SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

NOAA issues this final rule to remove provisions from its internal conduct regulations, codified at 15 CFR part 909. This part contains policies and procedures regarding disclosure of information and employee testimony in litigation not involving the United States. This part is removed and reserved because it has been superseded by regulations on the same topic promulgated by the Department of Commerce, and codified at 15 CFR part 15, subpart B.

Classification

Executive Order 12866

This final rule has been determined to be not significant for purposes of E.O. 12866.

Administrative Procedure Act

Pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553(b)(A), prior notice and an opportunity for public comment and not required for this rule of agency organization, management and procedures. Further, this rule of agency organization, management and procedures is not a substantive rule, and is therefore not subject to the 30-day delay in effective date requirement of 5 U.S.C. 553(d).

Regulatory Flexibility Act

As this rule is not subject to the requirement to provide prior notice and an opportunity for public comment pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553, or any other law, it is not subject to the analytical requirements of the Regulatory Flexibility Act, 5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.

Paperwork Reduction Act

This rule does not contain or involve any information collection requirements that require the approval of the Office of Management and Budget pursuant to the Paperwork Reduction Act, 44 U.S.C. chapter 35.

Accordingly, for the reasons set forth in the preamble and under the authority contained in 5 U.S.C. 301; 15 U.S.C. 1501, 1512, 1513, 1515 and 1518; Reorganization Plan No. 5 of 1950; 3 CFR, 1949-1953 Comp., p. 1004; and 44 U.S.C. 3101; remove and reserve 15 CFR part 909.

67 FR 7611