THE OFFICE OF GENERAL COUNSEL NATIONAL OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION The Office of General Counsel serves as the chief legal officer for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) of the U.S. Department of Commerce. The General Counsel is appointed by the Secretary of Commerce, with the approval of the President. The Office of the General Counsel provides legal service and guidance for all matters that may arise in the conduct of NOAA's missions. The organization chart provides additional information as to the Office's structure.   MISSION STATEMENT The NOAA Office of the General Counsel is a team of professionals advancing the mission and objectives of NOAA by delivering legal services of the highest quality. We are committed to providing sound judgment, thoughtful analysis, and constructive advice through effective communication. In an environment fostering innovation and professional development, we apply the rule of law with integrity, respect for people, and commitment to excellence and the public trust. VALUES Integrity Innovation Teamwork Professional Excellence Effective Communication Public Service   NOAA's 200th Anniversary NOAA is celebrating 200 years of science, service, and stewardship. To find out more visit the 200th Anniversary web site. NOAA General Counsel is proud to support and assist the Program offices in celebrating their achievements, from charting, coastal mapping, marine sanctuaries, coastal management, coastal ecosystem research, to oil and hazardous substance spill response efforts. CIVIL PROCEDURE REGULATIONS (15 CFR Part 904): On March 10, 2006, a final rule amending NOAA's civil procedure regulations (904s) was published in the Federal Register (see 71 Fed. Reg. 12440, Mar. 10, 2006). The 904 regulations, which are found at 15 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 904, have been virtually unchanged since their original promulgation in 1987. The amendments in the final rule, which attempt to address relevant changes in the law and in agency practice that have occurred since 1987, are quite extensive. These amended rules will apply to all administrative proceedings commenced, through issuance of a written warning or a Notice of Violation and Assessment (NOVA), Notice of Permit Sanction (NOPS), or Notice of Intent to Deny Permit (NIDP), on or after April 10, 2006. Administrative proceedings that are pending on April 10, 2006, will continue to proceed under the pre-amendment rules, with the exception that all petitions for administrative review filed on or after April 10, 2006, will proceed under the amended 15 CFR Part 904.273 (see 71 Fed. Reg. 12440, Mar. 10, 2006). Amended rules: 71 Fed. Reg. 12440 (Mar. 10, 2006). GPO web site or by downloading PDF Pre-amendment rules: 15 CFR Part 904. GPO web site NOAA GENERAL COUNSEL AWARDS FOR 2005 • NOAA General Counsel employees recognized for outstanding achievements