Extension of Effective Date of Environmental Impact Assessment of Nongovernmental Activities in Antarctica

On April 30, 1997, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) promulgated a regulation on environmental impact assessment of nongovernmental activities in Antarctica under Public Law 104-227, the Antarctic Science, Tourism, and Conservation Act of 1996. The April 30, 1997, Interim Final Rule applies only to nongovernmental activities that may occur through the 1998-99 austral summer, to be replaced by a final rule. The EPA had planned to promulgate the final rule prior to October 2, 1998. However, representatives from the affected industry and environmental nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) have requested that EPA delay promulgation of the final rule for at least one year so that more experience with the Interim Final Rule can be considered in developing the final rule. After consultation with other Federal agencies which are involved with nongovernmental activities in Antarctica, EPA has determined that this request is reasonable and that additional time to develop the final rule will be beneficial. In order to delay promulgation of the final rule, EPA must amend the Interim Final Rule to extend its applicability through the 2000-2001 austral summer. Accordingly, EPA is promulgating this amendment to the Interim Final Rule as a direct amendment to interim final rule without prior proposal, because EPA views this as a noncontroversial action and anticipates no adverse comments.