[November 24, 2008 (Volume 73, Number 227)] [Unified Agenda] From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov] [DOCID: f:ua081102.wais] [Page 71306-71324] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Part III Department of Agriculture ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Semiannual Regulatory Agenda [[Page 71306]] DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA) _______________________________________________________________________ DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Office of the Secretary 7 CFR Subtitle A, Chs. I-VII, IX-XII, XIV-XVIII, XXI, XXIV-XXIX 9 CFR Chs. I-IV 36 CFR Ch. II 41 CFR Ch. 4 Semiannual Regulatory Agenda, Fall 2008 AGENCY: Office of the Secretary, USDA. ACTION: Semiannual regulatory agenda. _______________________________________________________________________ SUMMARY: This agenda provides summary descriptions of significant and not significant regulations being developed in agencies of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) in conformance with Executive Order 12866 ``Regulatory Planning and Review.'' The agenda also describes regulations affecting small entities as required by section 602 of the Regulatory Flexibility Act, Public Law 96-354. This agenda also identifies regulatory actions that are being reviewed in compliance with section 610(c) of the Regulatory Flexibility Act. We invite public comment on those actions. USDA has attempted to list all regulations and regulatory reviews pending at the time of publication except for minor and routine or repetitive actions, but some may have been inadvertently missed. There is no legal significance to the omission of an item from this listing. Also, the dates shown for the steps of each action are estimated and are not commitments to act on or by the date shown. USDA's complete regulatory agenda is available online at www.reginfo.gov. Because publication in the Federal Register is mandated for the regulatory flexibility agendas required by the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 602), USDA's printed agenda entries include only: (1) Rules that are likely to have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities; and (2) Rules identified for periodic review under section 610 of the Regulatory Flexibility Act. For this edition of the USDA regulatory agenda, the most important significant regulatory actions and a Statement of Regulatory Priorities are included in the Regulatory Plan, which appears in both the online regulatory agenda and in part II of the Federal Register that includes the abbreviated regulatory agenda. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For further information on any specific entry shown in this agenda, please contact the person listed for that action. For general comments or inquiries about the agenda, please contact Michael Poe, Office of Budget and Program Analysis, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Washington, DC 20250, (202) 720-1272. Dated: September 12, 2008. Michael Poe, Chief, Legislative and Regulatory Staff. Agricultural Marketing Service--Proposed Rule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 130 National Organic Program: Access to Pasture (TM-05-14)................................ 0581-AC57 131 National Organic Program: Dairy Replacement Animals (Livestock) (TM-07-03)............ 0581-AC69 132 Mushroom Promotion, Research and Consumer Information Order (FV-08-702)............... 0581-AC82 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Agricultural Marketing Service--Final Rule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 133 Mandatory Country of Origin Labeling of Beef, Pork, Lamb, Fish, Perishable 0581-AC26 Agricultural Commodities, and Peanuts (LS-07-0081).................................... 134 Dairy Import Assessments (DA-08-07)................................................... 0581-AC87 135 Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (Farm Bill)........................................ 0581-AC88 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Agricultural Marketing Service--Long-Term Actions ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 136 National Organic Program: Add Standards for the Organic Certification of Wild Captured 0581-AB97 Aquatic Animals, (TM-01-08)........................................................... 137 National Organic Program, Sunset (2011)(Crops and Processing) (TM-07-14).............. 0581-AC77 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [[Page 71307]] Agricultural Marketing Service--Completed Actions ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 138 Mandatory Reporting for Dairy Programs (DA-06-07)..................................... 0581-AC66 139 National Organic Program, Sunset (2008) (TM-07-12).................................... 0581-AC76 140 Federal Milk Marketing Orders (DA-08-04).............................................. 0581-AC85 141 Dairy Forward Pricing Program (DC-08-05).............................................. 0581-AC86 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Farm Service Agency--Proposed Rule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 142 Emergency Forest Restoration Program.................................................. 0560-AH89 143 Biomass Crop Assistance Program....................................................... 0560-AH92 144 Farm Loan Programs Loan Making Activities............................................. 0560-AI03 145 Conservation Loan Guarantee Program................................................... 0560-AI04 146 Loan Servicing; Farm Loan Programs.................................................... 0560-AI05 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service--Proposed Rule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 147 Animal Welfare; Regulations and Standards for Birds (Reg Plan Seq No. 1).............. 0579-AC02 148 Importation of Plants for Planting; Establishing a New Category of Plants for Planting 0579-AC03 Not Authorized for Importation Pending Risk Assessment (Rulemaking Resulting From a Section 610 Review) (Reg Plan Seq No. 2).............................................. 149 Tuberculosis in Cattle; Import Requirements for Roping Steers......................... 0579-AC50 150 Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy; Importation of Bovines and Bovine Products (Reg Plan 0579-AC68 Seq No. 3)............................................................................ 151 Handling of Animals; Contingency Plans................................................ 0579-AC69 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- References in boldface appear in the Regulatory Plan in part II of this issue of the Federal Register. Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service--Final Rule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 152 Phytosanitary Certificates for Imported Fruits and Vegetables......................... 0579-AB18 153 Phytophthora Ramorum; Quarantine and Regulations...................................... 0579-AB82 154 Interstate Movement of Sheep and Goats; Approved Livestock Facilities, Identification, 0579-AB84 and Recordkeeping Requirements........................................................ 155 Boll Weevil; Quarantine and Regulations............................................... 0579-AB91 156 Standards for Permanent, Privately Owned Horse Quarantine Facilities (Section 610 0579-AC00 Review)............................................................................... 157 Citrus Canker; Compensation for Certified Citrus Nursery Stock........................ 0579-AC05 158 Citrus Canker; Quarantine of the State of Florida..................................... 0579-AC07 159 User Fees; Export Certification for Plants and Plant Products......................... 0579-AC22 160 Introduction of Organisms and Products Altered or Produced Through Genetic Engineering 0579-AC31 (Reg Plan Seq No. 4).................................................................. 161 Importation of Poultry and Poultry Products From Regions Affected With Highly 0579-AC36 Pathogenic Avian Influenza............................................................ 162 Citrus Canker; Interstate Movement of Regulated Nursery Stock From Quarantined Areas.. 0579-AC38 163 Import/Export User Fees............................................................... 0579-AC59 164 Importation of Cattle From Mexico; Addition of Port at San Luis, Arizona.............. 0579-AC63 165 Revision of Regulations for the Movement of Fruits and Vegetables From Hawaii and U.S. 0579-AC70 Territories Into the Continental United States........................................ 166 Light Brown Apple Moth Quarantine..................................................... 0579-AC71 167 Viral Hemorrhagic Septicemia; Interstate Movement and Import Restrictions on Certain 0579-AC74 Live Fish............................................................................. 168 Citrus Greening and Asian Citrus Psyllid; Quarantine and Interstate Movement 0579-AC85 Regulations........................................................................... 169 Sirex Woodwasp; Quarantine and Regulations............................................ 0579-AC86 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- References in boldface appear in the Regulatory Plan in part II of this issue of the Federal Register. [[Page 71308]] Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service--Long-Term Actions ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 170 Plant Pest Regulations; Update of Current Provisions (Section 610 Review)............. 0579-AA80 171 Animal Welfare: Marine Mammals; Nonconsensus Language and Interactive Programs 0579-AB24 (Rulemaking Resulting From a Section 610 Review)...................................... 172 Foot-and-Mouth Disease; Payment of Indemnity.......................................... 0579-AB34 173 Tuberculosis in Cattle; Import Requirements (Section 610 Review)...................... 0579-AB44 174 Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy; Minimal-Risk Regions and Importation of Commodities; 0579-AB97 Unsealing of Means of Conveyance and Transloading of Products......................... 175 National Veterinary Accreditation Program (Rulemaking Resulting From a Section 610 0579-AC04 Review)............................................................................... 176 Agricultural Inspection and AQI User Fees Along the U.S./Canada Border................ 0579-AC06 177 Minimum Age Requirements for the Transport of Animals................................. 0579-AC14 178 Animal Welfare; Climatic and Environmental Conditions for Transportation of 0579-AC41 Warmblooded Animals Other Than Marine Mammals......................................... 179 Bovine Tuberculosis................................................................... 0579-AC73 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service--Completed Actions ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 180 Trichinae Certification Program....................................................... 0579-AB92 181 Special Need Requests Under the Plant Protection Act.................................. 0579-AB98 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Rural Housing Service--Final Rule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 182 Guaranteed Single-Family Housing...................................................... 0575-AC18 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Food Safety and Inspection Service--Proposed Rule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 183 Federal-State Interstate Shipment Cooperative Inspection Program (Reg Plan Seq No. 14) 0583-AD37 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- References in boldface appear in the Regulatory Plan in part II of this issue of the Federal Register. Food Safety and Inspection Service--Final Rule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 184 Performance Standards for the Production of Processed Meat and Poultry Products; 0583-AC46 Control of Listeria Monocytogenes in Ready-To-Eat Meat and Poultry Products (Reg Plan Seq No. 15)........................................................................... ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- References in boldface appear in the Regulatory Plan in part II of this issue of the Federal Register. Food Safety and Inspection Service--Completed Actions ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 185 Availability of Lists of Retail Consignees During Meat or Poultry Product Recalls..... 0583-AD10 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [[Page 71309]] Forest Service--Final Rule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 186 Special Areas; State-Specific Inventoried Roadless Area Management: Colorado (Reg Plan 0596-AC74 Seq No. 19)........................................................................... ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- References in boldface appear in the Regulatory Plan in part II of this issue of the Federal Register. Office of the Secretary--Proposed Rule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 187 Voluntary Labeling Program for Designated Biobased Products........................... 0503-AA35 188 Designation of Biobased Items for Federal Procurement, Round 7........................ 0503-AA36 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Rural Business-Cooperative Service--Proposed Rule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 189 Renewable Energy--Clarify Requirements for Construction/Development of Energy Program 0570-AA69 Projects (Rulemaking Resulting From a Section 610 Review)............................. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Agriculture (USDA) Proposed Rule Stage Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) _______________________________________________________________________ 130. NATIONAL ORGANIC PROGRAM: ACCESS TO PASTURE (TM-05-14) Legal Authority: 7 USC 6501 et seq Abstract: The National Organic Program (NOP) is administered by the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS). Under the NOP, AMS established national standards for the production and handling of organically produced agricultural products. Since implementation of the NOP, some members of the public have advocated for a more explicit regulatory standard on the relationship between livestock, particularly dairy animals, and grazing land. They have asserted the current regulatory language on access to pasture for ruminants and temporary confinement based on an animal's stage of production, when applied together, do not provide a uniform requirement for the pasturing of ruminant animals that meet the principles underlying an organic management system for livestock and livestock products that consumers expect. Comments received as a result of the proposed rule will assist in determining the Agency's next steps in rulemaking on this issue. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ ANPRM 04/13/06 71 FR 19131 ANPRM Comment Period End 06/12/06 NPRM 10/24/08 73 FR 63583 NPRM Comment Period End 12/23/08 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Agency Contact: Richard H. Mathews, Chief of Standards Development and Review Branch, Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Marketing Service, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 202 720-3252 Fax: 202 205-7808 Email: richard.mathews@usda.gov RIN: 0581-AC57 _______________________________________________________________________ 131. NATIONAL ORGANIC PROGRAM: DAIRY REPLACEMENT ANIMALS (LIVESTOCK) (TM-07-03) Legal Authority: 7 USC 6501 Abstract: The National Organic Program (NOP) is administered by the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS). Under the NOP, AMS established national standards for the production and handling of organically produced products. Since implementation of the NOP, some members of the public have advocated for amending the regulations for sourcing dairy replacement animals. They have asserted that the current regulatory language on sourcing dairy replacement animals lacks clarity, has established an inequitable two track system, and has harmed organic dairy producers by creating an environment that has prevented the development of a market for organic dairy replacement animals. They seek amendment to the regulations to require that once a dairy operation has converted to organic production all future animals be organic from the last third of gestation. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 04/00/09 Final Action 01/00/10 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Agency Contact: Richard H. Mathews, Chief of Standards Development and Review Branch, Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Marketing Service, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 202 720-3252 [[Page 71310]] Fax: 202 205-7808 Email: richard.mathews@usda.gov RIN: 0581-AC69 _______________________________________________________________________ 132. MUSHROOM PROMOTION, RESEARCH AND CONSUMER INFORMATION ORDER (FV-08-702) Legal Authority: 7 USC 6101 to 6112 Abstract: The Farm bill of 2008 amends the Mushroom Promotion, Research and Consumer Information Act of 1990 by changing the number of regions for nominations purposes from four to three; adjusting the number of pounds required to appoint members to the Mushroom Council; and to allow for the development of good agricultural and good handling practices. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 11/00/08 Final Action 04/00/09 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Agency Contact: Sonia Jimenez, Marketing Specialist, Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Marketing Service, South Building, P.O. Box 96456, Washington, DC 20050-6456 Phone: 202 720-9915 Fax: 202 205-2800 Email: sonia.jimenez@usda.gov RIN: 0581-AC82 _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Agriculture (USDA) Final Rule Stage Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) _______________________________________________________________________ 133. MANDATORY COUNTRY OF ORIGIN LABELING OF BEEF, PORK, LAMB, FISH, PERISHABLE AGRICULTURAL COMMODITIES, AND PEANUTS (LS-07-0081) Legal Authority: 7 USC 1621 through 1627, Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 Abstract: The Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (Farm Bill) (Pub. L. 107-171) and the 2002 Supplemental Appropriations Act (2002 Appropriations) (Pub. L. 107-206) amended the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 (Act) (7 U.S.C. 1621 et seq.) to require retailers to notify their customers of the country of origin of covered commodities beginning September 30, 2004. Covered commodities include muscle cuts of beef (including veal), lamb, and pork; ground beef, ground lamb, and ground pork; farm-raised fish and shellfish; wild fish and shellfish; perishable agricultural commodities; and peanuts. The FY 2004 Consolidated Appropriations bill (2004 Appropriations) (Pub. L. 108-199) delayed implementation of mandatory Country of Origin Labeling (COOL) for all covered commodities except wild and farm-raised fish and shellfish until September 30, 2006. The FY 2006 Agriculture Appropriations Bill further delayed the implementation date for other covered commodities until September 30, 2008. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 10/30/03 68 FR 61944 NPRM Comment Period End 12/29/03 Interim Final Rule 10/05/04 69 FR 59708 Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 01/03/05 Interim Final Rule Effective 04/04/05 Comment Period Extended 11/27/06 71 FR 68431 Comment Period End 02/26/07 Comment Period Extended 06/20/07 72 FR 33851 Comment Period End 08/20/07 Interim Final Rule 08/01/08 73 FR 45105 Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 08/30/08 73 FR 45106 Final Action 12/00/08 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Agency Contact: Erin Morris, Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Marketing Service, 14th and Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 202 720-5131 Email: erin.morris@usda.gov RIN: 0581-AC26 _______________________________________________________________________ 134. DAIRY IMPORT ASSESSMENTS (DA-08-07) Legal Authority: 7 USC 4501 to 4513 Abstract: The Agricultural Marketing service is establishing a dairy import assessment program as required by law. This action is in conformance the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (Farm Bill). The Farm Bill mandates that the Dairy Promotion and Research Order be amended to implement an assessment on imported dairy products to fund promotion and research, and allow for importer representation on the National Dairy Promotion and Research Board. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 11/00/08 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Agency Contact: Whitney Rick, Promotion and Research Branch Chief, Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Marketing Service, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 202 720-6909 Fax: 202 720-0285 Email: whitney.rick@usda.gov RIN: 0581-AC87 _______________________________________________________________________ 135. SPECIALTY CROP BLOCK GRANT PROGRAM (FARM BILL) Legal Authority: 7 USC 1621 Abstract: The Agricultural Marketing Service is establishing regulations to administer the Special Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP) to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops. The interim final rule is intended to establish eligibility and application requirements, the review and approval process, and grant administration procedures for SCBGP. The SCBGP is authorized under section 101 of the Specialty Crops Competitiveness Act (7 U.S.C. 1621 note) and amended un the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008. Section 101 direction the Secretary of Agriculture to make grants available to States. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 09/04/08 73 FR 51585 [[Page 71311]] Interim Final Rule Effective 09/05/08 Final Action 01/00/09 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Agency Contact: Trista Etzig, Project Manager, Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Marketing Service, Room 2086-South, STOP 0243, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 202 690-4942 Email: trista.etzig@usda.gov RIN: 0581-AC88 _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Agriculture (USDA) Long-Term Actions Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) _______________________________________________________________________ 136. NATIONAL ORGANIC PROGRAM: ADD STANDARDS FOR THE ORGANIC CERTIFICATION OF WILD CAPTURED AQUATIC ANIMALS, (TM-01-08) Legal Authority: 7 USC 6501 through 6522 Abstract: The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is revising regulations pertaining to labeling of agricultural products as organically produced and handled (7 CFR part 205). The term ``aquatic animal'' will be incorporated in the definition of livestock to establish production and handling standards for operations that capture aquatic animals from the wild. Production standards for operations producing aquatic animals will incorporate requirements for livestock origin, feed ration, health care, living conditions, and recordkeeping. Handling standards for such operations will address prevention of commingling of organically produced commodities and prevention of contact between organically produced and prohibited substances. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ ANPRM 12/00/09 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Agency Contact: Richard H. Mathews Phone: 202 720-3252 Fax: 202 205-7808 Email: richard.mathews@usda.gov RIN: 0581-AB97 _______________________________________________________________________ 137. NATIONAL ORGANIC PROGRAM, SUNSET (2011)(CROPS AND PROCESSING) (TM- 07-14) Legal Authority: 7 USC 6501 Abstract: The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is amending regulations pertaining to the National List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances. As required by the National Organic Foods Production Act of 1990, the allowed use of the 12 synthetic and non-synthetic substances in organic production and handling will expire on September 12, 2001. The AMS published an advance notice of proposed rulemaking to make the public aware of this requirement. AMS believes that public comment is essential in the review process to determine whether these substances should continue to be allowed or prohibited in the production and handling of organic agricultural products. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ ANPRM 03/14/08 73 FR 13795 ANPRM Comment Period End 05/13/08 NPRM 10/00/10 Final Action 08/00/11 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Agency Contact: Richard H. Mathews Phone: 202 720-3252 Fax: 202 205-7808 Email: richard.mathews@usda.gov RIN: 0581-AC77 _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Agriculture (USDA) Completed Actions Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) _______________________________________________________________________ 138. MANDATORY REPORTING FOR DAIRY PROGRAMS (DA-06-07) Legal Authority: PL 106-532 Abstract: The Agricultural Marketing Service is proposing to establish a Dairy Product Mandatory Reporting Program. The program would: (1) Require persons engaged in manufacturing dairy products to provide the Department of Agriculture certain information including price, quantity, and moisture content of dairy products sold by the manufacturer and (2) require manufacturers and other persons storing dairy products to report to USDA information on the quantity of dairy products stored. Completed: ________________________________________________________________________ Reason Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 06/17/08 73 FR 34175 Final Action Effective 06/22/08 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Agency Contact: John Mengel Phone: 202 720-4664 Email: john.mengel@usda.gov RIN: 0581-AC66 _______________________________________________________________________ 139. NATIONAL ORGANIC PROGRAM, SUNSET (2008) (TM-07-12) Legal Authority: 7 USC 6501 Abstract: This rule pertains to The Agricultural Marketing Services' National Organic Program. This amendment announces the sunset of 11 exempted substance and 1 prohibited substance added to the National List. This rule also begins the public comment process on whether the identified existing exemptions or prohibitions should be continued. Finally, this rule discusses how the NOP will manage the sunset review and renewal process. Completed: ________________________________________________________________________ Reason Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 07/14/08 73 FR 40194 Final Rule 10/09/08 73 FR 59479 Final Rule Effective 11/03/08 [[Page 71312]] Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Agency Contact: Richard H. Mathews Phone: 202 720-3252 Fax: 202 205-7808 Email: richard.mathews@usda.gov RIN: 0581-AC76 _______________________________________________________________________ 140. FEDERAL MILK MARKETING ORDERS (DA-08-04) Legal Authority: 7 USC 601 to 674 and 7253 Abstract: This document informs interested parties of a final rule that the Agricultural Marketing Service will publish establishing ``Rules of Practice'' for the Federal Milk Marketing Order rulemaking process. This document is being published as a result of legislation enacted by the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (Farm Bill). Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 08/20/08 73 FR 49085 Final Action Effective 08/20/08 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Agency Contact: William Richmond, Marketing Specialist, Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Marketing Service, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 202 691-8041 Fax: 202 690-0552 Email: william.richmond@usda.gov RIN: 0581-AC85 _______________________________________________________________________ 141. DAIRY FORWARD PRICING PROGRAM (DC-08-05) Legal Authority: PL 110-246 Abstract: The Agricultural Marketing Service is establishing a program for producers and cooperative associations to enter voluntarily into forward price contracts with handlers for milk used for Class II, III, or IV purposes. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 10/31/08 73 FR 64868 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Agency Contact: John Mengel, Chief Economist, Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Marketing Service, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 202 720-4664 Email: john.mengel@usda.gov RIN: 0581-AC86 BILLING CODE 3410--02--S _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Agriculture (USDA) Proposed Rule Stage Farm Service Agency (FSA) _______________________________________________________________________ 142. EMERGENCY FOREST RESTORATION PROGRAM Legal Authority: PL 110-246 Abstract: We are adding a new subpart to the regulations in 7 CFR part 701 to implement the Emergency Forest Restoration Program (EFRP) which was authorized by the 2008 Farm Bill. EFRP will provide cost-share funding to owner of nonindustrial private forest land to restore the land after the land is damaged by a natural disaster. The damaged land must have had a tree cover immediately before the natural disaster. The 2008 Farm Bill authorized such funds as may be necessary to be appropriated to carry out this program; the appropriated amounts are to remain available until expended. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 11/00/08 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Agency Contact: Deirdre Holder, Director, Regulatory Review Group, Department of Agriculture, Farm Service Agency, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0572 Phone: 202 205-5851 Fax: 202 720-5233 Email: deirdre.holder@wdc.usda.gov RIN: 0560-AH89 _______________________________________________________________________ 143. BIOMASS CROP ASSISTANCE PROGRAM Legal Authority: PL 110-246 Abstract: We are adding a new regulation to implement the Biomass Crop Assistance Program (BCAP) as required by the 2008 Farm Bill. We will collaborate with USDA/Rural Development (RD), private industry, agricultural and forest land owners to support the evaluation and selection of BCAP project areas. BCAP project areas must include a commitment to use local production; evidence of sufficient equity (if the facility is not operational at time of proposal); anticipated economic impacts; opportunities for local ownership; the participation rate by beginning and socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers; the impact on soil, water, and related resources; and the variety in biomass production approaches. FSA will partner with RD, which has capability and responsibility, including the potential for providing funding for proposed biomass conversion facility, regarding BCAP project area evaluation and selection. After BCAP project area selection, FSA, acting on behalf of Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC), may enter into contracts with BCAP project area producers for a term of up to 5 years for annual and perennial crops and up to 15 years for woody biomass. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 11/00/08 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Agency Contact: Deirdre Holder, Director, Regulatory Review Group, Department of Agriculture, Farm Service Agency, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0572 Phone: 202 205-5851 Fax: 202 720-5233 Email: deirdre.holder@wdc.usda.gov RIN: 0560-AH92 _______________________________________________________________________ 144. FARM LOAN PROGRAMS LOAN MAKING ACTIVITIES Legal Authority: PL 110-246 Abstract: The proposed rule will implement the provisions of the 2008 Farm Bill that affect Farm Loan Programs (FLP) Loan Making Division (LMD); there is discretion involved in [[Page 71313]] the implementation. The sections being implemented are; 5001, Direct Loans, 5005, Beginning Farmer or Rancher and Socially Disadvantaged farmer or Rancher Contract Land Sales Program Down Payment Loan Program, 5101, Farming Experience as an Eligibility Requirement, 5201, Eligibility of Equine Farmers and Ranchers for Emergency Loans, 5301, Beginning Farmer and Rancher Individual Development Accounts Pilot Program, 5501, Loans to Purchase Highly Fractionated Land. Required changes are: Any farm experience, without regard to time elapsing between farm experiences, will be considered in determining whether a loan applicant meets experience requirements for direct ownership loan eligibility. The Beginning Farmer or Rancher and Socially Disadvantaged Farmer or Rancher Contract Land Sales Program Down Payment Loan pilot program initiated in the 2002 Farm Bill will be permanent. Program eligibility is expanded to socially disadvantaged farmers in addition to beginning farmers. The program is similar to the pilot but expands to provide a guarantee of 90 percent of principal and interest in addition to the prompt payment guarantee provided under the pilot. A transition period is authorized but all changes must be in place for fiscal year 2011. Any farm experience, no matter when it occurred, must be considered in determining whether a loan applicant meets experience requirements for direct operating loan eligibility. For emergency disaster loans, the definition of a farmer or rancher includes equine farmers or ranchers, making equine farmers and ranchers potentially eligible for these loans. A Beginning Farmer and Rancher Individual Development Accounts 5 year pilot program will be established in at least 15 States. The program entails FSA making grants to qualified non-profit organizations who then deliver the program to eligible participants. Grantees must match 50 percent of the grant received. Under the program, qualified, low- income beginning farmers or prospective beginning farmers would establish saving accounts with a monthly deposit plan administered by the grantees. The program funds match must the participants' deposits at a minimum of 100 percent and a maximum of 200 percent. Participants must use the savings account funds toward the purchase of farmland, livestock, or similar farm start-up/operating expenses. The program must be operated by and in conjunction with FSA farm loan programs. The initial applications for the program must be approved no more than one year after the law is enacted. The program is not mandatory; an appropriation of up to $5 million annually is authorized to fund the program. Individual tribal members will be allowed to qualify for Indian Land Acquisition loans. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 11/00/08 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Agency Contact: Deirdre Holder, Director, Regulatory Review Group, Department of Agriculture, Farm Service Agency, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0572 Phone: 202 205-5851 Fax: 202 720-5233 Email: deirdre.holder@wdc.usda.gov RIN: 0560-AI03 _______________________________________________________________________ 145. CONSERVATION LOAN GUARANTEE PROGRAM Legal Authority: PL 110-246 Abstract: The proposed rule will implement the provisions of the 2008 Farm Bill that affect Farm Loan Programs (FLP) Loan Making Division (LMD); there is discretion in how several of the provisions are implemented. The section being implemented is 5002, Conservation Loan and Loan Guarantee. Implementation of this provision will create a new direct and guaranteed loan program direct at assisting farmers in implementing conservation practices. The rule establishes a new loan and loan guarantee program to finance qualifying conservation projects. All guarantees will be at 75 percent of the loan amount. The applicant must have an acceptable conservation plan that includes the project(s) to be financed. Preference is given to beginning farmer and socially disadvantaged applicants, conversion to sustainable or organic production practices, and compliance with highly erodible land conservation requirements. Eligibility for the program is not restricted to those who cannot get credit elsewhere. The program is not mandatory; appropriations are authorized. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 08/00/09 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Agency Contact: Deirdre Holder, Director, Regulatory Review Group, Department of Agriculture, Farm Service Agency, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0572 Phone: 202 205-5851 Fax: 202 720-5233 Email: deirdre.holder@wdc.usda.gov RIN: 0560-AI04 _______________________________________________________________________ 146. LOAN SERVICING; FARM LOAN PROGRAMS Legal Authority: PL 110-246 Abstract: The 2008 Farm Bill requires several changes to the Farm Service Agency (FSA) Farm Loan Program (FLP) loan servicing regulations. The Agency proposes the following revisions: An overall plan will be established to insure that borrowers can be transitioned to private credit in the shortest timeframe practicable. At present, FSA monitors the status of all borrowers to determine if graduation is possible. The 2008 Farm Bill emphasizes this responsibility and insures that FSA uses all the tools available to graduate borrowers to commercial credit as soon as they can financially do so. In 2007, over 2,500 direct borrowers (about 3.7 percent of the portfolio) graduated to commercial credit. The Agency believes graduation will continue in the 3 to 5 percent range and is dependant on the overall farm economy. The right of an FSA borrower-owner to purchase leased property under Homestead Protection will be extended beyond the borrower-owner to the immediate family. Currently, the Agency only has 38 properties in Homestead Protection. Acceleration and foreclosure will be suspended on borrowers who file a claim of program discrimination against the Department or have a claim pending. Interest accrual and offset will also be suspended during the time of [[Page 71314]] moratorium. If the borrower does not prevail in the claim, the interest which would have accrued during the moratorium will be due and offset on the account will be reestablished. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 01/00/09 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Agency Contact: Deirdre Holder, Director, Regulatory Review Group, Department of Agriculture, Farm Service Agency, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0572 Phone: 202 205-5851 Fax: 202 720-5233 Email: deirdre.holder@wdc.usda.gov RIN: 0560-AI05 BILLING CODE 3410--05--S _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Agriculture (USDA) Proposed Rule Stage Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) _______________________________________________________________________ 147. ANIMAL WELFARE; REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS FOR BIRDS Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 1 in part II of this issue of the Federal Register. RIN: 0579-AC02 _______________________________________________________________________ 148. IMPORTATION OF PLANTS FOR PLANTING; ESTABLISHING A NEW CATEGORY OF PLANTS FOR PLANTING NOT AUTHORIZED FOR IMPORTATION PENDING RISK ASSESSMENT (RULEMAKING RESULTING FROM A SECTION 610 REVIEW) Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 2 in part II of this issue of the Federal Register. RIN: 0579-AC03 _______________________________________________________________________ 149. TUBERCULOSIS IN CATTLE; IMPORT REQUIREMENTS FOR ROPING STEERS Legal Authority: 7 USC 1622; 7 USC 8301 to 8317; 21 USC 136 and 136a; 31 USC 9701 Abstract: This rulemaking would amend the animal importation regulations to require additional tuberculosis testing of steers and spayed heifers that may be used as rodeo cattle. The current regulations do not distinguish between steers and spayed heifers imported as feeders from those to be used as rodeo cattle. Steers and spayed heifers used as rodeo cattle are often maintained longer than feeder cattle and generally come into contact with other cattle in more locations than do steers and spayed heifers imported for feeding purposes. The longer the lifespan of an animal, the greater the chances are that, if exposed to tuberculosis, it will contract the disease, develop generalized disease, and spread it to other animals. The risk of tuberculosis spread is also increased by the number of animals that are exposed to a tuberculosis-infected animal. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 07/20/04 69 FR 43283 Interim Final Rule Effective 08/19/04 Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 09/20/04 Interim Rule; Withdrawal 08/12/04 69 FR 49783 Interim Rule; Withdrawal Effective 08/12/04 NPRM 08/24/04 69 FR 51960 NPRM Comment Period End 10/25/04 NPRM; Withdrawal and Reproposal 03/00/09 NPRM Comment Period End 05/00/09 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Agency Contact: Francisco Collazo-Mattei, Assistant Director, Ruminant Health Programs, National Center for Animal Health Programs, VS, Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, 4700 River Road, Unit 43, Riverdale, MD 20737 Phone: 301 734-6954 RIN: 0579-AC50 _______________________________________________________________________ 150. BOVINE SPONGIFORM ENCEPHALOPATHY; IMPORTATION OF BOVINES AND BOVINE PRODUCTS Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 3 in part II of this issue of the Federal Register. RIN: 0579-AC68 _______________________________________________________________________ 151. HANDLING OF ANIMALS; CONTINGENCY PLANS Legal Authority: 7 USC 2131 to 2159 Abstract: This rulemaking would amend the Animal Welfare Act regulations to add requirements for contingency planning and training of personnel by research facilities and by dealers, exhibitors, intermediate handlers, and carriers. We are proposing these requirements because we believe all licensees and registrants should develop a contingency plan for all animals regulated under the Animal Welfare Act in an effort to better prepare for potential disasters. This action would heighten the awareness of licensees and registrants regarding their responsibilities and help ensure a timely and appropriate response should an emergency or disaster occur. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 10/23/08 73 FR 63085 NPRM Comment Period End 12/22/08 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Agency Contact: Jodie Kulpa-Eddy, Staff Veterinarian, Animal Care, Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, 4700 River Road, Unit 84, Riverdale, MD 20737 Phone: 301 734-7833 RIN: 0579-AC69 [[Page 71315]] _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Agriculture (USDA) Final Rule Stage Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) _______________________________________________________________________ 152. PHYTOSANITARY CERTIFICATES FOR IMPORTED FRUITS AND VEGETABLES Legal Authority: 7 USC 450; 7 USC 7701 to 7772; 7 USC 7781 to 7786; 21 USC 136 and 136a Abstract: Currently APHIS does not require a phytosanitary certificate to accompany fruits and vegetables imported into the United States except for certain fruits and vegetables grown in designated foreign regions. This rule will require that a phytosanitary certificate accompany noncommercial consignments of fresh fruits and vegetables imported into the United States by air passengers. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 08/29/01 66 FR 45637 NPRM Comment Period End 10/29/01 NPRM; Availability of Risk Assessment 05/24/06 71 FR 29846 NPRM; Availability of Risk Assessment Comment Period End 07/24/06 Final Rule 03/00/09 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Agency Contact: Evelia Sosa, Senior Staff Officer, Quarantine Policy Analysis and Support, PPQ, Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, 4700 River Road, Unit 140, Riverdale, MD 20737-1236 Phone: 301 734-8295 RIN: 0579-AB18 _______________________________________________________________________ 153. PHYTOPHTHORA RAMORUM; QUARANTINE AND REGULATIONS Legal Authority: 7 USC 7701 to 7772; 7 USC 7781 to 7786 Abstract: This action will amend the Phytophthora ramorum regulations to make the regulations consistent with a Federal Order issued by APHIS in December 2004 that established restrictions on the interstate movement of nursery stock from nurseries in nonquarantined counties in California, Oregon, and Washington. This action will also update conditions for the movement of regulated articles of nursery stock from quarantined areas, as well as restrict the interstate movement of all other nursery stock from nurseries in quarantined areas. We are also updating the list of plants regulated because of P. ramorum and the list of areas that are quarantined for P. ramorum and making other miscellaneous revisions to the regulations. These actions are necessary to prevent the spread of P. ramorum to noninfested areas of the United States. We will continue to update the regulations through additional rulemakings as new scientific information on this pathogen becomes available. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 02/27/07 72 FR 8585 Interim Final Rule Effective 02/27/07 Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 04/30/07 Final Rule 03/00/09 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Agency Contact: Jonathan Jones, National Phytophthora Ramorum Program Manager, Pest Detection and Management Programs, PPQ, Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, 4700 River Road, Unit 160, Riverdale, MD 20737 Phone: 301 734-8247 RIN: 0579-AB82 _______________________________________________________________________ 154. INTERSTATE MOVEMENT OF SHEEP AND GOATS; APPROVED LIVESTOCK FACILITIES, IDENTIFICATION, AND RECORDKEEPING REQUIREMENTS Legal Authority: 7 USC 8301 to 8317 Abstract: This rulemaking will amend the regulations regarding the interstate movement of animals to require livestock facilities that handle sheep or goats in interstate commerce to be approved by APHIS. These will include stockyards, livestock markets, buying stations, concentration points, or any other premises where sheep or goats in interstate commerce are assembled. APHIS' approval will be contingent on the facility operator meeting certain minimum standards and other conditions relating to the receipt, handling, and release of sheep and goats at the facility, as well as complying with certain animal identification and recordkeeping requirements. The standards and other conditions will be based, in part, on recently implemented regulations relating to the interstate movement of sheep and goats in order to control the spread of scrapie, a serious disease of sheep and goats. This rule will provide for the establishment of standards for the approval of livestock facilities that handle sheep or goats in interstate commerce. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 08/26/04 69 FR 52451 NPRM Comment Period End 10/25/04 Final Rule 03/00/09 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Agency Contact: Diane Sutton, Senior Staff Veterinarian, National Center for Animal Health Programs, VS, Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, 4700 River Road, Unit 43, Riverdale, MD 20737-1235 Phone: 301 734-6954 RIN: 0579-AB84 _______________________________________________________________________ 155. BOLL WEEVIL; QUARANTINE AND REGULATIONS Legal Authority: 7 USC 7701 to 7772; 7 USC 7781 to 7786 Abstract: This action will establish domestic boll weevil regulations that will restrict the interstate movement of regulated articles within regulated areas and from regulated areas into or through nonregulated areas in commercial cotton producing States. The regulations will help prevent the artificial spread of boll weevil into noninfested areas of the United States and the reinfestation of areas from which the boll weevil has been eradicated. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 10/31/06 71 FR 63707 NPRM Comment Period End 01/02/07 NPRM Comment Period Extended 12/20/06 71 FR 76224 NPRM Comment Period End 02/01/07 Final Rule 03/00/09 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Agency Contact: William Grefenstette, National Coordinator, Boll Weevil Eradication Program, PPQ, Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant [[Page 71316]] Health Inspection Service, 4700 River Road, Unit 138, Riverdale, MD 20737 Phone: 301 734-8676 RIN: 0579-AB91 _______________________________________________________________________ 156. STANDARDS FOR PERMANENT, PRIVATELY OWNED HORSE QUARANTINE FACILITIES (SECTION 610 REVIEW) Legal Authority: 7 USC 1622; 7 USC 8301 to 8317; 21 USC 136 and 136a; 31 USC 9701 Abstract: This rulemaking will establish standards for the approval of permanent, privately owned quarantine facilities for horses. We are taking this action because regional and seasonal demand for quarantine services for horses often exceeds the space available at existing facilities. Allowing imported horses to be quarantined in permanent, privately owned quarantine facilities that meet these newly proposed criteria facilitates the importation of horses while continuing to protect against the introduction of communicable diseases of horses. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 12/13/06 71 FR 74827 NPRM Comment Period End 02/12/07 Final Rule 03/00/09 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Agency Contact: Ellen Buck, Veterinary Medical Officer, Import/Export Animals, National Center for Import and Export, VS, Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, 4700 River Road, Unit 39, Riverdale, MD 20737-1231 Phone: 301 734-8364 RIN: 0579-AC00 _______________________________________________________________________ 157. CITRUS CANKER; COMPENSATION FOR CERTIFIED CITRUS NURSERY STOCK Legal Authority: 7 USC 7701 to 7772; 7 USC 7781 to 7786 Abstract: This rulemaking will establish provisions under which eligible commercial citrus nurseries may, subject to the availability of appropriated funds, receive payments for certified citrus nursery stock destroyed to eradicate or control citrus canker. The payment of these funds is necessary in order to reduce the economic effects on affected commercial citrus nurseries that have had certified citrus nursery stock destroyed to control citrus canker. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 06/08/06 71 FR 33168 Interim Final Rule Effective 06/08/06 Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 08/07/06 Affirmation of Interim Final Rule 12/00/08 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Agency Contact: Stephen Poe, Senior Staff Officer, Emergency and Domestic Programs, PPQ, Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, 4700 River Road, Unit 137, Riverdale, MD 20737-1231 Phone: 301 734-4387 RIN: 0579-AC05 _______________________________________________________________________ 158. CITRUS CANKER; QUARANTINE OF THE STATE OF FLORIDA Legal Authority: 7 USC 7701 to 7772; 7 USC 7781 to 7786 Abstract: This action will amend the citrus canker regulations to list the entire State of Florida as a quarantined area for citrus canker and amend the requirements for the movement of regulated articles from Florida now that the eradication of citrus canker in Florida is no longer being carried out as an objective. It will also amend the regulations to allow regulated articles that would not otherwise be eligible for interstate movement to be moved to a port for immediate export. These changes are necessary in light of the Department's determination that the established eradication program was no longer a scientifically feasible option to address citrus canker. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 08/01/06 71 FR 43345 Interim Final Rule Effective 08/01/06 Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 10/02/06 Technical Amendment 01/12/07 72 FR 1415 Final Rule 04/00/09 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Agency Contact: Stephen Poe, Senior Staff Officer, Emergency and Domestic Programs, PPQ, Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, 4700 River Road, Unit 137, Riverdale, MD 20737-1231 Phone: 301 734-4387 RIN: 0579-AC07 _______________________________________________________________________ 159. USER FEES; EXPORT CERTIFICATION FOR PLANTS AND PLANT PRODUCTS Legal Authority: 7 USC 7701 to 7772; 7 USC 7781 to 7786; 7 USC 8301 to 8317; 21 USC 136 and 136a; 49 USC 80503 Abstract: This rulemaking will amend the user fee regulations by adjusting the fees charged for export certification of plants and plant products. We are increasing these user fees for fiscal years 2008 through 2012 to reflect the anticipated costs associated with providing these services during each year. This action adds a new user fee for Federal export certificates for plants and plant products that an exporter obtains from a State or county cooperator in order to recover our costs associated with that service. Finally, the action will make several nonsubstantive changes to the regulations for clarity. These changes will enable us to properly recover the costs of providing export certification services for plants and plant products. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 06/12/07 72 FR 32223 NPRM Comment Period End 08/13/07 Final Rule 03/00/09 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Agency Contact: Marcus McElvaine, Senior Import Specialist, PIM, PPQ, Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, 4700 River Road, Unit 140, Riverdale, MD 20737-1236 Phone: 301 734-4382 Kris Caraher, User Fee Section Head, Financial Management Division, MRPBS, Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, 4700 River Road, Unit 54, Riverdale, MD 20737-1232 Phone: 301 734-5901 RIN: 0579-AC22 [[Page 71317]] _______________________________________________________________________ 160. INTRODUCTION OF ORGANISMS AND PRODUCTS ALTERED OR PRODUCED THROUGH GENETIC ENGINEERING Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 4 in part II of this issue of the Federal Register. RIN: 0579-AC31 _______________________________________________________________________ 161. IMPORTATION OF POULTRY AND POULTRY PRODUCTS FROM REGIONS AFFECTED WITH HIGHLY PATHOGENIC AVIAN INFLUENZA Legal Authority: 7 USC 1622; 7 USC 8301 to 8317; 21 USC 136 and 136a Abstract: This rulemaking will amend the regulations concerning the importation of animals and animal products to prohibit or restrict the importation of birds, poultry, and bird and poultry products from regions that have reported the presence in commercial birds or poultry of highly pathogenic avian influenza other than subtype H5N1. This action will supplement existing prohibitions and restrictions on articles from regions that have reported the presence of exotic Newcastle disease or highly pathogenic avian influenza subtype H5N1. The new restrictions will be almost identical to those imposed on articles from regions with exotic Newcastle disease. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 03/00/09 Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 05/00/09 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Agency Contact: Julia Punderson, Senior Staff Veterinarian, NCIE, Animal Health Policy and Programs, VS, Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, 4700 River Road, Unit 38, Riverdale, MD 20737 Phone: 301 734-4356 RIN: 0579-AC36 _______________________________________________________________________ 162. CITRUS CANKER; INTERSTATE MOVEMENT OF REGULATED NURSERY STOCK FROM QUARANTINED AREAS Legal Authority: 7 USC 7701 to 7772; 7 USC 7781 to 7786 Abstract: This rulemaking will amend the citrus canker quarantine regulations to explicitly prohibit, with limited exceptions, the interstate movement of regulated nursery stock from a quarantined area and remove calamondin plants from a protocol allowing the limited interstate movement of calamondin and kumquat plants. The interstate movement of regulated nursery stock from an area quarantined for citrus canker poses a high risk of spreading citrus canker outside the quarantined area. This action is necessary to clarify our regulations and to address the risk associated with the interstate movement of regulated nursery stock from areas quarantined for citrus canker. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 03/22/07 72 FR 13423 Interim Final Rule Effective 03/16/07 Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 05/21/07 Comment Period Extended 05/23/07 72 FR 28827 Comment Period End 06/11/07 Comment Period Reopened 01/29/08 73 FR 5085 Comment Period End 02/28/08 Final Rule 11/00/08 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Agency Contact: Stephen Poe, Senior Staff Officer, Emergency and Domestic Programs, PPQ, Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, 4700 River Road, Unit 137, Riverdale, MD 20737-1231 Phone: 301 734-4387 RIN: 0579-AC38 _______________________________________________________________________ 163. IMPORT/EXPORT USER FEES Legal Authority: 5 USC 5542; 7 USC 1622; 7 USC 8301 to 8317; 21 USC 136 and 136a; 31 USC 3701; 31 USC 3716 and 3717; 31 USC 3719; 31 USC 3720A Abstract: This rulemaking would amend the regulations concerning user fees for import- and export-related services that we provide for animals, animal products, birds, germplasm, organisms, and vectors. We are proposing increases in those fees for fiscal years 2009 through 2013 in order to ensure that the fees accurately reflect the anticipated costs of providing these services each year. By publishing the annual user fee changes in advance, users can incorporate the fees into their budget planning. The user fees pay for the actual cost of providing these services. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 06/04/08 73 FR 31771 NPRM Comment Period End 08/04/08 Final Rule 03/00/09 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Agency Contact: Inez Hockaday, Director, Management Support Staff, VS, Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, 4700 River Road, Unit 44, Riverdale, MD 20737-1231 Phone: 301 734-7517 Kris Caraher, User Fee Section Head, Financial Management Division, MRPBS, Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, 4700 River Road, Unit 54, Riverdale, MD 20737-1232 Phone: 301 734-5901 RIN: 0579-AC59 _______________________________________________________________________ 164. IMPORTATION OF CATTLE FROM MEXICO; ADDITION OF PORT AT SAN LUIS, ARIZONA Legal Authority: 7 USC 1622; 7 USC 8301 to 8317; 21 USC 136 and 136a; 31 USC 9701 Abstract: This rulemaking will amend the regulations regarding the importation of cattle from Mexico by adding San Luis, AZ, as a port through which cattle that have been infested with fever ticks or exposed to fever ticks or tick-borne diseases may be imported into the United States. A new facility for the handling of animals is to be constructed on the Mexican side of the border at the port of San Luis, AZ, that will be equipped with facilities necessary for the proper chute inspection, dipping, and testing that are required for such cattle under the regulations. The rule will also amend the regulations to remove provisions that limit the admission of cattle that have been infested with fever ticks or exposed to fever ticks or tick-borne diseases to the State of Texas. The statutory requirement that limited the admission of those cattle to the State of Texas has been repealed. These [[Page 71318]] changes make an additional port of entry available and relieve restrictions on the movement of imported Mexican cattle within the United States. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 01/29/08 73 FR 5132 NPRM Comment Period End 03/31/08 Final Rule 11/00/08 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Agency Contact: Betzaida Lopez, Staff Veterinarian, National Center for Import and Export, VS, Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, 4700 River Road, Unit 39, Riverdale, MD 20737-1231 Phone: 301 734-8364 RIN: 0579-AC63 _______________________________________________________________________ 165. REVISION OF REGULATIONS FOR THE MOVEMENT OF FRUITS AND VEGETABLES FROM HAWAII AND U.S. TERRITORIES INTO THE CONTINENTAL UNITED STATES Legal Authority: 7 USC 7701 to 7772; 7 USC 7781 to 7786; 21 USC 136 and 136a Abstract: This rulemaking would revise and reorganize the regulations pertaining to the interstate movement of fruits and vegetables to consolidate requirements of general applicability and eliminate redundant requirements, update terms and remove outdated requirements and references, and make various editorial and nonsubstantive changes to the regulations to make them easier to use. We are also proposing to make substantive changes to the regulations including: Establishing criteria within the regulations that, if met, would allow us to approve certain new fruits and vegetables for interstate movement in the United States and to acknowledge pest-free areas in Hawaii and U.S. territories expeditiously; and doing away with the practice of listing in the regulations specific commodities as regulated articles. These changes are intended to simplify and expedite our processes for approving certain regulated articles for interstate movement and pest- free areas while continuing to allow for public participation in the processes. This proposal, if adopted, would not allow for the interstate movement of any specific new fruits or vegetables, nor would it alter the conditions for interstate movement of currently approved fruits or vegetables except as specifically described in this document. These changes would make our domestic interstate movement regulations more consistent with our fruits and vegetables import regulations. The changes would not alter the manner in which the risk associated with a regulated article interstate movement request is evaluated, nor would it alter the manner in which those risks are ultimately mitigated. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 06/17/08 73 FR 34202 NPRM Comment Period End 08/18/08 Final Rule 03/00/09 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Agency Contact: David B. Lamb, Import Specialist, Commodity Import Analysis and Operations, PPQ, Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, 4700 River Road, Unit 133, Riverdale, MD 20737-1236 Phone: 301 734-8758 RIN: 0579-AC70 _______________________________________________________________________ 166. LIGHT BROWN APPLE MOTH QUARANTINE Legal Authority: 7 USC 7701 to 7772; 7 USC 7781 to 7786 Abstract: We are quarantining 9 counties in California and the entire State of Hawaii because of the light brown apple moth and restricting the interstate movement of regulated articles from the quarantined areas. This action is necessary on an emergency basis to prevent the spread of the light brown apple moth into noninfested areas of the United States. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 12/00/08 Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 02/00/09 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Agency Contact: Deborah McPartlan, Staff Officer, Emergency and Domestic Programs, PPQ, Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, 4700 River Road, Unit 134, Riverdale, MD 20737-1236 Phone: 301 734-5356 RIN: 0579-AC71 _______________________________________________________________________ 167. VIRAL HEMORRHAGIC SEPTICEMIA; INTERSTATE MOVEMENT AND IMPORT RESTRICTIONS ON CERTAIN LIVE FISH Legal Authority: 7 USC 1622; 7 USC 8301 to 8317; 21 USC 136 and 136a; 31 USC 9701 Abstract: This rulemaking will establish regulations to restrict the interstate movement and importation into the United States of live fish that are susceptible to viral hemorrhagic septicemia, a highly contagious disease of certain fresh and saltwater fish. In 2005 and 2006, viral hemorrhagic septicemia was detected in freshwater fish in several of the Great Lakes and related tributaries. The disease has been responsible for several large-scale die-offs of wild fish in the Great Lakes region. This action is necessary to prevent further introductions into, and dissemination within, the United States of viral hemorrhagic septicemia. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule (IFR) 09/09/08 73 FR 63867 IFR; Delay of Effective Date 10/28/08 Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 11/10/08 Interim Final Rule Effective 01/09/09 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Agency Contact: P. Gary Egrie, Senior Staff Veterinary Medical Officer, National Center for Animal Health Programs, VS, Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, 4700 River Road, Unit 46, Riverdale, MD 20737-1231 Phone: 301 734-6188 Peter Merrill, Senior Staff Veterinarian, National Center for Import and Export, VS, Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, 4700 River Road, Unit 39, Riverdale, MD 20737-1231 Phone: 301 734-8364 RIN: 0579-AC74 [[Page 71319]] _______________________________________________________________________ 168. CITRUS GREENING AND ASIAN CITRUS PSYLLID; QUARANTINE AND INTERSTATE MOVEMENT REGULATIONS Legal Authority: 7 USC 7701 to 7772; 7 USC 7781 to 7786; 21 USC 136 and 136a Abstract: This rulemaking will establish regulations that designate the State of Florida and one parish in Louisiana as quarantined areas for citrus greening, and Florida, Guam, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, 8 parishes in Louisiana, and 32 counties in Texas as quarantined areas for Asian citrus psyllid, a vector of a bacterium that causes citrus greening. It would also establish restrictions on the interstate movement of regulated articles from the quarantined areas, as well as treatments under which Asian citrus psyllid host material may be moved interstate from a quarantined area. These actions follow the discovery of citrus greening and/or Asian citrus psyllid in the quarantined areas, and are necessary in order to prevent the spread of the disease and its vector to noninfested areas of the United States. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 03/00/09 Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 05/00/09 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Agency Contact: Stephen Poe, Senior Staff Officer, Emergency and Domestic Programs, PPQ, Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, 4700 River Road, Unit 137, Riverdale, MD 20737-1231 Phone: 301 734-4387 RIN: 0579-AC85 _______________________________________________________________________ 169. SIREX WOODWASP; QUARANTINE AND REGULATIONS Legal Authority: 7 USC 7701 to 7772; 7 USC 7781 to 7786; 21 USC 136 to 136a Abstract: This rulemaking will quarantine counties in Michigan, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Vermont because of the Sirex woodwasp and establish restrictions on the interstate movement of regulated articles from these quarantined areas. This action is necessary on an emergency basis to prevent the artificial spread of this plant pest to noninfested areas of the United States. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 11/00/08 Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 01/00/09 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Agency Contact: Lynn Evans-Goldner, Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, 4700 River Road, Unit 137, Riverdale, MD 20737-1231 Phone: 301 734-7228 RIN: 0579-AC86 _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Agriculture (USDA) Long-Term Actions Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) _______________________________________________________________________ 170. PLANT PEST REGULATIONS; UPDATE OF CURRENT PROVISIONS (SECTION 610 REVIEW) Legal Authority: 7 USC 450; 7 USC 7711 to 7772; 7 USC 7781 to 7786; 7 USC 8301 to 8317; 21 USC 136 and 136a; 31 USC 9701 Abstract: APHIS plans to amend its plant pest regulations to align them more closely with the Plant Protection Act and to update them in response to advances in science and technology and our accumulated experiences in implementing the regulations. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ ANPRM 09/27/96 61 FR 50767 ANPRM Comment Period End 12/26/96 NPRM 10/09/01 66 FR 51340 NPRM Comment Period End 02/06/02 Withdrawal and Reproposal To Be Determined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined Agency Contact: Robert Flanders Phone: 301 734-5930 RIN: 0579-AA80 _______________________________________________________________________ 171. ANIMAL WELFARE: MARINE MAMMALS; NONCONSENSUS LANGUAGE AND INTERACTIVE PROGRAMS (RULEMAKING RESULTING FROM A SECTION 610 REVIEW) Legal Authority: 7 USC 2131 to 2159 Abstract: The U.S. Department of Agriculture regulates the humane handling, care, treatment, and transportation of certain marine mammals under the Animal Welfare Act. The present standards for these animals have been in effect since 1979, and amended in 1984. During this time, advances have been made and new information has been developed with regard to the housing and care of marine mammals. This rulemaking addresses marine mammal standards on which consensus was not reached during negotiated rulemaking conducted between September 1995 and July 1996. These include standards affecting variances, indoor facilities, outdoor facilities, space requirements, and water quality, as well as swim-with-the-dolphin programs. These actions appear necessary to ensure that the minimum standards for the humane handling, care, treatment, and transportation of marine mammals in captivity are based on current general, industry, and scientific knowledge and experience. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ ANPRM 05/30/02 67 FR 37731 ANPRM Comment Period End 07/29/02 NPRM To Be Determined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Agency Contact: Barbara Kohn Phone: 301 734-7833 RIN: 0579-AB24 _______________________________________________________________________ 172. FOOT-AND-MOUTH DISEASE; PAYMENT OF INDEMNITY Legal Authority: 7 USC 8301 to 8317 Abstract: This rule would amend the regulations for the cooperative control and eradication of foot-and-mouth [[Page 71320]] disease (FMD) and other serious diseases, including both cooperative programs and extraordinary emergencies. The purpose of this rule is to remove possible sources of delay in eradicating foot-and-mouth disease, should an occurrence of that disease occur in this country, so that eligible claimants will be fully compensated while at the same time protecting the U.S. livestock population from the further spread of this highly contagious disease. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 05/01/02 67 FR 21934 NPRM Comment Period Extended 06/28/02 67 FR 43566 NPRM Comment Period End 07/01/02 NPRM Comment Period End 07/31/02 Next Action Undetermined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Agency Contact: Mark Teachman Phone: 301 734-8073 RIN: 0579-AB34 _______________________________________________________________________ 173. TUBERCULOSIS IN CATTLE; IMPORT REQUIREMENTS (SECTION 610 REVIEW) Legal Authority: 7 USC 1622; 7 USC 8301 to 8317; 21 USC 136 and 136a; 31 USC 9701 Abstract: This rulemaking would amend the regulations regarding the importation of animals into the United States to establish several levels of risk classifications to be applied to foreign regions with regard to tuberculosis and to establish requirements governing the importation of cattle and captive bison based on each risk classification. These changes are necessary to help ensure that cattle and captive bison infected with tuberculosis are not imported into the United States. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM To Be Determined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Agency Contact: Kelly Rhodes Phone: 301 734-4356 RIN: 0579-AB44 _______________________________________________________________________ 174. BOVINE SPONGIFORM ENCEPHALOPATHY; MINIMAL-RISK REGIONS AND IMPORTATION OF COMMODITIES; UNSEALING OF MEANS OF CONVEYANCE AND TRANSLOADING OF PRODUCTS Legal Authority: 7 USC 450; 7 USC 1622; 7 USC 7701 to 7772; 7 USC 7781 to 7786; 7 USC 8301 to 8317; 21 USC 136 and 136a; 31 USC 9701; 42 USC 4331 and 4332 Abstract: In a final rule published in the Federal Register on January 4, 2005, we amended the regulations regarding the importation of animals and animal products to establish a category of regions that present a minimal risk of introducing bovine spongiform encephalopathy into the United States via live ruminants and ruminant products and byproducts, and added Canada to this category. We also established conditions for the importation of certain live ruminants and ruminant products and byproducts from such regions. This rule will amend the regulations to broaden who is authorized to break seals on means of conveyances carrying certain ruminants of Canadian origin. Additionally, it will amend the regulations regarding the transiting through the United States of certain ruminant products from Canada to allow for direct transloading of the products from one means of conveyance to another in the United States under Federal supervision. These actions will contribute to the humane treatment of ruminants shipped to the United States from Canada and remove an impediment to international trade, without increasing the risk of the BSE disease agent entering the United States. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 11/28/05 70 FR 71213 Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 01/27/06 Final Rule To Be Determined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Agency Contact: Karen A. James-Preston Phone: 301 734-4356 RIN: 0579-AB97 _______________________________________________________________________ 175. NATIONAL VETERINARY ACCREDITATION PROGRAM (RULEMAKING RESULTING FROM A SECTION 610 REVIEW) Legal Authority: 7 USC 8301 to 8317; 15 USC 1828 Abstract: This rulemaking will amend the regulations regarding the National Veterinary Accreditation Program to establish two accreditation categories in place of the current single category, to add requirements for supplemental training and renewal of accreditation, and to offer accreditation specializations. These changes are intended to support the Agency's animal health safeguarding initiatives, to involve accredited veterinarians in integrated surveillance activities, and to make the provisions governing our National Veterinary Accreditation Program more uniform and consistent. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 06/01/06 71 FR 31109 NPRM Comment Period End 07/31/06 Supplemental NPRM 02/27/07 72 FR 8634 Supplemental NPRM Comment Period End 04/30/07 Final Rule To Be Determined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Agency Contact: Todd Behre Phone: 301 734-6188 RIN: 0579-AC04 _______________________________________________________________________ 176. AGRICULTURAL INSPECTION AND AQI USER FEES ALONG THE U.S./CANADA BORDER Legal Authority: 7 USC 450; 7 USC 7701 to 7772; 7 USC 7781 to 7786; 7 USC 8301 to 8317; 21 USC 136 and 136a; 49 USC 80503 Abstract: This action will amend the foreign quarantine and user fee regulations by removing the exemptions from inspection for fruits and vegetables grown in Canada and the exemptions from user fees for commercial vessels, commercial trucks, commercial railroad cars, commercial aircraft, and international air passengers entering the United States from Canada. As a result of this action, all agricultural products imported from Canada will be subject to inspection, and commercial conveyances, as well as airline passengers arriving on flights [[Page 71321]] from Canada, will be subject to inspection and user fees. We are taking this action in part because we are not recovering the costs of our current inspection activities at the U.S./Canada border. In addition, our data show an increasing number of interceptions on the U.S./Canada border of prohibited material that originated in regions other than Canada that presents a high risk of introducing plant pests or animal diseases into the United States. These findings, combined with additional Canadian airport preclearance data on interceptions of ineligible agricultural products approaching the U.S. border from Canada, strongly indicate that we need to expand and strengthen our pest exclusion and smuggling interdiction efforts at that border. In order to do this and to recover the costs of our existing inspection activity, we need to collect user fees from commercial conveyances and international air passengers entering the United States from Canada. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 08/25/06 71 FR 50320 Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 11/24/06 Interim Final Rule Effective 11/24/06 Delay of Effective Date 11/22/06 71 FR 67436 Delay of Effective Date 02/26/07 72 FR 8261 Next Action Undetermined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Agency Contact: Alan S. Green Phone: 301 734-8261 RIN: 0579-AC06 _______________________________________________________________________ 177. MINIMUM AGE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE TRANSPORT OF ANIMALS Legal Authority: 7 USC 2131 to 2159 Abstract: This rulemaking would amend the Animal Welfare Act regulations by adding minimum age and weaning requirements for the transport in commerce of animals. The regulations currently contain such requirements for dogs and cats, but no corresponding ones for other regulated animals, despite the risks associated with the early transport of these species. The rule would also provide an exemption to allow animals to be transported without their mothers for medical treatment and for scientific research before reaching the minimum age and weaning requirement, provided certain conditions are met. Establishing minimum age requirements for the transport of animals and providing for the transport of animals that have not met the minimum age requirements are necessary to help ensure the humane treatment of these animals. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 05/09/08 73 FR 26344 NPRM Comment Period End 07/08/08 NPRM Comment Period Reopened 07/31/08 73 FR 44671 NPRM Comment Period Extended 09/02/08 Next Action Undetermined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Agency Contact: Barbara Kohn Phone: 301 734-7833 RIN: 0579-AC14 _______________________________________________________________________ 178. ANIMAL WELFARE; CLIMATIC AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS FOR TRANSPORTATION OF WARMBLOODED ANIMALS OTHER THAN MARINE MAMMALS Legal Authority: 7 USC 2131 to 2159 Abstract: This rulemaking would amend the Animal Welfare Act regulations regarding transportation of live animals other than marine mammals by removing the current ambient temperature requirements for various stages in the transportation of those animals. The action would replace those requirements with a single performance standard under which the animals would be transported under climatic and environmental conditions that are appropriate for their welfare. The regulations currently require that ambient temperatures be maintained within certain ranges during transportation, but animals may be transported at ambient temperatures below the minimum temperatures if their consignor provides a certificate signed by a veterinarian certifying that the animals are acclimated to temperatures lower than the minimum temperature. This proposal would make acclimation certificates for live animals other than marine mammals unnecessary. This rule would replace a previously published proposed rule, which we are withdrawing as part of this document, that would have required that the acclimation certificate for a dog or cat be signed by the owner of the dog or cat being transported rather than by a veterinarian. This rulemaking does not address marine mammals due to their unique requirements for care and handling. We believe that establishing a single performance standard would ensure that warmblooded animals other than marine mammals are transported in climatic and environmental conditions that are not detrimental to their welfare while allowing for variations in climatic and environmental conditions that are suitable for individual animals. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 01/03/08 73 FR 413 NPRM Comment Period End 03/03/08 NPRM Comment Period Reopened 03/18/08 73 FR 14403 NPRM Comment Period End 04/17/08 Next Action Undetermined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Agency Contact: Jerry D. DePoyster Phone: 301 734-7586 RIN: 0579-AC41 _______________________________________________________________________ 179. BOVINE TUBERCULOSIS Legal Authority: 7 USC 8301 to 8317 Abstract: This rulemaking would amend the bovine tuberculosis regulations by removing from incorporation by reference the Bovine Tuberculosis Eradication Uniform Methods and Rules, 1999, and including in 9 CFR part 77 all Federal requirements. We are also proposing a number of substantive changes to the requirements in order to enhance our bovine tuberculosis eradication efforts. The proposed changes include, but are not limited to, tightening certain tuberculosis surveillance and reporting requirements; strengthening the quarantine and quarantine-release requirements; setting minimum testing ages, depending upon the status of the State or zone of origin and/or the purpose of movement, when testing is required for interstate movement of cattle and bison; adding new requirements to prevent the spread of tuberculosis from wildlife to cattle and bison; adding new requirements for interstate movement of dairy cattle; strengthening the requirements for [[Page 71322]] individual cattle and bison that are to be added to accredited herds; and providing for the interstate movement of commuter herds. Finally, we would reorganize 9 CFR part 77 to make the regulations clearer and easier to use. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM To Be Determined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Agency Contact: Charles W. Hench Phone: 970 494-7378 RIN: 0579-AC73 _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Agriculture (USDA) Completed Actions Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) _______________________________________________________________________ 180. TRICHINAE CERTIFICATION PROGRAM Legal Authority: 7 USC 8301 to 8317; 7 USC 1622; 15 USC 1828; 21 USC 136a Abstract: This action will amend the regulations to establish a voluntary Trichinae Certification Program for U.S. pork that has been produced under disease-prevention conditions. Under the program, we will certify pork production sites that follow prescribed good production practices that reduce, eliminate, or avoid the risk of exposure of swine to zoonotic parasites of the genus Trichinella. Such a program should enhance the ability of producers to export pork and pork products to overseas markets. This program has been developed as a cooperative effort by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the National Pork Board, and the pork processing industry. This program will include those producers who choose to participate in the program, as well as slaughter facilities and other persons that handle or process swine from pork production sites that have been certified under the program. Completed: ________________________________________________________________________ Reason Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 10/10/08 73 FR 60464 Final Action Effective 11/10/08 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Agency Contact: Dave Pyburn Phone: 515 284-4122 RIN: 0579-AB92 _______________________________________________________________________ 181. SPECIAL NEED REQUESTS UNDER THE PLANT PROTECTION ACT Legal Authority: 7 USC 7701 to 7772; 7 USC 7781 to 7786 Abstract: This action will amend our domestic quarantine regulations to establish a process by which a State or political subdivision of a State could request approval to impose prohibitions or restrictions on the movement in interstate commerce of specific articles that are in addition to the prohibitions and restrictions imposed by the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. The Plant Protection Act provides that States or political subdivisions of States may make such special need requests, but there are currently no procedures in place for their submission or consideration. This action will establish a process by which States may make a special need request. Completed: ________________________________________________________________________ Reason Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 10/23/08 73 FR 63060 Final Action Effective 11/24/08 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Agency Contact: Osama El-Lissy Phone: 301 734-5459 RIN: 0579-AB98 BILLING CODE 3410--34--S _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Agriculture (USDA) Final Rule Stage Rural Housing Service (RHS) _______________________________________________________________________ 182. GUARANTEED SINGLE-FAMILY HOUSING Legal Authority: 5 USC 301; 7 USC 1989; 42 USC 1480 Abstract: The Guaranteed Single-Family Housing program will provide better clarity and consistency within the program. The action is taken to update the regulations to current mortgage industry standards and provide more guidance on program oversight and monitoring. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 12/15/99 64 FR 70124 NPRM Comment Period End 02/14/00 Final Action 01/00/09 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Agency Contact: Joaquin Tremols, Acting Director, Single-Family Housing Guaranteed Loan Division, Department of Agriculture, Rural Housing Service, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 202 720-1465 Fax: 202 205-2476 Email: joaquin.tremols@wdc.usda.gov RIN: 0575-AC18 BILLING CODE 3410--XV--S [[Page 71323]] _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Agriculture (USDA) Proposed Rule Stage Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) _______________________________________________________________________ 183. FEDERAL-STATE INTERSTATE SHIPMENT COOPERATIVE INSPECTION PROGRAM Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 14 in part II of this issue of the Federal Register. RIN: 0583-AD37 _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Agriculture (USDA) Final Rule Stage Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) _______________________________________________________________________ 184. PERFORMANCE STANDARDS FOR THE PRODUCTION OF PROCESSED MEAT AND POULTRY PRODUCTS; CONTROL OF LISTERIA MONOCYTOGENES IN READY-TO-EAT MEAT AND POULTRY PRODUCTS Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 15 in part II of this issue of the Federal Register. RIN: 0583-AC46 _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Agriculture (USDA) Completed Actions Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) _______________________________________________________________________ 185. AVAILABILITY OF LISTS OF RETAIL CONSIGNEES DURING MEAT OR POULTRY PRODUCT RECALLS Legal Authority: 5 USC 301, 552 Abstract: The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has proposed to amend the Federal meat and poultry products inspection regulations to provide that the Agency will make available to the public lists of the retail consignees of meat and poultry products that have been voluntarily recalled by a federally inspected meat or poultry products establishment. FSIS has proposed this action because it believes that making this information available will be of significant value to consumers and the industry. It will clarify what products should be removed from commerce and from consumers' possession because there is reason to believe they are adulterated or misbranded. Completed: ________________________________________________________________________ Reason Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 07/17/08 73 FR 40939 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Agency Contact: Philip Derfler Phone: 202 720-2709 Fax: 202 720-2025 Email: philip.derfler@fsis.usda.gov RIN: 0583-AD10 BILLING CODE 3410--DM--S _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Agriculture (USDA) Final Rule Stage Forest Service (FS) _______________________________________________________________________ 186. SPECIAL AREAS; STATE-SPECIFIC INVENTORIED ROADLESS AREA MANAGEMENT: COLORADO Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 19 in part II of this issue of the Federal Register. RIN: 0596-AC74 BILLING CODE 3410--11--S [[Page 71324]] _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Agriculture (USDA) Proposed Rule Stage Office of the Secretary (AgSEC) _______________________________________________________________________ 187. VOLUNTARY LABELING PROGRAM FOR DESIGNATED BIOBASED PRODUCTS Legal Authority: PL 110-246 Abstract: The purpose of the program is to provide a ``USDA Certified Biobased Product'' label for use on biobased products meeting certain criteria to be established in the proposed rule, to specify those criteria for gaining use of the label, establish a system to make the label available to manufacturers and vendors of biobased products, and to establish the labeling program. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 03/00/09 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Agency Contact: Shana Love, Department of Agriculture, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Administration, Room 209A Whitten Bldg., 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 202 205-4008 Email: biopreferred@usda.gov RIN: 0503-AA35 _______________________________________________________________________ 188. DESIGNATION OF BIOBASED ITEMS FOR FEDERAL PROCUREMENT, ROUND 7 Legal Authority: PL 110-246 Abstract: Designates bath products; concrete and asphalt cleaners, including microbial and non-microbial concrete and asphalt cleaners as subcategories; corrosion removers; dishwashing detergents; floor cleaners and protectors; hair cleaning products, including shampoos and conditioners as subcategories; microbial cleaners; oven and grill cleaners; slide way lubricants; and thermal shipping containers, including durable and non-durable thermal shipping containers as subcategories. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 03/00/09 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Agency Contact: Shana Love, Department of Agriculture, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Administration, Room 209A Whitten Bldg., 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 202 205-4008 Email: biopreferred@usda.gov RIN: 0503-AA36 BILLING CODE 3410--90--S _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Agriculture (USDA) Proposed Rule Stage Rural Business--Cooperative Service (RBS) _______________________________________________________________________ 189. RENEWABLE ENERGY--CLARIFY REQUIREMENTS FOR CONSTRUCTION/DEVELOPMENT OF ENERGY PROGRAM PROJECTS (RULEMAKING RESULTING FROM A SECTION 610 REVIEW) Legal Authority: 5 USC 301; 7 USC 1989; 42 USC 1480 Abstract: The Rural Business-Cooperative Service (Agency) is amending its regulation for clarity. This regulation provides financial assistance to agricultural producers and rural small businesses for the purpose of purchasing and installing renewable energy systems and energy efficiency improvements in rural areas. Financial assistance to any single entity may be provided as a direct loan, guaranteed loan or grant, or a combination of a loan and grant. The current regulations were implemented in July of 2005. In reviewing the program, it has become evident that some of the language in the existing regulation was misinterpreted by field offices and applicants. With a relatively new program like this, it takes some time to get applications completed and the program reviewed before one realizes the need for corrections to Instruction language. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 06/00/09 NPRM Comment Period End 08/00/09 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Agency Contact: Larry Fleming, Senior Architect, Department of Agriculture, STOP 0761, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 202 720-8547 Fax: 202 690-4335 Email: larry.fleming@wdc.usda.gov RIN: 0570-AA69 [FR Doc. E8-21222 Filed 11-21-08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410-XY-S