25187 Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 70 / Wednesday, April 10, 2024 / Proposed Rules 
Executive Order 12866, as amended by 
Executive Order 14094. 
Regulatory Flexibility Act 
The Director of OPM certifies that this 
rulemaking will not have a significant 
economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. 
Federalism 
OPM has examined this rulemaking in 
accordance with Executive Order 13132, 
Federalism, and has determined that this rule will not have any negative impact on the rights, roles and responsibilities of State, local, or tribal governments. 
Civil Justice Reform 
This rulemaking meets the applicable 
standard set forth in Executive Order 
12988. 
Unfunded Mandates Act of 1995 
This rulemaking will not result in the 
expenditure by State, local, and tribal 
governments, in the aggregate, or by the private sector, of $100 million or more in any year and it will not significantly or uniquely affect small governments. Therefore, no actions were deemed necessary under the provisions of the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995. 
Paperwork Reduction Act 
This rulemaking does not impose any 
reporting or record-keeping 
requirements subject to the Paperwork Reduction Act. 
List of Subjects in 5 CFR Part 532 
Administrative practice and 
procedure, Freedom of information, 
Government employees, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Wages. 
Office of Personnel Management. 
Kayyonne Marston, Federal Register Liaison. 
Accordingly, OPM is proposing to 
amend 5 CFR part 532 as follows: 
PART 532—PREVAILING RATE 
SYSTEMS 
■1. The authority citation for part 532 
continues to read as follows: 
Authority: 5 U.S.C. 5343, 5346; § 532.707 
also issued under 5 U.S.C. 552. 
■2. In appendix D to subpart B, amend 
the table by revising the wage area listing for the District of Columbia and the State of Maryland to read as follows: 
Appendix D to Subpart B of Part 532— 
Nonappropriated Fund Wage and Survey Areas 
* * * * * Definitions of Wage Areas and Wage Area 
Survey Areas 
* * * * * 
DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA 
Washington, DC Survey Area 
District of Columbia: 
Washington, DC 
Area of Application. Survey area plus: West Virginia: 
Berkeley 
* * * * * 
MARYLAND 
Anne Arundel Survey Area 
Maryland: 
Anne Arundel 
Area of Application. Survey area plus: Maryland (city): 
Baltimore 
Maryland (counties): 
Baltimore 
Frederick 
Charles-St. Mary’s 
Survey Area 
Maryland: 
Charles 
St. Mary’s 
Area of Application. Survey area plus: 
Maryland: 
Calvert 
Virginia: 
King George 
Harford 
Survey Area 
Maryland: 
Harford 
Area of Application. Survey area plus: Maryland: 
Cecil 
Montgomery-Prince George’s 
Survey Area 
Maryland: 
Montgomery 
Prince George’s 
Area of Application. Survey area. 
* * * * * 
[FR Doc. 2024–07530 Filed 4–9–24; 8:45 am] 
BILLING CODE 6325–39–P DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE 
Agricultural Marketing Service 
7 CFR Part 66 
[Doc. No. AMS–FTPP–23–0019] 
National Bioengineered Food 
Disclosure Standard; Request for Information on Electronic and Digital Link Disclosures 
AGENCY : Agricultural Marketing Service 
(AMS); Department of Agriculture (USDA). 
ACTION : Notice; request for information. 
SUMMARY : The Agricultural Marketing 
Service of the USDA is soliciting information about potential amendments to the electronic or digital link disclosure option as it pertains to the National Bioengineered Food Disclosure Standard (Standard). 
DATES : Comments must be received by 
June 10, 2024 to be assured of consideration. 
ADDRESSES : Interested parties are 
invited to submit written comments via the internet at https://www.regulations.gov. Enter ‘‘AMS– 
FTPP–23–0019’’ in the Search field. Select the Documents tab, then select the ‘Comment’ button in the list of documents. Comments may also be filed by mail or by fax with the Docket Clerk, 1400 Independence Ave. SW, Room 2069—South, Washington, DC 20250; Fax: (202) 260–8369. All comments submitted in response to this notice, including the identity of individuals or entities submitting comments, will be made available to the public on the internet via https://www.regulations.gov. 
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT : 
Kenneth Becker, Research and Rulemaking Branch Chief, Food Disclosure and Labeling Division, Fair Trade Practices Program, Agricultural Marketing Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Telephone (202) 570–3661, Email kenneth.becker@usda.gov. 
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION : 
I. Background 
On July 29, 2016, Public Law 114–216 
amended the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 (7 U.S.C. 1621 et seq.) (amended Act) to require USDA to establish a national, mandatory standard for disclosing any food that is or may be bioengineered (BE). In accordance with the amended Act, USDA published final regulations to implement the Standard on December 21, 2018 (83 FR 65814). The regulations became effective on February 19, 2019, with a mandatory 
VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:32 Apr 09, 2024 Jkt 262001 PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 E:\FR\FM\10APP1.SGM 10APP1ddrumheller on DSK120RN23PROD with PROPOSALS125188 Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 70 / Wednesday, April 10, 2024 / Proposed Rules 
1The ‘‘Study of Electronic or Digital Link 
Disclosure: A Third-Party Evaluation of Challenges 
Impacting Access to Bioengineered Food Disclosure,’’ was made available to the public on September 6, 2017, at https://www.ams.usda.gov/ reports/study-electronic-or-digital-disclosure. 2Pew Research Center. 2021. Mobile Fact Sheet. 
Retrieved December 14, 2022, from https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/fact-sheet/mobile/. 
3Pew Research Center. 2021. Some digital divides 
persist between rural, urban, and suburban America. Retrieved December 15, 2022, from https://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2021/08/19/ some-digital-divides-persist-between-rural-urban- and-suburban-america/. 
4Pew Research Center. 2022. Share of those 65 
and older who are tech users has grown in the past decade. Retrieved January 17, 2023, from https://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2022/01/13/share- of-those-65-and-older-who-are-tech-users-has- grown-in-the-past-decade/. compliance date of January 1, 2022. 
Under 7 CFR 66.1, a bioengineered food is a food that—subject to certain factors, conditions, and limitations—contains detectable genetic material that has been modified through in vitro recombinant deoxyribonucleic acid (rDNA) techniques and for which the modification could not otherwise be obtained through conventional breeding or found in nature. 
The amended Act requires USDA to 
implement the following three BE food disclosure options: on-package text; on- package symbol; and an electronic or digital link, with the disclosure option to be selected by the food manufacturer. 7 U.S.C. 1639b(b)(2)(D). The amended Act directs USDA to require food manufacturers selecting the electronic or digital link disclosure option to include a telephone number that provides access to the disclosure. 7 U.S.C. 1639b(d)(4). Additionally, the amended Act requires USDA to conduct a study to identify potential technological challenges that may impact whether consumers would have access to the BE food disclosure through electronic or digital disclosure methods prior to promulgating regulations establishing the Standard. 7 U.S.C. 1639b(c)(1). If after reviewing the study, the Secretary determines that consumers, while shopping, would not have sufficient access to the BE food disclosure through electronic or digital disclosure methods, the amended Act requires, after consultation with food retailers and manufacturers, additional and comparable options to access the BE food disclosure be provided. 7 U.S.C. 1639b(c)(4). 
As required by the amended Act, 
AMS conducted a study in 2017. The study identified ‘‘potential technological challenges that may impact whether consumers would have access to the bioengineering disclosure through electronic or digital disclosure methods.’’ On September 6, 2017, the results of the study were made publicly available on the AMS website.
1As 
described in the December 21, 2018, final rule establishing the standard, upon reviewing the results of the study, and in consideration of public comments on a proposed rule published on May 4, 2018 (83 FR 19860), the Secretary determined consumers would not, at that time, have sufficient access to the BE food disclosure through 
electronic or digital means under ordinary shopping conditions. 83 FR 65828. In response to the Secretary’s determination, and following consultation with food retailers and manufacturers and in consideration of public comments, AMS added a text message disclosure option at 7 CFR 66.108 as an additional and comparable option to access the disclosure. Accordingly, the current regulations provide four different disclosure options for food retailers and manufacturers to disclose the presence of a BE food or BE food ingredient: on-package text; the BE symbol; an electronic or digital link accompanied by a telephone number; and a text message. The requirements for on-package text disclosures are described at 7 CFR 66.102, which mandates that the on-package language must state ‘‘Bioengineered food,’’ ‘‘Contains a bioengineered food ingredient,’’ or, if multiple BE food ingredients are present, ‘‘Contains bioengineered food ingredients.’’ The BE symbol requirements are described at 7 CFR 66.104. The symbol can be found at https://www.ams.usda.gov/ rules-regulations/be/symbols. The 
requirements for electronic or digital link disclosure are explained at 7 CFR 66.106, which mandates that the electronic or digital link be accompanied by on-package statements that read, ‘‘Scan here for more food information’’ and ‘‘Call 1–000–000– 0000 for more food information.’’ When accessed, the electronic or digital link product information page must include either the same language requirements of the on-package text disclosure in 7 CFR 66.102 or the symbol disclosure in 7 CFR 66.104. The requirements for the text message option are described at 7 CFR 66.108, which mandates an on- package statement that says ‘‘Text [command word] to [number] for bioengineered food information.’’ When the text message disclosure is used, the consumer must receive the BE food disclosure using the same language required for on-package text disclosures, as described at 7 CFR 66.102. 
In September 2022, the Federal Court 
for the Northern District of California issued a decision addressing several claims raised in Natural Grocers, et al. v.Vilsack, et al. regarding the Standard.
The Court found that AMS’s action ofproviding a text message disclosureoption (7 CFR 66.108) as an additionaland comparable option fell outside ofthe statutory authority of the amendedAct and failed to address the problem ofinsufficient access to the BE disclosurethrough the electronic or digital linkdisclosure option. The Court concludedan additional and comparabledisclosure option must be included with the electronic or digital link disclosure (7 CFR 66.106). The Court accordingly ordered that AMS reconsider the requirements in §§ 66.106 and 108. 
II. Request for Information
AMS is reevaluating the electronic or
digital link disclosure option at 7 CFR 
66.106 and is soliciting public input on potential revisions to the electronic or digital link disclosure option as it pertains to the Standard. Commenting parties should submit responses to questions and requests (1) through (8) below and, if available, provide data and other evidence to support any suggested revision. AMS will not consider comments providing recommendations that are not relevant to the questions and requests below. 
(1) What are the current challenges
associated with consumers accessing information on the BE status of foods by electronic or digital link disclosure in a retail setting? 
(2) If a regulated entity chooses to use
an electronic or digital link to disclose a BE food, what additional and comparable option should AMS add to the electronic or digital link disclosure option that would be more helpful for consumers? In which location proximate to the electronic or digital link should an additional and comparable option be placed? 
(3) Provide information on current
smartphone ownership among consumers, if available. Context: AMS is interested in the availability of wireless internet or cellular networks. AMS has found that as of 2021, most Americans (97 percent) owned a cellphone of some kind and smartphone ownership was at 85 percent.
2In particular, the Pew 
Research Center found that 89 percent of urban adults, 84 percent of suburban adults, and 80 percent of rural adults in America own a smartphone.
3The Pew 
Research Center also found that 61 percent of individuals 65 and older own a smartphone.
4 
(4) Provide information on the
availability of broadband in a retail setting, if available. This could include 
VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:32 Apr 09, 2024 Jkt 262001 PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 E:\FR\FM\10APP1.SGM 10APP1ddrumheller on DSK120RN23PROD with PROPOSALS125189 Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 70 / Wednesday, April 10, 2024 / Proposed Rules 
broadband that is offered directly to 
consumers, or the accessibility to other private networks while in a retail setting. 
(5) Provide current information on the 
consumer usage of BE or other electronic or digital link disclosures in a retail setting. Context: AMS is trying to determine if accessibility to information through electronic and digital disclosure in retail settings is common; responses can include use in restaurants or related retail sectors, in addition to grocery. 
(6) Explain any advantages and 
benefits to using the electronic or digital link disclosure option. 
(7) Provide any information available 
on the percentage of usage for each of the four current disclosure options. In addition, provide information on how many small businesses use each of the four disclosure options. Context: AMS evaluates the costs that rulemaking would impose on regulated entities according to each type of disclosure option and is seeking additional data regarding how many products in the marketplace use each of the four currently available options. 
(8) How long does it take on average 
to update label art, print new labels, and deploy new labels to production lines? How frequently are labels reordered and label inventory updated? Is there any standard cycle for updating retail product labels? How frequently is product inventory updated at retail? What is the preferred optimum compliance period for incorporating new mandatory disclosure information into products for retail? 
Authority: 7 U.S.C. 1621 et seq. 
Erin Morris, 
Associate Administrator, Agricultural 
Marketing Service. 
[FR Doc. 2024–07592 Filed 4–9–24; 8:45 am] 
BILLING CODE P 
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION 
Federal Aviation Administration 
14 CFR Part 39 
[Docket No. FAA–2024–0999; Project 
Identifier MCAI–2023–01262–T] 
RIN 2120–AA64 
Airworthiness Directives; Dassault 
Aviation Airplanes 
AGENCY : Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), DOT. 
ACTION : Notice of proposed rulemaking 
(NPRM). SUMMARY : The FAA proposes to adopt a 
new airworthiness directive (AD) for all 
Dassault Aviation Model FALCON 7X airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by a determination that certain left-hand (LH) and right-hand (RH) pylon bleed air leak detectors (BALDs) might be defective, due to incorrect manufacturing processes and incomplete acceptance test procedures. This proposed AD would require a one- time operational check of affected parts and, depending on findings, accomplishment of applicable corrective action, and would limit the installation of affected parts under certain conditions, as specified in a European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which is proposed for incorporation by reference (IBR). The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products. 
DATES : The FAA must receive comments 
on this proposed AD by May 28, 2024. 
ADDRESSES : You may send comments, 
using the procedures found in 14 CFR 11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods: 
•Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to 
regulations.gov. Follow the instructions 
for submitting comments. 
•Fax: 202–493–2251. 
•Mail: U.S. Department of 
Transportation, Docket Operations, M– 30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590. 
•Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail 
address above between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. 
AD Docket: You may examine the AD 
docket at regulations.gov under Docket 
No. FAA–2024–0999; or in person at Docket Operations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains this NPRM, the mandatory 
continuing airworthiness information (MCAI), any comments received, and other information. The street address for Docket Operations is listed above. 
Material Incorporated by Reference: 
•For material that is proposed for 
IBR in this AD, contact EASA, Konrad- 
Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone +49 221 8999 000; email ADs@easa.europa.eu; website 
easa.europa.eu. You may find this 
material on the EASA website at ad.easa.europa.eu. It is also available at 
regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA– 
2024–0999. 
•You may view this material at the 
FAA, Airworthiness Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 206–231–3195. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT : Tom 
Rodriguez, Aviation Safety Engineer, 
FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; phone: 206–231– 3226; email: tom.rodriguez@faa.gov. 
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION : 
Comments Invited 
The FAA invites you to send any 
written relevant data, views, or arguments about this proposal. Send your comments to an address listed under 
ADDRESSES . Include ‘‘Docket No. 
FAA–2024–0999; Project Identifier MCAI–2023–01262–T’’ at the beginning of your comments. The most helpful comments reference a specific portion of the proposal, explain the reason for any recommended change, and include supporting data. The FAA will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend this proposal because of those comments. 
Except for Confidential Business 
Information (CBI) as described in the following paragraph, and other information as described in 14 CFR 11.35, the FAA will post all comments received, without change, to regulations.gov, including any personal 
information you provide. The agency 
will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact received about this NPRM. 
Confidential Business Information 
CBI is commercial or financial 
information that is both customarily and 
actually treated as private by its owner. Under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) (5 U.S.C. 552), CBI is exempt from public disclosure. If your comments responsive to this NPRM contain commercial or financial information that is customarily treated as private, that you actually treat as private, and that is relevant or responsive to this NPRM, it is important that you clearly designate the submitted comments as CBI. Please mark each page of your submission containing CBI as ‘‘PROPIN.’’ The FAA will treat such marked submissions as confidential under the FOIA, and they will not be placed in the public docket of this NPRM. Submissions containing CBI should be sent to Tom Rodriguez, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; phone: 206–231–3226; email: tom.rodriguez@faa.gov. Any 
commentary that the FAA receives which is not specifically designated as CBI will be placed in the public docket for this rulemaking. 
Background 
EASA, which is the Technical Agent 
for the Member States of the European 
VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:32 Apr 09, 2024 Jkt 262001 PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 E:\FR\FM\10APP1.SGM 10APP1ddrumheller on DSK120RN23PROD with PROPOSALS1