Security Zone; U.S. Coast Guard Base, Los Angeles Harbor Main Channel, Los Angeles, CA

Issuing agencies

Abstract

The Coast Guard is establishing a permanent security zone extending 40 yards into the navigable waters of the main channel of Los Angeles Harbor, including the perimeter of the Coast Guard Base on Terminal Island in San Pedro, CA. This is necessary for the security of military service members on board vessels moored at the pier, and military members and government property. All persons and vessels will be prohibited from entering, transiting through, or anchoring within a portion of Los Angeles Harbor's Main Channel surrounding Terminal Island, unless authorized by the Captain of the Port Los Angeles--Long Beach.

Full Text

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<title>Federal Register, Volume 91 Issue 193 (Wednesday, October 7, 2026)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 91, Number 193 (Wednesday, October 7, 2026)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 64114-64116]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2026-20520]


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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Coast Guard

33 CFR Part 165

[Docket Number USCG-2026-0763]
RIN 1625-AA00


Security Zone; U.S. Coast Guard Base, Los Angeles Harbor Main 
Channel, Los Angeles, CA

AGENCY: Coast Guard, Department of Homeland Security.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: The Coast Guard is establishing a permanent security zone 
extending 40 yards into the navigable waters of the main channel of Los 
Angeles Harbor, including the perimeter of the Coast Guard Base on 
Terminal Island in San Pedro, CA. This is necessary for the security of 
military service members on board vessels moored at the pier, and 
military members and government property. All persons and vessels will 
be prohibited from entering, transiting through, or anchoring within a 
portion of Los Angeles Harbor's Main Channel surrounding Terminal 
Island, unless authorized by the Captain of the Port Los Angeles--Long 
Beach.

DATES: This rule is effective on October 6, 2026.

ADDRESSES: To view available documents, go to <a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a> and search for USCG-2026-0763.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: If you have questions about this rule, 
contact LCDR Anthony Solares, Sector Los Angeles--Long Beach Waterways 
Management Division, U.S. Coast Guard; telephone 310-521-3860, email 
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#4e0a7f7f631d030c631d2b2d3a213c020f020c631919030e3b3d2d2960232722"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="99dda8a8b4cad4dbb4cafcfaedf6ebd5d8d5dbb4ceced4d9eceafafeb7f4f0f5">[email&#160;protected]</span></a>.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Table of Abbreviations

CFR Code of Federal Regulations
COTP Captain of the Port
DHS Department of Homeland Security
FR Federal Register
NPRM Notice of proposed rulemaking
Sec.  Section
U.S.C. United States Code

II. Background and Authority

    In the past, a variety of waterside activities directly adjacent to 
or subsurface in the vicinity of Coast Guard assets have required 
immediate response actions to safeguard the personnel and property of 
U.S. Coast Guard Base Los Angeles--Long Beach on Terminal Island in San 
Pedro, CA.

[[Page 64115]]

The Captain of the Port (COTP) Los Angeles--Long Beach has identified a 
need to create a permanent security zone to address safety and security 
risks for personnel and property. On August 12, 2026, the Coast Guard 
published a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) titled Security Zone; 
U.S. Coast Guard Base, Los Angeles Harbor Main Channel, Los Angeles, CA 
(91 FR 52037). In that NPRM, we stated why we issued the NPRM and 
invited comments on our proposed regulatory action related to this 
security zone.
    Under the authority in 46 U.S.C. 70034, the COTP has determined 
that this rule is necessary to protect Coast Guard personnel, cutters, 
and property in and adjacent to the navigable waters within the 
security zone. No vessel or person will be permitted to enter the 
security zone without obtaining permission from the COTP or their 
designated representative.
    Because of the potential security hazards that exist due to the 
proximity of Coast Guard Base Los Angeles--Long Beach to the heavily 
utilized Los Angeles Harbor Main Channel, the Coast Guard finds that 
under 5 U.S.C. 553(d)(3), good cause exists for making this rule 
effective less than 30 days after publication in the Federal Register 
because it is impracticable and contrary to the public interest. We 
must establish this security zone by October 6, 2026, to protect 
military personnel, vessels, and property at Coast Guard Base Los 
Angeles--Long Beach.

III. Discussion of Comments and the Rule

    During the comment period that ended on September 11, 2026, we 
received four comments on our NRPM published August 12, 2026. The Coast 
Guard appreciates the comments received and has considered the concerns 
raised regarding the process for mariners requesting to enter the zone, 
the duration of the regulation, the statutory authority, enforcement 
consequences, and the geographic description.
    The first and fourth comments were generally in support of the 
security zone but suggested a clearer standard for granting or denying 
requests to enter, setting response time expectations, and requesting a 
process of challenging a denial of entry. The Coast Guard intentionally 
does not prescribe an exhaustive authorization process because the 
security zone is designed to permit real-time, discretionary control of 
access based on current security conditions. Ultimately, the Coast 
Guard revised the final rule to clarify that the response times will be 
immediate, as the telephone number referenced in section (c)(2) of the 
rule is manned 24/7.
    The first and fourth comments also suggested that the Coast Guard 
include a periodic sunset provision or a mandatory five-year review. 
The Coast Guard has determined that the identified security 
vulnerability is ongoing rather than limited to a specific event or 
operational period and therefore, a permanent regulatory framework is 
appropriate. Incident-specific details are not necessary to establish 
the continuing security need and disclosure of such information could 
reveal operationally sensitive information.
    Further, the first and fourth comments suggested that the cite to 
46 U.S.C. 70051 is inappropriate. Section 70051 authorizes the 
regulation of vessel movement and related measures to protect vessels, 
harbors, ports, waterfront facilities, and other areas subject to U.S. 
jurisdiction. The Coast Guard interpretation of 46 U.S.C. 70051 does 
not require a separate Presidential declaration of a national emergency 
for this particular security zone.
    The first comment stated that the potential penalty amounts are 
ambiguous. However, violations are subject to the penalties provided by 
applicable Federal law, with the applicable enforcement consequences 
determined based on the facts and circumstances of each particular 
case.
    The second comment received was not within the scope of the 
regulation.
    The third comment was in support of the security zone but requested 
clarification regarding the process for a vessel operator when 
requesting authorization for planned and emergency transit in the zone. 
The Coast Guard emphasizes that this process follows the customary 
procedure for requesting entry from the Captain of the Port into a 
security zone.
    The Coast Guard has modified the regulatory description of the 
security zone's boundaries, found under Paragraph (a) of the regulatory 
text, by removing an extraneous coordinate along the southern boundary 
of the security zone: 33[deg]43.304' N, 118[deg]16.062' W. It was 
determined that this coordinate was not necessary to define the 
security zone, as another coordinate located north-east of this point 
would be sufficient to define the boundary. In addition, the ordering 
of the coordinates describing the boundaries of the security zone was 
updated for clarity.
    This rule establishes a permanent security zone, encompassing all 
navigable waters within 40 yards of U.S. Coast Guard Base Los Angeles--
Long Beach. No vessel or person is permitted to enter the security zone 
without obtaining permission from the COTP or their designated 
representative.

IV. Regulatory Analyses

    We developed this rule after considering numerous statutes and 
Executive orders related to rulemaking. Below we summarize our analyses 
based on a number of these statutes and Executive orders.

A. Impact on Small Entities

    The Regulatory Flexibility Act of 1980 (RFA), 5 U.S.C. 601-612, as 
amended, requires Federal agencies to consider the potential impact of 
regulations on small entities during rulemaking. The term ``small 
entities'' comprises small businesses, not-for-profit organizations 
that are independently owned and operated and are not dominant in their 
fields, and governmental jurisdictions with populations of less than 
50,000. Section 605 of the RFA allows an agency to certify a rule, in 
lieu of preparing an analysis, if the rulemaking is not expected to 
have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small 
entities.
    The Coast Guard certifies that, although some small entities may 
intend to transit the security zone referenced above, this rule will 
not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small 
entities. Vessel traffic will be able to safely transit around this 
security zone, and the security zone will only impact a small, 
designated area. In addition, the Coast Guard will issue a Local Notice 
to Mariners and Marine Safety Information Bulletin to notify the 
public, which will allow small entities to adjust their transit plans, 
and the rule allows vessels to request permission to enter the zone 
from the COTP.
    Under section 213(a) of the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement 
Fairness Act of 1996 (Pub. L. 104-121), if this rule will affect your 
small business, organization, or governmental jurisdiction and you have 
questions, contact the person listed in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION 
CONTACT section.
    Small businesses may send comments to the Small Business and 
Agriculture Regulatory Enforcement Ombudsman and the Regional Small 
Business Regulatory Fairness Boards by calling 1-888-REG-FAIR (1-888-
734-3247).

B. Collection of Information

    This rule will not call for a new collection of information under 
the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501-3520).

[[Page 64116]]

C. Federalism and Indian Tribal Governments

    We have analyzed this rule under Executive Order 13132, Federalism, 
and have determined that it is consistent with the fundamental 
federalism principles and preemption requirements described in that 
Order.
    Also, this rule does not have tribal implications under Executive 
Order 13175, Consultation and Coordination with Indian Tribal 
Governments, because it does not have a substantial direct effect on 
one or more Indian tribes, on the relationship between the Federal 
Government and Indian tribes, or on the distribution of power and 
responsibilities between the Federal Government and Indian tribes.

D. Unfunded Mandates Reform Act

    As required by The Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 (2 U.S.C. 
1531-1538), the Coast Guard certifies that this rule will not result in 
an annual expenditure of $100,000,000 or more (adjusted for inflation) 
by a State, local, or tribal government, in the aggregate, or by the 
private sector.

E. Environment

    We have analyzed this rule under Department of Homeland Security 
Directive 023-01, Rev. 1, associated implementing instructions, and 
Environmental Planning COMDTINST 5090.1 (series), which guide the Coast 
Guard in complying with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 
(42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.), and have determined that this action is one 
of a category of actions that do not individually or cumulatively have 
a significant effect on the human environment.
    This rule is a security zone. It is categorically excluded from 
further review under paragraph L60(a) of Appendix A, Table 1 of DHS 
Instruction Manual 023-01-001-01, Rev. 1. A Record of Environmental 
Consideration supporting this determination is available in the docket.

List of Subjects in 33 CFR Part 165

    Harbors, Marine safety, Navigation (water), Reporting and 
recordkeeping requirements, Security measures, Waterways.

    For the reasons discussed in the preamble, the Coast Guard amends 
33 CFR part 165 as follows:

PART 165--REGULATED NAVIGATION AREAS AND LIMITED ACCESS AREAS

0
1. The authority citation for part 165 continues to read as follows:

    Authority:  46 U.S.C. 70034, 70051, 70124; 33 CFR 1.05-1, 6.04-
1, 6.04-6, and 160.5; DHS Delegation No. 00170.1, Revision No. 01.4.

0
2. Add Sec.  165.1130 to read as follows:


Sec.  165.1130   Security Zone; U.S. Coast Guard Base, Los Angeles 
Harbor Main Channel, Los Angeles, CA.

    (a) Location. The following area is a security zone: All waters of 
the main channel of Los Angeles Harbor within San Pedro Bay, from 
surface to bottom, encompassed by a line connecting the following 
points beginning at 33[deg]43.314' N, 118[deg]16.013' W, thence to 
33[deg]43.284' N, 118[deg]16.000' W, thence to 33[deg]43.271' N, 
118[deg]16.078' W, thence to 33[deg]43.722' N, 118[deg]16.262' W, 
thence to 33[deg]43.730' N, 118[deg]16.220' W, and along the shoreline 
back to the beginning point. These coordinates are based on the World 
Geodetic System (WGS 84)/North American Datum 83 (NAD 83).
    (b) Definitions. As used in this section, designated representative 
means a Coast Guard Patrol Commander, including a Coast Guard coxswain, 
petty officer, or other officer operating a Coast Guard vessel and a 
Federal, State, and local officer designated by or assisting the 
Captain of the Port Los Angeles--Long Beach (COTP) in the enforcement 
of the security zone.
    (c) Regulations. (1) Under the general security zone regulations in 
subpart D of this part, you may not enter the security zone described 
in paragraph (a) of this section unless authorized by the COTP or the 
COTP's designated representative.
    (2) To seek permission to enter the security zone as described in 
(a) of this section, contact the COTP or the COTP's representative on 
VHF-FM channel 16 or through the 24-hour Command Center telephone at 
(310) 521-3801. Those in the security zone must comply with all lawful 
orders or directions given to them by the COTP or the COTP's designated 
representative.
    (d) Enforcement. This section will be enforced starting on October 
6, 2026. The Captain of the Port will enforce this security zone and 
may be assisted in the patrol and enforcement of this security zone by 
any Federal, State, county, municipal, or private agency.

S.L. Crecy,
Captain, U.S. Coast Guard, Captain of the Port Los Angeles--Long Beach.
[FR Doc. 2026-20520 Filed 10-6-26; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 9110-04-P


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