[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 58 (Friday, March 25, 2016)]
[Notices]
[Pages 16240-16245]
[FR Doc No: 2016-06744]

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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

[Release No. 34-77409; File No. SR-ISEMercury-2016-05]

Self-Regulatory Organizations; ISE Mercury, LLC; Notice of Filing
and Immediate Effectiveness of Proposed Rule Change To Amend the
Schedule of Fees

March 21, 2016.
    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 March 10, 2016, ISE Mercury, LLC (the ``Exchange'' or ``ISE
Mercury'') filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission
(``Commission'') the proposed rule change, as described in Items I, II,
and III below, which Items have been prepared by the self-regulatory
organization. The Commission is publishing this notice to solicit
comments on the proposed rule change from interested persons.
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    \1\ 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(1).
    \2\ 17 CFR 240.19b-4.
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I. Self-Regulatory Organization's Statement of the Terms of Substance
of the Proposed Rule Change

    ISE Mercury proposes to amend its Schedule of Fees by adopting
volume-based tiered rebates and fees. These tiers are determined by a
member's average daily volume of Priority Customer orders traded on the
Exchange. The text of the proposed rule change is available on the
Exchange's Internet Web site at http://www.ise.com, at the principal
office of the Exchange, and at the Commission's Public Reference Room.

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 Exchange 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 these statements may be examined at the places specified in
Item IV below. The self-regulatory organization has prepared summaries,
set forth in Sections A, B and C below, of the most significant aspects
of such statements.

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

1. Purpose
    ISE Mercury is proposing to amend its Schedule of Fees to establish
volume-based tiered rebates and fees (the ``Member Volume Program'' or
``MVP''). The MVP tiers are determined by a member's average daily
volume (``ADV'') of Priority Customer \3\ Regular Orders,\4\ in Penny
and Non-Penny Pilot Symbols,\5\ traded on the Exchange. The Exchange
will also aggregate the trading activity of affiliated members in
determining this ADV.\6\ ISE Mercury believes the proposed fee and
rebate tiers will incentivize firms to increase Priority Customer order
flow to the Exchange. The Exchange is also proposing Penny and Non-
Penny Symbol fees for both Crossing Orders and Responses to Crossing
Orders. Finally, the Exchange proposes to offer Market Makers \7\ a per
contract discount when trading against Non-Priority Customer orders.
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    \3\ A Priority Customer is a person or entity that is not a
broker/dealer in securities, and does not place more than 390 orders
in listed options per day on average during a calendar month for its
own beneficial account(s).
    \4\ A Regular Order is an order that consists of only a single
option series and is not submitted with a stock leg.
    \5\ Under the Penny Pilot, the minimum price variation for all
participating options classes, except for the Nasdaq-100 Index
Tracking Stock (``QQQ''), the SPDR S&P 500 Exchange Traded Fund
(``SPY'') and the iShares Russell 2000 Index Fund (``IWM''), is
$0.01 for all quotations in options series that are quoted at less
than $3 per contract and $0.05 for all quotations in options series
that are quoted at $3 per contract or greater. The proposed fees and
rebates for Penny Pilot symbols apply to all classes in the Penny
Pilot, i.e., to series that are quoted at less than $3 that have a
minimum price variation of $0.01 and to series that are quoted at $3
or more that have an minimum price variation of $0.05. QQQ, SPY, and
IWM are quoted in $0.01 increments for all options series.
    \6\ Aggregation is necessary and appropriate because certain
members conduct customer and market maker trading activity through
separate but related broker-dealers.
    \7\ The term Market Makers refers to ``Competitive Market
Makers'' and ``Primary Market Makers'' collectively. Market Maker
orders sent to the Exchange by an Electronic Access Member are
assessed fees at the same level as Market Maker orders.
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The Member Volume Program
    Currently, the fees and rebates assessed for Regular Orders in
standard options that are in the Penny Pilot are: (1) $0.20 per
contract for Market Maker orders,\8\ (2) $0.47 per contract for Non-ISE
Mercury Market Maker,\9\ Firm Proprietary \10\/Broker-Dealer,\11\ and
Professional Customer \12\ orders; and (3) ($0.18) per contract for
Priority Customer orders. The transaction fees and rebates assessed for
Regular Orders that are not in the Penny Pilot are: (1) $0.20 per
contract for Market Maker orders; (2) $0.90 per contract for Non-ISE
Mercury Market Maker, Firm Proprietary/Broker-Dealer, and Professional
Customer orders; and (3) ($0.18) per contract for Priority Customer
orders.
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    \8\ This fee applies to ISE Mercury Market Maker orders sent to
the Exchange by Electronic Access Members.
    \9\ A Non-ISE Mercury Market Maker, or Far Away Market Maker
(``FARMM''), is a market maker as defined in Section 3(a)(38) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (``Exchange Act''),
registered in the same options class on another options exchange.
    \10\ A Firm Proprietary order is an order submitted by a member
for its own proprietary account.
    \11\ A Broker-Dealer order is an order submitted by a member for
a non-member broker-dealer account.
    \12\ A Professional Customer is a person who is not a broker/
dealer and is not a Priority Customer.
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    The Exchange proposes to amend the above fees and rebates so that
they will be based on a member's ADV of Priority Customer orders traded
in a given month and the highest tier threshold attained applies
retroactively in a given month to all eligible traded contracts and
applies to all eligible market participants. This Priority Customer ADV
includes all Priority Customer volume executed on the Exchange in all
symbols and order types, including volume executed in the Price
Improvement Mechanism (``PIM'') and the Facilitation and Qualified
Contingent Cross mechanisms.
    Further, the Exchange will aggregate the trading activity of
separate members in calculating Priority Customer ADV provided there is
at least 75% common ownership between the firms as reflected on each
firm's Form BD, Schedule A. The Exchange believes that aggregating this
volume across members that share at least 75% common ownership will
allow members to continue to execute trades on the Exchange through
separate broker-dealer entities for different types of

volume, while receiving rebates based on the aggregate volume being
executed across such entities.
    The Exchange now proposes fees and rebates based on five volume
tier levels as described in the table below. These fees and rebates
will be based on the highest tier that a member reaches in a given
month, and these tiered rates will apply retroactively to all eligible
traded contracts for all client categories.

                       Qualifying Tier Thresholds
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                        Total affiliated
                         Tier                          priority customer
                                                              ADV
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tier 1...............................................           0-19,999
Tier 2...............................................      20,000-39,999
Tier 3...............................................      40,000-59,999
Tier 4...............................................      60,000-79,999
Tier 5...............................................            80,000+
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Additionally, the Exchange proposes to amend the Schedule of Fees
to include language related to excluding days from the ADV calculations
used to determine applicable fee and rebate tiers. Specifically, the
Exchange proposes to (1) exclude from its ADV calculations any trading
day on which the Exchange is closed early for holiday observance; (2)
exclude days where the Exchange declares a trading halt in all
securities or honors a market-wide trading halt declared by another
market; and (3) permit days to be excluded from its ADV calculations
where the Exchange is technically open for the entire trading day, but
has instructed members to route away due to a systems or other error
that ultimately does not impact trading on the Exchange. The Exchange
also notes, however, that if it has a systems issue in the morning
before the market opens, it may instruct members to route away to other
markets. If the systems issue continues into trading hours, the
Exchange is permitted to exclude the day for all members that would
have a lower ADV with the day included. If, however, the systems issue
is resolved prior to the opening of trading, the Exchange is not
permitted to exclude the day from its ADV calculations. This is the
case regardless of the fact that many members would have already made
arrangements to route away in accordance with the Exchange's
instructions. To prevent this undesirable result, and preserve the
Exchange's intent behind adopting volume-based pricing, the Exchange
proposes to allow days to be excluded from its ADV calculation whenever
all members are instructed, in writing, to route their orders to other
markets.
    Because the days the Exchange proposes to exclude from its ADV
calculation generally have artificially lower trading volume, the
Exchange believes that it is reasonable and equitable to not include
such days in determining fee and rebate tiers. If the Exchange did not
have the ability to exclude aberrant low volume days when calculating
ADV for the month, as a result of the decreased trading volume, the
numerator for the calculation (e.g., trading volume) would be
correspondingly lower, but the denominator for the threshold
calculations (e.g., the number of trading days) would not be decreased.
This could result in an unintended cost increase. Absent the authority
to exclude days that the market is not open for the entire trading day,
members will experience an effective decrease in rebates. The
artificially low volumes of trading on such days could reduce the
trading activity of members both daily and monthly. Accordingly,
excluding such days from the monthly calculation will diminish the
likelihood of an effective increase in the cost of trading on the
Exchange, a result that is unintended and undesirable to the Exchange
and its members.
    The Exchange notes that the fees charged to Non-ISE Mercury Market
Maker, Firm Proprietary/Broker Dealer and Professional Customer in
Penny and Non-Penny Symbols are the same as the current fees charged,
regardless of the tier level reached. However, the tiered fees and
rebates for both Priority Customers and Market Makers have changed. The
proposed fees and rebates for each tier and participant type are as
follows:

                                          Penny Symbol Fees and Rebates
                                                 [Per contract]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                Firm proprietary,
                                                                                B/D, FarMM &
                          Tier                           Priority customer     Market maker       professional
                                                                                customer
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tier 1.................................................            ($0.05)              $0.25              $0.47
Tier 2.................................................            ($0.10)              $0.22              $0.47
Tier 3.................................................            ($0.15)              $0.18              $0.47
Tier 4.................................................            ($0.21)              $0.15              $0.47
Tier 5.................................................            ($0.24)              $0.10              $0.47
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                                        Non-Penny Symbol Fees and Rebates
                                                 [Per contract]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                Firm proprietary,
                                                                                B/D, FarMM &
                          Tier                           Priority customer     Market maker       professional
                                                                                customer
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tier 1.................................................            ($0.05)              $0.25              $0.90
Tier 2.................................................            ($0.10)              $0.22              $0.90
Tier 3.................................................            ($0.15)              $0.18              $0.90
Tier 4.................................................            ($0.21)              $0.15              $0.90
Tier 5.................................................            ($0.24)              $0.10              $0.90
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Crossing Orders
    The Exchange proposes Penny and Non-Penny Symbol fees for Crossing
Orders. The Exchange currently charges a fee of $0.20 per contract for
Crossing Orders \13\ in all symbols traded on the Exchange for all
market participants, except Priority Customers who are charged $0.00
per contract for Crossing Orders. A Crossing Order is an order executed
in the Exchange's Facilitation Mechanism, Solicited Order Mechanism,
PIM, or submitted as a Qualified Contingent Cross order. Orders
executed in the Block Order Mechanism are also considered Crossing
Orders. The fees for Crossing Orders, except for PIM Orders of 500 or
Fewer Contracts, in both Penny and Non-Penny Symbols have not changed
from current levels.
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    \13\ These fees apply to both originating and contra orders.
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    As an exception to the fees charged for Crossing Orders, the
Exchange charges a fee of $0.05 per contract for PIM Orders of 500 or
Fewer Contracts in all symbols traded on the Exchange for all market
participants, except that Priority Customer orders on the originating
side of a PIM auction receive a rebate of ($0.13) per contract.
Priority Customer orders on the contra-side of a PIM auction pay no fee
and receive no rebate. PIM orders greater than 500 contracts pay the
Crossing Order fee, described above. The Exchange now proposes to offer
tiered fees and rebates based on Priority Customer volume, as described
above, for PIM Orders of 500 or Fewer Contracts. The Exchange notes
that the fees for Non-Priority Customer orders have not changed from
current levels, but the fees for Priority Customer orders have changed
as described in the table, below.

                         All Symbols Fee/Rebate for PIM Orders of 500 or Fewer Contracts
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                Firm proprietary,
                                                                                B/D, FarMM &
                          Tier                           Priority customer     Market maker       professional
                                                                                customer
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tier 1.................................................            ($0.11)              $0.05              $0.05
Tier 2.................................................            ($0.11)              $0.05              $0.05
Tier 3.................................................            ($0.13)              $0.05              $0.05
Tier 4.................................................            ($0.13)              $0.05              $0.05
Tier 5.................................................            ($0.13)              $0.05              $0.05
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Responses to Crossing Orders
    The Exchange proposes Penny and Non-Penny Symbol fees for Responses
to Crossing Orders. A Response to a Crossing Order is any contra-side
interest (i.e., orders and quotes) submitted after the commencement of
an auction in the Exchange's Facilitation Mechanism, Solicited Order
Mechanism, Block Order Mechanism, or PIM. Currently, the Exchange
charges a fee of (1) $0.20 per contract for Market Maker orders and (2)
$0.50 per contract for Non-ISE Mercury Market Maker, Firm Proprietary/
Broker-Dealer, Professional Customer, and Priority Customer orders in
all symbols. For Responses to Crossing Orders in Penny Symbols, the
Exchange proposes to charge Market Makers the corresponding tiered fees
in the chart titled Penny Symbol Fees and Rebates, above. For Non-ISE
Mercury Market Maker, Firm Proprietary/Broker-Dealer, Professional
Customer, and Priority Customer orders in Penny Symbols, the fees have
not changed from current levels. For Responses to Crossing Orders in
Non-Penny Symbols, the Exchange proposes to charge Market Makers the
corresponding tiered fees in the chart titled Non-Penny Symbol Fees and
Rebates, above. For Non-ISE Mercury Market Maker, Firm Proprietary/
Broker-Dealer, Professional Customer, and Priority Customer orders in
Non-Penny Symbols, the Exchange proposes to charge a fee of $0.95 per
contract.
    With respect to the proposed MVP, described above, the Exchange
notes that the fees and rebates currently being paid on ISE Mercury are
in the range of fees and rebates in the new structure. During the
initial rollout of symbols on ISE Mercury, the Exchange did not adopt
the proposed tiered structure due to the difficulty of calculating
appropriate ADV thresholds for each tier when symbols were being listed
on the Exchange each week. The Exchange, therefore, opted to provide
attractive introductory rates and Priority Customer order rebates in
order to attract Priority Customer orders to the Exchange during the
initial rollout phase. By adopting the proposed tiered structure now,
the Exchange seeks to incentivize members to send additional order flow
to the Exchange in order to qualify for lower fees and higher rebates.
Market Maker Discount
    The Exchange is also proposing a $0.05 per contract discount to
Market Maker fees when the Market Maker trades against Non-Priority
Customer orders. We believe this will incentivize Market Makers to
provide competitive markets. This discount does not apply to Crossing
Orders.
2. Statutory Basis
    The Exchange believes that the proposed rule change is consistent
with the provisions of Section 6 of the Act,\14\ in general, and
Section 6(b)(4) of the Act,\15\ in particular, in that it is designed
to provide for the equitable allocation of reasonable dues, fees, and
other charges among its members and other persons using its facilities.
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    \14\ 15 U.S.C. 78f.
    \15\ 15 U.S.C. 78f(b)(4).
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    The Exchange believes the fees proposed for transactions on ISE
Mercury are reasonable. ISE Mercury will operate within a highly
competitive market in which market participants can readily send order
flow to any of the thirteen other competing venues if they deem fees at
a particular venue to be excessive. The proposed MVP is intended to
attract order flow to ISE Mercury by offering certain market
participants incentives to submit their orders to ISE Mercury.
Member Volume Program
    The Exchange believes the proposed fees and rebates in the MVP are
reasonable and equitably allocated because ISE Mercury has already
established fees for members trading on the Exchange, and is merely
proposing to adopt volume-based tiers designed to incentivize members
to send additional Priority Customer order flow to the Exchange.
Further, the language permitting aggregation of volume amongst
corporate affiliates for purposes

of the ADV calculation is intended to avoid disparate treatment of
firms that have divided their various business activities between
separate corporate entities as compared to firms that operate those
business activities within a single corporate entity. For example, many
firms that are members of the Exchange operate several different
business lines within the same corporate entity. In contrast, other
firms may be part of a corporate structure that separates those
business lines into different corporate affiliates, either for
business, compliance, or historical reasons. Those corporate
affiliates, in turn, are required to maintain separate memberships with
the Exchange in order to access the Exchange. The Exchange believes
that corporate affiliates should continue to be aggregated and is
clarifying when members will be considered affiliated. The Exchange
notes that the proposed definition of ``affiliate'' to be used to
aggregate affiliated member ADV is consistent with definitions used by
other options exchanges, including MIAX.\16\
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    \16\ See MIAX Fee Schedule, (1) Transaction Fees, (a) Exchange
Fees, (iii) Priority Customer Rebate Program at https://www.miaxoptions.com/sites/default/files/MIAX_Options_Fee_Schedule_02012016B.pdf.
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    The Exchange believes that it is equitable and reasonable to permit
the Exchange to eliminate from the calculation days on which the market
is not open the entire trading day, either due to a holiday or trading
halt, because it preserves the Exchange's intent behind adopting
volume-based pricing. The proposed change is non-discriminatory because
it applies equally to all members and to all volume tiers.
Additionally, the Exchange believes that it is reasonable and equitable
to exclude a day from its ADV calculations when members are instructed
to route their orders to other markets as this preserves the Exchange's
intent behind adopting volume-based pricing, and avoids penalizing
members that follow this instruction. Without this change, members that
route away in accordance with the Exchange's instructions may be
negatively impacted, resulting in an effective cost increase for those
members. The Exchange further believes that the proposed rule change is
not unfairly discriminatory because it applies equally to all members
and ADV calculations. As is the Exchange's current practice, the
Exchange will inform members of any day to be excluded from its ADV
calculations by sending members a notice and posting such notice on the
Exchange's Web site.
    The Exchange further believes that its proposal to provide rebates
for Priority Customer orders is reasonable and equitable because the
proposed rebates are competitive with the rebates offered by other
exchanges employing similar tiered rebate structures based on Priority
Customer volume. For example, MIAX Options Exchange (``MIAX'') and
NASDAQ OMX PHLX (``PHLX'') have Priority Customer, tiered rebate
programs.\17\ MIAX offers a per contract rebate of $0.00 for its base
tier and a per contract rebate of $0.24 for its highest rebate tier in
select symbols. Similarly, PHLX offers a per contract rebate of $0.00
for its base tier and a per contract rebate of $0.21 for its highest
tier in customer simple orders.\18\ As proposed, ISE Mercury's Priority
Customer order rebates are not unfairly discriminatory because they
would apply uniformly to all similarly situated market participants and
they are competitive with the rebates offered by MIAX's and PHLX's
Priority Customer rebate programs.
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    \17\ See MIAX Fee Schedule, (1) Transaction Fees, (a) Exchange
Fees, (iii) Priority Customer Rebate Program at https://www.miaxoptions.com/sites/default/files/MIAX_Options_Fee_Schedule_03012016.pdf and PHLX Fee Schedule, B.
Customer Rebate Program at http://www.nasdaqtrader.com/Micro.aspx?id=phlxpricing.
    \18\ PHLX Fee Schedule, B. Customer Rebate Program, Category A
at http://www.nasdaqtrader.com/Micro.aspx?id=phlxpricing.
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    The Exchange believes that providing higher rebates for Priority
Customer orders, and creating ADV thresholds specifically for members
that send such orders to ISE Mercury, attracts that order flow to the
Exchange and thereby creates liquidity to the benefit of all market
participants who trade on the Exchange. Further, the Exchange believes
that it is equitable and not unfairly discriminatory to provide higher
rebates to Priority Customer orders than to Professional Customer
orders. A Priority Customer is by definition not a broker or dealer in
securities, and does not place more than 390 orders in listed options
per day on average during a calendar month for its own beneficial
account(s). This limitation does not apply to participants on the
Exchange whose behavior is substantially similar to that of market
professionals, including Professional Customers, who will generally
submit a higher number of orders (many of which do not result in
executions) than Priority Customers. Further, Professional Customers
engage in trading activity similar to that conducted by Market Makers
and proprietary traders.
    The Exchange believes that its proposal to assess a per contract
fee for Market Maker orders is reasonable and equitable because the
proposed fees are within the range of fees assessed by other exchanges
employing similar tiered rebate structures such as MIAX, which offers
tiered fees for Market Makers. In Penny Symbols, MIAX generally charges
Market Makers a per contract fee as high as $0.25 for its base tier and
a per contract fee of $0.05 for its highest tier.\19\ In Non-Penny
Symbols, MIAX charges a per contract fee of $0.29 for its base tier and
a per contract fee of $0.09 for its highest tier.\20\ Thus, MIAX's
tiered Market Maker fees are competitive with ISE Mercury's fees. The
Exchange believes that the price differentiation between Market Makers
and other Non-Priority Customers is appropriate and not unfairly
discriminatory because Market Makers have different requirements and
obligations to the Exchange that other market participants do not (such
as quoting requirements). The Exchange believes that it is equitable
and not unfairly discriminatory to provide lower fees to Market Makers
because they would apply uniformly to similarly situated market
participants.
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    \19\ See MIAX Fee Schedule, (1) Transaction Fees, (a) Exchange
Fees, (i) Market Maker Transaction Fees, Market Maker Sliding Scale
at https://www.miaxoptions.com/sites/default/files/MIAX_Options_Fee_Schedule_03012016.pdf.
    \20\ Id.
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Crossing Orders
    The Exchange believes the proposed rebates for PIM Orders of 500 or
Fewer Contracts \21\ are reasonable and equitably allocated because the
proposed fees are within the range of fees assessed by other exchanges
such as MIAX, which offers a rebate for PRIME Agency orders.\22\ For
example, MIAX offers a per contract rebate of $0.10 for each Priority
Customer order and also offers an additional per contract rebate of
$0.02 for members that qualify for MIAX's Priority Customer Rebate
Program's volume tiers 3 and 4.\23\ While ISE Mercury's tiered rebate
is specifically targeted towards Priority Customer orders, the Exchange
does not believe that this is unfairly discriminatory. As discussed
above,

Priority Customer orders on the Exchange are generally entitled to
lower fees and higher rebates, and the Exchange believes that
attracting more liquidity from Priority Customers will benefit all
market participants that trade on ISE Mercury. Further, the Exchange
believes that it is equitable and not unfairly discriminatory to
provide lower fees to Priority Customers because they would apply
uniformly to similarly situated market participants.
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    \21\ The level is set at 500 or fewer contracts because Priority
Customer orders are typically less than 500 contracts.
    \22\ See MIAX Fee Schedule, (1) Transaction Fees, (a) Exchange
Fees, (iii) Priority Customer Rebate Program at https://www.miaxoptions.com/sites/default/files/MIAX_Options_Fee_Schedule_03012016.pdf.
    \23\ Id.
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Responses to Crossing Orders
    The Exchange's proposal to assess Penny and Non-Penny Symbol fees
for Responses to Crossing Orders is reasonable and equitably allocated
because they are within the range of fees assessed by other exchanges.
Specifically, the Exchange proposes to keep fees for Responses to
Crossing Orders in Penny Symbols the same and to increase fees for
Responses to Crossing Orders in Non-Penny Symbols so that these fees
are competitive with similar fees charged on other exchanges. For
example, ISE Gemini's Fees for Responses to Crossing Orders \24\ in
both Penny and Non-Penny Symbols are competitive with those proposed by
ISE Mercury. Further, the Exchange believes the proposed Fees for
Responses to Crossing Orders are not unfairly discriminatory because
they would uniformly apply to all similarly situated market
participants.
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    \24\ See ISE Gemini Fee Schedule, I. Regular Order Fees and
Rebates, Fee for Crossing Orders at http://www.ise.com/assets/gemini/documents/OptionsExchange/legal/fee/Gemini_Fee_Schedule.pdf.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    With respect to the Responses to Crossing Orders' tiered fees for
Market Maker orders, the Exchange believes that the proposed fees are
fair, equitable, and not unfairly discriminatory because the proposed
fees are consistent with the fees charged at other exchanges. For
example, ISE Gemini charges Market Makers a Fee for Responses to
Crossing Orders of $0.49 per contract in Penny Symbols and $0.89 per
contract in Non-Penny Symbols. Similarly, ISE Mercury's proposal would
charge per contract fees ranging from $0.50 (Tier 1 fee plus Marketing
Fee) to $0.35 (Tier 5 fee plus Marketing Fee) in Penny Symbols and per
contract fees ranging from $0.95 (Tier 1 fee plus Marketing Fee) to
$0.80 (Tier 5 fee plus marketing fee) in Non-Penny Symbols. As
discussed above, the Exchange believes that the price differentiation
between Market Makers and the other market participants is appropriate
and not unfairly discriminatory because they have requirements and
obligations to the Exchange that the other market participants do not.
Market Makers also incur Marketing Fees, which the other market
participants do not. Thus, the Exchange believes that it is equitable
and not unfairly discriminatory to assess a higher fee to certain
market participants that do not have such requirements and obligations
that Exchange Market Makers do.
Market Maker Discount
    The Exchange believes the proposed Market Maker discount is
reasonable, equitable, and not unfairly discriminatory because Market
Makers have different requirements and obligations to the Exchange that
other market participants do not and they incur Marketing Fees. The
Exchange notes that when trading against a Priority Customer the
exchange pays a rebate for Priority Customer orders, but the Exchange
charges a fee for executions of Non-Priority Customer orders. The
Exchange believes that offering a discount on the fees charged to
Market Makers will encourage Market Maker to make better markets and
execute more trades. Furthermore, charging Market Makers lower fees for
trading against a Non-Priority Customer order is not a new concept in
the industry. For example, BOX Options Exchange, in Non-Penny Pilot
Symbols, charges Market Makers a maker fee of $0.85 per contract for
trading against a Priority Customer order and a maker fee of $0.00 for
trading against a Professional Customer/Broker Dealer order.\25\
Finally, [sic]
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \25\ See BOX Options Exchange Fee Schedule, Section I. Exchange
Fees, A. Non-Auction Transactions at http://boxexchange.com/assets/BOX-Exchange-Fee-Schedule-as-of-February-26-2016.pdf.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The Exchange notes that the proposed rule filing is intended to
further establish ISE Mercury as an attractive venue for market
participants to direct their order flow as the proposed fees and
rebates are competitive with those established by other exchanges. The
Exchange operates in a highly competitive market in which market
participants can readily direct order flow to another exchange if they
deem rebates at a particular exchange to be too low. For the reasons
noted above, the Exchange believes that the proposed rebates are fair,
equitable and not unfairly discriminatory.

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

    In accordance with Section 6(b)(8) of the Act,\26\ the Exchange
does not believe that the proposed rule change will impose any burden
on intermarket or intramarket competition that is not necessary or
appropriate in furtherance of the purposes of the Act. The tiered
rebate structure that the Exchange proposes to adopt is similar to
those currently in effect on other options exchanges such as MIAX and
PHLX, and will increase competition between ISE Mercury and these
markets.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \26\ 15 U.S.C. 78f(b)(8).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    In establishing the MVP, the Exchange is not imposing any burden on
competition. The established volume tiers are transparent and offer
members a simple way to reach different levels of fees and rebates on
the exchange, similar to levels and differentials these same
participants are familiar with on several other exchanges. Volume tiers
are not new to the options industry and generally reward members for
submitting additional volume to the Exchange, with ISE Mercury now
seeking to introduce a similar structure. The Exchange also notes that
other exchanges have substantially similar requirements for aggregating
affiliated member ADV in determining applicable tiered rebates.
    Finally, in establishing a Market Maker discount for Market Makers
trading against Non-Priority Customer orders, the Exchange is not
imposing any burden on competition not necessary or appropriate in
furtherance of the purposes of the Act because other exchanges offer
lower fees to Market Makers trading against Non-Priority Customers.
Additionally, the Exchange notes that when trading against a Priority
Customer the exchange pays a rebate for Priority Customer orders, but
the Exchange charges a fee for executions of Non-Priority Customer
orders. The Exchange believes that offering a discount on the fees
charged to Market Makers will encourage Market Maker to make better
markets and execute more trades.
    The Exchange operates in a highly competitive market in which
market participants can readily direct their order flow to competing
venues. In such an environment, the Exchange must continually review,
and consider adjusting, its fees and rebates to remain competitive with
other exchanges. For the reasons described above, the Exchange believes
that the proposed fee changes reflect this competitive environment.

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

    The Exchange has not solicited, and does not intend to solicit,
comments on this proposed rule change. The Exchange has not received
any

unsolicited written comments from members or other interested parties.

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

    The foregoing rule change has become effective pursuant to Section
19(b)(3)(A)(ii) of the Act,\27\ and subparagraph (f)(2) of Rule 19b-4
thereunder,\28\ because it establishes a due, fee, or other charge
imposed by ISE Mercury.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \27\ 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(3)(A)(ii).
    \28\ 17 CFR 240.19b-4(f)(2).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    At any time within 60 days of the filing of such 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 shall institute proceedings to
determine whether the proposed rule should be approved or disapproved.

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-ISEMercury-2016-05 on the subject line.

Paper Comments

     Send paper comments in triplicate to Brent J. Fields,
Secretary, Securities and Exchange Commission, 100 F Street NE.,
Washington, DC 20549-1090.

All submissions should refer to File Number SR-ISEMercury-2016-05. 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 such filing also will be available
for inspection and copying at the principal office of the Exchange. 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-ISEMercury-2016-05, and
should be submitted on or before April 15, 2016.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \29\ 17 CFR 200.30-3(a)(12).

    For the Commission, by the Division of Trading and Markets,
pursuant to delegated authority.\29\
Brent J. Fields,
Secretary.
[FR Doc. 2016-06744 Filed 3-24-16; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 8011-01-P


[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 181 (Wednesday, September 22, 2021)]
[Notices]
[Pages 52668-52669]
[FR Doc No: 2021-20482]

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DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY

Federal Energy Regulatory Commission

Combined Notice of Filings

    Take notice that the Commission has received the following Natural
Gas Pipeline Rate and Refund Report filings:

Filings Instituting Proceedings

    Docket Numbers: RP21-1114-000.
    Applicants: Iroquois Gas Transmission System, L.P.
    Description: Sec.  4(d) Rate Filing: 9.15.21 Negotiated Rates--
Spark Energy Gas, LLC R-3045-27 to be effective 11/1/2021.
    Filed Date: 9/15/21.
    Accession Number: 20210915-5041.
    Comment Date: 5 p.m. ET 9/27/21.

    Docket Numbers: RP21-1115-000.
    Applicants: Iroquois Gas Transmission System, L.P.
    Description: Sec.  4(d) Rate Filing: 9.15.21 Negotiated Rates--
Spark Energy Gas, LLC R-3045-28 to be effective 11/1/2021.
    Filed Date: 9/15/21.
    Accession Number: 20210915-5043.
    Comment Date: 5 p.m. ET 9/27/21.

    Docket Numbers: RP21-1116-000.
    Applicants: Iroquois Gas Transmission System, L.P.
    Description: Sec.  4(d) Rate Filing: 9.15.21 Negotiated Rates--Twin
Eagle Resource Management, LLC R-7300-20 to be effective 11/1/2021.
    Filed Date: 9/15/21.
    Accession Number: 20210915-5047.
    Comment Date: 5 p.m. ET 9/27/21.

    Docket Numbers: RP21-1117-000.
    Applicants: Iroquois Gas Transmission System, L.P.
    Description: Sec.  4(d) Rate Filing: 9.15.21 Negotiated Rates--Twin
Eagle Resource Management, LLC R-7300-21 to be effective 11/1/2021.
    Filed Date: 9/15/21.
    Accession Number: 20210915-5049.
    Comment Date: 5 p.m. ET 9/27/21.

    Docket Numbers: RP21-1118-000.
    Applicants: Iroquois Gas Transmission System, L.P.
    Description: Sec.  4(d) Rate Filing: 9.15.21 Negotiated Rates--
Uniper Global Commodities North America LLC R-7650-04 to be effective
11/1/2021.
    Filed Date: 9/15/21.
    Accession Number: 20210915-5053.
    Comment Date: 5 p.m. ET 9/27/21.

    Docket Numbers: RP21-1119-000.
    Applicants: Tres Palacios Gas Storage LLC.
    Description: Annual Penalty Disbursement Report of Tres Palacios
Gas Storage LLC under RP21-1119.
    Filed Date: 9/15/21.
    Accession Number: 20210915-5093.
    Comment Date: 5 p.m. ET 9/27/21.

    Docket Numbers: RP21-1120-000.
    Applicants: Iroquois Gas Transmission System, L.P.
    Description: Sec.  4(d) Rate Filing: 9.16.21 Negotiated Rates--
Citadel Energy Marketing LLC R-7705-08 to be effective 11/1/2021.

    Filed Date: 9/16/21.
    Accession Number: 20210916-5004.
    Comment Date: 5 p.m. ET 9/28/21.

    Docket Numbers: RP21-1121-000.
    Applicants: Iroquois Gas Transmission System, L.P.
    Description: Sec.  4(d) Rate Filing: 9.16.21 Negotiated Rates--
Citadel Energy Marketing LLC R-7705-07 to be effective 11/1/2021.
    Filed Date: 9/16/21.
    Accession Number: 20210916-5005.
    Comment Date: 5 p.m. ET 9/28/21.

    Docket Numbers: RP21-1122-000.
    Applicants: Iroquois Gas Transmission System, L.P.
    Description: Sec.  4(d) Rate Filing: 9.16.21 Negotiated Rates--
Macquarie Energy LLC R-4090-23 to be effective 11/1/2021.
    Filed Date: 9/16/21.
    Accession Number: 20210916-5006.
    Comment Date: 5 p.m. ET 9/28/21.

    Docket Numbers: RP21-1123-000.
    Applicants: Tennessee Gas Pipeline Company, L.L.C.
    Description: Sec.  4(d) Rate Filing: Volume No. 2--Cabot Oil
SP359490 & Citadel SP367774 to be effective 11/1/2021.
    Filed Date: 9/16/21.
    Accession Number: 20210916-5018.
    Comment Date: 5 p.m. ET 9/28/21.

    Any person desiring to intervene or protest in any of the above
proceedings must file in accordance with Rules 211 and 214 of the
Commission's Regulations (18 CFR 385.211 and 385.214) on or before 5:00
p.m. Eastern time on the specified comment date. Protests may be
considered, but intervention is necessary to become a party to the
proceeding.

Filings in Existing Proceedings

    Docket Numbers: RP19-351-005.
    Applicants: Tennessee Gas Pipeline Company, L.L.C.
    Description: Compliance filing: 2021 Settlement Rates Docket No.
RP19-351-005 to be effective 11/1/2021.
    Filed Date: 9/15/21.
    Accession Number: 20210915-5025.
    Comment Date: 5 p.m. ET 9/27/21.

    Any person desiring to protest in any the above proceedings must
file in accordance with Rule 211 of the Commission's Regulations (18
CFR 385.211) on or before 5:00 p.m. Eastern time on the specified
comment date.
    The filings are accessible in the Commission's eLibrary system
(https://elibrary.ferc.gov/idmws/search/fercgensearch.asp) by querying
the docket number.
    eFiling is encouraged. More detailed information relating to filing
requirements, interventions, protests, service, and qualifying
facilities filings can be found at: http://www.ferc.gov/docs-filing/efiling/filing-req.pdf. For other information, call<PHONE_NUMBER>
(toll free). For TTY, call<PHONE_NUMBER>.

    Dated: September 16, 2021.
Kimberly D. Bose,
Secretary.
[FR Doc. 2021-20482 Filed 9-21-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6717-01-P


[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 57 (Monday, March 27, 2017)]
[Notices]
[Pages 15218-15219]
[FR Doc No: 2017-05938]

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY

Federal Energy Regulatory Commission

Combined Notice of Filings #1

    Take notice that the Commission received the following electric
rate filings:

    Docket Numbers: ER09-1256-004; ER12-2708-006.
    Applicants: Potomac-Appalachian Transmission Highline, LLC PATH
West Virginia Transmission Company, LLC, PATH Allegheny Transmission
Company, LLC.
    Description: Compliance filing of Potomac-Appalachian Transmission
Highline, LLC, et al. to Opinion No. 554.
    Filed Date: 3/20/17.
    Accession Number: 20170320-5274.
    Comments Due: 5 p.m. ET 4/10/17.

    Docket Numbers: ER12-2708-005.

    Applicants: Potomac-Appalachian Highline Transmission, LLC, PJM
Interconnection, L.L.C.
    Description: Compliance filing: PATH ROE Compliance Filing re
Opinion 554 in ER09-1256 and ER12-2708 to be effective 1/19/2017.
    Filed Date: 3/20/17.
    Accession Number: 20170320-5155.
    Comments Due: 5 p.m. ET 4/10/17.

    Docket Numbers: ER11-4634-003.
    Applicants: Hazleton Generation LLC.
    Description: Compliance filing: Supplement to Notice of Change in
Status to be effective 3/22/2017.
    Filed Date: 3/21/17.
    Accession Number: 20170321-5142.
    Comments Due: 5 p.m. ET 4/11/17.

    Docket Numbers: ER15-1456-002.
    Applicants: Beaver Falls, L.L.C.
    Description: Compliance filing: Supplement to Notice of Change in
Status to be effective 3/22/2017.
    Filed Date: 3/21/17.
    Accession Number: 20170321-5139.
    Comments Due: 5 p.m. ET 4/11/17.

    Docket Numbers: ER15-1457-002.
    Applicants: Syracuse, L.L.C.
    Description: Compliance filing: Supplement to Notice of Change in
Status to be effective 3/22/2017.
    Filed Date: 3/21/17.
    Accession Number: 20170321-5144.
    Comments Due: 5 p.m. ET 4/11/17.

    Docket Numbers: ER17-881-001.
    Applicants: Duke Energy Florida, LLC.
    Description: Compliance filing: City of Wauchula NITSA-NOA
Compliance Filing to be effective 4/1/2017.
    Filed Date: 3/21/17.
    Accession Number: 20170321-5099.
    Comments Due: 5 p.m. ET 4/11/17.

    Docket Numbers: ER17-1263-000.
    Applicants: CWP Energy, Inc.
    Description: Compliance filing: Baseline Refile to be effective 3/
21/2017.
    Filed Date: 3/20/17.
    Accession Number: 20170320-5228.
    Comments Due: 5 p.m. ET 4/10/17.

    Docket Numbers: ER17-1266-000.
    Applicants: The Dayton Power and Light Company, AEP Generation
Resources Inc., Dynegy Killen, LLC, Dynegy Stuart, LLC.
    Description: Petition of The Dayton Power and Light Company, et al.
for Limited Waiver of PJM Tariff Deadlines and for Expedited Action.
    Filed Date: 3/17/17.
    Accession Number: 20170317-5216.
    Comments Due: 5 p.m. ET 4/7/17.

    Docket Numbers: ER17-1269-000.
    Applicants: FirstEnergy Solutions Corp.
    Description: Request for Authorization to Make Wholesale Power
Sales to an Affiliate of FirstEnergy Solutions Corp.
    Filed Date: 3/17/17.
    Accession Number: 20170317-5220.
    Comments Due: 5 p.m. ET 4/7/17.

    Docket Numbers: ER17-1271-000.
    Applicants: PJM Interconnection, L.L.C.
    Description: Tariff Cancellation: Notice of Cancellation of WMPA SA
No. 3159--Queue W2-073 to be effective 5/15/2017.
    Filed Date: 3/21/17.
    Accession Number: 20170321-5043.
    Comments Due: 5 p.m. ET 4/11/17.

    Docket Numbers: ER17-1272-000.
    Applicants: FirstEnergy Solutions Corp.
    Description: Request for Authorization to Make Wholesale Power
Sales to an Affiliated Utility of FirstEnergy Solutions Corp.
    Filed Date: 3/17/17.
    Accession Number: 20170317-5222.
    Comments Due: 5 p.m. ET 4/7/17.

    Docket Numbers: ER17-1274-000.
    Applicants: Public Service Company of Colorado.
    Description: Sec.  205(d) Rate Filing: PSCo--OATT Att T--Form of
Bal Auth Ancil Svcs Agrmt to be effective 5/21/2017.
    Filed Date: 3/21/17.
    Accession Number: 20170321-5048.
    Comments Due: 5 p.m. ET 4/11/17.

    Docket Numbers: ER17-1278-000.
    Applicants: Indiana Michigan Power Company, PJM Interconnection,
L.L.C.
    Description: Sec.  205(d) Rate Filing: AEP submits 2nd Revised
Service Agreement No. 1436 to be effective 3/21/2017.
    Filed Date: 3/21/17.
    Accession Number: 20170321-5097.
    Comments Due: 5 p.m. ET 4/11/17.

    Docket Numbers: ER17-1279-000.
    Applicants: New York Independent System Operator, Inc.
    Description: Sec.  205(d) Rate Filing: NYISO 205 filing re:
enhancements to the DAMAP program rules to be effective 7/1/2017.
    Filed Date: 3/21/17.
    Accession Number: 20170321-5098.
    Comments Due: 5 p.m. ET 4/11/17.

    Docket Numbers: ER17-1280-000.
    Applicants: Repsol Energy North America Corporation.
    Description: Tariff Cancellation: Notice of Cancellation to be
effective 4/1/2017.
    Filed Date: 3/21/17.
    Accession Number: 20170321-5105.
    Comments Due: 5 p.m. ET 4/11/17.

    Docket Numbers: ER17-1281-000.
    Applicants: Westmoreland Partners.
    Description: Petition for Limited Waiver of Tariff Deadlines and
Request for Expedited Action of Westmoreland Partners.
    Filed Date: 3/21/17.
    Accession Number: 20170321-5125.
    Comments Due: 5 p.m. ET 4/11/17.

    Docket Numbers: ER17-1282-000.
    Applicants: CenterPoint Energy Houston Electric, LLC.
    Description: Sec.  205(d) Rate Filing: TFO Tariff Interim Rate
Revision to Conform with PUCT-Approved ERCOT Rate to be effective 2/27/
2017.
    Filed Date: 3/21/17.
    Accession Number: 20170321-5126.
    Comments Due: 5 p.m. ET 4/11/17.

    Docket Numbers: ER17-1283-000.
    Applicants: Indiana Michigan Power Company, PJM Interconnection,
L.L.C.
    Description: Sec.  205(d) Rate Filing: AEP submits 13th Revised
Service Agreement No. 1262 to be effective 2/22/2017.
    Filed Date: 3/21/17.
    Accession Number: 20170321-5128.
    Comments Due: 5 p.m. ET 4/11/17.

    Docket Numbers: ER17-1284-000.
    Applicants: Midcontinent Independent System Operator, Inc.
    Description: Sec.  205(d) Rate Filing: 2017-03-21_SA 2983 Entery
Louisiana-Entergy Louisiana--Amended GIA (J396 J482) to be effective 3/
13/2017.
    Filed Date: 3/21/17.
    Accession Number: 20170321-5147.
    Comments Due: 5 p.m. ET 4/11/17.

    The filings are accessible in the Commission's eLibrary system by
clicking on the links or querying the docket number.
    Any person desiring to intervene or protest in any of the above
proceedings must file in accordance with Rules 211 and 214 of the
Commission's Regulations (18 CFR 385.211 and 385.214) on or before 5:00
p.m. Eastern time on the specified comment date. Protests may be
considered, but intervention is necessary to become a party to the
proceeding.
    eFiling is encouraged. More detailed information relating to filing
requirements, interventions, protests, service, and qualifying
facilities filings can be found at: http://www.ferc.gov/docs-filing/efiling/filing-req.pdf. For other information, call<PHONE_NUMBER>
(toll free). For TTY, call<PHONE_NUMBER>.

    Dated: March 21, 2017.
Nathaniel J. Davis, Sr.,
Deputy Secretary.
[FR Doc. 2017-05938 Filed 3-24-17; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 6717-01-P


[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 224 (Friday, November 20, 2015)]
[Notices]
[Pages 72756-72758]
[FR Doc No: 2015-29599]

=======================================================================
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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

[Release No. 34-76443; File No. SR-MSRB-2015-12]

Self-Regulatory Organizations; Municipal Securities Rulemaking
Board; Notice of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of a Proposed Rule
Change To Adopt Proposed New MSRB Rule A-18, on Mandatory Participation
in Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery Testing

November 16, 2015.
    Pursuant to section 19(b)(1) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
(the ``Act'' or ``Exchange Act'') \1\ and Rule 19b-4 thereunder,\2\
notice is hereby given that on November 2, 2015, the Municipal
Securities Rulemaking Board (the ``MSRB'' or ``Board'') filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission (``Commission'') the proposed rule
change as described in Items I and II below, which Items have been
prepared by the MSRB. 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.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

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

    The MSRB filed with the Commission a proposed rule change to adopt
proposed new MSRB Rule A-18 to require certain brokers, dealers,
municipal securities dealers and municipal advisors registered with the
MSRB (``MSRB Registrants'') to participate in business continuity and
disaster recovery plans (``BC/DR Plans'') testing in connection with
Regulation Systems Compliance and Integrity (``Regulation SCI'') \3\
(the ``proposed rule change''). The MSRB has designated the proposed
rule change as ``non-controversial'' pursuant to section
19(b)(3)(A)(iii) of the Act \4\ and Rule 19b-4(f)(6)(iii) \5\
thereunder, which renders it effective upon filing with the Commission.
A proposed rule change filed under Rule 19b-4(f)(6) \6\ normally does
not become operative prior to 30 days after the date of the filing.
However, pursuant to Rule 19b-4(f)(6)(iii),\7\ the Commission may
designate a shorter time if such action is consistent with the
protection of investors and the public interest. The MSRB is requesting
the Commission waive the 30-day operative delay so that the proposed
rule change to require participation in BC/DR Plans testing as mandated
by Regulation SCI may become operative immediately upon filing.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \3\ See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 73639 (November 19,
2014), 79 FR 72251 (December 5, 2014) (``SCI Adopting Release'').
    \4\ 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(3)(A)(iii).
    \5\ 17 CFR 240.19b-4(f)(6).
    \6\ Id.
    \7\ Id.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The text of the proposed rule change is available on the MSRB's Web
site at www.msrb.org/Rules-and-Interpretations/SEC-Filings/2015-Filings.aspx, at the MSRB's principal office, and at the Commission's
Public Reference Room.

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 MSRB 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 these statements may be examined at the places specified in
Item IV below. The MSRB has prepared summaries, set forth in sections
A, B, and C below, of the most significant aspects of such statements.

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

1. Purpose
    As adopted by the Commission, Regulation SCI applies to certain
self-regulatory organizations (including the MSRB), alternative trading
systems, plan processors, and exempt clearing agencies (collectively,
``SCI entities''), and mandates these SCI entities to comply with
requirements with respect to the automated systems central to the
performance of their regulated activities. Among the requirements of
Regulation SCI is Rule 1001(a)(2)(v), which requires the MSRB and other
SCI entities to maintain ``[b]usiness continuity and disaster recovery
plans that include maintaining backup and recovery capabilities
sufficiently resilient and geographically diverse and that are
reasonably designed to achieve next business day resumption of trading
and two-hour resumption of critical SCI systems following a wide-scale
disruption.'' \8\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \8\ 17 CFR 242.1001(a)(2)(v).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The MSRB has put extensive time and resources toward planning for
system failures and already maintains robust procedures for business
continuity and disaster recovery. As set forth below, in connection
with Regulation SCI, the MSRB is proposing to require certain MSRB
Registrants to participate in the testing of the operation of the
MSRB's BC/DR Plans. With respect to an SCI entity's BC/DR Plans,
including its backup systems, paragraph (a) of Rule 1004 of Regulation
SCI requires each SCI entity to: ``[e]stablish standards for the
designation of those members or participants that the SCI entity
reasonably determines are, taken as a whole, the minimum necessary for
the maintenance of fair and orderly markets in the event of the
activation of such plans.'' \9\ Paragraph (b) of Rule 1004 further
requires each SCI entity to ``[d]esignate members or participants
pursuant to the standards established in paragraph (a) of [Rule 1004]
and require participation by such designated members or participants in
scheduled functional and performance testing of the operation of such
plans, in the manner and frequency specified by the SCI entity,
provided that such frequency shall not be less than once every 12
months.'' \10\ In order to comply with Rule 1004 of Regulation SCI, the
MSRB proposes to adopt new Rule A-18 to provide for the mandatory
participation

of certain MSRB Registrants (``Participants'') in the testing of the
MSRB's BC/DR Plans, as described below.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \9\ 17 CFR 242.1004(a).
    \10\ 17 CFR 242.1004(b).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Section (a) of new Rule A-18 includes language from paragraph (a)
of Rule 1004 of Regulation SCI to summarize the MSRB's obligation
pursuant to such rule. Specifically, the MSRB proposes to state that
``[p]ursuant to Regulation Systems Compliance and Integrity under the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and with respect to the MSRB's business
continuity and disaster recovery plans, including its backup systems,
the MSRB is required to establish standards for the designation of MSRB
Registrants that the MSRB reasonably determines are, taken as a whole,
the minimum necessary for the maintenance of fair and orderly markets
in the event of the activation of such plans.'' The MSRB further
proposes that section (a) indicate that the ``MSRB has established
standards and will designate Participants according to those standards
as set forth'' in new Rule A-18. Any changes to the standards by which
MSRB Registrants might be designated Participants would be applied
prospectively and would be publicly announced with reasonable advance
notice. The MSRB would first announce the methodology for designating
Participants on or before November 3, 2015.
    Second, in section (b) of new Rule A-18, the MSRB proposes to
specify that it ``shall designate Participants as those MSRB
Registrants whose submissions of data to the MSRB, taken as a whole,
account for a meaningful percentage of the MSRB's data submission
volume required to be provided by MSRB Registrants, measured during the
Measurement Period'' and that ``[t]he percentage of data submission
volume and the minimum number of Participants that the MSRB considers
to be meaningful and the Measurement Period will be determined by the
MSRB, published to MSRB Registrants in advance of the Measurement
Period, and applied during the Measurement Period (not
retroactively).'' The MSRB further proposes that section (b) indicate
that the MSRB will, at least forty-five (45) calendar days prior to a
functional and performance testing of the operation of the MSRB's BC/DR
Plans, individually notify all Participants that are required to
participate in such testing. The MSRB believes the proposed notice
requirement is necessary to provide sufficient advance notice to those
MSRB Registrants that are designated as Participants in mandatory
business continuity and disaster recovery testing under new Rule A-18.
    In adopting the requirements of new Rule A-18(b), the MSRB intends
to subject certain MSRB Registrants to mandatory testing as the minimum
necessary to maintain fair and orderly markets in the event of the
activation of such BC/DR plans. The MSRB believes that designating
Participants to participate in mandatory testing because they are among
those entities whose submissions of data to the MSRB, taken as a whole,
account for a meaningful percentage of the MSRB's data submission
volume required to be provided by MSRB Registrants is a measured
approach to a threshold criteria to ensure the maintenance of a fair
and orderly market.
    Third, in section (c) of new Rule A-18, the MSRB proposes that
Participants will be required to participate in functional and
performance testing of the operation of the MSRB's BC/DR Plans, in the
manner and frequency specified by the MSRB. In addition, new Rule A-18
provides that such testing shall occur at least once every 12 months.
    Lastly, in section (d) of new Rule A-18, the MSRB proposes to set
forth definitions for purposes of new Rule A-18 of ``MSRB Registrants''
and ``Participants.'' For purposes of new Rule A-18, ``MSRB
Registrants'' means ``brokers, dealers, municipal securities dealers or
municipal advisors registered with the MSRB'' and ``Participants''
means ``those MSRB Registrants that the MSRB has determined, pursuant
to section (b) of [Rule A-18], are among those MSRB Registrants whose
submissions of data to the MSRB, taken as a whole, account for a
meaningful percentage of the MSRB's data submission volume required to
be provided by MSRB Registrants, measured during the Measurement
Period, which percentage of data submissions volume represents the
minimum necessary for the maintenance of fair and orderly markets in
the event of the activation of the MSRB's BC/DR Plans.'' Further, for
purposes of new Rule A-18, ``Measurement Period'' means ``the time
period, whether monthly or quarterly, during which time MSRB measures
data submission required to be provided by MSRB Registrants for
purposes of designating Participants in accordance with section (b).''
2. Statutory Basis
    The MSRB believes that the proposed rule change is consistent with
the provisions of section 15B(b)(2)(C) of the Act,\11\ which requires,
in pertinent part, that the MSRB's rules shall be designed
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \11\ 15 U.S.C. 78o-4(b)(2)(C).

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 municipal securities and municipal
financial products, to remove impediments to and perfect the
mechanism of a free and open market in municipal securities and
municipal financial products, and, in general, to protect investors,
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
municipal entities, obligated persons, and the public interest.

The proposed rule change will provide that MSRB Registrants necessary
to ensure the maintenance of a fair and orderly market are properly
designated consistent with Rule 1004 of Regulation SCI.\12\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \12\ 17 CFR 242.1004.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Specifically, the proposed rule change will adopt standards with
respect to the designation of MSRB Registrants that are required to
participate in the testing of the MSRB's BC/DR Plans, as well as
appropriate notification regarding such designation. As set forth in
the SCI Adopting Release,

    SROs have the authority, and legal responsibility, under Section
6 of the Exchange Act, to adopt and enforce rules (including rules
to comply with Regulation SCI's requirements relating to BC/DR
testing) applicable to their members or participants that are
designed to, among other things, 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.\13\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \13\ See SCI Adopting Release, supra note 3 at 72350.

Though the MSRB is not a national securities exchange as provided in
section 6 of the Act,\14\ the MSRB believes that the proposed rule
change is consistent with its authority and legal responsibility under
section 15B(b)(2)(C) of the Act.\15\
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    \14\ 15 U.S.C. 78f(b).
    \15\ 15 U.S.C. 78o-4(b)(2)(C).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

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

    Section 15B(b)(2)(C) of the Act \16\ requires that MSRB rules not
be designed to impose any burden on competition not necessary or
appropriate in furtherance of the purposes of the Act. The MSRB does
not believe that the proposed rule change would impose any additional
burdens on competition that are not necessary or

appropriate in furtherance of the purposes of the Act.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \16\ Id.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

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

    Written comments were neither solicited nor received on the
proposed rule change.

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

    Pursuant to section 19(b)(3)(A) \17\ of the Act and Rule 19b-
4(f)(6) \18\ thereunder, the MSRB has designated the proposed rule
change as one that affects a change that does not: (i) Significantly
affect the protection of investors or the public interest; (ii) impose
any significant burden on competition; and (iii) become operative for
30 days from the date on which it was filed, or such shorter time as
the Commission may designate. A proposed rule change filed under Rule
19b-4(f)(6) normally does not become operative until 30 days after the
date of filing.\19\ However, Rule 19b-4(f)(6)(iii) permits the
Commission to waive the 30 day operative delay if such action is
consistent with the protection of investors and the public
interest.\20\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \17\ 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(3)(A).
    \18\ 17 CFR 240.19b-4(f)(6).
    \19\ Id.
    \20\ In addition, Rule 19b-4(f)(6)(iii) requires a self-
regulatory organization to give the Commission written notice of its
intent to file a proposed rule change, along with a brief
description and text of such proposed rule change, at least five
business days prior to the date of filing, or such shorter time as
designated by the Commission. The Commission has designated a
shorter time for delivery of such written notice.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The MSRB has requested that the Commission designate the proposed
rule change operative upon filing on November 2, 2015, which is less
than 30 days after the date of filing of the proposed rule change, as
specified in Rule 19b-4(f)(6)(iii).\21\ According to the MSRB, the
proposed rule change is necessary for the MSRB to comply with
Regulation SCI and the waiver of the 30 day operative delay allows the
MSRB to conform its rules prior to the Regulation SCI compliance date
of November 3, 2015. The Commission believes that waiving the 30-day
operative delay is consistent with the protection of investors and the
public interest as it will allow the MSRB to incorporate changes
required under Regulation SCI, such as requiring participation in BC/DR
Plans testing, prior to the Regulation SCI compliance date.
Accordingly, the Commission designates the proposed rule change to be
operative upon filing on November 2, 2015.\22\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \21\ See SR-MSRB-2015-12 (filed with the Commission on November
2, 2015).
    \22\ For purposes only of waiving the 30-day operative delay for
this proposal, the Commission has considered the proposed rule's
impact on efficiency, competition, and capital formation. See 15
U.S.C. 78c(f).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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.

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-MSRB-2015-12 on the subject line.

Paper Comments

     Send paper comments in triplicate to Secretary, Securities
and Exchange Commission, 100 F Street NE., Washington, DC 20549.

All submissions should refer to File Number SR-MSRB-2015-12. 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 MSRB. 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-MSRB-2015-12 and should be
submitted on or before December 11, 2015.

    For the Commission, pursuant to delegated authority.\23\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \23\ 17 CFR 200.30-3(a)(12).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Robert W. Errett,
Deputy Secretary.
[FR Doc. 2015-29599 Filed 11-19-15; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 8011-01-P


[Federal Register: December 12, 2005 (Volume 70, Number 237)]
[Notices]
[Page 73462-73463]
[DOCID:fr12de05-51]

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DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY

Federal Energy Regulatory Commission

[Docket No. RP06-124-000]

Cheyenne Plains Gas Pipeline Company, L.L.C.; Notice of Proposed
Changes in FERC Gas Filing

December 6, 2005.
    Take notice that on November 30, 2005, Cheyenne Plains Gas Pipeline
Company, L.L.C. (Cheyenne Plains) tendered for filing one firm
Transportation Service Agreement, a precedent agreement, and Second
Revised Sheet No. 1 to its FERC Gas Tariff, Original Volume No. 1.
    Cheyenne Plains that the transportation service agreement supports
the Commission's approved expansion of the Cheyenne Plain's pipeline
system approved in Docket No. CP04-345-000. The accompanying tariff
sheet is proposed to become effective January 1, 2006.
    Cheyenne Plains states that copies of its filing have been sent to
all firm customers, interruptible customers, and affected state
commissions.
    Any person desiring to intervene or to protest this filing must
file in accordance with Rules 211 and 214 of the Commission's Rules of
Practice and Procedure (18 CFR 385.211 and 385.214). Protests will be
considered by the Commission in determining the appropriate action to
be taken, but will not serve to make protestants parties to the
proceeding. Any person wishing to become a party must file a notice of
intervention or motion to intervene, as appropriate. Such notices,
motions, or protests must be filed in accordance with the provisions of
section 154.210 of the Commission's regulations (18 CFR 154.210).
Anyone filing an intervention or protest must serve a copy of that
document on the Applicant. Anyone filing an intervention or protest on
or before the intervention or protest date need not serve motions to
intervene or protests on persons other than the Applicant.
    The Commission encourages electronic submission of protests and
interventions in lieu of paper using the ``eFiling'' link at http://www.ferc.gov.
 Persons unable to file electronically should submit an

original and 14 copies of the protest or intervention to the Federal
Energy Regulatory Commission, 888 First Street, NE., Washington, DC
20426.
    This filing is accessible on-line at http://www.ferc.gov, using the

``eLibrary'' link and is available for review in the Commission's
Public Reference Room in Washington, DC. There is an ``eSubscription''
link on the Web site that enables subscribers to receive e-mail
notification when a document is added to a subscribed docket(s). For
assistance with any FERC Online service, please e-mail
<EMAIL_ADDRESS>or call

(866) 208-3676 (toll free). For TTY, call<PHONE_NUMBER>.

Magalie R. Salas,
Secretary.
 [FR Doc. E5-7224 Filed 12-9-05; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 6717-01-P


[Federal Register: July 8, 2009 (Volume 74, Number 129)]
[Notices]
[Page 32639-32640]
[DOCID:fr08jy09-94]

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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Federal Emergency Management Agency

[Internal Agency Docket No. FEMA-1791-DR; Docket ID FEMA-2008-0018]

Texas; Amendment No. 16 to Notice of a Major Disaster Declaration

AGENCY: Federal Emergency Management Agency, DHS.

ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: This notice amends the notice of a major disaster for the
State of Texas (FEMA-1791-DR), dated September 13, 2008, and related
determinations.

DATES: Effective Date: June 24, 2009.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Peggy Miller, Disaster Assistance
Directorate, Federal Emergency Management Agency, 500 C Street, SW.,
Washington, DC 20472,<PHONE_NUMBER>.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Notice is hereby given that, pursuant to the
Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2009, Public Law 111-32, FEMA is
amending the cost-sharing arrangement concerning Federal funds provided
under the authority of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and
Emergency Assistance Act, 42 U.S.C. 5170b, 5172, and 5173 for the major
disaster declared on September 13, 2008, for the State of Texas due to
the damage resulting from Hurricane Ike. The Texas major disaster
declaration is amended as follows:

    Federal funds for (Categories C-G) under the Public Assistance
program (Section 406) are authorized at 90 percent of total eligible
costs and Federal funds for debris removal and emergency protective
measures (Categories A and B), including direct Federal assistance,
under the Public Assistance program (Sections 403 and 407) are
authorized at 100 percent of total eligible costs.

    This cost share shall apply to disaster assistance provided
before, on, or after June 24, 2009.

    The following Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Numbers
(CFDA) are to be used for reporting and drawing funds: 97.030,
Community Disaster Loans; 97.031, Cora Brown Fund; 97.032, Crisis
Counseling; 97.033, Disaster Legal Services; 97.034, Disaster
Unemployment Assistance (DUA); 97.046, Fire Management Assistance
Grant; 97.048, Disaster Housing Assistance to Individuals and
Households In Presidentially Declared Disaster Areas; 97.049,
Presidentially Declared Disaster Assistance--Disaster Housing
Operations for Individuals and Households; 97.050, Presidentially
Declared Disaster Assistance to Individuals and Households--Other
Needs; 97.036, Disaster Grants--Public Assistance (Presidentially
Declared Disasters); 97.039, Hazard Mitigation Grant.

W. Craig Fugate,
Administrator, Federal Emergency Management Agency.
[FR Doc. E9-16081 Filed 7-7-09; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 9111-23-P


[Federal Register: April 26, 2006 (Volume 71, Number 80)]
[Notices]
[Page 24673-24674]
[DOCID:fr26ap06-67]

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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

[EPA-HQ-OPPT-2006-0358; FRL-8059-9]

Reporting for the 2006 Inventory Update Rule (IUR) Information
Collection; Notice of Public Workshop

AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

ACTION: Notice.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: EPA is convening a public workshop to provide training for
persons responsible for submitting information during the 2006
Inventory Update Reporting (IUR) period. The workshop will focus on
reporting requirements, case studies, the electronic IUR software, and
submission of IUR information through the Internet. The IUR
requirements were modified by amendments to 40 CFR part 710 promulgated
on January 7, 2003 (68 FR 847) (FRL-6767-4) and December 19, 2005 (70
FR 75059) (FRL-7743-9). This workshop is open to the public.

DATES: The workshop will be held on May 22, 2006 from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30
p.m.

ADDRESSES: The workshop will be held at the Millennium Hotel, 200 South
Fourth Street, St. Louis, Missouri.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For general information contact: Colby
Lintner, Regulatory Coordinator, Environmental Assistance Division
(7408M), Office of Pollution Prevention and Toxics, Environmental
Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW., Washington, DC 20460-
0001; telephone number:<PHONE_NUMBER>; e-mail address:
<EMAIL_ADDRESS>
    For technical information contact: Franklyn Hall, Economics,
Exposure, and Technology Division (7406M), Office of Pollution
Prevention and Toxics, Environmental Protection Agency, 1200
Pennsylvania Ave., NW., Washington, DC 20460-0001; telephone number:
(202) 564-8522; e-mail address<EMAIL_ADDRESS>
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. General Information

A. Does this Action Apply to Me?

    You may be potentially affected by this action if you manufacture
chemical substances currently subject to reporting under the IUR as
amended on January 7, 2003 (68 FR 847) and December 19, 2005 (70 FR
75059) and codified as 40 CFR part 710. Persons who process chemical
substances but who do not manufacture or import chemical substances are
not subject to the requirements of 40 CFR part 710. Potentially
affected entities may include, but are not limited to:
     Chemical manufacturers and importers currently subject to
the IUR (NAICS codes 325, 32411), e.g., manufacturers and importers of
inorganic chemical substances.
    This listing is not intended to be exhaustive, but rather provides
a guide for readers regarding entities likely to be affected by this
action. Other types of entities not listed in this unit could also be
affected. The North American Industrial Classification System (NAICS)
codes have been provided to assist you and others in determining
whether this action might apply to certain entities. To determine
whether you or your business may be affected by this action, you should
carefully examine the applicability provisions at 40 CFR 710.48. If you
have any questions regarding the applicability of this action to a
particular entity, consult the technical person listed under FOR
FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT.

B. How Can I Get Copies of this Document and Other Related Information?

    1. Docket. EPA has established a docket for this action under
docket identification (ID) number EPA-HQ-OPPT-2006-0358. Publicly
available docket materials are available electronically at http://www.regulations.gov
 or in hard copy at the OPPT Docket, EPA Docket

Center (EPA/DC), EPA West, Rm. B102, 1301 Constitution Ave., NW.,
Washington, DC. The EPA Docket Center Public Reading Room is open from
8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding legal
holidays. The telephone number for the Public Reading Room is (202)
566-1744, and the telephone number for the OPPT Docket is (202) 566-
0280.
    2. Electronic access You may access this Federal Register document
electronically through the EPA Internet under the ``Federal Register''
listings at http://www.epa.gov/fedrgstr.

II. Background

    EPA is convening a workshop to train stakeholders on how to report
for the 2006 Partial Updating of the TSCA Chemical Substance Inventory.
EPA is required by section 8(b) of the Toxic Substances Control Act
(TSCA) to compile and update an inventory of chemical substances
manufactured or imported into the United States. Every four years,
manufacturers (including importers) of certain chemical substances on
the TSCA Chemical Substance Inventory have been required to report data
specified in the TSCA section 8(a) IUR, 40 CFR part 710. Past updates
included information on the chemical's production volume, site-limited
status, and plant site information. Amendments to the IUR promulgated
on January 7, 2003 (68 FR 847) and December 19, 2005 (70 FR 75059)
expanded the data reported on certain chemicals to assist EPA and
others in screening potential exposures and risks resulting from
manufacturing, processing, and use of TSCA chemical substances. At the
same time, EPA amended the IUR regulations to increase the production
volume threshold which triggers reporting requirements from 10,000
pounds per year to 25,000 pounds per year and established a new higher
threshold of 300,000 pounds per year above which manufacturers must
report additional information on downstream processing and use of their
chemical substances. The 2003 amendments to the IUR also revoked the
exemption from reporting for inorganic chemical substances, provided a
partial exemption from reporting of processing and use information for
chemical substances of low current interest, continued the current
exemption from reporting for polymers, microorganisms, and naturally
occurring chemical substances, and increased the interval between
collection periods from four years to five years. These changes modify
requirements for information collected in calendar year 2005 and
submitted in 2006 and thereafter. The workshop may be of interest to
persons currently reporting under the IUR and to manufacturers and
importers of inorganic chemical substances.
    The workshop will include a series of presentations by
representatives of EPA on reporting for the 2006 Partial Updating of
the TSCA Chemical Substance Inventory. Subjects discussed will include
reporting requirements, instructions for completing the reporting form,
how to assert confidentiality claims, how to submit completed reports
to EPA, case studies illustrating different aspects of

reporting, the electronic IUR software, and submission of IUR data
through the Internet. During the workshop, persons in attendance will
be able to ask questions regarding the material being presented. The
purpose of this workshop is to provide training to persons who must
report in 2006 under the IUR regulation.

III. How Can I Request to Participate in this Workshop?

    You may register to participate in this workshop on the IUR Web
site located at http://www.epa.gov/oppt/iur. There is a workshop

registration link on this Web site that will allow you to provide all
necessary information for participation. There is no charge for
attending this public workshop.

List of Subjects

    Environmental protection, Chemicals, Reporting and recordkeeping
requirements.

    Dated: April 19, 2006.
Charles M. Auer,
Director, Office of Pollution Prevention and Toxics.
[FR Doc. E6-6308 Filed 4-25-06; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 6560-50-S