Security Zone; Port of New York, Moving Security Zone; Canadian Naval Vessels

Federal Register, Volume 81 Issue 92 (Thursday, May 12, 2016)

Federal Register Volume 81, Number 92 (Thursday, May 12, 2016)

Rules and Regulations

Pages 29496-29498

From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov

FR Doc No: 2016-11251

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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Coast Guard

33 CFR Part 165

Docket Number USCG-2016-0215

RIN 1625-AA87

Security Zone; Port of New York, Moving Security Zone; Canadian Naval Vessels

AGENCY: Coast Guard, DHS.

ACTION: Temporary final rule.

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SUMMARY: The Coast Guard is establishing a temporary moving security zone around all Canadian Naval Ships in the New York Harbor, New York, NY. The moving security zone will extend 100 yards on all sides of the ships. The security zone is needed to protect the vessels and their respective crews from potential security threats. Entry of vessels or persons into this zone is prohibited unless specifically authorized by the Captain of the Port New York.

DATES: This rule is effective from May 25, 2016 through May 31, 2016.

ADDRESSES: To view documents mentioned in this preamble as being available in the docket, go to http://www.regulations.gov, type USCG-

2016-0215 in the ``SEARCH'' box and click ``SEARCH.'' Click on Open Docket Folder on the line associated with this rule.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: If you have questions on this rule, call or email MST1 R. J. Sampert, Waterways Management Division, U.S. Coast Guard; telephone 718-354-4197, email ronald.j.sampert@uscg.mil.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

  1. Table of Abbreviations

    CFR Code of Federal Regulations

    DHS Department of Homeland Security

    FR Federal Register

    NPRM Notice of proposed rulemaking

    Sec. Section

    U.S.C. United States Code

  2. Background Information and Regulatory History

    The Coast Guard is issuing this temporary 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 NPRM with respect to this rule because the specifics associated with the entry and transit of the foreign naval vessels in the harbor were not received in time to publish an NPRM. Publishing an NPRM and delaying the effective date of this rule to await public comments would be impracticable and contrary to the public interest since it would inhibit the Coast Guard's ability to fulfill its statutory missions to protect and secure the ports and waterways of the United States.

    Under 5 U.S.C. 553(d)(3), the Coast Guard finds that good cause exists for making it effective less than 30 days after publication in the Federal Register. Delaying the effective date of this rule would be contrary to public interest because immediate action is

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    needed to respond to the potential security threats associated with having a foreign nation's Naval Vessels in U.S. Waters.

  3. Legal Authority and Need for Rule

    The Coast Guard is issuing this rule under the authority in 33 U.S.C. 1231. The Captain of the Port of New York (COTP) has determined that potential security risks associated with Canadian Naval Vessels in the Port of New York will be a security concern for vessels within a 100-yard radius of all Canadian Naval Vessels. This rule is needed to protect the vessels and their respective crew in the navigable waters within the security zone while the vessels are within New York Harbor.

  4. Discussion of the Rule

    This rule establishes a security zone from May 25, 2016 through May 31, 2016. The security zone will cover all navigable waters within 100 yards of all Canadian Naval Vessels. The duration of the zone is intended to protect the vessels and their respective crews in the navigable waters while in port and while transiting New York Harbor. No vessel or person will be permitted to enter the security zone without obtaining permission from the COTP or a designated representative.

  5. Regulatory Analyses

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

    1. Regulatory Planning and Review

      Executive Orders 12866 and 13563 direct agencies to assess the costs and benefits of available regulatory alternatives and, if regulation is necessary, to select regulatory approaches that maximize net benefits. Executive Order 13563 emphasizes the importance of quantifying both costs and benefits, of reducing costs, of harmonizing rules, and of promoting flexibility. This rule has not been designated a ``significant regulatory action,'' under Executive Order 12866. Accordingly, it has not been reviewed by the Office of Management and Budget.

      This regulatory action determination is based on the size, location, duration, and time-of-year of the safety zone. Vessel traffic will be able to safely transit around this security zone which will impact a small designated area of the Port of New York South side of Pier 92 for 7 days. Moreover, the Coast Guard will issue Broadcast Notice to Mariners via VHF-FM marine channel 16 about the zone and the rule allows vessels to seek permission to enter the zone.

    2. Impact on Small Entities

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

      While some owners or operators of vessels intending to transit the safety zone may be small entities, for the reasons stated in section V.A above, this rule will not have a significant economic impact on any vessel owner or operator.

      Under section 213(a) of the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act of 1996 (Pub. L. 104-121), we want to assist small entities in understanding this rule. If the rule would affect your small business, organization, or governmental jurisdiction and you have questions concerning its provisions or options for compliance, please contact the person listed in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section.

      Small businesses may send comments on the actions of Federal employees who enforce, or otherwise determine compliance with, Federal regulations to the Small Business and Agriculture Regulatory Enforcement Ombudsman and the Regional Small Business Regulatory Fairness Boards. The Ombudsman evaluates these actions annually and rates each agency's responsiveness to small business. If you wish to comment on actions by employees of the Coast Guard, call 1-888-REG-FAIR (1-888-734-3247). The Coast Guard will not retaliate against small entities that question or complain about this rule or any policy or action of the Coast Guard.

    3. Collection of Information

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

    4. Federalism and Indian Tribal Governments

      A rule has implications for federalism under Executive Order 13132, Federalism, if it has a substantial direct effect on the States, on the relationship between the national government and the States, or on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government. We have analyzed this rule under that Order and have determined that it is consistent with the fundamental federalism principles and preemption requirements described in Executive Order 13132.

      Also, this rule does not have tribal implications under Executive Order, Consultation and Coordination with Indian Tribal Governments, because it does not have a substantial direct effect on one or more Indian tribes, on the relationship between the Federal Government and Indian tribes, or on the distribution of power and responsibilities between the Federal Government and Indian tribes. If you believe this rule has implications for federalism or Indian tribes, please contact the person listed in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section above.

    5. Unfunded Mandates Reform Act

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

    6. Environment

      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 (42 U.S.C. 4321-4370f), and have determined that this action is one of a category of actions that do not individually or cumulatively have a significant effect on the human environment. This rule involves a security zone lasting less than seven days that will prohibit entry within 100 yards of the Canadian Naval Vessels. It is categorically excluded from further review under paragraph 34(g) of Figure 2-1 of the Commandant Instruction. An environmental analysis checklist

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      supporting this determination and a Categorical Exclusion Determination are available in the docket where indicated under ADDRESSES. We seek any comments or information that may lead to the discovery of a significant environmental impact from this rule.

    7. Protest Activities

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

      List of Subjects in 33 CFR Part 165

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

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

      PART 165--REGULATED NAVIGATION AREAS AND LIMITED ACCESS AREAS

      0

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

        Authority: 33 U.S.C. 1231; 50 U.S.C. 191; 33 CFR 1.05-1, 6.04-

        1, 6.04-6, and 160.5; Department of Homeland Security Delegation No. 0170.1.

        0

      2. Add Sec. 165.T01-0215 to read as follows:

        Sec. 165.T01-0215 Security Zone; Port of New York, moving Security Zone; Canadian Naval Vessels.

        (a) Location. The following area is a security zone: All waters within a 100 yard radius of Canadian Naval Vessels, from surface to bottom while transiting from Ambrose Channel to Pier 92 within the Port of New York, while moored at Pier 92 and upon departure transiting back to Ambrose Channel.

        (b) Definitions. As used in this section, designated representative means a Coast Guard Patrol Commander, including a Coast Guard coxswain, petty officer, or other officer operating a Coast Guard vessel and a Federal, State, and local officer designated by or assisting the Captain of the Port New York (COTP) in the enforcement of the security zone.

        (c) Regulations. (1) Under the general security zone regulations in subpart D of this part, you may not enter the security zone described in paragraph (a) of this section unless authorized by the COTP or the COTP's designated representative.

        (2) To seek permission to enter, contact the COTP or the COTP's representative via VHF channel 16 or by phone at (718) 354-4353 (Sector New York Command Center). Those in the security zone must comply with all lawful orders or directions given to them by the COTP or the COTP's designated representative.

        (d) Enforcement period. This section will be enforced from May 25, 2016 through May 31, 2016, unless terminated sooner by the COTP.

        Dated: April 12, 2016.

        M.H. Day,

        Captain, U.S. Coast Guard, Captain of the Port, New York.

        FR Doc. 2016-11251 Filed 5-11-16; 8:45 am

        BILLING CODE 9110-04-P

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