Source: https://regulations.justia.com/regulations/fedreg/2007/11/14/E7-22190.html
Timestamp: 2019-10-17 20:45:17
Document Index: 132960404

Matched Legal Cases: ['art 532', 'art 532', 'arts 30', 'art 52', 'art 52', 'art 76', 'art 70', 'art 51', 'art 71', 'ART 40', 'art 30', 'art 40', 'art 52', 'art 60', 'art 61', 'art 63', 'art 76', 'art 50', 'art 70', 'art 72', 'arts 30', 'ART 30', 'art 30', '§ 30', '§ 30', 'art 40', '§ 40', '§ 40', 'ART 50', 'art 50', '§ 50', '§ 50', 'ART 52', '§ 52', 'ART 60', 'art 60', 'ART 61', 'art 61', 'art 52', '§ 60', '§ 60', '§ 52', '§ 61', '§ 61', 'ART 63', 'art 63', '§ 63', '§ 63', 'ART 70', 'art 70', '§ 70', '§ 70', 'ART 71', 'art 71', '§ 72', '§ 71', 'ART 72', 'art 72', '§ 72', 'ART 76', 'art 76', '§ 71', '§ 76', 'art 400', 'art 400', 'art 400', 'art 400', 'arts 30', 'art 52', 'art 52', 'art 76', 'art 70', 'art\n51', 'arts 30', 'ART 30', 'art 40', 'art 50', 'ART 52', 'art 52', 'ART 60', 'art 60', 'ART 61', 'ART 63', 'art 70', 'art 71', 'art 72', 'ART 76', 'art 76']

Clarification of NRC Civil Penalty Authority Over Contractors and Subcontractors Who Discriminate Against Employees for Engaging in Protected Activities, 63969-63975 [E7-22190] :: Nuclear Regulatory Commission :: Agencies And Commissions :: Regulation Tracker :: Justia
Justia Regulation Tracker Agencies And Commissions Nuclear Regulatory Commission Clarification of NRC Civil Penalty Authority Over Contractors and Subcontractors Who Discriminate Against Employees for Engaging in Protected Activities, 63969-63975 [E7-22190]
Clarification of NRC Civil Penalty Authority Over Contractors and Subcontractors Who Discriminate Against Employees for Engaging in Protected Activities, 63969-63975 [E7-22190]
Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 219 / Wednesday, November 14, 2007 / Rules and Regulations Appendix B to Subpart B of Part 532— Nationwide Schedule of Nonappropriated Fund Regular Wage Surveys 2. Appendix B to subpart B is amended by removing, under the State of Illinois, ‘‘Rock Island.’’ I Appendix D to Subpart B of Part 532— Nonappropriated Fund Wage and Survey Areas 3. Appendix D to subpart B is amended for the State of Illinois by removing the wage area listing for Rock Island, Illinois, and revising the wage area listing for Lake, Illinois, to read as follows: * * * * * I ILLINOIS * * * Lake Survey Area * * Illinois: Lake Area of application. Survey area plus: Illinois: Cook Rock Island Vermilion Iowa: Johnson Michigan: Dickinson Marquette Wisconsin: Dane Milwaukee * * * * * [FR Doc. E7–22263 Filed 11–13–07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6325–39–P NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION 10 CFR Parts 30, 40, 50, 52, 60, 61, 63, 70, 71, 72, and 76 RIN 3150–AH59 Clarification of NRC Civil Penalty Authority Over Contractors and Subcontractors Who Discriminate Against Employees for Engaging in Protected Activities Nuclear Regulatory Commission. ACTION: Final rule. rmajette on PROD1PC64 with RULES AGENCY: SUMMARY: The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC or Commission) is amending its employee protection regulations to clarify the Commission’s authority to impose a civil penalty upon a non-licensee contractor or subcontractor of a Commission licensee, or applicant for a Commission license who violates the NRC’s regulations by VerDate Aug<31>2005 14:53 Nov 13, 2007 Jkt 214001 discriminating against employees for engaging in protected activity. The NRC is also amending its employee protection regulations related to the operation of Gaseous Diffusion Plants to conform with the NRC’s other employee protection regulations and to allow the NRC to impose a civil penalty on the United States Enrichment Corporation (USEC or Corporation), as well as a contractor or subcontractor of USEC. DATES: Effective Date: The effective date of this final rule is December 14, 2007. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Doug Starkey, Office of Enforcement, U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Washington, DC 20555–0001; Telephone (301) 415–3456; e-mail drs@nrc.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Background The Commission’s employee protection regulations in 10 CFR 30.7, 40.7, 50.7, 52.5,1 60.9, 61.9, 63.9, 70.7, 71.9, 72.10, and 76.7 prohibit discrimination by a Commission licensee, applicant for a Commission license, a holder of or applicant for a certificate of compliance (CoC) or the Corporation, or contractor or subcontractor of these entities, against employees for engaging in certain protected activities. These regulations identify certain enforcement actions for violations of the requirements. The enforcement actions are denial, revocation, or suspension of the license or certificate; imposition of a civil penalty on the licensee or applicant; or other enforcement action. While the employee protection regulations prohibit discrimination by a contractor or subcontractor, they do not explicitly provide for imposition of a civil penalty on a contractor or subcontractor. On January 16, 1998, the NRC issued an enforcement action against Five Star Products, Inc., and Construction Products Research, Inc., contractors to the nuclear industry, for discriminating against one of its employees. Following this enforcement action, the NRC considered modifications to the NRC’s employee protection regulations that would clearly allow the NRC, within the limits of its jurisdiction, to impose civil penalties on non-licensees for discriminating against employees who 1 This final rule amends 10 CFR 52.5(c) to conform with the other employee protection regulations regarding civil penalties to contractors and subcontractors. 10 CFR 52.5(c) was not included in the proposed rule submitted to the Commission in SECY–05–0212 because, at that time, 10 CFR Part 52 did not contain employee protection provisions. 10 CFR Part 52 has since been amended (72 FR 49352, in part, to include a new section, 10 CFR 52.5, Employee protection. PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 63969 have engaged in protected activities. At the time that NRC took the enforcement action against Five Star Products, Inc., and Construction Products Research, Inc., the NRC was engaged in litigation with another non-licensee, Thermal Science, Inc., that included an issue concerning the scope of the Commission’s civil penalty authority over non-licensees. Consequently, the NRC deferred modifying the NRC’s employee protection regulations pending resolution of action in Thermal Science, Inc., v. NRC (Case No. 4:96CV02281–CAS). That case was subsequently settled. On April 14, 2000, the NRC Executive Director for Operations (EDO) approved the establishment of a Discrimination Task Group (DTG) to, among other things, evaluate the NRC’s handling of matters covered by its employee protection regulations. During this review, the DTG held 12 public meetings and provided the public with an opportunity to comment on its draft report. Among other recommendations, the DTG recommended in its report, ‘‘Policy Options and Recommendations for Revising the NRC’s Process for Handling Discrimination Issues,’’ dated April 2002, that rulemaking be initiated to allow the NRC to impose civil penalties on contractors working for NRC licensees. The DTG received public comments both in favor of, and opposed to, the recommendation that NRC conduct a rulemaking to allow the imposition of civil penalties against contractors for violating the NRC’s employee protection requirements. The DTG’s report was forwarded to the Commission as an attachment to SECY–02–0166, ‘‘Policy Options and Recommendations for Revising the NRC’s Process for Handling Discrimination Issues,’’ dated September 12, 2002. On March 26, 2003, the Commission issued a Staff Requirements Memorandum (SRM) on SECY–02–0166, approving the recommendations of the DTG as revised by the Senior Management Review Team, subject to certain comments. The Senior Management Review Team was appointed by the EDO to review the final recommendations of the DTG and provide any additional perspectives that could enhance the potential options. The Commission approved, without comment, the DTG rulemaking recommendation regarding civil penalties against contractors. The NRC staff submitted a proposed rule to amend the employee protection regulations to exercise NRC’s authority to impose civil penalties against contractors and subcontractors to the Commission on November 17, 2005 E:\FR\FM\14NOR1.SGM 14NOR1 63970 Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 219 / Wednesday, November 14, 2007 / Rules and Regulations rmajette on PROD1PC64 with RULES (SECY–05–0212). In SRM–SECY–05– 0212, dated December 21, 2005, the Commission approved the staff’s recommendation to publish the proposed rule, with certain changes directed by the Commission. The proposed rule was published in the Federal Register on January 31, 2006 (71 FR 5015). Public comment was requested on the proposed amendments as well as on the draft environmental assessment and regulatory analysis that had been prepared on the proposed rule. The final rule does not differ from the recommendations in the proposed rule. Discussion The amendments allow the Commission to impose civil penalties on contractors or subcontractors for violations of Commission employee protection requirements. The rule represents a significant change in Commission policy in that, currently, a licensee can receive a civil penalty for the discriminatory activities of its contractor or subcontractor, while the contractor or subcontractor is not subject to civil penalty enforcement action. The amendments clarify the NRC’s authority to impose a civil penalty directly on contractors or subcontractors who violate the NRC’s employee protection regulations. This authority derives from Section 234 of the Atomic Energy Act, which provides that the Commission may impose civil penalties on any person who violates any rule, regulation, or order issued under any of the enumerated provisions of the Act, or any term, condition, or limitation of any license or certification issued under the Act, or who commits a violation for which a license may be revoked. Section 11s of the Atomic Energy Act broadly defines the term ‘‘person’’ to include any individual, corporation, partnership, firm, association, trust, estate, public or private institution group, Government agency other than the Commission, any State or any political subdivision of, or any political entity within a State, any foreign government or nation or any political subdivision of any such government or nation, or other entity; and any legal successor, representative, agent, or agency of the foregoing. In 1991, the Commission amended its regulations to allow it to take enforcement action against unlicensed persons for deliberate misconduct (56 FR 40664; August 15, 1991). In so doing, the Commission emphasized that ‘‘any person’’ as defined in the Atomic Energy Act necessarily encompasses non-licensees, in order to effectuate the purposes of the Act as it applies to licensees. In that rulemaking, the VerDate Aug<31>2005 14:53 Nov 13, 2007 Jkt 214001 Commission also noted that it may be able to exercise its Section 234 authority to impose civil penalties on unlicensed persons who deliberately cause a licensee to be in violation of requirements. In 1998, the NRC issued a Severity Level I Notice of Violation without a civil penalty to Five Star Products, Inc. and Construction Products Research, Inc. in response to their discrimination against a former employee who raised safety concerns. Five Star Products, Inc. and Construction Products Research, Inc. were not licensees, but supplied safety-related basic components and services associated with those basic components to the nuclear industry at the time of the discrimination.2 It is important that contractors and subcontractors abide by the Commission’s employee protection regulations to effectuate the purposes of the Act because the activities of contractors and subcontractors can clearly affect the safe operation of a licensee’s facility. These amendments allow the Commission to impose civil penalties on any non-licensee employer that discriminates against an employee for engaging in protected activity, if that employer is a contractor or subcontractor of a licensee or the Corporation at the time that the employee engaged in the protected activity that resulted in discrimination. These amendments will serve the dual objectives of deterring contractors and subcontractors from violating NRC’s employee protection regulations and allowing employees to raise regulatory and safety concerns without fear of retaliation. Both of these objectives are critical to the nuclear industry’s ability to carry out licensed activities safely. However, the Commission emphasizes that the amendments do not affect its ability to impose civil penalties against licensees or applicants for discrimination, nor do they diminish the focus on licensee responsibility in the investigative and enforcement process. The Commission has long held licensees to be responsible for maintaining control and oversight of contractor and subcontractor activities. The modifications to the employee protection regulations do not indicate a change in Commission policy in this regard, nor do they diminish the ability of the NRC to impose civil penalties against licensees. There may be 2 In an earlier case, CLI–93–23, 38 NRC 169, 178– 84 (1993), the Commission held that Five Star Products is a ‘‘contractor’’ and Construction Products Research, Inc., is a ‘‘subcontractor’’ within the meaning of Section 211 of the Energy Reorganization Act of 1974, as amended, and 10 CFR 50.7. PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 instances when the Commission may wish to issue civil penalties to the responsible contractor or subcontractor, or both, and the licensee. The Commission is maintaining its policy of emphasizing licensee responsibilities for the actions of their contractors and subcontractors. The Commission believes that these amendments are necessary and will offer additional enhancements to the regulatory process by allowing the Commission to exercise its authority to impose a significant enforcement action (i.e., civil penalty) directly on contractors or subcontractors who violate the NRC’s employee protection regulations. The NRC is not amending 10 CFR 71.9 and 72.10 to provide for imposing a civil penalty against a holder or applicant for a CoC, or contractor or subcontractor of a holder or applicant for a CoC. However, if a holder of, or applicant for, a CoC is also a contractor or subcontractor of a licensee or applicant for a license, then a civil penalty could be imposed on the holder of, or applicant for, a CoC in its capacity as a contractor or subcontractor. In addition, in drafting the proposed rule, the NRC identified that 10 CFR 76.7 does not specify the availability of civil penalties as an enforcement action. The Supplementary Information that accompanied the promulgation of 10 CFR 76.7 does not indicate that this omission was intentional.3 Therefore, the NRC is amending 10 CFR 76.7 to bring it into conformance with the provisions of the other NRC’s employee protection regulations by providing that the Commission may impose a civil penalty on the Corporation or a contractor or subcontractor of the Corporation. The NRC has also revised the authority citations to correctly reflect current statutory authority. Comment Analysis The period for submitting comments on the proposed rule, draft environmental assessment, or regulatory analysis expired on April 17, 2006. The NRC received an e-mail from a private citizen and one letter from Project on Government Oversight (POGO). In general, the comments were supportive of the proposed rule. A summary of the issues raised by the commenters, followed by the NRC’s responses to the comments, is provided below. 3 The Supplementary Information states that part 76 is based upon comparable requirements; in particular, 10 CFR part 70, as modified for the certification process. There is no indication that the omission of civil penalties was intended as such a modification (59 FR 48944; September 23, 1994). E:\FR\FM\14NOR1.SGM 14NOR1 rmajette on PROD1PC64 with RULES Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 219 / Wednesday, November 14, 2007 / Rules and Regulations Comment summary. A commenter stated that it should be a rare exception and require Commission consultation before the NRC staff issues an enforcement action against a contractor without taking some enforcement action against the licensee. The commenter added that the Statement of Considerations in the final rulemaking should include a statement that consultation with the Commission will be required if the NRC staff issues enforcement action against a contractor without taking enforcement action against the licensee. Response. The NRC agrees that enforcement action will generally continue to be taken against a licensee for the discriminatory actions of its contractors or subcontractors. The modifications to the employee protection regulations added in this rulemaking do not indicate a change in Commission policy in this regard or diminish the ability of the NRC to impose civil penalties against licensees or applicants for discrimination, nor do they diminish the focus on licensee responsibility in the investigative and enforcement process. The NRC does not believe it is necessary to require Commission consultation should the staff proceed with an enforcement action against a contractor or subcontractor but not the licensee. Instead, the NRC believes that the decision about whether to take enforcement action against a contractor without taking some enforcement action against the licensee should be determined after reviewing the circumstances surrounding the discrimination on a case-by-case basis using the guidance in the Enforcement Policy and NRC Enforcement Manual. Although the staff will not automatically seek Commission consultation in these circumstances, the Enforcement Policy currently provides that the Commission will be provided written notification of all enforcement actions involving civil penalties, and that the Commission will be consulted on any proposed enforcement action on which the Commission requests consultation. Comment summary. One commenter stated that the proposed rule should apply to all licensees, applicants, contractors and subcontractors, including a holder or applicant for a Certificate of Compliance (CoC) under 10 CFR 71.9 and 72.10. Response. The NRC is not amending 10 CFR 71.9 or 72.10 in this rulemaking to provide for imposing a civil penalty against a holder or applicant for a CoC. However, the Commission, in SRM– SECY–05–0212, ‘‘Proposed VerDate Aug<31>2005 14:53 Nov 13, 2007 Jkt 214001 Rulemaking—Clarification of the NRC Civil Penalty Authority Over Contractors and Subcontractors Who Discriminate Against Employees for Engaging in Protected Activities,’’ directed the NRC staff (although as a low priority) to draft appropriate legislative language to be provided in any future legislative request to Congress for the extension of this rulemaking to cover those excluded certificate holders. Comment summary. One commenter recommended that the proposed amendments to 10 CFR 30.7, 40.7, 61.9, 70.7, and 71.9 be categorized at the Agreement State Compatibility Category C designation (meets the essential objectives of NRC employee protection requirements) instead of as Agreement State Compatibility Category D (does not need to be adopted by Agreement States), as was proposed. In addition, this comment stated that the NRC should issue a policy statement to Agreement States detailing the obligations under Category C. Response. The Commission in SRM– SECY–99–002, dated March 12, 1999, disapproved the staff’s plans to designate 10 CFR 19.20, 30.7, 40.7, 61.9, and 70.7 as compatibility Category C for Agreement States. However, the Commission provided direction to the staff that its decision could be revisited if the staff believed at some time in the future that there was a regulatory performance gap that put Agreement State licensee employees at a higher risk than NRC licensee employees as a result of the present compatibility category. The NRC staff is currently reevaluating, under an initiative separate from this rulemaking, the effects of the Category D designation on Agreement State employees. Upon completion of that evaluation, the staff will determine whether additional actions are necessary regarding Agreement State employee protection compatibility categories. That evaluation and any subsequent staff recommendations to the Commission regarding compatibility categories are separate from this rulemaking and will not be included in this rulemaking. Therefore, the current compatibility Category D designation has not been changed in this final rule. Section-by-Section Analysis of Substantive Changes Sections 30.7, 40.7, 50.7, 52.5, 60.9, 61.9, 63.9, and 70.7, are amended to provide that, in addition to imposing a civil penalty against a Commission licensee or applicant for a Commission license, the Commission may impose a civil penalty against a contractor or subcontractor of either of these entities PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 63971 for discriminating against an employee for engaging in protected activity. Section 71.9 is amended to provide that, in addition to imposing a civil penalty against a Commission licensee, or applicant, the Commission may impose a civil penalty against a contractor or subcontractor of these entities for discriminating against an employee for engaging in protected activity. Section 72.10 is amended to provide that, in addition to imposing a civil penalty against a Commission licensee or applicant, the Commission may impose a civil penalty against a contractor or subcontractor of the licensee, or applicant. Section 76.7 is amended to provide that the Commission may impose a civil penalty on the Corporation or contractor or subcontractor of the Corporation. Agreement State Compatibility Under the ‘‘Policy Statement on Adequacy and Compatibility of Agreement State Programs’’ which became effective on September 3, 1997 (62 FR 46517), NRC program elements (including regulations) are placed into Compatibility Categories A, B, C, D, NRC or category Health and Safety (H&S). Category A includes program elements that are basic radiation protection standards or related definitions, signs, labels or terms necessary for a common understanding of radiation protection principles and should be essentially identical to those of the NRC. Category B includes program elements that have significant direct transboundary implications and should be essentially identical to those of the NRC. Compatibility Category C are those program elements that do not meet the criteria of Category A or B, but the essential objectives of which an Agreement State should adopt to avoid conflict, duplication, gaps, or other conditions that would jeopardize an orderly pattern in the regulation of agreement material on a nationwide basis. Compatibility Category D are those program elements that do not meet any of the criteria of Category A, B, or C, and do not need to be adopted by Agreement States. Compatibility Category NRC are those program elements that address areas of regulation that cannot be relinquished to Agreement States under the Atomic Energy Act, as amended, or provisions of Title 10 of the Code of Federal Regulations and cannot be adopted by Agreement States. Category H&S are program elements that are not required for compatibility, but have a particular health and safety role in the regulation of agreement material and the State and E:\FR\FM\14NOR1.SGM 14NOR1 63972 Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 219 / Wednesday, November 14, 2007 / Rules and Regulations should contain the essential objectives of the NRC program elements. The revisions to 10 CFR 50.7, 52.5, 60.9, 63.9, 72.10, and 76.7 are not relevant to Agreement State programs because these NRC regulations address areas of exclusive NRC authority and are designated a Compatibility Category NRC. The revisions to 10 CFR 30.7, 40.7, 61.9, 70.7, and 71.9 are categorized as Compatibility Category D, and therefore do not need to be adopted by Agreement States. Availability of Documents The NRC is making the documents identified below available to interested persons through one or more of the following methods as indicated. Public Document Room (PDR). The NRC PDR is located at 11555 Rockville Pike, Rockville, Maryland. Rulemaking Web site (Web). The NRC’s interactive rulemaking Web site is located at http://ruleforum.llnl.gov. These documents may be viewed and downloaded electronically via this Web site. NRC’s Agencywide Document Access and Management System (ADAMS). The NRC’s PARS Library is located at http://www.nrc.gov/readingrm/ adams.html. Document PDR Web Public Comment ........................................................................................................................ 56 FR 40664 .............................................................................................................................. Public Comment ........................................................................................................................ Final Rule—Regulatory Analysis ............................................................................................... Final Rule—Environmental Analysis ......................................................................................... Enforcement Policy Revision ..................................................................................................... SECY–02–0166 ......................................................................................................................... SRM–SECY–02–0166 ............................................................................................................... Proposed Rule FRN .................................................................................................................. SECY–05–0212 ......................................................................................................................... SRM–SECY–05–0212 ............................................................................................................... SRM–SECY–99–002 ................................................................................................................. X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X Voluntary Consensus Standards The National Technology Transfer and Advancement Act of 1995, Public Law 104–113, requires that Federal agencies use technical standards that are developed or adopted by voluntary consensus standards bodies unless using such a standard is inconsistent with applicable law or is otherwise impractical. In this final rule, the NRC is amending its regulations to enable the Commission to impose civil penalties upon non-licensee contractors and subcontractors who discriminate against employees for engaging in certain protected activities. This action does not constitute the establishment of a standard that contains generally applicable requirements. rmajette on PROD1PC64 with RULES Finding of No Significant Environmental Impact: Availability The Commission has determined under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, Public Law 97–190 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.), as amended, and the Commission’s regulations in Subpart A of 10 CFR Part 51, that this rule, is not a major Federal action significantly affecting the quality of the human environment; and, therefore, an environmental impact statement is not required. The basis for this determination is that this rulemaking will not significantly increase the probability or consequences of accidents, no changes will be made in the types of effluents that may be released offsite, there will be no significant increase in public radiation exposure, nor will there be a direct nor VerDate Aug<31>2005 14:53 Nov 13, 2007 Jkt 214001 reasonably foreseeable indirect effect on the water, land, or air. The NRC requested the views of the States on the environmental assessment (EA). The EA, upon which the Commission’s finding of no significant impact is based, is available for examination and copying at the NRC PDR, One White Flint North, 11555 Rockville Pike, Rockville, Maryland. No comments were received on the EA. Single copies of the analysis may be obtained from the Office of Enforcement, U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, at 301–415–3456 or by e-mail at drs@nrc.gov. Paperwork Reduction Act Statement This final rule does not contain new or amended information collection requirements subject to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.). Existing requirements were approved by the Office of Management and Budget, approval numbers 3150– 0017, 3150–0020, 3150–0011, 3150– 0127, 3150–0135, 3150–0199, 3150– 0009, 3150–0008, 3150–0132 and 3150– 0151. Public Protection Notification The NRC may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, a request for information or an information collection requirement unless the requesting document displays a currently valid OMB control number. Regulatory Analysis The Commission has prepared a regulatory analysis on this final PO 00000 Frm 00006 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 ADAMS ML060800443 Not Applicable ML060880346 ML063110473 ML063110454 ML063110480 ML022120479 ML030850783 ML060120312 ML052910161 ML053570177 ML003751577 regulation. The analysis examined the costs and benefits of the alternatives considered by the Commission. No comments were received on the regulatory analysis. The regulatory analysis is available for inspection in the NRC’s PDR, 11555 Rockville Pike, Rockville, MD 20852. Single copies of the analysis may be obtained from the Office of Enforcement, U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, at 301–415– 3456 or by e-mail at drs@nrc.gov. Regulatory Flexibility Certification In accordance with the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 605(b)), the Commission certifies that this rule does not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities based on the definition of ‘‘small entities’’ set forth in the Regulatory Flexibility Act or the Size Standards established by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (10 CFR 2.810). The provisions only impact contractors or subcontractors of licensees or applicants who violate the NRC’s regulations by discriminating against employees who engage in protected activities. Backfit Analysis The Commission has determined that the backfit rule is not required for this final rule because these amendments do not include any provisions that would require backfits as defined in 10 CFR Chapter I. Congressional Review Act Under the Congressional Review Act of 1996, the NRC has determined that this action is not a major rule and has E:\FR\FM\14NOR1.SGM 14NOR1 Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 219 / Wednesday, November 14, 2007 / Rules and Regulations 63973 verified this determination with the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, Office of Management and Budget. Radiation protection, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Scientific equipment, Security measures, Special nuclear material. subcontractor of the licensee or applicant. * * * * * List of Subjects 10 CFR Part 71 PART 40—DOMESTIC LICENSING OF SOURCE MATERIAL 10 CFR Part 30 Byproduct material, Criminal penalties, Government contracts, Intergovernmental relations, Isotopes, Nuclear materials, Radiation protection, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements. Criminal penalties, Hazardous materials transportation, Nuclear materials, Packaging and containers, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements. 10 CFR Part 40 Criminal penalties, Government contracts, Hazardous materials transportation, Nuclear materials, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Source material, Uranium. 10 CFR Part 52 Administrative practice and procedure, Antitrust, Backfitting, Combined license, Early site permit, Emergency planning, Fees, Inspection, Limited work authorization, Nuclear power plants and reactors, Probabilistic risk assessment, Prototype, Reactor siting criteria, Redress of site, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Standard design, Standard design certification. 10 CFR Part 60 Criminal penalties, High-level waste, Nuclear materials, Nuclear power plants and reactors, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Waste treatment and disposal. 10 CFR Part 61 Criminal penalties, Low-level waste, Nuclear materials, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Waste treatment and disposal. rmajette on PROD1PC64 with RULES 10 CFR Part 63 Criminal penalties, High-level waste, Nuclear power plants and reactors, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Waste treatment and disposal. VerDate Aug<31>2005 14:53 Nov 13, 2007 Jkt 214001 Administrative practice and procedure, Criminal penalties, Manpower training programs, Nuclear materials, Occupational safety and health, Penalties, Radiation protection, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Security measures, Spent fuel, Whistleblowing. 10 CFR Part 76 10 CFR Part 50 Antitrust, Classified information, Criminal penalties, Fire protection, Intergovernmental relations, Nuclear power plants and reactors, Radiation protection, Reactor siting criteria, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements. 10 CFR Part 70 Criminal penalties, Hazardous materials transportation, Material control and accounting, Nuclear materials, Packaging and containers, 10 CFR Part 72 Certification, Criminal penalties, Radiation protection, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Security measures, Special nuclear material, Uranium enrichment by gaseous diffusion. I For the reasons set out in the preamble and under the authority of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, as amended; the Energy Reorganization Act of 1974, as amended; and 5 U.S.C. 552 and 5 U.S.C. 553; the NRC is adopting the following amendments to 10 CFR Parts 30, 40, 50, 52, 60, 61, 63, 70, 71, 72, and 76. PART 30—RULES OF GENERAL APPLICABILITY TO DOMESTIC LICENSING OF BYPRODUCT MATERIAL 1. The authority citation for part 30 continues to read as follows: I Authority: Secs. 81, 82, 161, 182, 183, 186, 68 Stat. 935, 948, 953, 954, 955, as amended, sec. 234, 83 Stat. 444, as amended (42 U.S.C. 2111, 2112, 2201, 2232, 2233, 2236, 2282); secs. 201 as amended, 202, 206, 88 Stat. 1242, as amended, 1244, 1246 (42 U.S.C. 5841, 5842, 5846); sec. 1704, 112 Stat. 2750 (44 U.S.C. 3504 note). Section 30.7 is also issued under Pub. L. 95–601, sec. 10, 92 Stat. 2951 as amended by Pub. L. 102–486, sec. 2902, 106 Stat. 3123 (42 U.S.C. 5851). Section 30.34(b) also issued under sec. 184, 68 Stat. 954, as amended (42 U.S.C. 2234). Section 30.61 also issued under sec. 187, 68 Stat. 955 (42 U.S.C. 2237). 2. In § 30.7, paragraph (c)(2) is revised to read as follows: I § 30.7 Employee protection. * * * * * (c) * * * (2) Imposition of a civil penalty on the licensee, applicant, or a contractor or PO 00000 Frm 00007 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 3. The authority citation for part 40 is revised to read as follows: I Authority: Secs. 62, 63, 64, 65, 81, 161, 182, 183, 186, 68 Stat. 932, 933, 935, 948, 953, 954, 955, as amended, secs. 11e(2), 83, 84, Pub. L. 95–604, 92 Stat. 3033, as amended, 3039, sec. 234, 83 Stat. 444, as amended (42 U.S.C. 2014(e)(2), 2092, 2093, 2094, 2095, 2111, 2113, 2114, 2201, 2232, 2233, 2236, 2282); sec. 274, Pub. L. 86–373, 73 Stat. 688 (42 U.S.C. 2021); secs. 201, as amended, 202, 206, 88 Stat. 1242, as amended, 1244, 1246 (42 U.S.C. 5841, 5842, 5846); sec. 275, 92 Stat. 3021, as amended by Pub. L. 97–415, 96 Stat. 2067 (42 U.S.C. 2022); sec. 193, 104 Stat. 2835, as amended by Pub. L. 104–134, 110 Stat. 1321, 1321–349 (42 U.S.C. 2243); sec. 1704, 112 Stat. 2750 (44 U.S.C. 3504 note). Section 40.7 is also issued under Pub. L. 95–601, sec. 10, 92 Stat. 2951 as amended by Pub. L. 102–486, sec. 2902, 106 Stat. 3123 (42 U.S.C. 5851). Section 40.31(g) also issued under sec. 122, 68 Stat. 939 (42 U.S.C. 2152). Section 40.46 also issued under sec. 184, 68 Stat. 954, as amended (42 U.S.C. 2234). Section 40.71 also issued under sec. 187, 68 Stat. 955 (42 U.S.C. 2237). 4. In § 40.7, paragraph (c)(2) is revised to read as follows: I § 40.7 Employee protection. * * * * * (c) * * * (2) Imposition of a civil penalty on the licensee, applicant, or a contractor or subcontractor of the licensee or applicant. * * * * * PART 50—DOMESTIC LICENSING OF PRODUCTION AND UTILIZATION FACILITIES 5. The authority citation for part 50 is revised to read as follows: I Authority: Secs. 102, 103, 104, 105, 161, 182, 183, 186, 189, 68 Stat. 936, 937, 938, 948, 953, 954, 955, 956, as amended, sec. 234, 83 Stat. 444, as amended (42 U.S.C. 2132, 2133, 2134, 2135, 2201, 2232, 2233, 2236, 2239, 2282); secs. 201, as amended, 202, 206, 88 Stat. 1242, as amended, 1244, 1246 (42 U.S.C. 5841, 5842, 5846); sec. 1704, 112 Stat. 2750 (44 U.S.C. 3504 note). Section 50.7 is also issued under Pub. L. 95–601, sec. 10, 92 Stat. 2951 as amended by Pub. L. 102–486, sec. 2902, 106 Stat. 3123 (42 U.S.C. 5851). Section 50.10 also issued under secs. 101, 185, 68 Stat. 955, as amended (42 U.S.C. 2131, 2235); sec. 102, Pub. L. 91–190, 83 Stat. 853 (42 U.S.C. 4332). Sections 50.13, 50.54(dd), and 50.103 also issued under sec. 108, 68 Stat. 939, as amended (42 U.S.C. 2138). Sections 50.23, 50.35, 50.55, and 50.56 E:\FR\FM\14NOR1.SGM 14NOR1 63974 Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 219 / Wednesday, November 14, 2007 / Rules and Regulations also issued under sec. 185, 68 Stat. 955 (42 U.S.C. 2235). Sections 50.33a, 50.55a and appendix Q also issued under sec. 102, Pub. L. 91–190, 83 Stat. 853 (42 U.S.C. 4332). Sections 50.34 and 50.54 also issued under sec. 204, 88 Stat. 1245 (42 U.S.C. 5844). Sections 50.58, 50.91, and 50.92 also issued under Pub. L. 97–415, 96 Stat. 2073 (42 U.S.C. 2239). Section 50.78 also issued under sec. 122, 68 Stat. 939 (42 U.S.C. 2152). Sections 50.80–50.81 also issued under sec. 184, 68 Stat. 954, as amended (42 U.S.C. 2234). Appendix F also issued under sec. 187, 68 Stat. 955 (42 U.S.C 2237). 6. In § 50.7, paragraph (c)(2) is revised to read as follows: I § 50.7 Employee protection. * * * * (c) * * * (2) Imposition of a civil penalty on the licensee, applicant, or a contractor or subcontractor of the licensee or applicant. * * * * * PART 52—EARLY SITE PERMITS; STANDARD DESIGN CERTIFICATIONS; AND COMBINED LICENSES FOR NUCLEAR POWER PLANTS Authority: Secs. 103, 104, 161, 182, 183, 186, 189, 68 Stat. 936, 948, 953, 954, 955, 956, as amended, sec. 234, 83 Stat. 444, as amended (42 U.S.C. 2133, 2201, 2232, 2233, 2236, 2239, 2282); secs. 201, 202, 206, 88 Stat. 1242, 1244, 1246, as amended (42 U.S.C. 5841, 5842, 5846). 8. In § 52.5, paragraph (c)(3) is revised to read as follows: I Employee protection. * * * * * (c) * * * (3) Imposition of a civil penalty on the licensee, holder of a standard design approval, or applicant (including an applicant for a standard design certification under this part following Commission adoption of final design certification rule) or a contractor or subcontractor of the licensee, holder of a standard design approval, or applicant. * * * * * PART 60—DISPOSAL OF HIGH-LEVEL RADIOACTIVE WASTES IN GEOLOGIC REPOSITORIES 9. The authority citation for part 60 is revised to read as follows: I rmajette on PROD1PC64 with RULES Employee protection. Authority: Secs. 51, 53, 62, 63, 65, 81, 161, 182, 183, 68 Stat. 929, 930, 932, 933, 935, 948, 953, 954, as amended (42 U.S.C. 2071, 2073, 2092, 2093, 2095, 2111, 2201, 2232, 2233); secs. 202, 206, 88 Stat. 1244, 1246 (42 Jkt 214001 * * * * (c) * * * (2) Imposition of a civil penalty on the licensee, applicant, or a contractor or subcontractor of the licensee or applicant. * * * * * PART 61—LICENSING REQUIREMENTS FOR LAND DISPOSAL OF RADIOACTIVE WASTE 11. The authority citation for part 61 is revised to read as follows: 7. The authority citation for part 52 continues to read as follows: 14:53 Nov 13, 2007 § 60.9 I I VerDate Aug<31>2005 10. In § 60.9, paragraph (c)(2) is revised to read as follows: I * * § 52.5 U.S.C. 5842, 5846); secs. 10 and 14, Pub. L. 95–601, 92 Stat. 2951 (42 U.S.C. 2021a and 5851); sec. 102, Pub. L. 91–190, 83 Stat. 853 (42 U.S.C. 4332); secs. 114, 121, Pub. L. 97– 425, 96 Stat. 2213g, 2228, as amended (42 U.S.C. 10134, 10141), and Pub. L. 102–486, sec. 2902, 106 Stat. 3123 (42 U.S.C. 5851); sec. 1704, 112 Stat. 2750 (44 U.S.C. 3504 note). Section 60.9 is also issued under Pub. L. 95–601, sec. 10, 92 Stat. 2951 as amended by Pub. L. 102–486, sec. 2902, 106 Stat. 3123 (42 U.S.C. 5851). Authority: Secs. 53, 57, 62, 63, 65, 81, 161, 182, 183, 68 Stat. 930, 932, 933, 935, 948, 953, 954, as amended (42 U.S.C. 2073, 2077, 2092, 2093, 2095, 2111, 2201, 2232, 2233); secs. 202, 206, 88 Stat. 1244, 1246, (42 U.S.C. 5842, 5846); secs. 10 and 14, Pub. L. 95–601, 92 Stat. 2951 (42 U.S.C. 2021a and 5851) and Pub. L. 102–486, sec. 2902, 106 Stat. 3123, (42 U.S.C. 5851); sec. 1704, 112 Stat. 2750 (44 U.S.C. 3504 note). Section 61.9 is also issued under Pub. L. 95–601, sec. 10, 92 Stat. 2951 as amended by Pub. L. 102–486, sec. 2902, 106 Stat. 3123 (42 U.S.C. 5851). 12. In § 61.9, paragraph (c)(2) is revised to read as follows: I § 61.9 Employee protection. * * * * * (c) * * * (2) Imposition of a civil penalty on the licensee, applicant, or a contractor or subcontractor of the licensee or applicant. * * * * * PART 63—DISPOSAL OF HIGH-LEVEL RADIOACTIVE WASTES IN A GEOLOGIC REPOSITORY AT YUCCA MOUNTAIN, NEVADA 13. The authority citation for part 63 continues to read as follows: I Authority: Secs. 51, 53, 62, 63, 65, 81, 161, 182, 183, 68 Stat. 929, 930, 932, 933, 935, 948, 953, 954, as amended (42 U.S.C. 2071, 2073, 2092, 2093, 2095, 2111, 2201, 2232, 2233); secs. 202, 206, 88 Stat. 1244, 1246 (42 U.S.C. 5842, 5846); secs. 10 and 14, Pub. L. 95–601, 92 Stat. 2951 (42 U.S.C. 2021a and PO 00000 Frm 00008 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 5851); sec. 102, Pub. L. 91–190, 83 Stat. 853 (42 U.S.C. 4332); secs. 114, 121, Pub. L. 97– 425, 96 Stat. 2213g, 2238, as amended (42 U.S.C. 10134, 10141), and Pub. L. 102–486, sec. 2902, 106 Stat. 3123 (42 U.S.C. 5851); sec. 1704, 112 Stat. 2750 (44 U.S.C. 3504 note). 14. In § 63.9, paragraph (c)(2) is revised to read as follows: I § 63.9 Employee protection. * * * * * (c) * * * (2) Imposition of a civil penalty on the licensee, applicant, or a contractor or subcontractor of the licensee or applicant; or * * * * * PART 70—DOMESTIC LICENSING OF SPECIAL NUCLEAR MATERIAL 15. The authority citation for part 70 is revised to read as follows: I Authority: Secs. 51, 53, 161, 182, 183, 68 Stat. 929, 930, 948, 953, 954, as amended, sec. 234, 83 Stat. 444, as amended (42 U.S.C. 2071, 2073, 2201, 2232, 2233, 2282, 2297f); secs. 201, as amended, 202, 204, 206, 88 Stat. 1242, as amended, 1244, 1245, 1246 (42 U.S.C. 5841, 5842, 5845, 5846). Sec. 193, 104 Stat. 2835, as amended by Pub. L. 104–134, 110 Stat. 1321, 1321–349 (42 U.S.C. 2243); sec. 1704, 112 Stat. 2750 (44 U.S.C. 3504 note). Sections 70.1(c) and 70.20a(b) also issued under secs. 135, 141, Pub. L. 97–425, 96 Stat. 2232, 2241 (42 U.S.C. 10155, 10161). Section 70.7 is also issued under Pub. L. 95–601, sec. 10, 92 Stat. 2951 as amended by Pub. L. 102– 486, sec. 2902, 106 Stat. 3123 (42 U.S.C. 5851). Section 70.21(g) also issued under sec. 122, 68 Stat. 939 (42 U.S.C. 2152). Section 70.31 also issued under sec. 57d, Pub. L. 93– 377, 88 Stat. 475 (42 U.S.C. 2077). Sections 70.36 and 70.44 also issued under sec. 184, 68 Stat. 954, as amended (42 U.S.C. 2234). Section 70.81 also issued under secs. 186, 187, 68 Stat. 955 (42 U.S.C. 2236, 2237). Section 70.82 also issued under sec. 108, 68 Stat. 939, as amended (42 U.S.C. 2138). 16. In § 70.7, paragraph (c)(2) is revised to read as follows: I § 70.7 Employee protection. * * * * * (c) * * * (2) Imposition of a civil penalty on the licensee, applicant, or a contractor or subcontractor of the licensee or applicant. * * * * * PART 71—PACKAGING AND TRANSPORTATION OF RADIOACTIVE MATERIAL 17. The authority citation for part 71 is revised to read as follows: I Authority: Secs. 53, 57, 62, 63, 81, 161, 182, 183, 68 Stat. 930, 932, 933, 935, 948, E:\FR\FM\14NOR1.SGM 14NOR1 Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 219 / Wednesday, November 14, 2007 / Rules and Regulations 953, 954, as amended, sec. 1701, 106 Stat. 2951, 2952, 2953 (42 U.S.C. 2073, 2077, 2092, 2093, 2111, 2201, 2232, 2233, 2297f); secs. 201, as amended, 202, 206, 88 Stat.1242, as amended, 1244, 1246 (42 U.S.C. 5841, 5842, 5846); sec. 1704, 112 Stat. 2750 (44 U.S.C. 3504 note). Section 71.9 also issued under Pub. L. 95– 601, sec. 10, 92 Stat. 2951, as amended by Pub. L. 102–486, sec. 2902, 106 Stat. 3123 (42 U.S.C. 5851). Section 71.97 also issued under sec. 301, Pub. L. 96–295, 94 Stat. 789–790. § 72.10 18. In § 71.9, paragraph (c)(2) is revised to read as follows: I Employee protection. * * * * * (c) * * * (2) Imposition of a civil penalty on the licensee, applicant, or a contractor or subcontractor of the licensee or applicant; or * * * * * PART 72—LICENSING REQUIREMENTS FOR THE INDEPENDENT STORAGE OF SPENT NUCLEAR FUEL, HIGH-LEVEL RADIOACTIVE WASTE, AND REACTOR-RELATED GREATER THAN CLASS C WASTE 19. The authority citation for part 72 continues to read as follows: rmajette on PROD1PC64 with RULES I 20. In § 72.10, paragraph (c)(2) is revised to read as follows: VerDate Aug<31>2005 14:53 Nov 13, 2007 Jkt 214001 PART 76—CERTIFICATION OF GASEOUS DIFFUSION PLANTS Authority: Sec. 161, 68 Stat. 948, as amended, secs. 1312, 1701, as amended, 106 Stat. 2932, 2951, 2952, 2953, 110 Stat. 1321– 349 (42 U.S.C. 2201, 2297b-11, 2297f); secs. 201, as amended, 204, 206, 88 Stat. 1244, 1245, 1246 (42 U.S.C. 5841, 5842, 5845, 5846). Sec. 234(a), 83 Stat. 444, as amended by Pub. L. 104–134, 110 Stat. 1321, 1321–349 (42 U.S.C. 2243(a)); sec. 1704, 112 Stat. 2750 (44 U.S.C. 3504 note). Section 76.7 is also issued under Pub. L. 95–601, sec. 10, 92 Stat. 2951 as amended by Pub. L. 102–486, sec. 2902, 106 Stat. 3123 (42 U.S.C. 5851). Section 76.22 is also issued under sec.193(f), as amended, 104 Stat. 2835, as amended by Pub. L. 104–134, 110 Stat. 1321, 1321–349 (42 U.S.C. 2243(f)). Section 76.35(j) also issued under sec. 122, 68 Stat. 939 (42 U.S.C. 2152). 22. Section 76.7 is amended by revising paragraph (c)(2) and adding a new paragraph (c)(3) to read as follows: I Authority: Secs. 51, 53, 57, 62, 63, 65, 69, 81, 161, 182, 183, 184, 186, 187, 189, 68 Stat. 929, 930, 932, 933, 934, 935, 948, 953, 954, 955, as amended; sec. 234, 83 Stat. 444, as amended (42 U.S.C. 2071, 2073, 2077, 2092, 2093, 2095, 2099, 2111, 2201, 2232, 2233, 2234, 2236, 2237, 2238, 2282); sec. 274, Pub. L. 86–373, 73 Stat. 688, as amended (42 U.S.C. 2021); sec. 201, as amended; 202, 206, 88 Stat. 1242, as amended; 1244, 1246 (42 U.S.C. 5841, 5842, 5846); Pub. L. 95–601, sec. 10, 92 Stat. 2951, as amended by Pub. L. 102– 485, sec. 7902, 106 Stat. 3123 (42 U.S.C. 5851); sec. 102, Pub. L. 91–190, 83 Stat. 853 (42 U.S.C. 4332); secs. 131, 132, 133, 135, 137, 141, Pub. L. 97–425, 96 Stat. 2229, 2230, 2232, 2241; sec. 148, Pub. L. 100–203, 101 Stat. 1330–235 (42 U.S.C. 10151, 10152, 10153, 10155, 10157, 10161, 10168); sec. 1704, 112 Stat. 2750 (44 U.S.C. 3504 note). Section 72.44(g) also issued under secs. 142(b) and 148(c), (d), Pub. L. 100–203, 101 Stat. 1330–232, 1330–236 (42 U.S.C. 10162(b), 10168(c), (d)). Section 72.46 also issued under sec. 189, 68 Stat. 955 (42 U.S.C. 2239); sec. 134, Pub. L. 97–425, 96 Stat. 2230 (42 U.S.C. 10154). Section 72.96(d) also issued under sec. 145(g), Pub. L. 100–203, 101 Stat. 1330–235 (42 U.S.C. 10165(g)). Subpart J also issued under secs. 2(2), 2(15), 2(19), 117(a), 141(h), Pub. L. 97–425, 96 Stat. 2202, 2203, 2204, 2222, 2224 (42 U.S.C. 10101, 10137(a), 10161(h)). Subparts K and L are also issued under sec. 133, 98 Stat. 2230 (42 U.S.C. 10153) and sec. 218(a), 96 Stat. 2252 (42 U.S.C. 10198). I * * * * (c) * * * (2) Imposition of a civil penalty on the licensee, applicant, or a contractor or subcontractor of the licensee or applicant. * * * * * 21. The authority citation for part 76 is revised to read as follows: I § 71.9 Employee protection. * § 76.7 Employee protection. * * * * * (c) * * * (2) Imposition of a civil penalty on the Corporation or a contractor or subcontractor of the Corporation. (3) Other enforcement action. * * * * * Dated at Rockville, Maryland, this 7th day of November 2007. For the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. Annette L. Vietti-Cook, Secretary of the Commission. [FR Doc. E7–22190 Filed 11–13–07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 7590–01–P EMERGENCY STEEL GUARANTEE LOAN BOARD 13 CFR Part 400 [Docket No. 071031635–7636–01] 63975 changed the location of its offices and is amending its regulations to reflect such change. DATES: This rule is effective November 14, 2007. ADDRESSES: Comments may be submitted by any of the following: • E-mail: LoanBoard@doc.gov. • Mail: Marcela Villalta Scott, General Counsel, Emergency Steel Guarantee Loan Board, U.S. Department of Commerce, Room 5876, Washington, DC 20230. • Fax: 202–482–0512. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Marcela Villalta Scott, General Counsel, Emergency Steel Guarantee Loan Board, at (202) 482–3843 or LoanBoard@doc.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Background The principal offices of the Emergency Steel Guarantee Loan Program as set forth in 13 CFR 400.103 have changed to the U.S. Department of Commerce, Washington, DC 20230. Classification Executive Order 12866 This final rule has been determined to be exempt from Executive Order 12866. Administrative Procedure Act This rule is exempt from the rulemaking requirements contained in 5 U.S.C. 553 pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553(a)(2), as it involves a matter relating to loans and to Board management. As such, prior notice and an opportunity for public comment and a delay in effectiveness otherwise required under 5 U.S.C. 553 are inapplicable to this rule. Regulatory Flexibility Act Because this rule is not subject to a requirement to provide prior notice and an opportunity for public comment pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553, or any other law, the analytical requirements of the Regulatory Flexibility Act, 5 U.S.C. 601 et seq., are inapplicable. List of Subjects in 13 CFR Part 400 Administrative practice and procedure, Environmental impact statement, Freedom of Information, Loan Programs—Steel, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements. Offices of Emergency Steel Guarantee Loan Board Emergency Steel Guarantee Loan Board. ACTION: Final rule. Dated: November 7, 2007. Marcela Villalta Scott, General Counsel, Emergency Steel Guarantee Loan Board. I AGENCY: SUMMARY: The Emergency Steel Guarantee Loan Board (‘‘Board’’) has PO 00000 Frm 00009 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 For the reasons set forth in the preamble, amend 13 CFR part 400 as follows: I 1. The authority citation for part 400 continues to read as follows: E:\FR\FM\14NOR1.SGM 14NOR1
[Pages 63969-63975]
[FR Doc No: E7-22190]
10 CFR Parts 30, 40, 50, 52, 60, 61, 63, 70, 71, 72, and 76
RIN 3150-AH59
Clarification of NRC Civil Penalty Authority Over Contractors and
Subcontractors Who Discriminate Against Employees for Engaging in
amending its employee protection regulations to clarify the
Commission's authority to impose a civil penalty upon a non-licensee
contractor or subcontractor of a Commission licensee, or applicant for
a Commission license who violates the NRC's regulations by
discriminating against employees for engaging in protected activity.
The NRC is also amending its employee protection regulations related to
the operation of Gaseous Diffusion Plants to conform with the NRC's
other employee protection regulations and to allow the NRC to impose a
civil penalty on the United States Enrichment Corporation (USEC or
Corporation), as well as a contractor or subcontractor of USEC.
DATES: Effective Date: The effective date of this final rule is
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Doug Starkey, Office of Enforcement,
Telephone (301) 415-3456; e-mail drs@nrc.gov.
The Commission's employee protection regulations in 10 CFR 30.7,
40.7, 50.7, 52.5,\1\ 60.9, 61.9, 63.9, 70.7, 71.9, 72.10, and 76.7
prohibit discrimination by a Commission licensee, applicant for a
Commission license, a holder of or applicant for a certificate of
compliance (CoC) or the Corporation, or contractor or subcontractor of
these entities, against employees for engaging in certain protected
activities. These regulations identify certain enforcement actions for
violations of the requirements. The enforcement actions are denial,
revocation, or suspension of the license or certificate; imposition of
a civil penalty on the licensee or applicant; or other enforcement
action. While the employee protection regulations prohibit
discrimination by a contractor or subcontractor, they do not explicitly
provide for imposition of a civil penalty on a contractor or
\1\ This final rule amends 10 CFR 52.5(c) to conform with the
other employee protection regulations regarding civil penalties to
contractors and subcontractors. 10 CFR 52.5(c) was not included in
the proposed rule submitted to the Commission in SECY-05-0212
because, at that time, 10 CFR Part 52 did not contain employee
protection provisions. 10 CFR Part 52 has since been amended (72 FR
49352, in part, to include a new section, 10 CFR 52.5, Employee
On January 16, 1998, the NRC issued an enforcement action against
Five Star Products, Inc., and Construction Products Research, Inc.,
contractors to the nuclear industry, for discriminating against one of
its employees. Following this enforcement action, the NRC considered
modifications to the NRC's employee protection regulations that would
clearly allow the NRC, within the limits of its jurisdiction, to impose
civil penalties on non-licensees for discriminating against employees
who have engaged in protected activities. At the time that NRC took the
enforcement action against Five Star Products, Inc., and Construction
Products Research, Inc., the NRC was engaged in litigation with another
non-licensee, Thermal Science, Inc., that included an issue concerning
the scope of the Commission's civil penalty authority over non-
licensees. Consequently, the NRC deferred modifying the NRC's employee
protection regulations pending resolution of action in Thermal Science,
Inc., v. NRC (Case No. 4:96CV02281-CAS). That case was subsequently
On April 14, 2000, the NRC Executive Director for Operations (EDO)
approved the establishment of a Discrimination Task Group (DTG) to,
among other things, evaluate the NRC's handling of matters covered by
its employee protection regulations. During this review, the DTG held
12 public meetings and provided the public with an opportunity to
comment on its draft report. Among other recommendations, the DTG
recommended in its report, ``Policy Options and Recommendations for
Revising the NRC's Process for Handling Discrimination Issues,'' dated
April 2002, that rulemaking be initiated to allow the NRC to impose
civil penalties on contractors working for NRC licensees. The DTG
received public comments both in favor of, and opposed to, the
recommendation that NRC conduct a rulemaking to allow the imposition of
civil penalties against contractors for violating the NRC's employee
The DTG's report was forwarded to the Commission as an attachment
to SECY-02-0166, ``Policy Options and Recommendations for Revising the
NRC's Process for Handling Discrimination Issues,'' dated September 12,
2002. On March 26, 2003, the Commission issued a Staff Requirements
Memorandum (SRM) on SECY-02-0166, approving the recommendations of the
DTG as revised by the Senior Management Review Team, subject to certain
comments. The Senior Management Review Team was appointed by the EDO to
review the final recommendations of the DTG and provide any additional
perspectives that could enhance the potential options. The Commission
approved, without comment, the DTG rulemaking recommendation regarding
civil penalties against contractors.
The NRC staff submitted a proposed rule to amend the employee
protection regulations to exercise NRC's authority to impose civil
penalties against contractors and subcontractors to the Commission on
(SECY-05-0212). In SRM-SECY-05-0212, dated December 21, 2005, the
Commission approved the staff's recommendation to publish the proposed
rule, with certain changes directed by the Commission. The proposed
rule was published in the Federal Register on January 31, 2006 (71 FR
5015). Public comment was requested on the proposed amendments as well
as on the draft environmental assessment and regulatory analysis that
had been prepared on the proposed rule. The final rule does not differ
from the recommendations in the proposed rule.
The amendments allow the Commission to impose civil penalties on
contractors or subcontractors for violations of Commission employee
protection requirements. The rule represents a significant change in
Commission policy in that, currently, a licensee can receive a civil
penalty for the discriminatory activities of its contractor or
subcontractor, while the contractor or subcontractor is not subject to
civil penalty enforcement action. The amendments clarify the NRC's
authority to impose a civil penalty directly on contractors or
subcontractors who violate the NRC's employee protection regulations.
This authority derives from Section 234 of the Atomic Energy Act, which
provides that the Commission may impose civil penalties on any person
who violates any rule, regulation, or order issued under any of the
enumerated provisions of the Act, or any term, condition, or limitation
of any license or certification issued under the Act, or who commits a
violation for which a license may be revoked. Section 11s of the Atomic
Energy Act broadly defines the term ``person'' to include any
individual, corporation, partnership, firm, association, trust, estate,
public or private institution group, Government agency other than the
Commission, any State or any political subdivision of, or any political
entity; and any legal successor, representative, agent, or agency of
In 1991, the Commission amended its regulations to allow it to take
enforcement action against unlicensed persons for deliberate misconduct
(56 FR 40664; August 15, 1991). In so doing, the Commission emphasized
that ``any person'' as defined in the Atomic Energy Act necessarily
encompasses non-licensees, in order to effectuate the purposes of the
Act as it applies to licensees. In that rulemaking, the Commission also
noted that it may be able to exercise its Section 234 authority to
impose civil penalties on unlicensed persons who deliberately cause a
licensee to be in violation of requirements.
In 1998, the NRC issued a Severity Level I Notice of Violation
without a civil penalty to Five Star Products, Inc. and Construction
Products Research, Inc. in response to their discrimination against a
former employee who raised safety concerns. Five Star Products, Inc.
and Construction Products Research, Inc. were not licensees, but
supplied safety-related basic components and services associated with
those basic components to the nuclear industry at the time of the
discrimination.\2\
\2\ In an earlier case, CLI-93-23, 38 NRC 169, 178-84 (1993),
the Commission held that Five Star Products is a ``contractor'' and
Construction Products Research, Inc., is a ``subcontractor'' within
the meaning of Section 211 of the Energy Reorganization Act of 1974,
as amended, and 10 CFR 50.7.
It is important that contractors and subcontractors abide by the
Commission's employee protection regulations to effectuate the purposes
of the Act because the activities of contractors and subcontractors can
clearly affect the safe operation of a licensee's facility. These
amendments allow the Commission to impose civil penalties on any non-
licensee employer that discriminates against an employee for engaging
in protected activity, if that employer is a contractor or
subcontractor of a licensee or the Corporation at the time that the
employee engaged in the protected activity that resulted in
discrimination. These amendments will serve the dual objectives of
deterring contractors and subcontractors from violating NRC's employee
protection regulations and allowing employees to raise regulatory and
safety concerns without fear of retaliation. Both of these objectives
are critical to the nuclear industry's ability to carry out licensed
However, the Commission emphasizes that the amendments do not
affect its ability to impose civil penalties against licensees or
applicants for discrimination, nor do they diminish the focus on
licensee responsibility in the investigative and enforcement process.
The Commission has long held licensees to be responsible for
maintaining control and oversight of contractor and subcontractor
activities. The modifications to the employee protection regulations do
not indicate a change in Commission policy in this regard, nor do they
diminish the ability of the NRC to impose civil penalties against
licensees. There may be instances when the Commission may wish to issue
civil penalties to the responsible contractor or subcontractor, or
both, and the licensee. The Commission is maintaining its policy of
emphasizing licensee responsibilities for the actions of their
contractors and subcontractors. The Commission believes that these
amendments are necessary and will offer additional enhancements to the
regulatory process by allowing the Commission to exercise its authority
to impose a significant enforcement action (i.e., civil penalty)
directly on contractors or subcontractors who violate the NRC's
employee protection regulations.
The NRC is not amending 10 CFR 71.9 and 72.10 to provide for
imposing a civil penalty against a holder or applicant for a CoC, or
contractor or subcontractor of a holder or applicant for a CoC.
However, if a holder of, or applicant for, a CoC is also a contractor
or subcontractor of a licensee or applicant for a license, then a civil
penalty could be imposed on the holder of, or applicant for, a CoC in
its capacity as a contractor or subcontractor.
In addition, in drafting the proposed rule, the NRC identified that
10 CFR 76.7 does not specify the availability of civil penalties as an
enforcement action. The Supplementary Information that accompanied the
promulgation of 10 CFR 76.7 does not indicate that this omission was
intentional.\3\ Therefore, the NRC is amending 10 CFR 76.7 to bring it
into conformance with the provisions of the other NRC's employee
protection regulations by providing that the Commission may impose a
civil penalty on the Corporation or a contractor or subcontractor of
\3\ The Supplementary Information states that part 76 is based
upon comparable requirements; in particular, 10 CFR part 70, as
modified for the certification process. There is no indication that
the omission of civil penalties was intended as such a modification
(59 FR 48944; September 23, 1994).
The NRC has also revised the authority citations to correctly
reflect current statutory authority.
The period for submitting comments on the proposed rule, draft
environmental assessment, or regulatory analysis expired on April 17,
2006. The NRC received an e-mail from a private citizen and one letter
from Project on Government Oversight (POGO). In general, the comments
were supportive of the proposed rule. A summary of the issues raised by
the commenters, followed by the NRC's responses to the comments, is
Comment summary. A commenter stated that it should be a rare
exception and require Commission consultation before the NRC staff
issues an enforcement action against a contractor without taking some
enforcement action against the licensee. The commenter added that the
Statement of Considerations in the final rulemaking should include a
statement that consultation with the Commission will be required if the
NRC staff issues enforcement action against a contractor without taking
enforcement action against the licensee.
Response. The NRC agrees that enforcement action will generally
continue to be taken against a licensee for the discriminatory actions
of its contractors or subcontractors. The modifications to the employee
protection regulations added in this rulemaking do not indicate a
change in Commission policy in this regard or diminish the ability of
the NRC to impose civil penalties against licensees or applicants for
discrimination, nor do they diminish the focus on licensee
responsibility in the investigative and enforcement process.
The NRC does not believe it is necessary to require Commission
consultation should the staff proceed with an enforcement action
against a contractor or subcontractor but not the licensee. Instead,
the NRC believes that the decision about whether to take enforcement
action against a contractor without taking some enforcement action
against the licensee should be determined after reviewing the
circumstances surrounding the discrimination on a case-by-case basis
using the guidance in the Enforcement Policy and NRC Enforcement
Manual. Although the staff will not automatically seek Commission
consultation in these circumstances, the Enforcement Policy currently
provides that the Commission will be provided written notification of
all enforcement actions involving civil penalties, and that the
Commission will be consulted on any proposed enforcement action on
which the Commission requests consultation.
Comment summary. One commenter stated that the proposed rule should
apply to all licensees, applicants, contractors and subcontractors,
including a holder or applicant for a Certificate of Compliance (CoC)
under 10 CFR 71.9 and 72.10.
Response. The NRC is not amending 10 CFR 71.9 or 72.10 in this
rulemaking to provide for imposing a civil penalty against a holder or
applicant for a CoC. However, the Commission, in SRM-SECY-05-0212,
``Proposed Rulemaking--Clarification of the NRC Civil Penalty Authority
Over Contractors and Subcontractors Who Discriminate Against Employees
for Engaging in Protected Activities,'' directed the NRC staff
(although as a low priority) to draft appropriate legislative language
to be provided in any future legislative request to Congress for the
extension of this rulemaking to cover those excluded certificate
Comment summary. One commenter recommended that the proposed
amendments to 10 CFR 30.7, 40.7, 61.9, 70.7, and 71.9 be categorized at
the Agreement State Compatibility Category C designation (meets the
essential objectives of NRC employee protection requirements) instead
of as Agreement State Compatibility Category D (does not need to be
adopted by Agreement States), as was proposed. In addition, this
comment stated that the NRC should issue a policy statement to
Agreement States detailing the obligations under Category C.
Response. The Commission in SRM-SECY-99-002, dated March 12, 1999,
disapproved the staff's plans to designate 10 CFR 19.20, 30.7, 40.7,
61.9, and 70.7 as compatibility Category C for Agreement States.
However, the Commission provided direction to the staff that its
decision could be revisited if the staff believed at some time in the
future that there was a regulatory performance gap that put Agreement
State licensee employees at a higher risk than NRC licensee employees
as a result of the present compatibility category. The NRC staff is
currently reevaluating, under an initiative separate from this
rulemaking, the effects of the Category D designation on Agreement
State employees. Upon completion of that evaluation, the staff will
determine whether additional actions are necessary regarding Agreement
State employee protection compatibility categories. That evaluation and
any subsequent staff recommendations to the Commission regarding
compatibility categories are separate from this rulemaking and will not
be included in this rulemaking. Therefore, the current compatibility
Category D designation has not been changed in this final rule.
Sections 30.7, 40.7, 50.7, 52.5, 60.9, 61.9, 63.9, and 70.7, are
amended to provide that, in addition to imposing a civil penalty
against a Commission licensee or applicant for a Commission license,
the Commission may impose a civil penalty against a contractor or
subcontractor of either of these entities for discriminating against an
employee for engaging in protected activity.
Section 71.9 is amended to provide that, in addition to imposing a
civil penalty against a Commission licensee, or applicant, the
Commission may impose a civil penalty against a contractor or
subcontractor of these entities for discriminating against an employee
Section 72.10 is amended to provide that, in addition to imposing a
civil penalty against a Commission licensee or applicant, the
subcontractor of the licensee, or applicant.
Section 76.7 is amended to provide that the Commission may impose a
civil penalty on the Corporation or contractor or subcontractor of the
Agreement State Programs'' which became effective on September 3, 1997
(62 FR 46517), NRC program elements (including regulations) are placed
into Compatibility Categories A, B, C, D, NRC or category Health and
Safety (H&S). Category A includes program elements that are basic
radiation protection standards or related definitions, signs, labels or
terms necessary for a common understanding of radiation protection
principles and should be essentially identical to those of the NRC.
Category B includes program elements that have significant direct
transboundary implications and should be essentially identical to those
of the NRC. Compatibility Category C are those program elements that do
not meet the criteria of Category A or B, but the essential objectives
of which an Agreement State should adopt to avoid conflict,
duplication, gaps, or other conditions that would jeopardize an orderly
pattern in the regulation of agreement material on a nationwide basis.
Compatibility Category D are those program elements that do not meet
any of the criteria of Category A, B, or C, and do not need to be
adopted by Agreement States. Compatibility Category NRC are those
program elements that address areas of regulation that cannot be
relinquished to Agreement States under the Atomic Energy Act, as
amended, or provisions of Title 10 of the Code of Federal Regulations
and cannot be adopted by Agreement States. Category H&S are program
elements that are not required for compatibility, but have a particular
health and safety role in the regulation of agreement material and the
should contain the essential objectives of the NRC program elements.
The revisions to 10 CFR 50.7, 52.5, 60.9, 63.9, 72.10, and 76.7 are
not relevant to Agreement State programs because these NRC regulations
address areas of exclusive NRC authority and are designated a
Compatibility Category NRC. The revisions to 10 CFR 30.7, 40.7, 61.9,
70.7, and 71.9 are categorized as Compatibility Category D, and
therefore do not need to be adopted by Agreement States.
interested persons through one or more of the following methods as
Public Document Room (PDR). The NRC PDR is located at 11555
Rulemaking Web site (Web). The NRC's interactive rulemaking Web
site is located at http://ruleforum.llnl.gov. These documents may be
viewed and downloaded electronically via this Web site.
NRC's Agencywide Document Access and Management System (ADAMS). The
NRC's PARS Library is located at http://www.nrc.gov/readingrm/
adams.html.
Document                         PDR              Web                      ADAMS
Public Comment.............................               X                X   ML060800443
56 FR 40664................................               X                X   Not Applicable
Public Comment.............................               X                X   ML060880346
Final Rule--Regulatory Analysis............               X                X   ML063110473
Final Rule--Environmental Analysis.........               X                X   ML063110454
Enforcement Policy Revision................               X                X   ML063110480
SECY-02-0166...............................               X                X   ML022120479
SRM-SECY-02-0166...........................               X                X   ML030850783
Proposed Rule FRN..........................               X                X   ML060120312
SECY-05-0212...............................               X                X   ML052910161
SRM-SECY-05-0212...........................               X                X   ML053570177
SRM-SECY-99-002............................               X                X   ML003751577
applicable law or is otherwise impractical. In this final rule, the NRC
is amending its regulations to enable the Commission to impose civil
penalties upon non-licensee contractors and subcontractors who
discriminate against employees for engaging in certain protected
activities. This action does not constitute the establishment of a
standard that contains generally applicable requirements.
Policy Act of 1969, Public Law 97-190 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.), as
amended, and the Commission's regulations in Subpart A of 10 CFR Part
51, that this rule, is not a major Federal action significantly
affecting the quality of the human environment; and, therefore, an
environmental impact statement is not required. The basis for this
determination is that this rulemaking will not significantly increase
the probability or consequences of accidents, no changes will be made
in the types of effluents that may be released offsite, there will be
no significant increase in public radiation exposure, nor will there be
a direct nor reasonably foreseeable indirect effect on the water, land,
The NRC requested the views of the States on the environmental
assessment (EA). The EA, upon which the Commission's finding of no
significant impact is based, is available for examination and copying
at the NRC PDR, One White Flint North, 11555 Rockville Pike, Rockville,
Maryland. No comments were received on the EA. Single copies of the
analysis may be obtained from the Office of Enforcement, U.S. Nuclear
Regulatory Commission, at 301-415-3456 or by e-mail at drs@nrc.gov.
This final rule does not contain new or amended information
Office of Management and Budget, approval numbers 3150-0017, 3150-0020,
3150-0011, 3150-0127, 3150-0135, 3150-0199, 3150-0009, 3150-0008, 3150-
0132 and 3150-0151.
The Commission has prepared a regulatory analysis on this final
regulation. The analysis examined the costs and benefits of the
alternatives considered by the Commission. No comments were received on
the regulatory analysis. The regulatory analysis is available for
inspection in the NRC's PDR, 11555 Rockville Pike, Rockville, MD 20852.
Single copies of the analysis may be obtained from the Office of
Enforcement, U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, at 301-415-3456 or by
e-mail at drs@nrc.gov.
605(b)), the Commission certifies that this rule does not have a
based on the definition of ``small entities'' set forth in the
Regulatory Flexibility Act or the Size Standards established by the
Nuclear Regulatory Commission (10 CFR 2.810). The provisions only
impact contractors or subcontractors of licensees or applicants who
violate the NRC's regulations by discriminating against employees who
engage in protected activities.
The Commission has determined that the backfit rule is not required
for this final rule because these amendments do not include any
provisions that would require backfits as defined in 10 CFR Chapter I.
that this action is not a major rule and has
verified this determination with the Office of Information and
Regulatory Affairs, Office of Management and Budget.
Byproduct material, Criminal penalties, Government contracts,
Intergovernmental relations, Isotopes, Nuclear materials, Radiation
protection, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements.
Administrative practice and procedure, Antitrust, Backfitting,
Combined license, Early site permit, Emergency planning, Fees,
Inspection, Limited work authorization, Nuclear power plants and
reactors, Probabilistic risk assessment, Prototype, Reactor siting
criteria, Redress of site, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements,
Standard design, Standard design certification.
Criminal penalties, High-level waste, Nuclear materials, Nuclear
power plants and reactors, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements,
Criminal penalties, Low-level waste, Nuclear materials, Reporting
and recordkeeping requirements, Waste treatment and disposal.
Criminal penalties, High-level waste, Nuclear power plants and
reactors, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Waste treatment and
Criminal penalties, Hazardous materials transportation, Material
control and accounting, Nuclear materials, Packaging and containers,
Radiation protection, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements,
Scientific equipment, Security measures, Special nuclear material.
Criminal penalties, Hazardous materials transportation, Nuclear
materials, Packaging and containers, Reporting and recordkeeping
Certification, Criminal penalties, Radiation protection, Reporting
and recordkeeping requirements, Security measures, Special nuclear
material, Uranium enrichment by gaseous diffusion.
1974, as amended; and 5 U.S.C. 552 and 5 U.S.C. 553; the NRC is
adopting the following amendments to 10 CFR Parts 30, 40, 50, 52, 60,
61, 63, 70, 71, 72, and 76.
PART 30--RULES OF GENERAL APPLICABILITY TO DOMESTIC LICENSING OF
Authority: Secs. 81, 82, 161, 182, 183, 186, 68 Stat. 935, 948,
953, 954, 955, as amended, sec. 234, 83 Stat. 444, as amended (42
U.S.C. 2111, 2112, 2201, 2232, 2233, 2236, 2282); secs. 201 as
5841, 5842, 5846); sec. 1704, 112 Stat. 2750 (44 U.S.C. 3504 note).
Section 30.7 is also issued under Pub. L. 95-601, sec. 10, 92
Stat. 2951 as amended by Pub. L. 102-486, sec. 2902, 106 Stat. 3123
(42 U.S.C. 5851). Section 30.34(b) also issued under sec. 184, 68
Stat. 954, as amended (42 U.S.C. 2234). Section 30.61 also issued
2. In Sec.  30.7, paragraph (c)(2) is revised to read as follows:
Sec.  30.7  Employee protection.
(2) Imposition of a civil penalty on the licensee, applicant, or a
contractor or subcontractor of the licensee or applicant.
3. The authority citation for part 40 is revised to read as follows:
Authority: Secs. 62, 63, 64, 65, 81, 161, 182, 183, 186, 68
Stat. 932, 933, 935, 948, 953, 954, 955, as amended, secs. 11e(2),
2243); sec. 1704, 112 Stat. 2750 (44 U.S.C. 3504 note).
Section 40.7 is also issued under Pub. L. 95-601, sec. 10, 92
(42 U.S.C. 5851). Section 40.31(g) also issued under sec. 122, 68
Stat. 939 (42 U.S.C. 2152). Section 40.46 also issued under sec.
184, 68 Stat. 954, as amended (42 U.S.C. 2234). Section 40.71 also
issued under sec. 187, 68 Stat. 955 (42 U.S.C. 2237).
4. In Sec.  40.7, paragraph (c)(2) is revised to read as follows:
Sec.  40.7  Employee protection.
5. The authority citation for part 50 is revised to read as follows:
sec. 1704, 112 Stat. 2750 (44 U.S.C. 3504 note).
Section 50.7 is also issued under Pub. L. 95-601, sec. 10, 92
(42 U.S.C. 5851). Section 50.10 also issued under secs. 101, 185, 68
U.S.C. 2138). Sections 50.23, 50.35, 50.55, and 50.56
also issued under sec. 185, 68 Stat. 955 (42 U.S.C. 2235). Sections
50.33a, 50.55a and appendix Q also issued under sec. 102, Pub. L.
91-190, 83 Stat. 853 (42 U.S.C. 4332). Sections 50.34 and 50.54 also
issued under sec. 204, 88 Stat. 1245 (42 U.S.C. 5844). Sections
50.58, 50.91, and 50.92 also issued under Pub. L. 97-415, 96 Stat.
2073 (42 U.S.C. 2239). Section 50.78 also issued under sec. 122, 68
Stat. 939 (42 U.S.C. 2152). Sections 50.80-50.81 also issued under
sec. 184, 68 Stat. 954, as amended (42 U.S.C. 2234). Appendix F also
issued under sec. 187, 68 Stat. 955 (42 U.S.C 2237).
6. In Sec.  50.7, paragraph (c)(2) is revised to read as follows:
Sec.  50.7  Employee protection.
PART 52--EARLY SITE PERMITS; STANDARD DESIGN CERTIFICATIONS; AND
COMBINED LICENSES FOR NUCLEAR POWER PLANTS
7. The authority citation for part 52 continues to read as follows:
Authority: Secs. 103, 104, 161, 182, 183, 186, 189, 68 Stat.
936, 948, 953, 954, 955, 956, as amended, sec. 234, 83 Stat. 444, as
amended (42 U.S.C. 2133, 2201, 2232, 2233, 2236, 2239, 2282); secs.
201, 202, 206, 88 Stat. 1242, 1244, 1246, as amended (42 U.S.C.
5841, 5842, 5846).
8. In Sec.  52.5, paragraph (c)(3) is revised to read as follows:
Sec.  52.5  Employee protection.
(3) Imposition of a civil penalty on the licensee, holder of a
standard design approval, or applicant (including an applicant for a
standard design certification under this part following Commission
adoption of final design certification rule) or a contractor or
subcontractor of the licensee, holder of a standard design approval, or
PART 60--DISPOSAL OF HIGH-LEVEL RADIOACTIVE WASTES IN GEOLOGIC
9. The authority citation for part 60 is revised to read as follows:
Authority: Secs. 51, 53, 62, 63, 65, 81, 161, 182, 183, 68 Stat.
929, 930, 932, 933, 935, 948, 953, 954, as amended (42 U.S.C. 2071,
2073, 2092, 2093, 2095, 2111, 2201, 2232, 2233); secs. 202, 206, 88
Stat. 1244, 1246 (42 U.S.C. 5842, 5846); secs. 10 and 14, Pub. L.
95-601, 92 Stat. 2951 (42 U.S.C. 2021a and 5851); sec. 102, Pub. L.
91-190, 83 Stat. 853 (42 U.S.C. 4332); secs. 114, 121, Pub. L. 97-
425, 96 Stat. 2213g, 2228, as amended (42 U.S.C. 10134, 10141), and
Pub. L. 102-486, sec. 2902, 106 Stat. 3123 (42 U.S.C. 5851); sec.
1704, 112 Stat. 2750 (44 U.S.C. 3504 note).
Section 60.9 is also issued under Pub. L. 95-601, sec. 10, 92
(42 U.S.C. 5851).
10. In Sec.  60.9, paragraph (c)(2) is revised to read as follows:
Sec.  60.9  Employee protection.
PART 61--LICENSING REQUIREMENTS FOR LAND DISPOSAL OF RADIOACTIVE
Authority: Secs. 53, 57, 62, 63, 65, 81, 161, 182, 183, 68 Stat.
930, 932, 933, 935, 948, 953, 954, as amended (42 U.S.C. 2073, 2077,
2092, 2093, 2095, 2111, 2201, 2232, 2233); secs. 202, 206, 88 Stat.
1244, 1246, (42 U.S.C. 5842, 5846); secs. 10 and 14, Pub. L. 95-601,
92 Stat. 2951 (42 U.S.C. 2021a and 5851) and Pub. L. 102-486, sec.
2902, 106 Stat. 3123, (42 U.S.C. 5851); sec. 1704, 112 Stat. 2750
(44 U.S.C. 3504 note).
Section 61.9 is also issued under Pub. L. 95-601, sec. 10, 92
12. In Sec.  61.9, paragraph (c)(2) is revised to read as follows:
Sec.  61.9  Employee protection.
PART 63--DISPOSAL OF HIGH-LEVEL RADIOACTIVE WASTES IN A GEOLOGIC
REPOSITORY AT YUCCA MOUNTAIN, NEVADA
425, 96 Stat. 2213g, 2238, as amended (42 U.S.C. 10134, 10141), and
14. In Sec.  63.9, paragraph (c)(2) is revised to read as follows:
Sec.  63.9  Employee protection.
contractor or subcontractor of the licensee or applicant; or
15. The authority citation for part 70 is revised to read as follows:
Authority: Secs. 51, 53, 161, 182, 183, 68 Stat. 929, 930, 948,
953, 954, as amended, sec. 234, 83 Stat. 444, as amended (42 U.S.C.
2071, 2073, 2201, 2232, 2233, 2282, 2297f); secs. 201, as amended,
202, 204, 206, 88 Stat. 1242, as amended, 1244, 1245, 1246 (42
U.S.C. 5841, 5842, 5845, 5846). Sec. 193, 104 Stat. 2835, as amended
by Pub. L. 104-134, 110 Stat. 1321, 1321-349 (42 U.S.C. 2243); sec.
Sections 70.1(c) and 70.20a(b) also issued under secs. 135, 141,
Pub. L. 97-425, 96 Stat. 2232, 2241 (42 U.S.C. 10155, 10161).
Section 70.7 is also issued under Pub. L. 95-601, sec. 10, 92 Stat.
U.S.C. 5851). Section 70.21(g) also issued under sec. 122, 68 Stat.
939 (42 U.S.C. 2152). Section 70.31 also issued under sec. 57d, Pub.
L. 93-377, 88 Stat. 475 (42 U.S.C. 2077). Sections 70.36 and 70.44
also issued under sec. 184, 68 Stat. 954, as amended (42 U.S.C.
2234). Section 70.81 also issued under secs. 186, 187, 68 Stat. 955
(42 U.S.C. 2236, 2237). Section 70.82 also issued under sec. 108, 68
Stat. 939, as amended (42 U.S.C. 2138).
16. In Sec.  70.7, paragraph (c)(2) is revised to read as follows:
Sec.  70.7  Employee protection.
17. The authority citation for part 71 is revised to read as follows:
Authority: Secs. 53, 57, 62, 63, 81, 161, 182, 183, 68 Stat.
930, 932, 933, 935, 948,
[[Page 63975]]
953, 954, as amended, sec. 1701, 106 Stat. 2951, 2952, 2953 (42
U.S.C. 2073, 2077, 2092, 2093, 2111, 2201, 2232, 2233, 2297f); secs.
201, as amended, 202, 206, 88 Stat.1242, as amended, 1244, 1246 (42
U.S.C. 5841, 5842, 5846); sec. 1704, 112 Stat. 2750 (44 U.S.C. 3504
Section 71.9 also issued under Pub. L. 95-601, sec. 10, 92 Stat.
2951, as amended by Pub. L. 102-486, sec. 2902, 106 Stat. 3123 (42
U.S.C. 5851).
Section 71.97 also issued under sec. 301, Pub. L. 96-295, 94
Stat. 789-790.
18. In Sec.  71.9, paragraph (c)(2) is revised to read as follows:
Sec.  71.9  Employee protection.
19. The authority citation for part 72 continues to read as follows:
Authority: Secs. 51, 53, 57, 62, 63, 65, 69, 81, 161, 182, 183,
184, 186, 187, 189, 68 Stat. 929, 930, 932, 933, 934, 935, 948, 953,
954, 955, as amended; sec. 234, 83 Stat. 444, as amended (42 U.S.C.
2234, 2236, 2237, 2238, 2282); sec. 274, Pub. L. 86-373, 73 Stat.
688, as amended (42 U.S.C. 2021); sec. 201, as amended; 202, 206, 88
Stat. 1242, as amended; 1244, 1246 (42 U.S.C. 5841, 5842, 5846);
Pub. L. 95-601, sec. 10, 92 Stat. 2951, as amended by Pub. L. 102-
485, sec. 7902, 106 Stat. 3123 (42 U.S.C. 5851); sec. 102, Pub. L.
91-190, 83 Stat. 853 (42 U.S.C. 4332); secs. 131, 132, 133, 135,
137, 141, Pub. L. 97-425, 96 Stat. 2229, 2230, 2232, 2241; sec. 148,
Pub. L. 100-203, 101 Stat. 1330-235 (42 U.S.C. 10151, 10152, 10153,
10155, 10157, 10161, 10168); sec. 1704, 112 Stat. 2750 (44 U.S.C.
3504 note).
Section 72.44(g) also issued under secs. 142(b) and 148(c), (d),
Pub. L. 100-203, 101 Stat. 1330-232, 1330-236 (42 U.S.C. 10162(b),
10168(c), (d)). Section 72.46 also issued under sec. 189, 68 Stat.
955 (42 U.S.C. 2239); sec. 134, Pub. L. 97-425, 96 Stat. 2230 (42
U.S.C. 10154). Section 72.96(d) also issued under sec. 145(g), Pub.
L. 100-203, 101 Stat. 1330-235 (42 U.S.C. 10165(g)). Subpart J also
issued under secs. 2(2), 2(15), 2(19), 117(a), 141(h), Pub. L. 97-
425, 96 Stat. 2202, 2203, 2204, 2222, 2224 (42 U.S.C. 10101,
10137(a), 10161(h)). Subparts K and L are also issued under sec.
133, 98 Stat. 2230 (42 U.S.C. 10153) and sec. 218(a), 96 Stat. 2252
(42 U.S.C. 10198).
20. In Sec.  72.10, paragraph (c)(2) is revised to read as follows:
Sec.  72.10  Employee protection.
PART 76--CERTIFICATION OF GASEOUS DIFFUSION PLANTS
21. The authority citation for part 76 is revised to read as follows:
Authority: Sec. 161, 68 Stat. 948, as amended, secs. 1312, 1701,
as amended, 106 Stat. 2932, 2951, 2952, 2953, 110 Stat. 1321-349 (42
U.S.C. 2201, 2297b-11, 2297f); secs. 201, as amended, 204, 206, 88
Stat. 1244, 1245, 1246 (42 U.S.C. 5841, 5842, 5845, 5846). Sec.
234(a), 83 Stat. 444, as amended by Pub. L. 104-134, 110 Stat. 1321,
1321-349 (42 U.S.C. 2243(a)); sec. 1704, 112 Stat. 2750 (44 U.S.C.
Section 76.7 is also issued under Pub. L. 95-601, sec. 10, 92
(42 U.S.C. 5851). Section 76.22 is also issued under sec.193(f), as
amended, 104 Stat. 2835, as amended by Pub. L. 104-134, 110 Stat.
1321, 1321-349 (42 U.S.C. 2243(f)). Section 76.35(j) also issued
under sec. 122, 68 Stat. 939 (42 U.S.C. 2152).
22. Section 76.7 is amended by revising paragraph (c)(2) and adding a
new paragraph (c)(3) to read as follows:
Sec.  76.7  Employee protection.
(2) Imposition of a civil penalty on the Corporation or a
contractor or subcontractor of the Corporation.