[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 233 (Wednesday, December 4, 2013)]
[Notices]
[Pages 72914-72918]
[FR Doc No: 2013-29037]

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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Federal Emergency Management Agency

[Docket ID FEMA-2013-0002; Internal Agency Docket No. FEMA-B-1354]

Changes in Flood Hazard Determinations

AGENCY: Federal Emergency Management Agency, DHS.

ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: This notice lists communities where the addition or
modification of Base Flood Elevations (BFEs), base flood depths,
Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) boundaries or zone designations, or
the regulatory floodway (hereinafter referred to as flood hazard
determinations), as shown on the Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs), and
where applicable, in the supporting Flood Insurance Study (FIS)
reports, prepared by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for
each community, is appropriate because of new scientific or technical
data. The FIRM, and where applicable, portions of the FIS report, have
been revised to reflect these flood hazard determinations through
issuance of a

Letter of Map Revision (LOMR), in accordance with Title 44, part 65 of
the Code of Federal Regulations (44 CFR part 65). The LOMR will be used
by insurance agents and others to calculate appropriate flood insurance
premium rates for new buildings and the contents of those buildings.
For rating purposes, the currently effective community number is shown
in the table below and must be used for all new policies and renewals.

DATES: These flood hazard determinations will become effective on the
dates listed in the table below and revise the FIRM panels and FIS
report in effect prior to this determination for the listed
communities.
    From the date of the second publication of notification of these
changes in a newspaper of local circulation, any person has ninety (90)
days in which to request through the community that the Deputy
Associate Administrator for Mitigation reconsider the changes. The
flood hazard determination information may be changed during the 90-day
period.

ADDRESSES: The affected communities are listed in the table below.
Revised flood hazard information for each community is available for
inspection at both the online location and the respective community map
repository address listed in the table below. Additionally, the current
effective FIRM and FIS report for each community are accessible online
through the FEMA Map Service Center at www.msc.fema.gov for comparison.
    Submit comments and/or appeals to the Chief Executive Officer of
the community as listed in the table below.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Luis Rodriguez, Chief, Engineering
Management Branch, Federal Insurance and Mitigation Administration,
FEMA, 500 C Street SW., Washington, DC 20472,<PHONE_NUMBER>, or
(email<EMAIL_ADDRESS>or visit the FEMA Map Information
eXchange (FMIX) online at www.floodmaps.fema.gov/fhm/fmx_main.html.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The specific flood hazard determinations are
not described for each community in this notice. However, the online
location and local community map repository address where the flood
hazard determination information is available for inspection is
provided.
    Any request for reconsideration of flood hazard determinations must
be submitted to the Chief Executive Officer of the community as listed
in the table below.
    The modifications are made pursuant to section 201 of the Flood
Disaster Protection Act of 1973, 42 U.S.C. 4105, and are in accordance
with the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968, 42 U.S.C. 4001 et seq.,
and with 44 CFR part 65.
    The FIRM and FIS report are the basis of the floodplain management
measures that the community is required either to adopt or to show
evidence of having in effect in order to qualify or remain qualified
for participation in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).
    These flood hazard determinations, together with the floodplain
management criteria required by 44 CFR 60.3, are the minimum that are
required. They should not be construed to mean that the community must
change any existing ordinances that are more stringent in their
floodplain management requirements. The community may at any time enact
stricter requirements of its own or pursuant to policies established by
other Federal, State, or regional entities. The flood hazard
determinations are in accordance with 44 CFR 65.4.
    The affected communities are listed in the following table. Flood
hazard determination information for each community is available for
inspection at both the online location and the respective community map
repository address listed in the table below. Additionally, the current
effective FIRM and FIS report for each community are accessible online
through the FEMA Map Service Center at www.msc.fema.gov for comparison.

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                                                      Chief executive                       Online location of
        State and county         Location and  case     officer  of       Community map       letter  of map          Effective date of       Community
                                         No.             community          repository           revision               modification             No.
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Arkansas: Washington...........  City of             The Honorable      Development        http://               February 11, 2014.........       050216
                                  Fayetteville (13-   Lioneld Jordan,    Services           www.msc.fema.gov/
                                  06-1658P).          Mayor, City of     Building, 125      lomc.
                                                      Fayetteville,      West Mountain
                                                      113 West           Street,
                                                      Mountain Street,   Fayetteville, AR
                                                      Fayetteville, AR   72701.
                                                      72701.
Georgia: Fayette...............  Unincorporated      The Honorable      Fayette County     http://               October 10, 2013..........       130432
                                  areas of Fayette    Steve Brown,       Engineering        www.bakeraecom.com/
                                  County (13-04-      Chairman,          Department, 140    index.php/georgia/
                                  0476P).             Fayette County     Stonewall Avenue   fayette-3/.
                                                      Board of           West, Suite 203,
                                                      Commissioners,     Fayetteville, GA
                                                      140 Stonewall      30214.
                                                      Avenue West,
                                                      Suite 100,
                                                      Fayetteville, GA
                                                      30214.
New Jersey: Cape May...........  City of Wildwood    The Honorable      City Hall, 4400    http://               January 13, 2014..........       345329
                                  (13-02-0099P).      Ernest Troiano,    New Jersey         www.msc.fema.gov/
                                                      Jr., Mayor, City   Avenue,            lomc.
                                                      of Wildwood,       Wildwood, NJ
                                                      4400 New Jersey    08260.
                                                      Avenue,
                                                      Wildwood, NJ
                                                      08260.
New Mexico:
    Bernalillo.................  City of             The Honorable      Development and    http://www.rampp-     October 3, 2013...........       350002
                                  Albuquerque (13-    Richard J.         Review Services    team.com/lomrs.htm.
                                  06-2237P).          Berry, Mayor,      Division, 600
                                                      City of            2nd Street
                                                      Albuquerque,       Northwest, Suite
                                                      P.O. Box 1293,     201,
                                                      Albuquerque, NM    Albuquerque, NM
                                                      87103.             87102.
    Bernalillo.................  City of             The Honorable      Development and    http://               January 6, 2014...........       350002
                                  Albuquerque (13-    Richard J.         Review Services    www.msc.fema.gov/
                                  06-2180P).          Berry, Mayor,      Division, 600      lomc.
                                                      City of            2nd Street
                                                      Albuquerque,       Northwest, Suite
                                                      P.O. Box 1293,     201,
                                                      Albuquerque, NM    Albuquerque, NM
                                                      87103.             87102.
Oklahoma:
    Oklahoma...................  City of Oklahoma    The Honorable      420 West Main      http://               February 6, 2014..........       405378
                                  City (13-06-        Mick Cornett,      Street, Suite      www.msc.fema.gov/
                                  1918P).             Mayor, City of     700, Oklahoma      lomc.
                                                      Oklahoma City,     City, Oklahoma
                                                      200 North Walker   73102.
                                                      Avenue, 3rd
                                                      Floor, Oklahoma
                                                      City, Oklahoma
                                                      73102.

    Osage......................  Unincorporated      The Honorable Bob  Osage County       http://               December 6, 2013..........       400146
                                  areas of Osage      Jackson,           Planning and       www.msc.fema.gov/
                                  County (13-06-      Chairman, Osage    Zoning, 628        lomc.
                                  2146P).             County             Kihekah Avenue,
                                                      Commissioners,     Pawhuska, OK
                                                      1125 West Main     74056.
                                                      Street,
                                                      Pawhuska, OK
                                                      74056.
    Tulsa......................  City of Sand        The Honorable      Public Works       http://               December 6, 2013..........       400211
                                  Springs (13-06-     Mike L. Burdge,    Building, 109      www.msc.fema.gov/
                                  2146P).             Mayor, City of     North Garfield     lomc.
                                                      Sand Springs,      Avenue, Sand
                                                      P.O. Box 338,      Springs, OK
                                                      Sand Springs, OK   74063.
                                                      74063.
Pennsylvania: Centre...........  Township of         Mr. Mark A.        Township of        http://               December 26, 2013.........       420260
                                  Ferguson (13-03-    Kunkle, Manager,   Ferguson, 3147     www.msc.fema.gov/
                                  1672P).             Township of        Research Drive,    lomc.
                                                      Ferguson, 3147     State College,
                                                      Research Drive,    PA 16801.
                                                      State College,
                                                      PA 16801.
Texas:
    Bexar......................  City of San         The Honorable      Department of      http://               December 19, 2013.........       480045
                                  Antonio (13-06-     Julian Castro,     Public Works,      www.msc.fema.gov/
                                  3092P).             Mayor, City of     Storm Water        lomc.
                                                      San Antonio,       Engineering,
                                                      P.O. Box 839966,   1901 South Alamo
                                                      San Antonio, TX    Street, 2nd
                                                      78283.             Floor, San
                                                                         Antonio, TX
                                                                         78204.
    Bexar......................  City of San         The Honorable      Department of      http://               December 19, 2013.........       480045
                                  Antonio (13-06-     Julian Castro,     Public Works,      www.msc.fema.gov/
                                  3094P).             Mayor, City of     Storm Water        lomc.
                                                      San Antonio,       Engineering,
                                                      P.O. Box 839966,   1901 South Alamo
                                                      San Antonio, TX    Street, 2nd
                                                      78283.             Floor, San
                                                                         Antonio, TX
                                                                         78204.
    Bexar......................  City of San         The Honorable      Department of      http://               February 3, 2014..........       480045
                                  Antonio (13-06-     Julian Castro,     Public Works,      www.msc.fema.gov/
                                  3687P).             Mayor, City of     Storm Water        lomc.
                                                      San Antonio,       Engineering,
                                                      P.O. Box 839966,   1901 South Alamo
                                                      San Antonio, TX    Street, 2nd
                                                      78283.             Floor, San
                                                                         Antonio, TX
                                                                         78204.
    Bexar......................  City of San         The Honorable      Department of      http://               February 10, 2014.........       480045
                                  Antonio (13-06-     Julian Castro,     Public Works,      www.msc.fema.gov/
                                  3350P).             Mayor, City of     Storm Water        lomc.
                                                      San Antonio,       Engineering,
                                                      P.O. Box 839966,   1901 South Alamo
                                                      San Antonio, TX    Street, 2nd
                                                      78283.             Floor, San
                                                                         Antonio, TX
                                                                         78204.
    Bexar......................  City of Selma (13-  The Honorable Tom  9375 Corporate     http://               December 24, 2013.........       480046
                                  06-2603P).          Daly, Mayor,       Drive, Selma, TX   www.msc.fema.gov/
                                                      City of Selma,     78154.             lomc.
                                                      9375 Corporate
                                                      Drive, Selma, TX
                                                      78154.
    Bexar......................  Unincorporated      The Honorable      Bexar County       http://               January 9, 2014...........       480035
                                  areas of Bexar      Nelson W. Wolff,   Public Works       www.msc.fema.gov/
                                  County (13-06-      Bexar County       Department, 233    lomc.
                                  1509P).             Judge, Paul        North Pecos-La
                                                      Elizondo Tower,    Trinidad Street,
                                                      101 West Nueva     Suite 420, San
                                                      Street, 10th       Antonio, TX
                                                      Floor, San         78207.
                                                      Antonio, TX
                                                      78205.
    Bexar......................  Unincorporated      The Honorable      Bexar County       http://               February 3, 2014..........       480035
                                  areas of Bexar      Nelson W. Wolff,   Public Works       www.msc.fema.gov/
                                  County (13-06-      Bexar County       Department, 233    lomc.
                                  2845P).             Judge, Paul        North Pecos-La
                                                      Elizondo Tower,    Trinidad Street,
                                                      101 West Nueva     Suite 420, San
                                                      Street, 10th       Antonio, TX
                                                      Floor, San         78207.
                                                      Antonio, TX
                                                      78205.
    Bexar......................  Unincorporated      The Honorable      Bexar County       http://               February 3, 2014..........       480035
                                  areas of Bexar      Nelson W. Wolff,   Public Works       www.msc.fema.gov/
                                  County (13-06-      Bexar County       Department, 233    lomc.
                                  3349P).             Judge, Paul        North Pecos-La
                                                      Elizondo Tower,    Trinidad Street,
                                                      101 West Nueva     Suite 420, San
                                                      Street, 10th       Antonio, TX
                                                      Floor, San         78207.
                                                      Antonio, TX
                                                      78205.
    Collin.....................  City of McKinney    The Honorable      222 North          http://               December 27, 2013.........       480135
                                  (13-06-3167P).      Brian              Tennessee          www.msc.fema.gov/
                                                      Loughmiller,       Street,            lomc.
                                                      Mayor, City of     McKinney, TX
                                                      McKinney, P.O.     75069.
                                                      Box 517,
                                                      McKinney, TX
                                                      75070.
    Comal......................  City of New         The Honorable      Municipal          http://               November 14, 2013.........       485493
                                  Braunfels (13-06-   Gale Pospisil,     Building, 424      www.msc.fema.gov/
                                  2315P).             Mayor, City of     South Castell      lomc.
                                                      New Braunfels,     Avenue, New
                                                      424 South          Braunfels, TX
                                                      Castell Avenue,    78130.
                                                      New Braunfels,
                                                      TX 78130.

    Dallas.....................  City of Garland     The Honorable      Engineering        http://               February 10, 2014.........       485471
                                  (13-06-1717P).      Douglas Athas,     Department, 800    www.msc.fema.gov/
                                                      Mayor, City of     West Main          lomc.
                                                      Garland, 200       Street, Garland,
                                                      North 5th          TX 75040.
                                                      Street, Garland,
                                                      TX 75040.
    Dallas.....................  City of Rowlett     The Honorable      Development        http://               February 7, 2014..........       480185
                                  (12-06-3599P).      Todd Gottel,       Services           www.msc.fema.gov/
                                                      Mayor, City of     Building, 3901     lomc.
                                                      Rowlett, 4000      Main Street,
                                                      Main Street,       Rowlett, TX
                                                      Rowlett, TX        75088.
                                                      75088.
    Dallas.....................  Town of Highland    The Honorable      Public Works       http://www.rampp-     September 27, 2013........       480178
                                  Park (13-06-        Joel T.            Department, 4700   team.com/lomrs.htm.
                                  1142P).             Williams, III,     Drexel Drive,
                                                      Mayor, Town of     Dallas, TX 75205.
                                                      Highland Park,
                                                      4700 Drexel
                                                      Drive, Dallas,
                                                      TX 75205.
    Dallas.....................  Town of Highland    The Honorable      Public Works       http://www.rampp-     October 11, 2013..........       480178
                                  Park (12-06-        Joel T.            Department, 4700   team.com/lomrs.htm.
                                  3367P).             Williams, III,     Drexel Drive,
                                                      Mayor, Town of     Dallas, TX 75205.
                                                      Highland Park,
                                                      4700 Drexel
                                                      Drive, Dallas,
                                                      TX 75205.
    Denton.....................  City of Denton (12- The Honorable      City Engineering   http://               November 20, 2013.........       480194
                                  06-1709P).          Mark A.            Department, 901-   www.msc.fema.gov/
                                                      Burroughs,         A Texas Street,    lomc.
                                                      Mayor, City of     Denton, TX 76209.
                                                      Denton, 215 East
                                                      McKinney Street,
                                                      Denton, TX 76201.
    Denton.....................  City of Denton (13- The Honorable      901-A Texas        http://               January 9, 2014...........       480194
                                  06-2226P).          Mark A.            Street, Denton,    www.msc.fema.gov/
                                                      Burroughs,         TX 76209.          lomc.
                                                      Mayor, City of
                                                      Denton, 215 East
                                                      McKinney Street,
                                                      Denton, TX 76201.
    Denton.....................  Town of Trophy      The Honorable      Town Hall, 100     http://               January 3, 2014...........       481606
                                  Club (13-06-        Connie White,      Municipal Drive,   www.msc.fema.gov/
                                  1370P).             Mayor, Town of     Trophy Club, TX    lomc.
                                                      Trophy Club, 100   76262.
                                                      Municipal Drive,
                                                      Trophy Club, TX
                                                      76262.
    Denton.....................  Unincorporated      The Honorable      Denton County      http://               January 3, 2014...........       480774
                                  areas of Denton     Mary Horn,         Planning           www.msc.fema.gov/
                                  County (13-06-      Denton County      Department, 1505   lomc.
                                  1370P).             Judge, 110 West    East McKinney
                                                      Hickory Street,    Street, Suite
                                                      2nd Floor,         175, Denton, TX
                                                      Denton, TX 76201.  76209.
    Denton.....................  Unincorporated      The Honorable      Denton County      http://               February 6, 2014..........       480774
                                  areas of Denton     Mary Horn,         Planning           www.msc.fema.gov/
                                  County (13-06-      Denton County      Department, 1505   lomc.
                                  3201P).             Judge, 110 West    East McKinney
                                                      Hickory Street,    Street, Suite
                                                      2nd Floor,         175, Denton, TX
                                                      Denton, TX 76201.  76209.
    Fort Bend and Harris.......  City of Houston     The Honorable      Floodplain         http://               February 6, 2014..........       480296
                                  (13-06-1908P).      Annise D.          Management         www.msc.fema.gov/
                                                      Parker, Mayor,     Office, Public     lomc.
                                                      City of Houston,   Works and
                                                      P.O. Box 1562,     Engineering,
                                                      Houston, TX        1002 Washington
                                                      77251.             Avenue, 3rd
                                                                         Floor, Houston,
                                                                         TX 77002.
    Grayson....................  Unincorporated      The Honorable      Grayson County     http://               February 6, 2014..........       480829
                                  areas of Grayson    Drue Bynum,        Courthouse, 100    www.msc.fema.gov/
                                  County (12-06-      Grayson County     West Houston       lomc.
                                  3502P).             Judge, 100 West    Street, Sherman,
                                                      Houston Street,    TX 75090.
                                                      Sherman, TX
                                                      75090.
    Gregg and Harrison.........  City of Longview    The Honorable Jay  Development        http://               January 10, 2014..........       480264
                                  (12-06-0169P).      Dean, Mayor,       Services           www.msc.fema.gov/
                                                      City of            Building, 410      lomc.
                                                      Longview, 300      South High
                                                      West Cotton        Street,
                                                      Street,            Longview, TX
                                                      Longview, TX       75601.
                                                      75601.
    Harris.....................  City of Pearland    The Honorable Tom  3519 Liberty       http://               November 14, 2013.........       480077
                                  (13-06-1986P).      Reid, Mayor,       Drive, Pearland,   www.msc.fema.gov/
                                                      City of            TX 77581.          lomc.
                                                      Pearland, 3519
                                                      Liberty Drive,
                                                      Pearland, TX
                                                      77581.
    Harris.....................  Unincorporated      The Honorable Ed   Harris County,     http://               February 6, 2014..........       480287
                                  areas of Harris     Emmett, Harris     10555 Northwest    www.msc.fema.gov/
                                  County (12-06-      County Judge,      Freeway,           lomc.
                                  3910P).             1001 Preston       Houston, TX
                                                      Street, Suite      77092.
                                                      911, Houston, TX
                                                      77002.
    Hood.......................  Unincorporated      The Honorable      Hood County        http://               January 23, 2014..........       480356
                                  areas of Hood       Darrell            Courthouse, 100    www.msc.fema.gov/
                                  County (13-06-      Cockerham, Hood    East Pearl         lomc.
                                  2844P).             County Judge,      Street,
                                                      100 East Pearl     Granbury, TX
                                                      Street,            76048.
                                                      Granbury, TX
                                                      76048.

    Karnes.....................  City of Kenedy (13- The Honorable      303 West Main      http://               January 9, 2014...........       485482
                                  06-2112P).          Randy Garza,       Street, Kenedy,    www.msc.fema.gov/
                                                      Mayor, City of     TX 78119.          lomc.
                                                      Kenedy, 303 West
                                                      Main Street,
                                                      Kenedy, TX 78119.
    Potter.....................  City of Amarillo    The Honorable      City Hall, 509     http://               February 3, 2014..........       480529
                                  (13-06-1845P).      Paul Harpole,      Southeast 7th      www.msc.fema.gov/
                                                      Mayor, City of     Avenue,            lomc.
                                                      Amarillo, P.O.     Amarillo, TX
                                                      Box 1971,          79105.
                                                      Amarillo, TX
                                                      79105.
    Rockwall...................  City of Rockwall    The Honorable      City Hall, 385     http://               January 17, 2014..........       480547
                                  (13-06-2096P).      David Sweet,       South Goliad       www.msc.fema.gov/
                                                      Mayor, City of     Street,            lomc.
                                                      Rockwall, 385      Rockwall, TX
                                                      South Goliad       75087.
                                                      Street,
                                                      Rockwall, TX
                                                      75087.
    Tarrant....................  City of Forest      The Honorable      City Hall, 3219    http://               December 9, 2013..........       480595
                                  Hill (13-06-        Gerald Joubert,    California         www.msc.fema.gov/
                                  1913P).             Mayor, City of     Parkway, Forest    lomc.
                                                      Forest Hill,       Hill, TX 76119.
                                                      3219 California
                                                      Parkway, Forest
                                                      Hill, TX 76119.
    Travis.....................  City of Austin (13- The Honorable Lee  Watershed          http://               December 23, 2013.........       480624
                                  06-1777P).          Leffingwell,       Protection         www.msc.fema.gov/
                                                      Mayor, City of     Department, 505    lomc.
                                                      Austin, P.O. Box   Barton Springs
                                                      1088, Austin, TX   Road, 12th
                                                      78767.             Floor, Austin,
                                                                         TX 78704.
    Travis.....................  Unincorporated      The Honorable      Travis County      http://               December 26, 2013.........       481026
                                  areas of Travis     Samuel T.          Transportation     www.msc.fema.gov/
                                  County (12-06-      Biscoe, Travis     and Natural        lomc.
                                  3962P).             County Judge,      Resources
                                                      P.O. Box 1748,     Department, 700
                                                      Austin, TX 78767.  Lavaca Street,
                                                                         5th Floor, Suite
                                                                         540, Austin, TX
                                                                         78701.
    Williamson.................  City of Leander     The Honorable      City Hall, 200     http://               December 2, 2013..........       481536
                                  (12-06-1659P).      Chris Fielder,     West Willis        www.msc.fema.gov/
                                                      Mayor, City of     Street, Leander,   lomc.
                                                      Leander, 200       TX 78641.
                                                      West Willis
                                                      Street, Leander,
                                                      TX 78641.
Virginia:
    City of Petersburg.........  Independent City    The Honorable      City Hall Annex,   http://               January 21, 2014..........       510112
                                  of Petersburg (13-  Brian Moore,       103 West Tabb      www.msc.fema.gov/
                                  03-1115P).          Mayor, City of     Street,            lomc.
                                                      Petersburg, 135    Petersburg, VA
                                                      North Union        23803.
                                                      Street,
                                                      Petersburg, VA
                                                      23803.
    Prince George..............  Unincorporated      The Honorable      Prince George      http://               January 21, 2014..........       510204
                                  areas of Prince     William A.         County, 6602       www.msc.fema.gov/
                                  George County (13-  Robertson, Jr.,    Courts Drive,      lomc.
                                  03-1115P).          Chairman, Prince   1st Floor,
                                                      George County      Prince George,
                                                      Board of           VA 23875.
                                                      Supervisors,
                                                      6602 Courts
                                                      Drive, Prince
                                                      George, VA 23875.
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(Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance No. 97.022, ``Flood
Insurance.'')

    Dated: November 20, 2013.
Roy E. Wright,
Deputy Associate Administrator for Mitigation, Department of Homeland
Security, Federal Emergency Management Agency.
[FR Doc. 2013-29037 Filed 12-3-13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 9110-12-P


[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 139 (Friday, July 19, 2013)]
[Notices]
[Pages 43198-43200]
[FR Doc No: 2013-17290]

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DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY

Federal Energy Regulatory Commission

[Docket No. AD13-5-000]

Flexible and Local Resources Needed for Reliability in the
California Wholesale Electric Market; Notice of Staff Technical
Conference

    This notice establishes the agenda and topics for discussion at the
technical conference directed by the Commission in an Order on
California Independent System Operator Corporation's (CAISO) proposal
to implement an interim flexible capacity and local reliability
resource retention mechanism (FLRR).\1\ The technical conference will
be held on July 31, 2013 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (Pacific Time) in
the Byron Sher Auditorium at the California Environmental Protection
Agency Headquarters Building, 1001 I Street, Sacramento, California,
95812. Please note the changed venue for the conference and the
truncation of the conference to a single day. The technical conference
will be led by FERC staff, with presentations from panelists.
Commissioners may attend and participate in the conference.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\ Cal. Indep. Sys. Operator Corp., 142 FERC ] 61,248 (2013).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The agenda and questions to be discussed during this conference are
attached. The technical conference is intended to facilitate a
structured dialogue on the reliability and risk-of-retirement concerns
raised in the FLRR proceeding, including, how those concerns relate to
the joint CAISO/CPUC Multi-Year Reliability Framework proposal.
    The technical conference will not be transcribed. However, there
will be a free audiocast of the conference. The audiocast will allow
persons to listen to the conference, but not participate. Anyone with
Internet access who wants to listen can do so by navigating to the
Calendar of Events at www.ferc.gov and locating the technical
conference in the Calendar. The FERC Web site's link to the technical
conference will contain a link to the audiocast. The Capitol Connection
provides technical support for the audiocast. If you have questions,
visit www.CapitolConnection.org or call<PHONE_NUMBER>.
    FERC conferences are accessible under section 508 of the
Rehabilitation Act of 1973. For accessibility accommodations please
send an email to<EMAIL_ADDRESS>or call toll free 1-866-208-
3372 (voice) or<PHONE_NUMBER> (TTY), or send a fax to<PHONE_NUMBER> with
the required accommodations.
    For more information on this conference, please contact Colleen
Farrell at<EMAIL_ADDRESS>or<PHONE_NUMBER>; or Katheryn Hoke
at<EMAIL_ADDRESS>or<PHONE_NUMBER>.

    Dated: July 11, 2013.
Kimberly D. Bose,
Secretary.

Agenda for the Technical Conference on Flexible and Local Resources
Needed for Reliability in the California Wholesale Electric Market July
31, 2013

    The technical conference is intended to facilitate a structured
dialogue on the reliability and risk-of-retirement concerns raised in
the FLRR proceeding, including discussion of the possible development
of a durable, market-based mechanism to provide incentives to insure
reliability needs are met.
    The CAISO and CPUC staff recently announced a joint Multi-Year
Reliability Framework proposal (joint proposal) for revising the CPUC's
resource adequacy program and CAISO's capacity procurement mechanism
tariff provisions, that is related to this subject.\2\ Thus, this
technical conference will also examine whether and how the joint
proposal addresses the reliability needs raised in the FLRR proceeding.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \2\ See http://www.caiso.com/Documents/NewStakeholderInitiativeMulti-YearReliabilityFramework_ISO-CPUCJointWorkshopJul17_2013.htm.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Following a presentation by CAISO and CPUC staff, the conference
will be divided into two panels. The first panel will examine the
reliability issues raised in the FLRR proceeding and will also consider
implications of the joint proposal for a Multi-Year Reliability
Framework. The second panel will review possible solutions to the

concerns that were raised in the FLRR proceeding as they pertain to
flexible and local resources and whether the joint Multi-Year
Reliability Framework offers a potential solution. This notice provides
focus areas around which speakers should concentrate their comments.
Each panelist should limit his presentation to 8 minutes. The panels
will be followed by questions from Commissioners and CPUC and FERC
staff, with an opportunity for audience members to participate.

Technical Conference Schedule

9:00 a.m.-9:15 a.m. Opening Remarks
    Greeting and Opening Remarks
9:15 a.m.-10:15 a.m. Joint CAISO/CPUC presentation
    The presentation is expected to last 30 minutes and will be
followed by Q&A
10:15 a.m.-11:15 a.m. Panel discussion on the risk-of-retirement
problem and its contribution to reliability
    Each panelist should limit his presentation to 8 minutes. The panel
will be followed by questions from Commissioners and CPUC and FERC
staff.
    Panel one will be comprised of:

--Todd Strauss representing Pacific Gas & Electric Company;
--Pedro Pizarro representing Edison Mission Energy;
--Gary Ackerman representing Western Power Trading Forum;
--Kevin Woodruff representing The Utility Reform Network;
--Carl Zichella representing the National Resources Defense Council;
and
--Kevin Carden representing Astrape Consulting.
    Questions for Panel One: With respect to the reliability concerns
raised in the FLRR proceeding, staff requests that panelists include in
the presentations discussion of some of the questions below.
    [rtarr8] In the FLRR proceeding, CAISO identified reliability
concerns resulting from the retirement of resources needed for reliable
operations. Are the resources necessary to ensure reliability over a
forward looking period entering the market? If not, why not? For
instance, how do the current CAISO market and bilateral capacity market
structures influence resources' decisions to enter the market or
retire? Are additional compensation structures required to ensure that
resources needed for reliability are available over a forward period?
What factors, besides compensation, may be influencing retirement and
entry decisions in CAISO?
    [rtarr8] What sort of operational and reliability conditions,
including those that could lead to NERC/WECC reliability standard
violations, will CAISO face based on assessments of a forward-looking
period including projections of resources that enter the market,
resources that will retire, load projections, demand response, etc.?
    [rtarr8] What are the appropriate planning and operating
assumptions to use in determining the forward-looking system needs for
flexible resources that are needed to ensure overall system
reliability? How much flexible capacity will be needed to ensure that
the resource mix in CAISO is able to ensure reliable operations?
    [rtarr8] How would a resource qualify as a flexible resource and
what is an appropriate range of performance characteristics? Should
there be an ongoing certification process for flexible resources? What
other resource characteristics are important to ensure reliability in
CAISO?
    [rtarr8] Are there barriers to extracting flexible capability out
of the existing fleet of resources?
    [rtarr8] What are the causes of a resource being at risk-of-
retirement? How is the market informed that a resource is at risk-of-
retirement?
    [rtarr8] How should local capacity needs and potential reliability
issues associated with deliverability be addressed? Does the need to
retain resources for local reliability require a mechanism that is
unique from a market-based option for flexible capacity retention?
    [rtarr8] What are the appropriate procurement targets for system,
flexible and local capacity in the two- and three-year forward periods?
How should the technical assessment be updated from year-to-year to
account for changing market conditions, changing system configuration
and changes in demand over the forward period?
    [rtarr8] Would the provision in the joint proposal to limit load
serving entities' participation in the residual capacity auction impact
the effectiveness of forward procurement for reliability purposes? Why
or why not?
11:15 a.m.-12:15 p.m. Open Discussion Time
12:15 p.m.-1:15 p.m. Lunch
1:15 p.m.-2:30 p.m. Panel discussion exploring whether a multi-year
resource adequacy framework with a CAISO backstop is a solution to risk
of retirement
    Each panelist should limit his presentation to 8 minutes. The
panels will be followed by questions from Commissioners, CPUC and FERC
staff.
    Panel two will be comprised of:

    - Marc Ulrich representing Southern California Edison Company;
--Mark Smith or Matthew Barmack representing Calpine;
--Tony Braun representing California Municipal Utilities Association;
--Joe Como representing the CPUC Division of Ratepayer Advocates;
--Steven Kelly representing the Independent Energy Producers
Association;
--Mike Evans representing Shell Energy; and
--Michael Milligan representing National Renewable Energy Laboratory.
    Questions for Panel Two: With respect to the concerns raised in the
FLRR proceeding regarding a market-based means of addressing forward-
looking system, local and flexible needs, including when resources are
at risk of retirement but needed in future years for reliability, staff
requests that panelists include in the presentations discussion of some
of the questions below.
    [rtarr8] What are the preferred market-based solutions that could
be used to address the forward flexible and local reliability concerns
raised in the FLRR proceeding?
    [rtarr8] How would a forward procurement requirement, along with
specific procurement targets for flexible and local resources, affect
bilateral contract prices?
    [rtarr8] Would the joint proposal's combination of multi-year ahead
flexible capacity obligations procured through bi-lateral contracts, or
via CAISO backstop procurement, provide sufficient revenues to
resources?
    [rtarr8] Will the joint proposal's limited forward procurement of
flexible and local capacity pursuant to a three-year forward resource
adequacy obligation backed by a market-based CAISO backstop procurement
mechanism provide sufficient procurement tools and sufficient
additional revenue to mitigate the risk of retirement and retain needed
flexible and local resources?
    [rtarr8] Will the joint proposal's voluntary backstop capacity
market, along with market power mitigation measures, provide sufficient
replacement for the capacity procurement mechanism when it sunsets in
2015? If a mechanism like the joint proposal were implemented, would
CAISO still need an interim risk-of-retirement backstop mechanism and
what would any such backstop mechanism look like?
    [rtarr8] Is there a mechanism needed prior to the potential
implementation of the joint proposal? For instance, is an interim
mechanism necessary to procure resources at risk of retirement that are

needed for flexibility? If so, what kind of mechanism?
    [rtarr8] With respect to the goal of retaining flexible and local
resources for reliability purposes that may be at risk of retirement,
what alternatives to the joint proposal should be considered?

2:30 p.m.-2:45 p.m. Break
2:45 p.m.-4:15 p.m. Open Discussion Time
    This time will be reserved for follow-up discussion on any issues
raised during the panel discussions, or to address miscellaneous
concerns related to the Multi-Year Reliability Framework, including
questions or comments from members of the audience.
4:15 p.m.-4:30 p.m. Closing Remarks

[FR Doc. 2013-17290 Filed 7-18-13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6717-01-P


[Federal Register Volume 79, Number 19 (Wednesday, January 29, 2014)]
[Notices]
[Pages 4779-4783]
[FR Doc No: 2014-01655]

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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

[Release No. 34-71371; File No. SR-CBOE-2014-001]

Self-Regulatory Organizations; Chicago Board Options Exchange,
Incorporated; Notice of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of Proposed
Rule To Amend CBOE's Rules To Enhance the Independence and Integrity of
the Regulatory Functions of the Exchange

January 23, 2014.
    Pursuant to Section 19(b)(1) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
(the ``Act''),\1\ and Rule 19b-4 thereunder,\2\ notice is hereby given
that on January 10, 2014, the Chicago Board Options Exchange,
Incorporated (the ``Exchange'' or ``CBOE'') filed with the Securities
and Exchange Commission (the ``Commission'') the proposed rule change
as described in Items I and II below, which Items have been prepared by
the Exchange. The Exchange filed the proposal as a ``non-
controversial'' proposed rule change pursuant to Section
19(b)(3)(A)(iii) of the Act \3\ and Rule 19b-4(f)(6) thereunder.\4\ The
Commission is publishing this notice to

solicit comments on the proposed rule change from interested persons.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\ 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(1).
    \2\ 17 CFR 240.19b-4.
    \3\ 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(3)(A)(iii).
    \4\ 17 CFR 240.19b-4(f)(6).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

I. Self-Regulatory Organization's Statement of the Terms of Substance
of the Proposed Rule Change

    CBOE proposes to amend its rules to enhance the independence and
integrity of the regulatory functions of the Exchange. The text of the
proposed rule change is available on the Exchange's Web site (http://www.cboe.com/AboutCBOE/CBOELegalRegulatoryHome.aspx), at the Exchange's
Office of the Secretary, and at the Commission.

II. Self-Regulatory Organization's Statement of the Purpose of, and
Statutory Basis for, the Proposed Rule Change

    In its filing with the Commission, the self-regulatory organization
included statements concerning the purpose of and basis for the
proposed rule change and discussed any comments it received on the
proposed rule change. The text of those statements may be examined at
the places specified in Item IV below. The Exchange has prepared
summaries, set forth in sections A, B, and C below, of the most
significant parts of such statements.

A. Self-Regulatory Organization's Statement of the Purpose of, and
Statutory Basis for, the Proposed Rule Change

1. Purpose
    The Exchange proposes to amend certain rules to enhance the
independence and integrity of the regulatory functions of the Exchange.
Specifically, the Exchange seeks to amend Rule 2.1 (Committees of the
Exchange), Rule 4.4 (Gratuities), Rule 17.2 (Complaint and
Investigation), Rule 17.3 (Expedited Proceeding), Rule 17.4 (Charges),
Rule 17.8 (Offers of Settlement) and Rule 17.50 (Imposition of Fines
for Minor Rule Violations).
    First, the Exchange proposes to amend Rule 2.1 (Committees of the
Exchange). Rule 2.1 currently provides that the Chief Executive Officer
(``CEO'') shall appoint the chairman, vice-chairman and members of the
Exchange Committees, as well as fill vacancies and remove members of
the Exchange Committees. The Exchange proposes to adopt an exception to
that rule. Particularly, the Exchange proposes to provide that the
Nominating and Governance Committee, with the approval of the Board,
shall appoint the chairman, vice-chairman and members of the Business
Conduct Committee (``BCC''), as well as fill vacancies in the BCC and
that the Board shall have the ability to remove any member of the BCC,
at any time, with or without cause. The Nominating and Governance
Committee is comprised of at least five (5) Directors and is a standing
committee of CBOE's Board of Directors. The BCC is an Exchange
Committee charged with handling disciplinary matters that arise from
Exchange business. The BCC additionally reviews recommendations by the
Exchange's Regulatory staff and authorizes the issuance of formal
charges arising out of the matters investigated or examined by the
Regulatory Services Division. Given the BCC's responsibilities, the
Exchange believes that authority relating to the composition of the BCC
should rest with the Nominating and Governance Committee, rather than
the CEO. Additionally, the Exchange believes that the power to remove
members of the BCC should rest with the Board, rather than the CEO.
This transfer of authority enhances the independence of the regulatory
functions of the Exchange.
    Next, the Exchange seeks to amend Rule 4.4 (Gratuities). Rule 4.4
provides that a Trading Permit Holder (``TPH'') may not give any
compensation or gratuity in any one year in excess of $50.00 to any
employee of the Exchange or in excess of $100.00 to any employee of any
other TPH or of any non-TPH broker, dealer, bank or institution,
without the prior consent of the employer and of the Exchange.
Additionally, the Exchange's Conflict of Interest Policy (``Policy'')
currently prohibits Regulatory Services Division and Office of
Enforcement employees from accepting any gift of more than nominal
monetary value (e.g., a coffee mug) from any TPH or associated person
of a TPH. In unique circumstances, the Policy provides that an
exception may be granted by the Division Head or, for the Division
Head, by the President. The Exchange is proposing to amend Rule 4.4 to
provide that a TPH may not give any compensation or gratuity of any
monetary value to any Regulatory Services Division or Office of
Enforcement employee.\5\ The Exchange does not believe that its
Regulatory Services Division or Office of Enforcement employees should
be permitted to receive gifts or gratuities of even a nominal value
from TPHs or their associated persons, in light of the responsibility
of these Exchange employees for regulatory matters involving TPHs and
their associated persons.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \5\ The Exchange intends to make conforming changes to its
Policy upon the effectiveness of this proposed rule change.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The Exchange also proposes to amend Rule 17.2 (Complaint and
Investigation) to eliminate the authority of the President, other
Exchange officials designated by the President, the Board, or the BCC
to order an investigation of possible violations within the
disciplinary jurisdiction of the Exchange and provide instead that only
the Exchange's Regulatory staff, and any successor thereto, in its sole
discretion shall determine whether to investigate or examine possible
violations within the disciplinary jurisdiction of the Exchange. The
Exchange believes providing Regulatory staff sole discretion as to what
matters to investigate or examine further supports and provides for the
autonomy and independence of the Exchanges' regulatory functions as
well as helps to ensure that all decisions regarding resolution of any
examination, investigation, or prosecution shall be made without regard
to the actual or perceived business interests of the Exchange or any of
TPHs. The Exchange notes that the Board, President, and BCC, along with
other Exchange employees and Trading Permit Holders, will continue to
have the ability to submit oral or written complaints alleging possible
violations within the disciplinary jurisdiction of the Exchange. The
Exchange additionally notes that the proposed rule change conforms its
rules to its current practice. The Exchange also proposes to clarify
that Regulatory staff has the sole discretion to determine whether to
request that the BCC authorize the issuance of a statement of charges
pursuant to Rule 17.4 (Charges), which will add transparency to the
rules regarding Regulatory staff's role and responsibilities.
    The Exchange also seeks to amend Rule 17.2 to provide that the
Regulatory staff shall have the sole discretion to determine whether to
request that the BCC authorize the issuance of a statement of charges
pursuant to Rule 17.4 In those instances where an investigation results
in the Regulatory staff finding that there are reasonable grounds to
believe that a violation has been committed and a formal regulatory
action (i.e., Statement of Charges) is warranted, Regulatory staff will
submit a written report of its investigation to the BCC.\6\
Additionally, the Exchange

proposes to provide in those instances where an investigation results
in the Regulatory staff finding that there are reasonable grounds to
believe that a violation has been committed, but non-formal regulatory
action (i.e., a Letter of Information, a Letter of Caution or a Staff
Interview) is warranted in lieu of the issuance of a statement of
charges, the Regulatory staff will have the power and authority in its
sole discretion to impose such non-formal regulatory action without the
submission of a written report of its investigation to the BCC.
Further, the Exchange proposes to provide that in the event the
Regulatory staff finds in its sole discretion that there are not
reasonable grounds to believe that a violation has been committed, the
Regulatory staff will close the investigation (i.e., File Without
Action) without the submission of a written report of its investigation
to the BCC. The Exchange believes that this proposed rule change
further supports and provides for the autonomy and independence of the
Exchanges' regulatory functions as well as makes explicit in the rules
the roles and responsibilities of Regulatory staff. Finally, the
Exchange proposes to add Interpretation and Policy .05 to Rule 17.2 to
make clear that references to ``Regulatory staff'' in Chapter XVII,
mean the Exchange's employees in the Regulatory Services Division.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \6\ Pursuant to CBOE Rule 17.10, the Regulatory Oversight and
Compliance Committee will review any decision not to authorize the
issuance of statements of charges that were recommended by
Regulatory staff, and refer such matters to the Board of Directors
for further review, as appropriate. The Board of Directors may order
review of such decisions, and may affirm, reverse or modify, in
whole or in part, the decision of the BCC not to authorize the
issuance of statement of charges.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    In addition, the Exchange seeks to make explicit in the Rules the
roles and responsibilities of certain Exchange staff. First, the
Exchange proposes to replace references to ``Exchange'' with
``Regulatory staff'' in Interpretation and Policies .01, .03, and .04
of Rule 17.2 to make clear that those references are to Regulatory
staff, in particular. The Exchange also seeks to make similar
clarifications in Rule 17.3 (Expedited Proceeding), Rule 17.4
(Charges), Rule 17.8 (Offers of Settlement), and Rule 17.10 (Review).
Particularly, Rule 17.3 governs expedited proceedings, Rule 17.4
governs if and how statement of charges is to be issued, Rule 17.8
governs Offers of Settlement, and Rule 17.10 governs the review by the
Board of Directors of decisions related to the disciplinary process.
Each of the aforementioned rules sets forth the respective duties and
responsibilities of ``staff'' as it relates to either expedited
proceedings, statement of charges and offers of settlement. The
Exchange believes however, that the term ``staff'' is vague and does
not provide clarity as to which staff has certain roles and authorities
under these rules, which historically, has been the Regulatory staff.
Accordingly, the Exchange wishes to make it explicitly clear that the
``staff'' referred to in these rules is the Exchange's Regulatory
staff, which will provide additional clarity and reduce confusion. The
Exchange notes this is a clarifying, non-substantive change. The
Exchange also proposes to amend Rule 17.10(d) to correct the reference
to the Regulatory Oversight and Compliance Committee.
    Finally, the Exchange also proposes to amend Rule 17.50 (Imposition
of Fines for Minor Rule Violations). Rule 17.50 provides that in lieu
of commencing a disciplinary proceeding pursuant to Rule 17.2, the
Exchange may, in certain instances, impose a fine on a TPH or
associated person of a TPH with respect to certain rule violations.
More specifically, subparagraph (c) of Rule 17.50 provides that any
person against whom a fine is imposed pursuant to certain subsections
of Rule 17.50 (e.g., violation of position and exercise limit rules or
Locked or Crossed Market violations) may contest the Exchange's
determination by filing a written answer and have the matter become
subject to the review of the BCC. Additionally, the filing may request
a hearing, if desired, which would be subject to Rule 17.6, which rule
governs hearings before the BCC. Rule 17.50(c) also provides that for
violations of trading conduct and decorum policies in particular, a
person may only contest the determination to the BCC if the fine
exceeds $2,500. Pursuant to subparagraph (d) of Rule 17.50, if the fine
for violations of trading conduct and decorum policies does not exceed
$2,500, the individual may still contest the Exchange's determination,
but the matter would become subject to the review of the Appeals
Committee, rather than the BCC and, if requested, any hearing would
consequently be subject to the hearing procedures set forth in Chapter
19 (Hearings and Review). Similarly, fines imposed for failure to
submit trade data on trade date, regardless of the amount, may be
contested but will also become subject to the review of the Appeals
Committee, instead of the BCC. Moreover, Interpretation and Policy .04
provides that the BCC may consolidate into one hearing the review of
(i) a fine imposed for violations of trade conduct and decorum policies
that exceeds $2,500 and (i) a fine imposed for violations of trade
conduct and decorum policies that does not exceed $2,500, so long as
the alleged violations involve the same or related transaction or
occurrence and the review is not based on written submissions. The
Exchange proposes to eliminate the distinction between the type of
violations set forth in Rule 17.50 by eliminating subparagraph (d) of
Rule 17.50 in its entirety and provide instead that all violations set
forth in paragraph (g) of Rule 17.50 may be contested to the BCC and,
if requested, subject to the hearing procedures of Rule 17.6. Given the
BCC's role and responsibilities noted above, the Exchange believes that
the BCC is the appropriate committee to review and/or hear contests to
fines imposed due to non-compliance with certain Exchange rules.
Particularly, the Exchange believes the BCC should review and/or hear
all contests to fines imposed pursuant to section (g) of Rule 17.50 in
its entirety, including violations for trade conduct and decorum
policies and failure to submit trade data on trade date. The proposed
change also provides consistency and certainty as to how all contests
to fines imposed pursuant to section (g) are handled.
    Lastly, the Exchange proposes to delete language in subparagraph
(c)(3) of Rule 17.50. More specifically, Rule 17.50(c)(3) currently
provides that among others, any member of the Board may require a
review by the Board of any determination made by the BCC under this
rule. The Exchange proposes to eliminate the language ``any member of''
to provide that an individual Board member cannot alone require a
review, but rather the request for a review must be a Board action. The
Exchange believes that it is appropriate for the Board to determine
whether to request review of a determination of the BCC under Rule
17.50, as opposed to an individual Board member, and notes that such
change is consistent with Rule 17.10 relating to the Board's authority
to review decisions by the BCC made pursuant to Rules 17.7 and 17.9.
2. Statutory Basis
    The Exchange believes the proposed rule changes are consistent with
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the ``Act'') and the rules and
regulations thereunder applicable to the Exchange and, in particular,
the requirements of Section 6(b) of the Act.\7\ Specifically, the
Exchange believes the proposed rule changes are consistent with the
Section 6(b)(5) \8\ requirements that the rules of an exchange be
designed to prevent fraudulent and manipulative acts and practices, to
promote just and equitable principles of trade, to foster cooperation
and coordination with persons engaged

in regulating, clearing, settling, processing information with respect
to, and facilitating transactions in securities, to remove impediments
to and perfect the mechanism of a free and open market and a national
market system, and, in general, to protect investors and the public
interest. The Exchange also believes the proposed rule changes are
consistent with the Section 6(b)(7) \9\ requirements that the rules of
an exchange provide a fair procedure for the disciplining of members
and persons associated with members, the denial of membership to any
person seeking membership therein, the barring of any person from
becoming associated with a member thereof, and the prohibition or
limitation by the exchange of any person with respect to access to
services offered by the exchange or a member thereof.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \7\ 15 U.S.C. 78f(b).
    \8\ 15 U.S.C. 78f(b)(5).
    \9\ 15 U.S.C. 78f(b)(7).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    In particular, the Exchange believes that the elimination of: (i)
the CEO's authority relating to the composition of the BCC and (ii) the
President, (or Exchange Official designated by the President), the
Board, and BCC's authority to order the investigation of a possible
violation within the disciplinary jurisdiction of the Exchange aligns
the CBOE Rules with the Exchange's current practices and provides for
further separation of those responsible for the business activities of
the Exchange from the decision-making structure over the regulatory
process. This separation enhances the Exchange's disciplinary and
regulatory process by furthering the independence of its regulatory
process and reducing a potential conflict of interest, as well as an
appearance of inappropriate influence, thereby ensuring an effective
and fair disciplinary process and promoting just and equitable
principles of trade and protecting investors and the public interest
investors and public interest.
    Additionally, the Exchange believes the proposed rule change to
Rule 4.4 further enhances the independence of the Regulatory Services
Division and Office of Enforcement and eliminates a potential conflict
of interest, as well as an appearance of influence, thereby promoting
an effective and fair disciplinary process and enhancing the protection
of investors and the public interest.
    The Exchange also believes that clarifying the CBOE Rules to
explicitly state that Regulatory staff has sole discretion as to what
matters to investigate or examine further supports and provides for the
autonomy and independence of the Exchanges' regulatory functions as
well as helps to ensure that all decisions regarding resolution of any
examination, investigation, or prosecution shall be made without regard
to the actual or perceived business interests of the Exchange or any of
TPHs, thereby enhancing the protection of investors and the public
interest. Additionally, the Exchange believes that providing Regulatory
staff sole discretion to (i) impose non-formal regulatory action
without the submission of a written report of its investigation to the
BCC in those instances where an investigation results in the Regulatory
staff finding that there are reasonable grounds to believe that a
violation has been committed or (ii) close an investigation without
submission of a written report of its investigation to the BCC where
Regulatory staff finds that there are not reasonable grounds to believe
that a violation has been committed, further supports and provides for
the autonomy and independence of the Exchanges' regulatory functions as
well as makes explicit in the rules the roles and responsibilities of
Regulatory staff.
    The Exchange also believes that replacing vague references to
``Exchange'' and ``Staff'' with ``Regulatory staff,'' in Chapter 17
makes it explicitly clear which staff has certain roles and
responsibilities delegated under these rules, thereby eliminating
potential confusion. Finally, the Exchange believes that given the
BCC's charged role and responsibilities, the BCC is the appropriate
committee to review and/or hear contests to fines imposed pursuant to
section (g) of Rule 17.50 in its entirety, including violations for
trade conduct and decorum policies and failure to submit trade data on
trade date. The Exchange believes this proposed rule change also
provides consistency as to how contests to fines imposed pursuant to
section (g) of Rule 17.50 are handled.

B. Self-Regulatory Organization's Statement on Burden on Competition

    CBOE does not believe that the proposed rule change will impose any
burden on competition that is not necessary or appropriate in
furtherance of the purposes of the Act. The Exchange does not believe
that the proposed rule change will impose any burden on intramarket
competition because it applies to all TPHs. The Exchange does not
believe the proposed rule changes will impose any burden on intermarket
competition as it will merely enhance the independence of its
regulatory decision-making and eliminate gratuities from TPHs to
employees of the Regulatory Services Division or Office of Enforcement
that might appear to undermine that independence.

C. Self-Regulatory Organization's Statement on Comments on the Proposed
Rule Change Received From Members, Participants or Others

    No written comments were solicited or received with respect to the
proposed rule change.

III. Date of Effectiveness of the Proposed Rule Change and Timing for
Commission Action

    The Exchange has filed the proposed rule change pursuant to Section
19(b)(3)(A)(iii) of the Act \10\ and Rule 19b-4(f)(6) thereunder.\11\
Because the foregoing proposed rule change does not: (1) Significantly
affect the protection of investors or the public interest; (2) impose
any significant burden on competition; and (3) become operative for 30
days from the date on which it was filed, or such shorter time as the
Commission may designate, it has become effective
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \10\ 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(3)(A).
    \11\ 17 CFR 240.19b-4(f)(6)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    pursuant to Section 19(b)(3)(A) of the Act \12\ and Rule 19b-
4(f)(6) \13\ thereunder. At any time within 60 days of the filing of
the proposed rule change, the Commission summarily may temporarily
suspend such rule change if it appears to the Commission that such
action is necessary or appropriate in the public interest, for the
protection of investors, or otherwise in furtherance of the purposes of
the Act. If the Commission takes such action, the Commission will
institute proceedings to determine whether the proposed rule change
should be approved or disapproved.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \12\ 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(3)(A).
    \13\ 17 CFR 240.19b-4(f)(6). In addition, Rule 19b-4(f)(6)(iii)
requires the Exchange to give the Commission written notice of the
Exchange's intent to file the proposed rule change, along with a
brief description and text of the proposed rule change, at least
five business days prior to the date of filing of the proposed rule
change, or such shorter time as designated by the Commission. The
Exchange has satisfied this requirement.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

IV. Solicitation of Comments

    Interested persons are invited to submit written data, views, and
arguments concerning the foregoing, including whether the proposed rule
change is consistent with the Act. Comments may be submitted by any of
the following methods:

Electronic Comments

     Use the Commission's Internet comment form (http://www.sec.gov/rules/sro.shtml ); or

     Send an email to<EMAIL_ADDRESS>Please
include File Number SR-CBOE-2014-001 on the subject line.

Paper Comments

     Send paper comments in triplicate to Elizabeth M. Murphy,
Secretary, Securities and Exchange Commission, 100 F Street NE.,
Washington, DC 20549-1090.
    All submissions should refer to File Number SR-CBOE-2014-001. This
file number should be included on the subject line if email is used. To
help the Commission process and review your comments more efficiently,
please use only one method. The Commission will post all comments on
the Commission's Internet Web site (http://www.sec.gov/rules/sro.shtml
). Copies of the submission, all subsequent amendments, all written
statements with respect to the proposed rule change that are filed with
the Commission, and all written communications relating to the proposed
rule change between the Commission and any person, other than those
that may be withheld from the public in accordance with the provisions
of 5 U.S.C. 552, will be available for Web site viewing and printing in
the Commission's Public Reference Room, 100 F Street NE., Washington,
DC 20549, on official business days between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and
3:00 p.m. Copies of the filing also will be available for inspection
and copying at the principal office of the CBOE. All comments received
will be posted without change; the Commission does not edit personal
identifying information from submissions. You should submit only
information that you wish to make available publicly. All submissions
should refer to File Number SR-CBOE-2014-001 and should be submitted on
or before February 19, 2014.

    For the Commission, by the Division of Trading and Markets,
pursuant to delegated authority.\14\
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    \14\ 17 CFR 200.30-3(a)(12).
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Elizabeth M. Murphy,
Secretary.
[FR Doc. 2014-01655 Filed 1-28-14; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 8011-01-P


[Federal Register Volume 88, Number 65 (Wednesday, April 5, 2023)]
[Notices]
[Pages 20208-20209]
[FR Doc No: 2023-07072]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration

[Docket No. PHMSA-2023-0009]

Safety of Underground Natural Gas Storage Public Meeting

AGENCY: Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA),
DOT.

ACTION: Notice of a public meeting.

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SUMMARY: This notice announces that PHMSA will host a two-day public
meeting titled: ``Safety of Underground Natural Gas Storage Public
Meeting'' in Broomfield, Colorado. PHMSA is hosting this meeting as
part of its core mission to improve safety through better
communications between PHMSA and its stakeholders. The purpose of the
public meeting is to share important safety information with the public
and industry, as well as gather input to inform future rulemaking
decisions.

DATES: The public meeting and forum will be held May 16-17, 2023, from
8 a.m. to 4 p.m. (MT). Persons who wish to attend the meeting are asked
to register no later than April 21, 2023. Individuals requiring
accommodations, such as sign language interpretation or other aids, are
asked to notify Kimberly Harrigan at [email protected] no later
than April 21, 2023. For additional information, please see the
ADDRESSES section of this notice.

ADDRESSES: The public meeting will be held at the Renaissance Boulder
Flatiron Hotel, 500 Flatiron Boulevard, Broomfield, Colorado. The
agenda and instructions on how to attend are available on the meeting
website at https://primis.phmsa.dot.gov/meetingsMtgHome.mtg?mtg=164.
    Presentations: Presentations from the public meeting will be
available on the meeting website no later than five business days
following the meeting.
    Submitting Comments: Persons who wish to submit written comments
may submit them to the docket in one of the following ways:
    E-Gov Website: https://www.regulations.gov. This site allows the
public to enter comments on any Federal Register notice issued by any
agency. Follow the online instructions for submitting comments.
    Fax: 1-202-493-2251--The Docket Management Facility, U.S.
Department of Transportation will not issue confirmation notices for
faxed comments.
    Mail: Docket Management Facility, U.S. Department of
Transportation, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, West Building: Room W12-140,
Washington, DC 20590-0001
    Hand Delivery: U.S. Department of Transportation, 1200 New Jersey
Avenue SE, West Building: Room W12-140, Washington, DC 20590-0001,
between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. EST Monday through Friday, except
federal holidays
    Instructions: Identify Docket No. PHMSA-2023-0009 at the beginning
of your comments. Internet users may submit comments at https://www.regulations.gov. If you submit your comments by mail or hand
delivery, submit two copies. If you would like confirmation that PHMSA
received your comments, please include a self-addressed stamped
postcard that is labeled ``Comments on PHMSA-2023-0009.'' The docket
clerk will date stamp the postcard prior to returning it to you via the
U.S. mail.
    Note: All comments received will be posted without edits to https:/
/

www.regulations.gov, including any personal information provided.
Please see the Privacy Act heading for more information. Anyone can use
the site to search all comments by the name of the submitting
individual or, if the comment was submitted on behalf of an
association, business, labor union, etc., the name of the signing
individual. Therefore, please review the complete U.S. Department of
Transportation Privacy Act Statement in the Federal Register (65 FR
19477) or the Privacy Notice at https://www.regulations.gov before
submitting comments.
    Privacy Act Statement: In accordance with 5 U.S.C. 553(c), DOT
solicits comments from the public regarding certain general notices.
DOT posts these comments without edit, including any personal
information the commenter provides, to https://www.regulations.gov, as
described in the system of records notice (DOT/ALL-14 FDMS), which can
be reviewed at https://www.dot.gov/privacy.
    Confidential Business Information: Confidential Business
Information (CBI) is commercial or financial information that is both
customarily and actually treated as private by its owner. Under the
Freedom of Information Act (5 U.S.C. 552), CBI is exempt from public
disclosure. If your comments in response to this notice contain
commercial or financial information that is customarily treated as
private, that you actually treat as private, and that is relevant or
responsive to this notice, it is important that you clearly designate
the submitted comments as CBI. Pursuant to 49 CFR 190.343, you may ask
PHMSA to provide confidential treatment to information you give to the
Agency by taking the following steps: (1) mark each page of the
original document submission containing CBI as ``Confidential;'' (2)
send PHMSA a copy of the original document with the CBI deleted along
with the original, unaltered document; and (3) explain why the
information you are submitting is CBI. Submissions containing CBI
should be sent to Catherine Washabaugh, DOT, PHMSA, 1200 New Jersey
Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590-0001. Also, submissions containing CBI
can be emailed to Catherine Washabaugh by encrypted email at
[email protected]. Any CBI PHMSA receives that is not
specifically designated as CBI will be placed in the public docket.
    Docket: For access to the docket or to read background documents or
comments, go to
    https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the online instructions for
accessing the dockets. Alternatively, this information is available by
visiting DOT at 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, West Building: Room W12-140,
Washington, DC 20590-0001, between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. ET Monday
through Friday, except federal holidays.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Catherine Washabaugh by email at
[email protected]., or phone<PHONE_NUMBER>.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Background

    The underground natural gas storage regulations have been in place
for five years. Operators are now experienced in operating under these
regulations. The meeting will bring federal and state regulators,
emergency responders, industry, underground natural gas storage
operators, and interested members of the public together to participate
in understanding, enhancing, and shaping the future of underground
natural gas storage safety. The meeting will provide a forum for
discussion of multiple topics related to underground natural gas
storage including: regulatory review, inspection processes, frequently
asked question, jurisdictional coverage, incorporation by reference of
American Petroleum Institute's Recommended Practices 1170 and 1171,
general enforcement processes, common operator challenges, well annulus
monitoring and exceedances, surface and subsurface safety valves, best
practices, and lessons learned from incidents.
    PHMSA's mission is to protect people and the environment by
advancing the safe transportation of energy products and other
hazardous materials that are essential to our daily lives. Part of this
mission includes preventing the release of natural gas, which releases
methane into the atmosphere. PHMSA is pursuing the DOT Strategic Goals
of Safety, Economic Strength and Global Competitiveness, Equity,
Climate & Sustainability, Transformation, and Organizational Excellence
in effort to profile these goals during the public meeting.

Public Participation

    The meeting will be open to the public. Members of the public who
wish to attend are requested to register on the meeting website and
include their names and organization affiliation (see ADDRESSES). PHMSA
is committed to providing all participants with equal access to these
meetings.
    PHMSA is not always able to publish a notice in the Federal
Register quickly enough to provide timely notification regarding last
minute changes that impact a previously announced meeting. Therefore,
individuals should check the meeting website listed in the ADDRESSES
section of this notice regarding any possible changes.

    Issued in Washington, DC, on March 31, 2023, under authority
delegated in 49 CFR 1.97.
Alan K. Mayberry,
Associate Administrator for Pipeline Safety.
[FR Doc. 2023-07072 Filed 4-4-23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-60-P