83_FR_58725 83 FR 58501 - Safety Zone; NASA Activities, Gulf of Mexico, Galveston, TX

83 FR 58501 - Safety Zone; NASA Activities, Gulf of Mexico, Galveston, TX

DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY
Coast Guard

Federal Register Volume 83, Issue 224 (November 20, 2018)

Page Range58501-58504
FR Document2018-25242

The Coast Guard is establishing a temporary, moving safety zone for all navigable waters within a 1,000-yard radius of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration's (NASA's) crew module uprighting system test article while it is being tested in the territorial waters of the Gulf of Mexico off the coast of Galveston, TX. The safety zone is necessary to protect persons, vessels, and the marine environment from potential hazards created by vessels and equipment engaged in the crew capsule's at-sea testing. This rulemaking prohibits persons and vessels from being in the safety zone unless authorized by the Captain of the Port Sector Houston-Galveston or a designated representative

Federal Register, Volume 83 Issue 224 (Tuesday, November 20, 2018)
[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 224 (Tuesday, November 20, 2018)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 58501-58504]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2018-25242]


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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Coast Guard

33 CFR Part 165

[Docket Number USCG-2018-0962]
RIN 1625-AA00


Safety Zone; NASA Activities, Gulf of Mexico, Galveston, TX

AGENCY: Coast Guard, DHS.

ACTION: Temporary final rule.

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SUMMARY: The Coast Guard is establishing a temporary, moving safety 
zone for all navigable waters within a 1,000-yard radius of the 
National Aeronautics and Space Administration's (NASA's) crew module 
uprighting system test article while it is being tested in the 
territorial waters of the Gulf of Mexico off the coast of Galveston, 
TX. The safety zone is necessary to protect persons, vessels, and the 
marine environment from potential hazards created by vessels and 
equipment engaged in the crew capsule's at-sea testing. This rulemaking 
prohibits persons and vessels from being in the safety zone unless 
authorized by the Captain of the Port Sector Houston-Galveston or a 
designated representative

DATES: This rule is effective from November 28, 2018 through December 
6, 2018.

ADDRESSES: To view documents mentioned in this preamble as being 
available in the docket, go to https://www.regulations.gov, type USCG-
2018-0962 in the ``SEARCH'' box and click ``SEARCH.'' Click on Open 
Docket Folder on the line associated with this rule.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: If you have questions on this rule, 
call or email Lieutenant Collin Sykes, Eighth Coast Guard District, 
Waterways Management Division, U.S. Coast Guard; telephone 504-671-
2119, email [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Table of Abbreviations

CFR Code of Federal Regulations
COTP Captain of the Port Sector Houston-Galveston
DHS Department of Homeland Security
FR Federal Register
NPRM Notice of proposed rulemaking
Sec.  Section
U.S.C. United States Code

II. Background Information and Regulatory History

    The National Aeronautics and Space Administration's (NASA's) Orion 
program is evaluating an updated design to the crew module uprighting 
system (CMUS), the system of five airbags on top of the crew capsule 
that inflate upon splashdown. NASA tested the CMUS at the Neutral 
Buoyancy Lab at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston, and requested 
Coast Guard support for the at-sea uprighting tests. On October 19, 
2018, the Coast Guard published a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) 
titled Safety Zone; NASA Activities, Gulf of Mexico, Galveston, TX (83 
FR 53023). There we stated why we issued the NPRM, and invited comments 
on our proposed regulatory action related to this at-sea test. During 
the comment period that ended November 5, 2018, we received 3 comments.
    Under 5 U.S.C. 553(d)(3), the Coast Guard finds that good cause 
exists for making this rule effective less than 30 days after 
publication in the Federal Register. Coast Guard finds that good cause 
exists for making this rule effective less than 30 days after 
publication in the Federal Register because it is contrary to the 
public interest. The Coast Guard must make this rule effective soon 
enough to allow for immediate action to respond to the potential safety 
hazards associated with the at-sea testing and that it does not 
compromise publish safety.

III. Legal Authority and Need for Rule

    The Coast Guard is issuing this rule under authority in 33 U.S.C. 
1231. The

[[Page 58502]]

at-sea testing of the CMUS will involve numerous surface vessels, 
divers, and remote-operated submarine vehicles, and feature a rapid 
rotation of the Orion test article in a confined area and partially 
controlled environment. The Captain of the Port Sector Houston-
Galveston (COTP) has determined that due to the complexity of the test 
and proximity of the participants, unauthorized access by persons or 
vessels outside the scope of the test present a significant hazard to 
human life, vessels, and government property. The purpose of this rule 
to protect persons, vessels, and the marine environment from potential 
hazards created by vessels and equipment engaged in the crew capsule's 
at-sea testing.

IV. Discussion of Comments, Changes, and the Rule

    As noted above, we received 03 comments on our NPRM published 
October 19, 2018. Two of the comments supported the rule for 
establishing the described safety measures to protect scientists as 
they search for solutions to complex problems in potentially hazardous 
environments.
    One comment expressed concerns regarding the impact the safety zone 
would have on local anglers and requested a more precise location of 
the test. The planned location of the test is between 9 and 12 nautical 
miles (NMs) offshore of Galveston, TX, to the south and west of the 
Galveston Bay Entrance Channel. However, due to the drifting nature of 
the test, the Coast Guard cannot provide a specific geographical 
position at this time. Mariners in the vicinity will be notified of the 
test location via Broadcast Notices to Mariners (BNMs) no less than 3 
hours prior to the commencement of testing. The BNMs, paired with the 
relatively small area encompassed by the 1,000-yd radius safety zone, 
will provide anglers an ample opportunity to seek alternative fishing 
grounds during the limited duration test. This same commenter also 
requested reasons that the NPRM was issued with a 15-day comment 
period. The Coast Guard published the NPRM with a 15-day comment period 
because it was impracticable to provide a 30-day comment period. It was 
impracticable to publish an NPRM with a 30-day comment period because 
we needed to establish this temporary safety zone by November 28, 2018. 
A 15-day comment period allowed the Coast Guard to provide for public 
notice and comment, but also publish a rule, if adopted, soon enough 
that the length of the notice and comment period does not compromise 
public safety. Finally, this commenter requested justification for the 
non-retaliation statement in the Impact on Small Entities section of 
the NPRM. This statement is required to be included in all Coast Guard 
Rulemakings by the Coast Guard Non-Retaliation Policy outlined in 69 FR 
12864 (March 18, 2004). Based on the public comments received, we have 
edited the regulatory text to clarify that that the test would occur 
between 9 and 12 NM offshore of Galveston, TX, to the south and west of 
the Galveston Bay Entrance Channel. There are no other changes in the 
regulatory text of this rule from the proposed rule in the NPRM.
    This rule establishes a temporary, moving safety zone that covers 
all navigable waters within 1,000 yards of NASA's CMUS test article, 
which will be located in the territorial waters of the Gulf of Mexico 
off the coast of Galveston, TX. NASA anticipates that the testing 
activities will take place on approximately three days during the 
effective period, during daylight hours only. The effective period of 
this rule covers a nine-day window from November 28, 2018 through 
December 6, 2018, to allow for scheduling delays due to inclement 
weather or technical difficulties. On each of the approximately three 
days that the rule will be enforced, the enforcement periods will begin 
approximately 2 hours before testing activities and last until 
approximately 2 hours after the testing activities. The COTP or a 
designated representative will inform the public through BNMs, Local 
Notices to Mariners (LNMs), and/or Marine Safety Information Bulletins 
(MSIBs), and/or other means of public notice, as appropriate, at least 
3 hours in advance of each enforcement period. Such notice of 
enforcement will also include more specific information regarding the 
location of the CMUS test article.
    The duration of the zone is intended to protect persons, vessels, 
and the marine environment on these navigable waters during the NASA 
testing activities. No vessel or person is permitted to enter or remain 
in the safety zone without obtaining permission from the COTP or a 
designated representative. A designated representative is a Coast Guard 
Patrol Commander, including a Coast Guard coxswain, petty officer, or 
other officer operating a Coast Guard vessel, and a Federal, State, and 
local officer designated by or assisting the COTP in the enforcement of 
the safety zone. The Patrol Commander may be contacted on Channel 16 
VHF-FM (156.8 MHz) by the call sign ``PATCOM''. Vessels requiring entry 
into this safety zone must request permission from the COTP or a 
designated representative. They may be contacted on VHF-FM Channel 16. 
All persons and vessels permitted to enter this safety zone must 
transit at their slowest safe speed and comply with all lawful 
directions issued by the COTP or the designated representative. The 
COTP or a designated representative will inform the public of the 
enforcement times, dates, and locations, for this safety zone through 
BNMs, LNMs, and/or MSIBs, as appropriate.

V. Regulatory Analyses

    We developed this rule after considering numerous statutes and 
Executive orders related to rulemaking. Below we summarize our analyses 
based on a number of these statutes and Executive orders, and we 
discuss First Amendment rights of protestors.

A. Regulatory Planning and Review

    Executive Orders 12866 and 13563 direct agencies to assess the 
costs and benefits of available regulatory alternatives and, if 
regulation is necessary, to select regulatory approaches that maximize 
net benefits. Executive Order 13771 directs agencies to control 
regulatory costs through a budgeting process. This rule has not been 
designated a ``significant regulatory action,'' under Executive Order 
12866. Accordingly, this rule has not been reviewed by the Office of 
Management and Budget (OMB), and pursuant to OMB guidance it is exempt 
from the requirements of Executive Order 13771.
    This regulatory action determination is based on the size, 
location, and duration of the safety zone. Vessel traffic will be able 
to safely transit around this safety zone, which will affect a small, 
designated area off the coast of Galveston, TX, outside of the Houston 
Ship Channel and safety fairway during daylight hours on approximately 
three days. Moreover, the Coast Guard will issue a Broadcast Notice to 
Mariners via VHF-FM marine channel 16 about the zone, and the rule 
allows vessels to seek permission to enter the zone.

B. Impact on Small Entities

    The Regulatory Flexibility Act of 1980, 5 U.S.C. 601-612, as 
amended, requires Federal agencies to consider the potential impact of 
regulations on small entities during rulemaking. The term ``small 
entities'' comprises small businesses, not-for-profit organizations 
that are independently owned and operated and are not dominant in their 
fields, and governmental jurisdictions

[[Page 58503]]

with populations of less than 50,000. The Coast Guard received no 
comments from the Small Business Administration on this rulemaking. The 
Coast Guard certifies under 5 U.S.C. 605(b) that this rule will not 
have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small 
entities.
    While some owners or operators of vessels intending to transit the 
temporary safety zone may be small entities, for the reasons stated in 
section IV.A above, this rule will not have a significant economic 
impact on any vessel owner or operator.
    Under section 213(a) of the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement 
Fairness Act of 1996 (Pub. L. 104-121), we want to assist small 
entities in understanding this rule. If the rule would affect your 
small business, organization, or governmental jurisdiction and you have 
questions concerning its provisions or options for compliance, please 
contact the person listed in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT 
section.
    Small businesses may send comments on the actions of Federal 
employees who enforce, or otherwise determine compliance with, Federal 
regulations to the Small Business and Agriculture Regulatory 
Enforcement Ombudsman and the Regional Small Business Regulatory 
Fairness Boards. The Ombudsman evaluates these actions annually and 
rates each agency's responsiveness to small business. If you wish to 
comment on actions by employees of the Coast Guard, call 1-888-REG-FAIR 
(1-888-734-3247). The Coast Guard will not retaliate against small 
entities that question or complain about this rule or any policy or 
action of the Coast Guard.

C. Collection of Information

    This rule will not call for a new collection of information under 
the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501-3520).

D. Federalism and Indian Tribal Governments

    A rule has implications for federalism under Executive Order 13132, 
Federalism, if it has a substantial direct effect 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. We have analyzed this rule under that Order and have 
determined that it is consistent with the fundamental federalism 
principles and preemption requirements described in Executive Order 
13132.
    Also, this rule does not have tribal implications under Executive 
Order 13175, Consultation and Coordination with Indian Tribal 
Governments, because it does not have a substantial direct effect on 
one or more Indian tribes, on the relationship between the Federal 
Government and Indian tribes, or on the distribution of power and 
responsibilities between the Federal Government and Indian tribes. If 
you believe this rule has implications for federalism or Indian tribes, 
please contact the person listed in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT 
section.

E. Unfunded Mandates Reform Act

    The Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 (2 U.S.C. 1531-1538) 
requires Federal agencies to assess the effects of their discretionary 
regulatory actions. In particular, the Act addresses actions that may 
result in the expenditure by a State, local, or tribal government, in 
the aggregate, or by the private sector of $100,000,000 (adjusted for 
inflation) or more in any one year. Though this rule will not result in 
such an expenditure, we do discuss the effects of this rule elsewhere 
in this preamble.

F. Environment

    We have analyzed this rule under Department of Homeland Security 
Directive 023-01 and Commandant Instruction M16475.1D, which guide the 
Coast Guard in complying with the National Environmental Policy Act of 
1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321-4370f), and have determined that this action is 
one of a category of actions that do not individually or cumulatively 
have a significant effect on the human environment. This rule involves 
a temporary, moving safety zone that prohibit entry within 1,000 yards 
of the CMUS test article during daylight hours on approximately nine 
days in the Gulf of Mexico. It is categorically excluded from further 
review under paragraph L60(a) of Appendix A, Table 1 of DHS Instruction 
Manual 023-01-001-01, Rev. 01. A Record of Environmental Consideration 
supporting this determination is available in the docket where 
indicated under ADDRESSES.

G. Protest Activities

    The Coast Guard respects the First Amendment rights of protesters. 
Protesters are asked to contact the person listed in the FOR FURTHER 
INFORMATION CONTACT section to coordinate protest activities so that 
your message can be received without jeopardizing the safety or 
security of people, places or vessels.

List of Subjects in 33 CFR Part 165

    Harbors, Marine safety, Navigation (water), Reporting and 
recordkeeping requirements, Security measures, Waterways.

    For the reasons discussed in the preamble, the Coast Guard amends 
33 CFR part 165 as follows:

PART 165--REGULATED NAVIGATION AREAS AND LIMITED ACCESS AREAS

0
1. The authority citation for part 165 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 33 U.S.C. 1231; 50 U.S.C. 191; 33 CFR 1.05-1, 6.04-1, 
6.04-6, and 160.5; Department of Homeland Security Delegation No. 
0170.1.


0
2. Add Sec.  165.T08-0962 to read as follows:


Sec.  165.T08-0962  Safety Zone; NASA Activities, Gulf of Mexico, 
Galveston, TX.

    (a) Location. The following area is a safety zone: All navigable 
waters within 1000 yards of the National Aeronautics and Space 
Administration's (NASA's) crew module uprighting system test article. 
The test will occur between 9 and 12 nautical miles (NM) offshore of 
Galveston, TX, to the south and west of the Galveston Bay Entrance 
Channel.
    (b) Effective period. This section will be effective from November 
28, 2018 through December 6, 2018.
    (c) Enforcement periods. This section will be enforced on 
approximately 3 days during the effective period, during daylight 
hours. Each period of enforcement will begin approximately 2 hours 
before testing activities and end approximately 2 hours after testing 
activities. The Captain of the Port Sector Houston-Galveston (COTP) or 
a designated representative will inform the public of the enforcement 
through Broadcast Notices to Mariners (BNMs), Local Notices to Mariners 
(LNMs), and/or Marine Safety Information Bulletins (MSIBs) or other 
means of public notice at least 3 hours in advance of the enforcement 
of this safety zone. Such notice of enforcement will also include more 
specific information regarding the location of the CMUS test article.
    (d) Regulations. (1) Under the general safety zone regulations in 
subpart C of this part, you may not enter the safety zone described in 
paragraph (a) of this section unless authorized by the COTP or a 
designated representative. A designated representative is a Coast Guard 
Patrol Commander, including a Coast Guard coxswain, petty officer, or 
other officer operating a Coast Guard vessel, and a Federal, State, and 
local officer designated by or assisting the COTP) in the enforcement 
of the safety zone. The Patrol Commander may be contacted on Channel 16 
VHF-FM (156.8 MHz) by the call sign ``PATCOM''.

[[Page 58504]]

    (2) To seek permission to enter, contact the COTP or a designated 
representative by VHF Channel 16.
    (3) If granted permission to enter, all vessels must transit at 
their slowest safe speed and comply with all lawful orders or 
directions of the COTP or a designated representative.
    (e) Informational broadcasts. The COTP or a designated 
representative will inform the public through Broadcast Notices to 
Mariners (BNMs), Local Notices to Mariners (LNMs), and/or Marine Safety 
Information Bulletins (MSIBs) or other means of public notice of the 
enforcement period for the temporary safety zone as well as any changes 
in the dates and times of enforcement.

    Dated: November 14, 2018.
Kevin D. Oditt,
Captain, U.S. Coast Guard, Captain of the Port Sector Houston-
Galveston.
[FR Doc. 2018-25242 Filed 11-19-18; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 9110-04-P



                      Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 224 / Tuesday, November 20, 2018 / Rules and Regulations                                       58501

     ‘‘significant regulatory action’’ under                 The Interim Rule                                      ADDRESSES:   To view documents
     Executive Order 12866, section 3(f),                      Accordingly, the U.S. Parole                        mentioned in this preamble as being
     Regulatory Planning and Review, and                     Commission is adopting the following                  available in the docket, go to https://
     accordingly this rule has not been                      amendment to 28 CFR part 2:                           www.regulations.gov, type USCG–2018–
     reviewed by the Office of Management                                                                          0962 in the ‘‘SEARCH’’ box and click
     and Budget.                                             PART 2—[AMENDED]                                      ‘‘SEARCH.’’ Click on Open Docket
                                                                                                                   Folder on the line associated with this
     Executive Order 13132
                                                             ■ 1. The authority citation for 28 CFR                rule.
       This rule will not have substantial                   part 2 continues to read as follows:                  FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: If
     direct effects on the States, on the                      Authority: 18 U.S.C. 4203(a)(1) and                 you have questions on this rule, call or
     relationship between the national                       4204(a)(6).                                           email Lieutenant Collin Sykes, Eighth
     government and the States, or on the                                                                          Coast Guard District, Waterways
     distribution of power and                               ■   2. Revise § 2.25 to read as follows:              Management Division, U.S. Coast
     responsibilities among the various                      § 2.25   Hearings by videoconference.                 Guard; telephone 504–671–2119, email
     levels of government. Under Executive                      The Commission may conduct a                       Collin.T.Sykes@uscg.mil.
     Order 13132, this rule does not have                    parole determination hearing (including               SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
     sufficient federalism implications                      a rescission hearing), a probable cause
     requiring a Federalism Assessment.                                                                            I. Table of Abbreviations
                                                             hearing, an institutional revocation
                                                             hearing, and a parole termination                     CFR Code of Federal Regulations
     Regulatory Flexibility Act                                                                                    COTP Captain of the Port Sector Houston-
                                                             hearing by videoconference between the                  Galveston
       This rule will not have a significant                 hearing examiner and the prisoner or                  DHS Department of Homeland Security
     economic impact upon a substantial                      releasee.                                             FR Federal Register
     number of small entities within the                                                                           NPRM Notice of proposed rulemaking
     meaning of the Regulatory Flexibility                   Patricia K. Cushwa,
                                                                                                                   § Section
     Act, 5 U.S.C. 605(b).                                   Chairman (Acting), U.S. Parole Commission.            U.S.C. United States Code
                                                             [FR Doc. 2018–25104 Filed 11–19–18; 8:45 am]
     Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of                         BILLING CODE 4410–31–P
                                                                                                                   II. Background Information and
     1995                                                                                                          Regulatory History
        This rule will not cause State, local,                                                                        The National Aeronautics and Space
     or tribal governments, or the private                   DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND                                Administration’s (NASA’s) Orion
     sector, to spend $100,000,000 or more in                SECURITY                                              program is evaluating an updated design
     any one year, and it will not                                                                                 to the crew module uprighting system
     significantly or uniquely affect small                  Coast Guard                                           (CMUS), the system of five airbags on
     governments. No action under the                                                                              top of the crew capsule that inflate upon
     Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995                    33 CFR Part 165                                       splashdown. NASA tested the CMUS at
     is necessary.                                                                                                 the Neutral Buoyancy Lab at NASA’s
                                                             [Docket Number USCG–2018–0962]                        Johnson Space Center in Houston, and
     Small Business Regulatory Enforcement                   RIN 1625–AA00                                         requested Coast Guard support for the
     Fairness Act of 1996 (Subtitle E—                                                                             at-sea uprighting tests. On October 19,
     Congressional Review Act)                               Safety Zone; NASA Activities, Gulf of                 2018, the Coast Guard published a
                                                             Mexico, Galveston, TX                                 notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM)
        This rule is not a ‘‘major rule’’ as                                                                       titled Safety Zone; NASA Activities,
     defined by Section 804 of the Small                     AGENCY:    Coast Guard, DHS.                          Gulf of Mexico, Galveston, TX (83 FR
     Business Regulatory Enforcement                         ACTION:   Temporary final rule.                       53023). There we stated why we issued
     Fairness Act of 1996 Subtitle E—                                                                              the NPRM, and invited comments on
     Congressional Review Act, now codified                  SUMMARY: The Coast Guard is
                                                                                                                   our proposed regulatory action related
     at 5 U.S.C. 804(2). The rule will not                   establishing a temporary, moving safety               to this at-sea test. During the comment
     result in an annual effect on the                       zone for all navigable waters within a                period that ended November 5, 2018, we
     economy of $100,000,000 or more; a                      1,000-yard radius of the National                     received 3 comments.
     major increase in costs or prices; or                   Aeronautics and Space Administration’s                   Under 5 U.S.C. 553(d)(3), the Coast
     significant adverse effects on the ability              (NASA’s) crew module uprighting                       Guard finds that good cause exists for
     of United States-based companies to                     system test article while it is being                 making this rule effective less than 30
     compete with foreign-based companies.                   tested in the territorial waters of the               days after publication in the Federal
     Moreover, this is a rule of agency                      Gulf of Mexico off the coast of                       Register. Coast Guard finds that good
     practice or procedure that does not                     Galveston, TX. The safety zone is                     cause exists for making this rule
     substantially affect the rights or                      necessary to protect persons, vessels,                effective less than 30 days after
     obligations of non-agency parties, and                  and the marine environment from                       publication in the Federal Register
     does not come within the meaning of                     potential hazards created by vessels and              because it is contrary to the public
     the term ‘‘rule’’ as used in Section                    equipment engaged in the crew                         interest. The Coast Guard must make
     804(3)(C), now codified at 5 U.S.C.                     capsule’s at-sea testing. This rulemaking             this rule effective soon enough to allow
     804(3)(C). Therefore, the reporting                     prohibits persons and vessels from                    for immediate action to respond to the
     requirement of 5 U.S.C. 801 does not                    being in the safety zone unless                       potential safety hazards associated with
     apply.                                                  authorized by the Captain of the Port                 the at-sea testing and that it does not
                                                             Sector Houston-Galveston or a                         compromise publish safety.
     List of Subjects in 28 CFR Part 2
                                                             designated representative
       Administrative practice and                           DATES: This rule is effective from                    III. Legal Authority and Need for Rule
     procedure, Prisoners, Probation and                     November 28, 2018 through December                      The Coast Guard is issuing this rule
     parole.                                                 6, 2018.                                              under authority in 33 U.S.C. 1231. The


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     58502            Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 224 / Tuesday, November 20, 2018 / Rules and Regulations

     at-sea testing of the CMUS will involve                 requested justification for the non-                  must request permission from the COTP
     numerous surface vessels, divers, and                   retaliation statement in the Impact on                or a designated representative. They
     remote-operated submarine vehicles,                     Small Entities section of the NPRM.                   may be contacted on VHF–FM Channel
     and feature a rapid rotation of the Orion               This statement is required to be                      16. All persons and vessels permitted to
     test article in a confined area and                     included in all Coast Guard                           enter this safety zone must transit at
     partially controlled environment. The                   Rulemakings by the Coast Guard Non-                   their slowest safe speed and comply
     Captain of the Port Sector Houston-                     Retaliation Policy outlined in 69 FR                  with all lawful directions issued by the
     Galveston (COTP) has determined that                    12864 (March 18, 2004). Based on the                  COTP or the designated representative.
     due to the complexity of the test and                   public comments received, we have                     The COTP or a designated
     proximity of the participants,                          edited the regulatory text to clarify that            representative will inform the public of
     unauthorized access by persons or                       that the test would occur between 9 and               the enforcement times, dates, and
     vessels outside the scope of the test                   12 NM offshore of Galveston, TX, to the               locations, for this safety zone through
     present a significant hazard to human                   south and west of the Galveston Bay                   BNMs, LNMs, and/or MSIBs, as
     life, vessels, and government property.                 Entrance Channel. There are no other                  appropriate.
     The purpose of this rule to protect                     changes in the regulatory text of this
                                                                                                                   V. Regulatory Analyses
     persons, vessels, and the marine                        rule from the proposed rule in the
     environment from potential hazards                      NPRM.                                                   We developed this rule after
     created by vessels and equipment                           This rule establishes a temporary,                 considering numerous statutes and
     engaged in the crew capsule’s at-sea                    moving safety zone that covers all                    Executive orders related to rulemaking.
     testing.                                                navigable waters within 1,000 yards of                Below we summarize our analyses
                                                             NASA’s CMUS test article, which will                  based on a number of these statutes and
     IV. Discussion of Comments, Changes,                    be located in the territorial waters of the           Executive orders, and we discuss First
     and the Rule                                            Gulf of Mexico off the coast of                       Amendment rights of protestors.
        As noted above, we received 03                       Galveston, TX. NASA anticipates that
     comments on our NPRM published                                                                                A. Regulatory Planning and Review
                                                             the testing activities will take place on
     October 19, 2018. Two of the comments                   approximately three days during the                      Executive Orders 12866 and 13563
     supported the rule for establishing the                 effective period, during daylight hours               direct agencies to assess the costs and
     described safety measures to protect                    only. The effective period of this rule               benefits of available regulatory
     scientists as they search for solutions to              covers a nine-day window from                         alternatives and, if regulation is
     complex problems in potentially                         November 28, 2018 through December                    necessary, to select regulatory
     hazardous environments.                                 6, 2018, to allow for scheduling delays               approaches that maximize net benefits.
        One comment expressed concerns                       due to inclement weather or technical                 Executive Order 13771 directs agencies
     regarding the impact the safety zone                    difficulties. On each of the                          to control regulatory costs through a
     would have on local anglers and                         approximately three days that the rule                budgeting process. This rule has not
     requested a more precise location of the                will be enforced, the enforcement                     been designated a ‘‘significant
     test. The planned location of the test is               periods will begin approximately 2                    regulatory action,’’ under Executive
     between 9 and 12 nautical miles (NMs)                   hours before testing activities and last              Order 12866. Accordingly, this rule has
     offshore of Galveston, TX, to the south                 until approximately 2 hours after the                 not been reviewed by the Office of
     and west of the Galveston Bay Entrance                  testing activities. The COTP or a                     Management and Budget (OMB), and
     Channel. However, due to the drifting                   designated representative will inform                 pursuant to OMB guidance it is exempt
     nature of the test, the Coast Guard                     the public through BNMs, Local Notices                from the requirements of Executive
     cannot provide a specific geographical                  to Mariners (LNMs), and/or Marine                     Order 13771.
     position at this time. Mariners in the                  Safety Information Bulletins (MSIBs),                    This regulatory action determination
     vicinity will be notified of the test                   and/or other means of public notice, as               is based on the size, location, and
     location via Broadcast Notices to                       appropriate, at least 3 hours in advance              duration of the safety zone. Vessel
     Mariners (BNMs) no less than 3 hours                    of each enforcement period. Such notice               traffic will be able to safely transit
     prior to the commencement of testing.                   of enforcement will also include more                 around this safety zone, which will
     The BNMs, paired with the relatively                    specific information regarding the                    affect a small, designated area off the
     small area encompassed by the 1,000-yd                  location of the CMUS test article.                    coast of Galveston, TX, outside of the
     radius safety zone, will provide anglers                   The duration of the zone is intended               Houston Ship Channel and safety
     an ample opportunity to seek alternative                to protect persons, vessels, and the                  fairway during daylight hours on
     fishing grounds during the limited                      marine environment on these navigable                 approximately three days. Moreover, the
     duration test. This same commenter also                 waters during the NASA testing                        Coast Guard will issue a Broadcast
     requested reasons that the NPRM was                     activities. No vessel or person is                    Notice to Mariners via VHF–FM marine
     issued with a 15-day comment period.                    permitted to enter or remain in the                   channel 16 about the zone, and the rule
     The Coast Guard published the NPRM                      safety zone without obtaining                         allows vessels to seek permission to
     with a 15-day comment period because                    permission from the COTP or a                         enter the zone.
     it was impracticable to provide a 30-day                designated representative. A designated
     comment period. It was impracticable to                 representative is a Coast Guard Patrol                B. Impact on Small Entities
     publish an NPRM with a 30-day                           Commander, including a Coast Guard                       The Regulatory Flexibility Act of
     comment period because we needed to                     coxswain, petty officer, or other officer             1980, 5 U.S.C. 601–612, as amended,
     establish this temporary safety zone by                 operating a Coast Guard vessel, and a                 requires Federal agencies to consider
     November 28, 2018. A 15-day comment                     Federal, State, and local officer                     the potential impact of regulations on
     period allowed the Coast Guard to                       designated by or assisting the COTP in                small entities during rulemaking. The
     provide for public notice and comment,                  the enforcement of the safety zone. The               term ‘‘small entities’’ comprises small
     but also publish a rule, if adopted, soon               Patrol Commander may be contacted on                  businesses, not-for-profit organizations
     enough that the length of the notice and                Channel 16 VHF–FM (156.8 MHz) by                      that are independently owned and
     comment period does not compromise                      the call sign ‘‘PATCOM’’. Vessels                     operated and are not dominant in their
     public safety. Finally, this commenter                  requiring entry into this safety zone                 fields, and governmental jurisdictions


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                      Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 224 / Tuesday, November 20, 2018 / Rules and Regulations                                          58503

     with populations of less than 50,000.                   13175, Consultation and Coordination                  requirements, Security measures,
     The Coast Guard received no comments                    with Indian Tribal Governments,                       Waterways.
     from the Small Business Administration                  because it does not have a substantial                  For the reasons discussed in the
     on this rulemaking. The Coast Guard                     direct effect on one or more Indian                   preamble, the Coast Guard amends 33
     certifies under 5 U.S.C. 605(b) that this               tribes, on the relationship between the               CFR part 165 as follows:
     rule will not have a significant                        Federal Government and Indian tribes,
     economic impact on a substantial                        or on the distribution of power and                   PART 165—REGULATED NAVIGATION
     number of small entities.                               responsibilities between the Federal                  AREAS AND LIMITED ACCESS AREAS
        While some owners or operators of                    Government and Indian tribes. If you
     vessels intending to transit the                        believe this rule has implications for                ■ 1. The authority citation for part 165
     temporary safety zone may be small                      federalism or Indian tribes, please                   continues to read as follows:
     entities, for the reasons stated in section             contact the person listed in the FOR                    Authority: 33 U.S.C. 1231; 50 U.S.C. 191;
     IV.A above, this rule will not have a                   FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section.                  33 CFR 1.05–1, 6.04–1, 6.04–6, and 160.5;
     significant economic impact on any                                                                            Department of Homeland Security Delegation
     vessel owner or operator.                               E. Unfunded Mandates Reform Act                       No. 0170.1.
        Under section 213(a) of the Small                      The Unfunded Mandates Reform Act                    ■ 2. Add § 165.T08–0962 to read as
     Business Regulatory Enforcement                         of 1995 (2 U.S.C. 1531–1538) requires                 follows:
     Fairness Act of 1996 (Pub. L. 104–121),                 Federal agencies to assess the effects of
     we want to assist small entities in                     their discretionary regulatory actions. In            § 165.T08–0962 Safety Zone; NASA
                                                                                                                   Activities, Gulf of Mexico, Galveston, TX.
     understanding this rule. If the rule                    particular, the Act addresses actions
     would affect your small business,                       that may result in the expenditure by a                  (a) Location. The following area is a
     organization, or governmental                           State, local, or tribal government, in the            safety zone: All navigable waters within
     jurisdiction and you have questions                     aggregate, or by the private sector of                1000 yards of the National Aeronautics
     concerning its provisions or options for                $100,000,000 (adjusted for inflation) or              and Space Administration’s (NASA’s)
     compliance, please contact the person                   more in any one year. Though this rule                crew module uprighting system test
     listed in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION                   will not result in such an expenditure,               article. The test will occur between 9
     CONTACT section.                                        we do discuss the effects of this rule                and 12 nautical miles (NM) offshore of
        Small businesses may send comments                   elsewhere in this preamble.                           Galveston, TX, to the south and west of
     on the actions of Federal employees                                                                           the Galveston Bay Entrance Channel.
     who enforce, or otherwise determine                     F. Environment                                           (b) Effective period. This section will
     compliance with, Federal regulations to                   We have analyzed this rule under                    be effective from November 28, 2018
     the Small Business and Agriculture                      Department of Homeland Security                       through December 6, 2018.
     Regulatory Enforcement Ombudsman                        Directive 023–01 and Commandant                          (c) Enforcement periods. This section
     and the Regional Small Business                         Instruction M16475.1D, which guide the                will be enforced on approximately 3
     Regulatory Fairness Boards. The                         Coast Guard in complying with the                     days during the effective period, during
     Ombudsman evaluates these actions                       National Environmental Policy Act of                  daylight hours. Each period of
     annually and rates each agency’s                        1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321–4370f), and have                 enforcement will begin approximately 2
     responsiveness to small business. If you                determined that this action is one of a               hours before testing activities and end
     wish to comment on actions by                           category of actions that do not                       approximately 2 hours after testing
     employees of the Coast Guard, call 1–                   individually or cumulatively have a                   activities. The Captain of the Port Sector
     888–REG–FAIR (1–888–734–3247). The                      significant effect on the human                       Houston-Galveston (COTP) or a
     Coast Guard will not retaliate against                  environment. This rule involves a                     designated representative will inform
     small entities that question or complain                temporary, moving safety zone that                    the public of the enforcement through
     about this rule or any policy or action                 prohibit entry within 1,000 yards of the              Broadcast Notices to Mariners (BNMs),
     of the Coast Guard.                                     CMUS test article during daylight hours               Local Notices to Mariners (LNMs), and/
                                                             on approximately nine days in the Gulf                or Marine Safety Information Bulletins
     C. Collection of Information                            of Mexico. It is categorically excluded               (MSIBs) or other means of public notice
       This rule will not call for a new                     from further review under paragraph                   at least 3 hours in advance of the
     collection of information under the                     L60(a) of Appendix A, Table 1 of DHS                  enforcement of this safety zone. Such
     Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44                     Instruction Manual 023–01–001–01,                     notice of enforcement will also include
     U.S.C. 3501–3520).                                      Rev. 01. A Record of Environmental                    more specific information regarding the
                                                             Consideration supporting this                         location of the CMUS test article.
     D. Federalism and Indian Tribal                                                                                  (d) Regulations. (1) Under the general
     Governments                                             determination is available in the docket
                                                             where indicated under ADDRESSES.                      safety zone regulations in subpart C of
        A rule has implications for federalism                                                                     this part, you may not enter the safety
     under Executive Order 13132,                            G. Protest Activities                                 zone described in paragraph (a) of this
     Federalism, if it has a substantial direct                The Coast Guard respects the First                  section unless authorized by the COTP
     effect on the States, on the relationship               Amendment rights of protesters.                       or a designated representative. A
     between the national government and                     Protesters are asked to contact the                   designated representative is a Coast
     the States, or on the distribution of                   person listed in the FOR FURTHER                      Guard Patrol Commander, including a
     power and responsibilities among the                    INFORMATION CONTACT section to                        Coast Guard coxswain, petty officer, or
     various levels of government. We have                   coordinate protest activities so that your            other officer operating a Coast Guard
     analyzed this rule under that Order and                 message can be received without                       vessel, and a Federal, State, and local
     have determined that it is consistent                   jeopardizing the safety or security of                officer designated by or assisting the
     with the fundamental federalism                         people, places or vessels.                            COTP) in the enforcement of the safety
     principles and preemption requirements                                                                        zone. The Patrol Commander may be
     described in Executive Order 13132.                     List of Subjects in 33 CFR Part 165                   contacted on Channel 16 VHF–FM
        Also, this rule does not have tribal                   Harbors, Marine safety, Navigation                  (156.8 MHz) by the call sign
     implications under Executive Order                      (water), Reporting and recordkeeping                  ‘‘PATCOM’’.


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     58504            Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 224 / Tuesday, November 20, 2018 / Rules and Regulations

       (2) To seek permission to enter,                      available in the docket, go to https://               III. Legal Authority and Need for Rule
     contact the COTP or a designated                        www.regulations.gov, type USCG–2018–                     The Coast Guard is issuing this rule
     representative by VHF Channel 16.                       1014 in the ‘‘SEARCH’’ box and click                  under authority in 33 U.S.C. 1231. The
       (3) If granted permission to enter, all               ‘‘SEARCH.’’ Click on Open Docket                      Captain of the Port Sector Corpus
     vessels must transit at their slowest safe              Folder on the line associated with this               Christi (COTP) has determined that
     speed and comply with all lawful orders                 rule.                                                 potential hazards associated with the
     or directions of the COTP or a                                                                                transit and mooring of LNG GOLAR
                                                             FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:     If
     designated representative.                                                                                    TUNDRA from November 11, 2018
       (e) Informational broadcasts. The                     you have questions on this rule, call or
                                                             email LCDR Margaret Brown, Sector                     through November 21, 2018, will be a
     COTP or a designated representative
                                                             Corpus Christi Waterways Management                   safety concern for anyone within a 500-
     will inform the public through
                                                             Division, U.S. Coast Guard; telephone                 yard radius of the vessel, and while
     Broadcast Notices to Mariners (BNMs),
                                                             361–939–5130, email                                   LNG GOLAR TUNDRA is moored
     Local Notices to Mariners (LNMs), and/
                                                             Margaret.A.Brown@uscg.mil.                            within the mooring basin, bound by
     or Marine Safety Information Bulletins
                                                                                                                   27°52′53.38″ N, 097°16′20.66″ W on the
     (MSIBs) or other means of public notice                 SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
                                                                                                                   northern shoreline; thence to
     of the enforcement period for the
                                                             I. Table of Abbreviations                             27°52′45.58″ N, 097°16′19.60″ W; thence
     temporary safety zone as well as any
                                                                                                                   to 27°52′38.55″ N, 097°15′45.56″ W;
     changes in the dates and times of                       CFR Code of Federal Regulations                       thence to 27°52′49.30″ N, 097°15′45.44″
     enforcement.                                            COTP Captain of the Port Sector Corpus                W; thence west along the shoreline to
       Dated: November 14, 2018.                               Christi                                             27°52′53.38″ N, 097°16′20.66″ W. This
     Kevin D. Oditt,                                         DHS Department of Homeland Security
                                                             FR Federal Register
                                                                                                                   rule is needed to protect the public and
     Captain, U.S. Coast Guard, Captain of the               NPRM Notice of proposed rulemaking                    marine environment while the vessel is
     Port Sector Houston-Galveston.                          § Section                                             transiting and moored within the COTP
     [FR Doc. 2018–25242 Filed 11–19–18; 8:45 am]            U.S.C. United States Code                             zone.
     BILLING CODE 9110–04–P
                                                                                                                   IV. Discussion of the Rule
                                                             II. Background Information and
                                                             Regulatory History                                       This rule establishes a security zone
     DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND                                                                                        from the time LNG GOLAR TUNDRA
     SECURITY                                                   The Coast Guard is issuing this                    enters the Corpus Christi Ship Channel
                                                             temporary rule without prior notice and               on November 11, 2018 until departure
     Coast Guard                                             opportunity to comment pursuant to                    on or about November 21, 2018. The
                                                             authority under section 4(a) of the                   moving security zone will cover all
     33 CFR Part 165                                         Administrative Procedure Act (APA) (5                 navigable waters within a 500-yard
                                                             U.S.C. 553(b)). This provision                        radius of LNG GOLAR TUNDRA while
     [Docket Number USCG–2018–1014]
                                                             authorizes an agency to issue a rule                  transiting inbound and outbound
     RIN 1625–AA87                                           without prior notice and opportunity to               through the Corpus Christi Ship
                                                             comment when the agency for good                      Channel and La Quinta Channel, and
     Security Zone; Corpus Christi Ship                      cause finds that those procedures are
     Channel, Corpus Christi, TX                                                                                   the fixed security zone will cover all
                                                             ‘‘impracticable, unnecessary, or contrary             waters bound by 27°52′53.38″ N,
     AGENCY:    Coast Guard, DHS.                            to the public interest.’’ Under 5 U.S.C.              097°16′20.66″ W; on the northern
     ACTION:   Temporary final rule.                         553(b)(B), the Coast Guard finds that                 shoreline; thence to 27°52′45.58″ N,
                                                             good cause exists for not publishing a                097°16′19.60″ W; thence to 27°52′38.55″
     SUMMARY: The Coast Guard is                             notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM)                  N, 097°15′45.56″ W; thence to
     establishing a temporary security zone                  with respect to this rule because doing               27°52′49.30″ N, 097°15′45.44″ W; thence
     for navigable waters within a 500-yard                  so would be impracticable. LNG GOLAR                  west along the shoreline to 27°52′53.38″
     radius of LNG GOLAR TUNDRA while                        TUNDRA is scheduled to be transit                     N, 097°16′20.66″ W, while LNG GOLAR
     the vessel transits within the Corpus                   inbound on November 11, 2018 and                      TUNDRA is moored at the facility. No
     Christi Ship Channel and La Quinta                      anticipated to depart on November 21,                 vessel or person will be permitted to
     Channel. A temporary security zone of                   2018, and it is impracticable to publish              enter the security zones without
     the receiving facility’s mooring basin                  an NPRM because we must establish                     obtaining permission from the COTP or
     will also remain in effect while LNG                    this security zone by November 11,                    a designated representative.
     GOLAR TUNDRA is moored at the                           2018. The security zone must be in                       Entry into the security zones is
     facility. The security zones are needed                 effect through those dates in order to                prohibited unless authorized by the
     to protect personnel, vessels, and the                  serve its purpose of ensuring the safety              COTP or a designated representative. A
     marine environment from potential                       and security of the public and marine                 designated representative is a
     hazards created by LNG cargo aboard                     environment from hazards associated                   commissioned, warrant, or petty officer
     the vessel. Entry of vessels or persons                 with the LNG cargo.                                   of the U.S. Coast Guard assigned to
     into these zones is prohibited unless                      Under 5 U.S.C. 553(d)(3), the Coast                units under the operational control of
     specifically authorized by the Captain of               Guard finds that good cause exists for                USCG Sector Corpus Christi. Persons or
     the Port Corpus Christi.                                making this rule effective less than 30               vessels desiring to enter or pass through
     DATES: This rule is effective without                   days after publication in the Federal                 the zones must request permission from
     actual notice from November 20, 2018                    Register. Delaying the effective date of              the COTP or a designated representative
     through November 21, 2018. For the                      this rule would be impracticable                      on VHF–FM channel 16 or by telephone
     purposes of enforcement, actual notice                  because immediate action is needed to                 at 361–939–0450. If permission is
     will be used from November 11, 2018                     establish the security zone to ensure the             granted, all persons and vessels shall
     through November 20, 2018.                              safety and security of the public and                 comply with the instructions of the
     ADDRESSES: To view documents                            marine environment from hazards                       COTP or designated representative. The
     mentioned in this preamble as being                     associated with the LNG cargo.                        COTP or a designated representative


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Document Created: 2018-11-20 07:59:43
Document Modified: 2018-11-20 07:59:43
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
ActionTemporary final rule.
DatesThis rule is effective from November 28, 2018 through December 6, 2018.
ContactIf you have questions on this rule, call or email Lieutenant Collin Sykes, Eighth Coast Guard District, Waterways Management Division, U.S. Coast Guard; telephone 504-671- 2119, email [email protected]
FR Citation83 FR 58501 
RIN Number1625-AA00
CFR AssociatedHarbors; Marine Safety; Navigation (Water); Reporting and Recordkeeping Requirements; Security Measures and Waterways

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