
[Federal Register Volume 88, Number 179 (Monday, September 18, 2023)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 63841-63843]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2023-20100]


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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Coast Guard

33 CFR Part 165

[Docket Number USCG-2023-0770]
RIN 1625-AA87


Security Zones; Corpus Christi Ship Channel, Corpus Christi, TX

AGENCY: Coast Guard, Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

ACTION: Temporary final rule.

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SUMMARY: The Coast Guard is establishing one temporary, 500-yard 
radius, moving security zone for certain vessel carrying Certain 
Dangerous Cargoes (CDC) within the Corpus Christi Ship Channel and the 
La Quinta Channel. The temporary security zone is needed to protect the 
vessels, the CDC cargo, and the surrounding waterway from terrorist 
acts, sabotage, or other subversive acts, accidents, or other events of 
a similar nature. Entry of vessels or persons into this zone is 
prohibited unless specifically authorized by the Captain of the Port 
Sector Corpus Christi or a designated representative.

DATES: This rule is effective without actual notice from September 15, 
2023, until September 18, 2023. For the purposes of enforcement, actual 
notice will be used from September 12, 2023, until September 15, 2023.

ADDRESSES: To view documents mentioned in this preamble as being 
available in the docket, go to https://www.regulations.gov, type USCG-
2023-0770 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 about this rule, 
call or email Lieutenant Commander Anthony Garofalo, Sector Corpus 
Christi Waterways Management Division, U.S. Coast Guard; telephone 361-
939-5130, email [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

I. Table of Abbreviations

CFR Code of Federal Regulations
COTP Captain of the Port Sector Corpus Christi
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

    The Coast Guard is issuing this temporary rule without prior notice 
and opportunity to comment pursuant to authority under section 4(a) of 
the Administrative Procedure Act (APA) (5 U.S.C. 553(b)). This 
provision authorizes an agency to issue a rule without prior notice and 
opportunity to comment when the agency for good cause finds that those 
procedures are ``impracticable, unnecessary, or contrary to the public 
interest.'' Under 5 U.S.C. 553(b)(B), the Coast Guard finds that good 
cause exists for not publishing a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) 
with respect to this rule because it is

[[Page 63842]]

impracticable. The Coast Guard must establish this security zone by 
September 12, 2023, to ensure security of this vessel and lacks 
sufficient time to provide a reasonable comment period and then 
consider those comments before issuing the rule.
    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. Delaying the effective date of 
this rule would be contrary to the public interest because immediate 
action is needed to provide for the security of these vessels.

III. Legal Authority and Need for Rule

    The Coast Guard may issue security zone regulations under authority 
in 46 U.S.C. 70051 and 70124. The Captain of the Port Sector Corpus 
Christi (COTP) has determined that potential hazards associated with 
the transit of the Motor Vessel (M/V) RIOJA KNUTSEN, when loaded, will 
be a security concern within a 500-yard radius of the vessel. This rule 
is needed to provide for the safety and security of the vessel, their 
cargo, and surrounding waterway from terrorist acts, sabotage or other 
subversive acts, accidents, or other events of a similar nature while 
it is transiting within Corpus Christi, TX, from September 12, 2023, 
through September 18, 2023.

IV. Discussion of the Rule

    The Coast Guard is establishing one 500-yard radius temporary 
moving security zone around M/V RIOJA KNUTSEN. The vessel names will be 
clearly marked on the port, starboard, and stern. The zone for the 
vessel will be enforced from September 12, 2023, through September 18, 
2023. The duration of the zone is intended to protect the vessel and 
cargo and surrounding waterway from terrorist acts, sabotage or other 
subversive acts, accidents, or other events of a similar nature. No 
vessel or person will be permitted to enter the security zones without 
obtaining permission from the COTP or a designated representative.
    Entry into this security zone is prohibited unless authorized by 
the COTP or a designated representative, who will be on scene to 
enforce the security zone. A designated representative is a 
commissioned, warrant, or petty officer of the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) 
assigned to units under the operational control of USCG Sector Corpus 
Christi. Persons or vessels desiring to enter or pass through the zone 
must request permission from the COTP or a designated representative on 
VHF-FM channel 16 or by telephone at 361-939-0450. If permission is 
granted, all persons and vessels shall comply with the instructions of 
the COTP or designated representative. The COTP or a designated 
representative will inform the public through Broadcast Notices to 
Mariners (BNMs), Local Notices to Mariners (LNMs), and/or Marine Safety 
Information Bulletins (MSIBs) as appropriate for the enforcement times 
and dates for each security zone.

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 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 size, 
duration, and location of the security zones. This rule will impact a 
small, designated area of 500-yards around the moving vessel in the 
Corpus Christi Ship Channel and the La Quinta Channel as the vessel 
transit the channel over a seven day period. Moreover, the rule allows 
vessels to seek permission to enter the zone.

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 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 
temporary security zones 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 
contact 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. If 
you believe this rule has implications for federalism or Indian tribes, 
please contact the person listed in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT 
section above.

[[Page 63843]]

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 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 moving security zones lasting for the 
duration of time that the M/V RIOJA KNUTSEN is within the Corpus 
Christi Ship Channel and La Quinta Channel while loaded with cargo. It 
will prohibit entry within a 500-yard radius of M/V RIOJA KNUTSEN while 
the vessel is transiting loaded within Corpus Christi Ship Channel and 
La Quinta Channel. It is categorically excluded from further review 
under L60(a) in 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 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 contact 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.T08-0770 to read as follows:


Sec.  165.T08-0770  Security Zones; Corpus Christi Ship Channel, Corpus 
Christi, TX.

    (a) Location. The following area is a moving security zone: All 
navigable waters encompassing a 500-yard radius around the M/V RIOJA 
KNUTSEN while the vessel is in the Corpus Christi Ship Channel and La 
Quinta Channel.
    (b) Enforcement period. This section will be enforced from 
September 12, 2023, through September 18, 2023.
    (c) Regulations. (1) The general regulations in Sec.  165.33 apply. 
Entry into the zone is prohibited unless authorized by the Captain of 
the Port Sector Corpus Christi (COTP) or a designated representative. A 
designated representative is a commissioned, warrant, or petty officer 
of the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) assigned to units under the operational 
control of USCG Sector Corpus Christi.
    (2) Persons or vessels desiring to enter or pass through the zones 
must request permission from the COTP Sector Corpus Christi on VHF-FM 
channel 16 or by telephone at 361-939-0450.
    (3) If permission is granted, all persons and vessels shall comply 
with the instructions of the COTP or designated representative.
    (d) Information broadcasts. The COTP or a designated representative 
will inform the public through Broadcast Notices to Mariners (BNMs), 
Local Notices to Mariners (LNMs), and/or Marine Safety Information 
Bulletins (MSIBs) as appropriate of the enforcement times and dates for 
these security zones.

    Dated: September 12, 2023.
Jason Gunning,
Captain, U.S. Coast Guard, Captain of the Port, Sector Corpus Christi.
[FR Doc. 2023-20100 Filed 9-15-23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 9110-04-P


