Unified Regulatory Agenda

AGENCY:

Office of the Secretary, Interior.

ACTION:

Unified regulatory agenda.

SUMMARY:

This notice provides the unified agenda of rules scheduled for review or development between spring 2016 and spring 2017. The Regulatory Flexibility Act and Executive Order 12866 require publication of the agenda.

ADDRESSES:

Unless otherwise indicated, all agency contacts are located at the Department of the Interior, 1849 C Street NW., Washington, DC 20240.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Direct all comments and inquiries to the appropriate agency contact. Direct general comments relating to the agenda to the Office of Executive Secretariat and Regulatory Affairs, Department of the Interior, at the address above or at 202-208-5257.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

With this publication, the Department satisfies the requirement of Executive Order 12866 that the Department publish an agenda of rules that we have issued or expect to issue and of currently effective rules that we have scheduled for review.

Simultaneously, the Department meets the requirement of the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.) to publish an agenda in April and October of each year identifying rules that will have significant economic effects on a substantial number of small entities. We have specifically identified in the agenda rules that will have these effects.

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR (DOI)

Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE)

Proposed Rule Stage

170. Cost Recovery Adjustment

Legal Authority: 31 U.S.C. 9701

Abstract: This rule would update 31 cost recovery fees to allow the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement to recover the full costs of the services it provides to the oil and gas industry. It complies with the Independent Office Appropriations Act of 1952 which established that government services should be self-sustaining to the extent possible. Rulemaking is the only method available to update these fees and comply with the intent of Congress to recover government costs when a special benefit is bestowed on an identifiable recipient. The practice of cost recovery is well-established and this rulemaking is not expected to be controversial.

Timetable:

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.

Agency Contact: Kimberly Monaco, Department of the Interior, Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement, 1849 C Street NW., Washington, DC 20240, Phone: 703 787-1658.

RIN: 1014-AA31

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR (DOI)

Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE)

Final Rule Stage

171. Production Safety Systems and Lifecycle Analysis

Legal Authority: 31 U.S.C. 9701; 43 U.S.C. 1334

Abstract: The Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) will amend and update the regulations regarding offshore oil and natural gas production. It will address issues such as production safety systems, subsurface safety devices, and safety device testing. BSEE has expanded the rule to differentiate the requirements for operating dry tree and wet tree production systems on the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS). This rule will also expand use of life cycle analysis of critical equipment.

Timetable:

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.

Agency Contact: Lakeisha Harrison, Chief, Regulations and Standards Branch, Department of the Interior, Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement, 45600 Woodland Road, Sterling, VA 20166, Phone: 703 787-1552, Fax: 703 787-1555, Email: lakeisha.harrison@bsee.gov.

RIN: 1014-AA10

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR (DOI)

Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE)

Completed Actions

172. Blowout Prevention Systems and Well Control

Legal Authority: 30 U.S.C. 1751; 31 U.S.C. 9701; 43 U.S.C. 1334

Abstract: The Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) will amend and update regulations regarding offshore oil and natural gas production. This final rule will upgrade regulations related to the design, manufacture, and repair of blowout preventers (BOPs) in response to numerous recommendations. In addition to BOPs, the final rule will address well design, well control, safe drilling margins, casing, cementing, real-time monitoring, and subsea containment. The final rule will address many of the issues raised following the Deepwater Horizon incident and from experts through a public forum held May 22, 2012.

Completed:

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.

Agency Contact: Lakeisha Harrison, Phone: 703 787-1552, Fax: 703 787-1555, Email: lakeisha.harrison@bsee.gov.

RIN: 1014-AA11

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR (DOI)

United States Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS)

Proposed Rule Stage

173. Migratory Bird Permits; Incidental Take of Migratory Birds

Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 703 to 712; 42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.

Abstract: We are preparing a programmatic environmental impact statement (PEIS) pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 to 4347; NEPA) to evaluate the potential environmental impacts of a proposal to authorize incidental take of migratory birds under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (16 U.S.C. 703 to 711). In drafting the PEIS, we invited input from other Federal and State agencies, tribes, nongovernmental organizations, and members of the public on the scope of the proposed NEPA analysis, the pertinent issues we should address, and alternatives to our proposed approach for authorizing incidental take. Based on this PEIS, we propose to establish regulations to govern the incidental take of migratory birds from activities under which migratory birds are killed incidental to otherwise lawful activities. These proposed regulations will establish rules for individual permits and programmatic agreements with Federal agencies and will establish the basis for future rulemaking for general authorizations for incidental take of migratory birds.

Timetable:

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.

Agency Contact: Stephen Earsom, Biologist-Pilot, Regions 4 & 5 Aviation Manager, Department of the Interior, United States Fish and Wildlife Service, Phone: 301 980-8711, Email: stephen_earsom@fws.gov.

RIN: 1018-BA69

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR (DOI)

United States Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS)

Final Rule Stage

174. National Wildlife Refuge System; Management of Non-Federal Oil and Gas Rights

Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 668dd to ee; 42 U.S.C. 7401 et seq.; 16 U.S.C. 1131 to 1136; 40 CFR 51.300 to 51.309

Abstract: We anticipate publishing regulations that ensure that all operators conducting oil or gas operations within a National Wildlife Refuge System unit do so in a manner that prevents or minimizes damage to National Wildlife Refuge System resources, visitor values, and management objectives. These regulations will not result in a taking of a property interest, but rather to impose reasonable controls on operations that affect federally owned or controlled lands, and/or waters.

Timetable:

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.

Agency Contact: Brian Salem, Conservation Policy Analyst, Department of the Interior, United States Fish and Wildlife Service, 5275 Leesburg Pike, MS: NWRS, Falls Church, VA 22041-3808, Phone: 703 358-2397, Email: brian_salem@fws.gov.

Scott Covington, Refuge Energy Program Coordinator, Department of the Interior, United States Fish and Wildlife Service, National Wildlife Refuge System, 5275 Leesburg Pike, MS: NWRS, Falls Church, VA 22041-3808, Phone: 703 358-2427, Email: scott_covington@fws.gov.

RIN: 1018-AX36

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR (DOI)

National Park Service (NPS)

Final Rule Stage

175. Non-Federal Oil and Gas Rights

Legal Authority: 54 U.S.C. 100101; 54 U.S.C. 100301; 54 U.S.C. 100302; 54 U.S.C. 100731; 54 U.S.C. 100732

Abstract: This rule would update National Park Service (NPS) regulations governing the exercise of non-Federal oil and gas rights within NPS unit boundaries. It would accommodate new technology and industry practices, eliminate regulatory exemptions, update requirements, remove caps on bond amounts, and allow NPS to recover administrative costs. The changes make the regulations more effective and efficient and maintain the highest level of protection compatible with park resources and values.

Timetable:

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.

Agency Contact: Ed Kassman, Regulatory Specialist, Department of the Interior, National Park Service, 12795 West Alameda Parkway, Lakewood, CA 80225, Phone: 303 969-2146, Email: edward_kassman@nps.gov.

RIN: 1024-AD78

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR (DOI)

Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA)

Final Rule Stage

176. • Title Evidence for Trust Land Acquisitions (Section 610 Review)

Legal Authority: 5 U.S.C. 301; 25 U.S.C. 2; 25 U.S.C. 9

Abstract: This rule would delete the requirement for applicants to furnish title evidence that meets the Standards for the Preparation of Title Evidence in Land Acquisitions by the United States issued by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), and replace the requirement with a less onerous, more targeted requirement for title evidence. The DOJ standards are intended for acquisitions of Federal land, not for acquisitions of land in trust or restricted status for Indian Tribes or individuals.

Timetable:

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No.

Agency Contact: Elizabeth Appel, Director, Office of Regulatory Affairs, Department of the Interior, 1849 C Street NW., Washington, DC 20240, Phone: 202 273-4680, Email: elizabeth.appel@bia.gov.

RIN: 1076-AF28

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR (DOI)

Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSMRE)

Final Rule Stage

177. Stream Protection Rule

Legal Authority: 30 U.S.C. 1201 et seq.

Abstract: On August 12, 2009, the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia denied the Government's request that the court vacate and remand the Excess Spoil/Stream Buffer Zone rule published on December 12, 2008. Therefore, the Department intends to initiate notice and comment rulemaking to address issues arising from previous rulemakings. The Agency also intends to prepare a new environmental impact statement.

Timetable:

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.

Agency Contact: Dennis Rice, Regulatory Analyst, Department of the Interior, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement, 1951 Constitution Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20240, Phone: 202 208-2829, Email: drice@osmre.gov.

RIN: 1029-AC63

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR (DOI)

Bureau of Land Management (BLM)

Final Rule Stage

178. Waste Prevention, Production Subject to Royalties, and Resource Conservation

Legal Authority: 25 U.S.C. 396d; 25 U.S.C. 2107; 30 U.S.C. 189; 30 U.S.C. 306; 30 U.S.C. 359; 30 U.S.C. 1751; 43 U.S.C. 1732(b); 43 U.S.C. 1733; 43 U.S.C. 1740

Abstract: The rule would update decades-old standards to reduce wasteful venting, flaring, and leaks of natural gas from onshore wells located on Federal and Indian oil and gas leases. The proposed standards would establish requirements and incentives to reduce waste of gas and clarify when royalties apply to lost gas. This action will enhance our energy security and economy by boosting America's natural gas supplies, ensuring that taxpayers receive the royalties due to them from development of public resources, and reducing emissions.

Timetable:

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.

Agency Contact: Steven Wells, Division Chief, Fluid Minerals Division, Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management, Room 2134 LM, 20 M Street SE., Washington, DC 20003, Phone: 202 912-7143, Fax: 202 912-7194, Email: s1wells@blm.gov.

RIN: 1004-AE14

179. Onshore Oil and Gas Order 4: Oil Measurement

Legal Authority: 25 U.S.C. 396(d); 25 U.S.C. 2107; 30 U.S.C. 189; 30 U.S.C. 306; 30 U.S.C. 359; 30 U.S.C. 1751; 43 U.S.C. 1732(b); 43 U.S.C. 1733; 43 U.S.C. 1740

Abstract: Onshore Order 4 establishes minimum standards to ensure liquid hydrocarbons are accurately measured and reported. This Order was last updated in 1989, and since then changes in technology have allowed for more accurate fluid measurement. This order will incorporate current industry standards and allow for the use of new technology.

Timetable:

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.

Agency Contact: Steven Wells, Division Chief, Fluid Minerals Division, Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management, Room 2134 LM, 20 M Street SE., Washington, DC 20003, Phone: 202 912-7143, Fax: 202 912-7194, Email: s1wells@blm.gov.

RIN: 1004-AE16