Federal Register Summary: September 2018

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Bureau of Land Management (BLM)

Notice of Availability for a Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the Rossi Mine Expansion Project

September 14, 2018 – BLM has prepared a Draft EIS addresses the direct, indirect, and cumulative environmental impacts of Halliburton Energy Services’ proposed modification of operations for the Rossi Mine Project, including the expansion of existing infrastructure to support open pit mining. Comments can be submitted by mail, fax, or email to blm_nv_eldo_rossimine_project_eis@blm.gov on or before November 5, 2018. [83 FR 46753]

Waste Prevention, Production Subject to Royalties, and Resource Conservation; Rescission or Revision of Certain Requirements

September 28, 2018 – BLM is revising its regulations, entitled, “Waste Prevention, Production Subject to Royalties, and Resource Conservation.” BLM is rescinding the requirements pertaining to waste-minimization plans, gas-capture percentages, well drilling, well completion and related operations, pneumatic controllers, pneumatic diaphragm pumps, storage vessels, and leak detection and repair. BLM is also revising other provisions related to venting and flaring and is adding provisions regarding deference to appropriate state or tribal regulation in determining when flaring of associated gas from oil wells will be royalty-free. The rule becomes effective on November 27, 2018. [83 FR 49184]

Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE)

Oil and Gas and Sulphur Operations on the Outer Continental Shelf-Oil and Gas Production Safety Systems

September 28, 2018 – BSEE is revising or removing certain regulatory provisions regarding oil and natural gas production safety systems, including the mandate that independent third parties certify safety devices for effective operation in the most extreme conditions. The rule becomes effective December 27, 2018. Rulemaking documents and public comments can be found at www.regulations.gov under Docket ID: BSEE-2017-0008. [83 FR 49216]

Department of Agriculture (USDA)

Notice of Recommended Standard Methods for Use as Soil Health Indicator Measurements

September 14, 2018 – The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) intends to issue a technical note on a group of recommended standard methods for soil health indicators selected by a collaborative multi-organizational effort. Comments can be submitted before December 13, 2018, via the Federal eRulemaking Portal using Docket Number NRCS-2018-0006. [83 FR 46703]

Department of Energy (DOE)

Secretary of Energy Advisory Board; Notice of Renewal

September 5, 2018 – The Secretary of Energy Advisory Board will be renewed for a two-year period beginning on August 29, 2018. The Committee will provide advice and recommendations to the Secretary of Energy on a range of energy-related issues. [83 FR 45119]

International Energy Agency Meetings

September 10, 2018 – The Industry Advisory Board (IAB) to the International Energy Agency (IEA) will meet to discuss drafting a proposal for possible improvements to the emergency oil stockholding requirement. The meeting will take place in Paris, France on September 18-19, 2018. [83 FR 45619]

Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy; Meeting

September 14, 2018 – DOE is hosting a workshop to develop new prizes, competitions, and related initiatives that advance water security in the United States and globally. The workshop will inform a DOE-led Grand Challenge that seeks breakthroughs on a set of critical water issues. The public meeting will be held on October 25, 2018. [83 FR 46712].

Request for Information on the Emerging Smart Technology Appliance and Equipment Market

September 17, 2018 – DOE is initiating a data and information collection process to better understand market trends and issues in the emerging market for appliances and commercial equipment that incorporate smart technology. DOE aims to gain greater perspective on the direction of the emerging smart technology market. Comments can be submitted online or by email on or before November 16, 2018. [83 FR 46886]

National Coal Council; Meeting

September 18, 2018 – The Office of Fossil Energy will host a virtual meeting of the National Coal Council on October 1, 2018, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. EST. The purpose of the meeting is to review and vote on two reports on U.S. coal exports and the optimization of the existing coal fleet. Registration for the meeting is done online by close of business on September 26, 2018. [83 FR 47144].

Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technical Advisory Committee

September 21, 2018 – The Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technologies Technical Advisory is holding an open teleconference to discuss and finalize the 2017 Annual Report. The meeting will take place Friday, November 2, 2018 (1:00 – 2:30 p.m. EST). To receive the call-in number and passcode, contact Shawna McQueen, Designated Federal Officer, at 202-586-0833 or shawna.mcqueen@ee.doe.gov. [83 FR 47912]

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

Public Meeting on EPA's Study of Oil and Gas Extraction Wastewater Management

September 4, 2018 – EPA will host a public meeting to obtain input on its Study of Oil and Gas Extraction Wastewater Management. The public meeting will be held in Washington, DC, on October 9, 2018 (10:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. EST).  Those wishing to attend and/or speak can register at oil-and-gas-study@epa.gov. [83 FR 44876]

Request for Nominations for the 2019 Clean Air Excellence Awards Program

September 4, 2018 – The Office of Air and Radiation’s (OAR) 2019 Clean Air Excellence Awards Program recognizes outstanding and innovative efforts that support progress in achieving clean air. Submissions must be postmarked by November 2, 2018, or can be submitted online. [83 FR 44873]

Emission Guidelines for Greenhouse Gas Emissions From Existing Electric Utility Generating Units; Revisions to Emission Guideline Implementing Regulations; Revisions to New Source Review Program

September 10, 2018 – EPA will hold a public hearing on its proposed Affordable Clean Energy (ACE) rule. The hearing will provide interested parties the opportunity to present data, views, or arguments concerning the proposed action. EPA is also extending the comment period by 1 day to allow for 30 days of public comment following the public hearing. The hearing will take place in Chicago, Illinois, on October 1, 2018, beginning at 8:00 a.m. local time. [83 FR 45588]

Amendment of the NEPA Official Under Procedures for Implementing the National Environmental Policy Act

September 26, 2018 – EPA amended their responsibility of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) Official under its existing regulations for “Implementing the National Environmental Policy Act and Assessing the Environmental Effects Abroad of EPA Actions.” The amendment is procedural and is not intended to alter the Agency’s compliance with NEPA. [83 FR 48544]

Environmental Protection Agency Acquisition Regulation (EPAAR); Scientific Integrity

September 26, 2018 – EPA issued a proposed rule to address scientific integrity requirements in the creation of a contract clause for inclusion in solicitations and contracts when the contractor may be required to perform, communicate, or supervise scientific activities or use scientific information to perform advisory and assistance services. Comments can be submitted by November 26, 2018, on www.regulations.gov using Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-OARM-2015-0657; FRL-9936-63-OARM. [83 FR 48581]

The Safer Affordable Fuel-Efficient (SAFE) Vehicles Rule for Model Years 2021-2026 Passenger Cars and Light Trucks; Extension of Comment Period

September 26, 2018 – The EPA and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration extended the comment period for the Safer Affordable Fuel-Efficient (SAFE) Vehicles Rule by three days. Comments must now be received by October 26, 2018, on www.regulations.gov using the Docket No. EPA-HQ-OAR-2018-0283 and/or NHTSA-2018-0067. [83 FR 48578].

Information Session; Implementation of the Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act of 2014

September 26, 2018 – EPA will hold an information session on Thursday, October 11, 2018, in Seattle, Washington. The purpose of this session is to provide prospective borrowers with a better understanding of the Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) program requirements, application process, and to hear from WIFIA's first borrower, King County, about their experience. Registration information for the information session is available at https://www.epa.gov/​wifia. [83 FR 48613]

National and Governmental Advisory Committees

September 28, 2018 – The EPA National Advisory Committee (NAC) and the Governmental Advisory Committee (GAC) will hold a public meeting to provide advice to the EPA Administrator on a broad range of environmental policy, technology, and management issues. The purpose of the meeting is for the NAC/GAC to provide advice on trade and environment issues related to the North American Agreement on Environmental Cooperation. The meeting will be held on October 10, 2018 (9:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. EST) and October 11, 2018 (9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. EST), in Tucson, Arizona. [83 FR 49090].

Executive Office of the President

Adjusting Imports of Aluminum Into the United States

September 4, 2018 – President Trump imposed a 10 percent ad valorem tariff on aluminum articles imported from most countries. He also authorized the Secretary to provide relief from these additional duties for any aluminum article determined not to be produced in the United States in a sufficient and reasonably available amount or of a satisfactory quality and also to provide such relief based on specific national security considerations. [83 FR 45019]

Adjusting Imports of Steel Into the United States

September 4, 2018 – President Trump imposed a 25 percent ad valorem tariff on steel articles imported from most countries. He also authorized the Secretary to provide relief from these additional duties for any steel article determined not to be produced in the United States in a sufficient and reasonably available amount or of a satisfactory quality and also to provide such relief based on specific national security considerations. [83 FR 45025]

National Aeronautics and Space Agency (NASA)

Notice of Centennial Challenges CO2

September 4, 2018 – Centennial Challenges is a program of prize competitions to stimulate innovation in technologies of interest and value to NASA and the nation. Phase 1 (the current phase) is the Concept Phase with a prize purse of up to $250,000 to demonstrate capabilities to develop technologies to manufacture “food” for microbial bioreactors from CO2 and hydrogen molecules, with the ultimate goal of producing glucose. Challenge registration for Phase 1 opens online on August 30, 2018, and will remain open until 6:00 p.m. Eastern Time on January 24, 2019. [83 FR 44911]

Earth Science Advisory Committee (ESAC); Meeting

September 14, 2018 – A meeting of the NASA Earth Science Advisory Committee will be held to solicit scientific and technical information relevant to the Earth Science program annual performance review from the science community and other persons. The meeting will take place on Thursday, October 4, 2018, from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. EDT. Any interested person may call 1-888-577-8996 passcode 2196080 to participate. [83 FR 46761]

National Science Foundation (NSF)

Advisory Committee for Environmental Research and Education; Meetings

September 12, 2018 – The Advisory Committee for Environmental Research and Education will hold two open meetings to provide advice, recommendations, and oversight concerning support for environmental research and education. The meetings will take place at the National Science Foundation in Alexandria, Virginia, on October 24, 2018 (9:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. EST) and October 25, 2018 (9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. EST). [83 FR 46194]

Biological and Environmental Research Advisory Committee; Meetings

September 12, 2018 – The Biological and Environmental Research Advisory Committee (BERAC) will hold two open meetings to provide to the Director, Office of Science of the Department of Energy, on the many complex scientific and technical issues that arise in the development and implementation of the Biological and Environmental Research Program. The meetings will take place in Rockville, Maryland, on October 18, 2018 (8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. EST) and October 19, 2018 (8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. EST). [83 FR 46147]

Office of International Science and Engineering; Meeting

September 13, 2018 – The Office of International Science and Engineering is holding a partly open meeting to conduct a review on the Partnerships for International Research and Education (PIRE). The meeting’s purpose is to conduct an in-depth evaluation of performance, to assess progress towards goals, and to provide recommendations. The meeting will take place at the National Science Foundation in Alexandria, Virginia, on October 12, 2018 (8:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. EST). [83 FR 46523].

Committee on Equal Opportunities in Science and Engineering; Meeting

September 14, 2018 – The Committee on Equal Opportunities in Science and Engineering will hold two open meetings to study data, programs, policies, and other information pertinent to the National Science Foundation and to provide advice and recommendations concerning broadening participation in science and engineering. The meetings will take place at the National Science Foundation in Alexandria, Virginia, on October 18, 2018 (1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. EST) and October 19, 2018 (8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. EDT). [83 FR 46763]

Advisory Committee for Geosciences; Meetings

September 14, 2018 – The Advisory Committee for Geosciences will hold two open meetings to provide advice, recommendations, and oversight on support for geoscience research and education including atmospheric, geo-space, earth, ocean and polar sciences. The meetings will take place at the National Science Foundation in Alexandria, Virginia, on October 17, 2018 (8:30 a.m. – 5:00 pm EDT) and October 18, 2018 (8:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. EDT). [83 FR 46763]

Advisory Committee for International Science and Engineering; Meetings

September 18, 2018 – The Advisory Committee for International Science and Engineering will hold two open meetings to provide advice, recommendations and counsel on major goals and policies pertaining to international programs and activities. The meetings will take place October 29, 2018 (9:00 a.m. – 4:45 p.m. EDT) and October 30, 2018 (9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. EDT). [83 FR 47192]

Notice of Permit Applications Received Under the Antarctic Conservation Act of 1978

September 20, 2018 – NSF proposes to enter Antarctic Specially Protected Area (ASPA) 113, Litchfield Island, Arthur Harbor, to study Antarctic soils, microbial communities, and vegetation. Interested parties can submit written data, comments, or views by October 22, 2018 to Permit Office, Office of Polar Programs, National Science Foundation, 2415 Eisenhower Avenue, Alexandria, Virginia 22314. [83 FR 47645]

Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC)

Preparation of Environmental Reports for Nuclear Power Stations

September 24, 2018 – NRC issued a revision of Regulatory Guide 4.2, “Preparation of Environmental Reports for Nuclear Power Stations.” This revision provides general guidance to applicants for the format and content of environmental reports that are submitted as part of an application for a permit, license, or other approval for a new nuclear power plant. The document is available on www.regulations.gov under Docket ID NRC-2017-0041. [83 FR 48346]

Office of the United States Trade Representative

Exclusion of Particular Products From the Solar Products Safeguard Measure

September 19, 2018 – The U.S. Trade Representative has determined that particular products, including certain size solar panels, should be excluded from the safeguard measure applied to certain solar products. Subchapter III of chapter 99 of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States will be modified on or after September 19, 2018. [83 FR 47393]

United States Department of State

Notice of Intent to Prepare a Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement for the Proposed Keystone XL Pipeline Mainline Alternative Route in Nebraska

September 17, 2018 – The U.S. Department of State announced that it will prepare a Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement to analyze the potential environmental impacts of the Keystone XL Mainline Alternative Route. Detailed records on the proposed Project are available online. [83 FR 46989]

Notice of Availability of the Draft Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement for the Proposed Keystone XL Pipeline Mainline Alternative Route in Nebraska; Public Meeting Announcement

September 24, 2018 – The U.S. Department of State has released for review and comment the Draft Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement for the Proposed Keystone XL Pipeline Mainline Alternative Route in Nebraska. The 45-day public comment period ends on November 8, 2018. The Department will also hold a public meeting in Lincoln, Nebraska, on Tuesday, October 9, 2018. Comments can be made on www.Regulations.gov under Docket Number DOS-2018-004 and more information for the meeting is available at https://www.keystonepipeline-xl.state.gov. [83 FR 48358]

United States Forest Service (USFS)

Oil and Gas Resources

September 13, 2018 – The U.S. Forest Service is requesting comments from the public regarding the planned revision to its Oil and Gas regulations. The Forest Service seeks to identify opportunities to streamline the regulations to reduce burdens on the agency and applicants. Comments can be submitted by mail or online with docket number FS-2018-0053 and must be received by October 15, 2018. [83 FR 46458]

Locatable Minerals

September 13, 2018 – The U.S. Forest Service is requesting comments from the public regarding the need to clarify or to otherwise enhance its regulations that minimize adverse environmental impacts on National Forest System surface resources in connection with operations authorized by the United States mining laws. Comments can be submitted by mail or online with docket number FS-2018-0052 and must be received by October 15, 2018. [83 FR 46451]