SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Request for Comments

Although this rule is being published as a temporary final rule without prior notice, an opportunity for public comment is nevertheless desirable to ensure the rule is both reasonable and workable. Accordingly, we encourage you to submit comments and related material. If you do so, please include your name and address, identify the docket number for this rulemaking (CGD05-00-013), indicate the specific section of this document to which each comment applies, and give the reason for each comment. Please submit all comments and related material in an unbound format, no larger than 8 1/2 by 11 inches, suitable for copying. If you would like to know they reached us, please enclose a stamped, self-addressed postcard or envelope.

Regulatory History

We did not publish a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) for this regulation. Under 5 U.S.C. 553(b), the Coast Guard finds that good cause exists for not publishing an NPRM. We were not notified of these events until May 5, 2000. There was insufficient time to publish an NPRM, allow for comments, and publish a final rule in sufficient time to allow notice to the public for the fireworks displays taking place prior to July 4, 2000. In previous years, these and similar events have been held without incident and without comment from the public regarding the Coast Guard's establishment of limited safety zones around barges engaged in launching fireworks. An NPRM will be published for those Virginia Beach fireworks displays taking place after July 4, 2000 of which we have been notified.

Under 5 U.S.C. 553(d)(3), the Coast Guard finds that good cause exists for making this rule effective less than 30 days after publication in the Federal Register . Most of these events will take place within 30 days of the publication of this rule. Delaying the effective date of the regulation would be contrary to the public interest because immediate action is needed to protect the mariners and spectators from the hazards associated with the fireworks display.

Background and Purpose

The Coast Guard is establishing a temporary safety zone for the Virginia Beach fireworks displays north of the Virginia Beach Fishing Pier, in the Atlantic Ocean. The safety zone will restrict vessel traffic within a 2500-foot radius of a fireworks laden barge in approximate position 36°50.75′ north and 076°58.40′ west. The safety zone is necessary to protect mariners and spectators from the hazards associated with the fireworks display.

The safety zone will be enforced from 9 p.m. until 11 p.m. on May 20, 2000; May 27, 2000—rain date May 28, 2000; June 4, 2000—rain date June 10, 2000; June 11, 2000—rain date June 17, 2000; June 18, 2000—rain date June 24, 2000; June 25, 2000—rain date July 1, 2000; and July 4, 2000.

Additional public notifications will be made prior to the event via marine information broadcasts. ( printed page 31814)

Regulatory Evaluation

This rule is not a “significant regulatory action” under section 3(f) of Executive Order 12866 and does not require an assessment of potential costs and benefits under section 6(a)(3) of that Order. The Office of Management and Budget has not reviewed it under that Order. It is not “significant” under the regulatory policies and procedures of the Department of Transportation (DOT) (44 FR 11040; February 26, 1979). This temporary final rule only affects a limited area for two hours/event, alternative routes exist for maritime traffic, and advance notification via marine information broadcasts will enable mariners to plan their transit to avoid entering the restricted area. The Coast Guard expects the economic impact of this rule to be so minimal that a full regulatory evaluation under paragraph 10(e) of the regulatory policies and procedures of the DOT is unnecessary.

Small Entities

Under the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.), the Coast Guard considered whether this rule would have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. The term “small entities” comprises small businesses, not-for-profit organizations that are independently owned and operated and are not dominant in their fields, and governmental jurisdictions with populations of less than 50,000.

The Coast Guard certifies under 5 U.S.C. 605(b) that this rule will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities.

This rule will affect the following entities, some of which might be small entities: the owners or operators of vessels intending to operate or anchor in portions of the Atlantic Ocean off Virginia Beach, Virginia within a 2500-foot radius of a fireworks laden barge located in approximate position 36°50.75′ north and 076°58.40′ west.

This safety zone will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities for the following reasons: This temporary final rule only affects a limited area for two hours/event, alternative routes exist for maritime traffic, and advance notification via marine information broadcasts will enable mariners to plan their transit to avoid entering the restricted area.

Collection of Information

This rule calls for no new collection of information under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.).

Federalism

We have analyzed this rule under Executive Order 13132 and have determined that this rule does not have implications for federalism under that order.

Unfunded Mandates Reform Act

The Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 (2 U.S.C. 1531-1538) governs the issuance of federal regulations that require unfunded mandates. An unfunded mandate is a regulation that requires a state, local, or tribal government or the private sector to incur direct costs without the federal government's having first provided the funds to pay those unfunded mandate costs. This rule will not impose an unfunded mandate.

Taking of Private Property

This rule will not effect a taking of private property or otherwise have taking implications under Executive Order 12630, Government Actions and Interference with Constitutionally Protected Property Rights.

Civil Justice Reform

This rule meets applicable standards in sections 3(a) and 3(b)(2) of Executive Order 12988, Civil Justice Reform, to minimize litigation, eliminate ambiguity, and reduce burden.

Protection of Children

We have analyzed this rule under Executive Order 13045, Protection of Children from Environmental Health Risks and Safety Risks. This rule is not an economically significant rule and does not concern an environmental risk to health or risk to safety that may disproportionately affect children.

Environment

The Coast Guard considered the environmental impact of this rule and concluded that under figure 2-1, paragraph (34)(g), of Commandant Instruction M16475.lC, this rule is categorically excluded from further environmental documentation. This regulation will have no impact on the environment.

For the reasons discussed in the preamble, the Coast Guard amends 33 CFR part 165 as follows:

1. The authority citation for Part 165 continues to read as follows:

Authority: 33 U.S.C. 1231; 50 U.S.C. 191; 33 CFR 1.05-1(g), 6.04-6, and 160.5; 49 CFR 1.46.

2. Add temporary § 165.T05-013 to read as follows: