<DOC>
[May 27, 2003 (Volume 68, Number 101)]
[Unified Agenda]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [frwais.access.gpo.gov]

[Page 29982-30076]


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Part III





Department of Agriculture





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Semiannual Regulatory Agenda

[[Page 29982]]

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 2003

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. Requests for copies of the agenda should include a 
self-addressed, stamped envelope and be directed to: Regulatory Agenda, 
OBPA, Office of the Secretary, Room 118-E, Jamie Whitten Building, U.S. 
Department of Agriculture, Washington, DC 20250, (202) 720-1272.

Dated: March 25, 2003.

 Jacquelyn Y. Chandler,

Chief, Legislative, Regulatory, and Automated Systems Staff.

                               Agricultural Marketing Service--Proposed Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                    Regulation
 Sequence                                          Title                                          Identification
  Number                                                                                              Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1           Changes in Fees for Federal Grading and Certification of Livestock for Chicago           0581-AB66
            Mercantile Exchange Futures Deliveries..............................................
2           Revision of Regulations Governing the Inspection and Grading Service of Manufactured     0581-AB93
            or Processed Dairy Products (DA-00-08)..............................................
3           National Organic Program: Add Standards for Mushroom, Apiculture, Greenhouse, and        0581-AB96
            Hydroponic Production Systems and the Handling of Honey (TM-01-09)..................
4           National Organic Program: Add Standards for the Organic Certification of Wild            0581-AB97
            Captured Aquatic Animals (TM-01-08).................................................
5           Livestock Mandatory Reporting Program--Lamb Amendment (LS-01-08)....................     0581-AB98
6           Mango Promotion, Research, and Information Order (FV-01-707)........................     0581-AC05
7           Exemption of Organic Producers From Research and Promotion/Marketing Order               0581-AC15
            Assessment (PY-02-002)..............................................................
8           National Dairy Promotion and Research Program (DA-02-03)............................     0581-AC16
9           Removal of Cottonseed Chemist Licensing Program and Fees (ST-02-03).................     0581-AC18
10          Administrative Requirements for Voluntary Shell Egg, Poultry, and Rabbit Grading (PY-    0581-AC25
            02-003).............................................................................
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                Agricultural Marketing Service--Final Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                    Regulation
 Sequence                                          Title                                          Identification
  Number                                                                                              Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
11          Flue-Cured Tobacco Advisory Committee: Amendment to Regulations (TB-02-14)..........     0581-AC11
12          Quality Systems Verification Program (LS-02-10).....................................     0581-AC12
13          Voluntary Federal Meat Grading and Certification Services (LS-02-06)................     0581-AC13
14          User Fees for 2003 Crop Cotton Classification Services (CN-02-006)..................     0581-AC17
15          National Organic Program, Amendment to the National List of Allowed and Prohibited       0581-AC19
            Substances..........................................................................
16          PACA: Coating or Battering Fruits and Vegetables Does Not Alter Their Character (FV-     0581-AC21
            02-369).............................................................................
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                Agricultural Marketing Service--Long-Term Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                    Regulation
 Sequence                                          Title                                          Identification
  Number                                                                                              Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
17          USDA ``Produced From'' Grademark for Shell Eggs (PY-02-007).........................     0581-AC24
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


[[Page 29983]]


                                Agricultural Marketing Service--Completed Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                    Regulation
 Sequence                                          Title                                          Identification
  Number                                                                                              Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
18          Hass Avocado Promotion, Research, and Information Order (FV-01-705).................     0581-AB92
19          Cotton Futures Act: Changing the Destination of Spot Markets (CN-01-004)............     0581-AC00
20          Voluntary Egg, Poultry, and Rabbit Grading, Increase in Fees and Charges (PY-02-002)     0581-AC10
21          Tobacco Inspection: Mandatory Grading (TB-02-11)....................................     0581-AC20
22          Plant Variety Protection Services (ST-02-01)........................................     0581-AC22
23          Establishment of Minimum Quality and Handling Standards for Domestic and Imported        0581-AC23
            Peanuts Marketed in the U.S. and Termination of the Peanut Marketing Agreement and
            Associated Rules and Regulations....................................................
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                                  Agricultural Marketing Service--Discontinued Entries
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Regulation
Identification                                             Title                                                  Date                 Comments
    Number
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
0581-AB42        National Laboratory Accreditation Program                                                      05/01/2003   Withdrawn
0581-AB90        Discontinue the Official Grading of Imported Beef, Lamb, Veal, and Calf Carcasses Under        05/01/2003   Withdrawn
                 the Authority of the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946
0581-AC08        Establishing Fees for Voluntary Quality Systems Certification Services (LS-00-13)              05/01/2003   Withdrawn
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                    Farm Service Agency--Proposed Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                    Regulation
 Sequence                                          Title                                          Identification
  Number                                                                                              Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
24          Servicing Minor Farm Loan Program Loans.............................................     0560-AG67
25          2002 Farm Bill Regulations--Loan Eligibility With Prior Debt Forgiveness............     0560-AG81
26          Revision of Indian Tribal Land Acquisition Program Loan Regulations.................     0560-AG87
27          Providing Farm Loans in a National Security Emergency...............................     0560-AG89
28          Selection of FSA State and County Committees........................................     0560-AG90
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                      Farm Service Agency--Final Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                    Regulation
 Sequence                                          Title                                          Identification
  Number                                                                                              Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
29          Elimination of 30-Day Past-Due Period for Farm Loan Program Borrowers...............     0560-AG50
30          Clarification of Informal Appeals Procedures........................................     0560-AG88
31          2003-Crop Marketing Quota and Price Support Level for Burley Tobacco................     0560-AG93
32          2003 Agricultural Assistance Act--Crop Disaster Program, Livestock Assistance            0560-AG95
            Program, and Weather-Related Losses for Sugar Beets.................................
33          Cottonseed Payment Program..........................................................     0560-AG97
34          Hurricane Assistance for Sugarcane Producers and Processors.........................     0560-AG98
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                     Farm Service Agency--Long-Term Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                    Regulation
 Sequence                                          Title                                          Identification
  Number                                                                                              Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
35          Amendments to the Standards for Approval of Warehouse for Commodity Credit               0560-AE50
            Corporation Storage Contracts.......................................................
36          Deletion of FSA Regulations Regarding Colorado River Basin Salinity Control Program.     0560-AE54
37          Amendments to the Debt Settlement Policies and Procedures To Conform to the Debt         0560-AF22
            Collection Improvement Act of 1996..................................................
38          Regulatory Streamlining of the Farm Service Agency's Direct Farm Loan Programs......     0560-AF60
39          Emergency Conservation Program......................................................     0560-AG26
40          Interest Assistance Program.........................................................     0560-AG46

[[Page 29984]]


41          Ocean Freight Claims Administrative Appeal Process..................................     0560-AG49
42          Tobacco Marketing Quotas, Cards, Penalty Provisions, Recordkeeping and Reporting....     0560-AG52
43          Rescheduling Guaranteed Loans With Balloon Payments, Clarification of Annual             0560-AG53
            Analysis Requirements for Guaranteed Lenders, and Subordination Requirements........
44          Prompt Disaster Set-Aside Consideration and Primary Loan Servicing..................     0560-AG56
45          2002-Crop Marketing Quotas and Price Support Levels for Five Kinds of Tobacco.......     0560-AG58
46          2002-Crop Marketing Quota and Price Support Level for Burley Tobacco................     0560-AG59
47          2002-Crop Marketing Quota and Price Support Level for Flue-Cured Tobacco............     0560-AG60
48          Producer Disqualification for Crop Insurance Fraud..................................     0560-AG70
49          2002 Farm Bill Regulations--Conservation Reserve Program............................     0560-AG74
50          2002 Farm Bill Regulations--Assistance for Livestock Producers......................     0560-AG76
51          2002 Farm Bill Regulations--Tree Assistance Program.................................     0560-AG83
52          2002 Farm Bill Regulations--Bioenergy Program.......................................     0560-AG84
53          2002 Farm Bill Regulations--Income Limits...........................................     0560-AG86
54          2003-Crop Marketing Quota and Price Support Level for Flue-Cured Tobacco............     0560-AG91
55          2003-Crop Marketing Quotas and Price Support Levels for Five Kinds of Tobacco.......     0560-AG92
56          Crop Insurance Linkage..............................................................     0560-AG94
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                     Farm Service Agency--Completed Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                    Regulation
 Sequence                                          Title                                          Identification
  Number                                                                                              Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
57          Amendment to the Regulations for Determining Acreage for Skip-Row Cotton............     0560-AG55
58          2002 Farm Bill Regulations--Direct and Counter-Cyclical Payments, Peanut Quota           0560-AG71
            Buyout, and Hard White Wheat Incentive Payment Program..............................
59          2002 Farm Bill Regulations--General Credit Provisions...............................     0560-AG78
60          2002 Farm Bill Regulations--Acreage Reporting and Common Provisions.................     0560-AG79
61          2002 Farm Bill Regulations--Equitable Relief........................................     0560-AG80
62          Tobacco Payment Program.............................................................     0560-AG96
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                                        Farm Service Agency--Discontinued Entries
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Regulation
Identification                                             Title                                                  Date                 Comments
    Number
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
0560-AF77        Amendments to the Conservation Reserve Program Regulations Regarding Land Eligibility          04/30/2003   Merged With 0560-AG74
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                         Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service--Proposed Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                    Regulation
 Sequence                                          Title                                          Identification
  Number                                                                                              Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
63          Importation of Unmanufactured Wood Articles; Solid Wood Packing Material............     0579-AA99
64          Plum Pox Compensation...............................................................     0579-AB19
65          Veterinary Diagnostic User Fees--5-Year Plan for Fees (Section 610 Review)..........     0579-AB22
66          Animal Welfare: Marine Mammals; Nonconsensus Language and Interactive Programs......     0579-AB24
67          Chronic Wasting Disease in Elk and Deer; Interstate Movement Restrictions and            0579-AB35
            Payment of Indemnity................................................................
68          Karnal Bunt Compensation............................................................     0579-AB45
69          Importation of Solid Wood Packing Material; Adoption of International Standards.....     0579-AB48
70          Cost-Sharing for Animal and Plant Health Emergency Programs.........................     0579-AB50
71          Trichinae Certification Program.....................................................     0579-AB52
72          Procedures for Reestablishing a Region as Free of a Disease.........................     0579-AB53
73          Methyl Bromide; Authorization as Official Quarantine Use............................     0579-AB54

[[Page 29985]]


74          Gypsy Moth; Interstate Movement of Regulated Articles (Section 610 Review)..........     0579-AB55
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                          Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service--Final Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                    Regulation
 Sequence                                          Title                                          Identification
  Number                                                                                              Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
75          Animal Welfare; Inspection, Licensing, and Procurement of Animals (Section 610           0579-AA94
            Review).............................................................................
76          Importation of Unmanufactured Wood Articles From Mexico.............................     0579-AB02
77          Pseudorabies in Swine; Payment of Indemnity.........................................     0579-AB10
78          Phytosanitary Certificates for Imported Fruits and Vegetables.......................     0579-AB18
79          Bees and Related Articles (Section 610 Review)......................................     0579-AB20
80          Nursery Stock Regulations (Section 610 Review)......................................     0579-AB23
81          Salmonella Enteritidis Phage-Type 4; Remove Import Restrictions and Salmonella           0579-AB31
            Enteritidis Serotype Enteritidis; Remove Regulations................................
82          Foot-and-Mouth Disease; Payment of Indemnity........................................     0579-AB34
83          Infectious Salmon Anemia; Payment of Indemnity......................................     0579-AB37
84          Animal Welfare; Policy on Training and Handling of Potentially Dangerous Animals....     0579-AB39
85          Brucellosis in Sheep, Goats, and Horses; Payment of Indemnity (Section 610 Review)..     0579-AB42
86          Low Pathogenic Avian Influenza; Payment of Indemnity................................     0579-AB46
87          Animal Welfare; Transportation of Animals on International Carriers.................     0579-AB51
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                          Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service--Long-Term Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                    Regulation
 Sequence                                          Title                                          Identification
  Number                                                                                              Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
88          Plant Pest Regulations; Update of Current Provisions (Section 610 Review)...........     0579-AA80
89          Importation of Fuji Variety Apples From the Republic of Korea.......................     0579-AA93
90          Blood and Tissue Collection at Slaughtering Establishments..........................     0579-AB13
91          Importation Prohibitions Because of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy................     0579-AB26
92          Animals Destroyed Because of Tuberculosis; Payment of Indemnity.....................     0579-AB29
93          Importation of Milk and Milk Products From FMD Countries............................     0579-AB38
94          Risk Reduction Strategies for Potential BSE Pathways Involving Downer Cattle and         0579-AB43
            Dead Stock of Cattle and Other Species..............................................
95          Amend Regulations To Harmonize Our Import Requirements With Proposed National            0579-AB44
            Tuberculosis Eradication Program....................................................
96          Agricultural Bioterrorism Protection Act of 2002; Possession, Use, and Transfer of       0579-AB47
            Biological Agents and Toxins........................................................
97          Flag Smut Import Prohibitions on Wheat and Related Products.........................     0579-AB49
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                          Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service--Completed Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                    Regulation
 Sequence                                          Title                                          Identification
  Number                                                                                              Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
98          Phytosanitary Treatment by Irradiation of Imported Fresh Fruits and Vegetables......     0579-AA97
99          Establishment of Regions in the European Union for Classical Swine Fever and Swine       0579-AB03
            Vesicular Disease...................................................................
100         Payments for Cattle and Other Property Because of Tuberculosis......................     0579-AB36
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                            Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service--Discontinued Entries
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Regulation
Identification                                             Title                                                  Date                 Comments
    Number
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
0579-AA63        Importation of Certain Embryos and Animal Semen                                                03/04/2003   Withdrawn

[[Page 29986]]


0579-AB04        Horse Protection; Horse Industry Organizations                                                 03/04/2003   Withdrawn
0579-AB30        Draft Action Plan for the Noxious Weeds Program                                                03/04/2003   Withdrawn
0579-AB41        Additional Restrictions on the Importation of Certain Ruminant Meat, Meat Products, and        04/28/2003   Withdrawn
                 Edible Products Other Than Meat From BSE Regions
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service--Proposed Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                    Regulation
 Sequence                                          Title                                          Identification
  Number                                                                                              Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
101         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.......................................................
102         CSREES Agricultural Extension Formula Programs--Administrative Provisions...........     0524-AA26
103         CSREES Agricultural Research Formula Programs--Administrative Provisions............     0524-AA27
104         CSREES Non-Formula Grant Programs--Administrative Provisions........................     0524-AA28
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                   Rural Housing Service--Proposed Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                    Regulation
 Sequence                                          Title                                          Identification
  Number                                                                                              Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
105         National Flood Insurance Regulations................................................     0575-AC07
106         Servicing Community Programs Loans and Grants.......................................     0575-AC12
107         Multi-Family Housing (MFH) Reinvention..............................................     0575-AC13
108         Self-Help Technical Assistance Grants...............................................     0575-AC20
109         Community Facilities Direct Loan Program--Consolidate, Simplify, and Update              0575-AC27
            Regulations.........................................................................
110         Guaranteed Rural Rental Housing Program--Secondary Mortgage Market Participation....     0575-AC28
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                     Rural Housing Service--Final Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                    Regulation
 Sequence                                          Title                                          Identification
  Number                                                                                              Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
111         Environmental Program...............................................................     0575-AB98
112         Guaranteed Single-Family Housing....................................................     0575-AC18
113         Operating Assistance for Migrant Farmworker Projects................................     0575-AC24
114         Technical Assistance To Encourage the Development of Domestic and Migrant Farm Labor     0575-AC25
            Housing.............................................................................
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                    Rural Housing Service--Long-Term Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                    Regulation
 Sequence                                          Title                                          Identification
  Number                                                                                              Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
115         Civil Rights Compliance Requirements--1901-E to 1940-D..............................     0575-AA83
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                    Rural Housing Service--Completed Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                    Regulation
 Sequence                                          Title                                          Identification
  Number                                                                                              Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
116         Direct Section 502 and 504 Single-Family Housing Program............................     0575-AB99
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


[[Page 29987]]


                             Federal Crop Insurance Corporation--Proposed Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                    Regulation
 Sequence                                          Title                                          Identification
  Number                                                                                              Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
117         General Administrative Regulations; Subpart D; Application for Crop Insurance.......     0563-AB00
118         General Administrative Regulations; Movement of Business Among Insurance Providers..     0563-AB71
119         General Administrative Regulations; Sanctions.......................................     0563-AB73
120         Common Crop Insurance Regulations; Blueberry Crop Insurance Provisions..............     0563-AB76
121         Common Crop Insurance Regulations; Nursery Crop Insurance Provisions................     0563-AB80
122         General Administrative Regulations; Actual Production History.......................     0563-AB83
123         General Administrative Regulations; Subpart L--Reinsurance Agreement--Standards for      0563-AB86
            Approval; Regulations for the 1997 and Subsequent Reinsurance Years.................
124         General Administrative Regulations; Quality Assurance and Performance Measurement        0563-AB88
            System for the Federal Crop Insurance Program.......................................
125         Common Crop Insurance Regulations; Processing Tomato Crop Insurance Provisions......     0563-AB90
126         Common Crop Insurance Regulations; Pecan Revenue Crop Insurance Provisions..........     0563-AB91
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                              Federal Crop Insurance Corporation--Final Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                    Regulation
 Sequence                                          Title                                          Identification
  Number                                                                                              Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
127         Common Crop Insurance Regulations; Small Grains Crop Insurance Provisions and Wheat      0563-AB63
            Winter Coverage Endorsement.........................................................
128         General Administrative Regulations; Nonstandard Underwriting Classification System..     0563-AB66
129         General Administrative Regulations; Premium Reductions; Payments of Rebates,             0563-AB70
            Dividends, and Patronage Refunds; and Payments to Insured-Owned and Record-
            Controlling Entities................................................................
130         Catastrophic Risk Protection Endorsement; Group Risk Plan of Insurance Regulations;      0563-AB81
            Basic Provisions....................................................................
131         General Administrative Regulations; Submission of Policies and Provisions of             0563-AB84
            Policies and Rates of Premiums......................................................
132         Common Crop Insurance Regulations; Basic Provisions and General Administrative           0563-AB85
            Regulations, Subpart T, Regulations for Implementation..............................
133         Common Crop Insurance Regulations...................................................     0563-AB87
134         Common Crop Insurance Regulations; Sunflower, Coarse Grains, Safflower, Dry Pea,         0563-AB89
            Rice, and Dry Bean Crop Insurance Provisions........................................
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                  Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration--Proposed Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                    Regulation
 Sequence                                          Title                                          Identification
  Number                                                                                              Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
135         Livestock Purchase or Sale: Prohibit Non-Reporting of Price.........................     0580-AA65
136         Prohibition on Disguising Grain Quality.............................................     0580-AA77
137         Fees for Official Inspection and Official Weighing Services.........................     0580-AA80
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                    Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration--Final Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                    Regulation
 Sequence                                          Title                                          Identification
  Number                                                                                              Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
138         Tolerances for Dividers.............................................................     0580-AA57
139         Review Inspection Requirements......................................................     0580-AA58
140         Swine Packer Marketing Contracts....................................................     0580-AA71
141         Exceptions to Geographic Areas for Official Agencies Under the USGSA................     0580-AA76
142         Fees for Official Inspection and Weighing Services..................................     0580-AA81
143         Fees for Rice Inspection Services...................................................     0580-AA82
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


[[Page 29988]]


                                 Food and Nutrition Service--Proposed Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                    Regulation
 Sequence                                          Title                                          Identification
  Number                                                                                              Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
144         Disqualified Recipient Reporting and Computer Matching Requirements That Affect the      0584-AB51
            Food Stamp Program..................................................................
145         Commodity Supplemental Food Program: Plain Language, Program Accountability, and         0584-AC84
            Program Flexibility.................................................................
146         Food Stamp Program: Administrative Cost Reimbursement...............................     0584-AC86
147         Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations: Resource Limits and Exclusions,        0584-AD12
            Extended Certification Periods, and Transitional Benefits...........................
148         Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP): At-Risk Afterschool Suppers..............     0584-AD15
149         Food Stamp Program: Administrative Sanctions Imposed Against Violating Electronic        0584-AD18
            Benefits Transfer (EBT) Stores......................................................
150         Food Stamp Program: Simplification and State Flexibility............................     0584-AD22
151         Food Stamp Program: Clarifications and Corrections to Recipient Claim Establishment      0584-AD25
            and Collection Standards............................................................
152         FSP: EBT and Retail Food Stores Provisions of the Farm Security and Rural Investment     0584-AD28
            Act of 2002.........................................................................
153         FSP: High Performance Bonuses.......................................................     0584-AD29
154         FSP: Eligibility and Certification Provisions of the Farm Security and Rural             0584-AD30
            Investment Act of 2002..............................................................
155         FSP: Employment and Training Program Provisions of the Farm Security and Rural           0584-AD32
            Investment Act of 2002..............................................................
156         Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP)....................................     0584-AD35
157         Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC):           0584-AD36
            Miscellaneous Vendor-Related Provisions.............................................
158         Discretionary Quality Control Provisions of Title IV of Public Law 107-171..........     0584-AD37
159         National School Lunch Program (NSLP) Allowable Costs................................     0584-AD38
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                  Food and Nutrition Service--Final Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                    Regulation
 Sequence                                          Title                                          Identification
  Number                                                                                              Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
160         Special Supplemental Food Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC):                0584-AB10
            Miscellaneous Provisions............................................................
161         Child and Adult Care Food Program: Improving Management and Program Integrity.......     0584-AC24
162         Food Stamp Program Regulatory Review: FSP Standards for Approval and Operation of        0584-AC37
            Food Stamp Electronic Benefit Transfer Systems......................................
163         National School Lunch Program: Reimbursement for Snacks in Afterschool Care Programs     0584-AC72
164         FSP: Civil Rights Data Collections..................................................     0584-AC75
165         FSP: Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) Systems Interoperability and Portability.....     0584-AC91
166         Special Nutrition Programs: Disclosure of Children's Eligibility Information Under       0584-AC95
            the Child Nutrition Programs........................................................
167         Special Nutrition Programs: Uniform Federal Assistance Regulations; Nondiscretionary     0584-AD16
            Technical Amendments................................................................
168         Determining Eligibility for Free and Reduced Price Meals in Schools--Verification        0584-AD20
            Reporting and Recordkeeping Requirements............................................
169         Food Stamp Program: Administrative Review Requirements--Food Retailers/Wholesalers..     0584-AD23
170         Privacy Act: Revision of an Existing System of Records..............................     0584-AD24
171         Afterschool Snacks Under the Child and Adult Care Food Program......................     0584-AD27
172         FSP: Non-Discretionary Quality Control Provisions of Title IV of Public Law 107-171.     0584-AD31
173         Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP)--Allocation of Administrative Funds......     0584-AD33
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                  Food and Nutrition Service--Long-Term Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                    Regulation
 Sequence                                          Title                                          Identification
  Number                                                                                              Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
174         WIC: Requirements for and Evaluation of WIC Program Requests for Bids for Infant         0584-AB52
            Formula Rebate Contracts............................................................
175         Child and Adult Care Food Program: Implementing Legislative Reforms To Strengthen        0584-AC94
            Program Integrity...................................................................
176         Improving Access to the Food Stamp Program for Persons With Limited English              0584-AD06
            Proficiency.........................................................................
177         Food Stamp Program: Vehicle and Maximum Excess Shelter Expense Deduction Provisions      0584-AD13
            of Public Law 106-387...............................................................
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


[[Page 29989]]


                                  Food and Nutrition Service--Completed Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                    Regulation
 Sequence                                          Title                                          Identification
  Number                                                                                              Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
178         Food Stamp Program: Anticipating Income and Reporting Changes.......................     0584-AB57
179         Implementation of Poultry Substitution Pilot as Permanent and Modification of            0584-AD08
            Commodity Recordkeeping Requirements................................................
180         Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC):           0584-AD34
            Exclusion of Military Housing Payments..............................................
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                                    Food and Nutrition Service--Discontinued Entries
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Regulation
Identification                                             Title                                                  Date                 Comments
    Number
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
0584-AC90        Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC): Revisions       02/13/2003   Withdrawn--Will be replaced
                 in the WIC Food Packages                                                                                     by an ANPRM
0584-AC96        State Administrative Expense Funds: Plain Language Rewrite                                     01/31/2003   Withdrawn--No activity
                                                                                                                              anticipated.
0584-AC97        Special Milk Program for Children: Plain Language Revision and Reorganization                  01/31/2003   Withdrawn--No activity
                                                                                                                              anticipated.
0584-AC98        Food Distribution Programs: Plain Language Rewrite of 7 CFR Part 250, Donation of Foods        01/31/2003   Withdrawn--No activity
                 for Use in the United States, Its Territories and Possessions, and Areas Under Its                           anticipated.
                 Jurisdiction
0584-AC99        Food Distribution Programs: Plain Language Rewrite of 7 CFR Part 251, The Emergency Food       01/31/2003   Withdrawn--No activity
                 Assistance Program (TEFAP)                                                                                   anticipated.
0584-AD00        Food Distribution Programs: Plain Language Rewrite of 7 CFR Part 252, The National             01/31/2003   Withdrawn--No activity
                 Commodity Processing Program (NCP)                                                                           anticipated.
0584-AD01        Food Distribution Programs: Plain Language Rewrite of 7 CFR Part 253, the Food                 01/31/2003   Withdrawn--No activity
                 Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR)                                                          anticipated.
0584-AD02        Food Distribution Programs: Plain Language Rewrite of 7 CFR Part 254, the Food                 01/31/2003   Withdrawn--No activity
                 Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR) in Oklahoma                                              anticipated.
0584-AD03        Nutrition Education and Training Program: Plain Language Rewrite of 7 CFR Part 227             01/31/2003   Withdrawn--No activity
                                                                                                                              anticipated.
0584-AD04        State Agency Liabilities and Federal Sanctions                                                 01/31/2003   Withdrawn--No activity
                                                                                                                              anticipated.
0584-AD05        Payments of Certain Administrative Costs of State Agencies                                     01/31/2003   Withdrawn--No activity
                                                                                                                              anticipated
0584-AD10        School Breakfast Program: Plain Language Revision and Reorganization                           01/31/2003   Withdrawn--No activity
                                                                                                                              anticipated.
0584-AD11        WIC: Plain Language Rewrite of 7 CFR Part 248, Farmers' Market Nutrition Program               01/31/2003   Withdrawn--No activity
                                                                                                                              anticipated.
0584-AD17        CNP: Plain Language Rewrite of 7 CFR Part 225, Summer Food Service Program                     01/31/2003   Withdrawn--No activity
                                                                                                                              anticipated.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                Food Safety and Inspection Service--Prerule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                    Regulation
 Sequence                                          Title                                          Identification
  Number                                                                                              Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
181         Standards and Labeling Requirements for Mechanically Separated Species and Products      0583-AC93
            in Which It Is Used (Section 610 Review)............................................
182         Nutrition Labeling of Meat and Poultry Products (Section 610 Review)................     0583-AC95
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                             Food Safety and Inspection Service--Proposed Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                    Regulation
 Sequence                                          Title                                          Identification
  Number                                                                                              Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
183         Ante-Mortem and Post-Mortem Inspection of Livestock and Poultry.....................     0583-AC43

[[Page 29990]]


184         Requirements for Disposition and Disposal of Inspected Raw Meat and Poultry Products     0583-AC44
185         Performance Standards for Bacon.....................................................     0583-AC49
186         Reworking of Meat and Poultry Carcasses Accidentally Contaminated During                 0583-AC53
            Evisceration........................................................................
187         Egg and Egg Products Inspection Regulations.........................................     0583-AC58
188         Labeling--Generic Approval and Regulation Consolidation.............................     0583-AC59
189         Food Standards; Guiding Principles and Food Standards Modernization.................     0583-AC72
190         Petitions for Rulemaking............................................................     0583-AC81
191         Classes of Poultry Updating Poultry Class Standards.................................     0583-AC83
192         Elimination of Chilling Time and Temperature Requirements for Ready-To-Cook Poultry      0583-AC87
            (Section 610 Review)................................................................
193         Addition of San Marino to the List of Countries Eligible To Export Meat and Meat         0583-AC91
            Products to the United States.......................................................
194         Addition of Mexico to the List of Countries Eligible for the Importation of              0583-AC92
            Slaughtered (Fresh) Poultry and Egg Products Into the United States.................
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                              Food Safety and Inspection Service--Final Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                    Regulation
 Sequence                                          Title                                          Identification
  Number                                                                                              Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
195         Beef or Pork With Barbecue Sauce; Revision of Standards.............................     0583-AC09
196         Performance Standards for Ready-To-Eat Meat and Poultry Products....................     0583-AC46
197         Meat Produced by Advanced Meat/Bone Separation Machinery and Meat Recovery Systems..     0583-AC51
198         Nutrition Labeling of Ground or Chopped Meat and Poultry Products and Single-            0583-AC60
            Ingredient Products.................................................................
199         Incorporation of Food and Color Additives Into 21 CFR...............................     0583-AC69
200         Performance Standards for On-Line Antimicrobial Reprocessing of Pre-Chill Poultry        0583-AC73
            Carcasses...........................................................................
201         Agency Organization.................................................................     0583-AC78
202         Food Standards: Requirements for Substantive Standardized Meat and Poultry Products      0583-AC82
            Named by Use of an Expressed Nutrient Content Claim and a Standardized Term.........
203         Changes in Fees for Meat, Poultry, and Egg Products Inspection Service..............     0583-AC94
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                              Food Safety and Inspection Service--Long-Term Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                    Regulation
 Sequence                                          Title                                          Identification
  Number                                                                                              Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
204         Transportation, Storage, and Other Handling of Potentially Hazardous Foods..........     0583-AC05
205         Reform of Regulations on Imported Meat and Poultry Products.........................     0583-AC56
206         Food Labeling; Nutrient Content Claims, Definition of the Term Healthy..............     0583-AC65
207         Elimination of Requirements for Total Quality Control Systems.......................     0583-AC68
208         Poultry Inspection: Revision of Finished Product Standards With Respect to Ingesta..     0583-AC77
209         Emergency Regulations To Prevent Meat Food and Meat Products That May Contain the        0583-AC88
            BSE Agent From Entering Commerce....................................................
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                                Food Safety and Inspection Service--Discontinued Entries
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Regulation
Identification                                             Title                                                  Date                 Comments
    Number
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
0583-AC07        Grant and Inauguration of Inspection                                                           01/30/2003   Withdrawn
0583-AC63        Pathogen Reduction; Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) Systems; Additions     01/30/2003   Withdrawn
                 to Generic E. Coli Criteria
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


[[Page 29991]]


                                   Foreign Agricultural Service--Prerule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                    Regulation
 Sequence                                          Title                                          Identification
  Number                                                                                              Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
210         New Provisions and Revisions to Sugar Reexport Programs Under 7 CFR 1530............     0551-AA65
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                Foreign Agricultural Service--Proposed Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                    Regulation
 Sequence                                          Title                                          Identification
  Number                                                                                              Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
211         Program To Provide Technical Assistance To Promote U.S. Agricultural Exports to          0551-AA62
            Emerging Markets (Emerging Markets Program).........................................
212         McGovern-Dole International Food for Education and Child Nutrition Program..........     0551-AA64
213         Trade Adjustment Assistance for Farmers (TAA).......................................     0551-AA66
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                 Foreign Agricultural Service--Final Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                    Regulation
 Sequence                                          Title                                          Identification
  Number                                                                                              Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
214         Program To Assist U.S. Producers in Developing Domestic Markets for Value-Added          0551-AA60
            Wheat Gluten and Wheat Starch Products..............................................
215         Technical Assistance for Specialty Crops............................................     0551-AA63
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                 Foreign Agricultural Service--Long-Term Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                    Regulation
 Sequence                                          Title                                          Identification
  Number                                                                                              Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
216         CCC Supplier Credit Guarantee Program...............................................     0551-AA30
217         Facility Guarantee Program..........................................................     0551-AA35
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                       Forest Service--Proposed Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                    Regulation
 Sequence                                          Title                                          Identification
  Number                                                                                              Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
218         Indian Allotments on National Forest System Lands...................................     0596-AA52
219         Appeal of Decisions Relating to Occupancy and Use of National Forest System Lands...     0596-AB45
220         Law Enforcement Support Activities..................................................     0596-AB61
221         Noncompetitive Sale of Timber; Timber Substitution..................................     0596-AB70
222         Sale and Disposal of National Forest System Timber; Timber Export and Substitution       0596-AB75
            Restrictions........................................................................
223         Determining Fair Market Value for Recreation Residence Use Authorizations...........     0596-AB83
224         Land Uses; Prohibitions; Paleontological Resources..................................     0596-AB91
225         Forest Service Trails Accessibility Guidelines......................................     0596-AB92
226         Forest Service Outdoor Recreation Accessibility Guidelines..........................     0596-AB93
227         Objection Process; Land and Resource Management Planning (Interim Directive, Forest      0596-AB97
            Service Manual, Chapter 1920).......................................................
228         Locatable Minerals..................................................................     0596-AB98
229         Sawtooth National Recreation Area-Private Lands; Increasing Residential Outbuilding      0596-AC00
            Size................................................................................
230         National Forest System Land and Resource Management Planning Directives (Proposed        0596-AC02
            Directives, Forest Service Manual (FSM) 1920 and Forest Service Handbook (FSH)
            1909.12)............................................................................
231         Stewardship Contracting Projects (Proposed Interim Directives; Forest Service Manual     0596-AC03
            2400 and Related Handbooks).........................................................
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


[[Page 29992]]


                                        Forest Service--Final Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                    Regulation
 Sequence                                          Title                                          Identification
  Number                                                                                              Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
232         Sale and Disposal of National Forest Timber; Cancellation of Timber Sale Contracts..     0596-AB21
233         Land Uses; Special Uses; Recovery of Costs for Processing Special Use Applications       0596-AB36
            and Monitoring Compliance With Special Use Authorizations...........................
234         Sale and Disposal of National Forest System Timber; Extension of Timber Sale             0596-AB48
            Contracts To Permit Urgent Removal of Timber From Other Lands.......................
235         Preference for Visitor Service; Alaska National Forest Conservation System Units....     0596-AB57
236         National Environmental Policy Act Documentation Needed for Certain Special Uses          0596-AB73
            Permit Actions (Final Interim Directive to FSH 1909.15, Chapter 30).................
237         Land Uses; Special Uses Requiring Authorizations....................................     0596-AB74
238         Special Forest Products and Forest Botanical Products...............................     0596-AB81
239         National Forest System Land and Resource Management Planning........................     0596-AB86
240         National Environmental Policy Act Documentation Needed For Limited Timber Harvest on     0596-AB88
            National Forest System Lands (Forest Service Handbook 1909.15, Chapter 30)..........
241         Notice, Comment, and Appeal Procedures for Projects and Activities on National           0596-AB89
            Forest System Lands.................................................................
242         Revisions to Road Management Policy (Forest Service Manual Chapter 7710)............     0596-AB90
243         Forest Land Enhancement Program.....................................................     0596-AB95
244         Community and Private Land Forest Fire Assistance Program...........................     0596-AB96
245         National Environmental Policy Act Documentation Needed for Fire Management               0596-AB99
            Activities (Interim Directive to Forest Service Handbook 1909.15, Chapter 30).......
246         National Forest System Land and Resource Management Planning; Extension of               0596-AC01
            Compliance Deadline for Site-Specific Projects......................................
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                        Forest Service--Long-Term Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                    Regulation
 Sequence                                          Title                                          Identification
  Number                                                                                              Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
247         Hydropower Applications.............................................................     0596-AA47
248         Landownership Adjustments; Conveyance of Small Tracts...............................     0596-AA79
249         Species Surplus to Domestic Manufacturing Needs.....................................     0596-AB27
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                              Office of Chief Financial Officer--Long-Term Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                    Regulation
 Sequence                                          Title                                          Identification
  Number                                                                                              Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
250         Governmentwide Debarment and Suspension (Nonprocurement) and Governmentwide              0505-AA11
            Requirements for Drug-Free Workplace (Grants).......................................
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                  Office of the Secretary--Proposed Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                    Regulation
 Sequence                                          Title                                          Identification
  Number                                                                                              Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
251         General Nonprocurement Regulations..................................................     0503-AA21
252         Guidelines for Designating Biobased Products for Federal Reference..................     0503-AA26
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                    Office of the Secretary--Final Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                    Regulation
 Sequence                                          Title                                          Identification
  Number                                                                                              Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
253         Outreach and Assistance for Disadvantaged Farmers and Ranchers......................     0503-AA22
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


[[Page 29993]]


                                   Office of the Secretary--Long-Term Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                    Regulation
 Sequence                                          Title                                          Identification
  Number                                                                                              Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
254         Adjudications Under Section 741.....................................................     0503-AA24
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                   Office of the Secretary--Completed Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                    Regulation
 Sequence                                          Title                                          Identification
  Number                                                                                              Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
255         Appeal of Oral Decisions Under the Rules of Practice................................     0503-AA25
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                             Rural Business-Cooperative Service--Proposed Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                    Regulation
 Sequence                                          Title                                          Identification
  Number                                                                                              Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
256         Affirmative Fair Housing Marketing Plan.............................................     0570-AA24
257         Business and Industry Guaranteed Loan Program--Financing Cooperative Stock..........     0570-AA26
258         Rural Business Enterprise Grant Program.............................................     0570-AA28
259         Annual Renewal Fee..................................................................     0570-AA34
260         Rural Business Investment Program...................................................     0570-AA35
261         Value-Added Producer Grants and Agriculture Innovation Centers......................     0570-AA40
262         Business and Industry Loan Program--Rewrite of Program Regulations..................     0570-AA41
263         Intermediary Relending Program......................................................     0570-AA42
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                              Rural Business-Cooperative Service--Final Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                    Regulation
 Sequence                                          Title                                          Identification
  Number                                                                                              Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
264         Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant Program...................................     0570-AA19
265         Allocation Formulas.................................................................     0570-AA30
266         Business and Industry Guaranteed Loan Program--Domestic Lamb Industry Adjustment         0570-AA31
            Assistance Program Set-Aside........................................................
267         Rural Business Enterprise Grant Program--Farm Bill Changes..........................     0570-AA36
268         B&I Guaranteed Loan Program Farm Bill Changes--Expand Eligibility Criteria..........     0570-AA39
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                              Rural Business-Cooperative Service--Completed Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                    Regulation
 Sequence                                          Title                                          Identification
  Number                                                                                              Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
269         B&I Guaranteed Loan Program Farm Bill Changes--Definition of Rural and Rural Area...     0570-AA38
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                                Rural Business-Cooperative Service--Discontinued Entries
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Regulation
Identification                                             Title                                                  Date                 Comments
    Number
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
0570-AA23        Business and Industrial Guaranteed Loan Program--Miscellaneous Changes                         02/28/2003   Withdrawn
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


[[Page 29994]]


                                  Rural Utilities Service--Proposed Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                    Regulation
 Sequence                                          Title                                          Identification
  Number                                                                                              Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
270         Telecommunications Standards and Specifications for Materials, Equipment, and            0572-AB40
            Construction........................................................................
271         Servicing of Water Programs Loans and Grants........................................     0572-AB59
272         Technical Assistance Grants.........................................................     0572-AB75
273         Special Equipment Contract (Not Including Installation), RUS Form 398...............     0572-AB76
274         Accounting Requirements for RUS Telecommunications Borrowers........................     0572-AB77
275         Launching Our Communities Access to Local Television Act of 2000....................     0572-AB82
276         Guarantees for Bonds and Notes Issued for Electrification Purposes..................     0572-AB83
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                    Rural Utilities Service--Final Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                    Regulation
 Sequence                                          Title                                          Identification
  Number                                                                                              Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
277         Settlement of Debt..................................................................     0572-AB61
278         Electric Program Standard Contract Forms............................................     0572-AB67
279         Telecommunications Program Specification............................................     0572-AB69
280         General and Pre-Loan Policies and Procedures Common to Insured and Guaranteed Loans.     0572-AB72
281         Environmental Policies and Procedures...............................................     0572-AB73
282         Seismic Safety......................................................................     0572-AB74
283         Extensions of Payments of Principal and Interest....................................     0572-AB79
284         Useful Life of Facility Determination...............................................     0572-AB80
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                   Rural Utilities Service--Completed Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                    Regulation
 Sequence                                          Title                                          Identification
  Number                                                                                              Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
285         Demand Side Management and Renewable Energy Systems.................................     0572-AB65
286         Exemptions of RUS Operational Controls Under Section 306E of the RE Act.............     0572-AB68
287         Rural Broadband Access Loans and Loan Guarantees....................................     0572-AB81
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                                      Rural Utilities Service--Discontinued Entries
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Regulation
Identification                                             Title                                                  Date                 Comments
    Number
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
0572-AB78        Record Retention Requirements for RUS Electric and Telecommunications Borrowers                03/20/2003   Withdrawn
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                           Natural Resources Conservation Service--Proposed Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                    Regulation
 Sequence                                          Title                                          Identification
  Number                                                                                              Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
288         Emergency Watershed Protection Program..............................................     0578-AA30
289         Conservation Security Program.......................................................     0578-AA36
290         Grassland Reserve...................................................................     0578-AA38
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                            Natural Resources Conservation Service--Final Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                    Regulation
 Sequence                                          Title                                          Identification
  Number                                                                                              Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
291         Wetland Categorical Minimal Effects Exemptions......................................     0578-AA27

[[Page 29995]]


292         Environmental Quality Incentives Program............................................     0578-AA31
293         Agricultural Management Assistance Program..........................................     0578-AA32
294         Technical Service Provider Assistance...............................................     0578-AA35
295         Farm and Ranch Lands Protection Program.............................................     0578-AA37
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                            Natural Resources Conservation Service--Long-Term Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                    Regulation
 Sequence                                          Title                                          Identification
  Number                                                                                              Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
296         Highly Erodible Land and Wetland Conservation.......................................     0578-AA17
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                            Natural Resources Conservation Service--Completed Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                    Regulation
 Sequence                                          Title                                          Identification
  Number                                                                                              Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
297         Conservation of Private Grazing Land................................................     0578-AA29
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                              Natural Resources Conservation Service--Discontinued Entries
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Regulation
Identification                                             Title                                                  Date                 Comments
    Number
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
0578-AA26        Forestry Incentives Program                                                                    04/30/2003   Withdrawn
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                         Office of Procurement and Property Management--Final Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                    Regulation
 Sequence                                          Title                                          Identification
  Number                                                                                              Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
298         Office of Procurement and Property Management (OPPM); Uniform Procedures for the         0599-AA10
            Acquisition and Transfer of Excess Federal Property.................................
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

_______________________________________________________________________
Department of Agriculture (USDA)                    Proposed Rule Stage
Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS)
_______________________________________________________________________

1. CHANGES IN FEES FOR FEDERAL GRADING AND CERTIFICATION OF LIVESTOCK 
FOR CHICAGO MERCANTILE EXCHANGE FUTURES DELIVERIES

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 7 USC 1621 to 1627

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 53

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The purpose of this action is to amend the rate and 
procedures used to charge applicants for Federal grading and 
certification of livestock inspected for deliveries on commodity 
futures contracts.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            06/00/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: John E. Van Dyke, Branch Chief, Department of 
Agriculture, Agricultural Marketing Service, Room 2619-South, L&S, 14th 
& Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 720-6231
Fax: 202 690-3732
Email: john.vandyke@usda.gov

RIN: 0581-AB66
_______________________________________________________________________

2. REVISION OF REGULATIONS GOVERNING THE INSPECTION AND GRADING SERVICE 
OF MANUFACTURED OR PROCESSED DAIRY PRODUCTS (DA-00-08)

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 7 USC 1621 to 1627

[[Page 29996]]

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 58

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: These regulations have not been updated since December 1, 
1976. Updating these regulations will strengthen program integrity; 
accurately reflect inspection and grading services available; and 
clarify the meaning of terms used. The changes are not expected to have 
any major impact on program participants as most participants are 
operating in a manner that is consistent with the proposed changes.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            09/00/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Duane R. Spomer, Associate Deputy Administrator for 
Standards and Grading, Department of Agriculture, Agricultural 
Marketing Service, Rm. 2746-South, Dairy Programs, P.O. Box 96456, 
Washington, DC 20090-6456
Phone: 202 720-7473
Fax: 202 720-2643
Email: duane.spomer@usda.gov

RIN: 0581-AB93
_______________________________________________________________________

3. NATIONAL ORGANIC PROGRAM: ADD STANDARDS FOR MUSHROOM, APICULTURE, 
GREENHOUSE, AND HYDROPONIC PRODUCTION SYSTEMS AND THE HANDLING OF HONEY 
(TM-01-09)

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 7 USC 6501 through 6522

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 205

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: AMS is revising the regulatory provisions for labeling 
agricultural products as organically produced and handled (7 CFR part 
205). This rule will establish production standards for mushroom, 
apiculture, and greenhouse production systems and handling standards 
for apiculture products. Also, this action will incorporate the 
recommendations of the National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) 
finalized at its October 2001 meeting. In June 2001, the NOSB released 
and accepted public comments on a draft version of mushroom and 
greenhouse standards. Concurrently, the NOSB implemented a task force 
to develop production and handling standards for apiculture.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            02/00/04

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Small Entities Affected: Governmental Jurisdictions

Government Levels Affected: Federal, Tribal, State, Local

Federalism:  This action may have federalism implications as defined in 
EO 13132.

Agency Contact: Richard H. Mathews, Program Manager, Department of 
Agriculture, Agricultural Marketing Service, Rm. 2510-South, 14th & 
Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 720-3252
Fax: 202 205-7808
Email: richard.mathews@usda.gov

RIN: 0581-AB96
_______________________________________________________________________

4. NATIONAL ORGANIC PROGRAM: ADD STANDARDS FOR THE ORGANIC CERTIFICATION 
OF WILD CAPTURED AQUATIC ANIMALS (TM-01-08)

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 7 USC 6501 through 6522

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 205

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: AMS is revising the regulatory provisions for labeling of 
agricultural products as organically produced and handled (7 CFR part 
205). The term ``aquatic animal'' will be incorporated in the 
definition of livestock and to establish production and handling 
standards for operations that capture aquatic animals from the wild. 
AMS has defined ``aquatic animal'' as any finfish or shellfish used for 
human consumption, whether taken from regulated but free roaming marine 
and fresh water populations (wild captured) or propagated and raised in 
a controlled or selected environment (aquaculture). Production 
standards for operations producing aquatic animals will incorporate 
requirements for livestock origin, feed ration, health care, living 
conditions, and recordkeeping. Handling standards for such operations 
will address prevention of commingling of organically produced 
commodities and prevention of contact between organically produced and 
prohibited substances.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            02/00/04

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Small Entities Affected: Governmental Jurisdictions

Government Levels Affected: State, Local, Tribal, Federal

Agency Contact: Richard H. Mathews, Program Manager, Department of 
Agriculture, Agricultural Marketing Service, Rm. 2510-South, 14th & 
Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 720-3252
Fax: 202 205-7808
Email: richard.mathews@usda.gov

RIN: 0581-AB97
_______________________________________________________________________

5. LIVESTOCK MANDATORY REPORTING PROGRAM--LAMB AMENDMENT (LS-01-08)

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 7 USC 1621

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 59

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Agricultural Marketing Service is amending the Livestock 
Reporting Act of 1999 regulations. The amendments would: (1) Amend 
regulations requiring lamb packers to report negotiated purchases of 
live lamb and sales of carcass lamb; (2) adjust requirements for 
reporting of imported and domestic boxed lamb sales; and (3) make 
adjustments to input data collection forms. The Act was implemented 
April 2, 2001, and requires packers to report purchase and sales 
transactions for cattle, swine, sheep, boxed beef, and lamb meat.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            09/00/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: State

[[Page 29997]]

Federalism:  This action may have federalism implications as defined in 
EO 13132.

Agency Contact: John E. Van Dyke, Branch Chief, Department of 
Agriculture, Agricultural Marketing Service, Room 2619-South, L&S, 14th 
& Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 720-6231
Fax: 202 690-3732
Email: john.vandyke@usda.gov

RIN: 0581-AB98
_______________________________________________________________________

6. MANGO PROMOTION, RESEARCH, AND INFORMATION ORDER (FV-01-707)

Priority: Routine and Frequent

Legal Authority: 7 USC 7411 through 7425

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1206

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: Under the Mango Promotion, Research, and Information Order 
(Order), an industry board appointed by the Secretary of Agriculture 
will conduct a program of promotion, research, and information in order 
to increase consumption of mangos in the United States. Domestic 
handlers and importers will pay an assessment of one half cent per 
pound on the mangos they handle and import, respectively, to fund the 
program. The board will be supervised by USDA and pay a user fee to 
USDA to cover the cost of USDA oversight.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            08/26/02                    67 FR 54907
NPRM Comment Period End         10/25/02
Second NPRM                     05/00/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Kathie Birdsell, Research and Promotion Branch, 
Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Marketing Service, Room 2535-
South, Stop 0244, Fruit and Vegetable Program, 14th and Independence 
Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0244
Phone: 888 720-9917
Fax: 202 205-2800
Email: kathie.birdsell@usda.gov

RIN: 0581-AC05
_______________________________________________________________________

7. EXEMPTION OF ORGANIC PRODUCERS FROM RESEARCH AND PROMOTION/MARKETING 
ORDER ASSESSMENT (PY-02-002)

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: PL 107-171, sec 10607

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 906; 7 CFR 916; 7 CFR 917; 7 CFR 927; 7 CFR 928; 7 
CFR 929; 7 CFR 932; 7 CFR 955; 7 CFR 956; 7 CFR 958; 7 CFR 966; 7 CFR 
981; 7 CFR 982; 7 CFR 984; 7 CFR 989; 7 CFR 1150; 7 CFR 1160; 7 CFR 
1205; 7 CFR 1207; 7 CFR 1209; 7 CFR 1210; 7 CFR 1215; 7 CFR 1216; 7 CFR 
1218; 7 CFR 1219; 7 CFR 1220; 7 CFR 1230; 7 CFR 1240; 7 CFR 1250; 7 CFR 
1260; 7 CFR 1280; ...

Legal Deadline: Final, Statutory, May 13, 2003.

Abstract: Section 501 of the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform 
Act of 1996 (FAIR Act) was amended on May 13, 2002. The amendment 
exempts any person that produces and markets solely 100 percent organic 
products from paying assessments under a commodity promotion law. The 
amendment further provides that the Secretary amend any research and 
promotion regulations to reflect this exemption within 1 year. 
Therefore, the Department of Agriculture is proposing amendments to the 
research and promotion regulations and applicable marketing order 
programs for which it has oversight. The FAIR Act governs all research 
and promotion and 15 marketing order programs. Currently, there are 15 
established research and promotion programs, with the additional 
program for Hass avocados in the final stages of rulemaking. The Hass 
avocado program should be fully implemented before this action is 
published.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            05/00/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Angela C. Snyder, Agricultural Marketing Specialist, 
Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Marketing Service, STOP 0256, 
1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 720-4476
Fax: 202 720-5631

RIN: 0581-AC15
_______________________________________________________________________

8. NATIONAL DAIRY PROMOTION AND RESEARCH PROGRAM (DA-02-03)

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 7 USC 4501 et seq

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1150

Legal Deadline: NPRM, Statutory, March 2003, Proposed Rule necessary 
for industry input.
Final, Statutory, July 2003, Final Rule to be issued after 60-day 
comment period.

Abstract: Recently enacted Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 
2002 (2002 Farm Bill) amended the Dairy Production and Stabilization 
Act of 1983 (the authorizing legislation for the National Dairy 
Promotion and Research Program) concerning implementation of mandatory 
15-cent per hundred weight assessment on dairy products imported into 
the 48 contiguous States and other related amendments.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            05/00/03
Final Action                    07/00/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: David Jamison, Chief, Promotion and Research Branch, 
Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Marketing Service, Stop 0233, 
Dairy Progams, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0233
Phone: 202 720-6909
Fax: 202 720-0285
Email: david.jamison2@usda.gov

RIN: 0581-AC16
_______________________________________________________________________

9. REMOVAL OF COTTONSEED CHEMIST LICENSING PROGRAM AND FEES (ST-02-03)

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 7 USC 1622 through 1624

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 96

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is removing the

[[Page 29998]]

Cottonseed Chemist Licensing Program. The AMS budget office performed a 
budget analysis that indicated that even by economizing at every 
opportunity, the program will fail to maintain sufficient revenue.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            05/00/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: James V. Falk, Scientist, Department of Agriculture, 
Agricultural Marketing Service, Technical Services Branch, 1400 
Independence Avenue SW, Room 3523-South Building, Washington, DC 20250-
0272
Phone: 202 690-4089
Fax: 202 720-6496
Email: james.falk@usda.gov

RIN: 0581-AC18
_______________________________________________________________________

10. ADMINISTRATIVE REQUIREMENTS FOR VOLUNTARY SHELL EGG, POULTRY, AND 
RABBIT GRADING (PY-02-003)

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 7 USC 1621 through 1627

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 56; 7 CFR 70

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Agricultural Marketing Service is updating the 
administrative requirements for Federal voluntary egg, poultry, and 
rabbit grading. The regulations, in effect since the 1950s, contain 
some outdated terms, references, and phrases that need updating to make 
them current and clear.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            11/00/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Rex A. Barnes, Chief, Grading Branch, Department of 
Agriculture, Agricultural Marketing Service, Stop 0258, Poultry 
Programs, 14th & Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20090-6456
Phone: 202 720-3271
Fax: 202 690-3165
Email: rex.barnes@usda.gov

RIN: 0581-AC25
_______________________________________________________________________
Department of Agriculture (USDA)                       Final Rule Stage
Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS)
_______________________________________________________________________

11. FLUE-CURED TOBACCO ADVISORY COMMITTEE: AMENDMENT TO REGULATIONS (TB-
02-14)

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 5 USC (App.) Departmental Regulation 1042-52

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 29

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This action amends the Flue-cured Tobacco Advisory Committee 
regulations by removing the sections that reference composition and 
representation on the Committee. Removal of these regulations will 
eliminate lengthy rulemaking procedures and will allow the Committee to 
react more quickly to new marketing changes or shifts in the industry 
to maintain an orderly marketing system.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              10/01/02                    67 FR 61467
Interim Final Rule Effective    10/02/02
Interim Final Rule Comment 
Period End                      12/02/02
Final Action                    06/00/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: John P. Duncan III, Deputy Administrator, Department of 
Agriculture, Agricultural Marketing Service, Ag Code 0280, Tobacco 
Programs, Room 502 Annex Bldg., P.O. Box 96456, Washington, DC 20090-
6456
Phone: 202 205-0567
Fax: 202 205-0235
Email: john.duncan3@usda.gov

RIN: 0581-AC11
_______________________________________________________________________

12. QUALITY SYSTEMS VERIFICATION PROGRAM (LS-02-10)

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 7 USC 1621

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 62

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Agricultural Marketing Service is moving the 
responsibility for the administration of the Quality Systems 
Certification program from the Livestock and Seed Program's Meat 
Grading and Certification Branch to the Audit, Review, and Compliance 
Branch; establishing a new user-fee schedule for the program; expanding 
the scope of the program to include all agricultural commodities; and 
changing the name of the program to the Quality Systems Verification 
Program.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              06/00/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: Federal

Agency Contact: James L. Riva, Chief, Audit, Review, and Compliance 
Branch, Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Marketing Service, STOP 
0252, Room 2627-South, USDA, AMS, LS, ARC Branch, 1400 Independence 
Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-2052
Phone: 202 720-1124
Fax: 202 690-3428
Email: james.riva@usda.gov

RIN: 0581-AC12
_______________________________________________________________________

13. VOLUNTARY FEDERAL MEAT GRADING AND CERTIFICATION SERVICES (LS-02-06)

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 7 USC 1622 through 1624

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 54

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Agricultural Marketing Service is amending the fees for

[[Page 29999]]

Voluntary Meat Grading and Certification services provided by the Meat 
Grading and Certification Branch. This rule would amend section 54.27 
Charges for Service by replacing the published rates with the following 
rates accordingly: Commitment Basis $55/hour, Noncommitment Basis $64/
hour, Premium Basis $72/hour, and Holiday Basis $110/hour. This 
amendment would allow the Branch to offset increased operating expenses 
and decreased revenue hours, and allow the Branch to maintain a 4-month 
operating reserve required by the Agency.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            11/01/02                    67 FR 66576
NPRM Comment Period End         12/31/02
Final Action                    05/00/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: Federal

Agency Contact: Larry R. Meadows, Chief, Meat Grading and Certification 
Branch, Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Marketing Service, Room 
2628-South, Mail Stop 0248, L&S, Meat Grading Branch, 14th and 
Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 720-0343
Fax: 202 690-4119
Email: larry.meadows@usda.gov

RIN: 0581-AC13
_______________________________________________________________________

14. USER FEES FOR 2003 CROP COTTON CLASSIFICATION SERVICES (CN-02-006)

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 7 USC 473a

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 28

Legal Deadline: Final, Statutory, June 1, 2003.

Abstract: This action would sustain the user fees for cotton producers 
for the 2003 crop cotton classification services under the Cotton 
Statistics and Estimates Act.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            03/31/03                    68 FR 15385
NPRM Comment Period End         04/15/03
Final Action                    06/00/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Norma Randall McDill, Deputy Administrator, Department 
of Agriculture, Agricultural Marketing Service, 14th & Independence 
Avenue SW, Room 2641-South, Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 720-3193
Fax: 202 690-1718
Email: norma.mcdill@usda.gov

RIN: 0581-AC17
_______________________________________________________________________

15. NATIONAL ORGANIC PROGRAM, AMENDMENT TO THE NATIONAL LIST OF ALLOWED 
AND PROHIBITED SUBSTANCES

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 7 USC 6501 through 6522

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 205

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This action would add substances to the National List of 
Allowed and Prohibited Substances recommended by the National Organic 
Standards Board.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            04/16/03                    68 FR 18556
NPRM Comment Period End         04/28/03
Final Action                    06/00/03

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: Richard H. Mathews, Program Manager, Department of 
Agriculture, Agricultural Marketing Service, Rm. 2510-South, 14th & 
Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 720-3252
Fax: 202 205-7808
Email: richard.mathews@usda.gov

RIN: 0581-AC19
_______________________________________________________________________

16. PACA: COATING OR BATTERING FRUITS AND VEGETABLES DOES NOT ALTER 
THEIR CHARACTER (FV-02-369)

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 7 USC 499o

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 46

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: On June 21, 2002, the Frozen Potato Products Institute 
petitioned the Agricultural Marketing Service to amend the definition 
of ``fresh fruits and fresh vegetables'' under the Perishable 
Agricultural Commodities Act. We have been asked to clarify our policy 
that coating, battering, or otherwise treating fruits and vegetables to 
maintain taste, color, and/or texture prior to or after cooking does 
not alter their character.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            12/16/02                    67 FR 77002
NPRM Comment Period End         01/15/03
Final Action                    05/00/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: James R. Frazier, Chief, PACA Branch, Department of 
Agriculture, Agricultural Marketing Service, F&V, P.O. Box 96456, 
Washington, DC 20099-6546
Phone: 202 720-4180
Email: james_r_frazier@usda.gov

RIN: 0581-AC21

[[Page 30000]]

_______________________________________________________________________
Department of Agriculture (USDA)                      Long-Term Actions
Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS)
_______________________________________________________________________

17. USDA ``PRODUCED FROM'' GRADEMARK FOR SHELL EGGS (PY-02-007)

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 56

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            01/09/03                     68 FR 1169
NPRM Comment Period End         03/10/03


Next Action Undetermined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Rex A. Barnes
Phone: 202 720-3271
Fax: 202 690-3165
Email: rex.barnes@usda.gov

RIN: 0581-AC24
_______________________________________________________________________
Department of Agriculture (USDA)                      Completed Actions
Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS)
_______________________________________________________________________

18. HASS AVOCADO PROMOTION, RESEARCH, AND INFORMATION ORDER (FV-01-705)

Priority: Routine and Frequent

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1219

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    09/06/02                    67 FR 56895
Final Action Effective          09/09/02

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Margaret B. Irby
Phone: 202 720-9915
Fax: 202 205-2800
Email: margaret.irby@usda.gov

RIN: 0581-AB92
_______________________________________________________________________

19. COTTON FUTURES ACT: CHANGING THE DESTINATION OF SPOT MARKETS (CN-01-
004)

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 27

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    12/17/02                    67 FR 77147

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Norma Randall McDill
Phone: 202 720-3193
Fax: 202 690-1718
Email: norma.mcdill@usda.gov

RIN: 0581-AC00
_______________________________________________________________________

20. VOLUNTARY EGG, POULTRY, AND RABBIT GRADING, INCREASE IN FEES AND 
CHARGES (PY-02-002)

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 56; 7 CFR 70

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    12/26/02                    67 FR 78665
Final Action Effective          01/01/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Rex A. Barnes
Phone: 202 720-3271
Fax: 202 690-3165
Email: rex.barnes@usda.gov

RIN: 0581-AC10
_______________________________________________________________________

21. TOBACCO INSPECTION: MANDATORY GRADING (TB-02-11)

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 29

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    11/19/02                    67 FR 69659

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: John P. Duncan
Phone: 202 205-0567
Fax: 202 205-0235
Email: john.duncan3@usda.gov

RIN: 0581-AC20
_______________________________________________________________________

22. PLANT VARIETY PROTECTION SERVICES (ST-02-01)

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 97

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            10/01/02                    67 FR 61545
Final Action                    01/10/03                     68 FR 1359
Final Action Effective          02/10/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Fabian Q. Generao
Phone: 202 720-0195
Fax: 202 720-1631

RIN: 0581-AC22
_______________________________________________________________________

23. ESTABLISHMENT OF MINIMUM QUALITY AND HANDLING STANDARDS FOR DOMESTIC 
AND IMPORTED PEANUTS MARKETED IN THE U.S. AND TERMINATION OF THE PEANUT 
MARKETING AGREEMENT AND ASSOCIATED RULES AND REGULATIONS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 996; 7 CFR 997; 7 CFR 998; 7 CFR 999

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    01/09/03                     68 FR 1145
Final Action Effective          01/10/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: State, Local, Federal

Agency Contact: Ronald L. Cioffi
Phone: 202 720-2491
Email: ronald.cioffi@usda.gov

RIN: 0581-AC23
BILLING CODE 3410-02-S

[[Page 30001]]

_______________________________________________________________________
Department of Agriculture (USDA)                    Proposed Rule Stage
Farm Service Agency (FSA)
_______________________________________________________________________

24. SERVICING MINOR FARM LOAN PROGRAM LOANS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 5 USC 301; 7 USC 1932 Note; 7 USC 1989; 16 USC 1005; 
31 USC 3711

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 772; 7 CFR 1901-E; 7 CFR 1942-A; 7 CFR 1951-E and 
F; 7 CFR 1956-C

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The rule proposes to consolidate regulations currently shared 
by FSA and the agencies of the USDA Rural Development mission area and 
publish a single Farm Service Agency regulation. The existence of 
provisions governing these loans in scattered regulations make proper 
administration difficult. Information not specific to the Minor 
Programs will be eliminated, language will be improved for readability, 
and only regulations pertaining to the FSA Minor Programs will be 
included. FSA's minor loan program borrowers, a total of 52 Irrigation 
and Drainage Loan borrowers and 88 Grazing and Land Shift Loan 
borrowers, with a total outstanding balance of around $20 million, are 
the only program participants who will be affected by this proposed 
rule. When finalized, the rule will not change the requirements or the 
effect of the regulations pertaining to FSA Minor Program Loans. The 
consolidation of the regulations will enable more efficient use by FSA 
staff who administer the programs and better service to the customers 
with these loans. There will be no additional outlays of Federal funds, 
no additional staffing and no additional paperwork burden.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            04/09/03                    68 FR 17320
NPRM Comment Period End         06/09/03
Final Action                     To Be                       Determined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Tom Witzig, Chief, Regulatory Review and Foreign 
Investment Disclosure Branch, Department of Agriculture, Farm Service 
Agency, Room 0339 South Building, MS 0572, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, 
Washington, DC 20250-0572
Phone: 202 205-5851
Fax: 202 720-5233
Email: tom_witzig@wdc.fsa.usda.gov

RIN: 0560-AG67
_______________________________________________________________________

25. 2002 FARM BILL REGULATIONS--LOAN ELIGIBILITY WITH PRIOR DEBT 
FORGIVENESS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: PL 107-171

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1941

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This action will seek to clarify language needed to implement 
the 2002 Farm Bill provisions relating to borrowers who received debt 
forgiveness and a change in the eligibility requirements for direct 
farm ownership loans: (1) The legislation provides that borrowers who 
received debt forgiveness may also be eligible for new direct or 
guaranteed operating loans if forgiveness resulted from a declared 
major emergency or natural disaster. However, besides areas designated 
as natural disasters, low-interest emergency loans are also available 
in areas under plant or animal quarantines. This rule will obtain 
public comments on the types of emergencies or natural disasters to be 
considered eligible. (2) The legislation changes an eligibility 
requirement for direct farm ownership loans from persons who 
``operated'' a farm to persons who ``participated in the operation of'' 
a farm. This rule will obtain public comments on the meaning of the new 
term. The expected cost is minimal.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            04/09/03                    68 FR 17316
NPRM Comment Period End         06/09/03
Final Action                    12/00/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Tom Witzig, Chief, Regulatory Review and Foreign 
Investment Disclosure Branch, Department of Agriculture, Farm Service 
Agency, Room 0339 South Building, MS 0572, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, 
Washington, DC 20250-0572
Phone: 202 205-5851
Fax: 202 720-5233
Email: tom_witzig@wdc.fsa.usda.gov

RIN: 0560-AG81
_______________________________________________________________________

26. [bull] REVISION OF INDIAN TRIBAL LAND ACQUISITION PROGRAM LOAN 
REGULATIONS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 5 USC 301; 25 USC 490

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 770

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: Indian Tribal Land Acquisition Program eligibility 
requirements will be revised to add that a Tribe is not eligible for a 
new loan if they have had a write-down within the preceding 5 years.
Indian Tribal Land Acquisition Program Rental Value Write-Down 
regulations will be revised for clarification and correction:
 1. The definition of ``rental value'' will be added for clarification.
 2. The requirement for a current appraisal will be removed and 
replaced with the requirement for a current market rent study report.
 3. Land Value Write-down and Rental Value Write-down regulations will 
be revised to replace ``each'' loan with ``all'' loans/borrower 
concerning previous write-downs.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            03/14/03                    68 FR 12309
NPRM Comment Period End         05/14/03
Final Action                     To Be                       Determined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Sectors Affected: 1129 Other Animal Production

Agency Contact: Phillip Elder, Agricultural Economist, Department of 
Agriculture, Farm Service Agency, MS 0572, 1400 Indepenedence Avenue 
SW, Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 690-8104
Fax: 202 720-5233
Email: phillip_elder@wdc.usda.gov

RIN: 0560-AG87

[[Page 30002]]

_______________________________________________________________________

27. [bull] PROVIDING FARM LOANS IN A NATIONAL SECURITY EMERGENCY

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 5 USC 301; 7 USC 1989; 42 USC 1480; 50 USC app 2061; 
EO 12656

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 763; 7 CFR 775

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Farm Service Agency (FSA) is promulgating regulations to 
implement part 3, section 301, paragraph (7), Executive Order 12656. In 
this Executive order, the President directed the Secretary of 
Agriculture to continue to provide the nation's farmers with production 
resources in the event of a national security emergency. In response, 
USDA designated FSA as the responsible Agency for emergency credit. 
This work plan is to implement FSA regulations. FSA has determined it 
necessary to adequately respond in the event of national security 
emergencies and provide emergency credit to agriculture producers. A 
national security emergency of significant magnitude could cause 
commercial credit providers to be unable to serve the needs of 
agriculture to the extent that will ensure the nation a continued 
adequate supply of food and fiber.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            08/00/03
Final Action                    02/00/04

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Sectors Affected: 111 Crop Production

URL For More Information:
http://usda.fsa.gov

Agency Contact: Phillip Elder, Agricultural Economist, Department of 
Agriculture, Farm Service Agency, MS 0572, 1400 Indepenedence Avenue 
SW, Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 690-8104
Fax: 202 720-5233
Email: phillip_elder@wdc.usda.gov

RIN: 0560-AG89
_______________________________________________________________________

28. [bull] SELECTION OF FSA STATE AND COUNTY COMMITTEES

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: PL 107-171

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 7; 7 CFR 710

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This action will amend the regulations to implement the 
provisions of the 2002 Farm Bill relating to the establishment of FSA 
county, area, and local committees. The statute provides that 
committees shall have from three to five members, that they shall be 
representative of the producers in the area, and that the term of 
office shall not exceed 3 years. It also provides that the Secretary 
shall solicit nominations from organizations representing the interests 
of socially disadvantaged groups and, if determined necessary, 
promulgate uniform guidelines for conducting elections that will ensure 
fair representation of socially disadvantaged groups. The Secretary may 
also ensure inclusion of socially disadvantaged farmers by appointing 
one additional voting member to a committee. The rule will provide for 
election procedures, including nominations, opening of ballots and 
reporting of results.
Further, the rule will eliminate community committees from the existing 
regulations.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            01/00/04
Final Action                    06/00/04

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Sectors Affected: 11 Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing, and Hunting

URL For More Information:
http://www.usda.fsa.gov

Agency Contact: Tom Witzig, Chief, Regulatory Review and Foreign 
Investment Disclosure Branch, Department of Agriculture, Farm Service 
Agency, Room 0339 South Building, MS 0572, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, 
Washington, DC 20250-0572
Phone: 202 205-5851
Fax: 202 720-5233
Email: tom_witzig@wdc.fsa.usda.gov

RIN: 0560-AG90
_______________________________________________________________________
Department of Agriculture (USDA)                       Final Rule Stage
Farm Service Agency (FSA)
_______________________________________________________________________

29. ELIMINATION OF 30-DAY PAST-DUE PERIOD FOR FARM LOAN PROGRAM 
BORROWERS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 5 USC 301; 7 USC 1989; 31 USC 3716; 42 USC 1480

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1951

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: Currently, borrowers are considered ``past due'' for the 
first 30 days after a missed Farm Loan Program (FLP) payment and are 
then ``delinquent.'' This is not consistent with the terminology used 
by Farm Programs (FP), which considers borrowers ``delinquent'' 
immediately after a missed payment. This action will eliminate the 30-
day past due period prior to delinquency. In addition to clarification 
and consistency, this change would allow FLP borrowers to receive debt 
write-down on the day after a missed payment, assuming all other 
primary loan servicing criteria are met, instead of waiting 31 days. 
This change will also clarify the use of the word delinquent with 
regard to all servicing and offsets. The rule will not affect the 
statutorily required ``90 days past due'' criteria that is currently 
used to determine the onset of primary loan servicing. This rule will 
not significantly affect costs for either the Government or borrowers.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            01/09/03                     68 FR 1170
NPRM Comment Period End         03/10/03
Final Action                    11/00/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Tom Witzig, Chief, Regulatory Review and Foreign 
Investment Disclosure Branch,

[[Page 30003]]

Department of Agriculture, Farm Service Agency, Room 0339 South 
Building, MS 0572, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-
0572
Phone: 202 205-5851
Fax: 202 720-5233
Email: tom_witzig@wdc.fsa.usda.gov

RIN: 0560-AG50
_______________________________________________________________________

30. [bull] CLARIFICATION OF INFORMAL APPEALS PROCEDURES

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 5 USC 301; 15 USC 714b; 15 USC 714c; 16 USC 590h

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 780

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This action will amend the general administrative regulations 
and rules for informal agency appeals, including use of mediation or 
reconsideration by decision-makers, during the informal appeals 
process. The goal of the amended regulations will be to furnish 
additional detail in published regulations regarding procedures for 
program participant appeals of adverse decisions made by the FSA, CCC, 
and, as applicable, certain determinations of NRCS, and to clarify in 
the regulations the policies and procedures currently operating during 
appeals and mediations of adverse program decisions.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    07/00/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Sectors Affected: 11 Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing, and Hunting

Agency Contact: Phillip Elder, Agricultural Economist, Department of 
Agriculture, Farm Service Agency, MS 0572, 1400 Indepenedence Avenue 
SW, Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 690-8104
Fax: 202 720-5233
Email: phillip_elder@wdc.usda.gov

RIN: 0560-AG88
_______________________________________________________________________

31. [bull] 2003-CROP MARKETING QUOTA AND PRICE SUPPORT LEVEL FOR BURLEY 
TOBACCO

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 7 USC 1312; 7 USC 1445

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 723; 7 CFR 1464

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The burley tobacco marketing quota and price support are 
required by statute. The purpose of the quota and price support is to 
balance supply with demand at levels assuring stable supplies for 
domestic and export use at prices that are considered sufficient for 
producers. The national quota is based on cigarette manufacturers' 
intentions, 3-year average exports, a loan stocks adjustment, and a 
discretionary adjustment of plus or minus 3 percent. The price support 
level is based on a formula that averages market prices (two-thirds 
weight) and a cost index (one-third weight), plus discretion to limit 
any increase to 65 percent of the formula increase. Producers approved 
the program in a referendum for this kind of tobacco held in February 
2001.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    06/00/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Sectors Affected: 11191 Tobacco Farming

URL For Public Comments:
TOB--Comments@wdc.usda.gov

Agency Contact: Tom Witzig, Chief, Regulatory Review and Foreign 
Investment Disclosure Branch, Department of Agriculture, Farm Service 
Agency, Room 0339 South Building, MS 0572, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, 
Washington, DC 20250-0572
Phone: 202 205-5851
Fax: 202 720-5233
Email: tom_witzig@wdc.fsa.usda.gov

RIN: 0560-AG93
_______________________________________________________________________

32. [bull] 2003 AGRICULTURAL ASSISTANCE ACT--CROP DISASTER PROGRAM, 
LIVESTOCK ASSISTANCE PROGRAM, AND WEATHER-RELATED LOSSES FOR SUGAR BEETS

Priority: Economically Significant. Major under 5 USC 801.

Legal Authority: sec 202, 203(b) and 208, division N, PL 108-7; sec 763 
and 767, division A, PL 108-7

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1412; 7 CFR 1480

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This rule implements portions of title II of the Consolidated 
Appropriations Act, 2003 and the Agricultural Assistance Act of 2003. 
It amends the regulations to provide crop-loss disaster assistance for 
producers who suffered 2001- or 2002-crop losses, establish a Livestock 
Assistance Program, and provide payments to sugar beet producers 
because of the results of adverse weather or other specified 
conditions. It also implements provisions of Division A of the Act 
requiring that the commodities crambe and sesame seed be included as 
oilseeds eligible for CCC direct and counter-cyclical payments and 
marketing assistance loans. Outlays are estimated as follows: Crop 
disaster: $2.15 billion; LAP: $250 million; sugar beets: $60 million.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    06/00/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Tom Witzig, Chief, Regulatory Review and Foreign 
Investment Disclosure Branch, Department of Agriculture, Farm Service 
Agency, Room 0339 South Building, MS 0572, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, 
Washington, DC 20250-0572
Phone: 202 205-5851
Fax: 202 720-5233
Email: tom_witzig@wdc.fsa.usda.gov

RIN: 0560-AG95
_______________________________________________________________________

33. [bull] COTTONSEED PAYMENT PROGRAM

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: sec 206, division N, PL 108-7

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1427

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This rule implements the 2002-crop Cottonseed Payment Program 
authorized by section 206 of the Agricultural Assistance Act of 2003. 
Section 206 requires the Secretary to use $50 million of Commodity 
Credit Corporation funds to provide assistance to producers and first-
handlers of the 2002 crop of cottonseed who suffered

[[Page 30004]]

financially as a result of unfavorable growing conditions in 2002.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    06/00/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Tom Witzig, Chief, Regulatory Review and Foreign 
Investment Disclosure Branch, Department of Agriculture, Farm Service 
Agency, Room 0339 South Building, MS 0572, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, 
Washington, DC 20250-0572
Phone: 202 205-5851
Fax: 202 720-5233
Email: tom_witzig@wdc.fsa.usda.gov

RIN: 0560-AG97
_______________________________________________________________________

34. [bull] HURRICANE ASSISTANCE FOR SUGARCANE PRODUCERS AND PROCESSORS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: sec 207, division N, PL 108-7

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1435

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This rule will provide for hurricane assistance to sugarcane 
producers and processors authorized by the Agricultural Assistance Act 
of 2003. Section 205 of that Act requires the Secretary to make 
available to first processors assistance in the form of payments or 
cane sugar in the inventory of the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC), 
to partially compensate producers and first processors for crop and 
other losses that are related to a qualifying natural disaster 
declaration. Assistance shall be shared by first processors with 
affected producers that provide commodities to the processor in a 
manner that reflects contracts entered into between the processor and 
the producers. The Secretary must use 150,000 tons of cane sugar in CCC 
inventory, make payments in an aggregate amount equal to the market 
value of 150,000 tons of such sugar, or use a combination of payments 
or sugar with a total market value of 150,000 tons of such sugar. The 
expected cost is $60 million.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    06/00/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Tom Witzig, Chief, Regulatory Review and Foreign 
Investment Disclosure Branch, Department of Agriculture, Farm Service 
Agency, Room 0339 South Building, MS 0572, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, 
Washington, DC 20250-0572
Phone: 202 205-5851
Fax: 202 720-5233
Email: tom_witzig@wdc.fsa.usda.gov

RIN: 0560-AG98
_______________________________________________________________________
Department of Agriculture (USDA)                      Long-Term Actions
Farm Service Agency (FSA)
_______________________________________________________________________

35. AMENDMENTS TO THE STANDARDS FOR APPROVAL OF WAREHOUSE FOR COMMODITY 
CREDIT CORPORATION STORAGE CONTRACTS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1421; 7 CFR 1423; 7 CFR 1427

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                             To Be                       Determined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Tom Witzig
Phone: 202 205-5851
Fax: 202 720-5233
Email: tom_witzig@wdc.fsa.usda.gov

RIN: 0560-AE50
_______________________________________________________________________

36. DELETION OF FSA REGULATIONS REGARDING COLORADO RIVER BASIN SALINITY 
CONTROL PROGRAM

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 702; 7 CFR 703; 7 CFR 752

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@wdc.fsa.usda.gov

RIN: 0560-AE54
_______________________________________________________________________

37. AMENDMENTS TO THE DEBT SETTLEMENT POLICIES AND PROCEDURES TO CONFORM 
TO THE DEBT COLLECTION IMPROVEMENT ACT OF 1996

Priority: Other Significant

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 792; 7 CFR 1403; 7 CFR 1404

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                             To Be                       Determined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Tom Witzig
Phone: 202 205-5851
Fax: 202 720-5233
Email: tom_witzig@wdc.fsa.usda.gov

RIN: 0560-AF22
_______________________________________________________________________

38. REGULATORY STREAMLINING OF THE FARM SERVICE AGENCY'S DIRECT FARM 
LOAN PROGRAMS

Priority: Other Significant

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 7; 7 CFR 18

[[Page 30005]]

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                             To Be                       Determined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Tom Witzig
Phone: 202 205-5851
Fax: 202 720-5233
Email: tom_witzig@wdc.fsa.usda.gov

RIN: 0560-AF60
_______________________________________________________________________

39. EMERGENCY CONSERVATION PROGRAM

Priority: Other Significant

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 701

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            08/01/02                    67 FR 49879
NPRM Comment Period End         09/30/02
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@wdc.fsa.usda.gov

RIN: 0560-AG26
_______________________________________________________________________

40. INTEREST ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 762

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                             To Be                       Determined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Tom Witzig
Phone: 202 205-5851
Fax: 202 720-5233
Email: tom_witzig@wdc.fsa.usda.gov

RIN: 0560-AG46
_______________________________________________________________________

41. OCEAN FREIGHT CLAIMS ADMINISTRATIVE APPEAL PROCESS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

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

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Tom Witzig
Phone: 202 205-5851
Fax: 202 720-5233
Email: tom_witzig@wdc.fsa.usda.gov

RIN: 0560-AG49
_______________________________________________________________________

42. TOBACCO MARKETING QUOTAS, CARDS, PENALTY PROVISIONS, RECORDKEEPING 
AND REPORTING

Priority: Other Significant

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 723

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            01/13/03                     68 FR 1556
NPRM Comment Period End         02/12/03
Final Action                     To Be                       Determined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Tom Witzig
Phone: 202 205-5851
Fax: 202 720-5233
Email: tom_witzig@wdc.fsa.usda.gov

RIN: 0560-AG52
_______________________________________________________________________

43. RESCHEDULING GUARANTEED LOANS WITH BALLOON PAYMENTS, CLARIFICATION 
OF ANNUAL ANALYSIS REQUIREMENTS FOR GUARANTEED LENDERS, AND 
SUBORDINATION REQUIREMENTS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 762

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                             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@wdc.fsa.usda.gov

RIN: 0560-AG53
_______________________________________________________________________

44. PROMPT DISASTER SET-ASIDE CONSIDERATION AND PRIMARY LOAN SERVICING

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1951

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            06/20/02                    67 FR 41869
NPRM Comment Period End         08/19/02
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@wdc.fsa.usda.gov

RIN: 0560-AG56
_______________________________________________________________________

45. 2002-CROP MARKETING QUOTAS AND PRICE SUPPORT LEVELS FOR FIVE KINDS 
OF TOBACCO

Priority: Other Significant

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 723; 7 CFR 1464

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                             To Be                       Determined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Tom Witzig
Phone: 202 205-5851
Fax: 202 720-5233
Email: tom_witzig@wdc.fsa.usda.gov

RIN: 0560-AG58
_______________________________________________________________________

46. 2002-CROP MARKETING QUOTA AND PRICE SUPPORT LEVEL FOR BURLEY TOBACCO

Priority: Other Significant

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 723; 7 CFR 1464

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@wdc.fsa.usda.gov

RIN: 0560-AG59

[[Page 30006]]

_______________________________________________________________________

47. 2002-CROP MARKETING QUOTA AND PRICE SUPPORT LEVEL FOR FLUE-CURED 
TOBACCO

Priority: Other Significant

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 723; 7 CFR 1464

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@wdc.fsa.usda.gov

RIN: 0560-AG60
_______________________________________________________________________

48. PRODUCER DISQUALIFICATION FOR CROP INSURANCE FRAUD

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1405

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            09/12/02                    67 FR 57759
NPRM Comment Period End         11/12/02
Final Action                     To Be                       Determined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Phillip Elder
Phone: 202 690-8104
Fax: 202 720-5233
Email: phillip_elder@wdc.usda.gov

RIN: 0560-AG70
_______________________________________________________________________

49. 2002 FARM BILL REGULATIONS--CONSERVATION RESERVE PROGRAM

Priority: Economically Significant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is 
undetermined.

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 701; 7 CFR 1410

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Notice of Availability of Draft 
Environmental Impact Statement  09/06/02                    67 FR 56979
Comment Period End              10/21/02
Interim Final Rule               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@wdc.fsa.usda.gov

RIN: 0560-AG74
_______________________________________________________________________

50. 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@wdc.fsa.usda.gov

RIN: 0560-AG76
_______________________________________________________________________

51. 2002 FARM BILL REGULATIONS--TREE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 783

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@wdc.fsa.usda.gov

RIN: 0560-AG83
_______________________________________________________________________

52. 2002 FARM BILL REGULATIONS--BIOENERGY PROGRAM

Priority: Other Significant

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1424

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            10/01/02                    67 FR 61565
NPRM Comment Period End         10/31/02
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@wdc.fsa.usda.gov

RIN: 0560-AG84
_______________________________________________________________________

53. 2002 FARM BILL REGULATIONS--INCOME LIMITS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1400

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            10/28/02                    67 FR 65738
NPRM Comment Period End         11/27/02
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@wdc.fsa.usda.gov

RIN: 0560-AG86
_______________________________________________________________________

54. [bull] 2003-CROP MARKETING QUOTA AND PRICE SUPPORT LEVEL FOR FLUE-
CURED TOBACCO

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 7 USC 1314; 7 USC 1445

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 723; 7 CFR 1464

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The flue-cured tobacco marketing quota and price support are 
required by statute. The purpose of the quota and price support is to 
balance supply with demand at levels assuring stable supplies for 
domestic and export use at prices that are considered sufficient for 
producers. The national quota is based on cigarette manufacturers' 
intentions, 3-year average exports, a loan stocks adjustment, and a 
discretionary adjustment of plus or minus 3 percent. The price support 
level is based on a formula that averages market prices (2/3 weight) 
and a cost index (1/3 weight), plus discretion to limit any increase to 
65 percent of the formula increase. Growers approved the program in a 
referendum in January 2001.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                     To Be                       Determined

[[Page 30007]]

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Sectors Affected: 11191 Tobacco Farming

Agency Contact: Tom Witzig, Chief, Regulatory Review and Foreign 
Investment Disclosure Branch, Department of Agriculture, Farm Service 
Agency, Room 0339 South Building, MS 0572, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, 
Washington, DC 20250-0572
Phone: 202 205-5851
Fax: 202 720-5233
Email: tom_witzig@wdc.fsa.usda.gov

RIN: 0560-AG91
_______________________________________________________________________

55. [bull] 2003-CROP MARKETING QUOTAS AND PRICE SUPPORT LEVELS FOR FIVE 
KINDS OF TOBACCO

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 7 USC 1312; 7 USC 1445

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1464

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: Marketing quotas/acreage allotments and price support are 
required by statute for these kinds of tobacco: Fire-cured (type 21), 
fire-cured (types 22-23), dark air-cured (types 35-36), Virginia sun-
cured (type 37), and cigar filler and binder (types 42-44 and 53-55). 
Quotas and allotments are determined by statutory formula to balance 
supply with demand to assure stable supplies for domestic and export 
use. Marketing quotas are implemented if approved by producers in 
referenda. Producers approved quotas for the 2002 crops of fire-cured 
(types 21-23), dark air-cured (types 35-36) and sun-cured (type 37) in 
March 2001. Cigar filler and binder (types 42-44 and 53-55) were 
approved in March 1999. Price support levels are set by statutory 
formula. The Secretary may reduce the level at the request of producer 
associations, and may limit increases to 65 percent of the formula 
increase.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                     To Be                       Determined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

URL For Public Comments:
TOB--comments@wdc.usda.gov

Agency Contact: Tom Witzig, Chief, Regulatory Review and Foreign 
Investment Disclosure Branch, Department of Agriculture, Farm Service 
Agency, Room 0339 South Building, MS 0572, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, 
Washington, DC 20250-0572
Phone: 202 205-5851
Fax: 202 720-5233
Email: tom_witzig@wdc.fsa.usda.gov

RIN: 0560-AG92
_______________________________________________________________________

56. [bull] CROP INSURANCE LINKAGE

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 7 USC 1508

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1405

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Agency is amending its regulations at 7 CFR part 1405 to 
remove obsolete requirements that crop insurance be obtained in order 
to be eligible for USDA benefits under some programs. Section 508(b)(7) 
of the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 1508(b)(7)) provided that 
in order to be eligible for payments under the Agricultural Market 
Transition Act (7 U.S.C. 7201 note) (AMTA) the producer must obtain at 
least the catastrophic level of insurance for each crop of economic 
significance in which the producer has an interest or provide a written 
waiver to the Secretary that waives any eligibility for emergency crop 
loss assistance in connection with the crop, if insurance is available 
in the county for the crop. The AMTA programs, which included 
production flexibility contracts for wheat, feed grains, and upland 
cotton, 1996- through 2002-crop loans and loan deficiency payments for 
grains and similarly handled commodities and cotton, and the Sugar and 
Peanut Programs, ended September 30, 2002. The regulations for those 
programs were contained at 7 CFR parts 1412, 1421, 1427, 1435, 1443, 
and 1446 and were replaced by regulations for new programs under the 
Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (7 U.S.C. 7901 note) 
(the 2002 Act). The 2002 Act did not include the requirement that 
producers obtain crop insurance in order to receive payments under the 
new programs and the Agency is therefore removing references to those 
parts from 7 CFR part 1405. The crop insurance requirements for the 
Conservation Reserve Program and the Tobacco Program contained in 7 CFR 
part 1405, will remain.

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, Chief, Regulatory Review and Foreign 
Investment Disclosure Branch, Department of Agriculture, Farm Service 
Agency, Room 0339 South Building, MS 0572, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, 
Washington, DC 20250-0572
Phone: 202 205-5851
Fax: 202 720-5233
Email: tom_witzig@wdc.fsa.usda.gov

RIN: 0560-AG94
_______________________________________________________________________
Department of Agriculture (USDA)                      Completed Actions
Farm Service Agency (FSA)
_______________________________________________________________________

57. AMENDMENT TO THE REGULATIONS FOR DETERMINING ACREAGE FOR SKIP-ROW 
COTTON

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 718.107

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Rule                      12/03/02                    67 FR 71797

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Tom Witzig
Phone: 202 205-5851
Fax: 202 720-5233

[[Page 30008]]

Email: tom_witzig@wdc.fsa.usda.gov

RIN: 0560-AG55
_______________________________________________________________________

58. 2002 FARM BILL REGULATIONS--DIRECT AND COUNTER-CYCLICAL PAYMENTS, 
PEANUT QUOTA BUYOUT, AND HARD WHITE WHEAT INCENTIVE PAYMENT PROGRAM

Priority: Economically Significant

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1412

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action: Peanut Quota 
Buyout                          10/01/02                    67 FR 61470
Final Action: Direct and 
Counter-Cyclical Program        10/21/02                    67 FR 64748
Final Action: Hard White Wheat 
Incentive Payment Program       02/03/03                     68 FR 5205

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Tom Witzig
Phone: 202 205-5851
Fax: 202 720-5233
Email: tom_witzig@wdc.fsa.usda.gov

RIN: 0560-AG71
_______________________________________________________________________

59. 2002 FARM BILL REGULATIONS--GENERAL CREDIT PROVISIONS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 762; 7 CFR 764; 7 CFR 774; 7 CFR 1924; 7 CFR 1943; 
7 CFR 1951; 7 CFR 1955; 7 CFR 1956; 7 CFR 1962; 7 CFR 1065

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    02/18/03                     68 FR 7693

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Tom Witzig
Phone: 202 205-5851
Fax: 202 720-5233
Email: tom_witzig@wdc.fsa.usda.gov

RIN: 0560-AG78
_______________________________________________________________________

60. 2002 FARM BILL REGULATIONS--ACREAGE REPORTING AND COMMON PROVISIONS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 718

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    04/03/03                    68 FR 16170

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Tom Witzig
Phone: 202 205-5851
Fax: 202 720-5233
Email: tom_witzig@wdc.fsa.usda.gov

RIN: 0560-AG79
_______________________________________________________________________

61. 2002 FARM BILL REGULATIONS--EQUITABLE RELIEF

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 718

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    10/31/02                    67 FR 66304

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Tom Witzig
Phone: 202 205-5851
Fax: 202 720-5233
Email: tom_witzig@wdc.fsa.usda.gov

RIN: 0560-AG80
_______________________________________________________________________

62. [bull] TOBACCO PAYMENT PROGRAM

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: sec 205, division N, PL 108-7

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1464

Legal Deadline: Other, Statutory, June 1, 2003, Deadline for payments.

Abstract: This rule implements the Tobacco Payment Program authorized 
by the Agricultural Assistance Act of 2003. Section 205 of that Act 
requires the Commodity Credit Corporation to provide assistance to 
producers of tobacco. This rule is intended to implement this 
legislative mandate and assist producers who suffered financially as a 
result of unfavorable market and growing conditions in 2002. All farms 
with an established 2002 acreage allotment or marketing quota are 
eligible for payment. Eligible persons include owners of the land with 
an established 2002 acreage allotment or marketing quota and farmers. 
This rule promulgates regulations governing how producer eligibility 
will be determined and how payments will be determined and distributed. 
The expected cost is $55 million.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    04/17/03                    68 FR 18833

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Tom Witzig, Chief, Regulatory Review and Foreign 
Investment Disclosure Branch, Department of Agriculture, Farm Service 
Agency, Room 0339 South Building, MS 0572, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, 
Washington, DC 20250-0572
Phone: 202 205-5851
Fax: 202 720-5233
Email: tom_witzig@wdc.fsa.usda.gov

RIN: 0560-AG96
BILLING CODE 3410-05-S

[[Page 30009]]

_______________________________________________________________________
Department of Agriculture (USDA)                    Proposed Rule Stage
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS)
_______________________________________________________________________

63. IMPORTATION OF UNMANUFACTURED WOOD ARTICLES; SOLID WOOD PACKING 
MATERIAL

Priority: Economically Significant. Major under 5 USC 801.

Legal Authority: 7 USC 166; 7 USC 450; 7 USC 7711 to 7714; 7 USC 7718; 
7 USC 7731 to 7732; 7 USC 7751 to 7754; 21 USC 136 to 136a

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 319

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: APHIS is undertaking rulemaking to strengthen restrictions on 
the importation of solid wood packing material (e.g., crates, dunnage, 
wooden spools, pallets, packing blocks) into the United States. 
Imported solid wood packing material (SWPM) has been linked to 
introductions of exotic plant pests, such as the pine shoot beetle and 
the Asian longhorned beetle. These and other plant pests that could be 
carried by imported SWPM pose a serious threat to U.S. agriculture and 
to natural, cultivated, and urban forests. SWPM accompanies nearly all 
types of imported commodities, from fruits and vegetables to machinery 
and electrical equipment.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

ANPRM                           01/20/99                     64 FR 3049
ANPRM Comment Period End        03/22/99
Notice                          07/07/99                    64 FR 36608
Comment Period End              09/07/99
Notice                          10/17/00                    65 FR 61301
NPRM                            01/00/04
NPRM Comment Period End         03/00/04

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Additional Information: APHIS documents published in the Federal 
Register, and related information, including the names of organizations 
and individuals who have commented on APHIS dockets, are available on 
the Internet at http://www.aphis.usda.gov/ppd/rad/webrepor.html.

Agency Contact: Raymond Nosbaum, Senior Regulatory Coordinator, PPQ, 
Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, 
Unit 131, 4700 River Road, Riverdale, MD 20737-1231
Phone: 301 734-6280

RIN: 0579-AA99
_______________________________________________________________________

64. PLUM POX COMPENSATION

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 7 USC 166; 7 USC 7711 to 7712; 7 USC 7714; 7 USC 7731; 
7 USC 7735; 7 USC 7751 to 7754; sec 301.75-15 also issued under sec 
204, title II, PL 106-113; 113 Stat 1501A-293; sec 301.75-15 and 
301.75.16 also issued under sec 203; title II, PL 106-224, 114 Stat 400 
(7 USC 1421 note)

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 301.74-5

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This rule provides for the payment of compensation to the 
owners of commercial stone fruit orchards and fruit tree nurseries who 
had stone fruit trees or nursery stock destroyed in order to control 
plum pox. The payment of these funds is necessary in order to reduce 
the economic impact of the plum pox quarantine on affected commercial 
stone fruit growers and fruit tree nursery owners. APHIS anticipates 
publishing a proposed rule to address plum pox compensation issues that 
have arisen since the close of the interim rule's comment period.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              09/14/00                    65 FR 55431
Interim Final Rule Comment 
Period End                      11/13/00
NPRM                            08/00/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Additional Information: APHIS documents published in the Federal 
Register and related information, including the names of organizations 
and individuals who have commented on APHIS dockets, are available on 
the Internet at http://www.aphis.usda.gov/ppd/rad/webrepor.html.

Agency Contact: Stephen R. Poe, Operations Officer, Program Support 
Staff, PPQ, Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health 
Inspection Service, Unit 134, 4700 River Road, Riverdale, MD 20737-1236
Phone: 301 734-8247

RIN: 0579-AB19
_______________________________________________________________________

65. VETERINARY DIAGNOSTIC USER FEES--5-YEAR PLAN FOR FEES (SECTION 610 
REVIEW)

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 5 USC 5542; 7 USC 1622; 7 USC 8301 to 8317; 21 USC 136 
to 136a; 31 USC 3701; 31 USC 3716 to 3717; 31 USC 3719; 31 USC 3720A

CFR Citation: 9 CFR 130

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: We are proposing user fees for multiple fiscal years for 
APHIS' Veterinary Services' veterinary diagnostic user fee goods and 
services. We are proposing this action in order to ensure that we 
recover the full costs of providing these goods and services.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            05/00/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: None

Additional Information: APHIS documents published in the Federal 
Register and related information, including the names of organizations 
and individuals who have commented on APHIS dockets, are available on 
the Internet at http://www.aphis.usda.gov/ppd/rad/webrepor.html.

Agency Contact: Donna Ford, User Fee Section Head, FSSB, BASE, MRPBS, 
Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, 
Unit 140, 4700 River Road, Riverdale, MD 20737-1236
Phone: 301 734-8351

RIN: 0579-AB22
_______________________________________________________________________

66. ANIMAL WELFARE: MARINE MAMMALS; NONCONSENSUS LANGUAGE AND 
INTERACTIVE PROGRAMS

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 7 USC 2131 to 2159

CFR Citation: 9 CFR 3

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The U.S. Department of Agriculture regulates the treatment of 
certain marine mammals under the Animal Welfare Act. The present 
standards for treatment of these animals have been in effect for over 
10 years. During this time, advances have been made and new information 
has been

[[Page 30010]]

developed with regard to the housing and care of marine mammals. We 
intend to develop amendments to the marine mammal standards on which 
consensus was not reached during negotiated rulemaking conducted 
between September 1995 and July 1996. The amendments would be to 
standards affecting variances, indoor facilities, outdoor facilities, 
space requirements, and water quality, as well as swim-with-the-
dolphins programs. These actions appear necessary to ensure that the 
minimum standards for the humane handling, care, treatment, and 
transportation of marine mammals in captivity are based on current 
general, industry, and scientific knowledge and experience.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

ANPRM                           05/30/02                    67 FR 37731
ANPRM Comment Period End        07/29/02
NPRM                            12/00/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: None

Additional Information: APHIS documents published in the Federal 
Register and related information, including the names of organizations 
and individuals who have commented on APHIS dockets, are available on 
the Internet at http://www.aphis.usda.gov/ppd/rad/webrepor.html.

Agency Contact: Dr. Barbara Kohn, Senior Staff Veterinarian, Animal 
Care, Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection 
Service, Unit 84, 4700 River Road, Riverdale, MD 20737-1234
Phone: 301 734-7833

RIN: 0579-AB24
_______________________________________________________________________

67. CHRONIC WASTING DISEASE IN ELK AND DEER; INTERSTATE MOVEMENT 
RESTRICTIONS AND PAYMENT OF INDEMNITY

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 7 USC 8301 to 8316

CFR Citation: 9 CFR 55; 9 CFR 81

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This rule would establish minimum requirements for the 
interstate movement of farmed elk and deer and provide indemnity for 
the depopulation of farmed elk and deer that have been infected with, 
or exposed to, chronic wasting disease (CWD).

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              02/08/02                     67 FR 5925
Interim Final Rule Comment 
Period End                      04/09/02
NPRM                            08/00/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Additional Information: APHIS documents published in the Federal 
Register and related information, including the names of organizations 
and individuals who have commented on APHIS dockets, are available on 
the Internet at http://www.aphis.usda.gov/ppd/rad/webrepor.html.

Agency Contact: Dr. Lynn Creekmore, Staff Veterinarian/Wildlife 
Diseases Liaison, NAHPS, VS, Department of Agriculture, Animal and 
Plant Health Inspection Service, 4101 Laporte Avenue, Fort Collins, CO 
80521
Phone: 970 266-6128

RIN: 0579-AB35
_______________________________________________________________________

68. KARNAL BUNT COMPENSATION

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 7 USC 166; 7 USC 7711 to 7712; 7 USC 7714; 7 USC 7731; 
7 USC 7735; 7 USC 7751 to 7754

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 301

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: We are amending the Karnal bunt regulations to provide 
compensation for certain growers and handlers of grain and seed 
affected by Karnal bunt who are not currently eligible for 
compensation, for certain wheat grown outside the regulated area that 
was commingled with wheat grown in regulated areas, and for other 
parties affected by the Karnal bunt regulations. The payment of 
compensation is necessary in order to encourage the participation of, 
and obtain cooperation from, affected individuals in our efforts to 
contain and reduce the prevalence of Karnal bunt.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              05/01/02                    67 FR 21561
Interim Final Rule Comment 
Period End                      07/01/02
NPRM                            10/00/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Additional Information: APHIS documents published in the Federal 
Register and related information, including the names of organizations 
and individuals who have commented on APHIS dockets, are available on 
the Internet at http://www.aphis.usda.gov/ppd/rad/webrepor.html.

Agency Contact: Robert G. Spaide, Senior Program Manager, Surveillance 
and Emergency Programs Planning and Coordination, Department of 
Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Unit 134, 4700 
River Road, Riverdale, MD 20737-1236
Phone: 301 734-7819

Related RIN: Related To 0579-AA83
RIN: 0579-AB45
_______________________________________________________________________

69. IMPORTATION OF SOLID WOOD PACKING MATERIAL; ADOPTION OF 
INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 7 USC 166; 7 USC 450; 7 USC 7711 to 7714; 7 USC 7718; 
7 USC 7731 to 7732; 7 USC 7751 to 7754; 21 USC 136 to 136a

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 319

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This rule would amend the regulations for the importation of 
unmanufactured wood articles to adopt an international standard 
entitled ``Guidelines for Regulating Wood Packaging Material in 
International Trade'' that was approved by the Interim Commission on 
Phytosanitary Measures of the International Plant Protection Convention 
on March 15, 2002. The standard calls for wood packaging material to be 
either heat treated or fumigated with methyl bromide, in accordance 
with the Guidelines, and marked with an approved international mark 
certifying treatment. The rule would adopt the IPPC Guidelines because 
recent analyses of pest interceptions at ports

[[Page 30011]]

show an increase in pests associated with certain wood packaging 
material. This increase in pests was found in wood packaging material 
that does not meet the IPPC Guidelines' (e.g., wood packaging material 
from everywhere except China, which must already be treated due to past 
pest interceptions). There has been a decrease in pests associated with 
wood packaging material from China, however, since we began requiring 
that material be treated prior to importation. This change would affect 
all persons using wood packaging material in connection with importing 
goods into the United States.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            05/00/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Additional Information: APHIS documents published in the Federal 
Register and related information, including the names of organizations 
and individuals who have commented on APHIS dockets, are available on 
the Internet at http://www.aphis.usda.gov/ppd/rad/webrepor.html.

Agency Contact: Raymond Nosbaum, Senior Regulatory Coordinator, PPQ, 
Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, 
Unit 131, 4700 River Road, Riverdale, MD 20737-1231
Phone: 301 734-6280

RIN: 0579-AB48
_______________________________________________________________________

70. [bull] COST-SHARING FOR ANIMAL AND PLANT HEALTH EMERGENCY PROGRAMS

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 7 USC 7701 to 7772; 7 USC 8301 to 8317

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 373; 9 CFR 60

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This action would establish criteria to determine the Federal 
share of financial responsibility relative to States and other 
cooperators in an emergency in which an animal or plant pest or disease 
threatens the agricultural production of the United States. The cost-
sharing arrangements provided in this rule would apply to most 
emergency program activities, other than the payment of compensation, 
that are authorized under the Plant Protection Act and the Animal 
Health Protection Act. The intent of this action would be to facilitate 
long-term resource planning and funding decisions by cooperators.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            05/00/03
NPRM Comment Period End         07/00/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Additional Information: APHIS documents published in the Federal 
Register and related information, including the names of organizations 
and individuals who have commented on APHIS dockets, are available on 
the Internet at http://www.aphis.usda.gov/ppd/rad/webrepor.html.

Agency Contact: Kevin Shea, Director, Policy and Program Development, 
Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, 
Unit 116, 4700 River Road, Riverdale, MD 20737-1237
Phone: 301 734-5136

RIN: 0579-AB50
_______________________________________________________________________

71. [bull] TRICHINAE CERTIFICATION PROGRAM

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 7 USC 8301 to 8317; 7 USC 1622; 15 USC 1828

CFR Citation: 9 CFR 149; 9 CFR 160 to 161

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: APHIS is considering establishing a voluntary Trichinae 
Certification Program for U.S. pork that has been produced under 
disease-prevention conditions. Under the program, APHIS would certify 
pork production sites that follow prescribed good production practices 
that reduce, eliminate, or avoid the risk of exposure of animals to the 
zoonotic parasite Trichinella spiralis, a disease of swine. Such a 
program should enhance the marketing of pork and pork products both in 
the United States and in export markets.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            10/00/03
NPRM Comment Period End         12/00/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Additional Information: APHIS documents published in the Federal 
Register and related information, including the names of organizations 
and individuals who have commented on APHIS dockets, are available on 
the Internet at http://www.aphis.usda.gov/ppd/rad/webrepor.html.

Agency Contact: Dr. Dave Pyburn, National Trichinae Coordinator, PCMS, 
VS, Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection 
Service, Room 891, 210 Walnut Street, Des Moines, IO 50309
Phone: 515 284-4122

RIN: 0579-AB52
_______________________________________________________________________

72. [bull] PROCEDURES FOR REESTABLISHING A REGION AS FREE OF A DISEASE

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 7 USC 8301 to 8317

CFR Citation: 9 CFR 92

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This rule would establish procedures that APHIS will follow 
when a region that we recognize as free of a disease experiences an 
outbreak of that disease. The procedures include steps we would take to 
prevent the introduction of disease from that region and steps we would 
take to further assess the region's animal health status. The 
procedures would allow for timely reinstatement of the region's 
disease-free status if supported by the reassessment.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            06/00/03
NPRM Comment Period End         08/00/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Additional Information: APHIS documents published in the Federal

[[Page 30012]]

Register and related information, including the names of organizations 
and individuals who have commented on APHIS dockets, are available on 
the Internet at http://www.aphis.usda.gov/ppd/rad/webrepor.html.

Agency Contact: Dr. Gary Colgrove, Assistant Director, National Center 
for Import and Export, VS, Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant 
Health Inspection Service, Unit 38, 4700 River Road, Riverdale, MD 
20737-1231
Phone: 301 734-4356

RIN: 0579-AB53
_______________________________________________________________________

73. [bull] METHYL BROMIDE; AUTHORIZATION AS OFFICIAL QUARANTINE USE

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 7 USC 7719

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 304

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This rule would establish regulations to provide for the 
submission of requests by State, local, or tribal authorities for a 
determination whether methyl bromide treatments or applications 
required by the State, local, or tribal authorities to prevent the 
introduction, establishment, or spread of plant pests (including 
diseases) or noxious weeds should be authorized as official quarantine 
uses. The regulations are necessary to comply with a recent amendment 
to the Plant Protection Act that requires the Secretary to publish and 
maintain a registry of authorized State, local, and tribal requirements 
for methyl bromide treatments or applications. The rule would establish 
a process by which State, local, or tribal authorities could request 
and, if warranted, receive, authorization for their methyl bromide 
requirements as official quarantine uses.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            08/00/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: State, Local, Tribal

Additional Information: APHIS documents published in the Federal 
Register and related information, including the names of organizations 
and individuals who have commented on APHIS dockets, are available on 
the Internet at http://www.aphis.usda.gov/ppd/rad/webrepor.html.

Agency Contact: Raymond Nosbaum, Senior Regulatory Coordinator, PPQ, 
Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, 
Unit 131, 4700 River Road, Riverdale, MD 20737-1231
Phone: 301 734-6280

RIN: 0579-AB54
_______________________________________________________________________

74. [bull] GYPSY MOTH; INTERSTATE MOVEMENT OF REGULATED ARTICLES 
(SECTION 610 REVIEW)

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 7 USC 450; 7 USC 7711 to 7714; 7 USC 7718; 7 USC 7731 
to 7732; 7 USC 7751 to 7754; 7 USC 7760; 21 USC 136 to 136a

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 301; 7 CFR 319

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This rule would amend the gypsy moth regulations by removing 
restrictions on the interstate movement of wood chips, which do not 
pose a risk of containing gypsy moth egg masses, and by adding 
restrictions on the movement of bark (mulch), which poses a risk of 
containing gypsy moth egg masses. In addition, the rule would extend by 
2 months the period during which regulated articles originating outside 
of any generally infested area must be safeguarded from infestation in 
order to be eligible for interstate movement directly through any 
generally infested area without a certificate or permit. These changes 
are necessary to update the provisions in the regulations to ensure 
consistent actions by the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, 
our cooperators, and industry in order to limit the artificial spread 
of gypsy moth.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            05/00/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Additional Information: APHIS documents published in the Federal 
Register and related information, including the names of organizations 
and individuals who have commented on APHIS dockets, are available on 
the Internet at http://www.aphis.usda.gov/ppd/rad/webrepor.html.

Agency Contact: Dr. Weyman Fussell, Program Manager, Invasive Species 
and Pest Management, PPQ, Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant 
Health Inspection Service, Unit 134, 4700 River Road, Riverdale, MD 
20737-1236
Phone: 301 734-5705

RIN: 0579-AB55
_______________________________________________________________________
Department of Agriculture (USDA)                       Final Rule Stage
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS)
_______________________________________________________________________

75. ANIMAL WELFARE; INSPECTION, LICENSING, AND PROCUREMENT OF ANIMALS 
(SECTION 610 REVIEW)

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 7 USC 2131 to 2159

CFR Citation: 9 CFR 1 to 2

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This action would make several amendments to the Animal 
Welfare Act regulations to clarify them and improve their 
enforceability. In addition, it would amend a number of administrative 
procedures to make them more efficient. We believe these actions are 
necessary to help ensure compliance with the regulations and the Animal 
Welfare Act.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            08/04/00                    65 FR 47908
NPRM Comment Period End         10/03/00
NPRM Comment Period Reopened and 
Extended                        10/19/00                    65 FR 62650
NPRM Comment Period End         11/20/00
Final Action                    10/00/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

[[Page 30013]]

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Additional Information: APHIS documents published in the Federal 
Register and related information, including the names of organizations 
and individuals who have commented on APHIS dockets, are available on 
the Internet at http://www.aphis.usda.gov/ppd/rad/webrepor.html.

Agency Contact: Dr. Barbara Kohn, Senior Staff Veterinarian, Animal 
Care, Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection 
Service, Unit 84, 4700 River Road, Riverdale, MD 20737-1234
Phone: 301 734-7833

RIN: 0579-AA94
_______________________________________________________________________

76. IMPORTATION OF UNMANUFACTURED WOOD ARTICLES FROM MEXICO

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 7 USC 166; 7 USC 450; 7 USC 7711 to 7714; 7 USC 7718; 
7 USC 7731 to 7732; 7 USC 7751 to 7754; 21 USC 136 to 136a

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 319

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This action would add restrictions on the importation of pine 
and fir logs and lumber, as well as other unmanufactured wood articles, 
from Mexico. These wood articles from Mexico would have to meet certain 
treatment and handling requirements to be eligible for importation into 
the United States. We believe this action is necessary to prevent the 
introduction into the United States of dangerous plant pests, including 
forest pests, with unmanufactured wood articles from Mexico.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            06/11/99                    64 FR 31512
NPRM Comment Period End         08/10/99
Final Action                    05/00/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: None

Additional Information: APHIS documents published in the Federal 
Register and related information, including the names of organizations 
and individuals who have commented on APHIS dockets, are available on 
the Internet at http://www.aphis.usda.gov/ppd/rad/webrepor.html.

Agency Contact: Wayne D. Burnett, Senior Import Specialist, PIM, PPQ, 
Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, 
Unit 140, 4700 River Road, Riverdale, MD 20737-1236
Phone: 301 734-6799

RIN: 0579-AB02
_______________________________________________________________________

77. PSEUDORABIES IN SWINE; PAYMENT OF INDEMNITY

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 7 USC 8301 to 8317

CFR Citation: 9 CFR 52

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: We are amending the animal health regulations to provide for 
the payment of indemnity by the United States Department of Agriculture 
for the voluntary depopulation of herds of swine known to be infected 
with pseudorabies.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              01/12/99                     64 FR 2545
Interim Final Rule Comment 
Period End                      04/16/99
Interim Final Rule              04/18/00                    65 FR 20706
Interim Final Rule Comment 
Period End                      06/19/00
Affirmation of Interim Rules    08/00/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Additional Information: APHIS documents published in the Federal 
Register and related information, including the names of organizations 
and individuals who have commented on APHIS dockets, are available on 
the Internet at http://www.aphis.usda.gov/ppd/rad/webrepor.html.

Agency Contact: Dr. Adam G. Grow, Senior Staff Veterinarian, National 
Center for Animal Health Programs, VS, Department of Agriculture, 
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Unit 43, 4700 River Road, 
Riverdale, MD 20737-1231
Phone: 301 734-3752

RIN: 0579-AB10
_______________________________________________________________________

78. PHYTOSANITARY CERTIFICATES FOR IMPORTED FRUITS AND VEGETABLES

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 7 USC 166; 7 USC 450; 7 USC 7711 to 7714; 7 USC 7718; 
7 USC 7731 to 7732; 7 USC 7751 to 7754; 21 USC 136 to 136a

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 319.56 to 319.56-8

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 amend our regulations to require that a 
phytosanitary certificate accompany all fruits and vegetables imported 
into the United States, with certain exceptions. The rule would include 
commercial produce imported into the United States, as well as fruits 
and vegetables brought in by travelers.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            08/29/01                    66 FR 45637
NPRM Comment Period End         10/29/01
Final Action                    11/00/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Additional Information: APHIS documents published in the Federal 
Register and related information, including the names of organizations 
and individuals who have commented on APHIS dockets, are available on 
the Internet at http://www.aphis.usda.gov/ppd/rad/webrepor.html.

Agency Contact: Wayne D. Burnett, Senior Import Specialist, PIM, PPQ, 
Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, 
Unit 140, 4700 River Road, Riverdale, MD 20737-1236
Phone: 301 734-6799

RIN: 0579-AB18

[[Page 30014]]

_______________________________________________________________________

79. BEES AND RELATED ARTICLES (SECTION 610 REVIEW)

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 7 USC 166; 7 USC 281; 7 USC 450; 7 USC 7701 to 7772; 
21 USC 136 to 136a

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 319; 7 CFR 322

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This rule would revise the regulations for the importation of 
honeybees and honeybee semen. Among other things, it would allow, under 
certain conditions, the importation into the United States of honeybees 
from Australia and honeybees and honeybee germ plasm from New Zealand. 
It also would make these regulations more consistent with standards 
established by the Office International des Epizooties, update them to 
reflect current research and terminology, and simplify them and make 
them more useful.
In addition, the rule would combine the regulations for the importation 
of honeybees and honeybee semen with the regulations established to 
prevent the introduction of exotic bee diseases and parasites through 
the importation of bees other than honeybees, certain beekeeping 
byproducts, and used beekeeping equipment. This change would make the 
regulations more useful by consolidating all of the requirements 
related to the importation of bees, beekeeping byproducts, and used 
beekeeping equipment into one part.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            08/19/02                    67 FR 53844
NPRM Comment Period End         11/18/02
Final Action                    01/00/04

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Additional Information: APHIS documents published in the Federal 
Register and related information, including the names of organizations 
and individuals who have commented on APHIS dockets, are available on 
the Internet at http://www.aphis.usda.gov/ppd/rad/webrepor.html.

Agency Contact: Dr. Wayne Wehling, Permits and Risk Assessment, PPQ, 
Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, 
Unit 141, 4700 River Road, Riverdale, MD 20737-1228
Phone: 301 734-8757

RIN: 0579-AB20
_______________________________________________________________________

80. NURSERY STOCK REGULATIONS (SECTION 610 REVIEW)

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 7 USC 166; 7 USC 450; 7 USC 7711 to 7714; 7 USC 7718; 
7 USC 7731 to 7732; 7 USC 7751 to 7754; 21 USC 136 to 136a

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 300; 7 CFR 319

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This rule would amend the regulations for importing nursery 
stock to provide additional treatment certifications for the 
importation of niger seed and lilac, to reflect recent changes in plant 
taxonomy and pest distributions, and to make various changes to the 
requirements for postentry quarantine of imported plants. The rule 
would also update and clarify the regulations and improve their 
effectiveness.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            12/28/01                    66 FR 67123
NPRM Comment Period End         02/26/02
Final Action                    07/00/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: None

Additional Information: APHIS documents published in the Federal 
Register and related information, including the names of organizations 
and individuals who have commented on APHIS dockets, are available on 
the Internet at http://www.aphis.usda.gov/ppd/rad/webrepor.html.

Agency Contact: William Thomas, Import Specialist, PIM, PPQ, Department 
of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Unit 140, 
4700 River Road, Riverdale, MD 20737-1236
Phone: 301 734-6799

RIN: 0579-AB23
_______________________________________________________________________

81. SALMONELLA ENTERITIDIS PHAGE-TYPE 4; REMOVE IMPORT RESTRICTIONS AND 
SALMONELLA ENTERITIDIS SEROTYPE ENTERITIDIS; REMOVE REGULATIONS

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 7 USC 450; 7 USC 7711 to 7714; 7 USC 7751; 7 USC 7754; 
7 USC 8301 to 8316; 21 USC 136 to 136a; 31 USC 9701; 42 USC 4331 to 
4332

CFR Citation: 9 CFR 71; 9 CFR 82; 9 CFR 94

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This rule would amend the regulations to remove import 
restrictions on eggs (other than hatching eggs) of poultry, game birds, 
and other birds from regions where Salmonella enteritidis phage-type 4 
exists. Previously, Salmonella enteritidis phage-type 4 had not been 
isolated in the United States; therefore, those import restrictions 
were necessary to help prevent Salmonella enteritidis phage type-4 from 
being introduced into this country. However, Salmonella enteritidis 
phage-type 4 is now known to be present in the United States. This 
action would eliminate restrictions on the importation of eggs from 
regions where Salmonella enteritidis phage-type 4 exists. This rule 
would also remove our domestic regulations regarding poultry disease 
caused by Salmonella enteritidis serotype enteritidis. These 
regulations are no longer enforced.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            12/16/02                    67 FR 77004
NPRM Comment Period End         02/14/03
Final Action                    05/00/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Additional Information: APHIS documents published in the Federal 
Register and related information, including the names of organizations 
and individuals who have commented on APHIS dockets, are available on 
the Internet at http://www.aphis.usda.gov/ppd/rad/webrepor.html.

Agency Contact: Dr. Michael David, Asst. Director, Sanitary 
International

[[Page 30015]]

Standards Team, NCIE, VS, Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant 
Health Inspection Service, Unit 33, 4700 River Road, Riverdale, MD 
20737
Phone: 301 734-8093

RIN: 0579-AB31
_______________________________________________________________________

82. FOOT-AND-MOUTH DISEASE; PAYMENT OF INDEMNITY

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 7 USC 8301 to 8317

CFR Citation: 9 CFR 53

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This rule would amend the regulations for the cooperative 
control and eradication of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) and other 
serious diseases, including both cooperative programs and extraordinary 
emergencies. The purpose of this rule is to remove possible sources of 
delay in eradicating foot-and-mouth disease, should an occurrence of 
that disease occur in this country, so that eligible claimants will be 
fully compensated while at the same time protecting the U.S. livestock 
population from the further spread of this highly contagious disease.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            05/01/02                    67 FR 21934
NPRM Comment Period Extended    06/28/02                    67 FR 43566
NPRM Comment Period End         07/01/02
NPRM Comment Period End         07/31/02
Final Action                    12/00/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Additional Information: APHIS documents published in the Federal 
Register and related information, including the names of organizations 
and individuals who have commented on APHIS dockets, are available on 
the Internet at http://www.aphis.usda.gov/ppd/rad/webrepor.html.

Agency Contact: Dr. Mark Teachman, Senior Staff Veterinarian, Emergency 
Programs, VS, Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health 
Inspection Service, Unit 41, 4700 River Road, Riverdale, MD 20737-1231
Phone: 301 734-8073

RIN: 0579-AB34
_______________________________________________________________________

83. INFECTIOUS SALMON ANEMIA; PAYMENT OF INDEMNITY

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 7 USC 8301 to 8316

CFR Citation: 9 CFR 53

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This rule amended the regulations regarding the control and 
eradication of certain communicable diseases of livestock or poultry to 
provide for the payment of indemnity to producers in the State of Maine 
for fish destroyed due to infectious salmon anemia. Because 
depopulation is necessary to control infectious salmon anemia, a 
successful control program will provide for indemnification of 
depopulated fish to gain producer support. This action will, therefore, 
increase the effectiveness of our efforts to control infectious salmon 
anemia in Maine and prevent further outbreaks of the disease.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              04/11/02                    67 FR 17605
Interim Final Rule Comment 
Period End                      06/10/02
Affirmation of Interim Final 
Rule                            07/00/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: State

Additional Information: APHIS documents published in the Federal 
Register and related information, including the names of organizations 
and individuals who have commented on APHIS dockets, are available on 
the Internet at http://www.aphis.usda.gov/ppd/rad/webrepor.html.

Agency Contact: Dr. Otis Miller Jr., National Aquaculture Coordinator, 
NAHP, Veterinary Services, Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant 
Health Inspection Service, Unit 36, 4700 River Road, Riverdale, MD 
20737-1231
Phone: 301 734-6188

RIN: 0579-AB37
_______________________________________________________________________

84. ANIMAL WELFARE; POLICY ON TRAINING AND HANDLING OF POTENTIALLY 
DANGEROUS ANIMALS

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 7 USC 2131 to 2159

CFR Citation: 9 CFR 3

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: APHIS's Animal Welfare Act regulations require exhibitors and 
other regulated entities that handle potentially dangerous animals to 
provide a sufficient number of adequately trained personnel to handle 
and care for the animals and to provide adequate protection from risk 
for the general public when animals are exhibited.
APHIS is preparing a final policy statement to provide guidance to 
exhibitors and other regulated entities for the training and handling 
of potentially dangerous animals, adequate experience and training of 
trainers, handlers, and attendants, and points to consider when 
developing emergency contingency plans. The final policy statement 
addresses the comments received in response to our draft policy 
statement.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Draft Policy Statement          02/18/00                     65 FR 8318
Comment Period End              04/18/00
Final Policy Statement          05/00/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Additional Information: APHIS documents published in the Federal 
Register and related information, including the names of organizations 
and individuals who have commented on APHIS dockets, are available on 
the Internet at http://www.aphis.usda.gov/ppd/rad/webrepor.html.

Agency Contact: Dr. Barbara Kohn, Senior Staff Veterinarian, Animal 
Care, Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection 
Service, Unit 84, 4700 River Road, Riverdale, MD 20737-1234
Phone: 301 734-7833

Related RIN: Previously reported as 0579-AB12
RIN: 0579-AB39

[[Page 30016]]

_______________________________________________________________________

85. BRUCELLOSIS IN SHEEP, GOATS, AND HORSES; PAYMENT OF INDEMNITY 
(SECTION 610 REVIEW)

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 7 USC 8301 to 8316

CFR Citation: 9 CFR 51

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This rule would amend the brucellosis indemnity regulations 
to allow us to pay indemnity for sheep, goats, and horses destroyed 
because of brucellosis. This action would make it easier to eliminate 
affected herds/flocks and infected animals as sources of infection by 
encouraging herd and flock owners to cooperate with our brucellosis 
eradication program. This action is intended to help reduce the 
incidence of brucellosis and the likelihood of it spreading within the 
United States.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            09/13/01                    66 FR 47593
NPRM Comment Period End         11/13/01
Final Action                    07/00/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Additional Information: APHIS documents published in the Federal 
Register and related information, including the names of organizations 
and individuals who have commented on APHIS dockets, are available on 
the Internet at http://www.aphis.usda.gov/ppd/rad/webrepor.html.

Agency Contact: Dr. Valerie Ragan, Senior Staff Veterinarian, National 
Animal Health Programs, VS, Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant 
Health Inspection Service, Unit 43, 4700 River Road, Riverdale, MD 
20737-1231
Phone: 301 734-7708

RIN: 0579-AB42
_______________________________________________________________________

86. LOW PATHOGENIC AVIAN INFLUENZA; PAYMENT OF INDEMNITY

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 7 USC 8301 to 8317

CFR Citation: 9 CFR 53

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: We are amending our general indemnity regulations to allow 
the Department to pay indemnity to contract growers and owners for 
poultry destroyed because of low pathogenic avian influenza associated 
with disease situations in Virginia and Texas. The Department will pay 
all eligible losses of contract growers and up to 75 percent of 
eligible losses of owners, minus any amount paid to the contract grower 
of a flock.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              11/04/02                    67 FR 67089
Interim Final Rule Comment 
Period End                      12/04/02
Interim Final Rule Effective    12/09/02
Final Action                    07/00/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: Federal

Additional Information: APHIS documents published in the Federal 
Register and related information, including the names of organizations 
and individuals who have commented on APHIS dockets, are available on 
the Internet at http://www.aphis.usda.gov/ppd/rad/webrepor.html.

Agency Contact: Dr. Cheryl Hall, Staff Veterinarian, Planning, 
Certification, and Monitoring Staff, VS, Department of Agriculture, 
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Unit 46, 4700 River Road, 
Riverdale, MD 20737-1231
Phone: 301 734-4924

RIN: 0579-AB46
_______________________________________________________________________

87. [bull] ANIMAL WELFARE; TRANSPORTATION OF ANIMALS ON INTERNATIONAL 
CARRIERS

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 7 USC 2131 to 2159

CFR Citation: 9 CFR 1 to 3

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This document gives notice that we intend to begin 
consistently and routinely applying the standards in the Animal Welfare 
Act regulations for the humane transportation of animals in commerce to 
international carriers operating with the United States, its 
territories, possessions, or the District of Columbia. While these 
standards have been enforced on domestic carriers, international 
carriers, for the most part, have not been held to the same 
requirements, and there have been instances of foreign carriers 
arriving in the United States with sick, dying, or dead animals, 
possibly as a result of improper handling or transportation conditions. 
This action will ensure that any animal covered by the Animal Welfare 
Act, whether coming into, traveling from point to point in, or leaving 
the United States, its territories, possessions, or the District of 
Columbia, will be provided the protection of the Animal Welfare Act 
while in transportation.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Determination to Regulate       10/00/03
Determination to Regulate 
Effective                       04/00/04

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Additional Information: APHIS documents published in the Federal 
Register and related information, including the names of organizations 
and individuals who have commented on APHIS dockets, are available on 
the Internet at http://www.aphis.usda.gov/ppd/rad/webrepor.html.

Agency Contact: Dr. Jerry DePoyster, Senior Veterinary Medical Officer, 
Animal Care, Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health 
Inspection Service, Unit 84, 4700 River Road, Riverdale, MD 20737-1236
Phone: 301 734-7586

RIN: 0579-AB51

[[Page 30017]]

_______________________________________________________________________
Department of Agriculture (USDA)                      Long-Term Actions
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS)
_______________________________________________________________________

88. PLANT PEST REGULATIONS; UPDATE OF CURRENT PROVISIONS (SECTION 610 
REVIEW)

Priority: Other Significant

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 330

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

ANPRM                           09/27/96                    61 FR 50767
ANPRM Comment Period End        12/26/96
NPRM                            10/09/01                    66 FR 51340
NPRM Comment Period End         02/06/02


Next Action Undetermined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Robert Flanders
Phone: 301 734-5930

RIN: 0579-AA80
_______________________________________________________________________

89. IMPORTATION OF FUJI VARIETY APPLES FROM THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA

Priority: Other Significant

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 319.56-2cc

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            04/26/00                    65 FR 24423
NPRM Comment Period End         06/26/00
NPRM Comment Period Extended    08/22/00                    65 FR 50937
NPRM Comment Period End         10/23/00


Next Action Undetermined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Wayne D. Burnett
Phone: 301 734-6799

RIN: 0579-AA93
_______________________________________________________________________

90. BLOOD AND TISSUE COLLECTION AT SLAUGHTERING ESTABLISHMENTS

Priority: Other Significant

CFR Citation: 9 CFR 71

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            11/27/02                    67 FR 70864
NPRM Comment Period End         01/27/03
NPRM Comment Period Extended    03/28/03                     68 FR 3826


Next Action Undetermined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: Federal

Agency Contact: Diane Sutton
Phone: 301 734-4363

RIN: 0579-AB13
_______________________________________________________________________

91. IMPORTATION PROHIBITIONS BECAUSE OF BOVINE SPONGIFORM ENCEPHALOPATHY

Priority: Other Significant

CFR Citation: 9 CFR 94.18; 9 CFR 95.1; 9 CFR 95.4; 9 CFR 95.29 (New)

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

IRM Retroactively Effective     12/07/00
Interim Final Rule              08/14/01                    66 FR 42595
Sec 95.29 Effective             08/14/01
Comment Period End              10/15/01


Next Action Undetermined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Donna L. Malloy
Phone: 301 734-3277

RIN: 0579-AB26
_______________________________________________________________________

92. ANIMALS DESTROYED BECAUSE OF TUBERCULOSIS; PAYMENT OF INDEMNITY

Priority: Other Significant

CFR Citation: 9 CFR 50

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              02/20/02                     67 FR 7583
Interim Final Rule Comment 
Period End                      04/22/02
Final Action                     To Be                       Determined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Joseph Van Tiem
Phone: 301 734-7716

RIN: 0579-AB29
_______________________________________________________________________

93. IMPORTATION OF MILK AND MILK PRODUCTS FROM FMD COUNTRIES

Priority: Other Significant

CFR Citation: 9 CFR 94

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            02/18/03                     68 FR 7722
NPRM Comment Period End         04/21/03


Next Action Undetermined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Karen A. James-Preston
Phone: 301 734-8364

RIN: 0579-AB38
_______________________________________________________________________

94. RISK REDUCTION STRATEGIES FOR POTENTIAL BSE PATHWAYS INVOLVING 
DOWNER CATTLE AND DEAD STOCK OF CATTLE AND OTHER SPECIES

Priority: Other Significant

CFR Citation: Not Yet Determined

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

ANPRM                           01/21/03                     68 FR 2703
ANPRM Comment Period End        03/24/03


Next Action Undetermined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Lisa Ferguson
Phone: 301 734-8073

RIN: 0579-AB43
_______________________________________________________________________

95. AMEND REGULATIONS TO HARMONIZE OUR IMPORT REQUIREMENTS WITH PROPOSED 
NATIONAL TUBERCULOSIS ERADICATION PROGRAM

Priority: Other Significant

CFR Citation: 9 CFR 93

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                             To Be                       Determined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Agency Contact: S. Anne Goodman
Phone: 301 734-4929

RIN: 0579-AB44

[[Page 30018]]

_______________________________________________________________________

96. AGRICULTURAL BIOTERRORISM PROTECTION ACT OF 2002; POSSESSION, USE, 
AND TRANSFER OF BIOLOGICAL AGENTS AND TOXINS

Priority: Other Significant

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 331; 9 CFR 121

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              08/12/02                    67 FR 52383
Interim Final Rule Effective    08/12/02
Interim Final Rule Comment 
Period End                      10/11/02
Second Interim Final Rule       12/13/02                    67 FR 76908
Second Interim Final Rule 
Effective                       02/11/03
Second Interim Final Rule 
Comment Period End              02/11/03
Final Action                     To Be                       Determined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Government Levels Affected: State, Federal

Agency Contact: Robert Flanders
Phone: 301 734-5930

Denise Spencer
Phone: 301 734-3277

RIN: 0579-AB47
_______________________________________________________________________

97. [bull] FLAG SMUT IMPORT PROHIBITIONS ON WHEAT AND RELATED PRODUCTS

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 7 USC 450; 7 USC 7711 to 7714; 7 USC 7718; 7 USC 7731 
to 7732; 7 USC 7751 to 7754; 7 USC 7760; 21 USC 136 to 136a

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 319

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: We are soliciting public comment on whether and how we should 
amend the regulations regarding the importation of wheat and related 
items. Under these regulations, importation of wheat and related items 
from a number of countries and localities is currently prohibited to 
prevent the introduction of foreign strains of flag smut into the 
United States. We are considering easing restrictions on the 
importation of wheat and related articles from these countries and 
localities based on a recent risk assessment. After evaluating public 
comment on the issues presented in this document, we will determine 
whether to propose changes to our regulations.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

ANPRM                           02/07/03                     68 FR 6362
ANPRM Comment Period End        04/08/03


Next Action Undetermined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Additional Information: APHIS documents published in the Federal 
Register and related information, including the names of organizations 
and individuals who have commented on APHIS dockets, are available on 
the Internet at http://www.aphis.usda.gov/ppd/rad/webrepor.html.

Agency Contact: Jeanne Van Dersal, Import Specialist, Phytosanitary 
Issues Management, PPQ, Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant 
Health Inspection Service, 4700 River Road, Unit 140, Riverdale, MD 
20737-1236
Phone: 301 734-6653

RIN: 0579-AB49
_______________________________________________________________________
Department of Agriculture (USDA)                      Completed Actions
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS)
_______________________________________________________________________

98. PHYTOSANITARY TREATMENT BY IRRADIATION OF IMPORTED FRESH FRUITS AND 
VEGETABLES

Priority: Other Significant

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 305; 7 CFR 319

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    10/23/02                    67 FR 65016
Final Action Effective          10/23/02

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Inder Paul Gadh
Phone: 301 734-5210

RIN: 0579-AA97
_______________________________________________________________________

99. ESTABLISHMENT OF REGIONS IN THE EUROPEAN UNION FOR CLASSICAL SWINE 
FEVER AND SWINE VESICULAR DISEASE

Priority: Other Significant

CFR Citation: 9 CFR 92; 9 CFR 94; 9 CFR 98

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    04/07/03                    68 FR 16922
Final Action Effective          04/07/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: S. Anne Goodman
Phone: 301 734-4929

RIN: 0579-AB03
_______________________________________________________________________

100. PAYMENTS FOR CATTLE AND OTHER PROPERTY BECAUSE OF TUBERCULOSIS

Priority: Other Significant

CFR Citation: 9 CFR 50

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    03/05/03                    68 FR 10361
Final Action Effective          04/04/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Joseph Van Tiem
Phone: 301 734-7716

RIN: 0579-AB36
BILLING CODE 3410-34-S

[[Page 30019]]

_______________________________________________________________________
Department of Agriculture (USDA)                    Proposed Rule Stage
Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service (CSREES)
_______________________________________________________________________

101. 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                            05/00/03
Final Action                    09/00/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Ellen Danus, Policy Specialist, Department of 
Agriculture, Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension 
Service, STOP 2299, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-
2299
Phone: 202 401-4325
Fax: 202 401-7752
Email: edanus@reeusda.gov

RIN: 0524-AA25
_______________________________________________________________________

102. CSREES AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION FORMULA PROGRAMS--ADMINISTRATIVE 
PROVISIONS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

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                            03/00/04
Final Action                    09/00/04

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Ellen Danus, Policy Specialist, Department of 
Agriculture, Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension 
Service, STOP 2299, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-
2299
Phone: 202 401-4325
Fax: 202 401-7752
Email: edanus@reeusda.gov

RIN: 0524-AA26
_______________________________________________________________________

103. CSREES AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH FORMULA PROGRAMS--ADMINISTRATIVE 
PROVISIONS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 7 USC 361a et seq; 7 USC 1445; 7 USC 1622; 16 USC 582a 
et seq

CFR Citation: Not Yet Determined

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: Passage of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 
2002, sections 7202, 7204, 7212, and 7213, has resulted in the need for 
CSREES to clarify its distribution of funding, matching requirements, 
carryover provisions, and reporting requirements for the Hatch Act 
funds, Hatch Multi-State Research funds, Evans-Allen Program funds, 
McIntire-Stennis Cooperative Forestry Act funds, and Animal Health and 
Disease Research funds.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            12/00/03
Final Action                    06/00/04

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Ellen Danus, Policy Specialist, Department of 
Agriculture, Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension 
Service, STOP 2299, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-
2299
Phone: 202 401-4325
Fax: 202 401-7752
Email: edanus@reeusda.gov

RIN: 0524-AA27
_______________________________________________________________________

104. CSREES NON-FORMULA GRANT PROGRAMS--ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 7 USC 450i; PL 101-624; PL 105-185; PL 104-127; ...

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 3427; 7 CFR 3400; 7 CFR 3402; 7 CFR 3405; 7 CFR 
3406; ...

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: CSREES plans to propose one administrative provision that 
contains the elements common to all of the competitive and 
noncompetitive grant programs it administers. In a relatively short 
period of time, this will allow the Agency to apply basic rules to 
grant programs that are currently operating without them, including new 
non-formula grant programs created by the passage of the Farm Security 
and Rural Investment Act of 2002.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            09/00/03
Final Action                    03/00/04

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Erin Daly, Policy Specialist, Department of 
Agriculture, Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension 
Service, STOP 2299, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-
2299
Phone: 202 401-3319
Fax: 202 401-7752
Email: edaly@reeusda.gov

RIN: 0524-AA28
BILLING CODE 3410-09-S

[[Page 30020]]

_______________________________________________________________________
Department of Agriculture (USDA)                    Proposed Rule Stage
Rural Housing Service (RHS)
_______________________________________________________________________

105. NATIONAL FLOOD INSURANCE REGULATIONS

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 7 USC 1989; 42 USC 1480; 42 USC 4012a; 42 USC 4104b; 
42 USC 4106; 42 USC 4128; PL 91-152; PL 93-234; PL 103-325; ...

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1926, subpart B; 7 CFR 1806, subpart B

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Agency is rewriting its regulations to conform to the 
requirements of the National Flood Insurance Reform Act of 1994 
(NFIRA).

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            06/00/03
NPRM Comment Period End         08/00/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Small Entities Affected: Businesses, Governmental Jurisdictions, 
Organizations

Government Levels Affected: State, Local, Tribal, Federal

Agency Contact: Baxter Hill, Technical Support Branch Chief, Department 
of Agriculture, Rural Housing Service, Room 6900/Stop 0761, 1400 
Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 720-1499

RIN: 0575-AC07
_______________________________________________________________________

106. 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 is combining seven regulations affecting the 
servicing of Community Programs loans and grants into one regulation. 
There are no policy or procedural changes. The published regulation 
will be simplified by removing the administrative portion and will only 
contain the information affecting the public.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            12/00/03
NPRM Comment Period End         02/00/04

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Beth Jones, Loan Specialist, Community Programs 
Division, Department of Agriculture, Rural Housing Service, Room 0183/
Stop 0787, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 720-1498
Email: beth.jones@usda.gov

RIN: 0575-AC12
_______________________________________________________________________

107. MULTI-FAMILY HOUSING (MFH) REINVENTION

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 5 USC 301; 42 USC 1490a; 7 USC 1989; 42 USC 1475; 42 
USC 1479; 42 USC 1480; 42 USC 1481; 42 USC 1484; 42 USC 1485; 42 USC 
1486

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1806 subpart A; 7 CFR 1955 subpart B; 7 CFR 1955 
subpart C; 7 CFR 1956 subpart B; 7 CFR 1965 subpart B; 7 CFR 1965 
subpart E; 7 CFR 1930 subpart C; 7 CFR 1944 subpart D; 7 CFR 1944 
subpart E; 7 CFR 1951 subpart C; 7 CFR 1951 subpart D; 7 CFR 1951 
subpart K; 7 CFR 1951 subpart N; 7 CFR 1955 subpart A

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Rural Housing Service (RHS) proposes to consolidate 
regulations pertaining to section 515 Rural Rental Housing, section 514 
Farm Labor Housing Loans, section 516 Farm Labor Housing Grants, and 
section 521 Rental Assistance Payments. Fourteen published regulations 
will be reduced to one regulation and handbooks for program 
administration. This will simplify loan origination and portfolio 
management for applicants, borrowers, and housing operators, as well as 
Rural Development field staff. This will also provide flexibility for 
program modifications to reflect current and foreseeable changes. It 
will also reduce regulations that address solely internal Agency 
program administration. Finally, the regulation will be more customer 
friendly and responsive to the needs of the public.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            08/00/03
NPRM Comment Period End         10/00/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Patrick Sheridan, Assistant Deputy Administrator, 
Multi-Family Housing, Department of Agriculture, Rural Housing Service, 
Room 1263/Stop 0782, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 720-1609
Email: patrick.sheridan@usda.gov

RIN: 0575-AC13
_______________________________________________________________________

108. 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                            08/00/03
NPRM Comment Period End         10/00/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Michael M. Feinberg, Acting Director, Single Family 
Housing Direct Loan Division, Department of Agriculture, Rural Housing 
Service, Stop 0783, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 720-1474

RIN: 0575-AC20

[[Page 30021]]

_______________________________________________________________________

109. COMMUNITY FACILITIES DIRECT LOAN PROGRAM--CONSOLIDATE, SIMPLIFY, 
AND UPDATE REGULATIONS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 7 USC 1926

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1942, subpart A; 7 CFR 1942, subpart C

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: Community Programs, a division of the Rural Housing Service, 
is seeking to consolidate, simplify, and update the Agency's 
regulations used to administer the Community Facilities Direct Loan 
Program. This effort will produce a user-friendly tool to help 
constituents and rural communities seeking to develop their essential 
community facilities for public use. The proposed action will have no 
financial impact on the public or agency.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            06/00/03
NPRM Comment Period End         08/00/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Angela Lausman, Senior Loan Specialist, Department of 
Agriculture, Rural Housing Service, Room 0183/STOP 0787, 1400 
Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 720-1497
Email: angela.lausman@usda.gov

RIN: 0575-AC27
_______________________________________________________________________

110. GUARANTEED RURAL RENTAL HOUSING PROGRAM--SECONDARY MORTGAGE MARKET 
PARTICIPATION

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 5 USC 301; 7 USC 1989; 42 USC 1480

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 3565

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: Section 538 of title V of the Housing Act of 1949 authorizes 
USDA to make commitments to guarantee loans for the development of 
housing and related facilities. By this authority, the Rural Housing 
Service (RHS) administers the Guaranteed Rural Rental Housing Program. 
The RHS, through consultation with industry and government experts in 
the loan guarantee field, has identified barriers to the success of the 
program. In the case of default, regulations will be revised to allow 
for a timely payment to the investor. In addition, lenders will be 
allowed to submit a claim for ``estimated'' losses. The RHS also 
intends to lower the annual guarantee fee from 50 to 25 basis points.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            08/00/03
NPRM Comment Period End         10/00/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Douglas MacDowell, Senior Loan Specialist, Department 
of Agriculture, Rural Housing Service, Stop 0781, 1400 Independence 
Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0781
Phone: 202 720-1627
Fax: 202 690-3444
Email: douglas.macdowell@usda.gov

RIN: 0575-AC28
_______________________________________________________________________
Department of Agriculture (USDA)                       Final Rule Stage
Rural Housing Service (RHS)
_______________________________________________________________________

111. ENVIRONMENTAL PROGRAM

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: PL 96-510; PL 94-580; PL 94-469; PL 92-500; PL 91-190

CFR Citation: 40 CFR 300; 40 CFR 260; 40 CFR 700; 40 CFR 400; 7 CFR 
1940

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The objective of this action is to replace the existing 
environmental regulation and to implement changes to streamline the 
environmental process for the Rural Housing Service (RHS) and the Rural 
Business-Cooperative Service (RBS); to include changes necessitated by 
amendments to various environmental laws, Executive orders, and 
regulations applicable to the two agencies; to clarify wording; to 
correct inconsistencies; and where applicable, to delete obsolete 
material and update references in other program regulations. This 
revision represents an important contribution to the Department's 
efforts to streamline its operations and realize more efficient use of 
staff time. There are a number of Federal environmental statutes which 
govern the management of hazardous substances, materials, and wastes. 
At the present time, RHS and RBS do not have implementing regulations 
for these Federal statutes. The development of implementation 
procedures for managing hazardous substances is necessary to insure 
consistency in compliance with Federal, as well as State, environmental 
statutes; to develop appropriate ``due diligence'' policies to ensure 
that the market value of real estate being considered as security for 
financial assistance adequately reflects potential contamination from 
hazardous waste; and to minimize the Agencies' liability with regard to 
environmental cleanups of hazardous waste in loan processing/servicing 
and property management activities.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            09/14/00                    65 FR 55784
NPRM Comment Period End         11/13/00
Final Action                    01/00/04

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Linda Rodgers, Senior Environmental Protection 
Specialist, Program Support Staff, Department of Agriculture, Rural 
Housing Service, Room 6900/Stop 0761, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, 
Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 720-9647

RIN: 0575-AB98
_______________________________________________________________________

112. 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

[[Page 30022]]

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Rural Housing Service is rewriting the regulations 
governing the Guaranteed Single-Family Housing program to provide 
better clarity and consistency within the program. The action is taken 
to update the regulations to current mortgage industry standards and 
provide more guidance on program oversight and monitoring.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            12/15/99                    64 FR 70124
NPRM Comment Period End         02/14/00
Final Action                    12/00/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: State, Local

Agency Contact: Robert Keyes, Senior Loan Specialist, Department of 
Agriculture, Rural Housing Service, Room 2248/STOP 0784, 1400 
Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 690-4507
Fax: 202 205-2476
Email: robert.keyes@usda.gov

RIN: 0575-AC18
_______________________________________________________________________

113. OPERATING ASSISTANCE FOR MIGRANT FARMWORKER PROJECTS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 7 USC 1989; 42 USC 1484; 42 USC 1486; 42 USC 1490a; PL 
105-276, sec 599c

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1944, subpart D; 7 CFR 1930, subpart C

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: Regulation implements the provisions of Public Law 105-276, 
enacted October 21, 1998, which amended section 521 of the Housing Act 
of 1949. This amendment provides that, for migrant farmworker housing 
projects financed under section 514 or 516 of the Housing Act, the 
Secretary may, at the request of the owner, permit amounts provided for 
rental assistance under section 521 to be used to provide assistance 
for the costs of operating the project.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            11/02/00                    65 FR 65790
NPRM Comment Period End         01/02/01
Final Action                    07/00/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: David Layfield, Senior Loan Specialist, Department of 
Agriculture, Rural Housing Service, Room 1239/STOP 0781, 1400 
Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0781
Phone: 202 690-0759
Fax: 202 690-3444
Email: david.layfield@usda.gov

RIN: 0575-AC24
_______________________________________________________________________

114. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE TO ENCOURAGE THE DEVELOPMENT OF DOMESTIC AND 
MIGRANT FARM LABOR HOUSING

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 42 USC 1484; 42 USC 1486

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1944, subpart D

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: Section 514 of title V of the Housing Act of 1949 authorizes 
USDA to make loans for farm labor housing. Section 516 of the Act 
authorizes USDA to make grants for the same purpose. These authorities 
are implemented through 7 CFR part 1944, subpart D. Section 516 also 
authorizes USDA to provide financial assistance to private and public 
nonprofit agencies to encourage the development of farm labor housing. 
Recipients of this financial assistance, in turn, assist other 
organizations to obtain loans and grants for the construction of farm 
labor housing. This regulation change will incorporate the ``technical 
assistance'' provision of the statute into 7 CFR 1944. The amount of 
assistance is limited by statute to 10 percent of the total section 516 
allocation.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            06/01/01                    66 FR 29739
NPRM Comment Period End         07/31/01
Final Action                    10/00/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: David Layfield, Senior Loan Specialist, Department of 
Agriculture, Rural Housing Service, Room 1239/STOP 0781, 1400 
Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0781
Phone: 202 690-0759
Fax: 202 690-3444
Email: david.layfield@usda.gov

RIN: 0575-AC25
_______________________________________________________________________
Department of Agriculture (USDA)                      Long-Term Actions
Rural Housing Service (RHS)
_______________________________________________________________________

115. CIVIL RIGHTS COMPLIANCE REQUIREMENTS--1901-E TO 1940-D

Priority: Other Significant

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 15; 12 CFR 202; 28 CFR 42; 45 CFR 90; 41 CFR 60 to 
64; 24 CFR 14; 7 CFR 1940 subpart D; 7 CFR 1901 subpart E

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            08/00/04
NPRM Comment Period End         10/00/04

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Agency Contact: Carlton L. Lewis
Phone: 202 692-0097
TDD Phone: 202 692-0107
Fax: 202 692-0305
Email: carlton.lewis@usda.gov

RIN: 0575-AA83

[[Page 30023]]

_______________________________________________________________________
Department of Agriculture (USDA)                      Completed Actions
Rural Housing Service (RHS)
_______________________________________________________________________

116. DIRECT SECTION 502 AND 504 SINGLE-FAMILY HOUSING PROGRAM

Priority: Other Significant. Major under 5 USC 801.

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1806; 7 CFR 1900; 7 CFR 1944; 7 CFR 1951; 7 CFR 
1955; 7 CFR 1956; 7 CFR 1965; 7 CFR 3550

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    12/24/02                    67 FR 78321

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Michael M. Feinberg
Phone: 202 720-1474

RIN: 0575-AB99
BILLING CODE 3410-XV-S
_______________________________________________________________________
Department of Agriculture (USDA)                    Proposed Rule Stage
Federal Crop Insurance Corporation (FCIC)
_______________________________________________________________________

117. GENERAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGULATIONS; SUBPART D; APPLICATION FOR CROP 
INSURANCE

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 7 USC 1506(l)

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 400

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Federal Crop Insurance Corporation amends the General 
Administrative Regulations by revising the ``Collection of Information 
and Data (Privacy Act)'' statement found on the general crop insurance 
application. The proposed amendments to the statement include defining 
``substantial beneficial interest'' as those persons whose interest in 
the policyholder is in excess of 10 percent. Other minor changes have 
been made to more fully comply with provisions of the Privacy Act.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            09/00/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Timothy Hoffmann, Director, Product Development Branch, 
Department of Agriculture, Federal Crop Insurance Corporation, 6501 
Beacon Drive, Kansas City, MO 64133
Phone: 816 926-7743

RIN: 0563-AB00
_______________________________________________________________________

118. GENERAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGULATIONS; MOVEMENT OF BUSINESS AMONG 
INSURANCE PROVIDERS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 7 USC 1506(l); 7 USC 1506(p)

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 400

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: To ensure that the interests of policyholders are protected 
and that the policies and policyholder data are transferred in an 
orderly manner, the Risk Management Agency is providing comprehensive 
regulations that will apply to agents, managing general agents, policy-
issuing companies, and reinsured companies. The objective of this 
regulation is to prescribe uniform administrative requirements for the 
movement or assumption of crop insurance policies.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            09/00/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: 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-AB71
_______________________________________________________________________

119. GENERAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGULATIONS; SANCTIONS

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 7 USC 1506(l); PL 106-224

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 400

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: RMA plans to supplement the existing sanction authority found 
at 7 CFR 400.451 in order to include the revised sanctions available 
for offenses which occur after June 20, 2001, the date of passage of 
the Agricultural Risk Protection Act of 2000. This action will 
supplement the existing regulations which remain effective for all 
offenses occurring before June 20, 2000. This rule will contain 
guidelines for the level of sanctions that may be imposed, waiver 
authority on the part of the Administrator or designee, examples of 
sanctionable offenses, and the evidentiary standards to be followed.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            09/00/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Robert J. Crockett, Sanction Officer, Department of 
Agriculture, Federal Crop Insurance Corporation, 430 G Street, Suite 
4167, Davis, CA 95616-4167
Phone: 530 792-5864

RIN: 0563-AB73
_______________________________________________________________________

120. COMMON CROP INSURANCE REGULATIONS; BLUEBERRY CROP INSURANCE 
PROVISIONS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 7 USC 1506(l); 7 USC 1506(p)

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 457

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The purpose of this rule is to solicit public comments on 
FCIC's proposed action to convert the blueberry pilot insurance program 
to a permanent insurance program. The pilot was initiated for the 1995 
crop year for selected counties in Michigan, Mississippi, New Jersey, 
and North Carolina and covered highbush and rabbiteye blueberry 
varieties.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            07/00/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

[[Page 30024]]

Agency Contact: Timothy Hoffmann, Director, Product Development Branch, 
Department of Agriculture, Federal Crop Insurance Corporation, 6501 
Beacon Drive, Kansas City, MO 64133
Phone: 816 926-7743

RIN: 0563-AB76
_______________________________________________________________________

121. COMMON CROP INSURANCE REGULATIONS; NURSERY CROP INSURANCE 
PROVISIONS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 7 USC 1506(l); 7 USC 1506(p)

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 457

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The purpose of this proposed rule is to solicit public 
comments on FCIC's proposed action to revise the Nursery Crop 
Provisions (99-073) for the 2002 crop year to: Specify that container 
grown and field grown plants are separate crops, provide optional units 
by location for field grown nursery plants, incorporate the ``lower 
of'' rule into section 6 of the provisions, permit insureds to purchase 
insurance coverage on a year-round basis, and incorporate provisions to 
provide a rehabilitation payment for plants damaged by an insured cause 
of loss.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            07/00/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Timothy Hoffmann, Director, Product Development Branch, 
Department of Agriculture, Federal Crop Insurance Corporation, 6501 
Beacon Drive, Kansas City, MO 64133
Phone: 816 926-7743

RIN: 0563-AB80
_______________________________________________________________________

122. GENERAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGULATIONS; ACTUAL PRODUCTION HISTORY

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 7 USC 1506 (l); 7 USC 1506 (p)

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 400

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: To revise actual production history regulations to reflect 
changes in calculation of approved APH yields as mandated by the 
Agricultural Risk Protection Act of 2000. Revisions will include: 
Assigned yields for crops produced on land not farmed before (added 
land), rotations to crops not previously produced (new crops), and for 
prevented planting acreage if planted to a substitute crop; adjustments 
for successful pest control efforts and for organic crops destroyed to 
maintain organic certification; and substitution of 60 percent of the 
transitional yield for low actual yields if producers elect that 
option.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            09/00/03

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
_______________________________________________________________________

123. GENERAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGULATIONS; SUBPART L--REINSURANCE 
AGREEMENT--STANDARDS FOR APPROVAL; REGULATIONS FOR THE 1997 AND 
SUBSEQUENT REINSURANCE YEARS

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 7 USC 1508

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 400

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Federal Crop Insurance Corporation (FCIC) proposes to 
amend its General Administrative Regulations to publish the terms of 
the Standard Reinsurance Agreement (SRA) in the Federal Register. This 
will improve the integrity of the public/private partnership by 
avoiding ad hoc changes to important definitions and terms during 
negotiations involving compensation paid to each insurance provider. 
The current SRA has not been published in the Federal Register; 
therefore, the intent of this proposal is to codify the definitions and 
terms.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            09/00/03

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-AB86
_______________________________________________________________________

124. GENERAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGULATIONS; QUALITY ASSURANCE AND 
PERFORMANCE MEASUREMENT SYSTEM FOR THE FEDERAL CROP INSURANCE PROGRAM

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 7 USC 1506(l), 7 USC 1506(p)

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 400

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Federal Crop Insurance Corporation (FCIC) proposes a 
regulation to amend its General Administrative Regulations that 
includes an additional subpart which contains the Quality Assurance and 
Performance Measurement System for private sector delivery of the 
Federal Crop Insurance program.
This regulation will establish a standard of measure for determining 
acceptable and unacceptable levels of performance by private insurance 
providers. It will define how monetary errors will be identified, 
classified, and reported. It will also establish a system of incentives 
and sanctions.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            12/00/03

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-AB88

[[Page 30025]]

_______________________________________________________________________

125. [bull] COMMON CROP INSURANCE REGULATIONS; PROCESSING TOMATO CROP 
INSURANCE PROVISIONS

Priority: Routine and Frequent

Legal Authority: 7 USC 1506(l); 7 USC 1506(p)

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 457

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The purpose of this rule is to amend the Common Crop 
Insurance Policy: Processing Tomato Crop Insurance Provisions to 
clarify that producers who have production contracts with tomato 
brokers are eligible for insurance. Current provisions do not clearly 
relay this intent. The proposed rule requires a tomato broker to have 
all licenses and permits required by the state in which it operates, 
and to have a long term agreement in writing with a processor to 
purchase and deliver processing tomatoes.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            09/00/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Timothy Hoffmann, Director, Product Development Branch, 
Department of Agriculture, Federal Crop Insurance Corporation, 6501 
Beacon Drive, Kansas City, MO 64133
Phone: 816 926-7743

RIN: 0563-AB90
_______________________________________________________________________

126. [bull] COMMON CROP INSURANCE REGULATIONS; PECAN REVENUE 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 proposed rule is to solicit public 
comments on FCIC's proposed action to convert the pecan revenue pilot 
crop insurance program to a permanent insurance program for the 2004 
and succeeding crop years. The pilot was initiated for the 1998 crop 
year for selected counties in Georgia, New Mexico, and Texas and 
covered only the improved pecan varieties. On September 19, 2002, 
FCIC's Board of Directors voted to expand the pilot pecan program into 
79 additional counties in Georgia for the 2003 crop year and to convert 
the program to a permanent program effective for the 2004 crop year. As 
a result of the pilot review, several changes were made to the policy 
as follows: Changed the cancellation and termination dates, end of 
insurance date, and sales closing date to better meet the needs of the 
pecan producer; removed language that prohibited insurance to be 
provided by written agreement only for counties where the pecan 
actuarial documents have been filed; and removed language that is a 
duplication of the Basic Provisions language.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            09/00/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Timothy Hoffmann, Director, Product Development Branch, 
Department of Agriculture, Federal Crop Insurance Corporation, 6501 
Beacon Drive, Kansas City, MO 64133
Phone: 816 926-7743

RIN: 0563-AB91
_______________________________________________________________________
Department of Agriculture (USDA)                       Final Rule Stage
Federal Crop Insurance Corporation (FCIC)
_______________________________________________________________________

127. COMMON CROP INSURANCE REGULATIONS; SMALL GRAINS CROP INSURANCE 
PROVISIONS AND WHEAT WINTER COVERAGE ENDORSEMENT

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 7 USC 1506(l); 7 USC 1506(p)

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 457.101; 7 CFR 457.102

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Federal Crop Insurance Corporation proposes to revise and 
clarify existing policy provisions, establish winter wheat coverage in 
certain South Dakota and Wisconsin counties, reduce coverage under 
Option B of the Wheat Winter Coverage Endorsement, and to require 
insurance on spring wheat planted to replace damaged winter wheat 
covered under the Wheat Winter Coverage Endorsement.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            04/20/00                    65 FR 21144
NPRM Comment Period End         06/19/00
Final Action                    06/00/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Timothy Hoffmann, Director, Product Development Branch, 
Department of Agriculture, Federal Crop Insurance Corporation, 6501 
Beacon Drive, Kansas City, MO 64133
Phone: 816 926-7743

RIN: 0563-AB63
_______________________________________________________________________

128. GENERAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGULATIONS; NONSTANDARD UNDERWRITING 
CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 7 USC 1506(l); 7 USC 1506(p)

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 400

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: Nonstandard Underwriting Classification System (NCS): NCS was 
criticized by producers and their representatives for several years and 
became a major issue with the repetitive floods in the upper Midwest 
and multi-year droughts in the Southwest. Complaints included claims 
that the NCS procedures: 1) Did not adequately exclude widespread 
causes of loss (disaster adjustment); 2) failed to recognize diverse 
conditions within a county; 3) unfairly hit new or struggling producers 
caught by

[[Page 30026]]

repetitive disasters; and 4) set too high a premium for those producers 
listed. Additionally, administration of the NCS process was 
complicated, sometimes subjective, and labor intensive.
The Advanced Notice of Proposed Rulemaking that was published in the 
Federal Register in September 1997 sought comments from the public on 
options to improve NCS. Twenty-two comments were received in response 
to the advanced notice. RMA decided to replace NCS with a process that 
charged appropriate rates for those producers with adverse loss 
experience and less than average production histories.
RMA examined increasing premium rates based on producers' lower APH 
yields and using a surcharge based on use of the yield floor (or some 
other identifiable indicator of adverse experience) to determine if 
these measures would adequately address the need to increase premiums 
for those producers with the most adverse loss histories based on the 
frequency and severity of losses. After reviewing past NCS experience 
on the existing book of business, it was determined that appropriate 
rate increases for those producers whose APH yields were less than 
average would compensate entirely for the elimination of NCS.
RMA implemented the following actions to accomplish the goal of 
replacing NCS beginning with the 1999 crop year:
-- Removed and reserved the current NCS regulation (7 CFR part 400, 
subpart O) by publishing a proposed rule in the Federal Register. The 
final rule is pending clearance; however, the Agency proceeded with the 
process and has waived NCS since 1999.
-- Developed and implemented appropriate rate adjustments to offset the 
removal of NCS.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

ANPRM                           09/17/97                    62 FR 48798
ANPRM Comment Period End        10/17/97
NPRM                            09/02/98                    63 FR 46703
NPRM Comment Period End         10/19/98
Final Action                    09/00/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Timothy Hoffmann, Director, Product Development Branch, 
Department of Agriculture, Federal Crop Insurance Corporation, 6501 
Beacon Drive, Kansas City, MO 64133
Phone: 816 926-7743

RIN: 0563-AB66
_______________________________________________________________________

129. GENERAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGULATIONS; PREMIUM REDUCTIONS; PAYMENTS OF 
REBATES, DIVIDENDS, AND PATRONAGE REFUNDS; AND PAYMENTS TO INSURED-OWNED 
AND RECORD-CONTROLLING ENTITIES

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 7 USC 1506(l); 7 USC 1506(p); 7 USC 1508(e)(3)

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 400

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: To allow approved insurance providers to apply to the Federal 
Crop Insurance Corporation for authority to reduce the premium charged 
producers in accordance with section 508(e)(3) of the Federal Crop 
Insurance Act, as amended, and to provide the limitations and 
requirements applicable to the payment of rebates, dividends, and 
patronage refunds to insureds and payments to insured-owned and record-
controlling entities.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            05/12/99                    64 FR 25464
NPRM Comment Period End         07/12/99
Final Action                    09/00/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: 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-AB70
_______________________________________________________________________

130. CATASTROPHIC RISK PROTECTION ENDORSEMENT; GROUP RISK PLAN OF 
INSURANCE REGULATIONS; BASIC PROVISIONS

Priority: Economically Significant. Major under 5 USC 801.

Legal Authority: 7 USC 1506(l), 1506(p)

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 402; 7 CFR 407; 7 CFR 457

Legal Deadline: Final, Statutory, June 30, 2000.

Abstract: The Federal Crop Insurance Corporation (FCIC) amends the 
Catastrophic Risk Protection Endorsement (7 CFR part 402), the Group 
Risk Plan of Insurance Regulations (7 CFR part 407), and the Common 
Crop Insurance Regulations, Basic Provisions (7 CFR part 457) to revise 
those provisions affected by the changes in the administrative fees and 
subsidies and the substitution of yields in the producer's actual 
production history mandated by the Agricultural Risk Protection Act of 
2000.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule Effective    06/28/00                    65 FR 40483
Interim Final Rule              06/30/00                    65 FR 40483
Interim Final Rule Comment 
Period End                      08/29/00
Final Action                    07/00/03

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-AB81
_______________________________________________________________________

131. GENERAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGULATIONS; SUBMISSION OF POLICIES AND 
PROVISIONS OF POLICIES AND RATES OF PREMIUMS

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 7 USC 1506(l); 7 USC 1506(p)

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 400

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: Minor revisions will be made to the regulation for 
clarification and other revisions will be made as specified: Remove the 
need to publish policies from 508(h) submissions as a Notice of 
Availability in the Federal Register; information will be made 
available electronically to producers and approved insurance providers; 
confidential information may be

[[Page 30027]]

withheld from the public under the standard for privileged or 
confidential information pertaining to trade secrets and commercial or 
financial information even after approval by the Board; there will be 
an expert review of submissions; the applicant will be notified in 
writing at least 30 days prior to the Board disapproving a submission, 
if the Board intends to disapprove the submission; a submission will be 
deemed approved by the Board if the Board fails to make a determination 
within a prescribed time period; applicants will be reimbursed for 
research and developmental costs and maintenance costs; and companies 
selling the product will pay fees to the developer of the product after 
the fourth year of the applicant being paid maintenance costs unless 
maintenance for the product is transferred to FCIC.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            07/16/01                    66 FR 36951
NPRM Comment Period End         08/15/01
Interim Final Rule              09/17/01                    66 FR 47949
Interim Final Rule Comment 
Period End                      11/16/01
Final Action                    07/00/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Timothy Hoffmann, Director, Product Development Branch, 
Department of Agriculture, Federal Crop Insurance Corporation, 6501 
Beacon Drive, Kansas City, MO 64133
Phone: 816 926-7743

RIN: 0563-AB84
_______________________________________________________________________

132. COMMON CROP INSURANCE REGULATIONS; BASIC PROVISIONS AND GENERAL 
ADMINISTRATIVE REGULATIONS, SUBPART T, REGULATIONS FOR IMPLEMENTATION

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 7 USC 1506(l); 7 USC 1506(p)

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 400; 7 CFR 457

Legal Deadline: Final, Statutory, October 18, 2000.

Abstract: The purpose of these rules is to propose changes to the 
Common Crop Insurance Regulations, Basic Provisions and the General 
Administrative Regulations, Subpart T--Insurance Implementation, 
mandated by the Agricultural Risk Protection Act of 2000. The changes 
will be proposed to be effective beginning with the 2002 crop year for 
all crops with a contract change date on or after June 30, 2001. The 
major changes to the Common Crop Insurance Regulations, Basic 
Provisions are: 1) Limit indemnities and premiums when more than one 
crop is planted on acreage within the same crop year; 2) if an initial 
crop is prevented from being planted and a substitute crop is planted 
on the acreage within the same crop year, allow reduced prevented 
planting coverage for the initial crop, and the initial crop's Actual 
Production History (APH) will be reduced to 60 percent of the 
producer's APH; and 3) add scientifically sound sustainable and organic 
farming practices as good farming practices.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            09/18/02                    67 FR 58912
NPRM Comment Period End         10/18/02
NPRM Comment Period Extended    10/28/02                    67 FR 65732
Second NPRM Comment Period End  11/12/02
Final Action                    06/00/03

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-AB85
_______________________________________________________________________

133. COMMON CROP INSURANCE REGULATIONS

Priority: Routine and Frequent

Legal Authority: 7 USC 1506(l), 7 USC 1506(p)

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 457.101; 7 CFR 457.161

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Federal Crop Insurance Corporation (FCIC) amends the 
Common Crop Insurance Regulations, Small Grains Crop Provisions (7 CFR 
section 457.101), and Canola and Rapeseed Crop Insurance Provisions (7 
CFR section 457.161) to implement the quality loss adjustment 
procedures contained in section 10003 of the Farm Security and Rural 
Investment Act of 2002 (Pub. L. 107-171).

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule Effective    06/26/02
Interim Final Rule              06/28/02                    67 FR 43525
Interim Final Rule Comment 
Period End                      08/27/02
Final Action                    07/00/03

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-AB87
_______________________________________________________________________

134. COMMON CROP INSURANCE REGULATIONS; SUNFLOWER, COARSE GRAINS, 
SAFFLOWER, DRY PEA, RICE, AND DRY BEAN CROP INSURANCE PROVISIONS

Priority: Routine and Frequent

Legal Authority: 7 USC 1506(l); 7 USC 1506(p)

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 457

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The purpose of this rule is to amend policies for the crops 
listed above, to implement the quality loss adjustment procedures 
contained in section 10003 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment 
Act of 2002 (Pub. L. 107-171) that allows quality determinations to be 
made by warehouse operators that are licensed under State law or are 
not licensed under State law but are in compliance with State law 
regarding warehouses, provided they have entered into a storage 
agreement with the Commodity Credit Corporation. The sunflower and 
coarse grain crop provisions currently provide for the samples to be 
analyzed by a grader licensed to grade the crop under the authority of 
the United States

[[Page 30028]]

Grain Standards Act or the United States Warehouse Act, and the 
safflower, dry pea, rice, and dry bean crop provisions currently 
provide for the samples to be analyzed by a grader licensed to grade 
the crop under the authority of the Agricultural Marketing Act or the 
United States Warehouse Act.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule Effective    08/28/02                    67 FR 55689
Interim Final Rule              08/30/02                    67 FR 55689
Interim Final Rule Comment 
Period End                      10/29/02
Final Action                    05/00/03

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-AB89
BILLING CODE 3410-08-S
_______________________________________________________________________
Department of Agriculture (USDA)                    Proposed Rule Stage
Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration (GIPSA)
_______________________________________________________________________

135. LIVESTOCK PURCHASE OR SALE: PROHIBIT NON-REPORTING OF PRICE

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 7 USC 204; 7 USC 228

CFR Citation: 9 CFR 201.54

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: Following a review of comments received in response to the 
ANPRM, the Agency is proposing a regulation that would make purchasing 
or selling livestock with the condition that the price not be reported 
a violation of the Packers and Stockyards Act.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

ANPRM                           09/10/98                    63 FR 48450
ANPRM Comment Period End        12/09/98
NPRM                            12/00/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: H. Tess Butler, Regulatory Liaison, Department of 
Agriculture, Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration, 
1400 Independence Avenue SW, Room 1647 South Building, Washington, DC 
20250
Phone: 202 720-7486
Fax: 202 720-4628
Email: h.tess.butler@usda.gov

RIN: 0580-AA65
_______________________________________________________________________

136. PROHIBITION ON DISGUISING GRAIN QUALITY

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 7 USC 71

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 800.61

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Agency proposes to revise regulations under the U.S. 
Grain Standards Act to prohibit the disguising of grain quality by 
adding various substances during post-harvest marketing.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            10/00/03

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, Room 1647 South Building, Washington, DC 
20250
Phone: 202 720-7486
Fax: 202 720-4628
Email: h.tess.butler@usda.gov

RIN: 0580-AA77
_______________________________________________________________________

137. FEES FOR OFFICIAL INSPECTION AND OFFICIAL WEIGHING SERVICES

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 7 USC 71

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 800.71

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: GIPSA is proposing several changes in the way the Agency 
charges fees for official inspection and weighing services performed in 
the United States, under the United States Grain Standards Act. 
Currently, GIPSA assesses fees by using hourly and unit rates and by 
assessing an administrative tonnage fee. The proposed action will 
increase the hourly and unit rates. GIPSA is also proposing to increase 
the administrative tonnage fee and adopt a new, regional fee structure.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            12/00/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: H. Tess Butler, Regulatory Liaison, Department of 
Agriculture, Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration, 
1400 Independence Avenue SW, Room 1647 South Building, Washington, DC 
20250
Phone: 202 720-7486
Fax: 202 720-4628
Email: h.tess.butler@usda.gov

RIN: 0580-AA80

[[Page 30029]]

_______________________________________________________________________
Department of Agriculture (USDA)                       Final Rule Stage
Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration (GIPSA)
_______________________________________________________________________

138. TOLERANCES FOR DIVIDERS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 7 USC 71 et seq

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 801.10

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: GIPSA proposes to remove section 801.10, Tolerance for 
Dividers, from the CFR. Since GIPSA no longer tests dividers, the rule 
is no longer needed. By using the direct final rule process, GIPSA will 
give the public general notice of its intent to remove the rule and 
provide interested persons an opportunity to participate in the 
rulemaking through submission of comments.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              12/00/03

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, Room 1647 South Building, Washington, DC 
20250
Phone: 202 720-7486
Fax: 202 720-4628
Email: h.tess.butler@usda.gov

RIN: 0580-AA57
_______________________________________________________________________

139. REVIEW INSPECTION REQUIREMENTS

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 7 USC 71 et seq

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 800.125; 7 CFR 800.135; 7 CFR 800.87

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Agency is proposing to revise regulations under the U.S. 
Grain Standards Act to allow interested persons to stipulate the 
quality factors that would be redetermined during a reinspection or 
appeal inspection for grade. Currently reinspections and appeal 
inspections for grade must include a review for all factors that (1) 
may determine the grade; (2) are reported on the original certificate; 
or (3) are required to be shown. The Agency has determined that 
mandating all quality factors be reexamined during a review inspection 
is inefficient, time consuming, and costly. Further, such a complete 
review of the preceding inspection service is usually not needed to 
confirm the true quality of the grain. This proposed action will allow 
interested parties to specify which official factors should be 
redetermined during the reinspection or appeal inspection service. 
However, to safeguard against inadvertent misgrading, official 
personnel may determine other factors, when deemed necessary.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            08/21/02                    67 FR 54136
NPRM Comment Period End         10/21/02
Final Action                    12/00/03

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, Room 1647 South Building, Washington, DC 
20250
Phone: 202 720-7486
Fax: 202 720-4628
Email: h.tess.butler@usda.gov

RIN: 0580-AA58
_______________________________________________________________________

140. SWINE PACKER MARKETING CONTRACTS

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 7 USC 181; PL 106-78

CFR Citation: 9 CFR 206

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Agency is issuing rules under the Packers and Stockyards 
Act to implement the Swine Packer Marketing Contracts subtitle of the 
Livestock Mandatory Reporting Act of 1999. The Agency will establish a 
swine contract library and publish contract provisions on its web site.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            09/05/00                    65 FR 53653
NPRM Comment Period End         10/05/00
Final Action                    05/00/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: H. Tess Butler, Regulatory Liaison, Department of 
Agriculture, Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration, 
1400 Independence Avenue SW, Room 1647 South Building, Washington, DC 
20250
Phone: 202 720-7486
Fax: 202 720-4628
Email: h.tess.butler@usda.gov

RIN: 0580-AA71
_______________________________________________________________________

141. EXCEPTIONS TO GEOGRAPHIC AREAS FOR OFFICIAL AGENCIES UNDER THE 
USGSA

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 7 USC 71

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 800.81; 7 CFR 800.99; 7 CFR 800.116-.118; 7 CFR 
800.185; 7 CFR 800.196

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Agency is proposing to revise regulations under the U.S. 
Grain Standards Act to reflect the amendment made by the Grain 
Standards and Warehouse Improvements Act of 2000 that provides an 
exception under which the Secretary may determine that more than one 
official agency can provide inspection services in a specified 
geographic area.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            07/03/02                    67 FR 44571
NPRM Comment Period End         09/03/02
Final Action                    05/00/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: H. Tess Butler, Regulatory Liaison, Department of 
Agriculture, Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration, 
1400 Independence Avenue SW, Room 1647 South Building, Washington, DC 
20250
Phone: 202 720-7486
Fax: 202 720-4628
Email: h.tess.butler@usda.gov

RIN: 0580-AA76
_______________________________________________________________________

142. [bull] FEES FOR OFFICIAL INSPECTION AND WEIGHING SERVICES

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 7 USC 71

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 800.71

[[Page 30030]]

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Agency is proposing to increase certain fees by 
approximately 4.1 percent; i.e., contract and noncontract hourly rates, 
certain unit rates, and the administrative tonnage fee increases. These 
fees apply only to official inspection and weighing services performed 
in the United States under the United States Grain Standards Act 
(USGSA), as amended. These increases are needed to cover increased 
operational costs resulting from the approximate 4.1 percent 
anticipated January 2003 Federal pay increase.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            02/28/03                     68 FR 9589
NPRM Comment Period End         03/31/03
Final Action                    08/00/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: H. Tess Butler, Regulatory Liaison, Department of 
Agriculture, Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration, 
STOP 3604, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 720-7486
Fax: 202 690-2755
Email: h.tess.butler@usda.gov

RIN: 0580-AA81
_______________________________________________________________________

143. [bull] FEES FOR RICE INSPECTION SERVICES

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 7 USC 1621

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 868.91

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration 
is proposing an approximate 4.1 percent increase in fees for all hourly 
rates and certain unit rates for inspection services performed under 
the Agricultural Act of 1946 in the rice inspection program. These 
increases are needed to cover increased operational costs resulting 
from the anticipated January 2003 Federal pay increase.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            02/28/03                     68 FR 9593
NPRM Comment Period End         03/31/03
Final Action                    08/00/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: H. Tess Butler, Regulatory Liaison, Department of 
Agriculture, Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration, 
STOP 3604, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 720-7486
Fax: 202 690-2755
Email: h.tess.butler@usda.gov

RIN: 0580-AA82
BILLING CODE 3410-EN-S
_______________________________________________________________________
Department of Agriculture (USDA)                    Proposed Rule Stage
Food and Nutrition Service (FNS)
_______________________________________________________________________

144. DISQUALIFIED RECIPIENT REPORTING AND COMPUTER MATCHING REQUIREMENTS 
THAT AFFECT THE FOOD STAMP PROGRAM

Priority: Other Significant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is 
undetermined.

Legal Authority: 5 USC 552(a) Computer Matching and Privacy Protection 
Act; 7 USC 2015(b) Food Stamp Act

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 272; 7 CFR 273

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This proposed rule describes requirements for State agencies 
to report information on individuals disqualified from the program for 
intentional program violations to FNS and codifies prisoner 
verification and death master file matching mandated by legislation and 
previously implemented through agency directive. (89-010)

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            05/00/03
NPRM Comment Period End         07/00/03
Final Action                    09/00/03
Final Action Effective          11/00/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: State, Local

Agency Contact: Sharon Ackerman, Agency Regulatory Officer, Department 
of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, 3101 Park Center Drive, 
Room 918, Alexandria, VA 22302
Phone: 703 305-2246
Fax: 703 605-0220
Email: sheri.ackerman@fns.usda.gov

RIN: 0584-AB51
_______________________________________________________________________

145. COMMODITY SUPPLEMENTAL FOOD PROGRAM: PLAIN LANGUAGE, PROGRAM 
ACCOUNTABILITY, AND PROGRAM FLEXIBILITY

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: PL 101-624; PL 104-127

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 247

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This rule will rewrite regulations pertaining to the 
Commodity Supplemental Food Program (7 CFR part 247) in ``plain 
language.'' It will also amend regulatory provisions in this part to 
increase program accountability and flexibility for program operators. 
The rule will affect program accountability by: (1) Requiring State 
agencies to initiate a claim against participants for repayment of the 
value of program benefits obtained as a result of intentional 
misrepresentation; (2) extending the period that State agencies may 
disqualify participants for program violations to up to 1 year; (3) 
requiring State agencies to disqualify participants for engaging in 
dual participation or for other selected program violations; and (4) 
including under program violations the physical abuse, or the threat of 
physical abuse, of program staff.
Amendments to increase program flexibility include: (1) Allowing the 
State to extend the certification of elderly persons on a fixed income 
for an indefinite period without a formal

[[Page 30031]]

review of eligibility; (2) increasing the period of time the State 
agency has to review a local agency's application for participation; 
(3) allowing State agencies to request to retain more than the maximum 
amount of administrative funds allocated whether or not they perform 
warehouse services; (4) reducing the frequency of State management 
evaluations of local agencies; and (5) making State plans and Federal-
State agreements permanent, with amendments submitted as needed.
Other miscellaneous proposed changes include: (1) Requiring local 
agencies to notify applicants of a decision on their application within 
10 days of the date of application; (2) including the specific factors 
that FNS uses to determine the amount of caseload that States will 
receive in addition to base caseload; (3) making the caseload cycle the 
period from January 1 to December 31; and (4) including a pregnant 
woman's embryo or fetus in utero as a household member in determining 
the family's income eligibility.
The rule will also incorporate legislative provisions that have been 
implemented through program policy, including: (1) Increasing the 
percentage of the program appropriation, and of funds carried over from 
the previous year, to be allotted for administrative support of State 
and local agencies from 15 to 20 percent; and (2) requiring that State 
and local agencies provide information on certain other public 
assistance programs to participants. (99-005)

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            05/00/03
NPRM Comment Period End         07/00/03
Final Action                     To Be                       Determined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: State, Local, Tribal

Agency Contact: Sharon Ackerman, Agency Regulatory Officer, Department 
of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, 3101 Park Center Drive, 
Room 918, Alexandria, VA 22302
Phone: 703 305-2246
Fax: 703 605-0220
Email: sheri.ackerman@fns.usda.gov

RIN: 0584-AC84
_______________________________________________________________________

146. FOOD STAMP PROGRAM: ADMINISTRATIVE COST REIMBURSEMENT

Priority: Economically Significant. Major under 5 USC 801.

Unfunded Mandates: Undetermined

Legal Authority: PL 105-185, sec 502

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 277

Legal Deadline: Final, Statutory, October 1, 1998, Payment reduction 
required by law.

Abstract: This rule will allow State agencies to charge the FSP for its 
share of common costs for determining eligibility of Temporary 
Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) households for FSP in accordance 
with new HHS policy and approved cost allocation plans. (99-007)

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            09/00/03
NPRM Comment Period End         11/00/03
Final Action                    05/00/04
Final Action Effective          09/00/04

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: State, Local

Federalism:  Undetermined

Agency Contact: Sharon Ackerman, Agency Regulatory Officer, Department 
of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, 3101 Park Center Drive, 
Room 918, Alexandria, VA 22302
Phone: 703 305-2246
Fax: 703 605-0220
Email: sheri.ackerman@fns.usda.gov

RIN: 0584-AC86
_______________________________________________________________________

147. 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 $3000 for 
households with a disabled member, and b) increasing the resource limit 
from $1750 to $2000 for households without elderly or disabled members; 
2) allowing a resource exclusion for the first $1500 of the value of 
one pre-paid 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                            08/00/03
NPRM Comment Period Ends        10/00/03

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, 3101 Park Center Drive, 
Room 918, Alexandria, VA 22302
Phone: 703 305-2246
Fax: 703 605-0220
Email: sheri.ackerman@fns.usda.gov

RIN: 0584-AD12
_______________________________________________________________________

148. 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

[[Page 30032]]

reimbursed under the same conditions set forth in the National School 
Lunch Act (NSLA) for at-risk snacks in the CACFP. Children who are 18 
or younger and enrolled in qualifying afterschool programs located in 
the seven States may receive free suppers. To qualify, afterschool care 
programs must be located in low-income areas, provide care to children, 
and have an educational or enrichment purpose. (01-007)

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            07/00/03
NPRM Comment Period End         09/00/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: State, Local

Agency Contact: Sharon Ackerman, Agency Regulatory Officer, Department 
of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, 3101 Park Center Drive, 
Room 918, Alexandria, VA 22302
Phone: 703 305-2246
Fax: 703 605-0220
Email: sheri.ackerman@fns.usda.gov

RIN: 0584-AD15
_______________________________________________________________________

149. FOOD STAMP PROGRAM: ADMINISTRATIVE SANCTIONS IMPOSED AGAINST 
VIOLATING ELECTRONIC BENEFITS TRANSFER (EBT) STORES

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 12 USC 2021; 13 USC 2022

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 278.6

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 a 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. (01-012)

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            08/00/03
NPRM Comment Period End         10/00/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Agency Contact: Sharon Ackerman, Agency Regulatory Officer, Department 
of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, 3101 Park Center Drive, 
Room 918, Alexandria, VA 22302
Phone: 703 305-2246
Fax: 703 605-0220
Email: sheri.ackerman@fns.usda.gov

RIN: 0584-AD18
_______________________________________________________________________

150. FOOD STAMP PROGRAM: SIMPLIFICATION AND STATE FLEXIBILITY

Priority: Economically Significant. Major under 5 USC 801.

Legal Authority: 7 USC 2011 to 2036

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 272; 7 CFR 273

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This action will 1) propose to streamline the regulations by 
removing unnecessary or redundant provisions and reorganizing several 
sections; 2) propose to increase State flexibility by moving overly 
prescriptive regulations; 3) re-propose several provisions that were 
proposed in a previous rule, the Noncitizen Eligibility Certification 
Provisions (NECP) of Public Law 104-193, as amended by Public Laws 104-
208, 105-33, and 105-185, published on February 29, 2000, but were not 
accepted in the final NECP rule published on November 21, 2001; 4) 
propose to remove or revise several provisions that were finalized in 
the NECP final rule; and 5) propose to incorporate current policy from 
the Food Stamp Program's Policy Interpretation Response System (PIRS). 
(01-018)

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            01/00/04
NPRM Comment Period End         03/00/04
Final Action                    05/00/05
Final Action Effective          07/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: State, Local, Tribal, Federal

Federalism:  Undetermined

Agency Contact: Sharon Ackerman, Agency Regulatory Officer, Department 
of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, 3101 Park Center Drive, 
Room 918, Alexandria, VA 22302
Phone: 703 305-2246
Fax: 703 605-0220
Email: sheri.ackerman@fns.usda.gov

RIN: 0584-AD22
_______________________________________________________________________

151. FOOD STAMP PROGRAM: CLARIFICATIONS AND CORRECTIONS TO RECIPIENT 
CLAIM ESTABLISHMENT AND COLLECTION STANDARDS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 7 USC 2011 to 2036

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 272; 7 CFR 273

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: Section 13 of the Food Stamp Act of 1977, as amended, 
requires State agencies to pursue collection of recipient overissuances 
in the Food Stamp Program. On July 6, 2000, FNS published a major rule 
that revised many of the processes and procedures in this area. This 
proposed rule provides clarifications and corrections to the July 6, 
2000, rulemaking. (02-003)

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            06/00/03
NPRM Comment Period End         08/00/03
Final Action                     To Be                       Determined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: State, Local

Agency Contact: Sharon Ackerman, Agency Regulatory Officer, Department 
of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, 3101 Park Center Drive, 
Room 918, Alexandria, VA 22302
Phone: 703 305-2246
Fax: 703 605-0220
Email: sheri.ackerman@fns.usda.gov

RIN: 0584-AD25

[[Page 30033]]

_______________________________________________________________________

152. FSP: EBT AND RETAIL FOOD STORES PROVISIONS OF THE FARM SECURITY AND 
RURAL INVESTMENT ACT OF 2002

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: PL 107-171, secs 4108, 4110, 4113, and 4117

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 274.12; 7 CFR 278; 7 CFR 279

Legal Deadline: Other, Statutory, May 13, 2002, PL 107-171, sec 4108, 
4113, and 4117.
Other, Statutory, October 1, 2002, PL 107-171, sec 4110.

Abstract: Section 4108--This rule proposes to allow alternate methods 
for issuing food stamp benefits during disasters when reliance on 
electronic benefit transfer systems (EBT) is impracticable.
Section 4110--This rule proposes to eliminate the requirement that 
Federal costs for electronic benefit transfer systems cannot exceed the 
costs of the paper systems they replace.
Section 4113--This rule proposes to allow group homes and institutions 
to redeem EBT benefits directly through banks in areas where EBT has 
been implemented rather than going through authorized wholesalers or 
other retailers.
Section 4117--This rule proposes to allow the Secretary of Agriculture 
to use mailing methods other than certified mail when notifying 
retailers of the above mentioned adverse actions so long as the method 
provides evidence of delivery. (02-005)

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            05/00/03
Final Action                    07/00/04

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Sharon Ackerman, Agency Regulatory Officer, Department 
of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, 3101 Park Center Drive, 
Room 918, Alexandria, VA 22302
Phone: 703 305-2246
Fax: 703 605-0220
Email: sheri.ackerman@fns.usda.gov

RIN: 0584-AD28
_______________________________________________________________________

153. FSP: HIGH PERFORMANCE BONUSES

Priority: Economically Significant. Major under 5 USC 801.

Legal Authority: PL 107-171

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 272; 7 CFR 275

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This action will propose implementation of the high 
performance bonuses as provided for in the Farm Security and Rural 
Investment Act of 2002 for States that demonstrate high or improved 
performance in administration of the Food Stamp Program. This action 
will propose the measurement criteria for fiscal year 2005 and beyond. 
(02-006)

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            08/00/03
NPRM Comment Period End         10/00/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: State, Local, Tribal, Federal

Federalism:  Undetermined

Agency Contact: Sharon Ackerman, Agency Regulatory Officer, Department 
of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, 3101 Park Center Drive, 
Room 918, Alexandria, VA 22302
Phone: 703 305-2246
Fax: 703 605-0220
Email: sheri.ackerman@fns.usda.gov

RIN: 0584-AD29
_______________________________________________________________________

154. 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 proposed rule will amend Food Stamp Program regulations 
to implement the food stamp eligibility and certification provisions of 
Public Law 107-171, the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002. 
The rule allows States, at their option, to treat legally obligated 
child support payments to a non-household member as an income exclusion 
rather than a deduction (as provided in current law); allows a State 
option to exclude certain types of income that are not counted under 
the State's Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) cash 
assistance or Medicaid programs; replaces the current, fixed standard 
deduction with a deduction that varies according to household size and 
is adjusted annually for cost-of-living increases; allows States to 
simplify the Standard Utility Allowance (SUA) if the States elect to 
use the SUA rather than actual utility costs for all households; allows 
States to use a standard deduction from income of $143 per month for 
homeless households with some shelter expenses; allows States to 
disregard reported changes in deductions during certification periods 
except for changes associated with a new residence or earned income 
until the next recertification; increases the resource limit for 
households with a disabled member from $2,000 to $3,000 consistent with 
the limit for households with an elderly member; allows States to 
exclude certain types of resources that the State does not count for 
TANF or Medicaid (section 1931); allows States to extend semiannual 
reporting of changes to all households not exempt from periodic 
reporting; requires State agencies that have a website to post 
applications on these sites in the same languages that the State uses 
for its written applications; allows States to extend from the current 
3 months up to 5 months the period of time households may receive 
transitional food stamp benefits when they lose TANF cash assistance; 
and restores food stamp eligibility to qualified aliens who are 
otherwise eligible AND who (1) are receiving disability benefits 
regardless of date of entry (current law requires them to have been in 
the country on August 22, 1996)--effective October 1, 2002, (2) are 
under 18 regardless of date of entry (current law limits eligibility to 
children who were in the country on August 22, 1996)--effective October 
1, 2003, and beyond, or (3) have lived in the U.S. for 5 years as a 
qualified alien beginning on date of entry--effective April 1, 2003. 
(02-007)

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            09/00/03

[[Page 30034]]

NPRM Comment Period End         11/00/03
Final Action                    12/00/04
Final Action Effective          02/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: State, Local, Tribal, Federal

Federalism:  Undetermined

Agency Contact: Sharon Ackerman, Agency Regulatory Officer, Department 
of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, 3101 Park Center Drive, 
Room 918, Alexandria, VA 22302
Phone: 703 305-2246
Fax: 703 605-0220
Email: sheri.ackerman@fns.usda.gov

RIN: 0584-AD30
_______________________________________________________________________

155. FSP: EMPLOYMENT AND TRAINING PROGRAM PROVISIONS OF THE FARM 
SECURITY AND RURAL INVESTMENT ACT OF 2002

Priority: Economically Significant. Major under 5 USC 801.

Legal Authority: PL 107-171

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 273.7

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This proposed rule will implement revisions to the Food Stamp 
Employment and Training (E&T) Program funding requirements. (02-009)

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            09/00/03
NPRM Comment Period End         11/00/03
Final Action                    12/00/04
Final Action Effective          02/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: State, Local, Federal

Agency Contact: Sharon Ackerman, Agency Regulatory Officer, Department 
of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, 3101 Park Center Drive, 
Room 918, Alexandria, VA 22302
Phone: 703 305-2246
Fax: 703 605-0220
Email: sheri.ackerman@fns.usda.gov

RIN: 0584-AD32
_______________________________________________________________________

156. SENIOR FARMERS' MARKET NUTRITION PROGRAM (SFMNP)

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: PL 107-171, sec 4306

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 249

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This proposed rule will implement the provision of the Farm 
Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (Pub. L. 107-171) that gives 
the Department the authority to promulgate regulations for the 
operation and administration of the SFMNP. The purposes of the SFMNP 
are to provide fresh, nutritious, unprepared locally grown fruits, 
vegetables, and herbs from farmers' markets, roadside stands, and 
community supported agriculture programs to low-income seniors, and to 
increase the consumption of agricultural commodities by expanding, 
developing, and/or aiding in the development of domestic farmers' 
markets, roadside stands, and community supported agriculture programs. 
(02-012)

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            09/00/03
NPRM Comment Period End         12/00/03
Final Action                    06/00/04
Final Action Effective          10/00/04

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: State, Local, Tribal, Federal

Federalism:  Undetermined

Agency Contact: Sharon Ackerman, Agency Regulatory Officer, Department 
of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, 3101 Park Center Drive, 
Room 918, Alexandria, VA 22302
Phone: 703 305-2246
Fax: 703 605-0220
Email: sheri.ackerman@fns.usda.gov

RIN: 0584-AD35
_______________________________________________________________________

157. [bull] SPECIAL SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION PROGRAM FOR WOMEN, INFANTS, 
AND CHILDREN (WIC): MISCELLANEOUS VENDOR-RELATED PROVISIONS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 42 USC 1786

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 246

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This proposed rule amends the WIC regulations to clarify 
issues that have arisen subsequent to the publication of the WIC Food 
Delivery Systems Final Rule. It includes the following provisions: 
Allows the release of vendor information such as telephone numbers, e-
mail/website addresses, store type, and whether the vendor has been 
disqualified; requires State agencies to document the number of cans of 
infant formula purchased by participants; prohibits provision of 
incentive items solely to WIC participants; protects State agencies 
against loss of revenue due to vendor non-selection; and provides for 
an abbreviated administrative review when a State agency issues a civil 
money penalty in lieu of a reciprocal WIC disqualification. The rule 
also increases the maximum fine for theft or fraud from $10,000 to 
$25,000, in accordance with Public Law 105-336. (02-013)

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            09/00/03
NPRM Comment Period End         01/00/04
Final Action                    09/00/04
Final Action Effective          09/00/04

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: Businesses, Governmental Jurisdictions

Government Levels Affected: State, Local, Tribal, Federal

Agency Contact: Sharon Ackerman, Agency Regulatory Officer, Department 
of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, 3101 Park Center Drive, 
Room 918, Alexandria, VA 22302
Phone: 703 305-2246
Fax: 703 605-0220
Email: sheri.ackerman@fns.usda.gov

RIN: 0584-AD36
_______________________________________________________________________

158. [bull] DISCRETIONARY QUALITY CONTROL PROVISIONS OF TITLE IV OF 
PUBLIC LAW 107-171

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 7 USC 2011 to 2032; PL 107-171

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 273; 7 CFR 275; 7 CFR 277

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This proposed rule will implement several quality control

[[Page 30035]]

changes to the Food Stamp Act required by sections 4118 and 4119 of 
title IV of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (Pub. L. 
107-171). The provisions in this rule will eliminate enhanced funding; 
establish timeframes for completing individual quality control reviews; 
and establish procedures for adjusting liability determinations 
following appeal decisions. (02-014)

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            08/00/03
NPRM Comment Period Ends        11/00/03
Final Action                    06/00/04
Action Effective                07/00/04

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: Federal, State, Local

Agency Contact: Sharon Ackerman, Agency Regulatory Officer, Department 
of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, 3101 Park Center Drive, 
Room 918, Alexandria, VA 22302
Phone: 703 305-2246
Fax: 703 605-0220
Email: sheri.ackerman@fns.usda.gov

Related RIN: Split From 0584-AD31
RIN: 0584-AD37
_______________________________________________________________________

159. [bull] NATIONAL SCHOOL LUNCH PROGRAM (NSLP) ALLOWABLE COSTS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 42 USC 1752

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 210

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: Update NSLP regulations 7 CFR 210 regarding the use of 
federal funds for the provision of meals for school children under the 
NSLP. This rule will prohibit school food authorities (SFA) from using 
funds in the non-profit school food service account for expenditures 
made under any cost reimbursable provision of a contract that permits 
the contractor to receive payments in excess of the contractor's actual 
net allowable costs. The expected result is that regulatory language 
will ensure optimum utilization of funds in the non-profit school food 
service account.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            06/00/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: State, Local

Federalism:  Undetermined

Agency Contact: Sharon Ackerman, Agency Regulatory Officer, Department 
of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, 3101 Park Center Drive, 
Room 918, Alexandria, VA 22302
Phone: 703 305-2246
Fax: 703 605-0220
Email: sheri.ackerman@fns.usda.gov

RIN: 0584-AD38
_______________________________________________________________________
Department of Agriculture (USDA)                       Final Rule Stage
Food and Nutrition Service (FNS)
_______________________________________________________________________

160. SPECIAL SUPPLEMENTAL FOOD PROGRAM FOR WOMEN, INFANTS, AND CHILDREN 
(WIC): MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 42 USC 1786

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 246

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This proposed rule responds to a variety of program concerns, 
most of which have been expressed by WIC State agencies. The proposal 
increases State agency flexibility regarding the sharing of participant 
information with other programs and streamlines Federal requirements 
for financial and participation reporting by State agencies. Several 
minor clarifications and technical corrections are also made. (89-515)

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            12/02/02                    67 FR 71774
NPRM Comment Period End         04/01/03
Final Action                    09/00/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: State, Local, Tribal

Agency Contact: Sharon Ackerman, Agency Regulatory Officer, Department 
of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, 3101 Park Center Drive, 
Room 918, Alexandria, VA 22302
Phone: 703 305-2246
Fax: 703 605-0220
Email: sheri.ackerman@fns.usda.gov

RIN: 0584-AB10
_______________________________________________________________________

161. 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 will revise: 
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              06/00/03

[[Page 30036]]

Interim Final Rule Effective    07/00/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: State, Local

Federalism:  This action may have federalism implications as defined in 
EO 13132.

Agency Contact: Sharon Ackerman, Agency Regulatory Officer, Department 
of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, 3101 Park Center Drive, 
Room 918, Alexandria, VA 22302
Phone: 703 305-2246
Fax: 703 605-0220
Email: sheri.ackerman@fns.usda.gov

RIN: 0584-AC24
_______________________________________________________________________

162. 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 proposes 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 will revise those regulations to provide the State 
agency more flexibility in implementing and operating those systems. 
Clarifications and FNS settlement improvements will also be 
incorporated into the rule. (96-016)

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            07/12/01                    66 FR 36495
NPRM Comment Period End         09/10/01
Final Action                    05/00/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Sharon Ackerman, Agency Regulatory Officer, Department 
of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, 3101 Park Center Drive, 
Room 918, Alexandria, VA 22302
Phone: 703 305-2246
Fax: 703 605-0220
Email: sheri.ackerman@fns.usda.gov

RIN: 0584-AC37
_______________________________________________________________________

163. 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                    06/00/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: State, Local

Agency Contact: Sharon Ackerman, Agency Regulatory Officer, Department 
of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, 3101 Park Center Drive, 
Room 918, Alexandria, VA 22302
Phone: 703 305-2246
Fax: 703 605-0220
Email: sheri.ackerman@fns.usda.gov

RIN: 0584-AC72
_______________________________________________________________________

164. FSP: CIVIL RIGHTS DATA COLLECTIONS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: PL 88-352, sec 601

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 272

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 requires the 
collection of racial/ethnic data for all programs utilizing Federal 
funds. State agencies are required to collect the data by racial/ethnic 
categories set by the Federal Government. In 1997, those categories 
changed. This proposed rule would change the racial categories for 
State Food Stamp Program reporting to comply with the new Federal 
racial categories. (98-010)

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            11/27/02                    67 FR 70861
NPRM Comment Period End         01/27/03
Final Action                    03/00/04
Final Action Effective          03/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: State, Local

Agency Contact: Sharon Ackerman, Agency Regulatory Officer, Department 
of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, 3101 Park Center Drive, 
Room 918, Alexandria, VA 22302
Phone: 703 305-2246
Fax: 703 605-0220
Email: sheri.ackerman@fns.usda.gov

RIN: 0584-AC75
_______________________________________________________________________

165. FSP: ELECTRONIC BENEFIT TRANSFER (EBT) SYSTEMS INTEROPERABILITY AND 
PORTABILITY

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: PL 106-171

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 272.1; 7 CFR 274.12

Legal Deadline: Other, Statutory, September 7, 2000, PL 106-171, sec 3.
Other, Statutory, February 11, 2001, PL 106-171, sec 4.
Other, Statutory, October 1, 2002, PL 106-171, sec 3.

Abstract: This rule revises Food Stamp regulations to ensure that 
recipients can use their electronic food stamp benefits across State 
borders by requiring interoperable State electronic issuance systems. 
The regulations establish uniform national standards to achieve this 
requirement. Also, 100 percent funding is available under the 
regulation to pay for the operational cost of this functionality up to 
a

[[Page 30037]]

national limit of $500,000. Costs beyond this level will be covered at 
the standard 50 percent program reimbursement rate for State 
administrative costs. (00-001)

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              08/15/00                    65 FR 49719
Interim Final Rule Effective    09/19/00
Interim Final Rule Comment 
Period End                      11/13/00
Final Action                    05/00/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Sharon Ackerman, Agency Regulatory Officer, Department 
of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, 3101 Park Center Drive, 
Room 918, Alexandria, VA 22302
Phone: 703 305-2246
Fax: 703 605-0220
Email: sheri.ackerman@fns.usda.gov

RIN: 0584-AC91
_______________________________________________________________________

166. SPECIAL NUTRITION PROGRAMS: DISCLOSURE OF CHILDREN'S ELIGIBILITY 
INFORMATION UNDER THE CHILD NUTRITION PROGRAMS

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: PL 106-224, sec 242; PL 103-448, sec 108

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 215; 7 CFR 225; 7 CFR 226; 7 CFR 245

Legal Deadline: Final, Statutory, October 20, 2000.

Abstract: This rule establishes requirements for the disclosure of 
children's free and reduced price meal and free milk eligibility 
information by agencies that make the free and reduced price meal or 
free milk determination under the National School Lunch Program, the 
School Breakfast Program, the Special Milk Program, the Child and Adult 
Care Food Program, and the Summer Food Service Program. The rule 
responds to amendments to the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch 
Act, which allow limited disclosure of children's free and reduced 
price meal or free milk eligibility information, Public Law 103-448, 
the Healthy Meals for Healthy Americans Act of 1994; and Public Law 
106-224, the Agricultural Risk Protection Act of 2000; comments 
received on the July 25, 2000, proposed rule on ``Disclosure of 
Children's Eligibility Information'' (65 FR 45725 issued under RIN 
0584-AC21) and comments received on the January 11, 2001, interim rule 
on ``Disclosure of Children's Eligibility Information to State Medicaid 
and the State Children's Health Insurance Program'' (66 FR 2195 issued 
under RIN 0584-AC95). This rule incorporates the proposed rule and 
interim rule into one final rule. Therefore, RIN 0584-AC21 is 
withdrawn, and the final provisions will be issued under RIN 0584-AC95. 
The final rule will adopt or modify as necessary many of the provisions 
mandated by the statute and required by the interim rule. Many of these 
same provisions were presented as recommendations in the proposed rule. 
The objective is to provide consistency in procedures when determining 
agencies' option to disclose children's eligibility information and to 
provide some protection against unauthorized disclosures and misuse of 
personal information, regardless of whether the disclosure is to 
Medicaid or SCHIP or to an education or other program. (00-004)

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule Effective    10/01/00
Interim Final Rule              01/11/01                     66 FR 2195
Interim Final Rule Comment 
Period End                      04/11/01
Final Action                    06/00/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: State, Local

Agency Contact: Sharon Ackerman, Agency Regulatory Officer, Department 
of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, 3101 Park Center Drive, 
Room 918, Alexandria, VA 22302
Phone: 703 305-2246
Fax: 703 605-0220
Email: sheri.ackerman@fns.usda.gov

RIN: 0584-AC95
_______________________________________________________________________

167. SPECIAL NUTRITION PROGRAMS: UNIFORM FEDERAL ASSISTANCE REGULATIONS; 
NONDISCRETIONARY TECHNICAL AMENDMENTS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 31 USC 503, 111, and 7501; PL 98-502; PL 104-156

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 210, 215, 220, 225, and 235

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This final rule makes a number of technical changes to the 
regulations governing the National School Lunch Program, the Special 
Milk Program for Children, the School Breakfast Program, the Child and 
Adult Care Food Program, the Summer Food Service Program, and State 
Administrative Expense Funds. The United States Department of 
Agriculture (USDA) is revising its grants management regulations in 
order to bring the entitlement programs it administers under the same 
regulations that already apply to nonentitlement programs and to 
identify exceptions to these general rules that apply only to 
entitlement programs. (01-008)

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Direct Final Rule               06/00/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: State, Local

Agency Contact: Sharon Ackerman, Agency Regulatory Officer, Department 
of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, 3101 Park Center Drive, 
Room 918, Alexandria, VA 22302
Phone: 703 305-2246
Fax: 703 605-0220
Email: sheri.ackerman@fns.usda.gov

RIN: 0584-AD16
_______________________________________________________________________

168. DETERMINING ELIGIBILITY FOR FREE AND REDUCED PRICE MEALS IN 
SCHOOLS--VERIFICATION REPORTING AND RECORDKEEPING REQUIREMENTS

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 42 USC 1758, sec 9(d)(2)

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 245

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: Recent comparisons of National poverty data instruments

[[Page 30038]]

indicate that there are more students certified for free and reduced 
price meals than there are students eligible for such meal benefits. As 
a result, the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) published a proposed 
rule on August 9, 2002, and plans to finalize this regulation to amend 
the recordkeeping and reporting requirements relating to verification 
of applications for free and reduced price meals. The rule requires 
local school food authorities to report verification activity and 
results to their respective State agency to support State agency 
oversight activities and to require States to report the school level 
data to USDA. Results will provide USDA with information that will 
assist in improving the certification of eligibility for free and 
reduced price meal benefits. (01-015)

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            08/09/02                    67 FR 51779
NPRM Comment Period End         10/08/02
Final Action                    06/00/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: State, Local

Agency Contact: Sharon Ackerman, Agency Regulatory Officer, Department 
of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, 3101 Park Center Drive, 
Room 918, Alexandria, VA 22302
Phone: 703 305-2246
Fax: 703 605-0220
Email: sheri.ackerman@fns.usda.gov

RIN: 0584-AD20
_______________________________________________________________________

169. FOOD STAMP PROGRAM: ADMINISTRATIVE REVIEW REQUIREMENTS--FOOD 
RETAILERS/WHOLESALERS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 7 USC 2011 to 2036

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 278; 7 CFR 279

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The rule proposes to streamline and make technical 
corrections to the administrative review process by amending portions 
of current regulations provided in parts 278 and 279. It would 
eliminate repetitious, outdated, and unnecessary provisions without 
taking away a business's right to an administrative review or a 
judicial review. It would also eliminate formal procedures for face-to-
face meetings with review officers. There are very few requests for 
such reviews, and because administrative review decisions are based on 
documented facts and not on face-to-face meetings, these meetings are 
unnecessary and ineffective. (02-001)

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            11/25/02                    67 FR 70561
NPRM Comment Period End         01/24/03
Final Action                    05/00/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Sharon Ackerman, Agency Regulatory Officer, Department 
of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, 3101 Park Center Drive, 
Room 918, Alexandria, VA 22302
Phone: 703 305-2246
Fax: 703 605-0220
Email: sheri.ackerman@fns.usda.gov

RIN: 0584-AD23
_______________________________________________________________________

170. PRIVACY ACT: REVISION OF AN EXISTING SYSTEM OF RECORDS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 7 USC 2011 to 2036; PL 100-103

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 273

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This is a revision to the existing system of records entitled 
``Claims Against Food Stamp Recipients--USDA/FNS-3.'' The revision is 
being made to comply with the requirements of Treasury Offset Program. 
This notice announces that FNS will now share data with private sources 
for the purpose of obtaining addresses to locate individuals who may 
owe delinquent food stamp recipient claims and employment information 
for administrative wage garnishment. (02-002)

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    06/00/03
Final Action Effective          08/00/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: State, Local

Agency Contact: Sharon Ackerman, Agency Regulatory Officer, Department 
of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, 3101 Park Center Drive, 
Room 918, Alexandria, VA 22302
Phone: 703 305-2246
Fax: 703 605-0220
Email: sheri.ackerman@fns.usda.gov

RIN: 0584-AD24
_______________________________________________________________________

171. 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                    06/00/03
Final Action Effective          07/00/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: State, Local, Federal

Agency Contact: Sharon Ackerman, Agency Regulatory Officer, Department 
of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, 3101 Park Center Drive, 
Room 918, Alexandria, VA 22302
Phone: 703 305-2246
Fax: 703 605-0220
Email: sheri.ackerman@fns.usda.gov

RIN: 0584-AD27

[[Page 30039]]

_______________________________________________________________________

172. FSP: NON-DISCRETIONARY QUALITY CONTROL PROVISIONS OF TITLE IV OF 
PUBLIC LAW 107-171

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 7 USC 2011 to 2032; PL 107-171

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 273; 7 CFR 275

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This interim rule will implement several quality control 
changes to the Food Stamp Act required by sections 4118 and 4119 of 
title IV of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (Public 
Law 107-171). The provisions in this rule affect the following areas: 
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. (02-014)

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              08/00/03
Interim Final Rule Effective    10/01/02

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: State, Local, Federal

Agency Contact: Sharon Ackerman, Agency Regulatory Officer, Department 
of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, 3101 Park Center Drive, 
Room 918, Alexandria, VA 22302
Phone: 703 305-2246
Fax: 703 605-0220
Email: sheri.ackerman@fns.usda.gov

RIN: 0584-AD31
_______________________________________________________________________

173. COMMODITY SUPPLEMENTAL FOOD PROGRAM (CSFP)--ALLOCATION OF 
ADMINISTRATIVE FUNDS

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: PL 107-171

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 247.10

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This rule will amend CSFP regulations to implement 
nondiscretionary provisions of Public Law 107-171 affecting the 
allocation of administrative funds to State agencies. The law allocates 
to State agencies an administrative grant per assigned caseload slot, 
adjusted each year for inflation, to pay program administrative costs. 
It also deletes the current limitation of the total administrative 
allocation to 20 percent of total program funding. The method of 
allocation used previously did not guarantee States a specific amount 
for each caseload slot assigned. The changes provide more stable 
funding support for State and local agencies. (02-010)

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    06/00/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: State, Local, Tribal

Agency Contact: Sharon Ackerman, Agency Regulatory Officer, Department 
of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, 3101 Park Center Drive, 
Room 918, Alexandria, VA 22302
Phone: 703 305-2246
Fax: 703 605-0220
Email: sheri.ackerman@fns.usda.gov

RIN: 0584-AD33
_______________________________________________________________________
Department of Agriculture (USDA)                      Long-Term Actions
Food and Nutrition Service (FNS)
_______________________________________________________________________

174. WIC: REQUIREMENTS FOR AND EVALUATION OF WIC PROGRAM REQUESTS FOR 
BIDS FOR INFANT FORMULA REBATE CONTRACTS

Priority: Economically Significant. Major under 5 USC 801.

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 246

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            07/16/98                    63 FR 38343
NPRM Comment Period End         09/14/98
Interim Final Rule              08/23/00                    65 FR 51213
Interim Final Rule Effective    10/23/00
Interim Final Rule 
Implementation Date             11/21/00
Interim Final Rule Comment 
Period End                      08/23/01
Final Action                    07/00/04

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: State, Local, Tribal, Federal

Agency Contact: Sharon Ackerman
Phone: 703 305-2246
Fax: 703 605-0220
Email: sheri.ackerman@fns.usda.gov

RIN: 0584-AB52
_______________________________________________________________________

175. CHILD AND ADULT CARE FOOD PROGRAM: IMPLEMENTING LEGISLATIVE REFORMS 
TO STRENGTHEN PROGRAM INTEGRITY

Priority: Other Significant

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 226

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              06/27/02                    67 FR 43448
Interim Final Rule Effective    07/29/02
Final Action                    06/00/04

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: State, Local

Federalism:  This action may have federalism implications as defined in 
EO 13132.

Agency Contact: Sharon Ackerman
Phone: 703 305-2246
Fax: 703 605-0220
Email: sheri.ackerman@fns.usda.gov

RIN: 0584-AC94

[[Page 30040]]

_______________________________________________________________________

176. IMPROVING ACCESS TO THE FOOD STAMP PROGRAM FOR PERSONS WITH LIMITED 
ENGLISH PROFICIENCY

Priority: Other Significant

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 272.4(b)

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            06/00/04
NPRM Comment Period End         08/00/04
Final Action                    06/00/05
Final Action Effective          09/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: State, Local

Federalism:  Undetermined

Agency Contact: Sharon Ackerman
Phone: 703 305-2246
Fax: 703 605-0220
Email: sheri.ackerman@fns.usda.gov

RIN: 0584-AD06
_______________________________________________________________________

177. FOOD STAMP PROGRAM: VEHICLE AND MAXIMUM EXCESS SHELTER EXPENSE 
DEDUCTION PROVISIONS OF PUBLIC LAW 106-387

Priority: Economically Significant. Major under 5 USC 801.

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 273.8; 7 CFR 273.9

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                             To Be                       Determined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: State, Local

Agency Contact: Sharon Ackerman
Phone: 703 305-2246
Fax: 703 605-0220
Email: sheri.ackerman@fns.usda.gov

RIN: 0584-AD13
_______________________________________________________________________
Department of Agriculture (USDA)                      Completed Actions
Food and Nutrition Service (FNS)
_______________________________________________________________________

178. FOOD STAMP PROGRAM: ANTICIPATING INCOME AND REPORTING CHANGES

Priority: Other Significant

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 272; 7 CFR 273

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    04/29/03                    68 FR 22567

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: State, Local, Federal

Agency Contact: Sharon Ackerman
Phone: 703 305-2246
Fax: 703 605-0220
Email: sheri.ackerman@fns.usda.gov

RIN: 0584-AB57
_______________________________________________________________________

179. IMPLEMENTATION OF POULTRY SUBSTITUTION PILOT AS PERMANENT AND 
MODIFICATION OF COMMODITY RECORDKEEPING REQUIREMENTS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 250.14; 7 CFR 250.16; 7 CFR 250.30

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    10/23/02                    67 FR 65011

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: State, Local

Agency Contact: Sharon Ackerman
Phone: 703 305-2246
Fax: 703 605-0220
Email: sheri.ackerman@fns.usda.gov

RIN: 0584-AD08
_______________________________________________________________________

180. SPECIAL SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION PROGRAM FOR WOMEN, INFANTS, AND 
CHILDREN (WIC): EXCLUSION OF MILITARY HOUSING PAYMENTS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 246

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    10/31/02                    67 FR 66303

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: State, Local, Tribal, Federal

Agency Contact: Sharon Ackerman
Phone: 703 305-2246
Fax: 703 605-0220
Email: sheri.ackerman@fns.usda.gov

RIN: 0584-AD34
BILLING CODE 3410-30-S
_______________________________________________________________________
Department of Agriculture (USDA)                          Prerule Stage
Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS)
_______________________________________________________________________

181. [bull] STANDARDS AND LABELING REQUIREMENTS FOR MECHANICALLY 
SEPARATED SPECIES AND PRODUCTS IN WHICH IT IS USED (SECTION 610 REVIEW)

Priority: Info./Admin./Other

Legal Authority: 5 USC 610(c)

CFR Citation: 9 CFR 317.2(j)(13)(ii); 9 CFR 318.18; 9 CFR 319.5

Legal Deadline: Other, Statutory, May 2003, Review mandated to conclude 
within 12 months after initial announcement of review.
Provisions of the RFA mandate that this review conclude within 12 
months after the initial announcement.

Abstract: On June 29, 1982, the Department of Agriculture amended the 
Federal meat inspection regulations with promulgation of the final rule 
(47 FR 28214) to (1) modify the definition, standard, and permitted 
uses for the finely comminuted product resulting from the mechanical 
separation and removal of most of the bone from attached skeletal 
muscle of livestock carcasses and parts of carcasses, and the labeling 
requirements for meat food products in which it is used as an

[[Page 30041]]

ingredient; and (2) to establish labeling requirements for such 
products.
Promulgation Purpose and Legal Basis:
Sections 1(m), (n), 7, and 10 of the Federal Meat Inspection Act (FMIA) 
establishes the Secretary of Agriculture's statutory responsibility for 
ensuring that meat and meat food products, prepared and intended to be 
distributed in commerce, are not adulterated, misbranded, or improperly 
marked, labeled, and packaged. (21 U.S.C. 601(m)(n), 607, 610) The 
final rule governing the production and use of mechanically separated 
species was issued in 1978 (43 FR 26416). However, despite the 
availability of technology and raw materials, a potential food source 
was not being made available to the general public. In the interim, the 
Pacific Coast Meat Association (PCMA) and the American Meat Institute 
(AMI) contended that its failure to market products containing 
Mechanically Processed (Species) Product (MP(S)P) was due to regulatory 
requirements that extended beyond the perimeters necessary to protect 
the public, and argued that they were effectively precluded from 
producing or marketing mechanically deboned beef, pork, or veal or lamb 
by the misleading labeling and the unreasonable compositional standards 
imposed by the regulations. PCMA and the AMI petitioned the agency to 
reconsider the requirements in light of information compiled since the 
promulgation of the 1978 regulations. PCMA and AMI submitted a report 
on a series of consumer focus group's sessions exploring attitudes 
towards various types of meat food product labeling, and an analysis of 
the economic impacts of the 1978 regulations. Based on the original 
petition's argument, data compiled since 1978, and the Agency's 
internal review and re-evaluation of its regulations in accordance with 
Executive Order 12291(now Executive Order 12866), the Department 
decided to amend the requirements and issue a new final rule entitled 
``Standards and Labeling Requirements for Mechanically Separated 
(Species) and Products in Which It Is Used.''
This regulation has been reviewed under the Regulatory Flexibility 
Act's Section 610 provisions. The Food Safety and Inspection Service 
(FSIS) intends to publish the results of its mandatory review in the 
Federal Register by May 31, 2003.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

End Review                      06/00/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Agency Contact: Dr. Daniel L. Engeljohn, Director, Regulations and 
Directives Development Staff, Department of Agriculture, Food Safety 
and Inspection Service, Room 402 Cotton Annex Building, 1400 
Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 720-5627
Fax: 202 690-0486
Email: daniel.engeljohn@usda.gov

RIN: 0583-AC93
_______________________________________________________________________

182. [bull] NUTRITION LABELING OF MEAT AND POULTRY PRODUCTS (SECTION 610 
REVIEW)

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 5 USC 610; 21 USC 601; 21 USC 453; ...

CFR Citation: 9 CFR 317; 9 CFR 318; 9 CFR 381

Legal Deadline: Other, Statutory, June 2004, Review mandated to 
conclude within 12 months after initial announcement of review.
Section 610 of the RFA mandates that this review be concluded within 12 
months after its commencement date.

Abstract: On January 6, 1993, the Department of Agriculture, Food 
Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) amended the Federal meat and 
poultry products inspection regulations with promulgation of the 
aforementioned final rule (58 FR 632) to (1) permit voluntary nutrition 
labeling on single-ingredient, raw meat and poultry products; and (2) 
to establish mandatory nutrition labeling requirements for all other 
meat and poultry products, notwithstanding specific exceptions.
Promulgation Purpose and Legal Basis:
Sections 1(n) of the Federal Meat Inspection Act (FMIA), and 4(h) of 
the Poultry Products Inspection Act (PPIA) establish the Secretary of 
Agriculture's statutory responsibility for ensuring that meat and meat 
food products, prepared and intended to be distributed in commerce, are 
not adulterated, misbranded, or improperly marked, labeled, and 
packaged (21 U.S.C. 601(n)(1); 21 U.S.C. 453(4)(h)).
On November 8, 1990, the Nutrition Labeling and Education Act of 1990 
(NLEA) was enacted by Public Law 101.535 (104 Stat. 2353). The statute 
amended certain provisions of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act 
and required: (1) Mandatory nutrition labeling for most of the Food and 
Drug Administration's (FDA) regulated packaged food products; and (2) 
issuance of voluntary nutrition guidelines to food retailers for 
providing nutrition information on 20 of each most frequently consumed 
during a year varieties of raw vegetables, raw fruits, and raw fish. 
However, if food retailers failed to substantially comply with the 
voluntary guidelines, the NLEA requires FDA to issue mandatory 
requirements.
FSIS' final rule entitled, ``Nutrition Labeling of Meat and Poultry 
Products,'' will be reviewed under the Regulatory Flexibility Act's 
section 610 provisions within the succeeding 12 months. Accordingly, 
the FSIS invites all interested parties to submit comments on: (1) The 
continued need for the rule; (2) the complexity of the rule; (3) the 
extent to which the rule overlaps, duplicates, or conflicts with other 
Federal, State, and local rules; (4) the nature of complaints or 
comments received concerning the rule from the public; and (5) the 
technology and economic conditions, or other factors, which have 
changed the specific area affected by the rule.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Begin Review                    06/00/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Robert Post, Director, Labeling and Consumer Protection 
Staff, Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and Inspection Service, 
1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 205-0279

RIN: 0583-AC95

[[Page 30042]]

_______________________________________________________________________
Department of Agriculture (USDA)                    Proposed Rule Stage
Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS)
_______________________________________________________________________

183. ANTE-MORTEM AND POST-MORTEM INSPECTION OF LIVESTOCK AND POULTRY

Priority: Other Significant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is 
undetermined.

Unfunded Mandates: Undetermined

Legal Authority: 21 USC 601 to 695 et seq; 7 USC 138 et seq; 21 USC 450 
et seq; 7 USC 2.18 to 2.53 et seq; 21 USC 451 to 470 et seq

CFR Citation: 9 CFR 309; 9 CFR 310; 9 CFR 381

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: FSIS is proposing to reform the regulations governing ante-
mortem and post-mortem inspection of livestock and poultry. A number of 
the current regulations are no longer appropriate for the conditions 
under which meat and poultry products are produced and distributed 
today (e.g., splitting of sterna, prohibition of inflating carcasses). 
Others are duplicative regulations (e.g., those dealing with bruises 
and contamination) applying separately to meat and to poultry that 
could be combined into single regulations applying to both meat and 
poultry. Most emphasize the procedures for achieving regulatory 
objectives rather than the objectives themselves. This proposal would 
remove these prescriptive, detailed, or obsolete regulations or convert 
them to performance standards that are consistent with FSIS 
requirements for establishment-operated hazard analysis and critical 
control points (HACCP) systems and with the Agency's food safety 
regulatory strategy.
Under the proposal, the current ante-mortem requirements, listing 
objectionable diseases or conditions and corresponding actions to be 
taken, would be replaced by performance standards intended to ensure 
that only ``normal,'' healthy animals that do not pose an evident 
hazard to public health are permitted to enter a slaughtering 
establishment. ``Normal'' animals would include those, for example, 
that are not running a temperature or that do not exhibit lesions of 
disease or behaviors characteristic of central nervous system 
disorders. Similarly, the post-mortem regulations, with their lists of 
conditions and detailed, command-and-control procedures, would be 
streamlined. The prescriptive provisions would be replaced by 
performance standards relating to food safety.
This proposal would also recodify the ante-mortem and post-mortem 
inspection regulations for livestock and poultry. To the extent 
possible, consistent with the Federal Meat Inspection Act and the 
Poultry Products Inspection Act, regulations concerning livestock and 
meat carcasses and parts, and those concerning poultry carcasses and 
parts, would be designated to the same parts and sections of the Code 
of Federal Regulations. These changes would be part of the ongoing 
Agency effort to make the regulations more streamlined and user-
friendly.
This proposal would focus on the performance standards that 
establishments should meet through operation of their HACCP systems for 
slaughtering and dressing operations. It would remove impediments to 
the development and operation of HACCP plans by making the current 
regulations compatible with the HACCP approach to food safety.
Besides the proposed action, FSIS considered the alternative of no 
rulemaking and the alternative of eliminating all regulations on 
livestock, poultry, and the carcasses and parts of livestock and 
poultry, affected by specific diseases and conditions. The first 
alternative would leave in place numerous detailed prescriptions and 
procedural requirements inconsistent with, or duplicative of, HACCP 
systems. The second would risk exposing the public to products that may 
be unwholesome or otherwise adulterated.
The Agency believes the alternative represented by this proposal--
converting to performance standards the ante-mortem and post-mortem 
inspection regulations--would offer the best prospect for the efficient 
and effective implementation of HACCP. It would also maximize the 
flexibility establishments have to adopt technological innovations that 
would increase the assurance of food safety.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            03/00/04

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: State

Agency Contact: Dr. Daniel L. Engeljohn, Director, Regulations and 
Directives Development Staff, Department of Agriculture, Food Safety 
and Inspection Service, Room 402 Cotton Annex Building, 1400 
Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 720-5627
Fax: 202 690-0486
Email: daniel.engeljohn@usda.gov

RIN: 0583-AC43
_______________________________________________________________________

184. REQUIREMENTS FOR DISPOSITION AND DISPOSAL OF INSPECTED RAW MEAT AND 
POULTRY PRODUCTS

Priority: Other Significant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is 
undetermined.

Unfunded Mandates: Undetermined

Legal Authority: 7 USC 450; 21 USC 451 to 470 et seq; 21 USC 601 to 695 
et seq; 7 USC 1901 to 1906

CFR Citation: 9 CFR 311; 9 CFR 314; 9 CFR 320; 9 CFR 325; 9 CFR 381; 9 
CFR 428; 9 CFR 455

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: FSIS is proposing to reform the regulations governing the 
disposition of inspected raw meat and poultry products and the disposal 
of such products that are condemned or otherwise inedible. A number of 
the current regulations are no longer appropriate for the conditions 
under which meat and poultry products are produced and distributed 
today. Others are duplicative regulations applying separately to meat 
and to poultry that should be combined into single regulations applying 
to both meat and poultry. Most emphasize the procedures for achieving 
regulatory objectives rather than the objectives themselves. The 
proposal would remove these prescriptive, detailed, or obsolete 
regulations or convert them to performance standards that are 
consistent with FSIS requirements for establishment-operated hazard 
analysis and critical control points (HACCP) systems and with the 
Agency's food safety regulatory strategy.
Besides the proposed action, FSIS considered the alternative of no 
rulemaking and the alternative of eliminating all regulations on the 
disposition and disposal of inspected raw products. Among these 
regulations are those concerning the handling of raw product moving 
between official

[[Page 30043]]

establishments and the disposal of condemned or inedible carcasses and 
parts. The first alternative would leave in place numerous detailed 
prescriptions and procedural requirements inconsistent with, or 
duplicative of, HACCP systems. The second would risk exposing the 
public to products that may be unwholesome or otherwise adulterated.
This proposal would convert to performance standards the regulations 
governing the disposition, handling, and disposal of raw carcasses and 
parts. The Agency believes this alternative would offer the best 
prospect of permitting the efficient and effective implementation of 
HACCP and of maximizing the flexibility official establishments and 
other entities have to adopt technological and other innovations that 
could increase the assurance of food safety.
This proposal would also recodify the regulations on the disposition, 
handling, and disposal of raw meat and poultry products. To the extent 
possible, consistent with the Federal Meat Inspection Act and the 
Poultry Products Inspection Act, regulations affecting both meat and 
poultry would be designated to the same parts and sections of the Code 
of Federal Regulations. These changes would be part of the ongoing 
Agency effort to make the regulations more streamlined and user-
friendly.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            03/00/04

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: State

Agency Contact: Dr. Daniel L. Engeljohn, Director, Regulations and 
Directives Development Staff, Department of Agriculture, Food Safety 
and Inspection Service, Room 402 Cotton Annex Building, 1400 
Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 720-5627
Fax: 202 690-0486
Email: daniel.engeljohn@usda.gov

RIN: 0583-AC44
_______________________________________________________________________

185. PERFORMANCE STANDARDS FOR BACON

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 21 USC 601 et seq; 21 USC 451 et seq

CFR Citation: 9 CFR 424.22(b)

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: FSIS is proposing to revise the regulatory provisions 
concerning the production and testing of pumped bacon (9 CFR 
424.22(b)). FSIS is proposing to remove provisions that prescribe the 
substances and amounts of such substances that must be used to produce 
pumped bacon. FSIS is proposing to replace these provisions with an 
upper limit for nitrite and a performance standard that establishments 
producing pumped bacon must meet. To meet the proposed performance 
standard, the process used would be required to limit the presence of 
nitrosamines when the product is cooked.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            07/00/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Dr. Daniel L. Engeljohn, Director, Regulations and 
Directives Development Staff, Department of Agriculture, Food Safety 
and Inspection Service, Room 402 Cotton Annex Building, 1400 
Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 720-5627
Fax: 202 690-0486
Email: daniel.engeljohn@usda.gov

RIN: 0583-AC49
_______________________________________________________________________

186. REWORKING OF MEAT AND POULTRY CARCASSES ACCIDENTALLY CONTAMINATED 
DURING EVISCERATION

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 7 USC 450; 21 USC 451 to 470; 21 USC 601 to 695; 7 CFR 
2.18; 7 CFR 2.53

CFR Citation: 9 CFR 310; 9 CFR 381; 9 CFR 433

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Food Safety and Inspection Service is proposing to amend 
the mandatory meat and poultry products inspection regulations 
concerning the reworking of carcasses accidentally contaminated during 
evisceration. The proposal would replace with performance standards the 
current prescriptive provisions governing the handling of meat 
carcasses and the reprocessing of poultry carcasses that have been so 
contaminated and would permit the on-line reprocessing of carcasses, 
provided the applicable performance standards are met. The proposal 
would permit establishments to reprocess contaminated meat and poultry 
carcasses on the evisceration line, rather than at separate stations, 
if the establishments can scientifically demonstrate a substantial 
improvement in the microbiological quality of the carcasses. The 
amended regulations would be consistent with the Agency's pathogen 
reduction (PR) and hazard analysis and critical control points (HACCP) 
regulations.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            11/00/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Dr. Daniel L. Engeljohn, Director, Regulations and 
Directives Development Staff, Department of Agriculture, Food Safety 
and Inspection Service, Room 402 Cotton Annex Building, 1400 
Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 720-5627
Fax: 202 690-0486
Email: daniel.engeljohn@usda.gov

RIN: 0583-AC53
_______________________________________________________________________

187. EGG AND EGG PRODUCTS INSPECTION REGULATIONS

Priority: Economically Significant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is 
undetermined.

Unfunded Mandates: Undetermined

Legal Authority: 21 USC 1031 to 1056

CFR Citation: 9 CFR 590.570; 9 CFR 590.575; 9 CFR 590.146; 9 CFR 
590.10; 9 CFR 590.411; 9 CFR 590.502; 9 CFR 590.504; 9 CFR 590.580; 9 
CFR 591; ...

Legal Deadline: None

[[Page 30044]]

Abstract: The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is proposing to 
require shell egg packers and egg products plants to develop and 
implement Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) systems 
and Sanitation Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). FSIS also is 
proposing pathogen reduction performance standards that would be 
applicable to pasteurized shell eggs and egg products. Plants would be 
expected to develop HACCP systems that ensure products meet the 
pathogen reduction performance standards. Finally, FSIS is proposing to 
amend the Federal egg and 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.
The actions being proposed are part of FSIS' regulatory reform effort 
to improve FSIS' egg and 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 
and egg products regulations as consistent as possible with the 
Agency's meat and poultry products regulations. FSIS is also taking 
these actions in light of changing inspection priorities and recent 
findings of Salmonella in pasteurized egg products.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            12/00/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Small Entities Affected: Businesses, Governmental Jurisdictions

Government Levels Affected: Federal, State

Federalism:  Undetermined

Agency Contact: Dr. Daniel L. Engeljohn, Director, Regulations and 
Directives Development Staff, Department of Agriculture, Food Safety 
and Inspection Service, Room 402 Cotton Annex Building, 1400 
Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 720-5627
Fax: 202 690-0486
Email: daniel.engeljohn@usda.gov

RIN: 0583-AC58
_______________________________________________________________________

188. LABELING--GENERIC APPROVAL AND REGULATION CONSOLIDATION

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 21 USC 451 to 470; 21 USC 601 to 695

CFR Citation: 9 CFR 317; 9 CFR 327; 9 CFR 381; 9 CFR 412

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This rulemaking will continue an effort initiated several 
years ago by amending FSIS's regulations to expand the types of 
labeling that are generically approved. FSIS plans to propose that the 
submission of labeling for approval prior to use be limited to certain 
types of labeling, as specified in the regulations. In addition, FSIS 
plans to reorganize and amend the regulations by consolidating the 
nutrition labeling rules that currently are stated separately for 
livestock products and poultry products (in part 317, subpart B, and 
part 381, subpart Y, respectively) and by amending their provisions to 
set out clearly various circumstances under which these products are 
misbranded.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            09/00/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Agency Contact: Dr. Daniel L. Engeljohn, Director, Regulations and 
Directives Development Staff, Department of Agriculture, Food Safety 
and Inspection Service, Room 402 Cotton Annex Building, 1400 
Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 720-5627
Fax: 202 690-0486
Email: daniel.engeljohn@usda.gov

Robert Post, Director, Labeling and Consumer Protection Staff, 
Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and Inspection Service, 1400 
Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 205-0279

RIN: 0583-AC59
_______________________________________________________________________

189. FOOD STANDARDS; GUIDING PRINCIPLES AND FOOD STANDARDS MODERNIZATION

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 21 USC 601 et seq; 21 USC 451 et seq

CFR Citation: Not Yet Determined

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) and the Food 
and Drug Administration (FDA) are proposing to modernize their food 
standards. The agencies are proposing a set of guiding principles for 
food standards. The adherence to these principles will result in 
standards that will better promote honesty and fair dealing in the 
interest of consumers, protect the public, allow for technological 
advances in food production, are consistent with international food 
standards, and are clear, simple, and easy to use for both 
manufacturers and the agencies that enforce compliance with the 
standards. The proposed guiding 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                            08/00/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Robert Post, Director, Labeling and Consumer Protection 
Staff, Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and Inspection Service, 
1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 205-0279

RIN: 0583-AC72
_______________________________________________________________________

190. 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

[[Page 30045]]

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                            06/00/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Agency Contact: Dr. Daniel L. Engeljohn, Director, Regulations and 
Directives Development Staff, Department of Agriculture, Food Safety 
and Inspection Service, Room 402 Cotton Annex Building, 1400 
Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 720-5627
Fax: 202 690-0486
Email: daniel.engeljohn@usda.gov

RIN: 0583-AC81
_______________________________________________________________________

191. CLASSES OF POULTRY UPDATING POULTRY CLASS STANDARDS

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 21 USC 451

CFR Citation: 9 CFR 381.170(a)

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: FSIS is proposing to amend the official U.S. classes of 
poultry so that they more accurately and clearly describe the 
characteristics of poultry in the market today. Poultry classes are 
defined primarily in terms of age and sex of the bird. Genetic 
improvements and new poultry management techniques have reduced the 
grow-out period for some poultry classes while extensive cross breeding 
has produced poultry with higher meat yields but blurred breed 
distinctions. This action is being taken to ensure that poultry 
products are labeled in a truthful and non-misleading manner.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            06/00/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Robert Post, Director, Labeling and Consumer Protection 
Staff, Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and Inspection Service, 
1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 205-0279

RIN: 0583-AC83
_______________________________________________________________________

192. ELIMINATION OF CHILLING TIME AND TEMPERATURE REQUIREMENTS FOR 
READY-TO-COOK POULTRY (SECTION 610 REVIEW)

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 21 USC 451 to 470

CFR Citation: 9 CFR 381.66

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: FSIS is proposing to eliminate the time and temperature 
requirements for chilling ready-to-cook poultry carcasses and giblets. 
The Agency is taking this action because the requirements are 
inconsistent with the Agency's Pathogen Reduction/Hazard Analysis and 
Critical Control Point (PR/HACCP) System regulations, with its final 
rule further restricting retained water in raw meat and poultry, and 
with the Agency's regulatory reform program. Moreover, because of these 
regulations, the meat and poultry industries receive disparate 
regulatory treatment: No regulations that apply to the chilling of 
poultry apply to the chilling of meat. This proposal responds to 
longstanding petitions by industry trade associations.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            06/00/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Dr. Daniel L. Engeljohn, Director, Regulations and 
Directives Development Staff, Department of Agriculture, Food Safety 
and Inspection Service, Room 402 Cotton Annex Building, 1400 
Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 720-5627
Fax: 202 690-0486
Email: daniel.engeljohn@usda.gov

RIN: 0583-AC87
_______________________________________________________________________

193. ADDITION OF SAN MARINO TO THE LIST OF COUNTRIES ELIGIBLE TO EXPORT 
MEAT AND MEAT PRODUCTS TO THE UNITED STATES

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 21 USC 601 to 695

CFR Citation: 9 CFR 327

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: FSIS is proposing to add San Marino to the list of countries 
from which meat or meat food products may be imported into the United 
States.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            09/00/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Federalism:  Undetermined

Agency Contact: Dr. Daniel L. Engeljohn, Director, Regulations and 
Directives Development Staff, Department of Agriculture, Food Safety 
and Inspection Service, Room 402 Cotton Annex Building, 1400 
Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 720-5627
Fax: 202 690-0486
Email: daniel.engeljohn@usda.gov

RIN: 0583-AC91
_______________________________________________________________________

194. [bull] 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: None

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                            11/00/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

[[Page 30046]]

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Dr. Daniel L. Engeljohn, Director, Regulations and 
Directives Development Staff, Department of Agriculture, Food Safety 
and Inspection Service, Room 402 Cotton Annex Building, 1400 
Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 720-5627
Fax: 202 690-0486
Email: daniel.engeljohn@usda.gov

RIN: 0583-AC92
_______________________________________________________________________
Department of Agriculture (USDA)                       Final Rule Stage
Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS)
_______________________________________________________________________

195. BEEF OR PORK WITH BARBECUE SAUCE; REVISION OF STANDARDS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 21 USC 601 et seq

CFR Citation: 9 CFR 319

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has been 
petitioned to amend the Federal meat inspection regulations by removing 
a meat yield requirement for the standardized products ``Beef With 
Barbecue Sauce'' and ``Pork With Barbecue Sauce.'' Current regulations 
for these products require that the product contain not less than 50 
percent of the species identified on the label and that the weight of 
the cooked pork or beef not exceed 70 percent of the uncooked weight of 
the meat. The first requirement is consistent with other meat and sauce 
requirements, but the second requirement is not. The petitioner asserts 
that the product standard (promulgated in 1952) does not reflect 
current production practices or the commercial marketability of beef or 
pork with barbecue sauce. The petitioner further states that producers 
of these products are at a competitive disadvantage with other meat and 
sauce producers, because other meat and sauce producers do not have a 
70 percent yield requirement. For example, producers of the 
standardized products ``Beef with Gravy,'' ``Meat Pies,'' and 
``Spaghetti with Meat and Sauce'' and similar standardized products do 
not have any meat yield requirements.
FSIS has determined that the petitioner's request should be granted. 
This action would permit fair competition between meat and barbecue 
sauce producers, and poultry and sauce producers, and would provide 
consistent requirements in both the meat and poultry inspection 
regulations.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            09/03/97                    62 FR 46450
NPRM Comment Period End         11/03/97
Final Action                    01/00/04

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Dr. Daniel L. Engeljohn, Director, Regulations and 
Directives Development Staff, Department of Agriculture, Food Safety 
and Inspection Service, Room 402 Cotton Annex Building, 1400 
Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 720-5627
Fax: 202 690-0486
Email: daniel.engeljohn@usda.gov

RIN: 0583-AC09
_______________________________________________________________________

196. PERFORMANCE STANDARDS FOR READY-TO-EAT MEAT AND POULTRY PRODUCTS

Priority: Economically Significant

Unfunded Mandates: Undetermined

Legal Authority: 21 USC 451 et seq; 21 USC 601 et seq

CFR Citation: 9 CFR 317; 9 CFR 381; 9 CFR 430

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: FSIS has proposed to establish pathogen reduction performance 
standards for all ready-to-eat and partially heat-treated meat and 
poultry products. The performance standards spell out the objective 
level of pathogen reduction that establishments must meet during their 
operations in order to produce safe products but allow the use of 
customized, plant-specific processing procedures other than those 
prescribed in the earlier regulations. Along with HACCP, food safety 
performance standards will give establishments the incentive and 
flexibility to adopt innovative, science-based food safety processing 
procedures and controls, while providing objective, measurable 
standards that can be verified by Agency inspectional oversight. This 
set of performance standards will include and be consistent with those 
already in place for certain ready-to-eat meat and poultry products. 
FSIS also proposed testing requirements intended to reduce the 
incidence of Listeria in 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
Final Action                    07/00/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Agency Contact: Dr. Daniel L. Engeljohn, Director, Regulations and 
Directives Development Staff, Department of Agriculture, Food Safety 
and Inspection Service, Room 402 Cotton Annex Building, 1400 
Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 720-5627
Fax: 202 690-0486
Email: daniel.engeljohn@usda.gov

RIN: 0583-AC46
_______________________________________________________________________

197. 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(b)(10)

Legal Deadline: None

[[Page 30047]]

Abstract: In 1994, the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) 
amended its regulations to recognize that products resulting from 
advanced meat/bone separation machinery comes within the definition of 
meat when recovery systems are operated to assure that the 
characteristics and composition of the resulting product are consistent 
with those of meat. Subsequent compliance problems and other concerns 
have made it apparent that the regulations are inadequate to prevent 
misbranding and economic adulteration. Therefore, FSIS is developing a 
rule to clarify the regulations and supplement the rules for assuring 
compliance.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            04/13/98                    63 FR 17959
NPRM Comment Period End         06/12/98
Final Action                    12/00/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Dr. Daniel L. Engeljohn, Director, Regulations and 
Directives Development Staff, Department of Agriculture, Food Safety 
and Inspection Service, Room 402 Cotton Annex Building, 1400 
Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 720-5627
Fax: 202 690-0486
Email: daniel.engeljohn@usda.gov

RIN: 0583-AC51
_______________________________________________________________________

198. NUTRITION LABELING OF GROUND OR CHOPPED MEAT AND POULTRY PRODUCTS 
AND SINGLE-INGREDIENT PRODUCTS

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 21 USC 601 et seq; 21 USC 451 et seq

CFR Citation: 9 CFR 317; 9 CFR 381

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: FSIS has proposed to amend the Federal meat and poultry 
products inspection regulations to require that nutrition information 
be provided for the major cuts of single-ingredient, raw meat and 
poultry products, either on their label or at their point-of-purchase. 
FSIS proposed to require nutrition labeling of the major cuts of 
single-ingredient, raw meat and poultry products because, during the 
most recent surveys of retailers, the Agency did not find significant 
participation in the voluntary nutrition labeling program for single-
ingredient, raw meat and poultry products.
In this rule, FSIS also proposed to amend its regulations to extend 
mandatory labeling to single-ingredient ground or chopped products. 
Under this proposal, individual retail packages of ground or chopped 
meat and ground or chopped poultry products would bear nutrition 
labeling. The Agency has determined that ground or chopped products are 
different from other single-ingredient products in several important 
respects. Thus, FSIS proposed to make nutrition labeling requirements 
for ground or chopped products consistent with those for multi-
ingredient products.
Finally, FSIS has proposed to amend the nutrition labeling regulations 
to provide that, when a ground or chopped product does not meet the 
criteria to be labeled ``low fat,'' a lean percentage claim may be 
included on the product label or in labeling as long as a statement of 
the fat percentage also is displayed on the label or in labeling.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            01/18/01                     66 FR 4970
NPRM Comment Period End         04/18/01
Extension of Comment Period     04/20/01                    66 FR 20213
NPRM Comment Period End         07/17/01
Final Action                    08/00/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Robert Post, Director, Labeling and Consumer Protection 
Staff, Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and Inspection Service, 
1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 205-0279

RIN: 0583-AC60
_______________________________________________________________________

199. INCORPORATION OF FOOD AND COLOR ADDITIVES INTO 21 CFR

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 21 USC 602 et seq; 21 USC 451 et seq; 21 USC 321 et 
seq

CFR Citation: 9 CFR 318.7; 9 CFR 381.147

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This final rule will amend the meat and poultry inspection 
regulations by completing earlier efforts to incorporate current 
listings in 9 CFR into 21 CFR.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    12/00/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Robert Post, Director, Labeling and Consumer Protection 
Staff, Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and Inspection Service, 
1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 205-0279

RIN: 0583-AC69
_______________________________________________________________________

200. PERFORMANCE STANDARDS FOR ON-LINE ANTIMICROBIAL REPROCESSING OF 
PRE-CHILL POULTRY CARCASSES

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 21 USC 451 to 470

CFR Citation: 9 CFR 381; 9 CFR 424

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This rule is proposing to allow, on a voluntary basis, the 
on-line reprocessing of pre-chill poultry carcasses that are 
accidentally contaminated with digestive tract contents during 
slaughter. The treated carcasses must meet a standard at pre-chill, in 
addition to pre-chill standards for generic E. coli and Salmonella 
already prescribed.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            12/01/00                    65 FR 75187
NPRM Comment Period End         01/30/01
Final Action                    08/00/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Dr. Daniel L. Engeljohn, Director, Regulations and 
Directives Development Staff, Department of Agriculture, Food Safety 
and Inspection Service, Room 402 Cotton Annex Building, 1400

[[Page 30048]]

Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 720-5627
Fax: 202 690-0486
Email: daniel.engeljohn@usda.gov

RIN: 0583-AC73
_______________________________________________________________________

201. AGENCY ORGANIZATION

Priority: Info./Admin./Other

Legal Authority: 21 USC 451 to 470; 21 USC 601 to 695; 21 USC 1031 to 
1056

CFR Citation: 9 CFR 300; 9 CFR 301; 9 CFR 306; 9 CFR 320; 9 CFR 381; 9 
CFR 590

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This rulemaking will amend FSIS's regulations adopted under 
the FMIA, PPIA, and EPIA by updating and consolidating organizational 
provisions.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    12/00/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Dr. Daniel L. Engeljohn, Director, Regulations and 
Directives Development Staff, Department of Agriculture, Food Safety 
and Inspection Service, Room 402 Cotton Annex Building, 1400 
Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 720-5627
Fax: 202 690-0486
Email: daniel.engeljohn@usda.gov

RIN: 0583-AC78
_______________________________________________________________________

202. FOOD STANDARDS: REQUIREMENTS FOR SUBSTANTIVE STANDARDIZED MEAT AND 
POULTRY PRODUCTS NAMED BY USE OF AN EXPRESSED NUTRIENT CONTENT CLAIM AND 
A STANDARDIZED TERM

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 21 USC 601; 21 USC 451

CFR Citation: 9 CFR 381.172; 9 CFR 319.10

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: FSIS is amending the Federal meat and poultry inspection 
regulations to establish a general definition and standard of identity 
for standardized meat and poultry products that have been modified to 
qualify for use of an expressed nutrient content claim in their product 
names. These products will be identified by an expressed nutrient 
content claim, such as ``fat free,'' ``low fat,'' and ``light,'' in 
conjunction with an appropriate standardized term. FSIS is taking this 
action to 1) assist consumers to maintain healthy dietary practices by 
providing for modified versions of standardized meat and poultry 
products that have reductions of certain constituents that are of 
health concern to some people, 2) increase regulatory flexibility and 
support product innovation and, 3) provide consumers with an 
informative nutrition labeling system.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            12/29/95                    60 FR 67474
NPRM Comment Period End         02/27/96
Final Action                    06/00/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Robert Post, Director, Labeling and Consumer Protection 
Staff, Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and Inspection Service, 
1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 205-0279

RIN: 0583-AC82
_______________________________________________________________________

203. [bull] CHANGES IN FEES FOR MEAT, POULTRY, AND EGG PRODUCTS 
INSPECTION SERVICE

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 21 USC 601 et seq; 21 USC 1031 1 et seq; 21 USC 451 et 
seq; 7 USC 1621 et seq

CFR Citation: 9 CFR 391; 9 CFR 590; 9 CFR 592

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is proposing to 
change the fees that it charges meat and poultry establishments, egg 
products plants, importers, and exporters for providing voluntary 
inspection services, overtime and holiday inspection services, 
identification services, certification services, and laboratory 
services. The Agency is proposing to raise the fees for voluntary base 
time and holiday and overtime inspection services. These increases in 
fees reflect, among other factors, the national and locality pay raise 
for Federal employees (proposed 4.1 percent increase effective January 
2003) and inflation. FSIS is also proposing to decrease the fee for 
laboratory services because of greater efficiencies realized. The 
Agency is also proposing to decrease the annual fee for the Accredited 
Laboratory Program from $1,500.00 to $1,000.00.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            02/26/03                     68 FR 8858
NPRM Comment Period End         03/28/03
Final Action                    06/00/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Dr. Daniel L. Engeljohn, Director, Regulations and 
Directives Development Staff, Department of Agriculture, Food Safety 
and Inspection Service, Room 402 Cotton Annex Building, 1400 
Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 720-5627
Fax: 202 690-0486
Email: daniel.engeljohn@usda.gov

RIN: 0583-AC94

[[Page 30049]]

_______________________________________________________________________
Department of Agriculture (USDA)                      Long-Term Actions
Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS)
_______________________________________________________________________

204. TRANSPORTATION, STORAGE, AND OTHER HANDLING OF POTENTIALLY 
HAZARDOUS FOODS

Priority: Other Significant. Major under 5 USC 801.

CFR Citation: 9 CFR 308; 9 CFR 317; 9 CFR 325; 9 CFR 381

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

ANPRM                           11/22/96                    61 FR 59372
ANPRM Comment Period End        02/20/97
NPRM                            09/00/04

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Federalism:  Undetermined

Agency Contact: Daniel L. Engeljohn
Phone: 202 720-5627
Fax: 202 690-0486
Email: daniel.engeljohn@usda.gov

RIN: 0583-AC05
_______________________________________________________________________

205. REFORM OF REGULATIONS ON IMPORTED MEAT AND POULTRY PRODUCTS

Priority: Other Significant

CFR Citation: 9 CFR 327; 9 CFR 381

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            07/00/04

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Daniel L. Engeljohn
Phone: 202 720-5627
Fax: 202 690-0486
Email: daniel.engeljohn@usda.gov

RIN: 0583-AC56
_______________________________________________________________________

206. FOOD LABELING; NUTRIENT CONTENT CLAIMS, DEFINITION OF THE TERM 
HEALTHY

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation: 9 CFR 317; 9 CFR 381

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              12/28/99                    64 FR 72490
Interim Final Rule Comment 
Period End                      01/27/00
Interim Final Rule              01/06/03                      68 FR 460
Interim Final Rule Comment 
Period End                      02/05/03


Next Action Undetermined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Robert Post
Phone: 202 205-0279

RIN: 0583-AC65
_______________________________________________________________________

207. ELIMINATION OF REQUIREMENTS FOR TOTAL QUALITY CONTROL SYSTEMS

Priority: Other Significant

CFR Citation: 9 CFR 317; 9 CFR 318; 9 CFR 381

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            06/00/04

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: State

Agency Contact: Daniel L. Engeljohn
Phone: 202 720-5627
Fax: 202 690-0486
Email: daniel.engeljohn@usda.gov

RIN: 0583-AC68
_______________________________________________________________________

208. POULTRY INSPECTION: REVISION OF FINISHED PRODUCT STANDARDS WITH 
RESPECT TO INGESTA

Priority: Other Significant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is 
undetermined.

CFR Citation: 9 CFR 381

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

ANPRM                           05/00/04

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Daniel L. Engeljohn
Phone: 202 720-5627
Fax: 202 690-0486
Email: daniel.engeljohn@usda.gov

RIN: 0583-AC77
_______________________________________________________________________

209. EMERGENCY REGULATIONS TO PREVENT MEAT FOOD AND MEAT PRODUCTS THAT 
MAY CONTAIN THE BSE AGENT FROM ENTERING COMMERCE

Priority: Economically Significant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is 
undetermined.

CFR Citation: Not Yet Determined

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            09/00/04

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Federalism:  Undetermined

Agency Contact: Daniel L. Engeljohn
Phone: 202 720-5627
Fax: 202 690-0486
Email: daniel.engeljohn@usda.gov

RIN: 0583-AC88
BILLING CODE 3410-DM-S
_______________________________________________________________________
Department of Agriculture (USDA)                          Prerule Stage
Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS)
_______________________________________________________________________

210. [bull] NEW PROVISIONS AND REVISIONS TO SUGAR REEXPORT PROGRAMS 
UNDER 7 CFR 1530

Priority: Other Significant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is 
undetermined.

Unfunded Mandates: Undetermined

Legal Authority: 19 USC 1202; 19 USC 3314

CFR Citation: 7 CFR Part 1530

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This regulation governs the importation of world price sugar 
and its subsequent use as a refined reexport, product ingredient, or 
input into the production of polyhydric alcohols. The proposed 
amendments and/or modifications are principally aimed at reorganizing 
and simplifying the complexity of the current Regulation; clarifying 
certain definitions, including the coverage of beet and cane sugar,

[[Page 30050]]

extending the scope of the Regulation to specially include toll 
operations which was inadvertently omitted; establishing a reexport 
program for raw sugar; and implementing Mexico-NAFTA legal commitments. 
The proposed action will provide for increased operational efficiencies 
and promote the Government's objectives regarding regulatory 
simplification.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

ANPRM                           05/00/03
ANPRM Comment Period End        06/00/03
NPRM                            07/00/03
NPRM Comment Period End         08/00/03
Final Action                     To Be                       Determined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Kimberly Chisley, Regulatory Coordinator, Department of 
Agriculture, Foreign Agricultural Service, Room 6087, South Building, 
1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 720-2568
Fax: 202 720-3814
Email: chisleyk@fas.usda.gov

RIN: 0551-AA65
_______________________________________________________________________
Department of Agriculture (USDA)                    Proposed Rule Stage
Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS)
_______________________________________________________________________

211. PROGRAM TO PROVIDE TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE TO PROMOTE U.S. 
AGRICULTURAL EXPORTS TO EMERGING MARKETS (EMERGING MARKETS PROGRAM)

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: Not Yet Determined

CFR Citation: None

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This rule proposes to establish regulations applicable to the 
Emerging Markets Program, currently authorized by the Food, 
Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 and amended by the 
Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996. The Emerging 
Markets Program currently operates under agency guidelines. The 
proposed rule would amend and codify the existing guidelines. 
Codification of the guidelines should not change program administration 
noticeably. Because the program is already in operation under agency 
guidelines, this proposal would have no significant impact on the U.S. 
economy.
The proposed rule will provide specific regulations concerning program 
administration. Significant provisions include definitions of emerging 
market and country eligibility, program objectives and priorities, 
eligible organizations, qualification requirements, application and 
review processes, decisions and appeals, reimbursement rules and 
procedures, reporting requirements, evaluations, and program controls.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            06/00/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Kimberly Chisley, Regulatory Coordinator, Department of 
Agriculture, Foreign Agricultural Service, Room 6087, South Building, 
1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 720-2568
Fax: 202 720-3814
Email: chisleyk@fas.usda.gov

Tamoria Thompson, Regulatory Coordinator, Department of Agriculture, 
Foreign Agricultural Service, Room 6087, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, 
Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 690-1690
Email: thompsont@fas.usda.gov

RIN: 0551-AA62
_______________________________________________________________________

212. [bull] MCGOVERN-DOLE INTERNATIONAL FOOD FOR EDUCATION AND CHILD 
NUTRITION PROGRAM

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: Section 3109 of the Farm Security and Rural 
Investments Act of 2002

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1499

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: Section 3107 of the Farm Security and Rural Investments Act 
of 2002, Public Law 107-171, authorized the President to establish a 
program to be known as the McGovern-Dole International Food for 
Education and Child Nutrition Program. This program would provide 
agricultural commodities and financial and technical assistance to 
carry out preschool and school food for education programs and 
maternal, infant, and child nutrition programs in foreign countries.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            05/00/03
NPRM Comment Period End         06/00/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: Federal

Agency Contact: Kimberly Chisley, Regulatory Coordinator, Department of 
Agriculture, Foreign Agricultural Service, Room 6087, South Building, 
1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 720-2568
Fax: 202 720-3814
Email: chisleyk@fas.usda.gov

RIN: 0551-AA64
_______________________________________________________________________

213. [bull] TRADE ADJUSTMENT ASSISTANCE FOR FARMERS (TAA)

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 19 USC 2401

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1580

Legal Deadline: NPRM, Statutory, February 3, 2003, Public law 107-210.

Abstract: The Trade Act of 2002 (HR 3009) amended title II of the Trade 
Act of 1974, as amended (19 U.S.C. et seq.) to establish a trade 
adjustment assistance (TAA) program for farmers for the purpose of 
providing cash benefits to eligible producers of raw agricultural 
commodities for FY 2003 through 2007. Total TAA

[[Page 30051]]

appropriations are not to exceed $90 million annually. TAA funds are to 
be provided to eligible producers if increased imports contributed 
importantly to declines in national average prices of directly 
competitive domestic products. This amendment necessitates issuing a 
proposed regulation to establish a procedure by which: (1) A group of 
producers may petition for a certificate of eligibility for TAA for a 
particular commodity and (2) individual producers may apply for TAA 
benefits. The proposed regulation provides operational details 
regarding: Definitions; eligibility criteria, economic data and 
documentation to be submitted with a petition and application; filing 
procedures; certification; payments limitations; allocation of funds; 
deadlines; notification requirements; and termination provisions. The 
proposed procedures and information/data required are essential in 
ensuring that the Secretary has the best information available on which 
to base a determination to issue certification of eligibility for TAA 
and for administering the program consistent with the statute. The 
estimated total annual cost of the annual reporting burden of 7,000 
hours is $210,000.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            05/00/03
NPRM Comment Period End         06/00/03
Final Action                    07/00/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Kimberly Chisley, Regulatory Coordinator, Department of 
Agriculture, Foreign Agricultural Service, Room 6087, South Building, 
1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 720-2568
Fax: 202 720-3814
Email: chisleyk@fas.usda.gov

RIN: 0551-AA66
_______________________________________________________________________
Department of Agriculture (USDA)                       Final Rule Stage
Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS)
_______________________________________________________________________

214. PROGRAM TO ASSIST U.S. PRODUCERS IN DEVELOPING DOMESTIC MARKETS FOR 
VALUE-ADDED WHEAT GLUTEN AND WHEAT STARCH PRODUCTS

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 15 USC 714c

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1482

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The rule provides for a 2-year program to assist U.S. wheat 
gluten producers in fully adjusting to import competition by 
transitioning the industry from production of basic bulk commodities to 
production of value-added commodities where the market potential is 
more viable. U.S. producers of wheat gluten, who meet the eligibility 
requirements of the rule and submit the required market development 
plans, will receive an annual lump sum payment by CCC to conduct 
specific program activities aimed at facilitating the transition to 
value-added wheat gluten products for sale in the domestic market.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              06/08/01                    66 FR 30801
Interim Final Rule Comment 
Period End                      07/09/01
Final Action                    05/00/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Kimberly Chisley, Regulatory Coordinator, Department of 
Agriculture, Foreign Agricultural Service, Room 6087, South Building, 
1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 720-2568
Fax: 202 720-3814
Email: chisleyk@fas.usda.gov

Tamoria Thompson, Regulatory Coordinator, Department of Agriculture, 
Foreign Agricultural Service, Room 6087, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, 
Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 690-1690
Email: thompsont@fas.usda.gov

RIN: 0551-AA60
_______________________________________________________________________

215. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE FOR SPECIALTY CROPS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: PL 107-171, sec 3205

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1487

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 mandates 
that the Secretary make available annually $2 million of Commodity 
Credit Corporation funds to establish and carry out an export 
assistance program to address sanitary, phytosanitary, and technical 
barriers that prohibit or threaten the export of U.S. specialty crops. 
This interim rule would establish the Technical Assistance for 
Specialty Crops program, providing a new tool to enable USDA to make 
available much needed resources to the specialty crop industry to 
remove, resolve, or mitigate these barriers to increased exports.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              09/10/02                    67 FR 39254
Interim Final Rule Comment 
Period End                      11/12/02
Final Action                    06/00/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Kimberly Chisley, Regulatory Coordinator, Department of 
Agriculture, Foreign Agricultural Service, Room 6087, South Building, 
1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 720-2568
Fax: 202 720-3814
Email: chisleyk@fas.usda.gov

RIN: 0551-AA63

[[Page 30052]]

_______________________________________________________________________
Department of Agriculture (USDA)                      Long-Term Actions
Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS)
_______________________________________________________________________

216. CCC SUPPLIER CREDIT GUARANTEE PROGRAM

Priority: Economically Significant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is 
undetermined.

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1493

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            07/19/95                    60 FR 37025
NPRM Comment Period End         09/18/95
Interim Final Rule              07/01/96                    61 FR 33825
Interim Final Rule Effective    08/30/96
Interim Final Rule Comment 
Period End                      12/30/96
Final Action                     To Be                       Determined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Kimberly Chisley
Phone: 202 720-2568
Fax: 202 720-3814
Email: chisleyk@fas.usda.gov

Tamoria Thompson
Phone: 202 690-1690
Email: thompsont@fas.usda.gov

RIN: 0551-AA30
_______________________________________________________________________

217. FACILITY GUARANTEE PROGRAM

Priority: Other Significant

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 17; 7 CFR 1493

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              03/01/93                    58 FR 11786
Interim Final Rule Comment 
Period End                      06/01/93
Interim Final Rule              08/08/97                    62 FR 42651
Interim Final Rule Comment 
Period End                      10/07/97
Final Action                     To Be                       Determined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Kimberly Chisley
Phone: 202 720-2568
Fax: 202 720-3814
Email: chisleyk@fas.usda.gov

Tamoria Thompson
Phone: 202 690-1690
Email: thompsont@fas.usda.gov

RIN: 0551-AA35
BILLING CODE 3410-10-S
_______________________________________________________________________
Department of Agriculture (USDA)                    Proposed Rule Stage
Forest Service (FS)
_______________________________________________________________________

218. INDIAN ALLOTMENTS ON NATIONAL FOREST SYSTEM LANDS

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 16 USC 472; 16 USC 551; 16 USC 1603; 43 USC 1740; 25 
USC 337

CFR Citation: 36 CFR 254

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This proposed rule sets forth the Forest Service role and 
procedures in the conveyance of Indian allotments on National Forest 
System (NFS) lands. The Indian Allotment Act of 1910, as amended, 
authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to make allotments of NFS 
lands to American Indians for homesteading and agricultural and grazing 
purposes, but only after a determination by the Secretary of 
Agriculture that the lands are more valuable for agriculture or grazing 
than for timber. The Forest Service has relied upon U.S. Department of 
the Interior rules and procedures at 43 CFR 2533 to govern its 
involvement in Indian allotment cases. Litigation and a decision by the 
Interior Board of Land Appeals require the Forest Service to set forth 
its own regulations. This proposed rule clarifies the role of the 
Forest Service in the allotment process. It preserves the rights of 
affected individual American Indians who wish to apply for allotments 
on NFS lands. An earlier version of this proposed rule was published in 
the Federal Register on June 22, 1987 (52 FR 23473). Very few comments 
were received on the 1987 proposed rule, and this revision of the 
proposed rule makes only limited changes needed to update the rule due 
to the passage of 15 years since publication of the first version of 
the proposed rule. Because of the amount of time that has elapsed since 
the earlier version of the proposed rule was published, the agency 
believes that it is in the public interest to publish a revised 
proposed rule and request comment prior to adopting a final rule.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            06/22/87                    52 FR 23473
NPRM Comment Period End         07/22/87
Second NPRM                     12/00/03
Second NPRM Comment Period End  02/00/04

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Andria D. Weeks, Regulatory Analyst, Department of 
Agriculture, Forest Service, MS 1134, ATTN: IRM, D&R, 1400 Independence 
Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-1134
Phone: 703 605-4610
Fax: 703 605-5111
Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us

RIN: 0596-AA52
_______________________________________________________________________

219. APPEAL OF DECISIONS RELATING TO OCCUPANCY AND USE OF NATIONAL 
FOREST SYSTEM LANDS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 16 USC 472; 16 USC 551

CFR Citation: 36 CFR 251; 36 CFR 214

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Forest Service is publishing a proposed rule to 
redesignate appeals of decisions relating to occupancy and use of 
National Forest System lands from 36 CFR part 251 to 36 CFR part 214, 
thus placing all appeal rules in close proximity. The current rule at 
36 CFR part 251 also needs to be updated for conformance with the 
Appeal Reform Act. The proposed rule would revise a number of existing 
provisions. For example, changes to part 251 would remove the review of 
decisions subject to the National Environmental Policy Act and place 
this kind of appeal under 36 CFR 215, thus narrowing the scope of part 
251 subpart C to actions that administer existing special use

[[Page 30053]]

authorizations, such as written decisions that modify, suspend, or 
cancel an authorization. Additionally, the proposed rule would clarify 
that this is the appropriate part for appeal of decisions related to 
locatable mining operations. Among specific changes being proposed are 
establishing the Regional Forester as the appellate level for review of 
both District Ranger and Forest Supervisor decisions; eliminating the 
discretionary review option; establishing timeframes for scheduling 
oral presentations; clarifying that decisions to deny permits for 
noncommercial group use are not subject to appeal, but rather are 
immediately subject to judicial review; and making changes to conform 
terminology and definitions with 36 CFR part 215.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            11/00/03
NPRM Comment Period End         01/00/04

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Andria D. Weeks, Regulatory Analyst, Department of 
Agriculture, Forest Service, MS 1134, ATTN: IRM, D&R, 1400 Independence 
Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-1134
Phone: 703 605-4610
Fax: 703 605-5111
Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us

RIN: 0596-AB45
_______________________________________________________________________

220. LAW ENFORCEMENT SUPPORT ACTIVITIES

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 7 USC 1011(f); 16 USC 472; 16 USC 551; 16 USC 559(a) 
to 559(g); 40 USC 484(m)

CFR Citation: 36 CFR 262

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: On February 16, 1994 (59 FR 7880), the Forest Service 
published a proposed rule for 36 CFR part 261, Prohibitions, and part 
262, Law Enforcement Support Activities. Due to the high level of 
interest in and comment on part 261, the decision was made to publish 
second proposed rules separately for each part.
 The Forest Service is proceeding with publication of a second proposed 
rule for part 262, Law Enforcement Support Activities. The proposed 
revisions to part 262 are narrow in scope and are meant to clarify 
specific administrative provisions. In particular, they address the 
limitations and conditions for paying rewards in connection to fire or 
property prosecution; clarify the rules regarding the purchase of 
information or evidence in furtherance of investigations; and clarify 
certain actions and regulations regarding the impoundment, removal, and 
disposition of animals and personal property from National Forest 
System lands. The proposed rule also responds to comments concerning 
part 262 that were received in response to the proposed rule published 
in 1994. The majority of those comments referred to how the rule 
defines certain terms; to address those comments in this second 
proposed rule, the agency proposes to add a new section for 
definitions.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            02/16/94                     59 FR 7880
NPRM Comment Period End         05/18/94
Second NPRM                     08/00/03
Second NPRM Comment Period End  10/00/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Andria D. Weeks, Regulatory Analyst, Department of 
Agriculture, Forest Service, MS 1134, ATTN: IRM, D&R, 1400 Independence 
Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-1134
Phone: 703 605-4610
Fax: 703 605-5111
Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us

RIN: 0596-AB61
_______________________________________________________________________

221. 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 removing 
references to section 2001(k) of Public Law 104-19 (109 Stat. 246) and 
defining the conditions under which forest officers, without 
advertisement, could make modifications to existing timber sale 
contracts and forest product sales contracts, which result in the 
substitution of timber or forest products from outside the sale area 
specified in the contract. Under the proposed rule, substitute timber 
or forest products would have to come from the same administrative 
national forest and meet Agency requirements for compliance with the 
National Environmental Policy Act and other environmental laws. Forest 
Service officials would be authorized to propose timber sale 
modifications and to enter into discussions with purchasers on such 
modifications. However, timber purchasers would not be compelled to 
accept any modifications offered under this rule.
To the extent that timber sale cancellations and partial cancellations 
are avoided, the effect of this proposed rule would be to reduce future 
damage claims on timber sales.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            12/00/03
NPRM Comment Period End         02/00/04

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Andria D. Weeks, Regulatory Analyst, Department of 
Agriculture, Forest Service, MS 1134, ATTN: IRM, D&R, 1400 Independence 
Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-1134
Phone: 703 605-4610
Fax: 703 605-5111
Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us

RIN: 0596-AB70
_______________________________________________________________________

222. 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. The proposed 
rule defines the certain terms necessary to facilitate uniform 
compliance; prohibits transfer

[[Page 30054]]

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                            11/00/03
NPRM Comment Period End         01/00/04

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: Federal

Agency Contact: Andria D. Weeks, Regulatory Analyst, Department of 
Agriculture, Forest Service, MS 1134, ATTN: IRM, D&R, 1400 Independence 
Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-1134
Phone: 703 605-4610
Fax: 703 605-5111
Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us

RIN: 0596-AB75
_______________________________________________________________________

223. DETERMINING FAIR MARKET VALUE FOR RECREATION RESIDENCE USE 
AUTHORIZATIONS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 16 USC 497; PL 106-291, title VI

CFR Citation: None

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The appropriations act for the Department of the Interior and 
related agencies for fiscal year 2001 (Pub. L. 106-291) contains 
provisions in title VI ``Cabin User Fee Fairness Act of 2000'' to 
ensure consistent and fair processes for appraising the fee simple 
value of recreation residence lots on National Forest System (NFS) 
lands. This act (1) establishes in law that the base annual fee for 
recreation residences is 5 percent of the market value of the lot; (2) 
changes the appraisal cycle period from 20 years to 10 years; and (3) 
requires the Secretary of Agriculture to (a) complete an inventory of 
utilities, access, and facilities serving each recreation residence 
tract or lot and document who paid for the installation of those 
improvements; (b) develop a new set of guidelines for conducting 
appraisals for recreation residences on NFS lands; (c) use a different 
annual indexing indicator; and (d) issue new Agency direction to 
implement the provisions of the Act within 2 years of its passage 
(October 11, 2000). The Forest Service proposes to publish notice in 
the Federal Register of policy changes to the Forest Service Manual 
(FSM 2723) and Handbooks (FSH 2709.11, sec. 33; and FSH 5409.12, ch. 6) 
that would make Agency direction consistent with the requirements in 
the Act for the base annual fee and appraisal cycle (described in the 
preceding items (1) and (2)) and to request public comment on those 
policy changes related to the inventory, guidelines for appraisals, and 
indexing indicator (described in the preceding items (3)(a) to (3)(d)). 
Comments will be considered in development of the final policy.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            05/00/03
NPRM Comment Period End         07/00/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Agency Contact: Andria D. Weeks, Regulatory Analyst, Department of 
Agriculture, Forest Service, MS 1134, ATTN: IRM, D&R, 1400 Independence 
Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-1134
Phone: 703 605-4610
Fax: 703 605-5111
Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us

RIN: 0596-AB83
_______________________________________________________________________

224. LAND USES; PROHIBITIONS; PALEONTOLOGICAL RESOURCES

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 16 USC 551; 18 USC 641

CFR Citation: 36 CFR 251.51; 36 CFR 251.53; 36 CFR 261.2; 36 CFR 
261.9(i)

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This proposed rule consists of several technical changes to 
the Agency's special uses and prohibited acts regulations regarding 
fossil collecting. First, the proposed rule would revise 36 CFR 251.50 
to make clear that special use permits for collecting vertebrate 
paleontological resources are authorized under the Act of 1897. 
Noncommercial vertebrate fossil collecting by academic and other 
similar institutions would be added as an activity that requires a 
special use authorization. The commercial collection of paleontological 
resources would not be authorized on National Forest System Lands. 
Second, this proposed rule would revise the definition for 
``paleontological resource'' at 36 CFR 261.2 to make it scientifically 
correct and to make clear that mineral resources are excluded from the 
definition. The revised definition for ``paleontological resource'' 
would be added to 36 CFR 251.51. Third, the prohibitions related to 
paleontology at 36 CFR 261.9 would be revised to reflect the changes at 
36 CFR part 251. Other conforming amendments to 36 CFR parts 251 and 
261 will be made to accommodate the changes identified in this 
abstract. This proposed rule is consistent with the Forest Service's 
stated commitment to develop a unified policy for management of fossil 
resources on Federal and Indian lands in accordance with the seven 
principles established in the May 2000 Secretary of the Interior's 
Report to the Senate.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            07/00/03
NPRM Comment Period End         10/00/03
Final Action                    12/00/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Andria D. Weeks, Regulatory Analyst, Department of 
Agriculture, Forest Service, MS 1134, ATTN: IRM, D&R, 1400 Independence 
Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-1134
Phone: 703 605-4610
Fax: 703 605-5111
Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us

RIN: 0596-AB91

[[Page 30055]]

_______________________________________________________________________

225. FOREST SERVICE TRAILS ACCESSIBILITY GUIDELINES

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 49 USC 4151; 29 USC 794; 7 CFR 15e

CFR Citation: None

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Architectural Barriers Act of 1968, section 504 of the 
Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and 7 CFR 15e require that new or 
reconstructed facilities be accessible. The Forest Service Trails 
Accessibility Guidelines in this proposed policy amending Forest 
Service Manual (FSM) 2350, Trail, River, and Similar Recreation 
Opportunities, would establish clear agency guidelines to provide the 
highest level of accessibility to pedestrian/hiker trails for the 
greatest number of people, including persons with disabilities, while 
not fundamentally altering the environment and recreational setting. 
The proposed policy also would incorporate the definition of a 
wheelchair and clarify direction that a mobility device that meets that 
definition of a wheelchair may be used anywhere foot travel is 
permitted. Comments will be considered in development of the final 
guidelines.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            06/00/03
NPRM Comment Period End         08/00/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Andria D. Weeks, Regulatory Analyst, Department of 
Agriculture, Forest Service, MS 1134, ATTN: IRM, D&R, 1400 Independence 
Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-1134
Phone: 703 605-4610
Fax: 703 605-5111
Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us

RIN: 0596-AB92
_______________________________________________________________________

226. FOREST SERVICE OUTDOOR RECREATION ACCESSIBILITY GUIDELINES

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 42 USC 4151; 29 USC 794; 7 CFR 15e

CFR Citation: None

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Architectural Barriers Act of 1968, section 504 of the 
Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and 7 CFR 15e require that new or 
reconstructed facilities be accessible. The Forest Service Outdoor 
Recreation Accessibility Guidelines in this proposed policy amending 
Forest Service Manual (FSM) chapter 2330, Publicly Managed Recreation 
Opportunities, would establish clear agency guidelines to provide the 
highest level of accessibility for the greatest number of people, 
including persons with disabilities, while not fundamentally altering 
the environment and recreational setting. Outdoor recreation facilities 
include campgrounds, picnic areas, beach access and other access 
routes, and so on. The proposed policy also would clarify direction 
regarding existing requirements for the Golden Access Passport 
eligibility and documentation utilized by all Federal agencies under 
the 1980 amendment to the Land and Water Conservation Fund Act. 
Comments will be considered in development of the final guidelines.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            06/00/03
NPRM Comment Period End         08/00/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Andria D. Weeks, Regulatory Analyst, Department of 
Agriculture, Forest Service, MS 1134, ATTN: IRM, D&R, 1400 Independence 
Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-1134
Phone: 703 605-4610
Fax: 703 605-5111
Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us

RIN: 0596-AB93
_______________________________________________________________________

227. OBJECTION PROCESS; LAND AND RESOURCE MANAGEMENT PLANNING (INTERIM 
DIRECTIVE, FOREST SERVICE MANUAL, CHAPTER 1920)

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 36 CFR 219

CFR Citation: None

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Agency is proposing to issue an interim directive (ID) to 
Forest Service Manual chapter 1920, Land and Resource Management 
Planning to provide Agency-wide guidance on objections filed against 
land and resource management plan decisions. The pre-decisional 
objection process is authorized in the National Forest System Land and 
Resource Management Planning rule at 36 CFR 219.32 (65 FR 65714, 
November 9, 2000). The 2000 Planning Rule is currently being revised to 
address concerns raised regarding the Agency's ability to implement 
some portions of the rule's provisions. Nevertheless, this objection 
process is a viable tool for field units to use to attempt to resolve 
issue(s) prior to making a final Agency decision on land and resource 
management plans. Therefore, it is prudent to provide interim direction 
on the objection process in order to ensure Agency-wide consistency in 
its implementation. Upon issuance of this ID, notice will be given in 
the Federal Register with a request for public comment. Comments will 
be reviewed and considered in developing the final policy on the 
objection process.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            12/00/03
NPRM Comment Period End         02/00/04

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Andria D. Weeks, Regulatory Analyst, Department of 
Agriculture, Forest Service, MS 1134, ATTN: IRM, D&R, 1400 Independence 
Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-1134
Phone: 703 605-4610
Fax: 703 605-5111
Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us

RIN: 0596-AB97
_______________________________________________________________________

228. 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

[[Page 30056]]

Abstract: This revision follows recommended changes developed by GAO 
and OIG audits and recommendations in the National Research Council's 
1999 report titled ``Hardrock 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                            12/00/03
NPRM Comment Period End         02/00/04

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Agency Contact: Andria D. Weeks, Regulatory Analyst, Department of 
Agriculture, Forest Service, MS 1134, ATTN: IRM, D&R, 1400 Independence 
Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-1134
Phone: 703 605-4610
Fax: 703 605-5111
Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us

RIN: 0596-AB98
_______________________________________________________________________

229. [bull] SAWTOOTH NATIONAL RECREATION AREA-PRIVATE LANDS; INCREASING 
RESIDENTIAL OUTBUILDING SIZE

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: PL 92-400

CFR Citation: 36 CFR 292.16

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Forest Service is proposing a limited amendment to the 
rules at 36 CFR 292.16(e)(2)(ii) applicable to private lands on the 
Sawtooth National Recreation Area in Idaho. This proposed rule would 
revise the standard for residential outbuildings on the SNRA to a 
maximum area of 850 square feet (currently, 400 square feet) and would 
limit such outbuildings to one story. This change would accommodate the 
storage needs for residents within the SNRA. The new standard would 
facilitate replacement of the temporary structures and also the 
unsightly, unprotected outdoor storage of materials, equipment, and 
vehicles. In general the residents within the SNRA are supportive of 
the proposed amendment, which should be considered as noncontroversial 
based on comments previously received in response to an environmental 
assessment prepared in 2000 for a proposed revision of the Sawtooth 
National Forest land and resource management plan. At that time, 
numerous comments stated that the existing standard for the size of 
outbuildings is inadequate, and they expressed support for revising the 
outbuilding standard.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            07/00/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Andria D. Weeks, Regulatory Analyst, Department of 
Agriculture, Forest Service, MS 1134, ATTN: IRM, D&R, 1400 Independence 
Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-1134
Phone: 703 605-4610
Fax: 703 605-5111
Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us

RIN: 0596-AC00
_______________________________________________________________________

230. [bull] NATIONAL FOREST SYSTEM LAND AND RESOURCE MANAGEMENT PLANNING 
DIRECTIVES (PROPOSED DIRECTIVES, FOREST SERVICE MANUAL (FSM) 1920 AND 
FOREST SERVICE HANDBOOK (FSH) 1909.12)

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 16 USC et seq, 5 USC 301

CFR Citation: None

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Forest Service is proposing to revise its directives 
issued to the Forest Service Manual (FSM) 1900, Planning, and Forest 
Service Handbook (FSH) 1909.12, Land and Resource Management Planning 
Handbook. These directives would provide the detailed direction to 
agency employees necessary to implement the provisions in the final 
rule to be adopted at 36 CFR part 219 governing land and resource 
management planning. The proposed rule was published on December 6, 
2002 (67 FR 72770).

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            12/00/03
NPRM Comment Period End         02/00/04
Final Rule                      09/00/04

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Andria D. Weeks, Regulatory Analyst, Department of 
Agriculture, Forest Service, MS 1134, ATTN: IRM, D&R, 1400 Independence 
Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-1134
Phone: 703 605-4610
Fax: 703 605-5111
Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us

Related RIN: Related To 0596-AB86
RIN: 0596-AC02
_______________________________________________________________________

231. [bull] STEWARDSHIP CONTRACTING PROJECTS (PROPOSED INTERIM 
DIRECTIVES; FOREST SERVICE MANUAL 2400 AND RELATED HANDBOOKS)

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: PL 108-7

CFR Citation: None

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Forest Service is developing proposed interim directives 
to set out the detailed policy and procedures in Forest Service Manual 
2400 and Related Handbooks needed to implement the provisions for 
stewardship contracting projects authorized for a period of 10 years by 
section 323 of the Consolidated Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2003 
(Pub. L. 108-7). The expanded authority for these projects would 
provide for collaboration with the States and local communities; 
opportunities for local communities to respond to contract proposals; 
agreements and contracts

[[Page 30057]]

with private or other public entities; the exchange of goods for 
services; use of receipts for land restoration and enhancement efforts; 
and contract awards based on ``best value.''
Comments received on the proposed interim directives would be 
considered in the development of final directives.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            05/00/03
Final Action                    07/00/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Andria D. Weeks, Regulatory Analyst, Department of 
Agriculture, Forest Service, MS 1134, ATTN: IRM, D&R, 1400 Independence 
Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-1134
Phone: 703 605-4610
Fax: 703 605-5111
Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us

RIN: 0596-AC03
_______________________________________________________________________
Department of Agriculture (USDA)                       Final Rule Stage
Forest Service (FS)
_______________________________________________________________________

232. SALE AND DISPOSAL OF NATIONAL FOREST TIMBER; CANCELLATION OF TIMBER 
SALE CONTRACTS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 16 USC 472a; 16 USC 551; 16 USC 618

CFR Citation: 36 CFR 223.30; 36 CFR 223.40; 36 CFR 223.116

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Forest Service is issuing a final rule to revise current 
Agency regulations regarding cancellation of timber sale contracts, 
permits, and other such instruments authorizing the sale or harvest of 
timber or other forest products. This rule is needed to clarify when, 
why, and by whom contracts may be cancelled to remove redundant 
provisions and to provide a new formula for compensation when the 
Government must cancel timber sale contracts. The Forest Service takes 
every precaution before authorizing a particular activity on National 
Forest System lands to ensure that its authorization conforms with 
existing laws and with existing conditions on the ground at the time of 
the authorization. The current regulations place an inappropriate 
amount of financial liability on the Forest Service when the agency 
must, for reasons of public policy, judicial decision, or statutory 
direction, cancel a timber sale contract or permit. The regulatory 
changes are necessary because the Forest Service is unable to continue 
bearing the majority of the financial risk and burden of contract 
cancellations. This rule would more reasonably allocate the risk 
between the Government and private parties. Establishing these 
reasonable limits to the Government's exposure to financial liability 
and burden of risk in the event of contractual changes or contract 
cancellations is critical to protecting the public's financial 
interests.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            12/30/96                    61 FR 68690
NPRM Comment Period End         02/13/97
Final Action                    07/00/03
Final Action Effective          08/00/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Andria D. Weeks, Regulatory Analyst, Department of 
Agriculture, Forest Service, MS 1134, ATTN: IRM, D&R, 1400 Independence 
Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-1134
Phone: 703 605-4610
Fax: 703 605-5111
Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us

RIN: 0596-AB21
_______________________________________________________________________

233. LAND USES; SPECIAL USES; RECOVERY OF COSTS FOR PROCESSING SPECIAL 
USE APPLICATIONS AND MONITORING COMPLIANCE WITH SPECIAL USE 
AUTHORIZATIONS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 43 USC 1764; 30 USC 181

CFR Citation: 36 CFR 251

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This final rule, as authorized by the Mineral Leasing Act and 
the Federal Land Policy and Management Act, would provide for 
recovering costs associated with processing applications for special 
use authorizations to use and occupy National Forest System (NFS) lands 
and with monitoring compliance with these special use authorizations. 
The action is needed to provide timely reviews and evaluations of 
special use applications; to ensure that forest resources are 
adequately protected; and to ensure that holders comply with the terms 
and conditions of their authorization. Promulgation of this rule would 
comply with requirements of OMB Circular A-27, section 7, which directs 
that user charges be instituted through promulgation of agency 
regulations implementing the authority for Federal agencies to recover 
costs under the Independent Officers Appropriations Act (IOAA). The 
rule would also respond to recommendations in GAO reports RCED-96-84 
(April 1996) and RCED 97-16 (December 1996) that the Forest Service (1) 
operate its special uses program in a more cost-efficient and 
businesslike manner and (2) promulgate regulations allowing the agency 
to exercise existing authority to recover from applicants and holders 
the agency's costs to process special-use applications and monitor 
compliance with those authorizations. This rule would also make Forest 
Service procedures and fees related to cost recovery consistent with 
the Bureau of Land Management's (BLM) rules at 43 CFR parts 2800, 2880, 
and 2930.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            11/24/99                    64 FR 66341
NPRM Comment Period Extended    12/29/99                    64 FR 72971
NPRM Comment Period End         02/04/00
Comment Period Extended         02/25/00                    65 FR 10042
Comment Period End              03/09/00
Final Action                    07/00/03
Final Action Effective          08/00/03

[[Page 30058]]

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Additional Information: Cost reimbursement for processing special use 
applications and administration of special use authorizations was 
originally included under RIN 0596-AA36. All provisions pertaining to 
the special use application and administration process were merged into 
the final rule published November 30, 1998 (63 FR 65950, RIN 0596-
AB35). Thus, this rulemaking addresses only the cost-reimbursement 
provisions.

Agency Contact: Andria D. Weeks, Regulatory Analyst, Department of 
Agriculture, Forest Service, MS 1134, ATTN: IRM, D&R, 1400 Independence 
Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-1134
Phone: 703 605-4610
Fax: 703 605-5111
Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us

RIN: 0596-AB36
_______________________________________________________________________

234. SALE AND DISPOSAL OF NATIONAL FOREST SYSTEM TIMBER; EXTENSION OF 
TIMBER SALE CONTRACTS TO PERMIT URGENT REMOVAL OF TIMBER FROM OTHER 
LANDS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 16 USC 472a; 16 USC 618; 16 USC 620

CFR Citation: 36 CFR 223.50; 36 CFR 223.53

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Forest Service is issuing a final rule to provide for 
extension of National Forest System (NFS) timber sale contracts when 
such an extension will permit the prompt removal and utilization of 
non-NFS timber damaged by catastrophic events. This rule defines the 
responsibilities of the parties for requesting and approving such 
extensions and specify when such extensions should be approved. This 
rule also allows for the use of scarce timber resources and the 
recovery of economic benefits from timber that might otherwise be lost 
because of contractual obligations to harvest undamaged timber. This 
rule provides the regulatory foundation for extending existing 
contracts.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              11/21/02                    67 FR 70166
Interim Final Rule Comment 
Period End                      01/21/03
Final Action                    05/00/03
Final Action Effective          06/00/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: Federal

Agency Contact: Andria D. Weeks, Regulatory Analyst, Department of 
Agriculture, Forest Service, MS 1134, ATTN: IRM, D&R, 1400 Independence 
Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-1134
Phone: 703 605-4610
Fax: 703 605-5111
Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us

RIN: 0596-AB48
_______________________________________________________________________

235. PREFERENCE FOR VISITOR SERVICE; ALASKA NATIONAL FOREST CONSERVATION 
SYSTEM UNITS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 16 USC 3197

CFR Citation: 36 CFR 251

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Forest Service is issuing a final rule to establish 
procedures by which eligible persons may receive preferences authorized 
by statute in the issuance of special use permits to conduct revenue-
producing visitor services within Conservation System Units on the 
National Forests in Alaska. This regulation is necessary to implement 
section 1307 of the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act 
(ANILCA; 16 U.S.C. 3101 et seq.). Lands administered by the Forest 
Service comprise approximately 5 percent of the Federal lands affected 
by this statute; therefore, in preparing this rule, the Forest Service 
has coordinated with two agencies of the Department of the Interior 
(USDI) in order to provide consistency in the implementation of ANILCA. 
The final rule for the National Park Service was published on October 
18, 1996 (61 FR 54334, revising 36 CFR part 13), and the final rule for 
the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service was published on January 14, 1997 
(62 FR 1838, revising 50 CFR part 36). While the USDI received many 
comments on its proposed rules, the Forest Service received only four 
comments on its proposed rule, which was published on April 25, 1997 
(62 FR 20140). After considering all public comments, the Forest 
Service has revised the rule to clarify that statutory rights granted 
by ANILCA take precedence over the Forest Service outfitter and guide 
policy regarding reissuance of permits to priority-use holders without 
competition; other changes made in this final rule are primarily minor 
and non-substantive.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            04/25/97                    62 FR 20140
NPRM Comment Period End         06/24/97
Final Action                    06/00/03
Final Action Effective          07/00/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Andria D. Weeks, Regulatory Analyst, Department of 
Agriculture, Forest Service, MS 1134, ATTN: IRM, D&R, 1400 Independence 
Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-1134
Phone: 703 605-4610
Fax: 703 605-5111
Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us

RIN: 0596-AB57
_______________________________________________________________________

236. NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY ACT DOCUMENTATION NEEDED FOR CERTAIN 
SPECIAL USES PERMIT ACTIONS (FINAL INTERIM DIRECTIVE TO FSH 1909.15, 
CHAPTER 30)

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 42 USC 4321 to 4346

CFR Citation: None

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: In April 1997, the Forest Service completed a reengineering 
study of its special uses program. One finding in that study was that 
the Forest Service is conducting extensive National Environmental 
Policy Act (NEPA) analysis and documentation for the renewal or 
transfer of ownership of special use authorizations having no 
significant effect on the human environment, either individually or 
cumulatively. This level of NEPA compliance is costly, time consuming, 
and not commensurate with the risk attributed to the activity. 
Therefore, the

[[Page 30059]]

Forest Service is adding a new category of categorical exclusions from 
NEPA documentation at sections 31.1b and 31.2 of FSH 1909.15, 
Environmental Policy and Procedures Handbook. This action gives clearer 
direction regarding the NEPA obligation when issuance of a special use 
authorization is a purely ministerial action and no changes are 
proposed in permitted activities or facilities.
The proposed policy, published September 20, 2001 (66 FR 48412), also 
contained a proposed revision to section 30.3 to clarify documentation 
that is needed for a categorical exclusion when extraordinary 
circumstances exist. This revision to section 30.3 regarding 
extraordinary circumstances was incorporated as a separate action in 
RIN 0596-AB94, and the final policy was published August 23, 2002 (67 
FR 54622).

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            09/20/01                    66 FR 48412
NPRM Comment Period End         11/19/01
Final Action                    09/00/03
Final Action Effective          09/00/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Andria D. Weeks, Regulatory Analyst, Department of 
Agriculture, Forest Service, MS 1134, ATTN: IRM, D&R, 1400 Independence 
Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-1134
Phone: 703 605-4610
Fax: 703 605-5111
Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us

Related RIN: Related To 0596-AB94
RIN: 0596-AB73
_______________________________________________________________________

237. LAND USES; SPECIAL USES REQUIRING AUTHORIZATIONS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 16 USC 477 to 482; 16 USC 551; 43 USC 1761 to 1771

CFR Citation: 36 CFR 251, 261, 295

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: In April 1997, the Forest Service completed a reengineering 
study of its special uses program on how to manage the program in a 
more businesslike, customer-service-oriented way. The Agency plans to 
promulgate a final rule at 36 CFR 251.50 that would implement 
recommendations from this study. The study determined that many units 
are issuing special use authorizations unnecessarily, thereby 
increasing workloads. The study concluded that the Agency should 
clarify the special uses rules at section 251.50(a) to make explicitly 
clear that special use authorizations should not be issued for 
activities that are addressed by other Forest Service regulations; for 
example, those governing the disposal of timber (part 223); minerals 
(part 228); and the grazing of livestock (part 222). The study also 
concluded that section 251.50(e) should be added to direct that special 
use authorizations should not be issued where such authorization would 
serve no land or resource management objective and would have nominal 
effects on National Forest System lands; for example, where activities 
are adequately regulated by other governmental entities or where an 
authorized officer determines that normal operation and maintenance by 
the holder is within the scope of a right-of-way, easement, or other 
valid existing real property interest. Further, the rule at section 
251.50(d) would clarify requirements regarding authorizations for 
special uses involving National Forest System roads and trails. The 
current regulation requires the issuance of closure orders for 
regulation of special uses on NFS roads and trails. The revised 
regulation would eliminate the necessity of individual closure orders 
for common public service permit programs.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            01/22/03                     68 FR 2948
NPRM Comment Period End         03/24/03
Final Rule                      07/00/03
Final Rule Effective            08/00/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Andria D. Weeks, Regulatory Analyst, Department of 
Agriculture, Forest Service, MS 1134, ATTN: IRM, D&R, 1400 Independence 
Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-1134
Phone: 703 605-4610
Fax: 703 605-5111
Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us

RIN: 0596-AB74
_______________________________________________________________________

238. 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 proposes to promulgate 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 proposed rule also 
implements Public Law 106-113, which authorizes a pilot program of 
charges and fees for harvest of forest botanical products 
(Appropriations Act H.R. 3423, section 339, Forest Botanical Products). 
Forest botanical products include products, such as herbs, berries, 
seeds, and wildflowers that are not wood products. The intended effect 
of this rule is to give guidance and consistency for the sustainability 
and sale of special forest products including forest botanical 
products.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              07/00/03
Interim Final Rule Comment 
Period End                      08/00/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Andria D. Weeks, Regulatory Analyst, Department of 
Agriculture, Forest Service, MS 1134, ATTN: IRM, D&R, 1400 Independence 
Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-1134
Phone: 703 605-4610
Fax: 703 605-5111
Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us

RIN: 0596-AB81
_______________________________________________________________________

239. NATIONAL FOREST SYSTEM LAND AND RESOURCE MANAGEMENT PLANNING

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 16 USC et seq; 5 USC 301

[[Page 30060]]

CFR Citation: 36 CFR 219, subpart A

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Forest Service proposed changes to the National Forest 
System Land and Resource Management Planning Rule adopted November 9, 
2000. The proposed rule was published December 6, 2002 (67-FR-72770). 
The proposed changes are a result of a review conducted by Forest 
Service personnel at the direction of the Office of the Secretary.
The final rule shall respond to internal review and comments received 
after the draft rule published December 6, 2002. This proposed rule is 
intended to improve upon the 2000 rule by providing a planning process 
which is more readily understood, is within the agency's capability to 
implement, is within anticipated budgets and staffing levels, and 
recognizes the programmatic nature of planning.
The goal of the Department is to have a revised planning rule in place 
by the end of the calendar year.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            12/06/02                    67 FR 72770
NPRM Comment Period End         03/24/03
Final Action                    11/00/03
Final Action Effective          11/00/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Andria D. Weeks, Regulatory Analyst, Department of 
Agriculture, Forest Service, MS 1134, ATTN: IRM, D&R, 1400 Independence 
Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-1134
Phone: 703 605-4610
Fax: 703 605-5111
Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us

RIN: 0596-AB86
_______________________________________________________________________

240. NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY ACT DOCUMENTATION NEEDED FOR LIMITED 
TIMBER HARVEST ON NATIONAL FOREST SYSTEM LANDS (FOREST SERVICE HANDBOOK 
1909.15, CHAPTER 30)

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 42 USC 1421 to 4337

CFR Citation: None

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Forest Service plans to issue a final interim directive 
to the Forest Service Handbook (FSH) 1909.15, chapter 30, which 
addresses categorical exclusions from requirements to prepare 
environmental disclosure documents. The proposal would add three 
categorical exclusions to section 31.2 that are applicable to small 
timber harvesting projects. These categorical exclusions will not apply 
where there are extraordinary circumstances, such as adverse effects on 
threatened and endangered species or their designated critical habitat, 
wilderness areas, inventoried roadless areas, wetlands, and 
archeological or historic sites. The intended effect is to facilitate 
the implementation of limited timber harvest projects that do not have 
significant effects on the human environment.
In 1999, as a result of a court action, the Forest Service lost the 
ability to use a categorical exclusion from National Environmental 
Policy Act (NEPA) documentation for small timber sales. This category 
was used extensively for small timber sales to remove hazardous trees, 
treat insect and disease outbreaks, and provide related timber products 
for local communities. As a consequence, the responsible official must 
now prepare an environmental assessment (EA) on these small volume 
timber sales (under 250,000 board feet of green timber or 1 million 
board feet of salvage timber). This has resulted in a Service-wide 
increase in environmental analysis costs and delays in beginning and 
completing these small timber sale projects on the National Forests and 
Research Experimental Forests. This final interim directive would 
categorically exclude from documentation in an EA or environmental 
impact statement (EIS) certain types of small timber sales in the 
National Forests and Research Experimental Forests and would enable the 
Agency to accomplish in a more timely and efficient manner the 
treatment of small fire hazard areas, insect, and disease outbreaks. 
These categorical exclusions would be added to the existing categories 
for categorical exclusions in chapter 30 of FSH 1909.15. For 
convenience and cost savings, the final directive may be issued 
temporarily as an interim directive to chapter 30 of FSH 1909.15 but 
would be incorporated as an amendment as soon as there are sufficient 
other changes to the chapter to warrant revision of the entire chapter.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            01/08/03                     68 FR 1026
NPRM Comment Period End         03/10/03
Final Action                    09/00/03
Final Action Effective          09/00/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Andria D. Weeks, Regulatory Analyst, Department of 
Agriculture, Forest Service, MS 1134, ATTN: IRM, D&R, 1400 Independence 
Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-1134
Phone: 703 605-4610
Fax: 703 605-5111
Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us

RIN: 0596-AB88
_______________________________________________________________________

241. NOTICE, COMMENT, AND APPEAL PROCEDURES FOR PROJECTS AND ACTIVITIES 
ON NATIONAL FOREST SYSTEM LANDS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 16 USC 472; 16 USC 551; PL 102-381, sec 322 (Appeal 
Reform Act); 106 Stat 1419 (16 USC 1612 note)

CFR Citation: 36 CFR 215 (Revision)

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: In 1992, the Appeal Reform Act mandated the Forest Service to 
develop appeal regulations for site-specific projects on National 
Forest System lands. The regulations were promulgated in 1994. 
Experience has shown there are certain provisions in the regulations 
that consistently give rise to questions by employees and the public 
and reduce efficient processing of administrative appeals. This final 
rule will revise the appeal regulations to bring better focus to public 
participation and to improve consistency in the application of this 
regulation, both of which are expected to result in improved efficiency 
of the appeals process for the public and the Government.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            12/18/02                    67 FR 77451

[[Page 30061]]

NPRM Comment Period End         02/18/03
Final Action                    07/00/03
Final Action Effective          08/00/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Andria D. Weeks, Regulatory Analyst, Department of 
Agriculture, Forest Service, MS 1134, ATTN: IRM, D&R, 1400 Independence 
Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-1134
Phone: 703 605-4610
Fax: 703 605-5111
Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us

RIN: 0596-AB89
_______________________________________________________________________

242. REVISIONS TO ROAD MANAGEMENT POLICY (FOREST SERVICE MANUAL CHAPTER 
7710)

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 16 USC 551; 23 USC 205

CFR Citation: 36 CFR 212

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: On January 12, 2001 (66 FR 3205), the Forest Service adopted 
a new road management policy to improve the analysis and decisionmaking 
of the National Forest System road system. As part of a Governmentwide 
review of recently adopted rules and policies announced January 20, 
2001, the Chief conducted an internal review of the new road management 
policy. As a consequence, the Agency identified several changes to be 
made to Forest Service Manual (FSM) chapter 7710. The first of these 
was to issue an interim directive (ID No. 7710-2001-1) to redelegate 
the authority for extending deadlines for completion of forest-scale 
analysis from the Chief to the Regional Foresters. Additionally, the ID 
granted all units an additional year to complete road inventories and 
analysis. This ID was effective May 31, 2001. Upon issuance, the Agency 
gave notice in the Federal Register with a request for comment. The 
Agency later determined that the interim requirements of the road 
management policy limiting road construction in inventoried roadless 
and contiguous unroaded areas were not relevant to the road management 
policy; rather, these requirements should be dealt with in the context 
of overall management planning of roadless areas. Moreover, field units 
were generally finding it difficult to determine how to define and map 
contiguous unroaded areas consistently. In some recent cases, the 
interim requirements were resulting in EIS's for minimal road 
construction or reconstruction along the edge of inventoried roadless 
areas and contiguous unroaded areas, with resultant delays in project 
decisions. Therefore, the Agency issued a second ID effective December 
14, 2001 (ID No. 7710-2001-3), to rescind these interim requirements 
from FSM chapter 7710 and simultaneously issued a third ID (ID No. 
1920-2001-1) to relocate these roadless requirements to FSM chapter 
1920, Land and Resource Management Planning. Although the second ID was 
immediately effective, a notice with a request for comment was 
published in the Federal Register on December 20, 2001 (66 FR 65796). 
Comments on ID No. 7710-2001-1 and ID No. 7710-2001-3 have been 
considered in developing the next appropriate steps concerning the road 
management policy. The Agency has decided to move ahead with adoption 
of the changes to FSM chapter 7710. The issues regarding interim 
protection of roadless areas will be handled as changes to chapter 
1920.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            12/20/01                    66 FR 65796
NPRM Comment Period End         02/19/02
Final Action                    06/00/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Andria D. Weeks, Regulatory Analyst, Department of 
Agriculture, Forest Service, MS 1134, ATTN: IRM, D&R, 1400 Independence 
Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-1134
Phone: 703 605-4610
Fax: 703 605-5111
Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us

RIN: 0596-AB90
_______________________________________________________________________

243. FOREST LAND ENHANCEMENT PROGRAM

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: PL 107-171

CFR Citation: 36 CFR 230, subpart C (New)

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This interim rule is needed to implement the Forest Land 
Enhancement Program (FLEP) authorized in the 2002 Farm Security and 
Rural Investment Act of 2002 (Pub. L. 107-171) through an amendment to 
the Cooperative Forestry Assistance Act (16 U.S.C. 2103). The FLEP 
program replaces two previous conservation incentives programs (the 
Stewardship Incentive Program (SIP) and the Forestry Incentives Program 
(FIP)). It is very similar to other cooperative grant and agreement 
programs that the Forest Service has managed over the past 50 years.
The goals of FLEP are to: (1) Enhance the productivity of timber, fish 
and wildlife habitat, soil and water quality, wetland, recreational 
resources, and aesthetic values of private non-industrial private 
forestland; and (2) establish, manage, maintain, enhance, and restore 
such forests. The act requires establishing a coordinated and 
cooperative Federal, State, and local grants program directed to 
achieve sustainable forestry; assisting owners of non-industrial 
private forestlands to more actively manage these lands and related 
resources; and encouraging such owners to use State, Federal, and 
private sector resource management expertise, financial assistance, and 
educational programs.
The interim rule is being drafted in consultation with other State and 
Federal Government partners. The FLEP steering committee includes 
representatives from State forestry agencies, the Cooperative State 
Research, Education and Extension Service, and the Office of General 
Council. The Technical Committee that is drafting the interim rule is 
comprised of national and regional Forest Service representatives, as 
well as State forestry staff from across the country. Every State 
forester will have an opportunity to review and provide input to the 
interim rule before it is finalized and submitted for clearance. Other 
government and non-government partners will also have this opportunity.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              05/00/03

[[Page 30062]]

Interim Final Rule Comment 
Period End                      07/00/03
Final Action                    05/00/04
Final Action Effective          06/00/04

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: Federal, State, Local

Federalism:  This action may have federalism implications as defined in 
EO 13132.

Agency Contact: Andria D. Weeks, Regulatory Analyst, Department of 
Agriculture, Forest Service, MS 1134, ATTN: IRM, D&R, 1400 Independence 
Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-1134
Phone: 703 605-4610
Fax: 703 605-5111
Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us

RIN: 0596-AB95
_______________________________________________________________________

244. COMMUNITY AND PRIVATE LAND FOREST FIRE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

Priority: Other Significant

Unfunded Mandates: Undetermined

Legal Authority: PL 107-171

CFR Citation: 36 CFR 230, subpart D (new)

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 directs 
the Secretary of Agriculture to establish a Community and Private Land 
Fire Assistance Program, to be administered by the Forest Service and 
implemented through the State Foresters. The Forest Service is issuing 
an interim rule to provide for the implementation and administration of 
the program, which would allow the following activities on both Federal 
and non-Federal lands: Fuel hazard mitigation and prevention, invasive 
species management, multi-resource wildfire planning, community 
protection planning, community and landowner education, market 
development and expansion, improved wood utilization, and special 
restoration projects.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              12/00/03
Interim Final Rule Comment 
Period End                      02/00/04
Final Action                    05/00/04

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Federalism:  Undetermined

Agency Contact: Andria D. Weeks, Regulatory Analyst, Department of 
Agriculture, Forest Service, MS 1134, ATTN: IRM, D&R, 1400 Independence 
Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-1134
Phone: 703 605-4610
Fax: 703 605-5111
Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us

RIN: 0596-AB96
_______________________________________________________________________

245. NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY ACT DOCUMENTATION NEEDED FOR FIRE 
MANAGEMENT ACTIVITIES (INTERIM DIRECTIVE TO FOREST SERVICE HANDBOOK 
1909.15, CHAPTER 30)

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 42 USC 1421 to 4337

CFR Citation: None

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Forest Service is issuing an interim directive to Forest 
Service Handbook (FSH) 1909.15, Environmental Policy and Procedures 
Handbook, chapter 30, which addresses categories of actions that 
normally do not require either an environmental impact statement or an 
environmental assessment. The interim directive adds two categories of 
actions applicable to certain fire management activities, including 
prevention, mitigation, and emergency stabilization and rehabilitation 
(or restoration) measures. The objective of these activities for fuels 
management in areas of wildland-urban interface would be to reduce 
potential wildland fire intensity to a level where fire suppression 
forces can safely remain on site during a wildland fire. Hazard 
reduction treatments would be accomplished using both prescribed fire 
and mechanical methods (thinning, logging, creating fuelbreaks, and so 
on).

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            12/16/02                    67 FR 77038
NPRM Comment Period End         01/03/03
NPRM Comment Period Extended    01/16/03                     68 FR 2309
NPRM Comment Period End         01/31/03
Final Action                    05/00/03
Final Action Effective          05/00/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Andria D. Weeks, Regulatory Analyst, Department of 
Agriculture, Forest Service, MS 1134, ATTN: IRM, D&R, 1400 Independence 
Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-1134
Phone: 703 605-4610
Fax: 703 605-5111
Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us

RIN: 0596-AB99
_______________________________________________________________________

246. [bull] NATIONAL FOREST SYSTEM LAND AND RESOURCE MANAGEMENT 
PLANNING; EXTENSION OF COMPLIANCE DEADLINE FOR SITE-SPECIFIC PROJECTS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 16 USC et seq, 5 USC 301

CFR Citation: 36 CFR 219.35(d)

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: On November 9, 2000 (65 FR 67514), a rule substantially 
revising National Forest System land and resource management planning 
was adopted. Previous planning regulations to implement the National 
Forest Management Act applied only to the development, revision, and 
amendment of land and resource management plans. The November 2000 rule 
also applied to site-specific project decisions. Section 219.35 of that 
rule provided for the transition from the 1982 planning rule to the 
2000 rule. November 9, 2003, is the date by which all site-specific 
decisions must be in conformance with the provisions of the 2000 rule. 
However, early in 2001, the Department determined that the November 
2000 planning regulation needs to be revised in order to improve its 
implementation by field personnel. On December 6, 2002, the Forest 
Service published a proposed planning rule (67 FR 72770). Like the 1982 
planning regulation, this proposed rule would not apply the provisions 
of the

[[Page 30063]]

planning regulations to site-specific project decisions. The revised 
planning rule may not be completed by November 9, 2003; thus the 
Department needs to extend the compliance deadline in 36 CFR 219.35(d) 
regarding site-specific project decisions until the adoption of a final 
planning rule. This action is needed immediately because planning for 
site-specific projects often begins at least 6-9 months before an 
anticipated decision. It is necessary to grant relief to field units of 
the National Forest System from being held to the provisions of the 
2000 rule for site-specific project decisions.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              05/00/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Andria D. Weeks, Regulatory Analyst, Department of 
Agriculture, Forest Service, MS 1134, ATTN: IRM, D&R, 1400 Independence 
Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-1134
Phone: 703 605-4610
Fax: 703 605-5111
Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us

Related RIN: Related To 0596-AB86
RIN: 0596-AC01
_______________________________________________________________________
Department of Agriculture (USDA)                      Long-Term Actions
Forest Service (FS)
_______________________________________________________________________

247. HYDROPOWER APPLICATIONS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation: 36 CFR 251

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            05/22/95                    60 FR 27153
NPRM Comment Period Extended    07/17/95                    60 FR 36401
NPRM Comment Period End         09/05/95
Second NPRM                     04/00/04
Second NPRM Comment Period End  06/00/04

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Andria D. Weeks
Phone: 703 605-4610
Fax: 703 605-5111
Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us

RIN: 0596-AA47
_______________________________________________________________________

248. LANDOWNERSHIP ADJUSTMENTS; CONVEYANCE OF SMALL TRACTS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation: 36 CFR 254

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            04/00/04
NPRM Comment Period End         06/00/04

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Andria D. Weeks
Phone: 703 605-4610
Fax: 703 605-5111
Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us

RIN: 0596-AA79
_______________________________________________________________________

249. SPECIES SURPLUS TO DOMESTIC MANUFACTURING NEEDS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation: 36 CFR 223.200

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            04/00/04
NPRM Comment Period End         06/00/04

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: Federal

Agency Contact: Andria D. Weeks
Phone: 703 605-4610
Fax: 703 605-5111
Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us

RIN: 0596-AB27
BILLING CODE 3410-11-S
_______________________________________________________________________
Department of Agriculture (USDA)                      Long-Term Actions
Office of Chief Financial Officer (OCFO)
_______________________________________________________________________

250. GOVERNMENTWIDE DEBARMENT AND SUSPENSION (NONPROCUREMENT) AND 
GOVERNMENTWIDE REQUIREMENTS FOR DRUG-FREE WORKPLACE (GRANTS)

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 3017 and 3021

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            01/23/02                     67 FR 3266
NPRM Comment Period End         03/25/02


Next Action Undetermined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Agency Contact: Annie Walker-Bradley
Phone: 202 720-9983
Fax: 202 690-3561
Email: abradley@cfo.usda.gov

RIN: 0505-AA11
BILLING CODE 3410-90-S

[[Page 30064]]

_______________________________________________________________________
Department of Agriculture (USDA)                    Proposed Rule Stage
Office of the Secretary (AgSEC)
_______________________________________________________________________

251. 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                            05/00/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: State, Local, Tribal

Federalism:  Undetermined

Agency Contact: Annie Walker-Bradley, Acting Director Planning and 
Accountability, Department of Agriculture, Office of the Secretary, 
Room 4632 South Building, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 
20250
Phone: 202 720-9983
Fax: 202 690-3561
Email: abradley@cfo.usda.gov

RIN: 0503-AA21
_______________________________________________________________________

252. [bull] GUIDELINES FOR DESIGNATING BIOBASED PRODUCTS FOR FEDERAL 
REFERENCE

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: PL 107-171 Section 9002

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 2902

Legal Deadline: NPRM, Statutory, October 10, 2002.

Abstract: These proposed regulations are for purposes of establishing 
guidelines for biobased products that would be afforded federal 
procurement preference. The guidelines would provide for establishment 
of a new program for the purchase of biobased products by Federal 
agencies. These purchases are intended to stimulate production of new 
biobased products and to energize the emerging markets for these 
products.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            05/00/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Marvin Duncan, Agricultural Economist, Department of 
Agriculture, Office of the Secretary, Room 361, Reporters Building, 
Office of Energy Policy and New Uses, Washington, DC 20024
Phone: 202 401-0532
Fax: 202 401-0535
Email: mduncan@oce.usda.gov

RIN: 0503-AA26
_______________________________________________________________________
Department of Agriculture (USDA)                       Final Rule Stage
Office of the Secretary (AgSEC)
_______________________________________________________________________

253. OUTREACH AND ASSISTANCE FOR DISADVANTAGED FARMERS AND RANCHERS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 7 USC 2279(a)

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 26

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This rulemaking will remove CFR part 1943, subpart C, ``Small 
Farmer Outreach Training and Technical Assistance Program,'' under the 
Farm Service Agency and add new CFR part 26, ``Outreach and Assistance 
to Socially Disadvantaged Farmers and Ranchers Program,'' under the 
Office of the Secretary. The Food, Agriculture, Conservation and Trade 
Act of 1990, title XXV, section 2501, and the Department of Agriculture 
Appropriation Acts provide funding for the ``Outreach and Assistance 
for Socially Disadvantaged Farmers and Ranchers Program.'' These acts 
provide the Office of Outreach with the authority to make grants and 
enter into contracts, cooperative agreements, and other agreements with 
entities to provide outreach, training, and technical assistance; to 
encourage and assist socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers to own 
and operate farms and ranches; and increase their participation and 
accessibility to agricultural programs.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            04/30/01                    66 FR 21608
NPRM Comment Period End         05/30/01
Final Action                    05/00/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Geraldine Herring, Special Outreach Program 
Coordinator, Department of Agriculture, Office of the Secretary, 1400 
Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 29259
Phone: 202 720-6350
Fax: 202 720-7489
Email: 2501rfp@usda.gov

RIN: 0503-AA22

[[Page 30065]]

_______________________________________________________________________
Department of Agriculture (USDA)                      Long-Term Actions
Office of the Secretary (AgSEC)
_______________________________________________________________________

254. [bull] ADJUDICATIONS UNDER SECTION 741

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: PL 105-277

CFR Citation: 7 CFR Part 15f

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: Current regulations do not specify a deadline by which a 
complainant must seek Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) review of the 
Section 741 Complainant Request of the Agriculture, Rural Development, 
Food and Drug Administration, and Related Appropriations Act, 1999. 
This action will bring finality to the complaint resolution process by 
indicating a complainant has 30 days from receipt of a non-settlement 
notice to file a request for review by an ALJ.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              02/14/03                     68 FR 7411
Interim Final Rule Comment 
Period End                      03/17/03
Final Action                     To Be                       Determined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: David Winningham, Department of Agriculture, Office of 
the Secretary, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 720-5212

RIN: 0503-AA24
_______________________________________________________________________
Department of Agriculture (USDA)                      Completed Actions
Office of the Secretary (AgSEC)
_______________________________________________________________________

255. [bull] APPEAL OF ORAL DECISIONS UNDER THE RULES OF PRACTICE

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 5 USC 301

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1.130 to 1.151

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Rules of Practice provide that administrative law judges 
may orally announce initial decisions. A party may appeal an oral 
decision to the judicial officer by filing an appeal with the hearing 
clerk within 30 days after the administrative law judge orally 
announces the initial decision.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Rule                      02/07/03                     68 FR 6339

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Patrice Harps, Deputy Assistant General Counsel, 
Department of Agriculture, Office of the Secretary, Trade Practices 
Division, Room 2309 South Building, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, 
Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 720-5293

RIN: 0503-AA25
BILLING CODE 3410-90-S
_______________________________________________________________________
Department of Agriculture (USDA)                    Proposed Rule Stage
Rural Business-Cooperative Service (RBS)
_______________________________________________________________________

256. AFFIRMATIVE FAIR HOUSING MARKETING PLAN

Priority: Other Significant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is 
undetermined.

Unfunded Mandates: Undetermined

Legal Authority: 5 USC 301; 7 USC 1989; 42 USC 1480

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1703 subpart B; 7 CFR 1942 subpart G; 7 CFR 4284 
subpart D; 7 CFR 4287, subpart B; 7 CFR 4279, subpart B; 7 CFR 4274, 
subpart D; 7 CFR 4280, subpart A; 7 CFR 4287, subpart H

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This action will incorporate the requirement for housing-
related projects (such as apartment buildings, nursing homes, group 
homes, and assisted living type facilities) to develop an Affirmative 
Fair Housing Marketing Plan (plan) when receiving funding from the 
Intermediary Relending Program, Rural Business Enterprise Grant 
Program, Rural Business Opportunity Grant Program, Rural Economic 
Development Loan and Grant Programs, and the Business and Industry 
Direct and Guaranteed Loan Programs. The plan will describe strategies 
to attract applications from all groups in a housing market area and 
efforts to reach those persons in the market area who traditionally 
would not be expected to apply for housing. The Rural Housing Service 
Multifamily Housing Program regulations currently include this borrower 
requirement.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            01/00/04
NPRM Comment Period End         03/00/04

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Agency Contact: Nichell Daniels, Loan Specialist, B&I Servicing Branch, 
Department of Agriculture, Rural Business-Cooperative Service, Room 
6858/Stop 3224, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-3224
Phone: 202 690-1754

RIN: 0570-AA24
_______________________________________________________________________

257. BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY GUARANTEED LOAN PROGRAM--FINANCING 
COOPERATIVE STOCK

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 7 USC 1989; 42 USC 1480; 5 USC 301

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 4279, subpart B; 7 CFR 4279, subpart A

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.

[[Page 30066]]

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            11/00/03
NPRM Comment Period End         01/00/04

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Small Entities Affected: Businesses, Organizations

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Rick Bonnet, Loan Specalist, Department of Agriculture, 
Rural Business-Cooperative Service, Room 6849/STOP 3224, 1400 
Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 720-1804
Email: rick.bonnet@usda.gov

RIN: 0570-AA26
_______________________________________________________________________

258. RURAL BUSINESS ENTERPRISE GRANT PROGRAM

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 5 USC 301; 7 USC 1932; 7 USC 1989; 16 USC 1005

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1942; 7 CFR 4284

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Rural Business-Cooperative Service proposes to completely 
rewrite and renumber 7 CFR 1942, subpart G, to 7 CFR part 4284, subpart 
B. This rewrite will incorporate public law changes and clarify 
administrative regulatory procedures and guidelines in order to improve 
program administration.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            12/00/03
NPRM Comment Period End         02/00/04

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Agency Contact: Amy Cavanaugh, Loan Specialist, Department of 
Agriculture, Rural Business-Cooperative Service, Stop 3225, 1400 
Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-3225
Phone: 202 720-1400

RIN: 0570-AA28
_______________________________________________________________________

259. ANNUAL RENEWAL FEE

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 7 USC 1932

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 4279, subpart B

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Rural Business-Cooperative Service is amending its 
regulation for Business and Industry Guaranteed Loans to provide for an 
annual renewal fee. The intended effect of this rule is to reduce the 
subsidy rate and its associated budget authority dollar level, which 
will result in a greater level of assistance to the public (i.e., 
higher supportable loan level).

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            09/00/03
NPRM Comment Period End         11/00/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Agency Contact: Michael Foore, Loan Specialist, Special Projects/
Programs Oversight Division, Department of Agriculture, Rural Business-
Cooperative Service, STOP 3221, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, 
Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 205-0056
Fax: 202 690-3808
Email: michael.foore@usda.gov

RIN: 0570-AA34
_______________________________________________________________________

260. RURAL BUSINESS INVESTMENT PROGRAM

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: PL 107-171, sec 6029

CFR Citation: Not Yet Determined

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This action will implement the provisions of section 6029 of 
the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act (the 2002 Farm Bill, copy of 
relevant provisions attached), which amended the Consolidated Farm and 
Rural Development Act by adding ``Subtitle H--Rural Business Investment 
Program.'' Section 6029 provides that the Secretary ``shall'' establish 
the program and provides mandatory no-year funding out of the Commodity 
Credit Corporation at a level sufficient to guarantee $280 million of 
debentures and $44 million in grants. 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 joint Explanatory Statement of the 
Conference Committee refers to the Small Business Administration (SBA) 
in this context. The Rural Business-Cooperative Service is currently 
working with SBA to develop the program; negotiations are ongoing.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            10/00/03
NPRM Comment Period End         12/00/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Agency Contact: Michael Foore, Loan Specialist, Special Projects/
Programs Oversight Division, Department of Agriculture, Rural Business-
Cooperative Service, STOP 3221, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, 
Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 205-0056
Fax: 202 690-3808
Email: michael.foore@usda.gov

RIN: 0570-AA35
_______________________________________________________________________

261. [bull] VALUE-ADDED PRODUCER GRANTS AND AGRICULTURE INNOVATION 
CENTERS

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: PL 107-171, sec 6401; PL 107-171, sec 6402

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 4284

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This proposed rule sets forth the policies and procedures for 
awarding value-added producer grants and grants for establishing pilot 
agricultural innovation centers

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            06/00/03
NPRM Comment Period End         08/00/03

[[Page 30067]]

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: James E. Haskell, Assistant Deputy Administrator, 
Cooperative Services, Department of Agriculture, Rural Business-
Cooperative Service, MS 3250, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, 
DC 20250
Phone: 202 720-8460
Email: james.haskell@usda.gov

RIN: 0570-AA40
_______________________________________________________________________

262. [bull] BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY LOAN PROGRAM--REWRITE OF PROGRAM 
REGULATIONS

Priority: Other Significant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is 
undetermined.

Unfunded Mandates: Undetermined

Legal Authority: 5 USC 301; 7 USC 1989; 42 USC 1480

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 4279, subpart A; 7 CFR 4279, subpart B; 7 CFR 4287, 
subpart B

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The regulations are being completely rewritten to make 
changes that will ultimately reduce delinquencies, enhance program 
effectiveness, correct minor inconsistencies, and make the regulations 
more clear and easier to understand.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            11/00/03
NPRM Comment Period End         01/00/04

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: Local, Tribal

Federalism:  Undetermined

Agency Contact: Brenda Griffin, Loan Specialist, Processing Division, 
Department of Agriculture, Rural Business-Cooperative Service, Room 
6847/Stop 3224, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 720-6802
Email: brenda.griffin2@usda.gov

RIN: 0570-AA41
_______________________________________________________________________

263. [bull] INTERMEDIARY RELENDING PROGRAM

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 42 U.S.C. 9812(a)

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 4274

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This regulatory action is to effectively clarify, simplify, 
and strengthen the existing regulations.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            06/00/03
NPRM Comment Period End         08/00/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: State, Local, Tribal

Agency Contact: Diane Berger, Senior Loan Processing Specialist, 
Department of Agriculture, Rural Business-Cooperative Service, STOP 
3225, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 720-2383
Fax: 202 720-6561
Email: diane.berger@usda.gov

RIN: 0570-AA42
_______________________________________________________________________
Department of Agriculture (USDA)                       Final Rule Stage
Rural Business-Cooperative Service (RBS)
_______________________________________________________________________

264. 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 is part of a reinvention laboratory initiative of 
the Department of Agriculture and Rural Business-Cooperative Service. 
The regulations will be written in a ``plain language'' style. The 
regulation will be simpler and improve the ease of use by the public 
and program beneficiaries. The regulation will be written in a question 
and answer format from the perspective of questions from the applicant 
under this program. The regulations will simplify the application 
format, review and selection process, and recipient's recordkeeping 
requirements. It will also add a section on the appeal of adverse 
decisions. The comment period on the proposed rule ended February 14, 
2000. The Agency received 28 written comments. The Agency conducted a 
meeting, which was open to the public on August 2, 2000, to allow the 
Agency to listen to oral presentations from the general public on the 
proposed rule. The Agency will respond to the comments made at the 
meeting in the preamble to the final rule as part of the rulemaking 
processing under the Administrative Procedures Act.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            12/15/99                    64 FR 69937
NPRM Comment Period End         02/14/00
Final Action                    07/00/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Patricia Wing, Loan Specialist, Department of 
Agriculture, Rural Business-Cooperative Service, Room 6867, South 
Building, STOP 3225, Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 720-9558
Email: patricia.wing@usda.gov

RIN: 0570-AA19
_______________________________________________________________________

265. ALLOCATION FORMULAS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 5 USC 301; 7 USC 1989; 42 USC 1480

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1940, subpart L

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This action will amend existing regulations for allocating 
program funds among Agency State offices. It will add the Rural 
Business Opportunity Grant Program and update the formulas used for 
Rural Business Enterprise Grant and Business and Industry Programs.

[[Page 30068]]

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            08/03/00                    65 FR 47695
NPRM Comment Period End         10/02/00
Final Action                    08/00/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Diane Berger, Senior Loan Processing Specialist, 
Department of Agriculture, Rural Business-Cooperative Service, STOP 
3225, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 720-2383
Fax: 202 720-6561
Email: diane.berger@usda.gov

RIN: 0570-AA30
_______________________________________________________________________

266. BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY GUARANTEED LOAN PROGRAM--DOMESTIC LAMB 
INDUSTRY ADJUSTMENT ASSISTANCE PROGRAM SET-ASIDE

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 7 USC 1989; 42 USC 1480; 5 USC 301

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 4279, subpart B

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This action provides for a set-aside of $15 million in 
Business and Industry Guaranteed Loans in fiscal year (FY) 2001, $15 
million in FY 2002, and $5 million in FY 2003 to help fund the Domestic 
Lamb Industry Adjustment Assistance Program. The effective date for the 
set-aside was September 30, 2000.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              10/30/00                    65 FR 64596
Interim Final Rule Effective    10/30/00
Final Action                    08/00/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Rick Bonnet, Loan Specalist, Department of Agriculture, 
Rural Business-Cooperative Service, Room 6849/STOP 3224, 1400 
Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 720-1804
Email: rick.bonnet@usda.gov

RIN: 0570-AA31
_______________________________________________________________________

267. RURAL BUSINESS ENTERPRISE GRANT PROGRAM--FARM BILL CHANGES

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 7 USC 1932

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1942

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: President Bush signed the Farm Bill May 13, 2002, changing 
the definition of rural and rural area in the Consolidated Farm and 
Rural Development Act for certain programs including the Rural Business 
Enterprise Grant (RBEG) program. The definition now reads ``any area 
other than a city or town that has a population of greater than 50,000 
inhabitants and the urbanized area contiguous and adjacent to such as a 
city or town.'' The previous definition of rural and rural area was 
``any area that is not within the outer boundary of any city having a 
population of 50,000 or more and its immediately adjacent urbanized and 
urbanizing areas with a population density of more than 100 persons per 
square mile.'' Therefore, the RBEG program, which is authorized under 
the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act, must be changed to 
reflect the current definition.
The Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act also amended the 
definition of small and emerging private business enterprise to include 
nonprofit entities and other tax exempt organizations who have a 
principal office located on land of an existing or former Native 
American reservation in a city, town, or unincorporated area that has a 
population of not more than 5,000 inhabitants as an eligible small and 
emerging business regardless of the number of employees or operating 
capital of the enterprise.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              12/20/02                    67 FR 77907
Interim Final Rule Comment 
Period End                      02/18/03
Final Action                    12/00/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Amy Cavanaugh, Loan Specialist, Department of 
Agriculture, Rural Business-Cooperative Service, Stop 3225, 1400 
Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-3225
Phone: 202 720-1400

RIN: 0570-AA36
_______________________________________________________________________

268. B&I GUARANTEED LOAN PROGRAM FARM BILL CHANGES--EXPAND ELIGIBILITY 
CRITERIA

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 5 USC 301; 7 USC 1989; 42 USC 1480

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 4279, subpart B

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: Section 6013 of the Act adds other renewable energy systems 
as an eligible loan purpose. Section 6017 expands eligibility criteria 
for loans to cooperatives and loan guarantees in 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              10/00/03
Interim Final Rule Comment 
Period End                      12/00/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Brenda Griffin, Loan Specialist, Processing Division, 
Department of Agriculture, Rural Business-Cooperative Service, Room 
6847/Stop 3224, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 720-6802
Email: brenda.griffin2@usda.gov

RIN: 0570-AA39

[[Page 30069]]

_______________________________________________________________________
Department of Agriculture (USDA)                      Completed Actions
Rural Business-Cooperative Service (RBS)
_______________________________________________________________________

269. B&I GUARANTEED LOAN PROGRAM FARM BILL CHANGES--DEFINITION OF RURAL 
AND RURAL AREA

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1980, subpart E; 7 CFR 4279, subpart B

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    12/23/02                    67 FR 78128

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Brenda Griffin
Phone: 202 720-6802
Email: brenda.griffin2@usda.gov

RIN: 0570-AA38
BILLING CODE 3410-XY-S
_______________________________________________________________________
Department of Agriculture (USDA)                    Proposed Rule Stage
Rural Utilities Service (RUS)
_______________________________________________________________________

270. TELECOMMUNICATIONS STANDARDS AND SPECIFICATIONS FOR MATERIALS, 
EQUIPMENT, AND CONSTRUCTION

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 7 USC 901 et seq; 7 USC 1921 et seq

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1755

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Rural Utilities Service (RUS) proposes to amend 7 CFR 
1755 to include requirements presently contained in RUS Bulletin 345-3. 
This rule would establish and codify provisions for the inclusion and 
removal for products from I.P. 344-2. This rule also proposes to 
integrate the existing section on field trials in the procedures for 
product acceptance and inclusion in this codification, as well as 
clarifying and reorganizing the field trials section.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            11/00/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Federalism:  Undetermined

Agency Contact: F. Lamont Heppe Jr., Director, Program Development & 
Reg Analysis, Department of Agriculture, Rural Utilities Service, Room 
4034, South Building, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 
20250-1522
Phone: 202 720-9550
Fax: 202 720-4120

RIN: 0572-AB40
_______________________________________________________________________

271. SERVICING OF WATER PROGRAMS LOANS AND GRANTS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: Not Yet Determined

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1782; 7 CFR 1951; 7 CFR 1955; 7 CFR 1956

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This proposed action combines nine existing loan-servicing 
regulations of Water Programs into one. The new regulations will codify 
and clarify Water Programs policy relating to loan-servicing by 
incorporating simplified language without significantly changing any of 
the Agency's servicing policies or procedures.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            06/00/03
NPRM Comment Period End         08/00/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: F. Lamont Heppe Jr., Director, Program Development & 
Reg Analysis, Department of Agriculture, Rural Utilities Service, Room 
4034, South Building, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 
20250-1522
Phone: 202 720-9550
Fax: 202 720-4120

RIN: 0572-AB59
_______________________________________________________________________

272. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE GRANTS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 5 USC 301; 7 USC 1989; 16 USC 1005

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1775

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: RUS proposes to amend the regulation to separate the 
technical assistance and training grant and solid waste management 
grant programs for clarification purposes and to bring the regulation 
in line with revisions to OMB circulars. Additionally, it eliminates 
the requirement that applicants submit a pre-application when applying 
for grant funds and transfers grant processing and servicing from the 
National Office to Rural Development State Offices.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            06/00/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: F. Lamont Heppe Jr., Director, Program Development & 
Reg Analysis, Department of Agriculture, Rural Utilities Service, Room 
4034, South Building, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 
20250-1522
Phone: 202 720-9550
Fax: 202 720-4120

RIN: 0572-AB75
_______________________________________________________________________

273. SPECIAL EQUIPMENT CONTRACT (NOT INCLUDING INSTALLATION), RUS FORM 
398

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 7 USC 901 et seq; 7 USC 1921 et seq; 7 CFR 6941 et seq

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1755

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: RUS is amending its regulations on Telecommunications 
Standards and Specifications for Materials, Equipment, and Construction 
to revise RUS Form 398, Special Equipment Contract (Not Including 
Installation).

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            11/00/03

[[Page 30070]]

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: F. Lamont Heppe Jr., Director, Program Development & 
Reg Analysis, Department of Agriculture, Rural Utilities Service, Room 
4034, South Building, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 
20250-1522
Phone: 202 720-9550
Fax: 202 720-4120

RIN: 0572-AB76
_______________________________________________________________________

274. ACCOUNTING REQUIREMENTS FOR RUS TELECOMMUNICATIONS BORROWERS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 7 USC 901 et seq; 7 USC 1921 et seq; 7 USC 6941 et seq

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1770

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: RUS proposes to revise subpart B, Uniform System of Accounts, 
to reflect changes to 47 CFR part 32, Uniform System of Accounts, by 
the Federal Communications Commission.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            08/00/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: F. Lamont Heppe Jr., Director, Program Development & 
Reg Analysis, Department of Agriculture, Rural Utilities Service, Room 
4034, South Building, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 
20250-1522
Phone: 202 720-9550
Fax: 202 720-4120

RIN: 0572-AB77
_______________________________________________________________________

275. LAUNCHING OUR COMMUNITIES ACCESS TO LOCAL TELEVISION ACT OF 2000

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 47 USC 1101 et seq; PL 106-553; PL 107-171

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 2200; 7 CFR 2201

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Rural Utilities Service (RUS), on behalf of the Local 
Television Loan Guarantee Board, is proposing to draft regulations to 
implement title X, Local TV Act, of H.R. 5548. The purpose of this Act 
is to facilitate access, on a technology neutral basis, to signals of 
local television stations for households located in non-served and 
under-served areas.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            05/00/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: F. Lamont Heppe Jr., Director, Program Development & 
Reg Analysis, Department of Agriculture, Rural Utilities Service, Room 
4034, South Building, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 
20250-1522
Phone: 202 720-9550
Fax: 202 720-4120

RIN: 0572-AB82
_______________________________________________________________________

276. GUARANTEES FOR BONDS AND NOTES ISSUED FOR ELECTRIFICATION PURPOSES

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: PL 107-171

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1720

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (Farm 
Bill) amends the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 to include section 
313A: Guarantees For Bonds And Notes Issued For Electrification Or 
Telephone Purposes. The Farm Bill became law on May 13, 2002, and 
requires the Secretary of Agriculture to promulgate regulations that 
carry out the amendments within 180 days. Furthermore, the 
implementation of the amendments shall take effect no later than 240 
days.
The new section 313A: Guarantees for Bonds And Notes Issued For 
Electrification Or Telephone Purposes, states that the Secretary shall 
guarantee payments on bonds or notes issued by cooperative or other 
lenders organized on a not-for-profit basis. Section 313A provides 
limits to the amount of guarantees, the purpose for the guarantee, and 
qualifications of eligible lenders seeking a guarantee of a bond or 
note. The section also provides for a fee to be charged to lenders that 
receive a guarantee under section 313A, which will be deposited in the 
Rural Economic Development Subaccount.
The Rural Utilities Service (RUS) is proposing the development of rules 
that carry out the amendments made by section 313A. The rules will 
establish regulations that allow the Secretary to comply with the 
requirements outlined and set the limitations provided for in the Farm 
Bill.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            05/00/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Federalism:  Undetermined

Agency Contact: F. Lamont Heppe Jr., Director, Program Development & 
Reg Analysis, Department of Agriculture, Rural Utilities Service, Room 
4034, South Building, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 
20250-1522
Phone: 202 720-9550
Fax: 202 720-4120

RIN: 0572-AB83

[[Page 30071]]

_______________________________________________________________________
Department of Agriculture (USDA)                       Final Rule Stage
Rural Utilities Service (RUS)
_______________________________________________________________________

277. SETTLEMENT OF DEBT

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 7 USC 901 to 950b; 7 USC 1981; PL 99-591; PL 103-354

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1717

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Rural Utilities Service (RUS) proposes to amend its debt 
settlement procedures to allow its Administrator to modify the 
requirements borrowers must meet to receive debt settlements. 
Currently, all borrowers must meet the same requirements regardless of 
the amount of debt or other circumstances. The intent of the proposed 
change is to facilitate debt settlements where the RUS Administrator 
determines that the Government's interest in the debt can still be 
protected without having the borrower meet each of the current 
requirements. Such determinations would be made on a case-by-case 
basis. While the change is expected to improve the efficiency of debt 
settlements, it is not intended to alter the basic outcome of such 
settlements.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Direct Final Rule               08/00/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: F. Lamont Heppe Jr., Director, Program Development & 
Reg Analysis, Department of Agriculture, Rural Utilities Service, Room 
4034, South Building, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 
20250-1522
Phone: 202 720-9550
Fax: 202 720-4120

RIN: 0572-AB61
_______________________________________________________________________

278. ELECTRIC PROGRAM STANDARD CONTRACT FORMS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 7 USC 901 et seq; 7 USC 1921 et seq; 7 USC 6941 et seq

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1724; 7 CFR 1726; 7 CFR 1755

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: RUS will amend its regulations to revise its standard forms 
of contracts that borrowers are required to use when contracting for 
construction and procurement financed through loans made or guaranteed 
by RUS, in accordance with applicable RUS regulations.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

ANPRM                           09/16/98                    63 FR 49503
ANPRM Comment Period End        11/16/98
NPRM                            07/02/02                    67 FR 44396
NPRM Comment Period End         10/30/02
Final Action                    08/00/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: F. Lamont Heppe Jr., Director, Program Development & 
Reg Analysis, Department of Agriculture, Rural Utilities Service, Room 
4034, South Building, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 
20250-1522
Phone: 202 720-9550
Fax: 202 720-4120

RIN: 0572-AB67
_______________________________________________________________________

279. TELECOMMUNICATIONS PROGRAM SPECIFICATION

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 7 USC 901 et seq; 7 USC 1921 et seq; 7 USC 6941 et seq

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1755

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Rural Utilities Service (RUS) is proposing to amend its 
regulations to change the manner in which it publishes the 
specifications that products need to meet for their use in 
telecommunications systems of RUS borrowers. The specifications are 
currently published in the text of the CFR. This proposed rule would 
eliminate this unnecessary and burdensome publication in the CFR.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Direct Final Rule               06/00/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: F. Lamont Heppe Jr., Director, Program Development & 
Reg Analysis, Department of Agriculture, Rural Utilities Service, Room 
4034, South Building, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 
20250-1522
Phone: 202 720-9550
Fax: 202 720-4120

RIN: 0572-AB69
_______________________________________________________________________

280. GENERAL AND PRE-LOAN POLICIES AND PROCEDURES COMMON TO INSURED AND 
GUARANTEED LOANS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 7 USC 901 et seq; 7 USC 1921 et seq; 7 USC 6941 et seq

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1710

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: RUS is amending its regulations to clarify that the purchase 
or acquisition of existing electric facilities and implementation of 
demand side management and energy conservation programs, and on-grid 
and off-grid renewable energy systems are eligible loan purposes under 
the Rural Electrification Act, as amended. The rule also makes several 
technical corrections to conform the language of the regulations to 
existing law and to correct a typographical error.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    08/00/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: F. Lamont Heppe Jr., Director, Program Development & 
Reg Analysis, Department of Agriculture, Rural Utilities Service, Room 
4034, South Building, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 
20250-1522
Phone: 202 720-9550
Fax: 202 720-4120

RIN: 0572-AB72
_______________________________________________________________________

281. ENVIRONMENTAL POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 7 USC 901 to 950b; PL 103-354; 7 USC 6941 et seq

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1794

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: Based on a greater use of small-scale and distribution 
generation, RUS' experience, and review of its

[[Page 30072]]

existing procedures, RUS has determined that several changes are 
necessary for its environmental process to operate in a more effective 
and efficient manner.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            01/15/03                     68 FR 1988
NPRM Comment Period End         02/14/03
Final Action                    06/00/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: F. Lamont Heppe Jr., Director, Program Development & 
Reg Analysis, Department of Agriculture, Rural Utilities Service, Room 
4034, South Building, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 
20250-1522
Phone: 202 720-9550
Fax: 202 720-4120

RIN: 0572-AB73
_______________________________________________________________________

282. SEISMIC SAFETY

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 7 USC 901 et seq; 42 USC 7701 et seq

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1792-C

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The revision to the existing CFR is made to update the 
requirements of the Agency. The direct final rule provides RUS 
borrowers, grant recipients, Rural Telephone Bank (RTB) borrowers, and 
the public with updated rules for compliance with seismic safety 
requirements for new building construction using RUS or RTB loan, 
grant, or guaranteed funds or funds provided through lien 
accommodations or subordinations approved by RUS or RTB.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Direct Final Rule               06/00/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: F. Lamont Heppe Jr., Director, Program Development & 
Reg Analysis, Department of Agriculture, Rural Utilities Service, Room 
4034, South Building, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 
20250-1522
Phone: 202 720-9550
Fax: 202 720-4120

RIN: 0572-AB74
_______________________________________________________________________

283. EXTENSIONS OF PAYMENTS OF PRINCIPAL AND INTEREST

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 7 USC 901 et seq; 7 USC 1921 et seq; 7 USC 6941 et seq

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1721

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: RUS will amend the regulation to include distributed 
generation projects. Also, the Agency will impose a maximum interest 
rate not to exceed more than 3 percent in excess of the RUS borrower's 
average interest on the notes being deferred. This 3 percent limit 
would be used to offset all or part of the administrative costs.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            10/08/02                    67 FR 62652
NPRM Comment Period End         12/09/02
Final Action                    05/00/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: F. Lamont Heppe Jr., Director, Program Development & 
Reg Analysis, Department of Agriculture, Rural Utilities Service, Room 
4034, South Building, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 
20250-1522
Phone: 202 720-9550
Fax: 202 720-4120

RIN: 0572-AB79
_______________________________________________________________________

284. USEFUL LIFE OF FACILITY DETERMINATION

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 7 USC 901 et seq; 7 USC 1921 et seq; 7 USC 6941 et seq

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1710

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Rural Utilities Service will eliminate the requirement to 
use depreciation rates as found in RUS Bulletin 183-1 for determining 
the useful life of a facility.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            04/09/02                    67 FR 17018
NPRM Comment Period End         05/09/02
Final Action                    05/00/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: F. Lamont Heppe Jr., Director, Program Development & 
Reg Analysis, Department of Agriculture, Rural Utilities Service, Room 
4034, South Building, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 
20250-1522
Phone: 202 720-9550
Fax: 202 720-4120

RIN: 0572-AB80
_______________________________________________________________________
Department of Agriculture (USDA)                      Completed Actions
Rural Utilities Service (RUS)
_______________________________________________________________________

285. DEMAND SIDE MANAGEMENT AND RENEWABLE ENERGY SYSTEMS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1710

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    11/21/02                    67 FR 70150

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: F. Lamont Heppe
Phone: 202 720-9550
Fax: 202 720-4120

RIN: 0572-AB65

[[Page 30073]]

_______________________________________________________________________

286. EXEMPTIONS OF RUS OPERATIONAL CONTROLS UNDER SECTION 306E OF THE RE 
ACT

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1710

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    12/23/02                    67 FR 70151

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: F. Lamont Heppe
Phone: 202 720-9550
Fax: 202 720-4120

RIN: 0572-AB68
_______________________________________________________________________

287. RURAL BROADBAND ACCESS LOANS AND LOAN GUARANTEES

Priority: Other Significant

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1738

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    01/30/03                     68 FR 4684

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: F. Lamont Heppe
Phone: 202 720-9550
Fax: 202 720-4120

RIN: 0572-AB81
BILLING CODE 3410-15-S
_______________________________________________________________________
Department of Agriculture (USDA)                    Proposed Rule Stage
Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS)
_______________________________________________________________________

288. EMERGENCY WATERSHED PROTECTION PROGRAM

Priority: Economically Significant

Legal Authority: PL 81-516; 33 USC 701; PL 95-334; 16 USC 2203

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 624

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: A revision is necessary to incorporate changes in the 
program, which have resulted from the passage of the 1996 Farm Bill; to 
fulfill a desire to make the program more responsive and efficient; and 
to respond to concerns of the public and the Agency. The rule is being 
reorganized and several items added.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            05/00/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Victor Cole, National EWP Leader, Department of 
Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service, Room 6019-S, PO 
Box 2890, Washington, DC 20013
Phone: 202 690-4575
Fax: 202 720-2143
Email: vcole@usda.gov

RIN: 0578-AA30
_______________________________________________________________________

289. 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                            08/00/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Federalism:  Undetermined

Agency Contact: Martha Joseph, Resource Conservationist, Department of 
Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service, Room 6027-S, P.O. 
Box 2890, Washington, DC 20013
Phone: 202 720-7157
Fax: 202 720-2143
Email: martha.joseph@usda.gov

RIN: 0578-AA36
_______________________________________________________________________

290. [bull] GRASSLAND RESERVE

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 16 USC 3838

CFR Citation: Not Yet Determined

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: Under Grassland Reserve Program (GRP) the Department enters 
into easement or rental agreements with owners of grazing land to 
protect and restore such lands. The Department will designate payment 
for cost share to restore the functions and values of grasslands.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            05/00/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Mitch Flanagan, Resource Conservationist, Department of 
Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service, Washington, DC 
20013
Phone: 202 690-5988
Fax: 202 720-4265
Email: mitch.flanagan@usda.gov

RIN: 0578-AA38

[[Page 30074]]

_______________________________________________________________________
Department of Agriculture (USDA)                       Final Rule Stage
Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS)
_______________________________________________________________________

291. WETLAND CATEGORICAL MINIMAL EFFECTS EXEMPTIONS

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 16 USC 3821

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 12

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The 1985 Farm Bill, as amended, gives producers a major 
incentive to conserve wetlands by tying eligibility for most USDA 
program benefits to conservation of wetlands. However, producers can 
convert wetlands based on available exemptions, including a minimal 
effect exemption. A minimal effect applies if the action, individually 
and cumulatively, will have minimal effect on the functional 
hydrological and biological value of the wetlands in the area. A 
categorical minimal effect is one that, when carried out, will always 
have a minimal effect on the hydrologic and biological functions of 
wetlands in the area. These activities will be identified on a regional 
basis.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    05/00/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Floyd Wood, Department of Agriculture, Natural 
Resources Conservation Service, Watersheds and Wetlands Division, PO 
Box 2890, Washington, DC 20013-2890
Phone: 202 690-1588
Fax: 202 720-2143
Email: floyd.wood@usda.gov

RIN: 0578-AA27
_______________________________________________________________________

292. ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY INCENTIVES PROGRAM

Priority: Economically Significant. Major under 5 USC 801.

Unfunded Mandates: This action may affect the private sector under PL 
104-4.

Legal Authority: 16 USC 3839aa

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1466

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: Environmental Quality Incentive Program (EQIP) assistance 
promotes agricultural production and environmental quality as 
compatible goals, and strives to optimize environmental benefits. 
Through EQIP, CCC provides flexible technical, financial, and 
educational assistance to producers to install and maintain 
conservation systems that enhance soil, water, air quality, related 
natural resources, and wildlife while sustaining production of food and 
fiber. The statutory purposes of EQIP are to promote agricultural 
production and environmental quality as compatible goals and to 
optimize environmental benefits.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    05/00/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Charles Whitmore, Acting Director, Conservation 
Operations Division, Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources 
Conservation Service, P.O. Box 2890, Washington, DC 20013
Phone: 202 720-1845
Fax: 202 720-4265
Email: charles.whitmore@usda.gov

RIN: 0578-AA31
_______________________________________________________________________

293. AGRICULTURAL MANAGEMENT ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 7 USC 1524b

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1465

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: Through the Agricultural Management Assistance (AMA) program, 
the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) provides financial assistance 
funds annually to producers in 15 statutorily designated States to 
construct or improve water management structures or irrigation 
structures; to plant trees to form windbreaks or to improve water 
quality; and to mitigate risk through production diversification or 
resource conservation practices, including soil erosion control, 
integrated pest management, or transition to organic farming. The AMA 
Program is applicable in Connecticut, Delaware, Maryland, 
Massachusetts, Maine, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, 
Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Utah, Vermont, West Virginia, and Wyoming.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    05/00/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Dave Mason, Program Manager, Department of Agriculture, 
Natural Resources Conservation Service, Conservation Operations 
Division, P.O. Box 2890, Washington, DC 20013
Phone: 202 720-1873
Fax: 202 720-4265
Email: david.mason@usda.gov

RIN: 0578-AA32
_______________________________________________________________________

294. TECHNICAL SERVICE PROVIDER ASSISTANCE

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 16 USC 3842

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 652

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: Third Party Vendor assistance will allow producers to obtain 
technical services from the department or entities by a certification 
process. This process will distinguish between certification of an 
individual working under his or her own auspices and that of an 
organization such as a corporation or a public agency which has 
individuals working on its behalf. Certification of an individual means 
the individual has the requisite education and technical expertise to 
perform the technical services. Certification of an entity or public 
agency means that the organization may receive payment for the services 
provided by individuals working under its auspices, but the work must 
be performed or warranted by certified individuals and the organization 
must assume the liability for the quality of work performed.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              11/21/02                    67 FR 70119
Interim Final Rule Comment 
Period End                      02/19/03
Interim Final Rule Effective    03/01/03
Interim Final Rule              03/24/03                    68 FR 14131
Interim Final Rule Comment 
Period End                      06/23/03
Final Action                    12/00/03

[[Page 30075]]

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Federalism:  Undetermined

Agency Contact: Melissa Hammond, Coordinator, Technical Service 
Providers, Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation 
Service, Room 5205-S, P.O. Box 2890, Washington, DC 20013
Phone: 202 720-6775
Fax: 202 720-3052
Email: melissa.hammond@usda.gov

RIN: 0578-AA35
_______________________________________________________________________

295. FARM AND RANCH LANDS PROTECTION PROGRAM

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 16 USC 3838i

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1491

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This program will seek to protect and help farmers and 
ranchers keep their land in agriculture. The program provides matching 
funds to State, tribal, local governments, and non-governmental 
organizations with existing farmland protection programs to purchase 
conservation easements.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    05/00/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Federalism:  Undetermined

Agency Contact: Douglas J. Lawrence, Department of Agriculture, Natural 
Resources Conservation Service, Washington, DC 20013
Phone: 202 720-1510
Fax: 202 720-0745
Email: doug.lawrence@usda.gov

RIN: 0578-AA37
_______________________________________________________________________
Department of Agriculture (USDA)                      Long-Term Actions
Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS)
_______________________________________________________________________

296. HIGHLY ERODIBLE LAND AND WETLAND CONSERVATION

Priority: Other Significant

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 12

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              09/06/96                    61 FR 47019
Interim Final Rule Comment 
Period End                      11/05/96
Final Action                     To Be                       Determined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Martha Joseph
Phone: 202 720-7157
Fax: 202 720-2143
Email: martha.joseph@usda.gov

RIN: 0578-AA17
_______________________________________________________________________
Department of Agriculture (USDA)                      Completed Actions
Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS)
_______________________________________________________________________

297. CONSERVATION OF PRIVATE GRAZING LAND

Priority: Other Significant

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 610

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    11/12/02                    67 FR 68495

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Charles Whitmore
Phone: 202 720-1845
Fax: 202 720-4265
Email: charles.whitmore@usda.gov

RIN: 0578-AA29
BILLING CODE 3410-16-S
_______________________________________________________________________
Department of Agriculture (USDA)                       Final Rule Stage
Office of Procurement and Property Management (OPPM)
_______________________________________________________________________

298. OFFICE OF PROCUREMENT AND PROPERTY MANAGEMENT (OPPM); UNIFORM 
PROCEDURES FOR THE ACQUISITION AND TRANSFER OF EXCESS FEDERAL PROPERTY

Priority: Info./Admin./Other

Legal Authority: 7 USC 2206a; 7 USC 301 note; 7 USC 321 et seq; 20 USC 
1059c(b)

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 3200

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Office of Procurement and Property Management (OPPM) is 
amending its procedures for the acquisition and transfer of excess 
personal property to 1994 Institutions (as defined in section 532 of 
the Equity in Education Land Grant Status Act of 1994); Hispanic-
Serving Institutions (as defined in section 316(b) of the Higher 
Education Act of 1965); and any college or university eligible to 
receive funds under the Act of August 30, 1890. This amendment 
clarifies administrative rules regarding equipment transfer and reduces 
the administrative burden placed on recipient institutions.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Direct Final Rule               10/00/03

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Kathleen N. Fay, Property Utilization Specialist,

[[Page 30076]]

Department of Agriculture, Office of Procurement and Property 
Management, Mail Stop 9304, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 
20250
Phone: 202 720-9779
Email: kathy.fay@usda.gov

RIN: 0599-AA10
[FR Doc. 03-8005 Filed 05-23-03; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-98-S