        DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
        Minerals Management Service
        30 CFR Part 250
        RIN 1010-AC89
        Oil and Gas and Sulphur Operations in the Outer Continental Shelf—Documents Incorporated by Reference—API RP 14F and API RP 14FZ

          AGENCY:
          Minerals Management Service (MMS), Interior.

          ACTION:
          Proposed rule.

          SUMMARY:
          MMS is proposing to update one document already incorporated by reference into our regulations, and add another document to be incorporated by reference for the first time into our regulations governing oil and gas and sulphur operations in the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS). These revisions will ensure that lessees use the best available and safest technologies while operating in the OCS. The updated document, API RP 14F, is the Fourth Edition of the American Petroleum Institute's (API) Recommended Practice for Design and Installation of Electrical Systems for Fixed and Floating Offshore Petroleum Facilities for Unclassified and Class I, Division 1 and Division 2 Locations. The new document, API RP 14FZ, is titled “Recommended Practice for Design and Installation of Electrical Systems for Fixed and Floating Offshore Petroleum Facilities for Unclassified and Class I, Zone 0, Zone 1 and Zone 2 Locations.”

          DATES:
          We will consider all comments we receive by March 17, 2003. We will begin reviewing comments then and may not fully consider comments we receive after March 17, 2003.

          ADDRESSES:

          Mail or hand-carry comments (three copies) to the Department of the Interior; Minerals Management Service; Mail Stop 4024; 381 Elden Street; Herndon, Virginia 20170-4817; Attention: Rules Processing Team (Comments). If you wish to e-mail your comments, the address is rules.comments@MMS.gov. Reference “1010AC89—API RP 14F and API RP 14FZ” in your subject line. Include your name and return address in the message and mark it for return receipt.

          FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
          Richard Ensele, Operations Analysis Branch, at (703) 787-1583, or David Nedorostek, Operations Analysis Branch, at (703) 787-1029.

        SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

        We use standards, specifications, and recommended practices developed by standard-setting organizations and the oil and gas industry for establishing requirements for activities in the OCS. This practice, known as incorporation by reference, allows us to incorporate the provisions of technical standards into the regulations without increasing the volume of the Code of Federal Regulations. The legal effect of incorporation by reference is that the material is treated as if it were published in the Federal Register. This material, like any other properly issued regulation, then has the force and effect of law. We hold operators/lessees accountable for complying with the documents incorporated by reference in our regulations. The regulations, found at 1 CFR Part 51, govern how MMS and other Federal agencies incorporate various documents by reference. Agencies can only incorporate by reference through publication in the Federal Register. Agencies must also gain approval from the Director of the Federal Register for each publication incorporated by reference. Incorporation by reference of a document or publication is limited to the specific edition or to the specific edition and supplement or addendum cited in the regulations.

        This proposed rule will update API RP 14F, Third Edition, September 1, 1991, Recommended Practice for Design and Installation of Electrical Systems for Offshore Production Platforms that is currently incorporated by reference into MMS regulations in 30 CFR 250.114. The proposed rule will also incorporate by reference into MMS regulations at 30 CFR 250.114, for the first time, the provisions of API RP 14FZ. The provisions of 30 CFR 250.114 apply only to platforms, artificial islands, fixed structures, and their facilities. Therefore, any requirements for floating facilities in these two documents will not apply. Under the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Minerals Management Service, U.S. Department of the Interior and the United States Coast Guard (USCG), U.S. Department of Transportation, dated December 16, 1998, the USCG is responsible for electrical systems on floating facilities. Additionally, according to the MOU, the USCG is responsible for aids to navigation, emergency lighting, survival craft, and general alarms, so any such references in these two documents do not apply.
        We have reviewed these documents and have determined that the latest editions of both documents should be incorporated into the regulations to ensure the use of the best available and safest technologies. The title of API RP 14F has been changed in the Fourth Edition to conform with API RP 500, Recommended Practice for Classification of Locations for Electrical Installations at Petroleum Facilities Classified as Class I, Division 1 and Division 2, which is currently incorporated into MMS regulations. Our review shows that the changes between the old (Third) edition and the new (Fourth) edition are minor. Most of the changes apply to floating facilities, and are, therefore, not part of this rulemaking for the reasons cited above. In addition, the Third Edition is not readily available to affected parties because it is out of print. The oil and gas industry is already building new structures in accordance with the provisions of the Fourth Edition of this standard. Also, the Fourth Edition has been revised using an API standard editorial format.
        Summary of the Changes in the Fourth Edition of API RP 14F Pertaining to Platforms, Artificial Islands, Fixed Structures, and their Facilities
        In the fourth edition of 14F several subsections that were contained in the third edition have been consolidated in a subsection titled Protection Techniques Related to Equipment Installed in Locations Classified as Division 1 and Division 2. These include explosion proof equipment, hermetically sealed devices, intrinsically safe devices, nonincendive equipment, and purged enclosures. No new requirements were imposed.
        In the fourth edition of 14F, cable-shielding considerations have been added to the Electrical Distribution Systems section. This allows for the installation of metal clad cables in lieu of sealed conduits for electrical wiring. The use of metal clad cables could result in savings to industry of up to 40% over the use of sealed conduits and conventional wiring practices. Both methods of cable shielding provide for equal safety.
        Subsections have been added to the fourth edition of 14F to cover advances in technology in battery-powered DC supply systems (uninterruptible power supplies), electric oil-immersion heaters, cathodic protection, and hand held electronic devices. These four new subsections cover equipment that is now in standard use on OCS structures, but that was not in the early 1990's when the third edition was completed. These new subsections should not impose any new costs on the industry, since operators are already using this equipment.
        Review of API RP 14FZ
        The two recommended practices addressed by this rulemaking are nearly identical. The original version (14F) is to be used with the electrical classification system contained in API RP 500. This system of electrical classification differentiates locations by “Divisions.” This document (API RP 500) is already incorporated by reference into the regulations. A similar document, API RP 505, Recommended Practice for Classification of Locations for Electrical Installations at Petroleum Facilities Classified as Class I, Zone 0, Zone 1, and Zone 2, is also currently incorporated by reference into the regulations. This system classifies hazardous locations by “Zones” based on how long a hazardous vapor is present. The new 14FZ document is to be used with API RP 505. The difference between the two pairs of documents, 14F/500 and 14FZ/505, is that 14F/500 uses two “Divisions” to classify hazardous areas while 14FZ/505 uses three “Zones” to define these classified hazardous areas. The 14F document defines techniques for protection from fires in the Division system. The 14FZ document defines protection techniques in the Zone system for hazardous locations. Both systems provide for safe work environments for personnel. The protection techniques identified for the Division system are not all acceptable for the Zone system, and vice versa. The Zone system identifies more protection techniques than the Division system, however, both systems have proven their safety by comparisons of both systems through the National Electrical Code, Factory Mutual, and Underwriters Laboratories. The operator could realize cost savings if the Zone system (505/14FZ) is used in classifying and designing electrical systems. We are proposing to incorporate the new API RP 14FZ to complete the set of documents in the regulations, and give lessees a choice in installing electrical systems. The incorporation of API RP 14FZ will not impose any additional costs on the industry, since it is nearly identical to API RP 14F and may result in cost savings. The operators must use one set of documents or the other to design and install electrical systems on their facilities. The costs for complying with the documents are similar. We're merely giving the industry a choice in regard to classifying and installing electrical systems under the API RP 500 system or the API RP 505 system.
        Procedural Matters
        Public Comments Procedure
        Our practice is to make comments, including names and home addresses of respondents, available for public review during regular business hours. Individual respondents may request that we withhold their home address from the rulemaking record, which we will honor to the extent allowable by the law. There may be circumstances in which we would withhold from the rulemaking record a respondent's identity, as allowable by the law. If you wish us to withhold your name and/or address you must state this prominently at the beginning of the comment. However, we will not consider anonymous comments. We will make all submissions from organizations or businesses, and from individuals identifying themselves as representatives or officials of organizations or businesses, available for public inspection in their entirety.
        Background

        This proposed rulemaking will update one document that is currently incorporated by reference in the regulations and will add another document to those incorporated by reference in the regulations. The differences between the Third Edition and the Fourth Edition of API RP 14F are very minor. The minor differences will not cause a significant economic effect on any entity (small or large), and may result in cost savings due to the inclusion of metal clad cable. In fact, the oil and gas industry is already building structures using the new standard. Therefore, this regulation's impact on the entire industry is minor. The addition of API RP 14FZ will give the industry a choice in designing and installing electrical systems on offshore facilities.
        Regulatory Planning and Review (Executive Order 12866)
        This document is not a significant rule and is not subject to review by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) under Executive Order 12866.
        (1) This rule will not have an effect of $100 million or more on the economy. It will not adversely affect in a material way the economy, productivity, competition, jobs, the environment, public health or safety, or State, local, or tribal governments or communities.
        The rule may have a positive economic impact because of the cost savings from using shielded cables in lieu of sealed conduits. Otherwise, the documents do not contain any significant revisions that will cause lessees or operators to change their business practices. The documents will not require the retrofitting of any facilities.
        (2) This rule will not create a serious inconsistency or otherwise interfere with an action taken or planned by another agency.
        (3) This rule does not alter the budgetary effects or entitlements, grants, user fees, or loan programs or the rights or obligations of their recipients.
        (4) This rule does not raise novel legal or policy issues.
        Regulatory Flexibility (RF) Act

        The Department of the Interior (DOI) certifies that this proposed rule will not have a significant economic effect on a substantial number of small entities as defined under the RF Act (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.). The provisions of this rule will not have a significant economic effect on offshore lessees and operators, including those that are classified as small businesses. The Small Business Administration (SBA) defines small business as having:
        • Annual revenues of $5 million or less for exploration service and field service companies.
        • Fewer than 500 employees for drilling companies and for companies that extract oil, gas, or natural gas liquids.
        The API documents proposed for incorporation into MMS regulations cover electrical installations on offshore structures. The documents to be incorporated by this rule have been used by the industry for many years, and the latest editions represent state-of-the-art industry equipment and practices. The structures currently being built are being constructed according to the requirements in either API RP 14F (Fourth Edition) or API RP 14FZ.
        The proposed rule's purpose is to update one document that is currently incorporated by reference in the regulations, and to incorporate by reference a new nearly identical document into the regulations. The differences between the newer document and the older document are very minor. The updated document consolidates several subsections in a new subsection covering protection techniques. In addition, cable shielding considerations were added to the updated document. This allows for the installation of metal clad cables in lieu of sealed conduits. The use of metal clad cables could result in savings to industry of up to 40% over the use of sealed conduits and conventional wiring practices. Other subsections have been added to the updated document to cover advances in technology. New subsections cover equipment that is now in standard use on OCS facilities, but that was not in use in the early 1990's when the older Third Edition was completed, and incorporated into the regulations. These new subsections should not impose any additional costs to industry, since operators are already using this new equipment and technology. By incorporating both 14F and 14FZ, which are nearly identical, but utilize different classification systems, we are giving the industry a choice in electrical classification methods.
        Under the North American Industry Classification System Code 211111, Crude Petroleum and Natural Gas Extraction, MMS estimates that a total of 1,380 firms drill oil and gas wells onshore and offshore. The group affected by this rule is the approximately 130 companies that are offshore lessees/operators. According to SBA criteria, approximately 90 companies are small business (70 percent). As discussed above, this rule imposes no new operational requirements, reporting burdens, or other measures that would increase costs to lessees/operators, large or small. Therefore, this rule has no significant economic impact on small entities.
        Comments from the public are important to us. The Small Business and Agriculture Regulatory Enforcement Ombudsman and 10 Regional Fairness Boards were established to receive comments from small businesses about Federal agency enforcement actions. The Ombudsman will annually evaluate the enforcement activities and rate each agency's responsiveness to small business. If you wish to comment on the enforcement actions of MMS, call toll-free (888) 734-3247. You may comment to the Small Business Administration without fear of retaliation. Disciplinary action for retaliation by an MMS employee may include suspension or termination from employment with the Department of the Interior.
        Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act (SBREFA)
        This rule is not a major rule under 5 U.S.C. 804(2), SBREFA. This rule:
        (a) Does not have an annual effect on the economy of $100 million or more. The proposed rule will not cause any significant costs to lessees or operators. The only costs will be the purchase of the new documents and minor revisions to some operating and maintenance procedures. The minor revisions to operating and maintenance procedures may result in some minor costs or may actually result in minor cost savings.
        (b) Will not cause a major increase in costs or prices for consumers, individual industries, federal, state, or local government agencies, or geographic regions.
        (c) Does not have significant adverse effect on competition, employment, investment, productivity, innovation, or the ability of United States-based enterprises to compete with foreign-based enterprises.
        Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) of 1995

        There are no information collection requirements associated with this rule. The DOI has determined that this regulation does not contain information collection requirements pursuant to the PRA (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.) We will not be submitting an information collection request to OMB.
        Federalism (Executive Order 13132)
        According to Executive Order 13132, the rule does not have significant Federalism effects. This rule will not substantially and directly affect the relationship between the federal and state governments. This rule will simply update one document and add one document incorporated by reference to ensure that the industry uses the best and safest technologies. This rule does not impose costs on states or localities. Any costs incurred affect only the oil industry and will be minor.
        Takings Implication Assessment (Executive Order 12630)

        According to Executive Order 12630, this rule does not have significant Takings implications. A Takings Implication Assessment is not required.
        Energy Supply, Distribution, or Use (Executive Order 13211)
        The rule does not have a significant effect on energy supply, distribution, or use because it merely updates one standard already incorporated by reference and adds a new standard to be incorporated by reference that will provide for uniform maintenance and inspection practices. Thus, a Statement of Energy Supply, Distribution, or Use is not required.
        Civil Justice Reform (Executive Order 12988)
        According to Executive Order 12988, the Office of the Solicitor has determined that this rule does not unduly burden the judicial system and meets the requirements of sections 3(a) and 3(b)(2) of the Order.
        National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)
        This rule does not constitute a major Federal action significantly affecting the quality of the human environment. A detailed statement under the NEPA of 1969 is not required.
        Unfunded Mandates Reform Act (UMRA) of 1995

        This rule does not impose an unfunded mandate on state, local, and tribal governments or the private sector of more than $100 million per year. The rule does not have a significant or unique effect on state, local, or tribal governments or the private sector. A statement, containing the information required by the UMRA (2 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.), is not required.

          List of Subjects in 30 CFR Part 250
          Continental shelf, Environmental impact statements, Environmental protection, Government contracts, Incorporation by reference, Investigations, Mineral royalties, Oil and gas development and production, Oil and gas exploration, Oil and gas reserves, Penalties, Pipelines, Public lands—mineral resources, Public lands—rights-of-way, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Sulphur development and production, Sulphur exploration, Surety bonds.

          Dated: December 23, 2002.
          Rebecca W. Watson,
          Assistant Secretary, Land and Minerals Management.

        For the reasons stated in the preamble, the Minerals Management Service proposes to amend 30 CFR Part 250 as follows:

          PART 250—OIL AND GAS AND SULPHUR OPERATIONS IN THE OUTER CONTINENTAL SHELF
          1. The authority citation for part 250 continues to read as follows:

            Authority:
            43 U.S.C. 1331 et seq.

          2. In § 250.114, paragraph (c) is revised to read as follows:

            § 250.114
            How must I install and operate electrical equipment?

            (c) You must install all electrical systems according to API RP 14F, Recommended Practice for Design and Installation of Electrical Systems for Fixed and Floating Offshore Petroleum Facilities for Unclassified and Class I, Division 1 and Division 2 Locations (incorporated by reference as specified in § 250.198), or API RP 14FZ, Recommended Practice for Design and Installation of Electrical Systems for Fixed and Floating Offshore Petroleum Facilities for Unclassified and Class I, Zone 0, Zone 1, and Zone 2 Locations (incorporated by reference as specified in § 250.198).

            3. In § 250.198, in the table in paragraph (e), the entry for API RP 14F is revised and a new entry for document API RP 14FZ is added in alphanumeric order to read as follows:

            § 250.198
            Documents incorporated by reference.

            (e) * * *

                Title of document
                Incorporated by reference at

                *         *         *         *         *         *         *

                API RP 14F, Recommended Practice for Design and Installation of Electrical Systems for Fixed and Floating Offhsore Petroleum Facilities for Unclcassified and Class I, Division 1 and Division 2 Locations, Fourth Edition, June 1999, API Stock No. G14F04
                § 250.114(c); § 250,803(b)(9)(v); § 250.1629(b)(4)(v)

                API RP 14FZ, Recommended Practice for Design and Installation of Electrical Systems for Fixed and Floating Offshore Petroleum Facilities for Unclassified and Class I, Zone 0, Zone 1, and Zone 2 Locations, First Edition, September 2001, API Stock No, G14FZ1
                § 250.114(c); § 250.803(b)(9)(v); § 250.1629(b)(4)(v)

                *         *         *         *         *         *         *

            4. In § 250.803, paragraph (b)(9)(v) is revised to read as follows:

            § 250.803
            Additional production system requirements.

            (9) * * *
            (v) Fire- and gas-detection systems must be an approved type, designed and installed according to API RP 14C, API RP 14G, and API RP 14F or API RP 14FZ (the preceding four documents incorporated by reference as specified in § 250.198).

            5. In § 250.1629, paragraph (b)(4)(v) is revised to read as follows:

            § 250.1629
            Additional production and fuel gas system requirements.

            (4) * * *
            (v) Fire- and gas-detection systems must be an approved type, designed and installed according to API RP 14C, API RP 14G, and API RP 14F or API RP 14FZ (the preceding four documents incorporated by reference as specified in § 250.198).

      [FR Doc. 03-665 Filed 1-13-03; 8:45 am]
      BILLING CODE 4310-MR-P


        DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
        Fish and Wildlife Service
        50 CFR Part 17
        RIN 1018-AU37; RIN 1018-AU91
        Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Designation of Critical Habitat for the Marbled Murrelet (Brachyramphus marmoratus, Designation of Critical Habitat for the Northern Spotted Owl (Strix occidentalis caurina), Draft Recovery Plan for the Northern Spotted Owl

          AGENCY:
          Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.

          ACTION:
          Reopening of comment periods for two proposed revised critical habitat rules and a draft recovery plan.

          SUMMARY:

          We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce the reopening of comment periods for three actions that are being promulgated under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act): (1) A proposed revision of critical habitat for the marbled murrelet (Brachyramphus marmoratus) and its associated draft economic analysis; (2) a proposed revision of critical habitat for the northern spotted owl (Strix occidentalis caurina); and (3) the development of a recovery plan for the northern spotted owl. In order to provide a combined comment period for these three actions, we are reopening the comment periods to allow additional time for interested parties to comment on any or all of these actions. Comments previously submitted need not be resubmitted as they are already part of the public record and will be fully considered in preparation of any critical habitat rule(s) and the recovery plan.

          DATES:
          We will accept public comments on any of the above actions until October 5, 2007.

          ADDRESSES:
          If you wish to comment, you may submit your comments and materials by any one of several methods:
          1. By mail or hand-delivery to Patrick Sousa, Chief, Endangered Species, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Ecological Services, Pacific Regional Office, 911 NE. 11th Avenue, Portland, OR 97232.
          2. By electronic mail (e-mail) to: owl-murrelet@fws.gov. Please see the Public Comments Solicited section below for other information about electronic filing.
          3. By fax to: the attention of Patrick Sousa at (503) 231-6243.
          4. Via the Federal eRulemaking Portal at: http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.

          FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
          Patrick Sousa, Chief, Endangered Species, Pacific Regional Office, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Ecological Services, 911 NE. 11th Avenue, Portland, OR 97232 (telephone: 503-231-6158; facsimile: 503-231-6243). If you use a telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD), call the Federal Information Relay Service (FIRS) at 800-877-8339.

        SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
        Public Comments Solicited
        We solicit comments on the following three actions:

        (1) Our proposal to revise currently designated critical habitat for the marbled murrelet published in the Federal Register on September 12, 2006 (71 FR 53838), and on our associated draft economic analysis of the proposed revision that was made available on June 26, 2007 (72 FR 35025);

        (2) Our proposal to revise currently designated critical habitat for the northern spotted owl published in the Federal Register on June 12, 2007 (72 FR 32450); and

        (3) Our draft recovery plan for the northern spotted owl announced in the Federal Register on April 26, 2007 (72 FR 20865), including the associated peer review.
        We will consider information and recommendations from all interested parties. For the marbled murrelet and northern spotted owl proposed revised critical habitat rules, we particularly seek comments concerning:

        (1) The reasons why we should or should not designate habitat as “critical habitat” under section 4 of the Act (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.), including whether the benefits of designation would outweigh threats to the species caused by designation such that the designation of critical habitat is prudent;
        (2) Specific information on the amount and distribution of marbled murrelet and/or northern spotted owl habitat, what areas occupied at the time of listing that contain features essential to the conservation of the species should be included in the revised designation and why, and what areas not occupied at the time of listing are essential to the conservation of the species and why;
        (3) Land use designations and current or planned activities in the subject areas and their possible impacts on proposed revised critical habitat;
        (4) Any foreseeable economic, national security, or other potential impacts resulting from the proposed revised designation, and in particular, any impacts on small entities, and the benefits of including or excluding areas that exhibit these impacts;
        (5) Whether our approach to designating critical habitat could be improved or modified in any way to provide for greater public participation and understanding, or to assist us in accommodating public concerns and comments; and
        (6) Whether the benefits of exclusion in any particular area outweigh the benefits of inclusion under section 4(b)(2) of the Act.
        For the proposed marbled murrelet critical habitat revision, we are also interested in comments on the draft economic analysis, including:
        (1) The extent to which the description of economic impacts in the draft economic analysis is complete and accurate;
        (2) The likelihood of adverse social reactions to the designation of revised critical habitat, as discussed in the draft economic analysis, and how the consequences of such reactions, if likely to occur, would relate to the conservation and regulatory benefits of the proposed revised critical habitat designation; and
        (3) Economic data on the incremental effects that would result from designating any particular area as revised critical habitat, since it is our intent to include the incremental costs attributed to the revised critical habitat designation in the final economic analysis.

        A draft economic analysis of the proposed revision of critical habitat for the northern spotted owl is not yet available. Public comment will be solicited separately at the time the availability of a draft economic analysis for the proposed northern spotted owl critical habitat revision is published in the Federal Register.
        For the draft recovery plan for the northern spotted owl, we particularly seek comments concerning:
        (1) The methods used to determine desired habitat percentages listed in Recovery Criterion 4. If recommendations are offered, respondents are asked to explain the scientific foundation supporting their comments;

        (2) The biological need, design and feasibility of attempting to provide connectivity between the Olympic Peninsula and central Washington northern spotted owl populations;

        (3) The biological value in identifying owl conservation areas in southwest Washington and northwest Oregon;
        (4) Appendix E, which provides examples of how a salvage logging action (Recovery Action 22) may be implemented;
        (5) The identified boundaries of the Managed Owl Conservation Areas (option 1 only) and the Conservation Support Areas;
        (6) Methods for managing the threat posed by barred owls; and
        (7) Ways to create incentives for private land owners and managers to support recovery of the northern spotted owl.

        You may submit your comments and material concerning the above actions by any one of several methods (see ADDRESSES). If you use e-mail to submit your comments, please include “Attn: RIN 1018-AU37; RIN 1018-AU91” in your e-mail subject header, preferably with your name and return address in the body of your message. If you do not receive a confirmation from the system that we have received your e-mail, contact us directly by calling our Pacific Regional Office at 503-231-6158. Please note that the e-mail address owl-murrelet@fws.gov will be closed out at the termination of the public comment period.
        Before including your address, phone number, e-mail address, or other personal identifying information in your comments, you should be aware that your entire comments—including your personal identifying information—may be made publicly available at any time. While you can ask us in your comment to withhold your personal identifying information from public review, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to do so.

        Comments and materials we receive, as well as supporting documentation we used in preparing the proposed rules and the draft recovery plan, will be available for public inspection, by appointment, during normal business hours at the Western Washington Fish and Wildlife Office, 510 Desmond Drive, SE., Suite 101, Lacey, WA 98503-1273 for the marbled murrelet, and at the Oregon Fish and Wildlife Office, 2600 SE. 98th Avenue, Suite 100, Portland, OR 97266 for actions related to the northern spotted owl. Copies of the proposed revised rules for the marbled murrelet and the northern spotted owl, the draft economic analysis for the marbled murrelet, and the draft recovery plan and the associated peer review for the northern spotted owl are available on the Internet at http://www.fws.gov/pacific/ecoservices/endangered/index.html or by request to the Chief of Endangered Species (see FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT).
        Background

        On January 13, 2003, we entered into a settlement agreement with the American Forest Resource Council and the Western Council of Industrial Workers to complete a rulemaking for critical habitat for the marbled murrelet that considers new relevant information. The terms of that agreement, as amended, required that we submit any final regulation revising marbled murrelet critical habitat to the Federal Register by August 30, 2007. On September 12, 2006, we published a proposed rule to revise critical habitat for the marbled murrelet in Washington, Oregon, and California (71 FR 53838). On June 26, 2007, we published a notice of the availability of the draft economic analysis; reopened the comment period on the September 12, 2006, proposed rule for 30 days; and amended certain required determinations (72 FR 35025). However, because of unforeseen delays in publishing the June 26, 2007, notice and in light of the final rule's August 30, 2007, due date to the Federal Register, we and the American Forest Resource Council mutually agreed to extend the Federal Register submission due date for the final rule for 6 months from the August 30, 2007, date. This extension was approved by the court to allow additional time for us to consider all comments received before making a final critical habitat determination for the marbled murrelet. Accordingly, we will submit for publication to the Federal Register any final regulation revising critical habitat for the marbled murrelet by March 1, 2008.

        On January 13, 2003, we entered into a settlement agreement with the American Forest Resource Council, Western Council of Industrial Workers, Swanson Group Inc., and Rough & Ready Lumber Company to conduct a rulemaking to consider potential revisions to critical habitat for the northern spotted owl that includes a revised consideration of economic impacts and other relevant aspects of designation. The settlement agreement dates for completion of this review have been extended and currently call for the Service to submit a final revised critical habitat designation for the northern spotted owl to the Federal Register by June 1, 2008.

        In addition, the Bureau of Land Management published a notice of availability in the Federal Register for the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for the Western Oregon Plan Revision on August 10, 2007 (72 FR 45062). With this notice, we are providing a combined comment period for the proposed revised critical habitat designations for the marbled murrelet and northern spotted owl, and the draft recovery plan for the northern spotted owl, to allow additional time for interested parties to comment on any or all of these actions within the context of the Western Oregon Plan Revision DEIS.
        Authors
        The authors of this notice are the staff of the Division of Endangered Species, Pacific Regional Office, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
        Authority
        The authority for this action is the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.).

          Dated: August 24, 2007.
          David M. Verhey,
          Acting Assistant Secretary for Fish and Wildlife and Parks.

       [FR Doc. E7-17236 Filed 9-4-07; 8:45 am]
      BILLING CODE 4310-55-P