83_FR_44145 83 FR 43977 - Ohio Regulatory Program

83 FR 43977 - Ohio Regulatory Program

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement

Federal Register Volume 83, Issue 168 (August 29, 2018)

Page Range43977-43983
FR Document2018-18706

The Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSMRE) is approving, with two exceptions, an amendment to the Ohio regulatory program (the Ohio program) under the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 (SMCRA or the Act). Ohio's submission demonstrates its intent to revise its program by amending the Ohio Reclamation Commission's (the Commission) procedural rules. By submission of the amended procedural rules, found within Ohio Administrative Code (OAC) at sections 1513-3-01 through 1513-3-22, Ohio proposed to revise the Ohio program pursuant to the additional flexibility afforded by the revised Federal regulations at 30 CFR 732.17, and SMCRA, as amended. As a result of review of the Ohio program, the proposed amendment, and an opportunity for public comments, OSMRE has determined that the majority of the submittal is no less stringent than SMCRA and no less effective than the corresponding regulations. The two revisions not approved by OSMRE are found within OAC at section 1513-3-07(A), which relates to intervention. OSMRE's rationale for not approving these proposed revisions is explained in depth below.

Federal Register, Volume 83 Issue 168 (Wednesday, August 29, 2018)
[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 168 (Wednesday, August 29, 2018)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 43977-43983]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2018-18706]



[[Page 43977]]

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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement

30 CFR Part 935

[SATS No. OH-255-FOR; Docket No. OSM-2013-0012; 
S1D1SSS08011000SX066A000178S180110; S2D2SSS08011000SX066A00017XS501520]


Ohio Regulatory Program

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

ACTION: Final rule; approval of amendment with two exceptions.

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SUMMARY: The Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement 
(OSMRE) is approving, with two exceptions, an amendment to the Ohio 
regulatory program (the Ohio program) under the Surface Mining Control 
and Reclamation Act of 1977 (SMCRA or the Act). Ohio's submission 
demonstrates its intent to revise its program by amending the Ohio 
Reclamation Commission's (the Commission) procedural rules. By 
submission of the amended procedural rules, found within Ohio 
Administrative Code (OAC) at sections 1513-3-01 through 1513-3-22, Ohio 
proposed to revise the Ohio program pursuant to the additional 
flexibility afforded by the revised Federal regulations at 30 CFR 
732.17, and SMCRA, as amended. As a result of review of the Ohio 
program, the proposed amendment, and an opportunity for public 
comments, OSMRE has determined that the majority of the submittal is no 
less stringent than SMCRA and no less effective than the corresponding 
regulations. The two revisions not approved by OSMRE are found within 
OAC at section 1513-3-07(A), which relates to intervention. OSMRE's 
rationale for not approving these proposed revisions is explained in 
depth below.

DATES: Effective Date: September 28, 2018.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Ben Owens, Chief, Pittsburgh Field 
Division, OSMRE, Three Parkway Center, 2nd Floor, Pittsburgh, 
Pennsylvania 15220. Telephone: (412) 937-2827. Email: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Background on the Ohio Program
II. Submission of the Amendment
III. OSMRE's Findings
IV. Summary and Disposition of Comments
V. OSMRE's Decision
VI. Procedural Determinations

I. Background on the Ohio Program

    Section 503(a) of SMCRA allows a State to assume primacy for the 
regulation of surface coal mining and reclamation operations on non-
Federal and non-Indian lands within its borders by demonstrating that 
its State program includes, among other things, state laws and 
regulations that govern surface coal mining and reclamation operations 
in accordance with the Act and consistent with the Federal regulations. 
See 30 U.S.C. 1253(a)(1) and (7). On the basis of these criteria, the 
Secretary of the Interior conditionally approved the Ohio program 
effective August 16, 1982. Notice of the conditional approval of Ohio's 
permanent regulatory program was published in the Federal Register on 
August 10, 1982 (47 FR 34688). You can also find later actions 
concerning Ohio's program and program amendments at 30 CFR 935.11, 
935.15, and 935.30.

II. Submission of the Proposed Amendment

    For background purposes, the Commission is an adjudicatory board 
established pursuant to Ohio Revised Code (ORC) section 1513.05. The 
Commission is the office to which administrative appeals may be filed 
by any person claiming to be aggrieved or adversely affected by a 
decision of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Chief of the 
Division of Mineral Resources Management (DMRM), relating to mining and 
reclamation issues. Following an adjudicatory hearing, the Commission 
affirms, vacates, or modifies the DMRM Chief's decision. The Commission 
is comprised of eight members appointed by the Governor of Ohio. 
Members represent a variety of interests relevant to mining and 
reclamation issues. The Commission adopts rules to govern its 
procedures. The Commission's rules are found at OAC section 1513-3-01 
through 1513-3-22 and are the subject of the current amendment to the 
Ohio program. By letter dated November 6, 2013, Ohio submitted an 
amendment to its program, (Administrative Record No. OH-2192-01). 
Ohio's submittal was prompted by requirements within the Ohio statute 
that all state agencies must review their administrative rules every 
five years. Consistent with this requirement, the Commission revised 
its rules to ensure an orderly, efficient, and effective appeal 
process. By submitting the amendment to OSMRE, Ohio exercised its 
ability to revise the Ohio program pursuant to the additional 
flexibility afforded by the revised Federal regulations at 30 CFR 
732.17, and SMCRA, as amended, to improve operational efficiency of the 
Ohio program and to ensure Ohio's proposed provisions are consistent, 
and in accordance, with SMCRA and are no less effective than the 
corresponding Federal regulations.
    OSMRE announced receipt of the proposed amendment in the May 20, 
2014, Federal Register (79 FR 28854). In the same document, OSMRE 
opened the public comment period and provided an opportunity for a 
public hearing or meeting.
    OSMRE did not hold a public hearing or meeting, as neither were 
requested. The public comment period closed on June 19, 2014. OSMRE did 
not receive any comments.

III. Summary of the Ohio Amendment and OSMRE's Findings on the 
Amendment

    Following is a summary of various provisions of the amendment that 
Ohio submitted, as well as OSMRE's findings on whether those provisions 
are consistent, and in accordance, with SMCRA and are no less effective 
than the Federal regulations at 30 CFR 732.15 and 732.17. As described 
below, OSMRE is approving the amendment with the exception of two 
provisions in the proposed rule, one at section 1513-3-07(A), relating 
to the intervention of a party, and the other at 1513-3-07(D)(4), 
relating to the effect of intervention. Any revisions that we do not 
specifically discuss below concern non-substantive wording or editorial 
changes.

1513-3-01 Definitions

    These changes clarify existing definitions and provide additional 
definitions. Specifically, the definition of ``appellant'' is clarified 
to explicitly state that actions of the DMRM Chief are subject to 
appeal to the Commission. The definition of ``final order'' clarifies 
that the resolution of matters presented on appeal will be in writing 
and consistent with section 1513-3-19 of the OAC. The definition of 
``full party'' is added. This definition will define ``full party'' to 
include the appellant, the appellee, and any intervenor participating 
in an appeal as defined by the OAC at section 1513-3-07 entitled, 
``Intervention.'' Additionally, the term, ``interested persons in an 
appeal pending before the Commission'' is added. This term, as 
approved, defines interested person as the appellant, the appellee, any 
intervenors, or and any other persons who have notified the Commission 
of an interest in a pending appeal and have requested to be notified of 
hearings in said appeal. The

[[Page 43978]]

definition of ``intervenor'' is modified to remove the word ``one'' and 
replace it with the term, ``any person.'' The definition of ``person'' 
is modified to encompass limited liability companies. Within the 
definition of ``regular business hours'' the terms ``chairman'' and 
``vice-chairman'' are replaced by ``chairperson'' and ``vice-
chairperson,'' respectively. The remaining modifications renumber the 
terms to facilitate the addition of new terms.
    OSMRE Finding: We have determined that the definitions of 
``appellant,'' ``final order,'' ``full party,'' ``interested persons in 
an appeal pending before the Commission,'' and ``regular business 
hours'' do not have Federal counterparts. However, they are not 
inconsistent with SMCRA or the Federal regulations. Therefore, we 
approve these definitions. The revised definition of ``intervenor'' 
remains consistent with its Federal counterpart at 43 CFR 4.1110 and is 
therefore approved. There is no direct Federal counterpart to the 
revised portion of Ohio's definition of ``person,'' as the Federal 
counterpart does not specifically include limited liability companies. 
However, the Federal definition does include corporations and 
partnerships; limited liability companies are essentially amalgams of 
those two business structures. Therefore, the change to the State's 
definition does not render it inconsistent with the Federal regulations 
at 30 CFR 700.5, and we are approving the change.

1513-3-02 Internal Regulations

    Paragraph (B) of Section 1513-3-02, which is entitled, ``Quorum,'' 
is modified to clarify the conditions for satisfying quorum 
requirements. Four members of the Commission must be present to qualify 
as a quorum, and an action by the Commission is not valid unless at 
least four members concur.
    Additionally, the rule clarifies the procedure in the event 
concurrence is not reached. As amended, four members must agree that 
concurrence is not met. Further, when concurrence is not met, the 
existing record of proceedings is to be submitted to all members of the 
Commission who did not attend any portion of the proceedings. These 
members may determine if they wish to participate in the appeal. 
Following review of the record, they must participate in the rendering 
of a decision. The provision for a tied vote is eliminated.
    The amendment provides that, in the event that a concurrence cannot 
be reached, a decision must be rendered stating such and an Order must 
be issued affirming the action of the DMRM Chief under review.
    Furthermore, the rule clarifies that in the event a Commission 
member considered as part of the quorum misses any part of the 
proceeding, he or she must review the record before participating in 
the rendering of a decision. Audio-electronic hearings before the 
Commission constitute the official record of the hearing. However, 
other methods of creating the official record are permitted upon the 
Commission's discretion, by joint motion of the parties, or by motion 
of a party and subsequent approval by the Commission. Additionally, the 
issuance and service of subpoenas must comply with the Ohio Rules of 
Civil Procedure, and, as applicable, section 119.094 of the ORC, 
including its requirement that a fee must be paid to witnesses outside 
the county in which a hearing must be held.
    OSMRE Finding: We have determined that the provisions in this 
section do not have direct Federal counterparts. However, they are not 
inconsistent with the Federal regulations at 43 CFR 4.2, which governs, 
generally, membership of administrative boards and decisions of those 
boards. Therefore, we approve the proposed changes to OAC 1513-3-02.

1513-3-03 Appearance and Practice Before the Commission

    The rule clarifies that any party may appear on their own behalf or 
may be represented by an attorney at law admitted to practice according 
to Ohio law. This includes the admittance of attorneys pro hac vice.
    OSMRE Finding: We have determined that the provisions in this 
section are consistent with the Federal regulations at 43 CFR 1.3 and 
4.3, which govern, respectively, who may practice in Departmental 
administrative proceedings, and representation before appeals boards. 
Therefore, we approve the changes to OAC 1513-3-03.

1513-3-04 Appeals to the Reclamation Commission

    Although the majority of the changes to this section are clerical 
and non-substantive, the rule clarifies that email addresses, if 
available, should be included in the notice of appeal. Additionally, 
appellants must include a copy of the written notice, order or decision 
of the DMRM Chief to be reviewed. Appellants are required to comply 
with the requirements of section 1513.02 of the ORC, pertaining to the 
power and duties of the DMRM Chief, and must include and forward the 
amount of any penalty for placement in a penalty fund. The rule adds a 
section describing information that the appellant may include in the 
notice of appeal. Appellants may, but are not required to, identify the 
area to which the notice, Order, or decision relates; state whether or 
not the Commission is requested to view the site; and state whether or 
not the appellant waives the right to have the hearing within the time 
frames established in section 1513.13(B), Appeal of notice of 
violation, order or decision to reclamation commission of the ORC.
    When filing a notice of appeal pertaining to the review of a 
decision to approve or disapprove a permit application, an appellant 
must comply with section 1513.07, Coal mining and reclamation permit of 
the ORC, and must file the notice of appeal within 30 days of notice of 
the DMRM Chief's determination.
    It is further clarified that a notice of appeal is deemed filed 
when complete notice has been provided. Further, a notice of appeal may 
be amended without leave of the Commission during the time allowed for 
original filing. However, amendment of a notice of appeal may not be 
employed to cure jurisdictional defects in the filing following the 
close of this time period. Following the close of this time period, a 
notice of appeal may be amended by leave of the Commission.
    OSMRE Finding: We have determined that the provisions in this 
section are consistent with the Federal regulations governing the 
varying types of administrative appeals of decisions of OSMRE. These 
regulations are at 43 CFR 4.1107, 4.1115, 4.1153, 4.1164, 4.1184, 
4.1263, 4.1282, 4.1303, 4.1363, 4.1372, and 4.1382. Therefore, we 
approve the changes to OAC 1513-3-04.

1513-3-05 Filing and Service of Papers

    This section of the rule clarifies that the filing of a notice of 
appeal must conform to section 1513.13 of the ORC, Appeal to the 
Commission. The rule alters the definition of when a notice of appeal 
is deemed filed. The proposed amendment states that a notice of appeal 
will be deemed filed when received or if the notice of appeal is sent 
by certified mail, registered mail, or express mail, it will be deemed 
filed on the date of the postmark placed upon the sender's receipt by 
the postal service. However, documents requesting temporary relief are 
deemed filed when received by the Commission. Additionally, all filings 
other than a notice of appeal or a request for temporary relief, that 
are not sent to the Commission by certified mail, registered

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mail, or express mail will be deemed filed with the Commission on the 
day on which the filings are received, and those that are sent by such 
means, will be deemed filed on the postmark date placed upon the 
sender's receipt by the postal service. Further, following initiation 
of an appeal, the Commission may, through order, establish a filing and 
service protocol, which may include the electronic transmission of 
documents.
    OSMRE Finding: We have determined that the provisions in this 
section are consistent with the Federal regulations at 43 CFR 4.1107, 
which governs the filing of documents, and 43 CFR 4.1109, which governs 
service of documents. Therefore, we approve the changes to OAC 1513-3-
05.

1513-3-06 Computation and Extension of Time

    The majority of the changes to this section are non-substantive and 
consist of renumbering for clarity. However, section (C)(1) is altered 
to definitively read that the Commission may not lengthen or reduce the 
time period allowed for any response to, or filing of, a request for 
temporary relief.
    OSMRE Finding: We have determined that the provisions in this 
section do not have direct Federal counterparts. However, they are not 
inconsistent with the Federal regulations at 43 CFR 4.1261 and 4.1264, 
which govern, respectively, applications for temporary relief and 
responses thereto. Therefore, we approve the changes to OAC 1513-3-06.

1513-3-07 Intervention

    Ohio submitted a revision to this rule to require that any person 
seeking leave to intervene in an appeal before the Commission must do 
so within ten days prior to the beginning of an evidentiary hearing on 
the merits of an appeal, unless waived by the Commission for 
extraordinary cause. OSMRE is not approving this section of the 
amendment as it is inconsistent with the corresponding provisions of 
the Federal regulations found at 43 CFR 4.1110(a). The Federal 
counterpart allows any person, including a State or OSMRE, to petition 
to intervene at any stage of a proceeding. The provision proposed by 
Ohio prejudices a potential intervenor by imposing time limits on 
petitions to intervene. Although the proposed revision would allow 
intervention after the ten days preceding an evidentiary hearing, upon 
waiver by the Commission, the potential intervenor must still 
demonstrate extraordinary cause. This additional hurdle is not imposed 
by the Federal counterpart. Therefore, OSMRE is not approving the 
following sentence in section 1513-3-07(A), of the proposed amendment: 
``A petition for leave to intervene must be filed at least ten days 
prior to the beginning of an evidentiary hearing on the merits of an 
appeal, unless waived by the commission for extraordinary cause.''
    Also, the deletion of 1513-3-07(D)(4) is less effective than the 
Federal regulations found at 43 CFR 4.1110. This deletion would prevent 
the Commission from considering the effect of intervention on the 
agency's ability to implement its statutory mandates. However, the 
Federal regulation at 43 CFR 4.1110(d)(4) explicitly allows the IBLA to 
consider this effect in deciding whether intervention is appropriate. 
The deletion of this provision in the OAC would render the Ohio program 
less effective by preventing its statutory mandate from receiving due 
consideration in Commission decisions on intervention. Therefore, OSMRE 
is not approving the deletion of OAC 1513-3-07(D)(4).
    There is only one other substantive amendment to this section. The 
change, at section 1513-13-07(F), will allow the filing of amicus 
briefs and oral argument at hearing by amicus curiae upon leave by, and 
at the discretion of, the Commission. This provision does not have 
direct Federal counterparts. However, it is not inconsistent with 
relevant sections of 43 CFR part 4. Therefore, this provision of OAC 
1513-3-07 is approved.

1513-3-08 Temporary Relief

    The amendments to this section are non-substantive and primarily 
consist of language to make references gender neutral. Therefore, the 
amendments are approved.

1513-3-10 Discovery

    Previous discovery rules are amended to clarify parties to an 
appeal may obtain discovery in accordance with the provisions of rules 
26 through 36 of the Ohio Rules of Civil Procedure. Additionally, the 
rule explains that all parties, including intervenors, are subject to 
discovery and that discovery from non-parties must be done through 
subpoena. In the event a party fails to obey an order to compel or 
permit discovery issued by the Commission, the Commission may make such 
orders in regard to the failure as it deems just.
    OSMRE Finding: We have determined that the provisions in this 
section are consistent with the Federal regulations at 43 CFR 4.1130 
through 4.1141. Therefore, we approve the changes to OAC 1513-3-10.

1513-3-11 Motions

    This revision moves the provision at section (B), which allows a 
party to make a written motion requesting a hearing to be conducted 
before the full Commission, rather than before a hearing officer for 
the Commission, to section 1513-3-18, Reports and recommendations of 
the hearing officer. The revision to this section also provides that 
objections to jurisdiction are non-waivable and may be raised at any 
point in an appeal, consistent with the Ohio Rules of Civil Procedure.
    OSMRE Finding: We have determined that the provisions in this 
section do not have direct Federal counterparts. However, they are not 
inconsistent with the Federal regulations at 43 CFR 4.1112. Therefore, 
we approve OAC 1513-3-11.

1513-3-12 Pre-Hearing Procedures

    This revision allows the Commission or its hearing officer, at its 
own initiative, or at the request of any party, to schedule and hold 
pre-hearing conferences on issues on appeal.
    OSMRE Response: We have determined that the proposed change to this 
section is consistent with 43 CFR 4.1121(b). Therefore, we are 
approving the change to OAC 1513-3-12.

1513-3-14 Site Views and Location of Hearings

    This rule specifies the locations of Commission hearings. It also 
clarifies the circumstances in which the Commission will conduct site 
views of mining operations, reclamation operations, or other relevant 
features. The rule also explicitly states that the Commission will 
control and direct the manner of conducting a site view. Specifically, 
where a site view is conducted on property subject to a mining and 
reclamation permit, parties must be informed prior to the site view of 
any necessary personal protective equipment, including hard hat, safety 
glasses, hearing protection, safety-toed shoes or boots and additional 
equipment that may be required on mine property as determined by the 
mine operator. Additionally, the Commission reserves the right to limit 
the number of persons who participate in the site view. Additionally, a 
hearing related to a cessation of mining or a motion for temporary 
relief must be held in proximity to the subject area of the hearing for 
the convenience of the Commission and the parties. All other 
proceedings will continue to be held in Columbus, Ohio, or at any 
convenient public location selected by the Commission.

[[Page 43980]]

    OSMRE Response: We have determined that the provision regarding the 
location for hearings related to temporary relief, has no direct 
Federal counterpart, but is not inconsistent with the Federal 
regulation found at 43 CFR 4.1106, which governs location of hearing 
sites, generally. The Federal regulation states that the administrative 
law judge must consider convenience of the parties in determining the 
hearing site. The remaining provisions in this section do not have 
Federal counterparts. However, they are not inconsistent with SMCRA or 
its implementing regulations. Therefore, we are approving the changes 
to OAC 1513-3-14.

1513-3-15 Consolidation of Proceedings

    The Commission is given discretion to administer consolidated 
appeals in the manner it deems most appropriate.
    OSMRE Response: We have determined that the provision in this 
section is consistent with the Federal regulation at 43 CFR 4.1113, 
which grants the administrative law judge the authority to consolidate 
proceedings. Therefore, we are approving OAC 1513-3-15.

1513-3-16 Conduct of Evidentiary Hearings

    This rule applies to any person participating in an appeal before 
the Commission and definitively states that the Commission will 
determine the conduct of the hearing and the order of the presentation 
of evidence. Additionally, it further clarifies that the Commission is 
not bound by the formal rules of evidence as promulgated by the Ohio 
Supreme Court. The rule also establishes a procedure for in-camera 
inspection of documents claimed to contain proprietary business 
information or trade secrets. Additionally, the rule specifically 
details the number of copies of proposed exhibits a party must make 
available. The rule also adds a provision to clarify that a continuing 
objection is sufficient to preserve objection to an area of evidence. 
In regard to written testimony, affidavits may be admitted only if the 
evidence is otherwise admissible and all full parties agree that 
affidavits may be used in lieu of oral testimony. This alteration is 
limiting as it adds the adjective ``full,'' thus excluding certain 
parties. Parties wishing to use affidavits in lieu of oral testimony 
must serve all full parties with a copy of the affidavit at least 15 
days before a hearing. It is clarified that in the event a declarant is 
unavailable, testimony may be offered in compliance with rule 804 of 
the Ohio Rules of Evidence. As proposed, objections to deposition 
testimony must be resolved in accordance with rule 32 of the Ohio Rules 
of Civil Procedure. Further, in instances when a party is attempting to 
use written testimony, any full party must present the Commission a 
schedule of objections to the written testimony prior to the 
commencement of the hearing. This is a change to the former rule that 
allowed objection at the hearing following receipt of the testimony 
into evidence. Regarding the presentation of witnesses, the Commission 
may require that a witness be called only once during a hearing and 
that the parties conduct all examinations at the time when the witness 
is called to testify. An Ohio notary may be given authority to 
administer oaths and affirmations to witnesses. Further, the Commission 
is given authority to require the parties to submit written closing 
arguments, post-hearing briefs, or proposed findings of fact and 
conclusions of law.
    OSMRE Finding: We have determined that the provisions in this 
section are not inconsistent with the Federal regulations found at 43 
CFR 4.1120-4.1129. Therefore, we are approving the changes to OAC 1513-
3-16.

1513-3-17 Voluntary Dismissal and Settlement

    The adjective ``full'' is added to section (B), relative to 
agreement to settle. This addition limits settlements to those where 
all parties (i.e., appellant, appellee, and intervenor, if any) agree 
to do so. In the event an appeal is settled during the course of a 
hearing, the parties must enter into the record a statement 
acknowledging that they have reached an agreement that all issues have 
been resolved, and that a withdrawal of the appeal will be filed.
    OSMRE Finding: We have determined that the provisions in this 
section are consistent with the Federal regulations at 43 CFR 4.1111. 
Therefore, we are approving the changes to OAC 1513-3-17.

1513-3-18 Reports and Recommendations of the Hearing Officer

    Section 1513-3-11(B), discussed above, is inserted in this section. 
This section allows a party to make a written motion requesting that a 
hearing be conducted before the full Commission, rather than before a 
hearing officer for the Commission.
    The existing regulations required Reports and Recommendations of 
hearing officers to be submitted to the Commission within a time 
reasonably sufficient to allow the Commission to issue timely Orders. 
This amendment incorporates a proviso to that rule that in the event a 
decision before a hearing officer must be rendered within a specified 
time period, the appeal will be heard by the Commission, rather than by 
a hearing officer, unless there has been a waiver of the right to an 
expedited hearing.
    OSMRE Findings: We have determined that the provisions in this 
section do not have direct Federal counterparts. However, these 
provisions are not inconsistent with the Federal regulations at 43 CFR 
4.1120 through 4.1129. Therefore, we are approving the changes to OAC 
1513-3-18.

1513-3-19 Decisions of the Commission

    This rule clarifies the procedures the Commission will follow when 
issuing decisions. Additionally, the rule allows the remission, within 
30 days after issuing a final decision, of pre-paid civil penalties, 
where penalties are under appeal. The rule also provides more detailed 
information about the procedures that will be followed if errors are 
found in Commission decisions. Specifically, during the time period 
after a final decision has been issued by the Commission, clerical 
mistakes in the final decision and errors therein from oversight or 
omission may be corrected before an appeal of the Commission's final 
decision is filed. Thereafter, while an appeal is pending before an 
appellate court, a final decision may be so corrected with leave of the 
court. However, the correction of a clerical mistake or error in a 
final decision does not extend the time for filing a notice of appeal 
in the appellate court. Further, this rule extends the time the 
Commission may remit, transfer, or accept payment of an increased 
penalty assessment amount from fifteen days to thirty days.
    OSMRE Finding: We have determined that most of the provisions in 
this section do not have direct Federal counterparts. However, these 
provisions are not inconsistent with SMCRA or its implementing 
regulations, nor inconsistent with Departmental hearings and appeals 
regulations found at 43 CFR part 4, subparts B and L. Moreover, the 
amendments pertaining to civil penalties are consistent with the 
Federal regulations at 43 CFR 4.1157. Therefore, we are approving the 
changes to OAC 1513-3-19.

1513-3-20 Costs

    The former ``Costs'' section is rescinded. Previously, this section 
allowed the Commission to assess costs

[[Page 43981]]

against a party to an appeal. The Commission does not, sua sponte, 
assess such costs, and the rule has not been used by the Commission. 
Moreover, filing fees are not required for Commission appeals. 
Additionally, the award of costs and expenses, following petition, are 
addressed fully in the following section, Awards of Costs and Expenses.
    OSMRE Findings: We have determined that the provisions removed by 
rescission of this section are replaced by the provisions described in 
OAC 1513-3-21. As discussed in the OSMRE Findings for OAC 1513-3-21, we 
have determined that the provisions in the latter section are not 
inconsistent with SMCRA or regulations at 43 CFR part 4, subparts B and 
L. Therefore, OSMRE determines the rescission of this section does not 
render the Ohio program inconsistent with the Federal regulations at 43 
CFR 4.1290 through 4.1296, and the rescission is approved.

1513-3-21 Award of Costs and Expenses

    This rule clarifies the previous version of this rule approved by 
OSMRE in 2010. See 75 FR 72947, allowing for the recovery of costs and 
expenses, including attorneys' fees to certain parties. The amendment 
clarifies that the Commission is also authorized to hear petitions for 
costs, including attorneys' fees and expenses, where petitions are 
filed by the DMRM and allege bad faith or harassment by another party. 
These petitions must conform to section 1513.13 of the ORC. Petitions 
must be filed within 60 days of receipt of the final decision of the 
Commission in the action in which the fees were incurred. Petitions by 
the DMRM must include an affidavit detailing all costs and expenses, 
receipts, and when attorneys' fees are requested, evidence that the 
hours expended and the fees requested are reasonable for the appeal and 
for the locality. A person served with a copy of a petition for costs 
and expenses must file an answer thereto within 30 days. Awards of 
attorney fees are appealable consistent with the ORC. This rule 
clarifies that parties may receive awards of costs and expenses, 
including attorneys' fees, expert witness fees, and fees reasonably 
incurred as a result of proceedings before the Commission, and 
specifies that fees incurred in seeking fees may also be awarded.
    However, the rule at 1513-3-21(D) clarifies that Ohio's statute and 
regulations relevant to minerals--not including coal or peat, found 
within Chapter 1514 of the Revised Code, do not include an award of 
costs and expenses provision similar to those required in Chapter 1513. 
Specifically, Ohio's rule references the provision found within section 
1514.09 that specifically explains that attorneys' fees, costs, and 
expenses may not be recovered for minerals. Chapter 1514 is not 
required to be consistent with SMCRA or its implementing regulations, 
as it does not pertain to coal regulation. Because Chapter 1514 is not 
part of the approved Ohio program, OSMRE is not making a determination 
on this portion of the Ohio rule.
    OSMRE Findings: We have determined that the provisions in this 
section are no less effective than the Federal regulations at 43 CFR 
4.1290-4.1296. Therefore, we approve the changes to OAC 1513-3-21.

1513-3-22 Appeals From Commission Decisions

    This rule clarifies that parties to actions involving coal mining 
and reclamation brought under section 1513 of the ORC may seek review 
of a Commission decision in the court of appeals for the county in 
which the activity addressed by the decision of the Commission 
occurred, is occurring, or will occur. Moreover, this rule clarifies 
that parties to actions involving industrial minerals mining and 
reclamation and brought under section 1514.09, Representation on 
commission for appeals, of the ORC may seek review of a Commission 
decision in the court of common pleas in the county where the operation 
addressed by the decision of the Commission is located, or in the 
Franklin County Court of Common Pleas. However, Chapter 1514 is not 
required to be consistent with SMCRA or its implementing regulations, 
as it does not pertain to coal regulation. Because Chapter 1514 is not 
part of the approved Ohio program, OSMRE is not making a determination 
on this portion of the Ohio rule.
    Additionally, the rules provide the Commission with the authority 
to control the transcription and transmission of the record to the 
appropriate appellate court.
    OSMRE Findings: We have determined that the provisions in this 
section are consistent with Section 526 (a)(2) of SMCRA (30 U.S.C. 
1276(a)(2)), and with the Federal regulations at 30 CFR 775.13(b) and 
43 CFR 4.1369. Therefore, we are approving the changes to OAC 1513-3-
22.

IV. Summary and Disposition of Comments

Public Comments

    OSMRE asked for public comments in the May 20, 2014, Federal 
Register (79 FR 28854) (Administrative Record No. OH-2192-04). OSMRE 
did not receive any public comments or a request to hold a public 
meeting or public hearing.

Federal Agency Comments

    Under Federal regulations at 30 CFR 732.17(h)(11)(i) and section 
503(b) of SMCRA, OSMRE requested comments on the amendment from various 
Federal agencies with an actual or potential interest in the Ohio 
program (Administrative Record No. OH-2192-02). Specifically, OSMRE 
solicited comment from the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation, 
the United States Department of Labor, the United States Fish and 
Wildlife Service, the United States Environmental Protection Agency 
(EPA), the Ohio Historic Preservation Office, and the United States 
Department of Agriculture. OSMRE did not receive any response to the 
request for comments.

Environmental Protection Agency Concurrence and Comments

    Pursuant to the Federal regulations at 30 CFR 732.17(h)(11)(ii), 
OSMRE is required to get a written concurrence from EPA for those 
provisions of the program amendment that relate to air or water quality 
standards issued under the authority of the Clean Water Act (33 U.S.C. 
1251 et seq.) or the Clean Air Act (42 U.S.C. 7401 et seq.).
    None of the revisions that Ohio proposed in the submittal pertain 
to air or water quality standards. Therefore, we did not ask EPA to 
concur on the amendment, and as stated above, EPA did not provide 
comment.

State Historical Preservation Officer (SHPO) and the Advisory Council 
on Historic Preservation (ACHP)

    Under 30 CFR 732.17(h)(4), we are required to request comments from 
the SHPO and ACHP on amendments that may have an effect on historic 
properties. OSMRE requested comments on the Ohio amendment 
(Administrative Record Number OH-2192-02). We did not receive any 
comments.

V. OSMRE's Decision

    Based on the above findings, we approve the amendment Ohio sent us 
on November 6, 2013, (Administrative Record Number OH-2192-01) with the 
exception of two provisions. We are not approving the sentence in 
section 1513-

[[Page 43982]]

3-07(A), as explained above: ``A petition for leave to intervene must 
be filed at least ten days prior to the beginning of an evidentiary 
hearing on the merits of an appeal, unless waived by the commission for 
extraordinary cause.'' We are also not approving the deletion of 1513-
3-07(D)(4), as explained above: ``The effect of intervention on the 
agency's implementation of its statutory mandate.''
    To implement this decision, we are amending the Federal regulations 
at 30 CFR part 935 that codify decisions concerning the Ohio program. 
In accordance with the Administrative Procedure Act, this rule will 
take effect 30 days after the date of publication. Section 503(a) of 
SMCRA requires that the State's program demonstrate that the State has 
the capability of carrying out the provisions of the Act and meeting 
its purposes. SMCRA requires consistency of State and Federal 
standards.

VI. Procedural Determinations

Executive Order 12630--Takings

    This rule does not have takings implications. This determination is 
based on the analysis performed for the counterpart Federal 
regulations. Other changes implemented through this final rule notice 
are administrative in nature and have no takings implications.

Executive Order 12866--Regulatory Planning and Review

    Pursuant to Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Guidance dated 
October 12, 1993, the approval of state program amendments is exempted 
from OMB review under Executive Order 12866.

Executive Order 12988--Civil Justice Reform

    The Department of the Interior has reviewed this rule as required 
by section 3(a) of Executive Order 12988. The Department determined 
that this Federal Register notice meets the criteria of Section 3 of 
Executive Order 12988, which is intended to ensure that the agency 
review its legislation and proposed regulations to eliminate drafting 
errors and ambiguity; that the agency write its legislation and 
regulations to minimize litigation; and that the agency's legislation 
and regulations provide a clear legal standard for affected conduct 
rather than a general standard, and promote simplification and burden 
reduction. Because Section 3 focuses on the quality of Federal 
legislation and regulations, the Department limited its review under 
this Executive Order to the quality of this Federal Register notice and 
to changes to the Federal regulations. The review under this Executive 
Order did not extend to the language of the State regulatory program or 
to the program amendment that the State of Ohio drafted.

Executive Order 13132--Federalism

    This rule is not a ``[p]olicy that [has] Federalism implications'' 
as defined by section 1(a) of Executive Order 13132 because it does not 
have ``substantial direct effects on the States, on the relationship 
between the national government and the States, or on the distribution 
of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government.'' 
Instead, this rule approves an amendment to the Ohio program submitted 
and drafted by that State. OSMRE reviewed the submission with 
fundamental federalism principles in mind as set forth in sections 2 
and 3 of the Executive Order and with the principles of cooperative 
federalism set forth in SMCRA. See, e.g., 30 U.S.C. 1201(f). As such, 
pursuant to section 503(a)(1) and (7) (30 U.S.C. 1253(a)(1) and (7)), 
OSMRE reviewed the program amendment to ensure that it is ``in 
accordance with'' the requirements of SMCRA is ``consistent with'' the 
regulations issued by the Secretary pursuant to SMCRA.

Executive Order 13175--Consultation and Coordination With Indian Tribal 
Government

    In accordance with Executive Order 13175, OSMRE has evaluated the 
potential effects of this rule on Federally recognized Indian tribes 
and has determined that the rule does not have substantial direct 
effects on one or more Indian tribes, or the relationship between the 
Federal government and Indian tribes, or on the distribution of power 
and responsibilities between the Federal government and Indian tribes. 
The basis for this determination is that our decision pertains to the 
Ohio regulatory program and does not involve a Federal program 
involving Indian lands or Indian tribes in any way.

Executive Order 13211--Regulations That Significantly Affect the 
Supply, Distribution, or Use of Energy

    Executive Order 13211 of May 18, 2001, which requires agencies to 
prepare a Statement of Energy Effects for a rule that is (1) considered 
significant under Executive Order 12866, and (2) likely to have 
significant adverse effect on the supply, distribution, or use of 
energy. Because this rule is exempt from review under Executive Order 
12866 and is not expected to have a significant adverse effect on the 
supply, distribution, or use of energy, a Statement of Energy Effects 
is not required.

National Environmental Policy Act

    This rule does not require an environmental impact statement 
because section 702(d) of SMCRA (30 U.S.C. 1292(d)) provides that 
agency decisions on proposed State regulatory program provisions, 
including amendments thereto, do not constitute major Federal actions 
within the meaning of section 102(2)(C) of the National Environmental 
Policy Act (42 U.S.C. 4332(2)(C)). It is further documented in the DOI 
Departmental Manual at 516 DM 13.5 that agency decisions on approval of 
State regulatory programs do not constitute major Federal actions.

Paperwork Reduction Act

    This rule does not contain information collection requirements that 
require approval by OMB under the Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C. 
3507 et seq.).

Regulatory Flexibility Act

    The Department of the Interior certifies that this rule will not 
have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small 
entities under the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.). 
Ohio's submittal, which is the subject of this rule, is based upon 
counterpart Federal regulations for which an economic analysis was 
prepared and certification made that such regulations would not have a 
significant economic effect upon a substantial number of small 
entities. In making the determination as to whether this rule would 
have a significant economic impact, the Department relied upon data and 
assumptions for the counterpart Federal regulations.

Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act

    This rule is not a major rule under 5 U.S.C. 804(2), the Small 
Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act. This rule: (a) Does not 
have an annual effect on the economy of $100 million; (b) will not 
cause a major increase in costs or prices for consumers, individual 
industries, geographic regions, or Federal, State, or local government 
agencies; and (c) does not have significant adverse effects on 
competition, employment, investment, productivity, innovation, or the 
ability of U.S.-based enterprises to compete with foreign-based 
enterprises. This determination is based upon the fact that the State 
submittal, which is the subject of this rule, is based upon

[[Page 43983]]

counterpart Federal regulations for which an analysis was prepared and 
a determination made that the Federal regulation was not considered a 
major rule.

Unfunded Mandates

    This rule will not impose an unfunded mandate on State, local, or 
tribal governments or the private sector of $100 million or more in any 
given year. This determination is based upon the fact that the State 
submittal, which is the subject of this rule, is based upon counterpart 
Federal regulations for which an analysis was prepared and a 
determination made that the Federal regulation did not impose an 
unfunded mandate.

List of Subjects in 30 CFR Part 935

    Intergovernmental relations, Surface mining, Underground mining.

    Dated: August 13, 2018.
Thomas Shope,
Regional Director, Appalachian Region.

    For the reasons set out in the preamble, 30 CFR part 935 is amended 
as set forth below:

PART 935--OHIO

0
1. The authority citation for part 935 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 30 U.S.C. 1201 et seq.


0
2. Section 935.12 is added to read as follows:


Sec.  935.12   State statutory, regulatory, and proposed program 
amendments not approved.

    (a) In OAC 1513-3-07(A), we are not approving the following 
sentence: ``A petition for leave to intervene must be filed at least 
ten days prior to the beginning of an evidentiary hearing on the merits 
of an appeal, unless waived by the commission for extraordinary 
cause.''
    (b) In OAC 1513-3-07(D) (4), we are not approving the deletion of 
the following sentence: ``The effect of intervention on the agency's 
implementation of its statutory mandate.''

0
3. Section 935.15 is amended in the table by adding a new entry in 
chronological order by ``Date of final publication'' to read as 
follows:


Sec.  935.15   Approval of Ohio regulatory program amendments.

* * * * *

------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Original amendment submission      Date of final         Citation/
              date                    publication         description
------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                              * * * * * * *
November 6, 2013................  August 29, 2018...  OAC 1513-3-01
                                                       through 1513-3-
                                                       22, except for a
                                                       portion of OAC
                                                       1513-3-07(A) and
                                                       the deletion of
                                                       OAC 1513-3-
                                                       07(D)(4).
------------------------------------------------------------------------

[FR Doc. 2018-18706 Filed 8-28-18; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-05-P



                                                               Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 168 / Wednesday, August 29, 2018 / Rules and Regulations                                         43977

                                              DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR                              I. Background on the Ohio Program                     and SMCRA, as amended, to improve
                                                                                                         Section 503(a) of SMCRA allows a                   operational efficiency of the Ohio
                                              Office of Surface Mining Reclamation                    State to assume primacy for the                       program and to ensure Ohio’s proposed
                                              and Enforcement                                         regulation of surface coal mining and                 provisions are consistent, and in
                                                                                                      reclamation operations on non-Federal                 accordance, with SMCRA and are no
                                              30 CFR Part 935                                         and non-Indian lands within its borders               less effective than the corresponding
                                                                                                      by demonstrating that its State program               Federal regulations.
                                              [SATS No. OH–255–FOR; Docket No. OSM–                                                                           OSMRE announced receipt of the
                                                                                                      includes, among other things, state laws
                                              2013–0012;                                                                                                    proposed amendment in the May 20,
                                                                                                      and regulations that govern surface coal
                                              S1D1SSS08011000SX066A000178S180110;                                                                           2014, Federal Register (79 FR 28854). In
                                                                                                      mining and reclamation operations in
                                              S2D2SSS08011000SX066A00017XS501520]                                                                           the same document, OSMRE opened the
                                                                                                      accordance with the Act and consistent
                                                                                                                                                            public comment period and provided an
                                              Ohio Regulatory Program                                 with the Federal regulations. See 30
                                                                                                                                                            opportunity for a public hearing or
                                                                                                      U.S.C. 1253(a)(1) and (7). On the basis               meeting.
                                              AGENCY:  Office of Surface Mining                       of these criteria, the Secretary of the                 OSMRE did not hold a public hearing
                                              Reclamation and Enforcement, Interior.                  Interior conditionally approved the                   or meeting, as neither were requested.
                                              ACTION: Final rule; approval of                         Ohio program effective August 16, 1982.               The public comment period closed on
                                              amendment with two exceptions.                          Notice of the conditional approval of                 June 19, 2014. OSMRE did not receive
                                                                                                      Ohio’s permanent regulatory program                   any comments.
                                              SUMMARY:    The Office of Surface Mining                was published in the Federal Register
                                              Reclamation and Enforcement (OSMRE)                     on August 10, 1982 (47 FR 34688). You                 III. Summary of the Ohio Amendment
                                              is approving, with two exceptions, an                   can also find later actions concerning                and OSMRE’s Findings on the
                                              amendment to the Ohio regulatory                        Ohio’s program and program                            Amendment
                                              program (the Ohio program) under the                    amendments at 30 CFR 935.11, 935.15,                     Following is a summary of various
                                              Surface Mining Control and                              and 935.30.                                           provisions of the amendment that Ohio
                                              Reclamation Act of 1977 (SMCRA or the                                                                         submitted, as well as OSMRE’s findings
                                                                                                      II. Submission of the Proposed
                                              Act). Ohio’s submission demonstrates                                                                          on whether those provisions are
                                                                                                      Amendment
                                              its intent to revise its program by                                                                           consistent, and in accordance, with
                                              amending the Ohio Reclamation                              For background purposes, the                       SMCRA and are no less effective than
                                              Commission’s (the Commission)                           Commission is an adjudicatory board                   the Federal regulations at 30 CFR 732.15
                                              procedural rules. By submission of the                  established pursuant to Ohio Revised                  and 732.17. As described below,
                                              amended procedural rules, found within                  Code (ORC) section 1513.05. The                       OSMRE is approving the amendment
                                              Ohio Administrative Code (OAC) at                       Commission is the office to which                     with the exception of two provisions in
                                              sections 1513–3–01 through 1513–3–22,                   administrative appeals may be filed by                the proposed rule, one at section 1513–
                                              Ohio proposed to revise the Ohio                        any person claiming to be aggrieved or                3–07(A), relating to the intervention of
                                              program pursuant to the additional                      adversely affected by a decision of the               a party, and the other at 1513–3–
                                              flexibility afforded by the revised                     Ohio Department of Natural Resources,                 07(D)(4), relating to the effect of
                                              Federal regulations at 30 CFR 732.17,                   Chief of the Division of Mineral                      intervention. Any revisions that we do
                                              and SMCRA, as amended. As a result of                   Resources Management (DMRM),                          not specifically discuss below concern
                                              review of the Ohio program, the                         relating to mining and reclamation                    non-substantive wording or editorial
                                              proposed amendment, and an                              issues. Following an adjudicatory                     changes.
                                              opportunity for public comments,                        hearing, the Commission affirms,
                                                                                                      vacates, or modifies the DMRM Chief’s                 1513–3–01 Definitions
                                              OSMRE has determined that the
                                              majority of the submittal is no less                    decision. The Commission is comprised                    These changes clarify existing
                                              stringent than SMCRA and no less                        of eight members appointed by the                     definitions and provide additional
                                              effective than the corresponding                        Governor of Ohio. Members represent a                 definitions. Specifically, the definition
                                              regulations. The two revisions not                      variety of interests relevant to mining               of ‘‘appellant’’ is clarified to explicitly
                                              approved by OSMRE are found within                      and reclamation issues. The                           state that actions of the DMRM Chief are
                                              OAC at section 1513–3–07(A), which                      Commission adopts rules to govern its                 subject to appeal to the Commission.
                                              relates to intervention. OSMRE’s                        procedures. The Commission’s rules are                The definition of ‘‘final order’’ clarifies
                                              rationale for not approving these                       found at OAC section 1513–3–01                        that the resolution of matters presented
                                              proposed revisions is explained in                      through 1513–3–22 and are the subject                 on appeal will be in writing and
                                              depth below.                                            of the current amendment to the Ohio                  consistent with section 1513–3–19 of
                                                                                                      program. By letter dated November 6,                  the OAC. The definition of ‘‘full party’’
                                              DATES: Effective Date: September 28,
                                                                                                      2013, Ohio submitted an amendment to                  is added. This definition will define
                                              2018.
                                                                                                      its program, (Administrative Record No.               ‘‘full party’’ to include the appellant, the
                                              FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:   Mr.                  OH–2192–01). Ohio’s submittal was                     appellee, and any intervenor
                                              Ben Owens, Chief, Pittsburgh Field                      prompted by requirements within the                   participating in an appeal as defined by
                                              Division, OSMRE, Three Parkway                          Ohio statute that all state agencies must             the OAC at section 1513–3–07 entitled,
                                              Center, 2nd Floor, Pittsburgh,                          review their administrative rules every               ‘‘Intervention.’’ Additionally, the term,
                                              Pennsylvania 15220. Telephone: (412)                    five years. Consistent with this                      ‘‘interested persons in an appeal
                                              937–2827. Email: bowens@osmre.gov.                      requirement, the Commission revised its               pending before the Commission’’ is
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                                              SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:                              rules to ensure an orderly, efficient, and            added. This term, as approved, defines
                                                                                                      effective appeal process. By submitting               interested person as the appellant, the
                                              I. Background on the Ohio Program
                                              II. Submission of the Amendment
                                                                                                      the amendment to OSMRE, Ohio                          appellee, any intervenors, or and any
                                              III. OSMRE’s Findings                                   exercised its ability to revise the Ohio              other persons who have notified the
                                              IV. Summary and Disposition of Comments                 program pursuant to the additional                    Commission of an interest in a pending
                                              V. OSMRE’s Decision                                     flexibility afforded by the revised                   appeal and have requested to be notified
                                              VI. Procedural Determinations                           Federal regulations at 30 CFR 732.17,                 of hearings in said appeal. The


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                                              43978            Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 168 / Wednesday, August 29, 2018 / Rules and Regulations

                                              definition of ‘‘intervenor’’ is modified to             issued affirming the action of the                    a penalty fund. The rule adds a section
                                              remove the word ‘‘one’’ and replace it                  DMRM Chief under review.                              describing information that the
                                              with the term, ‘‘any person.’’ The                         Furthermore, the rule clarifies that in            appellant may include in the notice of
                                              definition of ‘‘person’’ is modified to                 the event a Commission member                         appeal. Appellants may, but are not
                                              encompass limited liability companies.                  considered as part of the quorum misses               required to, identify the area to which
                                              Within the definition of ‘‘regular                      any part of the proceeding, he or she                 the notice, Order, or decision relates;
                                              business hours’’ the terms ‘‘chairman’’                 must review the record before                         state whether or not the Commission is
                                              and ‘‘vice-chairman’’ are replaced by                   participating in the rendering of a                   requested to view the site; and state
                                              ‘‘chairperson’’ and ‘‘vice-chairperson,’’               decision. Audio-electronic hearings                   whether or not the appellant waives the
                                              respectively. The remaining                             before the Commission constitute the                  right to have the hearing within the time
                                              modifications renumber the terms to                     official record of the hearing. However,              frames established in section
                                              facilitate the addition of new terms.                   other methods of creating the official                1513.13(B), Appeal of notice of
                                                 OSMRE Finding: We have determined                    record are permitted upon the                         violation, order or decision to
                                              that the definitions of ‘‘appellant,’’                  Commission’s discretion, by joint                     reclamation commission of the ORC.
                                              ‘‘final order,’’ ‘‘full party,’’ ‘‘interested           motion of the parties, or by motion of                   When filing a notice of appeal
                                              persons in an appeal pending before the                 a party and subsequent approval by the                pertaining to the review of a decision to
                                              Commission,’’ and ‘‘regular business                    Commission. Additionally, the issuance                approve or disapprove a permit
                                              hours’’ do not have Federal                             and service of subpoenas must comply                  application, an appellant must comply
                                              counterparts. However, they are not                     with the Ohio Rules of Civil Procedure,               with section 1513.07, Coal mining and
                                              inconsistent with SMCRA or the Federal                  and, as applicable, section 119.094 of                reclamation permit of the ORC, and
                                              regulations. Therefore, we approve these                the ORC, including its requirement that               must file the notice of appeal within 30
                                              definitions. The revised definition of                  a fee must be paid to witnesses outside               days of notice of the DMRM Chief’s
                                              ‘‘intervenor’’ remains consistent with its              the county in which a hearing must be                 determination.
                                                                                                      held.                                                    It is further clarified that a notice of
                                              Federal counterpart at 43 CFR 4.1110
                                                                                                         OSMRE Finding: We have determined                  appeal is deemed filed when complete
                                              and is therefore approved. There is no
                                                                                                      that the provisions in this section do not            notice has been provided. Further, a
                                              direct Federal counterpart to the revised
                                                                                                      have direct Federal counterparts.                     notice of appeal may be amended
                                              portion of Ohio’s definition of ‘‘person,’’
                                                                                                      However, they are not inconsistent with               without leave of the Commission during
                                              as the Federal counterpart does not
                                                                                                      the Federal regulations at 43 CFR 4.2,                the time allowed for original filing.
                                              specifically include limited liability
                                                                                                      which governs, generally, membership                  However, amendment of a notice of
                                              companies. However, the Federal
                                                                                                      of administrative boards and decisions                appeal may not be employed to cure
                                              definition does include corporations
                                                                                                      of those boards. Therefore, we approve                jurisdictional defects in the filing
                                              and partnerships; limited liability
                                                                                                      the proposed changes to OAC 1513–3–                   following the close of this time period.
                                              companies are essentially amalgams of                                                                         Following the close of this time period,
                                              those two business structures.                          02.
                                                                                                                                                            a notice of appeal may be amended by
                                              Therefore, the change to the State’s                    1513–3–03 Appearance and Practice                     leave of the Commission.
                                              definition does not render it                           Before the Commission                                    OSMRE Finding: We have determined
                                              inconsistent with the Federal                              The rule clarifies that any party may              that the provisions in this section are
                                              regulations at 30 CFR 700.5, and we are                 appear on their own behalf or may be                  consistent with the Federal regulations
                                              approving the change.                                   represented by an attorney at law                     governing the varying types of
                                              1513–3–02        Internal Regulations                   admitted to practice according to Ohio                administrative appeals of decisions of
                                                                                                      law. This includes the admittance of                  OSMRE. These regulations are at 43 CFR
                                                 Paragraph (B) of Section 1513–3–02,                  attorneys pro hac vice.                               4.1107, 4.1115, 4.1153, 4.1164, 4.1184,
                                              which is entitled, ‘‘Quorum,’’ is                          OSMRE Finding: We have determined                  4.1263, 4.1282, 4.1303, 4.1363, 4.1372,
                                              modified to clarify the conditions for                  that the provisions in this section are               and 4.1382. Therefore, we approve the
                                              satisfying quorum requirements. Four                    consistent with the Federal regulations               changes to OAC 1513–3–04.
                                              members of the Commission must be                       at 43 CFR 1.3 and 4.3, which govern,
                                              present to qualify as a quorum, and an                                                                        1513–3–05 Filing and Service of
                                                                                                      respectively, who may practice in
                                              action by the Commission is not valid                                                                         Papers
                                                                                                      Departmental administrative
                                              unless at least four members concur.                    proceedings, and representation before                   This section of the rule clarifies that
                                                 Additionally, the rule clarifies the                 appeals boards. Therefore, we approve                 the filing of a notice of appeal must
                                              procedure in the event concurrence is                   the changes to OAC 1513–3–03.                         conform to section 1513.13 of the ORC,
                                              not reached. As amended, four members                                                                         Appeal to the Commission. The rule
                                              must agree that concurrence is not met.                 1513–3–04 Appeals to the Reclamation                  alters the definition of when a notice of
                                              Further, when concurrence is not met,                   Commission                                            appeal is deemed filed. The proposed
                                              the existing record of proceedings is to                  Although the majority of the changes                amendment states that a notice of
                                              be submitted to all members of the                      to this section are clerical and non-                 appeal will be deemed filed when
                                              Commission who did not attend any                       substantive, the rule clarifies that email            received or if the notice of appeal is sent
                                              portion of the proceedings. These                       addresses, if available, should be                    by certified mail, registered mail, or
                                              members may determine if they wish to                   included in the notice of appeal.                     express mail, it will be deemed filed on
                                              participate in the appeal. Following                    Additionally, appellants must include a               the date of the postmark placed upon
                                              review of the record, they must                         copy of the written notice, order or                  the sender’s receipt by the postal
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                                              participate in the rendering of a                       decision of the DMRM Chief to be                      service. However, documents requesting
                                              decision. The provision for a tied vote                 reviewed. Appellants are required to                  temporary relief are deemed filed when
                                              is eliminated.                                          comply with the requirements of section               received by the Commission.
                                                 The amendment provides that, in the                  1513.02 of the ORC, pertaining to the                 Additionally, all filings other than a
                                              event that a concurrence cannot be                      power and duties of the DMRM Chief,                   notice of appeal or a request for
                                              reached, a decision must be rendered                    and must include and forward the                      temporary relief, that are not sent to the
                                              stating such and an Order must be                       amount of any penalty for placement in                Commission by certified mail, registered


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                                                               Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 168 / Wednesday, August 29, 2018 / Rules and Regulations                                          43979

                                              mail, or express mail will be deemed                    following sentence in section 1513–3–                 1513–3–11         Motions
                                              filed with the Commission on the day                    07(A), of the proposed amendment: ‘‘A                   This revision moves the provision at
                                              on which the filings are received, and                  petition for leave to intervene must be               section (B), which allows a party to
                                              those that are sent by such means, will                 filed at least ten days prior to the                  make a written motion requesting a
                                              be deemed filed on the postmark date                    beginning of an evidentiary hearing on                hearing to be conducted before the full
                                              placed upon the sender’s receipt by the                 the merits of an appeal, unless waived                Commission, rather than before a
                                              postal service. Further, following                      by the commission for extraordinary                   hearing officer for the Commission, to
                                              initiation of an appeal, the Commission                 cause.’’                                              section 1513–3–18, Reports and
                                              may, through order, establish a filing                     Also, the deletion of 1513–3–07(D)(4)              recommendations of the hearing officer.
                                              and service protocol, which may                         is less effective than the Federal                    The revision to this section also
                                              include the electronic transmission of                  regulations found at 43 CFR 4.1110.                   provides that objections to jurisdiction
                                              documents.                                              This deletion would prevent the
                                                 OSMRE Finding: We have determined                                                                          are non-waivable and may be raised at
                                                                                                      Commission from considering the effect                any point in an appeal, consistent with
                                              that the provisions in this section are                 of intervention on the agency’s ability to
                                              consistent with the Federal regulations                                                                       the Ohio Rules of Civil Procedure.
                                                                                                      implement its statutory mandates.                       OSMRE Finding: We have determined
                                              at 43 CFR 4.1107, which governs the                     However, the Federal regulation at 43
                                              filing of documents, and 43 CFR 4.1109,                                                                       that the provisions in this section do not
                                                                                                      CFR 4.1110(d)(4) explicitly allows the                have direct Federal counterparts.
                                              which governs service of documents.                     IBLA to consider this effect in deciding
                                              Therefore, we approve the changes to                                                                          However, they are not inconsistent with
                                                                                                      whether intervention is appropriate.                  the Federal regulations at 43 CFR
                                              OAC 1513–3–05.                                          The deletion of this provision in the                 4.1112. Therefore, we approve OAC
                                              1513–3–06 Computation and                               OAC would render the Ohio program                     1513–3–11.
                                              Extension of Time                                       less effective by preventing its statutory
                                                                                                      mandate from receiving due                            1513–3–12         Pre-Hearing Procedures
                                                 The majority of the changes to this
                                              section are non-substantive and consist                 consideration in Commission decisions                   This revision allows the Commission
                                              of renumbering for clarity. However,                    on intervention. Therefore, OSMRE is                  or its hearing officer, at its own
                                              section (C)(1) is altered to definitively               not approving the deletion of OAC                     initiative, or at the request of any party,
                                              read that the Commission may not                        1513–3–07(D)(4).                                      to schedule and hold pre-hearing
                                              lengthen or reduce the time period                         There is only one other substantive                conferences on issues on appeal.
                                              allowed for any response to, or filing of,              amendment to this section. The change,                  OSMRE Response: We have
                                              a request for temporary relief.                         at section 1513–13–07(F), will allow the              determined that the proposed change to
                                                 OSMRE Finding: We have determined                    filing of amicus briefs and oral argument             this section is consistent with 43 CFR
                                              that the provisions in this section do not              at hearing by amicus curiae upon leave                4.1121(b). Therefore, we are approving
                                              have direct Federal counterparts.                       by, and at the discretion of, the                     the change to OAC 1513–3–12.
                                              However, they are not inconsistent with                 Commission. This provision does not
                                                                                                      have direct Federal counterparts.                     1513–3–14         Site Views and Location of
                                              the Federal regulations at 43 CFR 4.1261                                                                      Hearings
                                              and 4.1264, which govern, respectively,                 However, it is not inconsistent with
                                              applications for temporary relief and                   relevant sections of 43 CFR part 4.                     This rule specifies the locations of
                                              responses thereto. Therefore, we                        Therefore, this provision of OAC 1513–                Commission hearings. It also clarifies
                                              approve the changes to OAC 1513–3–06.                   3–07 is approved.                                     the circumstances in which the
                                                                                                                                                            Commission will conduct site views of
                                              1513–3–07 Intervention                                  1513–3–08         Temporary Relief
                                                                                                                                                            mining operations, reclamation
                                                Ohio submitted a revision to this rule                  The amendments to this section are                  operations, or other relevant features.
                                              to require that any person seeking leave                non-substantive and primarily consist of              The rule also explicitly states that the
                                              to intervene in an appeal before the                    language to make references gender                    Commission will control and direct the
                                              Commission must do so within ten days                   neutral. Therefore, the amendments are                manner of conducting a site view.
                                              prior to the beginning of an evidentiary                approved.                                             Specifically, where a site view is
                                              hearing on the merits of an appeal,                     1513–3–10         Discovery                           conducted on property subject to a
                                              unless waived by the Commission for                                                                           mining and reclamation permit, parties
                                              extraordinary cause. OSMRE is not                          Previous discovery rules are amended               must be informed prior to the site view
                                              approving this section of the                           to clarify parties to an appeal may                   of any necessary personal protective
                                              amendment as it is inconsistent with the                obtain discovery in accordance with the               equipment, including hard hat, safety
                                              corresponding provisions of the Federal                 provisions of rules 26 through 36 of the              glasses, hearing protection, safety-toed
                                              regulations found at 43 CFR 4.1110(a).                  Ohio Rules of Civil Procedure.                        shoes or boots and additional
                                              The Federal counterpart allows any                      Additionally, the rule explains that all              equipment that may be required on
                                              person, including a State or OSMRE, to                  parties, including intervenors, are                   mine property as determined by the
                                              petition to intervene at any stage of a                 subject to discovery and that discovery               mine operator. Additionally, the
                                              proceeding. The provision proposed by                   from non-parties must be done through                 Commission reserves the right to limit
                                              Ohio prejudices a potential intervenor                  subpoena. In the event a party fails to               the number of persons who participate
                                              by imposing time limits on petitions to                 obey an order to compel or permit                     in the site view. Additionally, a hearing
                                              intervene. Although the proposed                        discovery issued by the Commission,                   related to a cessation of mining or a
                                              revision would allow intervention after                 the Commission may make such orders                   motion for temporary relief must be
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                                              the ten days preceding an evidentiary                   in regard to the failure as it deems just.            held in proximity to the subject area of
                                              hearing, upon waiver by the                                OSMRE Finding: We have determined                  the hearing for the convenience of the
                                              Commission, the potential intervenor                    that the provisions in this section are               Commission and the parties. All other
                                              must still demonstrate extraordinary                    consistent with the Federal regulations               proceedings will continue to be held in
                                              cause. This additional hurdle is not                    at 43 CFR 4.1130 through 4.1141.                      Columbus, Ohio, or at any convenient
                                              imposed by the Federal counterpart.                     Therefore, we approve the changes to                  public location selected by the
                                              Therefore, OSMRE is not approving the                   OAC 1513–3–10.                                        Commission.


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                                              43980            Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 168 / Wednesday, August 29, 2018 / Rules and Regulations

                                                 OSMRE Response: We have                              with rule 804 of the Ohio Rules of                    sufficient to allow the Commission to
                                              determined that the provision regarding                 Evidence. As proposed, objections to                  issue timely Orders. This amendment
                                              the location for hearings related to                    deposition testimony must be resolved                 incorporates a proviso to that rule that
                                              temporary relief, has no direct Federal                 in accordance with rule 32 of the Ohio                in the event a decision before a hearing
                                              counterpart, but is not inconsistent with               Rules of Civil Procedure. Further, in                 officer must be rendered within a
                                              the Federal regulation found at 43 CFR                  instances when a party is attempting to               specified time period, the appeal will be
                                              4.1106, which governs location of                       use written testimony, any full party                 heard by the Commission, rather than
                                              hearing sites, generally. The Federal                   must present the Commission a                         by a hearing officer, unless there has
                                              regulation states that the administrative               schedule of objections to the written                 been a waiver of the right to an
                                              law judge must consider convenience of                  testimony prior to the commencement                   expedited hearing.
                                              the parties in determining the hearing                  of the hearing. This is a change to the                  OSMRE Findings: We have
                                              site. The remaining provisions in this                  former rule that allowed objection at the             determined that the provisions in this
                                              section do not have Federal                             hearing following receipt of the                      section do not have direct Federal
                                              counterparts. However, they are not                     testimony into evidence. Regarding the                counterparts. However, these provisions
                                              inconsistent with SMCRA or its                          presentation of witnesses, the                        are not inconsistent with the Federal
                                              implementing regulations. Therefore,                    Commission may require that a witness                 regulations at 43 CFR 4.1120 through
                                              we are approving the changes to OAC                     be called only once during a hearing                  4.1129. Therefore, we are approving the
                                              1513–3–14.                                              and that the parties conduct all                      changes to OAC 1513–3–18.
                                                                                                      examinations at the time when the            1513–3–19 Decisions of the
                                              1513–3–15 Consolidation of
                                                                                                      witness is called to testify. An Ohio        Commission
                                              Proceedings
                                                                                                      notary may be given authority to
                                                The Commission is given discretion to                 administer oaths and affirmations to            This rule clarifies the procedures the
                                              administer consolidated appeals in the                  witnesses. Further, the Commission is        Commission will follow when issuing
                                              manner it deems most appropriate.                       given authority to require the parties to    decisions. Additionally, the rule allows
                                                OSMRE Response: We have                               submit written closing arguments, post-      the remission, within 30 days after
                                              determined that the provision in this                   hearing briefs, or proposed findings of      issuing a final decision, of pre-paid civil
                                              section is consistent with the Federal                  fact and conclusions of law.                 penalties, where penalties are under
                                              regulation at 43 CFR 4.1113, which                        OSMRE Finding: We have determined          appeal. The rule also provides more
                                              grants the administrative law judge the                 that the provisions in this section are      detailed information about the
                                              authority to consolidate proceedings.                   not inconsistent with the Federal            procedures that will be followed if
                                              Therefore, we are approving OAC 1513–                   regulations found at 43 CFR 4.1120–          errors are found in Commission
                                              3–15.                                                   4.1129. Therefore, we are approving the      decisions. Specifically, during the time
                                                                                                      changes to OAC 1513–3–16.                    period after a final decision has been
                                              1513–3–16 Conduct of Evidentiary
                                              Hearings                                                                                             issued by the Commission, clerical
                                                                                                      1513–3–17 Voluntary Dismissal and            mistakes in the final decision and errors
                                                 This rule applies to any person                      Settlement                                   therein from oversight or omission may
                                              participating in an appeal before the                      The adjective ‘‘full’’ is added to        be corrected before an appeal of the
                                              Commission and definitively states that                 section (B), relative to agreement to        Commission’s final decision is filed.
                                              the Commission will determine the                       settle. This addition limits settlements     Thereafter, while an appeal is pending
                                              conduct of the hearing and the order of                 to those where all parties (i.e., appellant, before an appellate court, a final
                                              the presentation of evidence.                           appellee, and intervenor, if any) agree to decision may be so corrected with leave
                                              Additionally, it further clarifies that the             do so. In the event an appeal is settled     of the court. However, the correction of
                                              Commission is not bound by the formal                   during the course of a hearing, the          a clerical mistake or error in a final
                                              rules of evidence as promulgated by the                 parties must enter into the record a         decision does not extend the time for
                                              Ohio Supreme Court. The rule also                       statement acknowledging that they have filing a notice of appeal in the appellate
                                              establishes a procedure for in-camera                   reached an agreement that all issues         court. Further, this rule extends the time
                                              inspection of documents claimed to                      have been resolved, and that a               the Commission may remit, transfer, or
                                              contain proprietary business                            withdrawal of the appeal will be filed.      accept payment of an increased penalty
                                              information or trade secrets.                              OSMRE Finding: We have determined assessment amount from fifteen days to
                                              Additionally, the rule specifically                     that the provisions in this section are      thirty days.
                                              details the number of copies of                         consistent with the Federal regulations         OSMRE Finding: We have determined
                                              proposed exhibits a party must make                     at 43 CFR 4.1111. Therefore, we are          that most of the provisions in this
                                              available. The rule also adds a provision               approving the changes to OAC 1513–3–         section do not have direct Federal
                                              to clarify that a continuing objection is               17.                                          counterparts. However, these provisions
                                              sufficient to preserve objection to an                                                               are not inconsistent with SMCRA or its
                                              area of evidence. In regard to written                  1513–3–18 Reports and                        implementing regulations, nor
                                              testimony, affidavits may be admitted                   Recommendations of the Hearing               inconsistent with Departmental hearings
                                              only if the evidence is otherwise                       Officer                                      and appeals regulations found at 43 CFR
                                              admissible and all full parties agree that                 Section 1513–3–11(B), discussed           part 4, subparts B and L. Moreover, the
                                              affidavits may be used in lieu of oral                  above, is inserted in this section. This     amendments pertaining to civil
                                              testimony. This alteration is limiting as               section allows a party to make a written penalties are consistent with the Federal
                                              it adds the adjective ‘‘full,’’ thus                    motion requesting that a hearing be          regulations at 43 CFR 4.1157. Therefore,
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                                              excluding certain parties. Parties                      conducted before the full Commission,        we are approving the changes to OAC
                                              wishing to use affidavits in lieu of oral               rather than before a hearing officer for     1513–3–19.
                                              testimony must serve all full parties                   the Commission.
                                              with a copy of the affidavit at least 15                   The existing regulations required         1513–3–20 Costs
                                              days before a hearing. It is clarified that             Reports and Recommendations of                  The former ‘‘Costs’’ section is
                                              in the event a declarant is unavailable,                hearing officers to be submitted to the      rescinded. Previously, this section
                                              testimony may be offered in compliance                  Commission within a time reasonably          allowed the Commission to assess costs


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                                                               Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 168 / Wednesday, August 29, 2018 / Rules and Regulations                                       43981

                                              against a party to an appeal. The                       expenses provision similar to those                   IV. Summary and Disposition of
                                              Commission does not, sua sponte,                        required in Chapter 1513. Specifically,               Comments
                                              assess such costs, and the rule has not                 Ohio’s rule references the provision
                                              been used by the Commission.                                                                                  Public Comments
                                                                                                      found within section 1514.09 that
                                              Moreover, filing fees are not required for              specifically explains that attorneys’ fees,             OSMRE asked for public comments in
                                              Commission appeals. Additionally, the                   costs, and expenses may not be                        the May 20, 2014, Federal Register (79
                                              award of costs and expenses, following                  recovered for minerals. Chapter 1514 is               FR 28854) (Administrative Record No.
                                              petition, are addressed fully in the                    not required to be consistent with                    OH–2192–04). OSMRE did not receive
                                              following section, Awards of Costs and                  SMCRA or its implementing regulations,                any public comments or a request to
                                              Expenses.                                                                                                     hold a public meeting or public hearing.
                                                                                                      as it does not pertain to coal regulation.
                                                 OSMRE Findings: We have
                                              determined that the provisions removed                  Because Chapter 1514 is not part of the               Federal Agency Comments
                                              by rescission of this section are replaced              approved Ohio program, OSMRE is not                     Under Federal regulations at 30 CFR
                                              by the provisions described in OAC                      making a determination on this portion                732.17(h)(11)(i) and section 503(b) of
                                              1513–3–21. As discussed in the OSMRE                    of the Ohio rule.                                     SMCRA, OSMRE requested comments
                                              Findings for OAC 1513–3–21, we have                       OSMRE Findings: We have                             on the amendment from various Federal
                                              determined that the provisions in the                   determined that the provisions in this                agencies with an actual or potential
                                              latter section are not inconsistent with                section are no less effective than the                interest in the Ohio program
                                              SMCRA or regulations at 43 CFR part 4,                  Federal regulations at 43 CFR 4.1290–                 (Administrative Record No. OH–2192–
                                              subparts B and L. Therefore, OSMRE                      4.1296. Therefore, we approve the                     02). Specifically, OSMRE solicited
                                              determines the rescission of this section               changes to OAC 1513–3–21.                             comment from the Advisory Council on
                                              does not render the Ohio program                                                                              Historic Preservation, the United States
                                              inconsistent with the Federal                           1513–3–22         Appeals From Commission             Department of Labor, the United States
                                              regulations at 43 CFR 4.1290 through                    Decisions                                             Fish and Wildlife Service, the United
                                              4.1296, and the rescission is approved.                                                                       States Environmental Protection Agency
                                                                                                         This rule clarifies that parties to                (EPA), the Ohio Historic Preservation
                                              1513–3–21 Award of Costs and                            actions involving coal mining and
                                              Expenses                                                                                                      Office, and the United States
                                                                                                      reclamation brought under section 1513                Department of Agriculture. OSMRE did
                                                 This rule clarifies the previous                     of the ORC may seek review of a                       not receive any response to the request
                                              version of this rule approved by OSMRE                  Commission decision in the court of                   for comments.
                                              in 2010. See 75 FR 72947, allowing for                  appeals for the county in which the
                                              the recovery of costs and expenses,                     activity addressed by the decision of the             Environmental Protection Agency
                                              including attorneys’ fees to certain                    Commission occurred, is occurring, or                 Concurrence and Comments
                                              parties. The amendment clarifies that                   will occur. Moreover, this rule clarifies                Pursuant to the Federal regulations at
                                              the Commission is also authorized to                    that parties to actions involving                     30 CFR 732.17(h)(11)(ii), OSMRE is
                                              hear petitions for costs, including                     industrial minerals mining and                        required to get a written concurrence
                                              attorneys’ fees and expenses, where                     reclamation and brought under section                 from EPA for those provisions of the
                                              petitions are filed by the DMRM and                                                                           program amendment that relate to air or
                                                                                                      1514.09, Representation on commission
                                              allege bad faith or harassment by                                                                             water quality standards issued under
                                                                                                      for appeals, of the ORC may seek review
                                              another party. These petitions must                                                                           the authority of the Clean Water Act (33
                                              conform to section 1513.13 of the ORC.                  of a Commission decision in the court
                                                                                                      of common pleas in the county where                   U.S.C. 1251 et seq.) or the Clean Air Act
                                              Petitions must be filed within 60 days                                                                        (42 U.S.C. 7401 et seq.).
                                              of receipt of the final decision of the                 the operation addressed by the decision
                                                                                                                                                               None of the revisions that Ohio
                                              Commission in the action in which the                   of the Commission is located, or in the               proposed in the submittal pertain to air
                                              fees were incurred. Petitions by the                    Franklin County Court of Common                       or water quality standards. Therefore,
                                              DMRM must include an affidavit                          Pleas. However, Chapter 1514 is not                   we did not ask EPA to concur on the
                                              detailing all costs and expenses,                       required to be consistent with SMCRA                  amendment, and as stated above, EPA
                                              receipts, and when attorneys’ fees are                  or its implementing regulations, as it                did not provide comment.
                                              requested, evidence that the hours                      does not pertain to coal regulation.
                                              expended and the fees requested are                     Because Chapter 1514 is not part of the               State Historical Preservation Officer
                                              reasonable for the appeal and for the                   approved Ohio program, OSMRE is not                   (SHPO) and the Advisory Council on
                                              locality. A person served with a copy of                making a determination on this portion                Historic Preservation (ACHP)
                                              a petition for costs and expenses must                  of the Ohio rule.                                       Under 30 CFR 732.17(h)(4), we are
                                              file an answer thereto within 30 days.                                                                        required to request comments from the
                                                                                                         Additionally, the rules provide the
                                              Awards of attorney fees are appealable                                                                        SHPO and ACHP on amendments that
                                                                                                      Commission with the authority to
                                              consistent with the ORC. This rule                                                                            may have an effect on historic
                                              clarifies that parties may receive awards               control the transcription and
                                                                                                                                                            properties. OSMRE requested comments
                                              of costs and expenses, including                        transmission of the record to the
                                                                                                                                                            on the Ohio amendment
                                              attorneys’ fees, expert witness fees, and               appropriate appellate court.                          (Administrative Record Number OH–
                                              fees reasonably incurred as a result of                    OSMRE Findings: We have                            2192–02). We did not receive any
                                              proceedings before the Commission, and                  determined that the provisions in this                comments.
                                              specifies that fees incurred in seeking                 section are consistent with Section 526
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                                              fees may also be awarded.                                                                                     V. OSMRE’s Decision
                                                                                                      (a)(2) of SMCRA (30 U.S.C. 1276(a)(2)),
                                                 However, the rule at 1513–3–21(D)                    and with the Federal regulations at 30                  Based on the above findings, we
                                              clarifies that Ohio’s statute and                       CFR 775.13(b) and 43 CFR 4.1369.                      approve the amendment Ohio sent us on
                                              regulations relevant to minerals—not                    Therefore, we are approving the changes               November 6, 2013, (Administrative
                                              including coal or peat, found within                    to OAC 1513–3–22.                                     Record Number OH–2192–01) with the
                                              Chapter 1514 of the Revised Code, do                                                                          exception of two provisions. We are not
                                              not include an award of costs and                                                                             approving the sentence in section 1513–


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                                              43982            Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 168 / Wednesday, August 29, 2018 / Rules and Regulations

                                              3–07(A), as explained above: ‘‘A                        changes to the Federal regulations. The               distribution, or use of energy, a
                                              petition for leave to intervene must be                 review under this Executive Order did                 Statement of Energy Effects is not
                                              filed at least ten days prior to the                    not extend to the language of the State               required.
                                              beginning of an evidentiary hearing on                  regulatory program or to the program
                                                                                                                                                            National Environmental Policy Act
                                              the merits of an appeal, unless waived                  amendment that the State of Ohio
                                              by the commission for extraordinary                     drafted.                                                This rule does not require an
                                              cause.’’ We are also not approving the                                                                        environmental impact statement
                                                                                                      Executive Order 13132—Federalism                      because section 702(d) of SMCRA (30
                                              deletion of 1513–3–07(D)(4), as
                                              explained above: ‘‘The effect of                          This rule is not a ‘‘[p]olicy that [has]            U.S.C. 1292(d)) provides that agency
                                              intervention on the agency’s                            Federalism implications’’ as defined by               decisions on proposed State regulatory
                                              implementation of its statutory                         section 1(a) of Executive Order 13132                 program provisions, including
                                              mandate.’’                                              because it does not have ‘‘substantial                amendments thereto, do not constitute
                                                 To implement this decision, we are                   direct effects on the States, on the                  major Federal actions within the
                                              amending the Federal regulations at 30                  relationship between the national                     meaning of section 102(2)(C) of the
                                              CFR part 935 that codify decisions                      government and the States, or on the                  National Environmental Policy Act (42
                                              concerning the Ohio program. In                         distribution of power and                             U.S.C. 4332(2)(C)). It is further
                                              accordance with the Administrative                      responsibilities among the various                    documented in the DOI Departmental
                                              Procedure Act, this rule will take effect               levels of government.’’ Instead, this rule            Manual at 516 DM 13.5 that agency
                                              30 days after the date of publication.                  approves an amendment to the Ohio                     decisions on approval of State
                                              Section 503(a) of SMCRA requires that                   program submitted and drafted by that                 regulatory programs do not constitute
                                              the State’s program demonstrate that the                State. OSMRE reviewed the submission                  major Federal actions.
                                              State has the capability of carrying out                with fundamental federalism principles
                                                                                                      in mind as set forth in sections 2 and                Paperwork Reduction Act
                                              the provisions of the Act and meeting its
                                              purposes. SMCRA requires consistency                    3 of the Executive Order and with the                   This rule does not contain
                                              of State and Federal standards.                         principles of cooperative federalism set              information collection requirements that
                                                                                                      forth in SMCRA. See, e.g., 30 U.S.C.                  require approval by OMB under the
                                              VI. Procedural Determinations                           1201(f). As such, pursuant to section                 Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C.
                                              Executive Order 12630—Takings                           503(a)(1) and (7) (30 U.S.C. 1253(a)(1)               3507 et seq.).
                                                                                                      and (7)), OSMRE reviewed the program
                                                This rule does not have takings                                                                             Regulatory Flexibility Act
                                                                                                      amendment to ensure that it is ‘‘in
                                              implications. This determination is                     accordance with’’ the requirements of                   The Department of the Interior
                                              based on the analysis performed for the                 SMCRA is ‘‘consistent with’’ the                      certifies that this rule will not have a
                                              counterpart Federal regulations. Other                  regulations issued by the Secretary                   significant economic impact on a
                                              changes implemented through this final                  pursuant to SMCRA.                                    substantial number of small entities
                                              rule notice are administrative in nature                                                                      under the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5
                                              and have no takings implications.                       Executive Order 13175—Consultation                    U.S.C. 601 et seq.). Ohio’s submittal,
                                                                                                      and Coordination With Indian Tribal                   which is the subject of this rule, is based
                                              Executive Order 12866—Regulatory                        Government                                            upon counterpart Federal regulations for
                                              Planning and Review
                                                                                                        In accordance with Executive Order                  which an economic analysis was
                                                Pursuant to Office of Management and                  13175, OSMRE has evaluated the                        prepared and certification made that
                                              Budget (OMB) Guidance dated October                     potential effects of this rule on Federally           such regulations would not have a
                                              12, 1993, the approval of state program                 recognized Indian tribes and has                      significant economic effect upon a
                                              amendments is exempted from OMB                         determined that the rule does not have                substantial number of small entities. In
                                              review under Executive Order 12866.                     substantial direct effects on one or more             making the determination as to whether
                                              Executive Order 12988—Civil Justice                     Indian tribes, or the relationship                    this rule would have a significant
                                              Reform                                                  between the Federal government and                    economic impact, the Department relied
                                                                                                      Indian tribes, or on the distribution of              upon data and assumptions for the
                                                The Department of the Interior has                    power and responsibilities between the                counterpart Federal regulations.
                                              reviewed this rule as required by section               Federal government and Indian tribes.
                                              3(a) of Executive Order 12988. The                                                                            Small Business Regulatory Enforcement
                                                                                                      The basis for this determination is that
                                              Department determined that this                                                                               Fairness Act
                                                                                                      our decision pertains to the Ohio
                                              Federal Register notice meets the                       regulatory program and does not involve                  This rule is not a major rule under 5
                                              criteria of Section 3 of Executive Order                a Federal program involving Indian                    U.S.C. 804(2), the Small Business
                                              12988, which is intended to ensure that                 lands or Indian tribes in any way.                    Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act.
                                              the agency review its legislation and                                                                         This rule: (a) Does not have an annual
                                              proposed regulations to eliminate                       Executive Order 13211—Regulations                     effect on the economy of $100 million;
                                              drafting errors and ambiguity; that the                 That Significantly Affect the Supply,                 (b) will not cause a major increase in
                                              agency write its legislation and                        Distribution, or Use of Energy                        costs or prices for consumers,
                                              regulations to minimize litigation; and                    Executive Order 13211 of May 18,                   individual industries, geographic
                                              that the agency’s legislation and                       2001, which requires agencies to                      regions, or Federal, State, or local
                                              regulations provide a clear legal                       prepare a Statement of Energy Effects for             government agencies; and (c) does not
                                              standard for affected conduct rather                    a rule that is (1) considered significant             have significant adverse effects on
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                                              than a general standard, and promote                    under Executive Order 12866, and (2)                  competition, employment, investment,
                                              simplification and burden reduction.                    likely to have significant adverse effect             productivity, innovation, or the ability
                                              Because Section 3 focuses on the quality                on the supply, distribution, or use of                of U.S.-based enterprises to compete
                                              of Federal legislation and regulations,                 energy. Because this rule is exempt from              with foreign-based enterprises. This
                                              the Department limited its review under                 review under Executive Order 12866                    determination is based upon the fact
                                              this Executive Order to the quality of                  and is not expected to have a significant             that the State submittal, which is the
                                              this Federal Register notice and to                     adverse effect on the supply,                         subject of this rule, is based upon


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                                                               Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 168 / Wednesday, August 29, 2018 / Rules and Regulations                                                          43983

                                              counterpart Federal regulations for                             Dated: August 13, 2018.                                    beginning of an evidentiary hearing on
                                              which an analysis was prepared and a                          Thomas Shope,                                                the merits of an appeal, unless waived
                                              determination made that the Federal                           Regional Director, Appalachian Region.                       by the commission for extraordinary
                                              regulation was not considered a major                                                                                      cause.’’
                                                                                                              For the reasons set out in the
                                              rule.
                                                                                                            preamble, 30 CFR part 935 is amended                           (b) In OAC 1513–3–07(D) (4), we are
                                              Unfunded Mandates                                             as set forth below:                                          not approving the deletion of the
                                                 This rule will not impose an                                                                                            following sentence: ‘‘The effect of
                                                                                                            PART 935—OHIO                                                intervention on the agency’s
                                              unfunded mandate on State, local, or
                                              tribal governments or the private sector                                                                                   implementation of its statutory
                                                                                                            ■ 1. The authority citation for part 935
                                              of $100 million or more in any given                                                                                       mandate.’’
                                                                                                            continues to read as follows:
                                              year. This determination is based upon                                                                                     ■ 3. Section 935.15 is amended in the
                                              the fact that the State submittal, which                          Authority: 30 U.S.C. 1201 et seq.
                                                                                                                                                                         table by adding a new entry in
                                              is the subject of this rule, is based upon                    ■ 2. Section 935.12 is added to read as                      chronological order by ‘‘Date of final
                                              counterpart Federal regulations for                           follows:
                                              which an analysis was prepared and a                                                                                       publication’’ to read as follows:
                                              determination made that the Federal                           § 935.12 State statutory, regulatory, and
                                                                                                            proposed program amendments not                              § 935.15 Approval of Ohio regulatory
                                              regulation did not impose an unfunded                                                                                      program amendments.
                                                                                                            approved.
                                              mandate.
                                                                                                               (a) In OAC 1513–3–07(A), we are not                       *        *    *      *      *
                                              List of Subjects in 30 CFR Part 935                           approving the following sentence: ‘‘A
                                                Intergovernmental relations, Surface                        petition for leave to intervene must be
                                              mining, Underground mining.                                   filed at least ten days prior to the

                                                Original amendment submission date                              Date of final publication                                         Citation/description


                                                     *                          *                           *                           *                         *                 *                   *
                                              November 6, 2013 .................................    August 29, 2018 .....................................   OAC 1513–3–01 through 1513–3–22, except for a portion
                                                                                                                                                             of OAC 1513–3–07(A) and the deletion of OAC 1513–3–
                                                                                                                                                             07(D)(4).



                                              [FR Doc. 2018–18706 Filed 8–28–18; 8:45 am]                   Click on Open Docket Folder on the line                      for emergencies. There is no immediate
                                              BILLING CODE 4310–05–P                                        associated with this deviation.                              alternate route for vessels to pass.
                                                                                                            FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:     If                         The Coast Guard will also inform the
                                                                                                            you have questions on this temporary                         users of the waterways through our
                                              DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND                                        deviation, call or email Judy K. Leung-                      Local and Broadcast Notices to Mariners
                                              SECURITY                                                      Yee, Bridge Management Specialist,                           of the change in operating schedule for
                                                                                                            First District Bridge Branch, U.S. Coast                     the bridge so that vessel operators can
                                              Coast Guard                                                   Guard; telephone 212–514–4336, email                         arrange their transits to minimize any
                                                                                                            Judy.K.Leung-Yee@uscg.mil.                                   impact caused by the temporary
                                              33 CFR Part 117
                                                                                                            SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:       The owner                   deviation.
                                              [Docket No. USCG–2018–0779]                                   of the bridge, New Jersey Department of                         In accordance with 33 CFR 117.35(e),
                                                                                                            Transportation, requested a temporary                        the drawbridge must return to its regular
                                              Drawbridge Operation Regulation;
                                                                                                            deviation in order to perform steel                          operating schedule immediately at the
                                              Passaic River, Harrison, NJ
                                                                                                            repairs at the lift span.                                    end of the effective period of this
                                              AGENCY: Coast Guard, DHS.                                        The Route 280 Bridge across the                           temporary deviation. This deviation
                                              ACTION:Notice of deviation from                               Passaic River, mile 5.8, at Harrison, New                    from the operating regulations is
                                              drawbridge regulation.                                        Jersey is a vertical lift bridge with a                      authorized under 33 CFR 117.35.
                                                                                                            vertical clearance of 35 feet at mean
                                              SUMMARY:    The Coast Guard has issued a                                                                                     Dated: August 23, 2018.
                                                                                                            high water and 40 feet at mean low
                                              temporary deviation from the operating                        water in the closed position. The                            C.J. Bisignano,
                                              schedule that governs the Route 280                           existing drawbridge operating regulation                     Supervisory Bridge Management Specialist,
                                              Bridge across the Passaic River, mile                         is listed at 33 CFR 117.739(h).                              First Coast Guard District.
                                              5.8, at Harrison, New Jersey. The                                This temporary deviation will allow                       [FR Doc. 2018–18638 Filed 8–28–18; 8:45 am]
                                              deviation is necessary to perform steel                       the Route 280 Bridge to remain in the                        BILLING CODE 9110–04–P
                                              repairs at the lift span. This deviation                      closed position from 12:01 a.m. on
                                              allows the bridge to remain closed                            October 1, 2018, to 11:59 p.m. on
                                              during the construction period.                               December 14, 2018. The deviation will
                                              DATES: This deviation is effective from                       have minimal effect on navigation. The
sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with RULES




                                              12:01 a.m. on October 1, 2018, until                          waterway is transited by recreational
                                              11:59 p.m. on December 14, 2018.                              and commercial vessels. Coordination
                                              ADDRESSES: The docket for this                                with waterway users has indicated no
                                              deviation, USCG–2018–0779, is                                 objection to the closure of the draw.
                                              available at http://www.regulations.gov.                      Vessels able to pass through the bridge
                                              Type the docket number in the                                 in the closed position may do so at any
                                              ‘‘SEARCH’’ box and click ‘‘SEARCH.’’                          time. The bridge will not be able to open


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Document Created: 2018-08-29 00:13:20
Document Modified: 2018-08-29 00:13:20
CategoryRegulatory Information
CollectionFederal Register
sudoc ClassAE 2.7:
GS 4.107:
AE 2.106:
PublisherOffice of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration
SectionRules and Regulations
ActionFinal rule; approval of amendment with two exceptions.
DatesEffective Date: September 28, 2018.
ContactMr. Ben Owens, Chief, Pittsburgh Field Division, OSMRE, Three Parkway Center, 2nd Floor, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15220. Telephone: (412) 937-2827. Email: [email protected]
FR Citation83 FR 43977 
CFR AssociatedIntergovernmental Relations; Surface Mining and Underground Mining

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