[June 28, 2004 (Volume 69, Number 123)] [Unified Agenda] From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [frwais.access.gpo.gov] [DOCID: f:ua040403.wais] [Page 37174-37261] Department of Agriculture ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Part III ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Semiannual Regulatory Agenda [[Page 37174]] 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, Spring 2004 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. 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: May 14, 2004. Geraldine Broadway, Chief, Legislative and Regulatory Staff. Agricultural Marketing Service--Prerule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1 National Organic Program: Add Standards for the Organic Certification of Wild Captured 0581-AB97 Aquatic Animals (TM-01-08)............................................................ ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Agricultural Marketing Service--Proposed Rule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2 Mango Promotion, Research, and Information Order (FV-01-707).......................... 0581-AC05 3 Quality Systems Verification Program (LS-02-10)....................................... 0581-AC12 4 National Dairy Promotion and Research Program (DA-02-03).............................. 0581-AC16 5 Administrative Requirements for Voluntary Shell Egg, Poultry, and Rabbit Grading (PY- 0581-AC25 02-003)............................................................................... 6 Plant Variety Protection Services (ST-02-02).......................................... 0581-AC31 7 Voluntary Shell Egg Grading Regulation--Facilities and Equipment (PY-03-005).......... 0581-AC33 8 Tobacco Inspection: Flue-Cured and Burley Tobacco (TB-04-01).......................... 0581-AC35 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Agricultural Marketing Service--Final Rule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 9 Livestock Mandatory Reporting Program--Lamb Amendment (LS-01-08)...................... 0581-AB98 10 Exemption of Organic Producers From Research and Promotion/Marketing Order Assessment 0581-AC15 (PY-02-006 and FV-03-900-1)........................................................... 11 Mandatory Country of Origin Labeling of Beef, Pork, Lamb, Fish, Perishable 0581-AC26 Agricultural Commodities, and Peanuts (LS-03-04)...................................... 12 Cotton Classification Services, User Fees for 2004 Crop (CN-03-007)................... 0581-AC34 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [[Page 37175]] Agricultural Marketing Service--Completed Actions ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 13 Changes in Fees for Federal Grading and Certification of Livestock for Chicago 0581-AB66 Mercantile Exchange Futures Deliveries................................................ 14 Removal of Cottonseed Chemist Licensing Program and Amendments to Regulations 0581-AC18 Pertaining to Commodity Testing Laboratories (ST-02-03)............................... 15 Good Guidance Practices for the National Organic Program (TM-03-03)................... 0581-AC30 16 Voluntary Federal Dairy Grading and Inspection Fees (DA-03-03)........................ 0581-AC32 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Farm Service Agency--Proposed Rule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 17 Retaining Permanent Lender Program (PLP) Status, Processing Loss Claims, Payment of 0560-AH07 Interest Accrued During Bankruptcy and Redemption Rights Periods for Guaranteed Loans. 18 Commodity Credit Corporation Procurement of Agricultural Commodities From HUBZone 0560-AH10 Small Businesses...................................................................... ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Farm Service Agency--Final Rule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 19 Selection of FSA State and County Committees.......................................... 0560-AG90 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Farm Service Agency--Long-Term Actions ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 20 Amendments to the Standards for Approval of Warehouses for Commodity Credit 0560-AE50 Corporation Storage Contracts......................................................... 21 Regulatory Streamlining of the Farm Service Agency's Direct Farm Loan Programs........ 0560-AF60 22 Interest Assistance Program........................................................... 0560-AG46 23 Ocean Freight Claims Administrative Appeal Process.................................... 0560-AG49 24 Tobacco Marketing Quota, Cards, Penalty Provisions, Recordkeeping and Reporting....... 0560-AG52 25 Rescheduling Guaranteed Loans With Balloon Payments, Clarification of Annual Analysis 0560-AG53 Requirements for Guaranteed Lenders, and Subordination Requirements................... 26 2002 Farm Bill Regulations--Assistance for Livestock Producers........................ 0560-AG76 27 Revision of Indian Tribal Land Acquisition Program Loan Regulations................... 0560-AG87 28 Clarification of Informal Appeals Procedures.......................................... 0560-AG88 29 Environmental Compliance and Related Concerns......................................... 0560-AH02 30 Revision of Flexible Sugar Marketing Allotment Regulations............................ 0560-AH08 31 Debt Collection, Debt Settlement, and Assignment of Payments.......................... 0560-AH09 32 Remove Tobacco Warehouse Designation Requirements..................................... 0560-AH13 33 Tobacco Marketing Quotas and Price Support............................................ 0560-AH14 34 Ewe Lamb Incentive Payment Program.................................................... 0560-AH15 35 Payment Limitation and Payment Eligibility; Trade Adjustment Assistance for Farmers... 0560-AH16 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Farm Service Agency--Completed Actions ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 36 Amendments to the Debt Settlement Policies and Procedures To Conform to the Debt 0560-AF22 Collection Improvement Act of 1996.................................................... 37 Emergency Conservation Program........................................................ 0560-AG26 38 Elimination of 30-Day Past-Due Period for Farm Loan Program Borrowers................. 0560-AG50 [[Page 37176]] 39 Servicing Minor Farm Loan Program Loans............................................... 0560-AG67 40 2002 Farm Bill Regulations--Conservation Reserve Program.............................. 0560-AG74 41 2002 Farm Bill Regulations--Loan Eligibility With Prior Debt Forgiveness.............. 0560-AG81 42 2002 Farm Bill Regulations--Tree Assistance Program................................... 0560-AG83 43 2003-Crop Marketing Quotas and Price Support Levels for Five Kinds of Tobacco......... 0560-AG92 44 Revisions to Direct Farm Loan Programs Appraisal Regulations.......................... 0560-AH01 45 Outside Storage of Extra Long Staple Loan Cotton...................................... 0560-AH03 46 Extra Long Staple Cotton Loan Adjustment for Strength................................. 0560-AH12 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service--Prerule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 47 Animal Welfare; Definition of Animal.................................................. 0579-AB69 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service--Proposed Rule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 48 Animal Welfare: Marine Mammals; Nonconsensus Language and Interactive Programs........ 0579-AB24 49 Karnal Bunt Compensation.............................................................. 0579-AB45 50 Trichinae Certification Program....................................................... 0579-AB52 51 Methyl Bromide; Authorization as Official Quarantine Use.............................. 0579-AB54 52 Importation of Swine and Swine Products From the European Union....................... 0579-AB79 53 Revision of Fruits and Vegetables Import Regulations.................................. 0579-AB80 54 Mexican Hass Avocado Import Program................................................... 0579-AB81 55 Requirements for Requests To Amend 7 CFR Part 319 Import Regulations.................. 0579-AB83 56 Interstate Movement of Sheep and Goats; Approved Livestock Facilities, Identification, 0579-AB84 and Recordkeeping Requirements........................................................ ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service--Final Rule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 57 Animal Welfare; Inspection, Licensing, and Procurement of Animals (Section 610 Review) 0579-AA94 58 Importation of Unmanufactured Wood Articles From Mexico............................... 0579-AB02 59 Bees and Related Articles (Section 610 Review)........................................ 0579-AB20 60 Foot-and-Mouth Disease; Payment of Indemnity.......................................... 0579-AB34 61 Chronic Wasting Disease in Elk and Deer; Interstate Movement Restrictions and Payment 0579-AB35 of Indemnity.......................................................................... 62 Brucellosis in Sheep, Goats, and Horses; Payment of Indemnity (Section 610 Review).... 0579-AB42 63 Agricultural Bioterrorism Protection Act of 2002; Possession, Use, and Transfer of 0579-AB47 Biological Agents and Toxins.......................................................... 64 Importation of Solid Wood Packing Material; Adoption of International Standards....... 0579-AB48 65 Karnal Bunt; Revision of Regulations for Importing Wheat.............................. 0579-AB74 66 Pine Shoot Beetle Host Material From Canada........................................... 0579-AB76 67 Phytophthora Ramorum; Quarantine and Regulations...................................... 0579-AB82 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service--Long-Term Actions ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 68 Plant Pest Regulations; Update of Current Provisions (Section 610 Review)............. 0579-AA80 [[Page 37177]] 69 Importation of Fuji Variety Apples From the Republic of Korea......................... 0579-AA93 70 Pseudorabies in Swine; Payment of Indemnity........................................... 0579-AB10 71 Phytosanitary Certificates for Imported Fruits and Vegetables......................... 0579-AB18 72 Importation Prohibitions Because of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy.................. 0579-AB26 73 Animals Destroyed Because of Tuberculosis; Payment of Indemnity....................... 0579-AB29 74 Importation of Milk and Milk Products From FMD Countries.............................. 0579-AB38 75 Risk Reduction Strategies for Potential BSE Pathways Involving Downer Cattle and Dead 0579-AB43 Stock of Cattle and Other Species..................................................... 76 Amend Regulations To Harmonize Our Import Requirements With Proposed National 0579-AB44 Tuberculosis Eradication Program...................................................... 77 Cost-Sharing for Animal and Plant Health Emergency Programs........................... 0579-AB50 78 Gypsy Moth; Interstate Movement of Regulated Articles (Section 610 Review)............ 0579-AB55 79 Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy: Minimal Risk Regions and Importation of Commodities. 0579-AB73 80 Importation of Clementines, Mandarins, and Tangerines From Chile...................... 0579-AB77 81 Importation of Small Lots of Seed Without Phytosanitary Certificates.................. 0579-AB78 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service--Completed Actions ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 82 Blood and Tissue Collection at Slaughtering and Rendering Establishments.............. 0579-AB13 83 Plum Pox Compensation................................................................. 0579-AB19 84 Veterinary Diagnostic User Fees--5-Year Plan for Fees (Completion of a Section 610 0579-AB22 Review)............................................................................... 85 Infectious Salmon Anemia; Payment of Indemnity........................................ 0579-AB37 86 Animal Welfare; Policy on Training and Handling of Potentially Dangerous Animals...... 0579-AB39 87 Animal Welfare; Transportation of Animals on International Carriers................... 0579-AB51 88 Procedures for Reestablishing a Region as Free of a Disease........................... 0579-AB53 89 Importation of Orchids of the Genus Phalaenopsis From Taiwan in Growing Media......... 0579-AB75 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service--Proposed Rule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 90 CSREES Agricultural Research Formula Programs--Administrative Provisions.............. 0524-AA27 91 CSREES Non-Formula Grant Programs--Administrative Provisions.......................... 0524-AA28 92 Guidelines for Hatch Multistate Research Fund......................................... 0524-AA29 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service--Final Rule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 93 Matching Requirements for Formula Funds for Agricultural Research and Extension 0524-AA25 Activities at the 1890 Land-Grant Institutions and at the 1862 Land-Grant Institutions in Insular Areas...................................................................... ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service--Long-Term Actions ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 94 CSREES Agricultural Extension Formula Programs--Administrative Provisions............. 0524-AA26 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [[Page 37178]] Rural Housing Service--Proposed Rule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 95 Civil Rights Compliance Requirements--1901-E to 1940-D................................ 0575-AA83 96 National Flood Insurance Regulations.................................................. 0575-AC07 97 Servicing Community Programs Loans and Grants......................................... 0575-AC12 98 Self-Help Technical Assistance Grants................................................. 0575-AC20 99 Community Facilities Direct Loan Program--Consolidate, Simplify, and Update 0575-AC27 Regulations........................................................................... 100 3550 Regulation....................................................................... 0575-AC54 101 Planning and Performing Construction and Other Development............................ 0575-AC55 102 Environmental Policies and Procedures................................................. 0575-AC56 103 Servicing of Community and Direct Business Programs Loans and Grants--Workout 0575-AC57 Agreements............................................................................ ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Rural Housing Service--Final Rule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 104 Multi-Family Housing (MFH) Reinvention................................................ 0575-AC13 105 Guaranteed Single-Family Housing...................................................... 0575-AC18 106 Guaranteed Rural Rental Housing Program--Secondary Mortgage Market Participation...... 0575-AC28 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Rural Housing Service--Completed Actions ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 107 Operating Assistance for Migrant Farmworker Projects.................................. 0575-AC24 108 Technical Assistance To Encourage the Development of Domestic and Migrant Farm Labor 0575-AC25 Housing............................................................................... 109 Fire and Rescue and Other Community Facility Projects................................. 0575-AC53 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Federal Crop Insurance Corporation--Proposed Rule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 110 General Administrative Regulations; Sanctions......................................... 0563-AB73 111 Common Crop Insurance Regulations; Nursery Crop Insurance Provisions.................. 0563-AB80 112 General Administrative Regulations; Actual Production History (APH)................... 0563-AB83 113 Common Crop Insurance Regulations; Peanut Crop Insurance Provisions................... 0563-AB93 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Federal Crop Insurance Corporation--Final Rule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 114 General Administrative Regulations; Nonstandard Underwriting Classification System.... 0563-AB66 115 Common Crop Insurance Regulations; Blueberry Crop Insurance Provisions................ 0563-AB76 116 General Administrative Regulations; Submission of Policies and Provisions of Policies 0563-AB84 and Rates of Premiums................................................................. 117 Common Crop Insurance Regulations; Processing Tomato Crop Insurance Provisions........ 0563-AB90 118 Common Crop Insurance Regulations; Pecan Revenue Crop Insurance Provisions............ 0563-AB91 119 Common Crop Insurance Regulations; Apple Crop Insurance Provisions.................... 0563-AB92 120 General Administrative Regulations, Basic Provisions.................................. 0563-AB94 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [[Page 37179]] Federal Crop Insurance Corporation--Completed Actions ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 121 General Administrative Regulations; Subpart D; Application for Crop Insurance......... 0563-AB00 122 General Administrative Regulations; Premium Reductions; Payments of Rebates, 0563-AB70 Dividends, and Patronage Refunds; and Payments to Insured-Owned and Record-Controlling Entities.............................................................................. 123 General Administrative Regulations; Movement of Business Among Insurance Providers.... 0563-AB71 124 Catastrophic Risk Protection Endorsement; Group Risk Plan of Insurance Regulations; 0563-AB81 Basic Provisions...................................................................... 125 General Administrative Regulations; Subpart L--Reinsurance Agreement--Standards for 0563-AB86 Approval; Regulations for the 1997 and Subsequent Reinsurance Years................... 126 Common Crop Insurance Regulations..................................................... 0563-AB87 127 General Administrative Regulations; Quality Assurance and Performance Measurement 0563-AB88 System for the Federal Crop Insurance Program......................................... 128 Common Crop Insurance Regulations; Sunflower, Coarse Grains, Safflower, Dry Pea, Rice, 0563-AB89 and Dry Bean Crop Insurance Provisions................................................ ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration--Proposed Rule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 129 Process Verification Service and Associated Fees...................................... 0580-AA85 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration--Completed Actions ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 130 Tolerances for Dividers............................................................... 0580-AA57 131 Review Inspection Requirements........................................................ 0580-AA58 132 Livestock Purchase or Sale: Prohibit Nonreporting of Price............................ 0580-AA65 133 Prohibition on Disguising Grain Quality............................................... 0580-AA77 134 Fees for Official Inspection and Official Weighing Services........................... 0580-AA80 135 Fees for Processed Commodity Analytical Services...................................... 0580-AA84 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Food and Nutrition Service--Proposed Rule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 136 Disqualified Recipient Reporting and Computer Matching Requirements That Affect the 0584-AB51 Food Stamp Program.................................................................... 137 Food Stamp Program: Administrative Cost Reimbursement................................. 0584-AC86 138 Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations: Resource Limits and Exclusions, 0584-AD12 Extended Certification Periods, and Transitional Benefits............................. 139 Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP): At-Risk Afterschool Suppers................ 0584-AD15 140 Food Stamp Program: Clarifications and Corrections to Recipient Claim Establishment 0584-AD25 and Collection Standards.............................................................. 141 Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP)...................................... 0584-AD35 142 Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC): 0584-AD36 Miscellaneous Vendor-Related Provisions............................................... 143 FSP: Discretionary Quality Control Provisions of Title IV of Public Law 107-171....... 0584-AD37 144 National School Lunch Program (NSLP) Allowable Costs.................................. 0584-AD38 145 Child Nutrition Programs: National School Lunch Program: Serving Fruits and Vegetables 0584-AD40 as Afterschool Snacks................................................................. 146 WIC Farmers' Market Nutrition Program (FMNP): Funding Formula Rule.................... 0584-AD41 147 Donated Foods in Child Nutrition Programs, the Nutrition Services Incentive Program, 0584-AD45 and Charitable Institutions, Including Contracts With Food Service Management Companies............................................................................. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [[Page 37180]] Food and Nutrition Service--Final Rule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 148 Special Supplemental Food Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC): 0584-AB10 Miscellaneous Provisions.............................................................. 149 Child and Adult Care Food Program: Improving Management and Program Integrity......... 0584-AC24 150 Food Stamp Program Regulatory Review: FSP Standards for Approval and Operation of Food 0584-AC37 Stamp Electronic Benefit Transfer Systems............................................. 151 National School Lunch Program: Reimbursement for Snacks in Afterschool Care Programs.. 0584-AC72 152 FSP: Civil Rights Data Collections.................................................... 0584-AC75 153 Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP): Plain Language, Program Accountability, 0584-AC84 and Program Flexibility............................................................... 154 Special Nutrition Programs: Disclosure of Children's Eligibility Information Under the 0584-AC95 Child Nutrition Programs.............................................................. 155 Food Stamp Program: Vehicle and Maximum Excess Shelter Expense Deduction Provisions of 0584-AD13 Public Law 106-387.................................................................... 156 Special Nutrition Programs: Uniform Federal Assistance Regulations; Nondiscretionary 0584-AD16 Technical Amendments.................................................................. 157 Afterschool Snacks Under the Child and Adult Care Food Program........................ 0584-AD27 158 FSP: EBT and Retail Food Stores Provisions of the Farm Security and Rural Investment 0584-AD28 Act of 2002........................................................................... 159 FSP: High Performance Bonuses......................................................... 0584-AD29 160 FSP: Employment and Training Program Provisions of the Farm Security and Rural 0584-AD32 Investment Act of 2002................................................................ 161 Data Collection Related to Institutions, Organizations, Sites, and Facilities......... 0584-AD43 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Food and Nutrition Service--Long-Term Actions ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 162 Child and Adult Care Food Program: Implementing Legislative Reforms To Strengthen 0584-AC94 Program Integrity..................................................................... 163 FSP: Eligibility and Certification Provisions of the Farm Security and Rural 0584-AD30 Investment Act of 2002................................................................ 164 FSP: Non-Discretionary Quality Control Provisions of Title IV of Public Law 107-171... 0584-AD31 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Food and Nutrition Service--Completed Actions ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 165 Food Stamp Program: Administrative Sanctions Imposed Against Violating Electronic 0584-AD18 Benefits Transfer (EBT) Stores........................................................ 166 Food Stamp Program: Simplification and State Flexibility.............................. 0584-AD22 167 Privacy Act: Revision of an Existing System of Records................................ 0584-AD24 168 Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC): 0584-AD39 Revisions to WIC Food Packages........................................................ ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Food Safety and Inspection Service--Prerule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 169 Nutrition Labeling of Meat and Poultry Products (Section 610 Review).................. 0583-AC95 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Food Safety and Inspection Service--Proposed Rule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 170 Performance Standards for Bacon....................................................... 0583-AC49 171 Egg Products Inspection Regulations................................................... 0583-AC58 172 Labeling--Generic Approval and Regulation Consolidation............................... 0583-AC59 173 Food Standards; General Principles and Food Standards Modernization................... 0583-AC72 174 Performance Criterion for On-Line Antimicrobial Reprocessing of Pre-Chill Poultry 0583-AC73 Carcasses............................................................................. [[Page 37181]] 175 Petitions for Rulemaking.............................................................. 0583-AC81 176 Performance Standard for Chilling of Ready-To-Cook Poultry............................ 0583-AC87 177 Addition of San Marino to the List of Countries Eligible To Export Meat and Meat 0583-AC91 Products to the United States......................................................... 178 Addition of Mexico to the List of Countries Eligible for the Importation of 0583-AD01 Slaughtered (Fresh) Poultry and Egg Products Into the United States................... 179 Ante-Mortem and Post-Mortem Inspection of Livestock and Poultry....................... 0583-AD02 180 Retail Exemption...................................................................... 0583-AD04 181 Uniform Compliance Date for Food Labeling Regulations................................. 0583-AD05 182 Food Security Plans................................................................... 0583-AD06 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Food Safety and Inspection Service--Final Rule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 183 Beef or Pork With Barbecue Sauce; Revision of Standards............................... 0583-AC09 184 Performance Standards for the Production of Processed Meat and Poultry Products....... 0583-AC46 185 Nutrition Labeling of Single-Ingredient Products and Ground or Chopped Meat and 0583-AC60 Poultry Products...................................................................... 186 Food Standards: Requirements for Substitute Standardized Meat and Poultry Products 0583-AC82 Named by Use of an Expressed Nutrient Content Claim and a Standardized Term........... 187 Classes of Poultry Updating Poultry Class Standards................................... 0583-AC83 188 Prohibition of the Use of Specified Risk Materials for Human Food and Requirements for 0583-AC88 the Disposition of Non-Ambulatory Disabled Cattle..................................... 189 Meat Produced by Advanced Meat/Bone Separation Machinery and Meat Recovery Systems.... 0583-AD00 190 Prohibition on the Use of Air-Injection Stunners for the Slaughter of Cattle.......... 0583-AD03 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Food Safety and Inspection Service--Completed Actions ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 191 Agency Organization................................................................... 0583-AC78 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Foreign Agricultural Service--Proposed Rule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 192 Program To Provide Technical Assistance To Promote U.S. Agricultural Exports to 0551-AA62 Emerging Markets (Emerging Markets Program)........................................... 193 New Provisions and Revisions to Sugar Reexport Programs Under 7 CFR 1530.............. 0551-AA65 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Foreign Agricultural Service--Long-Term Actions ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 194 CCC Supplier Credit Guarantee Program................................................. 0551-AA30 195 Facility Guarantee Program............................................................ 0551-AA35 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [[Page 37182]] Forest Service--Prerule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 196 Watershed Forestry Assistance Program................................................. 0596-AC18 197 Tribal Watershed Forestry Assistance Program.......................................... 0596-AC19 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Forest Service--Proposed Rule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 198 Indian Allotments on National Forest System Lands..................................... 0596-AA52 199 Species Surplus to Domestic Manufacturing Needs....................................... 0596-AB27 200 Appeal of Decisions Relating to Occupancy and Use of National Forest System Lands..... 0596-AB45 201 Law Enforcement Support Activities.................................................... 0596-AB61 202 Noncompetitive Sale of Timber; Timber Substitution.................................... 0596-AB70 203 Sale and Disposal of National Forest System Timber; Timber Export and Substitution 0596-AB75 Restrictions.......................................................................... 204 Forest Service Trails Accessibility Guidelines........................................ 0596-AB92 205 Forest Service Outdoor Recreation Accessibility Guidelines............................ 0596-AB93 206 Sawtooth National Recreation Area-Private Lands; Increasing Residential Outbuilding 0596-AC00 Size.................................................................................. 207 National Forest System Land Management Planning Directives (Proposed Directives, 0596-AC02 Forest Service Manual (FSM) 1920 and Forest Service Handbook (FSH) 1909.12)........... 208 Special Areas; Roadless Area Conservation; Applicability to National Forest System 0596-AC05 Lands in Alaska....................................................................... 209 State Petitions for Inventoried Roadless Area Management.............................. 0596-AC10 210 Travel Management, Designated Routes, and Areas for Motor Vehicle Use................. 0596-AC11 211 Grazing Permit Administration (Proposed Directives, Forest Service Handbook 2209.13, 0596-AC12 Chapters 10 and 20)................................................................... 212 National Forest System Appeals and Litigation (Proposed Directives, Forest Service 0596-AC13 Manual, Chapter 1570) (Rulemaking Resulting From a Section 610 Review)................ 213 Climbing Bolts In Wilderness (Proposed Interim Directive, Forest Service Manual, 0596-AC21 Chapter 2320)......................................................................... 214 Predator Damage Management (Proposed Directive, Forest Service Manual, Chapter 2320).. 0596-AC22 215 Maximum Term for Outfitter/Guide Special Use Authorizations (Proposed Directive, 0596-AC23 Forest Service Handbook (FSH) 2709.11, Chapter 40).................................... 216 Recreation Event Fees (Proposed Directive, Forest Service Manual, Chapter 2720)....... 0596-AC24 217 Outfitter and Guide Special Use Authorizations (Proposed Directives, Forest Service 0596-AC25 Handbook 2709.11, Chapters 30 and 40)................................................. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Forest Service--Final Rule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 218 Sale and Disposal of National Forest Timber; Cancellation of Timber Sale Contracts.... 0596-AB21 219 Land Uses; Special Uses; Recovery of Costs for Processing Special Use Applications and 0596-AB36 Monitoring Compliance With Special Use Authorizations................................. 220 National Environmental Policy Act Documentation Needed for Certain Special Uses Permit 0596-AB73 Actions (Final Interim Directive to FSH 1909.15, Chapter 30).......................... 221 Land Uses; Special Uses Requiring Authorizations...................................... 0596-AB74 222 Special Forest Products and Forest Botanical Products................................. 0596-AB81 223 Determining Fair Market Value for Recreation Residence Use Authorizations............. 0596-AB83 224 National Forest System Land Management Planning....................................... 0596-AB86 225 Community and Private Land Forest Fire Assistance Program............................. 0596-AB96 226 Delegation of Authority To Approve Free Use by Individuals............................ 0596-AC09 227 Predecisional Administrative Review and Objection Process for Projects Authorized 0596-AC15 Under Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003......................................... 228 Sale and Disposal of National Forest System Timber; Timber Sale Contracts; 0596-AC16 Modification of Contracts............................................................. 229 Clarification as to When a Notice of Intent and/or a Plan of Operations Is Needed for 0596-AC17 Locatable Mineral Operations on National Forest System Lands.......................... ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [[Page 37183]] Forest Service--Long-Term Actions ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 230 Locatable Minerals.................................................................... 0596-AB98 231 National Forest System Land and Resource Management Planning; Extension of Compliance 0596-AC01 Deadline for Site-Specific Projects................................................... ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Forest Service--Completed Actions ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 232 Hydropower Applications............................................................... 0596-AA47 233 Landownership Adjustments; Conveyance of Small Tracts................................. 0596-AA79 234 Sale and Disposal of National Forest System Timber; Extension of Timber Sale Contracts 0596-AB48 To Permit Urgent Removal of Timber From Other Lands................................... 235 Revisions to Road Management Policy (Forest Service Manual Chapter 7710).............. 0596-AB90 236 Land Uses; Prohibitions; Paleontological Resources.................................... 0596-AB91 237 Forest Land Enhancement Program....................................................... 0596-AB95 238 Objection Process; Land Management Planning (Interim Directive, Forest Service Manual, 0596-AB97 Chapter 1920)......................................................................... 239 Stewardship End Result Contracting (Interim Directive, Forest Service Handbook 0596-AC03 2409.19, Chapter 60).................................................................. 240 Special Areas; Roadless Area Conservation; Applicability to the Tongass National 0596-AC04 Forest, Alaska........................................................................ 241 Revision of Timber Sale Contracts (FS-2400-6 and FS-2400-6T).......................... 0596-AC14 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Office of the Secretary--Final Rule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 242 General Nonprocurement Regulations.................................................... 0503-AA21 243 Guidelines for Designating Biobased Products for Federal Reference.................... 0503-AA26 244 Participation of Religious Organizations in USDA Programs............................. 0503-AA27 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Rural Business-Cooperative Service--Proposed Rule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 245 Affirmative Fair Housing Marketing Plan............................................... 0570-AA24 246 Business and Industry Guaranteed Loan Program--Financing Cooperative Stock............ 0570-AA26 247 Rural Business Enterprise Grant Program............................................... 0570-AA28 248 Annual Renewal Fee.................................................................... 0570-AA34 249 Rural Business Investment Program..................................................... 0570-AA35 250 Business and Industry Loan Program--Rewrite of Program Regulations.................... 0570-AA41 251 National Security Emergency........................................................... 0570-AA48 252 Renewable Energy Systems and Energy Efficiency Improvements........................... 0570-AA50 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Rural Business-Cooperative Service--Final Rule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 253 Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant Program..................................... 0570-AA19 254 Rural Business Enterprise Grant Program--Farm Bill Changes............................ 0570-AA36 255 B&I Guaranteed Loan Program Farm Bill Changes--Expanded Eligibility Criteria.......... 0570-AA39 256 Intermediary Relending Program........................................................ 0570-AA42 257 Fiscal Transfer Agent--Secondary Market Sales of Guaranteed Loans..................... 0570-AA47 [[Page 37184]] 258 Tangible Net Equity................................................................... 0570-AA49 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Rural Business-Cooperative Service--Completed Actions ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 259 Value-Added Producer Grants and Agriculture Innovation Centers........................ 0570-AA40 260 Debt Collection Improvement Act--Treasury Offset and Cross Servicing.................. 0570-AA52 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Rural Utilities Service--Proposed Rule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 261 Telecommunications Standards and Specifications for Materials, Equipment, and 0572-AB40 Construction.......................................................................... 262 Servicing of Water Programs Loans and Grants.......................................... 0572-AB59 263 Special Equipment Contract (Not Including Installation), RUS Form 398................. 0572-AB76 264 Accounting Requirements for RUS Telecommunications Borrowers.......................... 0572-AB77 265 Sale or Transfer of Capital Assets.................................................... 0572-AB84 266 High Energy Cost Rural Community Grants (Section 610 Review).......................... 0572-AB91 267 Broadband Grant Program............................................................... 0572-AB94 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Rural Utilities Service--Final Rule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 268 Technical Assistance Grants........................................................... 0572-AB75 269 Guarantees for Bonds and Notes Issued for Electrification Purposes.................... 0572-AB83 270 Exemption of Certain Borrowers From Controls.......................................... 0572-AB85 271 Electric System Emergency Restoration Plan............................................ 0572-AB92 272 Household Water System Program........................................................ 0572-AB93 273 Grant Program To Establish a Fund for Financing Water and Waste Water Projects 0572-AB95 (Revolving Fund Program (RFP))........................................................ ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Rural Utilities Service--Completed Actions ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 274 Settlement of Debt.................................................................... 0572-AB61 275 Electric Program Standard Contract Forms.............................................. 0572-AB67 276 Telecommunications Program Specification.............................................. 0572-AB69 277 General and Pre-Loan Policies and Procedures Common to Insured and Guaranteed Loans... 0572-AB72 278 Seismic Safety........................................................................ 0572-AB74 279 Launching Our Communities Access to Local Television Act of 2000...................... 0572-AB82 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Natural Resources Conservation Service--Final Rule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 280 Wetland Categorical Minimal Effects Exemptions........................................ 0578-AA27 [[Page 37185]] 281 Emergency Watershed Protection Program................................................ 0578-AA30 282 Technical Service Provider Assistance................................................. 0578-AA35 283 Conservation Security Program......................................................... 0578-AA36 284 Grassland Reserve..................................................................... 0578-AA38 285 Confidentiality of Conservation Program Information................................... 0578-AA40 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Natural Resources Conservation Service--Long-Term Actions ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 286 NRCS Equitable Relief Procedures...................................................... 0578-AA39 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Natural Resources Conservation Service--Completed Actions ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 287 Highly Erodible Land and Wetland Conservation......................................... 0578-AA17 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Office of Procurement and Property Management--Final Rule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 288 Agricultural Acquisition Regulation (AGAR): Updates and Technical Changes (AGAR Case 0599-AA11 2004-01).............................................................................. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Office of Procurement and Property Management--Completed Actions ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 289 Office of Procurement and Property Management (OPPM); Uniform Procedures for the 0599-AA10 Acquisition and Transfer of Excess Federal Property................................... ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Agriculture (USDA) Prerule Stage Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) _______________________________________________________________________ 1. NATIONAL ORGANIC PROGRAM: ADD STANDARDS FOR THE ORGANIC CERTIFICATION OF WILD CAPTURED AQUATIC ANIMALS (TM-01-08) Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 7 USC 6501 through 6522 CFR Citation: 7 CFR 205 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: 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 and to establish production and handling standards for operations that capture aquatic animals from the wild. AMS has defined ``aquatic animal'' as any finfish or shellfish used for human consumption, whether taken from regulated but free roaming marine and fresh water populations (wild captured) or propagated and raised in a controlled or selected environment (aquaculture). 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 12/00/04 [[Page 37186]] Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Governmental Jurisdictions Government Levels Affected: Federal, Local, State, Tribal Agency Contact: Richard H. Mathews, Program Manager, Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Marketing Service, Rm. 2510-South, 14th & Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 202 720-3252 Fax: 202 205-7808 Email: richard.mathews@usda.gov RIN: 0581-AB97 _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Agriculture (USDA) Proposed Rule Stage Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) _______________________________________________________________________ 2. MANGO PROMOTION, RESEARCH, AND INFORMATION ORDER (FV-01-707) Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 7 USC 7411 through 7425 CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1206 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: Under the Mango Promotion, Research, and Information Order (Order), an industry board appointed by the Secretary of Agriculture will conduct a program of promotion, research, and information in order to increase consumption of mangos in the United States. Domestic handlers and importers will pay an assessment of one half cent per pound on the mangos they handle and import, respectively, to fund the program. The board will be supervised by USDA and pay a user fee to USDA to cover the cost of USDA oversight. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 08/26/02 67 FR 54907 NPRM Comment Period End 10/25/02 Second NPRM 12/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Kathie Birdsell, Research and Promotion Branch, Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Marketing Service, Room 2535- South, Stop 0244, Fruit and Vegetable Program, 14th and Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0244 Phone: 888 720-9917 Fax: 202 205-2800 Email: kathie.birdsell@usda.gov RIN: 0581-AC05 _______________________________________________________________________ 3. QUALITY SYSTEMS VERIFICATION PROGRAM (LS-02-10) Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 7 USC 1621 CFR Citation: 7 CFR 62 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Agricultural Marketing Service is moving the responsibility for the administration of the Quality Systems Certification program from the Livestock and Seed Program's Meat Grading and Certification Branch to the Audit, Review, and Compliance Branch; establishing a new user-fee schedule for the program; expanding the scope of the program to include all agricultural commodities; and changing the name of the program to the Quality Systems Verification Program. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 12/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: Federal Agency Contact: James L. Riva, Chief, Audit, Review, and Compliance Branch, Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Marketing Service, STOP 0252, Room 2627-South, USDA, AMS, LS, ARC Branch, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-2052 Phone: 202 720-1124 Fax: 202 690-3428 Email: james.riva@usda.gov RIN: 0581-AC12 _______________________________________________________________________ 4. NATIONAL DAIRY PROMOTION AND RESEARCH PROGRAM (DA-02-03) Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 7 USC 4501 et seq CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1150 Legal Deadline: Final, Statutory, August 2002. Abstract: The Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (2002 Farm Bill) amended the Dairy Production and Stabilization Act of 1983 (the authorizing legislation for the National Dairy Promotion and Research Program) concerning implementation of mandatory 15-cent per hundred weight assessment on dairy products imported into the 48 contiguous States and other related amendments. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 12/00/04 Final Action 04/00/05 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: David Jamison, Chief, Promotion and Research Branch, Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Marketing Service, Stop 0233, Dairy Programs, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 202 720-6909 Fax: 202 720-0285 Email: david.jamison2@usda.gov RIN: 0581-AC16 _______________________________________________________________________ 5. ADMINISTRATIVE REQUIREMENTS FOR VOLUNTARY SHELL EGG, POULTRY, AND RABBIT GRADING (PY-02-003) Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 7 USC 1621 through 1627 CFR Citation: 7 CFR 56; 7 CFR 70 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Agricultural Marketing Service is updating the administrative requirements for Federal voluntary egg, poultry, and rabbit grading. The regulations, in effect since the 1950s, [[Page 37187]] contain some outdated terms, references, and phrases that need updating to make them current and clear. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 07/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Rex A. Barnes, Chief, Grading Branch, Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Marketing Service, Stop 0258, Poultry Programs, 14th & Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20090-6456 Phone: 202 720-3271 Fax: 202 690-3165 Email: rex.barnes@usda.gov RIN: 0581-AC25 _______________________________________________________________________ 6. PLANT VARIETY PROTECTION SERVICES (ST-02-02) Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Legal Authority: 7 USC 2321; 7 USC 2401 CFR Citation: 7 CFR 97 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This rule will establish a new fee schedule covering various administrative services that stakeholders are not currently charged for by the Plant Variety Protection (PVP) Office. PVP, as provided by the Agricultural Marketing Service is a voluntary, user-fee service, conducted under the authority of the PVP Act of 1970. The Act requires reasonable fees be collected from applicants for plant variety protection in order to cover program expenses. Program obligations and administrative costs have increased and user fees have been falling short of projections. Based on current level of activity, new service fees will generate approximately $169,000 of new revenue in fiscal year 2003. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 12/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Dr. Paul Zankowski, Commissioner, Plant Variety Protection Office, Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Marketing Service, 10301 Baltimore Blvd., Room 401, National Agricultural Library, Beltsville, MD 20705 Phone: 301 504-5518 RIN: 0581-AC31 _______________________________________________________________________ 7. VOLUNTARY SHELL EGG GRADING REGULATION--FACILITIES AND EQUIPMENT (PY- 03-005) Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Legal Authority: 7 USC 1621 through 1627 CFR Citation: 7 CFR 56 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) reviewed the Voluntary Grading of Shell Egg regulations and identified changes necessary to bring the regulations up-to-date. The changes would update and clarify the voluntary shell egg grading regulations for facilities required for grading service, the operating requirements of plants utilizing the grading service, and the methods by which the grading service is provided. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 07/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Rex A. Barnes, Chief, Grading Branch, Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Marketing Service, Stop 0258, Poultry Programs, 14th & Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20090-6456 Phone: 202 720-3271 Fax: 202 690-3165 Email: rex.barnes@usda.gov RIN: 0581-AC33 _______________________________________________________________________ 8. TOBACCO INSPECTION: FLUE-CURED AND BURLEY TOBACCO (TB-04-01) Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 7 USC 511m and r; 7 USC 511q CFR Citation: 7 CFR 29; 7 CFR 92 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This rule responds to a report recently issued by the U.S. General Accounting Office (GAO) titled Pesticides on Tobacco-Federal Activities to Assess Risks and Monitor Residues,`` recommending that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) review and update the pesticides for which residue tolerance levels are set to test imported and domestic flue-cured and burley tobacco. The Dairy and Tobacco Adjustment Act of 1983, as amended, prohibits the importation of flue- cured and burley tobacco which contains any prohibited pesticide residues, and establishes related certification and testing requirements. Pesticides continue to play an increasingly significant role in the production not only for tobacco, but also food and fiber commodities, and other crops by reducing the number of crop destroying pests. This rule would revise and expand the list of pesticides for which testing is conducted, and revise the maximum allowable of pesticide residues on tobacco. Implementing these changes will improve the effectiveness of the 1983 Act. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 04/00/05 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: John P. Duncan III, Deputy Administrator, Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Marketing Service, Ag Code 0280, Tobacco Programs, Room 502 Annex Bldg., P.O. Box 96456, Washington, DC 20090- 6456 Phone: 202 205-0567 Fax: 202 205-0235 Email: john.duncan3@usda.gov RIN: 0581-AC35 [[Page 37188]] _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Agriculture (USDA) Final Rule Stage Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) _______________________________________________________________________ 9. LIVESTOCK MANDATORY REPORTING PROGRAM--LAMB AMENDMENT (LS-01-08) Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 7 USC 1621 et seq CFR Citation: 7 CFR 59 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This final rule amends the Livestock Mandatory Reporting regulations to modify the requirements for the submission of information on domestic and imported boxed lamb cuts sales. This rule amends the definition of ``carlot-based'' by inserting language to limit carlot-based sales of boxed lamb cuts to transactions between a buyer and a seller consisting of 1,000 pounds or more of one or more individual boxed lamb items. This rule also amends the definition of ``importer'' by reducing the volume level of annual lamb imports establishing a person as an importer from 5,000 metric tons of lamb meat products per year to 2,500 metric tons. This amendment will improve the accuracy of domestic boxed lamb cuts sales by ensuring that the bulk of data being reported is representative of the market, thus enabling producers to evaluate market conditions and make more informed marketing decisions. This amendment will also increase the volume of imported products that will be reported to AMS, which will permit AMS to publish reports on the sales of imported lamb cuts. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 10/27/03 68 FR 61141 NPRM Comment Period End 12/26/03 Final Action 07/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: State Federalism: This action may have federalism implications as defined in EO 13132. Agency Contact: John E. Van Dyke, Branch Chief, Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Marketing Service, Room 2619-South, L&S, 14th & Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 202 720-6231 Fax: 202 690-3732 Email: john.vandyke@usda.gov RIN: 0581-AB98 _______________________________________________________________________ 10. EXEMPTION OF ORGANIC PRODUCERS FROM RESEARCH AND PROMOTION/MARKETING ORDER ASSESSMENT (PY-02-006 AND FV-03-900-1) Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: PL 107-171, sec 10607 CFR Citation: 7 CFR 900; 7 CFR 1150; 7 CFR 1160; 7 CFR 1205; 7 CFR 1207; 7 CFR 1209; 7 CFR 1210; 7 CFR 1215; 7 CFR 1216; 7 CFR 1218; 7 CFR 1219; 7 CFR 1220; 7 CFR 1230; 7 CFR 1240; 7 CFR 1250; 7 CFR 1260; 7 CFR 1280; . . . Legal Deadline: Final, Statutory, May 13, 2003. Abstract: Under the 2002 Farm Bill, section 501 of the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 (FAIR Act) was amended on May 13, 2002. The amendment exempts any person that produces and markets solely 100 percent organic products from paying assessments under a commodity promotion law. The FAIR Act governs all research and promotion programs and certain marketing order programs. Therefore, the Department of Agriculture is revising amendments to the 16 research and promotion regulations and 28 applicable marketing order programs for which it has oversight. These amendments will be handled in two separate regulatory actions that will be published simultaneously. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 04/26/04 69 FR 22690 NPRM 12/02/03 68 FR 67381 Final Action 09/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Angela C. Snyder, Agricultural Marketing Specialist, Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Marketing Service, STOP 0256, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 202 720-4476 Fax: 202 720-5631 RIN: 0581-AC15 _______________________________________________________________________ 11. MANDATORY COUNTRY OF ORIGIN LABELING OF BEEF, PORK, LAMB, FISH, PERISHABLE AGRICULTURAL COMMODITIES, AND PEANUTS (LS-03-04) Priority: Economically Significant. Major under 5 USC 801. Unfunded Mandates: Undetermined Legal Authority: 7 USC 1621 through 1627, Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 CFR Citation: 7 CFR 60 Legal Deadline: Final, Statutory, September 30, 2004. 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) (Public Law 108-199) delayed the implementation of mandatory COOL for all covered commodities except wild and farm-raised fish and shellfish until September 30, 2006. This final rule contains definitions, the requirements for consumer notification and product marking, and the recordkeeping responsibilities of both retailers andsuppliers. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 10/30/03 68 FR 61944 NPRM Comment Period End 12/29/03 Final Action 09/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: State Federalism: This action may have federalism implications as defined in EO 13132. Agency Contact: William Sessions, Associate Deputy Administrator, [[Page 37189]] Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Marketing Service, Room 2092- South, Stop 0249, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 202 720-5705 Email: william.sessions@usda.gov RIN: 0581-AC26 _______________________________________________________________________ 12. COTTON CLASSIFICATION SERVICES, USER FEES FOR 2004 CROP (CN-03-007) Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 7 USC 473a CFR Citation: 7 CFR 28 Legal Deadline: Final, Statutory, July 1, 2004. Abstract: The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is raising user fees for cotton producers for 2004 crop cotton classification services under the Cotton Statistics and Estimates Act. The 2003 user fee for this classification service was $1.45 per bale. This rule will raise the fee for the 2004 crop to $1.65 per bale. The fee increase is sufficient to cover the costs of providing classification services, including costs for administration and supervision. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 04/26/04 69 FR 22458 NPRM Comment Period End 05/11/04 Final Action 07/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Norma Randall McDill, Deputy Administrator, Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Marketing Service, 14th & Independence Avenue SW, Room 2641-South, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 202 720-3193 Fax: 202 690-1718 Email: norma.mcdill@usda.gov RIN: 0581-AC34 _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Agriculture (USDA) Completed Actions Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) _______________________________________________________________________ 13. CHANGES IN FEES FOR FEDERAL GRADING AND CERTIFICATION OF LIVESTOCK FOR CHICAGO MERCANTILE EXCHANGE FUTURES DELIVERIES Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant CFR Citation: 7 CFR 53 Completed: ________________________________________________________________________ Reason Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Withdrawn 05/13/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: John E. Van Dyke Phone: 202 720-6231 Fax: 202 690-3732 Email: john.vandyke@usda.gov RIN: 0581-AB66 _______________________________________________________________________ 14. REMOVAL OF COTTONSEED CHEMIST LICENSING PROGRAM AND AMENDMENTS TO REGULATIONS PERTAINING TO COMMODITY TESTING LABORATORIES (ST-02-03) Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant CFR Citation: 7 CFR 91; 7 CFR 96 Completed: ________________________________________________________________________ Reason Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 12/16/03 68 FR 69944 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: James V. Falk Phone: 202 690-4089 Fax: 202 720-6496 Email: james.falk@usda.gov RIN: 0581-AC18 _______________________________________________________________________ 15. GOOD GUIDANCE PRACTICES FOR THE NATIONAL ORGANIC PROGRAM (TM-03-03) Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant CFR Citation: 7 CFR 205 Completed: ________________________________________________________________________ Reason Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Withdrawn 06/07/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Richard H. Mathews Phone: 202 720-3252 Fax: 202 205-7808 Email: richard.mathews@usda.gov RIN: 0581-AC30 _______________________________________________________________________ 16. VOLUNTARY FEDERAL DAIRY GRADING AND INSPECTION FEES (DA-03-03) Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant CFR Citation: 7 CFR 58; 7 CFR 54 Completed: ________________________________________________________________________ Reason Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 10/03/03 68 FR 57382 Final Action 02/26/04 69 FR 8797 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Duane R. Spomer Phone: 202 720-7473 Fax: 202 720-2643 Email: duane.spomer@usda.gov RIN: 0581-AC32 BILLING CODE 3410--02--S [[Page 37190]] _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Agriculture (USDA) Proposed Rule Stage Farm Service Agency (FSA) _______________________________________________________________________ 17. RETAINING PERMANENT LENDER PROGRAM (PLP) STATUS, PROCESSING LOSS CLAIMS, PAYMENT OF INTEREST ACCRUED DURING BANKRUPTCY AND REDEMPTION RIGHTS PERIODS FOR GUARANTEED LOANS Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 7 USC 1989 CFR Citation: 7 CFR 762 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Agency is proposing to revise its regulations governing the servicing of guaranteed farm loans in three general areas. First, to establish a grace period for PLP lenders to develop and implement a plan to reduce loss rate to an acceptable rate for retaining PLP status; second, to expedite loss claim processing; and third, to extend the time period for which the Agency will pay interest on a loan in certain bankruptcy cases or when foreclosure redemption rights apply. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 07/00/04 Final Action 02/00/05 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Sectors Affected: 11 Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing, and Hunting; 52211 Commercial Banking; 115116 Farm Management Services Agency Contact: Tom Witzig, Director, Regulatory Review Group, Department of Agriculture, Farm Service Agency, Room 0339 South Building, MS 0572, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250- 0572 Phone: 202 205-5851 Fax: 202 720-5233 Email: tom.witzig@usda.gov RIN: 0560-AH07 _______________________________________________________________________ 18. COMMODITY CREDIT CORPORATION PROCUREMENT OF AGRICULTURAL COMMODITIES FROM HUBZONE SMALL BUSINESSES Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Legal Authority: PL 85-536; 15 USC 14a CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1402 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This rule will amend CCC's procurement regulations to incorporate statutory requirements regarding USDA procurement of commodities from certified HUBZone (Historically Underutilized Business Zone) small businesses. Under the HUBZone Program, a contract can be awarded to a HUBZone small business if the HUBZone small business offer is not more than 10 percent higher than the offer of a non-HUBZone/non- small business. 15 U.S.C. 632(p)(5)(A)(i)(III)(cc) provides that ``in the case of a contract for the procurement by the Secretary of Agriculture of agricultural commodities, none of the commodity being procured will be obtained by the prime contractor through a subcontract for the purchase of the commodity in substantially the final form in which it is to be supplied to the Government.`` The rule will clarify that bagging, cleaning, sorting, dividing, and sub-dividing of whole corn, wheat, sorghum, soybeans, peas, beans, and lentils does not substantially change the final form of the agricultural commodity and that a HUBZone business that does only these things (after subcontracting for the commodity) is not entitled to the price evaluation preference. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 12/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Sectors Affected: 49313 Farm Product Warehousing and Storage Facilities; 42291 Farm Supplies Wholesalers; 115114 Postharvest Crop Activities (except Cotton Ginning); 311222 Soybean Processing; 115 Support Activities for Agriculture and Forestry Agency Contact: Tom Witzig, Director, Regulatory Review Group, Department of Agriculture, Farm Service Agency, Room 0339 South Building, MS 0572, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250- 0572 Phone: 202 205-5851 Fax: 202 720-5233 Email: tom.witzig@usda.gov RIN: 0560-AH10 _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Agriculture (USDA) Final Rule Stage Farm Service Agency (FSA) _______________________________________________________________________ 19. SELECTION OF FSA STATE AND COUNTY COMMITTEES Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: PL 107-171 CFR Citation: 7 CFR 7; 7 CFR 710 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This action will amend the regulations to implement the provisions of the 2002 Farm Bill relating to the establishment of FSA county, area, and local committees. The statute provides that committees shall have from three to five members, that they shall be representative of the producers in the area, and that the term of office shall not exceed 3 years. It also provides that the Secretary shall solicit nominations from organizations representing the interests of socially disadvantaged groups and, if determined necessary, promulgate uniform guidelines for conducting elections that will ensure fair representation of socially disadvantaged groups. The Secretary may also ensure inclusion of socially disadvantaged farmers by appointing one additional voting member to a committee. The rule will provide for election procedures, including nominations, opening of ballots and reporting of results. Further, the rule will eliminate community committees from the existing regulations. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 08/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None [[Page 37191]] Sectors Affected: 11 Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing, and Hunting Agency Contact: Tom Witzig, Director, Regulatory Review Group, Department of Agriculture, Farm Service Agency, Room 0339 South Building, MS 0572, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250- 0572 Phone: 202 205-5851 Fax: 202 720-5233 Email: tom.witzig@usda.gov RIN: 0560-AG90 _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Agriculture (USDA) Long-Term Actions Farm Service Agency (FSA) _______________________________________________________________________ 20. AMENDMENTS TO THE STANDARDS FOR APPROVAL OF WAREHOUSES FOR COMMODITY CREDIT CORPORATION STORAGE CONTRACTS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1421; 7 CFR 1423; 7 CFR 1427 Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Reinstated by Agency 10/08/03 NPRM 11/20/03 68 FR 65412 NPRM Comment Period End 03/11/04 Final Action To Be Determined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Tom Witzig Phone: 202 205-5851 Fax: 202 720-5233 Email: tom.witzig@usda.gov RIN: 0560-AE50 _______________________________________________________________________ 21. REGULATORY STREAMLINING OF THE FARM SERVICE AGENCY'S DIRECT FARM LOAN PROGRAMS Priority: Other Significant CFR Citation: 7 CFR 7; 7 CFR 18 Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 02/09/04 69 FR 6056 NPRM Comment Period End 05/04/04 Final Action To Be Determined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Tom Witzig Phone: 202 205-5851 Fax: 202 720-5233 Email: tom.witzig@usda.gov RIN: 0560-AF60 _______________________________________________________________________ 22. INTEREST ASSISTANCE PROGRAM Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant CFR Citation: 7 CFR 762 Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM To Be Determined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Tom Witzig Phone: 202 205-5851 Fax: 202 720-5233 Email: tom.witzig@usda.gov RIN: 0560-AG46 _______________________________________________________________________ 23. OCEAN FREIGHT CLAIMS ADMINISTRATIVE APPEAL PROCESS Priority: Other Significant CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1405; 7 CFR 1499; 22 CFR 211 Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 03/03/03 68 FR 9944 NPRM Comment Period End 04/02/03 Final Action To Be Determined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Tom Witzig Phone: 202 205-5851 Fax: 202 720-5233 Email: tom.witzig@usda.gov RIN: 0560-AG49 _______________________________________________________________________ 24. TOBACCO MARKETING QUOTA, CARDS, PENALTY PROVISIONS, RECORDKEEPING AND REPORTING Priority: Other Significant CFR Citation: 7 CFR 723 Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 01/13/03 68 FR 1556 NPRM Comment Period End 02/12/03 Final Action To Be Determined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Tom Witzig Phone: 202 205-5851 Fax: 202 720-5233 Email: tom.witzig@usda.gov RIN: 0560-AG52 _______________________________________________________________________ 25. RESCHEDULING GUARANTEED LOANS WITH BALLOON PAYMENTS, CLARIFICATION OF ANNUAL ANALYSIS REQUIREMENTS FOR GUARANTEED LENDERS, AND SUBORDINATION REQUIREMENTS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant CFR Citation: 7 CFR 762 Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 08/19/03 68 FR 49723 NPRM Comment Period End 10/20/03 Final Action To Be Determined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Tom Witzig Phone: 202 205-5851 Fax: 202 720-5233 Email: tom.witzig@usda.gov RIN: 0560-AG53 _______________________________________________________________________ 26. 2002 FARM BILL REGULATIONS--ASSISTANCE FOR LIVESTOCK PRODUCERS Priority: Other Significant CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1439 Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action To Be Determined [[Page 37192]] Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Tom Witzig Phone: 202 205-5851 Fax: 202 720-5233 Email: tom.witzig@usda.gov RIN: 0560-AG76 _______________________________________________________________________ 27. REVISION OF INDIAN TRIBAL LAND ACQUISITION PROGRAM LOAN REGULATIONS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant CFR Citation: 7 CFR 770 Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 03/14/03 68 FR 12309 NPRM Comment Period End 05/14/03 Final Action To Be Determined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Phillip Elder Phone: 202 690-8104 Fax: 202 720-5233 Email: phillip--elder@wdc.usda.gov RIN: 0560-AG87 _______________________________________________________________________ 28. CLARIFICATION OF INFORMAL APPEALS PROCEDURES Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant CFR Citation: 7 CFR 780 Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule To Be Determined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Phillip Elder Phone: 202 690-8104 Fax: 202 720-5233 Email: phillip--elder@wdc.usda.gov RIN: 0560-AG88 _______________________________________________________________________ 29. ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE AND RELATED CONCERNS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. CFR Citation: 7 CFR 799 Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM To Be Determined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Tom Witzig Phone: 202 205-5851 Fax: 202 720-5233 Email: tom.witzig@usda.gov RIN: 0560-AH02 _______________________________________________________________________ 30. REVISION OF FLEXIBLE SUGAR MARKETING ALLOTMENT REGULATIONS Priority: Other Significant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Legal Authority: 7 USC 1359aa CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1435 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This action amends the sugar marketing allotment regulations to clarify the actions a processor must undertake to ensure ``that the allocation will be shared among producers served by the processor in a fair and equitable manner that adequately reflects producer's production histories,'' as required by statute. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action To Be Determined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Sectors Affected: 11 Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing, and Hunting; 311313 Beet Sugar Manufacturing; 311312 Cane Sugar Refining; 111991 Sugar Beet Farming; 31131 Sugar Manufacturing; 3113 Sugar and Confectionery Product Manufacturing; 11193 Sugarcane Farming; 311311 Sugarcane Mills Agency Contact: Tom Witzig, Director, Regulatory Review Group, Department of Agriculture, Farm Service Agency, Room 0339 South Building, MS 0572, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250- 0572 Phone: 202 205-5851 Fax: 202 720-5233 Email: tom.witzig@usda.gov RIN: 0560-AH08 _______________________________________________________________________ 31. DEBT COLLECTION, DEBT SETTLEMENT, AND ASSIGNMENT OF PAYMENTS Priority: Other Significant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Legal Authority: 7 USC 1989; 31 USC 3701; 7 USC 1932 CFR Citation: 7 CFR 792; 7 CFR 1403; 7 CFR 1404 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Farm Service Agency (FSA) and the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) are revising debt collection and settlement regulations to conform with the Debt Collection Improvement Act of 1996 (DCIA), the Federal Claims Collection Standards (FCCS), and to make other changes. A detailed explanation of the proposed changes is included in the draft rule attached to this document. This work plan replaces work plan 97-002 (RIN 0560-AF22). FSA is requesting a ``not significant'' designation because the new regulations will not have a significant impact on small entities and do not present novel issues. Also, the Department of Treasury rule implementing DCIA and the FCCS, the Department of the Treasury's rule on administrative wage garnishment, and the USDA debt management regulations at 7 CFR part 3 were each designated as ``not significant'' by the Office of Management and Budget. The FSA and CCC regulations will govern similar activities on only the agency level. See the attached documents for further information. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM To Be Determined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Sectors Affected: 11 Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing, and Hunting Agency Contact: Tom Witzig, Director, Regulatory Review Group, Department of Agriculture, Farm Service Agency, Room 0339 South Building, MS 0572, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250- 0572 Phone: 202 205-5851 Fax: 202 720-5233 [[Page 37193]] Email: tom.witzig@usda.gov Related RIN: Previously reported as 0560-AF22 RIN: 0560-AH09 _______________________________________________________________________ 32. REMOVE TOBACCO WAREHOUSE DESIGNATION REQUIREMENTS Priority: Other Significant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Legal Authority: Not Yet Determined CFR Citation: None Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Farm Service Agency is amending its tobacco regulations to no longer require as a condition of price support eligibility that producers of Burley and Flue-Cured tobacco designate the warehouse where they will market their tobacco. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM To Be Determined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Tom Witzig, Director, Regulatory Review Group, Department of Agriculture, Farm Service Agency, Room 0339 South Building, MS 0572, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250- 0572 Phone: 202 205-5851 Fax: 202 720-5233 Email: tom.witzig@usda.gov RIN: 0560-AH13 _______________________________________________________________________ 33. TOBACCO MARKETING QUOTAS AND PRICE SUPPORT Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 7 USC 1301 et seq; 7 USC 1421 et seq CFR Citation: 7 CFR 723; 7 CFR 1464 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This rule removes from the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) the annual determinations made for the national marketing quotas and price support levels for all kinds of tobacco. Legislation requires the Secretary of Agriculture to announce the quotas and price support levels each year, but does not require that they be codified in the CFR. Because the determinations require the use of the latest tobacco market information, it has been impractical to promulgate rulemaking in time for it to be useful to the public, so the Agency decided rulemaking that simply codifies the already-announced determinations is an unnecessary use of resources. All existing provisions concerning program requirements and the methodology for determining quotas and price support levels are left unchanged. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action To Be Determined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Tom Witzig, Director, Regulatory Review Group, Department of Agriculture, Farm Service Agency, Room 0339 South Building, MS 0572, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250- 0572 Phone: 202 205-5851 Fax: 202 720-5233 Email: tom.witzig@usda.gov RIN: 0560-AH14 _______________________________________________________________________ 34. EWE LAMB INCENTIVE PAYMENT PROGRAM Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 7 USC 612c, sec 32 of the Act of August 24, 1935 CFR Citation: 7 CFR 784 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This action will make $18.85 million available under Section 32 of the Act of August 24, 1935, as amended, for payment to sheep and lamb producers to encourage the replacement and retention of ewe lamb breeding stock during FY 2004. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action To Be Determined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Tom Witzig, Director, Regulatory Review Group, Department of Agriculture, Farm Service Agency, Room 0339 South Building, MS 0572, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250- 0572 Phone: 202 205-5851 Fax: 202 720-5233 Email: tom.witzig@usda.gov RIN: 0560-AH15 _______________________________________________________________________ 35. PAYMENT LIMITATION AND PAYMENT ELIGIBILITY; TRADE ADJUSTMENT ASSISTANCE FOR FARMERS Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 19 USC 2251 et seq, Trade Act of 1974 as amended by the Trade Act of 2002 (PL 107-210) CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1400 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The purpose of this action is to add to the CCC program regulations the payment eligibility and payment limitation provisions of the Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) for Farmers. The final rule for the TAA, 7 CFR part 1580, was published August 20, 2003 (68 FR 50048), by the Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS). The rule referenced the regulations at 7 CFR part 1400 as the authority for the payment and adjusted gross income limitations applicable to the benefits issued under the TAA. This action adds the TAA as one of the programs subject to FSA's overall program payment and eligibility limitations and will not alter or revise any of the existing provisions of 7 CFR part 1400. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action To Be Determined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Tom Witzig, Director, Regulatory Review Group, Department of Agriculture, Farm Service Agency, Room 0339 South Building, MS 0572, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250- 0572 Phone: 202 205-5851 Fax: 202 720-5233 Email: tom.witzig@usda.gov RIN: 0560-AH16 [[Page 37194]] _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Agriculture (USDA) Completed Actions Farm Service Agency (FSA) _______________________________________________________________________ 36. AMENDMENTS TO THE DEBT SETTLEMENT POLICIES AND PROCEDURES TO CONFORM TO THE DEBT COLLECTION IMPROVEMENT ACT OF 1996 Priority: Other Significant CFR Citation: 7 CFR 792; 7 CFR 1403; 7 CFR 1404 Completed: ________________________________________________________________________ Reason Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Withdrawn (Replaced by 0560- AH09) 01/01/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Tom Witzig Phone: 202 205-5851 Fax: 202 720-5233 Email: tom.witzig@usda.gov RIN: 0560-AF22 _______________________________________________________________________ 37. EMERGENCY CONSERVATION PROGRAM Priority: Other Significant CFR Citation: 7 CFR 701 Completed: ________________________________________________________________________ Reason Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 03/04/04 69 FR 10300 Correction 04/26/04 69 FR 22377 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Tom Witzig Phone: 202 205-5851 Fax: 202 720-5233 Email: tom.witzig@usda.gov RIN: 0560-AG26 _______________________________________________________________________ 38. ELIMINATION OF 30-DAY PAST-DUE PERIOD FOR FARM LOAN PROGRAM BORROWERS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1951 Completed: ________________________________________________________________________ Reason Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 02/02/04 69 FR 5264 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Tom Witzig Phone: 202 205-5851 Fax: 202 720-5233 Email: tom.witzig@usda.gov RIN: 0560-AG50 _______________________________________________________________________ 39. SERVICING MINOR FARM LOAN PROGRAM LOANS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant CFR Citation: 7 CFR 772; 7 CFR 1901--E; 7 CFR 1942--A; 7 CFR 1951--E and F; 7 CFR 1956--C Completed: ________________________________________________________________________ Reason Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 12/16/03 68 FR 69948 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Tom Witzig Phone: 202 205-5851 Fax: 202 720-5233 Email: tom.witzig@usda.gov RIN: 0560-AG67 _______________________________________________________________________ 40. 2002 FARM BILL REGULATIONS--CONSERVATION RESERVE PROGRAM Priority: Economically Significant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. CFR Citation: 7 CFR 701; 7 CFR 1410 Completed: ________________________________________________________________________ Reason Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 05/14/04 69 FR 26755 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Tom Witzig Phone: 202 205-5851 Fax: 202 720-5233 Email: tom.witzig@usda.gov RIN: 0560-AG74 _______________________________________________________________________ 41. 2002 FARM BILL REGULATIONS--LOAN ELIGIBILITY WITH PRIOR DEBT FORGIVENESS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1941 Completed: ________________________________________________________________________ Reason Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 02/04/04 69 FR 5259 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Tom Witzig Phone: 202 205-5851 Fax: 202 720-5233 Email: tom.witzig@usda.gov RIN: 0560-AG81 _______________________________________________________________________ 42. 2002 FARM BILL REGULATIONS--TREE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant CFR Citation: 7 CFR 783 Completed: ________________________________________________________________________ Reason Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 03/02/04 69 FR 9744 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Tom Witzig Phone: 202 205-5851 Fax: 202 720-5233 Email: tom.witzig@usda.gov RIN: 0560-AG83 _______________________________________________________________________ 43. 2003-CROP MARKETING QUOTAS AND PRICE SUPPORT LEVELS FOR FIVE KINDS OF TOBACCO Priority: Other Significant CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1464 Completed: ________________________________________________________________________ Reason Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Withdrawn 01/01/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Tom Witzig Phone: 202 205-5851 Fax: 202 720-5233 Email: tom.witzig@usda.gov RIN: 0560-AG92 _______________________________________________________________________ 44. REVISIONS TO DIRECT FARM LOAN PROGRAMS APPRAISAL REGULATIONS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1910; 7 CFR 1941; 7 CFR 1965 [[Page 37195]] Completed: ________________________________________________________________________ Reason Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 06/02/04 69 FR 30997 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Phillip Elder Phone: 202 690-8104 Fax: 202 720-5233 Email: phillip--elder@wdc.usda.gov RIN: 0560-AH01 _______________________________________________________________________ 45. OUTSIDE STORAGE OF EXTRA LONG STAPLE LOAN COTTON Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1427 Completed: ________________________________________________________________________ Reason Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 03/05/04 69 FR 12053 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Phillip Elder Phone: 202 690-8104 Fax: 202 720-5233 Email: phillip--elder@wdc.usda.gov RIN: 0560-AH03 _______________________________________________________________________ 46. EXTRA LONG STAPLE COTTON LOAN ADJUSTMENT FOR STRENGTH Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Legal Authority: Not Yet Determined CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1427 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Farm Service Agency (FSA) proposes amending regulations to provide that extra long staple (ELS) loan rates may be adjusted for premiums and discounts for strength. The need for this regulatory change arises from the availability of a new ELS hybrid variety that is high-yielding, but that has an elevated incidence of low-strength. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Merged With 0560-AH03 02/01/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Sectors Affected: 11192 Cotton Farming Agency Contact: Tom Witzig, Director, Regulatory Review Group, Department of Agriculture, Farm Service Agency, Room 0339 South Building, MS 0572, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250- 0572 Phone: 202 205-5851 Fax: 202 720-5233 Email: tom.witzig@usda.gov RIN: 0560-AH12 BILLING CODE 3410--05--S _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Agriculture (USDA) Prerule Stage Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) _______________________________________________________________________ 47. ANIMAL WELFARE; DEFINITION OF ANIMAL Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 7 USC 2131 to 2159 CFR Citation: 9 CFR 1 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: We are amending the Animal Welfare Act (AWA) regulations to reflect an amendment to the Act's definition of the term animal. The Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 amended the definition of animal to specifically exclude birds, rats of the genus Rattus, and mice of the genus Mus bred for use in research. While the definition of animal in the regulations excludes rats of the genus Rattus and mice of the genus Mus bred for use in research, that definition also excludes all birds (i.e., not just those bred for use in research). To make the definition of animal in the regulations consistent with the definition of animal in the AWA, this final rule amends the regulations by narrowing the scope of exclusion for birds to only those birds bred for use in research. This final rule is intended only to make the definition of animal in the regulations consistent with the definition of animal in the AWA. We do not intend to immediately begin regulating birds not bred for use in research as a result of this action. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Rule 06/04/04 69 FR 31513 Final Rule Effective 06/05/04 ANPRM 06/04/04 69 FR 31537 ANPRM Comment Period End 08/03/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Additional Information: APHIS documents published in the Federal Register and related information, including the names of organizations and individuals who have commented on APHIS dockets, are available on the Internet at http://www.aphis.usda.gov/ppd/rad/webrepor.html. Agency Contact: Dr. Jerry DePoyster, Senior Veterinary Medical Officer, Animal Care, Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Unit 84, Unit 84, 4700 River Road, Riverdale, MD 20737 Phone: 301 734-7586 RIN: 0579-AB69 [[Page 37196]] _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Agriculture (USDA) Proposed Rule Stage Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) _______________________________________________________________________ 48. ANIMAL WELFARE: MARINE MAMMALS; NONCONSENSUS LANGUAGE AND INTERACTIVE PROGRAMS Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 7 USC 2131 to 2159 CFR Citation: 9 CFR 3 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The U.S. Department of Agriculture regulates the treatment of certain marine mammals under the Animal Welfare Act. The present standards for treatment of these animals have been in effect for over 10 years. During this time, advances have been made and new information has been developed with regard to the housing and care of marine mammals. We intend to develop amendments to the marine mammal standards on which consensus was not reached during negotiated rulemaking conducted between September 1995 and July 1996. The amendments would be to 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 12/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined Government Levels Affected: None Additional Information: APHIS documents published in the Federal Register and related information, including the names of organizations and individuals who have commented on APHIS dockets, are available on the Internet at http://www.aphis.usda.gov/ppd/rad/webrepor.html. Agency Contact: Dr. Barbara Kohn, Senior Staff Veterinarian, Animal Care, Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Unit 84, 4700 River Road, Riverdale, MD 20737-1234 Phone: 301 734-7833 RIN: 0579-AB24 _______________________________________________________________________ 49. KARNAL BUNT COMPENSATION Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 7 USC 166; 7 USC 7711 to 7712; 7 USC 7714; 7 USC 7731; 7 USC 7735; 7 USC 7751 to 7754 CFR Citation: 7 CFR 301 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: We are amending the Karnal bunt regulations to provide compensation for certain growers and handlers of grain and seed affected by Karnal bunt who are not currently eligible for compensation, for certain wheat grown outside the regulated area that was commingled with wheat grown in regulated areas, and for other parties affected by the Karnal bunt regulations. The payment of compensation is necessary in order to encourage the participation of, and obtain cooperation from, affected individuals in our efforts to contain and reduce the prevalence of Karnal bunt. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 05/01/02 67 FR 21561 Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 07/01/02 NPRM 09/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Additional Information: APHIS documents published in the Federal Register and related information, including the names of organizations and individuals who have commented on APHIS dockets, are available on the Internet at http://www.aphis.usda.gov/ppd/rad/webrepor.html. Agency Contact: Robert G. Spaide, Senior Program Manager, Surveillance and Emergency Programs Planning and Coordination, Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Unit 134, 4700 River Road, Riverdale, MD 20737-1236 Phone: 301 734-3769 Related RIN: Related to 0579-AA83 RIN: 0579-AB45 _______________________________________________________________________ 50. TRICHINAE CERTIFICATION PROGRAM Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 7 USC 8301 to 8317; 7 USC 1622; 15 USC 1828 CFR Citation: 9 CFR 149; 9 CFR 160 to 161 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: APHIS is considering establishing a voluntary Trichinae Certification Program for U.S. pork that has been produced under disease-prevention conditions. Under the program, APHIS would certify pork production sites that follow prescribed good production practices that reduce, eliminate, or avoid the risk of exposure of animals to the zoonotic parasite Trichinella spiralis, a disease of swine. Such a program should enhance the marketing of pork and pork products both in the United States and in export markets. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 09/00/04 NPRM Comment Period End 11/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: Undetermined Additional Information: APHIS documents published in the Federal Register and related information, including the names of organizations and individuals who have commented on APHIS dockets, are available on the Internet at http://www.aphis.usda.gov/ppd/rad/webrepor.html. Agency Contact: Dr. Dave Pyburn, National Trichinae Coordinator, PCMS, VS, Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Room 891, 210 Walnut Street, Room 891, Des Moines, IA 50309 Phone: 515 284-4122 RIN: 0579-AB52 _______________________________________________________________________ 51. METHYL BROMIDE; AUTHORIZATION AS OFFICIAL QUARANTINE USE Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 7 USC 7719 CFR Citation: 7 CFR 304 [[Page 37197]] Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This rule would establish regulations to provide for the submission of requests by State, local, or tribal authorities for a determination whether of methyl bromide treatments or applications required by the State, local, or tribal authorities to prevent the introduction, establishment, or spread of plant pests (including diseases) or noxious weeds should be authorized as official quarantine uses. The regulations are necessary to comply with a recent amendment to the Plant Protection Act that requires the Secretary to publish and maintain a registry of authorized State, local, and tribal requirements for methyl bromide treatments or applications. The rule would establish a process by which State, local, or tribal authorities could request and, if warranted, receive, authorization for their methyl bromide requirements as official quarantine uses. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 07/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: Local, State, Tribal Additional Information: APHIS documents published in the Federal Register and related information, including the names of organizations and individuals who have commented on APHIS dockets, are available on the Internet at http://www.aphis.usda.gov/ppd/rad/webrepor.html. Agency Contact: Elna Hunter, Senior Regulatory Coordinator, PPQ, Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Suite C Unit 118, Unit 141, 4700 River Road, Riverdale, MD 20737 Phone: 301 734-5289 RIN: 0579-AB54 _______________________________________________________________________ 52. IMPORTATION OF SWINE AND SWINE PRODUCTS FROM THE EUROPEAN UNION Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 7 USC 450; 7 USC 1622; 7 USC 7701 to 7772; 7 USC 8301 to 8317; 21 USC 136 to 136a; 31 USC 9701; 42 USC 4331 to 4332 CFR Citation: 9 CFR 93 to 94; 9 CFR 98 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This proposed rule would (1) apply a uniform set of importation requirements related to classical swine fever (CSF) in all of the original 15 Member States of the European Union, with the exception of one area in Italy; (2) establish a classification for regions that present a low risk of introducing CSF into the United States and recognize all of the original 15 Member States of the European Union, except for one area in Italy, as a low-risk region for CSF; and (3) prohibit for a specified period of time the importation of live swine and swine products from any area in a low-risk region for CSF that is identified by the veterinary authorities of the region as a restricted zone. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 08/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses, Governmental Jurisdictions Government Levels Affected: Federal Additional Information: APHIS documents published in the Federal Register and related information, including the names of organizations and individuals who have commented on APHIS dockets, are available on the Internet at http://www.aphis.usda.gov/ppd/rad/webrepor.html. Agency Contact: Dr. Chip Wells, Senior Staff Veterinarian, Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, 4700 River Road, Riverdale, MD 20737-1231 Phone: 301 734-4356 RIN: 0579-AB79 _______________________________________________________________________ 53. REVISION OF FRUITS AND VEGETABLES IMPORT REGULATIONS Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 7 USC 450; 7 USC 7701 to 7772; 7 USC 8311; 21 USC 136 to 136a; 31 USC 9701 CFR Citation: 7 CFR 305; 7 CFR 319; 7 CFR 352 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: A proposed rule that would revise and reorganize the regulations pertaining to the importation of fruits and vegetables to consolidate requirements of general applicability and eliminate redundant requirements, update terms and remove outdated requirements and references, update the regulations that apply to importations into territories under U.S. administration, and make various editorial and nonsubstantive changes to regulations to make them easier to use. The proposal would also make substantive changes to the regulations, including: (1) Establishing criteria within the regulations that, if met, would allow us to approve certain new fruits and vegetables for importation into the United States and to acknowledge pest-free areas in foreign countries without undertaking rulemaking; (2) doing away with the practice of listing specific commodities that may be imported subject to certain types of phytosanitary measures; and (3) providing for the issuance of special use permits for fruits and vegetables. These changes are intended to simplify and expedite our processes for approving certain new imports and pest-free areas while continuing to allow for public participation in the processes. This proposal, if adopted, would represent a significant structural revision of the fruits and vegetables import regulations and would establish a new process for approving certain new commodities for importation into the United States. It would not, however, allow the importation of any specific new fruits or vegetables, nor would it alter the conditions for importing currently approved fruits or vegetables except as specifically described in this document. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 10/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined Government Levels Affected: None Additional Information: APHIS documents published in the Federal Register and related information, including the names of organizations and individuals who have commented on APHIS dockets, are available on the Internet at http://www.aphis.usda.gov/ppd/rad/webrepor.html. Agency Contact: Mr. Matthew Rhoads, Regulatory Analyst, Regulatory Analysis and Development, PPD, [[Page 37198]] Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, 4700 River Road, Unit 118, Riverdale, MD 20737-1238 Phone: 301 734-8682 RIN: 0579-AB80 _______________________________________________________________________ 54. MEXICAN HASS AVOCADO IMPORT PROGRAM Priority: Economically Significant. Major under 5 USC 801. Legal Authority: 7 USC 450; 7 USC 7701 to 7772; 21 USC 136 to 136a; Section 301.75 also issued under Sec. 203, Title II, PL 106-224, 114 Stat. 400 (7 USC 1421 note). CFR Citation: 7 CFR 319 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This proposed rule would amend the regulations governing the importation of fruits and vegetables to expand the number of States in which fresh Hass avocado fruit grown in approved orchards in approved municipalities in Michoacan, Mexico, may be distributed. The proposed rule would also allow the distribution of the avocados during all months of the year. To reflect these proposed changes, we would also make other changes in the regulations, such as removing restrictions on the ports through which the avocados may enter the United States and the corridor through which the avocados must transit the United States. We are proposing this action in response to a request from the Government of Mexico and based on our finding that the phytosanitary measures described in this proposed rule will reduce the risk of introducing plant pests associated with Mexican Hass avocados into the United States. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 05/24/04 69 FR 29466 NPRM Comment Period End 07/23/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: Federal, State Additional Information: APHIS documents published in the Federal Register and related information, including the names of organizations and individuals who have commented on APHIS dockets, are available on the Internet at http://www.aphis.usda.gov/ppd/rad/webrepor.html. Agency Contact: Dr. Inder Paul Gadh, Import Specialist, Phytosanitary Issues Management Team, PPQ, Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Unit 140, 4700 River Road, Riverdale, MD 20737-1236 Phone: 301 734-6799 RIN: 0579-AB81 _______________________________________________________________________ 55. REQUIREMENTS FOR REQUESTS TO AMEND 7 CFR PART 319 IMPORT REGULATIONS Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 7 USC 450; 7 USC 7701 to 7772; 21 USC 136 to 136a CFR Citation: 7 CFR 319 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: A proposed rule to establish regulations governing the submission of requests for changes in our regulations that restrict the importation of plants, plant parts, and plant products. We are proposing this action because, despite existing non-regulatory guidance on the submission of requests, few applicants provide the basic information we require to properly consider their requests. We expect that adoption of this proposal would help ensure that we are provided with the information we need to prepare a risk analysis and/or other analyses that evaluate the risks and other effects associated with the proposed change to the regulations. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 08/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Additional Information: APHIS documents published in the Federal Register and related information, including the names of organizations and individuals who have commented on APHIS dockets, are available on the Internet at http://www.aphis.usda.gov/ppd/rad/webrepor.html. Agency Contact: Dr. Ronald Sequeira, National Science Program Leader for Risk and Pathway Analysis, CPHST, PPQ, Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, 1015 Main Campus Drive, Suite 2500, Raleigh, NC 27602-5202 Phone: 919 513-2663 RIN: 0579-AB83 _______________________________________________________________________ 56. INTERSTATE MOVEMENT OF SHEEP AND GOATS; APPROVED LIVESTOCK FACILITIES, IDENTIFICATION, AND RECORDKEEPING REQUIREMENTS Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 7 USC 8301 to 8317 CFR Citation: 9 CFR 71 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This rulemaking would 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 us. This would include stockyards, livestock markets, buying stations, concentrations points, or any other premises where sheep or goats in interstate commerce are assembled. Our approval would 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 would 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 would 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 08/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: State Additional Information: APHIS documents published in the Federal Register and related information, including the names of organizations and individuals who have commented on APHIS dockets, are available on the Internet at http://www.aphis.usda.gov/ppd/rad/webrepor.html. Agency Contact: Dr. Diane Sutton, Senior Staff Veterinarian, National [[Page 37199]] Center for Animal Health Programs, VS, Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Unit 43, 4700 River Road, Unit 43, Riverdale, MD 20737-1235 Phone: 301 734-6954 RIN: 0579-AB84 _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Agriculture (USDA) Final Rule Stage Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) _______________________________________________________________________ 57. ANIMAL WELFARE; INSPECTION, LICENSING, AND PROCUREMENT OF ANIMALS (SECTION 610 REVIEW) Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 7 USC 2131 to 2159 CFR Citation: 9 CFR 1 to 2 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This action would make several amendments to the Animal Welfare Act regulations to clarify them and improve their enforceability. In addition, it would amend a number of administrative procedures to make them more efficient. We believe these actions are necessary to help ensure compliance with the regulations and the Animal Welfare Act. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 08/04/00 65 FR 47908 NPRM Comment Period End 10/03/00 NPRM Comment Period Reopened and Extended 10/19/00 65 FR 62650 NPRM Comment Period End 11/20/00 Final Action 07/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: Undetermined Additional Information: APHIS documents published in the Federal Register and related information, including the names of organizations and individuals who have commented on APHIS dockets, are available on the Internet at http://www.aphis.usda.gov/ppd/rad/webrepor.html. Agency Contact: Dr. Barbara Kohn, Senior Staff Veterinarian, Animal Care, Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Unit 84, 4700 River Road, Riverdale, MD 20737-1234 Phone: 301 734-7833 RIN: 0579-AA94 _______________________________________________________________________ 58. IMPORTATION OF UNMANUFACTURED WOOD ARTICLES FROM MEXICO Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 7 USC 166; 7 USC 450; 7 USC 7711 to 7714; 7 USC 7718; 7 USC 7731 to 7732; 7 USC 7751 to 7754; 21 USC 136 to 136a CFR Citation: 7 CFR 319 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This action would add restrictions on the importation of pine and fir logs and lumber, as well as other unmanufactured wood articles, from Mexico. These wood articles from Mexico would have to meet certain treatment and handling requirements to be eligible for importation into the United States. We believe this action is necessary to prevent the introduction into the United States of dangerous plant pests, including forest pests, with unmanufactured wood articles from Mexico. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 06/11/99 64 FR 31512 NPRM Comment Period End 08/10/99 Final Action 07/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Additional Information: APHIS documents published in the Federal Register and related information, including the names of organizations and individuals who have commented on APHIS dockets, are available on the Internet at http://www.aphis.usda.gov/ppd/rad/webrepor.html. Agency Contact: Hesham A. Abuelnaga, Import Specialist, PIM, PPQ, Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, 4700 River Road, Unit 140, Riverdale, MD 20737 Phone: 301 724-6799 RIN: 0579-AB02 _______________________________________________________________________ 59. BEES AND RELATED ARTICLES (SECTION 610 REVIEW) Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 7 USC 281; 7 USC 450; 7 USC 7701 to 7772; 21 USC 136 to 136a CFR Citation: 7 CFR 319; 7 CFR 322 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This rule would revise the regulations for the importation of honeybees and honeybee semen. Among other things, it would allow, under certain conditions, the importation into the United States of honeybees from Australia and honeybees and honeybee germ plasm from New Zealand. It also would make these regulations more consistent with standards established by the Office International des Epizooties, update them to reflect current research and terminology, and simplify them and make them more useful. In addition, the rule would combine the regulations for the importation of honeybees and honeybee semen with the regulations established to prevent the introduction of exotic bee diseases and parasites through the importation of bees other than honeybees, certain beekeeping byproducts, and used beekeeping equipment. This change would make the regulations more useful by consolidating all of the requirements related to the importation of bees, beekeeping byproducts, and used beekeeping equipment into one part. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 08/19/02 67 FR 53844 NPRM Comment Period End 11/18/02 Final Action 08/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: Undetermined Additional Information: APHIS documents published in the Federal [[Page 37200]] Register and related information, including the names of organizations and individuals who have commented on APHIS dockets, are available on the Internet at http://www.aphis.usda.gov/ppd/rad/webrepor.html. Agency Contact: Dr. Wayne Wehling, Permits and Risk Assessment, PPQ, Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Unit 141, 4700 River Road, Riverdale, MD 20737-1228 Phone: 301 734-8757 RIN: 0579-AB20 _______________________________________________________________________ 60. FOOT-AND-MOUTH DISEASE; PAYMENT OF INDEMNITY Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 7 USC 8301 to 8317 CFR Citation: 9 CFR 53 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This rule would amend the regulations for the cooperative control and eradication of foot-and-mouth 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 Final Action 03/00/05 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: Federal, State Additional Information: APHIS documents published in the Federal Register and related information, including the names of organizations and individuals who have commented on APHIS dockets, are available on the Internet at http://www.aphis.usda.gov/ppd/rad/webrepor.html. Agency Contact: Dr. Mark Teachman, Senior Staff Veterinarian, Emergency Programs, VS, Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Unit 41, 4700 River Road, Riverdale, MD 20737-1231 Phone: 301 734-8073 RIN: 0579-AB34 _______________________________________________________________________ 61. CHRONIC WASTING DISEASE IN ELK AND DEER; INTERSTATE MOVEMENT RESTRICTIONS AND PAYMENT OF INDEMNITY Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 7 USC 8301 to 8316 CFR Citation: 9 CFR 55; 9 CFR 81 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This rulemaking would establish requirements for the interstate movement of farmed elk and deer and provide indemnity for the depopulation of farmed elk and deer that have been infected with, or exposed to, chronic wasting disease (CWD). Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 02/08/02 67 FR 5925 Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 04/09/02 NPRM 12/24/03 68 FR 74513 NPRM Comment Period End 02/23/04 Final Action 11/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: Federal, State Additional Information: APHIS documents published in the Federal Register and related information, including the names of organizations and individuals who have commented on APHIS dockets, are available on the Internet at http://www.aphis.usda.gov/ppd/rad/webrepor.html. Agency Contact: Dr. Dean Goeldner, Staff Veterinarian, National Center for Animal Health Programs, Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, 4700 River Road, Unit 43, Riverdale, MD 20737-1231 Phone: 301 736-4916 RIN: 0579-AB35 _______________________________________________________________________ 62. BRUCELLOSIS IN SHEEP, GOATS, AND HORSES; PAYMENT OF INDEMNITY (SECTION 610 REVIEW) Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 7 USC 8301 to 8316 CFR Citation: 9 CFR 51 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This rule would amend the brucellosis indemnity regulations to allow us to pay indemnity for sheep, goats, and horses destroyed because of brucellosis. This action would make it easier to eliminate affected herds/flocks and infected animals as sources of infection by encouraging herd and flock owners to cooperate with our brucellosis eradication program. This action is intended to help reduce the incidence of brucellosis and the likelihood of it spreading within the United States. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 09/13/01 66 FR 47593 NPRM Comment Period End 11/13/01 Final Action 07/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Additional Information: APHIS documents published in the Federal Register and related information, including the names of organizations and individuals who have commented on APHIS dockets, are available on the Internet at http://www.aphis.usda.gov/ppd/rad/webrepor.html. Agency Contact: Dr. Debra A. Donch, 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 20737-1231 Phone: 301 734-6954 RIN: 0579-AB42 _______________________________________________________________________ 63. AGRICULTURAL BIOTERRORISM PROTECTION ACT OF 2002; POSSESSION, USE, AND TRANSFER OF BIOLOGICAL AGENTS AND TOXINS Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 7 USC 8401 CFR Citation: 7 CFR 331; 9 CFR 121 Legal Deadline: None [[Page 37201]] Abstract: In accordance with the Agricultural Bioterrorism Protection Act of 2002, APHIS has established, by regulation, a list of biological agents and toxins determined to have the potential to pose a severe threat to animal or plant health or to animal or plant products, as well as regulations concerning the possession, use, and transfer of listed biological agents and toxins. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 08/12/02 67 FR 52383 Interim Final Rule Effective 08/12/02 Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 10/11/02 Second Interim Final Rule 12/13/02 67 FR 76908 Second Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 02/11/03 Second Interim Final Rule Effective 02/11/03 Third Interim Final Rule; Provisional Registration 11/03/03 68 FR 62218 Third Interim Final Rule Effective 11/03/03 Third Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 01/02/04 Final Action 12/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses, Governmental Jurisdictions, Organizations Government Levels Affected: Federal, State Additional Information: APHIS documents published in the Federal Register, and related information, including the names of organizations and individuals who have commented on APHIS dockets, are available on the Internet at http://www.aphis.usda.gov/ppd/rad/webrepor.html. Agency Contact: Dr. Lee Ann Thomas, Director, Select Agent, Organisms and Vectors, and Animals, NCIE, VS, Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, 4700 River Road, Unit 39, Riverdale, MD 20737-1231 Phone: 301 734-3261 Michael J. Firko, Assistant Director, Plant Health Programs, PPQ, Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Unit 137, Riverdale, MD 20737 Phone: 301 734-8758 RIN: 0579-AB47 _______________________________________________________________________ 64. IMPORTATION OF SOLID WOOD PACKING MATERIAL; ADOPTION OF INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 7 USC 166; 7 USC 450; 7 USC 7711 to 7714; 7 USC 7718; 7 USC 7731 to 7732; 7 USC 7751 to 7754; 21 USC 136 to 136a CFR Citation: 7 CFR 319 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This rule would amend the regulations for the importation of unmanufactured wood articles to adopt an international standard entitled ``Guidelines for Regulating Wood Packaging Material in International Trade'' that was approved by the Interim Commission on Phytosanitary Measures of the International Plant Protection Convention on March 15, 2002. The standard calls for wood packaging material to be either heat treated or fumigated with methyl bromide, in accordance with the Guidelines, and markedwith an approved international mark certifying treatment. The rule would adopt the IPPC Guidelines because recent analyses of pest interceptions at ports show an increase in pests associated with certain wood packaging material. This increase in pests was found in wood packaging material that does not meet the IPPC Guidelines' (e.g., wood packaging material from everywhere except China, which must already be treated due to past pest interceptions). There has been a decrease in pests associated with wood packaging material from China, however, since we began requiring that material be treated prior to importation. This change would affect all persons using wood packaging material in connection with importing goods into the United States. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 05/20/03 68 FR 27480 NPRM Comment Period End 07/21/03 Final Action 08/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: Undetermined Additional Information: APHIS documents published in the Federal Register and related information, including the names of organizations and individuals who have commented on APHIS dockets, are available on the Internet at http://www.aphis.usda.gov/ppd/rad/webrepor.html. Agency Contact: Hesham A. Abuelnaga, Import Specialist, PIM, PPQ, Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, 4700 River Road, Unit 140, Riverdale, MD 20737 Phone: 301 724-6799 RIN: 0579-AB48 _______________________________________________________________________ 65. KARNAL BUNT; REVISION OF REGULATIONS FOR IMPORTING WHEAT Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 7 USC 450; 7 USC 7701 to 7772; 21 USC 136 to 136a CFR Citation: 7 CFR 319 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This rulemaking would amend our regulations regarding the importation of wheat from regions affected with Karnal bunt. Our proposed amendments would, among other things, list such regions, as well as articles that would be regulated for Karnal bunt; increase the flexibility of the regulations so that they could provide more readily for the recognition of areas where Karnal bunt is not known to occur within regions where Karnal bunt is known to be present; describe conditions, including requirements for phytosanitary certificates, under which wheat and related articles from regions affected with Karnal bunt could be imported into the United States; and specify cleaning and/or disinfection requirements for imported farm machinery and other equipment used to handle or store Karnal bunt-positive seed or host crops. The proposed changes would make our regulations regarding the importation of wheat and related articles from regions affected with Karnal bunt substantively equivalent to our domestic Karnal bunt regulations and would bring the former into compliance with international agreements to which the United States is a party. [[Page 37202]] Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 03/03/04 69 FR 9976 NPRM Comment Period End 05/03/04 Final Action 10/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Additional Information: APHIS documents published in the Federal Register and related information, including the names of organizations and individuals who have commented on APHIS dockets, are available on the Internet at http://www.aphis.usda.gov/ppd/rad/webrepor.html. Agency Contact: Jeanne Van Dersal, Import Specialist, Phytosanitary Issues Management, PPQ, Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, 4700 River Road, Unit 140, Riverdale, MD 20737-1236 Phone: 301 734-8537 RIN: 0579-AB74 _______________________________________________________________________ 66. PINE SHOOT BEETLE HOST MATERIAL FROM CANADA Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 7 USC 450; 7 USC 7701 to 7772; 21 USC 136 to 136a CFR Citation: 7 CFR 319 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This rulemaking would establish restrictions on the importation of pine shoot beetle host material into the United States from Canada. Pine nursery stock, as well as pine products that consist of pine bark or have pine bark attached, would have to meet certain requirements relating to documentation, treatment, handling, and utilization as a condition of importation into the United States from Canada. These restrictions are needed to help prevent the introduction and spread of pine shoot beetle,a pest of pine trees, into noninfested areas of the United States. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 08/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: Federal Additional Information: APHIS documents published in the Federal Register and related information, including the names of organizations and individuals who have commented on APHIS dockets, are available on the Internet at http://www.aphis.usda.gov/ppd/rad/webrepor.html. Agency Contact: Frederick A. Thomas, Import Specialist, PIM, PPQ, Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, 4700 River Road, Unit 160, Riverdale, MD 20737-1236 Phone: 301 734-8367 RIN: 0579-AB76 _______________________________________________________________________ 67. PHYTOPHTHORA RAMORUM; QUARANTINE AND REGULATIONS Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 7 USC 7701 to 7772 CFR Citation: 7 CFR 301 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: An interim rule amending the Phytophthora ramorum regulations to establish restrictions on the interstate movement of nursery stock that has been identified as a host of P. ramorum, as well as certain associated articles (nursery stock of unconfirmed, but potential host species), from commercial nurseries in nonquarantined counties in California. This rulemaking will also amend the regulations to restrict the interstate movement of associated articles from commercial nurseries in quarantined counties in California, and to update the list of hosts of P. ramorum and the list of counties in California that are quarantined for P. ramorum. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 07/00/04 Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 09/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: Local, State Additional Information: APHIS documents published in the Federal Register and related information, including the names of organizations and individuals who have commented on APHIS dockets, are available on the Internet at http://www.aphis.usda.gov/ppd/rad/webrepor.html. Agency Contact: Mr. Jonathan Jones, National Phytophthora ramorum Program Manager, Pest Detection and Management Program, PPQ, Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, 4700 River Road, Unit 134, Riverdale, MD 20737 Phone: 301 734-8247 RIN: 0579-AB82 _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Agriculture (USDA) Long-Term Actions Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) _______________________________________________________________________ 68. PLANT PEST REGULATIONS; UPDATE OF CURRENT PROVISIONS (SECTION 610 REVIEW) Priority: Other Significant CFR Citation: 7 CFR 330 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 Next Action Undetermined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Robert Flanders Phone: 301 734-5930 RIN: 0579-AA80 _______________________________________________________________________ 69. IMPORTATION OF FUJI VARIETY APPLES FROM THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA Priority: Other Significant CFR Citation: 7 CFR 319.56--2cc [[Page 37203]] Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 04/26/00 65 FR 24423 NPRM Comment Period End 06/26/00 NPRM Comment Period Extended 08/22/00 65 FR 50937 NPRM Comment Period End 10/23/00 Next Action Undetermined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Karen Bedigian Phone: 301 734-1236 RIN: 0579-AA93 _______________________________________________________________________ 70. PSEUDORABIES IN SWINE; PAYMENT OF INDEMNITY Priority: Other Significant CFR Citation: 9 CFR 52 Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 01/12/99 64 FR 2545 Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 04/16/99 Interim Final Rule 04/18/00 65 FR 20706 Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 06/19/00 Final Action To Be Determined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Adam G. Grow Phone: 301 734-3752 RIN: 0579-AB10 _______________________________________________________________________ 71. PHYTOSANITARY CERTIFICATES FOR IMPORTED FRUITS AND VEGETABLES Priority: Other Significant CFR Citation: 7 CFR 319.56 to 319.56--8 Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 08/29/01 66 FR 45637 NPRM Comment Period End 10/29/01 Next Action Undetermined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: Federal Agency Contact: Karen Bedigian Phone: 301 734-1236 RIN: 0579-AB18 _______________________________________________________________________ 72. IMPORTATION PROHIBITIONS BECAUSE OF BOVINE SPONGIFORM ENCEPHALOPATHY Priority: Other Significant CFR Citation: 9 CFR 94.18; 9 CFR 95.1; 9 CFR 95.4; 9 CFR 95.29 (New) Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ IRM Retroactively Effective 12/07/00 Interim Final Rule 08/14/01 66 FR 42595 Sec 95.29 Effective 08/14/01 Comment Period End 10/15/01 Next Action Undetermined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Donna L. Malloy Phone: 301 734-3277 RIN: 0579-AB26 _______________________________________________________________________ 73. ANIMALS DESTROYED BECAUSE OF TUBERCULOSIS; PAYMENT OF INDEMNITY Priority: Other Significant CFR Citation: 9 CFR 50 Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 02/20/02 67 FR 7583 Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 04/22/02 Final Action To Be Determined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Terry Beals Phone: 301 734-5467 RIN: 0579-AB29 _______________________________________________________________________ 74. IMPORTATION OF MILK AND MILK PRODUCTS FROM FMD COUNTRIES Priority: Other Significant CFR Citation: 9 CFR 94 Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 02/18/03 68 FR 7722 NPRM Comment Period End 04/21/03 Next Action Undetermined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Karen A. James-Preston Phone: 301 734-4356 RIN: 0579-AB38 _______________________________________________________________________ 75. RISK REDUCTION STRATEGIES FOR POTENTIAL BSE PATHWAYS INVOLVING DOWNER CATTLE AND DEAD STOCK OF CATTLE AND OTHER SPECIES Priority: Other Significant CFR Citation: Not Yet Determined Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ ANPRM 01/21/03 68 FR 2703 ANPRM Comment Period End 03/24/03 Next Action Undetermined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Lisa Ferguson Phone: 301 734-8073 RIN: 0579-AB43 _______________________________________________________________________ 76. AMEND REGULATIONS TO HARMONIZE OUR IMPORT REQUIREMENTS WITH PROPOSED NATIONAL TUBERCULOSIS ERADICATION PROGRAM Priority: Other Significant CFR Citation: 9 CFR 93 Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM To Be Determined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined Government Levels Affected: Undetermined Agency Contact: S. Anne Goodman Phone: 301 734-4929 RIN: 0579-AB44 [[Page 37204]] _______________________________________________________________________ 77. COST-SHARING FOR ANIMAL AND PLANT HEALTH EMERGENCY PROGRAMS Priority: Other Significant CFR Citation: 7 CFR 373; 9 CFR 60 Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 07/08/03 68 FR 40541 NPRM Comment Period End 11/07/03 Next Action Undetermined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: Undetermined Agency Contact: Kevin Shea Phone: 202 720-8015 RIN: 0579-AB50 _______________________________________________________________________ 78. GYPSY MOTH; INTERSTATE MOVEMENT OF REGULATED ARTICLES (SECTION 610 REVIEW) Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant CFR Citation: 7 CFR 301; 7 CFR 319 Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 05/23/03 68 FR 28157 NPRM Comment Period End 07/22/03 Final Action To Be Determined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Weyman Fussell Phone: 301 734-5705 RIN: 0579-AB55 _______________________________________________________________________ 79. BOVINE SPONGIFORM ENCEPHALOPATHY: MINIMAL RISK REGIONS AND IMPORTATION OF COMMODITIES Priority: Other Significant CFR Citation: 9 CFR 93 to 95 Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 11/04/03 68 FR 62386 NPRM Comment Period End 01/05/04 NPRM Comment Period Reopened 03/08/04 69 FR 10633 NPRM Comment Period End 04/07/04 Final Action To Be Determined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: Federal Agency Contact: Karen A. James-Preston Phone: 301 734-4356 RIN: 0579-AB73 _______________________________________________________________________ 80. IMPORTATION OF CLEMENTINES, MANDARINS, AND TANGERINES FROM CHILE Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 7 USC 450; 7 USC 7701 to 7772; 21 USC 136 to 136a CFR Citation: 7 CFR 319 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This rulemaking would amend the fruits and vegetables regulations to allow the importation, under certain conditions, of clementines, mandarins, and tangerines from Chile into the United States. Based on the evidence in a recent pest risk assessment and an accompanying risk management document, we believe these articles can be safely imported from all provinces of Chile, provided certain conditions are met. This action would provide for the importation of clementines, mandarins, and tangerines from Chile into the United States while continuing to protect the United States against the introduction of plant pests. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 03/22/04 69 FR 13262 NPRM Comment Period End 05/21/04 Next Action Undetermined To Be Determined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: None Additional Information: APHIS documents published in the Federal Register and related information, including the names of organizations and individuals who have commented on APHIS dockets, are available on the Internet at http://www.aphis.usda.gov/ppd/rad/webrepor.html. Agency Contact: Ms. Karen Bedigian, Import Specialist, PIM, PPQ, Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, 4700 River Road, Unit 140, Riverdale, MD 20737-1236 Phone: 301 734-1236 RIN: 0579-AB77 _______________________________________________________________________ 81. IMPORTATION OF SMALL LOTS OF SEED WITHOUT PHYTOSANITARY CERTIFICATES Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 7 USC 450; 7 USC 7701 to 7772; 21 USC 136 to 136a CFR Citation: 7 CFR 319 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This proposed rulemaking would amend the nursery stock regulations to allow the importation of small lots of seed under an import permit with specific conditions as an alternative to the current phytosanitary certificate requirement. This proposed change is necessary because several entities that import small lots of seed-- individual importers, horticultural societies, arboreta, and small businesses--have had difficulty obtaining the necessary certificates and have been adversely affected by the phytosanitary certificate requirement. The proposed change would make it feasible for those entities to import small lots of seed and would ensure prompt and consistent service for such importers while continuing to protect against the introduction of plant pests into the United States and providing the Animal and Plant Inspection Service with necessary information about the quality, quantity, and diversity of the imported material. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 04/29/04 69 FR 23451 NPRM Comment Period End 06/28/04 Next Action Undetermined To Be Determined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Additional Information: APHIS documents published in the Federal Register and related information, including the names of organizations and individuals who have commented on APHIS dockets, are available on the Internet at http://www.aphis.usda.gov/ppd/rad/webrepor.html. Agency Contact: Dr. Arnold T. Tschanz, Senior Staff Officer, Regulatory Coordination Staff, PPQ, [[Page 37205]] Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Unit 141, 4700 River Road, Riverdale, MD 20737-1236 Phone: 301 734-5306 RIN: 0579-AB78 _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Agriculture (USDA) Completed Actions Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) _______________________________________________________________________ 82. BLOOD AND TISSUE COLLECTION AT SLAUGHTERING AND RENDERING ESTABLISHMENTS Priority: Other Significant CFR Citation: 9 CFR 71 Completed: ________________________________________________________________________ Reason Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 03/04/04 69 FR 10137 Final Action Effective 03/04/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: Federal Agency Contact: Diane Sutton Phone: 301 734-6954 RIN: 0579-AB13 _______________________________________________________________________ 83. PLUM POX COMPENSATION Priority: Other Significant CFR Citation: 7 CFR 301.74--5 Completed: ________________________________________________________________________ Reason Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 10/16/03 68 FR 59548 Final Action 06/01/04 69 FR 30815 Final Action Effective 07/01/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Stephen R. Poe Phone: 301 734-8247 RIN: 0579-AB19 _______________________________________________________________________ 84. VETERINARY DIAGNOSTIC USER FEES--5-YEAR PLAN FOR FEES (COMPLETION OF A SECTION 610 REVIEW) Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 5 USC 5542; 7 USC 1622; 7 USC 8301 to 8317; 21 USC 136 to 136a; 31 USC 3701; 31 USC 3716 to 3717; 31 USC 3719; 31 USC 3720A CFR Citation: 9 CFR 130 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This action will increase the user fees for multiple fiscal years for APHIS' Veterinary Services' veterinary diagnostic user fee goods and services. This action is necessary in order to ensure that we recover the full costs of providing these goods and services. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 07/24/03 68 FR 43661 NPRM Comment Period End 09/22/03 Final Action 05/06/04 69 FR 25305 Final Action Effective 07/07/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Additional Information: APHIS documents published in the Federal Register and related information, including the names of organizations and individuals who have commented on APHIS dockets, are available on the Internet at http://www.aphis.usda.gov/ppd/rad/webrepor.html. Agency Contact: Donna Ford, User Fee Section Head, FSSB, BASE, MRPBS, Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Unit 140, 4700 River Road, Riverdale, MD 20737-1236 Phone: 301 734-8351 RIN: 0579-AB22 _______________________________________________________________________ 85. INFECTIOUS SALMON ANEMIA; PAYMENT OF INDEMNITY Priority: Other Significant CFR Citation: 9 CFR 53 Completed: ________________________________________________________________________ Reason Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 04/28/04 69 FR 23087 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: State Agency Contact: Jill Rolland Phone: 301 734-8069 RIN: 0579-AB37 _______________________________________________________________________ 86. ANIMAL WELFARE; POLICY ON TRAINING AND HANDLING OF POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS ANIMALS Priority: Other Significant CFR Citation: 9 CFR 3 Completed: ________________________________________________________________________ Reason Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Agency Decision 05/28/04 69 FR 30601 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Barbara Kohn Phone: 301 734-7833 Related RIN: Previously reported as 0579-AB12 RIN: 0579-AB39 _______________________________________________________________________ 87. ANIMAL WELFARE; TRANSPORTATION OF ANIMALS ON INTERNATIONAL CARRIERS Priority: Other Significant CFR Citation: 9 CFR 1 to 3 Completed: ________________________________________________________________________ Reason Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Determination to Regulate 10/10/03 68 FR 58575 Comment Period End 12/09/03 Final Action 04/06/04 69 FR 17899 Determination to Regulate Effective 04/07/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: Undetermined Agency Contact: Jerry DePoyster Phone: 301 734-7586 RIN: 0579-AB51 _______________________________________________________________________ 88. PROCEDURES FOR REESTABLISHING A REGION AS FREE OF A DISEASE Priority: Other Significant CFR Citation: 9 CFR 92 [[Page 37206]] Completed: ________________________________________________________________________ Reason Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 05/10/04 69 FR 25817 Final Action Effective 06/09/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Gary Colgrove Phone: 301 734-4356 RIN: 0579-AB53 _______________________________________________________________________ 89. IMPORTATION OF ORCHIDS OF THE GENUS PHALAENOPSIS FROM TAIWAN IN GROWING MEDIA Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 7 USC 450; 7 USC 7701 to 7772; 21 USC 136 to 136a CFR Citation: 7 CFR 319 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This action would amend the regulations governing the importation of plants and plant products to add orchids of the genus Phalaenopsis from Taiwan to the list of plants that may be imported in an approved growing medium subject to specified growing, inspection, and certification requirements. We are taking this action in response to a request by Taiwan and after determining that Phalaenopsis spp. plants established in growing media can be imported without resulting in the introduction into theUnited States or the dissemination within the United States of a plant pest or noxious weed. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 05/05/04 69 FR 24916 Final Action Effective 06/04/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: None Additional Information: APHIS documents published in the Federal Register and related information, including the names of organizations and individuals who have commented on APHIS dockets, are available on the Internet at http://www.aphis.usda.gov/ppd/rad/webrepor.html. Agency Contact: Jeanne Van Dersal, Import Specialist, Phytosanitary Issues Management, PPQ, Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, 4700 River Road, Unit 140, Riverdale, MD 20737-1236 Phone: 301 734-8537 RIN: 0579-AB75 BILLING CODE 3410--34--S _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Agriculture (USDA) Proposed Rule Stage Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service (CSREES) _______________________________________________________________________ 90. CSREES AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH FORMULA PROGRAMS--ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 7 USC 361a et seq; 7 USC 1445; 7 USC 1622; 16 USC 582a et seq CFR Citation: Not Yet Determined Legal Deadline: None Abstract: Passage of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002, sections 7202, 7204, 7212, and 7213, has resulted in the need for CSREES to clarify its distribution of funding, matching requirements, carryover provisions, and reporting requirements for the Hatch Act funds, Hatch Multi-State Research funds, Evans-Allen Program funds, McIntire-Stennis Cooperative Forestry Act funds, and Animal Health and Disease Research funds. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 06/00/05 Final Action 12/00/05 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Ellen Danus, Policy Specialist, Department of Agriculture, Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service, STOP 2299, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250- 2299 Phone: 202 401-4325 Fax: 202 401-7752 Email: edanus@reeusda.gov RIN: 0524-AA27 _______________________________________________________________________ 91. CSREES NON-FORMULA GRANT PROGRAMS--ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 7 USC 450i; PL 101-624; PL 105-185; PL 104-127; . . . CFR Citation: 7 CFR 3427; 7 CFR 3400; 7 CFR 3402; 7 CFR 3405; 7 CFR 3406; . . . Legal Deadline: None Abstract: CSREES plans to propose one administrative provision that contains the elements common to all of the competitive and noncompetitive grant programs it administers. In a relatively short period of time, this will allow the Agency to apply basic rules to grant programs that are currently operating without them, including new non-formula grant programs created by the passage of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 06/00/04 Final Action 12/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Erin Daly, Policy Specialist, Department of Agriculture, Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service, STOP 2299, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250- 2299 Phone: 202 401-3319 Fax: 202 401-7752 Email: edaly@reeusda.gov RIN: 0524-AA28 _______________________________________________________________________ 92. GUIDELINES FOR HATCH MULTISTATE RESEARCH FUND Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 7 USC 361c CFR Citation: Not Yet Determined Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The guidelines will be the administrative provisions for the Hatch Multistate Research Funds allocated to the State Agricultural Experiment Stations. This rule also includes the [[Page 37207]] allocation and distribution method for these funds. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 10/00/04 Final Action 03/00/05 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Janet Downey, Staff Accountant, Department of Agriculture, Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service, Waterfront Centre, 800 9th St., SW, Washington, DC 20024 Phone: 202 205-0453 Fax: 202 401 3481 Email: jdowney@csrees.usda.gov RIN: 0524-AA29 _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Agriculture (USDA) Final Rule Stage Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service (CSREES) _______________________________________________________________________ 93. MATCHING REQUIREMENTS FOR FORMULA FUNDS FOR AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH AND EXTENSION ACTIVITIES AT THE 1890 LAND-GRANT INSTITUTIONS AND AT THE 1862 LAND-GRANT INSTITUTIONS IN INSULAR AREAS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 7 USC 361a et seq; 7 USC 341 et seq; 7 USC 1449 CFR Citation: 7 CFR 3419 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: Passage of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002, sections 7212 and 7213, has changed the matching requirements for the 1890 Land-Grant Institutions and the 1862 Land-Grant Institutions in insular areas. Issues regarding the use of matching funds, sources of matching funds, and matching waivers for the Insular 1862 Land-Grant Institutions need to be clarified. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 04/29/03 68 FR 23014 NPRM Comment Period End 06/30/03 Final Action 09/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Ellen Danus, Policy Specialist, Department of Agriculture, Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service, STOP 2299, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250- 2299 Phone: 202 401-4325 Fax: 202 401-7752 Email: edanus@reeusda.gov RIN: 0524-AA25 _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Agriculture (USDA) Long-Term Actions Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service (CSREES) _______________________________________________________________________ 94. CSREES AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION FORMULA PROGRAMS--ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant CFR Citation: Not Yet Determined Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 12/00/05 Final Action 06/00/06 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Ellen Danus Phone: 202 401-4325 Fax: 202 401-7752 Email: edanus@reeusda.gov RIN: 0524-AA26 BILLING CODE 3410--09--S _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Agriculture (USDA) Proposed Rule Stage Rural Housing Service (RHS) _______________________________________________________________________ 95. CIVIL RIGHTS COMPLIANCE REQUIREMENTS--1901-E TO 1940-D Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: PL 100-259; 29 USC 794; PL 94-135; 42 USC 6101 et seq; PL 94-239; 15 USC 1601 et seq; EO 11246; PL 88-352; 42 USC 2000d et seq; PL 90-284; 42 USC 3601 to 3619; PL 100-430; PL 92-318; 20 USC 1681 et seq; PL 93-112; EO 12898 CFR Citation: 7 CFR 15; 12 CFR 202; 28 CFR 42; 45 CFR 90; 41 CFR 60 to 64; 24 CFR 14; 7 CFR 1940 subpart D; 7 CFR 1901 subpart E Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Agency intends to publish a proposed rule to effectuate a comprehensive civil rights regulation implementing the following laws: The Equal Credit Opportunity Act (ECOA); title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964; title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968, as amended by the Fair Housing Amendments Act of 1988 (The Fair Housing Act); section 504 Federally Conducted and Federally Assisted Programs; title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972; Age Discrimination Act of 1975; and Executive Orders 11246 and 12898 (Environmental Justice). The revised regulations will provide detailed guidelines for field offices for improved enforcement and compliance with these laws, which heavily impact the Agency's programs. Mechanisms for monitoring compliance by field offices and recipients of Federal financial assistance at all levels will decrease the Agency's vulnerability that exists due to noncompliance with recently enacted Civil Rights legislation. [[Page 37208]] Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 03/00/05 NPRM Comment Period End 05/00/05 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined Government Levels Affected: Undetermined Agency Contact: Carlton L. Lewis, Chief, Program Compliance Branch, Department of Agriculture, Rural Housing Service, STOP 0703, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 202 692-0097 TDD Phone: 202 692-0107 Fax: 202 692-0305 Email: carlton.lewis@usda.gov RIN: 0575-AA83 _______________________________________________________________________ 96. NATIONAL FLOOD INSURANCE REGULATIONS Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 7 USC 1989; 42 USC 1480; 42 USC 4012a; 42 USC 4104b; 42 USC 4106; 42 USC 4128; PL 91-152; PL 93-234; PL 103-325; . . . CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1926, subpart B; 7 CFR 1806, subpart B Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Agency is rewriting its regulations to conform to the requirements of the National Flood Insurance Reform Act of 1994 (NFIRA). Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 07/00/04 NPRM Comment Period End 09/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses, Governmental Jurisdictions, Organizations Government Levels Affected: State, Local, Tribal, Federal Agency Contact: Brian LaFlamme, Environmental Protection Specialist, Department of Agriculture, Rural Housing Service, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, STOP 0761, Room 6900, Washington, DC 20250-0761 Phone: 202 720-9656 Email: brian.laflamme@usda.gov RIN: 0575-AC07 _______________________________________________________________________ 97. SERVICING COMMUNITY PROGRAMS LOANS AND GRANTS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 5 USC 301; 7 USC 1989; 31 USC 3711; 42 USC 1480 CFR Citation: 7 CFR 3570 subpart E; 7 CFR 1951 subpart E; 7 CFR 1951 subpart O; 7 CFR 1955 subpart A; 7 CFR 1955 subpart B; 7 CFR 1955 subpart C; 7 CFR 1956 subpart C; 7 CFR 1951 subpart F Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Agency will consolidate seven regulations containing Community Facility (CF) servicing information into one, streamlined regulation. The Agency will also make changes to improve the servicing options available to CF borrowers. In Community Programs, our goal is to work with borrowers to enable them to continue operating and providing essential community services to rural residents. This consolidation and the proposed changes will improve our staff's ability to service our portfolio and will ensure that the Government's investment is protected and maximized. The proposed action will have no financial impact on the public of the Agency. The consolidation and revisions of these regulations will be in the best interest of the Government and the public. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 03/00/05 NPRM Comment Period End 05/00/05 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Beth Jones, Loan Specialist, Community Programs Division, Department of Agriculture, Rural Housing Service, Room 0183/ Stop 0787, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 202 720-1498 Email: beth.jones@usda.gov RIN: 0575-AC12 _______________________________________________________________________ 98. SELF-HELP TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE GRANTS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 5 USC 301; 42 USC 1480 CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1944; 7 CFR 3551 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The regulations for 7 CFR 1944-I ``Self-Help Technical Assistance Grants'' is being rewritten and renumbered to 7 CFR 3551. Changes are proposed for clarification of policy and procedures relative to the: 1) Application procedure, which is changing to an annual competitive grant process; 2) labor contribution of participating families; 3) monitoring of grantee progress through Self- Help Automated Reporting and Evaluation System (SHARES); and 4) define the roles of Technical and Management Assistance Contractors. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 03/00/05 NPRM Comment Period End 05/00/05 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Carolyn Bell, Single Family Housing Direct Loan Division, Department of Agriculture, Rural Housing Service, Stop 0783, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 202 720-1532 Fax: 202 720-2232 RIN: 0575-AC20 _______________________________________________________________________ 99. COMMUNITY FACILITIES DIRECT LOAN PROGRAM--CONSOLIDATE, SIMPLIFY, AND UPDATE REGULATIONS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 7 USC 1926 CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1942, subpart A; 7 CFR 1942, subpart C Legal Deadline: None Abstract: Community Programs, a division of the Rural Housing Service, is seeking to consolidate, simplify, and update the Agency's regulations used to administer the Community Facilities Direct Loan Program. This effort will produce a user-friendly tool to help constituents and rural communities seeking to develop their essential community facilities for public use. The proposed action will have no financial impact on the public or Agency. [[Page 37209]] Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 12/00/04 NPRM Comment Period End 02/00/05 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Angela Lausman, Senior Loan Specialist, Department of Agriculture, Rural Housing Service, Room 0183/STOP 0787, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 202 720-1497 Email: angela.lausman@usda.gov RIN: 0575-AC27 _______________________________________________________________________ 100. 3550 REGULATION Priority: Other Significant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Legal Authority: 42 USC 1472 CFR Citation: 7 CFR 3550 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: Rural Housing Service intends to revise the definitions of new and existing dwellings to remove the reference to a 10-year warranty plan; remove requirement that all CLT imposed restrictions terminate upon foreclosure by the Agency; remove dollar limits and use 1 percent of insurance coverage on loss deductible clauses with the objective of recognizing the increasing cost of home ownership insurance due to higher cost of home purchase; and require homeowner education for new home buyers. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 12/00/04 NPRM Comment Period End 02/00/05 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Ethen Gillesppie, Senior Loan Specialist, Department of Agriculture, Rural Housing Service, Stop 0783, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 202 720-1482 Fax: 202 690-0702 Email: ethen.gillespie@usda.gov RIN: 0575-AC54 _______________________________________________________________________ 101. PLANNING AND PERFORMING CONSTRUCTION AND OTHER DEVELOPMENT Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Legal Authority: 7 USC 1926; 42 USC 1472; 42 USC 1476; 42 USC 1479; 42 USC 1490 CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1924, subpart A; 7 CFR 1924, subpart C; 7 CFR 1942, subpart A Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Rural Housing Service (RHS) an Agency in Rural Development is consolidating, simplifying, and updating the Agency standards for planning and developing sites and buildings to bring them in line with contemporary industry standards. This Agency regulation will contain the policies and procedures for planning and developing sites and buildings proposed for RHS financial assistance. This effort will produce a user-friendly tool to help program constituents, rural communities, and Agency personnel. The consolidation effort will also bring the requirements of these two regulations in line with the Agency's Single Family Housing, Multi-Family Housing, Community Programs, and Business and Industry regulations and handbooks. This action will have no financial impact on the public or Agency. These consolidations and technical revisions are in the best interest of the Government and public. This is a positive and needed action in RHS program delivery and will add value to the access and delivery of the Agency's programs. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 07/00/04 NPRM Comment Period End 09/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Keith A. Suerdieck, Deputy Director, Program Support Staff, Department of Agriculture, Rural Housing Service, 6th Floor, Room 6900/Stop 0761, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250- 0761 Phone: 202 720-9651 Fax: 202 690-4335 Email: keith.suerdieck@usda.gov RIN: 0575-AC55 _______________________________________________________________________ 102. ENVIRONMENTAL POLICIES AND PROCEDURES Priority: Other Significant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Legal Authority: 5 USC 301; 7 USC 1989; 42 USC 1480 CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1794; 7 CFR 1940, subpart G Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Rural Development Agencies (Rural Housing Service, Rural Utilities Service, and Rural Business-Cooperative Service) are seeking to consolidate, simplify, and update the different Agency environmental requirements into a common environmental regulation. This Rural Development regulation will replace 7 CFR 1794, the current RUS environmental regulation and 7 CFR 1940-G, the current RHS/RBS environmental regulation. This consolidation effort will produce a single user-friendly tool to help the program constituents, rural communities, and personnel of the Rural Development Agencies and bring the environmental requirements of Agency actions in line with the environmental requirements of other Federal programs for similar actions. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 06/00/04 NPRM Comment Period End 08/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Linda Rodgers, Technical Support Branch Chief, Department of Agriculture, Rural Housing Service, Room 6900/Stop 0761, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, STOP 0761, Room 6900, Washington, DC 20250-0761 Phone: 202 720-9647 Email: linda.rodgers@usda.gov RIN: 0575-AC56 [[Page 37210]] _______________________________________________________________________ 103. SERVICING OF COMMUNITY AND DIRECT BUSINESS PROGRAMS LOANS AND GRANTS--WORKOUT AGREEMENTS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 5 USC 301; 7 USC 1932; 7 USC 1989; 42 USC 1480 CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1951; 7 CFR 1956 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This action is to establish a workout agreement with delinquent borrowers to collect delinquent loans prior to referral for treasury offset. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 04/30/04 69 FR 23697 NPRM Comment Period End 06/29/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Daniel Spieldenner, Senior Loan Specialist, Department of Agriculture, Rural Housing Service, 1400 Independence Ave., S.W., STOP 0787, Washington, DC 20250-0787 Phone: 202 720-9700 Fax: 202-690-0471 Email: dan.spieldenner@usda.gov RIN: 0575-AC57 _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Agriculture (USDA) Final Rule Stage Rural Housing Service (RHS) _______________________________________________________________________ 104. MULTI-FAMILY HOUSING (MFH) REINVENTION Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 5 USC 301; 42 USC 1490a; 7 USC 1989; 42 USC 1475; 42 USC 1479; 42 USC 1480; 42 USC 1481; 42 USC 1484; 42 USC 1485; 42 USC 1486 CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1806 subpart A; 7 CFR 1955 subpart B; 7 CFR 1955 subpart C; 7 CFR 1956 subpart B; 7 CFR 1965 subpart B; 7 CFR 1965 subpart E; 7 CFR 1930 subpart C; 7 CFR 1944 subpart D; 7 CFR 1944 subpart E; 7 CFR 1951 subpart C; 7 CFR 1951 subpart D; 7 CFR 1951 subpart K; 7 CFR 1951 subpart N; 7 CFR 1955 subpart A Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Rural Housing Service (RHS) proposes to consolidate regulations pertaining to section 515 Rural Rental Housing, section 514 Farm Labor Housing Loans, section 516 Farm Labor Housing Grants, and section 521 Rental Assistance Payments. Fourteen published regulations will be reduced to one regulation and handbooks for program administration. This will simplify loan origination and portfolio management for applicants, borrowers, and housing operators, as well as Rural Development field staff. This will also provide flexibility for program modifications to reflect current and foreseeable changes. It will also reduce regulations that address solely internal Agency program administration. Finally, the regulation will be more customer friendly and responsive to the needs of the public. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 06/02/03 68 FR 32872 NPRM Comment Period End 08/01/03 Final Action 12/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Sue Harris-Green, Deputy Director, Multi-Family Housing Direct Loans, Department of Agriculture, Rural Housing Service, 6th Floor, Stop 0782, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 202 720-1660 Email: susie.harris@usda.gov RIN: 0575-AC13 _______________________________________________________________________ 105. GUARANTEED SINGLE-FAMILY HOUSING Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 5 USC 301; 7 USC 1989; 42 USC 1480 CFR Citation: 7 CFR 3555; 7 CFR 1980, subpart D Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Rural Housing Service is rewriting the regulations governing the Guaranteed Single-Family Housing program to 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 12/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: State, Local Agency Contact: Robert Keyes, Senior Loan Specialist, Department of Agriculture, Rural Housing Service, Room 2248/STOP 0784, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 202 690-4507 Fax: 202 205-2476 Email: robert.keyes@usda.gov RIN: 0575-AC18 _______________________________________________________________________ 106. GUARANTEED RURAL RENTAL HOUSING PROGRAM--SECONDARY MORTGAGE MARKET PARTICIPATION Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 5 USC 301; 7 USC 1989; 42 USC 1480 CFR Citation: 7 CFR 3565 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: Section 538 of title V of the Housing Act of 1949 authorizes USDA to make commitments to guarantee loans for the development of housing and related facilities. By this authority, the Rural Housing Service (RHS) administers the Guaranteed Rural Rental Housing Program. The RHS, through consultation with industry and government experts in the loan guarantee field, has identified barriers to the success of the program. In the case of default, regulations will be revised to allow for a timely payment [[Page 37211]] to the investor. In addition, lenders will be allowed to submit a claim for ``estimated'' losses. The RHS also intends to lower the annual guarantee fee from 50 to 25 basis points. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 06/10/03 68 FR 34552 NPRM Comment Period End 08/11/03 Final Action 08/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Douglas MacDowell, Senior Loan Specialist, Department of Agriculture, Rural Housing Service, Stop 0781, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 202 720-1627 Fax: 202 690-3444 Email: douglas.macdowell@usda.gov RIN: 0575-AC28 _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Agriculture (USDA) Completed Actions Rural Housing Service (RHS) _______________________________________________________________________ 107. OPERATING ASSISTANCE FOR MIGRANT FARMWORKER PROJECTS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1944, subpart D; 7 CFR 1930, subpart C Completed: ________________________________________________________________________ Reason Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Withdrawn 04/15/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Douglas MacDowell Phone: 202 720-1627 Fax: 202 690-3444 Email: douglas.macdowell@usda.gov RIN: 0575-AC24 _______________________________________________________________________ 108. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE TO ENCOURAGE THE DEVELOPMENT OF DOMESTIC AND MIGRANT FARM LABOR HOUSING Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1944, subpart D Completed: ________________________________________________________________________ Reason Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 10/31/02 67 FR 66308 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Douglas MacDowell Phone: 202 720-1627 Fax: 202 690-3444 Email: douglas.macdowell@usda.gov RIN: 0575-AC25 _______________________________________________________________________ 109. FIRE AND RESCUE AND OTHER COMMUNITY FACILITY PROJECTS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1942 Completed: ________________________________________________________________________ Reason Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Direct Final Rule 11/24/03 68 FR 65829 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Dan Riggs Phone: 202 720-1490 Fax: 202 690-0471 Email: dan.riggs@usda.gov Related RIN: Split from 0575-AC27 RIN: 0575-AC53 BILLING CODE 3410--XV--S _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Agriculture (USDA) Proposed Rule Stage Federal Crop Insurance Corporation (FCIC) _______________________________________________________________________ 110. GENERAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGULATIONS; SANCTIONS Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 7 USC 1506(l); PL 106-224 CFR Citation: 7 CFR 400 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: RMA plans to supplement the existing sanction authority found at 7 CFR 400.451 in order to include the revised sanctions available for offenses which occur after June 20, 2001, the date of passage of the Agricultural Risk Protection Act of 2000. This action will supplement the existing regulations which remain effective for all offenses occurring before June 20, 2000. This rule will contain guidelines for the level of sanctions that may be imposed, waiver authority on the part of the Administrator or designee, examples of sanctionable offenses, and the evidentiary standards to be followed. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 09/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Robert J. Crockett, Sanction Officer, Department of Agriculture, Federal Crop Insurance Corporation, 430 G Street, Suite 4167, Davis, CA 95616-4167 Phone: 530 792-5864 RIN: 0563-AB73 _______________________________________________________________________ 111. COMMON CROP INSURANCE REGULATIONS; NURSERY CROP INSURANCE PROVISIONS Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 7 USC 1506(l); 7 USC 1506(p) CFR Citation: 7 CFR 457 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The purpose of this proposed rule is to solicit public comments on FCIC's proposed action to revise the Nursery Crop Provisions for the 2006 crop year to: Specify that container grown and field grown plants are separate crops, provide optional units by location for field grown nursery plants, incorporate the ``lower of'' rule into section 6 of the provisions, permit insureds to purchase insurance [[Page 37212]] coverage on a year-round basis, and incorporate provisions to provide a rehabilitation payment for plants damaged by an insured cause of loss. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 07/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Timothy Hoffmann, Director, Product Development Branch, Department of Agriculture, Federal Crop Insurance Corporation, 6501 Beacon Drive, Kansas City, MO 64133 Phone: 816 926-7743 RIN: 0563-AB80 _______________________________________________________________________ 112. GENERAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGULATIONS; ACTUAL PRODUCTION HISTORY (APH) Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 7 USC 1506 (l); 7 USC 1506 (p) CFR Citation: 7 CFR 400 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: To revise actual production history regulations to reflect changes in calculation of approved APH yields as mandated by the Agricultural Risk Protection Act of 2000. Revisions will include: Assigned yields for crops produced on land not farmed before (added land), rotations to crops not previously produced (new crops), and for prevented planting acreage if planted to a substitute crop; adjustments for successful pest control efforts and for organic crops destroyed to maintain organic certification; and substitution of 60 percent of the transitional yield for low actual yields if producers elect that option. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 09/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Timothy Hoffmann, Director, Product Development Branch, Department of Agriculture, Federal Crop Insurance Corporation, 6501 Beacon Drive, Kansas City, MO 64133 Phone: 816 926-7743 RIN: 0563-AB83 _______________________________________________________________________ 113. COMMON CROP INSURANCE REGULATIONS; PEANUT CROP INSURANCE PROVISIONS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 7 USC 1506(l); 7 USC 1506(p) CFR Citation: 7 CFR 457 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The purpose of this rule is to solicit public comments on FCIC's proposed action to amend the Peanut Crop Provisions. FCIC is soliciting public comment to allow optional units for peanuts to be established in accordance with section 34 of the Common Crop Insurance Policy Basic Provisions. The Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (FSRI) repealed peanut quotas, and as result RMA converted the peanut program into an Actual Production History plan of insurance. This proposed change will allow peanut producers to have optional unit with an appropriate rate surcharge, which is consistent with other insurable crops grown by peanut producers in the area on the basis of the requirements as stated in section 34 of the Common Crop Insurance Policy Basic Provisions. Also, peanut producers have expressed that the RMA consider allowing producers to insure their peanuts on the basis of a ``contract price.'' Therefore, RMA is requesting public comment as to the feasibility and possible approaches for insuring peanuts at a ``contract price'' when grown under a processor contract. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 05/17/04 69 FR 27864 NPRM Comment Period End 06/16/04 Final Action 09/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Timothy Hoffmann, Director, Product Development Branch, Department of Agriculture, Federal Crop Insurance Corporation, 6501 Beacon Drive, Kansas City, MO 64133 Phone: 816 926-7743 RIN: 0563-AB93 _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Agriculture (USDA) Final Rule Stage Federal Crop Insurance Corporation (FCIC) _______________________________________________________________________ 114. GENERAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGULATIONS; NONSTANDARD UNDERWRITING CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 7 USC 1506(l); 7 USC 1506(p) CFR Citation: 7 CFR 400 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: Nonstandard Underwriting Classification System (NCS): NCS was criticized by producers and their representatives for several years and became a major issue with the repetitive floods in the upper Midwest and multi-year droughts in the Southwest. Complaints included claims that the NCS procedures: 1) Did not adequately exclude widespread causes of loss (disaster adjustment); 2) failed to recognize diverse conditions within a county; 3) unfairly hit new or struggling producers caught by repetitive disasters; and 4) set too high a premium for those producers listed. Additionally, administration of the NCS process was complicated, sometimes subjective, and labor intensive. The Advanced Notice of Proposed Rulemaking that was published in the Federal Register in September 1997 sought comments from the public on options to improve NCS. Twenty-two comments were received in response to the advanced notice. RMA decided to replace NCS with a process that charged appropriate rates for those producers with adverse loss experience and less than average production histories. RMA examined increasing premium rates based on producers' lower APH yields and using a surcharge based on [[Page 37213]] use of the yield floor (or some other identifiable indicator of adverse experience) to determine if these measures would adequately address the need to increase premiums for those producers with the most adverse loss histories based on the frequency and severity of losses. After reviewing past NCS experienceon the existing book of business, it was determined that appropriate rate increases for those producers whose APH yields were less than average would compensate entirely for the elimination of NCS. RMA implemented the following actions to accomplish the goal of replacing NCS beginning with the 1999 crop year: -- Removed and reserved the current NCS regulation (7 CFR part 400, subpart O) by publishing a proposed rule in the Federal Register. The final rule is pending clearance; however, the Agency proceeded with the process and has waived NCS since 1999. -- Developed and implemented appropriate rate adjustments to offset the removal of NCS. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ ANPRM 09/17/97 62 FR 48798 ANPRM Comment Period End 10/17/97 NPRM 09/02/98 63 FR 46703 NPRM Comment Period End 10/19/98 Final Action 08/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Timothy Hoffmann, Director, Product Development Branch, Department of Agriculture, Federal Crop Insurance Corporation, 6501 Beacon Drive, Kansas City, MO 64133 Phone: 816 926-7743 RIN: 0563-AB66 _______________________________________________________________________ 115. COMMON CROP INSURANCE REGULATIONS; BLUEBERRY CROP INSURANCE PROVISIONS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 7 USC 1506(l); 7 USC 1506(p) CFR Citation: 7 CFR 457 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The purpose of this rule is to convert the blueberry pilot insurance program to a permanent insurance program. The pilot was initiated for the 1995 crop year for selected counties in Michigan, Mississippi, New Jersey, and North Carolina and covered highbush and rabbiteye blueberry varieties. This action will add provisions for quality adjustment for mature blueberries, provide standards to determine marketable blueberry production and define damaged blueberries. This action will also include additional insurance benefits such as quality adjustment and clarify existing policy provisions to better meet the needs of the insured and improve actuarial soundness. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 07/30/03 68 FR 44668 NPRM Comment Period End 09/29/03 Final Action 08/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Timothy Hoffmann, Director, Product Development Branch, Department of Agriculture, Federal Crop Insurance Corporation, 6501 Beacon Drive, Kansas City, MO 64133 Phone: 816 926-7743 RIN: 0563-AB76 _______________________________________________________________________ 116. GENERAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGULATIONS; SUBMISSION OF POLICIES AND PROVISIONS OF POLICIES AND RATES OF PREMIUMS Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 7 USC 1506(l); 7 USC 1506(p) CFR Citation: 7 CFR 400 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: Minor revisions will be made to the regulation for clarification and other revisions will be made as specified: Remove the need to publish policies from 508(h) submissions as a Notice of Availability in the Federal Register; information will be made available electronically to producers and approved insurance providers; confidential information may be withheld from the public under the standard for privileged or confidential information pertaining to trade secrets and commercial or financial information even after approval by the Board; there will be an expert review of submissions; the applicant will be notified in writing at least 30 days prior to the Board disapproving a submission, if the Board intends to disapprove the submission; a submission will be deemed approved by the Board if the Board fails to make a determination within a prescribed time period; applicants will be reimbursed for research and developmental costs and maintenance costs; and companies selling the product will pay fees to the developer of the product after the fourth year of the applicant being paid maintenance costs unless maintenance for the product is transferred to FCIC. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 07/16/01 66 FR 36951 NPRM Comment Period End 08/15/01 Interim Final Rule 09/17/01 66 FR 47949 Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 11/16/01 Final Action 09/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Timothy Hoffmann, Director, Product Development Branch, Department of Agriculture, Federal Crop Insurance Corporation, 6501 Beacon Drive, Kansas City, MO 64133 Phone: 816 926-7743 RIN: 0563-AB84 _______________________________________________________________________ 117. COMMON CROP INSURANCE REGULATIONS; PROCESSING TOMATO CROP INSURANCE PROVISIONS Priority: Routine and Frequent Legal Authority: 7 USC 1506(l); 7 USC 1506(p) CFR Citation: 7 CFR 457 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The purpose of this rule is to amend the Common Crop Insurance Policy: Processing Tomato Crop Insurance Provisions to clarify that producers who have production contracts with tomato brokers are eligible for insurance. Current provisions do not clearly relay this intent. The rule will require a tomato broker to have all licenses and permits required by the State in which it [[Page 37214]] operates, and to have a long term agreement in writing with a processor to purchase and deliver processing tomatoes. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 11/14/03 68 FR 64570 NPRM Comment Period End 01/13/04 Final Action 07/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Timothy Hoffmann, Director, Product Development Branch, Department of Agriculture, Federal Crop Insurance Corporation, 6501 Beacon Drive, Kansas City, MO 64133 Phone: 816 926-7743 RIN: 0563-AB90 _______________________________________________________________________ 118. COMMON CROP INSURANCE REGULATIONS; PECAN REVENUE CROP INSURANCE PROVISIONS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 7 USC 1506(l); 7 USC 1506(p) CFR Citation: 7 CFR 457 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The purpose of this rule is to convert the pecan revenue pilot crop insurance program to a permanent insurance program. The pilot was initiated for the 1998 crop year for selected counties in Georgia, New Mexico, and Texas and covered only the improved pecan varieties. On September 19, 2002, FCIC's Board of Directors voted to expand the pilot pecan program into 79 additional counties in Georgia for the 2003 crop year and to convert the program to a permanent program effective for the 2005 crop year. As a result of the pilot review, several changes were made to the policy as follows: Changed the cancellation and termination dates, end of insurance date, and sales closing date to better meet the needs of the pecan producer; removed language that prohibited insurance to be provided by written agreement only for counties where the pecan actuarial documents have been filed; and removed language that is a duplication of the Basic Provisions language. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 03/10/04 69 FR 11342 NPRM Comment Period End 04/09/04 Final Action 07/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Timothy Hoffmann, Director, Product Development Branch, Department of Agriculture, Federal Crop Insurance Corporation, 6501 Beacon Drive, Kansas City, MO 64133 Phone: 816 926-7743 RIN: 0563-AB91 _______________________________________________________________________ 119. COMMON CROP INSURANCE REGULATIONS; APPLE CROP INSURANCE PROVISIONS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 7 USC 1506(l); 7 USC 1506(p) CFR Citation: 7 CFR 457 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The purpose of this rule is to solicit public comments on FCIC's proposed action to revise the Apple Crop Provisions, 7 CFR part 457.158. FCIC solicited public comment on: 1) Raising the floor of the insurable grade from U.S. cider grade to U.S. No. 1 Processing in the base policy. Due to changes in the apple industry, cider grade apples have no value; and 2) revising the Fresh Fruit Option B that provides quality for fresh apples that do not make U.S. fancy to provide all perils and eliminateseveral options under the current program and provide simplification and certainty to the apple crop insurance program. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 03/29/04 69 FR 16181 NPRM Comment Period End 04/28/04 Final Action 07/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Timothy Hoffmann, Director, Product Development Branch, Department of Agriculture, Federal Crop Insurance Corporation, 6501 Beacon Drive, Kansas City, MO 64133 Phone: 816 926-7743 RIN: 0563-AB92 _______________________________________________________________________ 120. GENERAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGULATIONS, BASIC PROVISIONS Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 7 USC 1506(l); 7 USC 1506(p) CFR Citation: 7 CFR 457 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Federal Crop Insurance Corporation (FCIC) finalizes the Group Risk Plan of Insurance Regulations (GRP Provisions) and the Common Crop Insurance Regulations, Basic Provisions (Basic Provisions), to make revisions that will reduce program vulnerabilities and clarify existing policy provisions to better meet the needs of the insured. Further, FCIC is making conforming amendments to the General Administrative Regulations, subpart L--Reinsurance Agreement--Standards for Approval; Regulations for the 1997 and Subsequent Reinsurance Years and subpart P--Preemption of State Laws and Regulations, and the Catastrophic Risk Protection Endorsement. The changes will apply for the 2005 and succeeding crop years for all crops with a contract change date on or after the effective date of this rule, and for the 2006 and succeeding crop years for all crops with a contract change date prior to the effective date of this rule. In addition, FCIC is finalizing the interim rule published on June 30, 2000, implementing statutory mandates of the Agricultural Risk Protection Act of 2000 (ARPA). Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 09/18/02 67 FR 58912 NPRM Comment Period End 10/18/02 NPRM Comment Period Extended 10/28/02 67 FR 65732 Comment Period End 11/12/02 Final Rule Effective 06/18/03 68 FR 37697 Final Rule 06/25/03 68 FR 37697 Final Action 07/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Timothy Hoffmann, Director, Product Development Branch, [[Page 37215]] Department of Agriculture, Federal Crop Insurance Corporation, 6501 Beacon Drive, Kansas City, MO 64133 Phone: 816 926-7743 Related RIN: Related to 0563-AB85 RIN: 0563-AB94 _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Agriculture (USDA) Completed Actions Federal Crop Insurance Corporation (FCIC) _______________________________________________________________________ 121. GENERAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGULATIONS; SUBPART D; APPLICATION FOR CROP INSURANCE Priority: Other Significant CFR Citation: 7 CFR 400 Completed: ________________________________________________________________________ Reason Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Withdrawn 04/30/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Timothy Hoffmann Phone: 816 926-7743 RIN: 0563-AB00 _______________________________________________________________________ 122. GENERAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGULATIONS; PREMIUM REDUCTIONS; PAYMENTS OF REBATES, DIVIDENDS, AND PATRONAGE REFUNDS; AND PAYMENTS TO INSURED-OWNED AND RECORD-CONTROLLING ENTITIES Priority: Other Significant CFR Citation: 7 CFR 400 Completed: ________________________________________________________________________ Reason Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Withdrawn 04/30/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Heyward Baker Phone: 202 720-4232 RIN: 0563-AB70 _______________________________________________________________________ 123. GENERAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGULATIONS; MOVEMENT OF BUSINESS AMONG INSURANCE PROVIDERS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant CFR Citation: 7 CFR 400 Completed: ________________________________________________________________________ Reason Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Withdrawn 04/30/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Heyward Baker Phone: 202 720-4232 RIN: 0563-AB71 _______________________________________________________________________ 124. CATASTROPHIC RISK PROTECTION ENDORSEMENT; GROUP RISK PLAN OF INSURANCE REGULATIONS; BASIC PROVISIONS Priority: Other Significant CFR Citation: 7 CFR 402; 7 CFR 407; 7 CFR 457 Completed: ________________________________________________________________________ Reason Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Withdrawn 04/30/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Timothy Hoffmann Phone: 816 926-7743 RIN: 0563-AB81 _______________________________________________________________________ 125. GENERAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGULATIONS; SUBPART L--REINSURANCE AGREEMENT--STANDARDS FOR APPROVAL; REGULATIONS FOR THE 1997 AND SUBSEQUENT REINSURANCE YEARS Priority: Other Significant CFR Citation: 7 CFR 400 Completed: ________________________________________________________________________ Reason Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Withdrawn 04/30/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Heyward Baker Phone: 202 720-4232 RIN: 0563-AB86 _______________________________________________________________________ 126. COMMON CROP INSURANCE REGULATIONS Priority: Other Significant CFR Citation: 7 CFR 457.101; 7 CFR 457.161 Completed: ________________________________________________________________________ Reason Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 04/29/04 69 FR 23417 Final Action Effective 06/01/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Timothy Hoffmann Phone: 816 926-7743 RIN: 0563-AB87 _______________________________________________________________________ 127. GENERAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGULATIONS; QUALITY ASSURANCE AND PERFORMANCE MEASUREMENT SYSTEM FOR THE FEDERAL CROP INSURANCE PROGRAM Priority: Other Significant CFR Citation: 7 CFR 400 Completed: ________________________________________________________________________ Reason Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Withdrawn 04/30/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Heyward Baker Phone: 202 720-4232 RIN: 0563-AB88 _______________________________________________________________________ 128. COMMON CROP INSURANCE REGULATIONS; SUNFLOWER, COARSE GRAINS, SAFFLOWER, DRY PEA, RICE, AND DRY BEAN CROP INSURANCE PROVISIONS Priority: Other Significant CFR Citation: 7 CFR 457 [[Page 37216]] Completed: ________________________________________________________________________ Reason Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action Effective 06/01/04 69 FR 23417 Final Action 04/29/04 69 FR 23417 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Timothy Hoffmann Phone: 816 926-7743 RIN: 0563-AB89 BILLING CODE 3410--08--S _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Agriculture (USDA) Proposed Rule Stage Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration (GIPSA) _______________________________________________________________________ 129. PROCESS VERIFICATION SERVICE AND ASSOCIATED FEES Priority: Other Significant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Legal Authority: 7 USC 1621 CFR Citation: 7 CFR 868.31 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: GIPSA is proposing to establish a process verification service for grain, rice, pulses and processed commodities derived there from, and associated user fees under the authority of the AMA of 1946. This service is being proposed to provide United States Agriculture assistance in facilitating the marketing of grain and similar commodities. GIPSA also proposes to remove regulations which prohibit crop year, variety, and origin statements because the process verification program could serve as an industry tool for identifying these traits. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 12/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: H. Tess Butler, Regulatory Liaison, Department of Agriculture, Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration, STOP 3604, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 202 720-7486 Fax: 202 690-2755 Email: h.tess.butler@usda.gov RIN: 0580-AA85 _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Agriculture (USDA) Completed Actions Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration (GIPSA) _______________________________________________________________________ 130. TOLERANCES FOR DIVIDERS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant CFR Citation: 7 CFR 801.10 Completed: ________________________________________________________________________ Reason Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Direct Final Rule 10/23/03 68 FR 60617 Comment Period End 11/24/03 Direct Final Rule Effective 12/22/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: H. Tess Butler Phone: 202 720-7486 Fax: 202 690-2755 Email: h.tess.butler@usda.gov RIN: 0580-AA57 _______________________________________________________________________ 131. REVIEW INSPECTION REQUIREMENTS Priority: Other Significant CFR Citation: 7 CFR 800.125; 7 CFR 800.135; 7 CFR 800.87 Completed: ________________________________________________________________________ Reason Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 10/28/03 68 FR 61326 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: H. Tess Butler Phone: 202 720-7486 Fax: 202 690-2755 Email: h.tess.butler@usda.gov RIN: 0580-AA58 _______________________________________________________________________ 132. LIVESTOCK PURCHASE OR SALE: PROHIBIT NONREPORTING OF PRICE Priority: Other Significant CFR Citation: 9 CFR 201.54 Completed: ________________________________________________________________________ Reason Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Withdrawn 04/01/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: H. Tess Butler Phone: 202 720-7486 Fax: 202 690-2755 Email: h.tess.butler@usda.gov RIN: 0580-AA65 _______________________________________________________________________ 133. PROHIBITION ON DISGUISING GRAIN QUALITY Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant CFR Citation: 7 CFR 800.61 Completed: ________________________________________________________________________ Reason Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Withdrawn 04/01/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: H. Tess Butler Phone: 202 720-7486 Fax: 202 690-2755 Email: h.tess.butler@usda.gov RIN: 0580-AA77 _______________________________________________________________________ 134. FEES FOR OFFICIAL INSPECTION AND OFFICIAL WEIGHING SERVICES Priority: Other Significant CFR Citation: 7 CFR 800.71 Completed: ________________________________________________________________________ Reason Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 11/19/03 68 FR 65210 Final Action 05/13/04 69 FR 26476 Final Action Effective 06/13/04 [[Page 37217]] Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: H. Tess Butler Phone: 202 720-7486 Fax: 202 690-2755 Email: h.tess.butler@usda.gov RIN: 0580-AA80 _______________________________________________________________________ 135. FEES FOR PROCESSED COMMODITY ANALYTICAL SERVICES Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant CFR Citation: 7 CFR 868.90 Completed: ________________________________________________________________________ Reason Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 01/13/04 69 FR 1893 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: H. Tess Butler Phone: 202 720-7486 Fax: 202 690-2755 Email: h.tess.butler@usda.gov RIN: 0580-AA84 BILLING CODE 3410--EN--S _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Agriculture (USDA) Proposed Rule Stage Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) _______________________________________________________________________ 136. DISQUALIFIED RECIPIENT REPORTING AND COMPUTER MATCHING REQUIREMENTS THAT AFFECT THE FOOD STAMP PROGRAM Priority: Other Significant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Legal Authority: 5 USC 552(a) Computer Matching and Privacy Protection Act; 7 USC 2015(b) Food Stamp Act CFR Citation: 7 CFR 272; 7 CFR 273 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This proposed rule describes requirements for State agencies to report information on individuals disqualified from the program for intentional program violations to FNS and codifies prisoner verification and death master file matching mandated by legislation and previously implemented through agency directive. (89-010) Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 06/00/05 NPRM Comment Period End 08/00/05 Final Action 06/00/06 Final Action Effective 09/00/06 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: Local, State Agency Contact: Sharon Ackerman, Agency Regulatory Officer, Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, 3101 Park Center Drive, Room 918, Alexandria, VA 22302 Phone: 703 305-2246 Fax: 703 605-0220 Email: sheri.ackerman@fns.usda.gov RIN: 0584-AB51 _______________________________________________________________________ 137. FOOD STAMP PROGRAM: ADMINISTRATIVE COST REIMBURSEMENT Priority: Economically Significant. Major under 5 USC 801. Unfunded Mandates: Undetermined Legal Authority: PL 105-185, sec 502 CFR Citation: 7 CFR 277 Legal Deadline: Final, Statutory, October 1, 1998, Payment reduction required by law. Abstract: This rule will allow State agencies to charge the FSP for its share of common costs for determining eligibility of Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) households for FSP in accordance with new HHS policy and approved cost allocation plans. (99-007) Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 10/00/04 NPRM Comment Period End 12/00/04 Final Action 06/00/05 Final Action Effective 10/00/05 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: Local, State Federalism: Undetermined Agency Contact: Sharon Ackerman, Agency Regulatory Officer, Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, 3101 Park Center Drive, Room 918, Alexandria, VA 22302 Phone: 703 305-2246 Fax: 703 605-0220 Email: sheri.ackerman@fns.usda.gov RIN: 0584-AC86 _______________________________________________________________________ 138. FOOD DISTRIBUTION PROGRAM ON INDIAN RESERVATIONS: RESOURCE LIMITS AND EXCLUSIONS, EXTENDED CERTIFICATION PERIODS, AND TRANSITIONAL BENEFITS Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 7 USC 2011 to 2032 CFR Citation: 7 CFR 253; 7 CFR 254 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This proposed rule would amend FDPIR regulations by: 1) Bringing the maximum level of allowable resources in line with the Food Stamp Program by: a) Establishing a new resource limit of $3,000 for households with a disabled member, and b) increasing the resource limit from $1,750 to $2,000 for households without elderly or disabled members; 2) allowing a resource exclusion for the first $1,500 of the value of one prepaid funeral arrangement per household member; 3) allowing households in which all members are elderly or disabled to be certified for up to 24 months; and 4) allowing State agencies the option to provide transitional benefits to households that leave the Temporary Assistance Program for Needy Families. The above provisions are modeled after Food Stamp Program provisions. (01-005) Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 11/00/04 NPRM Comment Period Ends 01/00/05 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: State, Tribal [[Page 37218]] Agency Contact: Sharon Ackerman, Agency Regulatory Officer, Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, 3101 Park Center Drive, Room 918, Alexandria, VA 22302 Phone: 703 305-2246 Fax: 703 605-0220 Email: sheri.ackerman@fns.usda.gov RIN: 0584-AD12 _______________________________________________________________________ 139. CHILD AND ADULT CARE FOOD PROGRAM (CACFP): AT-RISK AFTERSCHOOL SUPPERS Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: PL 106-224, sec 243(i) CFR Citation: 7 CFR 226 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This proposed rule would revise the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) regulations to allow reimbursement of suppers provided by at-risk afterschool care programs in seven States. Six States were initially authorized by the Agricultural Risk Protection Act (Pub. L. 106-224); the seventh State was authorized by fiscal year 2002 appropriation legislation. At-risk suppers in these States (Delaware, Illinois, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Missouri, New York, and Oregon) are reimbursed under the same conditions set forth in the National School Lunch Act (NSLA) for at-risk snacks in the CACFP. Children who are 18 or younger and enrolled in qualifying afterschool programs located in the seven States may receive free suppers. To qualify, afterschool care programs must be located in low-income areas, provide care to children, and have an educational or enrichment purpose. (01-007) Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 05/00/05 NPRM Comment Period End 07/00/05 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: Local, State Agency Contact: Sharon Ackerman, Agency Regulatory Officer, Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, 3101 Park Center Drive, Room 918, Alexandria, VA 22302 Phone: 703 305-2246 Fax: 703 605-0220 Email: sheri.ackerman@fns.usda.gov RIN: 0584-AD15 _______________________________________________________________________ 140. FOOD STAMP PROGRAM: CLARIFICATIONS AND CORRECTIONS TO RECIPIENT CLAIM ESTABLISHMENT AND COLLECTION STANDARDS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 7 USC 2011 to 2036 CFR Citation: 7 CFR 272; 7 CFR 273 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: Section 13 of the Food Stamp Act of 1977, as amended, requires State agencies to pursue collection of recipient overissuances in the Food Stamp Program. On July 6, 2000, FNS published a major rule that revised many of the processes and procedures in this area. This proposed rule provides clarifications and corrections to the July 6, 2000, rulemaking. (02-003) Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 09/00/04 NPRM Comment Period End 11/00/04 Final Action To Be Determined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: Local, State Agency Contact: Sharon Ackerman, Agency Regulatory Officer, Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, 3101 Park Center Drive, Room 918, Alexandria, VA 22302 Phone: 703 305-2246 Fax: 703 605-0220 Email: sheri.ackerman@fns.usda.gov RIN: 0584-AD25 _______________________________________________________________________ 141. SENIOR FARMERS' MARKET NUTRITION PROGRAM (SFMNP) Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: PL 107-171, sec 4306 CFR Citation: 7 CFR 249 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This proposed rule will implement the provision of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (Pub. L. 107-171) that gives the Department the authority to promulgate regulations for the operation and administration of the SFMNP. The purposes of the SFMNP are to provide fresh, nutritious, unprepared locally grown fruits, vegetables, and herbs from farmers' markets, roadside stands, and community supported agriculture programs to low-income seniors and to increase the consumption of agricultural commodities by expanding, developing, and/or aiding in the development of domestic farmers' markets, roadside stands, and community supported agriculture programs. (02-012) Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 09/00/04 NPRM Comment Period End 01/00/05 Final Action 09/00/05 Final Action Effective 10/00/05 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: Businesses, Organizations Government Levels Affected: Federal, Local, State, Tribal Federalism: Undetermined URL For More Information: www.fns.usda.gov Agency Contact: Sharon Ackerman, Agency Regulatory Officer, Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, 3101 Park Center Drive, Room 918, Alexandria, VA 22302 Phone: 703 305-2246 Fax: 703 605-0220 Email: sheri.ackerman@fns.usda.gov RIN: 0584-AD35 _______________________________________________________________________ 142. SPECIAL SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION PROGRAM FOR WOMEN, INFANTS, AND CHILDREN (WIC): MISCELLANEOUS VENDOR-RELATED PROVISIONS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 42 USC 1786 CFR Citation: 7 CFR 246 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This proposed rule amends the WIC regulations to clarify issues that have arisen subsequent to the publication of the WIC Food Delivery Systems final rule. It includes the following provisions: Allows the release of vendor information such as telephone numbers, e- mail/website addresses, store type, and whether the [[Page 37219]] vendor has been disqualified; requires State agencies to document the number of cans of infant formula purchased by participants; prohibits provision of incentive items solely to WIC participants; protects State agencies against loss of revenue due to vendor nonselection; and provides for an abbreviated administrative review when a State agency issues a civil money penalty in lieu of a reciprocal WIC disqualification. The rule also increases the maximum fine for theft or fraud from $10,000 to $25,000, in accordance with Public Law 105-336. (02-013) Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 09/00/04 NPRM Comment Period End 01/00/05 Final Action 08/00/05 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: Businesses, Governmental Jurisdictions Government Levels Affected: Federal, Local, State, Tribal Agency Contact: Sharon Ackerman, Agency Regulatory Officer, Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, 3101 Park Center Drive, Room 918, Alexandria, VA 22302 Phone: 703 305-2246 Fax: 703 605-0220 Email: sheri.ackerman@fns.usda.gov RIN: 0584-AD36 _______________________________________________________________________ 143. FSP: DISCRETIONARY QUALITY CONTROL PROVISIONS OF TITLE IV OF PUBLIC LAW 107-171 Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 7 USC 2011 to 2032; PL 107-171 CFR Citation: 7 CFR 271; 7 CFR 273; 7 CFR 275; 7 CFR 277 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This proposed rule will implement several quality control changes to the Food Stamp Act required by sections 4118 and 4119 of title IV of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (Pub. L. 107-171). The provisions in this rule affect the following areas: 1) The elimination of enhanced funding; 2) revisions to the time frames for completing individual case reviews; 3) extending the time frames in the procedures for households that refuse to cooperate with QC reviews; 4) procedures foradjusting liability determinations following appeal decisions; and 5) conforming and technical changes. (02-015) Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 10/00/04 NPRM Comment Period Ends 01/00/05 Final Action 12/00/05 Final Action Effective 01/00/06 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: Federal, Local, State Agency Contact: Sharon Ackerman, Agency Regulatory Officer, Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, 3101 Park Center Drive, Room 918, Alexandria, VA 22302 Phone: 703 305-2246 Fax: 703 605-0220 Email: sheri.ackerman@fns.usda.gov Related RIN: Split from 0584-AD31 RIN: 0584-AD37 _______________________________________________________________________ 144. NATIONAL SCHOOL LUNCH PROGRAM (NSLP) ALLOWABLE COSTS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 42 USC 1752 CFR Citation: 7 CFR 210, 215, 220 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This proposed rule would update the regulations for the National School Lunch Program, the Special Milk Program, and the School Breakfast Program regarding the use of federal funds for the provision of meals for school children. This rule will prohibit school food authorities (SFA) from using funds in the non-profit school food service account for expenditures made under improperly procured contracts. The expected result is that regulatory language will ensure optimum utilization of funds in the non-profit school food service account. (03-001) Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 09/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: Local, State Federalism: Undetermined Agency Contact: Sharon Ackerman, Agency Regulatory Officer, Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, 3101 Park Center Drive, Room 918, Alexandria, VA 22302 Phone: 703 305-2246 Fax: 703 605-0220 Email: sheri.ackerman@fns.usda.gov RIN: 0584-AD38 _______________________________________________________________________ 145. CHILD NUTRITION PROGRAMS: NATIONAL SCHOOL LUNCH PROGRAM: SERVING FRUITS AND VEGETABLES AS AFTERSCHOOL SNACKS Priority: Other Significant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Legal Authority: 42 USC 1751 et seq, Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act CFR Citation: 7 CFR 210.10 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This proposed rule would require that a fresh vegetable or a fresh/dried fruit be one of the components served in the afterschool snack service under the National School Lunch Program and that it be served at least three times per 5-day week. The U.S. Department of Agriculture is establishing this requirement to promote the health of the Nation's school children by encouraging them to consume more fruits and vegetables. (03-003) Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 01/00/05 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: Federal, Local, State Agency Contact: Sharon Ackerman, Agency Regulatory Officer, Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, 3101 Park Center Drive, Room 918, Alexandria, VA 22302 Phone: 703 305-2246 Fax: 703 605-0220 Email: sheri.ackerman@fns.usda.gov RIN: 0584-AD40 [[Page 37220]] _______________________________________________________________________ 146. WIC FARMERS' MARKET NUTRITION PROGRAM (FMNP): FUNDING FORMULA RULE Priority: Other Significant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Legal Authority: 42 USC 1786 CFR Citation: 7 CFR 248 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The FMNP is a fixed grant program with limited funds. Funding increases are not guaranteed from year to year. Section 17(m) of the Child Nutrition Act of 1966, as amended, sets forth broad funding requirements for the FMNP. By law, after base grants are provided to current State agencies, i.e., total Federal funds received in the prior fiscal year, the remaining funds are divided so that 75 percent is provided for expansion funds for current State agencies and 25 percent is provided for new State agencies. Currently, beyond the division of funds noted above, there are no requirements for how to allocate funds for expansion and new State agencies when funds requested exceed the amount of available funds. This proposed regulation would amend 7 CFR Part 248 to set forth a funding formula in cases where FMNP funds requested exceed available funds to allocate. The proposed methodology would provide a base funding level for each State agency. Funding above the base level would be based on the individual State agency's need relative to all other State agencies' needs. (03-004) Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 10/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: Businesses, Governmental Jurisdictions Government Levels Affected: Federal, Local, State, Tribal Agency Contact: Sharon Ackerman, Agency Regulatory Officer, Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, 3101 Park Center Drive, Room 918, Alexandria, VA 22302 Phone: 703 305-2246 Fax: 703 605-0220 Email: sheri.ackerman@fns.usda.gov RIN: 0584-AD41 _______________________________________________________________________ 147. DONATED FOODS IN CHILD NUTRITION PROGRAMS, THE NUTRITION SERVICES INCENTIVE PROGRAM, AND CHARITABLE INSTITUTIONS, INCLUDING CONTRACTS WITH FOOD SERVICE MANAGEMENT COMPANIES Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: Older Americans Act of 1965, as amended CFR Citation: 7 CFR 250.12, 250.40, 250.41, 250.42, 250.48; 7 CFR 250.49, 250.50 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This proposed rule would revise or clarify requirements with respect to the distribution, management, and use of donated foods in child nutrition programs, the Nutrition Services Incentive Program, and by charitable institutions. Most significantly, it would establish specific requirements to ensure that school food authorities and other recipient agencies in child nutrition programs receive the benefit of all donated foods provided under contract with food service management companies to conduct the food service. It would require the food service management company to credit the school food authority for donated foods received, through invoice reductions or crediting. The rule would provide some flexibility in crediting for, and use of donated foods, by allowing the school to negotiate donated food values with the food service management company, and by allowing the food service management company to substitute donated foods with commercially purchased foods, with the exception of(1) donated beef and pork, and (2) end products received from processors. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 02/00/05 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: Local, State, Tribal Federalism: Undetermined Agency Contact: Sharon Ackerman, Agency Regulatory Officer, Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, 3101 Park Center Drive, Room 918, Alexandria, VA 22302 Phone: 703 305-2246 Fax: 703 605-0220 Email: sheri.ackerman@fns.usda.gov RIN: 0584-AD45 _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Agriculture (USDA) Final Rule Stage Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) _______________________________________________________________________ 148. SPECIAL SUPPLEMENTAL FOOD PROGRAM FOR WOMEN, INFANTS, AND CHILDREN (WIC): MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 42 USC 1786 CFR Citation: 7 CFR 246 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This final rule amends certain provisions of the WIC program regulations in response to issues raised by WIC State agencies and incorporates longstanding program policies into regulations, with the intention to strengthen services to WIC participants, improve Program administration, and increase State agency flexibility in managing the Program. The final rule takes into consideration comments received on the proposed rule, which was published on December 12, 2002 (67 FR 71774). It also increases the maximum fine for theft or fraud from $10,000 to $25,000, in accordance with a nondiscretionary provision of Public Law 105-336. (89-515) Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 12/02/02 67 FR 71774 NPRM Comment Period End 04/01/03 Final Action 10/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: Local, State, Tribal Agency Contact: Sharon Ackerman, Agency Regulatory Officer, Department [[Page 37221]] of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, 3101 Park Center Drive, Room 918, Alexandria, VA 22302 Phone: 703 305-2246 Fax: 703 605-0220 Email: sheri.ackerman@fns.usda.gov RIN: 0584-AB10 _______________________________________________________________________ 149. CHILD AND ADULT CARE FOOD PROGRAM: IMPROVING MANAGEMENT AND PROGRAM INTEGRITY Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 42 USC 1766; PL 103-448; PL 104-193; PL 105-336 CFR Citation: 7 CFR 226 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This rule amends the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) regulations. The changes in this rule result from the findings of State and Federal program reviews and from audits and investigations conducted by the Office of Inspector General. This rule revises: State agency criteria for approving and renewing institution applications; program training and other operating requirements for child care institutions and facilities; and State- and institution-level monitoring requirements. This rulealso includes changes that are required by the Healthy Meals for Healthy Americans Act of 1994 (Pub. L. 103-448), the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunities Reconciliation Act of 1996 (Pub. L. 104-193), and the William F. Goodling Child Nutrition Reauthorization Act of 1998 (Pub. L. 105-336). The changes are designed to improve program operations and monitoring at the State and institution levels and, where possible, to streamline and simplify program requirements for State agenciesand institutions. (95-024) Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 09/12/00 65 FR 55103 NPRM Comment Period End 12/11/00 Interim Final Rule 09/00/04 Interim Final Rule Effective 10/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: Local, State Federalism: This action may have federalism implications as defined in EO 13132. Agency Contact: Sharon Ackerman, Agency Regulatory Officer, Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, 3101 Park Center Drive, Room 918, Alexandria, VA 22302 Phone: 703 305-2246 Fax: 703 605-0220 Email: sheri.ackerman@fns.usda.gov RIN: 0584-AC24 _______________________________________________________________________ 150. FOOD STAMP PROGRAM REGULATORY REVIEW: FSP STANDARDS FOR APPROVAL AND OPERATION OF FOOD STAMP ELECTRONIC BENEFIT TRANSFER SYSTEMS Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 7 USC 2011 to 2034 CFR Citation: 7 CFR 274.12 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This rule makes revisions to food stamp regulations affecting the standards and administration of EBT systems for food stamp issuance. Current regulations at 7 CFR 274.12 delineate the standards that EBT systems must meet in order to be approved for operation. This rule revises those regulations to provide the State agency more flexibility in implementing and operating those systems. Clarifications and FNS settlement improvements are also incorporated into the rule. (96-016) Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 07/12/01 66 FR 36495 NPRM Comment Period End 09/10/01 Final Action 08/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Sharon Ackerman, Agency Regulatory Officer, Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, 3101 Park Center Drive, Room 918, Alexandria, VA 22302 Phone: 703 305-2246 Fax: 703 605-0220 Email: sheri.ackerman@fns.usda.gov RIN: 0584-AC37 _______________________________________________________________________ 151. NATIONAL SCHOOL LUNCH PROGRAM: REIMBURSEMENT FOR SNACKS IN AFTERSCHOOL CARE PROGRAMS Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: PL 105-336 CFR Citation: 7 CFR 210; 7 CFR 235; 7 CFR 245 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The William F. Goodling Child Nutrition Reauthorization Act of 1998 amended the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act to authorize reimbursement for snacks served under the NSLP in afterschool care programs operated by schools. The afterschool program must be organized primarily to provide care for children and have an educational or enrichment purpose. Additionally, the statute mandates free snacks for all children enrolled in afterschool care programs operated by schools in areas served by a school in which at least 50 percent of the enrolled children are certified for free or reduced price meals. (98-007) Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 10/11/00 65 FR 60502 NPRM Comment Period End 01/09/01 Final Action 04/00/05 Final Action Effective 05/00/05 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: Local, State Agency Contact: Sharon Ackerman, Agency Regulatory Officer, Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, 3101 Park Center Drive, Room 918, Alexandria, VA 22302 Phone: 703 305-2246 Fax: 703 605-0220 Email: sheri.ackerman@fns.usda.gov RIN: 0584-AC72 _______________________________________________________________________ 152. FSP: CIVIL RIGHTS DATA COLLECTIONS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: PL 88-352, sec 601 CFR Citation: 7 CFR 272 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 requires the collection of racial/ethnic data for all programs utilizing Federal funds. State agencies [[Page 37222]] are required to collect the data by racial/ethnic categories set by the Federal Government. In 1997, those categories changed. This final rule changes the racial categories for State Food Stamp Program reporting to comply with the new Federal racial categories. (98-010) Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 11/27/02 67 FR 70861 NPRM Comment Period End 01/27/03 Final Action 09/00/04 Final Action Effective 10/00/05 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: Local, State Agency Contact: Sharon Ackerman, Agency Regulatory Officer, Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, 3101 Park Center Drive, Room 918, Alexandria, VA 22302 Phone: 703 305-2246 Fax: 703 605-0220 Email: sheri.ackerman@fns.usda.gov RIN: 0584-AC75 _______________________________________________________________________ 153. COMMODITY SUPPLEMENTAL FOOD PROGRAM (CSFP): PLAIN LANGUAGE, PROGRAM ACCOUNTABILITY, AND PROGRAM FLEXIBILITY Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: PL 101-624; PL 104-127 CFR Citation: 7 CFR 247 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This rule will rewrite regulations pertaining to the Commodity Supplemental Food Program (7 CFR part 247) in ``plain language.'' It will also amend regulatory provisions in this part to increase program accountability and flexibility for program operators, and incorporate legislative provisions that have been implemented through program policy. (99-005) Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 10/31/03 68 FR 62164 NPRM Comment Period End 12/30/03 Final Action 09/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: Local, State, Tribal Agency Contact: Sharon Ackerman, Agency Regulatory Officer, Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, 3101 Park Center Drive, Room 918, Alexandria, VA 22302 Phone: 703 305-2246 Fax: 703 605-0220 Email: sheri.ackerman@fns.usda.gov RIN: 0584-AC84 _______________________________________________________________________ 154. SPECIAL NUTRITION PROGRAMS: DISCLOSURE OF CHILDREN'S ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION UNDER THE CHILD NUTRITION PROGRAMS Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: PL 106-224, sec 242; PL 103-448, sec 108 CFR Citation: 7 CFR 215; 7 CFR 225; 7 CFR 226; 7 CFR 245 Legal Deadline: Final, Statutory, October 20, 2000. Abstract: This rule establishes requirements for the disclosure of children's free and reduced price meal and free milk eligibility information by agencies that make the free and reduced price meal or free milk determination under the National School Lunch Program, the School Breakfast Program, the Special Milk Program, the Child and Adult Care Food Program, and the Summer Food Service Program. The rule responds to amendments to the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act, which allow limited disclosure of children's free and reduced- price meal or free milk eligibility information, comments received on the July 25, 2000, proposed rule on ``Disclosure of Children's Eligibility Information'' (65 FR 45725 issued under RIN 0584-AC21), and comments received on the January 11, 2001, interim rule on ``Disclosure of Children's Eligibility Information to State Medicaid and the State Children's Health Insurance Program'' (66 FR 2195 issued under RIN 0584-AC95). This rule incorporates the proposed rule and interim rule into one final rule. Therefore, RIN 0584-AC21 was withdrawn, and the final provisions are issued under RIN 0584-AC95. The final rule adopts or modifies as necessary many of the provisions mandated by the statute and required by the interim rule. Many of these same provisions were presented as recommendations in the proposed rule. The objective is to provide consistency in procedures when determining agencies' option to disclose children's eligibility information and to provide some protection against unauthorized disclosures and misuse of personal information, regardless of whether the disclosure is to Medicaid or SCHIP or to an education or other program. (00-004) Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule Effective 10/01/00 Interim Final Rule 01/11/01 66 FR 2195 Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 04/11/01 Final Action 12/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: Local, State Agency Contact: Sharon Ackerman, Agency Regulatory Officer, Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, 3101 Park Center Drive, Room 918, Alexandria, VA 22302 Phone: 703 305-2246 Fax: 703 605-0220 Email: sheri.ackerman@fns.usda.gov RIN: 0584-AC95 _______________________________________________________________________ 155. FOOD STAMP PROGRAM: VEHICLE AND MAXIMUM EXCESS SHELTER EXPENSE DEDUCTION PROVISIONS OF PUBLIC LAW 106-387 Priority: Economically Significant. Major under 5 USC 801. Legal Authority: PL 106-387 CFR Citation: 7 CFR 273.8; 7 CFR 273.9 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This final rule (1) implements a revision of the Food Stamp Program's resource eligibility standards regarding vehicle ownership and (2) sets the maximum excess shelter expense deduction for fiscal year 2001 and, for future years, indexes it to the Consumer Price Index. (01-006) Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 08/29/03 68 FR 51932 [[Page 37223]] NPRM Comment Period End 10/28/03 Final Action 08/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: Local, State URL For Public Comments: www.fns.usda.gov/fsp/rules/regulations/default.htm Agency Contact: Sharon Ackerman, Agency Regulatory Officer, Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, 3101 Park Center Drive, Room 918, Alexandria, VA 22302 Phone: 703 305-2246 Fax: 703 605-0220 Email: sheri.ackerman@fns.usda.gov RIN: 0584-AD13 _______________________________________________________________________ 156. SPECIAL NUTRITION PROGRAMS: UNIFORM FEDERAL ASSISTANCE REGULATIONS; NONDISCRETIONARY TECHNICAL AMENDMENTS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 31 USC 503, 111, and 7501; PL 98-502; PL 104-156 CFR Citation: 7 CFR 210, 215, 220, 225, 226 and 235 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This final rule makes a number of technical changes to the regulations governing the National School Lunch Program, the Special Milk Program for Children, the School Breakfast Program, the Child and Adult Care Food Program, the Summer Food Service Program, and State Administrative Expense Funds. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is revising its grants management regulations in order to bring the entitlement programs it administers under the same regulations that already apply to nonentitlement programs and to identify exceptions to these general rules that apply only to entitlement programs. (01-008) Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 09/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: Local, State Agency Contact: Sharon Ackerman, Agency Regulatory Officer, Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, 3101 Park Center Drive, Room 918, Alexandria, VA 22302 Phone: 703 305-2246 Fax: 703 605-0220 Email: sheri.ackerman@fns.usda.gov RIN: 0584-AD16 _______________________________________________________________________ 157. AFTERSCHOOL SNACKS UNDER THE CHILD AND ADULT CARE FOOD PROGRAM Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: PL 105-336 CFR Citation: 7 CFR 226 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The William F. Goodling Child Nutrition Reauthorization Act of 1998 amended the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act to authorize reimbursement for snacks served under CACFP in afterschool care programs operated by at-risk centers. The afterschool program must be organized primarily to provide care for children and have an educational or enrichment purpose. All snacks are served free to participants because at-risk centers are located in eligible areas (that is, areas served by a school in which at least 50 percent of the enrolled children are certified for free or reduced price meals). (02- 004) Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 10/11/00 65 FR 60502 NPRM Comment Period End 01/09/01 Final Action 04/00/05 Final Action Effective 05/00/05 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: Federal, Local, State Agency Contact: Sharon Ackerman, Agency Regulatory Officer, Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, 3101 Park Center Drive, Room 918, Alexandria, VA 22302 Phone: 703 305-2246 Fax: 703 605-0220 Email: sheri.ackerman@fns.usda.gov RIN: 0584-AD27 _______________________________________________________________________ 158. FSP: EBT AND RETAIL FOOD STORES PROVISIONS OF THE FARM SECURITY AND RURAL INVESTMENT ACT OF 2002 Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: PL 107-171, secs 4108, 4110, 4113, and 4117 CFR Citation: 7 CFR 274.12; 7 CFR 278; 7 CFR 279 Legal Deadline: Other, Statutory, May 13, 2002, PL 107-171, sec 4108, 4113, and 4117. Other, Statutory, October 1, 2002, PL 107-171, sec 4110. Abstract: Section 4108--This rule allows alternate methods for issuing food stamp benefits during disasters when reliance on electronic benefit transfer systems (EBT) is impracticable. Section 4110--This rule eliminates the requirement that Federal costs for electronic benefit transfer systems cannot exceed the costs of the paper systems they replace. Section 4113--This rule allows group homes and institutions to redeem EBT benefits directly through banks in areas where EBT has been implemented rather than going through authorized wholesalers or other retailers. Section 4117--This rule allows the Secretary of Agriculture to use mailing methods other than certified mail when notifying retailers of the above mentioned adverse actions so long as the method provides evidence of delivery. (02-005) Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 05/06/03 68 FR 23927 NPRM Comment Period End 07/07/03 Final Action 01/00/05 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Sharon Ackerman, Agency Regulatory Officer, Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, 3101 Park Center Drive, Room 918, Alexandria, VA 22302 Phone: 703 305-2246 Fax: 703 605-0220 Email: sheri.ackerman@fns.usda.gov RIN: 0584-AD28 [[Page 37224]] _______________________________________________________________________ 159. FSP: HIGH PERFORMANCE BONUSES Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: PL 107-171 CFR Citation: 7 CFR 272; 7 CFR 275 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This action will finalize amendments to the FSP regulations originally proposed on December 17, 2003, titled FSP High Performance Bonuses. These amendments were provided for in the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 for States that demonstrate high or improved performance in administration of the Food Stamp Program. This action will finalize the measurement criteria for fiscal year 2005 and beyond. (02-006) Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 12/17/03 68 FR 70193 NPRM Comment Period End 02/17/04 Final Action 01/00/05 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: Federal, Local, State, Tribal Agency Contact: Sharon Ackerman, Agency Regulatory Officer, Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, 3101 Park Center Drive, Room 918, Alexandria, VA 22302 Phone: 703 305-2246 Fax: 703 605-0220 Email: sheri.ackerman@fns.usda.gov RIN: 0584-AD29 _______________________________________________________________________ 160. FSP: EMPLOYMENT AND TRAINING PROGRAM PROVISIONS OF THE FARM SECURITY AND RURAL INVESTMENT ACT OF 2002 Priority: Economically Significant. Major under 5 USC 801. Legal Authority: PL 107-171 CFR Citation: 7 CFR 273.7 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This final rule implements revisions to the Food Stamp Employment and Training (E&T) Program funding requirements. (02-009) Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 03/19/04 69 FR 12981 NPRM Comment Period End 05/18/04 Final Action 12/00/04 Final Action Effective 02/00/05 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: Federal, Local, State Agency Contact: Sharon Ackerman, Agency Regulatory Officer, Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, 3101 Park Center Drive, Room 918, Alexandria, VA 22302 Phone: 703 305-2246 Fax: 703 605-0220 Email: sheri.ackerman@fns.usda.gov RIN: 0584-AD32 _______________________________________________________________________ 161. DATA COLLECTION RELATED TO INSTITUTIONS, ORGANIZATIONS, SITES, AND FACILITIES Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: EO 13279 CFR Citation: 7 CFR 210, 7 CFR 220, 7 CFR 225, 7 CFR 226; 7 CFR 246, 7 CFR 247, 7 CFR 251 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: Executive Order 13279, which was signed on December 12, 2002, instructs Federal agencies, to the extent permitted by law, to collect data regarding the participation of faith-based and community-based organizations in social service programs that receive Federal financial assistance. This rulemaking would authorize the Secretary of Agriculture to require State agencies to collect and submit data to the Food and Nutrition Service that identifies the numbers, by categories to be determined by the Secretary, of institutions, organizations, sites, and facilities that apply to and participate in the Federal nutrition assistance programs. This rulemaking would add requirements to the following programs: Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children, National School Lunch Program, School Breakfast Program, Child and Adult Care Food Program, Summer Food Service Program, Commodity Supplemental Food Program, and the Emergency Food Assistance Program. The data collection effort will end five years after the effective data of the interim final rule. (04-001) Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 10/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: Businesses, Organizations Government Levels Affected: Federal, Local, State, Tribal Agency Contact: Sharon Ackerman, Agency Regulatory Officer, Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, 3101 Park Center Drive, Room 918, Alexandria, VA 22302 Phone: 703 305-2246 Fax: 703 605-0220 Email: sheri.ackerman@fns.usda.gov RIN: 0584-AD43 _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Agriculture (USDA) Long-Term Actions Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) _______________________________________________________________________ 162. CHILD AND ADULT CARE FOOD PROGRAM: IMPLEMENTING LEGISLATIVE REFORMS TO STRENGTHEN PROGRAM INTEGRITY Priority: Other Significant CFR Citation: 7 CFR 226 Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 06/27/02 67 FR 43448 Interim Final Rule Effective 07/29/02 Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 12/24/02 Final Action 12/00/05 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No [[Page 37225]] Government Levels Affected: Local, State Federalism: This action may have federalism implications as defined in EO 13132. Agency Contact: Sharon Ackerman Phone: 703 305-2246 Fax: 703 605-0220 Email: sheri.ackerman@fns.usda.gov RIN: 0584-AC94 _______________________________________________________________________ 163. FSP: ELIGIBILITY AND CERTIFICATION PROVISIONS OF THE FARM SECURITY AND RURAL INVESTMENT ACT OF 2002 Priority: Economically Significant. Major under 5 USC 801. CFR Citation: 7 CFR 273 Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 04/16/04 69 FR 20724 NPRM Comment Period End 06/15/04 Final Action 12/00/05 Final Action Effective 02/00/06 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: Federal, Local, State, Tribal Agency Contact: Sharon Ackerman Phone: 703 305-2246 Fax: 703 605-0220 Email: sheri.ackerman@fns.usda.gov RIN: 0584-AD30 _______________________________________________________________________ 164. FSP: NON-DISCRETIONARY QUALITY CONTROL PROVISIONS OF TITLE IV OF PUBLIC LAW 107-171 Priority: Other Significant CFR Citation: 7 CFR 273; 7 CFR 275 Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 10/16/03 68 FR 59519 Interim Final Rule Effective 12/15/03 Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 01/14/04 Final Action 12/00/05 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: Federal, Local, State Agency Contact: Sharon Ackerman Phone: 703 305-2246 Fax: 703 605-0220 Email: sheri.ackerman@fns.usda.gov RIN: 0584-AD31 _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Agriculture (USDA) Completed Actions Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) _______________________________________________________________________ 165. FOOD STAMP PROGRAM: ADMINISTRATIVE SANCTIONS IMPOSED AGAINST VIOLATING ELECTRONIC BENEFITS TRANSFER (EBT) STORES Priority: Other Significant CFR Citation: 7 CFR 278.6 Completed: ________________________________________________________________________ Reason Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Withdrawn-Change in agency priorities 04/13/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined Government Levels Affected: Undetermined Agency Contact: Sharon Ackerman Phone: 703 305-2246 Fax: 703 605-0220 Email: sheri.ackerman@fns.usda.gov RIN: 0584-AD18 _______________________________________________________________________ 166. FOOD STAMP PROGRAM: SIMPLIFICATION AND STATE FLEXIBILITY Priority: Economically Significant. Major under 5 USC 801. CFR Citation: 7 CFR 272; 7 CFR 273 Completed: ________________________________________________________________________ Reason Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Withdrawn- Determined that proposed changes were not needed or could be incorporated into other rules 04/15/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: Federal, Local, State, Tribal Federalism: Undetermined Agency Contact: Sharon Ackerman Phone: 703 305-2246 Fax: 703 605-0220 Email: sheri.ackerman@fns.usda.gov RIN: 0584-AD22 _______________________________________________________________________ 167. PRIVACY ACT: REVISION OF AN EXISTING SYSTEM OF RECORDS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant CFR Citation: 7 CFR 273 Completed: ________________________________________________________________________ Reason Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 03/30/04 69 FR 16513 Final Action Effective 05/14/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: Local, State Agency Contact: Sharon Ackerman Phone: 703 305-2246 Fax: 703 605-0220 Email: sheri.ackerman@fns.usda.gov RIN: 0584-AD24 _______________________________________________________________________ 168. SPECIAL SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION PROGRAM FOR WOMEN, INFANTS, AND CHILDREN (WIC): REVISIONS TO WIC FOOD PACKAGES Priority: Other Significant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. CFR Citation: 7 CFR 246 Completed: ________________________________________________________________________ Reason Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ ANPRM Comment Period End 12/15/03 Withdrawn-Pending results of IOM Study 04/09/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: Federal, Local, State, Tribal [[Page 37226]] Federalism: This action may have federalism implications as defined in EO 13132. Agency Contact: Sharon Ackerman Phone: 703 305-2246 Fax: 703 605-0220 Email: sheri.ackerman@fns.usda.gov RIN: 0584-AD39 BILLING CODE 3410--30--S _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Agriculture (USDA) Prerule Stage Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) _______________________________________________________________________ 169. NUTRITION LABELING OF MEAT AND POULTRY PRODUCTS (SECTION 610 REVIEW) Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 5 USC 610; 21 USC 601; 21 USC 453; . . . CFR Citation: 9 CFR 317; 9 CFR 318; 9 CFR 381 Legal Deadline: Other, Statutory, June 2004, Review mandated to conclude within 12 months after initial announcement of review. Section 610 of the RFA mandates that this review be concluded within 12 months after its commencement date. Abstract: On January 6, 1993, the Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) amended the Federal meat and poultry products inspection regulations with promulgation of the aforementioned final rule (58 FR 632) to (1) permit voluntary nutrition labeling on single-ingredient, raw meat and poultry products; and (2) to establish mandatory nutrition labeling requirements for all other meat and poultry products, notwithstanding specific exceptions. Promulgation Purpose and Legal Basis: Sections 1(n) of the Federal Meat Inspection Act (FMIA), and 4(h) of the Poultry Products Inspection Act (PPIA) establish the Secretary of Agriculture's statutory responsibility for ensuring that meat and meat food products, prepared and intended to be distributed in commerce, are not adulterated, misbranded, or improperly marked, labeled, and packaged (21 U.S.C. 601(n)(1); 21 U.S.C. 453(4)(h)). On November 8, 1990, the Nutrition Labeling and Education Act of 1990 (NLEA) was enacted by Public Law 101.535 (104 Stat. 2353). The statute amended certain provisions of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act and required: (1) Mandatory nutrition labeling for most of the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) regulated packaged food products; and (2) issuance of voluntary nutrition guidelines to food retailers for providing nutrition information on 20 of each most frequently consumed during a year varieties of raw vegetables, raw fruits, and raw fish. However, if food retailersfailed to substantially comply with the voluntary guidelines, the NLEA requires FDA to issue mandatory requirements. FSIS' final rule entitled, ``Nutrition Labeling of Meat and Poultry Products,'' will be reviewed under the Regulatory Flexibility Act's section 610 provisions within the succeeding 12 months. Accordingly, the FSIS invites all interested parties to submit comments on: (1) The continued need for the rule; (2) the complexity of the rule; (3) the extent to which the rule overlaps, duplicates, or conflicts with other Federal, State, and local rules; (4) the nature of complaints or comments received concerning the rule from the public; and (5) the technology and economic conditions, or other factors, which have changed the specific area affected by the rule. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Rule 01/06/93 58 FR 632 End Review 12/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Robert Post, Director, Labeling and Consumer Protection Staff, Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and Inspection Service, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 202 205-0279 Email: robert.post@fsis.usda.gov RIN: 0583-AC95 _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Agriculture (USDA) Proposed Rule Stage Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) _______________________________________________________________________ 170. PERFORMANCE STANDARDS FOR BACON Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 21 USC 601 et seq CFR Citation: 9 CFR 424.22(b) Legal Deadline: None Abstract: FSIS is proposing to revise the regulatory provisions concerning the production and testing of pumped and/or massaged bacon (9 CFR 424.22(b)). FSIS is proposing to remove provisions that prescribe the substances and amounts of such substances that must be used to produce pumped and/or massaged bacon. FSIS is proposing to replace these provisions with an upper limit for nitrite and a performance standard that establishments producing pumped and/or massaged bacon must meet. To meet the proposed performance standard, the process used to produce pumped and/or massaged bacon would be required to limit the presence of nitrosamines when the product is cooked. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 12/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Dr. Daniel L. Engeljohn, Executive Associate, Office of Policy, Program and Employee Development, Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and Inspection Service, Room 402 Cotton Annex [[Page 37227]] Building, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 202 205-0495 Fax: 202 401-1760 Email: daniel.engeljohn@fsis.usda.gov RIN: 0583-AC49 _______________________________________________________________________ 171. EGG PRODUCTS INSPECTION REGULATIONS Priority: Economically Significant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Unfunded Mandates: Undetermined Legal Authority: 21 USC 1031 to 1056 CFR Citation: 9 CFR 590.570; 9 CFR 590.575; 9 CFR 590.146; 9 CFR 590.10; 9 CFR 590.411; 9 CFR 590.502; 9 CFR 590.504; 9 CFR 590.580; 9 CFR 591; . . . Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is proposing to require egg products plants to develop and implement Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) systems and Sanitation Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). FSIS also is proposing pathogen reduction performance standards that would be applicable to egg products. Plants would be expected to develop HACCP systems that ensure products meet the pathogen reduction performance standards. Finally, FSIS is proposing to amend the Federal egg products inspection regulations by removing current requirements for prior approval by FSIS of egg products plant drawings, specifications, and equipment prior to their use in official plants. The Agency also plans to eliminate the prior label approval system for egg products. This proposal will not encompass shell egg packers. In the near future, FSIS will initiate non-regulatory outreach efforts for shell egg packers that will provide information intended to help them to safely process shell eggs intended for human consumption or further processing. The actions being proposed are part of FSIS' regulatory reform effort to improve FSIS' egg products food safety regulations, better define the roles of Government and the regulated industry, encourage innovations that will improve food safety, remove unnecessary regulatory burdens on inspected egg products plants, and make the egg products regulations as consistent as possible with the Agency's meat and poultry products regulations. FSIS is also taking these actions in light of changing inspection priorities and recent findings of Salmonella in pasteurized egg products. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 12/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses, Governmental Jurisdictions Government Levels Affected: Federal, State Federalism: Undetermined Agency Contact: Dr. Daniel L. Engeljohn, Executive Associate, Office of Policy, Program and Employee Development, Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and Inspection Service, Room 402 Cotton Annex Building, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 202 205-0495 Fax: 202 401-1760 Email: daniel.engeljohn@fsis.usda.gov RIN: 0583-AC58 _______________________________________________________________________ 172. LABELING--GENERIC APPROVAL AND REGULATION CONSOLIDATION Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 21 USC 451 to 470; 21 USC 601 to 695 CFR Citation: 9 CFR 317; 9 CFR 327; 9 CFR 381; 9 CFR 412 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This rulemaking will continue an effort initiated several years ago by amending FSIS's regulations to expand the types of labeling that are generically approved. FSIS plans to propose that the submission of labeling for approval prior to use be limited to certain types of labeling, as specified in the regulations. In addition, FSIS plans to reorganize and amend the regulations by consolidating the nutrition labeling rules that currently are stated separately for livestock products and poultry products (in part 317, subpart B, and part 381, subpart Y, respectively) and by amending their provisions to set out clearly various circumstances under which these products are misbranded. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 12/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: Undetermined Agency Contact: Dr. Daniel L. Engeljohn, Executive Associate, Office of Policy, Program and Employee Development, Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and Inspection Service, Room 402 Cotton Annex Building, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 202 205-0495 Fax: 202 401-1760 Email: daniel.engeljohn@fsis.usda.gov Robert Post, Director, Labeling and Consumer Protection Staff, Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and Inspection Service, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 202 205-0279 Email: robert.post@fsis.usda.gov RIN: 0583-AC59 _______________________________________________________________________ 173. FOOD STANDARDS; GENERAL PRINCIPLES AND FOOD STANDARDS MODERNIZATION Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 21 USC 601 et seq; 21 USC 451 et seq CFR Citation: Not Yet Determined Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are proposing to modernize their food standards. The agencies are proposing a set of general principles for food standards. The adherence to these principles will result in standards that will better promote honesty and fair dealing in the interest of consumers, protect the public, allow for technological advances in food production, are consistent with international food standards, and are clear, simple, and easy to use for both manufacturers and the agencies that enforce compliance with the standards. The proposed general principles will establish the criteria that the agencies will use in considering whether a petition to establish, revise, or eliminate a food standard will be the basis for a proposed rule. [[Page 37228]] Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 08/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Robert Post, Director, Labeling and Consumer Protection Staff, Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and Inspection Service, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 202 205-0279 Email: robert.post@fsis.usda.gov RIN: 0583-AC72 _______________________________________________________________________ 174. PERFORMANCE CRITERION FOR ON-LINE ANTIMICROBIAL REPROCESSING OF PRE-CHILL POULTRY CARCASSES Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 21 USC 451 to 470 CFR Citation: 9 CFR 381; 9 CFR 424 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This rule is proposing to allow, on a voluntary basis, the on-line antimicrobial reprocessing of pre-chill poultry that are accidently contaminated with digestive tract contents during slaughter. The on-line criterion for the treated birds is expected to identify an indicator organism for process control at pre-chill. This pre-chill criterion will be in addition to the post-chill standards for generic E. coli and Salmonella already required by the HACCP regulations. The Salmonella standard for those classes of poultry is a published performance standard. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 12/01/00 65 FR 75187 NPRM Comment Period End 04/02/01 Second NPRM 05/00/05 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Dr. Daniel L. Engeljohn, Executive Associate, Office of Policy, Program and Employee Development, Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and Inspection Service, Room 402 Cotton Annex Building, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 202 205-0495 Fax: 202 401-1760 Email: daniel.engeljohn@fsis.usda.gov RIN: 0583-AC73 _______________________________________________________________________ 175. PETITIONS FOR RULEMAKING Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 5 USC 553 CFR Citation: 9 CFR 392 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: FSIS is proposing to amend its regulations to add a new part that prescribes procedures for the submission, consideration, and disposition of petitions for rulemaking. The proposal also describes the Agency's expectations for the type of documentation that should be submitted in support of a petition and that will facilitate regulatory development. FSIS is proposing this action to provide clear guidance to those who would like to participate in the rulemaking process by petitioning FSIS to issue, amend, or repeal a rule administered by the Agency. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 12/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Dr. Daniel L. Engeljohn, Executive Associate, Office of Policy, Program and Employee Development, Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and Inspection Service, Room 402 Cotton Annex Building, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 202 205-0495 Fax: 202 401-1760 Email: daniel.engeljohn@fsis.usda.gov RIN: 0583-AC81 _______________________________________________________________________ 176. PERFORMANCE STANDARD FOR CHILLING OF READY-TO-COOK POULTRY Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 21 USC 451 to 470 CFR Citation: 9 CFR 381.66 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: FSIS is proposing a performance standard for the chilling of ready-to-cook poultry products that is intended to ensure the control of microorganisms on the products from a point after evisceration until the products are frozen, further processed, or packaged for shipment from the processing plant. The current specific time and temperature requirements for chilling poultry carcasses of various weights would be retained as alternative requirements that poultry processors could choose to meet. FSIS is taking this action to provide poultry processors with greater flexibility in achieving the purposes of the poultry chilling requirements whilst complying with the Agency's Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) and other regulations. This proposal responds to petitions from industry trade associations. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 08/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Dr. Daniel L. Engeljohn, Executive Associate, Office of Policy, Program and Employee Development, Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and Inspection Service, Room 402 Cotton Annex Building, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 202 205-0495 Fax: 202 401-1760 Email: daniel.engeljohn@fsis.usda.gov RIN: 0583-AC87 _______________________________________________________________________ 177. ADDITION OF SAN MARINO TO THE LIST OF COUNTRIES ELIGIBLE TO EXPORT MEAT AND MEAT PRODUCTS TO THE UNITED STATES Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 21 USC 601 to 695 CFR Citation: 9 CFR 327 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: FSIS is proposing to add San Marino to the list of countries from which meat or meat food products may be imported into the United States. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 09/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No [[Page 37229]] Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Federalism: Undetermined Agency Contact: Dr. Daniel L. Engeljohn, Executive Associate, Office of Policy, Program and Employee Development, Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and Inspection Service, Room 402 Cotton Annex Building, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 202 205-0495 Fax: 202 401-1760 Email: daniel.engeljohn@fsis.usda.gov RIN: 0583-AC91 _______________________________________________________________________ 178. ADDITION OF MEXICO TO THE LIST OF COUNTRIES ELIGIBLE FOR THE IMPORTATION OF SLAUGHTERED (FRESH) POULTRY AND EGG PRODUCTS INTO THE UNITED STATES Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Legal Authority: Not Yet Determined CFR Citation: 9 CFR 381 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: FSIS is proposing to add Mexico to the list of countries from which fresh slaughtered poultry and egg products may be imported into the United States Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 09/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Dr. Daniel L. Engeljohn, Executive Associate, Office of Policy, Program and Employee Development, Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and Inspection Service, Room 402 Cotton Annex Building, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 202 205-0495 Fax: 202 401-1760 Email: daniel.engeljohn@fsis.usda.gov Related RIN: Duplicate of 0583-AC92 RIN: 0583-AD01 _______________________________________________________________________ 179. ANTE-MORTEM AND POST-MORTEM INSPECTION OF LIVESTOCK AND POULTRY Priority: Other Significant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Legal Authority: 21 USC 601 to 695 et seq; 7 USC 138 et seq; 21 USC 450 et seq; 21 USC 451 to 470 et seq; 7 CFR 2.18 to 2.53 et seq CFR Citation: 9 CFR 309; 9 CFR 310; 9 CFR 381 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: FSIS is proposing to reform the regulations governing ante- mortem and post-mortem inspection of livestock and poultry. A number of the current regulations are no longer appropriate for the conditions under which meat and poultry products are produced and distributed today (e.g., splitting of sterna, prohibition of inflating carcasses). Others are duplicative regulations (e.g., those dealing with bruises and contamination) applying separately to meat and to poultry that could be combined into single regulations applying to both meat and poultry. Most emphasize the procedures for achieving regulatory objectives rather than the objectives themselves. This proposal would remove these prescriptive, detailed, or obsolete regulations or convert them to performance standards that are consistent with FSIS requirements for establishment-operated hazard analysis and critical control points (HACCP) systems and with the Agency's food safety regulatory strategy. Under the proposal, the current ante-mortem requirements, listing objectionable diseases or conditions and corresponding actions to be taken, would be replaced by performance standards intended to ensure that only ``normal,'' healthy animals that do not pose an evident hazard to public health are permitted to enter a slaughtering establishment. ``Normal'' animals would include those, for example, that are not running a temperature or that do not exhibit lesions of disease or behaviors characteristic of central nervous system disorders. Similarly, the post-mortem regulations, with their lists of conditions and detailed, command-and-control procedures, would be streamlined. The prescriptive provisions would be replaced by performance standards relating to food safety. This proposal would also recodify the ante-mortem and post-mortem inspection regulations for livestock and poultry. To the extent possible, consistent with the Federal Meat Inspection Act and the Poultry Products Inspection Act, regulations concerning livestock and meat carcasses and parts, and those concerning poultry carcasses and parts, would be designated to the same parts and sections of the Code of Federal Regulations. These changes would be part of the ongoing Agency effort to make the regulations more streamlined and user- friendly. This proposal would focus on the performance standards that establishments should meet through operation of their HACCP systems for slaughtering and dressing operations. It would remove impediments to the development and operation of HACCP plans by making the current regulations compatible with the HACCP approach to food safety. Besides the proposed action, FSIS considered the alternative of no rulemaking and the alternative of eliminating all regulations on livestock, poultry, and the carcasses and parts of livestock and poultry, affected by specific diseases and conditions. The first alternative would leave in place numerous detailed prescriptions and procedural requirements inconsistent with, or duplicative of, HACCP systems. The second would risk exposing the public to products that may be unwholesome or otherwise adulterated. The Agency believes the alternative represented by this proposal-- converting to performance standards the ante-mortem and post-mortem inspection regulations--would offer the best prospect for the efficient and effective implementation of HACCP. It would also maximize the flexibility establishments have to adopt technological innovations that would increase the assurance of food safety. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 06/00/05 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: State Agency Contact: Dr. Daniel L. Engeljohn, Executive Associate, Office [[Page 37230]] of Policy, Program and Employee Development, Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and Inspection Service, Room 402 Cotton Annex Building, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 202 205-0495 Fax: 202 401-1760 Email: daniel.engeljohn@fsis.usda.gov Related RIN: Duplicate of 0583-AC43 RIN: 0583-AD02 _______________________________________________________________________ 180. RETAIL EXEMPTION Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 21 USC 661(c)(2); 21 USC 454(c)(2) CFR Citation: 9 CFR 303.1; 9 CFR 381.10 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: FSIS is planning to revise and consolidate its regulations concerning retail exemption. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 06/00/05 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined Government Levels Affected: Undetermined Federalism: Undetermined Agency Contact: Mr. John A. O'Connell, Program Analyst, Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and Inspection Service, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 202 720-0345 Fax: 202 690-0486 Email: john.o'connell@fsis.usda.gov RIN: 0583-AD04 _______________________________________________________________________ 181. UNIFORM COMPLIANCE DATE FOR FOOD LABELING REGULATIONS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 21 USC 601 et seq; 21 USC 451 et seq CFR Citation: None Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This proposed rule will establish a uniform compliance date for food labeling regulations to minimize the economic impact of labeling changes by providing for an orderly industry adjustment to new labeling requirements. If these labeling changes were effective on separate dates, the cumulative financial impact on the meat and poultry industry to incorporate these frequent changes would be substantial. Further, FSIS proposes to establish the uniform compliance date to be consistent with the approach that the Food and Drug Administration, HHS, has already established. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 05/04/04 69 FR 24539 NPRM Comment Period End 07/06/04 Final Action 12/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Robert Post, Director, Labeling and Consumer Protection Staff, Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and Inspection Service, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 202 205-0279 Email: robert.post@fsis.usda.gov RIN: 0583-AD05 _______________________________________________________________________ 182. FOOD SECURITY PLANS Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 7 USC 138f; 7 CFR 2.18, 2.53; 21 USC 601 et seq; 21 USC 451 et seq; 21 USC 1031 et seq CFR Citation: 9 CFR 420 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is proposing regulations to require that official establishments develop, implement, and maintain food security plans to prevent intentional product contamination. FSIS is also proposing to require that establishments review these plans routinely and modify them as appropriate. FSIS is taking this action to enhance protection of the nation's food supply against possible terrorist acts. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 09/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: State Agency Contact: Jeffrey L. Brown, Program Analyst, Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and Inspection Service, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 202 720-2096 Fax: 202 690-0486 Email: jeffrey.brown@fsis.usda.gov RIN: 0583-AD06 _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Agriculture (USDA) Final Rule Stage Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) _______________________________________________________________________ 183. BEEF OR PORK WITH BARBECUE SAUCE; REVISION OF STANDARDS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 21 USC 601 et seq CFR Citation: 9 CFR 319 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has been petitioned to amend the Federal meat inspection regulations by removing a meat yield requirement for the standardized products ``Beef With Barbecue Sauce'' and ``Pork With Barbecue Sauce.'' Current regulations for these products require that the product contain not less than 50 percent of the species identified on the label and that the weight of the cooked pork or beef not exceed 70 percent of the uncooked weight of the meat. The first requirement is consistent with other meat and sauce requirements, but the second requirement is not. The petitioner asserts that the product standard (promulgated in 1952) does not reflect current production practices or the commercial marketability of beef or pork with barbecue sauce. The petitioner further states that producers of these products are at a competitive disadvantage with other meat and sauce producers, because other meat and sauce producers do not have a 70 [[Page 37231]] percent yield requirement. Forexample, producers of the standardized products ``Beef with Gravy,'' ``Meat Pies,'' and ``Spaghetti with Meat and Sauce'' and similar standardized products do not have any meat yield requirements. FSIS has determined that the petitioner's request should be granted. This action would permit fair competition between meat and barbecue sauce producers, and poultry and barbecue sauce producers, and would provide consistent requirements in both the meat and poultry inspection regulations. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 09/03/97 62 FR 46450 NPRM Comment Period End 11/03/97 Final Action 09/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Dr. Lynn E. Dickey, Director, Regulations and Petitions Policy Staff, Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and Inspection Service, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 202 720-5627 Fax: 202 690-0486 Email: lynn.dickey@fsis.usda.gov RIN: 0583-AC09 _______________________________________________________________________ 184. PERFORMANCE STANDARDS FOR THE PRODUCTION OF PROCESSED MEAT AND POULTRY PRODUCTS Priority: Economically Significant. Major under 5 USC 801. Unfunded Mandates: Undetermined Legal Authority: 21 USC 451 et seq; 21 USC 601 et seq CFR Citation: 9 CFR 301; 9 CFR 303; 9 CFR 317; 9 CFR 318; 9 CFR 319; 9 CFR 320; 9 CFR 325; 9 CFR 331; 9 CFR 381; 9 CFR 417; 9 CFR 430; CFR 431 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: FSIS has proposed to establish pathogen reduction performance standards for all ready-to-eat (RTE) and partially heat-treated meat and poultry products. The performance standards spell out the objective level of pathogen reduction that establishments must meet during their operations in order to produce safe products but allow the use of customized, plant-specific processing procedures other than those prescribed in the earlier regulations. Along with HACCP, food safety performance standards will give establishments the incentive and flexibility to adopt innovative, science-based food safety processing procedures and controls, while providing objective, measurable standards that can be verified by Agency inspectional oversight. This set of performance standards will include and be consistent with standards already in place for certain ready-to-eat meat and poultry products. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 02/27/01 66 FR 12590 NPRM Comment Period End 05/29/01 NPRM Comment Period Extended 07/03/01 66 FR 35112 NPRM Comment Period End 09/10/01 Interim Final Rule 06/06/03 68 FR 34208 Interim Final Rule Effective 10/06/03 Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 12/08/04 Final Action 06/00/05 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: Undetermined Agency Contact: Dr. Daniel L. Engeljohn, Executive Associate, Office of Policy, Program and Employee Development, Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and Inspection Service, Room 402 Cotton Annex Building, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 202 205-0495 Fax: 202 401-1760 Email: daniel.engeljohn@fsis.usda.gov RIN: 0583-AC46 _______________________________________________________________________ 185. NUTRITION LABELING OF SINGLE-INGREDIENT PRODUCTS AND GROUND OR CHOPPED MEAT AND POULTRY PRODUCTS Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 21 USC 601 et seq; 21 USC 451 et seq CFR Citation: 9 CFR 317; 9 CFR 381 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: FSIS has proposed to amend the Federal meat and poultry products inspection regulations to require nutrition labeling for the major cuts of single-ingredient, raw meat and poultry products, either on their label or at their point-of-purchase, unless an exemption applies. FSIS also proposed to require nutrition information on the label of ground or chopped meat and poultry products, unless an exemption applies. The requirements for ground or chopped products will be consistent with those for multi-ingredient products. FSIS also proposed to amend the nutrition labeling regulations to provide that when a ground or chopped product does not meet the regulatory criteria to be labeled ``low fat,'' a lean percentage claim may be included on the label or in labeling, as long as a statement of the fat percentage also is displayed on the label or in labeling. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 01/18/01 66 FR 4970 NPRM Comment Period End 04/18/01 Extension of Comment Period 04/20/01 66 FR 20213 NPRM Comment Period End 07/17/01 Final Action 08/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Robert Post, Director, Labeling and Consumer Protection Staff, Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and Inspection Service, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 202 205-0279 Email: robert.post@fsis.usda.gov RIN: 0583-AC60 _______________________________________________________________________ 186. FOOD STANDARDS: REQUIREMENTS FOR SUBSTITUTE STANDARDIZED MEAT AND POULTRY PRODUCTS NAMED BY USE OF AN EXPRESSED NUTRIENT CONTENT CLAIM AND A STANDARDIZED TERM Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 21 USC 601; 21 USC 451 CFR Citation: 9 CFR 381.172; 9 CFR 319.10 Legal Deadline: None [[Page 37232]] Abstract: FSIS is amending the Federal meat and poultry inspection regulations to establish a general definition and standard of identity for standardized meat and poultry products that have been modified to qualify for use of an expressed nutrient content claim in their product names. These products will be identified by an expressed nutrient content claim, such as ``fat free,'' ``low fat,'' and ``light,'' in conjunction with an appropriate standardized term. FSIS is taking this action to 1) assist consumersto maintain healthy dietary practices by providing for modified versions of standardized meat and poultry products that have reductions of certain constituents that are of health concern to some people, 2) increase regulatory flexibility and support product innovation and, 3) provide consumers with an informative nutrition labeling system. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 12/29/95 60 FR 67474 NPRM Comment Period End 02/27/96 Final Action 12/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Robert Post, Director, Labeling and Consumer Protection Staff, Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and Inspection Service, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 202 205-0279 Email: robert.post@fsis.usda.gov RIN: 0583-AC82 _______________________________________________________________________ 187. CLASSES OF POULTRY UPDATING POULTRY CLASS STANDARDS Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 21 USC 451 CFR Citation: 9 CFR 381.170(a) Legal Deadline: None Abstract: FSIS is proposing to amend the official U.S. classes of poultry so that they more accurately and clearly describe the characteristics of poultry in the market today. Poultry classes are defined primarily in terms of age and sex of the bird. Genetic improvements and new poultry management techniques have reduced the grow-out period for some poultry classes while extensive cross breeding has produced poultry with higher meat yields but blurred breed distinctions. This action is being taken to ensure that poultry products are labeled in a truthful and non-misleading manner. The rule will update existing regulations to reflect current poultry characteristics and production practices. Therefore, the impact on the poultry industry is expected to be minimal. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 09/29/03 68 FR 55902 NPRM Comment Period End 02/09/04 Final Action 12/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Robert Post, Director, Labeling and Consumer Protection Staff, Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and Inspection Service, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 202 205-0279 Email: robert.post@fsis.usda.gov RIN: 0583-AC83 _______________________________________________________________________ 188. PROHIBITION OF THE USE OF SPECIFIED RISK MATERIALS FOR HUMAN FOOD AND REQUIREMENTS FOR THE DISPOSITION OF NON-AMBULATORY DISABLED CATTLE Priority: Economically Significant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Legal Authority: 21 USC 601 et seq CFR Citation: Not Yet Determined Legal Deadline: None Abstract: On January 12, 2004, The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) issued an interim final rule to amend the Federal meat inspection regulations to designate the brain, skull, eyes, trigeminal ganglia, spinal cord, vertebral column (excluding the vertebrae of the tail, the transverse processes of the thoracic and lumbar vertebrae, and the wings of the sacrum), and dorsal root ganglia (DRG) of cattle 30 months of age and older, and the tonsils and distal ileum of the small intestine of all cattle, as ``specified risk materials'' (SRMs). The Agency declared that SRMs are inedible and prohibited their use for human food. In addition, as a result of the interim final rule, FSIS now requires that all non-ambulatory disabled cattle presented for slaughter be condemned. The Agency also requires that federally inspected establishments that slaughter cattle and federally inspected establishments that process the carcasses or parts of cattle develop, implement, and maintain written procedures forthe removal, segregation, and disposition of SRMs. Establishments must incorporate these procedures into their HACCP plans or in their Sanitation SOPs or other prerequisite program. FSIS took this action in response to the diagnosis on December 23, 2003, by the U.S. Department of Agriculture of a positive case of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) in an adult Holstein cow in the State of Washington. This action is intended to minimize human exposure to materials that scientific studies have demonstrated as containing the BSE agent in cattle infected with the disease. Infectivity has never been demonstrated in the muscle tissue of cattle experimentally or naturally infected with BSE at any stage of the disease. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 01/12/04 69 FR 1862 Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 04/12/04 Final Action 12/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: Undetermined Federalism: Undetermined Agency Contact: Dr. Daniel L. Engeljohn, Executive Associate, Office of Policy, Program and Employee Development, Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and Inspection Service, Room 402 Cotton Annex Building, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 202 205-0495 Fax: 202 401-1760 Email: daniel.engeljohn@fsis.usda.gov RIN: 0583-AC88 [[Page 37233]] _______________________________________________________________________ 189. MEAT PRODUCED BY ADVANCED MEAT/BONE SEPARATION MACHINERY AND MEAT RECOVERY SYSTEMS Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 21 USC 601 to 695 CFR Citation: 9 CFR 301.2; 9 CFR 318.24 (Revision); 9 CFR 3 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: On January 12, 2004, the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) issued an interim final rule to amend the Federal meat inspection regulations. The rule is designed, in part, to prevent human exposure to the Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE) agent by ensuring that Advanced Meat/Bone Separation Machinery and Meat Recovery (AMR) systems are not a means of introducing central nervous system (CNS)-type tissue into product labeled as ``meat.'' Meat may be derived by mechanically separating skeletal muscle tissue from the bones of livestock, other than skulls or vertebral column bones of cattle 30 months of age and older, using advances in mechanical meat/bone separation machinery, i.e., AMR systems. The recovered meat product may not incorporate any brain, trigeminal ganglia, spinal cord, or dorsal root ganglia tissues. In addition, there must be no more than a non- significant incorporation of bone solids or bone marrow as measured by the presence of calcium and iron in excess of the requirements in the interim final rule. This rule also requires that federally-inspected establishments that process cattle develop, implement, and maintain written procedures for the removal, segregation, and disposition of specified risk materials (SRMs) , including non-complying product from beef AMR systems. These procedures are required to be incorporated into an establishment's HACCP plan, Sanitation Standard Operation Procedures, or other prerequisite program. FSIS took this actionin response to the diagnosis on December 23, 2003, by the Department of Agriculture of a positive case of BSE in an adult Holstein cow in the State of Washington. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 01/12/04 69 FR 1874 Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 04/12/04 Final Action 12/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Dr. Daniel L. Engeljohn, Executive Associate, Office of Policy, Program and Employee Development, Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and Inspection Service, Room 402 Cotton Annex Building, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 202 205-0495 Fax: 202 401-1760 Email: daniel.engeljohn@fsis.usda.gov Related RIN: Duplicate of 0583-AC51 RIN: 0583-AD00 _______________________________________________________________________ 190. PROHIBITION ON THE USE OF AIR-INJECTION STUNNERS FOR THE SLAUGHTER OF CATTLE Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: Federal Meat Inspection Act; . . . CFR Citation: 9 CFR 313 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is amending the Federal meat inspection regulations to prohibit the use of penetrative captive bolt stunning devices that deliberately inject air into the cranial cavity of cattle. This rulemaking responds to the findings of a risk assessment on bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) conducted by the Harvard Center for Risk Analysis (referred to as the Harvard study) and is part of a series of actions that the USDA is taking to strengthen its BSE prevention programs. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 01/12/04 69 FR 1885 Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 04/12/04 Final Action 12/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: Undetermined Agency Contact: Dr. Daniel L. Engeljohn, Executive Associate, Office of Policy, Program and Employee Development, Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and Inspection Service, Room 402 Cotton Annex Building, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 202 205-0495 Fax: 202 401-1760 Email: daniel.engeljohn@fsis.usda.gov RIN: 0583-AD03 _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Agriculture (USDA) Completed Actions Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) _______________________________________________________________________ 191. AGENCY ORGANIZATION Priority: Info./Admin./Other CFR Citation: 9 CFR 300; 9 CFR 301; 9 CFR 306; 9 CFR 320; 9 CFR 381; 9 CFR 590 Completed: ________________________________________________________________________ Reason Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 01/05/04 69 FR 250 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Lynn E. Dickey Phone: 202 720-5627 Fax: 202 690-0486 Email: lynn.dickey@fsis.usda.gov RIN: 0583-AC78 BILLING CODE 3410--DM--S [[Page 37234]] _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Agriculture (USDA) Proposed Rule Stage Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) _______________________________________________________________________ 192. PROGRAM TO PROVIDE TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE TO PROMOTE U.S. AGRICULTURAL EXPORTS TO EMERGING MARKETS (EMERGING MARKETS PROGRAM) Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 7 USC 5622 note CFR Citation: None Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This rule proposes to establish regulations applicable to the Emerging Markets Program, currently authorized by the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 and amended by the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996. The Emerging Markets Program currently operates under agency guidelines. The proposed rule would amend and codify the existing guidelines. Codification of the guidelines should not change program administration noticeably. Because the program is already in operation under agency guidelines, this proposal would have no significant impact on the U.S. economy. The proposed rule will provide specific regulations concerning program administration. Significant provisions include definitions of emerging market and country eligibility, program objectives and priorities, eligible organizations, qualification requirements, application and review processes, decisions and appeals, reimbursement rules and procedures, reporting requirements, evaluations, and program controls. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 07/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Kimberly Chisley, Regulatory Coordinator, Department of Agriculture, Foreign Agricultural Service, Room 6087, South Building, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 202 720-2568 Fax: 202 720-3814 Email: chisleyk@fas.usda.gov Tamoria Thompson, Regulatory Coordinator, Department of Agriculture, Foreign Agricultural Service, Room 6087, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 202 690-1690 Email: thompsont@fas.usda.gov RIN: 0551-AA62 _______________________________________________________________________ 193. NEW PROVISIONS AND REVISIONS TO SUGAR REEXPORT PROGRAMS UNDER 7 CFR 1530 Priority: Other Significant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Unfunded Mandates: Undetermined Legal Authority: 19 USC 1202; 19 USC 3314 CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1530 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This regulation governs the importation of world price sugar and its subsequent use as a refined reexport, product ingredient, or input into the production of polyhydric alcohols. The proposed amendments and/or modifications are principally aimed at reorganizing and simplifying the complexity of the current regulation; clarifying certain definitions, including the coverage of beet and cane sugar; extending the scope of the regulation to specially include toll operations, which was inadvertently omitted; establishing a reexport program for raw sugar; and implementing Mexico-NAFTA legal commitments. The proposed action will provide for increased operational efficiencies and promote the Government's objectives regarding regulatory simplification. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ ANPRM 05/01/03 68 FR 23230 ANPRM Comment Period End 06/02/03 NPRM 09/00/04 NPRM Comment Period End 11/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Kimberly Chisley, Regulatory Coordinator, Department of Agriculture, Foreign Agricultural Service, Room 6087, South Building, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 202 720-2568 Fax: 202 720-3814 Email: chisleyk@fas.usda.gov RIN: 0551-AA65 _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Agriculture (USDA) Long-Term Actions Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) _______________________________________________________________________ 194. CCC SUPPLIER CREDIT GUARANTEE PROGRAM Priority: Economically Significant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1493 Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 07/19/95 60 FR 37025 NPRM Comment Period End 09/18/95 Interim Final Rule 07/01/96 61 FR 33825 Interim Final Rule Effective 08/30/96 Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 12/30/96 Final Action To Be Determined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Kimberly Chisley Phone: 202 720-2568 Fax: 202 720-3814 Email: chisleyk@fas.usda.gov Tamoria Thompson Phone: 202 690-1690 Email: thompsont@fas.usda.gov RIN: 0551-AA30 _______________________________________________________________________ 195. FACILITY GUARANTEE PROGRAM Priority: Other Significant CFR Citation: 7 CFR 17; 7 CFR 1493 Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 03/01/93 58 FR 11786 [[Page 37235]] Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 06/01/93 Interim Final Rule 08/08/97 62 FR 42651 Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 10/07/97 Final Action To Be Determined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Kimberly Chisley Phone: 202 720-2568 Fax: 202 720-3814 Email: chisleyk@fas.usda.gov Tamoria Thompson Phone: 202 690-1690 Email: thompsont@fas.usda.gov RIN: 0551-AA35 BILLING CODE 3410--10--S _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Agriculture (USDA) Prerule Stage Forest Service (FS) _______________________________________________________________________ 196. WATERSHED FORESTRY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: PL 108-148 CFR Citation: None Legal Deadline: None Abstract: In section 302 of title III of the Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003 (Pub. L. 108-148), through an amendment to the Cooperative Forestry Assistance Act of 1978 (16 U.S.C. 2103a), directs the Secretary of Agriculture to establish the Watershed Forestry Assistance Program (WFAP), which would be administered by the Forest Service and implemented by the State Foresters or equivalent State officials. The Forest Service is working with State Foresters to develop guidelines for implementing WFA. The purpose of WFAP is to address watershed issues on non-Federal forested and potentially forested land. The program's goals are to improve watershed health through forestry practices; to build partnerships; to promote collaborative watershed approaches; and to provide technical, financial, and educational assistance to qualified landowners and entities. Section 302 of the act requires the development of (1) a watershed forestry technical assistance program, and (2) a watershed forestry cost-share program. The WFAP is very similar to other State and Private Forestry cooperative grant and agreement programs that the Forest Service has managed over the past 50 years. The WFAP guidelines will establish the criteria that State Foresters and landowners and other entities must meet in implementing WFAP. These criteria include landowner/entity eligibility and responsibilities, acceptable watershed forestry projects, and selection of priority watersheds. The guidelines also will establish budget allocation procedures and monitoring and accomplishment reporting requirements. The guidelines will, to the extent consistent with Federal accountability and oversight responsibility, allow flexibility to the States to implement the program in a manner consistent with local needs and opportunities. The Forest Service plans to publish an advance notice of interim final guidelines with request for comment in the Federal Register seeking comments on the proposed approach for program implementation. Comments received will be considered in the development of the interim final guidelines and additional agency directives issued to Forest Service Manual (FSM) 3500, Cooperative Watershed Management. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Advance Notice of Proposed Guidelines 05/25/04 69 FR 29688 Comment Period End 07/26/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: Federal, Local, State URL For More Information: http://www.fs.fed.us/cooperativeforestry/programs/wfa/ Agency Contact: Andria D. Weeks, Regulatory Analyst, Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, MS 1134, ATTN: ORMS, D&R Branch Mail Stop 1134, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0003 Phone: 703 605-4610 Fax: 703 605-5111 Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us Related RIN: Related to 0596-AC19 RIN: 0596-AC18 _______________________________________________________________________ 197. TRIBAL WATERSHED FORESTRY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: PL 108-148 CFR Citation: None Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Forest Service, in cooperation with Indian Tribes, is preparing guidelines for implementing the Tribal Watershed Forestry Assistance Program (TWFAP) authorized in title III, section 303, of the Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003 (Pub. L. 108-148). The purpose of TWFAP is to address watershed issues on lands under tribal jurisdiction. The program's goals are to improve watershed health through forestry practices; to build partnerships; to promote collaborative watershed approaches; and to provide technical, financial, and educational assistance to participating Tribes. Section 303 of the act requires development of (1) a tribal watershed forestry technical assistance program and (2) a tribal watershed forestry award program. The Forest Service plans to publish an advance notice of interim final guidelines with request for comment in the Federal Register seeking comments on the proposed approach for program implementation. Comments received will be considered in the development of the interim final guidelines and additional agency directives issued to Forest Service Manual (FSM) 3500, Cooperative Watershed Management. [[Page 37236]] Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Advance Notice of Proposed Guidelines 05/25/04 69 FR 29687 Comment Period End 07/26/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: Federal, Tribal URL For More Information: http://www.fs.fed.us/cooperativeforestry/programs/wfa/ Agency Contact: Andria D. Weeks, Regulatory Analyst, Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, MS 1134, ATTN: ORMS, D&R Branch Mail Stop 1134, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0003 Phone: 703 605-4610 Fax: 703 605-5111 Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us Related RIN: Related to 0596-AC18 RIN: 0596-AC19 _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Agriculture (USDA) Proposed Rule Stage Forest Service (FS) _______________________________________________________________________ 198. INDIAN ALLOTMENTS ON NATIONAL FOREST SYSTEM LANDS Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 16 USC 472; 16 USC 551; 16 USC 1603; 43 USC 1740; 25 USC 337 CFR Citation: 36 CFR 254 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This proposed rule sets forth the Forest Service role and procedures in the conveyance of Indian allotments on National Forest System (NFS) lands. The Indian Allotment Act of 1910, as amended, authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to make allotments of NFS lands to American Indians for homesteading and agricultural and grazing purposes, but only after a determination by the Secretary of Agriculture that the lands are more valuable for agriculture or grazing than for timber. The Forest Service has relied upon U.S. Department of the Interior rules and procedures at 43 CFR 2533 to govern its involvement in Indian allotment cases. Litigation and a decision by the Interior Board of Land Appeals require the Forest Service to set forth its own regulations. This proposed rule clarifies the role of the Forest Service in the allotment process. It preserves the rights of affected individual American Indians who wish to apply for allotments on NFS lands. An earlier version of this proposed rule was published in the Federal Register on June 22, 1987 (52 FR 23473). Very few comments were received on the 1987 proposed rule, and this revision of the proposed rule makes only limited changes needed to update the rule due to the passage of 17 years since publication of the first version of the proposed rule. Because of the amount of time that has elapsed since the earlier version of the proposed rule was published, the agency believes that it is in the public interest to publish a revised proposed rule and request comment prior to adopting a final rule. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 06/22/87 52 FR 23473 NPRM Comment Period End 07/22/87 Second NPRM 02/00/05 Second NPRM Comment Period End 04/00/05 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Andria D. Weeks, Regulatory Analyst, Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, MS 1134, ATTN: ORMS, D&R Branch Mail Stop 1134, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0003 Phone: 703 605-4610 Fax: 703 605-5111 Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us RIN: 0596-AA52 _______________________________________________________________________ 199. SPECIES SURPLUS TO DOMESTIC MANUFACTURING NEEDS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 620 et seq CFR Citation: 36 CFR 223.200 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This proposed rule would amend 36 CFR 223.200 to list species proposed to be surplus to domestic manufacturing needs. This proposed rule would implement a portion of section 620a(b) of the Forest Resources Conservation and Shortage Relief Act of 1990 (16 U.S.C. 620 et seq.). Section 620a(a) of the Act provides that no person who acquires unprocessed timber originating from Federal lands west of the 100th meridian in the contiguous 48 States may export such timber from the United States, or sell, trade, exchange, or otherwise convey such timber from the United States, unless such timber has been determined under subsection (b) to be surplus to the needs of timber manufacturing facilities in the United States. Section 620a(b) of the Act provides that the prohibition contained in section (a) shall not apply to specific quantities of grades and species of unprocessed timber originating in Federal lands which the Secretary determines, through rulemaking, to be surplus to domestic manufacturing needs. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 07/00/04 NPRM Comment Period End 09/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: Federal Agency Contact: Andria D. Weeks, Regulatory Analyst, Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, MS 1134, ATTN: ORMS, D&R Branch Mail Stop 1134, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0003 Phone: 703 605-4610 Fax: 703 605-5111 Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us RIN: 0596-AB27 _______________________________________________________________________ 200. APPEAL OF DECISIONS RELATING TO OCCUPANCY AND USE OF NATIONAL FOREST SYSTEM LANDS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 472; 16 USC 551 CFR Citation: 36 CFR 251; 36 CFR 214 Legal Deadline: None [[Page 37237]] Abstract: The Forest Service is publishing a proposed rule to redesignate appeals of decisions relating to occupancy and use of National Forest System lands from 36 CFR part 251 to 36 CFR part 214, thus placing all appeal rules in close proximity. The current rule at 36 CFR part 251 also needs to be updated for conformance with the Appeal Reform Act. The proposed rule would revise a number of existing provisions. For example, changes to part 251 would remove the review of decisions subject to the National Environmental Policy Act and place this kind of appeal under 36 CFR part 215, thus narrowing the scope of part 251 subpart C to actions that administer existing special use authorizations, such as written decisions that modify, suspend, or cancel an authorization. Additionally, the proposed rule would clarify that this is the appropriate part for appeal of decisions related to locatable mining operations. Among specific changes being proposed are establishing the Regional Forester as the appellate level for review of both District Ranger and Forest Supervisor decisions; eliminating the discretionary review option; establishing timeframes for scheduling oral presentations; clarifying that decisions to deny permits for noncommercial group use are not subject to appeal, but rather are immediately subject to judicial review; and making changes to conform terminology and definitions with 36 CFR part 215. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 07/00/04 NPRM Comment Period End 09/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Andria D. Weeks, Regulatory Analyst, Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, MS 1134, ATTN: ORMS, D&R Branch Mail Stop 1134, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0003 Phone: 703 605-4610 Fax: 703 605-5111 Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us RIN: 0596-AB45 _______________________________________________________________________ 201. LAW ENFORCEMENT SUPPORT ACTIVITIES Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 7 USC 1011(f); 16 USC 472; 16 USC 551; 16 USC 559(a) to 559(g); 40 USC 484(m) CFR Citation: 36 CFR 262 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: On February 16, 1994 (59 FR 7880), the Forest Service published a proposed rule for 36 CFR part 261, Prohibitions, and part 262, Law Enforcement Support Activities. Due to the high level of interest in and comment on part 261, the decision was made to publish second proposed rules separately for each part. The Forest Service is proceeding with publication of a second proposed rule for part 262, Law Enforcement Support Activities. The proposed revisions to part 262 are narrow in scope and are meant to clarify specific administrative provisions. In particular, they address the limitations and conditions for paying rewards in connection to fire or property prosecution; clarify the rules regarding the purchase of information or evidence in furtherance of investigations; and clarify certain actions and regulations regarding the impoundment, removal, and disposition of animals and personal property from National Forest System lands. The proposed rule also responds to comments concerning part 262 that were received in response to the proposed rule published in 1994. The majority of those comments referred to how the rule defines certain terms; to address those comments in this second proposed rule, the agency proposes to add a new section for definitions. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 02/16/94 59 FR 7880 NPRM Comment Period End 05/18/94 Second NPRM 08/00/04 Second NPRM Comment Period End 10/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Andria D. Weeks, Regulatory Analyst, Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, MS 1134, ATTN: ORMS, D&R Branch Mail Stop 1134, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0003 Phone: 703 605-4610 Fax: 703 605-5111 Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us RIN: 0596-AB61 _______________________________________________________________________ 202. NONCOMPETITIVE SALE OF TIMBER; TIMBER SUBSTITUTION Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 472(a) CFR Citation: 36 CFR 223.85 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This proposed rule would revise 36 CFR 223.85 by changing the reference to 16 U.S.C. 472(d) to 16 U.S.C. 472a(d). This proposed rule would revise the existing regulations regarding noncompetitive sale of timber based on the Secretary of Agriculture's determination that ``extraordinary conditions'' exist to apply to sales agency wide. This proposed rule would add paragraph (c), which further defines extraordinary conditions to allow forest officers, without advertisement, to make modifications to awarded timber and forest product sales, which result in the substitution of timber or forest products from outside the sale area specified in the contract. This would be applied to situations where replacement timber from outside the sale area could be substituted for timber lost as a result of litigation or catastrophic events. Substitute timber or forest products must be from the same National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) analysis area, and meet agency requirements for compliance with the NEPA, the National Forest Management Act, and notice, comment, and appeal procedures at 36 CFR part 215. This proposed rule would authorize the Forest Service to propose timber sale modifications and to enter into discussions with purchasers on such modifications. But, timber purchasers would not be obligated to accept any proposed modifications. To the extent that timber sale cancellations and partial cancellations are avoided, the effect of this proposed rule would be to reduce future damage claims on timber sales. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 07/00/04 [[Page 37238]] NPRM Comment Period End 09/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Andria D. Weeks, Regulatory Analyst, Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, MS 1134, ATTN: ORMS, D&R Branch Mail Stop 1134, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0003 Phone: 703 605-4610 Fax: 703 605-5111 Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us RIN: 0596-AB70 _______________________________________________________________________ 203. SALE AND DISPOSAL OF NATIONAL FOREST SYSTEM TIMBER; TIMBER EXPORT AND SUBSTITUTION RESTRICTIONS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 620 CFR Citation: 36 CFR 223; 36 CFR 261 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This proposed rule for timber export and substitution restrictions would implement the provisions of the Forest Resources Conservation and Shortage Relief Act of 1990, as amended in 1997. The proposed rule defines the certain terms necessary to facilitate uniform compliance; prohibits transfer of unprocessed private timber for export by a person who possesses or acquires unprocessed Federal timber; prohibits export of such unprocessed private timber by a third or successive party; prescribes procedures for reporting the acquisition and disposition of National Forest System (NFS) and private timber requiring domestic processing, including transfers; prescribes procedures for identifying unprocessed NFS and private timber requiring domestic processing; and establishes procedures for assessing civil and criminal penalties and applying administrative remedies for violations of the Act, its implementing regulations, and contracts subject to the Act. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 07/00/04 NPRM Comment Period End 09/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: Federal Agency Contact: Andria D. Weeks, Regulatory Analyst, Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, MS 1134, ATTN: ORMS, D&R Branch Mail Stop 1134, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0003 Phone: 703 605-4610 Fax: 703 605-5111 Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us RIN: 0596-AB75 _______________________________________________________________________ 204. FOREST SERVICE TRAILS ACCESSIBILITY GUIDELINES Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 49 USC 4151; 29 USC 794; 7 CFR 15e CFR Citation: None Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Architectural Barriers Act of 1968, section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and 7 CFR 15e require that new or reconstructed facilities be accessible. The Forest Service Trails Accessibility Guidelines in this proposed policy amending Forest Service Manual (FSM) 2350, Trail, River, and Similar Recreation Opportunities, would establish clear agency guidelines to provide the highest level of accessibility to pedestrian/hiker trails for the greatest number of people, including persons with disabilities, while not fundamentally altering the environment and recreational setting. The proposed policy also would incorporate the definition of a wheelchair and clarify direction that a mobility device that meets that definition of a wheelchair may be used anywhere foot travel is permitted. Comments will be considered in development of the final guidelines. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Proposed Interim Directive 07/00/04 Comment Period End 09/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Andria D. Weeks, Regulatory Analyst, Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, MS 1134, ATTN: ORMS, D&R Branch Mail Stop 1134, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0003 Phone: 703 605-4610 Fax: 703 605-5111 Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us RIN: 0596-AB92 _______________________________________________________________________ 205. FOREST SERVICE OUTDOOR RECREATION ACCESSIBILITY GUIDELINES Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 42 USC 4151; 29 USC 794; 7 CFR 15e CFR Citation: None Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Architectural Barriers Act of 1968, section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and 7 CFR 15e require that new or reconstructed facilities be accessible. The Forest Service Outdoor Recreation Accessibility Guidelines in this proposed policy amending Forest Service Manual (FSM) chapter 2330, Publicly Managed Recreation Opportunities, would establish clear agency guidelines to provide the highest level of accessibility for the greatest number of people, including persons with disabilities,while not fundamentally altering the environment and recreational setting. Outdoor recreation facilities include campgrounds, picnic areas, beach access and other access routes, and so on. The proposed policy also would clarify direction regarding existing requirements for the Golden Access Passport eligibility and documentation utilized by all Federal agencies under the 1980 amendment to the Land and Water Conservation Fund Act. Comments will be considered in development of the final guidelines. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Proposed Interim Directive 07/00/04 Comment Period End 09/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Andria D. Weeks, Regulatory Analyst, Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, MS 1134, ATTN: ORMS, D&R Branch Mail Stop 1134, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0003 [[Page 37239]] Phone: 703 605-4610 Fax: 703 605-5111 Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us RIN: 0596-AB93 _______________________________________________________________________ 206. SAWTOOTH NATIONAL RECREATION AREA-PRIVATE LANDS; INCREASING RESIDENTIAL OUTBUILDING SIZE Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: PL 92-400 CFR Citation: 36 CFR 292.16 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Forest Service is proposing a limited amendment to the rules at 36 CFR 292.16(e)(2)(ii) applicable to private lands on the Sawtooth National Recreation Area in Idaho. This proposed rule would revise the standard for residential outbuildings on the SNRA to a maximum area of 850 square feet (currently, 400 square feet) and would limit such outbuildings to one story. This change would accommodate the storage needs for residents within the SNRA. The new standard would facilitate replacement of the temporary structures and also the unsightly, unprotected outdoor storage of materials, equipment, and vehicles. In general the residents within the SNRA are supportive of the proposed amendment, which should be considered as noncontroversial based on comments previously received in response to an environmental assessment prepared in 2000 for a proposed revision of the Sawtooth National Forest land and resource management plan. At that time, numerous comments stated that the existing standardfor the size of outbuildings is inadequate, and they expressed support for revising the outbuilding standard. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 04/22/04 69 FR 21796 NPRM Comment Period End 06/21/04 Final Action 09/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Andria D. Weeks, Regulatory Analyst, Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, MS 1134, ATTN: ORMS, D&R Branch Mail Stop 1134, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0003 Phone: 703 605-4610 Fax: 703 605-5111 Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us RIN: 0596-AC00 _______________________________________________________________________ 207. NATIONAL FOREST SYSTEM LAND MANAGEMENT PLANNING DIRECTIVES (PROPOSED DIRECTIVES, FOREST SERVICE MANUAL (FSM) 1920 AND FOREST SERVICE HANDBOOK (FSH) 1909.12) Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC et seq; 5 USC 301 CFR Citation: None Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Forest Service is proposing to revise its directives issued to the Forest Service Manual (FSM) 1900, Planning, and Forest Service Handbook (FSH) 1909.12, Land and Resource Management Planning Handbook. These directives would provide the detailed direction to agency employees necessary to implement the provisions in the final rule to be adopted at 36 CFR part 219 governing land and resource management planning. The proposed rule was published on December 6, 2002 (67 FR 72770). Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Proposed Directives 07/00/04 Comment Period End 09/00/04 Final Action 11/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Andria D. Weeks, Regulatory Analyst, Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, MS 1134, ATTN: ORMS, D&R Branch Mail Stop 1134, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0003 Phone: 703 605-4610 Fax: 703 605-5111 Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us Related RIN: Related to 0596-AB86 RIN: 0596-AC02 _______________________________________________________________________ 208. SPECIAL AREAS; ROADLESS AREA CONSERVATION; APPLICABILITY TO NATIONAL FOREST SYSTEM LANDS IN ALASKA Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 16 USC 472; 16 USC 551; 16 USC 1604 ; 42 USC 4321 CFR Citation: 36 CFR 294 Legal Deadline: Other, Judicial, August 10, 2003, Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking. As required by a settlement agreement signed on June 10, 2003, between the U.S. Department of Justice and the State of Alaska, the Forest Service must publish an advance notice of proposed rulemaking in the Federal Register within 60 days of the signing of the settlement agreement. Abstract: The Forest Service is publishing a proposed rule to seek further public comment on possible amendments to 36 CFR 294.14(d) that would permanently exempt the Tongass and Chugach National Forests in Alaska from the scope and applicability of the Roadless Area Conservation final rule (the ``roadless rule'') published in the Federal Register on January 12, 2001, which established prohibitions on road construction, road reconstruction, and timber harvesting in inventoried roadless areas at 36 CFR part294 (66 FR 3244). Since publication, the roadless rule has been challenged by nine lawsuits filed in six judicial districts, including the Alaska district, and in four Federal circuits. On May 10, 2001, a Federal judge issued a preliminary injunction order preventing the Department from implementing the roadless rule. On April 14, 2003, the injunction order was reversed by the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. On July 14, 2003, a Federal district judge in the Tenth Circuit issued a permanent injunction order which is now pending appeal before the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals. On June 10, 2003, a settlement agreement was signed between the U.S. Department of Justice and the State of Alaska to resolve the suit filed by the State of Alaska and other plaintiffs. As required by the settlement agreement, an advance notice of proposed rulemaking (ANPRM) was published on July 15, 2003 (68 FR 41864). This proposed rule is being prepared after evaluation and consideration of public comments received on the advance notice of proposed rulemaking [[Page 37240]] published in July. As further stipulated by the settlement agreement, the agency also published on July 15, 2003 (68 FR 41865), a proposed amendment to the roadless rule that would exclude the Tongass National Forest from its applicability until USDA promulgates a revised final roadless rule as announced in the July 10, 2001, advance notice of proposed rulemaking (66 FR 35918). Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ ANPRM 07/15/03 68 FR 41864 ANPRM Comment Period End 08/14/03 ANPRM Comment Period Extended 08/18/03 68 FR 49395 ANPRM Comment Period End 09/02/03 NPRM 11/00/04 NPRM Comment Period End 01/00/05 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None URL For More Information: www.roadless.fs.fed.us Agency Contact: Andria D. Weeks, Regulatory Analyst, Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, MS 1134, ATTN: ORMS, D&R Branch Mail Stop 1134, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0003 Phone: 703 605-4610 Fax: 703 605-5111 Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us Related RIN: Related to 0596-AC04, Previously reported as 0596-AB85 RIN: 0596-AC05 _______________________________________________________________________ 209. STATE PETITIONS FOR INVENTORIED ROADLESS AREA MANAGEMENT Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 16 USC 472; 16 USC 529; 16 USC 551; 16 USC 1608; 16 USC 1613; 23 USC 201; 23 USC 205 CFR Citation: 36 CFR 294 subpart B Legal Deadline: None Abstract: On January 12, 2001, the Forest Service published the Roadless Area Conservation final rule (the ``roadless rule'') in the Federal Register establishing prohibitions on road construction, road reconstruction, and timber harvesting in inventoried roadless areas at 36 CFR part 294, subpart B (66 FR 3244). Since publication, the roadless rule has been challenged by nine lawsuits filed in six judicial districts and in four Federal circuits. On July 14, 2003, the U.S. District Court for the Districtof Wyoming issued a permanent injunction order enjoining the Department from implementing the roadless rule. That ruling has been appealed. Due to the continued legal uncertainty of providing protection for roadless areas through the application of the roadless rule, the agency is proposing to amend the roadless rule by replacing the prohibitions of the January 2001 rule with a procedural rule that would set out an administrative process for State Governors to petition the Secretary of Agriculture to establish or adjust management direction for roadless areas within their State. Such petitions would be evaluated and, if agreed to, addressed by the Secretary in subsequent rulemaking on a State-by-State basis. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 07/00/04 NPRM Comment Period End 09/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: State Agency Contact: Andria D. Weeks, Regulatory Analyst, Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, MS 1134, ATTN: ORMS, D&R Branch Mail Stop 1134, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0003 Phone: 703 605-4610 Fax: 703 605-5111 Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us RIN: 0596-AC10 _______________________________________________________________________ 210. TRAVEL MANAGEMENT, DESIGNATED ROUTES, AND AREAS FOR MOTOR VEHICLE USE Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Legal Authority: Not Yet Determined CFR Citation: 36 CFR 212, 251, 261, and 295 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Forest Service is publishing a proposed rule that would amend 36 CFR part 212 by establishing two subparts. Subpart A would be for Administration of the Forest Transportation System and Subpart B would be Designation of Roads, Trails, and Areas for Motor Vehicle Use; 36 CFR part 295 would be incorporated into 36 CFR part 212, subpart B. The proposed changes would also clarify definitions and direction, and improve consistency in management of off-highway vehicles on National Forest Systemlands in an effort to blend broad agency policy with local decisionmaking. These changes would ensure that collaborative efforts at the local level are integrated into decisionmaking. Additionally, the proposed rule would amend 36 CFR part 261 and 36 CFR part 251 to update language in current usage consistent with the proposed changes to 36 CFR part 295 and 36 CFR part 212, and to add prohibitions not currently covered in existing regulations that would clarify the management and use of off-highway vehicles on National Forest System lands. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 07/00/04 NPRM Comment Period End 09/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Andria D. Weeks, Regulatory Analyst, Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, MS 1134, ATTN: ORMS, D&R Branch Mail Stop 1134, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0003 Phone: 703 605-4610 Fax: 703 605-5111 Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us RIN: 0596-AC11 _______________________________________________________________________ 211. GRAZING PERMIT ADMINISTRATION (PROPOSED DIRECTIVES, FOREST SERVICE HANDBOOK 2209.13, CHAPTERS 10 AND 20) Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Legal Authority: Not Yet Determined [[Page 37241]] CFR Citation: None Legal Deadline: None Abstract: Updated national direction is needed to ensure the agency is both current and consistent in working with grazing permittees in all Forest Service Regions. The Forest Service is proposing to issue amendments to certain chapters and sections of Forest Service Manual (FSM) title 2200, Rangeland Management, and to all chapters of Forest Service Handbook (FSH) 2209.13, Grazing Permit Administration. The last substantive amendments to both FSM 2200 and FSH 2209.13 were made in 1985. Clarificationsand adjustments in policy are necessary to respond to changing needs of both the Forest Service and the livestock industry and to make the agency's policy current with legislation, court decisions, and agency management. The Forest Service has determined that two chapters in FSH 2209.13 require public notice and comment before the amendments can be finalized: chapter 10, Permits With Term Status, and chapter 20, Grazing Agreements. Both chapters contain substantive changes to agency operating procedures that affect how the Forest Service does business with permittees, grazing associations, and applicants for livestock grazing authorizations. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Proposed Directives 07/00/04 Comment Period End 09/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Andria D. Weeks, Regulatory Analyst, Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, MS 1134, ATTN: ORMS, D&R Branch Mail Stop 1134, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0003 Phone: 703 605-4610 Fax: 703 605-5111 Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us RIN: 0596-AC12 _______________________________________________________________________ 212. NATIONAL FOREST SYSTEM APPEALS AND LITIGATION (PROPOSED DIRECTIVES, FOREST SERVICE MANUAL, CHAPTER 1570) (RULEMAKING RESULTING FROM A SECTION 610 REVIEW) Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: Not Yet Determined CFR Citation: None Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Forest Service is proposing to revise its directives issued to the Forest Service Manual (FSM) 1570, Appeals and Litigation, to reestablish the Forest Service Handbook (FSH) for appeals filed pursuant to notice, comment, and appeal procedures for National Forest System projects and activities at 36 CFR part 215. These proposed directives would provide additional direction to agency employees necessary to implement the provisions in 36 CFR part 215, adopted on June 4, 2003 (68 FR 33582). Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Proposed Directives 07/00/04 Comment Period End 09/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Andria D. Weeks, Regulatory Analyst, Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, MS 1134, ATTN: ORMS, D&R Branch Mail Stop 1134, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0003 Phone: 703 605-4610 Fax: 703 605-5111 Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us RIN: 0596-AC13 _______________________________________________________________________ 213. CLIMBING BOLTS IN WILDERNESS (PROPOSED INTERIM DIRECTIVE, FOREST SERVICE MANUAL, CHAPTER 2320) Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: Not Yet Determined CFR Citation: None Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Forest Service is publishing a proposed interim directive to Forest Service Manual 2320 to establish policy regarding the use and placement of climbing bolts (fixed anchors) for rock climbing in wilderness. The need for managing the use of climbing bolts in wilderness arose in the late 1980's with disputes over their use in the Superstition Wilderness in Arizona. Since that time, a number of efforts have been initiated to resolve the issue, but have all failed. This includes the establishment of the Fixed Anchors in Wilderness Negotiated Rulemaking Committee in 1999, to develop and recommend a policy to the Secretary of Agriculture. The Negotiated Rulemaking Committee could not reach unanimous consensus on a proposed policy, and was therefore terminated. Representatives of the climbing community have been in frequent contact with the Forest Service since the committee was terminated requesting resolution of the issue. This proposed interim directive would assure consistenttreatment of the use and placement of climbing bolts in wilderness throughout the National Forest System. It would establish policy to address where the use and placement of fixed anchors is appropriate for recreational purposes and emergency needs, and limitations on associated equipment. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Proposed Interim Directive 09/00/04 Comment Period End 10/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Andria D. Weeks, Regulatory Analyst, Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, MS 1134, ATTN: ORMS, D&R Branch Mail Stop 1134, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0003 Phone: 703 605-4610 Fax: 703 605-5111 Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us RIN: 0596-AC21 _______________________________________________________________________ 214. PREDATOR DAMAGE MANAGEMENT (PROPOSED DIRECTIVE, FOREST SERVICE MANUAL, CHAPTER 2320) Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: Not Yet Determined CFR Citation: None Legal Deadline: None [[Page 37242]] Abstract: The Forest Service is publishing a notice of proposed directive to FSM 2320 to clarify the role of the Forest Service in predator damage management in wilderness. In 1993, the Forest Service entered into a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service-Wildlife Services (APHIS-WS) to clarify the Forest Service's role in working with APHIS-WS regarding predator damage management activities conducted by APHIS-WS on National Forest System lands. In 1995, direction was issued to FSM 2650 to bring Forest Service policy on predator damage management into conformance with the MOU. Additionally in 1995, an interim directive to FSM 2323.33c was issued regarding predator damage management in wilderness to conform with both the MOU and FSM 2650. The interim directive clarified the role of APHIS-WS as the lead agency in preparing environmental documentation for predator control activities initiated by APHIS. The interim directive to FSM 2323.33c was reissued in 1997, and expired in 1998. Therefore, the current direction in effect in FSM chapter 2320 does not reflect the MOU, or policy changes made in FSM 2650. A Washington Office team is working with Regional staff, APHIS-WS, and the Office of General Counsel to amend FSM 2320 to conform with the MOU, FSM 2650, and clarify and strengthen the Forest Service's role and responsibility regarding predator damage management action in wilderness. Comments received on this proposed directive will be considered in the development of the final directive. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Proposed Directive 07/00/04 Comment Period End 09/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Andria D. Weeks, Regulatory Analyst, Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, MS 1134, ATTN: ORMS, D&R Branch Mail Stop 1134, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0003 Phone: 703 605-4610 Fax: 703 605-5111 Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us RIN: 0596-AC22 _______________________________________________________________________ 215. MAXIMUM TERM FOR OUTFITTER/GUIDE SPECIAL USE AUTHORIZATIONS (PROPOSED DIRECTIVE, FOREST SERVICE HANDBOOK (FSH) 2709.11, CHAPTER 40) Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: Not Yet Determined CFR Citation: None Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Forest Service is publishing a proposed directive to extend the term length for outfitter/guide special use authorizations from 5 to 10 years. This action is being taken to ensure quality long term public service by supporting a reasonable expectation of continuity for small businesses operating as outfitters and guides. This proposed directive would maintain consistent policy between the Bureau of Land Management and the Forest Service. The Bureau of Land Management, with whom the ForestService shares many permitted outfitters and common agency direction, extended their special recreation permit term for outfitters from 5 to 10 years (69 FR 5702, February 6, 2004). Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Proposed Directive 07/00/04 Comment Period End 09/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Andria D. Weeks, Regulatory Analyst, Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, MS 1134, ATTN: ORMS, D&R Branch Mail Stop 1134, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0003 Phone: 703 605-4610 Fax: 703 605-5111 Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us RIN: 0596-AC23 _______________________________________________________________________ 216. RECREATION EVENT FEES (PROPOSED DIRECTIVE, FOREST SERVICE MANUAL, CHAPTER 2720) Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: Not Yet Determined CFR Citation: None Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Forest Service is publishing a proposed directive to amend Forest Service Manual 2721.49 regarding the basis of determining fees for recreation events. Currently, fees are based on a percentage of gross revenues. The proposed fee system would establish a fee based on the number of people involved in the event. This modification in the fee system would result in fees similar to the Bureau of Land Management for this type of use. Additionally, the modification would reduce the administrative workload, for both holders and the Government, associated with the auditing of records for permits that generate less than $100,000 in revenue. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Proposed Directive 10/00/04 Comment Period End 11/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Andria D. Weeks, Regulatory Analyst, Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, MS 1134, ATTN: ORMS, D&R Branch Mail Stop 1134, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0003 Phone: 703 605-4610 Fax: 703 605-5111 Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us RIN: 0596-AC24 _______________________________________________________________________ 217. OUTFITTER AND GUIDE SPECIAL USE AUTHORIZATIONS (PROPOSED DIRECTIVES, FOREST SERVICE HANDBOOK 2709.11, CHAPTERS 30 AND 40) Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: Not Yet Determined CFR Citation: None Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Forest Service is publishing a proposed directive to amend certain portions of agency direction for outfitter/guide special use authorizations. This action is being taken to ensure quality long term public service and reduce administrative burden to small business and the agency. The proposed directive [[Page 37243]] would revise a number of existing provisions and provide new direction. For example, the current fee system would change from one based on a percentage of gross revenue to a flat fee, guidance for considering capacity analysis would be developed, and the transfer and renewal of existing authorizations and the accommodation of short term use would be clarified. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Proposed Directives 12/00/04 Comment Period End 02/00/05 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Andria D. Weeks, Regulatory Analyst, Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, MS 1134, ATTN: ORMS, D&R Branch Mail Stop 1134, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0003 Phone: 703 605-4610 Fax: 703 605-5111 Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us RIN: 0596-AC25 _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Agriculture (USDA) Final Rule Stage Forest Service (FS) _______________________________________________________________________ 218. SALE AND DISPOSAL OF NATIONAL FOREST TIMBER; CANCELLATION OF TIMBER SALE CONTRACTS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 472a; 16 USC 551; 16 USC 618 CFR Citation: 36 CFR 223.30; 36 CFR 223.40; 36 CFR 223.116 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Forest Service is issuing a final rule to revise current Agency regulations regarding cancellation of timber sale contracts, permits, and other such instruments authorizing the sale or harvest of timber or other forest products. This rule is needed to clarify when, why, and by whom contracts may be cancelled to remove redundant provisions and to provide a new formula for compensation when the Government must cancel timber sale contracts. The Forest Service takes every precaution before authorizing a particular activity on National Forest System lands to ensure that its authorization conforms with existing laws and with existing conditions on the ground at the time of the authorization. The current regulations place an inappropriate amount of financial liability on the Forest Service when the agency must, for reasons of public policy, judicial decision, or statutory direction, cancel a timber sale contract or permit. The regulatory changes are necessary because the Forest Service is unable to continue bearing the majority of the financial risk and burden of contract cancellations. This rule would more reasonably allocate the risk between the Government and private parties. Establishing these reasonable limits to the Government's exposure to financial liability and burden of risk in the event of contractual changes or contract cancellations is critical to protecting the public's financial interests. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 12/30/96 61 FR 68690 NPRM Comment Period End 02/13/97 Final Action 12/00/04 Final Action Effective 01/00/05 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Andria D. Weeks, Regulatory Analyst, Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, MS 1134, ATTN: ORMS, D&R Branch Mail Stop 1134, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0003 Phone: 703 605-4610 Fax: 703 605-5111 Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us RIN: 0596-AB21 _______________________________________________________________________ 219. LAND USES; SPECIAL USES; RECOVERY OF COSTS FOR PROCESSING SPECIAL USE APPLICATIONS AND MONITORING COMPLIANCE WITH SPECIAL USE AUTHORIZATIONS Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 43 USC 1764; 30 USC 181 CFR Citation: 36 CFR 251 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This final rule, as authorized by the Mineral Leasing Act and the Federal Land Policy and Management Act, would provide for recovering costs associated with processing applications for special use authorizations to use and occupy National Forest System (NFS) lands and with monitoring compliance with these special use authorizations. The action is needed to provide timely reviews and evaluations of special use applications; to ensure that forest resources are adequately protected; and to ensurethat holders comply with the terms and conditions of their authorization. Promulgation of this rule would comply with requirements of OMB Circular A-25, section 7, which directs that user charges be instituted through promulgation of agency regulations implementing the authority for Federal agencies to recover costs under the Independent Officers Appropriations Act (IOAA). The rule would also respond to recommendations in GAO reports RCED-96-84 (April 1996) and RCED 97-16 (December 1996) thatthe Forest Service (1) operate its special uses program in a more cost-efficient and businesslike manner and (2) promulgate regulations allowing the Agency to exercise existing authority to recover from applicants and holders the Agency's costs to process special-use applications and monitor compliance with those authorizations. This rule would also make Forest Service procedures and fees related to cost recovery consistent with the Bureau of Land Management's (BLM) rules at 43 CFR parts 2800, 2880, and 2930. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 11/24/99 64 FR 66341 NPRM Comment Period Extended 12/29/99 64 FR 72971 NPRM Comment Period End 02/04/00 NPRM Comment Period Extended 02/25/00 65 FR 10042 NPRM Comment Period End 03/09/00 Final Action 07/00/04 Final Action Effective 08/00/04 [[Page 37244]] Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Additional Information: Cost reimbursement for processing special use applications and administration of special use authorizations was originally included under RIN 0596-AA36. All provisions pertaining to the special use application and administration process were merged into the final rule published November 30, 1998 (63 FR 65950, RIN 0596- AB35). Thus, this rulemaking addresses only the cost-reimbursement provisions. Agency Contact: Andria D. Weeks, Regulatory Analyst, Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, MS 1134, ATTN: ORMS, D&R Branch Mail Stop 1134, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0003 Phone: 703 605-4610 Fax: 703 605-5111 Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us RIN: 0596-AB36 _______________________________________________________________________ 220. NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY ACT DOCUMENTATION NEEDED FOR CERTAIN SPECIAL USES PERMIT ACTIONS (FINAL INTERIM DIRECTIVE TO FSH 1909.15, CHAPTER 30) Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 42 USC 4321 to 4346 CFR Citation: None Legal Deadline: None Abstract: In April 1997, the Forest Service completed a reengineering study of its special uses program. One finding in that study was that the Forest Service is conducting extensive National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) analysis and documentation for the renewal or transfer of ownership of special use authorizations having no significant effect on the human environment, either individually or cumulatively. This level of NEPA compliance is costly, time consuming, and not commensurate with the risk attributed to the activity. Therefore, the Forest Service is adding a new category of categorical exclusions from NEPA documentation at sections 31.1b and 31.2 of FSH 1909.15, Environmental Policy and Procedures Handbook. This action gives clearer direction regarding the NEPA obligation when issuance of a special use authorization is a purely ministerial action and no changes are proposed in permitted activities or facilities. The proposed policy, published September 20, 2001 (66 FR 48412), also contained a proposed revision to section 30.3 to clarify documentation that is needed for a categorical exclusion when extraordinary circumstances exist. This revision to section 30.3 regarding extraordinary circumstances was incorporated as a separate action in RIN 0596-AB94, and the final policy was published August 23, 2002 (67 FR 54622). Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 09/20/01 66 FR 48412 NPRM Comment Period End 11/19/01 Final Action 07/00/04 Final Action Effective 07/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Andria D. Weeks, Regulatory Analyst, Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, MS 1134, ATTN: ORMS, D&R Branch Mail Stop 1134, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0003 Phone: 703 605-4610 Fax: 703 605-5111 Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us Related RIN: Related to 0596-AB94 RIN: 0596-AB73 _______________________________________________________________________ 221. LAND USES; SPECIAL USES REQUIRING AUTHORIZATIONS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 477 to 482; 16 USC 551; 43 USC 1761 to 1771 CFR Citation: 36 CFR 251, 261, 295 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: In April 1997, the Forest Service completed a reengineering study of its special uses program on how to manage the program in a more businesslike, customer-service-oriented way. The Agency plans to promulgate a final rule at 36 CFR 251.50 that would implement recommendations from this study. The study determined that many units are issuing special use authorizations unnecessarily, thereby increasing workloads. The study concluded that the Agency should clarify the special uses rules at section 251.50(a) to make explicitly clear that special use authorizations should not be issued for activities that are addressed by other Forest Service regulations; for example, those governing the disposal of timber (part 223); minerals (part 228); and the grazing of livestock (part 222). The study also concluded that section 251.50(e) should be added to direct that special use authorizations should not be issued where such authorization would serve no land or resource management objective and would have nominal effects on National Forest System lands; for example, where activities are adequately regulated by other governmental entities or where an authorized officer determines that normal operation and maintenance by the holder is within the scope of a right-of-way, easement, or other valid existing real property interest. Further, the rule at section 251.50(d) would clarify requirements regarding authorizations for special uses involving National Forest System roads and trails. The current regulation requires the issuance of closure orders for regulation of special uses on NFS roads and trails. The revised regulation would eliminate the necessity of individual closure orders for common public service permit programs. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 01/22/03 68 FR 2948 NPRM Comment Period End 03/24/03 Final Action 07/00/04 Final Action Effective 08/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Andria D. Weeks, Regulatory Analyst, Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, MS 1134, ATTN: ORMS, D&R Branch Mail Stop 1134, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0003 Phone: 703 605-4610 Fax: 703 605-5111 Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us RIN: 0596-AB74 [[Page 37245]] _______________________________________________________________________ 222. SPECIAL FOREST PRODUCTS AND FOREST BOTANICAL PRODUCTS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: PL 106-113 CFR Citation: 36 CFR 223 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Forest Service is promulgating regulations for managing special forest products and forest botanical products. The regulations will guide the Forest Service in the administration of the broader category of special forest products. The interim final rule also implements Public Law 106-113, which authorizes a pilot program of charges and fees for harvest of forest botanical products (Appropriations Act H.R. 3423, section 339, Forest Botanical Products). Forest botanical products include products, such as herbs, berries, seeds, and wildflowers that are not wood products. The intended effect of this rule is to give guidance and consistency for the sustainability and sale of special forest products including forest botanical products. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 07/00/04 Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 09/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Andria D. Weeks, Regulatory Analyst, Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, MS 1134, ATTN: ORMS, D&R Branch Mail Stop 1134, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0003 Phone: 703 605-4610 Fax: 703 605-5111 Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us RIN: 0596-AB81 _______________________________________________________________________ 223. DETERMINING FAIR MARKET VALUE FOR RECREATION RESIDENCE USE AUTHORIZATIONS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 497; PL 106-291, title VI CFR Citation: None Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Appropriations Act for the Department of the Interior and Related Agencies for Fiscal Year 2001 (Pub. L. 106-291) contains provisions in title VI ``Cabin User Fee Fairness Act of 2000'' to ensure consistent and fair processes for appraising the fee simple value of recreation residence lots on National Forest System (NFS) lands. The Forest Service is adopting final regulations at 36 CFR part 251, subpart B, and final policy in the Forest Service Manual (FSM) 2347 and FSM 2721, and Forest Service Handbook (FSH) 2709.11, section 33, and FSH 5409.12, chapter 6, that would provide the regulatory framework and Agency management direction necessary to implement the provisions of the act. The proposed policies and proposed rule were published on May 13, 2003 (68 FR 25748), with a 60-day comment period ending August 11, 2003. The proposed rule and proposed policy included provisions for establishing a base annual fee and a new appraisal cycle, conducting inventories of recreation residence lots, and setting out appeal and judicial review processes and appraisal guidelines for appraising the fee simple value of recreation residence lots. An estimated 2,500 comments were received, the majority of which were submitted by permit holders or organized associations of permit holders. The comments are being analyzed and will be considered in development of the final rule and policy. There are approximately 15,000 recreation residences nationally on NFS lands. Recreation residence permit holders and their immediate families and friends are particularly interested in the outcome of this rule and policymaking, as well as a few specific members of Congress. A cursory review of the comments received suggests that most of the substantive concerns either can be accommodated with minor changes in the draft policy revisions and rulemaking or, alternatively, can be addressed in the preamble to the final rulemaking and policymaking documents. The general nature of the comments do suggest the need for major, substantive changes to the draft of the proposed rule and policy, as published on May 13, 2003. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 05/13/03 68 FR 25748 NPRM Comment Period End 08/11/03 Final Action 07/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: Undetermined Agency Contact: Andria D. Weeks, Regulatory Analyst, Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, MS 1134, ATTN: ORMS, D&R Branch Mail Stop 1134, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0003 Phone: 703 605-4610 Fax: 703 605-5111 Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us RIN: 0596-AB83 _______________________________________________________________________ 224. NATIONAL FOREST SYSTEM LAND MANAGEMENT PLANNING Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 16 USC et seq; 5 USC 301 CFR Citation: 36 CFR 219 subpart A Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Forest Service is adopting a final rule that revises the National Forest System Land and Resource Management Planning Rule adopted November 9, 2000. The proposed rule was published December 6, 2002 (67 FR 72770). The proposed changes are a result of a review conducted by Forest Service personnel at the direction of the Office of the Secretary. The final rule also responds to internal review and comments received after the proposed rule was published on December 6, 2002. This rule is intended to improve upon the 2000 rule by providing a planning process that is more readily understood, is within the Agency's capability to implement, is within anticipated budgets and staffing levels, and recognizes the programmatic nature of planning. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 12/06/02 67 FR 72770 NPRM Comment Period End 03/24/03 Final Action 07/00/04 Final Action Effective 08/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No [[Page 37246]] Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Andria D. Weeks, Regulatory Analyst, Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, MS 1134, ATTN: ORMS, D&R Branch Mail Stop 1134, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0003 Phone: 703 605-4610 Fax: 703 605-5111 Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us RIN: 0596-AB86 _______________________________________________________________________ 225. COMMUNITY AND PRIVATE LAND FOREST FIRE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM Priority: Other Significant Unfunded Mandates: Undetermined Legal Authority: PL 107-171 CFR Citation: 36 CFR 230 subpart D (new) Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 directs the Secretary of Agriculture to establish a Community and Private Land Fire Assistance Program to be administered by the Forest Service and implemented through the State Foresters. The Forest Service is issuing an interim rule to provide for the implementation and administration of the program, which would allow the following activities on both Federal and non-Federal lands: Fuel hazard mitigation and prevention, invasive species management, multi-resource wildfire planning, community protection planning, community and landowner education, market development and expansion, improved wood utilization, and special restoration projects. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 10/00/04 Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 12/00/04 Final Action 06/00/05 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: Undetermined Federalism: Undetermined Agency Contact: Andria D. Weeks, Regulatory Analyst, Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, MS 1134, ATTN: ORMS, D&R Branch Mail Stop 1134, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0003 Phone: 703 605-4610 Fax: 703 605-5111 Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us RIN: 0596-AB96 _______________________________________________________________________ 226. DELEGATION OF AUTHORITY TO APPROVE FREE USE BY INDIVIDUALS Priority: Info./Admin./Other. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Legal Authority: Not Yet Determined CFR Citation: 36 CFR 223.8 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Forest Service is developing an interim final rule to revise the current regulations at 36 CFR 223.8 to increase the value of timber and special forest products on National Forest System lands made available for free use. The current regulation, which has not been updated for over 30 years, provides for free use of timber up to $20 in value in any one fiscal year. Forest Supervisors may grant permits of material not exceeding $100 in value. Regional Foresters may approve permits for larger amounts , and in times of emergency may delegate authority to Forest Supervisors for up to $500 in value. Prior approval is required by the Chief if the amount exceeds $5,000 in value. The market value of timber and special forest products has increased, however, and therefore, the regulation needs to be updated to reflect current values. This increase will authorize Forest Supervisors and Regional Foresters to provide free use of timber and special forest products up to $5,000 and $10,000 in value respectively. The interim final rule will be published in the Federal Register with request for public comment. Comments received will be considered in the development of the final rule. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 07/00/04 Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 09/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Andria D. Weeks, Regulatory Analyst, Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, MS 1134, ATTN: ORMS, D&R Branch Mail Stop 1134, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0003 Phone: 703 605-4610 Fax: 703 605-5111 Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us RIN: 0596-AC09 _______________________________________________________________________ 227. PREDECISIONAL ADMINISTRATIVE REVIEW AND OBJECTION PROCESS FOR PROJECTS AUTHORIZED UNDER HEALTHY FORESTS RESTORATION ACT OF 2003 Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: PL 108-148 CFR Citation: 36 CFR 215; 36 CFR 218 subpart A Legal Deadline: Other, Statutory, January 5, 2004, PL 108-148 sec 105. The Healthy Forest Restoration Act of 2003 (HFRA) required the Secretary of Agriculture to promulgate interim final regulations within 30 days after the enactment of the act. Abstract: The Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003 (HFRA) required that the Secretary of Agriculture promulgate interim final regulations to establish a predecisional administrative process whereby persons can seek administrative review and file objections for hazardous fuel reduction projects authorized under the act on National Forest System lands. The predecisional administrative review and objection process, which is limited to environmental assessments or environmental impact statements preparedpursuant to the HFRA, provides eligibility for participation in this review and objection process to individuals and organizations who submit comments specific to the authorized project during scoping or the public comment period. Objectors may file a written objection with the Reviewing Officer, who conducts the objection resolution process. Decisions by the Responsible Official on authorized projects occur after the Reviewing Officer has responded to all objections, and the Responsible Officer's decisions must be consistent with the Reviewing Officer's responses to the objections. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 01/09/04 69 FR 1529 [[Page 37247]] Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 04/08/04 Final Action 09/00/04 Final Action Effective 10/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Andria D. Weeks, Regulatory Analyst, Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, MS 1134, ATTN: ORMS, D&R Branch Mail Stop 1134, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0003 Phone: 703 605-4610 Fax: 703 605-5111 Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us RIN: 0596-AC15 _______________________________________________________________________ 228. SALE AND DISPOSAL OF NATIONAL FOREST SYSTEM TIMBER; TIMBER SALE CONTRACTS; MODIFICATION OF CONTRACTS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 472a; 16 USC 618; 16 USC 620 to 620j CFR Citation: 36 CFR 223.112 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Forest Service is adopting an interim final rule at part 223, subpart B, of title 36, Code of Federal Regulations, section 223.112. This interim final rule authorizes timber sale contracting officers to modify contracts to provide a redetermination of stumpage rates and deposits to reflect significant timber market declines. This rule applies to existing timber sale contracts awarded after October 1, 1995, that have been suspended for more than 90 days, during the normal operating season because of administrative appeals or litigation, through no fault of the timber purchaser. The regulations at 36 CFR part 223.33 currently provide for a stumpage rate redetermination on sales of 7 years duration on a predetermined schedule. The current regulations also provide for stumpage rate redeterminations when a purchaser has diligently performed a contract and seeks an extension (36 CFR 223.115) if, at the time of the scheduled contract termination, at least 75 percent of the contractvolume has been removed, and all specified road construction completed. However, the current regulations do not give authority to the contracting officer to provide for a stumpage rate redetermination to reflect changed market conditions when, at no fault of the purchaser, an existing timber sale contract was suspended because of administrative appeals or litigation. This interim final rule provides relief for purchasers in this situation by enabling them to obtain stumpage rate redeterminations to continue existing contracts after the suspension has been lifted to ensure the economic viability of the sale. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 04/09/04 69 FR 18813 Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 06/08/04 Final Action 11/00/04 Final Action Effective 12/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Andria D. Weeks, Regulatory Analyst, Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, MS 1134, ATTN: ORMS, D&R Branch Mail Stop 1134, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0003 Phone: 703 605-4610 Fax: 703 605-5111 Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us RIN: 0596-AC16 _______________________________________________________________________ 229. CLARIFICATION AS TO WHEN A NOTICE OF INTENT AND/ OR A PLAN OF OPERATIONS IS NEEDED FOR LOCATABLE MINERAL OPERATIONS ON NATIONAL FOREST SYSTEM LANDS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 30 USC 21 to 54; 30 USC 612 CFR Citation: 36 CFR 228.4 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Forest Service is adopting an interim final rule at 36 CFR 228.4 clarifying when a notice of intent and/or a plan of operations is needed for locatable mineral operations on National Forest System (NFS) lands. The interim final rule will also provide an opportunity for public comment. The Forest Service will use the comments received on the interim final rule to develop a final rule for section 228.4 or incorporate the comments in an ongoing broader effort to publish a proposed rule revising all of 36 CFR 228, subpart A (RIN 0596-AB98). Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 07/00/04 Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 09/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Andria D. Weeks, Regulatory Analyst, Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, MS 1134, ATTN: ORMS, D&R Branch Mail Stop 1134, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0003 Phone: 703 605-4610 Fax: 703 605-5111 Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us Related RIN: Related to 0596-AB98 RIN: 0596-AC17 _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Agriculture (USDA) Long-Term Actions Forest Service (FS) _______________________________________________________________________ 230. LOCATABLE MINERALS Priority: Other Significant CFR Citation: 36 CFR 228, subpart A Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 11/00/05 NPRM Comment Period End 01/00/06 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No [[Page 37248]] Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Andria D. Weeks Phone: 703 605-4610 Fax: 703 605-5111 Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us RIN: 0596-AB98 _______________________________________________________________________ 231. NATIONAL FOREST SYSTEM LAND AND RESOURCE MANAGEMENT PLANNING; EXTENSION OF COMPLIANCE DEADLINE FOR SITE-SPECIFIC PROJECTS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant CFR Citation: 36 CFR 219.35(d) Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 09/10/03 68 FR 53294 Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 11/10/03 Next Action Undetermined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Andria D. Weeks Phone: 703 605-4610 Fax: 703 605-5111 Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us Related RIN: Related to 0596-AB86 RIN: 0596-AC01 _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Agriculture (USDA) Completed Actions Forest Service (FS) _______________________________________________________________________ 232. HYDROPOWER APPLICATIONS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant CFR Citation: 36 CFR 251 Completed: ________________________________________________________________________ Reason Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 10/14/03 68 FR 59160 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Andria D. Weeks Phone: 703 605-4610 Fax: 703 605-5111 Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us RIN: 0596-AA47 _______________________________________________________________________ 233. LANDOWNERSHIP ADJUSTMENTS; CONVEYANCE OF SMALL TRACTS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant CFR Citation: 36 CFR 254 Completed: ________________________________________________________________________ Reason Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Withdrawn 04/28/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Andria D. Weeks Phone: 703 605-4610 Fax: 703 605-5111 Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us RIN: 0596-AA79 _______________________________________________________________________ 234. SALE AND DISPOSAL OF NATIONAL FOREST SYSTEM TIMBER; EXTENSION OF TIMBER SALE CONTRACTS TO PERMIT URGENT REMOVAL OF TIMBER FROM OTHER LANDS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant CFR Citation: 36 CFR 223.50; 36 CFR 223.53 Completed: ________________________________________________________________________ Reason Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 01/02/04 69 FR 29 Final Action Effective 02/02/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Andria D. Weeks Phone: 703 605-4610 Fax: 703 605-5111 Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us RIN: 0596-AB48 _______________________________________________________________________ 235. REVISIONS TO ROAD MANAGEMENT POLICY (FOREST SERVICE MANUAL CHAPTER 7710) Priority: Other Significant CFR Citation: 36 CFR 212 Completed: ________________________________________________________________________ Reason Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 12/16/03 68 FR 69986 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Andria D. Weeks Phone: 703 605-4610 Fax: 703 605-5111 Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us RIN: 0596-AB90 _______________________________________________________________________ 236. LAND USES; PROHIBITIONS; PALEONTOLOGICAL RESOURCES Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant CFR Citation: 36 CFR 251.51; 36 CFR 251.53; 36 CFR 261.2; 36 CFR 261.9(i) Completed: ________________________________________________________________________ Reason Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Withdrawn 04/09/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Andria D. Weeks Phone: 703 605-4610 Fax: 703 605-5111 Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us RIN: 0596-AB91 _______________________________________________________________________ 237. FOREST LAND ENHANCEMENT PROGRAM Priority: Other Significant CFR Citation: 36 CFR 230, subpart C (New) Completed: ________________________________________________________________________ Reason Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Withdrawn 06/04/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No [[Page 37249]] Government Levels Affected: Federal, Local, State Agency Contact: Andria D. Weeks Phone: 703 605-4610 Fax: 703 605-5111 Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us RIN: 0596-AB95 _______________________________________________________________________ 238. OBJECTION PROCESS; LAND MANAGEMENT PLANNING (INTERIM DIRECTIVE, FOREST SERVICE MANUAL, CHAPTER 1920) Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant CFR Citation: None Completed: ________________________________________________________________________ Reason Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Merged With 0596-AC02 04/19/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Andria D. Weeks Phone: 703 605-4610 Fax: 703 605-5111 Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us Related RIN: Merged with 0596-AC02 RIN: 0596-AB97 _______________________________________________________________________ 239. STEWARDSHIP END RESULT CONTRACTING (INTERIM DIRECTIVE, FOREST SERVICE HANDBOOK 2409.19, CHAPTER 60) Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant CFR Citation: None Completed: ________________________________________________________________________ Reason Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 01/28/04 69 FR 4107 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Andria D. Weeks Phone: 703 605-4610 Fax: 703 605-5111 Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us RIN: 0596-AC03 _______________________________________________________________________ 240. SPECIAL AREAS; ROADLESS AREA CONSERVATION; APPLICABILITY TO THE TONGASS NATIONAL FOREST, ALASKA Priority: Other Significant CFR Citation: 36 CFR 294 Completed: ________________________________________________________________________ Reason Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 12/30/03 68 FR 75136 Final Action Effective 01/29/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Andria D. Weeks Phone: 703 605-4610 Fax: 703 605-5111 Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us Related RIN: Related to 0596-AC05 RIN: 0596-AC04 _______________________________________________________________________ 241. REVISION OF TIMBER SALE CONTRACTS (FS-2400-6 AND FS-2400-6T) Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. CFR Citation: None Completed: ________________________________________________________________________ Reason Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Notice 12/19/03 68 FR 25748 Comment Period End 02/17/04 Final Action 05/06/04 69 FR 25367 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Andria D. Weeks Phone: 703 605-4610 Fax: 703 605-5111 Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us RIN: 0596-AC14 BILLING CODE 3410--11--S _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Agriculture (USDA) Final Rule Stage Office of the Secretary (AgSEC) _______________________________________________________________________ 242. GENERAL NONPROCUREMENT REGULATIONS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 5 USC 301; 5 USC 901 et seq CFR Citation: 7 CFR 3020 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: USDA published 7 CFR part 3015, Uniform Federal Assistance Regulations, in 1981 to establish and codify departmentwide policies and standards for administering grants and cooperative agreements to governmental and nongovernmental entities. Since that time, the Office of Management and Budget has led efforts to establish Governmentwide common rules for governmental and nongovernmental recipients of grants and cooperative agreements. Consequently, over the years, USDA has codified its Governmentwide common rules in other parts of title 7 of the CFR. This has resulted in corresponding amendments to part 3015 to revise its scope accordingly. We are proposing to remove part 3015 and to add part 3020 to parts of title 7. We are proposing to include other administrative requirements that were never codified. The alternative would be to continue to work with the disjointed, outdated part 3015. Expected results are that the new part 3020 will be more clear and concise and will only contain those cross-cutting requirements not included in other USDA departmentwide administrative regulations. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 07/16/03 68 FR 41947 NPRM Comment Period End 08/15/03 Final Action 07/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: State, Local, Tribal Federalism: Undetermined Agency Contact: Annie Walker-Bradley, Acting Director Planning and Accountability, Department of Agriculture, Office of the Secretary, Room 4632 South Building, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 202 720-9983 [[Page 37250]] Fax: 202 690-3561 Email: abradley@cfo.usda.gov RIN: 0503-AA21 _______________________________________________________________________ 243. GUIDELINES FOR DESIGNATING BIOBASED PRODUCTS FOR FEDERAL REFERENCE Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: PL 107-171, sec 9002 CFR Citation: 7 CFR 2902 Legal Deadline: NPRM, Statutory, October 10, 2002. Abstract: These proposed regulations are for purposes of establishing guidelines for biobased products that would be afforded Federal procurement preference. The guidelines would provide for establishment of a new program for the purchase of biobased products by Federal agencies. These purchases are intended to stimulate production of new biobased products and to energize the emerging markets for these products. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 12/19/03 68 FR 70730 NPRM Comment Period End 02/17/04 Final Action 09/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Marvin Duncan, Agricultural Economist, Department of Agriculture, Office of the Secretary, Room 361, Reporters Building, Office of Energy Policy and New Uses, Washington, DC 20024 Phone: 202 401-0532 Fax: 202 401-0535 Email: mduncan@oce.usda.gov RIN: 0503-AA26 _______________________________________________________________________ 244. PARTICIPATION OF RELIGIOUS ORGANIZATIONS IN USDA PROGRAMS Priority: Other Significant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Legal Authority: EO 13279; EO 13280 CFR Citation: 7 CFR 16 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: Implements executive branch policy to allow faith-based organizations to compete for USDA assistance. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 03/05/04 69 FR 10354 NPRM Comment Period End 05/04/04 Final Action 07/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Federalism: Undetermined Agency Contact: Courtenay McCormick, Deputy Director, Faith-Based and Community Initiatives, Department of Agriculture, Office of the Secretary, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 202 720-3631 Email: courtenay.mccormick@usda.gov RIN: 0503-AA27 BILLING CODE 3410--90--S _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Agriculture (USDA) Proposed Rule Stage Rural Business--Cooperative Service (RBS) _______________________________________________________________________ 245. AFFIRMATIVE FAIR HOUSING MARKETING PLAN Priority: Other Significant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Unfunded Mandates: Undetermined Legal Authority: 5 USC 301; 7 USC 1989; 42 USC 1480 CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1703 subpart B; 7 CFR 1942 subpart G; 7 CFR 4284 subpart D; 7 CFR 4287, subpart B; 7 CFR 4279, subpart B; 7 CFR 4274, subpart D; 7 CFR 4280, subpart A; 7 CFR 4287, subpart H Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This action will incorporate the requirement for housing- related projects (such as apartment buildings, nursing homes, group homes, and assisted living type facilities) to develop an Affirmative Fair Housing Marketing Plan (plan) when receiving funding from the Intermediary Relending Program, Rural Business Enterprise Grant Program, Rural Business Opportunity Grant Program, Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant Programs, and the Business and Industry Direct and Guaranteed Loan Programs. Theplan will describe strategies to attract applications from all groups in a housing market area and efforts to reach those persons in the market area who traditionally would not be expected to apply for housing. The Rural Housing Service Multifamily Housing Program regulations currently include this borrower requirement. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 01/00/05 NPRM Comment Period End 03/00/05 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: Undetermined Agency Contact: Nichelle Daniels, Loan Specialist, B&I Servicing Branch, Department of Agriculture, Rural Business-Cooperative Service, Room 6858/Stop 3224, Room 6858/Stop 3224, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 202 690-1754 Email: nichelle.daniels@usda.gov RIN: 0570-AA24 _______________________________________________________________________ 246. BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY GUARANTEED LOAN PROGRAM--FINANCING COOPERATIVE STOCK Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 5 USC 301; 7 USC 1989; 42 USC 1480 CFR Citation: 7 CFR 4279, subpart A; 7 CFR 4279, subpart B Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Agency proposes to revise the Business and Industry Program regulations to incorporate additional guidance and eliminate or reduce certain requirements when financing cooperative stock. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 09/00/04 [[Page 37251]] NPRM Comment Period End 11/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses, Organizations Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Debi Raygor, Loan Specialist, Department of Agriculture, Rural Business-Cooperative Service, Room 6849/STOP 3224, Room 6849/Stop 3224, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 202 205-0894 Email: debi.raygor@usda.gov RIN: 0570-AA26 _______________________________________________________________________ 247. RURAL BUSINESS ENTERPRISE GRANT PROGRAM Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 5 USC 301; 7 USC 1932; 7 USC 1989; 16 USC 1005 CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1942; 7 CFR 4284 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Rural Business-Cooperative Service proposes to completely rewrite and renumber 7 CFR 1942, subpart G to 7 CFR part 4284, subpart B. This rewrite will incorporate public law changes and clarify administrative regulatory procedures and guidelines in order to improve program administration. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 07/00/04 NPRM Comment Period End 09/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined Government Levels Affected: Undetermined Agency Contact: Amy Cavanaugh, Loan Specialist, Department of Agriculture, Rural Business-Cooperative Service, Stop 3225, Room 6868/ Stop 3225, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 202 720-1400 Email: amy.cavanaugh@usda.gov RIN: 0570-AA28 _______________________________________________________________________ 248. ANNUAL RENEWAL FEE Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 7 USC 1932 CFR Citation: 7 CFR 4279, subpart B Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Rural Business-Cooperative Service is amending its regulation for Business and Industry Guaranteed Loans to provide for an annual renewal fee. The intended effect of this rule is to reduce the subsidy rate and its associated budget authority dollar level, which will result in a greater level of assistance to the public (i.e., higher supportable loan level). Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 09/00/04 NPRM Comment Period End 11/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: Undetermined Agency Contact: Michael Foore, Loan Specialist, Special Projects/ Programs Oversight Division, Department of Agriculture, Rural Business- Cooperative Service, STOP 3221, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 202 205-0056 Fax: 202 690-3808 Email: michael.foore@usda.gov RIN: 0570-AA34 _______________________________________________________________________ 249. RURAL BUSINESS INVESTMENT PROGRAM Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: PL 107-171, sec 6029 CFR Citation: Not Yet Determined Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This action will implement the provisions of section 6029 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act, which authorizes the Rural Business Investment Program. The purpose of the program is the establishment of equity capital investment in Rural Business Investment Companies and other entities through a combination of grants and guarantees of debentures with the objective of fostering economic development in rural areas. By law, the program is required to be administered by another Federal agency that has considerable expertise in operating a similar program. The Rural Business-Cooperative Service has contracted with the Small Business Administration. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 07/00/04 NPRM Comment Period End 09/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined Government Levels Affected: Undetermined Agency Contact: Michael Foore, Loan Specialist, Special Projects/ Programs Oversight Division, Department of Agriculture, Rural Business- Cooperative Service, STOP 3221, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 202 205-0056 Fax: 202 690-3808 Email: michael.foore@usda.gov RIN: 0570-AA35 _______________________________________________________________________ 250. BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY LOAN PROGRAM--REWRITE OF PROGRAM REGULATIONS Priority: Other Significant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Unfunded Mandates: Undetermined Legal Authority: 5 USC 301; 7 USC 1989; 42 USC 1480 CFR Citation: 7 CFR 4279, subpart A; 7 CFR 4279, subpart B; 7 CFR 4287, subpart B Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The regulations are being completely rewritten to make changes that will ultimately reduce delinquencies, enhance program effectiveness, correct minor inconsistencies, and make the regulations more clear and easier to understand. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 03/00/05 NPRM Comment Period End 05/00/05 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: Local, Tribal Federalism: Undetermined [[Page 37252]] Agency Contact: Brenda Griffin, Loan Specialist, Processing Division, Department of Agriculture, Rural Business-Cooperative Service, Room 6847/Stop 3224, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 202 720-6802 Email: brenda.griffin2@usda.gov RIN: 0570-AA41 _______________________________________________________________________ 251. NATIONAL SECURITY EMERGENCY Priority: Other Significant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Legal Authority: 7 USC 1963 CFR Citation: Not Yet Determined Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Rural Business-Cooperative Service (RBS) proposes to streamline procedures for loans and grants for existing business and industry direct and guarantee loan programs. This rulemaking will also establish emergency regulations for the community facilities program currently administered within the Rural Housing Service (RHS). We are concurrently undertaking to prepare draft emergency legislation to expand both the nature of authorized financial assistance and the eligible applicant pool toassure maximum flexibility on the part of the Secretary in helping to alleviate the economic distress in rural areas when a national security emergency is declared. In the event this standby legislation is enacted, the scope of this rulemaking will be modified accordingly. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 11/00/04 NPRM Comment Period End 01/00/05 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: William F. Hagy, Deputy Administrator, Business Programs, Department of Agriculture, Rural Business-Cooperative Service, Room 5050/Stop 3220, Room 5811/Stop 3220, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 202 720-7287 Fax: 202 690-0097 Email: bill.hagy@usda.gov RIN: 0570-AA48 _______________________________________________________________________ 252. RENEWABLE ENERGY SYSTEMS AND ENERGY EFFICIENCY IMPROVEMENTS Priority: Other Significant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Legal Authority: 7 USC 8106 CFR Citation: Not Yet Determined Legal Deadline: None Abstract: Section 9006 of the Farm Bill directs the implementation of a direct and guaranteed loan and grant program for renewable energy systems and energy efficiency improvements for farmers, ranchers, and rural small businesses. For fiscal year (FY) 2003, a Notice of Funds Availability was published on April 8 for the grant program. The proposed rule will establish regulations to implement the direct and guaranteed loan and grant program. These regulations will allow for the integration of all program authorities and permit full attention to all of the potential contingencies and issues. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 06/00/04 NPRM Comment Period End 08/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Diane Berger, Loan Specialist, Department of Agriculture, Rural Business-Cooperative Service, Room 6867, Room 6868/ Stop 3225, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 202 720-2383 Fax: 202 720-2213 Email: diane.berger@usda.gov RIN: 0570-AA50 _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Agriculture (USDA) Final Rule Stage Rural Business--Cooperative Service (RBS) _______________________________________________________________________ 253. RURAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT LOAN AND GRANT PROGRAM Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 7 USC 940c CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1703, subpart B; 7 CFR 4280, subpart A Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This action improves the ease of use by the public and program beneficiaries. The regulations will simplify the application format, review and selection process, and recipient's recordkeeping requirements. It will also add a section on the appeal of adverse decisions. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 12/15/99 64 FR 69937 NPRM Comment Period End 02/14/00 Final Action 12/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Diane Berger, Loan Specialist, Department of Agriculture, Rural Business-Cooperative Service, Room 6867, Room 6868/ Stop 3225, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 202 720-2383 Fax: 202 720-2213 Email: diane.berger@usda.gov RIN: 0570-AA19 _______________________________________________________________________ 254. RURAL BUSINESS ENTERPRISE GRANT PROGRAM--FARM BILL CHANGES Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 7 USC 1932 CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1942 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: President Bush signed the Farm Bill May 13, 2002, changing the definition of rural and rural area in the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act for certain programs including the Rural Business Enterprise Grant (RBEG) program. The definition [[Page 37253]] now reads ``any area other than a city or town that has a population of greater than 50,000 inhabitants and the urbanized area contiguous and adjacent to such as a city or town.'' The previous definition of rural and rural area was ``any area that is notwithin the outer boundary of any city having a population of 50,000 or more and its immediately adjacent urbanized and urbanizing areas with a population density of more than 100 persons per square mile.`` Therefore, the RBEG program, which is authorized under the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act, must be changed to reflect the current definition. The Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act also amended the definition of small and emerging private business enterprise to include nonprofit entities and other tax exempt organizations who have a principal office located on land of an existing or former Native American reservation in a city, town, or unincorporated area that has a population of not more than 5,000 inhabitants as an eligible small and emerging business regardless of the number of employees or operating capital of the enterprise. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 12/20/02 67 FR 77907 Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 02/18/03 Final Action 12/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Amy Cavanaugh, Loan Specialist, Department of Agriculture, Rural Business-Cooperative Service, Stop 3225, Room 6868/ Stop 3225, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 202 720-1400 Email: amy.cavanaugh@usda.gov RIN: 0570-AA36 _______________________________________________________________________ 255. B&I GUARANTEED LOAN PROGRAM FARM BILL CHANGES--EXPANDED ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 5 USC 301; 7 USC 1989; 42 USC 1480 CFR Citation: 7 CFR 4279, subpart B Legal Deadline: None Abstract: Section 6013 of the Act adds other renewable energy systems as an eligible loan purpose. Section 6017 expands eligibility criteria for loans to cooperatives and loan guarantees in nonrural areas under certain conditions and expands eligibility and relaxes financial reporting requirements for the B&I Cooperative Stock Purchase Program. It also allows the Agency to require specialized appraisals for the B&I program. Section 6019 requires the Agency to provide a short, simplified application form for guarantees of $400,000 or less initially. 7 CFR part 4279, subpart B, must be changed to incorporate these provisions of the statute. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 09/00/04 Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 11/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Brenda Griffin, Loan Specialist, Processing Division, Department of Agriculture, Rural Business-Cooperative Service, Room 6847/Stop 3224, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 202 720-6802 Email: brenda.griffin2@usda.gov RIN: 0570-AA39 _______________________________________________________________________ 256. INTERMEDIARY RELENDING PROGRAM Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 42 USC 9812(a) CFR Citation: 7 CFR 4274 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This regulatory action is to effectively clarify, simplify, and strengthen the existing regulations. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Direct Final Rule 12/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: Local, State, Tribal Agency Contact: Lori Washington, Loan Specialist, Department of Agriculture, Rural Business-Cooperative Service, Stop 3225, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 202 720-9815 Fax: 202 720-6561 Email: lori.washington@usda.gov RIN: 0570-AA42 _______________________________________________________________________ 257. FISCAL TRANSFER AGENT--SECONDARY MARKET SALES OF GUARANTEED LOANS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Legal Authority: 7 USC 1988; 7 USC 1989 CFR Citation: 7 CFR 4279--A; 7 CFR 4279--C Legal Deadline: None Abstract: Section 338(b)(2)(A) of the CONACT authorizes the Secretary, either directly or through a market maker, to issue pool certificates representing ownership of part or all of the guaranteed portion of any loan guaranteed by the Secretary for certain guaranteed programs. The sale of Government guaranteed loan portions to investors in the secondary market increases earnings, liquidity, and the capital available to lenders. Lenders in the Small Business Administration (SBA) 7(a) loan program are selling loans by using an SBA-approved Fiscal Transfer Agent (FTA) that pools and markets loans on the secondary market. Rural Development seeks to use Section 338(b)(2)(A) of the CONACT to provide the same service to lenders. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 08/06/03 68 FR 46509 NPRM Comment Period End 10/06/03 Final Action 12/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: Businesses, Governmental Jurisdictions, Organizations Government Levels Affected: Federal, Local, Tribal Federalism: Undetermined Agency Contact: Pandor H. Hadjy, Assistant Deputy Administrator, Business Programs, Department of Agriculture, Rural [[Page 37254]] Business-Cooperative Service, Room 5811/Stop 3220, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 202 720-9693 Fax: 202 690-0097 Email: pandor.hadjy@usda.gov RIN: 0570-AA47 _______________________________________________________________________ 258. TANGIBLE NET EQUITY Priority: Other Significant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Legal Authority: 7 USC 1932(a) CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1980; 7 CFR 4279 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This proposed rulemaking amends 7 CFR parts 4279 and 1980 by modifying the equity requirement considered in the underwriting of business and industry loans by guaranteed lenders and/or the Rural Business-Cooperative Service as follows: - In the case of direct or guaranteed refinancing loans only, apply an adjusted equity requirement, where tangible net equity is modified by (i) including asset value to the extent of the difference between the depreciated book value of real property assets and current market value supported by an independent appraisal, or the original loan amount, whichever is less and (ii) family capital subordinated debt, where the subordinated debt is held by and represents a cash infusion to the business by the owner or close family member, and the repayment terms are such that repayment is not ahead of Agency direct and/or guaranteed loan exposure. - Increase the equity requirement for energy loans to 40 percent for existing businesses (in existence for 3years) and 50 percent for new businesses. Construction financing is not an eligible energy loan purpose; energy projects that produce biomass fuel, biogas, fuel cells, or batteries as an output must have completed two operating cycles at design performance levels acceptable to the Agency. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 01/16/04 69 FR 2521 NPRM Comment Period End 03/16/04 Final Action 12/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: William F. Hagy, Deputy Administrator, Business Programs, Department of Agriculture, Rural Business-Cooperative Service, Room 5050/Stop 3220, Room 5811/Stop 3220, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 202 720-7287 Fax: 202 690-0097 Email: bill.hagy@usda.gov RIN: 0570-AA49 _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Agriculture (USDA) Completed Actions Rural Business--Cooperative Service (RBS) _______________________________________________________________________ 259. VALUE-ADDED PRODUCER GRANTS AND AGRICULTURE INNOVATION CENTERS Priority: Other Significant CFR Citation: 7 CFR 4284 Completed: ________________________________________________________________________ Reason Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 04/29/04 69 FR 23418 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: James E. Haskell Phone: 202 720-8460 Email: james.haskell@usda.gov RIN: 0570-AA40 _______________________________________________________________________ 260. DEBT COLLECTION IMPROVEMENT ACT--TREASURY OFFSET AND CROSS SERVICING Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 31 USC 3716 CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1951 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This action amends the regulations governing the servicing of Rural Business-Cooperative Service (RBS) loan and grant programs by adding a section to clarify that any amounts paid by RBS on account of the liabilities of a guaranteed loan borrower will constitute a Federal debt owing to RBS by the guaranteed loan borrower or third party guarantors. RBS may use all remedies available to it, including offset under the DCIA, to collect the debt from the borrower or guarantor. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 01/22/04 69 FR 2999 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: William F. Hagy, Deputy Administrator, Business Programs, Department of Agriculture, Rural Business-Cooperative Service, Room 5050/Stop 3220, Room 5811/Stop 3220, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 202 720-7287 Fax: 202 690-0097 Email: bill.hagy@usda.gov RIN: 0570-AA52 BILLING CODE 3410--XY--S [[Page 37255]] _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Agriculture (USDA) Proposed Rule Stage Rural Utilities Service (RUS) _______________________________________________________________________ 261. TELECOMMUNICATIONS STANDARDS AND SPECIFICATIONS FOR MATERIALS, EQUIPMENT, AND CONSTRUCTION Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 7 USC 901 et seq; 7 USC 1921 et seq CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1755 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Rural Utilities Service (RUS) proposes to amend 7 CFR 1755 to include requirements presently contained in RUS Bulletin 345-3. This rule would establish and codify provisions for the inclusion and removal of products from I.P. 344-2. This rule also proposes to integrate the existing section on field trials in the procedures for product acceptance and inclusion in this codification, as well as clarifying and reorganizing the field trials section. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 06/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Richard Annan, Acting Director, Program Development & Reg Analysis, Department of Agriculture, Rural Utilities Service, Room 4034, Room 5168, South Building, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 202 720-0784 Fax: 202 720-4120 Email: richard.annan@usda.gov RIN: 0572-AB40 _______________________________________________________________________ 262. SERVICING OF WATER PROGRAMS LOANS AND GRANTS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 5 USC 301; 7 USC 1989; 16 USC 1005 CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1782; 7 CFR 1951; 7 CFR 1955; 7 CFR 1956 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This proposed action combines nine existing loan-servicing regulations of Water Programs into one. The new regulations will codify and clarify Water Programs policy relating to loan-servicing by incorporating simplified language without significantly changing any of the Agency's servicing policies or procedures. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 07/00/04 NPRM Comment Period End 09/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Richard Annan, Acting Director, Program Development and Regulatory Analysis, Department of Agriculture, Rural Utilities Service, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Stop 1522, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 202 720-0784 Fax: 202 720-4120 Email: richard.annan@usda.gov RIN: 0572-AB59 _______________________________________________________________________ 263. SPECIAL EQUIPMENT CONTRACT (NOT INCLUDING INSTALLATION), RUS FORM 398 Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 7 USC 901 et seq; 7 USC 1921 et seq; 7 CFR 6941 et seq CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1755 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: RUS is amending its regulations on Telecommunications Standards and Specifications for Materials, Equipment, and Construction to revise RUS Form 398, Special Equipment Contract (Not Including Installation). Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 06/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Richard Annan, Acting Director, Program Development & Reg Analysis, Department of Agriculture, Rural Utilities Service, Room 4034, Room 5168, South Building, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 202 720-0784 Fax: 202 720-4120 Email: richard.annan@usda.gov RIN: 0572-AB76 _______________________________________________________________________ 264. ACCOUNTING REQUIREMENTS FOR RUS TELECOMMUNICATIONS BORROWERS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 7 USC 901 et seq; 7 USC 1921 et seq; 7 USC 6941 et seq CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1770 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: RUS proposes to revise subpart B, Uniform System of Accounts, to reflect changes to 47 CFR part 32, Uniform System of Accounts, by the Federal Communications Commission. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 05/10/04 69 FR 25848 NPRM Comment Period End 07/09/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Richard Annan, Acting Director, Program Development and Regulatory Analysis, Department of Agriculture, Rural Utilities Service, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Stop 1522, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 202 720-0784 Fax: 202 720-4120 Email: richard.annan@usda.gov RIN: 0572-AB77 _______________________________________________________________________ 265. SALE OR TRANSFER OF CAPITAL ASSETS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 7 USC 901 to 950(b), 1981; PL 99-591; 100 Stat. 3341- 16, PL 103-354 CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1717 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The RUS will amend 7 CFR 1717, subpart M, Operational Controls, to codify the regulatory policy and procedures of RUS Bulletin 115-1 ``Sales of Capital Assets by Electric Borrowers.'' RUS is proposing this change to regulation as a part of its ongoing effort to minimize administrative burden, and update regulations to reflect current requirements. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 08/00/04 [[Page 37256]] Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Richard Annan, Acting Director, Program Development and Regulatory Analysis, Department of Agriculture, Rural Utilities Service, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Stop 1522, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 202 720-0784 Fax: 202 720-4120 Email: richard.annan@usda.gov RIN: 0572-AB84 _______________________________________________________________________ 266. HIGH ENERGY COST RURAL COMMUNITY GRANTS (SECTION 610 REVIEW) Priority: Other Significant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Legal Authority: PL 106-472; title III, sec 301, 7 USC 918a CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1709 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This rule sets forth the policies and procedures for awarding grants to rural communities with very high energy costs. The grants may be used to acquire, construct, extend, upgrade, and otherwise improve energy generation, transmission, or distribution facilities. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 07/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Richard Annan, Acting Director, Program Development and Regulatory Analysis, Department of Agriculture, Rural Utilities Service, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Stop 1522, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 202 720-0784 Fax: 202 720-4120 Email: richard.annan@usda.gov RIN: 0572-AB91 _______________________________________________________________________ 267. BROADBAND GRANT PROGRAM Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: title III, PL 108-199, Stat 3 CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1739 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Rural Utilities Service is proposing regulations to administer the Community Connect Grant Program for the provision of broadband transmission service in rural America. This proposed rule is intended to establish eligibility and application requirements, the review and approval process, and grant administration procedures for the Community Connect Grant Program. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 05/14/04 69 FR 26777 NPRM Comment Period End 06/14/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Richard Annan, Acting Director, Program Development & Reg Analysis, Department of Agriculture, Rural Utilities Service, Room 4034, Room 5168, South Building, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 202 720-0784 Fax: 202 720-4120 Email: richard.annan@usda.gov RIN: 0572-AB94 _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Agriculture (USDA) Final Rule Stage Rural Utilities Service (RUS) _______________________________________________________________________ 268. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE GRANTS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 5 USC 301; 7 USC 1989; 16 USC 1005 CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1775 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: RUS will amend the regulation to separate the technical assistance and training grant and solid waste management grant programs for clarification purposes and to bring the regulation in line with revisions to OMB circulars. Additionally, it eliminates the requirement that applicants submit a pre-application when applying for grant funds and transfers grant processing and servicing from the National Office to Rural Development State Offices. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 01/22/04 69 FR 3030 NPRM Comment Period End 03/22/04 Final Action 08/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Richard Annan, Acting Director, Program Development and Regulatory Analysis, Department of Agriculture, Rural Utilities Service, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Stop 1522, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 202 720-0784 Fax: 202 720-4120 Email: richard.annan@usda.gov RIN: 0572-AB75 _______________________________________________________________________ 269. GUARANTEES FOR BONDS AND NOTES ISSUED FOR ELECTRIFICATION PURPOSES Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: PL 107-171 CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1720 Legal Deadline: NPRM, Statutory, January 8, 2003. Abstract: The Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (Farm Bill) amends the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 to include section 313A: Guarantees For Bonds And Notes Issued For Electrification Or Telephone Purposes. The Farm Bill became law on May 13, 2002, and requires the Secretary of Agriculture to promulgate regulations that carry out the amendments within 180 days. Furthermore, the implementation of the amendments shall take effect no later than 240 days. [[Page 37257]] The new section 313A: Guarantees for Bonds And Notes Issued For Electrification Or Telephone Purposes, states that the Secretary shall guarantee payments on bonds or notes issued by cooperative or other lenders organized on a not-for-profit basis. Section 313A provides limits to the amount of guarantees, the purpose for the guarantee, and qualifications of eligible lenders seeking a guarantee of a bond or note. The section also provides for a fee to be charged to lenders that receive a guarantee under section 313A, which willbe deposited in the Rural Economic Development Subaccount. The Rural Utilities Service (RUS) is proposing the development of rules that carry out the amendments made by section 313A. The rules will establish regulations that allow the Secretary to comply with the requirements outlined and set the limitations provided for in the Farm Bill. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 12/30/03 68 FR 75153 NPRM Comment Period End 03/01/04 Final Action 06/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined Government Levels Affected: Undetermined Agency Contact: Richard Annan, Acting Director, Program Development and Regulatory Analysis, Department of Agriculture, Rural Utilities Service, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Stop 1522, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 202 720-0784 Fax: 202 720-4120 Email: richard.annan@usda.gov RIN: 0572-AB83 _______________________________________________________________________ 270. EXEMPTION OF CERTAIN BORROWERS FROM CONTROLS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 7 USC 901 et seq; 7 USC 1901 et seq; 7 USC 6941 et seq CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1717 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: RUS is removing section 1717.656(a)(3) in its entirety. This section, which exempts certain borrowers from controls, became effective October 23, 1995. Effective January 29, 1996, RUS established new loan contract requirements that conflict with this section. This administrative action is taken to eliminate confusion in the rule and provide consistency to the regulation. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Direct Final Rule 08/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Richard Annan, Acting Director, Program Development & Reg Analysis, Department of Agriculture, Rural Utilities Service, Room 4034, Room 5168, South Building, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 202 720-0784 Fax: 202 720-4120 Email: richard.annan@usda.gov RIN: 0572-AB85 _______________________________________________________________________ 271. ELECTRIC SYSTEM EMERGENCY RESTORATION PLAN Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 7 USC 901 et seq; 7 USC 1921 et seq; 7 USC 6941 et seq CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1730 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The RUS will amend the CFR to establish RUS policy requiring Electric Program distribution and Generation and Transmission borrowers to expand their currently required Electric Restoration Plans to include Homeland Security concerns of preventive measures and emergency recovery from physical and cyber attacks to their electric systems and core businesses. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 03/19/04 69 FR 12989 NPRM Comment Period End 05/03/04 Final Action 08/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Richard Annan, Acting Director, Program Development & Reg Analysis, Department of Agriculture, Rural Utilities Service, Room 4034, Room 5168, South Building, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 202 720-0784 Fax: 202 720-4120 Email: richard.annan@usda.gov RIN: 0572-AB92 _______________________________________________________________________ 272. HOUSEHOLD WATER SYSTEM PROGRAM Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: Not Yet Determined CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1776 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Rural Utilities Service is issuing regulations to establish the Household Water System Program. This rule will establish a lending program from the construction, refurbishing, and servicing of individually-owned household water well systems in rural areas that are or will be owned by the eligible individuals. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 07/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Richard Annan, Acting Director, Program Development & Reg Analysis, Department of Agriculture, Rural Utilities Service, Room 4034, Room 5168, South Building, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 202 720-0784 Fax: 202 720-4120 Email: richard.annan@usda.gov RIN: 0572-AB93 _______________________________________________________________________ 273. GRANT PROGRAM TO ESTABLISH A FUND FOR FINANCING WATER AND WASTE WATER PROJECTS (REVOLVING FUND PROGRAM (RFP)) Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: Not Yet Determined CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1738 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The RUS is issuing a regulation to establish the Grant Program to Establish a Fund for Financing Water and Waste Water Project (Revolving Fund Program (RFP)) as authorized in Section 6002 to the [[Page 37258]] Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (CONACT). Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 07/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Richard Annan, Acting Director, Program Development & Reg Analysis, Department of Agriculture, Rural Utilities Service, Room 4034, Room 5168, South Building, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 202 720-0784 Fax: 202 720-4120 Email: richard.annan@usda.gov RIN: 0572-AB95 _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Agriculture (USDA) Completed Actions Rural Utilities Service (RUS) _______________________________________________________________________ 274. SETTLEMENT OF DEBT Priority: Other Significant CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1717 Completed: ________________________________________________________________________ Reason Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Withdrawn 04/21/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Richard Annan Phone: 202 720-0784 Fax: 202 720-4120 Email: richard.annan@usda.gov RIN: 0572-AB61 _______________________________________________________________________ 275. ELECTRIC PROGRAM STANDARD CONTRACT FORMS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1724; 7 CFR 1726; 7 CFR 1755 Completed: ________________________________________________________________________ Reason Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 02/13/04 69 FR 7105 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Richard Annan Phone: 202 720-0784 Fax: 202 720-4120 Email: richard.annan@usda.gov RIN: 0572-AB67 _______________________________________________________________________ 276. TELECOMMUNICATIONS PROGRAM SPECIFICATION Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1755 Completed: ________________________________________________________________________ Reason Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Withdrawn 04/23/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Richard Annan Phone: 202 720-0784 Fax: 202 720-4120 Email: richard.annan@usda.gov RIN: 0572-AB69 _______________________________________________________________________ 277. GENERAL AND PRE-LOAN POLICIES AND PROCEDURES COMMON TO INSURED AND GUARANTEED LOANS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1710 Completed: ________________________________________________________________________ Reason Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Withdrawn 04/21/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Richard Annan Phone: 202 720-0784 Fax: 202 720-4120 Email: richard.annan@usda.gov RIN: 0572-AB72 _______________________________________________________________________ 278. SEISMIC SAFETY Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1792--C Completed: ________________________________________________________________________ Reason Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Direct Final Rule 04/30/04 69 FR 23641 Comment Period End 06/01/04 Direct Final Rule Effective 06/14/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Richard Annan Phone: 202 720-0784 Fax: 202 720-4120 Email: richard.annan@usda.gov RIN: 0572-AB74 _______________________________________________________________________ 279. LAUNCHING OUR COMMUNITIES ACCESS TO LOCAL TELEVISION ACT OF 2000 Priority: Other Significant CFR Citation: 7 CFR 2200; 7 CFR 2201 Completed: ________________________________________________________________________ Reason Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 12/23/03 68 FR 74411 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Richard Annan Phone: 202 720-0784 Fax: 202 720-4120 Email: richard.annan@usda.gov RIN: 0572-AB82 BILLING CODE 3410--15--S [[Page 37259]] _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Agriculture (USDA) Final Rule Stage Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) _______________________________________________________________________ 280. WETLAND CATEGORICAL MINIMAL EFFECTS EXEMPTIONS Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 16 USC 3821 CFR Citation: 7 CFR 12 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The 1985 Farm Bill, as amended, gives producers a major incentive to conserve wetlands by tying eligibility for most USDA program benefits to conservation of wetlands. However, producers can convert wetlands based on available exemptions, including a minimal effect exemption. A minimal effect applies if the action, individually and cumulatively, will have minimal effect on the functional hydrological and biological value of the wetlands in the area. A categorical minimal effect is one that, when carried out, will always have a minimal effect on the hydrologic and biological functions of wetlands in the area. These activities will be identified on a regional basis. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 08/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Bruce Julian, Watersheds and Wetlands Division, Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service, PO Box 2890, Washington, DC 20013-2890 Phone: 202 720-3042 Fax: 202 720-2143 Email: bruce.julian@usda.gov RIN: 0578-AA27 _______________________________________________________________________ 281. EMERGENCY WATERSHED PROTECTION PROGRAM Priority: Economically Significant. Major under 5 USC 801. Legal Authority: PL 81-516; 33 USC 701; PL 95-334; PL 104-127; 16 USC 2203 CFR Citation: 7 CFR 624 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: A revision is necessary to incorporate changes in the program, which have resulted from the passage of the 1996 Farm Bill; to fulfill a desire to make the program more responsive and efficient; and to respond to concerns of the public and the Agency. The rule is being reorganized and several items added. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 11/19/03 68 FR 65202 NPRM Comment Period End 01/20/04 Final Action 08/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Victor Cole, National EWP Leader, Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service, Room 6019-S, PO Box 2890, Washington, DC 20013 Phone: 202 690-4575 Fax: 202 720-2143 Email: vcole@usda.gov RIN: 0578-AA30 _______________________________________________________________________ 282. TECHNICAL SERVICE PROVIDER ASSISTANCE Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 16 USC 3842 CFR Citation: 7 CFR 652 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: Third Party Vendor assistance will allow producers to obtain technical services from the department or entities by a certification process. This process will distinguish between certification of an individual working under his or her own auspices and that of an organization such as a corporation or a public agency which has individuals working on its behalf. Certification of an individual means the individual has the requisite education and technical expertise to perform the technical services. Certification of an entity or public agency means that the organization may receive payment for the services provided by individuals working under its auspices, but the work must be performed or warranted by certified individuals and the organization must assume the liability for the quality of work performed. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 11/21/02 67 FR 70119 Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 02/19/03 Interim Final Rule Effective 03/01/03 Interim Final Rule 03/24/03 68 FR 14131 Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 06/23/03 Final Action 07/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Federalism: Undetermined Agency Contact: Sylvia Gillen, Coordinator, Technical Service Providers, Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service, Room 5205-S, PO Box 2890, Washington, DC 20013-2890 Phone: 202 720-6775 Fax: 202 720-3052 Email: sylvia.gillen@usda.gov RIN: 0578-AA35 _______________________________________________________________________ 283. CONSERVATION SECURITY PROGRAM Priority: Economically Significant. Major under 5 USC 801. Legal Authority: 16 USC 3838 CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1470 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: Under the Conservation Security Program (CSP) NRCS is authorized to provide financial and technical assistance to owners and operators of agricultural operations to promote conservation and improvement of the quality of soil, water, air, energy, plant and animal life, and other conservation purposes. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 01/02/04 69 FR 193 NPRM Comment Period End 03/02/04 Final Action 09/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Martha Joseph, Resource Conservationist, Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service, Room 6027-S, P.O. Box 2890, Washington, DC 20013 Phone: 202 720-7157 Fax: 202 720-2143 Email: martha.joseph@usda.gov RIN: 0578-AA36 [[Page 37260]] _______________________________________________________________________ 284. GRASSLAND RESERVE Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: PL 107-171; 16 USC 3838 CFR Citation: Not Yet Determined Legal Deadline: None Abstract: Under Grassland Reserve Program (GRP) the Department enters into easement or rental agreements with owners of grazing land to protect and restore such lands. The Department will designate payment for cost share to restore the functions and values of grasslands. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 07/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Leslie Deavers, Watersheds and Wetlands Division, Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service, Washington, DC 20013 Phone: 202 720-1067 Fax: 202 720-2143 Email: leslie.deavers@usda.gov RIN: 0578-AA38 _______________________________________________________________________ 285. CONFIDENTIALITY OF CONSERVATION PROGRAM INFORMATION Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Legal Authority: 5 USC 552(b)(3) CFR Citation: 7 CFR 609 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: Section 1244 of the Food Security Act of 1985, as amended by the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002, prohibits the release and disclosure of proprietary information unless certain exceptions apply. Once implemented, the regulations will ensure program participant confidence that proprietary information will not be released and disclosed and will ensure that the public benefits provided by the conservation programs will not be undermined. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 08/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: State Agency Contact: Dwight Halman, Deputy Chief for Management, Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service, P.O. Box 2890, Washington, DC 20013 Phone: 202 720-2588 Email: dwight.halman@usda.gov RIN: 0578-AA40 _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Agriculture (USDA) Long-Term Actions Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) _______________________________________________________________________ 286. NRCS EQUITABLE RELIEF PROCEDURES Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. CFR Citation: Not Yet Determined Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ ANPRM To Be Determined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Elizabeth Schuler Phone: 615 646-9741 Fax: 615 673-6705 Email: beth.schuler@usda.gov RIN: 0578-AA39 _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Agriculture (USDA) Completed Actions Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) _______________________________________________________________________ 287. HIGHLY ERODIBLE LAND AND WETLAND CONSERVATION Priority: Other Significant CFR Citation: 7 CFR 12 Completed: ________________________________________________________________________ Reason Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Withdrawn 06/08/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Martha Joseph Phone: 202 720-7157 Fax: 202 720-2143 Email: martha.joseph@usda.gov RIN: 0578-AA17 BILLING CODE 3410--16--S [[Page 37261]] _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Agriculture (USDA) Final Rule Stage Office of Procurement and Property Management (OPPM) _______________________________________________________________________ 288. AGRICULTURAL ACQUISITION REGULATION (AGAR): UPDATES AND TECHNICAL CHANGES (AGAR CASE 2004-01) Priority: Info./Admin./Other Legal Authority: 5 USC 301; 40 USC 486(c) CFR Citation: 48 CFR 401 through 452 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Department of Agriculture proposes to conduct a review of the AGAR to bring it up to date and to make sure correspondence with the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) is maintained. The Direct Final Rule will amend the AGAR to correct and update internal references to the FAR; to remove sections supplementing material that has been removed from the FAR; and to update designations of USDA offices, where the office designations have changed since 1998. The proposed changes will restore correspondence between FAR sections and AGAR sections. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Direct Final Rule 08/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Joseph Daragan, Procurement Analyst, Department of Agriculture, Office of Procurement and Property Management, Mail Stop 9303, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 202 720-5729 Fax: 202 720-8972 Email: joe.daragan@usda.gov RIN: 0599-AA11 _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Agriculture (USDA) Completed Actions Office of Procurement and Property Management (OPPM) _______________________________________________________________________ 289. OFFICE OF PROCUREMENT AND PROPERTY MANAGEMENT (OPPM); UNIFORM PROCEDURES FOR THE ACQUISITION AND TRANSFER OF EXCESS FEDERAL PROPERTY Priority: Info./Admin./Other CFR Citation: 7 CFR 3200 Completed: ________________________________________________________________________ Reason Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Direct Final Rule 12/30/03 68 FR 75107 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Kathleen N. Fay Phone: 202 720-9779 Email: kathy.fay@usda.gov RIN: 0599-AA10 [FR Doc. 04-11491 Filed 06-25-04; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410-98-S