Environmental Impact Assessment of Nongovernmental Activities in Antarctica

Public Law 104-227, the Antarctic Science, Tourism, and Conservation Act of 1996 (the Act), amends the Antarctic Conservation Act of 1978, 16 U.S.C. 2401 et seq., to implement the Protocol on Environmental Protection (the Protocol) to the Antarctic Treaty of 1959 (the Treaty). The Act directs the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to promulgate regulations that provide for assessment of the environmental impacts of nongovernmental activities in Antarctica and for coordination of the review of information regarding environmental impact assessments received from other Parties under the Protocol. This interim final rule establishes requirements for assessments and coordination. This interim final rule applies only to nongovernmental activities that may occur through the 1998-99 austral summer, and will be replaced by a final rule.