83_FR_55680 83 FR 55465 - Specifications and Drawings for Underground Electric Distribution

83 FR 55465 - Specifications and Drawings for Underground Electric Distribution

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Rural Utilities Service

Federal Register Volume 83, Issue 215 (November 6, 2018)

Page Range55465-55467
FR Document2018-24248

The Rural Utilities Service (RUS), a Rural Development agency of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, is amending its regulations for electric standards and specifications in Bulletin 1728F-806 (D-806), ``Specifications and Drawings for Underground Electric Distribution,'' which is incorporated by reference, to digitize RUS accounting, clarify RUS requirements, update current standards and practices, and improve customer service. This bulletin contains complete specifications settings forth the RUS requirements for constructing rural underground electric distribution systems using state-of-the-art materials, equipment, and construction methods.

Federal Register, Volume 83 Issue 215 (Tuesday, November 6, 2018)
[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 215 (Tuesday, November 6, 2018)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 55465-55467]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2018-24248]



========================================================================
Rules and Regulations
                                                Federal Register
________________________________________________________________________

This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains regulatory documents 
having general applicability and legal effect, most of which are keyed 
to and codified in the Code of Federal Regulations, which is published 
under 50 titles pursuant to 44 U.S.C. 1510.

The Code of Federal Regulations is sold by the Superintendent of Documents. 

========================================================================


Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 215 / Tuesday, November 6, 2018 / 
Rules and Regulations

[[Page 55465]]



DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Rural Utilities Service

7 CFR Part 1728


Specifications and Drawings for Underground Electric Distribution

AGENCY: Rural Utilities Service, USDA.

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

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

SUMMARY: The Rural Utilities Service (RUS), a Rural Development agency 
of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, is amending its regulations for 
electric standards and specifications in Bulletin 1728F-806 (D-806), 
``Specifications and Drawings for Underground Electric Distribution,'' 
which is incorporated by reference, to digitize RUS accounting, clarify 
RUS requirements, update current standards and practices, and improve 
customer service. This bulletin contains complete specifications 
settings forth the RUS requirements for constructing rural underground 
electric distribution systems using state-of-the-art materials, 
equipment, and construction methods.

DATES: This rule is effective November 6, 2018.
    Incorporation by Reference: The incorporation by reference of 
certain publications listed in this rule is approved by the Director of 
the Federal Register as of November 6, 2018.
    Written comments must be received on or before December 6, 2018.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments by any of the following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to http://www.regulations.gov and, in the lower ``Search Regulations and Federal 
Actions'' box, select ``Rural Utilities Service'' from the agency drop-
down menu, then click on ``Submit.'' In the Docket ID column, select 
RUS-18-ELECTRIC-0006 to submit or view public comments and to view 
supporting and related materials available electronically. Information 
on using Regulations.gov, including instructions for accessing 
documents, submitting comments, and viewing the docket after the close 
of the comment period, is available through the site's ``User Tips'' 
link. Follow the online instructions for submitting comments.
     Mail: Addressed to Michele Brooks, Team Lead--Rural 
Development Innovation Center--Regulations Team, U.S. Department of 
Agriculture, 1400 Independence Ave. SW, Stop 1522, Room 1562, 
Washington, DC 20250-1522. Please state that your comment refers to 
Docket No. RUS-18-ELECTRIC-0006.
    Instructions: All submissions received must include that agency 
name and the subject heading ``Specifications and Drawings for 
Underground Electric Distribution.'' All comments received must 
identify the name of the individual (and the name of the entity, if 
applicable) who is submitting the comment.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Trung V. Hiu, Electrical Engineer, 
Electric Staff Division, Distribution Branch, U.S. Department of 
Agriculture, Rural Utilities Service, Room 1262-S, 1400 Independence 
Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-1569. Telephone: (202) 720-1877. Fax: 
(202) 720-7491. Email: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Executive Order 12372

    This final rule is excluded from the scope of Executive Order 
12372, Intergovernmental Consultation, which may require consultation 
with State and local officials. A notice of final rule entitled 
``Department Programs and Activities Excluded from Executive Order 
12372,'' (50 FR 47034) exempted RUS loans and loan guarantees to from 
coverage under this order.

Executive Order 12866

    This rule falls under the category of regulations, ``Rural 
Electrification Administration (REA) rules concerning standards and 
specification for construction and materials,'' and is exempted from 
the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) review for purposes of 
Executive Order 12866 and, therefore, has not been reviewed by OMB.

Executive Order 12988

    This final rule has been reviewed under Executive Order 12988, 
Civil Justice Reform. RUS has determined that this rule meets the 
applicable standards provided in section 3 of the Executive Order. In 
addition, all state and local laws and regulations that are in conflict 
with this rule will be preempted, no retroactive effort will be given 
to this rule, and, in accordance with Sec. 212(e) of the Department of 
Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 (7 U.S.C. Sec. 6912(e)), 
administrative appeal procedures, if any, must be exhausted before an 
action against the Department or its agencies may be initiated.

Executive Order 13132, Federalism

    The policies contained in this final rule do not have any 
substantial direct effect on 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. Nor does this 
rule impose substantial direct compliance costs on State and local 
governments. Therefore, consultation with states is not required.

Information Collection and Recordkeeping Requirements

    This final rule contains no new reporting or recordkeeping burdens 
under OMB control number 0572-0131, 7 CFR part 1728, Electric Standards 
and Specifications for Materials and Construction, that would require 
approval under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. Chapter 
35).

Executive Order 13371, Deregulatory Action

    This final rule is not expected to be an Executive Order 13771 
deregulatory action. This rule is expected to provide meaningful 
updates to assist with improving customer service.

Executive Order 13175, Consultation and Coordination With Indian Tribal

Governments

    The Agency has determined that this final rule does not have a 
substantial direct effect on one or more Indian tribe(s) or on either 
the relationship or the distribution of powers and responsibilities 
between the Federal Government and Indian tribes. Thus,

[[Page 55466]]

this final rule is not subject to the requirements of Executive Order 
13175. Consequently, the Agency will not conduct tribal consultation 
sessions.
    If a Tribe has questions about the Tribal Consultation process 
please contact Rural Development's Native American Coordinator at (720) 
544-2911 or [email protected].

USDA Non-Discrimination Statement

    In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of 
Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its 
Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or 
administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on 
race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity (including 
gender expression), sexual orientation, disability, age, marital 
status, family/parental status, income derived from a public assistance 
program, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil 
rights in any program or activity conducted or funded by the 
Department. (Not all prohibited basis will apply to all programs and/or 
employment activities.) Remedies and complaint filing deadlines vary by 
program or incident.
    Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of 
communication for program information (e.g., Braille, large print, 
audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.) should contact the responsible 
Agency or USDA's TARGET center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or 
contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. 
Additionally, program information may be made available in languages 
other than English.
    To file a program discrimination complaint, complete the USDA 
Program Discrimination Complaint Form (PDF), found online at http://www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_cust.html, or at any USDA office, or 
write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the 
information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint 
form, call (866) 632-9992 to request the form. Submit your completed 
complaint form or letter to USDA by: (1) Mail at U.S. Department of 
Agriculture, Office of Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 
Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410, by Fax (202) 690-
7442 or Email at [email protected].
    USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.

Regulatory Flexibility Act Certification

    It has been determined that the Regulatory Flexibility Act is not 
applicable to this final rule since the Rural Utilities Service is not 
required by 5 U.S.C. 551 et seq. or any other provision of the law to 
publish a notice of proposed rulemaking with request to the subject 
matter of this rule.

Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance

    The program described by this final rule is listed in the Catalog 
of Federal Domestic Assistance Programs under No. 10.850, Rural 
Electrification Loans and Loan Guarantees. This catalog is available on 
a subscription basis from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. 
Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402-9325, telephone number 
(202) 512-1800.

Unfunded Mandates

    This final rule contains no Federal Mandates (under the regulatory 
provision of title II of the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 [2 
U.S.C. Chapter 25]) for State, local, and tribal governments or the 
private sector. Thus, this proposed rule is not subject to the 
requirements of sections 202 and 205 of the Unfunded Mandates Reform 
Act of 1995.

E-Government Act Compliance

    RUS is committed to the E-Government Act, which requires Government 
agencies in general to provide the public the option of submitting 
information or transacting business electronically to the maximum 
extent possible.

National Environmental Policy Act Certification

    The Administrator of RUS has determined that this final rule will 
not significantly affect the quality of the human environment as 
defined by the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 
4321 et seq.). Therefore, this action does not require an environmental 
impact statement or assessment.

Background

    Pursuant to the Rural Electrification Act of 1936, as amended (7 
U.S.C. 901 et seq.), the Rural Utilities Service (RUS) is amending 
Title 7 CFR Chapter XVII, Part 1728, Electric Standards and 
Specifications for Materials and Construction, by making changes to 7 
CFR 1728.97, Incorporation by reference of electric standards and 
specifications, RUS Bulletin 1728F-806 (D-806), ``Specifications and 
Drawings for Underground Electric Distribution'' (incorporation 
approved for 7 CFR 1728.98). These changes are necessary in order to 
digitize RUS accounting, clarify RUS requirements, update current 
standards and practices, and improve customer service.
    RUS maintains a system of bulletins that contain construction 
standards and specifications for materials and equipment which must be 
complied when system facilities are constructed by RUS electric and 
telecommunications borrowers in accordance with the RUS loan contract. 
These standards and specifications contain standard construction units 
and material items and equipment units commonly used in RUS electric 
and telecommunications borrowers' systems. The bulletin listed below is 
incorporated by reference in 7 CFR 1728.97. The Director of the Federal 
Register approves the incorporations by reference in accordance with 5 
U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. A notice of any change in this 
material will be published in the Federal Register. Copies of this 
bulletin are available to the public at the following web address: 
https://www.rd.usda.gov/publications/regulations-guidelines/bulletins/electric.
    The materials incorporated by reference may be inspected at the 
Rural Utilities Service, Stop 1520, Room 5820-S, Washington, DC 20250-
1522, call (202) 720-8674. The RUS bulletin 1728F-806 (D-806) is 
available from the Rural Utilities Service, Room 1246 -S, U.S. 
Department of Agriculture, Washington, DC 20250. For information on the 
availability of this material, call (202) 720-8674.
    The following is a summary of the changes that are included in this 
final rule:
    1. For consistency with RUS policy and practices, the drawings are 
renumbered to reflect RUS other construction standards and 
specifications. This will allow the digitizing of accounting records.
    2. To keep abreast with the industry practices and respond to the 
stakeholders interest, cable-in-conduit and outdoor lighting 
construction standard and specification are added. These practices are 
common industry wide but are not currently available from RUS.
    3. To enforce this rule as a standard, the term ``must'' is 
replaced by ``shall'' throughout the rule where applicable.
    4. As requested by the stakeholders, the term ``borrower'' is 
replaced by ``owner'' throughout the rule where applicable.
    5. The high potential test is an obsolete practice and removed.

[[Page 55467]]

    6. For 11 drawings, UA1 through UC2-2, cable riser shield is 
removed and separated into new UP unit.
    7. For 5 drawings, UG6 through UG17-3, combinations of elbows, 
arresters, and connector blocks are added.
    8. Due to obsolete practices, the following drawings are removed: 
UM3-44, UM3-45, UM3-46, UM5-6, UM5-6A, UM6-35, UM6-36, UM7-1, UM8-5, 
UM8-6, UM8-7, UM9-2, UM12, UM48-3, UM48-4, UX7.
    9. Three new drawings for Single Phase Riser Pole Assembly Units, 
UA4, UA.G, and UA1.USG, are added.
    10. Two new drawings for Two Phase Riser Pole Assembly Units, UB5 
and UB6, are added.
    11. Eight new drawings for Three Phase Riser Pole Assembly Units, 
UC3, UC4, UC5, UC7.1, UC7.3, UC7.4, UC8.1, and UC8.2, are added.
    12. Six new drawings for Foundation and Assembly Units, UF.PBC, 
UF.PBN, UF3.BC, UF3.BN, UF3.PN, and UF3.VC, are added.
    13. Five new drawings for Transformer Assembly Units, UG1.01, 
UG1.02, UG1.2, UG3.01, and UG3.02, are added.
    14. Four new drawings for Grounding Assembly Units, UH2.0, UH2.2, 
UH2.7, and UH4.1G, are added.
    15. Two new drawings for Secondary Assembly Units, UJ3.3 and UJ4.3, 
are added.
    16. Three new drawings for Service Assembly Units, UK2.1, UK2.2, 
and UK4, are added.
    17. Five new drawings for Miscellaneous Assembly Units, UM1.XX, 
UM3, UM6.JN6226, UM6.PKG, and UM6.RK, are added.
    18. Two new drawings for Outdoor Lighting Assembly Units, UO1 and 
UO2, are added.
    19. Eight new drawings for System Protection Assembly Units, 
UP7.04, UP7.B1, UP7.B2, UP7.B3, UP7.C, UP7.FC, UP7.UG, and UP8, are 
added.
    20. A new drawing for Metering Assembly Units, UQG, is added.
    21. A new drawing for Recloser Assembly Units, UR3, is added.
    22. A new drawing for Sectionalizing Assembly Units, US1.DC, is 
added.
    23. Four new drawings for Trench Assembly Units, UT2, UT3, UT4, and 
UT5, are added.
    24. Four new drawings for Voltage Control Assembly Units, UY1.1XX, 
UY1.1.XXSW, UY3.2L, and UY3.3L, are added.

List of Subjects in 7 CFR Part 1728

    Electric power, Incorporation by reference, Loan programs-energy, 
Rural areas.

    Accordingly, for reasons set forth in the preamble, chapter XVII, 
title 7, the Code of Federal Regulations is amended as follows:

PART 1728--ELECTRIC STANDARDS AND SPECIFICATIONS FOR MATERIALS AND 
CONSTRUCTION

0
1. The authority citation for part 1728 continues to read as follows:

    Authority:  7 U.S.C. 901 et seq., 1921 et seq., 6941 et seq.


0
2. Revise Sec.  1728.97(a)(24) to read as follows:


Sec.  1728.97   Incorporation by reference of electric standards and 
specifications.

* * * * *
    (a) * * *
    (24) Bulletin 1728F-806 (D-806) Specifications and Drawings for 
Underground Electric Distribution, October 11, 2018, incorporation 
approved for Sec.  1728.98.
* * * * *

0
3. Revise Sec.  1728.98(a)(24) to read as follows:


Sec.  1728.98   Incorporation by reference of electric standards and 
specifications.

    (a) * * *
    (24) Bulletin 1728F-806 (D-806) Specifications and Drawings for 
Underground Electric Distribution), October 11, 2018.
* * * * *

    Dated: October 31, 2018.
Christopher A. McLean,
Acting Administrator, Rural Utilities Service.
[FR Doc. 2018-24248 Filed 11-5-18; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE ;P



                                                                                                                                                                                             55465

                                             Rules and Regulations                                                                                         Federal Register
                                                                                                                                                           Vol. 83, No. 215

                                                                                                                                                           Tuesday, November 6, 2018



                                             This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER                    using Regulations.gov, including                      Executive Order 12988
                                             contains regulatory documents having general            instructions for accessing documents,                   This final rule has been reviewed
                                             applicability and legal effect, most of which           submitting comments, and viewing the
                                             are keyed to and codified in the Code of                                                                      under Executive Order 12988, Civil
                                                                                                     docket after the close of the comment                 Justice Reform. RUS has determined
                                             Federal Regulations, which is published under
                                             50 titles pursuant to 44 U.S.C. 1510.
                                                                                                     period, is available through the site’s               that this rule meets the applicable
                                                                                                     ‘‘User Tips’’ link. Follow the online                 standards provided in section 3 of the
                                             The Code of Federal Regulations is sold by              instructions for submitting comments.                 Executive Order. In addition, all state
                                             the Superintendent of Documents.                           • Mail: Addressed to Michele Brooks,               and local laws and regulations that are
                                                                                                     Team Lead—Rural Development                           in conflict with this rule will be
                                                                                                     Innovation Center—Regulations Team,                   preempted, no retroactive effort will be
                                             DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
                                                                                                     U.S. Department of Agriculture, 1400                  given to this rule, and, in accordance
                                             Rural Utilities Service                                 Independence Ave. SW, Stop 1522,                      with Sec. 212(e) of the Department of
                                                                                                     Room 1562, Washington, DC 20250–                      Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994
                                             7 CFR Part 1728                                         1522. Please state that your comment                  (7 U.S.C. Sec. 6912(e)), administrative
                                                                                                     refers to Docket No. RUS–18–                          appeal procedures, if any, must be
                                             Specifications and Drawings for                         ELECTRIC–0006.                                        exhausted before an action against the
                                             Underground Electric Distribution                                                                             Department or its agencies may be
                                                                                                        Instructions: All submissions received
                                                                                                                                                           initiated.
                                             AGENCY:Rural Utilities Service, USDA.                   must include that agency name and the
                                                   Final rule; request for
                                             ACTION:                                                 subject heading ‘‘Specifications and                  Executive Order 13132, Federalism
                                             comments.                                               Drawings for Underground Electric                        The policies contained in this final
                                                                                                     Distribution.’’ All comments received                 rule do not have any substantial direct
                                             SUMMARY:   The Rural Utilities Service                  must identify the name of the individual              effect on states, on the relationship
                                             (RUS), a Rural Development agency of                    (and the name of the entity, if                       between the national government and
                                             the U.S. Department of Agriculture, is                  applicable) who is submitting the                     the States, or on the distribution of
                                             amending its regulations for electric                   comment.                                              power and responsibilities among the
                                             standards and specifications in Bulletin                                                                      various levels of government. Nor does
                                             1728F–806 (D–806), ‘‘Specifications and                 FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:      Mr.
                                                                                                                                                           this rule impose substantial direct
                                             Drawings for Underground Electric                       Trung V. Hiu, Electrical Engineer,
                                                                                                                                                           compliance costs on State and local
                                             Distribution,’’ which is incorporated by                Electric Staff Division, Distribution
                                                                                                                                                           governments. Therefore, consultation
                                             reference, to digitize RUS accounting,                  Branch, U.S. Department of Agriculture,
                                                                                                                                                           with states is not required.
                                             clarify RUS requirements, update                        Rural Utilities Service, Room 1262–S,
                                             current standards and practices, and                    1400 Independence Avenue SW,                          Information Collection and
                                             improve customer service. This bulletin                 Washington, DC 20250–1569.                            Recordkeeping Requirements
                                             contains complete specifications                        Telephone: (202) 720–1877. Fax: (202)                   This final rule contains no new
                                             settings forth the RUS requirements for                 720–7491. Email: Trung.Hiu@usda.gov.                  reporting or recordkeeping burdens
                                             constructing rural underground electric                 SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:                            under OMB control number 0572–0131,
                                             distribution systems using state-of-the-                                                                      7 CFR part 1728, Electric Standards and
                                             art materials, equipment, and                           Executive Order 12372                                 Specifications for Materials and
                                             construction methods.                                                                                         Construction, that would require
                                             DATES: This rule is effective November
                                                                                                       This final rule is excluded from the                approval under the Paperwork
                                             6, 2018.                                                scope of Executive Order 12372,                       Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C.
                                                Incorporation by Reference: The                      Intergovernmental Consultation, which                 Chapter 35).
                                             incorporation by reference of certain                   may require consultation with State and
                                                                                                     local officials. A notice of final rule               Executive Order 13371, Deregulatory
                                             publications listed in this rule is
                                                                                                     entitled ‘‘Department Programs and                    Action
                                             approved by the Director of the Federal
                                             Register as of November 6, 2018.                        Activities Excluded from Executive                      This final rule is not expected to be
                                                Written comments must be received                    Order 12372,’’ (50 FR 47034) exempted                 an Executive Order 13771 deregulatory
                                             on or before December 6, 2018.                          RUS loans and loan guarantees to from                 action. This rule is expected to provide
                                             ADDRESSES: Submit comments by any of
                                                                                                     coverage under this order.                            meaningful updates to assist with
                                             the following methods:                                  Executive Order 12866                                 improving customer service.
                                                • Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to                                                                        Executive Order 13175, Consultation
                                             http://www.regulations.gov and, in the                    This rule falls under the category of               and Coordination With Indian Tribal
                                             lower ‘‘Search Regulations and Federal                  regulations, ‘‘Rural Electrification
                                             Actions’’ box, select ‘‘Rural Utilities                 Administration (REA) rules concerning                 Governments
khammond on DSK30JT082PROD with RULES




                                             Service’’ from the agency drop-down                     standards and specification for                          The Agency has determined that this
                                             menu, then click on ‘‘Submit.’’ In the                  construction and materials,’’ and is                  final rule does not have a substantial
                                             Docket ID column, select RUS–18–                        exempted from the Office of                           direct effect on one or more Indian
                                             ELECTRIC–0006 to submit or view                         Management and Budget (OMB) review                    tribe(s) or on either the relationship or
                                             public comments and to view                             for purposes of Executive Order 12866                 the distribution of powers and
                                             supporting and related materials                        and, therefore, has not been reviewed by              responsibilities between the Federal
                                             available electronically. Information on                OMB.                                                  Government and Indian tribes. Thus,


                                        VerDate Sep<11>2014   16:14 Nov 05, 2018   Jkt 247001   PO 00000   Frm 00001   Fmt 4700   Sfmt 4700   E:\FR\FM\06NOR1.SGM   06NOR1


                                             55466            Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 215 / Tuesday, November 6, 2018 / Rules and Regulations

                                             this final rule is not subject to the                   Regulatory Flexibility Act Certification              1728.98). These changes are necessary
                                             requirements of Executive Order 13175.                    It has been determined that the                     in order to digitize RUS accounting,
                                             Consequently, the Agency will not                       Regulatory Flexibility Act is not                     clarify RUS requirements, update
                                             conduct tribal consultation sessions.                   applicable to this final rule since the               current standards and practices, and
                                               If a Tribe has questions about the                    Rural Utilities Service is not required by            improve customer service.
                                             Tribal Consultation process please                      5 U.S.C. 551 et seq. or any other                        RUS maintains a system of bulletins
                                             contact Rural Development’s Native                      provision of the law to publish a notice              that contain construction standards and
                                             American Coordinator at (720) 544–                      of proposed rulemaking with request to                specifications for materials and
                                             2911 or AIAN@wdc.usda.gov.                              the subject matter of this rule.                      equipment which must be complied
                                                                                                                                                           when system facilities are constructed
                                             USDA Non-Discrimination Statement                       Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance                by RUS electric and
                                                                                                       The program described by this final                 telecommunications borrowers in
                                                In accordance with Federal civil                     rule is listed in the Catalog of Federal              accordance with the RUS loan contract.
                                             rights law and U.S. Department of                       Domestic Assistance Programs under                    These standards and specifications
                                             Agriculture (USDA) civil rights                         No. 10.850, Rural Electrification Loans               contain standard construction units and
                                             regulations and policies, the USDA, its                 and Loan Guarantees. This catalog is                  material items and equipment units
                                             Agencies, offices, and employees, and                   available on a subscription basis from                commonly used in RUS electric and
                                             institutions participating in or                        the Superintendent of Documents, U.S.                 telecommunications borrowers’ systems.
                                             administering USDA programs are                         Government Printing Office,                           The bulletin listed below is
                                             prohibited from discriminating based on                 Washington, DC 20402–9325, telephone                  incorporated by reference in 7 CFR
                                             race, color, national origin, religion, sex,            number (202) 512–1800.                                1728.97. The Director of the Federal
                                             gender identity (including gender                                                                             Register approves the incorporations by
                                             expression), sexual orientation,                        Unfunded Mandates
                                                                                                                                                           reference in accordance with 5 U.S.C.
                                             disability, age, marital status, family/                  This final rule contains no Federal                 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. A notice of
                                             parental status, income derived from a                  Mandates (under the regulatory                        any change in this material will be
                                             public assistance program, political                    provision of title II of the Unfunded                 published in the Federal Register.
                                             beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior           Mandates Reform Act of 1995 [2 U.S.C.                 Copies of this bulletin are available to
                                             civil rights in any program or activity                 Chapter 25]) for State, local, and tribal             the public at the following web address:
                                             conducted or funded by the Department.                  governments or the private sector. Thus,              https://www.rd.usda.gov/publications/
                                             (Not all prohibited basis will apply to                 this proposed rule is not subject to the              regulations-guidelines/bulletins/electric.
                                             all programs and/or employment                          requirements of sections 202 and 205 of
                                                                                                                                                              The materials incorporated by
                                             activities.) Remedies and complaint                     the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of
                                                                                                                                                           reference may be inspected at the Rural
                                             filing deadlines vary by program or                     1995.
                                                                                                                                                           Utilities Service, Stop 1520, Room
                                             incident.                                               E-Government Act Compliance                           5820–S, Washington, DC 20250–1522,
                                                Persons with disabilities who require                  RUS is committed to the E-                          call (202) 720–8674. The RUS bulletin
                                             alternative means of communication for                  Government Act, which requires                        1728F–806 (D–806) is available from the
                                             program information (e.g., Braille, large               Government agencies in general to                     Rural Utilities Service, Room 1246 -S,
                                             print, audiotape, American Sign                         provide the public the option of                      U.S. Department of Agriculture,
                                             Language, etc.) should contact the                      submitting information or transacting                 Washington, DC 20250. For information
                                             responsible Agency or USDA’s TARGET                     business electronically to the maximum                on the availability of this material, call
                                             center at (202) 720–2600 (voice and                     extent possible.                                      (202) 720–8674.
                                             TTY) or contact USDA through the                                                                                 The following is a summary of the
                                             Federal Relay Service at (800) 877–8339.                National Environmental Policy Act                     changes that are included in this final
                                             Additionally, program information may                   Certification                                         rule:
                                             be made available in languages other                      The Administrator of RUS has                           1. For consistency with RUS policy
                                             than English.                                           determined that this final rule will not              and practices, the drawings are
                                                To file a program discrimination                     significantly affect the quality of the               renumbered to reflect RUS other
                                             complaint, complete the USDA Program                    human environment as defined by the                   construction standards and
                                             Discrimination Complaint Form (PDF),                    National Environmental Policy Act of                  specifications. This will allow the
                                             found online at http://                                 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.). Therefore,             digitizing of accounting records.
                                             www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_                     this action does not require an                          2. To keep abreast with the industry
                                             cust.html, or at any USDA office, or                    environmental impact statement or                     practices and respond to the
                                             write a letter addressed to USDA and                    assessment.                                           stakeholders interest, cable-in-conduit
                                             provide in the letter all of the                        Background                                            and outdoor lighting construction
                                             information requested in the form. To                                                                         standard and specification are added.
                                                                                                        Pursuant to the Rural Electrification
                                             request a copy of the complaint form,                                                                         These practices are common industry
                                                                                                     Act of 1936, as amended (7 U.S.C. 901
                                             call (866) 632–9992 to request the form.                                                                      wide but are not currently available
                                                                                                     et seq.), the Rural Utilities Service (RUS)
                                             Submit your completed complaint form                                                                          from RUS.
                                                                                                     is amending Title 7 CFR Chapter XVII,
                                             or letter to USDA by: (1) Mail at U.S.                  Part 1728, Electric Standards and                        3. To enforce this rule as a standard,
                                             Department of Agriculture, Office of                    Specifications for Materials and                      the term ‘‘must’’ is replaced by ‘‘shall’’
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                                             Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights,                   Construction, by making changes to 7                  throughout the rule where applicable.
                                             1400 Independence Avenue SW,                            CFR 1728.97, Incorporation by reference                  4. As requested by the stakeholders,
                                             Washington, DC 20250–9410, by Fax                       of electric standards and specifications,             the term ‘‘borrower’’ is replaced by
                                             (202) 690–7442 or Email at                              RUS Bulletin 1728F–806 (D–806),                       ‘‘owner’’ throughout the rule where
                                             program.intake@usda.gov.                                ‘‘Specifications and Drawings for                     applicable.
                                                USDA is an equal opportunity                         Underground Electric Distribution’’                      5. The high potential test is an
                                             provider, employer, and lender.                         (incorporation approved for 7 CFR                     obsolete practice and removed.


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                                                              Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 215 / Tuesday, November 6, 2018 / Rules and Regulations                                                55467

                                                6. For 11 drawings, UA1 through                        Accordingly, for reasons set forth in               remain in effect. The final rule also
                                             UC2–2, cable riser shield is removed                    the preamble, chapter XVII, title 7, the              amends the definition of a ‘‘complex’’
                                             and separated into new UP unit.                         Code of Federal Regulations is amended                credit union adopted in the 2015 Final
                                                7. For 5 drawings, UG6 through                       as follows:                                           Rule for risk-based capital purposes by
                                             UG17–3, combinations of elbows,                                                                               increasing the threshold level for
                                             arresters, and connector blocks are                     PART 1728—ELECTRIC STANDARDS                          coverage from $100 million to $500
                                             added.                                                  AND SPECIFICATIONS FOR                                million. These changes provide covered
                                                8. Due to obsolete practices, the                    MATERIALS AND CONSTRUCTION                            credit unions and the NCUA with
                                             following drawings are removed: UM3–                                                                          additional time to prepare for the rule’s
                                             44, UM3–45, UM3–46, UM5–6, UM5–                         ■ 1. The authority citation for part 1728             implementation, and exempt an
                                             6A, UM6–35, UM6–36, UM7–1, UM8–5,                       continues to read as follows:                         additional 1,026 credit unions from the
                                             UM8–6, UM8–7, UM9–2, UM12, UM48–                          Authority: 7 U.S.C. 901 et seq., 1921 et            risk-based capital requirements of the
                                             3, UM48–4, UX7.                                         seq., 6941 et seq.                                    2015 Final Rule without subjecting the
                                                9. Three new drawings for Single                     ■ 2. Revise § 1728.97(a)(24) to read as               National Credit Union Share Insurance
                                             Phase Riser Pole Assembly Units, UA4,                   follows:                                              Fund (NCUSIF) to undue risk.
                                             UA.G, and UA1.USG, are added.                                                                                 DATES: The effective date of the final
                                                10. Two new drawings for Two Phase                   § 1728.97 Incorporation by reference of
                                                                                                                                                           rule published on October 29, 2015 (80
                                             Riser Pole Assembly Units, UB5 and                      electric standards and specifications.
                                                                                                                                                           FR 66625) is delayed until January 1,
                                             UB6, are added.                                         *     *    *     *     *                              2020. In addition, the amendments to
                                                11. Eight new drawings for Three                       (a) * * *                                           § 702.103 in this final rule are effective
                                             Phase Riser Pole Assembly Units, UC3,                     (24) Bulletin 1728F–806 (D–806)                     on January 1, 2020.
                                             UC4, UC5, UC7.1, UC7.3, UC7.4, UC8.1,                   Specifications and Drawings for
                                                                                                                                                           FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
                                             and UC8.2, are added.                                   Underground Electric Distribution,
                                                                                                                                                           Policy and Analysis: Julie Cayse,
                                                12. Six new drawings for Foundation                  October 11, 2018, incorporation
                                                                                                                                                           Director, Division of Risk Management,
                                             and Assembly Units, UF.PBC, UF.PBN,                     approved for § 1728.98.
                                                                                                                                                           Office of Examination and Insurance, at
                                             UF3.BC, UF3.BN, UF3.PN, and UF3.VC,                     *     *    *     *     *                              (703) 518–6360; Kathryn Metzker, Risk
                                             are added.                                              ■ 3. Revise § 1728.98(a)(24) to read as               Officer, Division of Risk Management,
                                                13. Five new drawings for                            follows:                                              Office of Examination and Insurance, at
                                             Transformer Assembly Units, UG1.01,
                                                                                                                                                           (703) 548–2456; Julie Decker, Risk
                                             UG1.02, UG1.2, UG3.01, and UG3.02,                      § 1728.98 Incorporation by reference of
                                                                                                     electric standards and specifications.                Officer, Division of Risk Management,
                                             are added.
                                                14. Four new drawings for Grounding                                                                        Office of Examination and Insurance, at
                                                                                                       (a) * * *
                                             Assembly Units, UH2.0, UH2.2, UH2.7,                                                                          (703) 518–3684; Aaron Langley, Risk
                                                                                                       (24) Bulletin 1728F–806 (D–806)
                                             and UH4.1G, are added.                                                                                        Management Officer, Data Analysis
                                                                                                     Specifications and Drawings for
                                                15. Two new drawings for Secondary                                                                         Division, Office of Examination and
                                                                                                     Underground Electric Distribution),
                                             Assembly Units, UJ3.3 and UJ4.3, are                                                                          Insurance, at (703) 518–6387; Legal:
                                                                                                     October 11, 2018.
                                             added.                                                                                                        John Brolin, Senior Staff Attorney,
                                                                                                     *     *    *     *    *                               Office of General Counsel, at (703) 518–
                                                16. Three new drawings for Service
                                             Assembly Units, UK2.1, UK2.2, and                         Dated: October 31, 2018.                            6540; or by mail at National Credit
                                             UK4, are added.                                         Christopher A. McLean,                                Union Administration, 1775 Duke
                                                17. Five new drawings for                            Acting Administrator, Rural Utilities Service.        Street, Alexandria, VA 22314.
                                             Miscellaneous Assembly Units,                           [FR Doc. 2018–24248 Filed 11–5–18; 8:45 am]           SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
                                             UM1.XX, UM3, UM6.JN6226,                                BILLING CODE ;P                                       I. Introduction
                                             UM6.PKG, and UM6.RK, are added.
                                                18. Two new drawings for Outdoor                                                                              The NCUA’s primary mission is to
                                             Lighting Assembly Units, UO1 and                                                                              ensure the safety and soundness of
                                                                                                     NATIONAL CREDIT UNION
                                             UO2, are added.                                                                                               federally insured credit unions. The
                                                                                                     ADMINISTRATION
                                                19. Eight new drawings for System                                                                          agency performs this function by
                                             Protection Assembly Units, UP7.04,                      12 CFR Parts 700, 701, 702, 703, 713,                 examining and supervising all Federal
                                             UP7.B1, UP7.B2, UP7.B3, UP7.C,                          723, and 747                                          credit unions, participating in the
                                             UP7.FC, UP7.UG, and UP8, are added.                                                                           examination and supervision of
                                                                                                     RIN 3133–AE90                                         federally insured, state-chartered credit
                                                20. A new drawing for Metering
                                             Assembly Units, UQG, is added.                                                                                unions in coordination with state
                                                                                                     Risk-Based Capital
                                                21. A new drawing for Recloser                                                                             regulators, and insuring members’
                                             Assembly Units, UR3, is added.                          AGENCY:  National Credit Union                        accounts at federally insured credit
                                                22. A new drawing for Sectionalizing                 Administration (NCUA).                                unions.1 In its role as administrator of
                                             Assembly Units, US1.DC, is added.                       ACTION: Final rule; supplemental.                     the NCUSIF, the NCUA insures and
                                                23. Four new drawings for Trench                                                                           regulates 5,573 federally insured credit
                                             Assembly Units, UT2, UT3, UT4, and                      SUMMARY:   The NCUA Board (Board) is                  unions, holding total assets exceeding
                                             UT5, are added.                                         amending the NCUA’s previously                        $1.4 trillion and serving approximately
                                                24. Four new drawings for Voltage                    revised regulations regarding prompt                  111 million members.2
                                             Control Assembly Units, UY1.1XX,                        corrective action (PCA). The final rule                  At its October 2015 meeting, the
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                                             UY1.1.XXSW, UY3.2L, and UY3.3L, are                     delays the effective date of the NCUA’s               Board issued the 2015 Final Rule to
                                             added.                                                  October 29, 2015 final rule regarding
                                                                                                     risk-based capital (2015 Final Rule) for                1 As of December 31, 2017, within the nine states

                                             List of Subjects in 7 CFR Part 1728                     one year, moving the effective date from              that allow privately insured credit unions,
                                                                                                                                                           approximately 116 state-chartered credit unions are
                                               Electric power, Incorporation by                      January 1, 2019 to January 1, 2020.                   privately insured and are not subject to the NCUA’s
                                             reference, Loan programs-energy, Rural                  During the extended delay period, the                 regulation and oversight.
                                             areas.                                                  NCUA’s current PCA requirements will                    2 Based on December 31, 2017 Call Report Data.




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Document Created: 2018-11-06 00:18:54
Document Modified: 2018-11-06 00:18:54
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; request for comments.
DatesThis rule is effective November 6, 2018.
ContactMr. Trung V. Hiu, Electrical Engineer, Electric Staff Division, Distribution Branch, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Rural Utilities Service, Room 1262-S, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-1569. Telephone: (202) 720-1877. Fax: (202) 720-7491. Email: [email protected]
FR Citation83 FR 55465 
CFR AssociatedElectric Power; Incorporation by Reference; Loan Programs-Energy and Rural Areas

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