TITLE 31.NATURAL RESOURCES AND CONSERVATION

Part 16. COASTAL COORDINATION COUNCIL

Chapter 501. COASTAL MANAGEMENT PROGRAM

The Coastal Coordination Council (Council) proposes amendments to §501.3, relating to Definitions and Abbreviations, §501.4, relating to General Procedures, and §501.14, relating to Policies for Specific Activities and Coastal Natural Resource Areas, as described in the following paragraphs. These amendments are proposed concurrently with proposed amendments to Chapter 505, relating to Council Procedures for State Consistency with Coastal Management Program Goals and Policies, and Chapter 506, relating to Council Procedures for Federal Consistency with Coastal Management Program Goals and Policies. Together, the proposed amendments to Chapter 501 and Chapters 505 and 506 are part of a single rulemaking action.

HISTORY OF THE RULEMAKING

At its meeting in Galveston on December 2, 1999, the Council formed a work group to consider and prepare proposed changes to the Coastal Management Program (CMP) rules. The work group consisted of two of the publicly appointed Council members and representatives from the Council's member agencies: Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD), Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission (TNRCC), Texas Department of Transportation, Railroad Commission of Texas, Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board, and General Land Office. The work group discussed federal fishery actions, management of the state's public beaches, EPA-established Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs), amendments to bring the Council's rules up to date with changes in federal law, clarifying amendments, and amendments that would simplify the consistency review process. The work group prepared recommended rule revisions addressing all of these issues except management of the state's public beaches. The recommended rule revisions were presented at the Council's meeting in Corpus Christi on March 29, 2000, and approved by the Council for publication in the Texas Register as proposed amendments.

SUMMARY OF THE PROPOSED AMENDMENTS

The proposed amendment to §501.3(b)(15), relating to the definition of "waters of the open Gulf of Mexico," clarifies that this coastal natural resource area includes the fishery habitat and fishery resources within the area.

The proposed amendment to §501.4(b), relating to General Procedures, deletes the requirement that the Council meet in specific months. The Coastal Coordination Act (the Act) requires only that the Council meet once in each calendar quarter. Texas Natural Resources Code, §33.204(b). This amendment revises the CMP rules to conform to the Act.

The proposed amendments to §501.4(e) , relating to General Procedures, change the deadline for the submission of agenda items by Council members to 21 days prior to a meeting from the current 14 days prior, allow the Council Secretary to notify the Council Members of the agenda via electronic mail, and clarify that the time periods under this subsection are measured in calendar days.

Proposed §501.4(h) , relating to General Procedures, adds a new subsection that describes general rules for the CMP Grants Program. This proposed amendment codifies the Council's existing policies and practices regarding the CMP Grants Program. Each year, the Council receives grant funds from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration for the implementation of the CMP. The Council passes through the majority of these funds to coastal local governments and other qualified entities for the planning and implementation of projects that address environmental problems affecting the coastal area, to promote sustainable economic development, and otherwise further the CMP goals and policies. For each year or for each grant cycle, the Council promulgates guidance for the CMP Grants Program describing the deadlines, schedule, eligibility requirements, funding policies, and approval process.

The proposed amendment to §501.14(f)(1)(D), relating to policies for the discharge of municipal and industrial wastewaters to coastal waters, expands the Council's existing policy for the establishment of TMDLs to require the use of scientifically valid models calibrated and validated with monitored data and with public input from affected stakeholders.

Proposed §501.14(t), relating to policies for marine fishery management, establishes a new policy for the promulgation of fishery management measures by the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS). The Council asked that the work group draft policies for fishery management measures after Texas fishers raised concerns regarding the effectiveness of management measures for the Red Snapper Fishery, recently proposed by NMFS, and the impact of these management measures on Texas fishers. Council staff presented a report on federal fisheries policies at the Council's December 2, 1999, meeting in Galveston. In developing these policies, the work group worked closely with TPWD and reviewed federal fishery policies as well as fishery policies from Texas, Florida, and other states. The proposed policies for fishery management measures require that fishery management measures conserve fishery resources, be based on the best information available, and be fair and equitable to all of the people of the state.

Concurrent with this rulemaking, the Council is proposing the adoption of a general consistency concurrence to affirm the TPWD's primacy in the determination of Texas' fishery management policies and to ensure that the Council's review of federal management measures for consistency with the CMP goals and policies is consistent with the TPWD's state fishery management policies. The proposed general consistency concurrence would find that where NMFS promulgates, as a federal rule, fishery management measures that incorporate and adopt the TPWD's state fishery management policies, the Council deems the federal fishery management measures to be consistent with the CMP goals and policies. A copy of the proposed general consistency concurrence may be obtained by writing to Ms. Janet Fatheree, Secretary, Coastal Coordination Council, P.O. Box 12872, Austin, Texas 78711-2873, janet.fatheree@glo.state.tx.us, facsimile 512/475-0680.

FINDINGS

Ms. Ashley K. Wadick, Deputy Commissioner for Resource Management has determined that during the first five-year period the proposed amendments will be in effect there will be no fiscal implications for state or local governments. Ms. Wadick has determined that for each year of the first five-year period the proposed amendments will be in effect the public benefit will result in improved public involvement in resource management decisions and the use of current and best available scientific data for resource management decisions. Ms. Wadick has determined that for each year of the first five-year period the proposed amendments will be in effect the effect on small businesses will be neutral. Ms. Wadick has determined that for each year of the first five-year period the proposed amendments will be in effect that there will be no economic cost to persons who are required to comply with the amendments to the Council's administrative policies.

Pursuant to Texas Government Code §2001.0225, a regulatory analysis is not required for the proposed amendments as a "major environmental rule." Under the Government Code, a major environmental rule is a rule the specific intent of which is to protect the environment or reduce risks to human health from environmental exposure and that may adversely affect, in a material way, the economy, a sector of the economy, productivity, competition, jobs, the environment, or the public health and safety of the state or a sector of the state. A regulatory analysis is required only when a major environmental rule exceeds a standard set by federal law, exceeds an express requirement of state law, exceeds a requirement of a delegation agreement or contract between the state and an agency or representative of the federal government to implement a state or federal program, or are adopted solely under the general powers of the Council. The proposed amendments do not exceed a standard set by federal law, exceed an express requirement of state law, exceed a requirement of a delegation agreement or contract between the state and an agency or representative of the federal government to implement a state or federal program, or are adopted solely under the general powers of the Council.

The General Land Office has assisted the Council in preparing a takings impact assessment for these proposed amendments and determined that the amendments will not result in the taking of private real property. To receive a copy of the takings impact assessment, please send a written request to Ms. Melinda Tracy, Texas Register Liaison, General Land Office, P.O. Box 12873, Austin, Texas 78711-2873, melinda.tracy@glo.state.tx.us, facsimile 512/463-6311.

PUBLIC COMMENT

Comments on the proposed amendments may be submitted to Ms. Melinda Tracy, Texas Register Liaison, General Land Office, P.O. Box 12873, Austin, Texas 78711-2873, melinda.tracy@glo.state.tx.us, facsimile 512/463-6311. In order to be considered, comments must be received by 5 p.m., on Monday, June 19, 2000. A public hearing on the proposed amendments will be held in conjunction with the meeting of the Council's Executive Committee T:\WPDATA\TAC\Proposed Filings\501prprev.docon Thursday, May 18, 2000, at 1:30 p.m. in Room 118 of the Stephen F. Austin Building, 1700 North Congress Avenue, Austin, Texas. For more information on the public hearing and the Executive Committee meeting, please write to Ms. Janet Fatheree, Secretary, Coastal Coordination Council, P.O. Box 12873, Austin, Texas 78711-2873, janet.fatheree@glo.state.tx.us, facsimile 512/475-0680 or visit the Council's web site at http://www.glo.state.tx.us/coastal/ccc.html.

Subchapter A. GENERAL PROVISIONS

31 TAC §501.3, §501.4

LEGAL AUTHORITY

These amendments are proposed under Texas Natural Resources Code §33.053(a)(2) and (4)-(7), which provide the Council with authority to analyze coastal land and water uses, identify land and water uses that would have a direct and significant impact on coastal waters, recommend incremental authority necessary to protect coastal lands and waters, inventory coastal natural resource areas (CNRAs), and describe an organizational structure for implementing and administering the CMP; §33.055 which requires that the Council hold public hearings, as deemed appropriate, to consider amendments to the CMP; §33.202 which provides that it is the policy of the state to make more effective and efficient use of public funds and to provide for more effective and efficient management of CNRAs by continually reviewing principal coastal problems of state concern and by coordinating the performance of government programs affecting CNRAs; and §33.204 which authorizes the Council to adopt by rule goals and policies for the CMP.

Natural Resources Code, §§33.053(a)(2) and (4)-(7), 33.055, 33.202, and 33.204 are affected by these proposed amendments.

§501.3.Definitions and Abbreviations.

(a)

(No change.)

(b)

The following words, terms, and phrases, when used in this chapter shall have the following meanings, with respect to CNRAs.

(1) - (14)

(No change.)

(15)

Water of the open Gulf of Mexico - Water in this state, as defined by Texas Water Code, §26.001(5), that is part of the open water of the Gulf of Mexico and that is within the territorial limits of the state , including fishery habitat and the fishery resources therein .

(16)

(No change.)

(c) - (d)

(No change.)

§501.4.General Procedures.

(a)

(No change.)

(b)

The council shall meet at least four times a year, once in each calendar quarter. [ Council meetings shall be scheduled for February, May, August, and November. ] The chair or any three members of the council may call special meetings by sending a written request to the council secretary to post notice in accordance with the Texas Open Meetings Act, Texas Government Code, Title 5, Subtitle A, Chapter 551, and sending a copy of the request to all council members.

(c) - (d)

(No change.)

(e)

Council members may set items for the agenda by submitting them in writing to the secretary at least 21 calendar [ 14 ] days before a meeting except that proposed actions that are the subject of a significant unresolved consistency dispute shall be placed on the agenda as provided in §505.34 and §505.66 of this title (relating to Referral of a Proposed Individual Agency Action to the Council for Consistency Review and Referral of Subdivision Actions to the Council for Consistency Review). The secretary shall notify all council members of the agenda by certified or overnight mail, hand-delivery, electronic mail, or telefax at least ten calendar days before each meeting. The secretary shall notify the public of meetings as required by the Texas Open Meetings Act, Texas Government Code, Title 5, Subtitle A, Chapter 551.

(f) - (g)

(No change.)

(h)

The Council shall implement a CMP Grants Program to award federal coastal management grant funds to coastal local governments and other qualified entities for the planning and implementation of projects that address environmental problems affecting the coastal area, to promote sustainable economic development, and otherwise further the CMP goals and policies. For each year or for each grant cycle, the Council shall promulgate guidance for the CMP Grants Program describing the deadlines, schedule, eligibility requirements, funding policies, and approval process.

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State, on May 5, 2000.

TRD-200003162

Larry Soward

Chief Clerk, General Land Office

Coastal Coordination Council

Earliest possible date of adoption: June 18, 2000

For further information, please call: (512) 305-9129


Subchapter B. GOALS AND POLICIES

31 TAC §501.14

This amendment is proposed under Texas Natural Resources Code §33.053(a)(2) and (4)-(7), which provide the Council with authority to analyze coastal land and water uses, identify land and water uses that would have a direct and significant impact on coastal waters, recommend incremental authority necessary to protect coastal lands and waters, inventory coastal natural resource areas (CNRAs), and describe an organizational structure for implementing and administering the CMP; §33.055 which requires that the Council hold public hearings, as deemed appropriate, to consider amendments to the CMP; §33.202 which provides that it is the policy of the state to make more effective and efficient use of public funds and to provide for more effective and efficient management of CNRAs by continually reviewing principal coastal problems of state concern and by coordinating the performance of government programs affecting CNRAs; and §33.204 which authorizes the Council to adopt by rule goals and policies for the CMP.

Natural Resources Code, §§33.053(a)(2) and (4)-(7), 33.055, 33.202, and 33.204 are affected by this proposed amendment.

§501.14.Policies for Specific Activities and Coastal Natural Resource Areas.

(a) - (e)

(No change.)

(f)

Discharge of Municipal and Industrial Wastewater to Coastal Waters.

(1)

TNRCC rules shall:

(A) - (C)

(No change.)

(D)

identify and rank waters that are not attaining designated uses and establish total maximum daily pollutant loads in accordance with those rankings using scientifically valid models calibrated and validated with monitored data and with public input from affected stakeholders ; and

(E)

(No change.)

(2) - (4)

(No change.)

(g) - (s)

(No change.)

(t)

Marine Fishery Management.

(1)

Fishery management measures shall conserve the state's renewable marine fishery resources, based upon the best available information, emphasizing protection and enhancement of the marine environment in such a manner as to provide for optimum sustained benefits and use to coastal fishing communities and to all the people of the state for present and future generations.

(2)

Fishery management measures shall:

(A)

protect the continuing health and sustainability of the marine fisheries resources of the state;

(B)

be based upon the best information available, including biological, sociological, economic, and other information deemed relevant by the council;

(C)

permit reasonable means and quantities of annual harvest, consistent with maximum practicable sustainable stock abundance on a continuing basis;

(D)

manage fish stocks as an integral biological unit, to the greatest extent practicable;

(E)

assure proper quality control of marine resources that enter commerce;

(F)

be fair and equitable to all the people of the state and, to the maximum extent practicable, be carried out so that no person acquires an excessive share of fishing privileges;

(G)

include opportunity for public review and comment on proposed management measures; and

(H)

be consistent, to the maximum extent practicable, with federal fishery management measures, rules, and fishery management plans and the rules of other states or interstate commissions.

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State, on May 5, 2000.

TRD-200003163

Larry Soward

Chief Clerk, General Land Office

Coastal Coordination Council

Earliest possible date of adoption: June 18, 2000

For further information, please call: (512) 305-9129


Chapter 505. COUNCIL PROCEDURES FOR STATE CONSISTENCY WITH COASTAL MANAGEMENT PROGRAM GOALS AND POLICIES

The Coastal Coordination Council (Council) proposes amendments to §505.30, relating to Agency Consistency Determinations, §505.31, relating to Preliminary Review of Proposed Agency Actions by the Coastal Coordination Council, §505.38, relating to Council Action on Review of a Proposed Agency Action, and §505.51 relating to Request for a Non-Binding Advisory Opinion and Council Action, as described in the following paragraphs. These amendments are proposed concurrently with proposed amendments to Chapter 501, relating to Coastal Management Program, and Chapter 506, relating to Council Procedures for Federal Consistency with Coastal Management Program Goals and Policies. Together, the proposed amendments to Chapter 505 and Chapters 501 and 506 are part of a single rulemaking action. The preamble to the proposed amendments to Chapter 501 includes a history of this rulemaking.

SUMMARY OF THE PROPOSED AMENDMENTS

The proposed amendment to §505.30, relating to Agency Consistency Determinations, deletes subsection (d) which provides for publication of notice of receipt of an application by an agency and notice to the Council Secretary. The Council's experience in implementing and administering the Coastal Management Program (CMP) has been that this provision is irrelevant and burdensome.

The proposed amendments to §505.31(c), (d) and (e), relating to the Permitting Assistance Group, delete provisions that are now duplicated by rules under Chapter 504, Subchapter A, relating to Permitting Assistance. The remaining subsections (c) and (d) are reformatted for clarity.

The proposed amendment to §505.38(a), relating to Council Action on Review of a Proposed Agency Action, clarifies that, if the Council protests a proposed action, the Council must submit its findings to the agency or subdivision proposing the action within 26 days after the date the agency or subdivision proposed the action.

The proposed amendment to §505.51(b), relating to Request for a Non-Binding Advisory Opinion and Council Action, clarifies that the Council must consider a general plan within 90 days of receiving the request.

FINDINGS

Ms. Ashley K. Wadick, Deputy Commissioner for Resource Management has determined that during the first five-year period the proposed amendments will be in effect there will be no fiscal implications for state or local governments. Ms. Wadick has determined that for each year of the first five-year period the proposed amendments will be in effect a public benefit will be provided through a clearer statement of the Council's procedures. Ms. Wadick has determined that for each year of the first five-year period the proposed amendments will be in effect that there will be no effect on small businesses. Ms. Wadick has determined that for each year of the first five-year period the proposed amendments will be in effect that there will be no economic cost to persons who are required to comply with these procedural amendments.

Pursuant to Texas Government Code §2001.0225, a regulatory analysis is not required for the proposed amendments as a "major environmental rule." Under the Government Code, a major environmental rule is a rule the specific intent of which is to protect the environment or reduce risks to human health from environmental exposure and that may adversely affect, in a material way, the economy, a sector of the economy, productivity, competition, jobs, the environment, or the public health and safety of the state or a sector of the state. A regulatory analysis is required only when a major environmental rule exceeds a standard set by federal law, exceeds an express requirement of state law, exceeds a requirement of a delegation agreement or contract between the state and an agency or representative of the federal government to implement a state or federal program, or are adopted solely under the general powers of the Council. The proposed amendments do not exceed a standard set by federal law, exceed an express requirement of state law, exceed a requirement of a delegation agreement or contract between the state and an agency or representative of the federal government to implement a state or federal program, or are adopted solely under the general powers of the Council.

The General Land Office has assisted the Council in preparing a takings impact assessment for these proposed amendments and determined that the amendments will not result in the taking of private real property. To receive a copy of the takings impact assessment, please send a written request to Ms. Melinda Tracy, Texas Register Liaison, General Land Office, P.O. Box 12873, Austin, Texas 78711-2873, melinda.tracy@glo.state.tx.us, facsimile 512/463-6311.

Comments on the proposed amendments may be submitted to Ms. Melinda Tracy, Texas Register Liaison, General Land Office, P.O. Box 12873, Austin, Texas 78711-2873, melinda.tracy@glo.state.tx.us, facsimile 512/463-6311. In order to be considered, comments must be received by 5 p.m., on Monday, June 19, 2000. A public hearing on the proposed amendments will be held in conjunction with the meeting of the Council's Executive Committee on Thursday, May 18, 2000, at 1:30 p.m. in Room 118 of the Stephen F. Austin Building, 1700 North Congress Avenue, Austin, Texas. For more information on the public hearing and the Executive Committee meeting, please write to Ms. Janet Fatheree, Secretary, Coastal Coordination Council, P.O. Box 12873, Austin, Texas 78711-2873, janet.fatheree@glo.state.tx.us, facsimile 512/475-0680 or visit the Council's web site at http://www.glo.state.tx.us/coastal/ccc.html.

Subchapter C. CONSISTENCY AND COUNCIL REVIEW OF PROPOSED STATE AGENCY ACTIONS

31 TAC §§505.30, 505.31, 505.38

LEGAL AUTHORITY

These amendments are proposed under Texas Natural Resources Code §33.053(a)(7), which provides the Council with authority to describe an organizational structure for implementing and administering the CMP; §33.055 which requires that the Council hold public hearings, as deemed appropriate, to consider amendments to the CMP; §33.202 which provides that it is the policy of the state to make more effective and efficient use of public funds and to provide for more effective and efficient management of coastal natural resource areas (CNRAs) by continually reviewing principal coastal problems of state concern and by coordinating the performance of government programs affecting CNRAs; and §33.204 which authorizes the Council to adopt by rule goals and policies for the CMP.

Natural Resources Code, §§33.053(a)(7), 33.055, 33.202, and 33.204 are affected by these proposed amendments.

§505.30.Agency Consistency Determination.

(a) - (c)

(No change.)

(d)

When publishing notice of receipt of an application or request for agency proposed action, the agency shall include a statement that the application or requested action is subject to the CMP and must be consistent with the CMP goals and policies. [ The agency shall include the council secretary on any public notice list maintained by the agency for proposed actions subject to the CMP. Upon proposal of an action listed on §505.11(a) of this title (relating to Actions and Rules Subject to the Coastal Management Program), the agency shall provide to the council secretary a one-page notice that an action subject to the CMP has been proposed. ]

(e)

(No change)

§505.31.Preliminary Review of Proposed Agency Actions by the Coastal Coordination Council.

(a) - (b)

(No change.)

(c)

[ The council shall create a Permitting Assistance Group. The Permitting Assistance Group shall be composed of representatives of council member agencies and other interested council members. ]

[ (1) ]

The Permitting Assistance Group shall be convened as directed by the council or as necessary to respond to a request for preliminary consistency review.

[ (2) ]

After considering the public comments received and within 45 days of receipt of a request for preliminary consistency review, the Permitting Assistance Group shall require that the following written information be produced:

(1)

[ (A) ] a statement from each agency or subdivision required to permit or approve the project as to whether the agency or subdivision anticipates approving or denying the application;

(2)

[ (B) ] if an agency or subdivision intends to deny an application, the agency's or subdivision's explanation of the grounds for denial and recommendations for resolving the grounds in a way that would allow the application to be approved;

(3)

[ (C) ] if enough information is already available, a preliminary finding as to whether the project is likely to be found consistent with the CMP goals and policies; and

(4)

[ (D) ] if the project is likely to be found inconsistent with the CMP goals and policies, an explanation and recommendation for resolving the inconsistency in a way that would allow the project to be found consistent.

(d)

[ An individual or small business may request and receive assistance with filing applications for permits or other proposed actions described by §505.11(a) of this title (relating to Actions and Rules Subject to the Coastal Management Program). The Permitting Assistance Group shall coordinate preapplication assistance and shall provide to an individual or a small business on request: ]

[ (1)

a list of the permits or other approvals necessary for the project; ]

[ (2)

a simple, understandable statement of all permit requirements; ]

[ (3)

a coordinated schedule for each agency's or subdivision's decision on the action; ]

[ (4)

a list of all the information the agencies or subdivisions need to declare an application for a permit or other approval administratively complete; ]

[ (5)

assistance in completing the applications as needed; and ]

[ (6)

if enough information is already available, and after considering all public comments, a preliminary finding as to whether the project is likely to be found consistent with the CMP goals and policies. ]

[ (e) ]

If an agency, subdivision, or applicant has received a preliminary finding of consistency under subsection (c)(3) [ (c)(2)(C) or (d)(6) ] of this section and a request for referral was filed on that action alleging a significant unresolved dispute regarding the proposed action's consistency, the council may accept the request for referral only if the agency or subdivision has substantially changed the permit or proposed action since the preliminary finding was issued.

§505.38.Council Action on Review of a Proposed Agency Action.

(a)

The council may affirm or protest an agency's proposed action. A proposed action is consistent with the CMP goals and policies and approved by the council unless the council determines the proposed action to be inconsistent with the CMP and protests the proposed action. If the council protests the proposed action, the council shall report its findings in writing to the agency or subdivision within 26 days after the date the agency or subdivision proposed the action . The report shall:

(1) - (2)

(No change.)

(b) - (c)

(No change.)

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State, on May 5, 2000.

TRD-200003164

Larry Soward

Chief Clerk, General Land Office

Coastal Coordination Council

Earliest possible date of adoption: June 18, 2000

For further information, please call: (512) 305-9129


Subchapter D. COUNCIL ADVISORY OPINIONS ON GENERAL PLANS

31 TAC §505.51

The amendment is proposed under Texas Natural Resources Code §33.053(a)(7), which provides the Council with authority to describe an organizational structure for implementing and administering the CMP; §33.055 which requires that the Council hold public hearings, as deemed appropriate, to consider amendments to the CMP; §33.202 which provides that it is the policy of the state to make more effective and efficient use of public funds and to provide for more effective and efficient management of CNRAs by continually reviewing principal coastal problems of state concern and by coordinating the performance of government programs affecting CNRAs; and §33.204 which authorizes the Council to adopt by rule goals and policies for the CMP.

Natural Resources Code, §§33.053(a)(7), 33.055, 33.202, and 33.204 are affected by the proposed amendment.

§505.51.Request for a Non-Binding Advisory Opinion and Council Action.

(a)

(No change.)

(b)

The request for an advisory opinion shall be submitted in writing to the council secretary. The council secretary shall forward copies of the request to all council members. The council shall consider the general plan within 90 days of receiving the request [ at the first reasonable opportunity ].

(c) - (e)

(No change.)

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State, on May 5, 2000.

TRD-200003165

Larry Soward

Chief Clerk, General Land Office

Coastal Coordination Council

Earliest possible date of adoption: June 18, 2000

For further information, please call: (512) 305-9129


Chapter 506. COUNCIL PROCEDURES FOR FEDERAL CONSISTENCY WITH COASTAL MANAGEMENT PROGRAM GOALS AND POLICIES

31 TAC §§506.11, 506.12, 506.20, 506.24 - 506.26, 506.32 - 506.34, 506.41, 506.42

The Coastal Coordination Council (Council) proposes amendments to §506.11, relating to Definitions; §506.12, relating to Federal Agency Actions, Federal Agency Activities and Development Projects, and Outer Continental Shelf Plans Subject to the Coastal Management Program; §506.20, relating to Consistency Determinations for Federal Agency Activities and Development Projects; §506.24, relating to Consistency Determinations for Federal Agency Activities Initiated Prior to Federal Approval of the Coastal Management Program; §506.25, relating to Public Notice and Comment; §506.26, Referral of Federal Agency Activities; §506.32, Public Notice and Comment; §506.33, relating to Referral of Federal Agency Action; §506.34, relating to Council Hearing to Review a Federal Agency Action; §506.41, Public Notice and Comment, and §506.42, relating to Referral of an Outer Continental Shelf Plan, as described in the following paragraphs.

These amendments are proposed concurrently with proposed amendments to Chapter 501, relating to Coastal Management Program, and Chapter 505, relating to Council Procedures for State Consistency with Coastal Management Program Goals and Policies. Together, the proposed amendments to Chapter 506 and Chapters 501 and 505 are part of a single rulemaking action. The preamble to the proposed amendments to Chapter 501 includes a history of this rulemaking.

SUMMARY OF THE PROPOSED AMENDMENTS

The proposed amendments to §506.11, relating to Definitions, provide definitions for the terms "administratively complete" and "federal development project." The definition for "federal development project" is the same as the federal definition at Code of Federal Regulations, Title 15, §930.31(b). Please note, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has recently proposed changes to the Coastal Zone Management Act Federal Consistency Regulations (65 Fed. Reg. 20,270 (April 14, 2000)). The proposed rule may also be found at www.nara.gov.

The proposed amendments to §506.12(a)(1)(F) and (b)(1)(A), relating to Federal Agency Actions, Federal Agency Activities and Development Projects, and Outer Continental Shelf Plans Subject to the Coastal Management Program, list as federal agency activities subject to the CMP the promulgation of fishery management measures by the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS). Under the proposed amendments to Chapter 501, proposed §501.14(t), relating to marine fishery management policies, would establish a specific enforceable policy that would apply to the promulgation of fishery management measures by NMFS. The proposed amendment to §506.12(a)(2)(A)(iv) lists as a federal agency activity subject to the CMP the development of total maximum daily loads (TMDLs) and associated federally developed TMDL implementation plans by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency under the Clean Water Act 33 U.S.C. §1313. The proposed amendments to §506.12(a)(2)(A)(iii), (a)(2)(B)(iii)-(iv), (a)(2)(C)(i)-(ii), (a)(2)(D), (a)(2)(E)(i)-(iii), (a)(2)(F), and (b)(2)(A)(i)-(ii), add clarifying terms to clearly identify the listed actions and to conform to changes in federal law.

The proposed amendments to §506.12(f), relating to Federal Agency Actions, Federal Agency Activities and Development Projects, and Outer Continental Shelf Plans Subject to the Coastal Management Program, provide for the one-time review of federal agency activities that are not listed in subsection (a)(1) of this section, clarify the references to other subsections, and reformat the subsection for ease in reading. Section 506.12(f) currently provides for the one-time review of federal agency license or permits actions. The proposed amendments will allow for the one-time review of federal agency activities other than those listed under §506.12(a)(1) and (b)(1). Following the one-time review of an unlisted federal agency action or activity, the Council must amend the list of actions and activities described in §506.12(a) before the Council may again review the action or activity that was subject to one-time review.

The proposed amendment to §506.20, relating to Consistency Determinations for Federal Agency Activities and Development Projects, creates a new subsection (d) that provides that the consistency determination for fishery management measures promulgated by NMFS will be reviewed by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD). The purpose of this provision is to affirm TPWD's primacy in the determination of Texas' fishery management policies and to ensure that the Council's review of federal management measures for consistency with the CMP goals and policies is consistent with the TPWD's state fishery management policies. As provided under §506.26 of this title, relating to Referral of Federal Agency Activities, the Council will review a fishery management measure promulgated by NMFS if three or more Council members agree that the management measure presents a significant unresolved issue regarding consistency with the CMP goals and policies.

Concurrent with this rulemaking, the Council is proposing the adoption of a general consistency concurrence to affirm the TPWD's primacy in the determination of Texas' fishery management policies and to ensure that the Council's review of federal management measures for consistency with the CMP goals and policies is consistent with the TPWD's state fishery management policies. The proposed general consistency concurrence would find that where NMFS promulgates, as a federal rule, fishery management measures that incorporate and adopt the TPWD's state fishery management policies, the Council deems the federal fishery management measures to be consistent with the CMP goals and policies. A copy of the proposed general consistency concurrence may be obtained by writing to Ms. Janet Fatheree, Secretary, Coastal Coordination Council, P.O. Box 12873, Austin, Texas 78711-2873, janet.fatheree@glo.state.tx.us, facsimile (512) 475-0680.

The proposed amendment to §506.24(c), relating to Consistency Determinations for Federal Agency Activities Initiated Prior to Federal Approval of the Coastal Management Program, revises the provision relating to consistency determinations for the United States Army Corps of Engineers' ongoing maintenance of commercially navigable waterways to include a reference to the amendments to the Memorandum of Agreement Between the Texas Coastal Coordination Council and the United States Army Corps of Engineers, dated October 27, 1994, that have been approved since this section was adopted.

The proposed amendments to §506.25(a)-(b), relating to Public Notice and Comment; §506.32(a)-(b), relating to Public Notice and Comment; and §506.41(a)-(b), relating to Public Notice and Comment, provide for the publication of notice of a consistency determination on the Council's web site as well as in the Texas Register and provide that the 30-day public comment period will be measured from the date of publication on the Council's web site.

The proposed amendments to §506.25(a), relating to Public Notice and Comment; §505.26(c)-(e), relating to Referral of Federal Agency Activities; §506.32(a), relating to Public Notice and Comment; §506.33(b)-(e), relating to Referral of Federal Agency Action; §506.34(a), relating to Council Hearing to Review a Federal Agency Action; §506.41(a), relating to Public Notice and Comment; and §506.41(b)-(e), relating to Referral of an Outer Continental Shelf Plan, use the defined term "administratively complete" to note that the deadlines for the Council's review of a consistency determination will be determined from the date when the consistency determination is "administratively complete," as defined in § 506.11.

FINDINGS

Ms. Ashley K. Wadick, Deputy Commissioner for Resource Management has determined that during the first five-year period the proposed amendments will be in effect there will be no fiscal implications for state or local governments. Ms. Wadick has determined that for each year of the first five-year period the proposed amendments will be in effect the public benefit will be provided through a clarification and improved efficiency of the Council's procedures and by making federal agency activities, relating to the management of fishery resources and the development of TMDLs, more accountable to the people of Texas. The provision for the one-time review of federal agency activities will also provide the Council with greater flexibility for reviewing federal agency activities.

Ms. Wadick has determined that for each year of the first five-year period the proposed amendments will be in effect that there will be no effect on small businesses. Ms. Wadick has determined that for each year of the first five-year period the proposed amendments will be in effect that there will be no economic cost to persons who are required to comply with the amendments. The proposed adjustments to the Council's deadlines for review of administratively complete consistency determinations are unlikely to require any additional costs for compliance. Under the existing CMP rules, an applicant is required to submit all of the information identified as necessary to permit an assessment of the probable effects of the proposed activity and its associated facilities on coastal natural resource areas. No costs are anticipated to result from complying with these proposed amendments.

Pursuant to Texas Government Code §2001.0225, a regulatory analysis is not required for the proposed amendments as a "major environmental rule." Under the Government Code, a major environmental rule is a rule the specific intent of which is to protect the environment or reduce risks to human health from environmental exposure and that may adversely affect, in a material way, the economy, a sector of the economy, productivity, competition, jobs, the environment, or the public health and safety of the state or a sector of the state. A regulatory analysis is required only when a major environmental rule exceeds a standard set by federal law, exceeds an express requirement of state law, exceeds a requirement of a delegation agreement or contract between the state and an agency or representative of the federal government to implement a state or federal program, or are adopted solely under the general powers of the Council. The proposed amendments do not exceed a standard set by federal law, exceed an express requirement of state law, exceed a requirement of a delegation agreement or contract between the state and an agency or representative of the federal government to implement a state or federal program, or are adopted solely under the general powers of the Council.

The General Land Office has assisted the Council in preparing a takings impact assessment for these proposed amendments and determined that the amendments will not result in the taking of private real property. To receive a copy of the takings impact assessment, please send a written request to Ms. Melinda Tracy, Texas Register Liaison, General Land Office, P.O. Box 12873, Austin, Texas 78711-2873, melinda.tracy@glo.state.tx.us, facsimile (512) 463-6311.

PUBLIC COMMENT

Comments on the proposed amendments may be submitted to Ms. Melinda Tracy, Texas Register Liaison, General Land Office, P.O. Box 12873, Austin, Texas 78711-2873, melinda.tracy@glo.state.tx.us, facsimile (512) 463-6311. In order to be considered, comments must be received by 5 p.m., on Monday, June 19, 2000. A public hearing on the proposed amendments will be held in conjunction with the meeting of the Council's Executive Committee on Thursday, May 18, 2000, at 1:30 p.m. in Room 118 of the Stephen F. Austin Building, 1700 North Congress Avenue, Austin, Texas. For more information on the public hearing and the Executive Committee meeting, please write to Ms. Janet Fatheree, Secretary, Coastal Coordination Council, P.O. Box 12873, Austin, Texas 78711-2873, janet.fatheree@glo.state.tx.us, facsimile (512) 475-0680 or visit the Council's web site at http://www.glo.state.tx.us/coastal/ccc.html.

LEGAL AUTHORITY

These amendments are proposed under Texas Natural Resources Code §33.053(a)(2), (4)-(7), and (10), which provide the Council with authority to analyze coastal land and water uses, identify land and water uses that would have a direct and significant impact on coastal waters, recommend incremental authority necessary to protect coastal lands and waters, inventory coastal natural resource areas (CNRAs), describe an organizational structure for implementing and administering the CMP, and list each federal activity that may have a direct and significant detrimental impact on CNRAs; §33.055 which requires that the Council hold public hearings, as deemed appropriate, to consider amendments to the CMP; §33.202 which provides that it is the policy of the state to make more effective and efficient use of public funds and to provide for more effective and efficient management of CNRAs by continually reviewing principal coastal problems of state concern and by coordinating the performance of government programs affecting CNRAs; §33.204 which authorizes the Council to adopt by rule goals and policies for the CMP; and §33.206(d) which authorizes the Council to adopt procedural rules for the review of federal actions, activities, and outer continental shelf plans.

Natural Resources Code, §§33.053(a)(2), (4)-(7), and (10), 33.055, 33.202, 33.204, and 33.206(d) are affected by these proposed amendments.

§506.11. Definitions.

The following words, terms, and phrases, when used in this chapter, shall have the following meanings, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

(1)

Administratively complete -- A consistency determination shall be determined to be administratively complete when the Council has received the information identified in §506.20 (relating to Consistency Determinations for Federal Agency Activities and Development Projects), §506.30 (relating to Consistency Certifications for Federal Agency Actions), and §506.40 (relating to Consistency Certifications for Outer Continental Shelf Plans).

(2)

[ (1) ] Applicant -- Any individual, public or private corporation, partnership, association, or other entity organized or existing under the laws of any state, or any state, regional, or local government that, following management program approval, files an application for a federal agency action to conduct an activity affecting the coastal zone.

(3)

[ (2) ] Applicant agency -- Any agency or subdivision or any related public entity such as a special purpose district, which, following federal CMP approval, submits an application for federal assistance.

(4)

[ (3) ] Assistant administrator -- The assistant administrator for Coastal Zone Management, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, United States Department of Commerce.

(5)

[ (4) ] Associated facilities -- All proposed facilities:

(A)

which are specifically designed, located, constructed, operated, adapted, or otherwise used, in full or in major part, to meet the needs of a federal action (e.g., activity, development project, license, permit, or assistance); and

(B)

without which the federal action, as proposed, could not be conducted.

(6)

[ (5) ] CMP boundary -- The CMP boundary established in §503.1 of this title (relating to the Coastal Management Program Boundary).

(7)

[ (6) ] Coastal area -- The geographic area comprising all the counties in Texas which have any tidewater shoreline, including that portion of the bed and water of the Gulf of Mexico within the jurisdiction of the State of Texas.

(8)

[ (7) ] Coastal zone -- The portion of the coastal area located within the boundaries established by the CMP under Texas Natural Resources Code, §33.2053(k), and described in Chapter 503 of this title (relating to Coastal Management Program Boundary).

(9)

[ (8) ] Consistency certification -- The statement submitted by an applicant for a federal agency action subject to federal consistency review certifying that the proposed activity requiring the federal agency action is consistent with the CMP goals and policies.

(10)

[ (9) ] Consistency determination -- The statement and supporting documentation submitted by a federal agency undertaking or planning a federal agency activity subject to federal consistency review certifying that the federal agency activity is consistent with the CMP goals and policies to the maximum extent practicable.

(11)

[ (10) ] Consistent to the maximum extent practicable -- Being fully consistent with the CMP unless compliance is prohibited based upon the requirements of existing law.

(12)

[ (11) ] Federal agency action -- A federal license or permit that a federal agency may issue that represents the proposed federal authorization, approval, or certification needed by the applicant to begin an activity. An action to renew, amend, or modify an existing license or permit shall not be considered an action subject to the CMP if the action only extends the time period of the existing authorization without authorizing new or additional work or activities, would not increase pollutant loads to coastal waters or result in relocation of a wastewater outfall to a critical area, or is not otherwise directly relevant to the policies in §501.14 of this title (relating to Policies for Specific Activities and Coastal Natural Resource Areas).

(13)

[ (12) ] Federal agency activity -- A function that is performed by or for a federal agency in the exercise of its statutory responsibility, including financial assistance, the planning, construction, modification, or removal or a public work, facility, or any other structure, and the acquisition, use, or disposal of land or water resources. The term does not include the issuance of a federal license or permit.

(14)

[ (13) ] Federal assistance -- Assistance provided under a federal program to an applicant agency through grant or contractual arrangements, loans, subsidies, guarantees, insurance, or other forms of financial aid. Except as otherwise requested by the applicant agency, council review of federal assistance for consistency with the CMP goals and policies is limited to federal programmatic requirements for project level funding. Agency management decisions such as funding priorities and allocation of funds among various projects are not subject to review. For purposes of the review procedures in this chapter, the term includes only the transfer or commitment of funds from the federal agency directly to an applicant agency.

(15)

Federal development project -- A Federal activity involving the planning, construction, modification, or removal of public works, facilities, or other structures, and the acquisition, utilization, or disposal of land or water resources.

(16)

[ (14) ] Federal license or permit -- Any authorization, certification, approval, or other form of permission which any federal agency is empowered to issue to an applicant.

(17)

[ (15) ] Interagency coordination group -- For purposes of the general agreement in §506.28 of this title (relating to General Consistency Agreements), a group established to review proposed federal development projects and whose duties include, among other things, advising on the consistency determination. Voting members of the group shall include, at a minimum, representatives of the local project sponsor and federal and state natural resource and regulatory agencies with jurisdiction over the project. The group shall seek and promote broad participation by local governments and coastal citizen groups.

(18)

[ (16) ] Outer continental shelf (OCS) plan -- A plan for the exploration or development of, or production from, an area leased under the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act ( 43 United States Code Annotated, §§1331-1356) and the rules adopted under that Act that is submitted to the secretary of the United States Department of the Interior after federal approval of the CMP.

(19)

[ (17) ] State single point of contact -- The state single point of contact for the Texas Review and Comment System as defined by 1 TAC §5.194 (concerning Definitions).

§506.12. Federal Agency Actions, Federal Agency Activities and Development Projects, and Outer Continental Shelf Plans Subject to the Coastal Management Program.

(a)

For purposes of this section, the following federal actions within the CMP boundary may adversely affect coastal natural resource areas (CNRAs):

(1)

Federal Agency Activities and Development Projects:

(A) - (E)

(No change.)

(F)

National Marine Fisheries Service. Promulgation of fishery management measures for the Gulf of Mexico under 16 United States Code Annotated, §1854; and

(G)

[ (F) ] All federal agencies:

(i)

all other development projects; and

(ii)

natural resource restoration plans developed pursuant to the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 (33 United States Code Annotated §§2701-2761) and the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (42 United States Code Annotated §§9601-9675);

(iii)

natural resource restoration or mitigation plans developed as a result of enforcement actions for violations of §10 of the Rivers and Harbors Act or §404 of the Clean Water Act.

(2)

Federal Agency Actions:

(A)

Environmental Protection Agency:

(i) - (ii)

(No change.)

(iii)

approvals of land disposal of wastes under 42 United States Code Annotated, §6924(d); [ and ]

(iv)

development of total maximum daily loads (TMDLs) and associated federally developed TMDL implementation plans under 33 United States Code Annotated, §1313; and

(v)

[ (iv) ] approvals of National Estuary Program Comprehensive Conservation Management Plans under 33 United States Code Annotated, §1330f;

(B)

United States Army Corps of Engineers:

(i) -(ii)

(No change.)

(iii)

permits under §9 of the River and Harbor Act of 1899, 33 United States Code Annotated, §401;

(iv)

permits under §10 of the River and Harbor Act of 1899, 33 United States Code Annotated, §403; and

(v)

(No change.)

(C)

United Stated Department of Transportation:

(i)

approvals under §7(a) of the Federal-Aid Highway Amendments Act of 1963, 23 United States Code Annotated, §106; and

(ii)

approvals under §502 of the General Bridge Act of 1946, 33 United States Code Annotated, §525;

(D)

Federal Aviation Administration. Airport operating certificates [ Certificates ] under 49 United States Code Annotated, §44702 [ §1432 ];

(E)

Federal Energy Regulatory Commission:

(i)

certificates under §7 of the Natural Gas Act, 15 United States Code Annotated, §717f;

(ii)

licenses under §4 of the Federal Power Act, 16 United States Code Annotated, §797(e); and

(iii)

exemptions under §403 of the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978, 16 United States Code Annotated, §2705(d);

(F)

Nuclear Regulatory Commission. Licenses under §103 of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, 42 United States Code Annotated, §2133.

(3)

(No change.)

(b)

For purposes of this section, the following are federal actions outside the CMP boundary but within OCS waters, or on excluded federal land located within the coastal zone, that may adversely affect CNRAs.

(1)

Federal Activities and Development Projects:

(A)

National Marine Fisheries Service. Promulgation of fishery management measures for the Gulf of Mexico under 16 United States Code Annotated, §1854; and

(B)

All federal agencies. Activities in OCS waters or within the coastal zone occurring within federal lands excluded from the CMP boundary but which may adversely affect CNRAs.

(2)

Federal Agency Actions:

(A)

United States Department of the Interior:

(i)

permits under §11 of the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act, 43 United States Code Annotated, §1340, in OCS waters; and

(ii)

rights-of-way under §5(e) of the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act, 43 United States Code Annotated, §1334(e), in OCS waters;

(B) - (D)

(No change.)

(3)

(No change.)

(c) - (e)

(No change.)

(f)

On a one-time basis, and subject to the provisions of paragraph (1) of this subsection and federal law, the council may elect to review a proposed federal agency activity of a type that is not listed in subsection (a)(1) of this section, a proposed federal license or permit action of a type that is not listed in subsection (a)(2) [ §506.12(a)(2) ] of this section, [ title ] or a state or local government application for federal assistance of a type that is not listed in subsection (a)(3) [ §506.12(a)(3) ] of this section [ title ].

(1)

Once the council has reviewed a proposed federal agency activity of a type that is not listed in subsection (a)(1) of this section, the council may not review any other proposed federal agency activity of that type under this subsection.

(2)

Once the council has reviewed a proposed federal license or permit action of a type that is not listed in subsection (a)(2) [ §506.12(a)(2) ] of this section [ title ], the council may not review any other proposed federal license or permit action of that type under this subsection [ unless the council amends §506.12(a)(2) of this title to add the federal license or permit action to the list of such actions in §506.12(a)(2) of this title ].

(3)

Once the council has reviewed a state or local government application for federal assistance of a type that is not specifically listed in subsection (a)(3) [ §506.12(a)(3) ] of this section [ title ], the council may not review any other state or local government application for federal assistance of that type under this subsection [ unless the council amends §506.12(a)(3) of this title to add that specific type of action to the list of such actions in §506.12(a)(3) of this title ].

(4)

[ (2) ] Except as provided in this subsection, the list of federal actions described in subsection (a) [ §506.12(a)(2) and (3) ] of this section [ title ] is an exclusive list of federal agency activities, licenses and permits and state and local government applications for federal assistance that are subject to council review. The council may amend the list of actions and activities described in subsection (a) [ §506.12(a)(2) and (3) ] of this section [ title ] from time to time, and any federal actions or activities described in such amended lists shall be subject to council review.

(g)

(No change.)

§506.20. Consistency Determinations for Federal Agency Activities and Development Projects.

(a) - (c)

(No change.)

(d)

For fishery management measures for the Gulf of Mexico promulgated by the National Marine Fisheries Service, the consistency determination shall be reviewed by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD). TPWD shall give to the Council regular reports on such consistency reviews. Fishery management measures may be referred to the council for review as described under §506.26 of this title (relating to Referral of Federal Agency Activities).

§506.24. Consistency Determinations for Federal Agency Activities Initiated Prior to Federal Approval of the Coastal Management Program.

(a) - (b)

(No change.)

(c)

The council shall review consistency determinations for the United States Army Corps of Engineers' ongoing maintenance of commercially navigable waterways as provided in the Memorandum of Agreement Between the Texas Coastal Coordination Council and the United States Army Corps of Engineers (Review of Coastal Maintenance Dredging Activities for Consistency with the Goals and Policies of the Texas Coastal Management Program, dated October 27, 1994 , and subsequent amendments ).

§506.25. Public Notice and Comment.

(a)

Upon receipt of an administratively complete [ a ] consistency determination for a federal agency activity, the council secretary shall publish notice of the consistency determination on the council's web site and in the Texas Register.

(b)

The public notice shall provide a summary of the proposed federal agency activity, announce the availability of the consistency determination for inspection, and request comment on whether the federal agency activity should be referred to the council for review and whether the activity is or is not consistent with the CMP goals and policies. Comments shall be submitted to the council secretary within 30 days of publication on the council's web site [ in the Texas Register ].

(c) - (d)

(No change.)

§506.26. Referral of Federal Agency Activities.

(a) - (b)

(No change.)

(c)

The council secretary shall place the action on the agenda of the earliest council meeting at which consideration of the federal agency activity is reasonably practicable. If no regularly scheduled council meeting will allow the council to complete a review of the action and notify the federal agency of its decision within 45 days of receipt of the administratively complete consistency determination [ certification ], the council secretary shall notify the chair, who shall schedule a special meeting.

(d)

If the council places an action on its agenda, but will not be able to complete a review and notify the federal agency within 45 days of the date the council secretary receives an administratively complete [ a ] consistency determination [ with all required information ], then the chair shall notify the federal agency of the status of the review and the basis for further delay and request an extension of time to review the matter.

(e)

The federal agency may presume council agreement with the federal agency's consistency determination 45 days after the date the council secretary receives an administratively complete [ a ] consistency determination [ with all required information ], unless the chair or any three members of the council request an extension of time to review the matter. Federal agencies shall approve the first request for an extension of 15 days or less. In considering whether a longer or additional extension period is appropriate, federal agencies should consider the magnitude and complexity of, or the information contained in, the consistency determination.

(f)

(No change.)

§506.32. Public Notice and Comment.

(a)

Upon receipt of an administratively complete [ a ] consistency certification for a proposed federal agency action, the council secretary shall publish public notice of the consistency certification on the council's web site and in the Texas Register .

(b)

The public notice shall provide a summary of the proposed activity, announce the availability of the consistency certification for inspection, and request comment on whether the federal agency action should be referred to the council for review and whether the action is or is not consistent with the CMP goals and policies. Comments shall be submitted to the council secretary within 30 days of publication of the notice on the council's web site [ in the Texas Register ].

(c) - (d)

(No change.)

§506.33. Referral of Federal Agency Action.

(a)

(No change.)

(b)

To refer a federal agency action, any three members must submit the request for referral to the council secretary in writing within 45 days of receipt of the administratively complete consistency certification.

(c)

The council secretary shall add the action to the agenda of the earliest council meeting at which consideration of the action is reasonably practicable. If no regularly scheduled council meeting will allow the council to complete a review of the action within 90 days of receipt of the administratively complete consistency certification, the council secretary shall notify the chair, who shall schedule a special meeting.

(d)

If the council has not issued a decision with respect to a proposed federal agency action within 45 days of the date when the council secretary receives an administratively complete [ a ] consistency certification [ with all required information ], then the chair shall notify the applicant and the federal agency of the status of the review and the basis for further delay.

(e)

If any three members of the council do not refer a proposed federal agency action to the council within 45 days of the date when the council secretary receives an administratively complete [ a ] consistency certification [ with all required information ], then that proposed federal agency action is conclusively presumed to be consistent with the CMP.

§506.34. Council Hearing to Review a Federal Agency Action.

(a)

Following referral of a proposed federal agency action, the council shall consider the public comments received, the relevant CMP goals and policies, information submitted by the federal agency or applicant, and other relevant information and determine whether the proposed action is consistent with the CMP goals and policies within 90 days of the date the council secretary received the administratively complete consistency certification.

(b) - (e)

(No change.)

§506.41. Public Notice and Comment.

(a)

Upon receipt of an administratively complete [ a ] consistency certification for an OCS plan, the council secretary shall publish notice of the consistency certification on the council's web site and in the Texas Register .

(b)

The public notice shall provide a summary of the OCS plan, announce the availability of the consistency determination for inspection, and request comment on whether any part of the OCS plan relating to federal agency actions required to authorize proposed activities described in detail in the OCS plan should be referred to the council for review and whether any part is or is not consistent with the CMP goals and policies. Comments shall be submitted to the council secretary within 30 days of publication of the notice on the council's web site [ in the Texas Register ].

(c) - (d)

(No change.)

§506.42. Referral of an Outer Continental Shelf Plan.

(a)

(No change.)

(b)

To refer part of an OCS plan, three members of the council must submit the request for referral to the council secretary in writing within 45 days of receipt of the administratively complete consistency certification.

(c)

The council secretary shall place the action on the agenda of the earliest council meeting at which consideration of the action is reasonably practicable. If no regularly scheduled council meeting will allow the council to act on the action within 90 days of receipt of the administratively complete consistency certification, the council secretary shall notify the chair, who shall schedule a special meeting.

(d)

If the council has not issued a decision with respect to a matter referred under the provisions of this section within 45 days of the date when the council secretary received the administratively complete consistency certification [ with all required information ], then the chair shall notify the person submitting the plan, the secretary of the interior, and the assistant administrator of the status of the review and the basis for further delay.

(e)

If any three members of the council do not refer any federal actions that will be required to authorize an activity described in detail in an OCS plan to the council within 45 days of the date when the council secretary receives an administratively complete [ a ] consistency certification [ with all required information ], then the council's concurrence with the consistency certification shall be conclusively presumed.

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State, on May 5, 2000.

TRD-200003166

Larry Soward

Chief Clerk, General Land Office

Coastal Coordination Council

Earliest possible date of adoption: June 18, 2000

For further information, please call: (512) 305-9129