SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

The Permitting Council administers FAST-41, 42 U.S.C. 4370m et seq., which serves to improve the timeliness, predictability, and transparency of the Federal environmental review and authorization processes for “covered” infrastructure projects. Pursuant to 42 U.S.C. 4370m-8(a), Permitting Council member agencies may issue regulations establishing a fee structure for project sponsors to reimburse the United States for “reasonable costs” incurred in conducting environmental reviews and authorizations for FAST-41 covered projects. Reasonable costs include the cost of administering the FAST-41 program and the Permitting Council. 42 U.S.C. 4370m-8(b).

On September 4, 2018, the Permitting Council proposed to establish an initiation fee for project sponsors to reimburse the United States for reasonable costs associated with implementing certain FAST-41 provisions and operating the Permitting Council's Office of the Executive Director. 83 FR 44846. The Permitting Council continues to assess the advantages and disadvantages of: (i) Collecting fees from project sponsors; (ii) various fee structures in light of the diverse range of FAST-41 covered projects; and (iii) how such fees could be used to most effectively comply with and accomplish the goals of FAST-41. In particular, the Permitting Council is considering whether implementing fees at this time may dissuade project sponsors from seeking FAST-41 coverage because project review can span more than two years and the FAST-41 program is currently scheduled to terminate in on December 4, 2022. 42 U.S.C. 4370m-12. The Permitting Council does not anticipate completing its assessment of these and other issues related to the fee proposal in the immediate future, and therefore is withdrawing the proposed rule. The Permitting Council may revisit a FAST-41 fees rulemaking in the future.

Authority: 42 U.S.C. 4370m et seq.

86 FR 26888