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  <VOL>77</VOL>
  <NO>243</NO>
  <DATE>Tuesday, December 18, 2012</DATE>
  <UNITNAME>Contents</UNITNAME>
  <CNTNTS>
    <AGCY>
      <EAR>Agriculture</EAR>
      <PRTPAGE P="iii"/>
      <HD>Agriculture Department</HD>
      <SEE>
        <HD SOURCE="HED">See</HD>
        <P>Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service</P>
      </SEE>
      <SEE>
        <HD SOURCE="HED">See</HD>
        <P>Commodity Credit Corporation</P>
      </SEE>
      <SEE>
        <HD SOURCE="HED">See</HD>
        <P>Forest Service</P>
      </SEE>
      <CAT>
        <HD>NOTICES</HD>
        <DOCENT>
          <DOC>Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposals, Submissions, and Approvals,</DOC>
          <PGS>74824</PGS>
          <FRDOCBP D="0" T="18DEN1.sgm">2012-30419</FRDOCBP>
        </DOCENT>
      </CAT>
    </AGCY>
    <AGCY>
      <EAR>Animal</EAR>
      <HD>Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service</HD>
      <CAT>
        <HD>PROPOSED RULES</HD>
        <DOCENT>
          <DOC>Evaluation of Swine Vesicular Disease Status of Certain Regions in Italy,</DOC>
          <PGS>74787-74788</PGS>
          <FRDOCBP D="1" T="18DEP1.sgm">2012-30257</FRDOCBP>
        </DOCENT>
      </CAT>
    </AGCY>
    <AGCY>
      <EAR>Antitrust Division</EAR>
      <HD>Antitrust Division</HD>
      <CAT>
        <HD>NOTICES</HD>
        <SJ>Membership Changes Pursuant to the National Cooperative Research and Production Act:</SJ>
        <SJDENT>
          <SJDOC>Cable Television Laboratories, Inc.,</SJDOC>
          <PGS>74877</PGS>
          <FRDOCBP D="0" T="18DEN1.sgm">2012-30410</FRDOCBP>
        </SJDENT>
      </CAT>
    </AGCY>
    <AGCY>
      <EAR/>
      <HD>Antitrust</HD>
      <SEE>
        <HD SOURCE="HED">See</HD>
        <P>Antitrust Division</P>
      </SEE>
    </AGCY>
    <AGCY>
      <EAR>Architectural</EAR>
      <HD>Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board</HD>
      <CAT>
        <HD>NOTICES</HD>
        <SJ>Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposals, Submissions, and Approvals:</SJ>
        <SJDENT>
          <SJDOC>On-Line Architectural Barriers Act Complaint Form,</SJDOC>
          <PGS>74826-74827</PGS>
          <FRDOCBP D="1" T="18DEN1.sgm">2012-30375</FRDOCBP>
        </SJDENT>
        <DOCENT>
          <DOC>Meetings,</DOC>
          <PGS>74827</PGS>
          <FRDOCBP D="0" T="18DEN1.sgm">2012-30473</FRDOCBP>
        </DOCENT>
        <SJ>Meetings:</SJ>
        <SJDENT>
          <SJDOC>Working Group on Access to Information on Prescription Drug Container Labels,</SJDOC>
          <PGS>74827-74828</PGS>
          <FRDOCBP D="1" T="18DEN1.sgm">2012-30413</FRDOCBP>
        </SJDENT>
      </CAT>
    </AGCY>
    <AGCY>
      <EAR>Consumer Financial Protection</EAR>
      <HD>Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection</HD>
      <CAT>
        <HD>NOTICES</HD>
        <DOCENT>
          <DOC>Fair Credit Reporting Act Disclosures,</DOC>
          <PGS>74831-74832</PGS>
          <FRDOCBP D="1" T="18DEN1.sgm">2012-30373</FRDOCBP>
        </DOCENT>
      </CAT>
    </AGCY>
    <AGCY>
      <EAR>Children</EAR>
      <HD>Children and Families Administration</HD>
      <CAT>
        <HD>NOTICES</HD>
        <DOCENT>
          <DOC>Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposals, Submissions, and Approvals,</DOC>
          <PGS>74851-74852</PGS>
          <FRDOCBP D="1" T="18DEN1.sgm">2012-30390</FRDOCBP>
        </DOCENT>
      </CAT>
    </AGCY>
    <AGCY>
      <EAR>Coast Guard</EAR>
      <HD>Coast Guard</HD>
      <CAT>
        <HD>RULES</HD>
        <SJ>Drawbridge Operations:</SJ>
        <SJDENT>
          <SJDOC>Sacramento River, CA,</SJDOC>
          <PGS>74775-74777</PGS>
          <FRDOCBP D="2" T="18DER1.sgm">2012-30402</FRDOCBP>
        </SJDENT>
        <SJ>Safety Zones:</SJ>
        <SJDENT>
          <SJDOC>Columbia Grain and United Grain Corporation Facilities; Columbia and Willamette Rivers,</SJDOC>
          <PGS>74781-74783</PGS>
          <FRDOCBP D="2" T="18DER1.sgm">2012-30405</FRDOCBP>
        </SJDENT>
        <SJDENT>
          <SJDOC>Grain-Shipment Assistance Vessels; Columbia and Willamette Rivers,</SJDOC>
          <PGS>74777-74780</PGS>
          <FRDOCBP D="3" T="18DER1.sgm">2012-30404</FRDOCBP>
        </SJDENT>
        <SJDENT>
          <SJDOC>Recovery Operations for East Jefferson Street Train Derailment, Mantua Creek; Paulsboro, NJ,</SJDOC>
          <PGS>74784-74786</PGS>
          <FRDOCBP D="2" T="18DER1.sgm">2012-30400</FRDOCBP>
        </SJDENT>
      </CAT>
      <CAT>
        <HD>PROPOSED RULES</HD>
        <SJ>Regulated Navigation Areas:</SJ>
        <SJDENT>
          <SJDOC>Youngs Bay PacifiCorp Sediment Cap; Youngs Bay, Columbia River, Astoria, OR,</SJDOC>
          <PGS>74814-74817</PGS>
          <FRDOCBP D="3" T="18DEP1.sgm">2012-30409</FRDOCBP>
        </SJDENT>
      </CAT>
    </AGCY>
    <AGCY>
      <EAR>Commerce</EAR>
      <HD>Commerce Department</HD>
      <SEE>
        <HD SOURCE="HED">See</HD>
        <P>International Trade Administration</P>
      </SEE>
      <SEE>
        <HD SOURCE="HED">See</HD>
        <P>National Institute of Standards and Technology</P>
      </SEE>
      <SEE>
        <HD SOURCE="HED">See</HD>
        <P>Patent and Trademark Office</P>
      </SEE>
    </AGCY>
    <AGCY>
      <EAR>Commodity Credit</EAR>
      <HD>Commodity Credit Corporation</HD>
      <CAT>
        <HD>NOTICES</HD>
        <DOCENT>
          <DOC>Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposals, Submissions, and Approvals,</DOC>
          <PGS>74824-74825</PGS>
          <FRDOCBP D="1" T="18DEN1.sgm">2012-30485</FRDOCBP>
        </DOCENT>
      </CAT>
    </AGCY>
    <AGCY>
      <EAR>Defense Department</EAR>
      <HD>Defense Department</HD>
      <CAT>
        <HD>NOTICES</HD>
        <DOCENT>
          <DOC>Arms Sales,</DOC>
          <PGS>74832-74834</PGS>
          <FRDOCBP D="2" T="18DEN1.sgm">2012-30428</FRDOCBP>
        </DOCENT>
        <SJ>Meetings:</SJ>
        <SJDENT>
          <SJDOC>Defense Audit Advisory Committee,</SJDOC>
          <PGS>74834-74835</PGS>
          <FRDOCBP D="1" T="18DEN1.sgm">2012-30429</FRDOCBP>
        </SJDENT>
        <DOCENT>
          <DOC>Renewal of Department of Defense Federal Advisory Committees,</DOC>
          <PGS>74835-74836</PGS>
          <FRDOCBP D="1" T="18DEN1.sgm">2012-30430</FRDOCBP>
        </DOCENT>
      </CAT>
    </AGCY>
    <AGCY>
      <EAR>Energy Department</EAR>
      <HD>Energy Department</HD>
      <SEE>
        <HD SOURCE="HED">See</HD>
        <P>Federal Energy Regulatory Commission</P>
      </SEE>
      <CAT>
        <HD>NOTICES</HD>
        <SJ>Meetings:</SJ>
        <SJDENT>
          <SJDOC>Environmental Management Site-Specific Advisory Board, Northern New Mexico,</SJDOC>
          <PGS>74838</PGS>
          <FRDOCBP D="0" T="18DEN1.sgm">2012-30459</FRDOCBP>
        </SJDENT>
        <SJDENT>
          <SJDOC>Environmental Management Site-Specific Advisory Board, Oak Ridge Reservation,</SJDOC>
          <PGS>74836-74837</PGS>
          <FRDOCBP D="1" T="18DEN1.sgm">2012-30461</FRDOCBP>
        </SJDENT>
        <SJDENT>
          <SJDOC>President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology,</SJDOC>
          <PGS>74837-74838</PGS>
          <FRDOCBP D="1" T="18DEN1.sgm">2012-30432</FRDOCBP>
        </SJDENT>
      </CAT>
    </AGCY>
    <AGCY>
      <EAR>Environmental Protection</EAR>
      <HD>Environmental Protection Agency</HD>
      <CAT>
        <HD>PROPOSED RULES</HD>
        <SJ>Approvals and Promulgations of Air Quality Implementation Plans:</SJ>
        <SJDENT>
          <SJDOC>Wisconsin; Disapproval of PM2.5 Permitting Requirements,</SJDOC>
          <PGS>74817-74820</PGS>
          <FRDOCBP D="3" T="18DEP1.sgm">2012-30449</FRDOCBP>
        </SJDENT>
        <SJ>Approvals and Promulgations of Implementation Plans:</SJ>
        <SJDENT>
          <SJDOC>Tennessee; Knox County Supplemental Motor Vehicle Emissions Budget Update,</SJDOC>
          <PGS>74820-74822</PGS>
          <FRDOCBP D="2" T="18DEP1.sgm">2012-30358</FRDOCBP>
        </SJDENT>
        <SJ>Water Quality Standards:</SJ>
        <SJDENT>
          <SJDOC>Florida's Estuaries, Coastal Waters, and South Florida Inland Flowing Waters,</SJDOC>
          <PGS>74924-74985</PGS>
          <FRDOCBP D="61" T="18DEP2.sgm">2012-30117</FRDOCBP>
        </SJDENT>
        <SJDENT>
          <SJDOC>Florida's Streams and Downstream Protection Values for Lakes,</SJDOC>
          <PGS>74985-75005</PGS>
          <FRDOCBP D="20" T="18DEP2.sgm">2012-30114</FRDOCBP>
        </SJDENT>
      </CAT>
      <CAT>
        <HD>NOTICES</HD>
        <DOCENT>
          <DOC>Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposals, Submissions, and Approvals,</DOC>
          <PGS>74845-74846</PGS>
          <FRDOCBP D="1" T="18DEN1.sgm">2012-30344</FRDOCBP>
        </DOCENT>
      </CAT>
    </AGCY>
    <AGCY>
      <EAR>Export Import</EAR>
      <HD>Export-Import Bank</HD>
      <CAT>
        <HD>NOTICES</HD>
        <DOCENT>
          <DOC>Applications for Final Commitments a Long-Term Loans or Financial Guarantees in Excess of $100 million,</DOC>
          <PGS>74846</PGS>
          <FRDOCBP D="0" T="18DEN1.sgm">2012-30408</FRDOCBP>
        </DOCENT>
      </CAT>
    </AGCY>
    <AGCY>
      <EAR>Federal Aviation</EAR>
      <HD>Federal Aviation Administration</HD>
      <CAT>
        <HD>NOTICES</HD>
        <DOCENT>
          <DOC>Petitions for Exemptions; Summaries of Petitions Received,</DOC>
          <PGS>74914</PGS>
          <FRDOCBP D="0" T="18DEN1.sgm">2012-30360</FRDOCBP>
        </DOCENT>
      </CAT>
    </AGCY>
    <AGCY>
      <EAR>Federal Bureau</EAR>
      <HD>Federal Bureau of Investigation</HD>
      <CAT>
        <HD>NOTICES</HD>
        <SJ>Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposals, Submissions, and Approvals:</SJ>
        <SJDENT>
          <SJDOC>Law Enforcement Officers Killed and Assaulted Program, Analysis of Officers Feloniously Killed and Assaulted, etc.,</SJDOC>
          <PGS>74877</PGS>
          <FRDOCBP D="0" T="18DEN1.sgm">2012-30371</FRDOCBP>
        </SJDENT>
      </CAT>
    </AGCY>
    <AGCY>
      <EAR>Federal Communications</EAR>
      <PRTPAGE P="iv"/>
      <HD>Federal Communications Commission</HD>
      <CAT>
        <HD>PROPOSED RULES</HD>
        <DOCENT>
          <DOC>Petitions for Reconsiderations of Actions in Rulemaking Proceedings,</DOC>
          <PGS>74822-74823</PGS>
          <FRDOCBP D="1" T="18DEP1.sgm">2012-30484</FRDOCBP>
        </DOCENT>
      </CAT>
    </AGCY>
    <AGCY>
      <EAR>Federal Deposit</EAR>
      <HD>Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation</HD>
      <CAT>
        <HD>NOTICES</HD>
        <SJ>Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposals, Submissions, and Approvals:</SJ>
        <SJDENT>
          <SJDOC>Purchaser Eligibility Certification,</SJDOC>
          <PGS>74847</PGS>
          <FRDOCBP D="0" T="18DEN1.sgm">2012-30343</FRDOCBP>
        </SJDENT>
        <DOCENT>
          <DOC>Modifications to Statement of Policy for Section 19 of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act,</DOC>
          <PGS>74847-74851</PGS>
          <FRDOCBP D="4" T="18DEN1.sgm">2012-30351</FRDOCBP>
        </DOCENT>
        <DOCENT>
          <DOC>Privacy Act; Systems of Records,</DOC>
          <PGS>74851</PGS>
          <FRDOCBP D="0" T="18DEN1.sgm">2012-30254</FRDOCBP>
        </DOCENT>
      </CAT>
    </AGCY>
    <AGCY>
      <EAR>Federal Election</EAR>
      <HD>Federal Election Commission</HD>
      <CAT>
        <HD>NOTICES</HD>
        <DOCENT>
          <DOC>Meetings; Sunshine Act,</DOC>
          <PGS>74851</PGS>
          <FRDOCBP D="0" T="18DEN1.sgm">2012-30492</FRDOCBP>
        </DOCENT>
      </CAT>
    </AGCY>
    <AGCY>
      <EAR>Federal Emergency</EAR>
      <HD>Federal Emergency Management Agency</HD>
      <CAT>
        <HD>NOTICES</HD>
        <DOCENT>
          <DOC>Changes in Flood Hazard Determinations,</DOC>
          <PGS>74856-74859</PGS>
          <FRDOCBP D="3" T="18DEN1.sgm">2012-30374</FRDOCBP>
        </DOCENT>
        <DOCENT>
          <DOC>Proposed Flood Hazard Determinations,</DOC>
          <PGS>74859-74861</PGS>
          <FRDOCBP D="2" T="18DEN1.sgm">2012-30262</FRDOCBP>
        </DOCENT>
      </CAT>
    </AGCY>
    <AGCY>
      <EAR>Federal Energy</EAR>
      <HD>Federal Energy Regulatory Commission</HD>
      <CAT>
        <HD>NOTICES</HD>
        <SJ>Amendments:</SJ>
        <SJDENT>
          <SJDOC>Perryville Gas Storage LLC,</SJDOC>
          <PGS>74838-74839</PGS>
          <FRDOCBP D="1" T="18DEN1.sgm">2012-30396</FRDOCBP>
        </SJDENT>
        <DOCENT>
          <DOC>Combined Filings,</DOC>
          <FRDOCBP D="0" T="18DEN1.sgm">2012-30387</FRDOCBP>
          <FRDOCBP D="0" T="18DEN1.sgm">2012-30388</FRDOCBP>
          <PGS>74839-74841</PGS>
          <FRDOCBP D="1" T="18DEN1.sgm">2012-30426</FRDOCBP>
        </DOCENT>
        <SJ>License Amenment Applications:</SJ>
        <SJDENT>
          <SJDOC>Alabama Power Co.,</SJDOC>
          <PGS>74841-74842</PGS>
          <FRDOCBP D="1" T="18DEN1.sgm">2012-30394</FRDOCBP>
        </SJDENT>
        <DOCENT>
          <DOC>Meetings; Sunshine Act,</DOC>
          <PGS>74842-74843</PGS>
          <FRDOCBP D="1" T="18DEN1.sgm">2012-30544</FRDOCBP>
        </DOCENT>
        <SJ>Petitions for Declaratory Orders:</SJ>
        <SJDENT>
          <SJDOC>Seaway Crude Pipeline Company LLC,</SJDOC>
          <PGS>74843-74844</PGS>
          <FRDOCBP D="1" T="18DEN1.sgm">2012-30393</FRDOCBP>
        </SJDENT>
        <SJDENT>
          <SJDOC>Sunoco Pipeline L.P.,</SJDOC>
          <PGS>74844</PGS>
          <FRDOCBP D="0" T="18DEN1.sgm">2012-30392</FRDOCBP>
        </SJDENT>
        <DOCENT>
          <DOC>Staff Attendances,</DOC>
          <PGS>74844-74845</PGS>
          <FRDOCBP D="1" T="18DEN1.sgm">2012-30395</FRDOCBP>
        </DOCENT>
        <SJ>Surrender of Preliminary Permit:</SJ>
        <SJDENT>
          <SJDOC>AJT Mining Properties, Inc.,</SJDOC>
          <PGS>74845</PGS>
          <FRDOCBP D="0" T="18DEN1.sgm">2012-30391</FRDOCBP>
        </SJDENT>
      </CAT>
    </AGCY>
    <AGCY>
      <EAR>Fish</EAR>
      <HD>Fish and Wildlife Service</HD>
      <CAT>
        <HD>NOTICES</HD>
        <SJ>Meetings:</SJ>
        <SJDENT>
          <SJDOC>Wildlife and Hunting Heritage Conservation Council,</SJDOC>
          <PGS>74864-74865</PGS>
          <FRDOCBP D="1" T="18DEN1.sgm">2012-30384</FRDOCBP>
        </SJDENT>
      </CAT>
    </AGCY>
    <AGCY>
      <EAR>Food and Drug</EAR>
      <HD>Food and Drug Administration</HD>
      <CAT>
        <HD>NOTICES</HD>
        <DOCENT>
          <DOC>Draft Guidance for Industry on Certification of Designated Medical Gases; Availability,</DOC>
          <PGS>74852-74854</PGS>
          <FRDOCBP D="2" T="18DEN1.sgm">2012-30382</FRDOCBP>
        </DOCENT>
      </CAT>
    </AGCY>
    <AGCY>
      <EAR>Foreign Assets</EAR>
      <HD>Foreign Assets Control Office</HD>
      <CAT>
        <HD>NOTICES</HD>
        <DOCENT>
          <DOC>Additional Designations, Foreign Narcotics Kingpin Designation Act,</DOC>
          <PGS>74915-74916</PGS>
          <FRDOCBP D="1" T="18DEN1.sgm">2012-30424</FRDOCBP>
        </DOCENT>
        <SJ>Blocking or Unblocking of Persons or Property:</SJ>
        <SJDENT>
          <SJDOC>Designation of Six Individuals, One Property under the Foreign Narcotics Kingpin Designation Act,</SJDOC>
          <PGS>74916-74918</PGS>
          <FRDOCBP D="2" T="18DEN1.sgm">2012-30423</FRDOCBP>
        </SJDENT>
        <SJDENT>
          <SJDOC>Designation of Two Persons Who Commit, Threaten to Commit, or Support Terrorism,</SJDOC>
          <PGS>74916</PGS>
          <FRDOCBP D="0" T="18DEN1.sgm">2012-30420</FRDOCBP>
        </SJDENT>
        <SJDENT>
          <SJDOC>Significant Narcotics Traffickers,</SJDOC>
          <PGS>74918-74920</PGS>
          <FRDOCBP D="2" T="18DEN1.sgm">2012-30411</FRDOCBP>
        </SJDENT>
      </CAT>
    </AGCY>
    <AGCY>
      <EAR>Foreign Claims</EAR>
      <HD>Foreign Claims Settlement Commission</HD>
      <CAT>
        <HD>NOTICES</HD>
        <DOCENT>
          <DOC>Privacy Act; Systems of Records,</DOC>
          <PGS>74878-74879</PGS>
          <FRDOCBP D="1" T="18DEN1.sgm">2012-30425</FRDOCBP>
        </DOCENT>
      </CAT>
    </AGCY>
    <AGCY>
      <EAR>Forest</EAR>
      <HD>Forest Service</HD>
      <CAT>
        <HD>NOTICES</HD>
        <SJ>Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposals, Submissions, and Approvals:</SJ>
        <SJDENT>
          <SJDOC>Federal and Non-Federal Financial Assistant Instruments,</SJDOC>
          <PGS>74825-74826</PGS>
          <FRDOCBP D="1" T="18DEN1.sgm">2012-30415</FRDOCBP>
        </SJDENT>
      </CAT>
    </AGCY>
    <AGCY>
      <EAR>Health and Human</EAR>
      <HD>Health and Human Services Department</HD>
      <SEE>
        <HD SOURCE="HED">See</HD>
        <P>Children and Families Administration</P>
      </SEE>
      <SEE>
        <HD SOURCE="HED">See</HD>
        <P>Food and Drug Administration</P>
      </SEE>
      <SEE>
        <HD SOURCE="HED">See</HD>
        <P>Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration</P>
      </SEE>
    </AGCY>
    <AGCY>
      <EAR>Homeland</EAR>
      <HD>Homeland Security Department</HD>
      <SEE>
        <HD SOURCE="HED">See</HD>
        <P>Coast Guard</P>
      </SEE>
      <SEE>
        <HD SOURCE="HED">See</HD>
        <P>Federal Emergency Management Agency</P>
      </SEE>
      <SEE>
        <HD SOURCE="HED">See</HD>
        <P>U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services</P>
      </SEE>
    </AGCY>
    <AGCY>
      <EAR>Housing</EAR>
      <HD>Housing and Urban Development Department</HD>
      <CAT>
        <HD>NOTICES</HD>
        <SJ>Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposals, Submissions, and Approvals:</SJ>
        <SJDENT>
          <SJDOC>OneCPD Technical Assistance and Capacity Building Needs Assessment,</SJDOC>
          <PGS>74862-74863</PGS>
          <FRDOCBP D="1" T="18DEN1.sgm">2012-30475</FRDOCBP>
        </SJDENT>
        <SJDENT>
          <SJDOC>Public Housing Operating Budget, Supporting and Related Forms,</SJDOC>
          <PGS>74863-74864</PGS>
          <FRDOCBP D="1" T="18DEN1.sgm">2012-30479</FRDOCBP>
        </SJDENT>
      </CAT>
    </AGCY>
    <AGCY>
      <EAR>Interior</EAR>
      <HD>Interior Department</HD>
      <SEE>
        <HD SOURCE="HED">See</HD>
        <P>Fish and Wildlife Service</P>
      </SEE>
      <SEE>
        <HD SOURCE="HED">See</HD>
        <P>Land Management Bureau</P>
      </SEE>
      <SEE>
        <HD SOURCE="HED">See</HD>
        <P>National Park Service</P>
      </SEE>
    </AGCY>
    <AGCY>
      <EAR>Internal Revenue</EAR>
      <HD>Internal Revenue Service</HD>
      <CAT>
        <HD>PROPOSED RULES</HD>
        <DOCENT>
          <DOC>Awards for Information Relating to Detecting Underpayments of Tax or Violations of Internal Revenue Laws,</DOC>
          <PGS>74798-74814</PGS>
          <FRDOCBP D="16" T="18DEP1.sgm">2012-30512</FRDOCBP>
        </DOCENT>
      </CAT>
      <CAT>
        <HD>NOTICES</HD>
        <SJ>Meetings:</SJ>
        <SJDENT>
          <SJDOC>Taxpayer Advocacy Panel Joint Committee,</SJDOC>
          <PGS>74921</PGS>
          <FRDOCBP D="0" T="18DEN1.sgm">2012-30361</FRDOCBP>
        </SJDENT>
        <SJDENT>
          <SJDOC>Taxpayer Advocacy Panel Notices and Correspondence Project Committee,</SJDOC>
          <PGS>74921</PGS>
          <FRDOCBP D="0" T="18DEN1.sgm">2012-30366</FRDOCBP>
        </SJDENT>
        <SJDENT>
          <SJDOC>Taxpayer Advocacy Panel Tax Forms and Publications Project Committee,</SJDOC>
          <PGS>74920</PGS>
          <FRDOCBP D="0" T="18DEN1.sgm">2012-30365</FRDOCBP>
        </SJDENT>
        <SJDENT>
          <SJDOC>Taxpayer Advocacy Panel Taxpayer Assistance Center Improvements Project Committee,</SJDOC>
          <PGS>74921</PGS>
          <FRDOCBP D="0" T="18DEN1.sgm">2012-30364</FRDOCBP>
        </SJDENT>
        <SJDENT>
          <SJDOC>Taxpayer Advocacy Panel Taxpayer Communications Project Committee,</SJDOC>
          <PGS>74920</PGS>
          <FRDOCBP D="0" T="18DEN1.sgm">2012-30362</FRDOCBP>
        </SJDENT>
        <SJDENT>
          <SJDOC>Taxpayer Advocacy Panel Toll-Free Phone Line Project Committee,</SJDOC>
          <PGS>74920-74921</PGS>
          <FRDOCBP D="1" T="18DEN1.sgm">2012-30363</FRDOCBP>
        </SJDENT>
      </CAT>
    </AGCY>
    <AGCY>
      <EAR>International Trade Adm</EAR>
      <HD>International Trade Administration</HD>
      <CAT>
        <HD>NOTICES</HD>
        <SJ>Requests for Applications:</SJ>
        <SJDENT>
          <SJDOC>International Buyer Program Calendar Years 2014 and 2015,</SJDOC>
          <PGS>74828</PGS>
          <FRDOCBP D="0" T="18DEN1.sgm">2012-30250</FRDOCBP>
        </SJDENT>
      </CAT>
    </AGCY>
    <AGCY>
      <EAR>Justice Department</EAR>
      <HD>Justice Department</HD>
      <SEE>
        <HD SOURCE="HED">See</HD>
        <P>Antitrust Division</P>
      </SEE>
      <SEE>
        <HD SOURCE="HED">See</HD>
        <P>Federal Bureau of Investigation</P>
      </SEE>
      <SEE>
        <HD SOURCE="HED">See</HD>
        <P>Foreign Claims Settlement Commission</P>
      </SEE>
      <CAT>
        <HD>NOTICES</HD>
        <SJ>Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposals, Submissions, and Approvals:</SJ>
        <SJDENT>
          <SJDOC>Federal Firearms Licensee Enrollment/National Instant Criminal Background Check System E-Check Enrollment Form,</SJDOC>
          <PGS>74876</PGS>
          <FRDOCBP D="0" T="18DEN1.sgm">2012-30372</FRDOCBP>
        </SJDENT>
      </CAT>
    </AGCY>
    <AGCY>
      <EAR>Labor Department</EAR>
      <PRTPAGE P="v"/>
      <HD>Labor Department</HD>
      <CAT>
        <HD>NOTICES</HD>
        <SJ>Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposals, Submissions, and Approvals:</SJ>
        <SJDENT>
          <SJDOC>Claim for Medical Reimbursement,</SJDOC>
          <PGS>74881-74882</PGS>
          <FRDOCBP D="1" T="18DEN1.sgm">2012-30401</FRDOCBP>
        </SJDENT>
        <SJDENT>
          <SJDOC>Explosive Materials and Blasting Units in Metal and Nonmetal Underground Gassy Mines,</SJDOC>
          <PGS>74879-74880</PGS>
          <FRDOCBP D="1" T="18DEN1.sgm">2012-30399</FRDOCBP>
        </SJDENT>
        <SJDENT>
          <SJDOC>Reemployment Demonstration Grants and Projects,</SJDOC>
          <PGS>74880-74881</PGS>
          <FRDOCBP D="1" T="18DEN1.sgm">2012-30403</FRDOCBP>
        </SJDENT>
      </CAT>
    </AGCY>
    <AGCY>
      <EAR>Land</EAR>
      <HD>Land Management Bureau</HD>
      <CAT>
        <HD>NOTICES</HD>
        <SJ>Environmental Impact Statements; Availability, etc.:</SJ>
        <SJDENT>
          <SJDOC>Searchlight Wind Energy Project, Clark County, NV,</SJDOC>
          <PGS>74865-74866</PGS>
          <FRDOCBP D="1" T="18DEN1.sgm">2012-30537</FRDOCBP>
        </SJDENT>
      </CAT>
    </AGCY>
    <AGCY>
      <EAR>National Institute</EAR>
      <HD>National Institute of Standards and Technology</HD>
      <CAT>
        <HD>NOTICES</HD>
        <SJ>Meetings:</SJ>
        <SJDENT>
          <SJDOC>Cloud Computing and Big Data Forum and Workshop,</SJDOC>
          <PGS>74829-74830</PGS>
          <FRDOCBP D="1" T="18DEN1.sgm">2012-30467</FRDOCBP>
        </SJDENT>
        <SJDENT>
          <SJDOC>National Construction Safety Team Advisory Committee,</SJDOC>
          <PGS>74828-74829</PGS>
          <FRDOCBP D="1" T="18DEN1.sgm">2012-30469</FRDOCBP>
        </SJDENT>
      </CAT>
    </AGCY>
    <AGCY>
      <EAR>National Park</EAR>
      <HD>National Park Service</HD>
      <CAT>
        <HD>NOTICES</HD>
        <SJ>Intent to Repatriate Cultural Items:</SJ>
        <SJDENT>
          <SJDOC>New York State Museum, Albany, NY,</SJDOC>
          <PGS>74866-74867</PGS>
          <FRDOCBP D="1" T="18DEN1.sgm">2012-30455</FRDOCBP>
        </SJDENT>
        <SJ>Inventory Completions:</SJ>
        <SJDENT>
          <SJDOC>Beneski Museum of Natural History, Amherst College, Amherst, MA,</SJDOC>
          <PGS>74872-74873</PGS>
          <FRDOCBP D="1" T="18DEN1.sgm">2012-30451</FRDOCBP>
        </SJDENT>
        <SJDENT>
          <SJDOC>Department of Anthropology, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA,</SJDOC>
          <PGS>74868-74869</PGS>
          <FRDOCBP D="1" T="18DEN1.sgm">2012-30448</FRDOCBP>
        </SJDENT>
        <SJDENT>
          <SJDOC>Southern Oregon Historical Society, Medford, OR; Correction,</SJDOC>
          <PGS>74869</PGS>
          <FRDOCBP D="0" T="18DEN1.sgm">2012-30464</FRDOCBP>
        </SJDENT>
        <SJDENT>
          <SJDOC>The Museum of Anthropology at Washington State University, Pullman, WA,</SJDOC>
          <PGS>74871</PGS>
          <FRDOCBP D="0" T="18DEN1.sgm">2012-30460</FRDOCBP>
        </SJDENT>
        <SJDENT>
          <SJDOC>U.S. Army, Fort Sill Museum, Fort Sill, OK, and Museum of the Great Plains, Lawton, OK,</SJDOC>
          <PGS>74870-74871</PGS>
          <FRDOCBP D="1" T="18DEN1.sgm">2012-30438</FRDOCBP>
        </SJDENT>
        <SJDENT>
          <SJDOC>University of Montana, Missoula, MT; Museum of the Rockies at Montana State University, Bozeman, MT; and University of Wyoming, Department of Anthropology, Laramie, WY,</SJDOC>
          <PGS>74873-74874</PGS>
          <FRDOCBP D="1" T="18DEN1.sgm">2012-30463</FRDOCBP>
        </SJDENT>
        <SJ>Meetings:</SJ>
        <SJDENT>
          <SJDOC>Acadia National Park Advisory Commission,</SJDOC>
          <PGS>74874</PGS>
          <FRDOCBP D="0" T="18DEN1.sgm">2012-30435</FRDOCBP>
        </SJDENT>
        <SJDENT>
          <SJDOC>Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Review Committee,</SJDOC>
          <PGS>74874</PGS>
          <FRDOCBP D="0" T="18DEN1.sgm">2012-30440</FRDOCBP>
        </SJDENT>
        <DOCENT>
          <DOC>Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Review Committee Findings,</DOC>
          <PGS>74875-74876</PGS>
          <FRDOCBP D="1" T="18DEN1.sgm">2012-30443</FRDOCBP>
        </DOCENT>
      </CAT>
    </AGCY>
    <AGCY>
      <EAR>Nuclear Regulatory</EAR>
      <HD>Nuclear Regulatory Commission</HD>
      <CAT>
        <HD>PROPOSED RULES</HD>
        <DOCENT>
          <DOC>Long-Term Cooling and Unattended Water Makeup of Spent Fuel Pools,</DOC>
          <PGS>74788-74798</PGS>
          <FRDOCBP D="10" T="18DEP1.sgm">2012-30452</FRDOCBP>
        </DOCENT>
      </CAT>
      <CAT>
        <HD>NOTICES</HD>
        <SJ>Environmental Impact Statements; Availability, etc.:</SJ>
        <SJDENT>
          <SJDOC>License Renewal of Nuclear Plants and Public Meetings for the License Renewal of South Texas Project,</SJDOC>
          <PGS>74882-74883</PGS>
          <FRDOCBP D="1" T="18DEN1.sgm">2012-30478</FRDOCBP>
        </SJDENT>
        <SJ>Interim Staff Guidances:</SJ>
        <SJDENT>
          <SJDOC>Aging Management of Stainless Steel Structures and Components in Treated Borated Water; Revision 1,</SJDOC>
          <PGS>74883</PGS>
          <FRDOCBP D="0" T="18DEN1.sgm">2012-30476</FRDOCBP>
        </SJDENT>
        <DOCENT>
          <DOC>Meetings; Sunshine Act,</DOC>
          <PGS>74883-74884</PGS>
          <FRDOCBP D="1" T="18DEN1.sgm">2012-30527</FRDOCBP>
        </DOCENT>
      </CAT>
    </AGCY>
    <AGCY>
      <EAR>Patent</EAR>
      <HD>Patent and Trademark Office</HD>
      <CAT>
        <HD>NOTICES</HD>
        <SJ>Patent Small Claims Proceedings in United States:</SJ>
        <SJDENT>
          <SJDOC>Request for Comments,</SJDOC>
          <PGS>74830-74831</PGS>
          <FRDOCBP D="1" T="18DEN1.sgm">2012-30483</FRDOCBP>
        </SJDENT>
      </CAT>
    </AGCY>
    <AGCY>
      <EAR>Securities</EAR>
      <HD>Securities and Exchange Commission</HD>
      <CAT>
        <HD>RULES</HD>
        <SJ>Extension of Dates for Certain Requirements and Amendment of Form 19b-4:</SJ>
        <SJDENT>
          <SJDOC>Correction,</SJDOC>
          <PGS>74775</PGS>
          <FRDOCBP D="0" T="18DER1.sgm">2012-30389</FRDOCBP>
        </SJDENT>
      </CAT>
      <CAT>
        <HD>NOTICES</HD>
        <SJ>Applications:</SJ>
        <SJDENT>
          <SJDOC>Cambria Investment Management, L.P. and Cambria ETF Trust,</SJDOC>
          <PGS>74884-74891</PGS>
          <FRDOCBP D="7" T="18DEN1.sgm">2012-30380</FRDOCBP>
        </SJDENT>
        <DOCENT>
          <DOC>Exemptions from Certain Rules of Regulation SHO Related to Hurricane Sandy,</DOC>
          <PGS>74891-74894</PGS>
          <FRDOCBP D="3" T="18DEN1.sgm">2012-30427</FRDOCBP>
        </DOCENT>
        <DOCENT>
          <DOC>Meetings; Sunshine Act,</DOC>
          <PGS>74894</PGS>
          <FRDOCBP D="0" T="18DEN1.sgm">2012-30552</FRDOCBP>
        </DOCENT>
        <SJ>Self-Regulatory Organizations; Proposed Rule Changes:</SJ>
        <SJDENT>
          <SJDOC>BOX Options Exchange LLC,</SJDOC>
          <PGS>74902-74904</PGS>
          <FRDOCBP D="2" T="18DEN1.sgm">2012-30376</FRDOCBP>
        </SJDENT>
        <SJDENT>
          <SJDOC>Chicago Board Options Exchange, Inc.,</SJDOC>
          <PGS>74894-74895</PGS>
          <FRDOCBP D="1" T="18DEN1.sgm">2012-30406</FRDOCBP>
        </SJDENT>
        <SJDENT>
          <SJDOC>Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc.,</SJDOC>
          <PGS>74896-74898</PGS>
          <FRDOCBP D="2" T="18DEN1.sgm">2012-30378</FRDOCBP>
        </SJDENT>
        <SJDENT>
          <SJDOC>International Securities Exchange, LLC,</SJDOC>
          <PGS>74895-74896, 74898-74902</PGS>
          <FRDOCBP D="4" T="18DEN1.sgm">2012-30377</FRDOCBP>
          <FRDOCBP D="1" T="18DEN1.sgm">C1--2012--29218</FRDOCBP>
        </SJDENT>
        <SJDENT>
          <SJDOC>Miami International Securities Exchange,</SJDOC>
          <PGS>74905-74907</PGS>
          <FRDOCBP D="2" T="18DEN1.sgm">2012-30379</FRDOCBP>
        </SJDENT>
      </CAT>
    </AGCY>
    <AGCY>
      <EAR>Small Business</EAR>
      <HD>Small Business Administration</HD>
      <CAT>
        <HD>NOTICES</HD>
        <SJ>Disaster Declarations:</SJ>
        <SJDENT>
          <SJDOC>District of Columbia,</SJDOC>
          <PGS>74907-74908</PGS>
          <FRDOCBP D="1" T="18DEN1.sgm">2012-30418</FRDOCBP>
        </SJDENT>
        <SJDENT>
          <SJDOC>Maryland; Amendment 1,</SJDOC>
          <PGS>74908</PGS>
          <FRDOCBP D="0" T="18DEN1.sgm">2012-30416</FRDOCBP>
        </SJDENT>
        <SJDENT>
          <SJDOC>New York; Amendment 4,</SJDOC>
          <PGS>74907</PGS>
          <FRDOCBP D="0" T="18DEN1.sgm">2012-30417</FRDOCBP>
        </SJDENT>
        <SJDENT>
          <SJDOC>Virginia,</SJDOC>
          <PGS>74908</PGS>
          <FRDOCBP D="0" T="18DEN1.sgm">2012-30414</FRDOCBP>
        </SJDENT>
        <SJ>Requests for Early Stage Fund Managers:</SJ>
        <SJDENT>
          <SJDOC>Small Business Investment Companies, Early Stage SBICs,</SJDOC>
          <PGS>74908-74913</PGS>
          <FRDOCBP D="5" T="18DEN1.sgm">2012-30431</FRDOCBP>
        </SJDENT>
      </CAT>
    </AGCY>
    <AGCY>
      <EAR>Social</EAR>
      <HD>Social Security Administration</HD>
      <CAT>
        <HD>NOTICES</HD>
        <DOCENT>
          <DOC>Privacy Act; Systems of Records,</DOC>
          <PGS>74913-74914</PGS>
          <FRDOCBP D="1" T="18DEN1.sgm">2012-30381</FRDOCBP>
        </DOCENT>
      </CAT>
    </AGCY>
    <AGCY>
      <EAR>Substance</EAR>
      <HD>Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration</HD>
      <CAT>
        <HD>NOTICES</HD>
        <DOCENT>
          <DOC>Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposals, Submissions, and Approvals,</DOC>
          <PGS>74854-74856</PGS>
          <FRDOCBP D="1" T="18DEN1.sgm">2012-30385</FRDOCBP>
          <FRDOCBP D="1" T="18DEN1.sgm">2012-30386</FRDOCBP>
        </DOCENT>
      </CAT>
    </AGCY>
    <AGCY>
      <EAR>Surface Transportation</EAR>
      <HD>Surface Transportation Board</HD>
      <CAT>
        <HD>NOTICES</HD>
        <SJ>Acquisition and Operation Exemptions:</SJ>
        <SJDENT>
          <SJDOC>Decatur Junction Railway Co.; Line of Illinois Central Railroad Co.,</SJDOC>
          <PGS>74914-74915</PGS>
          <FRDOCBP D="1" T="18DEN1.sgm">2012-30398</FRDOCBP>
        </SJDENT>
      </CAT>
    </AGCY>
    <AGCY>
      <EAR>Transportation Department</EAR>
      <HD>Transportation Department</HD>
      <SEE>
        <HD SOURCE="HED">See</HD>
        <P>Federal Aviation Administration</P>
      </SEE>
      <SEE>
        <HD SOURCE="HED">See</HD>
        <P>Surface Transportation Board</P>
      </SEE>
    </AGCY>
    <AGCY>
      <EAR>Treasury</EAR>
      <HD>Treasury Department</HD>
      <SEE>
        <HD SOURCE="HED">See</HD>
        <P>Foreign Assets Control Office</P>
      </SEE>
      <SEE>
        <HD SOURCE="HED">See</HD>
        <P>Internal Revenue Service</P>
      </SEE>
    </AGCY>
    <AGCY>
      <EAR>U.S. Citizenship</EAR>
      <HD>U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services</HD>
      <CAT>
        <HD>NOTICES</HD>
        <SJ>Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposals, Submissions, and Approvals:</SJ>
        <SJDENT>
          <SJDOC>Application for Advance Permission to Enter as Nonimmigrant,</SJDOC>
          <PGS>74861</PGS>
          <FRDOCBP D="0" T="18DEN1.sgm">2012-30474</FRDOCBP>
        </SJDENT>
        <SJDENT>
          <SJDOC>Interagency Record of Request A, G, or NATO Dependent Employment Authorization, etc.,</SJDOC>
          <PGS>74861-74862</PGS>
          <FRDOCBP D="1" T="18DEN1.sgm">2012-30412</FRDOCBP>
        </SJDENT>
      </CAT>
    </AGCY>
    <PTS>
      <PRTPAGE P="vi"/>
      <HD SOURCE="HED">Separate Parts In This Issue</HD>
      <HD>Part II</HD>
      <DOCENT>
        <DOC>Environmental Protection Agency,</DOC>
        <PGS>74924-75005</PGS>
        <FRDOCBP D="61" T="18DEP2.sgm">2012-30117</FRDOCBP>
        <FRDOCBP D="20" T="18DEP2.sgm">2012-30114</FRDOCBP>
      </DOCENT>
    </PTS>
    <AIDS>
      <HD SOURCE="HED">Reader Aids</HD>
      <P>Consult the Reader Aids section at the end of this page for phone numbers, online resources, finding aids, reminders, and notice of recently enacted public laws.</P>
      
      <P>To subscribe to the Federal Register Table of Contents LISTSERV electronic mailing list, go to http://listserv.access.gpo.gov and select Online mailing list archives, FEDREGTOC-L, Join or leave the list (or change settings); then follow the instructions.</P>
    </AIDS>
  </CNTNTS>
  <VOL>77</VOL>
  <NO>243</NO>
  <DATE>Tuesday, December 18, 2012</DATE>
  <UNITNAME>Rules and Regulations</UNITNAME>
  <RULES>
    <RULE>
      <PREAMB>
        <PRTPAGE P="74775"/>
        <AGENCY TYPE="F">SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION</AGENCY>
        <CFR>17 CFR Part 240</CFR>
        <DEPDOC>[Release No. 34-68357A; File No. S7-44-10]</DEPDOC>
        <RIN>RIN 3235-AK87</RIN>
        <SUBJECT>Extension of Dates for Certain Requirements and Amendment of Form 19b-4</SUBJECT>
        <AGY>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">AGENCY:</HD>
          <P>Securities and Exchange Commission.</P>
        </AGY>
        <ACT>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">ACTION:</HD>
          <P>Final rule; extension of dates for certain requirements; correction.</P>
        </ACT>
        <SUM>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">SUMMARY:</HD>

          <P>On December 10, 2012, the Securities and Exchange Commission (“Commission”) published a document in the<E T="04">Federal Register</E>to amend its regulations under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (“Exchange Act”) to extend the dates with respect to the requirements that designated clearing agencies for which the Commission is the supervisory agency file advance notices and clearing agencies file security-based swap submissions with the Commission in an electronic format to dedicated email addresses to December 10, 2013, and amend the General Instructions to Form 19b-4 to clarify the process for submitting advance notices and security-based swap submissions to the Commission. The document contained an error with respect to the placement and numbering of a footnote.</P>
        </SUM>
        <DATES>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">DATES:</HD>
          <P>Effective December 18, 2012.</P>
        </DATES>
        <FURINF>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:</HD>
          <P>Kenneth Riitho, Special Counsel, at 551-5592; and Wyatt A. Robinson, Attorney-Adviser, at 551-5649, Division of Trading and Markets, Securities and Exchange Commission, 100 F Street NE., Washington, DC 20549-7010.</P>
        </FURINF>
      </PREAMB>
      <SUPLINF>
        <HD SOURCE="HED">SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:</HD>
        <HD SOURCE="HD2">Correction</HD>
        <P>In the<E T="04">Federal Register</E>of December 10, 2012 (77 FR 73302), in FR Doc. 2012-29712, the following corrections are made to page 73305:</P>
        <P>1. In the second column, remove footnote 22.</P>
        <P>2. In the second column, under General Instructions for Form 19b-4, the first sentence is corrected to read as follows:</P>
        
        <EXTRACT>
          <P>“This form shall be used for all self-regulatory organization filings of proposed rule changes pursuant to Section 19(b)(1) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (“Act”) (except filings with respect to the proposed rule changes by self-regulatory organizations submitted pursuant to Section 19(b)(7)<SU>1</SU>
            <FTREF/>of the Act), security-based swap submissions, and advance notices.”</P>
          <FTNT>
            <P>
              <SU>1</SU>Because Section 19(b)(7)(C) of the Act states that filings abrogated pursuant to this Section should be re-filed pursuant to paragraph (b)(1) of Section 19 of the Act, SROs are required to file electronically such proposed rule changes in accordance with this form.</P>
          </FTNT>
          <STARS/>
        </EXTRACT>
        <SIG>
          <DATED>December 12, 2012.</DATED>
          <NAME>Kevin M. O'Neill,</NAME>
          <TITLE>Deputy Secretary.</TITLE>
        </SIG>
      </SUPLINF>
      <FRDOC>[FR Doc. 2012-30389 Filed 12-17-12; 8:45 am]</FRDOC>
      <BILCOD>BILLING CODE 8011-01-P</BILCOD>
    </RULE>
    <RULE>
      <PREAMB>
        <AGENCY TYPE="N">DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY</AGENCY>
        <SUBAGY>Coast Guard</SUBAGY>
        <CFR>33 CFR Part 117</CFR>
        <DEPDOC>[Docket No. USCG-2011-1138]</DEPDOC>
        <RIN>RIN 1625-AA09</RIN>
        <SUBJECT>Drawbridge Operation Regulation; Sacramento River, CA</SUBJECT>
        <AGY>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">AGENCY:</HD>
          <P>Coast Guard, DHS.</P>
        </AGY>
        <ACT>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">ACTION:</HD>
          <P>Final rule.</P>
        </ACT>
        <SUM>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">SUMMARY:</HD>
          <P>The Coast Guard is changing the operating schedule governing the Freeport Drawbridge, mile 46.0, over the Sacramento River. The bridge owner proposed to change the “on demand” bridge opening hours and dates, due to a documented decrease in drawbridge openings compared to other nearby bridges. The change is to address the issue of misalignment between drawbridge staffing and actual drawbridge operation, resulting in unnecessary staffing of the drawbridge during periods of navigational inactivity.</P>
        </SUM>
        <DATES>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">DATES:</HD>
          <P>This rule is effective January 17, 2013.</P>
        </DATES>
        <ADD>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">ADDRESSES:</HD>

          <P>Comments and related materials received from the public, as well as documents mentioned in this preamble as being available in the docket, are part of Docket No. USCG-2011-1138 and are available online by going to<E T="03">http://www.regulations.gov,</E>inserting USCG-2011-1138 in the “Search” box, and then clicking “Search.” This material is also available for inspection or copying at the Docket Management Facility (M-30), U.S. Department of Transportation, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.</P>
        </ADD>
        <FURINF>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:</HD>

          <P>If you have questions on this rule, call or email David H. Sulouff, Chief, Bridge Section, Eleventh Coast Guard District; telephone (510) 437-3516, email<E T="03">David.H.Sulouff@uscg.mil</E>. If you have questions on viewing or submitting material to the docket, call Renee V. Wright, Program Manager, Docket Operations, telephone 202-366-9826.</P>
        </FURINF>
      </PREAMB>
      <SUPLINF>
        <HD SOURCE="HED">SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:</HD>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Table of Acronyms</HD>
        <EXTRACT>
          <FP SOURCE="FP-1">CFRCode of Federal Regulations</FP>
          <FP SOURCE="FP-1">DHSDepartment of Homeland Security</FP>
          <FP SOURCE="FP-1">FR<E T="04">Federal Register</E>
          </FP>
          <FP SOURCE="FP-1">NPRMNotice of Proposed Rulemaking</FP>
          <FP SOURCE="FP-1">ANPRMAdvanced Notice of Proposed Rulemaking</FP>
          <FP SOURCE="FP-1">§Section</FP>
          <FP SOURCE="FP-1">U.S.C.United States Code</FP>
        </EXTRACT>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">A. Regulatory History and Information</HD>

        <P>On January 25, 2012, we published an Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPRM), entitled Drawbridge Operation Regulation; Sacramento River, CA in the<E T="04">Federal Register</E>(77 FR 3664). On August 10, 2012, we published a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM), entitled Drawbridge Operation Regulation, Sacramento River, CA, in the<E T="04">Federal Register</E>(77 FR 47789). No public meeting was requested, and none was held.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">B. Basis and Purpose</HD>

        <P>The Freeport Drawbridge is a swing span style drawbridge at mile 46.0, over<PRTPAGE P="74776"/>the Sacramento River, owned by the County of Sacramento and maintained by Sacramento and Yolo counties. The drawbridge provides 190 feet horizontal clearance, 29 feet of vertical clearance for vessels above Mean High Water in the closed-to-navigation position and unlimited vertical clearance when open. The Sacramento River is legally navigable for bridge permitting purposes from its confluence with Suisun Bay to mile 245.0 at Red Bluff, CA.</P>
        <P>Sacramento and Yolo counties submitted a joint request for a permanent change to the Freeport Drawbridge operating requirements, with support from Congressman Mike Thompson. The change is to address the misalignment between drawbridge staffing and openings for vessels.</P>
        <P>The bridge owner has provided bridge operating statistics showing significantly less drawspan operations during certain months and evening hours in 2009-2010, than nearby bridges at Georgiana Slough, Tyler Island and Walnut Grove. The statistical information and a detailed explanation by the bridge owner have been included in the docket (USCG-2011-1138-0003 &amp; 0004) and are available for public review. The bridge owner performed significant outreach to various waterway user organizations including the Pacific Inter-Club Yacht Association, the Recreational Boaters of California, the Capital City Yacht Club, the Sacramento Yacht Club, River View Yacht Club and Hornblower Cruises.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">C. Discussion of Comments, Changes and the Final Rule</HD>
        <P>Sacramento and Yolo counties submitted a joint request for a change to the Freeport Drawbridge operating requirements. Under the existing operating regulations, Freeport Drawbridge opens on signal from May 1 through October 31 from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. and from November 1 through April 30 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. At all other times, the draw shall open on signal if at least four hours notice is given to the drawtender at the Rio Vista bridge across the Sacramento River, mile 12.8. The Counties proposed to change the “on demand” bridge opening hours to May 1 through September 30, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. At all other times (including November 1 through April 30), the draw shall open on signal if at least four hours notice is given to the drawtender at the Rio Vista bridge across the Sacramento River, mile 12.8. This will allow the bridge owner to remove the bridge operator from the drawbridge until needed for scheduled bridge openings, providing a possible monetary savings to the Counties due to reduced bridge operating personnel costs. There is no alternative route for vessels navigating on this reach of the waterway. Vessels that can be safely navigated through the drawbridge while it is in the closed to navigation position may continue to do so at any time.</P>

        <P>Submissions 0001-0009 in the electronic docket were posted by the Coast Guard. The single public comment (USCG-2011-1138-0010) referred to the advance notice period as “closure”, recommended an October 15 start date due to Fleet Week, observed the statistical period was during the economic downturn and associated decline in vessel transits, and recommended a wider dissemination to all California boat owners. The “advance notice” period is not a closure but a period when vessel operators call the bridge owner in advance to schedule a bridge opening upon their arrival at the bridge. The statistics provided included the October Fleet Week transits and support the proposed change to the regulation. The economy may influence the number of vessel transits and upon economic recovery and associated increase in navigation, proposals to readjust the operating regulation may be submitted by anyone in compliance with 33 CFR 117.8. The ANPRM and NPRM were disseminated via publication in the<E T="04">Federal Register</E>and also the Coast Guard Local Notice to Mariners between January 4, 2012, and September 24, 2012. The bridge owner held numerous meetings with leading vessel owner organizations prior to submitting their proposal to the Coast Guard. The required methods and extent of outreach to the public was met or exceeded. We encourage the public to read the<E T="04">Federal Register</E>and Coast Guard Local Notice to Mariners to be informed of proposed actions.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">D. Regulatory Analyses</HD>
        <P>We developed this final rule after considering numerous statutes and executive orders related to rulemaking. Below we summarize our analyses based on a number of these statutes or executive orders.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD2">1. Regulatory Planning and Review</HD>
        <P>This rule is not a significant regulatory action under section 3(f) of Executive Order 12866, Regulatory Planning and Review, as supplemented by Executive Order 13563, Improving Regulation and Regulatory Review, and does not require an assessment of potential costs and benefits under section 6(a)(3) of Order 12866 or under section 1 of Executive Order 13563. The Office of Management and Budget has not reviewed it under those Orders.</P>
        <P>Bridge operating statistics provided by the bridge owner during 2009-2010, show significantly fewer drawspan operations than nearby bridges at Georgiana Slough, Tyler Island and Walnut Grove due to greater vertical clearance provided by the Freeport drawbridge.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD2">2. Impact on Small Entities</HD>
        <P>The Regulatory Flexibility Act of 1980 (RFA), 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 with populations of less than 50,000. The Coast Guard received no comments from the Small Business Administration on this rule. 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.</P>
        <P>This rule will adjust an existing advance notice requirement for bridge openings to more closely conform to the existing needs of navigation, while allowing the bridge owner to reduce bridge operation costs, as documented by the statistics provided by the bridge owner. Vessels that can safely transit under the bridge while in the closed to navigation position, may continue to do so at any time.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD2">3. Assistance for Small Entities</HD>

        <P>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<E T="02">FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT</E>, above.</P>

        <P>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<PRTPAGE P="74777"/>about this rule or any policy or action of the Coast Guard.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD2">4. Collection of Information</HD>
        <P>This rule calls for no new collection of information under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501-3520).</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD2">5. Federalism</HD>
        <P>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 proposed rule under that Order and have determined that it does not have implications for federalism.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD2">6. Protest Activities</HD>

        <P>The Coast Guard respects the First Amendment rights of protesters. Protesters are asked to contact the person listed in the “<E T="02">FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT</E>” section to coordinate protest activities so that your message can be received without jeopardizing the safety or security of people, places or vessels.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD2">7. Unfunded Mandates Reform Act</HD>
        <P>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.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD2">8. Taking of Private Property</HD>
        <P>This rule will not cause a taking of private property or otherwise have taking implications under Executive Order 12630, Governmental Actions and Interference with Constitutionally Protected Property Rights.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD2">9. Civil Justice Reform</HD>
        <P>This rule meets applicable standards in sections 3(a) and 3(b)(2) of Executive Order 12988, Civil Justice Reform, to minimize litigation, eliminate ambiguity, and reduce burden.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD2">10. Protection of Children</HD>
        <P>We have analyzed this rule under Executive Order 13045, Protection of Children from Environmental Health Risks and Safety Risks. This rule is not an economically significant rule and does not create an environmental risk to health or risk to safety that might disproportionately affect children.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD2">11. Indian Tribal Governments</HD>
        <P>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.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD2">12. Energy Effects</HD>
        <P>We have analyzed this rule under Executive Order 13211, Actions Concerning Regulations That Significantly Affect Energy Supply, Distribution, or Use. We have determined that it is not a “significant energy action” under that order because it is not a “significant regulatory action” under Executive Order 12866 and is not likely to have a significant adverse effect on the supply, distribution, or use of energy. The Administrator of the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs has not designated it as a significant energy action. Therefore, it does not require a Statement of Energy Effects under Executive Order 13211.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD2">13.  Technical Standards</HD>
        <P>This rule does not use technical standards. Therefore, we did not consider the use of voluntary consensus standards.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD2">14.  Environment</HD>
        <P>We have analyzed this rule under Department of Homeland Security Management Directive 023-01 and Commandant Instruction M16475.lD, which guides the Coast Guard in complying with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) (42 U.S.C. 4321-4370f), and have concluded that this action is one of a category of actions which do not individually or cumulatively have a significant effect on the human environment. This rule is categorically excluded, under figure 2-1, paragraph (32)(e), of the Instruction.</P>
        <P>Under figure 2-1, paragraph (32)(e), of the Instruction, an environmental analysis checklist and a categorical exclusion determination are not required for this rule.</P>
        <LSTSUB>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">List of Subjects in 33 CFR Part 117</HD>
        </LSTSUB>
        <P>Bridges.</P>
        
        <P>For the reasons discussed in the preamble, the Coast Guard amends 33 CFR part 117 as follows:</P>
        <REGTEXT PART="117" TITLE="33">
          <PART>
            <HD SOURCE="HED">PART 117—DRAWBRIDGE OPERATION REGULATIONS</HD>
          </PART>
          <AMDPAR>1. The authority citation for part 117 continues to read as follows:</AMDPAR>
          <AUTH>
            <HD SOURCE="HED">Authority:</HD>
            <P>33 U.S.C. 499; 33 CFR 1.05-1; Department of Homeland Security Delegation No. 0170.1.</P>
          </AUTH>
          
        </REGTEXT>
        <REGTEXT PART="117" TITLE="33">
          <AMDPAR>2. Revise § 117.189 to read as follows:</AMDPAR>
          <SECTION>
            <SECTNO>§ 117.189</SECTNO>
            <SUBJECT>Sacramento River.</SUBJECT>
            <P>(a) The draws of each bridge from Isleton to the American River junction except for the Sacramento County highway bridge across the Sacramento River, mile 46.0 at Freeport, shall open on signal from May 1 through October 31 from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. and from November 1 through April 30 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. At all other times, the draws shall open on signal if at least four hours notice is given to the drawtender at the Rio Vista bridge across the Sacramento River, mile 12.8.</P>
            <P>(b) The draw of the Sacramento County highway bridge, mile 46.0 at Freeport, shall open on signal from May 1 through September 30 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. At all other times, the draw shall open on signal if at least four hours notice is give to the drawtender at the Rio Vista Bridge across the Sacramento River, mile 12.8.</P>
            <P>(c) The draws of the California Department of Transportation bridges, mile 90.1 at Knights Landing, and mile 135.5 at Meridian, shall open on signal if at least 12 hours notice is given to the California Department of Transportation at Marysville.</P>
            <P>(d) The draws of the bridges above Meridian need not be opened for the passage of vessels.</P>
          </SECTION>
        </REGTEXT>
        <SIG>
          <DATED>Dated: November 20, 2012.</DATED>
          <NAME>Karl L. Schultz,</NAME>
          <TITLE>Rear Admiral, U.S. Coast Guard, Commander, Eleventh Coast Guard District.</TITLE>
        </SIG>
      </SUPLINF>
      <FRDOC>[FR Doc. 2012-30402 Filed 12-17-12; 8:45 am]</FRDOC>
      <BILCOD>BILLING CODE 9110-04-P</BILCOD>
    </RULE>
    <RULE>
      <PREAMB>
        <AGENCY TYPE="S">DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY</AGENCY>
        <SUBAGY>Coast Guard</SUBAGY>
        <CFR>33 CFR Part 165</CFR>
        <DEPDOC>[Docket Number USCG-2012-1029]</DEPDOC>
        <RIN>RIN 1625-AA00</RIN>
        <SUBJECT>Safety Zones; Grain-Shipment Assistance Vessels; Columbia and Willamette Rivers</SUBJECT>
        <AGY>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">AGENCY:</HD>
          <P>Coast Guard, DHS.</P>
        </AGY>
        <ACT>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">ACTION:</HD>
          <P>Temporary final rule.</P>
        </ACT>
        <SUM>
          <PRTPAGE P="74778"/>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">SUMMARY:</HD>
          <P>The Coast Guard is establishing temporary safety zones around the following four vessels: the motor vessel Daniel Foss, IMO# 7638454, the motor vessel Washington, IMO# 8207733, the motor vessel George W, IMO# 9153329, and the motor vessel Connor Foss, Official# 1238813. These safety zones apply while these vessels are located on the waters of the Columbia and Willamette Rivers, and only while they are engaged in transferring persons to or from grain-shipment vessels, and/or assisting grain-shipment vessel movements. These safety zones extend to waters 50 yards ahead of these vessels and 50 yards abeam and astern of these vessels. These safety zones are being established to ensure that protest activities relating to a labor dispute do not create hazardous navigation conditions for any vessel or other river user in the vicinity of the safety zones.</P>
        </SUM>
        <EFFDATE>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">DATES:</HD>
          <P>This rule is effective from December 18, 2012 until January 17, 2013. This rule is effective with actual notice beginning November 16, 2012 until December 18, 2012.</P>
        </EFFDATE>
        <ADD>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">ADDRESSES:</HD>

          <P>Documents mentioned in this preamble are part of docket USCG-2012-1029. To view documents mentioned in this preamble as being available in the docket, go to<E T="03">http://www.regulations.gov,</E>type the docket number in the “SEARCH” box and click “SEARCH.” Click on Open Docket Folder on the line associated with this rulemaking. You may also visit the Docket Management Facility in Room W12-140 on the ground floor of the Department of Transportation West Building, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.</P>
        </ADD>
        <FURINF>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:</HD>

          <P>If you have questions on this rule, call or email Ensign Ian P. McPhillips, Waterways Management Division, Marine Safety Unit Portland, U.S. Coast Guard; telephone (503) 240-9319, email<E T="03">MSUPDXWWM@uscg.mil.</E>If you have questions on viewing or submitting material to the docket, call Renee V. Wright, Program Manager, Docket Operations, telephone (202) 366-9826.</P>
        </FURINF>
      </PREAMB>
      <SUPLINF>
        <HD SOURCE="HED">SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:</HD>
        <P/>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Table of Acronyms</HD>
        <EXTRACT>
          <FP SOURCE="FP-1">DHSDepartmentof Homeland Security</FP>
          <FP SOURCE="FP-1">FR<E T="04">Federal Register</E>
          </FP>
          <FP SOURCE="FP-1">NPRMNotice of Proposed Rulemaking</FP>
        </EXTRACT>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">A. Regulatory History and Information</HD>
        <P>The Coast Guard is issuing this final rule without prior notice and opportunity to comment pursuant to authority under section 4(a) of the Administrative Procedure Act (APA) (5 U.S.C. 553(b)). This provision authorizes an agency to issue a rule without prior notice and opportunity to comment when the agency for good cause finds that those procedures are “impracticable, unnecessary, or contrary to the public interest.” Under 5 U.S.C. 553(b)(B), the Coast Guard finds that good cause exists for not publishing a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) with respect to this rule because to do so would be impracticable due to the lack of advance notice of the underlying dispute. Delayed promulgation may result in injury or damage to the maritime public, vessel crews, the vessels themselves, the facilities, and law enforcement personnel from protest activities that could occur prior to conclusion of a notice and comment period.</P>

        <P>For these reasons, 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<E T="04">Federal Register</E>. To do otherwise would be impracticable since the arrival of grain-shipment vessels cannot be delayed by the Coast Guard and protest activities are unpredictable and potentially volatile and may result in injury to persons, property, or the environment. Delaying the effective date until 30 days after publication may mean that grain-shipment vessels will have arrived or departed the Columbia and Willamette Rivers before the end of the 30 day period. This delay would eliminate the safety zone's effectiveness and usefulness in protecting persons, property, and the safe navigation of maritime traffic before 30 days have elapsed.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">B. Basis and Purpose</HD>
        <P>Due to a labor dispute regarding grain-shipment vessels involved in commerce with the Columbia Grain facility, a safety zone is needed to help ensure the safe navigation of maritime traffic on the Columbia and Willamette Rivers while grain-shipment vessels transit to and from grain export facilities in the Sector Columbia River Captain of the Port Zone. There is the potential for injury and damage to both protestors and shipping due to the labor dispute. The Coast Guard believes that a safety zone is needed to allow maximal use of the waterway consistent with safe navigation and to ensure that protestors and other river users are not injured by deep-draft vessels with maneuvering characteristics with which they may be unfamiliar.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">C. Discussion of the Final Rule</HD>
        <P>This rule establishes temporary safety zones around the following four vessels: The motor vessel Daniel Foss, IMO# 7638454, the motor vessel Washington, IMO# 8207733, the motor vessel George W, IMO# 9153329, and the motor vessel Connor Foss, Official# 1238813. These safety zones apply while these vessels are located on the waters of the Columbia and Willamette Rivers, and only while they are engaged in transferring persons to or from grain-shipment vessels, and/or assisting grain-shipment vessel movements. These safety zones extend to waters 50 yards ahead of these vessels and 50 yards abeam and astern of these vessels. No person or vessel may enter or remain in the safety zones without authorization from the Sector Columbia River Captain of the Port or his designated representatives.</P>

        <P>This rule has been enforced with actual notice since November 16, 2012 and it will be enforced until 30 days from date of publication in the<E T="04">Federal Register</E>. If unsafe conditions continue beyond that date, the Coast Guard will consider extending the duration of the safety zone.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">D. Regulatory Analyses</HD>
        <P>We developed this rule after considering numerous statutes and executive orders related to rulemaking. Below we summarize our analyses based on these statutes and executive orders.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD2">1. Regulatory Planning and Review</HD>
        <P>This rule is not a significant regulatory action under section 3(f) of Executive Order 12866, Regulatory Planning and Review, as supplemented by Executive Order 13563, Improving Regulation and Regulatory Review, and does not require an assessment of potential costs and benefits under section 6(a)(3) of Executive Order 12866 or under section 1 of Executive Order 13563. The Office of Management and Budget has not reviewed it under those Orders. Although this rule will restrict access to the regulated areas, the effect of this rule will not be significant because: (i) The safety zones are limited in size; (ii) the official on-scene patrol may authorize access to the safety zones; (iii) the safety zones will effect limited geographical locations for a limited time; and (iv) the Coast Guard will make notifications via maritime advisories so mariners can adjust their plans accordingly.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD2">2. Impact on Small Entities</HD>

        <P>The Regulatory Flexibility Act of 1980 (RFA), 5 U.S.C. 601-612, as amended,<PRTPAGE P="74779"/>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 with populations of less than 50,000.</P>
        <P>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. This rule may affect the following entities some of which may be small entities: The owners and operators of vessels intending to operate in the area covered by the safety zones created in this rule.</P>
        <P>This rule will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities for the following reasons: (i) The safety zones are limited in size; (ii) the official on-scene patrol may authorize access to the safety zones; (iii) the safety zones will effect limited geographical locations for a limited time; and (iv) the Coast Guard will make notifications via maritime advisories so mariners can adjust their plans accordingly.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD2">3. Assistance for Small Entities</HD>

        <P>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<E T="02">FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT</E>, above.</P>
        <P>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.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD2">4. Collection of Information</HD>
        <P>This rule will not call for a new collection of information under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501-3520).</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD2">5. Federalism</HD>
        <P>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 determined that this rule does not have implications for federalism.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD2">6. Protest Activities</HD>

        <P>The Coast Guard respects the First Amendment rights of protesters. Protesters are asked to contact the person listed in the<E T="02">FOR FURTHER INTFORMATION CONTACT</E>section to coordinate protest activities so that your message can be received without jeopardizing the safety or security of people, places or vessels.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD2">7. Unfunded Mandates Reform Act</HD>
        <P>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.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD2">8. Taking of Private Property</HD>
        <P>This rule will not cause a taking of private property or otherwise have taking implications under Executive Order 12630, Governmental Actions and Interference with Constitutionally Protected Property Rights.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD2">9. Civil Justice Reform</HD>
        <P>This rule meets applicable standards in sections 3(a) and 3(b)(2) of Executive Order 12988, Civil Justice Reform, to minimize litigation, eliminate ambiguity, and reduce burden.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD2">10. Protection of Children</HD>
        <P>We have analyzed this rule under Executive Order 13045, Protection of Children from Environmental Health Risks and Safety Risks. This rule is not an economically significant rule and does not create an environmental risk to health or risk to safety that may disproportionately affect children.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD2">11. Indian Tribal Governments</HD>
        <P>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.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD2">12. Energy Effects</HD>
        <P>This action is not a “significant energy action” under Executive Order 13211, Actions Concerning Regulations That Significantly Affect Energy Supply, Distribution, or Use.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD2">13. Technical Standards</HD>
        <P>This rule does not use technical standards. Therefore, we did not consider the use of voluntary consensus standards.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD2">14. Environment</HD>

        <P>We have analyzed this rule under Department of Homeland Security Management Directive 023-01 and Commandant Instruction M16475.lD, which guide the Coast Guard in complying with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) (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 the establishment of four temporary safety zones around four grain-shipment assistance vessels. This rule is categorically excluded from further review under paragraph 34(g) of Figure 2-1 of the Commandant Instruction. An environmental analysis checklist supporting this determination and a Categorical Exclusion Determination are available in the docket where indicated under<E T="02">ADDRESSES</E>. We seek any comments or information that may lead to the discovery of a significant environmental impact from this rule.</P>
        <LSTSUB>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">List of Subjects in 33 CFR Part 165</HD>
          <P>Harbors, Marine Safety, Navigation (water), Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Waterways.</P>
        </LSTSUB>
        
        <P>For the reasons discussed in the preamble, the Coast Guard amends 33 CFR Part 165 as follows:</P>
        <REGTEXT PART="165" TITLE="33">
          <PART>
            <HD SOURCE="HED">PART 165—REGULATED NAVIGATION AREAS AND LIMITED ACCESS AREAS</HD>
          </PART>
          <AMDPAR>1. The authority citation for part 165 continues to read as follows:</AMDPAR>
          <AUTH>
            <HD SOURCE="HED">Authority:</HD>
            <P>33 U.S.C. 1226, 1231; 46 U.S.C. Chapter 701, 3306, 3703; 50 U.S.C. 191, 195; 33 CFR 1.05-1, 6.04-1, 6.04-6, and 160.5; Pub. L. 107-295, 116 Stat. 2064; Department of Homeland Security Delegation No. 0170.1.</P>
          </AUTH>
          
        </REGTEXT>
        <REGTEXT PART="165" TITLE="33">
          <PRTPAGE P="74780"/>
          <AMDPAR>2. Add § 165.T13-236 to read as follows:</AMDPAR>
          <SECTION>
            <SECTNO>§ 165.T13-236</SECTNO>
            <SUBJECT>Safety Zones; Grain-shipment Assistance Vessels; Columbia and Willamette Rivers.</SUBJECT>
            <P>(a)<E T="03">Definitions.</E>As used in this section:</P>
            <P>(1)<E T="03">Federal Law Enforcement Officer</E>means any employee or agent of the United States government who has the authority to carry firearms and make warrantless arrests and whose duties involve the enforcement of criminal laws of the United States.</P>
            <P>(2)<E T="03">Navigable waters of the United States</E>means those waters defined as such in 33 CFR part 2.</P>
            <P>(3)<E T="03">Navigation Rules</E>means the Navigation Rules, International-Inland.</P>
            <P>(4)<E T="03">Official Patrol</E>means those persons designated by the Captain of the Port to monitor a vessel safety zone, permit entry into the zone, give legally enforceable orders to persons or vessels within the zone and take other actions authorized by the Captain of the Port. Federal Law Enforcement Officers authorized to enforce this section are designated as the Official Patrol.</P>
            <P>(5)<E T="03">Public vessel</E>means vessels owned, chartered, or operated by the United States, or by a State or political subdivision thereof.</P>
            <P>(6)<E T="03">Oregon Law Enforcement Officer</E>means any Oregon Peace Officer as defined in Oregon Revised Statutes section 161.015.</P>
            <P>(7)<E T="03">Washington Law Enforcement Officer</E>means any General Authority Washington Peace Officer, Limited Authority Washington Peace Officer, or Specially Commissioned Washington Peace Officer as defined in Revised Code of Washington section 10.93.020.</P>
            <P>(b)<E T="03">Locations.</E>The following areas are a safety zone:</P>
            <P>(1) All navigable waters of the United States within the Sector Columbia River Captain of the Port Zone, extending from the surface to the sea floor, that are not more than 50 yards ahead of the motor vessel Daniel Foss, IMO# 7638454, and 50 yards abeam and astern of this vessel while it is engaged in assisting grain-shipment vessel movements.</P>
            <P>(2) All navigable waters of the United States within the Sector Columbia River Captain of the Port Zone, extending from the surface to the sea floor, that are not more than 50 yards ahead of the motor vessel George W, IMO# 9153329, and 50 yards abeam and astern of this vessel while it is engaged in assisting grain-shipment vessel movements.</P>
            <P>(3) All navigable waters of the United States within the Sector Columbia River Captain of the Port Zone, extending from the surface to the sea floor, that are not more than 50 yards ahead of the motor vessel Washington, IMO# 8207733, and 50 yards abeam and astern of this vessel while it is engaged in assisting grain-shipment vessel movements.</P>
            <P>(4) All navigable waters of the United States within the Sector Columbia River Captain of the Port Zone, extending from the surface to the sea floor, that are not more than 50 yards ahead of the motor vessel Connor Foss, Official# 1238813, and 50 yards abeam and astern of this vessel while it is engaged in assisting grain-shipment vessel movements.</P>
            <P>(c)<E T="03">Effective Period.</E>The safety zones created in this section will be in effect from November 16, 2012 and will be enforced until January 17, 2013. They will be activated for enforcement as described in paragraph (d) of this section.</P>
            <P>(d)<E T="03">Enforcement Periods.</E>(1) The Sector Columbia River Captain of the Port will cause notice of the enforcement of these safety zones to be made by all appropriate means to effect the widest publicity among the affected segments of the public as practicable, in accordance with 33 CFR 165.7. Such means of notification may include, but are not limited to, Broadcast Notices to Mariners or Local Notices to Mariners. The Sector Columbia River Captain of the Port will issue a Broadcast Notice to Mariners and Local Notice to Mariners notifying the public when enforcement of the safety zones is suspended.</P>
            <P>(2) Upon notice of enforcement by the Sector Columbia River Captain of the Port, the Coast Guard will enforce these safety zones in accordance with rules set out in this section. Upon notice of suspension of enforcement by the Sector Columbia River Captain of the Port, all persons and vessels are authorized to enter, transit, and exit the safety zones, consistent with the Navigation Rules.</P>
            <P>(e)<E T="03">Regulation.</E>(1) In accordance with the general regulations in section 165.23 of this part, entry into or movement within these zones is prohibited unless authorized by the Sector Columbia River Captain of the Port, the official patrol, or other designated representatives of the Captain of the Port.</P>
            <P>(2) To request authorization to enter or operate within these safety zones contact the on-scene official patrol on VHF-FM channel 16 or 13, or the Sector Columbia River Command Center at phone number (503) 861-6211. Authorization will be granted based on the necessity of access and consistent with safe navigation.</P>
            <P>(3) Vessels authorized to enter or operate within these safety zones shall operate at the minimum speed necessary to maintain a safe course and shall proceed as directed by the on-scene official patrol. The Navigation Rules shall apply at all times within the safety zones.</P>
            <P>(4) Maneuver-restricted vessels. When conditions permit, the on-scene official patrol, or a designated representative of the Captain of the Port at the Sector Columbia River Command Center, should:</P>
            <P>(i) Permit vessels constrained by their navigational draft or restricted in their ability to maneuver to enter or operate within the safety zones in order to ensure a safe passage in accordance with the Navigation Rules; and</P>
            <P>(ii) Permit commercial vessels anchored in a designated anchorage area to remain at anchor within the safety zones; and</P>
            <P>(iii) Permit vessels that must transit via a navigable channel or waterway to enter or operate within the safety zones in order to do so.</P>
            <P>(f)<E T="03">Exemption.</E>Public vessels as defined in paragraph (a) of this section are exempt from complying with paragraph (e) of this section.</P>
            <P>(g)<E T="03">Enforcement.</E>Any Coast Guard commissioned, warrant, or petty officer may enforce the rules in this section. In the navigable waters of the United States to which this section applies, when immediate action is required and representatives of the Coast Guard are not present or are not present in sufficient force to provide effective enforcement of this section, any Federal Law Enforcement Officer, Oregon Law Enforcement Officer, or Washington Law Enforcement Officer may enforce the rules contained in this section pursuant to 46 U.S.C. 70118. In addition, the Captain of the Port may be assisted by other federal, state, or local agencies in enforcing this section.</P>
            <P>(h)<E T="03">Waiver.</E>The Captain of the Port Columbia River may waive any of the requirements of this section for any vessel or class of vessels upon finding that operational conditions or other circumstances are such that application of this section is unnecessary or impractical for the purpose of port safety or environmental safety.</P>
          </SECTION>
        </REGTEXT>
        <SIG>
          <DATED>Dated: November 30, 2012.</DATED>
          <NAME>B.C. Jones,</NAME>
          <TITLE>Captain, U.S. Coast Guard, Captain of the Port, Sector Columbia River.</TITLE>
        </SIG>
      </SUPLINF>
      <FRDOC>[FR Doc. 2012-30404 Filed 12-17-12; 8:45 am]</FRDOC>
      <BILCOD>BILLING CODE 9110-04-P</BILCOD>
    </RULE>
    <RULE>
      <PREAMB>
        <PRTPAGE P="74781"/>
        <AGENCY TYPE="S">DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY</AGENCY>
        <SUBAGY>Coast Guard</SUBAGY>
        <CFR>33 CFR Part 165</CFR>
        <DEPDOC>[Docket Number USCG-2012-1027]</DEPDOC>
        <RIN>RIN 1625-AA00</RIN>
        <SUBJECT>Safety Zones; Columbia Grain and United Grain Corporation Facilities; Columbia and Willamette Rivers</SUBJECT>
        <AGY>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">AGENCY:</HD>
          <P>Coast Guard, DHS.</P>
        </AGY>
        <ACT>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">ACTION:</HD>
          <P>Temporary final rule.</P>
        </ACT>
        <SUM>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">SUMMARY:</HD>
          <P>The Coast Guard is establishing temporary safety zones around the Columbia Grain facility on the Willamette River in Portland, OR, and the United Grain Corporation facility on the Columbia River in Vancouver, WA. These safety zones extend to the waters of the Columbia and Willamette Rivers, respectively, approximately between the navigable channel and the facility described. These safety zones are being established to ensure that protest activities relating to a labor dispute involving these facilities do not create hazardous navigation conditions for vessels in the navigable channel or vessels attempting to moor at the facilities.</P>
        </SUM>
        <DATES>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">DATES:</HD>
          <P>This rule is effective in the<E T="04">Federal Register</E>from December 18, 2012 until January 17, 2013. This rule is effective with actual notice beginning November 16, 2012 until December 18, 2012.</P>
        </DATES>
        <ADD>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">ADDRESSES:</HD>

          <P>Documents mentioned in this preamble are part of docket [USCG-2012-1027]. To view documents mentioned in this preamble as being available in the docket, go to<E T="03">http://www.regulations.gov,</E>type the docket number in the “SEARCH” box and click “SEARCH.” Click on Open Docket Folder on the line associated with this rulemaking. You may also visit the Docket Management Facility in Room W12-140 on the ground floor of the Department of Transportation West Building, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.</P>
        </ADD>
        <FURINF>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:</HD>

          <P>If you have questions on this rule, call or email Ensign Ian P. McPhillips, Waterways Management Division, Marine Safety Unit Portland, U.S. Coast Guard; telephone (503) 240-9319, email<E T="03">MSUPDXWWM@uscg.mil.</E>If you have questions on viewing or submitting material to the docket, call Renee V. Wright, Program Manager, Docket Operations, telephone (202) 366-9826.</P>
        </FURINF>
      </PREAMB>
      <SUPLINF>
        <HD SOURCE="HED">SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:</HD>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Table of Acronyms</HD>
        <EXTRACT>
          <FP SOURCE="FP-1">DHSDepartment of Homeland Security</FP>
          <FP SOURCE="FP-1">FR<E T="04">Federal Register</E>
          </FP>
          <FP SOURCE="FP-1">NPRMNotice of Proposed Rulemaking</FP>
        </EXTRACT>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">A. Regulatory History and Information</HD>
        <P>The Coast Guard is issuing this final rule without prior notice and opportunity to comment pursuant to authority under section 4(a) of the Administrative Procedure Act (APA) (5 U.S.C. 553(b)). This provision authorizes an agency to issue a rule without prior notice and opportunity to comment when the agency for good cause finds that those procedures are “impracticable, unnecessary, or contrary to the public interest.” Under 5 U.S.C. 553(b)(B), the Coast Guard finds that good cause exists for not publishing a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) with respect to this rule because to do so would be impracticable due to the lack of advance notice of the underlying dispute. Delayed promulgation may result in injury or damage to the maritime public, vessel crews, the vessels themselves, the facilities, and law enforcement personnel from protest activities that could occur prior to conclusion of a notice and comment period.</P>

        <P>For similar reasons, 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<E T="04">Federal Register</E>. To do otherwise would be impracticable since the arrival of grain-shipment vessels cannot be delayed by the Coast Guard and protest activities are unpredictable and potentially volatile and may result in injury to persons, property, or the environment. Delaying the effective date until 30 days after publication may mean that grain-shipment vessels will have arrived or departed the Columbia and Willamette Rivers before the end of the 30 day period. This delay would eliminate the safety zone's effectiveness and usefulness in protecting persons, property, and the safe navigation of maritime traffic before 30 days have elapsed.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">B. Basis and Purpose</HD>
        <P>Due to a labor dispute regarding grain-shipment vessels involved in commerce with the Columbia Grain facility, a safety zone is needed to help ensure the safe navigation of maritime traffic on the Columbia and Willamette Rivers while grain-shipment vessels transit to and from grain export facilities in the Sector Columbia River Captain of the Port Zone. There is the potential for injury and damage to both protestors and shipping due to the labor dispute. The Coast Guard believes that a safety zone is needed to allow maximal use of the waterway consistent with safe navigation and to ensure that protestors and other river users are not injured by deep-draft vessels with maneuvering characteristics with which they may be unfamiliar.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">C. Discussion of the Final Rule</HD>
        <P>This rule establishes temporary safety zones around the Columbia Grain facility located on the Willamette River in Portland, OR and the United Grain Corporation facility located on the Columbia River in Vancouver, WA.</P>
        <P>The safety zone around Columbia Grain is enclosed by three lines and the shoreline: Line one starting on the shoreline at 45-38′35″ N/122-46′2″ W then heading 150 yards offshore to 45-38′38″ N/122-46′15″ W then heading up river 380 yards to 45-38′32″ N/122-46′28″ then heading 150 yards to the shoreline ending at 45-38′30″ N/122-46′25″ W. In essence, these boundaries extend from the shoreline of the facility 150 yards onto the river from each corner of the facility and encompass all waters and structures therein. No person or vessel may enter or remain in the safety zone unless authorized by the Sector Columbia River Captain of the Port or his designated representatives.</P>
        <P>The safety zone around United Grain Corporation is also enclosed by three lines and the shoreline: line one starting on the shoreline at 45-37′46″ N/122-41′34″ W then heading 150 yards offshore to 45-37′48″ N/122-41′50″ W then heading up river 470 yards to 45-37′42″ N/122-41′37″ then heading 150 yards to the shoreline ending at 45-37′44″ N/122-41′31″ W. In essence, these boundaries extend from the shoreline of the facility 150 yards onto the river from each corner of the facility and encompass all waters and structures therein. No person or vessel may enter or remain in the safety zone unless authorized by the Sector Columbia River Captain of the Port or his designated representatives.</P>

        <P>This rule has been enforced with actual notice since November 16, 2012 and it will be enforced until 30 days from date of publication in the<E T="04">Federal Register</E>. If unsafe conditions continue beyond that date, the Coast Guard will consider extending the duration of the safety zone.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">D. Regulatory Analyses</HD>

        <P>We developed this rule after considering numerous statutes and executive orders related to rulemaking. Below we summarize our analyses<PRTPAGE P="74782"/>based on these statutes and executive orders.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD2">1. Regulatory Planning and Review</HD>
        <P>This rule is not a significant regulatory action under section 3(f) of Executive Order 12866, Regulatory Planning and Review, as supplemented by Executive Order 13563, Improving Regulation and Regulatory Review, and does not require an assessment of potential costs and benefits under section 6(a)(3) of Executive Order 12866 or under section 1 of Executive Order 13563. The Office of Management and Budget has not reviewed it under those Orders. Although this rule will restrict access to the regulated areas, the effect of this rule will not be significant because: (i) The safety zones are limited in size; (ii) the official on-scene patrol may authorize access to the safety zones; (iii) the safety zones will effect limited geographical locations for a limited time; and (iv) the Coast Guard will make notifications via maritime advisories so mariners can adjust their plans accordingly.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD2">2. Impact on Small Entities</HD>
        <P>The Regulatory Flexibility Act of 1980 (RFA), 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 with populations of less than 50,000. 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. This rule will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities for the following reasons: (i) The safety zones are limited in size; (ii) the official on-scene patrol may authorize access to the safety zones; (iii) the safety zones will effect limited geographical locations for a limited time; and (iv) the Coast Guard will make notifications via maritime advisories so mariners can adjust their plans accordingly.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD2">3. Assistance for Small Entities</HD>

        <P>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<E T="02">FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT</E>, above.</P>
        <P>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.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD2">4. Collection of Information</HD>
        <P>This rule will not call for a new collection of information under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501-3520).</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD2">5. Federalism</HD>
        <P>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 determined that this rule does not have implications for federalism.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD2">
          <E T="03">6. Protest Activities</E>
        </HD>

        <P>The Coast Guard respects the First Amendment rights of protesters. Protesters are asked to contact the person listed in the<E T="02">FOR FURTHER INTFORMATION CONTACT</E>section to coordinate protest activities so that your message can be received without jeopardizing the safety or security of people, places or vessels.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD2">
          <E T="03">7. Unfunded Mandates Reform Act</E>
        </HD>
        <P>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.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD2">8. Taking of Private Property</HD>
        <P>This rule will not cause a taking of private property or otherwise have taking implications under Executive Order 12630, Governmental Actions and Interference with Constitutionally Protected Property Rights.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD2">9. Civil Justice Reform</HD>
        <P>This rule meets applicable standards in sections 3(a) and 3(b)(2) of Executive Order 12988, Civil Justice Reform, to minimize litigation, eliminate ambiguity, and reduce burden.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD2">10. Protection of Children</HD>
        <P>We have analyzed this rule under Executive Order 13045, Protection of Children from Environmental Health Risks and Safety Risks. This rule is not an economically significant rule and does not create an environmental risk to health or risk to safety that may disproportionately affect children.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD2">11. Indian Tribal Governments</HD>
        <P>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.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD2">12. Energy Effects</HD>
        <P>This action is not a “significant energy action” under Executive Order 13211, Actions Concerning Regulations That Significantly Affect Energy Supply, Distribution, or Use.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD2">13. Technical Standards</HD>
        <P>This rule does not use technical standards. Therefore, we did not consider the use of voluntary consensus standards.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD2">14. Environment</HD>

        <P>We have analyzed this rule under Department of Homeland Security Management Directive 023-01 and Commandant Instruction M16475.lD, which guide the Coast Guard in complying with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA)(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 the establishment of temporary safety zones around the Columbia Grain facility on the Willamette River in Portland, OR and the United Grain Corporation facility on the Columbia River in Vancouver, WA. This rule is categorically excluded from further<PRTPAGE P="74783"/>review under paragraph 34(g) of Figure 2-1 of the Commandant Instruction. An environmental analysis checklist supporting this determination and a Categorical Exclusion Determination are available in the docket where indicated under<E T="02">ADDRESSES</E>. We seek any comments or information that may lead to the discovery of a significant environmental impact from this rule.</P>
        <LSTSUB>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">List of Subjects in 33 CFR Part 165</HD>
          <P>Harbors, Marine Safety, Navigation (water), Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Waterways.</P>
        </LSTSUB>
        
        <P>For the reasons discussed in the preamble, the Coast Guard amends 33 CFR Part 165 as follows:</P>
        <REGTEXT PART="165" TITLE="33">
          <PART>
            <HD SOURCE="HED">PART 165—REGULATED NAVIGATION AREAS AND LIMITED ACCESS AREAS</HD>
          </PART>
          <AMDPAR>1. The authority citation for part 165 continues to read as follows:</AMDPAR>
          <AUTH>
            <HD SOURCE="HED">Authority:</HD>
            <P>33 U.S.C. 1226, 1231; 46 U.S.C. Chapter 701, 3306, 3703; 50 U.S.C. 191, 195; 33 CFR 1.05-1, 6.04-1, 6.04-6, and 160.5; Pub. L. 107-295, 116 Stat. 2064; Department of Homeland Security Delegation No. 0170.1.</P>
          </AUTH>
          
        </REGTEXT>
        <REGTEXT PART="165" TITLE="33">
          <AMDPAR>2. Add § 165.T13-235 to read as follows:</AMDPAR>
          <SECTION>
            <SECTNO>§ 165.T13-235</SECTNO>
            <SUBJECT>Safety Zones; Columbia Grain and United Grain Corporation Facilities; Columbia and Willamette Rivers.</SUBJECT>
            <P>(a)<E T="03">Definitions.</E>As used in this section:</P>
            <P>(1)<E T="03">Federal Law Enforcement Officer</E>means any employee or agent of the United States government who has the authority to carry firearms and make warrantless arrests and whose duties involve the enforcement of criminal laws of the United States.</P>
            <P>(2)<E T="03">Navigable waters of the United States</E>means those waters defined as such in 33 CFR part 2.</P>
            <P>(3)<E T="03">Navigation Rules</E>means the Navigation Rules, International-Inland.</P>
            <P>(4)<E T="03">Official Patrol</E>means those persons designated by the Captain of the Port to monitor a safety zone, permit entry into the zone, give legally enforceable orders to persons or vessels within the zone and take other actions authorized by the Captain of the Port. Federal Law Enforcement Officers authorized to enforce this section are designated as the Official Patrol.</P>
            <P>(5)<E T="03">Public vessel</E>means vessels owned, chartered, or operated by the United States, or by a State or political subdivision thereof.</P>
            <P>(6)<E T="03">Oregon Law Enforcement Officer</E>means any Oregon Peace Officer as defined in Oregon Revised Statutes section 161.015.</P>
            <P>(7)<E T="03">Washington Law Enforcement Officer</E>means any General Authority Washington Peace Officer, Limited Authority Washington Peace Officer, or Specially Commissioned Washington Peace Officer as defined in Revised Code of Washington section 10.93.020.</P>
            <P>(b)<E T="03">Locations.</E>The following areas are safety zones:</P>
            <P>(1) Columbia Grain: All navigable waters of the United States within the Sector Columbia River Captain of the Port Zone enclosed by three lines and the shoreline: line one starting on the shoreline at 45-38′35″ N/122-46′2″ W then heading 150 yards offshore to 45-38′38″ N/122-46′15″ W then heading up river 380 yards to 45-38′32″ N/122-46′28″ then heading 150 yards to the shoreline ending at 45-38′30″ N/122-46′25″ W. Geographically this rule will cover all waters of the Willamette River between the navigable channel and the Columbia Grain facility in Portland, OR.</P>
            <P>(2) United Grain Corporation: All navigable waters of the United States within the Sector Columbia River Captain of the Port Zone enclosed by three lines and the shoreline: line one starting on the shoreline at 45-37′46″ N/122-41′34″ W then heading 150 yards offshore to 45-37′48″ N/122-41′50″ W then heading up river 470 yards to 45-37′42″ N/122-41′37″ then heading 150 yards to the shoreline ending at 45-37′44″ N/122-41′31″ W. Geographically this rule will cover all waters of the Columbia River between the navigable channel and the United Grain Corporation facility at the Port of Vancouver, WA.</P>
            <P>(c)<E T="03">Effective period.</E>The safety zones created in this section will be in effect from November 16, 2012 and will be enforced until January 17, 2013. They will be activated for enforcement as described in paragraph (d) of this section.</P>
            <P>(d)<E T="03">Enforcement periods.</E>(1) The Sector Columbia River Captain of the Port will cause notice of the enforcement of these safety zones to be made by all appropriate means to effect the widest publicity among the affected segments of the public as practicable, in accordance with 33 CFR 165.7. Such means of notification may include, but are not limited to, Broadcast Notices to Mariners or Local Notices to Mariners. The Sector Columbia River Captain of the Port will issue a Broadcast Notice to Mariners and Local Notice to Mariners notifying the public when enforcement of these safety zones is suspended.</P>
            <P>(2) Upon notice of enforcement by the Sector Columbia River Captain of the Port the Coast Guard will enforce these safety zones in accordance with rules set out in this section. Upon notice of suspension of enforcement by the Sector Columbia River Captain of the Port, all persons and vessels are authorized to enter, transit, and exit the safety zones, consistent with the Navigation Rules.</P>
            <P>(e)<E T="03">Regulation.</E>(1) In accordance with the general regulations in section 165.23 of this part, entry into or movement within these zones is prohibited unless authorized by the Sector Columbia River Captain of the Port, the official patrol, or other designated representatives of the Captain of the Port.</P>
            <P>(2) To request authorization to enter or operate within these safety zones contact the on-scene official patrol on VHF-FM channel 16 or 13. Authorization will be granted based on the necessity of access and consistent with safe navigation.</P>
            <P>(3) Vessels authorized to enter or operate within these safety zones shall operate at the minimum speed necessary to maintain a safe course and shall proceed as directed by the on-scene official patrol. The Navigation Rules shall apply at all times within the safety zones.</P>
            <P>(f)<E T="03">Exemption.</E>Public vessels as defined in paragraph (a) of this section are exempt from complying with paragraph (e) of this section.</P>
            <P>(g)<E T="03">Enforcement.</E>Any Coast Guard commissioned, warrant, or petty officer may enforce the rules in this section. In the navigable waters of the United States to which this section applies, when immediate action is required and representatives of the Coast Guard are not present or are not present in sufficient force to provide effective enforcement of this section, any Federal Law Enforcement Officer, Oregon Law Enforcement Officer, or Washington Law Enforcement Officer may enforce the rules contained in this section pursuant to 46 U.S.C. 70118. In addition, the Captain of the Port may be assisted by other federal, state, or local agencies in enforcing this section.</P>
            <P>(h)<E T="03">Waiver.</E>The Sector Columbia River Captain of the Port may waive any of the requirements of this section for any vessel or class of vessels upon finding that operational conditions or other circumstances are such that application of this section is unnecessary or impractical for the purpose of port safety or environmental safety.</P>
          </SECTION>
        </REGTEXT>
        <SIG>
          <DATED>Dated: November 30, 2012.</DATED>
          <NAME>B.C. Jones,</NAME>
          <TITLE>Captain, U.S. Coast Guard, Captain of the Port, Sector Columbia River.</TITLE>
        </SIG>
      </SUPLINF>
      <FRDOC>[FR Doc. 2012-30405 Filed 12-17-12; 8:45 am]</FRDOC>
      <BILCOD>BILLING CODE 9110-04-P</BILCOD>
    </RULE>
    <RULE>
      <PREAMB>
        <PRTPAGE P="74784"/>
        <AGENCY TYPE="S">DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY</AGENCY>
        <SUBAGY>Coast Guard</SUBAGY>
        <CFR>33 CFR Part 165</CFR>
        <DEPDOC>[Docket Number USCG-2012-1060]</DEPDOC>
        <RIN>RIN 1625-AA00</RIN>
        <SUBJECT>Safety Zone for Recovery Operations for East Jefferson Street Train Derailment, Mantua Creek; Paulsboro, NJ</SUBJECT>
        <AGY>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">AGENCY:</HD>
          <P>Coast Guard, DHS.</P>
        </AGY>
        <ACT>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">ACTION:</HD>
          <P>Temporary final rule.</P>
        </ACT>
        <SUM>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">SUMMARY:</HD>
          <P>The Coast Guard is establishing a safety zone one mile north and one mile south of the East Jefferson Street Railroad Bridge, Mantua Creek, Paulsboro, New Jersey, due to a train derailment resulting in the release of hazardous materials into Mantua Creek and the surrounding air. This regulation is necessary to provide for the safety of life on the navigable waters of the Mantua Creek. This safety zone is intended to restrict vessel traffic movement to protect mariners from the hazards associated with an ongoing recovery operation to remove the derailed train cars and address hazardous material release.</P>
        </SUM>
        <DATES>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">DATES:</HD>
          <P>This rule is effective in the CFR from December 18, 2012 January 15, 2013. This rule is effective with actual notice from December 5, 2012 until December 18, 2012.</P>
        </DATES>
        <ADD>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">ADDRESSES:</HD>

          <P>Documents mentioned in this preamble are part of docket USCG-2012-1060. To view documents mentioned in this preamble as being available in the docket, go to<E T="03">http://www.regulations.gov</E>, type the docket number in the “SEARCH” box and click “SEARCH.” Click on Open Docket Folder on the line associated with this rulemaking. You may also visit the Docket Management Facility in Room W12-140 on the ground floor of the Department of Transportation West Building, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.</P>
        </ADD>
        <FURINF>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:</HD>

          <P>If you have questions on this rule, call or email If you have questions on this temporary rule, call or email Lieutenant Corrina Ott, U.S. Coast Guard, Sector Delaware Bay, Chief of Waterways Management Division, Coast Guard; telephone 215-271-4902, email<E T="03">Corrina.ott@uscg.mil.</E>If you have questions on viewing or submitting material to the docket, call Renee V. Wright, Program Manager, Docket Operations, telephone (202) 366-9826.</P>
        </FURINF>
      </PREAMB>
      <SUPLINF>
        <HD SOURCE="HED">SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:</HD>
        <P/>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Table of Acronyms</HD>
        
        <EXTRACT>
          <FP SOURCE="FP-1">DHSDepartment of Homeland Security</FP>
          <FP SOURCE="FP-1">FR<E T="04">Federal Register</E>
          </FP>
          <FP SOURCE="FP-1">NPRMNotice of Proposed Rulemaking</FP>
        </EXTRACT>
        
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">A. Regulatory History and Information</HD>
        <P>The Coast Guard is issuing this final rule without prior notice and opportunity to comment pursuant to authority under section 4(a) of the Administrative Procedure Act (APA) (5 U.S.C. 553(b)). This provision authorizes an agency to issue a rule without prior notice and opportunity to comment when the agency for good cause finds that those procedures are “impracticable, unnecessary, or contrary to the public interest.” Under 5 U.S.C. 553(b)(B), the Coast Guard finds that good cause exists for not publishing a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) with respect to this rule because it would be impracticable. Immediate action is necessary to protect the maritime public. The East Jefferson Street Rail Bridge train derailment occurred November 30, 2012 and hazardous material response and railcar recovery began immediately, thereby making it impractical to provide for a notice and comment period. Vessels transiting or attempting to transit Mantua Creek near the response operations may be at risk from possible hazardous material exposure.</P>

        <P>For the reasons stated above, 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<E T="04">Federal Register</E>.  Any delay encountered in this regulation's effective date would be contrary to public interest because immediate action is needed to provide for the safety of life and property from the hazards associated with the recovery operation and hazardous material release.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">B. Basis and Purpose</HD>
        <P>On the morning of November 30, 2012 a train derailed and a portion of the East Jefferson Street Rail Bridge located in Paulsboro, New Jersey collapsed. Additionally a release of hazardous material from the derailed train cars occurred. Train cars currently lie partially submerged in Mantua Creek in the immediate vicinity of the rail bridge. A safety zone is necessary because there will be an ongoing operation to remove the submerged train cars and hazardous materials from November 30, 2012 until completed.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">C. Discussion of the Final Rule</HD>
        <P>The Coast Guard Captain of the Port Delaware Bay is establishing a temporary safety zone from on December 5, 2012 until all recovery operations are completed unless cancelled earlier by the Captain of the Port. The Captain of the Port is establishing this safety zone to ensure the safety of life and property of all mariners and vessels transiting the local area.</P>
        <P>The boundary line for the temporary safety zone includes all waters of Mantua Creek one mile north of and one mile south of the East Jefferson Street Rail Bridge in Paulsboro, New Jersey.</P>
        <P>Vessels will not be permitted to transit through the safety zone unless they receive authorization from the Captain of the Port Delaware Bay or her representative. Such requests must be made one hour prior to the intended transit of the Safety Zone. Vessels may contact the Captain of the Port Delaware Bay or her representative in order to obtain authorization by contacting Coast Guard Sector Delaware Bay at: (215) 271-4940. After evaluating the current conditions and status of recovery operation of the derailed and damaged train cars, the Captain of the Port Delaware Bay or her representative will notify the requesting vessel whether they are authorized to transit through the Safety Zone and will provide any other directions for their intended transit.</P>
        <P>The Captain of the Port will cancel this safety zone once all recovery operations are completed and hazards are removed from the area. At such time, notice that the safety zone is no longer established will be broadcast to mariners.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">D. Regulatory Analyses</HD>
        <P>We developed this rule after considering numerous statutes and executive orders related to rulemaking. Below we summarize our analyses based on these statutes or executive orders.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD2">1. Regulatory Planning and Review</HD>

        <P>This rule is not a significant regulatory action under section 3(f) of Executive Order 12866, Regulatory Planning and Review, as supplemented by Executive Order 13563, Improving Regulation and Regulatory Review, and does not require an assessment of potential costs and benefits under section 6(a)(3) of Executive Order 12866 or under section 1 of Executive Order 13563. The Office of Management and Budget has not reviewed it under those Orders. Although this regulation will<PRTPAGE P="74785"/>restrict access to the regulated area, the effect of this rule will not be significant because: (i) The Coast Guard will make extensive notification of the Safety Zone to the maritime public via maritime advisories so mariners can alter their plans accordingly; (ii) vessels may still be permitted to transit through the safety zone with the permission of the Captain of the Port on a case-by-case basis; and (iii) this rule will be enforced for only the duration of recovery operations.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD2">2. Impact on Small Entities</HD>
        <P>The Regulatory Flexibility Act of 1980 (RFA), 5 U.S.C. 601-612, as amended, requires federal agencies to consider the potential impact of regulations on small entities during 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. This rule will affect the following entities, some of which may be small entities: The owners or operators of the vessels intending to transit Mantua Creek one mile north and one mile south of the East Jefferson Street Rail Bridge in Paulsboro, New Jersey from December 5, 2012 until all recovery operations are completed, unless cancelled earlier by the Captain of the Port.</P>
        <P>This safety zone will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities for the following reason: Vessel traffic will be allowed to pass through the zone with permission of the Coast Guard Captain of the Port Delaware Bay or her representative. Sector Delaware Bay will issue maritime advisories widely accessible to users of the waterway.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD2">3. Assistance for Small Entities</HD>

        <P>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<E T="02">FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT</E>, above.</P>
        <P>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.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD2">4. Collection of Information</HD>
        <P>This rule will not call for a new collection of information under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501-3520).</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD2">5. Federalism</HD>
        <P>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 determined that this rule does not have implications for federalism.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD2">6. Protest Activities</HD>

        <P>The Coast Guard respects the First Amendment rights of protesters. Protesters are asked to contact the person listed in the “<E T="02">FOR FURTHER INTFORMATION CONTACT</E>” section to coordinate protest activities so that your message can be received without jeopardizing the safety or security of people, places or vessels.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD2">7. Unfunded Mandates Reform Act</HD>
        <P>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.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD2">8. Taking of Private Property</HD>
        <P>This rule will not cause a taking of private property or otherwise have taking implications under Executive Order 12630, Governmental Actions and Interference with Constitutionally Protected Property Rights.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD2">9. Civil Justice Reform</HD>
        <P>This rule meets applicable standards in sections 3(a) and 3(b)(2) of Executive Order 12988, Civil Justice Reform, to minimize litigation, eliminate ambiguity, and reduce burden.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD2">10. Protection of Children</HD>
        <P>We have analyzed this rule under Executive Order 13045, Protection of Children from Environmental Health Risks and Safety Risks. This rule is not an economically significant rule and does not create an environmental risk to health or risk to safety that may disproportionately affect children.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD2">11. Indian Tribal Governments</HD>
        <P>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.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD2">
          <E T="03">12. Energy Effects</E>
        </HD>
        <P>This action is not a “significant energy action” under Executive Order 13211, Actions Concerning Regulations That Significantly Affect Energy Supply, Distribution, or Use.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD2">13. Technical Standards</HD>
        <P>This rule does not use technical standards. Therefore, we did not consider the use of voluntary consensus standards.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD2">14. Environment</HD>

        <P>We have analyzed this rule under Department of Homeland Security Management Directive 023-01 and Commandant Instruction M16475.lD, which guide the Coast Guard in complying with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA)(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 the establishment of a safety zone. This rule is categorically excluded from further review under paragraph 34 (g) of Figure 2-1 of the Commandant Instruction. An environmental analysis checklist and a categorical exclusion determination will be available in the docket where indicated under<E T="02">ADDRESSES</E>. We seek any comments or information that may lead to the discovery of a significant environmental impact from this rule.</P>
        <LSTSUB>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">List of Subjects in 33 CFR Part 165</HD>
          <P>Harbors, Marine safety, Navigation (water), Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Security measures, Waterways.</P>
        </LSTSUB>
        <PRTPAGE P="74786"/>
        <P>For the reasons discussed in the preamble, the Coast Guard amends 33 CFR part 165 as follows:</P>
        <REGTEXT PART="165" TITLE="33">
          <PART>
            <HD SOURCE="HED">PART 165—REGULATED NAVIGATION AREAS AND LIMITED ACCESS AREAS</HD>
          </PART>
          <AMDPAR>1. The authority citation for part 165 continues to read as follows:</AMDPAR>
          <AUTH>
            <HD SOURCE="HED">Authority:</HD>
            <P>33 U.S.C. 1231; 46 U.S.C. Chapter 701, 3306, 3703; 50 U.S.C. 191, 195; 33 CFR 1.05-1, 6.04-1, 6.04-6, 160.5; Pub. L. 107-295, 116 Stat. 2064; Department of Homeland Security Delegation No. 0170.1.</P>
          </AUTH>
          
        </REGTEXT>
        <REGTEXT PART="165" TITLE="33">
          <AMDPAR>2. Add temporary 165.T05-1060, to read as follows:</AMDPAR>
          <SECTION>
            <SECTNO>§ 165.T05-1060</SECTNO>
            <SUBJECT>Safety Zone for Recovery Operations for East Jefferson Street Train Derailment, Mantua Creek; Paulsboro, NJ.</SUBJECT>
            <P>(a)<E T="03">Location.</E>All waters of Mantua Creek one mile north and one mile south of the East Jefferson Street Rail Bridge in Paulsboro, New Jersey.</P>
            <P>(b)<E T="03">Enforcement period.</E>This rule is effective on December 5, 2012, until January 15, 2013, unless cancelled earlier by the Captain of the Port.</P>
            <P>(c)<E T="03">Regulations:</E>All persons are required to comply with the general regulations governing safety zones in 33 CFR 165.33 of this part.</P>
            <P>(1) All persons and vessels transiting through the Safety Zone must be authorized by the Captain of the Port or her representative.</P>
            <P>(2) All persons or vessels wishing to transit through the Safety Zone must request authorization to do so from the Captain of the Port or her representative one hour prior to the intended time of transit.</P>
            <P>(3) Vessels granted permission to transit must do so in accordance with the directions provided by the Captain of the Port or her representative to the vessel.</P>
            <P>(4) To seek permission to transit the Safety Zone, the Captain of the Port or her representative can be contacted via Sector Delaware Bay Command Center (215) 271-4940.</P>
            <P>(5) This section applies to all vessels wishing to transit through the Safety Zone except vessels that are engaged in the following operations: (i) Enforcing laws; (ii) servicing aids to navigation, and (iii) emergency response vessels.</P>
            <P>(6) No person or vessel may enter or remain in a safety zone without the permission of the Captain of the Port;</P>
            <P>(7) Each person and vessel in a safety zone shall obey any direction or order of the Captain of the Port;</P>
            <P>(8) The Captain of the Port may take possession and control of any vessel in the safety zone;</P>
            <P>(9) The Captain of the Port may remove any person, vessel, article, or thing from a safety zone;</P>
            <P>(10) No person may board, or take or place any article or thing on board, any vessel in a safety zone without the permission of the Captain of the Port; and</P>
            <P>(11) No person may take or place any article or thing upon any waterfront facility in a safety zone without the permission of the Captain of the Port.</P>
            <P>(d)<E T="03">Definitions. The Captain of the Port means</E>the Commanding Officer of Sector Delaware Bay or any Coast Guard commissioned, warrant, or petty officer who has been authorized by the Captain of the Port to act on her behalf.</P>
            <P>(e)<E T="03">Enforcement.</E>The U.S. Coast Guard may be assisted in the patrol and enforcement of the Safety Zone by Federal, State, and local agencies.</P>
          </SECTION>
        </REGTEXT>
        <SIG>
          <DATED>Dated: December 5, 2012.</DATED>
          <NAME>K. Moore,</NAME>
          <TITLE>Captain, U.S. Coast Guard, Captain of the Port Delaware Bay.</TITLE>
        </SIG>
      </SUPLINF>
      <FRDOC>[FR Doc. 2012-30400 Filed 12-17-12; 8:45 am]</FRDOC>
      <BILCOD>BILLING CODE 9110-04-P</BILCOD>
    </RULE>
  </RULES>
  <VOL>77</VOL>
  <NO>243</NO>
  <DATE>Tuesday, December 18, 2012</DATE>
  <UNITNAME>Proposed Rules</UNITNAME>
  <PRORULES>
    <PRORULE>
      <PREAMB>
        <PRTPAGE P="74787"/>
        <AGENCY TYPE="F">DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE</AGENCY>
        <SUBAGY>Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service</SUBAGY>
        <CFR>9 CFR Part 94</CFR>
        <DEPDOC>[Docket No. APHIS-2012-0094]</DEPDOC>
        <SUBJECT>Notice of Availability of an Evaluation of the Swine Vesicular Disease Status of Certain Regions in Italy</SUBJECT>
        <AGY>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">AGENCY:</HD>
          <P>Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, USDA.</P>
        </AGY>
        <ACT>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">ACTION:</HD>
          <P>Notice of Availability.</P>
        </ACT>
        <SUM>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">SUMMARY:</HD>
          <P>We are advising the public that we have determined that the Italian Regions of Lombardia, Emilio-Romagna, Veneto, and Piemonte and the autonomous provinces of Trento and Bolzano are free of swine vesicular disease. This determination is based on our review of the documentation submitted by the Government of Italy in support of its request and the findings of our own animal health risk evaluation. We are making our determination, as well as the evaluation we have prepared in connection with this action, available for review and comment.</P>
        </SUM>
        <EFFDATE>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">DATES:</HD>
          <P>We will consider all comments that we receive on or before February 19, 2013.</P>
        </EFFDATE>
        <ADD>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">ADDRESSES:</HD>
          <P>You may submit comments by either of the following methods:</P>
          <P>•<E T="03">Federal eRulemaking Portal:</E>Go to<E T="03">http://www.regulations.gov/#!documentDetail;D=APHIS-2012-0094-0001.</E>
          </P>
          <P>•<E T="03">Postal Mail/Commercial Delivery:</E>Send your comment to Docket No. APHIS-2012-0094, Regulatory Analysis and Development, PPD, APHIS, Station 3A-03.8, 4700 River Road Unit 118, Riverdale, MD 20737-1238.</P>

          <P>Supporting documents and any comments we receive on this docket may be viewed at<E T="03">http://www.regulations.gov/#!docketDetail;D=APHIS-2012-0094</E>or in our reading room, which is located in room 1141 of the USDA South Building, 14th Street and Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC. Normal reading room hours are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, except holidays. To be sure someone is there to help you, please call (202) 799-7039 before coming.</P>
        </ADD>
        <FURINF>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:</HD>
          <P>Dr. Chip Wells, Senior Staff Veterinarian, Regionalization Evaluation Services, Sanitary Trade Issues Team, National Center for Import and Export, VS, APHIS, 4700 River Road Unit 38, Riverdale, MD 20737-1231; (301) 851-3089.</P>
        </FURINF>
      </PREAMB>
      <SUPLINF>
        <HD SOURCE="HED">SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:</HD>
        <P/>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Background</HD>
        <P>The regulations in 9 CFR part 94 (referred to below as the regulations) govern the importation of certain animals and animal products into the United States in order to prevent the introduction of various communicable diseases, including swine vesicular disease (SVD). These are dangerous and destructive communicable diseases of ruminants and swine.</P>
        <P>Sections 94.12 and 94.14 of the regulations contain requirements governing the importation of pork and pork products and swine, respectively, from regions where SVD exists in order to prevent the introduction of the disease into the United States. We consider SVD to exist in all regions except those listed in accordance with § 94.12(a)(2) as being free of SVD.</P>
        <P>Section 94.13 of the regulations contains requirements governing the importation of pork or pork products from regions that have been determined to be free of SVD, but that are subject to certain restrictions because of their proximity to or trading relationships with SVD-affected regions. Such regions are listed in accordance with paragraph (a)(2) of that section.</P>

        <P>The regulations in 9 CFR 92.2 contain requirements for requesting the recognition of the animal health status of a region or for the approval of the export of a particular type of animal or animal product to the United States from a foreign region. If, after review and evaluation of the information submitted in support of the request, the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) believes the request can be safely granted, APHIS will make its evaluation available for public comment through a notice published in the<E T="04">Federal Register.</E>Following the close of the comment period, APHIS will review all comments received and will make a final determination regarding the request that will be detailed in another notice published in the<E T="04">Federal Register.</E>
        </P>

        <P>In July 1997, the European Commission and the Government of Italy submitted a request to APHIS seeking the recognition of certain Regions in northern Italy (in Italy, a “Region” is a type of political jurisdiction) as being free of SVD. We conducted a qualitative risk assessment, and on June 25, 1999, we published in the<E T="04">Federal Register</E>(64 FR 34155-34168, Docket No. 98-090-1) a proposal to amend the regulations in order to recognize eight regions in northern Italy as free of SVD. However, before that rule was made final, SVD outbreaks occurred in four of the eight Regions. Therefore, in the final rule published April 7, 2003, in the<E T="04">Federal Register</E>(68 FR 16922-16941, Docket No. 98-090-5), APHIS recognized only those four Regions that remained free of SVD (Friuli, Liguria, Marche, and Valle d'Aosta). In the intervening years, we have continued our evaluation of the SVD status of Italy, as is our standard procedure in cases where the requesting country does not withdraw its request for recognition of disease freedom. Based on information provided by the Italian government as well as multiple site visits, we have now found four Regions within north-central Italy (Lombardia, Emilio-Romagna, Veneto, and Piemonte) and two autonomous provinces (Trento and Bolzano) to be free of SVD.</P>

        <P>APHIS has evaluated the risk of introducing SVD into the United States via the importation of SVD-susceptible species or products from these areas of Italy in accordance with 9 CFR part 92. Based on this evaluation, APHIS has found that that the surveillance, prevention, and control measures implemented by Italy in the four Regions and two autonomous provinces under consideration as being free of SVD are sufficient to minimize the likelihood of introducing SVD into the United States via imports of SVD-susceptible species or products. However, because of its proximity to or trading relationships with SVD-affected regions, we have found that it is necessary to impose additional restrictions in accordance with § 94.13<PRTPAGE P="74788"/>on the importation of pork or pork products from the areas of Italy under consideration for being declared free of SVD.</P>

        <P>Therefore, in accordance with § 92.2(e), we are announcing the availability, for public review and comment, of our evaluation of the SVD status of the Regions and autonomous provinces under consideration. The evaluation may be viewed on the Regulations.gov Web site or in our reading room. (Instructions for accessing Regulations.gov and information on the location and hours of the reading room are provided under the heading<E T="02">ADDRESSES</E>at the beginning of this document.) The evaluation, as well as the information evaluated, may also be viewed at<E T="03">http://www.aphis.usda.gov/import_export/animals/reg_request.shtml</E>by following the link for “Previous regionalization requests and supporting documentation.”</P>
        <P>After reviewing any comments we receive, we will announce our decision regarding the disease status of the Italian Regions of Lombardia, Emilio-Romagna, Veneto, and Piemonte and the autonomous provinces of Trento and Bolzano with respect to SVD and the import status of susceptible animals and products of such animals in a subsequent notice.</P>
        <AUTH>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">Authority:</HD>
          <P>7 U.S.C. 450, 7701-7772, 7781-7786, and 8301-8317; 21 U.S.C. 136 and 136a; 31 U.S.C. 9701; 7 CFR 2.22, 2.80, and 371.4.</P>
        </AUTH>
        <SIG>
          <DATED>Done in Washington, DC, this 11th day of December 2012.</DATED>
          <NAME>Kevin Shea,</NAME>
          <TITLE>Acting Administrator, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service.</TITLE>
        </SIG>
      </SUPLINF>
      <FRDOC>[FR Doc. 2012-30257 Filed 12-17-12; 8:45 am]</FRDOC>
      <BILCOD>BILLING CODE 3410-34-P</BILCOD>
    </PRORULE>
    <PRORULE>
      <PREAMB>
        <AGENCY TYPE="N">NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION</AGENCY>
        <CFR>10 CFR Part 50</CFR>
        <DEPDOC>[Docket No. PRM-50-96; NRC-2011-0069]</DEPDOC>
        <SUBJECT>Long-Term Cooling and Unattended Water Makeup of Spent Fuel Pools</SUBJECT>
        <AGY>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">AGENCY:</HD>
          <P>Nuclear Regulatory Commission.</P>
        </AGY>
        <ACT>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">ACTION:</HD>
          <P>Petition for rulemaking; consideration in the rulemaking process.</P>
        </ACT>
        <SUM>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">SUMMARY:</HD>
          <P>The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) will consider in the NRC rulemaking process the issues raised in a petition for rulemaking (PRM) submitted by Thomas Popik (the petitioner) on behalf of the Foundation for Resilient Societies. The petition was dated March 14, 2011, and was docketed as PRM-50-96. The petitioner requests that the NRC amend its regulations to require facilities licensed by the NRC to assure long-term cooling and unattended water makeup of spent fuel pools (SFP).</P>
        </SUM>
        <DATES>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">DATES:</HD>
          <P>The docket for the petition for rulemaking, PRM-50-96, is closed on December 18, 2012.</P>
        </DATES>
        <ADD>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">ADDRESSES:</HD>

          <P>Further NRC action on the issues raised by this petition can be found on the Federal Rulemaking Web site at<E T="03">http://www.regulations.gov</E>by searching on Docket ID NRC-2011-0069.</P>
          <P>You can access publicly available documents related to the petition, which the NRC possesses and are publicly available, using any one of the following methods:</P>
          <P>•<E T="03">Federal Rulemaking Web site:</E>Public comments and supporting materials related to this petition can be found at<E T="03">http://www.regulations.gov</E>by searching on the petition Docket ID NRC-2011-0069. Address questions about NRC dockets to Carol Gallagher; telephone 301-492-3668; email:<E T="03">Carol.Gallagher@nrc.gov</E>.</P>
          <P>•<E T="03">NRC's Agencywide Documents Access and Management System (ADAMS):</E>You may access publicly available documents online in the NRC Library at<E T="03">http://www.nrc.gov/reading-rm/adams.html</E>. To begin the search, select “<E T="03">ADAMS Public Documents”</E>and then select “<E T="03">Begin Web-based ADAMS Search.”</E>For problems with ADAMS, please contact the NRC's Public Document Room (PDR) reference staff at 1-800-397-4209, 301-415-4737, or by email to<E T="03">PDR.Resource@nrc.gov</E>. The ADAMS accession number for each document referenced in this notice (if that document is available in ADAMS) is provided the first time that a document is referenced.</P>
          <P>•<E T="03">NRC's PDR:</E>You may examine and purchase copies of public documents at the NRC's PDR, O1-F21, One White Flint North, 11555 Rockville Pike, Rockville, Maryland 20852.</P>
        </ADD>
        <FURINF>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:</HD>

          <P>Manash Bagchi or Richard Dudley, Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation, U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Washington, DC 20555-0001; telephone 301-415-2905 or 301-415-1116, email:<E T="03">Manash.Bagchi@nrc.gov</E>.</P>
        </FURINF>
      </PREAMB>
      <SUPLINF>
        <HD SOURCE="HED">SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:</HD>
        
        <EXTRACT>
          <FP SOURCE="FP-2">I. The Petition</FP>
          <FP SOURCE="FP-2">II. Regulatory Oversight of Electric Power Systems</FP>
          <FP SOURCE="FP-2">III. Analysis of Public Comments</FP>
          <FP SOURCE="FP-2">IV. NRC Evaluation</FP>
          <FP SOURCE="FP1-2">A. NRC Requirements for Governing Spent Fuel Pool Cooling and Provision of Electric Power for Accidents</FP>
          <FP SOURCE="FP1-2">B. Geomagnetic Storms and Effects on the Earth</FP>
          <FP SOURCE="FP1-2">C. Frequency of Geomagnetic Storms With Potential Adverse Effects on the Electrical Grid</FP>
          <FP SOURCE="FP1-2">D. Experience With Geomagnetic Storms' Effects on the Electrical Grid</FP>
          <FP SOURCE="FP1-2">E. Federal Government Coordination and Emergency Response</FP>
          <FP SOURCE="FP-2">V. Conclusion</FP>
          <FP SOURCE="FP-2">VI. Resolution of the Petition</FP>
        </EXTRACT>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">I. The Petition</HD>

        <P>The petitioner submitted a PRM (ADAMS Accession No. ML110750145), dated March 14, 2011, to the NRC. The petitioner requests that the NRC amend its regulations to require facilities licensed by the NRC under part 50 of Title 10 of the<E T="03">Code of Federal Regulations</E>(10 CFR) to assure long-term cooling and unattended water makeup of SFPs. The petitioner asserts that the North American commercial electric power grids are vulnerable to prolonged outage caused by extreme space weather, such as coronal mass ejections and associated geomagnetic disturbances and therefore cannot be relied on to provide continual power for active cooling and/or water makeup of SFPs. Moreover, existing means for providing onsite backup power are designed to operate for only a few days, while spent fuel requires active cooling for several years after removal of the fuel rods from the reactor core. The petitioner suggested rule language with the following requirements:</P>
        
        <EXTRACT>
          <P>Licensees shall provide reliable emergency systems to provide long-term cooling and water makeup for spent fuel pools using only on-site power sources. These emergency systems shall be able to operate for a period of two years without human operator intervention and without offsite fuel resupply. Backup power systems for spent fuel pools shall be electrically isolated from other plant electrical systems during normal and emergency operation. If weather-dependent power sources are to be used, sufficient water or power storage must be provided to maintain continual cooling during weather conditions which may temporarily constrict power generation.</P>
        </EXTRACT>
        

        <P>On May 6, 2011 (76 FR 26223), the NRC published a notice of receipt and request for public comment for this petition in the<E T="04">Federal Register</E>(FR). The public comment period closed on July 20, 2011, and the NRC received 97 public comments. After reviewing public comments and evaluating other ongoing activities, the NRC performed a preliminary review and analysis to ascertain the validity, accuracy, and efficacy of the petitioner's technical<PRTPAGE P="74789"/>assertions and proposed amendment of 10 CFR part 50.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">II. Regulatory Oversight of Electric Power Systems</HD>
        <P>The issues raised in this petition span the regulatory domains and oversight of several government agencies and an industry organization. A discussion of the regulatory domains and oversight of the NRC, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), and the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) is provided to illustrate the complexity and depth of the issues raised in this PRM.</P>
        <P>The mission of the NRC is to license and regulate civilian nuclear power facilities and civilian use of nuclear materials in order to protect public health and safety, promote the common defense and security, and protect the environment. An important part of that mission is to ensure public health and safety with respect to the design, construction, and operation of nuclear power plants (NPP).</P>
        <P>Commercial NPPs rely on electric power transmission networks to export power and normally use electrical power from the transmission network to safely shut down the plant when required. The NRC's existing regulations consider the historically high reliability of an electric power transmission system in the vicinity of the plants in maintaining the safety of the reactor and fuel stored in SFPs. However, if power from the electrical transmission system is not available, then safety-related backup power systems, typically powered by emergency diesel generators (EDG), are relied on for essential power to safely shutdown the reactor, mitigate accidents, and provide long-term cooling for the reactor core and fuel in the SFPs. These safety-related onsite EDGs are typically maintained with at least a 3 to 7-day supply of fuel and lubricating oil. In addition, NRC regulations require capabilities to withstand a station blackout (10 CFR 50.63, “Loss of all alternating current power”) and development and implementation of strategies to maintain or restore core-cooling, containment, and SFP cooling capabilities under the circumstances associated with loss of large areas of the plant due to explosions or fire (10 CFR 50.54(hh)(2)). These requirements are satisfied by equipment typically independent of the electric power transmission network.</P>
        <P>The FERC is an independent agency that regulates the interstate transmission of electricity, natural gas, and oil. The FERC's main authority in electric power transmission includes the following:</P>
        <P>• Regulation of wholesale sales of electricity and transmission of electricity in interstate commerce;</P>
        <P>• Oversight of mandatory reliability standards for the bulk-power system;</P>
        <P>• Promotion of a strong national energy infrastructure, including adequate transmission facilities; and</P>
        <P>• Regulation of jurisdictional issuances of stock and debt securities, assumptions of obligations and liabilities, and mergers.</P>
        <P>The NERC's mission is to ensure the reliability of the North American bulk-power system. The NERC is the electric reliability organization certified by the FERC to establish and enforce reliability standards for the bulk-power system. The NERC develops and enforces reliability standards; assesses adequacy of capacity annually via a 10-year forecast, summer forecasts, and winter forecasts; monitors the bulk-power system; and educates, trains, and certifies industry personnel.</P>
        <P>The NRC does not have direct regulatory authority over electric transmission systems, but the NRC collaborates closely with FERC and NERC on electric grid reliability, cyber security issues, electromagnetic pulse issues, geomagnetically-induced current (GIC) research, and related activities to the extent that these issues may have impacts on NPPs.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">III. Analysis of Public Comments</HD>

        <P>The NRC received 97 comment submissions on PRM-50-96. Comments both favoring and opposing this PRM were received, and all comments were considered during the NRC staff's evaluation of the PRM. Comments recommending denial of this petition were submitted by the Nuclear Energy Institute (NEI) and are evaluated in the following paragraphs. The majority of comments supporting the petition were in form letter format and did not provided additional technical information. However, one commenter in favor of the PRM did provide technical arguments to support the petition. All of the comments supporting the petition are not discussed here, because it would be premature to discuss these comments in advance of the NRC's decision whether to actually adopt a final rule addressing the issues raised in the PRM. Therefore, comments supporting the petition will be discussed in any proposed rule that addresses one or more of the issues raised in this PRM. If the NRC ultimately determines not to address, by rulemaking, one or more issues raised in this PRM, then the NRC will explain, in a<E T="04">Federal Register</E>notice (FRN), why the petitioner's requested rulemaking changes were not adopted by the NRC and addresses comments received in favor of the PRM.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD2">Comment NEI-1</HD>
        <P>The NRC is separately addressing the long-term spent fuel pool cooling issue raised by this Petition through its near-term task force review of insights from the March 11, 2011 Fukushima Dai-ichi accident. On July 12, 2011, the task force issued recommendations that are currently being considered by the Commission. Several of these recommendations address the topic of long-term spent fuel pool cooling. The Petition raises no unique issues in this area requiring action separate from, or in addition to, those already being taken in response to the task force recommendations. The Commission's ongoing consideration of these recommendations provides ample opportunity to examine the NRC's regulations with respect to long-term spent fuel pool cooling and bolster assurances that the pools remain safe if an extreme event were to challenge cooling capabilities.</P>
        <P>The Commission is already conducting a thorough evaluation of the adequacy of these measures in response to the July 12, 2011 recommendations of its near-term Task Force review of insights from the March 11, 2011 Fukushima Dai-ichi accident. This evaluation will further assure that adequate measures are in place to mitigate any potential severe event, not just space weather.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD2">NRC Response</HD>
        <P>The NRC agrees with the comment that the ongoing review of the Fukushima accident will separately address some safety issues related to the adequacy of long-term SFP cooling at NPPs. These actions are now being evaluated under five different Fukushima Near-Term Task Force (NTTF) report activities like EA Order-12-049, NTTF Recommendations 4.1, 7.2, 8, and 9. They are discussed in further detail in Section V, “Conclusion,” of this document.</P>
        <P>However, no new mitigating measures have been developed or defined; accordingly, the NRC does not have a sufficient basis at this time to conclude what future actions would be required for resolving issues raised in PRM-50-96.</P>

        <P>The NRC has decided to consider and resolve the issues raised in this PRM in a phased manner, given the NRC activities already underway that may have a bearing on those issues. The phased approach would consist of the following activities: to begin with, the<PRTPAGE P="74790"/>NRC will access the ongoing Fukushima-related activities to assess the degree of additional protection that will be provided by those efforts and if these measures will resolve the petitioner's issues. Specifically, the NRC staff will assess the implementation of Order EA-12-049 (ADAMS Accession No. ML12054A736)—which requires that licensees develop, implement, and maintain guidance and strategies to maintain or restore core cooling, containment, and SFP cooling capabilities following a beyond-design-basis external event—and the ongoing enhancements to the station blackout rule being developed under Fukushima NTTF Recommendation 4.1. The NRC staff will also assess possible rulemakings in response to Fukushima NTTF Recommendation 7.2, which could potentially require all licensees to provide Class 1E (safety-grade) electric power to spent fuel makeup systems, and the emergency preparedness activities being developed for prolonged station blackout scenarios under Fukushima NTTF Recommendations 8 and 9.</P>
        <P>However, if additional capabilities are judged to be necessary, the NRC will then consider appropriate mechanisms for requiring NPP licensees to consider long-term grid collapse scenarios in their site procedures.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD2">Comment NEI-2</HD>
        <P>The scenario postulated by the Petitioner, where no offsite response to a nuclear emergency would be available for two years, posits a cataclysmic loss of the nation's infrastructure. In that situation, significant preparedness demands would be placed on all public and private institutions. Prior to assessing any regulatory needs, the credibility of this scenario should first be established in the broader context before more narrow regulatory needs are contemplated. A national assessment of this scenario and the need to prepare for it must first be made before any single regulatory agency begins requiring specific preparedness measures. Indeed the efforts of many different government agencies would need to be carefully coordinated and response priorities set. Otherwise, no action taken by any NRC licensee in response to this petition could be assessed for its adequacy because the availability of any response resources could not be assured absent such coordination. This coordination task would be an extremely significant task to which resources would only be committed once the credibility of the scenario was established. However, there is no such coordination underway because none of the agencies that would be involved have determined that the scenario is credible. In absence of the establishment of the basis for the credibility of this scenario, the petition lacks the basis to determine that there is a valid safety concern.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD2">NRC Response</HD>
        <P>The NRC agrees with the comment that the long-term grid collapse scenario postulated by the petitioner would necessitate a coordinated response by various government agencies. However, the NRC disagrees with the commenter's assertion that no such coordination is underway or that such coordination does not exist, because the regulatory agencies referred to by the commenter have not determined that the scenario is credible. The NRC is currently coordinating with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration to ensure a common understanding of the technical phenomena associated with solar storms. In addition, the NRC is coordinating with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), the FERC, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to develop both preventative and mitigating strategies to address the potential for a widespread and long-term grid collapse caused by a geomagnetic storm. Consideration of the issues raised by the petitioner necessitates further in-depth analyses. The NRC rulemaking process is a mechanism to look at these events, establish roles and responsibilities, and participate in defining the process for enhanced coordination between government agencies, should the NRC decide to develop and publish a proposed rule for public comment.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD2">Comment NEI-3</HD>
        <P>The central argument of the petition is the claim that a spent fuel pool accident, namely zirconium ignition, poses a significant safety concern. This claim is based upon the credibility of a Long-Term loss of off-site power event based upon a new initiating event (severe space weather), and the assumption that mitigative actions (specifically diesel fuel resupply from offsite and human intervention) would not be successful in preventing spent fuel pool drain-down and subsequent zirconium ignition resulting from a long term loss of off-site power event. Despite the new information referenced by the Petitioner, the Petitioner offers no data to support the conclusion that a long term loss of off-site power event due to severe space weather is credible. Petitioner has also not established any basis to support the conclusion that actions to mitigate a long term loss of off-site power event could or would not be taken in time to prevent zirconium ignition. In both cases, the Petition is entirely speculative. Thus, the Petitioner has not demonstrated that a new and significant basis exists to challenge the NRC's prior determinations of the safety of spent fuel pools.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD2">NRC Response</HD>
        <P>The NRC agrees with the comment that the credibility of the event postulated by the petitioner (i.e., a widespread, prolonged grid failure of sufficient magnitude that normal commercial infrastructure would not be available to resupply diesel fuel) must be established before regulatory action is taken. However, the NRC disagrees with the comment's unsupported assertion that the petition is entirely speculative. The NRC's initial evaluation of available information indicates that the likelihood of an extreme solar storm (similar to the 1859 Carrington event<SU>1</SU>
          <FTREF/>) is plausible with a frequency in the range of once in 153 to once in 500 years (2E-3 to 6.5E-3 per year). The probability of the petitioner's postulated catastrophic grid failure, given a Carrington-like event, is not known with certainty. However, based on the NRC's review of the existing data, the NRC believes that there is insufficient information for the NRC to conclude that the overall frequency of a series of events potentially leading to core damage at multiple nuclear sites is acceptably low such that no regulatory action is needed. Thus, the NRC concludes that the petitioner's scenario is sufficiently credible to require consideration of emergency planning and response capabilities under such circumstances. Accordingly, the NRC intends to further evaluate the petitioner's concerns in the NRC rulemaking process.</P>
        <FTNT>
          <P>
            <SU>1</SU>The Carrington event in 1859 is the largest solar storm ever recorded.</P>
        </FTNT>
        <HD SOURCE="HD2">Comment NEI-4</HD>

        <P>The Petition does not recognize that the issue of grid reliability and its effects on nuclear safety is already fully and adequately addressed through existing regulation. The NRC has previously made decisions regarding how the issue of grid reliability is addressed within the context of NRC regulatory authority in 10 CFR Part 50, and within the context of protecting public health and safety. The NRC regulatory structure to address grid reliability is best described in Regulatory Information Summary (RIS) 2004-5 “Grid Operability and the Impact on Plant Risk and the<PRTPAGE P="74791"/>Operability of Offsite Power.” In summary, issues involving grid reliability are addressed through 10 CFR 50.65, “Requirements for monitoring the effectiveness of maintenance at nuclear power plants;” 10 CFR 50.63, “Loss of all alternating current power;” 10 CFR Part 50 Appendix A, General Design Criteria (GDC) 17, “Electric power systems;” and through nuclear power plant Technical Specifications (TS) on operability of offsite power.”</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD2">NRC Response</HD>
        <P>The NRC agrees that the NRC regulations and the NRC regulatory documents cited in the comment address the NRC's current approach to consideration of grid stability with respect to the safety of NPPs. However, the comment does not address the PRM's apparent underlying premise that the regulations and guidance are not adequate, or that the licensing bases for NPPs may be inadequate because they do not address a reasonably foreseeable condition attributable to natural hazards. The comment does not explain how the NRC's regulations, or the regulatory documents referenced, address the matters raised in the PRM in sufficient manner as to prevent the need for further NRC regulatory consideration.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD2">Comment NEI-5</HD>
        <P>The Petition presents a Probabilistic Risk Assessment to conclude a long term loss of off-site power at a nuclear power facility resulting from severe space weather is a credible event. The Petitioner's assessment is based upon key inputs from the ORNL report regarding the frequency and severity of severe space weather and assumed effects on the commercial power grid. Specifically, the Petition assumes that a once in 100 year severe space weather event results in a probability of 1% per year that a 1-2 year loss of off-site power event would occur. Unfortunately, the Petition has misinterpreted the data presented in the ORNL report. In fact, the ORNL report qualifies its discussion of any potential permanent damage to the power grid, stating that such discussion is only to “provide perspectives  * * *  of potential level of damage that may be possible to the infrastructure.”, and indicating that there is a low level of certainty in the ability to assess what the potential damage could be. Specifically, the report acknowledges the difficulty in determining what would be damaged, the extent of damage, and the complexity and duration for repairing the damage. The myriad of probabilities regarding damage to the grid and length of time a nuclear power plant might be without off-site power quite frankly are not known and likely are extremely small. Therefore, absent further scientific and technical investigation, Petitioners claims amount to nothing more than speculation and the discussion in the ORNL report should not be used to conclude that a once in 100 year severe space weather event would result in a 1-2 year loss of off-site power event. Further, it is important to note that there has never been a long term loss of electric power due to severe space weather. For the worst event of this type in modern history, the commercial power grid was restored to 83% within 11 hours, and permanent damage to transformers and other grid components was extremely small. Effects were extrapolated from this event to the postulated once in 100 year storm, however, it is not possible to determine whether a 1-2 year loss of off-site power event is a realistic consequence. Thus, the ORNL report does not demonstrate that a long term loss of off-site power due to severe space weather is a credible event.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD2">NRC Response</HD>
        <P>The NRC agrees with the commenter's assertion that the petitioner has not conclusively demonstrated that a long-term catastrophic grid collapse is certain to result from a once-in-100-year storm, but the NRC disagrees with the comment's inference that a long-term loss-of-offsite power due to severe space weather is not a credible event. Although there is a great deal of uncertainty associated with the frequency and magnitude of solar storms, as discussed in Section IV.C, “Frequency of Geomagnetic Storms with Potential Adverse Effects on the Electrical Grid,” of this document, the NRC has concluded that the expected frequency of such storms is not remote compared to other hazards that the NRC requires NPPs licensees to consider. The comment addresses the credibility of once-in-100-year storms, whereas the NRC considers initiating events with frequencies of 1E-3 years or less in the licensing of NPPs. The comment also implies that grid restoration time after a severe solar storm would typically be hours or days instead of 1 to 2 years, but the comment provides no supporting analyses of the age and vulnerability of existing transformers installed in the electrical grid to support this implied inference. Accordingly, the NRC believes that it is possible that a geomagnetic storm-induced outage could be long-lasting and could last long enough that the onsite supply of fuel for the emergency generators would be exhausted. It is also possible that a widespread, prolonged grid outage could cause some disruption to society and to the Nation's infrastructure such that normal commercial deliveries of diesel fuel could be disrupted. In such a situation, it would be prudent for licensees to have procedures in place to address long-term grid collapse scenarios. In extreme situations, it is possible that government assets could be called on to facilitate emergency deliveries of fuel to NPP sites before the fuel stored onsite is exhausted. All these issues need further research, review, and analysis before formulating mitigating actions. The NRC rulemaking process is an appropriate mechanism for consideration of the petitioner's issues.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">IV. NRC Evaluation</HD>
        <P>The NRC conducted a preliminary review and analysis of the issues raised in the petition and public comments to reach a conclusion regarding the resolution of this petition. The analysis is described in the following five sections.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD2">A. NRC Requirements for Governing Spent Fuel Pool Cooling and Provision of Electric Power for Accidents</HD>
        <P>Commercial NPPs are required to have multiple sources of offsite power and safety-related onsite sources of power, typically provided by emergency diesel generators arranged in redundant electrical trains. As specified by GDC 17, “Electric Power Systems,” of appendix A, “General Design Criteria for Nuclear Power Plants,” to 10 CFR part 50, “Domestic Licensing of Production and Utilization Facilities,” each operating reactor shall have an onsite electric power system and an offsite electric power system that supports the functioning of structures, systems, and components important to safety. The safety function for each system is to provide sufficient capacity and capability to assure that (1) specified acceptable fuel design limits and design conditions of the reactor coolant pressure boundary are not exceeded as a result of anticipated operational occurrences, and (2) the core is cooled and containment integrity and other vital functions are maintained in the event of postulated accidents.</P>

        <P>Commercial NPPs rely on the electric power transmission networks to export power, and NPPs normally use electric power from the transmission network for normal operation of plant equipment, to safely shut down the plant when required, and for accident mitigation. The existing NRC regulations consider the historically<PRTPAGE P="74792"/>high reliability of an electric power transmission system in maintaining the safety of the reactor and fuel stored in SFPs. However, if offsite power from the transmission network is unavailable, safety-related onsite back up power systems (typically powered by EDGs) are relied on for essential power to safely shutdown the reactor, mitigate any accidents, and provide long-term cooling for the reactor core and fuel in the SFP. These safety-related onsite power sources are typically maintained with at least a 3- to 7-day supply of fuel and lubricating oil. In addition, the NRC regulations require capabilities to withstand a station blackout and the development and implementation of strategies to maintain or restore core cooling, containment, and SFP cooling capabilities under the circumstances associated with loss of large areas of the plant due to explosions or fire. These requirements are satisfied by equipment independent of the electric power transmission network.</P>
        <P>The spent fuel pool structure typically consists of a stainless-steel liner covering a steel-reinforced concrete structure several feet thick. The SFP structure is designed to withstand the effects of natural phenomena, including earthquakes, floods, and tornados, without loss of its leak-tight integrity. Consistent with the requirements of GDC 61, “Fuel Storage and Handling and Radioactivity Control,” of appendix A to 10 CFR part 50 or similar plant-specific design criteria, SFPs are designed to prevent a significant loss of water inventory under normal and accident conditions. An inadvertent loss of coolant inventory is prevented by design, typically through the absence of drains in the SFP, the location of piping penetrations though the SFP structure well above the top of stored fuel, and the use of design features to prevent siphoning of water. A reliable forced cooling system minimizes coolant evaporation during normal operation and postulated accident conditions. When necessary, operators can provide makeup water to maintain SFP coolant inventory using any one of many makeup water systems, including safety-related systems at most operating reactors. The maintenance of an adequate coolant inventory alone is sufficient to protect the integrity of the fuel, provide shielding, and contain any minor releases of radioactivity that may result from cladding damage.</P>
        <P>As the March 2011 events at the Fukushima Dai-ichi site demonstrated, the robust structure of the SFP and the provisions to prevent loss of coolant inventory provide substantial time to implement appropriate methods to makeup coolant inventory lost to evaporation. In most common operating configurations, the existing pool inventory is typically adequate to maintain the fuel covered with water for 1 week or more following a loss of forced cooling. Each facility safety analysis report describes the capability to provide forced cooling and makeup water using installed systems, and these systems may be operated using onsite sources of power. Diesel-driven fire pumps are available at all operating reactors and are among the design capabilities to provide makeup water to the SFP. Beyond these design capabilities, 10 CFR 50.54(hh)(2) requires licensees to develop and implement guidance and strategies intended to maintain or restore SFP cooling capabilities under the circumstances associated with loss of large areas of the plant as a result of explosions or fire. These capabilities required by 10 CFR 50.54(hh)(2) may further extend the time spent fuel can be adequately cooled using on site resources. Thus, assuming an adequate supply of fuel for permanently installed and portable emergency equipment, currently required onsite capabilities would support adequate cooling of spent fuel for weeks following loss of the offsite electric power transmission network.</P>
        <P>As directed by the Commission in Staff Requirements Memorandum SECY-12-0025, dated March 9, 2012, (ADAMS Accession No. ML120690347), the NRC staff has undertaken regulatory actions to further enhance reactor and SFP safety as a result of recommendations developed through evaluation of early information from the March 2011 events at the Fukushima Dai-ichi site. On March 12, 2012, the NRC staff issued Order EA-12-051 (ADAMS Accession No. ML12054A679), which requires that licensees install reliable means of remotely monitoring wide-range SFP levels to support effective prioritization of event mitigation and recovery actions in the event of a challenging external event. In addition, the NRC staff issued Order EA-12-049 (ADAMS Accession No. ML12054A736), which requires that licensees develop, implement, and maintain guidance and strategies to maintain or restore core cooling, containment, and SFP cooling capabilities following a beyond-design-basis external event. Upon full implementation of these Orders at NPPs, the NRC staff believes that overall protection of public health and safety will be further increased.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD2">B. Geomagnetic Storms and Effects on the Earth</HD>
        <P>Periodically, the earth's magnetic field is bombarded by charged particles emitted from the sun due to violent eruptions of plasma and magnetic fields from the sun`s corona, known as coronal mass ejections (CME).</P>
        <P>Solar storms generally follow the sunspot cycle and vary in intensity over the 11-year cycle. The most severe geomagnetic disturbances (GMD) during a cycle have been observed to follow the peak in sunspot activity by 2 to 3 years. Thus, electrical power system disturbances resulting from current cycle 24 are expected to peak in 2013.</P>
        <P>Geomagnetic storms are created when the earth's magnetic field captures these ionized particles causing very slow magnetic field variations, with rise times as fast as a few seconds and pulse widths of up to an hour. The rate of change of the magnetic field creates electric fields in the earth that induce current flow in long man-made conducting paths such as power transmission networks, railway lines, and pipelines. These geomagnetically-induced currents (GIC) exit bulk-power systems through neutrals of grounded power transformers and can disrupt the normal operation of the system and even damage the transformers if the transformer core becomes saturated.</P>
        <P>Operating experience indicates that there are two risks that result from the introduction of GICs in the bulk-power system:</P>
        <P>(1) Damage to bulk-power system assets, typically associated with transformers; and</P>
        <P>(2) Loss of reactive power support, which could lead to voltage instability and power system collapse.</P>
        <P>The GICs (quasi-direct currents) that flow through the grounded neutral of a transformer during a geomagnetic disturbance cause the core of the transformer to magnetically saturate on alternate half-cycles. Saturated transformers result in harmonic distortions and additional reactive power or volt-ampere reactive (VAR) demands on electric power systems. The increased VAR demands can cause both a reduction in system voltage and overloading of long transmission tie-lines. In addition, harmonics can cause protective relays to operate improperly and shunt capacitor banks to overload. These conditions can lead to major power failures, moving the system closer to voltage collapse.</P>

        <P>The immediate and direct impact of geomagnetic storms may be an electrical power outage. The amount of time required to restore the electrical grid<PRTPAGE P="74793"/>will depend upon the extent of damage to bulk-power system assets. There is a concern about the effects of a long-term power outage over extended portions of the U.S. transmission systems, during which critical services that rely on electrical power may be disrupted. For instance, the petitioner noted that the onsite fuel for backup electric power sources at NPPs would run out in several days to weeks. Furthermore, the petitioner asserted that, since the capability to resupply fuel through gasoline and diesel fuel pumps also generally relies on electrical power systems, a power blackout lasting longer than 2 to 3 days could create long-term implications for interdependent public and private infrastructures. Such a long-term power outage could interrupt communication systems, stop freight transportation, and affect the operations of major industries including fuel (oil and gas) suppliers.</P>
        <P>In addition, potential disruptions due to societal stress could significantly hamper the ability to provide fuel resupply deliveries to nuclear power plants.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD2">C. Frequency of Geomagnetic Storms With Potential Adverse Effects on the Electrical Grid</HD>
        <P>The petitioner references a report prepared for the Oak Ridge National Laboratory (“Metatech report”)<SU>2</SU>
          <FTREF/>that uses a frequency estimate of 1 in 100 years (1E-2/yr) for extreme space weather/geomagnetic disturbance to perform calculations that predict the likely collapse of two large portions of the North American power grid. The intensity of the storm postulated in the Metatech report, in terms of magnetic flux density per time, was 4,800 nano-Teslas/minute (nT/min). The Metatech report predicted that over 300 Extra High Voltage (EHV) transformers would be at-risk for failure or permanent damage from the event. The Metatech report concludes that, with a loss of this many transformers, the power system would not remain intact, leading to probable power system collapse in the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, and Pacific Northwest, affecting a population in excess of 130 million.</P>
        <FTNT>
          <P>
            <SU>2</SU>Metatech Report Meta-R-319, “Geomagnetic Storms and Their Impacts on the U.S. Power Grid,” John Kappenman (January 2010).</P>
        </FTNT>
        <P>The NRC staff investigated the assertion of 1E-2/yr frequency of occurrence of a serious geomagnetic disturbance by conducting a literature review (via Internet) to find relevant information. However, it is difficult to obtain an objective estimate for the frequency of occurrence of a “serious” disturbance, which the Metatech report says can produce magnetic flux density changes on the order of 4,800 nT/min. As noted in a report prepared for the United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS),<SU>3</SU>
          <FTREF/>there is currently no framework for developing a hazard curve (e.g., annual probability of exceeding a given magnetic flux density rate-of-change) for geomagnetic storms.</P>
        <FTNT>
          <P>
            <SU>3</SU>“Geomagnetic Storms,” prepared by CENTRA Technology, Inc., on behalf of the Office of Risk Management and Analysis, United States Department of Homeland Security (January 14, 2011).</P>
        </FTNT>
        <P>There are several factors making it difficult to objectively predict the frequency of occurrence of a given level of a geomagnetic event in terms of magnetic flux density change over time (i.e., to produce an appropriate hazard curve), including:</P>
        <P>• Paucity of recorded data;</P>
        <P>• Relative recentness of monitoring the appropriate parameter (nT/min);</P>
        <P>• Lack of correlation between the magnetic flux disturbance intensity (in nT) and its time rate of change (nT/min); and</P>
        <P>• Geographical variations that affect how much a given geomagnetic storm impacts a selected location.</P>
        <P>The Metatech report provides estimates of the frequency of severe geomagnetic storms. Speculating from observed data, and taking into account that about one-third of the storms would be positioned to adversely impact the United States, Metatech concluded that a storm producing ∼2400 nT/min could impact the U.S. grid about every 30 years and that a ∼5,000 nT/min storm could be experienced every 100 years.</P>
        <P>An article in<E T="03">Spectrum</E>magazine<SU>4</SU>

          <FTREF/>provided annual probabilities of magnetic storms producing more than 300 nT/min in North America. This intensity (rate-of-change of magnetic flux density) is closer to the ∼480 nT/min experienced by Quebec Hydro in 1989. The annual probabilities set forth in<E T="03">Spectrum</E>ranged from 2E-3 at the most vulnerable geographic locations to 2E-5 in the least vulnerable. Most of the northern United States would fall into the 1E-3 annual probability range.</P>
        <FTNT>
          <P>
            <SU>4</SU>Molinski, Tom S.,<E T="03">et al.,</E>“Shielding Grids from Solar Storms,” IEEE Spectrum, November 2000.</P>
        </FTNT>

        <P>The largest recorded geomagnetic storm, the Carrington event of 1859, may have exceeded 5,000 nT/min. However, this event marked the beginning of scientific observation and data recording of these magnetic storms. In the 153 years since that event, many magnetic storms have been experienced, but none at that level. In order to calculate a meaningful estimate of the return period for such an event, an appropriate time period would have to be assumed. However, there may be a way to estimate the intensity of geomagnetic storms that occurred before the Carrington event. As stated in a<E T="03">Scientific American</E>article,<SU>5</SU>
          <FTREF/>ice-core data from Greenland and Antarctica demonstrate sudden jumps in the concentration of trapped nitrate gases, which in recent decades appear to correlate with known blasts of solar particles. The researchers stated that the nitrate anomaly found for 1859 stands out as the biggest of the past 500 years, with the severity roughly equivalent to the sum of all the major events of the past 40 years. Using 153 years as a lower-bound return period and 500 years as an alternative view yields a frequency for experiencing a Carrington-sized event ranging from 2E-3 to 6.5E-3 per year.</P>
        <FTNT>
          <P>
            <SU>5</SU>Odenwald, Sten F. and James L. Green, “Bracing the Satellite Infrastructure for a Solar Superstorm,” Scientific American (July 28, 2008).</P>
        </FTNT>
        <P>Additionally, the NRC establishes its expectation, in GDC 2, “Design bases for protection against natural phenomena,” that structures, systems, and components important to safety at nuclear power plants are designed to withstand the most severe of the natural phenomena that have been historically reported for the site and surrounding area, with sufficient margin for the limited accuracy, quantity, and period of time in which the historical data have been accumulated. Solar storms are not specifically identified as natural hazards in GDC 2, but the information currently available to the NRC indicates that the frequency of these storms may be consistent with other natural hazards within the intended scope of the GDC.</P>
        <P>Based on this limited analysis, the NRC concludes that the frequency of occurrence of an extreme magnetic storm that could result in unprecedented adverse impacts on the U.S. electrical grid is not remote compared to other hazards that the NRC requires NPP licensees to consider. Accordingly, it is appropriate for the NRC to consider regulatory actions that could be needed to ensure adequate protection of public health and safety during and after a severe geomagnetic storm.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD2">D. Experience With the Effects of Geomagnetic Storms on the Electrical Grid</HD>

        <P>The Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) Report ORNL-6665, “Electric Utility Experience with Geomagnetic Disturbances,” published in September<PRTPAGE P="74794"/>1991,<SU>6</SU>
          <FTREF/>discusses electric utility experience with geomagnetic storms to determine the probable impact of severe geomagnetic storms. The report states, as follows:</P>
        <EXTRACT>
          <FTNT>
            <P>
              <SU>6</SU>Available at<E T="03">http://www.ornl.gov/∼webworks/cpr/v823/rpt/51089.pdf.</E>
            </P>
          </FTNT>
          
          <P>The first reports of geomagnetic storm effects on electric power systems in the United States resulted from the solar storm on March 24, 1940 during solar cycle 17. Disturbances were reported in the northern United States and Canada. The Philadelphia Electric Company system experienced reactive power swings of 20% and voltage surges. In the same period, two transformers in this system and several power transformers on the Central Maine Power Co. and Ontario Hydro system tripped out. The Consolidated Edison Company in New York City also experienced voltage disturbances and dips up to 10% due to the large increase in reactive power on that system. Since that time, power system disturbances have been recorded for geomagnetic storms that occurred during solar cycles that followed. Some of the more severe disturbances occurred on August 17, 1959 (solar cycle 19); August 4, 1972 (solar cycle 20); and March 13, 1989 (solar cycle 22).</P>
        </EXTRACT>
        
        <P>
          <E T="03">Grid Issues:</E>The ORNL Report details circuit breaker failures or inadvertent circuit breaker operations resulting in degradation of transmission systems. Specifically, the report states:</P>
        
        <EXTRACT>
          <P>Past mishaps attributed to GIC include the tripping of circuit breakers from protection system malfunctions. On September 22, 1957, a 230-kV circuit breaker at Jamestown, North Dakota, tripped because of excessive third harmonic currents in the ground relays produced by saturated transformer cores. On November 13, 1960, a severe geomagnetic disturbance caused 30 circuit breakers to trip simultaneously on the 400-220-130-kV Swedish power system. In October 1980 and again in April 1986, a new 749-km 500-kV transmission line linking Winnipeg, Manitoba, with Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota was tripped by protection system malfunctions due to GICs.</P>
        </EXTRACT>
        
        <P>The report further discusses malfunctions in capacitor banks and static VAR (reactive power) compensators, which provide rapid voltage regulation and reactive power compensation via thyristor-controlled capacitor banks. Cascading failures of voltage control devices can result in grid instability and eventual blackout. The extent of blackout depends on the magnitude of the GICs and the compensatory actions taken by grid operators. The grid becomes unstable due to false relay operations resulting in unnecessary breaker trips, which cause isolation of transmission lines or voltage support equipment. Transformers may also be damaged when GIC passes through some transformers damaging the insulation and resulting in isolation of associated transmission lines. Isolation of transmission lines can result in grid collapse.</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Transformers:</E>The ORNL Report further looks at the impact on large transformers and states, as follows:</P>
        
        <EXTRACT>
          <P>A few transformer failures and problems over the decades have been attributed to geomagnetic storms. In December 1980, a 735-kV transformer failed eight days after a geomagnetic storm at James Bay, Canada. A replacement 735-kV transformer at the same location failed on April 13, 1981, again during a geomagnetic storm. However, analysis and tests by Hydro-Quebec determined that GIC could not explain the failures but abnormal operating conditions may have caused the damage. The failures of the generator step-up transformers at the Salem Unit 1 nuclear generating station of Public Service Electric &amp; Gas Co. during the March 13, 1989, storm probably have attracted the most attention. The 288.8/24-kV single-phase shell-form transformers, which are rated at 406 MVA, are connected grounded-wye. The damage to the transformers included damage to the low-voltage windings, thermal degradation of the insulation of all three phases, and conductor melting. The Salem plant occupies a vulnerable position in the power system network with respect to GICs since it is located at the eastern end of a long EHV transmission system traversing a region of igneous rock (on the Delaware river near the Atlantic Ocean) and is therefore very well grounded. (This position thus acts as a collection point for ground currents since the eastern end of the power network is close to the Atlantic Ocean and that station has a very low grounding resistance.) During the March 13th disturbance, Salem Unit 1 experienced VAR excursions of 150 to 200 MVAR. Additional VARs were consumed by the saturated step-up transformers.</P>
        </EXTRACT>
        
        <P>Transformer failures in South Africa are documented in several reports associated with geomagnetic storms. A technical paper<SU>7</SU>
          <FTREF/>entitled “Transformer failures in regions incorrectly considered to have low GIC-risk,” by C. T Gaunt and G. Coetzee, cites failures or degradation of large transformers. Specifically, the paper notes:</P>
        <FTNT>
          <P>
            <SU>7</SU>Available at<E T="03">http://www.labplan.ufsc.br/congressos/powertech07/papers/445.pdf</E>.</P>
        </FTNT>
        
        <EXTRACT>
          <P>After the severe geomagnetic storm at the beginning of November 2003, often referred to as the `Halloween storm,' the levels of some dissolved gasses in the transformers increased rapidly. A transformer at Lethabo power station tripped on protection on 17 November. There was a further severe storm on 20 November. On 23 November the Matimba #3 transformer tripped on protection and on 19 January 2004 one of the transformers at Tutuka was taken out of service. Two more transformers at Matimba power station (#5 and #6) had to be removed from service.</P>
        </EXTRACT>
        
        <P>Recent analysis by Metatech estimates that in a once-in-100-year geomagnetic storm, more than 300 large EHV transformers would be exposed to levels of GIC sufficiently high to place these units at risk of failure or permanent damage requiring replacement.<SU>8</SU>
          <FTREF/>The GICs contribute to the heat-related degradation that may affect transformer insulation. An older transformer design, known as “Shell” type (as discussed in the Salem failure), was susceptible to overheating due to circulating currents. Recent studies indicate that a few isolated cases of premature transformer failures that were attributed to accelerated GIC-related degradation have been limited to this special design. Transformer manufacturers consider modern “core” type transformer designs to not be prone to GIC-related premature or catastrophic failures.<SU>9</SU>
          <FTREF/>
        </P>
        <FTNT>
          <P>
            <SU>8</SU>It should be noted that the NERC`s Interim 2012 Reliability Assessment report, based on discussions with transformer manufacturers and some technical papers published by industry experts, implicitly concludes that the worst case scenario of long-term grid collapse would not be a likely result of a severe geomagnetic event.</P>
        </FTNT>
        <FTNT>
          <P>

            <SU>9</SU>IEEE paper “Effects of GIC on Power Transformers and Power Systems” R.Girgis, Fellow IEEE, K. Vedante, Senior Member IEEE ABB Power Transformers St. Louis, MO, USA; available at<E T="03">http://ieeexplore.ieee.org/stamp/stamp.jsp?arnumber=06281595</E>.</P>
        </FTNT>
        <P>Large transformers are very expensive to replace and few spares are available. Manufacturing lead times for new equipment range from 12 months to more than 2 years. Such large-scale damage to these EHV transformers would likely lead to prolonged restoration and long-term shortages of supply to the affected regions. Prototype rapid replacement transformer concepts are being evaluated but have only had minimal field testing. While promising, there are currently no plans in place to develop the stockpile of such spare transformers that would have to be available, and transformer replacement would still take 6 weeks or longer. Utilities are working to build up quantities of internally managed spares (e.g., by keeping the highest quality replaced units during regularly scheduled replacements), but this will not provide sufficient quantities to alleviate the concern.</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Current Industry and Agency Efforts:</E>The electric utilities and Federal agencies (FERC, DOE, NERC, NASA) have expended considerable resources in an attempt to quantify the impacts of the severe geomagnetic storm threats to the U.S. power grid. The efforts are focused on developing models that translate the geomagnetic field environment into specific impacts on the operation of the electric power grid.<PRTPAGE P="74795"/>The NERC released an Interim 2012 Special Reliability Assessment report entitled “Effects of Geomagnetic Disturbances on the Bulk Power System” NERC Report.”<SU>10</SU>
          <FTREF/>Based on an assumed frequency of a once-in-100-year geomagnetic event, the NERC report indicates that potential damage to EHV transformers of recent design is of a low probability, and thus challenges the assertions of the Metatech report that 300 large EHV transformers would be at risk of failure. The report also indicates that GIC-related insulation damage is most likely to result in failure of transformers near the end of their life, or in transformers of earlier designs such as shell‐type pre-1972 with brazed windings that may have high circulating currents. The loss of one or two EHV transformers (greater than 345-kV on the high side) would rarely challenge bulk system reliability. Also, the failure or loss of a number of large High Voltage transformers, electrically remote from the EHV system, would not have a significant impact on the bulk-power system capability for an extended duration. The report states: “The most likely consequence of a strong GMD and the accompanying GIC is the increase of reactive power consumption and the loss of voltage stability. The stability of the bulk-power system can be affected by changes in reactive power profiles.”</P>
        <FTNT>
          <P>
            <SU>10</SU>Available at<E T="03">http://www.nerc.com/page.php?cid=4%7C61</E>.</P>
        </FTNT>
        <P>The NERC report implicitly concludes that the worst case scenario of long-term grid collapse would not be a likely result of a severe geomagnetic event. However, the NRC notes that the NERC's concept of a “rare” event for purposes of electrical grid reliability is different from the NRC's when considering the safe design of nuclear power reactors. For example, the NERC report refers to a “severe storm” as once-in-100 years and a “serious storm” as once in 10 years. By contrast, the NRC's requirements regarding consideration of natural hazards for the design of NPPs, as set forth in GDC 2, establish a much more stringent consideration of natural hazards:</P>
        
        <EXTRACT>
          <P>Criterion 2—<E T="03">Design bases for protection against natural phenomena.</E>Structures, systems, and components important to safety shall be designed to withstand the effects of natural phenomena such as earthquakes, tornadoes, hurricanes, floods, tsunami, and seiches without loss of capability to perform their safety functions. The design bases for these structures, systems, and components shall reflect: (1) Appropriate consideration of the<E T="03">most severe of the natural phenomena that have been historically reported for the site and surrounding area, with sufficient margin for the limited accuracy, quantity, and period of time in which the historical data have been accumulated,</E>(2) appropriate combinations of the effects of normal and accident conditions with the effects of the natural phenomena and (3) the importance of the safety functions to be performed.</P>
        </EXTRACT>
        
        <P>The NERC's implicit conclusion—that grid collapse caused by simultaneous catastrophic failure of multiple EHV transformers is not likely during a large GIC event—must be interpreted with these frequencies in mind. Therefore, the NRC staff does not find that conclusion compelling, absent data or more information on how this assumption has been validated.</P>
        <P>The literature on mitigating risk of geomagnetic storm effects on electric power systems is very consistent, focusing on two basic methods of reducing either the vulnerability or the consequences. The first risk mitigation method is to harden equipment to reduce its vulnerability to GIC; the second is to establish operational procedures to reduce the impact of GIC. Electric power utilities can harden their systems against GICs through passive devices or circuit modifications that can reduce or prevent the flow of GICs. Hardening is most effective for critical transformers that play a major role in power transmission, which are very expensive and time-consuming to replace. In response to the March 13, 1989, blackout event when a geomagnetic storm affected Canadian and U.S. power systems, Hydro Quebec, a Canadian utility, implemented hardening measures such as transmission line series capacitors and transformer protection that cost more than $1.2 billion in Canadian dollars. The cost benefits of these measures are indeterminate, because there has not been a storm of similar magnitude to challenge the system, and the uncertainties or variable factors associated with analyzing GICs raise questions about the effectiveness of the measures.</P>
        <P>In the U.S., a number of utilities have GMD response operating procedures that are triggered by forecast information and/or field GIC sensors. Existing response procedures generally focus on adding more reactive power capability and unloading key equipment at the onset of a GMD event. The NERC report concludes that more tools are needed for planners and operators to determine the best operating procedures to address specific system configurations. Currently, the FERC has directed the NERC to develop reliability standards that addresses the impact of geomagnetic disturbances on the reliable operation of the bulk power system (77 FR 64935).</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Nuclear Power Plant Operation and Shutdown:</E>In the United States, the minimum requirements for electrical power for plant operation and safe shutdown are delineated in 10 CFR part 50, appendix A, GDC 17. The grid provides the offsite or the preferred power source and redundant divisions of onsite power distribution system support plant operation and safe shutdown capability. In the event that offsite power is lost, redundant onsite electrical power sources (e.g., EDGs) are available to support plant shutdown. Geomagnetic storms have the potential to degrade both offsite and onsite power systems. The offsite power system may be lost due to loss of reactive power support or bulk-power system asset damage (e.g., transformer damage). The onsite power system is vulnerable to shortage of fuel oil for EDGs after onsite stored capacity has been depleted.</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Nuclear Plant Assets Susceptible to GIC Damage:</E>A typical NPP single unit configuration consists of one fully rated or two 50 percent rated main step up transformers (MT), two unit auxiliary transformers (UAT), and two start up or standby transformers (SAT). During normal plant operation, the MTs are fully loaded and connected to the high voltage transmission network. These MTs are vulnerable to GIC and subharmonics generated in the transmission network. The MTs are fully loaded when the NPP is at-power and they have a grounded neutral that provides a path for GIC, and are therefore susceptible to core saturation and thermal damage. The Salem Nuclear Generating Station transformers, identified in the ORNL report as examples of damage due to GICs, were main step up transformers. From a nuclear safety perspective, the MTs can be used to supply offsite power to plant auxiliaries (via a backfeed scheme) but are generally not the preferred source of power for plant shutdown. The nuclear plant operators (NPO) in areas most vulnerable to GIC-related transformer damage have procedures to reduce plant power output (hence the load on MTs) when solar storm warnings are issued by the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration Space Weather Prediction Center.</P>

        <P>During normal plant operation, the UATs supply power to the plant auxiliary system and are connected to the output of the main generator. These transformers, though fully loaded, are not directly connected to the grid, operate at lower voltages, and are “shielded” from GICs by the MTs, which are the interface point between the NPP and the grid. Therefore, these transformers are not expected to be<PRTPAGE P="74796"/>vulnerable to GICs and will be available for plant shutdown as long as the transmission network in the vicinity of the plant is stable.</P>
        <P>The source of offsite power required by GDC 17 for plant shutdown is normally through the SATs. During normal operation, these transformers are energized and lightly loaded. The minimum rating of SATs exceeds the total power requirements of safety significant loads. There are a few plants that use the SATs for supplying all station auxiliary loads during normal operation. In these cases, there should be a margin between the normal loading and maximum rating of the transformers to accommodate additional safety-related loads that would be sequenced by an accident signal. Therefore, the transformers should be able to handle some overloading or heating effects related to GICs during normal operation. Though these transformers have grounded neutrals and are connected to the EHV transmission network, they are not expected to be vulnerable to GIC damage, as the heating effects would be minimal due to the light load on the transformers during normal operation. To date, no SAT failures have been attributed to GIC-related damage. Since the SATs are the normal source of offsite power to the NPPs for safe shutdown during postulated accidents and design basis events and since they would not experience significant GIC-related overheating or damage, the offsite power capabilities of NPPs are not expected to be degraded by solar storms.</P>
        <P>This generalized evaluation of transformers and offsite power system designs is provided to illustrate the potential system vulnerability to geomagnetic storms. For long-term impact on transformers, the NRC staff is following industry developments for transformers in the bulk-power transmission systems. If the NERC and the FERC mandate that certain types of transformers or certain critical transformers are susceptible to GIC-related failures and that load reduction will reduce the potential for catastrophic failures, then the NRC will take appropriate actions for nuclear plants that operate with startup transformers fully loaded. The NRC staff will review plant-specific designs to establish if any start-up transformers are operating close to their nominal rating during normal plant operation and are susceptible to GIC damage.</P>
        <P>The onsite power system EDGs are normally in a standby state and are not expected to be affected by solar storms. In the unlikely event that EDGs are operating in test mode during a solar event, the grounded neutrals of station transformers (UATs or SATs) are expected to drain GICs into the ground, thus shielding the EDGs. The NPOs test EDGs at nominal rating for a few hours during normal plant operation. The EDGs have a nominal rating and a short-term overload capacity. Thus, any GICs that enter the plant's electrical system during EDG operation should not result in excessive overheating of the generator windings. The EDGs are designed for extended operation and have the capability of mitigating the consequences of an accident and supporting spent fuel pool loads. In the event of loss of offsite power, the EDGs automatically start and energize safe shutdown buses of the plant. The design basis of most U.S. plants requires onsite storage of EDG fuel oil capability for 7 days of operation without replenishment. Many plants also have additional fuel oil stored for non-safety significant equipment such as auxiliary boilers that might be available for EDG operation. The NPOs typically have agreements with fuel oil suppliers (in some cases refineries) to support fuel oil deliveries on short notice. If an offsite power blackout lasts longer than 7 days and creates long-term implications for freight transportation and emergency resources of the NPOs, then Federal emergency resources would have to coordinate relief supplies to critical facilities. The relief supplies would include fuel oil for nuclear plants.</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Offsite Power Source Vulnerability:</E>The NPP offsite power systems are vulnerable to grid perturbations resulting from GMDs. The scope of protecting transmission networks is beyond the jurisdiction of the NRC. The NRC can recommend protective/precautionary measures that NPPs and grid operators can implement when the magnitude of predicted solar storms is estimated to be potentially damaging to systems in the vicinity of NPPs.</P>
        <P>The correlation between the magnitude and duration of geomagnetic storms and the potential degradation of the transmission system is the subject of several ongoing studies between the NERC, FERC, Electric Power Research Institute, and national research institutes such as ORNL. The Metatech report, entitled “Geomagnetic Storms and Their Impacts on the U.S. Power Grid,” discusses methods that can be used to comprehensively assess the vulnerability of the U.S. power grid to the geomagnetic storm environment produced by solar activity. These modeling techniques have been used to replicate geomagnetic storm events and perform detailed forensic analysis of geomagnetic storm impacts to electric power systems. It should be noted that these modeling techniques are in a developmental stage. There is no industry standard or model that has been endorsed by a nationally recognized body. The capability may also be applied towards providing predictive geomagnetic storm forecasting services to the electric power industry and specifically to NPOs. The NPOs can then take appropriate actions, based on solar storm warnings, to minimize the risk of damage to nuclear plant assets.</P>
        <P>The NERC report considers the most likely outcome of a major solar storm to be grid instability caused by excessive reactive power demand. This scenario results in protective relays separating critical sections of the power grid and potential large scale blackout but limited equipment (transformer) damage within localized areas with highest GIC. Recovery from such an event is expected to be relatively quick (within a day or two) and as such should not be a major concern for nuclear plant safe shutdown capability. In the event that the reactive power demands do not result in separation of the grid system, the cascading effects of the GIC through critical transformers may result in large scale equipment damage and subsequent long-term shutdown of the extra high voltage transmission network due to the long replacement time necessitated by the long lead time for manufacture and installation of large transformers. Nuclear power plants in the blacked out area would require external resources to support shutdown capability and fuel pool cooling for an extended duration.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD2">E. Federal Government Coordination and Emergency Response</HD>
        <P>A number of different Federal government agencies are involved in assessing the risk to the U.S. power grid from geomagnetic storms. While it is recognized that CME events can pose a serious threat, a sufficient technical basis for the frequency and impact of significant CME events has not been developed to the level typically expected by the NRC for other natural hazards (floods, earthquakes, hurricanes, tornadoes, etc.). The FEMA has promulgated a basis for the development of contingency plans for a significant CME.</P>
        <P>The FEMA's planning efforts are captured in the National Response Framework (NRF),<SU>11</SU>

          <FTREF/>which is a guide to how the Nation conducts all-hazards response. It is built upon scalable,<PRTPAGE P="74797"/>flexible, and adaptable coordinating structures to align key roles and responsibilities across the Nation. It describes specific authorities and best practices for managing incidents that range from the serious (but purely local) to large-scale terrorist attacks or catastrophic natural disasters. Within the NRF are annexes that plan the emergency response for various infrastructure sectors. “Emergency Support Function #12-Energy Annex” is the annex relevant to a CME and its effects upon the electrical power grid, and the DOE is the lead agency for coordinating the required Federal response with the NRC as a support agency.</P>
        <FTNT>
          <P>
            <SU>11</SU>Available at<E T="03">http://www.fema.gov/national-response-framework</E>.</P>
        </FTNT>
        <P>The NRC has an extensive and well-practiced emergency response capability. The NRC response is practiced several times a year in conjunction with inspected licensee exercises. The NRC response organization focuses on protection of the public and the support of NPP needs to mitigate accidents. In the event of a damaged electrical grid, the NRC Operations Center could be engaged in responding to one or more NPPs (and perhaps other licensees) located in the area. Initially, the NPP would only be in the lowest level of emergency because onsite emergency generators are expected to operate and supply power to safety systems. However, as the loss of offsite power continues to the point when fuel supply is challenged, the NRC would consider the need to activate its response capabilities in order to ensure public health and safety with respect to the impacted nuclear plant(s).</P>
        <P>The normal progression of emergency response is that the plant operator (NRC licensee) would solve its own logistical needs through commercial arrangements. Should this not be possible due to legalities or degradation of commercial supply capabilities, the licensee would then call upon local offsite response organization support, such as local law enforcement agencies and fire departments. Local authorities might be able to assist with the logistics and/or prioritization of fuel supply, but generally they would not have any transport equipment. When an emergency exceeds local response capabilities, the state is then called upon for assistance. If a geomagnetic storm resulted in a long-term loss of the electrical grid, local authorities would likely require state assistance; this could involve the National Guard and/or assistance from neighboring states or regions to acquire transport equipment and fuel supplies for emergency generators. Local priorities would likely be provided to the state response organization for disposition. Finally, if the emergency situation exceeds state capabilities, then Federal response could be requested through DHS and FEMA.</P>
        <P>Throughout any accident at a licensed facility, the NRC would remain in direct contact with the licensee and would be aware of the status of each nuclear plant, including availability of electrical power and fuel oil. Should a licensee need logistical support, the NRC could facilitate that support. Further, nuclear plant licensees can obtain emergency support through corporate, sister plant, and industry assets. As a response to the Fukushima accident, licensees are cooperatively developing regional emergency equipment depots. However, this capability is not in place and may not adequately address fuel supply and transport issues associated with a long-term grid collapse.</P>
        <P>The FEMA recognizes the significant impact a CME-induced grid collapse would have on a wide range of infrastructure with public safety concerns and recognizes that nuclear power plants would be one of the many important concerns. To address this concern, the FEMA is considering the potential impact of CMEs as part of an overall concept of addressing all types of impacts on the critical infrastructure.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">V. Conclusion</HD>
        <P>Recent experience and associated analyses regarding space weather events suggest a potentially adverse outcome for today's infrastructure if a historically large geomagnetic storm should recur. The industry and the FERC are considering whether EHV transformers that are critical for stable grid operation should be hardened to protect them from potential GIC damage and whether existing procedures for coping with a GIC event require significant improvements. The transformers required for offsite power for nuclear plants are normally in a standby state or have built-in design margins and are unlikely to be degraded by GICs. The safe shutdown capability of NPPs is not an immediate concern because the onsite EDGs can provide adequate power. In addition, the near-term actions (including a revised station blackout rulemaking (RIN 3150-AJ08, NRC-2011-0299) currently underway in response to the event at the Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear power plant on March 11, 2011, are expected to include deployment of resources from remote locations to cope with loss of offsite and onsite power for an extended duration. However, in the event of a widespread electrical transmission system blackout for an extended duration (beyond 7 days and up to several months), it may not be possible to transport these and other necessary offsite resources to the affected NPPs in a timely manner. Thus, government assistance (local, state, or Federal) may be necessary to maintain the capability to safely shutdown nuclear plants and cool spent fuel pools in the affected areas. Prior planning is needed to efficiently and effectively use government resources to ensure protection of public health and safety. Current NRC regulations do not require power reactor licensees to undertake mitigating efforts for prolonged grid failure scenarios that could be caused by GICs resulting from an extreme solar storm. Thus, the NRC concludes that the issues and concerns raised by the petitioner need to be further evaluated.</P>
        <P>To that end, the NRC will consider the issues raised in the petition in the NRC rulemaking process. The NRC will initiate the rulemaking process for development of a regulatory basis in a phased approach. Initially, the NRC will monitor the progress of several ongoing and potential regulatory activities. The NRC staff will monitor the implementation of Order EA-12-049, which requires that licensees develop, implement, and maintain guidance and strategies to maintain or restore core cooling, containment, and SFP cooling capabilities following a beyond-design-basis external event, and the ongoing enhancements to the station blackout rule being developed under Fukushima NTTF Recommendation 4.1. The NRC staff will also monitor possible rulemakings in response to Fukushima NTTF Recommendation 7.2, which could potentially require all licensees to provide Class 1E (safety-grade) electric power to SFP makeup systems, and the activities being developed for prolonged station blackout scenarios under Fukushima NTTF Recommendations 8 and 9. If an assessment of the progress in these areas concludes that the efforts are not likely to address the diesel generator fuel depletion and resupply issue raised by the petition, then the NRC will begin work to develop a regulatory basis to address the extensive grid outage scenario that could potentially be caused by an extreme solar storm.</P>

        <P>Preparation of a proposed rule for public comment and publication in the FR would begin only if a viable regulatory basis is developed. If the NRC proceeds with a proposed rule, the NRC will address the comments received in favor of the PRM. In addition, the petitioner's issue of 2 years unattended water makeup of SFPs would be<PRTPAGE P="74798"/>addressed as part of that rulemaking action.</P>
        <P>If the effort to establish the regulatory basis for this rulemaking does not support the issuance of a proposed rule, then the NRC will issue a supplemental FRN that addresses why the petitioner's requested rulemaking changes were not adopted by the NRC and addresses the comments received in favor of the PRM. Finally, with the publication of this FRN detailing the NRC's decision to consider, in a phased approach, the PRM issues in the NRC rulemaking process, the NRC closes the docket for PRM-50-96.</P>
        <P>Although outside the scope of this PRM, it should be noted that the NRC, as a part of its core mission to protect public health and safety, is updating its previous evaluation of the effects of geomagnetic storms on systems and components needed to ensure safe shutdown and core cooling at nuclear power reactors.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">VI. Resolution of the Petition</HD>
        <P>The NRC will review and analyze the underlying technical and policy issues relevant to the PRM and the comments submitted in support of the PRM in the NRC rulemaking process, to address the petitioner's requested rulemaking changes and reliable emergency systems capable to operate for a period of 2 years without human intervention and without offsite fuel resupply. If this phased utilization of the NRC rulemaking process results in the development of a regulatory basis sufficient for a proposed rule, then a proposed rule will be prepared for publication and public comment. If a regulatory basis sufficient for a proposed rule is not feasible, then a supplemental FRN explaining this result will be published. Thus the docket for PRM-50-96 is closed.</P>
        <SIG>
          <DATED>Dated at Rockville, Maryland, this 3rd day of December 2012.</DATED>
          
          <P>For the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.</P>
          <NAME>Michael R. Johnson,</NAME>
          <TITLE>Acting Executive Director for Operations.</TITLE>
        </SIG>
      </SUPLINF>
      <FRDOC>[FR Doc. 2012-30452 Filed 12-17-12; 8:45 am]</FRDOC>
      <BILCOD>BILLING CODE 7590-01-P</BILCOD>
    </PRORULE>
    <PRORULE>
      <PREAMB>
        <AGENCY TYPE="N">DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY</AGENCY>
        <SUBAGY>Internal Revenue Service</SUBAGY>
        <CFR>26 CFR Part 301</CFR>
        <DEPDOC>[REG-141066-09]</DEPDOC>
        <RIN>RIN 1545-BL08</RIN>
        <SUBJECT>Awards for Information Relating To Detecting Underpayments of Tax or Violations of the Internal Revenue Laws</SUBJECT>
        <AGY>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">AGENCY:</HD>
          <P>Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Treasury.</P>
        </AGY>
        <ACT>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">ACTION:</HD>
          <P>Notice of proposed rulemaking.</P>
        </ACT>
        <SUM>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">SUMMARY:</HD>
          <P>These regulations provide comprehensive guidance for the award program authorized under Internal Revenue Code (Code) section 7623, as amended. The regulations provide guidance on submitting information regarding underpayments of tax or violations of the internal revenue laws and filing claims for award, as well as on the administrative proceedings applicable to claims for award under section 7623. The regulations also provide guidance on the determination and payment of awards, and provide definitions of key terms used in section 7623. Finally, the regulations confirm that the Director, officers, and employees of the Whistleblower Office are authorized to disclose return information to the extent necessary to conduct whistleblower administrative proceedings. The regulations provide needed guidance to the general public as well as officers and employees of the IRS who review claims under section 7623. This document also provides notice of a request for a public hearing on the proposed regulations.</P>
        </SUM>
        <EFFDATE>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">DATES:</HD>
          <P>Electronic or written comments and requests for a public hearing must be received by February 19, 2013.</P>
        </EFFDATE>
        <ADD>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">ADDRESSES:</HD>

          <P>Send submissions to CC:PA:LPD:PR (REG-141066-09), Room 5203, Internal Revenue Service, PO Box 7604, Ben Franklin Station, Washington, DC 20044. Submissions may be hand-delivered Monday through Friday between the hours of 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. to CC:PA:LPD:PR (REG-141066-09), Courier's Desk, Internal Revenue Service, 1111 Constitution Avenue NW., Washington, DC, or sent electronically, via the Federal eRulemaking Portal at<E T="03">www.regulations.gov</E>(IRS REG-141066-09).</P>
        </ADD>
        <FURINF>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:</HD>
          <P>Concerning the proposed regulation, Meghan M. Howard, at (202) 622-7950; concerning submissions of comments and requests for a public hearing, Oluwafunmilavaio Taylor, at (202) 622-7180 (not toll-free numbers).</P>
        </FURINF>
      </PREAMB>
      <SUPLINF>
        <HD SOURCE="HED">SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:</HD>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Background</HD>
        <P>Section 406 of the Tax Relief and Health Care Act of 2006, Public Law 109-432 (120 Stat. 2922), enacted on December 20, 2006, amended section 7623 of the Code on the payment of awards to certain persons who provide information to the Internal Revenue Service relating to the detection of underpayments of tax and violations of the internal revenue laws. Section 406 redesignated the existing statutory authority to pay awards at the discretion of the Secretary of the Treasury as section 7623(a), and it added a new provision regarding awards to certain individuals as section 7623(b). Generally, section 7623(b) provides that qualifying individuals will receive an award of at least 15 percent, but not more than 30 percent, of the collected proceeds resulting from the action with which the Secretary proceeded based on the information provided to the IRS by the individual. Section 406 also addressed several award program administrative issues and established a Whistleblower Office within the IRS, which operates at the direction of the Commissioner, analyzes information received under section 7623, as amended, and either investigates the information itself or assigns the investigation to the appropriate IRS office.</P>

        <P>In Notice 2008-4, 2008-1 CB 253 (January 14, 2008) (see § 601.601(d)(2)(ii)(<E T="03">b</E>) of this chapter), the IRS provided guidance on filing claims for award under section 7623, as amended. In the notice, the IRS recognized that the award program authorized by section 7623(a) had been previously implemented through regulations appearing at § 301.7623-1 of the Procedure and Administration Regulations. The Internal Revenue Manual (IRM) provided additional guidance to IRS officers and employees on the award program authorized by section 7623(a). The notice provided that the IRS would generally continue to follow section 301.7623-1 and the IRM provisions for claims for award within the scope of section 7623(a), subject to certain exceptions listed in the notice. The notice also provided, however, that the regulations would not apply to the new award program authorized under section 7623(b). Instead, the notice provided interim guidance applicable to claims for award submitted under section 7623(b).</P>

        <P>On March 25, 2008, the Treasury Department (Treasury) and the IRS<PRTPAGE P="74799"/>published Temp. Treas. Reg. § 301.6103(n)-2T, and corresponding proposed regulations, describing the circumstances and process in and by which officers and employees of the Treasury may disclose return information to whistleblowers (and their legal representatives, if any) in connection with written contracts for services relating to the detection of violations of the internal revenue laws or related statutes. Under these regulations, whistleblowers and legal representatives who receive return information are subject to the civil and criminal penalty provisions of sections 7431, 7213, and 7213A for the unauthorized inspection or disclosure of return information. The Treasury and the IRS finalized the proposed regulations on March 15, 2011 (TD 9516).</P>
        <P>In December 2008, the IRS revised IRM Part 25.2.2, updating policies and procedures concerning the handling of information, processing of claims for awards, and payment of awards under section 7623, as amended. The IRS also redelegated the authority to approve awards to the Director of the Whistleblower Office. In July 2010, the IRS further revised IRM Part 25.2.2 to provide detailed instructions to IRS officials and employees on the computation and payment of awards under section 7623 and to describe the administrative procedures applicable to claims for award under section 7623(b). The revised IRM introduced many guidance elements that are developed in these proposed regulations, including definitions of key terms, the whistleblower administrative proceedings, the fixed percentage award framework and criteria for making award determinations, and rules on handling multiple and joint claimants.</P>

        <P>On January 18, 2011, Treasury and the IRS published proposed regulations (REG-131151-10) clarifying the definitions of the terms<E T="03">proceeds of amounts collected</E>and<E T="03">collected proceeds</E>for purposes of section 7623 and providing that the provisions of existing § 301.7623-1(a), concerning refund prevention claims, apply to claims under both section 7623(a) and section 7623(b). The proposed regulations further provided that the reduction of an overpayment credit balance constitutes proceeds of amounts collected and collected proceeds for purposes of section 7623. The Treasury and the IRS finalized the proposed regulations on February 22, 2012 (TD 9580).</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Explanation of Provisions</HD>
        <P>The purpose of these regulations is to provide comprehensive guidance for the award program authorized under section 7623, as amended. Accordingly, these regulations provide guidance on issues relating to the award program from the filing of a claim to the payment of an award, focusing on three major elements of the program: (i) The submission of information and filing of claims for award; (ii) the whistleblower administrative proceedings applicable to claims for award under section 7623; and (iii) the computational determination and payment of awards. These proposed regulations also provide definitions of key terms under section 7623 and provide that the Director, officers, and employees of the Whistleblower Office are authorized to disclose return information to the extent necessary to conduct whistleblower administrative proceedings.</P>
        <P>These proposed rules apply generally to claims for award under both section 7623(a) and section 7623(b), unless otherwise stated. Nonetheless, while the Whistleblower Office will, for example, conduct whistleblower administrative proceedings pursuant to the proposed rules of § 301.7623-3 for claims for award under both section 7623(a) and section 7623(b), the process applicable to claims under section 7623(a) differs from that applicable to claims under section 7623(b). The differences reflect the clear distinction the statute draws between awards under section 7623(a) and section 7623(b) and will avoid placing a heavy administrative burden on the IRS.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD2">Submitting Information and Filing Claims for Award</HD>
        <P>Section 301.7623-1 of these proposed rules provides guidance on submitting information to the IRS and filing claims for award with the Whistleblower Office. These rules are intended to clarify the process individuals should follow to be eligible to receive awards under section 7623. The proposed rules, in large part, track the rules that Treasury and the IRS have previously provided, as set forth in the existing regulations, Notice 2008-4, and the IRM. This includes, for example, the general information that individuals should submit to claim awards and the descriptions of the type of specific and credible information regarding taxpayers that should be submitted. Most notably, an individual submitting a claim should identify a person and describe and document the facts supporting the claimant's belief that the person owes taxes or violated the tax laws. The proposed rules clarify that the IRS will consider an individual who identifies a pass-through entity as having identified the taxpayers with direct or indirect interests in the entity. Furthermore, the proposed rules provide that if an individual identifies a member of a firm who promoted another identified person's participation in an identified transaction, then the IRS will consider the individual as having identified both the firm and all the other members of the firm. These clarifying provisions complement the proposed rules' definition of the term related action.</P>
        <P>The proposed rules also include eligibility requirements for filing claims for award and a list of ineligible claimants. The list of ineligible claimants restates the list published in Notice 2008-4 in its entirety. For example, the proposed rules provide that individuals who are or were required by Federal law or regulation to disclose information are not eligible to file claims for award based on the information.</P>
        <P>To enable the IRS to administer the award program, these proposed regulations require individuals to file formal claims for award. The proposed rules provide a process for perfecting incomplete claims for award and permit claimants to perfect and resubmit deficient claims after they are rejected by the Whistleblower Office. Finally, the IRS is considering issues relating to the electronic filing of claims for award, which may be addressed in other published guidance.</P>
        <P>The proposed rules also reaffirm the practice of Treasury and the IRS to safeguard the identity of individuals who submit information under section 7623 and these proposed regulations whenever possible. The informant privilege allows the Government to withhold the identity of a person that provides information about violations of law to those charged with enforcing the law. The informant privilege is held by the Government, not the informant, and is not an absolute privilege. There may be instances when, after careful deliberation and high-level IRS approval, the disclosure of the identity of an informant may be determined to be in the best interests of the Government. For example, an informant's identity will have to be revealed when a claimant is needed as a witness in a case in litigation. The IRS will, however, make every effort to notify an informant before disclosing the informant's identity.</P>
        <P>Comments are specifically requested on:<PRTPAGE P="74800"/>
        </P>
        <P>(1) The list of ineligible claimants provided in paragraph (b)(2) of § 301.7623-1 of these proposed regulations and whether other identifiable groups of individuals should be treated as ineligible to file claims for award.</P>
        <P>(2) Whether electronic claim filing would be appropriate and beneficial to claimants, and, if so, what features should be included in an electronic claim filing system.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD2">Definitions of Key Terms</HD>

        <P>Section 301.7623-2 of these proposed regulations defines several key terms for purposes of determining awards under section 7623 and the proposed regulations. Two other key terms,<E T="03">planned and initiated</E>and<E T="03">final determination of tax,</E>are described and defined, respectively, in § 301.7623-4 of these proposed regulations. The definitions are intended to facilitate the IRS's administration of the award program in a manner that is consistent with the statutory language. As described below, several of the definitions, including the definition of the terms<E T="03">proceeds based on, related action,</E>and<E T="03">collected proceeds,</E>build on definitions contained in Notice 2008-4, TD 9580, and the IRM, while other definitions are new.</P>

        <P>Generally, section 7623(b) provides that if the Secretary proceeds with an administrative or judicial action (including any related actions) based on the information provided by the individual, then the individual will receive an award from the collected proceeds resulting from the actions. The definition of the term<E T="03">proceeds based on</E>contained in these proposed regulations reflects the ways in which information provided to the IRS may ultimately result in an award under that standard. Further, the definition reflects the requirement, under Section 406 of the 2006 Act, that the IRS must analyze and investigate information received under section 7623(b) by providing that the IRS cannot, for purposes of paying an award under section 7623, proceed based on information without taking some action beyond simply analyzing or investigating the information. The definition provides that the IRS proceeds based on the information provided only when the IRS initiates a new action that it would not have initiated, expands the scope of an ongoing action that it would not have expanded, or continues to pursue an ongoing action that it would not have continued but for the information provided.</P>
        <P>The definition of the term<E T="03">related action</E>contained in these proposed regulations clarifies which actions may be included for purposes of computing collected proceeds by requiring a clear link between the original action and the other, related action(s). To enable the IRS to administer the award program and to strike an appropriate balance between the individual's substantial contribution and the IRS's independent administration of the tax laws, this clear link requires: (i) A direct relationship between the person identified in the information provided and subject to the original action and the person(s) subject to the other action(s); and (ii) a substantial similarity between the specific facts contained in the information provided and the relevant facts of the other action(s). Consistent with the statutory language, this conjunctive test excludes from the definition of related action actions that are merely factually similar to the original action, for example, actions against unidentified taxpayers that merely engaged in substantially similar transactions to the transaction identified in the information provided. The direct relationship test of the definition's first prong amounts to a one-step rule: The taxpayer subject to the related action can be no more than one step removed—in terms of identification by the IRS—from a taxpayer identified in the information provided. For example, under the proposed rules, if the information provided identifies a party to a transaction and the facts relevant to the transaction, then an action against an unidentified individual or firm that promoted the identified person's participation in the transaction may be a related action. An action against another client of the unidentified promoter, however, is not a related action, regardless of whether the other client engaged in a substantially similar transaction or whether the information provided could be said to have initiated events that led to all the actions. Similarly, if the information provided identifies a party to a particular transaction and the facts relevant to the transaction, then an action against a second, unidentified party to the same transaction may be a related action. An action against another unidentified person that promoted only the second, unidentified party's participation in the transaction, however, is not a related action.</P>
        <P>The definition of<E T="03">collected proceeds</E>contained in these proposed regulations builds on the definition contained in the final regulations published on February 22, 2012 (TD 9580). The definition restates the rule from those final regulations that collected proceeds include: Tax, penalties, interest, additions to tax, and additional amounts collected because of the information provided; amounts collected prior to receipt of the information provided if the information results in the denial of a claim for refund that otherwise would have been paid; and a reduction of an overpayment credit balance used to satisfy a tax liability incurred because of the information provided.</P>
        <P>Based on the IRS's experience in administering the award program since the issuance of the final regulations and on stakeholder input on those regulations, the proposed regulations' definition of collected proceeds also addresses refund netting and the treatment of tax attributes generally, which include net operating losses (NOLs). The proposed regulations provide that if any portion of a claim for refund that is substantively unrelated to the information provided is (1) allowed and (2) used to satisfy a tax liability attributable to the information provided instead of refunded to the taxpayer, then the allowed but non-refunded amount constitutes collected proceeds. As to the treatment of tax attributes such as NOLs, the proposed regulations provide a computational rule that reflects the discussion contained in the preamble to T.D. 9580. There, Treasury and the IRS noted that tax attributes such as NOLs do not represent amounts credited to the taxpayer's account that are directly available to satisfy current or future tax liabilities or that can be refunded. Rather, tax attributes such as NOLs are component elements of a taxpayer's liability. The disallowance of an NOL claimed by a taxpayer may affect the taxpayer's liability and, in the context of a whistleblower claim, may result in collected proceeds.</P>

        <P>To enable the IRS to administer the award program, the proposed regulations' computational rule provides that, after there has been a final determination of tax, the IRS will compute the amount of collected proceeds taking into account all information known with respect to the taxpayer's account (including all tax attributes such as NOLs). For example: a taxpayer reports an NOL of $10 million for 2009 and a whistleblower's information results in a reduction of the NOL to $5 million. If the NOL is unused as of the date the IRS computes the amount of collected proceeds, then there are no collected proceeds. If, however, the 2009 NOL was partially carried back to 2008, initially generating a $3 million refund, and the whistleblower's information reduced the carryback amount, resulting in a $1.5 million reduction in the refund for<PRTPAGE P="74801"/>2008, then the amount of the erroneous refund recovered and collected would be collected proceeds. The proposed regulations' definition of collected proceeds, therefore, does not refer explicitly to NOLs, tax credits, or any other tax attributes that may factor into the computation of a taxpayer's liability. Furthermore, the proposed regulations' computational rule does not attempt to assign a present value to these attributes, given that whether, when, or to what extent they may affect a taxpayer's liability or the amount of collected proceeds cannot be determined in advance of their actual use. Nor does the computational rule require the IRS to continue tracking these taxpayers, who may not be under examination, and attributes into future years, given the significant costs and heavy administrative burden that would be required.</P>
        <P>Consistent with provisions in the IRM, these proposed regulations provide that amounts recovered under the provisions of non-Title 26 laws do not constitute collected proceeds, because the plain language of section 7623 authorizes awards for detecting “underpayments of tax” and violations of the internal revenue laws. The internal revenue laws are contained in Title 26, Internal Revenue Code and guidance issued under that title. Although the IRS may collect penalties for violations of Title 31, Money and Finance, and seize property under Title 18, Crimes and Criminal Procedure, those penalties and seizures do not relate to “underpayments of tax,” may be imposed independently of whether a tax underpayment occurs, and are not related to violations of the internal revenue laws under Title 26. For example, the IRS may collect penalties for failure to file Form 90-22.1, “Report of Foreign Bank and Financial Accounts” (FBAR), which is an information reporting requirement under Title 31 the violation of which does not necessarily result in an underpayment of tax. As a result, FBAR penalties do not constitute collected proceeds. Moreover, sections 5323(a) and 9703(a) of Title 31 provide independent authority, separate and apart from section 7623, for the payment of rewards for information relating to certain violations of Title 31 or Title 18.</P>
        <P>These proposed regulations also provide that criminal fines that must be deposited into the Victims of Crime Fund do not constitute collected proceeds. Under the Victims of Crimes Act of 1984, criminal fines that are imposed on a defendant by a district court are deposited into the Victims of Crime Fund. See 42 U.S.C. § 10601(b)(1). Criminal fines imposed for Title 26 offenses are not exempt from this requirement. The fines imposed in criminal tax cases that are deposited into the Victims of Crime Fund are not available to the Secretary to pay awards under section 7623. These exclusions were previously explained in the preamble to TD 9580 and are further clarified in the text of these proposed regulations. Restitution ordered by a court to the IRS, however, is collected by the IRS as a tax and, therefore, is encompassed in the definition of collected proceeds.</P>
        <P>Finally, these proposed regulations provide a rule for determining collected proceeds in cases in which the IRS does not collect the full amount of the assessed liabilities. Pursuant to this rule, collected proceeds, for purposes of paying an award under section 7623, are determined on a pro rata basis based on the ratio that adjustments attributable to the information provided bear against the total adjustments.</P>

        <P>Section 301.7623-2 of these proposed regulations also defines the terms<E T="03">action, administrative action,</E>
          <E T="03">judicial action, amount in dispute,</E>and<E T="03">gross income.</E>
        </P>
        <P>Comments are specifically requested on:</P>
        <P>(1) Each of the key terms defined in this section.</P>
        <P>(2) Whether and how the IRS could determine any amount of collected proceeds that arise as a result of a taxpayer's use of tax attributes such as NOLs after the final determination of tax and the computation of collected proceeds, as provided in the proposed regulations.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD2">Whistleblower Administrative Proceedings</HD>
        <P>Section 301.7623-3 of these proposed regulations describes the administrative proceedings applicable to claims for award under both section 7623(a) and section 7623(b). For purposes of applying these procedures, the IRS may rely on the claimant's description of the amount owed by the taxpayer(s). The IRS may, however, rely on other information as necessary (for example, when the alleged amount in dispute is below the $2 million threshold of section 7623(b)(5)(B), but the actual amount in dispute is above the threshold).</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD3">Administrative Proceedings for Awards Paid Under Section 7623(a)</HD>
        <P>In cases under section 7623(a), these proposed regulations provide that the Whistleblower Office will send a preliminary award recommendation letter to the claimant. Sending this letter marks the beginning of the whistleblower administrative proceeding. The claimant will then have 30 days within which to provide comments to the Whistleblower Office. This approach is intended to provide claimants under section 7623(a) with an opportunity to participate in the award process, both to add transparency to the proceeding and to assist the Whistleblower Office in considering all potentially-relevant information in paying awards under section 7623(a), even though those awards are not subject to Tax Court review.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD3">Administrative Proceedings for Awards Paid Under Section 7623(b)</HD>
        <P>In cases in which the Whistleblower Office will determine an award under section 7623(b), the whistleblower administrative proceeding more closely resembles the whistleblower award determination administrative proceeding contained in the IRM, which only applies to awards determined under section 7623(b). In an effort to both streamline the process and provide information to whistleblowers as early as allowable under section 6103, however, the proposed regulations move the beginning of the proceeding forward. Under the proposed regulations, the whistleblower administrative proceeding begins when the Whistleblower Office sends out the preliminary award recommendation letter. Accordingly, whistleblowers may receive opportunities to participate in the award determination process at the administrative level even before there is a final determination of tax in the underlying taxpayer action. These opportunities will be provided in connection with all awards paid under section 7623(b), and they are in addition to opportunities a whistleblower may be afforded to assist the IRS in connection with the underlying taxpayer action, for example pursuant to §§ 301.6103(n)-2 and 301.7623-1(d) of the proposed regulations.</P>

        <P>The Treasury and the IRS emphasize, however, that the proposed regulations do not and cannot move forward a whistleblower's opportunity to appeal an award determination to Tax Court. Under the proposed regulations, the Whistleblower Office will issue an appealable determination or make payment, if a whistleblower has waived the determination, as soon as possible after there has been a final determination of tax (that is, the statutory period for the taxpayer to claim a refund has expired or the underlying taxpayer action is otherwise final).<PRTPAGE P="74802"/>
        </P>
        <P>The whistleblower administrative proceeding generally consists of four steps: (i) A preliminary award recommendation; (ii) a detailed award report; (iii) an opportunity to review documents supporting the preliminary award recommendation; and (iv) an award determination. Under the proposed regulations, the first three steps may occur before the final determination of tax in the underlying taxpayer matter. Given that the amount of collected proceeds is not finally determined until after the final determination of tax, however, the preliminary award recommendation and the detailed award report, as well as the documents made available for inspection, will reflect a tentative or preliminary computation of the amount of collected proceeds.</P>
        <P>The whistleblower administrative proceeding is intended to foster a transparent administrative process, to ensure that claimants have a meaningful opportunity to participate in the determination process at the administrative level, to enable the Whistleblower Office to make award determinations based on complete information, and to ensure a fully-documented record on appeal to the Tax Court. The proposed regulations permit claimants to participate in the whistleblower administrative proceeding through a structured process involving correspondence and other communications with the Whistleblower Office. Claimants are afforded opportunities to review the Whistleblower Office's preliminary award recommendation, to provide additional information regarding their claims that is relevant to an award determination, and to submit comments challenging all aspects of the preliminary findings at the administrative level. The Treasury and the IRS recognize that, in some cases, claimants may be able to provide information during the whistleblower administrative proceeding that could be critical to the award determination but that is not already contained in the administrative claim file. For example, a claimant may be able to demonstrate that a determination is based on a misapplication of the lower award percentages of section 7623(b)(2) by providing information that demonstrates that the claimant was the original source of public source information.</P>
        <P>The Treasury and the IRS recognize that, while detailed administrative claim files assist the Whistleblower Office in making fair and accurate award determinations, steps should be taken to prevent potential redisclosure or misuse of the taxpayer's confidential return information contained in those files. Section 6103(h)(4) and § 301.6103(h)(4)-1 of the proposed regulations authorize the disclosures made by the Whistleblower Office in the course of the whistleblower administrative proceeding, but they provide neither redisclosure prohibitions nor penalties. Accordingly, the proposed regulations require claimants to execute confidentiality agreements before they may receive a detailed description of the factors that contributed to the preliminary award recommendation or view documents that support the recommendation. A claimant is not required to execute a confidentiality agreement before appealing an award determination to the Tax Court, and executing an agreement does not prevent a claimant from seeking Tax Court review. Moreover, a claimant's execution of a confidentiality agreement would not preclude the claimant from providing to Congress certain information about the preliminary award recommendation, but it would preclude the claimant from providing to Congress information disclosed to the claimant after the execution of the agreement and during the whistleblower administrative proceeding. Section 6103(f), however, provides a general framework for Congress to access taxpayer return information, and this general framework may also be used in connection with whistleblower award claims.</P>
        <P>The proposed regulations provide that the Whistleblower Office, in determining the award percentage, may treat a claimant's violation of the terms of the confidentiality agreement as a negative factor and, thus, as a basis for reducing the amount of an award. Further, while the proposed regulations provide claimants with an opportunity to view information in the administrative claim file that is not protected from disclosure by one or more common law or statutory privileges, the proposed regulations provide rules intended to safeguard the disclosure of information to a claimant (for example, supervised document review and no photocopying of documents).</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD3">Administrative Proceedings for Denials of Awards Under Section 7623(b)</HD>
        <P>Finally, the proposed regulations provide that in cases in which the Whistleblower Office will reject a claim under section 7623(b), pursuant to § 301.7623-1(b) or (c), or will deny a claim under section 7623(b), either because the IRS did not proceed with an action based on the information provided or because the IRS did not collect proceeds, the Whistleblower Office will send a preliminary denial letter to the claimant. Sending this letter marks the beginning of the whistleblower administrative proceeding. This notice will be provided as promptly as possible under the particular circumstances of a given case. The claimant will then have 30 days within which to provide comments to the Whistleblower Office. Again, this approach is intended to foster a transparent and accurate review process. Given the large administrative burden involved, however, the proposed regulations do not provide preliminary notice and comment procedures applicable to denials of claims for award under section 7623(a).</P>
        <P>Comments are specifically requested on:</P>
        <P>(1) Whether claimants should be afforded additional opportunities to participate in whistleblower administrative proceedings, and if so, what additional opportunities would be beneficial to the Whistleblower Office and to claimants and why.</P>
        <P>(2) Whether additional safeguards should be adopted to further protect taxpayer return information disclosed in the course of whistleblower administrative proceedings and, if so, what safeguards would be effective and appropriate.</P>
        <P>(3) Whether starting a whistleblower administrative proceeding before a final determination of tax in the underlying taxpayer action provides a meaningful benefit for whistleblowers.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD2">Determining the Amount of Awards and Paying Awards</HD>
        <P>Section 301.7623-4 of these proposed regulations provides the framework and criteria that the Whistleblower Office will use in exercising the discretion granted under section 7623 to make awards. The proposed regulations are consistent with, and build on, the award determination provisions provided in the IRM. The rules of this section are proposed to apply to claims for awards under both section 7623(a) and section 7623(b).</P>

        <P>Generally, the proposed regulations adopt a fixed percentage approach pursuant to which the Whistleblower Office will assign claims for award to one of a number of fixed percentages within the applicable award percentage range. The fixed percentage approach provides a structure that will promote consistency in the award determination process by enabling the Whistleblower Office to determine awards across the breadth of the applicable percentage range based on meaningful distinctions among cases. In general, the<PRTPAGE P="74803"/>Whistleblower Office will determine awards at the uppermost end of the applicable percentage range, for example, 30 percent of collected proceeds under section 7623(b)(1), only in extraordinary cases. The fixed percentage approach avoids having to draw fine distinctions that might seem unfair and arbitrary, given the differences among claims for award with respect to both the facts and law of the underlying actions and the nature and extent of the substantial contribution of the claimants.</P>
        <P>Under these proposed regulations, the Whistleblower Office generally will assign the fixed percentages to claims for award by evaluating the substantial contribution of the claimant to the underlying action(s) based on the Whistleblower Office's review of the entire administrative claim file and the application of the positive factors and negative factors, listed in § 301.7623-4(b), to the facts. After the application of the positive and negative factors has been completed, the Whistleblower Office will review the planning and initiating factors, if applicable. The purpose of this criteria-based approach is to also promote consistency in the award determination process. In addition, this approach is intended to provide transparency in the process, and the publication of the criteria should provide helpful guidance to claimants when submitting their claims and in understanding the basis for award determinations. For claims involving multiple actions (regardless of the number of taxpayers involved), the proposed regulations enable the Whistleblower Office to determine and apply separate award percentages on an action-by-action basis in appropriate cases. The Treasury and the IRS recognize that a multiple-action determination may result in a lengthier award process, but it may be necessary in some cases.</P>
        <P>Section 7623(b)(3) provides for an appropriate reduction of awards to claimants who planned and initiated the actions that led to the underpayment of tax or actions described in section 7623(a)(2) (the underlying acts). Section 7623(b)(3), unlike section 7623(b)(1) and section 7623(b)(2), provides no direction to the Whistleblower Office on what to consider in exercising this grant of discretion. Accordingly, the proposed regulations provide slightly more flexibility to determine the amount of an appropriate reduction under this section than they provide under the respective frameworks for determining awards for substantial and less substantial contributions.</P>
        <P>Under the proposed regulations, the Whistleblower Office will make a threshold determination of whether a claimant planned and initiated the underlying acts, but this determination will not result in an automatic or fixed reduction of the award percentage or award amount. A claimant will only satisfy the threshold determination if the claimant (i) designed, structured, drafted, arranged, formed the plan leading to, or otherwise planned an underlying act, (ii) took steps to start, introduce, originate, set into motion, promote or otherwise initiated an underlying act, and (iii) knew or had reason to know that there were tax implications to planning and initiating the underlying act.</P>
        <P>If the Whistleblower Office determines that a claimant meets the threshold for planning and initiating, the Whistleblower Office will then categorize and evaluate the extent of the claimant's planning and initiating of the underlying acts, based on the application of factors listed in § 301.7623-4(c)(3)(iv) to the facts contained in the administrative claim file, to determine the amount of the appropriate reduction, if any. The proposed regulations' use of the categories primary, significant, and moderate, like the use of the fixed percentage and criteria approach for determining awards in substantial contribution and less substantial contribution cases, is intended to promote consistency, fairness, and transparency in an award determination process that is inherently subjective.</P>
        <P>The proposed regulations do not adopt a “principal architect” approach to the application of section 7623(b)(3), based in part on the plain language of the statutory provision, which does not require a single planner. More than one individual may plan and initiate the actions that lead to a tax underpayment or violation. The Treasury and the IRS recognize the value that all whistleblowers may provide, and the proposed regulations balance the goal of incentivizing whistleblowers with the plain language of the statute by providing for a sliding scale of reductions to an award for planning and initiating.</P>
        <P>The proposed regulations provide rules for determining awards when two or more independent claims, based on different information, relate to the same collected proceeds. In these situations, the proposed regulations allow the Whistleblower Office to determine multiple awards, limited in aggregate amount to the maximum amount that could have been awarded to a single claimant, rather than restricting the determination to a single award payable to the first individual that files a claim for award or payable on some other basis.</P>
        <P>The proposed regulations also provide rules for determining whether affiliated claimants are eligible for awards and, if so, for determining the amount of the awards. The rule covering eligible affiliated claimants is intended to apply when the Whistleblower Office determines that an eligible individual is attempting to avoid a reduced award, for example, based on the application of the rules of section 7623(b)(3) or the application of negative factors, by having another individual to whom those rules would otherwise not apply submit the claim on behalf of the eligible individual. This rule allows the Whistleblower Office to put the actual claimant in the shoes of the purported claimant for purposes of determining the amount of the award.</P>
        <P>Comments are specifically requested on:</P>
        <P>(1) The efficacy of the fixed percentage approach provided under these proposed regulations.</P>
        <P>(2) Whether there are additional positive factors, negative factors, or planning and initiating factors that would be useful for the Whistleblower Office to consider in determining the amount of awards under these regulations.</P>
        <P>(3) The threshold determination of whether a whistleblower planned and initiated  an underlying act.</P>
        <P>(4) Whether the IRS should determine and pay multiple awards in cases in which two or more independent claims relate to the same collected proceeds, as provided under the proposed regulations, or whether only the first individual to provide information or submit a claim relating to particular collected proceeds should receive an award.</P>
        <P>(5) The application of the eligible affiliated claimant rule.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD2">Information Disclosures in Whistleblower Administrative Proceedings</HD>

        <P>Section 6103(h)(4) authorizes the disclosure of returns and return information in administrative or judicial proceedings pertaining to tax administration in certain circumstances. This rule provides the authority to disclose return information for purposes of a whistleblower administrative proceeding under section 7623. Section 301.6103(h)(4)-1 of these proposed regulations specifically authorizes the Director, officers, and employees of the Whistleblower Office to disclose return information to the extent necessary to<PRTPAGE P="74804"/>conduct whistleblower administrative proceedings. To minimize the potentially adverse consequences of the disclosure, and possible redisclosure, of return information, these proposed regulations provide that the Whistleblower Office will use confidentiality agreements in section 7623(b) whistleblower award determination administrative proceedings, as well as other safeguards, to minimize possible redisclosures of return information while still providing meaningful opportunities for claimants to participate in whistleblower administrative proceedings.</P>
        <P>Comments are specifically requested on whether the proposed regulations strike an appropriate balance between minimizing possible redisclosures of confidential return information and providing meaningful opportunities for claimants to participate in the administrative processing of their claims.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD2">Proposed Effective Dates</HD>

        <P>When finalized, §§ 301.7623-1, 301.7623-2, 301.7623-3, and 301.6103(h)(4)-1 are proposed to apply to information submitted on or after the date these rules are adopted as final regulations in the<E T="04">Federal Register</E>, and to claims for award under sections 7623(a) and 7623(b) that are open as of that date. Likewise, § 301.7623-4 is proposed to apply to information submitted on or after that date, and to claims for award under section 7623(b) that are open as of that date. Section 301.7623-4 is not proposed to apply to claims for award under section 7623(a) that are open as of that date. This exception is intended to allow the IRS to continue to apply consistent rules to open claims for award under the discretionary award program of section 7623(a).</P>
        <P>Comments are specifically requested on whether the proposed effective dates are appropriate.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Special Analyses</HD>
        <P>It has been determined that these proposed rules are not a significant regulatory action as defined in Executive Order 12866, as supplemented by Executive Order 13563. Therefore, a regulatory assessment is not required. It has also been determined that section 553(b) of the Administrative Procedure Act (5 U.S.C. chapter 5) does not apply to these regulations, and, because the regulations do not impose a collection of information on small entities, the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. chapter 6) does not apply. Pursuant to section 7805(f) of the Code, these regulations have been submitted to the Chief Counsel for Advocacy of the Small Business Administration for comment on their impact on small businesses.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Comments and Requests for a Public Hearing</HD>

        <P>Before these proposed regulations are adopted as final regulations, consideration will be given to any electronic or written comments (a signed original and eight (8) copies) that are submitted timely to the IRS. The Treasury and the IRS request comments on all aspects of the proposed regulations. All comments that are submitted by the public will be available for public inspection and copying at<E T="03">www.regulations.gov</E>or upon request. A public hearing may be scheduled if requested in writing by a person who timely submits written comments. If a public hearing is scheduled, notice of the date, time, and place of the hearing will be published in the<E T="04">Federal Register</E>.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Drafting Information</HD>
        <P>The principal authors of these regulations are Meghan M. Howard and Robert T. Wearing of the Office of the Associate Chief Counsel (Procedure and Administration).</P>
        <LSTSUB>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">List of Subjects in 26 CFR Part 301</HD>
          <P>Employment taxes, Estate taxes, Excise taxes, Gift taxes, Income taxes, Penalties, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements.</P>
        </LSTSUB>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Proposed Amendment to the Regulations</HD>
        <P>Accordingly, 26 CFR part 301 is proposed to be amended as follows:</P>
        <PART>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">PART 301—PROCEDURE AND ADMINISTRATION</HD>
          <P>
            <E T="04">Paragraph 1.</E>The authority citation for part 301 is amended by adding entries in numerical order to read in part as follows:</P>
          <AUTH>
            <HD SOURCE="HED">Authority:</HD>
            <P>26 U.S.C. 7805 * * *</P>
          </AUTH>
          <EXTRACT>
            <P>Sections 301.7623-1 through 301.7623-4 also issued under 26 U.S.C. 7623. * * *</P>
            <P>Section 301.6103(h)(4)-1 also issued under 26 U.S.C. 6103(h)(4) and 26 U.S.C. 6103(q). * * *</P>
          </EXTRACT>
          
          <P>
            <E T="04">Par. 2.</E>Section 301.6103(h)(4)-1 is added to read as follows:</P>
          <SECTION>
            <SECTNO>§ 301.6103(h)(4)-1</SECTNO>
            <SUBJECT>Disclosure of returns and return information in whistleblower administrative proceedings.</SUBJECT>
            <P>(a)<E T="03">In general.</E>A whistleblower administrative proceeding (as described in § 301.7623-3) is an administrative proceeding pertaining to tax administration within the meaning of section 6103(h)(4).</P>
            <P>(b)<E T="03">Disclosures in whistleblower administrative proceedings.</E>Pursuant to section 6103(h)(4) and paragraph (a) of this section, the Director, officers, and employees of the Whistleblower Office may disclose returns and return information (as defined by section 6103(b)) to an individual (or the individual's legal representative, if any) to the extent necessary to conduct a whistleblower administrative proceeding (as described in § 301.7623-3), including but not limited to—</P>
            <P>(1) By communicating a preliminary award recommendation or preliminary denial letter to the individual;</P>
            <P>(2) By providing the individual with an award report package;</P>
            <P>(3) By conducting a meeting with the individual to review documents supporting the preliminary award recommendation; and</P>
            <P>(4) By sending an award decision letter, award determination letter, or award denial letter to the individual.</P>
            <P>(c)<E T="03">Effective/applicability date.</E>Section 301.6103(h)(4)-1 will be effective on the date of publication of the Treasury decision adopting these rules as final regulations in the<E T="04">Federal Register</E>. When finalized, this section is proposed to apply with respect to whistleblower administrative proceedings beginning on or after the date of publication of the Treasury Decision adopting these rules as final regulations in the<E T="04">Federal Register</E>.</P>
            <P>
              <E T="04">Par. 3.</E>Section 301.7623-1 is revised to read as follows:</P>
          </SECTION>
          <SECTION>
            <SECTNO>§ 301.7623-1</SECTNO>
            <SUBJECT>General rules, submitting information on underpayments of tax or violations of the internal revenue laws, and filing claims for award.</SUBJECT>
            <P>(a)<E T="03">In general.</E>In cases in which awards are not otherwise provided for by law, the IRS's Whistleblower Office may pay an award under section 7623(a), in a suitable amount, for information necessary for detecting underpayments of tax or detecting and bringing to trial and punishment persons guilty of violating the internal revenue laws or conniving at the same. In cases that satisfy the requirements of section 7623(b)(5) and (b)(6) and in which the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) proceeds with an administrative or judicial action based on information provided by an individual, the Whistleblower Office must determine an award under section 7623(b)(1), (2), or (3). The awards provided for by section 7623 and this paragraph must be paid from collected proceeds, as defined in § 301.7623-2(d).</P>
            <P>(b)<E T="03">Eligibility to file claim for award</E>—(1)<E T="03">In general.</E>Any individual, other than an individual described in<PRTPAGE P="74805"/>paragraph (b)(2) of this section, is eligible to file a claim for award and to receive an award under section 7623 and §§ 301.7623-1 through 301.7623-4.</P>
            <P>(2)<E T="03">Ineligible claimants.</E>The Whistleblower Office will reject any claim for award filed by an ineligible claimant and will provide written notice of the rejection to the claimant. The following individuals are not eligible to file a claim for award or receive an award under section 7623 and §§ 301.7623-1 through 301.7623-4:</P>
            <P>(i) An individual who is an employee of the Department of Treasury or was an employee of the Department of Treasury when the individual obtained the information on which the claim is based;</P>
            <P>(ii) An individual who obtained the information through the individual's official duties as an employee of a Federal, State, or local Government, or who is acting within the scope of those official duties as an employee of a Federal, State, or local Government;</P>
            <P>(iii) An individual who is or was required by Federal law or regulation to disclose the information or who is or was precluded by Federal law or regulation from disclosing the information;</P>
            <P>(iv) An individual who obtained or was furnished the information while acting in an official capacity as a member of a Federal or State body or commission having access to materials such as Federal returns, copies, or abstracts; or</P>
            <P>(v) An individual who obtained or had access to the information based on a contract with the Federal government.</P>
            <P>(3)<E T="03">Ineligible affiliated claimants.</E>If the Whistleblower Office determines that an affiliated claimant, as defined in § 301.7623-2(f), filed a claim for award based on information obtained from an ineligible individual for the purpose of avoiding the rejection of the claim that would result if the claim was filed by the ineligible individual, then the Whistleblower Office may treat the claim as if it had been filed by the ineligible individual. See § 301.7623-4(c)(4) for rules regarding eligible affiliated claimants.</P>
            <P>(c)<E T="03">Submission of information and claims for award</E>—(1)<E T="03">Submitting information.</E>To be eligible to receive an award under section 7623 and §§ 301.7623-1 through 301.7623-4, an individual must submit to the IRS specific and credible information that the individual believes will lead to collected proceeds from persons whom the individual believes have failed to comply with the internal revenue laws. In general, an individual's submission should identify the person(s) believed to have failed to comply with the internal revenue laws and should provide substantive information, including all available documentation, that supports the individual's allegations. Information that identifies a pass-through entity will be considered to also identify all persons with a direct or indirect interest in the entity. Information that identifies a member of a firm who promoted another identified person's participation in a transaction described and documented in the information provided will be considered to also identify the firm and all other members of the firm. Submissions that provide speculative information or that do not provide specific and credible information regarding tax underpayments or violations of internal revenue laws do not provide a basis for an award. If documents or supporting evidence are known to the individual but are not in the individual's control, then the individual should describe the documents or supporting evidence and identify their location to the best of the individual's ability. If all available information known to the individual is not provided to the IRS by the individual, then the individual bears the risk that this information might not be considered by the Whistleblower Office for purposes of an award.</P>
            <P>(2)<E T="03">Filing claim for award.</E>To claim an award under section 7623 and §§ 301.7623-1 through 301.7623-4 for information provided to the IRS, an individual must file a formal claim for award by completing and sending Form 211, “Application for Award for Original Information,” to the Internal Revenue Service, Whistleblower Office, at the address provided on the form, or by complying with other claim filing procedures as may be prescribed by the IRS in other published guidance. The Form 211 should be completed in its entirety and should include the following information:</P>
            <P>(i) The date of the claim;</P>
            <P>(ii) The claimant's name;</P>
            <P>(iii) The claimant's address and telephone number;</P>
            <P>(iv) The date of birth of the claimant;</P>
            <P>(v) The taxpayer identification number of the claimant; and</P>
            <P>(vi) An explanation of how the information on which the claim is based came to the attention and into the possession of the claimant, including, as available, the date(s) on which the claimant acquired the information and a complete description of the claimant's present or former relationship (if any) to the person(s) identified on the Form 211.</P>
            <P>(3)<E T="03">Under penalty of perjury.</E>No award may be made under section 7623(b) unless the information on which the award is based is submitted to the IRS under penalty of perjury. All claims for award under section 7623 and §§ 301.7623-1 through 301.7623-4 must be accompanied by an original signed declaration under penalty of perjury, as follows: “I declare under penalty of perjury that I have examined this application, my accompanying statement, and supporting documentation and aver that such application is true, correct, and complete, to the best of my knowledge.” This requirement precludes the filing of a claim for award by a person serving as a representative of, or in any way on behalf of, another individual. Claims filed by more than one individual (joint claims) must be signed by each individual claimant under penalty of perjury.</P>
            <P>(4)<E T="03">Perfecting claim for award.</E>If an individual files a claim for award that does not include information described under paragraph (c)(2) of this section, does not contain specific and credible information as described in paragraph (c)(1) of this section, or is based on information that was not submitted under penalty of perjury as required by paragraph (c)(3) of this section, the Whistleblower Office may, in its sole discretion, reject the claim or notify the individual of the deficiencies and provide the individual an opportunity to perfect the claim for award. If an individual does not perfect the claim for award within the time period specified by the Whistleblower Office, then the Whistleblower Office may reject the claim. If the Whistleblower Office rejects a claim, then the Whistleblower Office will provide written notice of the rejection to the claimant. If the Whistleblower Office rejects a claim for the reasons described in this paragraph, then the claimant may perfect and resubmit the claim.</P>
            <P>(d)<E T="03">Request for assistance</E>—(1)<E T="03">In general.</E>The Whistleblower Office, the IRS or IRS Office of Chief Counsel may request the assistance of an individual claimant or the individual claimant's legal representative. Any assistance shall be at the direction and control of the Whistleblower Office, the IRS, or the IRS Office of Chief Counsel assigned to the matter. See § 301.6103(n)-2 for rules regarding written contracts among the IRS, whistleblowers, and legal representatives of whistleblowers.</P>
            <P>(2)<E T="03">No agency relationship.</E>Submitting information, filing a claim for award, or responding to a request for assistance does not create an agency relationship between a claimant and the Federal government, nor does a claimant or the claimant's legal<PRTPAGE P="74806"/>representative act in any way on behalf of the Federal government.</P>
            <P>(e)<E T="03">Identification of whistleblowers.</E>Under the informant's privilege, the IRS will use its best efforts to protect the identity of whistleblowers. In some circumstances, the IRS may need to reveal a whistleblower's identity, for example, when it is determined that it is in the best interests of the Government to use a whistleblower as a witness in a judicial proceeding. In those circumstances, the IRS will make every effort to notify the whistleblower before revealing the whistleblower's identity.</P>
            <P>(f)<E T="03">Effective/applicability date.</E>When finalized, § 301.7623-1 is proposed to apply to information submitted on or after the date of publication of the Treasury decision adopting these rules as final regulations in the<E T="04">Federal Register</E>and to claims for award under sections 7623(a) and 7623(b) that are open as of the date of publication of the Treasury decision adopting these rules as final regulations in the<E T="04">Federal Register</E>.</P>
            <P>
              <E T="04">Par. 4.</E>Section 301.7623-2 is added to read as follows:</P>
          </SECTION>
          <SECTION>
            <SECTNO>§ 301.7623-2</SECTNO>
            <SUBJECT>Definitions.</SUBJECT>
            <P>(a)<E T="03">Action</E>—(1)<E T="03">In general.</E>For purposes of section 7623(b) and §§ 301.7623-1 through 301.7623-4, the term<E T="03">action</E>means an administrative or judicial action.</P>
            <P>(2)<E T="03">Administrative action.</E>For purposes of section 7623(b) and §§ 301.7623-1 through 301.7623-4, the term<E T="03">administrative action</E>means all or a portion of an IRS civil or criminal proceeding against any person that may result in collected proceeds, as defined in paragraph (d) of this section, including, for example, an examination, a collection proceeding, a status determination proceeding, or a criminal investigation.</P>
            <P>(3)<E T="03">Judicial action.</E>For purposes of section 7623(b) and §§ 301.7623-1 through 301.7623-4, the term<E T="03">judicial action</E>means all or a portion of a proceeding against any person in any court that may result in collected proceeds, as defined in paragraph (d) of this section.</P>
            <P>(b)<E T="03">Proceeds based on</E>—(1)<E T="03">In general.</E>For purposes of section 7623(b) and §§ 301.7623-1 through 301.7623-4, the Internal Revenue (IRS)<E T="03">proceeds based on</E>information provided by an individual only when the IRS:</P>
            <P>(i) Initiates a new action;</P>
            <P>(ii) Expands the scope of an ongoing action; or</P>
            <P>(iii) Continues to pursue an ongoing action, that the IRS would not have initiated, expanded the scope of, or continued to pursue, respectively, but for the information provided by the individual. The IRS does not proceed based on when the IRS merely analyzes the information provided by the individual and investigates the matter.</P>
            <P>(2)<E T="03">Example.</E>The provisions of paragraph (b)(1) of this section may be illustrated by the following example:</P>
            
            <EXAMPLE>
              <HD SOURCE="HED">Example.</HD>
              <P>Information provided to the IRS by an individual, under section 7623 and § 301.7623-1, identifies a taxpayer, describes and documents specific facts relating to the taxpayer's foreign sales in Country A, and, based on those facts, alleges that the taxpayer was not entitled to a foreign tax credit relating to its foreign sales in Country A. The IRS receives the information after having already initiated an examination of the taxpayer. The IRS's audit plan does not include consideration of the amount of the foreign tax credit relating to the taxpayer's foreign sales in Country A but, based on the information provided, the IRS expands the examination to include the foreign tax credit issue. For purposes of section 7623 and §§ 301.7623-1 through 301.7623-4, the portion of the IRS's examination of the taxpayer relating to the foreign tax credit issue is an administrative action with which the IRS proceeds based on the information provided by the individual. If the examination of the taxpayer included the foreign tax credit issue before the individual provided the information, then no portion of the IRS's examination of the taxpayer is an administrative action with which the IRS proceeds based on the information provided, unless the IRS would not have continued to pursue the examination but for the information provided.</P>
            </EXAMPLE>
            
            <P>(c)<E T="03">Related action</E>—(1)<E T="03">In general.</E>For purposes of section 7623(b) and §§ 301.7623-1 through 301.7623-4, the term<E T="03">related action</E>is limited to:</P>
            <P>(i) A second or subsequent action against the person(s) identified in the information provided and subject to the original action if, in the second or subsequent action, the IRS proceeds based on the specific facts described and documented in the information provided; and</P>
            <P>(ii) An action against a person other than the person(s) identified in the information provided and subject to the original action if:</P>
            <P>(A) The other, unidentified person is directly related to the person identified in the information provided;</P>
            <P>(B) The facts relating to the underpayment of tax or violations of the internal revenue laws by the other person are substantially the same as the facts described and documented in the information provided (with respect to the person(s) subject to the original action); and</P>
            <P>(C) The IRS proceeds with the action against the other person based on the specific facts described and documented in the information provided. For purposes of this paragraph, an unidentified person is directly related to the person identified in the information provided if the IRS can identify the unidentified person using only the information provided (without first having to use the information provided to identify any other person or having to independently obtain additional information).</P>
            <P>(2)<E T="03">Examples.</E>The provisions of paragraph (c)(1) of this section may be illustrated by the following examples:</P>
            
            <EXAMPLE>
              <HD SOURCE="HED">Example 1.</HD>
              <P>Information provided to the IRS by an individual, under section 7623 and § 301.7623-1, identifies a taxpayer, describes and documents specific facts relating to the taxpayer's activities, and, based on those facts, alleges that the taxpayer owed additional taxes in Year 1. The IRS proceeds with an examination of the taxpayer for Year 1 based on the information provided by the individual. The IRS discovers that the taxpayer engaged in the same activities in Year 2 and expands the examination to Year 2. In the course of the examination, the IRS obtains, through the issuance of IDRs and summonses, additional facts that are unrelated to the activities described in the information provided by the individual. Based on these additional facts, the IRS expands the scope of the examination of the taxpayer for both Year 1 and Year 2. For purposes of section 7623 and §§ 301.7623-1 through 301.7623-4, the portion of the IRS's examination of the taxpayer in Year 2 relating to the activities described and documented in the information provided (with respect to Year 1) is a related action because it satisfies the conditions of paragraph (c)(1)(i) of this section. The portions of the IRS's examination of the taxpayer in both Year 1 and Year 2 relating to the additional facts obtained through the issuance of IDRs and summonses are not related actions (nor are they administrative actions based on the information provided).</P>
            </EXAMPLE>
            <EXAMPLE>
              <HD SOURCE="HED">Example 2.</HD>

              <P>Information provided to the IRS by an individual, under section 7623 and § 301.7623-1, identifies a taxpayer (Taxpayer 1), describes and documents specific facts relating to Taxpayer 1's activities, and, based on those facts, alleges tax underpayments by Taxpayer 1. The information provided also identifies an accountant (CPA 1) and describes and documents specific facts relating to CPA 1's contribution to the activities of Taxpayer 1 that the individual alleges resulted in tax underpayments. The IRS proceeds with an examination of Taxpayer 1 based on the information provided by the individual. Using only the information provided, the IRS obtains CPA 1's client list and identifies two taxpayer/clients of CPA 1 (Taxpayer 2 and Taxpayer 3) that appear to have engaged in activities similar to Taxpayer 1. The IRS proceeds with an examination of Taxpayer 2 and finds that Taxpayer 2 engaged in the same activities as those described in the information provided with respect to Taxpayer 1. The IRS proceeds with an examination of Taxpayer 3 and finds that Taxpayer 3 engaged in different<PRTPAGE P="74807"/>activities from those described in the information provided with respect to Taxpayer 1. For purposes of section 7623 and §§ 301.7623-1 through 301.7623-4, the examination of Taxpayer 2 is a related action because it satisfies the conditions of paragraph (c)(1)(ii) of this section. The examination of Taxpayer 3 is not a related action because the relevant facts are not substantially the same as the facts relevant to the examination of Taxpayer 1.</P>
            </EXAMPLE>
            <EXAMPLE>
              <HD SOURCE="HED">Example 3.</HD>
              <P>Same facts as<E T="03">Example 2.</E>Using only the information provided, the IRS identifies a co-promoter of CPA 1 (CPA 2) that appears to have engaged in activities similar to CPA 1. CPA 2 is not a member of CPA 1's firm. The IRS subsequently obtains the client list of CPA 2 and identifies a taxpayer/client of CPA 2 (Taxpayer 4) that appears to have engaged in activities similar to Taxpayer 1. The IRS proceeds with an examination of Taxpayer 4 and finds that Taxpayer 4 engaged in the same activities as those described in the information provided with respect to Taxpayer 1, and that CPA 2 contributed to the activities in the same way as described in the information provided with respect to CPA 1. The IRS proceeds with an examination of CPA 2's liability for promoter penalties under section 6700 in connection with the activities described in the information provided with respect to Taxpayer 1 and CPA 1. For purposes of section 7623 and §§ 301.7623-1 through 301.7623-4, the examination of CPA 2 is a related action because it satisfies the conditions of paragraph (c)(1)(ii) of this section. The examination of Taxpayer 4 is not a related action because Taxpayer 4 was not related to a person identified in the information provided. CPA 2 was not identified in the information provided and the IRS first had to identify CPA 2 before identifying Taxpayer 4 and proceeding with the examination of Taxpayer 4.</P>
            </EXAMPLE>
            <EXAMPLE>
              <HD SOURCE="HED">Example 4.</HD>
              <P>Same facts as<E T="03">Example 2.</E>An accountant (CPA 3) is a member of CPA 1's firm. Using only the information provided, the IRS obtains the client list of CPA 3 and identifies a taxpayer/client of CPA 3 (Taxpayer 5) that appears to have engaged in activities similar to Taxpayer 1. The IRS proceeds with an examination of Taxpayer 5 and finds that Taxpayer 5 engaged in the same activities as those described in the information provided with respect to Taxpayer 1, and that CPA 3 contributed to the activities in the same way as described in the information provided with respect to CPA 1. For purposes of section 7623 and §§ 301.7623-1 through 301.7623-4, the examination of Taxpayer 5 is a related action because Taxpayer 5 is related to CPA 3, a person considered to be identified in the information provided under § 301.7623-1(c)(1), and the facts relating to Taxpayer 5 are substantially the same as the facts described and documented in the information provided. An IRS examination of CPA 3's liability for promoter penalties under section 6700, based on the facts described and documented in the information provided with respect to Taxpayer 1 and CPA 1, is an administrative action based on the information provided.</P>
            </EXAMPLE>
            <EXAMPLE>
              <HD SOURCE="HED">Example 5.</HD>
              <P>Information provided to the IRS by an individual, under section 7623 and § 301.7623-1, identifies a taxpayer (Taxpayer 1), describes and documents specific facts relating to Taxpayer 1's activities, and, in particular, Taxpayer 1's participation in a transaction. Based on those facts, the individual alleges that Taxpayer 1 owed additional taxes. The IRS proceeds with an examination of Taxpayer 1 based on the information provided by the individual. The IRS identifies the other parties to the transaction described in the information provided (Taxpayer 2 and Taxpayer 3). The IRS proceeds with examinations of Taxpayer 2 and Taxpayer 3 relating to their participation in the transaction described in the information provided. For purposes of section 7623 and §§ 301.7623-1 through 301.7623-4, the IRS's examinations of Taxpayer 2 and Taxpayer 3 relating to the activities described and documented in the information provided are related actions because they satisfy the conditions of paragraph (c)(1)(ii) of this section.</P>
            </EXAMPLE>
            
            <P>(d)<E T="03">Collected proceeds</E>—(1)<E T="03">In general.</E>For purposes of section 7623 and §§ 301.7623-1 through 301.7623-4, the terms<E T="03">proceeds of amounts collected</E>and<E T="03">collected proceeds</E>(collectively,<E T="03">collected proceeds</E>) include: tax, penalties, interest, additions to tax, and additional amounts collected because of the information provided; amounts collected prior to receipt of the information if the information provided results in the denial of a claim for refund that otherwise would have been paid; and a reduction of an overpayment credit balance used to satisfy a tax liability incurred because of the information provided. Collected proceeds are limited to amounts collected under the provisions of title 26, United States Code.</P>
            <P>(2)<E T="03">Refund netting</E>—(i)<E T="03">In general.</E>If any portion of a claim for refund that is substantively unrelated to the information provided is:</P>
            <P>(A) Allowed, and</P>
            <P>(B) Used to satisfy a tax liability attributable to the information provided instead of refunded to the taxpayer, then the allowed but non-refunded amount constitutes collected proceeds.</P>
            <P>(ii)<E T="03">Example.</E>The provisions of paragraph (d)(2)(i) of this section may be illustrated by the following example:</P>
            
            <EXAMPLE>
              <HD SOURCE="HED">Example.</HD>
              <P>Information provided to the IRS by an individual, under section 7623 and § 301.7623-1, identifies a corporate taxpayer (Corporation), describes and documents specific facts relating to Corporation's activities, and, based on those facts, alleges that Corporation owed additional taxes. Based on the information provided by the individual, the IRS proceeds with an examination of Corporation and determines adjustments that would result in an unpaid tax liability of $500,000. During the examination, Corporation informally claims a refund of $400,000 based on adjustments to items of income and expense that are wholly unrelated to the information provided by the individual. The IRS agrees to the unrelated adjustments. The IRS nets the adjustments and determines a tax deficiency of $100,000. Thereafter, Corporation makes full payment of the $100,000 deficiency. For purposes of section 7623 and §§ 301.7623-1 through 301.7623-4, the collected proceeds include the $400,000 informally claimed as a refund and netted against the adjustments attributable to the information provided, as well as the $100,000 paid by Corporation.</P>
            </EXAMPLE>
            
            <P>(3)<E T="03">Criminal fines.</E>Criminal fines deposited into the Victims of Crime Fund are not collected proceeds and cannot be used for payment of awards.</P>
            <P>(4)<E T="03">Computation of collected proceeds</E>—(i)<E T="03">In general.</E>The Whistleblower Office will monitor each case for collection of proceeds. Pursuant to § 301.7623-4(d)(1), the IRS cannot make an award payment until there has been a final determination of tax. For purposes of determining the amount of an award under section 7623 and §§ 301.7623-1 through 301.7623-4, after there has been a final determination of tax as defined in § 301.7623-4(d)(2), the IRS will compute the amount of collected proceeds based on all information known with respect to the taxpayer's account, including with respect to all tax attributes, as of the date the computation is made.</P>
            <P>(ii)<E T="03">Partial collection.</E>If the IRS does not collect the full amount of taxes, penalties, interest, additions to tax, and additional amounts assessed against the taxpayer, then any amounts that the IRS does collect will constitute collected proceeds in the same proportion that the adjustments attributable to the information provided bear to the total adjustments.</P>
            <P>(e)<E T="03">Amount in dispute and gross income</E>—(1)<E T="03">In general.</E>Section 7623(b) applies with respect to any action against any taxpayer in which the tax, penalties, interest, additions to tax, and additional amounts in dispute exceed $2,000,000 but, if the taxpayer is an individual, then only if the individual's gross income exceeds $200,000 in at least one taxable year subject to the action.</P>
            <P>(2)<E T="03">Amount in dispute</E>—(i)<E T="03">In general.</E>For purposes of section 7623(b)(5) and §§ 301.7623-1 through 301.7623-4, the term<E T="03">amount in dispute</E>means the maximum total of tax, penalties, interest, additions to tax, and additional amounts that could have resulted from the action(s) with which the IRS proceeded based on the information provided, if the formal positions taken by the IRS had been sustained. The IRS will compute the amount in dispute, for purposes of award determinations described in § 301.7623-3(c)(6), when there has been a final determination of tax as defined in § 301.7623-4(d)(2).<PRTPAGE P="74808"/>
            </P>
            <P>(ii)<E T="03">Example.</E>The provisions of paragraph (e)(2)(i) of this section may be illustrated by the following example:</P>
            
            <EXAMPLE>
              <HD SOURCE="HED">Example.</HD>
              <P>Information provided to the IRS by an individual, under section 7623 and § 301.7623-1, identifies a corporate taxpayer, describes and documents specific facts relating to the taxpayer's activities, and, based on those facts, alleges that the taxpayer owed additional taxes. The IRS proceeds with an examination of the taxpayer based on the information provided by the individual; makes adjustments to items of income and expense and allows certain credits; and, ultimately, determines a deficiency against the taxpayer of $2,100,000 and issues the taxpayer a statutory notice of deficiency. The taxpayer petitions the notice to the United States Tax Court. The Tax Court sustains the IRS's position, in part, resulting in a deficiency of $1,500,000. The IRS also computes, however, that the total of tax, penalties, interest, additions to tax, and additional amounts that could have resulted from the action, if the court had sustained the IRS's position, in full, was $2,500,000. For purposes of section 7623 and §§ 301.7623-1 through 301.7623-4, the amount in dispute is $2,500,000.</P>
            </EXAMPLE>
            
            <P>(3)<E T="03">Gross income.</E>For purposes of section 7623(b)(5) and §§ 301.7623-1 through 301.7623-4, the term<E T="03">gross income</E>has the same meaning as provided under section 61(a). The IRS will compute the individual taxpayer's gross income, for purposes of award determinations described in § 301.7623-3(c)(6), when there has been a final determination of tax as defined in § 301.7623-4(d)(2).</P>
            <P>(f)<E T="03">Affiliated claimant.</E>For purposes of §§ 301.7623-1 through 301.7623-4, the term<E T="03">affiliated claimant</E>means an individual that files a claim for award on behalf of another individual. See § 301.7623-1(b)(3) for rules regarding ineligible affiliated claimants and § 301.7623-4(c)(4) for rules regarding eligible affiliated claimants.</P>
            <P>(g)<E T="03">Effective/applicability date.</E>When finalized, § 301.7623-2 is proposed to apply to information submitted on or after the date of publication of the Treasury decision adopting these rules as final regulations in the<E T="04">Federal Register</E>and to claims for award under sections 7623(a) and 7623(b) that are open as of the date of publication of the Treasury decision adopting these rules as final regulations in the<E T="04">Federal Register</E>.</P>
            <P>
              <E T="04">Par. 5.</E>Section 301.7623-3 is added to read as follows:</P>
          </SECTION>
          <SECTION>
            <SECTNO>§ 301.7623-3</SECTNO>
            <SUBJECT>Whistleblower administrative proceedings and appeals of award determinations.</SUBJECT>
            <P>(a)<E T="03">In general.</E>The Whistleblower Office will pay awards under section 7623(a) and determine awards to individuals under section 7623(b) in whistleblower administrative proceedings pursuant to the rules of this section. The whistleblower administrative proceedings described in this section are administrative proceedings pertaining to tax administration for purposes of section 6103(h)(4). See § 301.6103(h)(4)-1 for additional rules regarding disclosures of return information in whistleblower administrative proceedings. The Whistleblower Office may determine awards for claims involving multiple actions in a single whistleblower administrative proceeding. For purposes of applying the rules of this section, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) may, however, rely on other information as necessary (for example, when the alleged amount in dispute is below the $2 million threshold of section 7623(b)(5)(B), but the actual amount in dispute is above the threshold).</P>
            <P>(b)<E T="03">Awards under section 7623(a)</E>—(1)<E T="03">Preliminary award recommendation.</E>In cases in which the Whistleblower Office recommends payment of an award under section 7623(a), the Whistleblower Office will communicate a preliminary award recommendation under section 7623(a) and §§ 301.7623-1 through 301.7623-4 to the claimant by sending a preliminary award recommendation letter that states the Whistleblower Office's preliminary computation of the amount of collected proceeds, recommended award percentage, recommended award amount (even in cases when the application of section 7623(b)(2) or section 7623(b)(3) results in a reduction of the recommended award amount to zero), and a list of the factors that contributed to the recommended award percentage. The whistleblower administrative proceeding described in paragraphs (b)(1) and (2) of this section begins on the date the Whistleblower Office sends the preliminary award recommendation letter. If the claimant believes that the Whistleblower Office erred in evaluating the information provided, the claimant has 30 days from the date the Whistleblower Office sends the preliminary award recommendation to submit comments to the Whistleblower Office. The Whistleblower Office will review all comments submitted timely by the claimant (or the claimant's legal representative, if any) and pay an award, pursuant to paragraph (b)(2) of this section.</P>
            <P>(2)<E T="03">Decision letter.</E>At the conclusion of the process described in paragraph (b)(1) of this section, and when there is a final determination of tax, as defined in § 301.7623-4(d)(2), the Whistleblower Office will pay an award under section 7623(a) and §§ 301.7623-1 through 301.7623-4. The Whistleblower Office will communicate the amount of the award to the claimant in a decision letter.</P>
            <P>(3)<E T="03">Denials.</E>If the Whistleblower Office rejects a claim for award under section 7623(a), pursuant to § 301.7623-1(b) or (c), or if the IRS either did not proceed with an action, as defined in § 301.7623-2(b), or did not collect proceeds, as defined in § 301.7623-2(d), then the Whistleblower Office will not apply the rules of paragraphs (b)(1) or (2) of this section. The Whistleblower Office will provide written notice to the claimant of the denial of any award.</P>
            <P>(c)<E T="03">Awards under section 7623(b)</E>—(1)<E T="03">Preliminary award recommendation.</E>The Whistleblower Office will prepare a preliminary award recommendation based on the Whistleblower Office's review of the administrative claim file and the application of the rules of section 7623 and §§ 301.7623-1 through 301.7623-4 to the facts of the case. See paragraph (e)(2) of this section for a description of the administrative claim file.</P>
            <P>(2)<E T="03">Contents of preliminary award recommendation.</E>The Whistleblower Office will communicate the preliminary award recommendation under section 7623(b) to the individual by sending:</P>
            <P>(i) A preliminary award recommendation letter that describes the individual's options for responding to the preliminary award recommendation;</P>
            <P>(ii) A summary report that states a preliminary computation of the amount of collected proceeds, the recommended award percentage, the recommended award amount (even in cases when the application of section 7623(b)(2) or section 7623(b)(3) results in a reduction of the recommended award amount to zero), and a list of the factors that contributed to the recommended award percentage;</P>
            <P>(iii) An award consent form; and</P>

            <P>(iv) A confidentiality agreement. The whistleblower administrative proceeding described in paragraphs (c)(1) through (6) of this section begins on the date the Whistleblower Office sends the preliminary award recommendation letter. The preliminary award recommendation is not a determination letter within the meaning of paragraph (c)(6) of this section and cannot be appealed to Tax Court under section 7623(b)(4) and paragraph (d) of this section. The preliminary award recommendation will notify the individual that the IRS cannot determine or pay any award until there<PRTPAGE P="74809"/>is a final determination of tax, as defined in § 301.7623-4(d)(2).</P>
            <P>(3)<E T="03">Opportunity to respond to preliminary award recommendation.</E>The individual will have 30 days (this period may be extended at the sole discretion of the Whistleblower Office) from the date of the preliminary award recommendation letter to respond to the preliminary award recommendation in one of the following ways:</P>
            <P>(i) If the individual takes no action, then the Whistleblower Office will make a final award determination, pursuant to paragraph (c)(6) of this section;</P>
            <P>(ii) If the individual signs, dates, and returns the award consent form agreeing to the preliminary award recommendation and waiving any and all administrative and judicial appeal rights, then the Whistleblower Office will make an award determination, pursuant to paragraph (c)(6) of this section;</P>
            <P>(iii) If the individual signs, dates, and returns the confidentiality agreement, then the Whistleblower Office will provide the individual with an opportunity to review documents supporting the report, and a detailed award report pursuant to paragraphs (c)(3) and (4) of this section, and any comments submitted by the individual will be added to the administrative claim file; or</P>
            <P>(iv) If the individual submits comments on the preliminary award recommendation to the Whistleblower Office, but does not sign, date, and return the confidentiality agreement, then the comments will be added to the administrative claim file and reviewed by the Whistleblower Office in making an award determination, pursuant to paragraph (c)(6) of this section.</P>
            <P>(4)<E T="03">Detailed report</E>—(i)<E T="03">Contents of detailed report.</E>If the individual signs, dates, and returns the confidentiality agreement accompanying the preliminary award recommendation under section 7623(b), pursuant to paragraph (c)(3) of this section, then the Whistleblower Office will send the individual:</P>
            <P>(A) A detailed report that states a preliminary computation of the amount of collected proceeds, the recommended award percentage, and the recommended award amount, and provides a full explanation of the factors that contributed to the recommended award percentage;</P>
            <P>(B) Instructions for scheduling an appointment for the individual (and the individual's legal representative, if any) to review information in the administrative claim file that is not protected by one or more common law or statutory privileges; and</P>
            <P>(C) An award consent form. The detailed report is not a determination letter within the meaning of paragraph (c)(6) of this section and cannot be appealed to Tax Court under section 7623(b)(4) and paragraph (d) of this section. The detailed report will notify the individual that the IRS cannot determine or pay any award until there is a final determination of tax, as defined in § 301.7623-4(d)(2).</P>
            <P>(ii)<E T="03">Opportunity to respond to detailed report.</E>The individual will have 30 days (this period may be extended at the sole discretion of the Whistleblower Office) from the date of the detailed report to respond in one of the following ways:</P>
            <P>(A) If the individual takes no action, then the Whistleblower Office will make an award determination, pursuant to paragraph (c)(6) of this section;</P>
            <P>(B) If the individual requests an appointment to review information from the administrative claim file that is not protected from disclosure by one or more common law or statutory privileges, then a meeting will be arranged pursuant to paragraph (c)(5) of this section;</P>
            <P>(C) If the individual does not request an appointment but does submit comments on the detailed report to the Whistleblower Office, then the comments will be added to the administrative claim file and reviewed by the Whistleblower Office in making an award determination pursuant to paragraph (c)(6) of this section; or</P>
            <P>(D) If the individual signs, dates, and returns the award consent form agreeing to the preliminary award recommendation and waiving any and all administrative and judicial appeal rights, then the Whistleblower Office will make an award determination, pursuant to paragraph (c)(6) of this section.</P>
            <P>(5)<E T="03">Opportunity to review documents supporting award report recommendations.</E>Appointments for the individual (and the individual's legal representative, if any) to review information from the administrative claim file that is not protected from disclosure by one or more common law or statutory privileges will be held at the Whistleblower Office in Washington, DC, unless the Whistleblower Office, in its sole discretion, decides to hold the meeting at another location. At the appointment, the Whistleblower Office will provide for viewing the pertinent information from the administrative claim file. The Whistleblower Office will supervise the individual's review of the documents and the individual will not be permitted to make copies of the documents. The individual will have 30 days (this period may be extended at the sole discretion of the Whistleblower Office) from the date of the appointment to submit comments on the detailed report and the documents reviewed at the appointment to the Whistleblower Office. All comments will be added to the administrative claim file and reviewed by the Whistleblower Office in making an award determination, pursuant to paragraph (c)(6) of this section.</P>
            <P>(6)<E T="03">Determination letter.</E>After the individual's participation in the whistleblower administrative proceeding, pursuant to paragraph (c) of this section, has concluded, and there is a final determination of tax, as defined in § 301.7623-4(d)(2), a Whistleblower Office official will determine the amount of the award under section 7623(b)(1), (2), or (3), and §§ 301.7623-1 through 301.7623-4, based on the official's review of the administrative claim file. The Whistleblower Office will communicate the award to the individual in a determination letter, stating the amount of the award. If, however, the individual has executed an award consent form agreeing to the amount of the award and waiving the individual's right to appeal the award determination, pursuant to section 7623(b)(4) and paragraph (d) of this section, then the Whistleblower Office will not send the individual a determination letter and will make payment of the award as promptly as circumstances permit.</P>
            <P>(7)<E T="03">Denials.</E>If the Whistleblower Office rejects a claim for award under section 7623(b), pursuant to § 301.7623-1(b) or (c), or if, with respect to a claim for award under section 7623(b), the IRS either did not proceed with an action, as defined in § 301.7623-2(b), or did not collect proceeds, as defined in § 301.7623-2(d), then the Whistleblower Office will not apply the rules of paragraphs (c)(1) through (6) of this section. The Whistleblower Office will send to the claimant a preliminary denial letter that states the basis for the denial of the claim. The whistleblower administrative proceeding described in this paragraph begins on the date the Whistleblower Office sends the preliminary denial letter. If the claimant believes that the Whistleblower Office erred in evaluating the information provided, the claimant has 30 days from the date the Whistleblower Office sends the preliminary denial letter to submit comments to the Whistleblower Office. The Whistleblower Office will review all comments submitted timely by the claimant and, following that review, the Whistleblower Office will either provide written notice to the claimant of the denial of any award or apply the rules<PRTPAGE P="74810"/>of paragraphs (c)(1) through (c)(6) of this section.</P>
            <P>(d)<E T="03">Appeal of award determination.</E>Any determination regarding an award under section 7623(b)(1), (2), or (3) may, within 30 days of such determination, be appealed to the Tax Court.</P>
            <P>(e)<E T="03">Administrative record</E>—(1)<E T="03">In general.</E>The administrative record comprises all information contained in the administrative claim file that is not protected by one or more common law or statutory privileges that is relevant to the award determination.</P>
            <P>(2)<E T="03">Administrative claim file.</E>The administrative claim file will include the following materials relating to the action(s) with respect to which the IRS proceeded based on the information provided by the individual, as applicable, and to which the determination relates:</P>
            <P>(i) The Form 211 filed by the individual and all information provided by the individual (whether provided with the individual's original submission or through a subsequent contact with the IRS).</P>
            <P>(ii) Copies of all debriefing notes and recorded interviews held with the individual (and the individual's representative, if any).</P>
            <P>(iii) Form(s) 11369, “Confidential Evaluation Report on Claim for Award,” including narratives prepared by the relevant IRS office(s), explaining the individual's contributions to the actions and documenting the actions taken by the IRS in the case(s). The Form 11369 will refer to and incorporate additional documents relating to the issues raised by the claim, as appropriate, including, for example, relevant portions of revenue agent reports, copies of agreements entered into with the taxpayer(s), tax returns, and activity records.</P>
            <P>(iv) Copies of all contracts entered into among the IRS, the individual, and the individual's legal representative (if any), and an explanation of the cooperation provided by the individual (or the individual's legal representative, if any) under the contract.</P>
            <P>(v) Any information that reflects actions by the individual that may have had a negative impact on the IRS's ability to examine the taxpayer(s).</P>
            <P>(vi) All correspondence and documents sent by the Whistleblower Office to the individual.</P>
            <P>(vii) All notes, memoranda, and other documents made by officers and employees of the Whistleblower Office and considered by the official making the award determination.</P>
            <P>(viii) All correspondence and documents received by the Whistleblower Office from the individual (and the individual's legal representative, if any) in the course of the whistleblower administrative proceeding.</P>
            <P>(ix) All other information considered by the official making the award determination.</P>
            <P>(f)<E T="03">Effective/applicability date.</E>When finalized, § 301.7623-3 is proposed to apply to information submitted on or after the date of publication of the Treasury decision adopting these rules as final regulations in the<E T="04">Federal Register</E>and to claims for award under sections 7623(a) and 7623(b) that are open as of the date of publication of the Treasury decision adopting these rules as final regulations in the<E T="04">Federal Register</E>.</P>
            <P>
              <E T="04">Par. 5.</E>Section 301.7623-4 is added to read as follows:</P>
          </SECTION>
          <SECTION>
            <SECTNO>§ 301.7623-4</SECTNO>
            <SUBJECT>Amount and payment of award.</SUBJECT>
            <P>(a)<E T="03">In general.</E>The Whistleblower Office will pay all awards under section 7623(a) and determine all awards under section 7623(b). For all awards under section 7623 and §§ 301.7623-1 through 301.7623-4, the Whistleblower Office will—</P>
            <P>(1) Analyze the claim by applying the rules provided in paragraph (c) of this section to the information contained in the administrative claim file to determine an award percentage; and</P>
            <P>(2) Multiply the award percentage by the amount of collected proceeds. If the award determination arises out of a single whistleblower administrative proceeding involving multiple actions, the Whistleblower Office may determine separate award percentages on an action-by-action basis and apply the separate award percentages to the collected proceeds attributable to the corresponding actions. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) will pay all awards in accordance with the rules provided in paragraph (d) of this section. All relevant factors will be taken into account by the Whistleblower Office in determining whether an award will be paid and, if so, the amount of the award. No person is authorized under this section to make any offer or promise or otherwise bind the Whistleblower Office with respect to the amount or payment of an award.</P>
            <P>(b)<E T="03">Factors used to determine award percentage</E>—(1)<E T="03">Positive factors.</E>The application of the following non-exclusive factors may support increasing an award percentage under paragraphs (c)(1) or (2) of this section:</P>
            <P>(i) The individual acted promptly to inform the IRS or the taxpayer of the tax noncompliance.</P>
            <P>(ii) The information provided identified an issue of a type previously unknown to the IRS.</P>
            <P>(iii) The information provided identified taxpayer behavior that the IRS was unlikely to identify or that was particularly difficult to detect through the IRS's exercise of reasonable diligence.</P>
            <P>(iv) The information provided thoroughly presented the factual details of tax noncompliance in a clear and organized manner, particularly if the manner of the presentation saved the IRS work and resources.</P>
            <P>(v) The individual (or the individual's legal representative, if any) provided exceptional cooperation and assistance during the pendency of the action(s), for example by providing a useful technical or legal analysis of the taxpayer's records in response to a request from the Whistleblower Office, the IRS, or the IRS Office of Chief Counsel.</P>
            <P>(vi) The information provided identified assets of the taxpayer that could be used to pay liabilities, particularly if the assets were not otherwise known to the IRS.</P>
            <P>(vii) The information provided identified connections between transactions, or parties to transactions, that enabled the IRS to understand tax implications that might not otherwise have been understood by the IRS.</P>
            <P>(viii) The information provided had an impact on the behavior of the taxpayer, for example by causing the taxpayer to correct a previously-reported improper position.</P>
            <P>(2)<E T="03">Negative factors.</E>The application of the following non-exclusive factors may support decreasing an award percentage under paragraphs (c)(1) or (2) of this section:</P>
            <P>(i) The individual delayed informing the IRS after learning the relevant facts, particularly if the delay adversely affected the IRS's ability to pursue an action or issue.</P>
            <P>(ii) The individual contributed to the underpayment of tax or tax noncompliance identified.</P>
            <P>(iii) The individual directly or indirectly profited from the underpayment of tax or tax noncompliance identified.</P>
            <P>(iv) The individual (or the individual's legal representative, if any) negatively affected the IRS's ability to pursue the action(s), for example by disclosing the existence or scope of an enforcement activity.</P>

            <P>(v) The individual (or the individual's legal representative, if any) violated instructions provided by the IRS, particularly if the violation caused the IRS to expend additional resources.<PRTPAGE P="74811"/>
            </P>
            <P>(vi) The individual (or the individual's legal representative, if any) violated the terms of the confidentiality agreement described in § 301.7623-3(b)(2).</P>
            <P>(vii) The individual (or the individual's legal representative, if any) violated the terms of a contract entered into with the IRS pursuant to § 301.6103(n)-2.</P>
            <P>(viii) The individual provided false or misleading information or otherwise violated the requirements of section 7623(b)(6)(C) or § 301.7623-1(c)(3).</P>
            <P>(c)<E T="03">Amount of award percentage</E>—(1)<E T="03">Award for substantial contribution</E>—(i)<E T="03">In general.</E>If the IRS proceeds with any administrative or judicial action based on information brought to the IRS's attention by an individual, such individual shall, subject to paragraphs (c)(2) and (3) of this section, receive as an award at least 15 percent but not more than 30 percent of the collected proceeds resulting from the action (including any related actions) or from any settlement in response to such action. The amount of any award under this paragraph depends on the extent of the individual's substantial contribution to the action(s). See paragraph (c)(5) of this section for rules regarding multiple claimants.</P>
            <P>(ii)<E T="03">Computational framework.</E>Starting the analysis at the statutory minimum of 15 percent, the Whistleblower Office will analyze the administrative claim file using the factors listed in paragraph (b)(1) of this section to determine whether the individual merits an increased award percentage of 22 percent or 30 percent. The Whistleblower Office may increase the award percentage based on the presence and significance of positive factors. The Whistleblower Office will then analyze the contents of the administrative claim file using the factors listed in paragraph (b)(2) of this section to determine whether the individual merits a decreased award percentage of 15 percent, 18 percent, 22 percent, or 26 percent. The Whistleblower Office may decrease the award percentage based on the presence and significance of negative factors. Although the factors listed in paragraphs (b)(1) and (2) of this section are described as positive and negative factors, the Whistleblower Office's analysis cannot be reduced to a mathematical equation. The factors are not exclusive and are not weighted and, in a particular case, one factor may override several others. The presence and significance of negative factors may offset the presence and significance of positive factors and, while the presence and significance of negative factors alone cannot result in an award percentage of less than 15 percent, the absence of negative factors does not mean that an award percentage will be greater than 15 percent.</P>
            <P>(iii)<E T="03">Example.</E>The operation of the provisions of paragraph (c)(1)(ii) of this section may be illustrated by the following example. The example is intended to illustrate the operation of the computational framework. It is not intended to provide a standard against which the substantial contribution of an individual submitting a claim for award may be compared. The example provides a simplified description of the facts relating to the claim for award, the information provided, and the facts relating to the underlying tax case(s). The application of section 7623(b)(1) and paragraph (c)(1)(ii) of this section will depend on the specific facts of each case.</P>
            
            <EXAMPLE>
              <HD SOURCE="HED">Example.</HD>
              <P>Individual A, an employee in Corporation's sales department, submitted to the IRS a claim for award under section 7623 and information indicating that Corporation improperly claimed a credit in tax year 2006. Individual A's information consisted of numerous non-privileged documents relevant to Corporation's eligibility for the credit. Individual A's original submission also included an analysis of the documents, as well as information about meetings in which the claim for credit was discussed. When interviewed by the IRS, Individual A clarified ambiguities in the original submission, answered questions about Corporation's business and accounting practices, and identified potential sources to corroborate the information. Some of the documents provided by Individual A were not included in Corporation's general record-keeping system and their existence may not have been easily uncovered through normal IRS examination procedures. Corporation initially denied the facts revealed in the information provided by Individual A, which were essential to establishing the impropriety of the claim for credit. IRS examination of Corporation's return confirmed that the credit was improperly claimed by Corporation in tax year 2006, as alleged by Individual A. Corporation agreed to the ensuing assessments of tax and interest and paid the liabilities in full. In this case, Individual A provided specific and credible information that formed the basis for action by the IRS. Individual A provided information that was difficult to detect, provided useful assistance to the IRS, and helped the IRS sustain the assessment. Based on the presence and significance of these positive factors, viewed against all the specific facts relevant to Corporation's 2006 tax year, the Whistleblower Office could increase the award percentage to 22 percent of collected proceeds. If Individual A violated instructions provided by the IRS and the violation caused the IRS to expend additional resources, then the Whistleblower Office could, based on this negative factor, reduce the award percentage to 18 percent or 15 percent (but not to lower than 15 percent of collected proceeds).</P>
            </EXAMPLE>
            
            <P>(2)<E T="03">Award for less substantial contribution</E>—(i)<E T="03">In general.</E>If the Whistleblower Office determines that the action described in paragraph (c)(1) of this section is based principally on disclosures of specific allegations resulting from public source information including a judicial or administrative hearing; a government report, hearing, audit, or investigation; or the news media, then the Whistleblower Office may determine an award of no more than 10 percent of the collected proceeds resulting from the action (including any related actions) or from any settlement in response to such action. The appropriate amount of any award under this paragraph depends on the significance of the individual's information and the role of the individual (and the individual's legal representative, if any) in contributing to the action(s). If the individual is the original source of the public source information, however, then the award percentage will be determined under paragraph (c)(1) of this section.</P>
            <P>(ii)<E T="03">Computational framework.</E>The Whistleblower Office will analyze the administrative claim file to determine whether any of the information provided by the individual contained public source information and, if it did, whether the action described in paragraph (c)(1) of this section was based principally on the public source information. The Whistleblower Office will make this determination based on the extent to which the public source information described a tax violation or facts and circumstances from which a tax violation reasonably may be inferred. If the Whistleblower Office determines that the action was based principally on public source information, then, starting at 1 percent, the Whistleblower Office will analyze the administrative claim file using the factors listed in paragraph (b)(1) of this section to determine whether the individual merits an increased award percentage of 4 percent, 7 percent, or 10 percent. The Whistleblower Office will then determine whether the individual merits a decreased award percentage of zero, 1 percent, 4 percent, or 7 percent using the factors listed in paragraph (b)(2). The Whistleblower Office may increase the award percentage based on the presence and significance of positive factors and may decrease the award percentage based on the presence and significance of negative factors. Like the analysis described in paragraph (c)(1)(ii) of this section, the Whistleblower Office's analysis cannot be reduced to a<PRTPAGE P="74812"/>mathematical equation. The factors are not exclusive and are not weighted and, in a particular case, one factor may override several others. The presence and significance of negative factors may offset the presence and significance of positive factors or result in a zero award, but the absence of negative factors does not mean that an award percentage will be greater than 1 percent.</P>
            <P>(iii)<E T="03">Example.</E>The operation of the provisions of paragraph (c)(2)(ii) of this section may be illustrated by the following example. The example is intended to illustrate the operation of the computational framework. It is not intended to provide a standard against which the substantial contribution of an individual submitting a claim for award may be compared. The example provides a simplified description of the facts relating to the claim for award, the information provided, and the facts relating to the underlying tax case(s). The application of section 7623(b)(2) and paragraph (c)(2)(ii) of this section will depend on the specific facts of each case.</P>
            
            <EXAMPLE>
              <HD SOURCE="HED">Example.</HD>
              <P>Individual A submitted to the IRS a claim for award under section 7623 and information indicating that Taxpayer B was the defendant in a criminal prosecution for embezzlement. Individual A's information further indicated that evidence presented at Taxpayer B's trial revealed Taxpayer B's efforts to conceal the embezzled funds by depositing them in bank accounts of entities controlled by Taxpayer B. In this case, Individual A's information is based principally on disclosures of specific allegations resulting from a judicial hearing. Absent information demonstrating that the investigation leading to the embezzlement charge was based on information provided by Individual A, section 7623(b)(2) and paragraph (c)(2) of this section applies to the determination of Individual A's award. In this case, there is no reason for the Whistleblower Office to increase the applicable award percentage above 1 percent, the starting point for its analysis, given the absence of positive factors. Accordingly, Individual A may receive an award of 1 percent of collected proceeds.</P>
            </EXAMPLE>
            
            <P>(3)<E T="03">Reduction in award and denial of award</E>—(i)<E T="03">In general.</E>If the Whistleblower Office determines that a claim for award is brought by an individual who planned and initiated the actions, transaction, or events (underlying acts) that led to the underpayment of tax or actions described in section 7623(a)(2), then the Whistleblower Office may appropriately reduce the amount of the award percentage that would otherwise result under section 7623(b)(1) and paragraph (c)(1) of this section or section 7623(b)(2) and paragraph (c)(2) of this section, as applicable. The Whistleblower Office will deny an award if the individual is convicted of criminal conduct arising from his or her role in planning and initiating the underlying acts.</P>
            <P>(ii)<E T="03">Threshold determination.</E>An individual<E T="03">planned and initiated</E>the underlying acts if the individual:</P>
            <P>(A) Designed, structured, drafted, arranged, formed the plan leading to, or otherwise planned, an underlying act,</P>
            <P>(B) Took steps to start, introduce, originate, set into motion, promote or otherwise initiate an underlying act, and</P>
            <P>(C) Knew or had reason to know that there were tax implications to planning and initiating the underlying act. The individual need not have been the sole person involved in planning and initiating the underlying acts. An individual who merely furnishes typing, reproducing, or other mechanical assistance in implementing one or more underlying acts will not be treated as initiating any underlying act. If the Whistleblower Office determines that an individual has satisfied this initial threshold of planning and initiating, the Whistleblower Office will then reduce the award amount based on the extent of the individual's planning and initiating, pursuant to paragraph (c)(3)(iii) of this section.</P>
            <P>(iii)<E T="03">Computational framework.</E>After determining the award percentage that would otherwise result from the application of section 7623(b)(1) and paragraph (c)(1) of this section or section 7623(b)(2) and paragraph (c)(2) of this section, as applicable, the Whistleblower Office will analyze the administrative claim file to make the threshold determination described in paragraph (c)(3)(ii) of this section. If the individual is determined to have planned and initiated the underlying acts, then the Whistleblower Office will reduce the award based on the extent of the individual's planning and initiating. The Whistleblower Office's analysis and the amount of the appropriate reduction determined in a particular case cannot be reduced to a mathematical equation. To determine the appropriate award reduction, the Whistleblower Office will:</P>
            <P>(A) Categorize the individual's role as a planner and initiator as primary, significant, or moderate; and</P>
            <P>(B) Appropriately reduce the award percentage that would otherwise result from the application of section 7623(b)(1) and paragraph (c)(1) of this section or section 7623(b)(2) and paragraph (c)(2) of this section, as applicable, by 67 percent to 100 percent in the case of a primary planner and initiator, by 34 percent to 66 percent in the case of a significant planner and initiator, or by 0 percent to 33 percent in the case of a moderate planner and initiator. If the individual is convicted of criminal conduct arising from his or her role in planning and initiating the underlying acts, then the Whistleblower Office will deny an award without regard to whether the Whistleblower Office categorized the individual's role as a planner and initiator as primary, significant, or moderate.</P>
            <P>(iv)<E T="03">Factors demonstrating the extent of an individual's planning and initiating.</E>The application of the following non-exclusive factors may support a determination of the extent of an individual's planning and initiating of the underlying acts:</P>
            <P>(A) The individual's role as a planner and initiator. Was the individual the sole decision-maker or one of several contributing planners and initiators?</P>
            <P>(B) The nature of the individual's planning and initiating activities. Was the individual involved in legitimate tax planning activities? Did the individual take steps to hide the actions at the planning stage? Did the individual commit any identifiable misconduct (legal, ethical, etc.)?</P>
            <P>(C) The extent to which the individual knew or should have known that tax noncompliance could result from the course of conduct.</P>
            <P>(D) The extent to which the individual acted in furtherance of the noncompliance, including, for example, efforts to conceal or disguise the transaction.</P>
            <P>(E) The individual's role in identifying and soliciting others to participate in the actions reported, whether as parties to a common transaction or as parties to separate transactions.</P>
            <P>(v)<E T="03">Examples.</E>The operation of the provisions of paragraphs (c)(3)(ii) and (iii) of this section may be illustrated by the following examples. These examples are intended to illustrate the operation of the computational framework. They are not intended to provide standards against which the planning and initiating of an individual submitting a claim for award may be compared. The examples provide simplified descriptions of the facts relating to the claim for award, the information provided, and the facts relating to the underlying tax case. The application of section 7623(b)(3) and paragraph (c)(3) of this section will depend on the specific facts of each case.</P>
            
            <EXAMPLE>
              <HD SOURCE="HED">Example 1.</HD>

              <P>Individual A is employed in the finance department of a corporation (Corporation 1) and is responsible for performing research and drafting activities for, and at the direction of, Supervisor B.<PRTPAGE P="74813"/>Individual A performed research on financial products for Supervisor B that Supervisor B used in advising Corporation 1 on a financial strategy. After Corporation 1 executed the strategy, Individual A submitted a claim for award under section 7623 along with information about the strategy to the IRS. The IRS initiated an examination of Corporation 1 based on Individual A's information, determined deficiencies in tax and penalties, and ultimately assessed and collected the tax and penalties as determined. Individual A did nothing to design or set into motion Corporation 1's activities. Individual A did not know or have reason to know that there were tax implications to the research activities. Accordingly, as a threshold matter, Individual A was not a planner and initiator of Corporation 1's strategy, and the award that would otherwise be determined based on the application of section 7623(b)(1) and paragraph (c)(1) of this section is not subject to reduction under section 7623(b)(3) and paragraph (c)(3) of this section.</P>
            </EXAMPLE>
            <EXAMPLE>
              <HD SOURCE="HED">Example 2.</HD>
              <P>Individual C is employed in the HR department of a corporation (Corporation 2). Corporation 2 tasked Individual C with hiring a large number of temporary employees to meet Corporation 2's seasonal business demands. Individual C organized, scheduled, and conducted job fairs and job interviews to hire the seasonal employees. Individual C was not responsible for, had no knowledge of, and played no part in, classifying the seasonal employees for Federal income tax purposes. Individual C later discovered, however, that Corporation 2 classified the seasonal employees as independent contractors. After discovering the misclassification, Individual C submitted a claim for award under section 7623 along with non-privileged information describing the employee misclassification to the IRS. The IRS initiated an examination of Corporation 2 based on Individual C's information, determined deficiencies in tax and penalties, and ultimately assessed and collected the tax and penalties as determined. The award that would otherwise be determined based on the application of section 7623(b)(1) and paragraph (c)(1) of this section would not be subject to a reduction under section 7623(b)(3) and paragraph (c)(3) of this section because Individual C did not satisfy the requirements of the threshold determination of a planner and initiator. Individual C did not know and had no reason to know that her actions had tax implications or that Corporation 2 would misclassify the employees as independent contractors.</P>
            </EXAMPLE>
            <EXAMPLE>
              <HD SOURCE="HED">Example 3.</HD>
              <P>Individual D is employed as a supervisor in the finance department of a corporation (Corporation 3) and is responsible for planning Corporation 3's overall financial strategy. Pursuant to the overall financial strategy, Individual D and others at Corporation 3, in good faith but incorrectly, planned tax-advantaged transactions. Individual D and others at Corporation 3 prepared documents needed to execute the transactions. After Corporation 3 executed the transactions, Individual D submitted a claim for award under section 7623 along with non-privileged information about the transactions to the IRS. The IRS initiated an examination of Corporation 3 based on Individual D's information, determined deficiencies in tax and penalties, and ultimately assessed and collected the tax and penalties as determined. The award that would otherwise be determined based on the application of section 7623(b)(1) and paragraph (c)(1) of this section would be subject to an appropriate reduction under section 7623(b)(3) and paragraph (c)(3) of this section because Individual D satisfies the requirements of the threshold determination of a planner and initiator. Individual D planned the transactions, prepared the necessary documents, and knew the tax implications of the transactions. Individual D was not the sole planner and initiator of Corporation 3's transactions. Individual D did nothing to conceal Corporation 3's activities. Corporation 3 had a good faith basis for claiming the disallowed tax benefits. On the basis of those facts, Individual D was a moderate-level planner and initiator. Accordingly, the Whistleblower Office will exercise its discretion to reduce Individual D's award by 0 to 33 percent.</P>
            </EXAMPLE>
            <EXAMPLE>
              <HD SOURCE="HED">Example 4.</HD>
              <P>Same facts as<E T="03">Example 3,</E>except that Individual D independently planned a high-risk tax avoidance transaction and prepared draft documents to execute the transaction. Individual D presented the transaction, along with the draft documents, to Corporation 3's Chief Financial Officer. Without the further involvement of Individual D, Corporation 3's Chief Financial Officer, Chief Executive Officer, and Board of Directors subsequently approved the execution of the transaction. After Corporation 3 executed the transaction, Individual D submitted a claim for award under section 7623 along with non-privileged information about the transaction to the IRS. The IRS initiated an examination of Corporation 3 based on Individual D's information, determined deficiencies in tax and penalties, and ultimately assessed and collected the tax and penalties as determined. The award that would otherwise be determined based on the application of section 7623(b)(1) and paragraph (c)(1) of this section would be subject to an appropriate reduction under section 7623(b)(3) and paragraph (c)(3) of this section because Individual D satisfies the requirements of the threshold determination of a planner and initiator. Individual D planned the transaction, prepared the necessary documents, and knew the tax implications of the transaction. Working independently, Individual D designed and took steps to effectuate the transaction while knowing that the planning and initiating of the transaction was likely to result in tax noncompliance. Individual D, however, did not approve the execution of the transaction by Corporation 3 and, therefore, was not a decision-maker. On the basis of those facts, Individual D was a significant-level planner and initiator. Accordingly, the Whistleblower Office will exercise its discretion to reduce Individual D's award by 34 to 66 percent.</P>
            </EXAMPLE>
            <EXAMPLE>
              <HD SOURCE="HED">Example 5.</HD>
              <P>Individual E is a financial planner. Individual E designed a financial product that the IRS identified as an abusive tax avoidance transaction. Individual E marketed the transaction to taxpayers, facilitated their participation in the transaction, and, initially, took steps to disguise the transaction. After several taxpayers had participated in the transaction, Individual E submitted a claim for award under section 7623 along with non-privileged information to the IRS about the transaction and the participating taxpayers. The IRS initiated an examination of the identified taxpayers based on Individual E's information, determined deficiencies in tax and penalties, and ultimately assessed and collected the tax and penalties as determined. Individual E was not criminally prosecuted. The award that would otherwise be determined based on the application of section 7623(b)(1) and paragraph (c)(1) of this section would be subject to an appropriate reduction under section 7623(b)(3) and paragraph (c)(3) of this section because Individual E satisfies the requirements of the threshold determination of a planner and initiator. Individual E designed the financial product, marketed and facilitated its use by taxpayers, and knew the tax implications of the transaction. Individual E was the sole designer of the transaction, solicited clients to participate in the transaction, and facilitated and attempted to conceal their participation in the transaction. Individual E knew that the planning and initiating of the taxpayers' participation in the transaction was likely to result in tax noncompliance. On the basis of those facts, Individual E was a primary-level planner and initiator. Accordingly, the Whistleblower Office will exercise its discretion to reduce Individual E's award by 67 to 100 percent.</P>
            </EXAMPLE>
            
            <P>(4)<E T="03">Eligible affiliated claimants</E>—(i)<E T="03">In general.</E>If the Whistleblower Office determines that an affiliated claimant, as defined in § 301.7623-2(f), filed a claim for award based on information obtained from an otherwise eligible individual for the purpose of avoiding any reduction in the amount of any award that could result if the claim was filed by the otherwise eligible individual, then the Whistleblower Office may, for purposes of determining the amount of an award, treat the claim as if it had been filed by the otherwise eligible individual. Any award to the affiliated claimant that filed the claim for award will be paid pursuant to paragraph (d)(1) of this section. See § 301.7623-1(b)(3) for rules regarding ineligible affiliated claimants.</P>
            
            <P>(ii)<E T="03">Example.</E>Individual A is employed as a supervisor in the finance department of Corporation. Individual A planned and initiated the actions that led to an underpayment of tax by Corporation, within the meaning of section 7623(b)(3) and paragraph (c)(3) of this section. To avoid the application of section 7623(b)(3) and paragraph (c)(3) of this section, Individual A provided non-privileged information to Individual B that described and documented specific facts relating to Corporation's tax underpayment. Individual B did not plan and initiate<PRTPAGE P="74814"/>the actions that led to an underpayment of tax by Corporation. Individual B submitted to the IRS the information received from Individual A, alleging that Corporation owed additional taxes and filing a claim for award under section 7623. The IRS proceeded with an examination of Corporation based on the information provided by Individual B, determined a deficiency against Corporation and, ultimately, collected proceeds from Corporation. For purposes of determining the amount of any award payable to Individual B, as the individual that filed the claim for award, the Whistleblower Office may treat the claim as if it had been filed by Individual A.</P>
            
            <P>(5)<E T="03">Multiple claimants.</E>If two or more independent claims relate to the same collected proceeds, then the Whistleblower Office may evaluate the contribution of each individual to the action(s) that resulted in collected proceeds. The Whistleblower Office will determine whether the information submitted by each individual would have been obtained by the IRS as a result of the information previously submitted by any other individual. If the Whistleblower Office determines that multiple individuals submitted information that would not have been obtained based on a prior submission, then the Whistleblower Office will determine the amount of each individual's award based on the extent to which each individual contributed to the action(s). The aggregate award amount in cases involving two or more independent claims that relate to the same collected proceeds will not exceed the maximum award amount that could have resulted under section 7623(b)(1) or section 7623(b)(2), as applicable, subject to the award reduction provisions of section 7623(b)(3), if a single claim had been submitted.</P>
            <P>(d)<E T="03">Payment of Award</E>—(1)<E T="03">In general.</E>The IRS will pay any award determined under section 7623 and §§ 301.7623-1 through 301.7623-4 to the individual(s) that filed the corresponding claim for award. Payment of an award will be made as promptly as the circumstances permit, but not until there has been a final determination of tax with respect to the action(s), as defined in paragraph (d)(2) of this section, the Whistleblower Office has determined the award, and all appeals of the Whistleblower Office's determination are final or the individual has executed an award consent form agreeing to the amount of the award and waiving the individual's right to appeal the determination.</P>
            <P>(2)<E T="03">Final determination of tax.</E>For purposes of §§ 301.7623-1 through 301.7623-4, a<E T="03">final determination of tax</E>means that the proceeds resulting from the action(s) subject to the award determination have been collected and either the statutory period for filing a claim for refund has expired or the taxpayer(s) subject to the action(s) and the IRS have agreed with finality to the tax or other liabilities for the period(s) at issue and the taxpayer(s) have waived the right to file a claim for refund.</P>
            <P>(3)<E T="03">Joint Claimants.</E>If multiple individuals jointly submit a claim for award, the IRS will pay any award in equal shares to the joint claimants unless the joint claimants specify a different allocation in a written agreement, signed by all the joint claimants and notarized, and submitted with the claim for award. The aggregate award payment in cases involving joint claimants will be within the award percentage range of section 7623(b)(1) or section 7623(b)(2), as applicable, and subject to the award reduction provisions of section 7623(b)(3).</P>
            <P>(4)<E T="03">Deceased Claimant.</E>If a claimant dies before or during the whistleblower administrative proceeding, the Whistleblower Office will substitute an executor, administrator, or other legal representative on behalf of the deceased claimant for purposes of conducting the whistleblower administrative proceeding.</P>
            <P>(5)<E T="03">Tax treatment of award.</E>All awards are subject to current Federal tax reporting and withholding requirements.</P>
            <P>(e)<E T="03">Effective/applicability date.</E>When finalized, § 301.7623-4 is proposed to apply to information submitted on or after the date of publication of the Treasury decision adopting these rules as final regulations in the<E T="04">Federal Register</E>and to claims for award under section 7623(b) that are open as of the date of publication of the Treasury decision adopting these rules as final regulations in the<E T="04">Federal Register</E>.</P>
          </SECTION>
          <SIG>
            <NAME>Steven T. Miller,</NAME>
            <TITLE>Deputy Commissioner for Services and Enforcement.</TITLE>
          </SIG>
        </PART>
      </SUPLINF>
      <FRDOC>[FR Doc. 2012-30512 Filed 12-14-12; 4:15 pm]</FRDOC>
      <BILCOD>BILLING CODE 4830-01-P</BILCOD>
    </PRORULE>
    <PRORULE>
      <PREAMB>
        <AGENCY TYPE="N">DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY</AGENCY>
        <SUBAGY>Coast Guard</SUBAGY>
        <CFR>33 CFR Part 165</CFR>
        <DEPDOC>[Docket Number USCG-2012-0590]</DEPDOC>
        <RIN>RIN 1625-AA11</RIN>
        <SUBJECT>Regulated Navigation Area; Youngs Bay PacifiCorp Sediment Cap; Youngs Bay, Columbia River, Astoria, OR</SUBJECT>
        <AGY>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">AGENCY:</HD>
          <P>Coast Guard, DHS.</P>
        </AGY>
        <ACT>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">ACTION:</HD>
          <P>Notice of proposed rulemaking.</P>
        </ACT>
        <SUM>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">SUMMARY:</HD>
          <P>The Coast Guard proposes the establishment of a Regulated Navigation Area (RNA) at the Youngs Bay PacifiCorp property in Astoria, OR. This RNA is necessary to preserve the integrity of an engineered sediment cap as part of an Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) required remedial action. This proposed RNA will do so by prohibiting activities that could disturb or damage the engineered sediment cap.</P>
        </SUM>
        <DATES>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">DATES:</HD>
          <P>Comments and related material must be received by the Coast Guard on or before March 18, 2013.</P>
        </DATES>
        <ADD>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">ADDRESSES:</HD>
          <P>You may submit comments identified by docket number USCG-2012-0590 using any one of the following methods:</P>
          <P>(1)<E T="03">Federal eRulemaking Portal: http://www.regulations.gov</E>.</P>
          <P>(2)<E T="03">Fax:</E>202-493-2251.</P>
          <P>(3)<E T="03">Mail or Delivery:</E>Docket Management Facility (M-30), U.S. Department of Transportation, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590-0001. Deliveries accepted between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except federal holidays. The telephone number is (202) 366-9329.</P>

          <P>See the “Public Participation and Request for Comments” portion of the<E T="02">SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION</E>section below for further instructions on submitting comments. To avoid duplication, please use only one of these three methods.</P>
        </ADD>
        <FURINF>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:</HD>

          <P>If you have questions on this rule, call or email ENS Ian P. McPhillips, Waterways Management Division, Marine Safety Unit Portland, U.S. Coast Guard; telephone (503) 240-9319, email<E T="03">msupdxwwm@uscg.mil</E>. If you have questions on viewing or submitting material to the docket, call Renee V. Wright, Program Manager, Docket Operations, telephone (202) 366-9826.</P>
        </FURINF>
      </PREAMB>
      <SUPLINF>
        <HD SOURCE="HED">SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:</HD>
        <P>
          <PRTPAGE P="74815"/>
        </P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Table of Acronyms</HD>
        <EXTRACT>
          <FP SOURCE="FP-1">DHSDepartment of Homeland Security</FP>
          <FP SOURCE="FP-1">FR<E T="04">Federal Register</E>
          </FP>
          <FP SOURCE="FP-1">NPRMNotice of Proposed Rulemaking</FP>
        </EXTRACT>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">A. Public Participation and Request for Comments</HD>

        <P>We encourage you to participate in this rulemaking by submitting comments and related materials. All comments received will be posted without change to<E T="03">http://www.regulations.gov</E>and will include any personal information you have provided.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD2">1. Submitting Comments</HD>

        <P>If you submit a comment, please include the docket number for this rulemaking, indicate the specific section of this document to which each comment applies, and provide a reason for each suggestion or recommendation. You may submit your comments and material online at<E T="03">http://www.regulations.gov,</E>or by fax, mail, or hand delivery, but please use only one of these means. If you submit a comment online, it will be considered received by the Coast Guard when you successfully transmit the comment. If you fax, hand deliver, or mail your comment, it will be considered as having been received by the Coast Guard when it is received at the Docket Management Facility. We recommend that you include your name and a mailing address, an email address, or a telephone number in the body of your document so that we can contact you if we have questions regarding your submission.</P>
        <P>To submit your comment online, go to<E T="03">http://www.regulations.gov,</E>type the docket number [USCG-2012-0590] in the “SEARCH” box and click “SEARCH.” Click on “Submit a Comment” on the line associated with this rulemaking.</P>
        <P>If you submit your comments by mail or hand delivery, submit them in an unbound format, no larger than 8<FR>1/2</FR>by 11 inches, suitable for copying and electronic filing. If you submit comments by mail and would like to know that they reached the Facility, please enclose a stamped, self-addressed postcard or envelope. We will consider all comments and material received during the comment period and may change the rule based on your comments.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD2">2. Viewing Comments and Documents</HD>

        <P>To view comments, as well as documents mentioned in this preamble as being available in the docket, go to<E T="03">http://www.regulations.gov,</E>type the docket number [USCG-2012-0590] in the “SEARCH” box and click “SEARCH.” Click on Open Docket Folder on the line associated with this rulemaking. You may also visit the Docket Management Facility in Room W12-140 on the ground floor of the Department of Transportation West Building, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD2">3. Privacy Act</HD>

        <P>Anyone can search the electronic form of comments received into any of our dockets by the name of the individual submitting the comment (or signing the comment, if submitted on behalf of an association, business, labor union, etc.). You may review a Privacy Act notice regarding our public dockets in the January 17, 2008, issue of the<E T="04">Federal Register</E>(73 FR 3316).</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD2">4. Public Meeting</HD>

        <P>We do not now plan to hold a public meeting. But you may submit a request for one, using one of the methods specified under<E T="02">ADDRESSES</E>. Please explain why you believe a public meeting would be beneficial. If we determine that one would aid this rulemaking, we will hold one at a time and place announced by a later notice in the<E T="04">Federal Register</E>.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">B. Basis and Purpose</HD>
        <P>The Coast Guard proposes a Regulated Navigation Area (RNA) to protect the engineered sediment cap currently in place located at the PacifiCorp site in Youngs Bay, Astoria, OR. This sediment cap is part of an Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) required remedial action. This regulated navigation area is based on the Coast Guard District Commander's authority under 33 CFR 165.11 to regulate vessel traffic in areas with hazardous conditions.</P>
        <P>The engineered sediment cap is designed to be compatible with normal port operations, but could be damaged by other maritime activities including anchoring, dragging, dredging, grounding of large vessels, deployment of barge spuds, etc. Such damage could disrupt the function or impact the effectiveness of the cap to contain the underlying contaminated sediment and shoreline soil in these areas. Disruption of the cap may result in a hazardous condition and harm to the marine environment. As such, this RNA is necessary to help ensure the cap is protected and will do so by prohibiting maritime activities that could disturb or damage it.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">C. Discussion of Proposed Rule</HD>
        <P>The proposed rule would create a RNA adjacent to the PacifiCorp Property in Youngs Bay, Astoria, OR encompassing all waters above the sediment cap, and it would prohibit activities such as anchoring, dragging, dredging, or trawling which could damage the sediment cap.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">D. Regulatory Analyses</HD>
        <P>We developed this proposed rule after considering numerous statutes and executive orders related to rulemaking. Below we summarize our analyses based on a number of these statutes or executive orders.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD2">1. Regulatory Planning and Review</HD>
        <P>This proposed rule is not a significant regulatory action under section 3(f) of Executive Order 12866, Regulatory Planning and Review, as supplemented by Executive Order 13563, Improving Regulation and Regulatory Review, and does not require an assessment of potential costs and benefits under section 6(a)(3) of Executive Order 12866 or under section 1 of Executive Order 13563. The Office of Management and Budget has not reviewed it under those orders. The Coast Guard has made this determination based on the fact that the RNA is limited in size and will not limit vessels from transiting or using the waters covered, except for activities that may damage the engineered sediment cap.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD2">2. Impact on Small Entities</HD>
        <P>Under the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601-612), we have considered the impact of this proposed rule on small entities. The Coast Guard certifies under 5 U.S.C. 605(b) that this proposed rule will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. However, this proposed rule may affect the following entities, some of which might be small entities: The owners or operators of vessels operating in the area covered by the RNA. The RNA will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities, because the RNA is limited in size and will not limit vessels from transiting or using the waters covered, except for activities such as anchoring, dragging, or grounding that may damage the engineered sediment cap.</P>

        <P>If you think that your business, organization, or governmental jurisdiction qualifies as a small entity and that this rule would have a significant economic impact on it, please submit a comment (see<E T="02">ADDRESSES</E>) explaining why you think it<PRTPAGE P="74816"/>qualifies and how and to what degree this rule would economically affect it.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD2">3. Assistance for Small Entities</HD>

        <P>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 proposed 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<E T="02">FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT</E>, above. The Coast Guard will not retaliate against small entities that question or complain about this proposed rule or any policy or action of the Coast Guard.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD2">4. Collection of Information</HD>
        <P>This proposed rule will not call for a new collection of information under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501-3520.).</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD2">5. Federalism</HD>
        <P>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 proposed rule under that Order and have determined that it does not have implications for federalism.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD2">6. Protest Activities</HD>

        <P>The Coast Guard respects the First Amendment rights of protesters. Protesters are asked to contact the person listed in the “<E T="02">FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT</E>” section to coordinate protest activities so that your message can be received without jeopardizing the safety or security of people, places or vessels.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD2">7. Unfunded Mandates Reform Act</HD>
        <P>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 proposed rule would not result in such an expenditure, we do discuss the effects of this rule elsewhere in this preamble.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD2">8. Taking of Private Property</HD>
        <P>This proposed rule would not cause a taking of private property or otherwise have taking implications under Executive Order 12630, Governmental Actions and Interference with Constitutionally Protected Property Rights.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD2">9. Civil Justice Reform</HD>
        <P>This proposed rule meets applicable standards in sections 3(a) and 3(b)(2) of Executive Order 12988, Civil Justice Reform, to minimize litigation, eliminate ambiguity, and reduce burden.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD2">10. Protection of Children From Environmental Health Risks</HD>
        <P>We have analyzed this proposed rule under Executive Order 13045, Protection of Children from Environmental Health Risks and Safety Risks. This rule is not an economically significant rule and would not create an environmental risk to health or risk to safety that might disproportionately affect children.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD2">11. Indian Tribal Governments</HD>
        <P>This proposed rule does not have tribal implications under Executive Order 13175, Consultation and Coordination with Indian Tribal Governments, because it would 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.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD2">12. Energy Effects</HD>
        <P>This proposed rule is not a “significant energy action” under Executive Order 13211, Actions Concerning Regulations That Significantly Affect Energy Supply, Distribution, or Use.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD2">13. Technical Standards</HD>
        <P>This proposed rule does not use technical standards. Therefore, we did not consider the use of voluntary consensus standards.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD2">14. Environment</HD>

        <P>We have analyzed this proposed rule under Department of Homeland Security Management Directive 023-01 and Commandant Instruction M16475.lD, which guide the Coast Guard in complying with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) (42 U.S.C. 4321-4370f), and have made a preliminary determination 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 proposed rule involves the creation of a Regulated Navigation Area (RNA) to protect an engineered sediment cap. This rule is categorically excluded from further review under paragraph 34(g) of Figure 2-1 of the Commandant Instruction. A preliminary environmental analysis checklist supporting this determination and a Categorical Exclusion Determination are available in the docket where indicated under<E T="02">ADDRESSES</E>. We seek any comments or information that may lead to the discovery of a significant environmental impact from this proposed rule.</P>
        <LSTSUB>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">List of Subjects in 33 CFR Part 165</HD>
          <P>Harbors, Marine safety, Navigation (water), Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Security measures, Waterways.</P>
        </LSTSUB>
        
        <P>For the reasons discussed in the preamble, the Coast Guard proposes to amend 33 CFR part 165 as follows:</P>
        <PART>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">PART 165—REGULATED NAVIGATION AREAS AND LIMITED ACCESS AREAS</HD>
          <P>1. The authority citation for part 165 continues to read as follows:</P>
          <AUTH>
            <HD SOURCE="HED">Authority:</HD>
            <P>33 U.S.C. 1226, 1231; 46 U.S.C. Chapter 701, 3306, 3703; 50 U.S.C. 191, 195; 33 CFR 1.05-1(g), 6.04-1, 6.04-6, 160.5; Pub. L. 107-295, 116 Stat. 2064; Department of Homeland Security Delegation No. 0170.1.</P>
          </AUTH>
          
          <P>2. Add § 165.1338 to read as follows:</P>
          <SECTION>
            <SECTNO>§ 165.1338</SECTNO>
            <SUBJECT>Regulated Navigation Area; Youngs Bay PacifiCorp Sediment Cap; Columbia River, Youngs Bay, Astoria, OR.</SUBJECT>
            <P>(a)<E T="03">Regulated Navigation Area.</E>All waters encompassed within the following points are a regulated navigation area:</P>
            <GPOTABLE CDEF="xl20,xl20" COLS="2" OPTS="L2,tp0,i1">
              <TTITLE/>
              <BOXHD>
                <CHED H="1">Latitude</CHED>
                <CHED H="1">Longitude</CHED>
              </BOXHD>
              <ROW>
                <ENT I="01">46-10′17.21″ N</ENT>
                <ENT>123-50′35.37″ W</ENT>
              </ROW>
              <ROW>
                <ENT I="01">46-10′15.09″ N</ENT>
                <ENT>123-50′33.39″ W</ENT>
              </ROW>
              <ROW>
                <ENT I="01">46-10′13.50″ N</ENT>
                <ENT>123-50′33.41″ W</ENT>
              </ROW>
              <ROW>
                <ENT I="01">46-10′13.07″ N</ENT>
                <ENT>123-50′31.79″ W</ENT>
              </ROW>
              <ROW>
                <ENT I="01">46-10′13.45″ N</ENT>
                <ENT>123-50′30.06″ W</ENT>
              </ROW>
              <ROW>
                <ENT I="01">46-10′14.94″ N</ENT>
                <ENT>123-50′28.79″ W</ENT>
              </ROW>
              <ROW>
                <ENT I="01">46-10′18.13″ N</ENT>
                <ENT>123-50′28.89″ W</ENT>
              </ROW>
              <ROW>
                <ENT I="01">46-10′18.13″ N</ENT>
                <ENT>123-50′30.22″ W</ENT>
              </ROW>
              <ROW>
                <ENT I="01">46-10′19.51″ N</ENT>
                <ENT>123-50′30.90″ W</ENT>
              </ROW>
              <ROW>
                <ENT I="01">46-10′19.51″ N</ENT>
                <ENT>123-50′31.77″ W</ENT>
              </ROW>
              <ROW>
                <ENT I="01">46-10′17.31″ N</ENT>
                <ENT>123-50′31.79″ W</ENT>
              </ROW>
              <ROW>
                <ENT I="01">46-10′17.21″ N</ENT>
                <ENT>123-50′35.37″ W</ENT>
              </ROW>
            </GPOTABLE>
            <P>(b)<E T="03">Regulations.</E>All vessels are prohibited from anchoring, dragging, dredging, or trawling in the regulated navigation area established by this section. See 33 CFR 165 subpart B for additional information and requirements.</P>
          </SECTION>
          <SIG>
            <PRTPAGE P="74817"/>
            <DATED>Dated: November 27, 2012.</DATED>
            <NAME>K.A. Taylor,</NAME>
            <TITLE>Rear Admiral, U.S. Coast Guard,Commander,Thirteenth Coast Guard District.</TITLE>
          </SIG>
        </PART>
      </SUPLINF>
      <FRDOC>[FR Doc. 2012-30409 Filed 12-17-12; 8:45 am]</FRDOC>
      <BILCOD>BILLING CODE 9110-04-P</BILCOD>
    </PRORULE>
    <PRORULE>
      <PREAMB>
        <AGENCY TYPE="N">ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY</AGENCY>
        <CFR>40 CFR Part 52</CFR>
        <DEPDOC>[EPA-R05-OAR-2011-0502; FRL-9763-1]</DEPDOC>

        <SUBJECT>Approval and Promulgation of Air Quality Implementation Plans; Wisconsin; Disapproval of PM<E T="0732">2.5</E>Permitting Requirements</SUBJECT>
        <AGY>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">AGENCY:</HD>
          <P>Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).</P>
        </AGY>
        <ACT>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">ACTION:</HD>
          <P>Proposed rule.</P>
        </ACT>
        <SUM>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">SUMMARY:</HD>

          <P>EPA is proposing to disapprove a revision to Wisconsin's State Implementation Plan (SIP) submitted by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR) in a letter dated May 12, 2011. The revision concerns permitting requirements relating to particulate matter of less than 2.5 micrometers (PM<E T="52">2.5</E>). EPA is proposing to disapprove the revisions because they do not meet the 2008 PM<E T="52">2.5</E>SIP requirements.</P>
        </SUM>
        <DATES>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">DATES:</HD>
          <P>Comments must be received on or before January 17, 2013.</P>
        </DATES>
        <ADD>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">ADDRESSES:</HD>
          <P>Submit your comments, identified by Docket ID No. EPA-R05-OAR-2011-0502, by one of the following methods:</P>
          <P>1.<E T="03">www.regulations.gov:</E>Follow the on-line instructions for submitting comments.</P>
          <P>2.<E T="03">Email: damico.genevieve@epa.gov.</E>
          </P>
          <P>3.<E T="03">Fax:</E>(312) 385-5501.</P>
          <P>4.<E T="03">Mail:</E>Genevieve Damico, Chief, Air Permits Section, Air Programs Branch (AR-18J), U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 77 West Jackson Boulevard, Chicago, Illinois 60604.</P>
          <P>5.<E T="03">Hand Delivery:</E>Genevieve Damico, Chief, Air Permits Section, Air Programs Branch (AR-18J), U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 77 West Jackson Boulevard, Chicago, Illinois 60604. Such deliveries are only accepted during the Regional Office normal hours of operation, and special arrangements should be made for deliveries of boxed information. The Regional Office official hours of business are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., excluding Federal holidays.</P>
          <P>
            <E T="03">Instructions:</E>Direct your comments to Docket ID No. EPA-R05-OAR-2011-0502. EPA's policy is that all comments received will be included in the public docket without change and may be made available online at<E T="03">www.regulations.gov,</E>including any personal information provided, unless the comment includes information claimed to be Confidential Business Information (CBI) or other information whose disclosure is restricted by statute. Do not submit information that you consider to be CBI or otherwise protected through<E T="03">www.regulations.gov</E>or email. The<E T="03">www.regulations.gov</E>Web site is an “anonymous access” system, which means EPA will not know your identity or contact information unless you provide it in the body of your comment. If you send an email comment directly to EPA without going through<E T="03">www.regulations.gov,</E>your email address will be automatically captured and included as part of the comment that is placed in the public docket and made available on the Internet. If you submit an electronic comment, EPA recommends that you include your name and other contact information in the body of your comment and with any disk or CD-ROM you submit. If EPA cannot read your comment due to technical difficulties and cannot contact you for clarification, EPA may not be able to consider your comment. Electronic files should avoid the use of special characters, any form of encryption, and be free of any defects or viruses. For additional instructions on submitting comments, go to Section I of the<E T="02">SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION</E>section of this document.</P>
          <P>
            <E T="03">Docket:</E>All documents in the docket are listed in the<E T="03">www.regulations.gov</E>index. Although listed in the index, some information is not publicly available,<E T="03">e.g.,</E>CBI or other information whose disclosure is restricted by statute. Certain other material, such as copyrighted material, will be publicly available only in hard copy. Publicly available docket materials are available either electronically in<E T="03">www.regulations.gov</E>or in hard copy at the Environmental Protection Agency, Region 5, Air and Radiation Division, 77 West Jackson Boulevard, Chicago, Illinois 60604. This facility is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding Federal holidays. We recommend that you telephone Andrea Morgan, Environmental Engineer, at (312) 353-6058 before visiting the Region 5 office.</P>
        </ADD>
        <FURINF>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:</HD>

          <P>Andrea Morgan, Environmental Engineer, Air Permits Section, Air Programs Branch (AR-18J), Environmental Protection Agency, Region 5, 77 West Jackson Boulevard, Chicago, Illinois 60604, (312) 353-6058,<E T="03">morgan.andrea@epa.gov.</E>
          </P>
        </FURINF>
      </PREAMB>
      <SUPLINF>
        <HD SOURCE="HED">SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:</HD>
        <P>Throughout this document whenever “we,” “us,” or “our” is used, we mean EPA. This supplementary information section is arranged as follows:</P>
        
        <EXTRACT>
          <FP SOURCE="FP-2">I. What should I consider as I prepare my comments for EPA?</FP>
          <FP SOURCE="FP-2">II. The State's Submittal</FP>
          <FP SOURCE="FP-2">III. Does this submittal comply with Federal regulations?</FP>
          <FP SOURCE="FP-2">IV. What action is EPA taking on this submittal?</FP>
          <FP SOURCE="FP-2">V. Statutory and Executive Order Reviews</FP>
        </EXTRACT>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">I. What should I consider as I prepare my comments for EPA?</HD>
        <P>When submitting comments, remember to:</P>

        <P>1. Identify the rulemaking by docket number and other identifying information (subject heading,<E T="04">Federal Register</E>date and page number).</P>
        <P>2. Follow directions—EPA may ask you to respond to specific questions or organize comments by referencing a Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) part or section number.</P>
        <P>3. Explain why you agree or disagree; suggest alternatives and substitute language for your requested changes.</P>
        <P>4. Describe any assumptions and provide any technical information and/or data that you used.</P>
        <P>5. If you estimate potential costs or burdens, explain how you arrived at your estimate in sufficient detail to allow for it to be reproduced.</P>
        <P>6. Provide specific examples to illustrate your concerns, and suggest alternatives.</P>
        <P>7. Explain your views as clearly as possible, avoiding the use of profanity or personal threats.</P>
        <P>8. Make sure to submit your comments by the comment period deadline identified.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">II. The State's Submittal</HD>

        <P>In May 2008, EPA finalized regulations to implement the New Source Review (NSR) Implementation Rule for PM<E T="52">2.5</E>to include the major source threshold, significant emissions rate and offset ratios for PM<E T="52">2.5</E>, interpollutant trading for offsets and applicability of NSR to PM<E T="52">2.5</E>precursors. On October 20, 2010, EPA amended the requirements for PM<E T="52">2.5</E>under the Prevention of Significant Deterioration (PSD) program by adding maximum allowable increase in ambient pollutant concentrations and screening tools known as the Significant Impact Levels and Significant Monitoring Concentration (SMC) for PM<E T="52">2.5</E>.</P>

        <P>On May 12, 2011, Wisconsin requested a revision to its SIP to include<PRTPAGE P="74818"/>new permit requirements relating to PM<E T="52">2.5</E>. The provisions were designed to match the requirements set forth in the May 2008 and October 2010 rules. Wisconsin submitted revisions to its rules NR 400, 404, 405, 406, 407, 408, and 484 of the Wisconsin Administrative Code. The submittal requests that EPA approve the following revisions to Wisconsin's SIP: (1) Amend NR 400.02(40), (70), and (79); (2) create NR 400.02(123m); (3) amend NR 400.02(135); (4) create NR 400.03(4)(ki); (5) renumber and amend NR 404.02(4e) and (4m); (6) amend NR 405.02(25k)(intro.); (7) create NR 405.02(27)(a)5m in Table A; (8) amend NR 405.07(8)(a)3m; (9) amend NR 406.04(1)(n)(intro) and 1. and 2. (intro); (10) create NR 406.04(2)(cs); (11) create NR 407.03(2)(be); (12) create NR 408.02(32)(a)5m; (13) create NR 408.06(1)(cm); (14) amend NR 484.03(5) in Table 1; (15) and amend NR 484.04(5) and (6g) in Table 2.</P>

        <P>The submittal included permanent rules to define major source thresholds and significant emission increase levels; establish the SMC for PM<E T="52">2.5</E>; establish interpollutant trading ratios for PM<E T="52">2.5</E>, sulfur dioxide (SO<E T="52">2</E>) and nitrogen oxides (NO<E T="52">X</E>); and clarify existing nonattainment area permitting rules. EPA announced through a memorandum, on July 21, 2011, a change in its policy concerning the development and adoption of interpollutant trading provisions for PM<E T="52">2.5</E>. The new policy requires that any ratio involving PM<E T="52">2.5</E>precursors submitted to EPA for approval for use in a state's interpollutant offset program for PM<E T="52">2.5</E>nonattainment areas must be accompanied by a technical demonstration that shows the net air quality benefits of such a ratio for the PM<E T="52">2.5</E>nonattainment area in which it will be applied. In a letter dated March 5, 2012, WDNR requested to withdraw its request to have NR 408.06(1)(cm), the provision pertaining to interpollutant trading ratios, included in its 2011 submittal.</P>

        <P>NR 400 contains Wisconsin's air pollution control definitions and the following revisions to NR 400 were submitted. NR 400.01(40), (70), and (79) and NR 400.02(135) were revised to clarify existing rules by updating references within the rule. These amendments do not change the effect or intent of these rules. NR 400.02(123m) created a definition of “PM<E T="52">2.5</E>emissions”. NR 400.03(4)(ki) created a definition for “PM<E T="52">2.5</E>”.</P>

        <P>NR 404 contains Wisconsin's Ambient Air Quality requirements, and the following revision to NR 404 was submitted. NR 404.02 (4e) and (4m) were renumbered to NR 400.02(123e) and (123s) and were revised to clarify the definitions of “PM<E T="52">2.5</E>” and “particulate matter of less than 10 micrometers” (PM<E T="52">10</E>).</P>

        <P>NR 405 contains Wisconsin's PSD program requirements, and the following revisions to NR 405 were submitted. NR 405.02(25k) (intro) was amended to clarify language. NR 405.02(27)(a)5m in Table A was created to include the 10 tons per year (tpy) significance thresholds for PM<E T="52">2.5</E>, and 40 tpy threshold for NO<E T="52">X</E>and SO<E T="52">2</E>, the precursors to PM<E T="52">2.5</E>. The inclusion of these significance values would cause sources for which annual emissions exceed the significance value to trigger the PSD program requirements. NR 405.07(8)(a)3m was created to exempt major sources from the monitoring requirements for PM<E T="52">2.5</E>of NR 405.11 if one of the following criteria are met: (a) The emissions increase of PM<E T="52">2.5</E>from a new stationary source or the net emissions increase of the PM<E T="52">2.5</E>from a major modification would cause, in any area, air quality impacts less than 2.3 mg/m<SU>3</SU>, 24 hour average; (b) The concentration of PM<E T="52">2.5</E>in the area that the source or modification would affect is less than 2.3 mg/m<SU>3</SU>.</P>

        <P>NR 406 contains Wisconsin's construction permitting requirements, and the following revisions to NR 406 were submitted. NR 406(1)(n), NR 406(1)(n)1 and NR 406(1)(n)2 were amended to clarify otherwise unaffected existing rules. These changes do not change the effect or intent of the rule. NR 406.04(2)(cs) was created to exempt sources with a maximum theoretical emission for PM<E T="52">2.5</E>of less than 2.2 pounds per hour from obtaining a construction permit.</P>

        <P>NR 407 contains Wisconsin's operation permit requirements, and WDNR submitted NR 407.03(2)(be) to require any source with a maximum theoretical emissions of PM<E T="52">2.5</E>greater than 2.2 pounds per hour to obtain an operation permit.</P>

        <P>NR section 408 contains Wisconsin's requirements for construction permits in nonattainment areas and WDNR included NR 408.02(32)(a)5m in its submission. NR 408.02(32)(a)5m defined “Significant”, in reference to a net emissions increase or the potential of a source to emit any of PM<E T="52">2.5</E>, as a rate of emissions that would equal or exceed 10 tpy of PM<E T="52">2.5</E>emissions or 40 tpy of NO<E T="52">X</E>or SO<E T="52">2</E>. While the original submittal requested to create NR 408.06(1)(cm), Wisconsin withdrew the request to include this provision from the SIP approval in a letter dated March 5, 2012.</P>
        <P>NR 484 contains those parts of Wisconsin's regulations that are incorporated by reference from the regulations. Wisconsin submitted a request to amend NR 484.03(5) in Table 1 and NR 484.04(5) and (6g) in Table 2. The updates would correct citations in the Wisconsin SIP so that they are up to date with Wisconsin's current regulations.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">III. Does This Submittal Comply With Federal Regulations?</HD>
        <P>EPA has evaluated WDNR's proposed revisions to the Wisconsin SIP in accordance with the Federal requirements governing state permitting programs. The revisions described in Section II above are intended to update the Wisconsin SIP to comply with current rules. As discussed below, EPA is proposing to disapprove these revisions because they do not meet all the requirements of the 2008 rules.</P>

        <P>The 2008 NSR Rule did not require states to immediately account for gases that could condense to form particulate matter, known as condensables, in PM<E T="52">2.5</E>and PM<E T="52">10</E>emission limits in NSR permits. Instead, EPA determined that states had to account for PM<E T="52">2.5</E>and PM<E T="52">10</E>condensables beginning on or after January 1, 2011. This requirement is codified in 40 CFR 51.166(b)(49)(vi) and 40 CFR 52.21(b)(50)(vi). Revisions to states' PSD programs incorporating the inclusion of condensables were required to be submitted to EPA by May 16, 2011 (see 73 FR 28321 at 28341).</P>

        <P>WDNR's revision to NR 400.03(4)(ki) provides the definition of “PM<E T="52">2.5</E>” as particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter ≤ 2.5µm” and NR 400.02(123e) defines “PM<E T="52">2.5</E>” as “particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter less than or equal to a nominal 2.5 micrometers as measured<E T="03">in the ambient air</E>by a reference method based on appendix L of 40 CFR part 50, incorporated by reference in NR 484.04(6g), and designated in accordance with 40 CFR part 53, incorporated by reference in NR 484.03(5), or by an equivalent method.” Similarly, the requested revisions do not include the explicit language identifying PM<E T="52">10</E>and PM<E T="52">2.5</E>condensables. EPA recognizes that Wisconsin Administrative Code NR 439 contains the requirements for reporting, recordkeeping, testing, inspection, and determination of compliance for air contaminant sources and their owners and operators. Of note, NR 439.02(4) defines “condensable particulate matter” as “any material, except uncombined water, that may not be collected in the front half of the particulate emission sampling train but which exists as a solid or liquid at<PRTPAGE P="74819"/>standard conditions.” While this definition is SIP approved, it was only approved as it applies to Wisconsin Administrative Code NR 419 to NR 425. Wisconsin's permitting requirements are codified in NR 405 to 408. Further, EPA regulations require that permitting requirements contain the explicit language that, “Particulate matter (PM) emissions, PM<E T="52">2.5</E>emissions, and PM<E T="52">10</E>emissions shall include gaseous emissions from a source or activity which condense to form particulate matter at ambient temperatures.” Wisconsin's current SIP does not contain the explicit language to account for PM<E T="52">2.5</E>and PM<E T="52">10</E>condensables in permitting decisions, as codified in 51.166(b)(49)(vi) and 40 CFR 52.21(b)(50)(vi), and to date, the State has not made a submission with such revisions.</P>

        <P>WDNR's revisions to NR 405.02(27)(a)(5) include the significant emissions rates for direct PM<E T="52">2.5</E>, and SO<E T="52">2</E>and NO<E T="52">X</E>as PM<E T="52">2.5</E>precursors, consistent with the 2008 NSR Rule. However, Wisconsin's PSD regulations include only generic language to define what constitutes a regulated NSR pollutant that does not directly account for PM<E T="52">2.5</E>and its precursors. NR 405(02)(25i) defines “Regulated NSR air contaminant” as “Any air contaminant for which a national ambient air quality standard has been promulgated and any constituents or precursors for the air contaminants identified by the administrator * * * ”. The 2008 NSR Rule obligates the State to explicitly identify the precursors to PM<E T="52">2.5</E>as part of the definition for “Regulated NSR air contaminant.” EPA concludes that although Wisconsin has incorporated the significant emissions rates in accordance with the 2008 NSR Rule, WDNR has not explicitly identified SO<E T="52">2</E>and NO<E T="52">X</E>as precursors to PM<E T="52">2.5</E>in defining pollutants regulated by the PSD program.</P>

        <P>Since the proposed revision to Wisconsin's SIP does not include the prescribed language required for the identification of precursors and does not account for PM<E T="52">2.5</E>or PM<E T="52">10</E>condensables, EPA proposes to disapprove the submitted revisions. EPA's proposed action is consistent with the narrow disapproval of the infrastructure requirements published on October 29, 2012 (77 FR 65478). The infrastructure SIP was disapproved in part because of the deficiencies with regards to the identification of precursors to PM<E T="52">2.5</E>and PM<E T="52">2.5</E>and PM<E T="52">10</E>condensables.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">IV. What action Is EPA taking on this Submittal?</HD>
        <P>EPA is proposing to disapprove the revisions to Wisconsin rules NR 400, 404, 405, 406, 407, 408 and 484, submitted by the State on May 12, 2011, for approval into the SIP. The rule revisions submitted, described in Section II, above, are not consistent with Federal regulations governing state permitting programs. See Section III, above. EPA is also soliciting comment on this proposed disapproval.</P>
        <P>Under section 179(a) of the Clean Air Act (CAA), final disapproval of a submission that addresses a requirement of a part D plan (section 171-193 of the CAA), or is required in response to a finding of substantial inadequacy as described in section 110(k)(5), starts a sanction clock. The submission EPA is proposing to disapprove was not submitted to meet either of these requirements. Therefore if EPA takes final action to disapprove these submissions, no sanctions under 179 will be triggered.</P>

        <P>The full or partial disapproval of a SIP revision triggers the requirement under section 110(c) that EPA promulgate a Federal Implementation Plan (FIP) no later than two years from the date of the disapproval unless the state corrects the deficiency, and the Administrator approves the plan or plan revision before the Administrator promulgates such FIP. However, since elements of this SIP revision were narrowly disapproved under the infrastructure SIP, the two year timeframe began with the final narrow disapproval of Wisconsin's Infrastructure SIP (October 29, 2012; 77 FR 65478). EPA will actively work with Wisconsin to incorporate changes to its PSD program that explicitly identify PM<E T="52">2.5</E>precursors and account for PM<E T="52">2.5</E>and PM<E T="52">10</E>condensables in permitting emissions limits, consistent with the 2008 NSR Rule. In the interim, EPA expects WDNR to adhere to the associated requirements of the 2008 NSR Rule in its PSD program, specifically with respect to the explicit identification of PM<E T="52">2.5</E>precursors, and accounting for PM<E T="52">2.5</E>and PM<E T="52">10</E>condensables in permitting emissions limits.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">V. Statutory and Executive Order Reviews</HD>
        <HD SOURCE="HD2">Executive Order 12866: Regulatory Planning and Review</HD>
        <P>Under Executive Order 12866 (58 FR 51735, October 4, 1993), this action is not a “significant regulatory action” and, therefore, is not subject to review by the Office of Management and Budget.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD2">Paperwork Reduction Act</HD>

        <P>This rule does not impose an information collection burden under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501<E T="03">et seq.</E>).</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD2">Regulatory Flexibility Act</HD>

        <P>This action merely disapproves state law as not meeting Federal requirements and imposes no additional requirements beyond those imposed by state law. Accordingly, the Administrator certifies that this rule will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities under the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601<E T="03">et seq.</E>).</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD2">Unfunded Mandates Reform Act</HD>
        <P>Because this rule disapproves pre-existing requirements under state law and does not impose any additional enforceable duty beyond that required by state law, it does not contain any unfunded mandate or significantly or uniquely affect small governments, as described in the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 (Pub. L. 104-4).</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD2">Executive Order 13132: Federalism</HD>
        <P>This action also does not have Federalism implications because it does not have substantial direct effects on the states, on the relationship between the national government and the states, or on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government, as specified in Executive Order 13132 (64 FR 43255, August 10, 1999). This action merely disapproves a state rule, and does not alter the relationship or the distribution of power and responsibilities established in the CAA.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD2">Executive Order 13175: Consultation and Coordination With Indian Tribal Governments</HD>
        <P>This rule also does not have tribal implications because it will 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, as specified by Executive Order 13175 (59 FR 22951, November 9, 2000).</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD2">Executive Order 13045: Protection of Children From Environmental Health and Safety Risks</HD>

        <P>This rule also is not subject to Executive Order 13045 “Protection of Children from Environmental Health Risks and Safety Risks” (62 FR 19885, April 23, 1997), because it disapproves a state rule.<PRTPAGE P="74820"/>
        </P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD2">Executive Order 13211: Actions That Significantly Affect Energy Supply, Distribution, or Use</HD>
        <P>Because it is not a “significant regulatory action” under Executive Order 12866 or a “significant energy action,” this action is also not subject to Executive Order 13211, “Actions Concerning Regulations That Significantly Affect Energy Supply, Distribution, or Use” (66 FR 28355, May 22, 2001).</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD2">National Technology Transfer Advancement Act</HD>
        <P>In reviewing state submissions, EPA's role is to approve state choices, provided that they meet the criteria of the CAA. In this context, in the absence of a prior existing requirement for the state to use voluntary consensus standards (VCS), EPA has no authority to disapprove a state submission for failure to use VCS. It would thus be inconsistent with applicable law for EPA, when it reviews a state submission, to use VCS in place of a state submission that otherwise satisfies the provisions of the CAA. Thus, the requirements of section 12(d) of the National Technology Transfer and Advancement Act of 1995 (15 U.S.C. 272 note) do not apply.</P>
        <LSTSUB>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">List of Subjects in 40 CFR Part 52</HD>
          <P>Environmental protection, Air pollution control, Incorporation by reference, Intergovernmental relations, Nitrogen dioxide, Particulate matter, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Sulfur oxides.</P>
        </LSTSUB>
        <SIG>
          <DATED>Dated: December 10, 2012.</DATED>
          <NAME>Susan Hedman,</NAME>
          <TITLE>Regional Administrator, Region 5.</TITLE>
        </SIG>
      </SUPLINF>
      <FRDOC>[FR Doc. 2012-30449 Filed 12-17-12; 8:45 am]</FRDOC>
      <BILCOD>BILLING CODE 6560-50-P</BILCOD>
    </PRORULE>
    <PRORULE>
      <PREAMB>
        <AGENCY TYPE="S">ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY</AGENCY>
        <CFR>40 CFR Part 52</CFR>
        <DEPDOC>[EPA-R04-OAR-2012-0762; FRL-9762-7]</DEPDOC>
        <SUBJECT>Approval and Promulgation of Implementation Plans; Tennessee: Knox County Supplemental Motor Vehicle Emissions Budget Update</SUBJECT>
        <AGY>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">AGENCY:</HD>
          <P>Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).</P>
        </AGY>
        <ACT>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">ACTION:</HD>
          <P>Proposed rule.</P>
        </ACT>
        <SUM>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">SUMMARY:</HD>

          <P>EPA is proposing to approve, through parallel processing, a draft revision to the Tennessee State Implementation Plan (SIP), submitted to EPA on October 12, 2012, by the State of Tennessee, through the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC). Tennessee's October 12, 2012, draft SIP revision includes changes to the maintenance plan for the Knox County 1-hour ozone area submitted on August 26, 1992, and approved by EPA on September 27, 1993, and a subsequent SIP revision approved by EPA on August 5, 1997. The Knox County 1-hour ozone area was comprised of Knox County in its entirety. The October 12, 2012, draft revision proposes to increase the safety margin allocated to motor vehicle emissions budgets (MVEB) for nitrogen oxides (NO<E T="52">X</E>) and volatile organic compounds (VOC) for Knox County to account for changes in the emissions model and vehicle miles traveled (VMT) projection model. EPA is proposing approval of this draft SIP revision pursuant to section 110 of the Clean Air Act (CAA or Act).</P>
        </SUM>
        <EFFDATE>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">DATES:</HD>
          <P>Written comments must be received on or before January 17, 2013.</P>
        </EFFDATE>
        <ADD>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">ADDRESSES:</HD>
          <P>Submit your comments, identified by Docket ID No. EPA-R04-OAR-2012-0762 by one of the following methods:</P>
          <P>1.<E T="03">www.regulations.gov:</E>Follow the on-line instructions for submitting comments.</P>
          <P>2.<E T="03">Email: R4-RDS@epa.gov.</E>
          </P>
          <P>3.<E T="03">Fax:</E>(404) 562-9019.</P>
          <P>4.<E T="03">Mail:</E>“EPA-R04-OAR-2012-0762,” Regulatory Development Section, Air Planning Branch, Air, Pesticides and Toxics Management Division, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 4, 61 Forsyth Street SW., Atlanta, Georgia 30303-8960.</P>
          <P>5.<E T="03">Hand Delivery or Courier:</E>Lynorae Benjamin, Regulatory Development Section, Air Planning Branch, Air, Pesticides and Toxics Management Division, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 4, 61 Forsyth Street SW., Atlanta, Georgia 30303-8960. Such deliveries are only accepted during the Regional Office's normal hours of operation. The Regional Office's official hours of business are Monday through Friday, 8:30 to 4:30, excluding federal holidays.</P>

          <P>Please see the direct final rule which is located in the Rules section of this<E T="04">Federal Register</E>for detailed instructions on how to submit comments.</P>
        </ADD>
        <FURINF>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:</HD>

          <P>Kelly Sheckler, Air Quality Modeling and Transportation Section, Air Planning Branch, Air, Pesticides and Toxics Management Division, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 4, 61 Forsyth Street SW., Atlanta, Georgia 30303-8960. Kelly Sheckler may be reached by phone at (404) 562-9222 or by electronic mail address<E T="03">sheckler.kelly@epa.gov</E>.</P>
        </FURINF>
      </PREAMB>
      <SUPLINF>
        <HD SOURCE="HED">SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:</HD>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Table of Contents</HD>
        <EXTRACT>
          <FP SOURCE="FP-2">I. Parallel Processing</FP>
          <FP SOURCE="FP-2">II. Background</FP>
          <FP SOURCE="FP-2">III. EPA's Analysis of Tennessee's SIP Revision</FP>
          <FP SOURCE="FP-2">IV. Proposed Action</FP>
          <FP SOURCE="FP-2">V. Statutory and Executive Order Reviews</FP>
        </EXTRACT>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">I. Parallel Processing</HD>

        <P>Consistent with EPA regulations found at 40 CFR Part 51, Appendix V, section 2.3.1, for purposes of expediting review of a SIP submittal, parallel processing allows a state to submit a plan to EPA prior to actual adoption by the state. Generally, the state submits a copy of the proposed regulation or other revisions to EPA before going out for public comment. EPA reviews this proposed state action, and prepares a notice of proposed rulemaking. EPA's notice of proposed rulemaking is published in the<E T="04">Federal Register</E>during the same time frame that the state is holding its public process. The state and EPA then provide for concurrent public comment periods on both the state action and federal action.</P>
        <P>If the revision that is finally adopted and submitted by the state is changed in aspects other than those identified in the proposed rulemaking on the parallel process submission, EPA will evaluate those changes and if necessary and appropriate, issue another notice of proposed rulemaking. The final rulemaking action by EPA will occur only after the SIP revision has been adopted by the state and submitted formally to EPA for incorporation into the SIP.</P>
        <P>On October 12, 2012, the State of Tennessee, through TDEC submitted a request for parallel processing of a draft SIP revision that the State had already taken through public comment. TDEC requested parallel processing so that EPA could begin to take action on its draft SIP revision in advance of the State's submission of the final SIP revision. As stated above, the final rulemaking action by EPA will occur only after the SIP revision has been: (1) Adopted by Tennessee, (2) submitted formally to EPA for incorporation into the SIP; and (3) evaluated by EPA, including any changes made by the State after the October 12, 2012, draft was submitted to EPA.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">II. Background</HD>

        <P>The Knox County, Tennessee, 1-hour ozone attainment and maintenance area is comprised of only Knox County in its<PRTPAGE P="74821"/>entirety in Tennessee (hereafter referred to as the “Knox County Area” or “Area”). Knox County Area was originally designated as marginal nonattainment for the 1-hour ozone national ambient air quality standards (NAAQS) on November 6, 1991 (56 FR 56694).<SU>1</SU>
          <FTREF/>Knox County was redesignated as attainment for the 1-hour ozone NAAQS on September 27, 1993 (58 FR 50271). In this approval, was a 10-year air quality maintenance plan covering the years 1994-2004.</P>
        <FTNT>
          <P>

            <SU>1</SU>Subsequent to designating Knox County nonattainment for the 1-hour ozone NAAQS, EPA has since designated Knox County as part of the larger Knoxville nonattainment area for the 1997 8-hour ozone NAAQS (<E T="03">see</E>69 FR 23857, April 30, 2004) and the 2008 8-hour ozone NAAQS (<E T="03">see</E>77 FR 30160, May 21, 2012). This proposed action relates primarily to the MVEB established for Knox County for the 1-hour ozone NAAQS, and does not relate to the MVEB approved for 1997 8-hour ozone NAAQS for the Knoxville Area, nor does it relate to any pending MVEB that may be contemplated for the Knoxville Area for the 2008 8-hour ozone NAAQS.</P>
        </FTNT>
        <P>A subsequent revision to the Knox County Area maintenance plan was approved by EPA on August 5, 1997, that established MVEB for transportation conformity purposes. That plan satisfied the CAA requirement for a 10-year update of the Knox County 1-hour ozone maintenance plan. Changes included revisions to the emissions inventory for both on-road and off-road mobile sources using the latest at that time, EPA approved mobile emissions and NONROAD models. New emissions data for both the new base year (attainment year) and the projected years (2004 and 2014) were calculated. The plan updated the 2004 MVEB and provided for a new MVEB for the year 2014. EPA is now proposing to approve Tennessee's October 12, 2012, revision to the safety margin for the previously approved MVEB.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">III. EPA's Analysis of Tennessee's SIP Revision</HD>
        <P>As discussed above, on October 12, 2012, the State of Tennessee, through TDEC, submitted a SIP revision to revise the MVEB for Knox County in the Knox County 1-hour ozone maintenance plan to increase the safety margin as a result of new emissions model, VMT projection models, and other emission model input data. The MVEB (expressed in tons per day (tpd)) that are being updated through today's action were originally approved by EPA on September 27, 1993, updated on August 5, 1997, and are outlined in the table below.</P>
        <GPOTABLE CDEF="s25,10,10" COLS="3" OPTS="L2,p1,8/9,i1">
          <TTITLE>Table 1—Original MVEB for Knox County for 2004 NO<E T="52">X</E>
          </TTITLE>
          <BOXHD>
            <CHED H="1"/>
            <CHED H="1"/>
            <CHED H="1"/>
          </BOXHD>
          <ROW>
            <ENT I="01">NO<E T="52">X</E>
            </ENT>
            <ENT>29.24 tpd</ENT>
            <ENT>22.12 tpd</ENT>
          </ROW>
          <ROW>
            <ENT I="01">VOC</ENT>
            <ENT>33.89 tpd</ENT>
            <ENT>31.71 tpd</ENT>
          </ROW>
        </GPOTABLE>
        <P>TDEC is currently allocating portions of the available safety margin<SU>2</SU>

          <FTREF/>to the MVEB to account for new emissions models, VMT projections models, as well as changes to future vehicle mix assumptions, that influence the emission estimations. TDEC has now decided to allocate a majority of the safety margin available to the MVEB. Specifically, 7.97 tpd of the available VOC safety margin (15.94) is allocated to the 2004 MVEB, and 11.61 tpd for the available 2014 MVEB (23.22). Additionally, 2.79 tpd of the available NO<E T="52">X</E>safety margin are allocated to the 2004 MVEB and 18.43 tpd for the 2014 MVEB. The remaining safety margin for VOC for 2004 is 7.97 tpd and for 2014 is 11.61 tpd. As a result, there will be no safety margin remaining for NO<E T="52">X</E>for 2004 and 2014.</P>
        <FTNT>
          <P>
            <SU>2</SU>A safety margin is the difference between the attainment level of emissions from all source categories (i.e., point, area, and mobile) and the projected level of emissions from all source categories. The State may choose to allocate some of the safety margin to the MVEB, for transportation conformity purposes, so long as the total level of emissions from all source categories remains equal to or less than the attainment level of emissions.</P>
        </FTNT>
        <P>The following tables provide the adjusted VOC and NO<E T="52">X</E>emissions data, for the 2004 base attainment year inventories, as well as the projected VOC and NO<E T="52">X</E>emissions inventory 2014.</P>
        <GPOTABLE CDEF="s25,12,12,12,12,12,12,12" COLS="8" OPTS="L2,i1">
          <TTITLE>Table 2—Knox County Total Volatile Organic Compunds Emissions</TTITLE>
          <BOXHD>
            <CHED H="1">Year</CHED>
            <CHED H="1">Area</CHED>
            <CHED H="1">Non-road</CHED>
            <CHED H="1">Biogenic</CHED>
            <CHED H="1">Mobile</CHED>
            <CHED H="1">Point</CHED>
            <CHED H="1">Total</CHED>
            <CHED H="1">Available<LI>saftey</LI>
              <LI>margin</LI>
            </CHED>
          </BOXHD>
          <ROW>
            <ENT I="01">1990</ENT>
            <ENT>28.82</ENT>
            <ENT>9.81</ENT>
            <ENT>32.43</ENT>
            <ENT>40.84</ENT>
            <ENT>8.06</ENT>
            <ENT>119.96</ENT>
            <ENT/>
          </ROW>
          <ROW>
            <ENT I="01">1993</ENT>
            <ENT>29.25</ENT>
            <ENT>9.96</ENT>
            <ENT>32.43</ENT>
            <ENT>32.35</ENT>
            <ENT>8.64</ENT>
            <ENT>112.63</ENT>
            <ENT/>
          </ROW>
          <ROW>
            <ENT I="01">2004</ENT>
            <ENT>30.90</ENT>
            <ENT>10.52</ENT>
            <ENT>32.43</ENT>
            <ENT>21.27</ENT>
            <ENT>8.90</ENT>
            <ENT>104.02</ENT>
            <ENT>15.94</ENT>
          </ROW>
          <ROW>
            <ENT I="01">2010</ENT>
            <ENT>31.84</ENT>
            <ENT>10.84</ENT>
            <ENT>32.43</ENT>
            <ENT>13.93</ENT>
            <ENT>9.76</ENT>
            <ENT>98.80</ENT>
            <ENT/>
          </ROW>
          <ROW>
            <ENT I="01">2014</ENT>
            <ENT>32.48</ENT>
            <ENT>11.06</ENT>
            <ENT>32.43</ENT>
            <ENT>19.51</ENT>
            <ENT>10.26</ENT>
            <ENT>96.74</ENT>
            <ENT>23.22</ENT>
          </ROW>
        </GPOTABLE>
        <GPOTABLE CDEF="s25,12,12,12,12,12,12,12" COLS="8" OPTS="L2,i1">
          <TTITLE>Table 3—Knox County Total Nitrogen Oxides Emissions</TTITLE>
          <BOXHD>
            <CHED H="1">Year</CHED>
            <CHED H="1">Area</CHED>
            <CHED H="1">Non-Road</CHED>
            <CHED H="1">Biogenic</CHED>
            <CHED H="1">Mobile</CHED>
            <CHED H="1">Point</CHED>
            <CHED H="1">Total</CHED>
            <CHED H="1">Saftey<LI>Margin</LI>
            </CHED>
          </BOXHD>
          <ROW>
            <ENT I="01">1990</ENT>
            <ENT>3.66</ENT>
            <ENT>9.77</ENT>
            <ENT>0</ENT>
            <ENT>37.62</ENT>
            <ENT>8.96</ENT>
            <ENT>60.01</ENT>
            <ENT/>
          </ROW>
          <ROW>
            <ENT I="01">1993</ENT>
            <ENT>3.72</ENT>
            <ENT>9.92</ENT>
            <ENT>0</ENT>
            <ENT>34.85</ENT>
            <ENT>9.54</ENT>
            <ENT>58.03</ENT>
            <ENT/>
          </ROW>
          <ROW>
            <ENT I="01">2004</ENT>
            <ENT>3.92</ENT>
            <ENT>10.48</ENT>
            <ENT>0</ENT>
            <ENT>31.10</ENT>
            <ENT>11.73</ENT>
            <ENT>57.23</ENT>
            <ENT>2.79</ENT>
          </ROW>
          <ROW>
            <ENT I="01">2010</ENT>
            <ENT>4.04</ENT>
            <ENT>10.79</ENT>
            <ENT>0</ENT>
            <ENT>19.99</ENT>
            <ENT>12.53</ENT>
            <ENT>47.35</ENT>
            <ENT/>
          </ROW>
          <ROW>
            <ENT I="01">2014</ENT>
            <ENT>4.13</ENT>
            <ENT>11.01</ENT>
            <ENT>0</ENT>
            <ENT>13.27</ENT>
            <ENT>13.17</ENT>
            <ENT>41.58</ENT>
            <ENT>18.43</ENT>
          </ROW>
        </GPOTABLE>
        <PRTPAGE P="74822"/>
        <GPOTABLE CDEF="s25,6,6" COLS="3" OPTS="L2,i1">
          <TTITLE>Table 4—Knox County NO<E T="52">X</E>MVEB</TTITLE>
          <TDESC>[tpd]</TDESC>
          <BOXHD>
            <CHED H="1"/>
            <CHED H="1">2004</CHED>
            <CHED H="1">2014</CHED>
          </BOXHD>
          <ROW EXPSTB="02" RUL="s">
            <ENT I="21">
              <E T="02">NO</E>
              <E T="52">X</E>
              <E T="02">Emissions</E>
            </ENT>
          </ROW>
          <ROW EXPSTB="00">
            <ENT I="01">Base Emissions</ENT>
            <ENT>57.23</ENT>
            <ENT>41.48</ENT>
          </ROW>
          <ROW>
            <ENT I="01">Safety Margin Allocated to MVEB</ENT>
            <ENT>2.79</ENT>
            <ENT>18.43</ENT>
          </ROW>
          <ROW>
            <ENT I="01">NO<E T="52">X</E>Conformity MVEB</ENT>
            <ENT>36.68</ENT>
            <ENT>50.14</ENT>
          </ROW>
        </GPOTABLE>
        <GPOTABLE CDEF="s25,6,6" COLS="3" OPTS="L2,i1">
          <TTITLE>Table 5—Knox County VOC MVEB</TTITLE>
          <TDESC>[tpd]</TDESC>
          <BOXHD>
            <CHED H="1"/>
            <CHED H="1">2004</CHED>
            <CHED H="1">2014</CHED>
          </BOXHD>
          <ROW EXPSTB="02" RUL="s">
            <ENT I="21">
              <E T="02">VOC Emissions</E>
            </ENT>
          </ROW>
          <ROW EXPSTB="00">
            <ENT I="01">Base Emissions</ENT>
            <ENT>104.02</ENT>
            <ENT>96.74</ENT>
          </ROW>
          <ROW>
            <ENT I="01">Safety Margin Allocated to MVEB</ENT>
            <ENT>7.97</ENT>
            <ENT>11.61</ENT>
          </ROW>
          <ROW>
            <ENT I="01">VOC Conformity MVEB</ENT>
            <ENT>37.21</ENT>
            <ENT>33.73</ENT>
          </ROW>
        </GPOTABLE>
        <P>Taking into consideration the portion of the safety margin applied to the MVEB, the resulting difference between the attainment level of emissions from all sources and the projected level of emissions from all sources in the maintenance area, the area still attains the NAAQS and meets the maintenance requirements. The new safety margins, are listed below in Table 6.</P>
        <GPOTABLE CDEF="s25,6,6" COLS="3" OPTS="L2,i1">
          <TTITLE>Table 6—New Safety Margins for the Knox County</TTITLE>
          <BOXHD>
            <CHED H="1">Year</CHED>
            <CHED H="1">VOC<LI>tpd</LI>
            </CHED>
            <CHED H="1">NO<E T="52">X</E>
              <LI>tpd</LI>
            </CHED>
          </BOXHD>
          <ROW>
            <ENT I="01">2004</ENT>
            <ENT>7.97</ENT>
            <ENT>0</ENT>
          </ROW>
          <ROW>
            <ENT I="01">2014</ENT>
            <ENT>11.61</ENT>
            <ENT>0</ENT>
          </ROW>
        </GPOTABLE>
        <P>As shown in Tables 2 and 3 above, VOC and NO<E T="52">X</E>total emissions in Knox County are projected to steadily decrease from 2004 to the maintenance year of 2014. This VOC and NO<E T="52">X</E>emission decrease demonstrates continued attainment/maintenance of the 1-hour ozone NAAQS for ten years from 2004 (the year the Area was effectively designated attainment for the 1-hour ozone NAAQS) as required by the CAA.</P>
        <P>The revised MVEB that Tennessee submitted for the Knox County Area were developed with projected mobile source emissions derived using the MOBILE6 motor vehicle emissions model. This model was the most current model available at the time Tennessee was performing its analysis. However, EPA has now issued an updated motor vehicle emissions model known as Motor Vehicle Emission Simulator or MOVES. In its announcement of this model, EPA established a two-year grace period for continued use of MOBILE6.2 in regional emissions analyses for transportation plan and transportation improvement programs (TIPs) conformity determinations (extending to March 2, 2012),<SU>3</SU>
          <FTREF/>after which states (other than California) must use MOVES in conformity determinations for TIPs. As stated above, MOBILE6.2 was the applicable mobile source emissions model that was available when the original SIP was submitted.</P>
        <FTNT>
          <P>
            <SU>3</SU>EPA previously extended the grace period to use MOVES for regional emissions analysis in conformity determinations to March 2, 2013 (77 FR 11394).</P>
        </FTNT>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">IV. Proposed Action</HD>

        <P>EPA is proposing to approve Tennessee's October 12, 2012, SIP revision concerning the Knox County 1-hour ozone maintenance plan and increasing the safety margin allocated to MVEB to account for changes in the emissions model and VMT projection model. This action, if finalized, would result in higher NO<E T="52">X</E>and VOC MVEB for transportation conformity purposes for Knox County, and would still be consistent with attainment for the 1-hour ozone NAAQS. EPA is proposing this action because it is consistent with the CAA and the transportation conformity requirements at 40 CFR 93.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">V. Statutory and Executive order Reviews</HD>
        <P>Under the CAA, the Administrator is required to approve a SIP submission that complies with the provisions of the Act and applicable federal regulations. 42 U.S.C. 7410(k); 40 CFR 52.02(a). Thus, in reviewing SIP submissions, EPA's role is to approve state choices, provided that they meet the criteria of the CAA. Accordingly, this proposed action merely approves state law as meeting federal requirements and does not impose additional requirements beyond those imposed by State law. For that reason, this proposed action:</P>
        <P>• Is not a “significant regulatory action” subject to review by the Office of Management and Budget under Executive Order 12866 (58 FR 51735, October 4, 1993);</P>

        <P>• Does not impose an information collection burden under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C. 3501<E T="03">et seq.</E>);</P>

        <P>• Is certified as not having a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities under the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601<E T="03">et seq.</E>);</P>
        <P>• Does not contain any unfunded mandate or significantly or uniquely affect small governments, as described in the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 (Pub. L. 104-4);</P>
        <P>• Does not have Federalism implications as specified in Executive Order 13132 (64 FR 43255, August 10, 1999);</P>
        <P>• Is not an economically significant regulatory action based on health or safety risks subject to Executive Order 13045 (62 FR 19885, April 23, 1997);</P>
        <P>• Is not a significant regulatory action subject to Executive Order 13211 (66 FR 28355, May 22, 2001);</P>
        <P>• Is not subject to requirements of Section 12(d) of the National Technology Transfer and Advancement Act of 1995 (15 U.S.C. 272 note) because application of those requirements would be inconsistent with the CAA; and</P>
        <P>• Does not provide EPA with the discretionary authority to address, as appropriate, disproportionate human health or environmental effects, using practicable and legally permissible methods, under Executive Order 12898 (59 FR 7629, February 16, 1994).</P>
        <P>In addition, this proposed rule does not have tribal implications as specified by Executive Order 13175 (65 FR 67249, November 9, 2000), because the SIP is not approved to apply in Indian country located in the State, and EPA notes that it will not impose substantial direct costs on tribal governments or preempt tribal law.</P>
        <LSTSUB>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">List of Subjects in 40 CFR Part 52</HD>
          <P>Environmental protection, Air pollution control, Incorporation by reference, Intergovernmental relations, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements and Volatile organic compounds.</P>
        </LSTSUB>
        <SIG>
          <DATED>Dated: December 7, 2012.</DATED>
          <NAME>A. Stanley Meiburg,</NAME>
          <TITLE>Regional Administrator, Region 4.</TITLE>
        </SIG>
      </SUPLINF>
      <FRDOC>[FR Doc. 2012-30358 Filed 12-17-12; 8:45 am]</FRDOC>
      <BILCOD>BILLING CODE 6560-50-P</BILCOD>
    </PRORULE>
    <PRORULE>
      <PREAMB>
        <AGENCY TYPE="N">FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION</AGENCY>
        <CFR>47 CFR Part 90</CFR>
        <DEPDOC>[WT Docket No. 11-69; Report No. 2970]</DEPDOC>
        <SUBJECT>Petition for Reconsideration of Action in Rulemaking Proceeding</SUBJECT>
        <AGY>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">AGENCY:</HD>
          <P>Federal Communications Commission.</P>
        </AGY>
        <ACT>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">ACTION:</HD>
          <P>Petition for reconsideration.</P>
        </ACT>
        <PRTPAGE P="74823"/>
        <SUM>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">SUMMARY:</HD>
          <P>In this document, Petition for Reconsideration and/or a Petition for Clarification (Petition) has been filed in the Commission's rulemaking proceeding by Chuck Powers, Director, Engineering and Technology Policy, on the behalf of Motorola Solutions Inc.</P>
        </SUM>
        <EFFDATE>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">DATES:</HD>
          <P>Oppositions to the Petition must be filed on or before January 2, 2013. Replies to an opposition must be filed on or before January 14, 2013.</P>
        </EFFDATE>
        <ADD>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">ADDRESSES:</HD>
          <P>Federal Communications Commission, 445 12th Street SW., Washington, DC 20554.</P>
        </ADD>
        <FURINF>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:</HD>

          <P>Tim Maguire, Wireless Telecommunications Bureau, 202-418-2155,<E T="03">tim.maguire@fcc.gov mailto:tim.maguire@fcc.gov.</E>
          </P>
        </FURINF>
      </PREAMB>
      <SUPLINF>
        <HD SOURCE="HED">SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:</HD>

        <P>This is a summary of Commission's document, Report No.2970, released November 29, 2012. The full text of Report No. 2970 is available for viewing and copying in Room CY-B402, 445 12th Street SW., Washington, DC or may be purchased from the Commission's copy contractor, Best Copy and Printing, Inc. (BCPI) (1-800-378-3160). The Commission will not send a copy of this<E T="03">Notice</E>pursuant to the Congressional Review Act, 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A), because this<E T="03">Notice</E>does not have an impact on any rules of particular applicability.</P>
        <SUPLHD>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">SUBJECT:</HD>

          <P>Amendment of Part 90 of the Commission's Rules to Permit Terrestrial Trunked Radio (TETRA) Technology; Request by the TETRA Association for Waiver of §§ 90.209, 90.210 and 2.1043 of the Commission's rules, published at 77 FR 61535, October 10, 2012, in WT Docket No. 11-69, and published pursuant to 47 CFR 1.429(e) of the Commission's rules.<E T="03">See also</E>47 CFR 1.4(b)(1).</P>
          <P>
            <E T="03">Number of Petitions Filed:</E>1.</P>
          
        </SUPLHD>
        <SIG>
          <FP>Federal Communications Commission.</FP>
          <NAME>Marlene H. Dortch,</NAME>
          <TITLE>Secretary.</TITLE>
        </SIG>
      </SUPLINF>
      <FRDOC>[FR Doc. 2012-30484 Filed 12-17-12; 8:45 am]</FRDOC>
      <BILCOD>BILLING CODE 6712-01-P</BILCOD>
    </PRORULE>
  </PRORULES>
  <VOL>77</VOL>
  <NO>243</NO>
  <DATE>Tuesday, December 18, 2012</DATE>
  <UNITNAME>Notices</UNITNAME>
  <NOTICES>
    <NOTICE>
      <PREAMB>
        <PRTPAGE P="74824"/>
        <AGENCY TYPE="F">DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE</AGENCY>
        <SUBJECT>Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request</SUBJECT>
        <DATE>December 13, 2012.</DATE>
        <P>The Department of Agriculture has submitted the following information collection requirement(s) to OMB for review and clearance under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, Public Law 104-13. Comments regarding (a) whether the collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information will have practical utility; (b) the accuracy of the agency's estimate of burden including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used; (c) ways to enhance the quality, utility and clarity of the information to be collected; (d) ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are to respond, including through the use of appropriate automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology.</P>

        <P>Comments regarding this information collection received by January 17, 2013 will be considered. Written comments should be addressed to: Desk Officer for Agriculture, Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, Office of Management and Budget (OMB), New Executive Office Building, 725—17th Street NW., Washington, DC 20502. Commenters are encouraged to submit their comments to OMB via email to:<E T="03">OIRA_Submission@OMB.EOP.GOV</E>or fax (202) 395-5806 and to Departmental Clearance Office, USDA, OCIO, Mail Stop 7602, Washington, DC 20250-7602. Copies of the submission(s) may be obtained by calling (202) 720-8958.</P>
        <P>An agency may not conduct or sponsor a collection of information unless the collection of information displays a currently valid OMB control number and the agency informs potential persons who are to respond to the collection of information that such persons are not required to respond to the collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Farm Service Agency</HD>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Title:</E>7 CFR 764, Direct Loan Making.</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">OMB Control Number:</E>0560-0237.</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Summary of Collection:</E>Authority to establish the regulatory requirements contained in 7 CFR 764, is provided under 5 U.S.C. 301, which provides that “The Head of an Executive department or military department may prescribe regulations for the government of his department, the distribution and performance of its business * * *.” The Secretary delegated authority to administer the provisions of the Act applicable to the Farm Loan Program (FLP) to the Under Secretary for Farm and Foreign Agricultural Service in section 2.16 of 7 CFR part 2. FLP provides loans to family farmers to purchase real estate equipment and finance agricultural production. The Farm Service Agency (FSA) also provides the requirements associated with Farm Ownership, Operating, Emergency and Farm Storage Facility loan programs.</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Need and Use of the Information:</E>Information is submitted by the applicants to the local agency office serving the county in which their business is headquartered. The information is necessary to thoroughly evaluate the applicant's request for a direct loan and is used by agency officials to: (1) Ensure that cash flow projections used in determining loan repayment are based on the actual production history of the operation, (2) Ensure that a loan is adequately secured. (3) Ensure the applicant meets the statutorily established program eligibility requirements, and (4) Obtain assignment on income or sales proceeds, when appropriate, to ensure timely repayment of the loans. Since the agency is mandated to provide supervised credit, failure to collect the information, or collecting it less frequently, could result in the failure of the farm operation or loss of agency security property.</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Description of Respondents:</E>Business or other for-profit; Farms.</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Number of Respondents:</E>181,922.</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Frequency of Responses:</E>Reporting: On occasion; Annually.</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Total Burden Hours:</E>320,891.</P>
        <SIG>
          <NAME>Ruth Brown,</NAME>
          <TITLE>Departmental Information Collection Clearance Officer.</TITLE>
        </SIG>
      </PREAMB>
      <FRDOC>[FR Doc. 2012-30419 Filed 12-17-12; 8:45 am]</FRDOC>
      <BILCOD>BILLING CODE 3410-05-P</BILCOD>
    </NOTICE>
    <NOTICE>
      <PREAMB>
        <AGENCY TYPE="S">DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE</AGENCY>
        <SUBAGY>Commodity Credit Corporation</SUBAGY>
        <SUBJECT>Notice of Revision of a Currently Approved Information Collection</SUBJECT>
        <AGY>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">AGENCY:</HD>
          <P>Commodity Credit Corporation, USDA.</P>
        </AGY>
        <ACT>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">ACTION:</HD>
          <P>Notice and request for comments.</P>
        </ACT>
        <SUM>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">SUMMARY:</HD>
          <P>In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, this notice announces the intention of the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) to request a revision for a currently approved information collection in support of the CCC's Dairy Export Incentive Program (DEIP) based on re-estimates. Although the Export Enhancement Program (EEP) was repealed by the Food, Conservation and Energy Act of 2008, the regulations for EEP, found at 7 CFR part 1494, subpart B, also apply to the DEIP. The request for revision of this information collection applies only to DEIP.</P>
        </SUM>
        <DATES>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">DATES:</HD>
          <P>Comments on this notice must be received by February 19, 2013 to be assured of consideration.</P>
          <P>
            <E T="03">Additional Information or Comments:</E>Contact Mark Rowse, Director, Credit Programs Division, Foreign Agricultural Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, AgStop 1025, Washington, DC 20250-1025, telephone (202) 720-6211.</P>
        </DATES>
      </PREAMB>
      <SUPLINF>
        <HD SOURCE="HED">SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:</HD>
        <P SOURCE="NPAR">
          <E T="03">Title:</E>Dairy Export Incentive Program (DEIP).</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">OMB Number:</E>0551-0028.</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Expiration Date of Approval:</E>March 31, 2013.</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Type of Request:</E>Revision of a currently approved information collection.</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Abstract:</E>The major objective of the DEIP is to expand U.S. agricultural exports by paying cash to exporters as bonuses, allowing them to sell U.S. agricultural products in targeted countries at competitive prices. When the program is operational, approximately 100 countries and 3<PRTPAGE P="74825"/>regions are targeted export destinations. Approximately 425 exporters are currently eligible to participate under the DEIP.</P>
        <P>Under 7 CFR part 1494, exporters are required to submit the following: (1) Information required for program participation (section 1494.301), (2) performance security (section 1494.401), (3) export sales information in connection with applying for a CCC bonus (section 1494.501), and (4) documentation evidencing export to support payment of the bonus (section 1494.701). In addition, each exporter must maintain accurate records showing sales and deliveries of the eligible commodity exported in connection with an agreement made under the DEIP as outlined in section 1494.1001. The information collected is used by CCC to manage, plan for, evaluate the use of, and account for Government resources. The reports and records are required to ensure the proper and judicious use of public funds.</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Estimate of Burden:</E>The public reporting burden for these collections is estimated to average 37 minutes per response.</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Respondents:</E>Exporters of U.S. agricultural commodities.</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Estimated Number of Respondents:</E>20 per annum.</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Estimated Number of Responses per Respondent:</E>84 per annum.</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Estimated Total Annual Burden on Respondents:</E>1,036 hours.</P>
        <P>Copies of this information collection can be obtained from Connie Ehrhart, the Agency Information Collection Coordinator, at (202) 690-1578.</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Requests for comments:</E>Send comments regarding (a) Whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information will have practical utility; (b) the accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information; (c) ways to enhance the quality, utility and clarity of the information to be collected; and (d) ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are to respond, including through the use of automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology. Comments may be sent to Mark Rowse, Director, Credit Programs Division, Foreign Agricultural Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, AgStop 1025, Washington, DC 20250-1025, telephone (202) 720-6211, or to the Desk Officer for Agriculture, Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, Office of Management and Budget, Washington, DC 20503.</P>
        <P>All responses to this notice will be summarized and included in the request for OMB approval. All comments will also become a matter of public record.</P>
        <SIG>
          <DATED>Signed at Washington, DC, on October 5, 2012.</DATED>
          <NAME>Janet Nuzum,</NAME>
          <TITLE>Administrator, Foreign Agricultural Service, and Vice President, Commodity Credit Corporation.</TITLE>
        </SIG>
      </SUPLINF>
      <FRDOC>[FR Doc. 2012-30485 Filed 12-17-12; 8:45 am]</FRDOC>
      <BILCOD>BILLING CODE 3410-10-P</BILCOD>
    </NOTICE>
    <NOTICE>
      <PREAMB>
        <AGENCY TYPE="S">DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE</AGENCY>
        <SUBAGY>Forest Service</SUBAGY>
        <SUBJECT>Information Collection: Federal and Non-Federal Financial Assistant Instruments</SUBJECT>
        <AGY>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">AGENCY:</HD>
          <P>Forest Service, USDA.</P>
        </AGY>
        <ACT>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">ACTION:</HD>
          <P>Notice; request for comment.</P>
        </ACT>
        <SUM>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">SUMMARY:</HD>
          <P>In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, the Forest Service is seeking comments from all interested individuals and organizations on the revision of a currently approved information collection, OMB 0596-0217, Federal and Non-Federal Financial Assistant Instruments.</P>
        </SUM>
        <DATES>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">DATES:</HD>
          <P>Comments must be received in writing on or before February 19, 2013 to be assured of consideration. Comments received after that date will be considered to the extent practicable.</P>
        </DATES>
        <ADD>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">ADDRESSES:</HD>
          <P>Comments concerning this notice should be addressed to Clark Woolley, USDA Forest Service, Director of Acquisitions Management, 1400 Independence Ave. SW., Mailstop 1138, Washington, DC 20250.</P>

          <P>Comments also may be submitted via facsimile to 703-605-5100 or by email to:<E T="03">cmwoolley@fs.fed.us.</E>
          </P>
          <P>The public may inspect comments received at USDA Forest Service, 1621 N. Kent Street, RPE Suite 707, Arlington, VA 22209 during normal business hours. Visitors are encouraged to call ahead to 703-605-4719 to facilitate entry to the building.</P>
        </ADD>
        <FURINF>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:</HD>
          <P>Clark Woolley, Acquisitions Management, 703-605-4654.</P>
          <P>Individuals who use telecommunication devices for the deaf (TDD) may call the Federal Relay Service (FRS) at 1-800-877-8339, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including holidays.</P>
        </FURINF>
      </PREAMB>
      <SUPLINF>
        <HD SOURCE="HED">SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:</HD>
        <P SOURCE="NPAR">
          <E T="03">Title:</E>Federal and Non-Federal Financial Assistant Instruments.</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">OMB Number:</E>0596-0217.</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Expiration Date of Approval:</E>02/28/2014.</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Type of Request:</E>Revision of a currently approved collection.</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Abstract:</E>In order to perform specific Forest Service activities, Congress created several authorities to assist the Agency in carrying out its mission. The Forest Service issues Federal Financial Assistance (FFA) awards, which are grants and cooperative agreements, as authorized by the Federal Grants and Cooperative Agreements Act (FGCAA). This collection includes the following forms:</P>
        <P>(1) Federal Financial Assistance Standard Forms,</P>
        <P>(2) Pre-certification forms,</P>
        <P>(3) Award and administrative related correspondence, and</P>
        <P>(4) A new questionnaire related to a recipient's accounting system and financial management capabilities.</P>
        <P>In addition to FFA, Congress created specific authorizations for acts outside the scope of the FGCAA. Appropriations language was developed to convey authority for the Forest Service to enter into relationships that are outside the scope of the FGCAA. The Forest Service implements these authorizations using instruments such as collection agreements, FGCAA exempted agreements, memorandums of understanding, and other agreements which mutually benefit participating parties. These instruments fall outside the scope of the Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) and often require financial plans and statements of work. Forest Service employees collect information from cooperating parties from the pre-award to the closeout stage via telephone calls, emails, postal mail, and person-to-person meetings to create, develop, and administer these funded and non-funded agreements. The multiple means for respondents to communicate their responses include forms, non-forms, electronic documents, face-to-face, telephone, and Internet. The scope of information collected varies, however, it typically includes the project type, project scope, financial plan, statement of work, and cooperator's business information.</P>
        <P>The Forest Service would not be able to create, develop, and administer these funded and non-funded agreements without the collected information. The Agency would also be unable to develop or monitor projects, make or receive payments, or identify financial and accounting errors.</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Estimate of Annual Burden:</E>1 to 4 hours annually per person.</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Type of Respondents:</E>Non-profit and for profit institutions; institutions of<PRTPAGE P="74826"/>higher education; State, local, and Native American tribal governments, individuals; foreign governments; and organizations.</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Estimated Annual Number of Respondents:</E>15,000.</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Estimated Annual Number of Responses per Respondent:</E>1 to 4.</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Estimated Total Annual Burden on Respondents:</E>28,000 hours.</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Comment is invited on:</E>(1) Whether this collection of information is necessary for the stated purposes and the proper performance of the functions of the Agency, including whether the information will have practical or scientific utility; (2) the accuracy of the Agency's estimate of the burden of the collection of information, including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used; (3) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (4) ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on respondents, including the use of automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology.</P>
        <P>All comments received in response to this notice, including names and addresses when provided, will be a matter of public record. Comments will be summarized and included in the submission for Office of Management and Budget approval.</P>
        <SIG>
          <DATED>Dated: December 10, 2012.</DATED>
          <NAME>J. Lenise Lago,</NAME>
          <TITLE>Deputy Chief,Business Operations.</TITLE>
        </SIG>
      </SUPLINF>
      <FRDOC>[FR Doc. 2012-30415 Filed 12-17-12; 8:45 am]</FRDOC>
      <BILCOD>BILLING CODE 3410-11-P</BILCOD>
    </NOTICE>
    <NOTICE>
      <PREAMB>
        <AGENCY TYPE="N">ARCHITECTURAL AND TRANSPORTATION BARRIERS COMPLIANCE BOARD</AGENCY>
        <SUBJECT>Notice of Intent To Seek OMB Approval To Collect Information: On-Line Architectural Barriers Act (ABA) Complaint Form</SUBJECT>
        <AGY>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">AGENCY:</HD>
          <P>Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board.</P>
        </AGY>
        <ACT>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">ACTION:</HD>
          <P>Notice and request for comments.</P>
        </ACT>
        <SUM>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">SUMMARY:</HD>
          <P>The Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board (Access Board) plans to request approval by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) of a new information collection. As required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, we are providing opportunity for public comment on this action. After obtaining and considering public comment on this notice, and publishing a second notice requesting public comments for an additional 30 days, we plan to submit an information collection request package to OMB and request approval for three years.</P>
        </SUM>
        <DATES>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">DATES:</HD>
          <P>Written comments on this notice must be received by February 19, 2013 to be assured of consideration. Comments received after that date will be considered to the extent practicable.</P>
        </DATES>
        <ADD>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">ADDRESSES:</HD>
          <P>Address all comments concerning this notice to Lisa Fairhall, Deputy General Counsel, Access Board, 1331 F Street NW., Suite 1000, Washington, DC 20004.</P>
        </ADD>
        <FURINF>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:</HD>

          <P>Lisa Fairhall, Deputy General Counsel, Access Board, 1331 F Street NW., Suite 1000, Washington, DC 20004; telephone 202-272-0046; TTY 202-272-0082; or send email to<E T="03">fairhall@access-board.gov.</E>
          </P>
        </FURINF>
      </PREAMB>
      <SUPLINF>
        <HD SOURCE="HED">SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:</HD>
        <P/>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Title of Collection:</E>On-line Architectural Barriers Act (ABA) Complaint Form.</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">OMB Number:</E>3014-NEW.</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Expiration Date of Approval:</E>Not applicable.</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Type of Request:</E>New information collection.</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Abstract:</E>The Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board (Access Board) is seeking to make the process for submitting complaints under the Architectural Barriers Act (ABA) easier to use, more efficient, and timely. Complainants will be able to submit a complaint on-line using a standardized web-based complaint form which will prompt them to provide pertinent data necessary for the Access Board to investigate an ABA complaint. You may view the electronic data collection instrument on-line at<E T="03">http://cts.access-board.gov/formsiq/form.do?formset_id=2&amp;ds=fdd&amp;reload=true</E>or obtain a copy of the instrument from Ms. Fairhall.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Use of the Information</HD>
        <P>The Access Board enforces the ABA by investigating complaints submitted by members of the public concerning particular buildings or facilities designed, altered, or built, by or on behalf of, or leased by, federal agencies, or financed by federal funds. Complaints can currently be submitted by email, mail or fax. The proposed on-line complaint form will allow complainants to submit ABA complaints electronically and receive notification that their complaint has been received, together with the complaint number for them to use when making inquiries about the status of their complaint. The Access Board is not requiring all complaints to be submitted using the on-line complaint form; the Access Board will continue to accept complaints submitted by email, mail, or fax.</P>
        <P>Complainants must submit in writing the name and address of the building or facility and a brief description of each barrier to accessibility they have found at the building or facility. Additional information about the facility, such as when it was built or known sources of federal funding, is helpful but not necessary. Personal information, including the complainant's name, address, phone number and email address is optional and, where provided, is not disclosed without written permission from the complainant. The new on-line complaint form will prompt complainants to provide the information necessary for Access Board staff to initiate an investigation into a complaint. In addition, complainants will be able to attach electronic files containing pictures, drawings, or other relevant documents to the on-line complaint form when it is filed. The Access Board anticipates that use of the on-line complaint form will improve the completeness of the information included in complaints that are submitted for investigation, and this will expedite processing of complaints. In addition, complainants will be able to submit complaints 24 hours a day, seven days a week and receive electronic notification that their complaint has been received.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Estimate of Burden</HD>
        <P>Public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to average less than 30 minutes to complete the on-line complaint form, depending on the number of alleged barriers the complainant identifies.</P>
        <P>There is no financial burden on the complainant. Use of the on-line form should relieve much of the burden that the current practice of mailing paper complaints puts on complainants. The Access Board is not requiring all complaints to be submitted using the on-line complaint. The Access Board will continue to accept complaints submitted by email, mail, or fax.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Respondents</HD>
        <P>Individuals. Approximately 200 individuals file accessibility complaints with the Access Board each year.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Estimated Number of Responses</HD>

        <P>Assuming all complainants choose to file complaints using the on-line complaint form, approximately 200<PRTPAGE P="74827"/>individuals would use the on-line complaint form annually.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Frequency of Responses</HD>
        <P>Complainants need only submit one on-line form for each building or facility at which they have found accessibility barriers, regardless of the number of barriers they found. Most complainants file only one ABA complaint. Complainants will need to submit a separate form for each additional building or facility at which they have found an accessibility barrier.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Estimated Total Annual Burden on Respondents</HD>
        <P>Approximately 30 minutes per respondent total time is all that will be needed to complete the on-line complaint form, for a total of 100 hours annually.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD2">Comments</HD>
        <P>Comments are invited on (a) whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information will have practical utility; (b) the accuracy of the estimated burden of the proposed collection of information; (c) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information from respondents; and (d) ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are to respond, including the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology.</P>
        <SIG>
          <NAME>David M. Capozzi,</NAME>
          <TITLE>Executive Director.</TITLE>
        </SIG>
      </SUPLINF>
      <FRDOC>[FR Doc. 2012-30375 Filed 12-17-12; 8:45 am]</FRDOC>
      <BILCOD>BILLING CODE 8150-01-P</BILCOD>
    </NOTICE>
    <NOTICE>
      <PREAMB>
        <AGENCY TYPE="S">ARCHITECTURAL AND TRANSPORTATION BARRIERS COMPLIANCE BOARD</AGENCY>
        <SUBJECT>Meetings</SUBJECT>
        <AGY>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">AGENCY:</HD>
          <P>Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board.</P>
        </AGY>
        <ACT>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">ACTION:</HD>
          <P>Notice of meetings.</P>
        </ACT>
        <SUM>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">SUMMARY:</HD>
          <P>The Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board (Access Board) plans to hold its regular committee and Board meetings in Washington, DC, Monday through Wednesday, January 7-9, 2013 on the times and location listed below.</P>
        </SUM>
        <DATES>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">DATES:</HD>
          <P>The schedule of events is as follows:</P>
        </DATES>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Monday, January 7, 2013</HD>
        <FP SOURCE="FP1-2">10:30-4:00 p.m.Ad Hoc Rulemaking Committees: Closed to Public</FP>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Tuesday, January 8, 2013</HD>
        <FP SOURCE="FP1-2">9:30-11:00 a.m.Ad Hoc Committee on Frontier Issues</FP>
        <FP SOURCE="FP1-2">11:00-NoonPlanning and Evaluation Committee</FP>
        <FP SOURCE="FP1-2">1:30-2:30 p.m.Technical Programs Committee</FP>
        <FP SOURCE="FP1-2">3:00-3:30Ad Hoc Committee on Accessible Design in Education</FP>
        <FP SOURCE="FP1-2">3:30-4:00Budget Committee</FP>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Wednesday, January 9, 2013</HD>
        <FP SOURCE="FP1-2">9:30 a.m.-NoonAd Hoc Committee on Information and Communications Technologies: Closed to Public</FP>
        <FP SOURCE="FP1-2">1:30-3:00 p.m.Board Meeting</FP>
        <ADD>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">ADDRESSES:</HD>
          <P>Meetings will be held at the Access Board Conference Room, 1331 F Street NW., suite 800, Washington, DC 20004.</P>
        </ADD>
        <FURINF>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:</HD>
          <P>For further information regarding the meetings, please contact David Capozzi, Executive Director, (202) 272-0010 (voice); (202) 272-0054 (TTY).</P>
        </FURINF>
      </PREAMB>
      <SUPLINF>
        <HD SOURCE="HED">SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:</HD>
        <P>At the Board meeting scheduled on the afternoon of Wednesday, January 9, the Access Board will consider the following agenda items:</P>
        <P>• Administer Oath of Office to new appointees</P>
        <P>• Approval of the draft September 12, 2012 meeting minutes (vote)</P>
        <P>• Approval of the draft November 13-14, 2012 meeting minutes (vote)</P>
        <P>• Planning and Evaluation Committee Report</P>
        <P>• Technical Programs Committee Report</P>
        <P>• Budget Committee Report</P>
        <P>• Ad Hoc Committee Reports: Outdoor Developed Areas, final rule conforming amendment (vote); Transportation Vehicles, charter for new Rail Advisory Committee (vote)</P>
        <P>• Executive Director's Report</P>
        <P>• Public Comment, Open Topics</P>

        <P>All meetings are accessible to persons with disabilities. An assistive listening system, computer assisted real-time transcription (CART), and sign language interpreters will be available at the Board meeting and committee meetings. Persons attending Board meetings are requested to refrain from using perfume, cologne, and other fragrances for the comfort of other participants (see<E T="03">www.access-board.gov/about/policies/fragrance.htm</E>for more information).</P>
        <SIG>
          <NAME>David M. Capozzi,</NAME>
          <TITLE>Executive Director.</TITLE>
        </SIG>
      </SUPLINF>
      <FRDOC>[FR Doc. 2012-30473 Filed 12-17-12; 8:45 am]</FRDOC>
      <BILCOD>BILLING CODE 8150-01-P</BILCOD>
    </NOTICE>
    <NOTICE>
      <PREAMB>
        <AGENCY TYPE="S">ARCHITECTURAL AND TRANSPORTATION BARRIERS COMPLIANCE BOARD</AGENCY>
        <SUBJECT>Working Group on Access to Information on Prescription Drug Container Labels</SUBJECT>
        <AGY>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">AGENCY:</HD>
          <P>Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board.</P>
        </AGY>
        <ACT>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">ACTION:</HD>
          <P>Notice of meeting.</P>
        </ACT>
        <SUM>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">SUMMARY:</HD>
          <P>The Food and Drug Administration Safety and Innovation Act authorizes the Access Board to convene a stakeholder working group to develop best practices for making information on prescription drug container labels accessible to people who are blind or visually impaired. The working group will hold its first meeting on January 10 and 11, 2013.</P>
        </SUM>
        <DATES>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">DATES:</HD>
          <P>The Working Group will meet on January 10, 2013, from 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and on January 11, 2013, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.</P>
        </DATES>
        <ADD>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">ADDRESSES:</HD>
          <P>The meeting will be held at the Access Board's Conference Room, 1331 F Street NW., suite 800, Washington, DC 20004-1111.</P>
        </ADD>
        <FURINF>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:</HD>

          <P>Susan Crawford, Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board, 1331 F Street NW., suite 1000, Washington, DC 20004-1111. Telephone number (202) 272-0029. Electronic mail address:<E T="03">crawford@access-board.gov.</E>
          </P>
        </FURINF>
      </PREAMB>
      <SUPLINF>
        <HD SOURCE="HED">SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:</HD>

        <P>On July 9, 2012, the President signed into law the Food and Drug Administration Safety and Innovation Act (Pub. L. 112-144, 126 Stat. 993). Section 904 of the Act authorizes the Access Board to convene a stakeholder working group to develop best practices for making information on prescription drug container labels accessible to people who are blind or visually impaired. See 29 U.S.C. 792 note. The Act exempts the working group from the Federal Advisory Committee Act. The Board has formed an 18-member working group with equal representation from national organizations representing blind and visually-impaired individuals, the elderly, and industry groups representing retail, mail order, and independent community pharmacies to develop best practices for pharmacies on providing independent access to prescription drug container labels. The working group will explore various alternatives, including braille, large print labels, and various auditory technologies such as “talking bottles” and radio frequency identification tags.<PRTPAGE P="74828"/>The group's recommendations, which are to be developed within one year, will be advisory only, not mandatory, and will not have the force of guidelines or standards.</P>
        <P>The law also calls upon the National Council on Disability to conduct an informational and educational campaign in cooperation with the stakeholder working group to inform the public, including people with disabilities and pharmacists, of the best practices. The Government Accountability Office will undertake a review at a later date to assess the extent to which pharmacies are following the best practices and to what extent barriers to information on prescription drug container labels remain.</P>

        <P>The working group will hold its first meeting on January 10 and 11, 2013. The agenda for the meeting includes initial remarks, introduction of working group members, discussion of administrative issues, discussion of prescription label access needs of consumer members, discussion of current practices, discussion and review of evaluation criteria to use to determine best practices, hands-on demonstrations of recommended practices, evaluation of recommended practices, and discussion of next steps. The preliminary meeting agenda, along with information about the working group, is available at<E T="03">http://www.access-board.gov/news/drug-labels-working-group.htm.</E>
        </P>
        <P>Working group meetings are open to the public and interested persons can attend the meetings and communicate their views. Members of the public will have opportunities to address the working group on issues of interest to them during public comment periods scheduled on each day of the meeting.</P>

        <P>The meetings will be accessible to persons with disabilities. An assistive listening system, computer assisted real-time transcription (CART), and sign language interpreters will be provided. Persons attending the meetings are requested to refrain from using perfume, cologne, and other fragrances for the comfort of other participants (see<E T="03">www.access-board.gov/about/policies/fragrance.htm</E>for more information). Persons wishing to provide handouts or other written information to the working group are requested to provide electronic formats to Susan Crawford via email prior to the meetings so that alternate formats can be distributed to working group members.</P>
        <SIG>
          <NAME>David M. Capozzi,</NAME>
          <TITLE>Executive Director.</TITLE>
        </SIG>
      </SUPLINF>
      <FRDOC>[FR Doc. 2012-30413 Filed 12-17-12; 8:45 am]</FRDOC>
      <BILCOD>BILLING CODE 8150-01-P</BILCOD>
    </NOTICE>
    <NOTICE>
      <PREAMB>
        <AGENCY TYPE="N">DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE</AGENCY>
        <SUBAGY>International Trade Administration</SUBAGY>
        <DEPDOC>[Docket No. 120913451-2681-02]</DEPDOC>
        <SUBJECT>Call for Applications for the International Buyer Program Calendar Years 2014 and 2015</SUBJECT>
        <AGY>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">AGENCY:</HD>
          <P>International Trade Administration, Department of Commerce.</P>
        </AGY>
        <ACT>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">ACTION:</HD>
          <P>Notice extending application deadline.</P>
        </ACT>
        <SUM>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">SUMMARY:</HD>

          <P>The U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC) is amending the Notice and Call for Applications for the International Buyer Program (IBP) for calendar year 2014 (January 1, 2014 through December 31, 2014) published at 77 FR 61,740 (Oct. 11, 2012) to extend the deadline for receipt of applications from December 10, 2012 to December 21, 2012. The IBP was established in the Omnibus Trade and Competitiveness Act of 1988 (Pub. L. 100-418, codified at 15 U.S.C. 4724) to bring international buyers together with U.S. firms by promoting leading U.S. trade shows in industries with high export potential. The IBP emphasizes cooperation between the DOC and trade show organizers to benefit U.S. firms exhibiting at selected events and provides practical, hands-on assistance such as export counseling and market analysis to U.S. companies interested in exporting. Specifically, through the IBP, the DOC selects domestic trade shows which will receive DOC assistance in the form of global promotion in foreign markets, providing export counseling to exhibitors, and providing export counseling and matchmaking services at the trade show. This notice covers selection for IBP participation during calendar year 2014. It also extends the deadline for applications to a new pilot initiative for the IBP, which will allow up to 20% of the 2014 IBP shows to be preselected for IBP participation in calendar year 2015 (January 1, 2015 through December 31, 2015) without having to reapply for the second year. Eligibility for this pilot initiative is limited to annual trade shows that participated in the IBP in calendar years 2011 or 2012. Applicants interested in being considered for this pilot must indicate so in the application. For more information about the IBP, including eligibility, participation fees, the responsibilities of the show organizers and the DOC, and how to apply, please see the prior notice, which is also available on the IBP Web site<E T="03">http://www.export.gov/IBP</E>.</P>
        </SUM>
        <DATES>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">DATES:</HD>
          <P>Applications for the IBP must be received by December 21, 2012.</P>
        </DATES>
        <ADD>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">ADDRESSES:</HD>
          <P>The IBP application may be downloaded from<E T="03">http://www.export.gov/IBP</E>. Applications may be submitted by any of the following methods: (1) Mail/Hand Delivery Service: International Buyer Program, Trade Promotion Programs, U.S. and Foreign Commercial Service, International Trade Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce, Ronald Reagan Building, 1300 Pennsylvania Ave. NW., Suite 800M—Mezzanine Level—Atrium North, Washington DC 20004. Telephone (202) 482-0691; (2) Facsimile: (202) 482-7800; or (3) email:<E T="03">IBP2014@trade.gov</E>. Facsimile and email applications will be accepted as interim applications, but must be followed by a signed original application that is received by the program no later than five (5) business days after the application deadline. To ensure that applications are timely received by the deadline, applicants are strongly urged to send applications by hand delivery service (e.g., U.S. Postal Service Express Delivery, Federal Express, UPS, etc.).</P>
        </ADD>
        <FURINF>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:</HD>

          <P>Gary Rand, Acting Director, International Buyer Program, Trade Promotion Programs, U.S. and Foreign Commercial Service, International Trade Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce, 1300 Pennsylvania Ave. NW., Ronald Reagan Building, Suite 800M—Mezzanine Level—Atrium North, Washington DC 20004; Telephone (202) 482-0691; Facsimile: (202) 482-7800; Email:<E T="03">IBP2014@trade.gov</E>.</P>
          <SIG>
            <NAME>Elnora Moye,</NAME>
            <TITLE>Trade Program Assistant.</TITLE>
          </SIG>
        </FURINF>
      </PREAMB>
      <FRDOC>[FR Doc. 2012-30250 Filed 12-17-12; 8:45 am]</FRDOC>
      <BILCOD>BILLING CODE 3510-DS-P</BILCOD>
    </NOTICE>
    <NOTICE>
      <PREAMB>
        <AGENCY TYPE="S">DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE</AGENCY>
        <SUBAGY>National Institute of Standards and Technology</SUBAGY>
        <SUBJECT>National Construction Safety Team Advisory Committee Meeting</SUBJECT>
        <AGY>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">AGENCY:</HD>
          <P>National Institute of Standards and Technology, Department of Commerce.</P>
        </AGY>
        <ACT>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">ACTION:</HD>
          <P>Notice of open meeting.</P>
        </ACT>
        <SUM>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">SUMMARY:</HD>

          <P>The National Construction Safety Team (NCST) Advisory Committee (Committee), will hold a meeting via teleconference on Friday, January 11, 2013 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Eastern Time. The primary purpose of this meeting is to discuss the NCST Advisory Committee's draft annual<PRTPAGE P="74829"/>report to Congress. A copy of the draft report will be posted prior to the meeting on the NCST Advisory Committee's Web site at<E T="03">http://www.nist.gov/el/disasterstudies/ncst/index.cfm.</E>Interested members of the public will be able to participate in the meeting from remote locations by calling into a central phone number.</P>
        </SUM>
        <DATES>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">DATES:</HD>
          <P>The NCST Advisory Committee will hold a meeting via teleconference on Friday, January 11, 2013, from 1 p.m. until 3 p.m. Eastern Time.</P>
        </DATES>
        <ADD>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">ADDRESSES:</HD>

          <P>Questions regarding the meeting should be sent to the Disaster and Failure Studies Program Director, National Institute of Standards and Technology, 100 Bureau Drive, Mail Stop 8604, Gaithersburg, Maryland 20899-8604. For instructions on how to participate in the meeting, please see the<E T="02">SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION</E>section of this notice.</P>
        </ADD>
        <FURINF>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:</HD>

          <P>Mr. Eric Letvin, Disaster and Failure Studies Program Director, National Institute of Standards and Technology, 100 Bureau Drive, Mail Stop 8604, Gaithersburg, Maryland 20899-8604. Mr. Letvin's email address is<E T="03">eric.letvin@nist.gov</E>and his phone number is (301) 975-5412.</P>
        </FURINF>
      </PREAMB>
      <SUPLINF>
        <HD SOURCE="HED">SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:</HD>

        <P>The NCST Advisory Committee was established pursuant to Section 11 of the National Construction Safety Team Act (15 U.S.C. 7301<E T="03">et seq.</E>). The NCST Advisory Committee is comprised of ten members, appointed by the Director of NIST, who were selected for their technical expertise and experience, established records of distinguished professional service, and their knowledge of issues affecting teams established under the NCST Act. The NCST Advisory Committee advises the Director of NIST on the functions and composition of Teams established under the NCST Act and on the exercise of authorities enumerated in the NCST Act and reviews the procedures developed to implement the NCST Act and reports issued under section 8 of the NCST Act. Background information on the NCST Act and information on the NCST Advisory Committee is available at<E T="03">http://www.nist.gov/el/disasterstudies/ncst.</E>
        </P>

        <P>Pursuant to the Federal Advisory Committee Act, as amended, 5 U.S.C. App., notice is hereby given that the NCST Advisory Committee will hold a meeting via teleconference on Friday, January 11, 2013, from 1 p.m. until 3 p.m. Eastern Time. There will be no central meeting location. Interested members of the public will be able to participate in the meeting from remote locations by calling into a central phone number. The primary purpose of this meeting is to discuss the NCST Advisory Committee's draft annual report to Congress. A copy of the draft report will be posted on the NCST Advisory Committee's Web site at<E T="03">http://www.nist.gov/el/disasterstudies/ncst/index.cfm.</E>
        </P>

        <P>Individuals and representatives of organizations who would like to offer comments and suggestions related to the NCST Advisory Committee's affairs are invited to request detailed instructions by contacting Eric Letvin on how to dial in from a remote location to participate in the meeting. Eric Letvin's email address is<E T="03">eric.letvin@nist.gov,</E>and his phone number is 301-975-5412. Approximately fifteen minutes will be reserved from 2:45 p.m.-3 p.m. Eastern Time for public comments; speaking times will be assigned on a first-come, first-serve basis. The amount of time per speaker will be determined by the number of requests received, but is likely to be about 3 minutes each. Questions from the public will not be considered during this period. Speakers who wish to expand upon their oral statements, those who had wished to speak but could not be accommodated on the agenda, and those who were unable to participate are invited to submit written statements to the National Construction Safety Team Advisory Committee, National Institute of Standards and Technology, 100 Bureau Drive, MS 8604, Gaithersburg, Maryland 20899-8604, via fax at (301) 975-4032, or electronically by email to<E T="03">ncstac@nist.gov.</E>
        </P>

        <P>All participants in the meeting are required to pre-register. Anyone wishing to participate must register by 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time on Thursday, January 10, 2013, in order to be included. Please submit your name, email address, and phone number to Eric Letvin. After registering, participants will be provided with detailed instructions on how to dial in from a remote location in order to participate. Eric Letvin's email address is<E T="03">eric.letvin@nist.gov,</E>and his phone number is (301) 975-5412.</P>
        <SIG>
          <DATED>Dated: December 13, 2012.</DATED>
          <NAME>Willie E. May,</NAME>
          <TITLE>Associate Director for Laboratory Programs.</TITLE>
        </SIG>
      </SUPLINF>
      <FRDOC>[FR Doc. 2012-30469 Filed 12-17-12; 8:45 am]</FRDOC>
      <BILCOD>BILLING CODE 3510-13-P</BILCOD>
    </NOTICE>
    <NOTICE>
      <PREAMB>
        <AGENCY TYPE="S">DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE</AGENCY>
        <SUBAGY>National Institute of Standards and Technology</SUBAGY>
        <SUBJECT>Notice of Public Meeting—Cloud Computing and Big Data Forum and Workshop</SUBJECT>
        <AGY>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">AGENCY:</HD>
          <P>National Institute of Standards and Technology, Department of Commerce.</P>
        </AGY>
        <ACT>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">ACTION:</HD>
          <P>Notice of public forum and workshop.</P>
        </ACT>
        <SUM>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">SUMMARY:</HD>

          <P>The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) announces a Cloud Computing and Big Data Forum and Workshop to be held on Tuesday, January 15, Wednesday, January 16, and Thursday, January 17, 2013. The format is a two-day forum followed by a one-day hands-on workshop. The NIST Cloud Computing and Big Data Forum and Workshop will bring together leaders and innovators from industry, academia and government in an interactive format that combines keynote presentations, panel discussions, interactive breakout sessions, and open discussion. The forum and workshop are open to the general public. NIST invites organizations to display posters and participate as exhibitors as described in the<E T="02">SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION</E>section below.</P>
        </SUM>
        <DATES>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">DATES:</HD>
          <P>The NIST Cloud Computing and Big Data Forum and Workshop will be held 9:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Eastern Time (ET) on Tuesday, January 15, 9:00 a.m.-5:30 p.m. ET on Wednesday, January 16, and 9:00 a.m.-12:40 p.m. ET on Thursday, January 17, 2013.</P>
        </DATES>
        <ADD>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">ADDRESSES:</HD>
          <P>To register, go to:<E T="03">http://www.nist.gov/itl/cloud/cloudbdworkshop.cfm.</E>The event will be held at the National Institute of Standards and Technology, 100 Bureau Drive, Gaithersburg, MD 20899 in the Red Auditorium of the Administration Building (Building 101). Please note admittance instructions in the<E T="02">SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION</E>section below.</P>
        </ADD>
        <FURINF>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:</HD>
          <P>Romayne Hines by email at<E T="03">romayne.hines@nist.gov</E>or by phone at (301) 975-4090. Additional information may be found at:<E T="03">http://www.nist.gov/itl/cloud/cloudbdworkshop.cfm.</E>
          </P>
        </FURINF>
      </PREAMB>
      <SUPLINF>
        <HD SOURCE="HED">SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:</HD>

        <P>NIST hosted five prior Cloud Computing Forum &amp; Workshop events in May 2010, November 2010, April 2011, November 2011 and June 2012. The purpose of this series of workshops was to respond to the request of the U.S. Chief Information<PRTPAGE P="74830"/>Officer that NIST lead federal efforts on standards for data portability, cloud interoperability, and security<SU>1</SU>
          <FTREF/>. The workshops' goals were to engage with industry to accelerate the development of cloud standards for interoperability, portability, and security, discuss the Federal Government's experience with cloud computing, report on the status of the NIST Cloud Computing efforts, launch and report progress on the NIST-led initiative to collaboratively develop a U.S. Government (USG) Cloud Computing Technology Roadmap among multiple federal and industrial stakeholders, and to advance the dialogue among all of these groups. The series has been expanded to focus on the emerging trend of Big Data in the context of its convergence with and complementary relationship to Cloud Computing.</P>
        <FTNT>
          <P>

            <SU>1</SU>Office of Management and Budget, U.S. Chief Information Officer,<E T="03">Federal Cloud Computing Strategy,</E>Feb. 8, 2011. Online:<E T="03">https://cio.gov/wp-content/uploads/downloads/2012/09/Federal-Cloud-Computing-Strategy.pdf.</E>
          </P>
        </FTNT>
        <P>On the first day, the workshop presenters will provide information on the USG Cloud Computing Technology Roadmap initiative as well as a status update on NIST efforts to help develop open standards in interoperability, portability and security in cloud computing. On the second and third days, the workshop will focus on the intersection of Cloud Computing and Big Data. Fully realizing the power of Big Data depends on meeting the unprecedented demands on storage, integration, and analysis presented by massive data sets—demands that Cloud Computing innovators are working to meet today. The workshop will explore possibilities for harmonizing Cloud Computing and Big Data measurement, benchmarking, and standards in ways that bring the power of these two approaches to bear in driving progress and prosperity.</P>

        <P>NIST invites members of the public, especially Cloud Computing and Big Data community stakeholders, to participate in this event with a poster display or as an exhibitor. On Tuesday, January 15 and Wednesday, January 16, 2013, space will be available for 30 academic, industry, and standards developing organizations to exhibit their respective Cloud Computing or Big Data work at a demonstration booth or table. Space will also be available for 16 academic, industry, and standards developing organizations to display posters related to Cloud Computing or Big Data at the event. Interested organizations should contact Romayne Hines at<E T="03">romayne.hines@nist.gov</E>or (301) 975-4090. Requests to exhibit and to display posters will be granted on a first-come, first-serve basis. The first 30 organizations requesting to exhibit will be accepted for the exhibits. The first 16 organizations requesting to display posters will be accepted for the poster display. Responses must be submitted by an authorized representative of the organization. Logistics information will be provided to accepted exhibitors. NIST will provide the poster and exhibit location space and one work table free of charge. Exhibitors are responsible for the cost of the poster or exhibit, including staffing and materials. NIST reserves the right to exercise its judgment in the placement of posters and exhibits. General building security is supplied; however, exhibitors are responsible for transporting and securing exhibit equipment and materials.</P>

        <P>The workshop is open to the general public; however, those wishing to attend must register at<E T="03">http://www.nist.gov/itl/cloud/cloudbdworkshop.cfm</E>by 5:00 p.m. ET on Thursday, January 10, 2013. All visitors to the NIST site are required to pre-register to be admitted and have appropriate government-issued photo ID to gain entry to NIST.</P>
        <SIG>
          <DATED>Dated: December 13, 2012.</DATED>
          <NAME>Willie E. May,</NAME>
          <TITLE>Associate Director for Laboratory Programs.</TITLE>
        </SIG>
      </SUPLINF>
      <FRDOC>[FR Doc. 2012-30467 Filed 12-17-12; 8:45 am]</FRDOC>
      <BILCOD>BILLING CODE 3510-13-P</BILCOD>
    </NOTICE>
    <NOTICE>
      <PREAMB>
        <AGENCY TYPE="S">DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE</AGENCY>
        <SUBAGY>United States Patent and Trademark Office</SUBAGY>
        <DEPDOC>[Docket No. PTO-P-2012-0050]</DEPDOC>
        <SUBJECT>Request for Comments on a Patent Small Claims Proceeding in the United States</SUBJECT>
        <AGY>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">AGENCY:</HD>
          <P>United States Patent and Trademark Office, Department of Commerce.</P>
        </AGY>
        <ACT>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">ACTION:</HD>
          <P>Request for comments.</P>
        </ACT>
        <SUM>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">SUMMARY:</HD>
          <P>The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) is seeking comments as to whether the United States should develop a small claims proceeding for patent enforcement. Among the information of interest to the USPTO is whether there is a need and desire for this type of proceeding, in what circumstances is this proceeding needed if such a need exists, and what features this proceeding should possess. In particular the USPTO seeks information about core characteristics of a patent small claims proceeding including characteristics such as subject matter jurisdiction, venue, case management, appellate review, available remedies, and conformity with the U.S. constitutional framework (e.g. 7th Amendment). Additional details may be found in the supplementary information section of this notice.</P>
        </SUM>
        <DATES>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">DATES:</HD>
          <P>To be ensured of consideration, written comments must be received on or before March 18, 2013.</P>
        </DATES>
        <ADD>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">ADDRESSES:</HD>
          <P>Written comments should be sent by email to<E T="03">ip.policy@uspto.gov.</E>Comments may also be submitted by postal mail addressed to: Mail Stop OPEA, P.O. Box 1450, Alexandria, VA 22313-1450, ATTN: Elizabeth Shaw. Although comments may be submitted by postal mail, the USPTO prefers to receive comments via email. Written comments should be identified in the subject line of the email or postal mailing as “Patent Small Claims.”</P>

          <P>Comments will be made publicly available after the comment period via the USPTO Internet Web site (address:<E T="03">http://www.uspto.gov</E>). As such, information that is not desired to be made public, such as an address or phone number, should not be included in the comments.</P>
        </ADD>
        <FURINF>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:</HD>

          <P>David Gerk, Office of Policy and External Affairs, by phone 571-272-9300, by email at<E T="03">David.Gerk@uspto.gov</E>or by mail addressed to: Mail Stop OPEA, United States Patent and Trademark Office, P.O. Box 1450, Alexandria, Virginia 22313-1450, ATTN: David Gerk.</P>
        </FURINF>
      </PREAMB>
      <SUPLINF>
        <HD SOURCE="HED">SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:</HD>

        <P>This inquiry correlates to several recent discussions the USPTO has had with Federal judges, academia, private practitioners and various stakeholder groups and bar and industry associations, exploring the desire and need for a patent small claims proceeding in the United States. The idea of a U.S. patent small claims court, however, is not new, having been raised first by industry and patent litigators over 20 years ago. In 1989, a conference hosted by Franklin Pierce Law Center, in cooperation with the Kenneth J. Germenshausen Center for the Law of Innovation and Entrepreneurship at the University of New Hampshire, examined how to streamline patent litigation through a small claims court. After this conference, both the American Intellectual Property Law Association (AIPLA) and American Bar Association Intellectual Property Section (ABA-IP) further recognized the need for such a small claims solution, and adopted measures to support a patent small claims court. In 1990, the<PRTPAGE P="74831"/>AIPLA endorsed the creation of a “small” claims patent court that was described in Resolution 401.4, and in the same year the Secretary of Commerce formed an Advisory Commission on Patent Law Reform, which suggested further study of small claims procedures for patent cases in Federal courts. While a U.S. patent small claims proposal failed to advance further at that time, renewed discussion and consideration by bar associations, industry groups, practitioners, and members of the Federal judiciary, have now revived consideration and discussion of a patent small claims proceeding in the United States.</P>
        <P>On Thursday, May 10, 2012, a roundtable of intellectual property experts co-sponsored by the USPTO and the United States Copyright Office convened at The George Washington University Law School (GWU) to consider the possible introduction of small claims proceedings for patent and copyright claims in the United States. Conformity with the U.S. Constitution and a potential structural framework for small claims proceedings in the realm of patents and copyrights were among the topics explored. On October 1, 2012, in continuation of the discussion initiated at the GWU roundtable, the USPTO hosted a Patent Small Claims Proceeding Forum composed of experts to discuss the concept of a patent small claims proceeding. Now, the USPTO also seeks comments from the public regarding a patent small claims proceeding.</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Issues for Comment:</E>Interested members of the public are invited to submit written comments on issues that they believe are relevant to a U.S. patent small claims proceeding. The topics and questions listed below are included to identify specific issues upon which the USPTO is interested in obtaining public opinion. The tenor of the following questions should not be taken as an indication that the USPTO has taken a position or is predisposed to any particular views.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Comments on One or More of the Following Would Be Helpful</HD>
        <P>1. Provide a general description of your understanding of the need or lack of a need for a patent small claims court or other streamlined proceedings. If you believe there is a need, please provide a description of which types of patent cases would benefit from such proceedings. If you believe that there is not a need for such a court or proceedings, please share why you hold such a view.</P>
        <P>2. Please share your views, along with any corresponding analysis and empirical data, as to what a preferred patent small claims proceeding should look like. In doing so, please comment on any of the following issues:</P>
        <P>(a) What the possible<E T="03">venues</E>for a small claims proceeding should be, including whether patent small claims should be heard by Federal District Court judges or magistrates, whether patent small claims should be handled by an Article I court, such as the U.S. Court of Federal Claims, or whether patent small claims should be heard in another venue not specifically listed here;</P>
        <P>(b) What the preferred<E T="03">subject matter jurisdiction</E>of the patent small claims proceeding should be, including which if any claims, counterclaims, and defenses should be permitted in a patent small claims proceeding;</P>
        <P>(c) Whether parties should agree to waive their right to a<E T="03">jury trial</E>as a condition of participating in a small claims proceeding;</P>
        <P>(d) Whether there should be certain required<E T="03">pleadings or evidence</E>to initiate a small claims proceeding;</P>
        <P>(e) Whether a<E T="03">filing fee</E>should be required to initiate a small claims proceeding and what the nature of that fee should be;</P>
        <P>(f) Whether<E T="03">multiple parties</E>should be able to file claims in a small claims proceeding and whether multiple defendants may be sued together;</P>
        <P>(g) What role<E T="03">attorneys</E>should have in a small claims proceeding including whether corporations should be able to represent themselves;</P>
        <P>(h) What the preferred<E T="03">case management characteristics</E>that would help to control the length and expense of a small claims proceeding should be;</P>
        <P>(i) What the preferred<E T="03">remedies</E>in a small claims proceeding should be including whether or not an injunction should be an available remedy and any minimum threshold or maximum cap on damages that should be imposed;</P>
        <P>(j) Whether a small claims proceeding should include<E T="03">attorney's fees</E>or some form of a “loser pays” system;</P>
        <P>(k) Whether a small claims proceeding should include<E T="03">mediation</E>and whether mediation should be mandatory or permissive;</P>
        <P>(l) What type of<E T="03">record</E>should be created during a small claims proceeding including whether hearings should be transcribed and whether a written decision should be issued;</P>
        <P>(m) What<E T="03">weight</E>should be given to a decision rendered in a small claims proceeding in terms of precedent,<E T="03">res judicata,</E>and estoppel;</P>
        <P>(n) How should a decision in a small claims proceeding be<E T="03">enforced;</E>
        </P>
        <P>(o) What the nature of<E T="03">appellate review</E>should be including whether there should be a direct appeal to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit or whether there should be intermediate review by a U.S. district court or some other venue;</P>
        <P>(p) What, if any,<E T="03">constitutional</E>issues would be raised by the creation of Federal small claims proceedings including separation of powers, the right to a jury trial, and/or due process;</P>
        <P>(q) Whether the patent small claim proceedings should be<E T="03">self-supporting financially,</E>including whether the winning and/or losing parties should be required to defray any administrative costs, and if so, how would this be accomplished;</P>
        <P>(r) Whether and how to<E T="03">evaluate</E>patent small claims proceedings, including whether evaluations should be periodic and whether the patent small claims proceeding should be launched initially as a pilot program; and</P>
        <P>(s) Any other additional pertinent issues not identified above that the USPTO should consider.</P>
        <P>3. Please share any concerns you may have regarding any unintended negative consequences of a patent small claims proceeding along with any proposed safeguards that would reduce or eliminate the risk of any potential negative unintended consequences, to the extent any such concerns exist.</P>

        <P>The USPTO will make any comments it receives publicly available via the USPTO Internet Web site (address:<E T="03">http://www.uspto.gov</E>). The USPTO will also make various background materials regarding small claims proceedings available via its Web site.</P>
        <SIG>
          <DATED>Dated: December 13, 2012.</DATED>
          <NAME>David J. Kappos,</NAME>
          <TITLE>Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property and Director of the United States Patent and Trademark Office.</TITLE>
        </SIG>
      </SUPLINF>
      <FRDOC>[FR Doc. 2012-30483 Filed 12-17-12; 8:45 am]</FRDOC>
      <BILCOD>BILLING CODE 3510-16-P</BILCOD>
    </NOTICE>
    <NOTICE>
      <PREAMB>
        <AGENCY TYPE="N">BUREAU OF CONSUMER FINANCIAL PROTECTION</AGENCY>
        <DEPDOC>[Docket No. CFPB-2012-0047]</DEPDOC>
        <SUBJECT>Fair Credit Reporting Act Disclosures</SUBJECT>
        <AGY>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">AGENCY:</HD>
          <P>Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection.</P>
        </AGY>
        <ACT>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">ACTION:</HD>
          <P>Notice regarding charges for certain disclosures under the Fair Credit Reporting Act.</P>
        </ACT>
        <SUM>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">SUMMARY:</HD>

          <P>The Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection (Bureau) announces that the ceiling on allowable<PRTPAGE P="74832"/>charges under Section 612(f) of the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) will remain unchanged at $11.50 for 2013. The Bureau is required to increase the $8.00 amount referred to in Section 612(f)(1)(A)(i) of the FCRA on January 1 of each year, based proportionally on changes in the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U), with fractional changes rounded to the nearest fifty cents. The CPI-U increased 42.74 percent between September 1997, the date the FCRA amendments took effect, and September 2012. This increase in the CPI-U, and the requirement that any increase be rounded to the nearest fifty cents, results in no change in the maximum allowable charge of $11.50.</P>
        </SUM>
        <DATES>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">DATES:</HD>
          <P>Effective January 1, 2013.</P>
        </DATES>
        <FURINF>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:</HD>
          <P>Office of Regulations, Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection, 202-435-7700.</P>
        </FURINF>
      </PREAMB>
      <SUPLINF>
        <HD SOURCE="HED">SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:</HD>
        <P>Section 612(f)(1)(A) of the Fair Credit Reporting Act (the FCRA) provides that a consumer reporting agency may charge a consumer a reasonable amount for making a disclosure to the consumer pursuant to Section 609 of the FCRA.<SU>1</SU>
          <FTREF/>Section 612(f)(1)(A) of the FCRA provides that, where a consumer reporting agency is permitted to impose a reasonable charge on a consumer for making a disclosure to the consumer pursuant to Section 609 of the FCRA, the charge shall not exceed $8.00 and shall be indicated to the consumer before making the disclosure. Section 612(f)(2) of the FCRA states that the Bureau shall increase the $8.00 maximum amount on January 1 of each year, based proportionally on changes in the Consumer Price Index, with fractional changes rounded to the nearest fifty cents.</P>
        <FTNT>
          <P>
            <SU>1</SU>This provision, originally Section 612(a), was added to the FCRA in September 1996 and became effective in September 1997. It was relabeled Section 612(f) by Section 211(a)(1) of the Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act of 2003 (FACT Act), Public Law 108-159, which was signed into law on December 4, 2003.</P>
        </FTNT>
        <P>In 2011, the responsibility for performing this task was transferred from the Federal Trade Commission to the Bureau pursuant to the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010.<SU>2</SU>
          <FTREF/>Like the Federal Trade Commission, the Bureau's calculations are based on the CPI-U, which is the most general Consumer Price Index and covers all urban consumers and all items.</P>
        <FTNT>
          <P>
            <SU>2</SU>Public Law 111-203, Title X, Section 1088.</P>
        </FTNT>
        <P>Section 211(a)(2) of the FACT Act added a new Section 612(a) to the FCRA that gives consumers the right to request free annual disclosures once every 12 months. The maximum allowable charge established by this notice does not apply to requests made under that provision. The charge does apply when a consumer who orders a file disclosure has already received a free annual disclosure and does not otherwise qualify for an additional free disclosure.</P>
        <P>The Bureau is using the $8.00 amount set forth in Section 612(f)(1)(A)(i) of the FCRA as the baseline for its calculation of the increase in the ceiling on reasonable charges for certain disclosures made under Section 609 of the FCRA. Since the effective date of the amended FCRA was September 30, 1997, the Bureau calculated the proportional increase in the CPI-U from September 1997 to September 2012. The Bureau then determined what modification, if any, from the original base of $8.00 should be made effective for 2013, given the requirement that fractional changes be rounded to the nearest fifty cents.</P>
        <P>Between September 1997 and September 2012, the CPI-U increased by 42.74 percent—from an index value of 161.2 in September 1997 to a value of 230.1 in September 2012. An increase of 42.74 percent in the $8.00 base figure would lead to a new figure of $11.42. However, because the statute directs that the resulting figure be rounded to the nearest $0.50, the maximum allowable charge is $11.50. The Bureau therefore determines that the maximum allowable charge for the year 2013 will remain unchanged at $11.50.</P>
        <SIG>
          <DATED>Dated: December 8, 2012.</DATED>
          <NAME>Richard Cordray,</NAME>
          <TITLE>Director, Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection.</TITLE>
        </SIG>
      </SUPLINF>
      <FRDOC>[FR Doc. 2012-30373 Filed 12-17-12; 8:45 am]</FRDOC>
      <BILCOD>BILLING CODE 4810-AM-P</BILCOD>
    </NOTICE>
    <NOTICE>
      <PREAMB>
        <AGENCY TYPE="N">DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE</AGENCY>
        <SUBAGY>Office of the Secretary</SUBAGY>
        <DEPDOC>[Transmittal Nos. 12-65]</DEPDOC>
        <SUBJECT>36(b)(1) Arms Sales Notification</SUBJECT>
        <AGY>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">AGENCY:</HD>
          <P>Defense Security Cooperation Agency, Department of Defense.</P>
        </AGY>
        <ACT>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">ACTION:</HD>
          <P>Notice.</P>
        </ACT>
        <SUM>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">SUMMARY:</HD>
          <P>The Department of Defense is publishing the unclassified text of a section 36(b)(1) arms sales notification. This is published to fulfill the requirements of section 155 of Public Law 104-164 dated July 21, 1996.</P>
        </SUM>
        <FURINF>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:</HD>
          <P>Ms. B. English, DSCA/DBO/CFM, (703) 601-3740.</P>
          <P>The following is a copy of a letter to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Transmittals 12-65 with attached transmittal, policy justification, and Sensitivity of Technology.</P>
          <SIG>
            <DATED>Dated: December 7, 2012.</DATED>
            <NAME>Aaron Siegel,</NAME>
            <TITLE>Alternate OSD Federal Register Liaison Officer, Department of Defense.</TITLE>
          </SIG>
          <BILCOD>BILLING CODE 5001-06-P</BILCOD>
          <GPH DEEP="419" SPAN="3">
            <PRTPAGE P="74833"/>
            <GID>EN18DE12.000</GID>
          </GPH>
          <BILCOD>BILLING CODE 5001-06-C</BILCOD>
          <HD SOURCE="HD3">Transmittal No. 12-65</HD>
          <HD SOURCE="HD3">Notice of Proposed Issuance of Letter of Offer Pursuant to Section 36(b)(1) of the Arms Export Control Act, as Amended</HD>
          <P>(i)<E T="03">Prospective Purchaser:</E>Saudi Arabia.</P>
          <P>(ii)<E T="03">Total Estimated Value:</E>
          </P>
          <GPOTABLE CDEF="s50,xs56" COLS="2" OPTS="L0,tp0,p0,8/9,g1,t1,i1">
            <TTITLE/>
            <BOXHD>
              <CHED H="1"/>
              <CHED H="1"/>
            </BOXHD>
            <ROW>
              <ENT I="01">Major Defense Equipment *</ENT>
              <ENT>$0 million.</ENT>
            </ROW>
            <ROW RUL="n,s">
              <ENT I="01">Other</ENT>
              <ENT>$130 million.</ENT>
            </ROW>
            <ROW>
              <ENT I="02">TOTAL</ENT>
              <ENT>$130 million.</ENT>
            </ROW>
            <TNOTE>* As defined in Section 47(6) of the Arms Export Control Act.</TNOTE>
          </GPOTABLE>
          <P>(ii)<E T="03">Description and Quantity or Quantities of Articles or Services under Consideration for Purchase:</E>Technical services to recertify the functional shelf life of up to 300 PATRIOT Advanced Capability-2 (PAC-2) (MIM-104D) Guidance Enhanced Missiles (GEM), modernization of existing equipment, spare and repair parts, support equipment, U.S. Government and contractor representatives logistics, engineering, and technical support services, and other related elements of logistics and program support.</P>
          <P>(iv)<E T="03">Military Department:</E>Army (UAU).</P>
          <P>(v)<E T="03">Prior Related Cases, if any:</E>FMS Case JBV—$3.1 billion—16 Dec 92.</P>
          <P>(vi)<E T="03">Sales Commission, Fee, etc., Paid, Offered, or Agreed to be Paid:</E>None.</P>
          <P>(vii)<E T="03">Sensitivity of Technology:</E>See attached annex.</P>
          <P>(viii)<E T="03">Date Report Delivered to Congress:</E>26 Nov 2012.</P>
          <HD SOURCE="HD3">POLICY JUSTIFICATION</HD>
          <HD SOURCE="HD3">Saudi Arabia—PATRIOT PAC-2 Guided Enhanced Missiles (GEM) Recertification</HD>
          <P>The Government of Saudi Arabia has requested a possible sale of technical services to recertify the functional shelf life of up to 300 PATRIOT Advanced Capability-2 (PAC-2) (MIM-104D) Guidance Enhanced Missiles (GEM), modernization of existing equipment, spare and repair parts, support equipment, U.S. Government and contractor representatives logistics, engineering, and technical support services, and other related elements of logistics and program support. The estimated cost is $130 million.</P>
          <P>This proposed sale will contribute to the foreign policy and national security of the United States by helping to improve the security of an important partner which has been, and continues to be, an important force for political stability and economic progress in the Middle East.</P>

          <P>The proposed recertification program will allow the Royal Saudi Air Defense Forces to extend the shelf life of the PAC-2 missiles in its inventory for an additional twelve years.<PRTPAGE P="74834"/>
          </P>
          <P>The proposed recertification program will not alter the basic military balance in the region.</P>
          <P>The principal contractor will be Raytheon Corporation in Andover, Massachusetts. The recertification process will be performed by Letterkenny Army Depot in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania. There are no known offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale.</P>
          <P>Implementation of this proposed sale will require one contractor representative to travel to the Missile Assembly Disassembly Facility in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia on an extended basis for missile assembly/disassembly support, system checkout, training and technical and logistics support.</P>
          <P>There will be no adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness as a result of this proposed sale.</P>
          <HD SOURCE="HD3">Transmittal No. 12-65</HD>
          <HD SOURCE="HD3">Notice of Proposed Issuance of Letter of Offer Pursuant to Section 36(b)(1) of the Arms Export Control Act</HD>
          <HD SOURCE="HD3">Annex</HD>
          <HD SOURCE="HD3">Item No. vii</HD>
          <P>(vii)<E T="03">Sensitivity of Technology:</E>
          </P>
          <P>1. The PATRIOT Air Defense System contains classified components and critical/sensitive technology. The PATRIOT PAC-2 (MIM-104D) GEM missile contains hardware components that are classified Confidential.</P>
          <P>2. The PATRIOT PAC-2 (MIM-104D) GEM missile is a certified round that has an engineered shelf life which requires a periodic inspection and testing process to recertify it as reliable and safe for continued use. This process requires the replacement of limited life components and testing of other components to maintain a predictable and acceptable level of reliability over the specified certification period. The recertified components are the transmitter (part of the missile forebody), radome, and safety and arming device. The internal sensor assembly and the control section must also be tested to maintain the certification of the missile round. All components are Unclassified. In addition to this recertification process, the missile downlink will be modified to correct performance deficiencies.</P>
          <P>3. The missile's sensitive/critical technology is primarily in the area of design and production know-how and primarily inherent in the design, development and/or manufacturing data related to the GEM fuze. No design or manufacturing data will be provided to Saudi Arabia under this case.</P>
          <P>4. If a technologically advanced adversary were to obtain knowledge of the specific hardware and software elements, the information could be used to develop countermeasures that might reduce weapon system effectiveness or be used in the development of a system with similar or advanced capabilities.</P>
          
        </FURINF>
      </PREAMB>
      <FRDOC>[FR Doc. 2012-30428 Filed 12-17-12; 8:45 am]</FRDOC>
      <BILCOD>BILLING CODE 5001-06-P</BILCOD>
    </NOTICE>
    <NOTICE>
      <PREAMB>
        <AGENCY TYPE="S">DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE</AGENCY>
        <SUBJECT>Office of the Secretary</SUBJECT>
        <SUBJECT>Defense Audit Advisory Committee (DAAC); Notice of Federal Advisory Committee Meeting</SUBJECT>
        <AGY>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">AGENCY:</HD>
          <P>Under Secretary of Defense (Comptroller), DoD.</P>
        </AGY>
        
        <SUM>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">SUMMARY:</HD>
          <P>Under the provisions of the Federal Advisory Committee Act of 1972 (5 U.S.C., Appendix, as amended), the Government in the Sunshine Act of 1976 (5 U.S.C. 552b, as amended), and 41 CFR 102-3.150, the Department of Defense announces the following Federal advisory committee meeting of the Defense Audit Advisory Committee will be held.</P>
        </SUM>
        <DATES>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">DATES:</HD>
          <P>Tuesday, January 29, 2013, beginning at 2:30 p.m. and ending at 4:30 p.m.</P>
        </DATES>
        <ADD>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">ADDRESSES:</HD>

          <P>Pentagon, Room 3E754, Washington, DC (escort required, see<E T="02">SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION</E>).</P>
        </ADD>
        <FURINF>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:</HD>

          <P>For meeting information, please contact Ms. Patricia Dees, the Committee's Designated Federal Officer, Office of the Under Secretary of Defense (Comptroller) (OUSD(C)), 1100 Defense Pentagon, Room 3E769, Washington, DC 20301-1100,<E T="03">patricia.dees@osd.mil,</E>(703) 695-7000.</P>
        </FURINF>
      </PREAMB>
      <SUPLINF>
        <HD SOURCE="HED">SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:</HD>
        <P/>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">(a) Purpose</HD>
        <P>The mission of the DAAC is to provide the Secretary of Defense, through the Under Secretary of Defense (Comptroller)/Chief Financial Officer, independent advice and recommendations on DoD financial management to include financial reporting processes, systems of internal controls, audit processes, and processes for monitoring compliance with relevant laws and regulations.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">(b) Agenda</HD>
        <P>Below is the agenda for the January 29, 2013, DAAC meeting:</P>
        
        <FP SOURCE="FP-1">2:30 p.m.—Welcome Remarks (HON Robert Hale)</FP>
        <FP SOURCE="FP-1">2:35 p.m.—Swearing in of Members for New Term (Ms. Annette Hamm-Brown)</FP>
        <FP SOURCE="FP-1">2:40 p.m.—Opening of Committee Meeting (Mr. Ernest Almonte)</FP>
        <FP SOURCE="FP-1">2:45 p.m.—Recap of November 2012 Financial Improvement and Audit Readiness Plan Status Report (Mr. Joseph Quinn)</FP>
        <FP SOURCE="FP-1">3:30 p.m.—Break</FP>
        <FP SOURCE="FP-1">3:45 p.m.—U.S. Marine Corps Audit Lessons Learned (Ms. Ann-Cecile McDermott)</FP>
        <FP SOURCE="FP-1">4:25 p.m.—Closing Remarks (Mr. Mark Easton)</FP>
        <FP SOURCE="FP-1">4:30 p.m.—Adjournment (Mr. Ernest Almonte)</FP>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">(c) Accessibility to the Meeting</HD>

        <P>Pursuant to 5 U.S.C. § 552b and 41 CFR 102-3.140 through 102-3.165, and the availability of space, this meeting is open to the public. Seating is on a first-come basis. Members of the public who wish to attend the meeting must contact Ms. Dees at the number listed in<E T="02">FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT</E>no later than noon on Thursday, January 24, 2013, to arrange a Pentagon escort. Public attendees should arrive at the Pentagon Metro Entrance on January 29, 2013, by 1:30 p.m., and complete outer security screenings by 1:45 p.m. Please meet your arranged escort at the inner Pentagon Metro Entrance Visitors Center no later than 1:50 p.m. to ensure completion of remaining entrance screenings and arrival at the meeting venue on time. Security screenings require two forms of identification: (1) A government-issued photo I.D., and (2) any type of secondary I.D. which verifies the individual's name (i.e. debit card, credit card, work badge, social security card).</P>
        <P>Special Accommodations: Individuals requiring special accommodation to access the public meeting should contact Ms. Dees at least five business days prior to the meeting to ensure appropriate arrangements can be made.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">(d) Procedures for Providing Written Comments</HD>
        <P>Pursuant to 41 CFR 102-3.105(j) and 102-3.140, and section 10(a)(3) of the Federal Advisory Committee Act of 1972, the public or interested organizations may submit written comments to the Committee about its mission and topics pertaining to this public session.</P>

        <P>Written comments are accepted until the date of the meeting, however, written comments should be received by the Designated Federal Officer at least five business days prior to the meeting date so that the comments may be made available to the Committee members for their consideration prior to the meeting. Written comments should be submitted to the Designated Federal Officer listed<PRTPAGE P="74835"/>in<E T="02">FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT</E>. Email submissions should be in Adobe Acrobat or Word formats.</P>
        <P>Please note: Because the Committee operates under the provisions of the Federal Advisory Committee Act, as amended, all written comments will be treated as public documents and will be made available for public inspection, up to and including being posted on the OUSD(C) Web site.</P>
        <SIG>
          <DATED>Dated: December 13, 2012.</DATED>
          <NAME>Aaron Siegel,</NAME>
          <TITLE>Alternate OSD Federal Register Liaison Officer, Department of Defense.</TITLE>
        </SIG>
      </SUPLINF>
      <FRDOC>[FR Doc. 2012-30429 Filed 12-17-12; 8:45 am]</FRDOC>
      <BILCOD>BILLING CODE 5001-06-P</BILCOD>
    </NOTICE>
    <NOTICE>
      <PREAMB>
        <AGENCY TYPE="S">DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE</AGENCY>
        <SUBAGY>Office of the Secretary</SUBAGY>
        <SUBJECT>Renewal of Department of Defense Federal Advisory Committees</SUBJECT>
        <AGY>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">AGENCY:</HD>
          <P>Department of Defense.</P>
        </AGY>
        <ACT>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">ACTION:</HD>
          <P>Renewal of Federal Advisory Committee.</P>
        </ACT>
        <SUM>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">SUMMARY:</HD>
          <P>Under the provisions of 10 U.S.C. 1781a, as amended, the Federal Advisory Committee Act of 1972 (5 U.S.C. Appendix), the Government in the Sunshine Act of 1976 (5 U.S.C. 552b) (“the Sunshine Act), and 41 CFR 102-3.50(a), the Department of Defense (DoD) gives notice that it is renewing the charter for the Department of Defense Military Family Readiness Council (“the Council”).</P>
          <P>The Council is a non-discretionary federal advisory committee that shall review and make recommendations to the Secretary of Defense regarding the policy and plans required under 10 U.S.C. 1781b, monitor requirements for the support of military families readiness by the DoD, and evaluate and assess the effectiveness of the military family readiness programs and activities of the DoD.</P>
          <P>The Council, no later than February 1 of each year, shall submit a report on military family readiness. Each report, at a minimum shall include the following: (a) An assessment of the adequacy and effectiveness of the military family readiness programs and activities of the DoD during the preceding fiscal year in meeting the needs and requirements of military families; and (b) Recommendations on actions to be taken to improve the capability of the military family readiness programs and activities of the DoD to meet the needs and requirements of military families, including actions relating to the allocation of funding and other resources to and among such programs and activities.</P>
          <P>The annual report referenced above shall be submitted to the Secretary of Defense and the congressional defense committees.</P>
          <P>The DoD, through the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness (USD(P&amp;R)), shall provide support, as deemed necessary, for the Council's performance, and shall ensure compliance with the requirements of FACA, the Sunshine Act, governing Federal statutes and regulations, and established DoD policies/procedures.</P>
          <P>The Council, pursuant to 10 U.S.C. 1781a(b), as amended, shall be composed of 18 members, appointed as specified below:</P>
          <P>a. The USD (P&amp;R), who shall serve as chair of the Council. The Principal Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness, as approved by the Secretary of Defense, may, in the absence of the USD(P&amp;R), serve as the Council's chair with all rights and privileges thereunto;</P>
          <P>b. One representative from each of the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and Air Force, each of whom shall be a member of the armed force to be represented;</P>
          <P>c. The Secretary of Defense has approved the following ex officio appointments for a two-year term of service with annual renewals:</P>
          <P>1. Army—the Assistant Chief of Staff for Installation Management;</P>
          <P>2. Navy—the Chief of Naval Personnel;</P>
          <P>3. Air Force—the Deputy Chief of Staff for Manpower and Personnel; and</P>
          <P>4. Marine Corps—the Deputy Commandant for Manpower &amp; Reserve Affairs.</P>
          <P>d. One representative of the Army National Guard or the Air National Guard, who may be a member of the National Guard;</P>
          <P>The Secretary of Defense, based upon the recommendation of the Chief, National Guard Bureau through the USD(P&amp;R) shall appoint one individual to serve on the Council. If the Secretary appoints a person who is a full-time or permanent part-time federal officer or employee, then that individual shall be appointed as a regular Government member of the Council. If the Secretary appoints a person who is not a full-time or permanent part-time federal officer or employee or a member of the Army or Air National Guard, then that individual shall be appointed as an expert and consultant under the authority of 5 U.S.C. 3109 to serve as a special Government employee (SGE). Representation on the Council shall rotate between the Army National Guard and Air National Guard every two years on a calendar year basis with annual renewals.</P>
          <P>e. One spouse or parent of a member of each of the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and Air Force, two of whom shall be the spouse or parent of an active component member and two of whom shall be the spouse or parent of a reserve component member.</P>
          <P>The Secretary of Defense shall appoint these individuals based upon the recommendation of the USD(P&amp;R). Spouse or parent nominees of Regular Component members shall begin with the Army and Navy followed by the Air Force and Marine Corps. Spouse or parent nominees of Reserve Component members shall begin with the Air Force and Marine Corps followed by the Army and the Navy. A spouse or parent of a member of the Regular or Reserve Component appointed by the Secretary of Defense, unless he or she is a full-time or permanent part-time Federal officer or employee, shall be appointed to the Council as an expert and consultant under the authority of 5 U.S.C. 3109 and serve as a SGE. The term of service for these members shall be two years with annual renewals.</P>
          <P>f. Three individuals appointed by the Secretary of Defense from among representatives of military family organizations, including military family organizations of families of members of the regular components and families of members of the reserve components.</P>
          <P>For the period 2012-2015, the following military family organizations are invited to serve on the Council: The National Military Family Association, the American Red Cross, and the Blue Star Families. Individuals appointed by the Secretary of Defense from these three organizations who are not full-time or permanent part-time federal officers or employees shall be appointed as experts and consultants under the authority of 5 U.S.C. 3109 to serve as a SGE. The term of service shall be three years with annual renewals.</P>
          <P>g. The senior enlisted advisors from each of the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and Air Force, except that two of these members may instead be selected from among the spouses of the senior enlisted advisors.</P>

          <P>The Secretary of Defense shall appoint two Senior Enlisted Advisors beginning with the Navy and Marine Corps and followed by the Army and Air Force. The Secretary of Defense shall appoint two spouses of Senior Enlisted Advisors beginning with the Army and Air Force and followed by the Navy and Marine Corps. A spouse of a Senior Enlisted Advisor of the Army, Navy, Air Force or Marine Corps<PRTPAGE P="74836"/>appointed by the Secretary of Defense, unless he or she is a full-time or permanent part-time Federal officer or employee, shall be appointed to the Council as an expert and consultant under the authority of 5 U.S.C. 3109 and serve as a SGE. The term of service for Senior Enlisted Advisors shall be two years with annual renewals. The term of service for spouses of Senior Enlisted Advisors shall be either two years or until the conclusion of the Service member's tour of duty as Senior Enlisted Advisor during which the spouse was appointed to the Council, whichever is earlier, with annual renewals.</P>
          <P>h. The Director of the Office of Community Support for Military Families with Special Needs (“the Director”).</P>
          <P>The Director is appointed as a regular Government (ex officio) member of the Council. The Director may send someone to attend a Council meeting if he or she is unable to attend; however, this person shall not engage in Council deliberations, vote on matters before the Council, or count toward a quorum.</P>
          <P>With the exception of travel and per diem for travel related to the Council, members of the Council shall serve without compensation.</P>
          <P>The Department, when necessary, and consistent with the Council's mission and DoD policies/procedures, may establish subcommittees, task groups, and working groups to support the Council. Establishment of subcommittees will be based upon a written determination, to include terms of reference, by the Secretary of Defense, the Deputy Secretary of Defense or the USD(P&amp;R).</P>
          <P>Such subcommittees shall not work independently of the Council, and shall report all their recommendations and advice solely to the Council for full deliberation and discussion. Subcommittees have no authority to make decisions and recommendations, verbally or in writing, on behalf of the Council; nor can any subcommittee or its members update or report directly to the DoD or any Federal officers or employees.</P>
          <P>The Secretary of Defense shall appoint subcommittee members even if the member in question is already a Council member. Subcommittee members, with the approval of the Secretary of Defense, may serve a term of service on the subcommittee of one-to-four years; however, no member, unless authorized by the Secretary of Defense, may serve more than two consecutive terms of service.</P>
          <P>Subcommittee members, if not full-time or part-time Government employees, shall be appointed to serve as experts and consultants under the authority of 5 U.S.C. 3109, and shall serve as SGEs, whose appointments must be renewed by the Secretary of Defense on an annual basis. With the exception of per diem for official travel related to the Council or its subcommittees, subcommittee members shall serve without compensation.</P>
          <P>Each subcommittee member is appointed to provide advice on behalf of the Government on the basis of his or her best judgment without representing any particular point of view and in a manner that is free from conflict of interest.</P>
          <P>All subcommittees operate under the provisions of FACA, the Sunshine Act, governing Federal statutes and regulations, and governing DoD policies/procedures.</P>
        </SUM>
      </PREAMB>
      <SUPLINF>
        <HD SOURCE="HED">SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:</HD>
        <P>The Council shall meet at the call of the Council's Designated Federal Officer (DFO), in consultation with Council's Chairperson. The estimated number of meetings by the Council is two per year.</P>
        <P>In addition, the DFO is required to be in attendance at all meetings of the Council and its subcommittees for the entire duration of each and every meeting. However, in the absence of the Council's DFO, a properly approved Alternate DFO, duly appointed to the Council according to DoD policies/procedures, shall attend the entire duration of meetings of the Council or subcommittees.</P>
        <P>The DFO, or the Alternate DFO, shall call all of the Council and its subcommittees; prepare and approve all meeting agendas; and adjourn any meeting, when the DFO, or the Alternate DFO, determines adjournment to be in the public interest or required by governing regulations or DoD policies/procedures; and chair meetings when directed to do so by the USD(P&amp;R).</P>
        <P>Pursuant to 41 CFR 102-3.105(j) and 102-3.140, the public or interested organizations may submit written statements to Department of Defense Military Family Readiness Council membership about the Council's mission and functions. Written statements may be submitted at any time or in response to the stated agenda of planned meeting of Department of Defense Military Family Readiness Council.</P>

        <P>All written statements shall be submitted to the Designated Federal Officer for the Department of Defense Military Family Readiness Council, and this individual will ensure that the written statements are provided to the membership for their consideration. Contact information for the Department of Defense Military Family Readiness Council's DFO can be obtained from the GSA's FACA Database—<E T="03">https://www.fido.gov/facadatabase/public.asp.</E>
        </P>
        <P>The DFO, pursuant to 41 CFR 102-3.150, will announce planned meetings of the Department of Defense Military Family Readiness Council. The DFO, at that time, may provide additional guidance on the submission of written statements that are in response to the stated agenda for the planned meeting in question.</P>
        <FURINF>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:</HD>
          <P>Jim Freeman, Advisory Committee Management Officer for the Department of Defense, 703-692-5952.</P>
          <SIG>
            <DATED>Dated: December 13, 2012.</DATED>
            <NAME>Aaron Siegel,</NAME>
            <TITLE>Alternate OSD Federal Register Liaison Officer, Department of Defense.</TITLE>
          </SIG>
        </FURINF>
      </SUPLINF>
      <FRDOC>[FR Doc. 2012-30430 Filed 12-17-12; 8:45 am]</FRDOC>
      <BILCOD>BILLING CODE 5001-06-P</BILCOD>
    </NOTICE>
    <NOTICE>
      <PREAMB>
        <AGENCY TYPE="N">DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY</AGENCY>
        <SUBJECT>Environmental Management Site-Specific Advisory Board, Oak Ridge Reservation</SUBJECT>
        <AGY>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">AGENCY:</HD>
          <P>Department of Energy.</P>
        </AGY>
        <ACT>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">ACTION:</HD>
          <P>Notice of open meeting.</P>
        </ACT>
        <SUM>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">SUMMARY:</HD>

          <P>This notice announces a meeting of the Environmental Management Site-Specific Advisory Board (EM SSAB), Oak Ridge Reservation. The Federal Advisory Committee Act (Pub. L. 92-463, 86 Stat. 770) requires that public notice of this meeting be announced in the<E T="04">Federal Register</E>.</P>
        </SUM>
        <DATES>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">DATES:</HD>
          <P>Wednesday, January 9, 2013, 6:00 p.m.</P>
        </DATES>
        <ADD>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">ADDRESSES:</HD>
          <P>Department of Energy Information Center, Office of Science and Technical Information, 1 Science.gov Way, Oak Ridge, Tennessee 37830.</P>
        </ADD>
        <FURINF>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:</HD>

          <P>Melyssa P. Noe, Federal Coordinator, Department of Energy Oak Ridge Operations Office, P.O. Box 2001, EM-90, Oak Ridge, TN 37831. Phone (865) 241-3315; Fax (865) 576-0956 or email:<E T="03">noemp@oro.doe.gov</E>or check the Web site at<E T="03">www.oakridge.doe.gov/em/ssab.</E>
          </P>
        </FURINF>
      </PREAMB>
      <SUPLINF>
        <HD SOURCE="HED">SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:</HD>
        <P/>
        <P SOURCE="NPAR">
          <E T="03">Purpose of the Board:</E>The purpose of the Board is to make recommendations to DOE-EM and site management in the areas of environmental restoration, waste management, and related activities.</P>
        <P>Tentative Agenda:</P>
        
        <PRTPAGE P="74837"/>
        <FP SOURCE="FP-1">• Welcome and Announcements</FP>
        <FP SOURCE="FP-1">• Comments from the Deputy Designated Federal Officer</FP>
        <FP SOURCE="FP-1">• Comments from the DOE, Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation, and Environmental Protection Agency Liaisons</FP>
        <FP SOURCE="FP-1">• Public Comment Period</FP>
        <FP SOURCE="FP-1">• Presentation</FP>
        <FP SOURCE="FP-1">• Additions/Approval of Agenda</FP>
        <FP SOURCE="FP-1">• Motions/Approval of November 14, 2012 Meeting Minutes</FP>
        <FP SOURCE="FP-1">• Status of Recommendations with DOE</FP>
        <FP SOURCE="FP-1">• Committee Reports</FP>
        <FP SOURCE="FP-1">• Federal Coordinator Report</FP>
        <FP SOURCE="FP-1">• Adjourn</FP>
        
        <P>
          <E T="03">Public Participation:</E>The EM SSAB, Oak Ridge, welcomes the attendance of the public at its advisory committee meetings and will make every effort to accommodate persons with physical disabilities or special needs. If you require special accommodations due to a disability, please contact Melyssa P. Noe at least seven days in advance of the meeting at the phone number listed above. Written statements may be filed with the Board either before or after the meeting. Individuals who wish to make oral statements pertaining to the agenda item should contact Melyssa P. Noe at the address or telephone number listed above. Requests must be received five days prior to the meeting and reasonable provision will be made to include the presentation in the agenda. The Deputy Designated Federal Officer is empowered to conduct the meeting in a fashion that will facilitate the orderly conduct of business. Individuals wishing to make public comments will be provided a maximum of five minutes to present their comments.</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Minutes:</E>Minutes will be available by writing or calling Melyssa P. Noe at the address and phone number listed above. Minutes will also be available at the following Web site:<E T="03">http://www.oakridge.doe.gov/em/ssab/minutes.htm.</E>
        </P>
        <SIG>
          <DATED>Issued at Washington, DC, on December 10, 2012.</DATED>
          <NAME>LaTanya R. Butler,</NAME>
          <TITLE>Deputy Committee Management Officer.</TITLE>
        </SIG>
      </SUPLINF>
      <FRDOC>[FR Doc. 2012-30461 Filed 12-17-12; 8:45 am]</FRDOC>
      <BILCOD>BILLING CODE 6450-01-P</BILCOD>
    </NOTICE>
    <NOTICE>
      <PREAMB>
        <AGENCY TYPE="S">DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY</AGENCY>
        <SUBJECT>President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST)</SUBJECT>
        <AGY>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">AGENCY:</HD>
          <P>Office of Science, Department of Energy.</P>
        </AGY>
        <ACT>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">ACTION:</HD>
          <P>Notice of partially-closed meeting.</P>
        </ACT>
        <SUM>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">SUMMARY:</HD>
          <P>This notice sets forth the schedule and summary agenda for a partially closed meeting of the President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST), and describes the functions of the Council. Notice of this meeting is required under the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA), 5 U.S.C., App. 2.</P>
        </SUM>
        <DATES>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">DATES:</HD>
          <P>Friday, January 4, 2013; 9:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m.</P>
        </DATES>
        <ADD>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">ADDRESSES:</HD>
          <P>National Academy of Sciences (in the Lecture Room), 2101 Constitution Avenue NW., Washington, DC.</P>
        </ADD>
        <FURINF>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:</HD>

          <P>Information regarding the meeting agenda, time, location, and how to register for the meeting is available on the PCAST Web site at:<E T="03">http://whitehouse.gov/ostp/pcast.</E>A live video webcast and an archive of the Webcast after the event are expected to be available at<E T="03">http://whitehouse.gov/ostp/pcast.</E>The archived video will be available within one week of the meeting. Questions about the meeting should be directed to Dr. Amber Hartman Scholz, PCAST Acting Executive Director, at<E T="03">ascholz@ostp.eop.gov,</E>(202) 456-4444. Please note that public seating for this meeting is limited and is available on a first-come, first-served basis.</P>
        </FURINF>
      </PREAMB>
      <SUPLINF>
        <HD SOURCE="HED">SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:</HD>

        <P>The President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST) is an advisory group of the nation's leading scientists and engineers, appointed by the President to augment the science and technology advice available to him from inside the White House and from cabinet departments and other Federal agencies. See the Executive Order at<E T="03">http://www.whitehouse.gov/ostp/pcast.</E>PCAST is consulted about and provides analyses and recommendations concerning a wide range of issues where understandings from the domains of science, technology, and innovation may bear on the policy choices before the President. PCAST is co-chaired by Dr. John P. Holdren, Assistant to the President for Science and Technology, and, Director, Office of Science and Technology Policy, Executive Office of the President, The White House; and Dr. Eric S. Lander, President, Broad Institute of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard.</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Type of Meeting:</E>Open and Closed.</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Proposed Schedule and Agenda:</E>The President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST) is scheduled to meet in open session on January 4, 2013 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Open Portion of Meeting:</E>During this open meeting, PCAST is tentatively scheduled to hear from speakers who will provide information on science and technology innovations that improve the quality and decrease the costs of healthcare and hear from Federal officials on current “Open Government” efforts. Additional information and the agenda, including any changes that arise, will be posted at the PCAST Web site at:<E T="03">http://whitehouse.gov/ostp/pcast.</E>
        </P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Closed Portion of the Meeting:</E>PCAST may hold a closed meeting of approximately one hour with the President on January 4, 2013, which must take place in the White House for the President's scheduling convenience and to maintain Secret Service protection. This meeting will be closed to the public because such portion of the meeting is likely to disclose matters that are to be kept secret in the interest of national defense or foreign policy under 5 U.S.C. 552b(c)(1).</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Public Comments:</E>It is the policy of the PCAST to accept written public comments of any length, and to accommodate oral public comments whenever possible. The PCAST expects that public statements presented at its meetings will not be repetitive of previously submitted oral or written statements.</P>

        <P>The public comment period for this meeting will take place on January 4, 2013, at a time specified in the meeting agenda posted on the PCAST Web site at<E T="03">http://whitehouse.gov/ostp/pcast.</E>This public comment period is designed only for substantive commentary on PCAST's work, not for business marketing purposes.</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Oral Comments:</E>To be considered for the public speaker list at the meeting, interested parties should register to speak at:<E T="03">http://whitehouse.gov/ostp/pcast,</E>no later than 12:00 p.m. (EST) on December 28, 2012. Phone or email reservations will not be accepted. To accommodate as many speakers as possible, the time for public comments will be limited to two (2) minutes per person, with a total public comment period of 30 minutes. If more speakers register than there is space available on the agenda, PCAST will randomly select speakers from among those who applied. Those not selected to present oral comments may always file written comments with the committee. Speakers are requested to bring at least 25 copies of their oral comments for distribution to the PCAST members.</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Written Comments:</E>Although written comments are accepted continuously, written comments should be submitted to PCAST no later than 12:00 p.m. (EST) on December 28, 2012, so that the comments may be made available to the PCAST members prior to this meeting<PRTPAGE P="74838"/>for their consideration. Information regarding how to submit comments and documents to PCAST is available at<E T="03">http://whitehouse.gov/ostp/pcast</E>in the section entitled “Connect with PCAST.”</P>
        <P>Please note that because PCAST operates under the provisions of FACA, all public comments and/or presentations will be treated as public documents and will be made available for public inspection, including being posted on the PCAST Web site.</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Meeting Accommodations:</E>Individuals requiring special accommodation to access this public meeting should contact Dr. Amber Hartman Scholz at least ten business days prior to the meeting so that appropriate arrangements can be made.</P>
        <SIG>
          <DATED>Issued in Washington, DC, on December 12, 2012.</DATED>
          <NAME>LaTanya R. Butler,</NAME>
          <TITLE>Deputy Committee Management Officer .</TITLE>
        </SIG>
      </SUPLINF>
      <FRDOC>[FR Doc. 2012-30432 Filed 12-17-12; 8:45 am]</FRDOC>
      <BILCOD>BILLING CODE 6450-01-P</BILCOD>
    </NOTICE>
    <NOTICE>
      <PREAMB>
        <AGENCY TYPE="S">DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY</AGENCY>
        <SUBJECT>Environmental Management Site-Specific Advisory Board, Northern New Mexico</SUBJECT>
        <AGY>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">AGENCY:</HD>
          <P>Department of Energy.</P>
        </AGY>
        <ACT>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">ACTION:</HD>
          <P>Notice of open meeting.</P>
        </ACT>
        <SUM>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">SUMMARY:</HD>

          <P>This notice announces a combined meeting of the Environmental Monitoring, Surveillance and Remediation Committee and Waste Management Committee of the Environmental Management Site-Specific Advisory Board (EM SSAB), Northern New Mexico (known locally as the Northern New Mexico Citizens' Advisory Board [NNMCAB]). The Federal Advisory Committee Act (Pub. L. 92-463, 86 Stat. 770) requires that public notice of this meeting be announced in the<E T="04">Federal Register</E>.</P>
        </SUM>
        <DATES>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">DATES:</HD>
          <P>Wednesday, January 9, 2013, 2:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m.</P>
        </DATES>
        <ADD>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">ADDRESSES:</HD>
          <P>NNMCAB Conference Room, 94 Cities of Gold Road, Pojoaque, NM 87506.</P>
        </ADD>
        <FURINF>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:</HD>

          <P>Menice Santistevan, Northern New Mexico Citizens' Advisory Board, 94 Cities of Gold Road, Santa Fe, NM 87506. Phone (505) 995-0393; Fax (505) 989-1752 or Email:<E T="03">msantistevan@doeal.gov.</E>
          </P>
        </FURINF>
      </PREAMB>
      <SUPLINF>
        <HD SOURCE="HED">SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:</HD>
        <P/>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Purpose of the Board:</E>The purpose of the Board is to make recommendations to DOE-EM and site management in the areas of environmental restoration, waste management, and related activities.</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Purpose of the Environmental Monitoring, Surveillance and Remediation Committee (EMS&amp;R):</E>The EMS&amp;R Committee provides a citizens' perspective to NNMCAB on current and future environmental remediation activities resulting from historical Los Alamos National Laboratory operations and, in particular, issues pertaining to groundwater, surface water and work required under the New Mexico Environment Department Order on Consent. The EMS&amp;R Committee will keep abreast of DOE-EM and site programs and plans. The committee will work with the NNMCAB to provide assistance in determining priorities and the best use of limited funds and time. Formal recommendations will be proposed when needed and, after consideration and approval by the full NNMCAB, may be sent to DOE-EM for action.</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Purpose of the Waste Management (WM) Committee:</E>The WM Committee reviews policies, practices and procedures, existing and proposed, so as to provide recommendations, advice, suggestions and opinions to the NNMCAB regarding waste management operations at the Los Alamos site.</P>
        <P>Tentative Agenda:</P>
        <P>1. Approval of Agenda</P>
        <P>2. Approval of Minutes of November 14, 2012</P>
        <P>3. Old Business</P>
        <P>• Approval of Minutes of September 26, 2012</P>
        <P>• Consideration and Action on Draft Recommendations from Chairs' Meeting</P>
        <P>4. New Business</P>
        <P>5. Update from Executive Committee—Carlos Valdez, Chair</P>
        <P>6. Update from DOE—Ed Worth, Deputy Designated Federal Officer</P>
        <P>7. 2:45 p.m. Presentation by Rich Mirenda, Los Alamos National Security</P>
        <P>• Biological and Human Health Assessments</P>
        <P>8. 3:45 p.m. Public Comment Period</P>
        <P>9. 4:00 p.m. Adjourn</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Public Participation:</E>The NNMCAB's EMS&amp;R and WM Committees welcome the attendance of the public at their combined committee meeting and will make every effort to accommodate persons with physical disabilities or special needs. If you require special accommodations due to a disability, please contact Menice Santistevan at least seven days in advance of the meeting at the telephone number listed above. Written statements may be filed with the Committees either before or after the meeting. Individuals who wish to make oral statements pertaining to agenda items should contact Menice Santistevan at the address or telephone number listed above. Requests must be received five days prior to the meeting and reasonable provision will be made to include the presentation in the agenda. The Deputy Designated Federal Officer is empowered to conduct the meeting in a fashion that will facilitate the orderly conduct of business. Individuals wishing to make public comments will be provided a maximum of five minutes to present their comments.</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Minutes:</E>Minutes will be available by writing or calling Menice Santistevan at the address or phone number listed above. Minutes and other Board documents are on the Internet at:<E T="03">http://www.nnmcab.energy.gov/.</E>
        </P>
        <SIG>
          <DATED>Issued at Washington, DC, on December 10, 2012.</DATED>
          <NAME>LaTanya R. Butler,</NAME>
          <TITLE>Deputy Committee Management Officer.</TITLE>
        </SIG>
      </SUPLINF>
      <FRDOC>[FR Doc. 2012-30459 Filed 12-17-12; 8:45 am]</FRDOC>
      <BILCOD>BILLING CODE 6450-01-P</BILCOD>
    </NOTICE>
    <NOTICE>
      <PREAMB>
        <AGENCY TYPE="S">DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY</AGENCY>
        <SUBAGY>Federal Energy Regulatory Commission</SUBAGY>
        <DEPDOC>[Docket No. CP13-23-000]</DEPDOC>
        <SUBJECT>Perryville Gas Storage LLC; Notice of Amendment</SUBJECT>

        <P>Take notice that on December 3, 2012, Perryville Gas Storage LLC (Perryville), Three Riverway, Suite 1350, Houston, Texas 77056, filed in the above referenced docket an application under section 7(c) of the Natural Gas Act (NGA) and Part 157 of the Commission's regulations for an order amending the certificate of public convenience and necessity issued in Docket No. CP09-418-000, and amended in Docket Nos. CP11-159-000 and CP12-460-000, to authorize Perryville to make certain changes to its certificated project. Perryville proposes to move the surface location of one of the approved storage cavern wells (Cavern Well PGS-2) approximately 400 feet, all as more fully set forth in the application which is on file with the Commission and open to public inspection. The filing may also be viewed on the Web at<E T="03">http://www.ferc.gov</E>using the “eLibrary” link. Enter the docket number excluding the last three digits in the docket number field to access the document. For assistance, please contact FERC Online Support at<E T="03">FERCOnlineSupport@ferc.gov</E>or toll free at (866) 208-3676, or TTY, contact (202) 502-8659.</P>

        <P>Any questions concerning this application may be directed to J. Gordon<PRTPAGE P="74839"/>Pennington, Attorney at Law, 1101 30th Street NW., Suite 500, Washington, DC 20007, at (202) 625-4330, or by email at<E T="03">pennington5@verzion.net</E>.</P>
        <P>Pursuant to section 157.9 of the Commission's rules, 18 CFR 157.9, within 90 days of this Notice the Commission staff will either: Complete its environmental assessment (EA) and place it into the Commission's public record (eLibrary) for this proceeding; or issue a Notice of Schedule for Environmental Review. If a Notice of Schedule for Environmental Review is issued, it will indicate, among other milestones, the anticipated date for the Commission staff's issuance of the final environmental impact statement (FEIS) or EA for this proposal. The filing of the EA in the Commission's public record for this proceeding or the issuance of a Notice of Schedule for Environmental Review will serve to notify federal and state agencies of the timing for the completion of all necessary reviews, and the subsequent need to complete all federal authorizations within 90 days of the date of issuance of the Commission staff's FEIS or EA.</P>
        <P>There are two ways to become involved in the Commission's review of this project. First, any person wishing to obtain legal status by becoming a party to the proceedings for this project should, on or before the comment date stated below, file with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, 888 First Street NE., Washington, DC 20426, a motion to intervene in accordance with the requirements of the Commission's Rules of Practice and Procedure (18 CFR 385.214 or 385.211) and the Regulations under the NGA (18 CFR 157.10). A person obtaining party status will be placed on the service list maintained by the Secretary of the Commission and will receive copies of all documents filed by the applicant and by all other parties. A party must submit seven copies of filings made with the Commission and must mail a copy to the applicant and to every other party in the proceeding. Only parties to the proceeding can ask for court review of Commission orders in the proceeding.</P>
        <P>However, a person does not have to intervene in order to have comments considered. The second way to participate is by filing with the Secretary of the Commission, as soon as possible, an original and two copies of comments in support of or in opposition to this project. The Commission will consider these comments in determining the appropriate action to be taken, but the filing of a comment alone will not serve to make the filer a party to the proceeding. The Commission's rules require that persons filing comments in opposition to the project provide copies of their protests only to the party or parties directly involved in the protest.</P>
        <P>Persons who wish to comment only on the environmental review of this project should submit an original and two copies of their comments to the Secretary of the Commission. Environmental commentors will be placed on the Commission's environmental mailing list, will receive copies of the environmental documents, and will be notified of meetings associated with the Commission's environmental review process. Environmental commentors will not be required to serve copies of filed documents on all other parties. However, the non-party commentors will not receive copies of all documents filed by other parties or issued by the Commission (except for the mailing of environmental documents issued by the Commission) and will not have the right to seek court review of the Commission's final order.</P>

        <P>The Commission strongly encourages electronic filings of comments, protests and interventions in lieu of paper using the “eFiling” link at<E T="03">http://www.ferc.gov.</E>Persons unable to file electronically should submit an original and 14 copies of the protest or intervention to the Federal Energy regulatory Commission, 888 First Street NE., Washington, DC 20426.</P>
        <P>This filing is accessible on-line at<E T="03">http://www.ferc.gov,</E>using the “eLibrary” link and is available for review in the Commission's Public Reference Room in Washington, DC. There is an “eSubscription” link on the Web site that enables subscribers to receive email notification when a document is added to a subscribed docket(s). For assistance with any FERC Online service, please email<E T="03">FERCOnlineSupport@ferc.gov,</E>or call (866) 208-3676 (toll free). For TTY, call (202) 502-8659.</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Comment Date:</E>5:00 p.m. Eastern Time on January 2, 2013.</P>
        <SIG>
          <DATED>Dated: December 11, 2012.</DATED>
          <NAME>Kimberly D. Bose,</NAME>
          <TITLE>Secretary.</TITLE>
        </SIG>
      </PREAMB>
      <FRDOC>[FR Doc. 2012-30396 Filed 12-17-12; 8:45 am]</FRDOC>
      <BILCOD>BILLING CODE 6717-01-P</BILCOD>
    </NOTICE>
    <NOTICE>
      <PREAMB>
        <AGENCY TYPE="S">DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY</AGENCY>
        <SUBAGY>Federal Energy Regulatory Commission</SUBAGY>
        <SUBJECT>Combined Notice of Filings</SUBJECT>
        <P>Take notice that the Commission has received the following Natural Gas Pipeline Rate and Refund Report filings:</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Filings Instituting Proceedings</HD>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Docket Numbers:</E>RP12-887-000.</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Applicants:</E>Tennessee Gas Pipeline Company, L.L.C.</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Description:</E>Final Status Report by The Louisiana Municipal Gas Authority on Negotiations under CP12-490,<E T="03">et. al.</E>
        </P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Filed Date:</E>12/11/12.</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Accession Number:</E>20121211-5078.</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Comments Due:</E>5 p.m. ET 12/24/12.</P>
        
        <P>
          <E T="03">Docket Numbers:</E>RP13-380-000.</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Applicants:</E>El Paso Marketing Company, L.L.C., Kinder Morgan Tejas Pipeline LLC.</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Description:</E>Joint Petition of El Paso Marketing Company, L.L.C. and Kinder Morgan Tejas Pipeline LLC for Temporary Waiver of Capacity Release Regulations and Policies.</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Filed Date:</E>12/11/12.</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Accession Number:</E>20121211-5190.</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Comments Due:</E>5 p.m. ET 12/18/12.</P>
        
        <P>Any person desiring to intervene or protest in any of the above proceedings must file in accordance with Rules 211 and 214 of the Commission's Regulations (18 CFR 385.211 and 385.214) on or before 5:00 p.m. Eastern time on the specified comment date. Protests may be considered, but intervention is necessary to become a party to the proceeding.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Filings in Existing Proceedings</HD>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Docket Numbers:</E>RP13-271-001.</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Applicants:</E>Granite State Gas Transmission, Inc.</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Description:</E>Granite State Gas Transmission, Inc. submits tariff filing per 154.203: Compliance Filing Section 5 and Section 9 to be effective 12/10/2012.</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Filed Date:</E>12/11/12.</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Accession Number:</E>20121211-5094.</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Comments Due:</E>5 p.m. ET 12/24/12.</P>
        
        <P>
          <E T="03">Docket Numbers:</E>RP13-40-001.</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Applicants:</E>National Grid LNG, LP.</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Description:</E>National Grid LNG, LP submits tariff filing per 154.203: Adoption of NAESB Version 2.0—Section 34 to be effective 12/1/2012.</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Filed Date:</E>12/11/12.</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Accession Number:</E>20121211-5048.</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Comments Due:</E>5 p.m. ET 12/24/12.</P>
        
        <P>
          <E T="03">Docket Numbers:</E>RP13-73-001.</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Applicants:</E>Stingray Pipeline Company, L.L.C.</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Description:</E>Stingray Pipeline Company, L.L.C. submits tariff filing per<PRTPAGE P="74840"/>154.203: Compliance with Order to Amend NAESB Version 2.0 Filing to be effective 12/1/2012.</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Filed Date:</E>12/11/12.</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Accession Number:</E>20121211-5132.</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Comments Due:</E>5 p.m. ET 12/24/12.</P>
        
        <P>
          <E T="03">Docket Numbers:</E>RP13-76-001.</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Applicants:</E>Garden Banks Gas Pipeline, LLC.</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Description:</E>Garden Banks Gas Pipeline, LLC submits tariff filing per 154.203: Refile to comply with Order on NAESB Version 2.0 Filing to be effective 12/1/2012.</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Filed Date:</E>12/11/12.</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Accession Number:</E>20121211-5139.</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Comments Due:</E>5 p.m. ET 12/24/12.</P>
        
        <P>
          <E T="03">Docket Numbers:</E>RP13-78-001.</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Applicants:</E>Mississippi Canyon Gas Pipeline, L.L.C.</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Description:</E>Mississippi Canyon Gas Pipeline, L.L.C. submits tariff filing per 154.203: Refile to comply with Order on NAESB Version 2.0 Filing to be effective 12/1/2012.</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Filed Date:</E>12/11/12.</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Accession Number:</E>20121211-5144.</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Comments Due:</E>5 p.m. ET 12/24/12.</P>
        
        <P>
          <E T="03">Docket Numbers:</E>RP13-80-001.</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Applicants:</E>Nautilus Pipeline Company, L.L.C.</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Description:</E>Nautilus Pipeline Company, L.L.C. submits tariff filing per 154.203: Compliance Refile for NAESB Compliance filing to be effective 12/1/2012.</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Filed Date:</E>12/11/12.</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Accession Number:</E>20121211-5131.</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Comments Due:</E>5 p.m. ET 12/24/12.</P>
        
        <P>
          <E T="03">Docket Numbers:</E>RP13-112-001.</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Applicants:</E>Blue Lake Gas Storage Company.</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Description:</E>Blue Lake Gas Storage Company submits tariff filing per 154.203: RP13-112, NAESB Compliance to be effective 12/1/2012.</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Filed Date:</E>12/12/12.</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Accession Number:</E>20121212-5013.</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Comments Due:</E>5 p.m. ET 12/24/12.</P>
        
        <P>Any person desiring to protest in any the above proceedings must file in accordance with Rule 211 of the Commission's Regulations (18 CFR 385.211) on or before 5:00 p.m. Eastern time on the specified comment date.</P>
        <P>The filings are accessible in the Commission's eLibrary system by clicking on the links or querying the docket number.</P>

        <P>eFiling is encouraged. More detailed information relating to filing requirements, interventions, protests, and service can be found at:<E T="03">http://www.ferc.gov/docs-filing/efiling/filing-req.pdf.</E>For other information, call (866) 208-3676 (toll free). For TTY, call (202) 502-8659.</P>
        <SIG>
          <DATED>Dated: December 12, 2012.</DATED>
          <NAME>Nathaniel J. Davis, Sr.</NAME>
          <TITLE>Deputy Secretary.</TITLE>
        </SIG>
      </PREAMB>
      <FRDOC>[FR Doc. 2012-30426 Filed 12-17-12; 8:45 am]</FRDOC>
      <BILCOD>BILLING CODE 6717-01-P</BILCOD>
    </NOTICE>
    <NOTICE>
      <PREAMB>
        <AGENCY TYPE="S">DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY</AGENCY>
        <SUBAGY>Federal Energy Regulatory Commission</SUBAGY>
        <SUBJECT>Combined Notice of Filings #1</SUBJECT>
        <P>Take notice that the Commission received the following electric rate filings:</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Docket Numbers:</E>ER13-150-002.</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Applicants:</E>Midwest Independent Transmission System Operator, Inc., Northern Indiana Public Service Company.</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Description:</E>Midwest Independent Transmission System Operator, Inc. submits tariff filing per 35.17(b): 12-10-12 NIPSCO Amendment to be effective 1/1/2013.</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Filed Date:</E>12/11/12.</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Accession Number:</E>20121211-5001.</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Comments Due:</E>5 p.m. ET 12/17/12.</P>
        
        <P>
          <E T="03">Docket Numbers:</E>ER13-301-001.</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Applicants:</E>Southwest Power Pool, Inc.</P>
        <P>Description: Southwest Power Pool, Inc. submits tariff filing per 35.17(b): Errata Filing in Docket No. ER13-301—MKEC Formula Rate Revisions to be effective 1/1/2013.</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Filed Date:</E>12/10/12.</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Accession Number:</E>20121210-5211.</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Comments Due:</E>5 p.m. ET 12/31/12.</P>
        
        <P>
          <E T="03">Docket Numbers:</E>ER13-368-001.</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Applicants:</E>The Procter &amp; Gamble Paper Products Company.</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Description:</E>The Procter &amp; Gamble Paper Products Company submits tariff filing per 35.17(b): MBRA Tariff to be effective 1/14/2013.</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Filed Date:</E>12/10/12.</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Accession Number:</E>20121210-5171.</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Comments Due:</E>5 p.m. ET 12/31/12.</P>
        
        <P>
          <E T="03">Docket Numbers:</E>ER13-538-000.</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Applicants:</E>Consumers Energy Company.</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Description:</E>Consumers Energy Company submits tariff filing per 35.13(a)(2)(iii): Consumers Energy Company—MBR to be effective 12/11/2012.</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Filed Date:</E>12/10/12.</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Accession Number:</E>20121210-5102.</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Comments Due:</E>5 p.m. ET 12/31/12.</P>
        
        <P>
          <E T="03">Docket Numbers:</E>ER13-539-000.</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Applicants:</E>American Electric Power Service Corporation, PJM Interconnection, L.L.C.</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Description:</E>American Electric Power Service Corporation submits tariff filing per 35.13(a)(2)(iii: Appalachian Power Company submits FRR Capacity Formula Rate Filing to be effective 2/9/2013.</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Filed Date:</E>12/10/12.</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Accession Number:</E>20121210-5220.</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Comments Due:</E>5 p.m. ET 12/31/12.</P>
        
        <P>
          <E T="03">Docket Numbers:</E>ER13-540-000.</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Applicants:</E>Idaho Power Company.</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Description:</E>Idaho Power Company submits tariff filing per 35.13(a)(2)(iii: RATFA, Revised and Restated Transmission Facilities Agreement with PacifiCorp to be effective 2/8/2013.</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Filed Date:</E>12/11/12.</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Accession Number:</E>20121211-5000.</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Comments Due:</E>5 p.m. ET 1/2/13.</P>
        
        <P>
          <E T="03">Docket Numbers:</E>ER13-541-000.</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Applicants:</E>Arizona Public Service Company.</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Description:</E>Arizona Public Service Company submits tariff filing per 35.13(a)(2)(iii: Ajo Improvement Company Interconnection Agreement, Service Agreement No. 326 to be effective 12/28/2012.</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Filed Date:</E>12/11/12.</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Accession Number:</E>20121211-5058.</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Comments Due:</E>5 p.m. ET 1/2/13.</P>
        
        <P>Take notice that the Commission received the following qualifying facility filings:</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Docket Numbers:</E>QF13-142-000.</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Applicants:</E>Wasatch Integrated Waste Management District.</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Description:</E>Form 556—Notice of self-certification of qualifying cogeneration facility status of Wasatch Integrated Waste Management District.</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Filed Date:</E>12/10/12.</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Accession Number:</E>20121210-5159.</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Comments Due:</E>None Applicable.</P>
        <P>The filings are accessible in the Commission's eLibrary system by clicking on the links or querying the docket number.</P>
        <P>Any person desiring to intervene or protest in any of the above proceedings must file in accordance with Rules 211 and 214 of the Commission's Regulations (18 CFR 385.211 and 385.214) on or before 5:00 p.m. Eastern time on the specified comment date. Protests may be considered, but intervention is necessary to become a party to the proceeding.</P>

        <P>eFiling is encouraged. More detailed information relating to filing requirements, interventions, protests, service, and qualifying facilities filings can be found at:<E T="03">http://www.ferc.gov/docs-filing/efiling/filing-req.pdf.</E>For other information, call (866) 208-3676 (toll free). For TTY, call (202) 502-8659.</P>
        <SIG>
          <DATED>Dated: December 11, 2012.</DATED>
          <NAME>Nathaniel J. Davis, Sr.,</NAME>
          <TITLE>Deputy Secretary.</TITLE>
        </SIG>
      </PREAMB>
      <FRDOC>[FR Doc. 2012-30387 Filed 12-17-12; 8:45 am]</FRDOC>
      <BILCOD>BILLING CODE 6717-01-P</BILCOD>
    </NOTICE>
    <NOTICE>
      <PREAMB>
        <PRTPAGE P="74841"/>
        <AGENCY TYPE="S">DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY</AGENCY>
        <SUBAGY>Federal Energy Regulatory Commission</SUBAGY>
        <SUBJECT>Combined Notice of Filings #2</SUBJECT>
        <P>Take notice that the Commission received the following electric rate filings:</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Docket Numbers:</E>ER10-3069-004; ER10-3070-004.</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Applicants:</E>Alcoa Power Marketing LLC, Alcoa Power Generating Inc.</P>

        <P>Description: Notice of Non-Material Change in Status of Alcoa Power Marketing LLC,<E T="03">et al.</E>
        </P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Filed Date:</E>12/11/2012.</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Accession Number:</E>20121211-5100.</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Comments Due:</E>5 p.m. ET 1/2/13.</P>
        
        <P>
          <E T="03">Docket Numbers:</E>ER13-113-002.</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Applicants:</E>Sunbury Energy, LLC.</P>
        <P>Description: Sunbury Energy, LLC submits tariff filing per 35.17(b): Amended Filing No. 2 to be effective 12/21/2012.</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Filed Date:</E>12/11/12.</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Accession Number:</E>20121211-5093.</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Comments Due:</E>5 p.m. ET 1/2/13.</P>
        
        <P>
          <E T="03">Docket Numbers:</E>ER13-247-000.</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Applicants:</E>NV Energy, Inc.</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Description:</E>Sierra Pacific Power Company submits Transmission Rate Case Exhibit No. SPPC-9.2 Depreciation Study and Supporting Testimony Filed with the Public Utilities Commission of Nevada.</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Filed Date:</E>12/6/12.</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Accession Number:</E>20121206-5163.</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Comments Due:</E>5 p.m. ET 12/18/12.</P>
        
        <P>
          <E T="03">Docket Numbers:</E>ER13-542-000.</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Applicants:</E>Louisville Gas and Electric Company.</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Description:</E>Louisville Gas and Electric Company submits tariff filing per 35.13(a)(2)(iii: OATT Att M LGIA Rev to be effective 12/12/2012.</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Filed Date:</E>12/11/12.</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Accession Number:</E>20121211-5098.</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Comments Due:</E>5 p.m. ET 1/2/13.</P>
        
        <P>
          <E T="03">Docket Numbers:</E>ER13-543-000.</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Applicants:</E>Midwest Independent Transmission System Operator, Inc.</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Description:</E>Midwest Independent Transmission System Operator, Inc. submits tariff filing per 35: 12-11-12 CONE Compliance to be effective 6/1/2012 .</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Filed Date:</E>12/11/12.</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Accession Number:</E>20121211-5102.</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Comments Due:</E>5 p.m. ET 1/2/13.</P>
        
        <P>
          <E T="03">Docket Numbers:</E>ER13-544-000</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Applicants:</E>Northern States Power Company, a Wisconsin corporation.</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Description:</E>Northern States Power Company, a Wisconsin corporation submits tariff filing per 35.13(a)(2)(iii: 2012_12_11_DPC Lufkin SS-333 to be effective 11/15/2012.</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Filed Date:</E>12/11/12.</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Accession Number:</E>20121211-5103.</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Comments Due:</E>5 p.m. ET 1/2/13.</P>
        
        <P>
          <E T="03">Docket Numbers:</E>ER13-545-000.</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Applicants:</E>Midwest Independent Transmission System Operator, Inc.</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Description:</E>Midwest Independent Transmission System Operator, Inc. submits tariff filing per 35.13(a)(2)(iii: SA 2501 BREC-Vectren IA to be effective 12/12/2012.</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Filed Date:</E>12/11/12.</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Accession Number:</E>20121211-5114</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Comments Due:</E>5 p.m. ET 1/2/13.</P>
        
        <P>The filings are accessible in the Commission's eLibrary system by clicking on the links or querying the docket number.</P>
        <P>Any person desiring to intervene or protest in any of the above proceedings must file in accordance with Rules 211 and 214 of the Commission's Regulations (18 CFR 385.211 and 385.214) on or before 5:00 p.m. Eastern time on the specified comment date. Protests may be considered, but intervention is necessary to become a party to the proceeding.</P>

        <P>eFiling is encouraged. More detailed information relating to filing requirements, interventions, protests, service, and qualifying facilities filings can be found at:<E T="03">http://www.ferc.gov/docs-filing/efiling/filing-req.pdf.</E>For other information, call (866) 208-3676 (toll free). For TTY, call (202) 502-8659.</P>
        <SIG>
          <DATED>Dated: December 11, 2012.</DATED>
          <NAME>Nathaniel J. Davis, Sr.,</NAME>
          <TITLE>Deputy Secretary.</TITLE>
        </SIG>
      </PREAMB>
      <FRDOC>[FR Doc. 2012-30388 Filed 12-17-12; 8:45 am]</FRDOC>
      <BILCOD>BILLING CODE 6717-01-P</BILCOD>
    </NOTICE>
    <NOTICE>
      <PREAMB>
        <AGENCY TYPE="S">DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY</AGENCY>
        <SUBAGY>Federal Energy Regulatory Commission</SUBAGY>
        <DEPDOC>[Project No. 2146-138]</DEPDOC>
        <SUBJECT>Alabama Power Company; Notice of Application for Amendment of License and Soliciting Comments, Motions To Intervene, and Protests</SUBJECT>
        <P>Take notice that the following hydroelectric application has been filed with the Commission and is available for public inspection:</P>
        <P>a.<E T="03">Application Type:</E>Non-project use of project lands and waters.</P>
        <P>b.<E T="03">Project No:</E>2146-138.</P>
        <P>c.<E T="03">Date Filed:</E>October 5, 2012.</P>
        <P>d.<E T="03">Applicant:</E>Alabama Power Company.</P>
        <P>e.<E T="03">Name of Project:</E>Coosa River Project.</P>
        <P>f.<E T="03">Location:</E>Neely Henry Lake, Gadsden, Etowah County, Alabama.</P>
        <P>g.<E T="03">Filed Pursuant To:</E>Federal Power Act, 16 U.S.C. 791(a)-825(r).</P>
        <P>h.<E T="03">Applicant Contact:</E>David K. Anderson, Alabama Power Company, 600 18th Street North, Birmingham, AL 35203-8180, (205) 257-1000.</P>
        <P>i.<E T="03">FERC Contact:</E>Jade Alvey, (202) 502-6864,<E T="03">jade.alvey@ferc.gov</E>.</P>
        <P>j. Deadline for filing comments, motions to intervene, and protests: January 11, 2013.</P>

        <P>All documents may be filed electronically via the Internet. See, 18 CFR 385.2001(a)(1)(iii) and the instructions on the Commission's Web site at<E T="03">http://www.ferc.gov/docs-filing/efiling.asp</E>. Commenters can submit brief comments up to 6,000 characters, without prior registration, using the eComment system at<E T="03">http://www.ferc.gov/docs-filing/ecomment.asp</E>. You must include your name and contact information at the end of your comments. For assistance, please contact FERC Online Support at<E T="03">FERCOnlineSupport@ferc.gov</E>or toll free at 1-866-208-3676, or for TTY, (202) 502-8659. Although the Commission strongly encourages electronic filing, documents may also be paper-filed. To paper-file, mail an original and seven copies to: Secretary, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, 888 First Street NE., Washington, DC 20426. Please include the project number (P-2146-138) on any comments or motions filed.</P>
        <P>The Commission's Rules of Practice and Procedure require all intervenors filing documents with the Commission to serve a copy of that document on each person whose name appears on the official service list for the project. Further, if an intervenor files comments or documents with the Commission relating to the merits of an issue that may affect the responsibilities of a particular resource agency, they must also serve a copy of the document on that resource agency.</P>
        <P>k.<E T="03">Description of Application:</E>Alabama Power Company requests Commission approval to grant Jack's Family Restaurant, a fast food restaurant, a permit to use project lands and waters for the installation of wooden pilings around an existing pier inside the project boundary on Lake Neely Henry. The proposal includes a total of twenty 8-foot long wooden pilings measuring 8 inches in diameter. The pilings would allow for the temporary mooring of a total of 10 watercraft at any one time. The temporary mooring locations would be for use by patrons who access the restaurant by boat.</P>
        <P>l.<E T="03">Locations of the Application:</E>A copy of the application is available for<PRTPAGE P="74842"/>inspection and reproduction at the Commission's Public Reference Room, located at 888 First Street NE., Room 2A, Washington, DC 20426, or by calling (202) 502-8371. This filing may also be viewed on the Commission's Web site at<E T="03">http://www.ferc.gov</E>using the “eLibrary” link. Enter the docket number excluding the last three digits in the docket number field (P-2146) to access the document. You may also register online at<E T="03">http://www.ferc.gov/docs-filing/esubscription.asp</E>to be notified via email of new filings and issuances related to this or other pending projects. For assistance, call 1-866-208-3676 or email<E T="03">FERCOnlineSupport@ferc.gov,</E>for TTY, call (202) 502-8659. A copy is also available for inspection and reproduction at the address in item (h) above.</P>
        <P>m. Individuals desiring to be included on the Commission's mailing list should so indicate by writing to the Secretary of the Commission.</P>
        <P>n.<E T="03">Comments, Protests, or Motions To Intervene:</E>Anyone may submit comments, a protest, or a motion to intervene in accordance with the requirements of Rules of Practice and Procedure, 18 CFR 385.210, .211, .214, respectively. In determining the appropriate action to take, the Commission will consider all protests or other comments filed, but only those who file a motion to intervene in accordance with the Commission's Rules may become a party to the proceeding. Any comments, protests, or motions to intervene must be received on or before the specified comment date for the particular application.</P>
        <P>o. Filing and Service of Documents: Any filing must (1) bear in all capital letters the title “COMMENTS”, “PROTEST”, or “MOTION TO INTERVENE” as applicable; (2) set forth in the heading the name of the applicant and the project number of the application to which the filing responds; (3) furnish the name, address, and telephone number of the person commenting, protesting or intervening; and (4) otherwise comply with the requirements of 18 CFR 385.2001 through 385.2005. All comments, motions to intervene, or protests must set forth their evidentiary basis. Any filing made by an intervenor must be accompanied by proof of service on all persons listed in the service list prepared by the Commission in this proceeding, in accordance with 18 CFR 385.2010.</P>
        <SIG>
          <DATED>Dated: December 11, 2012.</DATED>
          <NAME>Kimberly D. Bose,</NAME>
          <TITLE>Secretary.</TITLE>
        </SIG>
      </PREAMB>
      <FRDOC>[FR Doc. 2012-30394 Filed 12-17-12; 8:45 am]</FRDOC>
      <BILCOD>BILLING CODE 6717-01-P</BILCOD>
    </NOTICE>
    <NOTICE>
      <PREAMB>
        <AGENCY TYPE="S">DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY</AGENCY>
        <SUBAGY>Federal Energy Regulatory Commission</SUBAGY>
        <SUBJECT>Sunshine Act Meeting Notice</SUBJECT>
        <P>The following notice of meeting is published pursuant to section 3(a) of the government in the Sunshine Act (Pub. L. No. 94-409), 5 U.S.C. 552b:</P>
        <PREAMHD>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">AGENCY HOLDING MEETING:</HD>
          <P>Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.</P>
        </PREAMHD>
        <PREAMHD>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">DATE AND TIME:</HD>
          <P>December 20, 2012 10:00 a.m.</P>
        </PREAMHD>
        <PREAMHD>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">PLACE:</HD>
          <P>Room 2C, 888 First Street NE., Washington, DC 20426.</P>
        </PREAMHD>
        <PREAMHD>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">STATUS:</HD>
          <P>Open.</P>
        </PREAMHD>
        <PREAMHD>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">MATTERS TO BE CONSIDERED:</HD>
          <P>Agenda</P>
          <P>* Note—Items listed on the agenda may be deleted without further notice.</P>
        </PREAMHD>
        <PREAMHD>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">CONTACT PERSON FOR MORE INFORMATION:</HD>
          <P>Kimberly D. Bose, Secretary, Telephone (202) 502-8400.</P>
          <P>For a recorded message listing items, struck from or added to the meeting, call (202) 502-8627.</P>

          <P>This is a list of matters to be considered by the Commission. It does not include a listing of all documents relevant to the items on the agenda. All public documents, however, may be viewed on line at the Commission's Web site at<E T="03">http://www.ferc.gov</E>using the eLibrary link, or may be examined in the Commission's Public Reference Room.</P>
        </PREAMHD>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">988th—Meeting</HD>
        <HD SOURCE="HD2">Regular Meeting<E T="03">December 20, 2012, 10:00 a.m.</E>
        </HD>
        <GPOTABLE CDEF="s50,r50,xs200" COLS="3" OPTS="L2,tp0,i1">
          <TTITLE/>
          <BOXHD>
            <CHED H="1">Item No.</CHED>
            <CHED H="1">Docket No.</CHED>
            <CHED H="1">Company</CHED>
          </BOXHD>
          <ROW EXPSTB="02" RUL="s">
            <ENT I="21">
              <E T="02">Administrative</E>
            </ENT>
          </ROW>
          <ROW EXPSTB="00">
            <ENT I="01">A-1</ENT>
            <ENT>AD02-1-000</ENT>
            <ENT>Agency Business Matters.</ENT>
          </ROW>
          <ROW RUL="s">
            <ENT I="01">A-2</ENT>
            <ENT>AD02-7-000</ENT>
            <ENT>Customer Matters, Reliability, Security and Market Operations.</ENT>
          </ROW>
          <ROW EXPSTB="02" RUL="s">
            <ENT I="21">
              <E T="02">Electric</E>
            </ENT>
          </ROW>
          <ROW EXPSTB="00">
            <ENT I="01">E-1</ENT>
            <ENT>RM10-11-001</ENT>
            <ENT>Integration of Variable Energy Resources.</ENT>
          </ROW>
          <ROW>
            <ENT I="01">E-2</ENT>
            <ENT>EL11-44-001</ENT>
            <ENT>Iberdrola Renewables, Inc., PacificCorp, NextEra Energy Resources, LLC, Invenergy Wind North America LLC, and Horizon Wind Energy LLC v. Bonneville Power Administration.</ENT>
          </ROW>
          <ROW>
            <ENT I="01">E-3</ENT>
            <ENT>EL11-44-002</ENT>
            <ENT>Iberdrola Renewables, Inc., PacifiCorp, NextEra Energy Resources, LLC, Invenergy Wind North America LLC, and Horizon Wind Energy LLC v. Bonneville Power Administration.</ENT>
          </ROW>
          <ROW>
            <ENT I="01">E-4</ENT>
            <ENT>RM11-12-000</ENT>
            <ENT>Availability of E-Tag Information to Commission Staff.</ENT>
          </ROW>
          <ROW>
            <ENT I="01">E-5</ENT>
            <ENT>RM12-6-000 RM12-7-000</ENT>
            <ENT>Revisions to Electric Reliability Organization Definition of Bulk Electric System and Rules of Procedure.</ENT>
          </ROW>
          <ROW>
            <ENT I="01">E-6</ENT>
            <ENT O="xl">OMITTED</ENT>
            <ENT/>
          </ROW>
          <ROW>
            <ENT I="01">E-7</ENT>
            <ENT>RR12-8-000</ENT>
            <ENT>North American Electric Reliability Corporation.</ENT>
          </ROW>
          <ROW>
            <ENT I="01">E-8</ENT>
            <ENT>NP11-238-001</ENT>
            <ENT>North American Electric Reliability Corporation.</ENT>
          </ROW>
          <ROW>
            <ENT I="01">E-9</ENT>
            <ENT>RM12-9-000</ENT>
            <ENT>Regional Reliability Standard PRC-006-SERC-01-Automatic Underfrequency Load Shedding Requirements.</ENT>
          </ROW>
          <ROW>
            <ENT I="01">E-10</ENT>
            <ENT O="xl">OMITTED</ENT>
            <ENT/>
          </ROW>
          <ROW>
            <ENT I="01">E-11</ENT>
            <ENT>ER13-178-000</ENT>
            <ENT>Southwest Power Pool, Inc.</ENT>
          </ROW>
          <ROW>
            <PRTPAGE P="74843"/>
            <ENT I="01">E-12</ENT>
            <ENT>ER13-207-000</ENT>
            <ENT>City of Colton, California.</ENT>
          </ROW>
          <ROW>
            <ENT I="01">E-13</ENT>
            <ENT>ER13-168-000</ENT>
            <ENT>California Independent System Operator Corporation.</ENT>
          </ROW>
          <ROW>
            <ENT I="01">E-14</ENT>
            <ENT>ER13-218-000</ENT>
            <ENT>California Independent System Operator Corporation.</ENT>
          </ROW>
          <ROW>
            <ENT I="01">E-15</ENT>
            <ENT>ER13-219-000</ENT>
            <ENT>California Independent System Operator Corporation.</ENT>
          </ROW>
          <ROW>
            <ENT I="01">E-16</ENT>
            <ENT>ER13-49-000</ENT>
            <ENT>Valley Electric Association, Inc.</ENT>
          </ROW>
          <ROW>
            <ENT I="01">E-17</ENT>
            <ENT>EC12-119-000</ENT>
            <ENT>FirstEnergy Generation Corp. and American Transmission System, Incorporated.</ENT>
          </ROW>
          <ROW>
            <ENT I="01">E-18</ENT>
            <ENT O="xl">OMITTED</ENT>
            <ENT/>
          </ROW>
          <ROW>
            <ENT I="01">E-19</ENT>
            <ENT O="xl">OMITTED</ENT>
            <ENT/>
          </ROW>
          <ROW>
            <ENT I="01">E-20</ENT>
            <ENT O="xl">OMITTED</ENT>
            <ENT/>
          </ROW>
          <ROW>
            <ENT I="01">E-21</ENT>
            <ENT O="xl">OMITTED</ENT>
            <ENT/>
          </ROW>
          <ROW>
            <ENT I="01">E-22</ENT>
            <ENT>EL12-109-000</ENT>
            <ENT>Avalon Wind, LLC, Avalon Wind 2, LLC, Catalina Solar, LLC, Catalina Solar 2, LLC, Pacific Wind Lessee, LLC, Pacific Wind 2, LLC, Valentine Solar, LLC, and EDF Renewables Development, Inc.</ENT>
          </ROW>
          <ROW RUL="s">
            <ENT I="01">E-23</ENT>
            <ENT O="xl">OMITTED</ENT>
            <ENT/>
          </ROW>
          <ROW EXPSTB="02" RUL="s">
            <ENT I="21">
              <E T="02">Gas</E>
            </ENT>
          </ROW>
          <ROW EXPSTB="00">
            <ENT I="01">G-1</ENT>
            <ENT>RP11-2061-002, RP11-2061-003</ENT>
            <ENT>Northern Natural Gas Company.</ENT>
          </ROW>
          <ROW>
            <ENT I="01">G-2</ENT>
            <ENT>RP12-814-000</ENT>
            <ENT>Gulf Crossing Pipeline Company LLC.</ENT>
          </ROW>
          <ROW>
            <ENT I="01">G-3</ENT>
            <ENT>RP12-820-000</ENT>
            <ENT>Texas Gas Transmission, LLC.</ENT>
          </ROW>
          <ROW>
            <ENT I="01">G-4</ENT>
            <ENT>RP12-813-000</ENT>
            <ENT>Gulf South Pipeline Company, LP.</ENT>
          </ROW>
          <ROW RUL="s">
            <ENT I="01">G-5</ENT>
            <ENT>OR12-27-000</ENT>
            <ENT>Enbridge Pipelines (Southern Lights) LLC.</ENT>
          </ROW>
          <ROW EXPSTB="02" RUL="s">
            <ENT I="21">
              <E T="02">Hydro</E>
            </ENT>
          </ROW>
          <ROW EXPSTB="00">
            <ENT I="01">H-1</ENT>
            <ENT>P-13213-004<LI>P-13214-004</LI>
            </ENT>
            <ENT>Lock 14 Hydro Partners, LLC.<LI>Lock 12 Hydro Partners, LLC.</LI>
            </ENT>
          </ROW>
          <ROW>
            <ENT I="01">H-2</ENT>
            <ENT>P-14354-001</ENT>
            <ENT>Utah Independent Power, Inc.</ENT>
          </ROW>
          <ROW RUL="s">
            <ENT I="01">H-3</ENT>
            <ENT>HB81-09-2-002</ENT>
            <ENT>Hudson River-Black River Regulating District, Erie Boulevard Hydropower L.P., Curtis/Palmer Hydroelectric Co., South Glens Falls Limited Partnership, et al., Northern Electric Power Co., et al., Fort Miller Associates, Stillwater Hydro Associates, New York State Electric &amp; Gas Corp., Albany Engineering Corporation, and Green Island Power Co.</ENT>
          </ROW>
          <ROW EXPSTB="02" RUL="s">
            <ENT I="21">
              <E T="02">Certificates</E>
            </ENT>
          </ROW>
          <ROW EXPSTB="00">
            <ENT I="01">C-1</ENT>
            <ENT>RM12-11-000</ENT>
            <ENT>Revisions to the Auxiliary Installations, Replacement Facilities, and Siting and Maintenance Regulations.</ENT>
          </ROW>
          <ROW>
            <ENT I="01">C-2</ENT>
            <ENT>CP12-25-000</ENT>
            <ENT>Brian Hamilton v. El Paso Natural Gas Company.</ENT>
          </ROW>
          <ROW>
            <ENT I="01">C-3</ENT>
            <ENT>CP12-72-000</ENT>
            <ENT>Dominion Transmission, Inc.</ENT>
          </ROW>
        </GPOTABLE>
        <SIG>
          <DATED>Dated: December 13, 2012.</DATED>
          <NAME>Kimberly D. Bose,</NAME>
          <TITLE>Secretary.</TITLE>
        </SIG>
        <P>A free webcast of this event is available through www.ferc.gov. Anyone with Internet access who desires to view this event can do so by navigating to www.ferc.gov's Calendar of Events and locating this event in the Calendar. The event will contain a link to its webcast. The Capitol Connection provides technical support for the free webcasts. It also offers access to this event via television in the DC area and via phone bridge for a fee. If you have any questions, visit www.CapitolConnection.org or contact Danelle Springer or David Reininger at 703-993-3100.</P>
        <P>Immediately following the conclusion of the Commission Meeting, a press briefing will be held in the Commission Meeting Room. Members of the public may view this briefing in the designated overflow room. This statement is intended to notify the public that the press briefings that follow Commission meetings may now be viewed remotely at Commission headquarters, but will not be telecast through the Capitol Connection service.</P>
        
      </PREAMB>
      <FRDOC>[FR Doc. 2012-30544 Filed 12-14-12; 4:15 pm]</FRDOC>
      <BILCOD>BILLING CODE 6717-01-P</BILCOD>
    </NOTICE>
    <NOTICE>
      <PREAMB>
        <AGENCY TYPE="S">DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY</AGENCY>
        <SUBAGY>Federal Energy Regulatory Commission</SUBAGY>
        <DEPDOC>[Docket No. OR13-10-000]</DEPDOC>
        <SUBJECT>Seaway Crude Pipeline Company LLC; Notice of Petition for Declaratory Order</SUBJECT>
        <P>Take notice that on December 10, 2012, pursuant to Rule 207(a)(2) of the Commission's Rules of Practices and Procedure, 18 CFR 385.207(a)(2)(2012), Seaway Crude Pipeline Company LLC (Seaway), filed a petition seeking a declaratory order affirming that the tariff rates agreed to by shippers who sign contracts in an open season applies equally to Seaway's Shippers that signed Transportation Services Agreements.</P>

        <P>Any person desiring to intervene or to protest this filing must file in accordance with Rules 211 and 214 of the Commission's Rules of Practice and Procedure (18 CFR 385.211, 385.214). Protests will be considered by the Commission in determining the appropriate action to be taken, but will not serve to make protestants parties to the proceeding. Any person wishing to become a party must file a notice of intervention or motion to intervene, as appropriate. Such notices, motions, or protests must be filed on or before the comment date. On or before the comment date, it is not necessary to<PRTPAGE P="74844"/>serve motions to intervene or protests on persons other than the Applicant.</P>

        <P>The Commission encourages electronic submission of protests and interventions in lieu of paper using the “eFiling” link at<E T="03">http://www.ferc.gov.</E>Persons unable to file electronically should submit an original and 14 copies of the protest or intervention to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, 888 First Street NE., Washington, DC 20426.</P>
        <P>This filing is accessible on-line at<E T="03">http://www.ferc.gov,</E>using the “eLibrary” link and is available for review in the Commission's Public Reference Room in Washington, DC. There is an “eSubscription” link on the Web site that enables subscribers to receive email notification when a document is added to a subscribed docket(s). For assistance with any FERC Online service, please email<E T="03">FERCOnlineSupport@ferc.gov,</E>or call (866) 208-3676 (toll free). For TTY, call (202) 502-8659.</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Comment Date:</E>5:00 p.m. Eastern time on Monday, January 7, 2013</P>
        <SIG>
          <DATED>Dated: December 12, 2012.</DATED>
          <NAME>Kimberly D. Bose,</NAME>
          <TITLE>Secretary.</TITLE>
        </SIG>
      </PREAMB>
      <FRDOC>[FR Doc. 2012-30393 Filed 12-17-12; 8:45 am]</FRDOC>
      <BILCOD>BILLING CODE 6717-01-P</BILCOD>
    </NOTICE>
    <NOTICE>
      <PREAMB>
        <AGENCY TYPE="S">DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY</AGENCY>
        <SUBAGY>Federal Energy Regulatory Commission</SUBAGY>
        <DEPDOC>[Docket No. OR13-9-000]</DEPDOC>
        <SUBJECT>Sunoco Pipeline L.P.; Notice of Petition for Declaratory Order</SUBJECT>
        <P>Take notice that on December 7, 2012, pursuant to Rule 207(a)(2) of the Commission's Rules of Practices and Procedure, 18 CFR 385.207(a)(2)(2012), Sunoco Pipeline L.P., filed a petition seeking a declaratory order approving priority service, the tariff and rate structure, and service request allocation methodology for the proposed Mariner East Project.</P>
        <P>Any person desiring to intervene or to protest this filing must file in accordance with Rules 211 and 214 of the Commission's Rules of Practice and Procedure (18 CFR 385.211, 385.214). Protests will be considered by the Commission in determining the appropriate action to be taken, but will not serve to make protestants parties to the proceeding. Any person wishing to become a party must file a notice of intervention or motion to intervene, as appropriate. Such notices, motions, or protests must be filed on or before the comment date. On or before the comment date, it is not necessary to serve motions to intervene or protests on persons other than the Applicant.</P>

        <P>The Commission encourages electronic submission of protests and interventions in lieu of paper using the “eFiling” link at<E T="03">http://www.ferc.gov.</E>Persons unable to file electronically should submit an original and 14 copies of the protest or intervention to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, 888 First Street NE., Washington, DC 20426.</P>
        <P>This filing is accessible on-line at<E T="03">http://www.ferc.gov,</E>using the “eLibrary” link and is available for review in the Commission's Public Reference Room in Washington, DC. There is an “eSubscription” link on the Web site that enables subscribers to receive email notification when a document is added to a subscribed docket(s). For assistance with any FERC Online service, please email<E T="03">FERCOnlineSupport@ferc.gov,</E>or call (866) 208-3676 (toll free). For TTY, call (202) 502-8659.</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Comment Date:</E>5:00 p.m. Eastern time on Friday, January 4, 2013.</P>
        <SIG>
          <DATED>Dated: December 11, 2012.</DATED>
          <NAME>Kimberly D. Bose,</NAME>
          <TITLE>Secretary.</TITLE>
        </SIG>
      </PREAMB>
      <FRDOC>[FR Doc. 2012-30392 Filed 12-17-12; 8:45 am]</FRDOC>
      <BILCOD>BILLING CODE 6717-01-P</BILCOD>
    </NOTICE>
    <NOTICE>
      <PREAMB>
        <AGENCY TYPE="S">DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY</AGENCY>
        <SUBAGY>Federal Energy Regulatory Commission</SUBAGY>
        <SUBJECT>Notice of FERC Staff Attendance</SUBJECT>
        <GPOTABLE CDEF="s100,xs100" COLS="2" OPTS="L2,tp0,p1,8/9,i1">
          <TTITLE/>
          <BOXHD>
            <CHED H="1"/>
            <CHED H="1"/>
          </BOXHD>
          <ROW>
            <ENT I="01">PacifiCorp</ENT>
            <ENT>Docket No. ER13-64-000.</ENT>
          </ROW>
          <ROW>
            <ENT I="01">Deseret Generation &amp; Transmission Cooperative, Inc.</ENT>
            <ENT>Docket No. ER13-65-000.</ENT>
          </ROW>
          <ROW>
            <ENT I="01">Northwestern Corporation (Montana)</ENT>
            <ENT>Docket No. ER13-67-000.</ENT>
          </ROW>
          <ROW>
            <ENT I="01">Portland General Electric Company</ENT>
            <ENT>Docket No. ER13-68-000.</ENT>
          </ROW>
          <ROW>
            <ENT I="01">Idaho Power Company</ENT>
            <ENT>Docket No. ER13-127-000.</ENT>
          </ROW>
          <ROW>
            <ENT I="01">Public Service Company of Colorado</ENT>
            <ENT>Docket No. ER13-75-000.</ENT>
          </ROW>
          <ROW>
            <ENT I="01">Terra-Gen Dixie Valley, LLC</ENT>
            <ENT>Docket No. ER13-76-000.</ENT>
          </ROW>
          <ROW>
            <ENT I="01">Tucson Electric Power Company</ENT>
            <ENT>Docket No. ER13-77-000.</ENT>
          </ROW>
          <ROW>
            <ENT I="01">UNS Electric, Inc.</ENT>
            <ENT>Docket No. ER13-78-000.</ENT>
          </ROW>
          <ROW>
            <ENT I="01">Public Service Company of New Mexico</ENT>
            <ENT>Docket No. ER13-79-000.</ENT>
          </ROW>
          <ROW>
            <ENT I="01">Arizona Public Service Company</ENT>
            <ENT>Docket No. ER13-82-000.</ENT>
          </ROW>
          <ROW>
            <ENT I="01">El Paso Electric Company</ENT>
            <ENT>Docket No. ER13-91-000.</ENT>
          </ROW>
          <ROW>
            <ENT I="01">Black Hills Power, Inc., et al.</ENT>
            <ENT>Docket No. ER13-96-000.</ENT>
          </ROW>
          <ROW>
            <ENT I="01">Black Hills Colorado Electric Utility Company</ENT>
            <ENT>Docket No. ER13-97-000.</ENT>
          </ROW>
          <ROW>
            <ENT I="01">NV Energy, Inc</ENT>
            <ENT>Docket No. ER13-105-000.</ENT>
          </ROW>
          <ROW>
            <ENT I="01">Cheyenne Light, Fuel and Power Company</ENT>
            <ENT>Docket No. ER13-120-000.</ENT>
          </ROW>
          <ROW>
            <ENT I="01">Avista Corporation</ENT>
            <ENT>Docket No. ER13-93-000.</ENT>
          </ROW>
          <ROW>
            <ENT I="01">Avista Corporation</ENT>
            <ENT>Docket No. ER13-94-000.</ENT>
          </ROW>
          <ROW>
            <ENT I="01">Puget Sound Energy</ENT>
            <ENT>Docket No. ER13-98-000.</ENT>
          </ROW>
          <ROW>
            <ENT I="01">Puget Sound Energy</ENT>
            <ENT>Docket No. ER13-99-000.</ENT>
          </ROW>
          <ROW>
            <ENT I="01">Bonneville Power Administration</ENT>
            <ENT>Docket No. NJ13-1-000.</ENT>
          </ROW>
          <ROW>
            <ENT I="01">California Independent System Operator Corporation</ENT>
            <ENT>Docket No. ER13-103-000.</ENT>
          </ROW>
        </GPOTABLE>

        <P>The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (Commission) hereby gives notice that on December 19, 2012, members of its staff will attend a meeting hosted by NV Energy, Inc. regarding the interregional coordination requirements established by Order No. 1000. The agenda and other documents for the meeting are available at<E T="03">http://www.columbiagrid.org/O1000Inter-documents.cfm.</E>
        </P>

        <P>The meeting is open to all stakeholders and Commission staff's attendance is part of the Commission's ongoing outreach efforts. The meeting may discuss matters at issue in the above captioned dockets.<PRTPAGE P="74845"/>
        </P>
        <P>For further information, contact Melissa Lozano at<E T="03">Melissa.Lozano@ferc.gov.</E>
        </P>
        <SIG>
          <DATED>Dated: December 11, 2012.</DATED>
          <NAME>Kimberly D. Bose,</NAME>
          <TITLE>Secretary.</TITLE>
        </SIG>
      </PREAMB>
      <FRDOC>[FR Doc. 2012-30395 Filed 12-17-12; 8:45 am]</FRDOC>
      <BILCOD>BILLING CODE 6717-01-P</BILCOD>
    </NOTICE>
    <NOTICE>
      <PREAMB>
        <AGENCY TYPE="S">DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY</AGENCY>
        <SUBAGY>Federal Energy Regulatory Commission</SUBAGY>
        <DEPDOC>[Project No. 14115-001]</DEPDOC>
        <SUBJECT>AJT Mining Properties, Inc.; Notice of Surrender of Preliminary Permit</SUBJECT>
        <P>Take notice that AJT Mining Properties, Inc., permittee for the proposed Yeldagalga Creek Hydroelectric Project, has requested that its preliminary permit be terminated. The permit was issued on October 21, 2011, and would have expired on October 1, 2014.<SU>1</SU>
          <FTREF/>The project would have been located on the Yeldagalga Creek, near Haines, in the boroughs of Haines and Juneau, Alaska.</P>
        <FTNT>
          <P>
            <SU>1</SU>137 FERC ¶ 62,069.</P>
        </FTNT>
        <P>The preliminary permit for Project No. 14115 will remain in effect until the close of business, January 10, 2013. But, if the Commission is closed on this day, then the permit remains in effect until the close of business on the next day in which the Commission is open. 18 CFR 385.2007(a)(2) (2010). New applications for this site may not be submitted until after the permit surrender is effective.</P>
        <SIG>
          <DATED>Dated: December 11, 2012.</DATED>
          <NAME>Kimberly D. Bose,</NAME>
          <TITLE>Secretary.</TITLE>
        </SIG>
      </PREAMB>
      <FRDOC>[FR Doc. 2012-30391 Filed 12-17-12; 8:45 am]</FRDOC>
      <BILCOD>BILLING CODE 6717-01-P</BILCOD>
    </NOTICE>
    <NOTICE>
      <PREAMB>
        <AGENCY TYPE="N">ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY</AGENCY>
        <DEPDOC>[EPA-HQ-OPP-2011-0754; FRL- 9525-5]</DEPDOC>
        <SUBJECT>Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to OMB for Review and Approval; Comment Request</SUBJECT>
        <AGY>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">AGENCY:</HD>
          <P>Environmental Protection Agency.</P>
        </AGY>
        <ACT>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">ACTION:</HD>
          <P>Notice.</P>
        </ACT>
        <SUM>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">SUMMARY:</HD>
          <P>In compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA), this document announces that an Information Collection Request (ICR) has been forwarded to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and approval. This is a request to extend the current approval for the Information Collection Request (ICR) entitled “Pesticide Data Call-In Program” and identified as EPA ICR No. 2288.02 and OMB Control No. 2070-0174. The ICR, which is abstracted below, describes the nature of the information collection and its estimated burden and cost, and is available in the docket for additional public review and comment.</P>
        </SUM>
        <DATES>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">DATES:</HD>
          <P>Additional comments may be submitted on or before January 17, 2013.</P>
        </DATES>
        <ADD>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">ADDRESSES:</HD>

          <P>Submit your comments, referencing docket ID number EPA-HQ-OPP-2011-0754, to (1) EPA online using<E T="03">http://www.regulations.gov</E>(our preferred method), by mail to the OPP Docket, Environmental Protection Agency Docket Center (EPA/DC), (28221T), 1200 Pennsylvania Ave. NW., Washington, DC 20460-0001, and (2) OMB by mail to the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, Office of Management and Budget (OMB), Attention: Desk Officer for EPA, 725 17th Street NW., Washington, DC 20503.</P>
        </ADD>
        <FURINF>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:</HD>

          <P>Cameo Smoot, Field and External Affairs Division, 7506P, Office of Pesticide Programs, Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave. NW., Washington, DC 20460; telephone number: 703-305-5454; fax number: 703- 308-5884; email address:<E T="03">smoot.cameo@epa.gov.</E>
          </P>
        </FURINF>
      </PREAMB>
      <SUPLINF>
        <HD SOURCE="HED">SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:</HD>

        <P>EPA has submitted the following ICR to OMB for review and approval according to the procedures under the PRA (44 U.S.C. 3501<E T="03">et seq.</E>), as prescribed in 5 CFR 1320.12. On October 12, 2012 (77 FR 62232), EPA sought comments on this ICR pursuant to 5 CFR 1320.8(d). Given the nature of this request, EPA did not consider new public comments. As required by the PRA, EPA is hereby soliciting additional comments on this ICR, which should be submitted to EPA and OMB within 30 days of this notice.</P>

        <P>EPA has established a public docket for this ICR under Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-OPP-2011-0754, which is available for online viewing at<E T="03">http://www.regulations.gov.</E>Additional instructions on commenting or visiting the docket, along with more information about dockets generally, is available at<E T="03">http://www.epa.gov/dockets.</E>
        </P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Title:</E>Pesticide Data Call-In Program.</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">ICR numbers:</E>EPA ICR No. 2288.02, OMB Control No. 2070-0174.</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">ICR Status:</E>EPA is requesting a short renewal of the currently approved ICR. The submitted ICR package is unchanged from that which is currently approved. This extension will provide additional time to allow EPA to finish restructuring the ICR and related improvements to the electronic forms and instructions, as well as to consult with stakeholders and OMB on those changes and the corresponding adjustments to the burden estimates. This extension is necessary because the ICR covers ongoing activities that are required to support the statutorily mandated pesticide reviews.</P>

        <P>The ICR, which is abstracted below, describes the nature of the information collection and its estimated burden and cost. The existing approval is scheduled to expire on November 30, 2012. Under OMB regulations, the Agency may continue to conduct or sponsor the collection of information while this submission is pending at OMB. An Agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, a collection of information, unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number. The OMB control numbers for EPA's regulations in title 40 of the CFR, after appearing in the<E T="04">Federal Register</E>when approved, are listed in 40 CFR part 9, are displayed either by publication in the<E T="04">Federal Register</E>or by other appropriate means, such as on the related collection instrument or form, if applicable. The display of OMB control numbers in certain EPA regulations is consolidated in 40 CFR part 9.</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Abstract:</E>Under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA), every pesticide product must be registered with EPA. An applicant for registration must supply data to demonstrate that the pesticide product will not cause “unreasonable adverse effects” on humans or to the environment. Under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA), EPA must determine, from data supplied by the applicant or registrant, that the level of pesticide residues in food and feed will be safe for human consumption, defined as “a reasonable certainty that no harm” will result from exposures to pesticide residues. Although data is provided with the initial applications, the Agency issues Data Call-Ins (DCIs) when it has determined that more information is necessary to make the necessary decision pursuant to the mandates in FIFRA and FFDCA.</P>

        <P>The programs represented in this proposed ICR renewal and consolidation share a common statutory authority, section 3(c)(2)(B) of FIFRA, which authorizes EPA to require pesticide registrants to generate and submit data to the Agency, when such data are needed to maintain an existing registration of a pesticide. EPA's<PRTPAGE P="74846"/>determination that additional data are needed can occur for various reasons, with the following four reasons being the most common:</P>
        <P>1.<E T="03">Reregistration program.</E>Section 4 of FIFRA requires EPA to re-assess the health and safety data for all pesticide active ingredients registered before November 1, 1984, to “reregister” them, i.e., determine whether these “older” pesticides meet the criteria for registration that would be expected of a pesticide being registered today for the first time. FIFRA section 4 directs EPA to use FIFRA section 3(c)(2)(B) authority to obtain the required data. Although the Reregistration Eligibility Decisions are complete, the Agency may still need to issue DCIs to close out the program.</P>
        <P>2.<E T="03">Registration review program.</E>Section 3(g) of FIFRA contains provisions to help achieve the goal of reviewing each pesticide every 15 years to assure that the pesticide continues to pose no risk of unreasonable adverse effects on human health or the environment. FIFRA section 3(g) instructs EPA to use the FIFRA section 3(c)(2)(B) authority to obtain the required data.</P>
        <P>3.<E T="03">Special review program.</E>Though rare, EPA may conduct a Special Review if EPA believes that a pesticide poses risks of unreasonable adverse effects on human health or the environment. Section 3(c)(2)(B) of FIFRA provides a means of obtaining any needed data.</P>
        <P>4.<E T="03">Anticipated residue/percent crop treated information.</E>Under section 408 of FFDCA, before a pesticide may be used on food or feed crops, the Agency must establish a tolerance for the pesticide residues on that crop or established an exemption from the requirement to have a tolerance. Section 408(b)(2)(E) and (F) of FFDCA authorize the use of anticipated or actual residue (ARs) data and percent crop treated (PCT) data to establish, modify, maintain, or revoke a tolerance for a pesticide. The FFDCA requires that if AR data are used, data must be reviewed five years after a tolerance is initially established. If PCT data are used, the FFDCA affords EPA the discretion to obtain additional data if any or all of several conditions are met.</P>
        <P>The Agency issues DCIs when it has determined that more information is necessary to make a decision about pesticides pursuant to the mandates in FIFRA and FFDCA. Agency decisions requiring additional data are based on the data requirements set forth in 40 CFR parts 150 through 180, with the majority of the data requirements captured in 40 CFR parts 158 and 161.</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Burden Statement:</E>The annual public reporting and recordkeeping burden for this collection of information is estimated to range from 59 to 13,636 hours per response, depending on the review program and type of DCI issued. Burden is defined in 5 CFR 1320.3(b). The ICR provides a detailed explanation of this estimate, which is only briefly summarized here:</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Respondents/Affected Entities:</E>Entities potentially affected by this ICR include pesticide registrants, which may be identified by the North American Industrial Classification System (NAICS) code 32532, pesticide and other agricultural chemical manufacturing.</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Frequency of Collection:</E>On Occasion.</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Estimated No. of Potential Respondents:</E>1643.</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Estimated No. of Total Annual Responses:</E>184.</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Estimated Total Annual Burden on Respondents:</E>262,301 hours.</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Estimated Total Annual Costs:</E>$12,506,726.</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Changes in the Estimates:</E>The total estimated burden for this ICR is unchanged from that currently approved by OMB.</P>
        <SIG>
          <NAME>John Moses,</NAME>
          <TITLE>Director, Collection Strategies Division.</TITLE>
        </SIG>
      </SUPLINF>
      <FRDOC>[FR Doc. 2012-30344 Filed 12-17-12; 8:45 am]</FRDOC>
      <BILCOD>BILLING CODE 6560-50-P</BILCOD>
    </NOTICE>
    <NOTICE>
      <PREAMB>
        <AGENCY TYPE="N">EXPORT-IMPORT BANK OF THE UNITED STATES</AGENCY>
        <DEPDOC>[Public Notice 2012-0550]</DEPDOC>
        <SUBJECT>Application for Final Commitment for a Long-Term Loan or Financial Guarantee in Excess of $100 million: AP085332XX</SUBJECT>
        <AGY>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">AGENCY:</HD>
          <P>Export-Import Bank of the United States.</P>
        </AGY>
        <ACT>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">ACTION:</HD>
          <P>Notice.</P>
        </ACT>
        <SUM>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">SUMMARY:</HD>
          <P>This Notice is to inform the public, in accordance with Section 3(c)(10) of the Charter of the Export-Import Bank of the United States (“Ex-Im Bank”), that Ex-Im Bank has received an application for final commitment for a long-term loan or financial guarantee in excess of $100 million (as calculated in accordance with Section 3(c)(10) of the Charter). Comments received within the comment period specified below will be presented to the Ex-Im Bank Board of Directors prior to final action on this Transaction.</P>
          <P>
            <E T="03">Reference:</E>AP085332XX.</P>
          <P>
            <E T="03">Purpose and Use:</E>
          </P>
          <P>Brief description of the purpose of the transaction:</P>
          <P>
            <E T="03">To support the export of locomotive kits to South Africa</E>
          </P>
          <P>Brief non-proprietary description of the anticipated use of the items being exported:</P>
          <P>
            <E T="03">To be owned and operated by the State-Owned Freight Transport company for purposes of transporting freight mainly within South Africa but also in some cases in nearby countries in Southern Africa.</E>
          </P>
          <P>To the extent that Ex-Im Bank is reasonably aware, the item(s) being exported are not expected to be used to produce exports or provide services in competition with the exportation of goods or provision of services by a United States industry.</P>
          <P>
            <E T="03">Parties:</E>
          </P>
          <P>
            <E T="03">Principal Supplier:</E>GE Transportation.</P>
          <P>
            <E T="03">Obligor:</E>Transnet SOC Ltd.</P>
          <P>
            <E T="03">Guarantor(s):</E>N/A.</P>
          <P>
            <E T="03">Description of Items Being Exported:</E>
          </P>
          <P>Locomotive Kits.</P>
          <P>
            <E T="03">Information On Decision:</E>Information on the final decision for this transaction will be available in the “Summary Minutes of Meetings of Board of Directors” on<E T="03">http://www.exim.gov/articles.cfm/board%20minute.</E>
          </P>
          <P>
            <E T="03">Confidential Information:</E>Please note that this notice does not include confidential or proprietary business information; information which, if disclosed, would violate the Trade Secrets Act; or information which would jeopardize jobs in the United States by supplying information that competitors could use to compete with companies in the United States.</P>
        </SUM>
        <DATES>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">DATES:</HD>
          <P>Comments must be received on or before<E T="03">January 14, 2013</E>to be assured of consideration before final consideration of the transaction by the Board of Directors of Ex-Im Bank.</P>
        </DATES>
        <ADD>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">ADDRESSES:</HD>
          <P>Comments may be submitted through Regulations.gov at<E T="03">WWW.REGULATIONS.GOV.</E>To submit a comment, enter EIB-2012-0050 under the heading “Enter Keyword or ID” and select Search. Follow the instructions provided at the Submit a Comment screen. Please include your name, company name (if any) and EIB-2012-0050 on any attached document.</P>
        </ADD>
        <SIG>
          <NAME>Sharon A. Whitt,</NAME>
          <TITLE>Records Clearance Officer.</TITLE>
        </SIG>
      </PREAMB>
      <FRDOC>[FR Doc. 2012-30408 Filed 12-17-12; 8:45 am]</FRDOC>
      <BILCOD>BILLING CODE 6690-01-P</BILCOD>
    </NOTICE>
    <NOTICE>
      <PREAMB>
        <PRTPAGE P="74847"/>
        <AGENCY TYPE="N">FEDERAL DEPOSIT INSURANCE CORPORATION</AGENCY>
        <SUBJECT>Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Collection Revision; Comment Request; Purchaser Eligibility Certification</SUBJECT>
        <AGY>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">AGENCY:</HD>
          <P>Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC).</P>
        </AGY>
        <ACT>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">ACTION:</HD>
          <P>Notice and request for comment.</P>
        </ACT>
        <SUM>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">SUMMARY:</HD>
          <P>The FDIC, as part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork and respondent burden, invites the general public and other Federal agencies to take this opportunity to comment on renewal of an existing information collection, as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. chapter 35). Currently, the FDIC is soliciting comment on revision of the information collection described below.</P>
        </SUM>
        <DATES>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">DATES:</HD>
          <P>Comments must be submitted on or before February 19, 2013.</P>
        </DATES>
        <ADD>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">ADDRESSES:</HD>
          <P>Interested parties are invited to submit written comments to the FDIC by any of the following methods:</P>
          <P>•<E T="03">http://www.FDIC.gov/regulations/laws/federal/notices.html</E>.</P>
          <P>•<E T="03">Email:</E>
            <E T="03">comments@fdic.gov</E>Include the name of the collection in the subject line of the message.</P>
          <P>•<E T="03">Mail:</E>Leneta G. Gregorie (202-898-3719), Counsel, Room F-1084, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, 550 17th Street NW., Washington, DC 20429.</P>
          <P>•<E T="03">Hand Delivery:</E>Comments may be hand-delivered to the guard station at the rear of the 17th Street Building (located on F Street), on business days between 7:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.</P>
          <P>All comments should refer to the relevant OMB control number. A copy of the comments may also be submitted to the OMB desk officer for the FDIC: Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, Office of Management and Budget, New Executive Office Building, Washington, DC 20503.</P>
        </ADD>
        <FURINF>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:</HD>
          <P>Leneta G. Gregorie, at the FDIC address above.</P>
        </FURINF>
      </PREAMB>
      <SUPLINF>
        <HD SOURCE="HED">SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:</HD>
        <P/>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Proposal To Revise the Following Currently Approved Collection of Information</HD>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Title:</E>Asset Purchaser Eligibility Certification.</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">OMB Number:</E>3064-0135.</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Form Number:</E>FDIC 7300/06, “Purchaser Eligibility Certification”; 7300/07, “Pre-Qualification Request”; and 7300/08, “Contact Information Form”.</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Frequency of Response:</E>On occasion.</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Affected Public:</E>Business or other financial institutions.</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Estimated Number of Respondents:</E>600.</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Estimated Time per Response:</E>1.0 hour (<E T="03">Purchaser Eligibility Certification,</E>30 minutes;<E T="03">Pre-Qualification Request,</E>20 minutes; and<E T="03">Contact Information Form,</E>10 minutes).</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Total Annual Burden:</E>600 hours.</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">General Description of Collection:</E>The FDIC uses the<E T="03">Purchaser Eligibility Certification</E>form, FDIC Form No. 7300/06, to identify prospective bidders who are not eligible to purchase assets of failed institutions from the FDIC. Specifically, section 11(p) of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act prohibits the sale of assets of failed institutions to certain individuals or entities that profited or engaged in wrongdoing at the expense of those failed institutions, or seriously mismanaged those failed institutions. The FDIC is proposing to update the Privacy Act Statement in the<E T="03">Purchaser Eligibility Certification</E>form. In addition, the FDIC is proposing to add two forms to the Purchaser Eligibility Certification information collection: the<E T="03">Pre-Qualification Request</E>form, FDIC Form No. 7300/07, is designed to determine which prospective bidders are qualified to bid on particular types of assets offered by the FDIC (<E T="03">e.g.,</E>securities, mortgage servicing portfolios, shared national credits. Interests in structured transactions, credit card receivables) for which no further qualification criteria are required to be met and to ensure that prospective bidders understand the terms and conditions of asset sales; and the<E T="03">Contact Information Form,</E>FDIC Form No. 7300/08, determines the type of assets a prospective bidder is interested in and facilitates communication with the prospective bidder. A link to copies of the forms can be found directly beneath this notice on the FDIC's<E T="04">Federal Register</E>Citations Web page at:<E T="03">http://www.fdic.gov/regulations/laws/federal/notices.html.</E>
        </P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD2">Request for Comment</HD>
        <P>Comments are invited on: (a) Whether the collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the FDIC's functions, including whether the information has practical utility; (b) the accuracy of the estimates of the burden of the information collection, including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used; (c) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (d) ways to minimize the burden of the information collection on respondents, including through the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology. All comments will become a matter of public record.</P>
        <SIG>
          <FP>Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation.</FP>
          
          <DATED>Dated at Washington, DC, this 12th day of December 2012.</DATED>
          <NAME>Robert E. Feldman,</NAME>
          <TITLE>Executive Secretary.</TITLE>
        </SIG>
      </SUPLINF>
      <FRDOC>[FR Doc. 2012-30343 Filed 12-17-12; 8:45 am]</FRDOC>
      <BILCOD>BILLING CODE 6714-01-P</BILCOD>
    </NOTICE>
    <NOTICE>
      <PREAMB>
        <AGENCY TYPE="S">FEDERAL DEPOSIT INSURANCE CORPORATION</AGENCY>
        <SUBJECT>Modifications to Statement of Policy for Section 19 of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act</SUBJECT>
        <AGY>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">AGENCY:</HD>
          <P>Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC).</P>
        </AGY>
        <ACT>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">ACTION:</HD>
          <P>Modifications to Statement of Policy for Section 19 of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act.</P>
        </ACT>
        <SUM>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">SUMMARY:</HD>

          <P>The FDIC originally promulgated the Statement of Policy for Section 19 of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act (SOP) in December 1998. The FDIC, in 2007, issued a clarification to the SOP based on the 2006 amendment to Section 19 of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act, which addressed institution-affiliated parties (IAPs) participating in the affairs of Bank Holding Companies, or Savings and Loan Holding Companies. The FDIC, in 2011, clarified the SOP as to: (i) The applicability of section 19 on bank and thrift holding company institution-affiliated parties; (ii) the term “complete expungement;” and (iii) the factors for considering<E T="03">de minimis</E>convictions. The FDIC is restating the full SOP, including previous changes, and modifying what the FDIC views as the definition of<E T="03">de minimis</E>offenses.</P>
        </SUM>
        <DATES>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">DATES:</HD>
          <P>The change to the policy statement is effective December 18, 2012.</P>
        </DATES>
        <FURINF>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:</HD>
          <P>Martin P. Thompson, Senior Review Examiner (202) 898-6767, in the Division of Risk Management Supervision; or Michael P. Condon, Counsel, (202) 898-6536, in the Legal Division.</P>
        </FURINF>
      </PREAMB>
      <SUPLINF>
        <HD SOURCE="HED">SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:</HD>
        <P/>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">I. Background</HD>

        <P>Section 19 of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act, 12 U.S.C. 1829, (FDI Act) prohibits, without the prior written consent of the FDIC, a person convicted of any criminal offense involving dishonesty or breach of trust or money laundering (covered offenses), or who has agreed to enter into a pretrial<PRTPAGE P="74848"/>diversion or similar program in connection with a prosecution for such offense, from becoming or continuing as an institution-affiliated party (IAP), owning or controlling, directly or indirectly an insured depository institution (insured institution), or otherwise participating, directly or indirectly, in the conduct of the affairs of the insured institution. In addition, the law forbids an insured institution from permitting such a person to engage in any conduct or to continue any relationship prohibited by Section 19. The FDIC's SOP was published in December 1998 (63 FR 66177) to provide the public with guidance relating to Section 19, and the application thereof.</P>

        <P>The Financial Services Regulatory Relief Act of 2006, Public Law 109-351, § 710, modified Section 19 to include coverage of IAPs of Bank Holding Companies, and Savings and Loan Holding Companies. In response to this amendment of the statute, the FDIC amended the SOP by including a footnote that noted the authority of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and the Office of Thrift Supervision's in regard to bank and savings and loan holding companies under Section 19. (72 FR 73823, December 28, 2007, with correction issued at 73 FR 5270, January 29, 2008). In May of 2011, the FDIC subsequently eliminated the footnote added in December of 2007 and incorporated the change directly into the text of the SOP. It also noted the coming transfer of authority under the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, Public Law 111-202, § 312 (2010) (Dodd-Frank) of savings and loan holding company jurisdiction to the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System. In addition, the FDIC made certain clarifications regarding the scope of the<E T="03">de minimis</E>exception to filing the requirement to file an application for the FDIC's consent under Section 19. (76 FR 28031, May 13, 2011). The FDIC now proposes to amend the SOP to address two<E T="03">de minimis</E>exception factors regarding the potential fine and the jail time served.</P>

        <P>The SOP, as revised herein, will be on the FDIC's Web site at<E T="03">www.fdic.gov.</E>
        </P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">II. Modifications to the Statement of Policy</HD>
        <P>The SOP will be clarified in the following areas:</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD2">B. Standards for Determining Whether an Application Is Required—De Minimis Offenses</HD>

        <P>The 1998 SOP created a category of covered offenses that it would deem to be<E T="03">de minimis</E>due to the minor nature of the offenses and the low risk that the covered party would pose to an insured institution based on the conviction. Based on its experience in the processing and approving of numerous applications involving such minor crimes, the FDIC has recognized a category of offenses to which it would grant blanket approval under section 19 without the need to file an application. The FDIC is modifying in two ways which offenses fall within the<E T="03">de minimis</E>offenses exception of the SOP.</P>

        <P>The FDIC has received a number of Section 19 individual waiver applications where the filing did not meet one of the<E T="03">de minimis</E>factors regarding the maximum potential fine or the jail time served. Experience has shown that a significant number of applications processed by the FDIC for approval involved individuals covered by Section 19 who are usually one-time offenders for minor infractions, who may have served some limited jail time, and for which the jurisdiction could have imposed fines of $2,500 or less. Adjusting the<E T="03">de minimis</E>exceptions to permit an increase in the potential fine to $2,500 or less and a limited number days of actual jail time served for minor infractions appears just and reasonable. Additionally, we have seen numerous cases where minimal, actual jail time was included as part of the sentence, which has not been a significant factor in our decision.</P>
        <P>First, currently under that portion of the<E T="03">de minimis</E>exception to filing an application, the maximum potential fine is $1,000 or less. The FDIC is modifying this aspect of the SOP so that this element of the<E T="03">de minimis</E>exception to filing an application will apply if the maximum potential fine is $2,500 or less.</P>
        <P>Second, currently, the<E T="03">de minimis</E>exception requires that no jail time was served as part of the sentencing or conviction. The FDIC is modifying this aspect of the SOP so that the<E T="03">de minimis</E>offenses provision will apply if the individual has served three (3) days or less of actual jail time.</P>
        <P>The change to the maximum amount of the potential fine will apply to both convictions and program entries. Similarly, the change as to actual jail time will apply to both but is unlikely to impact program entries since no actual jail time is usually involved. These proposed changes should not have a material impact on the Deposit Insurance Fund, provide immediate relief to those currently covered by Section 19, pose no significant additional risk to insured depository intuitions, and maintain the integrity of Section 19.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">III. Paperwork Reduction Act</HD>

        <P>In accordance with section 3512 of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, 44 U.S.C. 3501<E T="03">et seq.,</E>an agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid Office of Management and Budget (OMB) control number. These modifications to the Statement of Policy for Section 19 of the FDI Act include clarification of reporting requirements in an existing FDIC information collection, entitled<E T="03">Application Pursuant to Section 19 of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act</E>(3064-0018) that should result in a decrease in the number of applications filed. Specifically, the revised policy statement broadens the application of the<E T="03">de minimis</E>exception to filing an application due to the minor nature of the offenses and the low risk that the covered party would pose to an insured institution based on the conviction or program entry. By modifying these provisions, the FDIC believes that there will be a reduction in the submission of applications in situations where blanket approval has been granted by virtue of the<E T="03">de minimis</E>offenses section of the policy statement. If so, this change in burden would be submitted to OMB as a non-significant, nonmaterial change to an existing information collection. The current estimated burden for the information collection is as follows:</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Title:</E>“Application Pursuant to Section 19 of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act”.</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Affected Public:</E>Insured depository institutions and individuals.</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">OMB Number:</E>3064-0018.</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Estimated Number of Respondents:</E>26.</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Frequency of Response:</E>On occasion.</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Average Time per Response:</E>16 hours.</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Estimated Annual Burden:</E>416 hours.</P>
        <P>Comments are invited on:</P>
        <P>(a) Whether this collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the FDIC's functions, including whether the information has practical utility;</P>
        <P>(b) The accuracy of the estimates of the burden of the information collection, including the validity of the methodologies and assumptions used;</P>
        <P>(c) Ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and</P>

        <P>(d) Ways to minimize the burden of the information collection on respondents, including through the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology.<PRTPAGE P="74849"/>
        </P>
        <P>All comments will become a matter of public record. Comments may be submitted to the FDIC by any of the following methods:</P>
        <P>•<E T="03">http://www.FDIC.gov/regulations/laws/federal/propose.html</E>
        </P>
        <P>•<E T="03">Email: comments@fdic.gov.</E>Include the name and number of the collection in the subject line of the message.</P>
        <P>•<E T="03">Mail:</E>Gary A. Kuiper (202-898-3877), Counsel, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, 550 17th Street NW., NYA-5046, Washington, DC 20429.</P>
        <P>•<E T="03">Hand Delivery:</E>Comments may be hand-delivered to the guard station at the rear of the 550 17th Street Building (located on F Street), on business days between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m.</P>
        
        <FP>A copy of the comment may also be submitted to the OMB Desk Officer for the FDIC, Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, Office of Management and Budget, New Executive Office Building, Room 3208, Washington, DC 20503. All comments should refer to the “Application Pursuant to Section 19 of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act,” OMB No. 3064-0018.</FP>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">IV. Changes to FDIC Statement of Policy for Section 19</HD>
        <P>For the reasons set forth above, the entire text of the FDIC Statement of Policy for Section 19 is stated as follows. The revised text, as identified in this notice, is located in</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD2">B. Standards for Determining Whether an Application Is Required, Paragraph (5)</HD>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">FDIC Statement of Policy for Section 19 of the FDI Act</HD>
        <P>Section 19 of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act (12 U.S.C. 1829) prohibits, without the prior written consent of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), a person convicted of any criminal offense involving dishonesty or breach of trust or money laundering (covered offenses), or who has agreed to enter into a pretrial diversion or similar program in connection with a prosecution for such offense, from becoming or continuing as an institution-affiliated party, owning or controlling, directly or indirectly an insured depository institution (insured institution), or otherwise participating, directly or indirectly, in the conduct of the affairs of the insured institution. In addition, the law forbids an insured institution from permitting such a person to engage in any conduct or to continue any relationship prohibited by section 19. It imposes a ten-year ban against the FDIC's consent for persons convicted of certain crimes enumerated in Title 18 of the United States Code, absent a motion by the FDIC and court approval.</P>
        <P>Section 19 imposes a duty upon the insured institution to make a reasonable inquiry regarding an applicant's history, which consists of taking steps appropriate under the circumstances, consistent with applicable law, to avoid hiring or permitting participation in its affairs by a person who has a conviction or program entry for a covered offense. The FDIC believes that at a minimum, each insured institution should establish a screening process that provides the insured institution with information concerning any convictions or program entry pertaining to a job applicant. This would include, for example, the completion of a written employment application that requires a listing of all convictions and program entries. The FDIC will look to the circumstances of each situation to determine whether the inquiry is reasonable. Upon notice of a conviction or program entry, an application seeking the FDIC's consent prior to the person's participation must be filed,</P>
        <P>Section 19 applies, by operation of law, as a statutory bar to participation absent the written consent of the FDIC. The purpose of an application is to provide the applicant an opportunity to demonstrate that, notwithstanding the bar, a person is fit to participate in the conduct of the affairs of an insured institution without posing a risk to its safety and soundness or impairing public confidence in that institution. The burden is upon the applicant to establish that the application warrants approval.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD2">A. Scope of Section 19</HD>

        <P>Section 19 covers institution-affiliated parties, as defined by 12 U.S.C. 1813(u) and others who are participants in the conduct of the affairs of an insured institution. This Statement of Policy applies only to insured institutions, their institution-affiliated parties, and those participating in the affairs of an insured depository institution. Therefore, all employees of an insured institution fall within the scope of Section 19. In addition, those deemed to be<E T="03">de facto</E>employees as determined by the FDIC based upon generally applicable standards of employment law, will also be subject to Section 19. Whether other persons who are not institution-affiliated parties are covered depends upon their degree of influence or control over the management or affairs of an insured institution. For example, Section 19 would not apply to persons who are merely employees of an insured institution's holding company, but would apply to its directors and officers to the extent that they have the power to define and direct the policies of the insured institution. Similarly, directors and officers of affiliates, subsidiaries or joint ventures of an insured institution or its holding company will be covered if they are in a position to influence or control the management or affairs of the insured institution. Those who exercise major policymaking functions of an insured institution would be deemed participants in the affairs of that institution and covered by section 19. Typically, an independent contractor does not have a relationship with the insured institution other than the activity for which the insured institution has contracted. Under 12 U.S.C. 1813(u), independent contractors are institution-affiliated parties if they knowingly or recklessly participate in violations, unsafe or unsound practices or breaches of fiduciary duty which are likely to cause significant loss to, or a significant adverse effect on, an insured institution. In terms of participation, an independent contractor who influences or controls the management or affairs of the insured institution, would be covered by Section 19. Further, “person” for purposes of Section 19 means an individual, and does not include a corporation, firm or other business entity.</P>
        <P>Individuals who file an application with the FDIC under the provisions of Section 19 who are participating in the affairs of a bank or savings and loan holding company may also have to comply with any filing requirements of the Board of the Governors of the Federal Reserve System under 12 U.S.C. § 1819(d) in the case of a bank holding company, and the Office of Thrift Supervision under 12 U.S.C. § 1819(e), in the case of a savings and loan holding company until the Transfer Date as that term is used in the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform Act (Pub. L. 111-203, § 311, July 21 2010). Upon the Transfer Date applications related to savings and loan holding companies should be filed with the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System.</P>

        <P>Section 19 specifically prohibits a person subject to its coverage from owning or controlling an insured institution. For purposes of defining “control” and “ownership” under Section 19, the FDIC has adopted the definition of “control set forth in the Change in Bank Control Act (12 U.S.C. 1817(j)(8)(B)). A person will be deemed to exercise “control” if that person has the power to vote 25 percent or more of the voting shares of an insured<PRTPAGE P="74850"/>institution (or 10 percent of the voting shares if no other person has more shares) or the ability to direct the management or policies of the insured institution. Under the same standards, person will be deemed to “own” an insured institution if that person owns 25 percent or more of the insured institution's voting stock, or 10 percent of the voting shares if no other person owns more. These standards would also apply to an individual acting in concert with others so as to have such ownership or control. Absent the FDIC's consent, persons subject to the prohibitions of section 19 will be required to divest their ownership of shares above the foregoing limits.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD2">B. Standards for Determining Whether an Application Is Required</HD>
        <P>Except as indicated in paragraph (5), below, an application must be filed where there is present a conviction by a court of competent jurisdiction for a covered offense by any adult or minor treated as an adult, or where such person has entered a pretrial diversion or similar program regarding that offense.</P>
        <P>(1) Convictions. There must be present a conviction of record. Section 19 does not cover arrests, pending cases not brought to trial, acquittals, or any conviction that has been reversed on appeal. A conviction with regard to which an appeal is pending will require an application until or unless reversed. A conviction for which a pardon has been granted will require an application. A conviction that has been completely expunged is not considered a conviction of record and will not require an application. For an expungement to be considered complete, no one, including law enforcement, can be permitted access to the record even by court order under the state or federal law that was the basis of the expungement.</P>
        <P>(2) Pretrial Diversion or Similar Program. Program entry, whether formal or informal, is characterized by a suspension or eventual dismissal of charges or criminal prosecution upon agreement by the accused to treatment, rehabilitation, restitution, or other noncriminal or nonpunitive alternatives. Whether a program constitutes a pretrial diversion is determined by relevant federal, state or local law, and will be considered by the FDIC on a case-by-case basis. Program entries prior to November 29, 1990, are not covered by Section 19.</P>
        <P>(3) Dishonesty or Breach of Trust. The conviction or program entry must be for a criminal offense involving dishonesty, breach of trust or money laundering. “Dishonesty” means directly or indirectly to cheat or defraud; to cheat or defraud for monetary gain or its equivalent; or wrongfully to take property belonging to another in violation of any criminal statute. Dishonesty includes acts involving want of integrity, lack of probity, or a disposition to distort, cheat, or act deceitfully or fraudulently, and may include crimes which federal, state or local laws define as dishonest. “Breach of trust” means a wrongful act, use, misappropriation or omission with respect to any property or fund that has been committed to a person in a fiduciary or official capacity, or the misuse of one's official or fiduciary position to engage in a wrongful act, use, misappropriation or omission.</P>
        <P>Whether a crime involves dishonesty or breach of trust will be determined from the statutory elements of the crime itself. All convictions for offenses concerning the illegal manufacture, sale, distribution of or trafficking in controlled substances shall require an application.</P>
        <P>(4) Youthful Offender Adjudgments. An adjudgment by a court against a person as a “youthful offender” under any youth offender law, or any adjudgment as a “juvenile delinquent” by any court having jurisdiction over minors as defined by state law does not require an application. Such adjudications are not considered convictions for criminal offenses.</P>
        <P>(5)<E T="03">De minimis</E>Offenses. Approval is automatically granted and an application will not be required where the covered offense is considered<E T="03">de minimis,</E>because it meets all of the following criteria:</P>
        <P>• There is only one conviction or program entry of record for a covered offense;</P>
        <P>• The offense was punishable by imprisonment for a term of one year or less and/or a fine of $2,500 or less, and the individual served three (3) days or less of actual jail time;</P>
        <P>• The conviction or program was entered at least five years prior to the date an application would otherwise be required; and</P>
        <P>• The offense did not involve an insured depository institution or insured credit union.</P>

        <P>A conviction or program entry of record based on the writing of a “bad” or insufficient funds check(s) shall be considered a<E T="03">de minimis</E>offense under this provision even if it involved an insured depository institution or insured credit union if the following applies:</P>
        <P>• All other requirements of the<E T="03">de minimis</E>offense provisions are met;</P>
        <P>• The aggregate total face value of the bad or insufficient funds check(s) cited in the conviction was $1000 or less; and</P>
        <P>• No insured depository institution or insured credit union was a payee on any of the bad or insufficient funds checks that were the basis of the conviction.</P>
        <P>Any person who meets the foregoing criteria shall be covered by a fidelity bond to the same extent as others in similar positions, and shall disclose the presence of the conviction or program entry to all insured institutions in the affairs of which he or she intends to participate.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD2">C. Procedures</HD>
        <P>When an application is required, forms and instructions should be obtained from, and the application filed with, the appropriate FDIC Regional Director. The application must be filed by an insured institution on behalf of a person unless the FDIC grants a waiver of that requirement. Such waivers will be considered on a case-by-case basis where substantial good cause for granting a waiver is shown.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD2">D. Evaluation of Section 19 Applications</HD>
        <P>The essential criteria in assessing an application are whether the person has demonstrated his or her fitness to participate in the conduct of the affairs of an insured institution, and whether the affiliation, ownership, control or participation by the person in the conduct of the affairs of the insured institution may constitute a threat to the safety and soundness of the insured institution or the interests of its depositors or threaten to impair public confidence in the insured institution. In determining the degree of risk, the FDIC will consider:</P>
        <P>(1) The conviction or program entry and the specific nature and circumstances of the covered offense;</P>
        <P>(2) Evidence of rehabilitation including the person's reputation since the conviction or program entry, the person's age at the time of conviction or program entry, and the time that has elapsed since the conviction or program entry;</P>
        <P>(3) The position to be held or the level of participation by the person at an insured institution;</P>
        <P>(4) The amount of influence and control the person will be able to exercise over the management or affairs of an insured institution;</P>
        <P>(5) The ability of management of the insured institution to supervise and control the person's activities;</P>

        <P>(6) The degree of ownership the person will have of the insured institution;<PRTPAGE P="74851"/>
        </P>
        <P>(7) The applicability of the insured institution's fidelity bond coverage to the person;</P>
        <P>(8) The opinion or position of the primary Federal and/or state regulator; and</P>
        <P>(9) Any additional factors in the specific case that appear relevant.</P>
        <P>The foregoing criteria will also be applied by the FDIC to determine whether the interests of justice are served in seeking an exception in the appropriate court when an application is made to terminate the ten-year ban prior to its expiration date.</P>
        <P>Some applications can be approved without an extensive review because the person will not be in a position to constitute any substantial risk to the safety and soundness of the insured institution. Persons who will occupy clerical, maintenance, service or purely administrative positions, generally fall into this category. A more detailed analysis will be performed in the case of persons who will be in a position to influence or control the management or affairs of the insured institution. Approval orders will be subject to the condition that the person shall be covered by a fidelity bond to the same extent as others in similar positions. In cases in which a waiver of the institution filing requirement has been granted to an individual, approval of the application will be conditioned upon that person disclosing the presence of the conviction to all insured institutions in the affairs of which he or she wishes to participate. When deemed appropriate, approval orders may also be subject to the condition that the prior consent of the FDIC will be required for any proposed significant changes in the person's duties and/or responsibilities. Such proposed changes may, in the discretion of the Regional Director, require a new application. In situations in which an approval has been granted for a person to participate in the affairs of a particular insured institution and subsequently seeks to participate at another insured institution, approval does not automatically follow. In such cases, another application must be submitted.</P>
        <SIG>
          <P>By Order of the Board of Directors.</P>
          
          <DATED>Dated at Washington, DC, this 11th day of December, 2012.</DATED>
          
          <FP>Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation.</FP>
          <NAME>Robert E. Feldman,</NAME>
          <TITLE>Executive Secretary.</TITLE>
        </SIG>
      </SUPLINF>
      <FRDOC>[FR Doc. 2012-30351 Filed 12-17-12; 8:45 am]</FRDOC>
      <BILCOD>BILLING CODE 6714-01-P</BILCOD>
    </NOTICE>
    <NOTICE>
      <PREAMB>
        <AGENCY TYPE="S">FEDERAL DEPOSIT INSURANCE CORPORATION</AGENCY>
        <SUBJECT>Privacy Act of 1974; System of Records</SUBJECT>
        <AGY>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">AGENCY:</HD>
          <P>Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation.</P>
        </AGY>
        <ACT>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">ACTION:</HD>
          <P>Notice to Delete a System of Records.</P>
        </ACT>
        <SUM>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">SUMMARY:</HD>
          <P>In accordance with the requirements of the Privacy Act of 1974, as amended (Privacy Act), the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) deletes one system of records from its existing inventory of systems of records subject to the Privacy Act.</P>
        </SUM>
        <DATES>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">DATES:</HD>
          <P>Effective Date is July 23, 2012.</P>
        </DATES>
        <FURINF>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:</HD>
          <P>Gary Jackson, Counsel, FDIC, 550 17th Street NW., Washington, DC 20429, (703) 562-2677.</P>
        </FURINF>
      </PREAMB>
      <SUPLINF>
        <HD SOURCE="HED">SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:</HD>
        <P>The FDIC deletes its system of records for the Nationwide Mortgage Licensing System and Registry, 76 FR 15309 (March 21, 2011). Section 1100 of Title X of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act transferred to the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection (CFPB) authority to develop and maintain the national registration system for residential mortgage loan originators required by Section 1507 of the Secure and Fair Enforcement for Mortgage Licensing Act. The CFPB published its own notice of the establishment of a Privacy Act system of records for the Nationwide Mortgage Licensing System and Registry, 77 FR 35359 (June 13, 2012), effective as of July 23, 2012.</P>

        <P>The deletion is not within the purview of subsection (r) of the Privacy Act, which requires submission of a report on a new or altered system of records. The FDIC's systems of records notices subject to the Privacy Act have been published in the<E T="04">Federal Register</E>and may be viewed at<E T="03">http://www.fdic.gov/regulations/laws/rules/2000-4000.html</E>on the FDIC's Privacy Web page.</P>
        <SIG>
          <P>By order of the Board of Directors.</P>
          
          <DATED>Dated at Washington, DC, this 11th day of December 2012.</DATED>
          <NAME>Robert E. Feldman,</NAME>
          <TITLE>Executive Secretary.</TITLE>
        </SIG>
      </SUPLINF>
      <FRDOC>[FR Doc. 2012-30254 Filed 12-17-12; 8:45 am]</FRDOC>
      <BILCOD>BILLING CODE P</BILCOD>
    </NOTICE>
    <NOTICE>
      <PREAMB>
        <AGENCY TYPE="N">FEDERAL ELECTION COMMISSION</AGENCY>
        <SUBJECT>Sunshine Act Meeting</SUBJECT>
        <AGY>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">AGENCY:</HD>
          <P>Federal Election Commission.</P>
        </AGY>
        <DATES>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">DATE AND TIME:</HD>
          <P>Thursday, December 20, 2012 at 10:00 a.m.</P>
        </DATES>
        <PREAMHD>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">PLACE:</HD>
          <P>999 E Street NW., Washington, DC (Ninth Floor).</P>
        </PREAMHD>
        <PREAMHD>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">STATUS:</HD>
          <P>This Meeting Will Be Open to the Public.</P>
        </PREAMHD>
        <PREAMHD>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">ITEMS TO BE DISCUSSED:</HD>
          <P/>
        </PREAMHD>
        <FP SOURCE="FP-1">Correction and Approval of the Minutes for the Meeting of December 6, 2012;</FP>
        <FP SOURCE="FP-1">Draft Advisory Opinion 2012-35: Global Transaction Services Group, Inc.;</FP>
        <FP SOURCE="FP-1">Draft Advisory Opinion 2012-37: Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A.;</FP>
        <FP SOURCE="FP-1">Itemization of Ultimate Payee of Committee Disbursements;</FP>
        <FP SOURCE="FP-1">Request for Comment on the Enforcement Process;</FP>
        <FP SOURCE="FP-1">Election of Officers;</FP>
        <FP SOURCE="FP-1">Future Meeting Dates;</FP>
        <FP SOURCE="FP-1">Management and Administrative Matters.</FP>
        
        <P>Individuals who plan to attend and require special assistance, such as sign language interpretation or other reasonable accommodations, should contact Shawn Woodhead Werth, Secretary and Clerk, at (202) 694-1040, at least 72 hours prior to the meeting date.</P>
        <PREAMHD>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">PERSON TO CONTACT FOR INFORMATION:</HD>
          <P>Judith Ingram, Press Officer, Telephone: (202) 694-1220.</P>
        </PREAMHD>
        <SIG>
          <NAME>Shawn Woodhead Werth,</NAME>
          <TITLE>Secretary and Clerk of the Commission.</TITLE>
        </SIG>
      </PREAMB>
      <FRDOC>[FR Doc. 2012-30492 Filed 12-14-12; 11:15 am]</FRDOC>
      <BILCOD>BILLING CODE 6715-01-P</BILCOD>
    </NOTICE>
    <NOTICE>
      <PREAMB>
        <AGENCY TYPE="N">DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES</AGENCY>
        <SUBAGY>Administration for Children and Families</SUBAGY>
        <SUBJECT>Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request</SUBJECT>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Title:</E>Unaccompanied Refugee Minor Placement and Outcomes Reports; ORR-3 and ORR-4.</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">OMB No.:</E>0970-0034.</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Description:</E>The two reports collect information necessary to administer the Unaccompanied Refugee Minor (URM) program. The ORR-3 (Placement Report) is submitted to the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) by the State agency at initial placement within 30 days of the placement, and whenever there is a change in the child's status, including termination from the program, within 60 days of the change or closure of the case. The ORR-4 (Outcomes Report) is submitted within approximately 12 months of the initial placement and each subsequent 12 months to record outcomes of the<PRTPAGE P="74852"/>child's progress toward the goals listed in the child's case plan and particularly for youth 17 years of age and above related to independent living and/or educational plans. ORR-4 is also submitted as a baseline report along with the initial ORR-3 report for 17 years old and above youth, and as a follow-up annual report for cases that have terminated and are 17 to 21 years old. ORR regulations at 45 CFR 400.120 describes specific URM program reporting requirements.</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Respondents:</E>State governments.</P>
        <GPOTABLE CDEF="s50,12,12,xs60,9.2" COLS="5" OPTS="L2,i1">
          <TTITLE>Annual Burden Estimates</TTITLE>
          <BOXHD>
            <CHED H="1">Instrument</CHED>
            <CHED H="1">Number of<LI>respondents</LI>
            </CHED>
            <CHED H="1">Number  of<LI>responses per respondent</LI>
            </CHED>
            <CHED H="1">Average burden hours per<LI>response</LI>
            </CHED>
            <CHED H="1">Total burden hours</CHED>
          </BOXHD>
          <ROW>
            <ENT I="01">ORR-3</ENT>
            <ENT>15</ENT>
            <ENT>75</ENT>
            <ENT>0.25 (15 Minutes)</ENT>
            <ENT>281.25</ENT>
          </ROW>
          <ROW>
            <ENT I="01">ORR-4</ENT>
            <ENT>15</ENT>
            <ENT>119</ENT>
            <ENT>1.5 (1 Hour and 30 Minutes)</ENT>
            <ENT>2,677.5</ENT>
          </ROW>
        </GPOTABLE>
        <P>Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours: 2,958.75.</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Additional Information:</E>Copies of the proposed collection may be obtained by writing to the Administration for Children and Families, Office of Planning, Research and Evaluation, 370 L'Enfant Promenade  SW., Washington, DC 20447, Attn: ACF Reports Clearance Officer. All requests should be identified by the title of the information collection. Email address:<E T="03">infocollection@acf.hhs.gov.</E>
        </P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">OMB Comment:</E>OMB is required to make a decision concerning the collection of information between 30 and 60 days after publication of this document in the<E T="04">Federal Register</E>. Therefore, a comment is best assured of having its full effect if OMB receives it within 30 days of publication. Written comments and recommendations for the proposed information collection should be sent directly to the following: Office of Management and Budget, Paperwork Reduction Project, Fax: 202-395-7285, Email:<E T="03">OIRA_SUBMISSION@OMB.EOP.GOV.</E>Attn: Desk Officer for the Administration for Children and Families.</P>
        <SIG>
          <NAME>Robert Sargis,</NAME>
          <TITLE>Reports Clearance Officer.</TITLE>
        </SIG>
      </PREAMB>
      <FRDOC>[FR Doc. 2012-30390 Filed 12-17-12; 8:45 am]</FRDOC>
      <BILCOD>BILLING CODE 4184-01-P</BILCOD>
    </NOTICE>
    <NOTICE>
      <PREAMB>
        <AGENCY TYPE="S">DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES</AGENCY>
        <SUBAGY>Food and Drug Administration</SUBAGY>
        <DEPDOC>[Docket No. FDA-2012-D-1197]</DEPDOC>
        <SUBJECT>Draft Guidance for Industry on Certification of Designated Medical Gases; Availability</SUBJECT>
        <AGY>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">AGENCY:</HD>
          <P>Food and Drug Administration, HHS.</P>
        </AGY>
        <ACT>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">ACTION:</HD>
          <P>Notice.</P>
        </ACT>
        <SUM>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">SUMMARY:</HD>
          <P>The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is announcing the availability of a draft guidance for industry entitled “Certification Process for Designated Medical Gases.” This draft guidance describes the new certification process created by the Food and Drug Administration Safety and Innovation Act (FDASIA) for certain medical gases and explains how FDA plans to implement that process.</P>
        </SUM>
        <DATES>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">DATES:</HD>
          <P>Although you can comment on any guidance at any time (see 21 CFR 10.115(g)(5)), to ensure that the Agency considers your comment on this draft guidance before it begins work on the final version of the guidance, submit either electronic or written comments on the draft guidance by February 19, 2013. Submit either electronic or written comments concerning the collection of information proposed in the draft guidance and attached Form 3864 by February 19, 2013.</P>
        </DATES>
        <ADD>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">ADDRESSES:</HD>

          <P>Submit written requests for single copies of this draft guidance to the Division of Drug Information, Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, Food and Drug Administration, 10903 New Hampshire Ave., Bldg. 51, Rm. 2201, Silver Spring, MD 20993-0002; or the Communications Staff (HFV-12), Center for Veterinary Medicine, Food and Drug Administration, 7519 Standish Pl., Rockville, MD 20855. Send one self-addressed adhesive label to assist that office in processing your requests. See the<E T="02">SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION</E>section for electronic access to the draft guidance document.</P>
          <P>Submit electronic comments on the draft guidance to<E T="03">http://www.regulations.gov.</E>Submit written comments to the Division of Dockets Management (HFA-305), Food and Drug Administration, 5630 Fishers Lane, rm. 1061, Rockville, MD 20852.</P>
        </ADD>
        <FURINF>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:</HD>
          <P/>
          
          <FP SOURCE="FP-1">Michael Folkendt, Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, Food and Drug Administration, 10903 New Hampshire Ave., Silver Spring, MD 20993-0002, 301-796-1900; or</FP>
          <FP SOURCE="FP-1">Germaine Connolly, Center for Veterinary Medicine (HFV-116), Food and Drug Administration, 7500 Standish Pl., Rockville, MD 20855, 240-276-8331.</FP>
        </FURINF>
      </PREAMB>
      <SUPLINF>
        <HD SOURCE="HED">SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:</HD>
        <P/>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">I. Background</HD>

        <P>FDA is announcing the availability of a draft guidance for industry entitled “Certification Process for Designated Medical Gases.” This guidance is intended to help persons or entities interested in requesting a certification for a designated medical gas under the new approval process for designated medical gases created by FDASIA (Pub. L. 112-144, 126 Stat. 993)<E T="03">.</E>
        </P>
        <P>Title XI, subtitle B, of FDASIA added sections 575 and 576 to the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (the FD&amp;C Act), which created a certification process for designated medical gases. Specifically, section 575 provides that oxygen, nitrogen, nitrous oxide, carbon dioxide, helium, carbon monoxide, and medical air are designated medical gases. Section 576 permits any person, beginning on January 5, 2013, to request a certification of a medical gas for certain indications and describes when FDA will grant or deny these requests.</P>
        <P>This draft guidance explains how FDA plans to implement this new certification process. Specifically, the draft guidance describes the medical gases that are eligible for certification, who should submit a certification request, what information should be submitted, and how FDA will evaluate and act on the request. The draft guidance also describes how the new certification requirement will be enforced and describes FDA's intent to exercise enforcement discretion in certain instances.</P>

        <P>FDA has also developed a form to help requestors submit their certification requests. FDA recommends that requestors use this form. The form<PRTPAGE P="74853"/>and an instructions page for use in completing the form are attached to this draft guidance.</P>
        <P>This draft guidance is being issued consistent with FDA's good guidance practices regulation (21 CFR 10.115). This draft guidance, when finalized, will represent the Agency's current thinking on the certification process for designated medical gases. It does not create or confer any rights for or on any person and does not operate to bind FDA or the public. An alternative approach may be used if that approach satisfies the requirements of the applicable statutes and regulations.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">II. Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995</HD>

        <P>Under the Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C. 3501-3520) (the PRA), Federal Agencies must obtain approval from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for each collection of information they conduct or sponsor. “Collection of information” is defined in 44 U.S.C. 3502(3) and 5 CFR 1320.3(c) and includes Agency requests or requirements that members of the public submit reports, keep records, or provide information to a third party. Section 3506(c)(2)(A) of the PRA (44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(2)(A)) requires Federal Agencies to provide a 60-day notice in the<E T="04">Federal Register</E>concerning each proposed collection of information before submitting the collection to OMB for approval. To comply with this requirement, FDA is publishing notice of the proposed collection of information set forth in this document.</P>
        <P>With respect to the collection of information associated with this draft guidance, FDA invites comments on these topics: (1) Whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of FDA's functions, including whether the information will have practical utility; (2) the accuracy of FDA's estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information, including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used; (3) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (4) ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on respondents, including through the use of automated collection techniques, when appropriate, and other forms of information technology.</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Title:</E>Request for Certification Process for Designated Medical Gas.</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Description of Respondents:</E>Respondents to this collection of information are manufacturers and/or marketers of certain medical gas drug products.</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Burden Estimate:</E>Under section 576 of the FD&amp;C Act and the draft guidance, the following information would be submitted to FDA by a person requesting certification of a designated medical gas product: The requestor's name, address, and other contact information; the name, address, and other contact information of the manufacturing facilities involved in the production of the gas; and certain affirmations that the gas meets applicable compendial standards and that the product is manufactured in accordance with current good manufacturing practice. Requestors will make certification requests using FDA Form 3864 and will include a cover letter explaining the nature of the submission (as explained in the Instructions page to the form). In certain circumstances FDA may ask followup questions if additional information is needed from the requestor to determine whether a medical gas qualifies for certification as a designated medical gas.</P>
        <P>Based on our knowledge of the medical gas marketplace, we estimate that a total of approximately 50 requestors (“number of respondents” in table 1) will submit certification requests for designated medical gases in 2013. We expect that a small number (we estimate five) of these requestors will need to resubmit their certification requests, which we also expect to occur in 2013. Thus, for 2013, we estimate approximately 55 “total responses” in table 1. In 2014 and beyond we expect to receive only a small number of submissions. We estimate 5 per year, and estimate 1 out of 10 such submissions will require resubmission, for a total of 5.5 annualized responses (as reflected in table 2). Those submissions would consist of new certification requests, resubmissions, and postapproval submissions to provide FDA with updated information (e.g., a change of ownership or closure of a particular manufacturing facility). In every case the requestor should submit a new Form 3864 together with a cover letter explaining the nature of the submission. For all submissions, we estimate that preparing and submitting the form and cover letter to FDA will take approximately 2 hours per requestor (“average burden per response” in the tables in this document). This estimate includes the time that some requestors may need to reply to followup questions by FDA.</P>
        <GPOTABLE CDEF="s100,12C,12C,12C,12C,12C" COLS="6" OPTS="L2,i1">
          <TTITLE>Table 1—Estimated 2013 Reporting Burden<SU>1</SU>
          </TTITLE>
          <BOXHD>
            <CHED H="1"/>
            <CHED H="1">Number of<LI>respondents</LI>
            </CHED>
            <CHED H="1">Number of<LI>responses per</LI>
              <LI>respondent</LI>
            </CHED>
            <CHED H="1">Total<LI>responses</LI>
            </CHED>
            <CHED H="1">Average<LI>burden per</LI>
              <LI>response</LI>
              <LI>(in hours)</LI>
            </CHED>
            <CHED H="1">Total<LI>hours</LI>
            </CHED>
          </BOXHD>
          <ROW>
            <ENT I="01">Form FDA 3864 and other requested information.</ENT>
            <ENT>50</ENT>
            <ENT>1.1</ENT>
            <ENT>55</ENT>
            <ENT>2</ENT>
            <ENT>110</ENT>
          </ROW>
          <TNOTE>
            <SU>1</SU>There are no capital costs or operating and maintenance costs associated with this collection of information.</TNOTE>
        </GPOTABLE>
        <GPOTABLE CDEF="s100,12C,12C,12C,12C,12C" COLS="6" OPTS="L2,i1">
          <TTITLE>Table 2—Estimated Annual Reporting Burden in 2014 and Subsequent Years<SU>1</SU>
          </TTITLE>
          <BOXHD>
            <CHED H="1"/>
            <CHED H="1">Number of<LI>respondents</LI>
            </CHED>
            <CHED H="1">Number of<LI>responses per</LI>
              <LI>respondent</LI>
            </CHED>
            <CHED H="1">Total<LI>annual</LI>
              <LI>responses</LI>
            </CHED>
            <CHED H="1">Average<LI>burden per</LI>
              <LI>response</LI>
              <LI>(in hours)</LI>
            </CHED>
            <CHED H="1">Total<LI>hours</LI>
            </CHED>
          </BOXHD>
          <ROW>
            <ENT I="01">Form FDA 3864 and other requested information.</ENT>
            <ENT>5</ENT>
            <ENT>1.1</ENT>
            <ENT>5.5</ENT>
            <ENT>2</ENT>
            <ENT>11</ENT>
          </ROW>
          <TNOTE>
            <SU>1</SU>There are no capital costs or operating and maintenance costs associated with this collection of information.</TNOTE>
        </GPOTABLE>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">III. Comments</HD>

        <P>Interested persons may submit either written comments regarding this document to the Division of Dockets Management (see<E T="02">ADDRESSES</E>) or electronic comments to<E T="03">http://www.regulations.gov.</E>It is only necessary to send one set of comments. Identify comments with the docket<PRTPAGE P="74854"/>number found in brackets in the heading of this document. Received comments may be seen in the Division of Dockets Management between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, and will be posted to the docket at<E T="03">http://www.regulations.gov.</E>
        </P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">IV. Electronic Access</HD>

        <P>Persons with access to the Internet may obtain the document at either<E T="03">http://www.fda.gov/RegulatoryInformation/Guidances/default.htm or http://www.regulations.gov.</E>Always access an FDA guidance document by using FDA's Web site listed in the previous sentence to find the most current version of the guidance.</P>
        <SIG>
          <DATED>Dated: December 12, 2012.</DATED>
          <NAME>Leslie Kux,</NAME>
          <TITLE>Assistant Commissioner for Policy.</TITLE>
        </SIG>
      </SUPLINF>
      <FRDOC>[FR Doc. 2012-30382 Filed 12-17-12; 8:45 am]</FRDOC>
      <BILCOD>BILLING CODE 4160-01-P</BILCOD>
    </NOTICE>
    <NOTICE>
      <PREAMB>
        <AGENCY TYPE="S">DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES</AGENCY>
        <SUBAGY>Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration</SUBAGY>
        <SUBJECT>Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Collection; Comment Request</SUBJECT>
        <P>In compliance with Section 3506(c)(2)(A) of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 concerning opportunity for public comment on proposed collections of information, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) will publish periodic summaries of proposed projects. To request more information on the proposed projects or to obtain a copy of the information collection plans, call the SAMHSA Reports Clearance Officer on (240) 276-1243.</P>
        <P>Comments are invited on: (a) Whether the proposed collections of information are necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information shall have practical utility; (b) the accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information; (c) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (d) ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on respondents, including through the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Proposed Project: Transformation Accountability Reporting System—(OMB No. 0930-0285)—Extension</HD>
        <P>The Transformation Accountability (TRAC) Reporting System is a real-time, performance management system that captures information on the substance abuse treatment and mental health services delivered in the United States. A wide range of client and program information is captured through TRAC for approximately 700 grantees. This request includes an extension of the currently approved data collection effort.</P>
        <P>This information collection will allow SAMHSA to continue to meet the Government Performance and Results Act (GPRA) of 1993 reporting requirements that quantify the effects and accomplishments of its programs, which are consistent with OMB guidance. In order to carry out section 1105(a)(29) of GPRA, SAMHSA is required to prepare a performance plan for its major programs of activity. This plan must:</P>
        <P>• Establish performance goals to define the level of performance to be achieved by a program activity;</P>
        <P>• Express such goals in an objective, quantifiable, and measurable form;</P>
        <P>• Briefly describe the operational processes, skills and technology, and the human, capital, information, or other resources required to meet the performance goals;</P>
        <P>• Establish performance indicators to be used in measuring or assessing the relevant outputs, service levels, and outcomes of each program activity;</P>
        <P>• Provide a basis for comparing actual program results with the established performance goals; and</P>
        <P>• Describe the means to be used to verify and validate measured values.</P>
        <P>In addition, this data collection supports the GPRA Modernization Act of 2010 which requires overall organization management to improve agency performance and achieve the mission and goals of the agency through the use of strategic and performance planning, measurement, analysis, regular assessment of progress, and use of performance information to improve the results achieved. Specifically, this data collection will allow CMHS to have the capacity to report on a consistent set of performance measures across its various grant programs that conduct each of these activities. SAMHSA's legislative mandate is to increase access to high quality substance abuse and mental health prevention and treatment services and to improve outcomes. Its mission is to improve the quality and availability of treatment and prevention services for substance abuse and mental illness. To support this mission, the Agency's overarching goals are:</P>
        <P>• Accountability—Establish systems to ensure program performance measurement and accountability</P>
        <P>• Capacity—Build, maintain, and enhance mental health and substance abuse infrastructure and capacity</P>
        <P>• Effectiveness—Enable all communities and providers to deliver effective services</P>
        <P>Each of these key goals complements SAMHSA's legislative mandate. All of SAMHSA's programs and activities are geared toward the achievement of these goals and performance monitoring is a collaborative and cooperative aspect of this process. SAMHSA will strive to coordinate the development of these goals with other ongoing performance measurement development activities.</P>
        <P>The total annual burden estimate is shown below:</P>
        <GPOTABLE CDEF="s50,12,12,10,10,8,8,8" COLS="8" OPTS="L2,i1">
          <TTITLE>Estimates of Annualized Hour Burden—CMHS Client Outcome Measures for Discretionary Programs</TTITLE>
          <BOXHD>
            <CHED H="1">Type of response</CHED>
            <CHED H="1">Number of<LI>respondents</LI>
            </CHED>
            <CHED H="1">Responses per<LI>respondent</LI>
            </CHED>
            <CHED H="1">Total<LI>responses</LI>
            </CHED>
            <CHED H="1">Hours per response</CHED>
            <CHED H="1">Total hour<LI>burden</LI>
            </CHED>
            <CHED H="1">Hourly wage cost</CHED>
            <CHED H="1">Total hour cost</CHED>
          </BOXHD>
          <ROW>
            <ENT I="01">Client-level baseline interview</ENT>
            <ENT>15,681</ENT>
            <ENT>1</ENT>
            <ENT>15,681</ENT>
            <ENT>0.48</ENT>
            <ENT>7,527</ENT>
            <ENT>
              <SU>1</SU>$15</ENT>
            <ENT>$112,903</ENT>
          </ROW>
          <ROW>
            <ENT I="01">Client-level 6-month reassessment interview</ENT>
            <ENT>10,637</ENT>
            <ENT>1</ENT>
            <ENT>10,637</ENT>
            <ENT>0.367</ENT>
            <ENT>3,904</ENT>
            <ENT>15</ENT>
            <ENT>58,557</ENT>
          </ROW>
          <ROW>
            <ENT I="01">Client-level discharge interview<SU>2</SU>
            </ENT>
            <ENT>4,508</ENT>
            <ENT>1</ENT>
            <ENT>4,508</ENT>
            <ENT>0.367</ENT>
            <ENT>1,776</ENT>
            <ENT>15</ENT>
            <ENT>26,644</ENT>
          </ROW>
          <ROW>
            <ENT I="01">Client-level baseline chart abstraction<SU>3</SU>
            </ENT>
            <ENT>2,352</ENT>
            <ENT>1</ENT>
            <ENT>2,352</ENT>
            <ENT>0.1</ENT>
            <ENT>235</ENT>
            <ENT>15</ENT>
            <ENT>3,528</ENT>
          </ROW>
          <ROW>
            <ENT I="01">Client-level reassessment chart abstraction<SU>4</SU>
            </ENT>
            <ENT>8,703</ENT>
            <ENT>1</ENT>
            <ENT>8,703</ENT>
            <ENT>0.1</ENT>
            <ENT>870</ENT>
            <ENT>15</ENT>
            <ENT>13,055</ENT>
          </ROW>
          <ROW RUL="n,s">
            <ENT I="01">Client-level discharge chart abstraction<SU>5</SU>
            </ENT>
            <ENT>8,241</ENT>
            <ENT>1</ENT>
            <ENT>8,241</ENT>
            <ENT>0.1</ENT>
            <ENT>824</ENT>
            <ENT>15</ENT>
            <ENT>12,362</ENT>
          </ROW>
          <ROW RUL="s">
            <PRTPAGE P="74855"/>
            <ENT I="03">Client-level Subtotal<SU>6</SU>
            </ENT>
            <ENT/>
            <ENT/>
            <ENT/>
            <ENT/>
            <ENT>15,137</ENT>
            <ENT>15</ENT>
            <ENT>227,048</ENT>
          </ROW>
          <ROW RUL="n,s">
            <ENT I="01">Infrastructure development, prevention, and mental health promotion quarterly record abstraction</ENT>
            <ENT>942</ENT>
            <ENT>4</ENT>
            <ENT>3,768</ENT>
            <ENT>4</ENT>
            <ENT>15,072</ENT>
            <ENT>
              <SU>7</SU>35</ENT>
            <ENT>527,520</ENT>
          </ROW>
          <ROW>
            <ENT I="05">Total</ENT>
            <ENT>16,623</ENT>
            <ENT/>
            <ENT/>
            <ENT/>
            <ENT>29,298</ENT>
            <ENT/>
            <ENT>885,135</ENT>
          </ROW>
          <TNOTE>
            <SU>1</SU>Based on minimum wage.</TNOTE>
          <TNOTE>
            <SU>2</SU>Based on an estimate that 35 percent will leave the program annually, and it will be possible to conduct discharge interviews on 40 percent of those who leave the program.</TNOTE>
          <TNOTE>
            <SU>3</SU>Based on 13 percent non-response for those eligible at baseline (18,033); baselines are required for all consumers served or an admin baseline for non-responders.</TNOTE>
          <TNOTE>
            <SU>4</SU>Based on 40 percent non-response for those eligible for six-month reassessment.</TNOTE>
          <TNOTE>
            <SU>5</SU>Based on 60 percent non-response for those discharged.</TNOTE>
          <TNOTE>
            <SU>6</SU>This is the maximum burden if all consumers complete the baseline and periodic reassessment interviews.</TNOTE>
          <TNOTE>
            <SU>7</SU>To be completed by grantee Project Directors, hence the higher hourly wage.</TNOTE>
        </GPOTABLE>

        <P>Send comments to Summer King, SAMHSA Reports Clearance Officer, Room 2-1057, One Choke Cherry Road, Rockville, MD 20857 or email a copy to<E T="03">summer.king@samhsa.hhs.gov.</E>Written comments must be received before 60 days after the date of the publication in the<E T="04">Federal Register</E>.</P>
        <SIG>
          <NAME>Summer King,</NAME>
          <TITLE>Statistician.</TITLE>
        </SIG>
      </PREAMB>
      <FRDOC>[FR Doc. 2012-30386 Filed 12-17-12; 8:45 am]</FRDOC>
      <BILCOD>BILLING CODE 4162-20-P</BILCOD>
    </NOTICE>
    <NOTICE>
      <PREAMB>
        <AGENCY TYPE="S">DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES</AGENCY>
        <SUBAGY>Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration</SUBAGY>
        <SUBJECT>Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Collection; Comment Request</SUBJECT>
        <P>In compliance with Section 3506(c)(2)(A) of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 concerning opportunity for public comment on proposed collections of information, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) will publish periodic summaries of proposed projects. To request more information on the proposed projects or to obtain a copy of the information collection plans, call the SAMHSA Reports Clearance Officer on (240) 276-1243.</P>
        <P>Comments are invited on: (a) Whether the proposed collections of information are necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information shall have practical utility; (b) the accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information; (c) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (d) ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on respondents, including through the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Proposed Project: Services Accountability Improvement System—(OMB No. 0930-0208)—Extension</HD>
        <P>This is an extension to the previously OMB approved instrument. The Services Accountability Improvement System (SAIS), which is a real-time, performance management system that captures information on the substance abuse treatment and mental health services delivered in the United States. A wide range of client and program information is captured through SAIS for approximately 600 grantees. Substance abuse treatment facilities submit their data on a monthly and even a weekly basis to ensure that SAIS is an accurate, up-to-date reflection on the scope of services delivered and characteristics of the treatment population. Over 30 reports on grantee performance are readily available on the SAIS Web site. The reports inform staff on the grantees' ability to serve their target populations and meet their client and budget targets. SAIS data allow grantees information that can guide modifications to their service array. Continued approval of this information collection will allow SAMHSA to continue to meet Government Performance and Results Act of 1993 (GPRA) reporting requirements that quantify the effects and accomplishments of its discretionary grant programs which are consistent with OMB guidance.</P>
        <P>Note that there are no changes to the instrument or the burden hours from the previous OMB submission.</P>
        <GPOTABLE CDEF="s100,r50,12,12,r50,12,12" COLS="7" OPTS="L2,i1">
          <TTITLE>Estimates of Annualized Hour Burden<E T="01">
              <SU>1</SU>
            </E>—CSAT GPRA Client Outcome Measures for Discretionary Programs</TTITLE>
          <BOXHD>
            <CHED H="1">Center/Form/Respondent type</CHED>
            <CHED H="1">Number of<LI>respondents</LI>
            </CHED>
            <CHED H="1">Responses<LI>per</LI>
              <LI>respondent</LI>
            </CHED>
            <CHED H="1">Total<LI>responses</LI>
            </CHED>
            <CHED H="1">Hours per<LI>response</LI>
            </CHED>
            <CHED H="1">Total<LI>hour burden</LI>
            </CHED>
            <CHED H="1">Added<LI>burden</LI>
              <LI>proportion<SU>2</SU>
              </LI>
            </CHED>
          </BOXHD>
          <ROW EXPSTB="06" RUL="s">
            <ENT I="21">
              <E T="02">Clients</E>
            </ENT>
          </ROW>
          <ROW EXPSTB="00" RUL="s">
            <ENT I="01">Adolescents</ENT>
            <ENT>3,900</ENT>
            <ENT>4</ENT>
            <ENT>15,600</ENT>
            <ENT>.5</ENT>
            <ENT>7,800</ENT>
            <ENT>.34</ENT>
          </ROW>
          <ROW EXPSTB="06" RUL="s">
            <ENT I="21">
              <E T="02">Adults</E>
            </ENT>
          </ROW>
          <ROW EXPSTB="00">
            <ENT I="01">General (non ATR or SBIRT)</ENT>
            <ENT>28,000</ENT>
            <ENT>3</ENT>
            <ENT>84,000</ENT>
            <ENT>.5</ENT>
            <ENT>42,000</ENT>
            <ENT>.34</ENT>
          </ROW>
          <ROW>
            <ENT I="01">ATR</ENT>
            <ENT>53,333</ENT>
            <ENT>3</ENT>
            <ENT>159,999</ENT>
            <ENT>.5</ENT>
            <ENT>80,000</ENT>
            <ENT>.34</ENT>
          </ROW>
          <ROW>
            <PRTPAGE P="74856"/>
            <ENT I="01">SBIRT<SU>4</SU>Screening Only</ENT>
            <ENT>150,618</ENT>
            <ENT>1</ENT>
            <ENT>150,618</ENT>
            <ENT>.13</ENT>
            <ENT>19,580</ENT>
            <ENT>0</ENT>
          </ROW>
          <ROW>
            <ENT I="01">SBIRT Brief Intervention</ENT>
            <ENT>27,679</ENT>
            <ENT>3</ENT>
            <ENT>83,037</ENT>
            <ENT>.20</ENT>
            <ENT>16,607</ENT>
            <ENT>0</ENT>
          </ROW>
          <ROW RUL="n,s">
            <ENT I="01">SBIRT Brief Tx &amp; Refer to Tx</ENT>
            <ENT>9,200</ENT>
            <ENT>3</ENT>
            <ENT>27,600</ENT>
            <ENT>.5</ENT>
            <ENT>13,800</ENT>
            <ENT>.34</ENT>
          </ROW>
          <ROW RUL="s">
            <ENT I="03">Client Subtotal</ENT>
            <ENT>272,730</ENT>
            <ENT O="xl"/>
            <ENT>520,854</ENT>
            <ENT O="xl"/>
            <ENT>179,787</ENT>
            <ENT/>
          </ROW>
          <ROW EXPSTB="06" RUL="s">
            <ENT I="21">
              <E T="02">Data Extract<SU>5</SU>and Upload</E>
            </ENT>
          </ROW>
          <ROW EXPSTB="00" RUL="s">
            <ENT I="01">Adolescent Records</ENT>
            <ENT>44 grants</ENT>
            <ENT>44 × 4</ENT>
            <ENT>176</ENT>
            <ENT>.18</ENT>
            <ENT>32</ENT>
            <ENT/>
          </ROW>
          <ROW EXPSTB="06" RUL="s">
            <ENT I="21">
              <E T="02">Adult Records</E>
            </ENT>
          </ROW>
          <ROW EXPSTB="00">
            <ENT I="01">General (non ATR or SBIRT)</ENT>
            <ENT>528 grants</ENT>
            <ENT>70 × 3</ENT>
            <ENT>210</ENT>
            <ENT>.18</ENT>
            <ENT>38</ENT>
            <ENT/>
          </ROW>
          <ROW>
            <ENT I="01">ATR Data Extract</ENT>
            <ENT>53,333</ENT>
            <ENT>3</ENT>
            <ENT>160,000</ENT>
            <ENT>.16</ENT>
            <ENT>25,600</ENT>
            <ENT/>
          </ROW>
          <ROW>
            <ENT I="01">ATR Upload<SU>6</SU>
            </ENT>
            <ENT>24 grants</ENT>
            <ENT>3</ENT>
            <ENT>160,000</ENT>
            <ENT>1 hr. per 6,000 records</ENT>
            <ENT>27</ENT>
            <ENT/>
          </ROW>
          <ROW>
            <ENT I="01">SBIRT Screening Only Data Extract</ENT>
            <ENT>9 grants</ENT>
            <ENT>21,517 × 1</ENT>
            <ENT>21,517</ENT>
            <ENT>.07</ENT>
            <ENT>1,506</ENT>
            <ENT/>
          </ROW>
          <ROW>
            <ENT I="01">SBIRT Brief Intervention Data Extract</ENT>
            <ENT>9 grants</ENT>
            <ENT>3,954 × 3</ENT>
            <ENT>11,862</ENT>
            <ENT>.10</ENT>
            <ENT>1,186</ENT>
            <ENT/>
          </ROW>
          <ROW>
            <ENT I="01">SBIRT Brief Tx &amp; Refer to Tx Data Extract</ENT>
            <ENT>9 grants</ENT>
            <ENT>1,314 × 3</ENT>
            <ENT>3,942</ENT>
            <ENT>.18</ENT>
            <ENT>710</ENT>
            <ENT/>
          </ROW>
          <ROW>
            <ENT I="01">SBIRT Upload<SU>7</SU>
            </ENT>
            <ENT>7 grants</ENT>
            <ENT O="xl"/>
            <ENT>171,639</ENT>
            <ENT>1 hr. per 6,000 records</ENT>
            <ENT>29</ENT>
            <ENT/>
          </ROW>
          <ROW RUL="n,s">
            <ENT I="01">Data Extract and Upload Subtotal</ENT>
            <ENT>53,856</ENT>
            <ENT O="xl"/>
            <ENT>529,382</ENT>
            <ENT O="xl"/>
            <ENT>29,134</ENT>
            <ENT/>
          </ROW>
          <ROW>
            <ENT I="03">TOTAL</ENT>
            <ENT>326,586</ENT>
            <ENT O="xl"/>
            <ENT>1,050,236</ENT>
            <ENT O="xl"/>
            <ENT>208,921</ENT>
            <ENT/>
          </ROW>
          <TNOTE>
            <E T="02">Notes :</E>
          </TNOTE>
          <TNOTE>
            <SU>1</SU>This table represents the maximum additional burden if adult respondents, for the discretionary services programs including ATR, provide three sets of responses/data and if CSAT adolescent respondents, provide four sets of responses/data.</TNOTE>
          <TNOTE>
            <SU>2</SU>Added burden proportion is an adjustment reflecting customary and usual business practices programs engage in (e.g., they already collect the data items).</TNOTE>
          <TNOTE>
            <SU>3</SU>Estimate based on 2010 hourly wave of $19.97 for U.S. workforce eligible from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.</TNOTE>
          <TNOTE>
            <SU>4</SU>Screening, Brief Intervention, Treatment and Referral (SBIRT) grant program:</TNOTE>
          <TNOTE>* 27,679 Brief Intervention (BI) respondents complete sections A &amp; B of the GPRA instrument, all of these items are asked during a customary and usual intake process resulting in zero burden; and</TNOTE>
          <TNOTE>* 9,200 Brief Treatment (BT) &amp; Referral to Treatment (RT) respondents complete all sections of the GPRA instrument.</TNOTE>
          <TNOTE>
            <SU>5</SU>Data Extract by Grants: Grant burden for capturing customary and usual data.</TNOTE>
          <TNOTE>
            <SU>6</SU>Upload: all 24 ATR grants upload data.</TNOTE>
          <TNOTE>
            <SU>7</SU>Upload: 7 of the 9 SBIRT grants upload data; the other 2 grants conduct direct data entry.</TNOTE>
        </GPOTABLE>
        <P>Based on current funding and planned fiscal year 2010 notice of funding announcements (NOFA), the CSAT programs that will use these measures in fiscal years 2010 through 2012 include: The Access to Recovery 2 (ATR2), ATR3, Addictions Treatment for Homeless; Adult Criminal Justice Treatment; Assertive Adolescent Family Treatment; HIV/AIDS Outreach; Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention—Brief Intervention and Referral to Treatment (OJJDP-BIRT); OJJDP-Juvenile Drug Court (OJJDP-JDC); Offender Re-entry Program; Pregnant and Postpartum Women; Recovery Community Services Program—Services; Recovery Oriented Systems of Care; Screening and Brief Intervention and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT), Targeted Capacity Expansion (TCE); TCE/HIV; Treatment Drug Court; and the Youth Offender Reentry Program. SAMHSA uses the performance measures to report on the performance of its discretionary services grant programs. The performance measures information is used by individuals at three different levels: The SAMHSA administrator and staff, the Center administrators and government project officers, and grantees.</P>
        <P>SAMHSA and its Centers will use the data for annual reporting required by GPRA and for NOMs comparing baseline with discharge and follow-up data. GPRA requires that SAMHSA's report for each fiscal year include actual results of performance monitoring for the three preceding fiscal years. The additional information collected through this process will allow SAMHSA to report on the results of these performance outcomes as well as be consistent with the specific performance domains that SAMHSA is implementing as the NOMs, to assess the accountability and performance of its discretionary and formula grant programs.</P>

        <P>Send comments to Summer King, SAMHSA Reports Clearance Officer, Room 2-1057, 1 Choke Cherry Road, Rockville, MD 20857<E T="03">OR</E>email her a copy at<E T="03">summer.king@samhsa.hhs.gov</E>. Written comments should be received within 60 days of this notice.</P>
        <SIG>
          <NAME>Summer King,</NAME>
          <TITLE>Statistician.</TITLE>
        </SIG>
      </PREAMB>
      <FRDOC>[FR Doc. 2012-30385 Filed 12-17-12; 8:45 am]</FRDOC>
      <BILCOD>BILLING CODE 4162-20-P</BILCOD>
    </NOTICE>
    <NOTICE>
      <PREAMB>
        <AGENCY TYPE="N">DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY</AGENCY>
        <SUBAGY>Federal Emergency Management Agency</SUBAGY>
        <DEPDOC>[Docket ID FEMA-2012-0003]</DEPDOC>
        <SUBJECT>Changes in Flood Hazard Determinations</SUBJECT>
        <AGY>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">AGENCY:</HD>
          <P>Federal Emergency Management Agency, DHS.</P>
        </AGY>
        <ACT>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">ACTION:</HD>
          <P>Final Notice.</P>
        </ACT>
        <SUM>
          <PRTPAGE P="74857"/>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">SUMMARY:</HD>
          <P>New or modified Base (1% annual-chance) Flood Elevations (BFEs), base flood depths, Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) boundaries or zone designations, and/or the regulatory floodway (hereinafter referred to as flood hazard determinations) as shown on the indicated Letter of Map Revision (LOMR) for each of the communities listed in the table below are finalized. Each LOMR revises the Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs), and in some cases the Flood Insurance Study (FIS) reports, currently in effect for the listed communities. The flood hazard determinations modified by each LOMR will be used to calculate flood insurance premium rates for new buildings and their contents.</P>
        </SUM>
        <DATES>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">DATES:</HD>
          <P>The effective date for each LOMR is indicated in the table below.</P>
        </DATES>
        <ADD>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">ADDRESSES:</HD>

          <P>Each LOMR is available for inspection at both the respective Community Map Repository address listed in the table below and online through the FEMA Map Service Center at<E T="03">www.msc.fema.gov.</E>
          </P>
        </ADD>
        <FURINF>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:</HD>

          <P>Luis Rodriguez, Chief, Engineering Management Branch, Federal Insurance and Mitigation Administration, FEMA, 500 C Street SW., Washington, DC 20472, (202) 646-4064, or (email)<E T="03">Luis.Rodriguez3@fema.dhs.gov;</E>or visit the FEMA Map Information eXchange (FMIX) online at<E T="03">www.floodmaps.fema.gov/fhm/fmx_main.html.</E>
          </P>
        </FURINF>
      </PREAMB>
      <SUPLINF>
        <HD SOURCE="HED">SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:</HD>
        <P>The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) makes the final flood hazard determinations as shown in the LOMRs for each community listed in the table below. Notice of these modified flood hazard determinations has been published in newspapers of local circulation and ninety (90) days have elapsed since that publication. The Deputy Associate Administrator for Mitigation has resolved any appeals resulting from this notification.</P>

        <P>The modified flood hazard determinations are made pursuant to section 206 of the Flood Disaster Protection Act of 1973, 42 U.S.C. 4105, and are in accordance with the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968, 42 U.S.C. 4001<E T="03">et seq.,</E>and with 44 CFR part 65.</P>
        <P>For rating purposes, the currently effective community number is shown and must be used for all new policies and renewals.</P>
        <P>The new or modified flood hazard determinations are the basis for the floodplain management measures that the community is required either to adopt or to show evidence of being already in effect in order to remain qualified for participation in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).</P>
        <P>These new or modified flood hazard determinations, together with the floodplain management criteria required by 44 CFR 60.3, are the minimum that are required. They should not be construed to mean that the community must change any existing ordinances that are more stringent in their floodplain management requirements. The community may at any time enact stricter requirements of its own or pursuant to policies established by other Federal, State, or regional entities.</P>
        <P>These new or modified flood hazard determinations are used to meet the floodplain management requirements of the NFIP and also are used to calculate the appropriate flood insurance premium rates for new buildings, and for the contents in those buildings. The changes in flood hazard determinations are in accordance with 44 CFR 65.4.</P>

        <P>Interested lessees and owners of real property are encouraged to review the final flood hazard information available at the address cited below for each community or online through the FEMA Map Service Center at<E T="03">www.msc.fema.gov.</E>
        </P>
        <GPOTABLE CDEF="s50,r50,r100,r100,xs68,10" COLS="6" OPTS="L2,tp0,p7,7/8,i1">
          <TTITLE/>
          <BOXHD>
            <CHED H="1">State and county</CHED>
            <CHED H="1">Location and case No.</CHED>
            <CHED H="1">Chief executive officer of community</CHED>
            <CHED H="1">Community map repository</CHED>
            <CHED H="1">Effective date of modification</CHED>
            <CHED H="1">Community No.</CHED>
          </BOXHD>
          <ROW>
            <ENT I="01">Alabama: Baldwin (FEMA Docket No.: B-1249)</ENT>
            <ENT>City of Gulf Shores (12-04-0183P)</ENT>
            <ENT>The Honorable Robert S. Craft, Mayor, City of Gulf Shores, P.O. Box 299, Gulf Shores, AL 36547</ENT>
            <ENT>Community Development Department, 1905 West 1st Street, Gulf Shores, AL 36547</ENT>
            <ENT>June 4, 2012</ENT>
            <ENT>015005</ENT>
          </ROW>
          <ROW>
            <ENT I="22">Arizona:</ENT>
          </ROW>
          <ROW>
            <ENT I="03">Coconino (FEMA Docket No.: B-1249)</ENT>
            <ENT>City of Flagstaff (11-09-3783P)</ENT>
            <ENT>The Honorable Sara Presler, Mayor, City of Flagstaff, 211 West Aspen Avenue, Flagstaff, AZ 86001</ENT>
            <ENT>City Hall Stormwater Management Section, 211 West Aspen Avenue, Flagstaff, AZ 86001</ENT>
            <ENT>May 15, 2012</ENT>
            <ENT>040020</ENT>
          </ROW>
          <ROW>
            <ENT I="03">Coconino (FEMA Docket No.: B-1249)</ENT>
            <ENT>City of Flagstaff (11-09-3785P)</ENT>
            <ENT>The Honorable Sara Presler, Mayor, City of Flagstaff, 211 West Aspen Avenue, Flagstaff, AZ 86001</ENT>
            <ENT>City Hall Stormwater Management Section, 211 West Aspen Avenue, Flagstaff, AZ 86001</ENT>
            <ENT>May 15, 2012</ENT>
            <ENT>040020</ENT>
          </ROW>
          <ROW>
            <ENT I="03">Coconino (FEMA Docket No.: B-1249)</ENT>
            <ENT>City of Flagstaff (11-09-3787P)</ENT>
            <ENT>The Honorable Sara Presler, Mayor, City of Flagstaff, 211 West Aspen Avenue, Flagstaff, AZ 86001</ENT>
            <ENT>City Hall Stormwater Management Section, 211 West Aspen Avenue, Flagstaff, AZ 86001</ENT>
            <ENT>May 9, 2012</ENT>
            <ENT>040020</ENT>
          </ROW>
          <ROW>
            <ENT I="03">Coconino (FEMA Docket No.: B-1249)</ENT>
            <ENT>Unincorporated areas of Coconino County (11-09-3785P)</ENT>
            <ENT>The Honorable Lena Fowler, Chair, Coconino County Board of Supervisors, P.O. Box 948, Tuba City, AZ 86045</ENT>
            <ENT>2500 North Fort Valley Road, Building 1, Flagstaff, AZ 86001</ENT>
            <ENT>May 15, 2012</ENT>
            <ENT>040019</ENT>
          </ROW>
          <ROW>
            <ENT I="22">California:</ENT>
          </ROW>
          <ROW>
            <ENT I="03">Placer (FEMA Docket No.: B-1249)</ENT>
            <ENT>Unincorporated areas of Placer County (12-09-0102P)</ENT>
            <ENT>The Honorable Jennifer Montgomery, Chair, Placer County Board of Supervisors, 175 Fulweiler Avenue, Auburn, CA 95603</ENT>
            <ENT>Department of Public Works, 11444 B Avenue, Auburn, CA 95603</ENT>
            <ENT>June 4, 2012</ENT>
            <ENT>060239</ENT>
          </ROW>
          <ROW>
            <ENT I="03">Tulare (FEMA Docket No.: B-1245)</ENT>
            <ENT>Unincorporated areas of Tulare County (11-09-3490P)</ENT>
            <ENT>The Honorable Mike Ennis, Chairman, Tulare County Board of Supervisors, 2800 West Burrell Avenue, Visalia, CA 93291</ENT>
            <ENT>Tulare County Resource Management Agency, 5961 South Mooney Boulevard, Visalia, CA 93227</ENT>
            <ENT>April 24, 2012</ENT>
            <ENT>065066</ENT>
          </ROW>
          <ROW>
            <ENT I="22">Colorado:</ENT>
          </ROW>
          <ROW>
            <ENT I="03">Boulder (FEMA Docket No.: B-1249)</ENT>
            <ENT>City of Lafayette (11-08-0913P)</ENT>
            <ENT>The Honorable Carolyn Cutler, Mayor, City of Lafayette, 1290 South Public Road, Lafayette, CO 80026</ENT>
            <ENT>Planning Department, 1290 South Public Road, Lafayette, CO 80026</ENT>
            <ENT>April 27, 2012</ENT>
            <ENT>080026</ENT>
          </ROW>
          <ROW>
            <ENT I="03">Boulder (FEMA Docket No.: B-1249)</ENT>
            <ENT>City of Louisville (11-08-0913P)</ENT>
            <ENT>The Honorable Bob Muckle, Mayor, City of Louisville, 749 Main Street, Louisville, CO 80027</ENT>
            <ENT>Community Development, 749 Main Street, Louisville, CO 80027</ENT>
            <ENT>April 27, 2012</ENT>
            <ENT>085076</ENT>
          </ROW>
          <ROW>
            <ENT I="03">Boulder (FEMA Docket No.: B-1249)</ENT>
            <ENT>Town of Erie (11-08-0866P)</ENT>
            <ENT>The Honorable Joe Wilson, Mayor, Town of Erie, P.O. Box 750, Erie, CO 80516</ENT>
            <ENT>1739 Broadway, Suite 300, Boulder, CO 80306</ENT>
            <ENT>May 15, 2012</ENT>
            <ENT>080181</ENT>
          </ROW>
          <ROW>
            <PRTPAGE P="74858"/>
            <ENT I="03">Boulder (FEMA Docket No.: B-1249)</ENT>
            <ENT>Unincorporated areas of Boulder County (11-08-0866P)</ENT>
            <ENT>The Honorable Ben Pearlman, Chairman, Boulder County Board of Commissioners, P.O. Box 471, Boulder, CO 80306</ENT>
            <ENT>1739 Broadway, Suite 300, Boulder, CO 80306</ENT>
            <ENT>May 15, 2012</ENT>
            <ENT>080023</ENT>
          </ROW>
          <ROW>
            <ENT I="03">Jefferson (FEMA Docket No.: B-1249)</ENT>
            <ENT>City of Lakewood (12-08-0106P)</ENT>
            <ENT>The Honorable Bob Murphy, Mayor, City of Lakewood, Lakewood Civic Center South, 480 South Allison Parkway, Lakewood, CO 80226</ENT>
            <ENT>Civic Center North—Engineering, 480 South Allison Parkway, Lakewood, CO 80226</ENT>
            <ENT>June 8, 2012</ENT>
            <ENT>085075</ENT>
          </ROW>
          <ROW>
            <ENT I="22">Florida:</ENT>
          </ROW>
          <ROW>
            <ENT I="03">Charlotte (FEMA Docket No.: B-1249)</ENT>
            <ENT>Unincorporated areas of Charlotte County (12-04-0206P)</ENT>
            <ENT>The Honorable Bob Starr, Chairman, Charlotte County Board of Commissioners, 18500 Murdock Circle, Port Charlotte, FL 33948</ENT>
            <ENT>18500 Murdock Circle, Port Charlotte, FL 33948</ENT>
            <ENT>June 1, 2012</ENT>
            <ENT>120061</ENT>
          </ROW>
          <ROW>
            <ENT I="03">Leon (FEMA Docket No.: B-1249)</ENT>
            <ENT>Unincorporated areas of Leon County (11-04-5515P)</ENT>
            <ENT>The Honorable John E. Dailey, Chairman, Leon County Board of Commissioners, 301 South Monroe Street, 5th Floor, Tallahassee, FL 32301</ENT>
            <ENT>Leon County Courthouse, 301 South Monroe Street, Tallahassee, FL 32301</ENT>
            <ENT>May 21, 2012</ENT>
            <ENT>120143</ENT>
          </ROW>
          <ROW>
            <ENT I="03">Monroe (FEMA Docket No.: B-1249)</ENT>
            <ENT>Unincorporated areas of Monroe County (12-04-0072P)</ENT>
            <ENT>The Honorable Kim Wigington, Mayor Pro Tem, Monroe County, 500 Whitehead Street, Suite 102, Key West, FL 33040</ENT>
            <ENT>Monroe County Department of Planning and Environmental Resources, 2798 Overseas Highway, Marathon, FL 33050</ENT>
            <ENT>May 31, 2012</ENT>
            <ENT>125129</ENT>
          </ROW>
          <ROW>
            <ENT I="03">Monroe (FEMA Docket No.: B-1249)</ENT>
            <ENT>Unincorporated areas of Monroe County (12-04-0205P)</ENT>
            <ENT>The Honorable Kim Wigington, Mayor Pro Tem, Monroe County, 500 Whitehead Street, Suite 102, Key West, FL 33040</ENT>
            <ENT>Monroe County Department of Planning and Environmental Resources, 2798 Overseas Highway, Marathon, FL 33050</ENT>
            <ENT>May 7, 2012</ENT>
            <ENT>125129</ENT>
          </ROW>
          <ROW>
            <ENT I="03">Orange (FEMA Docket No.: B-1249)</ENT>
            <ENT>City of Orlando (11-04-8127P)</ENT>
            <ENT>The Honorable Buddy Dyer, Mayor, City of Orlando, P.O. Box 4990, Orlando, FL 32808</ENT>
            <ENT>Permitting Services, 400 South Orange Avenue, Orlando, FL 32801</ENT>
            <ENT>May 9, 2012</ENT>
            <ENT>120186</ENT>
          </ROW>
          <ROW>
            <ENT I="03">Polk (FEMA Docket No.: B-1249)</ENT>
            <ENT>Unincorporated areas of Polk County (11-04-6001P)</ENT>
            <ENT>The Honorable Sam Johnson, Chairman, Polk County Board of Commissioners, Drawer BC01, P.O. Box 9005, Bartow, FL 33831</ENT>
            <ENT>Polk County Engineering Division, 330 West Church Street, Bartow, FL 33830</ENT>
            <ENT>June 7, 2012</ENT>
            <ENT>120261</ENT>
          </ROW>
          <ROW>
            <ENT I="22">Kansas:</ENT>
          </ROW>
          <ROW>
            <ENT I="03">Johnson (FEMA Docket No.: B-1249)</ENT>
            <ENT>City of Leawood, (12-07-0114X)</ENT>
            <ENT>The Honorable Peggy J. Dunn, Mayor, City of Leawood, 4800 Town Center Drive, Leawood, KS 66211</ENT>
            <ENT>4800 Town Center Drive, Leawood, KS 66211</ENT>
            <ENT>May 23, 2012</ENT>
            <ENT>200167</ENT>
          </ROW>
          <ROW>
            <ENT I="22">Nevada:</ENT>
          </ROW>
          <ROW>
            <ENT I="03">Clark (FEMA Docket No.: B-1249)</ENT>
            <ENT>City of North Las Vegas (11-09-2931P)</ENT>
            <ENT>The Honorable Shari L. Buck, Mayor, City of North Las Vegas, 2250 Las Vegas Boulevard North, North Las Vegas, NV 89030</ENT>
            <ENT>Public Works Department, 2200 Civic Center Drive, North Las Vegas, NV 89030</ENT>
            <ENT>June 4, 2012</ENT>
            <ENT>320007</ENT>
          </ROW>
          <ROW>
            <ENT I="03">Clark (FEMA Docket No.: B-1249)</ENT>
            <ENT>Unincorporated areas of Clark County (11-09-2931P)</ENT>
            <ENT>The Honorable Susan Brager, Chair, Clark County Commissioners, 500 South Grand Central Parkway, Las Vegas, NV 89155</ENT>
            <ENT>Office of the Director of Public Works, 500 Grand Central Parkway, Las Vegas, NV 89155</ENT>
            <ENT>June 4, 2012</ENT>
            <ENT>320003</ENT>
          </ROW>
          <ROW>
            <ENT I="22">South Carolina:</ENT>
          </ROW>
          <ROW>
            <ENT I="03">Charleston (FEMA Docket No.: B-1249)</ENT>
            <ENT>City of Charleston (11-04-0520P)</ENT>
            <ENT>The Honorable Joseph P. Riley, Jr., Mayor, City of Charleston, P.O. Box 652, Charleston, SC 29402</ENT>
            <ENT>Engineering Department, 75 Calhoun Street, Division 301, Charleston, SC 29401</ENT>
            <ENT>May 9, 2012</ENT>
            <ENT>455412</ENT>
          </ROW>
          <ROW>
            <ENT I="03">Charleston (FEMA Docket No.: B-1249)</ENT>
            <ENT>Unincorporated areas of Charleston County (11-04-0520P)</ENT>
            <ENT>The Honorable Teddie E. Pryor, Sr., Chairman, Charleston County Council, Lonnie Hamilton, III Public Services Building, 4045 Bridge View Drive, North Charleston, SC 29405</ENT>
            <ENT>Charleston County Building Services, 4045 Bridge View Drive, North Charleston, SC 29405</ENT>
            <ENT>May 9, 2012</ENT>
            <ENT>455413</ENT>
          </ROW>
          <ROW>
            <ENT I="03">Greenville (FEMA Docket No.: B-1249)</ENT>
            <ENT>City of Greenville (11-04-4629P)</ENT>
            <ENT>The Honorable Knox White, Mayor, City of Greenville, 206 South Main Street, Greenville, SC 29601</ENT>
            <ENT>City Hall, 206 South Main Street, Greenville, SC 29601</ENT>
            <ENT>May 21, 2012</ENT>
            <ENT>450091</ENT>
          </ROW>
          <ROW>
            <ENT I="22">South Dakota:</ENT>
          </ROW>
          <ROW>
            <ENT I="03">Lake (FEMA Docket No.: B-1249)</ENT>
            <ENT>City of Madison (11-08-0817P)</ENT>
            <ENT>The Honorable Gene Hexom, Mayor, City of Madison, 116 West Center Street, Madison, SD 57042</ENT>
            <ENT>116 East Center Street, Madison, SD 57042</ENT>
            <ENT>May 15, 2012</ENT>
            <ENT>460044</ENT>
          </ROW>
          <ROW>
            <ENT I="03">Lake (FEMA Docket No.: B-1249)</ENT>
            <ENT>Unincorporated areas of Lake County (11-08-0817P)</ENT>
            <ENT>The Honorable Scott Pedersen, Chairman, Lake County Board of Commissioners, 200 East Center Street, Madison, SD 57042</ENT>
            <ENT>200 West Center Street, Madison, SD 57042</ENT>
            <ENT>May 15, 2012</ENT>
            <ENT>460276</ENT>
          </ROW>
          <ROW>
            <ENT I="22">Tennessee:</ENT>
          </ROW>
          <ROW>
            <ENT I="03">Hamilton (FEMA Docket No.: B-1245)</ENT>
            <ENT>City of Chattanooga (11-04-2368P)</ENT>
            <ENT>The Honorable Ron Littlefield, Mayor, City of Chattanooga, 101 East 11th Street, Chattanooga, TN 37402</ENT>
            <ENT>Planning Department, 1250 Market Street, Chattanooga, TN 37402</ENT>
            <ENT>April 24, 2012</ENT>
            <ENT>470072</ENT>
          </ROW>
          <ROW>
            <ENT I="22">Utah:</ENT>
          </ROW>
          <ROW>
            <ENT I="03">Davis (FEMA Docket No.: B-1249)</ENT>
            <ENT>City of Kaysville (11-08-0022P)</ENT>
            <ENT>The Honorable Steve A. Hiatt, Mayor, City of Kaysville, 697 North 240 East, Kaysville, UT 84037</ENT>
            <ENT>23 East Center, Kaysville, UT 84037</ENT>
            <ENT>June 4, 2012</ENT>
            <ENT>490046</ENT>
          </ROW>
        </GPOTABLE>
        <EXTRACT>
          <PRTPAGE P="74859"/>
          <FP>(Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance No. 97.022, “Flood Insurance.”)</FP>
        </EXTRACT>
        <SIG>
          <DATED>Dated: November 28, 2012.</DATED>
          <NAME>James A. Walke,</NAME>
          <TITLE>Acting Deputy Associate Administrator for Mitigation, epartment of Homeland Security, Federal Emergency Management Agency.</TITLE>
        </SIG>
      </SUPLINF>
      <FRDOC>[FR Doc. 2012-30374 Filed 12-17-12; 8:45 am]</FRDOC>
      <BILCOD>BILLING CODE 9110-12-P</BILCOD>
    </NOTICE>
    <NOTICE>
      <PREAMB>
        <AGENCY TYPE="S">DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY</AGENCY>
        <SUBAGY>Federal Emergency Management Agency</SUBAGY>
        <DEPDOC>[Docket ID FEMA-2012-0003; Internal Agency Docket No. FEMA-B-1276]</DEPDOC>
        <SUBJECT>Proposed Flood Hazard Determinations</SUBJECT>
        <AGY>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">AGENCY:</HD>
          <P>Federal Emergency Management Agency, DHS.</P>
        </AGY>
        <ACT>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">ACTION:</HD>
          <P>Notice.</P>
        </ACT>
        <SUM>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">SUMMARY:</HD>
          <P>Comments are requested on proposed flood hazard determinations, which may include additions or modifications of any Base Flood Elevation (BFE), base flood depth, Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) boundary or zone designation, or regulatory floodway on the Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs), and where applicable, in the supporting Flood Insurance Study (FIS) reports for the communities listed in the table below. The purpose of this notice is to seek general information and comment regarding the preliminary FIRM, and where applicable, the FIS report that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has provided to the affected communities. The FIRM and FIS report are the basis of the floodplain management measures that the community is required either to adopt or to show evidence of having in effect in order to qualify or remain qualified for participation in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). In addition, the FIRM and FIS report, once effective, will be used by insurance agents and others to calculate appropriate flood insurance premium rates for new buildings and the contents of those buildings.</P>
        </SUM>
        <DATES>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">DATES:</HD>
          <P>Comments are to be submitted on or before March 18, 2013.</P>
        </DATES>
        <ADD>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">ADDRESSES:</HD>

          <P>The Preliminary FIRM, and where applicable, the FIS report for each community are available for inspection at both the online location and the respective Community Map Repository address listed in the tables below. Additionally, the current effective FIRM and FIS report for each community are accessible online through the FEMA Map Service Center at<E T="03">www.msc.fema.gov</E>for comparison.</P>

          <P>You may submit comments, identified by Docket No. FEMA-B-1276, to Luis Rodriguez, Chief, Engineering Management Branch, Federal Insurance and Mitigation Administration, FEMA, 500 C Street SW., Washington, DC 20472, (202) 646-4064, or (email)<E T="03">Luis.Rodriguez3@fema.dhs.gov.</E>
          </P>
        </ADD>
        <FURINF>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:</HD>

          <P>Luis Rodriguez, Chief, Engineering Management Branch, Federal Insurance and Mitigation Administration, FEMA, 500 C Street SW., Washington, DC 20472, (202) 646-4064, or (email)<E T="03">Luis.Rodriguez3@fema.dhs.gov;</E>or visit the FEMA Map Information eXchange (FMIX) online at<E T="03">www.floodmaps.fema.gov/fhm/fmx_main.html.</E>
          </P>
        </FURINF>
      </PREAMB>
      <SUPLINF>
        <HD SOURCE="HED">SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:</HD>
        <P>FEMA proposes to make flood hazard determinations for each community listed below, in accordance with section 110 of the Flood Disaster Protection Act of 1973, 42 U.S.C. 4104, and 44 CFR 67.4(a).</P>
        <P>These proposed flood hazard determinations, together with the floodplain management criteria required by 44 CFR 60.3, are the minimum that are required. They should not be construed to mean that the community must change any existing ordinances that are more stringent in their floodplain management requirements. The community may at any time enact stricter requirements of its own or pursuant to policies established by other Federal, State, or regional entities. These flood hazard determinations are used to meet the floodplain management requirements of the NFIP and also are used to calculate the appropriate flood insurance premium rates for new buildings built after the FIRM and FIS report become effective.</P>
        <P>The communities affected by the flood hazard determinations are provided in the tables below. Any request for reconsideration of the revised flood hazard information shown on the Preliminary FIRM and FIS report that satisfies the data requirements outlined in 44 CFR 67.6(b) is considered an appeal. Comments unrelated to the flood hazard determinations also will be considered before the FIRM and FIS report become effective.</P>

        <P>Use of a Scientific Resolution Panel (SRP) is available to communities in support of the appeal resolution process. SRPs are independent panels of experts in hydrology, hydraulics, and other pertinent sciences established to review conflicting scientific and technical data and provide recommendations for resolution. Use of the SRP only may be exercised after FEMA and local communities have been engaged in a collaborative consultation process for at least 60 days without a mutually acceptable resolution of an appeal. Additional information regarding the SRP process can be found online at<E T="03">http://floodsrp.org/pdfs/srp_fact_sheet.pdf.</E>
        </P>

        <P>The watersheds and/or communities affected are listed in the tables below. The Preliminary FIRM, and where applicable, FIS report for each community are available for inspection at both the online location and the respective Community Map Repository address listed in the tables. Additionally, the current effective FIRM and FIS report for each community are accessible online through the FEMA Map Service Center at<E T="03">www.msc.fema.gov</E>for comparison.</P>
        <GPOTABLE CDEF="s100,r100" COLS="2" OPTS="L2,tp0,i1">
          <BOXHD>
            <CHED H="1">Community</CHED>
            <CHED H="1">Community map repository address</CHED>
          </BOXHD>
          <ROW EXPSTB="01" RUL="s">
            <ENT I="21">
              <E T="02">La Paz County, Arizona, and Incorporated Areas</E>
            </ENT>
          </ROW>
          <ROW RUL="s">
            <ENT I="22">Maps Available for Inspection Online at:<E T="03">http://www.r9map.org/Pages/Arizona.aspx?choState=Arizona</E>
            </ENT>
          </ROW>
          <ROW EXPSTB="00" RUL="s">
            <ENT I="01">Unincorporated Areas of La Paz County</ENT>
            <ENT>La Paz County Planning and Zoning Department, 1112 Joshua Avenue, Suite 202, Parker, AZ 85344.</ENT>
          </ROW>
          <ROW EXPSTB="01" RUL="s">
            <ENT I="21">
              <E T="02">Clay County, Florida, and Incorporated Areas</E>
            </ENT>
          </ROW>
          <ROW RUL="s">
            <ENT I="22">Maps Available for Inspection Online at:<E T="03">http://www.bakeraecom.com/index.php/florida/clay/</E>
            </ENT>
          </ROW>
          <ROW EXPSTB="00">
            <ENT I="01">City of Green Cove Springs</ENT>
            <ENT>City Hall, 321 Walnut Street, Green Cove Springs, FL 32043.</ENT>
          </ROW>
          <ROW>
            <PRTPAGE P="74860"/>
            <ENT I="01">City of Keystone Heights</ENT>
            <ENT>City Hall, 555 South Lawrence Boulevard, Keystone Heights, FL 32656.</ENT>
          </ROW>
          <ROW>
            <ENT I="01">Town of Orange Park</ENT>
            <ENT>Town Hall, Economic and Community Development Department, 2042 Park Avenue, Orange Park, FL 32073.</ENT>
          </ROW>
          <ROW>
            <ENT I="01">Town of Penney Farms</ENT>
            <ENT>Town Hall, 4100 Clark Avenue, Penney Farms, FL 32079.</ENT>
          </ROW>
          <ROW RUL="s">
            <ENT I="01">Unincorporated Areas of Clay County</ENT>
            <ENT>Clay County Public Works Department, 5 Esplande Avenue, Green Cove Springs, FL 32043.</ENT>
          </ROW>
          <ROW EXPSTB="01" RUL="s">
            <ENT I="21">
              <E T="02">Carroll County, Indiana, and Incorporated Areas</E>
            </ENT>
          </ROW>
          <ROW RUL="s">
            <ENT I="22">Maps Available for Inspection Online at:<E T="03">http://www.in.gov/dnr/water/6401.htm</E>
            </ENT>
          </ROW>
          <ROW EXPSTB="00">
            <ENT I="01">City of Delphi</ENT>
            <ENT>Carroll County Area Plan Commission, Carroll County Courthouse, 101 West Main Street, Delphi, IN 46923.</ENT>
          </ROW>
          <ROW>
            <ENT I="01">Town of Burlington</ENT>
            <ENT>Carroll County Area Plan Commission, Carroll County Courthouse, 101 West Main Street, Delphi, IN 46923.</ENT>
          </ROW>
          <ROW>
            <ENT I="01">Town of Camden</ENT>
            <ENT>Town Office, 153 West Main Street, Camden, IN 46917.</ENT>
          </ROW>
          <ROW>
            <ENT I="01">Town of Flora</ENT>
            <ENT>Town Hall, 27 West Main Street, Flora, IN 46929.</ENT>
          </ROW>
          <ROW RUL="s">
            <ENT I="01">Unincorporated Areas of Carroll County</ENT>
            <ENT>Carroll County Area Plan Commission, Carroll County Courthouse, 101 West Main Street, Delphi, IN 46923.</ENT>
          </ROW>
          <ROW EXPSTB="01" RUL="s">
            <ENT I="21">
              <E T="02">Hancock County, Indiana, and Incorporated Area</E>
            </ENT>
          </ROW>
          <ROW RUL="s">
            <ENT I="22">Maps Available for Inspection Online at:<E T="03">http://www.in.gov/dnr/water/7339.htm</E>
            </ENT>
          </ROW>
          <ROW EXPSTB="00">
            <ENT I="01">Town of Cumberland</ENT>
            <ENT>Municipal Building, 11501 East Washington Street, Cumberland, IN 46229.</ENT>
          </ROW>
          <ROW>
            <ENT I="01">Town of Fortville</ENT>
            <ENT>Municipal Building, 714 East Broadway, Fortville, IN 46040.</ENT>
          </ROW>
          <ROW RUL="s">
            <ENT I="01">Unincorporated Areas of Hancock County</ENT>
            <ENT>Hancock County Annex, 111 South American Legion Place, Greenfield, IN 46140.</ENT>
          </ROW>
          <ROW EXPSTB="01" RUL="s">
            <ENT I="21">
              <E T="02">Jasper County, Indiana, and Incorporated Areas</E>
            </ENT>
          </ROW>
          <ROW RUL="s">
            <ENT I="22">Maps Available for Inspection Online at:<E T="03">http://www.in.gov/dnr/water/6602.htm</E>
            </ENT>
          </ROW>
          <ROW EXPSTB="00">
            <ENT I="01">City of Rensselaer</ENT>
            <ENT>City Hall, Building Department, 124 South Van Rensselaer Street, Rensselaer, IN 47978.</ENT>
          </ROW>
          <ROW>
            <ENT I="01">Town of DeMotte</ENT>
            <ENT>Town Hall, 112 Carnation Street SE., DeMotte, IN 46310.</ENT>
          </ROW>
          <ROW>
            <ENT I="01">Town of Remington</ENT>
            <ENT>Town Hall, 24 South Indiana Street, Remington, IN 47977.</ENT>
          </ROW>
          <ROW>
            <ENT I="01">Town of Wheatfield</ENT>
            <ENT>Town Hall, 170 South Grace Street, Wheatfield, IN 46392.</ENT>
          </ROW>
          <ROW RUL="s">
            <ENT I="01">Unincorporated Areas of Jasper County</ENT>
            <ENT>Jasper County Planning and Development, Jasper County Courthouse, 115 West Washington Street, Suite 109, Rensselaer, IN 47978.</ENT>
          </ROW>
          <ROW EXPSTB="01" RUL="s">
            <ENT I="21">
              <E T="02">Brazos County, Texas, and Incorporated Areas</E>
            </ENT>
          </ROW>
          <ROW RUL="s">
            <ENT I="22">Maps Available for Inspection Online at:<E T="03">http://riskmap6.com/Community.aspx?cid=270&amp;sid=5</E>
            </ENT>
          </ROW>
          <ROW EXPSTB="00">
            <ENT I="01">City of Bryan</ENT>
            <ENT>City Hall, 300 South Texas Avenue, Bryan, TX 77803.</ENT>
          </ROW>
          <ROW>
            <ENT I="01">City of College Station</ENT>
            <ENT>City Hall, 1101 Texas Avenue, College Station, TX 77840.</ENT>
          </ROW>
          <ROW RUL="s">
            <ENT I="01">Unincorporated Areas of Brazos County</ENT>
            <ENT>Brazos County Road and Bridge Department, 2617 Highway 21 West, Bryan, TX 77803.</ENT>
          </ROW>
          <ROW EXPSTB="01" RUL="s">
            <ENT I="21">
              <E T="02">Dallas County, Texas, and Incorporated Areas</E>
            </ENT>
          </ROW>
          <ROW RUL="s">
            <ENT I="22">Maps Available for Inspection Online at:<E T="03">http://riskmap6.com/Community.aspx?cid=306&amp;sid=5</E>
            </ENT>
          </ROW>
          <ROW EXPSTB="00">
            <ENT I="01">City of Dallas</ENT>
            <ENT>Department of Public Works, 320 East Jefferson Boulevard, Room 321, Dallas, TX 75203.</ENT>
          </ROW>
          <ROW RUL="s">
            <ENT I="01">City of Grand Prairie</ENT>
            <ENT>City Development Center, 206 West Church Street, Grand Prairie, TX 75050.</ENT>
          </ROW>
          <ROW EXPSTB="01" RUL="s">
            <ENT I="21">
              <E T="02">Sheridan County, Wyoming, and Incorporated Areas</E>
            </ENT>
          </ROW>
          <ROW RUL="s">
            <ENT I="22">Maps Available for Inspection Online at:<E T="03">http://www.bakeraecom.com/index.php/wyoming/sheridan-3/</E>
            </ENT>
          </ROW>
          <ROW EXPSTB="00">
            <ENT I="01">Town of Dayton</ENT>
            <ENT>Public Works Office, 608 Broadway, Dayton, WY 82836.</ENT>
          </ROW>
          <ROW>
            <ENT I="01">Town of Ranchester</ENT>
            <ENT>145 Coffeen Street, Ranchester, WY 82839.</ENT>
          </ROW>
        </GPOTABLE>
        <EXTRACT>
          <PRTPAGE P="74861"/>
          <FP>(Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance No. 97.022, “Flood Insurance.”)</FP>
        </EXTRACT>
        <SIG>
          <DATED>Dated: November 28, 2012.</DATED>
          <NAME>James A. Walke,</NAME>
          <TITLE>Acting Deputy Associate Administrator for Mitigation, Department of Homeland Security, Federal Emergency Management Agency.</TITLE>
        </SIG>
      </SUPLINF>
      <FRDOC>[FR Doc. 2012-30262 Filed 12-17-12; 8:45 am]</FRDOC>
      <BILCOD>BILLING CODE 9110-12-P</BILCOD>
    </NOTICE>
    <NOTICE>
      <PREAMB>
        <AGENCY TYPE="S">DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY</AGENCY>
        <SUBAGY>U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services</SUBAGY>
        <DEPDOC>[OMB Control Number 1615-0017]</DEPDOC>
        <SUBJECT>Agency Information Collection Activities: Application for Advance Permission To Enter as Nonimmigrant, Form I-192; Extension, Without Change, of a Currently Approved Collection</SUBJECT>
        <ACT>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">ACTION:</HD>
          <P>60-Day notice.</P>
        </ACT>
        <SUM>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">SUMMARY:</HD>

          <P>The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) invites the general public and other Federal agencies to comment upon this proposed extension of a currently approved collection of information. In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) of 1995, the information collection notice is published in the<E T="04">Federal Register</E>to obtain comments regarding the nature of the information collection, the categories of respondents, the estimated burden (i.e., the time, effort, and resources used by the respondents to respond), the estimated cost to the respondent, and the actual information collection instruments.</P>
        </SUM>
        <DATES>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">DATES:</HD>
          <P>Comments are encouraged and will be accepted for 60 days until February 19, 2013.</P>
        </DATES>
        <ADD>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">ADDRESSES:</HD>
          <P>All submissions received must include the OMB Control Number 1615-0017 in the subject box, the agency name and Docket ID USCIS-2008-0009. To avoid duplicate submissions, please use only one of the following methods to submit comments:</P>
          <P>(1)<E T="03">Online.</E>Submit comments via the Federal eRulemaking Portal Web site at<E T="03">www.regulations.gov</E>under e-Docket ID number USCIS-2008-0009;</P>
          <P>(2)<E T="03">Email.</E>Submit comments to<E T="03">USCISFRComment@uscis.dhs.gov;</E>or</P>
          <P>(3)<E T="03">Mail.</E>Submit written comments to DHS, USCIS, Office of Policy and Strategy, Chief, Regulatory Coordination Division, 20 Massachusetts Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20529-2140.</P>
        </ADD>
      </PREAMB>
      <SUPLINF>
        <HD SOURCE="HED">SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:</HD>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Comments</HD>

        <P>Regardless of the method used for submitting comments or material, all submissions will be posted, without change, to the Federal eRulemaking Portal at<E T="03">http://www.regulations.gov,</E>and will include any personal information you provide. Therefore, submitting this information makes it public. You may wish to consider limiting the amount of personal information that you provide in any voluntary submission you make to DHS. DHS may withhold information provided in comments from public viewing that it determines may impact the privacy of an individual or is offensive. For additional information, please read the Privacy Act notice that is available via the link in the footer of<E T="03">http://www.regulations.gov.</E>
        </P>
        <NOTE>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">Note:</HD>

          <P>The address listed in this notice should only be used to submit comments concerning this information collection. Please do not submit requests for individual case status inquiries to this address. If you are seeking information about the status of your individual case, please check “My Case Status” online at:<E T="03">https://egov.uscis.gov/cris/Dashboard.do,</E>or call the USCIS National Customer Service Center at 1-800-375-5283.</P>
        </NOTE>
        <P>Written comments and suggestions from the public and affected agencies should address one or more of the following four points:</P>
        <P>(1) Evaluate whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information will have practical utility;</P>
        <P>(2) Evaluate the accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information, including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used;</P>
        <P>(3) Enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and</P>
        <P>(4) Minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are to respond, including through the use of appropriate automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology, e.g., permitting electronic submission of responses.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Overview of This Information Collection</HD>
        <P>(1)<E T="03">Type of Information Collection:</E>Extension, Without Change, of a Currently Approved Collection.</P>
        <P>(2)<E T="03">Title of the Form/Collection:</E>Application for Advance Permission to Enter as Nonimmigrant [Pursuant to Section 212(d)(3)(A(ii) of the INA].</P>
        <P>(3)<E T="03">Agency form number, if any, and the applicable component of the DHS sponsoring the collection:</E>Form I-192; USCIS.</P>
        <P>(4)<E T="03">Affected public who will be asked or required to respond, as well as a brief abstract: Primary:</E>Individuals or households.</P>
        <P>(5)<E T="03">An estimate of the total number of respondents and the amount of time estimated for an average respondent to respond:</E>10,448 responses at 0.5 hours (30 minutes) per response.</P>
        <P>(6)<E T="03">An estimate of the total public burden (in hours) associated with the collection:</E>5,224 annual burden hours.</P>

        <P>If you need a copy of the information collection instrument with instructions, or additional information, please visit the Federal eRulemaking Portal site at:<E T="03">http://www.regulations.gov.</E>We may also be contacted at: USCIS, Office of Policy and Strategy, Regulatory Coordination Division, 20 Massachusetts Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20529-2140, Telephone number 202-272-8377.</P>
        <SIG>
          <DATED>Dated: December 13, 2012.</DATED>
          <NAME>Laura Dawkins,</NAME>
          <TITLE>Chief, Regulatory Coordination Division, Office of Policy and Strategy, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, Department of Homeland Security.</TITLE>
        </SIG>
      </SUPLINF>
      <FRDOC>[FR Doc. 2012-30474 Filed 12-17-12; 8:45 am]</FRDOC>
      <BILCOD>BILLING CODE 9111-97-P</BILCOD>
    </NOTICE>
    <NOTICE>
      <PREAMB>
        <AGENCY TYPE="S">DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY</AGENCY>
        <SUBAGY>U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services</SUBAGY>
        <DEPDOC>[OMB Control Number 1615-0027]</DEPDOC>
        <SUBJECT>Agency Information Collection Activities: Interagency Record of Request A, G, or NATO Dependent Employment Authorization or Change/Adjustment To/From A, G, or NATO Status, Form I-566; Extension, Without Change, of a Currently Approved Collection</SUBJECT>
        <ACT>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">ACTION:</HD>
          <P>60-Day notice.</P>
        </ACT>
        <SUM>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">SUMMARY:</HD>

          <P>The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) invites the general public and other Federal agencies to comment upon this proposed extension of a currently approved collection of information or new collection of information. In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) of 1995, the information collection notice is published in the<E T="04">Federal Register</E>to obtain comments regarding the nature of the information collection, the<PRTPAGE P="74862"/>categories of respondents, the estimated burden (i.e. the time, effort, and resources used by the respondents to respond), the estimated cost to the respondent, and the actual information collection instruments.</P>
        </SUM>
        <DATES>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">DATES:</HD>
          <P>Comments are encouraged and will be accepted for 60 days until February 19, 2013.</P>
        </DATES>
        <ADD>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">ADDRESSES:</HD>
          <P>All submissions received must include the OMB Control Number 1615-0027 in the subject box, the agency name and Docket ID USCIS-2007-0041. To avoid duplicate submissions, please use only one of the following methods to submit comments:</P>
          <P>(1)<E T="03">Online.</E>Submit comments via the Federal eRulemaking Portal Web site at<E T="03">www.Regulations.gov</E>under e-Docket ID number USCIS-2007-0041;</P>
          <P>(2)<E T="03">Email.</E>Submit comments to<E T="03">USCISFRComment@uscis.dhs.gov;</E>
          </P>
          <P>(3)<E T="03">Mail.</E>Submit written comments to DHS, USCIS, Office of Policy and Strategy, Chief, Regulatory Coordination Division, 20 Massachusetts Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20529-2140.</P>
        </ADD>
      </PREAMB>
      <SUPLINF>
        <HD SOURCE="HED">SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:</HD>
        <P/>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Comments</HD>

        <P>Regardless of the method used for submitting comments or material, all submissions will be posted, without change, to the Federal eRulemaking Portal at<E T="03">http://www.regulations.gov,</E>and will include any personal information you provide. Therefore, submitting this information makes it public. You may wish to consider limiting the amount of personal information that you provide in any voluntary submission you make to DHS. DHS may withhold information provided in comments from public viewing that it determines may impact the privacy of an individual or is offensive. For additional information, please read the Privacy Act notice that is available via the link in the footer of<E T="03">http://www.regulations.gov.</E>
        </P>
        <NOTE>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">Note:</HD>

          <P>The address listed in this notice should only be used to submit comments concerning this information collection. Please do not submit requests for individual case status inquiries to this address. If you are seeking information about the status of your individual case, please check “My Case Status” online at:<E T="03">https://egov.uscis.gov/cris/Dashboard.do,</E>or call the USCIS National Customer Service Center at 1-800-375-5283.</P>
        </NOTE>
        <P>Written comments and suggestions from the public and affected agencies should address one or more of the following four points:</P>
        <P>(1) Evaluate whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information will have practical utility; and/or</P>
        <P>(2) Evaluate the accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information, including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used; and/or</P>
        <P>(3) Enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and/or</P>
        <P>(4) Minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are to respond, including through the use of appropriate automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology, e.g., permitting electronic submission of responses.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Overview of This Information Collection</HD>
        <P>(1)<E T="03">Type of Information Collection:</E>Extension, Without Change, of a Currently Approved Collection.</P>
        <P>(2)<E T="03">Title of the Form/Collection:</E>Interagency Record of Request A, G, or NATO Dependent Employment Authorization or Change/Adjustment To/From A, G, or NATO Status.</P>
        <P>(3)<E T="03">Agency form number, if any, and the applicable component of the DHS sponsoring the collection:</E>I-566; USCIS.</P>
        <P>(4)<E T="03">Affected public who will be asked or required to respond, as well as a brief abstract: Primary:</E>Individuals or households. This information collection facilitates processing of applications for benefits filed by dependents of diplomats, international organizations, and NATO personnel by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, and the Department of State.</P>
        <P>(5)<E T="03">An estimate of the total number of respondents and the amount of time estimated for an average respondent to respond:</E>5,800 with an estimated hour burden per response of .25 hours.</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">(6) An estimate of the total public burden (in hours) associated with the collection:</E>1,450.</P>

        <P>If you need a copy of the information collection instrument with instructions, or additional information, please visit the Federal eRulemaking Portal site at:<E T="03">http://www.regulations.gov.</E>We may also be contacted at: USCIS, Office of Policy and Strategy, Regulatory Coordination Division, 20 Massachusetts Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20529-2140, Telephone number 202-272-8377.</P>
        <SIG>
          <DATED/>
          <P>Dated: December 12, 2012.</P>
          <NAME>Laura Dawkins,</NAME>
          <TITLE>Chief, Regulatory Coordination Division, Office of Policy and Strategy, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, Department of Homeland Security.</TITLE>
        </SIG>
      </SUPLINF>
      <FRDOC>[FR Doc. 2012-30412 Filed 12-17-12; 8:45 am]</FRDOC>
      <BILCOD>BILLING CODE 9111-97-P</BILCOD>
    </NOTICE>
    <NOTICE>
      <PREAMB>
        <AGENCY TYPE="N">DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT</AGENCY>
        <DEPDOC>[Docket No. FR-5603-N-92]</DEPDOC>
        <SUBJECT>OneCPD Technical Assistance and Capacity Building Needs Assessment</SUBJECT>
        <AGY>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">AGENCY:</HD>
          <P>Office of the Chief Information Officer, HUD.</P>
        </AGY>
        <ACT>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">ACTION:</HD>
          <P>Notice.</P>
        </ACT>
        <SUM>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">SUMMARY:</HD>
          <P>The proposed information collection requirement described below has been submitted to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review, as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act. The Department is soliciting public comments on the subject proposal.</P>
          <P>The OneCPD Needs Assessment will enhance a grantee's awareness of their functional capacity to effectively and efficiently administer and manage programs funded by CPD and enable HUD and the TA provider to better understand the scope of assistance needed by each grantee and to target appropriate TA resources to grantees. It will also enable HUD to identify trends in TA needs across grantees and assist in prioritizing the development of tools, products and group learning activities to benefit CPD grantees and subrecipients. Members of the affected public: Grantees and subrecipient organizations receiving funding to operate and manage programs administered by the Office of Community Planning and Development (CPD).</P>
        </SUM>
        <DATES>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">DATES:</HD>
          <P>
            <E T="03">Comments Due Date:</E>January 17, 2013.</P>
        </DATES>
        <ADD>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">ADDRESSES:</HD>

          <P>Interested persons are invited to submit comments regarding this proposal. Comments should refer to the proposal by name and/or OMB approval Number (2506-New) and should be sent to: HUD Desk Officer, Office of Management and Budget, New Executive Office Building, Washington, DC 20503; fax: 202-395-5806. Email:<E T="03">OIRA_Submission@omb.eop.gov</E>fax: 202-395-5806.</P>
        </ADD>
        <FURINF>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:</HD>

          <P>Colette Pollard, Reports Management Officer, QDAM, Department of Housing and Urban Development, 451 Seventh Street SW., Washington, DC 20410; email Colette Pollard at<PRTPAGE P="74863"/>
            <E T="03">Colette.Pollard@hud.gov</E>. or telephone (202) 402-3400. This is not a toll-free number. Copies of available documents submitted to OMB may be obtained from Ms. Pollard.</P>
        </FURINF>
      </PREAMB>
      <SUPLINF>
        <HD SOURCE="HED">SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:</HD>
        <P>This notice informs the public that the Department of Housing and Urban Development has submitted to OMB a request for approval of the Information collection described below. This notice is soliciting comments from members of the public and affecting agencies concerning the proposed collection of information to: (1) Evaluate whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information will have practical utility; (2) Evaluate the accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information; (3) Enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (4) Minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are to respond; including through the use of appropriate automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology, e.g., permitting electronic submission of responses.</P>
        <P>This notice also lists the following information:</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Title of Proposed:</E>OneCPD Technical Assistance and Capacity Building Needs Assessment.</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">OMB Approval Number:</E>2506-New.</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Form Numbers:</E>None.</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Description of the need for the information and proposed use:</E>
        </P>
        <P>The OneCPD Needs Assessment will enhance a grantee's awareness of their functional capacity to effectively and efficiently administer and manage programs funded by CPD and enable HUD and the TA provider to better understand the scope of assistance needed by each grantee and to target appropriate TA resources to grantees. It will also enable HUD to identify trends in TA needs across grantees and assist in prioritizing the development of tools, products and group learning activities to benefit CPD grantees and subrecipients. Members of the affected public: Grantees and subrecipient organizations receiving funding to operate and manage programs administered by the Office of Community Planning and Development (CPD).</P>
        <P>Development (CPD).<E T="03">Estimation of the total number of hours needed to prepare the information collection including number of respondents, frequency of response, and hours of response:</E>180 respondents × 176.4 average hours per response = 31,752 hours annually.</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Status:</E>New collection.</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Authority:</E>Section 3507 of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, 44 U.S.C. 35, as amended.</P>
        <SIG>
          <DATED>Dated: December 12, 2012.</DATED>
          <NAME>Colette Pollard,</NAME>
          <TITLE>Department Reports Management Officer, Office of the Chief Information Officer.</TITLE>
        </SIG>
      </SUPLINF>
      <FRDOC>[FR Doc. 2012-30475 Filed 12-17-12; 8:45 am]</FRDOC>
      <BILCOD>BILLING CODE 4210-67-P</BILCOD>
    </NOTICE>
    <NOTICE>
      <PREAMB>
        <AGENCY TYPE="S">DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT</AGENCY>
        <DEPDOC>[Docket No. FR-5603-N-91]</DEPDOC>
        <SUBJECT>Public Housing Operating Budget, Supporting and Related Forms</SUBJECT>
        <AGY>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">AGENCY:</HD>
          <P>Office of the Chief Information Officer, HUD.</P>
        </AGY>
        <ACT>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">ACTION:</HD>
          <P>Notice.</P>
        </ACT>
        <SUM>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">SUMMARY:</HD>
          <P>The proposed information collection requirement described below has been submitted to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review, as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act. The Department is soliciting public comments on the subject proposal.</P>
          <P>The operating budget and related form are submitted by PHAs for the low-income housing program. The operating budget provides a summary of proposed budget receipts and expenditures by major category, as well as blocks for indicating approval of budget receipts and expenditures by the PHA and HUD. The related form provides a record of PHA Board approval of how the amounts shown on the operating budget were arrived at, as well as justification of certain specified amounts. The information is reviewed by HUD to determine if the plan of operation adopted by the PHA and amounts included therein are reasonable for the efficient and economical operation of the development(s), and the PHA is in compliance with HUD procedures to ensure that sound management practices will be followed in the operation of the development. A small number of PHAs (200) are still required to submit their operating budget packages to HUD, namely those that are troubled, those that are recently out of troubled status or at risk of becoming troubled, or those that are at risk of fiscal insolvency. PHAs are still required to prepare their operating budgets and submit them to their Board for approval prior to their operating subsidy being approved by HUD. The operating budgets must be kept on file for review, if requested.</P>
        </SUM>
        <DATES>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">DATES:</HD>
          <P>
            <E T="03">Comments Due Date:</E>January 17, 2013.</P>
        </DATES>
        <ADD>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">ADDRESSES:</HD>

          <P>Interested persons are invited to submit comments regarding this proposal. Comments should refer to the proposal by name and/or OMB approval Number (2577-0026) and should be sent to: HUD Desk Officer, Office of Management and Budget, New Executive Office Building, Washington, DC 20503; fax: 202-395-5806. Email:<E T="03">OIRA_Submission@omb.eop.gov</E>fax: 202-395-5806.</P>
        </ADD>
        <FURINF>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:</HD>

          <P>Colette Pollard, Reports Management Officer, QDAM, Department of Housing and Urban Development, 451 Seventh Street SW., Washington, DC 20410; email Colette Pollard at<E T="03">Colette.Pollard@hud.gov</E>or telephone (202) 402-3400. This is not a toll-free number. Copies of available documents submitted to OMB may be obtained from Ms. Pollard.</P>
        </FURINF>
      </PREAMB>
      <SUPLINF>
        <HD SOURCE="HED">SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:</HD>
        <P>This notice informs the public that the Department of Housing and Urban Development has submitted to OMB a request for approval of the Information collection described below. This notice is soliciting comments from members of the public and affecting agencies concerning the proposed collection of information to: (1) Evaluate whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information will have practical utility; (2) Evaluate the accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information; (3) Enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (4) Minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are to respond; including through the use of appropriate automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology, e.g., permitting electronic submission of responses.</P>
        <P>This notice also lists the following information:</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Title of Proposed:</E>Public Housing Operating Budget, Supporting and Related Forms.</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">OMB Approval Number:</E>2577-0026.</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Form Numbers:</E>HUD-52574.</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Description of the need for the information and proposed use:</E>The operating budget and related form are submitted by PHAs for the low-income housing program. The operating budget provides a summary of proposed budget receipts and expenditures by major category, as well as blocks for indicating approval of budget receipts and expenditures by the PHA and HUD. The<PRTPAGE P="74864"/>related form provides a record of PHA Board approval of how the amounts shown on the operating budget were arrived at, as well as justification of certain specified amounts. The information is reviewed by HUD to determine if the plan of operation adopted by the PHA and amounts included therein are reasonable for the efficient and economical operation of the development(s), and the PHA is in compliance with HUD procedures to ensure that sound management practices will be followed in the operation of the development. A small number of PHAs (200) are still required to submit their operating budget packages to HUD, namely those that are troubled, those that are recently out of troubled status or at risk of becoming troubled, or those that are at risk of fiscal insolvency. PHAs are still required to prepare their operating budgets and submit them to their Board for approval prior to their operating subsidy being approved by HUD. The operating budgets must be kept on file for review, if requested.</P>
        <GPOTABLE CDEF="s50,12C,12C,2C,12C,12C" COLS="6" OPTS="L1,tp0,i1">
          <TTITLE/>
          <BOXHD>
            <CHED H="1"/>
            <CHED H="1">Number of<LI>respondents</LI>
            </CHED>
            <CHED H="1">Annual<LI>responses</LI>
            </CHED>
            <CHED H="1">×</CHED>
            <CHED H="1">Hours per<LI>response</LI>
            </CHED>
            <CHED H="1">Burden hours</CHED>
          </BOXHD>
          <ROW>
            <ENT I="01">Reporting Burden</ENT>
            <ENT>3,141</ENT>
            <ENT>1</ENT>
            <ENT/>
            <ENT>7.651</ENT>
            <ENT>24,034</ENT>
          </ROW>
        </GPOTABLE>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Total estimated burden hours:</E>24,034.</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Status:</E>Extension without change of a currently approved collection.</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Authority:</E>Section 3507 of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, 44 U.S.C. 35, as amended.</P>
        <SIG>
          <DATED>Dated: December 12, 2012.</DATED>
          <NAME>Colette Pollard,</NAME>
          <TITLE>Department Reports Management Officer, Office of the Chief Information Officer.</TITLE>
        </SIG>
      </SUPLINF>
      <FRDOC>[FR Doc. 2012-30479 Filed 12-17-12; 8:45 am]</FRDOC>
      <BILCOD>BILLING CODE 4210-67-P</BILCOD>
    </NOTICE>
    <NOTICE>
      <PREAMB>
        <AGENCY TYPE="N">DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR</AGENCY>
        <SUBAGY>Fish and Wildlife Service</SUBAGY>
        <DEPDOC>[FWS-HQ-EA-2012-N288; FF09D00000-FXGO1664091HCC0-134]</DEPDOC>
        <SUBJECT>Wildlife and Hunting Heritage Conservation Council</SUBJECT>
        <AGY>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">AGENCY:</HD>
          <P>Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.</P>
        </AGY>
        <ACT>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">ACTION:</HD>
          <P>Notice of meeting.</P>
        </ACT>
        <SUM>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">SUMMARY:</HD>
          <P>We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, announce a public meeting of the Wildlife and Hunting Heritage Conservation Council (Council).</P>
        </SUM>
        <DATES>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">DATES:</HD>
          <P>
            <E T="03">Meeting:</E>Tuesday February 5, 2013, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and Wednesday February 6, 2013, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (Eastern standard time). For deadlines and directions on registering to attend, submitting written material, and giving an oral presentation, please see “Public Input” under<E T="02">SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION.</E>
          </P>
        </DATES>
        <ADD>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">ADDRESSES:</HD>
          <P>The meeting will be held in the Room 104A at the USDA Whitten Building, 12th Street and Jefferson Drive SW., Washington, DC 20250.</P>
        </ADD>
        <FURINF>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:</HD>

          <P>Joshua Winchell, Council Coordinator, by U.S. mail at 4401 North Fairfax Drive, Mailstop 3103-AEA, Arlington, VA 22203; by telephone at (703) 358-2639; by fax at (703) 358-2548; or by email at<E T="03">joshua_winchell@fws.gov.</E>
          </P>
        </FURINF>
      </PREAMB>
      <SUPLINF>
        <HD SOURCE="HED">SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:</HD>
        <P>In accordance with the requirements of the Federal Advisory Committee Act, 5 U.S.C. App., we announce that Wildlife and Hunting Heritage Conservation Council will hold a meeting.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Background</HD>
        <P>Formed in February 2010, the Council provides advice about wildlife and habitat conservation endeavors that:</P>
        <P>1. Benefit wildlife resources;</P>
        <P>2. Encourage partnership among the public, the sporting conservation organizations, the states, Native American tribes, and the Federal Government;</P>
        <P>3. Benefit recreational hunting.</P>
        <P>The Council advises the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Agriculture, reporting through the Director, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), in consultation with the Director, Bureau of Land Management (BLM); Director, National Park Service (NPS); Chief, Forest Service (USFS); Chief, Natural Resources Service (NRCS); and Administrator, Farm Services Agency (FSA). The Council's duties are strictly advisory and consist of, but are not limited to, providing recommendations for:</P>
        <P>1. Implementing the Recreational Hunting and Wildlife Resource Conservation Plan—A Ten-Year Plan for Implementation;</P>
        <P>2. Increasing public awareness of and support for the Wildlife Restoration Program;</P>
        <P>3. Fostering wildlife and habitat conservation and ethics in hunting and shooting sports recreation;</P>
        <P>4. Stimulating sportsmen and women's participation in conservation and management of wildlife and habitat resources through outreach and education;</P>
        <P>5. Fostering communication and coordination among State, tribal, and Federal governments; industry; hunting and shooting sportsmen and women; wildlife and habitat conservation and management organizations; and the public;</P>
        <P>6. Providing appropriate access to Federal lands for recreational shooting and hunting;</P>
        <P>7. Providing recommendations to improve implementation of Federal conservation programs that benefit wildlife, hunting, and outdoor recreation on private lands; and</P>
        <P>8. When requested by the Designated Federal Officer in consultation with the Council Chairperson, performing a variety of assessments or reviews of policies, programs, and efforts through the Council's designated subcommittees or workgroups.</P>
        <P>Background information on the Council is available at<E T="03">http://www.fws.gov/whhcc.</E>
        </P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Meeting Agenda</HD>
        <P>The Council will convene to consider:</P>
        <P>1. The Recreational Hunting and Wildlife Resource Conservation Plan—A Ten-Year Plan for Implementation;</P>
        <P>2. Wildlife health and wildlife disease; and</P>
        <P>3. Other Council business.</P>
        <P>The final agenda will be posted on the Internet at<E T="03">http://www.fws.gov/whhcc.</E>
          <PRTPAGE P="74865"/>
        </P>
        <GPOTABLE CDEF="s100,xs70" COLS="2" OPTS="L2,i1">
          <TTITLE>Public Input</TTITLE>
          <BOXHD>
            <CHED H="1">If you wish to</CHED>
            <CHED H="1">You must contact the Council Coordinator (see<E T="02">FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT</E>) no later than</CHED>
          </BOXHD>
          <ROW>
            <ENT I="01">Attend the meeting</ENT>
            <ENT>January 25, 2013.</ENT>
          </ROW>
          <ROW>
            <ENT I="01">Submit written information or questions before the meeting for the council to consider during the meeting</ENT>
            <ENT>January 25, 2013.</ENT>
          </ROW>
          <ROW>
            <ENT I="01">Give an oral presentation during the meeting</ENT>
            <ENT>January 25, 2013.</ENT>
          </ROW>
        </GPOTABLE>
        <HD SOURCE="HD2">Attendance</HD>

        <P>Because entry to Federal buildings is restricted, all visitors are required to preregister to be admitted. In order to attend this meeting, you must register by close of business on the dates listed in “Public Input” under<E T="02">SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION</E>. Please submit your name, time of arrival, email address, and phone number to the Council Coordinator (see<E T="02">FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT</E>).</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD2">Submitting Written Information or Questions</HD>
        <P>Interested members of the public may submit relevant information or questions for the Council to consider during the public meeting. Written statements must be received by the date above, so that the information may be made available to the Council for their consideration prior to this meeting. Written statements must be supplied to the Council Coordinator in both of the following formats: One hard copy with original signature, and one electronic copy via email (acceptable file formats are Adobe Acrobat PDF, MS Word, MS PowerPoint, or rich text file).</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD2">Giving an Oral Presentation</HD>

        <P>Individuals or groups requesting to make an oral presentation at the meeting will be limited to 2 minutes per speaker, with no more than a total of 30 minutes for all speakers. Interested parties should contact the Council Coordinator, in writing (preferably via email; see<E T="02">FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT</E>), to be placed on the public speaker list for this meeting. Nonregistered public speakers will not be considered during the meeting. Registered speakers who wish to expand upon their oral statements, or those who had wished to speak but could not be accommodated on the agenda, may submit written statements to the Council Coordinator up to 30 days subsequent to the meeting.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Meeting Minutes</HD>

        <P>Summary minutes of the conference will be maintained by the Council Coordinator (see<E T="02">FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT</E>) and will be available for public inspection within 90 days of the meeting and will be posted on the Council's Web site at<E T="03">http://www.fws.gov/whhcc.</E>
        </P>
        <SIG>
          <NAME>Stephen Guertin,</NAME>
          <TITLE>Deputy Director.</TITLE>
        </SIG>
      </SUPLINF>
      <FRDOC>[FR Doc. 2012-30384 Filed 12-17-12; 8:45 am]</FRDOC>
      <BILCOD>BILLING CODE 4310-55-P</BILCOD>
    </NOTICE>
    <NOTICE>
      <PREAMB>
        <AGENCY TYPE="S">DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR</AGENCY>
        <SUBAGY>Bureau of Land Management</SUBAGY>
        <DEPDOC>[LLNVSO3100 L51010000 ER0000 LVRWF12F8740.241A; 13-08807; MO#450004530; TAS: 14X5017]</DEPDOC>
        <SUBJECT>Notice of Availability of the Final Environmental Impact Statement for the Searchlight Wind Energy Project, Clark County, NV</SUBJECT>
        <AGY>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">AGENCY:</HD>
          <P>Bureau of Land Management, Interior.</P>
        </AGY>
        <ACT>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">ACTION:</HD>
          <P>Notice of availability.</P>
        </ACT>
        <SUM>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">SUMMARY:</HD>
          <P>In accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, as amended (NEPA), and the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976, as amended, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has prepared a Final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the Searchlight Wind Energy Project and by this notice is announcing its availability.</P>
        </SUM>
        <DATES>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">DATES:</HD>

          <P>The BLM will not issue a final decision on the proposal for a minimum of 30 days from the date that the Environmental Protection Agency publishes its notice in the<E T="04">Federal Register</E>.</P>
        </DATES>
        <ADD>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">ADDRESSES:</HD>

          <P>Printed or electronic copies of the Final EIS are available on request from the BLM Southern Nevada District Office, 4701 N. Torrey Pines Drive, Las Vegas, NV 89130, phone 702-515-5173, or email to:<E T="03">BLM_NV_SNDO_SearchlightWindEnergyEIS@blm.gov</E>. Interested persons may also review the Final EIS on the Internet at<E T="03">http://www.blm.gov/nv/st/en/fo/lvfo/blm_programs/energy/searchlight_wind_energy.html</E>. Copies of the Final EIS are available for public inspection at the BLM Southern Nevada District Office.</P>
        </ADD>
        <FURINF>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:</HD>

          <P>Gregory Helseth, Renewable Energy Project Manager, telephone 702-515-5173; address 4701 N. Torrey Pines Drive, Las Vegas, NV 89130; email<E T="03">ghelseth@blm.gov</E>. Persons who use a telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD) may call the Federal Information Relay Service (FIRS) at 1-800-877-8339 to contact the above individual during normal business hours. The FIRS is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to leave a message or question with the above individual. You will receive a reply during normal business hours.</P>
        </FURINF>
      </PREAMB>
      <SUPLINF>
        <HD SOURCE="HED">SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:</HD>
        <P>Searchlight Wind Energy, LLC (SWE), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Duke Energy, applied to the BLM for a right-of-way (ROW) grant on public lands to develop a 200-megawatt (MW) wind energy facility. The ROW application area encompasses approximately 18,790 acres of BLM-administered public lands adjacent to Searchlight, Nevada, about 60 miles southeast of Las Vegas, in Clark County, Nevada. In connection with the SWE proposal, the Western Area Power Administration (Western) has submitted a ROW application to the BLM for construction and operation of an electrical interconnection facility/switchyard adjacent to the existing Davis-Mead transmission line. The Western application is also analyzed as part of the EIS. The proposed project is in conformance with the 1998 Las Vegas Resource Management Plan and Record of Decision.</P>

        <P>The proposed wind turbines located on the SWE project would be up to 262-feet tall from the ground to the hub with blades extending an additional 153 feet, for a total turbine height of up to 415 feet. In addition to the wind turbines, the proposed project would require the construction of pad mounted transformers at the base of each turbine, underground collection lines, new access roads, two electrical substations, an overhead transmission line<PRTPAGE P="74866"/>connecting the two substations, an electrical interconnection facility/switchyard owned and operated by Western, an operations and maintenance building, and temporary and long-term laydown areas. Three meteorological towers would remain on the site to measure the wind speed and direction across the site over the life of the project.</P>
        <P>The applicant (SWE) has requested to interconnect its proposed project to the electrical transmission grid via Western's Davis-Mead 230-kilovolt transmission line. Western, a Federal agency, is participating in the EIS process as a cooperating agency and may use the EIS to support its decision to approve or deny the SWE interconnection request.</P>

        <P>Three alternatives are analyzed in the Final EIS—a 96 wind turbine layout, an 87 wind turbine layout, and a no-action alternative. The 87 wind turbine alternative is the BLM's preferred alternative. In identifying the preferred alternative, the BLM considered all information that has been received consistent with its environmental review and ROW permitting responsibilities. The Final EIS describes and analyzes the project's site-specific impacts on air quality, biological resources, cultural resources, environmental justice, geological resources, health and human safety, hazardous materials, lands and realty, noise, noxious weeds, paleontological resources, recreation, socioeconomic resources, transportation, visual resources and water resources. On January 20, 2012, the BLM published the Notice of Availability for the Draft EIS for this proposal in the<E T="04">Federal Register</E>(77 FR 2999). The BLM accepted public comments at three public meetings in Searchlight, Laughlin, and Boulder City, Nevada and by email, mail, and fax during a 90-day comment period. Seventy nine comment submissions were received from individuals, organizations, and agencies. Comments primarily pertained to the NEPA process, project alternatives, project description, project need, air quality, biological resources (desert tortoise, birds, and plants), cultural resources, cumulative impacts, geology, health and human safety, land use, noise, mitigation measures, recreation, transportation, socioeconomics, visual resources, and water. The BLM also received statements in support of, or opposition to, the proposal.</P>
        <P>Comments on the Draft EIS received from the public and internal BLM review were considered and addressed as appropriate in the Final EIS. Public comments resulted in the addition of clarifying text, but did not significantly change the proposed alternatives.</P>
        <SIG>
          <NAME>Vanessa Hice,</NAME>
          <TITLE>Assistant Field Manager, Division of Lands.</TITLE>
        </SIG>
        <AUTH>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">Authority:</HD>
          <P>40 CFR 1506.6, 40 CFR 1506.10.</P>
        </AUTH>
        
      </SUPLINF>
      <FRDOC>[FR Doc. 2012-30537 Filed 12-14-12; 4:15 pm]</FRDOC>
      <BILCOD>BILLING CODE 4310-HC-P</BILCOD>
    </NOTICE>
    <NOTICE>
      <PREAMB>
        <AGENCY TYPE="S">DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR</AGENCY>
        <SUBAGY>National Park Service</SUBAGY>
        <DEPDOC>[NPS-WASO-NAGPRA-11793; 2200-1100-665]</DEPDOC>
        <SUBJECT>Notice of Intent To Repatriate Cultural Items: New York State Museum, Albany, NY</SUBJECT>
        <AGY>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">AGENCY:</HD>
          <P>National Park Service, Interior.</P>
        </AGY>
        <ACT>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">ACTION:</HD>
          <P>Notice.</P>
        </ACT>
        <SUM>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">SUMMARY:</HD>
          <P>The New York State Museum, in consultation with the appropriate Indian tribe, has determined that the cultural items meet the definition of sacred objects and objects of cultural patrimony and repatriation to the Indian tribe stated below may occur if no additional claimants come forward. Representatives of any Indian tribe that believes itself to be culturally affiliated with the cultural items may contact the New York State Museum.</P>
        </SUM>
        <DATES>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">DATES:</HD>
          <P>Representatives of any Indian tribe that believes it has a cultural affiliation with the cultural items should contact the New York State Museum at the address below by January 17, 2013.</P>
        </DATES>
        <ADD>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">ADDRESSES:</HD>
          <P>Lisa Anderson, NAGPRA Coordinator, New York State Museum, 3122 Cultural Education Center, Albany, NY 12230, telephone (518) 486-2020.</P>
        </ADD>
      </PREAMB>
      <SUPLINF>
        <HD SOURCE="HED">SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:</HD>
        <P>Notice is hereby given in accordance with the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA), 25 U.S.C. 3005, of the intent to repatriate cultural items in the possession of the New York State Museum that meet the definition of sacred objects and objects of cultural patrimony under 25 U.S.C. 3001.</P>
        <P>This notice is published as part of the National Park Service's administrative responsibilities under NAGPRA, 25 U.S.C. 3003(d)(3). The determinations in this notice are the sole responsibility of the museum, institution, or Federal agency that has control of the Native American cultural items. The National Park Service is not responsible for the determinations in this notice.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">History and Description of the Cultural Items</HD>
        <P>The cultural items are eight wampum belts. Seven of the wampum belts are on loan to the Seneca National Museum in Salamanca, NY, and one wampum belt is housed at the New York State Museum in Albany, NY.</P>
        <P>The Five Nations Alliance Belt, also known as the Mary Jamison Belt, is composed of seven rows of dark purple beads with three open white diamonds. The belt measures 16<FR>1/4</FR>inches long and two inches wide. It is a portion of an original belt that measured two feet long and contained five diamonds representing the Five Iroquois Nations. The New York State Museum acquired the wampum belt in 1899 from Harriet Maxwell Converse (E-37424). Museum records indicate that Mrs. Converse purchased the Five Nations Alliance Belt from descendants of Mary Jemison on the Cattaraugus Reservation in New York. Mary Jemison was adopted by the Seneca as a child and chose to live her life as a Seneca. At the time of collection, the Five Nations Alliance Belt was described as a ransom belt but Mrs. Converse later reported it as a council belt. Consultation with the Tonawanda Band of Seneca identifies the Five Nations Alliance Belt as both a sacred object and an object of cultural patrimony as it relates to the civil functions of a Council.</P>
        <P>The Cornplanter Condolence Belt, also known as the Red Jacket Belt, is composed of seven rows of purple beads with five areas of loss that originally may have contained white beads. It measures 35<FR>1/2</FR>inches long and 1<FR>3/4</FR>inches wide. The New York State Museum acquired the wampum belt in 1899 from Harriet Maxwell Converse (E-37426). In correspondence from the Cornplanter Reservation in Pennsylvania, dated June 26, 1899, Mrs. Converse listed the Cornplanter Condolence Belt with three other belts that she had recently purchased. At the time of collection, Mrs. Converse reported that the wampum belt was associated with the Seneca chief, Red Jacket, but later reported it as condolence wampum that had belonged to the Seneca chief Cornplanter. Consultation with the Tonawanda Band of Seneca identifies the Cornplanter Condolence Belt as both a sacred object and an object of cultural patrimony as it relates to the condolence of a leader and installation of a successor.</P>

        <P>The Nomination Belt is composed of nine rows of white beads with six purple figures joined by extended arms and a purple square that may represent a council fire between the two central<PRTPAGE P="74867"/>figures. It measures 24 inches long and three inches wide. The New York State Museum acquired the wampum belt in the late nineteenth century from Harriet Maxwell Converse (E-37427). Museum records indicate that Mrs. Converse obtained the belt in either 1882 or 1885 from Martha Hemlock, a Seneca elder on the Cattaraugus Reservation in New York. At the time of collection, the wampum belt was recorded as a women's nominating belt used to announce the naming of a new chief. Consultation with the Tonawanda Band of Seneca identifies the belt as both a sacred object and an object of cultural patrimony as it relates to the civil functions of a Council.</P>
        <P>The Huron Alliance Belt is composed of ten rows of white beads with three diagonal rows of three open purple squares. It measures 31<FR>1/2</FR>inches long and 3<FR>1/2</FR>inches wide. The New York State Museum acquired the wampum belt in the late nineteenth century from Harriet Maxwell Converse (E-37430). Museum records indicate that Mrs. Converse purchased the wampum belt in 1885 from Chief John Buck on the Grand River Reservation in Ontario, Canada. At the time of collection, Mrs. Converse reported the belt was exchanged during the wars between the Huron and Seneca Nations. According to Chief Buck it originally belonged to the Seneca people of New York prior to the American Revolution. Rev. William M. Beauchamp questioned the reported age and attribution of the belt writing, “The belt, if Huron, may be assigned to their later days.” Consultation with the Tonawanda Band of Seneca identifies the Huron Alliance Belt as both a sacred object and an object of cultural patrimony as it relates to the civil functions of a Council.</P>
        <P>The Seneca Condolence Belt is composed of seven rows of purple beads with two white diamonds and a horizontal v-shape near one end. It measures 40 inches long and 2<FR>1/8</FR>inches wide. The New York State Museum acquired the wampum belt in 1897 from Harriet Maxwell Converse (E-37431). Museum records indicate that Mrs. Converse obtained the Seneca Condolence Belt through “Salamanca Seneca Indians” in New York. At the time of collection, Mrs. Converse reported that the belt was a condolence belt interpreted to her “by the late Dan'l Two-Guns, an aged Seneca who had memorized it during his childhood.” The wampum belt was reportedly last owned by the Seneca chief Governor Blacksnake of the Allegany Reservation in New York. Consultation with the Tonawanda Band of Seneca identifies the Seneca Condolence Belt as both a sacred object and an object of cultural patrimony as it relates to the condolence of a leader and installation of a successor.</P>
        <P>The Gyantwaka Treaty Belt is a fragment of a belt composed of ten rows of purple beads and measures 7<FR>1/4</FR>inches long and 2<FR>3/4</FR>inches wide. The New York State Museum acquired the wampum belt in 1899 from Harriet Maxwell Converse (E-37432). Museum records indicate that Mrs. Converse obtained the wampum belt on the Cornplanter Reservation in Pennsylvania. The belt is said to be a portion of the original which was divided among Cornplanter's heirs at the time of his death. At the time of collection, it was reported that the Gyantwaka Treaty Belt was a record of the treaty affirming the Cornplanter Reservation. A copy of the signed treaty was originally attached to the wampum belt. Consultation with the Tonawanda Band of Seneca identifies the Gyantwaka Treaty Belt as both a sacred object and an object of cultural patrimony.</P>
        <P>The Ely S. Parker Belt, also known as the Five Fires Belt, or Death Belt, is composed of seven rows of purple beads with five white open hexagons, representing the Five Iroquois Nations, and three short white stripes at each end. It measures 37<FR>1/2</FR>inches long and two inches wide and has traces of red pigment on some of the beads. The New York State Museum acquired the wampum belt in 1899 from Harriet Maxwell Converse who purchased it from the widow of her long-time friend General Ely S. Parker (E-37434). At the time of collection, Mrs. Converse reported the Ely S. Parker belt was a war belt and a national belt of the Seneca people. The belt was handed down to Ely S. Parker with the title Donehogawah or Keeper of the Western Door. Consultation with the Tonawanda Band of Seneca identifies the Ely S. Parker Belt as both a sacred object and an object of cultural patrimony as it relates to the civil functions of a Council.</P>
        <P>The Blacksnake Mourning Belt is composed of nine rows of purple beads and measures 6<FR>1/4</FR>inches long. The New York State Museum acquired the wampum belt in 1933 from Willard A. Gibson (E-37962). Museum records indicate that Mr. Gibson purchased the Blacksnake Mourning Belt with the assistance of his Seneca friend, Louis Plummer, from an elder on the Allegany Reservation in New York. At the time of collection, Mr. Plummer reported that the wampum belt was a mourning or condolence belt formerly in the possession of the Seneca chief Governor Blacksnake. Consultation with the Tonawanda Band of Seneca identifies the Blacksnake Mourning Belt as both a sacred object and an object of cultural patrimony as it relates to the condolence of a leader and installation of a successor.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Determinations Made by the New York State Museum</HD>
        <P>Officials of the New York State Museum have determined that:</P>
        <P>• Pursuant to 25 U.S.C. 3001(3)(C), the eight cultural items described above are specific ceremonial objects needed by traditional Native American religious leaders for the practice of traditional Native American religions by their present-day adherents.</P>
        <P>• Pursuant to 25 U.S.C. 3001(3)(D), the eight cultural items described above have ongoing historical, traditional, or cultural importance central to the Native American group or culture itself, rather than property owned by an individual.</P>
        <P>• Pursuant to 25 U.S.C. 3001(2), there is a relationship of shared group identity that can be reasonably traced between the sacred objects and objects of cultural patrimony and the Tonawanda Band of Seneca (previously listed as the Tonawanda Band of Seneca Indians of New York).</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Additional Requestors and Disposition</HD>
        <P>Representatives of any other Indian tribe that believes itself to be culturally affiliated with the sacred objects and objects of cultural patrimony should contact Lisa Anderson, NAGPRA Coordinator, New York State Museum, 3122 Cultural Education Center, Albany, NY 12230, telephone (518) 486-2020 before January 17, 2013. Repatriation of the sacred objects and objects of cultural patrimony to the Tonawanda Band of Seneca (previously listed as the Tonawanda Band of Seneca Indians of New York) may proceed after that date if no additional claimants come forward.</P>
        <P>The New York State Museum is responsible for notifying the Tonawanda Band of Seneca (previously listed as the Tonawanda Band of Seneca Indians of New York) that this notice has been published.</P>
        <SIG>
          <DATED>Dated: November 26, 2012.</DATED>
          <NAME>Sherry Hutt,</NAME>
          <TITLE>Manager, National NAGPRA Program.</TITLE>
        </SIG>
      </SUPLINF>
      <FRDOC>[FR Doc. 2012-30455 Filed 12-17-12; 8:45 am]</FRDOC>
      <BILCOD>BILLING CODE 4312-50-P</BILCOD>
    </NOTICE>
    <NOTICE>
      <PREAMB>
        <PRTPAGE P="74868"/>
        <AGENCY TYPE="S">DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR</AGENCY>
        <SUBAGY>National Park Service</SUBAGY>
        <DEPDOC>[NPS-WASO-NAGPRA-11741; 2200-1100-665]</DEPDOC>
        <SUBJECT>Notice of Inventory Completion: Department of Anthropology, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA</SUBJECT>
        <AGY>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">AGENCY:</HD>
          <P>National Park Service, Interior.</P>
        </AGY>
        <ACT>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">ACTION:</HD>
          <P>Notice.</P>
        </ACT>
        <SUM>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">SUMMARY:</HD>
          <P>The University of Massachusetts Amherst, Department of Anthropology has completed an inventory of human remains, in consultation with the appropriate Indian tribes, and has determined that there is a cultural affiliation between the human remains and present-day Indian tribes. Representatives of any Indian tribe that believes itself to be culturally affiliated with the human remains may contact the University of Massachusetts Amherst, Department of Anthropology. Repatriation of the human remains to the Indian tribes stated below may occur if no additional claimants come forward.</P>
        </SUM>
        <DATES>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">DATES:</HD>
          <P>Representatives of any Indian tribe that believes it has a cultural affiliation with the human remains should contact the University of Massachusetts Amherst, Department of Anthropology at the address below by January 17, 2013.</P>
        </DATES>
        <ADD>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">ADDRESSES:</HD>
          <P>Robert Paynter, Repatriation Committee Chair, telephone (413) 545-2221, or Rae Gould, Repatriation Coordinator, telephone (413) 545-2702, University of Massachusetts, Department of Anthropology, 201 Machmer Hall, 240 Hicks Way, Amherst, MA 01003.</P>
        </ADD>
      </PREAMB>
      <SUPLINF>
        <HD SOURCE="HED">SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:</HD>
        <P>Notice is here given in accordance with the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA), 25 U.S.C. 3003, of the completion of an inventory of human remains in the possession of the University of Massachusetts Amherst, Department of Anthropology. The human remains were removed from Florida, most likely Brevard or Indian River counties.</P>
        <P>This notice is published as part of the National Park Service's administrative responsibilities under NAGPRA, 25 U.S.C. 3003(d)(3). The determinations in this notice are the sole responsibility of the museum, institution, or Federal agency that has control of the Native American human remains. The National Park Service is not responsible for the determinations in this notice.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Consultation</HD>
        <P>A detailed assessment of the human remains and available documentation was made by the University of Massachusetts Amherst, Department of Anthropology professional staff in consultation with representatives of the Caddo Nation of Oklahoma; Catawba Indian Nation (aka Catawba Tribe of South Carolina); Cherokee Nation; Chickasaw Nation; Chitimacha Tribe of Louisiana; Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma; Coushatta Tribe of Louisiana; Jena Band of Choctaw Indians; Miccosukee Tribe of Indians; Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians; Modoc Tribe of Oklahoma; Quapaw Tribe of Indians; Seminole Tribe of Florida (previously listed as the Seminole Tribe of Florida (Dania, Big Cypress, Brighton, Hollywood &amp; Tampa Reservations)); The Muscogee (Creek) Nation; The Osage Nation (previously listed as the Osage Tribe); The Seminole Nation of Oklahoma; United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians in Oklahoma; and the Wyandotte Nation (hereafter referred to as “The Tribes”). Representatives of the University of Massachusetts Amherst, Department of Anthropology also contacted and attempted to consult with the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians; Poarch Band of Creeks (previously listed as the Poarch Band of Creek Indians of Alabama); and the Tunica-Biloxi Indian Tribe.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">History and Description of the Remains</HD>
        <P>In about 1925, human remains representing, at minimum, 64 individuals were excavated from either the area of Melbourne, in Brevard County, FL, or the area of Vero Beach, in Indian River County, FL, by F.B. Loomis, Professor of Geology at Amherst College. In the early 1980s, these remains were transferred from Amherst College to the University of Massachusetts Amherst, Department of Anthropology for permanent curation. Two additional individuals collected at the same time remained at Amherst College and are currently curated at the Beneski Museum of Natural History, Amherst College (formerly the Pratt Museum). These remains are the subject of a separate Notice of Inventory Completion.</P>
        <P>Most crania are marked with a red number that corresponds to an entry in a ledger entitled “Catalogue of Skeletal Material, Gilbert Museum of Indian Relics.” Entries in that ledger read: “Seminole from Melbourne Florida.” Although museum records regarding the human remains are fragmentary, provenience information associated with the remains indicates the following proveniences: 56 individuals from the “Grant Burial Heap” or simply from “Grant, Fla.”; five individuals from “Grant Burial Heap Linx, Fla.”; one individual from “Ballard Mound”; and two individuals from “Micco, Fla.” No known individuals were identified. No associated funerary objects are present with the human remains at the University of Massachusetts Amherst.</P>
        <P>Many of the remains have black numbers that resemble the numbering system used by F.B. Loomis in the field. Loomis was engaged in excavating in Florida in 1923 and 1925, at least. No field notes from Loomis's excavations remain, but newspaper reports at the time indicate Loomis collected from “burial mounds” (Melbourne Florida Times, December 5, 1923). The Boston Globe on November 1, 1925, reported Loomis and his coworkers excavated “in Melbourne and on the east coast of Florida” for five weeks and “at Vero Beach” for two, obtaining “50 skulls and about one dozen skeletons.” This article also associates these mounds with Native Americans from southern rather than western Florida, based on the absence of pottery or tools in the mounds. No doubt, this conclusion derived from an interview with Loomis himself. Similarly, the Globe reported, “[t]he skeletons lay in formation around the mound, and when one layer was completed, earth was piled on and another layer begun. In this way the growth of the mound was effected.”</P>
        <P>On March 17, 1869, human remains representing, at minimum, one individual were removed from the area of “Haul Over Canal,” in Brevard County, FL, by unknown collectors. In or around 1939, the remains were donated to Amherst College, and, in the early 1980s, the remains were transferred to the University of Massachusetts Amherst, Department of Anthropology. The remains bear the collection number 20137 in black ink, which corresponds to an entry in the “Catalogue of the Gilbert Museum of Indian Relics in Amherst College, Volume V” (presently maintained in the Amherst College Archives). The entry states the remains were collected “* * * from a mound near `Haul Over Canal' between Indian River and Mosquito Lagoon, East Florida March 17th, 1869.” No known individuals were identified. No associated funerary objects are present with the human remains at the University of Massachusetts Amherst.</P>

        <P>Multiple lines of evidence—guided by tribal consultations—including geographic, oral tradition, archaeological, linguistic, historical, and<PRTPAGE P="74869"/>aboriginal land claims, demonstrate a shared group identity between these human remains and the modern-day tribes of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation, Oklahoma; Seminole Tribe of Florida; and The Seminole Nation of Oklahoma.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Determinations Made by the University of Massachusetts Amherst, Department of Anthropology</HD>
        <P>Officials of the University of Massachusetts Amherst, Department of Anthropology have determined that:</P>
        <P>• Pursuant to 25 U.S.C. 3001(9), the human remains described in this notice represent the physical remains of 65 individuals of Native American ancestry.</P>
        <P>• Pursuant to 25 U.S.C. 3001(2), there is a relationship of shared group identity that can be reasonably traced between the Native American human remains and the Muscogee (Creek) Nation, Oklahoma; Seminole Tribe of Florida; and The Seminole Nation of Oklahoma.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Additional Requestors and Disposition</HD>
        <P>Representatives of any Indian tribe that believes itself to be culturally affiliated with the human remains should contact Robert Paynter, Repatriation Committee Chair, telephone (413) 545-2221, or Rae Gould, Repatriation Coordinator, telephone (413) 545-2702, University of Massachusetts, Department of Anthropology, 201 Machmer Hall, 240 Hicks Way, Amherst, MA 01003, before January 17, 2013. Repatriation of the human remains to the Muscogee (Creek) Nation, Oklahoma; Seminole Tribe of Florida; and The Seminole Nation of Oklahoma may proceed after that date if no additional claimants come forward.</P>
        <P>The University of Massachusetts Amherst, Department of Anthropology is responsible for notifying The Tribes that this notice has been published.</P>
        <SIG>
          <DATED>Dated: November 20, 2012.</DATED>
          <NAME>Sherry Hutt,</NAME>
          <TITLE>Manager, National NAGPRA Program.</TITLE>
        </SIG>
      </SUPLINF>
      <FRDOC>[FR Doc. 2012-30448 Filed 12-17-12; 8:45 am]</FRDOC>
      <BILCOD>BILLING CODE 4312-50-P</BILCOD>
    </NOTICE>
    <NOTICE>
      <PREAMB>
        <AGENCY TYPE="S">DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR</AGENCY>
        <SUBAGY>National Park Service</SUBAGY>
        <DEPDOC>[NPS-WASO-NAGPRA-11637; 2200-1100-665]</DEPDOC>
        <SUBJECT>Notice of Inventory Completion: Southern Oregon Historical Society, Medford, OR; Correction</SUBJECT>
        <AGY>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">AGENCY:</HD>
          <P>National Park Service, Interior.</P>
        </AGY>
        <ACT>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">ACTION:</HD>
          <P>Notice; correction.</P>
        </ACT>
        <SUM>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">SUMMARY:</HD>

          <P>The Southern Oregon Historical Society has corrected an inventory of human remains and associated funerary objects published in a Notice of Inventory Completion in the<E T="04">Federal Register</E>on August 24, 2012. This notice corrects the list of tribes consulted and the tribes eligible to receive disposition of the human remains and associated funerary objects listed in the earlier notice. Representatives of any Indian tribe that believes itself to be culturally affiliated with the human remains may contact the Southern Oregon Historical Society. Disposition of the human remains and associated funerary objects to the Indian tribes stated below may occur if no additional claimants come forward.</P>
        </SUM>
        <DATES>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">DATES:</HD>
          <P>Representatives of any Indian tribe that believes it has a cultural affiliation with the human remains should contact the Southern Oregon Historical Society at the address below by January 17, 2013.</P>
        </DATES>
        <ADD>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">ADDRESSES:</HD>
          <P>Tina Reuwsaat, Southern Oregon Historical Society, 106 N. Central Ave., Medford, OR 97501, telephone (541) 858-1724 ext. 1001.</P>
        </ADD>
      </PREAMB>
      <SUPLINF>
        <HD SOURCE="HED">SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:</HD>
        <P>Notice is here given in accordance with the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA), 25 U.S.C. 3003, of the correction of an inventory of human remains and associated funerary objects in the possession of the Southern Oregon Historical Society, Medford, OR.</P>
        <P>This notice is published as part of the National Park Service's administrative responsibilities under NAGPRA, 25 U.S.C. 3003(d)(3). The determinations in this notice are the sole responsibility of the museum, institution, or Federal agency that has control of the Native American human remains. The National Park Service is not responsible for the determinations in this notice.</P>

        <P>This notice corrects the list of tribes consulted and the tribes eligible to receive disposition of the human remains and associated funerary objects published in a Notice of Inventory Completion in the<E T="04">Federal Register</E>(77 FR 51565-51566, August 24, 2012). Following publication, an additional tribe came forward requesting to be added to the notice.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Correction</HD>
        <P>In the<E T="04">Federal Register</E>(77 FR 51565-51566, August 24, 2012), paragraph six is corrected by substituting the following paragraph:</P>
        
        <EXTRACT>
          <P>A detailed assessment of the human remains was made by the Southern Oregon Historical Society professional staff in consultation with representatives of the Confederated Tribes of the Grand Ronde Community of Oregon; the Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Indians of Oregon; and the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians of Oregon (previously listed as the Confederated Tribes of the Siletz Reservation). The following tribes were contacted without response: Confederated Tribes of Coos, Lower Umpqua and Siuslaw Indians of Oregon; Coquille Tribe of Oregon; and the Quartz Valley Indian Community of the Quartz Valley Reservation of California.</P>
        </EXTRACT>
        
        <P>In the<E T="04">Federal Register</E>(77 FR 51565-51566, August 24, 2012), paragraph eight, bullets three and six are corrected by replacing “the Confederated Tribes of the Grand Ronde Community of Oregon” with “the Confederate Tribes of the Grand Ronde Community of Oregon and the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians of Oregon (previously listed as the Confederated Tribes of the Siletz Reservation).”</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Additional Requestors and Disposition</HD>
        <P>Representatives of any Indian tribe that believes itself to be culturally affiliated with the human remains or any other Indian tribe that believes it satisfies the criteria in 43 CFR 10.11(c)(1) should contact Tina Reuwsaat at the Southern Oregon Historical Society, 106 N. Central Avenue, Medford, OR 97520, telephone (541) 858-1724 ext. 1001, before January 17, 2013. Disposition of the human remains and associated funerary objects to the Grand Ronde Community of Oregon and the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians of Oregon (previously listed as the Confederated Tribes of the Siletz Reservation) may proceed after that date if no additional requestors come forward.</P>
        <P>The Southern Oregon Historical Society is responsible for notifying the Confederated Tribes of the Grand Ronde Community of Oregon; the Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Indians of Oregon; and the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians of Oregon (previously listed as the Confederated Tribes of the Siletz Reservation) that this notice has been published.</P>
        <SIG>
          <DATED>Dated: October 29, 2012.</DATED>
          <NAME>Melanie O'Brien,</NAME>
          <TITLE>Acting Manager, National NAGPRA Program.</TITLE>
        </SIG>
      </SUPLINF>
      <FRDOC>[FR Doc. 2012-30464 Filed 12-17-12; 8:45 am]</FRDOC>
      <BILCOD>BILLING CODE 4312-50-P</BILCOD>
    </NOTICE>
    <NOTICE>
      <PREAMB>
        <PRTPAGE P="74870"/>
        <AGENCY TYPE="S">DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR</AGENCY>
        <SUBAGY>National Park Service</SUBAGY>
        <DEPDOC>[NPS-WASO-NAGPRA-11728; 2200-1100-665]</DEPDOC>
        <SUBJECT>Notice of Inventory Completion: U.S. Department of Defense, Army, Fort Sill Museum, Fort Sill, OK, and Museum of the Great Plains, Lawton, OK</SUBJECT>
        <AGY>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">AGENCY:</HD>
          <P>National Park Service, Interior.</P>
        </AGY>
        <ACT>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">ACTION:</HD>
          <P>Notice.</P>
        </ACT>
        <SUM>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">SUMMARY:</HD>
          <P>The U.S. Department of Defense, Army, Fort Sill Museum, and the Museum of the Great Plains have completed an inventory of human remains, in consultation with the appropriate Indian tribes, and have determined that there is no cultural affiliation between the remains and any present-day Indian tribe. Representative of any Indian tribe that believes itself to be culturally affiliated with the human remains may contact the Fort Sill Museum. Disposition of the human remains to the Indian tribes stated below may occur if no additional requestors come forward.</P>
        </SUM>
        <DATES>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">DATES:</HD>
          <P>Representatives of any Indian tribe that believes it has a cultural affiliation with the human remains should contact the Fort Sill Museum at the address below by January 17, 2013.</P>
        </DATES>
        <ADD>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">ADDRESSES:</HD>
          <P>Scott A. Neel, Ph.D., Director, Fort Sill National Historic Landmark and Museum, U.S. Army Fires Center of Excellence, Fort Sill, OK 73503, telephone (580) 442-6570.</P>
        </ADD>
      </PREAMB>
      <SUPLINF>
        <HD SOURCE="HED">SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:</HD>
        <P>Notice is here given in accordance with the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA), 25 U.S.C. 3003, of the completion of an inventory of human remains under the control of the Fort Sill Museum and in the possession of the Museum of the Great Plains. The human remains were removed from Fort Sill, Comanche County, OK.</P>
        <P>This notice is published as part of the National Park Service's administrative responsibilities under NAGPRA, 25 U.S.C. 3003(d)(3) and 43 CFR 10.11(d). The determinations in this notice are the sole responsibility of the museum, institution, or Federal agency that has control of the Native American human remains. The National Park Service is not responsible for the determinations in this notice.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Consultation</HD>
        <P>A detailed assessment of the human remains was made by the Fort Sill Museum and the Museum of the Great Plains professional staffs in consultation with representatives the Apache Tribe of Oklahoma; Caddo Nation of Oklahoma; Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes, Oklahoma (previously listed as the Cheyenne-Arapaho Tribes of Oklahoma); Chickasaw Nation; Comanche Nation, Oklahoma; Delaware Nation, Oklahoma; Fort Sill Apache Tribe of Oklahoma; Kiowa Indian Tribe of Oklahoma; and the Wichita and Affiliated Tribes (Wichita, Keechi, Waco &amp; Tawakonie), Oklahoma.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">History and Description of the Remains</HD>
        <P>In March 1977, human remains representing, at minimum, two individuals were removed from site 34CM323 in Comanche County, OK. Staff of the Museum of the Great Plains found the human remains during a reconnaissance survey on Federal property in Fort Sill. The burials were exposed by natural elements on the bank of Crater Creek, were excavated by staff of the Museum of the Great Plains, and were sent to the Osteology Laboratory of the Institute of Applied Sciences at North Texas State University. The burials remained at North Texas State University until January 27, 2012, when, at the request of the Fort Sill Museum, they were returned to the Museum of the Great Plains. The Museum of the Great Plains physically inventoried the remains for NAGPRA purposes and stabilized the remains according to 36 CFR 79 standards. No known individuals were identified. No associated funerary objects are present.</P>
        <P>Barbara H. Butler, Ph.D., of North Texas State University, analyzed the remains in 1977, and concluded that the remains from this site represented two individuals. Human remains from Burial 2, with only a few small occipital pieces, represented one adult. Human remains from Burial 1 consisted of fragmentary remains of a nine-year-old child, based upon dental analysis. The dental remains from Burial 1 were moderately shovel-shaped, and Butler concluded the remains were probably Native American. The human remains were shallowly buried in alluvium deposits, and no pit profile could be detected during excavations. The body positions suggested that the burials were placed in a pit excavated into the alluvium deposits, and are therefore younger than those deposits. A 1978 geologic inspection of the site estimates the age of the alluvium deposits as “late Holocene to early historic.” The lack of soil development, as well as the preservation of bones in acidic soils, suggest but do not confirm a late prehistoric to historic age for the burials.</P>
        <P>Prehistorically and historically, Native Americans have inhabited the area near Fort Sill in southwest Oklahoma, based on evidence of archaeology, geology, and historical accounts. The people of the Wichita, Comanche, Kiowa, Apache, Cheyenne, and Arapaho tribes are well documented in the area, and their presence was the reason Fort Sill was established.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Determinations Made by the U.S. Department of Defense, Army, Fort Sill Museum and the Museum of the Great Plains</HD>
        <P>Officials of the Fort Sill Museum and the Museum of the Great Plains have determined that:</P>
        <P>• Based on physical characteristics of the dental analysis, the human remains are Native American.</P>
        <P>• Pursuant to 25 U.S.C. 3001(9), the human remains described in this notice represent the physical remains of two individuals of Native American ancestry.</P>
        <P>• Pursuant to 25 U.S.C. 3001(2), a relationship of shared group identity cannot be reasonably traced between the Native American human remains and any present-day Indian tribe.</P>
        <P>• Multiple lines of evidence, including treaties, Acts of Congress, and Executive Orders, indicate that the Apache Tribe of Oklahoma; Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes, Oklahoma (previously listed as the Cheyenne-Arapaho Tribes of Oklahoma); Chickasaw Nation; Comanche Nation, Oklahoma; Kiowa Indian Tribe of Oklahoma; and the Wichita and Affiliated Tribes (Wichita, Keechi, Waco &amp; Tawakonie), Oklahoma, are aboriginal to the area from which the human remains were removed.</P>
        <P>• Pursuant to 43 CFR 10.11(c)(1), the disposition of the human remains may be to the Apache Tribe of Oklahoma; Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes, Oklahoma (previously listed as the Cheyenne-Arapaho Tribes of Oklahoma); Chickasaw Nation; Comanche Nation, Oklahoma; Kiowa Indian Tribe of Oklahoma; and the Wichita and Affiliated Tribes (Wichita, Keechi, Waco &amp; Tawakonie), Oklahoma.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Additional Requestors and Disposition</HD>

        <P>Representatives of any Indian tribe that believes itself to be culturally affiliated with the human remains or any other Indian tribe that believes it satisfies the criteria in 43 CFR 10.11(c)(1) should contact Scott A. Neel, Ph.D., Director, Fort Sill National Historic Landmark and Museum, U.S. Army Fires Center of Excellence, Fort Sill, OK 73503, telephone (580) 442-<PRTPAGE P="74871"/>6570. Disposition of the human remains to the Apache Tribe of Oklahoma; Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes, Oklahoma (previously listed as the Cheyenne-Arapaho Tribes of Oklahoma); Chickasaw Nation; Comanche Nation, Oklahoma; Kiowa Indian Tribe of Oklahoma; and the Wichita and Affiliated Tribes (Wichita, Keechi, Waco &amp; Tawakonie), Oklahoma, may proceed after that date if no additional requestors come forward.</P>
        <P>The Fort Sill Museum is responsible for notifying the Apache Tribe of Oklahoma; Caddo Nation of Oklahoma; Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes, Oklahoma (previously listed as the Cheyenne-Arapaho Tribes of Oklahoma); Chickasaw Nation; Comanche Nation, Oklahoma; Delaware Nation, Oklahoma; Fort Sill Apache Tribe of Oklahoma; Kiowa Indian Tribe of Oklahoma; and the Wichita and Affiliated Tribes (Wichita, Keechi, Waco &amp; Tawakonie), Oklahoma, that this notice has been published.</P>
        <SIG>
          <DATED>Dated: November 13, 2012.</DATED>
          <NAME>David Tarler,</NAME>
          <TITLE>Acting Manager, National NAGPRA Program.</TITLE>
        </SIG>
      </SUPLINF>
      <FRDOC>[FR Doc. 2012-30438 Filed 12-17-12; 8:45 am]</FRDOC>
      <BILCOD>BILLING CODE 4312-50-P</BILCOD>
    </NOTICE>
    <NOTICE>
      <PREAMB>
        <AGENCY TYPE="S">DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR</AGENCY>
        <SUBAGY>National Park Service</SUBAGY>
        <DEPDOC>[NPS-WASO-NAGPRA-11730; 2200-1100-665]</DEPDOC>
        <SUBJECT>Notice of Inventory Completion: The Museum of Anthropology at Washington State University, Pullman, WA</SUBJECT>
        <AGY>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">AGENCY:</HD>
          <P>National Park Service, Interior.</P>
        </AGY>
        <ACT>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">ACTION:</HD>
          <P>Notice.</P>
        </ACT>
        <SUM>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">SUMMARY:</HD>
          <P>The Museum of Anthropology has completed an inventory of human remains and associated funerary objects, in consultation with the appropriate Indian tribe, and has determined that there is a cultural affiliation between the human remains and associated funerary objects and the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation. Representatives of any Indian tribe that believes itself to be culturally affiliated with the human remains and associated funerary objects may contact the Museum of Anthropology at Washington State University. Repatriation of the human remains associated funerary items to the tribes stated below may occur if no additional claimants come forward.</P>
        </SUM>
        <DATES>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">DATES:</HD>
          <P>Representatives of any Indian tribe that believes it has a cultural affiliation with the human remains and associated funerary objects should contact the Museum of Anthropology at Washington State University at the address below by January 17, 2013.</P>
        </DATES>
        <ADD>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">ADDRESSES:</HD>
          <P>Mary Collins, Museum of Anthropology at Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164-4910, telephone (509) 335-4314.</P>
        </ADD>
      </PREAMB>
      <SUPLINF>
        <HD SOURCE="HED">SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:</HD>
        <P>Notice is here given in accordance with the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA), 25 U.S.C. 3003, of the completion of an inventory of human remains and associated funerary objects in the possession of the Museum of Anthropology at Washington State University, Pullman, WA. The human remains and associated funerary objects were removed from Stevens County, WA.</P>
        <P>This notice is published as part of the National Park Service's administrative responsibilities under NAGPRA, 25 U.S.C. 3003(d)(3). The determinations in this notice are the sole responsibility of the museum, institution, or Federal agency that has control of the Native American human remains associate funerary objects. The National Park Service is not responsible for the determinations in this notice.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Consultation</HD>
        <P>A detailed assessment of the human remains was made by the Museum of Anthropology at Washington State University professional staff in consultation with representatives of the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">History and Description of the Remains</HD>
        <P>In 1979, human remains representing, at minimum, four individuals were removed from site 45CH235, the “Olds Station Site” located in Stevens County, WA. The remains were disturbed by the excavation of a water line for the city of Wenatchee. The remains came from a single excavator bucket load of sediment. The remains were thought to have come from very near the ground surface and were thought to be less than 100 years old and possibly to represent a single mass interment. The 11 associated funerary objects include one hammerstone, two edge ground cobbles, one net sinker, one stone core, one wooden coffin fragment, one biface, three flakes, and one maul.</P>
        <P>The remains were identified by archaeologists from Washington State University who were monitoring the water line excavation work (Galm 1980). At some unknown time after 1980, the remains were transferred to the University of Idaho. In 2000, the remains were returned to the Museum of Anthropology at Washington State University.</P>
        <P>The site is within the traditional territory of Wenatchee Band of the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation. Historical, archaeological, ethnographic, and linguistic information links this group of people to the area, represented by the present-day Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation. Archaeological evidence recorded at the site suggests the burials may be as recent as the late 19th century.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Determinations Made by the Museum of Anthropology at Washington State University</HD>
        <P>Officials of the Museum of Anthropology at Washington State University have determined that:</P>
        <P>• Pursuant to 25 U.S.C. 3001(9), the human remains described in this notice represent the physical remains of four individuals of Native American ancestry.</P>
        <P>• Pursuant to 25 U.S.C. 3001(3)(A), the 11 objects described above are reasonably believed to have been placed with or near individual human remains at the time of death or later as part of the death rite or ceremony.</P>
        <P>• Pursuant to 25 U.S.C. 3001(2), there is a relationship of shared group identity that can be reasonably traced between the Native American human remains and associated funerary objects and the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Additional Requestors and Disposition</HD>
        <P>Representatives of any Indian tribe that believes itself to be culturally affiliated with the human remains and associated funerary objects should contact Mary Collins, Museum of Anthropology at Washington State University Pullman, WA 99164-4910, telephone (509) 335-4314, before January 17, 2013. Repatriation of the human remains and associated funerary objects to the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation may proceed after that date if no additional claimants come forward.</P>
        <P>The Museum of Anthropology at Washington State University is responsible for notifying the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation that this notice has been published.</P>
        <SIG>
          <DATED>Dated: November 13, 2012.</DATED>
          <NAME>David Tarler,</NAME>
          <TITLE>Acting Manager, National NAGPRA Program.</TITLE>
        </SIG>
      </SUPLINF>
      <FRDOC>[FR Doc. 2012-30460 Filed 12-17-12; 8:45 am]</FRDOC>
      <BILCOD>BILLING CODE 4312-50-P</BILCOD>
    </NOTICE>
    <NOTICE>
      <PREAMB>
        <PRTPAGE P="74872"/>
        <AGENCY TYPE="S">DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR</AGENCY>
        <SUBAGY>National Park Service</SUBAGY>
        <DEPDOC>[NPS-WASO-NAGPRA-11742; 2200-1100-665]</DEPDOC>
        <SUBJECT>Notice of Inventory Completion: Beneski Museum of Natural History, Amherst College, Amherst, MA</SUBJECT>
        <AGY>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">AGENCY:</HD>
          <P>National Park Service, Interior.</P>
        </AGY>
        <ACT>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">ACTION:</HD>
          <P>Notice.</P>
        </ACT>
        <SUM>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">SUMMARY:</HD>
          <P>The Beneski Museum of Natural History, Amherst College (formerly the Pratt Museum of Natural History) has completed an inventory of human remains, in consultation with the appropriate Indian tribes, and has determined that there is a cultural affiliation between the human remains and present-day Indian tribes. Representatives of any Indian tribe that believes itself to be culturally affiliated with the human remains may contact the Beneski Museum of Natural History, Amherst College. Repatriation of the human remains to the Indian tribes stated below may occur if no additional claimants come forward.</P>
        </SUM>
        <DATES>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">DATES:</HD>
          <P>Representatives of any Indian tribe that believes it has a cultural affiliation with the human remains should contact the Beneski Museum of Natural History, Amherst College at the address below by January 17, 2013.</P>
        </DATES>
        <ADD>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">ADDRESSES:</HD>
          <P>Tekla A. Harms, NAGPRA Coordinator, Beneski Museum of Natural History, Amherst College, Amherst, MA 01002; telephone (413) 542-2233.</P>
        </ADD>
      </PREAMB>
      <SUPLINF>
        <HD SOURCE="HED">SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:</HD>
        <P>Notice is here given in accordance with the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA), 25 U.S.C. 3003, of the completion of an inventory of human remains in the possession of the Beneski Museum of Natural History, Amherst College. The human remains were removed from Florida, most likely Brevard or Indian River counties.</P>
        <P>This notice is published as part of the National Park Service's administrative responsibilities under NAGPRA, 25 U.S.C. 3003(d)(3). The determinations in this notice are the sole responsibility of the museum, institution, or Federal agency that has control of the Native American human remains. The National Park Service is not responsible for the determinations in this notice.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Consultation</HD>
        <P>A detailed assessment of the human remains was made by the NAGPRA Coordinator and museum staff of the Beneski Museum of Natural History, Amherst College, and their agents, in consultation with representatives of the Caddo Nation of Oklahoma; Catawba Indian Nation (aka Catawba Tribe of South Carolina); Cherokee Nation; Chickasaw Nation; Chitimacha Tribe of Louisiana; Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma; Coushatta Tribe of Louisiana; Jena Band of Choctaw Indians; Miccosukee Tribe of Indians; Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians; Modoc Tribe of Oklahoma; Quapaw Tribe of Indians; Seminole Tribe of Florida (previously listed as the Seminole Tribe of Florida (Dania, Big Cypress, Brighton, Hollywood &amp; Tampa Reservations)); The Muscogee (Creek) Nation; The Osage Nation (previously listed as the Osage Tribe); The Seminole Nation of Oklahoma; United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians in Oklahoma; and the Wyandotte Nation (hereafter referred to as “The Tribes”). Representatives of the Beneski Museum also contacted and attempted to consult with the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians; Poarch Band of Creeks (previously listed as the Poarch Band of Creek Indians of Alabama); and the Tunica-Biloxi Indian Tribe.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">History and Description of the Remains</HD>
        <P>In about 1925, human remains representing, at minimum, two individuals were removed from either the area of Melbourne, in Brevard County, FL, or the area of Vero Beach, in Indian River County, FL, by F.B. Loomis, Professor of Geology at Amherst College. In the early 1980s, other remains collected at the same time were transferred from Amherst College to the University of Massachusetts Amherst, Department of Anthropology for permanent curation. These remains are the subject of a separate Notice of Inventory Completion.</P>
        <P>Museum records regarding these human remains are fragmentary and only indirectly constrain their provenience. The skull of one individual is marked with a number that corresponds to an entry in the ledger entitled “Catalogue of Skeletal Material, Gilbert Museum of Indian Relics.” The “Gilbert Museum” is an old, informal name for the Gilbert Collection, which is presently housed in the Beneski Museum of Natural History, Amherst College. In its entirety, that entry reads: “Seminole from Melbourne Florida. Complete.” No known individuals have been identified. No associated funerary objects are present.</P>
        <P>Both individuals are marked with numbers that resemble the numbering system used by F.B. Loomis in the field. Loomis was engaged in excavating in Florida in 1923 and 1925, at least. No field notes from Loomis's excavations remain, but newspaper reports at the time indicate Loomis collected from “burial mounds” (Melbourne Florida Times, December 5, 1923). The Boston Globe on November 1, 1925, reported Loomis and his coworkers excavated “in Melbourne and on the east coast of Florida” for five weeks and “at Vero Beach” for two, obtaining “50 skulls and about one dozen skeletons.” This article also associates these mounds with Native Americans from southern rather than western Florida, based on the absence of pottery or tools in the mounds. No doubt, this conclusion derived from an interview with Loomis himself. Similarly, the Globe reported, “[t]he skeletons lay in formation around the mound, and when one layer was completed, earth was piled on and another layer begun. In this way the growth of the mound was effected.”</P>
        <P>Multiple lines of evidence—guided by tribal consultations—including geographic, oral tradition, archaeological, linguistic, historical, and aboriginal land claims, demonstrate a shared group identity between these human remains and the modern-day tribes of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation, Oklahoma; Seminole Tribe of Florida; and The Seminole Nation of Oklahoma.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Determinations Made by the Beneski Museum of Natural History, Amherst College</HD>
        <P>Officials of the Beneski Museum of Natural History, Amherst College have determined that:</P>
        <P>• Pursuant to 25 U.S.C. 3001(9), the human remains described in this notice represent the physical remains of two individuals of Native American ancestry.</P>
        <P>• Pursuant to 25 U.S.C. 3001(2), there is a relationship of shared group identity that can be reasonably traced between the Native American human remains and the Muscogee (Creek) Nation, Oklahoma; Seminole Tribe of Florida; and The Seminole Nation of Oklahoma.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Additional Requestors and Disposition</HD>

        <P>Representatives of any Indian tribe that believes itself to be culturally affiliated with the human remains should contact the NAGPRA Coordinator, Beneski Museum of Natural History, Amherst College, Amherst, MA 01002; telephone (413) 542-2233, before January 17, 2013. Repatriation of the human remains to the Muscogee (Creek) Nation, Oklahoma; Seminole Tribe of Florida; and The Seminole Nation of Oklahoma may proceed after that date if no additional claimants come forward.<PRTPAGE P="74873"/>
        </P>
        <P>The Beneski Museum of Natural History, Amherst College is responsible for notifying The Tribes that this notice has been published.</P>
        <SIG>
          <DATED>Dated: November 20, 2012.</DATED>
          <NAME>Sherry Hutt,</NAME>
          <TITLE>Manager, National NAGPRA Program.</TITLE>
        </SIG>
      </SUPLINF>
      <FRDOC>[FR Doc. 2012-30451 Filed 12-17-12; 8:45 am]</FRDOC>
      <BILCOD>BILLING CODE 4312-50-P</BILCOD>
    </NOTICE>
    <NOTICE>
      <PREAMB>
        <AGENCY TYPE="S">DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR</AGENCY>
        <SUBAGY>National Park Service</SUBAGY>
        <DEPDOC>[NPS-WASO-NAGPRA-11463; 2200-1100-665]</DEPDOC>
        <SUBJECT>Notice of Inventory Completion: University of Montana, Missoula, MT; Museum of the Rockies at Montana State University, Bozeman, MT; and University of Wyoming, Department of Anthropology, Laramie, WY</SUBJECT>
        <AGY>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">AGENCY:</HD>
          <P>National Park Service, Interior.</P>
        </AGY>
        <ACT>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">ACTION:</HD>
          <P>Notice.</P>
        </ACT>
        <SUM>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">SUMMARY:</HD>
          <P>The University of Montana, the Museum of the Rockies at Montana State University, and the University of Wyoming, Department of Anthropology, have completed an inventory of human remains, in consultation with the appropriate Indian tribe, and have determined that there is no cultural affiliation between the remains and any present-day Indian tribe. Representatives of any Indian tribe that believes itself to be culturally affiliated with the human remains may contact the University of Montana, which is acting on its own behalf and for the Museum of the Rockies and the University of Wyoming. Disposition of the human remains to the Indian tribe stated below may occur if no additional requestors come forward.</P>
        </SUM>
        <DATES>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">DATES:</HD>
          <P>Representatives of any Indian tribe that believes it has a cultural affiliation with the human remains should contact the University of Montana at the address below by January 17, 2013.</P>
        </DATES>
        <ADD>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">ADDRESSES:</HD>
          <P>Dr. Sally Thompson, Department of Anthropology, University of Montana, Missoula, MT 59812, telephone (406) 243-5525.</P>
        </ADD>
      </PREAMB>
      <SUPLINF>
        <HD SOURCE="HED">SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:</HD>
        <P>Notice is here given in accordance with the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA), 25 U.S.C. 3003, of the completion of an inventory of human remains in the possession of the University of Montana, the Museum of the Rockies at Montana State University, and the University of Wyoming, Department of Anthropology. The human remains were removed from Yellowstone County, MT.</P>
        <P>This notice is published as part of the National Park Service's administrative responsibilities under NAGPRA, 25 U.S.C. 3003(d)(3) and 43 CFR 10.11(d). The determinations in this notice are the sole responsibility of the museums, institutions, or Federal agencies that have control of the Native American human remains. The National Park Service is not responsible for the determinations in this notice.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Consultation</HD>
        <P>A detailed assessment of the human remains was made by the University of Montana (Campbell &amp; McKeown 2010), the Museum of the Rockies, and the University of Wyoming professional staffs in consultation with representatives of the Crow Tribe of Montana.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">History and Description of the Remains</HD>
        <P>Between 1937 and 1941, human remains representing, at minimum, 18 individuals were removed from a complex of sites known as the Pictograph Cave and its Terrace area (24YL1) and the Ghost Cave (24YL2), in Yellowstone County, MT, through an excavation project by the Works Project Administration. Nine burials were reported to have been excavated from the Pictograph Cave, while only five human bones and one tooth were reported from the Ghost Cave (Snodgrasse 1958). These remains from an excavated context are attributed to the Late Prehistoric occupation of the caves, dating between A.D. 500 and 1750 (Mulloy 1958 and Snodgrasse 1958).</P>
        <P>The University of Wyoming, Department of Anthropology, acquired human remains from the Pictograph Cave representing, at minimum, three individuals, all sub-adults, sometime in the late 1940s. In 1991, the Museum of the Rockies acquired human teeth from the Pictograph Cave, its Terrace area, and the Ghost Cave representing, at minimum, four individuals, as part of a large donation of unrelated material. The University of Montana acquired human remains representing, at minimum, 11 individuals at an unknown date from the Pictograph Cave, its Terrace area, and the Ghost Cave. Some of the individuals held by the different institutions may be duplicative, in which case the minimum number would be lower. The human remains in the possession of the University of Montana were found in the faunal collections from these locations, and include fifteen elements from the Pictograph Cave (a left distal femur epiphysis of a sub-adult, a right 4th premolar, two right metatarsals, a right 3rd cuneiform, a left clavicle, a cervical vertebra, two proximal phalanges, a right parietal fragment, a left mandibular canine, a right talus, a right calcaneus, a left calcaneus, and a right cuboid), two elements from the Terrace area (a partial femur and a partial os coxae), and a single element from the Ghost Cave (a fragmentary rib). No known individuals were identified. No associated funerary objects are present.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Determinations Made by the University of Montana, the Museum of the Rockies, and the University of Wyoming</HD>
        <P>Officials of the University of Montana, the Museum of the Rockies, and the University of Wyoming have determined that:</P>
        <P>• Based on the date of the site, the human remains are Native American.</P>
        <P>• Pursuant to 25 U.S.C. 3001(2), a relationship of shared group identity cannot be reasonably traced between the Native American human remains and any present-day Indian tribe.</P>
        <P>• According to final judgments of the Indian Claims Commission, the land from which the Native American human remains were removed is the aboriginal land of the Crow Tribe of Montana.</P>
        <P>• Multiple lines of evidence, including treaties, Acts of Congress, and Executive Orders, indicate that the land from which the Native American human were removed is the aboriginal land of the Crow Tribe of Montana.</P>
        <P>• Pursuant to 25 U.S.C. 3001(9), the human remains described in this notice represent the physical remains of 18 individuals of Native American ancestry.</P>
        <P>• Pursuant to 43 CFR 10.11(c)(1), the disposition of the human remains is to the Crow Tribe of Montana.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Additional Requestors and Disposition</HD>
        <P>Representatives of any Indian tribe that believes itself to be culturally affiliated with the human remains or any other Indian tribe that believes it satisfies the criteria in 43 CFR 10.11(c)(1) should contact Dr. Sally Thompson, Department of Anthropology, University of Montana, Missoula, MT 59812, telephone (406) 243-5525 before January 17, 2013. Disposition of the human remains to the Crow Tribe of Montana may proceed after that date if no additional requestors come forward.</P>
        <P>The University of Montana is responsible for notifying the Crow Tribe that this notice has been published.</P>
        <SIG>
          <PRTPAGE P="74874"/>
          <DATED>Dated: November 2, 2012.</DATED>
          <NAME>Sherry Hutt,</NAME>
          <TITLE>Manager, National NAGPRA Program.</TITLE>
        </SIG>
      </SUPLINF>
      <FRDOC>[FR Doc. 2012-30463 Filed 12-17-12; 8:45 am]</FRDOC>
      <BILCOD>BILLING CODE 4310-50-P</BILCOD>
    </NOTICE>
    <NOTICE>
      <PREAMB>
        <AGENCY TYPE="S">DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR</AGENCY>
        <SUBAGY>National Park Service</SUBAGY>
        <DEPDOC>[NPS-WASO-NAGPRA-11848; 2200-1100-665]</DEPDOC>
        <SUBJECT>Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Review Committee: Meeting</SUBJECT>
        <AGY>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">AGENCY:</HD>
          <P>National Park Service, Interior.</P>
        </AGY>
        <ACT>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">ACTION:</HD>
          <P>Notice.</P>
        </ACT>
        <SUM>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">SUMMARY:</HD>
          <P>Notice is hereby given in accordance with the Federal Advisory Committee Act, 5 U.S.C. Appendix (1988), of a telephonic meeting of the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Review Committee (Review Committee). This meeting will be open to the public. The agenda for the meeting will be limited to finalization of the Review Committee Report to Congress for 2012, the appointment of the subcommittee to draft the Review Committee's Report to the Congress for 2013, and discussion of the scope of the Report.</P>
        </SUM>
        <DATES>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">DATES:</HD>
          <P>The Review Committee will meet on January 10, 2013, from 1 p.m. to approximately 3 p.m. EST. The agenda and materials for this meeting will be posted on or before December 24, 2012.</P>
        </DATES>
        <ADD>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">ADDRESSES:</HD>
          <P>Those who desire to attend the meeting should contact<E T="03">NAGPRA@rap.midco.net,</E>between January 2 and 8, 2013, to be provided the telephone access number for the meeting.</P>
        </ADD>
      </PREAMB>
      <SUPLINF>
        <HD SOURCE="HED">SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:</HD>

        <P>Notice is hereby given in accordance with the Federal Advisory Committee Act, 5 U.S.C. Appendix (1988), of a telephonic meeting of the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Review Committee (Review Committee). This meeting will be open to the public. The agenda for the meeting will be limited to finalization of the Review Committee Report to Congress for 2012, the appointment of the subcommittee to draft the Review Committee's Report to the Congress for 2013, and discussion of the scope of the Report. The agenda and materials for this meeting will be posted on or before December 24, 2012, on the National NAGPRA Program Web site:<E T="03">http://www.nps.gov/nagpra.</E>A transcript and minutes of the meeting will also appear on the National NAGPRA Program Web site after the meeting has occurred.</P>
        <P>Information about NAGPRA, the Review Committee, and Review Committee meetings is available on the National NAGPRA Program Web site. For the Review Committee's meeting procedures, click on “Review Committee,” then click on “Procedures.” Meeting minutes may be accessed by going to the Web site; then clicking on “Review Committee;” and then clicking on “Meeting Minutes.” Approximately fourteen weeks after each Review Committee meeting, the meeting transcript is posted for a limited time on the National NAGPRA Program Web site.</P>
        <P>The Review Committee was established in Section 8 of the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act of 1990 (NAGPRA), 25 U.S.C. 3006. Review Committee members are appointed by the Secretary of the Interior. The Review Committee is responsible for monitoring the NAGPRA inventory and identification process; reviewing and making findings related to the identity or cultural affiliation of cultural items, or the return of such items; facilitating the resolution of disputes; compiling an inventory of culturally unidentifiable human remains that are in the possession or control of each Federal agency and museum, and recommending specific actions for developing a process for disposition of such human remains; consulting with Indian tribes and Native Hawaiian organizations and museums on matters affecting such tribes or organizations lying within the scope of work of the Committee; consulting with the Secretary of the Interior on the development of regulations to carry out NAGPRA; and making recommendations regarding future care of repatriated cultural items. The Review Committee's work is carried out during the course of meetings that are open to the public.</P>
        <SIG>
          <DATED>Dated: December 4, 2012.</DATED>
          <NAME>Sherry Hutt,</NAME>
          <TITLE>Designated Federal Officer, Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Review Committee.</TITLE>
        </SIG>
      </SUPLINF>
      <FRDOC>[FR Doc. 2012-30440 Filed 12-17-12; 8:45 am]</FRDOC>
      <BILCOD>BILLING CODE 4312-50-P</BILCOD>
    </NOTICE>
    <NOTICE>
      <PREAMB>
        <AGENCY TYPE="S">DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR</AGENCY>
        <SUBAGY>National Park Service</SUBAGY>
        <DEPDOC>[NPS-NERO-ACAD-11845: 1700-SZM]</DEPDOC>
        <SUBJECT>Notice of February 4, 2013, Meeting for Acadia National Park Advisory Commission</SUBJECT>
        <AGY>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">AGENCY:</HD>
          <P>National Park Service, Interior.</P>
        </AGY>
        <ACT>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">ACTION:</HD>
          <P>Meeting notice.</P>
        </ACT>
        <SUM>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">SUMMARY:</HD>
          <P>This notice sets the date of February 4, 2013, meeting of the Acadia National Park Advisory Commission.</P>
        </SUM>
        <DATES>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">DATES:</HD>
          <P>The public meeting of the Advisory Commission will be held on Monday, February 4, 2013, at 1:00 p.m. (EASTERN).</P>
        </DATES>
        <PREAMHD>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">LOCATION:</HD>
          <P>The meeting will be held at Headquarters, Acadia National Park, Bar Harbor, Maine 04609.</P>
        </PREAMHD>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Agenda</HD>
        <P>The February 4, 2013, Commission meeting will consist of the following:</P>
        
        <FP SOURCE="FP-2">1. Committee reports:</FP>
        <FP SOURCE="FP1-2">—Land Conservation</FP>
        <FP SOURCE="FP1-2">—Park Use</FP>
        <FP SOURCE="FP1-2">—Science and Education</FP>
        <FP SOURCE="FP1-2">—Historic</FP>
        <FP SOURCE="FP-2">2. Old Business</FP>
        <FP SOURCE="FP-2">3. Superintendent's Report</FP>
        <FP SOURCE="FP-2">4. Chairman's Report</FP>
        <FP SOURCE="FP-2">5. Public Comments</FP>
        <FURINF>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:</HD>
          <P>Further information concerning this meeting may be obtained from the Sheridan Steele, Superintendent, Acadia National Park, P.O. Box 177, Bar Harbor, Maine 04609, telephone (207) 288-3338.</P>
        </FURINF>
      </PREAMB>
      <SUPLINF>
        <HD SOURCE="HED">SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:</HD>
        <P>The meeting is open to the public. Interested persons may make oral/written presentations to the Commission or file written statements. Such requests should be made to the Superintendent at least seven days prior to the meeting. Before including your address, phone number, email address, or other personal identifying information in your comment, you should be aware that your entire comment—including your personal identifying information—may be made publicly available at any time. While you can ask us in your comment to withhold your personal identifying information from public review, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to do so.</P>
        <SIG>
          <DATED>Dated: December 11, 2012.</DATED>
          <NAME>Len Bobinchock,</NAME>
          <TITLE>Deputy Superintendent, Acadia National Park.</TITLE>
        </SIG>
      </SUPLINF>
      <FRDOC>[FR Doc. 2012-30435 Filed 12-17-12; 8:45 am]</FRDOC>
      <BILCOD>BILLING CODE 4310-WV-P</BILCOD>
    </NOTICE>
    <NOTICE>
      <PREAMB>
        <PRTPAGE P="74875"/>
        <AGENCY TYPE="S">DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR</AGENCY>
        <SUBAGY>National Park Service</SUBAGY>
        <DEPDOC>[NPS-WASO-NAGPRA-11687; 2200-1100-665]</DEPDOC>
        <SUBJECT>Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Review Committee Findings Related to the Identity and Return of Cultural Items in the Possession of the University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology, Philadelphia, PA</SUBJECT>
        <AGY>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">AGENCY:</HD>
          <P>National Park Service, Interior.</P>
        </AGY>
        <ACT>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">ACTION:</HD>
          <P>Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Review Committee: Findings.</P>
        </ACT>
        <P>This notice is published as part of the National Park Service's administrative responsibilities pursuant to the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (25 U.S.C. 3006(g)). The recommendations, findings and actions of the Review Committee associated with this dispute are advisory only and not binding on any person. These advisory findings and recommendations do not necessarily represent the views of the National Park Service or Secretary of the Interior. The National Park Service and the Secretary of the Interior have not taken a position on these matters.</P>
        <SUM>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">SUMMARY:</HD>

          <P>The Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Review Committee (Review Committee) was established by Section 8 of the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA; 25 U.S.C. 3006), and is an advisory body governed by the Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 App. U.S.C. 1-16). At its November 17-19, 2010 public meeting in Washington, DC, and acting pursuant to its statutory responsibility to convene the parties to a dispute relating to the identity and return of cultural items, and to facilitate the resolution of such a dispute, the Review Committee heard a dispute between the Hoonah Indian Association, joined by the Huna Totem Corporation, and the University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology. The issues before the Review Committee were (1) whether, in their request for the repatriation of 38 catalogued objects deriving from the Snail House and one catalogued object deriving from the Eagle's Nest House that are in the possession of the University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology, the requestors proved that all the requested objects are both “sacred objects” and objects of “cultural patrimony,” as these terms are defined in NAGPRA; and (2) whether, in response to the request for the repatriation of the 39 catalogued objects, the University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology presented evidence proving that the Museum has a “right of possession” to any of the objects, as this term is defined in the NAGPRA regulations. The Review Committee found that all of the requested objects are both sacred objects and objects of cultural patrimony, and that the University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology does not have a right of possession to any of those cultural items. The Review Committee meeting transcript containing the dispute proceedings and Review Committee deliberation and findings is available from the National NAGPRA Program upon request (<E T="03">NAGPRA_Info@nps.gov</E>).</P>
        </SUM>
      </PREAMB>
      <SUPLINF>
        <HD SOURCE="HED">SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:</HD>

        <P>Since 1924, thirty-eight cataloged objects deriving from the<E T="03">Táx<AC T="g"/>´ Hit,</E>or Snail House (Snail House), of the T'ak<AC T="g"/>deintaan Clan of Tlingit Indians from Hoonah, Alaska have been in the possession of the University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology. The Snail House is also known as<E T="03">Tsalx<AC T="g"/>áan Hit,</E>or the Mt. Fairweather House. In addition, since 1918, a<E T="03">Shakee.át,</E>or Marmot Frontlet (Frontlet) deriving from the Eagle's Nest House of the T'ak<AC T="g"/>deintaan Clan of Tlingit Indians also has been in the possession of the University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology. Between 1995 and 2006, the Huna Totem Corporation and (since 2000) Hoonah Indian Association, an Alaska Native village, provided information to the University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology that, taken together, constituted a joint request for the repatriation of the 39 cataloged objects in question. The request identified each of the objects in question as a “sacred object” and an object of “cultural patrimony,” as these terms are defined in NAGPRA (25 U.S.C. 3001(3)(C) and (D)). In its June 19, 2009 response to this request, the University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology acknowledged that one of the objects is a sacred object and an object of cultural patrimony; six of the objects are sacred objects, but are not objects of cultural patrimony; and one of the objects is an object of cultural patrimony, but is not a sacred object. The University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology also stated that, while it had a “right of possession” to these eight cultural items, as defined in the NAGPRA regulations (43 CFR 10.10(a)(2)), nonetheless, it would elect not to assert its right of possession. The June 19, 2009 response also stated that the other 31 cataloged objects “do not meet the specific NAGPRA definitions for cultural patrimony or sacred objects” and, additionally, asserted the University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology's right of possession to those 31 objects.</P>
        <P>Disputing the University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology's determination that only one of the 39 catalogued objects was both a sacred object and an object of cultural patrimony, as well as the Museum's claim of right of possession to the 39 cataloged objects and assertion of that right with respect to 31 of the objects, the Hoonah Indian Association and the Huna Totem Corporation joined in asking the Review Committee to facilitate the resolution of the dispute between themselves and the University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology. The Designated Federal Official for the Review Committee agreed to the request.</P>
        <P>At its November 17-19, 2010 meeting, the Review Committee considered the dispute. The issues before the Review Committee were (1) whether, in their request for the repatriation of the 39 catalogued objects in question, the requestors proved by a preponderance of the evidence that all the objects are “sacred objects” and objects of “cultural patrimony,” as these terms are defined in NAGPRA; and (2) whether, in response to the request for repatriation, the University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology presented evidence proving, by a preponderance of the evidence, that the Museum has a “right of possession” to the objects. As defined in the NAGPRA regulations, “ ‘right of possession' means possession obtained with the voluntary consent of an individual or group that had authority of alienation.”</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Findings of Fact:</E>Six Review Committee members participated in the fact finding. One member was self-recused. By a vote of six to zero, the Review Committee found that all 39 of the requested cataloged objects are both sacred objects and objects of cultural patrimony, and that the University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology does not have a right of possession to any of the requested cultural items.</P>
        <SIG>
          <PRTPAGE P="74876"/>
          <DATED>Dated: November 7, 2012.</DATED>
          <NAME>Mervin Wright, Jr.,</NAME>
          <TITLE>Acting Chair, Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Review Committee.</TITLE>
        </SIG>
      </SUPLINF>
      <FRDOC>[FR Doc. 2012-30443 Filed 12-17-12; 8:45 am]</FRDOC>
      <BILCOD>BILLING CODE 4312-50-P</BILCOD>
    </NOTICE>
    <NOTICE>
      <PREAMB>
        <AGENCY TYPE="N">DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE</AGENCY>
        <DEPDOC>[OMB Number 1110-0026]</DEPDOC>
        <SUBJECT>Agency Information Collection Activities; Existing Collection, Comments Requested; Federal Firearms Licensee (FFL) Enrollment/National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) E-Check Enrollment Form, Federal Firearms Licensee (FFL) Officer/Employee Acknowledgment of Responsibilities Under the NICS Form</SUBJECT>
        <ACT>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">ACTION:</HD>
          <P>30 Day notice.</P>
        </ACT>

        <P>The Department of Justice (DOJ), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) Division's National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) Section will be submitting the following information collection request to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and approval in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. The proposed information collection is published to obtain comments from the public and affected agencies. This proposed information collection was previously published in the<E T="04">Federal Register</E>Volume 77, Number 199, page 62534, on October 15, 2012, allowing for a 60-day comment period.</P>
        <P>The purpose of this notice is to allow for an additional 30 days for public comment until January 17, 2013. This process is conducted in accordance with Title 5, Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), Section 1320.10.</P>
        <P>Written comments and/or suggestions regarding the items contained in this notice, especially the estimated public burden and associated response time, should be directed to the Office of Management and Budget, Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, Attention Department of Justice Desk Officer, Washington, DC 20503. Additionally, comments may be submitted to the OMB via facsimile to (202) 395-7285.</P>
        <P>Written comments and suggestions from the public and affected agencies concerning the proposed collection of information are encouraged. Your comments should address one or more of the following four points:</P>
        <P>(1) Evaluate whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency/component, including whether the information will have practical utility;</P>
        <P>(2) Evaluate the accuracy of the agency's/component's estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of the information, including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used;</P>
        <P>(3) Enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and</P>
        <P>(4) Minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are to respond, including the use of appropriate automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology, e.g., permitting electronic submission of responses.</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Overview of this information:</E>
        </P>
        <P>(1)<E T="03">Type of Information Collection:</E>Approval of an Existing Collection</P>
        <P>(2)<E T="03">Title of the Forms:</E>Federal Firearms Licensee (FFL) Enrollment/National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) E-Check Enrollment Form Federal Firearms Licensee (FFL) Officer/Employee Acknowledgment of Responsibilities under the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) Form.</P>
        <P>(3)<E T="03">Agency Form Number, if any, and the applicable component of the department sponsoring the collection:</E>Form Number: 1110-0026. Sponsor: Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Department of Justice (DOJ).</P>
        <P>(4)<E T="03">Affected public who will be asked or required to respond, as well as a brief abstract:</E>
        </P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Primary:</E>Any Federal Firearms Licensee (FFL) or State Point of Contact (POC) requesting access to conduct National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) checks telephonically or by the Internet through the NICS E-Check.</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Brief Abstract:</E>The Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act of 1993 required the United States Attorney General to establish a national instant criminal background check system that any FFL may contact, by telephone or by other electronic means for information to be supplied immediately, on whether receipt of a firearm to a prospective purchaser would violate state or federal law. Information pertaining to licensees who may contact the NICS is being collected to manage and control access to the NICS and to the NICS E-Check, to ensure appropriate resources are available to support the NICS, and also to ensure the privacy and security of NICS information.<E T="03">http://www.fbi.gov/programs/nics/index.htm.</E>
        </P>
        <P>(5)<E T="03">An estimate of the total number of respondents and the amount of time estimated for an average respondent to respond:</E>It is estimated that 250 FFLs enroll with the NICS per month for a total of 3,000 enrollments per year. The average response time for reading the directions for the Federal Bureau of Investigation National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) Federal Firearms Licensee (FFL) Enrollment/NICS E-Check Enrollment Form is estimated to be two minutes; time to complete the form is estimated to be three minutes; and the time it takes to assemble, mail, or fax the form to the FBI is estimated to be three minutes, for a total of eight minutes. The average hour burden for this specific form is 3,000 × 8 minutes/60 = 400 hours.</P>
        <P>The Federal Firearms Licensee (FFL) Officer/Employee Acknowledgment of Responsibilities Under the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) Form takes approximately three minutes to read the responsibilities and two minutes to complete the form, for a total of five minutes. The average hour burden for this specific form is 3,000 × 5 minutes/60 = 250 hours.</P>
        <P>The letter mailed to each new FFL takes an additional two minutes to read which would be 3,000 × 2 minutes/60 = 100 hours.</P>
        <P>The entire process of reading the letter and completing both forms would take 15 minutes per respondent. The average hour burden for completing both forms and reading the accompanying letter would be 3,000 × 15/60 = 750 hours.</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">An estimate of the total public burden (in hours) associated with the collection:</E>The entire process of reading the letter and completing both forms would take 15 minutes per respondent. The average hour burden for completing both forms and reading the accompanying letter would be 3,000 × 15/60 = 750 hours.</P>
        <P>If additional information is required, contact: Mrs. Lynn Murray, Department Clearance Officer, United States Department of Justice, Information Management and Security Staff, Justice Management Division, Suite 1600, Patrick Henry Building, 601 D Street NW., Washington, DC 20530.</P>
        <SIG>
          <DATED>Dated: December 13, 2012.</DATED>
          <NAME>Jerri Murray,</NAME>
          <TITLE>Department Clearance Officer for PRA, United States Department of Justice.</TITLE>
        </SIG>
      </PREAMB>
      <FRDOC>[FR Doc. 2012-30372 Filed 12-17-12; 8:45 am]</FRDOC>
      <BILCOD>BILLING CODE 4410-02-P</BILCOD>
    </NOTICE>
    <NOTICE>
      <PREAMB>
        <PRTPAGE P="74877"/>
        <AGENCY TYPE="S">DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE</AGENCY>
        <SUBAGY>Antitrust Division</SUBAGY>
        <SUBJECT>Notice Pursuant to the National Cooperative Research and Production Act of 1993; Cable Television Laboratories, Inc.</SUBJECT>

        <P>Notice is hereby given that, on November 13, 2012, pursuant to Section 6(a) of the National Cooperative Research and Production Act of 1993, 15 U.S.C. 4301<E T="03">et seq.</E>(“the Act”), Cable Television Laboratories, Inc. (“CableLabs”) has filed written notifications simultaneously with the Attorney General and the Federal Trade Commission disclosing additions to its membership. The notifications were filed for the purpose of extending the Act's provisions limiting the recovery of antitrust plaintiffs to actual damages under specified circumstances. Specifically, Lyons Communications, LLC, Lyons, CO; and Harron Communications, L.P., d/b/a MetroCast Communications, Frazer, PA, have been added as parties to this venture.</P>
        <P>No other changes have been made in either the membership or planned activity of the group research project. Membership in this group research project remains open, and CableLabs intends to file additional written notifications disclosing all changes in membership.</P>

        <P>On August 8, 1988, CableLabs filed its original notification pursuant to Section 6(a) of the Act. The Department of Justice published a notice in the<E T="04">Federal Register</E>pursuant to Section 6(b) of the Act on September 7, 1988 (53 FR 34593).</P>

        <P>The last notification was filed with the Department on November 4, 2010. A notice was published in the<E T="04">Federal Register</E>pursuant to Section 6(b) of the Act on December 17, 2010 (75 FR 79025).</P>
        <SIG>
          <NAME>Patricia A. Brink,</NAME>
          <TITLE>Director of Civil Enforcement, Antitrust Division.</TITLE>
        </SIG>
      </PREAMB>
      <FRDOC>[FR Doc. 2012-30410 Filed 12-17-12; 8:45 am]</FRDOC>
      <BILCOD>BILLING CODE P</BILCOD>
    </NOTICE>
    <NOTICE>
      <PREAMB>
        <AGENCY TYPE="S">DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE</AGENCY>
        <SUBAGY>Federal Bureau of Investigation</SUBAGY>
        <DEPDOC>[OMB Number 1110-0009]</DEPDOC>
        <SUBJECT>Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposed Collection, Comments Requested; Revision of a Currently Approved Collection; Law Enforcement Officers Killed and Assaulted Program, Analysis of Officers; Feloniously Killed and Assaulted; and Law Enforcement Officers Killed and Assaulted Program, Analysis of Officers Accidentally Killed</SUBJECT>
        <ACT>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">ACTION:</HD>
          <P>30-Day notice.</P>
        </ACT>

        <P>The Department of Justice, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Criminal Justice Information Services Division will be submitting the following information collection request to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and clearance in accordance with established review procedures of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. The proposed information collection is published to obtain comments from the public and affected agencies. This proposed information collection was previously published in the<E T="04">Federal Register</E>Volume 77, Issue 199, pages 62533, on October 15, 2012.</P>
        <P>The purpose of this notice is to allow for an additional 30 days for public comment until January 17, 2013.</P>
        <P>Written comments and/or suggestions regarding the items contained in this notice, especially the estimated public burden and associated response time, should be directed to Mrs. Amy C. Blasher, Unit Chief, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) Division, Module E-3, 1000 Custer Hollow Road, Clarksburg, West Virginia 26306; facsimile (304) 625-3566.</P>
        <P>Written comments and suggestions from the public and affected agencies concerning the proposed collection of information are encouraged. Comments should address one or more of the following four points:</P>
        <P>(1) Evaluate whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information will have practical utility;</P>
        <P>(2) Evaluate the accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information, including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used;</P>
        <P>(3) Enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and</P>
        <P>(4) Minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are to respond, including through the use of appropriate automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques of other forms of information technology, e.g., permitting electronic submission of responses.</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Overview of this information collection:</E>
        </P>
        <P>(1)<E T="03">Type of information collection:</E>Revision of a currently approved collection.</P>
        <P>(2)<E T="03">The title of the form/collection:</E>Law Enforcement Officers Killed and Assaulted Program; Analysis of Officers Feloniously Killed and Assaulted and Law Enforcement Officers Killed and Assaulted Program; Analysis of Officers Accidentally Killed</P>
        <P>(3)<E T="03">The agency form number, if any, and the applicable component of the department</E>
          <E T="03">sponsoring the collection:</E>Forms 1-701 and 1-701a; Criminal Justice Information Services Division, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Department of Justice.</P>
        <P>(4)<E T="03">Affected public who will be asked or required to respond, as well as a brief</E>
          <E T="03">abstract:</E>Primary: City, county, state, federal and tribal law enforcement agencies. These forms will gather specific incident data obtained from law enforcement agencies in which an officer was accidentally killed, feloniously killed or assaulted with injury from a firearm or knife or other cutting instrument in the line of duty. Data are published annually in the publication Law Enforcement Officers Killed and Assaulted.</P>
        <P>(5)<E T="03">An estimate of the total number of respondents and the amount of time estimated</E>
          <E T="03">for an average respondent to respond:</E>There are approximately 243 law enforcement agency respondents; calculated estimates indicate 1 hour per report.</P>
        <P>(6)<E T="03">An estimate of the total public burden (in hours) associated with this collection:</E>There are approximately 243 hours, annual burden, associated with this information collection.</P>
        <P>If additional information is required contact Jerri Murray, Department Clearance Officer, Policy and Planning Staff, Justice Management Division, United States Department of Justice, Two Constitution Square, 145 N Street NE., Room 3W-1407B, Washington, DC 20530.</P>
        <SIG>
          <DATED>Dated: December 12, 2012.</DATED>
          <NAME>Jerri Murray,</NAME>
          <TITLE>Department Clearance Officer, United States Department of Justice.</TITLE>
        </SIG>
      </PREAMB>
      <FRDOC>[FR Doc. 2012-30371 Filed 12-17-12; 8:45 am]</FRDOC>
      <BILCOD>BILLING CODE 4410-02-P</BILCOD>
    </NOTICE>
    <NOTICE>
      <PREAMB>
        <PRTPAGE P="74878"/>
        <AGENCY TYPE="S">DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE</AGENCY>
        <SUBAGY>Foreign Claims Settlement Commission of the United States</SUBAGY>
        <SUBJECT>Privacy Act of 1974; System of Records</SUBJECT>
        <AGY>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">AGENCY:</HD>
          <P>Foreign Claims Settlement Commission of the United States, Justice.</P>
        </AGY>
        <ACT>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">ACTION:</HD>
          <P>Notice of a new system of records.</P>
        </ACT>
        <SUM>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">SUMMARY:</HD>
          <P>Pursuant to the Privacy Act of 1974 (5 U.S.C. 552a), the Foreign Claims Settlement Commission (Commission), Department of Justice, proposes to establish a new system of records to enable the Commission to carry out its statutory responsibility to determine the validity and amount of the claims submitted to the Commission against Iraq (“Claims Against Iraq System”). The Claims Against Iraq System will include documentation provided by the claimants as well as background material that will assist the Commission in the processing of their claims. The system will also include the final decision of the Commission regarding the claim.</P>
        </SUM>
        <DATES>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">DATES:</HD>
          <P>In accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552a(e)(4) and (11), the public is given a 30-day period in which to comment. Accordingly, please submit any comments by January 22, 2013. The Office of Management and Budget (OMB), which has oversight responsibility under the Act, requires a 40-day period in which to conclude its review of the system.</P>
        </DATES>
        <ADD>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">ADDRESSES:</HD>
          <P>The public, OMB, and Congress are invited to submit any comments to the Foreign Claims Settlement Commission of the United States, 600 E Street NW., Suite 6002, Washington, DC 20579.</P>
        </ADD>
        <FURINF>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:</HD>
          <P>The Administrative Office, Foreign Claims Settlement Commission, U.S. Department of Justice, 600 E Street NW., Suite 6002, Washington, DC 20579, or by telephone at (202) 616-6975.</P>
          <P>In accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552a(r), the Department has provided a report to OMB and the Congress on the new system of records.</P>
          <SIG>
            <NAME>Timothy J. Feighery,</NAME>
            <TITLE>Chairman.</TITLE>
          </SIG>
          <PRIACT>
            <HD SOURCE="HD1">JUSTICE/FCSC-30</HD>
            <HD SOURCE="HD2">SYSTEM NAME:</HD>
            <P>Iraq, Claims Against.</P>
            <HD SOURCE="HD2">SYSTEM LOCATION:</HD>
            <P>Offices of the Foreign Claims Settlement Commission, 600 E Street NW., Suite 6002, Washington, DC 20579.</P>
            <HD SOURCE="HD2">CATEGORIES OF INDIVIDUALS COVERED BY THE SYSTEM:</HD>
            <P>Persons with claims against Iraq covered by the September 2, 2010, Claims Settlement Agreement Between the Government of the United States of America and the Government of the Republic of Iraq and referred by the Department of State to the Foreign Claims Settlement Commission.</P>
            <HD SOURCE="HD2">CATEGORIES OF RECORDS IN THE SYSTEM:</HD>
            <P>Claim information, including name and address of claimant and representative, if any; date and place of birth or naturalization; nature of claim; description of loss or injury including medical records; and other evidence establishing entitlement to compensation.</P>
            <HD SOURCE="HD2">AUTHORITY FOR MAINTENANCE OF THE SYSTEM:</HD>
            <P>Authority to establish and maintain this system is contained in 5 U.S.C. 301 and 44 U.S.C. 3101, which authorize the Chairman of the Commission to create and maintain federal records of agency activities, and is further described in 22 U.S.C. 1622e, which vests all non-adjudicatory functions, powers and duties in the Chairman of the Commission.</P>
            <HD SOURCE="HD2">PURPOSE:</HD>
            <P>To enable the Commission to carry out its statutory responsibility to determine the validity and amount of certain claims of U.S. nationals against Iraq.</P>
            <HD SOURCE="HD2">ROUTINE USES OF RECORDS MAINTAINED IN THE SYSTEM, INCLUDING CATEGORIES OF USERS AND THE PURPOSES OF SUCH USES:</HD>
            <P>The information contained in this system of records will be disclosed by the Commission under the following circumstances:</P>
            <P>a. To the Department of State and the Department of the Treasury in connection with the negotiation, adjudication, settlement and payment of claims;</P>
            <P>b. To contractors, grantees, experts, consultants, students, and others performing or working on a contract, service, grant, cooperative agreement, or other assignment for the federal government, when necessary to accomplish a Commission function related to this system of records;</P>
            <P>c. To a Member of Congress or staff acting upon the Member's behalf when the Member or staff requests the information on behalf of, and at the request of, the individual who is the subject of the record;</P>
            <P>d. Where a record, either alone or in conjunction with other information, indicates a violation or potential violation of law—criminal, civil, or regulatory in nature—the relevant records may be referred to the appropriate federal, state, local, territorial, tribal, or foreign law enforcement authority or other appropriate entity charged with the responsibility for investigating or prosecuting such violation or charged with enforcing or implementing such law;</P>
            <P>e. In an appropriate proceeding before the Commission, or before a court, grand jury, or administrative or adjudicative body, when the Department of Justice and/or the Commission determines that the records are arguably relevant to the proceeding; or in an appropriate proceeding before an administrative or adjudicative body when the adjudicator determines the records to be relevant to the proceeding;</P>
            <P>f. To a former employee of the Commission for purposes of: Responding to an official inquiry by a federal, state, or local government entity or professional licensing authority, in accordance with applicable Commission regulations; or facilitating communications with a former employee that may be necessary for personnel-related or other official purposes where the Commission requires information and/or consultation from the former employee regarding a matter within that person's former area of responsibility;</P>
            <P>g. To appropriate agencies, entities, and persons when (1) it is suspected or confirmed that the security or confidentiality of information in the system of records has been compromised; (2) the Commission has determined that as a result of the suspected or confirmed compromise there is a risk of harm to economic or property interests, identity theft or fraud, or harm to the security or integrity of this system or other systems or programs (whether maintained by the Commission or another agency or entity) that rely upon the compromised information; and (3) the disclosure made to such agencies, entities, and persons is reasonably necessary to assist in connection with the Commission's efforts to respond to the suspected or confirmed compromise and prevent, minimize, or remedy such harm.</P>
            <HD SOURCE="HD2">STORAGE:</HD>

            <P>Paper records maintained in file folders at the Commission's office and electronic records located on the Commission's Server.<PRTPAGE P="74879"/>
            </P>
            <HD SOURCE="HD2">RETRIEVABILITY:</HD>
            <P>Information from this system of records will be retrieved by claim number and/or decision number. An alphabetical index may be used by the Commission for identification of a claim by claimants' name.</P>
            <HD SOURCE="HD2">SAFEGUARDS:</HD>
            <P>Paper records are under security safeguards at the Commission's office. The electronic records are safeguarded by the DOJ JCON security procedures. Access to the Commission's data requires a password and is limited to Commission employees and contractors with appropriate security clearances.</P>
            <HD SOURCE="HD2">RETENTION AND DISPOSAL:</HD>
            <P>Records are maintained under 5 U.S.C. 301. Disposal of records will be in accordance with the determination by the National Archives and Records Administration with regard to the Commission's request for Records Disposition Authority dated November 26, 2008.</P>
            <HD SOURCE="HD2">SYSTEM MANAGER(S) AND ADDRESS:</HD>
            <P>Administrative Office, Foreign Claims Settlement Commission, 600 E Street NW., Suite 6002, Washington, DC 20579. Telephone: (202) 616-6975. Fax: (202) 616-6993.</P>
            <HD SOURCE="HD2">NOTIFICATION PROCEDURE:</HD>
            <P>The Administrative Officer will inform any person or other agency about any correction or notation of dispute made in accordance with title 45 CFR Sec. 503.7 of any record that has been disclosed to the person or agency if an accounting of the disclosure was made.</P>
            <HD SOURCE="HD2">RECORD ACCESS PROCEDURE:</HD>
            <P>(a) Upon request in person or by mail, any individual will be informed whether or not a system of records maintained by the Commission contains a record or information pertaining to that individual. (b) Any individual requesting access to a record or information on himself or herself must appear in person at the offices of the Foreign Claims Settlement Commission, 600 E Street NW., Room 6002, Washington, DC, between the hours of 9 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, and (1) Provide information sufficient to identify the record, e.g., the individual's own name, claim and decision number, date and place of birth, etc.; (2) Provide identification sufficient to verify the individual's identity, e.g., driver's license, Medicare card, or other government issued identification; and (3) Any individual requesting access to records or information pertaining to himself or herself may be accompanied by a person of the individual's own choosing while reviewing the records or information. If an individual elects to be so accompanied, advance notification of the election will be required along with a written statement authorizing disclosure and discussion of the record in the presence of the accompanying person at any time, including the time access is granted. (c) Any individual making a request for access to records or information pertaining to himself or herself by mail must address the request to the Privacy Officer, Foreign Claims Settlement Commission, 600 E Street NW., Room 6002, Washington, DC 20579, and must provide information acceptable to the Administrative Officer to verify the individual's identity. (d) Responses to requests under this section normally will be made within ten (10) days of receipt (excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and legal holidays). If it is not possible to respond to requests within that period, an acknowledgment will be sent to the individual within ten (10) days of receipt of the request (excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and legal holidays).</P>
            <HD SOURCE="HD2">CONTESTING RECORD PROCEDURES:</HD>
            <P>(a) Any individual may request amendment of a record pertaining to himself or herself according to the procedure in paragraph (b) of this section, except in the case of records described under paragraph (d) of this section. (b) After inspection by an individual of a record pertaining to himself or herself, the individual may file a written request, presented in person or by mail, with the Administrative Officer, for an amendment to a record. The request must specify the particular portions of the record to be amended, the desired amendments and the reasons therefor. (c) Not later than ten (10) days (excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and legal holidays) after the receipt of a request made in accordance with this section to amend a record in whole or in part, the Administrative Officer will: (1) Make any correction of any portion of the record which the individual believes is not accurate, relevant, timely or complete and thereafter inform the individual of such correction; or (2) Inform the individual, by certified mail return receipt requested, of the refusal to amend the record, setting forth the reasons therefor, and notify the individual of the right to appeal that determination as provided under 45 CFR Sec. 503.8. (d) The provisions for amending records do not apply to evidence presented in the course of Commission proceedings in the adjudication of claims, nor do they permit collateral attack upon what has already been subject to final agency action in the adjudication of claims in programs previously completed by the Commission pursuant to statutory time limitations.</P>
            <HD SOURCE="HD2">RECORD SOURCE CATEGORIES:</HD>
            <P>Claimant on whom the record is maintained.</P>
          </PRIACT>
          
        </FURINF>
      </PREAMB>
      <FRDOC>[FR Doc. 2012-30425 Filed 12-17-12; 8:45 am]</FRDOC>
      <BILCOD>BILLING CODE 4410-BA-P</BILCOD>
    </NOTICE>
    <NOTICE>
      <PREAMB>
        <AGENCY TYPE="N">DEPARTMENT OF LABOR</AGENCY>
        <SUBAGY>Office of the Secretary</SUBAGY>
        <SUBJECT>Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request; Explosive Materials and Blasting Units in Metal and Nonmetal Underground Gassy Mines</SUBJECT>
        <ACT>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">ACTION:</HD>
          <P>Notice.</P>
        </ACT>
        <SUM>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">SUMMARY:</HD>

          <P>The Department of Labor (DOL) is submitting the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) sponsored information collection request (ICR) titled, “Explosive Materials and Blasting Units in Metal and Nonmetal Underground Gassy Mines,” to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and approval for continued use in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501<E T="03">et seq.</E>).</P>
        </SUM>
        <DATES>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">DATES:</HD>
          <P>Submit comments on or before January 17, 2013.</P>
        </DATES>
        <ADD>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">ADDRESSES:</HD>

          <P>A copy of this ICR with applicable supporting documentation, including a description of the likely respondents, proposed frequency of response, and estimated total burden may be obtained from the RegInfo.gov Web site,<E T="03">http://www.reginfo.gov/public/do/PRAMain,</E>on the day following publication of this notice or by contacting Michel Smyth by telephone at 202-693-4129 (this is not a toll-free number) or sending an email to<E T="03">DOL_PRA_PUBLIC@dol.gov.</E>
          </P>

          <P>Submit comments about this request to the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, Attn: OMB Desk Officer for DOL-MSHA, Office of Management and Budget, Room 10235, 725 17th Street NW., Washington, DC 20503, Fax: 202-395-6881 (this is not a toll-free number), email:<E T="03">OIRA_submission@omb.eop.gov.</E>
          </P>
        </ADD>
        <FURINF>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:</HD>

          <P>Michel Smyth by telephone at 202-693-4129 (this is not a toll-free number) or by email at<E T="03">DOL_PRA_PUBLIC@dol.gov.</E>
          </P>
          <AUTH>
            <HD SOURCE="HED">Authority:</HD>
            <P>44 U.S.C. 3507(a)(1)(D).</P>
          </AUTH>
        </FURINF>
      </PREAMB>
      <SUPLINF>
        <PRTPAGE P="74880"/>
        <HD SOURCE="HED">SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:</HD>
        <P>Under Regulations 30 CFR parts 7 and 15, the MSHA evaluates and approves explosive materials and blasting units as permissible for use in the mining industry; however, since there are no permissible explosives or blasting units available that have adequate blasting capacity for some metal and nonmetal gassy mines, 30 CFR 57.22606(a) outlines the procedures for a mine operator to follow when using non-approved explosive materials and blasting units. The standard requires the mine operator of a Class III metal or nonmetal mine (gassy mine) to notify the MSHA in writing prior to the use of any non-approved explosive materials and blasting units. The MSHA then evaluates the non-approved explosive materials and determines whether they are safe for use in a potentially gassy environment.</P>

        <P>This information collection is subject to the PRA. A Federal agency generally cannot conduct or sponsor a collection of information, and the public is generally not required to respond to an information collection, unless it is approved by the OMB under the PRA and displays a currently valid OMB Control Number. In addition, notwithstanding any other provisions of law, no person shall generally be subject to penalty for failing to comply with a collection of information that does not display a valid Control Number.<E T="03">See</E>5 CFR 1320.5(a) and 1320.6. The DOL obtains OMB approval for this information collection under Control Number 1219-0051. The current approval is scheduled to expire on February 28, 2013; however, it should be noted that existing information collection requirements submitted to the OMB receive a month-to-month extension while they undergo review. For additional information, see the related notice published in the<E T="04">Federal Register</E>on September 19, 2012 (77 FR 58173).</P>

        <P>Interested parties are encouraged to send comments to the OMB, Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs at the address shown in the<E T="02">ADDRESSES</E>section within 30 days of publication of this notice in the<E T="04">Federal Register</E>. In order to help ensure appropriate consideration, comments should mention OMB Control Number 1219-0051. The OMB is particularly interested in comments that:</P>
        <P>• Evaluate whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information will have practical utility;</P>
        <P>• Evaluate the accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information, including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used;</P>
        <P>• Enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and</P>
        <P>• Minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are to respond, including through the use of appropriate automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology, e.g., permitting electronic submission of responses.</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Agency:</E>DOL-MSHA.</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Title of Collection:</E>Explosive Materials and Blasting Units in Metal and Nonmetal Underground Gassy Mines.</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">OMB Control Number:</E>1219-0051.</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Affected Public:</E>Private Sector—businesses or other for-profits.</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Total Estimated Number of Respondents:</E>1.</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Total Estimated Number of Responses:</E>1.</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Total Estimated Annual Burden Hours:</E>1.</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Total Estimated Annual Other Costs Burden:</E>$6.</P>
        <SIG>
          <DATED>Dated: December 11, 2012.</DATED>
          <NAME>Michel Smyth,</NAME>
          <TITLE>Departmental Clearance Officer.</TITLE>
        </SIG>
      </SUPLINF>
      <FRDOC>[FR Doc. 2012-30399 Filed 12-17-12; 8:45 am]</FRDOC>
      <BILCOD>BILLING CODE 4510-43-P</BILCOD>
    </NOTICE>
    <NOTICE>
      <PREAMB>
        <AGENCY TYPE="S">DEPARTMENT OF LABOR</AGENCY>
        <SUBAGY>Office of the Secretary</SUBAGY>
        <SUBJECT>Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request; Reemployment Demonstration Grants and Projects</SUBJECT>
        <ACT>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">ACTION:</HD>
          <P>Notice.</P>
        </ACT>
        <SUM>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">SUMMARY:</HD>

          <P>The Department of Labor (DOL) is submitting the Employment and Training Administration (ETA) sponsored information collection request (ICR) titled, “Reemployment Demonstration Grants and Projects,” to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and approval for continued use in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501<E T="03">et seq.</E>).</P>
        </SUM>
        <DATES>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">DATES:</HD>
          <P>Submit comments on or before January 17, 2013.</P>
        </DATES>
        <ADD>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">ADDRESSES:</HD>

          <P>A copy of this ICR with applicable supporting documentation; including a description of the likely respondents, proposed frequency of response, and estimated total burden may be obtained from the RegInfo.gov Web site,<E T="03">http://www.reginfo.gov/public/do/PRAMain,</E>on the day following publication of this notice or by contacting Michel Smyth by telephone at 202-693-4129 (this is not a toll-free number) or sending an email to<E T="03">DOL_PRA_PUBLIC@dol.gov.</E>
          </P>

          <P>Submit comments about this request to the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, Attn: OMB Desk Officer for DOL-ETA, Office of Management and Budget, Room 10235, 725 17th Street NW., Washington, DC 20503, Fax: 202-395-6881 (this is not a toll-free number), email:<E T="03">OIRA_submission@omb.eop.gov.</E>
          </P>
        </ADD>
        <FURINF>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:</HD>

          <P>Contact Michel Smyth by telephone at 202-693-4129 (this is not a toll-free number) or by email at<E T="03">DOL_PRA_PUBLIC@dol.gov.</E>
          </P>
          <AUTH>
            <HD SOURCE="HED">Authority:</HD>
            <P>44 U.S.C. 3507(a)(1)(D).</P>
          </AUTH>
          
        </FURINF>
      </PREAMB>
      <SUPLINF>
        <HD SOURCE="HED">SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:</HD>
        <P>The Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act of 2012 provides States with the opportunity to pilot new and innovative strategies to help connect unemployed Americans with work. Extended Benefits, Reemployment, and Program Integrity Improvement Act section 2102 has enacted a new Social Security Act section 305 to allow the Secretary of Labor to enter into agreements with up to 10 States that submit an application for approval to conduct a demonstration project to test and evaluate measures to expedite reemployment of certain individuals found eligible for unemployment compensation or to improve the effectiveness of a State in carrying out its State law with respect to reemployment.</P>

        <P>This information collection is subject to the PRA. A Federal agency generally cannot conduct or sponsor a collection of information, and the public is generally not required to respond to an information collection, unless it is approved by the OMB under the PRA and displays a currently valid OMB Control Number. In addition, notwithstanding any other provisions of law, no person shall generally be subject to penalty for failing to comply with a collection of information that does not display a valid Control Number.<E T="03">See</E>5 CFR 1320.5(a) and 1320.6. The DOL obtains OMB approval for this information collection under Control Number 1205-0492. The current approval is scheduled to expire on January 31, 2013; however, it should be noted that existing information collection requirements submitted to the OMB receive a month-to-month<PRTPAGE P="74881"/>extension while they undergo review. For additional information, see the related notice published in the<E T="04">Federal Register</E>on September 18, 2012 (77 FR 57593).</P>

        <P>Interested parties are encouraged to send comments to the OMB, Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs at the address shown in the<E T="02">ADDRESSES</E>section within 30 days of publication of this notice in the<E T="04">Federal Register</E>. In order to help ensure appropriate consideration, comments should mention OMB Control Number 1205-0492. The OMB is particularly interested in comments that:</P>
        <P>• Evaluate whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information will have practical utility;</P>
        <P>• Evaluate the accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information, including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used;</P>
        <P>• Enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and</P>
        <P>• Minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are to respond, including through the use of appropriate automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology, e.g., permitting electronic submission of responses.</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Agency:</E>DOL-ETA.</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Title of Collection:</E>Reemployment Demonstration Grants and Projects.</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">OMB Control Number:</E>1205-0492.</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Affected Public:</E>State, Local, and Tribal Governments.</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Total Estimated Number of Respondents:</E>10.</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Total Estimated Number of Responses:</E>50.</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Total Estimated Annual Burden Hours:</E>5,600.</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Total Estimated Annual Other Costs Burden:</E>$0.</P>
        <SIG>
          <DATED>Dated: December 10, 2012.</DATED>
          <NAME>Michel Smyth,</NAME>
          <TITLE>Departmental Clearance Officer.</TITLE>
        </SIG>
      </SUPLINF>
      <FRDOC>[FR Doc. 2012-30403 Filed 12-17-12; 8:45 am]</FRDOC>
      <BILCOD>BILLING CODE 4510-FW-P</BILCOD>
    </NOTICE>
    <NOTICE>
      <PREAMB>
        <AGENCY TYPE="S">DEPARTMENT OF LABOR</AGENCY>
        <SUBAGY>Office of the Secretary</SUBAGY>
        <SUBJECT>Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request; Claim for Medical Reimbursement</SUBJECT>
        <ACT>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">ACTION:</HD>
          <P>Notice.</P>
        </ACT>
        <SUM>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">SUMMARY:</HD>

          <P>The Department of Labor (DOL) is submitting the Office of Workers' Compensation Programs (OWCP) sponsored information collection request (ICR) revision titled, “Claim for Medical Reimbursement,” to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and approval for use in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501<E T="03">et seq.</E>).</P>
        </SUM>
        <DATES>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">DATES:</HD>
          <P>Submit comments on or before January 17, 2013.</P>
        </DATES>
        <ADD>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">ADDRESSES:</HD>

          <P>A copy of this ICR with applicable supporting documentation; including a description of the likely respondents, proposed frequency of response, and estimated total burden may be obtained from the RegInfo.gov Web site,<E T="03">http://www.reginfo.gov/public/do/PRAMain,</E>on the day following publication of this notice or by contacting Michel Smyth by telephone at 202-693-4129 (this is not a toll-free number) or sending an email to<E T="03">DOL_PRA_PUBLIC@dol.gov.</E>
          </P>

          <P>Submit comments about this request to the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, Attn: OMB Desk Officer for DOL-OWCP, Office of Management and Budget, Room 10235, 725 17th Street NW., Washington, DC 20503, Fax: 202-395-6881 (this is not a toll-free number), email:<E T="03">OIRA_submission@omb.eop.gov.</E>
          </P>
        </ADD>
        <FURINF>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:</HD>

          <P>Michel Smyth by telephone at 202-693-4129 (this is not a toll-free number) or by email at<E T="03">DOL_PRA_PUBLIC@dol.gov.</E>
          </P>
          <AUTH>
            <HD SOURCE="HED">Authority:</HD>
            <P>44 U.S.C. 3507(a)(1)(D).</P>
          </AUTH>
          
        </FURINF>
      </PREAMB>
      <SUPLINF>
        <HD SOURCE="HED">SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:</HD>
        <P>Beneficiaries file a Claim for Medical Reimbursement, Form OWCP-915, to obtain reimbursement for out-of-pocket covered medical expenses paid by a beneficiary. Required billing data elements (prepared by the medical provider) and proof of payment by the beneficiary must accompany the claims form. While not expected to change respondent burden, this ICR has been characterized as a revision because the agency has reformatted elements of Form OWCP-915 (e.g., replaced an obsolete logo with the DOL Seal, provided an additional notice on the rights of respondents with disabilities, and removed references to the no longer existent Employment Standards Administration).</P>

        <P>This information collection is subject to the PRA. A Federal agency generally cannot conduct or sponsor a collection of information, and the public is generally not required to respond to an information collection, unless it is approved by the OMB under the PRA and displays a currently valid OMB Control Number. In addition, notwithstanding any other provisions of law, no person shall generally be subject to penalty for failing to comply with a collection of information that does not display a valid Control Number.<E T="03">See</E>5 CFR 1320.5(a) and 1320.6. The DOL obtains OMB approval for this information collection under Control Number 1240-0007. The current approval is scheduled to expire on December 31, 2012; however, it should be noted that existing information collection requirements submitted to the OMB receive a month-to-month extension while they undergo review. For additional information, see the related notice published in the<E T="04">Federal Register</E>on September 17, 2012 (77 FR 57161).</P>

        <P>Interested parties are encouraged to send comments to the OMB, Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs at the address shown in the<E T="02">ADDRESSES</E>section within 30 days of publication of this notice in the<E T="04">Federal Register</E>. In order to help ensure appropriate consideration, comments should mention OMB Control Number 1240-0007. The OMB is particularly interested in comments that:</P>
        <P>• Evaluate whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information will have practical utility;</P>
        <P>• Evaluate the accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information, including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used;</P>
        <P>• Enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and</P>
        <P>• Minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are to respond, including through the use of appropriate automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology, e.g., permitting electronic submission of responses.</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Agency:</E>DOL-OWCP.</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Title of Collection:</E>Claim for Medical Reimbursement.</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">OMB Control Number:</E>1240-0007.<PRTPAGE P="74882"/>
        </P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Affected Public:</E>Individuals or Households.</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Total Estimated Number of Respondents:</E>8,309.</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Total Estimated Number of Responses:</E>24,872.</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Total Estimated Annual Burden Hours:</E>4,294.</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">Total Estimated Annual Other Costs Burden:</E>$42,689.</P>
        <SIG>
          <DATED>Dated: December 11, 2012.</DATED>
          <NAME>Michel Smyth,</NAME>
          <TITLE>Departmental Clearance Officer.</TITLE>
        </SIG>
      </SUPLINF>
      <FRDOC>[FR Doc. 2012-30401 Filed 12-17-12; 8:45 am]</FRDOC>
      <BILCOD>BILLING CODE 4510-CR-P</BILCOD>
    </NOTICE>
    <NOTICE>
      <PREAMB>
        <AGENCY TYPE="N">NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION</AGENCY>
        <DEPDOC>[Docket Nos.: 50-498 and 50-499; NRC-2010-0375]</DEPDOC>
        <SUBJECT>STP Nuclear Operating Company, South Texas Project; Notice of Availability of Draft Supplement 48 to the Generic Environmental Impact Statement for License Renewal of Nuclear Plants and Public Meetings for the License Renewal of South Texas Project</SUBJECT>
        <P>Notice is hereby given that the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) has published a draft plant-specific supplement 48 to the Generic Environmental Impact Statement for License Renewal of Nuclear Plants (GEIS), NUREG-1437, regarding the renewal of operating licenses NPF-76 and NPF-80 for an additional 20 years of operation for South Texas Project (STP), Units 1 and 2. STP is located in Bay City, Texas. Possible alternatives to the proposed action (license renewal) include no action and reasonable alternative energy sources.</P>
        <P>Any interested party may submit comments on the draft supplement to the GEIS for consideration by the NRC staff. To be considered, comments on the draft supplement to the GEIS and the proposed action must be received by February 22, 2013. The NRC staff is able to ensure consideration only for comments received on or before this date.</P>
        <ADD>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">ADDRESSES:</HD>

          <P>You may access information and comment submissions related to this document, which the NRC possesses and are publically available, by searching on<E T="03">http://www.regulations.gov</E>under Docket ID NRC-2010-0375. You may submit comments by any of the following methods:</P>
          <P>•<E T="03">Federal Rulemaking Web site:</E>Go to<E T="03">http://www.regulations.gov</E>and search for Docket ID NRC-2010-0375. Address questions about NRC dockets to Carol Gallagher; telephone: 301-492-3668; email:<E T="03">Carol.Gallagher@nrc.gov.</E>
          </P>
          <P>•<E T="03">Mail comments to:</E>Cindy Bladey, Chief, Rules, Announcements, and Directives Branch (RADB), Office of Administration, Mail Stop: TWB-05-B01M, U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Washington, DC 20555-0001.</P>
          <P>•<E T="03">Fax comments to:</E>RADB at 301-492-3446.</P>

          <P>For additional direction on accessing information and submitting comments, see “Accessing Information and Submitting Comments” in the<E T="02">SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION</E>section of this document.</P>
          <P>All comments received by the NRC, including those made by Federal, State, and local agencies; Native American Tribes; or other interested persons, will be made available electronically at the NRC's PDR in Rockville, Maryland, and through ADAMS. Comments received after the due date will be considered only if it is practical to do so.</P>

          <P>The NRC staff will hold public meetings prior to the close of the public comment period to present an overview of the draft plant-specific supplement to the GEIS and to accept public comments on the document. Two meetings will be held at the Bay City Civic Center, 201 Seventh Street, Bay City, Texas 77414, on Tuesday, January 15, 2013. The first session will convene at 2:00 p.m. and will continue until 5:00 p.m., as necessary. The second session will convene at 7:00 p.m. and will continue until 10:00 p.m., as necessary. The meetings will be transcribed and will include: (1) A presentation of the contents of the draft plant-specific supplement to the GEIS and (2) the opportunity for interested government agencies, organizations, and individuals to provide comments on the draft report. Additionally, the NRC staff will host informal discussions one hour prior to the start of each session at the same location. No comments on the draft supplement to the GEIS will be accepted during the informal discussions. To be considered, comments must be provided either at the transcribed public meeting or in writing. Persons may pre-register to attend or present oral comments at the meeting by contacting Mr. Tam Tran, the NRC Environmental Project Manager, at 1-800-368-5642, extension 3617, or by email at<E T="03">tam.tran@nrc.gov</E>no later than Friday, January 4, 2013. Members of the public may also register to provide oral comments within 15 minutes of the start of each session. Individual oral comments may be limited by the time available, depending on the number of persons who register. If special equipment or accommodations are needed to attend or present information at the public meeting, the need should be brought to Mr. Tran's attention no later than Friday, January 4, 2013, to provide the NRC staff adequate notice to determine whether the request can be accommodated.</P>
        </ADD>
        <FURINF>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:</HD>

          <P>Mr. Tam Tran, Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation, U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Washington, DC 20555-0001; telephone: 301-415-3617; or email to<E T="03">tam.tran@nrc.gov.</E>
          </P>
        </FURINF>
      </PREAMB>
      <SUPLINF>
        <HD SOURCE="HED">SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:</HD>
        <P/>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Accessing Information and Submitting Comments</HD>
        <HD SOURCE="HD2">A. Accessing Information</HD>
        <P>Please refer to Docket ID NRC-2010-0375 when contacting the NRC about the availability of information regarding this document. You may access information related to this document by any of the following methods:</P>
        <P>•<E T="03">Federal Rulemaking Web site:</E>Go to<E T="03">http://www.regulations.gov</E>and search for Docket ID NRC-2010-0375.</P>
        <P>•<E T="03">NRC's Agencywide Documents Access and Management System (ADAMS):</E>You may access publicly-available documents online in the NRC Library at<E T="03">http://www.nrc.gov/reading-rm/adams.html.</E>To begin the search, select “<E T="03">ADAMS Public Documents</E>” and then select “<E T="03">Begin Web-based ADAMS Search.</E>” For problems with ADAMS, please contact the NRC's Public Document Room (PDR) reference staff at 1-800-397-4209, 301-415-4737, or by email to<E T="03">pdr.resource@nrc.gov.</E>The ADAMS accession number for each document referenced in this notice (if that document is available in ADAMS) is provided the first time that a document is referenced.</P>
        <P>•<E T="03">NRC's PDR:</E>You may examine and purchase copies of public documents at the NRC's PDR, Room O1-F21, One White Flint North, 11555 Rockville Pike, Rockville, Maryland 20852.</P>
        <P>In addition, a copy of the draft supplement to the GEIS is available to local residents near the site at the 1100 7th Street, Bay City, TX 77414.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD2">B. Submitting Comments</HD>
        <P>Please include Docket ID NRC-2010-0375 in the subject line of your comment submission, in order to ensure that the NRC is able to make your comment submission available to the public in this docket.</P>

        <P>The NRC cautions you not to include identifying or contact information that you do not want to be publicly disclosed in your comment submission.<PRTPAGE P="74883"/>The NRC will post all comment submissions at<E T="03">http://www.regulations.gov</E>as well as enter the comment submissions into ADAMS. The NRC does not routinely edit comment submissions to remove identifying or contact information.</P>
        <P>If you are requesting or aggregating comments from other persons for submission to the NRC, then you should inform those persons not to include identifying or contact information that they do not want to be publicly disclosed in their comment submission. Your request should state that the NRC does not routinely edit comment submissions to remove such information before making the comment submissions available to the public or entering the comment submissions into ADAMS.</P>
        <SIG>
          <DATED>Dated at Rockville, Maryland, this 5th day of December 2012.</DATED>
          
          <P>For the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.</P>
          <NAME>David J. Wrona,</NAME>
          <TITLE>Chief, Projects Branch 2, Division of License Renewal, Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation.</TITLE>
        </SIG>
      </SUPLINF>
      <FRDOC>[FR Doc. 2012-30478 Filed 12-17-12; 8:45 am]</FRDOC>
      <BILCOD>BILLING CODE 7590-01-P</BILCOD>
    </NOTICE>
    <NOTICE>
      <PREAMB>
        <AGENCY TYPE="S">NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION</AGENCY>
        <DEPDOC>[NRC-2011-0256]</DEPDOC>
        <SUBJECT>Aging Management of Stainless Steel Structures and Components in Treated Borated Water; Revision 1</SUBJECT>
        <AGY>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">AGENCY:</HD>
          <P>Nuclear Regulatory Commission.</P>
        </AGY>
        <ACT>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">ACTION:</HD>
          <P>Interim staff guidance; revision.</P>
        </ACT>
        <SUM>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">SUMMARY:</HD>

          <P>This document corrects License Renewal Interim Staff Guidance, LR-ISG-2011-01, “Aging Management of Stainless Steel Structures and Components in Treated Borated Water,” which was announced in the<E T="04">Federal Register</E>on May 11, 2012 (77 FR 27815). Revision 1 of this document corrects the identification numbers for aging management review (AMR) items in the revised guidance for the Generic Aging Lessons Learned (GALL) Report and the Standard Review Plan for Review of License Renewal Applications for Nuclear Power Plants (SRP-LR), so that the AMR identification numbers are consistent with the GALL Report numbering convention.</P>
        </SUM>
        <ADD>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">ADDRESSES:</HD>
          <P>Please refer to Docket ID NRC-2011-0256 when contacting the NRC about the availability of information regarding this document. You may access information related to this document, which the NRC possesses and are publicly available, using any of the following methods:</P>
          <P>• Federal Rulemaking Web site: Go to<E T="03">http://www.regulations.gov</E>and search for Docket ID NRC-2011-0256. Address questions about NRC dockets to Carol Gallagher; telephone: 301-492-3668; email:<E T="03">Carol.Gallagher@nrc.gov.</E>
          </P>

          <P>• NRC's Agencywide Documents Access and Management System (ADAMS): You may access publicly available documents online in the NRC Library at<E T="03">http://www.nrc.gov/reading-rm/adams.html.</E>To begin the search, select “<E T="03">ADAMS Public Documents</E>” and then select “<E T="03">Begin Web-based ADAMS Search.”</E>For problems with ADAMS, please contact the NRC's Public Document Room (PDR) reference staff at 1-800-397-4209, 301-415-4737, or by email to<E T="03">pdr.resource@nrc.gov.</E>The ADAMS accession number for each document referenced in this document (if that document is available in ADAMS) is provided the first time that a document is referenced. The original LR-ISG-2011-01 is available under ADAMS Accession No. ML12034A047 and LR-ISG-2011-01, Revision 1 is available under ADAMS Accession No. ML12286A275.</P>
          <P>• NRC's PDR: You may examine and purchase copies of public documents at the NRC's PDR, Room O1-F21, One White Flint North, 11555 Rockville Pike, Rockville, Maryland 20852.</P>

          <P>• NRC's Interim Staff Guidance Web Site: LR-ISG documents are also available online under the “License Renewal” heading at<E T="03">http://www.nrc.gov/reading-rm/doc-collections/#int.</E>
          </P>
        </ADD>
        <FURINF>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:</HD>

          <P>Dr. John Wise, Division of License Renewal, Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation, U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Washington, DC 20555-0001; telephone: 301-415-8489, or email:<E T="03">John.Wise@nrc.gov,</E>or Ms. Evelyn Gettys, Division of License Renewal, Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation, U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Washington, DC 20555-001; telephone: 301-415-4029, or email:<E T="03">Evelyn.Gettys@nrc.gov.</E>
          </P>
        </FURINF>
      </PREAMB>
      <SUPLINF>
        <HD SOURCE="HED">SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:</HD>
        <P/>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Background Information</HD>

        <P>The NRC announced the issuance of License Renewal Interim Staff Guidance LR-ISG-2011-01, “Aging Management of Stainless Steel Structures and Components in Treated Borated Water,” in the<E T="04">Federal Register</E>on May 11, 2012 (77 FR 27815). As issued, LR-ISG-2011-01 contained identification numbers for three AMR items which were inconsistent with the GALL Report numbering convention. To ensure consistency, the NRC is issuing Revision 1 to LR-ISG-2011-01 to correct three AMR identification numbers, as follows:</P>
        <P>1. GALL Report Item V.A.EP-74 was corrected to read “V.A.E-20”</P>
        <P>2. GALL Report Item VII.E1.AP-79 was corrected to read “VII.E1.A-88”</P>
        <P>3. GALL Report Item VII.E1.A-102 was corrected to read “VII.E1.AP-79”</P>
        <P>This revision is editorial; it does not affect the technical content of the interim staff guidance.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Backfitting and Issue Finality</HD>

        <P>Issuance of this corrected LR-ISG does not constitute backfitting as defined in section 50.109 of Title 10 of the<E T="03">Code of Federal Regulations</E>(10 CFR), (the Backfit Rule), and is not otherwise inconsistent with the issue finality provisions in 10 CFR Part 52, “Licenses, Certifications, and Approvals for Nuclear Power Plants.” No substantive changes are being made in this revision. The only changes are the corrections to the identification numbers for three AMRs, which are being made to ensure consistency with the GALL Report's numbering convention.</P>
        <SIG>
          <DATED>Dated at Rockville, Maryland, this 7th day of December, 2012.</DATED>
          
          <P>For the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.</P>
          <NAME>John W. Lubinski,</NAME>
          <TITLE>Director, Division of License Renewal, Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation.</TITLE>
        </SIG>
      </SUPLINF>
      <FRDOC>[FR Doc. 2012-30476 Filed 12-17-12; 8:45 am]</FRDOC>
      <BILCOD>BILLING CODE 7590-01-P</BILCOD>
    </NOTICE>
    <NOTICE>
      <PREAMB>
        <AGENCY TYPE="S">NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION</AGENCY>
        <SUBJECT>Sunshine Act Meeting Notice</SUBJECT>
        <PREAMHD>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">AGENCY HOLDING THE MEETINGS:</HD>
          <P>Nuclear Regulatory Commission, [NRC-2012-0002].</P>
        </PREAMHD>
        <PREAMHD>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">DATE:</HD>
          <P>Weeks of December 17, 24, 31, 2012, January 7, 14, 21, 2013.</P>
        </PREAMHD>
        <PREAMHD>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">PLACE:</HD>
          <P>Commissioners' Conference Room, 11555 Rockville Pike, Rockville, Maryland.</P>
        </PREAMHD>
        <PREAMHD>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">STATUS:</HD>
          <P>Public and Closed.</P>
        </PREAMHD>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Week of December 17, 2012</HD>
        <P>There are no meetings scheduled for the week of December 17, 2012.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Week of December 24, 2012—Tentative</HD>
        <P>There are no meetings scheduled for the week of December 24, 2012.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Week of December 31, 2012—Tentative</HD>

        <P>There are no meetings scheduled for the week of December 31, 2012.<PRTPAGE P="74884"/>
        </P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Week of January 7, 2013—Tentative</HD>
        <HD SOURCE="HD2">Tuesday, January 8, 2013</HD>
        <P>9:00 a.m. Briefing on Fort Calhoun (Public Meeting) (Contact: Michael Hay, 817-200-1527)</P>
        <P>This meeting will be webcast live at the Web address—<E T="03">www.nrc.gov</E>.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD2">Wednesday, January 9, 2013</HD>
        <P>9:00 a.m. Briefing on Venting Systems for Mark I and Mark II Containments (Public Meeting) (Contact: William Reckley, 301-415-7490)</P>
        <P>This meeting will be webcast live at the Web address—<E T="03">www.nrc.gov</E>.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Week of January 14, 2013—Tentative</HD>
        <P>There are no meetings scheduled for the week of January 14, 2013.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Week of January 21, 2013—Tentative</HD>
        <P>There are no meetings scheduled for the week of January 21, 2013.</P>
        <STARS/>
        <P>The schedule for Commission meetings is subject to change on short notice. To verify the status of meetings, call (recording)—301-415-1292. Contact person for more information: Rochelle Bavol, 301-415-1651.</P>
        <STARS/>

        <P>The NRC Commission Meeting Schedule can be found on the Internet at:<E T="03">http://www.nrc.gov/public-involve/public-meetings/schedule.html</E>.</P>
        <STARS/>

        <P>The NRC provides reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities where appropriate. If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in these public meetings, or need this meeting notice or the transcript or other information from the public meetings in another format (e.g. braille, large print), please notify Bill Dosch, Chief, Work Life and Benefits Branch, at 301-415-6200, TDD: 301-415-2100, or by email at<E T="03">william.dosch@nrc.gov</E>. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.</P>
        <STARS/>

        <P>This notice is distributed electronically to subscribers. If you no longer wish to receive it, or would like to be added to the distribution, please contact the Office of the Secretary, Washington, DC 20555 (301-415-1969), or send an email to<E T="03">darlene.wright@nrc.gov</E>.</P>
        <SIG>
          <DATED>Dated: December 13, 2012.</DATED>
          <NAME>Rochelle C. Bavol,</NAME>
          <TITLE>Policy Coordinator, Office of the Secretary.</TITLE>
        </SIG>
      </PREAMB>
      <FRDOC>[FR Doc. 2012-30527 Filed 12-14-12; 4:15 pm]</FRDOC>
      <BILCOD>BILLING CODE 7590-01-P</BILCOD>
    </NOTICE>
    <NOTICE>
      <PREAMB>
        <AGENCY TYPE="N">SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION</AGENCY>
        <DEPDOC>[Investment Company Act Release No. 30302; 812-13959]</DEPDOC>
        <SUBJECT>Cambria Investment Management, L.P. and Cambria ETF Trust; Notice of Application</SUBJECT>
        <DATE>December 12, 2012.</DATE>
        <AGY>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">AGENCY:</HD>
          <P>Securities and Exchange Commission (“Commission”).</P>
        </AGY>
        <ACT>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">ACTION:</HD>
          <P>Notice of an application for an order under section 6(c) of the Investment Company Act of 1940 (“Act”) for an exemption from sections 2(a)(32), 5(a)(1), 22(d) and 22(e) of the Act and rule 22c-1 under the Act, under sections 6(c) and 17(b) of the Act for an exemption from sections 17(a)(1) and 17(a)(2) of the Act, and under section 12(d)(1)(J) of the Act for an exemption from sections 12(d)(1)(A) and (B) of the Act.</P>
        </ACT>
        <PREAMHD>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">Applicants:</HD>
          <P>Cambria Investment Management, L.P. (“Cambria”) and Cambria ETF Trust (the “Trust”).</P>
        </PREAMHD>
        <PREAMHD>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">Summary of Application:</HD>
          <P>Applicants request an order that permits: (a) Actively-managed series of certain open-end management investment companies to issue shares (“Shares”) redeemable in large aggregations only (“Creation Units”); (b) secondary market transactions in Shares to occur at negotiated market prices; (c) certain series to pay redemption proceeds, under certain circumstances, more than seven days from the tender of Shares for redemption; (d) certain affiliated persons of the series to deposit securities into, and receive securities from, the series in connection with the purchase and redemption of Creation Units; and (e) certain registered management investment companies and unit investment trusts outside of the same group of investment companies as the series to acquire Shares.</P>
        </PREAMHD>
        <DATES>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">DATES:</HD>
          <P>
            <E T="03">Filing Dates:</E>The application was filed on September 12, 2011, and amended on February 29, 2012, July 9, 2012, November 13, 2012, and December 12, 2012.<SU>1</SU>
            <FTREF/>
          </P>
          <FTNT>
            <P>
              <SU>1</SU>A notice for this application was issued on November 30, 2012 (Investment Company Act Rel. No. 30286). The application has been amended to revise certain representations with respect to the Funds' investments in derivatives and we are therefore issuing a revised notice for the application.</P>
          </FTNT>
        </DATES>
        <PREAMHD>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">Hearing or Notification of Hearing:</HD>
          <P>An order granting the requested relief will be issued unless the Commission orders a hearing. Interested persons may request a hearing by writing to the Commission's Secretary and serving applicants with a copy of the request, personally or by mail. Hearing requests should be received by the Commission by 5:30 p.m. on January 3, 2013, and should be accompanied by proof of service on applicants, in the form of an affidavit or, for lawyers, a certificate of service. Hearing requests should state the nature of the writer's interest, the reason for the request, and the issues contested. Persons who wish to be notified of a hearing may request notification by writing to the Commission's Secretary.</P>
        </PREAMHD>
        <ADD>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">ADDRESSES:</HD>
          <P>Elizabeth M. Murphy, Secretary, U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, 100 F Street NE., Washington, DC 20549-1090. Applicants: 2321 Rosecrans Avenue, Suite 3225, El Segundo, CA 92045.</P>
        </ADD>
        <FURINF>
          <HD SOURCE="HED">FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:</HD>
          <P>Barbara T. Heussler, Senior Counsel, at (202) 551-6990 or Jennifer L. Sawin, Branch Chief, at (202) 551-6821 (Division of Investment Management, Office of Investment Company Regulation).</P>
        </FURINF>
      </PREAMB>
      <SUPLINF>
        <HD SOURCE="HED">SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:</HD>

        <P>The following is a summary of the application. The complete application may be obtained via the Commission's Web site by searching for the file number, or an applicant using the Company name box, at<E T="03">http://www.sec.gov/search/search.htm</E>or by calling (202) 551-8090.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Applicants' Representations</HD>
        <P>1. The Trust is registered as an open-end management investment company under the Act and is a statutory trust organized under the laws of Delaware. The Trust will initially offer an actively-managed series, Cambria Shareholder Yield ETF (the “Initial Fund”). The investment objective of the Initial Fund will be to seek to preserve and grow capital by investing in domestic equity securities and in particular in companies that will generate investment returns through the payment of dividends and through the appreciation of their share price.</P>

        <P>2. Cambria, a California limited partnership, will be the investment adviser to the Initial Fund. Cambria is and any other Adviser (as defined below) is or will be registered as an “investment adviser” under section 203 of the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 (“Advisers Act”). The Adviser may enter into sub-advisory agreements with investment advisers to act as sub-advisers with respect to the Funds (each, a “Subadviser”). Any Subadviser will be registered under the Advisers Act or not subject to such registration. A registered broker-dealer under the<PRTPAGE P="74885"/>Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (“Exchange Act”), which may be an affiliate of the Adviser, will act as the distributor and principal underwriter of the Funds (“Distributor”).</P>
        <P>3. Applicants request that the order apply to the Initial Fund and any future series of the Trust or of other existing or future open-end management companies that may utilize active management investment strategies (“Future Funds”). Any Future Fund will (a) be advised by Cambria or an entity controlling, controlled by, or under common control with Cambria (each such entity and any successor thereto included in the term “Adviser”)<SU>2</SU>
          <FTREF/>, and (b) comply with the terms and conditions of the application.<SU>3</SU>
          <FTREF/>The Initial Fund and Future Funds together are the “Funds”. Each Fund will operate as an exchange-traded fund (“ETF”). In addition to the instruments described above, each Fund reserves the right to invest in other instruments, including short sales (“Short Positions”). Each Fund will consist of a portfolio of securities (including fixed income securities and/or equity securities) and/or currencies traded in the U.S. or in non-U.S. markets, assets, and other positions (“Portfolio Instruments”). To the extent consistent with other investment limitations, the Funds may invest in ETFs as well as shares of certain exchange-traded products that are not registered investment companies,<SU>4</SU>
          <FTREF/>cash and cash equivalents, mortgage- or asset-backed securities, including “to-be-announced transactions” (“TBA Transactions”)<SU>5</SU>
          <FTREF/>, and may engage in forward commitment transactions,<SU>6</SU>
          <FTREF/>forward foreign currency contracts, options contracts, futures contracts or swap agreements.<SU>7</SU>
          <FTREF/>Funds may also invest in “Depositary Receipts”.<SU>8</SU>
          <FTREF/>A Fund will not invest in any Depositary Receipts that the Adviser, or Subadviser as applicable, deems to be illiquid or for which pricing information is not readily available. The Funds might include one or more ETFs which invest in other open-end and/or closed-end investment companies and/or ETFs.<SU>9</SU>
          <FTREF/>
        </P>
        <FTNT>
          <P>
            <SU>2</SU>For purposes of the requested order, a “successor” is limited to an entity that results from a reorganization into another jurisdiction or a change in the type of business organization.</P>
        </FTNT>
        <FTNT>
          <P>
            <SU>3</SU>All entities that currently intend to rely on the order are named as applicants. Any entity that relies on the order in the future will comply with the terms and conditions of the application. An Investing Fund (as defined below) may rely on the order only to invest in Funds and not in any other registered investment company.</P>
        </FTNT>
        <FTNT>
          <P>
            <SU>4</SU>The Funds may invest in exchange-traded products that invest primarily in commodities or currency but otherwise operate in a manner similar to ETFs. The Funds may also invest in exchange-traded notes.</P>
        </FTNT>
        <FTNT>
          <P>
            <SU>5</SU>A TBA Transaction is a method of trading mortgage-backed securities. In a TBA Transaction, the buyer and seller agree upon general trade parameters such as agency, settlement date, par amount and price. The actual pools delivered generally are determined two days prior to the settlement date.</P>
        </FTNT>
        <FTNT>
          <P>
            <SU>6</SU>In a forward commitment transaction, the buyer/seller enters into a contract to purchase/sell, for example, specific securities for a fixed price at a future date beyond normal settlement time.</P>
        </FTNT>
        <FTNT>
          <P>
            <SU>7</SU>If a Fund invests in derivatives: (a) The Board periodically will review and approve (i) the Fund's use of derivatives and (ii) how the Fund's investment adviser assesses and manages risk with respect to the Fund's use of derivatives; and (b) the Fund's disclosure of its use of derivatives in its offering documents and periodic reports will be consistent with relevant Commission and staff guidance.</P>
        </FTNT>
        <FTNT>
          <P>
            <SU>8</SU>Depositary Receipts are typically issued by a financial institution, a “depositary”, and evidence ownership in a security or pool of securities that have been deposited with the depositary. No affiliated persons of applicants, any Adviser, Subadviser or the Funds will serve as the depositary bank for any Depositary Receipts held by a Fund.</P>
        </FTNT>
        <FTNT>
          <P>
            <SU>9</SU>In no case, however, will such a Fund rely on the exemption from Section 12(d)(1) being requested in the application.</P>
        </FTNT>
        <P>4. Applicants also request that any exemptions under section 12(d)(1)(J) of the Act from sections 12(d)(1)(A) and (B) apply to: (1) Any Fund that is currently or subsequently part of the same “group of investment companies” as the Initial Fund within the meaning of section 12(d)(1)(G)(ii) of the Act as well as any principal underwriter for the Fund and any Brokers selling Shares of a Fund to an Investing Fund, as defined below; and (2) each management investment company or unit investment trust registered under the Act that is not part of the same  “group of investment companies” as the Funds, and that enters into a FOF Participation Agreement (as defined below) with a Fund (such management investment companies are referred to herein as “Investing Management Companies,” such unit investment trusts are referred to herein as, “Investing Trusts,” and Investing Management Companies and Investing Trusts together are referred to herein as “Investing Funds”).<SU>10</SU>
          <FTREF/>Investing Funds do not include the Funds.</P>
        <FTNT>
          <P>
            <SU>10</SU>Applicants anticipate that there may be Investing Funds that are not part of the same group of investment companies as the Funds, but are subadvised by an Adviser.</P>
        </FTNT>
        <P>5. Applicants anticipate that a Creation Unit will consist of at least 25,000 Shares and the price of a Share will range from $20 to $200. All orders to purchase Creation Units must be placed with the Distributor by or through a party (“Authorized Participant”) that has entered into a participant agreement with the Distributor and the transfer agent of the Trust with respect to the creation and redemption of Creation Units. An Authorized Participant is either: (a) A broker or dealer registered under the Exchange Act (“Broker”) or other participant in the Continuous Net Settlement System of the National Securities Clearing Corporation (“NSCC”), a clearing agency registered with the Commission and affiliated with the Depository Trust Company (“DTC”); or (b) a participant in the DTC (such participant, “DTC Participant”). Shares of the Funds will be purchased and redeemed in Creation Units and generally on an “in-kind” basis. Except where the purchase or redemption will include cash under the limited circumstances specified below, purchasers will be required to purchase Creation Units by making an in-kind deposit of specified instruments (“Deposit Instruments”), and shareholders redeeming their Shares will receive an in-kind transfer of specified instruments (“Redemption Instruments”).<SU>11</SU>
          <FTREF/>On any given Business Day<SU>12</SU>

          <FTREF/>, the names and quantities of the instruments that constitute the Deposit Instruments and the names and quantities of the instruments that constitute the Redemption Instruments will be identical, and these instruments may be referred to, in the case of either a purchase or a redemption, as the “In-kind Basket.” In addition, the In-kind Basket will correspond<E T="03">pro rata</E>to the positions in the Fund's portfolio (including cash positions),<SU>13</SU>
          <FTREF/>except: (a) In the case of bonds, for minor differences when it is impossible to break up bonds beyond certain minimum sizes needed for transfer and settlement; (b) for minor differences when rounding is necessary to eliminate fractional shares or lots that are not tradeable round lots;<SU>14</SU>
          <FTREF/>or (c) TBA<PRTPAGE P="74886"/>Transactions, Short Positions<SU>15</SU>
          <FTREF/>or other positions that cannot be transferred in kind<SU>16</SU>
          <FTREF/>will be excluded from the In-kind Basket.<SU>17</SU>
          <FTREF/>If there is a difference between the net asset value attributable to a Creation Unit and the aggregate market value of the In-kind Basket exchanged for the Creation Unit, the party conveying instruments with the lower value will pay to the other an amount in cash equal to that difference (the “Balancing Amount”).</P>
        <FTNT>
          <P>
            <SU>11</SU>The Funds must comply with the federal securities laws in accepting Deposit Instruments and satisfying redemptions with Redemption Instruments, including that the Deposit Instruments and Redemption Instruments are sold in transactions that would be exempt from registration under the Securities Act. In accepting Deposit Instruments and satisfying redemptions with Redemption Instruments that are restricted securities eligible for resale pursuant to rule 144A under the Securities Act, the Funds will comply with the conditions of rule 144A.</P>
        </FTNT>
        <FTNT>
          <P>
            <SU>12</SU>“Business Day” is defined to include any day that the Trust is open for business as required by Section 22(e) of the Act.</P>
        </FTNT>
        <FTNT>
          <P>
            <SU>13</SU>The portfolio used for this purpose will be the same portfolio used to calculate the Fund's NAV for that Business Day.</P>
        </FTNT>
        <FTNT>
          <P>
            <SU>14</SU>A tradeable round lot for a security will be the standard unit of trading in that particular type of security in its primary market.</P>
        </FTNT>
        <FTNT>
          <P>

            <SU>15</SU>To the extent required by section 18(f) of the Act, Portfolio Instruments and/or cash held in a Fund's portfolio will be segregated to cover Short Positions in such portfolio.<E T="03">See,</E>Securities Trading Practices of Registered Investment companies, Investment company Act Rel. No. 10666 (Apr. 18, 1979).</P>
        </FTNT>
        <FTNT>
          <P>
            <SU>16</SU>This includes instruments that can be transferred in kind only with the consent of the original counterparty to the extent the Fund does not intend to seek such consents.</P>
        </FTNT>
        <FTNT>
          <P>
            <SU>17</SU>Because these instruments will be excluded from the In-kind Basket, their value will be reflected in the determination of the Balancing Amount (defined below).</P>
        </FTNT>

        <P>6. Purchases and redemptions of Creation Units may be made in whole or in part on a cash basis, rather than in kind, solely under the following circumstances: (a) To the extent there is a Balancing Amount, as described above; (b) if, on a given Business Day, the Fund announces before the open of trading that all purchases, all redemptions or all purchases and redemptions on that day will be made<E T="03">entirely in cash;</E>(c) if, upon receiving a purchase or redemption order from an Authorized Participant, the Fund determines to require the purchase or redemption, as applicable, to be made<E T="03">entirely in cash;</E>
          <SU>18</SU>

          <FTREF/>(d) if, on a given Business Day, the Fund requires all Authorized Participants purchasing or redeeming Shares on that day to deposit or receive (as applicable) cash<E T="03">in lieu</E>of some or all of the Deposit Instruments or Redemption Instruments, respectively, solely because: (i) Such instruments are not eligible for transfer through either the NSCC Process or DTC Process; or (ii) in the case of Funds holding non-U.S. investments (“Global Funds”), such instruments are not eligible for trading due to local trading restrictions, local restrictions on securities transfers, or other similar circumstances; or (e) if the Fund permits an Authorized Participant to deposit or receive (as applicable) cash<E T="03">in lieu</E>of some or all of the Deposit Instruments or Redemption Instruments, respectively, solely because: (i) Such instruments are, in the case of the purchase of a Creation Unit, not available in sufficient quantity; (ii) such instruments are not eligible for trading by an Authorized Participant or the investor on whose behalf the Authorized Participant is acting; or (iii) a holder of Shares of a Global Fund would be subject to unfavorable income tax treatment if the holder receives redemption proceeds in kind.<SU>19</SU>
          <FTREF/>
        </P>
        <FTNT>
          <P>
            <SU>18</SU>In determining whether a particular Fund will sell or redeem Creation Units entirely on a cash or in-kind basis (whether for a given day or a given order), the key consideration will be the benefit that would accrue to the Fund and its investors. Purchases of Creation Units either on an all cash basis or in-kind are expected to be neutral to the Funds from a tax perspective. In contrast, cash redemptions typically require selling portfolio holdings, which may result in adverse tax consequences for the remaining Fund shareholders that would not occur with an in-kind redemption. As a result, tax considerations may warrant in-kind redemptions.</P>
        </FTNT>
        <FTNT>
          <P>
            <SU>19</SU>A “custom order” is any purchase or redemption of Shares made in whole or in part on a cash basis in reliance on clause (e)(i) or (e)(ii).</P>
        </FTNT>
        <P>7. Each Business Day, before the open of trading on the national securities exchange as defined in section 2(a)(26) of the Act (“Stock Exchange”) upon which its Shares are listed and traded, the Fund will cause to be published through the NSCC the names and quantities of the instruments comprising the In-kind Basket, as well as the estimated Balancing Amount (if any), for that day. The published In-kind Basket will apply until a new In-kind Basket is announced on the following Business Day, and there will be no intra-day changes to the In-kind Basket, except to correct errors in the published In-kind Basket. The Stock Exchange will disseminate every 15 seconds throughout the trading day through the facilities of the Consolidated Tape Association an amount representing, on a per Share basis, the sum of the current value of the Portfolio Instruments that were publicly disclosed prior to the commencement of trading in Shares on the Stock Exchange.</P>
        <P>8. An investor purchasing or redeeming a Creation Unit from a Fund may be charged a fee (“Transaction Fee”) to protect existing shareholders of the Funds from the dilutive costs associated with the purchase and redemption of Creation Units.<SU>20</SU>
          <FTREF/>All orders to purchase Creation Units will be placed with the Distributor by or through an Authorized Participant and the Distributor will transmit all purchase orders to the relevant Fund. The Distributor will be responsible for delivering a prospectus (“Prospectus”) to those persons purchasing Creation Units and for maintaining records of both the orders placed with it and the confirmations of acceptance furnished by it.</P>
        <FTNT>
          <P>
            <SU>20</SU>Where a Fund, as described in section I.E.1.a, permits an in-kind purchaser or redeemer to deposit or receive cash in lieu of one or more Deposit or Redemption Instruments, the purchaser or redeemer may be assessed a higher Transaction Fee to offset the transaction cost to the Fund of buying or selling those particular Deposit or Redemption Instruments.</P>
        </FTNT>
        <P>9. Shares will be listed and traded at negotiated prices on the Stock Exchange and traded in the secondary market. Applicants expect that the Stock Exchange specialists (“Specialists”) or market makers (“Market Makers”) will be assigned to Shares. The price of Shares trading on the Stock Exchange will be based on a current bid/offer market. Transactions involving the purchases and sales of Shares on the Stock Exchange will be subject to customary brokerage commissions and charges.</P>
        <P>10. Applicants expect that purchasers of Creation Units will include arbitrageurs. Specialists or Market Makers, acting in their unique role to provide a fair and orderly secondary market for Shares, also may purchase Creation Units for use in their own market making activities.<SU>21</SU>
          <FTREF/>Applicants expect that secondary market purchasers of Shares will include both institutional and retail investors.<SU>22</SU>
          <FTREF/>Applicants expect that arbitrage opportunities created by the ability to continually purchase or redeem Creation Units at their net asset value per common Share (“NAV”) should ensure that the Shares will not trade at a material discount or premium in relation to their NAV.</P>
        <FTNT>
          <P>
            <SU>21</SU>Applicants state that unlike other Stock Exchanges where a Specialist may oversee trading in Shares, on NASDAQ, numerous Market Makers buy and sell Shares for their own accounts. If Shares are listed on NASDAQ, no Specialist will be contractually obligated to make a market in Shares. Rather, under NASDAQ's listing requirements, two or more Market Makers will be registered in Shares and required to make a continuous, two-sided market or face regulatory sanctions. No Market Maker or Specialist will be an affiliated person, or an affiliated person of an affiliated person, of the Funds, except within Section 2(a)(3)(A) or (C) of the Act due to ownership of Shares, as described below.</P>
        </FTNT>
        <FTNT>
          <P>
            <SU>22</SU>Shares will be registered in book-entry form only. DTC or its nominee will be the record or registered owner of all outstanding Shares. Beneficial ownership of Shares will be shown on the records of DTC or DTC Participants.</P>
        </FTNT>
        <P>11. Shares may be redeemed only if tendered in Creation Units. Redemption requests must be placed by or through an Authorized Participant. As discussed above, redemptions of Creation Units will generally be made on an in-kind basis, subject to certain specified exceptions under which redemptions may be made in whole or in part on a cash basis, and will be subject to a Transaction Fee.</P>

        <P>12. Neither the Trust nor any Fund will be marketed or otherwise held out as a “mutual fund.” Instead, each Fund will be marketed as an “actively-managed exchange-traded fund.” Any<PRTPAGE P="74887"/>advertising material where features of obtaining, buying or selling Creation Units are described or where there is reference to redeemability will prominently disclose that Shares are not individually redeemable and that owners of Shares may acquire Shares from a Fund and tender those Shares for redemption to a Fund in Creation Units only.</P>
        <P>13. The Funds' Web site, which will be publicly available prior to the public offering of Shares, will include the Prospectus and additional quantitative information updated on a daily basis, including, on a per Share basis for each Fund, the prior Business Day's NAV and the market closing price or mid-point of the bid/ask spread at the time of the calculation of such NAV (“Bid/Ask Price”), and a calculation of the premium or discount of the market closing price or Bid/Ask Price against such NAV. On each Business Day, before commencement of trading in Shares on the Stock Exchange, the Fund will disclose on its Web site the identities and quantities of the Portfolio Instruments held by the Fund that will form the basis for the Fund's calculation of NAV at the end of the Business Day.<SU>23</SU>
          <FTREF/>
        </P>
        <FTNT>
          <P>
            <SU>23</SU>Applicants note that under accounting procedures followed by the Funds, trades made on the prior Business Day will be booked and reflected in NAV on the current Business Day. Accordingly, the Funds will be able to disclose at the beginning of the Business Day the portfolio that will form the basis for the NAV calculation at the end of the Business Day.</P>
        </FTNT>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Applicants' Legal Analysis</HD>
        <P>1. Applicants request an order under section 6(c) of the Act for an exemption from sections 2(a)(32), 5(a)(1), 22(d) and 22(e) of the Act and rule 22c-1 under the Act, under sections 6(c) and 17(b) of the Act for an exemption from sections 17(a)(1) and 17(a)(2) of the Act, and under section 12(d)(1)(J) of the Act for an exemption from sections 12(d)(1)(A) and (B) of the Act.</P>
        <P>2. Section 6(c) of the Act provides that the Commission may exempt any person, security, or transaction, or any class of persons, securities or transactions from any provisions of the Act, if and to the extent that such exemption is necessary or appropriate in the public interest and consistent with the protection of investors and the purposes fairly intended by the policy and provisions of the Act. Section 17(b) of the Act authorizes the Commission to exempt a proposed transaction from section 17(a) of the Act if evidence establishes that the terms of the transaction, including the consideration to be paid or received, are reasonable and fair and do not involve overreaching on the part of any person concerned, and the proposed transaction is consistent with the policies of the registered investment company and the general provisions of the Act. Section 12(d)(1)(J) of the Act provides that the Commission may exempt any person, security, or transaction, or any class or classes of persons, securities or transactions, from any provision of section 12(d)(1) if the exemption is consistent with the public interest and the protection of investors.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD2">Sections 5(a)(1) and 2(a)(32) of the Act</HD>
        <P>3. Section 5(a)(1) of the Act defines an “open-end company” as a management investment company that is offering for sale or has outstanding any redeemable security of which it is the issuer. Section 2(a)(32) of the Act defines a redeemable security as any security, other than short-term paper, under the terms of which the holder, upon its presentation to the issuer, is entitled to receive approximately a proportionate share of the issuer's current net assets, or the cash equivalent. Because Shares will not be individually redeemable, applicants request an order that would permit the Trust and any Fund to register as an open-end management investment company and redeem Shares in Creation Units only. Applicants state that investors may purchase Shares in Creation Units from each Fund and redeem Creation Units from each Fund. Applicants further state that because the market price of Creation Units will be disciplined by arbitrage opportunities, investors should be able to sell Shares in the secondary market at prices that do not vary materially from their NAV.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD2">Section 22(d) of the Act and Rule 22c-1 Under the Act</HD>
        <P>4. Section 22(d) of the Act, among other things, prohibits a dealer from selling a redeemable security that is currently being offered to the public by or through a principal underwriter, except at a current public offering price described in the prospectus. Rule 22c-1 under the Act generally requires that a dealer selling, redeeming, or repurchasing a redeemable security do so only at a price based on its NAV. Applicants state that secondary market trading in Shares will take place at negotiated prices, not at a current offering price described in the Prospectus, and not at a price based on NAV. Thus, purchases and sales of Shares in the secondary market will not comply with section 22(d) of the Act and rule 22c-1 under the Act. Applicants request an exemption under section 6(c) from these provisions, to permit Shares to trade at negotiated prices.</P>
        <P>5. Applicants assert that the concerns sought to be addressed by section 22(d) of the Act and rule 22c-1 under the Act with respect to pricing are equally satisfied by the proposed method of pricing Shares. Applicants maintain that while there is little legislative history regarding section 22(d), its provisions, as well as those of rule 22c-1, appear to have been designed to (a) prevent dilution caused by certain riskless-trading schemes by principal underwriters and contract dealers, (b) prevent unjust discrimination or preferential treatment among buyers resulting from sales at different prices, and (c) assure an orderly distribution system of investment company shares by eliminating price competition from Brokers offering shares at less than the published sales price and repurchasing shares at more than the published redemption price.</P>
        <P>6. Applicants believe that none of these purposes will be thwarted by permitting Shares to trade in the secondary market at negotiated prices. Applicants state that (a) secondary market trading in Shares does not involve the Funds as parties and cannot result in dilution of an investment in Shares, and (b) to the extent different prices exist during a given trading day, or from day to day, such variances occur as a result of third-party market forces, such as supply and demand. Therefore, applicants assert that secondary market transactions in Shares will not lead to discrimination or preferential treatment among purchasers. Finally, applicants contend that the proposed distribution system will be orderly because arbitrage activity should ensure that the differences between the market price of Shares and their NAV remain immaterial.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD2">Section 22(e) of the Act</HD>

        <P>7. Section 22(e) of the Act generally prohibits a registered investment company from suspending the right of redemption or postponing the date of payment of redemption proceeds for more than seven days after the tender of a security for redemption. Applicants observe that settlement of redemptions of Creation Units of Global Funds is contingent not only on the settlement cycle of the U.S. securities markets but also on the delivery cycles present in foreign markets in which those Funds invest. Applicants have been advised that, under certain circumstances, the delivery cycles for transferring Portfolio Instruments to redeeming investors, coupled with local market holiday schedules, will require a delivery<PRTPAGE P="74888"/>process of up to 14 calendar days. Applicants therefore request relief from section 22(e) in order to provide payment or satisfaction of redemptions within the maximum number of calendar days required for such payment or satisfaction in the principal local markets where transactions in the Portfolio Instruments of each Global Fund customarily clear and settle, but in all cases no later than 14 calendar days following the tender of a Creation Unit. With respect to Future Funds that are Global Funds, applicants seek the same relief from section 22(e) only to the extent that circumstances exist similar to those described in the application.<SU>24</SU>
          <FTREF/>
        </P>
        <FTNT>
          <P>
            <SU>24</SU>Applicants acknowledge that no relief obtained from the requirements of section 22(e) will affect any obligations that they have under rule 15c6-1 under the Exchange Act. Rule 15c6-1 requires that most securities transactions be settled within three business days of the trade date.</P>
        </FTNT>
        <P>8. Applicants submit that Congress adopted section 22(e) to prevent unreasonable, undisclosed or unforeseen delays in the actual payment of redemption proceeds. Applicants state that allowing redemption payments for Creation Units of a Fund to be made within a maximum of 14 calendar days will not lead to unreasonable, undisclosed or unforeseen delays in the redemption process and would not be inconsistent with the spirit and intent of section 22(e). Applicants state the statement of additional information (“SAI”) will disclose those local holidays (over the period of at least one year following the date of the SAI), if any, that are expected to prevent the delivery of redemption proceeds in seven calendar days and the maximum number of days, up to 14 calendar days, needed to deliver the proceeds for each affected Global Fund. Except as disclosed in the SAI for a Fund, deliveries of redemption proceeds for Global Funds are expected to be made within seven days. Applicants are not seeking relief from section 22(e) with respect to Global Funds that do not effect creations or redemptions in-kind.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD2">Section 12(d)(1) of the Act</HD>
        <P>9. Section 12(d)(1)(A) of the Act prohibits a registered investment company from acquiring securities of an investment company if the securities represent more than 3% of the total outstanding voting stock of the acquired company, more than 5% of the total assets of the acquiring company, or, together with the securities of any other investment companies, more than 10% of the total assets of the acquiring company. Section 12(d)(1)(B) of the Act prohibits a registered open-end investment company, its principal underwriter, or any other broker or dealer from selling its shares to another investment company if the sale will cause the acquiring company to own more than 3% of the acquired company's voting stock, or if the sale will cause more than 10% of the acquired company's voting stock to be owned by investment companies generally.</P>
        <P>10. Applicants request relief to permit Investing Funds (as defined below) to acquire Shares in excess of the limits in section 12(d)(l)(A) of the Act and to permit the Funds, their principal underwriters and any Brokers to sell Shares to Investing Funds in excess of the limits in section 12(d)(l)(B) of the Act. Applicants submit that the proposed conditions to the requested relief are designed to address the concerns underlying the limits in section 12(d)(1), which include concerns about undue influence, excessive layering of fees and overly complex structures.</P>
        <P>11. Applicants submit that their proposed conditions address the concerns regarding the potential for undue influence. To limit the control that an Investing Fund may have over a Fund, applicants propose a condition prohibiting the adviser of an Investing Management Company (“Investing Fund Advisor”), sponsor of an Investing Trust (“Sponsor”), any person controlling, controlled by, or under common control with the Investing Fund Advisor or Sponsor, and any investment company or issuer that would be an investment company but for sections 3(c)(l) or 3(c)(7) of the Act that is advised or sponsored by the Investing Fund Advisor, the Sponsor, or any person controlling, controlled by, or under common control with the Investing Fund Advisor or Sponsor (“Investing Fund's Advisory Group”) from controlling (individually or in the aggregate) a Fund within the meaning of section 2(a)(9) of the Act. The same prohibition would apply to any sub-adviser to an Investing Management Company (“Investing Fund Subadviser”), any person controlling, controlled by, or under common control with the Investing Fund Subadviser, and any investment company or issuer that would be an investment company but for sections 3(c)(l) or 3(c)(7) of the Act (or portion of such investment company or issuer) advised or sponsored by the Investing Fund Subadviser or any person controlling, controlled by or under common control with the Investing Fund Subadviser (“Investing Fund's Subadvisory Group”).</P>
        <P>12. Applicants propose a condition to ensure that no Investing Fund or Investing Fund Affiliate<SU>25</SU>
          <FTREF/>(except to the extent it is acting in its capacity as an investment adviser to a Fund) will cause a Fund to purchase a security in an offering of securities during the existence of an underwriting or selling syndicate of which a principal underwriter is an Underwriting Affiliate (“Affiliated Underwriting”). An “Underwriting Affiliate” is a principal underwriter in any underwriting or selling syndicate that is an officer, director, member of an advisory board, Investing Fund Advisor, Investing Fund Subadviser, employee or Sponsor of the Investing Fund, or a person of which any such officer, director, member of an advisory board, Investing Fund Advisor or Investing Fund Subadviser, employee or Sponsor is an affiliated person. An Underwriting Affiliate does not include any person whose relationship to the Fund is covered by section 10(f) of the Act.</P>
        <FTNT>
          <P>
            <SU>25</SU>An “Investing Fund Affiliate” is defined as the Investing Fund Advisor, Investing Fund Subadviser, Sponsor, promoter and principal underwriter of an Investing Fund, and any person controlling, controlled by or under common control with any of these entities. A “Fund Affiliate” is defined as an investment adviser, promoter or principal underwriter of a Fund and any person controlling, controlled by or under common control with any of these entities.</P>
        </FTNT>

        <P>13. Applicants propose several conditions to address the concerns regarding layering of fees and expenses. Applicants note that the board of directors or trustees of any Investing Management Company, including a majority of the directors or trustees who are not “interested persons” within the meaning of section 2(a)(19) of the Act (“disinterested directors or trustees”), will be required to find that the advisory fees charged under the contract are based on services provided that will be in addition to, rather than duplicative of, services provided under the advisory contract of any Fund in which the Investing Management Company may invest. In addition, an Investing Fund Advisor, trustee of an Investing Trust (“Trustee”) or Sponsor, as applicable, will waive fees otherwise payable to it by the Investing Fund in an amount at least equal to any compensation (including fees received pursuant to any plan adopted by a Fund under rule 12b-1 under the Act) received from a Fund by the Investing Fund Advisor, Trustee or Sponsor or an affiliated person of the Investing Fund Advisor, Trustee or Sponsor, other than any advisory fees paid to the Investing Fund Advisor, Trustee or Sponsor or its affiliated person by a Fund, in connection with<PRTPAGE P="74889"/>the investment by the Investing Fund in the Fund. Applicants also propose a condition to prevent any sales charges or service fees on shares of an Investing Fund from exceeding the limits applicable to a fund of funds set forth in NASD Conduct Rule 2830.<SU>26</SU>
          <FTREF/>
        </P>
        <FTNT>
          <P>
            <SU>26</SU>Any references to NASD Conduct Rule 2830 include any successor or replacement rule to NASD Conduct Rule 2830 that may be adopted by FINRA.</P>
        </FTNT>
        <P>14. Applicants submit that the proposed arrangement will not create an overly complex fund structure. Applicants note that a Fund will be prohibited from acquiring securities of any investment company or company relying on sections 3(c)(1) or 3(c)(7) of the Act in excess of the limits contained in section 12(d)(1)(A) of the Act, except to the extent permitted by exemptive relief from the Commission permitting the Fund to purchase shares of other investment companies for short-term cash management purposes.</P>
        <P>15. To ensure that the Investing Funds understand and comply with the terms and conditions of the requested order, any Investing Fund that intends to invest in a Fund in reliance on the requested order will be required to enter into a participation agreement (“FOF Participation Agreement”) with the Fund. The FOF Participation Agreement will include an acknowledgment from the Investing Fund that it may rely on the order only to invest in the Funds and not in any other investment company.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD2">Sections 17(a)(1) and (2) of the Act</HD>
        <P>16. Section 17(a) of the Act generally prohibits an affiliated person of a registered investment company, or an affiliated person of such a person (“second tier affiliate”), from selling any security to or purchasing any security from the company. Section 2(a)(3) of the Act defines “affiliated person” to include any person directly or indirectly owning, controlling, or holding with power to vote, 5% or more of the outstanding voting securities of the other person and any person directly or indirectly controlling, controlled by, or under common control with, the other person. Section 2(a)(9) of the Act defines “control” as the power to exercise a controlling influence over the management or policies of a company and provides that a control relationship will be presumed where one person owns more than 25% of another person's voting securities. Each Fund may be deemed to be controlled by an Adviser and hence affiliated persons of each other. In addition, the Funds may be deemed to be under common control with any other registered investment company (or series thereof) advised by an Adviser (an “Affiliated Fund”).</P>
        <P>17. Applicants request an exemption under sections 6(c) and 17(b) of the Act from sections 17(a)(1) and 17(a)(2) of the Act to permit in-kind purchases and redemptions of Creation Units by persons that are affiliated persons or second tier affiliates of the Funds solely by virtue of one or more of the following: (a) Holding 5% or more, or in excess of 25% of the outstanding Shares of one or more Funds; (b) having an affiliation with a person with an ownership interest described in (a); or (c) holding 5% or more, or more than 25% of the Shares of one or more Affiliated Funds.<SU>27</SU>
          <FTREF/>Applicants also request an exemption in order to permit a Fund to sell its Shares to, and purchase its Shares from, an Investing Fund and to engage in any accompanying in-kind transactions with certain Investing Funds of which the Funds are affiliated persons or a second-tier affiliates.<SU>28</SU>
          <FTREF/>
        </P>
        <FTNT>
          <P>
            <SU>27</SU>Applicants are not seeking relief from section 17(a) for, and the requested relief will not apply to, transactions where a Fund could be deemed an affiliated person, or an affiliated person of an affiliated person, of an Investing Fund because an investment adviser to the Funds is also an investment adviser to an Investing Fund.</P>
        </FTNT>
        <FTNT>
          <P>
            <SU>28</SU>Applicants expect most Investing Funds will purchase Shares in the secondary market and will not purchase Creation Units directly from a Fund. To the extent that purchases and sales of Shares occur in the secondary market and not through principal transactions directly between an Investing Fund and a Fund, relief from section 17(a) would not be necessary. However, the requested relief would apply to direct sales of Shares in Creation Units by a Fund to an Investing Fund and redemptions of those Shares. The requested relief is also intended to cover any in-kind transactions that may accompany such sales and redemptions.</P>
        </FTNT>

        <P>18. Applicants assert that no useful purpose would be served by prohibiting such affiliated persons from making in-kind purchases or in-kind redemptions of Shares of a Fund in Creation Units. Both the deposit procedures for in-kind purchases of Creation Units and the redemption procedures for in-kind redemptions will be effected in exactly the same manner for all purchases and redemptions, regardless of size or number. Absent the circumstances discussed in section I.E.1.a of the application, on each Business Day the Deposit Instruments and Redemption Instruments available for a Fund will be the same for all purchasers and redeemers, respectively, and will correspond<E T="03">pro rata</E>to the Fund's Portfolio Instruments. Applicants state that the method of valuing Portfolio Instruments held by a Fund is the same as that used for calculating the value of in-kind purchases or redemptions and therefore, creates no opportunity for affiliated persons or the Applicants to effect a transaction detrimental to other holders of Shares of that Fund. Applicants note that any consideration paid for the purchase or redemption of Shares directly from a Fund (including for any affiliated person and including any Investing Fund) will be based on the NAV of the Fund in accordance with policies and procedures set forth in the Fund's registration statement.<SU>29</SU>
          <FTREF/>Applicants do not believe that in-kind purchases and redemptions will result in abusive self-dealing or overreaching of the Fund.</P>
        <FTNT>
          <P>
            <SU>29</SU>Applicants acknowledge that the receipt of compensation by (a) an affiliated person of an Investing Fund, or an affiliated person of such person, for the purchase by the Investing Fund of Shares of the Fund or (b) an affiliated person of a Fund, or an affiliated person of such person, for the sale by the Fund of its Shares to an Investing Fund, may be prohibited by section 17(e)(1) of the Act. The FOF Participation Agreement also will include this acknowledgment.</P>
        </FTNT>
        <P>19. Applicants also submit that the sale of Shares to and redemption of Shares from an Investing Fund meets the standards for relief under sections 17(b) and 6(c) of the Act. Applicants also state that the proposed transactions are consistent with the general purposes of the Act and appropriate in the public interest.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">Applicants' Conditions</HD>
        <P>Applicants agree that any order of the Commission granting the requested relief will be subject to the following conditions:</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD2">A. Actively-Managed Exchange-Traded Fund Relief</HD>
        <P>1. As long as a Fund operates in reliance on the requested order, the Shares of the Fund will be listed on a Stock Exchange.</P>
        <P>2. Neither the Trust nor any Fund will be advertised or marketed as an open-end investment company or a mutual fund. Any advertising material that describes the purchase or sale of Creation Units or refers to redeemability will prominently disclose that the Shares are not individually redeemable and that owners of the Shares may acquire those Shares from the Fund and tender those Shares for redemption to the Fund in Creation Units only.</P>
        <P>3. The Web site for the Funds, which is and will be publicly accessible at no charge, will contain, on a per Share basis, for each Fund the prior Business Day's NAV and the market closing price or Bid/Ask Price, and a calculation of the premium or discount of the market closing price or Bid/Ask Price against such NAV.</P>

        <P>4. On each Business Day, before commencement of trading in Shares on<PRTPAGE P="74890"/>the Stock Exchange, the Fund will disclose on its Web site the identities and quantities of the Portfolio Instruments held by the Fund that will form the basis for the Fund's calculation of NAV at the end of the Business Day.</P>
        <P>5. The Adviser or any Subadviser, directly or indirectly, will not cause any Authorized Participant (or any investor on whose behalf an Authorized Participant may transact with the Fund) to acquire any Deposit Instrument for the Fund through a transaction in which the Fund could not engage directly.</P>
        <P>6. The requested relief to permit ETF operations will expire on the effective date of any Commission rule under the Act that provides relief permitting the operation of actively managed exchange-traded funds.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD2">B. Section 12(d)(1) Relief</HD>
        <P>1. The members of the Investing Fund's Advisory Group will not control (individually or in the aggregate) a Fund within the meaning of section 2(a)(9) of the Act. The members of the Investing Fund's Subadvisory Group will not control (individually or in the aggregate) a Fund within the meaning of section 2(a)(9) of the Act. If, as a result of a decrease in the outstanding voting securities of a Fund, the Investing Fund's Advisory Group or the Investing Fund's Subadvisory Group, each in the aggregate, becomes a holder of more than 25 percent of the outstanding voting securities of a Fund, it will vote its Shares of the Fund in the same proportion as the vote of all other holders of the Fund's Shares. This condition does not apply to the Investing Fund's Subadvisory Group with respect to a Fund for which the Investing Fund Subadviser or a person controlling, controlled by or under common control with the Investing Fund Subadviser acts as the investment adviser within the meaning of section 2(a)(20)(A) of the Act.</P>
        <P>2. No Investing Fund or Investing Fund Affiliate will cause any existing or potential investment by the Investing Fund in a Fund to influence the terms of any services or transactions between the Investing Fund or an Investing Fund Affiliate and the Fund or a Fund Affiliate.</P>
        <P>3. The board of directors or trustees of an Investing Management Company, including a majority of the disinterested directors or trustees, will adopt procedures reasonably designed to assure that the Investing Fund Advisor and any Investing Fund Subadviser are conducting the investment program of the Investing Management Company without taking into account any consideration received by the Investing Management Company or an Investing Fund Affiliate from a Fund or a Fund Affiliate in connection with any services or transactions.</P>
        <P>4. Once an investment by an Investing Fund in Shares of a Fund exceeds the limit in section 12(d)(1)(A)(i) of the Act, the board of the Fund (“Board”), including a majority of the disinterested Board members, will determine that any consideration paid by the Fund to the Investing Fund or an Investing Fund Affiliate in connection with any services or transactions: (i) Is fair and reasonable in relation to the nature and quality of the services and benefits received by the Fund; (ii) is within the range of consideration that the Fund would be required to pay to another unaffiliated entity in connection with the same services or transactions; and (iii) does not involve overreaching on the part of any person concerned. This condition does not apply with respect to any services or transactions between a Fund and its investment adviser(s), or any person controlling, controlled by or under common control with such investment adviser(s).</P>
        <P>5. The Investing Fund Advisor, or Trustee or Sponsor, as applicable, will waive fees otherwise payable to it by the Investing Fund in an amount at least equal to any compensation (including fees received pursuant to any plan adopted by a Fund under rule 12b-1 under the Act) received from a Fund by the Investing Fund Advisor, or Trustee or Sponsor, or an affiliated person of the Investing Fund Advisor, or Trustee or Sponsor, other than any advisory fees paid to the Investing Fund Advisor, or Trustee, or Sponsor, or its affiliated person by the Fund, in connection with the investment by the Investing Fund in the Fund. Any Investing Fund Subadviser will waive fees otherwise payable to the Investing Fund Subadviser, directly or indirectly, by the Investing Management Company in an amount at least equal to any compensation received from a Fund by the Investing Fund Subadviser, or an affiliated person of the Investing Fund Subadviser, other than any advisory fees paid to the Investing Fund Subadviser or its affiliated person by the Fund, in connection with the investment by the Investing Management Company in the Fund made at the direction of the Investing Fund Subadviser. In the event that the Investing Fund Subadviser waives fees, the benefit of the waiver will be passed through to the Investing Management Company.</P>
        <P>6. No Investing Fund or Investing Fund Affiliate (except to the extent it is acting in its capacity as an investment adviser to a Fund) will cause a Fund to purchase a security in an Affiliated Underwriting.</P>
        <P>7. The Board of a Fund, including a majority of the disinterested Board members, will adopt procedures reasonably designed to monitor any purchases of securities by the Fund in an Affiliated Underwriting, once an investment by an Investing Fund in the securities of the Fund exceeds the limit of section 12(d)(1)(A)(i) of the Act, including any purchases made directly from an Underwriting Affiliate. The Board will review these purchases periodically, but no less frequently than annually, to determine whether the purchases were influenced by the investment by the Investing Fund in the Fund. The Board will consider, among other things: (i) Whether the purchases were consistent with the investment objectives and policies of the Fund; (ii) how the performance of securities purchased in an Affiliated Underwriting compares to the performance of comparable securities purchased during a comparable period of time in underwritings other than Affiliated Underwritings or to a benchmark such as a comparable market index; and (iii) whether the amount of securities purchased by the Fund in Affiliated Underwritings and the amount purchased directly from an Underwriting Affiliate have changed significantly from prior years. The Board will take any appropriate actions based on its review, including, if appropriate, the institution of procedures designed to assure that purchases of securities in Affiliated Underwritings are in the best interest of shareholders.</P>
        <P>8. Each Fund will maintain and preserve permanently in an easily accessible place a written copy of the procedures described in the preceding condition, and any modifications to such procedures, and will maintain and preserve for a period of not less than six years from the end of the fiscal year in which any purchase in an Affiliated Underwriting occurred, the first two years in an easily accessible place, a written record of each purchase of securities in Affiliated Underwritings once an investment by an Investing Fund in the securities of the Fund exceeds the limit of section 12(d)(1)(A)(i) of the Act, setting forth from whom the securities were acquired, the identity of the underwriting syndicate's members, the terms of the purchase, and the information or materials upon which the Board's determinations were made.</P>

        <P>9. Before investing in a Fund in excess of the limits in section 12(d)(1)(A), an Investing Fund will<PRTPAGE P="74891"/>execute a FOF Participation Agreement with the Fund stating that their respective boards of directors or trustees and their investment advisers, or Trustee and Sponsor, as applicable, understand the terms and conditions of the order, and agree to fulfill their responsibilities under the order. At the time of its investment in shares of a Fund in excess of the limit in section 12(d)(1)(A)(i), an Investing Fund will notify the Fund of the investment. At such time, the Investing Fund will also transmit to the Fund a list of the names of each Investing Fund Affiliate and Underwriting Affiliate. The Investing Fund will notify the Fund of any changes to the list as soon as reasonably practicable after a change occurs. The Fund and the Investing Fund will maintain and preserve a copy of the order, the FOF Participation Agreement, and the list with any updated information for the duration of the investment and for a period of not less than six years thereafter, the first two years in an easily accessible place.</P>
        <P>10. Before approving any advisory contract under section 15 of the Act, the board of directors or trustees of each Investing Management Company, including a majority of the disinterested directors or trustees, will find that the advisory fees charged under such contract are based on services provided that will be in addition to, rather than duplicative of, the services provided under the advisory contract(s) of any Fund in which the Investing Management Company may invest. These findings and their basis will be recorded fully in the minute books of the appropriate Investing Management Company.</P>
        <P>11. Any sales charges and/or service fees charged with respect to shares of an Investing Fund will not exceed the limits applicable to a fund of funds as set forth in NASD Conduct Rule 2830.</P>
        <P>12. No Fund relying on this section 12(d)(1) relief will acquire securities of any investment company or company relying on section 3(c)(1) or 3(c)(7) of the Act in excess of the limits contained in section 12(d)(1)(A) of the Act, except to the extent permitted by exemptive relief from the Commission permitting the Fund to purchase shares of other investment companies for short-term cash management purposes.</P>
        <SIG>
          <P>For the Commission, by the Division of Investment Management, under delegated authority.</P>
          <NAME>Kevin M. O'Neill,</NAME>
          <TITLE>Deputy Secretary.</TITLE>
        </SIG>
      </SUPLINF>
      <FRDOC>[FR Doc. 2012-30380 Filed 12-17-12; 8:45 am]</FRDOC>
      <BILCOD>BILLING CODE 8011-01-P</BILCOD>
    </NOTICE>
    <NOTICE>
      <PREAMB>
        <AGENCY TYPE="S">SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION</AGENCY>
        <DEPDOC>[Release No. 34-68419; File No. TP 13-05]</DEPDOC>
        <SUBJECT>Order Granting Exemptions From Certain Rules of Regulation SHO Related to Hurricane Sandy</SUBJECT>
        <DATE>December 12, 2012.</DATE>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">I. Introduction</HD>
        <P>Hurricane Sandy made landfall along the mid-Atlantic Coast on October 29, 2012. The Depository Trust &amp; Clearing Corporation (“DTCC”) reported that its headquarters location in lower Manhattan sustained significant water damage as a result of storm flooding. In particular, DTCC reported that significant flooding and water damage occurred throughout DTCC's vault at 55 Water Street (the “Vault”), used as part of DTCC's Custody Service for the safekeeping of physical certificates. DTCC has stated that restoration of the physical certificates will take some time, possibly months. As a result, the physical certificates are considered inaccessible.<SU>1</SU>
          <FTREF/>However, DTCC and The Securities Transfer Association, Inc. (“STA”) have recently announced an agreement on a protocol for the replacement and transfer of shares represented by the currently inaccessible physical certificates that were held in the Vault at the time Hurricane Sandy made landfall, facilitating DTCC's ability to continue physical processing.<SU>2</SU>
          <FTREF/>Sales of owned securities, represented by physical certificates that were located in the Vault at the time Hurricane Sandy made landfall, whose settlement is dependent on the delivery of such physical certificates (or documentation with equivalent effect) (sales of “Vault Securities”), may experience settlement delays as a result of the inaccessibility of such physical certificates.<SU>3</SU>
          <FTREF/>Such settlement delays have implications for compliance with Regulation SHO under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”).<SU>4</SU>
          <FTREF/>SIFMA has requested relief from certain provisions of Regulation SHO in connection with the inaccessible physical certificates that were in the Vault at the time Hurricane Sandy made landfall.<SU>5</SU>
          <FTREF/>
        </P>
        <FTNT>
          <P>
            <SU>1</SU>
            <E T="03">See</E>“DTCC Statement on Condition of Securities Vault,” DTCC Press Release (Nov. 14, 2012) at<E T="03">http://www.dtcc.com/news/press/releases/2012/statement_vault.php.</E>
          </P>
        </FTNT>
        <FTNT>
          <P>
            <SU>2</SU>
            <E T="03">See</E>“DTCC and STA Agree on Protocol for Presentment of Physical Securities,” DTCC Press Release (Nov. 20, 2012) at<E T="03">http://www.dtcc.com/news/press/releases/2012/sta_statement.php.</E>
          </P>
        </FTNT>
        <FTNT>
          <P>

            <SU>3</SU>As a result of Hurricane Sandy, DTCC did not receive any courier or mail shipments after October 26, 2012, and, as of November 1, 2012, made arrangements for all receipted packages to be routed to DTCC's recovery facility in Brooklyn, New York. In addition, processing of physical certificates was suspended between October 30, 2012, and November 2, 2012. Accordingly, the term “Vault Securities” does not include physical certificates submitted to DTCC for custody on or after October 29, 2012, because the settlement of sales of such securities is not dependent on the delivery of physical certificates that were located in the Vault at the time Hurricane Sandy made landfall.<E T="03">See</E>“DTCC Client Update on Superstorm Sandy—Current and Ongoing Operations as Markets Re-Open; Physical Certificates,” Important Notice to All DTC, FICC and NSCC Participants (Oct. 30, 2012) at<E T="03">http://www.dtcc.com/downloads/legal/imp_notices/2012/dtcc/z0033.pdf;</E>“DTCC Client Update on Superstorm Sandy—Physical Processing and Custody Services,” Important Notice to All DTC and NSCC Participants (Nov. 1, 2012) at<E T="03">http://www.dtcc.com/downloads/legal/imp_notices/2012/dtcc/z0035.pdf;</E>“DTCC Client Update on Superstorm Sandy,” Important Notice to All DTC, FICC and NSCC Participants (Nov. 2, 2012) at<E T="03">http://www.dtcc.com/downloads/legal/imp_notices/2012/dtcc/z0036.pdf.</E>
          </P>
        </FTNT>
        <FTNT>
          <P>
            <SU>4</SU>17 CFR 242.200<E T="03">et seq.</E>
          </P>
        </FTNT>
        <FTNT>
          <P>
            <SU>5</SU>
            <E T="03">See</E>letter from Ira Hammerman, General Counsel, Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association, dated Dec. 12, 2012. In its letter, SIFMA requests relief from the close-out requirement of Rule 204 of Regulation SHO and seeks “clarification” with respect to order marking under Rule 200 and the short sale price test restriction under Rule 201. Further, the letter from SIFMA seeks “confirmation” that a short sale order of a Vault Security that a person is deemed to own would qualify for “short exempt” marking under Rule 201(d)(1) and would meet the terms of the exception to the “locate” requirement in Rule 203(b)(2)(ii). However, as discussed in this Exemptive Order, absent relief, a sale of a Vault Security would not necessarily qualify for “short exempt” marking under Rule 201(d)(1) or for the exception to the “locate” requirement under Rule 203(b)(2)(ii).<E T="03">See infra</E>notes 12 to 15 and accompanying text. Thus, we are treating SIFMA's request for “confirmation” as a request for relief from the “locate” requirement under Rule 203(b), the “short exempt” marking requirement under Rule 200(g)(2), and the close-out requirement under Rule 204.</P>
        </FTNT>
        <P>The Commission is providing certain exemptions from the “locate,” short sale price test, and close-out requirements of Regulation SHO for sales of Vault Securities. Absent further action by the Commission, these exemptions will expire on February 1, 2013.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">II. Regulation SHO</HD>
        <HD SOURCE="HD2">A. Marking, “Locate,” and Short Sale Price Test Requirements Under Rules 200, 203, and 201 of Regulation SHO</HD>
        <P>Rule 200(g) of Regulation SHO<SU>6</SU>

          <FTREF/>provides that broker-dealers must mark all sell orders of any equity security as “long,” “short,” or “short exempt.” Under Rule 200(g)(1), a broker-dealer may mark an order to sell “long” only if the seller is deemed to own the security being sold pursuant to paragraphs (a) through (f) of Rule 200 and either: (1) The security to be delivered is in the physical possession or control of the broker-dealer; or (2) it<PRTPAGE P="74892"/>is reasonably expected that the security will be in the physical possession or control of the broker-dealer no later than the settlement of the transaction.</P>
        <FTNT>
          <P>
            <SU>6</SU>17 CFR 242.200(g).</P>
        </FTNT>
        <P>Pursuant to Rule 203(b) of Regulation SHO,<SU>7</SU>

          <FTREF/>a broker-dealer may not accept a short sale order in an equity security from another person, or effect a short sale in an equity security for its own account, unless the broker-dealer has: (1) Borrowed the security, or entered into a<E T="03">bona fide</E>arrangement to borrow the security; or (2) reasonable grounds to believe that the security can be borrowed so that it can be delivered on the date delivery is due. This “locate” requirement must be met and documented prior to effecting a short sale.<SU>8</SU>
          <FTREF/>
        </P>
        <FTNT>
          <P>
            <SU>7</SU>17 CFR 242.203(b).</P>
        </FTNT>
        <FTNT>
          <P>

            <SU>8</SU>There are certain exceptions to the “locate” requirement in Rule 203(b)(2).<E T="03">See</E>17 CFR 242.203(b)(2).</P>
        </FTNT>
        <P>Rule 201 of Regulation SHO<SU>9</SU>
          <FTREF/>establishes a short sale-related circuit breaker that, if triggered, imposes a restriction on the price at which a covered security<SU>10</SU>
          <FTREF/>may be sold short (“short sale price test”). Paragraphs (c) and (d) of Rule 201 permit broker-dealers to mark certain short sale orders as “short exempt,” and trading centers' policies and procedures must be reasonably designed to permit the execution or display of orders marked “short exempt” without regard to whether the order is at a permissible price under the short sale price test.<SU>11</SU>
          <FTREF/>
        </P>
        <FTNT>
          <P>
            <SU>9</SU>17 CFR 242.201.</P>
        </FTNT>
        <FTNT>
          <P>

            <SU>10</SU>The term “covered security” is defined as any NMS stock as defined in Rule 600(b)(47) of Regulation NMS.<E T="03">See</E>17 CFR 242.201(a)(1); 17 CFR 242.600(b)(47).</P>
        </FTNT>
        <FTNT>
          <P>
            <SU>11</SU>
            <E T="03">See</E>17 CFR 242.201(c), (d), (b)(1)(iii)(B). Under Rule 200(g)(2), a sale order shall be marked “short exempt” only if the provisions of Rule 201(c) or (d) are met.<E T="03">See</E>17 CFR 242.200(g)(2).</P>
        </FTNT>
        <P>Certain types of Vault Security sales necessarily involve processing delays, notwithstanding the current inaccessibility of physical certificates that were held in the Vault at the time Hurricane Sandy made landfall. For example, this could include the sale of formerly restricted securities pursuant to Rule 144 of the Securities Act of 1933, where the security may not be capable of being delivered on the settlement date due to processing delays to remove the restricted legend. Further, processing delays could arise where a convertible security, option, or warrant has been tendered for conversion or exchange, such that the underlying security is not reasonably expected to be received by settlement date. Under these circumstances, a broker-dealer generally would not have a reasonable expectation that the securities would be in its physical possession or control by the settlement date. These types of sell orders cannot be marked “long” and must be marked “short” or “short exempt.”<SU>12</SU>
          <FTREF/>The Commission has provided specific exceptions from the “locate” requirement and the short sale price test requirement of Regulation SHO for sales of securities that the person is deemed to own pursuant to Rule 200 of Regulation SHO, provided that the person intends to deliver the securities as soon as all restrictions on delivery have been removed.<SU>13</SU>
          <FTREF/>In providing such exceptions, the Commission emphasized that these sales are treated as short sales solely because the seller is unable to deliver the security that it owns to its broker-dealer prior to settlement, based on circumstances outside the seller's control and through no fault of the seller or the broker-dealer.<SU>14</SU>
          <FTREF/>
        </P>
        <FTNT>
          <P>
            <SU>12</SU>
            <E T="03">See</E>Exchange Act Release No. 50103 (July 28, 2004), 69 FR 48008, 48012, 48015 (Aug. 6, 2004) (“Regulation SHO Adopting Release”).</P>
        </FTNT>
        <FTNT>
          <P>
            <SU>13</SU>
            <E T="03">See</E>17 CFR 242.203(b)(2)(ii); 242.201(d)(1); Regulation SHO Adopting Release, 69 FR at 48015; Exchange Act Release No. 61595 (Feb. 26, 2010), 75 FR 11232, 11266 (Mar. 10, 2010) (“Rule 201 Adopting Release”). Under Rule 201(d)(1), a broker-dealer may mark a short sale order “short exempt” if the broker-dealer has a reasonable basis to believe that the short sale order is by a person that is deemed to own the covered security pursuant to Rule 200 of Regulation SHO, provided that the person intends to deliver the security as soon as all restrictions on delivery have been removed.<E T="03">See</E>17 CFR 242.201(d)(1).</P>
        </FTNT>
        <FTNT>
          <P>
            <SU>14</SU>
            <E T="03">See</E>Regulation SHO Adopting Release, 69 FR at 48015; Rule 201 Adopting Release, 75 FR at 11266.</P>
        </FTNT>
        <P>In addition, due to the inaccessibility of physical certificates in the Vault as a result of flooding from Hurricane Sandy, other sell orders for Vault Securities also may not qualify for “long” marking under Rule 200(g)(1).<SU>15</SU>
          <FTREF/>In particular, a broker-dealer may not have a reasonable expectation that these Vault Securities will be in the physical possession or control of the broker-dealer by the settlement date. Absent relief, solely because the seller is unable to deliver the owned security to its broker-dealer prior to settlement due to the unusual circumstances of Hurricane Sandy that resulted in the current inaccessibility of physical certificates in the Vault, sales of these owned securities must be marked “short” or “short exempt” and may be subject to the “locate” and short sale price test requirements. As a result, we believe that the relief from the “locate” and short sale price test requirements of Regulation SHO provided by this Exemptive Order is appropriate in the public interest and consistent with the protection of investors.</P>
        <FTNT>
          <P>
            <SU>15</SU>Depending on the circumstances, certain sell orders of Vault Security may be marked “long.” Consistent with Rule 200(g)(1) of Regulation SHO, a broker-dealer may mark a sell order of a Vault Security “long” if the broker-dealer has a reasonable expectation that the Vault Securities will be in the physical possession or control of the broker-dealer by the settlement date.</P>
        </FTNT>
        <P>Accordingly,<E T="03">it is ordered,</E>pursuant to Section 36 of the Exchange Act,<SU>16</SU>
          <FTREF/>that a broker-dealer is exempt from the “locate” requirement of Rule 203(b), including the delivery requirement of Rule 203(b)(2)(ii),<SU>17</SU>
          <FTREF/>with respect to a short sale order in a Vault Security, and is exempt from Rule 200(g)(2) with respect to such order, and thus may mark such order “short exempt” for purposes of the short sale price test of Rule 201 without meeting the requirements of Rule 201(c) or (d),<SU>18</SU>
          <FTREF/>subject to the following conditions:</P>
        <FTNT>
          <P>
            <SU>16</SU>Section 36 of the Exchange Act authorizes the Commission, by rule, regulation or order, to exempt, either conditionally or unconditionally, any person, security or transaction, or any class or classes of persons, securities or transactions, from any provision or provisions of the Exchange Act or any rule or regulation thereunder, to the extent that such exemption is necessary or appropriate in the public interest, and is consistent with the protection of investors. 15 U.S.C. 78mm(a).</P>
        </FTNT>
        <FTNT>
          <P>

            <SU>17</SU>The exception to the “locate” requirement in Rule 203(b)(2)(ii) provides that if the seller has not delivered the security that it is deemed to own pursuant to Rule 200 of Regulation SHO within 35 days after the trade date, the broker-dealer that effected the sale must borrow securities or close out the short position by purchasing securities of like kind and quantity.<E T="03">See</E>17 CFR 242.203(b)(2)(ii). As discussed above, certain sell orders of Vault Securities may qualify for the exception from the “locate” requirement under Rule 203(b)(2)(ii).<E T="03">See supra</E>notes 12 to 14 and accompanying text.</P>
        </FTNT>
        <FTNT>
          <P>

            <SU>18</SU>We remind broker-dealers that, as a general matter, the “short exempt” marking provided by Rule 200(g)(2) is used to represent a short sale order that qualifies for an exception to the short sale price test requirement in Rule 201(d) or that meets the terms of the broker-dealer provision in Rule 201(c). The “short exempt” marking may not be used to represent that an exception to the “locate” requirement applies to the short sale order, unless the order can be marked “short exempt” pursuant to Rule 200(g)(2).<E T="03">See</E>Rule 201 Adopting Release, 75 FR at 11266 n.472 (“To the extent that an exception to Regulation SHO's `locate' requirement applies to a short sale order, such order must be marked `short' in accordance with Rule 200(g) of Regulation SHO unless the order can be marked `short exempt' pursuant to Rule 200(g)(2) of Regulation SHO.”).</P>
        </FTNT>
        <P>(a) The broker-dealer determines, prior to accepting such short sale order from another person, or effecting such short sale for its own account, that the sale is a sale of a Vault Security<SU>19</SU>
          <FTREF/>that the seller is deemed to own pursuant to Rule 200 of Regulation SHO;<SU>20</SU>
          <FTREF/>and</P>
        <FTNT>
          <P>

            <SU>19</SU>A Vault Security sale would include situations where the security to be sold, a security convertible into or exchangeable for it, or a right or warrant to subscribe to it, is represented by a physical certificate that was held in the Vault at the time Hurricane Sandy made landfall. Such determination could be based, for example, on records indicating that the sale involves a physical certificate custodied at DTCC and that the physical certificate was submitted to DTCC for custody on or before October 26, 2012.<E T="03">See supra</E>note 3.</P>
        </FTNT>
        <FTNT>
          <P>
            <SU>20</SU>17 CFR 242.200.</P>
        </FTNT>
        <PRTPAGE P="74893"/>
        <P>(b) The broker-dealer documents the determination made pursuant to condition (a) above.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD2">B. Close-Out Requirements Under Rule 204 of Regulation SHO</HD>
        <P>Rule 204(a) of Regulation SHO<SU>21</SU>
          <FTREF/>generally requires that participants of a registered clearing agency (“Participants”) close out fail to deliver positions at a registered clearing agency<SU>22</SU>

          <FTREF/>in any equity security for a sale transaction in that equity security by no later than the beginning of trading on the next settlement day after a fail to deliver resulting from a short sale (generally T+4), and no later than the beginning of trading on the third settlement day after a fail to deliver resulting from a long sale or a sale resulting from<E T="03">bona fide</E>market making activities at the time of the sale (generally T+6). A close out is effected by purchasing or borrowing shares of like kind and quantity.</P>
        <FTNT>
          <P>
            <SU>21</SU>17 CFR 242.204(a).</P>
        </FTNT>
        <FTNT>
          <P>

            <SU>22</SU>The term “registered clearing agency” means a clearing agency, as defined in Section 3(a)(23)(A) of the Exchange Act, that is registered as such pursuant to Section 17A of the Exchange Act.<E T="03">See</E>15 U.S.C. 78c(a)(23)(A); 15 U.S.C. 78q-1. The majority of equity trades in the United States are cleared and settled through systems administered by clearing agencies registered with the Commission. The National Securities Clearing Corporation (“NSCC”) clears and settles the majority of equity securities trades conducted on the exchanges and in the over-the-counter market. NSCC clears and settles trades through the Continuous Net Settlement (“CNS”) system, which nets the securities delivery and payment obligations of all of its members.<E T="03">See</E>Exchange Act Release No. 60388 (July 27, 2009), 74 FR 38266, 38268 n.35 (July 31, 2009) (“Rule 204 Adopting Release”).</P>
        </FTNT>
        <P>Rule 204(a)(2) provides an extended close-out timeframe (T+35) for fail to deliver positions at a registered clearing agency in any equity security resulting from a sale of a security that a person is deemed to own,<SU>23</SU>
          <FTREF/>similar to the exceptions to the “locate” requirement and short sale price test requirement discussed above.<SU>24</SU>
          <FTREF/>Thus, fails to deliver resulting from certain sales of Vault Securities would currently be eligible for the extended close-out timeframe provided by Rule 204(a)(2).<SU>25</SU>
          <FTREF/>
        </P>
        <FTNT>
          <P>
            <SU>23</SU>
            <E T="03">See</E>17 CFR 242.204(a)(2);<E T="03">see also</E>Rule 204 Adopting Release, 74 FR at 38277 n.141. Under Rule 204(a)(2), a Participant that has a fail to deliver position resulting from a sale of a security that a person is deemed to own pursuant to Rule 200 of Regulation SHO and that such person intends to deliver as soon as all restrictions on delivery have been removed must, by no later than the beginning of regular trading hours on the thirty-fifth consecutive calendar day following the trade date for the transaction, immediately close out the fail to deliver position by purchasing or borrowing securities of like kind and quantity.<E T="03">See</E>17 CFR 242.204(a)(2).</P>
        </FTNT>
        <FTNT>
          <P>
            <SU>24</SU>
            <E T="03">See supra</E>notes 12 to 14 and accompanying text.</P>
        </FTNT>
        <FTNT>
          <P>
            <SU>25</SU>
            <E T="03">See</E>Rule 204 Adopting Release, 74 FR at 38277-38278.</P>
        </FTNT>
        <P>Pursuant to Rule 204(b) of Regulation SHO,<SU>26</SU>

          <FTREF/>a Participant that has not closed out a fail to deliver position in an equity security in accordance with Rule 204(a), and any broker-dealer from which the Participant receives trades for clearance and settlement, may not accept a short sale order in the equity security from another person or effect a short sale in the equity security for its own account, without first borrowing the security or entering into a<E T="03">bona fide</E>arrangement to borrow the security, until the Participant closes out the fail to deliver position by purchasing securities of like kind and quantity and that purchase has cleared and settled at a registered clearing agency (the “Penalty Box”).</P>
        <FTNT>
          <P>
            <SU>26</SU>17 CFR 242.204(b).</P>
        </FTNT>
        <P>SIFMA has stated that there may be situations where, in connection with the inaccessibility of the physical certificates that were located in the Vault following flooding from Hurricane Sandy, Vault Security sales may result in a CNS fail to deliver, such that Participants would be required to close out the fail to deliver position pursuant to Rule 204(a)<SU>27</SU>
          <FTREF/>and, if they did not, would be subject to the Penalty Box.</P>
        <FTNT>
          <P>
            <SU>27</SU>17 CFR 242.204(a).</P>
        </FTNT>
        <P>Rule 204 is intended to help reduce fails to deliver and address potentially abusive “naked” short selling.<SU>28</SU>
          <FTREF/>In providing an extended close-out timeframe for sales of deemed to own securities, the Commission stated that additional time is warranted for these sales and such additional time would not undermine the goal of reducing fails to deliver because “these are sales of owned securities that cannot be delivered by settlement date due solely to processing delays outside the seller's or broker-dealer's control. Moreover, delivery will be made on such sales as soon as all restrictions on delivery have been removed.”<SU>29</SU>
          <FTREF/>We believe that, due to the inaccessibility of physical certificates that were held in the Vault at the time Hurricane Sandy made landfall, sales of Vault Securities raise similar policy considerations at this time. We do not believe that the fails to deliver that may occur as a result of Vault Security sales, due to the unusual and exigent circumstances of Hurricane Sandy, raise the concerns that Rule 204 was designed to address. Thus, we believe that the relief from the close-out requirement of Regulation SHO provided by this Exemptive Order is appropriate in the public interest and consistent with the protection of investors.</P>
        <FTNT>
          <P>
            <SU>28</SU>
            <E T="03">See</E>Rule 204 Adopting Release, 74 FR at 38267-38269.</P>
        </FTNT>
        <FTNT>
          <P>
            <SU>29</SU>
            <E T="03">Id.</E>
          </P>
        </FTNT>
        <P>Accordingly,<E T="03">it is further ordered,</E>pursuant to Section 36 of the Exchange Act,<SU>30</SU>
          <FTREF/>that a Participant is exempt from the close-out requirement of Rule 204(a)<SU>31</SU>
          <FTREF/>and the Penalty Box of Rule 204(b)<SU>32</SU>
          <FTREF/>of Regulation SHO with respect to a fail to deliver position resulting from the sale of a Vault Security,<SU>33</SU>
          <FTREF/>subject to the following conditions:</P>
        <FTNT>
          <P>
            <SU>30</SU>
            <E T="03">See supra</E>note 16.</P>
        </FTNT>
        <FTNT>
          <P>
            <SU>31</SU>17 CFR 242.204(a).</P>
        </FTNT>
        <FTNT>
          <P>
            <SU>32</SU>17 CFR 242.204(b).</P>
        </FTNT>
        <FTNT>
          <P>

            <SU>33</SU>Rule 203(b)(3) of Regulation SHO provides that if a Participant has a fail to deliver position at a registered clearing agency in a threshold security, as defined by Rule 203(c)(6), for thirteen consecutive settlement days, the Participant shall immediately thereafter close out the fail to deliver position by purchasing securities of like kind and quantity. If the sale of a Vault Security resulted in a fail to deliver position in a threshold security and that fail to deliver position persisted for thirteen consecutive settlement days because the close-out date applicable under this Exemptive Order had not yet arrived, Rule 203(b)(3) would nonetheless require the Participant to close out the fail to deliver position. Accordingly, Participants are exempt from the close-out requirements of Rule 203(b)(3) with respect to fail to deliver positions in threshold securities resulting from Vault Security sales, provided that the Participants close out the fail to deliver positions in compliance with this Exemptive Order.<E T="03">See</E>17 CFR 242.203(b)(3).</P>
        </FTNT>
        <P>(a) The Participant must determine and document that the fail to deliver resulted from a sale of a Vault Security<SU>34</SU>
          <FTREF/>that a person is deemed to own pursuant to Rule 200 of Regulation SHO;<SU>35</SU>
          <FTREF/>
        </P>
        <FTNT>
          <P>

            <SU>34</SU>A Vault Security sale would include situations where the security sold, a security convertible into or exchangeable for it, or a right or warrant to subscribe to it, is represented by a physical certificate that was held in the Vault at the time Hurricane Sandy made landfall. Such determination could be based, for example, on records indicating that the sale involves a physical certificate custodied at DTCC and that the physical certificate was submitted to DTCC for custody on or before October 26, 2012.<E T="03">See supra</E>note 3.</P>
        </FTNT>
        <FTNT>
          <P>
            <SU>35</SU>17 CFR 242.200.</P>
        </FTNT>
        <P>(b) The Participant must check DTCC systems on a daily basis to determine when a Vault Security, the sale of which resulted in a fail to deliver position, is available for settlement;<SU>36</SU>
          <FTREF/>
        </P>
        <FTNT>
          <P>
            <SU>36</SU>We understand that DTCC systems (including the Participant Browser System and the Participant Terminal System) enable Participants to verify their positions in Vault Securities and issue withdrawal instructions. We understand that these systems permit Participants, in conjunction with the Participant's own books and records, to track when Vault Securities have been debited (withdrawn) and sent to the transfer agent and when the Vault Securities are available for settlement after they have been returned to DTCC and are available for Participant pickup, are mailed directly to the customer, or are set up as a Direct Registration System account, and that Participants check these systems for completed status of physical certificate processing on a daily basis.</P>
        </FTNT>

        <P>(c) The Participant must deliver the Vault Security as soon as possible, and<PRTPAGE P="74894"/>in any event must deliver the Vault Security or close out the fail to deliver position resulting from the Vault Security sale by purchasing or borrowing securities of like kind and quantity by no later than the beginning of regular trading hours on the fourth settlement day following the date on which the Participant determines, in accordance with condition (b) above, that the Vault Security, the sale of which resulted in the fail to deliver position, is available for settlement;<SU>37</SU>
          <FTREF/>and</P>
        <FTNT>
          <P>
            <SU>37</SU>For example, a Participant submitted a sale on October 16, 2012, for clearance and settlement with an original expected settlement date of October 19, 2012. The security sold was a restricted Vault Security under Rule 144 whose physical certificate was located in the Vault. The Participant determines, as a result of the daily check of DTCC systems for status of the Vault Securities, that the Vault Security is available for settlement on December 12, 2012. Normally Rule 204(a)(2) would apply and the Participant would be required to close out the resulting fail to deliver position thirty-five calendar days after trade date, on November 20, 2012. Because the Vault Security was not available due to Hurricane Sandy on November 20th, the Participant would be able to avail itself of the adjusted close-out timeframe provided in condition (c) above. In this limited instance, pursuant to this Exemptive Order, the Participant would be required to deliver the Vault Security as soon as possible, and in any event must deliver the Vault Security or close out the fail to deliver position by no later than the beginning of regular trading hours on December 18, 2012.</P>
        </FTNT>
        <P>(d) The Participant's books and records must reflect that it made delivery of the Vault Security or closed out the fail to deliver position resulting from the Vault Security sale within the applicable time period, consistent with this Exemptive Order.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">III. Modification, Revocation, and Expiration of Exemptions</HD>
        <P>The exemptions granted herein are subject to modification or revocation if at any time the Commission determines that such action is necessary or appropriate in furtherance of the purposes of the Exchange Act, and, absent further action by the Commission, will expire on February 1, 2013.</P>
        <SIG>
          <P>For the Commission, by the Division of Trading and Markets, pursuant to delegated authority.<SU>38</SU>
            <FTREF/>
          </P>
          <FTNT>
            <P>
              <SU>38</SU>
              <E T="03">See</E>17 CFR 200.30-3(a)(11).</P>
          </FTNT>
          <NAME>Kevin M. O'Neill,</NAME>
          <TITLE>Deputy Secretary.</TITLE>
        </SIG>
      </PREAMB>
      <FRDOC>[FR Doc. 2012-30427 Filed 12-17-12; 8:45 am]</FRDOC>
      <BILCOD>BILLING CODE 8011-01-P</BILCOD>
    </NOTICE>
    <NOTICE>
      <PREAMB>
        <AGENCY TYPE="S">SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION</AGENCY>
        <SUBJECT>Sunshine Act Meeting</SUBJECT>
        <P>Notice is hereby given, pursuant to the provisions of the Government in the Sunshine Act, Public Law 94-409, that the Securities and Exchange Commission will hold a Closed Meeting on Thursday, December 20, 2012 at 2:00 p.m.</P>
        <P>Commissioners, Counsel to the Commissioners, the Secretary to the Commission, and recording secretaries will attend the Closed Meeting. Certain staff members who have an interest in the matters also may be present.</P>
        <P>The General Counsel of the Commission, or his designee, has certified that, in his opinion, one or more of the exemptions set forth in 5 U.S.C. 552b(c)(3), (5), (7), 9(B) and (10) and 17 CFR 200.402(a)(3), (5), (7), 9(ii) and (10), permit consideration of the scheduled matters at the Closed Meeting.</P>
        <P>Commissioner Walter, as duty officer, voted to consider the items listed for the Closed Meeting in a closed session.</P>
        <P>The subject matter of the Closed Meeting will be:</P>
        <P>Adjudicatory matters;</P>
        <P>Institution and settlement of injunctive actions;</P>
        <P>Institution and settlement of administrative proceedings; and</P>
        <P>Other matters relating to enforcement proceedings.</P>
        <P>At times, changes in Commission priorities require alterations in the scheduling of meeting items.</P>
        <P>For further information and to ascertain what, if any, matters have been added, deleted or postponed, please contact:</P>
        <P>The Office of the Secretary at (202) 551-5400.</P>
        <SIG>
          <DATED>Dated: December 13, 2012.</DATED>
          <NAME>Elizabeth M. Murphy,</NAME>
          <TITLE>Secretary.</TITLE>
        </SIG>
      </PREAMB>
      <FRDOC>[FR Doc. 2012-30552 Filed 12-14-12; 4:15 pm]</FRDOC>
      <BILCOD>BILLING CODE 8011-01-P</BILCOD>
    </NOTICE>
    <NOTICE>
      <PREAMB>
        <AGENCY TYPE="S">SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION</AGENCY>
        <DEPDOC>[Release No. 34-68417; File No. SR-CBOE-2012-119]</DEPDOC>
        <SUBJECT>Self-Regulatory Organizations; Chicago Board Options Exchange, Incorporated; Notice of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of a Proposed Rule Change To Amend the CBOE Stock Exchange Fees Schedule</SUBJECT>
        <DATE>December 12, 2012.</DATE>
        <P>Pursuant to Section 19(b)(1) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Act”),<SU>1</SU>
          <FTREF/>and Rule 19b-4 thereunder,<SU>2</SU>
          <FTREF/>notice is hereby given that on December 6, 2012, Chicago Board Options Exchange, Incorporated (the “Exchange” or “CBOE”) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission”) the proposed rule change as described in Items I, II and III below, which Items have been prepared by the Exchange. The Commission is publishing this notice to solicit comments on the proposed rule change from interested persons.</P>
        <FTNT>
          <P>
            <SU>1</SU>15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(1).</P>
        </FTNT>
        <FTNT>
          <P>
            <SU>2</SU>17 CFR 240.19b-4.</P>
        </FTNT>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">I. Self-Regulatory Organization's Statement of the Terms of Substance of the Proposed Rule Change</HD>

        <P>The Exchange proposes to amend the Fees Schedule for its CBOE Stock Exchange (“CBSX”). The text of the proposed rule change is available on the Exchange's Web site (<E T="03">www.cboe.com/AboutCBOE/CBOELegalRegulatoryHome.aspx</E>), at the Exchange's Office of the Secretary, and at the Commission.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">II. Self-Regulatory Organization's Statement of the Purpose of, and Statutory Basis for, the Proposed Rule Change</HD>
        <P>In its filing with the Commission, the Exchange included statements concerning the purpose of and basis for the proposed rule change and discussed any comments it received on the proposed rule change. The text of these statements may be examined at the places specified in Item IV below. The Exchange has prepared summaries, set forth in sections A, B, and C below, of the most significant aspects of such statements.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD2">A. Self-Regulatory Organization's Statement of the Purpose of, and Statutory Basis for, the Proposed Rule Change</HD>
        <HD SOURCE="HD3">1. Purpose</HD>

        <P>CBSX proposes to increase the Initial Regulatory Review Fee from $3,000 to<PRTPAGE P="74895"/>$5,000 and the Monthly Regulatory Fee from $3,000 to $5,000. These fees both apply to CBSX Trading Permit Holders (“CBSX TPHs”) (CBSX Traders that are not CBOE Trading Permit Holders (“CBOE TPHs”) but are granted access to CBSX via a trading permit) who either apply for CBOE to act as their designated examining authority (“DEA”) or for whom CBOE acts as a DEA (CBOE handles all regulatory functions for CBSX, and CBSX pays CBOE for such services). The Initial Regulatory Review Fee is charged to any CBSX TPH applicant that applies for a CBSX Trading Permit that, if approved, would result in CBOE serving as the CBSX TPH's DEA. The Monthly Regulatory Fee is charged to any CBSX TPH for whom CBOE acts as the CBSX TPH's DEA.</P>
        <P>Processing the applications for CBOE to act as the DEA and acting as the DEA for these CBSX TPHs are costly and time-intensive, and the Initial Regulatory Review Fee and the Monthly Regulatory Fee only partly offset these costs. In the past year, CBOE's CBSX-related regulatory costs have increased, and the Exchange anticipates such spending to continue to increase in 2013 due to heightened regulatory review. As such, the Exchange proposes to increase the amounts of the Initial Regulatory Review Fee and the Monthly Regulatory Fee in order to partly offset the regulatory cost increases associated with the initial regulatory review and acting as a CBSX TPH's DEA.</P>
        <P>The proposed changes are to take effect on January 1, 2013.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD3">2. Statutory Basis</HD>
        <P>The Exchange believes the proposed rule change is consistent with the Act and the rules and regulations thereunder applicable to the Exchange and, in particular, the requirements of Section 6(b) of the Act.<SU>3</SU>
          <FTREF/>Specifically, the Exchange believes the proposed rule change is consistent with Section 6(b)(4) of the Act,<SU>4</SU>
          <FTREF/>which provides that Exchange rules may provide for the equitable allocation of reasonable dues, fees, and other charges among its Trading Permit Holders and other persons using its facilities. Increasing the amounts of the Initial Regulatory Review Fee and the Monthly Regulatory Fee is reasonable because such increases are necessary to help offset the increased regulatory costs associated with the processing of an application by a CBSX TPH for CBOE to act as that CBSX TPH's DEA and with the ongoing regulatory review and monitoring that must be undertaken in order for CBOE to act as a CBSX TPH's DEA. These increases are equitable and not unfairly discriminatory because they will apply to all CBSX TPHs to whom the Initial Regulatory Review Fee and the Monthly Regulatory Fee apply.</P>
        <FTNT>
          <P>
            <SU>3</SU>15 U.S.C. 78f(b).</P>
        </FTNT>
        <FTNT>
          <P>
            <SU>4</SU>15 U.S.C. 78f(b)(4).</P>
        </FTNT>
        <HD SOURCE="HD2">B. Self-Regulatory Organization's Statement on Burden on Competition</HD>
        <P>CBOE does not believe that the proposed rule change will impose any burden on competition that is not necessary or appropriate in furtherance of the purposes of the Act.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD2">C. Self-Regulatory Organization's Statement on Comments on the Proposed Rule Change Received From Members, Participants, or Others</HD>
        <P>The Exchange neither solicited nor received comments on the proposed rule change.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">III. Date of Effectiveness of the Proposed Rule Change and Timing for Commission Action</HD>
        <P>The foregoing rule change has become effective pursuant to Section 19(b)(3)(A)<SU>5</SU>
          <FTREF/>of the Act and paragraph (f) of Rule 19b-4<SU>6</SU>
          <FTREF/>thereunder. At any time within 60 days of the filing of the proposed rule change, the Commission summarily may temporarily suspend such rule change if it appears to the Commission that such action is necessary or appropriate in the public interest, for the protection of investors, or otherwise in furtherance of the purposes of the Act.</P>
        <FTNT>
          <P>
            <SU>5</SU>15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(3)(A).</P>
        </FTNT>
        <FTNT>
          <P>
            <SU>6</SU>17 CFR 240.19b-4(f).</P>
        </FTNT>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">IV. Solicitation of Comments</HD>
        <P>Interested persons are invited to submit written data, views, and arguments concerning the foregoing, including whether the proposed rule change is consistent with the Act. Comments may be submitted by any of the following methods:</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD2">Electronic Comments</HD>
        <P>• Use the Commission's Internet comment form (<E T="03">http://www.sec.gov/rules/sro.shtml</E>); or</P>
        <P>
          <E T="03">•</E>Send an email to<E T="03">rule-comments@sec.gov.</E>Please include File Number SR-CBOE-2012-119<E T="03">on the subject line.</E>
        </P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD2">Paper Comments</HD>
        <P>• Send paper comments in triplicate to Elizabeth M. Murphy, Secretary, Securities and Exchange Commission, 100 F Street NE., Washington, DC 20549-1090.</P>
        

        <FP>All submissions should refer to File Number SR-CBOE-2012-119. This file number should be included on the subject line if email is used. To help the Commission process and review your comments more efficiently, please use only one method. The Commission will post all comments on the Commission's Internet Web site (<E T="03">http://www.sec.gov/rules/sro.shtml</E>). Copies of the submission, all subsequent amendments, all written statements with respect to the proposed rule change that are filed with the Commission, and all written communications relating to the proposed rule change between the Commission and any person, other than those that may be withheld from the public in accordance with the provisions of 5 U.S.C. 552, will be available for Web site viewing and printing in the Commission's Public Reference Room, 100 F Street NE., Washington, DC 20549, on official business days between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. Copies of the filing also will be available for inspection and copying at the principal office of the Exchange. All comments received will be posted without change; the Commission does not edit personal identifying information from submissions. You should submit only information that you wish to make available publicly. All submissions should refer to File Number SR-CBOE-2012-119 and should be submitted on or before January 8, 2013.</FP>
        <SIG>
          <P>For the Commission, by the Division of Trading and Markets, pursuant to delegated authority.<SU>7</SU>
            <FTREF/>
          </P>
          <FTNT>
            <P>
              <SU>7</SU>17 CFR 200.30-3(a)(12).</P>
          </FTNT>
          <NAME>Kevin M. O'Neill,</NAME>
          <TITLE>Deputy Secretary.</TITLE>
        </SIG>
      </PREAMB>
      <FRDOC>[FR Doc. 2012-30406 Filed 12-17-12; 8:45 am]</FRDOC>
      <BILCOD>BILLING CODE 8011-01-P</BILCOD>
    </NOTICE>
    <NOTICE>
      <PREAMB>
        <AGENCY TYPE="S">SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION</AGENCY>
        <DEPDOC>[Release No. 34-68314; File No. SR-ISE-2012-75]</DEPDOC>
        <SUBJECT>Self-Regulatory Organizations; International Securities Exchange, LLC; Notice of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of Proposed Rule Change To Make Available a New Market Data Offering</SUBJECT>
        <DATE>November 28, 2012.</DATE>
        <HD SOURCE="HD2">Correction</HD>

        <P>In notice document 2012-29218 appearing on pages 71850 through 71852 in the issue of Tuesday, December 4, 2012, make the following correction:<PRTPAGE P="74896"/>
        </P>
        <P>On page 71850, in the first column, the release number should read as set forth above.</P>
        
        
      </PREAMB>
      <FRDOC>[FR Doc. C1-2012-29218 Filed 12-17-12; 8:45 am]</FRDOC>
      <BILCOD>BILLING CODE 1501-05-P</BILCOD>
    </NOTICE>
    <NOTICE>
      <PREAMB>
        <AGENCY TYPE="S">SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION</AGENCY>
        <DEPDOC>[Release No. 34-68414; File No. SR-FINRA-2012-052]</DEPDOC>
        <SUBJECT>Self-Regulatory Organizations; Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc.; Notice of Filing of Proposed Rule Change To Require Members To Report the Factor to TRACE in Asset-Backed Security Transactions (Except an Asset-Backed Security Traded TBA), in the Limited Instances When Members Effect Such Transactions as Agent and Charge a Commission</SUBJECT>
        <DATE>December 12, 2012.</DATE>
        <P>Pursuant to Section 19(b)(1) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (“Act”)<SU>1</SU>
          <FTREF/>and Rule 19b-4 thereunder,<SU>2</SU>
          <FTREF/>notice is hereby given that, on November 29, 2012, the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. (“FINRA”) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC” or “Commission”) the proposed rule change as described in Items I, II, and III below, which Items have been prepared by FINRA.  The Commission is publishing this notice to solicit comments on the proposed rule change from interested persons.</P>
        <FTNT>
          <P>
            <SU>1</SU>15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(1).</P>
        </FTNT>
        <FTNT>
          <P>
            <SU>2</SU>CFR 240.19b-4.</P>
        </FTNT>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">I. Self-Regulatory Organization's Statement of the Terms of Substance of the Proposed Rule Change</HD>
        <P>FINRA is proposing to amend FINRA Rule 6730(d)(2) to require a member to report to Trade Reporting and Compliance Engine (TRACE) the Factor used to determine the size (volume) of each transaction in an Asset-Backed Security (except an Asset-Backed Security traded To Be Announced), in the limited instances when members effect such transactions as agent and charge a commission.</P>

        <P>The text of the proposed rule change is available on FINRA's Web site at<E T="03">http://www.finra.org,</E>at the principal office of FINRA and at the Commission's Public Reference Room.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">II. Self-Regulatory Organization's Statement of the Purpose of, and Statutory Basis for, the Proposed Rule Change</HD>
        <P>In its filing with the Commission, FINRA included statements concerning the purpose of and basis for the proposed rule change and discussed any comments it received on the proposed rule change.  The text of these statements may be examined at the places specified in Item IV below.  FINRA has prepared summaries, set forth in sections A, B, and C below, of the most significant aspects of such statements.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD2">A. Self-Regulatory Organization's Statement of the Purpose of, and Statutory Basis for, the Proposed Rule Change</HD>
        <HD SOURCE="HD3">1. Purpose</HD>
        <P>In general, Asset-Backed Securities (“ABS”)<SU>3</SU>
          <FTREF/>are traded on a principal basis and only a small number of ABS transactions are traded on an agency basis and charge a commission.<SU>4</SU>
          <FTREF/>In the limited instances when a member executes an ABS transaction (except an ABS traded To Be Announced (a “TBA transaction”)) in an agency capacity and charges a commission, FINRA proposes to require members to report the Factor<SU>5</SU>
          <FTREF/>as discussed below.</P>
        <FTNT>
          <P>
            <SU>3</SU>
            <E T="03">See</E>FINRA Rule 6710(m) for the definition of Asset-Backed Security.</P>
        </FTNT>
        <FTNT>
          <P>
            <SU>4</SU>From May 2011, when TRACE began receiving reports on ABS, to the present, whether measured by par value or number of transactions, transactions, in ABS that are executed in an agency capacity and subject to a commission represent only approximately one percent of all ABS transactions.</P>
        </FTNT>
        <FTNT>
          <P>
            <SU>5</SU>
            <E T="03">See</E>FINRA Rule 6710(w) for the definition of FACTOR.</P>
        </FTNT>
        <P>Currently, under FINRA Rule 6730(c)(2) and Rule 6730(d)(2), a member is required to report the size of TRACE-Eligible Securities,<SU>6</SU>
          <FTREF/>including certain ABS, by reporting the total par or principal value of the debt securities traded.  However, in a transaction in an ABS that is backed by mortgages or other assets that amortize over the life of the security (an “amortizing ABS”), instead of reporting the total par or principal value, a member reports two items from which the size is calculable: (1) The original face value of the ABS, which is the size at issuance; and (2) the Factor, but only if the Factor used to execute the transaction is not the most current Factor that is publicly available at the time of execution of such transaction (a “non-conforming Factor”).<SU>7</SU>
          <FTREF/>
        </P>
        <FTNT>
          <P>
            <SU>6</SU>
            <E T="03">See</E>FINRA Rule 6710(w) for the definition of TRACE-Eligible Security.</P>
        </FTNT>
        <FTNT>
          <P>
            <SU>7</SU>When a member uses the most current Factor that is publicly available at the time of execution of the transaction, the member is not required to report the Factor. Instead, the TRACE system incorporates the most current Factor publicly available at the Time of Execution of the transaction. FINRA receives such information from commercial data vendors.</P>
        </FTNT>
        <P>A Factor is the decimal value that represents the proportion of (1) the principal value (or face value) of the pool of assets underlying an amortizing ABS remaining at the time of the execution of a transaction (typically referred to as “remaining principal balance” or “RPB”) to (2) the original face value of the ABS.  Such Factors are published monthly by federal agencies or government-sponsored enterprises for ABS that are issued or guaranteed by them.  Factors for other ABS generally are consolidated by certain commercial vendors that obtain them from servicers.</P>
        <P>FINRA proposes to amend FINRA Rule 6730(d)(2) to require a member to report the Factor to TRACE for every transaction in an ABS (except TBA transactions) in the limited instances when the member effects that transaction as agent and charges a commission.  The amendment is proposed to prepare for the dissemination of Specified Pool Transactions, and transactions in additional ABS market segments, if such transactions subsequently are disseminated under Rule 6750 in the future.<SU>8</SU>
          <FTREF/>The proposed rule change is necessary to ensure the accuracy of the disseminated price of an ABS transaction, which, if traded on an agency basis and subject to a commission charge, is calculated using the Factor, the price and other information reported by a member that is a party to the transaction.</P>
        <FTNT>
          <P>

            <SU>8</SU>FINRA proposes the dissemination of certain Specified Pool Transactions in SR-FINRA-2012-042, which was approved recently by the SEC but is not yet effective.<E T="03">See</E>Securities Exchange Act Release No. 68084 (October 23, 2012), 77 FR 65436 (October 26, 2012) (SEC Order Approving File No. SR-FINRA-2012-042 regarding a proposal to disseminate Agency Pass-Through Mortgage-Backed Securities traded in Specified Pool Transactions and SBA-Backed ABS traded TBA and in Specified Pool Transactions). The effective date of the amendments in SR-FINRA-2012-042 will be announced in a Regulatory Notice.</P>
        </FTNT>

        <P>Though very few ABS transactions are executed in an agency capacity with a commission charged, when done so the TRACE system must calculate the disseminated price (or all-in price) based on the reported price, which is reported as a percentage of the RPB (<E T="03">e.g.,</E>97), and<E T="03">add</E>the proportionate amount of commission.  However, the commission is reported as the total gross dollar amount (<E T="03">e.g.,</E>$3,000.00).<SU>9</SU>
          <FTREF/>To account for the commission impact on<PRTPAGE P="74897"/>the total price paid or received by the customer, the TRACE system calculates the amount of commission in relation to RPB, which takes the Factor into account.<SU>10</SU>
          <FTREF/>
        </P>
        <FTNT>
          <P>
            <SU>9</SU>FINRA Rules 6730(c)(3) and 6730(d)(1) require members to report the price, which must exclude the commission, and separately report the total dollar amount of the commission.</P>
        </FTNT>
        <FTNT>
          <P>
            <SU>10</SU>The portion of the commission is calculated by dividing the dollar amount of the commission by the total size (which is the product of the original face value multiplied by the Factor). The resulting number is multiplied by 100.</P>
        </FTNT>
        <P>Currently, all components of the formula that would be used to calculate a disseminated price in an ABS transaction executed as agent, except the Factor, are reported by a member effecting the transaction.  The proposed amendments to Rule 6730(d)(2) would ensure the accuracy of the disseminated price data by relying exclusively upon information, including the Factor, that would be reported by the members that are parties to a transaction.  Accordingly, FINRA proposes in FINRA Rule 6730(d)(2)(B)(iv) that a member report the Factor in the limited instances when an ABS transaction is executed in an agency capacity with a commission charged (except for TBA transactions), regardless of whether such Factor is the most current Factor publicly available at execution or is a non-conforming Factor.  In addition, FINRA proposes supplementary material to clarify that the requirement to report the Factor will apply to every ABS transaction executed in an agency capacity with a commission charged, including the very small number of transactions in non-amortizing ABS.<SU>11</SU>
          <FTREF/>
        </P>
        <FTNT>
          <P>
            <SU>11</SU>FINRA recognizes that in non-amortizing ABS, such as ABS backed by credit card receivables, amortization does not occur, and thus, a Factor is not generally referenced to indicate the size of a transaction. However, since so few transactions are executed in agency capacity with commission charged, proposed FINRA Rule 6730(d)(2)(B)(iv) would not distinguish between amortizing ABS and non-amortizing ABS, and would require a member to report a Factor in every ABS transaction (except TBA transactions) executed in agency capacity with a commission charged. For any such transactions in a non-amortizing ABS, a member would report 1.0 as the Factor.</P>
        </FTNT>
        <P>FINRA also proposes to reorganize, with technical amendments, the current requirements to report size in FINRA Rule 6730(d)(2).  First, the requirement to report size for transactions in securities other than ABS would be set forth in proposed Rule 6730(d)(2)(A) and would continue to require members to report the total par value or principal value of the security.  Second, proposed FINRA Rule 6730(d)(2)(B)(i), (ii) and (iii) would restate current requirements regarding reporting size of other transactions in ABS as follows: in (B)(i), for a TBA transaction, a member would be required to report the original face value of the security; in (B)(ii), for a transaction in an amortizing ABS, other than a TBA transaction, a member would be required to report the original face value of the security and, if a member used a Factor to execute the transaction that was not the most current Factor publicly available at the Time of Execution, to report the Factor used, except if executed in an agency capacity and subject to the requirements of proposed FINRA Rule 6730(d)(2)(B)(iv) as described above; and in (B)(iii), for a transaction in a non-amortizing ABS, a member would be required to report the original face value of the security, except if executed in an agency capacity and subject to the requirements of proposed FINRA Rule 6730(d)(2)(B)(iv) as described above.</P>

        <P>FINRA will announce the effective date of the proposed rule change in a<E T="03">Regulatory Notice</E>to be published no later than 60 days following Commission approval.  The effective date will be no later than 270 days following publication of the<E T="03">Regulatory Notice</E>announcing Commission approval.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD3">2. Statutory Basis</HD>
        <P>FINRA believes that the proposed rule change is consistent with the provisions of Section 15A(b)(6) of the Act,<SU>12</SU>
          <FTREF/>which requires, among other things, that FINRA rules must be designed to prevent fraudulent and manipulative acts and practices, to promote just and equitable principles of trade, and, in general, to protect investors and the public interest.  FINRA believes that the proposed rule change will ensure the accuracy of the price transparency provided by TRACE by requiring members that are party to an ABS transaction (except a TBA transaction) to report the Factor in the limited instances when the transaction is executed in agency capacity with a commission charged.  FINRA believes the tailored reporting requirement is appropriate given that only approximately one percent of all ABS transactions are executed in agency capacity with a commission charged.  FINRA believes that the price transparency provided by TRACE assists all market participants in determining the quality of their executions and member firms in complying with their regulatory obligations, including best execution obligations.  In addition, accurate price transparency may have a positive impact on the quality of pricing for valuation purposes.</P>
        <FTNT>
          <P>
            <SU>12</SU>15 U.S.C. 78<E T="03">o</E>-3(b)(6).</P>
        </FTNT>
        <HD SOURCE="HD2">B.  Self-Regulatory Organization's Statement on Burden on Competition</HD>
        <P>FINRA does not believe that the proposed rule change will result in any burden on competition that is not necessary or appropriate in furtherance of the purposes of the Act.  FINRA believes that the proposed rule change will ensure the accuracy of the price transparency provided by TRACE by requiring members that are party to an ABS transaction (except a TBA transaction) to report the Factor in the limited instances when a transaction is executed in agency capacity with a commission charged.  FINRA believes the reporting requirement is appropriately tailored to minimize the burden and cost of complying with the rule in that the proposed requirement will apply only to approximately one percent of all ABS transactions.  In addition, the proposed reporting requirement applies equally to any member that executes such transactions.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD2">C. Self-Regulatory Organization's Statement on Comments on the Proposed Rule Change Received From Members, Participants, or Others</HD>
        <P>Written comments were neither solicited nor received.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">III. Date of Effectiveness of the Proposed Rule Change and Timing for Commission Action</HD>

        <P>Within 45 days of the date of publication of this notice in the<E T="04">Federal Register</E>or within such longer period (i) as the Commission may designate up to 90 days of such date if it finds such longer period to be appropriate and publishes its reasons for so finding or (ii) as to which the self-regulatory organization consents, the Commission will:</P>
        <P>(A)  By order approve or disapprove such proposed rule change, or</P>
        <P>(B)  institute proceedings to determine whether the proposed rule change should be disapproved.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">IV.   Solicitation of Comments</HD>
        <P>Interested persons are invited to submit written data, views, and arguments concerning the foregoing, including whether the proposed rule change is consistent with the Act.  Comments may be submitted by any of the following methods:</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD2">Electronic Comments</HD>
        <P>• Use the Commission's Internet comment form (<E T="03">http://www.sec.gov/rules/sro.shtml</E>); or</P>
        <P>• Send an email to<E T="03">rule-comments@sec.gov.</E>Please include File Number SR-FINRA-2012-052 on the subject line.<PRTPAGE P="74898"/>
        </P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD2">Paper Comments</HD>
        <P>• Send paper comments in triplicate to Elizabeth M. Murphy, Secretary, Securities and Exchange Commission, 100 F Street NE., Washington, DC  20549-1090.</P>

        <P>All submissions should refer to File Number SR-FINRA-2012-052.  This file number should be included on the subject line if email is used.  To help the Commission process and review your comments more efficiently, please use only one method.  The Commission will post all comments on the Commission's Internet Web site (<E T="03">http://www.sec.gov/rules/sro.shtml</E>).  Copies of the submission, all subsequent amendments, all written statements with respect to the proposed rule change that are filed with the Commission, and all written communications relating to the proposed rule change between the Commission and any person, other than those that may be withheld from the public in accordance with the provisions of 5 U.S.C. 552, will be available for Web site viewing and printing in the Commission's Public Reference Room, 100 F Street NE., Washington, DC 20549, on official business days between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.  Copies of the filing also will be available for inspection and copying at the principal office of FINRA.  All comments received will be posted without change; the Commission does not edit personal identifying information from submissions.  You should submit only information that you wish to make available publicly.  All submissions should refer to File Number SR-FINRA-2012-052 and should be submitted on or before January 8, 2013.</P>
        <SIG>
          <P>For the Commission, by the Division of Trading and Markets, pursuant to delegated authority.</P>
          <NAME>Kevin M. O'Neill,</NAME>
          <TITLE>Deputy Secretary.</TITLE>
        </SIG>
      </PREAMB>
      <FRDOC>[FR Doc. 2012-30378 Filed 12-17-12; 8:45 a.m.]</FRDOC>
      <BILCOD>BILLING CODE  8011-01-P</BILCOD>
    </NOTICE>
    <NOTICE>
      <PREAMB>
        <AGENCY TYPE="S">SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION</AGENCY>
        <DEPDOC>[Release No. 34-68413; File No. SR-ISE-2012-91]</DEPDOC>
        <SUBJECT>Self-Regulatory Organizations; International Securities Exchange, LLC; Notice of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of Proposed Rule Change To Amend the Schedule of Fees</SUBJECT>
        <DATE>December 12, 2012.</DATE>
        <P>Pursuant to Section 19(b)(1) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Act”),<SU>1</SU>
          <FTREF/>and Rule 19b-4 thereunder,<SU>2</SU>
          <FTREF/>notice is hereby given that on December 3, 2012, the International Securities Exchange, LLC (the “Exchange” or the “ISE”) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission the proposed rule change, as described in Items I, II, and III below, which items have been prepared by the self-regulatory organization. The Commission is publishing this notice to solicit comments on the proposed rule change from interested persons.</P>
        <FTNT>
          <P>
            <SU>1</SU>15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(1).</P>
        </FTNT>
        <FTNT>
          <P>
            <SU>2</SU>17 CFR 240.19b-4.</P>
        </FTNT>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">I. Self-Regulatory Organization's Statement of the Terms of Substance of the Proposed Rule Change</HD>

        <P>The ISE proposes to amend its Schedule of Fees. The text of the proposed rule change is available on the Exchange's Web site (<E T="03">http://www.ise.com</E>), at the principal office of the Exchange, and at the Commission's Public Reference Room.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD1">II. Self-Regulatory Organization's Statement of the Purpose of, and Statutory Basis for, the Proposed Rule Change</HD>
        <P>In its filing with the Commission, the self-regulatory organization included statements concerning the purpose of, and basis for, the proposed rule change and discussed any comments it received on the proposed rule change. The text of these statements may be examined at the places specified in Item IV below. The self-regulatory organization has prepared summaries, set forth in sections A, B and C below, of the most significant aspects of such statements.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD2">A. Self-Regulatory Organization's Statement of the Purpose of, and the Statutory Basis for, the Proposed Rule Change</HD>
        <HD SOURCE="HD3">1. Purpose</HD>
        <P>The Exchange currently assesses per contract transaction fees and provides rebates to market participants that add or remove liquidity from the Exchange (“maker/taker fees and rebates”) in 155 options classes (the “Select Symbols”).<SU>3</SU>
          <FTREF/>The Exchange's maker/taker fees and rebates are applicable to regular and complex orders executed in the Select Symbols. The Exchange also currently assesses maker/taker fees and rebates for complex orders in symbols that are in the Penny Pilot program but are not a Select Symbol (“Non-Select Penny Pilot Symbols”)<SU>4</SU>
          <FTREF/>and in all symbols that are not in the Penny Pilot Program (“Non-Penny Pilot Symbols”).<SU>5</SU>
          <FTREF/>
        </P>
        <FTNT>
          <P>
            <SU>3</SU>Options classes subject to maker/taker fees and rebates are identified by their ticker symbol on the Exchange's Schedule of Fees.</P>
        </FTNT>
        <FTNT>
          <P>
            <SU>4</SU>
            <E T="03">See</E>Exchange Act Release Nos. 65724 (November 10, 2011), 76 FR 71413 (November 17, 2011) (SR-ISE-2011-72); 66597 (March 14, 2012), 77 FR 16295 (March 20, 2012) (SR-ISE-2012-17); 66961 (May 10, 2012), 77 FR 28914 (May 16, 2012) (SR-ISE-2012-38); and 67628 (August 9, 2012), 77 FR 49049 (August 15, 2012) (SR-ISE-2012-71).</P>
        </FTNT>
        <FTNT>
          <P>
            <SU>5</SU>
            <E T="03">See</E>Exchange Act Release Nos. 66084 (January 3, 2012), 77 FR 1103 (January 9, 2012) (SR-ISE-2011-84); 66392 (February 14, 2012), 77 FR 10016 (February 21, 2012) (SR-ISE-2012-06); 66962 (May 10, 2012), 77 FR 28917 (May 16, 2012) (SR-ISE-2012-35); 67400 (July 11, 2012), 77 FR 42036 (July 17, 2012) (SR-ISE- 2012-63) and 67628 (August 9, 2012), 77 FR 49049 (August 15, 2012) (SR-ISE-2012-71).</P>
        </FTNT>

        <P>The purpose of this proposed rule change is to amend the list of Select Symbols. Specifically, the Exchange proposes to add the following 35 symbols to the list of Select Symbols: American Capital Ltd. (”ACAS”), Adobe Systems Inc. (“ADBE”), AK Steel Holding Corp. (“AKS”), Applied Materials Inc. (“AMAT”), Brocade Communications Systems (“BRCD”), Boston Scientific Corp. (“BSX”), CSX Corp. (“CSX”), Delcath Systems Inc. (“DCTH”), iShares Japan Index ETF (“EWJ”), iShares MSCI Taiwan Index Fund (“EWT”), iShares MSCI South Korea Index Fund (“EWY”), Fidelity National Information Services Inc. (“FIS”), General Mills Inc. (“GIS”), Genworth Financial Inc. (“GNW”), Garmin Ltd. (“GRMN”), Huntington Bancshares Inc. (“HBAN”), Honeywell International Inc. (“HON”), Hershey Co. (“HSY”), Lowe's Companies Inc. (“LOW”), MetLife Inc. (“MET”), Nabors Industries Ltd. (“NBR”), ProShares Ultra QQQ (“QLD”), Regions Financial Corp. (“RF”), Rambus Inc. (“RMBS”), RadioShack Corp. (“RSH”), Savient Pharmaceuticals Inc. (“SVNT”), Teck Resources Limited (“TCK”), TiVo Inc. (“TIVO”), Trina Solar Ltd. (“TSL”), Tesoro Corp. (“TSO”), Texas Instruments Inc. (“TXN”), PowerShares DB US Dollar Bullish Fund (“UUP”), MEMC Electronic Materials (“WFR”), Whirlpool Corp. (“WHR”) and Health Care Select Sector SPDR Fund (“XLV”) (“Additional Select Symbols”).<PRTPAGE P="74899"/>
        </P>
        <P>With the addition of the Additional Select Symbols to Select Symbols, the fees currently applicable to regular and complex orders in the Select Symbols will now be applied to regular and complex orders in the Additional Select Symbols.</P>
        <HD SOURCE="HD3">Regular Order Fees and Rebates</HD>
        <P>The Exchange currently applies transaction fees to regular orders in the Additional Select Symbols, as follows:<SU>6</SU>
          <FTREF/>
        </P>
        <FTNT>
          <P>

            <SU>6</SU>Additional Select Symbols are currently subject to the standard transaction fee listed in the table titled Non-Select Symbols.<E T="03">See</E>Schedule of Fees, Section I, Regular Order Fees and Rebates.</P>
        </FTNT>
        <P>For Market Maker<SU>7</SU>
          <FTREF/>orders, a fee of $0.18 per contract;<SU>8</SU>
          <FTREF/>
        </P>
        <FTNT>
          <P>

            <SU>7</SU>The term “Market Makers” refers to “Competitive Market Makers” and “Primary Market Makers” collectively.<E T="03">See</E>ISE Rule 100(a)(25).</P>
        </FTNT>
        <FTNT>
          <P>

            <SU>8</SU>The Exchange provides a volume-based discount to fees to ISE Market Maker contracts for regular orders in Non-Select Symbols.<E T="03">See</E>Schedule of Fees, Section IV, C. ISE Market Maker Discount Tiers.</P>
        </FTNT>
        <P>For Market Maker (for orders sent by Electronic Access Members), Firm Proprietary/Broker-Dealer and Professional Customer<SU>9</SU>
          <FTREF/>orders, a fee of $0.20 per contract;</P>
        <FTNT>
          <P>
            <SU>9</SU>A Professional Customer is a person who is not a broker/dealer and is not a Priority Customer.</P>
        </FTNT>
        <P>For Non-ISE Market Maker<SU>10</SU>
          <FTREF/>orders, a fee of $0.45 per contract;</P>
        <FTNT>
          <P>
            <SU>10</SU>A Non-ISE Market Maker, or Far Away Market Maker (“FARMM”), is a market maker as defined in Section 3(a)(38) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 registered in the same options class on another options exchange.</P>
        </FTNT>
        <P>For Priority Customer<SU>11</SU>
          <FTREF/>orders, a fee of $0.00 per contract.</P>
        <FTNT>
          <P>
            <SU>11</SU>A Priority Customer is defined in ISE Rule 100(a)(37A) as a person or entity that is not a broker/dealer in securities, and does not place more than 390 orders in listed options per day on average during a calendar month for its own beneficial account(s).</P>
        </FTNT>
        <P>The Exchange currently charges a fee of $0.20 per contract to all market participants (except for Market Makers, this fee is currently $0.18 per contract,<SU>12</SU>
          <FTREF/>and for Priority Customers, this fee is $0.00 per contract) for regular Crossing Orders in the Non-Select Penny Pilot Symbols (this fee currently applies to the Additional Select Symbols as they are a subset of Non-Select Penny Pilot Symbols). The Exchange also currently charges a fee of $0.20 per contract to all market participants (except for Non-ISE Market Makers, this fee is currently $0.45 per contract, and for Market Makers, this fee is $0.18 per contract<SU>13</SU>
          <FTREF/>) for regular Responses to Crossing Orders in the Non-Select Penny Pilot Symbols (this fee currently applies to the Additional Select Symbols as they are a subset of Non-Select Penny Pilot Symbols).</P>
        <FTNT>
          <P>

            <SU>12</SU>The volume-based discount to fees to ISE Market Maker contracts also applies to regular Crossing Orders.<E T="03">See</E>supra, note 8.</P>
        </FTNT>
        <FTNT>
          <P>

            <SU>13</SU>The volume-based discount to fees to ISE Market Maker contracts also applies to regular Responses to Crossing Orders.<E T="03">See</E>supra, note 8.</P>
        </FTNT>
        <P>With this proposed rule change, the Additional Select Symbols will now be subject to the maker/taker fees and rebates applicable to Regular orders in the Select Symbols.<SU>14</SU>
          <FTREF/>The Exchange currently charges the following maker fees and rebates for Select Symbols: (i) For Market Maker, Non-ISE Market Maker, Firm Proprietary/Broker-Dealer and Professional Customer orders, $0.10 per contract; (ii) for Priority Customer orders, $0.00 per contract; and (iii) for Market Maker Plus<SU>15</SU>
          <FTREF/>orders, a rebate of $0.10 per contract. The Exchange also currently charges the following taker fees for Select Symbols: (i) For Market Maker and Market Maker Plus orders, $0.32 per contract; (ii) for Non-ISE Market Maker orders, $0.36 per contract; (iii) for Firm Proprietary/Broker-Dealer and Professional Customer orders, $0.33 per contract; and (iv) for Priority Customer orders, $0.25 per contract.</P>
        <FTNT>
          <P>
            <SU>14</SU>
            <E T="03">See</E>Schedule of Fees, Section I, Regular Order Fees and Rebates.</P>
        </FTNT>
        <FTNT>
          <P>
            <SU>15</SU>In order to promote and encourage liquidity in the Select Symbols, the Exchange currently offers a $0.10 per contract rebate to Market Makers if the quotes they sent to the Exchange qualify the Market Maker to become a Market Maker Plus.</P>
          <P>A Market Maker Plus is a Market Maker who is on the National Best Bid or National Best Offer 80% of the time for series trading between $0.03 and $5.00 (for options whose underlying stock's previous trading day's last sale price was less than or equal to $100) and between $0.10 and $5.00 (for options whose underlying stock's previous trading day's last sale price was greater than $100) in premium in each of the front two expiration months and 80% of the time for series trading between $0.03 and $5.00 (for options whose underlying stock's previous trading day's last sale price was less than or equal to $100) and between $0.10 and $5.00 (for options whose underlying stock's previous trading day's last sale price was greater than $100) in premium for all expiration months in that symbol during the current trading month. A Market Maker's single best and single worst overall quoting days each month, on a per symbol basis, is excluded in calculating whether a Market Maker qualifies for this rebate, if doing so will qualify a Market Maker for the rebate.</P>
        </FTNT>
        <P>The Exchange currently charges Market Maker, Non-ISE Market Maker, Firm Proprietary/Broker-Dealer and Professional Customers a fee of $0.20 per contract ($0.00 per contract for Priority Customers) for regular Crossing Orders in the Select Symbols, and a fee of $0.40 per contract to all market participants for regular Responses to Crossing Orders in the Select Symbols. With this proposed rule change, the fee for regular Crossing Orders in the Additional Select Symbols will remain at $0.20 per contract for most market participants. For Priority Customers, this fee will remain at $0.00 per contract, and for Market Makers, this fee will increase, from $0.18 per contract<SU>16</SU>
          <FTREF/>to $0.20 per contract. With this proposed rule change, the fee for regular Responses to Crossing Orders will increase for most market participants, from $0.20 per contract to $0.40 per contract, with the exception of Non-ISE Market Makers who will now pay a lower fee of $0.40 per contract as opposed to $0.45 per contract.</P>
        <FTNT>
          <P>

            <SU>16</SU>The volume-based discount to fees to ISE Market Maker contracts also applies.<E T="03">See</E>supra, note 8.</P>
        </FTNT>
        <P>The Exchange also currently provides a rebate of $0.25 per contract for contracts that are submitted to the Price Improvement Mechanism that do not trade with their contra order in the Select Symbols, and a rebate of $0.15 per contract for contracts that are submitted to the Facilitation and Solicited Order Mechanisms that do not trade with their contra order in the Select Symbols except when those contracts trade against pre-existing orders and quotes on the Exchange's orderbooks. With this proposed rule change, market participants trading in the Additional Select Symbols will now be eligible for rebates that were not previously available for this group of symbols. Specifically, market participants will now receive a rebate of $0.25 per contract for contracts that are submitted to the Price Improvement Mechanism that do not trade with their contra order in the Additional Select Symbols. Further, market participants will now also receive a rebate of $0.15 per contract for contracts that are submitted to the Facilitation and Solicited Order Mechanisms that do not trade with their contra order in the Additional Select Symbols except when those contracts trade against pre-existing orders and quotes on the Exchange's orderbooks.</P>
        <P>Further, the Exchange currently charges Primary Market Makers (PMMs) a transaction fee of $0.18 per contract<SU>17</SU>
          <FTREF/>in the Additional Select Symbols when they trade report a Priority Customer or Professional Customer order in accordance with their obligation to provide away market price protection. PMMs in Select Symbols do not receive a maker rebate nor pay a taker fee when trading reporting.<SU>18</SU>
          <FTREF/>With this proposed rule change, PMMs in the Additional Select Symbols will also not receive a maker rebate nor pay a taker fee when trade reporting.</P>
        <FTNT>
          <P>

            <SU>17</SU>The volume-based discount to fees to ISE Market Maker contracts also applies.<E T="03">See</E>supra, note 8.</P>
        </FTNT>
        <FTNT>
          <P>
            <SU>18</SU>
            <E T="03">See</E>Schedule of Fees, Section I, Regular Order Fees and Rebates, footnote 9.</P>
        </FTNT>
        <PRTPAGE P="74900"/>
        <HD SOURCE="HD3">Complex Order Fees and Rebates</HD>
        <P>With this proposed rule change, the maker fee for complex orders in the Additional Select Symbols will remain unchanged because the Exchange currently charges the same maker fee for complex orders in Select Symbols and Penny Pilot Symbols.<SU>19</SU>
          <FTREF/>Specifically, for Select Symbols and Penny Pilot Symbols, the Exchange currently charges a complex order maker fee of: (i) $0.10 per contract for Market Maker, Firm Proprietary/Broker-Dealer and Professional Customer orders; (ii) $0.20 per contract for Non-ISE Market Maker orders; and (iii) $0.00 per contract for Priority Customer orders.</P>
        <FTNT>
          <P>

            <SU>19</SU>Additional Select Symbols are currently subject to the fee listed in the column titled Maker Fee for Select Symbols and Penny Pilot Symbols.<E T="03">See</E>Schedule of Fees, Section II, Complex Order Fees and Rebates.</P>
        </FTNT>
        <P>With this proposed rule change, the maker fee for complex orders in the Additional Select Symbols when trading against Priority Customers will also remain unchanged because, once again, the Exchange currently charges the same maker fee for complex orders in Select Symbols when trading against Priority Customers (excluding SPY) and Non-Select Penny Pilot Symbols when trading against Priority Customers.<SU>20</SU>
          <FTREF/>Specifically, for complex orders in Select Symbols when trading against Priority Customer (excluding SPY) and Non-Select Penny Pilot Symbols when trading against Priority Customers complex orders, the Exchange currently charges a maker fee of: (i) $0.37 per contract for Market Maker orders; (ii) $0.39 per contract for Non-ISE Market Maker, Firm Proprietary/Broker-Dealer and Professional Customer orders; and (iii) $0.00 per contract for Priority Customer orders.</P>
        <FTNT>
          <P>

            <SU>20</SU>Additional Select Symbols are currently subject to the fee listed in the column titled Maker Fee for Non-Select Penny Pilot Symbols when trading against Priority Customer.<E T="03">See</E>Schedule of Fees, Section II, Complex Order Fees and Rebates.</P>
        </FTNT>
        <P>With this proposed rule change, the taker fee for complex orders in the Additional Select Symbols will remain unchanged because the Exchange currently charges the same taker fee for complex orders in Select Symbols and Non-Select Penny Pilot Symbols.<SU>21</SU>
          <FTREF/>Specifically, for complex orders in Select Symbols (excluding SPY) and Non-Select Penny Pilot Symbols, the Exchange currently charges a taker fee of: i) $0.37 per contract for Market Maker orders; ii) $0.39 per contract for Non-ISE Market Maker, Firm Proprietary/Broker-Dealer and Professional Customer orders; and iii) $0.00 per contract for Priority Customer orders.</P>
        <FTNT>
          <P>

            <SU>21</SU>Additional Select Symbols are currently subject to the fee listed in the column titled Taker Fee for Non-Select Penny Pilot Symbols.<E T="03">See</E>Schedule of Fees, Section II, Complex Order Fees and Rebates.</P>
        </FTNT>
        <P>With this proposed rule change, the Fee for Crossing Orders when trading complex orders in the Additional Select Symbols will remain unchanged because the Exchange currently charges $0.20 per contract (for largest leg only) for complex Crossing Orders in all symbols, except for Priority Customers who are currently charged $0.00 per contract. Further, the Fee for Responses to Crossing Orders when trading complex orders will also remain unchanged because the Exchange currently charges $0.40 per contract for Responses to Crossing Orders when trading complex orders in Select Symbols and Penny Pilot Symbols.<SU>22</SU>
          <FTREF/>
        </P>
        <FTNT>
          <P>

            <SU>22</SU>Additional Select Symbols are currently subject to the fee listed in the column titled Fee for Responses to Crossing Orders for Select Symbols and Penny Pilot Symbols.<E T="03">See</E>Schedule of Fees, Section II, Complex Order Fees and Rebates.</P>
        </FTNT>
        <P>With this proposed rule change, the rebate levels payable for Priority Customer complex orders in the Additional Select Symbols will increase because the rebate levels payable for Priority Customer complex orders in the Select Symbols are higher than the rebate levels currently payable for Priority Customer complex orders in Non-Select Penny Pilot Symbols, as described below.</P>
        <P>For the Additional Select Symbols, the Exchange currently provides a base rebate of $0.33 per contract, per leg, for Priority Customer complex orders when these orders trade with non-Priority Customer complex orders in the complex order book.<SU>23</SU>
          <FTREF/>Additionally, Members who achieve a certain level of average daily volume (ADV) of executed Priority Customer complex order contracts across all symbols during a calendar month are provided a rebate of $0.34 per contract, per leg, in these symbols, if a Member achieves an ADV of 40,000 Priority Customer complex order contracts; $0.36 per contract, per leg, in these symbols, if a Member achieves an ADV of 75,000 Priority Customer complex order contracts; $0.37 per contract, per leg, in these symbols, if a Member achieves an ADV of 125,000 Priority Customer complex order contracts; and $0.38 per contract, per leg, in these symbols, if a Member achieves an ADV of 225,000 Priority Customer complex order contracts. The highest rebate amount achieved by the Member for the current calendar month applies retroactively to all Priority Customer complex order contracts that trade with non-Priority Customer complex orders in the complex order book executed by the Member during such calendar month.</P>
        <FTNT>
          <P>

            <SU>23</SU>Additional Select Symbols are currently subject to the rebate listed in the column titled Rebate for non-Select Penny Pilot Symbols.<E T="03">See</E>Schedule of Fees, Section II, Complex Order Fees and Rebates.</P>
        </FTNT>
        <P>For Select Symbols (excluding SPY), the Exchange currently provides a base rebate of $0.34 per contract, per leg, for Priority Customer complex orders when these orders trade with non-Priority Customer complex orders in the complex order book. Additionally, Members who achieve a certain level of average daily volume (ADV) of executed Priority Customer complex order contracts across all symbols during a calendar month are provided a rebate of $0.36 per contract, per leg, in these symbols, if a Member achieves an ADV of 40,000 Priority Customer complex order contracts; $0.37 per contract, per leg, in these symbols, if a Member achieves an ADV of 75,000 Priority Customer complex order contracts; $0.38 per contract, per leg, in these symbols, if a Member achieves an ADV of 125,000 Priority Customer complex order contracts; and $0.39 per contract, per leg, in these symbols, if a Member achieves an ADV of 225,000 Priority Customer complex order contracts. The highest rebate amount achieved by the Member for the current calendar month applies retroactively to all Priority Customer complex order contracts that trade with non-Priority Customer complex orders in the complex order book executed by the Member during such calendar month. With this proposed rule change, the increased rebate levels currently payable for Priority Customer complex orders in Select Symbols will now apply to Priority Customer complex orders in the Additional Select Symbols.</P>
        <P>Additionally, the Exchange currently provides Market Makers with a two-cent discount when trading against Priority Customer orders that are preferenced to them. This discount is applicable when Market Makers add or remove liquidity in, among other symbols, Select Symbols and Non-Select Penny Pilot Symbols. The Additional Select Symbols are currently a part of the Non-Select Penny Pilot Symbols and therefore the two-cent discount currently applies to these symbols and will continue to apply to these symbols when they become Select Symbols.</P>

        <P>Further, the Exchange currently provides a $0.20 per contract fee credit to PMMs for execution of Priority Customer orders in the Non-Select Penny Pilot Symbols—for classes in which it serves as a PMM—that send an Intermark