        DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
        National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
        50 CFR Parts 216 and 218
        [Docket No. 111019636-1638-01]
        RIN 0648-BB53
        Taking and Importing Marine Mammals: U.S. Navy Training in 12 Range Complexes and U.S. Air Force Space Vehicle and Test Flight Activities in California

          AGENCY:
          National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce.

          ACTION:
          Proposed rule; request for comments.

          SUMMARY:
          Between January 2009 and May 2011, pursuant to the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), NMFS issued twelve 5-year final regulations to govern the unintentional taking of marine mammals incidental to Navy training and associated activities. Additionally, in February 2009, pursuant to the MMPA, NMFS issued 5-year regulations to govern the unintentional taking of marine mammals incidental to U.S. Air Force (USAF) space vehicle and test flight activities from Vandenberg Air Force Base (VAFB). These regulations require the issuance of annual “Letters of Authorization” (LOAs).
          Since the issuance of the rules, the Navy realized that their evolving training programs, which are linked to real world events, necessitate greater flexibility in the types and amounts of sound sources that they use. NMFS now proposes to amend the regulations for the affected Navy training ranges to provide for additional flexibility and allow for LOAs with longer periods of validity. Similarly, NMFS now proposes to amend the regulations issued to VAFB in February 2009, to allow for greater flexibility regarding the types and amounts of missile and rocket launches that the USAF conducts.

          DATES:
          Comments and information must be received no later than December 15, 2011.

          ADDRESSES:
          You may submit comments, identified by 0648-BB53, by any one of the following methods:
          • Electronic Submissions: Submit all electronic public comments via the Federal eRulemaking Portal http://www.regulations.gov.
          • Hand delivery or mailing of paper, disk, or CD-ROM comments should be addressed to Michael Payne, Chief, Permits, Conservation and Education Division, Office of Protected Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910-3225.

            Instructions: All comments received are a part of the public record and will generally be posted to http://www.regulations.gov without change. All Personal Identifying Information (for example, name, address, etc.) voluntarily submitted by the commenter may be publicly accessible. Do not submit Confidential Business Information or otherwise sensitive or protected information.
          NMFS will accept anonymous comments (enter N/A in the required fields if you wish to remain anonymous). Attachments to electronic comments will be accepted in Microsoft Word, Excel, WordPerfect, or Adobe PDF file formats only.

          Regarding the Navy action, a copy of the Navy's LOA applications, NMFS' Records of Decision (RODs), and NMFS' proposed and final rules and subsequent LOAs; and regarding the USAF action, a copy of the USAF's LOA application, NMFS' Environmental Assessment and Finding of No Significant Impact, and NMFS' proposed and final rules and subsequent LOAs, and other documents cited herein may be obtained by writing to Michael Payne, Chief, Permits, Conservation and Education Division, Office of Protected Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910 or by telephone via the contact listed here (see FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT).

          FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
          Jolie Harrison or Candace Nachman, Office of Protected Resources, NMFS, (301) 427-8401.

        SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
        Background
        Sections 101(a)(5)(A) and (D) of the MMPA (16 U.S.C. 1361 et seq.) direct the Secretary of Commerce (Secretary) to allow, upon request, the incidental, but not intentional taking of marine mammals by U.S. citizens who engage in a specified activity (other than commercial fishing) during periods of not more than five consecutive years each if certain findings are made and regulations are issued or, if the taking is limited to harassment and of no more than 1 year, to issue a notice of proposed authorization for public review.
        Authorization shall be granted if NMFS finds that the taking will have a negligible impact on the species or stock(s), will not have an unmitigable adverse impact on the availability of the species or stock(s) for subsistence uses, and if the permissible methods of taking and requirements pertaining to the mitigation, monitoring and reporting of such taking are set forth.
        NMFS has defined “negligible impact” in 50 CFR 216.103 as:

          An impact resulting from the specified activity that cannot be reasonably expected to, and is not reasonably likely to, adversely affect the species or stock through effects on annual rates of recruitment or survival.

        The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) (Pub. L. 108-136) removed the “small numbers” and “specified geographical region” limitations, and amended the definition of “harassment” as it applies to a “military readiness activity” to read as follows (section 3(18)(B) of the MMPA):

          (i) Any act that injures or has the significant potential to injure a marine mammal or marine mammal stock in the wild [Level A Harassment]; or
          (ii) Any act that disturbs or is likely to disturb a marine mammal or marine mammal stock in the wild by causing disruption of natural behavioral patterns, including, but not limited to, migration, surfacing, nursing, breeding, feeding, or sheltering, to a point where such behavioral patterns are abandoned or significantly altered [Level B Harassment].

        Between January 2009 and May 2011, pursuant to the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), NMFS issued 5-year final regulations to govern the unintentional taking of marine mammals incidental to Navy training and associated activities. conducted in the Hawaii Range Complex (HRC), the Southern California (SOCAL) Range Complex, the Atlantic Fleet Active Sonar Training (AFAST) Study Area, the Jacksonville (JAX) Range Complex, the Virginia Capes (VACAPES) Range Complex, the Cherry Point (CHPT) Range Complex, the Naval Surface Warfare Center Panama City Division (NSWC PCD), the Mariana Islands Range Complex (MIRC), the Northwest Training Range Complex (NWTRC), the Keyport Range Complex, the Gulf of Mexico (GOMEX) Range Complex, and the Gulf of Alaska Temporary Maritime Activities Area (GOA TMAA). Additionally, in February 2009, pursuant to the MMPA, NMFS issued 5-year regulations to govern the unintentional taking of marine mammals incidental to U.S. Air Force (USAF) space vehicle and test flight activities from Vandenberg Air Force Base (VAFB). These regulations, which allow for the issuance of annual “Letters of Authorization” (LOAs) for the incidental take of marine mammals during the specified activities and described timeframes, prescribe the permissible methods of taking and other means of effecting the least practicable adverse impact on marine mammal species or stocks and their habitat, as well as requirements pertaining to the monitoring and reporting of such taking.
        Currently, with the exception of the GOA TMAA regulation (which allows for biennial LOAs), these rules state that LOAs must be renewed annually. To date, the Navy has complied with this requirement, and NMFS has issued annual LOAs to the Navy for activities on its training ranges; however, in order to alleviate some of the administrative burden associated with processing annual LOAs, the Navy has requested that NMFS revise the current regulations to allow for LOAs with longer periods of validity. NMFS' regulations implementing section 101(a)(5)(A) through (D) of the MMPA do not limit the period of validity for LOAs to one year, and NMFS relied on this authority when regulations were promulgated for the GOA TMAA that allow for LOAs to be issued on an annual or biennial basis (76 FR 25480, May 4, 2011). The specific language found in the general regulations governing small takes of marine mammals incidental to specified activities states that, “Letters of Authorization will specify the period of validity and any additional terms and conditions appropriate for the specific request.” 50 CFR 216.106(c). With respect to the proposed revision to the timing of LOA renewals, the period of validity for the LOAs would be extended past one year, but will not exceed the time remaining on the 5-year rule. For example, under the proposed revision, if the Navy requested a multi-year LOA for AFAST in 2012, the LOA could only be valid for a maximum of two years because the 5-year rule expires in 2014. Other factors may be taken into consideration when determining the period of validity for a multi-year LOA, such as the degree of advanced planning regarding future training or exercise schedules and the details concerning the amount of activity and marine mammal occurrence documented in the previous year's monitoring and exercise reports. The regulations would still require the Navy to submit annual monitoring and exercise reports, NMFS and the Navy would still hold annual monitoring and adaptive management meetings, and LOAs could still be changed based on the availability of new information regarding training activities or the marine mammals affected.
        In addition, these rules as first issued (a subset have been modified) quantified the specific amounts of individual sound source use that would occur over the course of the 5-year rules, and indicated that marine mammal take could only be authorized in an LOA incidental to the source types and amounts described. No language was initially included expressly allowing for deviation from those precise levels of source use if the total number of takes remain within the analyzed and authorized limits. Since the issuance of the rules, the Navy realized that their evolving training programs, which are linked to real world events, necessitate greater flexibility in the types and amounts of sound sources that they use. In response to this need, when the Navy requested incidental take authorization for the most recent area (GOA TMAA), NMFS included language explicitly allowing for greater flexibility in both source amount and type. Recently, NMFS amended the HRC, SOCAL Range Complex, AFAST, VACAPES, and JAX regulations to explicitly allow for greater flexibility in the types and amount of sound sources that they use (76 FR 6699, February 8, 2011, and 76 FR 30552, May 26, 2011). NMFS now proposes to amend the regulations for the remaining Navy training ranges to allow this same flexibility and ensure consistency.
        The USAF regulations for activities at VAFB as first issued quantified the specific amounts of missiles and rockets that could be launched over the course of the 5-year rule and indicated that marine mammal take could only be authorized in an LOA incidental to the amounts described. No language was initially included expressly allowing for deviation from those precise launch levels if the total number of takes remains within the analyzed and authorized limits. Since the issuance of the rule, the USAF realized that their evolving training programs, which are linked to real world events, necessitate greater flexibility in the types and amounts of missile and rocket launches that they conduct. NMFS now proposes to amend the regulations issued to VAFB in February 2009, to allow for such flexibility.
        Summary of the Navy Modifications
        Multi-Year LOAs
        On May 4, 2011, NMFS issued 5-year regulations governing the taking of marine mammals incidental to training activities conducted in the Gulf of Alaska Temporary Maritime Training Activities Area (76 FR 25480). These regulations allow for the issuance of annual or biennial LOAs (only annual LOAs had been allowed for in the previous Navy rules issued), but retain the annual reporting and meeting requirements.
        After the issuance of the 2011 Gulf of Alaska rule, the Navy inquired about proposing amendments to the previously implemented Navy rules that would enable NMFS to renew LOAs for other training ranges on a multi-year basis. The ability to issue multi-year LOAs reduces administrative burdens on both NMFS and the Navy. In addition, multi-year LOAs would avoid situations where the last minute issuance of LOAs necessitated the commitment of extensive resources by the Navy for contingency planning.

        This proposed modification would amend the regulations to allow the issuance of multi-year LOAs for all 12 Navy range complexes: HRC, SOCAL, AFAST, JAX, VACAPES, CHPT, NSWC PCD, MIRC, NWTRC, Keyport, GOA TMAA and GOMEX. The regulations for these range complexes currently limit the period of validity for LOAs to one year (two for GOA TMAA) and the Navy must request renewal of LOAs annually (biennially for GOA TMAA). Although the proposed amendments would increase the period of validity for LOAs, the regulations would retain the annual reporting and adaptive management meeting requirements that ensure NMFS is able to evaluate the Navy's compliance and marine mammal impacts with the same attention and frequency. In addition, a new LOA can be issued to incorporate any needed mitigation or monitoring measures developed through adaptive management, or if the Navy proposes changes to their activity within a given reporting period (i.e., one year).
        Interannual Flexibility (Source Type and Amount of Use)

        With respect to the second proposed modification regarding the types of sources for which incidental take is authorized, in some cases the Navy's rules identified the most representative or highest power source to represent a group of known similar sources. Additionally, the Navy regularly modifies or develops new technologies, which often results in sound sources that are similar to, but not exactly the same as, existing sources. In order to address these source modifications and the development of new technologies, NMFS proposes to include new regulatory language designed to allow for more flexibility by authorizing take incidental to the previously identified specific sound source or “similar sources” (i.e., those that have similar characteristics to the specific sources and do not change any of the underlying analysis). In the February 8, 2011, modification to the HRC, SOCAL, and AFAST rules, NMFS increased the flexibility of the regulations by inserting language that explicitly allows for authorization of take incidental to the previously identified specified sound sources or “similar sources” (with similar characteristics that do not change any of the underlying analyses). NMFS now proposes inserting similar language in the following Navy rules: CHPT; NSWC PCD; MIRC; Keyport; GOMEX; and NWTRC.
        Finally, regarding amounts of sound source use, the regulations only allow for the authorization of take incidental to a 5-yr maximum amount of use for each specific sound source, even though in most cases our effects analyses do not differentiate the impacts from the majority of the different types of sources. Specifically, although some sonar sources are louder or generate more acoustic energy in a given amount of time, which results in more marine mammal takes, we authorize total takes but do not differentiate between the individual takes that result from one source versus another. The proposed rule would amend the Navy rules to allow for inter-annual variability in the amount of source use identified in each LOA. For example, in one year the Navy could use a lot of one source and a little of another, and the next year those amounts could be reversed; however, the amount of inter-annual variability cannot result in exceeding the total level of incidental take analyzed and identified in the final rules, and the taking cannot result in more than a negligible impact on affected species or stocks. Language of this nature was included in final regulations governing the authorization of take incidental to the Navy's training activities in the Mariana Islands and Northwest Training Range Complexes, which were issued in 2010. NMFS issued interim final rules amending the HRC, SOCAL Range Complex, AFAST, VACAPES, and JAX regulations by adding language of this nature to increase operational flexibility in those range complexes (76 FR 6699, February 8, 2011, and 76 FR 30552, May 26, 2011). However, this language has not been adopted in the remaining Navy rules and NMFS now proposes including language of this nature in the regulations governing the authorization of take incidental to the additional Navy range complex not previously addressed by either the final rules or interim final rules mentioned above.

        These regulatory amendments do not change the analyses of marine mammal impacts conducted in the original final rules. This is assured and illustrated through: (1) The Navy's submission of LOA applications for each area, which include take estimates specific to the upcoming period's activities (i.e., sound source use); (2) their subsequent annual submission of classified exercise reports, which accurately report the specific amount of use for each sound source over the course of the previous year; and (3) their annual submission of monitoring reports, which describe observed responses of marine mammals to Navy sound sources collected via visual, passive acoustic, or tagging methods. Together, these submissions allow NMFS to accurately predict and track the Navy's activities to ensure that both NMFS' LOAs, and the impacts of the Navy's activities on marine mammals, remain within what is analyzed and allowed under the 5-year regulations.
        Summary of the USAF Modification
        In the 5-year regulations issued to the USAF in February 2009, NMFS authorized up to 30 missile launches and up to 20 rocket launches annually from VAFB (74 FR 6236, February 6, 2009). Those regulations analyzed potential impacts from many different types of missiles and rockets, such as the Atlas, Delta, Falcon, and intercontinental ballistic missiles. At the time of issuance of the regulations to the USAF, the Falcon was not yet ready for launch, but it was anticipated that the first launch of such a rocket would occur around August 2009. Information related to this rocket type was analyzed in both the proposed and final rulemaking documents. The Falcon has not yet been launched from VAFB, and it is anticipated that the first launch would occur in late 2012 or early 2013.
        In order to accommodate the necessary launches of the Falcon rocket, the USAF has indicated that it needs to reassign the amount of the 50 total launches allowed annually. Instead of the 30 missile and 20 rocket launches currently authorized per year, the USAF has requested that they be permitted to conduct 15 missile launches and 35 rocket launches per year. The total number of annual launches would remain at 50.
        As indicated above, this regulatory amendment does not change the analyses of marine mammal impacts conducted in the original final rule. This fact is assured and illustrated through: (1) The USAF's submission of annual LOA requests for the activities at VAFB related to space vehicle and test flight activities; and (2) their annual submission of monitoring reports, which describe observed responses of marine mammals to USAF missile and rocket launches and aircraft activity collected via visual monitoring and acoustic recording methods. These submissions allow NMFS to accurately predict and track the USAF's activities to ensure that both NMFS' LOAs and the impacts of the USAF's activities on marine mammals remain within what is analyzed and allowed under the 5-year regulations.
        Classification
        The Office of Management and Budget has determined that this proposed rule is not significant for purposes of Executive Order 12866.
        Pursuant to the Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA), the Chief Counsel for Regulation of the Department of Commerce has certified to the Chief Counsel for Advocacy of the Small Business Administration that this proposed rule, if adopted, would not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. The RFA requires Federal agencies to prepare an analysis of a rule's impact on small entities whenever the agency is required to publish a notice of proposed rulemaking. However, a Federal agency may certify, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 605 (b), that the action will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. The Navy and USAF are the only entities that will be affected by this rulemaking, not a small governmental jurisdiction, small organization, or small business, as defined by the RFA. Any requirements imposed by an LOA issued pursuant to these regulations, and any monitoring or reporting requirements imposed by these regulations, will be applicable only to the Navy and USAF. NMFS does not expect the amendments of these regulations or the associated LOAs to result in any impacts to small entities pursuant to the RFA. Because this action, if adopted, would directly affect the Navy and USAF and not a small entity, NMFS concludes the action would not result in a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities.
        This action does not contain any collection of information requirements for purposes of the Paperwork Reduction Act.

          List of Subjects in 50 CFR Part 216
          Exports, Fish, Imports, Incidental take, Indians, Labeling, Marine mammals, Navy, Penalties, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Seafood, Sonar, Transportation.

          Dated: November 8, 2011.
          Samuel D. Rauch III,
          Deputy Assistant Administrator for Regulatory Programs, National Marine Fisheries Service.

        For reasons set forth in the preamble, 50 CFR part 216 is proposed to be amended as follows:

          PART 216—REGULATIONS GOVERNING THE TAKING AND IMPORTING OF MARINE MAMMALS
          1. The authority citation for part 216 continues to read as follows:

            Authority:
             16 U.S.C. 1361 et seq., unless otherwise noted.

          2. In § 216.120, paragraphs (a)(1) and (a)(2) are revised to read as follows:

            § 216.120
            Specified activity and specified geographical region.
            (a)  * * *
            (1) Launching up to 15 missiles each year from Vandenberg Air Force Base, for a total of up to 75 missiles over the 5-year period of the regulations in this subpart,
            (2) Launching up to 35 rockets each year from Vandenberg Air Force Base, for a total of up to 175 rocket launches over the 5-year period of the regulations in this subpart,

            3. Section 216.121 is revised to read as follows:

            § 216.121
            Effective dates.
            Amended regulations are effective from the date of publication of the final rule, through February 6, 2014.
            4. In § 216.171, paragraph (a) is revised to read as follows:

            § 216.171
            Effective dates and definitions.
            (a) Amended regulations are effective from the date of publication of the final rule, through January 5, 2014.

            5. In § 216.177, paragraph (a) is revised to read as follows:

            § 216.177
            Letters of Authorization.
            (a) A Letter of Authorization, unless suspended or revoked, will be valid for a period of time not to exceed the period of validity of this subpart, but may be renewed or modified sooner subject to the renewal conditions in § 216.178 and the modification conditions in § 216.179.

            6. In § 216.178 paragraphs (a), (a)(1), and (a)(3) are revised to read as follows:

            § 216.178
            Renewal of Letters of Authorization.
            (a) A Letter of Authorization issued under §§ 216.106 and 216.177 for the activity identified in § 216.170(c) may be renewed for an amount of time not to exceed the periods of validity of this subpart upon:
            (1) Notification to NMFS that the activity described in the application submitted under § 216.176 will be undertaken and that there will not be a substantial modification to the desired work, mitigation, or monitoring undertaken during the upcoming period of validity;

            (3) A determination by NMFS that the mitigation, monitoring and reporting measures required under § 216.174 and the Letter of Authorization issued under §§ 216.106 and 216.177, were undertaken and will be undertaken during the upcoming period of validity of a renewed Letter of Authorization.

            7. In § 216.241, paragraph (a) is revised to read as follows:

            § 216.241
            Effective dates and definitions.
            (a) Amended regulations are effective from the date of publication of the final rule, through January 22, 2014.

            8. In § 216.247 paragraph (a) is revised to read as follows:

            § 216.247
            Letters of Authorization.
            (a) A Letter of Authorization, unless suspended or revoked, will be valid for a period of time not to exceed the period of validity of this subpart, but may be renewed or modified sooner subject to the renewal conditions in § 216.248 and the modification conditions in § 216.249.

            9. In § 216.248 paragraphs (a), (a)(1), and (a)(3) are revised to read as follows:

            § 216.248
            Renewal of Letters of Authorization and Adaptive Management.
            (a) A Letter of Authorization issued under §§ 216.106 and 216.247 for the activity identified in § 216.240(c) may be renewed upon:
            (1) Notification to NMFS that the activity described in the application submitted under § 216.246 will be undertaken and that there will not be a substantial modification to the desired work, mitigation, or monitoring undertaken during the upcoming period of validity;

            (3) A determination by NMFS that the mitigation, monitoring and reporting measures required under § 216.244 and the Letter of Authorization issued under §§ 216.106 and 216.247, were undertaken and will be undertaken during the upcoming period of validity of a renewed Letter of Authorization.

            10. In § 216.271, paragraph (a) is revised to read as follows:

            § 216.271
            Effective dates and definitions.
            (a) Amended regulations are effective from the date of publication of the final rule, through January 14, 2014.

            11. In § 216.277, paragraph (a) is revised to read as follows:

            § 216.277
            Letters of Authorization.
            (a) A Letter of Authorization, unless suspended or revoked, will be valid for a period of time not to exceed the periods of validity of this subpart, but may be renewed or modified sooner subject to the renewal conditions in § 216.278 and the modification conditions in § 216.279.

            12. In § 216.278, paragraphs (a), (a)(1), and (a)(3) are revised to read as follows:

            § 216.278
            Renewal of Letters of Authorization and Adaptive Management.
            (a) A Letter of Authorization issued under §§ 216.106 and 216.277 for the activity identified in § 216.270(c) may be renewed upon:
            (1) Notification to NMFS that the activity described in the application submitted under § 216.276 will be undertaken and that there will not be a substantial modification to the desired work, mitigation, or monitoring undertaken during the upcoming period of validity;

            (3) A determination by NMFS that the mitigation, monitoring and reporting measures required under § 216.274 and the Letter of Authorization issued under §§ 216.106 and 216.277, were undertaken and will be undertaken during the upcoming period of validity of a renewed Letter of Authorization.

            For reasons set forth in the preamble, 50 CFR part 218 is proposed to be amended as follows:

          PART 218—REGULATIONS GOVERNING THE TAKING AND IMPORTING OF MARINE MAMMALS
          13. The authority citation for part 218 continues to read as follows:

            Authority:
             16 U.S.C. 1361 et seq.

          14. In § 218.1, paragraph (d) is revised to read as follows:

            § 218.1
            Specified activity and specified geographical area and effective dates.

            (d) Amended regulations are effective from the date of publication of the final rule, through June 4, 2016.

            15. In § 218.7 paragraph (a) is revised to read as follows:

            § 218.7
            Letters of Authorization.
            (a) A Letter of Authorization, unless suspended or revoked, will be valid for a period of time not to exceed the periods of validity of this subpart, but may be renewed or modified sooner subject to the renewal conditions in § 218.8 and the modification conditions in § 218.9.

            16. In § 218.8 paragraphs (a), (a)(1), and (a)(3) are revised to read as follows:

            § 218.8
            Renewal of Letters of Authorization and adaptive management.
            (a) A Letter of Authorization issued under § 216.106 of this chapter and § 218.7 for the activity identified in § 218.1(c) may be renewed upon:
            (1) Notification to NMFS that the activity described in the application submitted under § 218.6 will be undertaken and that there will not be a substantial modification to the desired work, mitigation, or monitoring undertaken during the upcoming period of validity;

            (3) A determination by NMFS that the mitigation, monitoring and reporting measures required under § 218.4 and the Letter of Authorization issued under § 216.106 of this chapter and § 218.7, were undertaken and will be undertaken during the upcoming period of validity of a renewed Letter of Authorization.

            17. In § 218.10, paragraph (d) is revised to read as follows:

            § 218.10
            Specified activity and specified geographical area and effective dates.

            (d) Amended regulations are effective on the date of publication of the final rule, through June 4, 2016.

            18. In § 218.16 paragraph (a) is revised to read as follows:

            § 218.16
            Letters of Authorization.
            (a) A Letter of Authorization, unless suspended or revoked, will be valid for a period of time not to exceed the periods of validity of this subpart, but may be renewed or modified sooner subject to the renewal conditions in § 218.17 and modification conditions in § 218.18.

            19. In § 218.17 paragraphs (a), (a)(1), and (a)(3) are revised to read as follows:

            § 218.17
            Renewal of Letters of Authorization and adaptive management.
            (a) A Letter of Authorization issued under § 216.106 of this chapter and § 218.16 for the activity identified in § 218.10(c) will be renewed upon:
            (1) Notification to NMFS that the activity described in the application submitted under § 218.15 will be undertaken and that there will not be a substantial modification to the desired work, mitigation, or monitoring undertaken during the upcoming period of validity;

            (3) A determination by NMFS that the mitigation, monitoring and reporting measures required under § 218.13 and the Letter of Authorization issued under § 216.106 of this chapter and § 218.16, were undertaken and will be undertaken during the upcoming period of validity of a renewed Letter of Authorization.

            20. In § 218.20, paragraphs (c) introductory text, (c)(1) introductory text, and (d) are revised, and paragraph (e) is added to read as follows:

            § 218.20
            Specified activity and specified geographical area and effective dates.

            (c) The taking of marine mammals by the Navy is only authorized if it occurs incidental to the following activities:
            (1) The use of the explosive munitions, or similar explosive types, indicated in paragraph (c)(1)(i) of this section conducted as part of the Navy training events, or similar training events, indicated in paragraph (c)(1)(ii) of this section:

            (d) Regulations are effective from the date of publication of the final rule, through June 4, 2014.

            (e) The taking of marine mammals may be authorized in an LOA for the explosive types and activities, or similar explosives and activities, listed in § 218.20(c) should the amounts (e.g., number of exercises) vary from those estimated in § 218.20(c), provided that the variation does not result in exceeding the amount of take indicated in § 218.21(c).
            21. In § 218.23, paragraph (a)(4)(i)(A) is revised to read as follows:

            § 218.23
            Mitigation.
            (a) * * *
            (4) * * *
            (i) * * *
            (A) This activity shall only occur in Areas 4/5 and 13/14, or in similar areas that will not result in marine mammal takes exceeding the amount indicated in § 218.21(c).

            22. In § 218.26 paragraph (a) is revised to read as follows:

            § 218.26
            Letters of Authorization.
            (a) A Letter of Authorization, unless suspended or revoked, will be valid for a period of time not to exceed the periods of validity of this subpart, but may be renewed or modified sooner subject to the renewal conditions in § 218.27 and the modification conditions in § 218.28.

            23. In § 218.27 paragraphs (a), (a)(1), and (a)(3) are revised to read as follows:

            § 218.27
            Renewal of Letters of Authorization and adaptive management.
            (a) A Letter of Authorization issued under § 216.106 of this chapter and § 218.26 for the activity identified in § 218.20(c) will be renewed upon:
            (1) Notification to NMFS that the activity described in the application submitted under § 218.25 will be undertaken and that there will not be a substantial modification to the desired work, mitigation, or monitoring undertaken during the upcoming period of validity;

            (3) A determination by NMFS that the mitigation, monitoring and reporting measures required under § 218.23 and the Letter of Authorization issued under § 216.106 of this chapter and § 218.26, were undertaken and will be undertaken during the upcoming period of validity of a renewed Letter of Authorization.

            24. In § 218.30, paragraphs (c) introductory text, (c)(1) introductory text, and (d) are revised, and paragraph (e) is added to read as follows:

            § 218.30
            Specified activity and specified geographical area and effective dates.

            (c) The taking of marine mammals by the Navy is only authorized if it occurs incidental to the following activities:
            (1) The use of the explosive munitions, or similar explosive types, indicated in paragraph (c)(1)(i) of this section conducted as part of the Navy training events, or similar training events, indicated in paragraph (c)(1)(ii) of this section:

            (d) Regulations are effective from the date of publication of the final rule, through February 17, 2016.

            (e) The taking of marine mammals may be authorized in an LOA for the explosive types and activities, or similar explosives and activities, listed in § 218.30(c) should the amounts (e.g., number of exercises) vary from those estimated in § 218.30(c), provided that the variation does not result in exceeding the amount of take indicated in § 218.31(c).
            25. In § 218.33, paragraph (a)(3)(i)(A) is revised to read as follows:

            § 218.33
            Mitigation.
            (a) * * *
            (3) * * *
            (i) * * *
            (A) This activity shall only occur in the W-155A/B (hot box) area, or in similar areas that will not result in marine mammal takes exceeding the amount indicated in § 218.31(c).

            26. In § 218.36, paragraph (a) is revised to read as follows:

            § 218.36
            Letters of Authorization.
            (a) A Letter of Authorization, unless suspended or revoked, will be valid for a period of time not to exceed the periods of validity of this subpart, but may be renewed or modified sooner subject to the renewal conditions in § 218.37 and the modification conditions in § 218.38.

            27. In § 218.37 paragraphs (a), (a)(1), and (a)(3) are revised to read as follows:

            § 218.37
            Renewal of Letters of Authorization and adaptive management.
            (a) A Letter of Authorization issued under § 216.106 of this chapter and § 218.36 for the activity identified in § 218.30(c) will be renewed upon:
            (1) Notification to NMFS that the activity described in the application submitted under § 218.35 will be undertaken and that there will not be a substantial modification to the desired work, mitigation, or monitoring undertaken during the upcoming period of validity;

            (3) A determination by NMFS that the mitigation, monitoring and reporting measures required under § 218.33 and the Letter of Authorization issued under § 216.106 of this chapter and § 218.36, were undertaken and will be undertaken during the upcoming period of validity of a renewed Letter of Authorization.

            28. In § 218.100, paragraphs (c) introductory text, (c)(1) introductory text, and (c)(2) introductory text are revised to read as follows:

            § 218.100
            Specified activity and specified geographical area.

            (c) The taking of marine mammals by the Navy is only authorized if it occurs incidental to the following activities:
            (1) The use of the following mid-frequency active sonar (MFAS) and high frequency active sonar (HFAS) sources, or similar sources, for Navy training, maintenance, or research, development, testing, and evaluation (RDT&E) (estimated amounts below):

            (2) The detonation of the underwater explosives indicated in paragraph (c)(2)(i) of this section, or similar explosives, conducted as part of the training exercises indicated in paragraph (c)(2)(ii) of this section:

            29. Section 218.101 is revised to read as follows:

            § 218.101
            Effective dates.
            Amended regulations are effective from the date of publication of the final rule, through August 3, 2015.
            30. In § 218.107 paragraph (a) is revised to read as follows:

            § 218.107
            Letters of Authorization.
            (a) A Letter of Authorization, unless suspended or revoked, will be valid for a period of time not to exceed the periods of validity of this subpart, but may be renewed or modified sooner subject to the renewal conditions in § 218.108 and the modification conditions in § 218.109.

            31. In § 218.108 paragraphs (a), (a)(1), and (a)(3) are revised to read as follows:

            § 218.108
            Renewal of Letters of Authorization and adaptive management.
            (a) A Letter of Authorization issued under § 216.106 of this chapter and § 218.107 for the activity identified in § 218.100(c) will be renewed upon:
            (1) Notification to NMFS that the activity described in the application submitted under § 218.106 will be undertaken and that there will not be a substantial modification to the desired work, mitigation, or monitoring undertaken during the upcoming period of validity;

            (3) A determination by NMFS that the mitigation, monitoring and reporting measures required under § 218.104 and the Letter of Authorization issued under § 216.106 of this chapter and § 218.107, were undertaken and will be undertaken during the upcoming period of validity of a renewed Letter of Authorization.

            32. In § 218.110, paragraphs (c) introductory text, (c)(1) introductory text, and (c)(2) introductory text are revised to read as follows:

            § 218.110
            Specified activity and specified geographical area.

            (c) The taking of marine mammals by the Navy is only authorized if it occurs incidental to the following activities:
            (1) The use of the following mid-frequency active sonar (MFAS) and high frequency active sonar (HFAS) sources, or similar sources, for Navy training, maintenance, or research, development, testing, and evaluation (RDT&E) (estimated amounts below):

            (2) The detonation of the underwater explosives indicated in paragraph (c)(2)(i) of this section, or similar explosives, conducted as part of the training exercises indicated in paragraph (c)(2)(ii) of this section:

            33. Section 218.111 is revised to read as follows:

            § 218.111
            Effective dates.
            Amended regulations are effective from the date of publication of the final rule, through November 9, 2015.
            34. In § 218.117 paragraph (a) is revised to read as follows:

            § 218.117
            Letters of Authorization.
            (a) A Letter of Authorization, unless suspended or revoked, will be valid for a period of time not to exceed the periods of validity of this subpart, but may be renewed or modified sooner subject to the renewal conditions in § 218.118 and the modification conditions in § 218.119.

            35. In § 218.118 paragraphs (a), (a)(1), and (a)(3) are revised to read as follows:

            § 218.118
            Renewal of Letters of Authorization and adaptive management.
            (a) A Letter of Authorization issued under § 216.106 of this chapter and § 218.117 for the activity identified in § 218.110(c) will be renewed upon:
            (1) Notification to NMFS that the activity described in the application submitted under § 218.116 will be undertaken and that there will not be a substantial modification to the desired work, mitigation, or monitoring undertaken during the upcoming period of validity;

            (3) A determination by NMFS that the mitigation, monitoring and reporting measures required under § 218.114 and the Letter of Authorization issued under § 216.106 of this chapter and § 218.117, were undertaken and will be undertaken during the upcoming period of validity of a renewed Letter of Authorization.

            36. Section 218.121 is revised to read as follow:

            § 218.121
            Effective dates.
            Amended regulations in this subpart are effective from the date of publication of the final rule, through May 4, 2016.
            37. In § 218.127 paragraph (a) is revised to read as follows:

            § 218.127
            Letters of Authorization.
            (a) A Letter of Authorization, unless suspended or revoked, will be valid for a period of time not to exceed the periods of validity of this subpart, but may be renewed or modified sooner subject to the renewal conditions in § 218.128 and the modification conditions in § 218.129.

            38. In § 218.128 paragraphs (a), (a)(1), and (a)(3) are revised to read as follows:

            § 218.128
            Renewal of Letters of Authorization and adaptive management.
            (a) A Letter of Authorization issued under § 216.106 of this chapter and § 218.127 for the activity identified in § 218.120(c) will be renewed upon:
            (1) Notification to NMFS that the activity described in the application submitted under § 218.126 will be undertaken and that there will not be a substantial modification to the desired work, mitigation, or monitoring undertaken during the upcoming period of validity;

            (3) A determination by NMFS that the mitigation, monitoring and reporting measures required under § 218.124 and the Letter of Authorization issued under § 216.106 of this chapter and § 218.127, were undertaken and will be undertaken during the upcoming period of validity of a renewed Letter of Authorization.

            39. In § 218.170 paragraphs (c) introductory text and (d) are revised, and paragraph (e) is added to read as follows:

            § 218.170
            Specified activity and specified geographical area and effective dates.

            (c) These regulations apply only to the taking of marine mammals by the Navy if it occurs incidental to the following activities, or similar activities, and sources, or similar sources (estimate amounts of use below):

            (d) Amended regulations are effective from the date of publication of the final rule, through April 11, 2016.

            (e) The taking of marine mammals may be authorized in an LOA for the activities and sources listed in § 218.170(c) should the amounts (e.g., hours, number of exercises) vary from those estimated in § 218.170(c), provided that the variation does not result in exceeding the amount of take indicated in § 218.171(c).
            40. In § 218.176 paragraph (a) is revised to read as follows:

            § 218.176
            Letters of Authorization.
            (a) A Letter of Authorization, unless suspended or revoked, will be valid for a period of time not to exceed the periods of validity of this subpart, but may be renewed or modified sooner subject to the renewal conditions in § 218.177 and the modification conditions in § 218.178.

            41. In § 218.177 paragraphs (a), (a)(1), and (a)(3) are revised to read as follows:

            § 218.177
            Renewal of Letters of Authorization and adaptive management.
            (a) A Letter of Authorization issued under § 216.106 of this chapter and § 218.176 for the activity identified in § 218.170(c) will be renewed upon:
            (1) Notification to NMFS that the activity described in the application submitted under § 218.175 will be undertaken and that there will not be a substantial modification to the desired work, mitigation, or monitoring undertaken during the upcoming period of validity;

            (3) A determination by NMFS that the mitigation, monitoring and reporting measures required under § 218.173 and the Letter of Authorization issued under § 216.106 of this chapter and § 218.176, were undertaken and will be undertaken during the upcoming period of validity of a renewed Letter of Authorization.

            42. In § 218.180, paragraphs (c) introductory text, (c)(1) introductory text, (c)(2) introductory text, (c)(3) introductory text, (c)(4) introductory text, (c)(5) introductory text, and (d) are revised, and paragraph (e) is added to read as follows:

            § 218.180
            Specified activity and specified geographical area and effective dates.

            (c) The taking of marine mammals by the Navy is only authorized if it occurs incidental to the following activities:
            (1) The use of the following mid-frequency active sonar (MFAS) and high frequency active sonar (HFAS) sources, or similar sources, for Navy mission activities in territorial waters (estimated amounts below):

            (2) The use of the following mid-frequency active sonar (MFAS) and high frequency active sonar (HFAS) sources, or similar sources, for Navy mission activities in non-territorial waters (estimated amounts below):

            (3) Ordnance operations, or similar operations, for Navy mission activities in territorial waters (estimated amounts below):

            (4) Ordnance operations, or similar operations, for Navy mission activities in non-territorial waters (estimated amounts below):

            (5) Projectile firing operations, or similar operations, for Navy mission activities in non-territorial waters (estimated amounts below):

            (d) Amended regulations are effective from the date of publication of the final rule, through January 21, 2015.

            (e) The taking of marine mammals may be authorized in an LOA for the activities and sources listed in § 218.180(c) should the amounts (e.g., hours, number of exercises) vary from those estimated in § 218.180(c), provided that the variation does not result in exceeding the amount of take indicated in § 218.181(b).
            43. In § 218.186 paragraph (a) is revised to read as follows:

            § 218.186
            Letters of Authorization.
            (a) A Letter of Authorization, unless suspended or revoked, will be valid for a period of time not to exceed the periods of validity of this subpart, but may be renewed or modified sooner subject to the renewal conditions in § 218.187 and the modification conditions in § 218.188.

            44. In § 218.187 paragraphs (a), (a)(1), and (a)(3) are revised to read as follows:

            § 218.187
            Renewal of Letters of Authorization and adaptive management.
            (a) A Letter of Authorization issued under § 216.106 of this chapter and § 218.186 for the activity identified in § 218.180(c) will be renewed upon:
            (1) Notification to NMFS that the activity described in the application submitted under § 218.185 will be undertaken and that there will not be a substantial modification to the desired work, mitigation, or monitoring undertaken during the upcoming period of validity;

            (3) A determination by NMFS that the mitigation, monitoring and reporting measures required under § 218.183 and the Letter of Authorization issued under § 216.106 of this chapter and § 218.186, were undertaken and will be undertaken during the upcoming period of validity of a renewed Letter of Authorization.

      [FR Doc. 2011-29494 Filed 11-14-11; 8:45 am]
      BILLING CODE 3510-22-P


        DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
        National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
        50 CFR Part 648
        [Docket No.  030409081-3081-01; I.D. 032103B]
        Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Northeast (NE) Multispecies Fishery; Extension of Comment Period

          AGENCY:
          National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce.

          ACTION:
          Proposed emergency rule; partial extension of comment period.

          SUMMARY:

          NMFS is extending the public comment period on the measures associated with the proposed NE Multispecies DAS Leasing Program of the NE multispecies proposed emergency rule that was published in the Federal Register on April 24, 2003, through June 10, 2003.  The emergency rule proposes to continue management measures implemented on August 1, 2002, consistent with the Settlement Agreement Among Certain Parties (Settlement Agreement) and to implement a DAS Leasing Program to mitigate impacts of the Settlement Agreement measures and to provide flexibility to some segments of the fishing industry.  The intent of this notification is to inform the public that the comment period on the proposed DAS Leasing Program will be extended until June 10, 2003.  In addition, NMFS informs the public that the docket number for the proposed rule published April 24, 2003, was inadvertently omitted.  This document reflects the docket number related to the April 24, 2003, proposed rule.

          DATES:
          The comment period on the proposed regulatory text for the DAS Leasing Program contained in §§ 648.2, 648.4(a)(1)(i)(G), 648.14, 648.82, and § 648.92 of the April 24, 2003 (68 FR 20096) proposed emergency rule is extended from May 27, 2003, through June 10, 2003.  The comment period on the continuation of the Settlement Agreement measures and amendments to § 648.4(a)(1)(i)(I)(2) and (c)(2)(iii) and § 648.81(h)(1) will end on May 27, 2003.  All comments must be received no later than 5 p.m., local time, on the last day of the respective comment periods.

          ADDRESSES:
          Written comments on the proposed emergency rule should be sent to Patricia A. Kurkul, Regional Administrator, National Marine Fisheries Service, One Blackburn Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930.  Mark the outside of the envelope, “Comments on the Proposed Emergency Rule for Groundfish.”  Comments also may be sent via facsimile (fax) to (978) 281-9135.  Comments will not be accepted if submitted via e-mail or Internet.

          FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

          Thomas Warren, Fishery Policy Analyst, phone 978-281-9347, fax:  978-281-9135; email: thomas.warren@noaa.gov.

        SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
        A proposed emergency rule was published in the Federal Register on April 24, 2003 (68 FR 20096) and subsequently corrected on May 9, 2003 (68 FR 24914), that would continue measures implemented on August 1, 2002, consistent with the Settlement Agreement, which was adopted by the U.S. District Court (Court) for the District of Columbia in a Remedial Order (Order) issued on May 23, 2002, as a result of Conservation Law Foundation, et al. v. Evans, et al.  In addition, the emergency rule would implement a DAS Leasing Program under the emergency authority of section 305(c) of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act in order to mitigate the impacts resulting from the continuation of the August 1, 2002, interim final rule measures (67 FR 50292).  The DAS Leasing Program would allow limited access NE multispecies vessels to lease their NE multispecies DAS during the current fishing year.  Additional information on the background and proposed measures appear in the preamble of the April 24, 2003, proposed emergency rule and are not repeated here.

        Due to the newness and potential controversiality of the DAS Leasing Program and its implications, NMFS is extending the comment period through June 10, 2003, on the DAS leasing aspect of the proposed emergency rule only (the comment period on the Settlement Agreement measures remains unchanged and, thus, ends on May 27, 2003).  Extension of the comment period on the DAS Leasing Program will allow additional time for the public to comment on this important component of the proposed emergency rule.  In order to be compliant with the requirements of the Administrative Procedure Act and to allow for a full 30-day delay in effectiveness of the proposed rule measures, should they be approved, extension of the comment period will require that there be two decisions made by the Assistant Administrator for Fisheries on measures in the proposed rule:   One for the continuation of the Settlement Agreement measures, and one for the DAS Leasing Program.  This will require two implementing final rules, with different implementation dates, for each of these aspects of the proposed rule.
        A Draft Environmental Assessment (EA) was prepared and noticed for the April 24, 2003, proposed rulemaking.  That EA addressed the impacts of both the emergency extension of the Settlement Agreement measures and the added DAS Leasing Program.  For the first rulemaking, should it be approved, this EA and the associated Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) will be revised to reflect a preferred alternative that includes only the proposed extension of the Settlement Agreement measures, with a later determination that would be made on the DAS Leasing Program suboption.  The second rulemaking, should it be approved,  would be based on the EA and a second FONSI that would include the DAS Leasing Program suboption and address any comments received on the DAS Leasing Program within the extended comment period.  Depending on the nature of the comments, the EA and FONSI could be further revised or amended.
        The Settlement Agreement measures currently in place through an interim rule extension (68 FR 2919, January 22, 2003) will expire on July 27, 2003.  To avoid a gap in the continuation of the Settlement Agreement measures ordered by the Court, the proposed emergency rule must be effective no later than July 28, 2003.
        Also, NMFS inadvertently omitted the docket number in the proposed rule published on April 24, 2003 (68 FR 20096).  However, the correction document to the proposed rule published on May 9, 2003 (68 FR 24914) and this extension notification reflect the docket number assigned to this action by the Department of Commerce.

          Authority:
          16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.

          Dated: May 19, 2003.
          Rebecca Lent,
          Deputy Assistant Administrator for Regulatory Programs, National Marine Fisheries Service.

      [FR Doc. 03-13013 Filed 5-20-03; 2:30 pm]
      BILLING CODE 3510-22-S


        DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
        National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
        49 CFR Part 571
        [Docket No. NHTSA-7938]
        Child Restraint Systems Safety Plan

          AGENCY:
          National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), DOT.

          ACTION:
          Request for comments.

          SUMMARY:
          This document announces the availability of a planning document that describes the agency's ongoing and planned initiatives to improve the safety of motor vehicle occupants from birth through age 10. To realize our goal to have every child be protected by an appropriate, and properly used child restraint system on every trip, NHTSA has developed a child restraint system plan that employs three key strategies: Encourage correct use of child restraints for all children; ensure that child restraint systems provide optimal protection; and provide consumers with useful information on restraining their children. For each of the defined strategies, the plan provides background information, describes recent agency actions, and presents ongoing and planned programs to achieve our goals. NHTSA seeks public review and comment on the planning document. Comments received will be evaluated and incorporated, as appropriate, into the planned agency activities.

          DATES:
          Comments must be received no later than December 22, 2000.

          ADDRESSES:

          Interested persons may obtain a copy of the planning document by downloading a copy of the document from the Docket Management System, U.S. Department of Transportation, at the address provided below, or from NHTSA's website at http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/people/injury/childps. Alternatively, interested persons may obtain a copy of the document by contacting the agency officials listed in the section titled, For Further Information Contact, immediately below.
          Submit written comments to the Docket Management System, U.S. Department of Transportation, PL 401, 400 Seventh Street, SW, Washington, D.C. 20590-0001. Comments should refer to the Docket Number (NHTSA-7938) and be submitted in two copies. If you wish to receive confirmation of receipt of your written comments, include a self-addressed, stamped postcard.
          Comments may also be submitted to the docket electronically by logging onto the Docket Management System website at http://dms.dot.gov. Click on “Help & Information” to obtain instructions for filing the comment electronically. In every case, the comment should refer to the docket number.
          The Docket Management System is located on the Plaza level of the Nassif Building at the Department of Transportation at the above address. You can review public dockets there between the hours of 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. You can also review comments on-line at the DOT Docket Management System web site at “http://dms.dot.gov/.”

          FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

          Dr. Cathy Gotschall, Office of Plans and Policy, NPP-12, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Room 5208, 400 Seventh Street, SW, Washington, DC 20590. Telephone: 202-366-1653. Email: cgotschall@nhtsa.dot.gov.

        SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
        In February 2000, NHTSA held a public meeting to discuss child restraint system issues. Soon after that meeting, Senator Fitzgerald (R-Illinois) introduced “The Child Passenger Safety Act of 2000” (S. 2070). A similar bill (H.R. 4145) was introduced in the House by Congressman Shimkus (R-Illinois) . On May 16, 2000, Deputy Administrator Millman testified before the House Commerce Committee Subcommittee on Telecommunications, Trade and Consumer Protection. At that hearing, she discussed the agency's child passenger safety programs and stated that the agency would release a child restraint system plan for public comment.
        NHTSA put together nine teams of agency experts to review all of the recommendations from the public meeting and from the House and Senate Bills and other sources. On November 1, 2000, the Transportation Recall Enhancement, Accountability and Documentation (TREAD) Act was enacted. Section 14 of the TREAD Act requires NHTSA to conduct rulemaking on side impact testing for child restraints and to consider several other related rulemaking actions. This draft plan includes the requirements of the TREAD Act, as well as those recommendations from the public that were considered to yield the biggest safety gains for child motor vehicle occupants.
        The draft plan focuses on three strategies. The first strategy in the plan examines ways to increase restraint use among all children and to ensure that the appropriate restraint systems are used correctly. NHTSA estimates that if all children aged 0-4 years old were restrained in safety seats, 173 lives could have been saved in 1998. Additional studies have shown that as many as 68 additional deaths to children aged 0-6 years old could be prevented each year by eliminating misuse of safety seats. The agency conducts national campaigns to educate the public about the importance of buckling children into child restraint systems.
        The second strategy is to improve existing standards for the performance and testing of child restraint systems. Since NHTSA first began regulating child safety seats in 1971, the agency has instituted numerous improvements to the original Federal safety standard, including the incorporation of dynamic performance testing, labeling improvements, and the recent introduction of a simplified, standardized system for anchoring safety seats in cars. This system, called the Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) system, may save as many as 50 lives and avert up to 3,000 serious injuries annually. In addition to research and the rulemaking initiatives described in this plan, NHTSA has urged child seat manufacturers to increase the margin by which they comply with the existing standards.
        The safest child restraint systems available can prevent death and injury only if they are purchased and used correctly. The final strategy calls for improved mechanisms for getting safety information to consumers. The agency works closely with states, health communities, law enforcement agencies, and safety advocates to disseminate information to parents and caregivers on the correct installation and proper use of child restraint systems. NHTSA is committed to improving the information it provides to consumers both on the performance and proper use of child restraint systems as well as on defect investigations and safety recalls.

        This document announces the availability of the document for public review and comment. The plan will be posted on NHTSA's website on November 20, 2000. Received comments will be evaluated and incorporated, as appropriate, into the planned agency activities.

        How Do I Prepare and Submit Comments?
        Your comments must be written and in English. To ensure that your comments are correctly filed in the Docket, please include the Docket number of this document (NHTSA-7938) in your comments.

        Please send two paper copies of your comments to Docket Management or submit them electronically. The mailing address is U. S. Department of Transportation Docket Management, Room PL-401, 400 Seventh Street, SW, Washington, DC 20590. If you submit your comments electronically, log onto the Docket Management System website at http://dms.dot.gov and click on “Help & Information” or “Help/Info” to obtain instructions.
        How Can I Be Sure That My Comments Were Received?
        If you wish Docket Management to notify you upon its receipt of your comments, enclose a self-addressed, stamped postcard in the envelope containing your comments. Upon receiving your comments, Docket Management will return the postcard by mail.
        How Do I Submit Confidential Business Information?
        If you wish to submit any information under a claim of confidentiality, send three copies of your complete submission, including the information you claim to be confidential business information, to the Chief Counsel, NCC-01, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Room 5219, 400 Seventh Street, SW, Washington, DC 20590. Include a cover letter supplying the information specified in our confidential business information regulation (49 CFR part 512).
        In addition, send two copies from which you have deleted the claimed confidential business information to Docket Management, Room PL-401, 400 Seventh Street, SW, Washington, DC 20590.
        Will the Agency Consider Late Comments?

        In our response, we will consider all comments that Docket Management receives before the close of business on the comment closing date indicated above under DATES. To the extent possible, we will also consider comments that Docket Management receives after that date.
        Please note that even after the comment closing date, we will continue to file relevant information in the Docket as it becomes available. Further, some people may submit late comments. Accordingly, we recommend that you periodically check the Docket for new material.
        How Can I Read the Comments Submitted by Other People?
        You may read the comments by visiting Docket Management in person at Room PL-401, 400 Seventh Street, SW, Washington, DC from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.
        You may also see the comments on the Internet by taking the following steps:

        a. Go to the Docket Management System (DMS) Web page of the Department of Transportation (http://dms.dot.gov).
        b. On that page, click on “search.”
        c. On the next page (http://dms.dot.gov/search/) type in the four-digit Docket number shown at the beginning of this document (7938). Click on “search.”
        d. On the next page, which contains Docket summary information for the Docket you selected, click on the desired comments. You may also download the comments.

          Authority:
          49 U.S.C. 30111, 30117, 30168; delegation of authority at 49 CFR 1.50 and 501.8.

          Sue Bailey,
          Administrator.

      [FR Doc. 00-30095  Filed 11-24-00; 8:45 am]
      BILLING CODE 4910-59-P


        DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
        National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
        50 CFR Part 660
        [Docket No. 130405338-4201-01]
        RIN 0648-BC84
        Fisheries off West Coast States; Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery Management Plan; Trawl Rationalization Program; Chafing Gear Modifications; Correction

          AGENCY:
          National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce.

          ACTION:
          Proposed rule; request for comments; correction.

          SUMMARY:
          On March 19, 2014, NMFS published a proposed rule in the Federal Register to modify chafing gear restrictions for midwater trawl in the Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery. The identification number for submitting comments listed in the ADDRESSES heading section of the rule is being corrected.

          DATES:
          This correction is effective April 4, 2014. Comments on this proposed rule must be received no later than 5 p.m., local time on April 18, 2014. During the comment period, NMFS is specifically seeking comments on the proposed method of attachment for chafing gear, including the benefits and effects relative to current minimum mesh size restrictions and prohibition on double walled codends.

          ADDRESSES:
          You may submit comments on the proposed rule, identified by NOAA-NMFS-2014-0028, by any of the following methods:
          • Electronic Submissions: Submit all electronic public comments via the Federal e-Rulemaking Portal. Go to www.regulations.gov/#!docketDetail;D=NOAA-NMFS-2014-0028, click the “Comment Now!” icon, complete the required fields, and enter or attach your comments.
          • Fax: 206-526-6736; Attn: Becky Renko.
          • Mail: William W. Stelle, Jr., Regional Administrator, West Coast Region, NMFS, 7600 Sand Point Way NE., Seattle, WA 98115-0070; Attn: Becky Renko.

            Instructions: Comments sent by any other method, to any other address or individual, or received after the end of the comment period, may not be considered by NMFS. All comments received are a part of the public record and will generally be posted for public viewing on www.regulations.gov without change. All personal identifying information (e.g., name, address, etc.), confidential business information, or otherwise sensitive information submitted voluntarily by the sender will be publicly accessible. NMFS will accept anonymous comments (enter “N/A” in the required fields if you wish to remain anonymous). Attachments to electronic comments will be accepted in Microsoft Word, Excel, or Adobe PDF file formats only.

          FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
          Becky Renko, 206-526-6110; (fax) 206-526-6736; Becky.Renko@noaa.gov.

        SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

        Need for Correction
        In the Federal Register of March 19, 2014, in FR Doc. 2014-06058, on page 15296, please make the following corrections: Under the ADDRESSES heading, in the first sentence and in the text following the first bullet point, please remove “NOAA-NMFS-2012-0218” and replace it with “NOAA-NMFS-2014-0028.”

          Dated: March 28, 2014.
          Samuel D. Rauch III,
          Deputy Assistant Administrator for Regulatory Programs, National Marine Fisheries Service.

      [FR Doc. 2014-07468 Filed 4-3-14; 8:45 am]
      BILLING CODE 3510-22-P