FR 2021-02646

The document in question outlines a proposed rule by the Coast Guard to update its special local regulations for marine events within the Ohio Valley area. This includes parades, regattas, and other maritime activities. The proposal seeks to revise the current list, adding new events while removing those that no longer take place. The aim is to streamline the process and reduce administrative burdens by publishing changes in a consolidated format. Public comments are invited to ensure that the process benefits from community input.

General Summary

The proposed rule aims to keep the Coast Guard's regulations current with the events actually taking place each year in the Ohio Valley area. By doing so, the Coast Guard hopes to maintain navigational safety and inform the public efficiently about waterway restrictions during these events. Improvements are to be made by considering public feedback, which is sought until March 25, 2021.

Significant Issues and Concerns

One of the key concerns with this document is the lack of specific details about which events are being added, revised, or removed from the regulation. This vagueness could lead to uncertainties for those potentially impacted by the changes. Additionally, there is minimal information on the criteria used to determine which events are included or excluded, raising questions about the transparency of the process.

The document mentions that the economic impact is expected to be minimal but does not provide detailed supporting data. This broad assertion may not adequately address the concerns of small local businesses or other entities that could be affected by new or revised regulations.

Similarly, while the document claims there will be no significant environmental impact, the lack of detailed assessments or considerations may lead to concerns about the thoroughness of the review process.

Impact on the Public Broadly

The proposed rule change may impact the general public by restricting navigation in certain waters during specific events. Residents, businesses, and travelers will need to plan around these events, given advance notice through various communication channels. The public's ability to commute or conduct activities on waterways might be temporarily limited during certain periods, which could require adjustments in routine operations.

Impact on Specific Stakeholders

Local communities, particularly those involved in marine events, stand to benefit from clear and updated regulations, which can facilitate better planning and coordination of activities. Waterway users, such as commercial and recreational boaters, could face temporary disruptions, yet should benefit from enhanced safety protocol implementation.

Small businesses, particularly those dependent on waterborne traffic, may need to seek reassurances that their concerns about economic impacts have been fully considered. The provisions aimed at easing regulatory burdens should ideally translate into more streamlined processes for event organizers, reducing redundant paperwork and facilitating compliance.

In summary, while this proposal by the Coast Guard appears to be a well-intentioned effort to reduce administrative workloads and enhance safety, the lack of detailed criteria and assessments in certain areas leaves room for uncertainty and concern among those who might be affected. Public engagement and feedback will be crucial in ensuring that this rulemaking process addresses the diverse interests involved and is implemented transparently and equitably.

The document under consideration proposes changes to special local regulations in the Coast Guard Sector Ohio Valley. From a financial perspective, the key reference in the document is related to potential expenditures under certain federal acts.

Financial Reference:

A notable point in the document is the mention of the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act, which addresses actions possibly leading to expenditures by state, local, or tribal governments, or the private sector, amounting to $100,000,000 (adjusted for inflation) or more in any one year. This reference is particularly relevant, as it offers a fiscal benchmark for assessing the potential financial impacts of the proposed regulatory changes.

Relation to Identified Issues:

The mention of the $100,000,000 threshold serves as a guide to evaluate whether the proposed rule might have significant financial implications. However, the document asserts that the proposed rule will not reach this scale of expenditure, implying that it foresees minimal financial impact from the changes. This assurance, however, lacks detailed supportive data, which connects to one of the highlighted issues—namely, the absence of thorough economic impact data. Such data would provide reassurance to stakeholders, particularly small entities, regarding potential negative financial effects.

The minimal financial impact does suggest that the rule changes might not produce dramatic economic shifts. Nevertheless, without comprehensive cost-benefit analyses, small businesses, organizations, and local governments might remain wary about the eventual ramifications. The absence of detailed financial assessments corresponds with concerns about the overall transparency and fairness of the process, another issue noted in the document.

Overall, while the document references a substantial financial threshold and concludes minimal fiscal impact, the broader discussion would benefit from more robust data and transparency to fully address stakeholder concerns and ensure confidence in the proposed regulatory amendments.