[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 67 (Friday, April 6, 2018)]
[Notices]
[Page 14875]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-07085]


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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

 Coast Guard

[Docket No. USCG-2018-0066]


Prince William Sound Regional Citizens' Advisory Council 
(PWSRCAC) Recertification

AGENCY: Coast Guard, DHS.

ACTION: Notice of recertification.

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SUMMARY: This notice informs the public that the Coast Guard has 
recertified the Prince William Sound Regional Citizens' Advisory 
Council (PWSRCAC) as an alternative voluntary advisory group for Prince 
William Sound, Alaska. This certification allows the PWSRCAC to monitor 
the activities of terminal facilities and crude oil tankers under the 
Prince William Sound Program established by statute.

DATES: This recertification is effective for the period from February 
28, 2018 through March 1, 2019.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: LT Ian McPhillips, Seventeenth Coast 
Guard District (dpi), by phone at (907)463-2809, email at 
[email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Background and Purpose

    As part of the Oil Pollution Act of 1990, Congress passed the Oil 
Terminal and Oil Tanker Environmental Oversight and Monitoring Act of 
1990 (the Act), 33 U.S.C. 2732, to foster a long-term partnership among 
industry, government, and local communities in overseeing compliance 
with environmental concerns in the operation of crude oil terminals and 
oil tankers.
    The President has delegated his authority under 33 U.S.C 2732(o) 
respecting certification of advisory councils, or groups, subject to 
the Act to the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security. 
Section 8(g) of Executive Order 12777, (56 FR 54757, October 22, 1991), 
as amended by section 34 of Executive Order 13286 (68 FR 10619, March 
5, 2003). The Secretary redelegated that authority to the Commandant of 
the USCG. Department of Homeland Security Delegation No. 0170.1, 
paragraph 80 of section II. The Commandant redelegated that authority 
to the Chief, Office of Marine Safety, Security and Environmental 
Protection (G-M) on March 19, 1992 (letter #5402).
    On July 7, 1993, the USCG published a policy statement, 
``Alternative Voluntary Advisory Groups, Prince William Sound and Cook 
Inlet'' (58 FR 36504), to clarify the factors considered in making the 
determination as to whether advisory councils, or groups, should be 
certified in accordance with the Act.
    The Assistant Commandant for Marine Safety and Environmental 
Protection (G-M), redelegated recertification authority for advisory 
councils, or groups, to the Commander, Seventeenth Coast Guard District 
on February 26, 1999 (letter #16450).
    On September 16, 2002, the USCG published a policy statement, 67 FR 
58440, which changed the recertification procedures such that 
applicants are required to provide the USCG with comprehensive 
information every three years (triennially). For each of the two years 
between the triennial application procedures, applicants submit a 
letter requesting recertification that includes a description of any 
substantive changes to the information provided at the previous 
triennial recertification. Further, public comment is only solicited 
during the triennial comprehensive review.
    The Alyeska Pipeline Service Company pays the PWSRCAC $2.9 million 
annually in the form of a longterm contract. In return for this 
funding, the PWSRCAC must annually show that it ``fosters the goals and 
purposes'' of OPA 90 and is ``broadly representative of the communities 
and interests in the vicinity of the terminal facilities and Prince 
William Sound.'' The PWSRCAC is an independent, nonprofit organization 
founded in 1989. Though it receives federal oversight like many 
independent, non-profit organizations, it is not a federal agency. The 
PWSRCAC is a local organization that predates the passage of OPA 90. 
The existence of the PWSRCAC was specifically recognized in OPA 90 
where it is defined as an ``alternate voluntary advisory group.'' 
Alyeska funds the PWSRCAC, and the Coast Guard makes sure the PWSRCRC 
operates in a fashion that is broadly consistent with OPA 90.

Recertification

    By letter dated February 28, 2018, the Commander, Seventeenth Coast 
Guard certified that the PWSRCAC qualifies as an alternative voluntary 
advisory group under 33 U.S.C. 2732(o). This recertification terminates 
on March 1, 2019.

    Dated: February 28, 2018.
Michael F. Mcallister,
Rear Admiral, U.S. Coast Guard, Commander, Seventeenth Coast Guard 
District.
[FR Doc. 2018-07085 Filed 4-5-18; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 9110-04-P


