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-2025-0128]
          - RIN 1625-AA00

# AGENCY:

Coast Guard, DHS.

# ACTION:

Temporary final rule.

# SUMMARY:

The Coast Guard is establishing a temporary safety zone for waters between the 14th Street Bridge to the north and the Woodrow Wilson Bridge to the south. The safety zone is needed to protect the public and vessels from potential hazards created by an aircraft collision on the Potomac River. Additionally, the safety zone is needed to ensure a safe working environment for the first responders and dive teams from passing traffic. This rule will prohibit persons or vessels from entering this zone unless specifically authorized by the Captain of the Port (COTP) Sector Maryland-National Capital Region (NCR) or a designated representative.

# DATES:

This rule is effective from February 7, 2025, to February 21, 2025. For purposes of enforcement, actual notice will be used.

# ADDRESSES:

                        To view documents mentioned in this preamble as being available in the docket, go to                         *https://www.regulations.gov,*                         type USCG-2025-0128 in the search box and click “Search.” Next, in the Document Type column, select “Supporting & Related Material.”                    

# FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

                        If you have questions on this rule, call or email LCDR Kate Newkirk, Sector Maryland-NCR, Waterways Management Branch, U.S. Coast Guard; 410-365-8141,                         *MDNCRWaterways@uscg.mil.*

# SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

## I. Table of Abbreviations

CFR Code of Federal Regulations

COTP Captain of the Port

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

                    On January 29, 2025, at approximately 9:00 p.m., a regional jet collided midair with a Black Hawk helicopter and landed in the Potomac River near                           ( print page 9517)                        Reagan Washington National Airport. Search and rescue and salvage operations involving first responders began shortly following the accident.                

The Coast Guard is issuing this temporary rule under authority in 5 U.S.C. 553(b)(B). This statutory 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.” The Coast Guard finds that good cause exists for not publishing a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) with respect to this rule because immediate action is necessary due to the urgency of the emergency situation and the need to protect personnel, vessels, and the marine environment from potential hazards associated with salvage operations including debris, jet fuel, cold temperatures, and response equipment and vessels. It is impracticable to publish an NPRM because we must establish this safety zone immediately on February 7, 2025.

                    Also, 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 the public interest because immediate action is necessary to ensure the safety of vessels and persons on these navigable waters during the emergency salvage operation.                

## III. Legal Authority and Need for Rule

The Coast Guard is issuing this rule under the authority in 46 U.S.C. 70034. The COTP Sector Maryland-NCR has determined that potential hazards associated with this rescue and salvage operation starting on February 7, 2025, will be a safety concern for anyone between the 14th Street Bridge and the Woodrow Wilson Bridge. This rule is needed to protect personnel, vessels, and the marine environment in the navigable waters within the safety zone from potential hazards while the vessel salvage operations are being conducted.

## IV. Discussion of the Rule

This rule establishes a safety zone from February 7, 2025, through February 21, 2025. The safety zone will cover all navigable waters between the 14th Street Bridge, 38°52.45′ N, 077°02.6′ W to 38°52.62′ N, 077°02.28′ W and the Woodrow Wilson Bridge, from 38°51.5′ N, 077°01.53′ W to 38°48.55′ N, 077°01.59′ W, on the Potomac River. This rule is necessary to protect personnel, vessels, and the marine environment in these navigable waters during salvage operation. This rule will prohibit persons or vessels from entering this zone unless specifically authorized by the COTP or a designated representative.

The COTP or a designated representative may forbid and control the movement of all vessels in the zone. When hailed or signaled by an official patrol vessel, a vessel shall come to an immediate stop and comply with the directions given. Failure to do so may result in expulsion from the zone, citation for failure to comply, or both.

## 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. This rule has not been designated a “significant regulatory action,” under section 3(f) of Executive Order 12866. Accordingly, this rule has not been reviewed by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB).

This regulatory action determination is based on size, location, and duration of the temporary safety zone. This safety zone would take place on a relatively small area of the Potomac River lasting from February 7, 2025, through February 21, 2025. Additionally, the Coast Guard would issue Broadcast Notices to Mariners via VHF-FM marine channel 16 announcing the safety zone so that waterway users may plan accordingly for transits during this restriction, and the rule will allow vessels to seek permission from the COTP Maryland-NCR or a designated representative 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 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 call or email 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 does not have a substantial direct effect on one or more Indian tribes, on the relationship between the Federal Government and Indian tribes,                           ( print page 9518)                        or on the distribution of power and responsibilities between the Federal Government and Indian tribes.                

### 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 will not result in such an expenditure, we do discuss the effects of this rule elsewhere in this preamble.

### F. Environment

We have analyzed this rule under Department of Homeland Security Directive 023-01, Rev. 1, associated implementing instructions, and Environmental Planning COMDTINST 5090.1 (series), 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 temporary safety zone on the Potomac River lasting less than 7 days that will prohibit entry into a portion of the Potomac River near Washington, DC. This is necessary to respond to the potential safety hazards associated with the salvage of an aircraft collision. It is categorically excluded from further review under paragraph L60(c) of Appendix A, Table 1 of DHS Instruction Manual 023-01-001-01, Rev. 1.

### G. Protest Activities

                    The Coast Guard respects the First Amendment rights of protesters. Protesters are asked to call or email 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: 46 U.S.C. 70034, 70051; 33 CFR 1.05-1; 6.04-1, 6.04-6, and 160.5; Department of Homeland Security Delegation No. 0170.1, Revision No. 01.3.

2. Add § 165.T05-0128 to read as follows: 

§ 165.T05-0128

                            (a)                             *Location.*                             The following area is a safety zone: all navigable waters between the 14th Street Bridge, from 38°52.45′ N, 077°02.6′ W to 38°52.62′ N, 077°02.28′ W to the Woodrow Wilson Bridge, from 38°51.5′ N, 077°01.53′ W to 38°48.55′ N, 077°01.59′ W, on the Potomac River.                        

                            (b)                             *Enforcement period.*                             This section is effective from February 7, 2025, through February 21, 2025.                        

                            (c)                             *Regulations.*                             (1) In accordance with the general regulations in § 165.23, entry into, transiting through, or exiting from this area is prohibited unless authorized by the COTP Maryland-NCR or a designated representative.                        

(2) Vessels desiring to transit the regulated area may do so only with prior approval of the COTP Maryland-NCR or a designated representative and when so directed will be operated at a minimum safe navigation speed in a manner that will not endanger salvage operations in the zone or any other vessels.

(3) The COTP Maryland-NCR or a designated representative may forbid and control the movement of all vessels in the regulated area. When hailed or signaled by an official patrol vessel, a vessel shall come to an immediate stop and comply with the directions given. Failure to do so may result in expulsion from the area, citation for failure to comply, or both.

(4) Entry into this zone is prohibited unless authorized by the COTP Maryland-NCR or a designated representative.

(5) Persons or vessels seeking to enter or transit through the zone must request permission from the COTP Maryland-NCR or a designated representative. They may be contacted on VHF-FM channel 16 or by telephone at 410-576-2693.

(6) If permission is granted, all persons and vessels must comply with the instructions of the COTP Maryland-NCR or designated representative.

                            (d)                             *Informational broadcasts.*                             The COTP Maryland-NCR or a designated representative will inform the public through Broadcast Notices to Mariners of the enforcement period for the temporary safety zone as well as any changes in the planned schedule.                        

Dated: February 6, 2025.

Patrick C. Burkett,

Captain, U.S. Coast Guard, Captain of the Port, Sector Maryland-National Capital Region.

[FR Doc. 2025-02578 Filed 2-12-25; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 9110-04-P