<DOC>
[April 24, 2006 (Volume 71, Number 78)]
[Unified Agenda]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [frwais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID: f:ua060403.wais]
[Page 22278-22374]
Department of Agriculture
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Part III
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Semiannual Regulatory Agenda
[[Page 22278]]
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA)
_______________________________________________________________________
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Office of the Secretary
7 CFR Subtitle A, Chs. I-VII, IX-XII, XIV-XVIII, XXI, XXIV-XXIX
9 CFR Chs. I-IV
36 CFR Ch. II
41 CFR Ch. 4
Semiannual Regulatory Agenda, Spring 2006
AGENCY: Office of the Secretary, USDA.
ACTION: Semiannual regulatory agenda.
_______________________________________________________________________
SUMMARY: This agenda provides summary descriptions of significant and
not significant regulations being developed in agencies of the U.S.
Department of Agriculture (USDA) in conformance with Executive Order
12866 ``Regulatory Planning and Review.'' The agenda also describes
regulations affecting small entities as required by section 602 of the
Regulatory Flexibility Act, Public Law 96-354. This agenda also
identifies regulatory actions that are being reviewed in compliance
with section 610(c) of the Regulatory Flexibility Act. We invite public
comment on those actions.
     USDA has attempted to list all regulations and regulatory
reviews pending at the time of publication except for minor and
routine or repetitive actions, but some may have been inadvertently
missed. There is no legal significance to the omission of an item
from this listing. Also, the dates shown for the steps of each
action are estimated and are not commitments to act on or by the
date shown.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For further information on any
specific entry shown in this agenda, please contact the person listed
for that action. For general comments or inquiries about the agenda,
please contact Michael Poe, Office of Budget and Program Analysis, U.S.
Department of Agriculture, Washington, DC 20250, (202) 720-1272.
Dated: February 24, 2006.
 Geraldine Broadway,
Chief, Legislative and Regulatory Staff.
                                  Agricultural Marketing Service--Prerule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1           National Organic Program: Add Standards for the Organic Certification of Wild Captured    0581-AB97
            Aquatic Animals (TM-01-08)............................................................
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                               Agricultural Marketing Service--Proposed Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2           The National Organic Program: Amending the National List (TM-04-01), Crops and            0581-AC35
            Processing............................................................................
3           Honey Research and Promotion: Packer/Importer Board (FV-03-704).......................    0581-AC37
4           Changes in Fees and Hourly Fee Rates for Science and Technology Laboratory Services       0581-AC48
            (ST-05-01)............................................................................
5           Changes in Fees for Federal Meat Grading and Certification Services (LS-05-05)........    0581-AC49
6           National Organic Program: Sunset (Expiration) of Allowances and Prohibitions Contained    0581-AC51
            on the National List (TM-04-07).......................................................
7           Standards for Condition of Food Containers (FV-05-332)................................    0581-AC52
8           Changes in Fees for Voluntary Federal Dairy Grading and Inspection Services (Fee          0581-AC55
            Increase) (DA-05-04)..................................................................
9           Federal Processed Fruits and Vegetables, Fee Increase (FV-05-379).....................    0581-AC56
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                Agricultural Marketing Service--Final Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
10          Eligibility Requirements for USDA Graded Shell Eggs (PY-98-006).......................    0581-AC50
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                Agricultural Marketing Service--Long-Term Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
11          Administrative Requirements for Voluntary Shell Egg, Poultry, and Rabbit Grading (PY-     0581-AC25
            02-003)...............................................................................
12          Mandatory Country of Origin Labeling of Beef, Pork, Lamb, Fish, Perishable                0581-AC26
            Agricultural Commodities, and Peanuts (LS-03-04)......................................
[[Page 22279]]
13          Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act: Trust Rights (FV-05-373).....................    0581-AC53
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                Agricultural Marketing Service--Completed Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
14          Quality Systems Verification Program (LS-02-10).......................................    0581-AC12
15          The National Organic Program: National List--Crops, Livestock, and Processing (TM-04-     0581-AC38
            04)...................................................................................
16          USDA Farmers' Market Operating Procedures (TM-04-09)..................................    0581-AC39
17          Plant Variety Protection (PVP) Certificates: Fee Increase (ST-05-02)..................    0581-AC42
18          California Clingstone Peach Diversion Program (Tree Pull) (FV05-82-01)................    0581-AC45
19          Fresh Fruits and Vegetables, Increase in Fees (FV-04-310).............................    0581-AC46
20          Update and Clarify a Shell Egg Grading Definition (PY-05-003).........................    0581-AC47
21          National Organic Program: Harvey v. Johanns...........................................    0581-AC54
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                Agricultural Research Service--Completed Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
22          Rules of Conduct at the United States National Arboretum..............................    0518-AA02
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                       Farm Service Agency--Prerule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
23          Regulations for the United States Warehouse Act; Cotton Loans.........................    0560-AH48
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                    Farm Service Agency--Proposed Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
24          Procurement of Commodities for Foreign Donation.......................................    0560-AH40
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                     Farm Service Agency--Long-Term Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
25          Amendments to the Standards for Approval of Warehouses for Commodity Credit               0560-AE50
            Corporation Storage Contracts.........................................................
26          Regulatory Streamlining of the Farm Service Agency's Direct Farm Loan Programs........    0560-AF60
27          Interest Assistance Program...........................................................    0560-AG46
28          Ocean Freight Claims Administrative Appeal Process....................................    0560-AG49
29          2002 Farm Bill Regulations--Assistance for Livestock Producers........................    0560-AG76
30          Clarification of Informal Appeals Procedures..........................................    0560-AG88
31          Selection of FSA State and County Committees..........................................    0560-AG90
32          Environmental Compliance and Related Concerns.........................................    0560-AH02
33          Retaining Preferred Lender Program (PLP) Status, Processing Loss Claims, Payment of       0560-AH07
            Interest Accrued During Bankruptcy, and Redemption Rights Periods for Guaranteed Loans
34          Debt Collection, Debt Settlement, and Assignment of Payments..........................    0560-AH09
35          Disaster Declaration and Designation..................................................    0560-AH17
[[Page 22280]]
36          Planting Reporting for Tropical Crops--Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program....    0560-AH19
37          Conservation Contract Debt Write-Down.................................................    0560-AH23
38          Confidentiality of Conservation Program Information...................................    0560-AH32
39          Guaranteed Loans--Unauthorized Assistance.............................................    0560-AH34
40          Grains and Similarly Handled Commodities--Marketing Assistance Loans and Loan             0560-AH38
            Deficiency Payments for the 2002 Through 2007 Crop Years..............................
41          Guaranteed Farm Loan Fees.............................................................    0560-AH41
42          Cooperative Marketing Associations....................................................    0560-AH42
43          Emergency Conservation Program........................................................    0560-AH43
44          Emergency Forestry Conservation Reserve Program.......................................    0560-AH44
45          2005 Hurricane Disaster Assistance Programs...........................................    0560-AH45
46          Revisions of Delegations of Authority.................................................    0560-AH46
47          Extension of the Milk Income Loss Contract Program....................................    0560-AH47
48          Percentages for Direct and Counter-Cyclical Program Advance Payments..................    0560-AH49
49          Reassignment of Sugar Allocation Shortfalls...........................................    0560-AH50
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                     Farm Service Agency--Completed Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
50          Payment Limitation and Payment Eligibility; Trade Adjustment Assistance for Farmers...    0560-AH16
51          Policy for Certain Commodities Available for Sale.....................................    0560-AH22
52          2004 Cottonseed Program...............................................................    0560-AH29
53          Appraisal Updates.....................................................................    0560-AH33
54          Extra Long Staple Cotton Prices.......................................................    0560-AH36
55          Transfer of Sugar Marketing Allocations...............................................    0560-AH37
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                         Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service--Proposed Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
56          Animal Welfare: Marine Mammals; Nonconsensus Language and Interactive Programs            0579-AB24
            (Rulemaking Resulting From a Section 610 Review)......................................
57          Tuberculosis in Cattle; Import Requirements (Section 610 Review)......................    0579-AB44
58          Karnal Bunt Compensation..............................................................    0579-AB45
59          Revision of Fruits and Vegetables Import Regulations..................................    0579-AB80
60          Boll Weevil; Quarantine and Regulations...............................................    0579-AB91
61          Trichinae Certification Program.......................................................    0579-AB92
62          Movement of Unroasted Coffee Into Hawaii and Puerto Rico..............................    0579-AB96
63          Special Need Requests Under the Plant Protection Act..................................    0579-AB98
64          Standards for Permanent, Privately Owned Horse Quarantine Facilities (Section 610         0579-AC00
            Review)...............................................................................
65          Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy; Minimal-Risk Regions and Importation of Commodities.    0579-AC01
66          Importation of Plants for Planting; Establishing a New Category of Plants for Planting    0579-AC03
            Not Authorized for Importation Pending Risk Assessment (Rulemaking Resulting From a
            Section 610 Review)...................................................................
67          National Veterinary Accreditation Program (Rulemaking Resulting From a Section 610        0579-AC04
            Review)...............................................................................
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                          Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service--Final Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
68          Phytosanitary Certificates for Imported Fruits and Vegetables.........................    0579-AB18
69          Foot-and-Mouth Disease; Payment of Indemnity..........................................    0579-AB34
70          Chronic Wasting Disease in Elk and Deer; Interstate Movement Restrictions and Payment     0579-AB35
            of Indemnity..........................................................................
[[Page 22281]]
71          Gypsy Moth; Interstate Movement of Regulated Articles (Section 610 Review)............    0579-AB55
72          Pine Shoot Beetle Host Material From Canada...........................................    0579-AB76
73          Importation of Small Lots of Seed Without Phytosanitary Certificates..................    0579-AB78
74          Importation of Swine and Swine Products From the European Union.......................    0579-AB79
75          Phytophthora Ramorum; Quarantine and Regulations......................................    0579-AB82
76          Requirements for Requests To Amend Import Regulations.................................    0579-AB83
77          Interstate Movement of Sheep and Goats; Approved Livestock Facilities, Identification,    0579-AB84
            and Recordkeeping Requirements........................................................
78          User Fees for Agricultural Quarantine and Inspection Services.........................    0579-AB88
79          Viruses, Serums, Toxins, and Analogous Products; Records and Reports..................    0579-AB90
80          Low Pathogenic Avian Influenza; Voluntary Control Program and Payment of Indemnity....    0579-AB99
81          Citrus Canker; Compensation for Certified Citrus Nursery Stock........................    0579-AC05
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                          Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service--Long-Term Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
82          Plant Pest Regulations; Update of Current Provisions (Section 610 Review).............    0579-AA80
83          Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy; Minimal-Risk Regions and Importation of Commodities;    0579-AB97
            Unsealing of Means of Conveyance and Transloading of Products.........................
84          Animal Welfare; Regulations and Standards for Birds...................................    0579-AC02
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                          Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service--Completed Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
85          Importation of Fuji Variety Apples From the Republic of Korea.........................    0579-AA93
86          Importation Prohibitions Because of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy..................    0579-AB26
87          Animals Destroyed Because of Tuberculosis; Payment of Indemnity.......................    0579-AB29
88          Importation of Milk and Milk Products From FMD Countries..............................    0579-AB38
89          Risk Reduction Strategies for Potential BSE Pathways Involving Downer Cattle and Dead     0579-AB43
            Stock of Cattle and Other Species.....................................................
90          Methyl Bromide; Authorization as Official Quarantine Use..............................    0579-AB54
91          Animal Welfare; Regulations and Standards for Birds, Rats, and Mice...................    0579-AB69
92          Revision of the Nursery Stock Regulations (Completion of a Section 610 Review)........    0579-AB85
93          Importation of Boneless Beef from Japan...............................................    0579-AB93
94          Agricultural Inspection and AQI User Fees Along the U.S./Canada Border................    0579-AB94
95          Importation of Beef from Brazil.......................................................    0579-AB95
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service--Proposed Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
96          CSREES Agricultural Extension Formula Programs--Administrative Provisions.............    0524-AA26
97          CSREES Non-Formula Grant Programs--Administrative Provisions..........................    0524-AA28
98          Revised Administrative Provisions--National Research Initiative Competitive Grants        0524-AA32
            Program...............................................................................
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[[Page 22282]]
                 Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service--Final Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
99          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......................................................................
100         Revised Administrative Provisions--Small Business Innovation Research Grants Program..    0524-AA31
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                 Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service--Long-Term Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
101         CSREES Agricultural Research Formula Programs--Administrative Provisions..............    0524-AA27
102         Guidelines for Hatch Multistate Research Funds........................................    0524-AA29
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                   Rural Housing Service--Proposed Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
103         Civil Rights Compliance Requirements--1901-E to 1940-D................................    0575-AA83
104         National Flood Insurance Regulations..................................................    0575-AC07
105         Servicing Community Programs Loans and Grants.........................................    0575-AC12
106         Self-Help Technical Assistance Grants.................................................    0575-AC20
107         Community Facilities Direct Loan Program--Consolidate, Simplify, and Update               0575-AC27
            Regulations...........................................................................
108         3550--Direct Single-Family Housing Loans and Grants...................................    0575-AC54
109         Planning and Performing Construction and Other Development............................    0575-AC55
110         Environmental Policies and Procedures.................................................    0575-AC56
111         Community Programs Guaranteed Loans...................................................    0575-AC58
112         Amend 3550--Direct Single-Family Housing Loans and Grants.............................    0575-AC59
113         Section 538 Guaranteed Rural Rental Housing Program Change Annual Guarantee Fee Due       0575-AC62
            Date..................................................................................
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                     Rural Housing Service--Final Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
114         Multi-Family Housing (MFH) Reinvention................................................    0575-AC13
115         Guaranteed Single-Family Housing......................................................    0575-AC18
116         Surety Requirements...................................................................    0575-AC63
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                             Federal Crop Insurance Corporation--Proposed Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
117         General Administrative Regulations; Sanctions.........................................    0563-AB73
118         General Administrative Regulations; Actual Production History (APH)...................    0563-AB83
119         Common Crop Insurance Regulations and Various Crop Insurance Provisions...............    0563-AB96
120         Common Crop Insurance Regulations, Tobacco Crop Insurance Provisions..................    0563-AB98
121         Common Crop Insurance Regulations, Cabbage Crop Insurance Provisions..................    0563-AB99
122         Common Crop Insurance Regulations, Cultivated Wild Rice Crop Insurance Provisions.....    0563-AC00
123         Common Crop Insurance Regulations, Florida Citrus Fruit Crop Insurance Provisions.....    0563-AC01
124         Common Crop Insurance Regulations, Fresh Market Sweet Corn Crop Insurance Provisions..    0563-AC02
125         Common Crop Insurance Regulations, Mint Crop Insurance Provisions.....................    0563-AC03
126         Common Crop Insurance Regulations, Mustard Crop Insurance Provisions..................    0563-AC04
127         Common Crop Insurance Regulations, Northern Potato Crop Insurance Provisions..........    0563-AC05
128         General Administrative Regulations; Appeal Procedures and Standards for Approval--        0563-AC06
            Reinsurance Agreement.................................................................
[[Page 22283]]
129         Common Crop Insurance Regulations, Walnut Crop Insurance Provisions; Almond Crop          0563-AC08
            Insurance Provisions..................................................................
130         Common Crop Insurance Regulations, Grape and Table Grape Crop Insurance Provisions....    0563-AC09
131         Common Crop Insurance Regulations, Apple Crop Insurance Provisions....................    0563-AC10
132         Emergency and Disaster Procedures for Crop Insurance Purposes.........................    0563-AC11
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                              Federal Crop Insurance Corporation--Final Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
133         General Administrative Regulations; Nonstandard Underwriting Classification System....    0563-AB66
134         Common Crop Insurance Regulations, Peanut Crop Insurance Provisions...................    0563-AB97
135         Common Crop Insurance Regulations, Basic Provisions; Written Agreements...............    0563-AC07
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                  Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration--Proposed Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
136         United States Standards for Soybeans..................................................    0580-AA90
137         United States Standards for Sorghum...................................................    0580-AA91
138         Fees for Rice Inspection Service......................................................    0580-AA92
139         United States Standards for Rough Rice; United States Standards for Brown Rice for        0580-AA94
            Processing; and United States Standards for Milled Rice...............................
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                    Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration--Final Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
140         Clear Title Program; Technical Changes................................................    0580-AA93
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                   Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration--Long-Term Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
141         Process Verification Service and Associated Fees......................................    0580-AA85
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                   Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration--Completed Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
142         Export Inspection and Weighting Waiver for High Quality Specialty Grains Transported      0580-AA87
            in Containers.........................................................................
143         Review Inspection Requirements for Graded Commodities.................................    0580-AA89
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                 Food and Nutrition Service--Proposed Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
144         Disqualified Recipient Reporting and Computer Matching Requirements That Affect the       0584-AB51
            Food Stamp Program....................................................................
[[Page 22284]]
145         Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations: Resource Limits and Exclusions,         0584-AD12
            Extended Certification Periods, and Transitional Benefits.............................
146         Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP): At-Risk Afterschool Suppers................    0584-AD15
147         Food Stamp Program: Clarifications and Corrections to Recipient Claim Establishment       0584-AD25
            and Collection Standards..............................................................
148         Child Nutrition Programs: National School Lunch Program; Serving Fruits and Vegetables    0584-AD40
            as Afterschool Snacks.................................................................
149         Data Collection Related to Institutions, Organizations, Sites, and Facilities.........    0584-AD43
150         FSP: Revisions to Bonding Requirements for Violating Retail and Wholesale Food            0584-AD44
            Concerns..............................................................................
151         Management of Donated Foods in Child Nutrition Programs, the Nutrition Services           0584-AD45
            Incentive Program, and Charitable Institutions........................................
152         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...........................................................
153         FSP: Regulation Restructuring To Reflect the End of Coupon Issuance Systems...........    0584-AD48
154         Special Nutrition Programs: Fluid Milk Substitutions..................................    0584-AD58
155         Nutrition Standards in the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs........    0584-AD59
156         Food Distribution Programs--Distributing Agency Evaluations of Non-Commercial             0584-AD72
            Warehousing and Distribution Systems, Cost Comparisons, System Approval and
            Implementation........................................................................
157         WIC Farmers' Market Nutrition Program (FMNP): Implementation of the FMNP Provisions in    0584-AD74
            the CN and WIC Reauthorization Act of 2004 (Pub. L. 108-265) and FMNP Funding Formula.
158         Food Stamp Program: Expiration of Residual Paper Coupons..............................    0584-AD75
159         Revisions and Clarifications in Requirements for the Processing of Donated Foods......    0584-AD76
160         Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC):             0584-AD77
            Revisions in the WIC Food Packages....................................................
161         FSP: Administrative Sanctions Imposed Against Violating Electronic Benefits Transfer      0584-AD78
            (EBT) Stores..........................................................................
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                  Food and Nutrition Service--Final Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
162         Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC):            0584-AB10
            Miscellaneous Provisions..............................................................
163         Child and Adult Care Food Program: Improving Management and Program Integrity.........    0584-AC24
164         Food Stamp Program Regulatory Review: FSP Standards for Approval and Operation of Food    0584-AC37
            Stamp Electronic Benefit Transfer Systems.............................................
165         National School Lunch Program: Reimbursement for Snacks in Afterschool Care Programs..    0584-AC72
166         FSP: Civil Rights Data Collections....................................................    0584-AC75
167         Child and Adult Care Food Program: Implementing Legislative Reforms To Strengthen         0584-AC94
            Program Integrity.....................................................................
168         Special Nutrition Programs: Disclosure of Children's Eligibility Information Under the    0584-AC95
            Child Nutrition Programs..............................................................
169         Special Nutrition Programs: Uniform Federal Assistance Regulations; Nondiscretionary      0584-AD16
            Technical Amendments..................................................................
170         Afterschool Snacks Under the Child and Adult Care Food Program........................    0584-AD27
171         FSP: Eligibility and Certification Provisions of the Farm Security and Rural              0584-AD30
            Investment Act of 2002................................................................
172         FSP: Non-Discretionary Quality Control Provisions of Title IV of Public Law 107-171...    0584-AD31
173         FSP: Employment and Training Program Provisions of the Farm Security and Rural            0584-AD32
            Investment Act of 2002................................................................
174         Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP)......................................    0584-AD35
175         Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC):            0584-AD36
            Miscellaneous Vendor-Related Provisions...............................................
176         FSP: Discretionary Quality Control Provisions of Title IV of Public Law 107-171.......    0584-AD37
177         Procurement Requirements for the National School Lunch, School Breakfast, and Special     0584-AD38
            Milk Programs.........................................................................
178         District-Wide Use of Provisions 2 and 3...............................................    0584-AD51
179         Administrative Error Reduction in the School Meals Programs...........................    0584-AD52
180         State Administrative Expenses.........................................................    0584-AD53
181         Applying for Free and Reduced Price Meals in Schools..................................    0584-AD54
182         Categorical Eligibility and Direct Certification for Free and Reduced Price Meals and     0584-AD60
            Free Milk in Schools..................................................................
183         Revised Verification Procedures in the School Meals Programs..........................    0584-AD61
184         School Food Safety: Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point System.................    0584-AD65
185         Implementing Provisions of the Child Nutrition and WIC Reauthorization Act of 2004:       0584-AD68
            Disregard of Overpayments in the Child Nutrition Programs.............................
186         Implementing Provisions From the Child Nutrition and WIC Reauthorization Act of 2004:     0584-AD70
            Seamless Summer Option for Schools Participating in the National School Lunch Program.
[[Page 22285]]
187         Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC): WIC        0584-AD71
            Vendor Cost Containment...............................................................
188         WIC: Implementation of the Nondiscretionary WIC Certification and General                 0584-AD73
            Administration Provisions.............................................................
189         FSP: Unauthorized Redemption and Trafficking in Program Benefits......................    0584-AD79
190         For-Profit Center Participation in the Child and Adult Care Food Program..............    0584-AD80
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                  Food and Nutrition Service--Completed Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
191         FSP: EBT and Retail Food Stores Provisions of the Farm Security and Rural Investment      0584-AD28
            Act of 2002...........................................................................
192         Severe Need Assistance in the School Breakfast Program................................    0584-AD50
193         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.................................................................................
194         National School Lunch Program: Marketing and Sales of Fluid Milk Products in Schools..    0584-AD57
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                             Food Safety and Inspection Service--Proposed Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
195         Performance Standards for Pumped or Massaged Bacon....................................    0583-AC49
196         Egg Products Inspection Regulations...................................................    0583-AC58
197         Prior Labeling Approval System: Generic Label Approval................................    0583-AC59
198         Performance Standard for Chilling of Ready-To-Cook Poultry............................    0583-AC87
199         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...................
200         Food Defense Plans....................................................................    0583-AD06
201         Availability of Lists of Retail Consignees During Meat or Poultry Product Recalls.....    0583-AD10
202         Electronic Signatures.................................................................    0583-AD14
203         Definitions and Procedures for Determining the Net Weight Compliance of Meat and          0583-AD17
            Poultry Products......................................................................
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                              Food Safety and Inspection Service--Final Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
204         Performance Standards for the Production of Processed Meat and Poultry Products.......    0583-AC46
205         Nutrition Labeling of Single-Ingredient Products and Ground or Chopped Meat and           0583-AC60
            Poultry Products......................................................................
206         Food Standards; General Principles and Food Standards Modernization...................    0583-AC72
207         Performance Criteria for On-Line Antimicrobial Reprocessing of Pre-Chill Poultry          0583-AC73
            Carcasses.............................................................................
208         Petitions for Rulemaking..............................................................    0583-AC81
209         Classes of Poultry Updating Poultry Class Standards...................................    0583-AC83
210         Prohibition of the Use of Specified Risk Materials for Human Food and Requirements for    0583-AC88
            the Disposition of Non-Ambulatory Disabled Cattle.....................................
211         Meat Produced by Advanced Meat/Bone Separation Machinery and Meat Recovery Systems....    0583-AD00
212         Prohibition on the Use of Air-Injection Stunners for the Slaughter of Cattle..........    0583-AD03
213         Frequency of Foreign Inspection System Supervisory Visits to Certified Foreign            0583-AD08
            Establishments........................................................................
214         Accredited Laboratory Program.........................................................    0583-AD09
215         Allowing Bar-Type Cut Turkey Operations To Use J-Type Cut Maximum Line Speeds.........    0583-AD18
216         Addition of the People's Republic of China to the List of Countries Eligible To Export    0583-AD20
            Processed Poultry and Poultry Products to the United States...........................
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[[Page 22286]]
                              Food Safety and Inspection Service--Completed Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
217         Increases in Fees for Meat, Poultry, and Egg Products Inspection Services--Fiscal         0583-AD12
            Years 2006 to 2008....................................................................
218         Addition of Chile to the List of Countries Eligible To Export Meat and Meat Products      0583-AD16
            to the United States..................................................................
219         Food Labeling; Nutrient Content Claims, Definition of the Term ``Healthy''............    0583-AD19
220         Ante-Mortem Inspection of Horses......................................................    0583-AD21
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                Foreign Agricultural Service--Proposed Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
221         Quality Samples Program...............................................................    0551-AA68
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                 Foreign Agricultural Service--Final Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
222         New Provisions and Revisions to Sugar Reexport Programs Under 7 CFR 1530..............    0551-AA65
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                       Forest Service--Proposed Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
223         Indian Allotments on National Forest System Lands.....................................    0596-AA52
224         Species Surplus to Domestic Manufacturing Needs.......................................    0596-AB27
225         Appeal of Decisions Relating to Occupancy and Use of National Forest System Lands.....    0596-AB45
226         Law Enforcement Support Activities....................................................    0596-AB61
227         Noncompetitive Sale of Timber; Timber Substitution....................................    0596-AB70
228         Sale and Disposal of National Forest System Timber; Timber Export and Substitution        0596-AB75
            Restrictions..........................................................................
229         Locatable Minerals....................................................................    0596-AB98
230         Predator Damage Management (Proposed Directive, Forest Service Manual, Chapter 2320)..    0596-AC22
231         Recreation Event Fees (Proposed Directive, Forest Service Manual, Chapter 2720).......    0596-AC24
232         Outfitter and Guide Special Use Authorizations (Proposed Directives, Forest Service       0596-AC25
            Handbook 2709.11, Chapters 30 and 40).................................................
233         Secretary Determination That Domestic Species of Unprocessed Timber Are Surplus to        0596-AC27
            Domestic Needs Within the Zone of Southern California.................................
234         Notice, Comment, and Appeal Procedures for National Forest System Projects and            0596-AC28
            Activities............................................................................
235         Clarifying Prohibitions Against Damage to the National Forest by Escaped Fires........    0596-AC30
236         Revisions to General Prohibitions Regarding Livestock and Wild Free-Roaming Horses and    0596-AC31
            Burros on National Forest System Lands................................................
237         National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) Documentation for Sporicide Use on National      0596-AC32
            Forest System Lands (Proposed Directive, Forest Service Handbook 1909.15, Chapter 30).
238         Piscicide Applications on National Forest System Lands................................    0596-AC33
239         Clarification for the Appropriate Use of a Criminal or a Civil Citation To Enforce        0596-AC38
            Mineral Regulations...................................................................
240         Travel Management (Proposed Directives, Forest Service Manual 2300 and 7700)..........    0596-AC39
241         Native Plant Materials Policy (Proposed Directive, Forest Service Manual 2070)........    0596-AC44
242         Small Business Administration Timber Sale Set-Aside Program...........................    0596-AC46
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                        Forest Service--Final Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
243         Sale and Disposal of National Forest Timber; Cancellation of Timber Sale Contracts....    0596-AB21
[[Page 22287]]
244         Special Forest Products and Forest Botanical Products.................................    0596-AB81
245         National Forest System Land Management Planning Categorical Exclusion (Final              0596-AB86
            Directive, Forest Service Handbook 1909.15, Chapter 30)...............................
246         Forest Service Trails Accessibility Guidelines (Final Interim Directive, Forest           0596-AB92
            Service Manual, Chapter 2350).........................................................
247         Forest Service Outdoor Recreation Accessibility Guidelines (Final Interim Directive,      0596-AB93
            Forest Service Manual, Chapter 2330)..................................................
248         Delegation of Authority To Approve Free Use by Individuals............................    0596-AC09
249         Predecisional Administrative Review and Objection Process for Projects Authorized         0596-AC15
            Under Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003.........................................
250         Sale and Disposal of National Forest System Timber; Timber Sale Contracts;                0596-AC16
            Modification of Contracts.............................................................
251         Onshore Oil and Gas Operations; Federal and Indian Oil and Gas Leases; Onshore Oil and    0596-AC20
            Gas Order Number 1, Approval of Operations............................................
252         Integrated Resource Contracts, FS-2400-13 and FS-2400-13T (Notice of Final Contracts).    0596-AC26
253         National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) Compliance Documentation for Surface Use         0596-AC34
            Plans of Operation for Exploration or Development of an Oil and Gas Lease (Proposed
            Directive, FSH 1909.15, Ch. 30).......................................................
254         Advertising and Sponsorship in Connection With Concessions Involving Privately Owned      0596-AC41
            Improvements on National Forest System Lands (Final Directive, Forest Service Manual
            2340).................................................................................
255         Forest Service Renewable Resources Handbook (2409.19), Chapter 60, Stewardship            0596-AC45
            Contracting...........................................................................
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                        Forest Service--Long-Term Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
256         Community and Private Land Forest Fire Assistance Program.............................    0596-AB96
257         Grazing Permit Administration (Proposed Directives, Forest Service Handbook 2209.13,      0596-AC12
            Chapters 10 and 20)...................................................................
258         Watershed Forestry Assistance Program (Proposed Directive, Forest Service Manual 3500)    0596-AC18
259         Tribal Watershed Forestry Assistance Program (Proposed Directive, Forest Service          0596-AC19
            Manual 3500)..........................................................................
260         Resource Agency Procedures for Conditions and Prescriptions in Hydropower Licenses....    0596-AC42
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                        Forest Service--Completed Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
261         Land Uses; Special Uses; Recovery of Costs for Processing Special Use Applications and    0596-AB36
            Monitoring Compliance With Special Use Authorizations.................................
262         Determining Fair Market Value for Recreation Residence Use Authorizations (Final          0596-AB83
            Directives, Forest Service Manuals 2300 and 2700).....................................
263         National Forest System Land Management Planning Directives (Final Directives, Forest      0596-AC02
            Service Manual, Chapter 1330, 1900, and Forest Service Handbook 1909.12)..............
264         Travel Management, Designated Routes, and Areas for Motor Vehicle Use.................    0596-AC11
265         Climbing Bolts In Wilderness (Proposed Interim Directive, Forest Service Manual,          0596-AC21
            Chapter 2320).........................................................................
266         Market-Related Contract Term Additions................................................    0596-AC29
267         Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act Implementation...............................    0596-AC35
268         Wilderness Management (Proposed Directives, Forest Service Manual, Chapter 2320)......    0596-AC36
269         Sale and Disposal of National Forest System Timber; Timber Sale Contracts; Purchaser      0596-AC40
            Elects Government Road Construction...................................................
270         National Forest System Land Management Planning; Applicability to the Tongass National    0596-AC43
            Forest, Alaska........................................................................
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[[Page 22288]]
                                  Office of the Secretary--Proposed Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
271         Voluntary Labeling Program for Designated Biobased Products...........................    0503-AA28
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                    Office of the Secretary--Final Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
272         General Nonprocurement Regulations....................................................    0503-AA21
273         Designation of Biobased Items for Federal Procurement.................................    0503-AA29
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                             Rural Business-Cooperative Service--Proposed Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
274         Business and Industry Guaranteed Loan Program--Financing Cooperative Stock............    0570-AA26
275         Business and Industry Loan Program--Rewrite of Program Regulations....................    0570-AA41
276         National Security Emergency...........................................................    0570-AA48
277         Equal Opportunity for Religious Organizations.........................................    0570-AA61
278         Amendment of Guarantee Requirements...................................................    0570-AA62
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                              Rural Business-Cooperative Service--Final Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
279         Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant Program.....................................    0570-AA19
280         Rural Business Investment Program.....................................................    0570-AA35
281         B&I Guaranteed Loan Program Farm Bill Changes--Expanded Eligibility Criteria..........    0570-AA39
282         Tangible Net Equity...................................................................    0570-AA49
283         Business and Industry Guaranteed Loan Program--Implement the Debt Collection              0570-AA54
            Improvement Act (DCIA) of 1996........................................................
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                              Rural Business-Cooperative Service--Completed Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
284         Fiscal Transfer Agent--Secondary Market Sales of Guaranteed Loans.....................    0570-AA47
285         Secondary Market Pooling by Fiscal Transfer Agent.....................................    0570-AA53
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                  Rural Utilities Service--Proposed Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
286         Water and Waste Loans and Grants......................................................    0572-AC03
287         Specifications for 15, 25, and 35 kV Primary Underground Power Cable..................    0572-AC05
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[[Page 22289]]
                                    Rural Utilities Service--Final Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
288         Telecommunications Standards and Specifications for Materials, Equipment, and             0572-AB40
            Construction..........................................................................
289         Servicing of Water Programs Loans and Grants..........................................    0572-AB59
290         Elimination of Subpart M: Operational Controls........................................    0572-AB97
291         Public Television Station Digital Transition Grant Program............................    0572-AC02
292         Rural Area Definitions for RUS WEP Programs...........................................    0572-AC04
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                   Rural Utilities Service--Long-Term Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
293         Special Equipment Contract (Not Including Installation), RUS Form 398.................    0572-AB76
294         Exemption of Certain Borrowers From Controls..........................................    0572-AB85
295         Telecommunications System Construction Policies and Procedures........................    0572-AB98
296         Lien Accommodations and Subordinations for 100 Percent Private Financing..............    0572-AB99
297         Seismic Safety........................................................................    0572-AC01
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                            Natural Resources Conservation Service--Final Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
298         Conservation Security Program.........................................................    0578-AA36
299         Grassland Reserve Program.............................................................    0578-AA38
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                            Natural Resources Conservation Service--Long-Term Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
300         Confidentiality of Conservation Program Information...................................    0578-AA40
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                         National Agricultural Statistical Service--Proposed Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
301         Dairy Product Mandatory Reporting.....................................................    0535-AA00
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                        Office of Procurement and Property Management--Long-Term Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
302         Agriculture Acquisition Regulation (AGAR): Use of Biobased Materials..................    0599-AA12
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BILLING CODE 3410--90--S
[[Page 22290]]
_______________________________________________________________________
Department of Agriculture (USDA)                          Prerule Stage
Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS)
_______________________________________________________________________
1. NATIONAL ORGANIC PROGRAM: ADD STANDARDS FOR THE ORGANIC CERTIFICATION
OF WILD CAPTURED AQUATIC ANIMALS (TM-01-08)
Priority: Other Significant
Legal Authority: 7 USC 6501 through 6522
CFR Citation: 7 CFR 205
Legal Deadline: None
Abstract: The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is revising
regulations pertaining to labeling of agricultural products as
organically produced and handled (7 CFR part 205). The term ``aquatic
animal'' will be incorporated in the definition of livestock to
establish production and handling standards for operations that capture
aquatic animals from the wild. AMS has defined ``aquatic animal'' as
any finfish or shellfish used for human consumption, whether taken from
regulated but free roaming marine and fresh water populations (wild
captured) or propagated and raised in a controlled or selected
environment (aquaculture). Production standards for operations
producing aquatic animals will incorporate requirements for livestock
origin, feed ration, health care, living conditions, and recordkeeping.
Handling standards for such operations will address prevention of
commingling of organically produced commodities and prevention of
contact between organically produced and prohibited substances.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action                            Date                      FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
ANPRM                           12/00/06
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Small Entities Affected: Governmental Jurisdictions
Government Levels Affected: Federal, Local, State, Tribal
Agency Contact: Mark A. Bradley, Associate Deputy Administrator,
National Organic Program, Department of Agriculture, Agricultural
Marketing Service, Room 4008, South Building, 1400 Independence Avenue
SW, Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 720-3252
Fax: 202 205-7808
Email: mark.bradley@usda.gov
RIN: 0581-AB97
_______________________________________________________________________
Department of Agriculture (USDA)                    Proposed Rule Stage
Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS)
_______________________________________________________________________
2. THE NATIONAL ORGANIC PROGRAM: AMENDING THE NATIONAL LIST (TM-04-01),
CROPS AND PROCESSING
Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant
Legal Authority: 7 USC 6501
CFR Citation: 7 CFR 205
Legal Deadline: None
Abstract: On December 21, 2000, the Secretary of Agriculture
(Secretary) established within the National Organic Program (NOP) the
National List. The National List regulations identify synthetic
(natural) substances and ingredients that are prohibited for use in
organic production and handling. Under the authority of the Organic
Foods Production Act of 1990 (OFPA), as amended (7 U.S.C. 6501 et
seq.), the National List can be amended by the Secretary based on
proposed amendments developed by the National Organic Standards Board
(NOSB). This proposed rule would amend the National List to reflect
recommendations submitted to the Secretary by the NOSB from November
15, 2000, through March 3, 2005. Between the specified time period, the
NOSB has recommended that the Secretary add 4 substances to section
205.601 and 11 substances to section 205.605 of the National List
regulations. This proposed rule would also amend the mailing address
for where to file a Certification or Accreditation appeal pursuant to
section 205.681(d).
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action                            Date                      FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
NPRM                            04/00/06
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Small Entities Affected: Businesses
Government Levels Affected: Local, State, Tribal
Agency Contact: Mark A. Bradley, Associate Deputy Administrator,
National Organic Program, Department of Agriculture, Agricultural
Marketing Service, Room 4008, South Building, 1400 Independence Avenue
SW, Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 720-3252
Fax: 202 205-7808
Email: mark.bradley@usda.gov
RIN: 0581-AC35
_______________________________________________________________________
3. HONEY RESEARCH AND PROMOTION: PACKER/IMPORTER BOARD (FV-03-704)
Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant
Legal Authority: 7 USC 7411 through 7425
CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1212
Legal Deadline: None
Abstract: The U.S. Department of Agriculture (Department) received a
request from the National Honey Packers and Dealers Association
(Association), dated July 8, 2003, to develop an industry-funded
research, promotion, consumer education, and information program for
honey and honey products. The Association asked that this proposal be
held and not sent forward until the industry made some modifications to
the proposal. A new proposal is to be received by the Department in
February 2006. This proposed new program, the Honey Research,
Promotion, and Consumer Education and Industry Order (Order), will
assist the honey industry to: (1) Develop and finance an effective and
coordinated program to strengthen the position of the honey industry
and (2) Maintain, develop, and expand existing markets for honey and
honey products. Under the proposed Order, first handlers (packers) and
importers of 250,000 or more pounds of honey and honey products would
pay an assessment of $0.01 per pound to the National Honey Packers and
Importers Board (Board). At this initial rate, revenue for the program
would be approximately $3 million. Of this amount, about 51 percent
would be generated by assessments on imported honey and honey products.
The Board would be appointed by the Department to conduct a program of
research and promotion, industry information, and consumer information
needed to
[[Page 22291]]
strengthen and increase the consumption of honey and honey products in
the United States.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action                            Date                      FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
NPRM                            04/00/06
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Small Entities Affected: Businesses
Government Levels Affected: None
Agency Contact: Margaret B. Irby, Branch Chief, Department of
Agriculture, Agricultural Marketing Service, 14th & Independence Avenue
SW, Washington, DC 20250-0244
Phone: 202 720-9915
Fax: 202 205-2800
Email: margaret.irby@usda.gov
RIN: 0581-AC37
_______________________________________________________________________
4. CHANGES IN FEES AND HOURLY FEE RATES FOR SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
LABORATORY SERVICES (ST-05-01)
Priority: Other Significant
Legal Authority: 7 USC 1621 through 1627
CFR Citation: 7 CFR 91; 7 CFR 92
Legal Deadline: None
Abstract: The Agricultural Marketing Service is proposing to increase
the standard hourly fee rates for performing laboratory testing to the
agricultural industry by 24.4 percent. The hourly rate for each regular
laboratory analysis will be based on a standard hourly rate of $56.00.
The premium laboratory rate for appeals, holiday, and overtime services
will be $84.00 per analysis hour. The current standard hourly rate of
$45.00 has been in effect since October 2000. The Science and
Technology laboratory testing programs are mainly voluntary, user fee
services, conducted under the authority of the Agricultural Marketing
Act of 1946. A new fee schedule is needed to cover increased program
costs such as employee salary and fringe benefits, infrastructure
modernization, and to replace outdated instrumentation.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action                            Date                      FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
NPRM                            05/00/06
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Small Entities Affected: Businesses
Government Levels Affected: None
Agency Contact: James V. Falk, Docket Manager, Department of
Agriculture, Agricultural Marketing Service, USDA, AMS, Science and
Technology, Technical Services Branch, 1400 Independence Avenue SW,
Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 690-4089
Fax: 202 720-4631
Email: james.falk@usda.gov
RIN: 0581-AC48
_______________________________________________________________________
5. CHANGES IN FEES FOR FEDERAL MEAT GRADING AND CERTIFICATION SERVICES
(LS-05-05)
Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant
Legal Authority: 7 USC 1621 through 1627
CFR Citation: 7 CFR 54
Legal Deadline: None
Abstract: The Agricultural Marketing Service is proposing to increase
the fees for voluntary meat grading and certification services provided
by the Meat Grading and Certification Branch. This amendment will allow
the Branch to offset increased operating expenses and decreased revenue
hours and allow the Branch a 4-month operating reserve required by the
Agency.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action                            Date                      FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
NPRM                            03/29/06                    71 FR 15631
NPRM Comment Period End         05/30/06
Final Action                    08/00/06
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No
Small Entities Affected: No
Government Levels Affected: None
Agency Contact: Larry R. Meadows, Chief, Meat Grading and Certification
Branch, Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Marketing Service, L&S,
Meat Grading Branch, STOP 0248, Room 2628-South, 1400 Independence
Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 720-0343
Fax: 202 690-1062
Email: larry.meadows@usda.gov
RIN: 0581-AC49
_______________________________________________________________________
6. NATIONAL ORGANIC PROGRAM: SUNSET (EXPIRATION) OF ALLOWANCES AND
PROHIBITIONS CONTAINED ON THE NATIONAL LIST (TM-04-07)
Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant
Legal Authority: 7 USC 6501 through 6522
CFR Citation: 7 CFR 205
Legal Deadline: None
Abstract: The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is revising
regulations pertaining to the use of allowed and prohibited substances
contained on the National List. The Organic Foods Production Act
(OFPA), (7 U.S.C. 6501 et seq.), authorizes the establishment of the
National List of allowed and prohibited substances. The National List
identifies synthetic substances that are allowed and nonsynthetic
substances that are prohibited in organic crop and livestock
production. The National List also identifies nonsynthetics and
synthetics that are allowed for use in organic handling.
The allowances and prohibitions granted under the OFPA are required to
be reviewed every 5 years by the National Organic Standards Board
(NOSB). If they are not reviewed by the NOSB and renewed by the
Secretary within 5 years of their inclusion on the National List, their
authorized use or prohibition expires. This means that a synthetic
substance currently allowed for use in organic production will no
longer be allowed for use after October 21, 2007; a non-synthetic
substance currently prohibited from use in organic production will be
allowed after October 21, 2007; and a synthetic or nonsynthetic
substance currently allowed for use in organic handling will be
prohibited after October 21, 2007.
Expiration of the exempted or prohibited use of substances is provided
for under the OFPA's sunset provision. AMS will conduct informal
rulemaking to facilitate the sunset review of 165 exempted and 9
prohibited substances currently on the National List. On June 17, 2005,
AMS published an ANPRM that establishes October 21, 2007, as the date
by which the sunset review and renewal process must be concluded. This
ANPRM discussed how the NOP will manage the sunset review and renewal
process. The ANPRM also began the public comment process on whether the
[[Page 22292]]
existing specific exemptions or prohibitions on the National List
should be continued for organic production and handling. The comment
period for the ANPRM closed on August 16, 2005. The NOSB will have
approximately 90 days from the close of the comment period to provide a
recommendation to AMS concerning the continued use and prohibition of
over 150 materials. AMS expects to publish a proposed rule by March
2006.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action                            Date                      FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
NPRM                            12/00/06
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No
Government Levels Affected: Local, State, Tribal
Agency Contact: Mark A. Bradley, Associate Deputy Administrator,
National Organic Program, Department of Agriculture, Agricultural
Marketing Service, Room 4008, South Building, 1400 Independence Avenue
SW, Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 720-3252
Fax: 202 205-7808
Email: mark.bradley@usda.gov
RIN: 0581-AC51
_______________________________________________________________________
7. STANDARDS FOR CONDITION OF FOOD CONTAINERS (FV-05-332)
Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant
Legal Authority: 7 USC 1622 through 1624
CFR Citation: 7 CFR 42
Legal Deadline: None
Abstract: The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is proposing to
revise regulations pertaining to 7 CFR part 42, Standards for Condition
of Food Containers. Periodically, AMS reviews inspection standards to
determine if they meet current industry practices. Based on our most
recent analysis, we believe that the standards need to be revised. The
revisions are necessary in order to provide standards that reflect
current U.S. industry practices. Revisions to the standards include,
but are not limited to: (1) Incorporating new defects and updating
current defects for metal, glass, rigid and semi-rigid, and flexible
containers; (2) Updating the standards to include new packaging
technology such as aseptic packaging, metal cans with easy open lids,
plastic rings that hold several containers together; and (3) Removing
the Operating Characteristic (OC) curves for on-line sampling and
inspection.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action                            Date                      FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
NPRM                            04/00/06
Final Action                    08/00/06
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No
Small Entities Affected: Businesses
Government Levels Affected: None
Agency Contact: Lynne Eyre Yedinak, Food Technologist, Department of
Agriculture, Agricultural Marketing Service, 1400 Independence Avenue
SW, Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 720-9939
Fax: 202 690-0102
Email: fqastaff@usda.gov
RIN: 0581-AC52
_______________________________________________________________________
8. <bullet> CHANGES IN FEES FOR VOLUNTARY FEDERAL DAIRY
GRADING AND INSPECTION SERVICES (FEE INCREASE) (DA-05-04)
Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is
undetermined.
Legal Authority: 7 USC 1621 through 1627
CFR Citation: 7 CFR 54; 7 CFR 58
Legal Deadline: None
Abstract: The Agricultural Marketing Service is proposing to revise
regulations pertaining to Grading and Inspection, General Specification
for Approved Plants and Standards for Grades of Dairy Products, to
increase the fees. The increased fees are necessary to cover the
increased costs of Federal employee pay and location adjustments as
well as increases in operational costs. Also, the fee increase provides
limited amount of funding to continue to automate business practices to
improve program efficiency and effectiveness. Also, this rule would
increase the fees charged to applicants for the review of meat and
poultry processing equipment.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action                            Date                      FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
NPRM                            04/00/06
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No
Small Entities Affected: No
Government Levels Affected: State
Agency Contact: John Mengel, Department of Agriculture, Agricultural
Marketing Service, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 720-4664
Email: john.mengel@usda.gov
RIN: 0581-AC55
_______________________________________________________________________
9. <bullet> FEDERAL PROCESSED FRUITS AND VEGETABLES, FEE
INCREASE (FV-05-379)
Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant
Legal Authority: 7 USC 1621; 7 USC 1627
CFR Citation: 7 CFR 52
Legal Deadline: None
Abstract: The Agricultural Marketing Service is proposing to raise fees
contained in 7 CFR part 52, Processed Fruits and Vegetables, Processed
Products Thereof, and Certain Other Processed Food Products. The
proposed fee increase ranging from 19 to 26 percent will increase
revenue by $2.0 million in fiscal year (FY) 2006. Also, planned fee
increases during FY 2007 to FY 2009 will enable AMS to replenish
program reserves to a 4.1 month level, approximately $6.4 million, by
the end of FY 2009. Furthermore, it is proposed that an applicant
entering into a year-round inspection contract will incur costs for the
plant survey and sanitation inspection. This would increase program
revenue by approximately $143,400 annually. Finally, it is proposed
that an applicant entering into a year-round inspection contract, less
than year-round (four or more consecutive 40-hour weeks) contract, or
lot inspection will incur costs for Sunday differential if an employee
works on Sunday. This would increase program revenue by approximately
$34.724 annually.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action                            Date                      FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
NPRM                            04/00/06
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No
Small Entities Affected: Businesses
Government Levels Affected: None
Agency Contact: Terry B. Bane, Branch Chief, Department of Agriculture,
Agricultural Marketing Service, 1400
[[Page 22293]]
Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 720-4693
Email: terry.bane@usda.gov
RIN: 0581-AC56
_______________________________________________________________________
Department of Agriculture (USDA)                       Final Rule Stage
Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS)
_______________________________________________________________________
10. ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS FOR USDA GRADED SHELL EGGS (PY-98-006)
Priority: Other Significant
Legal Authority: 7 USC 1621 through 1627
CFR Citation: 7 CFR 56
Legal Deadline: None
Abstract: Shell egg grading is a voluntary program provided under the
Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 and is offered on a fee-for-service
basis. It is designed to assist the orderly marketing of shell eggs by
providing for the official certification of egg quality, quantity,
size, temperature, packaging, and other factors. Currently about one-
third of the Nation's table eggs are marketed under the voluntary shell
egg-grading program. Shell egg processors that choose to use this
service pay a fee to have graders in their plants monitor processing
operations and verify the grade and size of eggs packaged into packages
bearing the USDA grade shield. The proposal would provide that, in
order to be officially identified with a USDA consumer grade shield,
shell eggs must not be more than 15 days old (or some other period
between 15 and 30 days if justified by public comment) and must not
have been previously shipped for retail sale.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action                            Date                      FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
NPRM                            07/27/99                    64 FR 40522
NPRM Comment Period End         09/27/99
Final Action                    05/00/06
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Small Entities Affected: Businesses
Government Levels Affected: None
Agency Contact: David Bowden, Jr., Chief, Standardization Branch,
Poultry Programs, Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Marketing
Service, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0259
Phone: 202 720-3506
Fax: 202 690-0941
Email: david.bowden@usda.gov
Related RIN: Previously reported as 0581-AB56
RIN: 0581-AC50
_______________________________________________________________________
Department of Agriculture (USDA)                      Long-Term Actions
Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS)
_______________________________________________________________________
11. ADMINISTRATIVE REQUIREMENTS FOR VOLUNTARY SHELL EGG, POULTRY, AND
RABBIT GRADING (PY-02-003)
Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant
CFR Citation: 7 CFR 56; 7 CFR 70
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action                            Date                      FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
NPRM                            01/13/06                     71 FR 2168
Correction                      01/25/06                     71 FR 4056
NPRM Comment Period End         02/13/06
Next Action Undetermined
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No
Small Entities Affected: No
Government Levels Affected: None
Agency Contact: Charles Johnson
Phone: 202 690-3153
Fax: 202 690-2746
Email: charles.johnson@usda.gov
RIN: 0581-AC25
_______________________________________________________________________
12. MANDATORY COUNTRY OF ORIGIN LABELING OF BEEF, PORK, LAMB, FISH,
PERISHABLE AGRICULTURAL COMMODITIES, AND PEANUTS (LS-03-04)
Priority: Economically Significant. Major under 5 USC 801.
CFR Citation: 7 CFR 60
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action                            Date                      FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
NPRM                            10/30/03                    68 FR 61944
NPRM Comment Period End         12/29/03
Interim Final Rule              10/05/04                    69 FR 59708
Interim Final Rule Comment
Period End                      01/03/05
Interim Final Rule Effective    04/04/05
Final Action                    09/00/08
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Small Entities Affected: Businesses
Government Levels Affected: State
Federalism:  This action may have federalism implications as defined in
EO 13132.
Agency Contact: Erin Morris
Phone: 202 720-1749
Email: erin.morris@usda.gov
RIN: 0581-AC26
_______________________________________________________________________
13. PERISHABLE AGRICULTURAL COMMODITIES ACT: TRUST RIGHTS (FV-05-373)
Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant
CFR Citation: 7 CFR 46
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action                            Date                      FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
ANPRM                           01/30/06                     71 FR 4831
ANPRM Comment Period End        03/16/06
Next Action Undetermined
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Small Entities Affected: Businesses
Government Levels Affected: None
Agency Contact: Bruce W. Summers
Phone: 202 720-4180
[[Page 22294]]
Fax: 202 690-4413
Email: bruce.summers@usda.gov
RIN: 0581-AC53
_______________________________________________________________________
Department of Agriculture (USDA)                      Completed Actions
Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS)
_______________________________________________________________________
14. QUALITY SYSTEMS VERIFICATION PROGRAM (LS-02-10)
Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant
CFR Citation: 7 CFR 62
Completed:
________________________________________________________________________
Reason                            Date                      FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
Final Action                    10/11/05                    70 FR 58969
Final Action Effective          10/25/05
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Small Entities Affected: Businesses
Government Levels Affected: Federal
Agency Contact: James L. Riva
Phone: 202 720-1124
Fax: 202 690-3428
Email: james.riva@usda.gov
RIN: 0581-AC12
_______________________________________________________________________
15. THE NATIONAL ORGANIC PROGRAM: NATIONAL LIST--CROPS, LIVESTOCK, AND
PROCESSING (TM-04-04)
Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant
CFR Citation: 7 CFR 205
Completed:
________________________________________________________________________
Reason                            Date                      FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
Withdrawn                       01/31/06
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Small Entities Affected: Businesses, Governmental Jurisdictions,
Organizations
Government Levels Affected: Local, State, Tribal
Agency Contact: Mark A. Bradley
Phone: 202 720-3252
Fax: 202 205-7808
Email: mark.bradley@usda.gov
RIN: 0581-AC38
_______________________________________________________________________
16. USDA FARMERS' MARKET OPERATING PROCEDURES (TM-04-09)
Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant
CFR Citation: 7 CFR 96
Completed:
________________________________________________________________________
Reason                            Date                      FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
Final Action                    12/23/05                   70 CFR 76129
Final Action Effective          12/23/05
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No
Small Entities Affected: No
Government Levels Affected: None
Agency Contact: Errol R. Bragg
Phone: 202 720-8317
Fax: 202 690-0031
Email: usdafmcomments@usda.gov.
RIN: 0581-AC39
_______________________________________________________________________
17. PLANT VARIETY PROTECTION (PVP) CERTIFICATES: FEE INCREASE (ST-05-02)
Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant
CFR Citation: 7 CFR 97
Completed:
________________________________________________________________________
Reason                            Date                      FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
Final Action                    09/16/05                    70 FR 54609
Final Action Effective          10/17/05
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No
Small Entities Affected: No
Government Levels Affected: None
Agency Contact: Janice M. Strachan
Phone: 301 504-5518
Fax: 301 504-5291
Email: janice.strachan@usda.gov
RIN: 0581-AC42
_______________________________________________________________________
18. CALIFORNIA CLINGSTONE PEACH DIVERSION PROGRAM (TREE PULL) (FV05-82-
01)
Priority: Other Significant
CFR Citation: 7 CFR 82
Completed:
________________________________________________________________________
Reason                            Date                      FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
Final Action                    11/04/05                   70 CFR 67305
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Small Entities Affected: Businesses
Government Levels Affected: None
Agency Contact: Michael V. Durando
Phone: 202 720-2491
Fax: 202 720-8938
RIN: 0581-AC45
_______________________________________________________________________
19. FRESH FRUITS AND VEGETABLES, INCREASE IN FEES (FV-04-310)
Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant
CFR Citation: 7 CFR 51
Completed:
________________________________________________________________________
Reason                            Date                      FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
Reopening and entending comment
period                          10/20/05                    70 FR 61068
Final Action                    12/28/05                    70 FR 76671
Final Action Effective          01/27/06
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No
Small Entities Affected: No
Government Levels Affected: None
Agency Contact: Rita Bibbs-Booth
Phone: 202 720-0391
Fax: 202 720-5136
Email: rita.bibbs-booth@usda.gov
RIN: 0581-AC46
_______________________________________________________________________
20. UPDATE AND CLARIFY A SHELL EGG GRADING DEFINITION (PY-05-003)
Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant
CFR Citation: 7 CFR 56 and 57
Completed:
________________________________________________________________________
Reason                            Date                      FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
Final Action                    03/13/06                    71 FR 12613
Final Action Effective          04/12/06
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No
Small Entities Affected: No
Government Levels Affected: None
Agency Contact: Charles L. Johnson
Phone: 202 720-3271
RIN: 0581-AC47
[[Page 22295]]
_______________________________________________________________________
21. NATIONAL ORGANIC PROGRAM: HARVEY V. JOHANNS
Priority: Other Significant
CFR Citation: 7 CFR 205
Completed:
________________________________________________________________________
Reason                            Date                      FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
Withdrawn                       01/31/06
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Small Entities Affected: Businesses
Government Levels Affected: State
Agency Contact: Mark A. Bradley
Phone: 202 720-3252
Fax: 202 205-7808
Email: mark.bradley@usda.gov
RIN: 0581-AC54
BILLING CODE 3410--02--S
_______________________________________________________________________
Department of Agriculture (USDA)                      Completed Actions
Agricultural Research Service (ARS)
_______________________________________________________________________
22. RULES OF CONDUCT AT THE UNITED STATES NATIONAL ARBORETUM
Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant
CFR Citation: 7 CFR 500
Completed:
________________________________________________________________________
Reason                            Date                      FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
Final Action                    09/23/05                    70 FR 55706
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No
Small Entities Affected: No
Government Levels Affected: None
Agency Contact: Dana Laster
Phone: 202 245-4539
RIN: 0518-AA02
BILLING CODE 3410--03--S
_______________________________________________________________________
Department of Agriculture (USDA)                          Prerule Stage
Farm Service Agency (FSA)
_______________________________________________________________________
23. <bullet> REGULATIONS FOR THE UNITED STATES WAREHOUSE ACT;
COTTON LOANS
Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is
undetermined.
Legal Authority: 7 USC 514
CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1425
Legal Deadline: None
Abstract: The Farm Service Agency (FSA) and the Commodity Credit
Corporation (CCC) are soliciting comments and views on whether to
revise the regulations at 7 CFR parts 735 and 1427 for the purpose of
addressing the storage of upland cotton and its impact on loan
eligibility.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action                            Date                      FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
ANPRM                           02/13/06                     71 FR 7445
ANPRM Comment Period End        04/14/06
NPRM                             To Be                       Determined
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, 1400 Independence Avenue SW,
Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 690-8104
Fax: 202 720-5233
Email: phillip--elder@wdc.usda.gov
RIN: 0560-AH48
_______________________________________________________________________
Department of Agriculture (USDA)                    Proposed Rule Stage
Farm Service Agency (FSA)
_______________________________________________________________________
24. <bullet> PROCUREMENT OF COMMODITIES FOR FOREIGN DONATION
Priority: Other Significant
Legal Authority: 7 USC 1431; 7 USC 1721; 15 USC 714b
CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1496
Legal Deadline: None
Abstract: This rule proposes new procedures to be used by the Commodity
Credit Corporation (CCC) in the evaluation of bids in connection with
the procurement of commodities for donation overseas. This proposed
rule would enhance bidding opportunities for potential vendors while
allowing CCC to more efficiently acquire commodities. In general, CCC
proposes to amend the existing regulations to provide for the
simultaneous review of commodity and ocean freight offers when
evaluating lowest landed cost options in connection with the
procurement of commodities.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action                            Date                      FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
NPRM                            12/16/05                    70 FR 74717
NPRM Comment Period End         01/17/06
NPRM Comment Period Extended    01/23/06                     71 FR 3442
Public Meeting                  02/21/06
Second NPRM                      To Be                       Determined
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, 1400 Independence Avenue SW,
Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 690-8104
Fax: 202 720-5233
[[Page 22296]]
Email: phillip--elder@wdc.usda.gov
RIN: 0560-AH40
_______________________________________________________________________
Department of Agriculture (USDA)                      Long-Term Actions
Farm Service Agency (FSA)
_______________________________________________________________________
25. 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
_______________________________________________________________________
26. 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
_______________________________________________________________________
27. INTEREST ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
Priority: Other Significant
CFR Citation: 7 CFR 762
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action                            Date                      FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
NPRM                            06/22/05                    70 FR 36055
Correction                      08/11/05                    70 FR 46799
NPRM Comment Period End         09/06/05
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-AG46
_______________________________________________________________________
28. 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
Next Action Undetermined
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No
Small Entities Affected: No
Government Levels Affected: None
Agency Contact: Tom Witzig
Phone: 202 205-5851
Fax: 202 720-5233
Email: tom.witzig@usda.gov
RIN: 0560-AG49
_______________________________________________________________________
29. 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
_______________________________________________________________________
30. CLARIFICATION OF INFORMAL APPEALS PROCEDURES
Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant
CFR Citation: 7 CFR 780
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action                            Date                      FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
Interim Final Rule              07/27/05                    70 FR 43262
Interim Final Rule Comment
Period End                      09/26/05
Final Action                     To Be                       Determined
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No
Government Levels Affected: None
Agency Contact: Phillip Elder
Phone: 202 690-8104
Fax: 202 720-5233
Email: phillip--elder@wdc.usda.gov
RIN: 0560-AG88
_______________________________________________________________________
31. SELECTION OF FSA STATE AND COUNTY COMMITTEES
Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant
CFR Citation: 7 CFR 7; 7 CFR 710
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action                            Date                      FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
Notice                          08/17/04                    69 FR 51052
Comment Period End              09/22/04                    69 FR 56742
Notice                          01/18/05                     70 FR 2837
Final Action                     To Be                       Determined
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No
Small Entities Affected: No
Government Levels Affected: None
[[Page 22297]]
Agency Contact: Tom Witzig
Phone: 202 205-5851
Fax: 202 720-5233
Email: tom.witzig@usda.gov
RIN: 0560-AG90
_______________________________________________________________________
32. 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
_______________________________________________________________________
33. 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                            08/15/05                    70 FR 47730
NPRM Comment Period End         10/14/05
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-AH07
_______________________________________________________________________
34. DEBT COLLECTION, DEBT SETTLEMENT, AND ASSIGNMENT OF PAYMENTS
Priority: Other Significant
CFR Citation: 7 CFR 792; 7 CFR 1403; 7 CFR 1404
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action                            Date                      FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
NPRM                             To Be                       Determined
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No
Small Entities Affected: No
Government Levels Affected: None
Agency Contact: Tom Witzig
Phone: 202 205-5851
Fax: 202 720-5233
Email: tom.witzig@usda.gov
Related RIN: Previously reported as 0560-AF22
RIN: 0560-AH09
_______________________________________________________________________
35. DISASTER DECLARATION AND DESIGNATION
Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant
CFR Citation: 7 CFR 791; 7 CFR 1945
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action                            Date                      FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
NPRM                             To Be                       Determined
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No
Small Entities Affected: No
Government Levels Affected: None
Agency Contact: Tom Witzig
Phone: 202 205-5851
Fax: 202 720-5233
Email: tom.witzig@usda.gov
RIN: 0560-AH17
_______________________________________________________________________
36. PLANTING REPORTING FOR TROPICAL CROPS--NONINSURED CROP DISASTER
ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant
CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1437
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action                            Date                      FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
NPRM                            10/03/05                    70 FR 57520
NPRM Comment Period End         11/02/05
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-AH19
_______________________________________________________________________
37. CONSERVATION CONTRACT DEBT WRITE-DOWN
Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant
CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1951; 7 CFR 766
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action                            Date                      FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
NPRM                             To Be                       Determined
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No
Small Entities Affected: No
Government Levels Affected: None
Agency Contact: Tom Witzig
Phone: 202 205-5851
Fax: 202 720-5233
Email: tom.witzig@usda.gov
RIN: 0560-AH23
_______________________________________________________________________
38. CONFIDENTIALITY OF CONSERVATION PROGRAM INFORMATION
Priority: Other Significant
CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1
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-AH32
_______________________________________________________________________
39. GUARANTEED LOANS--UNAUTHORIZED ASSISTANCE
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
[[Page 22298]]
Government Levels Affected: None
Agency Contact: Phillip Elder
Phone: 202 690-8104
Fax: 202 720-5233
Email: phillip--elder@wdc.usda.gov
RIN: 0560-AH34
_______________________________________________________________________
40. GRAINS AND SIMILARLY HANDLED COMMODITIES--MARKETING ASSISTANCE LOANS
AND LOAN DEFICIENCY PAYMENTS FOR THE 2002 THROUGH 2007 CROP YEARS
Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is
undetermined.
CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1421
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-AH38
_______________________________________________________________________
41. <bullet> GUARANTEED FARM LOAN FEES
Priority: Other Significant
Legal Authority: 7 USC 1981 et seq
CFR Citation: 7 CFR 762
Legal Deadline: None
Abstract: FSA currently charges a fee of 1 percent of the guaranteed
amount on all guaranteed Farm Ownership (FO) loans and guaranteed
Operating Loans (OL) except (1) where the majority of the FO loan funds
are used to refinance an FSA direct loan, (2) on FO loans to applicants
involved in the direct beginning farmer down payment program, (3) FO
loans made under certain State beginning farmer programs, or (4) OL
loans where the borrower receives an interest assistance subsidy. Fees
collected offset approximately 65 percent of the subsidy cost of the
guaranteed FO program and 23 percent of the subsidy cost of the
unsubsidized guaranteed OL program. The proposal will increase the fee
to offset 100 percent of the subsidy cost for FO loans and a majority
of the subsidy cost for OL loans.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action                            Date                      FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
NPRM                             To Be                       Determined
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, 1400 Independence Avenue SW,
Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 690-8104
Fax: 202 720-5233
Email: phillip--elder@wdc.usda.gov
RIN: 0560-AH41
_______________________________________________________________________
42. <bullet> COOPERATIVE MARKETING ASSOCIATIONS
Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant
Legal Authority: 15 USC 714b
CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1425
Legal Deadline: None
Abstract: The regulations for Cooperative Marketing Associations have
been in effect since 1998. Since that time, cooperatives have undergone
modernization of internal financial systems to the extent that some
current provisions are outdated. Approved CMAs are authorized to
receive MALs and LDPs on behalf of their Cooperative members. CMAs then
pass the proceeds to members participating in commodity marketing
pools. The major change that will be proposed for 7 CFR part 1425 is
regarding the provision at 1425.18, which requires that CMAs distribute
MAL and LDP proceeds to members within 15 days of receipt from CCC.
However, there's an exception to this rule when loans are redeemed
within 15 workdays of the date of the loan. The exception is unclear.
It probably made more sense in the days of paper receipts and slower
financial transactions. Also, most CMAs, acting according to IRS
guidelines, enter into deferred payment agreements with their members,
so funds are not passed within 15 days to members. This creates a
conflict with the 15-day rule. CCC would like to eliminate the conflict
by removing the 15-day rule, which seems especially unnecessary since
MALs and LDPs are made to the CMA (not the producer), and CCC should
not intervene between the Cooperative and their members.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action                            Date                      FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
NPRM                             To Be                       Determined
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No
Small Entities Affected: No
Government Levels Affected: None
Agency Contact: Geraldine Broadway, Office of Budget and Program
Analysis, Department of Agriculture, 1400 Independence Avenue SW,
Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 720-1272
Fax: 202 690-3673
Email: gvb@obpa.usda.gov
RIN: 0560-AH42
_______________________________________________________________________
43. <bullet> EMERGENCY CONSERVATION PROGRAM
Priority: Economically Significant. Major under 5 USC 801.
Legal Authority: PL 109-148, Division B
CFR Citation: 7 CFR 701
Legal Deadline: None
Abstract: The 2006 Emergency Appropriations Act provides for assistance
under the Emergency Conservation Program for expenses resulting from
hurricanes that occurred during the 2005 calendar year, including
assistance to nursery, oyster and poultry producers, and non-industrial
forest landowners. The legislation provides $199.8 million to remain
available until expended.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action                            Date                      FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
NPRM                             To Be                       Determined
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No
Small Entities Affected: No
Government Levels Affected: None
Agency Contact: Tom Witzig, Director, Regulatory Review Group,
Department of Agriculture, Farm Service Agency, 1400 Independence
Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0572
Phone: 202 205-5851
Fax: 202 720-5233
Email: tom.witzig@usda.gov
RIN: 0560-AH43
[[Page 22299]]
_______________________________________________________________________
44. <bullet> EMERGENCY FORESTRY CONSERVATION RESERVE PROGRAM
Priority: Economically Significant. Major under 5 USC 801.
Legal Authority: PL 109-148, Division B
CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1410
Legal Deadline: Final, Statutory, April 1, 2006.
Abstract: The 2006 Emergency Appropriations Act provides that, during
calendar year 2006, the Secretary shall carry out an emergency pilot
program in States that the Secretary determines have suffered damage to
merchantable timber in counties affected by hurricanes during the 2005
calendar year. The program will enroll eligible acreage in the
Conservation Reserve Program with a 10-year contract. Eligibility is
limited to owners and operators of private nonindustrial forest land
that experienced a loss of 35 percent or more of merchantable timber in
a county affected by hurricanes during the 2005 calendar year.
Participants will be required to restore the land and provide temporary
vegetative cover. Payments may be either a lump sum or a series of
annual payments. The legislation provides $404.1 million, which may be
paid over 10 years, and to remain available until expended.
Notice and Comment: The legislation provides that the promulgation of
regulations and administration of this program shall be made without
regard to the notice and comment provisions of section 553 of title 5,
United States Code; the Statement of Policy of the Secretary of
Agriculture effective July 24, 1971, relating to notices of proposed
rulemaking and public participation in rulemaking; and the Paperwork
Reduction Act. Also, the Secretary shall use the authority provided
under section 808 of title 5, United States Code, which allows for
immediate implementation of a program without the usual 60-day delay
for congressional review under the Small Business Regulatory
Enforcement and Fairness Act. The regulations will therefore be issued
as final.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action                            Date                      FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
Final Action                     To Be                       Determined
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No
Small Entities Affected: No
Government Levels Affected: None
Agency Contact: Tom Witzig, Director, Regulatory Review Group,
Department of Agriculture, Farm Service Agency, 1400 Independence
Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0572
Phone: 202 205-5851
Fax: 202 720-5233
Email: tom.witzig@usda.gov
RIN: 0560-AH44
_______________________________________________________________________
45. <bullet> 2005 HURRICANE DISASTER ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS
Priority: Economically Significant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is
undetermined.
Legal Authority: Sec 32 of the Agricultural Adjustment Act of 1935
CFR Citation: Not Yet Determined
Legal Deadline: None
Abstract: This action will provide $205 million under section 32 of the
Agricultural Adjustment Act of 1935 to provide disaster assistance to
farmers in Presidentially designated primary counties who suffered crop
losses due to hurricanes in 2005.
Four disaster assistance programs will be administered by Farm Service
Agency county offices. The Hurricane Indemnity Program will provide a
30 percent additional payment to farmers who have already received a
crop insurance or Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program payment.
The Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP) will provide 75 percent cost-
share for `lost' livestock. Recipients of LIP cost-share will not be
required to replace the lost livestock. The Feed Indemnity Program will
provide assistance to livestock producers who suffered feed losses. The
Tree Assistance Program will provide 75 percent cost-share for the
replanting and rehabilitation (such as pruning or staking) of orchards,
vines, and bushes that produce an annual crop. Timber losses are not
covered. A fifth program will be in the form of State-directed block
grants for aquaculture losses. Total outlays of $263 million are
expected.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action                            Date                      FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
Interim Final Rule               To Be                       Determined
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No
Small Entities Affected: No
Government Levels Affected: None
Agency Contact: Tom Witzig, Director, Regulatory Review Group,
Department of Agriculture, Farm Service Agency, 1400 Independence
Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0572
Phone: 202 205-5851
Fax: 202 720-5233
Email: tom.witzig@usda.gov
RIN: 0560-AH45
_______________________________________________________________________
46. <bullet> REVISIONS OF DELEGATIONS OF AUTHORITY
Priority: Info./Admin./Other
Legal Authority: 5 USC 301; 7 USC 6912(a)(1); 3 CFR 1949 to 1953 Comp,
p 1024; Reorganization Plan No. 2 of 1953
CFR Citation: 7 CFR 2
Legal Deadline: None
Abstract: This action amends the delegations of authority from the
Secretary of Agriculture to the Under Secretary for Farm and Foreign
Agricultural Services and to the Administrator, Farm Service Agency,
for technical determinations for the Conservation Reserve Program
principally due to enactment of Public Law 108-498.
The Secretary of Agriculture previously delegated authority under the
Food Secretary Act of 1985, as amended (16 U.S.C. 1231 et seq.) for the
Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) to the Under Secretary for Farm and
Foreign Agricultural Services (FFAS) under the regulations at 7 CFR
2.16(a)(1)(xviii) and the Under Secretary, FFAS, delegated authority to
the Administrator, Farm Service Agency (FSA), under the regulations at
7 CFR 2.42(a)(20). Authority was also delegated for the administration
of technical assistance to the Under Secretary for Natural Resources
and the Environment (NRE) under the regulations at 7 CFR 2.20(a)(2)(xx)
and 2.20(a)(3)(xiii)(B). The Under Secretary, NRE, delegated authority
for the administration of technical assistance to the Chief, Forest
Service, under the regulations at 7 CFR 2.60(a)(20) and to the Chief,
Natural Resources Conservation Service, under the regulations at 7 CFR
2.61(a)(13)(ii).
Section 1 of Public Law 108-498 clarified the availability of technical
assistance. Therefore, the delegations of authority from the Secretary
to the
[[Page 22300]]
Under Secretary, FFAS, and from the Under Secretary, FFAS, to the
Administrator, FSA, are revised to conform to Public Law 108-498
regarding those entities' authority to implement technical assistance.
The delegations of authority from the Secretary to the Under Secretary,
NRE, and from the Under Secretary, NRE, to the Chief, Forest Service,
and to the Chief, Natural Resources Conservation Service, are not
changed by this rule.
This rule relates to internal agency management. Therefore, pursuant to
5 U.S.C. 553, notice of proposed rulemaking and opportunity for comment
are not required, and this rule may be made effective less than 30 days
after publication in the Federal Register. Further, because this rule
relates to internal agency management, it is exempt from the provisions
of Executive Order Nos. 12291 and 12866. Finally, this action is not a
rule as defined by the Regulatory Flexibility Act, Public Law 96-354 et
seq., and is therefore exempt from the provisions of that Act.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action                            Date                      FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
Final Action                     To Be                       Determined
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No
Small Entities Affected: No
Government Levels Affected: None
Agency Contact: Tom Witzig, Director, Regulatory Review Group,
Department of Agriculture, Farm Service Agency, 1400 Independence
Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0572
Phone: 202 205-5851
Fax: 202 720-5233
Email: tom.witzig@usda.gov
RIN: 0560-AH46
_______________________________________________________________________
47. <bullet> EXTENSION OF THE MILK INCOME LOSS CONTRACT
PROGRAM
Priority: Economically Significant. Major under 5 USC 801.
Legal Authority: 7 USC 7981
CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1430
Legal Deadline: None
Abstract: The Farm Service Agency is amending 7 CFR part 1430, subpart
B, to extend the effective dates of the Milk Income Loss Contract
Program. Recent legislation provides that the program shall be extended
through September 30, 2007. Most program provisions will remain the
same; however, the percentage rate by which the payment rate is
factored will be reduced from 45 percent to 34 percent.
The MILC program was originally authorized by the 2002 Farm Bill to
support the dairy industry by providing direct/counter-cyclical style
payments to milk producers when the Boston Milk Marketing Order Class I
price for fluid milk falls below the benchmark of $16.94 per cwt. Milk
producers receive a payment equal to 45 percent (34% following this
rule) of the difference between the benchmark and the Class I price.
The payment quantity is per operation and is limited to 2.4 million
pounds of milk marketed per fiscal year.
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: Geraldine Broadway, Office of Budget and Program
Analysis, Department of Agriculture, 1400 Independence Avenue SW,
Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 720-1272
Fax: 202 690-3673
Email: gvb@obpa.usda.gov
RIN: 0560-AH47
_______________________________________________________________________
48. <bullet> PERCENTAGES FOR DIRECT AND COUNTER-CYCLICAL
PROGRAM ADVANCE PAYMENTS
Priority: Economically Significant. Major under 5 USC 801.
Legal Authority: 7 USC 7911
CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1412
Legal Deadline: None
Abstract: This change involves a revision to one section of the CCC's
regulations governing Direct and Counter-Cyclical Program advance
payment rate percentages at 7 CFR part 1412.502. Specifically, 1412.502
(b) will be revised to designate that advance DCP direct payments will
be issued based on 50 percent of the direct payment rate for 2003
through 2005 contracts, 40 percent of the direct payment rate for 2006
contracts, and 22 percent of the direct payment rate for 2007 contracts
as required by the Agricultural Reconciliation Act of 2005.
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: Geraldine Broadway, Office of Budget and Program
Analysis, Department of Agriculture, 1400 Independence Avenue SW,
Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 720-1272
Fax: 202 690-3673
Email: gvb@obpa.usda.gov
Jacquelyn C. Chandler, Legislative, Regulatory, and Automated Systems
Division, Department of Agriculture, Office of Budget and Program
Analysis, 1400 Independence Avenue SW,, Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 720-1272
Fax: 202 720-8635
Email: jyc@obpa.usda.gov
RIN: 0560-AH49
_______________________________________________________________________
49. <bullet> REASSIGNMENT OF SUGAR ALLOCATION SHORTFALLS
Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant
Legal Authority: 7 USC 7272
CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1435
Legal Deadline: None
Abstract: This rule will amend section 7 CFR 1435.309(e)(1) to add: CCC
will analyze market factors such as company-level reasonable ending
stocks and transportation restrictions to make determinations as to a
company's capacity to fill more allocation. CCC retains a discretionary
right to make reassignment decisions based on market needs.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action                            Date                      FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
NPRM                             To Be                       Determined
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, 1400 Independence Avenue SW,
Washington, DC 20250
[[Page 22301]]
Phone: 202 690-8104
Fax: 202 720-5233
Email: phillip--elder@wdc.usda.gov
RIN: 0560-AH50
_______________________________________________________________________
Department of Agriculture (USDA)                      Completed Actions
Farm Service Agency (FSA)
_______________________________________________________________________
50. PAYMENT LIMITATION AND PAYMENT ELIGIBILITY; TRADE ADJUSTMENT
ASSISTANCE FOR FARMERS
Priority: Other Significant
CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1400
Completed:
________________________________________________________________________
Reason                            Date                      FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
Withdrawn                       12/01/05
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
_______________________________________________________________________
51. POLICY FOR CERTAIN COMMODITIES AVAILABLE FOR SALE
Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant
CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1402
Completed:
________________________________________________________________________
Reason                            Date                      FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
Final Action                    11/10/05
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
Tom Witzig
Phone: 202 205-5851
Fax: 202 720-5233
Email: tom.witzig@usda.gov
RIN: 0560-AH22
_______________________________________________________________________
52. 2004 COTTONSEED PROGRAM
Priority: Other Significant
CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1427
Completed:
________________________________________________________________________
Reason                            Date                      FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
Final Action                    01/26/06                     71 FR 4231
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-AH29
_______________________________________________________________________
53. APPRAISAL UPDATES
Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant
CFR Citation: 7 CFR 761; 7 CFR 762
Completed:
________________________________________________________________________
Reason                            Date                      FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
Withdrawn                       12/21/05
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-AH33
_______________________________________________________________________
54. EXTRA LONG STAPLE COTTON PRICES
Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant
CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1427
Completed:
________________________________________________________________________
Reason                            Date                      FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
Final Action                    11/07/05                    70 FR 67342
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-AH36
_______________________________________________________________________
55. TRANSFER OF SUGAR MARKETING ALLOCATIONS
Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant
CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1435
Completed:
________________________________________________________________________
Reason                            Date                      FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
Final Action                    03/31/06                    71 FR 16193
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-AH37
BILLING CODE 3410--05--S
[[Page 22302]]
_______________________________________________________________________
Department of Agriculture (USDA)                    Proposed Rule Stage
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS)
_______________________________________________________________________
56. ANIMAL WELFARE: MARINE MAMMALS; NONCONSENSUS LANGUAGE AND
INTERACTIVE PROGRAMS (RULEMAKING RESULTING FROM A SECTION 610 REVIEW)
Priority: Other Significant
Legal Authority: 7 USC 2131 to 2159
CFR Citation: 9 CFR 3
Legal Deadline: None
Abstract: The U.S. Department of Agriculture regulates the 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                            09/00/06
NPRM Comment Period End         11/00/06
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined
Government Levels Affected: None
Additional Information: Additional information about APHIS and its
programs is available on the Internet at http://www.aphis.usda.gov.
Agency Contact: Barbara Kohn, Senior Staff Veterinarian, Animal Care,
Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service,
4700 River Road, Unit 84, Riverdale, MD 20737-1234
Phone: 301 734-7833
RIN: 0579-AB24
_______________________________________________________________________
57. TUBERCULOSIS IN CATTLE; IMPORT REQUIREMENTS (SECTION 610 REVIEW)
Priority: Other Significant
Legal Authority: 7 USC 1622; 7 USC 8301 to 8317; 21 USC 136 and 136a;
31 USC 9701
CFR Citation: 9 CFR 93
Legal Deadline: None
Abstract: This rulemaking would amend the regulations regarding the
importation of animals into the United States to establish several
levels of risk classifications to be applied to foreign regions with
regard to tuberculosis, and to establish requirements governing the
importation of cattle based on each risk classification. These changes
are necessary to help ensure that cattle infected with tuberculosis are
not imported into the United States.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action                            Date                      FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
NPRM                            12/00/06
NPRM Comment Period End         02/00/07
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined
Government Levels Affected: Undetermined
Additional Information: Additional information about APHIS and its
programs is available on the Internet at http://www.aphis.usda.gov.
Agency Contact: Dr. Kelly Rhodes, Senior Staff Veterinarian,
Regionalization Evaluation Services Staff, NCIE, VS, Department of
Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, 4700 River
Road, Unit 38, Riverdale, MD 20737-1231
Phone: 301 734-4356
RIN: 0579-AB44
_______________________________________________________________________
58. KARNAL BUNT COMPENSATION
Priority: Other Significant
Legal Authority: 7 USC 7701 to 7712; 7 USC 7781 to 7786
CFR Citation: 7 CFR 301
Legal Deadline: None
Abstract: We are amending the Karnal bunt regulations to provide
compensation for certain growers and handlers of grain and seed
affected by Karnal bunt who are not currently eligible for
compensation, for certain wheat grown outside the regulated area that
was commingled with wheat grown in regulated areas, and for other
parties affected by the Karnal bunt regulations. The payment of
compensation is necessary in order to encourage the participation of,
and obtain cooperation from, affected individuals in our efforts to
contain and reduce the prevalence of Karnal bunt.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action                            Date                      FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
Interim Final Rule              05/01/02                    67 FR 21561
Interim Final Rule Comment
Period End                      07/01/02
NPRM                            09/00/06
NPRM Comment Period End         11/00/06
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No
Government Levels Affected: None
Additional Information: Additional information about APHIS and its
programs is available on the Internet at http://www.aphis.usda.gov.
Agency Contact: Matthew H. Royer, Senior Program Advisor, Pest
Detection and Management Programs, PPQ, Department of Agriculture,
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, 4700 River Road, Unit 26,
Riverdale, MD 20737-1236
Phone: 301 734-7819
Related RIN: Related to 0579-AA83
RIN: 0579-AB45
_______________________________________________________________________
59. REVISION OF FRUITS AND VEGETABLES IMPORT REGULATIONS
Priority: Other Significant
Legal Authority: 7 USC 450; 7 USC 7701 to 7772; 7 USC 7781 to 7786; 7
USC 8311; 21 USC 136 and 136a; 31 USC 9701
CFR Citation: 7 CFR 305; 7 CFR 319; 7 CFR 352
Legal Deadline: None
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.
[[Page 22303]]
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                            04/00/06
NPRM Comment Period End         07/00/06
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined
Government Levels Affected: None
Additional Information: Additional information about APHIS and its
programs is available on the Internet at http://www.aphis.usda.gov.
Agency Contact: 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
Donna L. West, Senior Import Specialist, Commodity Import Analysis and
Operations, PPQ, Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health
Inspection Service, 4700 River Road, Unit 133, Riverdale, MD 20737-1231
Phone: 301 734-0627
RIN: 0579-AB80
_______________________________________________________________________
60. BOLL WEEVIL; QUARANTINE AND REGULATIONS
Priority: Other Significant
Legal Authority: 7 USC 7701 to 7772; 7 USC 7781 to 7786
CFR Citation: 7 CFR 301
Legal Deadline: None
Abstract: This action would establish domestic boll weevil regulations
that would restrict the interstate movement of regulated articles
within regulated areas and from regulated areas into or through
nonregulated areas in commercial cotton producing States. The proposed
regulations would help prevent the artificial spread of boll weevil
into noninfested areas of the United States and the reinfestation of
areas from which the boll weevil has been eradicated.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action                            Date                      FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
NPRM                            06/00/06
NPRM Comment Period End         08/00/06
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No
Government Levels Affected: None
Additional Information: Additional information about APHIS and its
programs is available on the Internet at http://www.aphis.usda.gov.
Agency Contact: William Grefenstette, National Coordinator, Boll Weevil
Eradication Program, PPQ, Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant
Health Inspection Service, 4700 River Road, Unit 138, Riverdale, MD
20737
Phone: 301 734-8676
RIN: 0579-AB91
_______________________________________________________________________
61. TRICHINAE CERTIFICATION PROGRAM
Priority: Other Significant
Legal Authority: 7 USC 8301 to 8317; 7 USC 1622
CFR Citation: 9 CFR 149; 9 CFR 160 to 161
Legal Deadline: None
Abstract: This action would establish a voluntary Trichinae
Certification Program for U.S. pork that has been produced under
disease-prevention conditions. Under the proposed program, we would
certify pork production sites that follow prescribed good production
practices that reduce, eliminate, or avoid the risk of exposure of
animals to the zoonotic parasite Trichinella spiralis, a disease of
swine. Such a program should enhance the ability of producers to export
pork and pork products to overseas markets. This proposed program,
which would be funded by program fees, has been developed as a
cooperative effort by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the National
Pork Board, and the pork processing industry. If adopted, this program
would include those producers who choose to participate in the program,
as well as slaughter facilities and other persons that handle or
process swine from pork production sites that have been certified under
the program.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action                            Date                      FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
NPRM                            09/00/06
NPRM Comment Period End         11/00/06
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Small Entities Affected: Businesses
Government Levels Affected: None
Additional Information: Additional information about APHIS and its
programs is available on the Internet at http://www.aphis.usda.gov.
Agency Contact: Dave Pyburn, National Trichinae Coordinator, VS,
Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service,
210 Walnut Street, Room 891, Des Moines, IA 50309
Phone: 515 284-4122
RIN: 0579-AB92
_______________________________________________________________________
62. <bullet> MOVEMENT OF UNROASTED COFFEE INTO HAWAII AND
PUERTO RICO
Priority: Other Significant
Legal Authority: 7 USC 450 ; 7 USC 7701 to 7772; 7 USC 7781 to 7786; 21
USC 136 and 136a
CFR Citation: 7 CFR 305; 7 CFR 319
Legal Deadline: None
Abstract: This action would amend the regulations for importing coffee
in order to allow dried, unroasted coffee to be moved into the State of
Hawaii and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico under certain conditions.
All dried, unroasted coffee, as a condition of entry, would have to be
inspected and treated, either in its country of export
[[Page 22304]]
or at a port in the continental United States, before it could be moved
into Hawaii or Puerto Rico. This action would relieve restrictions on
the importation of dried, unroasted coffee while continuing to provide
protection against the introduction of plant pests into Hawaii and
Puerto Rico.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action                            Date                      FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
NPRM                            09/00/06
NPRM Comment Period End         11/00/06
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No
Small Entities Affected: Businesses
Government Levels Affected: Undetermined
Additional Information: Additional information about APHIS and its
programs is available on the Internet at http://www.aphis.usda.gov.
Agency Contact: Shirley Wager-Page, Branch Chief, Commodity Import
Analysis and Operations, PPQ, Department of Agriculture, Animal and
Plant Health Inspection Service, 4700 River Road, Unit 133, Riverdale,
MD 20737-1236
Phone: 301 734-8453
RIN: 0579-AB96
_______________________________________________________________________
63. <bullet> SPECIAL NEED REQUESTS UNDER THE PLANT PROTECTION
ACT
Priority: Other Significant
Legal Authority: 7 USC 7701 to 7772; 7 USC 7781 to 7786
CFR Citation: 7 CFR 301
Legal Deadline: None
Abstract: This proposed action would amend our domestic quarantine
regulations to establish a process by which a State or political
subdivision of a State could request approval to impose prohibitions or
restrictions on the movement in interstate commerce of specific
articles that are in addition to the prohibitions and restrictions
imposed by the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. The Plant
Protection Act provides that States or political subdivisions of States
may make such special need requests, but there are currently no
procedures in place for their submission or consideration. This action
would establish a process by which States may make a special need
request.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action                            Date                      FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
NPRM                            04/04/06                    71 FR 16711
NPRM Comment Period End         06/05/06
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Small Entities Affected: Businesses
Government Levels Affected: Local, State
Additional Information: Additional information about APHIS and its
programs is available on the Internet at http://www.aphis.usda.gov.
Agency Contact: Mr. James Writer, Agriculturist, Invasive Species and
Pest Management, PPQ, Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant
Health Inspection Service, 4700 River Road, Unit 137, Riverdale, MD
20737-1231
Phone: 301 734-7121
RIN: 0579-AB98
_______________________________________________________________________
64. <bullet> STANDARDS FOR PERMANENT, PRIVATELY OWNED HORSE
QUARANTINE FACILITIES (SECTION 610 REVIEW)
Priority: Other Significant
Legal Authority: 7 USC 1622; 7 USC 8301 to 8317; 21 USC 136 and 136a;
31 USC 9701
CFR Citation: 9 CFR 93
Legal Deadline: None
Abstract: This rulemaking would establish standards for the approval of
permanent, privately owned quarantine facilities for horses. We are
taking this action because demand for quarantine services for horses
exceeds the space available at existing facilities. We believe that
allowing imported horses to be quarantined in permanent, privately
owned quarantine facilities that meet these newly proposed criteria
would facilitate the importation of horses while continuing to protect
against the introduction of communicable diseases of horses.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action                            Date                      FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
NPRM                            09/00/06
NPRM Comment Period End         11/00/06
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined
Small Entities Affected:  Businesses
Government Levels Affected: None
Additional Information: Additional information about APHIS and its
programs is available on the Internet at http://www.aphis.usda.gov.
Agency Contact: Dr. Freeda Isaac, Staff Veterinarian, VS, National
Center for Import and Export, Department of Agriculture, Animal and
Plant Health Inspection Service, 4700 River Road, Unit 39, Riverdale,
MD 20737-1231
Phone: 301 734-8364
RIN: 0579-AC00
_______________________________________________________________________
65. <bullet> BOVINE SPONGIFORM ENCEPHALOPATHY; MINIMAL-RISK
REGIONS AND IMPORTATION OF COMMODITIES
Priority: Other Significant
Legal Authority: 7 USC 1622; 7 USC 8301 to 8317; 21 USC 136 and 136a;
31 USC 9701
CFR Citation: 9 CFR 93 to 96
Legal Deadline: None
Abstract: This action would amend the requirements for the importation
of certain live ruminants and ruminant products and byproducts from
regions that present a minimal risk of introducing bovine spongiform
encephalopathy into the United States.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action                            Date                      FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
NPRM                            07/00/06
NPRM Comment Period End         09/00/06
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined
Small Entities Affected:  Businesses
Government Levels Affected: Federal
Additional Information: Additional information about APHIS and its
programs is available on the Internet at http://www.aphis.usda.gov.
Agency Contact: Karen A. James-Preston, Director, Technical Trade
Services Team, NCIE, VS, Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant
Health Inspection Service, 4700 River Road, Unit 38, Riverdale, MD
20737
Phone: 301 734-4356
RIN: 0579-AC01
[[Page 22305]]
_______________________________________________________________________
66. <bullet> IMPORTATION OF PLANTS FOR PLANTING; ESTABLISHING
A NEW CATEGORY OF PLANTS FOR PLANTING NOT AUTHORIZED FOR IMPORTATION
PENDING RISK ASSESSMENT (RULEMAKING RESULTING FROM A SECTION 610 REVIEW)
Priority: Other Significant
Legal Authority: 7 USC 450; 7 USC 7701 to 7772; 7 USC 7781 to 7786; 21
USC 136 and 136a
CFR Citation: 7 CFR 319
Legal Deadline: None
Abstract: This action would establish a new category in the regulations
governing the importation of nursery stock, also known as plants for
planting. This category would list taxa of plants for planting whose
importation is not authorized pending risk assessment. In order to
determine whether to add a taxon of plants for planting to this
category, we would review scientific information other than a pest risk
assessment; the types of scientific information we would review would
be listed in the regulations. If scientific information other than a
pest risk assessment indicated that importation of the taxon of plants
for planting posed a potential risk, we would then publish an interim
rule adding the taxon to the proposed category and giving the public an
opportunity to comment on the change. We would allow foreign
governments to request that a pest risk assessment be conducted for a
taxon whose importation is not authorized pending risk evaluation.
After the pest risk assessment was completed, we would conduct
rulemaking to remove the taxon from the proposed category. We are also
proposing to expand the scope of the plants regulated in the plants for
planting regulations to include non-vascular plants. These changes
would allow us to react more quickly to evidence that a taxon of plants
for planting may pose a pest risk while ensuring that our actions are
based on scientific evidence.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action                            Date                      FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
NPRM                            12/00/06
NPRM Comment Period End         02/00/07
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No
Government Levels Affected: None
Additional Information: Additional information about APHIS and its
programs is available on the Internet at http://www.aphis.usda.gov.
Agency Contact: Arnold T. Tschanz, Senior Import Specialist, Commodity
Import Analysis & Operations, PPQ, Department of Agriculture, Animal
and Plant Health Inspection Service, 4700 River Road, Unit 141,
Riverdale, MD 20737-1236
Phone: 301 734-5306
RIN: 0579-AC03
_______________________________________________________________________
67. <bullet> NATIONAL VETERINARY ACCREDITATION PROGRAM
(RULEMAKING RESULTING FROM A SECTION 610 REVIEW)
Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant
Legal Authority: 7 USC 8301 to 8317; 15 USC 1828
CFR Citation: 9 CFR 160 to 162
Legal Deadline: None
Abstract: This rulemaking would amend the regulations regarding the
National Veterinary Accreditation Program to establish two
accreditation categories in place of the current single category, to
add requirements for supplemental training and renewal of
accreditation, and to offer accreditation specializations. These
changes are intended to support the Agency's animal health safeguarding
initiatives, to involve accredited veterinarians in integrated
surveillance activities, and to make the provisions governing our
National Veterinary Accreditation Program more uniform and consistent.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action                            Date                      FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
NPRM                            07/00/06
NPRM Comment Period End         09/00/06
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No
Government Levels Affected: None
Additional Information: Additional information about APHIS and its
programs is available on the Internet at http://www.aphis.usda.gov.
Agency Contact: Dr. Lawrence MIller, Program Manager, National
Veterinary Accreditation Program, Department of Agriculture, Animal and
Plant Health Inspection Service, 4700 River Road, Unit 46, Riverdale,
MD 20737
Phone: 301 734-6188
RIN: 0579-AC04
_______________________________________________________________________
Department of Agriculture (USDA)                       Final Rule Stage
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS)
_______________________________________________________________________
68. PHYTOSANITARY CERTIFICATES FOR IMPORTED FRUITS AND VEGETABLES
Priority: Other Significant
Legal Authority: 7 USC 450; 7 USC 7701 to 7772; 7 USC 7781 to 7786; 21
USC 136 and 136a
CFR Citation: 7 CFR 319.56 to 319.56-8
Legal Deadline: None
Abstract: Currently APHIS does not require a phytosanitary certificate
to accompany fruits and vegetables imported into the United States
except for certain fruits and vegetables grown in designated foreign
regions. This rule would amend our regulations to require that a
phytosanitary certificate accompany all fruits and vegetables imported
into the United States, with certain exceptions.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action                            Date                      FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
NPRM                            08/29/01                    66 FR 45637
NPRM Comment Period End         10/29/01
Final Rule                      08/00/06
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Small Entities Affected: Businesses
Government Levels Affected: Federal
Additional Information: Additional information about APHIS and its
programs is available on the Internet at http://www.aphis.usda.gov.
Agency Contact: Shirley Wager-Page, Branch Chief, Commodity Import
Analysis and Operations, PPQ, Department of Agriculture, Animal and
Plant Health Inspection Service, 4700
[[Page 22306]]
River Road, Unit 133, Riverdale, MD 20737-1231
Phone: 301 734-0627
RIN: 0579-AB18
_______________________________________________________________________
69. FOOT-AND-MOUTH DISEASE; PAYMENT OF INDEMNITY
Priority: Other Significant
Legal Authority: 7 USC 8301 to 8317
CFR Citation: 9 CFR 53
Legal Deadline: None
Abstract: This rule would amend the regulations for the cooperative
control and eradication of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) and other
serious diseases, including both cooperative programs and extraordinary
emergencies. The purpose of this rule is to remove possible sources of
delay in eradicating foot-and-mouth disease, should an occurrence of
that disease occur in this country, so that eligible claimants will be
fully compensated while at the same time protecting the U.S. livestock
population from the further spread of this highly contagious disease.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action                            Date                      FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
NPRM                            05/01/02                    67 FR 21934
NPRM Comment Period Extended    06/28/02                    67 FR 43566
NPRM Comment Period End         07/01/02
NPRM Comment Period End         07/31/02
Final Rule                      01/00/07
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Small Entities Affected: Businesses
Government Levels Affected: Federal, State
Additional Information: Additional information about APHIS and its
programs is available on the Internet at http://www.aphis.usda.gov.
Agency Contact: Mark Teachman, Senior Staff Veterinarian, Emergency
Programs, VS, Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health
Inspection Service, 4700 River Road, Unit 41, Riverdale, MD 20737-1231
Phone: 301 734-8073
RIN: 0579-AB34
_______________________________________________________________________
70. CHRONIC WASTING DISEASE IN ELK AND DEER; INTERSTATE MOVEMENT
RESTRICTIONS AND PAYMENT OF INDEMNITY
Priority: Other Significant
Legal Authority: 7 USC 8301 to 8316
CFR Citation: 9 CFR 55; 9 CFR 81
Legal Deadline: None
Abstract: This rulemaking would establish requirements for the
interstate movement of farmed elk and deer and provide indemnity for
the depopulation of farmed elk and deer that have been infected with,
or exposed to, chronic wasting disease (CWD).
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action                            Date                      FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
Interim Final Rule              02/08/02                     67 FR 5925
Interim Final Rule Comment
Period End                      04/09/02
NPRM                            12/24/03                    68 FR 74513
NPRM Comment Period End         02/23/04
Final Action                    07/00/06
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No
Government Levels Affected: Federal, State
Additional Information: Additional information about APHIS and its
programs is available on the Internet at http://www.aphis.usda.gov.
Agency Contact: Dean Goeldner, Staff Veterinarian, National Center for
Animal Health Programs, Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant
Health Inspection Service, 4700 River Road, Unit 43, Riverdale, MD
20737-1231
Phone: 301 736-4916
RIN: 0579-AB35
_______________________________________________________________________
71. GYPSY MOTH; INTERSTATE MOVEMENT OF REGULATED ARTICLES (SECTION 610
REVIEW)
Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant
Legal Authority: 7 USC 450; 7 USC 77701 to 7772; 7 USC 7781 to 7786; 21
USC 136 and 136a
CFR Citation: 7 CFR 301; 7 CFR 319
Legal Deadline: None
Abstract: This rule would amend the gypsy moth regulations by removing
restrictions on the interstate movement of wood chips, which do not
pose a risk of containing gypsy moth egg masses, and by adding
restrictions on the movement 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                    06/00/06
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No
Government Levels Affected: None
Additional Information: Additional information about APHIS and its
programs is available on the Internet at http://www.aphis.usda.gov.
Agency Contact: Weyman Fussell, Program Manager, Invasive Species and
Pest Management, PPQ, Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant
Health Inspection Service, 4700 River Road, Unit 134, Riverdale, MD
20737-1236
Phone: 301 734-5705
RIN: 0579-AB55
_______________________________________________________________________
72. PINE SHOOT BEETLE HOST MATERIAL FROM CANADA
Priority: Other Significant
Legal Authority: 7 USC 450; 7 USC 7701 to 7772; 7 USC 7781 to 7786; 21
USC 136 and 136a
CFR Citation: 7 CFR 319
Legal Deadline: None
Abstract: This 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
[[Page 22307]]
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
Final Rule                      06/00/06
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Small Entities Affected: Businesses
Government Levels Affected: Federal
Additional Information: Additional information about APHIS and its
programs is available on the Internet at http://www.aphis.usda.gov.
Agency Contact: Frederick A. Thomas, Import Specialist, PIM, PPQ,
Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service,
4700 River Road, Unit 160, Unit 160, Riverdale, MD 20737-1236
Phone: 301 734-8367
RIN: 0579-AB76
_______________________________________________________________________
73. IMPORTATION OF SMALL LOTS OF SEED WITHOUT PHYTOSANITARY CERTIFICATES
Priority: Other Significant
Legal Authority: 7 USC 450; 7 USC 7701 to 7772; 7 USC 7781 to 7786; 21
USC 136 and 136a
CFR Citation: 7 CFR 319
Legal Deadline: None
Abstract: This 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 Rule                      04/00/06
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No
Government Levels Affected: None
Additional Information: Additional information about APHIS and its
programs is available on the Internet at http://www.aphis.usda.gov.
Agency Contact: Arnold T. Tschanz, Senior Import Specialist, Commodity
Import Analysis & Operations, PPQ, Department of Agriculture, Animal
and Plant Health Inspection Service, 4700 River Road, Unit 141,
Riverdale, MD 20737-1236
Phone: 301 734-5306
RIN: 0579-AB78
_______________________________________________________________________
74. 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 7781
to 7786; 7 USC 8301 to 8317; 21 USC 136 and 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                            04/08/05                    70 FR 17928
NPRM Comment Period End         06/07/05
Final Rule                      05/00/06
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Small Entities Affected: Businesses, Governmental Jurisdictions
Government Levels Affected: Federal
Additional Information: Additional information about APHIS and its
programs is available on the Internet at http://www.aphis.usda.gov.
Agency Contact: Chip Wells, Senior Staff Veterinarian, Department of
Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, 4700 River
Road, Unit 38, Riverdale, MD 20737-1231
Phone: 301 734-4356
RIN: 0579-AB79
_______________________________________________________________________
75. PHYTOPHTHORA RAMORUM; QUARANTINE AND REGULATIONS
Priority: Other Significant
Legal Authority: 7 USC 7701 to 7772; 7 USC 7781 to 7786
CFR Citation: 7 CFR 301
Legal Deadline: None
Abstract: This action will amend the Phytophthora ramorum regulations
to make the regulations consistent with a Federal Order issued by APHIS
in December 2004 and that established restrictions on the interstate
movement of nursery stock from nurseries in nonquarantined counties in
California, Oregon, and Washington. This action will also update
conditions for the movement of regulated articles of nursery stock from
quarantined areas, as well as restrict the interstate movement of all
other nursery stock from nurseries in quarantined areas. We are also
updating the list of plants regulated because of P. ramorum and the
list of areas that are quarantined for P. ramorum and making other
miscellaneous revisions to the regulations. These actions are necessary
to prevent the spread of P. ramorum to noninfested areas of the United
States. We will continue to update the regulations through additional
rulemakings as new scientific information on this pathogen becomes
available.
[[Page 22308]]
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action                            Date                      FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
Interim Final Rule              06/00/06
Interim Final Rule Comment
Period End                      08/00/06
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined
Government Levels Affected: Local, State
Additional Information: Additional information about APHIS and its
programs is available on the Internet at http://www.aphis.usda.gov.
Agency Contact: Jonathan Jones, National Phytophthora Ramorum Program
Manager, Pest Detection and Management Programs, PPQ, Department of
Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, 4700 River
Road, Unit 160, Riverdale, MD 20737
Phone: 301 734-8247
RIN: 0579-AB82
_______________________________________________________________________
76. REQUIREMENTS FOR REQUESTS TO AMEND IMPORT REGULATIONS
Priority: Other Significant
Legal Authority: 7 USC 450; 7 USC 7701 to 7772; 7 USC 7781 to 7786; 21
USC 136 and 136a
CFR Citation: 7 CFR 319
Legal Deadline: None
Abstract: This 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 62823
NPRM Comment Period End         12/27/04
Final Action                    05/00/06
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No
Government Levels Affected: None
Additional Information: Additional information about APHIS and its
programs is available on the Internet at http://www.aphis.usda.gov.
Agency Contact: 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
_______________________________________________________________________
77. 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 Rule                      10/00/06
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Small Entities Affected: Businesses
Government Levels Affected: State
Additional Information: Additional information about APHIS and its
programs is available on the Internet at http://www.aphis.usda.gov.
Agency Contact: Diane Sutton, Senior Staff Veterinarian, National
Center for Animal Health Programs, VS, Department of Agriculture,
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, 4700 River Road, Unit 43,
Riverdale, MD 20737-1235
Phone: 301 734-6954
RIN: 0579-AB84
_______________________________________________________________________
78. 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 7781 to 7786; 7 USC 8301 to
8317; 21 USC 136 and 136a; 49 USC 80503
CFR Citation: 7 CFR 354
Legal Deadline: None
Abstract: This 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              12/09/04                    69 FR 71660
Interim Final Rule Effective    01/01/05
Interim Final Rule Comment
Period End                      02/07/05
Affirmation of Interim Rule     08/00/06
[[Page 22309]]
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Small Entities Affected: Businesses
Government Levels Affected: Federal
Additional Information: Additional information about APHIS and its
programs is available on the Internet at http://www.aphis.usda.gov.
Agency Contact: William E. Thomas, Director, Quarantine Policy,
Analysis and Support Staff, PPQ, Department of Agriculture, Animal and
Plant Health Inspection Service, 4700 River Road, Unit 60, Riverdale,
MD 20737-1236
Phone: 301 734-8295
Donna Ford, Branch Chief, Financial Services Branch, FMD, MRPBS,
Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service,
4700 River Road, Unit 54, Riverdale, MD 20737-1232
Phone: 301 734-5901
RIN: 0579-AB88
_______________________________________________________________________
79. VIRUSES, SERUMS, TOXINS, AND ANALOGOUS PRODUCTS; RECORDS AND REPORTS
Priority: Other Significant
Legal Authority: 21 USC 151 to 159
CFR Citation: 9 CFR 101; 9 CFR 116
Legal Deadline: None
Abstract: This proposed rule would amend the Virus-Serum-Toxin Act
regulations concerning records and reports to require veterinary
biologics licensees and permittees to record and submit reports to the
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) concerning adverse
events associated with the use of biological products that they produce
or distribute. We would specify the information that must be included
in the adverse event report and would require veterinary biologics
manufacturers to report to APHIS the number of doses of each licensed
product that they distribute. These actions would assist APHIS in
providing complete and accurate information to consumers regarding
adverse reactions or other problems associated with the use of licensed
biological products. This proposed rule replaces a previously published
proposed rule, which we are withdrawing as part of this document, that
contained fewer specifics concerning the information that would have to
be recorded in adverse event reports associated with the use of
veterinary biologics that are submitted to the Agency.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action                            Date                      FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
NPRM                            08/17/05                    70 FR 48325
NPRM Comment Period End         10/17/05
Final Rule                      09/00/06
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No
Government Levels Affected: None
Additional Information: Additional information about APHIS and its
programs is available on the Internet at http://www.aphis.usda.gov.
Agency Contact: Albert P. Morgan, Chief Staff Veterinarian, VS, Center
for Veterinary Biologics, Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant
Health Inspection Service, 4700 River Road, Unit 148, Riverdale, MD
20737-1237
Phone: 301 734-8245
RIN: 0579-AB90
_______________________________________________________________________
80. <bullet> LOW PATHOGENIC AVIAN INFLUENZA; VOLUNTARY CONTROL
PROGRAM AND PAYMENT OF INDEMNITY
Priority: Other Significant
Legal Authority: 7 USC 8301 to 8317
CFR Citation: 9 CFR 53; 9 CFR 56; 9 CFR 145 to 147
Legal Deadline: None
Abstract: This action will amend the regulations to establish a
voluntary program for the control of the H5/H7 subtypes of low
pathogenic avian influenza in commercial poultry under the auspices of
the National Poultry Improvement Plan (the Plan). The control program
was voted on and approved by the voting delegates at the Plan's 2004
National Plan Conference. This action will also provide for the payment
of indemnity for costs associated with eradication of the H5/H7
subtypes of low pathogenic avian influenza in both breeding and
commercial poultry. The H5/H7 subtypes of low pathogenic avian
influenza can mutate into highly pathogenic avian influenza, a disease
that can have serious economic and public health consequences. This
combination of a control program and indemnity provisions is necessary
to help ensure that the H5/H7 subtypes of low pathogenic avian
influenza are detected and eradicated when they occur within the United
States.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action                            Date                      FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
Interim Final Rule              07/00/06
Interim Final Rule Comment
Period End                      09/00/06
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No
Small Entities Affected: Businesses
Government Levels Affected: Federal, State
Additional Information: Additional information about APHIS and its
programs is available on the Internet at http://www.aphis.usda.gov.
Agency Contact: Andrew R. Rhorer, Senior Coordinator, Poultry
Improvement Staff, National Poultry Improvement Plan, Department of
Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, 1498 Klondike
Road, Suite 101, Conyers, GA 30094-5104
Phone: 770 922-3496
RIN: 0579-AB99
_______________________________________________________________________
81. <bullet> CITRUS CANKER; COMPENSATION FOR CERTIFIED CITRUS
NURSERY STOCK
Priority: Other Significant
Legal Authority: 7 USC 7701 to 7772; 7 USC 7781 to 7786
CFR Citation: 7 CFR 301
Legal Deadline: None
Abstract: This rulemaking will amend the citrus canker regulations to
establish provisions under which eligible commercial citrus nurseries
may, subject to the availability of appropriated funds, receive
payments for certified citrus nursery stock destroyed to eradicate or
control citrus canker. The payment of these funds is necessary in order
to reduce the economic effects on affected commercial citrus nurseries
that have had certified citrus nursery stock destroyed to control
citrus canker.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action                            Date                      FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
Interim Final Rule              06/00/06
Interim Final Rule Comment
Period End                      08/00/06
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined
[[Page 22310]]
Government Levels Affected: Federal, State
Additional Information: Additional information about APHIS and its
programs is available on the Internet at http://www.aphis.usda.gov.
Agency Contact: Stephen R. Poe, Operations Officer, Program Support
Staff, PPQ, Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health
Inspection Service, 4700 River Road, Unit 36, Riverdale, MD 20737-1231
Phone: 301 734-8899
RIN: 0579-AC05
_______________________________________________________________________
Department of Agriculture (USDA)                      Long-Term Actions
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS)
_______________________________________________________________________
82. 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
_______________________________________________________________________
83. <bullet> BOVINE SPONGIFORM ENCEPHALOPATHY; MINIMAL-RISK
REGIONS AND IMPORTATION OF COMMODITIES; UNSEALING OF MEANS OF CONVEYANCE
AND TRANSLOADING OF PRODUCTS
Priority: Other Significant
Legal Authority: 7 USC 450; 7 USC 1622; 7 USC 7701 to 7772; 7 USC 7781
to 7786; 7 USC 8301 to 8317; 21 USC 136 and 136a; 31 USC 9701; 42 USC
4331 and 4332
CFR Citation: 9 CFR 93 to 95
Legal Deadline: None
Abstract: In a final rule published in the Federal Register on January
4, 2005, we amended the regulations regarding the importation of
animals and animal products to establish a category of regions that
present a minimal risk of introducing bovine spongiform encephalopathy
into the United States via live ruminants and ruminant products and
byproducts, and added Canada to this category. We also established
conditions for the importation of certain live ruminants and ruminant
products and byproducts from such regions. In this document, we are
amending the regulations to broaden who is authorized to break seals on
means of conveyances carrying certain ruminants of Canadian origin.
Additionally, we are amending the regulations regarding the transiting
through the United States of certain ruminant products from Canada to
allow for direct transloading of the products from one means of
conveyance to another in the United States under Federal supervision.
These actions will contribute to the humane treatment of ruminants
shipped to the United States from Canada and remove an impediment to
international trade, without increasing the risk of the BSE disease
agent entering the United States.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action                            Date                      FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
Interim Final Rule              11/28/05                    70 FR 71213
Interim Final Rule Comment
Period End                      01/27/06
Next Action Undetermined
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No
Small Entities Affected: Businesses, Governmental Jurisdictions
Government Levels Affected: Federal, State
Additional Information: Additional information about APHIS and its
programs is available on the Internet at http://www.aphis.usda.gov.
Agency Contact: Karen 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
Related RIN: Related to 0579-AB73
RIN: 0579-AB97
_______________________________________________________________________
84. <bullet> ANIMAL WELFARE; REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS FOR
BIRDS
Priority: Other Significant
Legal Authority: 7 USC 2131 to 2159
CFR Citation: 9 CFR 1 to 3
Legal Deadline: None
Abstract: 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. While the definition of animal in
the AWA regulations already excluded rats of the genus Rattus and mice
of the genus Mus bred for use in research, that definition also
excluded all birds (i.e., not just those birds bred for use in
research). In 2004, we amended the definition of animal in the
regulations to be consistent with the definition of animal in the AWA
by narrowing the scope of the exclusion for birds to only those birds
bred for use in research. This rulemaking would establish standards in
9 CFR part 3 for the humane handling, care, treatment, and
transportation of birds covered by the AWA regulations. It would also
make several changes to the regulations in 9 CFR parts 1 and 2 to make
clear when the regulations pertain to covered birds.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action                            Date                      FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
NPRM                            09/00/07
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Small Entities Affected: Businesses
Government Levels Affected: Undetermined
Additional Information: Additional information about APHIS and its
programs is available on the Internet at http://www.aphis.usda.gov.
Agency Contact: Jerry D. DePoyster, Senior Veterinary Medical Officer,
[[Page 22311]]
Animal Care, Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health
Inspection Service, 4700 River Road, Unit 84, Riverdale, MD 20737-1234
Phone: 301 734-7586
RIN: 0579-AC02
_______________________________________________________________________
Department of Agriculture (USDA)                      Completed Actions
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS)
_______________________________________________________________________
85. IMPORTATION OF FUJI VARIETY APPLES FROM THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA
Priority: Other Significant
CFR Citation: 7 CFR 319.56-2cc
Completed:
________________________________________________________________________
Reason                            Date                      FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
On hold pending further risk
assessment                      02/03/06
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Small Entities Affected: Businesses
Government Levels Affected: None
Agency Contact: Karen Bedigian
Phone: 301 734-4382
RIN: 0579-AA93
_______________________________________________________________________
86. 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)
Completed:
________________________________________________________________________
Reason                            Date                      FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
Agency considering next steps   02/03/06
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No
Government Levels Affected: None
Agency Contact: Donna L. Malloy
Phone: 301 734-3277
RIN: 0579-AB26
_______________________________________________________________________
87. ANIMALS DESTROYED BECAUSE OF TUBERCULOSIS; PAYMENT OF INDEMNITY
Priority: Other Significant
CFR Citation: 9 CFR 50
Completed:
________________________________________________________________________
Reason                            Date                      FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
Agency considering next steps   02/03/06
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No
Government Levels Affected: None
Agency Contact: Michael J. Gilsdorf
Phone: 301 734-6954
RIN: 0579-AB29
_______________________________________________________________________
88. IMPORTATION OF MILK AND MILK PRODUCTS FROM FMD COUNTRIES
Priority: Other Significant
CFR Citation: 9 CFR 94
Completed:
________________________________________________________________________
Reason                            Date                      FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
On hold pending risk assessment 02/03/06
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
_______________________________________________________________________
89. 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
Completed:
________________________________________________________________________
Reason                            Date                      FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
Close Case                      02/06/06
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No
Government Levels Affected: None
Agency Contact: Lisa Ferguson
Phone: 301 734-8073
RIN: 0579-AB43
_______________________________________________________________________
90. METHYL BROMIDE; AUTHORIZATION AS OFFICIAL QUARANTINE USE
Priority: Other Significant
CFR Citation: 7 CFR 304
Completed:
________________________________________________________________________
Reason                            Date                      FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
Agency considering next steps   02/03/06
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Small Entities Affected: Businesses
Government Levels Affected: Local, State, Tribal
Agency Contact: Inder Paul Gadh
Phone: 301 734-6799
RIN: 0579-AB54
_______________________________________________________________________
91. ANIMAL WELFARE; REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS FOR BIRDS, RATS, AND MICE
Priority: Other Significant
CFR Citation: 9 CFR 3
Completed:
________________________________________________________________________
Reason                            Date                      FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
Rulemaking proceeding under RIN
0579-AC02                       02/03/06
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined
Government Levels Affected: Undetermined
Agency Contact: Jerry D. DePoyster
Phone: 301 734-7586
Related RIN: Related to 0579-AB87
RIN: 0579-AB69
_______________________________________________________________________
92. REVISION OF THE NURSERY STOCK REGULATIONS (COMPLETION OF A SECTION
610 REVIEW)
Priority: Other Significant
Legal Authority: 7 USC 450; 7 USC 7701 to 7772; 7 USC 7781 to 7786; 21
USC 136 and 136a
CFR Citation: 7 CFR 319
Legal Deadline: None
Abstract: APHIS intends to amend its regulations that govern the
importation of nursery stock, also known as plants for planting. Under
the current regulations, all plants for planting are allowed to enter
the United States if
[[Page 22312]]
they are accompanied by a phytosanitary certificate and if they are
inspected and found to be free of plant pests, unless their importation
is specifically prohibited or further restricted by the regulations. We
are considering several possible changes to this approach, including
establishing a category in the regulations for plants for planting that
would be excluded from importation pending risk evaluation and
approval; developing ongoing programs to reduce the risk of entry and
establishment of quarantine pests via imported plants for planting;
combining existing regulations governing the importation of plants for
planting into one subpart; and reevaluating the risks posed by
importation of plants for planting whose importation is currently
prohibited.
APHIS's first action following an advance notice of proposed rulemaking
that discussed this revision will be to publish a proposal establishing
a category of plants for planting whose importation is not authorized
pending the completion of a risk assessment. The proposal will discuss
the types of scientific evidence other than a pest risk assessment that
APHIS would use to determine whether to add a taxon of plants for
planting to this category.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action                            Date                      FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
ANPRM                           12/10/04                    69 FR 71736
ANPRM Comment Period End        03/10/05
Comment Period Extended         03/10/05                    70 FR 11886
Comment Period End              04/11/05
Public Meeting and Reopening of
Comment Period                  05/02/05                    70 FR 22612
Comment Period End              06/03/05
Rulemaking proceeding under RIN
0579-AC03                       02/03/06
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No
Government Levels Affected: Undetermined
Additional Information: Additional information about APHIS and its
programs is available on the Internet at http://www.aphis.usda.gov.
Agency Contact: Arnold T. Tschanz, Senior Import Specialist, Commodity
Import Analysis & Operations, PPQ, Department of Agriculture, Animal
and Plant Health Inspection Service, 4700 River Road, Unit 141,
Riverdale, MD 20737-1236
Phone: 301 734-5306
RIN: 0579-AB85
_______________________________________________________________________
93. IMPORTATION OF BONELESS BEEF FROM JAPAN
Priority: Other Significant
CFR Citation: 9 CFR 94
Completed:
________________________________________________________________________
Reason                            Date                      FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
Final Rule                      12/14/05                    70 FR 73905
Final Rule Effective            12/12/05
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Small Entities Affected: Businesses, Governmental Jurisdictions
Government Levels Affected: None
Agency Contact: Gary Colgrove
Phone: 301 734-4356
RIN: 0579-AB93
_______________________________________________________________________
94. AGRICULTURAL INSPECTION AND AQI USER FEES ALONG THE U.S./CANADA
BORDER
Priority: Other Significant
CFR Citation: 7 CFR 319; 7 CFR 354
Completed:
________________________________________________________________________
Reason                            Date                      FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
Agency giving this further
consideration                   02/03/06
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Small Entities Affected: Businesses, Governmental Jurisdictions
Government Levels Affected: Federal
Agency Contact: Alan S. Green
Phone: 301 734-8261
RIN: 0579-AB94
_______________________________________________________________________
95. <bullet> IMPORTATION OF BEEF FROM BRAZIL
Priority: Other Significant
Legal Authority: 7 USC 450; 7 USC 7701 to 7772; 7 USC 7781 to 7786; 7
USC 8301 to 8317; 21 USC 136 and 136a; 31 USC 9701; 42 USC 4331 and
4332
CFR Citation: 9 CFR 94
Legal Deadline: None
Abstract: This proposed action would amend the regulations governing
the importation of certain animals, meat, and other animal products to
allow, under certain conditions, the importation of fresh (chilled or
frozen) beef from Brazil. Based on a recent risk analysis, we believe
that fresh (chilled or frozen) beef can be safely imported from a
designated region in Brazil provided certain conditions are met. This
action would provide for the importation of beef from Brazil into the
United States while continuing to protect the United States against the
introduction of foot-and-mouth disease.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action                            Date                      FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
On hold due to an outbreak of
foot-and-mouth disease in Brazil02/03/06
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Small Entities Affected: Businesses
Government Levels Affected: None
Additional Information: Additional information about APHIS and its
programs is available on the Internet at http://www.aphis.usda.gov.
Agency Contact: David Nixon, Staff Veterinarian, Regionalization
Evaluation Services (Export), NCIE, VS, Department of Agriculture,
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, 4700 River Road, Unit 38,
Riverdale, MD 20737-1231
Phone: 301 734-4356
RIN: 0579-AB95
BILLING CODE 3410--34--S
[[Page 22313]]
_______________________________________________________________________
Department of Agriculture (USDA)                    Proposed Rule Stage
Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service (CSREES)
_______________________________________________________________________
96. CSREES AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION FORMULA PROGRAMS--ADMINISTRATIVE
PROVISIONS
Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant
Legal Authority: 7 USC 341 et seq; 7 USC 1444
CFR Citation: Not Yet Determined
Legal Deadline: None
Abstract: Passage of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of
2002, sections 7212 and 7213, has resulted in the need for CSREES to
clarify its distribution of funding, matching requirements, carryover
provisions, and reporting requirements for extension programs at 1862
Land-Grant Institutions and 1890 Land-Grant Institutions.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action                            Date                      FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
NPRM                            12/00/06
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No
Government Levels Affected: None
Agency Contact: Ellen Danus, Chief, Policy, Oversight, and Funds
Management Branch, Department of Agriculture, Cooperative State
Research, Education, and Extension Service, STOP 2299, 1400
Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-2299
Phone: 202 401-4325
Fax: 202 401-7752
Email: edanus@csrees.usda.gov
RIN: 0524-AA26
_______________________________________________________________________
97. 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                            12/00/06
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No
Government Levels Affected: None
Agency Contact: Erin Daly, Senior Financial 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@csrees.usda.gov
RIN: 0524-AA28
_______________________________________________________________________
98. <bullet> REVISED ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS--NATIONAL
RESEARCH INITIATIVE COMPETITIVE GRANTS PROGRAM
Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant
Legal Authority: 7 USC 450i(b)
CFR Citation: 7 CFR 3411
Legal Deadline: None
Abstract: The Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension
Service proposes to make three revisions to the ``Eligibility
requirements'' subsection of the administrative provisions for the
National Research Initiative Competitive Grants Program (NRICGP). All
three of the proposed changes would impact the eligibility requirements
for NRICGP's Agricultural Research Enhancement Awards, which are
intended to help institutions develop competitive research programs and
to attract scientists to conduct research in the agriculture, food, and
environmental sciences. CSREES proposes to change the eligibility
requirements for Postdoctoral Fellowships, New Investigator Awards, and
Strengthening Awards. The proposed changes will increase the impact of
the Agricultural Research Enhancement Awards. The expected results are
(1) for Postdoctoral Fellowships, improved funding continuity and
potentially more postdoctoral scientists entering into an agricultural
research career; (2) for New Investigator Awards, improved project
design and increased probability of a successful agricultural research
program; and (3) for Strengthening Awards, improved research project
continuity and more incentive for researchers to stay at USDA-
Experimental Program for Stimulating Competitive Research or small/mid-
sized institutions.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action                            Date                      FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
NPRM                            04/00/06
Final Action                    07/00/06
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No
Government Levels Affected: None
Agency Contact: Erin Daly, Senior Financial 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@csrees.usda.gov
RIN: 0524-AA32
[[Page 22314]]
_______________________________________________________________________
Department of Agriculture (USDA)                       Final Rule Stage
Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service (CSREES)
_______________________________________________________________________
99. MATCHING REQUIREMENTS FOR FORMULA FUNDS FOR AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH
AND EXTENSION ACTIVITIES AT THE 1890 LAND-GRANT INSTITUTIONS AND AT THE
1862 LAND-GRANT INSTITUTIONS IN INSULAR AREAS
Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant
Legal Authority: 7 USC 361a et seq; 7 USC 341 et seq; 7 USC 1449
CFR Citation: 7 CFR 3419
Legal Deadline: None
Abstract: Passage of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of
2002, sections 7212 and 7213, has changed the matching requirements for
the 1890 Land-Grant Institutions and the 1862 Land-Grant Institutions
in insular areas. Issues regarding the use of matching funds, sources
of matching funds, and matching waivers for the Insular 1862 Land-Grant
Institutions need to be clarified.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action                            Date                      FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
NPRM                            04/29/03                    68 FR 23014
NPRM Comment Period End         06/30/03
Final Action                    06/00/06
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No
Government Levels Affected: None
Agency Contact: Ellen Danus, Chief, Policy, Oversight, and Funds
Management Branch, Department of Agriculture, Cooperative State
Research, Education, and Extension Service, STOP 2299, 1400
Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-2299
Phone: 202 401-4325
Fax: 202 401-7752
Email: edanus@csrees.usda.gov
RIN: 0524-AA25
_______________________________________________________________________
100. REVISED ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS--SMALL BUSINESS INNOVATION
RESEARCH GRANTS PROGRAM
Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is
undetermined.
Legal Authority: 15 USC 638; PL 99-591, 100 Stat 3341; PL 106-554
CFR Citation: 7 CFR 3403
Legal Deadline: None
Abstract: CSREES proposes revising the existing administrative
provisions for the Small Business Innovation Research Grants Program
Administrative Regulations to implement changes compliant with the
Small Business Innovation Research Policy Directive (67 FR 60072) of
September 24, 2002.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action                            Date                      FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
Final Action                    04/00/06
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No
Government Levels Affected: None
Agency Contact: Winston Sherman, Department of Agriculture, Cooperative
State Research, Education, and Extension Service, STOP 2299, 1400
Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-2299
Phone: 202 401-5061
Email: wsherman@csrees.usda.gov
RIN: 0524-AA31
_______________________________________________________________________
Department of Agriculture (USDA)                      Long-Term Actions
Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service (CSREES)
_______________________________________________________________________
101. CSREES AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH FORMULA PROGRAMS--ADMINISTRATIVE
PROVISIONS
Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant
CFR Citation: Not Yet Determined
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action                            Date                      FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
NPRM                            06/00/07
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No
Government Levels Affected: None
Agency Contact: Ellen Danus
Phone: 202 401-4325
Fax: 202 401-7752
Email: edanus@csrees.usda.gov
RIN: 0524-AA27
_______________________________________________________________________
102. GUIDELINES FOR HATCH MULTISTATE RESEARCH FUNDS
Priority: Other Significant
CFR Citation: Not Yet Determined
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action                            Date                      FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
NPRM                            06/00/07
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No
Small Entities Affected: No
Government Levels Affected: None
Agency Contact: Janet Downey
Phone: 202 205-0453
Fax: 202 401-3481
Email: jdowney@csrees.usda.gov
RIN: 0524-AA29
BILLING CODE 3410--09--S
_______________________________________________________________________
Department of Agriculture (USDA)                    Proposed Rule Stage
Rural Housing Service (RHS)
_______________________________________________________________________
103. 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
[[Page 22315]]
implementing the following laws: The Equal Credit Opportunity Act
(ECOA); title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964; title VIII of the
Civil Rights Act of 1968, as amended by the Fair Housing Amendments Act
of 1988 (The Fair Housing Act); section 504 Federally Conducted and
Federally Assisted Programs; title IX of the Education Amendments of
1972; Age Discrimination Act of 1975; and Executive Orders 11246 and
12898 (Environmental Justice). The revised regulations will provide
detailed guidelines for field offices for improved enforcement and
compliance with these laws, which heavily impact the Agency's programs.
Mechanisms for monitoring compliance by field offices and recipients of
Federal financial assistance at all levels will decrease the Agency's
vulnerability that exists due to noncompliance with recently enacted
Civil Rights legislation.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action                            Date                      FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
NPRM                            10/00/06
NPRM Comment Period End         12/00/06
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined
Government Levels Affected: Undetermined
Agency Contact: Carlton L. Lewis, Chief, Program Compliance Branch,
Department of Agriculture, Rural Housing Service, 1400 Independence
Avenue SW, STOP 0703, Washington, DC 20250-0703
Phone: 202 692-0097
TDD Phone: 202 692-0107
Fax: 202 692-0305
Email: carlton.lewis@wdc.usda.gov
RIN: 0575-AA83
_______________________________________________________________________
104. NATIONAL FLOOD INSURANCE REGULATIONS
Priority: Other Significant
Legal Authority: 7 USC 1989; 42 USC 1480; 42 USC 4012a; 42 USC 4104b;
42 USC 4106; 42 USC 4128; PL 91-152; PL 93-234; PL 103-325; . . .
CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1926, subpart B; 7 CFR 1806, subpart B
Legal Deadline: None
Abstract: The Agency is rewriting its regulations to conform to the
requirements of the National Flood Insurance Reform Act of 1994
(NFIRA).
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action                            Date                      FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
NPRM                            07/00/06
NPRM Comment Period End         09/00/06
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, 1400 Independence
Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0761
Phone: 202 720-9647
Email: linda.rodgers@wdc.usda.gov
RIN: 0575-AC07
_______________________________________________________________________
105. 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                            06/00/06
NPRM Comment Period End         08/00/06
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No
Government Levels Affected: None
Agency Contact: Beth Jones, Loan Specialist, Community Programs
Division, Department of Agriculture, Rural Housing Service, 1400
Independence Avenue SW, STOP 0787, Washington, DC 20250-0787
Phone: 202 720-1498
Fax: 202-690-0471
Email: beth.jones@wdc.usda.gov
RIN: 0575-AC12
_______________________________________________________________________
106. 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                            06/00/06
NPRM Comment Period End         08/00/06
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, 1400
Independence Avenue SW, STOP 0783, Washington, DC 20250-0783
Phone: 202 720-1532
Fax: 202 720-2232
[[Page 22316]]
Email: carolyn.bell@wdc.usda.gov
RIN: 0575-AC20
_______________________________________________________________________
107. COMMUNITY FACILITIES DIRECT LOAN PROGRAM--CONSOLIDATE, SIMPLIFY,
AND UPDATE REGULATIONS
Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant
Legal Authority: 7 USC 1926
CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1942, subpart A; 7 CFR 1942, subpart C
Legal Deadline: None
Abstract: The Rural Housing Service is seeking to consolidate,
simplify, and update its regulations used to administer the Community
Facilities Direct Loan Program. This effort will produce a user-
friendly tool to help constituents and rural communities seeking to
develop their essential community facilities for public use. The
proposed action will have no financial impact on the public or Agency.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action                            Date                      FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
NPRM                            08/00/06
NPRM Comment Period End         10/00/06
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No
Government Levels Affected: None
Agency Contact: Angela Lausman, Senior Loan Specialist, Department of
Agriculture, Rural Housing Service, 1400 Independence Avenue SW,
Washington, DC 20250-0787
Phone: 202 720-1497
Email: angela.lausman@wdc.usda.gov
RIN: 0575-AC27
_______________________________________________________________________
108. 3550--DIRECT SINGLE-FAMILY HOUSING LOANS AND GRANTS
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 Community Land Trust (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.
This package has been separated into two rules. All revisions, except
the homeowner education requirement and the CLT, were published as a
direct final rule. The Agency is in the process of developing a
proposed rule to implement the homeowner education requirement.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action                            Date                      FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
Direct Final Rule               02/08/05                     70 FR 6551
NPRM                            03/06/06                    71 FR 11167
NPRM Comment Period End         05/05/06
Second NPRM                     06/00/06
Second NPRM Comment Period End  08/00/06
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: 202-690-2232
Email: janet.carter@wdc.usda.gov
RIN: 0575-AC54
_______________________________________________________________________
109. 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                            07/00/06
NPRM Comment Period End         09/00/06
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No
Small Entities Affected: No
Government Levels Affected: None
Agency Contact: Linda Rodgers, Technical Support Branch Chief,
Department of Agriculture, Rural Housing Service, 1400 Independence
Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0761
Phone: 202 720-9647
Email: linda.rodgers@wdc.usda.gov
RIN: 0575-AC55
_______________________________________________________________________
110. 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; 7 CFR 1940-
[[Page 22317]]
G, the current RHS/RBS environmental regulation; 7 CFR 1901-F, the
current Historic Preservation regulation; and 7 CFR Part 1940-J, the
current Intergovernmental Review regulation.
This consolidation effort will produce a single user-friendly tool to
help the program constituents, rural communities, and Rural Development
staff and bring the environmental requirements of Agency actions in
line with the environmental requirements of other Federal programs for
similar actions. This rule consists of subparts A through O.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action                            Date                      FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
NPRM                            07/00/06
NPRM Comment Period End         09/00/06
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No
Small Entities Affected: No
Government Levels Affected: None
Agency Contact: Linda Rodgers, Technical Support Branch Chief,
Department of Agriculture, Rural Housing Service, 1400 Independence
Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0761
Phone: 202 720-9647
Email: linda.rodgers@wdc.usda.gov
RIN: 0575-AC56
_______________________________________________________________________
111. 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                            08/00/06
NPRM Comment Period End         10/00/06
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No
Small Entities Affected: No
Government Levels Affected: None
Agency Contact: Kendra L. Doedderlein, Senior Loan Specialist,
Department of Agriculture, Rural Housing Service, 1400 Independence
Avenue SW, STOP 0787, Washington, DC 20250-0787
Phone: 202 720-1503
Fax: 202-690-0471
Email: kendra.doedderlein@wdc.usda.gov
RIN: 0575-AC58
_______________________________________________________________________
112. AMEND 3550--DIRECT SINGLE-FAMILY HOUSING LOANS AND GRANTS
Priority: Other Significant
Legal Authority: Not Yet Determined
CFR Citation: Not Yet Determined
Legal Deadline: None
Abstract: In 1996, a new payment assistance formula was implemented to
provide assistance to Rural Housing Service customers to make home
ownership affordable through the section 502 Direct Loan Program. No
analysis has been conducted on the formula and its actual impacts since
the change was implemented. Anecdotal information reveals that the
formula may result in disparate treatment for some customers,
especially those in the more rural counties. In addition, the formula
is complex and difficult to explain to customers and partners. USDA has
contracted for a study of the formula to determine the extent of
disparate or unintended borrower treatments/consequences of the
existing formula and develop more equitable and simplified alternatives
to provide payment assistance to our customers without increasing the
cost of the program to the Government. 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                            02/17/06                     71 FR 8523
NPRM Comment Period End         04/18/06
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No
Government Levels Affected: Undetermined
Agency Contact: Michael S. Feinberg, Acting Director, Single Family
Housing Direct Loan Division, Department of Agriculture, Rural Housing
Service, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 720-1474
Fax: 202-720-2232
Email: michael.feinberg@wdc.usda.gov
RIN: 0575-AC59
_______________________________________________________________________
113. <bullet> SECTION 538 GUARANTEED RURAL RENTAL HOUSING
PROGRAM CHANGE ANNUAL GUARANTEE FEE DUE DATE
Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is
undetermined.
Legal Authority: 5 USC 301; 7 USC 1989; 42 USC 1480
CFR Citation: 7 CFR 3565, subpart B
Legal Deadline: None
Abstract: Rural Housing Service (RHS) administers the section 538
Guaranteed Rural Rental Housing Program (GRRHP) under the authority of
the Housing Act of 1949. Under the GRRHP, RHS guarantees loans for the
development of housing and related facilities for low- or moderate-
income families in rural areas.
RHS is proposing to amend 7 CFR part 3565, subpart B, to change the
language in 3565.53 (b) to change the due date of the annual guarantee
fee.
The annual guarantee fee is a non-refundable amount that the lender
must pay each year that the loan guarantee remains in effect. Currently
the Finance Office in St. Louis calculates annual guarantee fees
manually since the borrower submissions of December 31 year-end
financial information are not loaded into their automated systems by
January 1, when annual guarantee fees are due. The Finance Office has
requested that the annual guarantee fee due date is changed from
January 1 to February 1 to allow their automated systems to be uploaded
with December
[[Page 22318]]
31 year-end information thus enabling them to automate the annual
guarantee fee calculation process. RHS expects this revision will have
no economic impact on the lender, the developer and the project.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action                            Date                      FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
NPRM                            06/00/06
NPRM Comment Period End         08/00/06
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No
Small Entities Affected: No
Government Levels Affected: None
Agency Contact: C.B. Alonso, Loan Specialist, Department of
Agriculture, Rural Housing Service, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, STOP
0781, Washington, DC 20250-0781
Phone: 202 720-1624
Email: cb.alonso@wdc.usda.gov
RIN: 0575-AC62
_______________________________________________________________________
Department of Agriculture (USDA)                       Final Rule Stage
Rural Housing Service (RHS)
_______________________________________________________________________
114. 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) has consolidated and
streamlined the regulations pertaining to section 515 Rural Rental
Housing, section 514 Farm Labor Housing Loans, section 516 Farm Labor
Housing Grants, and section 521 Rental Assistance Payments. Fourteen
published regulations have been reduced to one regulation and handbooks
for program administration. This will simplify loan origination and
portfolio management for applicants, borrowers, and housing operators,
as well as Rural Development field staff. This also provides
flexibility for program modifications to reflect current and
foreseeable changes. It reduces regulations that address solely
internal Agency program administration. Finally, the regulation is more
customer-friendly and responsive to the needs of the public.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action                            Date                      FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
NPRM                            06/02/03                    68 FR 32872
NPRM Comment Period End         08/01/03
Interim Final Rule              11/26/04                    69 FR 69032
Interim Final Rule Comment
Period End                      12/27/04
Interim Final Rule Effective    02/22/05                     70 FR 8503
Final Action                    12/00/06
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No
Government Levels Affected: None
Agency Contact: Michael Steininger, Multi-Family Housing Direct Loans,
Department of Agriculture, Rural Housing Service, 1400 Independence
Avenue SW, Stop 0782, Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 720-1610
Fax: 202 690-3444
Email: michael.steininger@wdc.usda.gov
Stephanie White, Multi-Family Housing Direct Loans, Department of
Agriculture, Rural Housing Service, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, STOP
0782, Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 720-1615
Fax: 202 690-3444
Email: stephanie.white@wdc.usda.gov
Related RIN: Merged with 0575-AC24
RIN: 0575-AC13
_______________________________________________________________________
115. 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                    06/00/06
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Small Entities Affected: Businesses
Government Levels Affected: Local, State
Agency Contact: Roger Glendenning, Director, Guaranteed Loan Division,
Department of Agriculture, Rural Housing Service, 1400 Independence
Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0780
Phone: 202 720-1480
Fax: 202 205-2476
Email: roger.glendenning@wdc.usda.gov
RIN: 0575-AC18
_______________________________________________________________________
116. <bullet> SURETY REQUIREMENTS
Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant
Legal Authority: 5 USC 301; 7 USC 1989; 42 USC 1480
CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1924, subpart A
Legal Deadline: None
Abstract: The regulation requires that surety be provided when the
construction contract exceeds $100,000. A Direct Final Rule was
published in the Federal Register on January 7, 2005, [70 FR 1325-
1326]. Due to an adverse comment, a proposed rule was published on
August 26, 2005, [70
[[Page 22319]]
50222-50223]. The Agency is in the process of preparing a final rule,
which will address any comments that were received and revise the
regulation as appropriate.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action                            Date                      FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
NPRM                            08/26/05                    70 FR 50222
NPRM Comment Period End         10/25/05
Final Action                    06/00/06
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Small Entities Affected: Businesses
Government Levels Affected: None
Agency Contact: Michel Mitias, Architect-Program Support Staff,
Department of Agriculture, Rural Housing Service, 1400 Independence
Avenue SW, STOP 0761, Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 720-9653
Fax: 202-690-4335
Email: michel.mitias@usda.gov
Related RIN: Previously reported as 0575-AC60
RIN: 0575-AC63
BILLING CODE 3410--XV--S
_______________________________________________________________________
Department of Agriculture (USDA)                    Proposed Rule Stage
Federal Crop Insurance Corporation (FCIC)
_______________________________________________________________________
117. GENERAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGULATIONS; SANCTIONS
Priority: Other Significant
Legal Authority: 7 USC 1506(l); PL 106-224
CFR Citation: 7 CFR 400
Legal Deadline: None
Abstract: RMA plans to supplement the existing sanction authority found
at 7 CFR 400.451 in order to include the revised sanctions available
for offenses which occur after June 20, 2001, the date of passage of
the Agricultural Risk Protection Act of 2000. This action will
supplement the existing regulations, which remain effective for all
offenses occurring before June 20, 2000. This rule will contain
guidelines for the level of sanctions that may be imposed, waiver
authority on the part of the Administrator or designee, examples of
sanctionable offenses, and the evidentiary standards to be followed.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action                            Date                      FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
NPRM                            06/00/06
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
_______________________________________________________________________
118. GENERAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGULATIONS; ACTUAL PRODUCTION HISTORY (APH)
Priority: Other Significant
Legal Authority: 7 USC 1506(l); 7 USC 1506(p)
CFR Citation: 7 CFR 400
Legal Deadline: None
Abstract: The purpose of this rule is to update the rules governing
establishment and maintenance of APH databases by incorporating changes
in the Common Crop Insurance Provisions--Basic Provisions, as mandated
by the Agricultural Risk Protection Act of 2000 (ARPA), and to
incorporate existing Risk Management Agency procedures and language
used in procedural handbooks and crop insurance provisions, and making
other changes and clarifications to better meet the needs of insureds.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action                            Date                      FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
NPRM                            09/00/06
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
_______________________________________________________________________
119. COMMON CROP INSURANCE REGULATIONS AND VARIOUS CROP INSURANCE
PROVISIONS
Priority: Other Significant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is
undetermined.
Legal Authority: 7 USC 1506(l); 7 USC 1506(p)
CFR Citation: 7 CFR 457
Legal Deadline: None
Abstract: The Basic Provisions and crop provisions for the Common Crop
Insurance Policy are published in 7 CFR part 457. The Income Protection
(IP) plan of insurance is a pilot program. The Crop Revenue Coverage
(CRC) and the Revenue Assurance (RA) plans of insurance programs were
approved by the FCIC Board of Directors under 508(h) of the Federal
Crop Insurance Act. IP, CRC, and RA are revenue products and have many
duplicate features between them and the Common Crop Insurance Policy
Basic Provisions and applicable crop provisions. Therefore, IP, CRC,
and RA will be combined into the Common Crop Insurance Policy Basic
Provisions and small grains, cotton, coarse grains, malting barley,
rice, canola, and rapeseed crop provisions.
Additional revisions will also be made to the Basic Provisions.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action                            Date                      FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
NPRM                            04/00/06
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
[[Page 22320]]
Crop Insurance Corporation, 6501 Beacon Drive, Kansas City, MO 64133
Phone: 816 926-7743
RIN: 0563-AB96
_______________________________________________________________________
120. COMMON CROP INSURANCE REGULATIONS, TOBACCO CROP INSURANCE
PROVISIONS
Priority: Routine and Frequent
Legal Authority: 7 USC 1506(l); 7 USC 1506(p)
CFR Citation: 7 CFR 457
Legal Deadline: None
Abstract: The purpose of this rule is to solicit public comments on
FCIC's proposed action to remove and reserve section 457.156, Quota
Tobacco Crop Insurance Provisions, and to revise Guarantee Tobacco Crop
Insurance Provisions as Tobacco Crop Insurance Provisions. The American
Jobs Creation Act of 2004 eliminated the USDA Tobacco Marketing Quota
Regulations and price support program by FSN as administered by the
Farm Service Agency (FSA). The revisions will remove references to
quota and add coverage for tobacco grown under a processor contract.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action                            Date                      FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
NPRM                            05/00/06
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No
Small Entities Affected: No
Government Levels Affected: None
Agency Contact: Timothy Hoffmann, Director, Product Development Branch,
Department of Agriculture, Federal Crop Insurance Corporation, 6501
Beacon Drive, Kansas City, MO 64133
Phone: 816 926-7743
RIN: 0563-AB98
_______________________________________________________________________
121. COMMON CROP INSURANCE REGULATIONS, CABBAGE CROP INSURANCE
PROVISIONS
Priority: Routine and Frequent
Legal Authority: 7 USC 1506(l); 7 USC 1506(p)
CFR Citation: 7 CFR 457
Legal Deadline: None
Abstract: This rule will solicit public comments on FCIC's proposed
action to convert the cabbage pilot crop insurance program to a
permanent insurance program for the 2007 and succeeding crop years. The
cabbage pilot program began in the 2000 crop year by offering cabbage
crop insurance coverage to producers in Alaska, California, Florida,
Georgia (Colquitt and Rabun Counties), Illinois, Michigan, New York,
North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Texas,
Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin. Following an evaluation of the
cabbage pilot program, FCIC's Board of Directors approved conversion of
the pilot program to a permanent program.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action                            Date                      FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
NPRM                            07/00/06
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No
Small Entities Affected: No
Government Levels Affected: None
Agency Contact: Timothy Hoffmann, Director, Product Development Branch,
Department of Agriculture, Federal Crop Insurance Corporation, 6501
Beacon Drive, Kansas City, MO 64133
Phone: 816 926-7743
RIN: 0563-AB99
_______________________________________________________________________
122. COMMON CROP INSURANCE REGULATIONS, CULTIVATED WILD RICE CROP
INSURANCE PROVISIONS
Priority: Routine and Frequent
Legal Authority: 7 USC 1506(l); 7 USC 1506(p)
CFR Citation: 7 CFR 457
Legal Deadline: None
Abstract: This rule will solicit public comments on FCIC's proposed
action to convert the cultivated wild rice pilot crop insurance program
to a permanent insurance program for the 2007 and succeeding crop
years. The cultivated wild rice pilot program began in the 1999 crop
year by offering cultivated wild rice crop insurance coverage to
producers in Minnesota and California.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action                            Date                      FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
NPRM                            07/00/06
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No
Small Entities Affected: No
Government Levels Affected: None
Agency Contact: Timothy Hoffmann, Director, Product Development Branch,
Department of Agriculture, Federal Crop Insurance Corporation, 6501
Beacon Drive, Kansas City, MO 64133
Phone: 816 926-7743
RIN: 0563-AC00
_______________________________________________________________________
123. COMMON CROP INSURANCE REGULATIONS, FLORIDA CITRUS FRUIT CROP
INSURANCE PROVISIONS
Priority: Routine and Frequent
Legal Authority: 7 USC 1506(l); 7 USC 1506(p)
CFR Citation: 7 CFR 457
Legal Deadline: None
Abstract: This rule will solicit public comments on FCIC's proposed
action to amend the Florida Citrus Fruit Crop Insurance Provisions by
replacing the provisions currently contained at 7 CFR part 457.107 with
revised provisions.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action                            Date                      FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
NPRM                            07/00/06
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-AC01
_______________________________________________________________________
124. COMMON CROP INSURANCE REGULATIONS, FRESH MARKET SWEET CORN CROP
INSURANCE PROVISIONS
Priority: Routine and Frequent
Legal Authority: 7 USC 1506(l); 7 USC 1506(p)
CFR Citation: 7 CFR 457
Legal Deadline: None
Abstract: This rule will solicit public comments on FCIC's proposal to
modify, clarify, and standardize the provisions to be consistent with
other crop provisions. Some of the proposed changes are to remove and/
or to add definitions to enable the expansion of sweet corn into other
areas; to revise provisions to allow coverage in some regions for sweet
corn that is direct marketed to consumers; to revise the
[[Page 22321]]
end of the insurance period to allow flexibility for coverage to be
expanded into other areas; and to clarify the computations for
computing the amount of harvested production.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action                            Date                      FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
NPRM                            07/00/06
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No
Small Entities Affected: No
Government Levels Affected: None
Agency Contact: Timothy Hoffmann, Director, Product Development Branch,
Department of Agriculture, Federal Crop Insurance Corporation, 6501
Beacon Drive, Kansas City, MO 64133
Phone: 816 926-7743
RIN: 0563-AC02
_______________________________________________________________________
125. COMMON CROP INSURANCE REGULATIONS, MINT CROP INSURANCE PROVISIONS
Priority: Routine and Frequent
Legal Authority: 7 USC 1506(l); 7 USC 1506(p)
CFR Citation: 7 CFR 457
Legal Deadline: None
Abstract: This rule will solicit public comments on FCIC's proposed
action to convert the mint pilot crop insurance program to a permanent
insurance program for the 2007 and succeeding crop years. The mint
pilot program began in the 2000 crop year by offering mint crop
insurance coverage to producers in Wisconsin, Minnesota, Washington,
and Indiana. Following an evaluation of the mint pilot program, FCIC's
Board of Directors approved conversion of the pilot program to a
permanent program.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action                            Date                      FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
NPRM                            02/06/06                     71 FR 6016
NPRM Comment Period End         04/24/06                    71 FR 14828
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No
Small Entities Affected: No
Government Levels Affected: None
Agency Contact: Timothy Hoffmann, Director, Product Development Branch,
Department of Agriculture, Federal Crop Insurance Corporation, 6501
Beacon Drive, Kansas City, MO 64133
Phone: 816 926-7743
RIN: 0563-AC03
_______________________________________________________________________
126. COMMON CROP INSURANCE REGULATIONS, MUSTARD CROP INSURANCE
PROVISIONS
Priority: Routine and Frequent
Legal Authority: 7 USC 1506(l); 7 USC 1506(p)
CFR Citation: 7 CFR 457
Legal Deadline: None
Abstract: This rule will solicit public comments on FCIC's proposed
action to convert the mustard pilot crop insurance program to a
permanent insurance program for the 2007 and succeeding crop years. The
mustard pilot program began in the 1999 crop year by offering mustard
crop insurance coverage to producers in North Dakota. Following an
evaluation of the mustard pilot program, FCIC's Board of Directors
approved conversion of the pilot program to a permanent program and
approved expansion for the 2005 crop year into counties in Montana,
Idaho, Oregon, and Washington where actuarially sound rates can be
established.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action                            Date                      FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
NPRM                            07/00/06
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No
Small Entities Affected: No
Government Levels Affected: None
Agency Contact: Timothy Hoffmann, Director, Product Development Branch,
Department of Agriculture, Federal Crop Insurance Corporation, 6501
Beacon Drive, Kansas City, MO 64133
Phone: 816 926-7743
RIN: 0563-AC04
_______________________________________________________________________
127. COMMON CROP INSURANCE REGULATIONS, NORTHERN POTATO CROP INSURANCE
PROVISIONS
Priority: Routine and Frequent
Legal Authority: 7 USC 1506(l); 7 USC 1506(p)
CFR Citation: 7 CFR 457
Legal Deadline: None
Abstract: This rule will solicit public comments on FCIC's proposal to
revise the Northern Potato Crop provisions and endorsements for the
2007 crop year by: 1) Changing the loss adjustment procedure; 2)
enhancing the Northern Potato Processing Quality Endorsement; 3)
clarifying the Northern Potato Quality Endorsement, Certified Seed
Endorsement, and Storage Coverage Endorsement; and 4) clarifying the
Central and Southern Potato Crop Provisions.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action                            Date                      FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
NPRM                            04/00/06
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No
Small Entities Affected: No
Government Levels Affected: None
Agency Contact: Timothy Hoffmann, Director, Product Development Branch,
Department of Agriculture, Federal Crop Insurance Corporation, 6501
Beacon Drive, Kansas City, MO 64133
Phone: 816 926-7743
RIN: 0563-AC05
_______________________________________________________________________
128. GENERAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGULATIONS; APPEAL PROCEDURES AND STANDARDS
FOR APPROVAL--REINSURANCE AGREEMENT
Priority: Other Significant
Legal Authority: 7 USC 1506(l); 7 USC 1506(p)
CFR Citation: 7 CFR 400
Legal Deadline: None
Abstract: This rule will solicit comments to amend the Appeal
Procedures and the Standards for Approval regulations by making some
clarifications to the appeal process.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action                            Date                      FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
NPRM                            04/00/06
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No
Small Entities Affected: No
Government Levels Affected: None
Agency Contact: Nancy Kreitzer, Department of Agriculture, Federal Crop
Insurance Corporation, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Room 4619, South
Building, Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 690-1683
Email: nancy.kreitzer@rma.usda.gov
RIN: 0563-AC06
[[Page 22322]]
_______________________________________________________________________
129. <bullet> COMMON CROP INSURANCE REGULATIONS, WALNUT CROP
INSURANCE PROVISIONS; ALMOND CROP INSURANCE PROVISIONS
Priority: Routine and Frequent
Legal Authority: 7 USC 1506 (l); 7 USC 1506 (p)
CFR Citation: 7 CFR 457
Legal Deadline: None
Abstract: The purpose of this rule is to amend the Common Crop
Insurance, Regulations Almond and Walnut Crop Insurance Provisions.
This rule will reduce the growing season requirement for almond and
walnut trees.
This change will allow insurance to attach to such trees because newer
varieties of almond and walnut trees are more vigorous and produce at
an earlier age. The newer varieties are planted more densely, achieve
full canopy sooner, and come into full production earlier.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action                            Date                      FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
NPRM                            03/21/06                    71 FR 14119
NPRM Comment Period End         05/22/06
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-AC08
_______________________________________________________________________
130. <bullet> COMMON CROP INSURANCE REGULATIONS, GRAPE AND
TABLE GRAPE CROP INSURANCE PROVISIONS
Priority: Routine and Frequent
Legal Authority: 7 USC 1506 (l); 7 USC 1506 (p)
CFR Citation: 7 CFR 457
Legal Deadline: None
Abstract: The purpose of this rule is to solicit comments to revise the
Grape crop provisions and Table Grape crop provisions by: 1) Expanding
basic units by variety, 2) clarifying quality adjustment for Grape crop
insurance provisions, 3) clarifying reduced tonnage contracts for the
Grape crop insurance provisions, and 4) clarifying that cause of loss
on Grape crop insurance provisions and Table Grape crop insurance
provisions be the same.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action                            Date                      FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
NPRM                            06/00/06
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No
Small Entities Affected: No
Government Levels Affected: None
Agency Contact: Timothy Hoffmann, Director, Product Development Branch,
Department of Agriculture, Federal Crop Insurance Corporation, 6501
Beacon Drive, Kansas City, MO 64133
Phone: 816 926-7743
RIN: 0563-AC09
_______________________________________________________________________
131. <bullet> COMMON CROP INSURANCE REGULATIONS, APPLE CROP
INSURANCE PROVISIONS
Priority: Routine and Frequent. Major status under 5 USC 801 is
undetermined.
Legal Authority: 7 USC 1506 (l); 7 USC 1506 (p)
CFR Citation: 7 CFR 457
Legal Deadline: None
Abstract: The purpose of this rule is to solicit public comments on
FCIC's proposed action to revise the Apple Crop Provisions. The
revision clarifies how production to count for appraised and harvested
production on acreage designated as fresh apple acreage is determined
under section 14 (Optional Coverage for Fresh Fruit Quality
Adjustment). The current language is unclear and if misinterpreted may
cause inequities in calculating crop insurance indemnities.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action                            Date                      FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
NPRM                            04/00/06
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No
Small Entities Affected: No
Government Levels Affected: None
Agency Contact: Timothy Hoffmann, Director, Product Development Branch,
Department of Agriculture, Federal Crop Insurance Corporation, 6501
Beacon Drive, Kansas City, MO 64133
Phone: 816 926-7743
RIN: 0563-AC10
_______________________________________________________________________
132. <bullet> EMERGENCY AND DISASTER PROCEDURES FOR CROP
INSURANCE PURPOSES
Priority: Other Significant
Legal Authority: 7 USC 1506 (l); 7 USC 1506 (p)
CFR Citation: 7 CFR 457
Legal Deadline: None
Abstract: The Risk Management Agency is proposing to revise the Common
Crop Insurance Policy Basic Provisions to specify that, in the event of
a natural disaster that impact crops and programs of the Federal Crop
Insurance Corporation and where there has been a Presidential Disaster
Declaration, the Secretary of Agriculture may determine that certain
variances or waivers in policy and procedure requirements are necessary
to protect the interests of policyholders. This would allow the Risk
Management Agency to provide relief in the underwriting of crop
protection and the adjudication of claims or when the impacts of
natural disasters cause unnecessary delays in providing crop insurance
protection or processing claims. It is not intended to provide
insurance coverage where it would not be otherwise authorized or
provide indemnity payments greater than what is authorized under the
policy. The purpose would be to expedite the process of policyholders
receiving their indemnities at a time when they are most at need.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action                            Date                      FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
NPRM                            06/00/06
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No
Small Entities Affected: No
Government Levels Affected: None
Agency Contact: Heyward Baker, Director, Reinsurance Services Division,
Department of Agriculture, Federal Crop Insurance Corporation, 1400
Independence Avenue SW, Room 6727 South, Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 720-4232
RIN: 0563-AC11
[[Page 22323]]
_______________________________________________________________________
Department of Agriculture (USDA)                       Final Rule Stage
Federal Crop Insurance Corporation (FCIC)
_______________________________________________________________________
133. 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                    08/00/06
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
_______________________________________________________________________
134. COMMON CROP INSURANCE REGULATIONS, PEANUT CROP INSURANCE PROVISIONS
Priority: Routine and Frequent
Legal Authority: 7 USC 1506(l); 7 USC 1506(p)
CFR Citation: 7 CFR 457
Legal Deadline: None
Abstract: The purpose of this rule is to revise the Peanut Crop
Insurance Provisions in 7 CFR part 457.134 due to the Farm Security and
Rural Investment Act of 2002, which eliminated the peanut quota program
by FSN as administered by the Farm Service Agency (FSA). FCIC is
soliciting public comment on the removal of references to quota and
non-quota peanuts and to add crop insurance coverage for peanuts grown
under a processor contract.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action                            Date                      FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
NPRM                            01/25/06                     71 FR 4056
NPRM Comment Period End         03/27/06
Final Action                    07/00/06
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-AB97
_______________________________________________________________________
135. <bullet> COMMON CROP INSURANCE REGULATIONS, BASIC
PROVISIONS; WRITTEN AGREEMENTS
Priority: Routine and Frequent
Legal Authority: 7 USC 1506(l); 7 USC 1506 (p)
CFR Citation: 7 CFR 457
Legal Deadline: Final, Statutory, November 30, 2005.
Abstract: The Federal Crop Insurance Corporation amends the Common Crop
Insurance Regulations, Basic Provisions, to conform to the requirements
of section 780 of the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug
Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act of 2006
regarding written agreements and the use of similar agricultural
commodities.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action                            Date                      FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
Interim Final Rule              11/30/05                    70 FR 71749
Interim Final Rule Effective    11/25/05
Interim Final Rule Comment
Period End                      01/30/06
Comment Period Extended         03/24/06                     71 FR 8923
Final Action                    06/00/06
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-AC07
BILLING CODE 3410--08--S
[[Page 22324]]
_______________________________________________________________________
Department of Agriculture (USDA)                    Proposed Rule Stage
Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration (GIPSA)
_______________________________________________________________________
136. UNITED STATES STANDARDS FOR SOYBEANS
Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant
Legal Authority: 7 USC 71 et seq
CFR Citation: 7 CFR 800; 7 CFR 810
Legal Deadline: None
Abstract: GIPSA proposes to revise the United States Standards for
Soybeans to change the minimum test weight per bushel from a grade
determining factor to an informational factor. GIPSA also proposes to
change the reporting requirements for test weight per bushel in
soybeans from whole and half pounds with a fraction of a half pound
disregarded to reporting to the nearest tenth of a pound.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action                            Date                      FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
NPRM                            03/29/06                    71 FR 15639
NPRM Comment Period End         05/30/06
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No
Small Entities Affected: No
Government Levels Affected: None
Agency Contact: H. Tess Butler, Regulatory Liaison, Department of
Agriculture, Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration,
1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 720-7486
Fax: 202 690-2755
Email: h.tess.butler@usda.gov
RIN: 0580-AA90
_______________________________________________________________________
137. UNITED STATES STANDARDS FOR SORGHUM
Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant
Legal Authority: 7 USC 71 et seq
CFR Citation: 7 CFR 810
Legal Deadline: None
Abstract: GIPSA is initiating a review of the sorghum standards. GIPSA
will assess the need for revisions on the various sections of the
United States Standards for Sorghum, the potential for improvements,
and language clarity.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action                            Date                      FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
NPRM                            03/29/06                    71 FR 15633
NPRM Comment Period End         05/30/06
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No
Small Entities Affected: No
Government Levels Affected: None
Agency Contact: H. Tess Butler, Regulatory Liaison, Department of
Agriculture, Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration,
1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 720-7486
Fax: 202 690-2755
Email: h.tess.butler@usda.gov
RIN: 0580-AA91
_______________________________________________________________________
138. <bullet> FEES FOR RICE INSPECTION SERVICE
Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant
Legal Authority: 7 USC 1621 et seq
CFR Citation: 7 CFR 868
Legal Deadline: None
Abstract: This proposed rule would revise the regulations governing the
sampling, inspection, weighing, and certification for rice by
increasing certain fees charged for the services by approximately 30
percent. Further, the rice fees would be increased an additional 5
percent each year through fiscal year 2011 and establish a stowage
examination fee.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action                            Date                      FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
NPRM                            05/00/06
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No
Small Entities Affected: No
Government Levels Affected: None
Agency Contact: H. Tess Butler, Regulatory Liaison, Department of
Agriculture, Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration,
1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 720-7486
Fax: 202 690-2755
Email: h.tess.butler@usda.gov
RIN: 0580-AA92
_______________________________________________________________________
139. <bullet> UNITED STATES STANDARDS FOR ROUGH RICE; UNITED
STATES STANDARDS FOR BROWN RICE FOR PROCESSING; AND UNITED STATES
STANDARDS FOR MILLED RICE
Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant
Legal Authority: 7 USC 1621
CFR Citation: 7 CFR 868
Legal Deadline: None
Abstract: GIPSA is proposing to revise the U.S. Standards for Rough
Rice, Brown Rice for Processing, and Milled Rice, under the AMA, to
eliminate the requirement for certain grade related information to be
shown on the grade-line of certificate for classes of Mixed Rice.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action                            Date                      FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
NPRM                            06/00/06
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No
Small Entities Affected: No
Government Levels Affected: None
Agency Contact: H. Tess Butler, Regulatory Liaison, Department of
Agriculture, Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration,
1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 720-7486
Fax: 202 690-2755
Email: h.tess.butler@usda.gov
RIN: 0580-AA94
_______________________________________________________________________
Department of Agriculture (USDA)                       Final Rule Stage
Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration (GIPSA)
_______________________________________________________________________
140. <bullet> CLEAR TITLE PROGRAM; TECHNICAL CHANGES
Priority: Info./Admin./Other
Legal Authority: 7 USC 1631; 7 CFR 2.22 and 2.81
CFR Citation: 9 CFR 205
Legal Deadline: None
Abstract: This rule is being issued to make changes to the clear title
regulations as required by amendments made by the 2002 Farm Bill, which
bring the clear title requirements more into conformity with the
Uniform Commercial Code. GIPSA is making additional changes to allow
the use of
[[Page 22325]]
an approved unique identifier in place of the former mandate for States
to display a social security number through their systems providing
clear title information. The rule will adopt these changes in the
regulations.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action                            Date                      FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
Interim Final Rule              05/00/06
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No
Small Entities Affected: Businesses
Government Levels Affected: State
Agency Contact: H. Tess Butler, Regulatory Liaison, Department of
Agriculture, Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration,
1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 720-7486
Fax: 202 690-2755
Email: h.tess.butler@usda.gov
RIN: 0580-AA93
_______________________________________________________________________
Department of Agriculture (USDA)                      Long-Term Actions
Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration (GIPSA)
_______________________________________________________________________
141. PROCESS VERIFICATION SERVICE AND ASSOCIATED FEES
Priority: Other Significant
CFR Citation: 7 CFR 868.31
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action                            Date                      FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
NPRM                             To Be                       Determined
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No
Small Entities Affected: No
Government Levels Affected: None
Agency Contact: H. Tess Butler
Phone: 202 720-7486
Fax: 202 690-2755
Email: h.tess.butler@usda.gov
RIN: 0580-AA85
_______________________________________________________________________
Department of Agriculture (USDA)                      Completed Actions
Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration (GIPSA)
_______________________________________________________________________
142. EXPORT INSPECTION AND WEIGHTING WAIVER FOR HIGH QUALITY SPECIALTY
GRAINS TRANSPORTED IN CONTAINERS
Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant
CFR Citation: 7 CFR 800
Completed:
________________________________________________________________________
Reason                            Date                      FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
Final Action                    12/13/05                    70 FR 73556
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No
Small Entities Affected: No
Government Levels Affected: None
Agency Contact: H. Tess Butler
Phone: 202 720-7486
Fax: 202 690-2755
Email: h.tess.butler@usda.gov
RIN: 0580-AA87
_______________________________________________________________________
143. REVIEW INSPECTION REQUIREMENTS FOR GRADED COMMODITIES
Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant
CFR Citation: 7 CFR 868.1; 7 CFR 868.60
Completed:
________________________________________________________________________
Reason                            Date                      FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
Final Action                    11/15/05                    70 FR 69249
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No
Small Entities Affected: No
Government Levels Affected: None
Agency Contact: H. Tess Butler
Phone: 202 720-7486
Fax: 202 690-2755
Email: h.tess.butler@usda.gov
RIN: 0580-AA89
BILLING CODE 3410--EN--S
_______________________________________________________________________
Department of Agriculture (USDA)                    Proposed Rule Stage
Food and Nutrition Service (FNS)
_______________________________________________________________________
144. DISQUALIFIED RECIPIENT REPORTING AND COMPUTER MATCHING REQUIREMENTS
THAT AFFECT THE FOOD STAMP PROGRAM
Priority: Other Significant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is
undetermined.
Legal Authority: 5 USC 552(a) Computer Matching and Privacy Protection
Act; 7 USC 2015(b) Food Stamp Act
CFR Citation: 7 CFR 272; 7 CFR 273
Legal Deadline: None
Abstract: This proposed rule describes requirements for State agencies
to report information on individuals disqualified from the program for
intentional program violations to FNS and codifies prisoner
verification and death master file matching mandated by legislation and
previously implemented through agency directive. (89-010)
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action                            Date                      FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
NPRM                            06/00/06
NPRM Comment Period End         08/00/06
Final Action                    06/00/07
Final Action Effective          09/00/07
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No
Government Levels Affected: Local, State
[[Page 22326]]
Agency Contact: Sharon Ackerman, Agency Regulatory Officer, Department
of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, Room 918, 3101 Park Center
Drive, Alexandria, VA 22302
Phone: 703 305-2246
Fax: 703 605-0220
Email: sheri.ackerman@fns.usda.gov
RIN: 0584-AB51
_______________________________________________________________________
145. FOOD DISTRIBUTION PROGRAM ON INDIAN RESERVATIONS: RESOURCE LIMITS
AND EXCLUSIONS, EXTENDED CERTIFICATION PERIODS, AND TRANSITIONAL
BENEFITS
Priority: Other Significant
Legal Authority: 7 USC 2011 to 2032
CFR Citation: 7 CFR 253; 7 CFR 254
Legal Deadline: None
Abstract: This proposed rule would amend FDPIR regulations by: 1)
Bringing the maximum level of allowable resources in line with the Food
Stamp Program by: a) Establishing a new resource limit of $3,000 for
households with a disabled member and b) increasing the resource limit
from $1,750 to $2,000 for households without elderly or disabled
members; 2) allowing a resource exclusion for the first $1,500 of the
value of one prepaid funeral arrangement per household member; 3)
allowing households in which all members are elderly or disabled to be
certified for up to 24 months; and 4) allowing State agencies the
option to provide transitional benefits to households that leave the
Temporary Assistance Program for Needy Families. The above provisions
are modeled after Food Stamp Program provisions. (01-005)
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action                            Date                      FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
NPRM                            09/00/06
NPRM Comment Period Ends        11/00/06
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
_______________________________________________________________________
146. 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                            09/00/06
NPRM Comment Period End         11/00/06
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
Email: sheri.ackerman@fns.usda.gov
RIN: 0584-AD15
_______________________________________________________________________
147. FOOD STAMP PROGRAM: CLARIFICATIONS AND CORRECTIONS TO RECIPIENT
CLAIM ESTABLISHMENT AND COLLECTION STANDARDS
Priority: Info./Admin./Other
Legal Authority: 7 USC 2011 to 2036
CFR Citation: 7 CFR 272; 7 CFR 273
Legal Deadline: None
Abstract: Section 13 of the Food Stamp Act of 1977, as amended,
requires State agencies to pursue collection of recipient overissuances
in the Food Stamp Program. On July 6, 2000, FNS published a major rule
that revised many of the processes and procedures in this area. This
proposed rule provides clarifications and corrections to the July 6,
2000, rulemaking. (02-003)
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action                            Date                      FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
NPRM                            06/00/06
NPRM Comment Period End         08/00/06
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
_______________________________________________________________________
148. 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
[[Page 22327]]
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                            09/00/06
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No
Small Entities Affected: No
Government Levels Affected: Federal, Local, State
Agency Contact: Sharon Ackerman, Agency Regulatory Officer, Department
of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, 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
_______________________________________________________________________
149. 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 would end 5 years
after the effective date of the final rule. (04-001)
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action                            Date                      FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
NPRM                            03/03/06                    71 FR 10914
NPRM Comment Period End         06/01/06
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
_______________________________________________________________________
150. 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); 7 CFR 278.2(f)
Legal Deadline: None
Abstract: The proposed rule will revise the current bonding
requirements set forth in section 278.1(b)(4) of Food Stamp Program
(FSP) regulations that are imposed against retailers who have violated
FSP rules and regulations. Section 12(d) of the Food Stamp Act of 1977
(the Act), as amended, gives the Secretary of Agriculture the
discretionary authority to require that retailers who have been
sanctioned for program violations present a collateral bond as a
condition of future authorization. The Act also gives the Secretary the
authority to prescribe the amount, terms, and conditions of such bonds
by regulation. Currently, all violating retailers that are sanctioned
for a specified period of time or imposed a civil money penalty are
required to submit a bond if they wish to continue to participate in
the FSP. The bond must be valid as long as the firm is authorized to
participate in the FSP regardless of the period of disqualification
imposed or the amount of the civil money penalty assessed. Retailers
are required to renew their bond through a financial institution on a
periodic basis. The proposed rule will: 1) Eliminate the current
bonding requirement for retailers who are disqualified for a period of
6 months or imposed a civil money penalty in lieu of a 6-month
disqualification period; and 2) limit the requirement to no more than 1
year for retailers who are disqualified for a specified period of time
greater than 6 months or imposed a civil money penalty in lieu of a
specified period of time greater than 6 months. Section 278.2(f) of the
FSP regulations stipulates that retail food stores may not accept food
stamp benefits in payment for any eligible food sold to food stamp
households on credit. Thus, the proposed rule will also assign a
specified period of time for retailers to be removed from the program
for accepting food stamp benefits in payment for eligible food on
credit. (04-002)
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action                            Date                      FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
NPRM                            08/00/06
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
_______________________________________________________________________
151. MANAGEMENT OF DONATED FOODS IN CHILD NUTRITION PROGRAMS, THE
NUTRITION SERVICES INCENTIVE PROGRAM, AND CHARITABLE INSTITUTIONS
Priority: Other Significant
Legal Authority: Older Americans Act of 1965, as amended
[[Page 22328]]
CFR Citation: 7 CFR 250.12, 250.19, 250.24, 250.40, 250.41; 7 CFR
250.42, 250.48, 250.49, 250.50
Legal Deadline: None
Abstract: This 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 value 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 recipient agency for donated
foods received, through invoice reductions, refunds, or other means of
crediting. The rule would provide some flexibility in crediting for and
use of donated foods by allowing the recipient agency to use donated
food values other than the USDA purchase price and by allowing the food
service management company to substitute donated foods with
commercially purchased foods, with the exception of (1) donated ground
beef and ground pork, and (2) end products received from processors.
(04-003)
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action                            Date                      FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
NPRM                            09/00/06
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No
Government Levels Affected: Local, State, Tribal
Federalism:  This action may have federalism implications as defined in
EO 13132.
Agency Contact: Sharon Ackerman, Agency Regulatory Officer, Department
of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, Room 918, 3101 Park Center
Drive, Alexandria, VA 22302
Phone: 703 305-2246
Fax: 703 605-0220
Email: sheri.ackerman@fns.usda.gov
RIN: 0584-AD45
_______________________________________________________________________
152. 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: This rule proposes to amend regulations for the Special
Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) by
adding three requirements mandated by the Child Nutrition and WIC
Reauthorization Act of 2004, Public Law 108-265, concerning retail
vendors authorized by WIC State agencies to provide supplemental food
to WIC participants in exchange for WIC food instruments. This
rulemaking would require WIC State agencies to notify WIC-authorized
retail vendors of an initial violation, for violations requiring a
pattern of occurrences in order to impose a sanction, before
documenting a subsequent violation unless notification would compromise
an investigation. In addition, State agencies would maintain a list of
State-licensed wholesalers, distributors, and retailers, and
manufacturers registered with the Food and Drug Administration, and
would require WIC-authorized retail vendors to purchase infant formula
only from sources on the list. Further, State agencies would prohibit
the authorization of or payments to WIC-authorized vendors that derive
more than 50 percent of their annual food sales revenue (``above-50-
percent vendors'') and which provide incentive items or other free
merchandise except food or merchandise of nominal value to program
participant customers unless the vendor provides the State agency with
proof that the vendor obtained the incentive items or merchandise at no
cost. The intent of these provisions is to, respectively, enhance due
process for vendors; prevent defective infant formula from being
consumed by infant WIC participants; and, prevent increased WIC food
costs caused by above-50-percent vendors who provide incentive items to
participants which ultimately are derived from the proceeds of WIC
purchases. (04-007)
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action                            Date                      FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
NPRM                            07/00/06
NPRM Comment Period End         10/00/06
Final Action                    10/00/07
Final Action Effective          11/00/07
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Small Entities Affected: Businesses, Governmental Jurisdictions
Government Levels Affected: Federal, Local, State, Tribal
Agency Contact: Sharon Ackerman, Agency Regulatory Officer, Department
of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, Room 918, 3101 Park Center
Drive, Alexandria, VA 22302
Phone: 703 305-2246
Fax: 703 605-0220
Email: sheri.ackerman@fns.usda.gov
RIN: 0584-AD47
_______________________________________________________________________
153. FSP: REGULATION RESTRUCTURING TO REFLECT THE END OF COUPON ISSUANCE
SYSTEMS
Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is
undetermined.
Legal Authority: 7 USC 2011 to 2034
CFR Citation: 7 CFR 274.8 and 274.12; 7 CFR 278
Legal Deadline: None
Abstract: The proposed changes to the Food Stamp Program's regulations
are being put forth to account for the replacement of the paper coupon
issuance system with the Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) system as
the nationwide method of distributing benefits to program recipients.
These changes will remove coupon issuance regulations that are no
longer applicable, revise regulatory language to more appropriately
connote the new EBT issuance system (such as eliminating the use of the
term ``coupon,'' and replacing it with either ``benefits'' or ``EBT
card''), and reorganize sections to develop a more cohesive set of
issuance and retailer regulations. None of the changes will have any
policy impacts. The regulatory revisions, however, are necessary to
avoid confusion by ensuring that the issuance and
[[Page 22329]]
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                            12/00/06
NPRM Comment Period End         03/00/07
Final Action                    03/00/08
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No
Small Entities Affected: No
Government Levels Affected: None
Agency Contact: Sharon Ackerman, Agency Regulatory Officer, Department
of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, Room 918, 3101 Park Center
Drive, Alexandria, VA 22302
Phone: 703 305-2246
Fax: 703 605-0220
Email: sheri.ackerman@fns.usda.gov
RIN: 0584-AD48
_______________________________________________________________________
154. SPECIAL NUTRITION PROGRAMS: FLUID MILK SUBSTITUTIONS
Priority: Other Significant
Legal Authority: PL 108-265, sec 102
CFR Citation: 7 CFR 210; 7 CFR 220
Legal Deadline: None
Abstract: Currently, by regulation, schools must make substitutions for
fluid milk for students with a disability when the request is
authorized by a licensed physician and may make substitutions for
students with medical or other dietary needs if requested by recognized
medical authority. These regulatory provisions were included in Public
Law 108-265 which amended the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch
Act. Public Law 108-265 also amended the current law to allow schools
to substitute non-dairy beverages nutritionally equivalent (as
established by the Secretary) to fluid milk for medical or other
special dietary needs at the request of a parent/guardian. In response
to Public Law 108-265, the National School Lunch Program and School
Breakfast Program regulations will be revised to add these provisions.
(04-016)
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action                            Date                      FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
NPRM                            05/00/06
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Small Entities Affected: Businesses, Governmental Jurisdictions
Government Levels Affected: Local, State
Agency Contact: Sharon Ackerman, Agency Regulatory Officer, Department
of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, Room 918, 3101 Park Center
Drive, Alexandria, VA 22302
Phone: 703 305-2246
Fax: 703 605-0220
Email: sheri.ackerman@fns.usda.gov
RIN: 0584-AD58
_______________________________________________________________________
155. NUTRITION STANDARDS IN THE NATIONAL SCHOOL LUNCH AND SCHOOL
BREAKFAST PROGRAMS
Priority: Other Significant
Legal Authority: PL 108-265, sec 103
CFR Citation: 7 CFR 210; 7 CFR 220
Legal Deadline: None
Abstract: Public Law 108-265 requires the Secretary to issue
regulations that reflect specific recommendations for increased
consumption of foods and food ingredients in school nutrition programs
based on the most recent Dietary Guidelines for Americans.
The current regulations specify that reimbursable meals offered by
schools meet the Dietary Guidelines for Americans that are specified in
the regulations. This proposed rule would revise the current
regulations on nutrition standards to require that participating
schools meet the applicable recommendations of the most recent Dietary
Guidelines for Americans and other dietary recommendations. (04-017)
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action                            Date                      FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
NPRM                            12/00/06
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
_______________________________________________________________________
156. FOOD DISTRIBUTION PROGRAMS--DISTRIBUTING AGENCY EVALUATIONS OF NON-
COMMERCIAL WAREHOUSING AND DISTRIBUTION SYSTEMS, COST COMPARISONS,
SYSTEM APPROVAL AND IMPLEMENTATION
Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant
Legal Authority: 5 USC 301; 7 USC 612c, 612c note, 1431, 1431b, 1431e,
1431 note, 1446a-1, 1859, 2014, 2025; 15 USC 713c; 22 USC 1922; 42 USC
1751, 1755, 1758, 1760, 1761, 1762a, 1766, 3030a, 5179, 5180
CFR Citation: 7 CFR 250
Legal Deadline: None
Abstract: Food Distribution Program regulations at 7 CFR part 250.14(a)
currently require all distributing agencies to, at minimum, evaluate
non-commercial systems, perform cost comparisons of existing systems
with commercial systems, and seek FNS approval to use non-commercial
facilities once every 3 years by March 31. This rule would amend
current regulations at section 250.14(a) by removing the regulatory
requirements above. By this time, per legislative mandate and the more
stringent regulatory requirements, most States required to do so have
conducted warehousing and distribution system evaluations and cost
comparisons on multiple occasions. Through cycles of cost comparisons,
we believe that conversions to commercial systems have already taken
place where appropriate. The limited number of States that operate
their own systems do so because no commercial system is available, or
because the State-run system is more cost-effective.
The removal of the above regulatory requirements, in addition to other
minor changes to the provisions of section 250.14(a), will decrease the
burden on State distributing agencies in terms of both paperwork and
man hours, while providing those State agencies greater flexibility in
program operations. The proposed rule would also rewrite the provisions
of section 250.14(a) in a ``plain language'' format
[[Page 22330]]
in order to make them easier to read and understand.
The proposed rule will provide a public comment period, which would
allow State agencies and other interested parties the forum to provide
feedback and voice any concerns. All comments received during the
specified comment period would be taken into consideration by FNS prior
to publication of the rule in its final form. (05-001)
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action                            Date                      FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
NPRM                            09/00/06
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-AD72
_______________________________________________________________________
157. WIC FARMERS' MARKET NUTRITION PROGRAM (FMNP): IMPLEMENTATION OF THE
FMNP PROVISIONS IN THE CN AND WIC REAUTHORIZATION ACT OF 2004 (PUB. L.
108-265) AND FMNP FUNDING FORMULA
Priority: Other Significant
Legal Authority: 42 USC 1786
CFR Citation: 7 CFR 248
Legal Deadline: None
Abstract: This proposed rule amends the FMNP regulations to implement
the nondiscretionary FMNP provisions in Public Law 108-265, the Child
Nutrition and WIC Reauthorization Act of 2004. The legislative
provisions include: (1) An option for State agencies to authorize
roadside stands without prior FNS approval; (2) revising the match
requirement to apply the 30 percent to the administrative cost of the
program instead of 30 percent of the total cost of the program
(administrative and food costs); and (3) increasing the maximum Federal
benefit level from $20 to $30.
Also included in this rulemaking will be a funding formula methodology
for the FMNP when funds requested exceed available funds to allocate.
The FMNP is a fixed grant program with limited funds. Funding increases
are not guaranteed from year to year. Section 17(m) of the Child
Nutrition Act of 1966, as amended, sets forth broad funding
requirements for the FMNP. By law, after base grants are provided to
current State agencies (i.e., total Federal funds received in the prior
fiscal year), the remaining funds are divided so that 75 percent is
provided for expansion funds for current State agencies and 25 percent
is provided for new State agencies. Currently, beyond the division of
funds noted above, there are no requirements for how to allocate funds
for expansion and new State agencies when funds requested exceed the
amount of available funds. This proposed regulation would amend 7 CFR
part 248 to set forth a funding formula in cases where FMNP funds
requested exceed available funds to allocate. The proposed methodology
would provide a base funding level for each State agency. Funding above
the base level would be based on the individual State's need relative
to all other State agencies' needs. (05-003)
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action                            Date                      FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
NPRM                            09/00/06
NPRM Comment Period End         12/00/06
Final Action                    12/00/07
Final Action Effective          01/00/08
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No
Small Entities Affected: Businesses, Governmental Jurisdictions,
Organizations
Government Levels Affected: Federal, Local, State, Tribal
Additional Information: This action consolidates two previous actions:
the FMNP Funding Formula Rule, RIN <greek-i> 0584-AD41 (withdrawn in
the spring 2005 agenda), and the Implementation of the FMNP Provisions
Included in the Child Nutrition and WIC Reauthorization Act of 2004,
RIN <greek-i>0584-AD46 (withdrawn from the fall 2004 agenda).
URL For More Information:
www.fns.usda.gov/wic
Agency Contact: Sharon Ackerman, Agency Regulatory Officer, Department
of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, Room 918, 3101 Park Center
Drive, Alexandria, VA 22302
Phone: 703 305-2246
Fax: 703 605-0220
Email: sheri.ackerman@fns.usda.gov
Related RIN: Merged with 0584-AD41
RIN: 0584-AD74
_______________________________________________________________________
158. FOOD STAMP PROGRAM: EXPIRATION OF RESIDUAL PAPER COUPONS
Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant
Legal Authority: PL 104-193
CFR Citation: 7 CFR 274.12(a)
Legal Deadline: None
Abstract: Food stamp benefits are now issued and redeemed
electronically as of the completion of nationwide electronic benefit
transfer (EBT) system implementation in June 2004. However, residual
coupons from the old paper issuance system remain in circulation. This
rule proposes to set an expiration date for all paper coupons. Such
action is necessary because there is no longer an infrastructure for
redeeming the coupons. Retailers are becoming unfamiliar with coupons
and how to process them, and some banks are refusing to redeem them
because of the diminishing amount. Furthermore, despite decreased
coupon redemptions, the FNS contract with the Federal Reserve Bank to
redeem coupons deposited by retailers into financial institutions
continues to cost FNS approximately $3 million per year due to overhead
costs.
In order to give clients ample opportunity to spend any remaining
coupons they still have in their possession, we will propose to give
clients 1 year from the final rule's publication date to spend their
coupons. After 1 year, grocery stores will no longer be able to accept
coupons. This timeframe is consistent with procedures for permanently
expunging EBT food stamp accounts that have not been accessed for 1
year. (05-004)
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action                            Date                      FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
NPRM                            10/00/06
NPRM Comment Period End         01/00/07
Final Action                    01/00/08
Final Action Effective          02/00/08
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No
[[Page 22331]]
Small Entities Affected: Businesses
Government Levels Affected: Federal
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-AD75
_______________________________________________________________________
159. REVISIONS AND CLARIFICATIONS IN REQUIREMENTS FOR THE PROCESSING OF
DONATED FOODS
Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant
Legal Authority: none
CFR Citation: 7 CFR 250.3, 250.13, 250.16, 250.17, 250.18; 7 CFR
250.19, 250.24, 250.30
Legal Deadline: None
Abstract: This proposed rule would amend current regulations to require
multi-State processors to sign National Processing Agreements (NPA)
with the Department to process donated foods into end products, as
under a current demonstration project. Under NPA, the Department would
be responsible for the review and approval of end product data
schedules and the management of the processor's performance bond to
protect the value of donated food inventories. Processors would still
be required to enter into State Participation Agreements (SPA) to sell
end products in the State and to meet other State-specific processing
requirements. The proposals would reduce the workload currently
required of State agencies in approving end product data schedules and
accounting for donated foods provided to processors. However, State
agencies may continue to ensure that processing requirements are met
under current agreement or contract options.
This proposed rule would also amend other processing requirements to
reduce the paperwork burden and workload and to more fully integrate
donated foods with commercial business practices. It would amend
current regulations to: (1) Allow processing agreements or contracts of
up to 5 years duration, rather than the current 1 year, with an option
for two 1-year extensions; (2) allow substitution of donated beef and
pork with like commercial foods of U.S. origin and of equal or better
quality; (3) remove the verification of end product sales through
commercial distributors; (4) reduce independent CPA audit requirements
for multi-State processors by revising upward the donated food value
thresholds that determine the required frequency of such audits; and
(5) require in-State processors to obtain an independent CPA audit
every 3 years, and remove the requirement that distributing agencies
conduct an on-site review of such processors at least once every 2
years.
Lastly, we would use the rule to rewrite and reorganize processing
regulations in a ``plain language`` format to make them easier to
understand for the general public. (05-005)
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action                            Date                      FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
NPRM                            09/00/06
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No
Small Entities Affected: Businesses
Government Levels Affected: Federal, Local, State
Federalism:  Undetermined
Agency Contact: Sharon Ackerman, Agency Regulatory Officer, Department
of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, Room 918, 3101 Park Center
Drive, Alexandria, VA 22302
Phone: 703 305-2246
Fax: 703 605-0220
Email: sheri.ackerman@fns.usda.gov
RIN: 0584-AD76
_______________________________________________________________________
160. SPECIAL SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION PROGRAM FOR WOMEN, INFANTS AND
CHILDREN (WIC): REVISIONS IN THE WIC FOOD PACKAGES
Priority: Economically Significant. Major under 5 USC 801.
Legal Authority: 42 USC 1786
CFR Citation: 7 CFR part 246
Legal Deadline: Final, Statutory, November 2006, CN and WIC
Reauthorization Act of 2004 requires issuance of final rule within 18
months of release of IOM Report.
Abstract: This proposed rule would revise regulations governing the WIC
food packages to change age specifications for assignment to infant
feeding packages; establish infant formula feeding or breastfeeding
categories for infants; revise the maximum monthly allowances and
minimum requirements for certain WIC foods; revise the substitution
rates for certain WIC foods and allow additional foods as alternatives;
add fruits and vegetables for WIC participants 6 months of age and
older and eliminate juice from infants food package; add whole grains
to food packages for children and women and baby food meat for fully
breastfed infants 6 through 11 months of age; revise the purpose,
content, and requirements for Food Package III; and address general
provisions that apply to all food packages. The revisions reflect
recommendations made by the Institute of Medicine in its report, WIC
Food Packages: Time for a Change, and certain other administrative
revisions deemed necessary by the Department. These revisions would
bring the WIC food packages in line with the 2005 Dietary Guidelines
for Americans and current infant feeding practice guidelines, better
promote and support the establishment of successful long-term
breastfeeding, provide WIC participants with a wider variety of food,
provide WIC State agencies with greater flexibility in prescribing food
packages to accommodate participants with cultural food preferences,
and serve all participants with certain medical provisions under one
food package to facilitate efficient management of medically fragile
participants. (05-006)
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action                            Date                      FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
NPRM                            05/00/06
NPRM Comment Period End         06/00/06
Interim Final Rule              11/00/06
Interim Final Rule Effective    11/00/06
Interim Final Rule Comment
Period End                      05/00/08
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No
Small Entities Affected: Businesses
Government Levels Affected: Local, State, Tribal
Federalism:  Undetermined
URL For More Information:
www.fns.usda.gov/wic
URL For Public Comments:
www.fns.usda.gov/wic
[[Page 22332]]
Agency Contact: Sharon Ackerman, Agency Regulatory Officer, Department
of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, Room 918, 3101 Park Center
Drive, Alexandria, VA 22302
Phone: 703 305-2246
Fax: 703 605-0220
Email: sheri.ackerman@fns.usda.gov
RIN: 0584-AD77
_______________________________________________________________________
161. <bullet> FSP: ADMINISTRATIVE SANCTIONS IMPOSED AGAINST
VIOLATING ELECTRONIC BENEFITS TRANSFER (EBT) STORES
Priority: Other Significant
Legal Authority: Sec 12 of the Food Stamp Act
CFR Citation: 7 CFR 278.6(e)
Legal Deadline: None
Abstract: The United States Department of Agriculture, Food and
Nutrition Service (FNS), is proposing to revise section 278.6 of the
Food Stamp Program Regulations entitled Disqualification of Retail Food
Stores and Wholesale Food Concerns, and Imposition of Civil Money
Penalties In Lieu Of Disqualifications. This section of the regulation
is being revised as result of the implementation of the Electronic
Benefits Transfer (EBT) system. This section of the regulations
addresses the administrative sanctions (i.e., imposing a period of
disqualification or assessing a monetary penalty) that may be imposed
by FNS against retail food stores and wholesale food concerns that are
found violating the Food Stamp Program.
Background
EBT is an electronic system that allows a food stamp recipient to
authorize transfer of their Government benefits from a Federal account
to a retailer account to pay for eligible food items. All States, the
District of Columbia, Virgin Islands, Guam, and Puerto Rico have
operational food stamp EBT systems. All food stamp benefits are being
issued by EBT. Approximately, 153,000 retail food stores are authorized
to accept food stamp benefits.
One of the benefits of EBT is that it helps curb food stamp fraud
committed by retail food stores. EBT creates an electronic record of
each food stamp transaction, making it easier to identify and document
instances where food stamp benefits are being illegally obtained (i.e.,
food stamp benefits being exchanged for cash or non-food items) by
retail food stores.
Proposed Regulation
FNS is continuing to improve using EBT data efficiently to detect and
pursue abuse. Section 278.6 of the Food Stamp regulations, however,
does not thoroughly address the actions/sanctions that FNS may impose
against retail food stores that are found violating the program via the
EBT system. Since the inception of EBT, FNS has discovered that food
stores have departed from some of the conventional methods of
committing food stamp fraud and have devised new and innovative ways to
commit fraud using the EBT system. Hence, Section 278.6 of the Food
Stamp Program regulations must be revised in order to address the
administrative sanctions that may be imposed by FNS against EBT stores
found violating the program.
In addition to providing for EBT specific sanctions, FNS will conduct a
comprehensive review of existing regulatory sanctions for conventional
fraud and will make regulatory changes that are warranted and
appropriate. (05-007)
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action                            Date                      FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
NPRM                            10/00/06
Final Action                    10/00/07
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No
Small Entities Affected: No
Government Levels Affected: None
Agency Contact: Sharon Ackerman, Agency Regulatory Officer, Department
of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, Room 918, 3101 Park Center
Drive, Alexandria, VA 22302
Phone: 703 305-2246
Fax: 703 605-0220
Email: sheri.ackerman@fns.usda.gov
RIN: 0584-AD78
_______________________________________________________________________
Department of Agriculture (USDA)                       Final Rule Stage
Food and Nutrition Service (FNS)
_______________________________________________________________________
162. SPECIAL SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION 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 2, 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                    09/00/06
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No
Small Entities Affected: No
Government Levels Affected: Federal, Local, State, Tribal
Agency Contact: Sharon Ackerman, Agency Regulatory Officer, Department
of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, Room 918, 3101 Park Center
Drive, Alexandria, VA 22302
Phone: 703 305-2246
Fax: 703 605-0220
Email: sheri.ackerman@fns.usda.gov
RIN: 0584-AB10
[[Page 22333]]
_______________________________________________________________________
163. CHILD AND ADULT CARE FOOD PROGRAM: IMPROVING MANAGEMENT AND PROGRAM
INTEGRITY
Priority: Other Significant
Legal Authority: 42 USC 1766; PL 103-448; PL 104-193; PL 105-336
CFR Citation: 7 CFR 226
Legal Deadline: None
Abstract: This rule amends the Child and Adult Care Food Program
(CACFP) regulations. The changes in this rule result from the findings
of State and Federal program reviews and from audits and investigations
conducted by the Office of Inspector General. This rule revises: State
agency criteria for approving and renewing institution applications;
program training and other operating requirements for child care
institutions and facilities; and State- and institution-level
monitoring requirements. This rule also includes changes that are
required by the Healthy Meals for Healthy Americans Act of 1994 (Pub.
L. 103-448), the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunities
Reconciliation Act of 1996 (Pub. L. 104-193), and the William F.
Goodling Child Nutrition Reauthorization Act of 1998 (Pub. L. 105-336).
The changes are designed to improve program operations and monitoring
at the State and institution levels and, where possible, to streamline
and simplify program requirements for State agencies and institutions.
(95-024)
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action                            Date                      FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
NPRM                            09/12/00                    65 FR 55103
NPRM Comment Period End         12/11/00
Interim Final Rule              09/01/04                    69 FR 53502
Interim Final Rule Effective    10/01/04
Interim Final Rule Comment
Period End                      09/01/05
Final Action                    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, Agency Regulatory Officer, Department
of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, Room 918, 3101 Park Center
Drive, Alexandria, VA 22302
Phone: 703 305-2246
Fax: 703 605-0220
Email: sheri.ackerman@fns.usda.gov
RIN: 0584-AC24
_______________________________________________________________________
164. FOOD STAMP PROGRAM REGULATORY REVIEW: FSP STANDARDS FOR APPROVAL
AND OPERATION OF FOOD STAMP ELECTRONIC BENEFIT TRANSFER SYSTEMS
Priority: Other Significant
Legal Authority: 7 USC 2011 to 2034
CFR Citation: 7 CFR 274.12
Legal Deadline: None
Abstract: This rule makes revisions to food stamp regulations affecting
the standards and administration of EBT systems for food stamp
issuance. Current regulations at 7 CFR 274.12 delineate the standards
that EBT systems must meet in order to be approved for operation. This
rule revises those regulations to provide the State agency more
flexibility in implementing and operating those systems. Clarifications
and FNS settlement improvements are also incorporated into the rule.
The rule contains a provision to provide State agencies with a new
option to allow retailers with commercial equipment to use a Store and
Forward process instead of the manual voucher process when the system
is down. This provision went forward as an interim provision so that
the Department can solicit additional comments. All the other
provisions went forward as final. (96-016)
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action                            Date                      FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
NPRM                            07/12/01                    66 FR 36495
NPRM Comment Period End         09/10/01
Interim Final Rule              04/11/05                    70 FR 18263
Final Rule                      04/11/05                    70 FR 18263
Interim Final Rule Effective    05/11/05
Final Rule Effective            05/11/05
Interim Final Rule Comment
Period End                      06/10/05
Final Action                    01/00/07
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
_______________________________________________________________________
165. NATIONAL SCHOOL LUNCH PROGRAM: REIMBURSEMENT FOR SNACKS IN
AFTERSCHOOL CARE PROGRAMS
Priority: Other Significant
Legal Authority: PL 105-336
CFR Citation: 7 CFR 210; 7 CFR 235; 7 CFR 245
Legal Deadline: None
Abstract: The William F. Goodling Child Nutrition Reauthorization Act
of 1998 amended the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act to
authorize reimbursement for snacks served under the NSLP in afterschool
care programs operated by schools. The afterschool program must be
organized primarily to provide care for children and have an
educational or enrichment purpose. Additionally, the statute mandates
free snacks for all children enrolled in afterschool care programs
operated by schools in areas served by a school in which at least 50
percent of the enrolled children are certified for free or reduced
price meals. (98-007)
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action                            Date                      FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
NPRM                            10/11/00                    65 FR 60502
NPRM Comment Period End         01/09/01
Final Action                    10/00/06
Final Action Effective          11/00/06
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
Email: sheri.ackerman@fns.usda.gov
RIN: 0584-AC72
[[Page 22334]]
_______________________________________________________________________
166. 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                    04/00/06
Final Action Effective          05/00/06
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
Email: sheri.ackerman@fns.usda.gov
RIN: 0584-AC75
_______________________________________________________________________
167. CHILD AND ADULT CARE FOOD PROGRAM: IMPLEMENTING LEGISLATIVE REFORMS
TO STRENGTHEN PROGRAM INTEGRITY
Priority: Other Significant
Legal Authority: PL 106-224, sec 243
CFR Citation: 7 CFR 226
Legal Deadline: Final, Statutory, October 20, 2000.
Abstract: This final rule incorporates changes to the Child and Adult
Care Food Program as required by the Agricultural Risk Protection Act
(Pub. L. 106-224) to strengthen the management and integrity of the
program. Provisions include: 1) Changes to eligibility requirements for
participating institutions; 2) conditions for approval, such as
ensuring financial viability, stipulating that new sponsoring
organizations are allowed to participate only where there is need for
the program, and the elimination of ``moving toward tax exempt status''
of institutions; 3) new program monitoring requirements; 4) new
parental notification requirements by CACFP centers or homes that
describe the program and benefits and provide parents with access to
the sponsoring organization and State agency; 5) rules on allowing
corrective action and appeals in situations involving the termination
or suspension of participating institutions, facilities, and
individuals; 6) funds recovery in situations involving fraud, abuse, or
improper submissions for reimbursement; and 7) limitation on the
percentage of funds that sponsoring organizations of centers can retain
from day care meal reimbursements for their administrative expenses.
These changes support the Department's ongoing efforts in management
and integrity improvement. (00-005)
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action                            Date                      FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
Interim Final Rule              06/27/02                    67 FR 43448
Interim Final Rule Effective    07/29/02
Interim Final Rule Comment
Period End                      12/24/02
Final Action                    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, Agency Regulatory Officer, Department
of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, Room 918, 3101 Park Center
Drive, Alexandria, VA 22302
Phone: 703 305-2246
Fax: 703 605-0220
Email: sheri.ackerman@fns.usda.gov
RIN: 0584-AC94
_______________________________________________________________________
168. 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. 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
[[Page 22335]]
Interim Final Rule              01/11/01                     66 FR 2195
Interim Final Rule Comment
Period End                      04/11/01
Final Action                    05/00/06
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-AC95
_______________________________________________________________________
169. 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
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                    04/00/06
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
Email: sheri.ackerman@fns.usda.gov
RIN: 0584-AD16
_______________________________________________________________________
170. 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                    07/00/06
Final Action Effective          08/00/06
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
_______________________________________________________________________
171. FSP: ELIGIBILITY AND CERTIFICATION PROVISIONS OF THE FARM SECURITY
AND RURAL INVESTMENT ACT OF 2002
Priority: Economically Significant. Major under 5 USC 801.
Legal Authority: PL 107-171, secs 4101 to 4109, 4114, 4115, and 4401
CFR Citation: 7 CFR 273
Legal Deadline: None
Abstract: This rulemaking will amend Food Stamp Program regulations to
implement 11 provisions of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act
of 2002 that establish new eligibility and certification requirements
for the receipt of food stamps. (02-007)
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action                            Date                      FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
NPRM                            04/16/04                    69 FR 20724
NPRM Comment Period End         06/15/04
Final Action                    12/00/06
Final Action Effective          02/00/07
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No
Small Entities Affected: No
Government Levels Affected: Federal, Local, State, Tribal
Agency Contact: Sharon Ackerman, Agency Regulatory Officer, Department
of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, Room 918, 3101 Park Center
Drive, Alexandria, VA 22302
Phone: 703 305-2246
Fax: 703 605-0220
Email: sheri.ackerman@fns.usda.gov
RIN: 0584-AD30
_______________________________________________________________________
172. FSP: NON-DISCRETIONARY QUALITY CONTROL PROVISIONS OF TITLE IV OF
PUBLIC LAW 107-171
Priority: Other Significant
Legal Authority: 7 USC 2011 to 2032; PL 107-171
CFR Citation: 7 CFR 273; 7 CFR 275
Legal Deadline: None
Abstract: This final rule implements several quality control changes to
the Food Stamp Act required by sections 4118 and 4119 of title IV of
the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (Pub. L. 107-171).
The provisions in this rule affect the following areas: 1) Timeframes
for completing quality control reviews; 2) timeframes for completing
the arbitration process; 3)
[[Page 22336]]
timeframes for determining final error rates; 4) the threshold for
potential sanctions and time period for sanctions; 5) the calculation
of State error rates; 6) the formula for determining States' liability
amounts; 7) sanction notification and method of payment; and 8)
corrective action plans. (02-014)
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action                            Date                      FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
Interim Final Rule              10/16/03                    68 FR 59519
Interim Final Rule Effective    12/15/03
Interim Final Rule Comment
Period End                      01/14/04
Final Action                    10/00/06
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-AD31
_______________________________________________________________________
173. FSP: EMPLOYMENT AND TRAINING PROGRAM PROVISIONS OF THE FARM
SECURITY AND RURAL INVESTMENT ACT OF 2002
Priority: Economically Significant. Major under 5 USC 801.
Legal Authority: PL 107-171
CFR Citation: 7 CFR 273.7
Legal Deadline: None
Abstract: This final rule implements revisions to the Food Stamp
Employment and Training (E&T) Program funding requirements. (02-009)
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action                            Date                      FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
NPRM                            03/19/04                    69 FR 12981
NPRM Comment Period End         05/18/04
Final Action                    04/00/06
Final Action Effective          06/00/06
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No
Small Entities Affected: No
Government Levels Affected: Federal, Local, State
Agency Contact: Sharon Ackerman, Agency Regulatory Officer, Department
of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, 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-AD32
_______________________________________________________________________
174. SENIOR FARMERS' MARKET NUTRITION PROGRAM (SFMNP)
Priority: Other Significant
Legal Authority: PL 107-171, sec 4306
CFR Citation: 7 CFR 249
Legal Deadline: None
Abstract: This final rule will implement the provision of the Farm
Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (Pub. L. 107-171) that gives
the Department the authority to promulgate regulations for the
operation and administration of the SFMNP. The purposes of the SFMNP
are to provide fresh, nutritious, unprepared locally grown fruits,
vegetables, and herbs from farmers' markets, roadside stands, and
community supported agriculture programs to low-income seniors and to
increase the consumption of agricultural commodities by expanding,
developing, and/or aiding in the development of domestic farmers'
markets, roadside stands, and community supported agriculture programs.
(02-012)
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action                            Date                      FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
NPRM                            05/26/05                    70 FR 30558
NPRM Comment Period End         07/25/05
Final Action                    08/00/06
Final Action Effective          09/00/06
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No
Small Entities Affected: Businesses, Organizations
Government Levels Affected: Federal, Local, State, Tribal
URL For More Information:
www.fns.usda.gov
URL For Public Comments:
www.fns.usda.gov/wic
Agency Contact: Sharon Ackerman, Agency Regulatory Officer, Department
of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, Room 918, 3101 Park Center
Drive, Alexandria, VA 22302
Phone: 703 305-2246
Fax: 703 605-0220
Email: sheri.ackerman@fns.usda.gov
RIN: 0584-AD35
_______________________________________________________________________
175. 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 final rule amends the WIC regulations to clarify issues
that have arisen subsequent to the publication of the WIC Food Delivery
Systems final rule. It includes the following provisions: Allows the
release of vendor information such as telephone numbers, e-mail/website
addresses, store type, and whether the vendor has been disqualified;
provides for an abbreviated administrative review when a State agency
issues a civil money penalty in lieu of a reciprocal WIC
disqualification; and prohibits State agencies from requiring infant
formula manufacturers to provide free formula or other items as part of
their infant formula rebate solicitations and contracts. (02-013)
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action                            Date                      FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
NPRM                            07/27/05                    70 FR 43332
NPRM Comment Period End         11/25/05
Final Action                    09/00/06
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No
Small Entities Affected: Businesses
Government Levels Affected: Federal, Local, State, Tribal
Agency Contact: Sharon Ackerman, Agency Regulatory Officer, Department
of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, Room 918, 3101 Park Center
Drive, Alexandria, VA 22302
Phone: 703 305-2246
Fax: 703 605-0220
Email: sheri.ackerman@fns.usda.gov
RIN: 0584-AD36
_______________________________________________________________________
176. FSP: DISCRETIONARY QUALITY CONTROL PROVISIONS OF TITLE IV OF PUBLIC
LAW 107-171
Priority: Other Significant
Legal Authority: 7 USC 2011 to 2032; PL 107-171
[[Page 22337]]
CFR Citation: 7 CFR 271; 7 CFR 273; 7 CFR 275; 7 CFR 277
Legal Deadline: None
Abstract: This proposed rule will implement several quality control
changes to the Food Stamp Act required by sections 4118 and 4119 of
title IV of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (Pub. L.
107-171). The provisions in this rule affect the following areas: 1)
The elimination of enhanced funding; 2) revisions to the time frames
for completing individual case reviews; 3) extending the time frames in
the procedures for households that refuse to cooperate with QC reviews;
4) procedures for adjusting liability determinations following appeal
decisions; 5) negative case reviews; and 6) conforming and technical
changes. (02-015)
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action                            Date                      FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
NPRM                            09/23/05
NPRM Comment Period Ends        12/22/05
Final Action                    10/00/06
Final Action Effective          11/00/06
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No
Small Entities Affected: No
Government Levels Affected: Federal, Local, State
Agency Contact: Sharon Ackerman, Agency Regulatory Officer, Department
of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, Room 918, 3101 Park Center
Drive, Alexandria, VA 22302
Phone: 703 305-2246
Fax: 703 605-0220
Email: sheri.ackerman@fns.usda.gov
Related RIN: Split from 0584-AD31
RIN: 0584-AD37
_______________________________________________________________________
177. PROCUREMENT REQUIREMENTS FOR THE NATIONAL SCHOOL LUNCH, SCHOOL
BREAKFAST, AND SPECIAL MILK PROGRAMS
Priority: Other Significant
Legal Authority: 42 USC 1752
CFR Citation: 7 CFR 210, 215, 220
Legal Deadline: None
Abstract: This rule updates 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 prohibits 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                            12/30/04                    69 FR 78340
NPRM Comment Period End         02/28/05
Final Action                    05/00/06
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
_______________________________________________________________________
178. 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
``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              09/00/06
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-AD51
_______________________________________________________________________
179. 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              10/00/06
[[Page 22338]]
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
_______________________________________________________________________
180. 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
________________________________________________________________________
Final Action                    07/00/06
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
_______________________________________________________________________
181. 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 a complete application executed by an adult member
of the household or in accordance with guidance issued by the
Secretary. It will also stipulate that the household application must
identify the names of each child in the household for whom free or
reduced-price meal benefits are being requested and bars State agencies
and local educational authorities from requesting separate applications
for each child in cases where the children attend schools in the same
local educational authority;
(3) Explicitly permits applications with electronic signatures if the
application is submitted electronically and the application filing
system meets confidentiality standards set by the Secretary; and
(4) Eligibility for free or reduced-price school meals remains valid
for 1 year for most students. Eligibility would remain in effect
beginning with approval for the current school year and ending on a
date during the subsequent school year determined by the Secretary. An
exception is included for cases where verification activities indicate
ineligibility. (04-012)
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action                            Date                      FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
Interim Final Rule              04/00/06
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-AD54
_______________________________________________________________________
182. CATEGORICAL ELIGIBILITY AND DIRECT CERTIFICATION FOR FREE AND
REDUCED PRICE MEALS AND FREE MILK IN SCHOOLS
Priority: Other Significant
Legal Authority: PL 108-265, sec 104
CFR Citation: 7 CFR 245
Legal Deadline: None
Abstract: In response to Public Law 108-265, which amended the Richard
B. Russell National School Lunch Act, 7 CFR 245, Determining
Eligibility for Free and Reduced Price Meals and Free Milk in Schools,
will be amended to establish categorical (automatic) eligibility for
free meals and free milk upon documentation that a child is (1)
homeless as defined by the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act; (2)
a runaway served by grant programs under the Runaway and Homeless Youth
Act; or (3) migratory as defined in sec. 1309(2) of the Elementary and
Secondary Education Act. The rule also requires phase-in of direct
certification for children who are members of households receiving food
stamps and continues discretionary direct certification for other
categorically eligible children. (04-018)
[[Page 22339]]
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action                            Date                      FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
Interim Final Rule              06/00/06
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Small Entities Affected: Governmental Jurisdictions
Government Levels Affected: Local, State
Agency Contact: Sharon Ackerman, Agency Regulatory Officer, Department
of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, Room 918, 3101 Park Center
Drive, Alexandria, VA 22302
Phone: 703 305-2246
Fax: 703 605-0220
Email: sheri.ackerman@fns.usda.gov
Related RIN: Merged with 0584-AD62
RIN: 0584-AD60
_______________________________________________________________________
183. REVISED VERIFICATION PROCEDURES IN THE SCHOOL MEALS PROGRAMS
Priority: Other Significant
Legal Authority: PL 108-265
CFR Citation: 7 CFR 210; 7 CFR 245
Legal Deadline: None
Abstract: In response to Public Law 108-265, which amended the Richard
B. Russell National School Lunch Act, the verification procedures in 7
CFR 245, Determining Eligibility for Free and Reduced Price Meals and
Free Milk in Schools, will be revised to require that, starting July
2005:
1. Local Educational Authorities (LEAs) verify the eligibility of
children in a sample of approved free and reduced-price school meal
applications. The basic sample size would be the lesser of 3 percent of
all approved applications (as of October 1 of the school year) selected
from error-prone applications or 3,000 approved error-prone
applications. Error-prone applications would be those defined as within
$100 a month or $1200 annually of the applicable income limit or,
alternately, under criteria set by USDA. However, local educational
agencies could choose 1 of 2 alternate sample sizes (effectively the
options established in current regulations) if:
-- Their nonresponse rate for the preceding school year is less than 20
percent, or
-- For a local educational agency with more than 20,000 children
approved by application as eligible for free or reduced-price school
meals as of October 1, their nonresponse rate for the preceding school
year is improved by 10 percent from the nonresponse rate for the second
preceding school year.
A nonresponse rate is the percentage of approved household applications
for which verification information has not been obtained by a LEA.
However, 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 required ``follow-up'' activities) by November 15
of each school year; States may extend this deadline to December 15
under criteria set by the Secretary. It will also require local
educational agencies to make appropriate modifications to eligibility
determinations based on their verification activities.
3. It also allows local educational agencies to ``decline'' to verify
up to 5 percent of their verification sample and replace the declined
applications with other approved applications.
4. Requires that the local educational agency provide written notice to
households selected for verification. The notice must include a toll-
free phone number that the household can call for assistance with the
verification process. (04-019)
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action                            Date                      FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
Interim Final Rule              12/00/06
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
_______________________________________________________________________
184. 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              12/00/06
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
[[Page 22340]]
Fax: 703 605-0220
Email: sheri.ackerman@fns.usda.gov
RIN: 0584-AD65
_______________________________________________________________________
185. IMPLEMENTING PROVISIONS OF THE CHILD NUTRITION AND WIC
REAUTHORIZATION ACT OF 2004: DISREGARD OF OVERPAYMENTS IN THE CHILD
NUTRITION PROGRAMS
Priority: Other Significant
Legal Authority: PL 108-265
CFR Citation: 7 CFR 226
Legal Deadline: None
Abstract: This interim rule implements a provision of the Child
Nutrition and WIC Reauthorization Act of 2004 (Pub. L. 108-265). It
creates uniform regulations related to the disregard of overpayments
made to a school or institution in the National School Lunch Program
(NSLP), School Breakfast Program (SBP), or Child and Adult Care Food
Program (CACFP). It allows the Department and State agencies, when
conducting management evaluations, reviews, or audits in the NSLP, SBP,
or CACFP, to disregard overpayments to a school or institution under
certain conditions. However, no overpayment would be disregarded where
there is substantial evidence of violations of criminal law or civil
fraud statutes. (04-026)
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action                            Date                      FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
Interim Final Rule              06/00/06
Interim Final Rule Effective    07/00/06
Interim Final Rule Comment
Period End                      08/00/06
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-AD68
_______________________________________________________________________
186. IMPLEMENTING PROVISIONS FROM THE CHILD NUTRITION AND WIC
REAUTHORIZATION ACT OF 2004: SEAMLESS SUMMER OPTION FOR SCHOOLS
PARTICIPATING IN THE NATIONAL SCHOOL LUNCH PROGRAM
Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant
Legal Authority: PL 108-265
CFR Citation: 7 CFR 210; 7 CFR 220
Legal Deadline: None
Abstract: Section 116 of the Child Nutrition and WIC Reauthorization
Act of 2004 (Pub. L. 108-265) amended section 13(a) of the Richard B.
Russell National School Lunch Act (NSLA) to authorize a Seamless Summer
Option for public or private nonprofit school food authorities to
participate in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and School
Breakfast Program (SBP). The law stipulates that schools that
participate under the Seamless Summer Option must be reimbursed for
breakfasts served at the School Breakfast Program free rates and for
lunches and snacks served at the National School Lunch Program free
rates.
The Committee Report (108-279) accompanying the Child Nutrition and WIC
Reauthorization Act of 2004 notes that the provision closely tracks the
Seamless Summer Feeding Waiver, which was available to school sponsors
nationwide from fiscal years 2002 through 2004. This interim final rule
will amend 7 CFR parts 210 and 220 to incorporate the Seamless Summer
Option that will be available to public and private nonprofit school
food authorities that participate in the NSLP and SBP. The Department
also intends to incorporate into the NSLP and SBP regulations much of
the policy that has been developed for schools that were approved by
State agencies or FNS to operate the waiver. (04-028)
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action                            Date                      FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
Interim Final Rule              06/00/06
Interim Final Rule Effective    07/00/06
Interim Final Rule Comment
Period End                      12/00/06
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-AD70
_______________________________________________________________________
187. SPECIAL SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION PROGRAM FOR WOMEN, INFANTS, AND
CHILDREN (WIC): WIC VENDOR COST CONTAINMENT
Priority: Other Significant
Legal Authority: 42 USC 1786
CFR Citation: 7 CFR 246
Legal Deadline: Final, Statutory, December 2005.
Abstract: This final rule amends the WIC regulations to strengthen
vendor cost containment. The rule incorporates into program regulations
new legislative requirements that affect the selection, authorization,
and reimbursement of retail vendors. These requirements are contained
in the Child Nutrition and WIC Reauthorization Act of 2004 (Pub. L.
108-265), which was enacted on June 30, 2004. The rule reflects the
statutory provisions that require WIC State agencies to implement a
vendor peer group system, competitive price selection criteria, and
allowable reimbursement levels in a manner that ensures that the WIC
Program pays authorized vendors competitive prices for supplemental
foods. It also requires State agencies to ensure that vendors that
derive more than 50 percent of their annual food sales revenue from WIC
food instruments do not result in higher food costs to the program than
do other vendors. The intent of these provisions is to maximize the
number of women, infants, and children served with available Federal
funding. (04-029)
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action                            Date                      FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
Interim Final Rule              11/29/05                    70 FR 71708
Interim Final Rule Comment
Period End                      11/29/06
Interim Final Rule Effective    12/29/05
Final Action                    08/00/07
Final Action Effective          09/00/07
[[Page 22341]]
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No
Small Entities Affected: Businesses, Governmental Jurisdictions
Government Levels Affected: Federal, Local, State, Tribal
URL For More Information:
www.fns.usda.gov/wic
Agency Contact: Sharon Ackerman, Agency Regulatory Officer, Department
of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, Room 918, 3101 Park Center
Drive, Alexandria, VA 22302
Phone: 703 305-2246
Fax: 703 605-0220
Email: sheri.ackerman@fns.usda.gov
RIN: 0584-AD71
_______________________________________________________________________
188. WIC: IMPLEMENTATION OF THE NONDISCRETIONARY WIC CERTIFICATION AND
GENERAL ADMINISTRATION PROVISIONS
Priority: Other Significant
Legal Authority: 42 USC 1786
CFR Citation: 7 CFR 246
Legal Deadline: None
Abstract: This final rule implements the nondiscretionary WIC
provisions in the Child Nutrition and WIC Reauthorization Act of 2004
(Pub. L. 108-265). It contains provisions that address the following
aspects of WIC Program administration and operation:
1.Expansion of definitions of ``nutrition education'' and
``supplemental foods''
2.Infant formula rebate contracts
 -- Adds new definitions (``State alliance'' and ``primary contract
infant formula'')
 -- Limits the size of State alliances -- Requires State agencies to
use primary contract infant formula as the first choice of issuance
 -- Allows State agencies to round up to the next whole can of infant
formula as part of the prescribed food package
 -- Requires uncoupling of bids for milk- and soy-based infant formula
in certain rebate solicitations
 -- Requires that bid solicitations require manufacturers to make a
cent-for-cent increase or decrease in rebate amounts to match changes
in national wholesale prices occurring subsequent to the bid opening
 -- Requires a State agency to have a system to ensure that rebate
invoices provide a reasonable estimate or actual count of the number of
units sold in the program
3.Program eligibility
 -- Provides additional exceptions to the physical presence requirement
4.Food delivery systems
 -- Requires State agencies to allow participants to receive
supplemental foods from any of the authorized stores under retail food
delivery systems
 -- Requires the State plan to include a description of the State
agency's procedures for accepting and processing vendor applications
outside the established timeframes
 -- Prohibits a State agency from imposing the cost of electronic
benefit transfer equipment, systems, or processing on retail vendors
5.Funding and financial management
 -- Increases State agency carry-forward authority for nutrition
services and administration funds from 1 percent to 3 percent
 -- Allows State agencies to use funds recovered through local agency
claims in the same way that it uses funds recovered from vendors and
participants. (04-006)
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action                            Date                      FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
Final Action                    09/00/06
Final Action Effective          10/00/06
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No
Small Entities Affected: Businesses, Governmental Jurisdictions
Government Levels Affected: Federal, Local, State, Tribal
Additional Information: This rule was initially assigned RIN
<greek-i>0584-AD49, and was withdrawn from the Fall 2004 Unified Agenda
and Plan on September 14, 2004.
URL For More Information:
www.fns.usda.gov/wic
Agency Contact: Sharon Ackerman, Agency Regulatory Officer, Department
of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, Room 918, 3101 Park Center
Drive, Alexandria, VA 22302
Phone: 703 305-2246
Fax: 703 605-0220
Email: sheri.ackerman@fns.usda.gov
RIN: 0584-AD73
_______________________________________________________________________
189. <bullet> FSP: UNAUTHORIZED REDEMPTION AND TRAFFICKING IN
PROGRAM BENEFITS
Priority: Other Significant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is
undetermined.
Legal Authority: 7 USC 2011 to 2036
CFR Citation: 7 CFR 278
Legal Deadline: None
Abstract: This interim final rulemaking is being developed in response
to reports of incidents in which an authorized retailer has redeemed a
Food Stamp Program participant's program benefits without the knowledge
of the participant. In addition, this rule serves to modify actions
that may be taken against some retailers found to be trafficking in
program benefits.
The Food Stamp Act, as amended, provides for the prosecution of any
unauthorized issuance, redemption, use, transfer, acquisition,
alteration or possession of coupons, ATP cards, or other program access
device by an individual, partnership, corporation, or other legal
entity to prosecution under sections 15(b) and (c) of the Food Stamp
Act or under any other applicable Federal, State, or local law,
regulation, or ordinance. Stealing benefits from a recipient by
redeeming program benefits without their knowledge would be an offense
that could be prosecuted under the current statute. However, program
regulations do not provide clear administrative penalties for such
thefts of Food Stamp Program benefits. In the absence of prosecution,
there are currently no administrative actions that may be taken against
such entities for stealing the program benefits of recipients. In
addition, it has been determined that this activity does not meet the
definition of trafficking as reflected in current Food Stamp Program
regulations.
This interim final rulemaking will add a simple amendment to current
regulations to provide for the establishment of an administrative
penalty for such violations of the Food Stamp Program equivalent to the
penalty for trafficking in program benefits. Authorized individuals,
partnerships, corporations, or other legal entities found to have
stolen benefits from program recipients without their knowledge or
complicity shall be disqualified from program participation
permanently. Any firm
[[Page 22342]]
charged with such a violation would be provided with the opportunity
for administrative and judicial review of the disqualification action
as provided for in current program regulations.
In addition, in response to ongoing investigations by the Office of
Inspector General of the USDA and the recommendations of the Department
of Justice, this interim final rulemaking puts in place a variation on
current trafficking sanctions. Current legislation and regulations
require immediate permanent disqualification for trafficking, subject
to appeal. However, regulations provide a 10-day waiting period during
which a firm may reply to the charges of trafficking as well as request
and provide justification for a trafficking civil money penalty in lieu
of permanent disqualification.
There have been documented cases in which a preponderance of evidence
indicates that there is a likelihood of continuous and flagrant
trafficking activity that would take place if certain firms were
permitted to continue in operational status during that 10-day period.
In response, this interim rule provides for immediate termination of
POS device operations for Food Stamp Program transactions in certain
cases. This immediate termination would take place at the direction of
the Office of Inspector General of the USDA and/or the Assistant United
States Attorney's Office serving the appropriate geographic locale. At
the direction of either or both of the aforementioned parties, the
Agency would take immediate action to terminate the redemption of Food
Stamp Program benefits by that firm if there is a finding of egregious
trafficking activity. The firm will receive all other due process
considerations currently provided in the program regulations; however,
it's ability to conduct Food Stamp Program business will be immediately
suspended. (06-001)
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action                            Date                      FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
Interim Final Rule              08/00/06
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined
Government Levels Affected: None
Agency Contact: Sharon Ackerman, Agency Regulatory Officer, Department
of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, Room 918, 3101 Park Center
Drive, Alexandria, VA 22302
Phone: 703 305-2246
Fax: 703 605-0220
Email: sheri.ackerman@fns.usda.gov
RIN: 0584-AD79
_______________________________________________________________________
190. <bullet> 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 established 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 made temporarily available for 1 year by
Public Law 106-554 in fiscal year 2001. Since that time, the provision
was extended with subsequent appropriation laws. Prior to fiscal year
2001, for-profit centers could only participate in the CACFP if they
received title XX funds (under the Social Security Act) for 25 percent
of the enrolled children or 25 percent of licensed capacity, whichever
was less. Thus, since December 2000, private for-profit child care
centers have been able to participate in the CACFP in two ways--either
due to 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
________________________________________________________________________
Interim Final Rule              07/27/05                    70 FR 43259
Interim Final Rule Effective    08/26/05
Interim Final Rule Comment
Period End                      09/26/05
Final Action                    04/00/06
Final Action Effective          05/00/06
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
Email: sheri.ackerman@fns.usda.gov
Related RIN: Duplicate of 0584-AD66
RIN: 0584-AD80
_______________________________________________________________________
Department of Agriculture (USDA)                      Completed Actions
Food and Nutrition Service (FNS)
_______________________________________________________________________
191. FSP: EBT AND RETAIL FOOD STORES PROVISIONS OF THE FARM SECURITY AND
RURAL INVESTMENT ACT OF 2002
Priority: Other Significant
CFR Citation: 7 CFR 274.12; 7 CFR 278; 7 CFR 279
Completed:
________________________________________________________________________
Reason                            Date                      FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
Final Action                    12/05/05                    70 FR 72351
Final Action Effective          01/04/06
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No
Small Entities Affected: No
Government Levels Affected: None
Agency Contact: Sharon Ackerman
Phone: 703 305-2246
Fax: 703 605-0220
Email: sheri.ackerman@fns.usda.gov
RIN: 0584-AD28
_______________________________________________________________________
192. SEVERE NEED ASSISTANCE IN THE SCHOOL BREAKFAST PROGRAM
Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant
CFR Citation: 7 CFR 220
Completed:
________________________________________________________________________
Reason                            Date                      FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
Interim Final Rule              11/02/05                    70 FR 66247
Interim Final Rule Effective    12/02/05
Interim Final Rule Comment
Period End                      05/01/06
[[Page 22343]]
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-AD50
_______________________________________________________________________
193. 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
CFR Citation: 7 CFR 226
Completed:
________________________________________________________________________
Reason                            Date                      FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
Interim Final Rule              01/03/06                        71 FR 1
Interim Final Rule Effective    02/02/06
Interim Final Rule Comment
Period End                      03/06/06
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-AD56
_______________________________________________________________________
194. NATIONAL SCHOOL LUNCH PROGRAM: MARKETING AND SALES OF FLUID MILK
PRODUCTS IN SCHOOLS
Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant
CFR Citation: 7 CFR 210
Completed:
________________________________________________________________________
Reason                            Date                      FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
Interim Final Rule              11/21/05                    70 FR 70031
Interim Final Rule Effective    12/21/05
Interim Final Rule Comment
Period End                      05/22/06
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-AD57
BILLING CODE 3410--30--S
_______________________________________________________________________
Department of Agriculture (USDA)                    Proposed Rule Stage
Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS)
_______________________________________________________________________
195. PERFORMANCE STANDARDS FOR PUMPED OR MASSAGED BACON
Priority: Other Significant
Legal Authority: 21 USC 601 et seq
CFR Citation: 9 CFR 424.22(b)
Legal Deadline: None
Abstract: FSIS is proposing to revise the regulatory provisions
concerning the production and testing of pumped or massaged bacon (9
CFR 424.22(b)). FSIS is proposing to remove provisions that prescribe
the substances and amounts of such substances that must be used to
produce pumped or massaged bacon. FSIS is proposing to replace these
provisions with an upper limit for nitrite and a performance standard
that establishments producing pumped or massaged bacon must meet. To
meet the proposed performance standard, the process used to produce
pumped or massaged bacon would be required to limit the presence of
nitrosamines when the product is cooked.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action                            Date                      FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
NPRM                            03/00/07
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No
Small Entities Affected: Businesses
Government Levels Affected: None
Agency Contact: Dr. Daniel L. Engeljohn, Deputy Assistant
Administrator, Office of Policy, Program, and Employee Development,
Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and Inspection Service, 1400
Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 205-0495
Fax: 202 401-1760
Email: daniel.engeljohn@fsis.usda.gov
RIN: 0583-AC49
_______________________________________________________________________
196. EGG PRODUCTS INSPECTION REGULATIONS
Priority: Economically Significant. Major under 5 USC 801.
Unfunded Mandates: Undetermined
Legal Authority: 21 USC 1031 to 1056
CFR Citation: 9 CFR 590.570; 9 CFR 590.575; 9 CFR 590.146; 9 CFR
590.10; 9 CFR 590.411; 9 CFR 590.502; 9 CFR 590.504; 9 CFR 590.580; 9
CFR 591; . . .
Legal Deadline: None
Abstract: The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is proposing to
require egg products plants and establishments that pasteurize shell
eggs to develop and implement Hazard Analysis and Critical Control
Points (HACCP) systems and Sanitation Standard Operating Procedures
(SOPs). FSIS also is proposing pathogen reduction performance standards
that would be applicable to egg products and pasteurized shell eggs.
Plants would be expected to develop HACCP systems that ensure products
meet the pathogen reduction performance standards. Finally, FSIS is
proposing to amend the Federal egg products inspection regulations by
removing current requirements for prior approval by FSIS of egg
products plant drawings, specifications, and equipment prior to their
use in official plants. The Agency also plans to eliminate the prior
label approval system for egg products. This proposal will not
encompass shell egg packers. In the near future, FSIS will initiate
non-regulatory outreach efforts for shell egg packers that will provide
information intended to help them to safely process shell eggs intended
for
[[Page 22344]]
human consumption or further processing.
The actions being proposed are part of FSIS' regulatory reform effort
to improve FSIS' egg products food safety regulations, better define
the roles of Government and the regulated industry, encourage
innovations that will improve food safety, remove unnecessary
regulatory burdens on inspected egg products plants, and make the egg
products regulations as consistent as possible with the Agency's meat
and poultry products regulations. FSIS is also taking these actions in
light of changing inspection priorities and recent findings of
Salmonella in pasteurized egg products.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action                            Date                      FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
NPRM                            12/00/06
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Small Entities Affected: Businesses, Governmental Jurisdictions
Government Levels Affected: Federal, State
Federalism:  Undetermined
Agency Contact: Victoria Levine, Program Analyst, Regulations and
Petitions Policy Staff, Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and
Inspection Service, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 720-5627
Fax: 202 690-0486
Email: victoria.levine@fsis.usda.gov
RIN: 0583-AC58
_______________________________________________________________________
197. PRIOR LABELING APPROVAL SYSTEM: GENERIC LABEL APPROVAL
Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant
Legal Authority: 21 USC 451 to 470; 21 USC 601 to 695
CFR Citation: 9 CFR 317; 9 CFR 327; 9 CFR 381; 9 CFR 412
Legal Deadline: None
Abstract: This rulemaking will continue an effort initiated several
years ago by amending FSIS'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 meat
and poultry products (in part 317, subpart B, and part 381, subpart Y,
respectively) and by amending their provisions to set out clearly
various circumstances under which these products are misbranded.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action                            Date                      FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
NPRM                            03/00/07
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
_______________________________________________________________________
198. PERFORMANCE STANDARD FOR CHILLING OF READY-TO-COOK POULTRY
Priority: Other Significant
Legal Authority: 21 USC 451 to 470
CFR Citation: 9 CFR 381.66
Legal Deadline: None
Abstract: FSIS is proposing a performance standard for the chilling of
ready-to-cook poultry products that is intended to ensure the control
of microorganisms on the products from a point after evisceration until
the products are frozen, further processed, or packaged for shipment
from the processing plant. The current specific time and temperature
requirements for chilling poultry carcasses of various weights would be
retained as alternative requirements that poultry processors could
choose to meet. FSIS is taking this action to provide poultry
processors with greater flexibility in achieving the purposes of the
poultry chilling requirements whilst complying with the Agency's Hazard
Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) and other regulations. This
proposal responds to petitions from industry trade associations.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action                            Date                      FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
NPRM                            03/00/07
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No
Small Entities Affected: Businesses
Government Levels Affected: None
Agency Contact: Dr. Daniel L. Engeljohn, Deputy Assistant
Administrator, Office of Policy, Program, and Employee Development,
Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and Inspection Service, 1400
Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 205-0495
Fax: 202 401-1760
Email: daniel.engeljohn@fsis.usda.gov
RIN: 0583-AC87
_______________________________________________________________________
199. ADDITION OF MEXICO TO THE LIST OF COUNTRIES ELIGIBLE FOR THE
IMPORTATION OF SLAUGHTERED (FRESH) POULTRY AND EGG PRODUCTS INTO THE
UNITED STATES
Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant
Legal Authority: Not Yet Determined
CFR Citation: 9 CFR 381
Legal Deadline: None
Abstract: FSIS is proposing to add Mexico to the list of countries from
which fresh slaughtered poultry and egg products may be imported into
the United States
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action                            Date                      FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
NPRM                            09/00/06
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, 1400 Independence Avenue 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
[[Page 22345]]
_______________________________________________________________________
200. FOOD DEFENSE PLANS
Priority: Other Significant
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                            12/00/06
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, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington,
DC 20250
Phone: 202 720-2490
Fax: 202 205-0080
Email: bobby.palesano@fsis.usda.gov
RIN: 0583-AD06
_______________________________________________________________________
201. AVAILABILITY OF LISTS OF RETAIL CONSIGNEES DURING MEAT OR POULTRY
PRODUCT RECALLS
Priority: Other Significant
Legal Authority: 5 USC 301, 552
CFR Citation: 9 CFR 390
Legal Deadline: None
Abstract: The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is proposing to
amend the federal meat and poultry products inspection regulations to
provide that the Agency will make available to the public lists of the
retail consignees of meat and poultry products that have been
voluntarily recalled by a federally inspected meat or poultry products
establishment. FSIS 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.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action                            Date                      FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
NPRM                            03/07/06                    71 FR 11326
NPRM Comment Period End         05/08/06
Final Action                    05/00/07
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No
Small Entities Affected: No
Government Levels Affected: Undetermined
Agency Contact: Mr. Philip Derfler, Assistant Administrator, Office of
Policy, Program, and Employee Development, Department of Agriculture,
Food Safety and Inspection Service, Room 350, Jamie L. Whitten
Building, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-3700
Phone: 202 720-2709
Fax: 202 720-2025
Email: philip.derfler@fsis.usda.gov
RIN: 0583-AD10
_______________________________________________________________________
202. ELECTRONIC SIGNATURES
Priority: Economically Significant. Major under 5 USC 801.
Legal Authority: Federal Meat Inspection Act (FMIA) (21 USC 601 et
seq); Poultry Product Inspection Act (PPIA) (21 USC 451 et seq); Egg
Products Inspection Act (EPIA) (21 USC 1031 et seq); Government
Paperwork Elimination Act of 1998 (PL 105-277, title XVII)
CFR Citation: Not Yet Determined
Legal Deadline: None
Abstract: The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is proposing to
accept electronic signatures as equal to handwritten signatures so long
as the electronic report-generating and recordkeeping system uses
procedures and controls designed to ensure authenticity, integrity, and
where necessary, confidentiality. Such systems must also ensure that
signatures are linked to records; that signatures cannot be excised,
copied, transferred, or otherwise falsified; and that the signer cannot
repudiate signed records as not genuine.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action                            Date                      FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
NPRM                            03/00/07
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No
Small Entities Affected: No
Government Levels Affected: None
Agency Contact: Wanda Haxton, Program Analyst, Regulations and
Petitions Policy Staff, Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and
Inspection Service, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 205-0299
Fax: (202)6900486
Email: wanda.haxton@fsis.usda.gov
RIN: 0583-AD14
_______________________________________________________________________
203. DEFINITIONS AND PROCEDURES FOR DETERMINING THE NET WEIGHT
COMPLIANCE OF MEAT AND POULTRY PRODUCTS
Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant
Legal Authority: 21 USC 601 et seq;; 21 USC 451 et seq
CFR Citation: 9 CFR 317; 9 CFR 381; 9 CFR 442
Legal Deadline: None
Abstract: The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is proposing to
amend the Federal meat and poultry products inspection regulations in
order that they reference the revised version of the National Institute
of Standards and Technology (NIST) Handbook 133 that contains standards
for determining the reasonable variations allowed for the declared net
weight on labels of immediate containers of meat and poultry products;
the procedures to be used to determine the net weight and net weight
compliance of meat and poultry products; and related definitions. The
Agency also is proposing to consolidate the separate net weight
regulations for meat and poultry products in a new CFR part, applicable
to both meat and poultry products.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action                            Date                      FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
NPRM                            03/28/06                    71 FR 15340
NPRM Comment Period End         05/30/06
Final Action                    02/00/07
[[Page 22346]]
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No
Small Entities Affected: No
Government Levels Affected: None
Agency Contact: Robert Post Ph.D., Director, Labeling and Consumer
Protection Staff, Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and Inspection
Service, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 205-0279
Email: robert.post@fsis.usda.gov
RIN: 0583-AD17
_______________________________________________________________________
Department of Agriculture (USDA)                       Final Rule Stage
Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS)
_______________________________________________________________________
204. PERFORMANCE STANDARDS FOR THE PRODUCTION OF PROCESSED MEAT AND
POULTRY PRODUCTS
Priority: Economically Significant. Major under 5 USC 801.
Legal Authority: 21 USC 451 et seq; 21 USC 601 et seq
CFR Citation: 9 CFR 301; 9 CFR 303; 9 CFR 317; 9 CFR 318; 9 CFR 319; 9
CFR 320; 9 CFR 325; 9 CFR 331; 9 CFR 381; 9 CFR 417; 9 CFR 430; 9 CFR
431
Legal Deadline: None
Abstract: FSIS has proposed to establish pathogen reduction performance
standards for all ready-to-eat (RTE) and partially heat-treated meat
and poultry products. The performance standards spell out the objective
level of pathogen reduction that establishments must meet during their
operations in order to produce safe products but allow the use of
customized, plant-specific processing procedures other than those
prescribed in the earlier regulations. With HACCP, food safety
performance standards give establishments the incentive and flexibility
to adopt innovative, science-based food safety processing procedures
and controls, while providing objective, measurable standards that can
be verified by Agency inspectional oversight. This set of performance
standards will include and be consistent with standards already in
place for certain ready-to-eat meat and poultry products.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action                            Date                      FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
NPRM                            02/27/01                    66 FR 12590
NPRM Comment Period End         05/29/01
NPRM Comment Period Extended    07/03/01                    66 FR 35112
NPRM Comment Period End         09/10/01
Interim Final Rule              06/06/03                    68 FR 34208
Interim Final Rule Effective    10/06/03
Interim Final Rule Comment
Period End                      01/31/05
NPRM Comment Period Reopened    03/24/05                    70 FR 15017
NPRM Comment Period End         05/09/05
Final Action                    12/00/06
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Small Entities Affected: Businesses
Government Levels Affected: Undetermined
Agency Contact: Dr. Daniel L. Engeljohn, Deputy Assistant
Administrator, Office of Policy, Program, and Employee Development,
Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and Inspection Service, 1400
Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 205-0495
Fax: 202 401-1760
Email: daniel.engeljohn@fsis.usda.gov
RIN: 0583-AC46
_______________________________________________________________________
205. NUTRITION LABELING OF SINGLE-INGREDIENT PRODUCTS AND GROUND OR
CHOPPED MEAT AND POULTRY PRODUCTS
Priority: Economically Significant. Major under 5 USC 801.
Legal Authority: 21 USC 601 et seq; 21 USC 451 et seq
CFR Citation: 9 CFR 317; 9 CFR 381
Legal Deadline: None
Abstract: FSIS has proposed to amend the Federal meat and poultry
products inspection regulations to require nutrition labeling for the
major cuts of single-ingredient, raw meat and poultry products, either
on their label or at their point-of-purchase, unless an exemption
applies. FSIS also proposed to require nutrition information on the
label of ground or chopped meat and poultry products, unless an
exemption applies. The requirements for ground or chopped products will
be consistent with those for multi-ingredient products.
FSIS also proposed to amend the nutrition labeling regulations to
provide that when a ground or chopped product does not meet the
regulatory criteria to be labeled ``low fat,'' a lean percentage claim
may be included on the label or in labeling, as long as a statement of
the fat percentage also is displayed on the label or in labeling.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action                            Date                      FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
NPRM                            01/18/01                     66 FR 4970
NPRM Comment Period End         04/18/01
Extension of Comment Period     04/20/01                    66 FR 20213
NPRM Comment Period End         07/17/01
Final Action                    09/00/06
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No
Small Entities Affected: Businesses
Government Levels Affected: None
Agency Contact: Robert Post Ph.D., Director, Labeling and Consumer
Protection Staff, Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and Inspection
Service, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 205-0279
Email: robert.post@fsis.usda.gov
RIN: 0583-AC60
_______________________________________________________________________
206. FOOD STANDARDS; GENERAL PRINCIPLES AND FOOD STANDARDS MODERNIZATION
Priority: Other Significant
Legal Authority: 21 USC 601 et seq; 21 USC 451 et seq; 21 USC 321 et
seq
CFR Citation: 9 CFR 410; 21 CFR 130
Legal Deadline: None
Abstract: The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) and the Food
and Drug Administration (FDA) have proposed to establish a set of
general
[[Page 22347]]
principles for food standards. The adherence to these principles will
result in standards that will better promote honesty and fair dealing
in the interest of consumers, protect the public, allow for
technological advances in food production, be consistent with
international food standards, and be clear, simple, and easy to use for
both manufacturers and the agencies that enforce compliance with the
standards. The proposed general principles will establish the criteria
that the agencies will use in considering whether a petition to
establish, revise, or eliminate a food standard will be the basis for a
proposed rule.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action                            Date                      FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
NPRM                            05/20/05                    70 FR 29214
NPRM Comment Period End         08/18/05
Final Action                    03/00/07
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No
Small Entities Affected: Businesses
Government Levels Affected: None
Agency Contact: Robert Post Ph.D., Director, Labeling and Consumer
Protection Staff, Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and Inspection
Service, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 205-0279
Email: robert.post@fsis.usda.gov
RIN: 0583-AC72
_______________________________________________________________________
207. 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 will allow, on a voluntary basis, the on-line
antimicrobial reprocessing of pre-chill poultry that are accidently
contaminated with digestive tract contents during slaughter. Generic E.
coli will be the indicator organism. 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.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action                            Date                      FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
NPRM                            12/01/00                    65 FR 75187
NPRM Comment Period End         04/02/01
Final Action                    03/00/07
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No
Small Entities Affected: No
Government Levels Affected: None
Agency Contact: Dr. Daniel L. Engeljohn, Deputy Assistant
Administrator, Office of Policy, Program, and Employee Development,
Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and Inspection Service, 1400
Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 205-0495
Fax: 202 401-1760
Email: daniel.engeljohn@fsis.usda.gov
RIN: 0583-AC73
_______________________________________________________________________
208. PETITIONS FOR RULEMAKING
Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant
Legal Authority: 5 USC 553
CFR Citation: 9 CFR 392
Legal Deadline: None
Abstract: FSIS is proposing to amend its regulations to add a new part
that prescribes procedures for the submission, consideration, and
disposition of petitions for rulemaking. The proposal also describes
the Agency's expectations for the type of documentation that should be
submitted in support of a petition and that will facilitate regulatory
development. FSIS is proposing this action to provide clear guidance to
those who would like to participate in the rulemaking process by
petitioning FSIS to issue, amend, or repeal a rule administered by the
Agency.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action                            Date                      FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
NPRM                            01/12/06                     71 FR 1988
NPRM Comment Period End         03/13/06
Final Action                    03/00/07
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No
Small Entities Affected: No
Government Levels Affected: None
Agency Contact: Dr. Daniel L. Engeljohn, Deputy Assistant
Administrator, Office of Policy, Program, and Employee Development,
Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and Inspection Service, 1400
Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 205-0495
Fax: 202 401-1760
Email: daniel.engeljohn@fsis.usda.gov
RIN: 0583-AC81
_______________________________________________________________________
209. CLASSES OF POULTRY UPDATING POULTRY CLASS STANDARDS
Priority: Other Significant
Legal Authority: 21 USC 451
CFR Citation: 9 CFR 381.170(a)
Legal Deadline: None
Abstract: FSIS will amend the official U.S. classes of poultry so that
they more accurately and clearly describe the characteristics of
poultry in the market today. Poultry classes are defined primarily in
terms of age and sex of the bird. Genetic improvements and new poultry
management techniques have reduced the grow-out period for some poultry
classes while extensive cross breeding has produced poultry with higher
meat yields but blurred breed distinctions. This action is being taken
to ensure that poultry products are labeled in a truthful and non-
misleading manner. The rule will update existing regulations to reflect
current poultry characteristics and production practices. Therefore,
the impact on the poultry industry is expected to be minimal.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action                            Date                      FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
NPRM                            09/29/03                    68 FR 55902
NPRM Comment Period End         02/09/04
Final Action                    12/00/06
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
[[Page 22348]]
_______________________________________________________________________
210. PROHIBITION OF THE USE OF SPECIFIED RISK MATERIALS FOR HUMAN FOOD
AND REQUIREMENTS FOR THE DISPOSITION OF NON-AMBULATORY DISABLED CATTLE
Priority: Economically Significant. Major under 5 USC 801.
Legal Authority: 21 USC 601 et seq
CFR Citation: Not Yet Determined
Legal Deadline: None
Abstract: On January 12, 2004, the Food Safety and Inspection Service
(FSIS) issued an interim final rule to amend the Federal meat
inspection regulations to designate the brain, skull, eyes, trigeminal
ganglia, spinal cord, vertebral column (excluding the vertebrae of the
tail, the transverse processes of the thoracic and lumbar vertebrae,
and the wings of the sacrum), and dorsal root ganglia (DRG) of cattle
30 months of age and older, and the tonsils and distal ileum of the
small intestine of all cattle, as ``specified risk materials'' (SRMs).
The Agency declared that SRMs are inedible and prohibited their use for
human food. In addition, as a result of the interim final rule, FSIS
now requires that all non-ambulatory disabled cattle presented for
slaughter be condemned. The Agency also requires that federally
inspected establishments that slaughter cattle and federally inspected
establishments that process the carcasses or parts of cattle develop,
implement, and maintain written procedures for the removal,
segregation, and disposition of SRMs. Establishments must incorporate
these procedures into their HACCP plans or in their Sanitation SOPs or
other prerequisite program. FSIS took this action in response to the
diagnosis on December 23, 2003, by the U.S. Department of Agriculture
of a positive case of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) in an
adult Holstein cow in the State of Washington. This action is intended
to minimize human exposure to materials that scientific studies have
demonstrated as containing the BSE agent in cattle infected with the
disease. Infectivity has never been demonstrated in the muscle tissue
of cattle experimentally or naturally infected with BSE at any stage of
the disease.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action                            Date                      FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
Interim Final Rule              01/12/04                     69 FR 1862
Interim Final Rule Comment
Period End                      05/07/04
Interim Final Rule Amendment    07/07/05                    70 FR 53043
Interim Final Rule Amendment
Comment Period End              10/07/05
Final Action                    09/00/06
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Small Entities Affected: Businesses
Government Levels Affected: Undetermined
Agency Contact: Dr. Daniel L. Engeljohn, Deputy Assistant
Administrator, Office of Policy, Program, and Employee Development,
Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and Inspection Service, 1400
Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 205-0495
Fax: 202 401-1760
Email: daniel.engeljohn@fsis.usda.gov
RIN: 0583-AC88
_______________________________________________________________________
211. MEAT PRODUCED BY ADVANCED MEAT/BONE SEPARATION MACHINERY AND MEAT
RECOVERY SYSTEMS
Priority: Other Significant
Legal Authority: 21 USC 601 to 695
CFR Citation: 9 CFR 301.2; 9 CFR 318.24 (Revision); 9 CFR 320.1
Legal Deadline: None
Abstract: On January 12, 2004, the Food Safety and Inspection Service
(FSIS) issued an interim final rule to amend the Federal meat
inspection regulations. The rule is designed, in part, to prevent human
exposure to the Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE) agent by
ensuring that Advanced Meat/Bone Separation Machinery and Meat Recovery
(AMR) systems are not a means of introducing central nervous system
(CNS)-type tissue into product labeled as ``meat.'' Meat may be derived
by mechanically separating skeletal muscle tissue from the bones of
livestock, other than skulls or vertebral column bones of cattle 30
months of age and older, using advances in mechanical meat/bone
separation machinery; i.e., AMR systems. The recovered meat product may
not incorporate any brain, trigeminal ganglia, spinal cord, or dorsal
root ganglia tissues. In addition, there must be no more than a non-
significant incorporation of bone solids or bone marrow as measured by
the presence of calcium and iron in excess of the requirements in the
interim final rule. This rule also requires that federally inspected
establishments that process cattle develop, implement, and maintain
written procedures for the removal, segregation, and disposition of
specified risk materials (SRMs), including non-complying products from
beef AMR systems. These procedures are required to be incorporated into
an establishment's HACCP plan, Sanitation Standard Operation
Procedures, or other prerequisite program. FSIS took this action in
response to the diagnosis on December 23, 2003, by the Department of
Agriculture of a positive case of BSE in an adult Holstein cow in the
State of Washington.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action                            Date                      FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
Interim Final Rule              01/12/04                     69 FR 1874
Interim Final Rule Comment
Period End                      05/07/04
Final Action                    12/00/06
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No
Small Entities Affected: No
Government Levels Affected: None
Agency Contact: Dr. Daniel L. Engeljohn, Deputy Assistant
Administrator, Office of Policy, Program, and Employee Development,
Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and Inspection Service, 1400
Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 205-0495
Fax: 202 401-1760
Email: daniel.engeljohn@fsis.usda.gov
Related RIN: Duplicate of 0583-AC51
RIN: 0583-AD00
_______________________________________________________________________
212. 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 22349]]
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                    09/00/06
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, 1400
Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 205-0495
Fax: 202 401-1760
Email: daniel.engeljohn@fsis.usda.gov
RIN: 0583-AD03
_______________________________________________________________________
213. 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 will 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 will
delete the current requirement that supervisory visits take place ``not
less frequent[ly] than one such visit per month.'' In its place, FSIS
will 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.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action                            Date                      FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
NPRM                            08/18/04                    69 FR 51194
NPRM Comment Period End         10/18/04
Final Action                    09/00/06
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, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 720-6400
Fax: 202 720-7990
Email: sally.white@fsis.usda.gov
RIN: 0583-AD08
_______________________________________________________________________
214. ACCREDITED LABORATORY PROGRAM
Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant
Legal Authority: 21 USC 601 et seq; 21 USC 451 et seq
CFR Citation: 9 CFR 318, 381, and 439
Legal Deadline: None
Abstract: The 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 a 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                            01/17/06                     71 FR 2483
NPRM Comment Period End         03/20/06
Final Action                    02/00/07
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No
Small Entities Affected: Businesses, Governmental Jurisdictions
Government Levels Affected: None
Agency Contact: Lynn E. Dickey Ph.D, 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
_______________________________________________________________________
215. ALLOWING BAR-TYPE CUT TURKEY OPERATIONS TO USE J-TYPE CUT MAXIMUM
LINE SPEEDS
Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant
Legal Authority: 21 USC 451 et seq
CFR Citation: 9 CFR 381.68
Legal Deadline: None
Abstract: FSIS has posted to amend the Federal poultry products
inspection regulations to provide that turkey slaughter establishments
that open turkey carcasses with Bar-type cuts may operate at the
maximum line speeds established for J-type cuts, if the establishment
uses the specific type of shackle described in this proposed rule.
Under this proposed rule, as under current regulations, the inspector
in charge will reduce line speeds when, in his or her judgment, the
prescribed inspection procedure cannot be adequately performed within
the time available because of the health conditions of a particular
flock or because of other factors. Such factors include the manner in
which birds are being presented to the inspector for inspection and the
level of contamination among the birds on the line.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action                            Date                      FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
NPRM                            09/09/05                    70 FR 53582
NPRM Comment Period End         12/08/05
Final Action                    03/00/07
[[Page 22350]]
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No
Small Entities Affected: No
Government Levels Affected: None
Agency Contact: Shaukat Syed, Director, New Technology Staff,
Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and Inspection Service, 1400
Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 205-0675
Email: shaukat.syed@fsis.usda.gov
RIN: 0583-AD18
_______________________________________________________________________
216. <bullet> ADDITION OF THE PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF CHINA TO
THE LIST OF COUNTRIES ELIGIBLE TO EXPORT PROCESSED POULTRY AND POULTRY
PRODUCTS TO THE UNITED STATES
Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant
Legal Authority: 7 USC 138f, 450;; 7 USC 451 to 470,
CFR Citation: 7 CFR 2.18, 2.53; 9 CFR 381
Legal Deadline: None
Abstract: The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is proposing to
add the People's Republic of China to the list of countries eligible to
export processed poultry and poultry products to the United States.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action                            Date                      FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
NPRM                            11/23/05                    70 FR 70746
NPRM Comment Period End         01/23/06
Final Action                    03/00/07
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No
Small Entities Affected: No
Government Levels Affected: Federal
Agency Contact: Sally White, Director, International Equivalence Staff,
Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and Inspection Service, Room
2137, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 720-6400
Fax: 202 720-7990
Email: sally.white@fsis.usda.gov
RIN: 0583-AD20
_______________________________________________________________________
Department of Agriculture (USDA)                      Completed Actions
Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS)
_______________________________________________________________________
217. INCREASES IN FEES FOR MEAT, POULTRY, AND EGG PRODUCTS INSPECTION
SERVICES--FISCAL YEARS 2006 TO 2008
Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant
CFR Citation: 9 CFR 391.2 Base Time Rate; 9 CFR 391.3 Ove; 9 CFR391.5
Laboratory accreditation fee; 9 ; 9 CFR 590.128 Holiday inspection
service; ; 9 CFR 592.520 Overtime rate; 9 CFR 592.530 Ho
Completed:
________________________________________________________________________
Reason                            Date                      FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
Final Action                    01/13/06                     71 FR 2135
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No
Small Entities Affected: No
Government Levels Affected: None
Agency Contact: Deborah Patrick
Phone: 202 720-3368
Fax: 202)690-4155
Email: deborah.patrick@fsis.usda.gov
RIN: 0583-AD12
_______________________________________________________________________
218. ADDITION OF CHILE TO THE LIST OF COUNTRIES ELIGIBLE TO EXPORT MEAT
AND MEAT PRODUCTS TO THE UNITED STATES
Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant
CFR Citation: 9 CFR 327
Completed:
________________________________________________________________________
Reason                            Date                      FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
Final Action                    11/21/05                    70 FR 70033
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No
Small Entities Affected: No
Government Levels Affected: None
Agency Contact: Jeffrey L. Brown
Phone: 202 720-2096
Fax: 202 690-0486
Email: jeffrey.brown@fsis.usda.gov
RIN: 0583-AD16
_______________________________________________________________________
219. <bullet> FOOD LABELING; NUTRIENT CONTENT CLAIMS,
DEFINITION OF THE TERM ``HEALTHY''
Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant
Legal Authority: 21 USC 601 et seq; 21 USC 451 et seq
CFR Citation: 9 CFR 317; 9 CFR 381
Legal Deadline: None
Abstract: The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has deferred
extending indefinitely, until further notice, implementation of the
requirements that individual meat and poultry products and that meal-
type products bearing the claim products bearing the claim ``healthy''
(or any derivative of the term ``health'') contain no more than 480 mg
of sodium.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action                            Date                      FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
Interim Final Rule              01/11/06                     71 FR 1683
Interim Final Rule Comment
Period End                      02/10/06
Interim Final Rule Effective    01/11/06
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-AD19
_______________________________________________________________________
220. <bullet> ANTE-MORTEM INSPECTION OF HORSES
Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant
Legal Authority: 21 USC 601 7 USC 1622
CFR Citation: None
Legal Deadline: None
Abstract: The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is amending
[[Page 22351]]
the Federal meat inspection regulations to provide for a voluntary fee-
for-service program under which official establishments that slaughter
horses will be able to apply for and pay for ante-mortem inspection.
The fiscal year (FY) 2006 Appropriations Act prohibits the use of
appropriated funds to pay the salaries or expenses of FSIS personnel to
conduct ante-mortem inspection of horses. The Joint Explanatory
Statement of the Committee of Conference on the FY 2006 appropriations
bill for Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration,
and Related Agencies, however, provides that the Department of
Agriculture is obliged to provide for inspection of meat for human
consumption. FSIS is establishing this fee-for-service program under
the Agricultural Marketing Act. Post-mortem inspection and other
inspection activities authorized by the Federal Meat Inspection Act at
official establishments that slaughter horses would continue to be paid
for with appropriated funds, except for overtime or holiday inspection
services.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action                            Date                      FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
Interim Final Rule              02/08/06                     71 FR 6337
Interim Final Rule Comment
Period End                      03/10/06
Interim Final Rule Effective    03/10/06
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No
Small Entities Affected: No
Government Levels Affected: None
Agency Contact: Lynn E. Dickey Ph.D, 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-AD21
BILLING CODE 3410--DM--S
_______________________________________________________________________
Department of Agriculture (USDA)                    Proposed Rule Stage
Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS)
_______________________________________________________________________
221. 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                            04/00/06
NPRM Comment Period End         06/00/06
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No
Small Entities Affected: No
Government Levels Affected: None
URL For More Information:
www.fas.usda.gov
Agency Contact: Kimberly Chisley, Regulatory Coordinator, Department of
Agriculture, Foreign Agricultural Service, 1400 Independence Avenue SW,
Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 720-2568
Fax: 202 720-3814
Email: chisleyk@fas.usda.gov
RIN: 0551-AA68
_______________________________________________________________________
Department of Agriculture (USDA)                       Final Rule Stage
Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS)
_______________________________________________________________________
222. NEW PROVISIONS AND REVISIONS TO SUGAR REEXPORT PROGRAMS UNDER 7 CFR
1530
Priority: Other Significant
Legal Authority: 19 USC 1202; 19 USC 3314
CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1530
Legal Deadline: None
Abstract: This regulation governs the importation of world price sugar
and its subsequent use as a refined 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                            01/21/05                     70 FR 3150
NPRM Comment Period End         03/22/05
Final Action                    07/00/06
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No
Small Entities Affected: No
Government Levels Affected: None
Agency Contact: Kimberly Chisley, Regulatory Coordinator, Department of
Agriculture, Foreign Agricultural
[[Page 22352]]
Service, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 720-2568
Fax: 202 720-3814
Email: chisleyk@fas.usda.gov
RIN: 0551-AA65
BILLING CODE 3410--10--S
_______________________________________________________________________
Department of Agriculture (USDA)                    Proposed Rule Stage
Forest Service (FS)
_______________________________________________________________________
223. INDIAN ALLOTMENTS ON NATIONAL FOREST SYSTEM LANDS
Priority: Other Significant
Legal Authority: 16 USC 472; 16 USC 551; 16 USC 1603; 43 USC 1740; 25
USC 337
CFR Citation: 36 CFR 254
Legal Deadline: None
Abstract: This proposed rule sets forth the Forest Service role and
procedures in the conveyance of Indian allotments on National Forest
System (NFS) lands. The Indian Allotment Act of 1910, as amended,
authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to make allotments of NFS
lands to American Indians for homesteading and agricultural and grazing
purposes, but only after a determination by the Secretary of
Agriculture that the lands are more valuable for agriculture or grazing
than for timber. The Forest Service has relied upon U.S. Department of
the Interior rules and procedures at 43 CFR part 2533 to govern its
involvement in Indian allotment cases. Litigation and a decision by the
Interior Board of Land Appeals require the Forest Service to set forth
its own regulations. This proposed rule clarifies the role of the
Forest Service in the allotment process. It preserves the rights of
affected individual American Indians who wish to apply for allotments
on NFS lands. An earlier version of this proposed rule was published in
the Federal Register on June 22, 1987 (52 FR 23473). Very few comments
were received on the 1987 proposed rule, and this revision of the
proposed rule makes only limited changes needed to update the rule due
to the passage of 18 years since publication of the first version of
the proposed rule. Because of the amount of time that has elapsed since
the earlier version of the proposed rule was published, the Agency
believes that it is in the public interest to publish a revised
proposed rule and request comment prior to adopting a final rule.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action                            Date                      FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
NPRM                            06/22/87                    52 FR 23473
NPRM Comment Period End         07/22/87
Second NPRM                     06/00/06
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No
Government Levels Affected: None
Agency Contact: Andria D. Weeks, Regulatory Analyst, Department of
Agriculture, Forest Service, ATTN: ORMS, D&R Branch, 1400 Independence
Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0003
Phone: 202 205-3610
Fax: 202 260-6539
Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us
RIN: 0596-AA52
_______________________________________________________________________
224. SPECIES SURPLUS TO DOMESTIC MANUFACTURING NEEDS
Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant
Legal Authority: 16 USC 620 et seq.
CFR Citation: 36 CFR 223.200
Legal Deadline: None
Abstract: This proposed rule would amend 36 CFR 223.200 to list species
proposed to be surplus to domestic manufacturing needs. This proposed
rule would implement a portion of section 620a(b) of the Forest
Resources Conservation and Shortage Relief Act of 1990 (16 USC 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                            12/00/06
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No
Government Levels Affected: Federal
Agency Contact: Andria D. Weeks, Regulatory Analyst, Department of
Agriculture, Forest Service, ATTN: ORMS, D&R Branch, 1400 Independence
Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0003
Phone: 202 205-3610
Fax: 202 260-6539
Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us
RIN: 0596-AB27
_______________________________________________________________________
225. APPEAL OF DECISIONS RELATING TO OCCUPANCY AND USE OF NATIONAL
FOREST SYSTEM LANDS
Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant
Legal Authority: 16 USC 472; 16 USC 551
CFR Citation: 36 CFR 212; 36 CFR 214; 36 CFR 215; 36 CFR 228; 26 CFR
241; 36 CFR 251; 36 CFR 254; 36 CFR 292
Legal Deadline: None
Abstract: The Forest Service is publishing a proposed rule to revise
the process by which certain parties can appeal decisions relating to
authorizations for use and occupancy of National Forest System lands
and resources. This proposed rule would create a new part 214 to
replace regulations at 36 CFR part 251, subpart C. The Forest Service
has a continuing commitment to review its regulations periodically, to
identify specific problems in administering them, and to determine
whether they meet agency and public needs. Experience with the
procedures at 36 CFR part 251, subpart C, has shown that certain
provisions in the rule consistently raise questions.
[[Page 22353]]
Thus, the agency has identified a need to amend the procedures at 36
CFR part 251, subpart C, to correct and clarify aspects of the part 251
appeals process and its relationship to the amended appeal rule at 36
CFR part 215. Among specific changes being proposed are acknowledgement
that this is the appropriate part for appeal of decisions related to
locatable mining operations; making terminology consistent with part
215; establishing time frames for intervening, scheduling oral
presentations or requesting stays; clarifying that decisions to deny
permits for noncommercial group use are not subject to appeal, but
rather are immediately subject to judicial review; and making
conforming technical revisions to 36 CFR parts 212, 215, 228, 241, 251,
254, and 292.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action                            Date                      FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
NPRM                            04/00/06
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No
Government Levels Affected: None
Agency Contact: Andria D. Weeks, Regulatory Analyst, Department of
Agriculture, Forest Service, ATTN: ORMS, D&R Branch, 1400 Independence
Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0003
Phone: 202 205-3610
Fax: 202 260-6539
Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us
RIN: 0596-AB45
_______________________________________________________________________
226. 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                     04/00/06
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No
Small Entities Affected: No
Government Levels Affected: None
Agency Contact: Andria D. Weeks, Regulatory Analyst, Department of
Agriculture, Forest Service, ATTN: ORMS, D&R Branch, 1400 Independence
Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0003
Phone: 202 205-3610
Fax: 202 260-6539
Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us
RIN: 0596-AB61
_______________________________________________________________________
227. NONCOMPETITIVE SALE OF TIMBER; TIMBER SUBSTITUTION
Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant
Legal Authority: 16 USC 472(a)
CFR Citation: 36 CFR 223.85
Legal Deadline: None
Abstract: This proposed rule would revise 36 CFR 223.85 by changing the
reference to 16 USC 472(d) to 16 USC 472a(d). This proposed rule would
revise the existing regulations regarding noncompetitive sale of timber
based on the Secretary of Agriculture's determination that
``extraordinary conditions'' exist to apply to sales agency wide. This
proposed rule would add paragraph (c), which further defines
extraordinary conditions to allow forest officers, without
advertisement, to make modifications to awarded timber and forest
product sales, which result in the substitution of timber or forest
products from outside the sale area specified in the contract. This
would be applied to situations where replacement timber from outside
the sale area could be substituted for timber lost as a result of
litigation or catastrophic events. Substitute timber or forest products
must be from the same national forest, and meet agency requirements for
compliance with the National Environmental Protection Act, the National
Forest Management Act, and notice, comment, and appeal procedures at 36
CFR part 215. This proposed rule would authorize the Forest Service to
propose timber sale modifications and to enter into discussions with
purchasers on such modifications. But, timber purchasers would not be
obligated to accept any proposed modifications.
To the extent that timber sale cancellations and partial cancellations
are avoided, the effect of this proposed rule would be to reduce future
damage claims on timber sales.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action                            Date                      FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
NPRM                            04/00/06
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No
Government Levels Affected: None
Agency Contact: Andria D. Weeks, Regulatory Analyst, Department of
Agriculture, Forest Service, ATTN: ORMS, D&R Branch, 1400 Independence
Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0003
Phone: 202 205-3610
Fax: 202 260-6539
Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us
RIN: 0596-AB70
_______________________________________________________________________
228. 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
[[Page 22354]]
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                            12/00/06
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No
Small Entities Affected: Businesses
Government Levels Affected: Federal
Agency Contact: Andria D. Weeks, Regulatory Analyst, Department of
Agriculture, Forest Service, ATTN: ORMS, D&R Branch, 1400 Independence
Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0003
Phone: 202 205-3610
Fax: 202 260-6539
Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us
RIN: 0596-AB75
_______________________________________________________________________
229. LOCATABLE MINERALS
Priority: Other Significant
Legal Authority: 30 USC 21 to 54; 30 USC 612
CFR Citation: 36 CFR 228, subpart A
Legal Deadline: None
Abstract: This revision follows recommended changes developed by the
Government Accountability Office and Office of Inspector General audits
and recommendations in the National Research Council's 1999 report
titled ``Hard rock Mining on Federal Lands.'' The proposed rule would
improve the administration of the locatable minerals program. The
proposed rule's objectives are to improve the process for modifying,
suspending, and terminating plans of operation; improve the process of
reviewing and adjusting reclamation bonds to cover the full cost of
reclamation; improve the process of managing temporary closures; define
proper occupancy and use; and improve noncompliance and enforcement
actions. This proposed rule revision will increase the efficiency of
locatable minerals administration and protect the public from funding
mine reclamation.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action                            Date                      FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
NPRM                            12/00/06
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No
Small Entities Affected: No
Government Levels Affected: None
Agency Contact: Andria D. Weeks, Regulatory Analyst, Department of
Agriculture, Forest Service, ATTN: ORMS, D&R Branch, 1400 Independence
Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0003
Phone: 202 205-3610
Fax: 202 260-6539
Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us
RIN: 0596-AB98
_______________________________________________________________________
230. 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              04/00/06
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No
Small Entities Affected: No
Government Levels Affected: None
Agency Contact: Andria D. Weeks, Regulatory Analyst, Department of
Agriculture, Forest Service, ATTN: ORMS, D&R Branch, 1400 Independence
Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0003
Phone: 202 205-3610
Fax: 202 260-6539
Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us
RIN: 0596-AC22
_______________________________________________________________________
231. 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
[[Page 22355]]
revenues. The proposed fee system would establish a fee based on the
number of people involved in the event. This modification in the fee
system would result in fees similar to the Bureau of Land Management
for this type of use. Additionally, the modification would reduce the
administrative workload, for both holders and the Government,
associated with the auditing of records for permits that generate less
than $100,000 in revenue.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action                            Date                      FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
Proposed Directive              02/00/07
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No
Small Entities Affected: No
Government Levels Affected: None
Agency Contact: Andria D. Weeks, Regulatory Analyst, Department of
Agriculture, Forest Service, ATTN: ORMS, D&R Branch, 1400 Independence
Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0003
Phone: 202 205-3610
Fax: 202 260-6539
Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us
RIN: 0596-AC24
_______________________________________________________________________
232. 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 rate concession fee for minor uses; 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             10/00/06
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No
Small Entities Affected: No
Government Levels Affected: None
Agency Contact: Andria D. Weeks, Regulatory Analyst, Department of
Agriculture, Forest Service, ATTN: ORMS, D&R Branch, 1400 Independence
Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0003
Phone: 202 205-3610
Fax: 202 260-6539
Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us
RIN: 0596-AC25
_______________________________________________________________________
233. SECRETARY DETERMINATION THAT DOMESTIC SPECIES OF UNPROCESSED TIMBER
ARE SURPLUS TO DOMESTIC NEEDS WITHIN THE 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 USC 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                            11/00/06
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No
Small Entities Affected: No
Government Levels Affected: None
Agency Contact: Andria D. Weeks, Regulatory Analyst, Department of
Agriculture, Forest Service, ATTN: ORMS, D&R Branch, 1400 Independence
Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0003
Phone: 202 205-3610
Fax: 202 260-6539
Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us
RIN: 0596-AC27
_______________________________________________________________________
234. 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 promulgated a final rule on June 4, 2003
(68 FR 33595), at 36 CFR part 215, revising the 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
management plan prior to a decision by the Responsible Official. The
rule also established an appeal process and identified the decisions
that may be
[[Page 22356]]
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.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action                            Date                      FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
NPRM                            09/00/06
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No
Small Entities Affected: No
Government Levels Affected: None
Agency Contact: Andria D. Weeks, Regulatory Analyst, Department of
Agriculture, Forest Service, ATTN: ORMS, D&R Branch, 1400 Independence
Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0003
Phone: 202 205-3610
Fax: 202 260-6539
Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us
RIN: 0596-AC28
_______________________________________________________________________
235. CLARIFYING PROHIBITIONS AGAINST DAMAGE TO THE NATIONAL FOREST BY
ESCAPED FIRES
Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant
Legal Authority: 16 USC 551
CFR Citation: 36 CFR 261.1; 36 CFR 261.2; 36 CFR 261.5
Legal Deadline: None
Abstract: The Forest Service intends to amend 36 CFR 261.1, 261.2, and
261.5 to clarify that strict liability will be applied to a person who
commits a prohibited action under section 261 that results in a fire
escaping and damaging or threatening National Forest System lands. This
section has not been interpreted consistently in the courts. Amending
the CFR to align with the Model Penal Code definitions of criminal
intent will achieve consistency in application and interpretation.
In addition, the CFR will be amended to clarify that a person
conducting a legitimate prescribed fire on private or public lands
adjacent to National Forest System Lands will be subject to the Model
Penal Code standard of negligence. This will bring the law enforcement
action in line with the objectives and goals of the National Fire Plan
and the Healthy Forest Initiative by assuring those who conduct those
activities with due diligence will not be subject to a strict liability
interpretation in 36 CFR 261.5.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action                            Date                      FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
NPRM                            04/00/06
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No
Small Entities Affected: No
Government Levels Affected: None
Agency Contact: Andria D. Weeks, Regulatory Analyst, Department of
Agriculture, Forest Service, ATTN: ORMS, D&R Branch, 1400 Independence
Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0003
Phone: 202 205-3610
Fax: 202 260-6539
Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us
RIN: 0596-AC30
_______________________________________________________________________
236. REVISIONS TO GENERAL PROHIBITIONS REGARDING LIVESTOCK AND WILD
FREE-ROAMING HORSES AND BURROS ON NATIONAL FOREST SYSTEM LANDS
Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant
Legal Authority: 16 USC 551
CFR Citation: 36 CFR 261.7 ; 36 CFR 261.21
Legal Deadline: None
Abstract: The Forest Service is proposing to revise title 36 of the
Code of Federal Regulations, subpart A, section 261.7 and section
261.21, to clarify ambiguity regarding whether strict liability must be
proven for the general prohibitions in each section.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action                            Date                      FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
NPRM                            09/00/06
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No
Small Entities Affected: No
Government Levels Affected: None
Agency Contact: Andria D. Weeks, Regulatory Analyst, Department of
Agriculture, Forest Service, ATTN: ORMS, D&R Branch, 1400 Independence
Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0003
Phone: 202 205-3610
Fax: 202 260-6539
Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us
RIN: 0596-AC31
_______________________________________________________________________
237. NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY ACT (NEPA) DOCUMENTATION FOR
SPORICIDE USE ON NATIONAL FOREST SYSTEM LANDS (PROPOSED DIRECTIVE,
FOREST SERVICE HANDBOOK 1909.15, CHAPTER 30)
Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant
Legal Authority: 42 USC 4321 to 4346
CFR Citation: None
Legal Deadline: None
Abstract: The Forest Service is considering development of a new
Categorical Exclusion (CE) to Forest Service Handbook (FSH) 1909.15,
Environmental Policy and Procedures Handbook, chapter 30, which
addresses categories of action that normally do not require either an
environmental impact statement (EIS) or environmental assessment (EA).
The new category would be applicable to the use of fungicide on
recently cut trees through thinning or other tree cutting activity in
conjunction with the Healthy Forest Initiative categorical exclusions
(and possibly other situations). Coordination with other governmental
agencies will be conducted during development of the aforementioned CE.
The Healthy Forest Initiatives (HFI) Categorical Exclusion 31.2(10)
states `Hazardous fuels reduction activities... (d) shall not include
the use of herbicide or pesticides. . ..' It has come to our attention
that a frequently connected action of thinning for fuels reduction is
the use of sporax or borax fungicide to maintain stand health. Such
fungicides, although commonly used in forestry and elsewhere, are
technically classified as a pesticide and as such are not allowed under
31.2(10). This incongruity has had the following effect: (a) Some units
may be alternatively using timber sale improvement category 31.2(6) or
other categories, because they do not preclude the use of fungicides.
This results in an underreporting of HFI accomplishments, and given the
scope
[[Page 22357]]
of the other categories, it is likely that fewer acres are being
treated; (b) Although not confirmed, some units may not be treating the
harvested stands to protect against fungal agents which could put
stands at risk; and (c) Some units may be alternatively using
environmental assessments. This results in increased planning costs and
time and underreporting of HFI accomplishments.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action                            Date                      FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
Proposed Directive              04/00/06
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No
Small Entities Affected: No
Government Levels Affected: None
Agency Contact: Andria D. Weeks, Regulatory Analyst, Department of
Agriculture, Forest Service, ATTN: ORMS, D&R Branch, 1400 Independence
Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0003
Phone: 202 205-3610
Fax: 202 260-6539
Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us
RIN: 0596-AC32
_______________________________________________________________________
238. PISCICIDE APPLICATIONS ON NATIONAL FOREST SYSTEM LANDS
Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant
Legal Authority: Not Yet Determined
CFR Citation: 36 CFR 241; 36 CFR 251.50(a); 36 CFR 261.9(f)
Legal Deadline: None
Abstract: State Fish and Game agencies typically use piscicides as a
tool for managing fish populations in water bodies of the U.S. At
times, these State agencies apply piscicides when they conduct
fisheries management on water within the National Forest Systems lands.
Current regulations at 36 CFR 251.5 and 261.9(f), require permits for
all land uses and prohibit the use of any pesticide on National Forest
System lands ``. . . except for personal use as an insect repellent or
as provided by special-use authorization for other minor uses.`` The
wording in these regulations has led to confusion and inconsistent
application of Forest Service piscicide policy that has delayed
restoration projects and strained working relationships with State
cooperators.
Therefore, the Forest Service is proposing that the regulations at 36
CFR part 241 (Fish and Wildlife), 36 CFR part 251, subpart B, (Special
Uses, 251.50(a)), and 36 CFR part 261, subpart A (General Prohibitions,
36 CFR 261.9(f)) be modified to allow State Game and Fish agencies to
apply piscicides without first having to obtain a special use
authorization, under certain conditions. A special use authorization
would still be required for piscicide application within wilderness
areas. The regulation could help eliminate redundancy with other State
and Federal laws and regulations and improve the implementation of
restoration and management projects.
Eliminating the Forest Service special use authorization requirement
for this use is not expected to change the frequency of piscicide
applications on National Forest System lands or change how piscicides
are used. States are required to comply with other Federal laws when
applying piscicides, such as the Federal Water Pollution Control Act
and the Endangered Species Act.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action                            Date                      FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
NPRM                            04/00/06
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No
Small Entities Affected: No
Government Levels Affected: None
Agency Contact: Andria D. Weeks, Regulatory Analyst, Department of
Agriculture, Forest Service, ATTN: ORMS, D&R Branch, 1400 Independence
Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0003
Phone: 202 205-3610
Fax: 202 260-6539
Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us
RIN: 0596-AC33
_______________________________________________________________________
239. CLARIFICATION FOR THE APPROPRIATE USE OF A CRIMINAL OR A CIVIL
CITATION TO ENFORCE MINERAL REGULATIONS
Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant
Legal Authority: Not Yet Determined
CFR Citation: 36 CFR 261.10 (b); 36 CFR 261.10 (k)
Legal Deadline: None
Abstract: The Forest Service is proposing to amend the regulations at
36 CFR 261.10 to clarify when a criminal citation should be used for
unauthorized mining operations. This revision is necessary to address
recent adverse District Court decisions which have found that sections
261.10(b) and (k) do not apply to the enforcement of unauthorized
mining operations. These sections deal with taking possession of,
occupying, or using National Forest System lands for residential
purposes, and the use or occupancy of the lands or facilities,
respectively. Adding appropriate language would make it clear that
these sections do apply to mineral operations.
In addition, in the definitions section where operating plan is
defined, references to other mineral-related regulations will be added
to indicate that 36 CFR 261.10 applies to them as well.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action                            Date                      FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
NPRM                            04/00/06
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No
Small Entities Affected: No
Government Levels Affected: None
Agency Contact: Andria D. Weeks, Regulatory Analyst, Department of
Agriculture, Forest Service, ATTN: ORMS, D&R Branch, 1400 Independence
Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0003
Phone: 202 205-3610
Fax: 202 260-6539
Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us
RIN: 0596-AC38
_______________________________________________________________________
240. TRAVEL MANAGEMENT (PROPOSED DIRECTIVES, FOREST SERVICE MANUAL 2300
AND 7700)
Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant
Legal Authority: EO 11644; 36 CFR 212
CFR Citation: None
Legal Deadline: None
Abstract: The final regulation entitled ``Travel Management; Designated
Routes and Areas for Motor Vehicle Use (36 CFR part 212)'' was
published on November 9, 2005 (70 FR 68264). The Forest Service plans
to publish proposed directives to implement the regulation. The
proposed directive changes are needed to provide guidance on
implementation of the Travel Management regulation, conform terminology
to the rule, and provide consistent direction on the process of
designating roads, trails, and areas for motor vehicle use.
[[Page 22358]]
The proposed changes consolidate policy for travel planning for roads
and trails in FSM 7710, while retaining separate chapters related to
operations and maintenance for roads (FSM 7730) and trails (FSM 2350).
The changes would expand the scope of the current roads analysis
process to encompass motorized trails and areas, while streamlining
travel analysis to ensure that it is completed in a timely manner.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action                            Date                      FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
Proposed Directive              04/00/06
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No
Small Entities Affected: No
Government Levels Affected: None
Agency Contact: Andria D. Weeks, Regulatory Analyst, Department of
Agriculture, Forest Service, ATTN: ORMS, D&R Branch, 1400 Independence
Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0003
Phone: 202 205-3610
Fax: 202 260-6539
Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us
RIN: 0596-AC39
_______________________________________________________________________
241. <bullet> NATIVE PLANT MATERIALS POLICY (PROPOSED
DIRECTIVE, FOREST SERVICE MANUAL 2070)
Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant
Legal Authority: EO 13112; 36 CFR 219.10(b)
CFR Citation: None
Legal Deadline: None
Abstract: The Forest Service is developing new proposed directives to
Forest Service Manual 2070, Native Plant Materials, which would address
the uses of native plant materials in the revegetation, restoration,
and rehabilitation of National Forest System lands in order to achieve
the Agency's goal of conserving aquatic and terrestrial biological
diversity. The proposed policy would include a requirement to
collaborate with Federal, State, and local government entities and the
public to develop and implement a program for native plant materials
with emphasis on life forms beyond the current conifer effort.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action                            Date                      FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
Proposed Directive              04/00/06
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No
Small Entities Affected: No
Government Levels Affected: None
Agency Contact: Andria D. Weeks, Regulatory Analyst, Department of
Agriculture, Forest Service, ATTN: ORMS, D&R Branch, 1400 Independence
Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0003
Phone: 202 205-3610
Fax: 202 260-6539
Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us
Nona Jones, Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, MS 1135, ADM -
1ST-D&R, Post Office Box 96090-808RPE, Washington, DC 20090-6090
Phone: 703 605-4927
Fax: 703 235-2337
Email: npjones@fs.fed.us
RIN: 0596-AC44
_______________________________________________________________________
242. <bullet> SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION TIMBER SALE SET-
ASIDE PROGRAM
Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant
Legal Authority: 36 CFR 223.118
CFR Citation: None
Legal Deadline: None
Abstract: The Forest Service is proposing a revision of its policy
procedures in Forest Service Handbook 2409.18, Timber Sale Preparation
Handbook, chapter 90, Programs With Small Business Administration, to
drop structural changes in the Forest Service Directives. This proposed
revision would better reflect the current timber sale program, make the
recomputation process as fair as possible, and simplify the process by
which market share is determined. This proposed policy change would not
affect scheduled recomputations and special recomputations.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action                            Date                      FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
Proposed Interim Directive      04/00/06
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No
Small Entities Affected: No
Government Levels Affected: None
Agency Contact: Andria D. Weeks, Regulatory Analyst, Department of
Agriculture, Forest Service, ATTN: ORMS, D&R Branch, 1400 Independence
Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0003
Phone: 202 205-3610
Fax: 202 260-6539
Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us
RIN: 0596-AC46
_______________________________________________________________________
Department of Agriculture (USDA)                       Final Rule Stage
Forest Service (FS)
_______________________________________________________________________
243. 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
[[Page 22359]]
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                    10/00/06
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No
Government Levels Affected: None
Agency Contact: Andria D. Weeks, Regulatory Analyst, Department of
Agriculture, Forest Service, ATTN: ORMS, D&R Branch, 1400 Independence
Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0003
Phone: 202 205-3610
Fax: 202 260-6539
Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us
RIN: 0596-AB21
_______________________________________________________________________
244. SPECIAL FOREST PRODUCTS AND FOREST BOTANICAL PRODUCTS
Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant
Legal Authority: PL 106-113
CFR Citation: 36 CFR 223
Legal Deadline: None
Abstract: The Forest Service is promulgating regulations for managing
special forest products and forest botanical products. The regulations
will guide the Forest Service in the administration of the broader
category of special forest products. The interim final rule also
implements Public Law 106-113, which authorizes a pilot program of
charges and fees for harvest of forest botanical products. Forest
botanical products include products such as herbs, berries, seeds, and
wildflowers that are not wood products. The intended effect of this
rule is to give guidance and provide consistency for the sustainability
and sale of special forest products including forest botanical
products.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action                            Date                      FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
Interim Final Rule              04/00/06
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No
Small Entities Affected: Businesses
Government Levels Affected: None
Agency Contact: Andria D. Weeks, Regulatory Analyst, Department of
Agriculture, Forest Service, ATTN: ORMS, D&R Branch, 1400 Independence
Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0003
Phone: 202 205-3610
Fax: 202 260-6539
Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us
RIN: 0596-AB81
_______________________________________________________________________
245. NATIONAL FOREST SYSTEM LAND MANAGEMENT PLANNING CATEGORICAL
EXCLUSION (FINAL DIRECTIVE, FOREST SERVICE HANDBOOK 1909.15, CHAPTER 30)
Priority: Other Significant
Legal Authority: 16 USC et seq.; 5 USC 301
CFR Citation: 36 CFR 219, subpart A
Legal Deadline: None
Abstract: The Forest Service requested comment on a proposed revision
to its procedures for implementing the National Environmental Policy
Act (NEPA) and Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) regulations. This
revision is being proposed at Forest Service Handbook 1909.15, chapter
30, which describes categorical exclusions, that is, categories of
actions that will not result in significant impacts on the human
environment and which are therefore exempt from requirements to prepare
further NEPA documentation absent extraordinary circumstances. The
proposal would add one such category of actions to the agency's NEPA
procedures for final approvals on proposals to develop, amend, or
revise land management plans that are comprised of five components
which are desired conditions, objectives, guidelines, suitability of
areas, and special areas for a forest. This proposal was published in
conjunction with the final Forest Service planning regulations
published January 5, 2005.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action                            Date                      FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
NPRM                            12/06/02                    67 FR 72770
NPRM Comment Period End         03/24/03
Final Rule                      01/05/05                     70 FR 1023
Proposed Directive              01/05/05                     70 FR 1062
Comment Period End              03/07/05
Final Action                    05/00/06
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No
Small Entities Affected: No
Government Levels Affected: None
Agency Contact: Andria D. Weeks, Regulatory Analyst, Department of
Agriculture, Forest Service, ATTN: ORMS, D&R Branch, 1400 Independence
Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0003
Phone: 202 205-3610
Fax: 202 260-6539
Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us
RIN: 0596-AB86
_______________________________________________________________________
246. FOREST SERVICE TRAILS ACCESSIBILITY GUIDELINES (FINAL INTERIM
DIRECTIVE, FOREST SERVICE MANUAL, CHAPTER 2350)
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 interim 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 interim 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.
[[Page 22360]]
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action                            Date                      FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
Proposed Interim Directive      02/17/05                     70 FR 8066
Comment Period End              04/18/05
Final Interim Directive         04/00/06
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No
Small Entities Affected: No
Government Levels Affected: None
Agency Contact: Andria D. Weeks, Regulatory Analyst, Department of
Agriculture, Forest Service, ATTN: ORMS, D&R Branch, 1400 Independence
Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0003
Phone: 202 205-3610
Fax: 202 260-6539
Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us
RIN: 0596-AB92
_______________________________________________________________________
247. FOREST SERVICE OUTDOOR RECREATION ACCESSIBILITY GUIDELINES (FINAL
INTERIM DIRECTIVE, FOREST SERVICE MANUAL, CHAPTER 2330)
Priority: Other Significant
Legal Authority: 42 USC 4151; 29 USC 794; 7 CFR 15e
CFR Citation: None
Legal Deadline: None
Abstract: The Architectural Barriers Act of 1968, section 504 of the
Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and 7 CFR part 15e require that new or
reconstructed facilities be accessible. The interim Forest Service
Outdoor Recreation Accessibility Guidelines would amend Forest Service
Manual (FSM) chapter 2330, Publicly Managed Recreation Opportunities,
by establishing 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 interim 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      02/17/05                     70 FR 8060
Comment Period End              04/18/05
Final Interim Directive         04/00/06
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No
Small Entities Affected: No
Government Levels Affected: None
Agency Contact: Andria D. Weeks, Regulatory Analyst, Department of
Agriculture, Forest Service, ATTN: ORMS, D&R Branch, 1400 Independence
Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0003
Phone: 202 205-3610
Fax: 202 260-6539
Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us
RIN: 0596-AB93
_______________________________________________________________________
248. 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 published 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. Comments
received will be considered in the development of the final rule.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action                            Date                      FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
Interim Final Rule              01/04/06                      71 FR 523
Interim Final Rule Comment
Period End                      03/06/06
Final Action                    04/00/06
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No
Small Entities Affected: No
Government Levels Affected: None
Agency Contact: Andria D. Weeks, Regulatory Analyst, Department of
Agriculture, Forest Service, ATTN: ORMS, D&R Branch, 1400 Independence
Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0003
Phone: 202 205-3610
Fax: 202 260-6539
Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us
RIN: 0596-AC09
_______________________________________________________________________
249. PREDECISIONAL ADMINISTRATIVE REVIEW AND OBJECTION PROCESS FOR
PROJECTS AUTHORIZED UNDER HEALTHY FORESTS RESTORATION ACT OF 2003
Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant
Legal Authority: PL 108-148
CFR Citation: 36 CFR 215; 36 CFR 218, subpart A
Legal Deadline: Other, Statutory, January 5, 2004, PL 108-148, sec 105.
The Healthy Forest Restoration Act of 2003 (HFRA) required the
Secretary of Agriculture to promulgate interim final regulations within
30 days after the enactment of the Act.
Abstract: The Forest Service promulgated an interim final rule on
January 9, 2004 (69 FR 1529), at 36 CFR part 218, to establish a
predecisional administrative review process whereby persons can seek
administrative review and file objections for hazardous fuel reduction
projects authorized under the Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003
(HFRA). The Agency solicited public comment on the interim final rule
for a 90-day period. The comments received will be utilized to finalize
36 CFR part 218.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action                            Date                      FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
Interim Final Rule              01/09/04                     69 FR 1529
[[Page 22361]]
Interim Final Rule Comment
Period End                      04/08/04
Final Action                    09/00/06
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No
Small Entities Affected: No
Government Levels Affected: None
Agency Contact: Andria D. Weeks, Regulatory Analyst, Department of
Agriculture, Forest Service, ATTN: ORMS, D&R Branch, 1400 Independence
Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0003
Phone: 202 205-3610
Fax: 202 260-6539
Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us
RIN: 0596-AC15
_______________________________________________________________________
250. 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                    06/00/06
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No
Small Entities Affected: No
Government Levels Affected: None
Agency Contact: Andria D. Weeks, Regulatory Analyst, Department of
Agriculture, Forest Service, ATTN: ORMS, D&R Branch, 1400 Independence
Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0003
Phone: 202 205-3610
Fax: 202 260-6539
Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us
RIN: 0596-AC16
_______________________________________________________________________
251. 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, 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,'' and (4) inclusion of 5 congressionally-mandated
categorical exclusions promulgated in section 390 of the Energy Policy
Act of 2005.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action                            Date                      FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
NPRM                            07/27/05                    70 FR 43349
NPRM Comment Period End         08/26/05
Final Action                    04/00/06
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No
Small Entities Affected: No
Government Levels Affected: None
Agency Contact: Andria D. Weeks, Regulatory Analyst, Department of
Agriculture, Forest Service, ATTN: ORMS, D&R Branch, 1400 Independence
Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0003
Phone: 202 205-3610
Fax: 202 260-6539
Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us
RIN: 0596-AC20
_______________________________________________________________________
252. INTEGRATED RESOURCE CONTRACTS, FS-2400-13 AND FS-2400-13T (NOTICE
OF FINAL CONTRACTS)
Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant
Legal Authority: PL 108-7
CFR Citation: None
Legal Deadline: None
Abstract: Section 323 of Public Law 108-7, the Consolidated
Appropriations Resolution (16 USC 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
[[Page 22362]]
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       10/00/06
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No
Small Entities Affected: No
Government Levels Affected: None
Agency Contact: Andria D. Weeks, Regulatory Analyst, Department of
Agriculture, Forest Service, ATTN: ORMS, D&R Branch, 1400 Independence
Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0003
Phone: 202 205-3610
Fax: 202 260-6539
Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us
RIN: 0596-AC26
_______________________________________________________________________
253. NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY ACT (NEPA) COMPLIANCE DOCUMENTATION
FOR SURFACE USE PLANS OF OPERATION FOR EXPLORATION OR DEVELOPMENT OF AN
OIL AND GAS LEASE (PROPOSED DIRECTIVE, FSH 1909.15, CH. 30)
Priority: Other Significant
Legal Authority: 42 USC 4321 to 4346
CFR Citation: None
Legal Deadline: None
Abstract: The Forest Service proposes to add a new categorical
exclusion to Forest Service Handbook (FSH) 1909.15, Environmental
Policy and Procedures Handbook, chapter 30, which addresses categories
of actions that normally do not require either an environmental impact
statement (EIS) or environmental assessment (EA). The new category will
be applicable to the issuance of Surface Use Plans of Operation for
exploration or development of an oil and gas lease.
Executive Order 13212 states that ``For energy-related projects,
agencies shall expedite their review of permits or take other actions
as necessary to accelerate the completion of such projects, while
maintaining safety, public health, and environmental protections. The
agencies shall take such actions to the extent permitted by law and
regulation, and where appropriate.``
The National Energy Policy and the Forest Service Energy Implementation
plan call for streamlining of processing Applications for Permit to
Drill (APDs) and other energy related permits in an environmentally
sound manner.
Comments received on the proposed categorical exclusion will be used in
development of the final direction in FSH 1909.15, chapter 30. In
accordance with Council on Environmental Quality regulations, the
Forest Service must give prior notice and opportunity for comment by
publishing the proposed categorical exclusion in the Federal Register
before the agency adopts final direction.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action                            Date                      FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
Proposed Directive              12/13/05                    70 FR 73722
Final Directive                 06/00/06
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No
Small Entities Affected: No
Government Levels Affected: None
Agency Contact: Andria D. Weeks, Regulatory Analyst, Department of
Agriculture, Forest Service, ATTN: ORMS, D&R Branch, 1400 Independence
Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0003
Phone: 202 205-3610
Fax: 202 260-6539
Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us
RIN: 0596-AC34
_______________________________________________________________________
254. ADVERTISING AND SPONSORSHIP IN CONNECTION WITH CONCESSIONS
INVOLVING PRIVATELY OWNED IMPROVEMENTS ON NATIONAL FOREST SYSTEM LANDS
(FINAL DIRECTIVE, FOREST SERVICE MANUAL 2340)
Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant
Legal Authority: Not Yet Determined
CFR Citation: None
Legal Deadline: None
Abstract: The Forest Service is publishing a final directive to Forest
Service Manual 2343.03 regarding (1) advertising in concessions
involving privately developed facilities operated under special use
authorization on National Forest System (NFS) lands and (2) sponsorship
of new public services associated with those concessions. With respect
to advertising, the current policy addresses only exterior advertising
while the final directive adds direction to allow the permit holder to
advertise inside buildings and other interior spaces owned by the
holder. With respect to sponsorship, the final directive adds new
direction on sponsorships that promote public participation in the
management of NFS lands. The final directive describes the duration,
location, and content of recognition of sponsors. Additionally, the
final directive addresses special events and waives a prohibition on
exterior advertising during a short-term event and requires the holder
to not display the Forest Service shield or other Agency symbol in
conjunction with product names, services, and advertising.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action                            Date                      FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
Interim Directive               11/25/05                    70 FR 71081
Final Directive                 11/00/06
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No
Small Entities Affected: No
Government Levels Affected: None
Agency Contact: Andria D. Weeks, Regulatory Analyst, Department of
Agriculture, Forest Service, ATTN: ORMS, D&R Branch, 1400 Independence
Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0003
Phone: 202 205-3610
Fax: 202 260-6539
Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us
RIN: 0596-AC41
[[Page 22363]]
_______________________________________________________________________
255. <bullet> FOREST SERVICE RENEWABLE RESOURCES HANDBOOK
(2409.19), CHAPTER 60, STEWARDSHIP CONTRACTING
Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant
Legal Authority: PL 108-278
CFR Citation: None
Legal Deadline: None
Abstract: Public Law 108-278, the Tribal Forest Protection Act,
authorizes the Secretaries of the Interior and Agriculture, upon
request of an Indian tribe to enter into an agreement or contract to
carry out a project to protect Indian forest land that meets specified
criteria to issue public notice of initiation of any necessary
environmental review or of the potential of entering into such an
agreement or contract under which the Indian tribe would carry out
certain activities. It authorizes the appropriate Secretary to enter
into such an agreement or contract following completion of any
necessary environmental analysis.
The Forest Service (FS) has issued an interim directive (ID) to Forest
Service Handbook 2409.19 establishing guidance for evaluating proposals
submitted by tribes. The intended effect of issuance of this ID is to
provide consistent overall guidance to FS employees regarding tribal
proposals. Forest Service is seeking comments on this interim directive
to ensure that issues or deficiencies are addressed.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action                            Date                      FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
Interim Directive               04/00/06
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No
Small Entities Affected: No
Government Levels Affected: None
Agency Contact: Andria D. Weeks, Regulatory Analyst, Department of
Agriculture, Forest Service, ATTN: ORMS, D&R Branch, 1400 Independence
Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0003
Phone: 202 205-3610
Fax: 202 260-6539
Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us
RIN: 0596-AC45
_______________________________________________________________________
Department of Agriculture (USDA)                      Long-Term Actions
Forest Service (FS)
_______________________________________________________________________
256. COMMUNITY AND PRIVATE LAND FOREST FIRE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
Priority: Other Significant
CFR Citation: 36 CFR 230 subpart D (new)
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action                            Date                      FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
NPRM                             To Be                       Determined
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No
Government Levels Affected: None
Agency Contact: Andria D. Weeks
Phone: 202 205-3610
Fax: 202 260-6539
Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us
RIN: 0596-AB96
_______________________________________________________________________
257. GRAZING PERMIT ADMINISTRATION (PROPOSED DIRECTIVES, FOREST SERVICE
HANDBOOK 2209.13, CHAPTERS 10 AND 20)
Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant
CFR Citation: None
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action                            Date                      FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
Interim Directives              07/19/05                    70 FR 41370
Comment Period End              08/20/05
Proposed and Interim Directives 08/19/05                    70 FR 48663
Comment Period End              12/19/05
Notice--Previous Actions
Withdrawn for Reconsideration   09/20/05                    70 FR 55102
Proposed Directives             12/00/07
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No
Small Entities Affected: No
Government Levels Affected: None
Agency Contact: Andria D. Weeks
Phone: 202 205-3610
Fax: 202 260-6539
Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us
RIN: 0596-AC12
_______________________________________________________________________
258. WATERSHED FORESTRY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (PROPOSED DIRECTIVE, FOREST
SERVICE MANUAL 3500)
Priority: Other Significant
CFR Citation: None
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action                            Date                      FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
Advance Notice of Proposed
Guideline                       05/25/04                    69 FR 29688
Comment Period End              07/26/04
Proposed Guideline               To Be                       Determined
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No
Small Entities Affected: No
Government Levels Affected: Federal, Local, State
Agency Contact: Andria D. Weeks
Phone: 202 205-3610
Fax: 202 260-6539
Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us
Related RIN: Related to 0596-AC19
RIN: 0596-AC18
_______________________________________________________________________
259. TRIBAL WATERSHED FORESTRY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (PROPOSED DIRECTIVE,
FOREST SERVICE MANUAL 3500)
Priority: Other Significant
CFR Citation: None
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action                            Date                      FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
Advance Notice of Proposed
Guideline                       05/25/04                    69 FR 29687
Comment Period End              07/26/04
Proposed Guideline               To Be                       Determined
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No
Small Entities Affected: No
Government Levels Affected: Federal, Tribal
Agency Contact: Andria D. Weeks
Phone: 202 205-3610
Fax: 202 260-6539
Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us
Related RIN: Related to 0596-AC18
RIN: 0596-AC19
[[Page 22364]]
_______________________________________________________________________
260. <bullet> RESOURCE AGENCY PROCEDURES FOR CONDITIONS AND
PRESCRIPTIONS IN HYDROPOWER LICENSES
Priority: Other Significant
Legal Authority: PL 109-58
CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1
Legal Deadline: Final, Statutory, November 7, 2005.
Public Law 109-58 charges agencies requiring mandatory conditions and
prescriptions with the promulgation of new regulations by November 7,
2005, to provide the regulatory framework to implement a trial-type
hearing process.
Abstract: The Energy Policy Act of 2005 (Pub. L. 109-58) contains
provisions requiring a trial-type hearing to resolve disputed issues of
material fact related to mandatory conditions and prescriptions
required under the issuance of a Federal hydropower license. The law
also mandates that the Agency consider alternatives to proposed
mandatory conditions and prescriptions. This law charges agencies
requiring mandatory conditions and prescriptions with the promulgation
of new regulations by November 7, 2005, to provide the regulatory
framework to implement the trial-type hearing process. The U.S.
Department of Agriculture, acting through the Forest Service, is one of
the agencies required under the Act to provide a trial-type hearing and
issue an implementing regulation. To meet the statutory deadline, the
U.S. Department of Agriculture, along with the U.S. Departments of the
Interior and Commerce, issued a joint interim final rule. The
Department of the Interior is the lead agency in this effort.
 The Forest Service adopted an interim final rule at 7 CFR part 1
establishing a trial-type hearing procedure to resolve disputed issues
of material fact related to mandatory conditions and prescriptions
required under the issuance of a Federal hydropower license. The
interim final rule also provides a process for the filing of proposed
alternative conditions and prescriptions.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action                            Date                      FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
Interim Final Rule              11/17/05                    70 FR 69804
Interim Final Rule Comment
Period End                      01/17/06
Final Action                     To Be                       Determined
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No
Small Entities Affected: No
Government Levels Affected: None
Agency Contact: Andria D. Weeks, Regulatory Analyst, Department of
Agriculture, Forest Service, ATTN: ORMS, D&R Branch, 1400 Independence
Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0003
Phone: 202 205-3610
Fax: 202 260-6539
Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us
RIN: 0596-AC42
_______________________________________________________________________
Department of Agriculture (USDA)                      Completed Actions
Forest Service (FS)
_______________________________________________________________________
261. LAND USES; SPECIAL USES; RECOVERY OF COSTS FOR PROCESSING SPECIAL
USE APPLICATIONS AND MONITORING COMPLIANCE WITH SPECIAL USE
AUTHORIZATIONS
Priority: Other Significant
CFR Citation: 36 CFR 251
Completed:
________________________________________________________________________
Reason                            Date                      FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
Final Action                    02/21/06                     71 FR 8892
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No
Small Entities Affected: No
Government Levels Affected: None
Agency Contact: Andria D. Weeks
Phone: 202 205-3610
Fax: 202 260-6539
Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us
RIN: 0596-AB36
_______________________________________________________________________
262. DETERMINING FAIR MARKET VALUE FOR RECREATION RESIDENCE USE
AUTHORIZATIONS (FINAL DIRECTIVES, FOREST SERVICE MANUALS 2300 AND 2700)
Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant
CFR Citation: 36 CFR 251
Completed:
________________________________________________________________________
Reason                            Date                      FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
Final Action                    04/03/06                    71 FR 16614
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No
Government Levels Affected: None
Agency Contact: Andria D. Weeks
Phone: 202 205-3610
Fax: 202 260-6539
Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us
RIN: 0596-AB83
_______________________________________________________________________
263. NATIONAL FOREST SYSTEM LAND MANAGEMENT PLANNING DIRECTIVES (FINAL
DIRECTIVES, FOREST SERVICE MANUAL, CHAPTER 1330, 1900, AND FOREST
SERVICE HANDBOOK 1909.12)
Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant
CFR Citation: None
Completed:
________________________________________________________________________
Reason                            Date                      FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
Final Directives                01/31/06                     71 FR 5124
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No
Small Entities Affected: No
Government Levels Affected: None
Agency Contact: Andria D. Weeks
Phone: 202 205-3610
Fax: 202 260-6539
Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us
Related RIN: Related to 0596-AB86
RIN: 0596-AC02
_______________________________________________________________________
264. TRAVEL MANAGEMENT, DESIGNATED ROUTES, AND AREAS FOR MOTOR VEHICLE
USE
Priority: Other Significant
CFR Citation: 36 CFR 212, 251, 261, and 295
Completed:
________________________________________________________________________
Reason                            Date                      FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
Final Action                    11/09/05                    70 FR 68264
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No
Small Entities Affected: No
[[Page 22365]]
Government Levels Affected: None
Agency Contact: Andria D. Weeks
Phone: 202 205-3610
Fax: 202 260-6539
Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us
RIN: 0596-AC11
_______________________________________________________________________
265. CLIMBING BOLTS IN WILDERNESS (PROPOSED INTERIM DIRECTIVE, FOREST
SERVICE MANUAL, CHAPTER 2320)
Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant
CFR Citation: None
Completed:
________________________________________________________________________
Reason                            Date                      FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
Withdrawn                       01/13/06
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No
Small Entities Affected: No
Government Levels Affected: None
Agency Contact: Andria D. Weeks
Phone: 202 205-3610
Fax: 202 260-6539
Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us
RIN: 0596-AC21
_______________________________________________________________________
266. MARKET-RELATED CONTRACT TERM ADDITIONS
Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant
CFR Citation: 36 CFR 223.52
Completed:
________________________________________________________________________
Reason                            Date                      FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
Final Action                    01/23/06                     71 FR 3409
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No
Small Entities Affected: No
Government Levels Affected: None
Agency Contact: Andria D. Weeks
Phone: 202 205-3610
Fax: 202 260-6539
Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us
RIN: 0596-AC29
_______________________________________________________________________
267. FEDERAL LANDS RECREATION ENHANCEMENT ACT IMPLEMENTATION
Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant
CFR Citation: 36 CFR 291.2; 36 CFR 261.15
Completed:
________________________________________________________________________
Reason                            Date                      FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
Direct Final Rule               11/22/05                    70 FR 70496
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No
Small Entities Affected: No
Government Levels Affected: None
Agency Contact: Andria D. Weeks
Phone: 202 205-3610
Fax: 202 260-6539
Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us
RIN: 0596-AC35
_______________________________________________________________________
268. WILDERNESS MANAGEMENT (PROPOSED DIRECTIVES, FOREST SERVICE MANUAL,
CHAPTER 2320)
Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant
CFR Citation: None
Completed:
________________________________________________________________________
Reason                            Date                      FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
Withdrawn                       01/13/06
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No
Small Entities Affected: No
Government Levels Affected: None
Agency Contact: Andria D. Weeks
Phone: 202 205-3610
Fax: 202 260-6539
Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us
RIN: 0596-AC36
_______________________________________________________________________
269. SALE AND DISPOSAL OF NATIONAL FOREST SYSTEM TIMBER; TIMBER SALE
CONTRACTS; PURCHASER ELECTS GOVERNMENT ROAD CONSTRUCTION
Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant
CFR Citation: 36 CFR 223.41; 36 CFR 223.63; 36 CFR 223.83; 36 CFR
223.84
Completed:
________________________________________________________________________
Reason                            Date                      FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
Direct Final Rule               01/04/06                      71 FR 522
Final Action                    03/08/06                    71 FR 11508
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No
Small Entities Affected: No
Government Levels Affected: None
Agency Contact: Andria D. Weeks
Phone: 202 205-3610
Fax: 202 260-6539
Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us
RIN: 0596-AC40
_______________________________________________________________________
270. <bullet> NATIONAL FOREST SYSTEM LAND MANAGEMENT PLANNING;
APPLICABILITY TO THE TONGASS NATIONAL FOREST, ALASKA
Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant
Legal Authority: Natural Resources Defense Council v. U.S. Forest
Service, 421 F.3d 797
CFR Citation: 36 219.14(d)
Legal Deadline: None
Abstract: On January 5, 2005, the Department of Agriculture published a
final rule (70 FR 1023) governing the development of land and resource
management plans required by the National Forest Management Act. The
2005 planning regulations provide for a transition period from the
previous planning regulations (``1982 planning rule'') to the new
regulations (``2005 planning rule''). Specifically, 36 CFR 219.14
allows plans to be amended under either the 1982 planning rule or the
2005 planning rule during the transition period, but newly initiated
revisions may use only the 2005 planning rule.
This proposed rule is being prepared to seek public comment on a
proposed amendment to 36 CFR 219.14(d) that would allow the Tongass
National Forest to revise its land and resource management plan under
either the 1982 planning rule or the 2005 planning rule. The proposed
amendment would modify 36 CFR 219.14(d)(1) to read: ``Plan development
and plan revisions initiated after January 5, 2005, must conform to the
requirements of this subpart, except that the plan for the Tongass
National Forest may, following the promulgation of this rule, be
revised once under this subpart or the planning regulations in effect
before November 9, 2000.``
The amendment is needed to allow the Agency to meet the expectations of
the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit. In its decision
regarding the 1997 Tongass forest plan revision, Natural Resources
Defense Council v. U.S. Forest Service, 421 F.3d 797 (9th Cir., 2005),
the court made several statements that the Agency would need to develop
a new revised forest plan for the Tongass and prepare a new
environmental impact statement (EIS). One of the differences between
the 1982 planning rule and the 2005 planning rule is that the former
required the development of an EIS as part of the process to revise a
land
[[Page 22366]]
management plan. The 2005 rule contains no such requirement and assumes
that plans will be revised without developing an EIS.
While it may be possible to revise the Tongass forest plan under the
2005 planning rule and develop an EIS as part of the revision process,
such an approach would be inconsistent with the approach envisioned in
the 2005 planning rule. It could also set an undesirable precedent for
implementation of the 2005 planning rule by other national forests.
Accordingly, the Tongass National Forest needs the flexibility to
choose to revise its plan under the 1982 planning rule, which would be
more consistent with the approach required by the court.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action                            Date                      FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
NPRM                            01/04/06                      71 FR 307
NPRM Comment Period End         02/03/06
Final Action                    03/03/06                    71 FR 10837
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No
Small Entities Affected: No
Government Levels Affected: None
Agency Contact: Andria D. Weeks, Regulatory Analyst, Department of
Agriculture, Forest Service, ATTN: ORMS, D&R Branch, 1400 Independence
Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0003
Phone: 202 205-3610
Fax: 202 260-6539
Email: aweeks@fs.fed.us
RIN: 0596-AC43
BILLING CODE 3410--11--S
_______________________________________________________________________
Department of Agriculture (USDA)                    Proposed Rule Stage
Office of the Secretary (AgSEC)
_______________________________________________________________________
271. VOLUNTARY LABELING PROGRAM FOR DESIGNATED BIOBASED PRODUCTS
Priority: Other Significant
Legal Authority: PL 107-171
CFR Citation: 7 CFR 2902
Legal Deadline: Final, Statutory, May 12, 2003.
Abstract: This rulemaking would define, establish, and implement a
voluntary labeling program for a preferred procurement program for
biobased products within the Federal Government.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action                            Date                      FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
NPRM                            05/00/06
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No
Small Entities Affected: No
Government Levels Affected: Federal
URL For More Information:
www.biobased.oce.usda.gov
Agency Contact: Marvin Duncan, Agricultural Economist, Department of
Agriculture, Office of the Secretary, Office of Energy Policy and New
Uses, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Room 4059, South Building,
Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 401-0532
Fax: 202 401-0535
Email: mduncan@oce.usda.gov
RIN: 0503-AA28
_______________________________________________________________________
Department of Agriculture (USDA)                       Final Rule Stage
Office of the Secretary (AgSEC)
_______________________________________________________________________
272. 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                    05/00/06
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No
Government Levels Affected: State, Local, Tribal
Federalism:  Undetermined
Agency Contact: Tyson Whitney, Department of Agriculture, Office of the
Secretary, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 720-8978
Email: tyson.whitney@usda.gov
RIN: 0503-AA21
_______________________________________________________________________
273. DESIGNATION OF BIOBASED ITEMS FOR FEDERAL PROCUREMENT
Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant
Legal Authority: PL 107-171
CFR Citation: 7 CFR 2902
Legal Deadline: Final, Statutory, November 12, 2002.
[[Page 22367]]
Abstract: This rulemaking will amend 7 CFR 2902 to designate six items
that are made with biobased products that would be afforded Federal
procurement preference, as provided for under section 9002 of the Farm
Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002. The six items are: Mobile
equipment hydraulic fluids; urethane roof coatings; water tank
coatings; diesel fuel additives; penetrating lubricants; and bedding,
bed linens, and towels.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action                            Date                      FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
NPRM                            07/05/05                    70 FR 38612
NPRM Comment Period End         09/06/05
Final Action                    05/00/06
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No
Small Entities Affected: No
Government Levels Affected: Federal
URL For More Information:
www.biobased.oce.usda.gov
Agency Contact: Marvin Duncan, Agricultural Economist, Department of
Agriculture, Office of the Secretary, Office of Energy Policy and New
Uses, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Room 4059, South Building,
Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 401-0532
Fax: 202 401-0535
Email: mduncan@oce.usda.gov
RIN: 0503-AA29
BILLING CODE 3410--90--S
_______________________________________________________________________
Department of Agriculture (USDA)                    Proposed Rule Stage
Rural Business--Cooperative Service (RBS)
_______________________________________________________________________
274. 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                            05/00/06
NPRM Comment Period End         07/00/06
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No
Government Levels Affected: None
Agency Contact: Brenda Griffin, Loan Specialist, B&I Processing
Division, Department of Agriculture, Rural Business-Cooperative
Service, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 720-6802
Fax: 202 720-6003
Email: brenda.griffin@wdc.usda.gov
RIN: 0570-AA26
_______________________________________________________________________
275. 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                            12/00/06
NPRM Comment Period End         02/00/07
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, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 720-6802
Fax: 202 720-6003
Email: brenda.griffin@wdc.usda.gov
RIN: 0570-AA41
_______________________________________________________________________
276. 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                            01/00/07
NPRM Comment Period End         03/00/07
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No
Small Entities Affected: No
Government Levels Affected: None
Agency Contact: Robin Meigel, Finance Specialist, Department of
Agriculture, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, STOP 1569, Washington, DC
20250-1569
Phone: 202 720-9452
Fax: 202 720-7491
Email: robin.meigel@wdc.usda.gov
RIN: 0570-AA48
[[Page 22368]]
_______________________________________________________________________
277. EQUAL OPPORTUNITY FOR RELIGIOUS ORGANIZATIONS
Priority: Other Significant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is
undetermined.
Unfunded Mandates: Undetermined
Legal Authority: Not Yet Determined
CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1980; 7 CFR 4274; 7 CFR 4279
Legal Deadline: None
Abstract: The Agency proposes to amend RD Instructions 1980-E, 4274-D,
and 4279-B to remove the prohibition on making financial assistance
available to faith-based organizations. These regulations are to be
further amended to provide guidance regarding the separation of
inherently religious activities and those for which assistance is
provided.
This guidance is the same in both justification and purpose to that
provided in the final rule amendments to 7 CFR part 16, published in
the Federal Register on July 9, 2004, Volume 69, pages 41375 to 41383.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action                            Date                      FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
NPRM                            12/00/06
NPRM Comment Period End         02/00/07
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No
Small Entities Affected: Businesses
Government Levels Affected: Undetermined
Federalism:  Undetermined
Agency Contact: Rick Bonnet, Senior Loan Specialist, Department of
Agriculture, Rural Business-Cooperative Service, 1400 Independence
Avenue SW, STOP 3221, Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 720-1804
Fax: 202 690-3808
Email: rick.bonnet@wdc.usda.gov
RIN: 0570-AA61
_______________________________________________________________________
278. <bullet> AMENDMENT OF GUARANTEE REQUIREMENTS
Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is
undetermined.
Legal Authority: 5 USC 301; 7 USC 1932, note; 7 USC 1989; 31 USC 3716;
412 USC 1480
CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1951, subpart C
Legal Deadline: None
Abstract: The Agency proposes to add a paragraph providing that any
amounts paid by the Agency pursuant to a claim by a guaranteed lender
will constitute a Federal debt owing to the Agency by any third-party
guarantor of the defaulted loans, to the extent of the amount of the
third-party guarantee.
A final rule was published on January 22, 2004 [69 FR 2999], adding
section 1951.133 that provides any amounts paid by the Agency on
account of the liabilities of guaranteed loan borrower constitute a
Federal debt owing to the agency by the guaranteed loan borrower for
purposes of the Debt Collection Improvement Act of 1996 (31 U.S.C.
3716) (DCIA), to collect the debt. This proposed rulemaking will have
the effect of making the DCIA remedies available to the Agency for
pursuing collection against third-party guarantors as well.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action                            Date                      FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
NPRM                            06/00/06
NPRM Comment Period End         08/00/06
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No
Small Entities Affected: No
Government Levels Affected: None
Agency Contact: Robin Meigel, Finance Specialist, Department of
Agriculture, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, STOP 1569, Washington, DC
20250-1569
Phone: 202 720-9452
Fax: 202 720-7491
Email: robin.meigel@wdc.usda.gov
RIN: 0570-AA62
_______________________________________________________________________
Department of Agriculture (USDA)                       Final Rule Stage
Rural Business--Cooperative Service (RBS)
_______________________________________________________________________
279. RURAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT LOAN AND GRANT PROGRAM
Priority: Other Significant
Legal Authority: 7 USC 940c
CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1703, subpart B; 7 CFR 4280, subpart A
Legal Deadline: None
Abstract: This action improves the ease of use by the public and
program beneficiaries. The regulations will simplify the application
format, review and selection process, and recipients' recordkeeping
requirements. It will also add a section on the appeal of adverse
decisions.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action                            Date                      FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
NPRM                            12/15/99                    64 FR 69937
NPRM Comment Period End         02/14/00
Final Action                    08/00/06
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No
Government Levels Affected: None
Agency Contact: Todd Hubbell, Loan Specialist, Specialty Lenders
Division, Department of Agriculture, Rural Business-Cooperative
Service, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, STOP 3225, Washington, DC 20250-
3225
Phone: 202 690-2516
Email: todd.hubbell@wdc.usda.gov
RIN: 0570-AA19
_______________________________________________________________________
280. RURAL BUSINESS INVESTMENT PROGRAM
Priority: Other Significant
Legal Authority: PL 107-171, sec 6029
CFR Citation: 7 CFR 4290
Legal Deadline: None
Abstract: This action will implement the provisions of section 6029 of
the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act, which authorizes the Rural
Business Investment Program. The purpose of the program is the
establishment of equity capital investment in Rural Business Investment
Companies and other entities through a combination of grants and
guarantees of debentures with the objective of fostering economic
development in rural areas. By law, the program is required to be
administered
[[Page 22369]]
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                    01/00/07
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined
Government Levels Affected: Undetermined
Agency Contact: Michael Foore, Program Advisor, Office of the
Administrator, Department of Agriculture, Rural Business-Cooperative
Service, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 205-0056
Fax: 202 690-4737
Email: michael.foore@wdc.usda.gov
RIN: 0570-AA35
_______________________________________________________________________
281. B&I GUARANTEED LOAN PROGRAM FARM BILL CHANGES--EXPANDED ELIGIBILITY
CRITERIA
Priority: Other Significant
Legal Authority: 5 USC 301; 7 USC 1989; 42 USC 1480
CFR Citation: 7 CFR 4279, subpart B
Legal Deadline: None
Abstract: Section 6013 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of
2002 adds other renewable energy systems as an eligible loan purpose.
Section 6017 expands eligibility criteria for loans to cooperatives and
loan guarantees in non-rural areas under certain conditions and expands
eligibility and relaxes financial reporting requirements for the B&I
Cooperative Stock Purchase Program. It also allows the Agency to
require specialized appraisals for the B&I program. Section 6019
requires the Agency to provide a short, simplified application form for
guarantees of $400,000 or less initially. 7 CFR part 4279, subpart B,
must be changed to incorporate these provisions of the statute.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action                            Date                      FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
Interim Final Rule              11/09/04                    69 FR 64829
Interim Final Rule Comment
Period End                      12/09/04
Interim Final Rule Effective    12/09/04
Final Action                    07/00/06
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No
Government Levels Affected: None
Agency Contact: Brenda Griffin, Loan Specialist, B&I Processing
Division, Department of Agriculture, Rural Business-Cooperative
Service, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 720-6802
Fax: 202 720-6003
Email: brenda.griffin@wdc.usda.gov
RIN: 0570-AA39
_______________________________________________________________________
282. 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 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                    05/00/06
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No
Small Entities Affected: No
Government Levels Affected: None
Agency Contact: Fred Kieferle, Processing Branch Chief, Department of
Agriculture, Rural Business-Cooperative Service, 1400 Independence
Avenue SW, STOP 3220, Washington, DC 20250-3220
Phone: 202 720-7818
Fax: 202 720-6003
Email: fred.kieferle@wdc.usda.gov
RIN: 0570-AA49
_______________________________________________________________________
283. 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 Debt Collection
Improvement Act of 1996.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action                            Date                      FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
NPRM                            04/07/05                    70 FR 17616
NPRM Comment Period End         06/06/05
Final Action                    09/00/06
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No
Small Entities Affected: Businesses
Government Levels Affected: Undetermined
[[Page 22370]]
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@wdc.usda.gov
RIN: 0570-AA54
_______________________________________________________________________
Department of Agriculture (USDA)                      Completed Actions
Rural Business--Cooperative Service (RBS)
_______________________________________________________________________
284. FISCAL TRANSFER AGENT--SECONDARY MARKET SALES OF GUARANTEED LOANS
Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant
CFR Citation: 7 CFR 4279-A; 7 CFR 4279-B
Completed:
________________________________________________________________________
Reason                            Date                      FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
Withdrawn                       04/01/06
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No
Small Entities Affected: Businesses, Governmental Jurisdictions,
Organizations
Government Levels Affected: Federal, Local, Tribal
Agency Contact: Robin Meigel
Phone: 202 720-9452
Fax: 202 720-7491
Email: robin.meigel@wdc.usda.gov
RIN: 0570-AA47
_______________________________________________________________________
285. SECONDARY MARKET POOLING BY FISCAL TRANSFER AGENT
Priority: Other Significant
CFR Citation: 7 CFR 4279
Completed:
________________________________________________________________________
Reason                            Date                      FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
Withdrawn                       04/02/06
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No
Small Entities Affected: No
Government Levels Affected: None
Agency Contact: Robin Meigel
Phone: 202 720-9452
Fax: 202 720-7491
Email: robin.meigel@wdc.usda.gov
RIN: 0570-AA53
BILLING CODE 3410--XY--S
_______________________________________________________________________
Department of Agriculture (USDA)                    Proposed Rule Stage
Rural Utilities Service (RUS)
_______________________________________________________________________
286. WATER AND WASTE LOANS AND GRANTS
Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is
undetermined.
Legal Authority: 5 USC 301; 7 USC 1989; 16 USC 1005
CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1780
Legal Deadline: None
Abstract: The Rural Utilities Service is proposing to amend its
regulation used to process water and waste disposal (WWD) loans and
grants. The regulation will be amended to provide predevelopment
planning grants for low-income and poverty-stricken areas, enhancements
for water and sewer systems with significant security weaknesses,
changes to the use of grant funds for rural or Native Alaskan Villages,
mandatory use of pre-authorized debit (PAD) repayment for borrowers,
modified reserve requirements for borrowers, simplified application
process, requirements for alternative project delivery methods, and
planning for future enhancements to delivery of the program.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action                            Date                      FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
NPRM                            07/00/06
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, 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-AC03
_______________________________________________________________________
287. <bullet> SPECIFICATIONS FOR 15, 25, AND 35 KV PRIMARY
UNDERGROUND POWER CABLE
Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant
Legal Authority: 7 USC 901 et seq; 7 USC 1921 et seq; 7 USC 6941 et seq
CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1728
Legal Deadline: None
Abstract: This proposed rule is necessary to provide RUS electric
borrowers with updated specifications for 15 and 25 kV underground
power cable and to provide borrowers with specifications for 35 kV
underground power cable. These specifications cover single-phase and
multi-phase primary underground power cable, which RUS electric
borrowers use to construct their rural underground electric
distribution systems.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action                            Date                      FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
NPRM                            07/00/06
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, 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-AC05
[[Page 22371]]
_______________________________________________________________________
Department of Agriculture (USDA)                       Final Rule Stage
Rural Utilities Service (RUS)
_______________________________________________________________________
288. 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                            08/05/05                    70 FR 45314
NPRM Comment Period End         10/04/05
Final Action                    08/00/06
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, 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
_______________________________________________________________________
289. 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 consolidates and amends the
regulations utilized to service water and waste loan and grant
programs. Unnecessary and burdensome requirements for water and waste
loan and grant servicing under the program 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                            11/15/04                    69 FR 65546
NPRM Comment Period End         01/14/05
Final Action                    06/00/06
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
_______________________________________________________________________
290. ELIMINATION OF SUBPART M: OPERATIONAL CONTROLS
Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant
Legal Authority: 7 USC 901 et seq, 1921 et seq, 6941 et seq
CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1717
Legal Deadline: None
Abstract: RUS will eliminate 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.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action                            Date                      FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
NPRM                            11/08/04                    69 FR 64689
NPRM Comment Period End         01/07/05
Final Action                    12/00/06
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, 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
_______________________________________________________________________
291. PUBLIC TELEVISION STATION DIGITAL TRANSITION GRANT PROGRAM
Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant
Legal Authority: PL 108-447
CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1740
Legal Deadline: None
Abstract: The Federal Communications Commission had required all
television broadcasters to initiate the broadcast of a digital
television signal and to cease analog television broadcasts. To assist
stations with the transition, Congress recognized the need to
facilitate the digital transition in public television stations that
serve rural areas. This grant program will assist rural public
television to finance the conversion of television services to digital
broadcasting. To continue this program in Y 2005, Congress provided $10
million for grant funds in the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2005
(Pub. L. 108-447). Congress also authorized additional purposes, which
were specifically excluded in the NOFA. This regulation will
incorporate the new statutory requirements and updates this competitive
grant program for FY 2005.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action                            Date                      FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
Interim Final Rule              01/20/06                     71 FR 3205
Interim Final Rule Comment
Period End                      03/21/06
Final Action                    05/00/06
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, Room 5168, South Building, 1400 Independence Avenue SW,
Washington, DC 20250
[[Page 22372]]
Phone: 202 720-0784
Fax: 202 720-4120
Email: richard.annan@usda.gov
RIN: 0572-AC02
_______________________________________________________________________
292. RURAL AREA DEFINITIONS FOR RUS WEP PROGRAMS
Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant
Legal Authority: 5 USC 301; 7 USC 1989; 16 USC 1005
CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1775; 7 CFR 1778; 7 CFR 1779; 7 CFR 1780; 7 CFR
1783
Legal Deadline: None
Abstract: RUS is issuing a regulation to standardize the definition of
``rural'' and ``rural area'' to implement section 6020 of the Farm
Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002, to amend section 343(13)(B)
of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act, which defines the
term ``rural'' and ``rural area'' for the purpose of water and waste
disposal grants, and direct and guarantee loans provided under
paragraphs (1), (2), and (24) of section 306(a). This rule will create
a standard definition of ``rural'' and ``rural area'' with respect to
RUS Water and Environmental Programs in 7 CFR 1775, 1778, 1779, 1780,
and 1783.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action                            Date                      FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
Direct Final Rule               12/00/06
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, 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-AC04
_______________________________________________________________________
Department of Agriculture (USDA)                      Long-Term Actions
Rural Utilities Service (RUS)
_______________________________________________________________________
293. SPECIAL EQUIPMENT CONTRACT (NOT INCLUDING INSTALLATION), RUS FORM
398
Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant
CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1755
Timetable: Next Action Undetermined
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-AB76
_______________________________________________________________________
294. EXEMPTION OF CERTAIN BORROWERS FROM CONTROLS
Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant
CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1717
Timetable: Next Action Undetermined
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-AB85
_______________________________________________________________________
295. TELECOMMUNICATIONS SYSTEM CONSTRUCTION POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant
CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1753
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action                            Date                      FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
NPRM                             To Be                       Determined
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-AB98
_______________________________________________________________________
296. LIEN ACCOMMODATIONS AND SUBORDINATIONS FOR 100 PERCENT PRIVATE
FINANCING
Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant
CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1717-R
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action                            Date                      FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
NPRM                             To Be                       Determined
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-AB99
_______________________________________________________________________
297. SEISMIC SAFETY
Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant
CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1792
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action                            Date                      FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
Direct Final Rule                To Be                       Determined
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-AC01
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[[Page 22373]]
_______________________________________________________________________
Department of Agriculture (USDA)                       Final Rule Stage
Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS)
_______________________________________________________________________
298. CONSERVATION SECURITY PROGRAM
Priority: Economically Significant. Major under 5 USC 801.
Legal Authority: 16 USC 3838
CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1470
Legal Deadline: None
Abstract: Under the Conservation Security Program (CSP) NRCS is
authorized to provide financial and technical assistance to owners and
operators of agricultural operations to promote conservation and
improvement of the quality of soil, water, air, energy, plant and
animal life, and other conservation purposes.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action                            Date                      FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
NPRM                            01/02/04                      69 FR 193
NPRM Comment Period End         03/02/04
Interim Final Rule              06/21/04                    69 FR 34502
Interim Final Rule Comment
Period End                      09/20/04
Interim Final Rule              03/25/05                    70 FR 15201
Interim Final Rule Comment
Period End                      07/25/05
Final Action                    06/00/06
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No
Government Levels Affected: None
Agency Contact: Martha Joseph, Resource Conservationist, Department of
Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service, P.O. Box 2890,
Washington, DC 20013
Phone: 202 720-7157
Fax: 202 720-2143
Email: martha.joseph@wdc.usda.gov
RIN: 0578-AA36
_______________________________________________________________________
299. GRASSLAND RESERVE PROGRAM
Priority: Other Significant
Legal Authority: PL 107-171; 16 USC 3838
CFR Citation: 7 CFR 1415
Legal Deadline: None
Abstract: Under Grassland Reserve Program (GRP) the Department enters
into easement or rental agreements with owners of grazing land to
protect and restore such lands. The Department will designate payment
for cost share to restore the functions and values of grasslands.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action                            Date                      FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
Interim Final Rule              05/21/04                    69 FR 29173
Interim Final Rule Comment
Period End                      07/20/04
Final Action                    04/00/06
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No
Government Levels Affected: None
Agency Contact: Floyd Wood, Easement Program Division, Department of
Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service, Washington, DC
20013
Phone: 202 720-0242
Fax: 202 720-9689
Email: floyd.wood@wdc.usda.gov
RIN: 0578-AA38
_______________________________________________________________________
Department of Agriculture (USDA)                      Long-Term Actions
Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS)
_______________________________________________________________________
300. CONFIDENTIALITY OF CONSERVATION PROGRAM INFORMATION
Priority: Other Significant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is
undetermined.
CFR Citation: 7 CFR 609
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action                            Date                      FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
Interim Final Rule               To Be                       Determined
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No
Government Levels Affected: State
Agency Contact: Dwight Holman
Phone: 202 720-6297
Fax: 202 720-2588
Email: dwight.holman@wdc.usda.gov
RIN: 0578-AA40
BILLING CODE 3410--16--S
_______________________________________________________________________
Department of Agriculture (USDA)                    Proposed Rule Stage
National Agricultural Statistical Service (NASS)
_______________________________________________________________________
301. DAIRY PRODUCT MANDATORY REPORTING
Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant
Legal Authority: 7 USC 1637
CFR Citation: Not Yet Determined
Legal Deadline: None
Abstract: Would establish a program of mandatory dairy product
information by requiring each manufacturer to report to USDA
information concerning the price, quantity, and moisture content of
dairy products sold by the manufacturer. This rulemaking would comply
with laws enacted in 2000 and 2002 that amended the Agricultural
Marketing Act of 1946.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action                            Date                      FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
NPRM                            05/00/06
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No
Small Entities Affected: No
Government Levels Affected: None
Agency Contact: Dan Kerestes, Chief, Livestock Branch, Department of
Agriculture, National Agricultural Statistical Service, 1400
Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 720-3570
Email: dan--kerestes@nass.usda.gov
RIN: 0535-AA00
BILLING CODE 3410--20--S
[[Page 22374]]
_______________________________________________________________________
Department of Agriculture (USDA)                      Long-Term Actions
Office of Procurement and Property Management (OPPM)
_______________________________________________________________________
302. AGRICULTURE ACQUISITION REGULATION (AGAR): USE OF BIOBASED
MATERIALS
Priority: Other Significant
CFR Citation: Not Yet Determined
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action                            Date                      FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
NPRM                             To Be                       Determined
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined
Small Entities Affected:  Businesses
Government Levels Affected: None
Agency Contact: Joseph J. Daragan
Phone: 202 720-5729
Fax: 202 720-5729
Email: joe.daragan@usda.gov
RIN: 0599-AA12
[FR Doc. 06-2469 Filed 04-21-06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-98-S
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