management and Budget, Implementation of Penalty Inflation Adjustments for 2018, Pursuant to the Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act Improvements Act of 2015 (OMB Memorandum). Pursuant to SMCRA and the 2015 Act, this final rule reflects the statutorily required CMP adjustments as follows: ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Current Adjusted CFR citation Points (where penalty dollar penalty dollar applicable) amounts amounts ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 30 CFR 723.14................................................... 1 $64 $65 2 129 132 3 193 197 4 257 262 5 321 328 6 386 394 7 450 459 8 514 524 9 578 590 10 643 656 11 707 721 12 771 787 13 835 852 14 900 918 15 965 985 16 1,029 1,050 17 1,093 1,115 18 1,158 1,182 19 1,222 1,247 [[Page 10612]] 20 1,286 1,312 21 1,350 1,378 22 1,415 1,444 23 1,479 1,509 24 1,543 1,574 25 1,607 1,640 26 1,929 1,968 27 2,250 2,296 28 2,571 2,623 29 2,770 2,827 30 3,215 3,281 31 3,536 3,608 32 3,857 3,936 33 4,179 4,264 34 4,500 4,592 35 4,822 4,920 36 5,143 5,248 37 5,465 5,577 38 5,786 5,904 39 6,107 6,232 40 6,428 6,559 41 6,751 6,889 42 7,072 7,216 43 7,393 7,544 44 7,715 7,872 45 8,036 8,200 46 8,358 8,529 47 8,679 8,856 48 9,001 9,185 49 9,322 9,512 50 9,643 9,840 51 9,964 10,167 52 10,287 10,497 53 10,608 10,825 54 10,929 11,152 55 11,251 11,481 56 11,572 11,808 57 11,893 12,136 58 12,215 12,464 59 12,537 12,793 60 12,858 13,120 61 13,179 13,448 62 13,501 13,777 63 13,823 14,105 64 14,144 14,433 65 14,465 14,760 66 14,787 15,089 67 15,108 15,416 68 15,429 15,744 69 15,751 16,072 70 16,073 16,401 30 CFR 723.15(b) (Assessment of separate violations for each .............. 2,411 2,460 day)........................................................... 30 CFR 724.14(b) (Individual civil penalties)................... .............. 16,073 16,401 30 CFR 845.14................................................... 1 64 65 2 129 132 3 193 197 4 257 262 5 321 328 6 386 394 7 450 459 8 514 524 9 578 590 10 643 656 11 707 721 12 771 787 13 835 852 14 900 918 15 965 985 16 1,029 1,050 17 1,093 1,115 18 1,158 1,182 [[Page 10613]] 19 1,222 1,247 20 1,286 1,312 21 1,350 1,378 22 1,415 1,444 23 1,479 1,509 24 1,543 1,574 25 1,607 1,640 26 1,929 1,968 27 2,250 2,296 28 2,571 2,623 29 2,770 2,827 30 3,215 3,281 31 3,536 3,608 32 3,857 3,936 33 4,179 4,264 34 4,500 4,592 35 4,822 4,920 36 5,143 5,248 37 5,465 5,577 38 5,786 5,904 39 6,107 6,232 40 6,428 6,559 41 6,751 6,889 42 7,072 7,216 43 7,393 7,544 44 7,715 7,872 45 8,036 8,200 46 8,358 8,529 47 8,679 8,856 48 9,001 9,185 49 9,322 9,512 50 9,643 9,840 51 9,964 10,167 52 10,287 10,497 53 10,608 10,825 54 10,929 11,152 55 11,251 11,481 56 11,572 11,808 57 11,893 12,136 58 12,215 12,464 59 12,537 12,793 60 12,858 13,120 61 13,179 13,448 62 13,501 13,777 63 13,823 14,105 64 14,144 14,433 65 14,465 14,760 66 14,787 15,089 67 15,108 15,416 68 15,429 15,744 69 15,751 16,072 70 16,073 16,401 30 CFR 845.15(b) (Assessment of separate violations for each .............. 2,411 2,460 day)........................................................... 30 CFR 846.14(b) (Individual civil penalties)................... .............. 16,073 16,401 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- In the chart above, there are no numbers listed in the ``Points'' column relative to 30 CFR 723.15(b), 30 CFR 724.14(b), 30 CFR 845.15(b), and 30 CFR 846.14(b) because those regulatory provisions do not set forth numbers of points. For those provisions, the current regulations only set forth the dollar amounts shown in the chart in the ``Current Penalty Dollar Amounts'' column; the adjusted amounts, which we are adopting in this rule, are shown in the ``Adjusted Penalty Dollar Amounts'' column. B. Calculation of Adjustments OMB issued guidance on the 2018 annual adjustments for inflation. See OMB Memorandum (December 15, 2017). The OMB Memorandum notes that the 1990 Act defines ``civil monetary penalty'' as ``any penalty, fine, or other sanction that . . . is for a specific monetary amount as provided by Federal law; or . . . has a maximum amount provided for by Federal law; and . . . is assessed or enforced by an agency pursuant to Federal law; and . . . is assessed or enforced pursuant to an administrative proceeding or a civil action in the Federal courts . . . .'' It further instructs that agencies ``are to adjust `the maximum civil monetary penalty or the range of minimum and maximum civil monetary penalties, as applicable, for each civil monetary penalty by the cost-of-living adjustment.' '' See December 15, 2017 [[Page 10614]] OMB Memorandum. The 1990 Act and the OMB Memorandum specify that the annual inflation adjustments are based on the percent change between the Consumer Price Index for all Urban Consumers (the CPI-U) published by the Department of Labor for the month of October in the year of the previous adjustment, and the October CPI-U for the preceding year. The recent OMB Memorandum specified that the cost-of-living adjustment multiplier for 2018, not seasonally adjusted, is 1.02041 (the October 2017 CPI-U (246.663) divided by the October 2016 CPI-U (241.729) = 1.02041). OSMRE used this guidance to identify applicable CMPs and calculate the required inflation adjustments. The 1990 Act specifies that any resulting increases in CMPs must be rounded according to a stated rounding formula and that the increased CMPs apply only to violations that occur after the date the increase takes effect. Generally, OSMRE assigns points to a violation as described in 30 CFR 723.13 and 845.13. The CMP owed is based on the number of points received, ranging from one point to seventy points. For example, under our existing regulations in 30 CFR 845.14, a violation totaling 70 points would amount to a $16,073 CMP. To adjust this amount, we multiply $16,073 by the 2018 inflation factor of 1.02041, resulting in a raw adjusted amount of $16,401.05. Because the 2015 Act requires us to round any increase in the CMP amount to the nearest dollar, in this case a violation of 70 points would amount to a new CMP of $16,401. Pursuant to the 2015 Act, the increases in this Final Rule apply to CMPs assessed after the date the increases take effect, even if the associated violation predates the applicable increase. C. Effect of Rule in Federal Program States and on Indian Lands OSMRE directly regulates surface coal mining and reclamation operations within a State or on tribal lands if the State or tribe does not obtain its own approved program pursuant to section 503 of SMCRA, 30 U.S.C. 1253. The increases in CMPs contained in this rule will apply to the following Federal program states: Arizona, California, Georgia, Idaho, Massachusetts, Michigan, North Carolina, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Tennessee, and Washington. The Federal programs for those States appear at 30 CFR parts 903, 905, 910, 912, 921, 922, 933, 937, 939, 941, 942, and 947, respectively. Under 30 CFR 750.18, the increase in CMPs also applies to Indian lands under the Federal program for Indian lands. D. Effect of the Rule on Approved State Programs As a result of litigation, see In re Permanent Surface Mining Regulation Litigation, No. 79-1144, Mem. Op. (D.D.C. May 16, 1980), 19 Env't. Rep. Cas. (BNA) 1477, state regulatory programs are not required to mirror all of the penalty provisions of our regulations. Thus, this rule has no effect on CMPs in states with SMCRA primacy. II. Procedural Matters and Required Determinations A. Regulatory Planning and Review (Executive Orders 12866, 13563, and 13771) Executive Order (E.O.) 12866 provides that the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA) in the Office of Management and Budget will review all significant rules. OIRA has determined that agency regulations exclusively implementing the annual inflation adjustments are not significant, provided they are consistent with the OMB Memorandum. Executive Order 13563 reaffirms the principles of E.O. 12866 while calling for improvements in the Nation's regulatory system to promote predictability, to reduce uncertainty, and to use the best, most innovative, and least burdensome tools for achieving regulatory ends. The executive order directs agencies to consider regulatory approaches that reduce burdens and maintain flexibility and freedom of choice for the public where these approaches are relevant, feasible, and consistent with regulatory objectives. E.O. 13563 emphasizes further that regulations must be based on the best available science and that the rulemaking process must allow for public participation and an open exchange of ideas. We have developed this rule in a manner consistent with these requirements, to the extent permitted by statute. E.O. 13771 of January 30, 2017, directs Federal agencies to reduce the regulatory burden on regulated entities and control regulatory costs. E.O. 13771, however, applies only to significant regulatory actions, as defined in Section 3(f) of E.O. 12866. As mentioned above, OIRA has determined that agency regulations exclusively implementing the annual adjustment are not significant regulatory actions under E.O. 12866, provided they are consistent with the OMB Memorandum (see OMB Memorandum, M-18-03, at 3). Thus, E.O. 13771 does not apply to this rulemaking. B. Regulatory Flexibility Act The Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA) requires an agency to prepare a regulatory flexibility analysis for all rules unless the agency certifies that the rule will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. The RFA applies only to rules for which an agency is required to first publish a proposed rule. See 5 U.S.C. 603(a) and 604(a). The Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act Improvements Act of 2015 requires agencies to adjust civil penalties annually for inflation ``. . . notwithstanding Section 553 [of the Administrative Procedure Act].'' Thus, no proposed rule will be published, and the RFA does not apply to this rulemaking. C. Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act This rule is not a major rule under 5 U.S.C. 804(2), the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act. This rule: (a) 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 U.S.-based enterprises to compete with foreign-based enterprises. D. Unfunded Mandates Reform Act This rule does not impose an unfunded mandate on State, local, or tribal governments, or the private sector, of more than $100 million per year. The rule does not have a significant or unique effect on State, local, or tribal governments or the private sector. A statement containing the information required by the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act (2 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.) is not required. E. Takings (E.O. 12630) This rule does not effect a taking of private property or otherwise have takings implications under Executive Order 12630. A takings implication assessment is not required. F. Federalism (E.O. 13132) Under the criteria in section 1 of Executive Order 13132, this rule does not have sufficient federalism implications to warrant the preparation of a federalism summary impact statement. A federalism summary impact statement is not required. [[Page 10615]] G. Civil Justice Reform (E.O. 12988) This rule complies with the requirements of Executive Order 12988. Specifically, this rule: (a) Meets the criteria of section 3(a) requiring that all regulations be reviewed to eliminate errors and ambiguity and be written to minimize litigation; and (b) Meets the criteria of section 3(b)(2) requiring that all regulations be written in clear language and contain clear legal standards. H. Consultation With Indian Tribes (E.O. 13175 and Departmental Policy) The Department of the Interior strives to strengthen its government-to-government relationship with Indian tribes through a commitment to consultation with Indian tribes and recognition of their right to self-governance and tribal sovereignty. We have evaluated this rule under the Department's consultation policy, under Departmental Manual Part 512, Chapters 4 and 5, and under the criteria in Executive Order 13175 and have determined that it has no substantial direct effects on Federally-recognized Indian tribes or Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA) Corporations, and that consultation under the Department's tribal consultation policy is not required. I. Paperwork Reduction Act This rule does not contain information collection requirements, and a submission to the Office of Management and Budget under the Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.) is not required. We may not conduct or sponsor, and you are not required to respond to, a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number. J. National Environmental Policy Act This rule does not constitute a major Federal action significantly affecting the quality of the human environment. A detailed statement under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) is not required because the rule is covered by a categorical exclusion. This rule is excluded from the requirement to prepare a detailed statement because it is a regulation of an administrative nature. (For further information see 43 CFR 46.210(i).) We have also determined that the rule does not involve any of the extraordinary circumstances listed in 43 CFR 46.215 that would require further analysis under NEPA. K. Effects on Energy Supply, Distribution, and Use (E.O. 13211) This rule is not a significant energy action under the definition in Executive Order 13211. A Statement of Energy Effects is not required. L. Clarity of This Regulation We are required by Executive Orders 12866 (section 1(b)(12)), 12988 (section 3(b)(1)(B)), and 13563 (section 1(a)), and by the Presidential Memorandum of June 1, 1998, to write all rules in plain language. This means that each rule we publish must: (a) Be logically organized; (b) Use the active voice to address readers directly; (c) Use common, everyday words and clear language rather than jargon; (d) Be divided into short sections and sentences; and (e) Use lists and tables wherever possible. If you believe that we have not met these requirements in issuing this final rule, please contact the individual listed in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section. Your comments should be as specific as possible in order to help us determine whether any future revisions to the rule are necessary. For example, you should tell us the numbers of the sections or paragraphs that you find unclear, which sections or sentences are too long, the sections where you feel lists or tables would be useful, etc. M. Data Quality Act In developing this rule, we did not conduct or use a study, experiment, or survey requiring peer review under the Data Quality Act (Pub. L. 106-554). N. Administrative Procedure Act We are issuing this final rule without prior public notice or opportunity for public comment. As discussed above, the Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act Improvements Act of 2015 requires agencies to publish adjusted penalties annually. Under the 2015 Act, the public procedure that the Administrative Procedure Act generally requires--notice, an opportunity for comment, and a delay in the effective date--is not required for agencies to issue regulations implementing the annual adjustments required by the 2015 Act. See OMB Memorandum, M-18-03, at 4. List of Subjects 30 CFR Part 723 Administrative practice and procedure, Penalties, Surface mining, Underground mining. 30 CFR Part 724 Administrative practice and procedure, Penalties, Surface mining, Underground mining. 30 CFR Part 845 Administrative practice and procedure, Law enforcement, Penalties, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Surface mining, Underground mining. 30 CFR Part 846 Administrative practice and procedure, Penalties, Surface mining, Underground mining. Dated: February 21, 2018. Joseph R. Balash, Assistant Secretary, Land and Minerals Management. For the reasons given in the preamble, the Department of the Interior amends 30 CFR parts 723, 724, 845, and 846 as set forth below. PART 723--CIVIL PENALTIES 0 1. The authority citation for part 723 continues to read as follows: Authority: 28 U.S.C. 2461, 30 U.S.C. 1201 et seq., and 31 U.S.C. 3701. 0 2. In Sec. 723.14, revise the table to read as follows: Sec. 723.14 Determination of amount of penalty. * * * * * ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Points Dollars ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 1....................................................... 65 2....................................................... 132 3....................................................... 197 4....................................................... 262 5....................................................... 328 6....................................................... 394 7....................................................... 459 8....................................................... 524 9....................................................... 590 10...................................................... 656 11...................................................... 721 12...................................................... 787 13...................................................... 852 14...................................................... 918 15...................................................... 985 16...................................................... 1,050 17...................................................... 1,115 18...................................................... 1,182 19...................................................... 1,247 20...................................................... 1,312 21...................................................... 1,378 22...................................................... 1,444 23...................................................... 1,509 24...................................................... 1,574 25...................................................... 1,640 26...................................................... 1,968 27...................................................... 2,296 28...................................................... 2,623 29...................................................... 2,827 30...................................................... 3,281 31...................................................... 3,608 [[Page 10616]] 32...................................................... 3,936 33...................................................... 4,264 34...................................................... 4,592 35...................................................... 4,920 36...................................................... 5,248 37...................................................... 5,577 38...................................................... 5,904 39...................................................... 6,232 40...................................................... 6,559 41...................................................... 6,889 42...................................................... 7,216 43...................................................... 7,544 44...................................................... 7,872 45...................................................... 8,200 46...................................................... 8,529 47...................................................... 8,856 48...................................................... 9,185 49...................................................... 9,512 50...................................................... 9,840 51...................................................... 10,167 52...................................................... 10,497 53...................................................... 10,825 54...................................................... 11,152 55...................................................... 11,481 56...................................................... 11,808 57...................................................... 12,136 58...................................................... 12,464 59...................................................... 12,793 60...................................................... 13,120 61...................................................... 13,448 62...................................................... 13,777 63...................................................... 14,105 64...................................................... 14,433 65...................................................... 14,760 66...................................................... 15,089 67...................................................... 15,416 68...................................................... 15,744 69...................................................... 16,072 70...................................................... 16,401 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 0 3. In Sec. 723.15, revise paragraph (b) introductory text to read as follows: Sec. 723.15 Assessment of separate violations for each day. * * * * * (b) In addition to the civil penalty provided for in paragraph (a) of this section, whenever a violation contained in a notice of violation or cessation order has not been abated within the abatement period set in the notice or order or as subsequently extended pursuant to section 521(a) of the Act, 30 U.S.C. 1271(a), a civil penalty of not less than $2,460 will be assessed for each day during which such failure to abate continues, except that: * * * * * PART 724--INDIVIDUAL CIVIL PENALTIES 0 4. The authority citation for part 724 continues to read as follows: Authority: 28 U.S.C. 2461, 30 U.S.C. 1201 et seq., and 31 U.S.C. 3701. 0 5. In Sec. 724.14, revise the first sentence of paragraph (b) to read as follows: Sec. 724.14 Amount of individual civil penalty. * * * * * (b) The penalty will not exceed $16,401 for each violation. * * * PART 845--CIVIL PENALTIES 0 6. The authority citation for part 845 continues to read as follows: Authority: 28 U.S.C. 2461, 30 U.S.C. 1201 et seq., 31 U.S.C. 3701, Pub. L. 100-202, and Pub. L. 100-446. 0 7. In Sec. 845.14, revise the table to read as follows: Sec. 845.14 Determination of amount of penalty. * * * * * ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Points Dollars ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 1....................................................... 65 2....................................................... 132 3....................................................... 197 4....................................................... 262 5....................................................... 328 6....................................................... 394 7....................................................... 459 8....................................................... 524 9....................................................... 590 10...................................................... 656 11...................................................... 721 12...................................................... 787 13...................................................... 852 14...................................................... 918 15...................................................... 985 16...................................................... 1,050 17...................................................... 1,115 18...................................................... 1,182 19...................................................... 1,247 20...................................................... 1,312 21...................................................... 1,378 22...................................................... 1,444 23...................................................... 1,509 24...................................................... 1,574 25...................................................... 1,640 26...................................................... 1,968 27...................................................... 2,296 28...................................................... 2,623 29...................................................... 2,827 30...................................................... 3,281 31...................................................... 3,608 32...................................................... 3,936 33...................................................... 4,264 34...................................................... 4,592 35...................................................... 4,920 36...................................................... 5,248 37...................................................... 5,577 38...................................................... 5,904 39...................................................... 6,232 40...................................................... 6,559 41...................................................... 6,889 42...................................................... 7,216 43...................................................... 7,544 44...................................................... 7,872 45...................................................... 8,200 46...................................................... 8,529 47...................................................... 8,856 48...................................................... 9,185 49...................................................... 9,512 50...................................................... 9,840 51...................................................... 10,167 52...................................................... 10,497 53...................................................... 10,825 54...................................................... 11,152 55...................................................... 11,481 56...................................................... 11,808 57...................................................... 12,136 58...................................................... 12,464 59...................................................... 12,793 60...................................................... 13,120 61...................................................... 13,448 62...................................................... 13,777 63...................................................... 14,105 64...................................................... 14,433 65...................................................... 14,760 66...................................................... 15,089 67...................................................... 15,416 68...................................................... 15,744 69...................................................... 16,072 70...................................................... 16,401 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 0 8. In Sec. 845.15, revise paragraph (b) introductory text to read as follows: Sec. 845.15 Assessment of separate violations for each day. * * * * * (b) In addition to the civil penalty provided for in paragraph (a) of this section, whenever a violation contained in a notice of violation or cessation order has not been abated within the abatement period set in the notice or order or as subsequently extended pursuant to section 521(a) of the Act, 30 U.S.C. 1271(a), a civil penalty of not less than $2,460 will be assessed for each day during which such failure to abate continues, except that: * * * * * PART 846--INDIVIDUAL CIVIL PENALTIES 0 9. The authority citation for part 846 continues to read as follows: Authority: 28 U.S.C. 2461, 30 U.S.C. 1201 et seq., and 31 U.S.C. 3701. 0 10. In Sec. 846.14, revise the first sentence of paragraph (b) to read as follows: Sec. 846.14 Amount of individual civil penalty. * * * * * (b) The penalty will not exceed $16,401 for each violation. * * * [FR Doc. 2018-04909 Filed 3-9-18; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310-05-P
![Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 48 / Monday, March 12, 2018 / Rules and Regulations 10611
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR B. Calculation of Adjustments the Federal Civil Penalties Inflation
C. Effect of the Rule in Federal Program Adjustment Act of 1990 (codified as
Office of Surface Mining Reclamation States and on Indian Lands amended at 28 U.S.C. 2461 note),
and Enforcement D. Effect of the Rule on Approved State
Programs requires Federal agencies to promulgate
II. Procedural Matters and Required rules to adjust the level of CMPs to
30 CFR Parts 723, 724, 845, and 846 Determinations account for inflation. The 2015 Act
RIN 1029–AC75 A. Regulatory Planning and Review (E.O. required an initial ‘‘catch-up’’
12866, 13563 and 13771) adjustment. OSMRE published the
[Docket ID: OSM–2017–0012; S1D1S B. Regulatory Flexibility Act
SS08011000 SX064A000 189S180110; initial adjustment in the Federal
C. Small Business Regulatory Enforcement
S2D2S SS08011000 SX064A00 18XS501520] Fairness Act Register on July 8, 2016 (81 FR 44535),
D. Unfunded Mandates Reform Act and the adjustment took effect on
Civil Monetary Penalty Inflation E. Takings (E.O. 12630) August 1, 2016. The 2015 Act also
Adjustments F. Federalism (E.O. 13132) requires agencies to publish annual
G. Civil Justice Reform (E.O. 12988) inflation adjustments in the Federal
AGENCY: Office of Surface Mining H. Consultation With Indian Tribes (E.O.
Reclamation and Enforcement, Interior. Register no later than January 15 of each
13175 and Departmental Policy)
I. Paperwork Reduction Act year. These adjustments are aimed at
ACTION: Final rule.
J. National Environmental Policy Act maintaining the deterrent effect of civil
SUMMARY: Pursuant to the Federal Civil K. Effects on Energy Supply, Distribution, penalties and furthering the policy goals
Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act and Use (E.O. 13211) of the statutes that authorize the
Improvements Act of 2015 (2015 Act), L. Clarity of This Regulation penalties. Further, the 2015 Act
which further amended the Federal M. Data Quality Act provides that agencies must adjust civil
N. Administrative Procedure Act
Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act monetary penalties ‘‘notwithstanding
of 1990 (1990 Act), and Office of I. Background Section 553 of the Administrative
Management and Budget (OMB) Procedure Act.’’ Therefore, the public
A. The Federal Civil Penalties Inflation
guidance, this rule adjusts for inflation procedure that the APA generally
Adjustment Act Improvements Act of
the level of civil monetary penalties requires for rulemaking—notice, an
2015
assessed under the Surface Mining opportunity for comment, and a delay in
Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 Section 518 of SMCRA, 30 U.S.C. the effective date—is not required for
(SMCRA). 1268, authorizes the Secretary of the agencies to issue regulations
Interior to assess civil monetary implementing the annual CMP
DATES: This rule is effective on March
penalties (CMPs) for violations of adjustments. See December 15, 2017,
12, 2018.
SMCRA. The Office of Surface Mining Memorandum for the Heads of
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Reclamation and Enforcement’s Executive Departments and Agencies
Michael Kuhns, Office of Surface (OSMRE) regulations implementing the
Mining Reclamation and Enforcement, (M–18–03), from Mick Mulvaney,
CMP provisions of section 518 are Director, Office of Management and
1849 C Street NW, Mail Stop 4550, located in 30 CFR parts 723, 724, 845,
Washington, DC 20240; Telephone (202) Budget, Implementation of Penalty
and 846. We are adjusting CMPs in four
208–2860. Email: mkuhns@osmre.gov. Inflation Adjustments for 2018,
sections—30 CFR 723.14, 724.14,
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Pursuant to the Federal Civil Penalties
845.14, and 846.14.
On November 2, 2015, the Federal Inflation Adjustment Act Improvements
Table of Contents
Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act Act of 2015 (OMB Memorandum).
I. Background
A. The Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Improvements Act of 2015 (Sec. 701 of Pursuant to SMCRA and the 2015 Act,
Adjustment Act Improvements Act of Pub. L. 114–74) (2015 Act) became law. this final rule reflects the statutorily
2015 The 2015 Act, which further amended required CMP adjustments as follows:
Current Adjusted
Points penalty penalty
CFR citation (where dollar dollar
applicable) amounts amounts
30 CFR 723.14 ............................................................................................................................ 1 $64 $65
2 129 132
3 193 197
4 257 262
5 321 328
6 386 394
7 450 459
8 514 524
9 578 590
10 643 656
11 707 721
12 771 787
13 835 852
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14 900 918
15 965 985
16 1,029 1,050
17 1,093 1,115
18 1,158 1,182
19 1,222 1,247
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![10614 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 48 / Monday, March 12, 2018 / Rules and Regulations
OMB Memorandum. The 1990 Act and D. Effect of the Rule on Approved State B. Regulatory Flexibility Act
the OMB Memorandum specify that the Programs The Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA)
annual inflation adjustments are based requires an agency to prepare a
As a result of litigation, see In re
on the percent change between the regulatory flexibility analysis for all
Permanent Surface Mining Regulation
Consumer Price Index for all Urban rules unless the agency certifies that the
Litigation, No. 79–1144, Mem. Op.
Consumers (the CPI–U) published by rule will not have a significant
(D.D.C. May 16, 1980), 19 Env’t. Rep.
the Department of Labor for the month economic impact on a substantial
Cas. (BNA) 1477, state regulatory
of October in the year of the previous number of small entities. The RFA
programs are not required to mirror all
adjustment, and the October CPI–U for applies only to rules for which an
of the penalty provisions of our
the preceding year. The recent OMB agency is required to first publish a
regulations. Thus, this rule has no effect
Memorandum specified that the cost-of- proposed rule. See 5 U.S.C. 603(a) and
on CMPs in states with SMCRA
living adjustment multiplier for 2018, 604(a). The Federal Civil Penalties
primacy.
not seasonally adjusted, is 1.02041 (the Inflation Adjustment Act Improvements
October 2017 CPI–U (246.663) divided II. Procedural Matters and Required Act of 2015 requires agencies to adjust
by the October 2016 CPI–U (241.729) = Determinations civil penalties annually for inflation
1.02041). OSMRE used this guidance to ‘‘. . . notwithstanding Section 553 [of
A. Regulatory Planning and Review
identify applicable CMPs and calculate the Administrative Procedure Act].’’
(Executive Orders 12866, 13563, and
the required inflation adjustments. The Thus, no proposed rule will be
13771)
1990 Act specifies that any resulting published, and the RFA does not apply
increases in CMPs must be rounded Executive Order (E.O.) 12866 provides to this rulemaking.
according to a stated rounding formula that the Office of Information and
and that the increased CMPs apply only Regulatory Affairs (OIRA) in the Office C. Small Business Regulatory
to violations that occur after the date the of Management and Budget will review Enforcement Fairness Act
increase takes effect. all significant rules. OIRA has This rule is not a major rule under 5
Generally, OSMRE assigns points to a determined that agency regulations U.S.C. 804(2), the Small Business
violation as described in 30 CFR 723.13 exclusively implementing the annual Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act.
and 845.13. The CMP owed is based on inflation adjustments are not significant, This rule:
the number of points received, ranging provided they are consistent with the (a) Will not have an annual effect on
from one point to seventy points. For OMB Memorandum. the economy of $100 million or more.
example, under our existing regulations Executive Order 13563 reaffirms the (b) Will not cause a major increase in
in 30 CFR 845.14, a violation totaling 70 principles of E.O. 12866 while calling costs or prices for consumers,
points would amount to a $16,073 CMP. for improvements in the Nation’s individual industries, Federal, State, or
To adjust this amount, we multiply regulatory system to promote local government agencies, or
$16,073 by the 2018 inflation factor of predictability, to reduce uncertainty, geographic regions.
1.02041, resulting in a raw adjusted and to use the best, most innovative, (c) Will not have significant adverse
amount of $16,401.05. Because the 2015 and least burdensome tools for effects on competition, employment,
Act requires us to round any increase in achieving regulatory ends. The investment, productivity, innovation, or
the CMP amount to the nearest dollar, executive order directs agencies to the ability of U.S.-based enterprises to
in this case a violation of 70 points consider regulatory approaches that compete with foreign-based enterprises.
would amount to a new CMP of reduce burdens and maintain flexibility
$16,401. Pursuant to the 2015 Act, the and freedom of choice for the public D. Unfunded Mandates Reform Act
increases in this Final Rule apply to where these approaches are relevant, This rule does not impose an
CMPs assessed after the date the feasible, and consistent with regulatory unfunded mandate on State, local, or
increases take effect, even if the objectives. E.O. 13563 emphasizes tribal governments, or the private sector,
associated violation predates the further that regulations must be based of more than $100 million per year. The
applicable increase. on the best available science and that rule does not have a significant or
the rulemaking process must allow for unique effect on State, local, or tribal
C. Effect of Rule in Federal Program public participation and an open
States and on Indian Lands governments or the private sector. A
exchange of ideas. We have developed statement containing the information
OSMRE directly regulates surface coal this rule in a manner consistent with required by the Unfunded Mandates
mining and reclamation operations these requirements, to the extent Reform Act (2 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.) is not
within a State or on tribal lands if the permitted by statute. required.
State or tribe does not obtain its own E.O. 13771 of January 30, 2017,
approved program pursuant to section directs Federal agencies to reduce the E. Takings (E.O. 12630)
503 of SMCRA, 30 U.S.C. 1253. The regulatory burden on regulated entities This rule does not effect a taking of
increases in CMPs contained in this rule and control regulatory costs. E.O. 13771, private property or otherwise have
will apply to the following Federal however, applies only to significant takings implications under Executive
program states: Arizona, California, regulatory actions, as defined in Section Order 12630. A takings implication
Georgia, Idaho, Massachusetts, 3(f) of E.O. 12866. As mentioned above, assessment is not required.
Michigan, North Carolina, Oregon, OIRA has determined that agency
Rhode Island, South Dakota, Tennessee, regulations exclusively implementing F. Federalism (E.O. 13132)
and Washington. The Federal programs the annual adjustment are not Under the criteria in section 1 of
daltland on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with RULES
for those States appear at 30 CFR parts significant regulatory actions under E.O. Executive Order 13132, this rule does
903, 905, 910, 912, 921, 922, 933, 937, 12866, provided they are consistent not have sufficient federalism
939, 941, 942, and 947, respectively. with the OMB Memorandum (see OMB implications to warrant the preparation
Under 30 CFR 750.18, the increase in Memorandum, M–18–03, at 3). Thus, of a federalism summary impact
CMPs also applies to Indian lands under E.O. 13771 does not apply to this statement. A federalism summary
the Federal program for Indian lands. rulemaking. impact statement is not required.
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![10616 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 48 / Monday, March 12, 2018 / Rules and Regulations
Points Dollars § 724.14 Amount of individual civil penalty. Points Dollars
* * * * *
32 .......................................... 3,936 (b) The penalty will not exceed 54 .......................................... 11,152
33 .......................................... 4,264 $16,401 for each violation. * * * 55 .......................................... 11,481
34 .......................................... 4,592 56 .......................................... 11,808
35 .......................................... 4,920 PART 845—CIVIL PENALTIES 57 .......................................... 12,136
36 .......................................... 5,248 58 .......................................... 12,464
37 .......................................... 5,577 ■ 6. The authority citation for part 845 59 .......................................... 12,793
38 .......................................... 5,904 continues to read as follows: 60 .......................................... 13,120
39 .......................................... 6,232
40 .......................................... 6,559 Authority: 28 U.S.C. 2461, 30 U.S.C. 1201 61 .......................................... 13,448
41 .......................................... 6,889 et seq., 31 U.S.C. 3701, Pub. L. 100–202, and 62 .......................................... 13,777
42 .......................................... 7,216 Pub. L. 100–446. 63 .......................................... 14,105
43 .......................................... 7,544 ■ 7. In § 845.14, revise the table to read 64 .......................................... 14,433
44 .......................................... 7,872 as follows: 65 .......................................... 14,760
45 .......................................... 8,200 66 .......................................... 15,089
46 .......................................... 8,529 § 845.14 Determination of amount of 67 .......................................... 15,416
47 .......................................... 8,856 penalty. 68 .......................................... 15,744
48 .......................................... 9,185 69 .......................................... 16,072
* * * * *
49 .......................................... 9,512 70 .......................................... 16,401
50 .......................................... 9,840
Points Dollars
51 .......................................... 10,167
52 .......................................... 10,497 ■ 8. In § 845.15, revise paragraph (b)
1 ............................................ 65
53 .......................................... 10,825 introductory text to read as follows:
2 ............................................ 132
54 .......................................... 11,152
3 ............................................ 197
55 .......................................... 11,481 § 845.15 Assessment of separate
4 ............................................ 262
56 .......................................... 11,808 violations for each day.
5 ............................................ 328
57 .......................................... 12,136
6 ............................................ 394 * * * * *
58 .......................................... 12,464
7 ............................................ 459
59 .......................................... 12,793 (b) In addition to the civil penalty
8 ............................................ 524
60 .......................................... 13,120 provided for in paragraph (a) of this
9 ............................................ 590
61 .......................................... 13,448
10 .......................................... 656 section, whenever a violation contained
62 .......................................... 13,777
11 .......................................... 721 in a notice of violation or cessation
63 .......................................... 14,105
12 .......................................... 787 order has not been abated within the
64 .......................................... 14,433
13 .......................................... 852 abatement period set in the notice or
65 .......................................... 14,760
14 .......................................... 918
66 .......................................... 15,089
15 .......................................... 985 order or as subsequently extended
67 .......................................... 15,416 pursuant to section 521(a) of the Act, 30
16 .......................................... 1,050
68 .......................................... 15,744 U.S.C. 1271(a), a civil penalty of not less
17 .......................................... 1,115
69 .......................................... 16,072
70 .......................................... 16,401
18 .......................................... 1,182 than $2,460 will be assessed for each
19 .......................................... 1,247 day during which such failure to abate
20 .......................................... 1,312 continues, except that:
■ 3. In § 723.15, revise paragraph (b) 21 .......................................... 1,378
22 .......................................... 1,444 * * * * *
introductory text to read as follows:
23 .......................................... 1,509
§ 723.15 Assessment of separate 24 .......................................... 1,574 PART 846—INDIVIDUAL CIVIL
violations for each day. 25 .......................................... 1,640 PENALTIES
* * * * * 26 .......................................... 1,968
27 .......................................... 2,296 ■ 9. The authority citation for part 846
(b) In addition to the civil penalty 28 .......................................... 2,623
provided for in paragraph (a) of this 29 .......................................... 2,827
continues to read as follows:
section, whenever a violation contained 30 .......................................... 3,281 Authority: 28 U.S.C. 2461, 30 U.S.C. 1201
in a notice of violation or cessation 31 .......................................... 3,608 et seq., and 31 U.S.C. 3701.
order has not been abated within the 32 .......................................... 3,936
abatement period set in the notice or 33 .......................................... 4,264 ■ 10. In § 846.14, revise the first
34 .......................................... 4,592 sentence of paragraph (b) to read as
order or as subsequently extended
35 .......................................... 4,920
pursuant to section 521(a) of the Act, 30 follows:
36 .......................................... 5,248
U.S.C. 1271(a), a civil penalty of not less 37 .......................................... 5,577
than $2,460 will be assessed for each § 846.14 Amount of individual civil penalty.
38 .......................................... 5,904
day during which such failure to abate 39 .......................................... 6,232 * * * * *
continues, except that: 40 .......................................... 6,559 (b) The penalty will not exceed
* * * * * 41 .......................................... 6,889 $16,401 for each violation. * * *
42 .......................................... 7,216
43 .......................................... 7,544 [FR Doc. 2018–04909 Filed 3–9–18; 8:45 am]
PART 724—INDIVIDUAL CIVIL
44 .......................................... 7,872 BILLING CODE 4310–05–P
PENALTIES
45 .......................................... 8,200
46 .......................................... 8,529
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■ 4. The authority citation for part 724 47 .......................................... 8,856
continues to read as follows: 48 .......................................... 9,185
Authority: 28 U.S.C. 2461, 30 U.S.C. 1201 49 .......................................... 9,512
et seq., and 31 U.S.C. 3701. 50 .......................................... 9,840
51 .......................................... 10,167
■ 5. In § 724.14, revise the first sentence 52 .......................................... 10,497
of paragraph (b) to read as follows: 53 .......................................... 10,825
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Document Created: 2018-11-01 08:52:01
Document Modified: 2018-11-01 08:52:01
| Category | Regulatory Information | |
| Collection | Federal Register | |
| sudoc Class | AE 2.7: GS 4.107: AE 2.106: | |
| Publisher | Office of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration | |
| Section | Rules and Regulations | |
| Action | Final rule. | |
| Dates | This rule is effective on March 12, 2018. | |
| Contact | Michael Kuhns, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement, 1849 C Street NW, Mail Stop 4550, Washington, DC 20240; Telephone (202) 208-2860. Email: [email protected] | |
| FR Citation | 83 FR 10611 | |
| RIN Number | 1029-AC75 | |
| CFR Citation | 30
CFR
723 30 CFR 724 30 CFR 845 30 CFR 846 | |
| CFR Associated | Administrative Practice and Procedure; Penalties; Surface Mining; Underground Mining; Law Enforcement and Reporting and Recordkeeping Requirements |
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