94-11715. Coastal Zone Management Program Regulations  

  • [Federal Register Volume 59, Number 103 (Tuesday, May 31, 1994)]
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    [Page 0]
    From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
    [FR Doc No: 94-11715]
    
    
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    [Federal Register: May 31, 1994]
    
    
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    DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
    
    National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
    
    15 CFR Parts 923, 926, 927
    
    [Docket No. 940109-4009]
    RIN 0648-AE11
    
     
    
    Coastal Zone Management Program Regulations
    
    AGENCY: Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management (OCRM), 
    National Ocean Service (NOS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
    Administration (NOAA), Commerce.
    
    ACTION: Final rule.
    
    -----------------------------------------------------------------------
    
    SUMMARY: The Coastal Zone Act Reauthorization Amendments of 1990, 
    enacted November 5, 1990, amended the Coastal Zone Management Act 
    (CZMA) and reauthorized NOAA's Coastal Zone Management (CZM) Program 
    under that Act. Among the amendments were revisions to findings, 
    policies and definitions in the CZMA; repeal of provisions on 
    preliminary program approval grants, program segmentation, and 
    significant improvements; and reorganization and consolidation of 
    approval requirements for state programs. The purpose of this final 
    rule is to conform NOAA's regulations implementing the CZM program to 
    the statutory changes.
    
    EFFECTIVE DATE: This rule is effective on June 30, 1994.
    
    ADDRESSES: Additional information may be obtained from the National 
    Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Ocean Service, Office 
    of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management at 1305 East-West Highway, 
    11th Floor, Silver Spring, Maryland 20910.
    
    FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
    Vickie A. Allin, Chief, Policy Coordination Division, Office of Ocean 
    and Coastal Resource Management, 1305 East-West Highway, 11th Floor, 
    Silver Spring, Maryland 20910. Telephone: 301-713-3086.
    
    SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 
    
    I. Authority
    
        This final rule is issued under the authority of the CZMA, as 
    amended, 16 U.S.C. 1451 et seq.
    
    II. Background
    
        The CZMA was enacted to encourage and assist coastal states and 
    territories to develop and implement management programs to preserve, 
    protect, develop and, where possible, restore or enhance the resources 
    of the Nation's coasts.
        Prior to the 1990 Amendments, the CZMA included statements of 
    Congressional findings and policies for the CZM Program, identified 
    nine national coastal management objectives and specified that all 
    state CZM Programs were to make ``significant improvements'' in 
    achieving these objectives, defined key terms, authorized grants for 
    program development and implementation and specified allocation and 
    match requirements, and specified program approval requirements. The 
    program approval requirements were set forth in Section 305, Management 
    Program Development Grants (at Section 305(b) (1)-(9)) and Section 306, 
    Administrative Grants (at Section 306 (c)-(h)). NOAA's regulations at 
    15 CFR parts 923, 926 and 927 implemented these provisions.
    
    III. Coastal Zone Act Reauthorization Amendments of 1990
    
        The Coastal Zone Act Reauthorization Amendments of 1990 
    (Amendments) (Pub. L. No. 101-508, 104 Stat. 1388 (1990)) were enacted 
    on November 5, 1990. The Amendments made a number of changes to the 
    CZMA.
         New and revised Congressional findings. Section 6202 of 
    the Amendments set forth nine new Congressional findings. In addition, 
    the Amendments revise the existing findings at Section 302 (d) and (f) 
    and add three new findings at Section 302 (k), (l) and (m).
         New and revised Congressional declarations of policy. The 
    Amendments revise the statements of policy at Sections 303(2), 
    303(2)(B) and 303(3), and add new statements of policy at Section 
    303(2) (C) and (K) and Section 303 (5) and (6).
         New and revised definitions. The Amendments revise the 
    definitions of ``coastal zone'' at Section 304(1) and ``water use'' at 
    Section 304(18), and add a definition of ``enforceable policy'' at 
    Section 304(6a).
         Revisions to Management Program Development Grants. 
    Section 305 on Management Program Development Grants was completely 
    revised. Old Section 305(b) (1)-(9), which contains requirements for 
    management program approval, was moved to new Section 306(d)(2). The 
    remaining provisions of old Section 305, including the authorization 
    for preliminary approval grants, were deleted and replaced with an 
    authorization for annual program developments grants for Fiscal Years 
    1991, 1992 and 1993 not to exceed $200,000 per year per state at a 
    ratio of 4-to-1 Federal-to-state match. Program development grants are 
    also an authorized use of the new Section 308 Coastal Zone Management 
    Fund.
         Revisions to Administrative Grants. Section 306 on 
    Administrative Grants also was completely revised. Section 306(a) was 
    amended to change the match provisions for administrative grants to 
    implement approved state CZM Programs. The ``significant improvement'' 
    provisions of old Section 306(a)(3) were deleted. The minimum grants 
    provisions of old Section 306(b) were deleted and a new provision was 
    added which allows the Secretary, after consultation with the coastal 
    states, to establish maximum and minimum grants for any fiscal year to 
    promote equity and efficient coastal management. The program approval 
    requirements of old Section 305(b) (1)-(9) and Section 306 (c)-(h) were 
    revised and consolidated in new Section 306(d). New program approval 
    requirements were added at Section 306(d) (14), (15) and (16). Section 
    306(d) (14) and (15) must be met within three years of enactment (or by 
    November 1993) and Section 306(d)(16) must be met within 30 months of 
    EPA's issuance of final guidance on management measures for controlling 
    coastal nonpoint pollution (or at the same time the Coastal Nonpoint 
    Pollution Control Programs under Section 6217 of the Amendments are 
    due). Old Section 306(g) on program changes was revised and renumbered 
    as Section 306(e). Old Section 306(h) authorizing program segmentation 
    was deleted.
         Revisions to Resource Management Improvement Grants. 
    Section 306A(b)(1) was revised to authorize use of Section 306A funds 
    for restoring and enhancing shellfish production.
    
    IV. Purpose of Today's Rule
    
        Some of NOAA's current CZM Program regulations need to be revised 
    to conform to the changes to the CZMA made by the Amendments. The 
    purpose of this rule is to amend these regulations to make them 
    consistent with the CZMA as amended. By modifying the current NOAA 
    regulations to reflect the new statutory requirements, this notice 
    serves to clarify the effect of the Amendments on coastal states, 
    Federal agencies and other affected groups.
    
    V. Codification of the Regulations
    
        The following is a brief description of changes made to the 
    regulations.
    
    A. National Coastal Zone Management Program
    
        Part 923--Coastal Zone Management Program Development and Approval 
    Provisions.
        By reorganizing and consolidating CZM Program approval requirements 
    previously found throughout Sections 305 and 306 of the CZMA into one 
    section--Section 306(d)--the Amendments have changed almost all of the 
    statutory references found throughout 15 CFR part 923. This rule 
    replaces the old statutory references with the new references 
    throughout 15 CFR part 923 and revises the referenced statutory 
    citations wherever required.
        The Amendments deleted several previously authorized program 
    development and approval provisions, including authority for 
    preliminary approval grants, authority for program segmentation, and 
    the requirement that states devote an increasing proportion of Federal 
    financial assistance for program implementation, up to 30%, toward 
    making ``significant improvement'' in achieving nine national coastal 
    management objectives. This rule removes the portions of NOAA's 
    regulations implementing these provisions and renumbers the regulations 
    as necessary.
        This rule revises the references to Congressional findings and 
    declarations of policy to reflect the Amendments. This includes 
    revising the phrase ``as well as the needs for economic development'' 
    to ``as well as the needs for compatible economic development'' and 
    adding the new Congressional findings on water quality, sea level rise, 
    and ocean resources planning.
        A definition of ``enforceable policy'' is added and the definitions 
    of the terms ``coastal zone'' and ``water use'' are revised to reflect 
    the Amendments. this includes revising all references to ``the outer 
    limit of the territorial sea'' to read ``the outer limit of State title 
    and ownership under the Submerged Lands Act (43 U.S.C. 1301 et seq.), 
    the Act of March 2, 1917 (48 U.S.C. 749), the Covenant to Establish a 
    Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands in Political Union with 
    the United States of America, as approved by the Act of March 24, 1976 
    (48 U.S.C. 1681 note) or section 1 of the Act of November 20, 1962 (48 
    U.S.C. 1705), as applicable.'' It also includes revising all references 
    to ``direct and significant impacts on coastal waters'' to read 
    ``direct and significant impacts on coastal waters or areas which are 
    likely to be affected by or vulnerable to sea level rise.''
        Other changes include adding the word ``historical'' at 
    Secs. 923.22 (a) and (b) to read ``preserving or restoring areas for 
    their conservation, recreational, ecological, historical or esthetic 
    values,'' revising the chart at Sec. 923.71 which summarizes the 
    findings necessary for CZM Program approval, revising the statutory 
    reference to and citation of Section 312 at Sec. 923.80, and changing 
    the costs of equipment purchases requiring prior NOAA approval from 
    $1,000 to $5,000 at Sec. 923.93(f) pursuant to OMB Circular A-102.
        Part 926--Coastal Zone Management Program Development Grants, 
    Allocation of Funds to States.
        This part is removed. The Amendments revised old Section 305 to 
    authorize annual program development grants to states for Fiscal Years 
    1991, 1992, and 1993, not to exceed $200,000 per year per state at a 4-
    to-1 Federal-to-state match. In addition, program development grants 
    are made an allowable use of the new CZM Fund (new Section 308).
        Part 927--Allocation of Section 306 Program Administration Grants.
        This part is revised to incorporate new statutory references and 
    citations and new provisions for establishing annually the maximum and 
    minimum share. The regulation on calculation of financial assistance 
    award levels is revised to reflect the amendments to Section 312.
    
    VI. Classification
    
    A. Executive Order 12866
    
        This rule has been determined to be not significant for purposes of 
    Executive Order 12866.
    
    B. Administrative Procedure Act
    
        The changes to the regulations made by this rule are required by 
    the 1990 statute and, thus, are non-discretionary. Except for some 
    minor editorial changes, the only revisions to the regulations are the 
    incorporation of the new statutory language into them. Since no useful 
    purpose would be served by giving notice and opportunity for comment, 
    the Assistant Administrator for Ocean Services and Coastal Zone 
    Management, NOAA, for good cause, found under section 553(b)(3)(B) of 
    the Administrative Procedure Act (5 U.S.C. 553(b)(3)(B)) that notice 
    and opportunity for public comment procedure thereon is unnecessary.
    
    List of Subjects
    
    15 CFR Part 923
    
        Coastal zone, Grant programs--Natural resources, Reporting and 
    recordkeeping requirements.
    
    15 CFR Part 927
    
        Allocation formula.
    
    
        Dated: May 10, 1994.
    W. Stanley Wilson,
    Assistant Administrator for Ocean Services and Coastal Zone Management.
    
        For the reasons set out the Preamble, 15 CFR chapter IX is amended 
    as follows:
    
    PART 923--COASTAL ZONE MANAGEMENT PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT AND APPROVAL 
    REGULATIONS
    
        1. The authority citation for Part 923 is revised to read as 
    follows:
    
        Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1451 et seq.
    
    Subpart A--General
    
        2. Section 923.1 is amended by revising the first sentence of 
    paragraph (b), and by adding paragraphs (c)(7), (8) and (9) to read as 
    follows;
    
    
    Sec. 923.1  Purpose.
    
    * * * * *
        (b) Sections 306 and 307 of the Act set forth requirements which 
    must be fulfilled as a condition of program approval. * * *
        (c) * * *
        (7) Provides for public participation in permitting processes, 
    consistency determinations, and other similar decisions.
        (8) Provides a mechanism to ensure that all state agencies will 
    adhere to the program.
        (9) Not later than 30 months after the date of publication of final 
    guidance under section 6217(g) of the Act, contains enforceable 
    policies and mechanisms to implement the applicable requirements of the 
    Coastal Nonpoint Pollution Control Program of the state required by 
    section 6217 of the Coastal Zone Act Reauthorization Amendments of 
    1990.
    * * * * *
        3. Section 923.2 is amended by revising paragraphs (d)(2) and (h) 
    to read as follows:
    
    
    Sec. 923.2  Definitions.
    
    * * * * *
        (d) * * *
        (2) The following are defined as relevant Federal agencies:
    
    Department of Agriculture;
    Department of Commerce;
    Department of Defense;
    Department of Education;
    Department of Energy;
    Department of Health and Human Services;
    Department of Housing and Urban Development;
    Department of the Interior;
    Department of Transportation;
    Environmental Protection Agency;
    Federal Energy Regulatory Commission;
    General Services Administration;
    Nuclear Regulatory Commission.
    * * * * *
        (h) The following terms, as used in these regulations, have the 
    same definition as provided in section 304 of the Act:
        (1) coastal zone
        (2) coastal waters
        (3) enforceable policy
        (4) estuary
        (5) land use
        (6) water use
    * * * * *
        4. Section 923.3 is amended by revising paragraphs (a) and (b)(1) 
    to read as follows:
    
    
    Sec. 923.3  General requirements.
    
        (a)(1) As required by subsection 306(d)(1) of the Act, before 
    approving a management program submitted by a coastal state, the 
    Secretary shall find that the state has developed and adopted a 
    management program for its coastal zone which is adequate to carry out 
    the purposes of the Act and is consistent with the policy declared in 
    section 303 of the Act.
        (2) As stated in section 302 of the Act, the Congress finds that--
        (i) There is a national interest in the effective management, 
    beneficial use, protection, and development of the coastal zone.
        (ii) The coastal zone is rich in a variety of natural, commercial, 
    recreational, ecological, industrial, and esthetic resources of 
    immediate and potential value to the present and future well-being of 
    the Nation.
        (iii) The increasing and competing demands upon the lands and 
    waters of our coastal zone occasioned by population growth and economic 
    development, including requirements for industry, commerce, residential 
    development, recreation, extraction of mineral resources and fossil 
    fuels, transportation and navigation, waste disposal, and harvesting of 
    fish, shellfish, and other living marine resources, have resulted in 
    the loss of living marine resources, wildlife, nutrient-rich areas, 
    permanent and adverse changes to ecological systems, decreasing open 
    space for public use, and shoreline erosion.
        (iv) The habitat areas of the coastal zone, and the fish, other 
    living marine resources, and wildlife therein, are ecologically fragile 
    and consequently extremely vulnerable to destruction by man's 
    alterations.
        (v) Important ecological, cultural, historic, and esthetic values 
    in the coastal zone which are essential to the well-being of all 
    citizens are being irretrievably damaged or lost.
        (vi) New and expanding demands for food, energy, minerals, defense 
    needs, recreation, waste disposal, transportation, and industrial 
    activities in the Great Lakes, territorial sea, exclusive economic zone 
    and Outer Continental Shelf are placing stress on these areas and are 
    creating the need for resolution of serious conflicts among important 
    and competing uses and values in coastal and ocean waters.
        (vii) Special natural and scenic characteristics are being damaged 
    by ill-planned development that threatens these values.
        (viii) In light of competing demands and the urgent need to protect 
    and to give high priority to natural systems in the coastal zone, 
    present state and local institutional arrangements for planning and 
    regulating land and water uses in such areas are inadequate.
        (ix) The key to more effective protection and use of the land and 
    water resources of the coastal zone is to encourage these states to 
    exercise their full authority over the lands and waters in the coastal 
    zone by assisting the states, in cooperation with Federal and local 
    governments and other vitally affected interests, in developing land 
    and water use programs for the coastal zone, including unified 
    policies, criteria, standards, methods, and processes for dealing with 
    land and water use decisions of more than local significance.
        (x) The national objective of attaining a greater degree of energy 
    self-sufficiency would be advanced by providing Federal financial 
    assistance to meet state and local needs resulting from new or expanded 
    energy activity in or affecting the coastal zone.
        (xi) Land uses in the coastal zone, and the uses of adjacent lands 
    which drain into the coastal zone, may significantly affect the quality 
    of coastal waters and habitants, and efforts to control coastal water 
    pollution from land use activities must be improved.
        (xii) Because global warming may result in a substantial sea level 
    rise with serious adverse effects in the coastal zone, coastal states 
    must anticipate and plan for such an occurrence.
        (xiii) Because of their proximity to and reliance upon the ocean 
    and its resources, the coastal states have substantial and significant 
    interests in the protection, management, and development of the 
    resources of the exclusive economic zone that can only be served by the 
    active participation of coastal states in all Federal programs 
    affecting such resources and, wherever appropriate, by the development 
    of state ocean resource plans as part of their federally approved 
    coastal zone management programs.
        (3) As stated in section 303 of the Act, the Congress finds and 
    declares that it is the national policy--
        (i) to preserve, protect, develop, and where possible, to restore 
    or enhance the resources of the Nation's coastal zone for this and 
    succeeding generations;
        (ii) to encourage and assist the states to exercise effectively 
    their responsibilities in the coastal zone through the development and 
    implementation of management programs to achieve wise use of the land 
    and water resources of the coastal zone giving full consideration to 
    ecological, cultural, historic, and esthetic values as well as the 
    needs for compatible economic development;
        (iii) to encourage the preparation of special area management plans 
    which provide for increased specificity in protecting significant 
    natural resources, reasonable coastal-dependent economic growth, 
    improved protection of life and property in hazardous areas, including 
    those areas likely to be affected by land subsidence, sea level rise, 
    or fluctuating water levels of the Great Lakes, and improved 
    predictability in governmental decisionmaking;
        (iv) to encourage the participation and cooperation of the public, 
    state and local governments, and interstate and other regional 
    agencies, as well as of the Federal agencies having programs affecting 
    the coastal zone, in carrying out the purposes of this title;
        (v) to encourage coordination and cooperation with and among the 
    appropriate Federal, state, and local agencies, and international 
    organizations where appropriate, in collection, analysis, synthesis, 
    and dissemination of coastal management information, research results 
    and technical assistance, to support state and Federal regulation of 
    land use practices affecting the coastal and ocean resources of the 
    United States; and
        (vi) to respond to changing circumstances affecting the coastal 
    environment and coastal resource management by encouraging states to 
    consider such issues as ocean uses potentially affecting the coastal 
    zone.
        (b) * * *
        (1) The management program must provide for the management of those 
    land and water uses having a direct and significant impact on coastal 
    waters and those geographic areas which are likely to be affected by or 
    vulnerable to sea level rise. The program must take steps to assure the 
    appropriate protection of those significant resources and areas, such 
    as wetlands, beaches and dunes, and barrier islands, that make the 
    state's coastal zone a unique, vulnerable, or valuable area.
    * * * * *
    
    Subpart B--Uses Subject to the Management Program
    
        5. Section 923.10 is revised to read as follows:
    
    
    Sec. 923.10  General.
    
        This subpart deals with land and water uses which, because of their 
    direct and significant impacts on coastal waters or those geographic 
    areas likely to be affected by or vulnerable to sea level rise, are 
    subject to the terms of the management program. Determination of these 
    uses will assist in determining the appropriate coastal management 
    boundary (see Subpart D). This subpart deals in full with the 
    requirements of subsection 306(d)(1)(B), Uses subject to the management 
    program, 306(d)(2)(H), Energy Facility Planning, and 306(d)(12)(B), 
    Uses of Regional Benefit.
        6. Section 923.11 is amended by revising paragraphs (a), the second 
    sentence of paragraph (b)(1) and (c)(4)(ii), and by adding paragraph 
    (c)(4)(v) to read as follows:
    
    
    Sec. 923.11  Uses subject to management.
    
        (a) As required by subsection 306(d)(2)(B), the management program 
    for each coastal state must include a definition of what shall 
    constitute permissible land uses and water uses within the coastal zone 
    which have a direct and significant impact on the coastal waters.
        (b) Requirements. (1) * * * These uses shall be those with direct 
    and significant impacts on coastal waters or on geographic areas likely 
    to be affected by or vulnerable to sea level rise.
    * * * * *
        (c) * * *
        (4) * * *
        (ii) Historic, cultural and esthetic resources where coastal 
    development is likely to affect these resources;
    * * * * *
        (v) Information on the impacts of global warming and resultant sea 
    level rise on natural resources such as beaches, dunes, estuaries, and 
    wetlands, on salinization of drinking water supplies, and on 
    properties, infrastructure and public works.
        7. Section 923.12 is amended by revising paragraphs (a) and (b) 
    introductory text to read as follows:
    
    
    Sec. 923.12  Uses of regional benefit.
    
        (a) As required by subsection 306(d)(12), before approving a 
    management program submitted by a coastal state, the Secretary shall 
    find that the management program contains a method of assuring that 
    local land use and water use regulations within the coastal zone do not 
    unreasonably restrict or exclude land uses and water uses of regional 
    benefit.
        (b) In order to meet the requirements of subsection 306(d)(12) of 
    the Act, states must:
    * * * * *
        8. Section 923.13 is amended by revising paragraph (a), the first 
    sentence of paragraph (b) introductory text and (b)(3)(ii) to read as 
    follows:
    
    
    Sec. 923.13  Energy facility planning process.
    
        (a) As required by subsection 306(d)(2)(H), before approving a 
    management program submitted by a coastal state, the Secretary shall 
    find that the management program includes a planning process for energy 
    facilities likely to be located in or which may significantly affect, 
    the coastal zone, including a process for anticipating the management 
    of the impacts resulting from such facilities.
        (b) Requirements. States must develop a planning process which is 
    capable, at a minimum, of anticipating the management of the impacts 
    from energy facilities in or affecting the state's coastal zone. * * *
    * * * * *
        (3) * * *
        (ii) States must list relevant constitutional provisions, laws, 
    regulations, judicial decisions and other appropriate official 
    documents or actions that are specifically related to planning for, and 
    anticipating the management of energy facilities or impacts, including 
    licensing or permitting procedures.
    * * * * *
    
    Subpart C--Special Management Areas
    
        9. Section 923.20 is amended by revising the last sentence of 
    paragraph (a) to read as follows:
    
    
    Sec. 923.20  General.
    
        (a) * * * This subpart deals with the following subsections of the 
    Act: 306(d)(2)(C)--Geographic areas of Particular Concern; 
    306(d)(2)(E)--Guidelines on Priorities of Uses; 306(d)(2)(G)--
    Shorefront Access and Protection Planning; 306(d)(2)(I)--Shoreline 
    Erosion/Mitigation Planning; and 306(d)(9)--Areas for Preservation and 
    Restoration.
    * * * * *
        10. Section 923.21 is amended by revising paragraphs (a) and 
    (b)(1)(i)(G) to read as follows:
    
    
    Sec. 923.21  Areas of particular concern.
    
        (a)(1) As required by subsection 306(d)(2)(C), before approving a 
    management program submitted by a coastal state, the Secretary shall 
    find that the management program includes an inventory and designation 
    of areas of particular concern within the coastal zone.
        (2) As required by subsection 306(d)(2)(E), before approving a 
    management program submitted by a coastal state, the Secretary shall 
    find that the management program includes broad guidelines on 
    priorities of uses in particular areas, including specifically those 
    uses of lowest priority.
        (b) * * *
        (1) * * *
        (i) * * *
        (G) Areas where, if development were permitted, it might be subject 
    to significant hazard due to storms, slides, floods, erosion, 
    settlement, salt water intrusion, and sea level rise;
    * * * * *
        11. Section 923.22 is amended by revising paragraph (a) and the 
    second sentence of paragraph (b)(1) to read as follows:
    
    
    Sec. 923.22  Areas for preservation or restoration.
    
        (a) As required by subsection 306(d)(9), before approving a 
    management program submitted by a coastal state, the Secretary shall 
    find that the management program includes procedures whereby specific 
    areas may be designated for the purpose of preserving or restoring them 
    for their conservation, recreational, ecological, historical or 
    esthetic values.
        (b) Requirements. (1) * * * Designations may be made for the 
    purposes of preserving or restoring areas for their conservation, 
    recreational ecological, historical or esthetic values.
    * * * * *
        12. Section 923.24(a) is revised to read as follows:
    
    
    Sec. 923.24  Shorefront access and protection planning.
    
        (a) As required by Subsection 306(d)(2)(G), before approving a 
    management program submitted by a coastal state, the Secretary shall 
    find that the management program includes a definition of the term 
    ``beach'' and a planning process for the protection of, and access to, 
    public beaches and other public coastal areas of environmental, 
    recreational, historical, esthetic, ecological or cultural value.
    * * * * *
        13. Section 923.25 is amended by revising paragraphs (a) and (c)(1) 
    and (2) to read as follows:
    
    
    Sec. 923.25  Shoreline erosion/mitigation planning.
    
        (a) As required by Subsection 306(d)(2)(I), before approving a 
    management program submitted by a coastal state, the Secretary shall 
    find that the management program includes a planning process for 
    assessing the effects of, and studying and evaluating ways to control, 
    or lessen the impact of, shoreline erosion, and to restore areas 
    adversely affected by such erosion.
    * * * * *
        (c) Requirements. (1) The management program must include a method 
    for assessing the effects of shoreline erosion, including potential 
    impacts of sea level rise, and evaluating techniques for mitigating, 
    controlling or restoring areas adversely affected by erosion.
        (2) There must be an identification and description of enforceable 
    policies, legal authorities, funding techniques and other techniques 
    that will be used to manage the effects of erosion, including potential 
    impacts of sea level rise, as the state's planning process indicates is 
    necessary.
    
    Subpart D--Boundaries
    
        14. Section 923.30 is amended by revising paragraphs (a) and (c) to 
    read as follows:
    
    
    Sec. 923.30  General.
    
        (a) This subpart deals in full with subsection 306(d)(2)(A) of the 
    Act--Boundaries of the Coastal Zone.
    * * * * *
        (c) As required by subsection 306(d)(2)(A), before approving a 
    management program submitted by a coastal state, the Secretary shall 
    find that the management program includes an identification of the 
    boundaries of the coastal zone subject to the management program.
        (1) As required by subsection 304(1), the term ``coastal zone'' 
    means the coastal waters (including the lands therein and thereunder), 
    and the adjacent shorelands (including the waters therein and 
    thereunder), strongly influenced by each other in proximity to the 
    shorelines of the several coastal states, and includes islands, 
    transitional and intertidal areas, salt marshes, wetlands, and beaches. 
    The zone extends, in Great Lakes waters, to the international boundary 
    between the United States and Canada and, in other areas seaward to the 
    outer limit of state title and ownership under the Submerged Lands Act 
    (43 U.S.C. 1301 et seq.), the Act of March 2, 1917 (48 U.S.C. 749), the 
    Covenant to Establish a Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands in 
    Political Union with the United States of America, as approved by the 
    Act of March 24, 1976 (48 U.S.C. 1681 note) or section 1 of the Act of 
    November 20, 1963 (48 U.S.C. 1705, as applicable). The zone extends 
    inland from the shorelines only to the extent necessary to control 
    shorelands, the uses of which have a direct and significant impact on 
    the coastal waters. Excluded from the coastal zone are lands the use of 
    which is by law subject solely to the discretion of or which is held in 
    trust by the Federal Government, its officers or agents.
        (2) As required by subsection 304(2), the term ``coastal waters'' 
    means (i) in the Great Lakes area, the waters within the territorial 
    jurisdiction of the United States consisting of the Great Lakes, their 
    connecting waters, harbors, roadsteads, and estuary-type areas such as 
    bays, shallows and marshes, and
        (ii) in other areas, those waters, adjacent to shorelines, which 
    contain a measurable quantity or percentage of sea water, including but 
    not limited to, sounds, bays, lagoons, bayous, ponds and estuaries.
        15. Section 923.31 is amended by revising paragraphs (a)(1) and 
    (b)(1) and (2) to read as follows:
    
    
    Sec. 923.31  Inland boundaries.
    
        (a) * * *
        (1) Those areas the management of which is necessary to control 
    uses which have direct and significant impacts on coastal waters, or 
    are likely to be affected by or vulnerable to sea level rise, pursuant 
    to section 923.11 of these regulations.
    * * * * *
        (b) * * *
        (1) Watersheds--A state may determine some uses within entire 
    watersheds which have direct and significant impact on coastal waters 
    or are likely to be affected by or vulnerable to sea level rise. In 
    such cases it may be appropriate to define the coastal zone as 
    including these watersheds.
        (2) Areas of tidal influence that extend further inland than waters 
    under saline influence; particularly in estuaries, deltas and rivers 
    where uses inland could have direct and significant impacts on coastal 
    waters or areas that are likely to be affected by or vulnerable to sea 
    level rise.
    * * * * *
        16. Section 923.32 is amended by revising paragraph (a)(1) to read 
    as follows:
    
    
    Sec. 923.32  Seaward boundaries.
    
        (a) Requirements. (1) For states adjoining the Great Lakes, the 
    seaward boundary is the international boundary with Canada or the 
    boundaries with adjacent states. For all other states participating in 
    the program, the seaward boundary is the outer limit of state title and 
    ownership under the Submerged Lands Act (48 U.S.C. 1301 et seq.), the 
    Act of March 2, 1917 (48 U.S.C. 749), the Covenant to Establish a 
    Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands in Political Union with 
    the United States of America, as approved by the Act of March 24, 1976 
    (48 U.S.C. 1681 note) or section 1 of the Act of November 10, 1963, (48 
    U.S.C. 1705, as applicable).
    * * * * *
        17. Section 923.33 is amended by revising paragraph (c)(1) 
    introductory text to read as follows:
    
    
    Sec. 923.33  Excluded lands.
    
    * * * * *
        (c) General comments. (1) The exclusion of Federal lands does not 
    remove Federal agencies from the obligation of complying with the 
    consistency provisions of section 307 of the Act when Federal actions 
    on these excluded lands have spillover impacts that affect any land or 
    water use or natural resource of the coastal zone within the purview of 
    a state's management program. Therefore, states should consider mapping 
    the following types of excluded Federal lands:
    * * * * *
    
    Subpart E--Authorities and Organizations
    
        18. Section 923.40 is amended by revising the second, fifth and 
    sixth sentences of paragraph (b), and paragraphs (c) and (d) to read as 
    follows:
    
    
    Sec. 923.40  General.
    
    * * * * *
        (b) * * * They may be the state agency designated pursuant to 
    section 306(d)(6) of the Act, other state agencies, regional or 
    interstate bodies, and local governments. * * * This demonstration will 
    be in the context of one or a combination of the three control 
    techniques specified in section 306(d)(11) of the Act. The requirements 
    related to section 306(d)(12) are described in Secs. 923.42 through 
    923.44 of this subchapter.
        (c) In determining the adequacy of the authorities and organization 
    of a state's programs, the Assistant Administrator will review and 
    evaluate authorities and organizational arrangements in light of the 
    requirements of this subpart and the finding of section 302(h) of the 
    Act, which provides:
    
        In light of competing demands and the urgent need to protect and 
    to give high priority to natural systems in the coastal zone, 
    present state and local institutional arrangements for planning and 
    regulating land and water uses in such areas are inadequate.
    
        (d) The authorities requirements of the Act dealt with in this 
    subpart are those contained in subsections 306(d)(2)(D)--Means of 
    Control; 306(d)(10)--Authorities; 306(d)(10)(A)--Control Development 
    and Resolve Conflicts; 306(d)(10)(B)--Powers of Acquisition; 
    306(d)(11)--Techniques of Control; and 307(f)--Air and Water Quality 
    Control Requirements. The organization requirements of the Act dealt 
    with in this subpart are those contained in sections 306(d)(2)(F)--
    Organizational Structure; 306(d)(6)--Designated State Agency; and 
    306(d)(7)--Organization.
        19. Section 923.41 is amended by revising paragraphs (a), (b)(1) 
    and (b)(2) introductory text to read as follows:
    
    
    Sec. 923.41  Identification of authorities.
    
        (a)(1) As required by subsection 306(d)(2)(D), before approving a 
    management program submitted by a coastal state, the Secretary shall 
    find that the management program includes an identification of the 
    means by which the state proposes to exert control over the land uses 
    and water uses referred to in paragraph (B), including a listing of 
    relevant state constitutional provisions, laws, regulations, and 
    judicial decisions.
        (2) As required by subsection 306(d)(10), before approving a 
    management program submitted by a coastal state, the Secretary shall 
    find that the state, acting through its chosen agency or agencies 
    (including local governments, area-wide agencies, regional agencies, or 
    interstate agencies) has authority for the management of the coastal 
    zone. Such authority shall include power:
        (i) To administer land use and water use regulations to control 
    development to ensure compliance with the management program, and to 
    resolve conflicts among competing uses; and
        (ii) To acquire fee simple and less than fee simple interests in 
    land, waters, and other property through condemnation or other means 
    when necessary to achieve conformance with the management program.
        (b) * * *
        (1) Identify relevant state constitutional provisions, statutes, 
    regulations, case law and such other legal instruments (including 
    executive orders and interagency agreements) that will be used to carry 
    out the state's management program.
        (2) This identification will include the authorities pursuant to 
    sections 306(d)(10) and 306(d)(11) of the Act which require a state to 
    have the ability to:
    * * * * *
        20. Section 923.42 is amended by revising paragraphs (a) and (b) 
    introductory text to read as follows:
    
    
    Sec. 923.42  State establishment of criteria and standards for local 
    implemenation--Technique A.
    
        (a) As required by subsection 306(d)(11), before approving a 
    management program submitted by a coastal state, the Secretary shall 
    find that the management program provides for any one or a combination 
    of general techniques for control of land uses and water uses within 
    the coastal zone. The first such control technique, at subsection 
    306(d)(11)(A), is state establishment of criteria and standards for 
    local implementation, subject to administrative review and enforcement.
        (b) There are 5 principal requirements associated with use of the 
    control technique at subsection 306(d)(11)(A). They are that:
    * * * * *
        21. Section 923.43 is amended by revising paragraph (a), the first 
    sentence of paragraph (b) introductory text and the second sentence of 
    paragraph (c)(2)(i) to read as follows:
    
    
    Sec. 923.43  Direct state land and water use planning and regulation--
    Technique B.
    
        (a) As required by subsection 306(d)(11), before approving a 
    management program submitted by a coastal state, the Secretary shall 
    find that the management program provides for any one or a combination 
    of general techniques for control of land and water uses within the 
    coastal zone. The second such control technique, at subsection 
    306(d)(11)(B), is direct state land and water use planning and 
    regulation.
        (b) Control technique subsection 306(d)(11)(B) of the Act allows 
    for direct state control of land and water uses subject to the 
    management program on the basis of direct state authority. * * *
    * * * * *
        (c) * * *
        (2) * * *
        (i) * * * It will be sufficient if any of the following can act to 
    ensure compliance: The state agency designated pursuant to subsection 
    306(d)(6) of the Act, the state's Attorney General, another state 
    agency, a local government, or a citizen.
    * * * * *
        22. Section 923.44 is amended by revising paragraph (a) to read as 
    follows:
    
    
    Sec. 923.44  State review on a case-by-case basis of actions affecting 
    land and water uses subject to the management program--Technique C.
    
        (a) As required by subsection 306(d)(11), before approving a 
    management program submitted by a coastal state, the Secretary shall 
    find that the management program provides for any one or a combination 
    of general techniques for control of land and water uses within the 
    coastal zone. The third such control technique, at subsection 
    306(d)(11)(C), is state administrative review for consistency with the 
    management program of all development plans, projects, or land and 
    water use regulations, including exceptions and variances thereto, 
    proposed by any state or local authority or private developer, with 
    power to approve or disapprove after public notice and an opportunity 
    for hearings.
    * * * * *
        23. Section 923.45 is amended by revising paragraph (a), by 
    removing paragraph (b)(2), by redesignating paragraph (b)(3) as 
    paragraph (b)(2) and revising it to read as follows:
    
    
    Sec. 923.45  Air and water pollution control requirements.
    
        (a) As required by subsection 307(f), notwithstanding any other 
    provision of the title, nothing in the title shall in any way affect 
    any requirement:
        (1) Established by the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, as 
    amended, or the Clean Air Act, as amended, or
        (2) Established by the Federal Government or by any state or local 
    government pursuant to such Acts. Such requirements shall be 
    incorporated in any program developed pursuant to this title and shall 
    be the water pollution control and air pollution control requirements 
    applicable to such program.
        (b) General comments. * * *
        (2) Water quality standards are established by EPA promulgation or 
    approval of state standards, taking into consideration public water 
    supplies, protection and propagation of fish, shellfish and wildlife, 
    recreation, agriculture, industry and navigation. EPA itself develops 
    standards on effluent limitations, new source performance standards, 
    pre-treatment standards and toxic pollutant discharge standards.
    * * * * *
        24. Section 923.46 is amended by revising paragraphs (a), (c)(1) 
    and (c)(2) to read as follows:
    
    
    Sec. 923.46  Organizational structure.
    
        (a)(1) As required by subsection 306(d)(2)(F), before approving a 
    management program submitted by a coastal state, the Secretary shall 
    find that the management program includes a description of the 
    organizational structure proposed to implement such management program, 
    including the responsibilities and interrelationships of local, 
    areawide, state, regional and interstate agencies in the management 
    process.
        (2) As required by subsection 306(d)(7), before approving a 
    management program submitted by a coastal state, the Secretary shall 
    find that the state is organized to implement the management program.
    * * * * *
        (c) Requirements. (1) States must describe the organizational 
    structure that will be used to implement and administer the management 
    program including a discussion of those state and other agencies, 
    including local governments, that will have responsibility for 
    administering, enforcing and/or monitoring those authorities or 
    techniques required pursuant to the following subsections of the Act: 
    306(d)(3)(B); 306(d)(10); 306(d)(10) (A) and (B); 306(d) (11) and (12); 
    and 307(f).
        (2) States must describe the relationship of these administering 
    agencies to the state agency designated pursuant to subsection 
    306(d)(6) of the Act.
        25. Section 923.47(a) is amended by revising paragraph (a) to read 
    as follows:
    
    
    Sec. 923.47  Designated state agency.
    
        (a) As required by subsection 306(d)(6), before approving a 
    management program submitted by a coastal state, the Secretary shall 
    find that the Governor of the state has designated a single state 
    agency to receive and administer the grants for implementing the 
    management program.
    * * * * *
    
    SUBPART F--COORDINATION, PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT AND NATIONAL INTEREST
    
        26. Section 923.50 is amended by revising paragraphs (a), (b)(2), 
    (b)(3) and the third sentence of paragraph (d) and by adding paragraphs 
    (b)(4) and (b)(5) to read as follows:
    
    
    Sec. 923.50  General.
    
        (a) As required by Section 303, the Congress finds and declares 
    that it is the national policy:
        (1) To preserve, protect, develop, and, where possible, to restore 
    or enhance the resources of the Nation's coastal zone for this and 
    succeeding generations;
        (2) To encourage and assist the states to exercise effectively 
    their responsibilities in the coastal zone through the development and 
    implementation of management programs to achieve wise use of the land 
    and water resources of the coastal zone, giving full consideration to 
    ecological, cultural, historic, and esthetic values as well as to needs 
    for compatible economic development;
        (3) To encourage the preparation of special area management plans 
    which provide for increased specificity in protecting significant 
    natural resources, reasonable coastal-dependent economic growth, 
    improved protection of life and property in hazardous areas, including 
    those areas likely to be affected by land subsidence, sea level rise, 
    or fluctuating water levels of the Great Lakes, and improved 
    predictability in governmental decisionmaking;
        (4) To encourage the participation and cooperation of the public, 
    state and local governments, and interstate and other regional 
    agencies, as well as of the Federal agencies having programs affecting 
    the coastal zone, in carrying out the purposes of this Act;
        (5) To encourage coordination and cooperation with and among the 
    appropriate Federal, state, and local agencies, and international 
    organizations where appropriate, in collection, analysis, synthesis, 
    and dissemination of coastal management information, research results, 
    and technical assistance, to support state and Federal regulation of 
    land use practices affecting the coastal and ocean resources of the 
    United States; and
        (6) To respond to changing circumstances affecting the coastal 
    environment and coastal resource management by encouraging states to 
    consider such issues as ocean uses potentially affecting the coastal 
    zone.
        (b)* * *
        (2) The achievement of wise use of coastal land and water resources 
    with full consideration for ecological, cultural, historic, and 
    aesthetic values and needs for compatible economic development;
        (3) The involvement of the public, of Federal, state and local 
    governments and of regional agencies in the development and 
    implementation of coastal management programs;
        (4) The management of coastal development to improve, safeguard, 
    and restore coastal water quality; and
        (5) The study and development of plans for addressing the adverse 
    effects of land subsidence and sea level rise.
    * * * * *
        (d) * * * This subpart addresses the requirements of the following 
    subsections of the Act: 306(d)(1)--Opportunity for Full Participation; 
    306(d)(3)(A)--Plan Coordination; 306(d)(3)(B)--Continued State-Local 
    Consultation; 306(d)(4)--Public Hearings; 306(d)(8)--Consideration of 
    the National Interest in Facilities; 307(b)--Federal Consultation; and 
    307(h)--Mediation.
        27. Section 923.51 is amended by revising paragraph (a), the first 
    sentence of paragraph (b), paragraph (d) introductory text and 
    (d)(5)(vii) to read as follows:
    
    
    Sec. 923.51  Federal-state consultation.
    
        (a)(1) As required by subsection 306(d)(1), before approving a 
    management program submitted by a coastal state, the Secretary shall 
    find that the state has developed and adopted a management program for 
    its coastal zone with the opportunity of full participation by relevant 
    Federal agencies.
        (2) As required by section 307(b), the Secretary shall not approve 
    the management program submitted by a state pursuant to section 306 
    unless the views of Federal agencies principally affected by such 
    program have been adequately considered.
        (b) The requirements of subsections 306(d)(1) and 307(b) of the Act 
    and those of subsections 307 (c) and (d) establish reciprocal State-
    Federal relationships.* * *
    * * * * *
        (d) Requirements. In order to address that portion of subsection 
    306(d)(1) of the Act that deals with Federal agency participation, each 
    state must:
    * * * * *
        (5) * * *
        (vii) Federally developed or assisted plans that must be 
    coordinated with the management program pursuant to subsection 
    306(d)(3) of the Act.
    * * * * *
        28. Section 923.52 is amended by revising paragraphs (a) and (b)(3) 
    to read as follows:
    
    
    Sec. 923.52  Consideration of the national interest in facilities.
    
        (a) As required by subsection 306(d)(8), the management program 
    provides for adequate consideration of the national interest involved 
    in planning for, and managing the coastal zone, including the siting of 
    facilities such as energy facilities which are of greater than local 
    significance. In the case of energy facilities, the Secretary shall 
    find that the state has given consideration to any applicable national 
    or interstate energy plan or program.
        (b) * * *
        (3) Indicate how and where the consideration of the national 
    interest is reflected in the substance of the management program. In 
    the case of energy facilities in which there is a national interest, 
    the program must indicate the consideration given any national or 
    interstate energy plans or programs which are applicable to or affect a 
    state's coastal zone.
    * * * * *
        29. Section 923.53 is amended by revising paragraph (a)(1) to read 
    as follows:
    
    
    Sec. 923.53  Federal consistency procedures.
    
        (a) * * *
        (1) An indication of whether the state agency designated pursuant 
    to subsection 306(d)(6) of the Act or a single other agency will handle 
    consistency review (see 15 CFR 930.18);
    * * * * *
        30. Section 923.54 is amended by revising paragraph (d) to read as 
    follows:
    
    
    Sec. 923.54  Mediation.
    
    * * * * *
        (d) If a serious disagreement persists, the Secretary or other head 
    of a relevant Federal agency, or the Governor or the head of the state 
    agency designated by the Governor as administratively responsible for 
    program development (if a state still is receiving section 305 program 
    development grants) or for program implementation (if a state is 
    receiving section 306 program implementation grants) may notify the 
    Secretary in writing of the existence of a serious disagreement, and 
    may request that the Secretary seek to mediate the serious 
    disagreement. A copy of the written request must be sent to the agency 
    with which the requesting agency disagrees and to the Assistant 
    Administrator.
    * * * * *
        31. Section 923.55 is amended by revising paragraph (a) and the 
    first sentence of paragraph (b) to read as follows:
    
    
    Sec. 923.55  Full participation by state and local governments, 
    interested parties and the general public.
    
        (a) As required by subsection 306(d)(1), before approving a 
    management program submitted by a coastal state, the Secretary shall 
    find that the state has developed and adopted a management program for 
    its coastal zone with the opportunity of full participation by state 
    agencies, local governments, regional organizations, port authorities, 
    and other interested public and private parties.
        (b) Requirements. In addition to consultation with Federal 
    agencies, subsection 306(d)(1) of the Act requires that the opportunity 
    for full participation in program development be provided state 
    agencies, local governments, regional commissions and organizations, 
    and other interested public and private parties. * * *
    * * * * *
        32. Section 923.56 is amended by revising paragraphs (a) and (b)(1) 
    to read as follows:
    
    
    Sec. 923.56  Plan coordination.
    
        (a) As required by subsection 306(d)(3)(A), before approving a 
    management program submitted by a coastal state, the Secretary shall 
    find that the state has coordinated its program with local, areawide, 
    and interstate plans applicable to areas within the coastal zone--
        (1) existing on January 1 of the year in which the state's 
    management program is submitted to the Secretary; and
        (2) which have been developed by a local government, an areawide 
    agency, a regional agency, or an interstate agency.
        (b) * * *
        (1) Identify local governments, areawide agencies and regional or 
    interstate agencies which have plans affecting the coastal zone in 
    effect on January 1 of the year in which the management program is 
    submitted;
    * * * * *
        33. Section 923.57 is amended by revising paragraphs (a), (b)(1), 
    (b)(2)(i) and (b)(2)(iv) to read as follows:
    
    
    Sec. 923.57  Continuing consultation.
    
        (a) As required by subsection 306(d)(3)(B), before approving a 
    management program submitted by a coastal state, the Secretary shall 
    find that the state has established an effective mechanism for 
    continuing consultation and coordination between the management agency 
    designated pursuant to paragraph (6) of section 306(d) and with local 
    governments, interstate agencies, regional agencies, and areawide 
    agencies within the coastal zone to assure the full participation of 
    those local governments and agencies in carrying out the purposes of 
    this title; except that the Secretary shall not find any mechanism to 
    be effective for purposes of this paragraph unless it requires that:
        (1) the management agency, before implementing any management 
    program decision which would conflict with any local zoning ordinance, 
    decision, or other action, shall send a notice of the management 
    program decision to any local government whose zoning authority is 
    affected;
        (2) within the 30-day period commencing on the date of receipt of 
    that notice, the local government may submit to the management agency 
    written comments on the management program decision, and any 
    recommendation for alternatives; and
        (3) such management agency, if any comments are submitted to it, 
    within the 30-day period, by any local government:
        (i) shall consider the comments;
        (ii) may, in its discretion, hold a public hearing on the comments; 
    and
        (iii) may not take any action within the 30-day period to implement 
    the management program decision.
        (b) Requirements. (1) Establish a mechanism or mechanisms which 
    will provide for continuing consultation and coordination after program 
    approval between local governments, regional, areawide, multi-state and 
    other state agencies with activities in the coastal zone and the state 
    agency designated pursuant to subsection 306(d)(6) of the Act;
        (2) * * *
        (i) ``Management agency'' refers to the state agency designated to 
    the Governor pursuant to subsection 306(d)(6) of the Act and to any 
    other state agency responsible for implementing a management program 
    decision;
    * * * * *
        (iv) ``Local government'' refers to these defined in section 
    304(11) of the Act which have some form of zoning authority.
    * * * * *
        34. Section 923.58 is amended by revising paragraph (a) to read as 
    follows:
    
    
    Sec. 923.58  Public hearings.
    
        (a) As required by subsections 306(d)(1) and 306(d)(4), before 
    approving a management program submitted by a coastal state, the 
    Secretary shall find that the state has developed and adopted a 
    management program for its coastal zone after notice, and with the 
    opportunity of full participation by relevant Federal agencies, state 
    agencies, local governments, regional organizations, port authorities, 
    and other interested parties and individuals, public and private, which 
    is adequate to carry out the purposes of the Act and is consistent with 
    the policy declared in section 303; and shall find that the state has 
    held public hearings in the development of the management program.
    * * * * *
        35. Subpart G is revised to read as follows:
    
    Subpart G--Environmental Review
    
    
    Sec. 923.60  Environmental assessment.
    
        (a) Requirements. All state management program submissions must 
    contain an environmental assessment at the time of submission of the 
    management program to OCRM for threshold review. In accordance with the 
    Council on Environmental Quality regulations, 40 CFR 1506.5 (a) and 
    (b), state environmental assessments shall contain the following 
    information:
        (1) A summary of the state's management program;
        (2) A brief discussion of the need for the state's participation in 
    the Federal program;
        (3) A succinct description of the environment to be affected by 
    program implementation;
        (4) A description and discussion of the major alternatives which 
    were considered by the state in developing the coastal management 
    program;
        (5) A discussion of the environmental impacts of implementing the 
    program;
        (6) A listing of agencies or persons consulted in determining the 
    impacts of the management program.
        (b) General comments. OCRM will independently evaluate the state's 
    environmental assessment and use as much as possible in developing an 
    EIS on the management program. An EIS will be produced for all state 
    programs submitted for 306 approval. The timing and review procedure 
    for the EIS are discussed in Sec. 923.72.
        36. Section 923.70 is revised to read as follows:
    
    Subpart H--Review/Approval Procedures
    
    
    Sec. 923.70  General.
    
        The purpose of this subpart is to describe the process of state 
    program review and approval following submission of a state's 
    management program to the Assistant Administrator. Because the review 
    process involves preparation and dissemination of draft and final 
    environmental impact statements and lengthy Federal agency review; 
    states should at least anticipate that it normally will take 7 months 
    between the time a state first submits a draft management program to 
    OCRM for threshold review and the point at which the Assistant 
    Administrator makes a final decision on whether to approve the 
    management program. Certain factors will contribute to lengthening or 
    shortening this time table; these factors are discussed in the sections 
    that follow. This subpart also provides guidance on a recommended 
    format for the program document submitted to the Assistant 
    Administrator for review and approval.
        37. Section 923.71 is amended by revising Table 2 in paragraph (b) 
    and paragraph (c)(4) (i) through (vi), and removing paragraph (d) to 
    read as follows:
    
    
    Sec. 923.71  Recommended format for program submission.
    
        * * * * *
        (b) * * *
    
          Table 2. Chart--Findings Necessary for Section 306 Approval       
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                      Associated section(s) 
                   Section of the act                  of these regulations 
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Section 306(d) which includes:                                          
        306(d)(2)(A): Boundaries...................  923.31-923.34          
        306(d)(2)(B): Uses subject to management...  923.11                 
        306(d)(2)(C): Areas of particular concern..  923.21-923.23          
        306(d)(2)(D): Means of control.............  923.41                 
        306(d)(2)(E): Guidelines on priorities of    923.21                 
         uses.                                                              
        306(d)(2)(F): Organizational structure.....  923.46                 
        306(d)(2)(G): Shorefront planning process..  923.24                 
        306(d)(2)(H): Energy facility planning       923.13                 
         process.                                                           
        306(d)(2)(I): Erosion planning process.....  923.25                 
        306(d)(1): Notice: full participation;       923.3, 923.51, 923.55, 
         consistent with sec. 303.                    & 923.58              
        306(d)(3)(A): Plan coordination............  923.56                 
        306(d)(3)(B): Continuing consultation        923.57                 
         mechanisms.                                                        
        306(d)(4): Public hearings.................  923.58                 
        306(d)(5): Gubernatorial review and          923.48                 
         approval.                                                          
        306(d)(6): Designation of recipient agency.  923.47                 
        306(d)(7): Organization....................  923.46                 
        306(d)(10): Authorities....................  923.41                 
        306(d)(8): Adequate consideration of         923.52                 
         national interest.                                                 
        306(d)(9): Areas for preservation/           923.22                 
         restoration.                                                       
        306(d)(10)(A): Administer regulations,       923.41                 
         control development; resolve conflicts.                            
        306(d)(10)(B): Powers of acquisition, if     923.41                 
         necessary.                                                         
        306(d)(11): Technique of control...........  923.42-923.44          
        306(d)(12); Uses of regional benefit.......  923.12                 
                                                                            
    Section 307 which includes:                                             
        307(b): Adequate consideration of Federal    923.51                 
         agency views.                                                      
        307(f): Incorporation of air and water       923.45                 
         quality requirements.                                              
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
    * * * * *
        (c) * * *
        (4) * * *
        (i) Boundaries. The requirements of subsection 306(d)(2)(A) of the 
    Act and Subpart D of these regulations should be addressed. States may 
    want to indicate here, or as part of the EIA, major boundary 
    alternatives considered. General maps of the management boundaries and 
    of excluded Federal lands, if provided, are recommended for inclusion 
    in this section (or if more easily handled as a separate appendix, 
    their location in the appendix should be indicated in this section).
        (ii) Uses subject to management. The requirements of subsections 
    306(d)(2)(B), 306(d)(2)(H), and 306(d)(12) of the Act and related 
    sections 923.11 through 923.13 of these regulations should be 
    addressed.
        (iii) Special management areas. The requirements of subsections 
    306(d)(2)(C), 306(d)(2)(E), 306(d)(2(G), 306(d)(2)(I), and 306(d)(9) 
    and the associated requirements of Subpart C of these regulations 
    should be addressed. States are encouraged to include generalized maps 
    located designated Areas of Particular Concern.
        (iv) Authorities and organization. The requirements of subsections 
    306(d)(2)(D), 306(d)(2)(F), 306(d)(6), 306(d)(10), 306(d)(11), and 
    307(f) of the Act and the associated requirements of Subpart E of these 
    regulations should be addressed. This should include a discussion of 
    the administrative and legal bases that will be used to implement and 
    insure enforcement of and compliance with the policies of the 
    management program. This section should include, as applicable, 
    discussion of six types of legal authorities: state legislation, state 
    agency regulations, gubernatorial executive orders, interagency 
    agreements, significant judicial decisions and significant 
    constitutional provisions. With respect to the organization structure 
    that will be used to implement the management program, this section 
    should include a discussion of the roles and responsibilities during 
    the program implementation of the state agency designated pursuant to 
    subsection 306(d)(6) of the Act and of other state, local or regional 
    agencies that will be involved in carrying out the management program. 
    The relationship of the designated state agency to these other agencies 
    also should be described.
        (v) Consultation, participation and national interests. The 
    requirements of subsections 306 (d)(1) through (d)(4), 306(d)(8) and 
    307(b) of the Act and the related requirements of Subpart F of these 
    regulations should be addressed. Included herein should be a summary of 
    consultation efforts with relevant Federal and state agencies, local 
    governments, regional, areawide and/or interstate entities. A summary 
    of public information and participation during program development 
    should be included. Also included herein should be discussions of 
    national interest considerations; what procedures the state will use to 
    implement the Federal consistency provisions of the Act; and what 
    mechanisms will be used to insure continued governmental consultation 
    and public participation after program approval. Detailed documentation 
    regarding a number of the requirements addressed in this section can be 
    reserved for appendices.
        (vi) Miscellaneous. Normally, states will address the requirements 
    of subsection 306(d)(5) and related section 923.48 in the gubernatorial 
    transmittal that will accompany the program submission.
        38. Section 923.73 is revised to read as follows:
    
    
    Sec. 923.73  Miscellaneous.
    
        The timelines laid out in Sec. 923.72 may be shortened if reduction 
    of the time allotted to review environmental impact statements is 
    proposed consistent with applicable procedures and guidelines of CEQ 
    and their concurrence is requested. Reductions in review time normally 
    are limited to emergency circumstances or conditions which would result 
    in impaired program effectiveness.
    
    
    Secs. 923.74, 923.75, 923.76  [Removed]
    
        39. Sections 923.74, 923.75 and 923.76 are removed.
        40. Section 923.80 is amended by redesignating paragraph (c) as 
    paragraph (d), revising paragraph (b), and adding a new paragraph (c) 
    to read as follows:
    
    Subpart I--Amendments to and Termination of Approved Management 
    Programs
    
    
    Sec. 923.80  General.
    
    * * * * *
        (b) As required by subsection 306(e), any coastal state may amend 
    or modify a management program which it has submitted and which has 
    been approved by the Secretary under this subsection, subject to the 
    following conditions:
        (1) The state shall promptly notify the Secretary of any proposed 
    amendment, modification, or other program change and submit it for the 
    Secretary's approval. The Secretary may suspend all or part of any 
    grant made under this subsection pending state submission of the 
    proposed amendment, modification or other program change.
        (2) Within 30 days after the date the Secretary receives any 
    proposed amendment, the Secretary shall notify the state whether the 
    Secretary approves or disapproves the amendment, or whether the 
    Secretary finds it is necessary to extend the review of the proposed 
    amendment for a period not to exceed 120 days after the date the 
    Secretary received the proposed amendment. The Secretary may extend 
    this period only as necessary to meet the requirements of the National 
    Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.). If the 
    Secretary does not notify the coastal state that the Secretary approves 
    or disapproves the amendment within that period, then the amendment 
    shall be conclusively presumed as approved.
        (3)(i) Except as provided in paragraph (3)(ii), a coastal state may 
    not implement any amendment, modification, or other change as part of 
    its approved management program unless the amendment, modification, or 
    other change is approved by the Secretary under this paragraph.
        (ii) The Secretary, after determining on a preliminary basis, that 
    an amendment, modification or other change which has been submitted for 
    approval under subsection 306(e) is likely to meet the program approval 
    standards, may permit the state to expend funds awarded under 
    subsection 306(e) to begin implementing the proposed amendment, 
    modification, or change. This preliminary approval shall not extend for 
    more than 6 months and may not be renewed. A proposed amendment, 
    modification, or change which has been given preliminary approval and 
    is not finally approved under this paragraph shall not be considered an 
    enforceable policy for purposes of subsection 307 of the Act.
        (c) As required by subsection 312(d), the Secretary shall withdraw 
    approval of the management program of any coastal state and shall 
    withdraw financial assistance available to that state under this title 
    as well as any unexpended portion of such assistance, if the Secretary 
    determines that the coastal state has failed to take the actions 
    referred to in subsection 312(c)(2)(A).
    * * * * *
        41. Section 923.81 is amended by revising paragraphs (a) and 
    (b)(3)(i) to read as follows:
    
    
    Sec. 923.81  Requests for amendments.
    
        (a) Requirement. Requests for amendments shall be submitted to the 
    Assistant Administrator by the Governor of a coastal state with an 
    approved management program or by the head of the state agency 
    (designated pursuant to subsection 306(d)(6)) if the Governor had 
    delegated this responsibility and such delegation is part of the 
    approved management program.
        (b) * * *
        (3) * * *
        (i) At least one public hearing must be held on the proposed 
    amendment, pursuant to subsection 306(d)(4) of the Act.
    * * * * *
        42. Section 923.82 is amended by revising paragraphs (a)(1)(i)(A), 
    (a)(1)(v)(D), (a)(2), (b) and (c) to read as follows:
    
    
    Sec. 923.82  Amendment review/approval procedures.
    
        (a) * * *
        (1) * * *
        (i) * * *
        (A) Areas the management of which is necessary to control uses with 
    direct and significant impacts on coastal waters or areas likely to be 
    affected by or vulnerable to sea level rise;
     * * * * *
        (v) * * *
        (D) In the case of energy facilities, consideration of any 
    applicable interstate energy plan or program (see Sec. 923.52(c)(3)).
        (2) The procedural requirements of section 306(d) of the Act have 
    been met. These procedural requirements are that:
        (i) The state has developed the amendment with the opportunity for 
    full participation by relevant Federal agencies, state agencies, local 
    governments, regional organizations, port authorities, and other 
    interested public and private parties (subsection 306(d)(1));
        (ii) The state has coordinated the amendment with local, area-wide 
    and interstate plans applicable to areas within the coastal zone 
    affected by the amendment and existing on January 1 of the year in 
    which the amendment request is submitted (subsection 306(d)(3)(A));
        (iii) Notice has been provided and a public hearing held on the 
    proposed amendment (subsections 306(d)(1), 306(d)(3) and 306(d)(4)); 
    and
        (iv) The Governor or the head of the state agency, designated 
    pursuant to subsection 306(d)(6), has reviewed and approved the 
    proposed amendment (subsection 306(d)(5)).
        (b) If the Assistant Administrator, as a preliminary matter, 
    determines that the management program, if changed, would no longer 
    constitute an approvable program, or if any of the procedural 
    requirements of section 306(d) of the Act have not been met, the 
    Assistant Administrator shall advise the state in writing of the 
    reasons why the amendment request cannot be considered. * * *
        (c) If the Assistant Administrator, as a preliminary matter, 
    determines that the management program, if changed, would still 
    constitute an approvable program and that the procedural requirements 
    of section 306(d) of the Act have been met, the Assistant Administrator 
    will then determine, pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act 
    of 1969, as amended, whether an environmental impact statement (EIS) is 
    required. * * *
        43. Section 923.83 is amended by revising the first sentence of 
    paragraph (b) to read as follows:
    
    
    Sec. 923.83  Mediation of amendments.
    
    * * * * *
        (b) Mediation may be requested by a Governor or head of a state 
    agency designated pursuant to subsection 306(d)(6) or by the head of a 
    relevant Federal agency. * * *
    * * * * *
        44. Section 923.90 is amended by revising paragraphs (e) and (f) to 
    read as follows:
    
    Subpart J--Applications for Program Development or Implementation 
    Grants
    
    
    Sec. 923.90  General.
    
    * * * * *
        (e) For purposes of this subpart, the term ``development grant'' 
    means a grant awarded pursuant to subsection 305(a) of the Act. 
    ``Administrative grant'' and ``implementation grant'' are used 
    interchangeably and mean grants awarded pursuant to subsection 306(a) 
    of the Act.
        (f) All application and preapplication forms are to be requested 
    from and submitted to: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 
    Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management, 1305 East-West 
    Highway, 11th Floor, Silver Spring, MD 20910.
        45. Section 923.91 is amended by revising paragraphs (a) and (b) to 
    read as follows:
    
    
    Sec. 923.91  State responsibility.
    
        (a) Applications for program grants shall be submitted by the 
    Governor of a participating state or by the head of the state entity 
    designated by the Governor pursuant to subsection 306(d)(6) of the Act.
        (b) In the case of a section 305 grant, the application shall 
    designate a single state agency or entity to receive development grants 
    and to be responsible for development of the state's coastal management 
    program. The designee need not be that entity designated by the 
    Governor pursuant to subsection 306(d)(6) of the Act as a single agency 
    to receive and administer implementation grants.
    * * * * *
        46. Section 923.92 is amended by revising paragraph (a) to read as 
    follows:
    
    
    Sec. 923.92  Allocation.
    
        (a) Subsections 303(4), 306(d)(3)(B) and 306(d)(10) foster 
    intergovernmental cooperation in that a state, in accordance with its 
    coastal zone management program, may allocate its coastal zone 
    management responsibilities to several agencies, including local 
    governments, areawide agencies, regional agencies and interstate 
    agencies. Such allocations provide for continuing consultation and more 
    effective participation and cooperation among state and local 
    governments, interstate, regional and areawide agencies.
    * * * * *
    
    
    Secs. 923.93, 923.98  [Removed]
    
        47. In Subpart J, sections 923.93 and 923.98 are removed and 
    sections 923.94, 923.95, 923.96, 923.97 923.99 and 923.100 are 
    redesignated as sections 923.93, 923.94, 923.95, 923.96, 923.97 and 
    923.98, respectively.
        48. Section 923.93 is amended by revising paragraph (c)(2)(i) and 
    the first sentence of paragraphs (d) and (f) to read as follows:
    
    
    Sec. 923.93  Eligible implementation costs.
    
    * * * * *
        (c) * * *
        (2) * * *
        (i) Prevent or mitigate loss of life and property in such coastal 
    hazard areas as floodplains, erosion-prone areas, areas subject to 
    subsidence, saltwater intrusion, or sea level rise;
    * * * * *
        (d) Implementation funding may be applied to the management of 
    designated areas of particular concern, especially areas designated for 
    preservation or restoration purposes pursuant to section 306(d)(9) of 
    the   Act.  * * *
        (e) * * *
        (f) Equipment purchases by the grantee of more than five thousand 
    (5,000) dollars per item require NOAA approval prior to purchase. * * *
    * * * * *
        49. Section 923.95 is amended by revising paragraph (a)(4) to read 
    as follows:
    
    
    Sec. 923.95  Applications for subsequent program development grants.
    
        (a) * * *
        (4) Indicate when the state will submit a management program to the 
    Assistant Administrator for review and final approval pursuant to 
    section 306 of the Act.
    * * * * *
        50. Section 923.98 is amended by revising paragraph (a) to read as 
    follows:
    
    
    Sec. 923.98  Grant amendments.
    
        (a) Actions which require an amendment to a grant award such as a 
    request for additional Federal funds, changes in the amount of the non-
    Federal share, changes in the approved project budget as specified in 
    OMB Circular A-102, or extension of the grant period must be submitted 
    to the Assistant Administrator and approved in writing by him/her and 
    the NOAA Grants Officer prior to initiation of the contemplated change. 
    Such requests should be submitted at least 30 days prior to the 
    proposed effective date of the change and, if appropriate, accompanied 
    by evidence of compliance with E.O. 12372 requirements.
    * * * * *
        51. In 15 CFR part 923, subpart K is removed.
    
    
    Secs. 923.1, 923.47, 923.62, 923.70, 923.71, 923.72, 923.81, 923.82, 
    923.84, 923.93  [Amended]
    
        52. In addition to the amendments set forth above, in 15 CFR part 
    923, remove the word ``OCZM'' and add, in its place, the word ``OCRM'' 
    in the following places:
        a. Section 923.1(d)(5);
        b. Section 923.47(b)(3) and (c)(1);
        c. Section 923.70;
        d. Section 923.71 (a) and (c);
        e. Section 923.72(a);
        f. Section 923.81(b)(4)(i);
        g. Section 923.82(a) introductory text and (c)(1) introductory 
    text;
        h. Section 923.84(b)(1) introductory text, (b)(1)(i), (b)(1)(ii), 
    (b)(2) introductory text, (b)(2)(i)(B), (b)(2)(i)(C), (b)(3), (b)(4) 
    introductory text, (b)(4)(i)(A), and (b)(5);
        i. Section 923.90(a); and
        j. Section 923.93(e)(4)(ii) and (g).
        53. Section 923.1(d)(5) is amended by removing the words ``Office 
    of Coastal Zone Management'' and adding, in their place, the words 
    ``Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management''.
        54. Section 923.90(f) is revised to read as follows:
    
    
    Sec. 923.90  General.
    
    * * * * *
        (f) All application and preapplication forms are to be requested 
    from and submitted to: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 
    Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management, Coastal Program 
    Division, 1305 East-West Highway (N/ORM3), Silver Spring, MD 20910.
    
    PART 926--COASTAL ZONE MANAGEMENT PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT GRANTS, 
    ALLOCATION OF FUNDS TO STATES
    
        55. Part 926 is removed and reserved.
    
    PART 927--ALLOCATION OF SECTION 306 PROGRAM ADMINISTRATION GRANTS
    
        56. Section 927.1 is amended by revising paragraphs (a), (b) and 
    (f) to read as follows:
    
    
    Sec. 927.1  Allocation formula.
    
        (a) As required by subsection 306(a), the Secretary may make grants 
    to any coastal state for the purpose of administering that state's 
    management program, if the state matches any such grant according to 
    the following ratios of Federal-to-state contributions for the 
    applicable fiscal year:
        (1) For those states for which programs were approved prior to 
    enactment of the Coastal Zone Act Reauthorization Amendments of 1990, 1 
    to 1 for any fiscal year.
        (2) For programs approved after enactment of the Coastal Zone Act 
    Reauthorization Amendments of 1990, 4 to 1 for the first fiscal year, 
    2.3 to 1 for the second fiscal year, 1.5 to 1 for the third fiscal 
    year, and 1 to 1 for each fiscal year thereafter.
        (3) As required by subsection 306(b), the Secretary may make a 
    grant to a coastal state under subsection 306(a) only if the Secretary 
    finds that the management program of the coastal state meets all 
    applicable requirements of this title and has been approved in 
    accordance with subsection 306(d).
        (4) As required by subsection 306(c), grants under this section 
    shall be allocated to coastal states under approved programs based on 
    rules and regulations promulgated by the Secretary which shall take 
    into account the extent and nature of the shoreline and area covered by 
    the program, population of the area, and other relevant factors. The 
    Secretary shall establish, after consulting with the coastal states, 
    maximum and minimum grants for any fiscal year to promote equity 
    between coastal states and effective coastal management.
        (b) Minimum/maximum allocations. The Assistant Administrator shall 
    establish minimum and maximum state allocations annually, after 
    consultation with the coastal states.
        (c) * * *
        (d) * * *
        (e) * * *
        (f) Calculation of financial assistance award levels. Actual 
    financial assistance award levels will be set from base level 
    allocations, any adjustments under paragraph (e) above, and in 
    accordance with the provisions of Section 312(c) and (d).
    * * * * *
    [FR Doc. 94-11715 Filed 5-27-94; 8:45 am]
    BILLING CODE 3510-08-P-M
    
    
    

Document Information

Effective Date:
6/30/1994
Published:
05/31/1994
Department:
Commerce Department
Entry Type:
Uncategorized Document
Action:
Final rule.
Document Number:
94-11715
Dates:
This rule is effective on June 30, 1994.
Pages:
0-0 (1 pages)
Docket Numbers:
Federal Register: May 31, 1994, Docket No. 940109-4009
RINs:
0648-AE11
CFR: (48)
15 CFR 923.1
15 CFR 923.2
15 CFR 923.3
15 CFR 923.10
15 CFR 923.11
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