2016-31035. Inflation Adjustment of Civil Monetary Penalties  

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    AGENCY:

    Office of the General Counsel, U.S. Department of Energy.

    ACTION:

    Final rule.

    SUMMARY:

    The Department of Energy (“DOE”) publishes this final rule to adjust DOE's civil monetary penalties (“CMPs”) for inflation as mandated by the Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act of 1990, as further amended by the Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act Improvements Act of 2015 (collectively referred to herein as “the Act”). This rule adjusts CMPs within the jurisdiction of DOE to the maximum amount required by the Act.

    DATES:

    This rule is effective December 30, 2016.

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    FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

    Preeti Chaudhari, U.S. Department of Energy, Office of the General Counsel, GC-33, 1000 Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20585, (202) 586-8078.

    End Further Info End Preamble Start Supplemental Information

    SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

    I. Background

    II. Method of Calculation

    III. Summary of Final Rule

    IV. Final Rulemaking

    V. Regulatory Review

    I. Background

    In order to improve the effectiveness of CMPs and to maintain their deterrent effect, the Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act of 1990, 28 U.S.C. 2461 note (“the Inflation Adjustment Act”), as further amended by the Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act Improvements Act of 2015 (Pub. L. 114-74) (“the 2015 Act”), requires Federal agencies to adjust each CMP provided by law within the jurisdiction of the agency. The 2015 Act requires agencies to adjust the level of CMPs with an initial “catch-up” adjustment through an interim final rulemaking and to make subsequent annual adjustments for inflation, notwithstanding 5 U.S.C. 553. DOE's initial catch-up adjustment interim final rule was published June 28, 2016 (81 FR 41790). DOE received no public comments in response to the interim final rule. The interim final rule is today adopted as final without amendment. The 2015 Act also provides that any increase in a CMP shall apply only to CMPs, including those whose associated violation predated such increase, which are assessed after the date the increase takes effect.

    In accordance with the 2015 Act, OMB issued a guidance memorandum on the implementation of the 2017 annual adjustment pursuant to the 2015 Act.[1] This final rule is issued in accordance with applicable law and the OMB guidance memorandum.

    II. Method of Calculation

    The method of calculating CMP adjustments applied in this final rule is required by the 2015 Act. Under the 2015 Act, annual inflation adjustments subsequent to the initial catch-up adjustment are to be based on the percent change between the October Consumer Price Index for all Urban Consumers (CPI-U) preceding the date of the adjustment, and the prior year's October CPI-U. Pursuant to the aforementioned OMB guidance memorandum, the adjustment multiplier for 2017 is 1.01636. In order to complete the 2017 annual adjustment, each CMP is multiplied by the 2017 adjustment multiplier. Under the 2015 Act, any increase in CMP must be rounded to the nearest multiple of $1.

    III. Summary of the Final Rule

    The following list summarizes DOE authorities containing CMPs, and the penalties before and after adjustment.

    DOE Authority containing civil monetary penaltyBefore adjustmentAfter adjustment
    10 CFR 207.7$10,000$10,164.
    10 CFR 218.4221,66122,015.
    10 CFR 429.120433440.
    10 CFR 431.382433440.
    10 CFR 490.6048,3868,523.
    10 CFR 501.181—88,613—90,063.
    —8/mcf—8/mcf.
    —35/bbl—36/bbl.
    10 CFR 601.400 and App A—minimum 18,936—minimum 19,246
    —maximum 189,361—maximum 192,459.
    10 CFR 820.81197,869201,106.
    10 CFR 824.1 and App A141,402143,715.
    10 CFR 824.4 and App A141,402143,715.
    10 CFR 851.5 and App B91,83093,332.
    10 CFR 1013.310,78110,957.
    10 CFR 1017.29254,645258,811.
    10 CFR 1050.30319,30519,621.
    50 U.S.C. 273128,6558,797.
    Start Printed Page 96350

    IV. Final Rulemaking

    The 2015 Act requires that annual adjustments for inflation subsequent to the initial “catch-up” adjustment be made notwithstanding 5 U.S.C. 553.

    V. Regulatory Review

    A. Executive Order 12866

    This rule has been determined not to be a significant regulatory action under Executive Order 12866, “Regulatory Planning and Review,” 58 FR 51735 (October 4, 1993). Accordingly, this action was not subject to review under that Executive Order by the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs of the Office of Management and Budget.

    B. National Environmental Policy Act

    DOE has determined that this final rule is covered under the Categorical Exclusion found in DOE's National Environmental Policy Act regulations at paragraph A5 of Appendix A to Subpart D, 10 CFR part 1021, which applies to a rulemaking that amends an existing rule or regulation and that does not change the environmental effect of the rule or regulation being amended. Accordingly, neither an environmental assessment nor an environmental impact statement is required.

    C. Regulatory Flexibility Act

    The Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.) requires preparation of an initial regulatory flexibility analysis for any rule that by law must be proposed for public comment. As discussed above, the 2015 Act requires that annual inflation adjustments subsequent to the initial catch-up adjustment be made notwithstanding 5 U.S.C. 553. Because a notice of proposed rulemaking is not required for this action pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553, or any other law, no regulatory flexibility analysis has been prepared for this final rule.

    D. Paperwork Reduction Act

    This final rule imposes no new information collection requirements subject to the Paperwork Reduction Act.

    E. Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995

    The Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 (Pub. L. 104-4) generally requires Federal agencies to examine closely the impacts of regulatory actions on State, local, and tribal governments. Section 201 excepts agencies from assessing effects on State, local or tribal governments or the private sector of rules that incorporate requirements specifically set forth in law. Because this rule incorporates requirements specifically set forth in 28 U.S.C. 2461 note, DOE is not required to assess its regulatory effects under Section 201. Unfunded Mandates Reform Act sections 202 and 205 do not apply to today's action because they apply only to rules for which a general notice of proposed rulemaking is published. Nevertheless, DOE has determined that this regulatory action does not impose a Federal mandate on State, local, or tribal governments or on the public sector.

    F. Treasury and General Government Appropriations Act, 1999

    Section 654 of the Treasury and General Government Appropriations Act, 1999 (Pub. L. 105-277) requires Federal agencies to issue a Family Policymaking Assessment for any proposed rule that may affect family well being. This rule would not have any impact on the autonomy or integrity of the family as an institution. Accordingly, DOE has concluded that it is not necessary to prepare a Family Policymaking Assessment.

    G. Executive Order 13132

    Executive Order 13132, “Federalism,” 64 FR 43255 (August 4, 1999) imposes certain requirements on agencies formulating and implementing policies or regulations that preempt State law or that have federalism implications. Agencies are required to examine the constitutional and statutory authority supporting any action that would limit the policymaking discretion of the States and carefully assess the necessity for such actions. DOE has examined this rule and has determined that it would not preempt State law and would not have a substantial direct effect on the States, on the relationship between the national government and the States, or on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government. No further action is required by Executive Order 13132.

    H. Executive Order 12988

    With respect to the review of existing regulations and the promulgation of new regulations, section 3(a) of Executive Order 12988, “Civil Justice Reform,” 61 FR 4729 (February 7, 1996), imposes on Executive agencies the general duty to adhere to the following requirements: (1) Eliminate drafting errors and ambiguity; (2) write regulations to minimize litigation; and (3) provide a clear legal standard for affected conduct rather than a general standard and promote simplification and burden reduction. With regard to the review required by section 3(a), section 3(b) of Executive Order 12988 specifically requires that Executive agencies make every reasonable effort to ensure that the regulation: (1) Clearly specifies the preemptive effect, if any; (2) clearly specifies any effect on existing Federal law or regulation; (3) provides a clear legal standard for affected conduct while promoting simplification and burden reduction; (4) specifies the retroactive effect, if any; (5) adequately defines key terms; and (6) addresses other important issues affecting clarity and general draftsmanship under any guidelines issued by the Attorney General. Section 3(c) of Executive Order 12988 requires Executive agencies to review regulations in light of applicable standards in section 3(a) and section 3(b) to determine whether they are met or it is unreasonable to meet one or more of them. DOE has completed the required review and determined that, to the extent permitted by law, this rule meets the relevant standards of Executive Order 12988.

    I. Treasury and General Government Appropriations Act, 2001

    The Treasury and General Government Appropriations Act, 2001 (44 U.S.C. 3516 note) provides for agencies to review most disseminations of information to the public under guidelines established by each agency pursuant to general guidelines issued by OMB. OMB's guidelines were published at 67 FR 8452 (February 22, 2002), and DOE's guidelines were published at 67 FR 62446 (October 7, 2002). DOE has reviewed this rule under the OMB and DOE guidelines and has concluded that it is consistent with applicable policies in those guidelines.

    J. Executive Order 13211

    Executive Order 13211, “Actions Concerning Regulations That Significantly Affect Energy Supply, Distribution, or Use,” 66 FR 28355 (May 22, 2001) requires Federal agencies to prepare and submit to OMB, a Statement of Energy Effects for any proposed significant energy action. A “significant energy action” is defined as any action by an agency that promulgated or is expected to lead to promulgation of a final rule, and that: (1) Is a significant regulatory action under Executive Order 12866, or any successor order; and (2) is likely to have a significant adverse effect on the supply, distribution, or use of energy, or (3) is designated by the Administrator of OIRA as a significant energy action. For any proposed significant energy action, Start Printed Page 96351the agency must give a detailed statement of any adverse effects on energy supply, distribution, or use should the proposal be implemented, and of reasonable alternatives to the action and their expected benefits on energy supply, distribution, and use. This regulatory action would not have a significant adverse effect on the supply, distribution, or use of energy and is therefore not a significant energy action. Accordingly, DOE has not prepared a Statement of Energy Effects.

    K. Congressional Notification

    As required by 5 U.S.C. 801, DOE will submit to Congress a report regarding the issuance of this final rule prior to the effective date set forth at the outset of this rulemaking. The report will state that it has been determined that the rule is not a “major rule” as defined by 5 U.S.C. 801(2).

    L. Approval of the Office of the Secretary

    The Secretary of Energy has approved publication of this final rule.

    Start List of Subjects

    List of Subjects

    10 CFR Part 207

    • Administrative practice and procedure
    • Energy
    • Penalties

    10 CFR Part 218

    • Administrative practice and procedure
    • Penalties
    • Petroleum allocation

    10 CFR Part 429

    • Confidential business information
    • Energy conservation
    • Household appliances
    • Imports
    • Incorporation by reference
    • Reporting and recordkeeping requirements

    10 CFR Part 431

    • Administrative practices and procedure
    • Confidential business information
    • Energy conservation
    • Incorporation by reference
    • Reporting and recordkeeping requirements

    10 CFR Part 490

    • Administrative practice and procedure
    • Energy conservation
    • Penalties

    10 CFR Part 501

    • Administrative practice and procedure
    • Electric power plants
    • Energy conservation
    • Natural gas
    • Petroleum

    10 CFR Part 601

    • Government contracts
    • Grant programs
    • Loan programs
    • Penalties

    10 CFR Part 820

    • Administrative practice and procedure
    • Government contracts
    • Penalties
    • Radiation protection

    10 CFR Part 824

    • Government contracts
    • Nuclear materials
    • Penalties
    • Security measures

    10 CFR Part 851

    • Civil penalty
    • Hazardous substances
    • Occupational safety and health
    • Safety
    • Reporting and recordkeeping requirements

    10 CFR Part 1013

    • Administrative practice and procedure
    • Claims
    • Fraud
    • Penalties

    10 CFR Part 1017

    • Administrative practice and procedure
    • Government contracts
    • National Defense
    • Nuclear Energy
    • Penalties
    • Security measures

    10 CFR Part 1050

    • Decorations, medals, awards
    • Foreign relations
    • Government employees
    • Government property
    • Reporting and recordkeeping requirements
    End List of Subjects Start Signature

    Issued in Washington, DC, on December 20, 2016.

    Steven Croley,

    General Counsel.

    End Signature

    For the reasons set forth in the preamble, DOE amends chapters II, III, and X of title 10 of the Code of Federal Regulations as set forth below.

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    PART 207—COLLECTION OF INFORMATION

    End Part Start Amendment Part

    1. The authority citation for part 207 continues to read as follows:

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    Authority: 15 U.S.C. 787 et seq.; 15 U.S.C. 791 et seq.; E.O. 11790, 39 FR 23185; 28 U.S.C. 2461 note.

    End Authority Start Amendment Part

    2. Section 207.7 is amended by revising the first sentence of paragraph (c)(1) to read as follows:

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    Sanctions.
    * * * * *

    (c) * * * (1) Any person who violates any provision of this subpart or any order issued pursuant thereto shall be subject to a civil penalty of not more than $10,164 for each violation. * * *

    * * * * *
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    PART 218—STANDBY MANDATORY INTERNATIONAL OIL ALLOCATION

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    3. The authority citation for part 218 continues to read as follows:

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    Authority: 15 U.S.C. 751 et seq.; 15 U.S.C. 787 et seq.; 42 U.S.C. 6201 et seq.; 42 U.S.C. 7101 et seq.; E.O. 11790, 39 FR 23185; E.O. 12009, 42 FR 46267; 28 U.S.C. 2461 note.

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    4. Section 218.42 is amended by revising paragraph (b)(1) to read as follows:

    End Amendment Part
    Sanctions.
    * * * * *

    (b) * * * (1) Any person who violates any provision of this part 218 or any order issued pursuant thereto shall be subject to a civil penalty of not more than $22,015 for each violation.

    * * * * *
    Start Part

    PART 429—CERTIFICATION, COMPLIANCE, AND ENFORCEMENT FOR CONSUMER PRODUCTS AND COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL EQUIPMENT

    End Part Start Amendment Part

    5. The authority citation for part 429 continues to read as follows:

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    Authority: 42 U.S.C. 6291-6317; 28 U.S.C. 2461 note.

    End Authority Start Amendment Part

    6. Section 429.120 is amended by revising the first sentence to read as follows:

    End Amendment Part
    Maximum civil penalty.

    Any person who knowingly violates any provision of § 429.102(a) may be subject to assessment of a civil penalty of no more than $440 for each violation. * * *

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    PART 431—ENERGY EFFICIENCY PROGRAM FOR CERTAIN COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL EQUIPMENT

    End Part Start Amendment Part

    7. The authority citation for part 431 continues to read as follows:

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    Authority: 42 U.S.C. 6291-6317; 28 U.S.C. 2461 note.

    End Authority Start Amendment Part

    8. Section 431.382 is amended by revising paragraph (b) to read as follows:

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    Prohibited acts.
    * * * * *

    (b) In accordance with sections 333 and 345 of the Act, any person who knowingly violates any provision of paragraph (a) of this section may be subject to assessment of a civil penalty of no more than $440 for each violation.

    * * * * *
    Start Part

    PART 490—ALTERNATIVE FUEL TRANSPORTATION PROGRAM

    End Part Start Amendment Part

    9. The authority citation for part 490 continues to read as follows:

    End Amendment Part Start Authority

    Authority: 42 U.S.C. 7191 et seq.; 42 U.S.C. 13201, 13211, 13220, 13251 et seq; 28 U.S.C. 2461 note.

    End Authority Start Amendment Part

    10. Section 490.604 is amended by revising paragraph (a) to read as follows:

    End Amendment Part
    Penalties and Fines.

    (a) Civil Penalties. Whoever violates § 490.603 of this part shall be subject to Start Printed Page 96352a civil penalty of not more than $8,523 for each violation.

    * * * * *
    Start Part

    PART 501—ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES AND SANCTIONS

    End Part Start Amendment Part

    11. The authority citation for part 501 continues to read as follows:

    End Amendment Part Start Authority

    Authority: 42 U.S.C. 7101 et seq.; 42 U.S.C. 8301 et seq.; 42 U.S.C. 8701 et seq.; E.O. 12009, 42 FR 46267; 28 U.S.C. 2461 note.

    End Authority Start Amendment Part

    12. Section 501.181 is amended by revising paragraph (c)(1) to read as follows:

    End Amendment Part
    Sanctions.
    * * * * *

    (c) * * * (1) Any person who violates any provisions of the Act (other than section 402) or any rule or order thereunder will be subject to the following civil penalty, which may not exceed $90,063 for each violation: Any person who operates a powerplant or major fuel burning installation under an exemption, during any 12-calendar-month period, in excess of that authorized in such exemption will be assessed a civil penalty of up to $8 for each MCF of natural gas or up to $36 for each barrel of oil used in excess of that authorized in the exemption.

    * * * * *
    Start Part

    PART 601—NEW RESTRICTIONS ON LOBBYING

    End Part Start Amendment Part

    13. The authority citation for part 601 continues to read as follows:

    End Amendment Part Start Authority

    Authority: 31 U.S.C. 1352; 42 U.S.C. 7254 and 7256; 31 U.S.C. 6301-6308; 28 U.S.C. 2461 note.

    End Authority Start Amendment Part

    14. Section 601.400 is amended by revising paragraphs (a), (b) and (e) to read as follows:

    End Amendment Part
    Penalties.

    (a) Any person who makes an expenditure prohibited herein shall be subject to a civil penalty of not less than $19,246 and not more than $192,459 for each such expenditure.

    (b) Any person who fails to file or amend the disclosure form (see appendix B to this part) to be filed or amended if required herein, shall be subject to a civil penalty of not less than $19,246 and not more than $192,459 for each such failure.

    * * * * *

    (e) First offenders under paragraphs (a) or (b) of this section shall be subject to a civil penalty of $19,246, absent aggravating circumstances. Second and subsequent offenses by persons shall be subject to an appropriate civil penalty between $19,246 and $192,459, as determined by the agency head or his or her designee.

    * * * * *
    Start Amendment Part

    15. Appendix A to part 601 is amended by:

    End Amendment Part Start Amendment Part

    a. Revising the last sentence of the second undesignated paragraph, in paragraph (3) of the section entitled, “Certification for Contracts, Grants, Loans, and Cooperative Agreements”; and

    End Amendment Part Start Amendment Part

    b. Revising the last sentence of the third undesignated paragraph, in the section entitled, “Statement for Loan Guarantees and Loan Insurance”.

    End Amendment Part

    The revisions read as follows:

    Appendix A to Part 601—Certification Regarding Lobbying

    Certification for Contracts, Grants, Loans, and Cooperative Agreements

    * * * * *

    (3) * * *

    * * * Any person who fails to file the required certification shall be subject to a civil penalty of not less than $19,246 and not more than $192,459 for each such failure.

    Statement for Loan Guarantees and Loan Insurance

    * * * * *

    * * * Any person who fails to file the required statement shall be subject to a civil penalty of not less than $19,246 and not more than $192,459 for each such failure.

    Start Part

    PART 820—PROCEDURAL RULES FOR DOE NUCLEAR ACTIVITIES

    End Part Start Amendment Part

    16. The authority citation for part 820 continues to read as follows:

    End Amendment Part Start Authority

    Authority: 42 U.S.C. 2201; 2282(a); 7191; 28 U.S.C. 2461 note; 50 U.S.C. 2410.

    End Authority Start Amendment Part

    17. Section 820.81 is amended by revising the first sentence to read as follows:

    End Amendment Part
    Amount of penalty.

    Any person subject to a penalty under 42 U.S.C. 2282a shall be subject to a civil penalty in an amount not to exceed $201,106 for each such violation. * * *

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    PART 824—PROCEDURAL RULES FOR THE ASSESSMENT OF CIVIL PENALTIES FOR CLASSIFIED INFORMATION SECURITY VIOLATIONS

    End Part Start Amendment Part

    18. The authority citation for part 824 continues to read as follows:

    End Amendment Part Start Authority

    Authority: 42 U.S.C. 2201, 2282b, 7101 et seq., 50 U.S.C. 2401 et seq.; 28 U.S.C. 2461 note.

    End Authority Start Amendment Part

    19. Section 824.1 is amended by revising the second sentence to read as follows:

    End Amendment Part
    Purpose and scope.

    * * * Subsection a. provides that any person who has entered into a contract or agreement with the Department of Energy, or a subcontract or subagreement thereto, and who violates (or whose employee violates) any applicable rule, regulation or order under the Act relating to the security or safeguarding of Restricted Data or other classified information, shall be subject to a civil penalty not to exceed $143,715 for each violation. * * *

    Start Amendment Part

    20. Section 824.4 is amended by revising paragraph (c) to read as follows:

    End Amendment Part
    Civil penalties.
    * * * * *

    (c) The Director may propose imposition of a civil penalty for violation of a requirement of a regulation or rule under paragraph (a) of this section or a compliance order issued under paragraph (b) of this section, not to exceed $143,715 for each violation.

    * * * * *
    Start Part

    PART 851—WORKER SAFETY AND HEALTH PROGRAM

    End Part Start Amendment Part

    21. The authority citation for part 851 continues to read as follows:

    End Amendment Part Start Authority

    Authority: 42 U.S.C. 2201(i)(3), (p); 42 U.S.C. 2282c; 42 U.S.C. 5801 et seq.; 42 U.S.C. 7101 et seq.; 50 U.S.C. 2401 et seq.; 28 U.S.C. 2461 note.

    End Authority Start Amendment Part

    22. Section 851.5 is amended by revising the first sentence of paragraph (a) to read as follows:

    End Amendment Part
    Enforcement.

    (a) A contractor that is indemnified under section 170d. of the AEA (or any subcontractor or supplier thereto) and that violates (or whose employee violates) any requirement of this part shall be subject to a civil penalty of up to $93,332 for each such violation. * * *

    * * * * *
    Start Amendment Part

    23. Appendix B to part 851 is amended by:

    End Amendment Part Start Amendment Part

    a. Revising the last sentences of paragraphs (b)(1) and (2) in section VI; and

    End Amendment Part Start Amendment Part

    b. Revising paragraph 1.(e)(1) in section IX.

    End Amendment Part

    The revisions read as follows:

    Appendix B to Part 851—General Statement of Enforcement Policy

    * * * * *

    VI. Severity of Violations

    * * * * *

    (b) * * *

    (1) * * * A Severity Level I violation would be subject to a base civil penalty of up to 100% of the maximum base civil penalty of $93,332.

    (2) * * * A Severity Level II violation would be subject to a base civil penalty up Start Printed Page 96353to 50% of the maximum base civil penalty ($46,666).

    * * * * *

    IX. Enforcement Actions

    * * * * *

    1. Notice of Violation

    * * * * *

    (e) * * *

    (1) DOE may assess civil penalties of up to $93,332 per violation per day on contractors (and their subcontractors and suppliers) that are indemnified by the Price-Anderson Act, 42 U.S.C. 2210(d). See 10 CFR 851.5(a).

    * * * * *
    Start Part

    PART 1013—PROGRAM FRAUD CIVIL REMEDIES AND PROCEDURES

    End Part Start Amendment Part

    24. The authority citation for part 1013 continues to reads as follows:

    End Amendment Part Start Authority

    Authority: 31 U.S.C. 3801-3812; 28 U.S.C. 2461 note.

    End Authority Start Amendment Part

    25. Section 1013.3 is amended by revising paragraphs (a)(1)(iv) and (b)(1)(ii) to read as follows:

    End Amendment Part
    Basis for civil penalties and assessments.

    (a) * * *

    (1) * * *

    (iv) Is for payment for the provision of property or services which the person has not provided as claimed, shall be subject, in addition to any other remedy that may be prescribed by law, to a civil penalty of not more than $10,957 for each such claim.

    * * * * *

    (b) * * *

    (1) * * *

    (ii) Contains or is accompanied by an express certification or affirmation of the truthfulness and accuracy of the contents of the statement, shall be subject, in addition to any other remedy that may be prescribed by law, to a civil penalty of not more than $10,957 for each such statement.

    * * * * *
    Start Part

    PART 1017—IDENTIFICATION AND PROTECTION OF UNCLASSIFIED CONTROLLED NUCLEAR INFORMATION

    End Part Start Amendment Part

    26. The authority citation for part 1017 continues to read as follows:

    End Amendment Part Start Authority

    Authority: 42 U.S.C. 7101 et seq.; 50 U.S.C. 2401 et seq.; 42 U.S.C. 2168; 28 U.S.C. 2461 note.

    End Authority Start Amendment Part

    27. Section 1017.29 is amended by revising paragraph (c) to read as follows:

    End Amendment Part
    Civil penalty.
    * * * * *

    (c) Amount of penalty. The Director may propose imposition of a civil penalty for violation of a requirement of a regulation under paragraph (a) of this section or a compliance order issued under paragraph (b) of this section, not to exceed $258,811 for each violation.

    * * * * *
    Start Part

    PART 1050—FOREIGN GIFTS AND DECORATIONS

    End Part Start Amendment Part

    28. The authority citation for part 1050 continues to read as follows:

    End Amendment Part Start Authority

    Authority: The Constitution of the United States, Article I, Section 9; 5 U.S.C. 7342; 22 U.S.C. 2694; 42 U.S.C. 7254 and 7262; 28 U.S.C. 2461 note.

    End Authority Start Amendment Part

    29. Section 1050.303 is amended by revising the last sentence in paragraph (d) to read as follows:

    End Amendment Part
    Enforcement.
    * * * * *

    (d) * * * The court in which such action is brought may assess a civil penalty against such employee in any amount not to exceed the retail value of the gift improperly solicited or received plus $19,621.

    End Supplemental Information

    Footnotes

    1.  The guidance memorandum was issued on December 16, 2016, provides the 2017 adjustment multiplier, and addresses how to apply it.

    Back to Citation

    2.  Implemented by 10 CFR 820.81, 10 CFR 851.5, and appendix B to 10 CFR part 851.

    Back to Citation

    [FR Doc. 2016-31035 Filed 12-29-16; 8:45 am]

    BILLING CODE 6450-01-P

Document Information

Effective Date:
12/30/2016
Published:
12/30/2016
Department:
Energy Department
Entry Type:
Rule
Action:
Final rule.
Document Number:
2016-31035
Dates:
This rule is effective December 30, 2016.
Pages:
96349-96353 (5 pages)
RINs:
1990-AA46: Inflation Adjustment of Civil Monetary Penalties
RIN Links:
https://www.federalregister.gov/regulations/1990-AA46/inflation-adjustment-of-civil-monetary-penalties
Topics:
Administrative practice and procedure, Administrative practice and procedure, Claims, Confidential business information, Decorations, medals, awards, Electric power plants, Energy, Energy conservation, Foreign relations, Fraud, Government contracts, Government employees, Government property, Grant programs, Hazardous substances, Household appliances, Imports, Incorporation by reference, Loan programs, National defense, Natural gas, Nuclear energy, Nuclear materials, Occupational safety and ...
PDF File:
2016-31035.Pdf
Supporting Documents:
» Request for Information: Collection, Transportation, Sorting, Processing and Second Life Applications for End-of-Life Lithium Ion Batteries
» Request for Information: Grid Resilience and Innovation Partnerships Program
» Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposals, Submissions, and Approvals
» Worker Safety and Health Program
» Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposals, Submissions, and Approvals
» Application: NRG Power Marketing, LLC
» Application: Command Power Corp.
» Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposals, Submissions, and Approvals: Weatherization Assistance Program
» Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposals, Submissions, and Approvals
CFR: (14)
10 CFR 207.7
10 CFR 218.42
10 CFR 429.120
10 CFR 431.382
10 CFR 490.604
More ...