<DOC>
[December 13, 2004 (Volume 69, Number 238)]
[Unified Agenda]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [frwais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID: f:ua041203.wais]

[Page 72892-72972]
 
Department of Agriculture


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Part III








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Semiannual Regulatory Agenda

[[Page 72892]]

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA)

_______________________________________________________________________

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Office of the Secretary

7 CFR Subtitle A, Chs. I-VII, IX-XII, XIV-XVIII, XXI, XXIV-XXIX

9 CFR Chs. I-IV

36 CFR Ch. II

41 CFR Ch. 4

Semiannual Regulatory Agenda, Fall 2004

AGENCY: Office of the Secretary, USDA.

ACTION: Semiannual regulatory agenda.

_______________________________________________________________________

SUMMARY: This agenda provides summary descriptions of significant and 
not significant regulations being developed in agencies of the U.S. 
Department of Agriculture (USDA) in conformance with Executive Order 
12866 ``Regulatory Planning and Review.'' The agenda also describes 
regulations affecting small entities as required by section 602 of the 
Regulatory Flexibility Act, Public Law 96-354. This agenda also 
identifies regulatory actions that are being reviewed in compliance 
with section 610(c) of the Regulatory Flexibility Act. We invite public 
comment on those actions.

     USDA has attempted to list all regulations and regulatory 
reviews pending at the time of publication except for minor and 
routine or repetitive actions, but some may have been inadvertently 
missed. There is no legal significance to the omission of an item 
from this listing. Also, the dates shown for the steps of each 
action are estimated and are not commitments to act on or by the 
date shown.

     For this edition of the USDA regulatory agenda, the most 
significant regulatory actions are included in part II of this 
issue of the Federal Register. The Regulatory Plan entries are 
listed in the table of contents below and are denoted by a 
bracketed bold reference, which directs the reader to the 
appropriate sequence number in part II.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For further information on any 
specific entry shown in this agenda, please contact the person listed 
for that action. For general comments or inquiries about the agenda, 
please contact Michael Poe, Office of Budget and Program Analysis, U.S. 
Department of Agriculture, Washington, DC 20250, (202) 720-1272.

Dated: October 12, 2004.

 Geraldine Broadway,

Chief, Legislative and Regulatory Staff.

                                  Agricultural Marketing Service--Prerule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
171         National Organic Program: Add Standards for the Organic Certification of Wild Captured    0581-AB97
            Aquatic Animals (TM-01-08) (Reg Plan Seq No. 1).......................................
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
References in boldface appear in the Regulatory Plan in part II of this issue of the Federal Register.


                               Agricultural Marketing Service--Proposed Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
172         Quality Systems Verification Program (LS-02-10).......................................    0581-AC12
173         Administrative Requirements for Voluntary Shell Egg, Poultry, and Rabbit Grading (PY-     0581-AC25
            02-003)...............................................................................
174         Plant Variety Protection Services (ST-02-02)..........................................    0581-AC31
175         National Organic Program: Amending the National List (TM-04-01), Crops and Processing.    0581-AC35
176         Tobacco Inspection: Flue-Cured and Burley Tobacco; Importation Prohibitions and           0581-AC36
            Tobacco Pesticide Residue Testing Requirements........................................
177         Honey Research and Promotion (Packer/Importer Board)..................................    0581-AC37
178         National Organic Program: National List--Crops, Livestock, and Processing (TM-04-04)..    0581-AC38
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                Agricultural Marketing Service--Final Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
179         Exemption of Organic Producers From Research and Promotion/Marketing Order Assessment     0581-AC15
            (PY-02-006)...........................................................................
180         Mandatory Country of Origin Labeling of Beef, Pork, Lamb, Fish, Perishable                0581-AC26
            Agricultural Commodities, and Peanuts (LS-03-04) (Reg Plan Seq No. 2).................
181         Voluntary Shell Egg Grading Regulation--Facilities and Equipment (PY-03-005)..........    0581-AC33
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
References in boldface appear in the Regulatory Plan in part II of this issue of the Federal Register.


[[Page 72893]]


                                Agricultural Marketing Service--Long-Term Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
182         National Dairy Promotion and Research Program (DA-02-03)..............................    0581-AC16
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                Agricultural Marketing Service--Completed Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
183         Livestock Mandatory Reporting Program--Lamb Amendment (LS-01-08)......................    0581-AB98
184         Mango Promotion, Research, and Information Order (FV-01-707)..........................    0581-AC05
185         Cotton Classification Services, User Fees for 2004 Crop (CN-03-007)...................    0581-AC34
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                      Farm Service Agency--Final Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
186         Remove Tobacco Warehouse Designation Requirements.....................................    0560-AH13
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                     Farm Service Agency--Long-Term Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
187         Amendments to the Standards for Approval of Warehouses for Commodity Credit               0560-AE50
            Corporation Storage Contracts.........................................................
188         Regulatory Streamlining of the Farm Service Agency's Direct Farm Loan Programs........    0560-AF60
189         Interest Assistance Program...........................................................    0560-AG46
190         Ocean Freight Claims Administrative Appeal Process....................................    0560-AG49
191         Tobacco Marketing Quota, Cards, Penalty Provisions, Recordkeeping and Reporting.......    0560-AG52
192         2002 Farm Bill Regulations--Assistance for Livestock Producers........................    0560-AG76
193         Revision of Indian Tribal Land Acquisition Program Loan Regulations...................    0560-AG87
194         Clarification of Informal Appeals Procedures..........................................    0560-AG88
195         Selection of FSA State and County Committees..........................................    0560-AG90
196         Environmental Compliance and Related Concerns.........................................    0560-AH02
197         Retaining Preferred Lender Program (PLP) Status, Processing Loss Claims, Payment of       0560-AH07
            Interest Accrued During Bankruptcy, and Redemption Rights Periods for Guaranteed Loans
198         Debt Collection, Debt Settlement, and Assignment of Payments..........................    0560-AH09
199         Tobacco Marketing Quotas and Price Support............................................    0560-AH14
200         Ewe Lamb Incentive Payment Program....................................................    0560-AH15
201         Payment Limitation and Payment Eligibility; Trade Adjustment Assistance for Farmers...    0560-AH16
202         Disaster Declaration and Designation..................................................    0560-AH17
203         Nonrecourse Marketing Assistance Loan and Loan Deficiency Payment Regulations for         0560-AH18
            Honey.................................................................................
204         Planting Reporting for Tropical Crops--Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program....    0560-AH19
205         Designated Marketing Associations for Peanuts.........................................    0560-AH20
206         Policy for Certain Commodities Available for Sale.....................................    0560-AH22
207         Conservation Contract Debt Write-down.................................................    0560-AH23
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                     Farm Service Agency--Completed Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
208         Rescheduling Guaranteed Loans With Balloon Payments, Clarification of Annual Analysis     0560-AG53
            Requirements for Guaranteed Lenders, and Subordination Requirements...................
209         Revision of Flexible Sugar Marketing Allotment Regulations............................    0560-AH08
210         Commodity Credit Corporation Procurement of Agricultural Commodities From HUBZone         0560-AH10
            Small Businesses......................................................................

[[Page 72894]]


211         Sugar Program Definitions.............................................................    0560-AH21
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                            Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service--Prerule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
212         Animal Welfare; Regulations and Standards for Birds, Rats, and Mice...................    0579-AB69
213         Revision of the Nursery Stock Regulations (Q.37) (Reg Plan Seq No. 3).................    0579-AB85
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
References in boldface appear in the Regulatory Plan in part II of this issue of the Federal Register.


                         Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service--Proposed Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
214         Animal Welfare: Marine Mammals; Nonconsensus Language and Interactive Programs........    0579-AB24
215         Karnal Bunt Compensation..............................................................    0579-AB45
216         Methyl Bromide; Authorization as Official Quarantine Use..............................    0579-AB54
217         Importation of Swine and Swine Products From the European Union.......................    0579-AB79
218         Revision of Fruits and Vegetables Import Regulations (Q.56)...........................    0579-AB80
219         Requirements for Requests To Amend 7 CFR Part 319 Import Regulations..................    0579-AB83
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                          Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service--Final Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
220         Foot-and-Mouth Disease; Payment of Indemnity (Reg Plan Seq No. 4).....................    0579-AB34
221         Chronic Wasting Disease in Elk and Deer; Interstate Movement Restrictions and Payment     0579-AB35
            of Indemnity (Reg Plan Seq No. 5).....................................................
222         Agricultural Bioterrorism Protection Act of 2002; Possession, Use, and Transfer of        0579-AB47
            Biological Agents and Toxins..........................................................
223         Gypsy Moth; Interstate Movement of Regulated Articles (Section 610 Review)............    0579-AB55
224         Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy: Minimal Risk Regions and Importation of Commodities.    0579-AB73
225         Karnal Bunt; Revision of Regulations for Importing Wheat..............................    0579-AB74
226         Pine Shoot Beetle Host Material From Canada...........................................    0579-AB76
227         Importation of Clementines, Mandarins, and Tangerines From Chile......................    0579-AB77
228         Importation of Small Lots of Seed Without Phytosanitary Certificates..................    0579-AB78
229         Mexican Hass Avocado Import Program...................................................    0579-AB81
230         Interstate Movement of Sheep and Goats; Approved Livestock Facilities, Identification,    0579-AB84
            and Recordkeeping Requirements........................................................
231         User Fees for Agricultural Quarantine and Inspection Services.........................    0579-AB88
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
References in boldface appear in the Regulatory Plan in part II of this issue of the Federal Register.


                          Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service--Long-Term Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
232         Plant Pest Regulations; Update of Current Provisions (Section 610 Review).............    0579-AA80
233         Importation of Fuji Variety Apples From the Republic of Korea.........................    0579-AA93
234         Phytosanitary Certificates for Imported Fruits and Vegetables.........................    0579-AB18
235         Importation Prohibitions Because of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy..................    0579-AB26
236         Animals Destroyed Because of Tuberculosis; Payment of Indemnity.......................    0579-AB29
237         Importation of Milk and Milk Products From FMD Countries..............................    0579-AB38

[[Page 72895]]


238         Risk Reduction Strategies for Potential BSE Pathways Involving Downer Cattle and Dead     0579-AB43
            Stock of Cattle and Other Species.....................................................
239         Amend Regulations To Harmonize Our Import Requirements With Proposed National             0579-AB44
            Tuberculosis Eradication Program......................................................
240         Cost-Sharing for Animal and Plant Health Emergency Programs...........................    0579-AB50
241         Phytophthora Ramorum; Quarantine and Regulations......................................    0579-AB82
242         Federal Measures to Mitigate BSE Risks: Considerations for Further Action.............    0579-AB86
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                          Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service--Completed Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
243         Animal Welfare; Inspection, Licensing, and Procurement of Animals (Completion of a        0579-AA94
            Section 610 Review)...................................................................
244         Importation of Unmanufactured Wood Articles From Mexico...............................    0579-AB02
245         Pseudorabies in Swine; Payment of Indemnity...........................................    0579-AB10
246         Bees and Related Articles (Section 610 Review)........................................    0579-AB20
247         Brucellosis in Sheep, Goats, and Horses; Payment of Indemnity (Completion of a Section    0579-AB42
            610 Review)...........................................................................
248         Importation of Solid Wood Packing Material; Adoption of International Standards.......    0579-AB48
249         Trichinae Certification Program.......................................................    0579-AB52
250         Animal Welfare; Definition of Animal..................................................    0579-AB87
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service--Proposed Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
251         CSREES Agricultural Research Formula Programs--Administrative Provisions..............    0524-AA27
252         CSREES Non-Formula Grant Programs--Administrative Provisions..........................    0524-AA28
253         Guidelines for Hatch Multistate Research Fund.........................................    0524-AA29
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                 Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service--Final Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
254         Matching Requirements for Formula Funds for Agricultural Research and Extension           0524-AA25
            Activities at the 1890 Land-Grant Institutions and at the 1862 Land-Grant Institutions
            in Insular Areas......................................................................
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                 Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service--Long-Term Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
255         CSREES Agricultural Extension Formula Programs--Administrative Provisions.............    0524-AA26
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                 Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service--Completed Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
256         Food and Agricultural Sciences National Needs Graduate and Postgraduate Fellowship        0524-AA30
            Grants Program........................................................................
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


[[Page 72896]]


                                   Rural Housing Service--Proposed Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
257         Civil Rights Compliance Requirements--1901-E to 1940-D................................    0575-AA83
258         National Flood Insurance Regulations..................................................    0575-AC07
259         Servicing Community Programs Loans and Grants.........................................    0575-AC12
260         Self-Help Technical Assistance Grants.................................................    0575-AC20
261         Community Facilities Direct Loan Program--Consolidate, Simplify, and Update               0575-AC27
            Regulations...........................................................................
262         3550 Regulation.......................................................................    0575-AC54
263         Planning and Performing Construction and Other Development............................    0575-AC55
264         Environmental Policies and Procedures.................................................    0575-AC56
265         Community Programs Guaranteed Loans...................................................    0575-AC58
266         Amend 3550 Regulation To Modify Existing Payment Assistance Formula...................    0575-AC59
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                     Rural Housing Service--Final Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
267         Multi-Family Housing (MFH) Reinvention................................................    0575-AC13
268         Guaranteed Single-Family Housing......................................................    0575-AC18
269         Guaranteed Rural Rental Housing Program--Secondary Mortgage Market Participation......    0575-AC28
270         Servicing of Community and Direct Business Programs Loans and Grants--Workout             0575-AC57
            Agreements............................................................................
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                             Federal Crop Insurance Corporation--Proposed Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
271         General Administrative Regulations; Sanctions.........................................    0563-AB73
272         General Administrative Regulations; Actual Production History (APH)...................    0563-AB83
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                              Federal Crop Insurance Corporation--Final Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
273         General Administrative Regulations; Nonstandard Underwriting Classification System....    0563-AB66
274         Common Crop Insurance Regulations; Nursery Crop Insurance Provisions..................    0563-AB80
275         General Administrative Regulations; Submission of Policies and Provisions of Policies     0563-AB84
            and Rates of Premiums.................................................................
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                              Federal Crop Insurance Corporation--Completed Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
276         Common Crop Insurance Regulations; Blueberry Crop Insurance Provisions................    0563-AB76
277         Common Crop Insurance Regulations; Processing Tomato Crop Insurance Provisions........    0563-AB90
278         Common Crop Insurance Regulations; Pecan Revenue Crop Insurance Provisions............    0563-AB91
279         Common Crop Insurance Regulations; Apple Crop Insurance Provisions....................    0563-AB92
280         Common Crop Insurance Regulations; Peanut Crop Insurance Provisions...................    0563-AB93
281         General Administrative Regulations; Basic Provisions..................................    0563-AB94
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


[[Page 72897]]


                  Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration--Proposed Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
282         Process Verification Service and Associated Fees......................................    0580-AA85
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                 Food and Nutrition Service--Proposed Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
283         Disqualified Recipient Reporting and Computer Matching Requirements That Affect the       0584-AB51
            Food Stamp Program....................................................................
284         Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations: Resource Limits and Exclusions,         0584-AD12
            Extended Certification Periods, and Transitional Benefits.............................
285         Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP): At-Risk Afterschool Suppers................    0584-AD15
286         Food Stamp Program: Clarifications and Corrections to Recipient Claim Establishment       0584-AD25
            and Collection Standards..............................................................
287         Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) (Reg Plan Seq No. 6).................    0584-AD35
288         Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC):            0584-AD36
            Miscellaneous Vendor-Related Provisions...............................................
289         FSP: Discretionary Quality Control Provisions of Title IV of Public Law 107-171 (Reg      0584-AD37
            Plan Seq No. 7).......................................................................
290         Procurement Requirements for the National School Lunch, School Breakfast, and Special     0584-AD38
            Milk Programs.........................................................................
291         Child Nutrition Programs: National School Lunch Program; Serving Fruits and Vegetables    0584-AD40
            as Afterschool Snacks.................................................................
292         WIC Farmers' Market Nutrition Program (FMNP): Funding Formula Rule....................    0584-AD41
293         FSP: Revisions to Bonding Requirements for Violating Retail and Wholesale Food            0584-AD44
            Concerns..............................................................................
294         Donated Foods in Child Nutrition Programs, the Nutrition Services Incentive Program,      0584-AD45
            and Charitable Institutions, Including Contracts With Food Service Management
            Companies.............................................................................
295         FSP: Regulation Restructuring To Reflect the End of Coupon Issuance Systems...........    0584-AD48
296         Special Nutrition Programs: Fluid Milk Substitutions (Reg Plan Seq No. 8).............    0584-AD58
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
References in boldface appear in the Regulatory Plan in part II of this issue of the Federal Register.


                                  Food and Nutrition Service--Final Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
297         Special Supplemental Food Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC):                 0584-AB10
            Miscellaneous Provisions..............................................................
298         Child and Adult Care Food Program: Improving Management and Program Integrity (Reg        0584-AC24
            Plan Seq No. 9).......................................................................
299         Food Stamp Program Regulatory Review: FSP Standards for Approval and Operation of Food    0584-AC37
            Stamp Electronic Benefit Transfer Systems.............................................
300         National School Lunch Program: Reimbursement for Snacks in Afterschool Care Programs..    0584-AC72
301         FSP: Civil Rights Data Collections....................................................    0584-AC75
302         Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP): Plain Language, Program Accountability,       0584-AC84
            and Program Flexibility (Reg Plan Seq No. 10).........................................
303         Special Nutrition Programs: Disclosure of Children's Eligibility Information Under the    0584-AC95
            Child Nutrition Programs..............................................................
304         Special Nutrition Programs: Uniform Federal Assistance Regulations; Nondiscretionary      0584-AD16
            Technical Amendments..................................................................
305         Afterschool Snacks Under the Child and Adult Care Food Program........................    0584-AD27
306         FSP: EBT and Retail Food Stores Provisions of the Farm Security and Rural Investment      0584-AD28
            Act of 2002...........................................................................
307         FSP: High Performance Bonuses (Reg Plan Seq No. 11)...................................    0584-AD29
308         FSP: Eligibility and Certification Provisions of the Farm Security and Rural              0584-AD30
            Investment Act of 2002 (Reg Plan Seq No. 12)..........................................
309         FSP: Non-Discretionary Quality Control Provisions of Title IV of Public Law 107-171       0584-AD31
            (Reg Plan Seq No. 13).................................................................
310         FSP: Employment and Training Program Provisions of the Farm Security and Rural            0584-AD32
            Investment Act of 2002 (Reg Plan Seq No. 14)..........................................
311         Data Collection Related to Institutions, Organizations, Sites, and Facilities.........    0584-AD43
312         Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC):            0584-AD47
            Discretionary WIC Vendor Provisions in the Child Nutrition and WIC Reauthorization Act
            of 2004, Public Law 108-265...........................................................
313         Severe Need Assistance in the School Breakfast Program................................    0584-AD50
314         District-Wide Use of Provisions 2 and 3...............................................    0584-AD51
315         Administrative Error Reduction in the School Meals Programs...........................    0584-AD52
316         State Administrative Expenses.........................................................    0584-AD53
317         Applying for Free and Reduced Price Meals in Schools..................................    0584-AD54

[[Page 72898]]


318         National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs: Fluid Milk Requirement...........    0584-AD55
319         Implementing Provisions From the Child Nutrition and WIC Reauthorization Act of 2004:     0584-AD56
            Increasing the Maximum Age for Children in Homeless Shelters That Participate in the
            CACFP.................................................................................
320         National School Lunch Program: Marketing and Sales of Fluid Milk Products in Schools..    0584-AD57
321         Nutrition Standards in the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs........    0584-AD59
322         Direct and Discretionary Certification in the School Meals Programs (Reg Plan Seq No.     0584-AD60
            15)...................................................................................
323         Revised Verification Procedures in the School Meals Programs..........................    0584-AD61
324         Categorical Eligibility of Certain Migratory, Homeless, and Runaway Youth.............    0584-AD62
325         Waiver of the Requirement To Use Weighted Averages in the National School Lunch and       0584-AD63
            School Breakfast Programs.............................................................
326         Food Safety Inspections, Audits, and Reports..........................................    0584-AD64
327         School Food Safety: Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point System.................    0584-AD65
328         Implementing Provisions From the Child Nutrition and WIC Reauthorization Act of 2004:     0584-AD66
            For-Profit Center Participation in the Child and Adult Care Food Program..............
329         Implementing Provision From the Child Nutrition and WIC Reauthorization Act of 2004:      0584-AD67
            Increasing the Duration of Tiering Status of Day Care Homes in the Child and Adult
            Care Food Program.....................................................................
330         Implementing Provisions of the Child Nutrition and WIC Reauthorization Act of 2004:       0584-AD68
            Disregard of Overpayments in the Child and Adult Care Food Program....................
331         Implementing Provisions From the Child Nutrition and WIC Reauthorization Act of 2004:     0584-AD69
            Permanent Agreements for Day Care Home Providers in the Child and Adult Care Food
            Program...............................................................................
332         Implementing Provisions From the Child Nutrition and WIC Reauthorization Act of 2004:     0584-AD70
            Seamless Summer Option for Schools Participating in the Summer Food Service Program...
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
References in boldface appear in the Regulatory Plan in part II of this issue of the Federal Register.


                                  Food and Nutrition Service--Long-Term Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
333         Food Stamp Program: Administrative Cost Reimbursement.................................    0584-AC86
334         Child and Adult Care Food Program: Implementing Legislative Reforms To Strengthen         0584-AC94
            Program Integrity.....................................................................
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                  Food and Nutrition Service--Completed Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
335         Food Stamp Program: Vehicle and Maximum Excess Shelter Expense Deduction Provisions of    0584-AD13
            Public Law 106-387....................................................................
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                             Food Safety and Inspection Service--Proposed Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
336         Performance Standards for Pumped or Massaged Bacon (Reg Plan Seq No. 16)..............    0583-AC49
337         Egg Products Inspection Regulations (Reg Plan Seq No. 17).............................    0583-AC58
338         Labeling: Generic Approval and Regulation Consolidation...............................    0583-AC59
339         Food Standards; General Principles and Food Standards Modernization (Reg Plan Seq No.     0583-AC72
            18)...................................................................................
340         Performance Criteria for On-Line Antimicrobial Reprocessing of Pre-Chill Poultry          0583-AC73
            Carcasses.............................................................................
341         Petitions for Rulemaking..............................................................    0583-AC81
342         Performance Standard for Chilling of Ready-To-Cook Poultry (Reg Plan Seq No. 19)......    0583-AC87
343         Addition of Mexico to the List of Countries Eligible for the Importation of               0583-AD01
            Slaughtered (Fresh) Poultry and Egg Products Into the United States...................
344         Ante-Mortem and Post-Mortem Inspection of Livestock and Poultry.......................    0583-AD02
345         Retail Exemption......................................................................    0583-AD04

[[Page 72899]]


346         Food Security Plans...................................................................    0583-AD06
347         Accredited Laboratory Program.........................................................    0583-AD09
348         Sharing of Firms' Distribution Lists of Retail Consignees During Meat or Poultry          0583-AD10
            Product Recalls.......................................................................
349         Requiring Industry E. Coli O157:H7 Test Results for Raw Beef Products Being Maintained    0583-AD11
            in One Specific Location in the Establishment.........................................
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
References in boldface appear in the Regulatory Plan in part II of this issue of the Federal Register.


                              Food Safety and Inspection Service--Final Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
350         Performance Standards for the Production of Processed Meat and Poultry Products (Reg      0583-AC46
            Plan Seq No. 20)......................................................................
351         Nutrition Labeling of Single-Ingredient Products and Ground or Chopped Meat and           0583-AC60
            Poultry Products (Reg Plan Seq No. 21)................................................
352         Food Standards: Requirements for Substitute Standardized Meat and Poultry Products        0583-AC82
            Named by Use of an Expressed Nutrient Content Claim and a Standardized Term...........
353         Classes of Poultry Updating Poultry Class Standards...................................    0583-AC83
354         Prohibition of the Use of Specified Risk Materials for Human Food and Requirements for    0583-AC88
            the Disposition of Non-Ambulatory Disabled Cattle (Reg Plan Seq No. 22)...............
355         Addition of San Marino to the List of Countries Eligible To Export Meat and Meat          0583-AC91
            Products to the United States.........................................................
356         Meat Produced by Advanced Meat/Bone Separation Machinery and Meat Recovery Systems....    0583-AD00
357         Prohibition on the Use of Air-Injection Stunners for the Slaughter of Cattle..........    0583-AD03
358         Uniform Compliance Date for Food Labeling Regulations.................................    0583-AD05
359         Frequency of Foreign Inspection System Supervisory Visits to Certified Foreign            0583-AD08
            Establishments........................................................................
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
References in boldface appear in the Regulatory Plan in part II of this issue of the Federal Register.


                              Food Safety and Inspection Service--Completed Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
360         Beef or Pork With Barbecue Sauce; Revision of Standards...............................    0583-AC09
361         Nutrition Labeling of Meat and Poultry Products (Completion of a Section 610 Review)..    0583-AC95
362         Nutrition Labeling: Nutrient Content Claims on Multi-Serve, Meal-Type Meat and Poultry    0583-AD07
            Products..............................................................................
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                Foreign Agricultural Service--Proposed Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
363         New Provisions and Revisions to Sugar Reexport Programs Under 7 CFR 1530..............    0551-AA65
364         Quality Samples Program...............................................................    0551-AA68
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                 Foreign Agricultural Service--Final Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
365         Program To Provide Technical Assistance To Promote U.S. Agricultural Exports to           0551-AA62
            Emerging Markets (Emerging Markets Program)...........................................
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


[[Page 72900]]


                                 Foreign Agricultural Service--Long-Term Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
366         CCC Supplier Credit Guarantee Program.................................................    0551-AA30
367         Facility Guarantee Program............................................................    0551-AA35
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                       Forest Service--Proposed Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
368         Indian Allotments on National Forest System Lands.....................................    0596-AA52
369         Species Surplus to Domestic Manufacturing Needs.......................................    0596-AB27
370         Appeal of Decisions Relating to Occupancy and Use of National Forest System Lands.....    0596-AB45
371         Law Enforcement Support Activities....................................................    0596-AB61
372         Noncompetitive Sale of Timber; Timber Substitution....................................    0596-AB70
373         Sale and Disposal of National Forest System Timber; Timber Export and Substitution        0596-AB75
            Restrictions..........................................................................
374         Forest Service Trails Accessibility Guidelines........................................    0596-AB92
375         Forest Service Outdoor Recreation Accessibility Guidelines............................    0596-AB93
376         National Forest System Land Management Planning Directives (Proposed Directives,          0596-AC02
            Forest Service Manual (FSM) 1920 and Forest Service Handbook (FSH) 1909.12)...........
377         State Petitions for Inventoried Roadless Area Management (Reg Plan Seq No. 23)........    0596-AC10
378         Grazing Permit Administration (Proposed Directives, Forest Service Handbook 2209.13,      0596-AC12
            Chapters 10 and 20)...................................................................
379         National Forest System Appeals and Litigation (Proposed Directives, Forest Service        0596-AC13
            Manual, Chapter 1570).................................................................
380         Watershed Forestry Assistance Program.................................................    0596-AC18
381         Tribal Watershed Forestry Assistance Program..........................................    0596-AC19
382         Onshore Oil and Gas Operations; Federal and Indian Oil and Gas Leases; Onshore Oil and    0596-AC20
            Gas Order Number 1, Approval of Operations............................................
383         Predator Damage Management (Proposed Directive, Forest Service Manual, Chapter 2320)..    0596-AC22
384         Recreation Event Fees (Proposed Directive, Forest Service Manual, Chapter 2720).......    0596-AC24
385         Outfitter and Guide Special Use Authorizations (Proposed Directives, Forest Service       0596-AC25
            Handbook 2709.11, Chapters 30 and 40).................................................
386         Secretary Determination That Domestic Species of Unprocessed Timber Are Surplus to        0596-AC27
            Domestic Needs Within Zone of Southern California.....................................
387         Notice, Comment, and Appeal Procedures for National Forest System Projects and            0596-AC28
            Activities............................................................................
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
References in boldface appear in the Regulatory Plan in part II of this issue of the Federal Register.


                                        Forest Service--Final Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
388         Sale and Disposal of National Forest Timber; Cancellation of Timber Sale Contracts....    0596-AB21
389         Land Uses; Special Uses; Recovery of Costs for Processing Special Use Applications and    0596-AB36
            Monitoring Compliance With Special Use Authorizations.................................
390         Special Forest Products and Forest Botanical Products.................................    0596-AB81
391         Determining Fair Market Value for Recreation Residence Use Authorizations.............    0596-AB83
392         National Forest System Land Management Planning (Reg Plan Seq No. 24).................    0596-AB86
393         Community and Private Land Forest Fire Assistance Program.............................    0596-AB96
394         Delegation of Authority To Approve Free Use by Individuals............................    0596-AC09
395         Travel Management, Designated Routes, and Areas for Motor Vehicle Use.................    0596-AC11
396         Predecisional Administrative Review and Objection Process for Projects Authorized         0596-AC15
            Under Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003.........................................
397         Sale and Disposal of National Forest System Timber; Timber Sale Contracts;                0596-AC16
            Modification of Contracts.............................................................
398         Clarification as to When a Notice of Intent and/or a Plan of Operations Is Needed for     0596-AC17
            Locatable Mineral Operations on National Forest System Lands..........................
399         Maximum Term for Outfitter/Guide Special Use Authorizations (Proposed Directive,          0596-AC23
            Forest Service Handbook (FSH) 2709.11, Chapter 40)....................................
400         Integrated Resource Contracts, FS-2400-13 and FS-2400-13T (Notice of Interim              0596-AC26
            Contracts)............................................................................
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
References in boldface appear in the Regulatory Plan in part II of this issue of the Federal Register.


[[Page 72901]]


                                        Forest Service--Long-Term Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
401         Locatable Minerals....................................................................    0596-AB98
402         Special Areas; Roadless Area Conservation; Applicability to National Forest System        0596-AC05
            Lands in Alaska.......................................................................
403         Climbing Bolts In Wilderness (Proposed Interim Directive, Forest Service Manual,          0596-AC21
            Chapter 2320).........................................................................
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                        Forest Service--Completed Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
404         National Environmental Policy Act Documentation Needed for Certain Special Uses Permit    0596-AB73
            Actions (Final Interim Directive to FSH 1909.15, Chapter 30)..........................
405         Land Uses; Special Uses Requiring Authorizations......................................    0596-AB74
406         Sawtooth National Recreation Area-Private Lands; Increasing Residential Outbuilding       0596-AC00
            Size..................................................................................
407         National Forest System Land and Resource Management Planning; Extension of Compliance     0596-AC01
            Deadline for Site-Specific Projects...................................................
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                    Office of the Secretary--Final Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
408         General Nonprocurement Regulations....................................................    0503-AA21
409         Guidelines for Designating Biobased Products for Federal Reference....................    0503-AA26
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                   Office of the Secretary--Completed Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
410         Participation of Religious Organizations in USDA Programs.............................    0503-AA27
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                             Rural Business-Cooperative Service--Proposed Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
411         Affirmative Fair Housing Marketing Plan...............................................    0570-AA24
412         Business and Industry Guaranteed Loan Program--Financing Cooperative Stock............    0570-AA26
413         Rural Business Enterprise Grant Program...............................................    0570-AA28
414         Annual Renewal Fee....................................................................    0570-AA34
415         Business and Industry Loan Program--Rewrite of Program Regulations....................    0570-AA41
416         National Security Emergency...........................................................    0570-AA48
417         Renewable Energy Systems and Energy Efficiency Improvements...........................    0570-AA50
418         Secondary Market Pooling by Fiscal Transfer Agent.....................................    0570-AA53
419         Business and Industry Guaranteed Loan Program--Implement the Debt Collection              0570-AA54
            Improvement Act (DCIA) of 1996........................................................
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                              Rural Business-Cooperative Service--Final Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
420         Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant Program.....................................    0570-AA19
421         Rural Business Investment Program.....................................................    0570-AA35

[[Page 72902]]


422         Rural Business Enterprise Grant Program--Farm Bill Changes............................    0570-AA36
423         B&I Guaranteed Loan Program Farm Bill Changes--Expanded Eligibility Criteria..........    0570-AA39
424         Intermediary Relending Program........................................................    0570-AA42
425         Fiscal Transfer Agent--Secondary Market Sales of Guaranteed Loans.....................    0570-AA47
426         Tangible Net Equity...................................................................    0570-AA49
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                  Rural Utilities Service--Proposed Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
427         Telecommunications Standards and Specifications for Materials, Equipment, and             0572-AB40
            Construction..........................................................................
428         Servicing of Water Programs Loans and Grants..........................................    0572-AB59
429         Special Equipment Contract (Not Including Installation), RUS Form 398.................    0572-AB76
430         High Energy Cost Rural Community Grants (Section 610 Review)..........................    0572-AB91
431         Elimination of Subpart M: Operational Controls........................................    0572-AB97
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                    Rural Utilities Service--Final Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
432         Technical Assistance Grants...........................................................    0572-AB75
433         Accounting Requirements for RUS Telecommunications Borrowers..........................    0572-AB77
434         Exemption of Certain Borrowers From Controls..........................................    0572-AB85
435         Definition Clarification of State Nonmetropolitan Median Household Income (SNMHI).....    0572-AB96
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                   Rural Utilities Service--Completed Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
436         Guarantees for Bonds and Notes Issued for Electrification Purposes....................    0572-AB83
437         Sale or Transfer of Capital Assets....................................................    0572-AB84
438         Electric System Emergency Restoration Plan............................................    0572-AB92
439         Household Water Well System Grant Program.............................................    0572-AB93
440         Broadband Grant Program...............................................................    0572-AB94
441         Grant Program To Establish a Fund for Financing Water and Waste Water Projects            0572-AB95
            (Revolving Fund Program (RFP))........................................................
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                            Natural Resources Conservation Service--Final Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
442         Wetland Categorical Minimal Effects Exemptions........................................    0578-AA27
443         Emergency Watershed Protection Program (Reg Plan Seq No. 25)..........................    0578-AA30
444         Technical Service Provider Assistance (Reg Plan Seq No. 26)...........................    0578-AA35
445         Conservation Security Program (Reg Plan Seq No. 27)...................................    0578-AA36
446         Grassland Reserve (Reg Plan Seq No. 28)...............................................    0578-AA38
447         Confidentiality of Conservation Program Information (Reg Plan Seq No. 29).............    0578-AA40
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
References in boldface appear in the Regulatory Plan in part II of this issue of the Federal Register.


[[Page 72903]]


                            Natural Resources Conservation Service--Completed Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
448         NRCS Equitable Relief Procedures......................................................    0578-AA39
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                         Office of Procurement and Property Management--Final Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
449         Agricultural Acquisition Regulation (AGAR): Updates and Technical Changes (AGAR Case      0599-AA11
            2004-01)..............................................................................
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

BILLING CODE 3410-90-S
_______________________________________________________________________
Department of Agriculture (USDA)                          Prerule Stage
Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS)
_______________________________________________________________________

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

 Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 1 in part II of this issue of 
the Federal Register.

RIN: 0581-AB97
_______________________________________________________________________
Department of Agriculture (USDA)                    Proposed Rule Stage
Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS)
_______________________________________________________________________

172. 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 
services within the scope of the Livestock and Seed Program; and 
changing the name of the program to the Quality Systems Verification 
Program.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            12/00/04

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: Federal

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

RIN: 0581-AC12
_______________________________________________________________________

173. 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                            02/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Rex A. Barnes, Chief, Grading Branch, Department of 
Agriculture, Agricultural Marketing Service, Stop 0258, Poultry 
Programs, 14th & Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20090-6456

[[Page 72904]]

Phone: 202 720-3271
Fax: 202 690-3165
Email: rex.barnes@usda.gov

RIN: 0581-AC25
_______________________________________________________________________

174. PLANT VARIETY PROTECTION SERVICES (ST-02-02)

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 7 USC 2321; 7 USC 2401

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 97

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This rule will establish a new fee schedule covering various 
administrative services that stakeholders are not currently charged for 
by the Plant Variety Protection (PVP) Office. PVP, as provided by the 
Agricultural Marketing Service is a voluntary, user-fee service, 
conducted under the authority of the PVP Act of 1970. The Act requires 
reasonable fees be collected from applicants for plant variety 
protection in order to cover program expenses. Program obligations and 
administrative costs have increased and user fees have been falling 
short of projections. Based on current level of activity, new service 
fees will generate approximately $169,000 of new revenue in fiscal year 
2003.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            04/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Dr. Paul Zankowski, Commissioner, Plant Variety 
Protection Office, Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Marketing 
Service, 10301 Baltimore Blvd., Room 401, National Agricultural 
Library, Beltsville, MD 20705
Phone: 301 504-5518

RIN: 0581-AC31
_______________________________________________________________________

175. NATIONAL ORGANIC PROGRAM: AMENDING THE NATIONAL LIST (TM-04-01), 
CROPS AND PROCESSING

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 7 USC 6501

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 205

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: On December 21, 2000, the Secretary of Agriculture 
(Secretary) established within the National Organic Program (NOP) the 
National List. The National List is the Federal list that identifies 
synthetic substances and ingredients that are allowed and non-synthetic 
(natural) substances and ingredients that are prohibited for use in 
organic production and handling. Under the authority of the Organic 
Foods Production Act of 1990 (OFPA), as amended, the National List can 
be amended by the Secretary based on proposed amendments developed by 
the National Organic Standards Board (NOSB). This proposed rule would 
amend the National List to reflect recommendations submitted to the 
Secretary by the NOSB from October 17, 2001 through May 14, 2003. 
Between the specified timeframe, the NOSB has recommended that the 
Secretary add substances to sections 205.601, 205.605, and 205.606 of 
the National List based on petitions received from industry 
participants. These substances were evaluated by the NOSB using the 
criteria specified in OFPA and the NOP.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            11/00/04
Final Action                    01/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: Local, State, Tribal

Agency Contact: Richard H. Mathews, Associate Deputy Administrator, 
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-AC35
_______________________________________________________________________

176. <bullet<ls-thn-eq> TOBACCO INSPECTION: FLUE-CURED AND BURLEY 
TOBACCO; IMPORTATION PROHIBITIONS AND TOBACCO PESTICIDE RESIDUE TESTING 
REQUIREMENTS

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 7 USC 511m and r; 7 USC 511q

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 29; 7 CFR 92

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This proposed rule responds to a report issued by the General 
Accountability Office (GAO-03-485) titled ``Pesticides on Tobacco-
Federal Activities to Assess Risks and Monitor Residues,'' recommending 
that the U.S. Department of Agriculture review and update the 
pesticides for which residue tolerance levels are set to test imported 
and domestic flue-cured and burley tobacco. The Dairy and Tobacco 
Adjustment Act of 1983, as amended, prohibits the importation of flue-
cured and burley tobacco which contains any prohibited pesticide 
residues and establishes related certification and testing 
requirements. Pesticides continue to play an increasingly significant 
role in the production not only for tobacco, but also food and fiber 
commodities, and other crops by reducing the number of crop destroying 
pests. This proposal would: (1) revise and expand the list of 
pesticides for which testing is conducted, and (2) revise the maximum 
allowable of pesticide residues on tobacco. Implementing the GAO 
recommendations with these proposed changes would improve the 
effectiveness of the 1983 Act.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            04/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

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

RIN: 0581-AC36
_______________________________________________________________________

177. <bullet<ls-thn-eq> HONEY RESEARCH AND PROMOTION (PACKER/IMPORTER 
BOARD)

Priority: Routine and Frequent

Legal Authority: 7 USC 7411 through 7425

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1212

Legal Deadline: None

[[Page 72905]]

Abstract: The U.S. Department of Agriculture (Department) received a 
request from the National Honey Packers and Dealers Association, dated 
7/8/2003, to develop an industry-funded research, promotion, consumer 
education, and information program for honey and honey products. This 
proposed new program, the Honey Research, Promotion, and Consumer 
Education and Industry Order (Order), will assist the honey industry 
to: (1) develop and finance an effective and coordinated program to 
strengthen the position of the honey industry; and (2) maintain, 
develop, and expand existing markets for honey and honey products. 
Under the proposed Order, first handlers (packers) and importers of 
250,000 or more pounds of honey and honey products would pay an 
assessment on $0.01 per pound to the National Honey Packers and 
Importers Board (Board). At this initial rate, revenue for the program 
would be approximately $3 million. Of this amount, about 47 percent 
would be generated by assessments on imported honey and honey products. 
The Board would be appointed by the Department to conduct a program of 
research and promotion, industry information, and consumer information 
needed to strengthen and increase the consumption of honey and honey 
products in the United States.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            12/00/04

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Margaret B. Irby, Assistant Branch Chief, Department of 
Agriculture, Agricultural Marketing Service, Stop 0244, Fruit & 
Vegetable Programs, 14th & Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 
20250-0244
Phone: 202 720-9915
Fax: 202 205-2800
Email: margaret.irby@usda.gov

RIN: 0581-AC37
_______________________________________________________________________

178. <bullet<ls-thn-eq> NATIONAL ORGANIC PROGRAM: NATIONAL LIST--CROPS, 
LIVESTOCK, AND PROCESSING (TM-04-04)

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 7 USC 6501

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 205

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS), National Organic 
Program (NOP) is amending the National List. The National List is the 
Federal list that identifies synthetic substances and ingredients that 
are allowed and non synthetic (natural) substances and ingredients that 
are prohibited for use in organic production and handling. This 
proposed rule would amend the National List to reflect recommendations 
submitted to the Secretary of Agriculture (Secretary) by the National 
Organic Standards Board (NOSB) from the April 28, 2004, NOSB meeting. 
Between the specified time period, the NOSB has recommended that the 
Secretary add substances to sections 205.601, 205. 603, and 205.605 of 
the National List based on petitions received from industry 
participants. These substances were evaluated by the NOSB using the 
criteria specified in OFPA and NOP.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            11/00/04
Final Action                    02/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Small Entities Affected: Businesses, Governmental Jurisdictions, 
Organizations

Government Levels Affected: Local, State, Tribal

Agency Contact: Richard H. Mathews, Associate Deputy Administrator, 
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-AC38
_______________________________________________________________________
Department of Agriculture (USDA)                       Final Rule Stage
Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS)
_______________________________________________________________________

179. EXEMPTION OF ORGANIC PRODUCERS FROM RESEARCH AND PROMOTION/
MARKETING ORDER ASSESSMENT (PY-02-006)

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: PL 107-171, sec 10607

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 900; 7 CFR 1150; 7 CFR 1160; 7 CFR 1205; 7 CFR 
1207; 7 CFR 1209; 7 CFR 1210; 7 CFR 1215; 7 CFR 1216; 7 CFR 1218; 7 CFR 
1219; 7 CFR 1220; 7 CFR 1230; 7 CFR 1240; 7 CFR 1250; 7 CFR 1260; 7 CFR 
1280; . . .

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

Abstract: Under the 2002 Farm Bill, section 501 of the Federal 
Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 (FAIR Act) was amended 
on May 13, 2002. The amendment exempts any person that produces and 
markets solely 100 percent organic products from paying assessments 
under a commodity promotion law. The FAIR Act governs all research and 
promotion programs and certain marketing order programs. Therefore, the 
Department of Agriculture is revising amendments to the 16 research and 
promotion regulations and 28 applicable marketing order programs for 
which it has oversight. These amendments will be handled in two 
separate regulatory actions that will be published simultaneously.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            12/02/03                    68 FR 67381
NPRM Comment Period End         01/02/04
Comment Period End (ICB)        02/02/04
Second NPRM                     04/26/04                    69 FR 22690
Second NPRM Comment Period End  05/26/04
Second Comment Period End (ICB) 06/25/04
Final Action                    11/00/04

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

[[Page 72906]]

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
_______________________________________________________________________

180. MANDATORY COUNTRY OF ORIGIN LABELING OF BEEF, PORK, LAMB, FISH, 
PERISHABLE AGRICULTURAL COMMODITIES, AND PEANUTS (LS-03-04)

 Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 2 in part II of this issue of 
the Federal Register.

RIN: 0581-AC26
_______________________________________________________________________

181. VOLUNTARY SHELL EGG GRADING REGULATION--FACILITIES AND EQUIPMENT 
(PY-03-005)

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 7 USC 1621 through 1627

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 56

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) reviewed the 
Voluntary Grading of Shell Egg regulations and identified changes 
necessary to bring the regulations up-to-date. The changes would update 
and clarify the voluntary shell egg grading regulations for facilities 
required for grading service, the operating requirements of plants 
utilizing the grading service, and the methods by which the grading 
service is provided.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            06/02/04                    69 FR 31039
NPRM Comment Period End         08/02/04
Final Action                    02/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

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

RIN: 0581-AC33
_______________________________________________________________________
Department of Agriculture (USDA)                      Long-Term Actions
Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS)
_______________________________________________________________________

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

Priority: Other Significant

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1150

Timetable: Next Action Undetermined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: David Jamison
Phone: 202 720-6909
Fax: 202 720-0285
Email: david.jamison2@usda.gov

RIN: 0581-AC16
_______________________________________________________________________
Department of Agriculture (USDA)                      Completed Actions
Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS)
_______________________________________________________________________

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

Priority: Other Significant

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 59

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    09/02/04                    69 FR 53784
Final Action Effective          11/01/04

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: State

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

Agency Contact: John E. Van Dyke
Phone: 202 720-6231
Fax: 202 690-3732
Email: john.vandyke@usda.gov

RIN: 0581-AB98
_______________________________________________________________________

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

Priority: Routine and Frequent

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1206

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    10/04/04                    69 FR 59120

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: None

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

RIN: 0581-AC05
_______________________________________________________________________

185. COTTON CLASSIFICATION SERVICES, USER FEES FOR 2004 CROP (CN-03-007)

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 28

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            04/26/04                    69 FR 22458
Final Action                    05/28/04                    69 FR 30553
Final Action Effective          07/01/04

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Norma Randall McDill
Phone: 202 720-3193
Fax: 202 690-1718

[[Page 72907]]

Email: norma.mcdill@usda.gov

RIN: 0581-AC34
BILLING CODE 3410--02--S
_______________________________________________________________________
Department of Agriculture (USDA)                       Final Rule Stage
Farm Service Agency (FSA)
_______________________________________________________________________

186. REMOVE TOBACCO WAREHOUSE DESIGNATION REQUIREMENTS

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

Legal Authority: Not Yet Determined

CFR Citation: None

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Farm Service Agency is amending its tobacco regulations 
to no longer require as a condition of price support eligibility that 
producers of Burley and Flue-Cured tobacco designate the warehouse 
where they will market their tobacco.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            06/22/04                    69 FR 34615
NPRM Comment Period End         07/22/04
Final Action                     To Be                       Determined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Tom Witzig, Director, Regulatory Review Group, 
Department of Agriculture, Farm Service Agency, Room 0339 South 
Building, MS 0572, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-
0572
Phone: 202 205-5851
Fax: 202 720-5233
Email: tom.witzig@usda.gov

RIN: 0560-AH13
_______________________________________________________________________
Department of Agriculture (USDA)                      Long-Term Actions
Farm Service Agency (FSA)
_______________________________________________________________________

187. AMENDMENTS TO THE STANDARDS FOR APPROVAL OF WAREHOUSES FOR 
COMMODITY CREDIT CORPORATION STORAGE CONTRACTS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

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

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Reinstated by Agency            10/08/03
NPRM                            11/20/03                    68 FR 65412
NPRM Comment Period End         03/11/04
Final Action                     To Be                       Determined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Tom Witzig
Phone: 202 205-5851
Fax: 202 720-5233
Email: tom.witzig@usda.gov

RIN: 0560-AE50
_______________________________________________________________________

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

Priority: Other Significant

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 7; 7 CFR 18

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            02/09/04                     69 FR 6056
NPRM Comment Period End         05/04/04
Final Action                     To Be                       Determined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Tom Witzig
Phone: 202 205-5851
Fax: 202 720-5233
Email: tom.witzig@usda.gov

RIN: 0560-AF60
_______________________________________________________________________

189. INTEREST ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 762

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                             To Be                       Determined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Tom Witzig
Phone: 202 205-5851
Fax: 202 720-5233
Email: tom.witzig@usda.gov

RIN: 0560-AG46
_______________________________________________________________________

190. OCEAN FREIGHT CLAIMS ADMINISTRATIVE APPEAL PROCESS

Priority: Other Significant

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1405; 7 CFR 1499; 22 CFR 211

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            03/03/03                     68 FR 9944
NPRM Comment Period End         04/02/03
Final Action                     To Be                       Determined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Tom Witzig
Phone: 202 205-5851
Fax: 202 720-5233
Email: tom.witzig@usda.gov

RIN: 0560-AG49
_______________________________________________________________________

191. TOBACCO MARKETING QUOTA, CARDS, PENALTY PROVISIONS, RECORDKEEPING 
AND REPORTING

Priority: Other Significant

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 723

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            01/13/03                     68 FR 1556

[[Page 72908]]

NPRM Comment Period End         02/12/03
Final Action                     To Be                       Determined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Tom Witzig
Phone: 202 205-5851
Fax: 202 720-5233
Email: tom.witzig@usda.gov

RIN: 0560-AG52
_______________________________________________________________________

192. 2002 FARM BILL REGULATIONS--ASSISTANCE FOR LIVESTOCK PRODUCERS

Priority: Other Significant

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1439

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                     To Be                       Determined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Tom Witzig
Phone: 202 205-5851
Fax: 202 720-5233
Email: tom.witzig@usda.gov

RIN: 0560-AG76
_______________________________________________________________________

193. REVISION OF INDIAN TRIBAL LAND ACQUISITION PROGRAM LOAN REGULATIONS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 770

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

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

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

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

RIN: 0560-AG87
_______________________________________________________________________

194. CLARIFICATION OF INFORMAL APPEALS PROCEDURES

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 780

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule               To Be                       Determined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

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

RIN: 0560-AG88
_______________________________________________________________________

195. SELECTION OF FSA STATE AND COUNTY COMMITTEES

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 7; 7 CFR 710

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
Phone: 202 205-5851
Fax: 202 720-5233
Email: tom.witzig@usda.gov

RIN: 0560-AG90
_______________________________________________________________________

196. ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE AND RELATED CONCERNS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is 
undetermined.

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 799

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                             To Be                       Determined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Tom Witzig
Phone: 202 205-5851
Fax: 202 720-5233
Email: tom.witzig@usda.gov

RIN: 0560-AH02
_______________________________________________________________________

197. RETAINING PREFERRED LENDER PROGRAM (PLP) STATUS, PROCESSING LOSS 
CLAIMS, PAYMENT OF INTEREST ACCRUED DURING BANKRUPTCY, AND REDEMPTION 
RIGHTS PERIODS FOR GUARANTEED LOANS

Priority: Other Significant

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 762

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                             To Be                       Determined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Tom Witzig
Phone: 202 205-5851
Fax: 202 720-5233
Email: tom.witzig@usda.gov

RIN: 0560-AH07
_______________________________________________________________________

198. DEBT COLLECTION, DEBT SETTLEMENT, AND ASSIGNMENT OF PAYMENTS

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

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

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                             To Be                       Determined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Tom Witzig
Phone: 202 205-5851
Fax: 202 720-5233
Email: tom.witzig@usda.gov

Related RIN: Previously reported as 0560-AF22
RIN: 0560-AH09
_______________________________________________________________________

199. TOBACCO MARKETING QUOTAS AND PRICE SUPPORT

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 723; 7 CFR 1464

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                     To Be                       Determined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

[[Page 72909]]

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Tom Witzig
Phone: 202 205-5851
Fax: 202 720-5233
Email: tom.witzig@usda.gov

RIN: 0560-AH14
_______________________________________________________________________

200. EWE LAMB INCENTIVE PAYMENT PROGRAM

Priority: Other Significant

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 784

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            09/07/04                    69 FR 54 59
NPRM Comment Period End         10/08/04
Final Action                     To Be                       Determined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Tom Witzig
Phone: 202 205-5851
Fax: 202 720-5233
Email: tom.witzig@usda.gov

RIN: 0560-AH15
_______________________________________________________________________

201. PAYMENT LIMITATION AND PAYMENT ELIGIBILITY; TRADE ADJUSTMENT 
ASSISTANCE FOR FARMERS

Priority: Other Significant

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1400

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                     To Be                       Determined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Tom Witzig
Phone: 202 205-5851
Fax: 202 720-5233
Email: tom.witzig@usda.gov

RIN: 0560-AH16
_______________________________________________________________________

202. <bullet<ls-thn-eq> DISASTER DECLARATION AND DESIGNATION

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 7 USC 1961; 7 USC 1989

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 791; 7 CFR 1945

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This rule moves the regulations currently located in Subpart 
A of 7 CFR part 1945 to 7 CFR part 791. This change will move 
regulations used by the Farm Service Agency (FSA) from chapter XVIII of 
the Code of Federal Regulations, formerly used by the predecessor to 
FSA, the Farmers Home Administration, to chapter VII, the chapter where 
most FSA rules are promulgated. This rule also clarifies and simplifies 
procedures for identifying disaster areas, reorganizes provisions in a 
more logical manner, and removes administrative provisions. The intent 
of this rule is to update regulations to match the current USDA 
structure.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                             To Be                       Determined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Tom Witzig, Director, Regulatory Review Group, 
Department of Agriculture, Farm Service Agency, Room 0339 South 
Building, MS 0572, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-
0572
Phone: 202 205-5851
Fax: 202 720-5233
Email: tom.witzig@usda.gov

RIN: 0560-AH17
_______________________________________________________________________

203. <bullet<ls-thn-eq> NONRECOURSE MARKETING ASSISTANCE LOAN AND LOAN 
DEFICIENCY PAYMENT REGULATIONS FOR HONEY

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 7 USC 7931

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1434

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This interim final rule amends the regulations governing the 
Honey Nonrecourse Marketing Assistance Loan (MAL) and Loan Deficiency 
Payment (LDP) Programs of the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC). This 
rule allows honey pledged as collateral for securing an MAL or to be 
eligible for an LDP to be stored in CCC-approved, five-gallon plastic 
storage containers, in addition to the plastic Intermediate Bulk 
Containers already allowed, metal containers, and steel containers.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              08/25/04                    69 FR 52167
Interim Final Rule Comment 
Period End                      10/25/04
Final Action                     To Be                       Determined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Tom Witzig, Director, Regulatory Review Group, 
Department of Agriculture, Farm Service Agency, Room 0339 South 
Building, MS 0572, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-
0572
Phone: 202 205-5851
Fax: 202 720-5233
Email: tom.witzig@usda.gov

RIN: 0560-AH18
_______________________________________________________________________

204. <bullet<ls-thn-eq> PLANTING REPORTING FOR TROPICAL CROPS--
NONINSURED CROP DISASTER ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 7 USC 7333

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1437

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Commodity Credit Corporation will amend 7 CFR section 
1437.7(c) to provide that producers of crops in tropical areas do not 
have to report every planting period. The affected producers will be 
required to maintain a contemporaneous record of when and where the 
specific crop is planted and when harvested. This change will reduce 
producer travel to the agency offices for reporting. The record will be 
used to determine the crops vulnerable to loss at the time of the 
disaster event. This will provide a more accurate loss measure for the 
agency to use in determining eligibility for NAP assistance.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                     To Be                       Determined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Tom Witzig, Director, Regulatory Review Group, 
Department of Agriculture, Farm Service Agency,

[[Page 72910]]

Room 0339 South Building, MS 0572, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, 
Washington, DC 20250-0572
Phone: 202 205-5851
Fax: 202 720-5233
Email: tom.witzig@usda.gov

RIN: 0560-AH19
_______________________________________________________________________

205. <bullet<ls-thn-eq> DESIGNATED MARKETING ASSOCIATIONS FOR PEANUTS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is 
undetermined.

Legal Authority: 7 USC 7857

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1421

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This rule will provide regulations for DMA responsibilities, 
prohibited activities, CCC authority and responsibilities, application 
and approval, financial security, processing of MAL and LDP requests, 
fees and other requirements.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                             To Be                       Determined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Sectors Affected: 111992 Peanut Farming

Agency Contact: Tom Witzig, Director, Regulatory Review Group, 
Department of Agriculture, Farm Service Agency, Room 0339 South 
Building, MS 0572, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-
0572
Phone: 202 205-5851
Fax: 202 720-5233
Email: tom.witzig@usda.gov

RIN: 0560-AH20
_______________________________________________________________________

206. <bullet<ls-thn-eq> POLICY FOR CERTAIN COMMODITIES AVAILABLE FOR 
SALE

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 7 USC 7285

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1402

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This action will update the regulations regarding the 
dissemination of general sales offering information to reflect current 
sales policies. 7 CFR part 1402 provides policy for the sale of certain 
commodities. Section 1402.1 provides that ``. . .CCC will disseminate 
general sales offering information in the CCC Sales List, which is 
published in press release form. The CCC Sales List will be revised and 
republished as necessary.'' The methods of disseminating sales offering 
information have evolved with better technology, including inventory 
listings on CCC's Commodity Operations website (http://
www.fsa.usda.gov/daco/catalogs.htm) and the capability for cotton 
buyers to purchase CCC-owned cotton (including transfer of title) 
through an on-line, web-based system. This action will have no budget 
impact.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                     To Be                       Determined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Tom Witzig, Director, Regulatory Review Group, 
Department of Agriculture, Farm Service Agency, Room 0339 South 
Building, MS 0572, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-
0572
Phone: 202 205-5851
Fax: 202 720-5233
Email: tom.witzig@usda.gov

RIN: 0560-AH22
_______________________________________________________________________

207. <bullet<ls-thn-eq> CONSERVATION CONTRACT DEBT WRITE-DOWN

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 7 USC 1989; 7 USC 1997; 7 USC 1932; 31 USC 3716

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1951; 7 CFR 766

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Conservation Contract Program, also known as Debt for 
Nature, will be revised to clarify, correct and expand on the land 
eligibility, loan-type eligibility, responsibilities of participating 
agencies, required inspections by FSA, participation with and 
relationship to other programs, valuation of the land considered in 
calculating the debt write-down, and penalties for violations of the 
contract.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                             To Be                       Determined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

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

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

Tom Witzig, Director, Regulatory Review Group, Department of 
Agriculture, Farm Service Agency, Room 0339 South Building, MS 0572, 
1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0572
Phone: 202 205-5851
Fax: 202 720-5233
Email: tom.witzig@usda.gov

RIN: 0560-AH23

[[Page 72911]]

_______________________________________________________________________
Department of Agriculture (USDA)                      Completed Actions
Farm Service Agency (FSA)
_______________________________________________________________________

208. 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

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    07/27/04                    69 FR 34615

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Tom Witzig
Phone: 202 205-5851
Fax: 202 720-5233
Email: tom.witzig@usda.gov

RIN: 0560-AG53
_______________________________________________________________________

209. REVISION OF FLEXIBLE SUGAR MARKETING ALLOTMENT REGULATIONS

Priority: Other Significant

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1435

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    07/01/04                    69 FR 39811
Correction                      08/11/04                    69 FR 48765

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Tom Witzig
Phone: 202 205-5851
Fax: 202 720-5233
Email: tom.witzig@usda.gov

RIN: 0560-AH08
_______________________________________________________________________

210. COMMODITY CREDIT CORPORATION PROCUREMENT OF AGRICULTURAL 
COMMODITIES FROM HUBZONE SMALL BUSINESSES

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1402

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Withdrawn                       06/01/04

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Tom Witzig
Phone: 202 205-5851
Fax: 202 720-5233
Email: tom.witzig@usda.gov

RIN: 0560-AH10
_______________________________________________________________________

211. <bullet<ls-thn-eq> SUGAR PROGRAM DEFINITIONS

Priority: Info./Admin./Other

Legal Authority: 7 USC 7272

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1435

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Commodity Credit Corporation will amend the definitions 
of ``ability to market'' and ``market'' in 7 CFR section 1435.2. The 
attachment to this workplan contains a detailed description of the 
planned change. These changes cause no increase in the costs or risks 
of the program and they are not controversial or politically sensitive.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    09/13/04                    69 FR 55061

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

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

RIN: 0560-AH21
BILLING CODE 3410--05--S
_______________________________________________________________________
Department of Agriculture (USDA)                          Prerule Stage
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS)
_______________________________________________________________________

212. ANIMAL WELFARE; REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS FOR BIRDS, RATS, AND MICE

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 7 USC 2131 to 2159

CFR Citation: 9 CFR 2 to 3

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 amended 
the definition of ``animal'' in the Animal Welfare Act (AWA) by 
specifically excluding birds, rats of the genus Rattus, and mice of the 
genus Mus, bred for use in research. On June 4, 2004, we published in 
the Federal Register, a final rule that amended the definition of 
animal in our regulations to be consistent with the definition of 
animal in the AWA. In that same edition of the Federal Register, we 
also published an advance notice of proposed rulemaking (ANPRM) that 
announced our intention to extend enforcement of the AWA to birds other 
than birds bred for use in research and solicited comments from the 
public to help determine how we should regulate the care and use of 
those animals. In addition, in our ANPRM, we also solicited comments 
from the public to help us determine if we should continue to regulate 
the handling, care, treatment, and transportation of rats and mice 
covered by the Act under the general standards in the regulations or if 
we should establish specific standards for them. When we determine how 
to regulate birds not bred for use in research and what, if any, 
specific standards should be established for covered rats and mice, we 
will publish a proposed rule for public comment in the Federal 
Register. Any changes to our Animal Care program that may result from 
such a proposal will be addressed in that document.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

ANPRM                           06/04/04                    69 FR 31537
ANPRM Comment Period End        08/03/04
ANPRM Comment Period Extended   07/21/04                    69 FR 43538
ANPRM Comment Period End        11/01/04
NPRM                             To Be                       Determined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

[[Page 72912]]

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

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

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

Related RIN: Related to 0579-AB87
RIN: 0579-AB69
_______________________________________________________________________

213. REVISION OF THE NURSERY STOCK REGULATIONS (Q.37)

 Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 3 in part II of this issue of 
the Federal Register.

RIN: 0579-AB85
_______________________________________________________________________
Department of Agriculture (USDA)                    Proposed Rule Stage
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS)
_______________________________________________________________________

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

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 7 USC 2131 to 2159

CFR Citation: 9 CFR 3

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The U.S. Department of Agriculture regulates the treatment of 
certain marine mammals under the Animal Welfare Act. The present 
standards for treatment of these animals have been in effect for over 
10 years. During this time, advances have been made and new information 
has been developed with regard to the housing and care of marine 
mammals. We intend to develop amendments to the marine mammal standards 
on which consensus was not reached during negotiated rulemaking 
conducted between September 1995 and July 1996. The amendments would be 
to standards affecting variances, indoor facilities, outdoor 
facilities, space requirements, and water quality, as well as swim-
with-the-dolphin programs. These actions appear necessary to ensure 
that the minimum standards for the humane handling, care, treatment, 
and transportation of marine mammals in captivity are based on current 
general, industry, and scientific knowledge and experience.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

ANPRM                           05/30/02                    67 FR 37731
ANPRM Comment Period End        07/29/02
NPRM                            06/00/05

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
_______________________________________________________________________

215. KARNAL BUNT COMPENSATION

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 7 USC 7701 to 7712

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                            05/00/05

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. Matthew H. Royer, Senior Program Advisor, Pest 
Detection and Management Programs, PPQ, Department of Agriculture, 
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Room 626, 4700 River Road, 
Unit 26, Riverdale, MD 20737-1236
Phone: 301 734-7819

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

216. 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 of methyl bromide treatments or applications 
required by the State, local, or tribal authorities to prevent the

[[Page 72913]]

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                            08/12/04                    69 FR 49824
NPRM Comment Period End         10/12/04
NPRM Comment Period Extended    10/12/04                    69 FR 60567
NPRM Comment Period End         11/12/04
Final Action                    06/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: Local, State, Tribal

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

Agency Contact: Dr. Inder Paul Gadh, Treatment Specialist, 
Phytosanitary Issues Management Team, PPQ, Department of Agriculture, 
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Unit 140, 4700 River Road, 
Unit 140, Riverdale, MD 20737-1236
Phone: 301 734-6799

RIN: 0579-AB54
_______________________________________________________________________

217. IMPORTATION OF SWINE AND SWINE PRODUCTS FROM THE EUROPEAN UNION

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 7 USC 450; 7 USC 1622; 7 USC 7701 to 7772; 7 USC 8301 
to 8317; 21 USC 136 to 136a; 31 USC 9701; 42 USC 4331 to 4332

CFR Citation: 9 CFR 93 to 94; 9 CFR 98

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This rule would amend the regulations for importing animals 
and animal products into the United States to (1) apply a uniform set 
of importation requirements related to classical swine fever (CSF) to a 
region consisting of all of the 15 Member States of the European Union 
(EU) that comprise the EU as of April 30, 2004 (the EU-15) and (2) 
prohibit for a specified period of time the importation of live swine 
and swine products from any area in the EU-15 that is identified by the 
veterinary authorities of the region as a restricted zone.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            02/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Small Entities Affected: Businesses, Governmental Jurisdictions

Government Levels Affected: Federal

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

Agency Contact: Dr. Chip Wells, Senior Staff Veterinarian, Department 
of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, 4700 River 
Road, Riverdale, MD 20737-1231
Phone: 301 734-4356

RIN: 0579-AB79
_______________________________________________________________________

218. REVISION OF FRUITS AND VEGETABLES IMPORT REGULATIONS (Q.56)

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 7 USC 450; 7 USC 7701 to 7772; 7 USC 8311; 21 USC 136 
to 136a; 31 USC 9701

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 305; 7 CFR 319; 7 CFR 352

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This rule would revise and reorganize the regulations 
pertaining to the importation of fruits and vegetables to consolidate 
requirements of general applicability and eliminate redundant 
requirements, update terms and remove outdated requirements and 
references, update the regulations that apply to importations into 
territories under U.S. administration, and make various editorial and 
nonsubstantive changes to regulations to make them easier to use. The 
rule would also make substantive changes to the regulations, including: 
(1) Establishing criteria within the regulations that, if met, would 
allow us to approve certain new fruits and vegetables for importation 
into the United States and to acknowledge pest-free areas in foreign 
countries without undertaking rulemaking; (2) doing away with the 
practice of listing specific commodities that may be imported subject 
to certain types of phytosanitary measures; and (3) providing for the 
issuance of special use permits for fruits and vegetables. These 
changes are intended to simplify and expedite our processes for 
approving certain new imports and pest-free areas while continuing to 
allow for public participation in the processes. If adopted, the rule 
would represent a significant structural revision of the fruits and 
vegetables import regulations and would establish a new process for 
approving certain new commodities for importation into the United 
States. It would not, however, allow the importation of any specific 
new fruits or vegetables, nor would it alter the conditions for 
importing currently approved fruits or vegetables except as 
specifically described in this document.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            02/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: None

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

Agency Contact: Mr. Matthew Rhoads, Regulatory Analyst, Regulatory 
Analysis and Development, PPD, Department of Agriculture, Animal and 
Plant Health Inspection Service, 4700 River Road, Unit 118, Riverdale, 
MD 20737-1238
Phone: 301 734-8682

RIN: 0579-AB80

[[Page 72914]]

_______________________________________________________________________

219. REQUIREMENTS FOR REQUESTS TO AMEND 7 CFR PART 319 IMPORT 
REGULATIONS

Priority: Other Significant

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

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 319

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This rule would establish regulations governing the 
submission of requests for changes in our regulations that restrict the 
importation of plants, plant parts, and plant products. Despite 
existing non-regulatory guidance on the submission of requests, few 
applicants provide the basic information we need to properly consider 
their requests. If adopted, this rule would help ensure that we are 
provided with the information we need to prepare a risk analysis and/or 
other analyses that evaluate the risks and other effects associated 
with a proposed change to the regulations.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            10/28/04                    69 FR 62833
NPRM Comment Period End         12/27/04

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

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

Agency Contact: Dr. Ronald Sequeira, National Science Program Leader 
for Risk and Pathway Analysis, CPHST, PPQ, Department of Agriculture, 
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, 1015 Main Campus Drive, 
Suite 2500, Raleigh, NC 27602-5202
Phone: 919 513-2663

RIN: 0579-AB83
_______________________________________________________________________
Department of Agriculture (USDA)                       Final Rule Stage
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS)
_______________________________________________________________________

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

 Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 4 in part II of this issue of 
the Federal Register.

RIN: 0579-AB34
_______________________________________________________________________

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

 Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 5 in part II of this issue of 
the Federal Register.

RIN: 0579-AB35
_______________________________________________________________________

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

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 7 USC 8401

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 331; 9 CFR 121

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: In accordance with the Agricultural Bioterrorism Protection 
Act of 2002, APHIS has established, by regulation, a list of biological 
agents and toxins determined to have the potential to pose a severe 
threat to animal or plant health or to animal or plant products, as 
well as regulations concerning the possession, use, and transfer of 
listed biological agents and toxins.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              08/12/02                    67 FR 52383
Interim Final Rule Effective    08/12/02
Interim Final Rule Comment 
Period End                      10/11/02
Second Interim Final Rule       12/13/02                    67 FR 76908
Second Interim Final Rule 
Comment Period End              02/11/03
Second Interim Final Rule 
Effective                       02/11/03
Third Interim Final Rule; 
Provisional Registration        11/03/03                    68 FR 62218
Third Interim Final Rule 
Effective                       11/03/03
Third Interim Final Rule Comment 
Period End                      01/02/04
Final Action                    11/00/04

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Small Entities Affected: Businesses, Governmental Jurisdictions, 
Organizations

Government Levels Affected: Federal, State

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

Agency Contact: Dr. Lee Ann Thomas, Director, Animals, Organisms and 
Vectors, and Select Agents, VS, Department of Agriculture, Animal and 
Plant Health Inspection Service, 4700 River Road, Unit 39, Riverdale, 
MD 20737-1231
Phone: 301 734-5960

Dr. Charles L. Divan, Senior Agricultural Microbiologist, Pest Permit 
Evaluations, Biological and Technical Services, PPQ, Department of 
Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, 4700 River 
Road, Unit 133, Riverdale, MD 20737-1236
Phone: 301 734-8758

RIN: 0579-AB47
_______________________________________________________________________

223. 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

[[Page 72915]]

risk of containing gypsy moth egg masses, and by adding restrictions on 
the movement and importation of bark and bark products, which pose 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                            05/23/03                    68 FR 28157
NPRM Comment Period End         07/22/03
Final Action                    03/00/05

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
_______________________________________________________________________

224. BOVINE SPONGIFORM ENCEPHALOPATHY: MINIMAL RISK REGIONS AND 
IMPORTATION OF COMMODITIES

Priority: Econimically Significant. Major under 5 USC 801.

Legal Authority: 7 USC 450; 7 USC 1622; 7 USC 7701 to 7772; 7 USC 8301 
to 8317; 21 USC 136 to 136a; 31 USC 9701; 42 USC 4331 to 4332

CFR Citation: 9 CFR 93 to 95

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This rulemaking would amend the regulations regarding the 
importation of animals and animal products to recognize a category of 
regions that present a minimal risk of introducing bovine 
encephalopathy (BSE) into the United States via live ruminants and 
ruminant products and would add Canada to this category.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            11/04/03                    68 FR 62386
NPRM Comment Period End         01/05/04
NPRM Comment Period Reopened    03/08/04                    69 FR 10633
NPRM Comment Period End         04/07/04
Final Action                    00/00/05

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. Karen A. James-Preston, Director, Technical Trade 
Services Team, NCIE, VS, Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant 
Health Inspection Service, 4700 River Road, Unit 38, Riverdale, MD 
20737
Phone: 301 734-4356

RIN: 0579-AB73
_______________________________________________________________________

225. KARNAL BUNT; REVISION OF REGULATIONS FOR IMPORTING WHEAT

Priority: Other Significant

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

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 319

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This rulemaking would amend our regulations regarding the 
importation of wheat from regions affected with Karnal bunt. Our 
amendments would, among other things, list such regions, as well as 
articles that would be regulated for Karnal bunt; increase the 
flexibility of the regulations so that they could provide more readily 
for the recognition of areas where Karnal bunt is not known to occur 
within regions where Karnal bunt is known to be present; describe 
conditions, including requirements for phytosanitary certificates, 
under which wheat and related articles from regions affected with 
Karnal bunt could be imported into the United States; and specify 
cleaning and/or disinfection requirements for imported farm machinery 
and other equipment used to handle or store Karnal bunt-positive seed 
or host crops. The changes would make our regulations regarding the 
importation of wheat and related articles from regions affected with 
Karnal bunt substantively equivalent to our domestic Karnal bunt 
regulations and would bring the former into compliance with 
international agreements to which the United States is a party.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            03/03/04                     69 FR 9976
NPRM Comment Period End         05/03/04
Final Action                    11/00/04

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

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

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

RIN: 0579-AB74
_______________________________________________________________________

226. PINE SHOOT BEETLE HOST MATERIAL FROM CANADA

Priority: Other Significant

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

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 319

Legal Deadline: None

[[Page 72916]]

Abstract: This rulemaking would establish restrictions on the 
importation of pine shoot beetle host material into the United States 
from Canada. Pine nursery stock, as well as pine products that consist 
of pine bark or have pine bark attached, would have to meet certain 
requirements relating to documentation, treatment, handling, and 
utilization as a condition of importation into the United States from 
Canada. These restrictions are needed to help prevent the introduction 
and spread of pine shoot beetle, a pest of pine trees, into noninfested 
areas of the United States.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              10/20/04                    69 FR 61577
Interim Final Rule Comment 
Period End                      12/20/04

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: Federal

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

Agency Contact: Frederick A. Thomas, Import Specialist, PIM, PPQ, 
Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, 
4700 River Road, Unit 160, Riverdale, MD 20737-1236
Phone: 301 734-8367

RIN: 0579-AB76
_______________________________________________________________________

227. IMPORTATION OF CLEMENTINES, MANDARINS, AND TANGERINES FROM CHILE

Priority: Other Significant

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

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 319

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This rulemaking will amend the fruits and vegetables 
regulations to allow the importation, under certain conditions, of 
clementines, mandarins, and tangerines from Chile into the United 
States. Based on the evidence in a recent pest risk assessment and an 
accompanying risk management document, we believe these articles can be 
safely imported from all provinces of Chile, provided certain 
conditions are met. This action will provide for the importation of 
clementines, mandarins, and tangerines from Chile into the United 
States while continuing to protect the United States against the 
introduction of plant pests.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            03/22/04                    69 FR 13262
NPRM Comment Period End         05/21/04
Final Action                    03/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: None

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

Agency Contact: 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-AB77
_______________________________________________________________________

228. IMPORTATION OF SMALL LOTS OF SEED WITHOUT PHYTOSANITARY 
CERTIFICATES

Priority: Other Significant

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

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 319

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This rulemaking would amend the nursery stock regulations to 
allow the importation of small lots of seed under an import permit with 
specific conditions as an alternative to the current phytosanitary 
certificate requirement. This proposed change is necessary because 
several entities that import small lots of seed--individual importers, 
horticultural societies, arboreta, and small businesses--have had 
difficulty obtaining the necessary certificates and have been adversely 
affected by the phytosanitary certificate requirement. The proposed 
change would make it feasible for those entities to import small lots 
of seed and would ensure prompt and consistent service for such 
importers while continuing to protect against the introduction of plant 
pests into the United States and providing the Animal and Plant 
Inspection Service with necessary information about the quality, 
quantity, and diversity of the imported material.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            04/29/04                    69 FR 23451
NPRM Comment Period End         06/28/04
Final Action                    02/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

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

Agency Contact: Dr. Arnold T. Tschanz, Senior Staff Officer, Regulatory 
Coordination Staff, PPQ, Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant 
Health Inspection Service, Unit 141, 4700 River Road, Riverdale, MD 
20737-1236
Phone: 301 734-5306

RIN: 0579-AB78
_______________________________________________________________________

229. MEXICAN HASS AVOCADO IMPORT PROGRAM

Priority: Economically Significant. Major under 5 USC 801.

Legal Authority: 7 USC 450; 7 USC 7701 to 7772; 21 USC 136 to 136a; sec 
301.75 also issued under sec 203, title II, PL 106-224, 114 Stat 400 (7 
USC 1421 note)

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 319

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This final rule will amend the regulations governing the 
importation of fruits and vegetables to expand the number of States in 
which fresh Hass avocado fruit grown in approved orchards in approved 
municipalities in Michoacan, Mexico, may be distributed. The final rule 
will

[[Page 72917]]

also allow the distribution of the avocados during all months of the 
year. To reflect these changes, we will also make other changes in the 
regulations, such as removing restrictions on the ports through which 
the avocados may enter the United States and the corridor through which 
the avocados must transit the United States. We are taking this action 
in response to a request from the Government of Mexico and based on our 
finding that the phytosanitary measures described in this final rule 
will reduce the risk of introducing plant pests associated with Mexican 
Hass avocados into the United States.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            05/24/04                    69 FR 29466
NPRM Comment Period End         07/23/04
Final Action                    11/00/04
Final Action Effective          01/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: Federal, State

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

Agency Contact: Ms. Karen Bedigian, Import Specialist, PIM, PPQ, 
Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, 
4700 River Road, Unit 140, Riverdale, MD 20737-1236
Phone: 301 734-4382

RIN: 0579-AB81
_______________________________________________________________________

230. INTERSTATE MOVEMENT OF SHEEP AND GOATS; APPROVED LIVESTOCK 
FACILITIES, IDENTIFICATION, AND RECORDKEEPING REQUIREMENTS

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 7 USC 8301 to 8317

CFR Citation: 9 CFR 71

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This rulemaking would amend the regulations regarding the 
interstate movement of animals to require livestock facilities that 
handle sheep or goats in interstate commerce to be approved by us. This 
would include stockyards, livestock markets, buying stations, 
concentration points, or any other premises where sheep or goats in 
interstate commerce are assembled. Our approval would be contingent on 
the facility operator meeting certain minimum standards and other 
conditions relating to the receipt, handling, and release of sheep and 
goats at the facility, as well as complying with certain animal 
identification and recordkeeping requirements. The standards and other 
conditions would be based, in part, on recently implemented regulations 
relating to the interstate movement of sheep and goats in order to 
control the spread of scrapie, a serious disease of sheep and goats. 
This rule would provide for the establishment of standards for the 
approval of livestock facilities that handle sheep or goats in 
interstate commerce.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            08/26/04                    69 FR 52451
NPRM Comment Period End         10/25/04
Final Action                    06/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: State

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

Agency Contact: Dr. Diane Sutton, Senior Staff Veterinarian, National 
Center for Animal Health Programs, VS, Department of Agriculture, 
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Unit 43, 4700 River Road, 
Unit 43, Riverdale, MD 20737-1235
Phone: 301 734-6954

RIN: 0579-AB84
_______________________________________________________________________

231. <bullet<ls-thn-eq> USER FEES FOR AGRICULTURAL QUARANTINE AND 
INSPECTION SERVICES

Priority: Economically Significant. Major under 5 USC 801.

Legal Authority: 7 USC 7701 to 7772; 7 USC 8301 to 8317; 21 USC 136 to 
136a; 49 USC 80503

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 354

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This rule will amend the user fee regulations by adjusting 
the fees charged for certain agricultural quarantine and inspection 
(AQI) services that are provided in connection with certain commercial 
vessels, commercial trucks, commercial railroad cars, commercial 
aircraft, and international airline passengers arriving at ports in the 
customs territory of the United States. Due to the events of September 
11, 2001, and the resulting increased security concerns, a greater 
volume and variety of cargo entering the United States is being 
inspected. The fee adjustments are needed to recover the costs of this 
increased inspection activity and to account for routine inflationary 
increases in the cost of doing business. The adjusted AQI user fees 
will cover fiscal years 2005 through 2010.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              12/00/04
Interim Final Rule Comment 
Period End                      02/00/05

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: Jennifer Lemly, Staff Officer, Quarantine Policy, 
Analysis and Support Staff, PPQ, Department of Agriculture, Animal and 
Plant Health Inspection Service, 4700 River Road, Unit 60, Riverdale, 
MD 20737-1232
Phone: 301 734-5901


[[Page 72918]]


Donna Ford, Branch Chief, Financial Services Branch, FMD, MRPBS, 
Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, 
Unit 140, 4700 River Road, Unit 54, Riverdale, MD 20737-1232
Phone: 301 734-5901

RIN: 0579-AB88
_______________________________________________________________________
Department of Agriculture (USDA)                      Long-Term Actions
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS)
_______________________________________________________________________

232. 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
_______________________________________________________________________

233. 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

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Karen Bedigian
Phone: 301 734-4382

RIN: 0579-AA93
_______________________________________________________________________

234. PHYTOSANITARY CERTIFICATES FOR IMPORTED FRUITS AND VEGETABLES

Priority: Other Significant

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 319.56 to 319.56-8

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            08/29/01                    66 FR 45637
NPRM Comment Period End         10/29/01


Next Action Undetermined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: Federal

Agency Contact: Karen Bedigian
Phone: 301 734-4382

RIN: 0579-AB18
_______________________________________________________________________

235. 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

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              08/14/01                    66 FR 42595
IRM Retroactively Effective     12/07/00
Sec 95.29 Effective             08/14/01
Interim Final Rule 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
_______________________________________________________________________

236. 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


Next Action Undetermined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Terry Beals
Phone: 405 427-2998

RIN: 0579-AB29
_______________________________________________________________________

237. IMPORTATION OF MILK AND MILK PRODUCTS FROM FMD COUNTRIES

Priority: Other Significant

CFR Citation: 9 CFR 94

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

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


Next Action Undetermined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Karen A. James-Preston
Phone: 301 734-4356

RIN: 0579-AB38
_______________________________________________________________________

238. 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

[[Page 72919]]

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Lisa Ferguson
Phone: 301 734-8073

RIN: 0579-AB43
_______________________________________________________________________

239. 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: 301 734-4356

RIN: 0579-AB44
_______________________________________________________________________

240. COST-SHARING FOR ANIMAL AND PLANT HEALTH EMERGENCY PROGRAMS

Priority: Other Significant

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 373; 9 CFR 60

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            07/08/03                    68 FR 40541
NPRM Comment Period End         11/07/03


Next Action Undetermined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Agency Contact: Kevin Shea
Phone: 202 720-8015

RIN: 0579-AB50
_______________________________________________________________________

241. PHYTOPHTHORA RAMORUM; QUARANTINE AND REGULATIONS

Priority: Other Significant

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 301

Timetable: Next Action Undetermined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: Local, State

Agency Contact: Jonathan Jones
Phone: 301 734-8247

RIN: 0579-AB82
_______________________________________________________________________

242. FEDERAL MEASURES TO MITIGATE BSE RISKS: CONSIDERATIONS FOR FURTHER 
ACTION

Priority: Other Significant

CFR Citation: 9 CFR 50 to 85

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

ANPRM                           07/14/04                    69 FR 42288
ANPRM Comment Period End        09/13/04


Next Action Undetermined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: S. Anne Goodman
Phone: 301 734-4356

RIN: 0579-AB86
_______________________________________________________________________
Department of Agriculture (USDA)                      Completed Actions
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS)
_______________________________________________________________________

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

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 7 USC 2131 to 2159

CFR Citation: 9 CFR 1 to 2

Legal Deadline: None

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

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            08/04/00                    65 FR 47908
NPRM Comment Period End         10/03/00
NPRM Comment Period Reopened and 
Extended                        10/19/00                    65 FR 62650
NPRM Comment Period End         11/20/00
Final Action                    07/14/04                    69 FR 42089
Final Action Effective          08/13/04

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: None

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

Agency Contact: 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
_______________________________________________________________________

244. IMPORTATION OF UNMANUFACTURED WOOD ARTICLES FROM MEXICO

Priority: Other Significant

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 319

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    08/26/04                    69 FR 52409
Final Action Effective          09/27/04

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Hesham A. Abuelnaga
Phone: 301 724-6799

RIN: 0579-AB02

[[Page 72920]]

_______________________________________________________________________

245. PSEUDORABIES IN SWINE; PAYMENT OF INDEMNITY

Priority: Other Significant

CFR Citation: 9 CFR 52

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    10/12/04                    69 FR 60542

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Adam G. Grow
Phone: 301 734-3752

RIN: 0579-AB10
_______________________________________________________________________

246. BEES AND RELATED ARTICLES (SECTION 610 REVIEW)

Priority: Other Significant

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 319; 7 CFR 322

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    10/21/04                    69 FR 61735
Final Action Effective          11/22/04

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: Federal

Agency Contact: Wayne Wehling
Phone: 301 734-8757

RIN: 0579-AB20
_______________________________________________________________________

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

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 7 USC 8301 to 8316

CFR Citation: 9 CFR 51

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This rule amended the brucellosis indemnity regulations to 
allow us to pay indemnity for sheep, goats, and horses destroyed 
because of brucellosis. This action makes 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                    07/13/04                    69 FR 41909
Final Action Effective          08/12/04

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

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

Agency Contact: Dr. Debra A. Donch, Senior Staff Veterinarian, National 
Center for Animal Health Programs, VS, Department of Agriculture, 
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, 4700 River Road, Unit 43, 
Riverdale, MD 20737-1231
Phone: 301 734-6954

RIN: 0579-AB42
_______________________________________________________________________

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

Priority: Other Significant

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 319

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    09/16/04                    69 FR 55719
Final Action Effective          09/16/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: Federal

Agency Contact: William Aley
Phone: 301 734-5057

RIN: 0579-AB48
_______________________________________________________________________

249. TRICHINAE CERTIFICATION PROGRAM

Priority: Other Significant

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

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Withdrawn                       09/20/04

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Agency Contact: Dave Pyburn
Phone: 515 284-4122

RIN: 0579-AB52
_______________________________________________________________________

250. <bullet<ls-thn-eq> ANIMAL WELFARE; DEFINITION OF ANIMAL

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 7 USC 2131 to 2159

CFR Citation: 9 CFR 1

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: We are amending the Animal Welfare Act (AWA) regulations to 
reflect an amendment to the Act's definition of the term animal. The 
Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 amended the definition 
of animal to specifically exclude birds, rats of the genus Rattus, and 
mice of the genus Mus, bred for use in research. While the definition 
of animal in the regulations excludes rats of the genus Rattus and mice 
of the genus Mus bred for use in research, that definition also 
excludes all birds (i.e., not just those birds bred for use in 
research). To make the definition of animal in the regulations 
consistent with the definition of animal in the AWA, this final rule 
amends the regulations by narrowing the scope of the exclusion for 
birds to only those birds bred for use in research. This final rule is 
intended only to make the definition of animal in the regulations 
consistent with the definition of animal in AWA. We do not intend to 
immediately begin regulating birds not bred for use in research as a 
result of this action.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    06/04/04                    69 FR 31513
Final Action Effective          06/05/04

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

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

[[Page 72921]]

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, Unit 84, Riverdale, MD 
20737
Phone: 301 734-7586

Related RIN: Previously reported as 0579-AB69
RIN: 0579-AB87
BILLING CODE 3410--34--S
_______________________________________________________________________
Department of Agriculture (USDA)                    Proposed Rule Stage
Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service (CSREES)
_______________________________________________________________________

251. CSREES AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH FORMULA PROGRAMS--ADMINISTRATIVE 
PROVISIONS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

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

CFR Citation: Not Yet Determined

Legal Deadline: None

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

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            06/00/05
Final Action                    12/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

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

RIN: 0524-AA27
_______________________________________________________________________

252. 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                            12/00/04
Final Action                    06/00/05

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
_______________________________________________________________________

253. GUIDELINES FOR HATCH MULTISTATE RESEARCH FUND

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 7 USC 361c

CFR Citation: Not Yet Determined

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The guidelines will be the administrative provisions for the 
Hatch Multistate Research Funds allocated to the State Agricultural 
Experiment Stations. This rule also includes the allocation and 
distribution method for these funds.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            12/00/04
Final Action                    06/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Janet Downey, Staff Accountant, Department of 
Agriculture, Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension 
Service, Waterfront Centre, 800 9th Street SW, Washington, DC 20024
Phone: 202 205-0453
Fax: 202 401 3481
Email: jdowney@csrees.usda.gov

RIN: 0524-AA29

[[Page 72922]]

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

254. MATCHING REQUIREMENTS FOR FORMULA FUNDS FOR AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH 
AND EXTENSION ACTIVITIES AT THE 1890 LAND-GRANT INSTITUTIONS AND AT THE 
1862 LAND-GRANT INSTITUTIONS IN INSULAR AREAS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 7 USC 361a et seq; 7 USC 341 et seq; 7 USC 1449

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 3419

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: Passage of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 
2002, sections 7212 and 7213, has changed the matching requirements for 
the 1890 Land-Grant Institutions and the 1862 Land-Grant Institutions 
in insular areas. Issues regarding the use of matching funds, sources 
of matching funds, and matching waivers for the Insular 1862 Land-Grant 
Institutions need to be clarified.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            04/29/03                    68 FR 23014
NPRM Comment Period End         06/30/03
Final Action                    12/00/04

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

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

RIN: 0524-AA25
_______________________________________________________________________
Department of Agriculture (USDA)                      Long-Term Actions
Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service (CSREES)
_______________________________________________________________________

255. CSREES AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION FORMULA PROGRAMS--ADMINISTRATIVE 
PROVISIONS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation: Not Yet Determined

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            12/00/05
Final Action                    06/00/06

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Ellen Danus
Phone: 202 401-4325
Fax: 202 401-7752
Email: edanus@reeusda.gov

RIN: 0524-AA26
_______________________________________________________________________
Department of Agriculture (USDA)                      Completed Actions
Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service (CSREES)
_______________________________________________________________________

256. <bullet<ls-thn-eq> FOOD AND AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES NATIONAL NEEDS 
GRADUATE AND POSTGRADUATE FELLOWSHIP GRANTS PROGRAM

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 7 USC 3152(b)(6)

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 3402

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension 
Service (CSREES) proposes to revise administrative provisions for the 
Food and Agricultural Sciences National Needs Graduate Fellowship 
Grants Program. The revisions would relax constraints that are causing 
grantees to return unexpended funds to CSREES and allow the Agency to 
provide support for Postdoctoral Fellows.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    10/26/04                    69 FR 62536

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

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

RIN: 0524-AA30
BILLING CODE 3410--09--S
_______________________________________________________________________
Department of Agriculture (USDA)                    Proposed Rule Stage
Rural Housing Service (RHS)
_______________________________________________________________________

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

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: PL 100-259; 29 USC 794; PL 94-135; 42 USC 6101 et seq; 
PL 94-239; 15 USC 1601 et seq; EO 11246; PL 88-352; 42 USC 2000d et 
seq; PL 90-284; 42 USC 3601 to 3619; PL 100-430; PL 92-318; 20 USC 1681 
et seq; PL 93-112; EO 12898

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

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Agency intends to publish a proposed rule to effectuate a 
comprehensive civil rights regulation implementing the following laws: 
The Equal Credit Opportunity Act (ECOA); title VI of the Civil Rights 
Act of 1964; title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968, as amended by 
the Fair Housing Amendments Act of 1988 (The Fair

[[Page 72923]]

Housing Act); section 504 Federally Conducted and Federally Assisted 
Programs; title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972; Age 
Discrimination Act of 1975; and Executive Orders 11246 and 12898 
(Environmental Justice). The revised regulations will provide detailed 
guidelines for field offices for improved enforcement and compliance 
with these laws, which heavily impact the Agency's programs. Mechanisms 
for monitoring compliance by field offices and recipients of Federal 
financial assistance at all levels will decrease the Agency's 
vulnerability that exists due to noncompliance with recently enacted 
Civil Rights legislation.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            10/00/05
NPRM Comment Period End         12/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Agency Contact: Carlton L. Lewis, Chief, Program Compliance Branch, 
Department of Agriculture, Rural Housing Service, STOP 0703, 1400 
Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 692-0097
TDD Phone: 202 692-0107
Fax: 202 692-0305
Email: carlton.lewis@usda.gov

RIN: 0575-AA83
_______________________________________________________________________

258. 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                            02/00/05
NPRM Comment Period End         04/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Small Entities Affected: Businesses, Governmental Jurisdictions, 
Organizations

Government Levels Affected: Federal, Local, State, Tribal

Agency Contact: Linda Rodgers, Technical Support Branch Chief, 
Department of Agriculture, Rural Housing Service, Room 6900/Stop 0761, 
1400 Independence Avenue SW, STOP 0761, Room 6900, Washington, DC 
20250-0761
Phone: 202 720-9647
Email: linda.rodgers@usda.gov

RIN: 0575-AC07
_______________________________________________________________________

259. SERVICING COMMUNITY PROGRAMS LOANS AND GRANTS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 5 USC 301; 7 USC 1989; 31 USC 3711; 42 USC 1480

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 3570, subpart E; 7 CFR 1951, subpart E; 7 CFR 1951, 
subpart O; 7 CFR 1955, subpart A; 7 CFR 1955, subpart B; 7 CFR 1955, 
subpart C; 7 CFR 1956, subpart C; 7 CFR 1951, subpart F

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Agency will consolidate seven regulations containing 
Community Facility (CF) servicing information into one, streamlined 
regulation. The Agency will also make changes to improve the servicing 
options available to CF borrowers. The goal is to work with borrowers 
to enable them to continue operating and providing essential community 
services to rural residents. This consolidation and the proposed 
changes will improve service to borrowers and will ensure that the 
Government's investment is protected and maximized. The proposed action 
will have no financial impact on the public or the Agency. The 
consolidation and revisions of these regulations will be in the best 
interest of the Government and the public.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            06/00/05
NPRM Comment Period End         08/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

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

RIN: 0575-AC12
_______________________________________________________________________

260. 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                            06/00/05
NPRM Comment Period End         08/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Carolyn Bell, Single Family Housing Direct Loan 
Division, Department of Agriculture, Rural Housing Service, Stop 0783, 
1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 720-1532
Fax: 202 720-2232

RIN: 0575-AC20
_______________________________________________________________________

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

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 7 USC 1926

[[Page 72924]]

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

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Rural Housing Service is seeking to consolidate, 
simplify, and update it'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                            06/00/05
NPRM Comment Period End         08/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

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

RIN: 0575-AC27
_______________________________________________________________________

262. 3550 REGULATION

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 42 USC 1472

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 3550

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: Rural Housing Service intends to revise the definitions of 
new and existing dwellings to remove the reference to a 10-year 
warranty plan; remove requirement that all CLT imposed restrictions 
terminate upon foreclosure by the Agency; remove dollar limits and use 
1 percent of insurance coverage on loss deductible clauses with the 
objective of recognizing the increasing cost of home ownership 
insurance due to higher cost of home purchase; and require homeowner 
education for new home buyers.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            12/00/04
NPRM Comment Period End         02/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Janet Carter, Senior Loan Specialist, Department of 
Agriculture, Rural Housing Service, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, STOP 
0783, Washington, DC 20250-0783
Phone: 202 720-1489
Fax: 202-690-0702
Email: janet.carter@usda.gov

RIN: 0575-AC54
_______________________________________________________________________

263. PLANNING AND PERFORMING CONSTRUCTION AND OTHER DEVELOPMENT

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is 
undetermined.

Legal Authority: 7 USC 1926; 42 USC 1472; 42 USC 1476; 42 USC 1479; 42 
USC 1490

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1924, subpart A; 7 CFR 1924, subpart C; 7 CFR 1942, 
subpart A

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Rural Housing Service (RHS) is consolidating, 
simplifying, and updating the Agency standards for planning and 
developing sites and buildings to bring them in line with contemporary 
industry standards. This Agency regulation will contain the policies 
and procedures for planning and developing sites and buildings proposed 
for RHS financial assistance. This effort will produce a user-friendly 
tool to help program constituents, rural communities, and Agency 
personnel. The consolidation effort will also bring the requirements of 
these two regulations in line with the Agency's Single Family Housing, 
Multi-Family Housing, Community Programs, and Business and Industry 
regulations and handbooks. This action will have no financial impact on 
the public or Agency. These consolidations and technical revisions are 
in the best interest of the Government and public. This is a positive 
and needed action in RHS program delivery and will add value to the 
access and delivery of the Agency's programs.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            02/00/05
NPRM Comment Period End         04/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Keith A. Suerdieck, Deputy Director, Program Support 
Staff, Department of Agriculture, Rural Housing Service, 6th Floor, 
Room 6900/Stop 0761, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-
0761
Phone: 202 720-9651
Fax: 202 690-4335
Email: keith.suerdieck@usda.gov

RIN: 0575-AC55
_______________________________________________________________________

264. ENVIRONMENTAL POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

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

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1794; 7 CFR 1901, subpart F; 7 CFR 1940, subpart G; 
7 CFR 1940, subpart J

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Rural Development Agencies (Rural Housing Service, Rural 
Utilities Service, and Rural Business-Cooperative Service) are seeking 
to consolidate, simplify, and update the different Agency environmental 
requirements into a common environmental regulation. This Rural 
Development regulation will replace 7 CFR 1794, the current RUS 
environmental regulation and 7 CFR 1940-G, the current RHS/RBS 
environmental regulation. This consolidation effort will produce a 
single user-friendly tool to help the program constituents, rural 
communities, and personnel of the Rural Development Agencies and bring 
the environmental requirements of Agency actions in line with the 
environmental requirements of other Federal programs for similar 
actions.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            01/00/05
NPRM Comment Period End         03/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Linda Rodgers, Technical Support Branch Chief,

[[Page 72925]]

Department of Agriculture, Rural Housing Service, Room 6900/Stop 0761, 
1400 Independence Avenue SW, STOP 0761, Room 6900, Washington, DC 
20250-0761
Phone: 202 720-9647
Email: linda.rodgers@usda.gov

RIN: 0575-AC56
_______________________________________________________________________

265. <bullet<ls-thn-eq> COMMUNITY PROGRAMS GUARANTEED LOANS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: Not Yet Determined

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 3575, subpart A

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Rural Housing Service proposes to amend its regulations 
utilized to service the Community Facilities guaranteed loan program by 
adding terms and definitions applicable to this subpart, amend or add 
existing regulation to establish reporting responsibilities for lenders 
participating in the program, and amend or add regulation to clarify 
program parameters in making, guaranteeing, holding, servicing, or 
liquidating guaranteed loans. The intended effect of this action is to 
provide a precise understanding of terms as they apply to eligibility 
and program implementation and maintenance, and to establish 
accountability for adequate servicing on guaranteed loans.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            12/00/04
NPRM Comment Period End         02/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Kendra L. Doedderlein, Senior Loan Specialist, 
Department of Agriculture, Rural Housing Service, 1400 Independence 
Avenue SW, STOP 0787, Washington, DC 20250-0787
Phone: 202 720-1503
Fax: 202-690-0471
Email: kendra.doedderlein@usda.gov

RIN: 0575-AC58
_______________________________________________________________________

266. <bullet<ls-thn-eq> AMEND 3550 REGULATION TO MODIFY EXISTING PAYMENT 
ASSISTANCE FORMULA

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

Unfunded Mandates: Undetermined

Legal Authority: Not Yet Determined

CFR Citation: Not Yet Determined

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: In 1996, a new payment assistance formula was implemented to 
provide assistance to Rural Housing Service customers to make 
homeownership affordable through the section 502 Direct Loan Program. 
No analysis has been conducted on the formula and its actual impacts 
since the change was implemented. Anecdotal information reveals that 
the formula may result in disparate treatment for some customers, 
especially those in the more rural counties. In addition, the formula 
is complex and difficult to explain to customers and partners. USDA has 
contracted for a study of the formula to determine the extent of 
disparate or unintended borrower treatments/consequences of the 
existing formula and develop more equitable and simplified alternatives 
to provide payment assistance to our customers without increasing the 
cost of the program to the Government. The Agency intends to solicit 
public comments on potential alternatives to the current formula and to 
publish proposed and final rule changes to the formula.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

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

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Federalism:  Undetermined

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-AC59
_______________________________________________________________________
Department of Agriculture (USDA)                       Final Rule Stage
Rural Housing Service (RHS)
_______________________________________________________________________

267. MULTI-FAMILY HOUSING (MFH) REINVENTION

Priority: Other Significant

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

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

Legal Deadline: None

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

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            06/02/03                    68 FR 32872
NPRM Comment Period End         08/01/03
Final Action                    12/00/04

[[Page 72926]]

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Sue Harris-Green, Deputy Director, Multi-Family Housing 
Direct Loans, Department of Agriculture, Rural Housing Service, 6th 
Floor, Stop 0782, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 720-1660
Email: susie.harris@usda.gov

Related RIN: Merged with 0575-AC24
RIN: 0575-AC13
_______________________________________________________________________

268. GUARANTEED SINGLE-FAMILY HOUSING

Priority: Other Significant

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

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 3555; 7 CFR 1980, subpart D

Legal Deadline: None

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

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            12/15/99                    64 FR 70124
NPRM Comment Period End         02/14/00
Final Action                    06/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: Local, State

Agency Contact: Roger Glendenning, Deputy Director, Guaranteed Loan 
Division, Department of Agriculture, Rural Housing Service, Room 2248/
Stop 0784, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, STOP 0784, Washington, DC 
20250-0780
Phone: 202 720-1480
Fax: 202 205-2476
Email: roger.glendenning@usda.gov

RIN: 0575-AC18
_______________________________________________________________________

269. 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.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            06/10/03                    68 FR 34552
NPRM Comment Period End         08/11/03
Final Action                    12/00/04

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

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

RIN: 0575-AC28
_______________________________________________________________________

270. SERVICING OF COMMUNITY AND DIRECT BUSINESS PROGRAMS LOANS AND 
GRANTS--WORKOUT AGREEMENTS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 5 USC 301; 7 USC 1932; 7 USC 1989; 42 USC 1480

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1951; 7 CFR 1956

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This action is to establish a workout agreement with 
delinquent borrowers to collect delinquent loans prior to referral for 
treasury offset.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            04/30/04                    69 FR 23697
NPRM Comment Period End         06/29/04
Final Action                    11/00/04
Final Action Effective          12/00/04

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Daniel Spieldenner, Senior Loan Specialist, Department 
of Agriculture, Rural Housing Service, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, 
STOP 0787, Washington, DC 20250-0787
Phone: 202 720-9700
Fax: 202-690-0471
Email: dan.spieldenner@usda.gov

RIN: 0575-AC57
BILLING CODE 3410--XV--S
_______________________________________________________________________
Department of Agriculture (USDA)                    Proposed Rule Stage
Federal Crop Insurance Corporation (FCIC)
_______________________________________________________________________

271. 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

[[Page 72927]]

sanctionable offenses, and the evidentiary standards to be followed.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            02/00/05

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
_______________________________________________________________________

272. GENERAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGULATIONS; ACTUAL PRODUCTION HISTORY (APH)

Priority: Other Significant

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

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 400

Legal Deadline: None

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

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            11/00/04

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

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

RIN: 0563-AB83
_______________________________________________________________________
Department of Agriculture (USDA)                       Final Rule Stage
Federal Crop Insurance Corporation (FCIC)
_______________________________________________________________________

273. GENERAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGULATIONS; NONSTANDARD UNDERWRITING 
CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM

Priority: Other Significant

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

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 400

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: Nonstandard Underwriting Classification System (NCS): NCS was 
criticized by producers and their representatives for several years and 
became a major issue with the repetitive floods in the upper Midwest 
and multi-year droughts in the Southwest. Complaints included claims 
that the NCS procedures: 1) Did not adequately exclude widespread 
causes of loss (disaster adjustment); 2) failed to recognize diverse 
conditions within a county; 3) unfairly hit new or struggling producers 
caught by repetitive disasters; and 4) set too high a premium for those 
producers listed. Additionally, administration of the NCS process was 
complicated, sometimes subjective, and labor intensive.
The Advanced Notice of Proposed Rulemaking that was published in the 
Federal Register in September 1997 sought comments from the public on 
options to improve NCS. Twenty-two comments were received in response 
to the advanced notice. RMA decided to replace NCS with a process that 
charged appropriate rates for those producers with adverse loss 
experience and less than average production histories.
RMA examined increasing premium rates based on producers' lower APH 
yields and using a surcharge based on 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                    02/00/05

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
_______________________________________________________________________

274. COMMON CROP INSURANCE REGULATIONS; NURSERY CROP INSURANCE 
PROVISIONS

Priority: Other Significant

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

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 457

Legal Deadline: None

[[Page 72928]]

Abstract: The purpose of this proposed rule is to solicit public 
comments on FCIC's proposed action to revise the Nursery Crop 
Provisions for the 2006 crop year to: Specify that container grown and 
field grown plants are separate crops, provide optional units by 
location for field grown nursery plants, incorporate the ``lower of'' 
rule into section 6 of the provisions, permit insureds to purchase 
insurance 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                            08/09/04                    69 FR 48166
NPRM Comment Period End         10/08/04
Final Action                    04/00/05

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
_______________________________________________________________________

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

Priority: Other Significant

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

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 400

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: Minor revisions will be made to the regulation for 
clarification and other revisions will be made as specified: Remove the 
need to publish policies from 508(h) submissions as a Notice of 
Availability in the Federal Register; information will be made 
available electronically to producers and approved insurance providers; 
confidential information may be withheld from the public under the 
standard for privileged or confidential information pertaining to trade 
secrets and commercial or financial information even after approval by 
the Board; there will be an expert review of submissions; the applicant 
will be notified in writing at least 30 days prior to the Board 
disapproving a submission, if the Board intends to disapprove the 
submission; a submission will be deemed approved by the Board if the 
Board fails to make a determination within a prescribed time period; 
applicants will be reimbursed for research and developmental costs and 
maintenance costs; and companies selling the product will pay fees to 
the developer of the product after the fourth year of the applicant 
being paid maintenance costs unless maintenance for the product is 
transferred to FCIC.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            07/16/01                    66 FR 36951
NPRM Comment Period End         08/15/01
Interim Final Rule              09/17/01                    66 FR 47949
Interim Final Rule Comment 
Period End                      11/16/01
Final Action                    02/00/05

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
_______________________________________________________________________
Department of Agriculture (USDA)                      Completed Actions
Federal Crop Insurance Corporation (FCIC)
_______________________________________________________________________

276. COMMON CROP INSURANCE REGULATIONS; BLUEBERRY CROP INSURANCE 
PROVISIONS

Priority: Routine and Frequent

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 457

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    08/25/04                    69 FR 52151
Final Action Effective          08/30/04

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Timothy Hoffmann
Phone: 816 926-7743

RIN: 0563-AB76
_______________________________________________________________________

277. COMMON CROP INSURANCE REGULATIONS; PROCESSING TOMATO CROP INSURANCE 
PROVISIONS

Priority: Routine and Frequent

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 457

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    07/27/04                    69 FR 44575
Final Action Effective          08/26/04

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Timothy Hoffmann
Phone: 816 926-7743

RIN: 0563-AB90
_______________________________________________________________________

278. COMMON CROP INSURANCE REGULATIONS; PECAN REVENUE CROP INSURANCE 
PROVISIONS

Priority: Routine and Frequent

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 457

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    08/25/04                    69 FR 52157
Final Action Effective          08/30/04

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Timothy Hoffmann
Phone: 816 926-7743

RIN: 0563-AB91

[[Page 72929]]

_______________________________________________________________________

279. COMMON CROP INSURANCE REGULATIONS; APPLE CROP INSURANCE PROVISIONS

Priority: Routine and Frequent

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 457

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    08/27/04                    69 FR 52583
Final Action Effective          08/30/04

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Timothy Hoffmann
Phone: 816 926-7743

RIN: 0563-AB92
_______________________________________________________________________

280. COMMON CROP INSURANCE REGULATIONS; PEANUT CROP INSURANCE PROVISIONS

Priority: Routine and Frequent

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 457

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            05/17/04                    69 FR 27864
Final Action                    10/29/04                    69 FR 63041
Final Action Effective          11/29/04

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Timothy Hoffmann
Phone: 816 926-7743

RIN: 0563-AB93
_______________________________________________________________________

281. GENERAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGULATIONS; BASIC PROVISIONS

Priority: Other Significant

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 457

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    08/10/04                    69 FR 48652
Final Action Effective          08/30/04

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Timothy Hoffmann
Phone: 816 926-7743

Related RIN: Related to 0563-AB85
RIN: 0563-AB94
BILLING CODE 3410--08--S
_______________________________________________________________________
Department of Agriculture (USDA)                    Proposed Rule Stage
Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration (GIPSA)
_______________________________________________________________________

282. PROCESS VERIFICATION SERVICE AND ASSOCIATED FEES

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

Legal Authority: 7 USC 1621

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 868.31

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: GIPSA is proposing to establish a process verification 
service for grain, rice, pulses and processed commodities derived there 
from, and associated user fees under the authority of the AMA of 1946. 
This service is being proposed to provide United States Agriculture 
assistance in facilitating the marketing of grain and similar 
commodities. GIPSA also proposes to remove regulations which prohibit 
crop year, variety, and origin statements because the process 
verification program could serve as an industry tool for identifying 
these traits.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            12/00/04

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

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

RIN: 0580-AA85
BILLING CODE 3410--EN--S
_______________________________________________________________________
Department of Agriculture (USDA)                    Proposed Rule Stage
Food and Nutrition Service (FNS)
_______________________________________________________________________

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

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

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

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 272; 7 CFR 273

Legal Deadline: None

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

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

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

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: Local, State

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

[[Page 72930]]

Email: sheri.ackerman@fns.usda.gov

RIN: 0584-AB51
_______________________________________________________________________

284. FOOD DISTRIBUTION PROGRAM ON INDIAN RESERVATIONS: RESOURCE LIMITS 
AND EXCLUSIONS, EXTENDED CERTIFICATION PERIODS, AND TRANSITIONAL 
BENEFITS

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 7 USC 2011 to 2032

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 253; 7 CFR 254

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This proposed rule would amend FDPIR regulations by: 1) 
Bringing the maximum level of allowable resources in line with the Food 
Stamp Program by: a) Establishing a new resource limit of $3,000 for 
households with a disabled member, and b) increasing the resource limit 
from $1,750 to $2,000 for households without elderly or disabled 
members; 2) allowing a resource exclusion for the first $1,500 of the 
value of one prepaid funeral arrangement per household member; 3) 
allowing households in which all members are elderly or disabled to be 
certified for up to 24 months; and 4) allowing State agencies the 
option to provide transitional benefits to households that leave the 
Temporary Assistance Program for Needy Families. The above provisions 
are modeled after Food Stamp Program provisions. (01-005)

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            08/00/05
NPRM Comment Period Ends        10/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: State, Tribal

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

RIN: 0584-AD12
_______________________________________________________________________

285. CHILD AND ADULT CARE FOOD PROGRAM (CACFP): AT-RISK AFTERSCHOOL 
SUPPERS

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: PL 106-224, sec 243(i)

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 226

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This proposed rule would revise the Child and Adult Care Food 
Program (CACFP) regulations to allow reimbursement of suppers provided 
by at-risk afterschool care programs in seven States. Six States were 
initially authorized by the Agricultural Risk Protection Act (Pub. L. 
106-224); the seventh State was authorized by fiscal year 2002 
appropriation legislation. At-risk suppers in these States (Delaware, 
Illinois, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Missouri, New York, and Oregon) are 
reimbursed under the same conditions set forth in the National School 
Lunch Act (NSLA) for at-risk snacks in the CACFP. Children who are 18 
or younger and enrolled in qualifying afterschool programs located in 
the seven States may receive free suppers. To qualify, afterschool care 
programs must be located in low-income areas, provide care to children, 
and have an educational or enrichment purpose. (01-007)

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

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

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: Local, State

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

RIN: 0584-AD15
_______________________________________________________________________

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

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 7 USC 2011 to 2036

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 272; 7 CFR 273

Legal Deadline: None

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

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            09/00/05
NPRM Comment Period End         11/00/05
Final Action                     To Be                       Determined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: Local, State

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

RIN: 0584-AD25
_______________________________________________________________________

287. SENIOR FARMERS' MARKET NUTRITION PROGRAM (SFMNP)

 Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 6 in part II of this issue of 
the Federal Register.

RIN: 0584-AD35
_______________________________________________________________________

288. 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

[[Page 72931]]

addresses, store type, and whether the vendor has been disqualified; 
protects State agencies against loss of revenue due to vendor 
nonselection; provides for an abbreviated administrative review when a 
State agency issues a civil money penalty in lieu of a reciprocal WIC 
disqualification; allows State agencies to share confidential vendor 
and participant information with an infant formula manufacturer or 
other food manufacturer with whom the State agency executes a rebate 
contract, for the purpose of verifying the accuracy of a rebate 
billing; and prohibits State agencies from requiring infant formula 
manufacturers to provide the formula or other items as part of their 
infant formula rebate solicitations and contracts. (02-013)

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            03/00/05
NPRM Comment Period End         07/00/05
Final Action                    12/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: Businesses, Governmental Jurisdictions

Government Levels Affected: Federal, Local, State, Tribal

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

RIN: 0584-AD36
_______________________________________________________________________

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

 Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 7 in part II of this issue of 
the Federal Register.

RIN: 0584-AD37
_______________________________________________________________________

290. PROCUREMENT REQUIREMENTS FOR THE NATIONAL SCHOOL LUNCH, SCHOOL 
BREAKFAST, AND SPECIAL MILK PROGRAMS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 42 USC 1752

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 210, 215, 220

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This proposed rule would update the regulations for the 
National School Lunch Program, the Special Milk Program, and the School 
Breakfast Program regarding the use of federal funds for the provision 
of meals for school children. This rule will prohibit school food 
authorities (SFA) from using funds in the non-profit school food 
service account for expenditures made under improperly procured 
contracts. The expected result is that regulatory language will ensure 
optimum utilization of funds in the non-profit school food service 
account. (03-001)

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            12/00/04

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: Local, State

Federalism:  Undetermined

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

RIN: 0584-AD38
_______________________________________________________________________

291. CHILD NUTRITION PROGRAMS: NATIONAL SCHOOL LUNCH PROGRAM; SERVING 
FRUITS AND VEGETABLES AS AFTERSCHOOL SNACKS

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

Legal Authority: 42 USC 1751 et seq, Richard B. Russell National School 
Lunch Act

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 210.10

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This proposed rule would require that a fresh vegetable or a 
fresh/dried fruit be one of the components served in the afterschool 
snack service under the National School Lunch Program and that it be 
served at least three times per 5-day week. The U.S. Department of 
Agriculture is establishing this requirement to promote the health of 
the Nation's school children by encouraging them to consume more fruits 
and vegetables. (03-003)

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            01/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: Federal, Local, State

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

RIN: 0584-AD40
_______________________________________________________________________

292. WIC FARMERS' MARKET NUTRITION PROGRAM (FMNP): FUNDING FORMULA RULE

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

Legal Authority: 42 USC 1786

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 248

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The FMNP is a fixed grant program with limited funds. Funding 
increases are not guaranteed from year to year. Section 17(m) of the 
Child Nutrition Act of 1966, as amended, sets forth broad funding 
requirements for the FMNP. By law, after base grants are provided to 
current State agencies, i.e., total Federal funds received in the prior 
fiscal year, the remaining funds are divided so that 75 percent is 
provided for expansion funds for current State agencies and 25 percent 
is provided for new State agencies. Currently, beyond the division of 
funds noted above, there are no requirements for how to allocate funds 
for expansion and new State agencies when funds requested exceed the 
amount of available funds. This proposed regulation would amend 7 CFR 
part 248 to set forth a funding formula in cases where FMNP funds 
requested exceed available funds to allocate. The proposed methodology 
would provide a base funding level for each State agency. Funding above 
the base level would be based on the individual State agency's need 
relative to all other State agencies' needs. (03-004)

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            09/00/05

[[Page 72932]]

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: Businesses, Governmental Jurisdictions

Government Levels Affected: Federal, Local, State, Tribal

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

RIN: 0584-AD41
_______________________________________________________________________

293. <bullet<ls-thn-eq> FSP: REVISIONS TO BONDING REQUIREMENTS FOR 
VIOLATING RETAIL AND WHOLESALE FOOD CONCERNS

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

Unfunded Mandates: Undetermined

Legal Authority: 7 USC 2021

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 278.1(b)(4)

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The proposed rule will revise the current bonding 
requirements set forth in section 278.1(b)(4) of Food Stamp Program 
(FSP) regulations that are imposed against retailers who have violated 
FSP rules and regulations. Section 12(d) of the Food Stamp Act of 1977 
(the Act), as amended, gives the Secretary of Agriculture the 
discretionary authority to require that retailers who have been 
sanctioned for program violations present a collateral bond as a 
condition of future authorization. The Act also gives the Secretary the 
authority to prescribe the amount, terms, and conditions of such bonds 
by regulation. Currently, all violating retailers that are sanctioned 
for a specified period of time or imposed a civil money penalty are 
required to submit a bond if they wish to continue to participate in 
the FSP. The bond must be valid as long as the firm is authorized to 
participate in the FSP regardless of the period of disqualification 
imposed or the amount of the civil money penalty assessed. Retailers 
are required to renew their bond through a financial institution on a 
periodic basis. The proposed rule will: 1) Eliminate the current 
bonding requirement for retailers who are disqualified for a period of 
6 months or imposed a civil money penalty in lieu of a 6-month 
disqualification period; and 2) Limit the renewal requirement to 1 year 
for retailers who are disqualified for a specified period of time 
greater than 6 months or imposed a civil money penalty in lieu of a 
specified period of time greater than 6 months. Section 278.2(f) of the 
FSP regulations stipulates that retail food stores may not accept food 
stamp benefits in payment for any eligible food sold to food stamp 
households on credit. Thus, the proposed rule will also assign a 
specified period of time for retailers to be removed from the program 
for accepting food stamp benefits in payment for eligible food on 
credit. (04-002)

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            05/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Federalism:  Undetermined

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

RIN: 0584-AD44
_______________________________________________________________________

294. DONATED FOODS IN CHILD NUTRITION PROGRAMS, THE NUTRITION SERVICES 
INCENTIVE PROGRAM, AND CHARITABLE INSTITUTIONS, INCLUDING CONTRACTS WITH 
FOOD SERVICE MANAGEMENT COMPANIES

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: Older Americans Act of 1965, as amended

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 250.12, 250.40, 250.41, 250.42, 250.48; 7 CFR 
250.49, 250.50

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This proposed rule would revise or clarify requirements with 
respect to the distribution, management, and use of donated foods in 
child nutrition programs, the Nutrition Services Incentive Program, and 
by charitable institutions. Most significantly, it would establish 
specific requirements to ensure that school food authorities and other 
recipient agencies in child nutrition programs receive the benefit of 
all donated foods provided under contract with food service management 
companies to conduct the food service. It would require the food 
service management company to credit the school food authority for 
donated foods received, through invoice reductions or crediting. The 
rule would provide some flexibility in crediting for, and use of 
donated foods, by allowing the school to negotiate donated food values 
with the food service management company, and by allowing the food 
service management company to substitute donated foods with 
commercially purchased foods, with the exception of (1) donated beef 
and pork, and (2) end products received from processors. (04-003)

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            09/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: Local, State, Tribal

Federalism:  Undetermined

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

RIN: 0584-AD45
_______________________________________________________________________

295. <bullet<ls-thn-eq> FSP: REGULATION RESTRUCTURING TO REFLECT THE END 
OF COUPON ISSUANCE SYSTEMS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is 
undetermined.

Legal Authority: 7 USC 2011 to 2034

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 274.8 and 274.12

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The proposed changes to the Food Stamp Program's regulations 
are being put forth to account for the replacement of the paper coupon 
issuance system with the Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) system as 
the nationwide method of distributing benefits to program recipients. 
These changes will remove coupon issuance regulations that are no 
longer

[[Page 72933]]

applicable, revise regulatory language to more appropriately connote 
the new EBT issuance system (such as eliminating the use of the term 
``coupon,'' and replacing it with either ``benefits'' or ``EBT card''), 
and reorganize sections to develop a more cohesive set of issuance and 
retailer regulations. None of the changes will have any policy impacts. 
The regulatory revisions, however, are necessary to avoid confusion by 
ensuring that the issuance and redemption requirements are clear and 
comprehensible. The sections that will be updated and reorganized by 
the proposed rule are 7 CFR parts 274 and 278. (04-004)

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            12/00/04
NPRM Comment Period End         02/00/05
Final Action                    08/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

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

RIN: 0584-AD48
_______________________________________________________________________

296. <bullet<ls-thn-eq> SPECIAL NUTRITION PROGRAMS: FLUID MILK 
SUBSTITUTIONS

 Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 8 in part II of this issue of 
the Federal Register.

RIN: 0584-AD58
_______________________________________________________________________
Department of Agriculture (USDA)                       Final Rule Stage
Food and Nutrition Service (FNS)
_______________________________________________________________________

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

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 42 USC 1786

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 246

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This final rule amends certain provisions of the WIC program 
regulations in response to issues raised by WIC State agencies and 
incorporates longstanding program policies into regulations, with the 
intention to strengthen services to WIC participants, improve Program 
administration, and increase State agency flexibility in managing the 
Program. The final rule takes into consideration comments received on 
the proposed rule, which was published on December 12, 2002 (67 FR 
71774). It also increases the maximum fine for theft or fraud from 
$10,000 to $25,000, in accordance with a nondiscretionary provision of 
Public Law 105-336. (89-515)

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            12/02/02                    67 FR 71774
NPRM Comment Period End         04/01/03
Final Action                    07/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: Local, State, Tribal

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

RIN: 0584-AB10
_______________________________________________________________________

298. CHILD AND ADULT CARE FOOD PROGRAM: IMPROVING MANAGEMENT AND PROGRAM 
INTEGRITY

 Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 9 in part II of this issue of 
the Federal Register.

RIN: 0584-AC24
_______________________________________________________________________

299. FOOD STAMP PROGRAM REGULATORY REVIEW: FSP STANDARDS FOR APPROVAL 
AND OPERATION OF FOOD STAMP ELECTRONIC BENEFIT TRANSFER SYSTEMS

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 7 USC 2011 to 2034

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 274.12

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This rule makes revisions to food stamp regulations affecting 
the standards and administration of EBT systems for food stamp 
issuance. Current regulations at 7 CFR 274.12 delineate the standards 
that EBT systems must meet in order to be approved for operation. This 
rule revises those regulations to provide the State agency more 
flexibility in implementing and operating those systems. Clarifications 
and FNS settlement improvements are also incorporated into the rule. 
(96-016)

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            07/12/01                    66 FR 36495
NPRM Comment Period End         09/10/01
Final Action                    12/00/04

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

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

RIN: 0584-AC37
_______________________________________________________________________

300. 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

[[Page 72934]]

reimbursement for snacks served under the NSLP in afterschool care 
programs operated by schools. The afterschool program must be organized 
primarily to provide care for children and have an educational or 
enrichment purpose. Additionally, the statute mandates free snacks for 
all children enrolled in afterschool care programs operated by schools 
in areas served by a school in which at least 50 percent of the 
enrolled children are certified for free or reduced price meals. (98-
007)

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            10/11/00                    65 FR 60502
NPRM Comment Period End         01/09/01
Final Action                    04/00/05
Final Action Effective          05/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: Local, State

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

RIN: 0584-AC72
_______________________________________________________________________

301. 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 final rule changes the racial categories for State Food 
Stamp Program reporting to comply with the new Federal racial 
categories. (98-010)

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            11/27/02                    67 FR 70861
NPRM Comment Period End         01/27/03
Final Action                    03/00/05
Final Action Effective          10/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: Local, State

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

RIN: 0584-AC75
_______________________________________________________________________

302. COMMODITY SUPPLEMENTAL FOOD PROGRAM (CSFP): PLAIN LANGUAGE, PROGRAM 
ACCOUNTABILITY, AND PROGRAM FLEXIBILITY

 Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 10 in part II of this issue of 
the Federal Register.

RIN: 0584-AC84
_______________________________________________________________________

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

Priority: Other Significant

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

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

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

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

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule Effective    10/01/00
Interim Final Rule              01/11/01                     66 FR 2195
Interim Final Rule Comment 
Period End                      04/11/01
Final Action                    10/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: Local, State

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

RIN: 0584-AC95
_______________________________________________________________________

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

Priority: Info./Admin./Other

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

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 210, 215, 220, 225, 226, and 235

Legal Deadline: None

[[Page 72935]]

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

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    06/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: Local, State

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

RIN: 0584-AD16
_______________________________________________________________________

305. AFTERSCHOOL SNACKS UNDER THE CHILD AND ADULT CARE FOOD PROGRAM

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: PL 105-336

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 226

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The William F. Goodling Child Nutrition Reauthorization Act 
of 1998 amended the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act to 
authorize reimbursement for snacks served under CACFP in afterschool 
care programs operated by at-risk centers. The afterschool program must 
be organized primarily to provide care for children and have an 
educational or enrichment purpose. All snacks are served free to 
participants because at-risk centers are located in eligible areas 
(that is, areas served by a school in which at least 50 percent of the 
enrolled children are certified for free or reduced price meals). (02-
004)

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            10/11/00                    65 FR 60502
NPRM Comment Period End         01/09/01
Final Action                    04/00/05
Final Action Effective          05/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: Federal, Local, State

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

RIN: 0584-AD27
_______________________________________________________________________

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

Priority: Other Significant

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

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

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

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

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            05/06/03                    68 FR 23927
NPRM Comment Period End         07/07/03
Final Action                    01/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

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

RIN: 0584-AD28
_______________________________________________________________________

307. FSP: HIGH PERFORMANCE BONUSES

 Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 11 in part II of this issue of 
the Federal Register.

RIN: 0584-AD29
_______________________________________________________________________

308. FSP: ELIGIBILITY AND CERTIFICATION PROVISIONS OF THE FARM SECURITY 
AND RURAL INVESTMENT ACT OF 2002

 Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 12 in part II of this issue of 
the Federal Register.

RIN: 0584-AD30
_______________________________________________________________________

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

 Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 13 in part II of this issue of 
the Federal Register.

RIN: 0584-AD31
_______________________________________________________________________

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

 Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 14 in part II of this issue of 
the Federal Register.

RIN: 0584-AD32

[[Page 72936]]

_______________________________________________________________________

311. DATA COLLECTION RELATED TO INSTITUTIONS, ORGANIZATIONS, SITES, AND 
FACILITIES

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: EO 13279

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 210; 7 CFR 220; 7 CFR 225; 7 CFR 226; 7 CFR 246; 7 
CFR 247; 7 CFR 251

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: Executive Order 13279, which was signed on December 12, 2002, 
instructs Federal agencies, to the extent permitted by law, to collect 
data regarding the participation of faith-based and community-based 
organizations in social service programs that receive Federal financial 
assistance. This rulemaking would authorize the Secretary of 
Agriculture to require State agencies to collect and submit data to the 
Food and Nutrition Service that identifies the numbers, by categories 
to be determined by the Secretary, of institutions, organizations, 
sites, and facilities that apply to and participate in the Federal 
nutrition assistance programs. This rulemaking would add requirements 
to the following programs: Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for 
Women, Infants and Children, National School Lunch Program, School 
Breakfast Program, Child and Adult Care Food Program, Summer Food 
Service Program, Commodity Supplemental Food Program, and the Emergency 
Food Assistance Program. The data collection effort will end five years 
after the effective data of the interim final rule. (04-001)

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              06/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: Businesses, Organizations

Government Levels Affected: Federal, Local, State, Tribal

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

RIN: 0584-AD43
_______________________________________________________________________

312. <bullet<ls-thn-eq> SPECIAL SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION PROGRAM FOR 
WOMEN, INFANTS, AND CHILDREN (WIC): DISCRETIONARY WIC VENDOR PROVISIONS 
IN THE CHILD NUTRITION AND WIC REAUTHORIZATION ACT OF 2004, PUBLIC LAW 
108-265

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

Legal Authority: 42 USC 1786

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 246

Legal Deadline: Final, Statutory, December 2004.

Abstract: The purpose of this rule is to implement the following 
discretionary provisions of the Child Nutrition and WIC Reauthorization 
Act of 2004, Public Law 108-265, concerning WIC vendor management: 1) 
requires State agencies to notify vendors of an initial violation when 
a pattern of violations is required before documenting a subsequent 
violation, unless it would compromise an investigation; 2) requires a 
State agency to maintain a list of infant formula wholesalers, 
distributors, and retailers licensed in the State, and formula 
manufacturers registered with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, 
and requires authorized vendors to only purchase infant formula from 
those entities on the State agency's list; and, 3) establishes 
restrictions on the provision of incentive items to participants by 
vendors for which most food proceeds result from WIC purchases. (04-
007)

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              02/00/05
Interim Final Rule Effective    02/00/05
Interim Final Rule Comment 
Period End                      09/00/05
Final Action                    09/00/05
Final Action Effective          09/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Small Entities Affected: Businesses, Governmental Jurisdictions

Government Levels Affected: Federal, Local, State, Tribal

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

RIN: 0584-AD47
_______________________________________________________________________

313. <bullet<ls-thn-eq> SEVERE NEED ASSISTANCE IN THE SCHOOL BREAKFAST 
PROGRAM

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: PL 108-265

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 220

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: Currently, in order to receive the higher severe need School 
Breakfast Program reimbursements, schools must have served 40 percent + 
of their lunches free or at a reduced price in the second preceding 
year and must document their costs. They receive the lesser of their 
documented costs or the severe need rate.
In response to Public Law 108-265, which amended the Child Nutrition 
Act of 1966, 7 CFR 220, the School Breakfast Program's regulations will 
be revised to remove the requirement to document costs. This law was 
also revised to require that the Secretary determine how schools 
without a 2nd preceding year history may qualify for severe need 
reimbursements. (04-008)

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              06/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: Local, State

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

RIN: 0584-AD50
_______________________________________________________________________

314. <bullet<ls-thn-eq> DISTRICT-WIDE USE OF PROVISIONS 2 AND 3

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: PL 108-265

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 245

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: Currently, schools may choose to use ``Provision 2'' or

[[Page 72937]]

``Provision 3,'' to reduce application burdens and simplify meal 
counting and claiming procedures. Provision 2 allows schools to 
establish claiming percentages and to serve all meals at no charge for 
a 4-year period. Provision 3 allows schools to simply receive the same 
level of Federal cash and commodity assistance each year, with some 
adjustments, for a 4-year period. Both provisions are used by schools 
with significant percentages of children eligible for free and reduced-
price school meals. Schools serve all meals at no cost to the child but 
continue to be reimbursed at the rate determined in the year that the 
actual number of free and reduced price eligible children was 
determined.
In response to Public Law 108-265, which amended the Richard B. Russell 
National School Lunch Act, 7 CFR 245, Determining Eligibility for Free 
and Reduced Price Meals and Free Milk in Schools, will be revised to 
allow school districts to use ``Provision 2`` or ''Provision 3`` on a 
district-wide basis as well as on a school basis. (04-009)

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              06/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: Local, State

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

RIN: 0584-AD51
_______________________________________________________________________

315. <bullet<ls-thn-eq> ADMINISTRATIVE ERROR REDUCTION IN THE SCHOOL 
MEALS PROGRAMS

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: PL 108-265

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 210; 7 CFR 220

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: Public Law 108-265, the Child Nutrition and WIC 
Reauthorization Act of 2004 (Act), amended the Richard B. Russell 
National School Lunch Act and Section 7 of the Child Nutrition Act of 
1966 in the following ways. The new law:
-- Establishes the additional category of schools at high risk for 
administrative errors, as defined by the Secretary, that are subject to 
an additional administrative review;
-- Details a corrective action plan for States that fail to meet 
Secretary's performance criteria;
-- Allocates funds to States based on number of local education 
agencies with high level or high risk for administrative error. (04-
010)

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              07/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Small Entities Affected: Governmental Jurisdictions

Government Levels Affected: Local, State

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

RIN: 0584-AD52
_______________________________________________________________________

316. <bullet<ls-thn-eq> STATE ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: PL 108-265

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 235

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: State Administrative Expense Fund regulations will be revised 
to increase the minimum State grant for administrative expenses to 
$200,000 a year (indexed after fiscal year 2008) and requires that: For 
fiscal years 2005 through 2007, no State will receive less than its 
fiscal year 2004 allocation. This rule will also require States to 
submit, for the Secretary's approval, an amendment to their State plan 
indicating how it will allocate their State administrative expense 
funds for information management systems that improve program integrity 
by (1) monitoring the nutrient content of meals; (2) training schools 
and school food authorities in how to use technology and information 
management systems for menu planning, collecting ``point-of-sale'' 
data, processing applications for free and reduced-price meals, and 
verifying eligibility; and (3) using electronic data to establish 
benchmarks to monitor program integrity, program participation, and 
financial data across schools and school food authorities. (04-011)

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              06/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: State

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

RIN: 0584-AD53
_______________________________________________________________________

317. <bullet<ls-thn-eq> APPLYING FOR FREE AND REDUCED PRICE MEALS IN 
SCHOOLS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: PL 108-265

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 245

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The regulations for determining eligibility for free and 
reduced price meals and free milk in schools, will be revised to 
require that:
(1) Descriptive materials distributed to parents and guardians contain 
a notification that:
-- Participants in the special supplemental nutrition program for 
women, infants, and children (the WIC program), the Food Stamp Program, 
the Food Distribution Program on Indian reservations, and State 
Temporary Assistance for Needy families (TANF) programs may be eligible 
for free or reduced-price school meals; and
-- Documentation may be requested for verification of eligibility for 
free or reduced-price meals;
(2) Eligibility determinations for free or reduced-price school meals 
(other than cases where ``direct certification'' is used) are to be 
made on the basis of

[[Page 72938]]

a complete application executed by an adult member of the household or 
in accordance with guidance issued by the Secretary. It will also 
stipulate that the household application must identify the names of 
each child in the household for whom free or reduced-price meal 
benefits are being requested and bars State agencies and local 
educational authorities from requesting separate applications for each 
child in cases where the children attend schools in the same local 
educational authority;
(3) Explicitly permits applications with electronic signatures if the 
application is submitted electronically and the application filing 
system meets confidentiality standards set by the Secretary; and
(4) Eligibility for free or reduced-price school meals remains valid 
for 1 year for most students. Eligibility would remain in effect 
beginning with approval for the current school year and ending on a 
date during the subsequent school year determined by the Secretary. An 
exception is included for cases where verification activities indicate 
ineligibility. (04-012)

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              06/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: Local, State

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

RIN: 0584-AD54
_______________________________________________________________________

318. <bullet<ls-thn-eq> NATIONAL SCHOOL LUNCH AND SCHOOL BREAKFAST 
PROGRAMS: FLUID MILK REQUIREMENT

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: PL 108-265, sec 102

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 210; 7 CFR 220

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: Currently, reimbursable school meals must offer types of 
fluid milk consistent with prior year preferences, unless the prior 
year preference for a particular type of milk was less than 1 percent 
of the total milk consumed.
In response to Public Law 108-265, which amended the Richard B. Russell 
National School Lunch Act, the National School Lunch Program and School 
Breakfast Program regulations will be revised to require that school 
meals offer fluid milk in a variety of fat contents, regardless of the 
prior year preferences. (04-013)

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    02/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: Local, State

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

RIN: 0584-AD55
_______________________________________________________________________

319. <bullet<ls-thn-eq> IMPLEMENTING PROVISIONS FROM THE CHILD NUTRITION 
AND WIC REAUTHORIZATION ACT OF 2004: INCREASING THE MAXIMUM AGE FOR 
CHILDREN IN HOMELESS SHELTERS THAT PARTICIPATE IN THE CACFP

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: PL 108-265

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 226

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This rule will implement a provision of the Child Nutrition 
and WIC Reauthorization Act of 2004 that authorizes the reimbursement 
of CACFP meals served to children through age 18 who are residing in 
emergency shelters. Previously, CACFP reimbursements to emergency 
shelters were limited to meals served to children through age 12. (04-
014)

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Direct Final Rule               04/00/05
Comment Period End              05/00/05
Direct Final Rule Effective     07/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: Local, State

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

RIN: 0584-AD56
_______________________________________________________________________

320. <bullet<ls-thn-eq> NATIONAL SCHOOL LUNCH PROGRAM: MARKETING AND 
SALES OF FLUID MILK PRODUCTS IN SCHOOLS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: PL 108-265

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 210

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: Public Law 108-265 amended the Richard B. Russell National 
School Lunch Act to prohibit schools from directly or indirectly 
restricting the sale or marketing of fluid milk products on school 
premises or at school sponsored events at any time or any place. This 
amendment was in response to procurement contracts that limited the 
types of products that schools could sell outside of the reimbursable 
meal programs. This rule would incorporate that requirement into the 
regulations governing the National School Lunch Program. (04-015)

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              06/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: Local, State

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

RIN: 0584-AD57

[[Page 72939]]

_______________________________________________________________________

321. <bullet<ls-thn-eq> NUTRITION STANDARDS IN THE NATIONAL SCHOOL LUNCH 
AND SCHOOL BREAKFAST PROGRAMS

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: PL 108-265, sec 103

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 210; 7 CFR 220

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: Public Law 108-265 requires the Secretary to issue 
regulations that reflect specific recommendations for increased 
consumption of foods and food ingredients in school nutrition programs 
based on the most recent Dietary Guidelines for Americans.
The current regulations specify that reimbursable meals offered by 
schools meet the Dietary Guidelines for Americans that are specified in 
the regulations. This final rule would revise the current regulations 
on nutrition standards to require that participating schools meet the 
applicable recommendations of the most recent Dietary Guidelines for 
Americans as specified in program guidance. This revision would permit 
USDA and schools to more promptly conform to any new recommendations in 
the nutrition standards. (04-017)

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    06/00/06

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: Local, State

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

RIN: 0584-AD59
_______________________________________________________________________

322. <bullet<ls-thn-eq> DIRECT AND DISCRETIONARY CERTIFICATION IN THE 
SCHOOL MEALS PROGRAMS

 Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 15 in part II of this issue of 
the Federal Register.

RIN: 0584-AD60
_______________________________________________________________________

323. <bullet<ls-thn-eq> REVISED VERIFICATION PROCEDURES IN THE SCHOOL 
MEALS PROGRAMS

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: PL 108-265

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 210; 7 CFR 220

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: In response to Public Law 108-265, which amended the Richard 
B. Russell National School Lunch Act, the verification procedures in 7 
CFR 245, Determining Eligibility for Free and Reduced Price Meals and 
Free Milk in Schools, will be revised to require that, starting July 
2005:
1. Local Educational Authorities (LEAs) verify the eligibility of 
children in a sample of approved free and reduced-price school meal 
applications. The basic sample size would be the lesser of 3 percent of 
all approved applications (as of October 1 of the school year) selected 
from error-prone applications or 3,000 approved error-prone 
applications. Error-prone applications would be those defined as such 
under current regulations or, alternately, under criteria set by USDA. 
However, local educational agencies could choose 1 of 2 alternate 
sample sizes (effectively the options established in current 
regulations, noted above) if:
-- Their nonresponse rate for the preceding school year is less than 
20%, or -- For a local educational agency with more than 20,000 
children approved by application as eligible for free or reduced-price 
school meals as of October 1, their nonresponse rate for the preceding 
school year is at least 10 percent below the nonresponse rate for the 
second preceding school year.
A nonresponse rate is the percentage of approved household applications 
for which verification information has not been obtained by a LEA. 
Second-preceding-school-year nonresponse rates may not be available for 
all schools for the 2005-2006 school year. As a result, this rule would 
also provide that, for the 2005-2006 school year, large local 
educational agencies (20,000+ approved students) also could qualify to 
use 1 of the 2 alternate sample sizes (the options in current 
regulations) if they attempt to verify all approved household 
applications through the use of direct verification. When verifying 
eligibility for free or reduced-price school meals, local educational 
agencies can first use direct verification and obtain and use income 
and program participation information from public agencies 
administering certain programs. The programs are: The food stamp 
program, the food distribution program on Indian reservations, State 
TANF programs, State Medicaid programs, or similar income-tested 
programs (or other sources of information). In cases in which there are 
not enough error-prone applications to comply with the options, local 
educational agencies would be required to randomly select additional 
applications to fulfill the percentage or number requirement.
2. Requires local educational agencies to complete all verification 
activities (including ``follow-up'' activities) by November 15 of each 
school year; States may extend this deadline to December 15 under 
criteria set by the Secretary. It will also require local educational 
agencies to make appropriate modifications to eligibility 
determinations based on their verification activities.
3. It also allows local educational agencies to ``decline'' to verify 
up to 5 percent of their verification sample and replace the declined 
applications with other approved applications.
4. Requires that the local educational agency provide written notice to 
households selected for verification. The notice must include a toll-
free phone number that the household can call for assistance with the 
verification process. (04-019)

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    03/00/06

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: Local, State

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

RIN: 0584-AD61

[[Page 72940]]

_______________________________________________________________________

324. <bullet<ls-thn-eq> CATEGORICAL ELIGIBILITY OF CERTAIN MIGRATORY, 
HOMELESS, AND RUNAWAY YOUTH

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: PL 108-265, sec 107

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 210; 7 CFR 220

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: In response to Public Law 108-265, which amended the Richard 
B. Russell National School Lunch Act, 7 CFR 245, Determining 
Eligibility for Free and Reduced Price Meals and Free Milk in Schools, 
will be amended to establish categorical (automatic) eligibility for 
free meals for the following children:
1. Homeless children or youth as defined by the McKinney-Vento Homeless 
Assistance Act;
2. Youth served by grant programs under the Runaway and Homeless Youth 
Act; and
3. Migratory children as defined in section 1309(2) of the Elementary 
and Secondary Education Act.
Public Law 108-265 also provides for documentation of a child's 
eligibility under these laws which will also be included in the 
regulations. (04-020)

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              06/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: Local, State

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

RIN: 0584-AD62
_______________________________________________________________________

325. <bullet<ls-thn-eq> WAIVER OF THE REQUIREMENT TO USE WEIGHTED 
AVERAGES IN THE NATIONAL SCHOOL LUNCH AND SCHOOL BREAKFAST PROGRAMS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: PL 108-265, sec 110

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 210; 7 CFR 220

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: Effective October 1, 2004, regulations for the school 
nutrition programs require school food authorities, that use nutrient 
standard menu planning, apply ``weighted averages.'' Weighted averages 
reflect production, with menus ``weighted'' based on their relative 
contributions. Public Law 108-265 extended the waiver of this 
requirement until September 30, 2009. This final regulation would 
revise the regulations to incorporate this provision. (04-021)

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    06/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: Local, State

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

RIN: 0584-AD63
_______________________________________________________________________

326. <bullet<ls-thn-eq> FOOD SAFETY INSPECTIONS, AUDITS, AND REPORTS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: PL 108-265, sec 111

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 210; 7 CFR 220

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: Current regulations governing the National School Lunch and 
School Breakfast Programs require one food safety inspection in schools 
during the school year unless such inspection is required by the State 
or local agency responsible for food safety inspections. Public Law 
101-265 revised the requirement in the Richard B. Russell National 
School Lunch Act on food safety inspections to: (1) Increase the number 
of required inspections to at least two during the school year; (2) 
remove the exemption if there are State or local requirements for 
schools; and (3) require that reports on the most recent inspection be 
posted in a publicly visible location and be provided, on request, to 
the public. In addition, the regulations will be revised to include the 
requirement in Public Law 101-265 that, for fiscal years 2006 through 
2009, States annually audit food safety inspections in schools and 
submit a report to USDA on the results of that audit. (04-022)

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    06/00/05
Final Action Effective          07/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Small Entities Affected: Governmental Jurisdictions, Organizations

Government Levels Affected: Local, State

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

RIN: 0584-AD64
_______________________________________________________________________

327. <bullet<ls-thn-eq> SCHOOL FOOD SAFETY: HAZARD ANALYSIS AND CRITICAL 
CONTROL POINT SYSTEM

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: PL 108-265

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 210; 7 CFR 220

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: In response to Public Law 108-265, which amended the Richard 
B. Russell National School Lunch Act, the National School Lunch Program 
and School Breakfast Program Regulations will be revised to require 
that school food authorities implement a school food safety program for 
the preparation and service of meals that complies with any ``hazard 
analysis and critical control point'' system established by USDA 
through guidance, training, and technical assistance. (04-023)

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              06/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Small Entities Affected: Governmental Jurisdictions, Organizations

Government Levels Affected: Local, State

Agency Contact: Sharon Ackerman, Agency Regulatory Officer, Department

[[Page 72941]]

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

RIN: 0584-AD65
_______________________________________________________________________

328. <bullet<ls-thn-eq> IMPLEMENTING PROVISIONS FROM THE CHILD NUTRITION 
AND WIC REAUTHORIZATION ACT OF 2004: FOR-PROFIT CENTER PARTICIPATION IN 
THE CHILD AND ADULT CARE FOOD PROGRAM

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: PL 108-265

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 226

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This rule will implement a provision of the Child Nutrition 
and WIC Reauthorization Act of 2004 that permanently establishes the 
eligibility of private for-profit child care centers to participate in 
the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) if at least 25 percent of 
participating children are eligible for free or reduced price meals. 
This provision was first added as a temporary 1-year measure to the 
National School Lunch Act in FY 2001 appropriations. Since that time, 
the provision had been extended with each subsequent appropriation. 
Prior to FY 2001, for-profit centers could only participate in the 
Program if they receive title XX funds for 25 percent of the enrolled 
children or 25 percent of licensed capacity, whichever is less. Thus, 
since December 2000, private for-profit centers have been able to 
participate in the CACFP in two ways--based either on receipt of title 
XX funds on behalf of enrolled children or on the children's 
eligibility for free or reduced price meals. (04-024)

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Direct Final Rule               04/00/05
Comment Period End              05/00/05
Direct Final Rule Effective     07/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: Local, State

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

RIN: 0584-AD66
_______________________________________________________________________

329. <bullet<ls-thn-eq> IMPLEMENTING PROVISION FROM THE CHILD NUTRITION 
AND WIC REAUTHORIZATION ACT OF 2004: INCREASING THE DURATION OF TIERING 
STATUS OF DAY CARE HOMES IN THE CHILD AND ADULT CARE FOOD PROGRAM

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: PL 108-265

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 226

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This rule will amend the CACFP regulations to implement a 
provision from the Child Nutrition and WIC Reauthorization Act of 2004 
that increased the duration of tiering status determinations to five 
years for participating family day care homes when based on school 
data. This provision constitutes a reduction in both administrative 
workload and paperwork burden for State agencies and sponsoring 
organizations since they only have to perform redeterminations every 5 
years instead of every 3 years. (04-025)

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    04/00/05
Final Action Effective          05/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: Local, State

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

RIN: 0584-AD67
_______________________________________________________________________

330. <bullet<ls-thn-eq> IMPLEMENTING PROVISIONS OF THE CHILD NUTRITION 
AND WIC REAUTHORIZATION ACT OF 2004: DISREGARD OF OVERPAYMENTS IN THE 
CHILD AND ADULT CARE FOOD PROGRAM

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: PL 108-265

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 226

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This rule will implement a provision of the Child Nutrition 
and WIC Reauthorization Act of 2004 that permits USDA and State 
agencies to disregard overpayments to an institution in any fiscal year 
that are found during the conduct of management evaluations, reviews, 
or audits of the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP). The total 
amount that may be disregarded in a fiscal year may not exceed $600. 
(04-026)

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              04/00/05
Interim Final Rule Effective    05/00/05
Interim Final Rule Comment 
Period End                      06/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: Local, State

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

RIN: 0584-AD68
_______________________________________________________________________

331. <bullet<ls-thn-eq> IMPLEMENTING PROVISIONS FROM THE CHILD NUTRITION 
AND WIC REAUTHORIZATION ACT OF 2004: PERMANENT AGREEMENTS FOR DAY CARE 
HOME PROVIDERS IN THE CHILD AND ADULT CARE FOOD PROGRAM

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: PL 108-265

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 226

Legal Deadline: None

[[Page 72942]]

Abstract: This rule will amend the CACFP regulations to implement a 
provision from the Child Nutrition and WIC Reauthorization Act of 2004 
that authorized the use of permanent agreements between sponsoring 
organizations and family or group day care homes participating in the 
Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP). These agreements record 
specific rights and responsibilities of both sponsoring organizations 
and the family or group day care homes. The rule will stipulate that 
while the agreement is permanent, it does not remove the right of the 
sponsoring organization to terminate a family or group day care home 
for cause or convenience, nor does it remove the right of a day care 
home provider to change sponsors in accordance with current 
regulations. This rule will also permit sponsoring organizations to 
amend the permanent agreement when there is a change in program policy 
or meal services. (04-027)

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    04/00/05
Final Action Effective          05/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: Local, State

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

RIN: 0584-AD69
_______________________________________________________________________

332. <bullet<ls-thn-eq> IMPLEMENTING PROVISIONS FROM THE CHILD NUTRITION 
AND WIC REAUTHORIZATION ACT OF 2004: SEAMLESS SUMMER OPTION FOR SCHOOLS 
PARTICIPATING IN THE SUMMER FOOD SERVICE PROGRAM

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: PL 108-265

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 225

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This rule will amend the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) 
to incorporate a provision from the Child Nutrition and WIC 
Reauthorization Act of 2004 that authorizes a Seamless Summer Option 
for public or private nonprofit schools participating in the Program. 
The provision allows schools to participate in the SFSP under rules 
similar to the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and the School 
Breakfast Program (SBP) and requires that breakfasts served must be 
reimbursed at the SBP free rate and that lunches and snacks served must 
be reimbursed at the NSLP free rates. (04-028)

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              04/00/05
Interim Final Rule Effective    05/00/05
Interim Final Rule Comment 
Period End                      06/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: Local, State

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

RIN: 0584-AD70
_______________________________________________________________________
Department of Agriculture (USDA)                      Long-Term Actions
Food and Nutrition Service (FNS)
_______________________________________________________________________

333. FOOD STAMP PROGRAM: ADMINISTRATIVE COST REIMBURSEMENT

Priority: Economically Significant. Major under 5 USC 801.

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 277

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            11/00/05
NPRM Comment Period End         01/00/06
Final Action                    06/00/06
Final Action Effective          10/00/06

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: Local, State

Federalism:  Undetermined

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

RIN: 0584-AC86
_______________________________________________________________________

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

Priority: Other Significant

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 226

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              06/27/02                    67 FR 43448
Interim Final Rule Effective    07/29/02
Interim Final Rule Comment 
Period End                      12/24/02
Final Action                    12/00/06

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: Local, State

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

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

RIN: 0584-AC94

[[Page 72943]]

_______________________________________________________________________
Department of Agriculture (USDA)                      Completed Actions
Food and Nutrition Service (FNS)
_______________________________________________________________________

335. 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

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    07/29/04                    69 FR 45225

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: Local, State

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

RIN: 0584-AD13
BILLING CODE 3410--30--S
_______________________________________________________________________
Department of Agriculture (USDA)                    Proposed Rule Stage
Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS)
_______________________________________________________________________

336. PERFORMANCE STANDARDS FOR PUMPED OR MASSAGED BACON

 Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 16 in part II of this issue of 
the Federal Register.

RIN: 0583-AC49
_______________________________________________________________________

337. EGG PRODUCTS INSPECTION REGULATIONS

 Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 17 in part II of this issue of 
the Federal Register.

RIN: 0583-AC58
_______________________________________________________________________

338. 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                            06/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Agency Contact: Robert Post Ph.D., Director, Labeling and Consumer 
Protection Staff, Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and Inspection 
Service, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 205-0279
Email: robert.post@fsis.usda.gov

RIN: 0583-AC59
_______________________________________________________________________

339. FOOD STANDARDS; GENERAL PRINCIPLES AND FOOD STANDARDS MODERNIZATION

 Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 18 in part II of this issue of 
the Federal Register.

RIN: 0583-AC72
_______________________________________________________________________

340. PERFORMANCE CRITERIA FOR ON-LINE ANTIMICROBIAL REPROCESSING OF PRE-
CHILL POULTRY CARCASSES

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 21 USC 451 to 470

CFR Citation: 9 CFR 381; 9 CFR 424

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This rule is proposing to allow, on a voluntary basis, the 
on-line antimicrobial reprocessing of pre-chill poultry that are 
accidently contaminated with digestive tract contents during slaughter. 
The on-line criteria for the treated birds is expected to identify an 
indicator organism for process control at pre-chill. This pre-chill 
criterion will be in addition to the post-chill standards for generic 
E. coli and Salmonella already required by the HACCP regulations. The 
Salmonella standard for those classes of poultry is a published 
performance standard.
The rule is being reproposed because the Agency has determined that the 
standard for the on-line antimicrobially reprocessed poultry should be 
``as good as or better than'' the visibly clean birds rather than a 
numerical standard. Instead of Salmonella or generic E. coli, the 
indicator organism will be Aerobic Plate Count (APC) for process 
control at pre-chill. This new direction will require establishments to 
develop a baseline for visibly clean untreated birds in order to 
determine whether the treated birds meet the standard of ``as good as 
or better than.''

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            12/01/00                    65 FR 75187
NPRM Comment Period End         04/02/01
Second NPRM                     05/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Dr. Daniel L. Engeljohn, Deputy Assistant 
Administrator, Office of Policy, Program and Employee Development, 
Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and Inspection Service, Room 402 
Cotton Annex Building, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 
20250
Phone: 202 205-0495
Fax: 202 401-1760
Email: daniel.engeljohn@fsis.usda.gov

RIN: 0583-AC73

[[Page 72944]]

_______________________________________________________________________

341. PETITIONS FOR RULEMAKING

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 5 USC 553

CFR Citation: 9 CFR 392

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: FSIS is proposing to amend its regulations to add a new part 
that prescribes procedures for the submission, consideration, and 
disposition of petitions for rulemaking. The proposal also describes 
the Agency's expectations for the type of documentation that should be 
submitted in support of a petition and that will facilitate regulatory 
development. FSIS is proposing this action to provide clear guidance to 
those who would like to participate in the rulemaking process by 
petitioning FSIS to issue, amend, or repeal a rule administered by the 
Agency.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            12/00/04

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Dr. Daniel L. Engeljohn, Deputy Assistant 
Administrator, Office of Policy, Program and Employee Development, 
Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and Inspection Service, Room 402 
Cotton Annex Building, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 
20250
Phone: 202 205-0495
Fax: 202 401-1760
Email: daniel.engeljohn@fsis.usda.gov

RIN: 0583-AC81
_______________________________________________________________________

342. PERFORMANCE STANDARD FOR CHILLING OF READY-TO-COOK POULTRY

 Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 19 in part II of this issue of 
the Federal Register.

RIN: 0583-AC87
_______________________________________________________________________

343. ADDITION OF MEXICO TO THE LIST OF COUNTRIES ELIGIBLE FOR THE 
IMPORTATION OF SLAUGHTERED (FRESH) POULTRY AND EGG PRODUCTS INTO THE 
UNITED STATES

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is 
undetermined.

Legal Authority: Not Yet Determined

CFR Citation: 9 CFR 381

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: FSIS is proposing to add Mexico to the list of countries from 
which fresh slaughtered poultry and egg products may be imported into 
the United States

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            09/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Sally White, Director, International Equivalence Staff, 
Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and Inspection Service, Room 
2137, 14th and Independence SW, Washington , DC 20250
Phone: 202 720-6400
Fax: 202 720-7990
Email: sally.white@fsis.usda.gov

Related RIN: Duplicate of 0583-AC92
RIN: 0583-AD01
_______________________________________________________________________

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

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

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

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

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: FSIS is proposing to reform the regulations governing ante-
mortem and post-mortem inspection of livestock and poultry. A number of 
the current regulations are no longer appropriate for the conditions 
under which meat and poultry products are produced and distributed 
today (e.g., splitting of sterna, prohibition of inflating carcasses). 
Others are duplicative regulations (e.g., those dealing with bruises 
and contamination) applying separately to meat and to poultry that 
could be combined into single regulations applying to both meat and 
poultry. Most emphasize the procedures for achieving regulatory 
objectives rather than the objectives themselves. This proposal would 
remove these prescriptive, detailed, or obsolete regulations or convert 
them to performance standards that are consistent with FSIS 
requirements for establishment-operated hazard analysis and critical 
control points (HACCP) systems and with the Agency's food safety 
regulatory strategy.
Under the proposal, the current ante-mortem requirements, listing 
objectionable diseases or conditions and corresponding actions to be 
taken, would be replaced by performance standards intended to ensure 
that only ``normal,'' healthy animals that do not pose an evident 
hazard to public health are permitted to enter a slaughtering 
establishment. ``Normal'' animals would include those, for example, 
that are not running a temperature or that do not exhibit lesions of 
disease or behaviors characteristic of central nervous system 
disorders. Similarly, the post-mortem regulations, with their lists of 
conditions and detailed, command-and-control procedures, would be 
streamlined. The prescriptive provisions would be replaced by 
performance standards relating to food safety.
This proposal would also recodify the ante-mortem and post-mortem 
inspection regulations for livestock and poultry. To the extent 
possible, consistent with the Federal Meat Inspection Act and the 
Poultry Products Inspection Act, regulations concerning livestock and 
meat carcasses and parts, and those concerning poultry carcasses and 
parts, would be designated to the same parts and sections of the Code 
of Federal Regulations. These changes would be part of the ongoing 
Agency effort to make the regulations more streamlined and user-
friendly.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            09/00/05

[[Page 72945]]

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Small Entities Affected:  Businesses

Government Levels Affected: State

Agency Contact: Dr. Daniel L. Engeljohn, Deputy Assistant 
Administrator, Office of Policy, Program and Employee Development, 
Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and Inspection Service, Room 402 
Cotton Annex Building, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 
20250
Phone: 202 205-0495
Fax: 202 401-1760
Email: daniel.engeljohn@fsis.usda.gov

Related RIN: Duplicate of 0583-AC43
RIN: 0583-AD02
_______________________________________________________________________

345. RETAIL EXEMPTION

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 21 USC 661(c)(2); 21 USC 454(c)(2)

CFR Citation: 9 CFR 303.1; 9 CFR 381.10

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: FSIS is planning to revise and consolidate its regulations 
concerning retail exemption.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            06/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Federalism:  Undetermined

Agency Contact: Mr. John A. O'Connell, Program Analyst, Department of 
Agriculture, Food Safety and Inspection Service, 1400 Independence 
Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 720-0345
Fax: 202 690-0486
Email: john.o'connell@fsis.usda.gov

RIN: 0583-AD04
_______________________________________________________________________

346. FOOD SECURITY PLANS

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

Unfunded Mandates: Undetermined

Legal Authority: 7 USC 138f; 7 CFR 2.18, 2.53; 21 USC 601 et seq; 21 
USC 451 et seq; 21 USC 1031 et seq

CFR Citation: 9 CFR 420

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is proposing to 
require that official establishments develop, implement, and maintain 
food security plans to prevent intentional product contamination. FSIS 
is also proposing to require establishments to review these plans at 
least once a year and modify them as appropriate. FSIS is taking this 
action to enhance protection of the nation's food supply against 
possible terrorist acts.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            09/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: State

Agency Contact: Bobby Palesano, Acting Deputy Executive Associate for 
Program Development, Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and 
Inspection Service, Room 2932, 14th and Independence Avenue SW, 
Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 720-2490
Fax: 202 205-0080
Email: bobby.palesano@fsis.usda.gov

RIN: 0583-AD06
_______________________________________________________________________

347. <bullet<ls-thn-eq> ACCREDITED LABORATORY PROGRAM

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is 
undetermined.

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

CFR Citation: 9 CFR 318, 381, and 439

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The proposal revises, edits, and consolidates provisions to 
establish standards and procedures for the accreditation of non-Federal 
analytical chemistry laboratories. FSIS is proposing to amend the 
regulations to accommodate more readily the adoption of newer methods 
for analyzing an expanded number of chemical residues and to correct 
some factual data. In addition, FSIS is proposing to make other 
editorial changes to reflect Agency reorganizations and program changes 
since the rule was published in 1993. This rule also proposes to 
consolidate the regulations, now in two parts, into a single part, 9 
CFR part 439.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            12/00/04

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: Businesses, Governmental Jurisdictions

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Dr. Lynn E. Dickey, Director, Regulations and Petitions 
Policy Staff, Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and Inspection 
Service, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 720-5627
Fax: 202 690-0486
Email: lynn.dickey@fsis.usda.gov

RIN: 0583-AD09
_______________________________________________________________________

348. <bullet<ls-thn-eq> SHARING OF FIRMS' DISTRIBUTION LISTS OF RETAIL 
CONSIGNEES DURING MEAT OR POULTRY PRODUCT RECALLS

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 5 USC 301, 552

CFR Citation: 9 CFR 390

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is proposing to 
amend the federal meat and poultry products inspection regulations to 
provide that the Agency will make available to the general public lists 
of the retail consignees of meat and poultry products that have been 
voluntarily recalled by a federally inspected meat or poultry products 
establishment. FSIS is proposing this action because it believes that 
making this information available will be of significant value to 
consumers and the industry. It will clarify what products should be 
removed from commerce and from consumers' possession because there is 
reason to believe they are adulterated or misbranded, and it will help 
to clarify that other, similar types of products are safe to consume 
and are not misbranded.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            12/00/04

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

[[Page 72946]]

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Federalism:  Undetermined

Agency Contact: Mr. Philip Derfler, Assistant Administrator, Office of 
Policy, Program and Employee Development, Department of Agriculture, 
Food Safety and Inspection Service, Room 350, Jamie L. Whitten 
Building, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-3700
Phone: 202 720-2709
Fax: 202 720-2025
Email: philip.derfler@fsis.usda.gov

RIN: 0583-AD10
_______________________________________________________________________

349. <bullet<ls-thn-eq> REQUIRING INDUSTRY E. COLI O157:H7 TEST RESULTS 
FOR RAW BEEF PRODUCTS BEING MAINTAINED IN ONE SPECIFIC LOCATION IN THE 
ESTABLISHMENT

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 21 USC 677

CFR Citation: 9 CFR 320

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: FSIS is proposing to require that an establishment's 
Escherichia coli (E. coli) O157:H7 test result records for raw beef 
products be kept in one specific location in the establishment, for as 
long as such records are required to be maintained in the establishment 
under applicable HACCP regulations. E. coli O157:H7 test result records 
required to be kept would include records of the establishment's 
testing (including screening and confirmation testing) of raw beef 
products produced at or received by the establishment and records of 
results of testing of such products (including screening and 
confirmation testing) conducted by a laboratory with which the 
establishment has contracted. FSIS is proposing that the establishment 
designate the specific location where it keeps these E. coli O157:H7 
test result records in the establishment. In addition, FSIS is 
proposing that the establishment must inform an FSIS employee of the 
specific location where it keeps these E. coli O157:H7 test result 
records, verbally or in writing, and that, if the establishment changes 
the location where it keeps these test result records, the 
establishment must notify an FSIS employee of the new location, 
verbally or in writing. Finally, FSIS is proposing that the Agency 
would have access to these test result records for review and copying.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            02/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Dr. Lynn E. Dickey, Director, Regulations and Petitions 
Policy Staff, Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and Inspection 
Service, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 720-5627
Fax: 202 690-0486
Email: lynn.dickey@fsis.usda.gov

RIN: 0583-AD11
_______________________________________________________________________
Department of Agriculture (USDA)                       Final Rule Stage
Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS)
_______________________________________________________________________

350. PERFORMANCE STANDARDS FOR THE PRODUCTION OF PROCESSED MEAT AND 
POULTRY PRODUCTS

 Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 20 in part II of this issue of 
the Federal Register.

RIN: 0583-AC46
_______________________________________________________________________

351. NUTRITION LABELING OF SINGLE-INGREDIENT PRODUCTS AND GROUND OR 
CHOPPED MEAT AND POULTRY PRODUCTS

 Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 21 in part II of this issue of 
the Federal Register.

RIN: 0583-AC60
_______________________________________________________________________

352. FOOD STANDARDS: REQUIREMENTS FOR SUBSTITUTE STANDARDIZED MEAT AND 
POULTRY PRODUCTS NAMED BY USE OF AN EXPRESSED NUTRIENT CONTENT CLAIM AND 
A STANDARDIZED TERM

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 21 USC 601; 21 USC 451

CFR Citation: 9 CFR 381.172; 9 CFR 319.10

Legal Deadline: None

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                    12/00/04

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Robert Post Ph.D., Director, Labeling and Consumer 
Protection Staff, Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and Inspection 
Service, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 205-0279
Email: robert.post@fsis.usda.gov

RIN: 0583-AC82
_______________________________________________________________________

353. 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

[[Page 72947]]

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

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            09/29/03                    68 FR 55902
NPRM Comment Period End         02/09/04
Final Action                    12/00/04

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Robert Post Ph.D., Director, Labeling and Consumer 
Protection Staff, Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and Inspection 
Service, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 205-0279
Email: robert.post@fsis.usda.gov

RIN: 0583-AC83
_______________________________________________________________________

354. PROHIBITION OF THE USE OF SPECIFIED RISK MATERIALS FOR HUMAN FOOD 
AND REQUIREMENTS FOR THE DISPOSITION OF NON-AMBULATORY DISABLED CATTLE

 Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 22 in part II of this issue of 
the Federal Register.

RIN: 0583-AC88
_______________________________________________________________________

355. 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                            08/13/04                    69 FR 50086
NPRM Comment Period End         10/12/04
Final Action                    10/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Federalism:  Undetermined

Agency Contact: Sally White, Director, International Equivalence Staff, 
Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and Inspection Service, Room 
2137, 14th and Independence SW, Washington , DC 20250
Phone: 202 720-6400
Fax: 202 720-7990
Email: sally.white@fsis.usda.gov

RIN: 0583-AC91
_______________________________________________________________________

356. MEAT PRODUCED BY ADVANCED MEAT/BONE SEPARATION MACHINERY AND MEAT 
RECOVERY SYSTEMS

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 21 USC 601 to 695

CFR Citation: 9 CFR 301.2; 9 CFR 318.24 (Revision);; 9 CFR 320.1

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: On January 12, 2004, the Food Safety and Inspection Service 
(FSIS) issued an interim final rule to amend the Federal meat 
inspection regulations. The rule is designed, in part, to prevent human 
exposure to the Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE) agent by 
ensuring that Advanced Meat/Bone Separation Machinery and Meat Recovery 
(AMR) systems are not a means of introducing central nervous system 
(CNS)-type tissue into product labeled as ``meat.'' Meat may be derived 
by mechanically separating skeletal muscle tissue from the bones of 
livestock, other than skulls or vertebral column bones of cattle 30 
months of age and older, using advances in mechanical meat/bone 
separation machinery; i.e., AMR systems. The recovered meat product may 
not incorporate any brain, trigeminal ganglia, spinal cord, or dorsal 
root ganglia tissues. In addition, there must be no more than a non-
significant incorporation of bone solids or bone marrow as measured by 
the presence of calcium and iron in excess of the requirements in the 
interim final rule. This rule also requires that federally inspected 
establishments that process cattle develop, implement, and maintain 
written procedures for the removal, segregation, and disposition of 
specified risk materials (SRMs), including non-complying products from 
beef AMR systems. These procedures are required to be incorporated into 
an establishment's HACCP plan, Sanitation Standard Operation 
Procedures, or other prerequisite program. FSIS took this action in 
response to the diagnosis on December 23, 2003, by the Department of 
Agriculture of a positive case of BSE in an adult Holstein cow in the 
State of Washington.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              01/12/04                     69 FR 1874
Interim Final Rule Comment 
Period End                      04/12/04
Final Action                    08/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Dr. Daniel L. Engeljohn, Deputy Assistant 
Administrator, Office of Policy, Program and Employee Development, 
Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and Inspection Service, Room 402 
Cotton Annex Building, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 
20250
Phone: 202 205-0495
Fax: 202 401-1760
Email: daniel.engeljohn@fsis.usda.gov

Related RIN: Duplicate of 0583-AC51
RIN: 0583-AD00
_______________________________________________________________________

357. PROHIBITION ON THE USE OF AIR-INJECTION STUNNERS FOR THE SLAUGHTER 
OF CATTLE

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: Federal Meat Inspection Act; . . .

CFR Citation: 9 CFR 313

Legal Deadline: None

[[Page 72948]]

Abstract: The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is amending the 
Federal meat inspection regulations to prohibit the use of penetrative 
captive bolt stunning devices that deliberately inject air into the 
cranial cavity of cattle. This rulemaking responds to the findings of a 
risk assessment on bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) conducted by 
the Harvard Center for Risk Analysis (referred to as the Harvard study) 
and is part of a series of actions that the USDA is taking to 
strengthen its BSE prevention programs.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              01/12/04                     69 FR 1885
Interim Final Rule Comment 
Period End                      05/07/04
Final Action                    12/00/04

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Agency Contact: Dr. Daniel L. Engeljohn, Deputy Assistant 
Administrator, Office of Policy, Program and Employee Development, 
Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and Inspection Service, Room 402 
Cotton Annex Building, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 
20250
Phone: 202 205-0495
Fax: 202 401-1760
Email: daniel.engeljohn@fsis.usda.gov

RIN: 0583-AD03
_______________________________________________________________________

358. UNIFORM COMPLIANCE DATE FOR FOOD LABELING REGULATIONS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

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

CFR Citation: None

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This proposed rule will establish a uniform compliance date 
for food labeling regulations to minimize the economic impact of 
labeling changes by providing for an orderly industry adjustment to new 
labeling requirements. If these labeling changes were effective on 
separate dates, the cumulative financial impact on the meat and poultry 
industry to incorporate these frequent changes would be substantial. 
Further, FSIS proposes to establish the uniform compliance date to be 
consistent with the approach that the Food and Drug Administration, 
HHS, has already established.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            05/04/04                    69 FR 24539
NPRM Comment Period End         07/06/04
Final Action                    12/00/04

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Robert Post Ph.D., Director, Labeling and Consumer 
Protection Staff, Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and Inspection 
Service, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 205-0279
Email: robert.post@fsis.usda.gov

RIN: 0583-AD05
_______________________________________________________________________

359. <bullet<ls-thn-eq> FREQUENCY OF FOREIGN INSPECTION SYSTEM 
SUPERVISORY VISITS TO CERTIFIED FOREIGN ESTABLISHMENTS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 21 USC 601 to 695;; 7 CFR 2.18, 2.53; 7 USC 138f, 450; 
21 USC 451 to 470

CFR Citation: 9 CFR 327.2; 9 CFR 381.96

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: FSIS is proposing to amend its regulations to change the 
required frequency of foreign inspection system supervisory visits to 
certified foreign establishments so as to bring FSIS import 
requirements into agreement with its requirements for domestic 
establishments. FSIS is proposing to delete the current requirement 
that supervisory visits take place ``not less frequent[ly] than one 
such visit per month.'' In its place, FSIS is proposing to require 
foreign inspection systems to make ``periodic supervisory visits`` to 
certified establishments in order to ensure that such establishments 
continue to meet FSIS requirements for certification to export meat and 
poultry to the United States. Published in the Federal Register: August 
18, 2004 (Volume 69, Number 159), page 51194 to 51196.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            08/18/04                    69 FR 51194
NPRM Comment Period End         10/18/04
Final Action                    10/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Sally White, Director, International Equivalence Staff, 
Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and Inspection Service, Room 
2137, 14th and Independence SW, Washington , DC 20250
Phone: 202 720-6400
Fax: 202 720-7990
Email: sally.white@fsis.usda.gov

RIN: 0583-AD08
_______________________________________________________________________
Department of Agriculture (USDA)                      Completed Actions
Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS)
_______________________________________________________________________

360. BEEF OR PORK WITH BARBECUE SAUCE; REVISION OF STANDARDS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation: 9 CFR 319

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    06/23/04                    69 FR 34913

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Lynn E. Dickey
Phone: 202 720-5627
Fax: 202 690-0486
Email: lynn.dickey@fsis.usda.gov

RIN: 0583-AC09

[[Page 72949]]

_______________________________________________________________________

361. NUTRITION LABELING OF MEAT AND POULTRY PRODUCTS (COMPLETION OF A 
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

________________________________________________________________________

Final Rule                      01/06/93                      58 FR 632
Withdrawn                       10/04/04

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Robert Post Ph.D., Director, Labeling and Consumer 
Protection Staff, Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and Inspection 
Service, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 205-0279
Email: robert.post@fsis.usda.gov

RIN: 0583-AC95
_______________________________________________________________________

362. <bullet<ls-thn-eq> NUTRITION LABELING: NUTRIENT CONTENT CLAIMS ON 
MULTI-SERVE, MEAL-TYPE MEAT AND POULTRY PRODUCTS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

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

CFR Citation: 9 CFR 318 and 381

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Food Safety and Inspection Service issued a final rule to 
amend the meat and poultry regulations to change the definition of 
``meal-type'' products to allow for nutrient content claims to be based 
on 100 grams rather than the Reference Amounts Customarily Consumed 
(RACC). The Agency's rationale for allowing different criteria than 
FDA's for these products was that meal-type products have potentially 
large variations in the amount customarily consumed (6 to 12 ounces), 
and the average serving size would not be an appropriate basis for 
comparing nutrients. This final rule also adopts the definition of 
``main dish'' used by FDA and defines how meal-type and main dish 
products should be nutritionally labeled. In its petition, ConAgra, 
Inc., cited recent changes in consumer preferences for these products 
as the basis for change.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            04/16/03                    68 FR 18560
NPRM Comment Period End         06/16/03
Final Action                    10/01/04                    69 FR 58799

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Robert Post Ph.D., Director, Labeling and Consumer 
Protection Staff, Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and Inspection 
Service, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 205-0279
Email: robert.post@fsis.usda.gov

RIN: 0583-AD07
BILLING CODE 3410--DM--S

[[Page 72950]]

_______________________________________________________________________
Department of Agriculture (USDA)                    Proposed Rule Stage
Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS)
_______________________________________________________________________

363. NEW PROVISIONS AND REVISIONS TO SUGAR REEXPORT PROGRAMS UNDER 7 CFR 
1530

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

Unfunded Mandates: Undetermined

Legal Authority: 19 USC 1202; 19 USC 3314

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1530

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This regulation governs the importation of world price sugar 
and its subsequent use as a refined reexport, product ingredient, or 
input into the production of polyhydric alcohols. The proposed 
amendments and/or modifications are principally aimed at reorganizing 
and simplifying the complexity of the current regulation; clarifying 
certain definitions, including the coverage of beet and cane sugar; 
extending the scope of the regulation to specially include toll 
operations, which was inadvertently omitted; and implementing Mexico-
NAFTA legal commitments. The proposed action will provide for increased 
operational efficiencies and promote the Government's objectives 
regarding regulatory simplification.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

ANPRM                           05/01/03                    68 FR 23230
ANPRM Comment Period End        06/02/03
NPRM                            01/00/05
NPRM Comment Period End         03/00/05

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
_______________________________________________________________________

364. <bullet<ls-thn-eq> QUALITY SAMPLES PROGRAM

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is 
undetermined.

Unfunded Mandates: Undetermined

Legal Authority: Not Yet Determined

CFR Citation: Not Yet Determined

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: Rule proposes to establish regulations applicable to the 
Quality Samples Program (QSP), currently authorized by section 5(f) of 
the CCC Charter Act, 15 U.S.C. 714c(f). This proposed rule would codify 
existing guidelines. The rule would provide specific regulations 
concerning program administration. Significant provisions include 
program objectives and priorities, eligible organizations, 
qualification requirements, application and review processes, 
reimbursement rules and procedures, financial reporting and program 
evaluation requirements, and program controls.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            11/00/04
NPRM Comment Period End         01/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

URL For More Information:
www.fas.usda.gov

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-AA68
_______________________________________________________________________
Department of Agriculture (USDA)                       Final Rule Stage
Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS)
_______________________________________________________________________

365. PROGRAM TO PROVIDE TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE TO PROMOTE U.S. 
AGRICULTURAL EXPORTS TO EMERGING MARKETS (EMERGING MARKETS PROGRAM)

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 7 USC 5622 note

CFR Citation: None

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This rule proposes to establish regulations applicable to the 
Emerging Markets Program, currently authorized by the Food, 
Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 and amended by the 
Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996. The Emerging 
Markets Program currently operates under agency guidelines. The 
proposed rule would amend and codify the existing guidelines. 
Codification of the guidelines should not change program administration 
noticeably. Because the program is already in operation under agency 
guidelines, this proposal would have no significant impact on the U.S. 
economy.
The proposed rule will provide specific regulations concerning program 
administration. Significant provisions include definitions of emerging 
market and country eligibility, program objectives and priorities, 
eligible organizations, qualification requirements, application and 
review processes, decisions and appeals, reimbursement rules and 
procedures, reporting requirements, evaluations, and program controls.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            06/22/04
NPRM Comment Period End         07/22/04
Final Action                    11/00/04

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Kimberly Chisley, Regulatory Coordinator, Department of 
Agriculture, Foreign Agricultural Service, Room 6087, South Building, 
1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 720-2568
Fax: 202 720-3814
Email: chisleyk@fas.usda.gov


[[Page 72951]]


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
_______________________________________________________________________
Department of Agriculture (USDA)                      Long-Term Actions
Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS)
_______________________________________________________________________

366. 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
_______________________________________________________________________

367. 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)
_______________________________________________________________________

368. INDIAN ALLOTMENTS ON NATIONAL FOREST SYSTEM LANDS

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 16 USC 472; 16 USC 551; 16 USC 1603; 43 USC 1740; 25 
USC 337

CFR Citation: 36 CFR 254

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This proposed rule sets forth the Forest Service role and 
procedures in the conveyance of Indian allotments on National Forest 
System (NFS) lands. The Indian Allotment Act of 1910, as amended, 
authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to make allotments of NFS 
lands to American Indians for homesteading and agricultural and grazing 
purposes, but only after a determination by the Secretary of 
Agriculture that the lands are more valuable for agriculture or grazing 
than for timber. The Forest Service has relied upon U.S. Department of 
the Interior rules and procedures at 43 CFR part 2533 to govern its 
involvement in Indian allotment cases. Litigation and a decision by the 
Interior Board of Land Appeals require the Forest Service to set forth 
its own regulations. This proposed rule clarifies the role of the 
Forest Service in the allotment process. It preserves the rights of 
affected individual American Indians who wish to apply for allotments 
on NFS lands. An earlier version of this proposed rule was published in 
the Federal Register on June 22, 1987 (52 FR 23473). Very few comments 
were received on the 1987 proposed rule, and this revision of the 
proposed rule makes only limited changes needed to update the rule due 
to the passage of 17 years since publication of the first version of 
the proposed rule. Because of the amount of time that has elapsed since 
the earlier version of the proposed rule was published, the agency 
believes that it is in the public interest to publish a revised 
proposed rule and request comment prior to adopting a final rule.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            06/22/87                    52 FR 23473
NPRM Comment Period End         07/22/87
Second NPRM                     02/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Andria D. Weeks, Regulatory Analyst, Department of 
Agriculture, Forest Service, MS 1134, ATTN: ORMS, D&R Branch Mail Stop 
1134, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0003
Phone: 703 605-4610
Fax: 703 605-5111
Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us

RIN: 0596-AA52
_______________________________________________________________________

369. SPECIES SURPLUS TO DOMESTIC MANUFACTURING NEEDS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 16 USC 620 et seq

[[Page 72952]]

CFR Citation: 36 CFR 223.200

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This proposed rule would amend 36 CFR 223.200 to list species 
proposed to be surplus to domestic manufacturing needs. This proposed 
rule would implement a portion of section 620a(b) of the Forest 
Resources Conservation and Shortage Relief Act of 1990 (16 U.S.C. 620 
et seq.). Section 620a(a) of the Act provides that no person who 
acquires unprocessed timber originating from Federal lands west of the 
100th meridian in the contiguous 48 States may export such timber from 
the United States, or sell, trade, exchange, or otherwise convey such 
timber from the United States, unless such timber has been determined 
under subsection (b) to be surplus to the needs of timber manufacturing 
facilities in the United States. Section 620a(b) of the Act provides 
that the prohibition contained in subsection (a) shall not apply to 
specific quantities of grades and species of unprocessed timber 
originating in Federal lands which the Secretary determines, through 
rulemaking, to be surplus to domestic manufacturing needs.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            12/00/04

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: Federal

Agency Contact: Andria D. Weeks, Regulatory Analyst, Department of 
Agriculture, Forest Service, MS 1134, ATTN: ORMS, D&R Branch Mail Stop 
1134, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0003
Phone: 703 605-4610
Fax: 703 605-5111
Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us

RIN: 0596-AB27
_______________________________________________________________________

370. 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 part 215, thus narrowing the scope of 
part 251 subpart C to actions that administer existing special use 
authorizations, such as written decisions that modify, suspend, or 
cancel an authorization. Additionally, the proposed rule would clarify 
that this is the appropriate part for appeal of decisions related to 
locatable mining operations. Among specific changes being proposed are 
establishing the Regional Forester as the appellate level for review of 
both District Ranger and Forest Supervisor decisions; eliminating the 
discretionary review option; establishing timeframes for scheduling 
oral presentations; clarifying that decisions to deny permits for 
noncommercial group use are not subject to appeal, but rather are 
immediately subject to judicial review; and making changes to conform 
terminology and definitions with 36 CFR part 215.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            11/00/04

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Andria D. Weeks, Regulatory Analyst, Department of 
Agriculture, Forest Service, MS 1134, ATTN: ORMS, D&R Branch Mail Stop 
1134, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0003
Phone: 703 605-4610
Fax: 703 605-5111
Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us

RIN: 0596-AB45
_______________________________________________________________________

371. 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                     03/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Andria D. Weeks, Regulatory Analyst, Department of 
Agriculture, Forest Service, MS 1134, ATTN: ORMS, D&R Branch Mail Stop 
1134, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0003
Phone: 703 605-4610
Fax: 703 605-5111
Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us

RIN: 0596-AB61

[[Page 72953]]

_______________________________________________________________________

372. NONCOMPETITIVE SALE OF TIMBER; TIMBER SUBSTITUTION

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 16 USC 472(a)

CFR Citation: 36 CFR 223.85

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This proposed rule would revise 36 CFR 223.85 by changing the 
reference to 16 U.S.C. 472(d) to 16 U.S.C. 472a(d). This proposed rule 
would revise the existing regulations regarding noncompetitive sale of 
timber based on the Secretary of Agriculture's determination that 
``extraordinary conditions'' exist to apply to sales agency wide. This 
proposed rule would add paragraph (c), which further defines 
extraordinary conditions to allow forest officers, without 
advertisement, to make modifications to awarded timber and forest 
product sales, which result in the substitution of timber or forest 
products from outside the sale area specified in the contract. This 
would be applied to situations where replacement timber from outside 
the sale area could be substituted for timber lost as a result of 
litigation or catastrophic events. Substitute timber or forest products 
must be from the same National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) analysis 
area, and meet agency requirements for compliance with the NEPA, the 
National Forest Management Act, and notice, comment, and appeal 
procedures at 36 CFR part 215. This proposed rule would authorize the 
Forest Service to propose timber sale modifications and to enter into 
discussions with purchasers on such modifications. But, timber 
purchasers would not be obligated to accept any proposed modifications.
To the extent that timber sale cancellations and partial cancellations 
are avoided, the effect of this proposed rule would be to reduce future 
damage claims on timber sales.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            11/00/04

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Andria D. Weeks, Regulatory Analyst, Department of 
Agriculture, Forest Service, MS 1134, ATTN: ORMS, D&R Branch Mail Stop 
1134, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0003
Phone: 703 605-4610
Fax: 703 605-5111
Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us

RIN: 0596-AB70
_______________________________________________________________________

373. SALE AND DISPOSAL OF NATIONAL FOREST SYSTEM TIMBER; TIMBER EXPORT 
AND SUBSTITUTION RESTRICTIONS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 16 USC 620

CFR Citation: 36 CFR 223; 36 CFR 261

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This proposed rule for timber export and substitution 
restrictions would implement the provisions of the Forest Resources 
Conservation and Shortage Relief Act of 1990, as amended in 1997. The 
proposed rule defines the certain terms necessary to facilitate uniform 
compliance; prohibits transfer of unprocessed private timber for export 
by a person who possesses or acquires unprocessed Federal timber; 
prohibits export of such unprocessed private timber by a third or 
successive party; prescribes procedures for reporting the acquisition 
and disposition of National Forest System (NFS) and private timber 
requiring domestic processing, including transfers; prescribes 
procedures for identifying unprocessed NFS and private timber requiring 
domestic processing; and establishes procedures for assessing civil and 
criminal penalties and applying administrative remedies for violations 
of the Act, its implementing regulations, and contracts subject to the 
Act.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            12/00/04

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: Federal

Agency Contact: Andria D. Weeks, Regulatory Analyst, Department of 
Agriculture, Forest Service, MS 1134, ATTN: ORMS, D&R Branch Mail Stop 
1134, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0003
Phone: 703 605-4610
Fax: 703 605-5111
Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us

RIN: 0596-AB75
_______________________________________________________________________

374. FOREST SERVICE TRAILS ACCESSIBILITY GUIDELINES

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 49 USC 4151; 29 USC 794; 7 CFR 15e

CFR Citation: None

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Architectural Barriers Act of 1968, section 504 of the 
Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and 7 CFR part 15e require that new or 
reconstructed facilities be accessible. The Forest Service Trails 
Accessibility Guidelines in this proposed policy amending Forest 
Service Manual (FSM) 2350, Trail, River, and Similar Recreation 
Opportunities, would establish clear agency guidelines to provide the 
highest level of accessibility to pedestrian/hiker trails for the 
greatest number of people, including persons with disabilities, while 
not fundamentally altering the environment and recreational setting. 
The proposed policy also would incorporate the definition of a 
wheelchair and clarify direction that a mobility device that meets that 
definition of a wheelchair may be used anywhere foot travel is 
permitted. Comments will be considered in development of the final 
guidelines.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Proposed Interim Directive      11/00/04

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Andria D. Weeks, Regulatory Analyst, Department of 
Agriculture, Forest Service, MS 1134, ATTN: ORMS, D&R Branch Mail Stop 
1134, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0003
Phone: 703 605-4610
Fax: 703 605-5111
Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us

RIN: 0596-AB92
_______________________________________________________________________

375. FOREST SERVICE OUTDOOR RECREATION ACCESSIBILITY GUIDELINES

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 42 USC 4151; 29 USC 794; 7 CFR 15e

CFR Citation: None

[[Page 72954]]

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Architectural Barriers Act of 1968, section 504 of the 
Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and 7 CFR part 15e require that new or 
reconstructed facilities be accessible. The Forest Service Outdoor 
Recreation Accessibility Guidelines in this proposed policy amending 
Forest Service Manual (FSM) chapter 2330, Publicly Managed Recreation 
Opportunities, would establish clear agency guidelines to provide the 
highest level of accessibility for the greatest number of people, 
including persons with disabilities, while not fundamentally altering 
the environment and recreational setting. Outdoor recreation facilities 
include campgrounds, picnic areas, beach access and other access 
routes, and so on. The proposed policy also would clarify direction 
regarding existing requirements for the Golden Access Passport 
eligibility and documentation utilized by all Federal agencies under 
the 1980 amendment to the Land and Water Conservation Fund Act. 
Comments will be considered in development of the final guidelines.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Proposed Interim Directive      11/00/04

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Andria D. Weeks, Regulatory Analyst, Department of 
Agriculture, Forest Service, MS 1134, ATTN: ORMS, D&R Branch Mail Stop 
1134, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0003
Phone: 703 605-4610
Fax: 703 605-5111
Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us

RIN: 0596-AB93
_______________________________________________________________________

376. NATIONAL FOREST SYSTEM LAND MANAGEMENT PLANNING DIRECTIVES 
(PROPOSED DIRECTIVES, FOREST SERVICE MANUAL (FSM) 1920 AND FOREST 
SERVICE HANDBOOK (FSH) 1909.12)

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 16 USC et seq; 5 USC 301

CFR Citation: None

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Forest Service is proposing to revise its directives 
issued to the Forest Service Manual (FSM) 1900, Planning, and Forest 
Service Handbook (FSH) 1909.12, Land and Resource Management Planning 
Handbook. These directives would provide the detailed direction to 
agency employees necessary to implement the provisions in the final 
rule to be adopted at 36 CFR part 219 governing land and resource 
management planning. The proposed rule was published on December 6, 
2002 (67 FR 72770).

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Proposed Directives             11/00/04

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Andria D. Weeks, Regulatory Analyst, Department of 
Agriculture, Forest Service, MS 1134, ATTN: ORMS, D&R Branch Mail Stop 
1134, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0003
Phone: 703 605-4610
Fax: 703 605-5111
Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us

Related RIN: Related to 0596-AB86
RIN: 0596-AC02
_______________________________________________________________________

377. STATE PETITIONS FOR INVENTORIED ROADLESS AREA MANAGEMENT

 Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 23 in part II of this issue of 
the Federal Register.

RIN: 0596-AC10
_______________________________________________________________________

378. GRAZING PERMIT ADMINISTRATION (PROPOSED DIRECTIVES, FOREST SERVICE 
HANDBOOK 2209.13, CHAPTERS 10 AND 20)

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 16 USC 5801

CFR Citation: None

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: Updated national direction is needed to ensure the agency is 
both current and consistent in working with grazing permittees in all 
Forest Service Regions. The Forest Service is proposing to issue 
amendments to certain chapters and sections of Forest Service Manual 
(FSM) title 2200, Rangeland Management, and to all chapters of Forest 
Service Handbook (FSH) 2209.13, Grazing Permit Administration. The last 
substantive amendments to both FSM 2200 and FSH 2209.13 were made in 
1985. Clarifications and adjustments in policy are necessary to respond 
to changing needs of both the Forest Service and the livestock industry 
and to make the agency's policy current with legislation, court 
decisions, and agency management. The Forest Service has determined 
that two chapters in FSH 2209.13 require public notice and comment 
before the amendments can be finalized: Chapter 10, Permits With Term 
Status, and chapter 20, Grazing Agreements. Both chapters contain 
substantive changes to agency operating procedures that affect how the 
Forest Service does business with permittees, grazing associations, and 
applicants for livestock grazing authorizations.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Proposed Directives             11/00/04

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Andria D. Weeks, Regulatory Analyst, Department of 
Agriculture, Forest Service, MS 1134, ATTN: ORMS, D&R Branch Mail Stop 
1134, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0003
Phone: 703 605-4610
Fax: 703 605-5111
Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us

RIN: 0596-AC12
_______________________________________________________________________

379. NATIONAL FOREST SYSTEM APPEALS AND LITIGATION (PROPOSED DIRECTIVES, 
FOREST SERVICE MANUAL, CHAPTER 1570)

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 16 USC 472, 551, 1612 note

CFR Citation: None

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Forest Service is proposing to revise its directives 
issued to the Forest Service Manual (FSM) 1570, Appeals and Litigation, 
to reestablish the Forest Service Handbook

[[Page 72955]]

(FSH) for appeals filed pursuant to notice, comment, and appeal 
procedures for National Forest System projects and activities at 36 CFR 
part 215. These proposed directives would provide additional direction 
to agency employees necessary to implement the provisions in 36 CFR 
part 215, adopted on June 4, 2003 (68 FR 33582).

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Proposed Directives             11/00/04

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Andria D. Weeks, Regulatory Analyst, Department of 
Agriculture, Forest Service, MS 1134, ATTN: ORMS, D&R Branch Mail Stop 
1134, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0003
Phone: 703 605-4610
Fax: 703 605-5111
Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us

RIN: 0596-AC13
_______________________________________________________________________

380. WATERSHED FORESTRY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: PL 108-148

CFR Citation: None

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: Section 302 of title III of the Healthy Forests Restoration 
Act of 2003 (Pub. L. 108-148), through an amendment to the Cooperative 
Forestry Assistance Act of 1978 (16 U.S.C. 2103a), directs the 
Secretary of Agriculture to establish the Watershed Forestry Assistance 
Program (WFAP), which would be administered by the Forest Service and 
implemented by the State Foresters or equivalent State officials. The 
Forest Service is working with State Foresters to develop guidelines 
for implementing WFAP. The purpose of WFAP is to address watershed 
issues on non-Federal forested and potentially forested land. The 
program's goals are to improve watershed health through forestry 
practices; to build partnerships; to promote collaborative watershed 
approaches; and to provide technical, financial, and educational 
assistance to qualified landowners and entities. Section 302 of the act 
requires the development of (1) a watershed forestry technical 
assistance program and (2) a watershed forestry cost-share program. The 
WFAP is very similar to other State and Private Forestry cooperative 
grant and agreement programs that the Forest Service has managed over 
the past 50 years.
The WFAP guidelines will establish the criteria that State Foresters 
and landowners and other entities must meet in implementing WFAP. These 
criteria include landowner/entity eligibility and responsibilities, 
acceptable watershed forestry projects, and selection of priority 
watersheds. The guidelines also will establish budget allocation 
procedures and monitoring and accomplishment reporting requirements. 
The guidelines will, to the extent consistent with Federal 
accountability and oversight responsibility, allow flexibility to the 
States to implement the program in a manner consistent with local needs 
and opportunities.
The Forest Service plans to publish a proposed guideline with request 
for comment in the Federal Register. Comments received will be 
considered in the development of the final guideline and additional 
agency directives issued to Forest Service Manual (FSM) 3500, 
Cooperative Watershed Management.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Advance Notice of Proposed 
Guideline                       05/25/04                    69 FR 29688
Comment Period End              07/26/04
Proposed Guideline              01/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: Federal, Local, State

URL For More Information:
http://www.fs.fed.us/cooperativeforestry/programs/wfa/

Agency Contact: Andria D. Weeks, Regulatory Analyst, Department of 
Agriculture, Forest Service, MS 1134, ATTN: ORMS, D&R Branch Mail Stop 
1134, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0003
Phone: 703 605-4610
Fax: 703 605-5111
Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us

Related RIN: Related to 0596-AC19
RIN: 0596-AC18
_______________________________________________________________________

381. TRIBAL WATERSHED FORESTRY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: PL 108-148

CFR Citation: None

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Forest Service, in cooperation with Indian Tribes, is 
preparing a proposed guideline for implementing the Tribal Watershed 
Forestry Assistance Program (TWFAP) authorized in title III, section 
303, of the Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003 (Pub. L. 108-148). 
The purpose of TWFAP is to address watershed issues on lands under 
tribal jurisdiction. The program's goals are to improve watershed 
health through forestry practices; to build partnerships; to promote 
collaborative watershed approaches; and to provide technical, 
financial, and educational assistance to participating Tribes. Section 
303 of the act requires development of (1) a tribal watershed forestry 
technical assistance program and (2) a tribal watershed forestry award 
program.
The Forest Service plans to publish a proposed guideline with request 
for comment in the Federal Register. Comments received will be 
considered in the development of the final guideline and additional 
agency directives issued to Forest Service Manual (FSM) 3500, 
Cooperative Watershed Management.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Advance Notice of Proposed 
Guideline                       05/25/04                    69 FR 29687
Comment Period End              07/26/04
Proposed Guideline              01/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: Federal, Tribal

URL For More Information:
http://www.fs.fed.us/cooperativeforestry/programs/wfa/

Agency Contact: Andria D. Weeks, Regulatory Analyst, Department of 
Agriculture, Forest Service, MS 1134, ATTN: ORMS, D&R Branch Mail Stop 
1134, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0003
Phone: 703 605-4610
Fax: 703 605-5111

[[Page 72956]]

Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us

Related RIN: Related to 0596-AC18
RIN: 0596-AC19
_______________________________________________________________________

382. <bullet<ls-thn-eq> ONSHORE OIL AND GAS OPERATIONS; FEDERAL AND 
INDIAN OIL AND GAS LEASES; ONSHORE OIL AND GAS ORDER NUMBER 1, APPROVAL 
OF OPERATIONS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 30 USC 223 et seq

CFR Citation: 36 CFR 228

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: Through a joint Federal Register publication, the Bureau of 
Land Management (BLM), acting as lead agency, and the Forest Service 
are proposing to revise the current 1983 Onshore Oil and Gas Order 
Number 1 (Order). The new proposed Order is being jointly published by 
the Forest Service and the BLM to facilitate common conservation 
practices and procedures across agency boundaries.
The Order provides the requirements necessary for the approval of all 
proposed oil and gas exploratory, development, or service wells on all 
Federal and Indian (except Osage Tribe) onshore oil and gas leases. The 
revision is necessary due to provisions of the 1987 Federal Onshore Oil 
and Gas Leasing Reform Act, legal opinions, court cases since the Order 
was issued in 1983, and other policy and procedural changes. The 
revised Order would address the submittal of a complete Application for 
Permit to Drill or Deepen package (APD), including a Drilling Plan, 
Surface Use Plan or Operations, evidence of bond coverage, operator 
certification, and clarification as to when a BLM right-of-way grant or 
Forest Service special use permit are needed to authorize secondary 
uses supporting the oil and gas operation.
The proposed rule changes to 36 CFR part 228 would include: (1) Removal 
of a specific reference to the 1983 Order to a reference that plans of 
operations or master development plans be submitted ``in accordance 
with the current applicable Onshore Oil and Gas Order,'' (2) removal of 
the appendix (text of 1983 Order), and (3) removal of a non-existent 
cross-reference to appeal procedures at 36 CFR part 217 and replacing 
that reference with ``the current applicable agency appeal 
procedures.''
The proposed rule provides for a 60-day notice and comment period. 
Comments received on the proposed rule will be considered in the 
development of a final rule.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            11/00/04

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Andria D. Weeks, Regulatory Analyst, Department of 
Agriculture, Forest Service, MS 1134, ATTN: ORMS, D&R Branch Mail Stop 
1134, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0003
Phone: 703 605-4610
Fax: 703 605-5111
Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us

RIN: 0596-AC20
_______________________________________________________________________

383. PREDATOR DAMAGE MANAGEMENT (PROPOSED DIRECTIVE, FOREST SERVICE 
MANUAL, CHAPTER 2320)

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 7 USC 426

CFR Citation: None

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Forest Service is publishing a notice of proposed 
directive to FSM 2320 to clarify the role of the Forest Service in 
predator damage management in wilderness. In 1993, the Forest Service 
entered into a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Animal and 
Plant Health Inspection Service-Wildlife Services (APHIS-WS) to clarify 
the Forest Service's role in working with APHIS-WS regarding predator 
damage management activities conducted by APHIS-WS on National Forest 
System lands. In 1995, direction was issued to FSM 2650 to bring Forest 
Service policy on predator damage management into conformance with the 
MOU. Additionally in 1995, an interim directive to FSM 2323.33c was 
issued regarding predator damage management in wilderness to conform 
with both the MOU and FSM 2650. The interim directive clarified the 
role of APHIS-WS as the lead agency in preparing environmental 
documentation for predator control activities initiated by APHIS. The 
interim directive to FSM 2323.33c was reissued in 1997, and expired in 
1998. Therefore, the current direction in effect in FSM chapter 2320 
does not reflect the MOU, or policy changes made in FSM 2650. A 
Washington Office team is working with Regional staff, APHIS-WS, and 
the Office of General Counsel to amend FSM 2320 to conform with the 
MOU, FSM 2650, and clarify and strengthen the Forest Service's role and 
responsibility regarding predator damage management action in 
wilderness. Comments received on this proposed directive will be 
considered in the development of the final directive.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Proposed Directive              11/00/04

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Andria D. Weeks, Regulatory Analyst, Department of 
Agriculture, Forest Service, MS 1134, ATTN: ORMS, D&R Branch Mail Stop 
1134, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0003
Phone: 703 605-4610
Fax: 703 605-5111
Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us

RIN: 0596-AC22
_______________________________________________________________________

384. RECREATION EVENT FEES (PROPOSED DIRECTIVE, FOREST SERVICE MANUAL, 
CHAPTER 2720)

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 16 USC 497, 551

CFR Citation: None

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Forest Service is publishing a proposed directive to 
amend Forest Service Manual 2721.49 regarding the basis of determining 
fees for recreation events. Currently, fees are based on a percentage 
of gross revenues. The proposed fee system would establish a fee based 
on the number of people involved in the event. This modification in the 
fee system would result in fees similar to the Bureau of Land 
Management for this type of use. Additionally, the modification would 
reduce the administrative workload, for both holders and the 
Government, associated with the auditing of records for permits

[[Page 72957]]

that generate less than $100,000 in revenue.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Proposed Directive              11/00/04

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Andria D. Weeks, Regulatory Analyst, Department of 
Agriculture, Forest Service, MS 1134, ATTN: ORMS, D&R Branch Mail Stop 
1134, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0003
Phone: 703 605-4610
Fax: 703 605-5111
Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us

RIN: 0596-AC24
_______________________________________________________________________

385. OUTFITTER AND GUIDE SPECIAL USE AUTHORIZATIONS (PROPOSED 
DIRECTIVES, FOREST SERVICE HANDBOOK 2709.11, CHAPTERS 30 AND 40)

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 16 USC 497

CFR Citation: None

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Forest Service is publishing a proposed directive to 
amend certain portions of agency direction for outfitter/guide special 
use authorizations. This action is being taken to ensure quality long 
term public service and reduce administrative burden to small business 
and the agency. The proposed directive would revise a number of 
existing provisions and provide new direction. For example, the current 
fee system would change from one based on a percentage of gross revenue 
to a flat fee, guidance for considering capacity analysis would be 
developed, and the transfer and renewal of existing authorizations and 
the accommodation of short term use would be clarified.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Proposed Directives             02/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Andria D. Weeks, Regulatory Analyst, Department of 
Agriculture, Forest Service, MS 1134, ATTN: ORMS, D&R Branch Mail Stop 
1134, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0003
Phone: 703 605-4610
Fax: 703 605-5111
Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us

RIN: 0596-AC25
_______________________________________________________________________

386. <bullet<ls-thn-eq> SECRETARY DETERMINATION THAT DOMESTIC SPECIES OF 
UNPROCESSED TIMBER ARE SURPLUS TO DOMESTIC NEEDS WITHIN ZONE OF SOUTHERN 
CALIFORNIA

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 16 USC 620

CFR Citation: 36 CFR 223.200(d)

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Forest Service is proposing to amend 36 CFR 223.200 to 
add a new paragraph (d) to address the Secretary of Agriculture's 
proposed determination that domestic species of unprocessed timber 
within the zone of southern California are being considered surplus to 
domestic needs. Section 439 of Public Law 101-382, the Forest Resources 
Conservation and Shortage Relief Act (16 U.S.C. 620 note, 620, 620a-j) 
established special authorities for determining if specific quantities 
of grades and species of unprocessed timber originating from Federal 
lands is surplus to domestic manufacturing needs.
Extended drought conditions, overstocking, and increased bark beetle 
activities have created a forest health and fuels management crisis on 
national forests in southern California. The San Bernardino National 
Forest, the most heavily impacted national forest, has identified over 
100,000 acres of dead and dying timber for priority treatment, with an 
estimated 140 million board feet of salvage volume. As of September 
2003, over 474,000 acres of the gross acreage within the forest 
boundary is showing significant vegetative mortality. Processing 
infrastructure such as loggers, log truckers, or mills do not exist in 
the area. Most of this timber volume is economically inaccessible to 
the domestic timber market.
The Secretary's proposed determination that domestic species of 
unprocessed timber is surplus to domestic needs would allow the lifting 
of export restrictions so unprocessed timber could be offered on the 
foreign market. This action would increase utilization of dead and 
dying timber, increase capability to reduce hazardous fuels, and 
decrease government costs.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            01/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Andria D. Weeks, Regulatory Analyst, Department of 
Agriculture, Forest Service, MS 1134, ATTN: ORMS, D&R Branch Mail Stop 
1134, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0003
Phone: 703 605-4610
Fax: 703 605-5111
Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us

RIN: 0596-AC27
_______________________________________________________________________

387. <bullet<ls-thn-eq> NOTICE, COMMENT, AND APPEAL PROCEDURES FOR 
NATIONAL FOREST SYSTEM PROJECTS AND ACTIVITIES

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 16 USC 472, 551, 1612 note

CFR Citation: 36 CFR 215

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Forest Service recently promulgated a final rule on June 
4, 2003 (68 FR 33595), at 36 CFR part 215, to establish a process by 
which the public can receive notice and be provided an opportunity to 
comment on proposed actions for projects and activities implementing a 
land and resource management plan prior to a decision by the 
Responsible Official. The rule also established an appeal process and 
identified the decisions that may be appealed, who may appeal those 
decisions, the responsibilities of the participants in an appeal, and 
the procedures that apply for the prompt disposition of the appeal.
Since publishing the current rule at 36 CFR part 215, the Forest 
Service has identified inconsistencies between sections of this 
regulation, sections that are inconsistent with other regulations, and 
some inadvertent omissions. Therefore, the Forest Service is proposing 
a technical amendment to the rule to resolve inconsistencies and 
clarify intent.

[[Page 72958]]

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            01/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Andria D. Weeks, Regulatory Analyst, Department of 
Agriculture, Forest Service, MS 1134, ATTN: ORMS, D&R Branch Mail Stop 
1134, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0003
Phone: 703 605-4610
Fax: 703 605-5111
Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us

RIN: 0596-AC28
_______________________________________________________________________
Department of Agriculture (USDA)                       Final Rule Stage
Forest Service (FS)
_______________________________________________________________________

388. SALE AND DISPOSAL OF NATIONAL FOREST TIMBER; CANCELLATION OF TIMBER 
SALE CONTRACTS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 16 USC 472a; 16 USC 551; 16 USC 618

CFR Citation: 36 CFR 223.30; 36 CFR 223.40; 36 CFR 223.116

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Forest Service is issuing a final rule to revise current 
regulations regarding cancellation of timber sale contracts, permits, 
and other such instruments authorizing the sale or harvest of timber or 
other forest products. This rule is needed to clarify when, why, and by 
whom contracts may be cancelled to remove redundant provisions and to 
provide a new formula for compensation when the Government must cancel 
timber sale contracts. The Forest Service takes every precaution before 
authorizing a particular activity on National Forest System lands to 
ensure that its authorization conforms with existing laws and with 
existing conditions on the ground at the time of the authorization. The 
current regulations place an inappropriate amount of financial 
liability on the Forest Service when the agency must, for reasons of 
public policy, judicial decision, or statutory direction, cancel a 
timber sale contract or permit. The regulatory changes are necessary 
because the Forest Service is unable to continue bearing the majority 
of the financial risk and burden of contract cancellations. This rule 
would more reasonably allocate the risk between the Government and 
private parties. Establishing these reasonable limits to the 
Government's exposure to financial liability and burden of risk in the 
event of contractual changes or contract cancellations is critical to 
protecting the public's financial interests.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            12/30/96                    61 FR 68690
NPRM Comment Period End         02/13/97
Final Action                    12/00/04

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Andria D. Weeks, Regulatory Analyst, Department of 
Agriculture, Forest Service, MS 1134, ATTN: ORMS, D&R Branch Mail Stop 
1134, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0003
Phone: 703 605-4610
Fax: 703 605-5111
Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us

RIN: 0596-AB21
_______________________________________________________________________

389. LAND USES; SPECIAL USES; RECOVERY OF COSTS FOR PROCESSING SPECIAL 
USE APPLICATIONS AND MONITORING COMPLIANCE WITH SPECIAL USE 
AUTHORIZATIONS

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 43 USC 1764; 30 USC 181

CFR Citation: 36 CFR 251

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This final rule, as authorized by the Mineral Leasing Act, 
the Federal Land Policy and Management Act, and other statutes, 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-25, section 
7, which directs that user charges be instituted through promulgation 
of agency regulations implementing the authority for Federal agencies 
to recover costs under the Independent Officers Appropriations Act 
(IOAA). The rule would also respond to recommendations in GAO reports 
RCED-96-84 (April 1996) and RCED 97-16 (December 1996) 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
NPRM Comment Period Extended    02/25/00                    65 FR 10042
NPRM Comment Period End         03/09/00
Final Action                    11/00/04

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Additional Information: Cost reimbursement for processing special use 
applications and administration of special use authorizations was 
originally included under RIN 0596-AA36. All provisions pertaining to 
the special use application and

[[Page 72959]]

administration process were merged into the final rule published 
November 30, 1998 (63 FR 65950, RIN 0596-AB35). Thus, this rulemaking 
addresses only the cost-reimbursement provisions.

Agency Contact: Andria D. Weeks, Regulatory Analyst, Department of 
Agriculture, Forest Service, MS 1134, ATTN: ORMS, D&R Branch Mail Stop 
1134, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0003
Phone: 703 605-4610
Fax: 703 605-5111
Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us

RIN: 0596-AB36
_______________________________________________________________________

390. SPECIAL FOREST PRODUCTS AND FOREST BOTANICAL PRODUCTS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: PL 106-113

CFR Citation: 36 CFR 223

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Forest Service is promulgating regulations for managing 
special forest products and forest botanical products. The regulations 
will guide the Forest Service in the administration of the broader 
category of special forest products. The interim final rule also 
implements Public Law 106-113, which authorizes a pilot program of 
charges and fees for harvest of forest botanical products. Forest 
botanical products include products, such as herbs, berries, seeds, and 
wildflowers that are not wood products. The intended effect of this 
rule is to give guidance and consistency for the sustainability and 
sale of special forest products including forest botanical products.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              11/00/04

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Andria D. Weeks, Regulatory Analyst, Department of 
Agriculture, Forest Service, MS 1134, ATTN: ORMS, D&R Branch Mail Stop 
1134, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0003
Phone: 703 605-4610
Fax: 703 605-5111
Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us

RIN: 0596-AB81
_______________________________________________________________________

391. DETERMINING FAIR MARKET VALUE FOR RECREATION RESIDENCE USE 
AUTHORIZATIONS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 16 USC 497; PL 106-291, title VI

CFR Citation: 36 CFR 251

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Appropriations Act for the Department of the Interior and 
Related Agencies for Fiscal Year 2001 (Pub. L. 106-291) contains 
provisions in title VI ``Cabin User Fee Fairness Act of 2000'' to 
ensure consistent and fair processes for appraising the fee simple 
value of recreation residence lots on National Forest System (NFS) 
lands. The Forest Service is adopting final regulations at 36 CFR part 
251, subpart B, and final policy in the Forest Service Manual (FSM) 
2347 and FSM 2721, and Forest Service Handbook (FSH) 2709.11, section 
33, and FSH 5409.12, chapter 6, that would provide the regulatory 
framework and Agency management direction necessary to implement the 
provisions of the act. The proposed policies and proposed rule were 
published on May 13, 2003 (68 FR 25748), with a 60-day comment period 
ending August 11, 2003. The proposed rule and proposed policy included 
provisions for establishing a base annual fee and a new appraisal 
cycle, conducting inventories of recreation residence lots, and setting 
out appeal and judicial review processes and appraisal guidelines for 
appraising the fee simple value of recreation residence lots. 
Approximately 950 comments were received, the majority of which were 
submitted by permit holders or organized associations of permit 
holders. The comments are being analyzed and will be considered in 
development of the final rule and policy.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            05/13/03                    68 FR 25748
NPRM Comment Period End         08/11/03
Final Action                    12/00/04

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Andria D. Weeks, Regulatory Analyst, Department of 
Agriculture, Forest Service, MS 1134, ATTN: ORMS, D&R Branch Mail Stop 
1134, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0003
Phone: 703 605-4610
Fax: 703 605-5111
Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us

RIN: 0596-AB83
_______________________________________________________________________

392. NATIONAL FOREST SYSTEM LAND MANAGEMENT PLANNING

 Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 24 in part II of this issue of 
the Federal Register.

RIN: 0596-AB86
_______________________________________________________________________

393. COMMUNITY AND PRIVATE LAND FOREST FIRE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

Priority: Other Significant

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              04/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Andria D. Weeks, Regulatory Analyst, Department of 
Agriculture, Forest Service, MS 1134, ATTN: ORMS, D&R Branch Mail Stop 
1134, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0003

[[Page 72960]]

Phone: 703 605-4610
Fax: 703 605-5111
Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us

RIN: 0596-AB96
_______________________________________________________________________

394. DELEGATION OF AUTHORITY TO APPROVE FREE USE BY INDIVIDUALS

Priority: Info./Admin./Other

Legal Authority: 16 USC 472a

CFR Citation: 36 CFR 223.8

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Forest Service is developing an interim final rule to 
revise the current regulations at 36 CFR 223.8 to increase the value of 
timber and special forest products on National Forest System lands made 
available for free use. The current regulation, which has not been 
updated for over 30 years, provides for free use of timber up to $20 in 
value in any one fiscal year. Forest Supervisors may grant permits of 
material not exceeding $100 in value. Regional Foresters may approve 
permits for larger amounts and, in times of emergency, may delegate 
authority to Forest Supervisors for up to $500 in value. Prior approval 
is required by the Chief if the amount exceeds $5,000 in value. The 
market value of timber and special forest products has increased, 
however, and therefore, the regulation needs to be updated to reflect 
current values. This increase will authorize Forest Supervisors and 
Regional Foresters to provide free use of timber and special forest 
products up to $5,000 and $10,000 in value respectively.
The interim final rule will be published in the Federal Register with 
request for public comment. Comments received will be considered in the 
development of the final rule.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              11/00/04

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Andria D. Weeks, Regulatory Analyst, Department of 
Agriculture, Forest Service, MS 1134, ATTN: ORMS, D&R Branch Mail Stop 
1134, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0003
Phone: 703 605-4610
Fax: 703 605-5111
Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us

RIN: 0596-AC09
_______________________________________________________________________

395. TRAVEL MANAGEMENT, DESIGNATED ROUTES, AND AREAS FOR MOTOR VEHICLE 
USE

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 16 USC 551; 23 USC 205

CFR Citation: 36 CFR 212, 251, 261, and 295

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Forest Service will be publishing a final rule amending 
36 CFR part 212 by establishing two subparts. Subpart A will be 
established for Administration of the Forest Transportation System and 
Subpart B will be established for Designation of Roads, Trails, and 
Areas for Motor Vehicle Use; 36 CFR part 295 will be incorporated into 
36 CFR part 212, subpart B. The final rule will also clarify 
definitions and direction, and improve consistency in management of 
off-highway vehicles on National Forest System lands in an effort to 
blend broad agency policy with local decisionmaking. These changes 
ensure that collaborative efforts at the local level are integrated 
into decisionmaking.
Additionally, the final rule amends 36 CFR part 261 and 36 CFR part 251 
to update language in current usage consistent with the changes to 36 
CFR part 295 and 36 CFR part 212, and to add prohibitions not currently 
covered in existing regulations that would clarify the management and 
use of off-highway vehicles on National Forest System lands.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            07/15/04                    69 FR 42381
NPRM Comment Period End         09/13/04
Final Action                    01/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Andria D. Weeks, Regulatory Analyst, Department of 
Agriculture, Forest Service, MS 1134, ATTN: ORMS, D&R Branch Mail Stop 
1134, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0003
Phone: 703 605-4610
Fax: 703 605-5111
Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us

RIN: 0596-AC11
_______________________________________________________________________

396. PREDECISIONAL ADMINISTRATIVE REVIEW AND OBJECTION PROCESS FOR 
PROJECTS AUTHORIZED UNDER HEALTHY FORESTS RESTORATION ACT OF 2003

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: PL 108-148

CFR Citation: 36 CFR 215; 36 CFR 218, subpart A

Legal Deadline: Other, Statutory, January 5, 2004, PL 108-148, sec 105.
The Healthy Forest Restoration Act of 2003 (HFRA) required the 
Secretary of Agriculture to promulgate interim final regulations within 
30 days after the enactment of the act.

Abstract: The Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003 (HFRA) required 
that the Secretary of Agriculture promulgate interim final regulations 
to establish a predecisional administrative process whereby persons can 
seek administrative review and file objections for hazardous fuel 
reduction projects authorized under the act on National Forest System 
lands. The predecisional administrative review and objection process, 
which is limited to environmental assessments or environmental impact 
statements prepared pursuant to the HFRA, provides eligibility for 
participation in this review and objection process to individuals and 
organizations who submit comments specific to the authorized project 
during scoping or the public comment period. Objectors may file a 
written objection with the Reviewing Officer, who conducts the 
objection resolution process. Decisions by the Responsible Official on 
authorized projects occur after the Reviewing Officer has responded to 
all objections, and the Responsible Officer's decisions must be 
consistent with the Reviewing Officer's responses to the objections.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              01/09/04                     69 FR 1529

[[Page 72961]]

Interim Final Rule Comment 
Period End                      04/08/04
Final Action                    03/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Andria D. Weeks, Regulatory Analyst, Department of 
Agriculture, Forest Service, MS 1134, ATTN: ORMS, D&R Branch Mail Stop 
1134, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0003
Phone: 703 605-4610
Fax: 703 605-5111
Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us

RIN: 0596-AC15
_______________________________________________________________________

397. SALE AND DISPOSAL OF NATIONAL FOREST SYSTEM TIMBER; TIMBER SALE 
CONTRACTS; MODIFICATION OF CONTRACTS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 16 USC 472a; 16 USC 618; 16 USC 620 to 620j

CFR Citation: 36 CFR 223.112

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Forest Service is adopting a final rule at part 223, 
subpart B, of title 36, Code of Federal Regulations, section 223.112. 
This final rule authorizes timber sale contracting officers to modify 
contracts to provide a redetermination of stumpage rates and deposits 
to reflect significant timber market declines. This rule applies to 
existing timber sale contracts awarded after October 1, 1995, that have 
been suspended for more than 90 days, during the normal operating 
season because of administrative appeals or litigation, through no 
fault of the timber purchaser.
This final rule provides relief for purchasers in this situation by 
enabling them to obtain stumpage rate redeterminations to continue 
existing contracts after the suspension has been lifted to ensure the 
economic viability of the sale.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              04/09/04                    69 FR 18813
Interim Final Rule Comment 
Period End                      06/08/04
Final Action                    11/00/04

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Andria D. Weeks, Regulatory Analyst, Department of 
Agriculture, Forest Service, MS 1134, ATTN: ORMS, D&R Branch Mail Stop 
1134, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0003
Phone: 703 605-4610
Fax: 703 605-5111
Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us

RIN: 0596-AC16
_______________________________________________________________________

398. CLARIFICATION AS TO WHEN A NOTICE OF INTENT AND/OR A PLAN OF 
OPERATIONS IS NEEDED FOR LOCATABLE MINERAL OPERATIONS ON NATIONAL FOREST 
SYSTEM LANDS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 30 USC 21 to 54; 30 USC 612

CFR Citation: 36 CFR 228.4

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Forest Service is adopting a final rule at 36 CFR 228.4 
clarifying when a notice of intent and/or a plan of operations is 
needed for locatable mineral operations on National Forest System (NFS) 
lands.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              07/09/04                    69 FR 41428
Interim Final Rule Comment 
Period End                      09/07/04
Final Action                    01/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Andria D. Weeks, Regulatory Analyst, Department of 
Agriculture, Forest Service, MS 1134, ATTN: ORMS, D&R Branch Mail Stop 
1134, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0003
Phone: 703 605-4610
Fax: 703 605-5111
Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us

Related RIN: Related to 0596-AB98
RIN: 0596-AC17
_______________________________________________________________________

399. MAXIMUM TERM FOR OUTFITTER/GUIDE SPECIAL USE AUTHORIZATIONS 
(PROPOSED DIRECTIVE, FOREST SERVICE HANDBOOK (FSH) 2709.11, CHAPTER 40)

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 16 USC 497

CFR Citation: None

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Forest Service is publishing a proposed directive to 
extend the term length for outfitter/guide special use authorizations 
from 5 to 10 years. This action is being taken to ensure quality long 
term public service by supporting a reasonable expectation of 
continuity for small businesses operating as outfitters and guides. 
This proposed directive would maintain consistent policy between the 
Bureau of Land Management and the Forest Service. The Bureau of Land 
Management, with whom the Forest Service shares many permitted 
outfitters and common agency direction, extended their special 
recreation permit term for outfitters from 5 to 10 years (69 FR 5702, 
February 6, 2004).

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Proposed Directive              08/13/04                    69 FR 50160
Comment Period End              10/12/04
Final Directive                 12/00/04

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Andria D. Weeks, Regulatory Analyst, Department of 
Agriculture, Forest Service, MS 1134, ATTN: ORMS, D&R Branch Mail Stop 
1134, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0003
Phone: 703 605-4610
Fax: 703 605-5111
Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us

RIN: 0596-AC23

[[Page 72962]]

_______________________________________________________________________

400. <bullet<ls-thn-eq> INTEGRATED RESOURCE CONTRACTS, FS-2400-13 AND 
FS-2400-13T (NOTICE OF INTERIM CONTRACTS)

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: PL 108-7

CFR Citation: None

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: Section 323 of Public Law 108-7, the Consolidated 
Appropriations Resolution (16 U.S.C. 2104 note) established special 
authorities for stewardship contracting not addressed in existing 
Forest Service timber sale contracts. In general, the new authorities 
provide for including service work in timber sale contracts and 
applying the value of timber or other forest products removed as an 
offset against the cost of services received. Integrated Resource 
Contracts FS-2400-13 and FS-2400-13T are being developed for use with 
stewardship end result contracting when the value of timber exceeds the 
cost of service work.
Except where they deviate to address the new authorities, the FS-2400-
13 and FS-2400-13T contracts parallel recently revised timber sale 
contracts FS-2400-6 and FS-2400-6T, which became effective upon notice 
in the Federal Register on May 6, 2004 (69 FR 25367).
In order to fully implement the authorities under section 323 of Public 
Law 108-7, and because they are so similar to timber sale contracts FS-
2400-6 and FS-2400-6T, the agency implemented interim use of the 
integrated resource contracts while public comments are being sought. 
Comments received will be considered in the development of the final 
contracts.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Notice of Interim Contracts     10/05/04                    69 FR 59577
Comment Period End              11/04/04
Notice of Final Contracts       01/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Andria D. Weeks, Regulatory Analyst, Department of 
Agriculture, Forest Service, MS 1134, ATTN: ORMS, D&R Branch Mail Stop 
1134, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0003
Phone: 703 605-4610
Fax: 703 605-5111
Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us

RIN: 0596-AC26
_______________________________________________________________________
Department of Agriculture (USDA)                      Long-Term Actions
Forest Service (FS)
_______________________________________________________________________

401. LOCATABLE MINERALS

Priority: Other Significant

CFR Citation: 36 CFR 228, subpart A

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            11/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Andria D. Weeks
Phone: 703 605-4610
Fax: 703 605-5111
Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us

RIN: 0596-AB98
_______________________________________________________________________

402. SPECIAL AREAS; ROADLESS AREA CONSERVATION; APPLICABILITY TO 
NATIONAL FOREST SYSTEM LANDS IN ALASKA

Priority: Other Significant

CFR Citation: 36 CFR 294

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

ANPRM                           07/15/03                    68 FR 41864
ANPRM Comment Period End        08/14/03
ANPRM Comment Period Extended   08/18/03                    68 FR 49395
ANPRM Comment Period End        09/02/03


Next Action Undetermined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Andria D. Weeks
Phone: 703 605-4610
Fax: 703 605-5111
Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us

Related RIN: Related to 0596-AC04, Previously reported as 0596-AB85
RIN: 0596-AC05
_______________________________________________________________________

403. CLIMBING BOLTS IN WILDERNESS (PROPOSED INTERIM DIRECTIVE, FOREST 
SERVICE MANUAL, CHAPTER 2320)

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation: None

Timetable: Next Action Undetermined

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Andria D. Weeks
Phone: 703 605-4610
Fax: 703 605-5111
Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us

RIN: 0596-AC21

[[Page 72963]]

_______________________________________________________________________
Department of Agriculture (USDA)                      Completed Actions
Forest Service (FS)
_______________________________________________________________________

404. NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY ACT DOCUMENTATION NEEDED FOR CERTAIN 
SPECIAL USES PERMIT ACTIONS (FINAL INTERIM DIRECTIVE TO FSH 1909.15, 
CHAPTER 30)

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation: None

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    07/06/04                    69 FR 40591
Final Action Effective          07/06/04

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Andria D. Weeks
Phone: 703 605-4610
Fax: 703 605-5111
Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us

Related RIN: Related to 0596-AB94
RIN: 0596-AB73
_______________________________________________________________________

405. LAND USES; SPECIAL USES REQUIRING AUTHORIZATIONS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation: 36 CFR 251, 261, 295

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    07/13/04                    69 FR 41946
Final Action Effective          08/12/04

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Andria D. Weeks
Phone: 703 605-4610
Fax: 703 605-5111
Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us

RIN: 0596-AB74
_______________________________________________________________________

406. SAWTOOTH NATIONAL RECREATION AREA-PRIVATE LANDS; INCREASING 
RESIDENTIAL OUTBUILDING SIZE

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation: 36 CFR 292.16

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            04/22/04                    69 FR 21796
Final Action                    09/13/04                    69 FR 55092

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Andria D. Weeks
Phone: 703 605-4610
Fax: 703 605-5111
Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us

RIN: 0596-AC00
_______________________________________________________________________

407. NATIONAL FOREST SYSTEM LAND AND RESOURCE MANAGEMENT PLANNING; 
EXTENSION OF COMPLIANCE DEADLINE FOR SITE-SPECIFIC PROJECTS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation: 36 CFR 219.35(d)

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Merged With 0596-AB86           10/29/04

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Andria D. Weeks
Phone: 703 605-4610
Fax: 703 605-5111
Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us

Related RIN: Merged with 0596-AB86
RIN: 0596-AC01
BILLING CODE 3410--11--S
_______________________________________________________________________
Department of Agriculture (USDA)                       Final Rule Stage
Office of the Secretary (AgSEC)
_______________________________________________________________________

408. GENERAL NONPROCUREMENT REGULATIONS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 5 USC 301; 5 USC 901 et seq

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 3020

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: USDA published 7 CFR part 3015, Uniform Federal Assistance 
Regulations, in 1981 to establish and codify departmentwide policies 
and standards for administering grants and cooperative agreements to 
governmental and nongovernmental entities. Since that time, the Office 
of Management and Budget has led efforts to establish Governmentwide 
common rules for governmental and nongovernmental recipients of grants 
and cooperative agreements. Consequently, over the years, USDA has 
codified its Governmentwide common rules in other parts of title 7 of 
the CFR. This has resulted in corresponding amendments to part 3015 to 
revise its scope accordingly. We are proposing to remove part 3015 and 
to add part 3020 to parts of title 7. We are proposing to include other 
administrative requirements that were never codified. The alternative 
would be to continue to work with the disjointed, outdated part 3015. 
Expected results are that the new part 3020 will be more clear and 
concise and will only contain those cross-cutting requirements not 
included in other USDA departmentwide administrative regulations.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            07/16/03                    68 FR 41947
NPRM Comment Period End         08/15/03
Final Action                    12/00/04

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: State, Local, Tribal

Federalism:  Undetermined

Agency Contact: Annie Walker-Bradley, Acting Director Planning and 
Accountability, Department of Agriculture, Office of the Secretary, 
Room 4632 South Building, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 
20250
Phone: 202 720-9983
Fax: 202 690-3561
Email: abradley@cfo.usda.gov

RIN: 0503-AA21
_______________________________________________________________________

409. GUIDELINES FOR DESIGNATING BIOBASED PRODUCTS FOR FEDERAL REFERENCE

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: PL 107-171, sec 9002

[[Page 72964]]

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 2902

Legal Deadline: NPRM, Statutory, October 10, 2002.

Abstract: These proposed regulations are for purposes of establishing 
guidelines for biobased products that would be afforded Federal 
procurement preference. The guidelines would provide for establishment 
of a new program for the purchase of biobased products by Federal 
agencies. These purchases are intended to stimulate production of new 
biobased products and to energize the emerging markets for these 
products.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            12/19/03                    68 FR 70730
NPRM Comment Period End         02/17/04
Final Action                    11/00/04

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Marvin Duncan, Agricultural Economist, Department of 
Agriculture, Office of the Secretary, Room 361, Reporters Building, 
Office of Energy Policy and New Uses, Washington, DC 20024
Phone: 202 401-0532
Fax: 202 401-0535
Email: mduncan@oce.usda.gov

RIN: 0503-AA26
_______________________________________________________________________
Department of Agriculture (USDA)                      Completed Actions
Office of the Secretary (AgSEC)
_______________________________________________________________________

410. PARTICIPATION OF RELIGIOUS ORGANIZATIONS IN USDA PROGRAMS

Priority: Other Significant

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 16

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    07/09/04                    69 FR 41375

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Courtenay McCormick
Phone: 202 720-3631
Email: courtenay.mccormick@usda.gov

RIN: 0503-AA27
BILLING CODE 3410--90--S
_______________________________________________________________________
Department of Agriculture (USDA)                    Proposed Rule Stage
Rural Business--Cooperative Service (RBS)
_______________________________________________________________________

411. 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                            06/00/05
NPRM Comment Period End         08/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Agency Contact: Robin Meigel, Finance Specialist, Department of 
Agriculture, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, STOP 1569, Washington, DC 
20250-1569
Phone: 202 720-9452
Fax: 202-720-7491
Email: robin.meigel@usda.gov

RIN: 0570-AA24
_______________________________________________________________________

412. BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY GUARANTEED LOAN PROGRAM--FINANCING 
COOPERATIVE STOCK

Priority: Other Significant

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

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 4279, subpart A; 7 CFR 4279, subpart B

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Agency proposes to revise the Business and Industry 
Program regulations to incorporate additional guidance and eliminate or 
reduce certain requirements when financing cooperative stock.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            02/00/05
NPRM Comment Period End         04/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Small Entities Affected: Businesses, Organizations

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Debi Raygor, Loan Specialist, B&I Processing Branch, 
Department of Agriculture, Rural

[[Page 72965]]

Business-Cooperative Service, Room 6849/STOP 3224, 1400 Independence 
Avenue SW, STOP 3224, Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 205-0894
Fax: 202-720-6003
Email: debi.raygor@usda.gov

RIN: 0570-AA26
_______________________________________________________________________

413. RURAL BUSINESS ENTERPRISE GRANT PROGRAM

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

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

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1942; 7 CFR 4284

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Rural Business-Cooperative Service proposes to completely 
rewrite and renumber 7 CFR 1942, subpart G to 7 CFR part 4284, subpart 
B. This rewrite will incorporate public law changes and clarify 
administrative regulatory procedures and guidelines in order to improve 
program administration.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            07/00/05
NPRM Comment Period End         09/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Agency Contact: Cindy Mason, Loan Specialist, Specialty Lenders 
Division, Department of Agriculture, Rural Business-Cooperative 
Service, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, STOP 3225, Washington, DC 20250-
3225
Phone: 202 690-1433
Fax: 202-720-2213
Email: cindy.mason@usda.gov

RIN: 0570-AA28
_______________________________________________________________________

414. 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 higher supportable loan level.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

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

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Agency Contact: Robin Pulkkinen, Loan Specialist, Special Projects/
Programs Oversight Division, Department of Agriculture, Rural Business-
Cooperative Service, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, STOP 3221, 
Washington, DC 20250-3221
Phone: 202 720-0661
Fax: 202-690-3808
Email: robin.pulkkinen@usda.gov

RIN: 0570-AA34
_______________________________________________________________________

415. 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                            06/00/05
NPRM Comment Period End         08/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: Local, Tribal

Federalism:  Undetermined

Agency Contact: Brenda Griffin, Loan Specialist, B&I Processing 
Division, Department of Agriculture, Rural Business-Cooperative 
Service, Room 6847/Stop 3224, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, STOP 3224, 
Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 720-6802
Fax: 202-720-6003
Email: brenda.griffin@usda.gov

RIN: 0570-AA41
_______________________________________________________________________

416. NATIONAL SECURITY EMERGENCY

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

Legal Authority: 7 USC 1963

CFR Citation: Not Yet Determined

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Rural Business-Cooperative Service (RBS) proposes to 
streamline procedures for loans and grants for existing business and 
industry direct and guarantee loan programs. This rulemaking will also 
establish emergency regulations for the community facilities program 
currently administered within the Rural Housing Service (RHS).

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            08/00/05
NPRM Comment Period End         10/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Robin Meigel, Finance Specialist, Department of 
Agriculture, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, STOP 1569, Washington, DC 
20250-1569
Phone: 202 720-9452
Fax: 202-720-7491
Email: robin.meigel@usda.gov

RIN: 0570-AA48
_______________________________________________________________________

417. RENEWABLE ENERGY SYSTEMS AND ENERGY EFFICIENCY IMPROVEMENTS

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 7 USC 8106

CFR Citation: Not Yet Determined

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: Section 9006 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 
2004 directs the implementation of a

[[Page 72966]]

direct and guaranteed loan and grant program for renewable energy 
systems and energy efficiency improvements for farmers, ranchers, and 
rural small businesses. For fiscal year (FY) 2003, a Notice of Funds 
Availability was published on April 8 for the grant program.
The proposed rule will establish regulations to implement the direct 
and guaranteed loan and grant program. These regulations will allow for 
the integration of all program authorities and permit full attention to 
all of the potential contingencies and issues.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            10/05/04                    69 FR 59650
NPRM Comment Period End         11/05/04

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Georg Schultz, Special Assistant Deputy Administrator, 
Business Programs, Department of Agriculture, Rural Business-
Cooperative Service, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, STOP 3220, 
Washington, DC 20250-3220
Phone: 202 720-2976
Fax: 202-690-0097
Email: georg.schultz@usda.gov

RIN: 0570-AA50
_______________________________________________________________________

418. <bullet<ls-thn-eq> SECONDARY MARKET POOLING BY FISCAL TRANSFER 
AGENT

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 7 USC 1988, sec 388

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 4279

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This regulation provides for the development of pool 
certificates that are fully backed by the USDA guarantee to enhance the 
RBS business and industry secondary market fiscal transfer initiative 
and conform it more to the longstanding Small Business Administration 
secondary market program.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            08/00/05
NPRM Comment Period End         10/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Robin Meigel, Finance Specialist, Department of 
Agriculture, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, STOP 1569, Washington, DC 
20250-1569
Phone: 202 720-9452
Fax: 202-720-7491
Email: robin.meigel@usda.gov

RIN: 0570-AA53
_______________________________________________________________________

419. <bullet<ls-thn-eq> BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY GUARANTEED LOAN PROGRAM--
IMPLEMENT THE DEBT COLLECTION IMPROVEMENT ACT (DCIA) OF 1996

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: Not Yet Determined

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 4279, subpart B

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Rural Business-Cooperative Service proposes to revise RD 
Instruction 4279-B to require personal and corporate guarantees for the 
term of the guaranteed loan; and to develop Agency approved personal 
and corporate guaranteed forms to identify that the financial 
assistance received is a Federal debt and subject to the Debit 
Collection Improvement Act of 1996.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            02/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: Businesses

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Agency Contact: David W. Lewis, Branch Chief, B&I Servicing Branch, 
Department of Agriculture, Rural Business-Cooperative Service, 1400 
Independence Avenue SW, STOP 3224, Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 690-0797
Fax: 202-720-6003
Email: david.lewis@usda.gov

RIN: 0570-AA54
_______________________________________________________________________
Department of Agriculture (USDA)                       Final Rule Stage
Rural Business--Cooperative Service (RBS)
_______________________________________________________________________

420. RURAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT LOAN AND GRANT PROGRAM

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: 7 USC 940c

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1703, subpart B; 7 CFR 4280, subpart A

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This action improves the ease of use by the public and 
program beneficiaries. The regulations will simplify the application 
format, review and selection process, and recipient's recordkeeping 
requirements. It will also add a section on the appeal of adverse 
decisions.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            12/15/99                    64 FR 69937
NPRM Comment Period End         02/14/00
Final Action                    12/00/04

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Kenya Nicolas, Loan Specialist, B&I Specialty Lenders 
Division, Department of Agriculture, Rural Business-Cooperative 
Service, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, STOP 3225, Washington, DC 20250-
3225
Phone: 202 720-1970
Fax: 202-720-2213
Email: kenya.nicolas@usda.gov

RIN: 0570-AA19
_______________________________________________________________________

421. RURAL BUSINESS INVESTMENT PROGRAM

Priority: Other Significant

Legal Authority: PL 107-171, sec 6029

CFR Citation: Not Yet Determined

Legal Deadline: None

[[Page 72967]]

Abstract: This action will implement the provisions of section 6029 of 
the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act, which authorizes the Rural 
Business Investment Program. The purpose of the program is the 
establishment of equity capital investment in Rural Business Investment 
Companies and other entities through a combination of grants and 
guarantees of debentures with the objective of fostering economic 
development in rural areas. By law, the program is required to be 
administered by another Federal agency that has considerable expertise 
in operating a similar program. The Rural Business-Cooperative Service 
has contracted with the Small Business Administration.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              06/08/04                    69 FR 32200
Interim Final Rule Comment 
Period End                      07/08/04
Final Action                    06/00/05

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, STOP 3221, 
Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 205-0056
Fax: 202 690-3808
Email: michael.foore@usda.gov

RIN: 0570-AA35
_______________________________________________________________________

422. 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: Section 6020 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 
2002 changed 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                    12/00/04

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Cindy Mason, Loan Specialist, Specialty Lenders 
Division, Department of Agriculture, Rural Business-Cooperative 
Service, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, STOP 3225, Washington, DC 20250-
3225
Phone: 202 690-1433
Fax: 202-720-2213
Email: cindy.mason@usda.gov

RIN: 0570-AA36
_______________________________________________________________________

423. B&I GUARANTEED LOAN PROGRAM FARM BILL CHANGES--EXPANDED ELIGIBILITY 
CRITERIA

Priority: Other Significant

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

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 4279, subpart B

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: Section 6013 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 
2002 adds other renewable energy systems as an eligible loan purpose. 
Section 6017 expands eligibility criteria for loans to cooperatives and 
loan guarantees in nonrural areas under certain conditions and expands 
eligibility and relaxes financial reporting requirements for the B&I 
Cooperative Stock Purchase Program. It also allows the Agency to 
require specialized appraisals for the B&I program. Section 6019 
requires the Agency to provide a short, simplified application form for 
guarantees of $400,000 or less initially. 7 CFR part 4279, subpart B, 
must be changed to incorporate these provisions of the statute.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              11/00/04
Interim Final Rule Comment 
Period End                      12/00/04

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Brenda Griffin, Loan Specialist, B&I Processing 
Division, Department of Agriculture, Rural Business-Cooperative 
Service, Room 6847/Stop 3224, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, STOP 3224, 
Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 720-6802
Fax: 202-720-6003
Email: brenda.griffin@usda.gov

RIN: 0570-AA39
_______________________________________________________________________

424. INTERMEDIARY RELENDING PROGRAM

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 42 USC 9812(a)

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 4274

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This regulatory action is to effectively clarify, simplify, 
and strengthen the existing regulations.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Direct Final Rule               12/00/04

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: Local, State, Tribal

[[Page 72968]]

Agency Contact: Lori Washington, Loan Specialist, Specialty Lenders 
Division, Department of Agriculture, Rural Business-Cooperative 
Service, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, STOP 3225, Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 720-9815
Fax: 202 720-2213
Email: lori.washington@usda.gov

RIN: 0570-AA42
_______________________________________________________________________

425. FISCAL TRANSFER AGENT--SECONDARY MARKET SALES OF GUARANTEED LOANS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is 
undetermined.

Legal Authority: 7 USC 1988; 7 USC 1989

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 4279-A; 7 CFR 4279-C

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: Section 338(b)(2)(A) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural 
Development Act (CONACT) authorizes the Secretary, either directly or 
through a market maker, to issue pool certificates representing 
ownership of part or all of the guaranteed portion of any loan 
guaranteed by the Secretary for certain guaranteed programs.
The sale of Government guaranteed loan portions to investors in the 
secondary market increases earnings, liquidity, and the capital 
available to lenders. Lenders in the Small Business Administration 
(SBA) 7(a) loan program are selling loans by using an SBA-approved 
Fiscal Transfer Agent (FTA) that pools and markets loans on the 
secondary market. Rural Development seeks to use Section 338(b)(2)(A) 
of the CONACT to provide the same service to lenders.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            08/06/03                    68 FR 46509
NPRM Comment Period End         10/06/03
Final Action                    12/00/04

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: Businesses, Governmental Jurisdictions, 
Organizations

Government Levels Affected: Federal, Local, Tribal

Federalism:  Undetermined

Agency Contact: Robin Meigel, Finance Specialist, Department of 
Agriculture, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, STOP 1569, Washington, DC 
20250-1569
Phone: 202 720-9452
Fax: 202-720-7491
Email: robin.meigel@usda.gov

RIN: 0570-AA47
_______________________________________________________________________

426. TANGIBLE NET EQUITY

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

Legal Authority: 7 USC 1932(a)

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1980; 7 CFR 4279

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This proposed rulemaking amends 7 CFR parts 4279 and 1980 by 
modifying the equity requirement considered in the underwriting of 
business and industry loans by guaranteed lenders and/or the Rural 
Business-Cooperative Service as follows:
-- In the case of direct or guaranteed refinancing loans only, apply an 
adjusted equity requirement, where tangible net equity is modified by 
(i) including asset value to the extent of the difference between the 
depreciated book value of real property assets and current market value 
supported by an independent appraisal, or the original loan amount, 
whichever is less and (ii) family capital subordinated debt, where the 
subordinated debt is held by and represents a cash infusion to the 
business by the owner or close family member, and the repayment terms 
are such that repayment is not ahead of Agency direct and/or guaranteed 
loan exposure.
-- Increase the equity requirement for energy loans to 40 percent for 
existing businesses (in existence for 3 years) and 50 percent for new 
businesses. Construction financing is not an eligible energy loan 
purpose; energy projects that produce biomass fuel, biogas, fuel cells, 
or batteries as an output must have completed two operating cycles at 
design performance levels acceptable to the Agency.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            01/16/04                     69 FR 2521
NPRM Comment Period End         03/16/04
Final Action                    12/00/04

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Robin Meigel, Finance Specialist, Department of 
Agriculture, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, STOP 1569, Washington, DC 
20250-1569
Phone: 202 720-9452
Fax: 202-720-7491
Email: robin.meigel@usda.gov

RIN: 0570-AA49
BILLING CODE 3410--XY--S
_______________________________________________________________________
Department of Agriculture (USDA)                    Proposed Rule Stage
Rural Utilities Service (RUS)
_______________________________________________________________________

427. TELECOMMUNICATIONS STANDARDS AND SPECIFICATIONS FOR MATERIALS, 
EQUIPMENT, AND CONSTRUCTION

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 7 USC 901 et seq; 7 USC 1921 et seq

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1755

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Rural Utilities Service (RUS) proposes to amend 7 CFR 
1755 to include requirements presently contained in RUS Bulletin 345-3. 
This rule would establish and codify provisions for the inclusion and 
removal of products from I.P. 344-2. This rule also proposes to 
integrate the existing section on field trials in the procedures for 
product acceptance and inclusion in this codification, as well as 
clarifying and reorganizing the field trials section.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            12/00/04

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

[[Page 72969]]

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Richard Annan, Acting Director, Program Development & 
Reg Analysis, Department of Agriculture, Rural Utilities Service, Room 
4034, Room 5168, South Building, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, 
Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 720-0784
Fax: 202 720-4120
Email: richard.annan@usda.gov

RIN: 0572-AB40
_______________________________________________________________________

428. SERVICING OF WATER PROGRAMS LOANS AND GRANTS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 5 USC 301; 7 USC 1989; 16 USC 1005

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1782; 7 CFR 1951; 7 CFR 1955; 7 CFR 1956

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Rural Utilities Service proposes to consolidate and amend 
the regulations utilized to service water and waste loan and grant 
programs. Unnecessary and burdensome requirements for water and waste 
loan and grant servicing under the program will be eliminated. The 
streamlining will allow RUS to provide better service to entities 
needing assistance in resolving financial and economic problems in 
their communities and in general improve the quality of life in rural 
areas.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            11/00/04
NPRM Comment Period End         01/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Richard Annan, Acting Director, Program Development and 
Regulatory Analysis, Department of Agriculture, Rural Utilities 
Service, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Stop 1522, Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 720-0784
Fax: 202 720-4120
Email: richard.annan@usda.gov

RIN: 0572-AB59
_______________________________________________________________________

429. 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                            03/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Richard Annan, Acting Director, Program Development & 
Reg Analysis, Department of Agriculture, Rural Utilities Service, Room 
4034, Room 5168, South Building, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, 
Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 720-0784
Fax: 202 720-4120
Email: richard.annan@usda.gov

RIN: 0572-AB76
_______________________________________________________________________

430. HIGH ENERGY COST RURAL COMMUNITY GRANTS (SECTION 610 REVIEW)

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

Legal Authority: PL 106-472; title III, sec 301, 7 USC 918a

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1709

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: This rule sets forth the policies and procedures for awarding 
grants to rural communities with very high energy costs. The grants may 
be used to acquire, construct, extend, upgrade, and otherwise improve 
energy generation, transmission, or distribution facilities.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            12/00/04

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Richard Annan, Acting Director, Program Development and 
Regulatory Analysis, Department of Agriculture, Rural Utilities 
Service, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Stop 1522, Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 720-0784
Fax: 202 720-4120
Email: richard.annan@usda.gov

RIN: 0572-AB91
_______________________________________________________________________

431. <bullet<ls-thn-eq> ELIMINATION OF SUBPART M: OPERATIONAL CONTROLS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is 
undetermined.

Legal Authority: 7 USC 901 et seq, 1921 et seq, 6941 et seq

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1717

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: RUS proposes the elimination of subpart M as it has achieved 
the goal of providing a bridge during the transition from old to new 
loan documents. Most borrowers eligible for new loan documents have 
already made the change and many of the remaining ``legacy'' borrowers 
do not plan to be active borrowers in the future. The removal of this 
section of the regulations is proposed as it has served the intended 
purpose.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            12/00/04

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Richard Annan, Acting Director, Program Development & 
Reg Analysis, Department of Agriculture, Rural Utilities Service, Room 
4034, Room 5168, South Building, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, 
Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 720-0784
Fax: 202 720-4120
Email: richard.annan@usda.gov

RIN: 0572-AB97

[[Page 72970]]

_______________________________________________________________________
Department of Agriculture (USDA)                       Final Rule Stage
Rural Utilities Service (RUS)
_______________________________________________________________________

432. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE GRANTS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 5 USC 301; 7 USC 1989; 16 USC 1005

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1775

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: RUS will amend the regulation to separate the technical 
assistance and training grant and solid waste management grant programs 
for clarification purposes and to bring the regulation in line with 
revisions to OMB circulars. Additionally, it eliminates the requirement 
that applicants submit a pre-application when applying for grant funds 
and transfers grant processing and servicing from the National Office 
to Rural Development State Offices.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            01/22/04                     69 FR 3030
NPRM Comment Period End         03/22/04
Final Action                    11/00/04

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Richard Annan, Acting Director, Program Development and 
Regulatory Analysis, Department of Agriculture, Rural Utilities 
Service, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Stop 1522, Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 720-0784
Fax: 202 720-4120
Email: richard.annan@usda.gov

RIN: 0572-AB75
_______________________________________________________________________

433. ACCOUNTING REQUIREMENTS FOR RUS TELECOMMUNICATIONS BORROWERS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 7 USC 901 et seq; 7 USC 1921 et seq; 7 USC 6941 et seq

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1770

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: RUS proposes to revise subpart B, Uniform System of Accounts, 
to reflect changes to 47 CFR part 32, Uniform System of Accounts, by 
the Federal Communications Commission.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            05/10/04                    69 FR 25848
NPRM Comment Period End         07/09/04
Final Action                    11/00/04

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Richard Annan, Acting Director, Program Development and 
Regulatory Analysis, Department of Agriculture, Rural Utilities 
Service, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Stop 1522, Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 720-0784
Fax: 202 720-4120
Email: richard.annan@usda.gov

RIN: 0572-AB77
_______________________________________________________________________

434. EXEMPTION OF CERTAIN BORROWERS FROM CONTROLS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

Legal Authority: 7 USC 901 et seq; 7 USC 1901 et seq; 7 USC 6941 et seq

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1717

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: RUS is removing section 1717.656(a)(3) in its entirety. This 
section, which exempts certain borrowers from controls, became 
effective October 23, 1995. Effective January 29, 1996, RUS established 
new loan contract requirements that conflict with this section. This 
administrative action is taken to eliminate confusion in the rule and 
provide consistency to the regulation.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Direct Final Rule               01/00/05

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Richard Annan, Acting Director, Program Development & 
Reg Analysis, Department of Agriculture, Rural Utilities Service, Room 
4034, Room 5168, South Building, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, 
Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 720-0784
Fax: 202 720-4120
Email: richard.annan@usda.gov

RIN: 0572-AB85
_______________________________________________________________________

435. <bullet<ls-thn-eq> DEFINITION CLARIFICATION OF STATE 
NONMETROPOLITAN MEDIAN HOUSEHOLD INCOME (SNMHI)

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

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

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1775; 7 CFR 1777; 7 CFR 1778; 7 CFR 1780; 7 CFR 
1942; 7 CFR 3570; 7 CFR 4274; . . .

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: RHS, RBS, RHS and RUS are amending their regulations to 
reflect the clarification of the definition of State Nonmetropolitan 
Median Household Income (SNMHI).

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            08/09/04                    69 FR 48174
NPRM Comment Period End         09/08/04
Final Action                    11/00/04

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Richard Annan, Acting Director, Program Development & 
Reg Analysis, Department of Agriculture, Rural Utilities Service, Room 
4034, Room 5168, South Building, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, 
Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 720-0784
Fax: 202 720-4120
Email: richard.annan@usda.gov

RIN: 0572-AB96

[[Page 72971]]

_______________________________________________________________________
Department of Agriculture (USDA)                      Completed Actions
Rural Utilities Service (RUS)
_______________________________________________________________________

436. GUARANTEES FOR BONDS AND NOTES ISSUED FOR ELECTRIFICATION PURPOSES

Priority: Other Significant

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1720

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    10/29/04                    69 FR 63045
Final Action Effective          11/29/04

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined

Government Levels Affected: Undetermined

Agency Contact: Richard Annan
Phone: 202 720-0784
Fax: 202 720-4120
Email: richard.annan@usda.gov

RIN: 0572-AB83
_______________________________________________________________________

437. SALE OR TRANSFER OF CAPITAL ASSETS

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1717

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Withdrawn                       09/15/04

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Richard Annan
Phone: 202 720-0784
Fax: 202 720-4120
Email: richard.annan@usda.gov

RIN: 0572-AB84
_______________________________________________________________________

438. ELECTRIC SYSTEM EMERGENCY RESTORATION PLAN

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1730

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    10/12/04                    69 FR 60537

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Richard Annan
Phone: 202 720-0784
Fax: 202 720-4120
Email: richard.annan@usda.gov

RIN: 0572-AB92
_______________________________________________________________________

439. HOUSEHOLD WATER WELL SYSTEM GRANT PROGRAM

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1776

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Direct Final Rule               10/06/04                    69 FR 59764
Comment Period End              11/05/04

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Richard Annan
Phone: 202 720-0784
Fax: 202 720-4120
Email: richard.annan@usda.gov

RIN: 0572-AB93
_______________________________________________________________________

440. BROADBAND GRANT PROGRAM

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1739

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            05/14/04                    69 FR 26777
Final Action                    07/28/04                    69 FR 44896

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Richard Annan
Phone: 202 720-0784
Fax: 202 720-4120
Email: richard.annan@usda.gov

RIN: 0572-AB94
_______________________________________________________________________

441. GRANT PROGRAM TO ESTABLISH A FUND FOR FINANCING WATER AND WASTE 
WATER PROJECTS (REVOLVING FUND PROGRAM (RFP))

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1783

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Direct Final Rule               10/06/04                    69 FR 59770
Comment Period End              11/05/04

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Richard Annan
Phone: 202 720-0784
Fax: 202 720-4120
Email: richard.annan@usda.gov

RIN: 0572-AB95
BILLING CODE 3410--15--S
_______________________________________________________________________
Department of Agriculture (USDA)                       Final Rule Stage
Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS)
_______________________________________________________________________

442. 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                    12/00/04

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

[[Page 72972]]

Agency Contact: Bruce Julian, Watersheds and Wetlands Division, 
Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service, PO 
Box 2890, Washington, DC 20013-2890
Phone: 202 720-3042
Fax: 202 720-2143
Email: bruce.julian@usda.gov

RIN: 0578-AA27
_______________________________________________________________________

443. EMERGENCY WATERSHED PROTECTION PROGRAM

 Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 25 in part II of this issue of 
the Federal Register.

RIN: 0578-AA30
_______________________________________________________________________

444. TECHNICAL SERVICE PROVIDER ASSISTANCE

 Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 26 in part II of this issue of 
the Federal Register.

RIN: 0578-AA35
_______________________________________________________________________

445. CONSERVATION SECURITY PROGRAM

 Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 27 in part II of this issue of 
the Federal Register.

RIN: 0578-AA36
_______________________________________________________________________

446. GRASSLAND RESERVE

 Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 28 in part II of this issue of 
the Federal Register.

RIN: 0578-AA38
_______________________________________________________________________

447. CONFIDENTIALITY OF CONSERVATION PROGRAM INFORMATION

 Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 29 in part II of this issue of 
the Federal Register.

RIN: 0578-AA40
_______________________________________________________________________
Department of Agriculture (USDA)                      Completed Actions
Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS)
_______________________________________________________________________

448. NRCS EQUITABLE RELIEF PROCEDURES

Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant

CFR Citation: 7 CFR 635

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Final Action                    09/21/04                    69 FR 56345

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Elizabeth Schuler
Phone: 615 646-9741
Fax: 615 673-6705
Email: beth.schuler@usda.gov

RIN: 0578-AA39
BILLING CODE 3410--16--S
_______________________________________________________________________
Department of Agriculture (USDA)                       Final Rule Stage
Office of Procurement and Property Management (OPPM)
_______________________________________________________________________

449. AGRICULTURAL ACQUISITION REGULATION (AGAR): UPDATES AND TECHNICAL 
CHANGES (AGAR CASE 2004-01)

Priority: Info./Admin./Other

Legal Authority: 5 USC 301; 40 USC 486(c)

CFR Citation: 48 CFR 401 through 452

Legal Deadline: None

Abstract: The Department of Agriculture proposes to conduct a review of 
the AGAR to bring it up to date and to make sure correspondence with 
the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) is maintained. The Direct 
Final Rule will amend the AGAR to correct and update internal 
references to the FAR; to remove sections supplementing material that 
has been removed from the FAR; and to update designations of USDA 
offices, where the office designations have changed since 1998. The 
proposed changes will restore correspondence between FAR sections and 
AGAR sections.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Direct Final Rule               12/00/04

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No

Small Entities Affected: No

Government Levels Affected: None

Agency Contact: Joseph Daragan, Procurement Analyst, Department of 
Agriculture, Office of Procurement and Property Management, Mail Stop 
9303, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 720-5729
Fax: 202 720-8972
Email: joe.daragan@usda.gov

RIN: 0599-AA11
[FR Doc. 04-23632 Filed 12-10-04; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-98-S
