[Federal Register Volume 88, Number 122 (Tuesday, June 27, 2023)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 41504-41506]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2023-13591]


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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Coast Guard

33 CFR Part 165

[Docket Number USCG-2023-0234]
RIN 1625-AA00


Safety Zone; Fireworks Display, Great Egg Harbor Bay, Ocean City, 
NJ

AGENCY: Coast Guard, DHS.

ACTION: Temporary final rule.

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SUMMARY: The Coast Guard is establishing a temporary safety zone for 
certain navigable waters of Great Egg Harbor Bay in Ocean City, NJ. The 
safety zone is needed to protect personnel, vessels, and the marine 
environment from potential hazards created by a barge-based fireworks 
display. Entry of vessels or persons into this zone is prohibited 
unless specifically authorized by the Captain of the Port (COTP) 
Delaware Bay. Vessels within the zone prior to the enforcement period 
must leave the zone before the enforcement period begins.

DATES: This rule is effective from 9 to 9:45 p.m. on July 29, 2023.

ADDRESSES: To view documents mentioned in this preamble as being 
available in the docket, go to https://www.regulations.gov, type USCG-
2023-0234 in the search box and click ``Search.'' Next, in the Document 
Type column, select ``Supporting & Related Material.''

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: If you have questions on this rule, 
call or email Petty Officer Dylan Caikowski, Sector Delaware Bay, 
Waterways Management Division, U.S. Coast Guard; telephone (215) 271-
4814, email [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

I. Table of Abbreviations

CFR Code of Federal Regulations
DHS Department of Homeland Security
FR Federal Register
NPRM Notice of proposed rulemaking
Sec.  Section
U.S.C. United States Code

II. Background Information and Regulatory History

    On February 16, 2023, Ocean City, New Jersey notified the Coast 
Guard that it will be conducting a fireworks display from 9:15 to 9:30 
p.m. on July 29, 2023. The fireworks are to be launched from a barge in 
Great Egg Harbor Bay, in the vicinity of Rainbow Channel. In response, 
on April 24, 2023, the Coast Guard published a notice of proposed 
rulemaking (NPRM) titled Safety Zone; Delaware Bay, Lower Township, NJ. 
There, we stated why we issued the NPRM and invited comments on our 
proposed regulatory action related to this fireworks display. During 
the comment period that ended May 24, 2023, we received one comment.

III. Legal Authority and Need for Rule

    The Coast Guard is issuing this rule under authority in 46 U.S.C. 
70034 (previously 33 U.S.C. 1231). The COTP has determined that 
potential hazards associated with a barge-based fireworks display will 
be a safety concern for anyone within 600 feet of the fireworks barge. 
The purpose of this rule is to ensure the safety of vessels and of 
persons who might be in the navigable waters in the safety zone before, 
during, and after a barge-based fireworks display.

[[Page 41505]]

IV. Discussion of Comments, Changes, and the Rule

    As noted above, we received one comment on our NPRM published April 
24, 2023. The comment stated that the proposed creation of a safety 
zone in Great Egg Harbor Bay, Ocean City, NJ, is justified based on the 
government's compelling interest in protecting the safety of 
individuals and the environment during a fireworks show, outweighing 
the minimal restriction on individual freedom. There are no changes in 
the regulatory text of this rule from the proposed rule in the NPRM.
    This rule establishes a temporary safety zone from 9 to 9:45 p.m. 
on July 29, 2023. The safety zone will cover all navigable waters 
within 600 feet of a barge in Great Egg Harbor Bay located at 
approximate position latitude 39[deg]17'23.7'' N, longitude 
074[deg]34'31.3'' W. The duration of the zone is intended to ensure the 
safety of vessels and these navigable waters before, during, and after 
the scheduled 9:15 to 9:30 p.m. fireworks display. No vessel or person 
would be permitted to enter the safety zone without obtaining 
permission from the COTP or a designated representative.

V. Regulatory Analyses

    We developed this rule after considering numerous statutes and 
Executive orders related to rulemaking. Below we summarize our analyses 
based on a number of these statutes and Executive orders, and we 
discuss First Amendment rights of protestors.

A. Regulatory Planning and Review

    Executive Orders 12866 and 13563 direct agencies to assess the 
costs and benefits of available regulatory alternatives and, if 
regulation is necessary, to select regulatory approaches that maximize 
net benefits. This rule has not been designated a ``significant 
regulatory action,'' under section 3(f) of Executive Order 12866, as 
amended by Executive Order 14094 (Modernizing Regulatory Review). 
Accordingly, this rule has not been reviewed by the Office of 
Management and Budget (OMB).
    This regulatory action determination is based on the following 
factors: (1) although persons and vessels may not enter, transit 
through, anchor in, or remain within the safety zone without 
authorization from the COTP or a designated representative, they may 
operate in the surrounding area during the enforcement period; (2) 
persons and vessels will still be able to enter, transit through, 
anchor in, or remain within the regulated area if authorized by the 
COTP; and (3) the Coast Guard will provide advance notification of the 
safety zone to the local maritime community by Local Notice to Mariners 
and Broadcast Notice to Mariners.

B. Impact on Small Entities

    The Regulatory Flexibility Act of 1980, 5 U.S.C. 601-612, as 
amended, requires Federal agencies to consider the potential impact of 
regulations on small entities during rulemaking. 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 received no comments from the Small Business 
Administration on this rulemaking. 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.
    While some owners or operators of vessels intending to transit the 
safety zone may be small entities, for the reasons stated in section 
V.A above, this rule will not have a significant economic impact on any 
vessel owner or operator.
    Under section 213(a) of the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement 
Fairness Act of 1996 (Pub. L. 104-121), we want to assist small 
entities in understanding this rule. If the rule would affect your 
small business, organization, or governmental jurisdiction and you have 
questions concerning its provisions or options for compliance, please 
call or email the person listed in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT 
section.
    Small businesses may send comments on the actions of Federal 
employees who enforce, or otherwise determine compliance with, Federal 
regulations to the Small Business and Agriculture Regulatory 
Enforcement Ombudsman and the Regional Small Business Regulatory 
Fairness Boards. The Ombudsman evaluates these actions annually and 
rates each agency's responsiveness to small business. If you wish to 
comment on actions by employees of the Coast Guard, call 1-888-REG-FAIR 
(1-888-734-3247). The Coast Guard will not retaliate against small 
entities that question or complain about this rule or any policy or 
action of the Coast Guard.

C. Collection of Information

    This rule will not call for a new collection of information under 
the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501-3520).

D. Federalism and Indian Tribal Governments

    A rule has implications for federalism under Executive Order 13132, 
Federalism, if it has a substantial direct effect on the States, on the 
relationship between the National Government and the States, or on the 
distribution of power and responsibilities among the various levels of 
government. We have analyzed this rule under that Order and have 
determined that it is consistent with the fundamental federalism 
principles and preemption requirements described in Executive Order 
13132.
    Also, this rule does not have tribal implications under Executive 
Order 13175, Consultation and Coordination with Indian Tribal 
Governments, because it does not have a substantial direct effect on 
one or more Indian tribes, on the relationship between the Federal 
Government and Indian tribes, or on the distribution of power and 
responsibilities between the Federal Government and Indian tribes.

E. Unfunded Mandates Reform Act

    The Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 (2 U.S.C. 1531-1538) 
requires Federal agencies to assess the effects of their discretionary 
regulatory actions. In particular, the Act addresses actions that may 
result in the expenditure by a State, local, or tribal government, in 
the aggregate, or by the private sector of $100,000,000 (adjusted for 
inflation) or more in any one year. Though this rule will not result in 
such an expenditure, we do discuss the effects of this rule elsewhere 
in this preamble.

F. Environment

    We have analyzed this rule under Department of Homeland Security 
Directive 023-01, Rev. 1, associated implementing instructions, and 
Environmental Planning COMDTINST 5090.1 (series), which guide the Coast 
Guard in complying with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 
(42 U.S.C. 4321-4370f), and have determined that this action is one of 
a category of actions that do not individually or cumulatively have a 
significant effect on the human environment. This rule involves a 
temporary safety zone lasting 45 minutes that would prohibit entry 
within 600 feet of a fireworks barge. It is categorically excluded from 
further review under paragraph L60(a) of Appendix A, Table 1 of DHS 
Instruction Manual 023-01-001-01, Rev. 1. A Record of Environmental 
Consideration supporting this determination is available in the docket. 
For instructions

[[Page 41506]]

on locating the docket, see the ADDRESSES section of this preamble.

G. Protest Activities

    The Coast Guard respects the First Amendment rights of protesters. 
Protesters are asked to call or email the person listed in the FOR 
FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section to coordinate protest activities so 
that your message can be received without jeopardizing the safety or 
security of people, places or vessels.

List of Subjects in 33 CFR Part 165

    Harbors, Marine safety, Navigation (water), Reporting and 
recordkeeping requirements, Security measures, Waterways.
    For the reasons discussed in the preamble, the Coast Guard amends 
33 CFR part 165 as follows:

PART 165--REGULATED NAVIGATION AREAS AND LIMITED ACCESS AREAS

0
1. The authority citation for part 165 continues to read as follows:

    Authority:  46 U.S.C. 70034, 70051, 70124; 33 CFR 1.05-1, 6.04-
1, 6.04-6, and 160.5; Department of Homeland Security Delegation No. 
00170.1, Revision No. 01.3.


0
2. Add Sec.  165.T05-0234 to read as follows:


Sec.  165.T05-0234  Safety Zone; Fireworks Display, Great Egg Harbor 
Bay, Ocean City, NJ.

    (a) Location. All navigable waters within 600 feet of a barge in 
Great Egg Harbor Bay located at approximate position latitude 
39[deg]17'23.7'' N, longitude 074[deg]34'31.3'' W.
    (b) Definitions. As used in this section, designated representative 
means a Coast Guard Patrol Commander, including a Coast Guard petty 
officer, warrant or commissioned officer on board a Coast Guard vessel 
or on board a federal, state, or local law enforcement vessel assisting 
the Captain of the Port (COTP), Sector Delaware Bay in the enforcement 
of the safety zone.
    (c) Regulations.
    (1) Under the general safety zone regulations in subpart C of this 
part, you may not enter or remain in the safety zone described in 
paragraph (a) of this section unless authorized by the COTP or the 
COTP's designated representative.
    (2) To seek permission to enter or remain in the zone, contact the 
COTP or the COTP's representative via VHF-FM channel 16 or 215-271-
4807. Those in the safety zone must comply with all lawful orders or 
directions given to them by the COTP or the COTP's designated 
representative.
    (3) No vessel authorized to enter or remain in the zone may take on 
bunkers or conduct lightering operations within the safety zone during 
its enforcement period.
    (4) This section applies to all vessels except those engaged in law 
enforcement, aids to navigation servicing, and emergency response 
operations.
    (d) Enforcement. The U.S. Coast Guard may be assisted in the patrol 
and enforcement of the safety zone by Federal, State, and local 
agencies.
    (e) Enforcement period. This zone will be enforced from 
approximately 9 to 9:45 p.m. on July 29, 2023.

    Dated: June 21, 2023.
Kate F. Higgins-Bloom,
Captain, U.S. Coast Guard, Captain of the Port, Sector Delaware Bay.
[FR Doc. 2023-13591 Filed 6-26-23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 9110-04-P


