FR 2025-07067

The document from the Federal Register discusses a proposed rule by the Coast Guard to create a security zone in the waters surrounding the General Dynamics Electric Boat Corporation facility located in Narragansett Bay, North Kingstown, Rhode Island. This measure seeks to safeguard the area from various threats, including sabotage and accidents, by prohibiting unauthorized entry without prior approval from the Captain of the Port.

General Summary

The proposed regulation aims to protect a critical facility involved in U.S. Navy submarine production by establishing a security perimeter in the surrounding waters. The rule stipulates that individuals and vessels would require special authorization to enter the zone, emphasizing the need for stringent security measures to prevent potential threats. The proposal invites the public to comment on the initiative, offering a platform for stakeholders to share their views until the deadline of May 27, 2025.

Significant Issues and Concerns

Several issues and concerns arise from the document:

• Lack of Cost Analysis: The proposal does not address the financial implications of establishing and maintaining the security zone, leaving questions about potential expenditures and whether they are justified.

• Technical Language: The geographic coordinates and horizontal datum, vital for understanding the zone's boundaries, might be too technical for those without specialized knowledge, potentially causing confusion.

• Enforcement Ambiguities: While the document outlines how to comply, it lacks clarity on penalties or consequences for breaching the proposed rule, which could lead to uncertainties in enforcement.

• Vague Rationale: The justification for the zone is described broadly as preventing "subversive acts," which might be perceived as too vague and open-ended, possibly leading to concerns over the true necessity for such a restriction.

• Economic Impact on Small Entities: Although the document asserts minimal economic impact on small businesses, it does not provide a detailed financial analysis or examples to substantiate this claim, leaving stakeholders unclear about potential economic repercussions.

• Boundary Criteria: The document does not explain how the security zone boundaries were determined or if alternative configurations were considered, raising questions about the decision-making criteria used.

Impact on the Public

The creation of a security zone could have various public implications. For the general public, it might enhance local and national security, indirectly benefiting residents by protecting a crucial defense production facility. However, the inconvenience of restricted access could affect recreational and commercial activities in the area.

Impact on Specific Stakeholders

Specific stakeholders, including local businesses and vessel operators, might experience diverse effects:

• Local Businesses: Businesses relying on waterway access might face operational challenges due to these restrictions. While the document claims minimal economic impact, the lack of detailed financial assessments raises concerns.

• Vessel Operators: Boat operators, particularly those from small enterprises, may need to navigate altered routes, possibly incurring additional costs or delays. Therefore, ensuring clear compliance guidelines and penalties will be essential.

• Government and Law Enforcement: For agencies in charge of implementing and monitoring the security measures, there might be an increase in workload and resource allocation, potentially stretching existing capabilities.

In conclusion, while the proposed security zone seeks to enhance safety and security for a key naval facility, the proposal also calls for further clarification and examination of its broader implications, economic impact, and feasibility to ensure it is equitable and justified. The public commentary period provides a vital opportunity for stakeholders to voice concerns and suggestions, potentially shaping the final rule.

The Federal Register document concerning the establishment of a security zone around the General Dynamics Electric Boat Corporation Quonset Point facility in Narragansett Bay, North Kingstown, RI, includes a notable financial reference related to potential expenditures by state, local, or tribal governments or the private sector.

Summary of Financial Reference

The document specifies that the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 addresses regulatory actions that may result in significant expenditures of $100,000,000 or more, adjusted for inflation, within any one year by state, local, or tribal governments, or by the private sector as a whole. However, the proposed rule indicates that it is not expected to result in such an expenditure level. This reference is crucial in the context of federal rulemaking, as it establishes a threshold for what is considered a significant financial impact of regulatory actions.

Relation to Identified Issues

This financial reference pertains to an issue raised in the document: the lack of a detailed financial analysis or specific examples supporting the claim that the proposed security zone would not significantly impact small entities economically. By not expecting expenditures reaching the $100,000,000 threshold, the document implies that the financial impact is minimal. However, without comprehensive financial data or an analysis of potential costs involved in establishing and maintaining the security zone, it is challenging for stakeholders to assess the full economic implications.

Moreover, while the document briefly mentions the potential financial impact concerning significant expenditures, it does not address potential costs or savings associated with the proposed security zone, such as enforcement costs, possible economic disruptions to maritime traffic, or financial benefits from increased security. This omission may leave stakeholders with unanswered questions about whether there could be any unseen wasteful spending or efficiencies resulting from this regulatory measure.

In conclusion, while the reference to the $100,000,000 threshold helps frame the expected financial impact as minimal, the document lacks detailed analysis to fully support its claims. A more thorough financial examination could provide clearer insight into any potential costs or savings associated with the implementation of the security zone and better inform public commentary.