Revocation of Restricted Area R-6316 in Eagle Pass, Texas

Rule

Revocation of Restricted Area R-6316 in Eagle Pass, Texas

A Rule by the Federal Aviation Administration on 04/08/2026

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• Public Inspection Published Document: 2026-06764 (91 FR 17765) Document Headings ###### Department of Transportation

Federal Aviation Administration

1. 14 CFR Part 73
2. [Docket No. FAA-2026-2509; Airspace Docket No. 25-ASW-12]
3. RIN 2120-AA66

AGENCY:

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION:

Final rule.

SUMMARY:

This action revokes Restricted Area R-6316 in Eagle Pass, Texas. The FAA is taking this action due to the Using Agency's determination that the airspace is no longer needed.

DATES:

Effective date 0901 UTC, July 9, 2026.

ADDRESSES:

A copy of this final rule and all background material may be viewed online at www.regulations.gov using the FAA Docket number. Electronic retrieval help and guidelines are available on the website. It is available 24 hours each day, 365 days each year. An electronic copy of this document may also be downloaded from www.federalregister.gov.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Steven Roff, Rules and Regulations Group, Policy Directorate, Federal Aviation Administration, 600 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20597; telephone: (202) 267-8783.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Authority for This Rulemaking

The FAA's authority to issue rules regarding aviation safety is found in Title 49 of the United States Code. Subtitle I, Section 106 describes the authority of the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII, Aviation Programs, describes in more detail the scope of the agency's authority. This rulemaking is promulgated under the authority described in Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart I, Section 40103. Under that section, the FAA is charged with prescribing regulations to assign the use of the airspace necessary to ensure the safety of aircraft and the efficient use of airspace. This regulation is within the scope of that authority as it increases the navigable airspace available for public access.

History

The FAA originally established R-6316 in support of United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Air and Marine Operations. The restricted area was established to contain the Eagle Pass tethered aerostat balloon. The CBP has decommissioned this balloon and no longer has a need for the restricted airspace.

The Rule

This action amends 14 CFR part 73 by revoking Restricted Area R-6316 in Eagle Pass, Texas.

Good Cause for Bypassing Public Comment

The Administrative Procedure Act (APA) authorizes agencies to dispense with ordinary notice and comment requirements for rules when the agency for “good cause” finds that those procedures are “impracticable, unnecessary, or contrary to the public interest.” 5 U.S.C. 553(b)(B). This action revokes a restricted area and thereby increases the navigable airspace available for public access. This action will not impose any additional substantive restrictions or requirements on the people affected by these regulations as it reduces regulatory airspace within the National Airspace System. The action constitutes “a routine determination, insignificant in nature and impact, and inconsequential ( printed page 17766) to the industry and to the public.” Mack Trucks, Inc. v. EPA, 682 F.3d 87, 94 (D.C. Cir. 2012). Therefore, the FAA finds that notice and public procedure under 5 U.S.C. 553(b) is unnecessary.

Regulatory Notices and Analyses

The FAA has determined that this regulation only involves an established body of technical regulations for which frequent and routine amendments are necessary to keep them operationally current. It, therefore: (1) is not a “significant regulatory action” under Executive Order 12866; (2) is not a “significant rule” under Department of Transportation (DOT) Regulatory Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034; February 26, 1979); and (3) does not warrant preparation of a regulatory evaluation as the anticipated impact is so minimal. Since this is a routine matter that only affects air traffic procedures and air navigation, it is certified that this rule, when promulgated, does not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.

Environmental Review

The FAA has determined that this action revoking R-6316 qualifies for categorical exclusion under the National Environmental Policy Act (42 U.S.C. 4321, et seq.) and FAA Order 1050.1G, FAA National Environmental Policy Act Implementing Procedures, paragraph B-2.5(a), which categorically excludes from further environmental impact review rulemaking actions that designate or modify classes of airspace areas, airways, routes, and reporting points (see 14 CFR part 71, Designation of Class A, B, C, D, and E Airspace Areas; Air Traffic Service Routes; and Reporting Points), and paragraph B-2.5(c) which categorically excludes from further environmental impact review actions to return all or part of special use airspace (SUA) to the National Airspace System (NAS), such as revocation of airspace, a decrease in dimensions, or a reduction in times of use (e.g., from continuous to intermittent, or use by a Notice to Airmen [NOTAM]). As such, this action is not expected to result in any potentially significant environmental impacts. In accordance with the FAA's NEPA implementation policy and procedures regarding extraordinary circumstances, the FAA has reviewed this action for factors and circumstances in which a normally categorically excluded action may have a significant environmental impact requiring further analysis. The FAA has determined that no extraordinary circumstances exist that warrant preparation of an environmental assessment or environmental impact statement.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 73

• Airspace
• Prohibited areas
• Restricted areas

The Amendment

In consideration of the foregoing, the Federal Aviation Administration amends 14 CFR part 73 as follows:

PART 73—SPECIAL USE AIRSPACE

1. The authority citation for part 73 continues to read as follows:

Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(f), 106(g); 40103, 40113, 40120; E.O. 10854, 24 FR 9565, 3 CFR, 1959-1963 Comp., p. 389.

§ 73.63 Texas (TX) [Amended] 2. Section 73.63 is amended as follows:

---

R-6316 Eagle Pass, TX [Removed]

• * * * * Issued in Washington, DC, April 6, 2026.

Alex W. Nelson,

Manager, Rules and Regulations Group.

[FR Doc. 2026-06764 Filed 4-7-26; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

Published Document: 2026-06764 (91 FR 17765)