Document Headings

                    Document headings vary by document type but may contain                    the following:                  
                -                       the agency or agencies that issued and signed a document                    
                -                       the number of the CFR title and the number of each part                      the document amends, proposes to amend, or is directly                      related to                    
                -                       the agency docket number / agency internal file number                    
                -                       the RIN which identifies each regulatory action listed in                      the Unified Agenda of Federal Regulatory and Deregulatory                      Actions                    

                    See the                                          Document Drafting Handbook                                        for more details.                  

###### Department of Homeland Security

###### Coast Guard

          - 33 CFR Part 165
          - [Docket Number USCG-2018-0708]
          - RIN 1625-AA00

# AGENCY:

Coast Guard, DHS.

# ACTION:

Temporary final rule.

# SUMMARY:

The Coast Guard is establishing a temporary safety zone for certain navigable waters of the Lower Mississippi River upriver of the Bienville Trace Scenic Byway/US-425 Bridge in Natchez, MS. This action is necessary to provide for the safety of persons, vessels, and the marine environment during a fireworks display. Entry of persons or vessels into this zone is prohibited unless authorized by the Captain of the Port Sector Lower Mississippi River or a designated representative.

# DATES:

This rule is effective from 9 p.m. through 10 p.m. on July 27, 2018.

# ADDRESSES:

                        To view documents mentioned in this preamble as being available in the docket, go to                         *http://www.regulations.gov*, type USCG-2018-0708 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 about this rulemaking, call or email Petty Officer Todd Manow, Waterways Management, Sector Lower Mississippi River, U.S. Coast Guard; telephone 901-521-4813, email                         *Todd.M.Manow@uscg.mil*.                    

# SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

## I. Table of Abbreviations

CFR Code of Federal Regulations

COTP Captain of the Port Sector Lower Mississippi River

DHS Department of Homeland Security

FR Federal Register

NPRM Notice of proposed rulemaking

§ Section

U.S.C. United States Code

## II. Background Information and Regulatory History

The Coast Guard is issuing this temporary 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)(3)(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 is impracticable. We must establish this safety zone by July 27, 2018, and lack sufficient time to provide a reasonable comment period and then consider those comments before issuing this rule. The NPRM process would delay the establishment of the safety zone until after the date of the event and compromise public safety.

                    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                     **Federal Register**                    . Delaying the effective date of this rule would be impracticable and contrary to public interest because immediate action is necessary to protect                           ( print page 35552)                        persons and property from the potential hazards associated with the fireworks display.                

## III. 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 Sector Lower Mississippi River (COTP) has determined that potential hazards associated with the barge-based fireworks display located at mile marker (MM) 365.0 on the Lower Mississippi River and scheduled for 9:30 p.m. on July 27, 2018, would be a safety concern for all persons and vessels on the Lower Mississippi River between MM 364.5 and MM 365.5 from 9 p.m. through 10 p.m. on July 27, 2018. Hazards associated with the firework displays include accidental discharge of fireworks, dangerous projectiles, and falling hot embers or other debris. This rule is necessary to ensure the safety of persons, vessels, and the marine environment on these navigable waters before, during, and after the fireworks.

## IV. Discussion of the Rule

This rule establishes a temporary safety zone from 9 p.m. through 10 p.m. on July 27, 2018. The safety zone will cover all navigable waters of the Lower Mississippi River from MM 364.5 to MM 365.5, upriver of the Bienville Trace Scenic Byway/US-425 Bridge, in Natchez, MS. The duration of this safety zone is intended to ensure the safety of waterway users on these navigable waters before, during, and after the scheduled fireworks display.

Entry of persons or vessels into this safety zone is prohibited unless authorized by the COTP or a designated representative. A designated representative is a commissioned, warrant, or petty officer of the U.S. Coast Guard assigned to units under the operational control of USCG Sector Lower Mississippi River. Persons or vessels seeking to enter the safety zones must request permission from the COTP or a designated representative on VHF-FM channel 16 or by telephone at 901-521-4822. If permission is granted, all persons and vessels shall comply with the instructions of the COTP or designated representative. The COTP or a designated representative will inform the public of the enforcement times and date for this safety zone through Broadcast Notices to Mariners (BNMs), Local Notices to Mariners (LNMs), and/or Marine Safety Information Bulletins (MSIBs) as appropriate.

## V. Regulatory Analyses

We developed this rule after considering numerous statutes and Executive orders related to rulemaking. Below we summarize our analyses based on a number of these statutes and Executive orders and we discuss First Amendment rights of protestors.

### A. 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 13771 directs agencies to control regulatory costs through a budgeting process. 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, and pursuant to OMB guidance it is exempt from the requirements of Executive Order 13771.

This regulatory action determination is based on the size, location, duration, and time-of-day of the safety zone. Vessel traffic will be prohibited from entering this safety zone, which will impact a one-mile stretch of lower Mississippi River for one hour on one evening. Moreover, the Coast Guard will issue a Broadcast Notice to Mariners via VHF-FM marine channel 16 about the safety zone, and the rule allows vessels to seek permission to enter the zone.

### B. 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 temporary 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.

### C. 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).

### D. 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 13175, Consultation and Coordination with Indian Tribal Governments, 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. If you believe this rule has implications for federalism or Indian tribes, please contact the person listed in the                     **FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT**                     section.                

### E. 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                           ( print page 35553)                        will not result in such expenditure, we do discuss the effects of this rule elsewhere in this preamble.                

### F. Environment

                    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 (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 rule involves a safety zone that will prohibit entry on a one-mile stretch of the Lower Mississippi River for one hour on one evening. It is categorically excluded from further review under paragraph L60(a) of Appendix A, Table 1 of DHS Instruction Manual 023-01-001-01, Rev. 01. A Record of Environmental Consideration supporting this determination is available in the docket where indicated under                     **ADDRESSES**                    .                

### G. 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

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.

2. Add § 165.T08-0708 to read as follows: 

§ 165.T08-0708 

                            (a)                             *Location.*                             The following area is a safety zone: All navigable waters of the Lower Mississippi River from mile marker 364.5 to mile marker 365.5, upriver of the Bienville Trace Scenic Byway/US-425 Bridge, Natchez, MS.                        

                            (b)                             *Effective date.*                             This section is effective from 9 p.m. through 10 p.m. on July 27, 2018.                        

                            (c)                             *Regulations.*                             (1) In accordance with the general regulations in § 165.23 of this part, entry into this zone is prohibited unless specifically authorized by the Captain of the Port Sector Lower Mississippi River (COTP) or a designated representative. A designated representative is a commissioned, warrant, or petty officer of the U.S. Coast Guard assigned to units under the operational control of USCG Sector Lower Mississippi River.                        

(2) Persons or vessels seeking to enter the safety zone must request permission from the COTP or a designated representative on VHF-FM channel 16 or by telephone at 901-521-4822.

(3) If permission is granted, all persons and vessels shall comply with the instructions of the COTP or designated representative.

                            (d)                             *Information broadcasts.*                             The COTP or a designated representative will inform the public of the enforcement times and date for this safety zone through Broadcast Notices to Mariners (BNMs), Local Notices to Mariners (LNMs), and/or Marine Safety Information Bulletins (MSIBs) as appropriate.                        

Dated: July 20, 2018.

R. Tamez,

Captain, U.S. Coast Guard, Captain of the Port Sector Lower Mississippi River.

[FR Doc. 2018-16076 Filed 7-26-18; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 9110-04-P