Notices. Notice of receipt of applications for permit

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BILLING CODE 4210-67-M DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Fish and Wildlife Service Receipt of Applications for Permit AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior. ACTION: Notice of receipt of applications for permit. SUMMARY: The public is invited to comment on the following applications to conduct certain activities with endangered species and/or marine mammals. DATES: Written data, comments or requests must be received by April 14, 2006. ADDRESSES: Documents and other information submitted with these applications are available for review, subject to the requirements of the Privacy Act and Freedom of Information Act, by any party who submits a written request for a copy of such documents within 30 days of the date of publication of this notice to:

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Division of Management Authority, 4401 North Fairfax Drive, Room 700, Arlington, Virginia 22203; fax 703/358-2281. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Division of Management Authority, telephone 703/358-2104. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Endangered Species The public is invited to comment on the following applications for a permit to conduct certain activities with endangered species. This notice is provided pursuant to Section 10(c) of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (16 U.S.C. 1531 *et seq.* ).

Written data, comments, or requests for copies of these complete applications should be submitted to the Director (address above). PRT-111974 *Applicant:* Danny M. Vines, Lufkin, TX. The applicant requests a permit to import the sport-hunted trophy of one male bontebok ( *Damaliscus pygargus pygargus* ) culled from a captive herd maintained under the management program of the Republic of South Africa, for the purpose of enhancement of the survival of the species. Marine Mammals The public is invited to comment on the following applications for a permit to conduct certain activities with marine mammals.

The application was submitted to satisfy requirements of the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972, as amended (16 U.S.C. 1361 *et seq.* ), and the regulations governing marine mammals (50 CFR part 18). Written data, comments, or requests for copies of the complete applications or requests for a public hearing on these applications should be submitted to the Director (address above). Anyone requesting a hearing should give specific reasons why a hearing would be appropriate. The holding of such a hearing is at the discretion of the Director.

PRT-112162 *Applicant:* Marion E. Milstead, Shreveport, LA. The applicant requests a permit to import a polar bear ( *Ursus maritimus* ) sport hunted from the Viscount Melville Sound polar bear population in Canada for personal, noncommercial use. Dated: March 3, 2006. Monica Farris, Senior Permit Biologist, Branch of Permits, Division of Management Authority. [FR Doc. E6-3735 Filed 3-14-06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310-55-P DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Fish and Wildlife Service Issuance of Permits AGENCY:

Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior. ACTION: Notice of issuance of permits for endangered species and marine mammals. SUMMARY: The following permits were issued. ADDRESSES: Documents and other information submitted with these applications are available for review, subject to the requirements of the Privacy Act and Freedom of Information Act, by any party who submits a written request for a copy of such documents to: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Division of Management Authority, 4401 North Fairfax Drive, Room 700, Arlington, Virginia 22203; fax 703/358-2281.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Division of Management Authority, telephone 703/358-2104. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Notice is hereby given that on the dates below, as authorized by the provisions of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (16 U.S.C. 1531 *et seq.* ), and/or the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972, as amended (16 U.S.C. 1361 *et seq.* ), the Fish and Wildlife Service issued the requested permit(s) subject to certain conditions set forth therein. For each permit for an endangered species, the Service found that

(1)the application was filed in good faith,

(2)the granted permit would not operate to the disadvantage of the endangered species, and

(3)the granted permit would be consistent with the purposes and policy set forth in Section 2 of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended. Endangered Species Permit number Applicant Receipt of application Federal Register notice Permit issuance date 694126 National Institutes of Health 67 FR 20544; April 25, 2002 January 18, 2006. 079994 Steven R. Leigh 69 FR 8984; February 26, 2004 September 28, 2005. 096602 Jacksonville Zoo 69 FR 30715; May 28, 2004 July 20, 2005. 105361 Jacksonville Zoo 69 FR 30715; May 28, 2004 July 20, 2005. 090113 Lincoln Park Zoo 69 FR 55445; September 14, 2004 December 19, 2005. 058661, 058662, 058664, 058665, 058666, 058667, 058668, 058669, 058670, 058672, 058679, 058685, 058686, 058687, 058734, 058735, 058736, 058737, 058738, 058739, 058745, 058747, 058748, 058751, 058752, 058753, 058758, 058759, 058762, 058780, 059163 Hawthorn Corporation 70 FR 44679; August 3, 2005 September 13, 2005. 106016 National Zoo 70 FR 46184; August 9, 2005 January 12, 2006. 105498 Minnesota Zoo 70 FR 46183; August 9, 2005 October 25, 2005. 090287 Harvard University, Museum of Comparative Zoology 70 FR 54958; September 19, 2005 October 24, 2005. 819573 Peregrine Fund 70 FR 58234; October 5, 2005 November 15, 2005. 700309 National Zoo 70 FR 58736; October 7, 2005 November 14, 2005. 108484 Woodland Park Zoo 70 FR 70090; November 21, 2005 January 12, 2006. 109051 Richard Lawler, Boston University 70 FR 72644; December 6, 2005 January 9, 2006. 108766 Pittsburgh Zoo 70 FR 70090; December 6, 2005 January 30, 2006. 060470, 060471, 060472, 060473, and 060474 Hollywood Animals 70 FR 75214; December 19, 2005 January 20, 2006. 091943 Clyde R. Robinson, Jr 69 FR 61261; October 15, 2004 May 20, 2005. 092526 Rosamond Gifford Zoo 69 FR 61261; October 15, 2004 January 11, 2005. 093860 Cincinnati Zoo 69 FR 65213; November 10, 2004 March 22, 2005. 094867 Caroline Stahala 69 FR 65213; November 10, 2004 January 5, 2005. 096771 Field Museum of Natural History 70 FR 1455; January 7, 2005 July 7, 2005. 097298 Dallas Zoo 70 FR 3222; January 21, 2005 May 24, 2005. 097156 Los Angeles Zoo 70 FR 1455; January 7, 2005 May 3, 2005. 098187 San Antonio Zoo 70 FR 5203; February 1, 2005 June 3, 2005. 102941 Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo 70 FR 38190; July 1, 2005 August 22, 2005. 116076 Robert E. Pitts 70 FR 75213; December 19, 2005 January 24, 2006. 115741 Winston C. Stalcup 70 FR 75472; December 20, 2005 January 24, 2006. 115665 Keith A. Platter 70 FR 75213; December 19, 2005 January 24, 2006. 114211 John D. Smith 70 FR 70090; November 21, 2005 December 27, 2005. 113932 Edward J. Beattie 70 FR 75214; December 19, 2005 January 24, 2006. 112069 Stephen A. Grove 70 FR 75214; December 19, 2005 January 24, 2006. 111561 Glen D. Holcomb 70 FR 72644; December 6, 2005 January 18, 2006. 111554 Paul J. Barstad 70 FR 72644; December 6, 2005 January 18, 2006. 111449 Jerry K. Davis 70 FR 62321; October 31, 2005 December 1, 2005. 111547 Tommy B. Haas 70 FR 75214; December 19, 2005 January 24, 2006. 110976 John C. Wirth, Jr 70 FR 58736; October 7, 2005 December 1, 2005. 110977 Linda C. Donaho 70 FR 72644; December 6, 2005 January 18, 2006. 107416 Matthew Yap 70 FR 41782; July 20, 2005 September 1, 2005. 107181 Robert B. Fay Jr 70 FR 54958; September 19, 2005 October 20, 2005. 106850 Joseph S. Brannen 70 FR 51838; August 31, 2005 October 20, 2005. 106840 Gary L. Sharkey 70 FR 58234; October 5, 2005 November 8, 2005. 106636 Albert A. Wolfe, IV 70 FR 51838; August 31, 2005 November 18, 2005. 106635 Brett A. Nelson 70 FR 51838; August 31, 2005 November 8, 2005. 105859 Gino A. Harrison 70 FR 44679 August 3, 2005 August 19, 2005. 105808 James F. Gerlach 70 FR 41782; July 20, 2005 August 18, 2005. 105804 August S. Haugen 70 FR 44679; August 3, 2005 September 13, 2005. 104703 George F. Gehrman 70 FR 39786; July 11, 2005 August 18, 2005. 103046 Eugene W.C. Yap 70 FR 34791; June 15, 2005 September 1, 2005. 100457 Floyd H. Gillenwater 70 FR 12495; March 14, 2005 April 15, 2005. 100281 Bret D. Overturf 70 FR 19778; April 14, 2005 June 6, 2005. 107396 Texas Tech University 70 FR 62321; October 31, 2005 January 27, 2006. 097801 Blair R. Hamilton 70 FR 7294; February 11, 2005 April 13, 2005. 090956 Marilyn K. Baxter 69 FR 51703; August 20 2004 October 26, 2004. 085125 Lance E. Novak 69 FR 21858; April 22, 2004 May 27, 2004. Marine Mammals Permit number Applicant Receipt of application Federal Register notice Permit issuance date 093627 William D. Hober 70 FR 61261; October 15, 2004 January 27, 2005. 096951 John C. Mackay 70 FR 5203; February 1, 2005 March 15, 2005 101095 Lloyd D. Whaley 70 FR 30772; May 27, 2005 July 20, 2005. 102929 Darrel E. Gusa 70 FR 41783; July 20, 2005 August 30, 2005. 104056 John D. Teeter 70 FR 44679; August 3, 2005 October 4, 2005. 104141 Charles W. Lewensten 70 FR 44679; August 3, 2005 September 13, 2005. 105668 Terry L. Shupe 70 FR 44679; August 3, 2005 September 13, 2005. 106486 Jerri Frehner 70 FR 51838; August 31, 2005 November 4, 2005. 106526 Raymond L. Howell 70 FR 51838; August 31, 2005 January 11, 2006. 106532 Garth E. Frehner 70 FR 51838; August 31, 2005 November 4, 2005. 109700 Michael L. Gill 70 FR 54958; September 19, 2005 February 15, 2006. 111562 Marshall G. Varner 70 FR 75214; December 19, 2005 February 14, 2006. 112072 Rodney M. Brush 70 FR 75214; December 19, 2005 February 1, 2006. Dated: March 3, 2006. Monica Farris, Senior Permit Biologist, Branch of Permits, Division of Management Authority. [FR Doc. E6-3737 Filed 3-14-06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310-55-P DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Fish and Wildlife Service Notice of Meeting of the Trinity Adaptive Management Working Group AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior. ACTION: Notice of meeting. SUMMARY: Pursuant to section 10(a)(2) of the Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App), this notice announces a meeting of the Trinity Adaptive Management Working Group (TAMWG). The TAMWG affords stakeholders the opportunity to give policy, management, and technical input concerning Trinity River restoration efforts to the Trinity Management Council. Primary objectives of the meeting will include: 2006 flow schedule; Trinity River Restoration Program science framework; Trinity River Restoration Program strategic plan; Federal tribal trust responsibilities; Exceedence criteria for water-year-type forecasting; Trinity River fishing regulations; request for special appropriation to complete floodplain preparations; reports from work groups; Executive director's report; education outreach; travel expense reimbursement; and Election of TAMWG officers. Completion of the agenda is dependent on the amount of time each item takes. The meeting could end early if the agenda has been completed. The meeting is open to the public. DATES: The Trinity Adaptive Management Working Group will meet from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Wednesday, March 22, 2006, and from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Thursday, March 23, 2006. ADDRESSES: The meeting will be held at the Veteran's Memorial Hall, 101 Memorial Lane, Weaverville, CA 96093. Telephone:

(530)623-1319. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Randy Brown of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Arcata Fish and Wildlife Office, 1655 Heindon Road, Arcata, California 95521,

(707)822-7201. Randy Brown is the working group's Designated Federal Official. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: For background information and questions regarding the Trinity River Restoration Program, please contact Douglas Schleusner, Executive Director, Trinity River Restoration Program, P.O. Box 1300, 1313 South Main Street, Weaverville, California 96093,

(530)623-1800. Dated: March 6, 2006. John Enbring, Acting Manager, California/Nevada Operations Office, Sacramento, CA. [FR Doc. E6-3723 Filed 3-14-06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310-55-P DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Fish and Wildlife Service Notice of Availability, Draft Study Plan AGENCY: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior. ACTION: Notice of availability. SUMMARY: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), on behalf of the Department of the Interior (DOI), as a natural resource trustee, announces the release for public review of the Draft Study Plan for an avian egg injection study for the Hudson River Natural Resource Damage Assessment (NRDA). The Draft Study Plan describes the Trustees' proposed approach to conducting this investigation and seeks public feedback on the proposed approach. DATES: Written comments must be submitted on or before April 14, 2006. ADDRESSES: Requests for copies of the Draft Study Plan may be made to: Ms. Kathryn Jahn, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, New York Field Office, 3817 Luker Road, Cortland, New York 13045. Written comments or materials regarding the Draft Study Plan should be sent to the same address. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kathryn Jahn, Environmental Contaminants Branch, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, New York Field Office, 3817 Luker Road, Cortland, New York 13045. Interested parties may also call 607-753-9334, send e-mail to *kathryn_jahn@fws.gov* , or visit the Service's Hudson River NRDA Web site ( *http://www.fws.gov/contaminants/restorationplans/HudsonRiver/HudsonRiver.cfm* ) where this document and others are posted, for further information. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Draft Study Plan is being released for public review and comment in accordance with the Trustees' NRDA Plan for the Hudson River issued in September 2002. That NRDA Plan was released in accordance with the Natural Resource Damage Assessment Regulations found at Title 43 of the Code of Federal Regulation Part 11. Interested members of the public are invited to review and comment on the Draft Study Plan. Copies of the Draft Study Plan are available from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's New York Field Office at 3817 Luker Road, Cortland, New York 13045. Additionally, the Draft Study Plan is available on the FWS Hudson River NRDA Web site at: *http://www.fws.gov/contaminants/restorationplans/HudsonRiver/HudsonRiver.cfm* . All comments received on the Draft Study Plan will be considered and a response provided either through revision of the Study Plan and incorporated into the Final Study Plan or by letter to the commentor. The Trustees will also prepare a Responsiveness Summary responding to public comments that will be released to the public. *Author:* The primary author of this notice is Ms. Kathryn Jahn, New York Field Office, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 3817 Luker Road, Cortland, NY 13045. Authority: The authority for this action is the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act of 1980 (CERCLA, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 9601 *et seq.* ). Dated: February 21, 2006. Marvin E. Moriarty, Regional Director, Region 5, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. [FR Doc. E6-3724 Filed 3-14-06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310-55-P DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Bureau of Land Management [UTU-84198] Notice of Invitation To Participate in a Coal Exploration Program AGENCY: Bureau of Land Management, Interior. ACTION: Notice. SUMMARY: This notice is an invitation to participate in a Coal Exploration program. Ark Land Company has filed the application for the Muddy Canyon Tract. All qualified parties are invited to participate with Ark Land Company on a pro rata cost sharing basis in its program for the exploration of certain Federal coal deposits in the following described lands in Sevier County, Utah: T. 20 S., R. 5 E., SLM, Utah Sec. 31, W 1/2 SW 1/4 ; T. 21 S., R. 4 E., SLM, Utah Sec. 1, all; Sec. 11, E 1/2 E 1/2 ; Sec. 12, N 1/2 , SW 1/4 , W 1/2 SE 1/4 ; Sec. 13, W 1/2 NE 1/4 , NW 1/4 ; Sec. 14, E 1/2 NE 1/4 : T. 21 S., R. 5 E., SLM, Utah Sec. 6, all. Containing 1,848.62 acres. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Bill Buge, Salt Lake City, Bureau of Land Management,

(801)539-4086. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Any party electing to participate in this exploration program must send written notice of such election to the Bureau of Land Management, Utah State Office, P.O. Box 45155, Salt Lake City, Utah 84145, and to Mark Bunnell, Mine Geologist, Ark Land Company, Skyline Mine, HC 35 Box 380, Helper, Utah 84526. BLM must receive your written notice within thirty days after the date of publication of this notice in the **Federal Register** . Any party wishing to participate in this exploration program must be qualified to hold a lease under the provisions of 43 CFR 3472.1 and must share all cost on a pro rata basis. An exploration plan submitted by Ark Land Company, detailing the scope and timing of this exploration program is available for public review during normal business hours in the public room of the BLM State Office, 440 W. 200 S., Suite 500, Salt Lake City, Utah, under serial number UTU-84198. Kent Hoffman, Deputy State Director, Lands and Minerals. [FR Doc. E6-3749 Filed 3-14-06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310-DK-P DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Bureau of Land Management [CA-610-1610-DP] Notice of Availability of the Record of Decision, West Mojave Plan, California AGENCY: Bureau of Land Management, Interior. ACTION: Notice of availability. SUMMARY: In accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act, the Federal Land Policy and Management Act and Bureau of Land Management

(BLM)management policies, the BLM announces approval of the West Mojave

(WEMO)Plan and Record of Decision (ROD). The approved WEMO Plan/ROD amends the California Desert Conservation Area

(CDCA)Plan by providing management direction for approximately 3.3 million acres of public lands administered by the BLM's California Desert District, located in Inyo, Kern, Los Angeles, and San Bernardino Counties in southern California. Approval of the WEMO Plan/ROD terminates all interim measures identified in the *Consent Decree in Center for Biological Diversity* , *et al.* v. *BLM* (C-00-0927 WHA (JCS)) with regard to the West Mojave Planning area. DATES: The approved WEMO Plan is effective upon signing of the ROD. ADDRESSES: The WEMO Plan/ROD is available on the BLM Web site, *http://www.ca.blm.gov* . Copies of the WEMO Plan/ROD are also available upon request from the District Manager, California Desert District Office, located at 22835 Calle San Juan De Los Lagos, Moreno Valley, CA 92553. Copies may be examined at the District Office in Moreno Valley, and at BLM's Ridgecrest Field Office, located at 300 S. Richmond Road, Ridgecrest CA 93555, and Barstow Field Office located at 2601 Barstow Road, Barstow CA 92311, during regular business hours from 7:45 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, except holidays. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Stephen Razo, California Desert District, at

(951)697-5217. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The approved WEMO Plan is associated with a multi-jurisdictional habitat conservation plan (HCP), encompassing 9.3 million acres in Inyo, Kern, Los Angeles, and San Bernardino counties, to be conducted under the lead jurisdiction of San Bernardino County and the City of Barstow. The ROD approves only the WEMO Plan, which applies to the Federal lands managed by BLM. Approval of the HCP is dependent on future local government actions. An approved WEMO Plan and HCP will provide a streamlined program for public agencies and private parties to comply with requirements of the State and Federal Endangered Species Acts. BLM, San Bernardino County, the City of Barstow, and many other entities cooperated or participated in the WEMO Plan's development. Those entities include three other counties, 10 other cities, the California Department of Fish and Game, the California Department of Transportation, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, four U.S. military bases, and numerous non-governmental organizations and businesses. Extensive public involvement occurred during scoping, draft WEMO Plan/EIS, and proposed WEMO Plan/Final EIS reviews. BLM's approval of the WEMO Plan/ROD enables BLM, its partners, and its stakeholders to begin implementing actions that will protect and conserve species and their habitats while providing for appropriate use of desert resources and the future growth and development of desert communities. Dated: January 27, 2006. John S. Mills, Acting Deputy State Director, Natural Resources Division. [FR Doc. E6-3758 Filed 3-14-06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310-40-P DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Bureau of Land Management [NM-920-1310-06; NMNM 112261; NMNM 112262] Proposed Reinstatement of Terminated Oil and Gas Leases NMNM 112261 and NMNM 112262 AGENCY: Bureau of Land Management, Interior. ACTION: Notice of reinstatement of terminated oil and gas leases. SUMMARY: Under the provisions of Public Law 97-451, Elk Oil Company timely filed a petition for reinstatement of oil and gas leases NMNM 112261and NMNM 112262 for lands in Chaves County, New Mexico, and was accompanied by all required rentals and royalties accruing from October 1, 2005, the date of the terminations. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Becky C. Olivas, BLM, New Mexico State Office,

(505)438-7609. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: No valid lease has been affecting the lands. The lessee has agreed to new lease terms for rentals and royalties at rates of $10.00 per acre or fraction thereof and 16 2/3 percent, respectively. The lessee has paid the required $500.00 administrative fees and has reimbursed the Bureau of Land Management for the cost of this **Federal Register** notice. The lessee has met all the requirements for reinstatement of the leases as set out in Sections 31(d) and

(e)of the Mineral Lease Act of 1920 (30 U.S.C. 188), and the Bureau of Land Management is proposing to reinstate the leases effective October 1, 2005, subject to the original terms and conditions of the leases and the increased rentals and royalty rates cited above. Becky C. Olivas, Land Law Examiner, Fluids Adjudication Team 1. [FR Doc. E6-3710 Filed 3-14-06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310-FB-P DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Minerals Management Service Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Collection; Comment Request AGENCY: Minerals Management Service (MMS), Interior. ACTION: Notice of extension of an information collection (1010-0071). SUMMARY: To comply with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA), we are inviting comments on a collection of information that we will submit to the Office of Management and Budget

(OMB)for review and approval. The information collection request

(ICR)concerns the paperwork requirements in the regulations under 30 CFR 203, “Relief or Reduction in Royalty Rates.” DATES: Submit written comments by May 15, 2006. ADDRESSES: You may submit comments by any of the following methods listed below. Please use the Information Collection Number 1010-0071 as an identifier in your message. • Public Connect on-line commenting system, *https://ocsconnect.mms.gov.* Follow the instructions on the Web site for submitting comments. • E-mail MMS at *rules.comments@mms.gov.* Identify with Information Collection Number 1010-0071 in the subject line. • Fax: 703-787-1093. Identify with Information Collection Number 1010-0071. • Mail or hand-carry comments to the Department of the Interior; Minerals Management Service; Attention: Rules Process Team (RPT); 381 Elden Street, MS-4024; Herndon, Virginia 20170-4817. Please reference “Information Collection 1010-0071” in your comments. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Cheryl Blundon, Rules Processing Team at

(703)787-1600. You may also contact Cheryl Blundon to obtain a copy, at no cost, of the regulations that require the subject collection of information. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: *Title:* 30 CFR 203, Relief or Reduction in Royalty Rates. *OMB Control Number:* 1010-0071. *Abstract:* The Outer Continental Shelf

(OCS)Lands Act, as amended by Public Law 104-58, Deep Water Royalty Relief Act (DWRRA), gives the Secretary of the Interior (Secretary) the authority to reduce or eliminate royalty or any net profit share specified in OCS oil and gas leases to promote increased production. The DWRRA also authorized the Secretary to suspend royalties when necessary to promote development or recovery of marginal resources on producing or non-producing leases in the Gulf of Mexico

(GOM)west of 87 degrees, 30 minutes West longitude. Section 302 of the DWRRA provides that new production from a lease in existence on November 28, 1995, in a water depth of at least 200 meters, and in the GOM west of 87 degrees, 30 minutes West longitude qualifies for royalty suspension in certain situations. To grant a royalty suspension, the Secretary must determine that the new production or development would not be economic without royalty relief. The Secretary must then determine the volume of production on which no royalty would be due in order to make the new production from the lease economically viable. This determination must be done on a case-by-case basis. Production from leases in the same water depth and area issued after November 28, 2000, also can qualify for royalty suspension in addition to any that may be included in their lease terms. In addition, federal policy and statute require us to recover the cost of services that confer special benefits to identifiable non-federal recipients. The Independent Offices Appropriation Act (31 U.S.C. 9701), OMB Circular A-25, and the Omnibus Appropriations Bill (Pub. L. 104-133 110 Stat. 1321, April 26, 1996) authorize MMS to collect these fees to reimburse us for the cost to process applications or assessments. Regulations at 30 CFR part 203 implement these statutes and policy and require respondents to pay a fee to request royalty relief. Section 30 CFR 203.3 states that, “We will specify the necessary fees for each of the types of royalty-relief applications and possible MMS audits in a Notice to Lessees. We will periodically update the fees to reflect changes in costs as well as provide other information necessary to administer royalty relief.” MMS uses the information to make decisions on the economic viability of leases requesting a suspension or elimination of royalty or net profit share. These decisions have enormous monetary impacts to both the lessee and the Federal Government. Royalty relief can lead to increased production of natural gas and oil, creating profits for lessees and royalty and tax revenues for the government that they might not otherwise receive. We could not make an informed decision without the collection of information required by 30 CFR part 203. We will protect information from respondents considered proprietary under the Freedom of Information Act (5 U.S.C. 552) and its implementing regulations (43 CFR 2) and 30 CFR 203.63(b) and 30 CFR 250.196. No items of a sensitive nature are collected. Responses are mandatory or required to obtain or retain a benefit. *Frequency:* On occasion. *Estimated Number and Description of Respondents:* Approximately 130 Federal OCS oil and gas lessees. *Estimated Reporting and Recordkeeping “Hour” Burden:* The currently approved annual reporting burden for this collection is 8,911 hours. The following chart details the individual components and respective hour burden estimates of this ICR. In calculating the burdens, we assumed that respondents perform certain requirements in the normal course of their activities. We consider these to be usual and customary and took that into account in estimating the burden. Citation 30 CFR 203 and NTLs Reporting or recordkeeping requirement 30 CFR part 203 Hour burden 43(a); 46(a) Notify MMS of intent to begin drilling 1. 43(b)(1), (2); (d);

(e)Notify MMS that production has begun, request extension, request confirmation of the size of RSV 2. 46 Provide data from well to confirm and attest well drilled was an unsuccessful certified well and request supplement 8. 48(b) Notify MMS of decision to exercise option to replace one set of deep gas royalty suspension terms for another set of such terms 2. 51; 83; 84 Application—leases that generate earnings that cannot sustain continued production (end-of-life lease) 100. Application 1 × $8,000.* Audit 1 × $12,500. 55 Renounce relief arrangement (end-of-life) (seldom, if ever will be used; minimal burden to prepare letter) 1. 61; 62; 64; 65; 71; 83; 85-89 Application—leases in designated areas of GOM deep water acquired in lease sale before 11/28/95 or after 11/28/00 and are producing (deep water expansion project) 2,000. Application 1 × $19,500. 61; 62; 64; 65; 71; 83; 85-89 Application—leases in designated areas of deep water GOM, acquired in lease sale before 11/28/95 or after 11/28/00, that have not produced (pre-act or post-2000 deep water leases) 2,000. Application 1 × $34,000.* Audit 1 × $37,500. 61; 62; 64; 65; 71; 83; 85-89 Application—preview assessment (seldom if ever will be used as applicants generally opt for binding determination by MMS instead) 900. Application 1 × $34,000. 74; 75 Redetermination 500. Application 1 × $16,000.* 70; 81; 90; 91 Submit fabricator's confirmation report 20. 70; 81; 90; 92 Submit post-production development report 50. 70; 79(a) Request reconsideration of MMS field designation 400. 77 Renounce relief arrangement (deep water) (seldom, if ever will be used; minimal burden to prepare letter) 1. 79(c) Request extension of deadline to start construction 2. 80 Application—apart from formal programs for royalty relief for marginal producing lease (expect less than 1 per year) 250. Application 1 × $8,000.** Audit 1 × $10,000. 80 Application—apart from formal programs for royalty relief for marginal expansion project or marginal non-producing lease (expect less than 1 per year) 1,000. Application 1 × $19,500.** Audit 1 × $20,000. 81; 83-89 Required reports Burden included with applications. 83 Application—short form to add or assign pre-Act lease 40. Application 1 × $1,000. 91 Retain supporting cost records for post-production development/fabrication reports (records retained as usual/customary business practice; minimal burden to make available at MMS request 8. * CPA certification expense burden also imposed on applicant. ** These applications currently do not have a set fee since they are done on a case-by-case basis. In the past 11 years, three unique applications have been submitted and the respondents were charged approximately $8,000 per application, and $19,500 respectively. Note: Applications include numerous items such as: transmittal letters, letters of request, modifications to applications, reapplications, *etc.* *Estimated Reporting and Recordkeeping “Non-Hour Cost” Burden:* There are two non-hour costs associated with this information collection. The currently approved non-hour cost burden is $355,000. This estimate is based on:

(a)Application and audit fees. The total annual estimated cost burden for these fees is $220,000 (refer to burden chart).

(b)Cost of reports prepared by independent certified public accountants. Under § 203.81, a report prepared by an independent certified public accountant

(CPA)must accompany the application and post-production report (expansion project, short form, and preview assessment applications are excluded). The OCS Lands Act applications will require this report only once; the DWRRA applications will require this report at two stages—with the application and post-production development report for successful applicants. We estimate approximately three submissions, during the information collection extension, at an average cost of $45,000 per report, for a total estimated annual cost burden of $135,000. *Public Disclosure Statement:* The PRA (44 U.S.C. 3501, *et seq.* ) provides that an agency may not conduct or sponsor a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number. Until OMB approves a collection of information, you are not obligated to respond. *Comments:* Before submitting an ICR to OMB, PRA section 3506(c)(2)(A) requires each agency “* * * to provide notice * * * and otherwise consult with members of the public and affected agencies concerning each proposed collection of information * * * ”. Agencies must specifically solicit comments to:

(a)Evaluate whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the agency to perform its duties, including whether the information is useful;

(b)evaluate the accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information;

(c)enhance the quality, usefulness, and clarity of the information to be collected; and

(d)minimize the burden on the respondents, including the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology. Agencies must also estimate the “non-hour cost” burdens to respondents or recordkeepers resulting from the collection of information. Therefore, if you have costs to generate, maintain, and disclose this information, you should comment and provide your total capital and startup cost components or annual operation, maintenance, and purchase of service components. You should describe the methods you use to estimate major cost factors, including system and technology acquisition, expected useful life of capital equipment, discount rate(s), and the period over which you incur costs. Capital and startup costs include, among other items, computers and software you purchase to prepare for collecting information, monitoring, and record storage facilities. You should not include estimates for equipment or services purchased:

(i)Before October 1, 1995;

(ii)to comply with requirements not associated with the information collection;

(iii)for reasons other than to provide information or keep records for the Government; or

(iv)as part of customary and usual business or private practices. We will summarize written responses to this notice and address them in our submission for OMB approval. As a result of your comments, we will make any necessary adjustments to the burden in our submission to OMB. *Public Comment Procedures:* MMS's practice is to make comments, including names and addresses of respondents, available for public review. If you wish your name and/or address to be withheld, you must state this prominently at the beginning of your comment. MMS will honor this request to the extent allowable by law; however, anonymous comments will not be considered. All submissions from organizations or businesses, and from individuals identifying themselves as representatives or officials of organizations or businesses, will be made available for public inspection in their entirety. *MMS Information Collection Clearance Officer:* Arlene Bajusz

(202)208-7744. Dated: February 27, 2006. E.P. Danenberger, Chief, Office of Offshore Regulatory Programs. [FR Doc. E6-3705 Filed 3-14-06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310-MR-P DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Minerals Management Service Agency Information Collection Activities: Submitted for Office of Management and Budget

(OMB)Review; Comment Request AGENCY: Minerals Management Service (MMS), Interior. ACTION: Notice of a new information collection (1010-NEW). SUMMARY: To comply with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA), we are notifying the public that we have submitted to OMB an information collection request

(ICR)for review and approval of the paperwork requirements in the regulations under “30 CFR 256, Subparts J and K, and 30 CFR 250, Subpart J,” and related documents. This notice also provides the public a second opportunity to comment on the paperwork burden of these regulatory requirements. DATES: Submit written comments by April 14, 2006. ADDRESSES: You may submit comments on this information collection directly to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, OMB, Attention: Desk Officer for the Department of the Interior via OMB e-mail: ( *OIRA_DOCKET@omb.eop.gov* ); or by fax

(202)395-6566; identify with (1010-NEW). Submit a copy of your comments to the Department of the Interior, MMS, via: • MMS's Public Connect on-line commenting system, *https://ocsconnect.mms.gov.* Follow the instructions on the Web site for submitting comments. • E-mail MMS at *rules.comments@mms.gov.* Use Information Collection Number 1010-NEW in the subject line. • Fax: 703-787-1093. Identify with Information Collection Number 1010-NEW. • Mail or hand-carry comments to the Department of the Interior; Minerals Management Service; Attention: Rules Processing Team (RPT); 381 Elden Street, MS-4024; Herndon, Virginia 20170-4817. Please reference “Information Collection 1010-NEW” in your comments. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Cheryl Blundon, Rules Processing Team,

(703)787-1600. You may also contact Cheryl Blundon to obtain a copy, at no cost, of the regulations and forms that require the subject collection of information. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: *Title:* 30 CFR 256, Subparts J and K, and 30 CFR 250, Subpart J. *Forms:* MMS-149, MMS-150, MMS-151, and MMS-152. *OMB Control Number:* 1010-NEW. Abstract: The Outer Continental Shelf

(OCS)Lands Act, as amended (43 U.S.C. 1331 *et seq.* and 43 U.S.C. 1801 *et seq.* ), authorizes the Secretary of the Interior (Secretary) to prescribe rules and regulations to administer leasing of the OCS. Such rules and regulations will apply to all operations conducted under a lease. Operations on the OCS must preserve, protect, and develop oil and natural gas resources in a manner that is consistent with the need to make such resources available to meet the Nation's energy needs as rapidly as possible; to balance orderly energy resource development with protection of human, marine, and coastal environments; to ensure the public a fair and equitable return on the resources of the OCS; and to preserve and maintain free enterprise competition. Also, the Energy Policy and Conservation Act of 1975

(EPCA)prohibits certain lease bidding arrangements (42 U.S.C. 6213(c)). These authorities and responsibilities are among those delegated to the Minerals Management Service

(MMS)under which MMS issues regulations governing oil and gas and sulphur operations in the OCS. This information collection request

(ICR)addresses the regulations at 30 CFR part 250, Oil and Gas and Sulphur Operations in the Outer Continental Shelf, 30 CFR part 256, Leasing of Sulphur or Oil and Gas in the OCS, and the associated supplementary Notices to Lessees

(NTLs)and operators intended to provide clarification, description, or explanation of these regulations. This ICR concerns the use of new forms to process the transfer of interest in lease and rights-of-way per 30 CFR part 250, subpart J, Pipelines and Pipeline Rights-of-Way, 30 CFR 256, subpart J, Assignments, Transfers and Extensions, and the filing of relinquishments per 30 CFR 256, subpart K, Termination of Leases. We will protect information from respondents considered proprietary under the Freedom of Information Act (5 U.S.C. 552) and its implementing regulations (43 CFR part 2) and under regulations at 30 CFR 250.196, “Data and information to be made available to the public,” and 30 CFR part 252, “OCS Oil and Gas Information Program.” No items of a sensitive nature are collected. Responses are mandatory. The MMS uses the information required by 30 CFR part 250, subpart J, “Pipelines and Pipeline Rights-of-Way,” and 30 CFR part 256, subpart J, “Assignments, Transfers and Extensions,” to track the ownership of leases as to record title, operating rights, and pipeline right-of-ways. MMS will use this information to update the corporate database which is used to determine what leases are available for a Lease Sale and the ownership of all OCS leases. Non-proprietary information is also publicly available from the MMS corporate database via the internet. *Frequency:* On occasion. *Estimated Number and Description of Respondents:* Approximately 200 Federal oil and gas or sulphur OCS lessees. *Estimated Reporting and Recordkeeping “Hour” Burden:* The estimated annual “hour” burden for this information collection is a total of 1,512 hours. The following chart details the individual components and estimated hour burdens. In calculating the burdens, we assumed that respondents perform certain requirements in the normal course of their activities. We consider these to be usual and customary and took that into account in estimating the burden. 30 CFR 256 Subparts J and K; 30 CFR 250, Subpart J and related NTLs Reporting or recordkeeping requirement Hour burden Average number of annual responses Annual burden hours Subpart J: 256.62, 256.64, 256.65, 256.67 File application and required information for assignment or transfer for approval/comment on filing fee (forms MMS-150 and MMS-151) 1/2 2,500 applications 1,250 Subpart K: 256.76 File written request for relinquishment (form MMS-152) 1/2 323 relinquish- ments 1162 Subpart J: 250.1018 File application and required information for assignment or transfer for approval/comment on filing fee (form MMS-149) 1/2 200 applications 100 Total Burden 3,023 1,512 1 Rounded. *Estimated Reporting and Recordkeeping “Non-Hour Cost” Burden:* We have identified no paperwork “non-hour cost” burdens associated with the collection of information. The fees associated with the applications have been covered and approved under OMB Control Number 1010-0006, expiration 3/31/07. *Public Disclosure Statement:* The PRA (44 U.S.C. 3501, *et seq.* ) provides that an agency may not conduct or sponsor a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number. Until OMB approves a collection of information, you are not obligated to respond. *Comments:* Section 3506(c)(2)(A) of the PRA (44 U.S.C. 3501, *et seq.* ) requires each agency “* * * to provide notice * * * and otherwise consult with members of the public and affected agencies concerning each proposed collection of information * * *” Agencies must specifically solicit comments to:

(a)Evaluate whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the agency to perform its duties, including whether the information is useful;

(b)evaluate the accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information;

(c)enhance the quality, usefulness, and clarity of the information to be collected; and

(d)minimize the burden on the respondents, including the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology. The regulations also inform the public that they may comment at any time on the collections of information and provides the address to which they should send comments. We received 14 different sets of comments from trade associations, as well as, oil and gas companies in response to the **Federal Register** notice from respondents covered under these regulations or who will be submitting these forms. Their names were: American Petroleum Institute, National Ocean Industries Association, Domestic Petroleum Council, Independent Petroleum Association of America (IPAA), U.S. Oil and Gas Association, Offshore Operators Committee, NCX Company, L.L.C., El Paso Production Company. MMS's response to industry comments on the Assignment Forms were the following: *IPAA, et al. Letter:* Respondents suggested that MMS develop a transmittal sheet to be attached to the assignment instrument. The transmittal sheet would include the information needed by MMS to monitor ownership in leases, but would not alter the rights and obligations being conveyed in the assignment documents prepared by industry. MMS disagrees with this suggestion. The purpose of the proposed forms is to streamline and reduce the time necessary to adjudicate assignments, which are requested by industry on a frequent basis. MMS's past experience indicates oversights in careful review and preparation by industry, thereby slowing the approval process and the return of documents unapproved for correction. All aspects of the approval letter have been incorporated into the assignment forms. When the forms are approved by MMS, they are signed by an authorized MMS representative and will be returned with a computer generated print-out of the ownership as it exists after the assignment has been approved. MMS recognizes that industry assignments are unique. In order to accommodate this need, MMS has identified Exhibit A for this purpose (Exhibit A is later deleted based on another comment). The reason for this is to allow the companies to subject their assignments to other legal contracts for which MMS is not a participating party while providing pertinent information on the approved form in a format that can accommodate an electronic filing in the future, and provides information in the exact same format each time. *IPAA, et al. Letter:* If MMS continues to use the proposed forms, Part A should define the term “record title” and “operating rights” interests, and the conveyance language should be revised to clearly state the conveyed right, title and interest. The term “operating rights” is defined in 30 CFR 250.105. The term “record title” is well understood in the oil and gas industry to include all property interests in a lease that the lessee has not transferred to others. It is not the intent of the form to change these meanings and there is no reference in the forms to indicate otherwise. MMS agrees that the conveyance language in the proposed forms was not clear and did not follow standard legal protocol in its current form. Therefore, the language has been changed in the form. *IPAA, et al. Letter:* Respondents conclude that the interest columns on the proposed forms are confusing and they have concern for the “Final Ownership” percentage when there are multiple transactions between the parties affecting the same properties that would cause a different ownership based on the time of the receipt of the assignment. MMS processes assignments in the order of date received. Therefore, multiple transactions can be accepted and processed in order without affecting the final ownership of the assignment. MMS has reconsidered the necessity of the interest columns and has concluded that the columns can be confusing and has predicted that assignments would be rejected due to common errors and misunderstandings. Therefore, MMS has eliminated the columns and has provided a “blank” after the words “Assignor(s) does hereby sell, assign, transfer, and convey unto Assignee(s) the following undivided right, title, and interest.” This blank will contain the decimal interest that is being conveyed and will always be a full 8/8ths number and will eliminate the guess work on fractions. MMS will continue to require that decimals be carried out to the fifth decimal place. Exhibit “A” has also been deleted. We have provided for two Assignors and two Assignees. If more than two are needed, industry may duplicate the signature block and attach to the assignment form. *IPAA, et al. Letter:* Respondents argue that the assignment forms not provide that the assignees shall fully comply with all future regulations, but only those “for the prevention of waste and conservation of the natural resources of the Outer Continental Shelf, and the protection of correlative rights.” Respondents argue that anything more exceeds MMS's statutory authority and constitutes an alteration of lease terms. But the same respondents suggest that only the first sentence of the acceptance of lease terms be required because “the Act and regulations apply without including reference to either in the assignment”. We agree that the regulations apply without recital in the assignment, but choose to retain the statement to avoid the type of confusion reflected in the former comment. All MMS regulations are binding on all lessees and operators, unless they are expressly inconsistent with the terms of the lease contract or the regulation itself limits its application. *IPAA, et al. Letter:* Respondents argue that Part B of the proposed forms (all the forms) contain unnecessary certification, that further certifications constitute warranties and risk misapplication of the regulations and lease terms. In particular, the certification of ownership is a warranty that frequently is limited between the parties to a transaction. As a result the certification would often be inconsistent with Exhibit “B-1” which includes the additional assignment terms of the parties. MSS does not agree. This statement is not a warranty, but a statement that you own the interest. The language used in the proposed forms does not say “Assignor hereby warrants its interest in the lease”; it simply states that the Assignor certifies that they own the interest conveyed by the assignment. MMS does not agree that this would be inconsistent with the provisions of Exhibit B-1. *IPAA, et al. Letter:* The debarment language in the proposed forms is unnecessary, would require excessive due diligence, and is already maintained in MMS lease sale files. It was further recited that the recently published government-wide debarment regulations (68 FR 66534) suggesting that additional certifications are inappropriate. Reference is made to the preamble in those regulations calling for the elimination of assurances that are found to be unnecessary or where technology has eliminated the need by Federal agencies to obtain debarment certifications. Respondents further interpret this ruling to mean that further use of debarment certifications after an initial filing, are disfavored. MMS has reviewed the recent debarment regulations and concludes that the proposed form language is burdensome. However, MMS feels the language is necessary and should be included in the approved forms. MMS has recently corresponded with industry in this regard for Sale Notice issues and has redrafted the language for use in the proposed forms. MMS feels that this reduced language is appropriate and eliminates the administrative burden on the parties. *IPAA, et al. Letter:* The Equal Opportunity Clause is redundant inasmuch as there are Equal Opportunity provisions in the lease. MMS disagrees. Under Labor Department regulations at 41 CFR 60-1.4, a party who contracts with the Unites States, such as a lessee, must incorporate the Equal Opportunity Clause of section 202 of Executive Order 12146 in every subcontract. Accordingly, the clause is required in subleases of operating rights and MMS is including it in these forms. It is not required for assignments in which the assignor retains no interest in the lease, but MMS does not believe that the fact warrants creating separate forms for two types of transfers. *IPAA, et al. Letter:* Respondents suggest that only the first sentence of paragraph four (page two), Part B—Certification and Acceptance of the forms, be required. Respondents claim that additional language is a restatement of lease terms, to which the assignee is bound by the first sentence; and the Act and regulations apply without including reference to either assignment. Respondents state that restating lease terms and regulations in an assignment inherently includes a risk of contractually modifying lease terms and regulations. Respondents state that reference to compliance with all applicable regulations now or in the future under the Act clearly exceeds the statutory authority granted to MMS, and this language should be removed from the proposed assignment forms. The draft language restates without alteration the terms of the underlying lease. As noted above, all lessees and operators are subject to all MMS regulations, regardless of when the lease was issued, unless they are expressly inconsistent with the terms of the lease contract or the regulation itself limits its application. That section 5(a) of the Act makes some regulations expressly applicable to existing leases doesn't constitute a prohibition of other regulations which, as duly promulgated regulations under the Administrative Procedures Act, have the force and effect of law. For the very reason that some question MMS authority to enforce some regulations as to preexisting leases, it is important that the application for approval of the assignment of such leases includes the new lessee's agreement to comply with duly promulgated regulations to protect public safety and insure accountability for royalties. Based on this reasoning, the language remains in the forms. *IPAA, et al. Letter:* The requirement that assignors and assignees comply with the qualification requirements of 30 CFR part 256 is covered by the regulations, independent of the assignment. Respondents state that MMS monitors both compliance with the regulations and corporate authority to sign documents by requiring listings of corporate officers and filing powers of attorneys. Respondents claim that paragraph five, Part B—Certification and Acceptance of the forms, is unnecessary and should be removed. MMS recognizes that the qualification requirements are covered in the regulations. However, MMS is considering the issue of self-certification to eliminate the need for updating of qualification files. If MMS were to approve such an action, then this statement will need to be incorporated on every existing and future form that MMS uses in administration of its programs. Therefore, the language will remain in the assignment forms as preparation for future utility. *IPAA, et al. Letter:* Respondents claim, as a general comment, that standardization would help but not eliminate the need for some MMS analysis because of the necessary inclusion of Exhibit “B-1”, which includes the parties' unique terms negotiated for each transaction. MMS is not privy to the special terms and conditions between the parties and rarely reviews such language. MMS records are most impacted by the information on the forms. The format is structured to save time in reading the document seeking information that is transposed to the approval letter. Again, the form is designed to include all information that is on the approval letters as well as conveyance language to serve two purposes—streamlining of review and approval and the accommodation of electronic filing in the future. Exhibit B-1 has been changed to Exhibit “A” because we have eliminated multiple Assignors and Assignees, as stated above, which were identified on the original Exhibit “A”. *El Paso and NCX Letter:* The relinquishment form is only executed by the record title interest owners, which could cause issues with any operating rights owners. The relinquishment form contains language to disallow relinquishments of record title where there are producing operating rights so as to preclude termination of producing operating rights. MMS's policies of encouraging exploration and development and of increasing revenues, and the principle of respecting the integrity of property interests require refusal of relinquishment of record title where there are producing operating rights. Just as the assignment forms bind the assignee of operating rights to the lease terms and conditions, the integrity of those rights conveyed should be respected by MMS. While MMS recognizes the issue, MMS does not have a contract with the operating rights owners. This contractual right exists with the record title owners as they are the signatory parties to the lease instrument. Therefore, the proposed relinquishment form will remain as proposed and only need execution from the record title owners of the lease. *NCX Letter:* The assignment forms do not contain conveyance language and are not in a form that is recordable in adjacent county/parish record; that there is not enough space at the top of the forms to be accepted for recordation; that so many elements would be required to be added in Exhibit “B-1” that the common practice will become to prepare a standard assignment and then attach the entire assignment as Exhibit B-1. This will lead to a duplication effort requiring Exhibit B-1 to be executed whether it is an exhibit or full assignment, along with the MMS form assignment, that “B-1” would be recorded in the adjacent county/parish records and the MMS form would not. As stated above, MMS has reworded the language to make the instrument a formal conveyance. The comment on space for recordation on the front of the document is not valid. Most county/parish Clerk of Court offices stamp recording information on the back page of the document. However, in lieu of that, MMS feels there is ample space on the signature page for the recordation information of the county/parish. Specific instructions are given for the completion of the assignment forms. Attaching the entire assignment as Exhibit “A” will be unacceptable to MMS and will be returned unapproved. Such an exercise will defeat the purpose of this streamlining effort for industry and Exhibit B-1 has been changed to Exhibit “A” as set forth above. *NCX Letter:* The columns for interest decimals are confusing and should be clarified. MMS concurs and, as mentioned above, deleted the columns and replaced same with standard conveyance language. Please see the above comments. *NCX Letter:* Commenter was confused over the effective date of the assignment versus the effective date of the lease and the location of this information. Further, it was commented that the proposed forms do not take the place of the transmittal letter required by the MMS Adjudication Unit, which the commenter claims, contains much of the same information as the proposed forms. The forms are clear in this regard and MMS feels the commenter did not thoroughly review the form before making this statement; therefore, the comment is invalid. As to the transmittal letter issue, MMS disagrees. The transmittal letter does not contain the same information as the assignment form. Upon preparation of transmittal letters, industry should be careful not to repeat information contained in the assignment forms. Such transmittal letters should notify MMS of such issues as the submittal of Designation of Operator forms, Bonds, Oil Spill Financial Responsibility Forms, or any other information the submitter desires in assisting with the review process; and whether such information is included with the assignment or the reasons it is not included, which would facilitate the initial review process by MMS staff. Should this become a major issue, MMS will consider recommending to industry a standard format letter to utilize with the transmittal of the assignment. If you wish to comment in response to this notice, you may send your comments to the offices listed under the ADDRESSES section of this notice. OMB has up to 60 days to approve or disapprove the information collection but may respond after 30 days. Therefore, to ensure maximum consideration, OMB should receive public comments by April 14, 2006. *Public Comment Procedures:* MMS's practice is to make comments, including names and addresses of respondents, available for public review. If you wish your name and/or address to be withheld, you must state this prominently at the beginning of your comment. MMS will honor the request to the extent allowable by the law; however, anonymous comments will not be considered. All submissions from organizations or businesses, and from individuals identifying themselves as representatives or officials of organizations or businesses, will be made available for public inspection in their entirety. *MMS Information Collection Clearance Officer:* Arlene Bajusz

(202)208-7744. Dated: December 9, 2005. E.P. Danenberger, Chief, Office of Offshore Regulatory Programs. [FR Doc. E6-3706 Filed 3-14-06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310-MR-P DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Minerals Management Service Notice of Additional Public Scoping Meeting on the Environmental Impact Statements for the Proposed 5-Year Outer Continental Shelf

(OCS)Oil and Gas Leasing Program for 2007-2012; and Western and Central Gulf of Mexico, Oil and Gas Lease Sales for Years 2007-2012 SUMMARY: Pursuant to the regulations implementing the procedural provisions of the National Environmental Policy Act (42 U.S.C. 4321, *et seq.* ), the Minerals Management Service

(MMS)will hold a Public Scoping Meeting in Florida on the Environmental Impact Statements

(EISs)for both the 2007-2012 Proposed 5-Year OCS Oil and Gas Leasing Program, and the tentatively scheduled 2007-2012 oil and gas leasing proposals in the Western and Central Gulf of Mexico off the States of Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama. The purpose of this meeting will be to solicit comments on the scope of both EISs. The meeting is in addition to the meetings announced in the **Federal Register** on March 3, 2006 and March 7, 2006. *Date and Location for Public Scoping Meeting in Florida:* Thursday, April 6, 2006 “ Tallahassee-Leon County Civic Center, 505 Pensacola Street, Tallahassee, Florida, 1-3 p.m. *Contact:* Mr. Dennis Chew, 504-736-2793. Information concerning the 5-year program and EIS can be accessed at: *http://www.mms.gov/5-year/2007-2012main.htm* . Dated: March 9, 2006. Keith Good, Acting Associate Director for Offshore Minerals Management. [FR Doc. 06-2556 Filed 3-14-06; 8:45 am]

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