[Code of Federal Regulations]
[Title 15, Volume 3]
[Revised as of January 1, 2003]
From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access
[CITE: 15CFR971.414]

[Page 352]
 
                  TITLE 15--COMMERCE AND FOREIGN TRADE
 
CHAPTER IX--NATIONAL OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT 
                               OF COMMERCE
 
PART 971--DEEP SEABED MINING REGULATIONS FOR COMMERCIAL RECOVERY PERMITS--Table of Contents
 
    Subpart D--Issuance/Transfer: Terms, Conditions and Restrictions
 
Sec. 971.414  Modification of permit terms, conditions, and restrictions.

    (a) After issuance or transfer of any permit, the Administrator, 
after consultation with appropriate Federal agencies and the permittee, 
may modify the TCRs in a permit for the following purposes:
    (1) To avoid unreasonable interference with the interests of other 
nations in their exercise of the freedoms of the high seas, as 
recognized under general principles of international law. This 
determination will take into account the considerations listed in 
Sec. 971.403;
    (2) If relevant data and information (including, but not limited to, 
data resulting from activities under a permit) indicate that 
modification is required to protect the quality of the environment or to 
promote the safety of life and property at sea;
    (3) To avoid a conflict with any international obligation of the 
United States, established by any treaty or convention in force with 
respect to the United States, as determined in writing by the President; 
or
    (4) To avoid any situation which may reasonably be expected to lead 
to a breach of international peace and security involving armed 
conflict, as determined in writing by the President.
    (b) A proposal by the Administrator to modify the TCRs in a permit 
is significant and must be followed by the full application procedures 
in this part, including a public hearing, if it would result in either 
of the changes identified in Sec. 971.412(b).
    (c) All proposed modifications other than those described in 
paragraph (b) of this section will be acted on after the Administrator 
provides:
    (1) Written notice of the proposal to the permittee; and
    (2) Publication of this proposal in the Federal Register with a 60-
day opportunity for comment.
    (d)(1) The Administrator will effect a modification of the TCRs if 
the Administrator finds in writing that the proposed modification will 
comply with the requirements of the Act and this part.
    (2) Upon adopting a TCR modification, the Administrator shall issue 
to the permittee an amended permit including the modified TCRs, and 
shall publish notice of issuance in the Federal Register.
    (3) The procedures for objection to modification of the TCRs are the 
same as those for objection to a TCR under Sec. 971.411 of this part.