[April 30, 2007 (Volume 72, Number 82)] [Unified Agenda] From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [frwais.access.gpo.gov] [DOCID: f:ua070403.wais] [Page 22244-22338] Department of Agriculture ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Part III ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Semiannual Regulatory Agenda [[Page 22244]] 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 2007 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: March 2, 2007. 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 Honey Research and Promotion: Packer/Importer Board (FV-03-704)....................... 0581-AC37 3 National Organic Program: Sunset (Expiration) of Allowances and Prohibitions Contained 0581-AC51 on the National List (TM-04-07)....................................................... 4 Standards for Condition of Food Containers (FV-05-332)................................ 0581-AC52 5 National Organic Program: Access to Pasture (TM-05-14)................................ 0581-AC57 6 Mandatory Reporting for Dairy Programs (DA-06-07)..................................... 0581-AC66 7 Livestock Mandatory Reporting: Revise Reporting Regulation for Swine, Cattle, Lamb, 0581-AC67 and Boxed Beef (LS-07-01)............................................................. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Agricultural Marketing Service--Final Rule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 8 The National Organic Program: Amending the National List (TM-04-01), Crops and 0581-AC35 Processing............................................................................ 9 Changes in Fees and Hourly Fee Rates for Science and Technology Laboratory Services 0581-AC48 (ST-05-01)............................................................................ 10 Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act: Trust Rights (FV-05-373)..................... 0581-AC53 11 National Organic Program: Amending the National List (Crop and Livestock) (TM-06-04).. 0581-AC61 12 National Organic Program: Amendments to the National List (Livestock) (TM-03-04)...... 0581-AC62 13 Multi-Year Revision of Fees for the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Terminal Market 0581-AC63 Inspection Services (FV-06-308)....................................................... ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [[Page 22245]] Agricultural Marketing Service--Long-Term Actions ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 14 Mandatory Country of Origin Labeling of Beef, Pork, Lamb, Fish, Perishable 0581-AC26 Agricultural Commodities, and Peanuts (LS-03-04)...................................... ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Agricultural Marketing Service--Completed Actions ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 15 Changes in Fees for Federal Meat Grading and Certification Services (LS-05-05)........ 0581-AC49 16 Changes in Fees for Voluntary Federal Dairy Grading and Inspection Services (Fee 0581-AC55 Increase) (DA-05-04).................................................................. 17 Federal Processed Fruits and Vegetables, Fee Increase (FV-05-379)..................... 0581-AC56 18 Increase in Fees and Charges for Egg, Poultry, and Rabbit Grading (PY-06-002)......... 0581-AC64 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Agricultural Research Service--Proposed Rule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 19 General Administrative Policy for Non-Assistance Cooperative Agreements............... 0518-AA03 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Farm Service Agency--Proposed Rule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 20 Guaranteed Loans--Interest To Be Paid on Loss Claims.................................. 0560-AH55 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Farm Service Agency--Long-Term Actions ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 21 Regulatory Streamlining of the Farm Service Agency's Direct Farm Loan Programs........ 0560-AF60 22 Ocean Freight Claims Administrative Appeal Process.................................... 0560-AG49 23 2002 Farm Bill Regulations--Assistance for Livestock Producers........................ 0560-AG76 24 Selection of FSA State and County Committees.......................................... 0560-AG90 25 Environmental Compliance and Related Concerns......................................... 0560-AH02 26 Debt Collection, Debt Settlement, and Assignment of Payments.......................... 0560-AH09 27 Disaster Declaration and Designation.................................................. 0560-AH17 28 Conservation Contract Debt Write-Down................................................. 0560-AH23 29 Guaranteed Farm Loan Fees............................................................. 0560-AH41 30 Emergency Conservation Program........................................................ 0560-AH43 31 Reassignment of Sugar Allocation Shortfalls........................................... 0560-AH50 32 Storage Requirements for Grain Security for Marketing Assistance Loans................ 0560-AH52 33 Defining Sugar Subject to Marketing Allocations....................................... 0560-AH53 34 Indian Tribal Land Acquisition Program (ITLAP) Loan Write-Downs....................... 0560-AH54 35 Appraisal Requirements for Farm Ownership Loans....................................... 0560-AH56 36 Farm Storage Facility Loan Program.................................................... 0560-AH60 37 Grassroots Source Water Protection Program............................................ 0560-AH61 38 Interest Rates on Farm Service Agency Farm Loan Programs Guaranteed Loans............. 0560-AH66 39 Defense Priorities and Allocations System............................................. 0560-AH68 40 Acreage Reporting and Common Provisions............................................... 0560-AH69 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [[Page 22246]] Farm Service Agency--Completed Actions ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 41 Interest Assistance Program........................................................... 0560-AG46 42 Procurement of Commodities for Foreign Donation....................................... 0560-AH40 43 2005 Hurricane Disaster Assistance Programs........................................... 0560-AH45 44 2006 Disaster Assistance Programs..................................................... 0560-AH62 45 Definition of Indian Tribe for Payment Eligibility and Payment Limitation............. 0560-AH67 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service--Prerule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 46 Introduction of Organisms and Products Altered or Produced Through Genetic Engineering 0579-AC31 47 Regulation of Genetically Engineered Animals.......................................... 0579-AC37 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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 (Rulemaking Resulting From a Section 610 Review)...................................... 49 Tuberculosis in Cattle; Import Requirements (Section 610 Review)...................... 0579-AB44 50 Trichinae Certification Program....................................................... 0579-AB92 51 Animal Welfare; Regulations and Standards for Birds................................... 0579-AC02 52 Importation of Plants for Planting; Establishing a New Category of Plants for Planting 0579-AC03 Not Authorized for Importation Pending Risk Assessment (Rulemaking Resulting From a Section 610 Review)................................................................... 53 National Veterinary Accreditation Program (Rulemaking Resulting From a Section 610 0579-AC04 Review)............................................................................... 54 Sharing Confidential Business Information With Government Agencies Regarding the 0579-AC08 Introduction of Genetically Engineered Organisms and Products......................... 55 Minimum Age Requirements for the Transport of Animals................................. 0579-AC14 56 User Fees; Export Certification for Plants and Plant Products......................... 0579-AC22 57 Interstate Movement of Citrus Fruit................................................... 0579-AC34 58 Contagious Equine Metritis (CEM) Exemption for Noncompetitive Entertainment Horses.... 0579-AC35 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service--Final Rule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 59 Phytosanitary Certificates for Imported Fruits and Vegetables......................... 0579-AB18 60 Revision of Fruits and Vegetables Import Regulations.................................. 0579-AB80 61 Phytophthora Ramorum; Quarantine and Regulations...................................... 0579-AB82 62 Interstate Movement of Sheep and Goats; Approved Livestock Facilities, Identification, 0579-AB84 and Recordkeeping Requirements........................................................ 63 Viruses, Serums, Toxins, and Analogous Products; Records and Reports.................. 0579-AB90 64 Boll Weevil; Quarantine and Regulations............................................... 0579-AB91 65 Special Need Requests Under the Plant Protection Act.................................. 0579-AB98 66 Low Pathogenic Avian Influenza; Voluntary Control Program and Payment of Indemnity.... 0579-AB99 67 Standards for Permanent, Privately Owned Horse Quarantine Facilities (Section 610 0579-AC00 Review)............................................................................... 68 Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy; Minimal-Risk Regions and Importation of Commodities. 0579-AC01 69 Importation of Poultry and Poultry Products From Regions Affected With Highly 0579-AC36 Pathogenic Avian Influenza............................................................ ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [[Page 22247]] Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service--Long-Term Actions ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 70 Plant Pest Regulations; Update of Current Provisions (Section 610 Review)............. 0579-AA80 71 Foot-and-Mouth Disease; Payment of Indemnity.......................................... 0579-AB34 72 Chronic Wasting Disease in Elk and Deer; Interstate Movement Restrictions and Payment 0579-AB35 of Indemnity.......................................................................... 73 Karnal Bunt Compensation.............................................................. 0579-AB45 74 Movement of Unroasted Coffee Into Hawaii and Puerto Rico.............................. 0579-AB96 75 Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy; Minimal-Risk Regions and Importation of Commodities; 0579-AB97 Unsealing of Means of Conveyance and Transloading of Products......................... 76 Citrus Canker; Compensation for Certified Citrus Nursery Stock........................ 0579-AC05 77 Agricultural Inspection and AQI User Fees Along the U.S./Canada Border................ 0579-AC06 78 Citrus Canker; Quarantine of the State of Florida..................................... 0579-AC07 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service--Completed Actions ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 79 Interstate Movement of Garbage From Hawaii............................................ 0579-AC12 80 Importation of Table Grapes From Namibia.............................................. 0579-AC13 81 Interstate Movement of Fruits and Vegetables From Hawaii.............................. 0579-AC15 82 Importation of Shelled Garden Peas From Kenya......................................... 0579-AC17 83 Importation of Fruits and Vegetables.................................................. 0579-AC23 84 National Poultry Improvement Plan and Auxiliary Provisions............................ 0579-AC27 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service--Proposed Rule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 85 CSREES Agricultural Extension Formula Programs--Administrative Provisions............. 0524-AA26 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service--Final Rule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 86 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...................................................................... 87 Revised Administrative Provisions--Small Business Innovation Research Grants Program.. 0524-AA31 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service--Completed Actions ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 88 CSREES Non-Formula Grant Programs--Administrative Provisions.......................... 0524-AA28 89 Revised Administrative Provisions--National Research Initiative Competitive Grants 0524-AA32 Program............................................................................... 90 Veterinary Medicine Loan Repayment Act Program........................................ 0524-AA33 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Rural Housing Service--Proposed Rule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 91 Civil Rights Compliance Requirements.................................................. 0575-AA83 [[Page 22248]] 92 National Flood Insurance Regulations.................................................. 0575-AC07 93 Servicing Community Programs Loans and Grants......................................... 0575-AC12 94 Self-Help Technical Assistance Grants................................................. 0575-AC20 95 Community Facilities Direct Loan Program--Consolidate, Simplify, and Update 0575-AC27 Regulations........................................................................... 96 Planning and Performing Construction and Other Development............................ 0575-AC55 97 Environmental Policies and Procedures................................................. 0575-AC56 98 Community Programs Guaranteed Loans................................................... 0575-AC58 99 Guaranteed Rural Rental Housing--Elimination of Construction Guarantee................ 0575-AC64 100 Thermal Requirements (Rulemaking Resulting From a Section 610 Review)................. 0575-AC65 101 Reserve Account for Sections 514/516 Farm Labor Housing and Section 515 Rural Rental 0575-AC66 Housing Programs...................................................................... 102 Guaranteed Rural Rental Housing....................................................... 0575-AC67 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Rural Housing Service--Final Rule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 103 Multi-Family Housing (MFH) Reinvention................................................ 0575-AC13 104 Guaranteed Single-Family Housing...................................................... 0575-AC18 105 Direct Single-Family Housing Loans and Grants......................................... 0575-AC54 106 Direct Single-Family Housing Loans and Grants......................................... 0575-AC59 107 Guaranteed Rural Rental Housing Program--Change Annual Guarantee Fee Due Date......... 0575-AC62 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Federal Crop Insurance Corporation--Proposed Rule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 108 General Administrative Regulations; Sanctions--Administrative Remedies for Non- 0563-AB73 Compliance............................................................................ 109 General Administrative Regulations; Actual Production History (APH)................... 0563-AB83 110 Common Crop Insurance Regulations, Tobacco Crop Insurance Provisions.................. 0563-AB98 111 Common Crop Insurance Regulations, Cultivated Wild Rice Crop Insurance Provisions..... 0563-AC00 112 General Administrative Regulations; Appeal Procedures and Standards for Approval-- 0563-AC06 Reinsurance Agreement................................................................. 113 Common Crop Insurance Regulations, Grape and Table Grape Crop Insurance Provisions.... 0563-AC09 114 Common Crop Insurance Regulations, Apple Crop Insurance Provisions.................... 0563-AC10 115 Emergency and Disaster Procedures for Crop Insurance Purposes......................... 0563-AC11 116 Common Crop Insurance Regulations, Dry Pea Crop Insurance Provisions.................. 0563-AC14 117 Common Crop Insurance Regulations, Coverage Enhancement Option........................ 0563-AC15 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Federal Crop Insurance Corporation--Final Rule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 118 Common Crop Insurance Regulations and Various Crop Insurance Provisions............... 0563-AB96 119 Common Crop Insurance Regulations, Cabbage Crop Insurance Provisions.................. 0563-AB99 120 Common Crop Insurance Regulations, Florida Citrus Fruit Crop Insurance Provisions..... 0563-AC01 121 Common Crop Insurance Regulations, Fresh Market Sweet Corn Crop Insurance Provisions.. 0563-AC02 122 Common Crop Insurance Regulations, Mint Crop Insurance Provisions..................... 0563-AC03 123 Common Crop Insurance Regulations, Mustard Crop Insurance Provisions.................. 0563-AC04 124 Common Crop Insurance Regulations, Northern Potato Crop Insurance Provisions.......... 0563-AC05 125 Common Crop Insurance Regulations, Millet Crop Insurance Provisions................... 0563-AC12 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [[Page 22249]] Federal Crop Insurance Corporation--Completed Actions ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 126 Common Crop Insurance Regulations, Walnut Crop Insurance Provisions; Almond Crop 0563-AC08 Insurance Provisions.................................................................. 127 Common Crop Insurance Regulations, Nursery Crop Provisions, Nursery Peak Inventory 0563-AC13 Endorsement and Nursery Rehabilitation Endorsement.................................... ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration--Prerule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 128 Request for Public Comment on the United States Standards for Soybeans................ 0580-AA96 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration--Proposed Rule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 129 Process Verification Service and Associated Fees...................................... 0580-AA85 130 United States Standards for Rough Rice; United States Standards for Brown Rice for 0580-AA94 Processing; and United States Standards for Milled Rice............................... 131 Poultry Contracts; Initiation, Performance, and Termination........................... 0580-AA98 132 Weighing; Feed and Swine Contractors.................................................. 0580-AA99 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration--Final Rule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 133 United States Standards for Sorghum................................................... 0580-AA91 134 Clear Title Program; Technical Changes................................................ 0580-AA93 135 Official Fees and Tolerances for Barley Protein Testing............................... 0580-AA95 136 Rules of Practice Governing Proceedings Under the Packers and Stockyards Act.......... 0580-AA97 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration--Completed Actions ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 137 Fees for Rice Inspection Service...................................................... 0580-AA92 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Food and Nutrition Service--Proposed Rule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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 FSP: Revisions to Bonding Requirements for Violating Retail and Wholesale Food 0584-AD44 Concerns.............................................................................. 142 FSP: Regulation Restructuring To Reflect the End of Coupon Issuance Systems........... 0584-AD48 143 Nutrition Standards in the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs........ 0584-AD59 144 WIC Farmers' Market Nutrition Program (FMNP): Implementation of the FMNP Provisions in 0584-AD74 the CN and WIC Reauthorization Act of 2004 (Pub. L. 108-265) and FMNP Funding Formula. 145 FSP: Administrative Sanctions Imposed Against Violating Electronic Benefits Transfer 0584-AD78 (EBT) Stores.......................................................................... [[Page 22250]] 146 Revisions and Clarifications in Requirements for the Distribution and Control of 0584-AD81 Donated Foods......................................................................... ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Food and Nutrition Service--Final Rule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 147 Disqualified Recipient Reporting and Computer Matching Requirements That Affect the 0584-AB51 Food Stamp Program.................................................................... 148 Child and Adult Care Food Program: Improving Management and Program Integrity......... 0584-AC24 149 Food Stamp Program Regulatory Review: FSP Standards for Approval and Operation of Food 0584-AC37 Stamp Electronic Benefit Transfer Systems............................................. 150 National School Lunch Program: Reimbursement for Snacks in Afterschool Care Programs.. 0584-AC72 151 Child and Adult Care Food Program: Implementing Legislative Reforms To Strengthen 0584-AC94 Program Integrity..................................................................... 152 Afterschool Snacks Under the Child and Adult Care Food Program........................ 0584-AD27 153 FSP: Eligibility and Certification Provisions of the Farm Security and Rural 0584-AD30 Investment Act of 2002................................................................ 154 Quality Control Provisions of Title IV of Public Law 107-171.......................... 0584-AD31 155 Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC): 0584-AD36 Miscellaneous Vendor-Related Provisions............................................... 156 Procurement Requirements for the National School Lunch, School Breakfast, and Special 0584-AD38 Milk Programs......................................................................... 157 Data Collection Related to Participation of Faith-Based and Community Organizations... 0584-AD43 158 Management of Donated Foods in Child Nutrition Programs, the Nutrition Services 0584-AD45 Incentive Program, and Charitable Institutions........................................ 159 Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC): 0584-AD47 Discretionary WIC Vendor Provisions in the Child Nutrition and WIC Reauthorization Act of 2004, Public Law 108-265........................................................... 160 Administrative Error Reduction in the School Meals Programs........................... 0584-AD52 161 Applying for Free and Reduced Price Meals in the National School Lunch Program and 0584-AD54 School Breakfast Program, and for Benefits in the Special Milk Program................ 162 Special Nutrition Programs: Fluid Milk Substitutions.................................. 0584-AD58 163 Direct Certification of Children in Food Stamp Households and Certification of 0584-AD60 Homeless, Migrant, and Runaway Children for Free Meals in the NSLP, SBP, and SMP...... 164 Verification of Eligibility for Free and Reduced Priced Meals in the National School 0584-AD61 Lunch and School Breakfast Programs................................................... 165 School Food Safety: Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point System................. 0584-AD65 166 Implementing Provisions From the Child Nutrition and WIC Reauthorization Act of 2004: 0584-AD70 Seamless Summer Option for Schools Participating in the National School Lunch Program. 167 Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC): WIC 0584-AD71 Vendor Cost Containment............................................................... 168 WIC: Implementation of the Nondiscretionary WIC Certification and General 0584-AD73 Administration Provisions............................................................. 169 Revisions and Clarifications in Requirements for the Processing of Donated Foods...... 0584-AD76 170 Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC): 0584-AD77 Revisions in the WIC Food Packages.................................................... 171 FSP: Unauthorized Redemption and Trafficking in Program Benefits...................... 0584-AD79 172 School Breakfast Program: Severe Need Assistance...................................... 0584-AD82 173 Marketing and Sale of Fluid Milk in Schools........................................... 0584-AD83 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Food and Nutrition Service--Long-Term Actions ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 174 District-Wide Use of Provisions 2 and 3............................................... 0584-AD51 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [[Page 22251]] Food and Nutrition Service--Completed Actions ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 175 Disclosure of Children's Free and Reduced Price Meals, and Free Milk Eligibility 0584-AC95 Information in the Child Nutrition Programs........................................... 176 Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP)...................................... 0584-AD35 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Food Safety and Inspection Service--Proposed Rule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 177 Egg Products Inspection Regulations................................................... 0583-AC58 178 Prior Labeling Approval System: Generic Label Approval................................ 0583-AC59 179 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................... 180 Electronic Signatures................................................................. 0583-AD14 181 Food Allergen Labeling for Meat, Poultry, and Egg Products............................ 0583-AD22 182 Definition of Veal.................................................................... 0583-AD23 183 Eligibility of Chile To Export Poultry and Poultry Products to the United States...... 0583-AD25 184 Addition of the People's Republic of China to the List of Countries Eligible To Export 0583-AD27 Poultry and Poultry Products to the U.S............................................... ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Food Safety and Inspection Service--Final Rule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 185 Performance Standards for the Production of Processed Meat and Poultry Products; 0583-AC46 Control of Listeria Monocytogenes in Ready-To-Eat Meat and Poultry Products........... 186 Nutrition Labeling of Single-Ingredient Products and Ground or Chopped Meat and 0583-AC60 Poultry Products...................................................................... 187 Food Standards; General Principles and Food Standards Modernization................... 0583-AC72 188 Petitions for Rulemaking.............................................................. 0583-AC81 189 Classes of Poultry Updating Poultry Class Standards................................... 0583-AC83 190 Prohibition of the Use of Specified Risk Materials for Human Food and Requirements for 0583-AC88 the Disposition of Non-Ambulatory Disabled Cattle..................................... 191 Meat Produced by Advanced Meat/Bone Separation Machinery and Meat Recovery Systems.... 0583-AD00 192 Prohibition on the Use of Air-Injection Stunners for the Slaughter of Cattle.......... 0583-AD03 193 Accredited Laboratory Program......................................................... 0583-AD09 194 Availability of Lists of Retail Consignees During Meat or Poultry Product Recalls..... 0583-AD10 195 Definitions and Procedures for Determining the Net Weight Compliance of Meat and 0583-AD17 Poultry Products...................................................................... 196 Allowing Bar-Type Cut Turkey Operations To Use J-Type Cut Maximum Line Speeds......... 0583-AD18 197 Ante-Mortem Inspection of Horses...................................................... 0583-AD26 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Food Safety and Inspection Service--Completed Actions ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 198 Performance Standards for Pumped or Massaged Bacon.................................... 0583-AC49 199 Food Defense Plans.................................................................... 0583-AD06 200 Export Product Deviations From Labeling Requirements and Ingredient Restrictions...... 0583-AD24 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [[Page 22252]] Foreign Agricultural Service--Final Rule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 201 New Provisions and Revisions to Sugar Re-Export Programs.............................. 0551-AA65 202 Quality Samples Program............................................................... 0551-AA68 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Forest Service--Proposed Rule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 203 Indian Allotments on National Forest System Lands..................................... 0596-AA52 204 Species Surplus to Domestic Manufacturing Needs....................................... 0596-AB27 205 Appeal of Decisions Relating to Occupancy and Use of National Forest System Lands..... 0596-AB45 206 Law Enforcement Support Activities.................................................... 0596-AB61 207 Sale and Disposal of National Forest System Timber; Timber Export and Substitution 0596-AB75 Restrictions.......................................................................... 208 Special Forest Products and Forest Botanical Products................................. 0596-AB81 209 Locatable Minerals.................................................................... 0596-AB98 210 Grazing Permit Administration (FSH 2209.13, Chapters 10 and 20)....................... 0596-AC12 211 Recreation Event Fees (Forest Service Manual, Chapter 2720)........................... 0596-AC24 212 Outfitter and Guide Special Use Authorizations (Forest Service Handbook 2709.11, 0596-AC25 Chapter 30)........................................................................... 213 Clarifying Prohibitions Against Damage to the National Forest by Escaped Fires........ 0596-AC30 214 Revisions to General Prohibitions Regarding Livestock and Wild Free-Roaming Horses and 0596-AC31 Burros on National Forest System Lands................................................ 215 Clarification for the Appropriate Use of a Criminal or a Civil Citation To Enforce 0596-AC38 Mineral Regulations................................................................... 216 Linear Right-of-Way Rental Payment Schedule........................................... 0596-AC48 217 Forest Service National Environmental Policy Act Procedures........................... 0596-AC49 218 Outfitter and Guide Special Use Authorizations (Forest Service Handbook 2709.11, 0596-AC50 Chapter 40)........................................................................... 219 Ground Water Resource Management Policy Direction (Forest Service Manual, Chapter 2540 0596-AC51 and Forest Service Handbook 2709.11).................................................. 220 Forest Service Policy on Partner, Sponsor, and Donor Recognition (Forest Service 0596-AC52 Handbook 1509.14)..................................................................... 221 Categorical Exclusion for Ski Area Resort Activities (FSH 1909.15, Chapter 30)........ 0596-AC53 222 Threatened, Endangered, and Sensitive (TES) Species, Species-of-Concern, Habitat 0596-AC55 Management, and Biodiversity Conservation (FSM 2670).................................. 223 Processing Applications for Wind Energy Development on National Forest System Lands 0596-AC61 (Forest Service Manual 2720).......................................................... 224 Special Areas; State-Specific Inventoried Roadless Area Management: Idaho............. 0596-AC62 225 Land Management Planning Handbook, Forest Vegetation Resource Planning (FSH 1909.12, 0596-AC63 Chapter 60)........................................................................... 226 Publicly Managed Recreation Opportunities (Forest Service Manual (FSM) 2300, 2330, 0596-AC64 2340)................................................................................. 227 Administrative Issuances; Involving the Public in the Formulation of Forest Service 0596-AC65 Directives............................................................................ 228 Special Interest Areas (FSM 2360)..................................................... 0596-AC67 229 Forest Service Strategy for Open Space Conservation................................... 0596-AC68 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Forest Service--Final Rule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 230 Sale and Disposal of National Forest Timber; Cancellation of Timber Sale Contracts.... 0596-AB21 231 Noncompetitive Sale of Timber; Timber Substitution.................................... 0596-AB70 232 Predecisional Administrative Review and Objection Process for Projects Authorized 0596-AC15 Under Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003......................................... 233 Sale and Disposal of National Forest System Timber; Timber Sale Contracts; 0596-AC16 Modification of Contracts............................................................. 234 Predator Damage Management (Forest Service Manual, Chapter 2320)...................... 0596-AC22 235 Integrated Resource Contracts, FS-2400-13 and FS-2400-13T (Notice of Final Contracts). 0596-AC26 236 Piscicide Applications on National Forest System Lands................................ 0596-AC33 237 Travel Management (Forest Service Manual 2300 and 7700)............................... 0596-AC39 238 Advertising and Sponsorship in Connection With Concessions Involving Privately Owned 0596-AC41 Improvements on National Forest System Lands (Forest Service Manual 2340)............. 239 Native Plant Materials Policy (Final Directive, Forest Service Manual 2070)........... 0596-AC44 [[Page 22253]] 240 Forest Service Renewable Resources Handbook (2409.19), Chapter 60, Stewardship 0596-AC45 Contracting........................................................................... 241 Small Business Administration Timber Sale Set-Aside Program........................... 0596-AC46 242 Forest Service National Trail Management Classification System (Final Directive, FSM 0596-AC47 2330)................................................................................. 243 Sensitive Species and Endangered Species Act Consultation for Land Management Plans 0596-AC54 (Forest Service Manual 2670).......................................................... 244 Land Management Planning Handbook, Land Management Plan (FSH 1909.12, Chapter 10)..... 0596-AC66 245 Sacred Sites Management, Tribal Government Relations (FSM 1560)....................... 0596-AC69 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Forest Service--Long-Term Actions ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 246 Resource Agency Procedures for Conditions and Prescriptions in Hydropower Licenses.... 0596-AC42 247 Special Areas; State Specific Inventoried Roadless Area Management: Virginia.......... 0596-AC58 248 Special Areas; State Specific Inventoried Roadless Area Management: North Carolina.... 0596-AC59 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Forest Service--Completed Actions ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 249 National Forest System Land Management Planning Categorical Exclusion (Final 0596-AB86 Directive, Forest Service Handbook 1909.15, Chapter 30)............................... 250 Community and Private Land Forest Fire Assistance Program............................. 0596-AB96 251 Delegation of Authority To Approve Free Use by Individuals............................ 0596-AC09 252 Watershed Forestry Assistance Program (Proposed Directive, Forest Service Manual 3500) 0596-AC18 253 Tribal Watershed Forestry Assistance Program (Proposed Directive, Forest Service 0596-AC19 Manual 3500).......................................................................... 254 Onshore Oil and Gas Operations; Federal and Indian Oil and Gas Leases; Onshore Oil and 0596-AC20 Gas Order Number 1, Approval of Operations............................................ 255 Secretary Determination That Domestic Species of Unprocessed Timber Are Surplus to 0596-AC27 Domestic Needs Within the Zone of Southern California................................. 256 National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) Documentation for Sporicide Use on National 0596-AC32 Forest System Lands (Proposed Directive, Forest Service Handbook 1909.15, Chapter 30). 257 National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) Compliance Documentation for Surface Use 0596-AC34 Plans of Operation for Exploration or Development of an Oil and Gas Lease (FSH 1909.15, Chapter 30).................................................................. 258 Grizzly Bear Management (FSM 2676.1).................................................. 0596-AC56 259 National Forest System Land Management Planning Directive (Final Directive, Forest 0596-AC57 Service Handbook 1909.12, Chapter 70--Wilderness Evaluation).......................... 260 Special Areas; State Specific Inventoried Roadless Area Management: South Carolina.... 0596-AC60 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Office of Chief Financial Officer--Proposed Rule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 261 United States Department of Agriculture Research Misconduct Regulations for Extramural 0505-AA13 Research.............................................................................. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Office of the Secretary--Proposed Rule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 262 Designation of Biobased Items for Federal Procurement, Round 5........................ 0503-AA33 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [[Page 22254]] Office of the Secretary--Final Rule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 263 General Nonprocurement Regulations.................................................... 0503-AA21 264 Designation of Biobased Items for Federal Procurement, Round 2........................ 0503-AA30 265 Designation of Biobased Items for Federal Procurement, Round 3........................ 0503-AA31 266 Designation of Biobased Items for Federal Procurement, Round 4........................ 0503-AA32 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Rural Business-Cooperative Service--Prerule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 267 Rural Business Investment Program..................................................... 0570-AA35 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Rural Business-Cooperative Service--Proposed Rule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 268 Business and Industry Guaranteed Loan Program--Financing Cooperative Stock............ 0570-AA26 269 Amendment of Guarantee Requirements................................................... 0570-AA62 270 Socio-Economic Benefit Assessment System (SEBAS)...................................... 0570-AA63 271 Renewable Energy Systems and Energy Efficiency Improvements (REEEI) Program........... 0570-AA64 272 Delivery Enhancement for Guaranteed Loans............................................. 0570-AA65 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Rural Business-Cooperative Service--Final Rule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 273 Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant Program..................................... 0570-AA19 274 B&I Guaranteed Loan Program Farm Bill Changes--Expanded Eligibility Criteria.......... 0570-AA39 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Rural Business-Cooperative Service--Completed Actions ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 275 Business and Industry Loan Program--Rewrite of Program Regulations.................... 0570-AA41 276 National Security Emergency........................................................... 0570-AA48 277 Business and Industry Guaranteed Loan Program--Implement the Debt Collection 0570-AA54 Improvement Act (DCIA) of 1996........................................................ 278 Equal Opportunity for Religious Organizations......................................... 0570-AA61 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Rural Utilities Service--Prerule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 279 Lien Accommodations and Subordinations for 100 Percent Private Financing.............. 0572-AB99 280 Electric System Operations and Maintenance, Interconnection of Distributed Resources.. 0572-AC07 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [[Page 22255]] Rural Utilities Service--Proposed Rule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 281 Water and Waste Loans and Grants...................................................... 0572-AC03 282 Rural Broadband Access Loans and Loan Guarantees...................................... 0572-AC06 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Rural Utilities Service--Final Rule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 283 Servicing of Water Programs Loans and Grants.......................................... 0572-AB59 284 Public Television Station Digital Transition Grant Program............................ 0572-AC02 285 Rural Area Definitions for Rural Development WEP Programs............................. 0572-AC04 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Rural Utilities Service--Completed Actions ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 286 Telecommunications Standards and Specifications for Materials, Equipment, and 0572-AB40 Construction.......................................................................... 287 Specifications for 15, 25, and 35 kV Primary Underground Power Cable.................. 0572-AC05 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Natural Resources Conservation Service--Final Rule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 288 Conservation Security Program......................................................... 0578-AA36 289 Grassland Reserve Program............................................................. 0578-AA38 290 Confidentiality of Conservation Program Information................................... 0578-AA40 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Office of Procurement and Property Management--Long-Term Actions ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 291 Agriculture Acquisition Regulation (AGAR): Use of Biobased Materials.................. 0599-AA12 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- BILLING CODE 3410--90--S _______________________________________________________________________ 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: The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is revising regulations pertaining to labeling of agricultural products as organically produced and handled (7 CFR part 205). The term ``aquatic animal'' will be incorporated in the definition of livestock to establish production and handling standards for operations that capture aquatic animals from the wild. 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. [[Page 22256]] Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ ANPRM 12/00/07 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Governmental Jurisdictions Government Levels Affected: Federal, Local, State, Tribal Agency Contact: Mark A. Bradley, Associate Deputy Administrator, National Organic Program, Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Marketing Service, Room 4008, South Building, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 202 720-3252 Fax: 202 205-7808 Email: mark.bradley@usda.gov RIN: 0581-AB97 _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Agriculture (USDA) Proposed Rule Stage Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) _______________________________________________________________________ 2. HONEY RESEARCH AND PROMOTION: PACKER/IMPORTER BOARD (FV-03-704) Priority: Routine and Frequent Legal Authority: 7 USC 7411 through 7425 CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1212 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The U.S. Department of Agriculture (Department) received a request from the National Honey Packers and Dealers Association (Association), dated July 8, 2003, to develop an industry-funded research, promotion, consumer education, and information program for honey and honey products. The Association asked that this proposal be held and not sent forward until the industry made some modifications to the proposal. A new proposal was received by the Department in March 2006. This proposed new program, the Honey Research, Promotion, and Consumer Education and Industry Order (Order), will assist the honey industry to: (1) Develop and finance an effective and coordinated program to strengthen the position of the honey industry and (2) Maintain, develop, and expand existing markets for honey and honey products. Under the proposed Order, first handlers (packers) and importers of 250,000 or more pounds of honey and honey products would pay an assessment of $0.01 per pound to the National Honey Packers and Importers Board (Board). At this initial rate, revenue for the program would be approximately $3 million. Of this amount, about 51 percent would be generated by assessments on imported honey and honey products. The Board would be appointed by the Department to conduct a program of research and promotion, industry information, and consumer information needed to strengthen and increase the consumption of honey and honey products in the United States. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 06/00/07 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Charles W. Parrott, Associate Deputy Administrator, Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Marketing Service, Fruit & Vegetable Programs, 14th & Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 202 720-6393 Fax: 202 720-0016 Email: charles.parrott@usda.gov RIN: 0581-AC37 _______________________________________________________________________ 3. NATIONAL ORGANIC PROGRAM: SUNSET (EXPIRATION) OF ALLOWANCES AND PROHIBITIONS CONTAINED ON THE NATIONAL LIST (TM-04-07) Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 7 USC 6501 through 6522 CFR Citation: 7 CFR 205 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is revising regulations pertaining to the use of allowed and prohibited substances contained on the National List. The Organic Foods Production Act (OFPA), (7 U.S.C. 6501 et seq.), authorizes the establishment of the National List of allowed and prohibited substances. The National List identifies synthetic substances that are allowed and nonsynthetic substances that are prohibited in organic crop and livestock production. The National List also identifies nonsynthetics and synthetics that are allowed for use in organic handling. The allowances and prohibitions granted under the OFPA are required to be reviewed every 5 years by the National Organic Standards Board (NOSB). If they are not reviewed by the NOSB and renewed by the Secretary within 5 years of their inclusion on the National List, their authorized use or prohibition expires. This means that a synthetic substance currently allowed for use in organic production will no longer be allowed for use after October 21, 2007; a non-synthetic substance currently prohibited from use in organic production will be allowed after October 21, 2007; and a synthetic or nonsynthetic substance currently allowed for use in organic handling will be prohibited after October 21, 2007. Expiration of the exempted or prohibited use of substances is provided for under the OFPA's sunset provision. AMS will conduct informal rulemaking to facilitate the sunset review of 165 exempted and 9 prohibited substances currently on the National List. On June 17, 2005, AMS published an ANPRM that established October 21, 2007, as the date by which the sunset review and renewal process must be concluded. This ANPRM discussed how the NOP will manage the sunset review and renewal process. The ANPRM also began the public comment process on whether the existing specific exemptions or prohibitions on the National List should be continued for organic production and handling. The comment period for the ANPRM closed on August 16, 2005. The NOSB will have approximately 90 days from the close of the comment period to provide a recommendation to AMS concerning the continued use and prohibition of over 150 materials. AMS expects to [[Page 22257]] publish a proposed rule before the end of this year. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ ANPRM 06/17/05 70 FR 35177 ANPRM Comment Period End 08/16/05 NPRM 03/06/07 72 FR 9872 NPRM Comment Period End 05/07/07 Final Action 10/00/07 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: Local, State, Tribal Agency Contact: Mark A. Bradley, Associate Deputy Administrator, National Organic Program, Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Marketing Service, Room 4008, South Building, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 202 720-3252 Fax: 202 205-7808 Email: mark.bradley@usda.gov RIN: 0581-AC51 _______________________________________________________________________ 4. STANDARDS FOR CONDITION OF FOOD CONTAINERS (FV-05-332) Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 7 USC 1622 through 1624 CFR Citation: 7 CFR 42 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is proposing to revise regulations pertaining to 7 CFR part 42, Standards for Condition of Food Containers. Periodically, AMS reviews inspection standards to determine if they meet current industry practices. Based on our most recent analysis, we believe that the standards need to be revised. The revisions are necessary in order to provide standards that reflect current U.S. industry practices. Revisions to the standards include, but are not limited to: (1) Incorporating new defects and updating current defects for metal, glass, rigid and semi-rigid, and flexible containers; (2) Updating the standards to include new packaging technology such as aseptic packaging, metal cans with easy open lids, plastic rings that hold several containers together; and (3) Removing the Operating Characteristic (OC) curves for on-line sampling and inspection. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 11/00/07 Final Action 05/00/08 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Lynne Eyre Yedinak, Food Technologist, Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Marketing Service, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 202 720-9939 Fax: 202 690-0102 Email: fqastaff@usda.gov RIN: 0581-AC52 _______________________________________________________________________ 5. NATIONAL ORGANIC PROGRAM: ACCESS TO PASTURE (TM-05-14) Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 7 USC 6501 et seq CFR Citation: 7 CFR 205 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The National Organic Program (NOP) is administered by the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS). Under the NOP, AMS established national standards for the production and handling of organically produced agricultural products. Since implementation of the NOP, some members of the public have advocated for a more explicit regulatory standard on the relationship between livestock, particularly dairy animals, and grazing land. They have asserted the current regulatory language on access to pasture for ruminants and temporary confinement based on an animal's stage of production, when applied together, do not provide a uniform requirement for the pasturing of ruminant animals that meet the principles underlying an organic management system for livestock and livestock products that consumers expect. Comments received as a result of the proposed rule will assist in determining the Agency's next steps in rulemaking on this issue. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ ANPRM 04/13/06 71 FR 19131 ANPRM Comment Period End 06/12/06 NPRM 06/00/07 Final Action 09/00/07 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses, Governmental Jurisdictions, Organizations Government Levels Affected: Federal, Local, State Agency Contact: Mark A. Bradley, Associate Deputy Administrator, National Organic Program, Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Marketing Service, Room 4008, South Building, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 202 720-3252 Fax: 202 205-7808 Email: mark.bradley@usda.gov RIN: 0581-AC57 _______________________________________________________________________ 6. [bull] MANDATORY REPORTING FOR DAIRY PROGRAMS (DA-06-07) Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: Not Yet Determined CFR Citation: 7 USC 1621 through 1677 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Agricultural Marketing Service is proposing to establish a Dairy Product Mandatory Reporting Program. The proposed program would: (1) Require persons engaged in manufacturing dairy products to provide the Department of Agriculture certain information including price, quantity, and moisture content of dairy products sold by the manufacturer and (2) require manufacturers and other persons storing dairy products to report to USDA information on the quantity of dairy products stored. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 07/00/07 Final Action 01/00/08 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: John Mengel, Chief Economist, Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Marketing Service, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 202 720-4664 Email: john.mengel@usda.gov RIN: 0581-AC66 [[Page 22258]] _______________________________________________________________________ 7. [bull] LIVESTOCK MANDATORY REPORTING: REVISE REPORTING REGULATION FOR SWINE, CATTLE, LAMB, AND BOXED BEEF (LS-07-01) Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 7 USC 1621 CFR Citation: 7 CFR 59 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This rule is necessary to re-establish the regulatory authority for the Livestock Mandatory Reporting Program's continued operation and to implement the changes to the swine reporting provision made to the Act, as well as other changes to enhance the program's overall operation and efficiency based on AMS' experience in the administration of the program over the last 5 years. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 06/00/07 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: State Federalism: This action may have federalism implications as defined in EO 13132. Agency Contact: Erin Morris, Livestock and Seed Program, Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Marketing Service, 14th and Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 202 720-6231 Fax: 202 720-6231 Email: erin.morris@usda.gov RIN: 0581-AC67 _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Agriculture (USDA) Final Rule Stage Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) _______________________________________________________________________ 8. THE NATIONAL ORGANIC PROGRAM: AMENDING THE NATIONAL LIST (TM-04-01), CROPS AND PROCESSING Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 7 USC 6501 CFR Citation: 7 CFR 205 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: On December 21, 2000, the Secretary of Agriculture (Secretary) established within the National Organic Program (NOP) the National List. The National List regulations identify synthetic (natural) substances and ingredients that are prohibited for use in organic production and handling. Under the authority of the Organic Foods Production Act of 1990 (OFPA), as amended (7 U.S.C. 6501 et seq.), the National List can be amended by the Secretary based on proposed amendments developed by the National Organic Standards Board (NOSB). This action will amend the National List to reflect recommendations submitted to the Secretary by the NOSB from November 15, 2000, through March 3, 2005. Between the specified time period, the NOSB has recommended that the Secretary add 4 substances to section 205.601 and 11 substances to section 205.605 of the National List regulations. This action will also amend the mailing address for where to file a Certification or Accreditation appeal pursuant to section 205.681(d). Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 09/16/05 70 FR 54006 NPRM Comment Period End 11/15/05 Final Action 06/00/07 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: Local, State, Tribal Agency Contact: Mark A. Bradley, Associate Deputy Administrator, National Organic Program, Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Marketing Service, Room 4008, South Building, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 202 720-3252 Fax: 202 205-7808 Email: mark.bradley@usda.gov RIN: 0581-AC35 _______________________________________________________________________ 9. CHANGES IN FEES AND HOURLY FEE RATES FOR SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY LABORATORY SERVICES (ST-05-01) Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 7 USC 1621 through 1627 CFR Citation: 7 CFR 91; 7 CFR 92 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Agricultural Marketing Service is changing the hourly fee rates for Science and Technology (S&T) Laboratory Services. The agency is raising these rates to reflect, among other factors, national and locality pay increases for Federal employees and inflation, operating costs, instrumentation and training, and program and agency administrative overhead costs. In the past, AMS has amended its regulations on an as needed basis in order to recover laboratory program costs. With this regulation, AMS is providing for three annual standard hourly fee rate increases for fiscal years 2007-2009. This will provide the agricultural commodity industries and other stakeholders with more timely and relevant information regarding user fees for voluntary laboratory testing services. The Agency is also removing tables and schedules with listings of individual tests and services. Three annual hourly fee rate adjustments are established by this action for appeals, holiday, and overtime services to reflect the anticipated increase cost of providing these laboratory services each fiscal year. The regulations also are updated to identify current facility addresses. Part 92 is obsolete and therefore has been removed. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 09/22/06 71 FR 55369 NPRM Comment Period End 10/23/06 Final Action 06/00/07 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: James V. Falk, Docket Manager, Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Marketing Service, USDA, AMS, Science and Technology, Technical Services Branch, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0272 [[Page 22259]] Phone: 202 690-4089 Fax: 202 720-4631 Email: james.falk@usda.gov RIN: 0581-AC48 _______________________________________________________________________ 10. PERISHABLE AGRICULTURAL COMMODITIES ACT: TRUST RIGHTS (FV-05-373) Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 7 USC 4990 CFR Citation: 7 CFR 46 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS), Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act Branch, has issued an advance notice of proposed rulemaking in response to concerns raised by the industry that sellers may lose their status as trust creditors when using electronic data interchange (EDI) for invoicing. The Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act (PACA) imposes a statutory trust on the assets, including inventory and receivables of a licensee or firm operating subject to the PACA that have not paid for perishable agricultural commodities. The PACA provides that a creditor may preserve its rights under the trust by including specified language on billing or invoicing statements. In 1997, the PACA regulations were amended to state that electronic transmissions are considered ``ordinary and usual billing and invoicing statements.'' While perfecting PACA trust rights on paper invoices is fairly straightforward, due to the nature of technology, perfecting trust rights using EDI is not. Sellers who use EDI transmissions to perfect their trust rights perceive a threat that their trust rights may not be preserved. AMS is soliciting comments on the preservation of PACA trust rights in connection with EDI invoicing so that the Agency will be able to provide greater direction to the industry of how PACA trust rights can be preserved when invoicing electronically. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ ANPRM 01/30/06 71 FR 4831 ANPRM Comment Period End 03/16/06 NPRM 11/08/06 71 FR 65426 NPRM Comment Period End 01/08/07 Final Action 05/00/07 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Bruce W. Summers, Chief, PACA Branch, Fruit and Vegetable Program, Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Marketing Service, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 202 720-4180 Fax: 202 690-4413 Email: bruce.summers@usda.gov RIN: 0581-AC53 _______________________________________________________________________ 11. NATIONAL ORGANIC PROGRAM: AMENDING THE NATIONAL LIST (CROP AND LIVESTOCK) (TM-06-04) Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 7 USC 6501 et seq CFR Citation: 7 CFR 205 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Agricultural Marketing Service is amending the National Organic Programs' National List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances (National List) regulations to reflect recommendations submitted to the Secretary of Agriculture (Secretary) by the National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) on August 17, 2005. Consistent with the recommendations from the NOSB, this proposed rule would add one new substance, along with any restrictive annotations to the National List. The NOSB recommended adding ``Sucrose octanoate esters.`` Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 07/03/06 71 FR 37854 NPRM Comment Period End 08/02/06 Final Action 06/00/07 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: Businesses, Organizations Government Levels Affected: Local, State, Tribal Agency Contact: Mark A. Bradley, Associate Deputy Administrator, National Organic Program, Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Marketing Service, Room 4008, South Building, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 202 720-3252 Fax: 202 205-7808 Email: mark.bradley@usda.gov RIN: 0581-AC61 _______________________________________________________________________ 12. NATIONAL ORGANIC PROGRAM: AMENDMENTS TO THE NATIONAL LIST (LIVESTOCK) (TM-03-04) Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 7 USC 6501 to 6522 CFR Citation: 7 CFR 205 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Agricultural Marketing Services is amending regulations pertaining to the National Organic Program National List to reflect recommendations submitted to the Secretary of Agriculture by the National Organic Standards Board. This rule will add 13 substances, along with any restrictive annotations to the National List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 07/17/06 71 FR 40623 NPRM Comment Period End 09/15/06 Final Action 06/00/07 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: Businesses, Organizations Government Levels Affected: Local, State, Tribal Agency Contact: Mark A. Bradley, Associate Deputy Administrator, National Organic Program, Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Marketing Service, Room 4008, South Building, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 202 720-3252 Fax: 202 205-7808 Email: mark.bradley@usda.gov RIN: 0581-AC62 _______________________________________________________________________ 13. MULTI-YEAR REVISION OF FEES FOR THE FRESH FRUIT AND VEGETABLE TERMINAL MARKET INSPECTION SERVICES (FV-06-308) Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 7 USC 1621 through 1627 CFR Citation: 7 CFR 51 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is raising fresh fruit and vegetable destination market fees by 15 percent in order to: (1) Build and maintain the 4 months of operating reserve as required by AMS policy and [[Page 22260]] (2) cover the costs associated with providing quality inspection services to destination markets. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 12/01/06 71 FR 69497 NPRM Comment Period End 01/02/07 Final Action 04/00/07 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Rita Bibbs-Booth, Program Support Section Head, Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Marketing Service, Program Support Section Head, Room 2049-South, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0240 Phone: 202 720-0391 Fax: 202 720-5136 Email: rita.bibbs-booth@usda.gov RIN: 0581-AC63 _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Agriculture (USDA) Long-Term Actions Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) _______________________________________________________________________ 14. 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. CFR Citation: 7 CFR 60 Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 10/30/03 68 FR 61944 NPRM Comment Period End 12/29/03 Interim Final Rule 10/05/04 69 FR 59708 Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 01/03/05 Interim Final Rule Effective 04/04/05 Comment Period Extended 11/27/06 71 FR 68431 Comment Period End 02/26/07 Final Action 09/00/08 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: Stephen E. Altizer Phone: 202 720-4486 Fax: 202 720-1112 Email: stephen.altizer@usda.gov RIN: 0581-AC26 _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Agriculture (USDA) Completed Actions Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) _______________________________________________________________________ 15. CHANGES IN FEES FOR FEDERAL MEAT GRADING AND CERTIFICATION SERVICES (LS-05-05) Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant CFR Citation: 7 CFR 54 Completed: ________________________________________________________________________ Reason Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 09/27/06 71 FR 56335 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Larry R. Meadows Phone: 720 497-2520 Fax: 720 497-0571 Email: larry.meadows@usda.gov RIN: 0581-AC49 _______________________________________________________________________ 16. CHANGES IN FEES FOR VOLUNTARY FEDERAL DAIRY GRADING AND INSPECTION SERVICES (FEE INCREASE) (DA-05-04) Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant CFR Citation: 7 CFR 54; 7 CFR 58 Completed: ________________________________________________________________________ Reason Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 10/17/06 71 FR 60805 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: State Agency Contact: John Mengel Phone: 202 720-4664 Email: john.mengel@usda.gov RIN: 0581-AC55 _______________________________________________________________________ 17. FEDERAL PROCESSED FRUITS AND VEGETABLES, FEE INCREASE (FV-05-379) Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant CFR Citation: 7 CFR 52 Completed: ________________________________________________________________________ Reason Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 03/07/07 72 FR 10035 Final Action Effective 04/06/07 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Terry B. Bane Phone: 202 720-4693 Email: terry.bane@usda.gov RIN: 0581-AC56 _______________________________________________________________________ 18. [bull] INCREASE IN FEES AND CHARGES FOR EGG, POULTRY, AND RABBIT GRADING (PY-06-002) Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 7 USC 1621 through 1627 CFR Citation: 7 CFR 56 and 70 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: To amend the Voluntary Egg, Poultry, and Rabbit Grading Act. A recent review determined that the [[Page 22261]] existing fee schedule, effective September 25, 2005, will not generate sufficient revenues to cover program costs while maintaining an adequate reserve balance in FY 2007. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 10/06/06 71 FR 59028 NPRM Comment Period End 11/06/06 Final Action 03/14/07 72 FR 11773 Final Action Effective 04/01/07 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Janet Tenney, Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Marketing Service, Room 3953-S, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 202 720-2356 Email: janet.tenney@usda.gov RIN: 0581-AC64 BILLING CODE 3410--02--S _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Agriculture (USDA) Proposed Rule Stage Agricultural Research Service (ARS) _______________________________________________________________________ 19. [bull] GENERAL ADMINISTRATIVE POLICY FOR NON-ASSISTANCE COOPERATIVE AGREEMENTS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Legal Authority: 7 USC 3318(b) CFR Citation: 7 CFR 550 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This rulemaking would establish uniform guidelines on the use, award, and administration of cooperative agreements awarded under the authority of 7 U.S.C. 3318(b), within USDA's Research, Education, and Economics (REE) Mission Area. This statutory authority provides for a special class of agreements that are known as ``non-assistance cooperative agreements.'' Non-assistance agreements facilitate REE's ability to forge unique partnerships and maintain historic relationships with universities and other public, private, and Federal entities engaged in agricultural research and statistical reporting. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 04/00/07 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Ken Kessler, Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 301 504-1148 Email: ken.kessler@ars.usda.gov RIN: 0518-AA03 BILLING CODE 3410--03--S _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Agriculture (USDA) Proposed Rule Stage Farm Service Agency (FSA) _______________________________________________________________________ 20. GUARANTEED LOANS--INTEREST TO BE PAID ON LOSS CLAIMS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 7 USC 1989 et seq CFR Citation: 7 CFR 762 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This rule proposes to allow a maximum of 210 days of interest to accrue from the payment due date with only one exception--FSA's failure to approve or reject the claim within 40 days of receipt. Also, the actions expected of lenders and FSA staff will be emphasized. Lenders are expected to file estimated or final loss claims on all accounts in a timely manner. Depending on the circumstances, the estimated loss claim could be for zero dollars. FSA staff will be reminded to monitor their estimated loss claims closer to avoid extra interest days. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 03/27/07 72 FR 14244 NPRM Comment Period End 05/29/07 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, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0572 Phone: 202 205-5851 Fax: 202 720-5233 Email: tom.witzig@usda.gov RIN: 0560-AH55 _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Agriculture (USDA) Long-Term Actions Farm Service Agency (FSA) _______________________________________________________________________ 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 [[Page 22262]] 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. 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 _______________________________________________________________________ 23. 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 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 _______________________________________________________________________ 24. SELECTION OF FSA STATE AND COUNTY COMMITTEES Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant CFR Citation: 7 CFR 7; 7 CFR 710 Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Notice 08/17/04 69 FR 51052 Comment Period End 09/22/04 69 FR 56742 Notice 01/18/05 70 FR 2837 NPRM 11/28/06 71 FR 68755 NPRM Comment Period End 01/29/07 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-AG90 _______________________________________________________________________ 25. 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 _______________________________________________________________________ 26. DEBT COLLECTION, DEBT SETTLEMENT, AND ASSIGNMENT OF PAYMENTS Priority: Other Significant CFR Citation: 7 CFR 792; 7 CFR 1403; 7 CFR 1404 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 Related RIN: Previously reported as 0560-AF22 RIN: 0560-AH09 _______________________________________________________________________ 27. DISASTER DECLARATION AND DESIGNATION Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant CFR Citation: 7 CFR 791; 7 CFR 1945 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-AH17 _______________________________________________________________________ 28. CONSERVATION CONTRACT DEBT WRITE-DOWN Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1951; 7 CFR 766 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-AH23 _______________________________________________________________________ 29. GUARANTEED FARM LOAN FEES Priority: Other Significant CFR Citation: 7 CFR 762 Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 05/15/06 71 FR 27978 NPRM Comment Period End 07/14/06 Correction 07/27/06 71 FR 42605 NPRM Comment Period Extended 08/04/06 Final Action To Be Determined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No [[Page 22263]] 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-AH41 _______________________________________________________________________ 30. EMERGENCY CONSERVATION PROGRAM Priority: Economically Significant. Major under 5 USC 801. CFR Citation: 7 CFR 701 Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 05/26/06 71 FR 30263 NPRM Comment Period End 06/26/06 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-AH43 _______________________________________________________________________ 31. REASSIGNMENT OF SUGAR ALLOCATION SHORTFALLS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1435 Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 11/13/06 71 FR 66142 NPRM Comment Period End 01/12/07 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-AH50 _______________________________________________________________________ 32. STORAGE REQUIREMENTS FOR GRAIN SECURITY FOR MARKETING ASSISTANCE LOANS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1421 Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 07/03/06 71 FR 37857 NPRM Comment Period End 08/02/06 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-AH52 _______________________________________________________________________ 33. DEFINING SUGAR SUBJECT TO MARKETING ALLOCATIONS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1435 Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ ANPRM 09/08/06 71 FR 5301 ANPRM Comment Period End 11/07/06 Next Action Undetermined 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-AH53 _______________________________________________________________________ 34. INDIAN TRIBAL LAND ACQUISITION PROGRAM (ITLAP) LOAN WRITE-DOWNS Priority: Other Significant CFR Citation: 7 CFR 770 Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 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-AH54 _______________________________________________________________________ 35. APPRAISAL REQUIREMENTS FOR FARM OWNERSHIP LOANS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1941; 7 CFR 1943; 7 CFR 761 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-AH56 _______________________________________________________________________ 36. FARM STORAGE FACILITY LOAN PROGRAM Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1436 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-AH60 _______________________________________________________________________ 37. GRASSROOTS SOURCE WATER PROTECTION PROGRAM Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant CFR Citation: 7 CFR 709 Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 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-AH61 [[Page 22264]] _______________________________________________________________________ 38. INTEREST RATES ON FARM SERVICE AGENCY FARM LOAN PROGRAMS GUARANTEED LOANS Priority: Other Significant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. CFR Citation: 7 CFR 762 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-AH66 _______________________________________________________________________ 39. [bull] DEFENSE PRIORITIES AND ALLOCATIONS SYSTEM Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 50 USC app 2061 et seq; 42 USC 5195 et seq CFR Citation: Not Yet Determined Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Secretary of Agriculture is authorized to establish a system of priority performance contracts and allocations of certain agriculture-related resources, as necessary, to meet national defense priorities. Current Department of Agriculture 'stand-by' procedures to implement this authority are out of date and generally inadequate to meet Government or National needs should a situation arise that calls for exercise of the authority. As a result, the Farm Service Agency is meeting this deficiency by promulgating permanent regulations that would allow USDA to efficiently place priority ratings on contracts or orders with respect to resources within its authority, should the need arise. FSA envisions proposing regulations similar to the Department of Commerce's Defense Priorities and Allocation System (DPAS) for establishing priority ratings for contract performance. 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, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0572 Phone: 202 205-5851 Fax: 202 720-5233 Email: tom.witzig@usda.gov RIN: 0560-AH68 _______________________________________________________________________ 40. [bull] ACREAGE REPORTING AND COMMON PROVISIONS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: PL 108-357 CFR Citation: 7 CFR 718 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This rule amends provisions common to multiple programs, including acreage report requirements, farm constitution, and monitoring compliance with those provisions. This rule removes references to tobacco allotments and marketing quotas; adds procedures for late-filed applications for prevented planting; adds definitions regarding irrigated acreage and final planting dates, common land unit, and makes other, minor clarifications. 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, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0572 Phone: 202 205-5851 Fax: 202 720-5233 Email: tom.witzig@usda.gov RIN: 0560-AH69 _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Agriculture (USDA) Completed Actions Farm Service Agency (FSA) _______________________________________________________________________ 41. INTEREST ASSISTANCE PROGRAM Priority: Other Significant CFR Citation: 7 CFR 762 Completed: ________________________________________________________________________ Reason Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 04/09/07 72 FR 17353 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 _______________________________________________________________________ 42. PROCUREMENT OF COMMODITIES FOR FOREIGN DONATION Priority: Other Significant CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1496 Completed: ________________________________________________________________________ Reason Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 02/12/07 72 FR 6450 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-AH40 _______________________________________________________________________ 43. 2005 HURRICANE DISASTER ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS Priority: Other Significant CFR Citation: 7 CFR 760 Completed: ________________________________________________________________________ Reason Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 01/09/07 72 FR 875 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Tom Witzig [[Page 22265]] Phone: 202 205-5851 Fax: 202 720-5233 Email: tom.witzig@usda.gov RIN: 0560-AH45 _______________________________________________________________________ 44. 2006 DISASTER ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS Priority: Economically Significant. Major under 5 USC 801. CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1400 Completed: ________________________________________________________________________ Reason Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 02/12/07 72 FR 6435 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-AH62 _______________________________________________________________________ 45. [bull] DEFINITION OF INDIAN TRIBE FOR PAYMENT ELIGIBILITY AND PAYMENT LIMITATION Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 7 USC 1308 et seq CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1400 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This rule amends the regulations of the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) governing payment limitation and payment eligibility and the limitation on the maximum allowable adjusted gross income (AGI) for program participants. Currently, 7 CFR part 1400, subpart G, exempts Indian tribes from all requirements of the AGI limitation for payment eligibility without providing a definition of Indian tribe. This rule defines ``Indian tribe'' consistent with the definition used by the United States Department of the Interior, Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA), and other rules utilized by CCC, FSA, and the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in their programs. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 11/15/06 71 FR 66432 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, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0572 Phone: 202 205-5851 Fax: 202 720-5233 Email: tom.witzig@usda.gov RIN: 0560-AH67 BILLING CODE 3410--05--S _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Agriculture (USDA) Prerule Stage Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) _______________________________________________________________________ 46. [bull] INTRODUCTION OF ORGANISMS AND PRODUCTS ALTERED OR PRODUCED THROUGH GENETIC ENGINEERING Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 7 USC 7701 to 7772; 7 USC 7781 to 7786; 31 USC 9701 CFR Citation: 7 CFR 340 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: APHIS is considering changes to its regulations regarding the importation, interstate movement, and environmental release of genetically engineered organisms. We are seeking public comment on the regulatory alternatives we have identified through scoping and on the draft environmental impact statement (DEIS) we have prepared relative to those alternatives. This notice reflects the Agency's current thinking on policy and program design issues affecting our biotechnology programs. The DEIS evaluates the alternatives we have identified so far in terms of their potential effects on the human environment compared to our current regulatory program. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Notice of Intent to Prepare an Environmental Impact Statement 01/23/04 69 FR 3271 Comment Period End 03/23/04 Notice of Availability of Draft Environmental Impact Statement 04/00/07 Comment Period End 06/00/07 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Additional Information: Additional information about APHIS and its programs is available on the Internet at http://www.aphis.usda.gov. Agency Contact: Michael Wach, Biotechnology Regulatory Services, Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, 4700 River Road, Unit 147, Riverdale, MD 20737-1236 Phone: 301 734-0485 RIN: 0579-AC31 _______________________________________________________________________ 47. [bull] REGULATION OF GENETICALLY ENGINEERED ANIMALS Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 7 USC 8301 to 8317 CFR Citation: Not Yet Determined Legal Deadline: None Abstract: APHIS is considering the need to regulate the movement (which includes importation, containment, and field release) of genetically engineered animals to ensure that the genetically engineered traits do not present a health risk to livestock. Biotechnology research and development have resulted in genetically engineered animals and animal products that are ready for commercialization. Although these applications may provide significant agricultural, human/animal health, and societal benefits, there are also potential risks, concerns, and environmental impacts associated with the technology that may require Federal oversight. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ ANPRM 09/00/07 ANPRM Comment Period End 11/00/07 [[Page 22266]] Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined Government Levels Affected: Federal Additional Information: Additional information about APHIS and its programs is available on the Internet at http://www.aphis.usda.gov. Agency Contact: John Turner, Director, Policy Coordination Division, BRS, Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, 4700 River Road, Unit 146, Riverdale, MD 20737-1236 Phone: 301 734-5720 RIN: 0579-AC37 _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Agriculture (USDA) Proposed Rule Stage Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) _______________________________________________________________________ 48. ANIMAL WELFARE: MARINE MAMMALS; NONCONSENSUS LANGUAGE AND INTERACTIVE PROGRAMS (RULEMAKING RESULTING FROM A SECTION 610 REVIEW) 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 humane handling, care, treatment, and transportation of certain marine mammals under the Animal Welfare Act. The present standards for these animals have been in effect since 1979, and amended in 1984. During this time, advances have been made and new information has been developed with regard to the housing and care of marine mammals. This rulemaking addresses marine mammal standards on which consensus was not reached during negotiated rulemaking conducted between September 1995 and July 1996. These include standards affecting variances, indoor facilities, outdoor facilities, space requirements, and water quality, as well as swim-with-the-dolphin programs. These actions appear necessary to ensure that the minimum standards for the humane handling, care, treatment, and transportation of marine mammals in captivity are based on current general, industry, and scientific knowledge and experience. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ ANPRM 05/30/02 67 FR 37731 ANPRM Comment Period End 07/29/02 NPRM 09/00/07 NPRM Comment Period End 01/00/08 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: None Additional Information: Additional information about APHIS and its programs is available on the Internet at http://www.aphis.usda.gov. Agency Contact: Barbara Kohn, Senior Staff Veterinarian, Animal Care, Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, 4700 River Road, Unit 84, Riverdale, MD 20737-1234 Phone: 301 734-8271 RIN: 0579-AB24 _______________________________________________________________________ 49. TUBERCULOSIS IN CATTLE; IMPORT REQUIREMENTS (SECTION 610 REVIEW) Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 7 USC 1622; 7 USC 8301 to 8317; 21 USC 136 and 136a; 31 USC 9701 CFR Citation: 9 CFR 93 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This rulemaking would amend the regulations regarding the importation of animals into the United States to establish several levels of risk classifications to be applied to foreign regions with regard to tuberculosis, and to establish requirements governing the importation of cattle based on each risk classification. These changes are necessary to help ensure that cattle infected with tuberculosis are not imported into the United States. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 08/00/07 NPRM Comment Period End 10/00/07 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined Government Levels Affected: Undetermined Additional Information: Additional information about APHIS and its programs is available on the Internet at http://www.aphis.usda.gov. Agency Contact: Kelly Rhodes, Senior Staff Veterinarian, Regionalization Evaluation Services Staff, NCIE, VS, Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, 4700 River Road, Unit 38, Riverdale, MD 20737-1231 Phone: 301 734-4356 RIN: 0579-AB44 _______________________________________________________________________ 50. TRICHINAE CERTIFICATION PROGRAM Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 7 USC 8301 to 8317; 7 USC 1622 CFR Citation: 9 CFR 149; 9 CFR 160 to 161 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This action would establish a voluntary Trichinae Certification Program for U.S. pork that has been produced under disease-prevention conditions. Under the proposed program, we 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 ability of producers to export pork and pork products to overseas markets. This proposed program, which would be funded by program fees, has been developed as a cooperative effort by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the National Pork Board, and the pork processing industry. If adopted, this program would include those producers who choose to participate in the program, as well as slaughter facilities and other persons that handle or process swine from pork production sites that have been certified under the program. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 04/00/07 [[Page 22267]] NPRM Comment Period End 06/00/07 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: None Additional Information: Additional information about APHIS and its programs is available on the Internet at http://www.aphis.usda.gov. Agency Contact: Dave Pyburn, National Trichinae Coordinator, VS, Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, 210 Walnut Street, Room 891, Des Moines, IA 50309 Phone: 515 284-4122 RIN: 0579-AB92 _______________________________________________________________________ 51. ANIMAL WELFARE; REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS FOR BIRDS Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 7 USC 2131 to 2159 CFR Citation: 9 CFR 1 to 3 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: APHIS intends to establish standards for the humane handling, care, treatment, and transportation of birds other than birds bred for use in research. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 02/00/08 NPRM Comment Period End 04/00/08 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: Undetermined Additional Information: Additional information about APHIS and its programs is available on the Internet at http://www.aphis.usda.gov. Agency Contact: Darrel Styles, Veterinary Medical Officer, Animal Care, Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, 4700 River Road, Unit 84, Riverdale, MD 20737-1234 Phone: 301 734-0658 RIN: 0579-AC02 _______________________________________________________________________ 52. IMPORTATION OF PLANTS FOR PLANTING; ESTABLISHING A NEW CATEGORY OF PLANTS FOR PLANTING NOT AUTHORIZED FOR IMPORTATION PENDING RISK ASSESSMENT (RULEMAKING RESULTING FROM A SECTION 610 REVIEW) Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 7 USC 450; 7 USC 7701 to 7772; 7 USC 7781 to 7786; 21 USC 136 and 136a CFR Citation: 7 CFR 319 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This action would establish a new category in the regulations governing the importation of nursery stock, also known as plants for planting. This category would list taxa of plants for planting whose importation is not authorized pending risk assessment. In order to determine whether to add a taxon of plants for planting to this category, we would review scientific information other than a pest risk assessment; the types of scientific information we would review would be listed in the regulations. If scientific information other than a pest risk assessment indicated that importation of the taxon of plants for planting posed a potential risk, we would then publish an interim rule adding the taxon to the proposed category and give the public an opportunity to comment on the change. We would allow foreign governments to request that a pest risk assessment be conducted for a taxon whose importation is not authorized pending risk evaluation. After the pest risk assessment was completed, we would conduct rulemaking to remove the taxon from the proposed category if determined appropriate by the risk assessment. We are also proposing to expand the scope of the plants regulated in the plants for planting regulations to include non-vascular plants. These changes would allow us to react more quickly to evidence that a taxon of plants for planting may pose a pest risk while ensuring that our actions are based on scientific evidence. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 09/00/07 NPRM Comment Period End 11/00/07 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined Government Levels Affected: None Additional Information: Additional information about APHIS and its programs is available on the Internet at http://www.aphis.usda.gov. Agency Contact: Arnold T. Tschanz, Senior Import Specialist, Commodity Import Analysis & Operations, PPQ, Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, 4700 River Road, Unit 141, Riverdale, MD 20737-1236 Phone: 301 734-5306 RIN: 0579-AC03 _______________________________________________________________________ 53. NATIONAL VETERINARY ACCREDITATION PROGRAM (RULEMAKING RESULTING FROM A SECTION 610 REVIEW) Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 7 USC 8301 to 8317; 15 USC 1828 CFR Citation: 9 CFR 160 to 162 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This rulemaking would amend the regulations regarding the National Veterinary Accreditation Program to establish two accreditation categories in place of the current single category, to add requirements for supplemental training and renewal of accreditation, and to offer accreditation specializations. These changes are intended to support the Agency's animal health safeguarding initiatives, to involve accredited veterinarians in integrated surveillance activities, and to make the provisions governing our National Veterinary Accreditation Program more uniform and consistent. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 06/01/06 71 FR 31109 NPRM Comment Period End 07/31/06 Supplemental NPRM 02/27/07 72 FR 8634 Supplemental NPRM Comment Period End 04/30/07 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Additional Information: Additional information about APHIS and its programs is available on the Internet at http://www.aphis.usda.gov. [[Page 22268]] Agency Contact: Todd Behre, Program Manager, National Veterinary Accreditation Program, Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, 4700 River Road, Unit 46, Riverdale, MD 20737 Phone: 301 734-6188 RIN: 0579-AC04 _______________________________________________________________________ 54. SHARING CONFIDENTIAL BUSINESS INFORMATION WITH GOVERNMENT AGENCIES REGARDING THE INTRODUCTION OF GENETICALLY ENGINEERED ORGANISMS AND PRODUCTS Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 7 USC 7701 to 7772; 7 USC 7781 to 7786; 31 USC 9701 CFR Citation: 7 CFR 340 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This action would amend our regulations regarding genetically engineered organisms to add provisions concerning the sharing of confidential business information (CBI) with authorized officials of State, tribal, and Federal Government agencies. The proposed provisions would create mechanisms for sharing CBI submitted under the regulations pursuant to a permit application or notification. This action is necessary to facilitate interagency communication and cooperation, to increase the transparency of regulatory decisionmaking, and to maintain rigorous and appropriate regulation of genetically engineered organisms. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 09/00/07 NPRM Comment Period End 11/00/07 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: Governmental Jurisdictions Government Levels Affected: Federal, State, Tribal Additional Information: Additional information about APHIS and its programs is available on the Internet at http://www.aphis.usda.gov. Agency Contact: Michael Wach, Biotechnology Regulatory Services, Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, 4700 River Road, Unit 147, Riverdale, MD 20737-1236 Phone: 301 734-0485 RIN: 0579-AC08 _______________________________________________________________________ 55. [bull] MINIMUM AGE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE TRANSPORT OF ANIMALS Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 7 USC 2131 to 2159 CFR Citation: 9 CFR 2 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: We propose to amend the Animal Welfare Act regulations by adding minimum age and weaning requirements for the transport in commerce of exotic and wild animals. The regulations currently contain such requirements for dogs and cats, but no corresponding ones for exotic and wild animals, despite the risks associated with the early transport of these species. We also propose an exemption to allow animals to be transported without their mothers for medical treatment and for scientific research before reaching the minimum age and weaning requirement, provided certain conditions are met. Establishing minimum age requirements for the transport of exotic and wild animals and providing for the transport of animals that have not met the minimum age requirements are necessary to help ensure the humane treatment of these animals. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 05/00/07 NPRM Comment Period End 07/00/07 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: None Additional Information: Additional information about APHIS and its programs is available on the Internet at http://www.aphis.usda.gov. Agency Contact: Barbara Kohn, Senior Staff Veterinarian, Animal Care, Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, 4700 River Road, Unit 84, Riverdale, MD 20737-1234 Phone: 301 734-8271 RIN: 0579-AC14 _______________________________________________________________________ 56. [bull] USER FEES; EXPORT CERTIFICATION FOR PLANTS AND PLANT PRODUCTS Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 7 USC 7701 to 7772; 7 USC 7781 to 7786; 7 USC 8301 to 8317; 21 USC 136 and 136a; 49 USC 80503 CFR Citation: 7 CFR 354 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This rulemaking would amend the user fee regulations by adjusting the fees charged for export certification of plants and plant products. We are proposing to increase these user fees to reflect the anticipated costs associated with providing these services. We are also proposing to add a new user fee for Federal export certificates for plants and plant products that an exporter obtains from a State or county cooperator in order to recover our administrative costs associated with that service. Finally, we are proposing to make several nonsubstantive changes to the regulations for clarity. These proposed changes would enable us to properly recover the costs of providing export certification services for plants and plant products. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 06/00/07 NPRM Comment Period End 08/00/07 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: Federal, State Additional Information: Additional information about APHIS and its programs is available on the Internet at http://www.aphis.usda.gov. Agency Contact: 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: 301 734-4382 Kris Caraher, User Fee Section, Financial Services Branch, Financial Management Division, MRPBS, Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, 4700 River Road, Unit 54, Riverdale, MD 20737-1232 [[Page 22269]] Phone: 301 734-5901 RIN: 0579-AC22 _______________________________________________________________________ 57. [bull] INTERSTATE MOVEMENT OF CITRUS FRUIT Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 7 USC 7701 to 7772; 7 USC 7781 to 7786 CFR Citation: 7 CFR 301 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This rulemaking would amend the regulations to relieve restrictions that currently require citrus producers to ensure that citrus groves in the State of Florida are certified to be free of citrus canker prior to interstate movement of citrus fruit. This action would also require that all inspection of fruit for symptoms of citrus canker as well as treatments and packaging of citrus fruit to be moved interstate occur in packinghouses that operate under a compliance agreement with APHIS. This action would allow the interstate movement of fresh citrus fruit from Florida, provided the fruit does not exhibit symptoms of citrus canker and is handled in accordance with the regulations. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 04/00/07 NPRM Comment Period End 06/00/07 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: Federal, State Additional Information: Additional information about APHIS and its programs is available on the Internet at http://www.aphis.usda.gov. Agency Contact: Stephen R. Poe, Senior Operations Officer, EDP, PPQ, Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, 4700 River Road, Unit 137, Riverdale, MD 20737-1231 Phone: 301 734-4387 RIN: 0579-AC34 _______________________________________________________________________ 58. [bull] CONTAGIOUS EQUINE METRITIS (CEM) EXEMPTION FOR NONCOMPETITIVE ENTERTAINMENT HORSES Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 7 USC 1622; 7 USC 8301 to 8317; 21 USC 136 and 136a; 31 USC 9701 CFR Citation: 9 CFR 93 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This rulemaking would amend the regulations for importation of horses from regions where contagious equine metritis (CEM) exists. It would establish conditions under which noncompetitive entertainment horses (stallions and mares) over 731 days of age from CEM-affected regions could remain in the United States for longer than 90 days without undergoing the CEM quarantine and testing currently prescribed in the regulations. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 07/00/07 NPRM Comment Period End 09/00/07 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined Government Levels Affected: None Additional Information: Additional information about APHIS and its programs is available on the Internet at http://www.aphis.usda.gov. Agency Contact: Freeda Isaac, Staff Veterinarian, VS, National Center for Import and Export, Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, 4700 River Road, Unit 39, Riverdale, MD 20737-1231 Phone: 301 734-8364 RIN: 0579-AC35 _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Agriculture (USDA) Final Rule Stage Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) _______________________________________________________________________ 59. PHYTOSANITARY CERTIFICATES FOR IMPORTED FRUITS AND VEGETABLES Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 7 USC 450; 7 USC 7701 to 7772; 7 USC 7781 to 7786; 21 USC 136 and 136a CFR Citation: 7 CFR 319 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: Currently APHIS does not require a phytosanitary certificate to accompany fruits and vegetables imported into the United States except for certain fruits and vegetables grown in designated foreign regions. This rule would extend the requirements for a phytosanitary certificate to additional fruits and vegetables. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 08/29/01 66 FR 45637 NPRM Comment Period End 10/29/01 NPRM; Availability of Risk Assessment 05/24/06 71 FR 29846 NPRM; Availability of Risk Assessment Comment Period End 07/24/06 Final Rule 12/00/07 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: Federal Additional Information: Additional information about APHIS and its programs is available on the Internet at http://www.aphis.usda.gov. Agency Contact: Shirley Wager-Page, Branch Chief, Commodity Import Analysis and Operations, PPQ, Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, 4700 River Road, Unit 133, Riverdale, MD 20737-1231 Phone: 301 734-0627 RIN: 0579-AB18 _______________________________________________________________________ 60. REVISION OF FRUITS AND VEGETABLES IMPORT REGULATIONS Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 7 USC 450; 7 USC 7701 to 7772; 7 USC 7781 to 7786; 7 USC 8311; 21 USC 136 and 136a; 31 USC 9701 CFR Citation: 7 CFR 305; 7 CFR 319; 7 CFR 352 Legal Deadline: None [[Page 22270]] Abstract: This rule 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 rule would also make substantive changes to the regulations, including establishing criteria within the regulations that, if met, would allow us to approve certain new fruits and vegetables for importation into the United States and to acknowledge pest-free areas in foreign countries without undertaking rulemaking and doing away with the practice of listing specific commodities that may be imported subject to certain types of phytosanitary measures. 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. If adopted, the rule 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 04/27/06 71 FR 25010 NPRM Comment Period End 07/26/06 NPRM Comment Period Reopened 08/01/06 71 FR 43385 NPRM Comment Period End 08/25/06 Final Rule 07/00/07 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: None Additional Information: Additional information about APHIS and its programs is available on the Internet at http://www.aphis.usda.gov. Agency Contact: Donna L. West, Senior Import Specialist, Commodity Import Analysis and Operations, PPQ, Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, 4700 River Road, Unit 133, Riverdale, MD 20737-1231 Phone: 301 734-8758 RIN: 0579-AB80 _______________________________________________________________________ 61. PHYTOPHTHORA RAMORUM; QUARANTINE AND REGULATIONS Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 7 USC 7701 to 7772; 7 USC 7781 to 7786 CFR Citation: 7 CFR 301 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This action will amend the Phytophthora ramorum regulations to make the regulations consistent with a Federal Order issued by APHIS in December 2004 that established restrictions on the interstate movement of nursery stock from nurseries in nonquarantined counties in California, Oregon, and Washington. This action will also update conditions for the movement of regulated articles of nursery stock from quarantined areas, as well as restrict the interstate movement of all other nursery stock from nurseries in quarantined areas. We are also updating the list of plants regulated because of P. ramorum and the list of areas that are quarantined for P. ramorum and making other miscellaneous revisions to the regulations. These actions are necessary to prevent the spread of P. ramorum to noninfested areas of the United States. We will continue to update the regulations through additional rulemakings as new scientific information on this pathogen becomes available. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 02/27/07 Interim Final Rule Effective 02/27/07 Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 04/30/07 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: Local, State Additional Information: Additional information about APHIS and its programs is available on the Internet at http://www.aphis.usda.gov. Agency Contact: Jonathan Jones, National Phytophthora Ramorum Program Manager, Pest Detection and Management Programs, PPQ, Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, 4700 River Road, Unit 160, Riverdale, MD 20737 Phone: 301 734-8247 RIN: 0579-AB82 _______________________________________________________________________ 62. 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 APHIS. These would include stockyards, livestock markets, buying stations, concentration points, or any other premises where sheep or goats in interstate commerce are assembled. APHIS' 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 08/26/04 69 FR 52451 NPRM Comment Period End 10/25/04 Final Rule 10/00/07 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: State [[Page 22271]] Additional Information: Additional information about APHIS and its programs is available on the Internet at http://www.aphis.usda.gov. Agency Contact: Diane Sutton, Senior Staff Veterinarian, National Center for Animal Health Programs, VS, Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, 4700 River Road, Unit 43, Riverdale, MD 20737-1235 Phone: 301 734-6954 RIN: 0579-AB84 _______________________________________________________________________ 63. VIRUSES, SERUMS, TOXINS, AND ANALOGOUS PRODUCTS; RECORDS AND REPORTS Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 21 USC 151 to 159 CFR Citation: 9 CFR 101; 9 CFR 116 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This rulemaking would amend the Virus-Serum-Toxin Act regulations concerning records and reports to require veterinary biologics licensees and permittees to record and submit reports to the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) concerning adverse events associated with the use of biological products that they produce or distribute. We would specify the information that must be included in the adverse event report and would require veterinary biologics manufacturers to report to APHIS the number of doses of each licensed product that they distribute. These actions would assist APHIS in providing complete and accurate information to consumers regarding adverse reactions or other problems associated with the use of licensed biological products. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 08/17/05 70 FR 48325 NPRM Comment Period End 10/17/05 Final Rule 12/00/07 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Additional Information: Additional information about APHIS and its programs is available on the Internet at http://www.aphis.usda.gov. Agency Contact: Albert P. Morgan, Chief Staff Veterinarian, VS, Center for Veterinary Biologics, Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, 4700 River Road, Unit 148, Riverdale, MD 20737-1237 Phone: 301 734-8245 RIN: 0579-AB90 _______________________________________________________________________ 64. BOLL WEEVIL; QUARANTINE AND REGULATIONS Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 7 USC 7701 to 7772; 7 USC 7781 to 7786 CFR Citation: 7 CFR 301 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This action would establish domestic boll weevil regulations that would restrict the interstate movement of regulated articles within regulated areas and from regulated areas into or through nonregulated areas in commercial cotton producing States. The proposed regulations would help prevent the artificial spread of boll weevil into noninfested areas of the United States and the reinfestation of areas from which the boll weevil has been eradicated. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 10/31/06 71 FR 63707 NPRM Comment Period End 01/02/07 NPRM Comment Period Extended 12/20/06 71 FR 76224 NPRM Comment Period End 02/01/07 Final Rule 12/00/07 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Additional Information: Additional information about APHIS and its programs is available on the Internet at http://www.aphis.usda.gov. Agency Contact: William Grefenstette, National Coordinator, Boll Weevil Eradication Program, PPQ, Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, 4700 River Road, Unit 138, Riverdale, MD 20737 Phone: 301 734-8676 RIN: 0579-AB91 _______________________________________________________________________ 65. SPECIAL NEED REQUESTS UNDER THE PLANT PROTECTION ACT Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 7 USC 7701 to 7772; 7 USC 7781 to 7786 CFR Citation: 7 CFR 301 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This proposed action would amend our domestic quarantine regulations to establish a process by which a State or political subdivision of a State could request approval to impose prohibitions or restrictions on the movement in interstate commerce of specific articles that are in addition to the prohibitions and restrictions imposed by the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. The Plant Protection Act provides that States or political subdivisions of States may make such special need requests, but there are currently no procedures in place for their submission or consideration. This action would establish a process by which States may make a special need request. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 04/04/06 71 FR 16711 NPRM Comment Period End 06/05/06 Final Rule 10/00/07 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Governmental Jurisdictions Government Levels Affected: Local, State Additional Information: Additional information about APHIS and its programs is available on the Internet at http://www.aphis.usda.gov. Agency Contact: Valerie DeFeo, Staff Officer, Emergency and Domestic Programs, PPQ, Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, 4700 River Road, Unit 134, Riverdale, MD 20737-1237 Phone: 301 734-8247 RIN: 0579-AB98 _______________________________________________________________________ 66. LOW PATHOGENIC AVIAN INFLUENZA; VOLUNTARY CONTROL PROGRAM AND PAYMENT OF INDEMNITY Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 7 USC 8301 to 8317 CFR Citation: 9 CFR 53; 9 CFR 56; 9 CFR 145 to 147 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This action will amend the regulations to establish a voluntary program for the control of the H5/H7 [[Page 22272]] subtypes of low pathogenic avian influenza in commercial poultry under the auspices of the National Poultry Improvement Plan (the Plan). The control program was voted on and approved by the voting delegates at the Plan's 2004 National Plan Conference. This action will also provide for the payment of indemnity for costs associated with eradication of the H5/H7 subtypes of low pathogenic avian influenza in both breeding and commercial poultry. The H5/H7 subtypes of low pathogenic avian influenza can mutate into highly pathogenic avian influenza, a disease that can have serious economic and public health consequences. This combination of a control program and indemnity provisions is necessary to help ensure that the H5/H7 subtypes of low pathogenic avian influenza are detected and eradicated when they occur within U.S. commercial poultry production. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 09/26/06 71 FR 56302 Interim Final Rule Effective 09/26/06 Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 11/27/06 Final Rule 10/00/07 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: Federal, State Additional Information: Additional information about APHIS and its programs is available on the Internet at http://www.aphis.usda.gov. Agency Contact: Andrew R. Rhorer, Senior Coordinator, Poultry Improvement Staff, National Poultry Improvement Plan, VS, Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, 1498 Klondike Road, Suite 101, Conyers, GA 30094-5104 Phone: 770 922-3496 RIN: 0579-AB99 _______________________________________________________________________ 67. STANDARDS FOR PERMANENT, PRIVATELY OWNED HORSE QUARANTINE FACILITIES (SECTION 610 REVIEW) Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 7 USC 1622; 7 USC 8301 to 8317; 21 USC 136 and 136a; 31 USC 9701 CFR Citation: 9 CFR 93 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This rulemaking would establish standards for the approval of permanent, privately owned quarantine facilities for horses. We are taking this action because demand for quarantine services for horses exceeds the space available at existing facilities. We believe that allowing imported horses to be quarantined in permanent, privately owned quarantine facilities that meet these newly proposed criteria would facilitate the importation of horses while continuing to protect against the introduction of communicable diseases of horses. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 12/13/06 71 FR 74827 NPRM Comment Period End 02/12/07 Final Rule 01/00/08 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: None Additional Information: Additional information about APHIS and its programs is available on the Internet at http://www.aphis.usda.gov. Agency Contact: Freeda Isaac, Staff Veterinarian, VS, National Center for Import and Export, Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, 4700 River Road, Unit 39, Riverdale, MD 20737-1231 Phone: 301 734-8364 RIN: 0579-AC00 _______________________________________________________________________ 68. BOVINE SPONGIFORM ENCEPHALOPATHY; MINIMAL-RISK REGIONS AND IMPORTATION OF COMMODITIES Priority: Economically Significant. Major under 5 USC 801. Legal Authority: 7 USC 1622; 7 USC 8301 to 8317; 21 USC 136 and 136a; 31 USC 9701 CFR Citation: 9 CFR 93 to 96 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This action would amend the requirements for the importation of certain live ruminants and ruminant products to establish conditions for the importation of additional commodities. The commodities addressed by the rulemaking include live bovines born after the date of effective enforcement of a ruminant-to-ruminant feed ban in the region of export, blood and blood products derived from bovines, and casings and part of the small intestine of bovines from regions that present a minimal risk of introducing bovine spongiform encephalopathy into the United States. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 01/09/07 72 FR 1102 NPRM Comment Period End 03/12/07 Final Rule 09/00/07 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: Federal Additional Information: Additional information about APHIS and its programs is available on the Internet at http://www.aphis.usda.gov. Agency Contact: Karen A. James-Preston, Director, Technical Trade Services Team, NCIE, VS, Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, 4700 River Road, Unit 38, Riverdale, MD 20737 Phone: 301 734-4356 Lee Ann Thomas, Director, Animals, Organisms and Vectors, and Select Agents, VS, Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, 4700 River Road, Unit 39, Riverdale, MD 20737-1231 Phone: 301 734-5960 Lisa Ferguson, 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 Phone: 301 734-6954 RIN: 0579-AC01 [[Page 22273]] _______________________________________________________________________ 69. [bull] IMPORTATION OF POULTRY AND POULTRY PRODUCTS FROM REGIONS AFFECTED WITH HIGHLY PATHOGENIC AVIAN INFLUENZA Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 7 USC 1622; 7 USC 8301 to 8317; 21 USC 136 and 136a CFR Citation: 9 CFR 93 to 95 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This rulemaking will amend the regulations concerning the importation of animals and animal products to prohibit or restrict the importation of birds, poultry, and bird and poultry products from regions that have reported the presence in commercial birds or poultry of highly pathogenic avian influenza other than subtype H5N1. This action will supplement existing prohibitions and restrictions on articles from regions that have reported the presence of exotic Newcastle disease or highly pathogenic avian influenza subtype H5N1. The new restrictions will be almost identical to those imposed on articles from regions with exotic Newcastle disease. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 06/00/07 Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 08/00/07 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: Federal Additional Information: Additional information about APHIS and its programs is available on the Internet at http://www.aphis.usda.gov. Agency Contact: S. Anne Goodman, Supervisory Staff Officer, Sanitary Trade Issues Team, NCIE, VS, Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, 4700 River Road, Unit 38, Riverdale, MD 20737-1231 Phone: 301 734-4356 RIN: 0579-AC36 _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Agriculture (USDA) Long-Term Actions Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) _______________________________________________________________________ 70. 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 Withdrawal and Reproposal To Be Determined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Robert Flanders Phone: 301 734-5930 RIN: 0579-AA80 _______________________________________________________________________ 71. FOOT-AND-MOUTH DISEASE; PAYMENT OF INDEMNITY Priority: Other Significant CFR Citation: 9 CFR 53 Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 05/01/02 67 FR 21934 NPRM Comment Period Extended 06/28/02 67 FR 43566 NPRM Comment Period End 07/01/02 NPRM Comment Period End 07/31/02 Next Action Undetermined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: Federal, State Agency Contact: Mark Teachman Phone: 301 734-8073 RIN: 0579-AB34 _______________________________________________________________________ 72. CHRONIC WASTING DISEASE IN ELK AND DEER; INTERSTATE MOVEMENT RESTRICTIONS AND PAYMENT OF INDEMNITY Priority: Other Significant CFR Citation: 9 CFR 55; 9 CFR 81 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 Rule 07/21/06 71 FR 41682 Final Rule Effective 10/19/06 Delay of Effective Date 09/08/06 71 FR 52983 Notice of Receipt of Petitions and Request for Comments 11/03/06 71 FR 64650 Comment Period End 12/04/06 Comment Period Extended 11/21/06 71 FR 67313 Comment Period End 01/03/07 Next Action Undetermined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: Federal, State Agency Contact: Dean Goeldner Phone: 301 736-4916 RIN: 0579-AB35 _______________________________________________________________________ 73. KARNAL BUNT COMPENSATION Priority: Other Significant CFR Citation: 7 CFR 301 Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 05/01/02 67 FR 21561 Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 07/01/02 Next Action Undetermined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Vedpal S. Malik Phone: 301 734-6774 Related RIN: Related to 0579-AA83 RIN: 0579-AB45 [[Page 22274]] _______________________________________________________________________ 74. MOVEMENT OF UNROASTED COFFEE INTO HAWAII AND PUERTO RICO Priority: Other Significant CFR Citation: 7 CFR 305; 7 CFR 319 Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM To Be Determined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: Undetermined Agency Contact: Shirley Wager-Page Phone: 301 734-8453 RIN: 0579-AB96 _______________________________________________________________________ 75. BOVINE SPONGIFORM ENCEPHALOPATHY; MINIMAL-RISK REGIONS AND IMPORTATION OF COMMODITIES; UNSEALING OF MEANS OF CONVEYANCE AND TRANSLOADING OF PRODUCTS Priority: Other Significant CFR Citation: 9 CFR 93 to 95 Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 11/28/05 70 FR 71213 Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 01/27/06 Final Rule To Be Determined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: Businesses, Governmental Jurisdictions Government Levels Affected: Federal, State Agency Contact: Karen A. James-Preston Phone: 301 734-4356 Related RIN: Related to 0579-AB73 RIN: 0579-AB97 _______________________________________________________________________ 76. CITRUS CANKER; COMPENSATION FOR CERTIFIED CITRUS NURSERY STOCK Priority: Other Significant CFR Citation: 7 CFR 301 Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 06/08/06 71 FR 33168 Interim Final Rule Effective 06/08/06 Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 08/07/06 Next Action Undetermined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: Federal, State Agency Contact: Stephen R. Poe Phone: 301 734-4387 RIN: 0579-AC05 _______________________________________________________________________ 77. AGRICULTURAL INSPECTION AND AQI USER FEES ALONG THE U.S./CANADA BORDER Priority: Other Significant CFR Citation: 7 CFR 319; 7 CFR 354 Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 08/25/06 71 FR 50320 Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 11/24/06 Interim Final Rule Effective 11/24/06 Delay of Effective Date 11/22/06 71 FR 67436 Delay of Effective Date 02/26/07 72 FR 8261 Next Action Undetermined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses, Governmental Jurisdictions Government Levels Affected: Federal Agency Contact: Alan S. Green Phone: 301 734-8261 RIN: 0579-AC06 _______________________________________________________________________ 78. CITRUS CANKER; QUARANTINE OF THE STATE OF FLORIDA Priority: Other Significant CFR Citation: 7 CFR 301 Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 08/01/06 71 FR 43345 Interim Final Rule Effective 08/01/06 Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 10/02/06 Technical Amendment 01/12/07 72 FR 1415 Next Action Undetermined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: Federal, State Agency Contact: Stephen R. Poe Phone: 301 734-4387 RIN: 0579-AC07 _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Agriculture (USDA) Completed Actions Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) _______________________________________________________________________ 79. [bull] INTERSTATE MOVEMENT OF GARBAGE FROM HAWAII Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 7 USC 450; 7 USC 7701 to 7772; 7 USC 7781 to 7786; 7 USC 8301 to 8317; 21 USC 136 and 136a; 31 USC 9701 CFR Citation: 7 CFR 330; 9 CFR 94 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This rulemaking provided for the interstate movement of garbage from Hawaii subject to measures designed to protect against the dissemination of plant pests into noninfested areas of the continental United States. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Availability of an Environmental Assessment 05/20/05 70 FR 29269 Comment Period End 06/20/05 NPRM 04/19/06 71 FR 20030 NPRM Comment Period End 05/19/06 NPRM Comment Period Reopened 05/31/06 71 FR 30834 [[Page 22275]] NPRM Comment Period End 06/05/06 Final Action 08/23/06 71 FR 49309 Final Action Effective 09/22/06 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Additional Information: Additional information about APHIS and its programs is available on the Internet at http://www.aphis.usda.gov. Agency Contact: Shannon Hamm, Assistant Deputy Administrator, PPD, Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, 4700 River Road, Unit 20, Riverdale, MD 20737-1231 Phone: 301 734-4957 RIN: 0579-AC12 _______________________________________________________________________ 80. [bull] IMPORTATION OF TABLE GRAPES FROM NAMIBIA Priority: Routine and Frequent Legal Authority: 7 USC 450; 7 USC 7701 to 7772; 7 USC 7781 to 7786; 21 USC 136 and 136a CFR Citation: 7 CFR 305; 7 CFR 319 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This rulemaking allows fresh table grapes from Namibia to be imported into the United States under specified conditions to prevent the introduction of plant pests, including cold treatment and fumigation with methyl bromide, inspection, and phytosanitary certification. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 06/26/06 71 FR 36221 NPRM Comment Period End 08/25/06 Final Action 09/21/06 71 FR 55087 Final Action Effective 10/23/06 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Additional Information: Additional information about APHIS and its programs is available on the Internet at http://www.aphis.usda.gov. Agency Contact: Sharon Porsche, Import Specialist, Commodity Import Analysis and Operations, Plant Health Programs, PPQ, Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, 4700 River Road, Unit 133, Riverdale, MD 20737-1231 Phone: 301 734-8758 RIN: 0579-AC13 _______________________________________________________________________ 81. [bull] INTERSTATE MOVEMENT OF FRUITS AND VEGETABLES FROM HAWAII Priority: Routine and Frequent Legal Authority: 7 USC 7701 to 7772; 7 USC 7781 to 7786; 21 USC 136 and 136a CFR Citation: 7 CFR 305; 7 CFR 318 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This rulemaking will amend the regulations to remove vapor heat treatment as an approved treatment for bell pepper, eggplant, Italian squash, and tomato moved interstate from Hawaii. This action is necessary because these four commodities can serve as hosts for the solanum fruit fly, which has been detected in Hawaii, and vapor heat treatment is not an approved treatment for that pest. This rulemaking will also provide for the use of irradiation as an approved treatment for all Capsicum spp. (peppers) and Cucurbita spp. (squash) moved interstate from Hawaii. This action will relieve unnecessary restrictions on the interstate movement of peppers and squash and allow a greater variety of Capsicum spp. and Cucurbita spp. to be moved interstate from Hawaii. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 10/11/06 71 FR 59694 NPRM Comment Period End 12/11/06 Final Action 02/23/07 72 FR 8087 Final Action Effective 03/26/07 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Additional Information: Additional information about APHIS and its programs is available on the Internet at http://www.aphis.usda.gov. Agency Contact: David B. Lamb, Import Specialist, Commodity Import Analysis and Operations, PPQ, Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, 4700 River Road, Unit 133, Riverdale, MD 20737-1236 Phone: 301 734-8758 RIN: 0579-AC15 _______________________________________________________________________ 82. [bull] IMPORTATION OF SHELLED GARDEN PEAS FROM KENYA Priority: Routine and Frequent Legal Authority: 7 USC 450; 7 USC 7701 to 7772; 7 USC 7781 to 7786; 21 USC 136 and 136a CFR Citation: 7 CFR 319 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This rulemaking allows shelled garden peas from Kenya to be imported into the continental United States under specified conditions to prevent the introduction of plant pests, including inspection and phytosanitary certification. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 07/06/06 71 FR 38302 NPRM Comment Period End 09/05/06 Final Action 10/24/06 71 FR 62197 Final Action Effective 11/24/06 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: None Additional Information: Additional information about APHIS and its programs is available on the Internet at http://www.aphis.usda.gov. Agency Contact: Sharon Porsche, Import Specialist, Commodity Import Analysis and Operations, Plant Health Programs, PPQ, Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, 4700 River Road, Unit 133, Riverdale, MD 20737-1231 Phone: 301 734-8758 RIN: 0579-AC17 _______________________________________________________________________ 83. [bull] IMPORTATION OF FRUITS AND VEGETABLES Priority: Routine and Frequent Legal Authority: 7 USC 450; 7 USC 7701 to 7772; 7 USC 7781 to 7786; 21 USC 136 and 136a CFR Citation: 7 CFR 319 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This rulemaking allows a number of fruits and vegetables from various parts of the world to be imported into the United States under specified conditions to prevent the introduction of plant pests. All of the fruits and vegetables, as a condition of entry, are subject to inspection and treatment at the port of first arrival as [[Page 22276]] may be required by an inspector. Some of the fruits and vegetables must also meet other conditions. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 12/22/05 70 FR 75967 NPRM Comment Period End 02/21/06 NPRM Comment Period Reopened 03/03/06 71 FR 10924 NPRM Comment Period End 03/10/06 Final Action 12/18/06 71 FR 75649 Final Action Effective 12/18/06 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: None Additional Information: Additional information about APHIS and its programs is available on the Internet at http://www.aphis.usda.gov. Agency Contact: Donna L. West, Senior Import Specialist, Commodity Import Analysis and Operations, PPQ, Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, 4700 River Road, Unit 133, Riverdale, MD 20737-1231 Phone: 301 734-8758 RIN: 0579-AC23 _______________________________________________________________________ 84. [bull] NATIONAL POULTRY IMPROVEMENT PLAN AND AUXILIARY PROVISIONS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 7 USC 8301 to 8317 CFR Citation: 9 CFR 145; 9 CFR 147 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This rulemaking amended the National Poultry Improvement Plan (the Plan) and its auxiliary provisions by providing new or modified sampling and testing procedures for Plan participants and participating flocks. The changes were voted on and approved by the voting delegates at the Plan's 2004 National Plan Conference. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 06/19/06 71 FR 35203 NPRM Comment Period End 08/18/06 Final Action 01/12/07 72 FR 1416 Final Action Effective 02/12/07 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Additional Information: Additional information about APHIS and its programs is available on the Internet at http://www.aphis.usda.gov. Agency Contact: Andrew R. Rhorer, Senior Coordinator, Poultry Improvement Staff, National Poultry Improvement Plan, VS, Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, 1498 Klondike Road, Suite 101, Conyers, GA 30094-5104 Phone: 770 922-3496 RIN: 0579-AC27 BILLING CODE 3410--34--S _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Agriculture (USDA) Proposed Rule Stage Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service (CSREES) _______________________________________________________________________ 85. CSREES AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION FORMULA PROGRAMS--ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS Priority: Info./Admin./Other Legal Authority: 7 USC 341 et seq; 7 USC 1444 CFR Citation: Not Yet Determined Legal Deadline: None Abstract: Passage of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002, sections 7212 and 7213, has resulted in the need for CSREES to clarify its distribution of funding, matching requirements, carryover provisions, and reporting requirements for extension programs at 1862 Land-Grant Institutions and 1890 Land-Grant Institutions. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 06/00/07 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Ellen Danus, Chief, Policy, Oversight, and Funds Management Branch, 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@csrees.usda.gov RIN: 0524-AA26 _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Agriculture (USDA) Final Rule Stage Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service (CSREES) _______________________________________________________________________ 86. 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 06/00/07 [[Page 22277]] Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Ellen Danus, Chief, Policy, Oversight, and Funds Management Branch, 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@csrees.usda.gov RIN: 0524-AA25 _______________________________________________________________________ 87. REVISED ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS--SMALL BUSINESS INNOVATION RESEARCH GRANTS PROGRAM Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Legal Authority: 15 USC 638; PL 99-591, 100 Stat 3341; PL 106-554 CFR Citation: 7 CFR 3403 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: CSREES proposes revising the existing administrative provisions for the Small Business Innovation Research Grants Program Administrative Regulations to implement changes compliant with the Small Business Innovation Research Policy Directive (67 FR 60072) of September 24, 2002. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 05/18/06 71 FR 28780 NPRM Comment Period End 06/19/06 Final Action 04/00/07 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Joanna Moore, Department of Agriculture, Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-2299 Phone: 202 690-6011 RIN: 0524-AA31 _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Agriculture (USDA) Completed Actions Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service (CSREES) _______________________________________________________________________ 88. CSREES NON-FORMULA GRANT PROGRAMS--ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant CFR Citation: 7 CFR 3427; 7 CFR 3400; 7 CFR 3402; 7 CFR 3405; 7 CFR 3406; Completed: ________________________________________________________________________ Reason Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Withdrawn 02/16/07 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Erin Daly Phone: 202 401-3319 Fax: 202 401-7752 Email: edaly@csrees.usda.gov RIN: 0524-AA28 _______________________________________________________________________ 89. REVISED ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS--NATIONAL RESEARCH INITIATIVE COMPETITIVE GRANTS PROGRAM Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant CFR Citation: 7 CFR 3411 Completed: ________________________________________________________________________ Reason Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 09/20/06 71 FR 54894 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Erin Daly Phone: 202 401-3319 Fax: 202 401-7752 Email: edaly@csrees.usda.gov RIN: 0524-AA32 _______________________________________________________________________ 90. [bull] VETERINARY MEDICINE LOAN REPAYMENT ACT PROGRAM Priority: Info./Admin./Other Legal Authority: 7 USC 3151a CFR Citation: 7 CFR 2 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: Amend the delegations of authority from the Secretary of Agriculture to the Under Secretary for Research, Education, and Economics (REE) to carry out a program of entering into agreements with veterinarians under which they provide veterinary services in veterinarian shortage situation as authorized by the National Veterinary Medical Service Act (NVMSA) (7 U.S.C. section 3151a). This rule also further delegates this authority from the Under Secretary for REE to the Administrator of the Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service (CSREES). Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 03/19/07 72 FR 12701 Final Action Effective 03/19/07 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, Office of External Programs, STOP 2299, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-2299 Phone: 202 401-3319 Fax: 202 401-7752 Email: edaly@csrees.usda.gov RIN: 0524-AA33 BILLING CODE 3410--09--S [[Page 22278]] _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Agriculture (USDA) Proposed Rule Stage Rural Housing Service (RHS) _______________________________________________________________________ 91. CIVIL RIGHTS COMPLIANCE REQUIREMENTS 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 1901 subpart E; 7 CFR 1940 subpart D 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. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 12/00/07 NPRM Comment Period End 02/00/08 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined Government Levels Affected: Undetermined Agency Contact: Carlton L. Lewis, Chief, Program Compliance Branch, Department of Agriculture, Rural Housing Service, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, STOP 0703, Washington, DC 20250-0703 Phone: 202 692-0097 TDD Phone: 202 692-0107 Fax: 202 692-0305 Email: carlton.lewis@wdc.usda.gov RIN: 0575-AA83 _______________________________________________________________________ 92. NATIONAL FLOOD INSURANCE REGULATIONS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant 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 06/00/07 NPRM Comment Period End 08/00/07 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses, Governmental Jurisdictions, Organizations Government Levels Affected: Federal, Local, State, Tribal Agency Contact: Larry Fleming, Architect, Department of Agriculture, Rural Housing Service, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0761 Phone: 202 720-8547 Email: larry.fleming@wdc.usda.gov RIN: 0575-AC07 _______________________________________________________________________ 93. 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. The 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 service to borrowers and will ensure that the Government's investment is protected and maximized. The proposed action will have no financial impact on the public or 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 09/00/07 NPRM Comment Period End 11/00/07 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Beth Jones, Loan Specialist, Community Programs Division, Department of Agriculture, Rural Housing Service, STOP 0787, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0787 Phone: 202 720-1498 Fax: 202 690-0471 Email: beth.jones@wdc.usda.gov RIN: 0575-AC12 _______________________________________________________________________ 94. 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 08/00/07 [[Page 22279]] NPRM Comment Period End 10/00/07 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 20250-0783 Phone: 202 720-1532 Fax: 202 720-2232 Email: carolyn.bell@wdc.usda.gov RIN: 0575-AC20 _______________________________________________________________________ 95. 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: The Agency is seeking to consolidate, simplify, and update its 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. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 09/00/07 NPRM Comment Period End 11/00/07 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Patti Walker, Senior Loan Specialist, Department of Agriculture, Rural Housing Service, STOP 0787, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0787 Phone: 202 720-9699 Fax: 202 690-0471 Email: patti.walker@wdc.usda.gov RIN: 0575-AC27 _______________________________________________________________________ 96. PLANNING AND PERFORMING CONSTRUCTION AND OTHER DEVELOPMENT Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant 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 Agency is consolidating, simplifying, and updating Agency standards for planning and developing sites and buildings to bring them in line with contemporary industry standards. This 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, Water and Waste, 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 Rural Development program delivery and will add value to the access and delivery of the Agency's programs. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 09/00/07 NPRM Comment Period End 11/00/07 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Larry Fleming, Architect, Department of Agriculture, Rural Housing Service, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0761 Phone: 202 720-8547 Email: larry.fleming@wdc.usda.gov RIN: 0575-AC55 _______________________________________________________________________ 97. ENVIRONMENTAL POLICIES AND PROCEDURES Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 5 USC 301; 7 USC 1989; 42 USC 1480 CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1794; 7 CFR 1901, subpart F; 7 CFR 1940, subpart G; 7 CFR 1940, subpart J Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Rural Development Agencies for Housing and Community Facilities Programs, Utilities Programs, and Business and Cooperative Programs 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 Utilities environmental regulation; 7 CFR 1940-G, the current Housing/Business environmental regulation; 7 CFR 1901-F, the current Historic Preservation regulation; and 7 CFR Part 1940-J, the current Intergovernmental Review regulation. This consolidation effort will produce a single user-friendly tool to help the program constituents, rural communities, and Rural Development staff and bring the environmental requirements of Agency actions in line with the environmental requirements of other Federal programs for similar actions. This rule consists of subparts A through O. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 06/00/07 NPRM Comment Period End 08/00/07 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Larry Fleming, Architect, Department of Agriculture, Rural Housing Service, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0761 Phone: 202 720-8547 Email: larry.fleming@wdc.usda.gov RIN: 0575-AC56 _______________________________________________________________________ 98. COMMUNITY PROGRAMS GUARANTEED LOANS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: Not Yet Determined [[Page 22280]] CFR Citation: 7 CFR 3575, subpart A Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Agency proposes to amend its regulations utilized to service the Community Facilities guaranteed loan program by adding terms and definitions applicable to this subpart, amend or add existing regulation to establish reporting responsibilities for lenders participating in the program, and amend or add regulation to clarify program parameters in making, guaranteeing, holding, servicing, or liquidating guaranteed loans. The intended effect of this action is to provide a precise understanding of terms as they apply to eligibility and program implementation and maintenance, and to establish accountability for adequate servicing on guaranteed loans. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 08/00/07 NPRM Comment Period End 10/00/07 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Kendra L. Doedderlein, Senior Loan Specialist, Department of Agriculture, Rural Housing Service, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, STOP 0787, Washington, DC 20250-0787 Phone: 202 720-1503 Fax: 202-690-0471 Email: kendra.doedderlein@wdc.usda.gov RIN: 0575-AC58 _______________________________________________________________________ 99. GUARANTEED RURAL RENTAL HOUSING--ELIMINATION OF CONSTRUCTION GUARANTEE Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 5 USC 301; 7 USC 1989; 42 USC 1480 CFR Citation: 7 CFR 3565, sec 538 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: Rural Development is amending the Guaranteed Rural Rental Housing Program (GRRHP) regulation, 7 CFR part 3565, to eliminate separate construction loans and the requirement for a 2 percent reserve for conversion to permanent financing. Such loans represent less than 20 percent of closed loans in the GRRHP portfolio. Rural Development will focus on guarantees for permanent financing to extend through the construction period. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 08/00/07 NPRM Comment Period End 10/00/07 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Federalism: Undetermined Agency Contact: Arlene Nunes, Senior Loan Specialist, Department of Agriculture, Rural Housing Service, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, STOP 0781, Washington, DC 20250-0781 Phone: 202 401-2307 Email: arlene.nunes@wdc.usda.gov RIN: 0575-AC64 _______________________________________________________________________ 100. THERMAL REQUIREMENTS (RULEMAKING RESULTING FROM A SECTION 610 REVIEW) Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 5 USC 301; 7 USC 1989; 42 USC 1480 CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1924, subpart A Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The current Agency Procedure, section 1924.6 (a)(3)(i)(A), requires that surety be provided when the construction contract exceeds $100,000. This Procedure Notice changes the surety requirements in 1924-A [section 1924.6 (a)(3)(i)(A)] from a $100,000 contract amount to the Rural Development Single-Family Housing area lending limits, which will vary with the locality. This will liberalize the requirement for surety and take into account the increase in construction cost of single-family homes in the Rural Development's Single-Family Housing Program since the last revision (1980) to this section of the regulation. This should ease the burden on small contractors for whom obtaining surety is difficult and expensive, additionally reducing costs to our single-family housing borrowers. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 08/00/07 NPRM Comment Period End 10/00/07 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Michel Mitias, Architect-Program Support Staff, Department of Agriculture, Rural Housing Service, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, STOP 0761, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 202 720-9653 Fax: 202 690-4335 Email: michel.mitias@wdc.usda.gov RIN: 0575-AC65 _______________________________________________________________________ 101. [bull] RESERVE ACCOUNT FOR SECTIONS 514/516 FARM LABOR HOUSING AND SECTION 515 RURAL RENTAL HOUSING PROGRAMS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Legal Authority: 5 USC 601 to 612; PL 91-190 CFR Citation: 7 CFR 3560; 7 CFR 1940 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Agency proposes to revise 7 CFR 3560.65 to address reserve account requirements of new construction rental housing funded under sections 515 or 514/516 and does not affect reserve accounts of existing portfolios. This is simply a clarification to reflect current industry practice. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 09/00/07 NPRM Comment Period End 11/00/07 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Tammy Daniels, Senior Loan Specialist, Department of Agriculture, Rural Housing Service, STOP 0781, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 202 720-0021 Email: tammy.daniels@wdc.usda.gov RIN: 0575-AC66 _______________________________________________________________________ 102. [bull] GUARANTEED RURAL RENTAL HOUSING Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 5 USC 301; 7 USC 1989; 42 USC 1480 [[Page 22281]] CFR Citation: 7 CFR 3565, sec 538 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Agency proposes to revise regulation 7 CFR 3565 to reflect new policy decisions adopted on several programmatic fronts. The Agency has new policies for less risky underwriting criteria, the use of loan funds, the guarantee during construction, the enforcement of criminal penalties and civil sanctions for equity skimming, and modifications to program requirements to decrease the Government exposure. No information on alternatives is available at this time. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 10/00/07 NPRM Comment Period End 12/00/07 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined Government Levels Affected: Undetermined Federalism: Undetermined Agency Contact: Arlene Nunes, Senior Loan Specialist, Department of Agriculture, Rural Housing Service, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, STOP 0781, Washington, DC 20250-0781 Phone: 202 401-2307 Email: arlene.nunes@wdc.usda.gov RIN: 0575-AC67 _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Agriculture (USDA) Final Rule Stage Rural Housing Service (RHS) _______________________________________________________________________ 103. 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 Agency has consolidated and streamlined the 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 have been 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 also provides flexibility for program modifications to reflect current and foreseeable changes. It reduces regulations that address solely internal Agency program administration. Finally, the regulation is 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 Interim Final Rule 11/26/04 69 FR 69032 Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 12/27/04 Interim Final Rule Effective 02/22/05 70 FR 8503 Final Action 03/00/08 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Michael Steininger, Multi-Family Housing Direct Loans, Department of Agriculture, Rural Housing Service, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Stop 0781, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 202 720-1610 Fax: 202 690-3444 Email: michael.steininger@wdc.usda.gov Stephanie White, Multi-Family Housing Direct Loans, Department of Agriculture, Rural Housing Service, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, STOP 0781, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 202 720-1615 Fax: 202 690-3444 Email: stephanie.white@wdc.usda.gov Related RIN: Merged with 0575-AC24 RIN: 0575-AC13 _______________________________________________________________________ 104. 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 Guaranteed Single-Family Housing program will provide better clarity and consistency within the program. The action is taken to update the regulations to current mortgage industry standards and provide more guidance on program oversight and monitoring. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 12/15/99 64 FR 70124 NPRM Comment Period End 02/14/00 Final Action 01/00/08 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: Local, State Agency Contact: Roger Glendenning, Director, Guaranteed Loan Division, Department of Agriculture, Rural Housing Service, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0780 Phone: 202 720-1480 Fax: 202 205-2476 Email: roger.glendenning@wdc.usda.gov RIN: 0575-AC18 _______________________________________________________________________ 105. DIRECT SINGLE-FAMILY HOUSING LOANS AND GRANTS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 42 USC 1472 CFR Citation: 7 CFR 3550 Legal Deadline: None [[Page 22282]] Abstract: The Agency intends to revise the definitions of new and existing dwellings to remove the reference to a 10-year warranty plan; 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. This package has been separated into two rules. All revisions, except the homeowner education requirements were published as a direct final rule on February 8, 2005 [70 FR 6551]. The Agency developed a proposed rule to implement the homeowner education requirement. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Direct Final Rule 02/08/05 70 FR 6551 NPRM 03/06/06 71 FR 11167 NPRM Comment Period End 05/05/06 Final Rule 02/05/07 72 FR 5153 Final Rule Effective 05/07/07 NPRM 08/00/07 NPRM Comment Period End 10/00/07 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Janet Carter, Senior Loan Specialist, Department of Agriculture, Rural Housing Service, STOP 0783, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0783 Phone: 202 720-1489 Fax: 202 690-2232 Email: janet.carter@wdc.usda.gov RIN: 0575-AC54 _______________________________________________________________________ 106. DIRECT SINGLE-FAMILY HOUSING LOANS AND GRANTS Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: Not Yet Determined CFR Citation: Not Yet Determined Legal Deadline: None Abstract: In 1996, a new payment assistance formula was implemented to provide assistance to housing customers to make home ownership affordable through the section 502 Direct Loan Program. No analysis has been conducted on the formula and its actual impacts since the change was implemented. Anecdotal information reveals that the formula may result in disparate treatment for some customers, especially those in the more rural counties. In addition, the formula is complex and difficult to explain to customers and partners. USDA has contracted for a study of the formula to determine the extent of disparate or unintended borrower treatments/consequences of the existing formula and develop more equitable and simplified alternatives to provide payment assistance to our customers without increasing the cost of the program to the Government. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 02/17/06 71 FR 8523 NPRM Comment Period End 04/18/06 Final Action 09/00/07 Final Action Effective 10/00/07 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: Undetermined Agency Contact: Michael S. Feinberg, Acting Director, Single-Family Housing Direct Loan Division, Department of Agriculture, Rural Housing Service, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 202 720-1474 Fax: 202 720-2232 Email: michael.feinberg@wdc.usda.gov RIN: 0575-AC59 _______________________________________________________________________ 107. GUARANTEED RURAL RENTAL HOUSING PROGRAM--CHANGE ANNUAL GUARANTEE FEE DUE DATE Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Legal Authority: 5 USC 301; 7 USC 1989; 42 USC 1480 CFR Citation: 7 CFR 3565, subpart B Legal Deadline: None Abstract: Rural Development administers the section 538 Guaranteed Rural Rental Housing Program (GRRHP) under the authority of the Housing Act of 1949. Under the GRRHP, Housing and Community Facilities Programs guarantees loans for the development of housing and related facilities for low- or moderate-income families in rural areas. The final rule amends 7 CFR part 3565, subpart B, to change the language in 3565.53 (b) to change the due date of the annual guarantee fee. The annual guarantee fee is a non-refundable amount that the lender must pay each year that the loan guarantee remains in effect. Currently the Finance Office in St. Louis calculates annual guarantee fees manually since the borrower submissions of December 31 year-end financial information are not loaded into their automated systems by January 1, when annual guarantee fees are due. The Finance Office has requested that the annual guarantee fee due date is changed from January 1 to February 1 to allow their automated systems to be uploaded with December 31 year-end information thus enabling them to automate the annual guarantee fee calculation process. Rural Development expects this revision will have no economic impact on the lender, the developer and the project. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 10/04/06 71 FR 58545 NPRM Comment Period End 12/04/06 Final Action 07/00/07 Final Action Effective 08/00/07 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: C.B. Alonso, Loan Specialist, Department of Agriculture, Rural Housing Service, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, STOP 0781, Washington, DC 20250-0781 Phone: 202 720-1624 Email: cb.alonso@wdc.usda.gov RIN: 0575-AC62 BILLING CODE 3410--XV--S [[Page 22283]] _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Agriculture (USDA) Proposed Rule Stage Federal Crop Insurance Corporation (FCIC) _______________________________________________________________________ 108. GENERAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGULATIONS; SANCTIONS--ADMINISTRATIVE REMEDIES FOR NON-COMPLIANCE Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant 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 05/00/07 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Michael Hand, Department of Agriculture, Federal Crop Insurance Corporation, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 202 690-2499 Email: michael.hand@rma.usda.gov RIN: 0563-AB73 _______________________________________________________________________ 109. 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: The purpose of this rule is to update the rules governing establishment and maintenance of APH databases by incorporating changes in the Common Crop Insurance Provisions--Basic Provisions, as mandated by the Agricultural Risk Protection Act of 2000 (ARPA), and to incorporate existing Risk Management Agency procedures and language used in procedural handbooks and crop insurance provisions, and making other changes and clarifications to better meet the needs of insureds. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 05/00/07 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 _______________________________________________________________________ 110. COMMON CROP INSURANCE REGULATIONS, TOBACCO 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 solicit public comments on FCIC's proposed action to remove and reserve section 457.156, Quota Tobacco Crop Insurance Provisions, and to revise Guarantee Tobacco Crop Insurance Provisions as Tobacco Crop Insurance Provisions. The American Jobs Creation Act of 2004 eliminated the USDA Tobacco Marketing Quota Regulations and price support program by FSN as administered by the Farm Service Agency (FSA). The revisions will remove references to quota and add coverage for tobacco grown under a processor contract. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 05/00/07 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-AB98 _______________________________________________________________________ 111. COMMON CROP INSURANCE REGULATIONS, CULTIVATED WILD RICE 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: This rule will solicit public comments on FCIC's proposed action to convert the cultivated wild rice pilot crop insurance program to a permanent insurance program for the 2007 and succeeding crop years. The cultivated wild rice pilot program began in the 1999 crop year by offering cultivated wild rice crop insurance coverage to producers in Minnesota and California. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 05/00/07 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-AC00 _______________________________________________________________________ 112. GENERAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGULATIONS; APPEAL PROCEDURES AND STANDARDS FOR APPROVAL--REINSURANCE AGREEMENT Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 7 USC 1506(l); 7 USC 1506(p) CFR Citation: 7 CFR 400 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This rule will solicit comments to amend the Appeal Procedures and the Standards for Approval regulations by making some clarifications to the appeal process. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 05/00/07 [[Page 22284]] Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Nancy Kreitzer, Department of Agriculture, Federal Crop Insurance Corporation, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Room 4619, South Building, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 202 690-1683 Email: nancy.kreitzer@rma.usda.gov RIN: 0563-AC06 _______________________________________________________________________ 113. COMMON CROP INSURANCE REGULATIONS, GRAPE AND TABLE GRAPE 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 solicit comments to revise the Grape crop provisions and Table Grape crop provisions by: 1) Expanding basic units by variety, 2) clarifying quality adjustment for Grape crop insurance provisions, 3) clarifying reduced tonnage contracts for the Grape crop insurance provisions, and 4) clarifying that cause of loss on Grape crop insurance provisions and Table Grape crop insurance provisions be the same. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 05/00/07 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-AC09 _______________________________________________________________________ 114. COMMON CROP INSURANCE REGULATIONS, APPLE CROP INSURANCE PROVISIONS Priority: Routine and Frequent. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. 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. The revision clarifies how production to count for appraised and harvested production on acreage designated as fresh apple acreage is determined under section 14 (Optional Coverage for Fresh Fruit Quality Adjustment). The current language is unclear and if misinterpreted may cause inequities in calculating crop insurance indemnities. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 05/00/07 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-AC10 _______________________________________________________________________ 115. EMERGENCY AND DISASTER PROCEDURES FOR CROP INSURANCE PURPOSES Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 7 USC 1506 (l); 7 USC 1506 (p) CFR Citation: 7 CFR 457 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Risk Management Agency is proposing to revise the Common Crop Insurance Policy Basic Provisions to specify that, in the event of a natural disaster that impact crops and programs of the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation and where there has been a Presidential Disaster Declaration, the Secretary of Agriculture may determine that certain variances or waivers in policy and procedure requirements are necessary to protect the interests of policyholders. This would allow the Risk Management Agency to provide relief in the underwriting of crop protection and the adjudication of claims or when the impacts of natural disasters cause unnecessary delays in providing crop insurance protection or processing claims. It is not intended to provide insurance coverage where it would not be otherwise authorized or provide indemnity payments greater than what is authorized under the policy. The purpose would be to expedite the process of policyholders receiving their indemnities at a time when they are most at need. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 05/00/07 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Heyward Baker, Director, Reinsurance Services Division, Department of Agriculture, Federal Crop Insurance Corporation, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Room 6727 South, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 202 720-4232 RIN: 0563-AC11 _______________________________________________________________________ 116. [bull] COMMON CROP INSURANCE REGULATIONS, DRY PEA 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: To amend the Common Crop Insurance Policy, Dry Pea Provisions, to clarify existing regulations by improving the coverage offered, address program integrity issues, simplify program administration, and improve clarity of the policy provisions. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 05/00/07 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-AC14 [[Page 22285]] _______________________________________________________________________ 117. [bull] COMMON CROP INSURANCE REGULATIONS, COVERAGE ENHANCEMENT OPTION Priority: Routine and Frequent. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Legal Authority: 7 USC 1506 CFR Citation: 7 CFR 457 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The purpose of the proposed rule is to solicit public comments on FCIC's proposed action to add a new section to 7 CFR part 457 that currently provides additional coverage for Texas citrus tree producers on a pilot basis. The action to convert the pilot coverage enhancement option insurance provisions to a permanent option. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 05/00/07 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-AC15 _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Agriculture (USDA) Final Rule Stage Federal Crop Insurance Corporation (FCIC) _______________________________________________________________________ 118. COMMON CROP INSURANCE REGULATIONS AND VARIOUS 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 Basic Provisions and crop provisions for the Common Crop Insurance Policy are published in 7 CFR part 457. The Income Protection (IP) plan of insurance is a pilot program. The Crop Revenue Coverage (CRC) and the Revenue Assurance (RA) plans of insurance programs were approved by the FCIC Board of Directors under 508(h) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act. IP, CRC, and RA are revenue products and have many duplicate features between them and the Common Crop Insurance Policy Basic Provisions and applicable crop provisions. Therefore, IP, CRC, and RA will be combined into the Common Crop Insurance Policy Basic Provisions and small grains, cotton, coarse grains, malting barley, rice, canola, and rapeseed crop provisions. Additional revisions will also be made to the Basic Provisions. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 07/14/06 NPRM Comment Period End 09/12/06 71 FR 40194 Final Action 12/00/07 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-AB96 _______________________________________________________________________ 119. COMMON CROP INSURANCE REGULATIONS, CABBAGE 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: This rule will solicit public comments on FCIC's proposed action to convert the cabbage pilot crop insurance program to a permanent insurance program for the 2007 and succeeding crop years. The cabbage pilot program began in the 2000 crop year by offering cabbage crop insurance coverage to producers in Alaska, California, Florida, Georgia (Colquitt and Rabun Counties), Illinois, Michigan, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Texas, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin. Following an evaluation of the cabbage pilot program, FCIC's Board of Directors approved conversion of the pilot program to a permanent program. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 11/16/06 71 FR 66694 NPRM Comment Period End 01/16/07 Final Action 05/00/07 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-AB99 _______________________________________________________________________ 120. COMMON CROP INSURANCE REGULATIONS, FLORIDA CITRUS FRUIT 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: This rule will solicit public comments on FCIC's proposed action to amend the Florida Citrus Fruit Crop Insurance Provisions by replacing the provisions currently contained at 7 CFR part 457.107 with revised provisions. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 10/13/06 71 FR 60439 NPRM Comment Period End 11/27/06 Final Action 05/00/07 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Timothy Hoffmann, Director, Product Development Branch, [[Page 22286]] Department of Agriculture, Federal Crop Insurance Corporation, 6501 Beacon Drive, Kansas City, MO 64133 Phone: 816 926-7743 RIN: 0563-AC01 _______________________________________________________________________ 121. COMMON CROP INSURANCE REGULATIONS, FRESH MARKET SWEET CORN 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: This rule will solicit public comments on FCIC's proposal to modify, clarify, and standardize the provisions to be consistent with other crop provisions. Some of the proposed changes are to remove and/ or to add definitions to enable the expansion of sweet corn into other areas; to revise provisions to allow coverage in some regions for sweet corn that is direct marketed to consumers; to revise the end of the insurance period to allow flexibility for coverage to be expanded into other areas; and to clarify the computations for computing the amount of harvested production. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 07/28/06 71 FR 42770 NPRM Comment Period End 09/26/06 Final Action 05/00/07 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-AC02 _______________________________________________________________________ 122. COMMON CROP INSURANCE REGULATIONS, MINT 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: This rule will solicit public comments on FCIC's proposed action to convert the mint pilot crop insurance program to a permanent insurance program for the 2007 and succeeding crop years. The mint pilot program began in the 2000 crop year by offering mint crop insurance coverage to producers in Wisconsin, Minnesota, Washington, and Indiana. Following an evaluation of the mint pilot program, FCIC's Board of Directors approved conversion of the pilot program to a permanent program. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 02/06/06 71 FR 6016 NPRM Comment Period End 04/24/06 71 FR 14828 Final Action 05/00/07 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-AC03 _______________________________________________________________________ 123. COMMON CROP INSURANCE REGULATIONS, MUSTARD 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: This rule will solicit public comments on FCIC's proposed action to convert the mustard pilot crop insurance program to a permanent insurance program for the 2007 and succeeding crop years. The mustard pilot program began in the 1999 crop year by offering mustard crop insurance coverage to producers in North Dakota. Following an evaluation of the mustard pilot program, FCIC's Board of Directors approved conversion of the pilot program to a permanent program and approved expansion for the 2005 crop year into counties in Montana, Idaho, Oregon, and Washington where actuarially sound rates can be established. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 11/16/06 71 FR 66698 NPRM Comment Period End 01/16/07 Final Action 05/00/07 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-AC04 _______________________________________________________________________ 124. COMMON CROP INSURANCE REGULATIONS, NORTHERN POTATO 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: This rule will solicit public comments on FCIC's proposal to revise the Northern Potato Crop provisions and endorsements for the 2007 crop year by: 1) Changing the loss adjustment procedure; 2) enhancing the Northern Potato Processing Quality Endorsement; 3) clarifying the Northern Potato Quality Endorsement, Certified Seed Endorsement, and Storage Coverage Endorsement; and 4) clarifying the Central and Southern Potato Crop Provisions. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 07/28/06 71 FR 42761 NPRM Comment Period End 09/26/06 Final Action 05/00/07 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-AC05 [[Page 22287]] _______________________________________________________________________ 125. COMMON CROP INSURANCE REGULATIONS, MILLET 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 the proposed rule is to solicit public comments on FCIC's proposed action to amend the Millet Crop Insurance Provisions to remove the reduction in indemnity for any unharvested millet acreage and revise the end of the insurance period dates to use only one date rather than dual dates. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 12/27/06 71 FR 77628 NPRM Comment Period End 02/26/07 Final Action 05/00/07 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-AC12 _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Agriculture (USDA) Completed Actions Federal Crop Insurance Corporation (FCIC) _______________________________________________________________________ 126. COMMON CROP INSURANCE REGULATIONS, WALNUT CROP INSURANCE PROVISIONS; ALMOND CROP INSURANCE PROVISIONS Priority: Routine and Frequent CFR Citation: 7 CFR 457 Completed: ________________________________________________________________________ Reason Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 03/12/07 72 FR 10908 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Timothy Hoffmann Phone: 816 926-7743 RIN: 0563-AC08 _______________________________________________________________________ 127. COMMON CROP INSURANCE REGULATIONS, NURSERY CROP PROVISIONS, NURSERY PEAK INVENTORY ENDORSEMENT AND NURSERY REHABILITATION ENDORSEMENT Priority: Routine and Frequent CFR Citation: 7 CFR 457 Completed: ________________________________________________________________________ Reason Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 12/12/06 71 FR 74455 Final Action Effective 01/11/07 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Timothy Hoffmann Phone: 816 926-7743 RIN: 0563-AC13 BILLING CODE 3410--08--S _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Agriculture (USDA) Prerule Stage Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration (GIPSA) _______________________________________________________________________ 128. [bull] REQUEST FOR PUBLIC COMMENT ON THE UNITED STATES STANDARDS FOR SOYBEANS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 7 USC 71 to 87K CFR Citation: 7 CFR 810 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: GIPSA is initiating a review of the United States Standards for Soybeans to determine their effectiveness and responsiveness to current grain industry needs. Numerous changes have occurred in the breeding and production practices of soybeans, as well as in the technology used to harvest, process, and test soybeans, and in the marketing practices of soybeans. As a result, soybean producer groups have asked us to initiate a review of the soybean standards. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ ANPRM 05/00/07 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: H. Tess Butler, Regulatory Liaison, Department of Agriculture, Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 202 720-7486 Fax: 202 690-2755 Email: h.tess.butler@usda.gov RIN: 0580-AA96 _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Agriculture (USDA) Proposed Rule Stage Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration (GIPSA) _______________________________________________________________________ 129. PROCESS VERIFICATION SERVICE AND ASSOCIATED FEES Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 7 USC 1627 CFR Citation: 7 CFR 868.31 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: GIPSA is proposing to establish a process verification service for grain, rice, pulses, and related processed commodities and associated user fees under the authority of the AMA of 1946. This service is being [[Page 22288]] 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 09/00/07 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, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 202 720-7486 Fax: 202 690-2755 Email: h.tess.butler@usda.gov RIN: 0580-AA85 _______________________________________________________________________ 130. UNITED STATES STANDARDS FOR ROUGH RICE; UNITED STATES STANDARDS FOR BROWN RICE FOR PROCESSING; AND UNITED STATES STANDARDS FOR MILLED RICE Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 7 USC 1627 CFR Citation: 7 CFR 868 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: GIPSA is proposing to revise the U.S. Standards for Rough Rice, Brown Rice for Processing, and Milled Rice, under the AMA, to eliminate the requirement for certain grade related information to be shown on the grade-line of certificate for classes of Mixed Rice. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 06/00/07 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, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 202 720-7486 Fax: 202 690-2755 Email: h.tess.butler@usda.gov RIN: 0580-AA94 _______________________________________________________________________ 131. [bull] POULTRY CONTRACTS; INITIATION, PERFORMANCE, AND TERMINATION Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 7 USC 221 CFR Citation: 9 CFR 201 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: GIPSA is modifying its regulations to include better understanding by poultry growers of the requirements of the contracts prior to entering them, which could lead to better performance in raising the birds, fewer complaints, and fewer financial problems for poultry growers. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 08/00/07 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: H. Tess Butler, Regulatory Liaison, Department of Agriculture, Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 202 720-7486 Fax: 202 690-2755 Email: h.tess.butler@usda.gov RIN: 0580-AA98 _______________________________________________________________________ 132. [bull] WEIGHING; FEED AND SWINE CONTRACTORS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 7 USC 221 CFR Citation: 9 CFR 201 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: GIPSA is modifying regulations that will require all personnel weighing feed to acknowledge that they have read and understand the instructions for weighing live poultry and feed. Because they will read the instructions and affirm their understanding of the instructions, the weighing process will be more accurate. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 09/00/07 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: H. Tess Butler, Regulatory Liaison, Department of Agriculture, Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 202 720-7486 Fax: 202 690-2755 Email: h.tess.butler@usda.gov RIN: 0580-AA99 _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Agriculture (USDA) Final Rule Stage Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration (GIPSA) _______________________________________________________________________ 133. UNITED STATES STANDARDS FOR SORGHUM Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 7 USC 71 87k CFR Citation: 7 CFR 810 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: GIPSA is revising the United States Standards for Sorghum. GIPSA is amending the grain standards to change the definitions of sorghum classes by deleting references to tannin and adding language referencing the presence or absence of a pigmented test. GIPSA is amending the grain standards to change the definition of nongrain sorghum by removing sorghum-sudangrass hybrids, sorgrass, and sweet sorghum (sorgo), and adding language referencing seeds of Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench that appear atypical of grain sorghum. GIPSA is amending the grade and grade requirements for sorghum by reducing the grading limits for broken kernels and foreign material and the subfactor foreign material and inserting a total count limit of 10 for other material used to determine sample grade factors. [[Page 22289]] Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 03/29/06 71 FR 15633 NPRM Comment Period End 05/30/06 Final Action 05/00/07 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, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 202 720-7486 Fax: 202 690-2755 Email: h.tess.butler@usda.gov RIN: 0580-AA91 _______________________________________________________________________ 134. CLEAR TITLE PROGRAM; TECHNICAL CHANGES Priority: Info./Admin./Other Legal Authority: 7 USC 1631; 7 CFR 2.22 and 2.81 CFR Citation: 9 CFR 205 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This rule is being issued to make changes to the clear title regulations as required by amendments made by the 2002 Farm Bill, which bring the clear title requirements more into conformity with the Uniform Commercial Code. GIPSA is making additional changes to allow the use of an approved unique identifier in place of the former mandate for States to display a social security number through their systems providing clear title information. The rule will adopt these changes in the regulations. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 09/27/06 71 FR 56338 Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 11/27/06 Final Action 05/00/07 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: State Agency Contact: H. Tess Butler, Regulatory Liaison, Department of Agriculture, Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 202 720-7486 Fax: 202 690-2755 Email: h.tess.butler@usda.gov RIN: 0580-AA93 _______________________________________________________________________ 135. OFFICIAL FEES AND TOLERANCES FOR BARLEY PROTEIN TESTING Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 7 USC 7187k CFR Citation: 7 CFR 800, 801 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: GIPSA is adopting as a final rule, without change, an interim rule that previously extended the official inspection program to include testing of barley protein using near-infrared spectroscopy analyzers that were previously approved for different grains, established in the fee schedule a generic fee for all near-infrared measurements and nuclear magnetic resonance analyses, which is identical to existing fees. Also, we amended the regulations under the United States Grain Standards Act to establish performance tolerances for protein analyzers used to predict the percentage of protein in barley. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 11/08/06 71 FR 65371 Interim Final Rule Effective 11/09/06 Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 01/08/07 Final Action 04/00/07 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, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 202 720-7486 Fax: 202 690-2755 Email: h.tess.butler@usda.gov RIN: 0580-AA95 _______________________________________________________________________ 136. [bull] RULES OF PRACTICE GOVERNING PROCEEDINGS UNDER THE PACKERS AND STOCKYARDS ACT Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 7 USC 228(a) CFR Citation: 7 CFR 2.22 and 2.81 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This document amends chapter 2 of title 9 CFR to provide Supplemental Rules of Practice that will provide a mechanism for settling cases without the institution of formal proceedings. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 04/00/07 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: H. Tess Butler, Regulatory Liaison, Department of Agriculture, Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 202 720-7486 Fax: 202 690-2755 Email: h.tess.butler@usda.gov RIN: 0580-AA97 _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Agriculture (USDA) Completed Actions Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration (GIPSA) _______________________________________________________________________ 137. FEES FOR RICE INSPECTION SERVICE Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant CFR Citation: 7 CFR 868 Completed: ________________________________________________________________________ Reason Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 01/17/07 72 FR 1913 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None [[Page 22290]] Agency Contact: H. Tess Butler Phone: 202 720-7486 Fax: 202 690-2755 Email: h.tess.butler@usda.gov RIN: 0580-AA92 BILLING CODE 3410--EN--S _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Agriculture (USDA) Proposed Rule Stage Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) _______________________________________________________________________ 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 09/00/07 NPRM Comment Period Ends 11/00/07 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: State, Tribal Agency Contact: Sharon Ackerman, Agency Regulatory Officer, Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, Room 918, 3101 Park Center Drive, 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 participating 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 08/00/07 NPRM Comment Period End 10/00/07 Final Action 08/00/08 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: Local, State Agency Contact: Sharon Ackerman, Agency Regulatory Officer, Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, Room 918, 3101 Park Center Drive, 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: Info./Admin./Other 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 03/00/08 Final Action 05/00/08 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, Room 918, 3101 Park Center Drive, Alexandria, VA 22302 Phone: 703 305-2246 Fax: 703 605-0220 Email: sheri.ackerman@fns.usda.gov RIN: 0584-AD25 [[Page 22291]] _______________________________________________________________________ 141. FSP: REVISIONS TO BONDING REQUIREMENTS FOR VIOLATING RETAIL AND WHOLESALE FOOD CONCERNS Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 7 USC 2021 CFR Citation: 7 CFR 278.1(b)(4); 7 CFR 278.2(f) Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The proposed rule will revise the current bonding requirements set forth in section 278.1(b)(4) of Food Stamp Program (FSP) regulations that are imposed against retailers who have violated FSP rules and regulations. Section 12(d) of the Food Stamp Act of 1977 (the Act), as amended, gives the Secretary of Agriculture the discretionary authority to require that retailers who have been sanctioned for program violations present a collateral bond as a condition of future authorization. The Act also gives the Secretary the authority to prescribe the amount, terms, and conditions of such bonds by regulation. Currently, all violating retailers that are sanctioned for a specified period of time or imposed a civil money penalty are required to submit a bond if they wish to continue to participate in the FSP. The bond must be valid as long as the firm is authorized to participate in the FSP regardless of the period of disqualification imposed or the amount of the civil money penalty assessed. Retailers are required to renew their bond through a financial institution on a periodic basis. The proposed rule will: 1) Eliminate the current bonding requirement for retailers who are disqualified for a period of 6 months or imposed a civil money penalty in lieu of a 6-month disqualification period; and 2) limit the requirement to no more than 1 year for retailers who are disqualified for a specified period of time greater than 6 months or imposed a civil money penalty in lieu of a specified period of time greater than 6 months. Section 278.2(f) of the FSP regulations stipulates that retail food stores may not accept food stamp benefits in payment for any eligible food sold to food stamp households on credit. Thus, the proposed rule will also assign a specified period of time for retailers to be removed from the program for accepting food stamp benefits in payment for eligible food on credit. (04-002) Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 03/13/07 72 FR 11291 NPRM Comment Period End 05/14/07 Final Action 01/00/08 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined Government Levels Affected: Undetermined Agency Contact: Sharon Ackerman, Agency Regulatory Officer, Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, Room 918, 3101 Park Center Drive, Alexandria, VA 22302 Phone: 703 305-2246 Fax: 703 605-0220 Email: sheri.ackerman@fns.usda.gov RIN: 0584-AD44 _______________________________________________________________________ 142. FSP: REGULATION RESTRUCTURING TO REFLECT THE END OF COUPON ISSUANCE SYSTEMS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Legal Authority: 7 USC 2011 to 2034 CFR Citation: 7 CFR 274.8 and 274.12; 7 CFR 278 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The proposed changes to the Food Stamp Program's regulations are being put forth to account for the replacement of the paper coupon issuance system with the Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) system as the nationwide method of distributing benefits to program recipients. These changes will remove coupon issuance regulations that are no longer applicable, revise regulatory language to more appropriately connote the new EBT issuance system (such as eliminating the use of the term ``coupon,'' and replacing it with either ``benefits'' or ``EBT card''), and reorganize sections to develop a more cohesive set of issuance and retailer regulations. None of the changes will have any policy impacts. The regulatory revisions, however, are necessary to avoid confusion by ensuring that the issuance and redemption requirements are clear and comprehensible. The sections that will be updated and reorganized by the proposed rule are 7 CFR parts 274 and 278. (04-004) Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 03/00/08 NPRM Comment Period End 06/00/08 Final Action 06/00/09 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, Room 918, 3101 Park Center Drive, Alexandria, VA 22302 Phone: 703 305-2246 Fax: 703 605-0220 Email: sheri.ackerman@fns.usda.gov RIN: 0584-AD48 _______________________________________________________________________ 143. NUTRITION STANDARDS IN THE NATIONAL SCHOOL LUNCH AND SCHOOL BREAKFAST PROGRAMS Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: PL 108-265, sec 103 CFR Citation: 7 CFR 210; 7 CFR 220 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: Public Law 108-265 requires the Secretary to issue regulations that reflect specific recommendations for increased consumption of foods and food ingredients in school nutrition programs based on the most recent Dietary Guidelines for Americans. The current regulations specify that reimbursable meals offered by schools meet the Dietary Guidelines for Americans that are specified in the regulations. This proposed rule would revise the current regulations on nutrition standards to require that participating schools meet the applicable recommendations of the most recent Dietary Guidelines for Americans and other dietary recommendations. (04-017) Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 10/00/07 NPRM Comment Period End 01/00/08 Final Action 09/00/08 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: Local, State [[Page 22292]] Agency Contact: Sharon Ackerman, Agency Regulatory Officer, Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, Room 918, 3101 Park Center Drive, Alexandria, VA 22302 Phone: 703 305-2246 Fax: 703 605-0220 Email: sheri.ackerman@fns.usda.gov RIN: 0584-AD59 _______________________________________________________________________ 144. WIC FARMERS' MARKET NUTRITION PROGRAM (FMNP): IMPLEMENTATION OF THE FMNP PROVISIONS IN THE CN AND WIC REAUTHORIZATION ACT OF 2004 (PUB. L. 108-265) AND FMNP FUNDING FORMULA Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 42 USC 1786 CFR Citation: 7 CFR 248 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This proposed rule amends the FMNP regulations to implement the nondiscretionary FMNP provisions in Public Law 108-265, the Child Nutrition and WIC Reauthorization Act of 2004. The legislative provisions include: (1) An option for State agencies to authorize roadside stands without prior FNS approval; (2) revising the match requirement to apply the 30 percent to the administrative cost of the program instead of 30 percent of the total cost of the program (administrative and food costs); and (3) increasing the maximum Federal benefit level from $20 to $30. Also included in this rulemaking will be a funding formula methodology for the FMNP when funds requested exceed available funds to allocate. 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's need relative to all other State agencies' needs. (05-003) Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 11/00/07 NPRM Comment Period End 01/00/08 Final Action 01/00/09 Final Action Effective 02/00/09 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: Businesses, Governmental Jurisdictions, Organizations Government Levels Affected: Federal, Local, State, Tribal Additional Information: This action consolidates two previous actions: the FMNP Funding Formula Rule, RIN 0584-AD41 (withdrawn in the spring 2005 agenda), and the Implementation of the FMNP Provisions Included in the Child Nutrition and WIC Reauthorization Act of 2004, RIN 0584-AD46 (withdrawn from the fall 2004 agenda). URL For More Information: www.fns.usda.gov/wic Agency Contact: Sharon Ackerman, Agency Regulatory Officer, Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, Room 918, 3101 Park Center Drive, Alexandria, VA 22302 Phone: 703 305-2246 Fax: 703 605-0220 Email: sheri.ackerman@fns.usda.gov Related RIN: Merged with 0584-AD41 RIN: 0584-AD74 _______________________________________________________________________ 145. FSP: ADMINISTRATIVE SANCTIONS IMPOSED AGAINST VIOLATING ELECTRONIC BENEFITS TRANSFER (EBT) STORES Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: sec 12 of the Food Stamp Act CFR Citation: 7 CFR 278.6(e) Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The United States Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service (FNS), is proposing to revise section 278.6 of the Food Stamp Program Regulations entitled Disqualification of Retail Food Stores and Wholesale Food Concerns, and Imposition of Civil Money Penalties In Lieu Of Disqualifications. This section of the regulation is being revised as result of the implementation of the Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) system. This section of the regulations addresses the administrative sanctions (i.e., imposing a period of disqualification or assessing a monetary penalty) that may be imposed by FNS against retail food stores and wholesale food concerns that are found violating the Food Stamp Program. Background EBT is an electronic system that allows a food stamp recipient to authorize transfer of their Government benefits from a Federal account to a retailer account to pay for eligible food items. All States, the District of Columbia, Virgin Islands, Guam, and Puerto Rico have operational food stamp EBT systems. All food stamp benefits are being issued by EBT. Approximately, 153,000 retail food stores are authorized to accept food stamp benefits. One of the benefits of EBT is that it helps curb food stamp fraud committed by retail food stores. EBT creates an electronic record of each food stamp transaction, making it easier to identify and document instances where food stamp benefits are being illegally obtained (i.e., food stamp benefits being exchanged for cash or non-food items) by retail food stores. Proposed Regulation FNS is continuing to improve using EBT data efficiently to detect and pursue abuse. Section 278.6 of the Food Stamp regulations, however, does not thoroughly address the actions/sanctions that FNS may impose against retail food stores that are found violating the program via the EBT system. Since the inception of EBT, FNS has discovered that food stores have departed from some of the conventional methods of committing food stamp fraud and have devised new and innovative ways to commit fraud using the EBT system. Hence, section 278.6 of the Food Stamp Program regulations must be revised in order to address the administrative sanctions that may be imposed by FNS against EBT stores found violating the program. [[Page 22293]] In addition to providing for EBT specific sanctions, FNS will conduct a comprehensive review of existing regulatory sanctions for conventional fraud and will make regulatory changes that are warranted and appropriate. (05-007) Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 06/00/07 Final Action 04/00/08 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, Room 918, 3101 Park Center Drive, Alexandria, VA 22302 Phone: 703 305-2246 Fax: 703 605-0220 Email: sheri.ackerman@fns.usda.gov RIN: 0584-AD78 _______________________________________________________________________ 146. REVISIONS AND CLARIFICATIONS IN REQUIREMENTS FOR THE DISTRIBUTION AND CONTROL OF DONATED FOODS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 5 USC 301; 7 USC 612(c), 612c note, 1431, 1431b, 1431e, 1431 note, 1446a-1, 1859, 2014, 2025; 15 USC 713c; 22 USC 1922; 41 USC 1751, 1755, 1758, 1760, 1761, 1762a, 1766, 3030a, 5179, 5180 CFR Citation: 7 CFR 250; 7 CFR 251.4 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The rule would amend current regulations in 7 CFR part 250 to ensure the safe storage and management of donated foods and their efficient and cost-effective distribution, while reducing reporting and administrative requirements currently imposed on distributing agencies. Specifically, the rule would propose to: Require the distributing agency, and distributing agency agreements with recipient agencies, to ensure that the storage, management, distribution, and use of donated foods will be conducted in accordance with Federal food safety requirements. Require that inventory management systems assure that donated foods can be tracked in the event of a food recall. Retain FNS' authority to require the distributing agency to reevaluate its storage and distribution system and justify its efficiency and cost-effectiveness, but remove the requirement that the distributing agency reevaluate its storage and distribution system on a periodic basis. Require the distributing agency to permit direct deliveries of donated foods to recipient agencies, or to commercial storage facilities, processors, or other contractors, to the extent that such deliveries may be made cost-effectively. Remove the requirement that the distributing agency maintain a separate salvage account for funds obtained from salvage of donated foods, claim recoveries, etc., and the requirement that FNS approve certain expenditures from such accounts. Remove the exemption from claims recovery of donated food inventory losses in amounts less than 1 percent of total inventory of such food. Remove the requirement that the distributing agency submit commodity acceptability reports to FNS and conduct surveys of recipient agencies to collect information for such purpose. Retain the prohibition against maintenance of excessive donated food inventories (i.e., more than a 6-month supply) but remove the requirement that the distributing agency submit a report of excessive donated food inventories for donated foods received in child nutrition programs and TEFAP. Lastly, the rule would rewrite 7 CFR part 250 in a ``plain language'' format to make it easier to read and understand for the general public. We do not anticipate any additional costs imposed on distributing or recipient agencies or other entities as a result of the changes proposed in this rule. (06-002) Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 02/00/08 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: Local, State, Tribal Federalism: Undetermined Agency Contact: Sharon Ackerman, Agency Regulatory Officer, Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, Room 918, 3101 Park Center Drive, Alexandria, VA 22302 Phone: 703 305-2246 Fax: 703 605-0220 Email: sheri.ackerman@fns.usda.gov RIN: 0584-AD81 _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Agriculture (USDA) Final Rule Stage Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) _______________________________________________________________________ 147. DISQUALIFIED RECIPIENT REPORTING AND COMPUTER MATCHING REQUIREMENTS THAT AFFECT THE FOOD STAMP PROGRAM Priority: Other Significant 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 final 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 12/08/06 71 FR 71075 NPRM Comment Period End 02/06/07 Final Action 02/00/08 Final Action Effective 05/00/08 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: Local, State [[Page 22294]] Agency Contact: Sharon Ackerman, Agency Regulatory Officer, Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, Room 918, 3101 Park Center Drive, Alexandria, VA 22302 Phone: 703 305-2246 Fax: 703 605-0220 Email: sheri.ackerman@fns.usda.gov RIN: 0584-AB51 _______________________________________________________________________ 148. 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 rule also 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 agencies and 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 09/01/04 69 FR 53502 Interim Final Rule Effective 10/01/04 Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 09/01/05 Final Action 03/00/08 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, Room 918, 3101 Park Center Drive, Alexandria, VA 22302 Phone: 703 305-2246 Fax: 703 605-0220 Email: sheri.ackerman@fns.usda.gov RIN: 0584-AC24 _______________________________________________________________________ 149. 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. The rule contains a provision to provide State agencies with a new option to allow retailers with commercial equipment to use a Store and Forward process instead of the manual voucher process when the system is down. This provision went forward as an interim provision so that the Department can solicit additional comments. All the other provisions went forward as final. (96-016) Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 07/12/01 66 FR 36495 NPRM Comment Period End 09/10/01 Interim Final Rule 04/11/05 70 FR 18263 Final Rule 04/11/05 70 FR 18263 Interim Final Rule Effective 05/11/05 Final Rule Effective 05/11/05 Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 06/10/05 Final Action 02/00/08 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Sharon Ackerman, Agency Regulatory Officer, Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, Room 918, 3101 Park Center Drive, Alexandria, VA 22302 Phone: 703 305-2246 Fax: 703 605-0220 Email: sheri.ackerman@fns.usda.gov RIN: 0584-AC37 _______________________________________________________________________ 150. 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 10/00/07 Final Action Effective 11/00/07 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: Local, State [[Page 22295]] Agency Contact: Sharon Ackerman, Agency Regulatory Officer, Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, Room 918, 3101 Park Center Drive, Alexandria, VA 22302 Phone: 703 305-2246 Fax: 703 605-0220 Email: sheri.ackerman@fns.usda.gov RIN: 0584-AC72 _______________________________________________________________________ 151. CHILD AND ADULT CARE FOOD PROGRAM: IMPLEMENTING LEGISLATIVE REFORMS TO STRENGTHEN PROGRAM INTEGRITY Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: PL 106-224, sec 243 CFR Citation: 7 CFR 226 Legal Deadline: Final, Statutory, October 20, 2000. Abstract: This final rule incorporates changes to the Child and Adult Care Food Program as required by the Agricultural Risk Protection Act (Pub. L. 106-224) to strengthen the management and integrity of the program. Provisions include: 1) Changes to eligibility requirements for participating institutions; 2) conditions for approval, such as ensuring financial viability, stipulating that new sponsoring organizations are allowed to participate only where there is need for the program, and the elimination of ``moving toward tax exempt status'' of institutions; 3) new program monitoring requirements; 4) new parental notification requirements by CACFP centers or homes that describe the program and benefits and provide parents with access to the sponsoring organization and State agency; 5) rules on allowing corrective action and appeals in situations involving the termination or suspension of participating institutions, facilities, and individuals; 6) funds recovery in situations involving fraud, abuse, or improper submissions for reimbursement; and 7) limitation on the percentage of funds that sponsoring organizations of centers can retain from day care meal reimbursements for their administrative expenses. These changes support the Department's ongoing efforts in management and integrity improvement. (00-005) 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 03/00/08 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, Room 918, 3101 Park Center Drive, Alexandria, VA 22302 Phone: 703 305-2246 Fax: 703 605-0220 Email: sheri.ackerman@fns.usda.gov RIN: 0584-AC94 _______________________________________________________________________ 152. 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 04/00/07 Final Action Effective 05/00/07 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, Room 918, 3101 Park Center Drive, Alexandria, VA 22302 Phone: 703 305-2246 Fax: 703 605-0220 Email: sheri.ackerman@fns.usda.gov RIN: 0584-AD27 _______________________________________________________________________ 153. FSP: ELIGIBILITY AND CERTIFICATION PROVISIONS OF THE FARM SECURITY AND RURAL INVESTMENT ACT OF 2002 Priority: Economically Significant. Major under 5 USC 801. Legal Authority: PL 107-171, secs 4101 to 4109, 4114, 4115, and 4401 CFR Citation: 7 CFR 273 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This rulemaking will amend Food Stamp Program regulations to implement 11 provisions of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 that establish new eligibility and certification requirements for the receipt of food stamps. (02-007) Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 04/16/04 69 FR 20724 NPRM Comment Period End 06/15/04 Final Action 06/00/07 Final Action Effective 08/00/07 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, Room 918, 3101 Park Center Drive, Alexandria, VA 22302 Phone: 703 305-2246 Fax: 703 605-0220 Email: sheri.ackerman@fns.usda.gov RIN: 0584-AD30 _______________________________________________________________________ 154. 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 273; 7 CFR 275 Legal Deadline: None [[Page 22296]] Abstract: This rule finalizes the interim rule ``Non-Discretionary Quality Control Provisions of Title IV of Public Law 107-171'' (published October 16, 2003 at 68 FR 59519) and the proposed rule ``Discretionary Quality Control Provisions of Title IV of Public Law 107-171'' (published September 23, 2005 at 70 FR 55776). The following quality control (QC) provisions required by sections 4118 and 4119 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (title IV of Public Law 107-171) and contained in the interim rule are implemented by this final rule: 1) Timeframes for completing quality control reviews; 2) Timeframes for completing the arbitration process; 3) Timeframes for determining final error rates; 4) The threshold for potential sanctions and time period for sanctions; 5) The calculation of State error rates; 6) The formula for determining States' liability amounts; 7) Sanction notification and method of payment; and 8) Corrective action plans. The following provisions required by sections 4118 and 4119 and additional policy and technical changes, and contained in the proposed rule, are implemented by this final rule: Legislative changes based on or required by sections 4118 and 4119: 1) Eliminate enhanced funding; 2) Establish timeframes for completing individual quality control reviews; and 3) Establish procedures for adjusting liability determinations following appeal decisions. Policy and technical changes: 1) Require State agency QC reviewers to attempt to complete review when a household refuses to cooperate; 2) Mandate FNS validation of negative sample for purposes of high performance bonuses; 3) Revise procedures for conducting negative case reviews; 4) Revise time frames for household penalties for refusal to cooperate with State and Federal QC reviews; 5) Revise procedures for QC reviews of demonstration and SSA processed cases; 6) Eliminate requirement to report variances resulting from Federal information exchange systems (FIX) errors; 7) Eliminate references to integrated QC; and 8) Update definitions section to remove out-dated definitions. (02-014) 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 NPRM 02/23/05 70 FR 55776 NPRM Comment Period End 12/22/05 Final Action 10/00/07 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, Room 918, 3101 Park Center Drive, Alexandria, VA 22302 Phone: 703 305-2246 Fax: 703 605-0220 Email: sheri.ackerman@fns.usda.gov Related RIN: Merged with 0584-AD37 RIN: 0584-AD31 _______________________________________________________________________ 155. SPECIAL SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION PROGRAM FOR WOMEN, INFANTS, AND CHILDREN (WIC): MISCELLANEOUS VENDOR-RELATED PROVISIONS Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 42 USC 1786 CFR Citation: 7 CFR 246 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This final 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 vendor has been disqualified; provides for an abbreviated administrative review when a State agency issues a civil money penalty in lieu of a reciprocal WIC disqualification; and prohibits State agencies from requiring infant formula manufacturers to provide free formula or other items as part of their infant formula rebate solicitations and contracts. (02-013) Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 07/27/05 70 FR 43332 NPRM Comment Period End 11/25/05 Final Action 09/00/07 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: Federal, Local, State, Tribal Agency Contact: Sharon Ackerman, Agency Regulatory Officer, Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, Room 918, 3101 Park Center Drive, Alexandria, VA 22302 Phone: 703 305-2246 Fax: 703 605-0220 Email: sheri.ackerman@fns.usda.gov RIN: 0584-AD36 _______________________________________________________________________ 156. PROCUREMENT REQUIREMENTS FOR THE NATIONAL SCHOOL LUNCH, SCHOOL BREAKFAST, AND SPECIAL MILK PROGRAMS Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 42 USC 1752 CFR Citation: 7 CFR 210, 215, 220 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This rule makes changes in three areas: the school food authority's responsibility for proper procurement procedures and contracts; prohibitions on the school food authority's use of nonprofit school food service account funds for costs resulting from improper procurements and contracts; and the State agency's review and approval of school food authority procurement procedures and contracts. (03-001) Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 12/30/04 69 FR 78340 NPRM Comment Period End 02/28/05 Final Action 06/00/07 Final Action Effective 07/00/07 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: Local, State [[Page 22297]] Agency Contact: Sharon Ackerman, Agency Regulatory Officer, Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, Room 918, 3101 Park Center Drive, Alexandria, VA 22302 Phone: 703 305-2246 Fax: 703 605-0220 Email: sheri.ackerman@fns.usda.gov RIN: 0584-AD38 _______________________________________________________________________ 157. DATA COLLECTION RELATED TO PARTICIPATION OF FAITH-BASED AND COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS 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 authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to require State agencies to collect and submit data to the Food and Nutrition Service that identifies the faith-based and community organizations that participate in the Federal nutrition assistance programs. This rulemaking adds 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 ends 5 years after the effective date of the final rule. (04-001) Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 03/03/06 71 FR 10914 NPRM Comment Period End 06/01/06 Final Action 04/00/07 Final Action Effective 05/00/07 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, Room 918, 3101 Park Center Drive, Alexandria, VA 22302 Phone: 703 305-2246 Fax: 703 605-0220 Email: sheri.ackerman@fns.usda.gov RIN: 0584-AD43 _______________________________________________________________________ 158. MANAGEMENT OF DONATED FOODS IN CHILD NUTRITION PROGRAMS, THE NUTRITION SERVICES INCENTIVE PROGRAM, AND CHARITABLE INSTITUTIONS Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: Older Americans Act of 1965, as amended CFR Citation: 7 CFR 250.12, 250.19, 250.24, 250.40, 250.41; 7 CFR 250.42, 250.48, 250.49, 250.50 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This final rule revises or clarifies 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 establishes specific requirements to ensure that school food authorities and other recipient agencies in child nutrition programs receive the value of all donated foods provided under contract with food service management companies to conduct the food service. It requires the food service management company to credit the recipient agency for donated foods received, through invoice reductions, refunds, or other means of crediting. The rule provides some flexibility in crediting for and use of donated foods by allowing the recipient agency to use donated food values other than the USDA purchase price and by allowing the food service management company to substitute donated foods with commercially purchased foods, with the exception of (1) donated ground beef and ground pork and (2) end products received from processors. (04-003) Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 06/08/06 71 FR 33344 NPRM Comment Period Extended 08/03/06 71 FR 43992 NPRM Comment Period End 09/07/06 Final Action 11/00/07 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: Local, State, Tribal Agency Contact: Sharon Ackerman, Agency Regulatory Officer, Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, Room 918, 3101 Park Center Drive, Alexandria, VA 22302 Phone: 703 305-2246 Fax: 703 605-0220 Email: sheri.ackerman@fns.usda.gov RIN: 0584-AD45 _______________________________________________________________________ 159. SPECIAL SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION PROGRAM FOR WOMEN, INFANTS, AND CHILDREN (WIC): DISCRETIONARY WIC VENDOR PROVISIONS IN THE CHILD NUTRITION AND WIC REAUTHORIZATION ACT OF 2004, PUBLIC LAW 108-265 Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 42 USC 1786 CFR Citation: 7 CFR 246 Legal Deadline: Final, Statutory, December 2004. Abstract: This rule proposes to amend regulations for the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) by adding three requirements mandated by the Child Nutrition and WIC Reauthorization Act of 2004, Public Law 108-265, concerning retail vendors authorized by WIC State agencies to provide supplemental food to WIC participants in exchange for WIC food instruments. This rulemaking would require WIC State agencies to notify WIC-authorized retail vendors of an initial violation, for violations requiring a pattern of occurrences in order to impose a sanction, before documenting a subsequent violation unless notification would compromise an investigation. In addition, State agencies would maintain a list of State-licensed wholesalers, distributors, and retailers, and manufacturers registered with the Food and Drug Administration, and would require WIC-authorized retail vendors to purchase infant formula only from sources on the list. Further, State agencies would prohibit the authorization of or payments to WIC-authorized vendors that derive more than 50 percent of their annual food sales revenue (``above-50- percent vendors'') and which provide incentive [[Page 22298]] items or other free merchandise except food or merchandise of nominal value to program participant customers unless the vendor provides the State agency with proof that the vendor obtained the incentive items or merchandise at no cost. The intent of these provisions is to, respectively, enhance due process for vendors; prevent defective infant formula from being consumed by infant WIC participants; and, prevent increased WIC food costs caused by above-50-percent vendors who provide incentive items to participants which ultimately are derived from the proceeds of WIC purchases. (04-007) Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 08/01/06 71 FR 43371 NPRM Comment Period End 10/02/06 Final Action 10/00/07 Final Action Effective 11/00/07 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes 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, Room 918, 3101 Park Center Drive, Alexandria, VA 22302 Phone: 703 305-2246 Fax: 703 605-0220 Email: sheri.ackerman@fns.usda.gov RIN: 0584-AD47 _______________________________________________________________________ 160. ADMINISTRATIVE ERROR REDUCTION IN THE SCHOOL MEALS PROGRAMS Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: PL 108-265 CFR Citation: 7 CFR 210; 7 CFR 220 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: Public Law 108-265, the Child Nutrition and WIC Reauthorization Act of 2004 (Act), amended the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act and section 7 of the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 in the following ways. The new law: -- Establishes the additional category of schools at high risk for administrative errors, as defined by the Secretary, that are subject to an additional administrative review; -- Details a corrective action plan for States that fail to meet Secretary's performance criteria; -- Allocates funds to States based on number of local education agencies with high level or high risk for administrative error. (04- 010) Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 11/00/07 Interim Final Rule Effective 12/00/07 Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 01/00/08 Final Action 06/00/08 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Governmental Jurisdictions Government Levels Affected: Local, State Agency Contact: Sharon Ackerman, Agency Regulatory Officer, Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, Room 918, 3101 Park Center Drive, Alexandria, VA 22302 Phone: 703 305-2246 Fax: 703 605-0220 Email: sheri.ackerman@fns.usda.gov RIN: 0584-AD52 _______________________________________________________________________ 161. APPLYING FOR FREE AND REDUCED PRICE MEALS IN THE NATIONAL SCHOOL LUNCH PROGRAM AND SCHOOL BREAKFAST PROGRAM, AND FOR BENEFITS IN THE SPECIAL MILK PROGRAM Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: PL 108-265 CFR Citation: 7 CFR 210; 7 CFR 215; 7 CFR 220; 7 CFR 235; 7 CFR 245 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The regulations for determining eligibility for free and reduced price meals and free milk in schools will be revised to require that: (1) Descriptive materials distributed to parents and guardians contain a notification that: -- Participants in the special supplemental nutrition program for women, infants, and children (the WIC program), the Food Stamp Program, the Food Distribution Program on Indian reservations, and State Temporary Assistance for Needy families (TANF) programs may be eligible for free or reduced-price school meals; and -- Documentation may be requested for verification of eligibility for free or reduced-price meals; (2) Eligibility determinations for free or reduced-price school meals (other than cases where ``direct certification'' is used) are to be made on the basis of a complete application executed by an adult member of the household or in accordance with guidance issued by the Secretary. It will also stipulate that the household application must identify the names of each child in the household for whom free or reduced-price meal benefits are being requested and bars State agencies and local educational authorities from requesting separate applications for each child in cases where the children attend schools in the same local educational authority; (3) Explicitly permits applications with electronic signatures if the application is submitted electronically and the application filing system meets confidentiality standards set by the Secretary; and (4) Eligibility for free or reduced-price school meals remains valid for 1 year for most students. Eligibility would remain in effect beginning with approval for the current school year and ending on a date during the subsequent school year determined by the Secretary. An exception is included for cases where verification activities indicate ineligibility. (04-012) Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 04/00/07 Interim Final Rule Effective 05/00/07 Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 10/00/07 Final Action 07/00/08 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, Room 918, 3101 Park Center Drive, Alexandria, VA 22302 Phone: 703 305-2246 Fax: 703 605-0220 [[Page 22299]] Email: sheri.ackerman@fns.usda.gov RIN: 0584-AD54 _______________________________________________________________________ 162. SPECIAL NUTRITION PROGRAMS: FLUID MILK SUBSTITUTIONS Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: PL 108-265, sec 102 CFR Citation: 7 CFR 210; 7 CFR 220 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: Currently, by regulation, schools must make substitutions for fluid milk for students with a disability when the request is authorized by a licensed physician and may make substitutions for students with medical or other dietary needs if requested by recognized medical authority. These regulatory provisions were included in Public Law 108-265 which amended the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act. Public Law 108-265 also amended the current law to allow schools to substitute non-dairy beverages nutritionally equivalent (as established by the Secretary) to fluid milk for medical or other special dietary needs at the request of a parent/guardian. In response to Public Law 108-265, the National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program regulations will be revised to add these provisions. (04-016) Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 11/09/06 71 FR 65753 NPRM Comment Period End 01/08/07 Final Action 01/00/08 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses, Governmental Jurisdictions Government Levels Affected: Local, State Agency Contact: Sharon Ackerman, Agency Regulatory Officer, Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, Room 918, 3101 Park Center Drive, Alexandria, VA 22302 Phone: 703 305-2246 Fax: 703 605-0220 Email: sheri.ackerman@fns.usda.gov RIN: 0584-AD58 _______________________________________________________________________ 163. DIRECT CERTIFICATION OF CHILDREN IN FOOD STAMP HOUSEHOLDS AND CERTIFICATION OF HOMELESS, MIGRANT, AND RUNAWAY CHILDREN FOR FREE MEALS IN THE NSLP, SBP, AND SMP Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: PL 108-265, sec 104 CFR Citation: 7 CFR 210; 7 CFR 215; 7 CFR 220; 7 CFR 245 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: In response to Public Law 108-265, which amended the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act, 7 CFR 245, Determining Eligibility for Free and Reduced Price Meals and Free Milk in Schools, will be amended to establish categorical (automatic) eligibility for free meals and free milk upon documentation that a child is (1) homeless as defined by the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act; (2) a runaway served by grant programs under the Runaway and Homeless Youth Act; or (3) migratory as defined in section 1309(2) of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act. The rule also requires phase-in of mandatory direct certification for children who are members of households receiving food stamps and continues discretionary direct certification for other categorically eligible children. (04-018) Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 09/00/07 Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 09/00/08 Final Action 09/00/09 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Governmental Jurisdictions Government Levels Affected: Local, State Agency Contact: Sharon Ackerman, Agency Regulatory Officer, Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, Room 918, 3101 Park Center Drive, Alexandria, VA 22302 Phone: 703 305-2246 Fax: 703 605-0220 Email: sheri.ackerman@fns.usda.gov Related RIN: Merged with 0584-AD62 RIN: 0584-AD60 _______________________________________________________________________ 164. VERIFICATION OF ELIGIBILITY FOR FREE AND REDUCED PRICED MEALS IN THE NATIONAL SCHOOL LUNCH AND SCHOOL BREAKFAST PROGRAMS Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: PL 108-265 CFR Citation: 7 CFR 210; 7 CFR 245 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: In response to Public Law 108-265, which amended the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act, the verification procedures in 7 CFR 245, Determining Eligibility for Free and Reduced Price Meals and Free Milk in Schools, will be revised to require that, starting July 2005: 1. Local Educational Authorities (LEAs) verify the eligibility of children in a sample of approved free and reduced-price school meal applications. The basic sample size would be the lesser of 3 percent of all approved applications (as of October 1 of the school year) selected from error-prone applications or 3,000 approved error-prone applications. Error-prone applications would be those defined as within $100 a month or $1200 annually of the applicable income limit or, alternately, under criteria set by USDA. However, local educational agencies could choose 1 of 2 alternate sample sizes (effectively the options established in current regulations) if: -- Their nonresponse rate for the preceding school year is less than 20 percent, or -- For a local educational agency with more than 20,000 children approved by application as eligible for free or reduced-price school meals as of October 1, their nonresponse rate for the preceding school year is improved by 10 percent from the nonresponse rate for the second preceding school year. A nonresponse rate is the percentage of approved household applications for which verification information has not been obtained by a LEA. When verifying eligibility for free or reduced-price school meals, local educational agencies can first use direct verification and obtain and use income and program participation information from public agencies administering certain programs. The programs are: The Food Stamp Program, the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations, State TANF programs, State Medicaid [[Page 22300]] programs, or similar income-tested programs (or other sources of information). In cases in which there are not enough error-prone applications to comply with the options, local educational agencies would be required to randomly select additional applications to fulfill the percentage or number requirement. 2. Requires local educational agencies to complete all verification activities (including required ``follow-up'' activities) by November 15 of each school year; States may extend this deadline to December 15 under criteria set by the Secretary. It will also require local educational agencies to make appropriate modifications to eligibility determinations based on their verification activities. 3. It also allows local educational agencies to ``decline'' to verify up to 5 percent of their verification sample and replace the declined applications with other approved applications. 4. Requires that the local educational agency provide written notice to households selected for verification. The notice must include a toll- free phone number that the household can call for assistance with the verification process. (04-019) Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 06/00/07 Interim Final Rule Effective 07/00/07 Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 06/00/08 Final Action 02/00/09 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, Room 918, 3101 Park Center Drive, Alexandria, VA 22302 Phone: 703 305-2246 Fax: 703 605-0220 Email: sheri.ackerman@fns.usda.gov RIN: 0584-AD61 _______________________________________________________________________ 165. SCHOOL FOOD SAFETY: HAZARD ANALYSIS AND CRITICAL CONTROL POINT SYSTEM Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: PL 108-265 CFR Citation: 7 CFR 210; 7 CFR 220 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: In response to Public Law 108-265, which amended the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act, the National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program regulations will be revised to require that school food authorities implement a school food safety program for the preparation and service of meals that complies with any ``hazard analysis and critical control point'' system established by USDA through guidance, training, and technical assistance. (04-023) Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 07/00/07 Interim Final Rule Effective 08/00/07 Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 10/00/07 Final Action 05/00/09 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Governmental Jurisdictions, Organizations Government Levels Affected: Local, State Agency Contact: Sharon Ackerman, Agency Regulatory Officer, Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, Room 918, 3101 Park Center Drive, Alexandria, VA 22302 Phone: 703 305-2246 Fax: 703 605-0220 Email: sheri.ackerman@fns.usda.gov RIN: 0584-AD65 _______________________________________________________________________ 166. IMPLEMENTING PROVISIONS FROM THE CHILD NUTRITION AND WIC REAUTHORIZATION ACT OF 2004: SEAMLESS SUMMER OPTION FOR SCHOOLS PARTICIPATING IN THE NATIONAL SCHOOL LUNCH PROGRAM Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: PL 108-265 CFR Citation: 7 CFR 210; 7 CFR 220 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: Section 116 of the Child Nutrition and WIC Reauthorization Act of 2004 (Pub. L. 108-265) amended section 13(a) of the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act (NSLA) to authorize a Seamless Summer Option for public or private nonprofit school food authorities to participate in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and School Breakfast Program (SBP). The law stipulates that schools that participate under the Seamless Summer Option must be reimbursed for breakfasts served at the School Breakfast Program free rates and for lunches and snacks served at the National School Lunch Program free rates. The Committee Report (108-279) accompanying the Child Nutrition and WIC Reauthorization Act of 2004 notes that the provision closely tracks the Seamless Summer Feeding Waiver, which was available to school sponsors nationwide from fiscal years 2002 through 2004. This interim final rule will amend 7 CFR parts 210 and 220 to incorporate the Seamless Summer Option that will be available to public and private nonprofit school food authorities that participate in the NSLP and SBP. The Department also intends to incorporate into the NSLP and SBP regulations much of the policy that has been developed for schools that were approved by State agencies or FNS to operate the waiver. (04-028) Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 09/00/07 Interim Final Rule Effective 10/00/07 Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 02/00/08 Final Action 09/00/08 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, Room 918, 3101 Park Center Drive, Alexandria, VA 22302 Phone: 703 305-2246 Fax: 703 605-0220 Email: sheri.ackerman@fns.usda.gov RIN: 0584-AD70 [[Page 22301]] _______________________________________________________________________ 167. SPECIAL SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION PROGRAM FOR WOMEN, INFANTS, AND CHILDREN (WIC): WIC VENDOR COST CONTAINMENT Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 42 USC 1786 CFR Citation: 7 CFR 246 Legal Deadline: Final, Statutory, December 2005. Abstract: This final rule amends the WIC regulations to strengthen vendor cost containment. The rule incorporates into program regulations new legislative requirements that affect the selection, authorization, and reimbursement of retail vendors. These requirements are contained in the Child Nutrition and WIC Reauthorization Act of 2004 (Pub. L. 108-265), which was enacted on June 30, 2004. The rule reflects the statutory provisions that require WIC State agencies to implement a vendor peer group system, competitive price selection criteria, and allowable reimbursement levels in a manner that ensures that the WIC Program pays authorized vendors competitive prices for supplemental foods. It also requires State agencies to ensure that vendors that derive more than 50 percent of their annual food sales revenue from WIC food instruments do not result in higher food costs to the program than do other vendors. The intent of these provisions is to maximize the number of women, infants, and children served with available Federal funding. (04-029) Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 11/29/05 70 FR 71708 Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 11/29/06 Interim Final Rule Effective 12/29/05 Final Action 08/00/07 Final Action Effective 09/00/07 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: Businesses, Governmental Jurisdictions Government Levels Affected: Federal, Local, State, Tribal URL For More Information: www.fns.usda.gov/wic Agency Contact: Sharon Ackerman, Agency Regulatory Officer, Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, Room 918, 3101 Park Center Drive, Alexandria, VA 22302 Phone: 703 305-2246 Fax: 703 605-0220 Email: sheri.ackerman@fns.usda.gov RIN: 0584-AD71 _______________________________________________________________________ 168. WIC: IMPLEMENTATION OF THE NONDISCRETIONARY WIC CERTIFICATION AND GENERAL ADMINISTRATION PROVISIONS Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 42 USC 1786 CFR Citation: 7 CFR 246 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This final rule implements the nondiscretionary WIC provisions in the Child Nutrition and WIC Reauthorization Act of 2004 (Pub. L. 108-265). It contains provisions that address the following aspects of WIC Program administration and operation: 1.Expansion of definitions of ``nutrition education'' and ``supplemental foods'' 2.Infant formula rebate contracts -- Adds new definitions (``State alliance'' and ``primary contract infant formula'') -- Limits the size of State alliances -- Requires State agencies to use primary contract infant formula as the first choice of issuance -- Allows State agencies to round up to the next whole can of infant formula as part of the prescribed food package -- Requires uncoupling of bids for milk- and soy-based infant formula in certain rebate solicitations -- Requires that bid solicitations require manufacturers to make a cent-for-cent increase or decrease in rebate amounts to match changes in national wholesale prices occurring subsequent to the bid opening -- Requires a State agency to have a system to ensure that rebate invoices provide a reasonable estimate or actual count of the number of units sold in the program 3.Program eligibility -- Provides additional exceptions to the physical presence requirement -- Excludes from consideration as income certain payments (Federal Supplemental Subsistence Allowance (FSSA)and National Flood Insurance) 4.Food delivery systems -- Requires State agencies to allow participants to receive supplemental foods from any of the authorized stores under retail food delivery systems -- Requires the State plan to include a description of the State agency's procedures for accepting and processing vendor applications outside the established timeframes -- Prohibits a State agency from imposing the cost of electronic benefit transfer equipment, systems, or processing on retail vendors 5.Funding and financial management -- Increases State agency carry-forward authority for nutrition services and administration funds from 1 percent to 3 percent -- Allows State agencies to use funds recovered through local agency claims in the same way that it uses funds recovered from vendors and participants. (04-006) Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 09/00/07 Final Action Effective 10/00/07 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: Businesses, Governmental Jurisdictions Government Levels Affected: Federal, Local, State, Tribal Additional Information: This rule was initially assigned RIN 0584-AD49, and was withdrawn from the fall 2004 Unified Agenda and Plan on September 14, 2004. URL For More Information: www.fns.usda.gov/wic Agency Contact: Sharon Ackerman, Agency Regulatory Officer, Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, Room 918, 3101 Park Center Drive, Alexandria, VA 22302 Phone: 703 305-2246 Fax: 703 605-0220 Email: sheri.ackerman@fns.usda.gov RIN: 0584-AD73 _______________________________________________________________________ 169. REVISIONS AND CLARIFICATIONS IN REQUIREMENTS FOR THE PROCESSING OF DONATED FOODS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 5 USC 301; 7 USC 612d, 612c note; 7 USC 1431, 1431b, [[Page 22302]] 1431e, 1431 note, 1446a-1, 1859, 2014, 2025; 15 USC 713c; 22 USC 1922; 42 USC 1751, 1755, 1758, 1760, 1761, 1762a, 1766, 3030a, 5179, 5180 CFR Citation: 7 CFR 250.3, 250.13, 250.16, 250.17, 250.18; 7 CFR 250.19, 250.24, 250.30 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This final rule requires multi-State processors to sign National Processing Agreements (NPA) with the Department to process donated foods into end products, as under a current demonstration project. Under NPA, the Department is responsible for the review and approval of end product data schedules and the management of the processor's performance bond to protect the value of donated food inventories. Processors are still required to enter into State Participation Agreements (SPA) to sell end products in the State and to meet other State-specific processing requirements. The revisions will reduce the workload currently required of State agencies in approving end product data schedules and accounting for donated foods provided to processors. However, State agencies may continue to ensure that processing requirements are met under current agreement or contract options. This final rule also revises other processing requirements to reduce the paperwork burden and workload and to more fully integrate donated foods with commercial business practices. It revises current regulations to: (1) Allow processing agreements or contracts of up to 5 years duration, rather than the current 1 year, with an option for two 1-year extensions; (2) allow substitution of donated beef and pork with like commercial foods of U.S. origin and of equal or better quality; (3) remove the verification of end product sales through commercial distributors; (4) reduce independent CPA audit requirements for multi- State processors by revising upward the donated food value thresholds that determine the required frequency of such audits; and (5) require in-State processors to obtain an independent CPA audit every 3 years, and remove the requirement that distributing agencies conduct an on- site review of such processors at least once every 2 years. Lastly, the rule rewrites and restructures processing regulations in a ``plain language'' format to make them easier to understand for the general public. (05-005) Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 08/24/06 71 FR 50250 NPRM Comment Period End 11/22/06 Final Action 09/00/07 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: Federal, Local, State Federalism: Undetermined Agency Contact: Sharon Ackerman, Agency Regulatory Officer, Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, Room 918, 3101 Park Center Drive, Alexandria, VA 22302 Phone: 703 305-2246 Fax: 703 605-0220 Email: sheri.ackerman@fns.usda.gov RIN: 0584-AD76 _______________________________________________________________________ 170. SPECIAL SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION PROGRAM FOR WOMEN, INFANTS, AND CHILDREN (WIC): REVISIONS IN THE WIC FOOD PACKAGES Priority: Economically Significant. Major under 5 USC 801. Legal Authority: 42 USC 1786 CFR Citation: 7 CFR 246 Legal Deadline: Final, Statutory, November 2006, CN and WIC Reauthorization Act of 2004 requires issuance of final rule within 18 months of release of IOM Report. Abstract: This proposed rule would revise regulations governing the WIC food packages to change age specifications for assignment to infant feeding packages; establish infant formula feeding or breastfeeding categories for infants; revise the maximum monthly allowances and minimum requirements for certain WIC foods; revise the substitution rates for certain WIC foods and allow additional foods as alternatives; add fruits and vegetables for WIC participants 6 months of age and older and eliminate juice from infants' food packages; add whole grains to food packages for children and women and baby food meat for fully breastfed infants 6 through 11 months of age; revise the purpose, content, and requirements for Food Package III; and address general provisions that apply to all food packages. The revisions reflect recommendations made by the Institute of Medicine in its report, WIC Food Packages: Time for a Change, and certain other administrative revisions deemed necessary by the Department. These revisions would bring the WIC food packages in line with the 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans and current infant feeding practice guidelines, better promote and support the establishment of successful long-term breastfeeding, provide WIC participants with a wider variety of food, provide WIC State agencies with greater flexibility in prescribing food packages to accommodate participants with cultural food preferences, and serve all participants with certain medical provisions under one food package to facilitate efficient management of medically fragile participants. (05-006) Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 08/07/06 71 FR 44784 NPRM Comment Period End 11/06/06 Interim Final Rule 09/00/07 Interim Final Rule Effective 10/00/07 Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 10/00/09 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: Local, State, Tribal URL For More Information: www.fns.usda.gov/wic URL For Public Comments: www.fns.usda.gov/wic Agency Contact: Sharon Ackerman, Agency Regulatory Officer, Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, Room 918, 3101 Park Center Drive, Alexandria, VA 22302 Phone: 703 305-2246 Fax: 703 605-0220 Email: sheri.ackerman@fns.usda.gov RIN: 0584-AD77 _______________________________________________________________________ 171. FSP: UNAUTHORIZED REDEMPTION AND TRAFFICKING IN PROGRAM BENEFITS Priority: Other Significant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Legal Authority: 7 USC 2011 to 2036 CFR Citation: 7 CFR 278 [[Page 22303]] Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This interim final rulemaking is being developed in response to reports of incidents in which an authorized retailer has redeemed a Food Stamp Program participant's program benefits without the knowledge of the participant. In addition, this rule serves to modify actions that may be taken against some retailers found to be trafficking in program benefits. The Food Stamp Act, as amended, provides for the prosecution of any unauthorized issuance, redemption, use, transfer, acquisition, alteration or possession of coupons, ATP cards, or other program access device by an individual, partnership, corporation, or other legal entity to prosecution under sections 15(b) and (c) of the Food Stamp Act or under any other applicable Federal, State, or local law, regulation, or ordinance. Stealing benefits from a recipient by redeeming program benefits without their knowledge would be an offense that could be prosecuted under the current statute. However, program regulations do not provide clear administrative penalties for such thefts of Food Stamp Program benefits. In the absence of prosecution, there are currently no administrative actions that may be taken against such entities for stealing the program benefits of recipients. In addition, it has been determined that this activity does not meet the definition of trafficking as reflected in current Food Stamp Program regulations. This interim final rulemaking will add a simple amendment to current regulations to provide for the establishment of an administrative penalty for such violations of the Food Stamp Program equivalent to the penalty for trafficking in program benefits. Authorized individuals, partnerships, corporations, or other legal entities found to have stolen benefits from program recipients without their knowledge or complicity shall be disqualified from program participation permanently. Any firm charged with such a violation would be provided with the opportunity for administrative and judicial review of the disqualification action as provided for in current program regulations. In addition, in response to ongoing investigations by the Office of Inspector General of the USDA and the recommendations of the Department of Justice, this interim final rulemaking puts in place a variation on current trafficking sanctions. Current legislation and regulations require immediate permanent disqualification for trafficking, subject to appeal. However, regulations provide a 10-day waiting period during which a firm may reply to the charges of trafficking as well as request and provide justification for a trafficking civil money penalty in lieu of permanent disqualification. There have been documented cases in which a preponderance of evidence indicates that there is a likelihood of continuous and flagrant trafficking activity that would take place if certain firms were permitted to continue in operational status during that 10-day period. In response, this interim rule provides for immediate termination of POS device operations for Food Stamp Program transactions in certain cases. This immediate termination would take place at the direction of the Office of Inspector General of the USDA and/or the Assistant United States Attorney's Office serving the appropriate geographic locale. At the direction of either or both of the aforementioned parties, the Agency would take immediate action to terminate the redemption of Food Stamp Program benefits by that firm if there is a finding of egregious trafficking activity. The firm will receive all other due process considerations currently provided in the program regulations; however, it's ability to conduct Food Stamp Program business will be immediately suspended. (06-001) Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 07/00/07 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Sharon Ackerman, Agency Regulatory Officer, Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, Room 918, 3101 Park Center Drive, Alexandria, VA 22302 Phone: 703 305-2246 Fax: 703 605-0220 Email: sheri.ackerman@fns.usda.gov RIN: 0584-AD79 _______________________________________________________________________ 172. SCHOOL BREAKFAST PROGRAM: SEVERE NEED ASSISTANCE Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: PL 108-265 CFR Citation: 7 CFR 220 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: Prior to the interim rule, in order to receive the higher severe need School Breakfast Program reimbursements, schools must have served 40 percent plus of their lunches free or at a reduced price in the second preceding year and must document their costs. They received the lesser of their documented costs or the severe need rate. In response to Public Law 108-265, which amended the Child Nutrition Act of 1966, 7 CFR 220, the School Breakfast Program's regulations, is revised to remove the requirement to document costs. This rule also revises the regulations to require that the Secretary determine how schools without a second preceding year history may qualify for severe need reimbursements. (04-008) Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 11/02/05 70 FR 66247 Interim Final Rule Effective 12/02/05 Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 05/01/06 Final Action 12/00/07 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: Local, State Agency Contact: Sharon Ackerman, Agency Regulatory Officer, Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, Room 918, 3101 Park Center Drive, Alexandria, VA 22302 Phone: 703 305-2246 Fax: 703 605-0220 Email: sheri.ackerman@fns.usda.gov Related RIN: Duplicate of 0584-AD50 RIN: 0584-AD82 _______________________________________________________________________ 173. MARKETING AND SALE OF FLUID MILK IN SCHOOLS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: PL 108-265 CFR Citation: 7 CFR 210 Legal Deadline: None [[Page 22304]] Abstract: Public Law 108-265 amended the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act to prohibit schools from directly or indirectly restricting the sale or marketing of fluid milk products on school premises or at school sponsored events at any time or any place. This amendment was in response to procurement contracts that limited the types of products that schools could sell outside of the reimbursable meal programs. This rule finalizes the incorporation of that requirement into the regulations governing the National School Lunch Program. (04-015) Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 11/21/05 70 FR 70031 Interim Final Rule Effective 12/21/05 Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 05/22/06 Final Action 09/00/07 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: Local, State Agency Contact: Sharon Ackerman, Agency Regulatory Officer, Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, Room 918, 3101 Park Center Drive, Alexandria, VA 22302 Phone: 703 305-2246 Fax: 703 605-0220 Email: sheri.ackerman@fns.usda.gov Related RIN: Duplicate of 0584-AD57 RIN: 0584-AD83 _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Agriculture (USDA) Long-Term Actions Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) _______________________________________________________________________ 174. DISTRICT-WIDE USE OF PROVISIONS 2 AND 3 Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant CFR Citation: 7 CFR 245 Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 08/00/08 Interim Final Rule Effective 09/00/08 Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 10/00/08 Final Action 06/00/09 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-AD51 _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Agriculture (USDA) Completed Actions Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) _______________________________________________________________________ 175. DISCLOSURE OF CHILDREN'S FREE AND REDUCED PRICE MEALS, AND FREE MILK ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION IN THE CHILD NUTRITION PROGRAMS Priority: Other Significant CFR Citation: 7 CFR 210; 7 CFR 215; 7 CFR 220; 7 CFR 225; 7 CFR 226; 7 CFR 245 Completed: ________________________________________________________________________ Reason Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 03/12/07 72 FR 10885 Final Action Effective 04/11/07 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-AC95 _______________________________________________________________________ 176. SENIOR FARMERS' MARKET NUTRITION PROGRAM (SFMNP) Priority: Other Significant CFR Citation: 7 CFR 249 Completed: ________________________________________________________________________ Reason Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 12/12/06 71 FR 74618 Final Action Effective 01/11/07 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: Businesses, Organizations 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-AD35 BILLING CODE 3410--30--S [[Page 22305]] _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Agriculture (USDA) Proposed Rule Stage Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) _______________________________________________________________________ 177. EGG PRODUCTS INSPECTION REGULATIONS Priority: Economically Significant. Major under 5 USC 801. 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 and establishments that pasteurize shell eggs 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 and pasteurized shell eggs. 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 findings of Salmonella in pasteurized egg products. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 03/00/08 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: Businesses, Governmental Jurisdictions Government Levels Affected: Federal, State Federalism: Undetermined Agency Contact: Victoria Levine, Program Analyst, 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: victoria.levine@fsis.usda.gov RIN: 0583-AC58 _______________________________________________________________________ 178. PRIOR LABELING APPROVAL SYSTEM: GENERIC LABEL APPROVAL 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' 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 meat 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 03/00/08 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: Undetermined Agency Contact: Robert Post Ph.D., 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 _______________________________________________________________________ 179. 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 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 03/00/08 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Sally White, Director, International Equivalence Staff, Office of International Affairs, Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and Inspection Service, Room 2137, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 202 720-6400 Fax: 202 720-6400 Email: sally.white@fsis.usda.gov Related RIN: Duplicate of 0583-AC92 RIN: 0583-AD01 _______________________________________________________________________ 180. ELECTRONIC SIGNATURES Priority: Economically Significant. Major under 5 USC 801. Legal Authority: Federal Meat Inspection Act (FMIA) (21 USC 601 et seq); Poultry Product Inspection Act (PPIA) (21 USC 451 et seq); Egg Products Inspection Act (EPIA) (21 USC 1031 et seq); Government Paperwork Elimination Act of 1998 (PL 105-277, title XVII) CFR Citation: Not Yet Determined Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is proposing to accept electronic signatures as equal to handwritten signatures so long as the [[Page 22306]] electronic report-generating and recordkeeping system uses procedures and controls designed to ensure authenticity, integrity, and where necessary, confidentiality. Such systems must also ensure that signatures are linked to records; that signatures cannot be excised, copied, transferred, or otherwise falsified; and that the signer cannot repudiate signed records as not genuine. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 03/00/08 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Wanda Haxton, Program Analyst, Regulations and Petitions Policy Staff, Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and Inspection Service, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 202 205-0299 Fax: 202 690-0486 Email: wanda.haxton@fsis.usda.gov RIN: 0583-AD14 _______________________________________________________________________ 181. FOOD ALLERGEN LABELING FOR MEAT, POULTRY, AND EGG PRODUCTS Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 21 USC 601 et seq; 21 USC 451 et seq; 21 USC 1031 et seq CFR Citation: 9 CFR 317.2(f); 9 CFR 381.118; 9 CFR 590.411(c) Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has jurisdiction over meat, poultry, and egg products while FDA has jurisdiction over all other food and ingredients, including their labeling. On August 2, 2004, the President signed into law the Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act (FALCPA)(S. 741)which, in part, requires that labels for food products under the jurisdiction of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) clearly state the presence of any of eight major foods or food groups (i.e., milk, eggs, fish, Crustacean shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, and soy beans) because these foods account for 90 percent of all food allergies. The Agency recognizes that, in addition to the requirements FSIS has for ensuring that all ingredients of health concern are controlled in processing and declared on labeling, there is a need for clear and understandable, consumer-friendly terms that would be helpful for allergen-sensitive individuals to make informed food choices for all foods, including meat, poultry, and egg products. Therefore, FSIS is developing a proposed rule to adopt the same naming conventions for the labeling of any of the eight major foods or food groups that is required by FALCPA when they are used to formulate a meat, poultry, or egg product. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 03/00/08 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Robert Post Ph.D., 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-AD22 _______________________________________________________________________ 182. DEFINITION OF VEAL Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: Not Yet Determined CFR Citation: None Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is proposing to establish a definition for ``veal.'' FSIS sees a clear need to define this term to distinguish this type of meat from other products of young cattle to ensure that the term ``veal'' is fairly and accurately used in commerce. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 03/00/08 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None 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-AD23 _______________________________________________________________________ 183. [bull] ELIGIBILITY OF CHILE TO EXPORT POULTRY AND POULTRY PRODUCTS TO THE UNITED STATES Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 7 USC 138f, 450; 21 USC 451 to 470 CFR Citation: 9 CFR 381; 7 CFR 2.7, 2.18, 2.53 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Food Safety and Inspection service (FSIS) is proposing to add Chile to the list of countries eligible to export poultry products to the United States (U.S.). In August 2005, Chile successfully completed the eligibility process for exporting poultry products to the U.S. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 12/00/07 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: Federal Agency Contact: Sally White, Director, International Equivalence Staff, Office of International Affairs, Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and Inspection Service, Room 2137, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 202 720-6400 Fax: 202 720-6400 Email: sally.white@fsis.usda.gov RIN: 0583-AD25 _______________________________________________________________________ 184. [bull] ADDITION OF THE PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF CHINA TO THE LIST OF COUNTRIES ELIGIBLE TO EXPORT POULTRY AND POULTRY PRODUCTS TO THE U.S. Priority: Other Significant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Legal Authority: 7 USC 138f; 21 USC 450 to 470; 7 CFR 2.7, 2.18, 2.53 CFR Citation: 9 CFR 381 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is proposing to amend [[Page 22307]] the Poultry Product Inspection Regulations to add the People's Republic of China to the List of Countries Eligible to Export Poultry and Poultry Products to the U.S. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 12/00/07 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: Federal Agency Contact: Sally White, Director, International Equivalence Staff, Office of International Affairs, Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and Inspection Service, Room 2137, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 202 720-6400 Fax: 202 720-6400 Email: sally.white@fsis.usda.gov RIN: 0583-AD27 _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Agriculture (USDA) Final Rule Stage Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) _______________________________________________________________________ 185. PERFORMANCE STANDARDS FOR THE PRODUCTION OF PROCESSED MEAT AND POULTRY PRODUCTS; CONTROL OF LISTERIA MONOCYTOGENES IN READY-TO-EAT MEAT AND POULTRY PRODUCTS Priority: Economically Significant. Major under 5 USC 801. 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; 9 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, and measures, including testing, to control Listeria monocytogenes in RTE 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. With HACCP, food safety performance standards 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 01/31/05 NPRM Comment Period Reopened 03/24/05 70 FR 15017 NPRM Comment Period End 05/09/05 Affirmation of Interim Final Rule 06/00/07 Final Action 03/00/08 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: Undetermined Agency Contact: Dr. Daniel L. Engeljohn, Deputy Assistant Administrator, Office of Policy, Program, and Employee Development, Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and Inspection Service, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 202 205-0495 Fax: 202 401-1760 Email: daniel.engeljohn@fsis.usda.gov RIN: 0583-AC46 _______________________________________________________________________ 186. NUTRITION LABELING OF SINGLE-INGREDIENT PRODUCTS AND GROUND OR CHOPPED MEAT AND POULTRY PRODUCTS Priority: Economically Significant. Major under 5 USC 801. 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 12/00/07 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Robert Post Ph.D., 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 [[Page 22308]] Email: robert.post@fsis.usda.gov RIN: 0583-AC60 _______________________________________________________________________ 187. FOOD STANDARDS; GENERAL PRINCIPLES AND FOOD STANDARDS MODERNIZATION Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 21 USC 601 et seq; 21 USC 451 et seq; 21 USC 321 et seq CFR Citation: 9 CFR 410; 21 CFR 130 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have proposed to establish 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, be consistent with international food standards, and be 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. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 05/20/05 70 FR 29214 NPRM Comment Period End 08/18/05 Final Action 03/00/08 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Robert Post Ph.D., 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 _______________________________________________________________________ 188. 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 01/12/06 71 FR 1988 NPRM Comment Period End 03/13/06 Final Action 12/00/07 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Dr. Daniel L. Engeljohn, Deputy Assistant Administrator, Office of Policy, Program, and Employee Development, Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and Inspection Service, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 202 205-0495 Fax: 202 401-1760 Email: daniel.engeljohn@fsis.usda.gov RIN: 0583-AC81 _______________________________________________________________________ 189. 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 will 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 03/00/08 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Robert Post Ph.D., 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 _______________________________________________________________________ 190. 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 under 5 USC 801. 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 [[Page 22309]] 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 for the 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 05/07/04 Interim Final Rule Amendment 07/07/05 70 FR 53043 Interim Final Rule Amendment Comment Period End 10/07/05 Final Action 03/00/08 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: Undetermined Agency Contact: Dr. Daniel L. Engeljohn, Deputy Assistant Administrator, Office of Policy, Program, and Employee Development, Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and Inspection Service, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 202 205-0495 Fax: 202 401-1760 Email: daniel.engeljohn@fsis.usda.gov RIN: 0583-AC88 _______________________________________________________________________ 191. 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 320.1 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 products 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 action in 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 05/07/04 Final Action 03/00/08 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Dr. Daniel L. Engeljohn, Deputy Assistant Administrator, Office of Policy, Program, and Employee Development, Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and Inspection Service, 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 _______________________________________________________________________ 192. PROHIBITION ON THE USE OF AIR-INJECTION STUNNERS FOR THE SLAUGHTER OF CATTLE Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: Federal Meat Inspection Act, 21 USC 601(m), 621 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 05/07/04 Final Action 03/00/08 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: Undetermined Agency Contact: Dr. Daniel L. Engeljohn, Deputy Assistant Administrator, Office of Policy, Program, and Employee Development, [[Page 22310]] Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and Inspection Service, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 202 205-0495 Fax: 202 401-1760 Email: daniel.engeljohn@fsis.usda.gov RIN: 0583-AD03 _______________________________________________________________________ 193. ACCREDITED LABORATORY PROGRAM Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 21 USC 601 et seq; 21 USC 451 et seq CFR Citation: 9 CFR 318, 381, and 439 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The rule revises, edits, and consolidates provisions to establish standards and procedures for the accreditation of non-Federal analytical chemistry laboratories. FSIS is amending the regulations to accommodate more readily the adoption of newer methods for analyzing an expanded number of chemical residues and to correct some factual data. In addition, FSIS is making other editorial changes to reflect Agency reorganizations and program changes since a rule was published in 1993. This rule also consolidates the regulations, now in two parts, into a single part, 9 CFR part 439. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 01/17/06 71 FR 2483 NPRM Comment Period End 03/20/06 Final Action 12/00/07 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Dr. Daniel L. Engeljohn, Deputy Assistant Administrator, Office of Policy, Program, and Employee Development, Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and Inspection Service, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 202 205-0495 Fax: 202 401-1760 Email: daniel.engeljohn@fsis.usda.gov RIN: 0583-AD09 _______________________________________________________________________ 194. AVAILABILITY OF LISTS OF RETAIL CONSIGNEES DURING MEAT OR POULTRY PRODUCT RECALLS Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 5 USC 301, 552 CFR Citation: 9 CFR 390 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has proposed to amend the federal meat and poultry products inspection regulations to provide that the Agency will make available to the public lists of the retail consignees of meat and poultry products that have been voluntarily recalled by a federally inspected meat or poultry products establishment. FSIS has proposed this action because it believes that making this information available will be of significant value to consumers and the industry. It will clarify what products should be removed from commerce and from consumers' possession because there is reason to believe they are adulterated or misbranded. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 03/07/06 71 FR 11326 NPRM Comment Period End 06/11/06 71 FR 27211 Final Action 03/00/08 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: Undetermined Agency Contact: Mr. Philip Derfler, Assistant Administrator, Office of Policy, Program, and Employee Development, Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and Inspection Service, Room 350, Jamie L. Whitten Building, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-3700 Phone: 202 720-2709 Fax: 202 720-2025 Email: philip.derfler@fsis.usda.gov RIN: 0583-AD10 _______________________________________________________________________ 195. DEFINITIONS AND PROCEDURES FOR DETERMINING THE NET WEIGHT COMPLIANCE OF MEAT AND POULTRY PRODUCTS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 21 USC 601 et seq; 21 USC 451 et seq CFR Citation: 9 CFR 317; 9 CFR 381; 9 CFR 442 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has proposed to amend the Federal meat and poultry products inspection regulations in order that they reference the revised version of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Handbook 133 that contains standards for determining the reasonable variations allowed for the declared net weight on labels of immediate containers of meat and poultry products; the procedures to be used to determine the net weight and net weight compliance of meat and poultry products; and related definitions. The Agency has also proposed to consolidate the separate net weight regulations for meat and poultry products in a new CFR part, applicable to both meat and poultry products. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 03/28/06 71 FR 15340 NPRM Comment Period End 05/30/06 Final Action 03/00/08 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Robert Post Ph.D., 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-AD17 _______________________________________________________________________ 196. ALLOWING BAR-TYPE CUT TURKEY OPERATIONS TO USE J-TYPE CUT MAXIMUM LINE SPEEDS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 21 USC 451 et seq CFR Citation: 9 CFR 381.68 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: FSIS has proposed to amend the Federal poultry products inspection regulations to provide that turkey slaughter establishments that open turkey carcasses with Bar-type cuts may operate at the maximum line speeds established for J-type cuts, if the [[Page 22311]] establishment uses the specific type of shackle described in this proposed rule. Under this proposed rule, as under current regulations, the inspector in charge will reduce line speeds when, in his or her judgment, the prescribed inspection procedure cannot be adequately performed within the time available because of the health conditions of a particular flock or because of other factors. Such factors include the manner in which birds are being presented to the inspector for inspection and the level of contamination among the birds on the line. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 09/09/05 70 FR 53582 NPRM Comment Period End 12/08/05 Final Action 12/00/07 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Dr. Daniel L. Engeljohn, Deputy Assistant Administrator, Office of Policy, Program, and Employee Development, Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and Inspection Service, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 202 205-0495 Fax: 202 401-1760 Email: daniel.engeljohn@fsis.usda.gov RIN: 0583-AD18 _______________________________________________________________________ 197. [bull] ANTE-MORTEM INSPECTION OF HORSES Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 7 USC 1622, 1624; 21 USC 601 et seq CFR Citation: 9 CFR 352 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: FSIS published an interim final rule to amend the Federal meat inspection regulations to provide for a voluntary fee-for-service program under which official establishments that slaughter horses will be able to apply for and pay for ante-mortem inspection. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 02/08/06 71 FR 6337 Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 03/10/06 Interim Final Rule Effective 03/10/06 Final Action 12/00/07 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Dr. Daniel L. Engeljohn, Deputy Assistant Administrator, Office of Policy, Program, and Employee Development, Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and Inspection Service, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 202 205-0495 Fax: 202 401-1760 Email: daniel.engeljohn@fsis.usda.gov RIN: 0583-AD26 _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Agriculture (USDA) Completed Actions Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) _______________________________________________________________________ 198. PERFORMANCE STANDARDS FOR PUMPED OR MASSAGED BACON Priority: Other Significant CFR Citation: 9 CFR 424.22(b) Completed: ________________________________________________________________________ Reason Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Withdrawn--The rule is not likely to be published in the Federal Register by March 2008. 02/28/07 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Daniel L. Engeljohn Phone: 202 205-0495 Fax: 202 401-1760 Email: daniel.engeljohn@fsis.usda.gov RIN: 0583-AC49 _______________________________________________________________________ 199. FOOD DEFENSE PLANS Priority: Other Significant CFR Citation: 9 CFR 420 Completed: ________________________________________________________________________ Reason Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Withdrawn --The rule is not likely to be published in the Federal Register by March 2008. 03/01/07 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: State Agency Contact: Jeffrey L. Brown Phone: 202 720-2096 Fax: 202 690-0486 Email: jeffrey.brown@fsis.usda.gov RIN: 0583-AD06 _______________________________________________________________________ 200. EXPORT PRODUCT DEVIATIONS FROM LABELING REQUIREMENTS AND INGREDIENT RESTRICTIONS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant CFR Citation: 9 CFR 318.8 Completed: ________________________________________________________________________ Reason Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Withdrawn--The rule is not likely to be published in the Federal Register by March 2008. 02/28/07 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Daphne Brown Phone: 202 720-5627 Fax: 202 690-0486 Email: daphne.brown@fsis.usda.gov RIN: 0583-AD24 BILLING CODE 3410--DM--S [[Page 22312]] _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Agriculture (USDA) Final Rule Stage Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) _______________________________________________________________________ 201. NEW PROVISIONS AND REVISIONS TO SUGAR RE-EXPORT PROGRAMS Priority: Other Significant 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 re-export, 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; 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 01/21/05 70 FR 3150 NPRM Comment Period End 03/22/05 Final Action 06/00/07 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Tamoria S. Thompson-Hall, Budget Analyst, Department of Agriculture, Foreign Agricultural Service, Room 6083-S, MS 1028, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-1028 Phone: 202 690-1690 Email: tammy.thompson@usda.gov Kimberly Chisley, Regulatory Coordinator, Department of Agriculture, Foreign Agricultural Service, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 202 720-2568 Fax: 202 720-3814 Email: chisleyk@fas.usda.gov RIN: 0551-AA65 _______________________________________________________________________ 202. QUALITY SAMPLES PROGRAM Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Legal Authority: 44 USC 3501; 15 USC 714 CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1483 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: Rule proposes to establish regulations applicable to the Quality Samples Program (QSP), currently authorized by section 5(f) of the CCC Charter Act, 15 U.S.C. 714c(f). This proposed rule would codify existing guidelines. The rule would provide specific regulations concerning program administration. Significant provisions include program objectives and priorities, eligible organizations, qualification requirements, application and review processes, reimbursement rules and procedures, financial reporting and program evaluation requirements, and program controls. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 08/03/06 71 FR 43992 NPRM Comment Period End 10/02/06 Interim Final Rule 04/00/07 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None URL For More Information: www.fas.usda.gov Agency Contact: Kimberly Chisley, Regulatory Coordinator, Department of Agriculture, Foreign Agricultural Service, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 202 720-2568 Fax: 202 720-3814 Email: chisleyk@fas.usda.gov RIN: 0551-AA68 BILLING CODE 3410--10--S _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Agriculture (USDA) Proposed Rule Stage Forest Service (FS) _______________________________________________________________________ 203. 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 part 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 18 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. [[Page 22313]] Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 06/22/87 52 FR 23473 NPRM Comment Period End 07/22/87 Second NPRM 12/00/07 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Andria D. Weeks, Regulatory Analyst, Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, ATTN: ORMS, D&R Branch, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0003 Phone: 202 205-3610 Fax: 202 260-6539 Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us RIN: 0596-AA52 _______________________________________________________________________ 204. 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 subsection (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 12/00/07 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: Federal Agency Contact: Andria D. Weeks, Regulatory Analyst, Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, ATTN: ORMS, D&R Branch, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0003 Phone: 202 205-3610 Fax: 202 260-6539 Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us RIN: 0596-AB27 _______________________________________________________________________ 205. 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 212; 36 CFR 214; 36 CFR 215; 36 CFR 228; 26 CFR 241; 36 CFR 251; 36 CFR 254; 36 CFR 292 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Forest Service is publishing a proposed rule to revise the process by which certain parties can appeal decisions relating to authorizations for use and occupancy of National Forest System lands and resources. This proposed rule would create a new part 214 to replace regulations at 36 CFR part 251, subpart C. The Forest Service has a continuing commitment to review its regulations periodically, to identify specific problems in administering them, and to determine whether they meet agency and public needs. Experience with the procedures at 36 CFR part 251, subpart C, has shown that certain provisions in the rule consistently raise questions. Thus, the agency has identified a need to amend the procedures at 36 CFR part 251, subpart C, to correct and clarify aspects of the part 251 appeals process and its relationship to the amended appeal rule at 36 CFR part 215. Among specific changes being proposed are acknowledgement that this is the appropriate part for appeal of decisions related to locatable mining operations; making terminology consistent with part 215; establishing time frames for intervening, scheduling oral presentations or requesting stays; 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 conforming technical revisions to 36 CFR parts 212, 215, 228, 241, 251, 254, and 292. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 11/00/07 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Andria D. Weeks, Regulatory Analyst, Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, ATTN: ORMS, D&R Branch, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0003 Phone: 202 205-3610 Fax: 202 260-6539 Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us RIN: 0596-AB45 _______________________________________________________________________ 206. 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 [[Page 22314]] 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 11/00/07 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, ATTN: ORMS, D&R Branch, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0003 Phone: 202 205-3610 Fax: 202 260-6539 Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us RIN: 0596-AB61 _______________________________________________________________________ 207. 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 12/00/07 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, ATTN: ORMS, D&R Branch, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0003 Phone: 202 205-3610 Fax: 202 260-6539 Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us RIN: 0596-AB75 _______________________________________________________________________ 208. 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. 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 provide consistency for the sustainability and sale of special forest products including forest botanical products. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 05/00/07 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, ATTN: ORMS, D&R Branch, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0003 Phone: 202 205-3610 Fax: 202 260-6539 Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us RIN: 0596-AB81 _______________________________________________________________________ 209. LOCATABLE MINERALS Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 30 USC 21 to 54; 30 USC 612 CFR Citation: 36 CFR 228, subpart A Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This revision follows recommended changes developed by the Government Accountability Office and Office of Inspector General audits and recommendations in the National Research Council's 1999 report titled ``Hard rock Mining on Federal Lands.'' The proposed rule would improve the administration of the locatable minerals program. The proposed rule's objectives are to improve the process for modifying, suspending, and terminating plans of operation; improve the process of reviewing and adjusting reclamation bonds to cover the full cost of reclamation; improve the process of managing temporary closures; define proper occupancy and use; and improve noncompliance and enforcement actions. This proposed rule revision will increase the efficiency of locatable minerals administration and protect the public from funding mine reclamation. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 05/00/07 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, ATTN: ORMS, D&R Branch, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0003 Phone: 202 205-3610 Fax: 202 260-6539 Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us RIN: 0596-AB98 [[Page 22315]] _______________________________________________________________________ 210. GRAZING PERMIT ADMINISTRATION (FSH 2209.13, CHAPTERS 10 AND 20) Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 5801 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 issued 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. Clarifications and 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: 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 ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Directives 07/19/05 70 FR 41370 Comment Period End 08/20/05 Proposed and Interim Directives 08/19/05 70 FR 48663 Comment Period End 12/19/05 Notice--Previous Actions Withdrawn for Reconsideration 09/20/05 70 FR 55102 Proposed Directives 12/00/07 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, ATTN: ORMS, D&R Branch, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0003 Phone: 202 205-3610 Fax: 202 260-6539 Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us RIN: 0596-AC12 _______________________________________________________________________ 211. RECREATION EVENT FEES (FOREST SERVICE MANUAL, CHAPTER 2720) Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 497, 551 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 02/00/08 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, ATTN: ORMS, D&R Branch, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0003 Phone: 202 205-3610 Fax: 202 260-6539 Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us RIN: 0596-AC24 _______________________________________________________________________ 212. OUTFITTER AND GUIDE SPECIAL USE AUTHORIZATIONS (FOREST SERVICE HANDBOOK 2709.11, CHAPTER 30) Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 497 CFR Citation: None Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Forest Service is publishing a proposed agency directive to amend Forest Service Handbook 2709.11, section 37, regarding fees for outfitting and guiding special use authorizations. This action is being taken to improve administrative efficiency for the agency and reduce administrative burden to small business. For example: for minor concession uses, the proposed directive would revise the current fee system from one based on a percentage of gross revenue to a flat rate, thus reducing record keeping and audit requirements. Public comment is invited and will be considered in development of a final directive. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Proposed Directives 02/00/08 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, ATTN: ORMS, D&R Branch, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0003 Phone: 202 205-3610 Fax: 202 260-6539 Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us Related RIN: Merged with 0596-AC50 RIN: 0596-AC25 _______________________________________________________________________ 213. CLARIFYING PROHIBITIONS AGAINST DAMAGE TO THE NATIONAL FOREST BY ESCAPED FIRES Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 551 CFR Citation: 36 CFR 261.1; 36 CFR 261.2; 36 CFR 261.5 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Forest Service intends to amend 36 CFR 261.1, 261.2, and 261.5 to clarify that strict liability will be applied to a person who commits a prohibited action under section 261 that results in a fire escaping and damaging or threatening National Forest System lands. This section has not been interpreted consistently in the courts. Amending the CFR to align with the Model Penal Code definitions of criminal intent will achieve consistency in application and interpretation. [[Page 22316]] In addition, the CFR will be amended to clarify that a person conducting a legitimate prescribed fire on private or public lands adjacent to National Forest System Lands will be subject to the Model Penal Code standard of negligence. This will bring the law enforcement action in line with the objectives and goals of the National Fire Plan and the Healthy Forest Initiative by assuring those who conduct those activities with due diligence will not be subject to a strict liability interpretation in 36 CFR 261.5. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 04/02/07 72 FR 15641 NPRM Comment Period End 06/01/07 Final Action 10/00/07 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, ATTN: ORMS, D&R Branch, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0003 Phone: 202 205-3610 Fax: 202 260-6539 Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us RIN: 0596-AC30 _______________________________________________________________________ 214. REVISIONS TO GENERAL PROHIBITIONS REGARDING LIVESTOCK AND WILD FREE-ROAMING HORSES AND BURROS ON NATIONAL FOREST SYSTEM LANDS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 551 CFR Citation: 36 CFR 222; 36 CFR 261.7; 36 CFR 261.21 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Forest Service is proposing to revise the regulation governing the management of wild free-roaming horses and burros. This proposed action will incorporate into regulation new provisions for management of wild horses and burros enacted by the Fiscal Year 2005 Omnibus Appropriations Act (Pub. L. 108-447, Division E, title 1, section 142). This proposed action would also eliminate concerns raised by employees and others about inconsistencies in Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management regulations on the management of wild horses and burros. The Fiscal Year 2005 Omnibus Appropriations Act amended the Wild Free- Roaming Horses and Burros Act (Pub. L. 92-195) and mandated the sale of wild horses and burros that meet specific criteria. In general, the law mandates the sale of excess wild horses and burros that are more than 10 years of age or that have been offered unsuccessfully for adoption at least 3 times. These animals are to be made available for sale without limitation, including through auction to the highest bidder, at local sale yards, or other convenient livestock selling facilities, until all excess animals offered for sale are sold or until appropriate management levels are attained across all areas occupied by wild horses and burros. Funds generated from the sale of these animals are to be credited to the Bureau of Land Management and used to help alleviate costs generated from the adoption of wild horses and burros. Additionally, the Forest Service wishes to merge this revision of 36 CFR part 222 with an existing proposed action to revise 36 CFR part 261, subpart A--General Prohibitions; section 261.7, Livestock; and section 261.21, Wild Free-Roaming Horses and Burros (RIN 0596-AC31). That proposed rule would clarify ambiguity regarding whether strict liability must be proven for violations of the prohibitions set out in those sections related to livestock and wild free-roaming horses and burros. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 09/00/07 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, ATTN: ORMS, D&R Branch, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0003 Phone: 202 205-3610 Fax: 202 260-6539 Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us RIN: 0596-AC31 _______________________________________________________________________ 215. CLARIFICATION FOR THE APPROPRIATE USE OF A CRIMINAL OR A CIVIL CITATION TO ENFORCE MINERAL REGULATIONS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: Not Yet Determined CFR Citation: 36 CFR 261.10 (b); 36 CFR 261.10 (k) Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Forest Service is proposing to amend the regulations at 36 CFR 261.10 to clarify when a criminal citation should be used for unauthorized mining operations. This revision is necessary to address recent adverse District Court decisions which have found that sections 261.10(b) and (k) do not apply to the enforcement of unauthorized mining operations. These sections deal with taking possession of, occupying, or using National Forest System lands for residential purposes, and the use or occupancy of the lands or facilities, respectively. Adding appropriate language would make it clear that these sections do apply to mineral operations. In addition, in the definitions section where operating plan is defined, references to other mineral-related regulations will be added to indicate that 36 CFR 261.10 applies to them as well. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 05/00/07 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, ATTN: ORMS, D&R Branch, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0003 Phone: 202 205-3610 Fax: 202 260-6539 Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us RIN: 0596-AC38 _______________________________________________________________________ 216. LINEAR RIGHT-OF-WAY RENTAL PAYMENT SCHEDULE Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 42 USC 15801 CFR Citation: 36 CFR 251.57 Legal Deadline: NPRM, Statutory, August 8, 2006. [[Page 22317]] Abstract: The Forest Service (FS) is seeking public participation in the formulation of a proposed rule to update the linear right-of-way rental fee schedule authorized by 36 CFR 251.57 and set out in Forest Service Handbook 2709.12, chapter 30. Section 367 of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (the Act) directs the Secretary of Agriculture to, not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of the Act on August 8, 2005, update the per-acre rental fee schedule. The rental fee schedule covers most linear rights-of-way granted under section 28 of the Mineral Leasing Act of 1920, as amended, and title V of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976, as amended. Both laws require the holder of a right-of-way to pay annually, in advance, the fair market value to occupy, use, or traverse public lands, for facilities such as power lines, fiber optic lines, pipelines, roads, and ditches. The Act also requires the FS to revise the per-acre rental fee zone values by State, county, and type of linear right-of-way use to reflect current land values in each zone. The Secretary of the Interior is also required by the Act to make these same revisions for rights-of-way on public lands administered by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). The BLM published an advance notice of proposed rulemaking on April 27, 2006 (71 FR 24836). Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 12/00/07 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, ATTN: ORMS, D&R Branch, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0003 Phone: 202 205-3610 Fax: 202 260-6539 Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us RIN: 0596-AC48 _______________________________________________________________________ 217. FOREST SERVICE NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY ACT PROCEDURES Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 40 CFR 1507.3 CFR Citation: 36 CFR 220 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Forest Service is proposing to move existing Agency NEPA procedures required by 40 CFR 1507.3 from Forest Service Handbook 1909.15 to the CFR, add new procedures, and edit some existing procedures. Presently, Forest Service procedures are combined with Agency guidance in FSH 1909.15 along with quotations from the Council on Environmental Quality regulations. Having Agency NEPA procedures in regulations, separate from guidance, will make it easier for the Forest Service to provide guidance through the agency directive system. Agency internal processes will continue to reside in FSH 1909.15 with references to both CEQ and Forest Service NEPA procedures. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 10/00/07 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, ATTN: ORMS, D&R Branch, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0003 Phone: 202 205-3610 Fax: 202 260-6539 Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us RIN: 0596-AC49 _______________________________________________________________________ 218. OUTFITTER AND GUIDE SPECIAL USE AUTHORIZATIONS (FOREST SERVICE HANDBOOK 2709.11, CHAPTER 40) Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 43 USC 1761 to 1771 CFR Citation: None Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Forest Service is publishing a proposed agency directive to amend Forest Service Handbook 2709.11, section 41.53, regarding the administration of outfitting and guiding special use authorizations. This action is being taken to simplify the application and administration process for temporary use permits; offer the same terms and conditions to educational and institutional permit holders as to other types of permit holders; clarify policy for priority use permits governing performance, inspections, and allocation of use; and develop a process for allocation of use on a first-come, first-served basis for temporary use permits to facilitate greater participation in outfitting and guiding by youth, educational, and religious groups. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Proposed Directive 05/00/07 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, ATTN: ORMS, D&R Branch, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0003 Phone: 202 205-3610 Fax: 202 260-6539 Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us Related RIN: Split from 0596-AC25 RIN: 0596-AC50 _______________________________________________________________________ 219. GROUND WATER RESOURCE MANAGEMENT POLICY DIRECTION (FOREST SERVICE MANUAL, CHAPTER 2540 AND FOREST SERVICE HANDBOOK 2709.11) Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 475; 16 USC 526 CFR Citation: None Legal Deadline: None Abstract: In recent years, the USDA Forest Service has been receiving an increasing number of inquiries and applications to access ground water resources on National Forest System lands nationwide. With the need for water expected to continue increasing in most areas of the country, it is likely this trend will persist. As a consequence, a need for national direction to ensure consistent and informed responses nationwide to ground water-related projects and proposals has been identified. This direction would amend the Forest Service Manual by adding section 2543 to chapter 2540 and adding provisions to the Forest Service Special Uses [[Page 22318]] Handbook 2709.11, chapters 10, 40, and 50. The new manual section: Clarifies Agency responsibilities with respect to ground water issues; provides direction for consideration of ground water resources in decisionmaking, including water-well and water-pipeline applications, siting of public water supplies, and implementation of source water protection programs on NFS lands; initiates a policy of quantifying ground water withdrawals from NFS lands; establishes ground water data management requirements; and promotes sustainable use of ground water resources. The new handbook provisions clarify implementation of the new manual direction for special uses activities involving ground water. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Proposed Directive 05/00/07 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, ATTN: ORMS, D&R Branch, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0003 Phone: 202 205-3610 Fax: 202 260-6539 Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us RIN: 0596-AC51 _______________________________________________________________________ 220. FOREST SERVICE POLICY ON PARTNER, SPONSOR, AND DONOR RECOGNITION (FOREST SERVICE HANDBOOK 1509.14) Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 558a to 558d; 42 USC 12501; 16 USC 1271; 16 USC 1641 to 1646 CFR Citation: None Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Forest Service is proposing to publish a directive to Forest Service Handbook 1509.14 where consistent national direction regarding sponsorship and donor recognition can be established. The proposed policy will establish new guidelines for the acceptance, utilization, and recognition of donations. The guidelines are intended to be practical standards under which the USDA Forest Service may fully use its donation acceptance authorities, while maintaining integrity, impartiality, and public confidence. Donations are appropriate tools authorized by Congress for the Department and its bureaus to accomplish their missions. The Department's policy is to accept, utilize, recognize, and solicit donations in a manner that promotes and enhances the Department's programs, activities, and operations, consistent with applicable law and the donation guidelines. The policy will also set forth the Chief's delegation of authority regarding donations and fundraising; establish roles and responsibilities for USDA FS employees who work with donors, fundraising partners, and potential donors; identify plans and agreements relating to philanthropic activities and explain when they are required to be used; establish criteria for consideration in accepting of donations; and provide general guidance on appropriate forms of donor recognition. The policy will also serve as guiding criteria for USDA FS employees' conduct in relation to donation and sponsorship activities and fundraising campaigns which benefit the USDA FS. The USDA FS seeks to ensure the integrity and appropriateness of donations and fundraising activities and add new direction on how partners are acknowledged for their contributions. This policy is to be used by USDA FS employees in tandem with the Partnership Guide. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Proposed Directive 10/00/07 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, ATTN: ORMS, D&R Branch, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0003 Phone: 202 205-3610 Fax: 202 260-6539 Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us RIN: 0596-AC52 _______________________________________________________________________ 221. CATEGORICAL EXCLUSION FOR SKI AREA RESORT ACTIVITIES (FSH 1909.15, CHAPTER 30) Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 7 CFR 1b CFR Citation: None Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Forest Service is publishing a proposed directive to amend Forest Service Handbook 1909.15, chapter 30, regarding categorical exclusions (CEs) from documentation under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). Its purpose is to improve management efficiency for ski areas operating under special use authorization on National Forest System lands. Experience in environmental analysis of ski area developments has shown that many projects implementing a ski area master development plan or programmatic decision that was analyzed through an Environmental Assessment (EA) or Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) have not individually or cumulatively had a significant effect on the human environment. In the majority of projects, the issues associated with ski areas arise from the initial development or expansion of an area rather than from implementing projects. The current list of CEs in this handbook omits some activities that do not warrant additional analysis and therefore places an unnecessary cost burden on the Agency and ski area operators. The Agency will review past environmental analyses to determine the types of implementing projects that typically do not have significant effects. Examples may include lift replacement or modification, minor modification of existing ski trails and terrain, vegetation management, improving or replacing existing facilities, and minor construction within the permitted area. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Proposed Directive 09/00/07 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, ATTN: ORMS, D&R Branch, 1400 [[Page 22319]] Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0003 Phone: 202 205-3610 Fax: 202 260-6539 Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us RIN: 0596-AC53 _______________________________________________________________________ 222. THREATENED, ENDANGERED, AND SENSITIVE (TES) SPECIES, SPECIES-OF- CONCERN, HABITAT MANAGEMENT, AND BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION (FSM 2670) Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1531 et seq CFR Citation: None Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Forest Service proposed to revise Forest Service Manual 2670, Threatened, Endangered, and Sensitive (TES) Plants and Animals, to set forth direction to ensure compliance with existing laws, regulations, and de-facto Agency policies and to reflect current conservation biology, knowledge, management practices, and emerging ecosystem and TES species-related topics and issues. This amendment is needed to: (1) Better guide forest plan compliance with the two National Forest Management Act (NFMA) planning rules on ecosystem and species conservation; (2) guide project level effects analysis and documentation for TES species; (3) modify objectives for TES species and habitat conservation; (4) modify policies for TES species and habitat conservation; (5) modify responsibilities assigned for TES species and habitat conservation; (6) correct several definitions related to TES species and habitat management; (7) correct cooperation procedures for TES species and habitat conservation; (8) update direction on sensitive species management; (9) set forth any direction needed for species-of-concern; (10) update direction on the recovery of T&E species; and (11) incorporate two 2006 Interim Directives on the 2005 NFMA Planning Rule and on grizzly bear management. The proposed changes are expected to provide more effective implementation of the Endangered Species Act, the 1982 and 2005 NFMA planning regulations, and Agency strategies and policies for at-risk species and their habitats. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Proposed Directive 10/00/07 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, ATTN: ORMS, D&R Branch, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0003 Phone: 202 205-3610 Fax: 202 260-6539 Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us RIN: 0596-AC55 _______________________________________________________________________ 223. PROCESSING APPLICATIONS FOR WIND ENERGY DEVELOPMENT ON NATIONAL FOREST SYSTEM LANDS (FOREST SERVICE MANUAL 2720) Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: PL 109-58; EO 13212; 16 USC 472; 16 USC 4601(6a(c)); 7 USC 1011(f); CFR Citation: None Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Forest Service is seeking comment on proposed policy that would govern the review and processing of applications for wind energy development on National Forest System land. This policy would address the internal agency process and responsibilities for: (1) Reviewing proposed wind energy plans of development, site plans, and operation plans; (2) issuing special use authorizations for site testing and monitoring (met towers); and (3) issuing special use authorizations for wind energy development in accordance with existing Forest Service regulations pertaining to special land uses set out at 36 CFR 251.54; as well as (4) determining the level of environmental analysis required for individual wind energy projects in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act, Council of Environmental Quality regulations, and existing Forest Service environmental policy and procedures. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Proposed Directive 05/00/07 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, ATTN: ORMS, D&R Branch, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0003 Phone: 202 205-3610 Fax: 202 260-6539 Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us RIN: 0596-AC61 _______________________________________________________________________ 224. [bull] SPECIAL AREAS; STATE-SPECIFIC INVENTORIED ROADLESS AREA MANAGEMENT: IDAHO Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 5 USC 553(e); 7 CFR 1.28 CFR Citation: 36 CFR 294 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: On October 5, 2006, the Governor of Idaho submitted a petition under the provisions of the Administrative Procedure Act (5 U.S.C. 553(e)) and Agriculture Department regulation (7 CFR 1.28) to promulgate regulations, in cooperation with the State, for management of 9.3 million acres of inventoried roadless areas within the State. After review and recommendation by the Roadless Area Conservation National Advisory Committee, the Secretary accepted the Governor's petition and initiated a proposed rulemaking for the roadless areas in Idaho. The proposed rulemaking would manage Idaho's inventoried roadless areas under four main themes listed from most restrictive to least: Wildland Recreation (1.4 million acres), Primitive (1.7 million acres), Backcountry (5.5 million acres), and General Forest (0.5 million acres). The proposed rulemaking also will establish three important tribal and historical sites as ``Special Areas'' (0.2 million acres). Road construction and reconstruction plus timber harvesting would be prohibited in certain inventoried roadless areas on the Boise, Caribou-Targhee, Clearwater, Idaho Panhandle, Kootenai (portions), Nez Perce, Payette, Salmon-Challis, Sawtooth, and Wallowa-Whitman (portions) National Forests in Idaho. Exceptions to the prohibitions would [[Page 22320]] be allowed for certain health, safety, valid existing rights, resource protection, and ecological management needs. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 12/00/07 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: State, Tribal Agency Contact: Andria D. Weeks, Regulatory Analyst, Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, ATTN: ORMS, D&R Branch, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0003 Phone: 202 205-3610 Fax: 202 260-6539 Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us Related RIN: Related to 0596-AC58, Related to 0596-AC59, Related to 0596-AC60 RIN: 0596-AC62 _______________________________________________________________________ 225. [bull] LAND MANAGEMENT PLANNING HANDBOOK, FOREST VEGETATION RESOURCE PLANNING (FSH 1909.12, CHAPTER 60) Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC et seq; 5 USC 301 CFR Citation: None Legal Deadline: None Abstract: Makes minor changes on identifying lands generally suitable for timber production and long-term sustained-yield to FSH 1909.12-- Land Management Planning Handbook, chapter 60--Forest Vegetation Resource Planning. The need for these changes is based on reviews of proposed land management plans under the 2005 planning rule. Changes include revising the category of lands generally not suitable for timber harvest from one general category into two subcategories: (1) Lands not suitable for timber harvest due to policy or physical and biological conditions and (2) timber harvest is not compatible with desired conditions and objectives. In addition, clarifies areas where timber harvest, including salvage, is prohibited by statute, Executive order, regulation, or policy. In addition, revises direction for estimating the long-term sustained-yield capacity (LTSYC) by clarifying that LTSYC must not be constrained by current budgets. In addition, eliminates the unnecessary restriction that only the LTSYC for timber production lands (sec. 62.21) may be combined where a national forest has less than 200,000 acres of forest land on which timber production is identified as an objective. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Proposed Directive 05/00/07 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, ATTN: ORMS, D&R Branch, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0003 Phone: 202 205-3610 Fax: 202 260-6539 Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us RIN: 0596-AC63 _______________________________________________________________________ 226. [bull] PUBLICLY MANAGED RECREATION OPPORTUNITIES (FOREST SERVICE MANUAL (FSM) 2300, 2330, 2340) Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 6801 to 6814; 16 USC 551 CFR Citation: None Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The USDA Forest Service is responsible for managing its recreation program in compliance with the agency's Organic Act (16 U.S.C. 551) and the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act (16 U.S.C. 6801 to 6814). Therefore, the Forest Service proposes to amend Forest Service Manual (FSM) chapter 2300, which cites the authorities under which the Agency's recreation program operates, as well as the overarching objectives, policy, and responsibilities under those authorities. Changes would be made in FSM 2330, Publicly Managed Recreation Opportunities, to conform to the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act and to clarify procedures for development of recreation sites on National Forest System lands. This proposed directive would assist Forest Service employees in consistently providing quality recreation sites, facilities, and customer service to the 192 million visitors each year to the National Forests and National Grasslands. Additionally, corresponding changes would be made in FSM 2340, Privately Provided Recreation Opportunities. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Proposed Directive 09/00/07 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, ATTN: ORMS, D&R Branch, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0003 Phone: 202 205-3610 Fax: 202 260-6539 Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us RIN: 0596-AC64 _______________________________________________________________________ 227. [bull] ADMINISTRATIVE ISSUANCES; INVOLVING THE PUBLIC IN THE FORMULATION OF FOREST SERVICE DIRECTIVES Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Legal Authority: 7 CFR 2.7; 16 USC 1612(a) CFR Citation: 36 CFR 200.4; 36 CFR 216 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Forest Service Directive System codifies the agency's policy, practice, and procedure. It is the primary administrative basis for the internal management and control of all agency programs and the primary source of administrative direction to Forest Service employees. In accordance with Executive Order 13422, which revised E.O. 12866 on regulatory planning and review and OMB's recent issuance of a bulletin on good guidance practices, as well as recent litigation regarding the publication of Forest Service directives for comment prior to issuance, the Forest Service plans to revise its regulation at title 36, Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), at section 200.4, which describes the Forest Service administrative issuance system (the Directive System), its use and availability, and other types of permissible guidance. Title 36 CFR, [[Page 22321]] part 216, would also be revised to clarify when and how to involve the public in the formulation of Forest Service directives. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 12/00/07 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, ATTN: ORMS, D&R Branch, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0003 Phone: 202 205-3610 Fax: 202 260-6539 Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us RIN: 0596-AC65 _______________________________________________________________________ 228. [bull] SPECIAL INTEREST AREAS (FSM 2360) Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 36 CFR 294.1b CFR Citation: None Legal Deadline: None Abstract: FSM 2360, Special Interest Areas including direction for the Heritage Resources Program, has not been amended since 1990. The Forest Service proposes to update FSM 2360, Special Interest Areas, to conform to the national Historic Preservation Act, and other applicable statutes, to clarify procedures for compliance with requirements of the law(s) when operating on National Forest System lands, and to streamline consultation with State and tribal Historic Preservation Offices. This Manual revision will reduce process barriers and provide greater consistency across units of the Forest Service. Significant revision is required to bring the Manual and Handbook direction up to date, allowing the Agency to enter into Programmatic Agreements with State and tribal historic preservation offices, simplifying and shortening existing process cycle time. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Proposed Directive 06/00/07 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, ATTN: ORMS, D&R Branch, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0003 Phone: 202 205-3610 Fax: 202 260-6539 Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us RIN: 0596-AC67 _______________________________________________________________________ 229. [bull] FOREST SERVICE STRATEGY FOR OPEN SPACE CONSERVATION Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: Not Yet Determined CFR Citation: None Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Forest Service recognizes that it is not the only contributor to open space conservation and seeks to partner with others to address this issue. Therefore, the Forest Service plans to solicit public input on a draft strategy that outlines proposed next steps and priorities for the Agency on open space conservation. This strategy would help guide Agency actions to address the loss of open space threat, which was identified as one of four great threats facing our Nation's forests. This public input period follows a request for public input published in the Federal Register on November 12, 2006, and on December 14, 2006. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Notice 11/13/06 71 FR 66162 Comment Period Extended 12/14/06 71 FR 75228 Notice 05/00/07 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, ATTN: ORMS, D&R Branch, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0003 Phone: 202 205-3610 Fax: 202 260-6539 Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us RIN: 0596-AC68 _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Agriculture (USDA) Final Rule Stage Forest Service (FS) _______________________________________________________________________ 230. 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 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 [[Page 22322]] 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 12/00/07 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Andria D. Weeks, Regulatory Analyst, Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, ATTN: ORMS, D&R Branch, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0003 Phone: 202 205-3610 Fax: 202 260-6539 Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us RIN: 0596-AB21 _______________________________________________________________________ 231. 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 USC 472(d) to 16 USC 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 forest, and meet agency requirements for compliance with the National Environmental Protection Act, 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 ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 06/16/06 71 FR 34823 Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 08/15/06 Final Action 05/00/07 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Andria D. Weeks, Regulatory Analyst, Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, ATTN: ORMS, D&R Branch, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0003 Phone: 202 205-3610 Fax: 202 260-6539 Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us RIN: 0596-AB70 _______________________________________________________________________ 232. 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 Forest Service promulgated an interim final rule on January 9, 2004 (69 FR 1529), at 36 CFR part 218, to establish a predecisional administrative review process whereby persons can seek administrative review and file objections for hazardous fuel reduction projects authorized under the Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003 (HFRA). The Agency solicited public comment on the interim final rule for a 90-day period. The comments received will be utilized to finalize 36 CFR part 218. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 01/09/04 69 FR 1529 Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 04/08/04 Final Action 12/00/07 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, ATTN: ORMS, D&R Branch, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0003 Phone: 202 205-3610 Fax: 202 260-6539 Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us RIN: 0596-AC15 _______________________________________________________________________ 233. 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 a final rule at part 223, subpart B, of title 36, Code of Federal Regulations, section 223.112. This 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. This 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 [[Page 22323]] 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 12/00/07 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, ATTN: ORMS, D&R Branch, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0003 Phone: 202 205-3610 Fax: 202 260-6539 Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us RIN: 0596-AC16 _______________________________________________________________________ 234. PREDATOR DAMAGE MANAGEMENT (FOREST SERVICE MANUAL, CHAPTER 2320) Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 7 USC 426 CFR Citation: None Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Forest Service is publishing final revisions to its directives on predator damage management in wilderness. Guidance to Forest officers in the management of predator damage in wilderness areas is contained in the Forest Service Manual (FSM) title 2300, Recreation, Wilderness, and Related Resources Management and FSM 2600, Wildlife, Fish, and Sensitive Plant Habitat Management. These revisions conform agency policy regarding predator damage management in wilderness with provisions in an interdepartmental Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Wildlife Services Division and the USDA Forest Service. The MOU, initiated in 1993, was renewed in 1998, and again in 2004, with minor revisions. The revisions also bring FSM 2320 into conformance with FSM 2650, which was revised in 1995 (60 FR 22037). Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Proposed Directive 06/07/06 71 FR 32915 Comment Period Extended 08/08/06 Comment Period End 09/07/06 Final Directive 05/00/07 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, ATTN: ORMS, D&R Branch, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0003 Phone: 202 205-3610 Fax: 202 260-6539 Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us RIN: 0596-AC22 _______________________________________________________________________ 235. INTEGRATED RESOURCE CONTRACTS, FS-2400-13 AND FS-2400-13T (NOTICE OF FINAL CONTRACTS) Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: PL 108-7 CFR Citation: None Legal Deadline: None Abstract: Section 323 of Public Law 108-7, the Consolidated Appropriations Resolution (16 U.S.C. 2104 note) established special authorities for stewardship contracting not addressed in existing Forest Service timber sale contracts. In general, the new authorities provide for including service work in timber sale contracts and applying the value of timber or other forest products removed as an offset against the cost of services received. Integrated Resource Contracts FS-2400-13 and FS-2400-13T are being developed for use with stewardship end result contracting when the value of timber exceeds the cost of service work. Except where they deviate to address the new authorities, the FS-2400- 13 and FS-2400-13T contracts parallel recently revised timber sale contracts FS-2400-6 and FS-2400-6T, which became effective upon notice in the Federal Register on May 6, 2004 (69 FR 25367). In order to fully implement the authorities under section 323 of Public Law 108-7, and because they are so similar to timber sale contracts FS- 2400-6 and FS-2400-6T, the Agency implemented interim use of the integrated resource contracts while public comments are being sought. Comments received will be considered in the development of the final contracts. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Notice of Interim Contracts 10/05/04 69 FR 59577 Comment Period End 11/04/04 Notice of Final Contracts 06/00/07 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, ATTN: ORMS, D&R Branch, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0003 Phone: 202 205-3610 Fax: 202 260-6539 Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us RIN: 0596-AC26 _______________________________________________________________________ 236. PISCICIDE APPLICATIONS ON NATIONAL FOREST SYSTEM LANDS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: Not Yet Determined CFR Citation: 36 CFR 241; 36 CFR 251.50(a); 36 CFR 261.9(f) Legal Deadline: None Abstract: State Fish and Game agencies typically use piscicides as a tool for managing fish populations in water bodies of the U.S. At times, these State agencies apply piscicides when they conduct fisheries management on water within the National Forest Systems lands. Current regulations at 36 CFR 251.5 and 261.9(f), require permits for all land uses and prohibit the use of any pesticide on National Forest System lands ``. . . except for personal use as an insect repellent or as provided by special-use authorization for other minor uses.`` The wording in these regulations has led to confusion and inconsistent application of Forest Service piscicide-use policies that has delayed restoration projects and strained working relationships with State cooperators. Therefore, the Forest Service is proposing that the regulations at 36 [[Page 22324]] CFR part 241 (Fish and Wildlife), 36 CFR part 251, subpart B, (Special Uses, 251.50(a)), and 36 CFR part 261, subpart A (General Prohibitions, 36 CFR 261.9(f)) be modified to allow State Game and Fish agencies to apply piscicides without first having to obtain a special use authorization, under certain conditions. A special use authorization would still be required for piscicide application within wilderness areas. The regulation will produce an efficient and standardized national approach for the application of piscicides by State agencies on National Forest System lands while retaining the Forest Service's authority over such use. Eliminating the Forest Service special use authorization requirement for this use is not expected to change the frequency of piscicide applications on National Forest System lands or change how piscicides are used. States are required to comply with other Federal laws when applying piscicides, such as the Federal Water Pollution Control Act,the Endangered Species Act, and the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act, as amended. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 11/16/06 71 FR 66715 NPRM Comment Period End 01/16/07 Final Action 05/00/07 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, ATTN: ORMS, D&R Branch, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0003 Phone: 202 205-3610 Fax: 202 260-6539 Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us RIN: 0596-AC33 _______________________________________________________________________ 237. TRAVEL MANAGEMENT (FOREST SERVICE MANUAL 2300 AND 7700) Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: EO 11644; 36 CFR 212 CFR Citation: None Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The final regulation entitled ``Travel Management; Designated Routes and Areas for Motor Vehicle Use (36 CFR part 212)'' was published on November 9, 2005 (70 FR 68264). The Forest Service plans to publish proposed directives to implement the regulation. The proposed directive changes are needed to provide guidance on implementation of the Travel Management regulation, conform terminology to the rule, and provide consistent direction on the process of designating roads, trails, and areas for motor vehicle use. The changes consolidate policy for travel planning for roads and trails in FSM 7710, while retaining separate chapters related to operations and maintenance for roads (FSM 7730) and trails (FSM 2350). The changes would expand the scope of the current roads analysis process to encompass motorized trails and areas, while streamlining travel analysis to ensure that it is completed in a timely manner. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Proposed Directive 03/09/07 72 FR 10632 Final Action 10/00/07 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, ATTN: ORMS, D&R Branch, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0003 Phone: 202 205-3610 Fax: 202 260-6539 Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us RIN: 0596-AC39 _______________________________________________________________________ 238. ADVERTISING AND SPONSORSHIP IN CONNECTION WITH CONCESSIONS INVOLVING PRIVATELY OWNED IMPROVEMENTS ON NATIONAL FOREST SYSTEM LANDS (FOREST SERVICE MANUAL 2340) Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: Not Yet Determined CFR Citation: None Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Forest Service is publishing a final directive to Forest Service Manual 2343.03 regarding (1) advertising in concessions involving privately developed facilities operated under special use authorization on National Forest System (NFS) lands and (2) sponsorship of new public services associated with those concessions. With respect to advertising, the current policy addresses only exterior advertising while the final directive adds direction to allow the permit holder to advertise inside buildings and other interior spaces owned by the holder. With respect to sponsorship, the final directive adds new direction on sponsorships that promote public participation in the management of NFS lands. The final directive describes the duration, location, and content of recognition of sponsors. Additionally, the final directive addresses special events and waives a prohibition on exterior advertising during a short-term event and requires the holder to not display the Forest Service shield or other Agency symbol in conjunction with product names, services, and advertising. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Directive 11/25/05 70 FR 71081 Comment Period End 03/27/06 Final Directive 10/00/07 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, ATTN: ORMS, D&R Branch, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0003 Phone: 202 205-3610 Fax: 202 260-6539 Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us RIN: 0596-AC41 _______________________________________________________________________ 239. NATIVE PLANT MATERIALS POLICY (FINAL DIRECTIVE, FOREST SERVICE MANUAL 2070) Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: EO 13112; 36 CFR 219.10(b) CFR Citation: None Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Forest Service is finalizing new directives at Forest Service Manual 2070, Native Plant Materials, which would address the uses of native plant materials in the [[Page 22325]] revegetation, restoration, and rehabilitation of National Forest System lands in order to achieve the Agency's goal of conserving aquatic and terrestrial biological diversity. The policy includes a requirement to collaborate with Federal, State, and local government entities and the public to develop and implement a program for native plant materials with emphasis on life forms beyond the current conifer effort. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Proposed Directive 05/26/06 71 FR 30375 Comment Period End 07/25/06 Final Action 07/00/07 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, ATTN: ORMS, D&R Branch, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0003 Phone: 202 205-3610 Fax: 202 260-6539 Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us Nona Jones, Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, MS 1135, ADM- 1ST-D&R, Post Office Box 96090-808RPE, Washington, DC 20090-6090 Phone: 703 605-4927 Fax: 703 235-2337 Email: npjones@fs.fed.us RIN: 0596-AC44 _______________________________________________________________________ 240. FOREST SERVICE RENEWABLE RESOURCES HANDBOOK (2409.19), CHAPTER 60, STEWARDSHIP CONTRACTING Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: PL 108-278 CFR Citation: None Legal Deadline: None Abstract: Public Law 108-278, the Tribal Forest Protection Act, authorizes the Secretaries of the Interior and Agriculture, upon request of an Indian tribe to enter into an agreement or contract to carry out a project to protect Indian forest land that meets specified criteria to issue public notice of initiation of any necessary environmental review or of the potential of entering into such an agreement or contract under which the Indian tribe would carry out certain activities. It authorizes the appropriate Secretary to enter into such an agreement or contract following completion of any necessary environmental analysis. The Forest Service (FS) has issued an interim directive (ID) to Forest Service Handbook 2409.19 establishing guidance for evaluating proposals submitted by tribes. The intended effect of issuance of this ID is to provide consistent overall guidance to FS employees regarding tribal proposals. Forest Service is seeking comments on this interim directive to ensure that issues or deficiencies are addressed. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Directive; Request for Comment 12/26/06 71 FR 77360 Final Action 06/00/07 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, ATTN: ORMS, D&R Branch, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0003 Phone: 202 205-3610 Fax: 202 260-6539 Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us RIN: 0596-AC45 _______________________________________________________________________ 241. SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION TIMBER SALE SET-ASIDE PROGRAM Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 36 CFR 223.118 CFR Citation: None Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Forest Service is proposing a revision of its policy procedures in Forest Service Handbook 2409.18, Timber Sale Preparation Handbook, chapter 90, Programs With Small Business Administration, to drop structural changes in the Forest Service Directives. This proposed revision would better reflect the current timber sale program, make the recomputation process as fair as possible, and simplify the process by which market share is determined. This proposed policy change would not affect scheduled recomputations and special recomputations. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Proposed Directive 08/01/06 71 FR 43435 Comment Period End 10/02/06 Comment Period Extended 09/29/06 71 FR 57462 Comment Period End 12/11/06 Final Action 06/00/07 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, ATTN: ORMS, D&R Branch, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0003 Phone: 202 205-3610 Fax: 202 260-6539 Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us RIN: 0596-AC46 _______________________________________________________________________ 242. FOREST SERVICE NATIONAL TRAIL MANAGEMENT CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM (FINAL DIRECTIVE, FSM 2330) Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 36 CFR 212 CFR Citation: None Legal Deadline: None Abstract: On July 3, 2006, the Forest Service published a Notice in the Federal Register for public comment on the Agency's proposed revisions to the National Trail Class Management System and Trail Design Parameters. The Forest Service uses this system to classify National Forest System Trails into 5 classes: Trail Class 1- Minimal/ Undeveloped; Trail Class 2- Simple/Minor Development; Trail Class 3- Developed/Improved; Trail Class 4- Highly Developed; and Trail Class 5- Fully Developed. These trail classes are assigned to existing trails according to the physical characteristics of the trail. The Forest Service has an estimated 133,000 miles of National Forest System Trails. The National Trail Class System is an internal agency tool that local Forest Service mangers use to designate trail classes at the field level. The Trail Design Parameters are used as the technical guidelines for trail [[Page 22326]] construction and maintenance. Both of these tools are used internally by the Forest Service and are part of the national processes for evaluating the condition and design of Forest Service trails. These tools are used by the Forest Service to consistently inventory and classify trails. The Trails Classification System does not have any on- the-ground environmental impacts. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Proposed Directive 07/03/06 71 FR 38021 Comment Period End 09/03/06 Interim Directive; Request for Comment 05/00/07 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, ATTN: ORMS, D&R Branch, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0003 Phone: 202 205-3610 Fax: 202 260-6539 Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us RIN: 0596-AC47 _______________________________________________________________________ 243. SENSITIVE SPECIES AND ENDANGERED SPECIES ACT CONSULTATION FOR LAND MANAGEMENT PLANS (FOREST SERVICE MANUAL 2670) Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 16 USC 1531 et seq CFR Citation: None Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Forest Service needs to issue an interim directive to clarify sensitive species and Endangered Species Act consultation management with the 2005 Planning Rule prior to the approval of the first Forest Land Management Plan (LMP) under the 2005 National Forest Management Act (NFMA) Planning Rule. The Agency anticipates that the first LMP will be approved in late summer or autumn of 2006. After consideration of comments, the direction subsequently would be issued in a comprehensive amendment to Forest Service Manual (FSM) 2670. Direction issued to sections FSM 2670.45 and FSM 2670.46 would add responsibilities for those Forest Supervisors and District Rangers who prepare Land Management Plans under the 2005 National Forest Management Act (NFMA) Planning Rule. The interim directive would describe changes necessary because of the different mechanisms and procedures in the 2005 NFMA Planning Rule to accomplish the plant community diversity and other requirements of the NFMA, and because these mechanisms and procedures are intended to implement the 2005 NFMA Planning Rule rather than the 1982 Planning Rule. The new policy would read, ``The provisions contained in the FSM 2670 that apply to sensitive species and to conducting a biological evaluation for Land Management Plan (LMP) decisions made under the 2005 Planning Rule, do not apply to that LMP, once the plan is approved.'' Direction issued to sections FSM 2670.45 and FSM 2670.46 would add responsibilities for those Forest Supervisors and District Rangers who prepare Land Management Plans under the 2005 National Forest Management Act (NFMA) Planning Rule. The change is necessary because, by themselves, such LMPs have no effect on listed species or designated critical habitat under the Endangered Species Act that can be meaningfully identified and evaluated. The new policy would state, ``A forest that revises its Land Management Plan (LMP) under the 2005 NFMA Planning Rule is subject to its regulations at 36 CFR 219.10, and to direction in FSM 1921.73, Ecological Evaluation of Sustainability, and Forest Service Handbook 1909.12, Land Management Planning Handbook. As a result, there would be no basis to request an ESA section 7(a)(2) jeopardy consultation on the LMP. In addition, all provisions contained in FSM 2670 that refer to identifying effects of forest plans to endangered and threatened species, to not jeopardizing species, or to using section 7(a)(2) formal consultation, do not apply to the development, amendment, revision, or implementation of LMPs. Collaboration with the United States Fish and Wildlife Service and National Marine Fisheries Service under section 7(a)(1) on LMP programs for the conservation of endangered and threatened species would continue.`` The proposed changes are expected to provide more effective implementation of the 1982 and 2005 NFMA planning regulations and a better field understanding of applicable policies on these topics. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Directive; Request for Comment 05/00/07 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, ATTN: ORMS, D&R Branch, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0003 Phone: 202 205-3610 Fax: 202 260-6539 Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us RIN: 0596-AC54 _______________________________________________________________________ 244. [bull] LAND MANAGEMENT PLANNING HANDBOOK, LAND MANAGEMENT PLAN (FSH 1909.12, CHAPTER 10) Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 36 CFR 219 CFR Citation: None Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Forest Service plans to issue an interim directive to FSH 1909.12, chapter 10, which was last issued January 31, 2006, and in addition, plans to publish notice in the Federal Register of a 60-day comment period. There is an immediate need to issue interim direction in the Forest Service Handbook to aid consistent interpretation and application of the direction on land management planning by agency personnel. The interim directive would make minor changes in the guidance for writing plan components, the monitoring program, and consideration of individual resources. The need for these changes is based on reviews of proposed land management plans under the 2005 planning rule. Specific changes include the guidance about writing desired conditions, objectives, and the suitability of areas. For desired conditions, guidance is needed to require additional specificity. For objectives, additional guidance is needed. For suitability of areas, guidance is needed to require general suitability of variety of multiple uses, [[Page 22327]] such as outdoor recreation, range, timber, watershed, or wildlife and fish purposes and not tools such as prescribed fire. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Directive; Request for Comment 07/00/07 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, ATTN: ORMS, D&R Branch, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0003 Phone: 202 205-3610 Fax: 202 260-6539 Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us RIN: 0596-AC66 _______________________________________________________________________ 245. [bull] SACRED SITES MANAGEMENT, TRIBAL GOVERNMENT RELATIONS (FSM 1560) Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: EO 13007 CFR Citation: None Legal Deadline: None Abstract: To implement Executive Order (E.O.) 13007, Indian Sacred Sites, the Forest Service is preparing policy for managing sites located on National Forest System lands that are held sacred by Native American tribes and individuals. This E.O. directs Federal agencies to (1) accommodate access to and ceremonial use of Indian sacred sites by Indian religious practitioners and (2) avoid adversely affecting the physical integrity of such sacred sites. Agencies are instructed to, where appropriate, maintain the confidentiality of sacred sites. The proposed policy also consolidates and incorporates the separate yet related aspects of the American Indian Religious Freedom Act (AIRFA), the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA), the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA), the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA), and E.O. 13175 (Consultation and Coordination with Indian Tribal Governments). The Forest Service plans to publish an interim directive to allow management of sacred sites in the spirit of E.O. 13007 while the final directive is being prepared. The interim directive will be published with request for comment in the Federal Register, seeking feedback from the public and other government sources. At the same time, the Forest Service will actively conduct consultation with Native American Tribes. Comments received will be considered after Tribal consultations are complete, for inclusion in a final directive to be set out in Forest Service Manual (FSM) 1560, Tribal Government Relations. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Directive; Request for Comment 05/00/07 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: Tribal Agency Contact: Andria D. Weeks, Regulatory Analyst, Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, ATTN: ORMS, D&R Branch, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0003 Phone: 202 205-3610 Fax: 202 260-6539 Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us RIN: 0596-AC69 _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Agriculture (USDA) Long-Term Actions Forest Service (FS) _______________________________________________________________________ 246. RESOURCE AGENCY PROCEDURES FOR CONDITIONS AND PRESCRIPTIONS IN HYDROPOWER LICENSES Priority: Other Significant CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1 Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 11/17/05 70 FR 69804 Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 01/17/06 Final Action To Be Determined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Andria D. Weeks Phone: 202 205-3610 Fax: 202 260-6539 Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us RIN: 0596-AC42 _______________________________________________________________________ 247. SPECIAL AREAS; STATE SPECIFIC INVENTORIED ROADLESS AREA MANAGEMENT: VIRGINIA Priority: Other Significant CFR Citation: 36 CFR 294, subpart C Timetable: Next Action Undetermined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Andria D. Weeks Phone: 202 205-3610 Fax: 202 260-6539 Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us Related RIN: Related to 0596-AC59, Related to 0596-AC60 RIN: 0596-AC58 _______________________________________________________________________ 248. SPECIAL AREAS; STATE SPECIFIC INVENTORIED ROADLESS AREA MANAGEMENT: NORTH CAROLINA Priority: Other Significant CFR Citation: 36 CFR 294, subpart D Timetable: Next Action Undetermined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Andria D. Weeks Phone: 202 205-3610 Fax: 202 260-6539 Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us Related RIN: Related to 0596-AC58, Related to 0596-AC60 RIN: 0596-AC59 [[Page 22328]] _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Agriculture (USDA) Completed Actions Forest Service (FS) _______________________________________________________________________ 249. NATIONAL FOREST SYSTEM LAND MANAGEMENT PLANNING CATEGORICAL EXCLUSION (FINAL DIRECTIVE, FOREST SERVICE HANDBOOK 1909.15, CHAPTER 30) Priority: Other Significant CFR Citation: 36 CFR 219, subpart A Completed: ________________________________________________________________________ Reason Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 12/15/06 71 FR 75481 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Andria D. Weeks Phone: 202 205-3610 Fax: 202 260-6539 Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us RIN: 0596-AB86 _______________________________________________________________________ 250. COMMUNITY AND PRIVATE LAND FOREST FIRE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM Priority: Other Significant CFR Citation: 36 CFR 230 subpart D (new) Completed: ________________________________________________________________________ Reason Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Withdrawn 02/23/07 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Andria D. Weeks Phone: 202 205-3610 Fax: 202 260-6539 Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us RIN: 0596-AB96 _______________________________________________________________________ 251. DELEGATION OF AUTHORITY TO APPROVE FREE USE BY INDIVIDUALS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant CFR Citation: 36 CFR 223.8 Completed: ________________________________________________________________________ Reason Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 01/04/06 71 FR 523 Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 03/06/06 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Andria D. Weeks Phone: 202 205-3610 Fax: 202 260-6539 Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us RIN: 0596-AC09 _______________________________________________________________________ 252. WATERSHED FORESTRY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (PROPOSED DIRECTIVE, FOREST SERVICE MANUAL 3500) Priority: Other Significant CFR Citation: None Completed: ________________________________________________________________________ Reason Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Withdrawn 02/23/07 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: Federal, Local, State Agency Contact: Andria D. Weeks Phone: 202 205-3610 Fax: 202 260-6539 Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us Related RIN: Related to 0596-AC19 RIN: 0596-AC18 _______________________________________________________________________ 253. TRIBAL WATERSHED FORESTRY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (PROPOSED DIRECTIVE, FOREST SERVICE MANUAL 3500) Priority: Other Significant CFR Citation: None Completed: ________________________________________________________________________ Reason Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Withdrawn 02/23/07 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: Federal, Tribal Agency Contact: Andria D. Weeks Phone: 202 205-3610 Fax: 202 260-6539 Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us Related RIN: Related to 0596-AC18 RIN: 0596-AC19 _______________________________________________________________________ 254. ONSHORE OIL AND GAS OPERATIONS; FEDERAL AND INDIAN OIL AND GAS LEASES; ONSHORE OIL AND GAS ORDER NUMBER 1, APPROVAL OF OPERATIONS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant CFR Citation: 36 CFR 228 Completed: ________________________________________________________________________ Reason Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 03/09/07 72 FR 10608 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Andria D. Weeks Phone: 202 205-3610 Fax: 202 260-6539 Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us RIN: 0596-AC20 _______________________________________________________________________ 255. SECRETARY DETERMINATION THAT DOMESTIC SPECIES OF UNPROCESSED TIMBER ARE SURPLUS TO DOMESTIC NEEDS WITHIN THE ZONE OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA Priority: Other Significant CFR Citation: 36 CFR 223.200(d) Completed: ________________________________________________________________________ Reason Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Withdrawn 02/23/07 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Andria D. Weeks Phone: 202 205-3610 Fax: 202 260-6539 Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us RIN: 0596-AC27 _______________________________________________________________________ 256. NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY ACT (NEPA) DOCUMENTATION FOR SPORICIDE USE ON NATIONAL FOREST SYSTEM LANDS (PROPOSED DIRECTIVE, FOREST SERVICE HANDBOOK 1909.15, CHAPTER 30) Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant CFR Citation: None Completed: ________________________________________________________________________ Reason Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Withdrawn 02/23/07 [[Page 22329]] Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Andria D. Weeks Phone: 202 205-3610 Fax: 202 260-6539 Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us RIN: 0596-AC32 _______________________________________________________________________ 257. NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY ACT (NEPA) COMPLIANCE DOCUMENTATION FOR SURFACE USE PLANS OF OPERATION FOR EXPLORATION OR DEVELOPMENT OF AN OIL AND GAS LEASE (FSH 1909.15, CHAPTER 30) Priority: Other Significant CFR Citation: None Completed: ________________________________________________________________________ Reason Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Directive 02/14/07 72 FR 7391 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Andria D. Weeks Phone: 202 205-3610 Fax: 202 260-6539 Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us RIN: 0596-AC34 _______________________________________________________________________ 258. GRIZZLY BEAR MANAGEMENT (FSM 2676.1) Priority: Other Significant CFR Citation: None Completed: ________________________________________________________________________ Reason Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Withdrawn 04/12/07 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Andria D. Weeks Phone: 202 205-3610 Fax: 202 260-6539 Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us RIN: 0596-AC56 _______________________________________________________________________ 259. NATIONAL FOREST SYSTEM LAND MANAGEMENT PLANNING DIRECTIVE (FINAL DIRECTIVE, FOREST SERVICE HANDBOOK 1909.12, CHAPTER 70--WILDERNESS EVALUATION) Priority: Other Significant CFR Citation: None Completed: ________________________________________________________________________ Reason Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 01/31/07 72 FR 4478 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Andria D. Weeks Phone: 202 205-3610 Fax: 202 260-6539 Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us Related RIN: Related to 0596-AC02 RIN: 0596-AC57 _______________________________________________________________________ 260. SPECIAL AREAS; STATE SPECIFIC INVENTORIED ROADLESS AREA MANAGEMENT: SOUTH CAROLINA Priority: Other Significant CFR Citation: 36 CFR 294, subpart E Completed: ________________________________________________________________________ Reason Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Withdrawn 02/23/07 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Andria D. Weeks Phone: 202 205-3610 Fax: 202 260-6539 Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us Related RIN: Related to 0596-AC58, Related to 0596-AC59 RIN: 0596-AC60 BILLING CODE 3410--11--S _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Agriculture (USDA) Proposed Rule Stage Office of Chief Financial Officer (OCFO) _______________________________________________________________________ 261. [bull] UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE RESEARCH MISCONDUCT REGULATIONS FOR EXTRAMURAL RESEARCH Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Legal Authority: Not Yet Determined CFR Citation: Not Yet Determined Legal Deadline: None Abstract: On December 6, 2000, the National Science and Technology Council, Office of Science and Technology Policy of the Executive Office of the President (OSTP), published in the Federal Register (65 FR 76260) the Federal Policy on Research Misconduct (OSTP Policy) as a final Governmentwide policy addressing research misconduct to establish: (1) Uniformity among the Federal agencies' definition of research misconduct and (2) consistency in their processes for responding to allegations of research misconduct. The proposed regulation will establish U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA or the Department) policy for implementation of the OSTP Federal Policy on Research Misconduct for extramural research. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 04/00/07 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Tyson Whitney, Department of Agriculture, Office of Chief Financial Officer, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 202 720-8778 Email: twhitney@cfo.usda.gov RIN: 0505-AA13 BILLING CODE 3410--90--S [[Page 22330]] _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Agriculture (USDA) Proposed Rule Stage Office of the Secretary (AgSEC) _______________________________________________________________________ 262. [bull] DESIGNATION OF BIOBASED ITEMS FOR FEDERAL PROCUREMENT, ROUND 5 Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: PL 107-171, sec 9002 CFR Citation: 7 CFR 2902 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: USDA is proposing to amend 7 CFR part 2902, Guidelines for Designating Biobased Products for Federal Procurement, to add the following 10 items within which biobased products would be afforded Federal procurement preference: Chain and cable lubricants; corrosion preventatives; food cleaners; forming materials; gear lubricants; household cleaners; industrial cleaners; industrial solvents; multipurpose cleaners; and parts wash solution. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 08/00/07 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: Federal URL For More Information: www.biobased.oce.usda.gov Agency Contact: Marvin Duncan, Agricultural Economist, Department of Agriculture, Office of the Secretary, Office of Energy Policy and New Uses, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Room 4059, South Building, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 202 401-0532 Fax: 202 401-0535 Email: mduncan@oce.usda.gov RIN: 0503-AA33 _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Agriculture (USDA) Final Rule Stage Office of the Secretary (AgSEC) _______________________________________________________________________ 263. 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 06/00/07 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: Local, State, Tribal Federalism: Undetermined Agency Contact: Peter Laub, Department of Agriculture, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 202 720-1554 Email: peter.laub@usda.gov RIN: 0503-AA21 _______________________________________________________________________ 264. DESIGNATION OF BIOBASED ITEMS FOR FEDERAL PROCUREMENT, ROUND 2 Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Legal Authority: PL 107-171, sec 9002 CFR Citation: 7 CFR 2902 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This rulemaking will designate for preferred procurement under the Federal Biobased Preferred Procurement Program, 10 items. These are: Adhesive and mastic removers, insulating foam for wall construction, hand cleaners and sanitizers, composite panels, transformer fluids, biodegradable containers, fertilizers, metalworking fluids, sorbents, and graffiti and grease removers. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 08/17/06 71 FR 47566 NPRM Comment Period End 10/16/06 Final Action 04/00/07 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: Federal URL For More Information: www.biobased.oce.usda.gov Agency Contact: Marvin Duncan, Agricultural Economist, Department of Agriculture, Office of the Secretary, Office of Energy Policy and New Uses, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Room 4059, South Building, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 202 401-0532 Fax: 202 401-0535 Email: mduncan@oce.usda.gov RIN: 0503-AA30 _______________________________________________________________________ 265. DESIGNATION OF BIOBASED ITEMS FOR FEDERAL PROCUREMENT, ROUND 3 Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: PL 107-171, sec 9002 CFR Citation: 7 CFR 2902 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This rulemaking will designate for preferred procurement under the Federal Biobased Products Preferred Procurement Program, 10 items. These are: 2-cycle engine oils, lip care products, biodegradable films, stationary equipment hydraulic fluids, [[Page 22331]] biodegradable cutlery, glass cleaners, greases, dust suppressants, carpets, and carpet and upholstery cleaners. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 08/17/06 71 FR 47590 NPRM Comment Period End 10/16/06 Final Action 06/00/07 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: Federal URL For More Information: www.biobased.oce.usda.gov Agency Contact: Marvin Duncan, Agricultural Economist, Department of Agriculture, Office of the Secretary, Office of Energy Policy and New Uses, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Room 4059, South Building, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 202 401-0532 Fax: 202 401-0535 Email: mduncan@oce.usda.gov RIN: 0503-AA31 _______________________________________________________________________ 266. [bull] DESIGNATION OF BIOBASED ITEMS FOR FEDERAL PROCUREMENT, ROUND 4 Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: PL 107-171, sec 9002 CFR Citation: 7 CFR 2902 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: USDA is proposing to amend 7 CFR part 2902, Guidelines for Designating Biobased Products for Federal Procurement, to add the following 10 items within which biobased products would be afforded Federal procurement preference: Bath and tile cleaners; clothing products; concrete and asphalt release fluids; cutting, drilling, and tapping oils; deicers; durable films; firearm lubricants; floor strippers; laundry products; and wood and concrete sealers. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 10/11/06 71 FR 59862 NPRM Comment Period End 12/11/06 Final Action 06/00/07 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: Federal URL For More Information: www.biobased.oce.usda.gov Agency Contact: Marvin Duncan, Agricultural Economist, Department of Agriculture, Office of the Secretary, Office of Energy Policy and New Uses, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Room 4059, South Building, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 202 401-0532 Fax: 202 401-0535 Email: mduncan@oce.usda.gov RIN: 0503-AA32 BILLING CODE 3410--90--S _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Agriculture (USDA) Prerule Stage Rural Business--Cooperative Service (RBS) _______________________________________________________________________ 267. RURAL BUSINESS INVESTMENT PROGRAM Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: PL 107-171, sec 6029 CFR Citation: 7 CFR 4290 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Agency publish an interim rule on June 8, 2004 [69 FR 32200], to 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. The Agency now intends to publish an Advanced Notice of Proposed Rulemaking seeking public comments regarding the possibility of operating the Rural Business Investment Program to provide for non-leveraged rural business investment companies. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 06/08/04 69 FR 32200 Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 07/08/04 ANPRM 06/00/07 ANPRM Comment Period End 08/00/07 Final Action 12/00/07 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Michael Foore, Program Advisor, Office of the Administrator, Department of Agriculture, Rural Business-Cooperative Service, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 202 205-0056 Fax: 202 690-4737 Email: michael.foore@wdc.usda.gov RIN: 0570-AA35 [[Page 22332]] _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Agriculture (USDA) Proposed Rule Stage Rural Business--Cooperative Service (RBS) _______________________________________________________________________ 268. 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 06/00/07 NPRM Comment Period End 08/00/07 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Brenda Griffin, Loan Specialist, B&I Processing Division, Department of Agriculture, Rural Business-Cooperative Service, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 202 720-6802 Fax: 202 720-6003 Email: brenda.griffin@wdc.usda.gov RIN: 0570-AA26 _______________________________________________________________________ 269. AMENDMENT OF GUARANTEE REQUIREMENTS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Legal Authority: 5 USC 301; 7 USC 1932, note; 7 USC 1989; 31 USC 3716; 412 USC 1480 CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1951, subpart C Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Agency proposes to add a paragraph providing that any amounts paid by the Agency pursuant to a claim by a guaranteed lender will constitute a Federal debt owing to the Agency by any third-party guarantor of the defaulted loans, to the extent of the amount of the third-party guarantee. A final rule was published on January 22, 2004 [69 FR 2999], adding section 1951.133 that provides any amounts paid by the Agency on account of the liabilities of guaranteed loan borrower constitute a Federal debt owing to the agency by the guaranteed loan borrower for purposes of the Debt Collection Improvement Act of 1996 (31 U.S.C. 3716) (DCIA), to collect the debt. This proposed rulemaking will have the effect of making the DCIA remedies available to the Agency for pursuing collection against third-party guarantors as well. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 06/00/07 NPRM Comment Period End 08/00/07 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Robin Meigel, Finance Specialist, Department of Agriculture, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, STOP 1569, Washington, DC 20250-1569 Phone: 202 720-9452 Fax: 202 720-7491 Email: robin.meigel@wdc.usda.gov RIN: 0570-AA62 _______________________________________________________________________ 270. SOCIO-ECONOMIC BENEFIT ASSESSMENT SYSTEM (SEBAS) Priority: Other Significant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Legal Authority: 5 USC 301; 7 USC 1989 CFR Citation: 7 CFR 4279; 7 CFR 4287 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Socio-Economic Benefit Assessment System (SEBAS) requires specific items of project information to estimate the performance and economic effectiveness of Business and Industry Guaranteed Loans. At present, the information needed to generate SEBAS performance reports is not required by regulation. The proposed action will revise the identified regulations to require information necessary to generate performance output data from SEBAS. Specifically, detailed sales and wage information and a list of expenses related to applicant operations. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 12/00/07 NPRM Comment Period End 02/00/08 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: Local, State, Tribal Federalism: Undetermined Agency Contact: William C Smith, Loan Specialist, Department of Agriculture, Rural Business-Cooperative Service, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, STOP 3224, Washington, DC 20250-3224 Phone: 202 205-0903 Fax: 202 720-6003 Email: william.smith@wdc.usda.gov RIN: 0570-AA63 _______________________________________________________________________ 271. RENEWABLE ENERGY SYSTEMS AND ENERGY EFFICIENCY IMPROVEMENTS (REEEI) PROGRAM Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: Not Yet Determined CFR Citation: 7 CFR 4280; 7 CFR 4279, subpart A; 7 CFR 4279, subpart B; 7 CFR 4287, subpart B Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Rural Business-Cooperative Service proposed to amend 7 CFR 4280.126(c) to include additional language regarding the annual renewal fee rates. This amendment will provide guidance regarding annual renewal fee due dates, delinquencies and other technical information which will be consistent with the annual renewal fee rates included in 7 CFR 4279.107(b). Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 12/00/07 NPRM Comment Period End 02/00/08 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined Small Entities Affected: Businesses, Governmental Jurisdictions, Organizations Government Levels Affected: Local, State, Tribal Federalism: Undetermined Agency Contact: William C Smith, Loan Specialist, Department of Agriculture, Rural Business-Cooperative Service, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, STOP 3224, Washington, DC 20250-3224 Phone: 202 205-0903 Fax: 202 720-6003 [[Page 22333]] Email: william.smith@wdc.usda.gov RIN: 0570-AA64 _______________________________________________________________________ 272. [bull] DELIVERY ENHANCEMENT FOR GUARANTEED LOANS Priority: Other Significant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Unfunded Mandates: Undetermined Legal Authority: Not Yet Determined CFR Citation: 7 CFR 4279, subpart A; 7 CFR 4279, subpart B; 7 CFR 4287, subpart B; 7 CFR 4280, subpart B; 7 CFR 3575, subpart A; Legal Deadline: None Abstract: Rural Development is proposing a unified guaranteed loan platform for enhanced delivery of four existing Rural Development guaranteed loan programs--Community Facility; Water and Waste Disposal; Business and Industry; and Renewable Energy Systems and Energy Efficiency Improvement Projects. The proposed rulemaking would eliminate the existing loan guarantee regulations for these four programs and consolidate them under a new, single part. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 12/00/07 NPRM Comment Period End 02/00/08 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined Government Levels Affected: Undetermined Agency Contact: Michael Foore, Program Advisor, Office of the Administrator, Department of Agriculture, Rural Business-Cooperative Service, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 202 205-0056 Fax: 202 690-4737 Email: michael.foore@wdc.usda.gov Related RIN: Merged with 0570-AA41 RIN: 0570-AA65 _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Agriculture (USDA) Final Rule Stage Rural Business--Cooperative Service (RBS) _______________________________________________________________________ 273. 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 recipients' 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 65 FR 69937 Final Action 09/00/07 Final Action Effective 11/00/07 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Todd Hubbell, Loan Specialist, Specialty Lenders Division, Department of Agriculture, Rural Business-Cooperative Service, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, STOP 3225, Washington, DC 20250- 3225 Phone: 202 690-2516 Email: todd.hubbell@wdc.usda.gov RIN: 0570-AA19 _______________________________________________________________________ 274. 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 Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 adds other renewable energy systems as an eligible loan purpose. Section 6017 expands eligibility criteria for loans to cooperatives and loan guarantees in non-rural 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 11/09/04 69 FR 64829 Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 12/09/04 Interim Final Rule Effective 12/09/04 Final Action 07/00/07 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Brenda Griffin, Loan Specialist, B&I Processing Division, Department of Agriculture, Rural Business-Cooperative Service, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 202 720-6802 Fax: 202 720-6003 Email: brenda.griffin@wdc.usda.gov RIN: 0570-AA39 [[Page 22334]] _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Agriculture (USDA) Completed Actions Rural Business--Cooperative Service (RBS) _______________________________________________________________________ 275. BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY LOAN PROGRAM--REWRITE OF PROGRAM REGULATIONS Priority: Other Significant CFR Citation: 7 CFR 4279, subpart A; 7 CFR 4279, subpart B; 7 CFR 4287, subpart B Completed: ________________________________________________________________________ Reason Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Merged With 0570-AA65 04/01/07 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: Local, Tribal Agency Contact: Michael Foore Phone: 202 205-0056 Fax: 202 690-4737 Email: michael.foore@wdc.usda.gov RIN: 0570-AA41 _______________________________________________________________________ 276. NATIONAL SECURITY EMERGENCY Priority: Other Significant CFR Citation: None Completed: ________________________________________________________________________ Reason Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Withdrawn 04/01/07 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Robin Meigel Phone: 202 720-9452 Fax: 202 720-7491 Email: robin.meigel@wdc.usda.gov RIN: 0570-AA48 _______________________________________________________________________ 277. BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY GUARANTEED LOAN PROGRAM--IMPLEMENT THE DEBT COLLECTION IMPROVEMENT ACT (DCIA) OF 1996 Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant CFR Citation: 7 CFR 4279, subpart B Completed: ________________________________________________________________________ Reason Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 11/20/06 71 FR 67032 Final Action Effective 12/20/06 71 FR 67023 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: David W. Lewis Phone: 202 690-0797 Fax: 202 720-6003 Email: david.lewis@wdc.usda.gov RIN: 0570-AA54 _______________________________________________________________________ 278. EQUAL OPPORTUNITY FOR RELIGIOUS ORGANIZATIONS Priority: Other Significant CFR Citation: None Completed: ________________________________________________________________________ Reason Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Withdrawn 04/01/07 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Rick Bonnet Phone: 202 720-1804 Fax: 202 690-3808 Email: rick.bonnet@wdc.usda.gov RIN: 0570-AA61 BILLING CODE 3410--XY--S _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Agriculture (USDA) Prerule Stage Rural Utilities Service (RUS) _______________________________________________________________________ 279. LIEN ACCOMMODATIONS AND SUBORDINATIONS FOR 100 PERCENT PRIVATE FINANCING Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 7 USC 901 et seq; 7 USC 1921 et seq; 7 USC 6941 et seq CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1717-R Legal Deadline: None Abstract: USDA Rural Development Utilities Programs (Agency) proposes to amend its regulations on lien accommodations and subordinations. The rule proposes to remove the procedures where case-by-case USDA Rural Development approval of the issuance of additional secured debt is required and establish those procedures: Eligible financing purposes, decision factors for granting lien accommodations, application content and timeframe, in an agency guide bulletin. This proposed rule will focus on lien accommodation policies and establish a more user-friendly regulation for lien accommodation and subordination for 100 percent private financing. The Agency proposes this clarification of the rule and update to the existing lien accommodation and subordination regulations in its ongoing effort to maintain current program rules. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Begin Review 09/00/07 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Michele L Brooks, Acting Director, Program Development and Regulatory Analysis, Department of Agriculture, Rural Utilities Service, Room 5159 South Building, Stop 1522, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 202 690-1078 Fax: 202 720 8435 Email: michele.brooks@usda.gov RIN: 0572-AB99 _______________________________________________________________________ 280. [bull] ELECTRIC SYSTEM OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE, INTERCONNECTION OF DISTRIBUTED RESOURCES Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 7 USC 901 CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1730 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This regulatory action is to amend 7 CFR part 1730 by adding a subpart C titled ``Interconnection of Distributed Resources.'' This rule will require that borrowers will be responsible for establishing and maintaining a written standard policy relating to the interconnection of distributed resources (IDR). This rule will allow owners of distributed resources to know what the requirements of the borrower electric cooperatives are regarding connection of their facilities. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Begin Review 10/00/07 [[Page 22335]] Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Michele L Brooks, Acting Director, Program Development and Regulatory Analysis, Department of Agriculture, Rural Utilities Service, Room 5159 South Building, Stop 1522, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 202 690-1078 Fax: 202 720 8435 Email: michele.brooks@usda.gov RIN: 0572-AC07 _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Agriculture (USDA) Proposed Rule Stage Rural Utilities Service (RUS) _______________________________________________________________________ 281. WATER AND WASTE LOANS AND GRANTS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Legal Authority: 5 USC 301; 7 USC 1989; 16 USC 1005 CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1780 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Rural Utilities Service, an agency delivering the United States Department of Agriculture's Rural Development Utilities Programs, is proposing to amend its regulation used to process water and waste disposal (WWD) loans and grants. The regulation will be amended to provide predevelopment planning grants for low-income and poverty-stricken areas, enhancements for water and sewer systems with significant security weaknesses, changes to the use of grant funds for rural or Native Alaskan Villages, mandatory use of pre-authorized debit (PAD) repayment for borrowers, modified reserve requirements for borrowers, simplified application process, requirements for alternative project delivery methods, and planning for future enhancements to delivery of the program. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 06/00/07 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Michele L Brooks, Acting Director, Program Development and Regulatory Analysis, Department of Agriculture, Rural Utilities Service, Room 5159 South Building, Stop 1522, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 202 690-1078 Fax: 202 720 8435 Email: michele.brooks@usda.gov RIN: 0572-AC03 _______________________________________________________________________ 282. RURAL BROADBAND ACCESS LOANS AND LOAN GUARANTEES Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: PL 107-171; 7 USC 901 et seq CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1738 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: There has been more than $1.1 billion in loans for broadband deployment with more than 1,000 rural communities that will receive broadband services. Even with this level of success, the programs needs to be adjusted to better serve unserved or underserved communities. In response, we are proposing new rules that seek to address this and other critical issues, and further facilitate the deployment of broadband service in rural America as directed by Congress. The following is a summary of the major issues addressed by the proposed rulemaking: (1) Clearly define served, underserved markets based on service availability and existing competitors and target unserved an underserved areas; (2) Provide potential applicants with a clear definition of which communities are eligible for funding; (3) Establish a new standard for minimum data transmission rate; (4) Establish equity requirements that mitigate risks; (5) Modify market survey requirements based on service territories and existing availability of service; and (6) Impose new time limits for build-out and deployment to ensure prudent use of loan funds and timely delivery services to rural customers. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 04/00/07 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Michele L Brooks, Acting Director, Program Development and Regulatory Analysis, Department of Agriculture, Rural Utilities Service, Room 5159 South Building, Stop 1522, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 202 690-1078 Fax: 202 720 8435 Email: michele.brooks@usda.gov RIN: 0572-AC06 _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Agriculture (USDA) Final Rule Stage Rural Utilities Service (RUS) _______________________________________________________________________ 283. 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: The Rural Utilities Service, an agency delivering the United States Department of Agriculture's Rural Development Utilities Programs, consolidates and amends the regulations utilized to service water and waste loan and grant programs. Unnecessary and burdensome requirements for water and waste loan and grant servicing under the program [[Page 22336]] will be eliminated. The streamlining will allow the Agency to provide better service to entities needing assistance in resolving financial and economic problems in their communities and in general improve the quality of life in rural areas. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 11/15/04 69 FR 65546 NPRM Comment Period End 01/14/05 Final Action 06/00/07 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Michele L Brooks, Acting Director, Program Development and Regulatory Analysis, Department of Agriculture, Rural Utilities Service, Room 5159 South Building, Stop 1522, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 202 690-1078 Fax: 202 720 8435 Email: michele.brooks@usda.gov RIN: 0572-AB59 _______________________________________________________________________ 284. PUBLIC TELEVISION STATION DIGITAL TRANSITION GRANT PROGRAM Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: PL 108-447 CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1740 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Federal Communications Commission had required all television broadcasters to initiate the broadcast of a digital television signal and to cease analog television broadcasts. To assist stations with the transition, Congress recognized the need to facilitate the digital transition in public television stations that serve rural areas. This grant program will assist rural public television to finance the conversion of television services to digital broadcasting. To continue this program in FY 2005, Congress provided $10 million for grant funds in the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2005 (Pub. L. 108-447). Congress also authorized additional purposes, which were specifically excluded in the NOFA. This regulation will incorporate the new statutory requirements and updates this competitive grant program. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 01/20/06 71 FR 3205 Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 03/31/06 Final Action 09/00/07 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Michele L Brooks, Acting Director, Program Development and Regulatory Analysis, Department of Agriculture, Rural Utilities Service, Room 5159 South Building, Stop 1522, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 202 690-1078 Fax: 202 720 8435 Email: michele.brooks@usda.gov RIN: 0572-AC02 _______________________________________________________________________ 285. RURAL AREA DEFINITIONS FOR RURAL DEVELOPMENT WEP PROGRAMS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 5 USC 301; 7 USC 1989; 16 USC 1005 CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1775; 7 CFR 1778; 7 CFR 1779; 7 CFR 1780; 7 CFR 1783 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: USDA Rural Development Utilities Programs is issuing a regulation to standardize the definition of ``rural'' and ``rural area'' to implement section 6020 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002, to amend section 343(13)(B) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act, which defines the term ``rural'' and ``rural area'' for the purpose of water and waste disposal grants, and direct and guarantee loans provided under paragraphs (1), (2), and (24) of section 306(a). This rule will create a standard definition of ``rural'' and ``rural area'' with respect to Rural Development Water and Environmental Programs in 7 CFR 1775, 1778, 1779, 1780, and 1783. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Direct Final Rule 12/00/07 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Michele L Brooks, Acting Director, Program Development and Regulatory Analysis, Department of Agriculture, Rural Utilities Service, Room 5159 South Building, Stop 1522, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250 Phone: 202 690-1078 Fax: 202 720 8435 Email: michele.brooks@usda.gov RIN: 0572-AC04 _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Agriculture (USDA) Completed Actions Rural Utilities Service (RUS) _______________________________________________________________________ 286. TELECOMMUNICATIONS STANDARDS AND SPECIFICATIONS FOR MATERIALS, EQUIPMENT, AND CONSTRUCTION Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1755 Completed: ________________________________________________________________________ Reason Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Withdrawn 02/21/07 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Michele L Brooks Phone: 202 690-1078 Fax: 202 720 8435 Email: michele.brooks@usda.gov RIN: 0572-AB40 _______________________________________________________________________ 287. SPECIFICATIONS FOR 15, 25, AND 35 KV PRIMARY UNDERGROUND POWER CABLE Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1728 Completed: ________________________________________________________________________ Reason Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Withdrawn 02/23/07 [[Page 22337]] Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Michele L Brooks Phone: 202 690-1078 Fax: 202 720 8435 Email: michele.brooks@usda.gov RIN: 0572-AC05 BILLING CODE 3410--15--S _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Agriculture (USDA) Final Rule Stage Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) _______________________________________________________________________ 288. 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 Interim Final Rule 06/21/04 69 FR 34502 Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 09/20/04 Interim Final Rule 03/25/05 70 FR 15201 Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 07/25/05 Final Action 04/00/07 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Harry Slawter, Resource Conservationist, Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service, P.O. Box 2890, Washington, DC 20013 Phone: 202 720-1845 Fax: 202 720-4265 Email: harry.slawter@wdc.usda.gov RIN: 0578-AA36 _______________________________________________________________________ 289. GRASSLAND RESERVE PROGRAM Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: PL 107-171; 16 USC 3838 CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1415 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 05/21/04 69 FR 29173 Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 07/20/04 Final Action 04/00/07 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Floyd Wood, Easement Program Division, Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service, Washington, DC 20013 Phone: 202 720-0242 Fax: 202 720-9689 Email: floyd.wood@wdc.usda.gov RIN: 0578-AA38 _______________________________________________________________________ 290. CONFIDENTIALITY OF CONSERVATION PROGRAM INFORMATION Priority: Other Significant 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 ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 07/00/07 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: State Agency Contact: Kevin Brown, Deputy Chief for Management, Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service, PO Box 2890, Washington, DC 20013 Phone: 202 720-6297 Fax: 202 720-2588 Email: kevin.brown@wdc.usda.gov RIN: 0578-AA40 BILLING CODE 3410--16--S _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Agriculture (USDA) Long-Term Actions Office of Procurement and Property Management (OPPM) _______________________________________________________________________ 291. AGRICULTURE ACQUISITION REGULATION (AGAR): USE OF BIOBASED MATERIALS Priority: Other Significant CFR Citation: Not Yet Determined Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM To Be Determined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: None [[Page 22338]] Agency Contact: Joseph J. Daragan Phone: 202 720-5729 Fax: 202 720-5729 Email: joe.daragan@usda.gov RIN: 0599-AA12 [FR Doc. 07-01241 Filed 04-27-07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410-98-S