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FR

FR-2024-08-16/2024-18333

Federal Register Volume 89 Issue 159 (August 16, 2024)

United States National Archives and Records Administration Office of the Federal Register

[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 159 (Friday, August 16, 2024)] [Notices] [Pages 66687-66688] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: 2024-18333] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Final Management Plan for the Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve AGENCY: Office for Coastal Management, National Ocean Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce. ACTION: Notice of approval of the revised management plan Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserves. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: Notice is hereby given that the Office for Coastal Management, National Ocean Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), U.S. Department of Commerce approves the revised management plan for the Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve in Florida. In accordance with applicable Federal regulations, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection revised the Apalachicola Reserve's management plan, which replaces the plan previously approved in 2015. ADDRESSES: The approved Apalachicola Reserve management plan can be downloaded or viewed at https://floridadep.gov/rcp/nerr-apalachicola/documents/apalachicola-nerr-management-plan. These documents are also available by sending a written request to the point of contact identified below (see FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT). FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Matt Chasse of NOAA's Office for Coastal Management, by email at [email protected], phone at 240-628- 5417. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Pursuant to 15 CFR 921.33(c), Florida must revise the management plan for the Apalachicola research reserve at least every five years. Changes to a reserve's management plan may be made only after receiving written approval from NOAA. NOAA approves changes to management plans via notice in the Federal Register. On December 27, 2023, NOAA issued a notice in the Federal Register announcing a thirty-day public comment period for the proposed revision of the management plan for the Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve (87 FR 89406). Appendix C of the plan contains a summary of written and oral comments received, and an explanation of how comments were incorporated into the final version of the management plan. The revised management plan outlines the reserve's: strategic goals and objectives; administrative structure; programs for conducting research and monitoring, education, and training; resource management, restoration and public use and access; volunteer support, and communications plans; consideration for future land acquisition; and facility development and improvement to support reserve operations. The Apalachicola's revised management plan will focus on addressing specific coastal management issues including hydrological changes in the Apalachicola River and floodplain; coastal development; and climate change and extreme events. Research and monitoring aims to expand understanding of the ecological processes related to the Apalachicola River and watershed and develop new research initiatives and monitoring projects to fill gaps in our understanding of key ecosystem functions related to pollutants, habitats, and diversity. Reserve education programming prioritizes in-field studies for students and teachers. Programming for K-12 students will be provided for a continuity of content across the entire academic experience of local students. Reserve outreach efforts will target participants from all ages and walks of life while recognizing the local community as key stakeholders. Coastal training will deliver formal trainings, skill- building opportunities, tools and technical assistance that enable audiences to continue to implement sound policies based on science that protect the environment. In addition, the reserve's regular engagement with decision makers strengthens partnerships, furthers assessments of audience needs and forges positive [[Page 66688]] working relationships with decision makers to increase stewardship and resilience throughout the reserve. Furthermore, no reserve boundary or acreage changes are incorporated into the revised management plan. The revised management plan will serve as the guiding document for the 234,715 acre Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve for the next five years. NOAA reviewed the environmental impacts of the revised management plan and determined that this action is categorically excluded from further analysis under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), as amended, 42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq., and the Council on Environmental Quality Regulations for Implementing the Procedural Provisions of NEPA (40 CFR 1500-1508 (2022), consistent with NOAA Administrative Order 216-6A. Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1451 et seq.; 15 CFR 921.33. Keelin S. Kuipers, Deputy Director, Office for Coastal Management, National Ocean Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. [FR Doc. 2024-18333 Filed 8-15-24; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510-08-P

usgpo

2024-10-08T13:26:26.644556

FR

FR-2024-08-16/2024-18438

Federal Register Volume 89 Issue 159 (August 16, 2024)

United States National Archives and Records Administration Office of the Federal Register

[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 159 (Friday, August 16, 2024)] [Notices] [Pages 66688-66689] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: 2024-18438] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for Review and Approval; Comment Request; Coastal Ocean Program Grants Proposal Application Package AGENCY: National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Notice of information collection, request for comment. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: The Department of Commerce, in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA), invites the general public and other Federal agencies to comment on proposed, and continuing information collections, which helps us assess the impact of our information collection requirements and minimize the public's reporting burden. The purpose of this notice is to allow for 60 days of public comment preceding submission of the collection to OMB. DATES: To ensure consideration, comments regarding this proposed information collection must be received on or before October 15, 2024. ADDRESSES: Interested persons are invited to submit written comments to Adrienne Thomas, NOAA PRA Officer, at [email protected]. Please reference OMB Control Number 0648-0384 in the subject line of your comments. All comments received are part of the public record and will generally be posted on https://www.regulations.gov without change. Do not submit Confidential Business Information or otherwise sensitive or protected information. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Requests for additional information or specific questions related to collection activities should be directed to Laura Golden, Grants Administrator, by telephone 240-569-0196 or by email [email protected]. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: I. Abstract This request is for a revision and extension of a currently approved information collection. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Coastal Ocean Program (COP) now known as the Competitive Research Program (CRP) under the National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science provides direct financial assistance through grants and cooperative agreements for research supporting the management of coastal ecosystems and the NOAA Restore Science Program. The statutory authority for COP is Public Law 102-567, section 201 (Coastal Ocean Program). NOAA was authorized to establish and administer the Restore Science Program, in consultation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, by the Resources and Ecosystems Sustainability, Tourist Opportunities, and Revived Economies (RESTORE) of the Gulf States Act of 2012 (Pub. L. 112-141, section 1604). Identified in the RESTORE Act as the Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration Science, Observation, Monitoring, and Technology Program, the Program is commonly known as the NOAA RESTORE Science Program (RSP). In addition to standard government application requirements, applicants for financial assistance for both programs are required to submit a project summary form, current and pending form, and a Data Management form template. The Data Management form template is a new addition to the application package. Data Management is a required element of the application package and the use of this form the will reduce the public burden by providing a specific format instead of requiring each applicant to create their own format. The Key Contacts form has been removed from the collection. CRP recipients are required to file annual progress reports and a project final report using CRP formats. The RSP recipients are required to file semiannual progress reports, a final report and a Gantt chart showing project milestones using RSP formats. All of these requirements are needed for better evaluation of proposals and monitoring of awards. II. Method of Collection Respondents have a choice of either electronic or paper forms. III. Data OMB Control Number: 0648-0384. Form Number(s): None. Type of Review: Regular submission (revision/extension of a currently approved collection). Affected Public: Non-profit institutions; State, local, or tribal government; business or other for-profit organizations. Estimated Number of Respondents: 1,200. Estimated Time per Response: 30 minutes each for a project summary, data management template and current and pending Federal support; 5.5 hours for a semi-annual report; 5 hours for an annual report, 10 hours for a CRP final report, 10.5 hours for the RSP final report and 1 hour for the milestone Gantt chart. Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours: 1,912.5. Estimated Total Annual Cost to Public: $0 in recordkeeping/ reporting costs. Respondent's Obligation: Mandatory. Legal Authority: The statutory authority for COP is Public Law 102- 567, section 201 (Coastal Ocean Program). NOAA was authorized to establish and administer the Restore Science Program, in consultation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, by the Resources and Ecosystems Sustainability, Tourist Opportunities, and Revived Economies (RESTORE) of the Gulf States Act of 2012 (Pub. L. 112-141, section 1604). IV. Request for Comments We are soliciting public comments to permit the Department/Bureau to: (a) Evaluate whether the proposed information collection is necessary for the proper functions of the Department, including whether the information will have practical utility; (b) Evaluate the accuracy of our estimate of the time and cost burden for this proposed collection, including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used; (c) [[Page 66689]] Evaluate ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (d) Minimize the reporting burden on those who are to respond, including the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology. Comments that you submit in response to this notice are a matter of public record. We will include or summarize each comment in our request to OMB to approve this ICR. Before including your address, phone number, email address, or other personal identifying information in your comment, you should be aware that your entire comment--including your personal identifying information--may be made publicly available at any time. While you may ask us in your comment to withhold your personal identifying information from public review, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to do so. Sheleen Dumas, Department PRA Clearance Officer, Office of the Under Secretary for Economic Affairs, Commerce Department. [FR Doc. 2024-18438 Filed 8-15-24; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510-JE-P

usgpo

2024-10-08T13:26:26.677185

FR

FR-2024-08-16/2024-18394

Federal Register Volume 89 Issue 159 (August 16, 2024)

United States National Archives and Records Administration Office of the Federal Register

[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 159 (Friday, August 16, 2024)] [Notices] [Page 66689] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: 2024-18394] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for Review and Approval; Comment Request; Application for Commercial Fisheries Authorization Under Section 118 of the Marine Mammal Protection Act The Department of Commerce will submit the following information collection request to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and clearance in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, on or after the date of publication of this notice. We invite the general public and other Federal agencies to comment on proposed, and continuing information collections, which helps us assess the impact of our information collection requirements and minimize the public's reporting burden. Public comments were previously requested via the Federal Register on May 2, 2024 during a 60-day comment period. This notice allows for an additional 30 days for public comments. Agency: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Commerce. Title: Application for Commercial Fisheries Authorization under Section 118 of the Marine Mammal Protection Act. OMB Control Number: 0648-0293. Form Number(s): None. Type of Request: Regular submission (extension of existing collection.) Number of Respondents: 100. Average Hours per Response: Initial registration 15 minutes. Total Annual Burden Hours: 25 hours. Needs and Uses: This is a request for an extension of a currently approved collection. Section 118 of the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) requires any commercial fisherman operating in Category I and II fisheries to register for a certificate of authorization that will allow the fisherman to take marine mammals incidental to commercial fishing operations. Category I and II fisheries are those identified by National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) on the MMPA List of Fisheries as having either frequent or occasional takings of marine mammals. All states have integrated the NMFS registration process into the existing state fishery registration process and vessel owners do not need to file a separate federal registration. If applicable, vessel owners will be notified of this simplified registration process when they apply for their state or Federal permit or license. A valid certificate of authorization protects the vessel owner from prosecution under the MMPA for violation of the moratorium on taking marine mammals. The information needed to register or update a commercial fishery authorization is found at 50 CFR 229.4. There are no revisions to this information collection. Affected Public: Individuals or households; Business or other for- profit organizations. Frequency: One time for initial registration. Then only on an as needed if vessel owners' contact or vessel information changes after initial registration. Respondent's Obligation: Required to lawfully take marine mammals' incidental to fishing operations. Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1361 et seq.; MMPA. This information collection request may be viewed at www.reginfo.gov. Follow the instructions to view the Department of Commerce collections currently under review by OMB. Written comments and recommendations for the proposed information collection should be submitted within 30 days of the publication of this notice on the following website www.reginfo.gov/public/do/PRAMain. Find this particular information collection by selecting ``Currently under 30-day Review--Open for Public Comments'' or by using the search function and entering either the title of the collection or the OMB Control Number 0648-0293. Sheleen Dumas, Department PRA Clearance Officer, Office of the Under Secretary for Economic Affairs, Commerce Department. [FR Doc. 2024-18394 Filed 8-15-24; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510-22-P

usgpo

2024-10-08T13:26:26.732502

FR

FR-2024-08-16/2024-18099

Federal Register Volume 89 Issue 159 (August 16, 2024)

United States National Archives and Records Administration Office of the Federal Register

[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 159 (Friday, August 16, 2024)] [Notices] [Pages 66689-66692] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: 2024-18099] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Notice of Modification to the Special Use Permit (SUP) Category for the Continued Presence of Commercial Submarine Cables Within the National Marine Sanctuary System AGENCY: Office of National Marine Sanctuaries (ONMS), National Ocean Service (NOS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Department of Commerce (DOC). ACTION: Notice; request for public comments. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: NOAA hereby gives public notice that ONMS is modifying the special use permit (SUP) category for the continued presence of commercial submarine cables on or within a national marine sanctuary's submerged lands so that, for a two-year period, the SUP category does not apply to commercial submarine cables in any new sanctuaries designated after August 16, 2024. In addition, NOAA is seeking public comment on the use of the SUP category for the continued presence of commercial submarine cables, potential modifications to the SUP category, and input on developing an updated policy and permit guidance document for submarine cable projects. This temporary suspension affords NOAA time to consider and respond to public comment, evaluate the need for updating the SUP category and permit guidance document, publish a draft update of the SUP category and/or the permit guidance document for further public comment, and finalize any updates to the SUP category and/or permit guidance document, if needed. During this temporary two-year suspension, NOAA will not require or issue SUPs for the continued presence of commercial submarine cables on or within the submerged lands of any new sanctuaries designated after August 16, [[Page 66690]] 2024. Any activities related to submarine cables that would violate sanctuary regulatory prohibitions within new sanctuaries designated after August 16, 2024, which may include such activities as cable installation, maintenance, and repair, will still be prohibited unless approved by other NOAA approval mechanisms, such as certifications, authorizations or general permits. This two-year suspension period may be subject to further extension, as appropriate, via subsequent Federal Register notices. DATES: The effective date of this temporary two-year suspension is August 16, 2024. Comments must be received on or before September 30, 2024. ADDRESSES: Comments may be submitted by the following method: Federal eRulemaking Portal: https://www.regulations.gov. Submit electronic comments via the Federal eRulemaking Portal and search for Docket Number NOAA-NOS-2024-0089. Instructions: All comments received are a part of the public record. All personal identifying information (for example, name and address) voluntarily submitted by the commenter may be publicly accessible. Do not submit confidential business information or otherwise sensitive or protected information. NOAA will accept anonymous comments (enter N/A in the required fields to remain anonymous). FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Sophie De Beukelaer, NOAA Office of National Marine Sanctuaries, 1305 East West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910, or [email protected], (831) 583-8755. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: I. Background Under the National Marine Sanctuaries Act (NMSA), 16 U.S.C. 1431 et seq., ONMS designates and manages special areas of the marine environment as national marine sanctuaries. Congress first granted NOAA the authority to issue SUPs for the conduct of specific activities in national marine sanctuaries in the 1988 amendments to NMSA (Pub. L. 100-627). Under section 310 of the NMSA, 16 U.S.C. 1441, NOAA may issue SUPs to establish conditions of access to and use of any sanctuary resource or to promote public use and understanding of a sanctuary resource. See also 15 CFR 922.31 (providing that a ``person may conduct a specified special use permit activity, if such activity is specifically authorized by, and is conducted in accordance with the scope, purpose, manner, terms and conditions of, a special use permit issued under this section''). In the National Marine Sanctuaries Amendments Act of 2000 (Pub. L. 106-513), Congress added a requirement that prior to identifying any category of activity subject to a SUP, NOAA has to provide appropriate public notice. See 16 U.S.C. 1441(b). To comply with this requirement, NOAA published a list of five SUP categories--categories of activities subject to the requirements of SUPs--in the Federal Register in 2002 (67 FR 35501). One of the five SUP categories was the maintenance of submarine cables beneath or on the seabed. On January 30, 2006, NOAA amended the submarine cable category to apply to submarine cables' ``continued presence'' instead of their maintenance and, in addition, NOAA specified the category applies only to ``commercial'' submarine cables (71 FR 4898). As such, the updated category provided that ``the continued presence of commercial submarine cables beneath or on the seabed'' was subject to the requirements of special use permits under section 310 of the NMSA. NOAA has since published other notices in the Federal Register to make updates to other SUP categories but these notices did not further revise the SUP category for the continued presence of commercial submarine cables. Section 310(c) of the NMSA, 16 U.S.C. 1441(c), establishes certain conditions on the issuance of SUPs. Section 310(c) requires that SUPs: Shall authorize the conduct of an activity only if that activity is compatible with the purposes for which the sanctuary is designated and with protection of sanctuary resources; Shall not authorize the conduct of any activity for a period of more than 5 years unless renewed by NOAA; Shall require that activities carried out under the SUP be conducted in a manner that does not destroy, cause the loss of, or injure sanctuary resources; and Shall require the permittee to purchase and maintain comprehensive general liability insurance, or post an equivalent bond, against claims arising out of activities conducted under the permit and to agree to hold the United States harmless against such claims. In addition, under section 310(d) of the NMSA, 16 U.S.C. 1441(d), NOAA may assess three types of fees associated with the conduct of any activity under a SUP: (1) administrative costs of issuing the permit (which NOAA considers to include a $50 application fee and labor fees); (2) implementation and monitoring costs; and (3) fair market value (FMV) of the use of the sanctuary resource. In 2011, NOAA published Policy and Permit Guidance for Submarine Cable Projects \1\ (``submarine cable permit guidance'') to define and describe how NOAA will consider proposals to install and maintain submarine cables within national marine sanctuaries (76 FR 56973). The submarine cable permit guidance describes how NOAA considers proposals (i.e., permit applications) to conduct site assessments for cable routes and install, maintain, repair, and remove submarine cables within national marine sanctuaries. The guidance provides detailed information for a permit applicant as well as sanctuary staff who process the permit applications for activities related to submarine cables in sanctuaries. NOAA has used this guidance to approve numerous cables within existing sanctuary sites. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \1\ The Policy and Permit Guidance for Submarine Cable Projects document is available is available on the ``National Marine Sanctuaries Documents'' website at https://sanctuaries.noaa.gov/library/alldocs.html under the section ``Policy, Permitting or Regulations'' or directly at https://nmssanctuaries.blob.core.windows.net/sanctuaries-prod/media/archive/library/pdfs/subcable_final_guidance_2011.pdf. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- On November 19, 2015, NOAA published a Federal Register notice (FRN) finalizing the methods, formulas and rationale for the calculations it uses to assess fees associated with the then existing seven SUP categories (80 FR 72415). In this FRN, NOAA stated that it assesses FMV for submarine cables in national marine sanctuaries based on the findings of its 2002 study entitled ``Fair Market Value Analysis for a Fiber Optic Cable Permit in National Marine Sanctuaries'' (67 FR 55201).\2\ The methodology established in NOAA's 2002 FMV study provided for FMV valuation on a per-mile basis, using a range of fees per mile of overall linear distance (length) the infrastructure occupies on or within the seafloor within the sanctuary. ONMS intends to consider updating its FMV analysis and methodology in a new report, which would be peer reviewed. A separate FRN would be published when the peer reviewed report is completed to provide notice to the public. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \2\ This 2002 FMV analysis document is available on the ``National Marine Sanctuaries Documents'' website at https://sanctuaries.noaa.gov/library/alldocs.html under the section ``Policy, Permitting or Regulations'' or directly at https://nmssanctuaries.blob.core.windows.net/sanctuaries-prod/media/archive/library/pdfs/fmv_focpermit_final_2002.pdf. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- [[Page 66691]] II. Action Description A. Two-Year Pause of SUP Requirement for Commercial Submarine Cables in New Sanctuaries With this notice, the SUP category for the continued presence of commercial submarine cables is modified so that, for a two-year period, the SUP category does not apply to commercial submarine cables in new sanctuaries designated after August 16, 2024. During this timeframe, the continued presence of commercial submarine cables on or within the submerged lands in newly designated sanctuaries will not be subject to the SUP requirements of section 310 of the NMSA or 15 CFR part 922. The temporary suspension affords NOAA time to evaluate the need for updating (i) the SUP category, (ii) its submarine cable permit guidance, and/or (iii) the FMV methodology, consider and respond to public comment, publish any proposed updates to the SUP category and/or submarine cable permit guidance for further public comment, and finalize any updates to the SUP category, submarine cable permit guidance, and/or FMV methodology, if needed and appropriate. During this temporary suspension, NOAA will not require or issue SUPs for the continued presence of commercial submarine cables on or within the submerged lands of newly designated sanctuaries. NOAA's current (2011) submarine cable policy and permit guidance addresses multiple sanctuary permit mechanisms, including sanctuary general permits and authorizations as well as SUPs. NOAA intends to propose updates to this submarine cable permit guidance in a separate action, subject to further public review and comment. However, at this time, NOAA invites any public comments on the current submarine cable permit guidance and input on updating the guidance. Any comments received will be considered and addressed as NOAA is developing a proposed update to the guidance. An update to the submarine cable permit guidance could include various possible changes, including but not limited to: updating references to and clarifications regarding national sanctuary permitting regulations; updating construction and mitigation measures; and adding details about how repair and maintenance would be approved or about any different approval processes for different types of cables. Revisions could specify streamlining steps, such as bundling approval for multiple cables into one action, and how different stages of a cable's ``lifecycle'' (installation, repair, maintenance, and removal) can be handled. NOAA is reviewing Bureau of Ocean Energy Management's (BOEM's) and coastal States' requirements for permitting submarine electrical transmission cables, and it may be prudent to refer to these standards in the policy and permitting guidelines (or, to explain how NOAA will handle any variances should a State's and BOEM requirements differ). The updated submarine cable permit guidance could contain a more comprehensive section on prohibited activities within different sites and a clearer description of the different types of approvals NOAA ONMS can issue for prohibited activities related to cables in national marine sanctuaries. It could also include examples of how NOAA ONMS has issued permits and authorizations for cable related activities in the past, how permit applications will be evaluated, and a checklist of information to include in the permit application materials. Once NOAA has considered public input, relevant available science, other peer reviewed information, and provided the final updated submarine cable permit guidance to the public, NOAA would then finalize any updates to the SUP category for the continued presence of commercial submarine cables on or within the submerged lands of any national marine sanctuary in a subsequent FRN. In addition, NOAA intends to consider updating its submarine cable FMV assessment and methodology in a peer-reviewed report, and would provide public notice of any updated and final FMV assessment and methodology concurrent with any final updates to the SUP category. This notice does not alter: The applicability of the SUP categories other than the category for the continued presence of commercial submarine cables beneath or on the seabed; The applicability of the SUP category for the continued presence of commercial submarine cables beneath or on the seabed in national marine sanctuaries designated prior to August 16, 2024; or The applicability of sanctuary permit types other than SUPs to submarine cables in national marine sanctuaries. Commercial submarine cables in national marine sanctuaries designated prior to August 16, 2024 will continue to be subject to the requirements of this SUP category, including terms and conditions of any currently effective SUPs. Any prohibited activities related to submarine cables that would violate NOAA regulatory prohibitions for national marine sanctuaries designated after August 16, 2024, which may include such activities as cable installation, maintenance, and repair, will still be prohibited unless approved by other NOAA approval mechanisms, such as certifications, authorizations, or general permits. Existing cables within national marine sanctuaries designated after August 16, 2024 should be certified to be in compliance with the NMSA. Certifications shall be obtained within a set number of days of the effective date of sanctuary designation as indicated in the final regulations of the sanctuary designation's FRN. This two-year suspension period may be subject to further extension, as appropriate, via subsequent FRNs. B. Rationale A temporary two-year suspension of requiring or issuing SUPs for commercial submarine cables in national marine sanctuaries designated after August 16, 2024 affords NOAA time to evaluate if and how it needs to update the SUP category, including the FMV methodology, for the continued presence of commercial submarine cables on or within the submerged lands of any national marine sanctuary. NOAA is initiating this action in part to be responsive to comments received on the draft Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary (CHNMS) designation documents,\3\ raising concerns regarding aspects of this SUP category and its implications for industries reliant on submarine cables, including telecommunications and offshore renewable energy. NOAA recognizes the importance of telecommunication cables and submarine electrical transmission cables from renewable offshore energy installations to shore. NOAA will continue to support the implementation of the Presidential Policy Directive 21: Critical Infrastructure Security and Resilience and the critical infrastructure Communications Sector-Specific Plan \4\ within the Department of Homeland Security's National Infrastructure Protection Plan. NOAA is responding to the development plans consistent with NOAA's statutory authorities and Executive Order 14008, which directs all federal agencies to cooperate and assist in addressing the climate crisis, including planning for and executing offshore wind development while [[Page 66692]] ensuring robust protection for the Nation's waters and biodiversity (86 FR 7619). In addition, NOAA acknowledges that submarine cables have been designated as critical infrastructure by the U.S. Government due to their importance for U.S. commercial and national security interests. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \3\ At https://www.regulations.gov/, Docket No. NOAA-NOS-2021- 0080. \4\ The Department of Homeland Securitiy's Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency's Communications Sector-Specific Plan can be downloaded from: https://www.cisa.gov/2015-sector-specific-plans. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- As authorized in the NMSA, NOAA protects nationally-significant marine resources while facilitating compatible uses in sanctuaries. 16 U.S.C. 1431(b)(6). Cable construction projects have been proposed, approved by NOAA, and successfully built within national marine sanctuaries. However, for the policy reasons described above and in consideration of the public and industry comments NOAA has received, NOAA considers it timely to evaluate and seek input on the need to update the SUP category for commercial submarine cables. During the pendency of this process, to avoid uncertainty, NOAA has determined it appropriate to suspend the application of the submarine cable SUP category for a two-year period for national marine sanctuaries designated after August 16, 2024. NOAA has a thorough understanding of how cables impact national marine sanctuaries designated before August 16, 2024, and, for those sites, has established methods to approve prohibited activities related to cables and to consider and issue SUPs for the continued presence of commercial submarine cables on the seabed. NOAA may use different approval types depending on differences in its regulations for each national marine sanctuary, findings, or other agency permits. Approval processes in place for national marine sanctuaries designated before August 16, 2024 provide reasonable predictability and assurance and suspending the SUPs for the continued presence of commercial cables for a short two-year time period could disrupt existing management, therefore, NOAA is not extending the pause to those sites. Within the two-year suspension period, NOAA intends to consider and respond to public comments on a separate, proposed update to its submarine cable permit guidance document. In updating and improving the submarine cable permit guidance document and providing an opportunity for the public to comment on the updated guidance document, NOAA intends to be responsive to CHNMS draft designation documents comments \5\ requesting clearer guidance on the permitting and approval process for cables. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \5\ At https://www.regulations.gov/, Docket No. NOAA-NOS-2021- 0080. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- III. Request for Comments NOAA is seeking public comment on the following: The use of the SUP category for the continued presence of commercial submarine cables; Potential modifications to this SUP category; and The current (2011) submarine cable permit guidance and input on updating the guidance. Any subsequent FRN proposing updates to the SUP category and/or to the submarine cable permit guidance will consider and address public comments received on this notice. IV. Classification A. National Environmental Policy Act NOAA has concluded this action will not have a significant effect, individually or cumulatively, on the human environment. This action is categorically excluded from the requirement to prepare an Environmental Assessment or Environmental Impact Statement in accordance with the NOAA Categorical Exclusion G7 and because there are no extraordinary circumstances precluding the application of this categorical exclusion. Specifically, this action is a notice of an administrative and legal nature, and any future effects of subsequent actions are too broad, speculative, or conjectural to lend themselves to meaningful analysis and will be subject to later NEPA analysis. This action would only temporarily pause the issuance of new special use permits for the continued presence of commercial submarine cables on or within the submerged lands of any national marine sanctuary designated after August 16, 2024. It does not commit the outcome of any particular federal action taken by NOAA. NOAA is proposing to update the 2011 submarine cable guidelines and request public comment on the newly proposed guidance. NOAA will ensure the appropriate NEPA documentation is prepared prior to taking final action or making any irretrievable or irreversible commitment of agency resources. B. Paperwork Reduction Act Notwithstanding any other provisions of the law, no person is required to respond to, nor shall any person be subject to a penalty for failure to comply with a collection of information subject to the requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA), 44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq., unless that collection of information displays a currently valid Office of Management and Budget (OMB) control number. NOAA has an OMB control number (0648-0141) for the collection of public information related to the processing of ONMS permits across the National Marine Sanctuary System. NOAA does not anticipate that this temporary two-year suspension of the SUP category for the continued presence of commercial submarine cables in newly designated sanctuaries would alter the public reporting burden for national marine sanctuaries permits. As such, this action does not necessitate a modification to the information collection approval. Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1431 et seq. John Armor, Director, Office of National Marine Sanctuaries, National Ocean Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. [FR Doc. 2024-18099 Filed 8-15-24; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510-NK-P

usgpo

2024-10-08T13:26:26.776043

FR

FR-2024-08-16/2024-18408

Federal Register Volume 89 Issue 159 (August 16, 2024)

United States National Archives and Records Administration Office of the Federal Register

[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 159 (Friday, August 16, 2024)] [Notices] [Pages 66692-66693] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: 2024-18408] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for Review and Approval; Comment Request; Environmental Compliance Questionnaire for NOAA Federal Funding Opportunity Applicants AGENCY: National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Notice of information collection, request for comment. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: The Department of Commerce, in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA), invites the general public and other Federal agencies to comment on proposed, and continuing information collections, which helps us assess the impact of our information collection requirements and minimize the public's reporting burden. The purpose of this notice is to allow for 60 days of public comment preceding submission of the collection to OMB. DATES: To ensure consideration, comments regarding this proposed information collection must be received on or before October 15, 2024. ADDRESSES: Interested persons are invited to submit written comments to Adrienne Thomas, NOAA PRA Officer, at [email protected]. Please reference OMB Control Number 0648-0538 in the subject line of your [[Page 66693]] comments. All comments received are part of the public record and will generally be posted on https://www.regulations.gov without change. Do not submit Confidential Business Information or otherwise sensitive or protected information. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Requests for additional information or specific questions related to collection activities should be directed to Mia Logan, 1315 East West Hwy., Bldg. SSMC3, Rm. 15107, Silver Spring, MD 20910-3282, tel. 202-365-1052, or [email protected]. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: I. Abstract This request is for a renewal of a currently approved information collection through the Environmental Compliance Questionnaire for National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Federal Funding Opportunity Applicants (Questionnaire). This Questionnaire is used by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to collect information about proposed activities for the purpose of complying with the National Environmental Policy Act (``NEPA,'' 42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) and other environmental compliance requirements associated with proposed activities. NEPA requires federal agencies to complete an environmental analysis for all major federal actions, including funding non-federal activities through federal financial assistance awards where federal participation in the funded activity is expected to be significant. The Questionnaire is used in conjunction with NOAA Notices of Funding Opportunity (NOFO). The NOFO will indicate the specific questions to which an applicant must respond in one of three ways: (1) the applicable questions are inserted directly into the NOFO with reference to the OMB Approval Number (0648-0538) for this form; (2) the NOFO will specify which questions (e.g., 1, 2) an applicant must answer, with the entire OMB- approved Questionnaire attached to the NOFO; or (3) applicants to be recommended for funding will be required to answer relevant questions from the Questionnaire. The federal program officer will determine which questions are relevant to each specific applicant. Answers must be provided before the application can be submitted for final funding approval. This Questionnaire has been not revised since 2021. II. Method of Collection Submissions are collected electronically. III. Data OMB Control Number: 0648-0538. Form Number(s): None. Type of Review: Regular submission [extension of a current information collection]. Affected Public: Individuals or households; Business or other for- profit organizations; Not-for-profit institutions; State, Local, or Tribal government. Estimated Number of Respondents: 736. Estimated Time per Response: 3 hours. Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours: 2,208. Estimated Total Annual Cost to Public: 0. Respondent's Obligation: Required to Obtain or Retain Benefits. Legal Authority: National Environmental Policy Act (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.). IV. Request for Comments We are soliciting public comments to permit the Department/Bureau to: (a) Evaluate whether the proposed information collection is necessary for the proper functions of the Department, including whether the information will have practical utility; (b) Evaluate the accuracy of our estimate of the time and cost burden for this proposed collection, including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used; (c) Evaluate ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (d) Minimize the reporting burden on those who are to respond, including the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology. Comments that you submit in response to this notice are a matter of public record. We will include or summarize each comment in our request to OMB to approve this ICR. Before including your address, phone number, email address, or other personal identifying information in your comment, you should be aware that your entire comment--including your personal identifying information--may be made publicly available at any time. While you may ask us in your comment to withhold your personal identifying information from public review, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to do so. Sheleen Dumas, Department PRA Clearance Officer, Office of the Under Secretary for Economic Affairs, Commerce Department. [FR Doc. 2024-18408 Filed 8-15-24; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510-12-P

usgpo

2024-10-08T13:26:26.808764

FR

FR-2024-08-16/2024-18406

Federal Register Volume 89 Issue 159 (August 16, 2024)

United States National Archives and Records Administration Office of the Federal Register

[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 159 (Friday, August 16, 2024)] [Notices] [Pages 66693-66694] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: 2024-18406] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget for Review and Approval; Comment Request; Southeast Region Logbook Family of Forms AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), Commerce. ACTION: Notice of information collection; request for comment. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: The Department of Commerce invites the general public and other Federal agencies to comment on proposed and continuing information collections in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA), which helps us assess the impact of our information collection requirements and minimize the public's reporting burden. The purpose of this notice is to allow for 60 days of public comment preceding submission of the collection to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). DATES: To ensure consideration, comments regarding this proposed information collection must be received by October 15, 2024. ADDRESSES: Interested persons are invited to submit written comments to Adrienne Thomas, NOAA PRA Officer, at [email protected]. Please reference OMB Control Number 0648-0016 in the subject line of your comments. All comments received are part of the public record and will generally be posted on https://www.regulations.gov without change. Do not submit confidential business information or otherwise sensitive or protected information. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Direct requests for additional information or questions related to collection activities described in this notice to Rich Malinowski, NMFS Southeast Regional Office, Sustainable Fisheries Division, 263 13th Ave South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701, telephone: 727-824-5305, email: [email protected]. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: I. Abstract The NMFS Southeast Region proposes to revise parts of the information collections currently approved under OMB Control Number 0648-0016 to comply with a court order from the U.S. Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, which effectively invalidated previous regulations implemented by NMFS. The [[Page 66694]] NMFS Southeast Region manages commercial and recreational fisheries in Federal waters of the Gulf of Mexico (Gulf), South Atlantic, and Caribbean under the authority of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (Magnuson-Stevens Act), 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq., through regulations implemented at 50 CFR part 622. Participants in most of these federally managed fisheries are required to keep and submit logbooks of their fishing effort and catch from their fishing trips. Some fishermen on these vessels also provide information on the species and quantities of fish, shellfish, marine turtles, and marine mammals that are caught and discarded or have interacted with the fishing gear. These fishermen may also provide information about dockside prices, trip operating costs, and annual fixed costs. NMFS is developing a final rule to remove the regulations for the Gulf electronic reporting program applicable to an owner or operator of a recreational charter vessel or headboat (for-hire vessel) with such a recreational permit to fish for federally managed Gulf reef fish or Gulf coastal migratory pelagic species. The final rule will reinstate regulations for recordkeeping and reporting that were in effect on January 4, 2021, before the effective dates of the invalidated rules. Those historical regulations can be viewed at this website: https://www.ecfr.gov/on/2021-01-04/title-50/chapter-VI/part-622?toc=1. See subparts B and Q to part 622. Because the rulemaking action results from a court order, NMFS does not have discretion to change the recordkeeping and reporting regulations from those in effect on January 4, 2021, which consisted of the information collection requirements previously approved by OMB and implemented by NMFS. Therefore, this revision would: 1. remove from the approved information collections all components associated with the Gulf for-hire electronic reporting program, and 2. reinstate those previously approved recordkeeping and reporting requirements, the number of respondents, responses, and the time and cost burdens for which were at a much smaller scale, without changes to other information collections under OMB Control Number 0648-0016, Southeast Region Logbook Family of Forms. II. Method of Collection The information is submitted on paper forms and electronic transmissions. III. Data OMB Control Number: 0648-0016. Form Number(s): None. Type of Review: Regular submission--revision of a current information collection. Affected Public: Businesses or other for-profit organizations. Estimated Number of Respondents: 5,499. Estimated Time per Response: Annual fixed-cost report, 45 minutes; Discard logbook, 15 minutes; headboat, charter vessel, golden crab, reef fish-mackerel, economic cost per trip, and wreckfish, 10 minutes; No-fishing report for golden crab, reef fish-mackerel, charter vessels, and wreckfish, 2 minutes. Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours: 42,797. Estimated Total Annual Cost to Public: $148,400 in recordkeeping and reporting costs. Respondent's Obligation: Mandatory, required to obtain or retain benefits. Legal Authority: Magnuson-Stevens Act, 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq. IV. Request for Comments We are soliciting public comments to: (a) Evaluate whether the proposed information collection is necessary for the proper functions of the Department, including whether the information will have practical utility; (b) Evaluate the accuracy of our estimate of the time and cost burden for this proposed collection, including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used; (c) Evaluate ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (d) Minimize the reporting burden on those who are to respond, including the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology. Comments that you submit in response to this notice are a matter of public record. We will include or summarize each comment in our request to OMB to approve this ICR. Before including your address, phone number, email address, or other personal identifying information in your comment, you should be aware that your entire comment--including your personal identifying information--may be made publicly available at any time. While you may ask us in your comment to withhold your personal identifying information from public review, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to do so. Sheleen Dumas, Department PRA Clearance Officer, Office of the Under Secretary for Economic Affairs, Commerce Department. [FR Doc. 2024-18406 Filed 8-15-24; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510-22-P

usgpo

2024-10-08T13:26:26.856932

FR

FR-2024-08-16/2024-18350

Federal Register Volume 89 Issue 159 (August 16, 2024)

United States National Archives and Records Administration Office of the Federal Register

[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 159 (Friday, August 16, 2024)] [Notices] [Pages 66694-66695] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: 2024-18350] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration [RTID 0648-XE189] New England Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Notice of public meeting. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: The New England Fishery Management Council (Council) is scheduling a public meeting of its On-Demand Fishing Gear Conflict Working Group via webinar to consider actions affecting New England fisheries in the exclusive economic zone (EEZ). Recommendations from this group will be brought to the full Council for formal consideration and action, if appropriate. DATES: This webinar will be held on Tuesday, September 3, 2024, at 9 a.m. ADDRESSES: Webinar registration URL information: https://nefmc-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJckd--gqTsoEtWD6CgYnBDX5Acwn4FZ5Sye. Council address: New England Fishery Management Council, 50 Water Street, Mill 2, Newburyport, MA 01950. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Cate O'Keefe, Executive Director, New England Fishery Management Council; telephone: (978) 465-0492. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Agenda The On-Demand Fishing Gear Conflict Working Group (ODWG) will meet to address Terms of Reference 3a and 6 by continuing to develop recommendations to the Council, including draft gear marking regulations. The Working Group will receive updates on other on-demand gear related activity. Other business will be discussed, if necessary. Although non-emergency issues not contained on the agenda may come before this Council for discussion, those issues may not be the subject of formal action during this meeting. Council action will be restricted to those issues specifically listed in this notice and any [[Page 66695]] issues arising after publication of this notice that require emergency action under section 305(c) of the Magnuson-Stevens Act, provided the public has been notified of the Council's intent to take final action to address the emergency. The public also should be aware that the meeting will be recorded. Consistent with 16 U.S.C. 1852, a copy of the recording is available upon request. Special Accommodations This meeting is physically accessible to people with disabilities. Requests for sign language interpretation or other auxiliary aids should be directed to Cate O'Keefe, Executive Director, at (978) 465- 0492, at least 5 days prior to the meeting date. Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq. Dated: August 12, 2024. Rey Israel Marquez, Acting Deputy Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. 2024-18350 Filed 8-15-24; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510-22-P

usgpo

2024-10-08T13:26:26.931182

FR

FR-2024-08-16/2024-18385

Federal Register Volume 89 Issue 159 (August 16, 2024)

United States National Archives and Records Administration Office of the Federal Register

[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 159 (Friday, August 16, 2024)] [Notices] [Pages 66695-66696] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: 2024-18385] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for Review and Approval; Comment Request; Coral Reef Conservation Program The Department of Commerce will submit the following information collection request to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and clearance in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, on or after the date of publication of this notice. We invite the general public and other Federal agencies to comment on proposed, and continuing information collections, which helps us assess the impact of our information collection requirements and minimize the public's reporting burden. Public comments were previously requested via the Federal Register on April 30, 2024, during a 60-day comment period. This notice allows for an additional 30 days for public comments. Agency: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Commerce. Title: Coral Reef Conservation Program. OMB Control Number: 0648-0448. Form Number(s): None. Type of Request: Revision of a current information collection. Number of Respondents: 49. Average Hours per Response: 13.7. Total Annual Burden Hours: 1004. Needs and Uses: This request is for revision to an approved collection of information and new information collection under the Paperwork Reduction Act, 44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq., and implementing regulations at 5 CFR part 1320. The Coral Reef Conservation Act of 2000, 16 U.S.C. 6401 et seq., has been amended since the last approval and the revised requirements for information collection are outlined below. The Coral Reef Conservation Act was enacted to conserve and restore the condition of United States coral reef ecosystems challenged by natural and human-accelerated changes; to promote the science-based management and sustainable use of coral reef ecosystems to benefit local communities and the Nation; to develop sound scientific information on the condition of coral reef ecosystems, continuing and emerging threats to such ecosystems, and the efficacy of innovative tools, technologies, and strategies to mitigate stressors and restore such ecosystems; to assist in the preservation of coral reefs by supporting science-based, consensus-driven, and community-based coral reef management by covered States (Florida, Hawaii, and the territories of American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Guam, Puerto Rico, and the United States Virgin Islands) and covered Native entities (an Indian Tribe, the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands, the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, or a Native Hawaiian organization with interests in a coral reef ecosystem); to provide financial resources, technical assistance, and scientific expertise to supplement, complement, and strengthen community-based management programs and conservation and restoration projects of non-Federal reefs; to establish a formal mechanism for collecting and allocating monetary donations from the private sector to be used for coral reef conservation and restoration projects; to support rapid, effective, and science-based assessment and response to exigent circumstances that pose immediate and long-term threats to coral reefs; and to serve as a model for advancing similar international efforts to monitor, conserve, and restore coral reef ecosystems. Under section 6406 of the Act (Block Grants), covered States are responsible for documenting and reporting the State's use of Federal funds received under the Act; and expenditures of non-Federal funds made in furtherance of coral reef management and restoration as the NOAA Administrator (Administrator) deems appropriate. The Administrator is responsible for providing guidance on the proper documentation of expenditures. Under section 6410 of the Act (Ruth D. Gates Coral Reef Conservation Grant Program), the NOAA Administrator, and subject to the availability of appropriations, is authorized to provide up to $3,500,000 annually (per section 6414(c)) in grants for coral reef conservation projects. Under section 6405 of the Act, Federal agencies, covered State or County resource management agencies, and/or covered Native entities may form and chair stewardship partnerships to further community-based stewardship of coral reefs. The NOAA Administrator is responsible for identifying ecologically significant coral reef units that stewardship partnerships may be focused on and adjudicating multiple applicants for stewardship of the same of overlapping reef units to ensure no geographic overlap in representation among stewardship partnerships. The match waiver requests and request for written comments are being removed from this collection as they are no longer applicable. The match waiver requests may still be made under Ruth D. Gates but are not expected and not requested of applicants. They were included in the original because all territories (5) requested a match waiver, however, their awards are now located in Block Grants, and there is no matching requirement. The Ruth D. Gates application process now requires ``evidence of support for the project by appropriate representatives of States . . . in which the project will be conducted'' on the front end. Additionally, the Performance Progress Report (PPR) from collection 0648-0718 is being added to this collection so that all program requirements are under a single control number. The PPR will be removed from 0648-0718 at the next renewal period. Affected Public: Business or other for-profit organizations; nonprofit, nongovernmental, and not-for-profit institutions; state or local government; institutions of higher education; and regional fishery management councils established under the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.). Frequency: Annually. Respondent's Obligation: Required to obtain or retain benefits for grant-related collections, or voluntary for coral reef stewardship partnership submissions. [[Page 66696]] Legal Authority: The Coral Reef Conservation Act of 2000, 16 U.S.C. 6401 et seq., This information collection request may be viewed at www.reginfo.gov. Follow the instructions to view the Department of Commerce collections currently under review by OMB. Written comments and recommendations for the proposed information collection should be submitted within 30 days of the publication of this notice on the following website www.reginfo.gov/public/do/PRAMain. Find this particular information collection by selecting ``Currently under 30-day Review--Open for Public Comments'' or by using the search function and entering either the title of the collection or the OMB Control Number 0648-0448. Sheleen Dumas, Department PRA Clearance Officer, Office of the Under Secretary for Economic Affairs, Commerce Department. [FR Doc. 2024-18385 Filed 8-15-24; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510-08-P

usgpo

2024-10-08T13:26:26.984840

FR

FR-2024-08-16/2024-18335

Federal Register Volume 89 Issue 159 (August 16, 2024)

United States National Archives and Records Administration Office of the Federal Register

[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 159 (Friday, August 16, 2024)] [Notices] [Page 66696] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: 2024-18335] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration [RTID 0648-XE104] Pacific Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Notice of public meeting. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: The Pacific Fishery Management Council (Pacific Council) will convene one webinar meeting of its Groundfish Management Team (GMT) and one webinar meeting of its Groundfish Advisory Subpanel (GAP). The meetings will discuss items on the Pacific Council's September 2024 meeting agenda. These meetings are open to the public. DATES: The GAP online meeting will be held on Thursday, September 5, 2024, from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m., Pacific time. The GMT meeting will be held on Tuesday, September 10, 2024, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., Pacific time. The scheduled ending times for these meetings are an estimate. Each meeting will adjourn when business for the day is completed. ADDRESSES: Both meetings will be held online. Specific meeting information, including directions on how to attend the meeting and system requirements will be provided in the meeting announcements on the Pacific Council's website (see www.pcouncil.org). You may send an email to Mr. Kris Kleinschmidt ([email protected]) or contact him at (503) 820-2412 for technical assistance. Council address: Pacific Fishery Management Council, 7700 NE Ambassador Place, Suite 101, Portland, OR 97220-1384. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Todd Phillips, Staff Officer, Pacific Council; [email protected], telephone: (503) 820-2426. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The primary purpose of the GAP webinar held on September 5, 2024 and the GMT webinar held on September 10, 2024 is to prepare for the Pacific Council's September 2024 meeting agenda items. The advisory bodies are expected to primarily discuss groundfish-related matters during this webinar. As time allows, they may potentially discuss ecosystem, Pacific halibut, and administrative matters on the Pacific Council agenda as well. Detailed agendas for the webinars will be available on the Pacific Council's website prior to the meetings. The GAP and GMT may also address other assignments relating to groundfish management. No management actions will be decided by the GMT and GAP. Although non-emergency issues not contained in the meeting agenda may be discussed, those issues may not be the subject of formal action during this meeting. Action will be restricted to those issues specifically listed in this document and any issues arising after publication of this document that require emergency action under section 305(c) of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, provided the public has been notified of the intent to take final action to address the emergency. Special Accommodations Requests for sign language interpretation or other auxiliary aids should be directed to Mr. Kris Kleinschmidt ([email protected]; (503) 820-2412) at least 10 days prior to the meeting date. Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq. Dated: August 12, 2024. Rey Israel Marquez, Acting Deputy Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. 2024-18335 Filed 8-15-24; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510-22-P

usgpo

2024-10-08T13:26:27.072237

FR

FR-2024-08-16/2024-18423

Federal Register Volume 89 Issue 159 (August 16, 2024)

United States National Archives and Records Administration Office of the Federal Register

[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 159 (Friday, August 16, 2024)] [Notices] [Pages 66696-66697] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: 2024-18423] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration [RTID 0648-XE192] Marine Mammals and Endangered Species AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Notice; issuance of a permit amendment. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: Notice is hereby given that a permit amendment has been issued to the following entity under the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA). ADDRESSES: The permits and related documents are available for review upon written request via email to [email protected]. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jennifer Skidmore; at (301) 427-8401. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Notice was published in the Federal Register on the date listed below that a request for a permit amendment had been submitted by the below-named applicant. To locate the Federal Register notice that announced our receipt of the application and a complete description of the activities, go to https://www.federalregister.gov and search on the permit number provided in table 1 below. Table 1--Issued Permit Amendment ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Previous Federal Permit No. RTID Applicant Register notice Issuance date ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 27514-01........................ 0648-XD927........ Heather E. 89 FR 36765, May July 11, 2024 Liwanag, Ph.D., 3, 2024. California Polytechnic State University, 1 Grand Avenue, San Luis Obispo, CA 93407. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [[Page 66697]] In compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.), a final determination has been made that the activities proposed are categorically excluded from the requirement to prepare an environmental assessment or environmental impact statement. Authority: The requested permit amendment has been issued under the MMPA of 1972, as amended (16 U.S.C. 1361 et seq.), the regulations governing the taking and importing of marine mammals (50 CFR part 216). Dated: August 13, 2024. Julia M. Harrison, Chief, Permits and Conservation Division, Office of Protected Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. 2024-18423 Filed 8-15-24; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510-22-P

usgpo

2024-10-08T13:26:27.134085

FR

FR-2024-08-16/2024-18367

Federal Register Volume 89 Issue 159 (August 16, 2024)

United States National Archives and Records Administration Office of the Federal Register

[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 159 (Friday, August 16, 2024)] [Notices] [Page 66697] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: 2024-18367] ======================================================================= ----------------------------------------------------------------------- COMMITTEE FOR PURCHASE FROM PEOPLE WHO ARE BLIND OR SEVERELY DISABLED Procurement List; Proposed Deletions AGENCY: Committee for Purchase From People Who Are Blind or Severely Disabled. ACTION: Proposed Deletions from the Procurement List. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: The Committee is proposing to delete product(s) from the Procurement List that were furnished by nonprofit agencies employing persons who are blind or have other severe disabilities. DATES: Comments must be received on or before: September 15, 2024. ADDRESSES: Committee for Purchase From People Who Are Blind or Severely Disabled, 355 E Street SW, Washington, DC 20024. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For further information or to submit comments contact: Michael R. Jurkowski, Telephone: (703) 489-1322 or email [email protected]. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This notice is published pursuant to 41 U.S.C. 8503 (a)(2) and 41 CFR 51-2.3. Its purpose is to provide interested persons an opportunity to submit comments on the proposed actions. Deletions The following product(s) are proposed for deletion from the Procurement List: Product(s) NSN(s)--Product Name(s): 7520-01-424-4847--Pen, Ballpoint, Ergonomic, Refillable, Red, Fine Point Authorized Source of Supply: Alphapointe, Kansas City, MO Contracting Activity: GSA/FAS ADMIN SVCS ACQUISITION BR(2, NEW YORK, NY NSN(s)--Product Name(s): 7920-01-682-0309--Handle, Extension, Fiberglass, 5 ft -10 ft Authorized Source of Supply: Industries for the Blind and Visually Impaired, Inc., West Allis, WI Contracting Activity: GSA/FSS GREATER SOUTHWEST ACQUISITI, FORT WORTH, TX Michael R. Jurkowski, Director, Business Operations. [FR Doc. 2024-18367 Filed 8-15-24; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6353-01-P

usgpo

2024-10-08T13:26:27.202323

FR

FR-2024-08-16/2024-18368

Federal Register Volume 89 Issue 159 (August 16, 2024)

United States National Archives and Records Administration Office of the Federal Register

[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 159 (Friday, August 16, 2024)] [Notices] [Pages 66697-66698] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: 2024-18368] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- COMMITTEE FOR PURCHASE FROM PEOPLE WHO ARE BLIND OR SEVERELY DISABLED Procurement List; Deletions AGENCY: Committee for Purchase From People Who Are Blind or Severely Disabled. ACTION: Deletions from the procurement list. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: This action deletes product(s) and service(s) from the Procurement List that were furnished by nonprofit agencies employing persons who are blind or have other severe disabilities. DATES: Date added to and deleted from the Procurement List: September 15, 2024. ADDRESSES: Committee for Purchase From People Who Are Blind or Severely Disabled, 355 E Street SW, Washington, DC 20024. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For further information or to submit comments contact: Michael R. Jurkowski, Telephone: (703) 489-1322 or email [email protected]. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Deletions On 7/12/2024 (89 FR 57134), the Committee for Purchase From People Who Are Blind or Severely Disabled published notice of proposed deletions from the Procurement List. This notice is published pursuant to 41 U.S.C. 8503 (a)(2) and 41 CFR 51-2.3. After consideration of the relevant matter presented, the Committee has determined that the product(s) and service(s) listed below are no longer suitable for procurement by the Federal Government under 41 U.S.C. 8501-8506 and 41 CFR 51-2.4. Regulatory Flexibility Act Certification I certify that the following action will not have a significant impact on a substantial number of small entities. The major factors considered for this certification were: 1. The action will not result in additional reporting, recordkeeping or other compliance requirements for small entities. 2. The action may result in authorizing small entities to furnish the product(s) and service(s) to the Government. 3. There are no known regulatory alternatives which would accomplish the objectives of the Javits-Wagner-O'Day Act (41 U.S.C. 8501-8506) in connection with the product(s) and service(s) deleted from the Procurement List. End of Certification Accordingly, the following product(s) and service(s) are deleted from the Procurement List: Product(s) NSN(s)--Product Name(s): 7520-01-377-9533--Cord Connector/Rotator, Telephone, Detangler, Clear Authorized Source of Supply: BESTWORK INDUSTRIES FOR THE BLIND, INC, Cherry Hill, NJ Contracting Activity: GSA/FAS ADMIN SVCS ACQUISITION BR(2, NEW YORK, NY NSN(s)--Product Name(s): 7530-00-286-4337--Paper, Loose-Leaf, Ruled, White, 8\1/2\'' x 11'' 7530-00-286-4338--Paper, Loose-Leaf, Ruled, White, 9\1/2\'' x 6'' 7530-00-286-6366--Paper, Loose-Leaf, Ruled, White, 6\3/4\'' x 3\3/4\'' Authorized Source of Supply: Alabama Industries for the Blind, Talladega, AL Contracting Activity: GSA/FAS ADMIN SVCS ACQUISITION BR(2, NEW YORK, NY NSN(s)--Product Name(s): 7510-00-782-6274--Envelope, Transparent, 4\1/2\'' x 11\1/4\'' Authorized Source of Supply: NEWVIEW Oklahoma, Inc, Oklahoma City, OK Contracting Activity: GSA/FAS ADMIN SVCS ACQUISITION BR(2, NEW YORK, NY NSN(s)--Product Name(s): 7510-00-782-6274--Envelope, Transparent, 4\1/2\'' x 11\1/4\'' Authorized Source of Supply: Winston-Salem Industries for the Blind, Inc, Winston-Salem, NC Contracting Activity: GSA/FAS ADMIN SVCS ACQUISITION BR(2, NEW YORK, NY NSN(s)--Product Name(s): 7930-00-NIB-0761--Glass Cleaner, Biobased, Heavy Duty, Spray Pump Bottle, 16 oz, EA/1 Authorized Source of Supply: Lighthouse for the Blind of Houston, Houston, TX Contracting Activity: GSA/FSS GREATER SOUTHWEST ACQUISITI, FORT WORTH, TX Service(s) Service Type: Document Destruction [[Page 66698]] Mandatory for: NARA--Pacific Alaska Region: 6125 Sand Point Way NE, Seattle, WA Authorized Source of Supply: Northwest Center, Seattle, WA Contracting Activity: NATIONAL ARCHIVES AND RECORDS ADMINISTRATION, NARA FACILITIES Service Type: Janitorial/Custodial Service Mandatory for: National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration, National Weather Service Office, Except Communication & Electrical Room, 500 Airport Blvd., #115, Lakes Charles, LA; Contracting Activity: NATIONAL OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION, WESTERN ACQUISITION DIVISION--BOULDER Service Type: Janitorial Service Mandatory for: Federal Aviation Administration, Norfolk Air Traffic Control Tower, 1245 Miller Store Road Virginia Beach, VA and Patrick Henry Field Air Traffic Control Tower; Newport News, VA Authorized Source of Supply: Portco, Inc., Portsmouth, VA Contracting Activity: FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION, 697DCK REGIONAL ACQUISITIONS SVCS Service Type: Shelf Stocking, Custodial & Warehousing Mandatory for: Defense Commissary Agency, Kaneohe Bay Marine Corps Base Commissary, Mokapu Road, Kaneohe Bay, HI Authorized Source of Supply: Trace, Inc., Boise, ID Contracting Activity: DEFENSE COMMISSARY AGENCY (DECA), DEFENSE COMMISSARY AGENCY Service Type: Shelf Stocking, Custodial & Warehousing Mandatory for: U.S. Coast Guard Support Center, Kodiak, AK Authorized Source of Supply: MQC Enterprises, Inc., Anchorage, AK Contracting Activity: DEFENSE COMMISSARY AGENCY (DECA), DEFENSE COMMISSARY AGENCY Service Type: Recycling Service Mandatory for: US Air Force, 251 4th Street Laughlin Air Force Base, Laughlin AFB, TX Authorized Source of Supply: Goodwill Industries of San Antonio Contract Services, San Antonio, TX Contracting Activity: DEPT OF THE AIR FORCE, FA3099 47 CONS-CC Service Type: Food Service Attendant Mandatory for: Wisconsin Air National Guard, 115th Fighter Wing, 3110 Mitchell Street Building 500, Truax Field, Madison, WI Contracting Activity: DEPT OF THE ARMY, W7N8 USPFO ACTIVITY WI ARNG Service Type: Shelf Stocking & Custodial Mandatory for: Defense Commissary Agency, Fort Wainwright Commissary/CDC, 1060 Gaffney Road; Fort Wainwright, AK Authorized Source of Supply: MQC Enterprises, Inc., Anchorage, AK Contracting Activity: DEFENSE COMMISSARY AGENCY (DECA), DEFENSE COMMISSARY AGENCY Service Type: Recycling Service Mandatory for: US Air Force, Robins Air Force Base, 215 Page Road; Robins AFB, GA Contracting Activity: DEPT OF THE AIR FORCE, FA8501 AFSC PZIO Service Type: Food Service Attendant Mandatory for: US Air Force, Iowa Air National Guard, 3100 McKinley Avenue, Des Moines, IA Contracting Activity: DEPT OF THE ARMY, W7M8 USPFO ACTIVITY IA ARNG Service Type: Recycling Service Mandatory for: US Air Force, Dobbins Air Reserve Base, 1538 Atlantic Avenue, Dobbins ARB, GA Authorized Source of Supply: Nobis Enterprises, Inc., Marietta, GA Contracting Activity: DEPT OF THE AIR FORCE, FA6703 94 LG LGC Service Type: Painting Service Mandatory for: US Air Force, 101 Bodin Circle, Travis Air Force Base, CA Authorized Source of Supply: PRIDE Industries, Roseville, CA Contracting Activity: DEPT OF THE AIR FORCE, FA4427 60 CONS LGC Service Type: Laundry Service Mandatory for: US Air Force, Joint Base Andrews and Joint Base Ancostia-Bolling, Joint Base Andrews, MD, 1349 Lutman Drive, Joint Base Andrews, MD Authorized Source of Supply: Louise W. Eggleston Center, Inc., Norfolk, VA Contracting Activity: DEPT OF THE AIR FORCE, FA2860 11 CONS LGC Michael R. Jurkowski, Director, Business Operations. [FR Doc. 2024-18368 Filed 8-15-24; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6353-01-P

usgpo

2024-10-08T13:26:27.256328

FR

FR-2024-08-16/2024-18510

Federal Register Volume 89 Issue 159 (August 16, 2024)

United States National Archives and Records Administration Office of the Federal Register

[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 159 (Friday, August 16, 2024)] [Notices] [Page 66698] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: 2024-18510] ======================================================================= ----------------------------------------------------------------------- COMMODITY FUTURES TRADING COMMISSION Sunshine Act Meetings TIME AND DATE: 9 a.m. EDT, Friday, August 23, 2024. PLACE: Virtual meeting. STATUS: Closed. MATTERS TO BE CONSIDERED: Enforcement matters. In the event that the time, date, or location of this meeting changes, an announcement of the change, along with the new time, date, and/or place of the meeting will be posted on the Commission's website at https://www.cftc.gov/. CONTACT PERSON FOR MORE INFORMATION: Christopher Kirkpatrick, 202-418- 5964. (Authority: 5 U.S.C. 552b) Dated: August 14, 2024. Robert Sidman, Deputy Secretary of the Commission. [FR Doc. 2024-18510 Filed 8-14-24; 4:15 pm] BILLING CODE 6351-01-P

usgpo

2024-10-08T13:26:27.281700

FR

FR-2024-08-16/2024-18548

Federal Register Volume 89 Issue 159 (August 16, 2024)

United States National Archives and Records Administration Office of the Federal Register

[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 159 (Friday, August 16, 2024)] [Notices] [Page 66698] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: 2024-18548] ======================================================================= ----------------------------------------------------------------------- CONSUMER PRODUCT SAFETY COMMISSION Sunshine Act Meeting TIME AND DATE: Wednesday, August 21, 2024-10 a.m. PLACE: The meeting will be held remotely, and in person at 4330 East West Highway, Bethesda, Maryland, 20814. STATUS: Commission Meeting--Open to the Public. MATTERS TO BE CONSIDERED: Decisional Matter: Notice of Proposed Rulemaking: Requirements for Water Beads. To attend remotely, please use the following link: https://cpsc.webex.com/cpsc/j.php?MTID=me4aa49a924485db23a8ab8ff941d8a3b. CONTACT PERSON FOR MORE INFORMATION: Alberta E. Mills, Office of the Secretary, U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, 4330 East West Highway, Bethesda, MD 20814, 301-504-7479 (Office) or 240-863-8938 (Cell). Dated: August 14, 2024. Alberta E. Mills, Commission Secretary. [FR Doc. 2024-18548 Filed 8-14-24; 4:15 pm] BILLING CODE 6355-01-P

usgpo

2024-10-08T13:26:27.306868

FR

FR-2024-08-16/2024-18356

Federal Register Volume 89 Issue 159 (August 16, 2024)

United States National Archives and Records Administration Office of the Federal Register

[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 159 (Friday, August 16, 2024)] [Notices] [Pages 66698-66699] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: 2024-18356] ======================================================================= ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE Department of the Air Force [Docket ID: USAF-2024-HQ-0004] Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request AGENCY: Department of the Air Force, Department of Defense (DoD). ACTION: 30-Day information collection notice. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: The DoD has submitted to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for clearance the following proposal for collection of information under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act. DATES: Consideration will be given to all comments received by September 16, 2024. ADDRESSES: Written comments and recommendations for the proposed information collection should be sent within 30 days of publication of this notice to www.reginfo.gov/public/do/PRAMain. Find this particular information collection by selecting ``Currently under 30-day Review-- Open for Public Comments'' or by using the search function. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Reginald Lucas, (571) 372-7574, [[Page 66699]] [email protected]. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Title; Associated Form; and OMB Number: Aircraft and Personnel Automated Clearance System (APACS); OMB Control Number 0701-0160. Type of Request: Extension. Number of Respondents: 492,000. Responses per Respondent: 1. Annual Responses: 492,000. Average Burden per Response: 30 minutes. Annual Burden Hours: 246,000. Needs and Uses: The information collection requirement is necessary to obtain Personally Identifiable Information (PII) which is used by in-country U.S. Embassy approvers to grant country travel clearances, Geographical Combatant Commands approvers to grant theater travel clearances, and by the Office of Secretary of Defense for Policy approvers to grant special area travel clearances. Aircrew PII is used for verification, identification and authentication of travelers for aircraft and personnel travel clearances, as required by DoD Directive 4500.54E, ``DoD Foreign Clearance Program.'' Affected Public: Individuals or households. Frequency: On occasion. Respondent's Obligation: Voluntary. OMB Desk Officer: Ms. Jasmeet Seehra. You may also submit comments and recommendations, identified by Docket ID number and title, by the following method: Federal eRulemaking Portal: http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments. Instructions: All submissions received must include the agency name, Docket ID number, and title for this Federal Register document. The general policy for comments and other submissions from members of the public is to make these submissions available for public viewing on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov as they are received without change, including any personal identifiers or contact information. DOD Clearance Officer: Mr. Reginald Lucas. Requests for copies of the information collection proposal should be sent to Mr. Lucas at [email protected]. Dated: August 12, 2024. Patricia L. Toppings, OSD Federal Register Liaison Officer, Department of Defense. [FR Doc. 2024-18356 Filed 8-15-24; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6001-FR-P

usgpo

2024-10-08T13:26:27.337020

FR

FR-2024-08-16/2024-18360

Federal Register Volume 89 Issue 159 (August 16, 2024)

United States National Archives and Records Administration Office of the Federal Register

[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 159 (Friday, August 16, 2024)] [Notices] [Page 66699] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: 2024-18360] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE Department of the Air Force [Docket ID: USAF-2023-HQ-0010] Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request AGENCY: Department of the Air Force, Department of Defense (DoD). ACTION: 30-Day information collection notice. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: The DoD has submitted to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for clearance the following proposal for collection of information under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act. DATES: Consideration will be given to all comments received by September 16, 2024. ADDRESSES: Written comments and recommendations for the proposed information collection should be sent within 30 days of publication of this notice to www.reginfo.gov/public/do/PRAMain. Find this particular information collection by selecting ``Currently under 30-day Review-- Open for Public Comments'' or by using the search function. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Reginald Lucas, (571) 372-7574, [email protected]. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Title; Associated Form; and OMB Number: Air Force JROTC Instructor Application; OMB Control Number 0701-AFJR. Type of Request: Existing collection currently in use without an OMB Control Number. Number of Respondents: 500. Responses per Respondent: 1. Annual Responses: 500. Average Burden per Response: 1.5 hours. Annual Burden Hours: 750. Needs and Uses: Air Force Junior Reserve Officer's Training Corps (AFJROTC) collects instructor application data from qualified United States Air Force veterans and retired Air Force personnel who are interested in becoming an AFJROTC Instructor at a high school. Prospective Instructors are directed to the Air University website where they will find helpful information needed during the application process, including the Process Overview, Vacancy Listings, Pay Information, as well as a link to start their Instructor Application. Completed applications are reviewed and evaluated by the Headquarters AFJROTC Instructor Management Division to verify qualifications. After review, an approval or disapproval letter is sent to the applicant. Fully approved applicants are then referred to the schools of their preference for consideration for an AFJROTC Instructor vacancy. Eligibility for membership cannot be determined if this information is not collected. Affected Public: Individuals or households. Frequency: On occasion. Respondent's Obligation: Voluntary. OMB Desk Officer: Ms. Jasmeet Seehra. You may also submit comments and recommendations, identified by Docket ID number and title, by the following method: Federal eRulemaking Portal: http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments. Instructions: All submissions received must include the agency name, Docket ID number, and title for this Federal Register document. The general policy for comments and other submissions from members of the public is to make these submissions available for public viewing on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov as they are received without change, including any personal identifiers or contact information. DOD Clearance Officer: Mr. Reginald Lucas. Requests for copies of the information collection proposal should be sent to Mr. Lucas at [email protected]. Dated: August 12, 2024. Patricia L. Toppings, OSD Federal Register Liaison Officer, Department of Defense. [FR Doc. 2024-18360 Filed 8-15-24; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6001-FR-P

usgpo

2024-10-08T13:26:27.386612

FR

FR-2024-08-16/2024-18390

Federal Register Volume 89 Issue 159 (August 16, 2024)

United States National Archives and Records Administration Office of the Federal Register

[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 159 (Friday, August 16, 2024)] [Notices] [Pages 66699-66700] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: 2024-18390] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE Department of the Army Record of Decision for Legislative Environmental Impact Statement Regarding Training and Public Land Withdrawal Extension, Fort Irwin, California AGENCY: Department of the Army, Department of Defense. ACTION: Notice of availability. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: The Department of the Army (Army) signed the Record of Decision (ROD) on February 29, 2024, for the Legislative Environmental Impact Statement (LEIS) Regarding Training and Public Land Withdrawal Extension, Fort Irwin, California. [[Page 66700]] The Army selected a program of training infrastructure and range improvement, along with new uses for its Western Training Area (WTA). The ROD also determined that the Army will request that Congress renew the withdrawal of 110,000 acres of Fort Irwin training land, which consists of public land withdrawn from all types of appropriation and reserved for military purposes. The Army considered public comments received during the LEIS process. The ROD completes the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) process for the action. ADDRESSES: Questions and requests for copies of the ROD should be directed to the Fort Irwin Public Affairs Office at phone number 760- 380-4511, Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Pacific Time, or via email at [email protected]. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Please contact Renita Wickes, Public Affairs Office, IMPC-IRW-PAO (Wickes), 983 Inner Loop Rd., Fort Irwin, CA 93410; telephone: (760) 380-3078; email: [email protected]. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Army based its decision on the analysis contained in the Final LEIS, which addressed the Army's mission needs and the effects of the Army's action on the human environment at Fort Irwin, CA. The LEIS analyzed the effects of the proposed alternatives, issues of concern, and the comments provided during scoping and the public review period. The Army determined the selected alternative most closely achieves the purpose of and need for the proposed action while maintaining a high level of environmental stewardship. The Army determined that with implementation of the mitigation adopted in the ROD, there would be no significant adverse effects to the environment from any of the considered alternatives. The Army will implement a program of training area and range improvements and will execute new training in Fort Irwin's WTA. This new training in the WTA includes high- intensity, full-scale, brigade- level maneuvers, with unrestricted ammunition use. Dud- producing munitions may be fired from the WTA, but no dud-producing munitions would be deliberately fired to impact in the WTA. The selected alternative also includes improvements to the Manix Trail, which takes training units to and from Fort Irwin and Marine Corps Logistics Base Barstow. Authority: This Notice of Availability is published in accordance with NEPA (42 U.S.C 4321, et seq.) and pursuant to NEPA regulations (40 CFR 1501.9 and 32 CFR part 651). James W. Satterwhite, Jr., U.S. Army Federal Register Liaison Officer. [FR Doc. 2024-18390 Filed 8-15-24; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3711-02-P

usgpo

2024-10-08T13:26:27.446972

FR

FR-2024-08-16/2024-18358

Federal Register Volume 89 Issue 159 (August 16, 2024)

United States National Archives and Records Administration Office of the Federal Register

[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 159 (Friday, August 16, 2024)] [Notices] [Page 66700] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: 2024-18358] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE Department of the Army [Docket ID: DoD-2024-OS-0064] Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request AGENCY: Department of the Army, Department of Defense (DoD). ACTION: 30-Day information collection notice. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: The DoD has submitted to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for clearance the following proposal for collection of information under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act. DATES: Consideration will be given to all comments received by September 16, 2024. ADDRESSES: Written comments and recommendations for the proposed information collection should be sent within 30 days of publication of this notice to www.reginfo.gov/public/do/PRAMain. Find this particular information collection by selecting ``Currently under 30-day Review-- Open for Public Comments'' or by using the search function. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Reginald Lucas, (571) 372-7574, [email protected]. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Title; Associated Form; and OMB Number: Radiation Exposure Data Collection; DD Form 1952 (Dosimetry Application and Record of Previous Radiation Exposure), DA Form 7689 (Bioassay Information Summary Sheet); OMB Control Number 0702-0150. Type of Request: Extension. Number of Respondents: 50. Responses per Respondent: 1. Annual Responses: 50. Average Burden per Response: 15 minutes. Annual Burden Hours: 12. Needs and Uses: The information collection requirement is to document and record an individual's external and internal short and long-term exposure to radioactive materials and radiation generating equipment. The information collection is also utilized to monitor, evaluate, and control the risks and associated health hazards, conduct investigations, management studies and training to ensure individual qualifications and education in handling radioactive materials are maintained in compliance with the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) 10 Code of Federal Register (CFR) 20, Army NRC license conditions, and Occupational Safety and Health Administration 29 CFR 1926.53. Affected Public: Individuals or households. Frequency: On occasion. Respondent's Obligation: Voluntary. OMB Desk Officer: Ms. Jasmeet Seehra. You may also submit comments and recommendations, identified by Docket ID number and title, by the following method: Federal eRulemaking Portal: http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments. Instructions: All submissions received must include the agency name, Docket ID number, and title for this Federal Register document. The general policy for comments and other submissions from members of the public is to make these submissions available for public viewing on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov as they are received without change, including any personal identifiers or contact information. DOD Clearance Officer: Mr. Reginald Lucas. Requests for copies of the information collection proposal should be sent to Mr. Lucas at [email protected]. Dated: August 12, 2024. Patricia L. Toppings, OSD Federal Register Liaison Officer, Department of Defense. [FR Doc. 2024-18358 Filed 8-15-24; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6001-FR-P

usgpo

2024-10-08T13:26:27.487568

FR

FR-2024-08-16/2024-18364

Federal Register Volume 89 Issue 159 (August 16, 2024)

United States National Archives and Records Administration Office of the Federal Register

[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 159 (Friday, August 16, 2024)] [Notices] [Pages 66700-66701] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: 2024-18364] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE Office of the Secretary [Docket ID: DoD-2024-OS-0095] Proposed Collection; Comment Request AGENCY: Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness (OUSD(P&R)), Department of Defense (DoD). ACTION: 60-Day information collection notice. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: In compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, the OUSD(P&R) announces a proposed public information collection and seeks [[Page 66701]] public comment on the provisions thereof. Comments are invited on: whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information shall have practical utility; the accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden of the proposed information collection; ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and ways to minimize the burden of the information collection on respondents, including through the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology. DATES: Consideration will be given to all comments received by October 15, 2024. ADDRESSES: You may submit comments, identified by docket number and title, by any of the following methods: Federal eRulemaking Portal: http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments. Mail: Department of Defense, Office of the Assistant to the Secretary of Defense for Privacy, Civil Liberties, and Transparency, Regulatory Directorate, 4800 Mark Center Drive, Mailbox #24, Suite 05F16, Alexandria, VA 22350-1700. Instructions: All submissions received must include the agency name, docket number and title for this Federal Register document. The general policy for comments and other submissions from members of the public is to make these submissions available for public viewing on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov as they are received without change, including any personal identifiers or contact information. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: To request more information on this proposed information collection or to obtain a copy of the proposal and associated collection instruments, please write to M&RA (MPP/Accession Policy), 4000 Defense Pentagon 3D1066, Washington, DC 20301, LTC Charles Manning, 703-695-5527. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Title; Associated Form; and OMB Number: Record of Military Processing-Armed Forces of the United States; DD Form 1966/USMEPCOM FORM 680-3A-E; OMB Control Number 0704-0173. Needs and Uses: Title 10 United States Code (U.S.C.), sections 504, 505, 508, and 1012; title 14 U.S.C., sections 351 and 632; title 50 U.S.C., Appendix section 451; and Executive Order 9397 require applicants to meet standards for enlistment into the Armed Forces. This information collection is the basis for determining eligibility of applicants for enlistment in the Armed Forces and is needed to verify data given by the applicant and to determine his/her qualification of enlistment. The information collected aids in the determination of qualifications, terms of service, and grade in which a person, if eligible, will enter active duty or reserve status. The information collected is used to feed other DoD and service-specific forms that later would be used to issue identification cards and receive benefits associated with military service. Affected Public: Individuals and households. Annual Burden Hours: 296,100. Number of Respondents: 423,000. Responses per Respondent: 2. Annual Responses: 846,000. Average Burden per Response: 21 minutes. Frequency: On occasion. Dated: August 12, 2024. Patricia L. Toppings, OSD Federal Register Liaison Officer, Department of Defense. [FR Doc. 2024-18364 Filed 8-15-24; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6001-FR-P

usgpo

2024-10-08T13:26:27.537101

FR

FR-2024-08-16/2024-18361

Federal Register Volume 89 Issue 159 (August 16, 2024)

United States National Archives and Records Administration Office of the Federal Register

[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 159 (Friday, August 16, 2024)] [Notices] [Pages 66701-66702] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: 2024-18361] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE Office of the Secretary [Docket ID: DoD-2024-OS-0015] Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request AGENCY: Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness (OUSD(P&R)), Department of Defense (DoD). ACTION: 30-Day information collection notice. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: The DoD has submitted to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for clearance the following proposal for collection of information under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act. DATES: Consideration will be given to all comments received by September 16, 2024. ADDRESSES: Written comments and recommendations for the proposed information collection should be sent within 30 days of publication of this notice to www.reginfo.gov/public/do/PRAMain. Find this particular information collection by selecting ``Currently under 30-day Review-- Open for Public Comments'' or by using the search function. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Reginald Lucas, (571) 372-7574, [email protected]. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Title; Associated Form; and OMB Number: Grow Safe and Secure Feasibility Evaluation; OMB Control Number: 0704-GSFE. Type of Request: New. Time Point Surveys Number of Respondents: 31. Responses per Respondent: 3. Annual Responses: 93. Average Burden per Response: 15 minutes. Annual Burden Hours: 23. PFC (Completed by Clinicians) Number of Respondents: 31. Responses per Respondent: 60. Annual Responses: 1860. Average Burden per Response: 5 minutes. Annual Burden Hours: 155. Parent/Caregiver Survey Number of Respondents: 310. Responses per Respondent: 1. Annual Responses: 310. Average Burden per Response: 10 minutes. Annual Burden Hours: 52. Number of Respondents: 341. Total Number of Respondents: 372. Annual Responses: 2,263. Annual Burden Hours: 230. Needs and Uses: Grow Safe and Secure (GSS) is a DoD co-developed, evidence-informed parent-education program designed to be delivered to parents/caregivers by trained clinicians in an individual format over a minimum of six sessions. This project is needed to understand the implementation feasibility of using the GSS program with parents/ caregivers of elementary school-aged children (5 to 10 years old) who are experiencing or may be at risk of child maltreatment. The DoD, Service branches, and the Family Advocacy Program need to gain an understanding of: (a) the program's processes and (b) clinicians', parents', and caregivers' perceptions of the program. Affected Public: Individuals or households. Frequency: Once. Respondent's Obligation: Voluntary. OMB Desk Officer: Ms. Jasmeet Seehra. You may also submit comments and recommendations, identified by Docket ID number and title, by the following method: Federal eRulemaking Portal: http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments. Instructions: All submissions received must include the agency name, Docket [[Page 66702]] ID number, and title for this Federal Register document. The general policy for comments and other submissions from members of the public is to make these submissions available for public viewing on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov as they are received without change, including any personal identifiers or contact information. DOD Clearance Officer: Mr. Reginald Lucas. Requests for copies of the information collection proposal should be sent to Mr. Lucas at [email protected]. Dated: August 12, 2024. Patricia L. Toppings, OSD Federal Register Liaison Officer, Department of Defense. [FR Doc. 2024-18361 Filed 8-15-24; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6001-FR-P

usgpo

2024-10-08T13:26:27.595215

FR

FR-2024-08-16/2024-18363

Federal Register Volume 89 Issue 159 (August 16, 2024)

United States National Archives and Records Administration Office of the Federal Register

[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 159 (Friday, August 16, 2024)] [Notices] [Page 66702] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: 2024-18363] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE Office of the Secretary [Docket ID: DoD-2024-OS-0096] Proposed Collection; Comment Request AGENCY: Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness (OUSD(P&R)), Department of Defense (DoD). ACTION: 60-Day information collection notice. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: In compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, the OUSD(P&R) announces a proposed public information collection and seeks public comment on the provisions thereof. Comments are invited on: whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information shall have practical utility; the accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden of the proposed information collection; ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and ways to minimize the burden of the information collection on respondents, including through the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology. DATES: Consideration will be given to all comments received by October 15, 2024. ADDRESSES: You may submit comments, identified by docket number and title, by any of the following methods: Federal eRulemaking Portal: http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments. Mail: Department of Defense, Office of the Deputy Chief Management Officer, Directorate for Oversight and Compliance, Regulatory Directorate, 4800 Mark Center Drive, Mailbox #24, Suite 05F16, Alexandria, VA 22350-1700. Instructions: All submissions received must include the agency name, docket number and title for this Federal Register document. The general policy for comments and other submissions from members of the public is to make these submissions available for public viewing on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov as they are received without change, including any personal identifiers or contact information. Any associated form(s) for this collection may be located within this same electronic docket and downloaded for review/testing. Follow the instructions at http://www.regulations.gov for submitting comments. Please submit comments on any given form identified by docket number, form number, and title. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: To request more information on this proposed information collection or to obtain a copy of the proposal and associated collection instruments, please write to the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense (Personnel and Readiness) (Military Personnel Policy)/Accession Policy, 4000 Defense Pentagon, Washington, DC 20301-4000, Suzanne Tovar, 703-697-9272. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Title; Associated Form; and OMB Number: DoD Educational Loan Repayment Program (LRP) Annual Application; DD Form 2475; OMB Control Number 0704-0152. Needs and Uses: The information collection requirement is necessary for Military Services to pay a portion of Service member student loan(s). The information provided is reviewed by Military Service personnel record custodians to verify that the Service member meets eligibility requirements. This form will then be forwarded to the lender the Service member identifies for verification of the loan amount and status. The form is returned to the Service finance office to make the annual payment to the Service member's lender. Collected information is covered by the Applicable Military Service System of Records Notice for the Official Military Personnel File of Military Records Jacket. Affected Public: Individuals or households. Annual Burden Hours: 7,333. Number of Respondents: 44,000. Responses per Respondent: 1. Annual Responses: 44,000. Average Burden per Response: 10 minutes. Frequency: On occasion. This information provides the Armed Services with the necessary data regarding outstanding student loan(s) of its Service Members. The DD Form 2475 is the method of collecting and verifying Service Member student loan data and enables the Department to pay on the student loan(s) based on the terms outlined in the Service Member's contract. The DD Form 2475 is considered the official request for obtaining payment on Service Member's student loan(s). Dated: August 12, 2024. Patricia L. Toppings, OSD Federal Register Liaison Officer, Department of Defense. [FR Doc. 2024-18363 Filed 8-15-24; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6001-FR-P

usgpo

2024-10-08T13:26:27.663006

FR

FR-2024-08-16/2024-18357

Federal Register Volume 89 Issue 159 (August 16, 2024)

United States National Archives and Records Administration Office of the Federal Register

[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 159 (Friday, August 16, 2024)] [Notices] [Pages 66702-66703] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: 2024-18357] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE Office of the Secretary [Docket ID: DoD-2024-OS-0057] Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request AGENCY: Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence and Security (OUSD(I&S)), Department of Defense (DoD). ACTION: 30-Day information collection notice. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: The DoD has submitted to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for clearance the following proposal for collection of information under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act. DATES: Consideration will be given to all comments received by September 16, 2024. ADDRESSES: Written comments and recommendations for the proposed information collection should be sent within 30 days of publication of this notice to www.reginfo.gov/public/do/PRAMain. Find this particular information collection by selecting ``Currently under 30-day Review-- Open for Public Comments'' or by using the search function. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Reginald Lucas, (571) 372-7574, [email protected]. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Title; Associated Form; and OMB Number: Personnel Security Investigation Projection for Industry Census Survey, OMB Control Number 0705-0007. [[Page 66703]] Type of Request: Extension. Number of Respondents: 7,999. Responses per Respondent: 1. Annual Responses: 7,999. Average Burden per Response: 40 minutes. Annual Burden Hours: 5,333. Needs and Uses: Executive Order (E.O.) 12829, ``National Industrial Security Program (NISP),'' stipulates that the Secretary of Defense shall serve as the Executive Agent for inspecting and monitoring the contractors, licensees, and grantees who require or will require access to classified information; and for determining the eligibility for access to classified information of contractors, licensees, and grantees and their respective employees. The Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence assigned Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA) the responsibility for central operational management of NISP personnel security investigation (PSI) workload projections, and for monitoring of NISP PSI funding and investigations. The execution of the collection instrument is an essential element of DCSA's ability to plan, program and budget for the PSI needs of NISP personnel security investigations. Affected Public: Businesses or other for-profit, not-for-profit institutions, state, local or tribal governments. Frequency: Annually. Respondent's Obligation: Voluntary. OMB Desk Officer: Ms. Jasmeet Seehra. You may also submit comments and recommendations, identified by Docket ID number and title, by the following method: Federal eRulemaking Portal: http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments. Instructions: All submissions received must include the agency name, Docket ID number, and title for this Federal Register document. The general policy for comments and other submissions from members of the public is to make these submissions available for public viewing on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov as they are received without change, including any personal identifiers or contact information. DOD Clearance Officer: Mr. Reginald Lucas. Requests for copies of the information collection proposal should be sent to Mr. Lucas at [email protected]. Dated: August 12, 2024. Patricia L. Toppings, OSD Federal Register Liaison Officer, Department of Defense. [FR Doc. 2024-18357 Filed 8-15-24; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6001-FR-P

usgpo

2024-10-08T13:26:27.710536

FR

FR-2024-08-16/2024-18365

Federal Register Volume 89 Issue 159 (August 16, 2024)

United States National Archives and Records Administration Office of the Federal Register

[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 159 (Friday, August 16, 2024)] [Notices] [Page 66703] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: 2024-18365] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE Office of the Secretary [Docket ID: DoD-2024-OS-0094] Proposed Collection; Comment Request AGENCY: Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness (OUSD(P&R)), Department of Defense (DoD). ACTION: 60-Day information collection notice. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: In compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, the OUSD(P&R) announces a proposed public information collection and seeks public comment on the provisions thereof. Comments are invited on: whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information shall have practical utility; the accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden of the proposed information collection; ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and ways to minimize the burden of the information collection on respondents, including through the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology. DATES: Consideration will be given to all comments received by October 15, 2024. ADDRESSES: You may submit comments, identified by docket number and title, by any of the following methods: Federal eRulemaking Portal: http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments. Mail: Department of Defense, Office of the Assistant to the Secretary of Defense for Privacy, Civil Liberties, and Transparency, Regulatory Directorate, 4800 Mark Center Drive, Mailbox #24, Suite 05F16, Alexandria, VA 22350-1700. Instructions: All submissions received must include the agency name, docket number and title for this Federal Register document. The general policy for comments and other submissions from members of the public is to make these submissions available for public viewing on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov as they are received without change, including any personal identifiers or contact information. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: To request more information on this proposed information collection or to obtain a copy of the proposal and associated collection instruments, please write to M&RA (MPP/Accession Policy), 4000 Defense Pentagon 3D1066, Washington, DC 20301, LTC Charles Manning, 703-695-5527. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Title; Associated Form; and OMB Number: Medical Screening of Military Personnel-Medical History Report and Accession Medical History Report; DD Form 2807-1/DD Form 2807-2; OMB Control Number 0704-0413. Needs and Uses: This information collected is the basis for determining medical eligibility of applicants for entry in the Armed Forces. This information is needed to determine the medical qualifications of applicants based upon their current and past medical history. The information obtained on the DD Form 2807-2 ensures the recruiter that an applicant meets the Congressional requirements to obtain both the applicant's Health Care provider and Insurance provider. Additionally, it allows the military examining physician to obtain medical records critical to evaluating the applicant's medical condition(s) prior to their medical examination. The DD Form 2807-1 is needed as part of the required medical examination to assist physicians in making determinations as to acceptability of applicants for military service and verifies disqualifying medical condition(s) noted on the accession medical history report form. Affected Public: Individuals and households. Annual Burden Hours: 128,834. Number of Respondents: 773,003. Responses per Respondent: 1. Annual Responses: 773,003. Average Burden per Response: 10 minutes. Frequency: On occasion. Dated: August 12, 2024. Patricia L. Toppings, OSD Federal Register Liaison Officer, Department of Defense. [FR Doc. 2024-18365 Filed 8-15-24; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6001-FR-P

usgpo

2024-10-08T13:26:27.772039

FR

FR-2024-08-16/2024-18334

Federal Register Volume 89 Issue 159 (August 16, 2024)

United States National Archives and Records Administration Office of the Federal Register

[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 159 (Friday, August 16, 2024)] [Notices] [Pages 66704-66707] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: 2024-18334] [[Page 66704]] ======================================================================= ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION [Docket ID ED-2024-OFO-0047] Privacy Act of 1974; System of Records AGENCY: Office of Security, Facilities and Logistics, Office of Finance and Operations, U.S. Department of Education. ACTION: Notice of a new system of records. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: In accordance with the Privacy Act of 1974, as amended (Privacy Act), the U.S. Department of Education (Department) publishes this notice of a new system of records titled ``Integrated Workplace Management System (IWMS)'' (18-03-08). The system will assist the Office of Finance and Operations, Office of Security, Facilities and Logistics (OSFL) in managing the Department's office space, including moving, and tracking the movement of, Government-furnished equipment and assigning Department personnel to designated office spaces; managing the Department's real estate portfolio; managing facility- related projects; and administering processes for reserving flexible workspaces, conference rooms, and other bookable resources, such as lockers and parking spaces. DATES: Submit your comments on this new system of records notice on or before September 16, 2024. This new system of records notice will become applicable upon publication in the Federal Register on August 16, 2024 unless it needs to be changed as a result of public comment. The routine uses outlined in the section titled ``ROUTINE USES OF RECORDS MAINTAINED IN THE SYSTEM, INCLUDING CATEGORIES OF USERS AND PURPOSES OF SUCH USES'' will become applicable on the expiration of the 30-day period of public comment on September 16, 2024, unless they need to be changed as a result of public comment. The Department will publish any significant changes to this new system of records notice or routine uses resulting from public comment. ADDRESSES: Comments must be submitted via the Federal eRulemaking Portal at www.regulations.gov. However, if you require an accommodation or cannot otherwise submit your comments via www.regulations.gov, please contact the program contact person listed under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT. The Department will not accept comments submitted by fax or by email, or comments submitted after the comment period closes. To ensure that the Department does not receive duplicate copies, please submit your comments only once. In addition, please include the Docket ID at the top of your comments. Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to www.regulations.gov to submit your comments electronically. Information on using www.regulations.gov, including instructions for accessing agency documents, submitting comments, and viewing the docket, is available on the site under ``FAQ''. Privacy Note: The Department's policy is to make all comments received from members of the public available for public viewing in their entirety on the Federal eRulemaking Portal at www.regulations.gov. Therefore, commenters should be careful to include in their comments only information that they wish to make publicly available. Assistance to Individuals with Disabilities in Reviewing the Rulemaking Record: On request, we will provide an appropriate accommodation or auxiliary aid to an individual with a disability who needs assistance to review the comments or other documents in the public rulemaking record for this notice. If you want to schedule an appointment for this type of accommodation or aid, please contact the program contact person listed under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Barbara Shawyer, Information System Owner, Office of Security, Facilities and Logistics, Office of Finance and Operations, U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue SW, Room HQ-LBJ-2A225, Washington, DC 20202-6110. Telephone: (202) 320- 4785. Email: [email protected]. If you are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The IWMS supports OSFL's management of the Department's office space, including moving, and tracking the movement of, Government-furnished equipment and assigning Department personnel to designated office spaces; managing the Department's real estate portfolio; managing facility-related projects; and administering processes for reserving flexible workspaces, conference rooms, and other bookable resources, such as lockers and parking spaces. The IWMS' new system of records will provide OSFL with the ability to prepare, execute, and track building modifications (e.g., space configurations and facility equipment), and generate internal and external reports regarding Department facilities and office space. More specifically, OSFL will use the IWMS to produce various reports for internal and external audiences, which may include information such as building demographics, space utilization, capital plans, total square feet, rentable square feet (RSF), usable square feet (USF), and space types; lease/operating agreement data; and improvements and/or changes to the leased building portfolios (e.g., reduce the footprint metrics). The IWMS will also provide OSFL staff with a web-based system to allow Department employees and contractors to reserve conference rooms, flexible workspaces and other bookable resources. OSFL staff will administer the new system of records and can identify and make space available for reservation. Further, IWMS will allow OSFL staff to manage workplace data (e.g., floorplans, space data (including attributes like capacity, square feet, and quantity), occupancy, and space types (e.g., conference room, office, training center, workstation, or warehouse)). For instance, OSFL staff will have the ability to generate reports that provide details on the capacity to assist with space planning efforts. The IWMS consists of two components: (1) a desktop application accessed by OSFL staff that creates two- and three-dimensional drawings, models, and diagrams, for uploading workspace layout; and (2) a web application that Department employees and contractors can use to reserve desks and meeting/conference spaces. Reservation of these spaces will be integrated with Microsoft Outlook, allowing reservations to appear on users' calendars and users to modify the reservation and set reminders and alerts. Accessible Format: On request to the program contact person listed under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT, individuals with disabilities can obtain this document in an accessible format. The Department will provide the requestor with an accessible format that may include Rich Text Format (RTF) or text format (txt), a thumb drive, an MP3 file, braille, large print, audiotape, compact disc, or other accessible format. Electronic Access to This Document: The official version of this document is the document published in the Federal Register. You may access the official edition of the Federal Register and the Code of Federal Regulations at www.govinfo.gov. At this site you can view this document, as well as all other Department documents published in the Federal Register, in text or Portable Document Format (PDF). To use PDF, [[Page 66705]] you must have Adobe Acrobat Reader, which is available free at the site. You may also access Department documents published in the Federal Register by using the article search feature at www.federalregister.gov. Specifically, through the advanced search feature at this site, you can limit your search to documents published by the Department. Richard J. Lucas, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary, Delegated the Authority to Perform the Functions and Duties of the Assistant Secretary, Office of Finance and Operations. For the reasons discussed in the preamble, the Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary, Delegated the Authority to Perform the Functions and Duties of the Assistant Secretary for the Office of Finance and Operations of the U.S. Department of Education (Department) publishes a new system of records notice to read as follows: SYSTEM NAME AND NUMBER: Integrated Workplace Management System (IWMS) (18-03-08). SECURITY CLASSIFICATION: Unclassified. SYSTEM LOCATION: U.S. Department of Education, Office of Security, Facilities and Logistics, Office of Finance and Operations, 400 Maryland Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20202-6110. FM:Systems, 2301 Sugar Bush Road, Suite 500, Raleigh, NC 27612. (Note: FM:Systems is a Department contractor that hosts the infrastructure that supports the IWMS applications (FMS:Employee and FMS:Workplace), as a Software-as-a-Service (SaaS), including backend application processing and data hosting.) SYSTEM MANAGER(S): Information System Owner, Office of Security, Facilities and Logistics, Office of Finance and Operations, U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue SW, Room HQ-LBJ-2A225, Washington, DC 20202-6110. AUTHORITY FOR MAINTENANCE OF THE SYSTEM: Executive Order 12411, ``Government Work Space Management Reforms'' (Mar. 29, 1983). PURPOSE(S) OF THE SYSTEM: The purposes of this system of records are to assist the Office of Finance and Operations, Office of Security, Facilities and Logistics (OSFL) in managing the Department's office space, including moving, and tracking the movement of, Government-furnished equipment and assigning Department personnel to designated office spaces; managing the Department's real estate portfolio; managing facility-related projects; and administering processes for reserving flexible workspaces, conference rooms, and other bookable resources, such as lockers and parking spaces. CATEGORIES OF INDIVIDUALS COVERED BY THE SYSTEM: Current Department employees and contractors. CATEGORIES OF RECORDS IN THE SYSTEM: The categories of records in the system are comprised of information related to current Department employees and contractors, such as their first name, last name, work email address, physical work address, work telephone number, principal office, organizational code, position, pay plan and grade, and supervisory status. RECORD SOURCE CATEGORIES: Records covered by the system of records notice titled ``Federal Personnel Payroll System'' (18-05-03), last published in the Federal Register on December 27, 1999 (64 FR 72389-72391) will be obtained from the Department's Office of Human Resources and then updated by Department employees and contractors, as appropriate. The records provided from FPPS is stored in IWMS and is used by the program office to assist with the assignment of office space. Records in this system also may be obtained from other persons or entities from whom or from which data is obtained under the routine uses set forth below. ROUTINE USES OF RECORDS MAINTAINED IN THE SYSTEM, INCLUDING CATEGORIES OF USERS AND THE PURPOSES OF SUCH USES: The Department may disclose information contained in a record in this system of records under the routine uses listed in this system of records without the consent of the individual if the disclosure is compatible with the purposes for which the record was collected. These disclosures may be made on a case-by-case basis or, if the Department has complied with the computer matching requirements of the Privacy Act of 1974, as amended (Privacy Act) (5 U.S.C. 552a), under a computer matching agreement. (1) Congressional Member Disclosure. The Department may disclose the records of an individual to a member of Congress or the member's staff when necessary to respond to an inquiry from the member made at the written request of and on behalf of the individual. The member's right to the information is no greater than the right of the individual who requested it. (2) Enforcement Disclosure. In the event that information in this system of records indicates, either on its face or in connection with other information, a violation or potential violation of any applicable statute, regulations, or order of a competent authority, the Department may disclose the relevant records to the appropriate agency, whether Federal, State, Tribal, or local, charged with investigating or prosecuting that violation or charged with enforcing or implementing the statute, Executive Order, rule, regulation, or order issued pursuant thereto. (3) Litigation and Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Disclosure. (a) Introduction. In the event that one of the following parties listed in sub-paragraphs (i) through (v) of this routine use is involved in judicial or administrative litigation or ADR, or has an interest in judicial or administrative litigation or ADR, the Department may disclose certain records from this system of records to the parties described in paragraphs (b), (c), and (d) of this routine use under the conditions specified in those paragraphs: (i) The Department or any of its components; (ii) Any Department employee in their official capacity; (iii) Any Department employee in their individual capacity where the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) agrees to or has been requested to provide or arrange for representation of the employee; (iv) Any Department employee in their individual capacity where the Department has agreed to represent the employee; and (v) The United States, where the Department determines that the litigation is likely to affect the Department or any of its components. (b) Disclosure to DOJ. If the Department determines that disclosure of certain records to DOJ is relevant and necessary to judicial or administrative litigation or ADR, the Department may disclose those records as a routine use to DOJ. (c) Adjudicative Disclosure. If the Department determines that disclosure of certain records to an adjudicative body before which the Department is authorized to appear or to a person or entity designated by the Department or otherwise empowered to resolve or mediate disputes is relevant and necessary to judicial or administrative litigation or ADR, the Department may disclose those records as a routine use to the adjudicative body, person, or entity. [[Page 66706]] (d) Disclosure to Parties, Counsel, Representatives, and Witnesses. If the Department determines that disclosure of certain records is relevant and necessary to the judicial or administrative litigation or ADR, the Department may disclose those records as a routine use to the party, counsel, representative, or witness. (4) Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) or Privacy Act Advice Disclosure. The Department may disclose records to the DOJ or to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) if the Department determines that disclosure is desirable or necessary in determining whether particular records are required to be disclosed under the FOIA or the Privacy Act. (5) Disclosure to DOJ. The Department may disclose records to DOJ to the extent necessary for obtaining DOJ advice on any matter relevant to an audit, inspection, or other inquiry related to this system. (6) Contract Disclosure. If the Department contracts with an entity to perform any function that requires disclosing records in this system to employees of the contractor, the Department may disclose the records to those employees. As part of such contract, the Department shall require the contractor to agree to establish and maintain safeguards to protect the security and confidentiality of the disclosed records. (7) Employee Grievance, Complaint, or Conduct Disclosure. If a record is relevant and necessary to an employee grievance, complaint, or disciplinary action involving a present or former employee of the Department, the Department may disclose a record from this system of records in the course of investigation, fact-finding, or adjudication to any party to the grievance, complaint, or action; to the party's counsel or representative; to a witness; or to a designated fact- finder, mediator, or other person designated to resolve issues or decide the matter. (8) Labor Organization Disclosure. The Department may disclose records from this system of records to an arbitrator to resolve disputes under a negotiated grievance procedure or to officials of labor organizations recognized under 5 U.S.C. chapter 71 when relevant and necessary to their duties of exclusive representation. (9) Employment, Benefit, and Contracting Disclosure. (a) For Decisions by the Department. The Department may disclose a record to a Federal, State, Tribal, or local agency, or to another public authority or professional organization, maintaining civil, criminal, or other relevant enforcement or other pertinent records, if necessary to obtain information relevant to a Department decision concerning the hiring or retention of an employee or other personnel action, the issuance of a security clearance, the letting of a contract, or the issuance of a license, grant, or other benefit. (b) For Decisions by Other Public Agencies and Professional Organizations. The Department may disclose a record to a Federal, State, Tribal, local, or other public authority or professional organization, in connection with the hiring or retention of an employee or other personnel action, the issuance of a security clearance, the reporting of an investigation of an employee, the letting of a contract, or the issuance of a license, grant, or other benefit, to the extent that the record is relevant and necessary to the receiving entity's decision on the matter. (10) Disclosure in the Course of Responding to a Breach of Data. The Department may disclose records from this system of records to appropriate agencies, entities, and persons when (a) the Department suspects or has confirmed that there has been a breach of the system of records; (b) the Department has determined that as a result of the suspected or confirmed breach, there is a risk of harm to individuals, the Department (including its information systems, programs, and operations), the Federal government, or national security; and (c) the disclosure made to such agencies, entities, and persons is reasonably necessary to assist in connection with the Department's efforts to respond to the suspected or confirmed breach or to prevent, minimize, or remedy such harm. (11) Disclosure in Assisting Another Agency in Responding to a Breach of Data. The Department may disclose records from this system of records to another Federal agency or Federal entity when the Department determines that information from this system of records is reasonably necessary to assist the recipient agency or entity in (a) responding to a suspected or confirmed breach, or (b) preventing, minimizing, or remedying the risk of harm to individuals, the recipient agency or entity (including its information systems, programs, and operations), the Federal Government, or national security, resulting from a suspected or confirmed breach. (12) Disclosure to National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). The Department may disclose records from this system of records to NARA for the purpose of records management inspections conducted under the authority of 44 U.S.C. 2904 and 2906. POLICIES AND PRACTICES FOR STORAGE OR RECORDS: Records are stored on an encrypted system within a secured and controlled environment. POLICIES AND PRACTICES FOR RETRIEVAL OF RECORDS: Records are retrieved by an employee's or contractor's name only for administrative purposes, including associating the employee or contractor with a specific region or building to assign them an office space or conference room. POLICIES AND PRACTICES FOR RETENTION AND DISPOSAL OF RECORDS: The records in this system of records will be retained and disposed of in accordance with General Records Schedule 5.4, ``Facility, Equipment, Vehicle, Property, and Supply Records,'' Items 010 (DAA-GRS- 2016-0011-0001) and 050 (DAA-GRS-2016-0011-0005). ADMINISTRATIVE, TECHNICAL, AND PHYSICAL SAFEGUARDS: The vendor, which is Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program (FedRAMP) certified, hosts the IWMS system outside the Department's network. The Department accesses and uses this system as a SaaS and requires the vendor to complete routine testing of its environment to ensure the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the information in the system and services provided. The Cloud Service Provider enforces security controls over the physical facility where the system is hosted in adherence with FedRAMP standards and provides continuous monitoring reports to the Department. In accordance with the Federal Information Security Management Act of 2002 (FISMA), as amended by the Federal Information Security Modernization Act of 2014, every Department system must receive a signed Authorization to Operate (ATO) from a designated Department official. The ATO process includes a rigorous assessment of security and privacy controls, a plan of actions and milestones to remediate any identified deficiencies, and a continuous monitoring program. FISMA controls implemented are comprised of a combination of management, operational, and technical controls, and include the following control families: access control, awareness and training, audit and accountability, security assessment and authorization, configuration management, contingency planning, identification and authentication, incident response, maintenance, media [[Page 66707]] protection, physical and environmental protection, planning, personnel security, privacy, risk assessment, system and services acquisition, system and communications protection, system and information integrity, and program management. The IWMS system is integrated with the Department's Identity, Credential, and Access Management (ICAM) and also utilizes role-based authentication to ensure that only authorized users can access information, and can only access the information needed to perform their duties. Authentication to the system is permitted only over secure, encrypted connections. RECORD ACCESS PROCEDURES: If you wish to request access to records regarding you in this system of records, contact the system manager at the address listed under the SYSTEM MANAGER(S) section above. You must provide necessary particulars such as your full name, address, and telephone number, and any other identifying information requested by the Department while processing the request to distinguish between individuals with the same name. Your request must meet the requirements of the Department's Privacy Act regulations in 34 CFR 5b.5, including proof of identity. CONTESTING RECORD PROCEDURES: If you wish to contest the content of a record regarding you in this system of records, contact the system manager at the address listed under the SYSTEM MANAGER(S) section above. You must provide necessary particulars such as your full name, address, and telephone number, and any other identifying information requested by the Department to distinguish between individuals with the same name. Your request must also identify the particular record within the system that you wish to have changed, state whether you seek an addition to or a deletion or substitution of the record, and explain the reasons why you wish to have the record changed. Your request must meet the requirements of the Department's Privacy Act regulations in 34 CFR 5b.7. NOTIFICATION PROCEDURES: If you wish to determine whether a record exists regarding you in this system of records, contact the system manager at the address listed under the SYSTEM MANAGER(S) section above. You must provide necessary particulars such as your full name, address, telephone number, and any other identifying information requested by the Department while processing the request to distinguish between individuals with the same name. Your request must meet the requirements of the Department's Privacy Act regulations in 34 CFR 5b.5, including proof of identity. EXEMPTIONS PROMULGATED FOR THE SYSTEM: None. HISTORY: None. [FR Doc. 2024-18334 Filed 8-15-24; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4000-01-P

usgpo

2024-10-08T13:26:27.800259

FR

FR-2024-08-16/2024-18378

Federal Register Volume 89 Issue 159 (August 16, 2024)

United States National Archives and Records Administration Office of the Federal Register

[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 159 (Friday, August 16, 2024)] [Notices] [Pages 66707-66708] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: 2024-18378] ======================================================================= ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Environmental Management Site-Specific Advisory Board, Nevada AGENCY: Office of Environmental Management, Department of Energy. ACTION: Notice of open meeting. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: This notice announces an in-person/virtual hybrid meeting of the Environmental Management Site-Specific Advisory Board (EM SSAB), Nevada. The Federal Advisory Committee Act requires that public notice of this meeting be announced in the Federal Register. DATES: Wednesday, September 11, 2024; 4-8:30 p.m. PDT; The opportunity for public comment is at 4:10 p.m. PDT. This time is subject to change. Please contact the Nevada Site Specific Advisory Board (NSSAB) Administrator listed in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section of this document for confirmation of time prior to the meeting. ADDRESSES: Molasky Corporate Center, 15th Floor Conference Room, 100 North City Parkway, Las Vegas, Nevada 89106. This meeting will be open to the public in-person at the Molasky Corporate Center or virtually via Microsoft Teams. To attend virtually, please contact Barbara Ulmer, NSSAB Administrator, by email [email protected] or phone (702) 523- 0894, no later than 4 p.m. PDT on Monday, September 9, 2024. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Barbara Ulmer, NSSAB Administrator, by phone: (702) 523-0894 or email: [email protected] or visit the Board's internet homepage at www.nnss.gov/NSSAB/. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Purpose of the Board: The purpose of the Board is to provide advice and recommendations concerning the following EM site-specific issues: clean-up activities and environmental restoration; waste and nuclear materials management and disposition; excess facilities; future land use and long-term stewardship. The Board may also be asked to provide advice and recommendations on any EM program components. Tentative Agenda 1. Public Comment Period 2. Update from Deputy Designated Federal Officer 3. Update from National Nuclear Security Administration/Nevada Field Office 4. Updates from NSSAB Liaisons 5. Presentations 6. Chair and Vice-Chair Elections 7. Development of Fiscal Year 2025 Work Plan Public Participation: The in-person/online virtual hybrid meeting is open to the public either in-person at the Molasky Corporate Center or via Microsoft Teams. To sign-up for public comment, please contact the NSSAB Administrator no later than 4 p.m. PDT on Monday, September 9, 2024. In addition to participation in the live public comment session identified above, written statements may be filed with the Board either before or within seven days after the meeting by sending them to the NSSAB Administrator at the aforementioned email address. Written public comment received prior to the meeting will be read into the record. The Deputy Designated Federal Officer is empowered to conduct the meeting in a fashion that will facilitate the orderly conduct of business. Individuals wishing to make public comments can do so in 2-minute segments for the 15 minutes allotted for public comments. Minutes: Minutes will be available by writing or calling Barbara Ulmer, NSSAB Administrator, U.S. Department of Energy, EM Nevada Program, 100 North City Parkway, Suite 1750, Las Vegas, NV 89106; Phone: (702) 523-0894. Minutes will also be available at the following website: https://www.nnss.gov/nssab/nssab-meetings/. Signing Authority: This document of the Department of Energy was signed on August 12, 2024, by David Borak, Committee Management Officer, pursuant to delegated authority from the Secretary of Energy. That document with the original signature and date is maintained by DOE. For administrative purposes only, and in compliance with requirements of the Office of the Federal Register, the undersigned DOE Federal Register Liaison Officer has been authorized to sign and submit the document in electronic format for publication, as an official document of the Department of Energy. This administrative process in no way alters [[Page 66708]] the legal effect of this document upon publication in the Federal Register. Signed in Washington, DC, on August 13, 2024. Treena V. Garrett, Federal Register Liaison Officer, U.S. Department of Energy. [FR Doc. 2024-18378 Filed 8-15-24; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6450-01-P

usgpo

2024-10-08T13:26:27.855923

FR

FR-2024-08-16/2024-18344

Federal Register Volume 89 Issue 159 (August 16, 2024)

United States National Archives and Records Administration Office of the Federal Register

[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 159 (Friday, August 16, 2024)] [Notices] [Page 66708] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: 2024-18344] ======================================================================= ----------------------------------------------------------------------- ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY [EPA-R08-OPPT-2020-0013; FRL-12189-01-OMS] Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget for Review and Approval; Comment Request; Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Pollution Prevention (P2) Recognition Program (Renewal) AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). ACTION: Notice. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has submitted an information collection request (ICR), EPA Pollution Prevention (P2) Recognition Program'' (EPA ICR Number 2614.02, OMB Control Number 2008- 0004) to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and approval in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act. This is a proposed extension of the ICR, which is currently approved through August 31, 2024. Public comments were previously requested via the Federal Register on December 5, 2023, during a 60-day comment period. This notice allows for an additional 30 days for public comments. DATES: Comments may be submitted on or before September 16, 2024. ADDRESSES: Submit your comments, referencing Docket ID Number EPA-R08- OPPT-2020-0013, to EPA online using www.regulations.gov (our preferred method), or by mail to: EPA Docket Center, Environmental Protection Agency, Mail Code 28221T, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20460. EPA's policy is that all comments received will be included in the public docket without change including any personal information provided, unless the comment includes profanity, threats, information claimed to be Confidential Business Information (CBI) or other information whose disclosure is restricted by statute. Submit written comments and recommendations to OMB for the proposed information collection within 30 days of publication of this notice to www.reginfo.gov/public/do/PRAMain. Find this particular information collection by selecting ``Currently under 30-day Review--Open for Public Comments'' or by using the search function. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Melissa Payan, EPA R8 Land, Chemical and Redevelopment Division, Pollution Prevention Program, (8LCRD-CSES), Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20460; telephone number: 303-312-651; email address: [email protected]. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This is a proposed extension of the ICR, which is currently approved through August 31, 2024. An agency may not conduct or sponsor and a person is not required to respond to a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number. Public comments were previously requested via the Federal Register on December 5, 2023 during a 60-day comment period (88 FR 84321). This notice allows for an additional 30 days for public comments. Supporting documents, which explain in detail the information that the EPA will be collecting, are available in the public docket for this ICR. The docket can be viewed online at www.regulations.gov or in person at the EPA Docket Center, WJC West, Room 3334, 1301 Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, DC. The telephone number for the Docket Center is 202-566- 1744. For additional information about EPA's public docket, visit http://www.epa.gov/dockets. Abstract: EPA's Pollution Prevention (P2) Program is a voluntary program that encourages businesses/facilities to adopt P2 projects that reduces both financial costs (waste management and cleanup) and environmental costs (health problems and environmental damage). In passing the Pollution Prevention Act (PPA) in 1990, Congress found that ``(T)here are significant opportunities for industry to reduce or prevent pollution at the source through cost-effective changes in production, operation, and raw materials use. Such changes offer industry substantial savings in reduced raw material, pollution control, and liability costs as well as help protect the environment and reduce risks to worker health and safety.'' 42 U.S.C. 13101(a)(2). Furthermore, the PPA states the Administrator shall ``establish an annual award program to recognize a company or companies which operate outstanding or innovative source reduction programs'' (PPA section 6604) 42 U.S.C. 13103(b)(13). The EPA P2 Recognition Program is an annual, voluntary, and non-monetary program that will recognize companies that demonstrate leadership in innovative P2 practices and encourage other entities to consider P2 approaches. This ICR may be applicable to HQ, as well as any of the 10 Regional Offices that choose to participate and implement a P2 Recognition Program. Form Numbers: EPA P2 Award Program Application--5800-005. Respondents/affected entities: Various types of businesses, companies, organizations, both for-profit and non-profit, from all North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) codes. However, businesses need to be from a state or tribe in an EPA Region implementing this recognition program. Respondent's obligation to respond: Voluntary. Estimated number of respondents: 42 (total). Frequency of response: Annually. Total estimated burden: 458 hours (per year). Burden is defined at 5 CFR 1320.03(b). Total estimated cost: $33,012.84 (per year), which includes $0 annualized capital or operation & maintenance costs. Changes in the Estimates: There is a decrease of 517 hours in the total estimated respondent burden compared with the ICR currently approved by OMB. This decrease is due to adjustments to the estimates and receiving input from respondents over the past three years. The original consultations were with state recognition programs, which are more rigorous than the regional P2 award program. Regions who are currently implementing Regional P2 Programs, consulted with applicants who provided an average estimate of 10.9 hours to respond to questions in the application. Based off these consultations we are decreasing the respondent burden by 8.6 hours per respondent. Courtney Kerwin, Director, Regulatory Support Division. [FR Doc. 2024-18344 Filed 8-15-24; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6560-50-P

usgpo

2024-10-08T13:26:27.966954

FR

FR-2024-08-16/2024-18351

Federal Register Volume 89 Issue 159 (August 16, 2024)

United States National Archives and Records Administration Office of the Federal Register

[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 159 (Friday, August 16, 2024)] [Notices] [Pages 66709-66710] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: 2024-18351] [[Page 66709]] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY [EPA-HQ-OGC-2024-0296; FRL-12051-01-OGC] Class Determination 1-24: Confidentiality of Certain Business Information Concerning Contractors, Prospective Contractors, and Subcontractors AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). ACTION: Notice. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is notifying interested persons of the issuance of a class determination concerning the confidentiality of certain classes of contractor- and prospective contractor-submitted information. The class determination announced in this notice--identified as Class Determination 1-24--updates and supersedes EPA's earlier Class Determination 1-95 covering certain contractor-submitted information. Class Determination 1-24 is being issued to bring EPA's approach to identifying and processing contractor-submitted CBI into alignment with the Supreme Court's decision in Food Mktg. Inst. v. Argus Leader Media and to update the classes of contractor-submitted CBI that are, and are not, presumptively entitled to confidential treatment. EPA's CBI regulations will still govern EPA's handling and processing of all CBI claims, including the contractor-submitted information covered by Class Determination 1-24, but will enable EPA offices to respond more quickly and efficiently to requests submitted under the Freedom of Information Act. DATES: Class Determination 1-24 will take effect on August 23, 2024. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dylan Duffey, Attorney-Advisor, Office of General Counsel, EPA, at [email protected] or (202) 564-3008. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: I. General Information EPA's Office of General Counsel (OGC) issues class determinations to describe the categories of business information that can be considered presumptively confidential or presumptively not confidential. EPA relies on class determinations to permit efficient processing of numerous Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests for the same types of confidential business information (CBI). On June 10, 1995, OGC issued ``Class Determination 1-95 Confidentiality of Certain Business Information Submitted by Contractors and Prospective Contractors.'' Class Determination 1-24 updates and supersedes Class Determination 1-95 and brings EPA's approach to processing contractor- submitted CBI into alignment with the Supreme Court's decision in Food Mktg. Inst. v. Argus Leader Media, 139 S. Ct. 2356, 204 L. Ed. 2d 742 (2019). In accordance with 40 CFR 2.207, Class Determination 1-24 is intended solely as guidance and is not a final agency action subject to judicial review. It does not impose legally binding requirements on the EPA, state or tribal regulators, or any other party. Nor does it contradict the Federal Acquisition Regulation's protection of contractor information at 48 CFR 3.104-4. An EPA office that is making a determination as to whether business information covered by this class determination may be entitled to confidential treatment should follow the procedures in 40 CFR part 2, subpart B, applying this class determination as guidance. As of the effective date of this notice, Class Determination 1-95 is officially superseded by Class Determination 1-24 and will no longer be used at EPA. The full text of Class Determination 1-24 can be found on the EPA web page titled ``Guidance Documents Managed by the Office of General Counsel.'' In summary, Class Determination 1-24 finds that the following class of information submitted by EPA contractors or prospective contractors is presumptively entitled to confidential treatment where the information is private or at least closely held, where the information is not otherwise publicly available, and where disclosure of the information is not otherwise required by statute or regulation: Information that would disclose a contractor's, subcontractor's, prospective contractor's, or prospective subcontractor's proposal that may include unit pricing, client information, marketing strategy, financial statements or structure, accounting methods, labor hourly rates, salaries, overhead costs, general and administrative costs, fees, profits, accounting methods, and potential plans to manage the project. Information that would disclose a contractor's, subcontractor's, prospective contractor's, or prospective subcontractor's proprietary processes, devices, software, or similar proprietary information submitted to the Agency. Contract deliverables that would reveal proprietary analytical methods, manufacturing processes, or algorithms. Conversely, the following class of information is presumptively not private, nor closely held and is therefore not entitled to confidential treatment under Class Determination 1-24. Unless this information is otherwise claimed as CBI in accordance with EPA's CBI regulations at 40 CFR part 2, subpart B, EPA may release this information without further notice to the submitter: Information concerning the identity and scope of work of any government contracts or grants performed by the submitter pursuant to the awarded contract. This information is available to the public pursuant to the Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act, and through the Commerce Business Daily, the Federal Procurement Data System, and from specific government agencies. Information that the submitter has previously published or disclosed to the public, either in writing or verbally, regardless of the medium. Information in documents that are already publicly available, such as requests for proposals, other publicly available EPA documents, or published materials, whether in print or electronic. The following information is not entitled to confidential treatment after contract award unless the information could reasonably be used to reverse engineer information that is entitled to confidential treatment: [cir] The aggregate cost (total of all costs and fees) of an awarded contract to the government. The aggregate cost of awarded contract options to the government. [cir] Totals of labor effort expended, invoiced, or paid at any point during contract performance for work performed under the contract or for any discrete segment of such contract work. [cir] Totals of costs incurred, invoiced, or paid at any point during contract performance for work performed under the contract or for any discrete segment of such contract work. [cir] The aggregate of labor hours worked by all subcontractors and consultants and the aggregate of all costs incurred by them at any point during contract performance or for any discrete segment of such contract work. Information developed by the government, regardless of whether the information is subsequently contained in a document submitted to the Government by a contractor or prospective contractor. Names and business contact information of Agency contractors or subcontractors or their employees or consultants of any contractor or subcontractor, unless sufficient countervailing factors exist. This category reflects, among other things, the fact that in the course of routine interaction with contractors and [[Page 66710]] subcontractors with the Agency, the names of employees are revealed and not kept confidential. Additionally, many employees and employers publicly post names and business contact information on the internet. II. Does this action apply to me? This action is directed to all current and future EPA contractors and prospective contractors who submit information to the Agency after the effective date of this class determination, and it applies to information submitted both before and after a contract is awarded. Class Determination 1-24 does not apply to contractor or prospective contractor-submitted information that was in the Agency's possession prior to the effective date of this class determination. Additionally, by its express terms, Class Determination 1-24 does not apply to the following categories of contractor or prospective contractor submissions: For information submitted after this class determination's effective date, any information where ten years have passed after submission. Any information more than ten years old when submitted to EPA, regardless of submittal date. Except as otherwise provided, information submitted to EPA by or on behalf of any person or entity that is not an EPA contractor or subcontractor. Any contractor or prospective contractor-submitted information that falls outside of the scope of Class Determination 1-24 or to which Class Determination 1-24 does not apply will be handled in accordance with EPA's CBI regulations at 40 CFR part 2, subpart B. This Federal Register notice may be of relevance to current and future EPA contractors that submit information to the Agency in connection with their performance of a contract, or to future prospective contractors that submit proposals to Agency solicitations. If you have further questions regarding the applicability of this action to a party, please contact the person listed in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section. III. How can I get copies of this document and other related information? Electronic Access. You may access this Federal Register document electronically from the Government Printing Office under the ``Federal Register'' listings. You may also access the full text of Class Determination 1-24 on the EPA web page titled ``Guidance Documents Managed by the Office of General Counsel.'' Jennifer Clark, Associate General Counsel. [FR Doc. 2024-18351 Filed 8-15-24; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6560-50-P

usgpo

2024-10-08T13:26:28.043759

FR

FR-2024-08-16/2024-18329

Federal Register Volume 89 Issue 159 (August 16, 2024)

United States National Archives and Records Administration Office of the Federal Register

[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 159 (Friday, August 16, 2024)] [Notices] [Page 66710] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: 2024-18329] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY [FRL-12143-01-OMS] Good Neighbor Environmental Board AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). ACTION: Notice of meeting. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: Under the Federal Advisory Committee Act, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) gives notice of a public meeting of the Good Neighbor Environmental Board (GNEB). The purpose of this meeting is for the Board to discuss and approve its first in the series of four comment letters that will comprise the GNEB 21st report. DATES: September 4, 2024, from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. (MT) and September 5, 2024, from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. (MT). ADDRESSES: The meeting will be held at the U.S. EPA Region 6, El Paso Border Office, 511 E San Antonio Avenue, Suite 145, El Paso, Texas 79901. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Eugene Green at (202) 564-2432 or via email at [email protected]. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Board is an independent federal advisory committee chartered under the Federal Advisory Committee Act, 5 U.S.C. 10. Its mission is to advise the President and Congress of the United States on good neighbor practices along the U.S. border with Mexico. Its recommendations are focused on environmental infrastructure needs within the U.S. states contiguous to Mexico. A copy of the agenda will be posted at www.epa.gov/faca/gneb. The meeting will be held virtually and in-person in El Paso, Texas at the EPA Region 6, El Paso Border Office, 511 E San Antonio Avenue, Suite 145, El Paso, Texas 79901. The meeting is open to the public with limited seating available for in- person attendance and on a first come first serve basis. Members of the public wishing to participate or attend in-person must contact Eugene Green at [email protected] or 202-564-2432 by August 28, 2024, to register. Members of the public wishing to attend or participate virtually must contact Eugene Green with the information above by August 28, 2024, to receive a link to the meeting. The Federal Protective Service requires 48-hour notification for guests entering federal government spaces, therefore, it is imperative that the timeframe noted is met prior to the meeting. Requests to make oral comments or submit written public comments to the Board, should also be directed to Eugene Green at least five business days prior to the meeting (August 28, 2024). Requests for accessibility and/or accommodations for individuals with disabilities should be directed to Eugene Green at the phone number or email address listed below. To ensure adequate time for processing, please make requests for accommodations at least 10 business days (August 21, 2024) prior to the meeting. Oscar Carrillo, Program Analyst. [FR Doc. 2024-18329 Filed 8-15-24; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6560-50-P

usgpo

2024-10-08T13:26:28.074927

FR

FR-2024-08-16/2024-18403

Federal Register Volume 89 Issue 159 (August 16, 2024)

United States National Archives and Records Administration Office of the Federal Register

[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 159 (Friday, August 16, 2024)] [Notices] [Pages 66710-66711] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: 2024-18403] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY [FRL OP-OFA-139] Environmental Impact Statements; Notice of Availability Responsible Agency: Office of Federal Activities, General Information 202-564-5632 or https://www.epa.gov/nepa. Weekly receipt of Environmental Impact Statements (EIS) Filed August 5, 2024 10 a.m. EST Through August 12, 2024 10 a.m. EST Pursuant to 40 CFR 1506.9. Notice Section 309(a) of the Clean Air Act requires that EPA make public its comments on EISs issued by other Federal agencies. EPA's comment letters on EISs are available at: https://cdxapps.epa.gov/cdx-enepa-II/public/action/eis/search. EIS No. 20240147, Final, USFS, NE, Nebraska National Forests and Grasslands Undesirable Plant Management, Review Period Ends: 09/23/ 2024, Contact: Melissa Martin 307-399-7346. EIS No. 20240148, Draft, APHIS, PRO, Outbreak Response Activities for Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Outbreaks in Poultry in the United States and U.S. Territories, Comment Period Ends: 09/30/2024, Contact: Chelsea Bare 515-337-6128. Amended Notice: EIS No. 20170151, Draft, USFS, MN, WITHDRAWN--School Trust Land [[Page 66711]] Exchange, Contact: Peter Taylor 218-626-4368. Revision to FR Notice Published 08/11/2017; Officially Withdrawn per request of the submitting agency. EIS No. 20240114, Draft, USACE, MS, Yazoo Backwater Area Water Management Project, Comment Period Ends: 08/27/2024, Contact: Mike Renacker 601-631-5842. Revision to FR Notice Published 06/28/2024; Extending the Comment Period from 08/12/2024 to 08/27/2024. Dated: August 13, 2024. Timothy Witman, Acting Director, NEPA Compliance Division, Office of Federal Activities. [FR Doc. 2024-18403 Filed 8-15-24; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6560-50-P

usgpo

2024-10-08T13:26:28.126988

FR

FR-2024-08-16/2024-18373

Federal Register Volume 89 Issue 159 (August 16, 2024)

United States National Archives and Records Administration Office of the Federal Register

[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 159 (Friday, August 16, 2024)] [Notices] [Pages 66711-66712] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: 2024-18373] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY [EPA-HQ-ORD-2015-0765; FRL-12151-01-ORD] Request for Nominations of Experts to the Office of Research and Development's Board of Scientific Counselors Advisory Committee AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). ACTION: Notice. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is seeking nominations for technical experts to serve on its Board of Scientific Counselors (BOSC), a Federal advisory committee to the Office of Research and Development (ORD). Submission of nominations should be made via the BOSC website at: https://www.epa.gov/bosc. DATES: Nominations should be submitted by September 6, 2024. ADDRESSES: Please submit nominations by completing the nomination form provided on the BOSC website at https://www.epa.gov/bosc. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Any member of the public needing additional information regarding this Notice and Request for Nominations may contact Mr. Tom Tracy, Office of Science Advisor, Policy and Engagement, Office of Research and Development, Mail Code B343-01, 109 T.W. Alexander Drive, Research Triangle Park, NC 27711; via phone/voice mail at: (919) 541-4334; or via email at: [email protected]. General information concerning the BOSC can be found at the following website: https://www.epa.gov/bosc. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Background The BOSC is a chartered Federal Advisory Committee established by the EPA to provide independent scientific and technical peer review, advice, consultation, and recommendations on ORD's research programs. As a Federal Advisory Committee, the BOSC conducts business in accordance with the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA) (5 U.S.C. app. 10) and related regulations. The BOSC is comprised of an Executive Committee and one or more supporting subcommittee(s). Current subcommittees are: Social and Community Science, and Climate Change. All the work of BOSC subcommittees and ad-hoc panels is conducted under the auspices of the chartered BOSC Executive Committee. The BOSC Executive Committee members review all BOSC subcommittee and ad-hoc panel draft reports and determine whether each meets the BOSC's criteria and high-quality standards required to deliver them to the EPA Administrator. General information concerning the BOSC, including its charter, current membership, and activities can be found on the EPA website at: https://www.epa.gov/bosc. BOSC Membership Members of the BOSC constitute a distinguished body of non-EPA scientists, engineers, and economists who are experts in their respective fields. EPA will consider nominees from industry, business, public and private research institutes or organizations, academia, government (Federal, State, local, and Tribal) and non-government organizations, and other relevant interest areas. Members are appointed by the EPA Administrator to serve as special government employees and provide independent expert advice to the agency, for a maximum of six years of service. EPA compensates special government employees for their time and provides reimbursement for travel and other incidental expenses associated with official government business related to the BOSC meetings, as allowed. Members of the BOSC are subject to the provisions of 5 CFR part 2634, Executive Branch Financial Disclosure, as supplemented by the EPA in 5 CFR part 6401. In anticipation of this requirement, each nominee will be asked to submit confidential financial information that fully discloses, among other financial interests, the candidate's employment, stocks and bonds, and where applicable, sources of research support. The information provided is strictly confidential and will not be disclosed to the public. Before a candidate is considered further for service on the BOSC, EPA will evaluate each candidate to assess whether there is any conflict of financial interest, appearance of a lack of impartiality, or prior involvement with matters likely to be reviewed by the Board. Expertise Sought The chartered BOSC provides scientific advice to the EPA Administrator on a variety of EPA science and research topics. EPA invites nominations of individuals to serve on the chartered BOSC with expertise or extensive experience in the following scientific disciplines and topic areas as they relate to human health and the environment: Agronomy, Soil Science Air Quality Atmospheric Sciences Biology and Microbiology Chemistry (including Environmental) Climate Science and Change Community Engagement Contaminated Site Remediation Disaster Science Ecology Ecosystem Services Emergency Management Energy and the Environment Environmental Economics Environmental Engineering Environmental Justice Environmental Life Cycle Assessment Environmental Modeling Epidemiology Exposure Science and Assessment Forestry and Natural Resource Management Information and Data Science Materials/Waste Management New Approach Methods Novel Analytical Methods Participatory Science (including Community and Citizen Science) Physiologically Based Pharmacokinetic (PBPK) Modeling Public Health Research Program Evaluation Risk Assessment (including Human Health, Ecological, Environmental) Science Policy/Public Policy Social, Behavioral and Decision Sciences Sustainability Systems Science Toxicology Water Quality (including drinking water, surface water, groundwater) Water Quantity and Reuse Watershed Management Submission of Nominations To nominate a candidate for consideration or self-nominate, please visit the BOSC website at https://www.epa.gov/bosc to access and complete the nomination form. Nominations should be submitted no [[Page 66712]] later than 11:59 p.m., September 6, 2024. To receive full consideration, nominations should include all information requested. EPA's nomination form requests: contact information about the person making the nomination; contact information about the nominee; the disciplinary and specific areas of expertise of the nominee; committee preference; the nominee's curriculum vita and/or resume; and additional information that would be useful for considering the nomination such as background and qualifications (e.g., current position, educational background, expertise, research areas), experience relevant to one or more of ORD's research programs, service on other advisory committees and professional societies, and availability to participate as a member of the Executive Committee and/or Subcommittee. EPA values and welcomes diversity. To obtain nominations of diverse candidates, EPA encourages all qualified candidates to apply regardless of gender, race, disability, or ethnicity, as well as from a variety of backgrounds (e.g., tribal, industry, non-profit organizations, academia, and government). Persons having questions about the nomination procedures, or who are unable to submit nominations through the BOSC website, should contact Mr. Tom Tracy, as indicated above under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section of this notice. Evaluation of Nominations The BOSC is a balanced and diverse board of experts designed to possess the necessary domains of expertise, depth and breadth of knowledge, and diverse and balanced scientific perspectives to best support the needs of the EPA's ORD. Nominations will be evaluated on the basis of several criteria including: (a) demonstrated scientific and/or technical credentials and disciplinary expertise, knowledge, and experience in relevant fields; (b) availability to serve and willingness to commit time to the committee (approximately one to three meetings per year both by teleconferences and possibly face-to-face meetings); (c) absence of financial conflicts of interest; (d) absence of an appearance of a lack of impartiality; (e) demonstrated ability to work constructively and effectively on committees; and (f) background and experiences that would contribute to the diversity of viewpoints on the Executive Committee, e.g., workforce sector, geographical location, social, cultural, and educational backgrounds, and professional affiliations. To help the Agency in evaluating the effectiveness of its outreach efforts, nominees and nominators are requested to inform the Agency of how you learned of this opportunity when completing the nomination form. Final selection of BOSC members is a discretionary function of the Agency and will be announced as soon as selections are made on the BOSC website at https://www.epa.gov/bosc. Kathleen Deener, Acting Director, Office of Science Advisor, Policy and Engagement. [FR Doc. 2024-18373 Filed 8-15-24; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6560-50-P

usgpo

2024-10-08T13:26:28.223818

FR

FR-2024-08-16/C1-2024-16156

Federal Register Volume 89 Issue 159 (August 16, 2024)

United States National Archives and Records Administration Office of the Federal Register

[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 159 (Friday, August 16, 2024)] [Notices] [Page 66712] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: C1-2024-16156] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY [FRL-12120-01-OAR] 2025 Clean Air Excellence Awards Program; Request for Nominations Correction In Notice document, 2024-16156, appearing on pages 59735 through 59736 in the issue of Tuesday July 23, 2024, on page 59735, in the second column, in the second line and first lines from the bottom, the text ``October 11, 2024'' is corrected to read ``October 22, 2024''. [FR Doc. C1-2024-16156 Filed 8-15-24; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 0099-10-P

usgpo

2024-10-08T13:26:28.247595

FR

FR-2024-08-16/2024-18436

Federal Register Volume 89 Issue 159 (August 16, 2024)

United States National Archives and Records Administration Office of the Federal Register

[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 159 (Friday, August 16, 2024)] [Notices] [Pages 66712-66713] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: 2024-18436] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY [EPA-HQ-OGC-2024-0390; FRL-12174-01-OGC] Proposed Settlement Agreement, Endangered Species Act and Administrative Procedure Act Claims AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). ACTION: Notice of proposed settlement agreement; request for public comment. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: In accordance with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)Administrator's March 18, 2022, memorandum regarding ``Consent Decrees and Settlement Agreements to resolve Environmental Claims Against the Agency,'' notice is hereby given of a proposed settlement agreement in Center for Biological Diversity v. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, et al., No. 1:22-cv-486-BAH (D.D.C.). On February 24, 2022, the Plaintiff Center for Biological Diversity filed a complaint in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia against the EPA alleging that the Agency had violated the Administrative Procedure Act and Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act (ESA) in connection with EPA's 1993, 1998, and 2007 approvals under the Clean Water Act of Washington State's water quality criteria for cyanide. EPA seeks public input on a proposed settlement agreement prior to its final decision-making with regard to potential settlement of the litigation. DATES: Written comments on the proposed settlement agreement must be received by September 16, 2024. ADDRESSES: Submit your comments, identified by Docket ID No. EPA-HQ- OGC-2024-0390 online at https://www.regulations.gov (EPA's preferred method). Follow the online instructions for submitting comments. Instructions: All submissions received must include the Docket ID number for this action. Comments received may be posted without change to https://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information provided. For detailed instructions on sending comments, see the ``Additional Information About Commenting on the Proposed Settlement Agreement'' heading under the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section of this document. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Eleanor Garretson, Water Law Office, Office of General Counsel, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency; telephone: (202) 564-9636; email address: [email protected]. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: I. Additional Information About the Proposed Settlement Agreement On February 24, 2022, the Plaintiff filed a complaint against the EPA, the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) (collectively ``the Agencies''), alleging violations of the Endangered Species Act (ESA), 16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq., related to EPA's Clean Water Act Section 303(c) actions to approve Washington's water quality criteria for cyanide in 1993, 1998 and 2007. The complaint alleges that the EPA failed to complete ESA Section 7 consultation on its approvals of Washington's cyanide criteria and failed to ensure those approvals would not jeopardize ESA-listed species or adversely modify critical habitat. The complaint further alleges that the Agencies violated the ESA by failing to reinitiate consultation on Washington's cyanide criteria following the designation and revision of critical habitat and new information regarding the impact of Washington's cyanide [[Page 66713]] criteria on listed species and designated habitat. On August 8, 2023, the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia denied the government's Motion to Dismiss the complaint. The parties then initiated settlement discussions, which produced the proposed settlement agreement. Under the settlement agreement, EPA would be obligated to complete a biological evaluation pursuant to 50 CFR 402.13(c)(1) and 50 CFR 402.14(c)(1) of Washington State's current marine and Puget Sound cyanide criteria and submit its request to initiate formal consultation or a letter requesting concurrence with any ``not likely to adversely affect'' findings within 18 months of Washington State's submission of revised freshwater cyanide criteria. As noted in the proposed settlement agreement, Washington recently proposed revisions to its freshwater criteria for cyanide and intends to submit the revised criteria to EPA for review and action under CWA Section 303(c). In the event Washington does not submit revised freshwater criteria for cyanide by September 24, 2024, the settlement obligates EPA to complete a biological evaluation on Washington's current freshwater criteria for cyanide. Under the proposed agreement, EPA would be required to complete and submit its biological evaluation of Washington's cyanide criteria within an 18-month period starting no later than September 24, 2024. If NMFS and/or FWS determine the data requirements of 50 CFR 402.14(c) have not been met, EPA would be obligated to resolve any data deficiencies within 60 days of such notification consistent with 40 CFR 402.14(f). Finally, under the proposed agreement, NMFS and FWS would be obligated to issue a concurrence or non-concurrence within 120 days of any EPA request for concurrence or issue biological opinions within 12 months of initiating formal consultation. The schedule set forth in the proposed settlement agreement reflects the Agencies' reasoned consideration of the time needed to address ESA Section 7 consultation requirements. For a period of thirty (30) days following the date of publication of this notice, EPA will accept written comments relating to the proposed EPA obligations in the settlement agreement from persons who are not parties to the litigation. EPA or the Department of Justice may withdraw or withhold consent to the proposed settlement agreement if the comments received disclose facts or considerations that indicate that such settlement agreement is inappropriate, improper, inadequate, or inconsistent with the requirements of the ESA or APA. II. Additional Information About Commenting on the Proposed Settlement Agreement A. How can I get a copy of the proposed settlement agreement? The official public docket for this action (identified by Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-OGC-2024-0390) contains a copy of the proposed settlement agreement. The official public docket is available for public viewing at the Office of Environmental Information (OEI) Docket in the EPA Docket Center, EPA West, Room 3334, 1301 Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, DC. The EPA Docket Center Public Reading Room is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding legal holidays. The telephone number for the Public Reading Room is (202) 566-1744, and the telephone number for the OEI Docket is (202) 566- 1752. The electronic version of the public docket for this action contains a copy of the proposed consent decree and is available through https://www.regulations.gov. You may use https://www.regulations.gov to submit or view public comments, access the index listing of the contents of the official public docket, and access those documents in the public docket that are available electronically. Once in the system, key in the appropriate docket identification number then select ``search.'' B. How and to whom do I submit comments? Submit your comments, identified by Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-OGC-2024- 0390 via https://www.regulations.gov. Once submitted, comments cannot be edited or removed from this docket. EPA may publish any comment received to its public docket. Do not submit to EPA's docket at https://www.regulations.gov any information you consider to be Confidential Business Information (CBI) or other information whose disclosure is restricted by statute. Multimedia submissions (audio, video, etc.) must be accompanied by a written comment. The written comment is considered the official comment and should include discussion of all points you wish to make. EPA will generally not consider comments or comment contents located outside of the primary submission (i.e., on the web, cloud, or other file sharing system). For additional submission methods, the full EPA public comment policy, information about CBI or multimedia submissions, and general guidance on making effective comments, please visit https://www.epa.gov/dockets/commenting-epa-dockets. For additional information about submitting information identified as CBI, please contact the person listed in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section of this document. If you submit an electronic comment, EPA recommends that you include your name, mailing address, and an email address or other contact information in the body of your comment. This ensures that you can be identified as the submitter of the comment and allows EPA to contact you in case EPA cannot read your comment due to technical difficulties or needs further information on the substance of your comment. Any identifying or contact information provided in the body of a comment will be included as part of the comment that is placed in the official public docket and made available in EPA's electronic public docket. If EPA cannot read your comment due to technical difficulties and cannot contact you for clarification, EPA may not be able to consider your comment. Use of the https://www.regulations.gov website to submit comments to EPA electronically is EPA's preferred method for receiving comments. The electronic public docket system is an ``anonymous access'' system, which means EPA will not know your identity, email address, or other contact information unless you provide it in the body of your comment. Please ensure that your comments are submitted within the specified comment period. Comments received after the close of the comment period will be marked ``late.'' EPA does not plan to consider these late comments. Steven Neugeboren, Associate General Counsel. [FR Doc. 2024-18436 Filed 8-15-24; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6560-50-P

usgpo

2024-10-08T13:26:28.327900

FR

FR-2024-08-16/2024-18420

Federal Register Volume 89 Issue 159 (August 16, 2024)

United States National Archives and Records Administration Office of the Federal Register

[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 159 (Friday, August 16, 2024)] [Notices] [Pages 66714-66716] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: 2024-18420] [[Page 66714]] ======================================================================= ----------------------------------------------------------------------- EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY COMMISSION Agency Information Collection Activities: Existing Collection AGENCY: Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. ACTION: Notice of information collection--proposed revision of Local Union Report (EEO-3). ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA), the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC or Commission) announces that it intends to submit to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) a request for a three-year PRA approval of revisions to the currently approved Local Union Report (EEO-3). DATES: Written comments on this notice must be submitted on or before October 15, 2024. ADDRESSES: You may submit comments by any of the following methods-- please use only one method: Federal eRulemaking Portal: http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions on the website for submitting comments. Mail: Comments may be submitted by mail to Raymond Windmiller, Executive Officer, Executive Secretariat, Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, 131 M Street NE, Washington, DC 20507. Fax: Comments totaling six or fewer pages can be faxed to (202) 663-4114. Receipt of fax transmittals will not be acknowledged, except that the sender may request confirmation of receipt by calling the Executive Secretariat staff at (202) 921-2815 (voice) or (800) 669-6820 (TTY). Instructions: All comments received must include the agency name and docket number. Comments will be posted without change to http://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information provided. However, the EEOC reserves the right to refrain from posting libelous or otherwise inappropriate comments, including those that contain obscene, indecent, or profane language; that contain threats or defamatory statements; that contain hate speech directed at race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetic information; or that promote or endorse services or products. Copies of comments received in response to this notice are also available for review at the Commission's library by appointment only at 131 M Street NE, Suite 4NW08R, Washington, DC 20507. Members of the public may schedule an appointment by emailing [email protected]. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Paul Guerino, Director, Data Development and Information Products Division, Office of Enterprise Data and Analytics (OEDA), Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, 131 M Street NE, Washington, DC 20507; (202) 921-2928 (voice), (800) 669- 6820 (TTY) or email at [email protected]. Requests for this notice in an alternative format should be made to the EEOC's Office of Communications and Legislative Affairs at (202) 921-3191 (voice), (800) 669-6820 (TTY), or (844) 234-5122 (ASL Video Phone). SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Since 1967, the EEOC has required EEO-3 filers to submit workforce demographic data. Every labor organization subject to Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended (Title VII) \1\ is required to file the EEO-3 report, provided it has 100 or more members at any time during the 12 months preceding the due date of the report and is a ``local union'' (as that term is commonly understood) or an independent or unaffiliated union. Labor organizations required to report are those which perform, in a specific jurisdiction, the functions ordinarily performed by a local union, whether or not they are so designated. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \1\ 42 U.S.C. 2000e, et seq. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Pursuant to the PRA and OMB regulations found at 5 CFR 1320.8(d)(1), the Commission solicits public comment on its intent to seek a three-year approval of revisions to the currently approved EEO-3 to: (1) Evaluate whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the Commission's functions, including whether the information will have practical utility; (2) Evaluate the accuracy of the Commission's estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information, including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used; (3) Enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (4) Minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are to respond, including the use of appropriate automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology, e.g., permitting electronic submission of responses. Based on data from the most recent EEO-3 data collection reporting year (i.e., 2022), as well as ongoing updates by the EEOC to the EEO-3 frame (i.e., filer roster or master list), the EEOC anticipates the total number of filers submitting an EEO-3 report may increase to 5,999 per biennial collection. Accordingly, the burden estimates in this Notice are based on this revised estimate of the number of filers. Overview of Information Collection Collection Title: Local Union Report (EEO-3). OMB Number: 3046-0006. Frequency of Report: Biennial. Type of Respondent: Labor organizations with 100 or more members \2\ that are local unions or independent or unaffiliated unions and meet certain criteria. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \2\ Labor organizations required to report are those which perform, in a specific jurisdiction, the functions ordinarily performed by a local union, whether or not they are so designated. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Description of Affected Public: Labor organizations with 100 or more members \3\ that are local unions or independent or unaffiliated unions and meet certain criteria. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \3\ Labor organizations required to report are those which perform, in a specific jurisdiction, the functions ordinarily performed by a local union, whether or not they are so designated. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Reporting Hours: 8,922 per biennial collection. Respondent Burden Hour Cost: $359,091 per biennial collection. Federal Cost: $378,002 per biennial collection. Number of Filers: 5,999 per biennial collection.\4\ --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \4\ This figure is based on the expanded frame of potentially eligible respondents and the response rate for the most recently completed EEO-3 data collection (2022 EEO-3 data collection). --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Number of Responses: 5,999 per biennial collection. Number of Forms: 1. Form Number: EEOC Form 274. Abstract: Section 709(c) of Title VII requires labor organizations to make and keep records relevant to the determination of whether unlawful employment practices have been or are being committed, to preserve such records, and to produce reports as the Commission prescribes by regulation or order.\5\ Pursuant to this statutory authority, the EEOC issued regulations prescribing the reporting and related record retention requirements for labor organizations.\6\ The regulations require every local union to retain the most recent report filed, to make records necessary for completion of the EEO-3 and preserve them for a year (or if a charge of discrimination is filed, relevant records must be retained until final disposition of the matter). These recordkeeping requirements are part of [[Page 66715]] standard administrative practices, and as a result, the EEOC believes that any impact on burden would be negligible and nearly impossible to quantify. Additionally, the regulations require labor organizations with 100 or more members at any time during the 12 months preceding the due date of the report, and that are a ``local union'' (as that term is commonly understood) \7\ or are independent or unaffiliated unions to file executed copies of the EEO-3 in conformity with the directions set forth in the form and accompanying instructions. Under this authority, such unions are required to report biennially \8\ the number of their members and applicants for membership by sex and race or ethnicity. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \5\ 42 U.S.C. 2000e-8(c). \6\ The EEOC's EEO-3 regulation is at 29 CFR part 1602 Subparts F and G. The EEOC is responsible for obtaining OMB's PRA approval for the EEO-3 report. \7\ Labor organizations required to report are those which perform, in a specific jurisdiction, the functions ordinarily performed by a local union, whether or not they are so designated. \8\ Beginning in 1986, the EEO-3 report has been collected biennially in even-numbered years. Prior to 1986, the EEO-3 report was collected annually. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Please note that on March 28, 2024, OMB published revisions, the first since 1997, to its Statistical Policy Directive No. 15: Standards for Maintaining, Collecting, and Presenting Federal Data on Race and Ethnicity.'' See https://spd15revision.gov/. The revisions include, for example, using a single combined race and ethnicity question and adding Middle Eastern or North African (MENA) as a new minimum reporting category. Federal agencies, including the EEOC, are required to bring their data collections into compliance with these standards by March 28, 2029. Because the EEOC's current EEO-3 PRA clearance expires January 31, 2025, the agency is not proposing updates to its collection of race and ethnicity data under this Notice in order to provide filers with sufficient notice of the revised standards and to give the EEOC sufficient time to implement the revisions across its EEO collections. These data are currently collected electronically by the EEOC through a web-based data collection application (i.e., portal) referred to as the EEO-3 Online Filing System (OFS).\9\ Filers must submit their data electronically to the web-based portal. The individual EEO-3 reports are confidential.\10\ EEO-3 data are used by the EEOC to investigate charges of employment discrimination against local unions and to publish periodic reports on workforce demographics.\11\ --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \9\ EEO-3 filers may access the EEO-3 OFS through the EEOC's dedicated EEO-3 website at www.eeocdata.org/eeo3. \10\ All reports and any information from individual reports are subject to the confidentiality provisions of Section 709(e) of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, 42 U.S.C. 2000e-8(e), as amended (Title VII) and may not be made public by the EEOC prior to the institution of any proceeding under Title VII involving the EEO- 3 data. Any EEOC employee who violates this prohibition may be found guilty of a criminal misdemeanor and could be fined or imprisoned. The confidentiality requirements allow the EEOC to publish only aggregated data, and only in a manner that does not identify any particular filer or reveal any individual member's personal information. With respect to other federal agencies with a legitimate law enforcement purpose, the EEOC gives access to information collected under Title VII only if the agencies agree in writing to comply with the confidentiality provisions of Title VII. In addition, section 709(d) (42 U.S.C. 2000e-8(d) provides that the EEOC shall furnish upon request and without cost to state or local civil rights agencies information about employers in their jurisdiction on the condition that they not make it public prior to starting a proceeding under state or local law involving such information. The EEOC shares EEO-3 data with Fair Employment Practices Agencies (FEPAs) pursuant to Worksharing Agreements that impose obligations on the contracted FEPA with respect to confidentiality, privacy, and data security. On a case-by-case basis, the EEOC may share EEO-3 data with a FEPA that does not have a Worksharing Agreement, but only if that FEPA agrees to comply with confidentiality, privacy, and data security obligations similar to those imposed on FEPAs with Worksharing Agreements. \11\ Any reports the EEOC publishes based on EEO-3 data include only aggregated EEO-3 data that protect the confidentiality of each union's information, as well as the privacy of each member's personal information. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Burden Statement: The EEOC's Office of Enterprise Data and Analytics (OEDA) administers the agency's data collections, including the EEO-3. Since OEDA's creation in 2018, the EEOC has undertaken several efforts to modernize the agency's data collections and improve the quality of data collected. OEDA also has streamlined functions, such as providing additional self-service options, resource materials, and an online support message center. As part of these ongoing modernization efforts, and in response to a recent GAO report \12\ which recommended that the EEOC improve its approach to routinely identify local unions required to file the EEO-3 report, OEDA has undertaken measures to enhance the agency's EEO-3 data frame of potentially eligible filers. Additionally, OEDA has identified changes that make the EEO-3 filing process more user-friendly and less burdensome. By comparing the EEOC's 2022 EEO-3 frame to a list of active unions from the U.S. Department of Labor's Office of Labor Management Standards (OLMS) Online Public Disclosure Room (OPDR) database,\13\ OEDA identified more than 5,000 local unions that may be eligible to file during the next biennial data collection. With the addition of these unions to the EEO-3 frame and considering response rates during the 2022 EEO-3 data collection, OEDA now estimates 5,999 potential respondents to the agency's next EEO-3 data collection.\14\ --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \12\ U.S. Government Accountability Office, ``Workforce Diversity: Hispanic Workers Are Underrepresented in the Media, and More Data Are Needed for Federal Enforcement Efforts'', Government Accountability Office, Sept. 29, 2022, https://www.gao.gov/products/gao-22-104669. \13\ The OPDR database contains information on approximately 20,000 unions in the United States. See https://olmsapps.dol.gov/olpdr/. \14\ This estimate covers local unions within the 50 United States and the District of Columbia as well as the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the U.S. Possessions of American Samoa, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, and Wake Island. Please note that 5,999 respondents may ultimately turn out to be an overestimate. Following the initial enhancement of the EEO-3 frame, collection data may yield an unknown number of ineligible filers. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- The EEOC has also updated its methodology for calculating the biennial burden of the EEO-3 to better reflect the types of personnel responsible for preparing and filing these reports on behalf of their unions. Based upon job titles provided during the 2022 EEO-3 data collection by individuals completing the report within the EEO-3 OFS, the EEOC has identified four specific job categories which account for the largest amount of time spent biennially on EEO-3 reporting. These job categories include: (1) Secretaries and Administrative Assistants; (2) Administrative Services and Facilities Managers; (3) Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks; and (4) Executive-Level Staff.\15\ --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \15\ Hourly wage rates for these four job categories were obtained from the U.S. Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Outlook Handbook. See https://www.bls.gov/ooh/. Please note that the actual job titles reported during the 2022 EEO-3 data collection were collapsed into these four BLS occupational categories. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Additionally, the EEO-3 OFS captures detailed information on when each filer starts and certifies their report. The EEOC used this information from the most recent EEO-3 data collection (i.e., 2022) to calculate more precise burden hour estimates.\16\ In table 1 below, the estimated average hour burden per report is 1.49 hours. The total estimated biennial respondent burden for all filers is 8,922 hours. The estimated average burden hour cost per report is $59.90, and the estimated total burden hour cost for all filers per biennial collection is $359,091. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \16\ The time estimates are based on the average time elapsed among filers who completed their reports during the same calendar day within the EEO-3 OFS. [[Page 66716]] Table 1--Projected Burden for Each EEO-3 Biennial Reporting Year (N = 5,999) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Percent in job Median hourly Hours per Cost per Total burden Total burden Staff job category category (%) wage rate report report hours hour cost -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Secretaries and Administrative Assistants............... 21.4 $21.19 0.33 $6.99 1,958 $41,490 Administrative Services and Facilities Managers......... 56.5 48.98 0.84 41.14 5,046 247,153 Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks............ 5.1 22.05 0.09 1.98 546 12,039 Executive-Level Staff................................... 4.4 48.12 0.06 2.89 365 17,564 Other \a\............................................... 12.6 40.56 0.17 6.90 1,007 40,845 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total \b\........................................... .............. .............. 1.49 59.90 8,922 359,091 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- \a\ The average hourly wage rate for the ``Other'' category was derived by taking the weighted mean average of the hourly wage rates of the four BLS job categories listed in the above table. \b\ These estimates are based upon filers' use of the EEO-3 OFS to submit reports electronically because paper submissions are no longer accepted. Electronic filing remains the most efficient, accurate, and secure means of reporting for respondents required to submit EEO-3 data. Dated: August 12, 2024. For the Commission, Charlotte A. Burrows, Chair. [FR Doc. 2024-18420 Filed 8-15-24; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6570-01-P

usgpo

2024-10-08T13:26:28.365917

FR

FR-2024-08-16/2024-18421

Federal Register Volume 89 Issue 159 (August 16, 2024)

United States National Archives and Records Administration Office of the Federal Register

[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 159 (Friday, August 16, 2024)] [Notices] [Pages 66716-66718] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: 2024-18421] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY COMMISSION Agency Information Collection Activities: Existing Collection AGENCY: Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. ACTION: Notice of information collection--proposed revision of Elementary-Secondary Staff Information Report (EEO-5). ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA), the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC or Commission) announces that it intends to submit to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) a request for a three-year PRA approval of revisions to the currently approved Elementary-Secondary Staff Information Report (EEO-5). DATES: Written comments on this notice must be submitted on or before October 15, 2024. ADDRESSES: You may submit comments by any of the following methods-- please use only one method: Federal eRulemaking Portal: http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions on the website for submitting comments. Mail: Comments may be submitted by mail to Raymond Windmiller, Executive Officer, Executive Secretariat, Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, 131 M Street NE, Washington, DC 20507. Fax: Comments totaling six or fewer pages can be faxed to (202) 663-4114. Receipt of fax transmittals will not be acknowledged, except that the sender may request confirmation of receipt by calling the Executive Secretariat staff at (202) 921-2815 (voice) or (800) 669-6820 (TTY). Instructions: All comments received must include the agency name and docket number. Comments will be posted without change to http://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information provided. However, the EEOC reserves the right to refrain from posting libelous or otherwise inappropriate comments, including those that contain obscene, indecent, or profane language; that contain threats or defamatory statements; that contain hate speech directed at race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetic information; or that promote or endorse services or products. Copies of comments received in response to this notice are also available for review at the Commission's library by appointment only at 131 M Street NE, Suite 4NW08R, Washington, DC 20507. Members of the public may schedule an appointment by emailing [email protected]. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Paul Guerino, Director, Data Development and Information Products Division, Office of Enterprise Data and Analytics (OEDA), Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, 131 M Street NE, Washington, DC 20507; (202) 921-2928 (voice), (800) 669- 6820 (TTY) or email at [email protected]. Requests for this notice in an alternative format should be made to the EEOC's Office of Communications and Legislative Affairs at (202) 921-3191 (voice), (800) 669-6820 (TTY), or (844) 234-5122 (ASL Video Phone). SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Since 1973, the EEOC has required EEO-5 filers to submit workforce demographic data. All public elementary and secondary school systems and districts that are covered by Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended (Title VII) \1\ and that have 100 or more employees are required to file the workforce demographic data. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \1\ 42 U.S.C. 2000e, et seq. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Pursuant to the PRA and OMB regulations found at 5 CFR 1320.8(d)(1), the Commission solicits public comment on its intent to seek a three-year approval of revisions to the currently approved EEO-5 to: (1) Evaluate whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the Commission's functions, including whether the information will have practical utility; (2) Evaluate the accuracy of the Commission's estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information, including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used; (3) Enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (4) Minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are to respond, including the use of appropriate automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology, e.g., permitting electronic submission of responses. Based on data from the most recent EEO-5 data collection reporting year (i.e., 2022), as well as ongoing updates by the EEOC to the EEO-5 frame (i.e., filer roster or master list), the EEOC anticipates the total number of filers submitting an EEO-5 report may increase to 10,500 per biennial collection. Accordingly, the burden estimates in this Notice are based on this revised estimate of the number of filers. [[Page 66717]] Overview of Information Collection Collection Title: Elementary-Secondary Staff Information Report (EEO-5). OMB Number: 3046-0003. Frequency of Report: Biennial. Type of Respondent: Public elementary and secondary school systems and districts that have 100 or more employees and meet certain criteria. Description of Affected Public: Public elementary and secondary school systems and districts that have 100 or more employees and meet certain criteria. Reporting Hours: 17,927 hours per biennial collection. Respondent Burden Hour Cost: $597,472.29 per biennial collection. Federal Cost: $492,635 per biennial collection. Number of Filers: 10,500 per biennial collection.\2\ --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \2\ This figure is based on the expanded frame of potentially eligible respondents and the response rate for the most recently completed EEO-5 data collection (2022 EEO-5 data collection). --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Number of Responses: 10,500 per biennial collection. Number of Forms: 1. Form Number: EEOC Form 168A. Abstract: Section 709(c) of Title VII requires employers to make and keep records relevant to the determination of whether unlawful employment practices have been or are being committed, to preserve such records, and to produce reports as the Commission prescribes by regulation or order.\3\ Pursuant to this statutory authority, the EEOC issued regulations prescribing the reporting and related record retention requirements for public elementary and secondary school systems and districts.\4\ The regulations require school systems or districts to make or keep all records necessary for completion of an EEO-5 submission and retain those records for three years, and require EEO-5 filers to retain a copy of each filed EEO-5 report for three years. These recordkeeping requirements are part of standard administrative practices, and as a result, the EEOC believes that any impact on burden would be negligible and nearly impossible to quantify. Additionally, the regulations require public elementary and secondary school systems and districts to file executed copies of the EEO-5 in conformity with the directions set forth in the form and accompanying instructions. Under this authority, public elementary and secondary school systems and districts with 100 or more employees are required to report biennially \5\ the number of individuals they employ by activity assignment classification (i.e., job category) \6\ and by sex and race or ethnicity. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \3\ 42 U.S.C. 2000e-8(c). \4\ The EEOC's EEO-5 regulation is at 29 CFR part 1602 Subparts L and M. The EEOC is responsible for obtaining OMB's PRA approval for the EEO-5 report. \5\ Beginning in 1982, the EEO-5 report has been collected biennially in even-numbered years. Prior to 1982, the EEO-5 report was collected annually. \6\ The activity assignment classifications (i.e., job categories) are: Officials, Administrators, Managers; Principals; Assistant Principals; Elementary Classroom Teachers, Secondary Classroom Teachers and Other Classroom Teachers; Guidance; Psychological; Librarians/Audiovisual Staff; Consultants and Supervisors of Instruction; Other Professional Staff; Teacher Aides; Technicians; Administrative Support Workers; Service Workers; Skilled Crafts; Laborers and Helpers; Professional Instructional; Other Professional Staff. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Please note that on March 28, 2024, OMB published revisions, the first since 1997, to its Statistical Policy Directive No. 15: Standards for Maintaining, Collecting, and Presenting Federal Data on Race and Ethnicity.'' See https://spd15revision.gov/. The revisions include, for example, using a single combined race and ethnicity question and adding Middle Eastern or North African (MENA) as a new minimum reporting category. Federal agencies, including the EEOC, are required to bring their data collections into compliance with these standards by March 28, 2029. Because the EEOC's current EEO-5 PRA clearance expires January 31, 2025, the agency is not proposing updates to its collection of race and ethnicity data under this Notice in order to provide filers with sufficient notice of the revised standards and to give the EEOC sufficient time to implement the revisions across its EEO collections. These data are currently collected electronically by the EEOC through a web-based data collection application (i.e., portal) referred to as the EEO-5 Online Filing System (OFS).\7\ Filers must submit their data electronically to the web-based portal by either manual entry or by uploading a data file. The individual EEO-5 reports are confidential.\8\ EEO-5 data are used by the EEOC to investigate charges of employment discrimination against public elementary and secondary school systems and districts and to publish periodic reports on workforce demographics.\9\ --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \7\ EEO-5 filers may access the EEO-5 Online Filing System through the EEOC's dedicated EEO-5 website at www.eeocdata.org/eeo5. \8\ All reports and any information from individual reports are subject to the confidentiality provisions of Section 709(e) of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, 42 U.S.C. 2000e-8(e), as amended (Title VII) and may not be made public by the EEOC prior to the institution of any proceeding under Title VII involving the EEO- 5 data. Any EEOC employee who violates this prohibition may be found guilty of a criminal misdemeanor and could be fined or imprisoned. The confidentiality requirements allow the EEOC to publish only aggregated data, and only in a manner that does not identify any particular filer or reveal any individual employee's personal information. With respect to other federal agencies with a legitimate law enforcement purpose, the EEOC gives access to information collected under Title VII only if the agencies agree in writing to comply with the confidentiality provisions of Title VII. In addition, section 709(d) (42 U.S.C. 2000e-8(d) provides that the EEOC shall furnish upon request and without cost to state or local civil rights agencies information about employers in their jurisdiction on the condition that they not make it public prior to starting a proceeding under state or local law involving such information. The EEOC shares EEO-5 data with Fair Employment Practices Agencies (FEPAs) pursuant to Worksharing Agreements that impose obligations on the contracted FEPA with respect to confidentiality, privacy, and data security. On a case-by-case basis, the EEOC may share EEO-5 data with a FEPA that does not have a Worksharing Agreement, but only if that FEPA agrees to comply with confidentiality, privacy, and data security obligations similar to those imposed on FEPAs with Worksharing Agreements. \9\ Any reports the EEOC publishes based on EEO-5 data include only aggregated data that protect the confidentiality of each employer's information, as well as the privacy of each employee's personal information. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Burden Statement: The EEOC's Office of Enterprise Data and Analytics (OEDA) administers the agency's data collections, including the EEO-5. Since OEDA's creation in 2018, the EEOC has undertaken several efforts to modernize the agency's data collections and improve the quality of data collected. OEDA has also streamlined functions, such as providing additional self-service options, resource materials, and an online support message center. As part of these ongoing modernization efforts, OEDA has undertaken measures to enhance the agency's EEO-5 data frame of potentially eligible filers as well as changes that make the EEO-5 filing process more user-friendly and less burdensome. By comparing the EEOC's 2022 EEO-5 frame to the U.S. Department of Education's publicly available Common Core of Data (CCD) database,\10\ OEDA identified approximately 4,000 additional public elementary and secondary school systems and districts that may be eligible to file during the next biennial data collection. With the addition of these filers to the EEO-5 frame and considering response rates during the 2022 EEO-5 data collection, OEDA now estimates 10,500 potential respondents [[Page 66718]] (a 47% increase) to the agency's next EEO-5 data collection.\11\ --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \10\ According to the U.S. Department of Education, the CCD is the department's primary database on public elementary and secondary education in the United States. The CCD serves as a ``comprehensive, annual, national database'' of all public elementary and secondary schools and school districts. See https://nces.ed.gov/ccd/. \11\ This estimate covers public elementary and secondary school systems or districts with 100 or more employees within the 50 United States and the District of Columbia as well as the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the U.S. Possessions of American Samoa, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, and Wake Island. Please note that 10,500 respondents may ultimately turn out to be an overestimate. Following the initial enhancement of the EEO-5 frame, collection data may yield an unknown number of ineligible filers. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- The EEOC has also updated its methodology for calculating the biennial burden of the EEO-5 to better reflect the types of personnel responsible for preparing and filing these reports on behalf of their employers. Based upon job titles provided during the 2022 EEO-5 data collection by individuals completing the report within the EEO-5 OFS, the EEOC has identified six specific job categories which account for the largest amount of time spent biennially on EEO-5 reporting. These job categories include: (1) Human Resource Specialists; (2) Executive- Level Staff; (3) Secretaries and Administrative Assistants; (4) Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks; (5) Administrative Services and Facilities Managers; and (6) Database Administrators and Architects.\12\ --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \12\ Hourly wage rates for these six job categories were obtained from the U.S. Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Outlook Handbook. See https://www.bls.gov/ooh/. Please note that the actual job titles reported during the 2022 EEO-5 data collection were collapsed into these six BLS occupational categories. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Additionally, the EEO-5 OFS captures detailed information on when each filer starts and certifies its report. The EEOC used this information from the most recent EEO-5 data collection to calculate more precise burden hour estimates.\13\ In table 1 below, the estimated average hour burden per report is 1.7 hours. The total estimated biennial respondent burden for all filers is 17,927 hours. The estimated average burden hour cost per report is $56.90, and the estimated total burden hour cost for all filers per biennial collection is $597,472.29. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \13\ The time estimates are based on the average time elapsed among filers who completed their reports during the same calendar day within the EEO-5 OFS. This methodology was chosen because a single-session submission would also approximate the completion time over several, multi-day sessions. Table 1--Projected Burden for Each EEO-5 Biennial Reporting Year (N=10,500) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Percent in job Median hourly Hours per Total burden Cost per Total burden Staff job category category (%) wage rate report hours report hour cost -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Human Resource Specialists.............................. 39.1 $30.88 1.9 7,807 $58.67 $241,078.65 Executive-Level Staff................................... 15.9 48.12 1.7 2,829 81.80 136,153.91 Secretaries and Administrative Assistants............... 14.1 21.19 1.8 2,674 38.14 56,659.49 Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks............ 14.0 22.05 1.3 1,904 28.67 41,993.03 Administrative Services and Facilities Managers......... 7.7 48.98 1.4 1,137 68.57 55,707.84 Database Administrators and Architects.................. 3.0 53.91 1.3 414 70.08 22,301.40 Other \a\............................................... 6.1 37.52 1.8 1,161 67.54 43,577.97 Average................................................. .............. .............. 1.7 .............. 56.90 .............. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total \b\........................................... 100.0 .............. .............. 17,927 .............. 597,472.29 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- \a\ The average hourly wage rate for the ``Other'' category was derived by taking the weighted mean average of the hourly wage rates of the six BLS job categories listed in the above table. \b\ These estimates are based upon filers' use of the EEO-5 OFS to submit reports electronically because paper submissions are no longer accepted. Electronic filing remains the most efficient, accurate, and secure means of reporting for respondents required to submit EEO-5 data. Dated: August 12, 2024. For the Commission. Charlotte A. Burrows, Chair. [FR Doc. 2024-18421 Filed 8-15-24; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6570-01-P

usgpo

2024-10-08T13:26:28.451165

FR

FR-2024-08-16/2024-18427

Federal Register Volume 89 Issue 159 (August 16, 2024)

United States National Archives and Records Administration Office of the Federal Register

[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 159 (Friday, August 16, 2024)] [Notices] [Pages 66718-66719] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: 2024-18427] ======================================================================= ----------------------------------------------------------------------- EXPORT-IMPORT BANK [Public Notice: 2024-3015] Agency Information Collection Activities: Submission to the Office of Management and Budget for Review and Approval; Comment Request; EIB 10-05 Export-Import Bank Notice of Claim Proof of Loss Medium-Term Insurance AGENCY: Export-Import Bank of the United States. ACTION: Notice of information collection; request for comment. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: The Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM), pursuant to the Export-Import Bank Act of 1945, as amended, facilitates the finance of the export of U.S. goods and services. As part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork and respondent burden, EXIM invites the general public and other Federal agencies to comment on the proposed information collection, as required by the paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. DATES: Comments must be received on or before September 16, 2024 to be assured of consideration. ADDRESSES: Comments may be submitted electronically on WWW.REGULATIONS.GOV (EIB 10-03), or by mail to Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, 725 17th Street NW, Washington, DC 20038 Attn: OMB 3048-0034. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: To request additional information, please contact Donna Schneider, [email protected], 202-565-3612. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This form will enable EXIM to identify the specific details necessary for reviewing and paying a claim. The application tool can be reviewed at: https://img.exim.gov/s3fs-public/pub/pending/eib10-05.pdf. Title and Form Number: EIB 10-05, Notice of Claim Proof of Loss Medium- and Long-Term Guarantee. OMB Number: 3048-0034. Type of Review: Regular. Need and Use: The information collected will provide information needed to determine compliance for claim requests submitted to the Export-Import Bank under its guarantee loan program. Affected Public: This form affects entities involved in the export of U.S. goods and services. [[Page 66719]] Annual Number of Respondents: 15. Estimated Time per Respondent: 60 minutes. Annual Burden Hours: 15 hours. Frequency of Reporting or Use: As needed. Dated: August 13, 2024. Andrew Smith, Records Officer. [FR Doc. 2024-18427 Filed 8-15-24; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6690-01-P

usgpo

2024-10-08T13:26:28.584711

FR

FR-2024-08-16/2024-18428

Federal Register Volume 89 Issue 159 (August 16, 2024)

United States National Archives and Records Administration Office of the Federal Register

[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 159 (Friday, August 16, 2024)] [Notices] [Page 66719] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: 2024-18428] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- EXPORT-IMPORT BANK [Public Notice: 2024-3017] Agency Information Collection Activities: Submission to the Office of Management and Budget for Review and Approval; Comment Request; EIB 24-06 Export-Import Bank Notice of Claim Proof of Loss Medium-Term Insurance AGENCY: Export-Import Bank of the United States. ACTION: Notice of information collection; request for comment. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: The Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM), pursuant to the Export-Import Bank Act of 1945, as amended, facilitates the finance of the export of U.S. goods and services. As part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork and respondent burden, EXIM invites the general public and other Federal agencies to comment on the proposed information collection, as required by the paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. DATES: Comments must be received on or before September 16, 2024 to be assured of consideration. ADDRESSES: Comments may be submitted electronically on WWW.REGULATIONS.GOV (EIB 10-03), or by mail to Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, 725 17th Street NW Washington, DC 20038 Attn: OMB 3048-XXX, EIB 24-06. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: To request additional information, please contact Donna Schneider, [email protected], 202-565-3612. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This form will enable EXIM to identify the specific details of the proposed co-financing transaction between a U.S. exporter, EXIM, and a foreign export credit agency; the information collected includes vital facts such as the amount of U.S.- made content in the export, the amount of financing requested from EXIM, and the proposed financing amount from the foreign export credit agency. These details are necessary for approving this unique transaction structure and coordinating our support with that of the foreign export credit agency to ultimately complete the transaction and support U.S. exports--and U.S. jobs. The application tool can be reviewed at: https://img.exim.gov/s3fs-public/pub/pending/eib24-06.pdf. Title and Form Number: EIB 24-06, Notice of Claim Proof of Loss Medium-term Insurance. OMB Number: 3048-XXX. Type of Review: Regular. Need and Use: The information collected will provide information needed to determine compliance and creditworthiness for transaction requests submitted to the Export Import Bank under its insurance, guarantee, and direct loan programs. Affected Public: This form affects entities involved in the export of U.S. goods and services. Annual Number of Respondents: 25. Estimated Time per Respondent: 60 minutes. Annual Burden Hours: 25 hours. Frequency of Reporting or Use: As needed. Dated: August 13, 2024. Andrew Smith, Records Officer. [FR Doc. 2024-18428 Filed 8-15-24; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6690-01-P

usgpo

2024-10-08T13:26:28.929269

FR

FR-2024-08-16/2024-18430

Federal Register Volume 89 Issue 159 (August 16, 2024)

United States National Archives and Records Administration Office of the Federal Register

[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 159 (Friday, August 16, 2024)] [Notices] [Page 66719] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: 2024-18430] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- EXPORT-IMPORT BANK [Public Notice: 2024-3011] Agency Information Collection Activities: Submission to the Office of Management and Budget for Review and Approval; Comment Request; Application for Short-Term Letter of Credit Export Credit Insurance Policy AGENCY: Export-Import Bank of the United States. ACTION: Notice of information collection; request for comment. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: The Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM), pursuant to the Export-Import Bank Act of 1945, as amended, facilitates the finance of the export of U.S. goods and services. As part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork and respondent burden, EXIM invites the general public and other Federal agencies to comment on the proposed information collection, as required by the paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. DATES: Comments must be received on or before September 16, 2024 to be assured of consideration. ADDRESSES: Comments may be submitted electronically on www.regulations.gov (EIB 92-29), or by mail to Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, 725 17th Street NW, Washington, DC 20038, Attn: OMB 3048-0009. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: To request additional information please contact Alyson Young, [email protected], 202-565-3657. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The ``Report of Premiums Payable for Exporters Only'' form will be used by exporters to report and pay premiums on insured shipments to various foreign buyers. The Application for Short Term Letter of Credit Export Credit Insurance Policy is used to determine the eligibility of the applicant and the transaction for EXIM assistance under its insurance program. EXIM customers are able to submit this form on paper or electronically. Title and Form Number: EIB 92-34 Application for Short-Term Letter of Credit Export Credit Insurance Policy. OMB Number: 3048-0009. Type of Review: Regular. Need and Use: This form is used by a financial institution (or broker acting on its behalf) to obtain approval for coverage of a short-term letter of credit. The information allows the EXIM staff to make a determination of the eligibility of the applicant and transaction for EXIM assistance under its programs. The application tool can be reviewed at: https://img.exim.gov/s3fs-public/pub/pending/eib92-34_short_term_bank_letter_of_credit_application_508_pending.pdf. Affected Public: This form affects entities involved in the export of U.S. goods and services. Annual Number of Respondents: 11. Estimated Time per Respondent: 0.5 hrs. Annual Burden Hours: 5.5. Frequency of Reporting of Use: On occasion. Dated: August 13, 2024. Andrew Smith, Records Officer. [FR Doc. 2024-18430 Filed 8-15-24; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6690-01-P

usgpo

2024-10-08T13:26:29.000661

FR

FR-2024-08-16/2024-18424

Federal Register Volume 89 Issue 159 (August 16, 2024)

United States National Archives and Records Administration Office of the Federal Register

[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 159 (Friday, August 16, 2024)] [Notices] [Page 66720] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: 2024-18424] [[Page 66720]] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- EXPORT-IMPORT BANK [Public Notice: 2024-3016] Agency Information Collection Activities: Submission to the Office of Management and Budget for Review and Approval; Comment Request; EIB 10-03 Export-Import Bank Notice of Claim Proof of Loss Short-Term Insurance AGENCY: Export-Import Bank of the United States. ACTION: Notice of information collection; request for comment. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: The Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM), pursuant to the Export-Import Bank Act of 1945, as amended, facilitates the finance of the export of U.S. goods and services. As part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork and respondent burden, EXIM invites the general public and other Federal agencies to comment on the proposed information collection, as required by the paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. DATES: Comments must be received on or before September 16, 2024 to be assured of consideration. ADDRESSES: Comments may be submitted electronically on www.regulations.gov (EIB 10-03), or by mail to Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, 725 17th Street NW, Washington, DC 20038 Attn: OMB 3048-0033. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: To request additional information, please contact Donna Schneider, [email protected], 202-565-3612. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This form will enable EXIM to identify the specific details of the proposed co-financing transaction between a U.S. exporter, EXIM, and a foreign export credit agency; the information collected includes vital facts such as the amount of U.S.- made content in the export, the amount of financing requested from EXIM, and the proposed financing amount from the foreign export credit agency. These details are necessary for approving this unique transaction structure and coordinating our support with that of the foreign export credit agency to ultimately complete the transaction and support U.S. exports--and U.S. jobs. The application tool can be reviewed at: https://img.exim.gov/s3fs-public/pub/pending/eib10-03.pdf. Title and Form Number: EIB 10-03, Notice of Claim Proof of Loss Short-Term Insurance. OMB Number: 3048-0033. Type of Review: Regular. Need and Use: The information collected will provide information needed to determine compliance and creditworthiness for transaction requests submitted to the Export Import Bank under its insurance, guarantee, and direct loan programs. Affected Public: This form affects entities involved in the export of U.S. goods and services. Annual Number of Respondents: 75. Estimated Time per Respondent: 60 minutes. Annual Burden Hours: 75 hours. Frequency of Reporting or Use: As needed. Dated: August 13, 2024. Andrew Smith, Records Officer. [FR Doc. 2024-18424 Filed 8-15-24; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6690-01-P

usgpo

2024-10-08T13:26:29.051401

FR

FR-2024-08-16/2024-18432

Federal Register Volume 89 Issue 159 (August 16, 2024)

United States National Archives and Records Administration Office of the Federal Register

[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 159 (Friday, August 16, 2024)] [Notices] [Page 66720] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: 2024-18432] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- EXPORT-IMPORT BANK [Public Notice: 2024-3018] Agency Information Collection Activities: Submission to the Office of Management and Budget for Review and Approval; Comment Request; EIB 11-04 Export-Import Bank Co-Financing With Foreign Export Credit Agency AGENCY: Export-Import Bank of the United States. ACTION: Notice of information collection; request for comment. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: The Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM), pursuant to the Export-Import Bank Act of 1945, as amended, facilitates the finance of the export of U.S. goods and services. As part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork and respondent burden, EXIM invites the general public and other Federal agencies to comment on the proposed information collection, as required by the paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. DATES: Comments must be received on or before September 16, 2024 to be assured of consideration. ADDRESSES: Comments may be submitted electronically on www.regulations.gov (EIB 11-04), or by mail to Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, 725 17th Street NW Washington, DC 20038 Attn: OMB 3048-0037. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: To request additional information, please contact Donna Schneider, [email protected], 202-565-3612. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This form will enable EXIM to identify the specific details of the proposed co-financing transaction between a U.S. exporter, EXIM, and a foreign export credit agency; the information collected includes vital facts such as the amount of U.S.- made content in the export, the amount of financing requested from EXIM, and the proposed financing amount from the foreign export credit agency. These details are necessary for approving this unique transaction structure and coordinating our support with that of the foreign export credit agency to ultimately complete the transaction and support U.S. exports--and U.S. jobs. The application tool can be reviewed at: https://img.exim.gov/s3fs-public/pub/pending/eib11-04.pdf. Title and Form Number: EIB 11-04, Co-financing with Foreign Export Credit Agency. OMB Number: 3048-0037. Type of Review: Regular. Need and Use: The information collected will provide information needed to determine compliance and creditworthiness for transaction requests submitted to the Export Import Bank under its insurance, guarantee, and direct loan programs. Affected Public: This form affects entities involved in the export of U.S. goods and services. Annual Number of Respondents: 75. Estimated Time per Respondent: 15 minutes. Annual Burden Hours: 18.75 hours. Frequency of Reporting or Use: As needed. Dated: August 13, 2024. Andrew Smith, Records Officer. [FR Doc. 2024-18432 Filed 8-15-24; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6690-01-P

usgpo

2024-10-08T13:26:29.104575

FR

FR-2024-08-16/2024-18534

Federal Register Volume 89 Issue 159 (August 16, 2024)

United States National Archives and Records Administration Office of the Federal Register

[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 159 (Friday, August 16, 2024)] [Notices] [Pages 66720-66721] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: 2024-18534] ======================================================================= ----------------------------------------------------------------------- FEDERAL ELECTION COMMISSION Sunshine Act Meetings FEDERAL REGISTER CITATION NOTICE OF PREVIOUS ANNOUNCEMENT: 89 FR 65625. PREVIOUSLY ANNOUNCED TIME AND DATE OF THE MEETING: Thursday, August 15, 2024 at 10 a.m. Hybrid Meeting: 1050 First Street NE, Washington, DC (12th Floor) and virtual. CHANGE IN THE MEETING: The August 15, 2024 Open Meeting has been canceled. CONTACT PERSON FOR MORE INFORMATION: Judith Ingram, Press Officer, Telephone: (202) 694-1220. [[Page 66721]] (Authority: Government in the Sunshine Act, 5 U.S.C. 552b) Vicktoria J. Allen, Deputy Secretary of the Commission. [FR Doc. 2024-18534 Filed 8-14-24; 4:15 pm] BILLING CODE 6715-01-P

usgpo

2024-10-08T13:26:29.142682

FR

FR-2024-08-16/2024-18392

Federal Register Volume 89 Issue 159 (August 16, 2024)

United States National Archives and Records Administration Office of the Federal Register

[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 159 (Friday, August 16, 2024)] [Notices] [Page 66721] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: 2024-18392] ======================================================================= ----------------------------------------------------------------------- FEDERAL MARITIME COMMISSION [Docket No. 24-26] Triple L Global, LLC, Complainant v. SLI, Inc. d/b/a Sealink International, Respondent; Notice of Filing of Complaint and Assignment Served: August 7, 2024. Notice is given that a complaint has been filed with the Federal Maritime Commission (the ``Commission'') by Triple L Global, LLC (the ``Complainant'') against SLI, Inc. d/b/a Sealink International (the ``Respondent''). Complainant states that the Commission has subject matter jurisdiction over the complaint pursuant to the Shipping Act of 1984, as amended, 46 U.S.C. 40101 et seq. and personal jurisdiction over the Respondent as an ocean transportation intermediary, ocean freight forwarder, and a non-vessel-operating common carrier, as these terms are defined in 46 U.S.C. 40102. Complainant is a corporation organized and existing under the laws of California with its principal place of business in San Leandro, California. Complainant identifies Respondent as a corporation organized and existing under the laws of Texas with its principal place of business in Allen, Texas. Complainant alleges that Respondent violated 46 U.S.C. 41102(c) and 41103, and 46 CFR 515.31 and 515.32. Complainant alleges these violations arose from conversion of cargo ownership, withholding of information, unauthorized alteration of a bill of lading, unlawful disclosure of information related to cargo, and other acts or omissions of Respondent. An answer to the complaint must be filed with the Commission within 25 days after the date of service. The full text of the complaint can be found in the Commission's electronic Reading Room at https://www2.fmc.gov/readingroom/proceeding/24-26/. This proceeding has been assigned to the Office of Administrative Law Judges. The initial decision of the presiding judge shall be issued by August 7, 2025, and the final decision of the Commission shall be issued by February 23, 2026. David Eng, Secretary. [FR Doc. 2024-18392 Filed 8-15-24; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6730-02-P

usgpo

2024-10-08T13:26:29.159159

FR

FR-2024-08-16/2024-18366

Federal Register Volume 89 Issue 159 (August 16, 2024)

United States National Archives and Records Administration Office of the Federal Register

[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 159 (Friday, August 16, 2024)] [Notices] [Page 66721] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: 2024-18366] ======================================================================= ----------------------------------------------------------------------- GULF COAST ECOSYSTEM RESTORATION COUNCIL [Docket No.: 108122024-1111-03] Notice of Proposed Subaward Under a Council-Selected Restoration Component Award AGENCY: Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration Council. ACTION: Notice. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: The Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration Council (Council) publishes notice of a proposed subaward from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality to The Nature Conservancy, a nonprofit organization, for the purpose of land acquisition in accordance with the Texas Land Acquisition Program for Coastal Conservation Award as approved in the Council's 2021 Funded Priorities List (FPL 3b). FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Please send questions to Bridget Zachary by email [email protected] or (504) 232-3750. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The RESTORE Act at 33 U.S.C. 1321(t)(2)(E)(ii)(III) and Treasury's implementing regulation at 31 CFR 34.401(b) require that, for purposes of awards made under the Council- Selected Restoration Component, a State or Federal award recipient may make a grant or subaward to or enter into a cooperative agreement with a nongovernmental entity that equals or exceeds 10 percent of the total amount of the award to the State or Federal recipient only if certain notice requirements are met. Specifically, at least 30 days before the State or Federal award recipient enters into such an agreement, the Council must publish in the Federal Register and deliver to specified Congressional committees the name of the recipient and subrecipient; a brief description of the activity, including its purpose; and the amount of the award. This notice fulfills the Federal Register requirement. Description of Proposed Action As specified in FPL 3b, which is available on the Council's website at https://www.restorethegulf.gov/council-selected-restoration-component/funded-priorities-list, RESTORE Act funds in the amount of $24,300,000 will support the Texas Land Acquisition Program for Coastal Conservation Award to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. Under the Texas Land Acquisition Program for Coastal Conservation Award, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality will provide a subaward in the amount of $7,600,000 to The Nature Conservancy, a non- profit organization, to purchase conservation easements on properties within the Goliad Refugio Prairie to ensure the preservation of land in perpetuity. Keala J. Hughes, Director of External Affairs & Tribal Relations, Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration Council. [FR Doc. 2024-18366 Filed 8-15-24; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6560-58-P

usgpo

2024-10-08T13:26:29.182526

FR

FR-2024-08-16/2024-18369

Federal Register Volume 89 Issue 159 (August 16, 2024)

United States National Archives and Records Administration Office of the Federal Register

[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 159 (Friday, August 16, 2024)] [Notices] [Pages 66721-66722] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: 2024-18369] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- GULF COAST ECOSYSTEM RESTORATION COUNCIL [Docket No.: 108122024-1111-02] Notice of Proposed Subaward Under a Council-Selected Restoration Component Award AGENCY: Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration Council. ACTION: Notice. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: The Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration Council (Council) publishes notice of a proposed subaward from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality to the Armand Bayou Nature Center, a non- government organization, for the purpose of land acquisition in accordance with the Texas Land Acquisition Program for Coastal Conservation Award as approved in the Council's Third Funded Priority List. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Please send questions to Bridget Zachary by email [email protected] or (504) 232-3750. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The RESTORE Act at 33 U.S.C. 1321(t)(2)(E)(ii)(III)) and Treasury's implementing regulation at 31 CFR 34.401(b) require that, for purposes of awards made under the Council-Selected Restoration Component, a State or Federal award recipient may make a grant or subaward to or enter into a cooperative agreement with a nongovernmental entity that equals or exceeds 10 percent of the total amount of the award provided to the State or Federal award recipient only if certain notice requirements are met. Specifically, at least 30 days before the State or Federal award recipient enters into such an agreement, the Council must publish in the Federal Register and deliver to specified Congressional [[Page 66722]] Committees the name of the recipient and subrecipient; a brief description of the activity, including its purpose; and the amount of the award. This notice accomplishes the Federal Register requirement. Description of Proposed Action As specified in the Council's 2021 Funded Priorities List, which is available on the Council's website at https://www.restorethegulf.gov/council-selected-restoration-component/funded-priorities-list, RESTORE Act funds in the amount of $24,300,000 will support the Texas Land Acquisition Program for Coastal Conservation Award to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. Under the Texas Land Acquisition Program for Coastal Conservation Award,Texas Commission on Environmental Quality will provide a subaward in the amount of $3,000,000 to Armand Bayou Nature Center, a non-government organization, to acquire and preserve approximately 1,160 acres of habitat along Armand Bayou just north of the current 2,800-acre preserve. Keala J. Hughes, Director of External Affairs & Tribal Relations, Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration Council. [FR Doc. 2024-18369 Filed 8-15-24; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6560-58-P

usgpo

2024-10-08T13:26:29.255321

FR

FR-2024-08-16/2024-18375

Federal Register Volume 89 Issue 159 (August 16, 2024)

United States National Archives and Records Administration Office of the Federal Register

[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 159 (Friday, August 16, 2024)] [Notices] [Pages 66722-66723] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: 2024-18375] ======================================================================= ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry [60Day-24-0047; Docket No. ATSDR-2024-0003] Proposed Data Collection Submitted for Public Comment and Recommendations AGENCY: Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR), Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). ACTION: Notice with comment period. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR), as part of its continuing effort to reduce public burden and maximize the utility of government information, invites the general public and other federal agencies the opportunity to comment on a continuing information collection, as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. This notice invites comment on a proposed information collection project titled Generic Clearance for the Collection of Qualitative Feedback on Agency Service Delivery. This information collection activity provides a means to garner qualitative customer and stakeholder feedback in an efficient, timely manner, in accordance with the Federal government's commitment to improving service delivery. DATES: ATSDR must receive written comments on or before October 15, 2024. ADDRESSES: You may submit comments, identified by Docket No. ATSDR- 2024-0003 by either of the following methods: Federal eRulemaking Portal: www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments. Mail: Jeffrey M. Zirger, Information Collection Review Office, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Road NE, MS H21-8, Atlanta, Georgia 30329. Instructions: All submissions received must include the agency name and Docket Number. ATSDR will post, without change, all relevant comments to www.regulations.gov. Please note: Submit all comments through the Federal eRulemaking portal (www.regulations.gov) or by U.S. mail to the address listed above. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: To request more information on the proposed project or to obtain a copy of the information collection plan and instruments, contact Jeffrey M. Zirger, Information Collection Review Office, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Road NE, MS H21-8, Atlanta, Georgia 30329; Telephone: 404-639-7570; Email: [email protected]. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA) (44 U.S.C. 3501-3520), federal agencies must obtain approval from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for each collection of information they conduct or sponsor. In addition, the PRA also requires federal agencies to provide a 60-day notice in the Federal Register concerning each proposed collection of information, including each new proposed collection, each proposed extension of existing collection of information, and each reinstatement of previously approved information collection before submitting the collection to the OMB for approval. To comply with this requirement, we are publishing this notice of a proposed data collection as described below. The OMB is particularly interested in comments that will help: 1. Evaluate whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information will have practical utility; 2. Evaluate the accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information, including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used; 3. Enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; 4. Minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are to respond, including through the use of appropriate automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology, e.g., permitting electronic submissions of responses; and 5. Assess information collection costs. Proposed Project Generic Clearance for the Collection of Qualitative Feedback on Agency Service Delivery (OMB Control No. 0923-0047, Exp. 02/28/2025)-- Extension--Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR). Background and Brief Description This proposed information collection activity provides a means to garner qualitative customer and stakeholder feedback in an efficient, timely manner, in accordance with the Federal government's commitment to improving service delivery. By qualitative feedback ATSDR means information that provides useful insights on perceptions and opinions, but are not statistical surveys that yield quantitative results that can be generalized to the population of study. This feedback will provide insights into customer or stakeholder perceptions, experiences and expectations, provide an early warning of issues with service, or focus attention on areas where communication, training or changes in operations might improve delivery of products or services. These collections will allow for ongoing, collaborative and actionable communications between the Agency and its customers and stakeholders. It will also allow feedback to contribute directly to the improvement of program management. The solicitation of feedback will target areas such as: timeliness, appropriateness, accuracy of information, courtesy, efficiency of service delivery, and resolution of issues with service delivery. Responses will be assessed to plan and inform efforts to improve or maintain the quality of service offered to the public. If this information is not collected, vital feedback from customers and stakeholders on the Agency's services will be unavailable. [[Page 66723]] ATSDR will only submit a collection for approval under this Generic Clearance if it meets the following conditions: The collections are voluntary; The collections are low-burden for respondents (based on considerations of total burden hours, total number of respondents, or burden-hours per respondent) and are low-cost for both the respondents and the Federal Government; The collections are noncontroversial and do not raise issues of concern to other Federal agencies; Any collection is targeted to the solicitation of opinions from respondents who have experience with the program or may have experience with the program in the near future; Personally identifiable information (PII) is collected only to the extent necessary and is not retained; Information gathered is intended to be used only internally for general service improvement and program management purposes and is not intended for release outside of the agency (if released, the agency must indicate the qualitative nature of the information); Information gathered will not be used for the purpose of substantially informing influential policy decisions; and Information gathered will yield qualitative information; the collections will not be designed or expected to yield statistically reliable results or used as though the results are generalizable to the population of study. Feedback collected under this Generic Clearance provides useful information, but it does not yield data that can be generalized to the overall population. This type of Generic Clearance for qualitative information will not be used for quantitative information collections that are designed to yield reliably actionable results, such as monitoring trends over time or documenting program performance. Such data uses require more rigorous designs that address: The target population to which generalizations will be made, the sampling frame, the sample design (including stratification and clustering), the precision requirements or power calculations that justify the proposed sample size, the expected response rate, methods for assessing potential nonresponse bias, the protocols for data collection, and any testing procedures that were or will be undertaken prior to fielding the study. Depending on the degree of influence the results are likely to have, such collections may still be eligible for submission for other generic mechanisms that are designed to yield quantitative results. As a general matter, information collections will not result in any new system of records containing privacy information and will not ask questions of a sensitive nature, such as sexual behavior and attitudes, religious beliefs, and other matters that are commonly considered private. This is an extension of the previously approved collection of 7,075 annualized burden hours. There is no cost to respondents other than their time. Estimated Annualized Burden Hours ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Annual Respondent type Type of Number of frequency per Hours per Total burden collection respondents response response (in hours) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Individuals and Households; Small discussion 300 1 90/60 450 Businesses and Organizations; groups. and State, Local, or Tribal Government. Request for 1,500 1 15/60 375 customer comment cards/ complaint forms/ post-conference or training surveys. Focus groups of 2,000 1 2 4,000 customers, potential customers, delivery partners, or other stakeholders. Qualitative 3,000 1 30/60 1,500 customer satisfaction surveys or interviews. Usability 1,500 1 30/60 750 testing/in- person observation testing. --------------------------------------------------------------- Total..................... ................ .............. .............. .............. 7,075 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Jeffrey M. Zirger, Lead, Information Collection Review Office, Office of Public Health Ethics and Regulations, Office of Science, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. [FR Doc. 2024-18375 Filed 8-15-24; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4163-18-P

usgpo

2024-10-08T13:26:29.299245

FR

FR-2024-08-16/2024-18376

Federal Register Volume 89 Issue 159 (August 16, 2024)

United States National Archives and Records Administration Office of the Federal Register

[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 159 (Friday, August 16, 2024)] [Notices] [Pages 66723-66724] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: 2024-18376] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [30Day-24-0900] Agency Forms Undergoing Paperwork Reduction Act Review In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has submitted the information collection request titled ``Contact Investigation Outcome Reporting Forms'' to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and approval. CDC previously published a ``Proposed Data Collection Submitted for Public Comment and Recommendations'' notice on June 4, 2024 to obtain comments from the public and affected agencies. CDC did not receive comments related to the previous notice. This notice serves to allow an additional 30 days for public and affected agency comments. CDC will accept all comments for this proposed information collection project. The Office of Management and Budget is particularly interested in comments that: (a) Evaluate whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including [[Page 66724]] whether the information will have practical utility; (b) Evaluate the accuracy of the agencies estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information, including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used; (c) Enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; (d) Minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are to respond, including, through the use of appropriate automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology, e.g., permitting electronic submission of responses; and (e) Assess information collection costs. To request additional information on the proposed project or to obtain a copy of the information collection plan and instruments, call (404) 639-7570. Comments and recommendations for the proposed information collection should be sent within 30 days of publication of this notice to www.reginfo.gov/public/do/PRAMain. Find this particular information collection by selecting ``Currently under 30-day Review-- Open for Public Comments'' or by using the search function. Direct written comments and/or suggestions regarding the items contained in this notice to the Attention: CDC Desk Officer, Office of Management and Budget, 725 17th Street NW, Washington, DC 20503 or by fax to (202) 395-5806. Provide written comments within 30 days of notice publication. Proposed Project Contact Investigation Outcome Reporting Forms (OMB Control No. 0920-0900, Exp. 8/31/2024)--Revision--National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases (NCEZID), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Background and Brief Description The goal of this information collection is to obtain sufficient information on the results of contact investigations carried out by state, local, and territorial public health professionals or maritime medical crews to assess the impact of a confirmed communicable disease of public health concern in a traveler, both in terms of further transmission of disease and health outcomes for cases and contacts. This data collection will also determine if further public health intervention is appropriate. CDC sends an outcome reporting form to state, local, and territorial health departments and maritime operators when an individual with a communicable disease is reported and there is sufficient evidence to suggest that the individual was infectious during travel and/or potentially posed a public health risk to other travelers on the same conveyance. The reporting forms record information about the exposed traveler's location and activities on air or maritime conveyance or land border crossing, other potential exposures, signs/symptoms that may have occurred after their potential exposure, prior history of vaccination or disease, and other medical conditions that could influence the risk of infection or severity of illness. CDC has adjusted the burden to account for changes after the COVID-19 pandemic. Minor adjustments were also made to some forms to improve clarity, readability, and public health relevance of the data collected; these changes are not expected to affect reporting burden. CDC requests OMB approval for an estimated 33 annualized burden hours. There are no costs to respondents other than their time to participate. Estimated Annualized Burden Hours ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Number of Average burden Type of respondents Form name Number of responses per per response respondents respondent (in hours) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Cruise Ship Physicians/Cargo Ship TB Maritime Contact 17 1 10/60 Managers. Investigation Worksheet. Cruise Ship Physicians................ Varicella Outbreak 74 1 10/60 Enhanced Data Collection Form-- Maritime. Cruise Ship Physicians................ Influenza Outbreak 10 1 10/60 Enhanced Data Collection Form-- Maritime. State/Local/Territorial public health General Contact 8 1 5/60 staff. Investigation Outcome Reporting Form--Air. State/Local/Territorial public health TB Aircraft Contact 51 1 10/60 staff. Investigation Outcome Reporting Form. State/Local/Territorial public health Measles Contact 72 1 5/60 staff. Investigation Outcome Reporting Form--Air. State/Local/Territorial public health Rubella Contact 1 1 5/60 staff. Investigation Outcome Reporting Form--Air. State/Local/Territorial public health General Land Contact 2 1 5/60 staff. Investigation Outcome Reporting Form. Land.................... ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Jeffrey M. Zirger, Lead, Information Collection Review Office, Office of Public Health Ethics and Regulations, Office of Science, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. [FR Doc. 2024-18376 Filed 8-15-24; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4163-18-P

usgpo

2024-10-08T13:26:29.361895

FR

FR-2024-08-16/2024-18372

Federal Register Volume 89 Issue 159 (August 16, 2024)

United States National Archives and Records Administration Office of the Federal Register

[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 159 (Friday, August 16, 2024)] [Notices] [Pages 66724-66726] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: 2024-18372] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [30Day-24-1346] Agency Forms Undergoing Paperwork Reduction Act Review In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has submitted the information collection request titled ``Oral Health Basic Screening Survey for Children'' to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and approval. CDC previously published a ``Proposed Data Collection Submitted for Public Comment and Recommendations'' notice on January 16, 2024, to obtain comments from the public and affected agencies. CDC received no substantive [[Page 66725]] public comments related to the previous notice. This notice serves to allow an additional 30 days for public and affected agency comments. CDC will accept all comments for this proposed information collection project. The Office of Management and Budget is particularly interested in comments that: (a) Evaluate whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information will have practical utility; (b) Evaluate the accuracy of the agencies estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information, including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used; (c) Enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; (d) Minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are to respond, including, through the use of appropriate automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology, e.g., permitting electronic submission of responses; and (e) Assess information collection costs. To request additional information on the proposed project or to obtain a copy of the information collection plan and instruments, call (404) 639-7570. Comments and recommendations for the proposed information collection should be sent within 30 days of publication of this notice to www.reginfo.gov/public/do/PRAMain. Find this particular information collection by selecting ``Currently under 30-day Review-- Open for Public Comments'' or by using the search function. Direct written comments and/or suggestions regarding the items contained in this notice to the Attention: CDC Desk Officer, Office of Management and Budget, 725 17th Street NW, Washington, DC 20503 or by fax to (202) 395-5806. Provide written comments within 30 days of notice publication. Proposed Project Oral Health Basic Screening Survey for Children--(OMB Control No. 0920-1346, Exp. 8/31/2024)--National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion (NCCDPHP), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Background and Brief Description Dental caries (tooth decay) is one of the most common chronic diseases among children in the United States and can lead to pain, infection, and diminished quality of life throughout the lifespan. Dental sealants are a cost-effective measure to prevent caries but remain underutilized. To address states' critical need for state-level oral health surveillance data on dental caries and sealants, the Association of State and Territorial Dental Directors (ASTDD) developed and released an oral health screening survey protocol referred to as the Basic Screening Survey (BSS) in 1999 in collaboration with the Ohio Department of Health and with technical assistance from the CDC's Division of Oral Health. BSS is a non-invasive visual observation of the mouth performed by trained screeners including dental and non-dental health professionals (e.g., dentists, hygienists, school nurses) and is not duplicative of any other federal collection. Though the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) collects national data on oral health status including dental caries and sealants based on clinical examination it is not designed to provide state-level data. BSS is designed to be easy to perform while being consistent and aligned with the oral health Healthy People objectives, which are based on NHANES measures. BSS is the only data source that provides state- representative data on oral health status based on clinical examination. BSS is also used to monitor state progress toward key national oral health objectives. The BSS is a state-tailored survey administered and conducted by individual states. CDC has supported some of the 50 states to build and maintain their oral health surveillance system and ASTDD to provide technical assistance to states through state and partner cooperative agreements since 2001. Conducting BSS for third graders is a key component of that support. The target populations include school children in grades K-3 and children enrolled in Head Start in 50 states and Washington, DC. ASTDD and CDC recommend that states conduct BSS at minimum for third graders at least once every five years. Individual states determine how often to conduct BSS and which grade or grades to target based on their program needs and available resources. Forty-seven states have conducted BSS for children, and all of the 47 conducted BSS with third graders. Thirty-two states also have conducted BSS in one or more other grades (K-2) or in Head Start. CDC estimates that approximately 34 states, including 20 states currently funded by CDC, will conduct one BSS for third grade during the period for which this approval is being sought. State health departments administer the survey by determining probability samples, arranging logistics with selected schools or Head Start sites, gaining consent, obtaining demographic data, training screeners, conducting the oral health screening at schools or Head Start sites. Screeners record four data points either electronically or on a paper form: (1) presence of treated caries, (2) presence of untreated tooth decay, (3) urgency of need for treatment, and (4) presence of dental sealants on at least one permanent molar tooth. State programs enter, clean, and analyze the data; de-identify it; and respond to ASTDD's annual email request for state-aggregated prevalence of dental caries and sealants. ASTDD reviews the data to ensure that both survey design and data meet specific criteria before sending it to CDC for publication on the CDC's public-facing Oral Health Data website (www.cdc.gov/oralhealthdata). BSS for children serves as a key state oral health surveillance data source and facilitates state capacity to (1) monitor children's oral health status, trends, and disparities, and compare with other states; (2) inform planning, implementation and evaluation of effective oral health programs and policies; (3) measure state progress toward Healthy People objectives; and (4) educate the public and policy makers regarding cross-cutting public health programs. CDC also uses the data to evaluate performance of CDC oral health funding recipients. The estimated total annualized burden hours for the survey across the 34 states over the three years of this request are 40,207 with an average of 1,183 per state. There are no costs to respondents other than their time. [[Page 66726]] Estimated Annualized Burden Hours ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Number of Average burden Type of respondents Form name Number of respondents responses per per response respondent (in hours) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Child............................. Screening form....... 150,370.............. 1 5/60 Parent/caretaker.................. Consent.............. 150,370.............. 1 1/60 Screener.......................... Screening form....... 301.................. 1 11 School/site....................... Participation form... 2,890................ 1 68/60 State Official.................... Data Submission form. 34................... 1 546 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Jeffrey M. Zirger, Lead, Information Collection Review Office, Office of Public Health Ethics and Regulations, Office of Science, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. [FR Doc. 2024-18372 Filed 8-15-24; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4163-18-P

usgpo

2024-10-08T13:26:29.486103

FR

FR-2024-08-16/2024-18374

Federal Register Volume 89 Issue 159 (August 16, 2024)

United States National Archives and Records Administration Office of the Federal Register

[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 159 (Friday, August 16, 2024)] [Notices] [Pages 66726-66727] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: 2024-18374] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [30Day-24-1108] Agency Forms Undergoing Paperwork Reduction Act Review In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has submitted the information collection request titled ``Paul Coverdell National Acute Stroke Program'' to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and approval. CDC previously published a ``Proposed Data Collection Submitted for Public Comment and Recommendations'' notice on June 4, 2024 to obtain comments from the public and affected agencies. CDC did not receive comments related to the previous notice. This notice serves to allow an additional 30 days for public and affected agency comments. CDC will accept all comments for this proposed information collection project. The Office of Management and Budget is particularly interested in comments that: (a) Evaluate whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information will have practical utility; (b) Evaluate the accuracy of the agencies estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information, including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used; (c) Enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; (d) Minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are to respond, including, through the use of appropriate automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology, e.g., permitting electronic submission of responses; and (e) Assess information collection costs. To request additional information on the proposed project or to obtain a copy of the information collection plan and instruments, call (404) 639-7570. Comments and recommendations for the proposed information collection should be sent within 30 days of publication of this notice to www.reginfo.gov/public/do/PRAMain. Find this particular information collection by selecting ``Currently under 30-day Review-- Open for Public Comments'' or by using the search function. Direct written comments and/or suggestions regarding the items contained in this notice to the Attention: CDC Desk Officer, Office of Management and Budget, 725 17th Street NW, Washington, DC 20503 or by fax to (202) 395-5806. Provide written comments within 30 days of notice publication. Proposed Project Paul Coverdell Acute National Stroke Program (OMB Control No. 0920- 1108, Exp. 09/30/2024)--Extension--National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion (NCCDPHP), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Background and Brief Description The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Division for Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention (DHDSP), requests an Extension of a previously approved data collection for a period of three years. The CDC is the primary federal agency for protecting health and promoting quality of life through the prevention and control of disease, injury, and disability. CDC is committed to programs that reduce the health and economic consequences of the leading causes of death and disability, thereby ensuring a long, productive, healthy life for all people. Stroke remains a leading cause of serious, long-term disability and is the fifth leading cause of death in the United States after heart disease, cancer, chronic lower respiratory diseases, and accidents. Estimates indicate that approximately 795,000 suffer a first-ever or recurrent stroke each year with more than 145,000 deaths annually. Although there have been significant advances in preventing and treating stroke, the rising prevalence of heart disease, diabetes, and obesity has increased the relative risk for stroke, especially in African American populations. There is a critical need to improve access to and quality of care for those at highest risk for events and stroke patients among the continuum of care, particularly among high burden populations. Coverdell-funded State programs are in the forefront of developing and implementing system-change efforts to improve stroke systems of care using strategies like linking and using data, using team-based approaches to coordinate stroke care, and providing community resources to reach the general populations and specifically those at highest risk of stroke events, and reduce disparities in access to quality care for high burden populations. When Congress directed the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to establish the Paul Coverdell National Acute Stroke Program (PCNASP) in 2001, CDC intended to monitor trends in stroke and stroke care, with the ultimate mission of improving the quality of care for stroke patients in the United States. Since 2021, CDC has funded and provided technical assistance to thirteen recipients to develop comprehensive stroke systems of care. A comprehensive system of care improves quality of care by creating seamless transitions for individuals experiencing stroke. In such a system, pre-hospital providers, in-hospital providers, and early post-hospital providers coordinate patient hand-offs and ensure continuity of care. While PCNASP has existed since 2001, [[Page 66727]] the goal and mission of the program has evolved with each funding cycle. The 2021-2024 funding cycle is the first such initiative to focus on addressing health equity specifically and understanding efforts to impact stroke outcomes for those at highest risk of stroke. CDC proposes to continue collecting information from thirteen funded PCNASP recipients to gain insight into the effectiveness of implementation approaches, including linking and using data, using teambased approaches to coordinate stroke care, and providing community resources in order to reach the general population and those at highest risk of stroke events, and reduce disparities in access to quality care for high burden populations. The insights to be gained from this continuing data collection will be critical to improving immediate efforts and achieving the goals of spreading and replicating State- level strategies that are proven programmatically and are cost- effective in contributing to a higher quality of care for stroke patients. CDC requests OMB approval for an estimated 501 annual burden hours. There is no cost to respondents other than their time to participate. Estimated Annualized Burden (Hours) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Number of Average burden Type of respondents Form name Number of responses per per response respondents respondent (in hours) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- PCNASP Awardee........................ Pre-Hospital data....... 3 4 30/60 10 4 1 In-Hospital data........ 13 4 30/60 Hospital Inventory 13 1 8 (awardees). PCNASP Hospital Partners.............. Hospital Inventory for 650 1 30/60 Hospital Partners. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Jeffrey M. Zirger, Lead, Information Collection Review Office, Office of Public Health Ethics and Regulations, Office of Science, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. [FR Doc. 2024-18374 Filed 8-15-24; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4163-18-P

usgpo

2024-10-08T13:26:29.519402

FR

FR-2024-08-16/2024-18434

Federal Register Volume 89 Issue 159 (August 16, 2024)

United States National Archives and Records Administration Office of the Federal Register

[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 159 (Friday, August 16, 2024)] [Notices] [Page 66727] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: 2024-18434] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Notice of Closed Meeting In accordance with 5 U.S.C. 1009(d), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announces the following meeting. The meeting will be closed to the public in accordance with the provisions set forth in sections 552b(c)(4) and 552b(c)(6), title 5 U.S.C., as amended, and the Determination of the Director, Office of Strategic Business Initiatives, Office of the Chief Operating Officer, CDC, pursuant to Public Law 92-463. Name of Committee: Safety and Occupational Health Study Section (SOHSS), National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). Dates: October 23-24, 2024. Times: 11 a.m.-5 p.m., EDT. Place: Teleconference. Agenda: The meeting will convene to address matters related to the conduct of Study Section business and for the Study Section to consider safety and occupational health-related grant applications. For Further Information Contact: Michael Goldcamp, Ph.D., Scientific Review Officer, Office of Extramural Programs, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1095 Willowdale Road, Morgantown, West Virginia 26505. Telephone: (304) 285-5951; Email: [email protected]. The Director, Office of Strategic Business Initiatives, Office of the Chief Operating Officer, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, has been delegated the authority to sign Federal Register notices pertaining to announcements of meetings and other committee management activities, for both the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry. Kalwant Smagh, Director, Office of Strategic Business Initiatives, Office of the Chief Operating Officer, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. [FR Doc. 2024-18434 Filed 8-15-24; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4163-18-P

usgpo

2024-10-08T13:26:29.584634

FR

FR-2024-08-16/2024-18261

Federal Register Volume 89 Issue 159 (August 16, 2024)

United States National Archives and Records Administration Office of the Federal Register

[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 159 (Friday, August 16, 2024)] [Notices] [Pages 66727-66729] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: 2024-18261] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES Food and Drug Administration [Docket No. FDA-2014-D-0055] Voluntary Sodium Reduction Goals: Target Mean and Upper Bound Concentrations for Sodium in Commercially Processed, Packaged, and Prepared Foods; Draft Guidance for Industry (Edition 2); Availability AGENCY: Food and Drug Administration, HHS. ACTION: Notice of availability. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA or we) is announcing the availability of a draft guidance for industry entitled ``Voluntary Sodium Reduction Goals: Target Mean and Upper Bound Concentrations for Sodium in Commercially Processed, Packaged, and Prepared Foods (Edition 2).'' The draft guidance, when finalized, will describe our views on the next voluntary goals (Phase II (3-year)) for sodium reduction in a variety of identified categories of foods that are commercially processed, packaged, or prepared. These goals are intended to address the excessive intake of sodium in the current population to help reduce the burden of diet-related chronic disease, promote improvements in public health, and advance health equity by supporting a healthier food supply. DATES: Submit either electronic or written comments on the draft guidance by November 14, 2024 to ensure that we consider your comment on the draft [[Page 66728]] guidance before we begin work on the final version of the guidance. ADDRESSES: You may submit comments on any guidance at any time as follows: Electronic Submissions Submit electronic comments in the following way: Federal eRulemaking Portal: https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments. Comments submitted electronically, including attachments, to https://www.regulations.gov will be posted to the docket unchanged. Because your comment will be made public, you are solely responsible for ensuring that your comment does not include any confidential information that you or a third party may not wish to be posted, such as medical information, your or anyone else's Social Security number, or confidential business information, such as a manufacturing process. Please note that if you include your name, contact information, or other information that identifies you in the body of your comments, that information will be posted on https://www.regulations.gov. If you want to submit a comment with confidential information that you do not wish to be made available to the public, submit the comment as a written/paper submission and in the manner detailed (see ``Written/Paper Submissions'' and ``Instructions''). Written/Paper Submissions Submit written/paper submissions as follows: Mail/Hand delivery/Courier (for written/paper submissions): Dockets Management Staff (HFA-305), Food and Drug Administration, 5630 Fishers Lane, Rm. 1061, Rockville, MD 20852. For written/paper comments submitted to the Dockets Management Staff, FDA will post your comment, as well as any attachments, except for information submitted, marked and identified, as confidential, if submitted as detailed in ``Instructions.'' Instructions: All submissions received must include the Docket No. FDA-2014-D-0055 for ``Voluntary Sodium Reduction Goals: Target Mean and Upper Bound Concentrations for Sodium in Commercially Processed, Packaged, and Prepared Foods (Edition 2).'' Received comments will be placed in the docket and, except for those submitted as ``Confidential Submissions,'' publicly viewable at https://www.regulations.gov or at the Dockets Management Staff between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, 240-402-7500. Confidential Submissions--To submit a comment with confidential information that you do not wish to be made publicly available, submit your comments only as a written/paper submission. You should submit two copies total. One copy will include the information you claim to be confidential with a heading or cover note that states ``THIS DOCUMENT CONTAINS CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION.'' We will review this copy, including the claimed confidential information, in our consideration of comments. The second copy, which will have the claimed confidential information redacted/blacked out, will be available for public viewing and posted on https://www.regulations.gov. Submit both copies to the Dockets Management Staff. If you do not wish your name and contact information to be made publicly available, you can provide this information on the cover sheet and not in the body of your comments and you must identify this information as ``confidential.'' Any information marked as ``confidential'' will not be disclosed except in accordance with 21 CFR 10.20 and other applicable disclosure law. For more information about FDA's posting of comments to public dockets, see 80 FR 56469, September 18, 2015, or access the information at: https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2015-09-18/pdf/2015-23389.pdf. Docket: For access to the docket to read background documents or the electronic and written/paper comments received, go to https://www.regulations.gov and insert the docket number, found in brackets in the heading of this document, into the ``Search'' box and follow the prompts and/or go to the Dockets Management Staff, 5630 Fishers Lane, Rm. 1061, Rockville, MD 20852, 240-402-7500. You may submit comments on any guidance at any time (see 21 CFR 10.115(g)(5)). Submit written requests for single copies of the draft guidance to the Office of Food Additive Safety, Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, Food and Drug Administration, 5001 Campus Dr., College Park, MD 20740. Send two self-addressed adhesive labels to assist that office in processing your request. See the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section for electronic access to the draft guidance. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kasey Heintz, Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, Office of Food Additive Safety, Food and Drug Administration, 5001 Campus Dr., College Park, MD 20740, 240-402-1376; or Holli Kubicki, Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, Office of Regulations and Policy, Food and Drug Administration, 5001 Campus Dr., College Park, MD 20740, 240-402-2378. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: I. Background We are announcing the availability of a draft guidance for industry entitled ``Voluntary Sodium Reduction Goals: Target Mean and Upper Bound Concentrations for Sodium in Commercially Processed, Packaged, and Prepared Foods (Edition 2).'' We are issuing the draft guidance consistent with our good guidance practices regulation (21 CFR 10.115). The draft guidance, when finalized, will represent the current thinking of FDA on this topic. It does not establish any rights for any person and is not binding on FDA or the public. You can use an alternate approach if it satisfies the requirements of the applicable statutes and regulations. Sodium is widely present in the American diet (most commonly, but not exclusively, as a result of eating or drinking foods to which sodium chloride, commonly referred to as ``salt,'' has been added). More than 70 percent of total sodium intake is from sodium added during food manufacturing and commercial food preparation (Ref. 1). The average sodium intake for those 1 year and older in the United States is approximately 3,400 milligrams/day (mg/day) (Ref 2). The ``Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2020-2025'' (Ref. 2) advises individuals 14 years and older to limit their consumption to 2,300 mg/day; this aligns with recommendations from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, which set the chronic disease risk reduction intake for sodium at 2,300 mg/day for those 14 years and older (Ref. 3). The guidance aims to help Americans reduce average sodium intake to 2,750 mg/day (Phase II) by encouraging food manufacturers, restaurants, and food service operations to gradually reduce sodium in a wide variety of food categories over time. Although we recognize that a reduction even to 2,750 mg/day still would be higher than the recommended sodium limit of 2,300 mg/day, the Phase II goals are intended to balance the need for broad and gradual reductions in sodium and what is publicly known about technical and market constraints on sodium reduction and reformulation. In the Federal Register of October 14, 2021, we announced the availability of the final guidance for industry, ``Voluntary Sodium Reduction Goals: Target Mean and Upper Bound Concentrations for Sodium in Commercially Processed, Packaged, and Prepared Foods'' (86 FR 57156). The [[Page 66729]] draft guidance builds on the voluntary Phase I (2.5-year) sodium reduction goals issued in October 2021. When finalized, the draft guidance will describe our views on the next voluntary goals (Phase II (3-year)) for sodium reduction in a variety of identified categories of foods that are commercially processed, packaged, or prepared. The 3- year goals are intended to balance the need for broad and gradual reductions in sodium and what is publicly known about technical and market constraints on sodium reduction and reformulation. The distribution of sodium concentrations in currently available products in each category was a significant factor in developing these quantitative sodium concentration goals. We developed the goals with a particular emphasis on maintaining concentrations needed for food safety, given the function of salt as a food preservative. The Phase II goals are within the range of concentrations found in currently marketed foods and are feasible using existing technical strategies. We note that we do not intend to finalize the draft long-term (10- year) sodium reduction goals that were included in the 2016 draft of the first edition of the guidance that we announced in the Federal Register of June 2, 2016 (81 FR 35363). We plan to announce any future sodium reduction goals via draft guidance. II. Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 While the guidance contains no collection of information, it does refer to previously approved FDA collections of information. The previously approved collections of information are subject to review by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA) (44 U.S.C. 3501-3521). The collections of information in 21 CFR part 101 have been approved under OMB control number 0910- 0381. The collections of information in 21 CFR 101.11 have been approved under OMB control number 0910-0782. III. Electronic Access Persons with access to the internet may obtain the draft guidance at https://www.fda.gov/FoodGuidances, https://www.fda.gov/regulatory-information/search-fda-guidance-documents, or https://www.regulations.gov. Use the FDA website listed in the previous sentence to find the most current version of the guidance. IV. References The following references are on display at the Dockets Management Staff (see ADDRESSES) and are available for viewing by interested persons between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday; they are also available electronically at https://www.regulations.gov. Although FDA verified the website addresses in this document, please note that websites are subject to change over time. 1. Harnack L.J., M.E. Cogswell, J.M. Shikany, et al. ``Sources of Sodium in U.S. Adults From 3 Geographic Regions.'' Circulation, 135 (May 9, 2017): pp. 1775-1783. Available at: https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.116.024446 (accessed December 26, 2023). 2. U.S. Department of Agriculture and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. ``Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2020-2025.'' 9th Edition. December 2020. Available at: https://www.dietaryguidelines.gov/ (accessed December 26, 2023). 3. National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. ``Dietary Reference Intakes for Sodium and Potassium'' (March 2019). Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. Available at: http://www.nationalacademies.org/hmd/Reports/2019/dietary-reference-intakes-sodium-potassium.aspx (accessed December 26, 2023). Dated: August 9, 2024. Lauren K. Roth, Associate Commissioner for Policy. [FR Doc. 2024-18261 Filed 8-15-24; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4164-01-P

usgpo

2024-10-08T13:26:29.618809

FR

FR-2024-08-16/2024-18370

Federal Register Volume 89 Issue 159 (August 16, 2024)

United States National Archives and Records Administration Office of the Federal Register

[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 159 (Friday, August 16, 2024)] [Notices] [Pages 66729-66730] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: 2024-18370] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES Health Resources and Services Administration Meeting of the National Advisory Committee on Rural Health and Human Services AGENCY: Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), Department of Health and Human Services. ACTION: Notice. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: In accordance with the Federal Advisory Committee Act, this notice announces that the Secretary's National Advisory Committee on Rural Health and Human Services (NACRHHS) has scheduled its semiannual meeting. Information about NACRHHS and the agenda for this meeting can be found on the NACRHHS website at https://www.hrsa.gov/advisory-committees/rural-health/index.html. DATES: Wednesday, September 4, 2024, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. mountain daylight time (MDT); Thursday, September 5, 2024, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. MDT; Friday, September 6, 2024, 9 a.m.-12 p.m. MDT. ADDRESSES: The meeting will be conducted in two separate locations. On September 4, 2024, the meeting will commence at the Hilton Santa Fe Historic Plaza Hotel, 100 Sandoval Street, Santa Fe, New Mexico, 87501. That afternoon, the meeting will resume at the Historic Plaza Hotel, 230 Plaza Street, Las Vegas, New Mexico 87701. Telephone: (505) 425- 3591. The Plaza Hotel will be the physical location for both the September 5 and September 6 meetings. The meeting will also be accessible to the public virtually via Zoom. The meeting details are included below. There is no need to register for this meeting. If joining virtually, please use the following information. This is the link for all days of the meeting: Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81769614451. Meeting ID: 817 6961 4451. One tap mobile +13052241968,,81769614451# US +19294362866,,81769614451# US (New York) Dial by your location +1 305 224 1968 US +1 929 436 2866 US (New York) +1 301 715 8592 US (Washington, DC) +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago) +1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose) +1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma) +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston) Meeting ID: 817 6961 4451. Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kcNArnR1zE. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Sahira Rafiullah, Designated Federal Officer of NACRHHS, 5600 Fishers Lane, Rockville, Maryland 20857; 240- 316-5874; or [email protected]. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: NACRHHS provides advice and recommendations to the Secretary of Health and Human Services on policy, program development, and other matters of significance concerning both rural health and rural human services. At this meeting the committee will discuss the opioid crisis and its impact on rural families. The emphasis will be on prevention efforts but will include related discussions of treatment and recovery. At this meeting, NACRHHS will discuss the availability of disability services in rural areas. Members of the public will have the opportunity to provide comments. Public participants wishing to provide oral comments must submit a written version of their comments at least 3 business days in advance of the scheduled meeting. Oral comments will be honored in the order they are requested and may be limited [[Page 66730]] as time permits. Public participants wishing to offer written comments should send them to Sahira Rafiullah, using the contact information above, at least 3 business days prior to the meeting. Individuals who plan to attend either physically or virtually and need special assistance or other reasonable accommodation should notify Sahira Rafiullah through any of the methods listed above, at least 10 business days prior to the meeting. Maria G. Button, Director, Executive Secretariat. [FR Doc. 2024-18370 Filed 8-15-24; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4165-15-P

usgpo

2024-10-08T13:26:29.658895

FR

FR-2024-08-16/2024-18409

Federal Register Volume 89 Issue 159 (August 16, 2024)

United States National Archives and Records Administration Office of the Federal Register

[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 159 (Friday, August 16, 2024)] [Notices] [Page 66730] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: 2024-18409] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES National Institutes of Health Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health & Human Development; Notice of Closed Meeting Pursuant to section 1009 of the Federal Advisory Committee Act, as amended, notice is hereby given of the following meeting. The meeting will be closed to the public in accordance with the provisions set forth in sections 552b(c)(4) and 552b(c)(6), Title 5 U.S.C., as amended. The grant applications and the discussions could disclose confidential trade secrets or commercial property such as patentable material, and personal information concerning individuals associated with the grant applications, the disclosure of which would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of personal privacy. Name of Committee: Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Special Emphasis Panel; Medical Rehabilitation Research Resource (P50 Clinical Trial Optional). Date: November 4-5, 2024. Time: 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Agenda: To review and evaluate grant applications. Place: National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, 6710B Rockledge Drive, Bethesda, MD 20892 (Virtual Meeting). Contact Person: Helen Huang, Ph.D., Scientific Review Branch, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, NIH, 6710B Rockledge Drive, Room 2137D, Bethesda, MD 20892, (301) 496-8558, [email protected]. (Catalogue of Federal Domestic Assistance Program Nos. 93.864, Population Research; 93.865, Research for Mothers and Children; 93.929, Center for Medical Rehabilitation Research; 93.209, Contraception and Infertility Loan Repayment Program, National Institutes of Health, HHS) Dated: August 13, 2024. Lauren A. Fleck, Program Analyst, Office of Federal Advisory Committee Policy. [FR Doc. 2024-18409 Filed 8-15-24; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4140-01-P

usgpo

2024-10-08T13:26:29.691666

FR

FR-2024-08-16/2024-18410

Federal Register Volume 89 Issue 159 (August 16, 2024)

United States National Archives and Records Administration Office of the Federal Register

[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 159 (Friday, August 16, 2024)] [Notices] [Page 66730] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: 2024-18410] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES National Institutes of Health National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases; Notice of Closed Meeting Pursuant to section 1009 of the Federal Advisory Committee Act, as amended, notice is hereby given of the following meeting. The meeting will be closed to the public in accordance with the provisions set forth in sections 552b(c)(4) and 552b(c)(6), Title 5 U.S.C., as amended. The contract proposals and the discussions could disclose confidential trade secrets or commercial property such as patentable material, and personal information concerning individuals associated with the contract proposals, the disclosure of which would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of personal privacy. Name of Committee: National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Special Emphasis Panel; Interventional Agents Safety and Pharmacokinetic Services (IASPS). Date: September 10-13, 2024. Time: 12:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Agenda: To review and evaluate contract proposals. Place: National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, 5601 Fishers Lane, Room 3E70A, Rockville, MD 20892 (Video Assisted Meeting). Contact Person: Soheyla Saadi, Ph.D., Scientific Review Officer, Scientific Review Program, Division of Extramural Activities, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, 5601 Fishers Lane, Room 3E70A, Rockville, MD 20892, (240) 669-5178, [email protected]. (Catalogue of Federal Domestic Assistance Program Nos. 93.855, Allergy, Immunology, and Transplantation Research; 93.856, Microbiology and Infectious Diseases Research, National Institutes of Health, HHS) Dated: August 13, 2024. Lauren A. Fleck, Program Analyst, Office of Federal Advisory Committee Policy. [FR Doc. 2024-18410 Filed 8-15-24; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4140-01-P

usgpo

2024-10-08T13:26:29.729547

FR

FR-2024-08-16/2024-18381

Federal Register Volume 89 Issue 159 (August 16, 2024)

United States National Archives and Records Administration Office of the Federal Register

[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 159 (Friday, August 16, 2024)] [Notices] [Pages 66730-66731] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: 2024-18381] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES National Institutes of Health Prospective Grant of an Exclusive Patent License: Dimethyl Synaptamide for the Treatment of Autoimmune Disorders and Inflammatory Diseases AGENCY: National Institutes of Health, HHS. ACTION: Notice. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) and the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS), both institutes of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), are contemplating the grant of an Exclusive Patent License to practice the inventions embodied in the Patents and Patent Applications listed in the Supplementary Information section of this notice to Autala Bio Inc., A Civala Company (``Autala''), incorporated in Delaware. DATES: Only written comments and/or applications for a license that are received by the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI) Office of Technology Transfer And Development (OTTAD) on or before September 3, 2024 will be considered. ADDRESSES: Requests for copies of the patent application, inquiries, and comments relating to the contemplated an Exclusive Patent License should be directed to: Jillian Varonin, Ph.D., Technology Transfer Manager, NHLBI Office of Technology Transfer And Development, Telephone: (301) 496-0505; Email: [email protected]. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Intellectual Property 1. United States Provisional Patent Application No. 61/624,741, filed April 16, 2012, entitled ``Derivatives Of Docosahexaenoylamide and Uses Thereof'' [HHS Reference No. E-070-2012-0-US-01]; 2. PCT Patent Application No. PCT/US2013/032333, filed March 15, 2013, entitled ``Derivatives Of Docosahexaenoylamide and Uses Thereof'' [HHS Reference No. E-070-2012-0-PCT-02]; 3. European Patent No. 2847178, filed March 15, 2013, entitled ``Derivatives Of Docosahexaenoylamide and Uses Thereof'' [HHS Reference No. E-070-2012-0-EP-03]; 4. United States Patent No. 9,422,308, filed September 23, 2014, entitled ``Derivatives Of Docosahexaenoylamide [[Page 66731]] and Uses Thereof'' [HHS Reference No. E-070-2012-0-US-04]; 5. Germany Patent No. 602013016154.2, filed October 30, 2014, entitled ``Derivatives Of Docosahexaenoylamide and Uses Thereof'' [HHS Reference No. E-070-2012-0-DE-05]; 6. France Patent No. 2847178, filed October 30, 2014, entitled ``Derivatives Of Docosahexaenoylamide and Uses Thereof'' [HHS Reference No. E-070-2012-0-FR-06]; 7. Great Britain Patent No. 2847178, filed October 30, 2014, entitled ``Derivatives Of Docosahexaenoylamide and Uses Thereof'' [HHS Reference No. E-070-2012-0-GB-07]. The patent rights in these inventions have been assigned and/or exclusively licensed to the government of the United States of America. The prospective exclusive license territory may be worldwide, and the field of use may be limited to the following: ``Use of a G-protein-coupled receptor 110 (``GPR110'') agonist named dimethyl synaptamide (``DMS'') (also known as Compound NCGC00248435; (4Z,7Z,10Z,13Z,16Z,19Z)-N-(2-hydroxy-2-methylpropyl) docosa-4,7,10,13,16,19-hexaenamide; or ``A8'') to treat multiple sclerosis (``MS''), chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (``CIDP''), psoriasis, inflammatory bowel disease (``IBD''), Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis (``UC''), sclerosing cholangitis, ankylosing spondylitis, rheumatoid arthritis (``RA''), psoriatic arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus (``SLE''), lupus nephritis, sarcoidosis, and Behcet's disease.'' This notice is made in accordance with 35 U.S.C. 209 and 37 CFR part 404. The prospective exclusive license will be royalty bearing, and the prospective exclusive license may be granted unless within fifteen (15) days from the date of this published notice, the NHLBI Office of Technology Transfer And Development receives written evidence and argument that establishes that the grant of the license would not be consistent with the requirements of 35 U.S.C. 209 and 37 CFR part 404. In response to this Notice, the public may file comments or objections. Comments and objections, other than those in the form of a license application, will not be treated confidentially, and may be made publicly available. License applications submitted in response to this Notice will be presumed to contain business confidential information and any release of information in these license applications will be made only as required and upon a request under the Freedom of Information Act, 5 U.S.C. 552. Bruce D. Goldstein, Director, Office of Technology Transfer and Development, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. [FR Doc. 2024-18381 Filed 8-15-24; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4140-01-P

usgpo

2024-10-08T13:26:29.794693

FR

FR-2024-08-16/2024-18412

Federal Register Volume 89 Issue 159 (August 16, 2024)

United States National Archives and Records Administration Office of the Federal Register

[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 159 (Friday, August 16, 2024)] [Notices] [Page 66731] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: 2024-18412] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES National Institutes of Health Center for Scientific Review; Notice of Closed Meetings Pursuant to section 1009 of the Federal Advisory Committee Act, as amended, notice is hereby given of the following meetings. The meetings will be closed to the public in accordance with the provisions set forth in sections 552b(c)(4) and 552b(c)(6), Title 5 U.S.C., as amended. The grant applications and the discussions could disclose confidential trade secrets or commercial property such as patentable material, and personal information concerning individuals associated with the grant applications, the disclosure of which would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of personal privacy. Name of Committee: Center for Scientific Review Special Emphasis Panel; Member Conflict: Respiratory Sciences. Date: September 9, 2024. Time: 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Agenda: To review and evaluate grant applications. Place: National Institutes of Health, Rockledge II, 6701 Rockledge Drive, Bethesda, MD 20892 (Virtual Meeting). Contact Person: Michael L. Bloom, Ph.D., Scientific Review Officer, Center for Scientific Review, National Institutes of Health, 6701 Rockledge Drive, Room 6187, MSC 7804, Bethesda, MD 20892, 301-451-0132, [email protected]. Name of Committee: Risk, Prevention and Health Behavior Integrated Review Group; Biobehavioral Medicine and Health Outcomes Study Section. Date: September 19-20, 2024. Time: 9:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Agenda: To review and evaluate grant applications. Place: National Institutes of Health, Rockledge II, 6701 Rockledge Drive, Bethesda, MD 20892 (Virtual Meeting). Contact Person: Mark A. Vosvick, Ph.D., Scientific Review Officer, Center for Scientific Review, National Institutes of Health, 6701 Rockledge Drive, Room 3110, Bethesda, MD 20892, (301) 402-4128, [email protected]. (Catalogue of Federal Domestic Assistance Program Nos. 93.306, Comparative Medicine; 93.333, Clinical Research, 93.306, 93.333, 93.337, 93.393-93.396, 93.837-93.844, 93.846-93.878, 93.892, 93.893, National Institutes of Health, HHS) Dated: August 13, 2024 Lauren A. Fleck, Program Analyst, Office of Federal Advisory Committee Policy. [FR Doc. 2024-18412 Filed 8-15-24; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4140-01-P

usgpo

2024-10-08T13:26:29.911160

FR

FR-2024-08-16/2024-18422

Federal Register Volume 89 Issue 159 (August 16, 2024)

United States National Archives and Records Administration Office of the Federal Register

[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 159 (Friday, August 16, 2024)] [Notices] [Pages 66731-66732] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: 2024-18422] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES National Institutes of Health National Institute of Dental & Craniofacial Research; Notice of Partially Closed Meeting Pursuant to section 1009 of the Federal Advisory Committee Act, as amended, notice is hereby given of a meeting of the National Advisory Dental and Craniofacial Research Council. The meeting will be held as a virtual meeting and is partially open to the public as indicated below. Individuals who plan to view the virtual meeting and need special assistance to view the meeting, such as sign language interpretation or other reasonable accommodations, should notify the Contact Person listed below in advance of the meeting. The open session will be videocast and can be accessed from the NIH Videocasting website (http://videocast.nih.gov/). Registration is not required to access the videocast. The meeting will be closed to the public in accordance with the provisions set forth in sections 552b(c)(4) and 552b(c)(6), title 5 U.S.C., as amended. The grant applications and the discussions could disclose confidential trade secrets or commercial property such as patentable material, and personal information concerning individuals associated with the grant applications, the disclosure of which would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of personal privacy. Name of Committee: National Advisory Dental and Craniofacial Research Council. Date: September 11, 2024. Open: 10:00 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. Agenda: Report of the Director, NIDCR and concept clearances. Place: National Institute of Dental & Craniofacial Research, 6701 Democracy Boulevard, Bethesda, MD 20892, (Virtual Meeting). Closed: 3:30 p.m. to 4:15 p.m. Agenda: To review and evaluate grant applications. Place: National Institute of Dental & Craniofacial Research, 6701 Democracy Boulevard, Bethesda, MD 20892, (Virtual Meeting). [[Page 66732]] Contact Person: Lynn M King, Ph.D., Executive Secretary, Division of Extramural Activities, National Institute of Dental & Craniofacial Research, National Institutes of Health, 6701 Democracy Blvd., Bethesda, MD 20892-4878, (301) 594-5006, [email protected]. Any interested person may file written comments with the committee by forwarding the statement to the Contact Person listed on this notice. The statement should include the name, address, telephone number and when applicable, the business or professional affiliation of the interested person. Information is also available on the Institute's/Center's home page: https://www.nidcr.nih.gov/about-us/advisory-committees/advisory-council, where an agenda and any additional information for the meeting will be posted when available. (Catalogue of Federal Domestic Assistance Program No. 93.121, Oral Diseases and Disorders Research, National Institutes of Health, HHS) Dated: August 13, 2024. Bruce A. George, Program Analyst, Office of Federal Advisory Committee Policy. [FR Doc. 2024-18422 Filed 8-15-24; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4140-01-P

usgpo

2024-10-08T13:26:29.987438

FR

FR-2024-08-16/2024-18389

Federal Register Volume 89 Issue 159 (August 16, 2024)

United States National Archives and Records Administration Office of the Federal Register

[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 159 (Friday, August 16, 2024)] [Notices] [Pages 66732-66733] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: 2024-18389] ======================================================================= ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services [OMB Control Number 1615-0020] Agency Information Collection Activities; Revision of a Currently Approved Collection: Petition for Amerasian, Widow(er), or Special Immigrant AGENCY: U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, Department of Homeland Security. ACTION: 60-Day notice. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) invites the general public and other Federal agencies to comment upon this proposed revision of a currently approved collection of information. In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) of 1995, the information collection notice is published in the Federal Register to obtain comments regarding the nature of the information collection, the categories of respondents, the estimated burden (i.e. the time, effort, and resources used by the respondents to respond), the estimated cost to the respondent, and the actual information collection instruments. DATES: Comments are encouraged and will be accepted for 60 days until October 15, 2024. ADDRESSES: All submissions received must include the OMB Control Number 1615-0020 in the body of the letter, the agency name and Docket ID USCIS-2007-0024. Submit comments via the Federal eRulemaking Portal website at https://www.regulations.gov under e-Docket ID number USCIS- 2007-0024. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: USCIS, Office of Policy and Strategy, Regulatory Coordination Division, Samantha Deshommes, Chief, telephone number (240) 721-3000 (This is not a toll-free number. Comments are not accepted via telephone message). Please note contact information provided here is solely for questions regarding this notice. It is not for individual case status inquiries. Applicants seeking information about the status of their individual cases can check Case Status Online, available at the USCIS website at https://www.uscis.gov, or call the USCIS Contact Center at 800-375-5283 (TTY 800-767-1833). SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Comments You may access the information collection instrument with instructions or additional information by visiting the Federal eRulemaking Portal site at: https://www.regulations.gov and entering USCIS-2007-0024 in the search box. Comments must be submitted in English, or an English translation must be provided. All submissions will be posted, without change, to the Federal eRulemaking Portal at https://www.regulations.gov, and will include any personal information you provide. Therefore, submitting this information makes it public. You may wish to consider limiting the amount of personal information that you provide in any voluntary submission you make to DHS. DHS may withhold information provided in comments from public viewing that it determines may impact the privacy of an individual or is offensive. For additional information, please read the Privacy Act notice that is available via the link in the footer of https://www.regulations.gov. Written comments and suggestions from the public and affected agencies should address one or more of the following four points: (1) Evaluate whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information will have practical utility; (2) Evaluate the accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information, including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used; (3) Enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (4) Minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are to respond, including through the use of appropriate automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology, e.g., permitting electronic submission of responses. Overview of This Information Collection (1) Type of Information Collection: Revision of a Currently Approved Collection. (2) Title of the Form/Collection: Petition for Amerasian, Widow(er), or Special Immigrant. (3) Agency form number, if any, and the applicable component of the DHS sponsoring the collection: Form I-360; USCIS. (4) Affected public who will be asked or required to respond, as well as a brief abstract: Primary: Individuals or households. Form I- 360 may be used by an Amerasian; a widow or widower; a battered or abused spouse or child of a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident; a battered or abused parent of a U.S. citizen son or daughter; or a special immigrant (religious worker, Panama Canal company employee, Canal Zone government employee, U.S. government employee in the Canal Zone; physician, international organization employee or family member, juvenile court dependent; armed forces member); Afghan or Iraqi national who supported the U.S. Armed Forces as a translator; Iraqi national who worked for the or on behalf of the U.S. Government in Iraq; or Afghan national who worked for or on behalf of the U.S. Government or the International Security Assistance Force [ISAF] in Afghanistan who intend to establish their eligibility to immigrate to the United States. The data collected on this form is reviewed by USCIS to determine if the petitioner may be qualified to obtain the benefit. The data collected on this form will also be used to issue an employment authorization document upon approval of the petition for battered or abused spouses, children, and parents, if requested. [[Page 66733]] (5) An estimate of the total number of respondents and the amount of time estimated for an average respondent to respond: The estimated total number of respondents for the information collection Petition for Special Immigrant Afghan or Iraqi National Classification Supplement is 5,746 and the estimated hour burden per response is 3 hours; the estimated total number of respondents for the information collection Petition for Special Immigrant Broadcaster Classification Supplement is 65 and the estimated hour burden per response is 2 hours; the estimated total number of respondents for the information collection Petition for Special Immigrant Retired G-4 or NATO-6 Classification Supplement is 417 and the estimated hour burden per response is 2 hours; the estimated total number of respondents for the information collection Petition for Special Immigrant Juvenile Classification Supplement is 29,500 and the estimated hour burden per response is 2 hours; the estimated total number of respondents for the information collection Petition for Special Immigrant Religious Worker Classification Supplement is 2,470 and the estimated hour burden per response is 2 hours; the estimated total number of respondents for the information collection Petition for Widow(er) Classification Supplement is 900 and the estimated hour burden per response is 2 hours; the estimated total number of respondents for the information collection Petition for VAWA Classification Supplement is 21,605 and the estimated hour burden per response is 2 hours; the estimated total number of respondents for the information collection Petition for Other Classifications Supplement is 39 and the estimated hour burden per response is 2 hours. (6) An estimate of the total public burden (in hours) associated with the collection: The total estimated annual hour burden associated with this collection is 127,320 hours. (7) An estimate of the total public burden (in cost) associated with the collection: The estimated total annual cost burden associated with this collection of information is $7,820,533. Dated: August 9, 2024. Samantha L. Deshommes, Chief, Regulatory Coordination Division, Office of Policy and Strategy, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, Department of Homeland Security. [FR Doc. 2024-18389 Filed 8-15-24; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 9111-97-P

usgpo

2024-10-08T13:26:30.032265

FR

FR-2024-08-16/2024-18388

Federal Register Volume 89 Issue 159 (August 16, 2024)

United States National Archives and Records Administration Office of the Federal Register

[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 159 (Friday, August 16, 2024)] [Notices] [Pages 66733-66734] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: 2024-18388] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services [OMB Control Number 1615-0007] Agency Information Collection Activities; Reinstatement, With Change, of a Previously Approved Collection for Which Approval Has Expired: Change of Address AGENCY: U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, Department of Homeland Security. ACTION: 60-Day notice. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) invites the general public and other Federal agencies to comment upon this proposed reinstatement, with change, of a previously approved collection for which approval has expired. In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) of 1995, the information collection notice is published in the Federal Register to obtain comments regarding the nature of the information collection, the categories of respondents, the estimated burden (i.e. the time, effort, and resources used by the respondents to respond), the estimated cost to the respondent, and the actual information collection instruments. DATES: Comments are encouraged and will be accepted for 60 days until October 15, 2024. ADDRESSES: All submissions received must include the OMB Control Number 1615-0007 in the body of the letter, the agency name and Docket ID USCIS-2008-0018. Submit comments via the Federal eRulemaking Portal website at https://www.regulations.gov under e-Docket ID number USCIS- 2008-0018. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: USCIS, Office of Policy and Strategy, Regulatory Coordination Division, Samantha Deshommes, Chief, telephone number (240) 721-3000 (This is not a toll-free number. Comments are not accepted via telephone message). Please note contact information provided here is solely for questions regarding this notice. It is not for individual case status inquiries. Applicants seeking information about the status of their individual cases can check Case Status Online, available at the USCIS website at https://www.uscis.gov, or call the USCIS Contact Center at 800-375-5283 (TTY 800-767-1833). SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Comments You may access the information collection instrument with instructions or additional information by visiting the Federal eRulemaking Portal site at: https://www.regulations.gov and entering USCIS-2008-0018 in the search box. Comments must be submitted in English, or an English translation must be provided. All submissions will be posted, without change, to the Federal eRulemaking Portal at https://www.regulations.gov, and will include any personal information you provide. Therefore, submitting this information makes it public. You may wish to consider limiting the amount of personal information that you provide in any voluntary submission you make to DHS. DHS may withhold information provided in comments from public viewing that it determines may impact the privacy of an individual or is offensive. For additional information, please read the Privacy Act notice that is available via the link in the footer of https://www.regulations.gov. Written comments and suggestions from the public and affected agencies should address one or more of the following four points: (1) Evaluate whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information will have practical utility; (2) Evaluate the accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information, including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used; (3) Enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (4) Minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are to respond, including through the use of appropriate automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology, e.g., permitting electronic submission of responses. Overview of This Information Collection (1) Type of Information Collection: Reinstatement, With Change, of a Previously Approved Collection For Which Approval Has Expired. (2) Title of the Form/Collection: Change of Address. (3) Agency form number, if any, and the applicable component of the DHS sponsoring the collection: AR-11; USCIS. [[Page 66734]] (4) Affected public who will be asked or required to respond, as well as a brief abstract: Primary: Individuals or households. Form AR- 11, Change of Address, provides a standardized format for compliance with section 265(a) of the INA. Change of Address Online provides a standardized format for providing change of address information electronically. (5) An estimate of the total number of respondents and the amount of time estimated for an average respondent to respond: The estimated total number of respondents for the information collection AR-11 is 83,470 and the estimated hour burden per response is 0.283 hours; the estimated total number of respondents for the information collection Change of Address Online is 1,631,876 and the estimated hour burden per response is 0.167 hours. (6) An estimate of the total public burden (in hours) associated with the collection: The total estimated annual hour burden associated with this collection is 296,145 hours. (7) An estimate of the total public burden (in cost) associated with the collection: The estimated total annual cost burden associated with this collection of information is $313,013. Dated: August 9, 2024. Samantha L. Deshommes, Chief, Regulatory Coordination Division, Office of Policy and Strategy, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, Department of Homeland Security. [FR Doc. 2024-18388 Filed 8-15-24; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 9111-97-P

usgpo

2024-10-08T13:26:30.106301

FR

FR-2024-08-16/2024-18387

Federal Register Volume 89 Issue 159 (August 16, 2024)

United States National Archives and Records Administration Office of the Federal Register

[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 159 (Friday, August 16, 2024)] [Notices] [Pages 66734-66735] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: 2024-18387] ======================================================================= ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Fish and Wildlife Service [Docket No. FWS-HQ-IA-2024-0129; FXIA16710900000-245-FF09A30000] Foreign Endangered Species; Receipt of Permit Applications AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior. ACTION: Notice of receipt of permit applications; request for comments. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, invite the public to comment on applications to conduct certain activities with foreign species that are listed as endangered under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). With some exceptions, the ESA prohibits activities with listed species unless Federal authorization is issued that allows such activities. The ESA also requires that we invite public comment before issuing permits for any activity otherwise prohibited by the ESA with respect to any endangered species. DATES: We must receive comments by September 16, 2024. ADDRESSES: Obtaining Documents: The applications, application supporting materials, and any comments and other materials that we receive will be available for public inspection at https://www.regulations.gov in Docket No. FWS-HQ-IA-2024-0129. Submitting Comments: When submitting comments, please specify the name of the applicant and the permit number at the beginning of your comment. You may submit comments by one of the following methods: Internet: https://www.regulations.gov. Search for and submit comments on Docket No. FWS-HQ-IA-2024-0129. U.S. mail: Public Comments Processing, Attn: Docket No. FWS-HQ-IA-2024-0129; U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Headquarters, MS: PRB/3W; 5275 Leesburg Pike; Falls Church, VA 22041-3803. For more information, see Public Comment Procedures under SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Timothy MacDonald, by phone at 703- 358-2185 or via email at [email protected]. Individuals in the United States who are deaf, deafblind, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability may dial 711 (TTY, TDD, or TeleBraille) to access telecommunications relay services. Individuals outside the United States should use the relay services offered within their country to make international calls to the point-of-contact in the United States. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: I. Public Comment Procedures A. How do I comment on submitted applications? We invite the public and local, State, Tribal, and Federal agencies to comment on these applications. Before issuing any of the requested permits, we will take into consideration any information that we receive during the public comment period. You may submit your comments and materials by one of the methods in ADDRESSES. We will not consider comments sent by email or to an address not in ADDRESSES. We will not consider or include in our administrative record comments we receive after the close of the comment period (see DATES). When submitting comments, please specify the name of the applicant and the permit number at the beginning of your comment. Provide sufficient information to allow us to authenticate any scientific or commercial data you include. The comments and recommendations that will be most useful and likely to influence agency decisions are: (1) Those supported by quantitative information or studies; and (2) those that include citations to, and analyses of, the applicable laws and regulations. B. May I review comments submitted by others? You may view and comment on others' public comments at https://www.regulations.gov unless our allowing so would violate the Privacy Act (5 U.S.C. 552a) or Freedom of Information Act (5 U.S.C. 552). C. Who will see my comments? If you submit a comment at https://www.regulations.gov, your entire comment, including any personal identifying information, will be posted on the website. If you submit a hardcopy comment that includes personal identifying information, such as your address, phone number, or email address, you may request at the top of your document that we withhold this information from public review. However, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to do so. Moreover, all submissions from organizations or businesses, and from individuals identifying themselves as representatives or officials of organizations or businesses, will be made available for public disclosure in their entirety. II. Background To help us carry out our conservation responsibilities for affected species, and in consideration of section 10(c) of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (ESA; 16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.), we invite public comments on permit applications before final action is taken. With some exceptions, the ESA prohibits certain activities with listed species unless Federal authorization is issued that allows such activities. Permits issued under section 10(a)(1)(A) of the ESA allow otherwise prohibited activities for scientific purposes or to enhance the propagation or survival of the affected species. Service regulations regarding prohibited activities with endangered species, captive-bred wildlife registrations, and permits for any activity otherwise prohibited by the ESA with respect to any endangered species are available in title 50 of the Code of Federal Regulations in part 17. [[Page 66735]] III. Permit Applications We invite comments on the following applications. Applicant: Oregon State University, Levi Lab, Corvallis, OR; Permit No. PER11719262 The applicant requests authorization to import biological samples derived from wild and captive-held scarlet macaws (Ara macao cyanoptera) for the purpose of scientific research. This notification covers activities to be conducted by the applicant over a 5-year period. Applicant: Institute for Systems Genomics, Storrs, CT; Permit No. PER11158503 The applicant requests authorization to import biological samples derived from captive-born and wild animals of multiple species listed under the ESA for the purpose of scientific research. This notification covers activities to be conducted by the applicant over a 5-year period. Applicant: University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI; Permit No. PER11662205 The applicant requests authorization to import biological samples derived from captive-born and wild chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes), taken in Uganda, for the purpose of scientific research. This notification covers activities to be conducted by the applicant over a 5-year period. Multiple Trophy Applicants The following applicants request permits to import sport-hunted trophies of male bontebok (Damaliscus pygarus pygargus) culled from a captive herd maintained under the management program of the Republic of South Africa, for the purpose of enhancing the propagation or survival of the species. Applicant: Paul Hansen, Brookings, SD; Permit No. PER11546525 Applicant: Zachary Boles, Cumming, GA; Permit No. PER11541505 Applicant: Tony Boles, Cumming, GA; Permit No. PER11541207 Applicant: William Hamberlin, Memphis, TN; Permit No. PER11642225 Applicant: Sullivan Atkinson, Stuttgart, AR; Permit No. PER11641654 Applicant: John Howell, Lone Tree, CO; Permit No. PER11750395 IV. Next Steps After the comment period closes, we will make decisions regarding permit issuance. If we issue permits to any of the applicants listed in this notice, we will publish a notice in the Federal Register. You may locate the notice announcing the permit issuance by searching https://www.regulations.gov for the permit number listed above in this document. For example, to find information about the potential issuance of Permit No. 12345A, you would go to regulations.gov and search for ``12345A''. V. Authority We issue this notice under the authority of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.), and its implementing regulations. Timothy MacDonald, Government Information Specialist, Branch of Permits, Division of Management Authority. [FR Doc. 2024-18387 Filed 8-15-24; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4333-15-P

usgpo

2024-10-08T13:26:30.153089

FR

FR-2024-08-16/2024-18380

Federal Register Volume 89 Issue 159 (August 16, 2024)

United States National Archives and Records Administration Office of the Federal Register

[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 159 (Friday, August 16, 2024)] [Notices] [Pages 66735-66737] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: 2024-18380] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Bureau of Indian Affairs [245A2100DD/AAKC001030/A0A501010.999900] Tejon Indian Tribe Liquor Control Ordinance AGENCY: Bureau of Indian Affairs, Interior. ACTION: Notice. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: This notice publishes the Liquor Control Ordinance of the Tejon Indian Tribe. The Tejon Indian Tribe Liquor Control Ordinance regulates and controls the possession, sale, manufacture, and distribution of alcohol in conformity with the laws of the State of California. DATES: This ordinance shall become effective September 16, 2024. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. Sarraye Forrest-Davis, Tribal Government Specialist, Pacific Regional Office, Bureau of Indian Affairs, 2800 Cottage Way, Room W-2820, Sacramento, California 95825, [email protected], (916) 978-6000, Fax: (916) 978-6099. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Pursuant to the Act of August 15, 1953, Public Law 83-277, 67 Stat. 586, 18 U.S.C. 1161, as interpreted by the Supreme Court in Rice v. Rehner, 463 U.S. 713 (1983), the Secretary of the Interior shall certify and publish in the Federal Register notice of adopted liquor control ordinances for the purpose of regulating liquor transactions in Indian country. This notice is published in accordance with the authority delegated by the Secretary of the Interior to the Assistant Secretary--Indian Affairs. I certify that the Executive Committee of the Tejon Indian Tribe duly enacted the Liquor Control Ordinance on October 21, 2023. Bryan Newland, Assistant Secretary--Indian Affairs. TEJON INDIAN TRIBE LIQUOR CONTROL ORDINANCE ENACTED: October 21, 2023 ARTICLE ONE. INTRODUCTION Section 1. Authority This Ordinance is enacted pursuant to the Act of August 15, 1953 (Pub. L. 83-277, 67 Stat. 586, 18 U.S.C. 1161) and by powers vested in the Tribal Executive Committee of the Tejon Indian Tribe (``Tribal Executive Committee'') to develop, adopt and enforce ordinances as authorized under Article VI, Section 3, of the Constitution and Bylaws of the Tejon Indian Tribe, adopted October 15, 2022. Section 2. Purpose The purpose of this Ordinance is to regulate and control the possession, sale, manufacture and distribution of liquor within Tribal Trust Lands, in order to permit alcohol sales by tribally owned and operated enterprises and private lessees, and at tribally approved special events. Enactment of a liquor control ordinance will help provide a source of revenue for the continued operation of the tribal government, the delivery of governmental services, and the economic viability of tribal enterprises. Section 3. Short Title This Ordinance shall be known and cited as the ``Liquor Control Ordinance.'' Section 4. Jurisdiction This Ordinance shall apply to all lands now or in the future under the governmental authority of the Tribe, including Tribal Trust Lands. Section 5. Application of 18 U.S.C. 1161 By enacting this Ordinance, the Tribe hereby regulates the sale, manufacturing, distribution, and consumption of liquor while ensuring that such activity conforms with all applicable laws of the State of California as required by 18 U.S.C. 1161, other applicable Federal law, and the Compact. ARTICLE TWO. DEFINITIONS Section 1. Definitions As used in this Ordinance, the terms below are defined as follows: [[Page 66736]] (a) Alcohol means ethyl alcohol, hydrated oxide of ethyl, or spirit of wine, in any form, and regardless of source or the process used for its production. (b) Alcoholic beverage means all alcohol, spirits, liquor, wine, beer and any liquid or solid containing alcohol, spirits, liquor, wine, or beer, and which contains one-half of one percent or more of alcohol by volume and that is fit for human consumption, either alone or when diluted, mixed, or combined with any other substance(s). (c) Compact means the Tribal-State compact between the State and the Tribe as may be amended from time to time or procedures prescribed by the Secretary of the Interior pursuant to 25 U.S.C. 2710(d)(7), under which the Tribe may conduct Class III gaming on ``Indian lands'' as such term is defined in the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act, 25 U.S.C. 2701, et seq.. (d) License means, unless otherwise stated, a license issued by the Tribe in accordance with this Ordinance. (e) Liquor means any alcoholic beverage, as defined in this Section 1. (f) Person means any individual or entity, whether Indian or non- Indian, receiver, assignee, trustee in bankruptcy, trust, estate, firm, corporation, partnership, joint corporation, association, society, or any group of individuals acting as a unit, whether mutual, cooperative, fraternal, non-profit or otherwise, and any other Indian tribe, band or group. The term shall also include the businesses of the Tribe. (g) Sale and sell mean the transfer for consideration of any kind, including by exchange or barter. (h) State means the State of California. (i) Tribal Trust Lands means all lands held by the United States in trust for the Tribe now or in the future. ARTICLE THREE. LIQUOR SALES, POSSESSION, & MANUFACTURE Section 1. Possession of Alcohol The introduction and possession of alcoholic beverages shall be lawful on Tribal Trust Lands; provided that such introduction or possession is in conformity with the laws of the State. Section 2. Retail Sales of Alcohol The sale of alcoholic beverages shall be lawful on Tribal Trust Lands; provided that such sales are in conformity with the laws of the State and are made pursuant to a license issued by the Tribe. Section 3. Manufacture of Alcohol The manufacture of liquor shall be lawful on Tribal Trust Lands, provided that such manufacture is in conformity with the laws of the State and pursuant to a license issued by the Tribe. Section 4. Age Limits The legal age for possession or consumption of alcohol on Tribal Trust Lands shall be the same as that of the State, which is currently 21 years. No person under the age of 21 years shall purchase, possess or consume any alcoholic beverage or be present in any area of the Tribe's gaming operation in which alcoholic beverages may be consumed, except to the extent permitted by State law. If there is any conflict between State law and the terms of the Compact regarding the age limits for alcohol possession or consumption, the age limits in the Compact shall govern for purposes of this Ordinance. ARTICLE FOUR. LICENSING Section 1. Licensing The Tribal Executive Committee shall have the authority to require and issue liquor licenses (including, without limitation, retail, wholesale, manufacturer, special events licenses and any other type of liquor license recognized by State law) and shall have the power to establish and enforce procedures and standards for such licensing of liquor sales on Tribal Trust Lands, including the setting of a license fee schedule; provided that no tribal license shall be issued except upon showing of satisfactory proof that the applicant is duly licensed by the State. The fact that an applicant for a tribal license possesses a license issued by the State of the United States shall not provide the applicant with an entitlement to a tribal license. The Tribal Executive Committee may, in its discretion, set standards that are more, but in no case less, stringent than those of the State. ARTICLE FIVE. ENFORCEMENT Section 1. Enforcement The Tribal Executive Committee shall have the power to develop, enact, promulgate, and enforce regulations as necessary for the enforcement of this Ordinance and to protect the public health, welfare, and safety of the Tribe, provided that all such regulations shall conform to, and not be in conflict with, any applicable tribal, Federal, or State law. Regulations enacted pursuant to this Ordinance may include provisions for suspension or revocation of tribal liquor licenses, reasonable search and seizure provisions, and civil and criminal penalties for violations of this Ordinance to the full extent permitted by Federal law and consistent with due process. Tribal law enforcement personnel and security personnel duly authorized by the Tribal Executive Committee shall have the authority to enforce this Ordinance by confiscating any liquor sold, possessed, distributed, manufactured, or introduced within Tribal Trust Lands in violation of this Ordinance or of any regulations duly adopted pursuant to this Ordinance to the full extent permitted by tribal, Federal, and State law and consistent with due process. The Tribal Executive Committee shall have the exclusive jurisdiction to hold hearings on violations of this Ordinance and any procedures or regulations adopted pursuant to this Ordinance; to promulgate appropriate procedures governing such hearings; to determine and enforce penalties or damages for violations of this Ordinance; and to delegate to a subordinate hearing officer or panel the authority to take any or all of the foregoing actions on its behalf. ARTICLE SIX. TAXES Section 1. Taxation Nothing contained in this Ordinance is intended to, nor does it in any way, limit or restrict the Tribe's ability to impose any tax upon the sale or consumption of liquor. The Tribe retains the right to impose such taxes by appropriate Ordinance to the fullest extent permitted by Federal law. ARTICLE SEVEN. MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS Section 1. Sovereign Immunity Preserved Nothing contained in this Ordinance is intended to, nor shall it be construed in any way to waive, limit, alter, or restrict the sovereign immunity of the Tribe or any of its agencies, agents or officials from unconsented suit or action of any kind. Section 2. Conformity With Applicable Laws All acts and transactions under this Ordinance shall be in conformity with the Compact and laws of the State to the extent required by 18 U.S.C. 1161 and with all Federal laws regarding alcohol in Indian Country. Section 3. Effective Date This Ordinance shall be effective as of the date on which the Secretary of the Interior certifies this Ordinance and publishes the same in the Federal Register. [[Page 66737]] Section 4. Repeal of Prior Acts All prior Tribal laws, resolutions, policies, regulations, or ordinances pertaining to the subject matter set forth in this Ordinance and to the extent they are inconsistent with this Ordinance, are hereby repealed. Section 5. Amendments This Ordinance may only be amended pursuant to an amendment duly enacted by the Tribal Executive Committee and, to the extent required by Federal law, certification by the Secretary of the Interior and publication in the Federal Register. Section 6. Severability and Savings Clause If any section, part or provision of this Ordinance is held invalid, void, or unenforceable by a court of competent jurisdiction, such adjudication shall not be held to render the remaining sections, parts and provisions of this Ordinance invalid, void or unenforceable and the remainder of this Ordinance shall not be affected and shall continue in full force and effect. [FR Doc. 2024-18380 Filed 8-15-24; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4337-15-P

usgpo

2024-10-08T13:26:30.189263

FR

FR-2024-08-16/2024-18379

Federal Register Volume 89 Issue 159 (August 16, 2024)

United States National Archives and Records Administration Office of the Federal Register

[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 159 (Friday, August 16, 2024)] [Notices] [Pages 66737-66738] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: 2024-18379] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Bureau of Indian Affairs [245A2100DD/AAKC001030/A0A501010.999900] HEARTH Act Approval of Forest County Potawatomi Community, Wisconsin Leasing Ordinance AGENCY: Bureau of Indian Affairs, Interior. ACTION: Notice. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: The Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) approved the Forest County Potawatomi Community, Wisconsin Leasing Ordinance under the Helping Expedite and Advance Responsible Tribal Homeownership Act of 2012 (HEARTH Act). With this approval, the Tribe is authorized to enter into agriculture, business, residential, wind and solar, wind energy evaluation, public, religious, cultural, educational, and recreational leases without further BIA approval. DATES: BIA issued the approval on August 6, 2024. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. Carla Clark, Bureau of Indian Affairs, Division of Real Estate Services, 1001 Indian School Road NW, Albuquerque, NM 87104, [email protected], (702) 484-3233. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: I. Summary of the HEARTH Act The HEARTH Act makes a voluntary, alternative land leasing process available to Tribes, by amending the Indian Long-Term Leasing Act of 1955, 25 U.S.C. 415. The HEARTH Act authorizes Tribes to negotiate and enter into business leases of Tribal trust lands with a primary term of 25 years, and up to two renewal terms of 25 years each, without the approval of the Secretary of the Interior (Secretary). The HEARTH Act also authorizes Tribes to enter into leases for residential, recreational, religious or educational purposes for a primary term of up to 75 years without the approval of the Secretary. Participating Tribes develop Tribal Leasing regulations, including an environmental review process, and then must obtain the Secretary's approval of those regulations prior to entering into leases. The HEARTH Act requires the Secretary to approve Tribal regulations if the Tribal regulations are consistent with the Department of the Interior's (Department) leasing regulations at 25 CFR part 162 and provide for an environmental review process that meets requirements set forth in the HEARTH Act. This notice announces that the Secretary, through the Assistant Secretary-- Indian Affairs, has approved the Tribal regulations for the Forest County Potawatomi Community, Wisconsin. II. Federal Preemption of State and Local Taxes The Department's regulations governing the surface leasing of trust and restricted Indian lands specify that, subject to applicable Federal law, permanent improvements on leased land, leasehold or possessory interests, and activities under the lease are not subject to State and local taxation and may be subject to taxation by the Indian Tribe with jurisdiction. See 25 CFR 162.017. As explained further in the preamble to the final regulations, the Federal Government has a strong interest in promoting economic development, self-determination, and Tribal sovereignty. 77 FR 72440, 72447-48 (December 5, 2012). The principles supporting the Federal preemption of State law in the field of Indian leasing and the taxation of lease-related interests and activities applies with equal force to leases entered into under Tribal leasing regulations approved by the Federal Government pursuant to the HEARTH Act. Section 5 of the Indian Reorganization Act, 25 U.S.C. 5108, preempts State and local taxation of permanent improvements on trust land. Confederated Tribes of the Chehalis Reservation v. Thurston County, 724 F.3d 1153, 1157 (9th Cir. 2013) (citing Mescalero Apache Tribe v. Jones, 411 U.S. 145 (1973)). Similarly, section 5108 preempts State taxation of rent payments by a lessee for leased trust lands, because ``tax on the payment of rent is indistinguishable from an impermissible tax on the land.'' See Seminole Tribe of Florida v. Stranburg, 799 F.3d 1324, 1331, n.8 (11th Cir. 2015). In addition, as explained in the preamble to the revised leasing regulations at 25 CFR part 162, Federal courts have applied a balancing test to determine whether State and local taxation of non-Indians on the reservation is preempted. White Mountain Apache Tribe v. Bracker, 448 U.S. 136, 143 (1980). The Bracker balancing test, which is conducted against a backdrop of ``traditional notions of Indian self-government,'' requires a particularized examination of the relevant State, Federal, and Tribal interests. We hereby adopt the Bracker analysis from the preamble to the surface leasing regulations, 77 FR at 72447-48, as supplemented by the analysis below. The strong Federal and Tribal interests against State and local taxation of improvements, leaseholds, and activities on land leased under the Department's leasing regulations apply equally to improvements, leaseholds, and activities on land leased pursuant to Tribal leasing regulations approved under the HEARTH Act. Congress's overarching intent was to ``allow Tribes to exercise greater control over their own land, support self-determination, and eliminate bureaucratic delays that stand in the way of homeownership and economic development in Tribal communities.'' 158 Cong. Rec. H. 2682 (May 15, 2012). The HEARTH Act was intended to afford Tribes ``flexibility to adapt lease terms to suit [their] business and cultural needs'' and to ``enable [Tribes] to approve leases quickly and efficiently.'' H. Rep. 112-427 at 6 (2012). Assessment of State and local taxes would obstruct these express Federal policies supporting Tribal economic development and self- determination, and also threaten substantial Tribal interests in effective Tribal government, economic self-sufficiency, and territorial autonomy. See Michigan v. Bay Mills Indian Community, 572 U.S. 782, 810 (2014) (Sotomayor, J., concurring) (determining that ``[a] key goal of the Federal Government is to render Tribes more self-sufficient, and better positioned to fund their own sovereign [[Page 66738]] functions, rather than relying on Federal funding''). The additional costs of State and local taxation have a chilling effect on potential lessees, as well as on a Tribe that, as a result, might refrain from exercising its own sovereign right to impose a Tribal tax to support its infrastructure needs. See id. at 810-11 (finding that State and local taxes greatly discourage Tribes from raising tax revenue from the same sources because the imposition of double taxation would impede Tribal economic growth). Similar to BIA's surface leasing regulations, Tribal regulations under the HEARTH Act pervasively cover all aspects of leasing. See 25 U.S.C. 415(h)(3)(B)(i) (requiring Tribal regulations be consistent with BIA surface leasing regulations). Furthermore, the Federal Government remains involved in the Tribal land leasing process by approving the Tribal leasing regulations in the first instance and providing technical assistance, upon request by a Tribe, for the development of an environmental review process. The Secretary also retains authority to take any necessary actions to remedy violations of a lease or of the Tribal regulations, including terminating the lease or rescinding approval of the Tribal regulations and reassuming lease approval responsibilities. Moreover, the Secretary continues to review, approve, and monitor individual Indian land leases and other types of leases not covered under the Tribal regulations according to 25 CFR part 162. Accordingly, the Federal and Tribal interests weigh heavily in favor of preemption of State and local taxes on lease-related activities and interests, regardless of whether the lease is governed by Tribal leasing regulations or 25 CFR part 162. Improvements, activities, and leasehold or possessory interests may be subject to taxation by the Forest County Potawatomi Community, Wisconsin. Bryan Newland, Assistant Secretary--Indian Affairs. [FR Doc. 2024-18379 Filed 8-15-24; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4337-15-P

usgpo

2024-10-08T13:26:30.264726

FR

FR-2024-08-16/2024-18355

Federal Register Volume 89 Issue 159 (August 16, 2024)

United States National Archives and Records Administration Office of the Federal Register

[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 159 (Friday, August 16, 2024)] [Notices] [Page 66738] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: 2024-18355] ======================================================================= ----------------------------------------------------------------------- INTERNATIONAL TRADE COMMISSION [Investigation Nos. 701-TA-695-698 and 731-TA-1643-1644 and 1646-1657 (Final)] Aluminum Extrusions From China, Colombia, Ecuador, India, Indonesia, Italy, Malaysia, Mexico, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, and Vietnam; Revised Schedule for the Subject Investigations AGENCY: United States International Trade Commission. ACTION: Notice. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DATES: August 12, 2024. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jordan Harriman (202-205-2610), Office of Investigations, U.S. International Trade Commission, 500 E Street SW, Washington, DC 20436. Hearing-impaired persons can obtain information on this matter by contacting the Commission's TDD terminal on 202-205-1810. Persons with mobility impairments who will need special assistance in gaining access to the Commission should contact the Office of the Secretary at 202-205-2000. General information concerning the Commission may also be obtained by accessing its internet server (https://www.usitc.gov). The public record for these investigations may be viewed on the Commission's electronic docket (EDIS) at https://edis.usitc.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On May 7, 2024, the Commission established a schedule for the conduct of the final phase of the subject investigations (89 FR 45677, May 23, 2024). Subsequently, the U.S. Department of Commerce (``Commerce'') issued a memorandum tolling certain statutory and regulatory deadlines by a total of seven days (Memorandum to the Record, Tolling of Deadlines for Antidumping and Countervailing Duty Proceedings, July 22, 2024). The Commission, therefore, is revising its schedule to conform with Commerce's new schedule. The Commission's revised dates in the schedule are as follows: the prehearing staff report in the final phase of these investigations will be placed in the nonpublic record on September 17, 2024, and a public version will be issued thereafter, pursuant to Sec. 207.22 of the Commission's rules; the deadline for filing prehearing briefs is 5:15 p.m. on September 24, 2024; if a brief contains business proprietary information, a nonbusiness proprietary version is due the following business day. Requests to appear at the hearing must be filed with the Secretary to the Commission not later than 5:15 p.m. on September 25, 2024; the prehearing conference will be held at the U.S. International Trade Commission Building on September 27, 2024, if deemed necessary. Parties shall file and serve written testimony and presentation slides in connection with their presentation at the hearing by no later than 4:00 p.m. on September 30, 2024. The hearing will be held at the U.S. International Trade Commission Building at 9:30 a.m. on October 1, 2024. The deadline for filing posthearing briefs is 5:15 p.m. on October 8, 2024. Any person who has not entered an appearance as a party to the investigations may submit a written statement of information pertinent to the subject of the investigations, including statements of support or opposition to the petition, on or before October 8, 2024. On October 23, 2024, the Commission will make available to parties all information on which they have not had an opportunity to comment. Parties may submit final comments on this information on or before October 25, 2024. The deadline for filing appearances is 21 days before the hearing. For further information concerning this proceeding, see the Commission's notice cited above and the Commission's Rules of Practice and Procedure, part 201, subparts A through E (19 CFR part 201), and part 207, subparts A and C (19 CFR part 207). Authority: These investigations are being conducted under authority of title VII of the Tariff Act of 1930; this notice is published pursuant to Sec. 207.21 of the Commission's rules. By order of the Commission. Issued: August 12, 2024. Lisa Barton, Secretary to the Commission. [FR Doc. 2024-18355 Filed 8-15-24; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 7020-02-P

usgpo

2024-10-08T13:26:30.355770

FR

FR-2024-08-16/2024-18404

Federal Register Volume 89 Issue 159 (August 16, 2024)

United States National Archives and Records Administration Office of the Federal Register

[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 159 (Friday, August 16, 2024)] [Notices] [Pages 66738-66739] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: 2024-18404] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- INTERNATIONAL TRADE COMMISSION [Investigation Nos. 701-TA-687 and 731-TA-1614 (Final)] Brass Rod From Israel; Scheduling of the Final Phase of the Antidumping and Countervailing Duty Investigations AGENCY: United States International Trade Commission. ACTION: Notice. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DATES: August 5, 2024. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Julie Duffy (202) 708-2579), Office of Investigations, U.S. International Trade Commission, 500 E Street SW, [[Page 66739]] Washington, DC 20436. Hearing-impaired persons can obtain information on this matter by contacting the Commission's TDD terminal on (202) 205-1810. Persons with mobility impairments who will need special assistance in gaining access to the Commission should contact the Office of the Secretary at (202) 205-2000. General information concerning the Commission may also be obtained by accessing its internet server (https://www.usitc.gov). The public record for these investigations may be viewed on the Commission's electronic docket (EDIS) at https://edis.usitc.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Effective September 29, 2023, the Commission established a general schedule for the conduct of the final phase of its investigations on brass rod from Brazil, India, Israel, Mexico, South Africa, and South Korea \1\ following preliminary determinations by the U.S. Department of Commerce (``Commerce'') that imports of brass rod from India, Israel, and South Korea were being subsidized by the governments of India, Israel, and South Korea.\2\ Notice of the scheduling of the final phase of the Commission's investigations and of a public hearing to be held in connection therewith was given by posting copies of the notice in the Office of the Secretary, U.S. International Trade Commission, Washington, DC, and by publishing the notice in the Federal Register on October 5, 2023 (88 FR 69229). All persons who requested the opportunity were permitted to appear in person or by counsel. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \1\ 88 FR 69229, October 5, 2023. \2\ 88 FR 67239, 88 FR 67240, and 88 FR 867233, September 29, 2023. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Commission subsequently issued its final determination that an industry in the United States is materially injured by reason of imports of brass rod from India that have been found by Commerce to be subsidized by the government of India.\3\ On April 22, 2024, Commerce issued its final affirmative determinations that imports of brass rod from Brazil, India, Mexico, South Africa, and South Korea were being sold at less than fair value in the United States, and that imports of brass rod from South Korea were being subsidized by the government of South Korea.\4\ The Commission subsequently issued its final determinations that an industry in the United States is materially injured by reason of imports of brass rod from Brazil, India, Mexico, South Africa, and South Korea that have been found by Commerce to be sold in the United States at less than fair value and imports of the subject merchandise from South Korea that have been found by Commerce to be subsidized by the government of South Korea.\5\ --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \3\ 89 FR 8440, February 7, 2024. \4\ 89 FR 29303, 89 FR 29300, 89 FR 29305, 89 FR 29292, 89 FR 29298, and 89 FR 29290, April 22, 2024. \5\ 89 FR 49193, June 11, 2024. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- On August 5, 2024, Commerce issued its final affirmative determinations that imports of brass rod from Israel were being sold at less than fair value in the United States, and that imports of brass rod from Israel were being subsidized by the government of Israel.\6\ Accordingly, the Commission currently is issuing a supplemental schedule for its antidumping duty and countervailing duty investigations on imports of brass rod from Israel. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \6\ 89 FR 63402 and 89 FR 63410, August 5, 2024. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- This supplemental schedule is as follows: the deadline for filing supplemental party comments on Commerce's final antidumping and countervailing duty determinations is 5:15 p.m. on August 14, 2024. Supplemental party comments may address only Commerce's final antidumping duty and countervailing duty determinations regarding imports of brass rod from Israel. These supplemental final comments may not contain new factual information and may not exceed five (5) pages in length. The supplemental staff report in the final phase of these investigations regarding subject imports from Israel will be placed in the nonpublic record on August 29, 2024; and a public version will be issued thereafter. For further information concerning these investigations see the Commission's notice cited above and the Commission's Rules of Practice and Procedure, part 201, subparts A and B (19 CFR part 201), and part 207, subparts A and C (19 CFR part 207). All written submissions must conform with the provisions of Sec. 201.8 of the Commission's rules; any submissions that contain BPI must also conform with the requirements of Sec. Sec. 201.6, 207.3, and 207.7 of the Commission's rules. The Commission's Handbook on Filing Procedures, available on the Commission's website at https://www.usitc.gov/documents/handbook_on_filing_procedures.pdf, elaborates upon the Commission's procedures with respect to filings. Additional written submissions to the Commission, including requests pursuant to section 201.12 of the Commission's rules, shall not be accepted unless good cause is shown for accepting such submissions, or unless the submission is pursuant to a specific request by a Commissioner or Commission staff. In accordance with sections 201.16(c) and 207.3 of the Commission's rules, each document filed by a party to the investigation must be served on all other parties to the investigation (as identified by either the public or BPI service list), and a certificate of service must be timely filed. The Secretary will not accept a document for filing without a certificate of service. Authority: This proceeding is being conducted under authority of title VII of the Tariff Act of 1930; this notice is published pursuant to section 207.21 of the Commission's rules. By order of the Commission. Issued: August 13, 2024. Lisa Barton, Secretary to the Commission. [FR Doc. 2024-18404 Filed 8-15-24; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 7020-02-P

usgpo

2024-10-08T13:26:30.392184

FR

FR-2024-08-16/2024-18328

Federal Register Volume 89 Issue 159 (August 16, 2024)

United States National Archives and Records Administration Office of the Federal Register

[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 159 (Friday, August 16, 2024)] [Notices] [Pages 66739-66740] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: 2024-18328] ======================================================================= ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE [OMB Number 1110-0045] Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposed eCollection eComments Requested; Revision of Currently Approved Collection AGENCY: Federal Bureau of Investigation Laboratory, Department of Justice. ACTION: 30-Day notice. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: The Federal Bureau of Investigation, Laboratory Division (LD), Department of Justice (DOJ), will be submitting the following information collection request to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and approval in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. DATES: Comments are encouraged and will be accepted for 30 days until September 16, 2024. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: If you have comments especially on the estimated public burden or associated response time, suggestions, or need a copy of the proposed information collection instrument with instructions or additional information, please contact: Marsha Karas, 2501 Investigation Parkway, [email protected], 703-632-7023. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The proposed information collection was previously published in the Federal Register on July 7, 2024 allowing a 60-day comment period. Written comments and suggestions from the public and affected agencies concerning the proposed collection of information are encouraged. Your comments should [[Page 66740]] address one or more of the following four points: --Evaluate whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information will have practical utility; --Evaluate the accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information, including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used; --Enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and/or --Minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are to respond, including through the use of appropriate automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology, e.g., permitting electronic submission of responses. Written comments and recommendations for this information collection should be submitted within 30 days of the publication of this notice on the following website www.reginfo.gov/public/do/PRAMain. Find this particular information collection by selecting ``Currently under 30-day Review--Open for Public Comments'' or by using the search function and entering either the title of the information collection or the OMB Control Number 1110-0045. This information collection request may be viewed at www.reginfo.gov. Follow the instructions to view Department of Justice, information collections currently under review by OMB. DOJ seeks PRA authorization for this information collection for three (3) years. OMB authorization for an ICR cannot be for more than three (3) years without renewal. The DOJ notes that information collection requirements submitted to the OMB for existing ICRs receive a month-to-month extension while they undergo review. Overview of This Information Collection 1. Type of Information Collection: Revision of a previously approved collection. 2. Title of the Form/Collection: Customer Satisfaction Assessment. 3. Agency form number, if any, and the applicable component of the Department of Justice sponsoring the collection: FD-1000 (FBI). 4. Affected public who will be asked or required to respond, as well as a brief abstract: Affected Public: Federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement. This collection is a brief questionnaire regarding customers' satisfaction with the services provided by the Federal Bureau of Investigation Laboratory. This collection is needed to evaluate the quality of services provided by the Federal Bureau of Investigation Laboratory. The Federal Bureau of Investigation Laboratory is accredited by the ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB). A requirement for maintaining accreditation is to evaluate the level of service provided by the Federal Bureau of Investigation Laboratory to our customers. To meet this requirement the Federal Bureau of Investigation Laboratory is requesting its customers to complete and return the Customer Satisfaction Assessment. 5. Obligation to Respond: Voluntary. 6. Total Estimated Number of Respondents: 300/year. 7. Estimated Time per Respondent: 5 minutes. 8. Frequency: Occasional. 9. Total Estimated Annual Time Burden: 25 hours. 10. Total Estimated Annual Other Costs Burden: $0. If additional information is required, contact: Darwin Arceo, Department Clearance Officer, Policy and Planning Staff, Justice Management Division, United States Department of Justice, Two Constitution Square, 145 N Street NE, 4W-218 Washington, DC 20530. Dated: August 12, 2024. Darwin Arceo, Department Clearance Officer for PRA, U.S. Department of Justice. [FR Doc. 2024-18328 Filed 8-15-24; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4410-02-P

usgpo

2024-10-08T13:26:30.465124

FR

FR-2024-08-16/2024-18347

Federal Register Volume 89 Issue 159 (August 16, 2024)

United States National Archives and Records Administration Office of the Federal Register

[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 159 (Friday, August 16, 2024)] [Notices] [Pages 66740-66741] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: 2024-18347] ======================================================================= ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF LABOR Employment and Training Administration Agency Information Collection Activities; Comment Request; Short- Time Compensation (STC) Grants ACTION: Notice. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: The Department of Labor's (DOL) Employment and Training Administration (ETA) is soliciting comments concerning a proposed extension for the authority to conduct the information collection request (ICR) titled, ``Short-Time Compensation (STC) Grants.'' This comment request is part of continuing Departmental efforts to reduce paperwork and respondent burden in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA). DATES: Consideration will be given to all written comments received by October 15, 2024. ADDRESSES: A copy of this ICR with applicable supporting documentation, including a description of the likely respondents, proposed frequency of response, and estimated total burden, may be obtained free by contacting Brian Eiermann by telephone at (202) 693-2846 (this is not a toll-free number), or by email at [email protected]. For persons with a hearing or speech disability who need assistance to use the telephone system, please dial 711 to access telecommunications relay services. Submit written comments about, or requests for a copy of, this ICR by mail or courier to the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration, Office of Unemployment Insurance, Room S-4520, 200 Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20210 by email: [email protected]; or by fax (202) 693-3975. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Brian Eiermann by telephone at (202) 693-2846 (this is not a toll-free number) or by email at [email protected]. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: DOL, as part of continuing efforts to reduce paperwork and respondent burden, conducts a pre-clearance consultation program to provide the general public and Federal agencies an opportunity to comment on proposed and/or continuing collections of information before submitting them to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for final approval. This program helps to ensure requested data can be provided in the desired format, reporting burden (time and financial resources) is minimized, collection instruments are clearly understood, and the impact of collection requirements can be properly assessed. The enactment of Public Law 112-96 (The Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act of 2012, referred to hereafter as ``the MCTRJC Act'') contains subtitle D, Short-Time Compensation Program, also known as the ``Layoff Prevention Act of 2012''. The sections of the law under this subtitle concern states that participate in a layoff aversion program known as STC or work sharing. Section 2164 of the MCTRJC Act covers grants the Federal Government provided to states for the purpose of implementation or improved administration of an STC program or for promotional and enrollment in the program. In addition to the MCJCTR Act, the enactment Public Law 116-136 of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act of 2020, referred [[Page 66741]] to hereafter as ``the CARES Act'' contains section 2110, Short-Time Compensation Program. Section 2110 of the CARES Act covers grants the Federal Government provided to states for the purpose of implementation or improved administration of an STC program or for promotional and enrollment in the program. ETA has principal oversight responsibility for monitoring the STC grants awarded to state workforce agencies (SWA). As part of the monitoring process, SWAs submit a quarterly progress report (QPR). The QPR serves as a monitoring instrument to track the SWAs' progress toward completing STC grant activities. ETA requires this reporting to allow for proper oversight of state STC program grants. Section 2164 of the MCTJRC Act and section 2110 of the CARES Act authorize this information collection. This information collection is subject to the PRA. A Federal agency generally cannot conduct or sponsor a collection of information, and the public is generally not required to respond to an information collection, unless it is approved by OMB under the PRA and displays a currently valid OMB Control Number. In addition, notwithstanding any other provisions of law, no person shall generally be subject to penalty for failing to comply with a collection of information that does not display a valid Control Number. See 5 CFR 1320.5(a) and 1320.6. Interested parties are encouraged to provide comments to the contact shown in the ADDRESSES section. Comments must be written to receive consideration, and they will be summarized and included in the request for OMB approval of the final ICR. In order to help ensure appropriate consideration, comments should mention OMB control number 1205-0499. Submitted comments will also be a matter of public record for this ICR and posted on the internet, without redaction. DOL encourages commenters not to include personally identifiable information, confidential business data, or other sensitive statements/information in any comments. DOL is particularly interested in comments that: Evaluate whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the Agency, including whether the information will have practical utility; Evaluate the accuracy of the Agency's estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information, including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used; Enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and Minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are to respond, including through the use of appropriate automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology, (e.g., permitting electronic submission of responses). Agency: DOL-ETA. Type of Review: Extension without changes. Title of Collection: Short-Time Compensation (STC) Grants. Form: Short-Time Compensation Quarterly Progress Report. OMB Control Number: 1205-0499. Affected Public: State Workforce Agencies. Estimated Number of Respondents: 19. Frequency: Quarterly. Total Estimated Annual Responses: 140. Estimated Average Time per Response: 1 hour. Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours: 140 hours. Total Estimated Annual Other Cost Burden: $0. Authority: 44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(2)(A). Jos[eacute] Javier Rodr[iacute]guez, Assistant Secretary for Employment and Training, Labor. [FR Doc. 2024-18347 Filed 8-15-24; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4510-FW-P

usgpo

2024-10-08T13:26:30.487319

FR

FR-2024-08-16/2024-18346

Federal Register Volume 89 Issue 159 (August 16, 2024)

United States National Archives and Records Administration Office of the Federal Register

[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 159 (Friday, August 16, 2024)] [Notices] [Pages 66741-66742] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: 2024-18346] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF LABOR Employment and Training Administration Agency Information Collection Activities; Comment Request; Standard Job Corps Contractor Information Gathering ACTION: Notice. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: The Department of Labor's (DOL or Department) Employment and Training Administration (ETA) is soliciting comments concerning a proposed extension for the authority to conduct the information collection request (ICR) titled, ``Standard Job Corps Contractor Information Gathering.'' This comment request is part of continuing Departmental efforts to reduce paperwork and respondent burden in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA). DATES: Consideration will be given to all written comments received by October 15, 2024. ADDRESSES: A copy of this ICR with applicable supporting documentation, including a description of the likely respondents, proposed frequency of response, and estimated total burden, may be obtained for free by contacting Hilda Alexander by telephone at 202-693-3843 (this is not a toll-free number) or by email at [email protected]. For persons with a hearing or speech disability who need assistance to use the telephone system, please dial 711 to access telecommunications relay services. Submit written comments about, or requests for a copy of, this ICR by mail or courier to the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training--Job Corps, 200 Constitution Ave NW, N-4459, Washington DC 20210; by email: [email protected]; or by fax: 240-531-6732. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Hilda Alexander by telephone at 202- 693-3843 (this is not a toll-free number) or by email at [email protected]. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: DOL, as part of continuing efforts to reduce paperwork and respondent burden, conducts a pre-clearance consultation program to provide the general public and Federal agencies an opportunity to comment on proposed and/or continuing collections of information before submitting them to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for final approval. This program helps to ensure requested data can be provided in the desired format, reporting burden (time and financial resources) is minimized, collection instruments are clearly understood, and the impact of collection requirements can be properly assessed. WIOA authorizes the collection of information from Job Corps applicants to determine eligibility for the Job Corps program. 29 U.S.C. 3194-3195. Applicant and student data is maintained in accordance with the Department's Privacy Act System of Records Notice DOL/GOVT-2 Job Corps Student Records authorizes this information collection. As OJC continues to provide services to our student population throughout 121 centers, this collection of information supports OJC's mission. In this revision, OJC has migrated one instrument from paper-based to electronic-based of ETA 9219, Annual Career Technical Skills Training (CTST) form and retired two instruments, Annual Staff Training and ETA 9192 Annual Center Academic Programs Review. [[Page 66742]] This information collection is subject to the PRA. A Federal agency generally cannot conduct or sponsor a collection of information, and the public is generally not required to respond to an information collection, unless it is approved by OMB under the PRA and displays a currently valid OMB Control Number. In addition, notwithstanding any other provisions of law, no person shall generally be subject to penalty for failing to comply with a collection of information that does not display a valid Control Number. See 5 CFR 1320.5(a) and 1320.6. Interested parties are encouraged to provide comments to the contact shown in the ADDRESSES section. Comments must be written to receive consideration, and they will be summarized and included in the request for OMB approval of the final ICR. In order to help ensure appropriate consideration, comments should mention OMB Control Number 1205-0219. Submitted comments will also be a matter of public record for this ICR and posted on the internet, without redaction. DOL encourages commenters not to include personally identifiable information, confidential business data, or other sensitive statements/information in any comments. DOL is particularly interested in comments that: Evaluate whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the Agency, including whether the information will have practical utility; Evaluate the accuracy of the Agency's estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information, including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used; Enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and Minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are to respond, including through the use of appropriate automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology, (e.g., permitting electronic submission of responses). Agency: DOL-ETA. Type of Review: Revision. Title of Collection: Standard Job Corps Contractor Information Gathering. Forms: ETA-9190 Grants Data Collection Forms (A, B, C). ETA 9222 Health and Wellness Center Annual Program Description. ETA 2110 Center Financial Report. ETA 2181 Center Operations Budget. ETA 2110 S Center Vacancy Separation Report. ETA 9213 Immunization Record. ETA 9212 Alcohol Testing Report. ETA 328 Property Inventory. ETA 6-36 Environmental Health Inspection. ETA 6-37 Inspection of Residential and Educational Facilities. ETA 6-38 Inspection of Water and Supply Facilities. ETA 9221 CRA Construction and Rehab Report. ETA 6-39 Inspection of Wastewater Treatment Facilities. ETA 9220 Center Preventive Maintenance Plan (PMP). ETA 6-131A and ETA 6-131B Disciplinary Discharge. ETA 6-131C Right to Appeal. ETA 640 Student Profile. ETA 661 Student Separation. ETA 9128 CDSS (Center Operations Plan). ETA 9219 CTST Annual. ETA 9214 Social Intake Form. ETA 9215 Physical Examination Form. ETA 9216 Health History Form. ETA 9217 Laboratory Testing Information Sheet. OMB Control Number: 1205-0219. Affected Public: Private Sector. Estimated Number of Respondents: 426,663. Frequency: Once. Total Estimated Annual Responses: 426,663. Estimated Average Time per Response: Varies. Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours: 134,919 hours. Total Estimated Annual Other Cost Burden: $0. Authority: 44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(2)(A). Jos[egrave] Javier Rodr[igrave]guez, Assistant Secretary for Employment and Training, Labor. [FR Doc. 2024-18346 Filed 8-15-24; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4510-FT-P

usgpo

2024-10-08T13:26:30.610567

FR

FR-2024-08-16/2024-18322

Federal Register Volume 89 Issue 159 (August 16, 2024)

United States National Archives and Records Administration Office of the Federal Register

[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 159 (Friday, August 16, 2024)] [Notices] [Pages 66742-66743] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: 2024-18322] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF LABOR Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request; Pension Benefit Statement ACTION: Notice of availability; request for comments. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: The Department of Labor (DOL) is submitting this Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA)-sponsored information collection request (ICR) to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and approval in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA). Public comments on the ICR are invited. DATES: The OMB will consider all written comments that the agency receives on or before September 16, 2024. ADDRESSES: Written comments and recommendations for the proposed information collection should be sent within 30 days of publication of this notice to www.reginfo.gov/public/do/PRAMain. Find this particular information collection by selecting ``Currently under 30-day Review-- Open for Public Comments'' or by using the search function. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Michael Howell by telephone at 202- 693-6782, or by email at [email protected]. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Section 105(a) of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) requires administrators of defined contribution plans and defined benefit plans to provide periodic pension benefit statements to participants and certain beneficiaries. If a defined contribution plan permits participants and beneficiaries to direct their own investments, benefit statements must be provided at least once each quarter. If the defined contribution plan does not permit participants and beneficiaries to direct their own investments, benefit statements must be provided at least once each year. In the case of defined benefit plans, benefit statements generally must be provided at least once every three years. Section 105(a)(2)(A)(i)(I) requires a benefit statement to indicate the participant's or beneficiary's ``total benefits accrued.'' On December 20, 2019, ERISA section 105 was amended by section 203 of the Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement Act of 2019 (SECURE Act). As amended, ERISA section 105 requires, in relevant part, that ``a lifetime income disclosure . . . be included in only one pension benefit statement provided to participants of defined contribution plans during any one 12-month period.'' A lifetime income disclosure ``shall set forth the lifetime income stream equivalent of the total benefits accrued with respect to the participant or beneficiary.'' A lifetime income stream equivalent means the amount of monthly payments the participant or beneficiary would receive if the total accrued benefits of such participant or beneficiary were used to provide a single life annuity and a qualified joint and survivor annuity. For additional substantive information about this ICR, see the related notice published in the Federal Register on February 5, 2024 (89 FR 7732). Comments are invited on: (1) whether the collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the Department, including whether the information will have practical utility; (2) the accuracy of the agency's estimates of the burden and [[Page 66743]] cost of the collection of information, including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used; (3) ways to enhance the quality, utility and clarity of the information collection; and (4) ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are to respond, including the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology. This information collection is subject to the PRA. A Federal agency generally cannot conduct or sponsor a collection of information, and the public is generally not required to respond to an information collection, unless the OMB approves it and displays a currently valid OMB Control Number. In addition, notwithstanding any other provisions of law, no person shall generally be subject to penalty for failing to comply with a collection of information that does not display a valid OMB Control Number. See 5 CFR 1320.5(a) and 1320.6. DOL seeks PRA authorization for this information collection for three (3) years. OMB authorization for an ICR cannot be for more than three (3) years without renewal. The DOL notes that information collection requirements submitted to the OMB for existing ICRs receive a month-to-month extension while they undergo review. Agency: DOL-EBSA. Title of Collection: Pension Benefit Statement. OMB Control Number: 1210-0166. Affected Public: Private sector, Business or other for profits. Total Estimated Number of Respondents: 765,124. Total Estimated Number of Responses: 447,584,067. Total Estimated Annual Time Burden: 163 hours. Total Estimated Annual Other Costs Burden: $471,237,675. (Authority: 44 U.S.C. 3507(a)(1)(D)) Michael Howell, Senior Paperwork Reduction Act Analyst. [FR Doc. 2024-18322 Filed 8-15-24; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4510-29-P

usgpo

2024-10-08T13:26:30.633498

FR

FR-2024-08-16/2024-18321

Federal Register Volume 89 Issue 159 (August 16, 2024)

United States National Archives and Records Administration Office of the Federal Register

[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 159 (Friday, August 16, 2024)] [Notices] [Page 66743] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: 2024-18321] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF LABOR Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request; Tax Performance System ACTION: Notice of availability; request for comments. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: The Department of Labor (DOL) is submitting this Employment and Training Administration (ETA)-sponsored information collection request (ICR) to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and approval in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA). Public comments on the ICR are invited. DATES: The OMB will consider all written comments that the agency receives on or before September 16, 2024. ADDRESSES: Written comments and recommendations for the proposed information collection should be sent within 30 days of publication of this notice to www.reginfo.gov/public/do/PRAMain. Find this particular information collection by selecting ``Currently under 30-day Review-- Open for Public Comments'' or by using the search function. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Michael Howell by telephone at 202- 693-6782, or by email at [email protected]. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Since 1987, states have been required by regulation at 20 CFR part 602 to operate a program to assess their Unemployment Insurance (UI) tax and benefit programs. The Tax Performance System (TPS) is designed to assess the major internal UI tax functions by utilizing several methodologies: Computed Measures, which are indicators of timeliness and completeness based on data automatically generated via the existing ETA 581, Contribution Operations Report (Control Number 1205-0178 and Program Reviews, which assess accuracy through a two-fold examination. This examination involves: (a) ''Systems Reviews'' which examine tax systems for the existence of internal controls; and (b) extraction of small samples of those systems' transactions which are then examined to verify the effectiveness of controls. For additional substantive information about this ICR, see the related notice published in the Federal Register on March 1, 2024 (89 FR 15220). Comments are invited on: (1) whether the collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the Department, including whether the information will have practical utility; (2) the accuracy of the agency's estimates of the burden and cost of the collection of information, including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used; (3) ways to enhance the quality, utility and clarity of the information collection; and (4) ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are to respond, including the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology. This information collection is subject to the PRA. A Federal agency generally cannot conduct or sponsor a collection of information, and the public is generally not required to respond to an information collection, unless the OMB approves it and displays a currently valid OMB Control Number. In addition, notwithstanding any other provisions of law, no person shall generally be subject to penalty for failing to comply with a collection of information that does not display a valid OMB Control Number. See 5 CFR 1320.5(a) and 1320.6. DOL seeks PRA authorization for this information collection for three (3) years. OMB authorization for an ICR cannot be for more than three (3) years without renewal. The DOL notes that information collection requirements submitted to the OMB for existing ICRs receive a month-to-month extension while they undergo review. Agency: DOL-ETA. Title of Collection: Tax Performance System. OMB Control Number: 1205-0332. Affected Public: State, local, and Tribal governments. Total Estimated Number of Respondents: 52. Total Estimated Number of Responses: 52. Total Estimated Annual Time Burden: 89,232 hours. Total Estimated Annual Other Costs Burden: $0. (Authority: 44 U.S.C. 3507(a)(1)(D)) Michael Howell, Senior Paperwork Reduction Act Analyst. [FR Doc. 2024-18321 Filed 8-15-24; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4510-FN-P

usgpo

2024-10-08T13:26:30.792059

FR

FR-2024-08-16/2024-18393

Federal Register Volume 89 Issue 159 (August 16, 2024)

United States National Archives and Records Administration Office of the Federal Register

[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 159 (Friday, August 16, 2024)] [Notices] [Pages 66743-66744] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: 2024-18393] ======================================================================= ----------------------------------------------------------------------- NATIONAL ARCHIVES AND RECORDS ADMINISTRATION [NARA-2024-049] Records Management; General Records Schedule (GRS); GRS Transmittal 36 AGENCY: National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). ACTION: Notice of new General Records Schedule (GRS) Transmittal 36. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: NARA is issuing revisions to the General Records Schedule (GRS). The GRS provides mandatory disposition instructions for records common to several or all Federal agencies. Transmittal 36 includes only changes we have made to the GRS since we published Transmittal 35 in June 2024. All other GRS remain in effect. [[Page 66744]] DATES: This transmittal is effective August 16, 2024. ADDRESSES: You can find all GRS schedules and FAQs at http://www.archives.gov/records-mgmt/grs.html (in Word, PDF, and CSV formats). You can download the complete current GRS, in PDF format, from the same location. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For more information about this notice or to obtain paper copies of the GRS, contact Eddie Germino, Regulatory and External Policy Program Manager, by email at [email protected] or by telephone at 301.837.3758. Writing and maintaining the GRS is the GRS Team's responsibility. This team is part of Records Management Operations in the Office of the Chief Records Officer, at NARA. You may contact NARA's GRS Team with general questions about the GRS at [email protected]. Your agency's records officer may contact the NARA appraiser with whom your agency normally works for support in carrying out this transmittal and the revised portions of the GRS. You may access a list of appraisal and scheduling contacts on our website at https://www.archives.gov/records-mgmt/appraisal/work-group-all.html. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: GRS Transmittal 36 announces changes to the General Records Schedules (GRS) made since NARA published GRS Transmittal 35 in June 2024. The GRS provide mandatory disposition instructions for records common to several or all Federal agencies. As with the past few transmittals, this transmittal publishes only those schedules that are new or have changed since they were last published in a transmittal. Other schedules not published in this transmittal remain current and authoritative. You can find all schedules (in Word and PDF formats), general GRS FAQs, and schedule specific FAQs at http://www.archives.gov/records-mgmt/grs.html. 1. What changes does this transmittal make to the GRS? GRS Transmittal 36 adds one new schedule: GRS 6.7: Special Collections Required by Statute. This schedule provides disposition authority necessary to allow agencies to transfer records to NARA in the Electronic Records Archive (ERA) as required by specific statutes. Examples of these statutes include the Civil Rights Cold Case Records Collection Act of 2018 (Pub. L. 115-426) and the 2024 National Defense Authorization Act: Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena Collection (Pub. L. 118-31, sections 1841-1843). The schedule only covers these special collections of records and not the original records that the agency continues to maintain. 2. How do agencies cite GRS items when communicating with NARA? Cite the ``DAA'' number in the ``Disposition Authority'' column of the GRS table when transferring records to Federal Records Centers or to NARA for accessioning, or when requesting GRS deviations on record schedules. For example, use ``DAA-GRS-2017-0007-0008'' rather than ``GRS 2.2, item 070.'' A GRS Disposition Authority Look-Up Table is available on our website at https://www.archives.gov/records-mgmt/grs.html. 3. Do agencies have to take any action to implement these GRS changes? This new schedule is not something that agencies will use on a regular basis and it is unlikely that an agency would need to incorporate it into agency file plans or records management systems. This schedule is for use by agency records management programs to fulfill statutory requirements when they exist. 4. How can an agency get copies of the new GRS? You can download the complete current GRS, in PDF format, from NARA's website at http://www.archives.gov/records-mgmt/grs.html. 5. Whom should an agency contact for further information? Please contact [email protected] with any questions related to this transmittal. Colleen J. Shogan, Archivist of the United States. [FR Doc. 2024-18393 Filed 8-15-24; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 7515-01-P

usgpo

2024-10-08T13:26:30.865573

FR

FR-2024-08-16/2024-18537

Federal Register Volume 89 Issue 159 (August 16, 2024)

United States National Archives and Records Administration Office of the Federal Register

[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 159 (Friday, August 16, 2024)] [Notices] [Pages 66744-66745] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: 2024-18537] ======================================================================= ----------------------------------------------------------------------- NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION [NRC-2024-0001] Sunshine Act Meetings TIME AND DATE: Weeks of August 19, 26, and September 2, 9, 16, 23, 2024. The schedule for Commission meetings is subject to change on short notice. The NRC Commission Meeting Schedule can be found on the internet at: https://www.nrc.gov/public-involve/public-meetings/schedule.html. PLACE: The NRC provides reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities where appropriate. If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in these public meetings or need this meeting notice or the transcript or other information from the public meetings in another format (e.g., braille, large print), please notify Anne Silk, NRC Disability Program Specialist, at 301-287-0745, by videophone at 240- 428-3217, or by email at [email protected]. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis. STATUS: Public. Members of the public may request to receive the information in these notices electronically. If you would like to be added to the distribution, please contact the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Office of the Secretary, Washington, DC 20555, at 301-415-1969, or by email at [email protected] or [email protected]. MATTERS TO BE CONSIDERED: Week of August 19, 2024 There are no meetings scheduled for the week of August 19, 2024. Week of August 26, 2024--Tentative There are no meetings scheduled for the week of August 26, 2024. Week of September 2, 2024--Tentative Wednesday, September 4, 2024 1:45 p.m. Affirmation Session (Public Meeting) (Tentative) Final Rule: Non-Power Production or Utilization Facility License Renewal (Contact: Sarah Turner: 301-287-9058) Thursday, September 5, 2024 10:00a.m. All Employees Meeting (Public Meeting) (Contact: Sarah Turner 301-287-9058) Additional Information: The meeting will be held in the Two White Flint North auditorium, 11555 Rockville Pike, Rockville, Maryland. The public is invited to attend the Commission's meeting live by webcast at the Web address--https://video.nrc.gov/ Week of September 9, 2024--Tentative There are no meetings scheduled for the week of September 9, 2024. Week of September 16, 2024--Tentative There are no meetings scheduled for the week of September 16, 2024. Week of September 23, 2024--Tentative There are no meetings scheduled for the week of September 23, 2024 CONTACT PERSON FOR MORE INFORMATION: For more information or to verify the status of meetings, contact Sarah Turner [[Page 66745]] at 301-287-9058 or via email at [email protected]. The NRC is holding the meetings under the authority of the Government in the Sunshine Act, 5 U.S.C. 552b. Dated: August 14, 2024. For the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. Sarah A. Turner, Information Management Specialist, Office of the Secretary. [FR Doc. 2024-18537 Filed 8-14-24; 4:15 pm] BILLING CODE 7590-01-P

usgpo

2024-10-08T13:26:30.920066

FR

FR-2024-08-16/2024-18331

Federal Register Volume 89 Issue 159 (August 16, 2024)

United States National Archives and Records Administration Office of the Federal Register

[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 159 (Friday, August 16, 2024)] [Notices] [Pages 66745-66746] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: 2024-18331] ======================================================================= ----------------------------------------------------------------------- POSTAL REGULATORY COMMISSION [Docket Nos. CP2023-191; MC2024-493 and CP2024-500; MC2024-494 and CP2024-501; MC2024-495 and CP2024-502; MC2024-496 and CP2024-503; MC2024-497 and CP2024-504; MC2024-498 and CP2024-505; MC2024-499 and CP2024-506; MC2024-500 and CP2024-507] New Postal Products AGENCY: Postal Regulatory Commission. ACTION: Notice. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: The Commission is noticing a recent Postal Service filing for the Commission's consideration concerning a negotiated service agreement. This notice informs the public of the filing, invites public comment, and takes other administrative steps. DATES: Comments are due: August 19, 2024. ADDRESSES: Submit comments electronically via the Commission's Filing Online system at http://www.prc.gov. Those who cannot submit comments electronically should contact the person identified in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section by telephone for advice on filing alternatives. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: David A. Trissell, General Counsel, at 202-789-6820. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Table of Contents I. Introduction II. Docketed Proceeding(s) I. Introduction The Commission gives notice that the Postal Service filed request(s) for the Commission to consider matters related to negotiated service agreement(s). The request(s) may propose the addition or removal of a negotiated service agreement from the Market Dominant or the Competitive product list, or the modification of an existing product currently appearing on the Market Dominant or the Competitive product list. Section II identifies the docket number(s) associated with each Postal Service request, the title of each Postal Service request, the request's acceptance date, and the authority cited by the Postal Service for each request. For each request, the Commission appoints an officer of the Commission to represent the interests of the general public in the proceeding, pursuant to 39 U.S.C. 505 (Public Representative). Section II also establishes comment deadline(s) pertaining to each request. The public portions of the Postal Service's request(s) can be accessed via the Commission's website (http://www.prc.gov). Non-public portions of the Postal Service's request(s), if any, can be accessed through compliance with the requirements of 39 CFR 3011.301.\1\ --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \1\ See Docket No. RM2018-3, Order Adopting Final Rules Relating to Non-Public Information, June 27, 2018, Attachment A at 19-22 (Order No. 4679). --------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Commission invites comments on whether the Postal Service's request(s) in the captioned docket(s) are consistent with the policies of title 39. For request(s) that the Postal Service states concern Market Dominant product(s), applicable statutory and regulatory requirements include 39 U.S.C. 3622, 39 U.S.C. 3642, 39 CFR part 3030, and 39 CFR part 3040, subpart B. For request(s) that the Postal Service states concern Competitive product(s), applicable statutory and regulatory requirements include 39 U.S.C. 3632, 39 U.S.C. 3633, 39 U.S.C. 3642, 39 CFR part 3035, and 39 CFR part 3040, subpart B. Comment deadline(s) for each request appear in section II. II. Docketed Proceeding(s) 1. Docket No(s).: CP2023-191; Filing Title: Notice of the United States Postal Service of Filing Modification One to Priority Mail Express International, Priority Mail International & First-Class Package International Service Contract 22; Filing Acceptance Date: August 9, 2024; Filing Authority: 39 CFR 3035.105; Public Representative: Katalin K. Clendenin; Comments Due: August 19, 2024. 2. Docket No(s).: MC2024-493 and CP2024-500; Filing Title: USPS Request to Add Priority Mail Express, Priority Mail, & USPS Ground Advantage Contract 209 to Competitive Product List and Notice of Filing Materials Under Seal; Filing Acceptance Date: August 9, 2024; Filing Authority: 39 U.S.C. 3642, 39 CFR 3040.130 through 3040.135, and 39 CFR 3035.105; Public Representative: Christopher C. Mohr; Comments Due: August 19, 2024. 3. Docket No(s).: MC2024-494 and CP2024-501; Filing Title: USPS Request to Add Priority Mail Express, Priority Mail, & USPS Ground Advantage Contract 210 to Competitive Product List and Notice of Filing Materials Under Seal; Filing Acceptance Date: August 9, 2024; Filing Authority: 39 U.S.C. 3642, 39 CFR 3040.130 through 3040.135, and 39 CFR 3035.105; Public Representative: Christopher C. Mohr; Comments Due: August 19, 2024. 4. Docket No(s).: MC2024-495 and CP2024-502; Filing Title: USPS Request to Add Priority Mail Contract 791 to Competitive Product List and Notice of Filing Materials Under Seal; Filing Acceptance Date: August 9, 2024; Filing Authority: 39 U.S.C. 3642, 39 CFR 3040.130 through 3040.135, and 39 CFR 3035.105; Public Representative: Kenneth R. Moeller; Comments Due: August 19, 2024. 5. Docket No(s).: MC2024-496 and CP2024-503; Filing Title: USPS Request to Add Priority Mail & USPS Ground Advantage Contract 298 to Competitive Product List and Notice of Filing Materials Under Seal; Filing Acceptance Date: August 9, 2024; Filing Authority: 39 U.S.C. 3642, 39 CFR 3040.130 through 3040.135, and 39 CFR 3035.105; Public Representative: Kenneth R. Moeller; Comments Due: August 19, 2024. 6. Docket No(s).: MC2024-497 and CP2024-504; Filing Title: USPS Request to Add Priority Mail & USPS Ground Advantage Contract 299 to Competitive Product List and Notice of Filing Materials Under Seal; Filing Acceptance Date: August 9, 2024; Filing Authority: 39 U.S.C. 3642, 39 CFR 3040.130 through 3040.135, and 39 CFR 3035.105; Public Representative: Kenneth R. Moeller; Comments Due: August 19, 2024. 7. Docket No(s).: MC2024-498 and CP2024-505; Filing Title: USPS Request to Add Priority Mail Express, Priority Mail, & USPS Ground Advantage Contract 211 to Competitive Product List and Notice of Filing Materials Under Seal; Filing Acceptance Date: August 9, 2024; Filing Authority: 39 U.S.C. 3642, 39 CFR 3040.130 through 3040.135, and 39 CFR 3035.105; Public Representative: Jennaca D. Upperman; Comments Due: August 19, 2024. 8. Docket No(s).: MC2024-499 and CP2024-506; Filing Title: USPS Request to Add Priority Mail Express, Priority Mail, & USPS Ground Advantage Contract 212 to Competitive Product List and Notice of Filing Materials Under Seal; Filing Acceptance Date: August 9, 2024; Filing Authority: 39 U.S.C. 3642, 39 CFR 3040.130 through 3040.135, and 39 CFR 3035.105; Public [[Page 66746]] Representative: Jennaca D. Upperman; Comments Due: August 19, 2024. 9. Docket No(s).: MC2024-500 and CP2024-507; Filing Title: USPS Request to Add Priority Mail Express, Priority Mail, & USPS Ground Advantage Contract 213 to Competitive Product List and Notice of Filing Materials Under Seal; Filing Acceptance Date: August 9, 2024; Filing Authority: 39 U.S.C. 3642, 39 CFR 3040.130 through 3040.135, and 39 CFR 3035.105; Public Representative: Jennaca D. Upperman; Comments Due: August 19, 2024. This Notice will be published in the Federal Register. Erica A. Barker, Secretary. [FR Doc. 2024-18331 Filed 8-15-24; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 7710-FW-P

usgpo

2024-10-08T13:26:30.981213

FR

FR-2024-08-16/2024-18340

Federal Register Volume 89 Issue 159 (August 16, 2024)

United States National Archives and Records Administration Office of the Federal Register

[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 159 (Friday, August 16, 2024)] [Notices] [Page 66746] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: 2024-18340] ======================================================================= ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION [Release No. 34-100693; File No. SR-FICC-2024-009] Self-Regulatory Organizations; Fixed Income Clearing Corporation; Notice of Designation of Longer Period for Commission Action on Proposed Rule Change To Modify the GSD Rules Relating to the Adoption of a Trade Submission Requirement August 12, 2024. On June 12, 2024, Fixed Income Clearing Corporation (``FICC'') filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (``Commission'') the proposed rule change SR-FICC-2024-009 (``Proposed Rule Change'') pursuant to Section 19(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (``Exchange Act'') \1\ and Rule 19b-4 \2\ thereunder to modify FICC's Government Securities Division (``GSD'') Rulebook (``GSD Rules'') as it relates to the adoption of a requirement for its direct participants to submit for clearance and settlement all eligible secondary market transactions in U.S. Treasury securities to which such direct participant is a counterparty.\3\ The Proposed Rule Change was published for public comment in the Federal Register on July 1, 2024.\4\ The Commission has received comments regarding the substance of the changes proposed in the Proposed Rule Change.\5\ --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \1\ 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(1). \2\ 17 CFR 240.19b-4. \3\ See Notice of Filing infra note 4, at 89 FR 54602. \4\ Securities Exchange Act Release No. 100417 (June 25, 2024), 89 FR 54602 (July 1, 2024) (File No. SR-FICC-2024-009) (``Notice of Filing''). \5\ Comments on the Proposed Rule Change are available at https://www.sec.gov/comments/sr-ficc-2024-009/srficc2024009.htm. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Section 19(b)(2)(i) of the Exchange Act \6\ provides that, within 45 days of the publication of notice of the filing of a proposed rule change, the Commission shall either approve the proposed rule change, disapprove the proposed rule change, or institute proceedings to determine whether the proposed rule change should be disapproved unless the Commission extends the period within which it must act as provided in Section 19(b)(2)(ii) of the Exchange Act.\7\ Section 19(b)(2)(ii) of the Exchange Act allows the Commission to designate a longer period for review (up to 90 days from the publication of notice of the filing of a proposed rule change) if the Commission finds such longer period to be appropriate and publishes its reasons for so finding, or as to which the self-regulatory organization consents.\8\ --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \6\ 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(2)(i). \7\ 15 U.S.C. 78 s(b)(2)(ii). \8\ Id. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- The 45th day after publication of the Notice of Filing is August 15, 2024. In order to provide the Commission with sufficient time to consider the Proposed Rule Change, the Commission finds that it is appropriate to designate a longer period within which to take action on the Proposed Rule Change and therefore is extending this 45-day time period. Accordingly, the Commission, pursuant to Section 19(b)(2) of the Exchange Act,\9\ designates September 29, 2024, as the date by which the Commission shall either approve, disapprove, or institute proceedings to determine whether to disapprove proposed rule change SR- FICC-2024-009. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \9\ Id. \10\ 17 CFR 200.30-3(a)(12). For the Commission, by the Division of Trading and Markets, pursuant to delegated authority.\10\ Sherry R. Haywood, Assistant Secretary. [FR Doc. 2024-18340 Filed 8-15-24; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 8011-01-P

usgpo

2024-10-08T13:26:31.021786

FR

FR-2024-08-16/2024-18463

Federal Register Volume 89 Issue 159 (August 16, 2024)

United States National Archives and Records Administration Office of the Federal Register

[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 159 (Friday, August 16, 2024)] [Notices] [Page 66746] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: 2024-18463] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Sunshine Act Meetings TIME AND DATE: Notice is hereby given, pursuant to the provisions of the Government in the Sunshine Act, Public Law 94-409, that the Securities and Exchange Commission will hold an Open Meeting on Tuesday, August 20, 2024, at 10 a.m. (ET). PLACE: The meeting will be webcast on the Commission's website at www.sec.gov. STATUS: This meeting will begin at 10 a.m. (ET) and will be open to the public via webcast on the Commission's website at www.sec.gov. MATTERS TO BE CONSIDERED: 1. The Commission will consider whether to approve the Amendments to PCAOB Rule 3502 Governing Contributory Liability, as adopted by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board. 2. The Commission will consider whether to approve the new auditing standard, AS 1000, General Responsibilities of the Auditor in Conducting an Audit and related amendments, as adopted by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board. 3. The Commission will consider whether to approve the Amendments Related to Aspects of Designing and Performing Audit Procedures that Involve Technology-Assisted Analysis of Information in Electronic Form, as adopted by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board. CONTACT PERSON FOR MORE INFORMATION: For further information; please contact Vanessa A. Countryman from the Office of the Secretary at (202) 551-5400. (Authority: 5 U.S.C. 552b) Dated: August 13, 2024. Vanessa A. Countryman, Secretary. [FR Doc. 2024-18463 Filed 8-14-24; 11:15 am] BILLING CODE 8011-01-P

usgpo

2024-10-08T13:26:31.051140

FR

FR-2024-08-16/2024-18342

Federal Register Volume 89 Issue 159 (August 16, 2024)

United States National Archives and Records Administration Office of the Federal Register

[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 159 (Friday, August 16, 2024)] [Notices] [Pages 66746-66748] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: 2024-18342] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION [Release No. 34-100695; File No. SR-CboeBZX-2024-073] Self-Regulatory Organizations; Cboe BZX Exchange, Inc.; Notice of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of a Proposed Rule Change To Amend Its Fees Schedule Concerning the Sales Value Fee August 12, 2024. Pursuant to Section 19(b)(1) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the ``Act''),\1\ and Rule 19b-4 thereunder,\2\ notice is hereby given that on July 30, 2024, Cboe BZX Exchange, Inc. (the ``Exchange'' or ``BZX'') filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the ``Commission'') the proposed rule [[Page 66747]] change as described in Items II and III below, which Items have been prepared by the Exchange. The Commission is publishing this notice to solicit comments on the proposed rule change from interested persons. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \1\ 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(1). \2\ 17 CFR 240.19b-4. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- I. Self-Regulatory Organization's Statement of the Terms of Substance of the Proposed Rule Change Cboe BZX Exchange, Inc. (the ``Exchange'' or ``BZX'') proposes to amend its Fees Schedule. The text of the proposed rule change is provided in Exhibit 5. The text of the proposed rule change is also available on the Exchange's website (https://www.cboe.com/us/options/regulation/rule_filings/bzx/), at the Exchange's Office of the Secretary, and at the Commission's Public Reference Room. II. Self-Regulatory Organization's Statement of the Purpose of, and Statutory Basis for, the Proposed Rule Change In its filing with the Commission, the Exchange included statements concerning the purpose of and basis for the proposed rule change and discussed any comments it received on the proposed rule change. The text of these statements may be examined at the places specified in Item IV below. The Exchange has prepared summaries, set forth in sections A, B, and C below, of the most significant aspects of such statements. A. Self-Regulatory Organization's Statement of the Purpose of, and Statutory Basis for, the Proposed Rule Change 1. Purpose The Exchange proposes to amend its Fees Schedule to add language concerning the application and collection of the Sales Value Fee, as described below. The proposed changes to the Fees Schedule do not change how the Exchange calculates or collects the Sales Value Fee from its Members, i.e., there are no changes to the application and assessment of the Sales Value Fee as a result of the proposed changes. By way of background, Section 31 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the ``Act'') \3\ requires each self-regulatory organization (``SRO'') to pay the Securities and Exchange Commission (``SEC'' or ``Commission'') twice annually a fee based on the aggregate dollar amount of certain sales of securities (i.e., ``covered sales''). A covered sale is a ``sale of a security, other than an exempt sale or a sale of a security future, occurring on a national securities exchange or by or through any member of a national securities association otherwise than on a national securities exchange.'' \4\ Assessing a sales fee to defray the cost of these fees is common practice among the national securities exchanges and associations,\5\ and in fact the Exchange currently assesses a fee on its Members for covered sales on the Exchange to recoup these amounts. The Exchange now proposes to amend its Fees Schedule to include information regarding this fee, including an explanation and description of the fee and how it is collected. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \3\ 17 CFR 240.31. \4\ 17 CFR 240.31(a)(6). \5\ See, e.g., ISE Options 7, Section 12; NASDAQ Options 7, Section 8; NYSE Rule 393; and Cboe Options Fees Schedule, Sales Value Fee. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Specifically, the Exchange proposes to add a section to the Fees Schedule labeled ``Sales Value Fee''. The proposed new section defines the Sales Value Fee (``Fee'') as the fee assessed by the Exchange to each Member for sales in securities when a sale in option securities occurs with respect to which the Exchange is obligated to pay a fee to the SEC under Section 31 of the Exchange Act or when a sell order in option securities is routed for execution at a market other than the Exchange, resulting in a covered sale on that market and an obligation of the routing broker providing Routing Services for the Exchange, as described in Exchange Rule 21.9, to pay the related sales fee of that market. The proposed section provides that to the extent the Exchange may collect more from Members under the section than is due from the Exchange to the Commission under Section 31 of the Act, for example due to rounding differences, the excess monies collected may be used by the Exchange to fund its general operating expenses. The Exchange may reimburse its routing broker for all Section 31-related fees incurred by the routing broker in connection with the Routing Services it provides. The proposed section explains that the transactions to which the Fee applies are sales of options (other than options on a security index). The Fee is collected indirectly from Members through their clearing firms by the Options Clearing Corporation (``OCC'') on behalf of the Exchange with respect to options sales and options exercises. The proposed section also sets forth the formula for calculating the Fee. Specifically, the Fee with respect to options sales and options exercises is equal to (i) the Section 31 fee rate multiplied by (ii) the Member's aggregate dollar amount of covered sales resulting from options transactions occurring on the Exchange during any computational period. The Exchange notes that if the SEC's Section 31 fee rate changes in the middle of a month, the Exchange will perform a separate calculation with respect to covered sales under the new fee rate for the remaining portion of the month. 2. Statutory Basis The Exchange believes the proposed rule change is consistent with the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the ``Act'') and the rules and regulations thereunder applicable to the Exchange and, in particular, the requirements of Section 6(b) of the Act.\6\ Specifically, the Exchange believes the proposed rule change is consistent with the Section 6(b)(5) \7\ requirements that the rules of an exchange be designed to prevent fraudulent and manipulative acts and practices, to promote just and equitable principles of trade, to foster cooperation and coordination with persons engaged in regulating, clearing, settling, processing information with respect to, and facilitating transactions in securities, to remove impediments to and perfect the mechanism of a free and open market and a national market system, and, in general, to protect investors and the public interest. Additionally, the Exchange believes the proposed rule change is consistent with the Section 6(b)(5) \8\ requirement that the rules of an exchange not be designed to permit unfair discrimination between customers, issuers, brokers, or dealers. The Exchange also believes the proposed rule change is consistent with Section 6(b)(4) of the Act,\9\ which requires that Exchange rules provide for the equitable allocation of reasonable dues, fees, and other charges among its Members and other persons using its facilities. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \6\ 15 U.S.C. 78f(b). \7\ 15 U.S.C. 78f(b)(5). \8\ Id. \9\ 15 U.S.C. 78f(b)(4). --------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Exchange believes that the proposed rule change is consistent with these requirements because the proposed amended Fees Schedule text provides Members with detail regarding the circumstances under which the Exchange assesses a Sales Value Fee, and the current process by which the Fee is collected. As such, the proposed changes will increase transparency, help avoid Member confusion and foster better understanding of the application of the Fee. Accordingly, the Exchange believes the proposed rule change will promote just and equitable principles of [[Page 66748]] trade, remove impediments to and perfect the mechanism of a free and open market and a national market system, and protect investors and the public interest. Further, the Exchange believes the proposed change is reasonable, given that assessing a sales fee to defray the cost of fees assessed under Section 31 of the Act is common practice among the national securities exchanges and associations.\10\ --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \10\ See, e.g., ISE Options 7, Section 12; NASDAQ Options 7, Section 8; NYSE Rule 393; and Cboe Options Fees Schedule, Sales Value Fee. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- As noted above, the proposed changes to the Fees Schedule do not change how the Exchange calculates or collects the Sales Value Fee from its Members, i.e., there are no changes to the application and assessment of the Sales Value Fee as a result of the proposed changes. Rather, the proposed changes will provide a more complete and accurate description of the Sales Value Fee (including an explanation of the Fee and how it is collected) to all Members. The Exchange believes the proposed change represents an equitable allocation of fees and is not unfairly discriminatory because it applies uniformly to all Members. B. Self-Regulatory Organization's Statement on Burden on Competition The Exchange does not believe that the proposed rule change will impose any burden on competition that is not necessary or appropriate in furtherance of the purposes of the Act. The Exchange does not believe the proposed changes will impose any burden on intramarket competition. Particularly, the proposed change applies uniformly to all Members, in that the Sales Value Fee will continue to be applied uniformly to all Members' applicable orders. The Exchange does not believe that the proposed rule changes will impose any burden on intermarket competition that is not necessary or appropriate in furtherance of the purposes of the Act. As noted above, assessing a sales fee to defray the cost of fees assessed under Section 31 of the Act is common practice among the national securities exchanges and associations.\11\ --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \11\ See, e.g., ISE Options 7, Section 12; NASDAQ Options 7, Section 8; NYSE Rule 393; and Cboe Options Fees Schedule, Sales Value Fee. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- C. Self-Regulatory Organization's Statement on Comments on the Proposed Rule Change Received From Members, Participants, or Others The Exchange neither solicited nor received comments on the proposed rule change. III. Date of Effectiveness of the Proposed Rule Change and Timing for Commission Action The foregoing rule change has become effective pursuant to Section 19(b)(3)(A) of the Act \12\ and paragraph (f) of Rule 19b-4 \13\ thereunder. At any time within 60 days of the filing of the proposed rule change, the Commission summarily may temporarily suspend such rule change if it appears to the Commission that such action is necessary or appropriate in the public interest, for the protection of investors, or otherwise in furtherance of the purposes of the Act. If the Commission takes such action, the Commission will institute proceedings to determine whether the proposed rule change should be approved or disapproved. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \12\ 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(3)(A). \13\ 17 CFR 240.19b-4(f). --------------------------------------------------------------------------- IV. Solicitation of Comments Interested persons are invited to submit written data, views and arguments concerning the foregoing, including whether the proposed rule change is consistent with the Act. Comments may be submitted by any of the following methods: Electronic Comments Use the Commission's internet comment form (https://www.sec.gov/rules/sro.shtml); or Send an email to [email protected]. Please include file number SR-CboeBZX-2024-073 on the subject line. Paper Comments Send paper comments in triplicate to Secretary, Securities and Exchange Commission, 100 F Street NE, Washington, DC 20549-1090. All submissions should refer to file number SR-CboeBZX-2024-073. This file number should be included on the subject line if email is used. To help the Commission process and review your comments more efficiently, please use only one method. The Commission will post all comments on the Commission's internet website (https://www.sec.gov/rules/sro.shtml). Copies of the submission, all subsequent amendments, all written statements with respect to the proposed rule change that are filed with the Commission, and all written communications relating to the proposed rule change between the Commission and any person, other than those that may be withheld from the public in accordance with the provisions of 5 U.S.C. 552, will be available for website viewing and printing in the Commission's Public Reference Room, 100 F Street NE, Washington, DC 20549, on official business days between the hours of 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. Copies of the filing also will be available for inspection and copying at the principal office of the Exchange. Do not include personal identifiable information in submissions; you should submit only information that you wish to make available publicly. We may redact in part or withhold entirely from publication submitted material that is obscene or subject to copyright protection. All submissions should refer to file number SR-CboeBZX-2024-073 and should be submitted on or before September 6, 2024. For the Commission, by the Division of Trading and Markets, pursuant to delegated authority.\14\ --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \14\ 17 CFR 200.30-3(a)(12). --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Sherry R. Haywood, Assistant Secretary. [FR Doc. 2024-18342 Filed 8-15-24; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 8011-01-P

usgpo

2024-10-08T13:26:31.090187

FR

FR-2024-08-16/2024-18341

Federal Register Volume 89 Issue 159 (August 16, 2024)

United States National Archives and Records Administration Office of the Federal Register

[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 159 (Friday, August 16, 2024)] [Notices] [Pages 66748-66750] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: 2024-18341] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION [Release No. 34-100694; File No. SR-CboeEDGX-2024-049] Self-Regulatory Organizations; Cboe EDGX Exchange, Inc.; Notice of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of a Proposed Rule Change To Amend Its Fees Schedule Concerning the Sales Value Fee August 12, 2024. Pursuant to Section 19(b)(1) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the ``Act''),\1\ and Rule 19b-4 thereunder,\2\ notice is hereby given that on July 30, 2024, Cboe EDGX Exchange, Inc. (the ``Exchange'' or ``EDGX'') filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the ``Commission'') the proposed rule change as described in Items I, II and III below, which Items have been prepared by the Exchange. The Commission is publishing this notice to solicit comments on the proposed rule change from interested persons. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \1\ 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(1). \2\ 17 CFR 240.19b-4. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- I. Self-Regulatory Organization's Statement of the Terms of Substance of the Proposed Rule Change Cboe EDGX Exchange, Inc. (the ``Exchange'' or ``EDGX'') proposes to amend its Fees Schedule. The text of the proposed rule change is provided in Exhibit 5. The text of the proposed rule change is also available on the Exchange's [[Page 66749]] website (https://markets.cboe.com/us/options/regulation/rule_filings/edgx/), at the Exchange's Office of the Secretary, and at the Commission's Public Reference Room. II. Self-Regulatory Organization's Statement of the Purpose of, and Statutory Basis for, the Proposed Rule Change In its filing with the Commission, the Exchange included statements concerning the purpose of and basis for the proposed rule change and discussed any comments it received on the proposed rule change. The text of these statements may be examined at the places specified in Item IV below. The Exchange has prepared summaries, set forth in sections A, B, and C below, of the most significant aspects of such statements. A. Self-Regulatory Organization's Statement of the Purpose of, and Statutory Basis for, the Proposed Rule Change 1. Purpose The Exchange proposes to amend its Fees Schedule to add language concerning the application and collection of the Sales Value Fee, as described below. The proposed changes to the Fees Schedule do not change how the Exchange calculates or collects the Sales Value Fee from its Members, i.e., there are no changes to the application and assessment of the Sales Value Fee as a result of the proposed changes. By way of background, Section 31 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the ``Act'') \3\ requires each self-regulatory organization (``SRO'') to pay the Securities and Exchange Commission (``SEC'' or ``Commission'') twice annually a fee based on the aggregate dollar amount of certain sales of securities (i.e., ``covered sales''). A covered sale is a ``sale of a security, other than an exempt sale or a sale of a security future, occurring on a national securities exchange or by or through any member of a national securities association otherwise than on a national securities exchange.'' \4\ Assessing a sales fee to defray the cost of these fees is common practice among the national securities exchanges and associations,\5\ and in fact the Exchange currently assesses a fee on its Members for covered sales on the Exchange to recoup these amounts. The Exchange now proposes to amend its Fees Schedule to include information regarding this fee, including an explanation and description of the fee and how it is collected. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \3\ 17 CFR 240.31. \4\ 17 CFR 240.31(a)(6). \5\ See, e.g., ISE Options 7, Section 12; NASDAQ Options 7, Section 8; NYSE Rule 393; and Cboe Options Fees Schedule, Sales Value Fee. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Specifically, the Exchange proposes to add a section to the Fees Schedule labeled ``Sales Value Fee''. The proposed new section defines the Sales Value Fee (``Fee'') as the fee assessed by the Exchange to each Member for sales in securities when a sale in option securities occurs with respect to which the Exchange is obligated to pay a fee to the SEC under Section 31 of the Exchange Act or when a sell order in option securities is routed for execution at a market other than the Exchange, resulting in a covered sale on that market and an obligation of the routing broker providing Routing Services for the Exchange, as described in Exchange Rule 21.9, to pay the related sales fee of that market. The proposed section provides that to the extent the Exchange may collect more from Members under the section than is due from the Exchange to the Commission under Section 31 of the Act, for example due to rounding differences, the excess monies collected may be used by the Exchange to fund its general operating expenses. The Exchange may reimburse its routing broker for all Section 31-related fees incurred by the routing broker in connection with the Routing Services it provides. The proposed section explains that the transactions to which the Fee applies are sales of options (other than options on a security index). The Fee is collected indirectly from Members through their clearing firms by the Options Clearing Corporation (``OCC'') on behalf of the Exchange with respect to options sales and options exercises. The proposed section also sets forth the formula for calculating the Fee. Specifically, the Fee with respect to options sales and options exercises is equal to (i) the Section 31 fee rate multiplied by (ii) the Member's aggregate dollar amount of covered sales resulting from options transactions occurring on the Exchange during any computational period. The Exchange notes that if the SEC's Section 31 fee rate changes in the middle of a month, the Exchange will perform a separate calculation with respect to covered sales under the new fee rate for the remaining portion of the month. 2. Statutory Basis The Exchange believes the proposed rule change is consistent with the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the ``Act'') and the rules and regulations thereunder applicable to the Exchange and, in particular, the requirements of Section 6(b) of the Act.\6\ Specifically, the Exchange believes the proposed rule change is consistent with the Section 6(b)(5) \7\ requirements that the rules of an exchange be designed to prevent fraudulent and manipulative acts and practices, to promote just and equitable principles of trade, to foster cooperation and coordination with persons engaged in regulating, clearing, settling, processing information with respect to, and facilitating transactions in securities, to remove impediments to and perfect the mechanism of a free and open market and a national market system, and, in general, to protect investors and the public interest. Additionally, the Exchange believes the proposed rule change is consistent with the Section 6(b)(5) \8\ requirement that the rules of an exchange not be designed to permit unfair discrimination between customers, issuers, brokers, or dealers. The Exchange also believes the proposed rule change is consistent with Section 6(b)(4) of the Act,\9\ which requires that Exchange rules provide for the equitable allocation of reasonable dues, fees, and other charges among its Members and other persons using its facilities. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \6\ 15 U.S.C. 78f(b). \7\ 15 U.S.C. 78f(b)(5). \8\ Id. \9\ 15 U.S.C. 78f(b)(4). --------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Exchange believes that the proposed rule change is consistent with these requirements because the proposed amended Fees Schedule text provides Members with detail regarding the circumstances under which the Exchange assesses a Sales Value Fee, and the current process by which the Fee is collected. As such, the proposed changes will increase transparency, help avoid Member confusion and foster better understanding of the application of the Fee. Accordingly, the Exchange believes the proposed rule change will promote just and equitable principles of trade, remove impediments to and perfect the mechanism of a free and open market and a national market system, and protect investors and the public interest. Further, the Exchange believes the proposed change is reasonable, given that assessing a sales fee to defray the cost of fees assessed under Section 31 of the Act is common practice among the national securities exchanges and associations.\10\ --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \10\ See, e.g., ISE Options 7, Section 12; NASDAQ Options 7, Section 8; NYSE Rule 393; and Cboe Options Fees Schedule, Sales Value Fee. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- As noted above, the proposed changes to the Fees Schedule do not change how the Exchange calculates or collects the Sales Value Fee from its Members, i.e., there are no changes to the application [[Page 66750]] and assessment of the Sales Value Fee as a result of the proposed changes. Rather, the proposed changes will provide a more complete and accurate description of the Sales Value Fee (including an explanation of the Fee and how it is collected) to all Members. The Exchange believes the proposed change represents an equitable allocation of fees and is not unfairly discriminatory because it applies uniformly to all Members. B. Self-Regulatory Organization's Statement on Burden on Competition The Exchange does not believe that the proposed rule change will impose any burden on competition that is not necessary or appropriate in furtherance of the purposes of the Act. The Exchange does not believe the proposed changes will impose any burden on intramarket competition. Particularly, the proposed change applies uniformly to all Members, in that the Sales Value Fee will continue to be applied uniformly to all Members' applicable orders. The Exchange does not believe that the proposed rule changes will impose any burden on intermarket competition that is not necessary or appropriate in furtherance of the purposes of the Act. As noted above, assessing a sales fee to defray the cost of fees assessed under Section 31 of the Act is common practice among the national securities exchanges and associations.\11\ --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \11\ See, e.g., ISE Options 7, Section 12; NASDAQ Options 7, Section 8; NYSE Rule 393; and Cboe Options Fees Schedule, Sales Value Fee. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- C. Self-Regulatory Organization's Statement on Comments on the Proposed Rule Change Received From Members, Participants, or Others The Exchange neither solicited nor received comments on the proposed rule change. III. Date of Effectiveness of the Proposed Rule Change and Timing for Commission Action The foregoing rule change has become effective pursuant to Section 19(b)(3)(A) of the Act \12\ and paragraph (f) of Rule 19b-4 \13\ thereunder. At any time within 60 days of the filing of the proposed rule change, the Commission summarily may temporarily suspend such rule change if it appears to the Commission that such action is necessary or appropriate in the public interest, for the protection of investors, or otherwise in furtherance of the purposes of the Act. If the Commission takes such action, the Commission will institute proceedings to determine whether the proposed rule change should be approved or disapproved. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \12\ 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(3)(A). \13\ 17 CFR 240.19b-4(f). --------------------------------------------------------------------------- IV. Solicitation of Comments Interested persons are invited to submit written data, views and arguments concerning the foregoing, including whether the proposed rule change is consistent with the Act. Comments may be submitted by any of the following methods: Electronic Comments Use the Commission's internet comment form (https://www.sec.gov/rules/sro.shtml); or Send an email to [email protected]. Please include file number SR-CboeEDGX-2024-049 on the subject line. Paper Comments Send paper comments in triplicate to Secretary, Securities and Exchange Commission, 100 F Street NE, Washington, DC 20549-1090. All submissions should refer to file number SR-CboeEDGX-2024-049. This file number should be included on the subject line if email is used. To help the Commission process and review your comments more efficiently, please use only one method. The Commission will post all comments on the Commission's internet website (https://www.sec.gov/rules/sro.shtml). Copies of the submission, all subsequent amendments, all written statements with respect to the proposed rule change that are filed with the Commission, and all written communications relating to the proposed rule change between the Commission and any person, other than those that may be withheld from the public in accordance with the provisions of 5 U.S.C. 552, will be available for website viewing and printing in the Commission's Public Reference Room, 100 F Street NE, Washington, DC 20549, on official business days between the hours of 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. Copies of the filing also will be available for inspection and copying at the principal office of the Exchange. Do not include personal identifiable information in submissions; you should submit only information that you wish to make available publicly. We may redact in part or withhold entirely from publication submitted material that is obscene or subject to copyright protection. All submissions should refer to file number SR-CboeEDGX-2024-049 and should be submitted on or before September 6, 2024. For the Commission, by the Division of Trading and Markets, pursuant to delegated authority.\14\ --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \14\ 17 CFR 200.30-3(a)(12). --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Sherry R. Haywood, Assistant Secretary. [FR Doc. 2024-18341 Filed 8-15-24; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 8011-01-P

usgpo

2024-10-08T13:26:31.154350

FR

FR-2024-08-16/2024-18377

Federal Register Volume 89 Issue 159 (August 16, 2024)

United States National Archives and Records Administration Office of the Federal Register

[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 159 (Friday, August 16, 2024)] [Notices] [Pages 66750-66751] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: 2024-18377] ======================================================================= ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION Information on SBA Secondary Market Program AGENCY: U.S. Small Business Administration. ACTION: Update to secondary market program. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: The purpose of this Notice is to inform the public that the Small Business Administration (SBA) is making a change to its Secondary Market Loan Pooling Program. SBA is decreasing the minimum maturity ratio for both SBA Standard Pools and Weighted-Average Coupon (WAC) Pools by 300 basis points, to 89.0%. The minimum maturity ratio covers the estimated cost of the timely payment guaranty for newly formed SBA 7(a) loan pools. This update will be incorporated, as needed, into the SBA Secondary Market Program Guide and all other appropriate SBA Secondary Market documents. DATES: The update will apply to SBA 7(a) loan pools with an issue date on or after October 1, 2024. ADDRESSES: Address comments concerning this Notice to David Parrish, Chief Secondary Market Division, Office of Financial Assistance, U.S. Small Business Administration, 409 3rd Street SW, Washington, DC 20416; or [email protected]. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: David Parrish, Chief Secondary Market Division, Office of Financial Assistance at (202) 205-6346; or [email protected]. If you are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Secondary Market Improvements Act of 1984, 15 U.S.C. 634(f) through (h), authorized SBA to guarantee the timely payment of principal and interest on Pool Certificates. A Pool Certificate represents a fractional undivided interest in a ``Pool,'' which is an aggregation of SBA guaranteed portions of loans made by SBA Lenders under section 7(a) of the Small Business Act, 15 U.S.C. 636(a). In order to support the [[Page 66751]] timely payment guaranty requirement, SBA established the Master Reserve Fund (MRF), which serves as a mechanism to cover the cost of SBA's timely payment guaranty. Borrower payments on the guaranteed portions of pooled loans, as well as SBA guaranty payments on defaulted pooled loans, are deposited into the MRF. Funds are held in the MRF until distributions are made to investors (Registered Holders) of Pool Certificates. The interest earned on the borrower payments and the SBA guaranty payments deposited into the MRF supports the timely payments made to Registered Holders. From time to time, SBA provides guidance to SBA Pool Assemblers on the required loan and pool characteristics necessary to form a Pool. These characteristics include, among other things, the minimum number of guaranteed portions of loans required to form a Pool, the allowable difference between the highest and lowest gross and net note rates of the guaranteed portions of loans in a Pool, and the minimum maturity ratio of the guaranteed portions of loans in a Pool. The minimum maturity ratio is equal to the ratio of the shortest and the longest remaining term to maturity of the guaranteed portions of loans in a Pool. Based on SBA's expectations as to the performance of future Pools, SBA Pool Assemblers may increase the difference between the shortest and the longest remaining term of the guaranteed portions of loans in a Pool by 3 percentage points (i.e., decreasing the minimum maturity ratio by 300 basis points). SBA does not expect a 3-percentage point decrease in the minimum maturity ratio to have an adverse impact on either the program or the participants in the program. Therefore, effective October 1, 2024, all guaranteed portions of loans in Standard Pools and WAC Pools presented for settlement with SBA's Fiscal Transfer Agent will be required to have a minimum maturity ratio of at least 89.0%. SBA will continue to monitor loan and pool characteristics and will provide notification of additional changes as necessary. It is important to note that there is no change to SBA's obligation to honor its guaranty of the amounts owed to Registered Holders of Pool Certificates and that such guaranty continues to be backed by the full faith and credit of the United States. This program change will be incorporated as necessary into SBA's Secondary Market Guide and all other appropriate SBA Secondary Market documents. As indicated above, this change will be effective for Standard Pools and WAC Pools with an issue date on or after October 1, 2024. David Parrish, Chief, Secondary Market Division. [FR Doc. 2024-18377 Filed 8-15-24; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE P

usgpo

2024-10-08T13:26:31.215780

FR

FR-2024-08-16/2024-17862

Federal Register Volume 89 Issue 159 (August 16, 2024)

United States National Archives and Records Administration Office of the Federal Register

[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 159 (Friday, August 16, 2024)] [Notices] [Pages 66751-66752] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: 2024-17862] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION Small Business Investment Company Licensing and Examination Fees Inflation Adjustment AGENCY: U.S. Small Business Administration. ACTION: Notice of inflation adjustment of SBIC licensing and examination fees. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is providing notice of the annual Inflation Adjustment to the Licensing and Examination Fees charged in the Small Business Investment Company (SBIC) program, required under the SBIC program regulations. DATES: The SBIC program Licensing and Examination Fees identified in this notice will become effective on October 1, 2024, and will not require further Inflation Adjustment prior to the release of the June 2025 Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U), as calculated by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Gretchen L. Kittel, Office of Investment and Innovation, at 202-578-5502 or [email protected]. If you are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The SBIC program regulations at 13 CFR 107.300(c)(4), 107.692(b)(2), and 107.692(e) require SBA to annually adjust the SBIC program Licensing and Examination Fees using the Inflation Adjustment defined in 13 CFR 107.50. The current Licensing Fees payable by SBIC Applicants became effective on August 17, 2023, as part of the SBIC Investment Diversification and Growth Final Rule, and the current Examination Fees payable by SBICs became effective on October 1, 2023. This document provides notice of the annual Inflation Adjustment based on the release of the June 2024 BLS CPI-U. The table below identifies the Licensing Fees payable by SBIC License Applicants and Examination Fees payable by SBICs, effective as of October 1, 2024. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Fees amounts SBIC fee type Fund sequence (effective October 1, 2024) ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Licensing Fees (effective under Sec. 107.300): Initial Licensing Fee Sec. Fund I............. $5,100 107.300(a). Fund II............ 10,300 Fund III........... 15,400 Fund IV+........... 20,600 Final Licensing Fee Sec. Fund I............. 10,300 107.300(b). Fund II............ 15,400 Fund III........... 25,700 Fund IV+........... 30,900 Licensing Resubmission Penty ................... 10,300 Fee Sec. 107.300(c)(3) \1\. Examination Fees (effective under Sec. 107.692): Minimum Base Fee (Sec. All Funds.......... 11,000 107.692(b)(2)). Maximum Base Fee for non- All Funds.......... 36,000 Leveraged SBICs (Sec. 107.692(b)(2)). Maximum Base Fee for All Funds.......... 53,600 Leveraged SBICs (Sec. 107.692(b)(2)). Delay Fee (Sec. All Funds.......... 800 107.692(e)). ------------------------------------------------------------------------ \1\ Resubmission Penalty Fee. The Resubmission Penalty Fee means a $10,000 penalty fee assessed to an applicant that has previously withdrawn or is otherwise not approved for a license that must be paid in addition to the Initial and Final Licensing Fees at the time the applicant resubmits its application. [[Page 66752]] Authority: 15 U.S.C. 681(e) and 687b(b); 13 CFR 107.300 and 107.692. Bailey DeVries, Associate Administrator, U.S. Small Business Administration, Office of Investment and Innovation. [FR Doc. 2024-17862 Filed 8-15-24; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 8026-09-P

usgpo

2024-10-08T13:26:31.245945

FR

FR-2024-08-16/2024-18338

Federal Register Volume 89 Issue 159 (August 16, 2024)

United States National Archives and Records Administration Office of the Federal Register

[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 159 (Friday, August 16, 2024)] [Notices] [Page 66752] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: 2024-18338] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION [Disaster Declaration #20533 and #20534; FLORIDA Disaster Number FL- 20009] Presidential Declaration of a Major Disaster for the State of Florida AGENCY: U.S. Small Business Administration. ACTION: Notice. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: This is a Notice of the Presidential declaration of a major disaster for the State of Florida (FEMA-4806-DR), dated 08/10/2024. Incident: Hurricane Debby. Incident Period: 08/01/2024 and continuing. DATES: Issued on 08/10/2024. Physical Loan Application Deadline Date: 10/09/2024. Economic Injury (EIDL) Loan Application Deadline Date: 05/12/2025. ADDRESSES: Visit the MySBA Loan Portal at https://lending.sba.gov to apply for a disaster assistance loan. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Alan Escobar, Office of Disaster Recovery & Resilience, U.S. Small Business Administration, 409 3rd Street SW, Suite 6050, Washington, DC 20416, (202) 205-6734. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Notice is hereby given that as a result of the President's major disaster declaration on 08/10/2024, applications for disaster loans may be submitted online using the MySBA Loan Portal https://lending.sba.gov or other locally announced locations. Please contact the SBA disaster assistance customer service center by email at [email protected] or by phone at 1-800-659-2955 for further assistance. The following areas have been determined to be adversely affected by the disaster: Primary Counties (Physical Damage and Economic Injury Loans): Columbia, Dixie, Gilchrist, Hamilton, Lafayette, Levy, Manatee, Sarasota, Suwannee, Taylor. Contiguous Counties (Economic Injury Loans Only): Florida: Alachua, Baker, Charlotte, Citrus, Desoto, Hardee, Hillsborough, Jefferson, Madison, Marion, Polk, Union. Georgia: Clinch, Echols, Lowndes. The Interest Rates are: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Percent ------------------------------------------------------------------------ For Physical Damage: Homeowners with Credit Available Elsewhere................. 5.625 Homeowners without Credit Available Elsewhere.............. 2.813 Businesses with Credit Available Elsewhere................. 8.000 Businesses without Credit Available Elsewhere.............. 4.000 Non-Profit Organizations with Credit Available Elsewhere... 3.250 Non-Profit Organizations without Credit Available Elsewhere 3.250 For Economic Injury: Business and Small Agricultural Cooperatives without Credit 4.000 Available Elsewhere....................................... Non-Profit Organizations without Credit Available Elsewhere 3.250 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ The number assigned to this disaster for physical damage is 205338 and for economic injury is 205340. (Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number 59008) Rafaela Monchek, Acting Associate Administrator, Office of Disaster Recovery & Resilience. [FR Doc. 2024-18338 Filed 8-15-24; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 8026-09-P

usgpo

2024-10-08T13:26:31.299793

FR

FR-2024-08-16/2024-18441

Federal Register Volume 89 Issue 159 (August 16, 2024)

United States National Archives and Records Administration Office of the Federal Register

[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 159 (Friday, August 16, 2024)] [Notices] [Page 66752] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: 2024-18441] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION [Disaster Declaration #20496 and #20497; IOWA Disaster Number IA-20009] Presidential Declaration Amendment of a Major Disaster for Public Assistance Only for the State of Iowa AGENCY: U.S. Small Business Administration. ACTION: Amendment 3. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: This is an amendment of the Presidential declaration of a major disaster for Public Assistance Only for the State of Iowa (FEMA- 4796-DR), dated 07/24/2024. Incident: Severe Storms, Flooding, Straight-line Winds, and Tornadoes. Incident Period: 06/16/2024 through 07/23/2024. DATES: Issued on 08/09/2024. Physical Loan Application Deadline Date: 09/23/2024. Economic Injury (EIDL) Loan Application Deadline Date: 04/24/2025. ADDRESSES: Visit the MySBA Loan Portal at https://lending.sba.gov to apply for a disaster assistance loan. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Alan Escobar, Office of Disaster Recovery & Resilience, U.S. Small Business Administration, 409 3rd Street SW, Suite 6050, Washington, DC 20416, (202) 205-6734. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The notice of the President's major disaster declaration for Private Non-Profit organizations in the State of Iowa, dated 07/24/2024, is hereby amended to include the following areas as adversely affected by the disaster. Primary Counties: Des Moines, Emmet, Floyd, Howard, Kossuth, Mitchell, Pottawattamie. All other information in the original declaration remains unchanged. (Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number 59008) Rafaela Monchek, Acting Associate Administrator, Office of Disaster Recovery & Resilience. [FR Doc. 2024-18441 Filed 8-15-24; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 8026-09-P

usgpo

2024-10-08T13:26:31.327612

FR

FR-2024-08-16/2024-18339

Federal Register Volume 89 Issue 159 (August 16, 2024)

United States National Archives and Records Administration Office of the Federal Register

[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 159 (Friday, August 16, 2024)] [Notices] [Pages 66752-66753] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: 2024-18339] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION [Disaster Declaration #20358 and #20359; TEXAS Disaster Number TX- 20013] Presidential Declaration Amendment of a Major Disaster for Public Assistance Only for the State of Texas AGENCY: U.S. Small Business Administration. ACTION: Amendment 8. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: This is an amendment of the Presidential declaration of a major disaster for Public Assistance Only for the State of Texas (FEMA- 4781-DR), dated 05/23/2024. Incident: Severe Storms, Straight-line Winds, Tornadoes, and Flooding. Incident Period: 04/26/2024 through 06/05/2024. DATES: Issued on 08/09/2024. Physical Loan Application Deadline Date: 09/09/2024. Economic Injury (EIDL) Loan Application Deadline Date: 02/24/2025. ADDRESSES: Visit the MySBA Loan Portal at https://lending.sba.gov to apply for a disaster assistance loan. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Alan Escobar, Office of Disaster Recovery & Resilience, U.S. Small Business Administration, 409 3rd Street SW, Suite 6050, Washington, DC 20416, (202) 205-6734. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The notice of the President's major disaster declaration for Private Non-Profit organizations in the State of Texas, dated 05/23/2024, is hereby amended to [[Page 66753]] extend the deadline for filing applications for physical damages as a result of this disaster to 09/09/2024. This notice is further amended to include the following areas as adversely affected by the disaster. Primary Counties: Bowie, Nacogdoches, Navarro, Red River, Smith. All other information in the original declaration remains unchanged. (Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number 59008) Rafaela Monchek, Acting Associate Administrator, Office of Disaster Recovery & Resilience. [FR Doc. 2024-18339 Filed 8-15-24; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 8026-09-P

usgpo

2024-10-08T13:26:31.365356

FR

FR-2024-08-16/2024-18371

Federal Register Volume 89 Issue 159 (August 16, 2024)

United States National Archives and Records Administration Office of the Federal Register

[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 159 (Friday, August 16, 2024)] [Notices] [Page 66753] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: 2024-18371] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION [Disaster Declaration #20453 and #20454; ARKANSAS Disaster Number AR- 20010] Administrative Disaster Declaration of a Rural Area for the State of Arkansas AGENCY: Small Business Administration. ACTION: Notice. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: This is a notice of an Administrative disaster declaration of a rural area for the State of Arkansas dated 08/12/2024. Incident: Severe Storms, Straight-line Winds, Tornadoes, and Flooding. Incident Period: 05/24/2024 through 05/27/2024. DATES: Issued on 08/12/2024. Physical Loan Application Deadline Date: 10/11/2024. Economic Injury (EIDL) Loan Application Deadline Date: 05/12/2025. ADDRESSES: Visit the MySBA Loan Portal at https://lending.sba.gov to apply for a disaster assistance loan. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Alan Escobar, Office of Disaster Recovery & Resilience, U.S. Small Business Administration, 409 3rd Street SW, Suite 6050, Washington, DC 20416, (202) 205-6734. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Notice is hereby given that as a result of the Administrator's disaster declaration of a rural area, applications for disaster loans may be submitted online using the MySBA Loan Portal https://lending.sba.gov or other locally announced locations. Please contact the SBA disaster assistance customer service center by email at [email protected] or by phone at 1-800-659-2955 for further assistance. The following areas have been determined to be adversely affected by the disaster: Primary Counties: Sharp. The Interest Rates are: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Percent ------------------------------------------------------------------------ For Physical Damage: Homeowners with Credit Available Elsewhere................. 5.375 Homeowners without Credit Available Elsewhere.............. 2.688 Businesses with Credit Available Elsewhere................. 8.000 Businesses without Credit Available Elsewhere.............. 4.000 Non-Profit Organizations with Credit Available Elsewhere... 3.250 Non-Profit Organizations without Credit Available Elsewhere 3.250 For Economic Injury: Business and Small Agricultural Cooperatives without Credit 4.000 Available Elsewhere....................................... Non-Profit Organizations without Credit Available Elsewhere 3.250 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ The number assigned to this disaster for physical damage is 20453C and for economic injury is 204540. The State which received an EIDL Declaration is Arkansas. (Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number 59008) Isabella Guzman, Administrator. [FR Doc. 2024-18371 Filed 8-15-24; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 8026-09-P

usgpo

2024-10-08T13:26:31.397505

FR

FR-2024-08-16/2024-18352

Federal Register Volume 89 Issue 159 (August 16, 2024)

United States National Archives and Records Administration Office of the Federal Register

[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 159 (Friday, August 16, 2024)] [Notices] [Pages 66753-66754] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: 2024-18352] ======================================================================= ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF STATE [Public Notice 12494] 30-Day Notice of Proposed Information Collection: Recording, Reporting, and Data Collection Requirements--Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) ACTION: Notice of request for public comment and submission to OMB of proposed collection of information. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: The Department of State has submitted the information collection described below to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for approval. In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, we are requesting comments on this collection from all interested individuals and organizations. The purpose of this Notice is to allow 30 days for public comment. DATES: Submit comments up to September 16, 2024. ADDRESSES: Written comments and recommendations for the proposed information collection should be sent within 30 days of publication of this notice to www.reginfo.gov/public/do/PRAMain. Find this particular information collection by selecting ``Currently under 30-day Review-- Open for Public Comments'' or by using the search function. Direct requests for additional information regarding the collection listed in this notice, including requests for copies of the proposed collection instrument and supporting documents, to Private Sector Exchange Directorate (ECA/EC), U.S Department of State, SA-5, 2200 C Street NW, Washington, DC 20522-0505, ATTN: Federal Register Notice Response, which may be reached at phone: (202) 826-4364, or via email: [email protected]. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Title of Information Collection: Recording, Reporting, and Data Collection Requirements--Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) OMB Control Number: 1405-0147. Type of Request: Reinstatement of a previously approved collection. Originating Office: Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA/EC). Form Number: DS-3036, DS-3037, DS-7000. Respondents: U.S. Government and public and private organizations wishing to become Department of State designated sponsors authorized to conduct exchange visitor programs, and Department of State designated sponsors, exchange visitors, and hosts. Estimated Number of Respondents: 186,910 (DS-3036--60); (DS-3037--1,450); (DS-7000--185,400). Estimated Number of Responses: 2,001,524 (DS-3036--60; DS- 3037--2,900; DS-7000--1,998,564 (1,977,588 for Non-SEVIS and 20,976 for SEVIS). Average Time Per Response: DS-3036--8 hours; DS-3037--20 minutes; DS-7000--45 minutes. Total Estimated Burden Time: 1,988,286 hours (DS-3036--480 hours; DS-3037 943 hours; DS-7000--1,986,863). Frequency: On occasion. Obligation to Respond: Required to Obtain or Retain a Benefit. We are soliciting public comments to permit the Department to: Evaluate whether the proposed information collection is necessary for the proper functions of the Department. Evaluate the accuracy of our estimate of the time and cost burden for this proposed collection, including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used. [[Page 66754]] Enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected. Minimize the reporting burden on those who are to respond, including the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology. Please note that comments submitted in response to this Notice are public record. Before including any detailed personal information, you should be aware that your comments as submitted, including your personal information, will be available for public review. Abstract of Proposed Collection The collection contains information collected by the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs in administering the Exchange Visitor Program (J-Visa) under the provisions of the Mutual Educational and Cultural Exchange Act, as amended (22 U.S.C. 2451, et seq. Methodology Information will be collected through mail or electronic submission. Access to Forms DS-3036 and DS-3037 is found in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). Form DS-7000 is an internal spreadsheet that summarizes the burden resulting from requirements of the Exchange Visitor Program rules in 22 CFR part 62. Rebecca Pasini, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. [FR Doc. 2024-18352 Filed 8-15-24; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4710-05-P

usgpo

2024-10-08T13:26:31.433887

FR

FR-2024-08-16/2024-18402

Federal Register Volume 89 Issue 159 (August 16, 2024)

United States National Archives and Records Administration Office of the Federal Register

[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 159 (Friday, August 16, 2024)] [Notices] [Page 66754] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: 2024-18402] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF STATE [Public Notice: 12486] Industry Advisory Group: Notice of New Open Meeting Date The date for the U.S. Department of State Bureau of Overseas Buildings Operations' 2024 Industry Advisory Group Annual Meeting has been changed. The new date is now Tuesday, September 17, 2024, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. ET. The meeting will be hybrid and open to the public from 1:30 p.m.-5:30 p.m., including a networking session starting at 4:30 p.m., at the U.S. Department of State, located at 2201 C Street NW, Washington, DC. For those who have already registered to attend in person, please email OBO External Affairs if you are unable to attend. Virtual attendees do not need to take any action and may use their existing meeting invitations. The meeting will primarily be devoted to discussions between the Department's senior management and IAG members regarding industry and academia's latest concepts, methods, best practices, innovations, and ideas supporting OBO's mission to provide the most effective facilities for United States diplomacy abroad. Additionally, time will be provided for public members to ask questions and provide comments. The public may attend this meeting in-person as seating capacity allows. Admittance to the State Department building will be through a pre-arranged clearance list. OBO External Affairs will post an open registration announcement on OBO's website (www.state.gov/obo) and social media and email the announcement to OBO's distribution list to inform the public of the event. We encourage those interested in attending the IAG Annual Meeting to sign up for OBO's Distribution List. Please forward any requests for reasonable accommodation to [email protected] by August 29, 2024. Request for reasonable accommodation made after that date will be considered but may not be fulfilled. For further information, please contact External Affairs at [email protected]. Rollin L. Miller, Chief of Staff, Bureau of Overseas Buildings Operations, Department of State. [FR Doc. 2024-18402 Filed 8-15-24; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4710-51-P

usgpo

2024-10-08T13:26:31.464172

FR

FR-2024-08-16/2024-18433

Federal Register Volume 89 Issue 159 (August 16, 2024)

United States National Archives and Records Administration Office of the Federal Register

[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 159 (Friday, August 16, 2024)] [Notices] [Page 66754] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: 2024-18433] ======================================================================= ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SURFACE TRANSPORTATION BOARD [Docket No. EP 774 (Sub-No. 2)] Notice of Passenger Rail Advisory Committee Meeting AGENCY: Surface Transportation Board. ACTION: Notice of Passenger Rail Advisory Committee meeting. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: Notice is hereby given of a meeting of the Passenger Rail Advisory Committee Meeting (PRAC), pursuant to the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA). DATES: The meeting will be held on October 16, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. E.T. ADDRESSES: The meeting will be held at the Surface Transportation Board headquarters at 395 E Street SW, Washington, DC 20423. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Brian O'Boyle at (202) 245-0364 or [email protected]. If you require an accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act for this meeting, please call (202) 245-0245 by October 2, 2024. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The PRAC was formed in 2023 to provide advice and guidance to the Board on passenger rail issues on a continuing basis to help the Board better fulfill its statutory responsibilities in overseeing certain aspects of passenger rail service. Establishment of the Passenger Rail Advisory Comm., EP 774 (STB served Nov. 13, 2023). The purpose of this meeting is to facilitate discussions regarding ideas on how to improve efficiency on passenger rail routes, reduce disputes between passenger rail carriers and freight rail hosts, and improve regulatory processes related to intercity passenger rail. Potential agenda items for this meeting include introduction of PRAC members, election of PRAC officers, discussion of topics for PRAC to explore and goals for PRAC, a presentation by the Board's Office of Passenger Rail, briefing for PRAC members on FACA and ethical requirements, and the operation of PRAC at future meetings. The meeting, which is open to the public, will be conducted in accordance with FACA, 5 U.S.C. app. 2; Federal Advisory Committee Management regulations, 41 CFR part 102-3; PRAC's charter; and Board procedures. Further communications about this meeting may be announced through the Board's website at www.stb.gov. Written Comments: Members of the public may submit written comments to PRAC at any time. Comments should be addressed to PRAC, c/o Brian O'Boyle, Surface Transportation Board, 395 E Street SW, Washington, DC 20423-0001 or [email protected]. Please submit any comments for review at the meeting by October 2, 2024, if possible. Authority: 49 U.S.C. 1321, 11101, and 11121. Decided: August 13, 2024. By the Board, Scott M. Zimmerman, Acting Director, Office of Proceedings. Jeffrey Herzig, Clearance Clerk. [FR Doc. 2024-18433 Filed 8-15-24; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4915-01-P

usgpo

2024-10-08T13:26:31.497545

FR

FR-2024-08-16/2024-18337

Federal Register Volume 89 Issue 159 (August 16, 2024)

United States National Archives and Records Administration Office of the Federal Register

[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 159 (Friday, August 16, 2024)] [Notices] [Pages 66754-66756] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: 2024-18337] ======================================================================= ----------------------------------------------------------------------- OFFICE OF THE UNITED STATES TRADE REPRESENTATIVE [Docket Number USTR-2024-0013] 2024 Review of Notorious Markets for Counterfeiting and Piracy: Comment Request AGENCY: Office of the United States Trade Representative. ACTION: Request for comments. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- [[Page 66755]] SUMMARY: The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) requests comments that identify online and physical markets to be considered for inclusion in the 2024 Review of Notorious Markets for Counterfeiting and Piracy (Notorious Markets List). The Notorious Markets List identifies examples of online and physical markets that reportedly engage in or facilitate substantial copyright piracy or trademark counterfeiting. The issue focus for the 2024 Notorious Markets List will examine online pharmacies and counterfeit medicine. DATES: October 2, 2024, at 11:59 p.m. ET: Deadline for submission of written comments. October 16, 2024, at 11:59 p.m. ET: Deadline for submission of rebuttal comments and other information USTR should consider during the review. ADDRESSES: You should submit written comments through the Federal eRulemaking Portal: http://www.regulations.gov (Regulations.gov). Follow the instructions for submitting comments in section III below. For alternatives to online submissions, please contact Claire Avery- Page at [email protected] or 202.395.6862 before transmitting a comment and in advance of the relevant deadline. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Claire Avery-Page, Director for Innovation and Intellectual Property, at [email protected] or 202.395.6862. You can find information about the Special 301 Review, including the Notorious Markets List, at www.ustr.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: I. Background The United States is concerned with trademark counterfeiting and copyright piracy on a commercial scale because these illicit activities cause significant financial losses for right holders, legitimate businesses, and governments. In addition, they undermine critical U.S. comparative advantages in innovation and creativity to the detriment of American workers, and can pose significant risks to consumer health and safety and privacy and security. Conducted under the auspices of the Special 301 program and the authority of the U.S. Trade Representative to address practices that have significant adverse impact on the value of U.S. innovation, the Notorious Markets List identifies examples of online and physical markets that reportedly engage in or facilitate substantial copyright piracy or trademark counterfeiting that infringe on U.S. intellectual property (IP). Beginning in 2006, USTR identified notorious markets in the annual Special 301 Report. In 2010, USTR announced that it would publish the Notorious Markets List as an Out-of-Cycle Review, separate from the annual Special 301 Report. USTR published the first Notorious Markets List in February 2011. USTR develops the annual Notorious Markets List based upon public comments solicited through the Federal Register and in consultation with Federal agencies that serve on the Special 301 Subcommittee of the Trade Policy Staff Committee. The United States encourages owners and operators of markets reportedly involved in piracy or counterfeiting to adopt business models that rely on the licensed distribution of legitimate content and products and to work with right holders and enforcement officials to address infringement. USTR also encourages foreign government authorities to intensify their efforts to investigate reports of piracy and counterfeiting in such markets, and to pursue appropriate enforcement actions. The Notorious Markets List does not purport to reflect findings of legal violations, nor does it reflect the U.S. Government's analysis of the general IP protection and enforcement climate in the country or countries concerned. For an analysis of the IP climate in particular countries, please refer to the annual Special 301 Report, published each spring no later than 30 days after USTR submits the National Trade Estimate to Congress. II. Public Comments USTR invites written comments concerning examples of online and physical markets that reportedly engage in and facilitate substantial copyright piracy or trademark counterfeiting that infringe on U.S. intellectual property. USTR also invites written comments for the Notorious Markets List `issue focus' that highlights an issue related to the facilitation of substantial trademark counterfeiting or copyright piracy. The issue focus for the 2024 Notorious Markets List will examine online pharmacies and counterfeit medicine. To facilitate the review, written comments should be as detailed as possible. Comments must clearly identify the market and the reasons why the commenter believes that the market should be included in the Notorious Markets List. Commenters should include the following information, as applicable: For online markets that engage in or facilitate substantial counterfeiting: The domain name(s) of the market, the name(s) of the owner(s) or operator(s), the geographic area(s) where the market operates, and whether the market is owned, operated, or otherwise affiliated with a government entity. Estimate of the number of goods sold or otherwise made available on the market and any other indicia of the market's scale, reach, or relative significance in a given geographic area or with respect to a category of goods. Estimate of the number and types of goods sold or otherwise made available on the market that are counterfeit, either in aggregate or in relation to the total number and types of goods sold or otherwise made available on the market, a description of the methodology used to create the estimate and the timeframe the estimate was conducted, and information supporting the claims of counterfeiting. Estimate of economic harm to right holders resulting from the counterfeit goods and a description of the methodology used to calculate the harm. Whether the number and types of counterfeit goods or the economic harm has increased or decreased from previous years, and an approximate calculation of that increase or decrease for each year. Whether the counterfeit goods sold or otherwise made available on the market pose a risk to public health or safety. Any known contractual, civil, administrative, or criminal enforcement activity against the market and the outcome of that enforcement activity. Any actions taken by right holders, such as discussing concerns with the market, submitting takedown notices or requests to remove counterfeit goods, sending cease and desist letters, or requesting that the market enforce its terms of service or terms of use, and the outcome of these actions. Any actions taken by the market owners or operators to remove, limit, or discourage the availability of counterfeit goods, including policies to prevent or remove access to such goods, or to disable seller or user accounts, the effectiveness of market policies and guidelines in addressing counterfeiting, and the level of cooperation with right holders and law enforcement. Any other additional information relevant to the review. For online markets that engage in or facilitate substantial piracy: The domain name(s) of the market, the name(s) and location(s) of the hosting provider(s), the name(s) and location(s) of the owner(s) or operator(s), the geographic area(s) where the market operates, and whether the [[Page 66756]] market is owned, operated, or otherwise affiliated with a government entity. Revenue sources such as sales, subscriptions, donations, upload incentives, or advertising, the methods by which that revenue is collected, and the entities that help facilitate the market's revenue. Description and estimate of economic harm to right holders resulting from piracy and a description of the methodology used to calculate the harm. Whether the number of pirated goods or files, or the economic harm, has increased or decreased from previous years, and an approximate calculation of that increase or decrease for each year. Any known contractual, civil, administrative, or criminal enforcement activity against the market and the outcome of that enforcement activity. Any actions taken by right holders, such as discussing concerns with the market, submitting takedown notices or requests to remove URLs or pirated content, sending cease and desist letters, or requesting that the market enforce its terms of service or terms of use, and the outcome of these actions. Any actions taken by the market owners or operators to remove, limit, or discourage the availability of pirated goods or services, including policies to prevent or remove access to such goods or services, or to disable seller or user accounts, the effectiveness of market policies and guidelines in addressing piracy, and the level of cooperation with right holders and law enforcement. Any other additional information relevant to the review. For physical markets that engage in or facilitate substantial counterfeiting or piracy: The market's name(s), street address, neighborhood or shopping district, city, and the identity of the principal owner(s) or operator(s). Whether the market is owned, operated, or otherwise affiliated with a government entity. Types of counterfeit or pirated products or services sold, traded, distributed, or otherwise made available at the market. Volume of counterfeit or pirated goods or services or other indicia of the market's scale, reach, or relative significance in a given geographic area or with respect to a category of goods or services. Description and estimate of economic harm to right holders resulting from the piracy or counterfeiting and a description of the methodology used to calculate the harm. Whether the volume of counterfeit or pirated goods or estimates of harm has increased or decreased from previous years, and an approximate calculation of that increase or decrease for each year. Whether the infringing goods or services sold, traded, distributed, or made available pose a risk to public health or safety. Any known contractual, civil, administrative, or criminal enforcement activity against the market and the outcome of that enforcement activity. Additional actions taken by right holders, such as discussing concerns with the market, sending cease and desist letters, sending warning letters to landlords or requests to enforce the terms of their leases, and the outcome of these actions. Additional actions taken by the market owners or operators to remove, limit, or discourage the availability of counterfeit or pirated goods or services, the effectiveness of market policies and guidelines in addressing counterfeiting and piracy, and the level of cooperation with right holders and law enforcement. Any other additional information relevant to the review. III. Submission Instructions All submissions must be in English and sent electronically via Regulations.gov. To submit comments, locate the docket (folder) by entering the docket number USTR-2024-0013 in the search bar on the Regulations.gov homepage and click `search.' The site will provide a search-results page listing all documents associated with this docket. Locate the reference to this notice by selecting `notice' under `document type' on the left side of the search-results page, and click on the link entitled `Comment'. You should provide comments in an attached document, and name the file according to the following protocol, as appropriate: Commenter Name or Organization_2024 Notorious Markets. Please include the following information in the `Start typing comment here' field: 2024 Review of Notorious Markets for Counterfeiting and Piracy. USTR prefers submissions in Microsoft Word (.docx) or Adobe Acrobat (.pdf) format. If the submission is in another file format, please indicate the name of the software application in the `Start typing comment here' field. For further information on using Regulations.gov, please contact the Regulations.gov Help Desk via the `Support' button in the upper right corner of any page. Please do not attach separate cover letters to electronic submissions. Instead, include any information that might appear in a cover letter in the comments themselves. Similarly, to the extent possible, please include any exhibits, annexes, or other attachments in the same file as the comment itself, rather than submitting them as separate files. Please include the name, email address, and phone number of an individual who USTR can contact if there are issues or questions with the submission. The contact information can be included in the submission or sent to Claire Avery-Page, Director for Innovation and Intellectual Property, at [email protected] or 202.395.6862. For any comment submitted electronically that contains business confidential information (BCI), the file name of the business confidential version should begin with the characters `BCI'. Any page containing BCI must be clearly marked `BUSINESS CONFIDENTIAL' on the top of that page and the submission should clearly indicate, via brackets, highlighting, or other means, the specific information that is business confidential. A filer requesting business confidential treatment must certify that the information is business confidential and that they would not customarily release it to the public. Additionally, the submitter should type `Business Confidential 2024 Review of Notorious Markets for Counterfeiting and Piracy' in the `comment' field. Filers of comments containing BCI also must submit a public version. Begin the file name of the public version with the character `P'. USTR will place the non-business confidential version in the docket at Regulations.gov and it will be available for public inspection. As noted, USTR strongly urges submitters to file comments through Regulations.gov. You must make any alternative arrangements in advance of the relevant deadline and before transmitting a comment by contacting Claire Avery-Page at [email protected] or 202.395.6862. USTR will post comments in the docket for public inspection, except properly designated BCI. You can view comments on Regulations.gov by entering docket number USTR-2024-0013 in the search field on the home page. Daniel Lee, Assistant U.S. Trade Representative for Innovation and Intellectual Property, Office of the United States Trade Representative. [FR Doc. 2024-18337 Filed 8-15-24; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3390-F4-P

usgpo

2024-10-08T13:26:31.533944

FR

FR-2024-08-16/2024-18349

Federal Register Volume 89 Issue 159 (August 16, 2024)

United States National Archives and Records Administration Office of the Federal Register

[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 159 (Friday, August 16, 2024)] [Notices] [Pages 66757-66760] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: 2024-18349] [[Page 66757]] ======================================================================= ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Maritime Administration [Docket No. MARAD-2019-0093] Deepwater Port License Application: Texas GulfLink LLC--Final Environmental Impact Statement AGENCY: Maritime Administration, Department of Transportation. ACTION: Notice of availability; Notice of virtual final public hearing; Notice of extension; Request for comments. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: The Maritime Administration (MARAD) and U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) announce the extension of the comment period for the Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) for the Texas GulfLink LLC (GulfLink) deepwater port license application for the export of oil from the United States to nations abroad. The GulfLink deepwater port license application describes a project that would be located approximately 26.2 nautical miles off the coast of Brazoria County, Texas. Publication of this notice extends the current comment period for the GulfLink FEIS to end on Friday, August 30, 2024, requests public participation in the final environmental impact review process, provides information on how to participate in the final environmental impact review process and announces a virtual final public hearing. DATES: MARAD and USCG will hold one virtual final public hearing (final hearing) in connection with the Gulflink deepwater port license application. The final hearing will be held virtually on September 13, 2024, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Central Time, due to the impacts of Hurricane Beryl. The virtual final hearing may end later than the stated time, depending on the number of persons who wish to comment on the record. Anyone interested in attending the virtual final hearing or speaking during the virtual final hearing must register. Registration information is provided in the Public Participation section of this Notice. Due to the impacts of Hurricane Beryl, we are providing an extension of the comment period for the public to submit comments, which began with the publication of the Federal Register Notice on July 5, 2024, and will now end on Friday, August 30, 2024. ADDRESSES: Comments on the FEIS must be submitted to the U.S. Department of Transportation's Docket Management Facility or online to www.regulations.gov under docket number MARAD-2019-0093. The address of the Docket Management Facility is as follows: U.S. Department of Transportation, MARAD-2019-0093, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, West Building, Room W12-140, Washington, DC 20590. These are the only methods to submit comments on the GulfLink FEIS. Improperly submitted comments may not be considered. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Patrick W. Clark, Project Manager, USCG, telephone: 202-372-1358, email: [email protected]; or Dr. Linden Houston, Transportation Specialist, Office of Deepwater Ports and Port Conveyance, MARAD, telephone: 202-366-4839, email: [email protected]. Please include ``MARAD-2019-0093, GulfLink Comment'' in the subject line of the message. For written comments and other material submissions, please follow the directions under the ``How do I submit comments?'' question in the Public Participation section of this notice. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Prior Federal Actions On May 30, 2019, MARAD and USCG received a license application from GulfLink for all Federal authorizations required for a license to construct, own, and operate a deepwater port for the export of oil. The proposed deepwater port would be located in Federal waters approximately 26.6 nautical miles off the coast of Brazoria County, Texas. Texas was designated as the ACS for the GulfLink license application. A Notice of Application that summarized the GulfLink Deepwater Port License Application was published in the Federal Register on June 26, 2019 (84 FR 30298). A Notice of Intent to Prepare an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) and Notice of Public Scoping Meeting was published in the Federal Register on July 3, 2019 (84 FR 32008). The Federal agencies involved held a public scoping meeting in connection with the evaluation of the GulfLink license application. The public scoping meeting was held in Lake Jackson, Texas on July 17, 2019. The transcript of the scoping meeting is included on the public docket located at www.regulations.gov/document/MARAD-2019-0093-0047. A Federal Register Notice was published on August 14, 2019 (84 FR 40476) to extend the public scoping comment period to August 30, 2019. MARAD and USCG held three virtual public comment meetings to receive comments on the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS). A Notice of Availability for the DEIS and Notice of Public Meeting was published in the Federal Register on November 27, 2020 (85 FR 76157). The first two virtual public comment meetings were held on December 16, 2020, and December 17, 2020. The public comment period for these meetings began on November 27, 2020, and a Federal Register Notice was published on December 21, 2020 (85 FR 83142) to extend the comment period to January 22, 2021. Transcripts of these DEIS virtual public comment meetings are provided on the public docket at www.regulations.gov/document/MARAD-2019-0093-0318, www.regulations.gov/document/MARAD-2019-0093-0319, and www.regulations.gov/document/MARAD-2019-0093-2839. A Notice of Availability and Notice of Virtual Public Meeting was published in the Federal Register on September 24, 2021 (86 FR 53144). The Federal agencies held a third virtual DEIS public comment meeting to receive comments on the DEIS. The DEIS public meeting was held virtually on October 14, 2021. The purpose of the October 14, 2021, virtual public meeting was to reopen the public comment period for the DEIS and to provide affected communities, including Limited English Proficient persons, further opportunities to review and comment on the document. The transcripts from the third DEIS public comment meeting are included on the public docket at www.regulations.gov/document/MARAD-2019-0093-2853. After the publication of the DEIS, GulfLink revised its deepwater license application in response to ongoing consultation with regulatory agencies and subsequently refined the design of the proposed deepwater port by adding a vapor control system into the design and operation of the proposed GulfLink deepwater port. A Notice of Availability; Notice of Virtual Public Meeting; Request for Comments for the Supplemental Draft Environmental Impact Statement (SDEIS) was published in the Federal Register on September 30, 2022 (87 FR 59487) in response to proposed changes to the GulfLink deepwater port. The public meeting was held virtually on October 18, 2022. The transcripts of the SDEIS public comment meetings are also included on the public docket at www.regulations.gov/document/MARAD-2019-0093-3097 and www.regulations.gov/document/MARAD-2019-0093-3098. The GulfLink FEIS was published in the Federal Register Notice on July 5, 2024 (89 FR 55679). This Notice of Availability incorporates the aforementioned Federal Register notices by reference. [[Page 66758]] Summary of the License Application GulfLink is proposing to construct, own, and operate a deepwater port terminal in the Gulf of Mexico to export domestically produced crude oil. Use of the deepwater port would include the loading of various grades of crude oil at flow rates of up to 85,000 barrels per hour (bph). The GulfLink deepwater port would allow for up to two (2) Very Large Crude Carriers (VLCCs) or other crude oil carriers to moor at single point mooring (SPM) buoys and connect with the deepwater port via floating connecting crude oil hoses and a floating vapor recovery hose. The maximum frequency of loading VLCCs or other crude oil carriers would be one million barrels per day, 365 days per year. The overall project would consist of offshore and marine components as well as onshore components as described below. The GulfLink deepwater port offshore and marine components would consist of the following: An Offshore Platform: One fixed offshore platform with piles in Outer Continental Shelf Galveston Area Lease Block GA-423, 26.6 nautical miles off the coast of Brazoria County, Texas, in a water depth of approximately 104 feet. The fixed offshore platform would have four decks comprised of personal living space, pipeline metering, a surge system, a pig receiving station, generators, lease automatic custody transfer unit, oil displacement prover loop, sample system, radar tower, electrical and instrumentation building, portal cranes, a hydraulic crane, an Operations/Traffic Room, and helicopter deck. One 42-inch outside diameter, 28.1-nautical-mile long crude oil pipeline would be constructed from the shoreline crossing in Brazoria County, Texas, to the GulfLink deepwater port for crude oil delivery. This pipeline would connect the proposed onshore Jones Creek Terminal described below to the offshore platform. The fixed offshore platform is connected to VLCC tankers for loading by two separate 42-inch diameter departing pipelines. Each pipeline will depart the fixed offshore platform, carrying the crude oil to a Pipeline End Manifold (PLEM) in approximately 104 feet water depth located 1.25 nautical miles from the fixed offshore platform. Each PLEM is then connected to a Single Point Mooring (SPM) Buoy through two 24-inch cargo hoses. Two 24-inch floating cargo hoses will connect each SPM Buoy to the VLCC (or other crude oil carrier type). SPM Buoy 1 is positioned in Outer Continental Shelf Galveston Area Lease Block GA-423 and SPM Buoy 2 is positioned in Outer Continental Shelf Galveston Area Lease Block GA-A36. Use of a dynamically positioned third-party Offshore Support Vessel, equipped with a vapor processing system to control the release of vapor emissions during the cargo loading operations of the proposed GulfLink deepwater port. Onshore storage and supply components for the GulfLink deepwater port would consist of the following: An Onshore Storage Terminal: The proposed Jones Creek Terminal would be located in Brazoria County, Texas, on approximately 319 acres of land, consisting of eight above ground storage tanks, each with a working storage capacity of 708,168 barrels, for a total onshore storage capacity of approximately 5,655,344 barrels. The facility can accommodate four additional tanks, bringing the total to twelve tanks or 8,498,016 barrels of storage capacity. The Jones Creek Terminal also would include: Six electric-driven mainline crude oil pumps; three electric driven booster crude oil pumps; one crude oil pipeline pig launcher; one crude oil pipeline pig receiver; two measurement skids for measuring incoming crude oil--one skid located on the Department of Energy's Bryan Mound facility, and one skid installed for the outgoing crude oil barrels leaving the tank storage to be loaded on the VLCC; and ancillary facilities to include an operations control center, electrical substation, offices, and warehouse building. Two onshore crude oil pipelines would be constructed to support the GulfLink deepwater port and include the following: One proposed incoming 9.1-statute mile long, 36-inch outside diameter pipeline connected to a leased 40-inch ExxonMobil pipeline originating at the Department of Energy's Bryan Mound facility with connectivity to the Houston market. One proposed outgoing 12.1-statute mile long, 42-inch outside diameter pipeline connecting the Jones Creek Terminal to the shore crossing, where the offshore portion of this pipeline begins and supplies the proposed offshore GulfLink deepwater port. As previously stated, the purpose of this notice is to announce that the FEIS is currently available for public review and a comment period that will now end by the close of business on August 30, 2024. Comments can be submitted through the Federal docket website: www.regulations.gov under docket number MARAD-2019-0093. Purpose of the Final Environmental Impact Statement The purpose of the FEIS is to analyze the direct, indirect, and cumulative environmental impacts of the proposed action, and to identify and analyze environmental impacts of a reasonable range of alternatives. The FEIS is currently available for public review and comment at the Federal docket website: www.regulations.gov under docket number MARAD-2019-0093. Request for Comments You are encouraged to provide comments on the proposed action and the environmental impact analysis contained in the FEIS for the proposed GulfLink deepwater port. These comments will inform MARAD's Record of Decision for the GulfLink deepwater license application. We encourage you to review the information on the project's docket located online at www.regulations.gov under docket number MARAD-2019-0093. Please see the information in the Public Participation section below on how to properly submit comments. All comments submitted to the docket via www.regulations.gov or delivered to the Federal Docket Management Facility will be posted, without change, to the Federal Docket Management Facility website (www.regulations.gov) and will include any personal information you provide. Therefore, submitting such information makes it public. You may wish to read the Privacy and Use Notice available on the www.regulations.gov website and the Department of Transportation (DOT) Privacy Act Notice that appeared in the Federal Register on April 11, 2000 (65 FR 19477), see Privacy Act section of this Notice. You may view docket submissions at the DOT Docket Management Facility or electronically at the www.regulations.gov website. Final Hearing Information You are invited to attend the Final Hearing and encouraged to provide comments on the Gulflink deepwater port application. These comments will inform MARAD's Record of Decision for the GulfLink deepwater license application. Speakers are requested to register for the Final Hearing. Registration instructions are listed under the ``How do I register to speak at the public hearing?'' section under the Public Participation section of this notice. Speakers will be recognized in the following order during the Final Hearing: elected officials, public agency [[Page 66759]] representatives, and then individuals or groups in the order in which they registered. In order to accommodate all speakers, speakers' time may be limited, meeting hours may be extended, or both. Speakers' transcribed remarks will be included in the public docket. You may also submit written material for inclusion in the public docket. Written material must include the author's name. We ask attendees to respect the meeting procedures to ensure a constructive information-gathering session. The presiding officer will use their discretion to conduct the meeting in an orderly manner. The Final Hearing will be conducted in English and Spanish. Final Hearing attendees who require special assistance, such as translation services or other reasonable accommodation, please notify MARAD or the USCG (see FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT) at least five business days in advance. Please include contact information as well as information about specific needs. Public Participation How do I prepare comments? To ensure that your comments are correctly filed in the Docket, please include the docket number (MARAD-2019-0093) shown at the beginning of this document in your comments. If you are submitting comments electronically as a .pdf (Adobe Acrobat) File, MARAD and USCG ask that the documents be submitted using the Optical Character Recognition (OCR) process, thus allowing the agencies to search and copy certain portions of your submissions. Please note that pursuant to the Data Quality Act, for substantive data to be relied upon and used by the agency, it must meet the information quality standards set forth in the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and Department of Transportation (DOT) Data Quality Act guidelines. Accordingly, we encourage you to consult the guidelines in preparing your comments. OMB's guidelines may be accessed at www.whitehouse.gov/omb/fedreg/reproducible.html. DOT's guidelines may be accessed at www.bts.gov/programs/statistical_policy_and_research/data_quality_guidelines. How do I submit comments? You may submit comments for the GulfLink deepwater license application FEIS (identified by DOT Docket Number MARAD-2019-0093) by any one of the following methods: Mail or Hand Delivery: The Docket Management Facility is in the West Building, Ground Floor of the U.S. Department of Transportation. The Docket Management Facility location address is U.S. Department of Transportation, MARAD-2019-0093, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, West Building, Room W12-140, Washington, DC 20590. Due to flexible work schedules in response to COVID-19, call 202-493-0402 to determine facility hours prior to hand delivery. Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to www.regulations.gov. Search ``MARAD-2019-0093'' and follow the instructions for submitting comments. Fax: Comments may be faxed to the Docket Management Facility at 202-493-2251. Your comment must include the docket number (MARAD-2019- 0093) to be placed to the proper docket. Note: If you mail or hand-deliver your comments, we recommend that you include your name and a mailing address, an email address, and/or a telephone number on a cover page so that we can contact you if we have questions regarding your submission. All submissions received must include the agency name and specific docket number to ensure your comment is filed in the appropriate docket. All comments received will be posted without change to the docket at www.regulations.gov, including any personal information provided. If you submit your comments by mail or hand delivery, submit them in an unbound format, no larger than 8\1/2\ by 11 inches, suitable for copying and electronic filing. MARAD may only consider comments and material received during the comment period. The instructions listed in this section are the only methods in which comments will be accepted for submission to the docket. It is the commenter's responsibility to comply with the instructions above to ensure that their comments are properly submitted for consideration and review. Comments that are submitted in any other manner and to any other location may not be considered. What will happen if I submit comments in any other manner? Comments that are not submitted directly to the Docket Management Facility using the methods specified and outlined within this Federal Register notice may not not be considered. It is the commenter's responsibility to comply with the instructions above to ensure that their comments are properly submitted for review. How long do I have to submit comments? We are providing an extension of the comment period for the public to submit comments, which began with the publication of the Federal Register Notice on July 5, 2024, and will now end on Friday, August 30, 2024. I provided MARAD and USCG comments on the GulfLink scoping meeting, DEIS, or SDEIS, orally or in writing, in another forum. May I provide comments in response to this notice as well? Yes, MARAD and USCG encourage any member of the public to submit relevant comments for the docket, including input that has previously been communicated to the agencies. How can I be sure that my comments were received? If you wish for Docket Management to notify you upon its receipt of your comments, enclose a self-addressed, stamped postcard in the envelope containing your comments. Upon receiving your comments, Docket Management will return the postcard by mail. Will the Agency consider late comments? MARAD and the USCG will review all substantive comments that Docket Management receives before the close of business on the comment closing date indicated above under DATES section. Comments submitted outside the comment period may not be considered. How can I read the comments submitted by other people? You may read the comments received by Docket Management at the address given above under ADDRESSES section of this Notice. The hours of the Docket Management Unit are indicated above in the same location. You may also see the comments on the internet. To read the comments on the internet, go to www.regulations.gov. Follow the online instructions for accessing the dockets. How do I register to speak at the virtual public hearing? You may register for the proceedings using the following link: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_YRFeRRrNTbSJSzKMPfRP6A. If you need assistance with registration, you may call 1-(800) 949-0771, and leave a message and someone will call you back and assist with getting you registered. Please note this phone line is not staffed 24/ 7. [[Page 66760]] Privacy Act Anyone can search the electronic form of all comments received into any of our dockets by the name of the individual submitting the comment (or signing the comment if submitted on behalf of an association, business, labor union, etc.). For information on DOT's compliance with the Privacy Act, visit www.transportation.gov/privacy. (Authority: 33 U.S.C. 1501, et seq.; 49 CFR 1.93(h)) By Order of the Maritime Administrator. T. Mitchell Hudson, Jr., Secretary, Maritime Administration. [FR Doc. 2024-18349 Filed 8-15-24; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-81-P

usgpo

2024-10-08T13:26:31.587069

FR

FR-2024-08-16/2024-18336

Federal Register Volume 89 Issue 159 (August 16, 2024)

United States National Archives and Records Administration Office of the Federal Register

[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 159 (Friday, August 16, 2024)] [Notices] [Page 66760] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: 2024-18336] ======================================================================= ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY Bureau of the Fiscal Service Proposed Collection of Information: Subscription for Purchase and Issue of U.S. Treasury Securities--State and Local Government Series ACTION: Notice and request for comments. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: The Department of the Treasury, as part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork and respondent burden, invites the general public and other Federal agencies to take this opportunity to comment on proposed and/or continuing information collections, as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. Currently the Bureau of the Fiscal Service within the Department of the Treasury is soliciting comments concerning the Subscription for Purchase and Issue of U.S. Treasury Securities--State and Local Government Series. DATES: Written comments should be received on or before October 15, 2024 to be assured of consideration. ADDRESSES: Direct all written comments and requests for additional information to Bureau of the Fiscal Service, Bruce A. Sharp, Room #4006-A, P.O. Box 1328, Parkersburg, WV 26106-1328, or [email protected]. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Title: Subscription for Purchase and Issue of U.S. Treasury Securities--State and Local Government Series. OMB Number: 1530-0065. Methods of Collection: Most activity occurs within SLGSafe, the secure internet application available for subscribers to manage a portfolio of State and Local Government Series securities. The SLGSafe system collects identical information collected by the forms listed below and is included in the overall burden. Form Number: FS Form 4144--Subscription for Purchase and Issue of U.S. Securities State and Local Government Series Time Deposits FS Form 4144-1--Account Information for U.S. Treasury Securities State and Local Government Series Time Deposits FS Form 4144-2--Schedule of U.S. Treasury Securities State and Local Government Series Time Deposits FS Form 4144-5--SLGSafe Application for internet Access--U.S. Treasury Securities State and Local Government Series FS Form 4144-6--SLGSafe User Acknowledgement, SLGSafe Application for Internet Access FS Form 4144-7--SLGSafe Template Worksheet Abstract: The information is requested to establish and maintain accounts for the owners of securities of the State and Local Government Series. Current Actions: Extension of a currently approved collection. Type of Review: Regular. Affected Public: State and Local Government. Estimated Number of Respondents: 7,105. Estimated Time per Respondent: 15 minutes. Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours: 2,706. Request for Comments: Comments submitted in response to this notice will be summarized and/or included in the request for OMB approval. All comments will become a matter of public record. Comments are invited on: 1. Whether the collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information shall have practical utility; 2. the accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden of the collection of information; 3. ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; 4. ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on respondents, including through the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology; and 5. estimates of capital or start-up costs and costs of operation, maintenance, and purchase of services to provide information. Dated: August 12, 2024. Bruce A. Sharp, Bureau PRA Clearance Officer. [FR Doc. 2024-18336 Filed 8-15-24; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4810-AS-P

usgpo

2024-10-08T13:26:31.626047

FR

FR-2024-08-16/2024-18332

Federal Register Volume 89 Issue 159 (August 16, 2024)

United States National Archives and Records Administration Office of the Federal Register

[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 159 (Friday, August 16, 2024)] [Notices] [Pages 66760-66761] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: 2024-18332] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY United States Mint Request for Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee Membership Applications ACTION: Notice. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: The United States Mint is accepting applications for appointment to the Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee (CCAC) as one of the three members appointed to represent the interests of the general public in the coinage of the United States. DATES: Application Deadline: 5 p.m. (ET), October 18, 2024. ADDRESSES: Receipt of Applications: Any member of the public wishing to be considered for appointment to the CCAC should submit a resume and cover letter describing their qualifications and reasons for seeking appointment, by email to [email protected], Attn: Jennifer Warren. The deadline to email submissions is no later than 5:00 p.m. (ET) on October 18, 2024. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jennifer Warren, United States Mint Liaison to the CCAC; [email protected] or call 202-354- 7200. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The CCAC was established to: [ballot] Advise the Secretary of the Treasury on any theme or design proposals relating to circulating coinage, bullion coinage, Congressional Gold Medals, and national and other medals produced by the United States Mint. [ballot] Advise the Secretary of the Treasury with regard to the events, persons, or places that the CCAC recommends to be commemorated by the issuance of commemorative coins in each of the five calendar years succeeding the year in which a commemorative coin designation is made. [ballot] Make recommendations with respect to the mintage level for any commemorative coin recommended. Total membership consists of 11 voting members appointed by the Secretary of the Treasury: [ballot] One person specially qualified by virtue of their education, training, or experience as nationally or internationally recognized curator in the United States of a numismatic collection; [ballot] One person specially qualified by virtue of their experience in the medallic arts or sculpture; [ballot] One person specially qualified by virtue of their education, training, or experience in American history; [[Page 66761]] [ballot] One person specially qualified by virtue of their education, training, or experience in numismatics; [ballot] Three persons who can represent the interests of the general public in the coinage of the United States; and [ballot] Four persons appointed by the Secretary of the Treasury on the basis of the recommendations by the U.S. House and Senate leadership. Members are appointed for a term of four years. No individual may be appointed to the CCAC while serving as an officer or employee of the Federal Government, and applicants must be a United States citizen. The CCAC is subject to the direction of the Secretary of the Treasury. Meetings of the CCAC are open to the public and are held approximately four to six times per year. The United States Mint is responsible for providing the necessary support, technical services, and advice to the CCAC. CCAC members are not paid for their time or services; however, consistent with Federal Travel Regulations, members are reimbursed for their travel and lodging expenses to attend meetings. Members are Special Government Employees and are subject to the Standards of Ethical Conduct for Employees of the Executive Branch (5 CFR part 2653). The United States Mint will review all submissions and will forward its recommendations to the Secretary of the Treasury for appointment consideration. Candidates should include specific skills, abilities, talents, and credentials to support their applications, particularly demonstrating their education, training, and experience in numismatics. The United States Mint is also interested in candidates who have demonstrated interest in and a commitment to actively participating in meetings and activities, and a demonstrated understanding of the role of the CCAC and the obligations of a Special Government Employee; possess a demonstrated desire for public service and have a history of honorable professional and personal conduct, as well as successful standing in their communities; and who are free of professional, political, or financial interests that could negatively affect their ability to provide impartial advice. (Authority: 31 U.S.C. 5135(b)) Eric Anderson, Executive Secretary, United States Mint. [FR Doc. 2024-18332 Filed 8-15-24; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4810-37-P

usgpo

2024-10-08T13:26:31.652878

FR

FR-2024-08-16/2024-18330

Federal Register Volume 89 Issue 159 (August 16, 2024)

United States National Archives and Records Administration Office of the Federal Register

[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 159 (Friday, August 16, 2024)] [Notices] [Page 66761] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: 2024-18330] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY United States Mint Notification of Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee Public Meeting--September 24, 2024 ACTION: Notice of meeting. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Pursuant to United States Code, title 31, section 5135(b)(8)(C), the United States Mint announces the Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee (CCAC) public meeting scheduled for September 24, 2024. Date: September 24, 2024. Time: 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. (ET). Location: Remote via Videoconference. Subject: Review and discussion of the candidate designs for the 2025 Comic Art Super Heroes coins and medals; review and discussion of the candidate designs for the Emmett Till and Mamie Till-Mobley Congressional Gold Medal; and review and discussion of the candidate designs for the Lower Brule Sioux Tribe Code Talkers Congressional Medals. Interested members of the public may watch the meeting via live stream on the United States Mint's YouTube Channel at https://www.youtube.com/user/usmint. To watch the meeting live, members of the public may click on the ``September 24, 2024'' icons under the Live Tab on the specific day. The public should call the CCAC HOTLINE at (202) 354-7502 for the latest updates on meeting time and access information. The CCAC advises the Secretary of the Treasury on any theme or design proposals relating to circulating coinage, bullion coinage, Congressional Gold Medals, and national and other medals; advises the Secretary of the Treasury with regard to the events, persons, or places to be commemorated by the issuance of commemorative coins in each of the five calendar years succeeding the year in which a commemorative coin designation is made; and makes recommendations with respect to the mintage level for any commemorative coin recommended. For members of the public interested in watching on-line, this is a reminder that the remote access is for observation purposes only. Members of the public may submit matters for the CCAC's consideration by email to [email protected]. For Accommodation Request: If you require an accommodation to watch the CCAC meeting, please contact the Office of Equal Employment Opportunity by September 13, 2024. You may submit an email request to [email protected] or call 202-354-7260 or 1- 888-646-8369 (TTY). FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jennifer Warren, United States Mint Liaison to the CCAC; 801 9th Street NW, Washington, DC 20220; or call 202-354-7208. (Authority: 31 U.S.C. 5135(b)(8)(C)) Eric Anderson, Executive Secretary, United States Mint. [FR Doc. 2024-18330 Filed 8-15-24; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4810-37-P

usgpo

2024-10-08T13:26:31.680214

FR

FR-2024-08-16/FR-2024-08-16-ReaderAids

Federal Register Volume 89 Issue 159 (August 16, 2024)

United States National Archives and Records Administration Office of the Federal Register

[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 159 (Friday, August 16, 2024)] [Reader Aids] [Pages i-iii] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] ___________________________________________________________ FEDERAL REGISTER Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 159 / Friday, August 16, 2024 [[Page i]] Friday, August 16, 2024 Pages 66543-66986 OFFICE OF THE FEDERAL REGISTER 9 [[Page ii]] The FEDERAL REGISTER (ISSN 0097-6326) is published daily, Monday through Friday, except official holidays, by the Office of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration, under the Federal Register Act (44 U.S.C. Ch. 15) and the regulations of the Administrative Committee of the Federal Register (1 CFR Ch. I). The Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Publishing Office, is the exclusive distributor of the official edition. Periodicals postage is paid at Washington, DC. The FEDERAL REGISTER provides a uniform system for making available to the public regulations and legal notices issued by Federal agencies. These include Presidential proclamations and Executive Orders, Federal agency documents having general applicability and legal effect, documents required to be published by act of Congress, and other Federal agency documents of public interest. Documents are on file for public inspection in the Office of the Federal Register the day before they are published, unless the issuing agency requests earlier filing. For a list of documents currently on file for public inspection, see www.federalregister.gov. The seal of the National Archives and Records Administration authenticates the Federal Register as the official serial publication established under the Federal Register Act. Under 44 U.S.C. 1507, the contents of the Federal Register shall be judicially noticed. The Federal Register is published in paper and on 24x microfiche. 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There are no restrictions on the republication of material appearing in the Federal Register. How To Cite This Publication: Use the volume number and the page number. Example: 89 FR 12345. Postmaster: Send address changes to the Superintendent of Documents, Federal Register, U.S. Government Publishing Office, Washington, DC 20402, along with the entire mailing label from the last issue received. SUBSCRIPTIONS AND COPIES ____________________________________________________ PUBLIC Subscriptions: Paper or fiche 202-512-1800 Assistance with public subscriptions 202-512-1806 General online information 202-512-1530; 1-888-293-6498 Single copies/back copies: Paper or fiche 202-512-1800 Assistance with public single copies 1-866-512-1800 (Toll-Free) FEDERAL AGENCIES Subscriptions: Assistance with Federal agency subscriptions: Email [email protected] Phone 202-741-6000 The Federal Register Printing Savings Act of 2017 (Pub. 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Reader Aids Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 159 / Friday, August 16, 2024 / Reader Aids Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 159 / Friday, August 16 2024 / Reader Aids Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 159 / Friday, August 16, 2024 / Reader Aids [[Page i]] CUSTOMER SERVICE AND INFORMATION ---------------------------------------------------------- Federal Register/Code of Federal Regulations General Information, indexes and other finding 202-741-6000 aids Laws 741-6000 Presidential Documents Executive orders and proclamations 741-6000 The United States Government Manual 741-6000 Other Services Electronic and on-line services (voice) 741-6020 Privacy Act Compilation 741-6050 ========================================================== ELECTRONIC RESEARCH World Wide Web Full text of the daily Federal Register, CFR and other publications is located at: www.govinfo.gov. 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We cannot respond to specific inquiries. Reference questions. Send questions and comments about the Federal Register system to: [email protected] The Federal Register staff cannot interpret specific documents or regulations. ========================================================== FEDERAL REGISTER PAGES AND DATE, AUGUST ---------------------------------------------------------- 62653-63072............................................. 1 63073-63280............................................. 2 63281-63812............................................. 5 63813-64352............................................. 6 64353-64778............................................. 7 64779-65164............................................. 8 65165-65514............................................. 9 65515-65754............................................ 12 65755-65988............................................ 13 65989-66180............................................ 14 66181-66542............................................ 15 66543-66986............................................ 16 ---------------------------------------------------------- CFR PARTS AFFECTED DURING AUGUST ---------------------------------------------------------- At the end of each month the Office of the Federal Register publishes separately a List of CFR Sections Affected (LSA), which lists parts and sections affected by documents published since the revision date of each title. 2 CFR 700..................................................63073 Proposed Rules: 700..................................................63111 3 CFR Proclamations: 10789................................................64779 10790................................................66181 Administrative Orders: Memorandums: Memorandum of July 3, 2024...........................64343 Memorandum of July 11, 2024..........................64345 Memorandum of July 19, 2024..........................64347 Memorandum of July 29, 2024..........................64349 Memorandum of August 5, 2024.........................64781 Notices: Notice of August 6, 2024.............................65163 Notice of August 13, 2024............................66187 Presidential Determinations: No. 2024-08 of July 26, 2024.........................64351 7 CFR 205..................................................64783 354..................................................66543 622..................................................65989 761..................................................65020 762..................................................65020 764..................................................65020 765..................................................65020 766..................................................65020 768..................................................65020 769..................................................65020 770..................................................65020 930..................................................65515 959..................................................63079 3555.................................................66189 Proposed Rules: 984..................................................66639 8 CFR 212..................................................65165 9 CFR Proposed Rules: 381..................................................64678 10 CFR 50...................................................64353 51............................................64166, 65755 52...................................................64353 54...................................................64353 72...................................................63813 430..................................................65520 Proposed Rules: 50...................................................65226 52...................................................65226 73...................................................65226 11 CFR Proposed Rules: 100...........................................62670, 62671 104..................................................62672 106...........................................62670, 62671 109...........................................62670, 62671 110...........................................62670, 62671 111..................................................62673 300...........................................62670, 62671 12 CFR 34...................................................64538 225..................................................64538 303..................................................64353 308..................................................64353 323..................................................64538 330..................................................65166 722..................................................64538 741..................................................64538 Ch. X................................................65170 1026.................................................64538 1222.................................................64538 Proposed Rules: Ch. I................................................62679 21...................................................65264 Ch. II...............................................62679 208..................................................65242 Ch. III..............................................62679 326..................................................65242 354..................................................65556 748..................................................65242 13 CFR 120..................................................65174 125..................................................62653 128..................................................62653 14 CFR 25...................................................66543 39...................................................63813 71...63082, 64785, 65758, 66194, 66196, 66199, 66200, 6545 95...................................................65759 97............................................63281, 63282 129..................................................66546 259..................................................65534 260..................................................65534 399..................................................65534 Proposed Rules: 21...................................................65264 25............................................63111, 63845 39........62685, 64834, 64837, 65264, 65567, 65270, 65568, 66642 71.......................63114, 63116, 63329, 64840, 66290 [[Page ii]] 73...................................................62688 129..................................................66645 259..................................................65272 261..................................................65272 16 CFR 1....................................................66546 Proposed Rules: 1112.................................................65791 1250.................................................65791 17 CFR 48...................................................66201 232..................................................65179 19 CFR 12...................................................65539 21 CFR 866...........................................66552, 66556 880..................................................66558 1308.................................................65991 Proposed Rules: Ch. I................................................65294 1....................................................66647 73...................................................63330 22 CFR 120..................................................66210 24 CFR 203..................................................63082 982..................................................65769 983..................................................65769 Proposed Rules: 200..................................................63847 25 CFR Proposed Rules: 1000.................................................66655 26 CFR 1......................................66560, 66562, 66563 31...................................................66563 301...........................................66562, 66563 Proposed Rules: 1....................................................64750 301..................................................64750 28 CFR 35...................................................65180 29 CFR 103..................................................62952 2550.................................................65779 Proposed Rules: 1614.................................................66656 30 CFR 917...........................................64787, 66214 938....................................64797, 64801, 66563 944..................................................66218 948..................................................64801 31 CFR 587..................................................65994 Proposed Rules: 210..................................................65296 32 CFR 1662.................................................66568 33 CFR 100....................................62653, 63284, 65996 117...........................................63815, 64367 165.......62654, 63286, 63288, 63290, 63816, 64369, 64371, 64805, 65200, 65203, 65205, 65540, 65997, 66223 Proposed Rules: 165...........................................62689, 63331 34 CFR Ch. VI........................................62656, 66225 Proposed Rules: Ch. III..............................................64399 38 CFR 21...................................................66579 78...................................................62659 Proposed Rules: 38...................................................65572 39 CFR 111..................................................66580 966..................................................66599 3006.................................................65205 Proposed Rules: 111..................................................63850 3050..........................................65301, 65302 40 CFR 49...................................................65212 52........63818, 64373, 65214, 66232, 66234, 66599, 66603, 66607, 66609 60...................................................62872 62...................................................63099 70...................................................66609 81...................................................62663 174..................................................64807 180...............63291, 63821, 64810, 65542, 65545, 65548 282..................................................63101 300..................................................66612 Proposed Rules: 52........62691, 63030, 63117, 63258, 63852, 63860, 65492, 66015, 66291, 66295, 66659, 66661 70...................................................66662 84............................................65575, 66029 180..................................................64842 282..................................................63134 300..................................................66665 751..................................................65066 42 CFR 412...........................................64276, 64582 413..................................................64048 417..................................................63825 418..................................................64202 422..................................................63825 423..................................................63825 460..................................................63825 488..................................................64048 43 CFR 2....................................................63828 8360.................................................64383 44 CFR 206..................................................66241 45 CFR 102..................................................64815 1607.................................................65550 2520.................................................66614 2521.................................................66614 2522.................................................66614 Proposed Rules: 170..................................................63498 171..................................................63498 172..................................................63498 46 CFR 10...................................................63830 501..................................................65786 502..................................................64832 535..................................................64832 Proposed Rules: 401..................................................63334 47 CFR 0....................................................63296 1.............................................63296, 66254 2....................................................63296 5....................................................65217 8....................................................65224 25............................................65217, 66615 26...................................................63296 52...................................................64832 73...................................................65224 79...................................................66268 97...................................................65217 Proposed Rules: 1....................................................66305 25...................................................63381 54...................................................65576 64...................................................64843 73............................................63381, 64851 76...................................................63381 79...................................................63135 48 CFR 211..................................................66283 212...........................................66283, 66285 223..................................................66283 225..................................................66286 226..................................................66283 252...........................................66283, 66285 501..................................................63325 502..................................................63325 512..................................................62665 538..................................................63325 552..................................................63325 570..................................................63108 Ch. 29...............................................66616 Proposed Rules: 204..................................................66327 209..................................................66338 212..................................................66327 217..................................................66327 252...........................................66327, 66338 339..................................................65303 352..................................................65303 49 CFR 40...................................................62665 576..................................................66629 672..................................................65999 1145.................................................66011 1540.................................................66287 50 CFR 17............................................65225, 65552 300..................................................63841 622...........................................63843, 64397 635...........................................62666, 63109 648...........................................65554, 65789 660....................................62667, 62668, 66011 679..................................................66633 Proposed Rules: 17.......................62707, 63888, 64852, 65124, 65816 32...................................................63139 223..................................................63393 648...........................................63394, 65576 660..................................................63153 665..................................................63155 [[Page iii]] __________________________________________________________ LIST OF PUBLIC LAWS __________________________________________________________ Note: No public bills which have become law were received by the Office of the Federal Register for inclusion in today's List of Public Laws. Last List August 1, 2024 __________________________________________________________ Public Laws Electronic Notification Service (PENS) __________________________________________________________ PENS is a free email notification service of newly enacted public laws. To subscribe, go to https:// portalguard.gsa.gov/_layouts/PG/register.aspx. Note: This service is strictly for email notification of new laws. The text of laws is not available through this service. PENS cannot respond to specific inquiries sent to this address.

usgpo

2024-10-08T13:26:31.706738

FR

FR-2024-08-16/2024-16445

Federal Register Volume 89 Issue 159 (August 16, 2024)

United States National Archives and Records Administration Office of the Federal Register

[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 159 (Friday, August 16, 2024)] [Unknown Section] [Pages 66764-66769] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: 2024-16445] [[Page 66763]] Vol. 89 Friday, No. 159 August 16, 2024 Part II Regulatory Information Service Center ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Introduction to the Unified Agenda of Federal Regulatory and Deregulatory Actions--Spring 2024 Federal Register / Vol. 89 , No. 159 / Friday, August 16, 2024 / UA: Reg Flex Agenda [[Page 66764]] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- REGULATORY INFORMATION SERVICE CENTER Introduction to the Unified Agenda of Federal Regulatory and Deregulatory Actions--Spring 2024 AGENCY: Regulatory Information Service Center. ACTION: Introduction to the Unified Agenda of Federal Regulatory and Deregulatory Actions. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: Publication of the Spring 2024 Unified Agenda of Federal Regulatory and Deregulatory Actions represents a key component of the regulatory planning mechanism prescribed in Executive Order (``E.O.'') 12866, ``Regulatory Planning and Review,'' (58 FR 51735, as amended) and reaffirmed in E.O. 13563, ``Improving Regulation and Regulatory Review,'' (76 FR 3821) and E.O. 14094, ``Modernizing Regulatory Review,'' (88 FR 21879). The Regulatory Flexibility Act requires that agencies publish semiannual regulatory agendas in the Federal Register describing regulatory actions they are developing that may have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities (5 U.S.C. 602). The Unified Agenda of Federal Regulatory and Deregulatory Actions (Unified Agenda), published in the fall and spring, helps agencies fulfill all of these requirements. All federal regulatory agencies have chosen to publish their regulatory agendas as part of this publication. The complete publication of the Spring 2024 Unified Agenda containing the regulatory agendas for 69 Federal agencies is available to the public at www.reginfo.gov. The Spring 2024 Unified Agenda publication appearing in the Federal Register includes agency regulatory flexibility agendas, in accordance with the publication requirements of the Regulatory Flexibility Act. Agency regulatory flexibility agendas contain only those Agenda entries for rules that are likely to have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities and entries that have been selected for periodic review under section 610 of the Regulatory Flexibility Act. ADDRESSES: Regulatory Information Service Center (MV), General Services Administration, 1800 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20405. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For further information about specific regulatory actions, please refer to the agency contact listed for each entry. To provide comment on or to obtain further information about this publication, contact: Boris Arratia, Director, Regulatory Information Service Center (MV), General Services Administration, 1800 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20405, 703-795-0816. You may also send comments to us by email at: [email protected]. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Table of Contents Introduction to the Unified Agenda of Federal Regulatory and Deregulatory Actions I. What is the Unified Agenda? II. Why is Unified Agenda published? III. How is the Unified Agenda organized? IV. What information appears for each entry? V. Abbreviations VI. How can users get copies of the Agenda? Regulatory Flexibility Agendas Cabinet Departments Department of Agriculture Department of Commerce Department of Defense Department of Energy Department of Health and Human Services Department of Homeland Security Department of the Interior Department of Justice Department of Labor Department of Transportation Department of the Treasury Other Executive Agencies Environmental Protection Agency General Services Administration National Aeronautics and Space Administration Small Business Administration Joint Authority Department of Defense/General Services Administration/National Aeronautics and Space Administration (Federal Acquisition Regulation) Independent Regulatory Agencies Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Consumer Product Safety Commission Federal Communications Commission Federal Reserve System Federal Trade Commission National Labor Relations Board Nuclear Regulatory Commission Securities and Exchange Commission Surface Transportation Board Introduction to the Unified Agenda of Federal Regulatory and Deregulatory Actions I. What is the Unified Agenda? The Unified Agenda provides information about regulations that the Government is considering or reviewing. The Unified Agenda has appeared in the Federal Register twice each year since 1983 and has been available online since 1995. The complete Unified Agenda is available to the public at www.reginfo.gov. The online Unified Agenda offers flexible search tools and access to the historic Unified Agenda database dating back to 1995. The complete online edition of the Unified Agenda includes regulatory agendas from 69 Federal agencies. Agencies of the United States Congress are not included. The Spring 2024 Unified Agenda publication appearing in the Federal Register consists of the regulatory flexibility agendas, in accordance with the publication requirements of the Regulatory Flexibility Act. Agency Regulatory Flexibility Agendas contain only those Agenda entries for rules that are likely to have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities and entries that selected for periodic review under section 610 of the Regulatory Flexibility Act. Printed entries display only the fields required by the Regulatory Flexibility Act. Complete Unified Agenda information for those entries appears online in a uniform format at www.reginfo.gov. The regulatory agendas for agencies not publishing Regulatory Flexibility Agendas are listed below and are available to the public at www.reginfo.gov. Cabinet Departments Department of Education Department of Housing and Urban Development Department of State Department of Veterans Affairs Other Executive Agencies Agency for International Development Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board Committee for Purchase From People Who Are Blind or Severely Disabled Corporation for National and Community Service Council on Environmental Quality Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency for the District of Columbia Equal Employment Opportunity Commission Federal Mediation Conciliation Service Inter-American Foundation National Archives and Records Administration National Endowment for the Arts National Endowment for the Humanities National Mediation Board National Science Foundation Office of Government Ethics [[Page 66765]] Office of Management and Budget Office of Personnel Management Office of the National Cyber Director Peace Corps Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation Railroad Retirement Board Selective Service System Social Security Administration Tennessee Valley Authority U.S. Agency for Global Media Independent Agencies Commodity Futures Trading Commission Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board Farm Credit Administration Farm Credit System Insurance Corporation Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Federal Housing Finance Agency Federal Maritime Commission Federal Mine Safety and Health Review Commission Federal Permitting Improvement Steering Council National Credit Union Administration National Indian Gaming Commission National Labor Relations Board National Transportation Safety Board Postal Regulatory Commission U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board The Regulatory Information Service Center compiles the Unified Agenda for the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA), part of the Office of Management and Budget. OIRA is responsible for overseeing the Federal Government's regulatory, paperwork, and information resource management activities, including implementation of Executive Order 12866, as amended (incorporated in Executive Order 13563). The Center also provides information about Federal regulatory activity to the President and his Executive Office, the Congress, agency officials, and the public. The activities included in the Agenda are, in general, those that will have a regulatory action within the next 12 months. Agencies may choose to include activities that will have a longer timeframe than 12 months. Agency agendas also show actions or reviews completed or withdrawn since the last Unified Agenda. Executive Order 12866, as amended, does not require agencies to include regulations concerning military or foreign affairs functions or regulations related to agency organization, management, or personnel matters. Agencies prepared entries for this publication to give the public notice of their plans to review, propose, and issue regulations. They have tried to predict their activities over the next 12 months as accurately as possible, but dates and schedules are subject to change. Agencies may withdraw some of the regulations now under development, and they may issue or propose other regulations not included in their agendas. Agency actions in the rulemaking process may occur before or after the dates they have listed. The Unified Agenda does not create a legal obligation on agencies to adhere to schedules in this publication or to confine their regulatory activities to those regulations that appear within it. II. Why is the Unified Agenda published? The Unified Agenda helps agencies comply with their obligations under the Regulatory Flexibility Act and various Executive orders and other statutes. Regulatory Flexibility Act The Regulatory Flexibility Act requires agencies to identify those rules that may have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities (5 U.S.C. 602). Agencies meet that requirement by including the information in their submissions for the Unified Agenda. Agencies may also indicate those regulations that they are reviewing as part of their periodic review of existing rules under the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 610). Executive Order 13272, ``Proper Consideration of Small Entities in Agency Rulemaking,'' signed August 13, 2002 (67 FR 53461), provides additional guidance on compliance with the Act. Executive Order 12866 Executive Order 12866, ``Regulatory Planning and Review,'' September 30, 1993 (58 FR 51735), as amended, requires covered agencies to prepare an agenda of all regulations under development or review. The Order also requires that certain agencies prepare annually a regulatory plan of their ``most important significant regulatory actions,'' which appears as part of the fall Unified Agenda. Executive Order 13497, signed January 30, 2009 (74 FR 6113), revoked the amendments to Executive Order 12866 that were contained in Executive Order 13258 and Executive Order 13422. Executive Order 14094 Executive Order (E.O.) 14094, ``Modernizing Regulatory Review,'' April 6, 2023 (88 FR 21879) sets forth specific actions for Federal agencies and OIRA designed to modernize the regulatory process in order to advance policies that promote the public interest and address national priorities. E.O. 14094, among other things, amends Section 3(f)(1) of E.O. 12866 (Regulatory Planning and Review) to increase the monetary threshold for significance under that provision, amends Section 3(f)(4) to clarify what is significant under that provision, and encourages greater public participation during all stages of the regulatory process. Executive Order 13563 Executive Order 13563, ``Improving Regulation and Regulatory Review,'' January 18, 2011 (76 FR 3821) supplements and reaffirms the principles, structures, and definitions governing contemporary regulatory review that were established in Executive Order 12866, which includes the general principles of regulation and public participation, and orders integration and innovation in coordination across agencies; flexible approaches where relevant, feasible, and consistent with regulatory approaches; scientific integrity in any scientific or technological information and processes used to support the agencies' regulatory actions; and retrospective analysis of existing regulations. Executive Order 13132 Executive Order 13132, ``Federalism,'' August 4, 1999 (64 FR 43255), directs agencies to have an accountable process to ensure meaningful and timely input by State and local officials in the development of regulatory policies that have ``federalism implications'' as defined in the Order. Under the Order, an agency that is proposing a regulation with federalism implications, which either preempt State law or impose non-statutory unfunded substantial direct compliance costs on State and local governments, must consult with State and local officials early in the process of developing the regulation. In addition, the agency must provide to the Director of the Office of Management and Budget a federalism summary impact statement for such a regulation, which consists of a description of the extent of the agency's prior consultation with State and local officials, a summary of their concerns and the agency's position supporting the need to issue the regulation, and a statement of the extent to which those concerns have been met. As part of this effort, agencies include in their submissions for the Unified Agenda information on whether their regulatory actions may have an effect on the various levels of government and whether those actions have federalism implications. Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 The Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 (Pub. L. 104-4, title II) requires [[Page 66766]] agencies to prepare written assessments of the costs and benefits of significant regulatory actions ``that may result in the expenditure by State, local, and tribal governments, in the aggregate, or by the private sector, of $100,000,000 or more in any 1 year.'' The requirement does not apply to independent regulatory agencies, nor does it apply to certain subject areas excluded by section 4 of the Act. Affected agencies identify in the Unified Agenda those regulatory actions they believe are subject to title II of the Act. Executive Order 13211 Executive Order 13211, ``Actions Concerning Regulations That Significantly Affect Energy Supply, Distribution, or Use,'' May 18, 2001 (66 FR 28355), directs agencies to provide, to the extent possible, information regarding the adverse effects that agency actions may have on the supply, distribution, and use of energy. Under the Order, the agency must prepare and submit a Statement of Energy Effects to the Administrator of the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, Office of Management and Budget, for ``those matters identified as significant energy actions.'' As part of this effort, agencies may optionally include in their submissions for the Unified Agenda information on whether they have prepared or plan to prepare a Statement of Energy Effects for their regulatory actions. Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act The Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act (Pub. L. 104-121, title II) established a procedure for congressional review of rules (5 U.S.C. 801 et seq.), which defers, unless exempted, the effective date of a ``major'' rule for at least 60 days from the publication of the final rule in the Federal Register. The Act specifies that a rule is ``major'' if it has resulted, or is likely to result, in an annual effect on the economy of $100 million or more or meets other criteria specified in that Act. The Act provides that the Administrator of OIRA will make the final determination as to whether a rule is major. III. How is the Unified Agenda organized? Agency regulatory flexibility agendas are printed in a single daily edition of the Federal Register. A regulatory flexibility agenda is printed for each agency whose agenda includes entries for rules which are likely to have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities or rules that have been selected for periodic review under section 610 of the Regulatory Flexibility Act. Each printed agenda appears as a separate part. The parts are organized alphabetically in four groups: Cabinet departments; other executive agencies; the Federal Acquisition Regulation, a joint authority; and independent regulatory agencies. Agencies may in turn be divided into sub-agencies. Each agency's part of the Agenda contains a preamble providing information specific to that agency. Each printed agency agenda has a table of contents listing the agency's printed entries that follow. The online, complete Unified Agenda contains the preambles of all participating agencies. Unlike the printed edition, the online Agenda has no fixed ordering. In the online Agenda, users can select the particular agencies' agendas they want to see. Users have broad flexibility to specify the characteristics of the entries of interest to them by choosing the desired responses to individual data fields. To see a listing of all of an agency's entries, a user can select the agency without specifying any particular characteristics of entries. Each entry in the Agenda is associated with one of five rulemaking stages. The rulemaking stages are: 1. Prerule Stage--actions agencies will undertake to determine whether or how to initiate rulemaking. Such actions occur prior to a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) and may include Advance Notices of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPRMs) and reviews of existing regulations. 2. Proposed Rule Stage--actions for which agencies plan to publish a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking as the next step in their rulemaking process or for which the closing date of the NPRM Comment Period is the next step. 3. Final Rule Stage--actions for which agencies plan to publish a final rule or an interim final rule or to take other final action as the next step. 4. Long-Term Actions--items under development but for which the agency does not expect to have a regulatory action within the 12 months after publication of this edition of the Unified Agenda. Some of the entries in this section may contain abbreviated information. 5. Completed Actions--actions or reviews the agency has completed or withdrawn since publishing its last agenda. This section also includes items the agency began and completed between issues of the Agenda. Long-Term Actions are rulemakings reported during the publication cycle that are outside of the required 12-month reporting period for which the Agenda was intended. Completed Actions in the publication cycle are rulemakings that are ending their lifecycle either by Withdrawal or completion of the rulemaking process. Therefore, the Long-Term and Completed RINs do not represent the ongoing, forward- looking nature intended for reporting developing rulemakings in the Agenda pursuant to Executive Order 12866, section 4(b) and 4(c). To further differentiate these two stages of rulemaking in the Unified Agenda from active rulemakings, Long-Term and Completed Actions are reported separately from active rulemakings, which can be any of the first three stages of rulemaking listed above. A separate search function is provided on www.reginfo.gov to search for Completed and Long-Term Actions apart from each other and active RINs. A bullet () preceding the title of an entry indicates that the entry is appearing in the Unified Agenda for the first time. In the printed edition, all entries are numbered sequentially from the beginning to the end of the publication. The sequence number preceding the title of each entry identifies the location of the entry in this edition. The sequence number is used as the reference in the printed table of contents. Sequence numbers are not used in the online Unified Agenda because the unique Regulation Identifier Number (RIN) is able to provide this cross-reference capability. Editions of the Unified Agenda prior to fall 2007 contained several indexes, which identified entries with various characteristics. These included regulatory actions for which agencies believe that the Regulatory Flexibility Act may require a Regulatory Flexibility Analysis, actions selected for periodic review under section 610(c) of the Regulatory Flexibility Act, and actions that may have federalism implications as defined in Executive Order 13132 or other effects on levels of government. These indexes are no longer compiled, because users of the online Unified Agenda have the flexibility to search for entries with any combination of desired characteristics. The online edition retains the Unified Agenda's subject index based on the Federal Register Thesaurus of Indexing Terms. In addition, online users have the option of searching Agenda text fields for words or phrases. IV. What information appears for each entry? All entries in the online Unified Agenda contain uniform data elements [[Page 66767]] including, at a minimum, the following information: Title of the Regulation--a brief description of the subject of the regulation. In the printed edition, the notation ``Section 610 Review'' following the title indicates that the agency has selected the rule for its periodic review of existing rules under the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 610(c)). Some agencies have indicated completions of section 610 reviews or rulemaking actions resulting from completed section 610 reviews. In the online edition, these notations appear in a separate field. Priority--an indication of the significance of the regulation. Agencies assign each entry to one of the following five categories of significance. (1) Economically Significant and Section 3(f)(1) Significant On April 6, 2023, the President issued E.O. 14904 entitled ``Modernizing Regulatory Review.'' E.O. 14904 amends Section 3(f)(1) of E.O. 12866 to increase the monetary threshold for significance under this provision from $100 million to $200 million in annual effects and directs that it be adjusted for GDP growth every three years. Given that the Spring Agenda was in development prior to the issuance of E.O. 14904, the Agenda largely uses the previous nomenclature of ``economically significant'' to indicate rulemaking actions expected to have an annual effect on the economy of $100 million or more, the threshold in E.O. 12866 prior to April 6, 2023. For rulemaking actions which were submitted for OIRA review after the issuance of the E.O. 14904 on April 6, 2023 and are expected to have an annual effect on the economy of $200 million or more, the term ``Section 3(f)(1) Significant'' is used and will continue to be used in future unified agendas. The amended definition of ``Section 3(f)1) Significant'' under Executive Order 12866 is a rulemaking action that will ``have an annual effect on the economy of $200 million or more (adjusted every 3 years by the Administrator of OIRA for changes in gross domestic product); or will adversely affect in a material way the economy, a sector of the economy, productivity, competition, jobs, the environment, public health or safety, or State, local, or tribal governments or communities.'' (2) Other Significant A rulemaking that is not Economically Significant but is considered Significant by the agency. This category includes rules that the agency anticipates will be reviewed under Executive Order 12866, as amended, or rules that are a priority of the agency head. These rules may or may not be included in the agency's regulatory plan. (3) Substantive, Nonsignificant A rulemaking that has substantive impacts, but is neither Significant, nor Routine and Frequent, nor Informational/ Administrative/Other. (4) Routine and Frequent A rulemaking that is a specific case of a multiple recurring application of a regulatory program in the Code of Federal Regulations and that does not alter the body of the regulation. (5) Informational/Administrative/Other A rulemaking that is primarily informational or pertains to agency matters not central to accomplishing the agency's regulatory mandate but that the agency places in the Unified Agenda to inform the public of the activity. Major--whether the rule is ``major'' under 5 U.S.C. 801 (Pub. L. 104-121) because it has resulted or is likely to result in an annual effect on the economy of $100 million or more or meets other criteria specified in that Act. The Act provides that the Administrator of the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs will make the final determination as to whether a rule is major. Unfunded Mandates--whether the rule is covered by section 202 of the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 (Pub. L. 104-4). The Act requires that, before issuing an NPRM likely to result in a mandate that may result in expenditures by State, local, and tribal governments, in the aggregate, or by the private sector of more than $100 million in 1 year, agencies, other than independent regulatory agencies, shall prepare a written statement containing an assessment of the anticipated costs and benefits of the Federal mandate. Legal Authority--the section(s) of the United States Code (U.S.C.) or Public Law (Pub. L.) or the Executive order (E.O.) that authorize(s) the regulatory action. Agencies may provide popular name references to laws in addition to these citations. CFR Citation--the section(s) of the Code of Federal Regulations that will be affected by the action. Legal Deadline--whether the action is subject to a statutory or judicial deadline, the date of that deadline, and whether the deadline pertains to an NPRM, a Final Action, or some other action. Abstract--a brief description of the problem the regulation will address; the need for a Federal solution; to the extent available, alternatives that the agency is considering to address the problem; and potential costs and benefits of the action. Timetable--the dates and citations (if available) for all past steps and a projected date for at least the next step for the regulatory action. A date displayed in the form 12/00/19 means the agency is predicting the month and year the action will take place but not the day it will occur. In some instances, agencies may indicate what the next action will be, but the date of that action is ``To Be Determined.'' ``Next Action Undetermined'' indicates the agency does not know what action it will take next. Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required--whether an analysis is required by the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.) because the rulemaking action is likely to have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities as defined by the Act. Small Entities Affected--the types of small entities (businesses, governmental jurisdictions, or organizations) on which the rulemaking action is likely to have an impact as defined by the Regulatory Flexibility Act. Some agencies have chosen to indicate likely effects on small entities even though they believe that a Regulatory Flexibility Analysis will not be required. Government Levels Affected--whether the action is expected to affect levels of government and, if so, whether the governments are State, local, tribal, or Federal. International Impacts--whether the regulation is expected to have international trade and investment effects, or otherwise may be of interest to the Nation's international trading partners. Federalism--whether the action has ``federalism implications'' as defined in Executive Order 13132. This term refers to actions ``that have substantial direct effects on the States, on the relationship between the national government and the States, or on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government.'' Independent regulatory agencies are not required to supply this information. Included in the Regulatory Plan--whether the rulemaking was included in the agency's current regulatory plan published in the fall 2022. Agency Contact--the name and phone number of at least one person in the agency who is knowledgeable about the rulemaking action. The agency may also provide the title, address, fax number, [[Page 66768]] email address, and TDD for each agency contact. Some agencies have provided the following optional information: RIN Information URL--the internet address of a site that provides more information about the entry. Public Comment URL--the internet address of a site that will accept public comments on the entry. Alternatively, timely public comments may be submitted at the Governmentwide e-rulemaking site, www.regulations.gov. Additional Information--any information an agency wishes to include that does not have a specific corresponding data element. Compliance Cost to the Public--the estimated gross compliance cost of the action. Affected Sectors--the industrial sectors that the action may most affect, either directly or indirectly. Affected sectors are identified by North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) codes. Energy Effects--an indication of whether the agency has prepared or plans to prepare a Statement of Energy Effects for the action, as required by Executive Order 13211 ``Actions Concerning Regulations That Significantly Affect Energy Supply, Distribution, or Use,'' signed May 18, 2001 (66 FR 28355). Related RINs--one or more past or current RIN(s) associated with activity related to this action, such as merged RINs, split RINs, new activity for previously completed RINs, or duplicate RINs. Statement of Need--a description of the need for the regulatory action. Summary of the Legal Basis--a description of the legal basis for the action, including whether any aspect of the action is required by statute or court order. Alternatives--a description of the alternatives the agency has considered or will consider as required by section 4(c)(1)(B) of Executive Order 12866. Anticipated Costs and Benefits--a description of preliminary estimates of the anticipated costs and benefits of the action. Risks--a description of the magnitude of the risk the action addresses, the amount by which the agency expects the action to reduce this risk, and the relation of the risk and this risk reduction effort to other risks and risk reduction efforts within the agency's jurisdiction. V. Abbreviations The following abbreviations appear throughout this publication: ANPRM--An Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking is a preliminary notice, published in the Federal Register, announcing that an agency is considering a regulatory action. An agency may issue an ANPRM before it develops a detailed proposed rule. An ANPRM describes the general area that may be subject to regulation and usually asks for public comment on the issues and options being discussed. An ANPRM is issued only when an agency believes it needs to gather more information before proceeding to a notice of proposed rulemaking. CFR--The Code of Federal Regulations is an annual codification of the general and permanent regulations published in the Federal Register by the agencies of the Federal Government. The Code is divided into 50 titles, each title covering a broad area subject to Federal regulation. The CFR is keyed to and kept up to date by the daily issues of the Federal Register. E.O.--An Executive order is a directive from the President to Executive agencies, issued under constitutional or statutory authority. Executive orders are published in the Federal Register and in title 3 of the Code of Federal Regulations. FR--The Federal Register is a daily Federal Government publication that provides a uniform system for publishing Presidential documents, all proposed and final regulations, notices of meetings, and other official documents issued by Federal agencies. FY--The Federal fiscal year runs from October 1 to September 30. NPRM--A Notice of Proposed Rulemaking is the document an agency issues and publishes in the Federal Register that describes and solicits public comments on a proposed regulatory action. Under the Administrative Procedure Act (5 U.S.C. 553), an NPRM must include, at a minimum: A statement of the time, place, and nature of the public rulemaking proceeding; Legal Authority--A reference to the legal authority under which the rule is proposed; and either the terms or substance of the proposed rule or a description of the subjects and issues involved. Pub. L.--A public law is a law passed by Congress and signed by the President or enacted over his veto. It has general applicability, unlike a private law that applies only to those persons or entities specifically designated. Public laws are numbered in sequence throughout the 2-year life of each Congress; for example, Public Law 112-4 is the fourth public law of the 112th Congress. RFA--A Regulatory Flexibility Analysis is a description and analysis of the impact of a rule on small entities, including small businesses, small governmental jurisdictions, and certain small not- for-profit organizations. The Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.) requires each agency to prepare an initial RFA for public comment when it is required to publish an NPRM and to make available a final RFA when the final rule is published, unless the agency head certifies that the rule would not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. RIN--The Regulation Identifier Number is assigned by the Regulatory Information Service Center to identify each regulatory action listed in the Regulatory Plan and the Unified Agenda, as directed by Executive Order 12866 (section 4(b)). Additionally, OMB has asked agencies to include RINs in the headings of their Rule and Proposed Rule documents when publishing them in the Federal Register, to make it easier for the public and agency officials to track the publication history of regulatory actions throughout their development. Seq. No.--The sequence number identifies the location of an entry in the printed edition of the Regulatory Plan and the Unified Agenda. Note that a specific regulatory action will have the same RIN throughout its development but will generally have different sequence numbers if it appears in different printed editions of the Unified Agenda. Sequence numbers are not used in the online Unified Agenda. U.S.C.--The United States Code is a consolidation and codification of all general and permanent laws of the United States. The U.S.C. is divided into 50 titles, each title covering a broad area of Federal law. VI. How can users get copies of the Unified Agenda? Copies of the Federal Register issue containing the printed edition of the Unified Agenda (agency regulatory flexibility agendas) are available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Publishing Office, P.O. Box 371954, Pittsburgh, PA 15250-7954. Telephone: (202) 512-1800 or 1-866-512-1800 (toll-free). Copies of individual agency materials may be available directly from the agency or may be found on the agency's website. Please contact the particular agency for further information. All editions of The Regulatory Plan and the Unified Agenda of Federal Regulatory and Deregulatory Actions since fall 1995 are available in electronic form at www.reginfo.gov, along with flexible search tools. The Government Publishing Office's GPO GovInfo website contains copies of the [[Page 66769]] Agendas and Regulatory Plans that have been printed in the Federal Register. These documents are available at www.govinfo.gov. Boris Arratia, Director. [FR Doc. 2024-16445 Filed 8-15-24; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6820-27-P

usgpo

2024-10-08T13:26:31.726511

FR

FR-2024-08-16/2024-16448

Federal Register Volume 89 Issue 159 (August 16, 2024)

United States National Archives and Records Administration Office of the Federal Register

[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 159 (Friday, August 16, 2024)] [Unknown Section] [Pages 66772-66777] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: 2024-16448] [[Page 66771]] Vol. 89 Friday, No. 159 August 16, 2024 Part III Department of Agriculture ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Semiannual Regulatory Agenda Federal Register / Vol. 89 , No. 159 / Friday, August 16, 2024 / UA: Reg Flex Agenda [[Page 66772]] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Office of the Secretary 2 CFR Subtitle B, Ch. IV 5 CFR Ch. LXXIII 7 CFR Subtitle A; Subtitle B, Chs. I-XI, XIV-XVIII, XX, XXV- XXXVIII, XLII 9 CFR Chs. I-III 36 CFR Ch. II 48 CFR Ch. 4 Semiannual Regulatory Agenda, Spring 2024 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 Orders 12866, ``Regulatory Planning and Review,'' 13563, ``Improving Regulation and Regulatory Review,'' and 14094, ``Modernizing Regulatory 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 as well as any regulation consistent with Executive Order 13563. 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. USDA's complete regulatory agenda is available online at www.reginfo.gov. Because publication in the Federal Register is mandated for the regulatory flexibility agendas required by the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 602), USDA's printed agenda entries include only: (1) Rules that are likely to have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities; and (2) Rules identified for periodic review under section 610 of the Regulatory Flexibility Act. 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 Mr. Michael Poe, Office of Budget and Program Analysis, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Washington, DC 20250, (202) 720-3257. Dated: May 15, 2024. Michael Poe, Legislative and Regulatory Staff. Agricultural Marketing Service--Proposed Rule Stage ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulation Sequence No. Title Identifier No. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 1......................... Inert Ingredients in 0581-AE02 Pesticides for Organic Production (AMS-NOP-21- 0008). ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Agricultural Marketing Service--Final Rule Stage ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulation Sequence No. Title Identifier No. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 2......................... Natural Grass Sod 0581-AE07 Promotion, Research, and Information Order (AMS-LP- 21-0028). 3......................... Organic Market Development 0581-AE13 for Mushrooms and Pet Food (AMS-NOP-22-0063). ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Agricultural Marketing Service--Long-Term Actions ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulation Sequence No. Title Identifier No. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 4......................... Organic Aquaculture 0581-AD34 Standards. 5......................... Organic Apiculture 0581-AE12 Production Standards. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Agricultural Marketing Service--Completed Actions ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulation Sequence No. Title Identifier No. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 6......................... Inclusive Competition and 0581-AE05 Market Integrity Under the Packers and Stockyards Act (AMS-FTPP- 21-0045). ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service--Final Rule Stage ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulation Sequence No. Title Identifier No. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 7......................... Revise Conditions for 0579-AE79 Payment of Indemnity and Compensation for HPAI. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ [[Page 66773]] Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service--Long-Term Actions ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulation Sequence No. Title Identifier No. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 8......................... National List of 0579-AE39 Reportable Animal Diseases. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service--Completed Actions ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulation Sequence No. Title Identifier No. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 9......................... Microchipping, Verifiable 0579-AE58 Signatures, Government Official Endorsement, and Mandatory Forms for Importation of Live Dogs; Cage Standards for Domestic Dogs. 10........................ Animal Disease 0579-AE64 Traceability; Electronic Identification. 11........................ Revision to Horse 0579-AE70 Protection Act Regulations. 12........................ AQI User Fees............. 0579-AE71 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Food and Nutrition Service--Final Rule Stage ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulation Sequence No. Title Identifier No. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 13........................ Special Supplemental 0584-AE85 Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC): WIC Online Ordering and Transactions and Food Delivery Revisions to Meet the Needs of a Modern, Data-Driven Program. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Food and Nutrition Service--Long-Term Actions ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulation Sequence No. Title Identifier No. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 14........................ National School Lunch and 0584-AE11 School Breakfast Programs: School Food Service Account Revenue Amendments Related to the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010. 15........................ Technical Changes for 0584-AE37 Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Benefit Redemption Systems. 16........................ Providing Regulatory 0584-AE61 Flexibility for Retailers in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). 17........................ Strengthening Integrity 0584-AE71 and Reducing Retailer Fraud in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). ------------------------------------------------------------------------ DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) Proposed Rule Stage 1. Inert Ingredients in Pesticides for Organic Production (AMS-NOP-21- 0008) [0581-AE02] Legal Authority: 7 U.S.C. 6501 to 6524 Abstract: Based on comments received from the September 2022 Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking and recommendations from the National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) expected in Fall 2024, this action would propose to replace outdated references in USDA's organic regulations to U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) policy on inert ingredients in pesticides. Inerts, also identified as ``other ingredients'' on pesticide labels, are any substances other than the active ingredient that are intentionally added to pesticide products. References to outdated EPA policy appear in the USDA organic regulations in the National List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances (National List) and identify the inert ingredients allowed in pesticides for organic production. Timetable: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Action Date FR Cite ------------------------------------------------------------------------ ANPRM............................... 09/02/22 87 FR 54173 ANPRM Comment Period Extended....... 10/11/22 87 FR 61268 ANPRM Comment Period End............ 11/01/22 ANPRM Comment Period Extended End... 12/31/22 NPRM................................ 04/00/25 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes. Agency Contact: Jennifer Tucker, Deputy Administrator, USDA National Organic Program, Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Marketing Service, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250, Phone: 202 260-8077, Email: [email protected]. RIN: 0581-AE02 DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) Final Rule Stage 2. Natural Grass Sod Promotion, Research, and Information Order (AMS- LP-21-0028) [0581-AE07] Legal Authority: 7 U.S.C. 7411 to 7425 Abstract: This action would establish an industry-funded promotion, research, and information program for natural grass sod products. The proposed Natural Grass Sod Promotion, Research, and Information Order was submitted to the U.S. Department of Agriculture by Turfgrass Producers International, a group of natural grass sod producers. The program would conduct research, marketing, and promotion activities that will benefit the entire industry. Primary goals of the program would include educating consumers and stakeholders of the benefits of natural grass and providing producers with marketing tools they can use to grow their business. The goals identified in the proposed rule would only be attainable through a national research and [[Page 66774]] promotion program for natural grass sod. Timetable: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Action Date FR Cite ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Proposed Rule: Referendum Procedures 10/16/23 88 FR 71302 Proposed Rule: Establish Order...... 10/16/23 88 FR 71306 Comment Period End: Referendum 12/15/23 Procedures. Comment Period End: Establish Order. 12/15/23 Final Rule: Referendum Procedures... 07/00/24 Proposed Rule 2: Establish Order.... 09/00/24 Final Rule.......................... 03/00/25 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes. Agency Contact: Jeana Harbison, Deputy Director of Livestock and Poultry Program, Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Marketing Service, Washington, DC 20024, Phone: 202 690-3192, Email: [email protected]. RIN: 0581-AE07 3. Organic Market Development for Mushrooms and Pet Food (AMS-NOP-22- 0063) [0581-AE13] Legal Authority: 7 U.S.C. 6501 Abstract: This action would amend the USDA organic regulations to clarify production and handling requirements for a) organic pet food standards and b) organic mushrooms. Specific standards for these products do not currently exist. Instead, these products are currently certified organic to the standards for similar products like those for human consumption (pet food) or for crops (mushrooms). This action proposes to add specific standards for these products to respond to recommendations from the National Organic Standards Board and stakeholder comments received during the National Organic Program's March 2022 public listening session. AMS expects the changes would increase regulatory certainty for these markets that would, in turn, support these and related (ingredient/input) markets. Past National Organic Standards Board recommendations, public comments from the National Organic Program's March 2022 public listening session, and input from mushroom and pet food stakeholders have indicated a need for this rule. Timetable: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Action Date FR Cite ------------------------------------------------------------------------ NPRM................................ 03/11/24 89 FR 17322 NPRM Comment Period End............. 05/10/24 Final Rule.......................... 11/00/24 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Agency Contact: Jennifer Tucker, Deputy Administrator, USDA National Organic Program, Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Marketing Service, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250, Phone: 202 260-8077, Email: [email protected]. RIN: 0581-AE13 DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) Long-Term Actions 4. Organic Aquaculture Standards [0581-AD34] Legal Authority: 7 U.S.C. 6501 to 6524 Abstract: This action would establish standards for organic production and certification of farmed aquatic animals and their products in the USDA organic regulations. This action would also add aquatic animals as a scope of certification and accreditation under the National Organic Program (NOP). Timetable: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Action Date FR Cite ------------------------------------------------------------------------ NPRM................................ To Be Determined ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes. Agency Contact: Jennifer Tucker, Phone: 202 260-8077, Email: [email protected]. RIN: 0581-AD34 5. Organic Apiculture Production Standards [0581-AE12] Legal Authority: 7 U.S.C. 6501 Abstract: This action proposes to amend the USDA organic regulations to reflect an October 2010 recommendation submitted to the Secretary by the National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) concerning the production of organic apicultural (or beekeeping) products. Timetable: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Action Date FR Cite ------------------------------------------------------------------------ NPRM................................ To Be Determined ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes. Agency Contact: Jennifer Tucker, Phone: 202 260-8077, Email: [email protected]. RIN: 0581-AE12 DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) Completed Actions 6. Inclusive Competition and Market Integrity Under the Packers and Stockyards Act (AMS-FTPP-21-0045) [0581-AE05] Legal Authority: 7 U.S.C. 181 to 229c Abstract: This final rule would supplement a recent revision to regulations issued under the Packers and Stockyards Act (Act) (7 U.S.C. 181 229c) that provided criteria for the Secretary to consider when determining whether certain conduct or action by packers, swine contractors, or live poultry dealers is unduly or unreasonably or advantageous. Supplemental amendments would clarify the conduct the Department considers unfair, preferential, unjustly discriminatory, or deceptive and a violation of sections 202(a) and (b) of the Act. The rule would also clarify the criteria and types of conduct that would be considered unduly or unreasonably preferential, advantageous, prejudicial, or disadvantageous and violations of the Act, including retaliatory practices that interfere with lawful communications, assertion of rights, and associational participation. Completed: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Reason Date FR Cite ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Final Rule.......................... 03/06/24 89 FR 16092 Final Rule Effective................ 05/06/24 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes. Agency Contact: Michael V. Durando, Phone: 202 720-0219. RIN: 0581-AE05 BILLING CODE 3410-02-P DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) Final Rule Stage 7. Revise Conditions for Payment of Indemnity and Compensation for HPAI [0579-AE79] Legal Authority: 7 U.S.C. 8301, et seq. [[Page 66775]] Abstract: The current HPAI indemnity regulations require producers above de minimis thresholds to have a biosecurity plan as a condition for indemnification. The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) intends this interim rule to require a successful biosecurity audit for HPAI-infected premises intending to restock and for buffer zone (uninfected) premises that wish to request that poultry be moved onto the premises. Other changes are also being considered. Timetable: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Action Date FR Cite ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Interim Final Rule.................. 08/00/24 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes. Agency Contact: Leonardo Sevilla, DVM, Veterinary Medical Officer, Poultry Health Team, Strategy & Policy, VS, Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, 920 Main Campus Drive, Raleigh, NC 27606, Phone: 984 766-1528, Email: [email protected]. RIN: 0579-AE79 DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) Long-Term Actions 8. National List of Reportable Animal Diseases [0579-AE39] Legal Authority: 7 U.S.C. 8301 to 8317 Abstract: This rulemaking amends our disease regulations to provide for a National List of Reportable Animal Diseases, along with reporting responsibilities for animal health professionals that encounter or suspect cases of communicable animal diseases and disease agents. The changes are necessary to streamline Federal cooperative animal disease detection, response, and control efforts. This action will consolidate and enhance current disease reporting mechanisms, and it will complement and supplement existing animal disease tracking and reporting at the State level. Timetable: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Action Date FR Cite ------------------------------------------------------------------------ NPRM................................ 04/02/20 85 FR 18471 NPRM Comment Period End............. 06/01/20 NPRM Comment Period Reopened........ 08/18/20 85 FR 50796 NPRM Comment Period Reopened End.... 08/21/20 Revising Proposed Rule and Reopening 08/28/23 88 FR 58524 Comment Period. NPRM Comment Period End............. 09/27/23 Final Rule.......................... 06/00/25 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes. Agency Contact: Oriana Beemer, Phone: 970 494-7426, Email: [email protected]. RIN: 0579-AE39 DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) Completed Actions 9. Microchipping, Verifiable Signatures, Government Official Endorsement, and Mandatory Forms for Importation of Live Dogs; Cage Standards for Domestic Dogs [0579-AE58] Legal Authority: 7 U.S.C. 2131 to 2159 Abstract: We are proposing to amend the regulations regarding the importation of live dogs by requiring all live dogs imported into the United States for resale purposes to be microchipped for permanent identification, and to require importers to procure a microchip reader and make it available to port-of-entry officials as requested. This action would also add microchipping as one of three identification options for dogs and cats used by dealers, exhibitors and research facilities. In addition, APHIS is proposing to require a verifiable signature on the health certificate and rabies certificate accompanying imported live dogs, an endorsement of the health certificate by a government official in the country of origin, and the mandatory use of forms provided by APHIS. Additionally, we are proposing to update cage standards for dogs held domestically by dealers or exhibitors who are licensed under the Animal Welfare Act or used in research at registered facilities. Other changes are also being contemplated. Completed: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Reason Date FR Cite ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Withdrawn........................... 03/08/24 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes. Agency Contact: Lance Bassage, Phone: 301 851-3748, Email: [email protected]. RIN: 0579-AE58 10. Animal Disease Traceability; Electronic Identification [0579-AE64] Legal Authority: 7 U.S.C. 8301 et seq. Abstract: This action amends APHIS' animal disease traceability regulations, currently codified at 9 CFR part 86. The primary change requires that APHIS will only recognize identification devices (e.g., ear tags) as official identification for cattle and bison covered by the regulations if the devices have both visual and electronic readability (EID). Other changes clarify language and requirements in several sections of part 86. These changes will enhance the U.S. traceability system to better achieve goals of rapidly tracing diseased and exposed animals and containing outbreaks. APHIS' Animal Disease Traceability program has a long-standing relationship with Tribal nations to ensure the program incorporates Tribal feedback. APHIS provided webinars to Tribal nations in 2021 and 2022 to notify Tribes of this rulemaking and solicit requests for consultation. APHIS subsequently was in contact with an alliance of Western Tribes to apprise them of the status of the proposed rule. Completed: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Reason Date FR Cite ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Final Rule.......................... 05/09/24 89 FR 39540 Final Action Effective.............. 11/05/24 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes. Agency Contact: Alexander K. Turner, Phone: 970 494-7353. RIN: 0579-AE64 11. Revision to Horse Protection Act Regulations [0579-AE70] Legal Authority: 15 U.S.C. 1823 Abstract: Current Horse Protection Act (HPA) regulations require Designated Qualified Persons (DQPs) to be licensed directly through Horse Industry Organizations (HIOs). DQPs conduct inspections of horses at HIO-affiliated shows, sales, auctions, and exhibitions to determine compliance with the HPA. We are amending the Horse Protection regulations by eliminating the role of HIOs and assigning inspection authority solely to Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) Veterinary Medical Officers and other third parties [[Page 66776]] authorized and trained by APHIS. This final rule also makes other changes to the regulations in accordance with the provisions of the HPA. Completed: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Reason Date FR Cite ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Final Rule.......................... 05/08/24 89 FR 39194 Final Rule; Correction.............. 06/05/24 89 FR 48131 Final Action Effective.............. 02/01/25 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes. Agency Contact: Aaron Rhyner, Phone: 970 494-7484, Email: [email protected]. RIN: 0579-AE70 12. AQI User Fees [0579-AE71] Legal Authority: 21 U.S.C. 136a Abstract: We are making multiple revisions to our AQI user fee regulations in order to facilitate full cost recovery as required by 21 U.S.C. 136a. Completed: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Reason Date FR Cite ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Final Rule.......................... 05/07/24 89 FR 38596 Final Action Effective.............. 10/01/24 ....................... ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes. Agency Contact: George Balady, Phone: 301 851-2338. RIN: 0579-AE71 BILLING CODE 3410-02-P DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA) Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) Final Rule Stage 13. Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC): WIC Online Ordering and Transactions and Food Delivery Revisions To Meet the Needs of a Modern, Data-Driven Program [0584- AE85] Legal Authority: Pub. L. 111-296 Abstract: This final rulemaking addresses key regulatory barriers to online ordering in the WIC Program by making changes to the provisions that prevent online transactions and types of online capable stores from participating in the Program. This rule will also allow FNS to modernize WIC vendor regulations that do not reflect current technology and facilitate the Program's transition to Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT). To inform the development of the proposed rule, FNS reviewed materials developed by a variety of WIC stakeholders, including WIC providers, vendors, manufacturers, EBT processors, advocacy organizations, and WIC participants, as well as a report issued by a task force convened by USDA and comprised of 18 organizations from multiple sectors to ensure a diverse range of input. FNS will consider public comments received during the proposed rulemaking stage in development of this final rule. Timetable: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Action Date FR Cite ------------------------------------------------------------------------ NPRM................................ 02/23/23 88 FR 11516 NPRM Comment Period End............. 05/24/23 Final Action........................ 02/00/25 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes. Agency Contact: Michael DePiro, Specialist, Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, 1320 Braddock Place, Alexandria, VA 22314, Phone: 703 305-2876, Email: [email protected]. Maureen Lydon, Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service, 1320 Braddock Place, Alexandria, VA 22314, Phone: 703 457- 7713, Email: [email protected]. RIN: 0584-AE85 DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA) Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) Long-Term Actions 14. National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs: School Food Service Account Revenue Amendments Related to the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010 [0584-AE11] Legal Authority: sec. 12(p)(3)(B) of the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act, 42 U.S.C. 1760(p)(B)(3); Healthy, Hunger- Free Kids Act of 2010, Pub. L. 111-296 Abstract: This rule amends National School Lunch Program (NSLP) regulations to conform to amendments made to section 12(p)(3)(B) of the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act, 42 U.S.C. 1760(p)(3)(B) in the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010, regarding equity in school lunch pricing and revenue from non-program foods sold in schools. This rule requires school food authorities participating in the NSLP to provide the same level of financial support for lunches served to students who are not eligible for free or reduced-price lunches as is provided for lunches served to students eligible for free lunches. This rule also requires that all food sold in a school and purchased with funds from the nonprofit school food service account other than meals and snacks reimbursed by the Department of Agriculture must generate revenue at least proportionate to the cost of such foods. This rulemaking will impact schools that participate in NSLP and households with students who participate in NSLP at the paid rate. USDA received stakeholder input on this rulemaking through the public comment process on the interim final rule. Timetable: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Action Date FR Cite ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Interim Final Rule.................. 06/17/11 76 FR 35301 Interim Final Rule Effective........ 07/01/11 Interim Final Rule Comment Period 09/15/11 End. Final Action........................ 06/00/26 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes. Agency Contact: Michael DePiro, Phone: 703 305-2876, Email: [email protected]. Maureen Lydon, Phone: 703 457-7713, Email: [email protected]. RIN: 0584-AE11 15. Technical Changes for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Benefit Redemption Systems [0584-AE37] Legal Authority: Pub. L. 113-79 Abstract: The Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) will propose changes that collectively modernize SNAP benefit issuance and increase program integrity while streamlining program administration, offering greater flexibility to State agencies, and improving customer service. The rule will propose to codify provisions of the 2014 Farm Bill, the 2018 Farm Bill, and respond to 2018 OIG audit findings. The rule will propose to codify 2014 Farm Bill provisions requiring most SNAP-authorized retailers to pay the costs associated with Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) equipment, supplies and related services and requirements pertaining to the online SNAP payment option. This rule would also propose to codify waivers that have been granted to State agencies to implement practices that have proven beneficial as the EBT system has developed and matured and update EBT system technical and functional requirements. FNS has not held any stakeholder engagement initiatives related to this rule but will evaluate the need for future initiatives [[Page 66777]] as rule-making progresses. FNS does not anticipate any significant impacts on communities by this rule, as the proposed changes seek to codify existing program requirements. Timetable: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Action Date FR Cite ------------------------------------------------------------------------ NPRM................................ 06/00/25 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes. Agency Contact: Michael DePiro, Phone: 703 305-2876, Email: [email protected]. Maureen Lydon, Phone: 703 457-7713, Email: [email protected]. RIN: 0584-AE37 16. Providing Regulatory Flexibility for Retailers in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) [0584-AE61] Legal Authority: Pub. L. 113-79; 7 U.S.C. 2011 to 2036 Abstract: The Agricultural Act of 2014 amended the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 to increase the requirement that certain Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) authorized retail food stores have available on a continuous basis at least three varieties of items in each of four staple food categories, to a mandatory minimum of seven varieties. The Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) codified these mandatory requirements via RIN 0584-AE61. This change will propose to provide some retailers participating in SNAP as authorized food stores with more flexibility in meeting the enhanced SNAP eligibility requirements. The stakeholder community includes SNAP applicant and authorized retailers required to meet eligibility requirements, public health and access focused advocacy organizations, and SNAP participants. Stakeholder engagement may include listening sessions with these stakeholders, though significant feedback is also available in comments submitted to the previously published proposed rule. Timetable: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Action Date FR Cite ------------------------------------------------------------------------ NPRM................................ 04/05/19 84 FR 13555 NPRM Comment Period End............. 06/04/19 NPRM Comment Period Reopened........ 06/14/19 84 FR 27743 NPRM Comment Period Reopen End...... 06/20/19 Final Action........................ 11/00/25 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes. Agency Contact: Michael DePiro, Phone: 703 305-2876, Email: [email protected]. Maureen Lydon, Phone: 703 457-7713, Email: [email protected]. RIN: 0584-AE61 17. Strengthening Integrity and Reducing Retailer Fraud in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) [0584-AE71] Legal Authority: Pub. L. 113-79; Pub. L. 115-334 Abstract: This proposed rule would implement statutory provisions of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (the 2008 Farm Bill), the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (the 2018 Farm Bill), and other language intended to deter retailer fraud, abuse, and non-compliance in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Stakeholders are SNAP retailers and communities in which SNAP retailers provide SNAP participants access to food, other Programs that require SNAP authorization or where reciprocal actions impact participation, and SNAP participants. Stakeholder engagement may include listening sessions; however, significant feedback from stakeholders is also available in the public comments submitted on previously proposed rule. Timetable: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Action Date FR Cite ------------------------------------------------------------------------ NPRM................................ 10/00/25 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes. Agency Contact: Michael DePiro, Phone: 703 305-2876, Email: [email protected]. Maureen Lydon, Phone: 703 457-7713. Email: [email protected], RIN: 0584-AE71 [FR Doc. 2024-16448 Filed 8-15-24; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410-30-P

usgpo

2024-10-08T13:26:31.861148

FR

FR-2024-08-16/2024-16446

Federal Register Volume 89 Issue 159 (August 16, 2024)

United States National Archives and Records Administration Office of the Federal Register

[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 159 (Friday, August 16, 2024)] [Unknown Section] [Pages 66780-66794] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: 2024-16446] [[Page 66779]] Vol. 89 Friday, No. 159 August 16, 2024 Part IV Department of Commerce ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Semiannual Regulatory Agenda Federal Register / Vol. 89 , No. 159 / Friday, August 16, 2024 / UA: Reg Flex Agenda [[Page 66780]] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE Office of the Secretary 13 CFR Ch. III 15 CFR Subtitle A; Subtitle B, Chs. I, II, III, VII, VIII, IX, and XI 19 CFR Ch. III 37 CFR Chs. I, IV, and V 48 CFR Ch. 13 50 CFR Chs. II, III, IV, and VI Spring 2024 Semiannual Agenda of Regulations AGENCY: Office of the Secretary, Commerce. ACTION: Semiannual Regulatory Agenda. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: In compliance with Executive Order 12866, entitled ``Regulatory Planning and Review,'' and the Regulatory Flexibility Act, as amended, the Department of Commerce (Commerce), in the spring and fall of each year, publishes in the Federal Register an agenda of regulations under development or review over the next 12 months. Rulemaking actions are grouped according to pre-rulemaking, proposed rules, final rules, long-term actions, and rulemaking actions completed since the publication of the Fall 2023 Unified Agenda. The purpose of the Agenda is to provide information to the public on regulations that are currently under review, being proposed, or recently issued by Commerce. It is expected that this information will enable the public to participate more effectively in Commerce's regulatory process. Commerce's Spring 2024 Unified Agenda includes regulatory activities that are expected to be conducted during the period July 1, 2024, through June 31, 2024. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Specific: For additional information about specific regulatory actions listed in the agenda, contact the individual identified as the contact person. General: Comments or inquiries of a general nature about the agenda should be directed to Candida Harty, Chief Counsel for Regulation, Office of the Assistant General Counsel for Legislation and Regulation, U.S. Department of Commerce, Washington, DC 20230, telephone: 202-482- 3410. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Commerce hereby publishes its Spring 2024 Unified Agenda of Federal Regulatory and Deregulatory Actions pursuant to Executive Order 12866 and the Regulatory Flexibility Act, 5 U.S.C. 601 et seq. Executive Order 12866 requires agencies to publish an agenda of those regulations that are under consideration. By memorandum of February 20, 2024, the Office of Management and Budget issued guidelines and procedures for the preparation and publication of the Spring 2024 Unified Agenda. The Regulatory Flexibility Act requires agencies to publish, in the spring and fall of each year, a regulatory flexibility agenda that contains a brief description of the subject of any rule likely to have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. The internet is the basic means for disseminating the Unified Agenda. The complete Unified Agenda is available online at www.reginfo.gov, in a format that offers users a greatly enhanced ability to obtain information from the Agenda database. A list of Commerce's most important significant regulatory and deregulatory actions and a Statement of Regulatory Priorities are included only in the fall editions of the Unified Agendas and, thus, do not appear in the Spring 2024 Unified Agenda. Because publication in the Federal Register is mandated for the regulatory flexibility agendas required by the Regulatory Flexibility Act, Commerce's printed agenda entries include only: (1) Rules that are in the Agency's regulatory flexibility agenda, in accordance with the Regulatory Flexibility Act, because they are likely to have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities; and (2) Rules that the Agency has identified for periodic review under section 610 of the Regulatory Flexibility Act. Printing of these entries is limited to fields that contain information required by the Regulatory Flexibility Act's Agenda requirements. Additional information on these entries is available in the Unified Agenda published on the internet. In addition, for fall editions of the Agenda, Commerce's entire Regulatory Plan will continue to be printed in the Federal Register. Within Commerce, the Office of the Secretary and various operating units may issue regulations. Among these operating units, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the Bureau of Industry and Security, and the Patent and Trademark Office issue the greatest share of Commerce's regulations. In addition to regulations promulgated by NOAA, BIS, and PTO, this issue also includes regulations to be promulgated by, or that have been published and completed since the Fall 2023 Unified Agenda by, the International Trade Administration (ITA), the U.S. Census Bureau (CENSUS), the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA), and the Office of the Secretary (OS). Commerce's Spring 2024 Unified Agenda follows. Leslie Kiernan, General Counsel. General Administration--Final Rule Stage ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulation Sequence No. Title Identifier No. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 18........................ Securing the Information 0605-AA51 and Communications Technology and Services Supply Chain. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ General Administration--Long-Term Actions ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulation Sequence No. Title Identifier No. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 19........................ Securing the Information 0605-AA60 and Communications Technology and Services Supply Chain: Licensing Procedures. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ [[Page 66781]] International Trade Administration--Final Rule Stage ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulation Sequence No. Title Identifier No. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 20........................ Procedures Covering 0625-AB21 Suspension of Liquidation, Duties and Estimated Duties in Accord With Presidential Proclamation 10414. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Bureau of Industry and Security--Final Rule Stage ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulation Sequence No. Title Identifier No. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 21........................ Taking Additional Steps to 0694-AJ35 Address the National Emergency With Respect to Significant Malicious Cyber-Enabled Activities. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration--Proposed Rule Stage ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulation Sequence No. Title Identifier No. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 22........................ Illegal, Unreported, and 0648-BG11 Unregulated Fishing; Fisheries Enforcement; High Seas Driftnet Fishing Moratorium Protection Act. 23........................ Amendment 125 to the 0648-BM64 Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Fishery Management Plan; Pacific Cod Small Boat Access. 24........................ Authorizing Hook-and-line 0648-BM77 Catcher/Processors to use Longline Pot Gear in the Bering Sea Greenland Turbot Fishery. 25........................ Atlantic Coastal Fisheries 0648-BM38 Cooperative Management Act Provisions; American Lobster Fishery Vessel Tracking for the Federal American Lobster Fishery. 26........................ Atlantic Highly Migratory 0648-BM08 Species; Amendment 16 to the 2006 Consolidated Atlantic Highly Migratory Species Fishery Management Plan. 27........................ Atlantic Highly Migratory 0648-BM23 Species; Electronic Reporting Requirements. 28........................ Atlantic Highly Migratory 0648-BM88 Species; Revisions to Commercial Atlantic Blacknose and Recreational Atlantic Shark Fisheries. 29........................ International Fisheries; 0648-BG04 South Pacific Tuna Fisheries; Implementation of Amendments to the South Pacific Tuna Treaty. 30........................ Magnuson-Stevens Act 0648-BM85 Provisions; Fisheries Off West Coast States; Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery; 2024 Harvest Specifications for Pacific Whiting, and 2024 Pacific Whiting Tribal Allocation. 31........................ 2025-2026 Harvest 0648-BN08 Specifications and Management Measures for the Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery. 32........................ Notice of Proposed 0648-BM52 Rulemaking for the Designation Pacific Remote Islands National Marine Sanctuary. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration--Final Rule Stage ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulation Sequence No. Title Identifier No. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 33........................ Amendments to the North 0648-BI88 Atlantic Right Whale Vessel Strike Reduction Rule. 34........................ Designation of Critical 0648-BJ52 Habitat for Threatened Indo-Pacific Reef- Building Corals. 35........................ Establishment of Time-Area 0648-BK04 Closures for Hawaiian Spinner Dolphins Under the Marine Mammal Protection Act. 36........................ Designation of Marine 0648-BL82 Critical Habitat for Six Distinct Population Segments of Green Sea Turtles Under the Endangered Species Act. 37........................ Designation of Critical 0648-BL86 Habitat for Rice's Whale Under the Endangered Species Act. 38........................ Framework Adjustment 66 to 0648-BM71 the Northeast Multispecies Fishery Management Plan. 39........................ Atlantic Highly Migratory 0648-BI10 Species; Research and Data Collection in Support of Spatial Fisheries Management. 40........................ International Fisheries; 0648-BL25 Western and Central Pacific Fisheries for Highly Migratory Species; Fishing Effort Limits in Purse Seine Fisheries. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration--Long-Term Actions ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulation Sequence No. Title Identifier No. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 41........................ Magnuson-Stevens Fisheries 0648-BH87 Conservation and Management Act; Traceability Information Program for Seafood. 42........................ Seafood Import Permitting 0648-BK85 and Reporting Procedures. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ [[Page 66782]] National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration--Completed Actions ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulation Sequence No. Title Identifier No. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 43........................ Designation of Critical 0648-BG26 Habitat for the Threatened Caribbean Corals. 44........................ Designation of Critical 0648-BL53 Habitat for Nassau Grouper Under the Endangered Species Act. 45........................ Atlantic Large Whale Take 0648-BM31 Reduction Plan Modifications to Reduce Serious Injury and Mortality of Large Whales in Commercial Trap/Pot Fisheries Along the U.S. East Coast. 46........................ Amendment 123 to the 0648-BL42 Fishery Management Plan for Groundfish of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area; Halibut Abundance-Based Management of Amendment 80 Prohibited Species Catch Limit. 47........................ Rulemaking to Modify the 0648-BM18 2023-2027 Halibut Individual Fishing Quota (IFQ) Vessel Harvest Limitations in IFQ Regulatory Areas 4A, 4B, 4C, and 4D. 48........................ Amendment 16 to the 0648-BM42 Fishery Management Plan for the Salmon Fisheries in the EEZ Off Alaska; Cook Inlet. 49........................ Framework Adjustment 65 to 0648-BL95 the Northeast Multispecies Fishery Management Plan. 50........................ Framework Adjustment 38 to 0648-BM78 the Atlantic Sea Scallop Fishery Management Plan. 51........................ Atlantic Highly Migratory 0648-BK54 Species; Prohibiting Retention of Oceanic Whitetip Sharks in U.S. Atlantic Waters and Hammerhead Sharks in the Caribbean Sea. 52........................ Atlantic Highly Migratory 0648-BM66 Species; Atlantic Bluefin Tuna General Category Restricted-Fishing Days; Atlantic Bluefin Tuna Regulatory Clarifications. 53........................ Amendment 51 to the 0648-BM03 Fishery Management Plan for the Snapper-Grouper Fishery of the South Atlantic Region (Amendment 51). 54........................ Amendment 56 to the 0648-BM46 Fishery Management Plan for the Reef Fish Resources of the Gulf of Mexico: Modifications to Catch Limits, Sector Allocation, and Recreational Fishing Seasons for Gulf of Mexico Gag. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Patent and Trademark Office--Final Rule Stage ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulation Sequence No. Title Identifier No. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 55........................ Setting and Adjusting 0651-AD64 Patent Fees During Fiscal Year 2025. 56........................ Setting and Adjusting 0651-AD65 Trademark Fees During Fiscal Year 2025. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE (DOC) General Administration (ADMIN) Final Rule Stage 18. Securing the Information and Communications Technology and Services Supply Chain [0605-AA51] Legal Authority: 50 U.S.C. 1701; 3 U.S.C. 301; 50 U.S.C. 1601; E.O. 13873; E.O. 14034 Abstract: Pursuant to Executive Order 13873 of May 15, 2019, ``Securing the Information and Communications Technology and Services Supply Chain'' and Executive Order 14034 of June 9, 2021, ``Protecting Americans' Sensitive Data From Foreign Adversaries,'' the Department of Commerce is finalizing the rule that sets forth the process and procedures that the Secretary of Commerce will use to identify, assess, and address transactions that pose an undue risk to the security, integrity, and reliability of information and communications technology and services provided and used in the United States. Timetable: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Action Date FR Cite ------------------------------------------------------------------------ NPRM................................ 11/27/19 84 FR 65316 NPRM Comment Period End............. 12/27/19 Interim Final Rule.................. 01/19/21 86 FR 4909 Interim Final Rule Comment Period 03/22/21 End. Interim Final Rule Effective Date... 03/22/21 Final Action........................ 08/00/24 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes. Agency Contact: Katelyn Christ, Department of Commerce, 1401 Constitution Avenue, Washington, DC 20230, Phone: 202 482-3064, Email: [email protected]. RIN: 0605-AA51 DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE (DOC) General Administration (ADMIN) Long-Term Actions 19. Securing the Information and Communications Technology and Services Supply Chain: Licensing Procedures [0605-AA60] Legal Authority: 50 U.S.C. 1701; 3 U.S.C. 301; 50 U.S.C. 1601; E.O. 13873; E.O. 14034 Abstract: The Department is seeking public input regarding establishing a licensing process for entities to seek pre-approval before engaging in or continuing to engage in potentially regulated information and communications technology and services (ICTS) Transactions under 15 CFR part 7. Timetable: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Action Date FR Cite ------------------------------------------------------------------------ ANPRM............................... 03/29/21 86 FR 16312 ANPRM Comment Period End............ 04/28/21 NPRM................................ 11/00/25 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes. Agency Contact: Katelyn Christ, Phone: 202 482-3064, Email: [email protected]. RIN: 0605-AA60 [[Page 66783]] DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE (DOC) International Trade Administration (ITA) Final Rule Stage 20. Procedures Covering Suspension of Liquidation, Duties and Estimated Duties in Accord With Presidential Proclamation 10414 [0625-AB21] Legal Authority: Proc 10414, 87 FR 35067; 19 U.S.C. 1318 Abstract: In accordance with Presidential Proclamation 10414 and pursuant to its authority under Section 318(a) of the Tariff Act of 1930, as amended (the Act), the Department of Commerce (Commerce) is issuing this final rule to implement Proclamation 10414. Specifically, Commerce is issuing a new rule that, in the event of an affirmative preliminary or final determination in the antidumping and countervailing duty (AD/CVD) circumvention inquiries described below, under Title VII of the Act, extends the time for, and waives, the suspension of liquidation, the application of certain AD/CVD duties, and the collection of cash deposits on applicable entries of certain crystalline silicon photovoltaic cells, whether or not assembled into modules, that are completed in the Kingdom of Cambodia (Cambodia), Malaysia, the Kingdom of Thailand (Thailand), and the Socialist Republic of Vietnam (Vietnam) using parts and components manufactured in the People's Republic of China (China), and that are not already subject to an antidumping or countervailing duty order. Timetable: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Action Date FR Cite ------------------------------------------------------------------------ NPRM................................ 07/01/22 87 FR 39426 NPRM Comment Period End............. 08/01/22 Final Action........................ 09/16/22 87 FR 56868 Final Action Effective.............. 11/15/22 Next Action Undetermined............ 07/00/24 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes. Agency Contact: Nikki Kalbing, Department of Commerce, International Trade Administration, Washington, DC 20230, Phone: 202 717-3147, Email: [email protected]. RIN: 0625-AB21 DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE (DOC) Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) Final Rule Stage 21. Taking Additional Steps To Address the National Emergency With Respect to Significant Malicious Cyber-Enabled Activities [0694-AJ35] Legal Authority: 50 U.S.C. 1701 et seq.; 50 U.S.C. 1601 et seq.; E.O. 13873; E.O. 13984; E.O. 14110 Abstract: Executive Order 13984 of January 19, 2021, Taking Additional Steps To Address the National Emergency With Respect to Significant Malicious Cyber-Enabled Activities, (E.O. 13984) directs the Secretary of Commerce (Secretary) to propose regulations requiring certain providers and resellers of certain Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) products to verify the identity of their foreign customers permitting the Secretary, in consultation with Secretary of Defense, the Attorney General, the Secretary of Homeland Security, and the Director of National Intelligence, to grant exemptions to the verification requirement; and authorizing the Secretary to impose special measures on providers with regard to certain foreign jurisdictions or foreign persons. Additionally, Executive Order 14110 of October 30, 2023, Safe, Secure, and Trustworthy Development and Use of Artificial Intelligence'' (E.O. 14110) directs the Secretary to impose record keeping requirements on IaaS providers when foreign persons use U.S. IaaS products to train certain large artificial intelligence (AI) models and to require U.S. IaaS providers identify the foreign customers of their foreign resellers. The Department of Commerce is assessing public comments from its January 29, 2024, notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to EOs 13984 and 14110 and will issue a final rule once that review is complete. Timetable: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Action Date FR Cite ------------------------------------------------------------------------ NPRM................................ 01/29/24 89 FR 5698 NPRM Comment Period End............. 04/29/24 Final Action........................ 12/00/24 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes. Agency Contact: Kellen Moriarty, Department of Commerce, 1401 Constitution Avenue, Washington, DC 20230, Phone: 202 482-1329. RIN: 0694-AJ35 DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE (DOC) National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Proposed Rule Stage National Marine Fisheries Service 22. Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated Fishing; Fisheries Enforcement; High Seas Driftnet Fishing Moratorium Protection Act [0648-BG11] Legal Authority: Pub. L. 114-81 Abstract: This proposed rule would make conforming amendments to regulations implementing the various statutes amended by the Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated Fishing Enforcement Act of 2015 (Pub. L. 114-81). The Act amends several regional fishery management organization implementing statutes as well as the High Seas Driftnet Fishing Moratorium Protection Act. It also provides authority to implement two new international agreements under the Antigua Convention, which amends the Convention for the establishment of an Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission, and the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization Agreement on Port State Measures to Prevent, Deter, and Eliminate Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated Fishing (Port State Measures Agreement), which restricts the entry into U.S. ports by foreign fishing vessels that are known to be or are suspected of engaging in illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing. This proposed rule would also implement the Port State Measures Agreement. To that end, this proposed rule would require the collection of certain information from foreign fishing vessels requesting permission to use U.S. ports. It also includes procedures to designate and publicize the ports to which foreign fishing vessels may seek entry and procedures for conducting inspections of these foreign vessels accessing U.S. ports. Further, the rule would establish procedures for notification of: the denial of port entry or port services for a foreign vessel, the withdrawal of the denial of port services if applicable, the taking of enforcement action with respect to a foreign vessel, or the results of any inspection of a foreign vessel to the flag nation of the vessel and other competent authorities as appropriate. Timetable: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Action Date FR Cite ------------------------------------------------------------------------ NPRM................................ 07/08/22 87 FR 40763 NPRM Comment Period End............. 09/06/22 [[Page 66784]] Second NPRM......................... 10/00/24 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes. Agency Contact: Alexa Cole, Director, Office of International Affairs, Trade, and Commerce, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910, Phone: 301 427-8286, Email: [email protected]. RIN: 0648-BG11 23. Amendment 125 to the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Fishery Management Plan; Pacific Cod Small Boat Access [0648-BM64] Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq. Abstract: In response to a recommendation by the North Pacific Fishery Management Council, this action would allow smaller hook-and- line or pot catcher vessels operating in the Federal Bering Sea and Aleutian Island (BSAI) Pacific cod (Gadus macrophalus) less than 60' hook-and-line or pot catcher vessel sector to harvest Pacific cod from the BSAI Pacific cod jig sector's allocation. Under the current regulations, the BSAI Pacific cod jig sector only includes jig catcher vessels and catcher processors. The proposed amendment would redefine the current Federal BSAI Pacific cod jig sector to add hook-and-line and pot catcher vessels that are less than or equal to 55' length overall to the current definition. This proposed action is needed because of reduced Pacific cod total allowable catch (TAC), shortened seasons for the less than 60' hook-and-line and pot catcher vessel Pacific cod sector, and the inability of these smaller vessels to compete with larger vessels during poor weather. As such, the proposed action would likely provide a small benefit to a small number of fishery participants (those with smaller vessels). This action could provide stability and additional opportunities for current fishery participants and potential new entrants with smaller hook-and-line or pot catcher vessels without negatively impacting vessels that operate in the jig sector. However, larger hook-and-line or pot vessels could be negatively impacted by the proposed action, which would likely impact the historically common reallocations of projected unused Pacific cod allocation from the jig sector to the less than 60' hook- and-line or pot catcher vessel sector. The authority for this action is Section 304(b)(1)(A) of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act. Timetable: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Action Date FR Cite ------------------------------------------------------------------------ NPRM................................ 07/00/24 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes. Agency Contact: Jon Kurland, Regional Administrator, Alaska Region, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 709 West Ninth Street, Juneau, AK 99801, Phone: 907 586-7638, Email: [email protected]. RIN: 0648-BM64 24. Authorizing Hook-and-Line Catcher/Processors To Use Longline Pot Gear in the Bering Sea Greenland Turbot Fishery [0648- BM77] Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq. Abstract: In response to a recommendation by the North Pacific Fishery Management Council, this action would allow hook-and-line catcher/processor vessels to use longline pot gear in the Greenland turbot (Reinhardtius hippoglossoides) fishery in the Bering Sea (BS). Current regulations only allow for the use of hook-and-line or trawl gear when directed fishing for Greenland turbot in the BS. This action is needed due to an increase in killer whale (Orcinus orca) depredation in the BS hook-and-line gear Greenland turbot fishery. The level of depredation has increased to a level where it precludes directed fishing for Greenland turbot using hook-and-line gear. This action would reduce the impacts of whale depredation and allow the fishery to resume. This action would benefit the hook-and-line catcher/processors who choose to participate in the directed fishery for Greenland turbot using longline pot gear. The authority for this action is Section 304(b)(1)(A) of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act. Timetable: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Action Date FR Cite ------------------------------------------------------------------------ NPRM................................ 07/00/24 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes. Agency Contact: Jon Kurland, Regional Administrator, Alaska Region, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 709 West Ninth Street, Juneau, AK 99801, Phone: 907 586-7638, Email: [email protected]. RIN: 0648-BM77 25. Atlantic Coastal Fisheries Cooperative Management Act Provisions; American Lobster Fishery Vessel Tracking for the Federal American Lobster Fishery [0648-BM38] Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 71 Abstract: The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission, the body responsible for the interstate management of the American lobster fishery, recently approved Addendum XXIX to Amendment 3 to the Interstate Fishery Management Plan for American Lobster, which requires electronic tracking of vessels participating in the fishery, with state implementation beginning in 2023. The Commission is made up of representatives from each of the eastern coastal states, including members of the lobster industry, and voted unanimously in support of vessel tracking, which is similar to global positioning system (GPS) capabilities on a cellular/mobile telephone. These data are critical to improving stock assessments, informing discussions and management decisions related to protected species and marine spatial planning, and enhancing offshore enforcement. NOAA Fisheries is proposing complementary Federal regulations under the Atlantic Coastal Fisheries Cooperative Management Act, this would consider revising to regulations under 50 CFR 697. Timetable: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Action Date FR Cite ------------------------------------------------------------------------ NPRM................................ 07/00/24 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes. Agency Contact: Michael Pentony, Regional Administrator, Greater Atlantic Region, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 55 Great Republic Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930, Phone: 978 281-9283, Email: [email protected]. RIN: 0648-BM38 26. Atlantic Highly Migratory Species; Amendment 16 to the 2006 Consolidated Atlantic Highly Migratory Species Fishery Management Plan [0648-BM08] Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.; 16 U.S.C. 971 et seq. Abstract: NMFS is developing a proposed rule for Amendment 16 to the 2006 Consolidated Atlantic Highly Migratory Species (HMS) Fishery Management Plan (FMP) pursuant to Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (MSA) sections 304(c) and (g). The draft Amendment will include a draft [[Page 66785]] environmental impact statement and other required analyses. Based on the mechanism used in establishing shark quotas and related management measures from Amendment 14 to the 2006 Consolidated HMS FMP, Amendment 16 would modify the acceptable biological catch (ABC) and annual catch limits (ACLs) for Atlantic sharks and the process used to account for carryover of underharvests of quotas. In this action, NMFS would also look at all commercial and recreational management measures related to the Atlantic shark fishery and make appropriate revisions. Amendment 16 would affect the bottom longline, gillnet, and pelagic longline fisheries, which fish for sharks throughout the entire range of the fishery (Atlantic Ocean, Gulf of Mexico, and Caribbean Sea). The Agency's proposed actions for this rule will be based in part on feedback and public comments received on the issues and options paper. The comment period ended in August 2023. The comments received to date provide helpful feedback on the potential issues and ways forward. Timetable: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Action Date FR Cite ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Notice of Intent.................... 05/08/23 88 FR 29617 Notice of Intent Comment Period End. 08/18/23 NPRM................................ 03/00/25 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes. Agency Contact: Kelly Denit, Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 1315 East-West Highway, Room 13362, Silver Spring, MD 20901, Phone: 301 427-8500, Email: [email protected]. RIN: 0648-BM08 27. Atlantic Highly Migratory Species; Electronic Reporting Requirements [0648-BM23] Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.; 16 U.S.C. 971 et seq. Abstract: Atlantic highly migratory species (HMS) are managed under the authority of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq., and the Atlantic Tunas Convention Act (ATCA), id. 971 et seq., the implementing statute for binding recommendations of the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas. The ANPRM considered options to: (1) streamline logbook reporting by converting existing commercial paper logbooks to electronic logbooks; (2) expand logbook reporting to recreational and commercial permit holders via electronic logbooks, to be consistent with Agency efforts in other fisheries and to augment data collected for fishery management; (3) collect additional information through existing electronic reporting mechanisms for dealers and recreational permit holders to augment data collected for fishery management; and (4) facilitate HMS reporting including considering ways to incentivize reporting compliance (or penalize noncompliance) and offering an electronic reporting platform for HMS Exempted Fishing Permit Program permit holders. This action is being taken pursuant to the rulemaking authority under section 304(c) of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act. 16 U.S.C. 1854(c). The ANPRM comment period ended in August 2023. The comments received provide helpful feedback on the potential issues and ways forward, which are under consideration by the Agency. The Agency's proposed actions for this rulemaking will be based in part on feedback and public comments received on the ANPRM. Timetable: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Action Date FR Cite ------------------------------------------------------------------------ ANPRM............................... 05/12/23 88 FR 30699 ANPRM Comment Period End............ 08/18/23 NPRM................................ 07/00/24 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes. Agency Contact: Kelly Denit, Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 1315 East-West Highway, Room 13362, Silver Spring, MD 20901, Phone: 301 427-8500, Email: [email protected]. RIN: 0648-BM23 28. Atlantic Highly Migratory Species; Revisions to Commercial Atlantic Blacknose and Recreational Atlantic Shark Fisheries [0648- BM88] Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq. Abstract: The National Marine Fisheries Service, on behalf of the Secretary of Commerce, is responsible for managing Atlantic highly migratory species (HMS) pursuant to the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq., and consistent with the Atlantic Tunas Convention Act (ATCA), id. 971 et seq. This proposed rule would consider options to: (1) remove the Atlantic blacknose shark management boundary in the Atlantic region, (2) modify the commercial retention limit for blacknose sharks in the Atlantic region, (3) revise the recreational minimum size limits for authorized Atlantic shark species, and (4) revise the recreational bag limits for some authorized Atlantic shark species. This proposed rule would also remove commercial management group quota linkages, consistent with management measures established in Amendment 14 to the 2006 Consolidated HMS Fishery Management Plan (88 FR 4157, January 24, 2023). This action would affect the commercial and recreational Atlantic shark fisheries in the Atlantic Ocean, Gulf of Mexico, and Caribbean Sea. In 2021, ex-vessel revenues for the entire Atlantic shark fishery totaled approximately $2.6 million. This action is being taken pursuant to the rulemaking authority under section 304(g) of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act. 16 U.S.C. 1854(c). Timetable: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Action Date FR Cite ------------------------------------------------------------------------ NPRM................................ 07/00/24 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes. Agency Contact: Kelly Denit, Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 1315 East-West Highway, Room 13362, Silver Spring, MD 20901, Phone: 301 427-8500, Email: [email protected]. RIN: 0648-BM88 29. International Fisheries; South Pacific Tuna Fisheries; Implementation of Amendments to the South Pacific Tuna Treaty [0648- BG04] Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 973 et seq. Abstract: Under authority of the South Pacific Tuna Act of 1988, this rule would implement recent amendments to the Treaty on Fisheries between the Governments of Certain Pacific Island States and the Government of the United States of America (also known as the South Pacific Tuna Treaty). The rule would include modification to the procedures used to request licenses for U.S. vessels in the western and central Pacific Ocean purse seine fishery, including changing the annual licensing period from June-to-June to the calendar year, and modifications to existing reporting requirements for purse seine vessels fishing in the western and central Pacific Ocean. The rule would implement only those aspects of the [[Page 66786]] Treaty amendments that can be implemented under the existing South Pacific Tuna Act. Timetable: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Action Date FR Cite ------------------------------------------------------------------------ NPRM................................ 10/00/24 ....................... ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes. Agency Contact: Sarah Malloy, Acting Regional Administrator, Pacific Islands Region, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 1845 Wasp Boulevard, Building 176, Honolulu, HI 96818, Phone: 808 725-5000, Email: [email protected]. RIN: 0648-BG04 30. Magnuson-Stevens Act Provisions; Fisheries Off West Coast States; Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery; 2024 Harvest Specifications for Pacific Whiting, and 2024 Pacific Whiting Tribal Allocation [0648- BM85] Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq. Abstract: This rule would establish the 2024 harvest specifications and allocations for Pacific Whiting. Through this rulemaking, NMFS would announce the U.S. Total Allowable Catch (TAC) level determined under the terms of the Agreement with Canada on Pacific Hake/Whiting (Agreement) and the Pacific Whiting Act of 2006 (Whiting Act) and set the interim allocation for the tribal fishery; the fishery harvest guideline (HG), called the non-tribal allocation, for three commercial whiting sectors; and set-asides for research and bycatch. As in prior years, the interim tribal allocation is not intended to set a precedent for future years. This action would be implemented pursuant to the rulemaking authority under the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (MSA) 304(b) (Regulations Deemed Necessary by Council) and MSA section 305(d) (Secretarial authority), and the Pacific Whiting Act of 2006. Pursuant to MSA section 305(d), this action is necessary to ensure that the Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery Management Plan is implemented in a manner consistent with treaty rights of four treaty tribes to fish in their usual and accustomed grounds and stations in common with non-tribal citizens. United States v. Washington, 384 F. Supp. 313 (W.D. Wash. 1974). The harvest specifications that would be implemented by this action would be in effect for the Pacific Whiting fishery that opens May 01, 2024 through December 31, 2024. Timetable: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Action Date FR Cite ------------------------------------------------------------------------ NPRM................................ 07/00/24 ....................... ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes. Agency Contact: Jennifer Quan, Regional Administrator--West Coast Region, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, DC 20230, Phone: 562 980-4001, Email: [email protected]. RIN: 0648-BM85 31. 2025-2026 Harvest Specifications and Management Measures for the Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery [0648-BN08] Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq. Abstract: Every other year, the Pacific Fishery Management Council makes recommendations to set biennial allowable harvest levels for Pacific Coast groundfish, and recommends management measures for commercial, recreational, and tribal fisheries that are designed to achieve those harvest levels consistent with the Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery Management Plan. For the 2025-26 biennium, the Pacific Fishery Management Council has recommended: (1) Harvest specifications, including overfishing limits, acceptable biological catches, and annual catch limits; and (2) Management measures to achieve those specifications. The specifications and management measures that would be established by this action would be in effect from January 1, 2025, through December 31, 2026. The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) would implement this rulemaking under the authority of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq. Timetable: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Action Date FR Cite ------------------------------------------------------------------------ NPRM................................ 09/00/24 ....................... ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes. Agency Contact: Jennifer Quan, Regional Administrator--West Coast Region, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, DC 20230, Phone: 562 980-4001, Email: [email protected]. RIN: 0648-BN08 NOS/ONMS 32. Notice of Proposed Rulemaking for the Designation Pacific Remote Islands National Marine Sanctuary [0648-BM52] Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1431 et seq. Abstract: NOAA's Office of National Marine Sanctuaries is developing a proposed rule designating a national marine sanctuary in the waters surrounding the Pacific Remote Islands. This proposed rule for designation under the National Marine Sanctuaries Act would supplement the existing National Marine Monument and further protect and conserve the natural environment and cultural heritage of the Pacific Remote Islands for future generations. Timetable: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Action Date FR Cite ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Notice.............................. 04/18/23 88 FR 23624 Comment Period End.................. 06/02/23 ....................... NPRM................................ 09/00/24 ....................... ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes. Agency Contact: Jessica Kondel, Policy and Planning Division Chief, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 1305 East West Highway, Building SSMC4, Silver Spring, MD 20910, Phone: 240 676-4646. RIN: 0648-BM52 DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE (DOC) National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Final Rule Stage National Marine Fisheries Service 33. Amendments to the North Atlantic Right Whale Vessel Strike Reduction Rule [0648-BI88] Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1361 et seq.; 16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq. Abstract: NMFS published a proposed rule to amend the North Atlantic Right Whale Vessel Strike Reduction Rule (per 50 CFR 224.105; 87 FR 46921, August 1, 2022). NMFS proposed this action to further reduce the likelihood of mortalities and serious injuries to endangered right whales from vessel collisions, which are a leading cause of the species' decline and a primary factor in an ongoing Unusual Mortality Event. The final rule will (1) modify the spatial and temporal boundaries of current speed restriction areas, currently referred to as Seasonal Management [[Page 66787]] Areas (SMAs), (2) include most vessels greater than or equal to 35 ft (10.7 m) and less than 65 ft (19.8 m) in length in the vessel size class subject to speed restriction, (3) create a Dynamic Speed Zone framework to implement mandatory speed restrictions when whales are known to be present outside active SMAs, and (4) update the speed rule's safety deviation provision. The final amendments to current speed regulations reduce vessel strike risk based on a coast wide collision mortality risk assessment and updated information on right whale distribution, vessel traffic patterns, and vessel strike mortality and serious injury events. NMFS solicited public comment on the proposed action and received over 90,000 public comments. The agency plans to take final action on the final rule in 2024. Timetable: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Action Date FR Cite ------------------------------------------------------------------------ NPRM................................ 08/01/22 87 FR 46921 NPRM Comment Period End............. 09/30/22 ....................... NPRM Comment Period Extension....... 09/16/22 87 FR 56925 NPRM Comment Period Extension End... 10/31/22 ....................... Final Action........................ 11/00/24 ....................... ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes. Agency Contact: Kim Damon-Randall, Director, Office of Protected Resources, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910, Phone: 301 427-8400, Email: [email protected]. RIN: 0648-BI88 34. Designation of Critical Habitat for Threatened Indo-Pacific Reef- Building Corals [0648-BJ52] Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq. Abstract: On November 27, 2020, we, NMFS, published in the Federal Register a proposal to designate 17 island units of critical habitat in the Pacific Islands Region for 7 Indo-Pacific coral species listed under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). Based on public comments and new information regarding the interpretation of the records of the listed corals and application to critical habitat, a substantial revision of the proposed rule is warranted. Accordingly, we withdrew the 2020 proposed rule and published a new proposed rule. We proposed to designate critical habitat for five of the seven coral species that were addressed in the 2020 proposed rule: Acropora globiceps, Acropora retusa, Acropora speciosa, Euphyllia paradivisa, and Isopora crateriformis. Proposed critical habitat includes 16 island units encompassing approximately 251 square kilometers (km2; 97 square miles, mi2) of marine habitat. In the development of the proposed rule, NMFS considered economic, national security, and other relevant impacts of the proposed designations, but we are not excluding any areas from the critical habitat designations due to anticipated impacts. Timetable: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Action Date FR Cite ------------------------------------------------------------------------ NPRM................................ 11/27/20 85 FR 76262 NPRM Comment Period End............. 01/26/21 ....................... NPRM Comment Period Extended........ 12/23/20 85 FR 83899 NPRM Comment Period Extended End.... 02/25/21 ....................... Second NPRM Comment Period Extended. 02/09/21 86 FR 8749 Second Extended Comment Period End.. 03/27/21 ....................... Third NPRM Comment Period Extended.. 03/29/21 86 FR 16325 Third NPRM Comment Period Extended 05/26/21 ....................... End. Second NPRM......................... 11/30/23 88 FR 83644 Second NPRM Comment Period End...... 02/28/24 ....................... Public Hearing...................... 12/22/23 88 FR 88587 Final Action........................ 12/00/24 ....................... ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes. Agency Contact: Kim Damon-Randall, Director, Office of Protected Resources, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910, Phone: 301 427-8400, Email: [email protected]. RIN: 0648-BJ52 35. Establishment of Time-Area Closures for Hawaiian Spinner Dolphins Under The Marine Mammal Protection Act [0648-BK04] Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1382 et seq. Abstract: This action under the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) will establish mandatory time-area closures of Hawaiian spinner dolphins' essential daytime habitats at five selected sites in the Main Hawaiian Islands (MHI). In considering public comments in response to a separate proposed rule related to spinner dolphin interactions (81 FR 57854), NMFS intends these regulatory measures to prevent take of Hawaiian spinner dolphins from occurring in inshore marine areas at essential daytime habitats, and where high levels of disturbance from human activities are most prevalent. Timetable: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Action Date FR Cite ------------------------------------------------------------------------ NPRM................................ 09/28/21 86 FR 53844 NPRM Comment Period End............. 12/27/21 ....................... Final Action........................ 09/00/24 ....................... ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes. Agency Contact: Kim Damon-Randall, Director, Office of Protected Resources, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910, Phone: 301 427-8400, Email: [email protected]. RIN: 0648-BK04 36. Designation of Marine Critical Habitat for Six Distinct Population Segments of Green Sea Turtles Under the Endangered Species Act [0648- BL82] Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1533 Abstract: In 2012, NMFS and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS; collectively, the Services) were petitioned to identify and list distinct population segments (DPSs) of green sea turtles under section 4 of the Endangered Species Act (ESA; 16 U.S.C. 1533). In 2016, the Services listed six DPSs of green sea turtles occurring in U.S. waters, which triggered the requirement, under ESA section 4, to designate critical habitat to the maximum extent prudent and determinable for those DPSs. The Services did not do so within the statutory deadline, and subsequently entered into a settlement agreement to submit to the Office of the Federal Register for publication a proposed determination concerning the designation of critical habitat for the six DPSs by June 30, 2023. The rule will designate critical habitat containing reproductive, migratory, foraging and resting features in waters from 0 to 20 m depth. The economic impact will affect Federal agencies, who are required under section 7 of the ESA to consult with the Services on their actions that may affect listed species and designated critical habitat. NMFS is working with the Department of Defense and Department of Homeland Security [[Page 66788]] to review potential national security impacts. Regarding Broadening Public Participation and Community Engagement in the Regulatory Process, we provided six (3 virtual, 3 in-person) public hearings. We had Spanish at 2 virtual public hearings. Samoan, Chamorro, or Carolinian cultural liaisons are providing facilitation and translation at the 3 in-person public hearings. This is part of a pilot project meant to address requests made during the public comment period for NMFS' Equity and Environmental Justice Strategy. Timetable: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Action Date FR Cite ------------------------------------------------------------------------ NPRM................................ 07/19/23 88 FR 46572 NPRM Comment Period End............. 10/17/23 ....................... Final Action........................ 07/00/24 ....................... ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes. Agency Contact: Kim Damon-Randall, Director, Office of Protected Resources, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910, Phone: 301 427-8400, Email: [email protected]. RIN: 0648-BL82 37. Designation of Critical Habitat for Rice's Whale Under the Endangered Species Act [0648-BL86] Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1533; 16 U.S.C. 1532 Abstract: Gulf of Mexico Bryde's whales (Balaenoptera edeni) were listed as endangered under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) by the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) effective April 15, 2019 (84 FR 15446). On October 22, 2021, NMFS published a final rule that revised the listing of Gulf of Mexico Bryde's whales to reflect the scientifically accepted taxonomy and nomenclature of the species (86 FR 47022). The revised common name for this species is Rice's whale and the scientific name is Balaenoptera ricei. The ESA requires that critical habitat be designated to the maximum extent prudent and determinable at the time a species is listed (16 U.S.C. 1533(a)(3)(i)). NMFS concluded that critical habitat was not yet determinable for the Rice's whale at the time of listing. However, NMFS indicated that they anticipated critical habitat would be determinable in the future given on-going research. NMFS, therefore, announced in the final listing rule that they would propose critical habitat in a separate rulemaking. This rule finalizes designation of critical habitat for the endangered Rice's whale as one specific area within the Gulf of Mexico that extends from the Texas-Mexico border in the west to the Florida Keys in the east and lies between the 100m and 400m isobaths. NMFS will consult with the Department of Defense to assess any potential national security impacts as a result of the critical habitat designation. Timetable: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Action Date FR Cite ------------------------------------------------------------------------ NPRM................................ 07/24/23 88 FR 47453 NPRM Comment Period End............. 09/22/23 ....................... NPRM Comment Period Extension....... 10/06/23 88 FR 62522 Final Action........................ 09/00/24 ....................... ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes. Agency Contact: Kim Damon-Randall, Director, Office of Protected Resources, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910, Phone: 301 427-8400, Email: [email protected]. RIN: 0648-BL86 38. Framework Adjustment 66 to the Northeast Multispecies Fishery Management Plan [0648-BM71] Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq. Abstract: The final action implements management measures included in Framework Adjustment 66 to the Northeast Multispecies Fishery Management Plan (Framework 66) that were developed by the New England Fishery Management Council in response to new scientific information, pursuant to the rulemaking authorities under section 303(c) of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act. This action sets annual specifications for fishing years (FY) 2024-2026 for three Northeast multispecies stocks, FY 2024-2025 for three other multispecies stocks; specifies FY 2024-2025 total allowable catches (TAC) for the three U.S./Canada stocks; and modify the trigger for Atlantic halibut accountability measures. Timetable: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Action Date FR Cite ------------------------------------------------------------------------ NPRM................................ 03/22/24 89 FR 20412 NPRM Comment Period End............. 04/08/24 ....................... Final Action........................ 07/00/24 ....................... ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes. Agency Contact: Michael Pentony, Regional Administrator, Greater Atlantic Region, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 55 Great Republic Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930, Phone: 978 281-9283, Email: [email protected]. RIN: 0648-BM71 39. Atlantic Highly Migratory Species; Research and Data Collection in Support of Spatial Fisheries Management [0648-BI10] Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq. Abstract: This rule addresses conducting research in areas currently closed to fishing for Atlantic highly migratory species (HMS)--during various times or by certain gear--to collect fishery- dependent data. A number of time/area closures or gear-restricted areas have been implemented over the years through various rulemakings, limiting fishing for Atlantic highly migratory species in those areas for a variety of reasons including reducing bycatch. These time/area closures have been implemented in consultation with the HMS Advisory Panel to protect species consistent with the Magnuson-Stevens Fisheries Conservation and Management Act (e.g., to reduce bycatch in the pelagic longline fishery off the east coast of Florida), the Endangered Species Act (e.g., to protect sea turtles in the North Atlantic), and the Atlantic Tunas Convention Act (e.g., to protect spawning bluefin tuna in the Gulf of Mexico). Fishery-dependent data supports effective fisheries management, and areas that restrict fishing effort often have a commensurate decrease in fishery-dependent data collection. Programs to facilitate research and data collection, such as those that would be covered by this rule, could assess the efficacy of closed areas, improve sustainable management of highly migratory species, and may provide benefits to commercial and recreational fishermen. The Agency's final actions for this rule are based in part on feedback and public comments on the proposed rule and draft environmental impact statement, regulatory impact review (RIR), and initial regulatory flexibility analysis (IRFA). The comment period ended in October 2023. The comments received to date provide helpful feedback on the potential issues and ways forward. Timetable: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Action Date FR Cite ------------------------------------------------------------------------ NPRM................................ 05/05/23 88 FR 29050 [[Page 66789]] NPRM Comment Period Extension....... 09/08/23 88 FR 62044 NPRM Comment Period End............. 09/15/23 ....................... NPRM Comment Period Extension End... 10/02/23 ....................... Final Action........................ 07/00/24 ....................... ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes. Agency Contact: Kelly Denit, Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 1315 East-West Highway, Room 13362, Silver Spring, MD 20901, Phone: 301 427-8500, Email: [email protected]. RIN: 0648-BI10 40. International Fisheries; Western and Central Pacific Fisheries for Highly Migratory Species; Fishing Effort Limits in Purse Seine Fisheries [0648-BL25] Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 6901 et seq. Abstract: Under authority of the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Convention Implementation Act (16 U.S.C. 6901 et seq.), NMFS is implementing fishing effort limits for the U.S. purse seine fishery operating in the western and central Pacific Ocean (WCPO). Regulations at 50 CFR 300.223(a) currently limit U.S. WCPO purse seine fishing effort in a combined area of the high seas and U.S. exclusive economic zone (EEZ). Based on recent decisions of the Commission for the Conservation and Management of Highly Migratory Fish Stocks in the Western and Central Pacific Ocean, this rule implements separate U.S. WCPO purse seine fishing effort limits for the high seas and U.S. EEZ. This rule could have some economic effects on U.S. purse seine vessels, as the separate effort limits would reduce the operational flexibility provided by the combined effort limits. This rule could also have some economic effects on American Samoa, as the separate limits could lead to a fishery closure earlier in the year than under the combined limits, which could reduce fish supply to the cannery based in American Samoa. Other elements of this rule include modifications to the process for closing the fishery once an effort limit is reached, and modifications to the procedures for obtaining daily purse seine fishing effort reports. Timetable: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Action Date FR Cite ------------------------------------------------------------------------ NPRM................................ 09/12/22 87 FR 55768 NPRM Comment Period End............. 10/03/22 ....................... Final Action........................ 10/00/24 ....................... ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes. Agency Contact: Sarah Malloy, Acting Regional Administrator, Pacific Islands Region, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 1845 Wasp Boulevard, Building 176, Honolulu, HI 96818, Phone: 808 725-5000, Email: [email protected]. RIN: 0648-BL25 DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE (DOC) National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Long-Term Actions National Marine Fisheries Service 41. Magnuson-Stevens Fisheries Conservation and Management Act; Traceability Information Program for Seafood [0648-BH87] Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.; Pub. L. 115-141 Abstract: On December 9, 2016, NMFS issued a final rule that established a risk-based traceability program to track seafood from harvest to entry into U.S. commerce. The final rule included, for designated priority fish species, import permitting and reporting requirements to provide for traceability of seafood products offered for entry into the U.S. supply chain, and to ensure that these products were lawfully acquired and are properly represented. Shrimp and abalone products were included in the final rule to implement the Seafood Import Monitoring Program, but compliance with Seafood Import Monitoring Program requirements for those species was stayed indefinitely due to the disparity between Federal reporting programs for domestic aquaculture of shrimp and abalone products relative to the requirements that would apply to imports under Seafood Import Monitoring Program. In section 539 of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2018, Congress mandated lifting the stay on inclusion of shrimp and abalone in Seafood Import Monitoring Program and authorized the Secretary of Commerce to require comparable reporting and recordkeeping requirements for domestic aquaculture of shrimp and abalone. This rulemaking will establish permitting, reporting and recordkeeping requirements for domestic producers of shrimp and abalone from the point of production to entry into commerce. Timetable: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Action Date FR Cite ------------------------------------------------------------------------ NPRM................................ 10/11/18 83 FR 51426 NPRM Comment Period End............. 11/26/18 ....................... ----------------------------------- Final Action........................ To Be Determined ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes. Agency Contact: Alexa Cole, Phone: 301 427-8286, Email: [email protected]. RIN: 0648-BH87 42. Seafood Import Permitting and Reporting Procedures [0648-BK85] Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq. Abstract: NMFS amends the regulations that require seafood import documentation under the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.). The statute prohibits the importation of seafood that was harvested in violation of foreign laws, any treaty, or binding conservation measures of regional fisheries organizations to which the United States is a party. The import permitting, reporting and recordkeeping regulations facilitate enforcement of the statutory prohibition. To ensure compliance with the import monitoring program, NMFS clarifies what qualifies as the U.S. resident business address of the International Fisheries Trade Permit holder and the permit holder's obligation to ensure timely access to and production of the required supply chain records in the event of an audit NMFS also intends to include additional species under the program, such as expanding currently listed single-species to species groups and adding new species. U.S. seafood importers are likely to be affected by this rulemaking through increased reporting and recordkeeping requirements, but NOAA estimates the economic impact will be small because documentation is already completed, transmitted through the supply chain, and available to importers. Timetable: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Action Date FR Cite ------------------------------------------------------------------------ NPRM................................ 12/28/22 87 FR 79836 NPRM Comment Period End............. 03/28/23 ....................... NPRM Comment Period Extension....... 03/31/23 88 FR 19236 NPRM Comment Period Extension End... 04/27/23 ....................... [[Page 66790]] NPRM; Withdrawn..................... 11/16/23 88 FR 78714 Next Action Undetermined............ ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes. Agency Contact: Alexa Cole, Phone: 301 427-8286, Email: [email protected]. RIN: 0648-BK85 DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE (DOC) National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Completed Actions 43. Designation of Critical Habitat for the Threatened Caribbean Corals [0648-BG26] Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq. Abstract: NMFS listed 5 Caribbean corals as threatened under the Endangered Species Act on October 10, 2014. Critical habitat shall be designated to the maximum extent prudent and determinable at the time a species is proposed for listing (50 CFR 424.12). We concluded that critical habitat was not determinable for the 5 corals at the time of listing. However, we anticipated that critical habitat would be determinable in the future given on-going research. We, therefore, announced in the final listing rules that we would propose critical habitat in separate rulemakings. This rule proposes to designate critical habitat for the 5 Caribbean coral species listed in 2014. A separate proposed critical habitat rule is being prepared for the 15 Indo-Pacific corals listed as threatened in 2014. The proposed designation for the Caribbean corals may include marine waters in Florida, Puerto Rico, US Virgin Islands, Navassa Island, and Flower Garden Banks containing essential features that support all stages of life history of the corals. The proposed rule is not likely to have an annual effect on the economy of $100 million or more or adversely affect the economy. NMFS has contacted the Departments of the Navy, Air Force, and Army as well as the U.S. Coast Guard requesting information related to potential national security impacts that may result from the critical habitat designation. Based on information provided, we concluded that there will be an impact on national security in only 1 area offshore Dania Beach, FL, and will propose to exclude it from the designations. Timetable: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Action Date FR Cite ------------------------------------------------------------------------ NPRM................................ 11/27/20 85 FR 76302 NPRM Comment Period End............. 01/26/21 Final Rule.......................... 08/09/23 88 FR 54026 Final Action Effective.............. 09/08/23 Final Action........................ 03/19/24 89 FR 19511 Final Action Effective.............. 03/19/24 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes. Agency Contact: Kim Damon-Randall, Director, Office of Protected Resources, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910, Phone: 301 427-8400, Email: [email protected]. RIN: 0648-BG26 44. Designation of Critical Habitat for Nassau Grouper Under the Endangered Species Act [0648-BL53] Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1533 Abstract: This rulemaking will designate critical habitat for the threatened Nassau grouper pursuant to section 4 of the Endangered Species Act (ESA). Specific occupied areas under consideration as critical habitat for this species include approximately 2,352.27 sq. kilometers (908.22 sq. miles) of marine habitat located in waters off southeastern coast of Florida, Puerto Rico, Navassa, and the United States Virgin Islands (USVI). For this critical habitat designation, the incremental costs of the rule are anticipated to be limited to the additional administrative effort required for section 7 consultations to consider impacts to the critical habitat. We have contacted the Departments of the Navy, Air Force, and Army as well as the U.S. Coast Guard requesting information related to potential national security impacts that may result from the critical habitat designation. Based on information they provided, national security impacts are not expected to arise as a result of this rule. NMFS also contacted the Department of Defense (DoD) to determine if any areas controlled by the DoD coincide with any of the areas under consideration for critical habitat, and none were found that would result in not designating critical habitat pursuant to section 4(a)(3)(B)(i) of the ESA. This rule is consistent with existing critical habitat regulations in the application of the ESA. Timetable: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Action Date FR Cite ------------------------------------------------------------------------ NPRM................................ 10/17/22 87 FR 62930 NPRM Comment Period End............. 12/16/22 Final Action........................ 01/02/24 89 FR 126 Final Action Effective.............. 02/01/24 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes. Agency Contact: Kim Damon-Randall, Director, Office of Protected Resources, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910, Phone: 301 427-8400, Email: [email protected]. RIN: 0648-BL53 45. Atlantic Large Whale Take Reduction Plan Modifications To Reduce Serious Injury and Mortality of Large Whales in Commercial Trap/Pot Fisheries Along the U.S. East Coast [0648-BM31] Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1387 Abstract: The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) is proposing a rule under the Atlantic Large Whale Take Reduction Plan (ALWTRP or Plan) to reduce the risk of North Atlantic right whale entanglement in commercial trap/pot fisheries along the U.S. East Coast. The proposed rule would modify the boundaries of the Massachusetts Restricted Area (MRA) to include a 200 square miles area known as the MRA Wedge to fill a gap in protections that occurs during the implementation of the current closure in Federal waters from February through April every year. This small gap area was inadvertently created by a 2021 modification to an existing MRA seasonal closure to buoy lines which mirrored a state water closure enacted by Massachusetts in early 2021. The resultant gap within the MRA created an opportunity for federally permitted vessels to fish or store buoyed trap gear in the MRA Wedge at great risk of incidental mortality and serious injury of North Atlantic right whales that are seasonally abundant in surrounding waters. Empirical gear and whale sightings collected during aerial surveys of the MRA Wedge during February-April demonstrate the high entanglement risk to right whales in this area. No novel management measures or policies are proposed; this Wedge area was closed through emergency rulemaking in 2021 and 2022, and this rule proposes to permanently implement a small expansion of an existing three-month seasonal restriction to fishing with buoy lines. Timetable: [[Page 66791]] ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Action Date FR Cite ------------------------------------------------------------------------ NPRM................................ 09/18/23 88 FR 63917 NPRM Comment Period End............. 10/18/23 Final Action........................ 02/07/24 89 FR 8333 Final Action Effective.............. 03/08/24 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes. Agency Contact: Kim Damon-Randall, Director, Office of Protected Resources, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910, Phone: 301 427-8400, Email: [email protected]. RIN: 0648-BM31 46. Amendment 123 to the Fishery Management Plan for Groundfish of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area; Halibut Abundance- Based Management of Amendment 80 Prohibited Species Catch Limit [0648- BL42] Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq. Abstract: In response to a recommendation by the North Pacific Fishery Management Council (Council), this proposed action would implement Amendment 123 to the Fishery Management Plan (FMP) for Groundfish of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area (BSAI). If approved by the Secretary of Commerce and implemented by NMFS, this action would determine the BSAI Amendment 80 commercial groundfish trawl fleet's (A80) halibut prohibited species catch (PSC) limit annually based on the most recent values from surveys conducted by the Alaska Fisheries Science Center and the International Pacific Halibut Commission (IPHC). The Council's intent in recommending Amendment 123 is to link annual halibut PSC limits in the A80 fleet with estimated halibut abundance. The reason for the change being considered is that the current PSC limit, currently set as a fixed annual amount of 1,745 mt, becomes an increasingly larger proportion of total halibut removals in the BSAI when halibut abundance declines. Over the last 6 years, the Council and its advisory bodies, stakeholders, and the public have considered several approaches for a halibut abundance-based management (ABM) program consistent with Council fishery management objectives and the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (MSA). Public testimony on this action over the years has focused on two primary concerns. The first is the importance of providing flexibility to the A80 fleet to prosecute their quotas. The second is concern about the decline in the directed halibut fishery catch as a result of a decline in halibut abundance, compounded by fixed PSC limits that further reduce the proportion of halibut available to the directed halibut fisheries. Timetable: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Action Date FR Cite ------------------------------------------------------------------------ NPRM................................ 12/09/22 87 FR 75570 NPRM Comment Period End............. 01/23/23 Final Action........................ 11/24/23 88 FR 82740 Final Action Effective.............. 01/01/24 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes. Agency Contact: Jon Kurland, Regional Administrator, Alaska Region, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 709 West Ninth Street, Juneau, AK 99801, Phone: 907 586-7638, Email: [email protected]. RIN: 0648-BL42 47. Rulemaking To Modify the 2023-2027 Halibut Individual Fishing Quota (IFQ) Vessel Harvest Limitations in IFQ Regulatory Areas 4A, 4B, 4C, and 4D [0648-BM18] Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 773 Abstract: Commercial halibut fishing off the coast of Alaska is managed under an Individual Fishing Quota (IFQ) program implemented by Federal regulations under the authority of the Northern Pacific Halibut Act of 1982, 16 U.S.C. 773 et seq. On February 10, 2023, the North Pacific Fishery Management Council (Council) recommended to temporarily remove IFQ halibut vessel caps for the 2023-2027 fishing years in IFQ regulatory areas 4A (Eastern Aleutian Islands), 4B (Central and Western Aleutian Islands), 4C (Central Bering Sea), and 4D (Eastern Bering Sea). This action is needed to provide continued flexibility and consistency in the Pacific halibut fishery. This action would implement the temporary management measure that has been recommended by the Council and implemented by NMFS annually since 2020 for a 5-year period. This action would revise 50 CFR 679.42(h)(1) to remove vessels caps in those four areas for the 2023-2027 fishing year. This temporary action would provide consistency for fishery participants over the next five years, while the Council develops a long-term solution to modify vessel use caps in Area 4. Halibut IFQ holders with quota share in those four areas would be affected by this action, as well as Community Quota Entities in area 4B. This action would not modify any other aspects of the IFQ Program. Section 773c(c) of the Northern Pacific Halibut Act is the rulemaking authority. Timetable: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Action Date FR Cite ------------------------------------------------------------------------ NPRM................................ 05/11/23 88 FR 30272 NPRM Comment Period End............. 06/12/23 Final Action........................ 07/26/23 88 FR 48137 Final Action Effective.............. 07/26/23 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes. Agency Contact: Jon Kurland, Regional Administrator, Alaska Region, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 709 West Ninth Street, Juneau, AK 99801, Phone: 907 586-7638, Email: [email protected]. RIN: 0648-BM18 48. Amendment 16 to the Fishery Management Plan for the Salmon Fisheries in the EEZ Off Alaska; Cook Inlet [0648-BM42] Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq. Abstract: This action (Amendment 16) incorporates the Cook Inlet EEZ into the Alaska Salmon FMP, thereby bringing the Cook Inlet EEZ and the salmon fisheries that occur within it under Federal management by the North Pacific Fishery Management Council (Council) and NMFS. Previously, the Cook Inlet EEZ was not included in a Federal fishery management plan (FMP), deferring management to the State of Alaska (State). Commercial fishermen challenged this as inconsistent with the Magnuson-Stevens Act (MSA). Ultimately, the Ninth Circuit held that the Cook Inlet EEZ must be included in an FMP. The Council previously took action to address this issue in 2020 and NMFS implemented their recommendation as Amendment 14, which closed the Federal area to commercial salmon fishing. Amendment 14 was challenged by commercial fishermen and vacated. A new amendment addressing the area must be promulgated by May 1, 2024. Four management alternatives were considered: (1) no action, (2) delegating management authority to the State consistent with the MSA, (3) Federal management, and (4) Federal management that closes the area to commercial salmon fishing. Alternatives 1 and 4 were not viable given the court rulings, and the State would not accept delegated management. This left Alternative 3 as the only viable alternative. However, the Council did not take action and, NMFS must now [[Page 66792]] take action through a Secretarial FMP amendment pursuant to MSA section 304(c) to meet the court's deadline. NMFS implements Alternative 3 to federally manage all salmon fishing in the Cook Inlet EEZ. Federal management may reduce commercial salmon harvest in the EEZ area as a result of increased scientific and management uncertainty. Additional litigation is expected from commercial fishermen. NMFS developed the elements of this rule with input from the public during two North Pacific Fishery Management Council meetings, a virtual public hearing, and multiple meetings and consultations with Tribal entities. Timetable: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Action Date FR Cite ------------------------------------------------------------------------ NPRM................................ 10/19/23 88 FR 72314 NPRM Comment Period End............. 12/18/23 Final Action........................ 04/30/24 89 FR 34718 Final Action Effective.............. 05/30/24 Correction.......................... 05/29/24 89 FR 46333 Correction Effective................ 05/30/24 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes. Agency Contact: Jon Kurland, Regional Administrator, Alaska Region, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 709 West Ninth Street, Juneau, AK 99801, Phone: 907 586-7638, Email: [email protected]. RIN: 0648-BM42 49. Framework Adjustment 65 to the Northeast Multispecies Fishery Management Plan [0648-BL95] Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq. Abstract: The action would implement management measures included in Framework Adjustment 65 to the Northeast Multispecies Fishery Management Plan (Framework 65) that were developed by the New England Fishery Management Council in response to new scientific information, pursuant to the rulemaking authorities under section 303(c) of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act. The action will revise the rebuilding plan for Gulf of Maine (GOM) cod, set annual specifications for fishing years (FY) 2023-2025 for 13 Northeast multispecies stocks, FY2023-2024 for Georges Bank (GB) cod, GB yellowtail flounder, FY2023 for white hake, and specify FY 2023-2024 total allowable catches (TAC) for the three U.S./Canada stocks eastern GB cod, eastern GB haddock, and GB yellowtail flounder. It would also make a temporarily modification to the accountability measures for GB cod. This rule also takes emergency action using our authority under Section 305(c) of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act to increase the fishing year 2023 specifications for Gulf of Maine (GOM) haddock. The purpose of this emergency action is to mitigate economic harm to industry by increasing the 2023 GOM haddock specifications. Timetable: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Action Date FR Cite ------------------------------------------------------------------------ NPRM................................ 05/31/23 88 FR 34810 NPRM Comment Period End............. 06/15/23 Final Action........................ 08/18/23 88 FR 56527 Comment Period End.................. 09/18/23 Final Action Effective.............. 09/18/23 Temporary Rule Extension............ 01/09/24 89 FR 1036 Temporary Rule Extension End........ 04/30/24 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes. Agency Contact: Michael Pentony, Regional Administrator, Greater Atlantic Region, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 55 Great Republic Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930, Phone: 978 281-9283, Email: [email protected]. RIN: 0648-BL95 50. Framework Adjustment 38 to the Atlantic Sea Scallop Fishery Management Plan [0648-BM78] Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq. Abstract: At its December 2023 meeting, the New England Fishery Management Council voted to submit Framework 38 to NOAA's National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS). Pursuant to section 304(a) of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, NMFS is drafting a proposed rule to approve and implement Framework 38. Framework 38 is a time-sensitive action that would set annual specifications for the Atlantic sea scallop fleet for the 2024 fishing year, including the annual catch limits for the limited access and limited access general category fleets, as well as days-at-sea allocations and sea scallop access area trip allocations. Framework 38 would implement specifications that would result in projected landings of 27.4 million lb, a 2.4 million-lb increase from the fishing year 2023 projected landings. However, during the development of Framework 38 current price information was added to the price projection model resulting in a decrease in the projected price for scallops in the 2024 fishing year. As a result, despite the increase in projected landings, it is predicted that there will be a decrease in total economic benefits in fishing year 2024. This is due primarily to a decrease in the projected price for scallops, specifically of U-10 scallops (larger scallops that had previously commanded a higher price) and not a result of additional regulations or requirements that would be implemented by Framework 38. Because of this, the economic impacts of the Framework 38 fishery specifications are expected to be negative for scallop vessels and small business entities compared to fishing year 2023. The increase in projected landings and the reduction in projected price is projected to result in a decrease in total economic benefits of $19.62 million using 2023. This is a time-sensitive regulatory action that sets annual catch limits for the Atlantic Sea Scallop Fishery Management Plan. This action is routine and needed to fully open the scallop fishery for the 2024 fishing year, beginning April 1, 2024. Framework 38 was developed by the Council with input from the scallop industry throughout its development. The increase in projected landings that Framework 38 would implement is expected by and supported by the industry. The specifications in this rule would only be in place for one year. If this action is delayed, opening the Scallop fishery by April 1, 2024, would require NMFS to implement default measures which are less preferable to industry and resource managers. The default measures would create confusion among the fleet because NMFS would be required to implement two different sets of measures that would change mid- season. The default measures could also have detrimental impacts to the conservation of important, but sensitive, scallop resources and could exacerbate the impact of the reduction in economic benefits to the scallop industry. They could also lead to reductions in future scallop harvests. Timetable: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Action Date FR Cite ------------------------------------------------------------------------ NPRM................................ 02/12/24 89 FR 9819 NPRM Comment Period End............. 02/27/24 Final Action........................ 03/22/24 89 FR 20341 Final Action Effective.............. 04/22/24 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes. [[Page 66793]] Agency Contact: Michael Pentony, Regional Administrator, Greater Atlantic Region, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 55 Great Republic Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930, Phone: 978 281-9283, Email: [email protected]. RIN: 0648-BM78 51. Atlantic Highly Migratory Species; Prohibiting Retention of Oceanic Whitetip Sharks in U.S. Atlantic Waters and Hammerhead Sharks in the Caribbean Sea [0648-BK54] Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 971 et seq.; 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq. Abstract: Atlantic highly migratory species (HMS) fisheries are managed under the dual authority of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (Magnuson-Stevens Act) and the Atlantic Tunas Convention Act (ATCA). On May 15, 2020, NOAA Fisheries issued two Biological Opinions (BiOps) under Section 7(a)(2) of the Endangered Species Act (ESA). These BiOps covered the pelagic longline fishery for Atlantic HMS and the non-pelagic longline HMS fisheries, as managed under the 2006 Consolidated Atlantic HMS Fishery Management Plan (FMP) and its amendments. The BiOps concluded that the fisheries are not likely to jeopardize the continued existence of listed species nor adversely affect their designated critical habitat. The BiOps included conservation recommendations under Section 7(a)(1) of the ESA. These conservation recommendations encouraged the prohibition of the commercial and recreational retention of both scalloped hammerhead sharks (specifically in the Southwest and Caribbean distinct population segments) and oceanic whitetip sharks, both of which are listed as threatened under the ESA. As a result, this action considers implementing this conservation recommendation. Under existing regulations, retention and possession of oceanic whitetip and all hammerhead sharks are prohibited for commercial fishermen using pelagic longline gear; this action would extend the prohibition to commercial shark permit holders using other gears and to recreational permit holders who target or catch sharks. This action is being taken pursuant to the rulemaking authority under the Magnuson-Stevens Act, sec. 304(g), and ATCA. The Agency's final actions for this rule will be based in part on public comments on the proposed rule and draft environmental assessment, RIR, and IRFA. The comments received were generally supportive of the proposed action; some commenters requested additional protections for scalloped hammerhead sharks. Timetable: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Action Date FR Cite ------------------------------------------------------------------------ NPRM................................ 03/22/23 88 FR 17171 NPRM Comment Period End............. 05/22/23 Final Action........................ 01/03/24 89 FR 278 Final Action Effective.............. 02/02/24 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes. Agency Contact: Kelly Denit, Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 1315 East-West Highway, Room 13362, Silver Spring, MD 20901, Phone: 301 427-8500, Email: [email protected]. RIN: 0648-BK54 52. Atlantic Highly Migratory Species; Atlantic Bluefin Tuna General Category Restricted-Fishing Days; Atlantic Bluefin Tuna Regulatory Clarifications [0648-BM66] Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.; 16 U.S.C. 971 et seq. Abstract: Atlantic tunas are managed under the authority of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq., and the Atlantic Tunas Convention Act (ATCA), id. 971 et seq. Consistent with the existing regulations at 50 CFR 635.23(a), NOAA Fisheries uses restricted-fishing days (RFDs, see definition at 635.2) to extend fishing opportunities for bluefin tuna General category participants through a greater portion of the category's subquota time- periods while also ensuring the bluefin tuna quota is harvested. This action codifies a schedule of restricted-fishing days (RFDs) for the 2024 fishing year and future fishing years; and clarifies the existing regulations, including on the General category default retention limit for bluefin tuna, the process of scheduling RFDs, and bluefin tuna dealer tag application on RFDs. In 2021, bluefin tuna landed under the General category quota brought in $10.2 million in ex-vessel revenues. This action does not change the amount of bluefin tuna that can be landed under an RFD schedule. Timetable: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Action Date FR Cite ------------------------------------------------------------------------ NPRM................................ 02/23/24 89 FR 13667 NPRM Comment Period End............. 03/25/24 Final Action........................ 05/31/24 89 FR 47095 Final Action Effective.............. 07/01/24 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes. Agency Contact: Kelly Denit, Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 1315 East-West Highway, Room 13362, Silver Spring, MD 20901, Phone: 301 427-8500, Email: [email protected]. RIN: 0648-BM66 53. Amendment 51 to the Fishery Management Plan for the Snapper-Grouper Fishery of the South Atlantic Region (Amendment 51) [0648-BM03] Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq. Abstract: NMFS is developing a final rule to implement Amendment 51. Amendment 51 and the rule will modify management of South Atlantic snowy grouper. Actions will revise annual catch limits, sector allocations, and the fishing season and accountability measures for the recreational sector. Amendment 51 and the rule will end overfishing of South Atlantic snowy grouper, continue to rebuild the stock, and achieve optimum yield while minimizing, to the extent practicable, adverse social and economic effects. Timetable: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Action Date FR Cite ------------------------------------------------------------------------ NPRM................................ 05/30/23 88 FR 34460 NPRM Comment Period End............. 06/29/23 Final Action........................ 12/01/23 88 FR 83860 Final Action Effective.............. 01/02/24 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes. Agency Contact: Andrew J. Strelcheck, Regional Administrator, Southeast Region, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 263 13th Avenue South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701, Phone: 727 824-5305, Email: [email protected]. RIN: 0648-BM03 54. Amendment 56 to the Fishery Management Plan for the Reef Fish Resources of the Gulf of Mexico: Modifications to Catch Limits, Sector Allocation, and Recreational Fishing Seasons for Gulf of Mexico Gag [0648-BM46] Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq. Abstract: Reef Fish Amendment 56 and the rule would modify the status determination criteria, optimum yield, [[Page 66794]] sector catch limits and catch targets and establish a rebuilding timeline for Gulf gag based on the most recent stock assessment (Southeast Data Assessment and Review (SEDAR) 72) and recommendations from the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council's Scientific and Statistical Committee. The amendment and rule also modify the recreational accountability measures and fishing season. The stock assessment indicated that Gulf gag is overfished and was undergoing overfishing as of 2019, and that a substantial reduction in the total allowable harvest is necessary to rebuild the stock. The amendment and final rule also modify the allocation between the commercial and recreational sectors using adjusted recreational landings estimates. The need for this action is to use the best scientific information available to end overfishing of Gulf gag and rebuild the stock to a level commensurate with maximum sustainable yield, consistent with the requirements of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act. Timetable: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Action Date FR Cite ------------------------------------------------------------------------ NPRM................................ 10/18/23 88 FR 71812 NPRM Comment Period End............. 12/18/23 Final Action........................ 05/10/24 89 FR 40419 Final Action Effective.............. 06/01/24 Correction.......................... 05/29/24 89 FR 46333 Correction Effective................ 06/01/24 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes. Agency Contact: Andrew J. Strelcheck, Regional Administrator, Southeast Region, Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 263 13th Avenue South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701, Phone: 727 824-5305, Email: [email protected]. RIN: 0648-BM46 DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE (DOC) Patent and Trademark Office (PTO) Final Rule Stage 55. Setting and Adjusting Patent Fees During Fiscal Year 2025 [0651- AD64] Legal Authority: Pub. L. 112-29 Abstract: The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO or Office) takes this action to set and adjust Patent fee amounts to provide the Office with a sufficient aggregate revenue to recover its aggregate cost of operations thereby maintaining a sustainable funding model. The new fee amounts will provide the Office with additional resources to decrease patent pendency and ensure robust and reliable patents are allowed while continuing to promote access to the patent system for underresourced individuals. This proposal reflects feedback we have received from members of the Patent Public Advisory Committee and the public, including organizations, practitioners, and independent inventors, during a public hearing held on May 18, 2023. As we develop this regulation, we will be seeking additional public comment through the rulemaking process. Timetable: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Action Date FR Cite ------------------------------------------------------------------------ NPRM................................ 04/03/24 89 FR 23226 NPRM Comment Period End............. 06/03/24 Final Action........................ 11/00/24 Final Action Effective.............. 03/00/25 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes. Agency Contact: Brendan Hourigan, Director, Office of Planning and Budget, Department of Commerce, Patent and Trademark Office, P.O. Box 1450, Alexandria, VA 22313-1450, Phone: 571 272-8966, Fax: 571 273- 8966, Email: [email protected]. RIN: 0651-AD64 56. Setting and Adjusting Trademark Fees During Fiscal Year 2025 [0651- AD65] Legal Authority: Pub. L. 112-29 Abstract: The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO or Office) takes this action to set and adjust Trademark fee amounts to provide the Office with a sufficient aggregate revenue to recover its aggregate cost of operations thereby maintaining a sustainable funding model. The new fee amounts will provide the Office with additional resources to ensure the integrity of the Trademark register and promote efficiency of processes while continuing to offer affordable options to stakeholders. This proposal reflects feedback we have received from members of the Trademark Public Advisory Committee and the public, including organizations, practitioners, and small business owners, during a public hearing held on June 5, 2023. As we develop this regulation, we will be seeking additional public comment through the rulemaking process. Timetable: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Action Date FR Cite ------------------------------------------------------------------------ NPRM................................ 03/26/24 89 FR 20897 NPRM Comment Period End............. 05/28/24 Final Action........................ 09/00/24 Final Action Effective.............. 01/00/25 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes. Agency Contact: Brendan Hourigan, Director, Office of Planning and Budget, Department of Commerce, Patent and Trademark Office, P.O. Box 1450, Alexandria, VA 22313-1450, Phone: 571 272-8966, Fax: 571 273- 8966, Email: [email protected]. RIN: 0651-AD65 [FR Doc. 2024-16446 Filed 8-15-24; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410-12-P

usgpo

2024-10-08T13:26:31.968929

FR

FR-2024-08-16/2024-16449

Federal Register Volume 89 Issue 159 (August 16, 2024)

United States National Archives and Records Administration Office of the Federal Register

[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 159 (Friday, August 16, 2024)] [Unknown Section] [Pages 66796-66797] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: 2024-16449] [[Page 66795]] Vol. 89 Friday, No. 159 August 16, 2024 Part V Department of Defense ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Semiannual Regulatory Agenda Federal Register / Vol. 89 , No. 159 / Friday, August 16, 2024 / UA: Reg Flex Agenda [[Page 66796]] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE 32 CFR Chs. I, V, VI, and VII 33 CFR Ch. II 36 CFR Ch. III 48 CFR Ch. II Improving Government Regulations; Unified Agenda of Federal Regulatory and Deregulatory Actions AGENCY: Department of Defense (DoD). ACTION: Semiannual Regulatory Agenda. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: This agenda announces the regulatory actions the Department of Defense (DoD) plans to take in the next 12 months and those regulatory actions completed since the publication of the Fall 2023 Unified Agenda. It was developed under the guidelines of Executive Order 12866, ``Regulatory Planning and Review,'' as amended by Executive Order 14094, ``Modernizing Regulatory Review'' and Executive Order 13563, ``Improving Regulation and Regulatory Review.'' This agenda includes regulatory actions that support the Administration's regulatory priorities, the Secretary of Defense's top priorities to defend the Nation, take care of our people, and succeed through teamwork, as well as those priorities of the National Defense Strategy. These actions include efforts to promote the country's economic resilience; address healthcare issues; support underserved communities and improve small business opportunities; promote competition in the American economy; address issues impacting the Federal workforce; support national security efforts, especially safeguarding Federal Government information and information technology systems; support the climate change emergency; and address issues impacting military families. Members of the public may submit comments on individual proposed and interim final rulemakings at www.regulations.gov during the comment period that follows publication in the Federal Register. This agenda updates the report published on February 9, 2024, and includes regulations expected to be issued and under review over the next 12 months. The next agenda will publish in the fall of 2024. The complete Unified Agenda will be available online at www.reginfo.gov. In accordance with the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 602), which requires agencies to publish its regulatory flexibility agendas in the Federal Register, the Department of Defense's printed agenda entries in the Federal Register include only: (1) rules that are in the Agency's regulatory flexibility agenda, in accordance with the Regulatory Flexibility Act, because they are likely to have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities; and (2) Any rules that the Agency has identified for periodic review under section 610 of the Regulatory Flexibility Act. Although printing of these entries is limited to fields that contain information required by the Regulatory Flexibility Act's agenda requirements, additional information on these entries is in the Unified Agenda available online. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For information concerning the overall DoD regulatory program and for general semiannual agenda information, contact Ms. Patricia Toppings, telephone 571-372-0485, or write to Office of the Assistant to the Secretary of Defense for Privacy, Civil Liberties, and Transparency, Regulatory Directorate, 1155 Defense Pentagon, Washington, DC 20301-1155, or email: [email protected]. For questions of a legal nature concerning the agenda and its statutory requirements or obligations, write to Office of the General Counsel, 1600 Defense Pentagon, Washington, DC 20301-1600, telephone 703-695-1853, or email: [email protected]. For general information on Office of the Secretary regulations, other than those which are procurement-related, contact Ms. Patricia Toppings, telephone 571-372-0485, or write to Office of the Assistant to the Secretary of Defense for Privacy, Civil Liberties, and Transparency, Regulatory Directorate, 1155 Defense Pentagon, Washington, DC 20301-1155, or email: [email protected]. For general information on Office of the Secretary regulations which are procurement-related, contact Ms. Jennifer Johnson, telephone 571-372-6100, or write to Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment, Defense Pricing and Contracting, Defense Acquisition Regulations System, Room 3B941, 3060 Defense Pentagon, Washington, DC 20301-3060, or email: [email protected]. For general information on Department of the Army regulations, contact Mr. James ``Jay'' Satterwhite, telephone 571-515-0304, or write to the U.S. Army Records Management and Declassification Agency, ATTN: AAHS-RDO, Building 1458, 9301 Chapek Road, Ft. Belvoir, VA 22060-5605, or email: [email protected]. For general information on the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers regulations, contact Mr. Elliott Carman, telephone 703-300-2899, or write to Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Army (Civil Works), 108 Army Pentagon, Room 3E441, Washington, DC 20310-0108, or email: [email protected]. For general information on Department of the Navy regulations, contact LCDR Jessica Koningisor, telephone 703-614-7408, or write to Department of the Navy, Office of the Judge Advocate General, Administrative Law Division (Code 13), Washington Navy Yard, 1322 Patterson Avenue SE, Suite 3000, Washington, DC 20374-5066, or email: jessica.e.koningisor.mil@us.navy.mil">jessica.e.koningisor.mil@us.navy.mil. For general information on Department of the Air Force regulations, contact Mr. Robert Bivins, telephone 703-693-7302, or write the Office of the Secretary of the Air Force, Chief, Information Dominance/Chief Information Officer (SAF CIO/A6), 1800 Air Force Pentagon, Washington, DC 20330-1800, or email: [email protected]. For specific agenda items, contact the appropriate individual indicated for each regulatory action. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This edition of the Unified Agenda of Federal Regulatory and Deregulatory Actions reports on actions planned by the Office of the Secretary of Defense, the Military Departments, the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment for procurement-related actions, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. This agenda also identifies rules impacted by the: a. Regulatory Flexibility Act. b. Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. c. Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995. Generally, rules discussed in this agenda will contain five sections: (1) pre-rule stage; (2) proposed rule stage; (3) final rule stage; (4) completed actions; and (5) long-term actions. Where certain regulatory actions indicate that small entities are affected, the effect on these entities may not necessarily have significant economic impact on a substantial number of these entities as defined in the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601(6)). The publishing of this agenda does not waive the applicability of the military affairs exemption in section 553 [[Page 66797]] of title 5 U.S.C. and section 3 of Executive Order 12866. Joo Y. Chung, Assistant to the Secretary of Defense for Privacy, Civil Liberties, and Transparency, Department of Defense. Office of the Secretary--Final Rule Stage ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulation Sequence No. Title Identifier No. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 57........................ Cybersecurity Maturity 0790-AL49 Model Certification (CMMC) Program. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Defense Acquisition Regulations Council--Proposed Rule Stage ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulation Sequence No. Title Identifier No. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 58........................ Assessing Contractor 0750-AK81 Implementation of Cybersecurity Requirements (DFARS Case 2019-D041). ------------------------------------------------------------------------ DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE (DOD) Office of the Secretary (OS) Final Rule Stage 57. Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) Program [0790- AL49] Legal Authority: 5 U.S.C. 301; Pub. L. 116-92, sec. 1648 Abstract: The Department of Defense (DoD) is l finalizing requirements o ensure defense contractors and subcontractors have, as part of the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) Program, implemented required security measures for Federal Contract Information (FCI) and add new Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) security requirements for certain priority programs. Timetable: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Action Date FR Cite ------------------------------------------------------------------------ NPRM................................ 12/26/23 88 FR 89058 NPRM Comment Period End............. 02/26/24 ....................... Final Action........................ 11/00/24 ....................... ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes. Agency Contact: Diane L. Knight, Senior Management and Program Analyst, Department of Defense, Office of the Secretary, 4800 Mark Center Drive, Suite 12E08, Alexandria, VA 22350, Phone: 202 770-9100, Email: [email protected]. RIN: 0790-AL49 DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE (DOD) Defense Acquisition Regulations Council (DARC) Proposed Rule Stage 58. Assessing Contractor Implementation of Cybersecurity Requirements (DFARS Case 2019-D041) [0750-AK81] Legal Authority: 41 U.S.C. 1303; Pub. L. 116-92, sec. 1648 Abstract: DoD is amending an interim rule to implement the CMMC framework 2.0 in order to protect against the theft of intellectual property and sensitive information from the Defense Industrial Base (DIB) sector. The CMMC framework, as defined in Title 32 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), assesses compliance with applicable information security requirements. This rule provides the Department with assurances that a DIB contractor can adequately protect sensitive unclassified information at a level commensurate with the risk, accounting for information flow down to its subcontractors in a multi- tier supply chain. Timetable: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Action Date FR Cite ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Interim Final Rule.................. 09/29/20 85 FR 48513 Interim Final Rule Effective........ 11/30/20 ....................... NPRM................................ 08/00/24 ....................... ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes. Agency Contact: Jennifer D. Johnson, Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment, Department of Defense, Defense Acquisition Regulations Council, Defense Pricing and Contracting, Defense Acquisition Regulations System, Room 3B938, 3060 Pentagon, Washington, DC 20301-3060, Phone: 703 717-8226, Email: [email protected]. RIN: 0750-AK81 [FR Doc. 2024-16449 Filed 8-15-24; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 5001-06-P

usgpo

2024-10-08T13:26:32.011461

FR

FR-2024-08-16/2024-16450

Federal Register Volume 89 Issue 159 (August 16, 2024)

United States National Archives and Records Administration Office of the Federal Register

[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 159 (Friday, August 16, 2024)] [Unknown Section] [Pages 66800-66804] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: 2024-16450] [[Page 66799]] Vol. 89 Friday, No. 159 August 16, 2024 Part VI Department of Energy ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Semiannual Regulatory Agenda Federal Register / Vol. 89 , No. 159 / Friday, August 16, 2024 / UA: Reg Flex Agenda [[Page 66800]] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY 10 CFR Chs. II, III, and X 48 CFR Ch. 9 Unified Agenda of Federal Regulatory and Deregulatory Actions AGENCY: Department of Energy. ACTION: Semiannual Regulatory Agenda. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: The Department of Energy (DOE) has prepared and is making available its portion of the semi-annual Unified Agenda of Federal Regulatory and Deregulatory Actions (Agenda) pursuant to Executive Order 12866, ``Regulatory Planning and Review,'' and the Regulatory Flexibility Act. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Agenda is a government-wide compilation of upcoming and ongoing regulatory activity, including a brief description of each rulemaking and a timetable for action. The Agenda also includes a list of regulatory actions completed since publication of the last Agenda. The Department of Energy's portion of the Agenda includes regulatory actions called for by the Energy Policy and Conservation Act, as amended, and programmatic needs of DOE offices. The internet is the basic means for disseminating the Agenda and providing users the ability to obtain information from the Agenda database. DOE's Spring 2024 Agenda can be accessed online by going to www.reginfo.gov. DOE's regulatory flexibility agenda is made up of rulemakings setting energy efficiency standards and requirements applicable to DOE sites. Samuel Walsh, General Counsel. Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy--Final Rule Stage ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulation Sequence No. Title Identifier No. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 59........................ Energy Conservation 1904-AD61 Standards for Circulator Pumps. 60........................ Energy Conservation 1904-AD91 Standards for Consumer Water Heaters. 61........................ Test Procedures for Air- 1904-AD93 Cooled, Evaporatively- Cooled, and Water-Cooled Commercial Package Air Conditioners and Heat Pumps. 62........................ Energy Conservation 1904-AE12 Standards for Distribution Transformers. 63........................ Energy Conservation 1904-AE82 Standards for Consumer Boilers. 64........................ Test Procedures for 1904-AF45 Evaporatively-Cooled Commercial Unitary Air Conditioners (ECUACs) and Water-Cooled Commercial Unitary Air Conditioners (WCUACs). ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy--Completed Actions ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulation Sequence No. Title Identifier No. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 65........................ Energy Conservation 1904-AD20 Standards for Residential Non-Weatherized Gas Furnaces and Mobile Home Gas Furnaces. 66........................ Energy Conservation 1904-AD98 Standards for Consumer Clothes Washers. 67........................ Energy Conservation 1904-AF00 Standards for Miscellaneous Residential Refrigeration. 68........................ Energy Conservation 1904-AF43 Program: Energy Conservation Standards for General Service Lamps. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY (DOE) Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EE) Final Rule Stage 59. Energy Conservation Standards for Circulator Pumps [1904-AD61] Legal Authority: 42 U.S.C. 6311(1)(A); 42 U.S.C. 6316(a); 42 U.S.C. 6295(o) Abstract: The Energy Policy and Conservation Act, as amended (EPCA), prescribes energy conservation standards for various consumer products and certain commercial and industrial equipment, including circulator pumps. EPCA also requires the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to periodically determine whether more-stringent, standards would be technologically feasible and economically justified, and would result in significant energy savings. In the final rule, DOE adopted new energy conservation standards for circulator pumps. It has determined that the energy conservation standards for this equipment would result in significant conservation of energy, and are technologically feasible and economically justified. Timetable: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Action Date FR Cite ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Notice of Intent to Start a 02/03/16 81 FR 5658 Negotiated Rulemaking Working Group and Notice of Public Meeting. Notice of Working Group Public 03/16/16 81 FR 14024 Meetings. Request for Information (RFI)....... 05/07/21 86 FR 24516 RFI Comment Period Extended......... 05/26/21 86 FR 28298 RFI Comment Period Extended End..... 07/30/21 NPRM................................ 12/06/22 87 FR 74850 NPRM Comment Period End............. 02/06/23 Final Action........................ 05/20/24 89 FR 44464 Final Action Effective.............. 08/05/24 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes. Agency Contact: Jeremy Dommu, Building Technologies Office, EE-2J, Department of Energy, 1000 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20585, Phone: 202 586-9870, Email: [email protected]. RIN: 1904-AD61 60. Energy Conservation Standards for Consumer Water Heaters [1904- AD91] Legal Authority: 42 U.S.C. 6295(m)(1) Abstract: The Energy Policy and Conservation Act, as amended (EPCA), prescribes energy conservation standards for various consumer products and certain commercial and industrial equipment, including consumer water heaters. EPCA also requires the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to periodically determine [[Page 66801]] whether more stringent standards would be technologically feasible and economically justified, and would result in significant energy savings. In the final rule, DOE has adopted amended energy conservation standards for consumer water heaters, except for gas-fired instantaneous water heaters (GIWHs). DOE has determined that the new and amended energy conservation standards for these products would result in significant conservation of energy, and are technologically feasible and economically justified. DOE is still considering amended energy conservation standards for GIWHs and will continue to consider comments submitted previously to inform any decision on amended standards. Timetable: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Action Date FR Cite ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Request for Information (RFI)....... 05/21/20 85 FR 30853 RFI Comment Period End.............. 07/06/20 Notice of Webinar and Availability 03/01/22 87 FR 11327 of Preliminary Technical Support Document. Public Meeting...................... 04/12/22 Preliminary Technical Support 05/02/22 Document Comment Period End. RFI Comment Period Reopened......... 05/04/22 87 FR 26303 RFI Comment Period Reopened End..... 05/16/22 NPRM................................ 07/28/23 88 FR 49058 Public Meeting...................... 09/13/23 NPRM Comment Period End............. 09/26/23 Supplemental NPRM................... 12/27/23 88 FR 89330 Supplemental NPRM Comment Period End 01/10/24 Final Action........................ 05/06/24 89 FR 37778 Final Action Effective.............. 07/05/24 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes. Agency Contact: Julia Hegarty, Department of Energy, 1000 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20585, Phone: 240 597-6737, Email: [email protected]. RIN: 1904-AD91 61. Test Procedures for Air-Cooled, Evaporatively-Cooled, and Water- Cooled Commercial Package Air Conditioners and Heat Pumps [1904-AD93] Legal Authority: 42 U.S.C. 6314(a)(4)(B); 42 U.S.C. 6314(a)(1)(A) Abstract: The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has amended the Federal test procedures for air-cooled commercial package air conditioners and heat pumps with a rated cooling capacity greater than or equal to 65,000 Btu/h, evaporatively-cooled commercial package air conditioners, and water-cooled commercial package air conditioners to incorporate by reference the latest versions of the applicable industry test standards. In the final rule, DOE has amended the current test procedure for this equipment for measuring the current cooling and heating metrics--integrated energy efficiency ratio (IEER) and coefficient of performance (COP), respectively; and established a new test procedure for this equipment that adopts two new metrics-- integrated ventilation, economizer, and cooling (IVEC) and integrated ventilation and heating efficiency (IVHE). Testing to the IVEC and IVHE metrics will not be required until such time as compliance is required with any amended energy conservation standard based on the new metrics. Additionally, DOE amended certain provisions of DOE's regulations related to representations and enforcement for the subject equipment. Timetable: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Action Date FR Cite ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Request for Information (RFI)....... 07/25/17 82 FR 34427 RFI Comment Period End.............. 08/24/17 Request for Information (RFI)....... 05/25/22 87 FR 31743 RFI Comment Period End.............. 06/24/22 Working Group Notice of Open 09/01/22 87 FR 53699 Meetings. NPRM................................ 08/17/23 88 FR 56392 NPRM Comment Period End............. 10/16/23 Final Action........................ 05/20/24 89 FR 43986 Final Action Effective.............. 08/05/24 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes. Agency Contact: Lucas Adin, Project Manager, Department of Energy, Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, 1000 Independence Avenue SW, Mail Stop EE-5B, Washington, DC 20585, Phone: 202 287-5904, Email: [email protected]. RIN: 1904-AD93 62. Energy Conservation Standards for Distribution Transformers [1904- AE12] Legal Authority: 42 U.S.C. 6295 (m)(1); 42 U.S.C. 6295(y); 42 U.S.C. 6316(a); 42 U.S.C. 6317(a) Abstract: The Energy Policy and Conservation Act, as amended (EPCA), prescribes energy conservation standards for various consumer products and certain commercial and industrial equipment, including distribution transformers. EPCA also requires the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to periodically review its existing standards to determine whether more stringent standards would be technologically feasible and economically justified, and would result in significant energy savings. In the final rule, DOE is adopting amended energy conservation standards for distribution transformers. DOE has determined that the amended energy conservation standards for distribution transformers represent the maximum improvement in energy efficiency that is technologically feasible and economically justified, and would result in the significant conservation of energy. Timetable: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Action Date FR Cite ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Request for Information (RFI)....... 06/18/19 84 FR 28239 RFI Comment Period End.............. 08/02/19 Notice of Availability of 08/27/21 86 FR 48058 Preliminary Technical Support Document. Preliminary Analysis Reopened....... 11/16/21 86 FR 63318 Preliminary Technical Support 12/10/21 Document Comment End. NPRM................................ 01/11/23 88 FR 1722 NPRM Comment Period Extended........ 02/22/23 88 FR 10856 NPRM Comment Period Extended End.... 03/27/23 Final Action........................ 04/22/24 89 FR 29834 Final Action Effective.............. 07/08/24 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes. Agency Contact: Jeremy Dommu, Building Technologies Office, EE-2J, Department of Energy, 1000 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20585, Phone: 202 586-9870, Email: [email protected]. RIN: 1904-AE12 [[Page 66802]] 63. Energy Conservation Standards for Consumer Boilers [1904-AE82] Legal Authority: 42 U.S.C. 6295(m)(1) Abstract: Consistent with the requirements under the Energy Policy and Conservation Act (EPCA), as amended, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is examining whether to amend the current energy conservation standards in place for consumer boilers found at 10 CFR 430.32(e). As a result of this effort, DOE may propose and adopt more-stringent standards or issue a determination that no amendments to the current standards are required. To this end, DOE must determine whether national standards more stringent than those currently in place would result in a significant amount of energy savings and whether such amended national standards would be technologically feasible and economically justified. Once completed, this rulemaking will fulfill DOE's statutory obligation to either propose and adopt amended standards for this product or determine that the existing standards do not need to be amended. Timetable: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Action Date FR Cite ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Request for Information (RFI); Early 03/25/21 86 FR 15804 Assessment Review. RFI Comment Period End.............. 04/26/21 RFI; Early Assessment Comment Period 04/09/21 86 FR 18478 Extended. RFI; Early Assessment Comment Period 05/26/21 Extended End. Notice of Webinar and Availability 05/04/22 87 FR 26304 of Preliminary Technical Support Document. Preliminary Technical Support 07/05/22 Document Comment Period End. NPRM................................ 08/14/23 88 FR 55128 Notice of Public Meeting and Webinar 08/31/23 88 FR 60152 NPRM Comment Period End............. 10/13/23 Final Rule.......................... 12/00/24 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes. Agency Contact: Julia Hegarty, Department of Energy, 1000 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20585, Phone: 240 597-6737, Email: [email protected]. RIN: 1904-AE82 64. Test Procedures for Evaporatively-Cooled Commercial Unitary Air Conditioners (ECUACS) and Water-Cooled Commercial Unitary Air Conditioners (WCUACS) [1904-AF45] Legal Authority: 42 U.S.C. 6314(a)(4)(B); 42 U.S.C. 6314(a)(1)(A) Abstract: The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has amended the Federal test procedures for air-cooled commercial package air conditioners and heat pumps with a rated cooling capacity greater than or equal to 65,000 Btu/h, evaporatively-cooled commercial package air conditioners, and water-cooled commercial package air conditioners to incorporate by reference the latest versions of the applicable industry test standards. In the final rule, DOE has amended the current test procedure for this equipment for measuring the current cooling and heating--metrics integrated energy efficiency ratio (IEER) and coefficient of performance (COP), respectively; and established a new test procedure for this equipment that adopts two new metrics-- integrated ventilation, economizer, and cooling (IVEC) and integrated ventilation and heating efficiency (IVHE). Testing to the IVEC and IVHE metrics will not be required until such time as compliance is required with any amended energy conservation standard based on the new metrics. Additionally, DOE amended certain provisions of DOE's regulations related to representations and enforcement for the subject equipment. Timetable: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Action Date FR Cite ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Request for Information (RFI)....... 07/25/17 82 FR 34427 RFI Comment Period End.............. 08/24/17 Second RFI.......................... 05/25/22 87 FR 31743 Second RFI Comment Period End....... 06/24/22 NPRM................................ 08/17/23 88 FR 56392 NPRM Comment Period End............. 10/16/23 Final Action........................ 05/20/24 89 FR 43986 Final Rule Effective................ 08/05/24 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes. Agency Contact: Lucas Adin, Project Manager, Department of Energy, Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, 1000 Independence Avenue SW, Mail Stop EE-5B, Washington, DC 20585, Phone: 202 287-5904, Email: [email protected]. RIN: 1904-AF45 DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY (DOE) Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EE) Completed Actions 65. Energy Conservation Standards for Residential Non-Weatherized Gas Furnaces and Mobile Home Gas Furnaces [1904-AD20] Legal Authority: 42 U.S.C. 6295(f)(4)(C); 42 U.S.C. 6295(m)(1); 42 U.S.C. 6295(gg)(3) Abstract: The Energy Policy and Conservation Act, as amended, (EPCA) prescribes energy conservation standards for various consumer products and certain commercial and industrial equipment, including the residential furnaces which are the subject of this rulemaking. (42 U.S.C. 6292(a)(5)) EPCA also requires the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to determine whether more-stringent amended standards would be technologically feasible and economically justified and would save a significant amount of energy (42 U.S.C. 6295(o)(2)(A) and (3)(B)). EPCA specifically provides that DOE must conduct two rounds of energy conservation standards rulemakings for the residential furnaces at issue (42 U.S.C. 6295(f)(4)(B) and (C)), and the statute also requires that not later than six years after issuance of any final rule establishing or amending a standard, DOE must publish either a notice of determination that standards for the product does not need to be amended, or a notice of proposed rulemaking (NOPR) including new proposed energy conservation standards (42 U.S.C. 6295(m)(1)). This rulemaking is being undertaken pursuant to the statutorily-required second round of rulemaking for non-weatherized gas furnaces (NWGFs) and mobile home gas furnaces (MHGFs), and once completed, it will also satisfy the statutorily-required six-year-lookback review. In the July 7, 2022 NOPR, DOE proposed amended and new energy conservation standards for NWGFs and MHGFs pursuant to a court-ordered remand of DOE's 2011 rulemaking for these products and other statutory requirements. 87 FR 40590. Specifically, the NOPR proposed amended active mode annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE) standards at 95 percent for both NWGFs and MHGFs. It also proposed amended standby mode and off mode standards (in watts) at 8.5 watts for both NWGFs and MHGFs. If finalized, the proposed standards would apply to all NWGFs and MHGFs manufactured in, or imported into, the United States starting on the date five years after the [[Page 66803]] publication of the final rule for this rulemaking. In the final rule, DOE adopts the amended energy conservation standards for both NWGFs and MHGFs. DOE has determined that the amended energy conservation standards for the subject products would result in significant conservation of energy, and are technologically feasible and economically justified. In the final rule, DOE adopted the amended energy conservation standards for consumer furnaces, specifically nonweatherized gas furnaces and mobile home gas furnaces. The Department has determined that the amended energy conservation standards for the subject products would result in significant conservation of energy, and are technologically feasible and economically justified. Completed: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Reason Date FR Cite ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Final Rule.......................... 12/18/23 88 FR 87502 Final Rule Effective................ 02/16/24 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes. Agency Contact: Julia Hegarty, Phone: 240 597-6737, Email: [email protected]. RIN: 1904-AD20 66. Energy Conservation Standards for Consumer Clothes Washers [1904- AD98] Legal Authority: 42 U.S.C. 6295(g); 42 U.S.C. 6295(m) Abstract: Consistent with the requirements under the Energy Policy and Conservation Act (EPCA), as amended, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is examining whether to amend the current energy conservation standards for consumer clothes washers found at 10 CFR 430.32(g). To this end, DOE must determine whether standards more stringent than those currently in place would result in a significant amount of energy savings and whether such amended standards would be technologically feasible and economically justified. DOE has tentatively proposed standards that represent the maximum improvement in energy efficiency that is technologically feasible and economically justified, and would result in the significant conservation of energy. Specifically, with regards to technological feasibility, products achieving these standard levels are already commercially available for all product classes covered by this proposal. As for economic justification, DOE's analysis shows that the benefits of the proposed standard exceed the burdens. Once completed, this rulemaking will fulfill DOE's statutory obligation to either propose amended standards for this product or determine that the standards do not need to be amended. Additionally, EPCA directs DOE to provide interested persons an opportunity to present oral and written comments on matters related to any energy conservation standard proposed rule. To satisfy this requirement, DOE held an initial public meeting in November 2021 to discuss preliminary materials and a second meeting in March 2023 to specifically discuss the proposed rule. DOE intends address any feedback provided during the March 2023 public meeting in subsequent materials. On September 25, 2023, the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers and efficiency and consumer organizations and utilities, submitted a joint letter to DOE recommending new and amended efficiency standards for various home appliances for consideration including residential clothes washers. Under the authority provided in 42 U.S.C. 6295(p)(4), DOE is now pursuing this effort through a direct final rule, see 1904-AF58. Completed: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Action Date FR Cite ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Withdrawn........................... 01/16/24 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes. Agency Contact: Bryan D. Berringer, Phone: 202 586-0371, Email: [email protected]. RIN: 1904-AD98 67. Energy Conservation Standards for Miscellaneous Residential Refrigeration [1904-AF00] Legal Authority: 42 U.S.C. 6292(a)(20); 42 U.S.C. 6295(l); 42 U.S.C. 6295(m) Abstract: The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has initiated an effort to consider amending the energy conservation standards for miscellaneous residential refrigeration (e.g., wine coolers and certain other combination consumer refrigeration products). Once completed, this rulemaking will fulfill DOE's statutory obligation to either propose amended energy conservation standards for these products or determine that the existing standards do not need to be amended. To this end, DOE must determine whether national standards more stringent than those currently in place would result in a significant amount of energy savings and whether such amended national standards would be technologically feasible and economically justified. In the notice of proposed rulemaking, DOE proposed standards that represent the maximum improvement in energy efficiency that is technologically feasible and economically justified, and would result in the significant conservation of energy. Specifically, with regards to technological feasibility products achieving these standard levels are already commercially available for all product classes covered by this proposal. As for economic justification, DOE's analysis shows that the benefits of the proposed standard exceed, to a great extent, the burdens of the proposed standards. On September 25, 2023, the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers and efficiency and consumer organizations and utilities, submitted a joint letter to DOE recommending new and amended efficiency standards for various home appliances for consideration, including miscellaneous refrigeration products. Under the authority provided in 42 U.S.C. 6295(p)(4), DOE is now pursuing this effort through a direct final rule, see 1904-AF62. Completed: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Reason Date FR Cite ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Withdrawn........................... 02/06/24 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes. Agency Contact: Lucas Adin., Phone: 202 287-5904, Email: [email protected]. RIN: 1904-AF00 68. Energy Conservation Program: Energy Conservation Standards for General Service Lamps [1904-AF43] Legal Authority: 42 U.S.C. 6295(i)(6)(B); 42 U.S.C. 6295(m); 42 U.S.C. 6295(o); 42 U.S.C. 6295(p) Abstract: The Energy Policy and Conservation Act, as amended (EPCA), directs the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to initiate two rulemaking cycles for general service lamps (GSLs) that, among other requirements, determine whether standards in effect for GSLs should be amended. EPCA also requires DOE to periodically determine whether more- stringent standards would be technologically feasible and economically justified, and would result in significant energy savings. In this final rule, DOE is adopting amended energy conservation standards for GSLs. DOE has determined that the amended energy conservation standards for these [[Page 66804]] products would result in significant conservation of energy and are technologically feasible and economically justified. Completed: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Reason Date FR Cite ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Final Action........................ 04/19/24 89 FR 28856 Final Action Effective.............. 07/03/24 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes. Agency Contact: Bryan D. Berringer, Phone: 202 586-0371, Email: [email protected]. RIN: 1904-AF43 [FR Doc. 2024-16450 Filed 8-15-24; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6450-01-P

usgpo

2024-10-08T13:26:32.081720

FR

FR-2024-08-16/2024-16451

Federal Register Volume 89 Issue 159 (August 16, 2024)

United States National Archives and Records Administration Office of the Federal Register

[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 159 (Friday, August 16, 2024)] [Unknown Section] [Pages 66806-66819] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: 2024-16451] [[Page 66805]] Vol. 89 Friday, No. 159 August 16, 2024 Part VII Department of Health and Human Services ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Semiannual Regulatory Agenda Federal Register / Vol. 89 , No. 159 / Friday, August 16, 2024 / UA: Reg Flex Agenda [[Page 66806]] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES Office of the Secretary 21 CFR Ch. I 25 CFR Ch. V 42 CFR Chs. I-V 45 CFR Subtitle A; Subtitle B, Chs. II, III, and XIII Regulatory Agenda AGENCY: Office of the Secretary, HHS. ACTION: Semiannual Regulatory Agenda. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: The Regulatory Flexibility Act of 1980 and Executive Order (E.O.) 12866 require the semiannual issuance of an inventory of rulemaking actions under development throughout the Department, offering for public review summarized information about forthcoming regulatory actions. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Elizabeth J. Gramling, Executive Secretary, Department of Health and Human Services, 200 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20201; (202) 690-5627. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is the Federal government's lead agency for protecting the health of all Americans and providing essential human services. HHS enhances the health and well-being of Americans by promoting effective health and human services and by fostering sound, sustained advances in the sciences underlying medicine, public health, and social services. This Agenda presents the regulatory activities that the Department expects to undertake in the foreseeable future to advance this mission. The purpose of the Agenda is to encourage more effective public participation in the regulatory process. The regulatory actions forecasted in this Agenda reflect the priorities of HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra and the Biden-Harris Administration. Accordingly, this Agenda contains rulemakings aimed at ensuring that the nation is well- prepared to manage the long-term effects of COVID-19 going forward, building and expanding access to affordable, quality health care, addressing health disparities and promoting equity, lowering prescription drug costs, and boosting the mental health and wellbeing of children and families, among other policy priorities. The rulemaking abstracts included in this paper issue of the Federal Register cover, as required by the Regulatory Flexibility Act of 1980, those prospective HHS rulemakings likely to have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. The Department's complete Regulatory Agenda is accessible online at http://www.RegInfo.gov. Elizabeth J. Gramling, HHS Executive Secretary. Office for Civil Rights--Completed Actions ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulation Sequence No. Title Identifier No. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 69........................ Rulemaking on 0945-AA15 Discrimination on the Basis of Disability in Health and Human Services Programs or Activities. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration--Completed Actions ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulation Sequence No. Title Identifier No. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 70........................ Medications for the 0930-AA39 Treatment of Opioid Use Disorder. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention--Final Rule Stage ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulation Sequence No. Title Identifier No. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 71........................ Control of Communicable 0920-AA75 Diseases; Foreign Quarantine. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention--Completed Actions ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulation Sequence No. Title Identifier No. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 72........................ Control of Communicable 0920-AA82 Diseases; Foreign Quarantine Importation of Dogs and Cats. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Food and Drug Administration--Proposed Rule Stage ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulation Sequence No. Title Identifier No. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 73........................ Administrative Detention 0910-AI05 of Tobacco Products. 74........................ Conduct of Analytical and 0910-AI57 Clinical Pharmacology, Bioavailability, and Bioequivalence Studies. 75........................ Amendments to the Final 0910-AI70 Rule Regarding the List of Bulk Substances That Can Be Used to Compound Drug Products in Accordance With Section 503A of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (Section 610 Review). 76........................ Distribution of Compounded 0910-AI71 Drug Products Under Section 503A of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (Section 610 Review). 77........................ Front-of-Package Nutrition 0910-AI80 Labeling. [[Page 66807]] 78........................ Registration of Commercial 0910-AI87 Importers of Drugs; Good Importing Practice. 79........................ Amendments to the Current 0910-AI88 Good Manufacturing Practice Regulations for Drug Products. 80........................ Pediatric Study Plan 0910-AI89 Requirements for New Drug and Biologics License Applications. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Food and Drug Administration--Final Rule Stage ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulation Sequence No. Title Identifier No. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 81........................ Sunlamp Products; 0910-AG30 Amendment to the Performance Standard. 82........................ General and Plastic 0910-AH14 Surgery Devices: Restricted Sale, Distribution, and Use of Sunlamp Products. 83........................ Amendments to the List of 0910-AH81 Bulk Drug Substances That Can Be Used To Compound Drug Products in Accordance With Section 503A of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. 84........................ Requirements for Tobacco 0910-AH91 Product Manufacturing Practice. 85........................ Nutrient Content Claims, 0910-AI13 Definition of Term: Healthy. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Food and Drug Administration--Long-Term Actions ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulation Sequence No. Title Identifier No. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 86........................ National Standards for the 0910-AH11 Licensure of Wholesale Drug Distributors and Third-Party Logistics Providers. 87........................ Nicotine Toxicity Warnings 0910-AH24 88........................ Certain Requirements 0910-AH56 Regarding Prescription Drug Marketing (203 Amendment). 89........................ Medication Guide; Patient 0910-AH68 Medication Information. 90........................ Tobacco Product Standard 0910-AI28 for Characterizing Flavors in Cigars. 91........................ Tobacco Product Standard 0910-AI60 for Menthol in Cigarettes. 92........................ Postmarketing Safety 0910-AI61 Reporting Requirements, Pharmacovigilance Plans, and Pharmacovigilance Quality Systems for Human Drug and Biological Products. 93........................ Tobacco Product Standard 0910-AI76 for Nicotine Level of Certain Tobacco Products. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Food and Drug Administration--Completed Actions ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulation Sequence No. Title Identifier No. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 94........................ Direct-to-Consumer 0910-AG27 Prescription Drug Advertisements: Presentation of the Major Statement in a Clear, Conspicuous, Neutral Manner in Advertisements in Television and Radio Format. 95........................ Standards for the Growing, 0910-AI49 Harvesting, Packing, and Holding of Produce for Human Consumption Relating to Agricultural Water. 96........................ Medical Devices; 0910-AI85 Laboratory Developed Tests. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services--Proposed Rule Stage ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulation Sequence No. Title Identifier No. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 97........................ CY 2025 Revisions to 0938-AV33 Payment Policies Under the Physician Fee Schedule and Other Revisions to Medicare Part B (CMS-1807) (Section 610 Review). 98........................ CY 2025 Hospital 0938-AV35 Outpatient PPS Policy Changes and Payment Rates and Ambulatory Surgical Center Payment System Policy Changes and Payment Rates (CMS-1809) (Section 610 Review). ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services--Final Rule Stage ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulation Sequence No. Title Identifier No. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 99........................ Mental Health Parity and 0938-AU93 Addiction Equity Act and the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (CMS-9902). 100....................... Independent Dispute 0938-AV15 Resolution Operations (CMS-9897). 101....................... FY 2025 Hospice Wage 0938-AV29 Index, Payment Rate Update, and Quality Reporting Requirements (CMS-1810) (Section 610 Review). 102....................... FY 2025 Skilled Nursing 0938-AV30 Facility (SNFs) Prospective Payment System and Consolidated Billing and Updates to the Value-Based Purchasing and Quality Reporting Programs (CMS- 1802) (Section 610 Review). 103....................... FY 2025 Inpatient 0938-AV32 Psychiatric Facilities Prospective Payment System Rate and Quality Reporting Updates (CMS- 1806) (Section 610 Review). [[Page 66808]] 104....................... Hospital Inpatient 0938-AV34 Prospective Payment Systems for Acute Care Hospitals; the Long-Term Care Hospital Prospective Payment System; and FY 2025 Rates (CMS-1808) (Section 610 Review). ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services--Completed Actions ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulation Sequence No. Title Identifier No. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 105....................... CY 2024 Revisions to 0938-AV07 Payment Policies Under the Physician Fee Schedule and Other Revisions to Medicare Part B (CMS-1784) (Completion of a Section 610 Review). 106....................... CY 2024 Hospital 0938-AV09 Outpatient PPS Policy Changes and Payment Rates and Ambulatory Surgical Center Payment System Policy Changes and Payment Rates (CMS-1786) (Completion of a Section 610 Review). ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Administration for Children and Families--Proposed Rule Stage ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulation Sequence No. Title Identifier No. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 107....................... Native American Programs 0970-AD05 Financial and Administrative Requirements (Section 610 Review). 108....................... Name Change From Office of 0970-AD06 Child Support Enforcement to Office of Child Support Services (Section 610 Review). 109....................... Temporary Assistance for 0970-AD07 Needy Families Work Participation Rate Calculation Changes (Section 610 Review). 110....................... Unaccompanied Children 0970-AD08 Program Prevention of Sexual Abuse NPRM (Section 610 Review). ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Administration for Children and Families--Final Rule Stage ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulation Sequence No. Title Identifier No. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 111....................... Supporting the Head Start 0970-AD01 Workforce and Other Quality Improvements. 112....................... Temporary Assistance for 0970-AD04 Needy Families Work Outcomes Measures (Section 610 Review). 113....................... Head Start Program CLASS 0970-AD09 Effective Date Delay Direct Final Rule (Section 610 Review). 114....................... ORR UC Program Child Abuse 0970-AD10 and Neglect (Section 610 Review). ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Administration for Children and Families--Completed Actions ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulation Sequence No. Title Identifier No. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 115....................... Safe and Appropriate, 0970-AD03 Affirming Foster Care Placement Requirements for Titles IV-E and IV-B (Completion of a Section 610 Review). ------------------------------------------------------------------------ DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES (HHS) Office for Civil Rights (OCR) Completed Actions 69. Rulemaking on Discrimination on the Basis of Disability in Health and Human Services Programs or Activities [0945-AA15] Legal Authority: sec. 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973; 29 U.S.C. 794 Abstract: This proposed rule would revise regulations under section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 to address discrimination on the basis of disability in HHS-funded programs and activities. Covered topics include nondiscrimination in medical treatment; child welfare programs and activities; value assessment methods; accessible medical equipment; accessible web content, mobile apps, and kiosks; and other relevant health and human services activities. Completed: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Reason Date FR Cite ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Final Action........................ 05/09/24 89 FR 40066 Final Action Effective.............. 07/08/24 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes. Agency Contact: Molly Burgdorf, Phone: 800 368-1019, TDD Phone: 800 537-7697, Email: [email protected]. RIN: 0945-AA15 DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES (HHS) Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Completed Actions 70. Medications for the Treatment of Opioid Use Disorder [0930-AA39] Legal Authority: 21 U.S.C. 823(g)(1) Abstract: The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) will revise 42 CFR part 8 to make permanent some regulatory flexibilities for Opioid Treatment Programs (OTPs) granted under the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (PHE), and to expand access to care for people with Opioid Use Disorder (OUD). Specifically, SAMHSA will [[Page 66809]] update criteria pertaining to unsupervised doses of methadone and also initiation of buprenorphine via telemedicine. To expand access to care, SAMHSA will also update admission criteria, particularly those rules that may limit timely access to treatment in an OTP. To achieve this, sections of 42 CFR part 8 will require updating. SAMHSA's changes will impact roughly 1900 opioid treatment programs and state opioid treatment authorities. In response to the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023, which removed the requirement to obtain a waiver in order to prescribe certain schedule III-V medications for the treatment of OUD, SAMHSA issued a supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking on Feb. 13, 2023, (88 FR 9221) calling for additional public comment on SAMHSA's plans to remove reference to the Drug Addiction Treatment Act of 2000 (DATA 2000-Waiver) from 42 CFR part 8. Completed: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Reason Date FR Cite ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Final Action........................ 02/02/24 89 FR 7528 Final Action Effective.............. 04/02/24 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes. Agency Contact: Neeraj Gandotra, Phone: 202 823-1816, Email: [email protected]. RIN: 0930-AA39 DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES (HHS) Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Final Rule Stage 71. Control of Communicable Diseases; Foreign Quarantine [0920-AA75] Legal Authority: 42 U.S.C. 264; 42 U.S.C. 265 Abstract: This rulemaking amends current regulation to enable CDC to require airlines to collect and provide to CDC certain data elements regarding passengers and crew arriving from foreign countries under certain circumstances. Timetable: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Action Date FR Cite ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Interim Final Rule Effective........ 02/07/20 Interim Final Rule.................. 02/12/20 85 FR 7874 Interim Final Rule Comment Period 03/13/20 End. Final Action........................ 10/00/24 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes. Agency Contact: Ashley C. Altenburger JD, Regulatory Analyst, Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Road NE, MS: H 16-4, Atlanta, GA 30307, Phone: 800 232-4636, Email: [email protected]. RIN: 0920-AA75 DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES (HHS) Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Completed Actions 72. Control of Communicable Diseases; Foreign Quarantine Importation of Dogs and Cats [0920-AA82] Legal Authority: 42 U.S.C. 264 Abstract: HHS is amending its regulations concerning the importation of dogs from high-risk rabies countries into the United States (U.S.). The final rule will establish requirements regarding an importation system that will reduce fraud and improve the U.S. government's ability to verify U.S. entry requirements and mitigate the introduction of dogs infected with rabies and other communicable diseases of public health concern. Importation requirements for cats will not change. Completed: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Reason Date FR Cite ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Final Rule.......................... 05/13/24 89 FR 41726 Final Rule Effective................ 08/01/24 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes. Agency Contact: Ashley C. Altenburger, Phone: 800 232-4636, Email: [email protected]. RIN: 0920-AA82 DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES (HHS) Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Proposed Rule Stage 73. Administrative Detention of Tobacco Products [0910-AI05] Legal Authority: 21 U.S.C. 334; 21 U.S.C. 371 Abstract: FDA is proposing a regulation to establish requirements for the administrative detention of tobacco products. This proposed rule, when finalized, would allow FDA to administratively detain tobacco products encountered during inspections of manufacturers or other establishments that manufacture, process, pack, or hold tobacco products that an authorized FDA representative conducting the inspection has reason to believe are adulterated or misbranded. The intent of administrative detention is to protect public health by preventing the distribution or use of tobacco products encountered during inspections that are believed to be adulterated or misbranded until FDA has had time to consider the appropriate action to take and, where appropriate, to initiate legal action. Timetable: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Action Date FR Cite ------------------------------------------------------------------------ NPRM................................ 12/00/24 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes. Agency Contact: Quynh Nguyen, Regulatory Counsel, Department of Health and Human Services, Food and Drug Administration, Center for Tobacco Products, 10903 New Hampshire Avenue, Document Control Center, Building 71, Room G335, Silver Spring, MD 20993, Phone: 877 287-1373, Email: [email protected]. Laura Chilaka, Regulatory Counsel, Department of Health and Human Services, Food and Drug Administration, Center for Tobacco Products, 10903 New Hampshire Avenue, Document Control Center, Building 71, Room G335, Silver Spring, MD 20993, Phone: 877 287-1373, Email: [email protected]. RIN: 0910-AI05 74. Conduct of Analytical and Clinical Pharmacology, Bioavailability, and Bioequivalence Studies [0910-AI57] Legal Authority: 21 U.S.C. 355; 21 U.S.C. 371; 21 U.S.C. 374; 42 U.S.C. 262 Abstract: FDA is proposing to amend 21 CFR 320, in certain parts, and establish a new 21 CFR 321 to clarify FDA's study conduct expectations for clinical pharmacology, and clinical and analytical bioavailability (BA) and bioequivalence (BE) studies that support marketing applications for human drug and biological products. The proposed rule would specify needed basic study conduct requirements to enable FDA to ensure those studies are conducted appropriately and to verify the reliability of study data from those studies. This regulation would align with FDA's other good practice regulations, would also be consistent with current industry best practices, and [[Page 66810]] would harmonize the regulations more closely with related international regulatory expectations. Timetable: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Action Date FR Cite ------------------------------------------------------------------------ NPRM................................ 10/00/24 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes. Agency Contact: Brian Joseph Folian, Supervisory Biologist, Department of Health and Human Services, Food and Drug Administration, 10903 New Hampshire Avenue, Building 22, Room 1440, Silver Spring, MD 20993-0002, Phone: 240 402-4089, Email: [email protected]. RIN: 0910-AI57 75. Amendments to the Final Rule Regarding the List of Bulk Substances That Can be Used To Compound Drug Products in Accordance With Section 503A of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (Section 610 Review) [0910-AI70] Legal Authority: 21 U.S.C. 353a; 21 U.S.C. 351; 21 U.S.C. 371(a); 21 U.S.C. 352; 21 U.S.C. 355 Abstract: FDA has issued a regulation creating a list of bulk drug substances (active pharmaceutical ingredients) that can be used to compound drug products in accordance with section 503A of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, although they are neither the subject of an applicable United States Pharmacopeia (USP) or National Formulary (NF) monograph nor components of FDA-approved drug products (the 503A Bulks List). The proposed rule will identify certain bulk drug substances that FDA has considered and is proposing to place on the 503A Bulks List and certain bulk drug substances that FDA has considered and is proposing not to include on the 503A Bulks List. Timetable: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Action Date FR Cite ------------------------------------------------------------------------ NPRM................................ 10/00/24 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes. Agency Contact: Rosilend Lawson, Regulatory Counsel, Department of Health and Human Services, Food and Drug Administration, 10903 New Hampshire Avenue, Building 51, Room 5197, Silver Spring, MD 20993, Phone: 240 402-6223, Email: [email protected]. RIN: 0910-AI70 76. Distribution of Compounded Drug Products Under Section 503A of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (Section 610 Review) [0910-AI71] Legal Authority: 21 U.S.C. 351; 21 U.S.C. 352; 21 U.S.C. 353a; 21 U.S.C. 353a-1; 21 U.S.C. 355; 21 U.S.C. 371 Abstract: The Food and Drug Administration is proposing rulemaking regarding statutory requirements under section 503A of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act for certain distributions of compounded human drug products. The proposed rule, if finalized, will include provisions regarding a standard memorandum of understanding (MOU) that describes the responsibilities of a State Board of Pharmacy or other appropriate State agency that chooses to sign the standard MOU in investigating complaints related to drug products compounded in such State and distributed outside such State and in addressing the interstate distribution of inordinate amounts of compounded human drug products. It will also, if finalized, include provisions regarding the statutory 5 percent limit on distribution of compounded human drug products out of the State in which they are compounded in States that do not sign the standard MOU. The rule, will also, if finalized, address communication with State boards of pharmacy. Timetable: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Action Date FR Cite ------------------------------------------------------------------------ NPRM................................ 12/00/24 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes. Agency Contact: Dominic Markwordt, Regulatory Counsel, Department of Health and Human Services, Food and Drug Administration, Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, 10903 New Hampshire Avenue, Building 51, Room 5104, Silver Spring, MD 20993, Phone: 301 796-9349, Email: [email protected]. RIN: 0910-AI71 77. Front-of-Package Nutrition Labeling [0910-AI80] Legal Authority: 21 U.S.C. 321; 21 U.S.C. 343; 21 U.S.C. 343 note; 21 U.S.C. 371 Abstract: This proposed rule, if finalized, would require the front of food labels to display certain nutrition information to help consumers, including those who are busy and those with lower nutrition knowledge, make more informed dietary choices. Front-of-package nutrition labeling is intended to complement the Nutrition Facts label on packaged foods by giving consumers additional context to help them quickly and easily identify foods that can help them build a healthy eating pattern. This proposed rule is being developed as part of a broader, whole-of-government approach to help reduce the burden of chronic disease and advance health equity by helping to improve dietary patterns in the United States. Development of the proposed rule has been informed by, among other things, research findings and extensive public outreach and engagement, including a public meeting conducted by the Reagan-Udall Foundation for the FDA and listening sessions with a range of interested parties. Timetable: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Action Date FR Cite ------------------------------------------------------------------------ NPRM................................ 10/00/24 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes. Agency Contact: Mark Kantor, Nutritionist, Department of Health and Human Services, Food and Drug Administration, CPK1 RM 3D034, HFS-830, 5001 Campus Drive, College Park, MD 20740, Phone: 240 402-2082, Email: [email protected]. RIN: 0910-AI80 78. Registration of Commercial Importers of Drugs; Good Importing Practice [0910-AI87] Legal Authority: sec. 714 of the Food and Drug Administrative Safety and Innovation Act (FDASIA) of July 2012 Abstract: This proposed rulemaking meets the mandate of section 714 of the Food and Drug Administration Safety and Innovation Act and will establish registration and good importing practice requirements for commercial importers of drugs. Although manufacturers are subject to regulatory requirements to ensure such quality standards are met, there are few clear responsibilities for commercial importers of drugs to do the same. Cost estimates of the rule include reading and understanding the rule, registering as a commercial importer through the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) electronic importer registration system, annual updating of registration, establishing a quality management system, conducting risk evaluations of drugs and suppliers, shipment verifications, investigations, corrective actions, and records maintenance. The unquantified benefits of the proposed rule include improvement in the safety of finished drugs allowed to enter the United States from the commercial drug importer's requirement [[Page 66811]] to register with FDA and for increased due diligence required by the importer regarding the safety of the drugs. There would also be cost savings to both FDA and industry from facilitating the review of documentation that ensures compliance with our regulations prior to being allowed to enter the United States. This proposed rulemaking will also enhance FDA's ability to collect and analyze data to enable risk- informed decision-making while focusing on protecting the integrity of the global drug supply chain and ensuring safety, effectiveness, and quality of imported drugs. Timetable: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Action Date FR Cite ------------------------------------------------------------------------ NPRM................................ 10/00/24 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes. Agency Contact: James Hanratty, Regulatory Counsel, Department of Health and Human Services, Food and Drug Administration, WO 75, Rm. 1607A, 10903 New Hampshire Avenue, Silver Spring, MD 20993, Phone: 240 402-4718, Email: [email protected]. RIN: 0910-AI87 79. Amendments to the Current Good Manufacturing Practice Regulations for Drug Products [0910-AI88] Legal Authority: 21 U.S.C. 321; 21 U.S.C. 331; 21 U.S.C. 351; 21 U.S.C. 352; 21 U.S.C. 355; 21 U.S.C. 360b; 21 U.S.C. 360bbb-7; 21 U.S.C. 371; 21 U.S.C. 374; 42 U.S.C. 262; 42 U.S.C. 264 Abstract: FDA is proposing to amend the Current Good Manufacturing Practice Regulations for Drug Products. The proposed amendment will clarify and modernize the regulations by adding requirements for quality management systems and controls over components and drug product containers and closures. Timetable: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Action Date FR Cite ------------------------------------------------------------------------ NPRM................................ 02/00/25 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes. Agency Contact: Ashley Boam, Health Science Administrator, Department of Health and Human Services, Food and Drug Administration, Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, Building 51, Room 4192, 10903 New Hampshire Avenue, Silver Spring, MD 20993, Phone: 301 796-6341, Email: [email protected]. RIN: 0910-AI88 80. Pediatric Study Plan Requirements for New Drug and Biologics License Applications [0910-AI89] Legal Authority: 21 U.S.C. 355c(e)(7); 21 U.S.C. 355c(k)(1); 21 U.S.C. 371(a) Abstract: FDA is proposing to amend its existing regulations and add new regulations pertaining to submission of required initial pediatric study plans (iPSPs) under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FD&C Act). This proposed rule, if finalized, would implement the pediatric study plans provisions of the FD&C Act, and exercise the authority granted to the Secretary in the provisions of the FD&C Act governing exemptions from pediatric study requirements. Timetable: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Action Date FR Cite ------------------------------------------------------------------------ NPRM................................ 10/00/24 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes. Agency Contact: Kristiana Brugger, Regulatory Counsel, Department of Health and Human Services, Food and Drug Administration, Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, WO 51, Room 5252, 10903 New Hampshire Avenue, Silver Spring, MD 20993, Phone: 301 796-3600, Email: [email protected]. RIN: 0910-AI89 DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES (HHS) Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Final Rule Stage 81. Sunlamp Products; Amendment to the Performance Standard [0910-AG30] Legal Authority: 21 U.S.C. 360ii; 21 U.S.C. 360kk; 21 U.S.C. 393; 21 U.S.C. 371 Abstract: FDA is updating the performance standard for sunlamp products and ultraviolet lamps intended for use in these products to improve safety, reflect new scientific information, and work towards harmonization with international standards. By harmonizing with the International Electrotechnical Commission, this rule will decrease the regulatory burden on industry and allow the Agency to take advantage of the expertise of the international committees, thereby also saving resources. Timetable: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Action Date FR Cite ------------------------------------------------------------------------ NPRM................................ 12/22/15 80 FR 79505 NPRM Comment Period End............. 03/21/16 Final Rule.......................... 12/00/24 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes. Agency Contact: Ian Ostermiller, Regulatory Counsel, Center for Devices and Radiological Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Food and Drug Administration, 10903 New Hampshire Avenue, WO 66, Room 5454, Silver Spring, MD 20993, Phone: 301 796-5678, Email: [email protected]. RIN: 0910-AG30 82. General and Plastic Surgery Devices: Restricted Sale, Distribution, and Use of Sunlamp Products [0910-AH14] Legal Authority: 21 U.S.C. 360j(e) Abstract: This rule will apply device restrictions to sunlamp products. Sunlamp products include ultraviolet (UV) lamps and UV tanning beds and booths. A large number of skin cancer cases, including cases of melanoma, are attributable to the use of sunlamp products. Beginning use of sunlamp products at young ages, as well as frequently using sunlamp products, both increases the risk of developing skin cancers and other illnesses, and sustaining other injuries. Even infrequent use, particularly at younger ages, can significantly increase these risks. Timetable: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Action Date FR Cite ------------------------------------------------------------------------ NPRM................................ 12/22/15 80 FR 79493 NPRM Comment Period End............. 03/21/16 Final Rule.......................... 11/00/24 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes. Agency Contact: Daniel Schieffer, Regulatory Counsel, Department of Health and Human Services, Food and Drug Administration, Center for Devices and Radiological Health, 10903 New Hampshire Avenue, WO 66, Silver Spring, MD 20993, Phone: 301 796-3350, Email: [email protected]. RIN: 0910-AH14 [[Page 66812]] 83. Amendments to the List of Bulk Drug Substances That Can Be Used To Compound Drug Products in Accordance With Section 503A of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act [0910-AH81] Legal Authority: 21 U.S.C. 351; 21 U.S.C. 352; 21 U.S.C. 353a; 21 U.S.C. 355; 21 U.S.C. 371 Abstract: FDA has issued a regulation creating a list of bulk drug substances (active pharmaceutical ingredients) that can be used to compound drug products in accordance with section 503A of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FD&C Act), although they are neither the subject of an applicable United States Pharmacopeia (USP) or National Formulary (NF) monograph nor components of FDA-approved drugs (the 503A Bulks List). FDA has proposed to amend the 503A Bulks List by placing additional bulk drug substances on the list. FDA has also identified bulk drug substances that FDA has considered and proposed not to include on the 503A Bulks List. Additional substances nominated by the public for inclusion on this list are currently under consideration and will be the subject of future rulemaking. Timetable: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Action Date FR Cite ------------------------------------------------------------------------ NPRM................................ 09/05/19 84 FR 46688 NPRM Comment Period End............. 12/04/19 Final Rule.......................... 10/00/24 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes. Agency Contact: Oluwaseun ``Kemi'' Asante, Department of Health and Human Services, Food and Drug Administration, Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, 10903 New Hampshire Avenue, Silver Spring, MD 20993, Phone: 301 796-7425, Email: [email protected]. RIN: 0910-AH81 84. Requirements for Tobacco Product Manufacturing Practice [0910-AH91] Legal Authority: 21 U.S.C. 371; 21 U.S.C. 374; 21 U.S.C. 381(a); 21 U.S.C. 387b; 21 U.S.C. 387c; 21 U.S.C. 387f; 21 U.S.C. 387i; . . . Abstract: The rule would establish tobacco product manufacturing practice (TPMP) requirements for manufacturers of finished and bulk tobacco products. This rule, if finalized, would set forth requirements for the manufacture, pre-production design validation, packing, and storage of a tobacco product. This rule would help prevent the manufacture and distribution of contaminated and otherwise nonconforming tobacco products. This rule provides manufacturers with flexibility in the manner in which they comply with the requirements while giving FDA the ability to enforce regulatory requirements, thus helping to assure the protection of public health. In April 2023, FDA held an all tribes' call to provide an overview of the proposed rule, answer questions, and receive tribal feedback. Additionally, in May 2023, FDA held an open session meeting of the Tobacco Products Scientific Advisory Committee to enable the committee to discuss and provide recommendations on the proposed rule. FDA made background material available to members of the public and interested persons were able to present data, information, and views on issues pending before the committee. Timetable: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Action Date FR Cite ------------------------------------------------------------------------ NPRM................................ 03/10/23 88 FR 15174 NPRM Comment Period End............. 09/06/23 NPRM Comment Period Extension to 08/29/23 88 FR 59481 Oct. 06, 2023. Final Rule.......................... 04/00/25 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes. Agency Contact: Matthew Brenner, Senior Regulatory Counsel, Department of Health and Human Services, Food and Drug Administration, Center for Tobacco Products, 10903 New Hampshire Avenue, Document Control Center, Building 71, Room G335, Silver Spring, MD 20993, Phone: 877 287-1373, Email: [email protected]. RIN: 0910-AH91 85. Nutrient Content Claims, Definition of Term: Healthy [0910-AI13] Legal Authority: 21 U.S.C. 321; 21 U.S.C. 331; 21 U.S.C. 343; 21 U.S.C. 371 Abstract: The rule would update the definition for the implied nutrient content claim ``healthy'' to be consistent with current nutrition science and federal dietary guidelines. The rule would revise the requirements for when the claim ``healthy'' can be voluntarily used in the labeling of human food products to indicate that a food, because of its nutrient content, may be useful in achieving a total diet that conforms to current dietary recommendations and helps consumers maintain healthy dietary practices. Timetable: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Action Date FR Cite ------------------------------------------------------------------------ NPRM................................ 09/29/22 87 FR 59168 NPRM Comment Period End............. 12/28/22 NPRM Comment Period Extended........ 11/29/22 87 FR 73267 NPRM Comment Period Extended End.... 02/16/23 Final Rule.......................... 09/00/24 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes. Agency Contact: Vincent De Jesus, Nutritionist, Department of Health and Human Services, Food and Drug Administration, Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, (HFS-830), Room 3D-031, 5100 Paint Branch Parkway, College Park, MD 20740, Phone: 240 402-1774, Fax: 301 436-1191, Email: [email protected]. RIN: 0910-AI13 DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES (HHS) Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Long-Term Actions 86. National Standards for the Licensure of Wholesale Drug Distributors and Third-Party Logistics Providers [0910-AH11] Legal Authority: secs. 583 and 584 of the FD&C Act, as added by the DSCSA under Pub. L. 113-54, together with related FD&C Act authority added by the DSCSA Abstract: The final rule establishes national standards for State licensing of prescription drug wholesale distributors and third-party logistics providers. The rulemaking also establishes a Federal system for wholesale drug distributor and third-party logistics provider licensing for use in the absence of a State licensure program. Timetable: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Action Date FR Cite ------------------------------------------------------------------------ NPRM................................ 02/04/22 87 FR 6708 NPRM Comment Period End............. 06/06/22 NPRM Comment Period Extended........ 05/24/22 87 FR 31439 NPRM Comment Period Extended End.... 09/06/22 Final Rule.......................... 05/00/26 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes. Agency Contact: Aaron Weisbuch, Regulatory Counsel, Department of [[Page 66813]] Health and Human Services, Food and Drug Administration, Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, Building 51, Room 4261, 10903 New Hampshire Avenue, Silver Spring, MD 20993, Phone: 301 796-9362, Email: [email protected]. RIN: 0910-AH11 87. Nicotine Toxicity Warnings [0910-AH24] Legal Authority: 21 U.S.C. 301 et seq.; 21 U.S.C. 331; 21 U.S.C. 371; 21 U.S.C. 387f; . . . Abstract: This rule would establish acute nicotine toxicity warning requirements for liquid nicotine and nicotine-containing e-liquid(s) intended for human consumption, and potentially for other tobacco products including, but not limited to, novel tobacco products such as dissolvables, lotions, gels, and drinks. This action is intended to increase consumer awareness and knowledge of the risks of acute toxicity due to accidental nicotine exposure from nicotine-containing e-liquids in tobacco products. Timetable: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Action Date FR Cite ------------------------------------------------------------------------ NPRM................................ 10/00/25 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes. Agency Contact: Laura Chilaka, Regulatory Counsel, Department of Health and Human Services, Food and Drug Administration, Center for Tobacco Products, 10903 New Hampshire Avenue, Document Control Center, Building 71, Room G355, Silver Spring, MD 20993, Phone: 877 287-1373, Email: [email protected]. RIN: 0910-AH24 88. Certain Requirements Regarding Prescription Drug Marketing (203 Amendment) [0910-AH56] Legal Authority: Section 503 and related provisions of the FD&C Act, as amended by Pub. L. 113-54 Abstract: The final rule amends Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations at 21 CFR 203 to remove provisions no longer in effect and incorporate conforming changes following enactment of the Drug Supply Chain Security Act (DSCSA). The final rule amends the regulations to clarify provisions and avoid causing confusion with the new standards for wholesale distribution established by DSCSA. Timetable: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Action Date FR Cite ------------------------------------------------------------------------ NPRM................................ 02/04/22 87 FR 6443 NPRM Comment Period End............. 04/05/22 Final Rule.......................... 05/00/26 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes. Agency Contact: Aaron Weisbuch, Regulatory Counsel, Department of Health and Human Services, Food and Drug Administration, Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, Building 51, Room 4261, 10903 New Hampshire Avenue, Silver Spring, MD 20993, Phone: 301 796-9362, Email: [email protected]. RIN: 0910-AH56 89. Medication Guide; Patient Medication Information [0910-AH68] Legal Authority: 21 U.S.C. 321 et seq.; 42 U.S.C. 262; 42 U.S.C. 264; 21 U.S.C. 371 Abstract: The rule will amend FDA medication guide regulations to require a new form of patient labeling, namely Patient Medication Information, for submission to and review by FDA for human prescription drug products and certain blood products used, dispensed, or administered on an outpatient basis. The rule will include requirements for the development and distribution of Patient Medication Information. The rule will require clear and concisely written prescription drug product information presented in a consistent and easily understood format to help patients use their prescription drug products safely and effectively. Timetable: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Action Date FR Cite ------------------------------------------------------------------------ NPRM................................ 05/31/23 88 FR 35694 NPRM Comment Period End............. 11/27/23 Final Rule.......................... 05/00/26 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes. Agency Contact: Chris Wheeler, Supervisory Project Manager, Department of Health and Human Services, Food and Drug Administration, 10903 New Hampshire Avenue, Building 51, Room 3330, Silver Spring, MD 20993, Phone: 301 796-0151, Email: [email protected]. RIN: 0910-AH68 90. Tobacco Product Standard for Characterizing Flavors in Cigars [0910-AI28] Legal Authority: 21 U.S.C. 331; 21 U.S.C. 333; 21 U.S.C. 371(a); 21 U.S.C. 387b and 387c; 21 U.S.C. 387f(d) and 387g; . . . Abstract: This rule is a tobacco product standard that would prohibit characterizing flavors (other than tobacco) in all cigars. We are taking this action with the intention of reducing the tobacco- related death and disease associated with cigar use. Evidence shows that flavored tobacco products appeal to youth and also shows that youth may be more likely to initiate tobacco use with such products. Characterizing flavors in cigars, such as strawberry, grape, orange, and cocoa, enhance taste and make these products easier to use. Over a half million youth in the United States use flavored cigars, placing these youth at risk for cigar-related death and disease. Timetable: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Action Date FR Cite ------------------------------------------------------------------------ ANPRM............................... 03/21/18 83 FR 12294 ANPRM Comment Period End............ 07/19/18 NPRM................................ 05/04/22 87 FR 26396 NPRM Comment Period Extended........ 06/21/22 87 FR 36786 NPRM Comment Period End............. 07/05/22 NPRM Comment Period Extended End.... 08/02/22 ----------------------------------- Final Action........................ To Be Determined ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes. Agency Contact: Nathan Mease, Regulatory Counsel, Department of Health and Human Services, Food and Drug Administration, 10903 New Hampshire Avenue, Center for Tobacco Products, Document Control Center, Building 71, Room G335, Silver Spring, MD 20993, Phone: 877 287-1373, Email: [email protected]. RIN: 0910-AI28 91. Tobacco Product Standard for Menthol in Cigarettes [0910-AI60] Legal Authority: 21 U.S.C. 387g; 21 U.S.C 371; 21 U.S.C 387f Abstract: This rule is a tobacco product standard to prohibit the use of menthol as a characterizing flavor in cigarettes. Timetable: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Action Date FR Cite ------------------------------------------------------------------------ ANPRM............................... 07/24/13 78 FR 44484 ANPRM Comment Period End............ 09/23/13 NPRM................................ 05/04/22 87 FR 26454 NPRM Comment Period Extended........ 06/21/22 87 FR 36786 NPRM Comment Period End............. 07/05/22 [[Page 66814]] NPRM Comment Period Extended End.... 08/02/22 ----------------------------------- Final Action........................ To Be Determined ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes. Agency Contact: Beth Buckler, Senior Regulatory Counsel, Department of Health and Human Services, Food and Drug Administration, Center for Tobacco Products, 10903 New Hampshire Avenue, Document Control Center, Building 71, Room G335, Silver Spring, MD 20993, Phone: 877 287-1373, Email: [email protected]. RIN: 0910-AI60 92. Postmarketing Safety Reporting Requirements, Pharmacovigilance Plans, and Pharmacovigilance Quality Systems for Human Drug and Biological Products [0910-AI61] Legal Authority: 42 U.S.C. 262; 42 U.S.C. 264; 42 U.S.C. 300aa-25; 21 U.S.C. 321; 21 U.S.C. 351 to 353; 21 U.S.C. 355; 21 U.S.C. 360; 21 U.S.C. 371; 21 U.S.C. 374; . . . Abstract: The proposed rule would modernize FDA's regulations on postmarketing safety reporting and pharmacovigilance for human drug and biological products, including blood and blood components, by capturing important new safety-related information, improving the quality and utility of submitted reports, and supporting enhanced alignment with internationally harmonized reporting guidelines. Among other things, the proposed rule would require the submission of certain nonclinical and clinical data to FDA in a periodic safety report, rather than the annual report. The proposed rule also would require application holders for drug products and certain biological products to establish and maintain a pharmacovigilance quality system that reflects the application holder's unique needs and that may support a more streamlined, flexible approach to satisfying certain postmarketing safety reporting requirements. Timetable: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Action Date FR Cite ------------------------------------------------------------------------ NPRM................................ 10/00/25 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes. Agency Contact: Janice L. Weiner, Principal Regulatory Counsel, Department of Health and Human Services, Food and Drug Administration, Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, 10903 New Hampshire Avenue, Building 51, Room 6270, Silver Spring, MD 20993-0002, Phone: 301 796- 3475, Fax: 301 847-8440, Email: [email protected]. RIN: 0910-AI61 93. Tobacco Product Standard for Nicotine Level of Certain Tobacco Products [0910-AI76] Legal Authority: 21 U.S.C. 387g Abstract: The proposed rule is a tobacco product standard that would establish a maximum nicotine level in cigarettes and certain other finished tobacco products. Timetable: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Action Date FR Cite ------------------------------------------------------------------------ NPRM................................ To Be Determined ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes. Agency Contact: Nathan Mease, Regulatory Counsel, Department of Health and Human Services, Food and Drug Administration, 10903 New Hampshire Avenue, Center for Tobacco Products, Document Control Center, Building 71, Room G335, Silver Spring, MD 20993, Phone: 877 287-1373, Email: [email protected]. Dhanya John, Regulatory Counsel, Department of Health and Human Services, Food and Drug Administration, Center for Tobacco Products, Document Control Center, Building 71, Room G335, 10903 New Hampshire Avenue, Silver Spring, MD 20993, Phone: 877 287-1373, Fax: 877 287- 1426, Email: [email protected]. RIN: 0910-AI76 DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES (HHS) Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Completed Actions 94. Direct-to-Consumer Prescription Drug Advertisements: Presentation of the Major Statement in a Clear, Conspicuous, Neutral Manner in Advertisements in Television and Radio Format [0910-AG27] Legal Authority: 21 U.S.C. 321; 21 U.S.C. 331; 21 U.S.C. 352; 21 U.S.C. 355; 21 U.S.C. 360b; 21 U.S.C. 371; . . . Abstract: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is amending its regulations concerning direct-to-consumer (DTC) advertisements of prescription drugs. Prescription drug advertisements presented through media such as TV and radio must disclose the product's major side effects and contraindications in what is sometimes called the major statement. The rule would revise the regulation to reflect the statutory requirement that in DTC advertisements for human prescription drugs presented in television or radio format and stating the name of the drug and its conditions of use, the major statement relating to side effects and contraindications of the advertised drug must be presented in a clear, conspicuous, and neutral manner. This rule also establishes standards for determining whether the major statement in these advertisements is presented in the manner required. Completed: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Reason Date FR Cite ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Final Rule.......................... 11/21/23 88 FR 80958 Final Rule Effective................ 05/20/24 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes. Agency Contact: Suzanna Boyle, Phone: 240 402-4723, Email: [email protected]. RIN: 0910-AG27 95. Standards for the Growing, Harvesting, Packing, and Holding of Produce for Human Consumption Relating to Agricultural Water [0910- AI49] Legal Authority: 21 U.S.C. 321; 21 U.S.C. 331; 21 U.S.C. 342; 21 U.S.C. 350h; 21 U.S.C. 371; 42 U.S.C. 243; 42 U.S.C. 264; 42 U.S.C. 271; . . . Abstract: This rulemaking will revise certain requirements for agricultural water for covered produce other than sprouts in the Standards for the Growing, Harvesting, Packing, and Holding of Produce for Human Consumption (produce safety) regulation for covered produce other than sprouts. Completed: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Reason Date FR Cite ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Final Rule.......................... 05/06/24 89 FR 37448 Final Rule Effective................ 07/05/24 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes. Agency Contact: Samir Assar, Phone: 240 402-1636, Email: [email protected]. RIN: 0910-AI49 96. Medical Devices; Laboratory Developed Tests [0910-AI85] Legal Authority: 21 U.S.C. 321; 21 U.S.C. 331; 21 U.S.C. 351; 21 U.S.C. 352; 21 U.S.C. 360c; . . . [[Page 66815]] Abstract: This rule would amend the Food and Drug Administration's regulations to make explicit that laboratory developed tests (LDTs) are devices under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FD&C Act.) Completed: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Reason Date FR Cite ------------------------------------------------------------------------ NPRM................................ 10/03/23 88 FR 68006 Final Rule.......................... 05/06/24 89 FR 37286 Final Rule Effective................ 07/05/24 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes. Agency Contact: Eitan Bernstein, Phone: 240 402-9812, Email: [email protected]. RIN: 0910-AI85 DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES (HHS) Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Proposed Rule Stage 97. CY 2025 Revisions to Payment Policies Under the Physician Fee Schedule and Other Revisions to Medicare Part B (CMS-1807) (Section 610 Review) [0938-AV33] Legal Authority: 42 U.S.C. 1302; 42 U.S.C. 1395hh; Pub. L. 117-169 Abstract: This annual proposed rule would revise payment polices under the Medicare physician fee schedule, and make other policy changes to payment under Medicare Part B. These changes would apply to services furnished beginning January 1, 2025. Additionally, this rule proposes updates to the Quality Payment Program. This proposed rule would also codify the inflation rebate program for Medicare Part B and Part D drugs established in the Inflation Reduction Act. Timetable: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Action Date FR Cite ------------------------------------------------------------------------ NPRM................................ 07/00/24 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes. Agency Contact: Gift Tee, Director, Division of Physician Services, Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, Center for Medicare, 7500 Security Boulevard, MS: C1-09-07, Baltimore, MD 21244, Phone: 410 786-9316, Email: [email protected]. RIN: 0938-AV33 98. CY 2025 Hospital Outpatient PPS Policy Changes and Payment Rates and Ambulatory Surgical Center Payment System Policy Changes and Payment Rates (CMS-1809) (Section 610 Review) [0938-AV35] Legal Authority: 42 U.S.C. 1302; 42 U.S.C. 1395hh Abstract: This annual proposed rule would revise the Medicare hospital outpatient prospective payment system to implement statutory requirements and changes arising from our continuing experience with this system. The proposed rule describes changes to the amounts and factors used to determine payment rates for services. In addition, the rule proposes changes to the ambulatory surgical center payment system list of services and rates. This proposed rule would also update and refine the requirements for the Hospital Outpatient Quality Reporting (OQR) Program and the ASC Quality Reporting (ASCQR) Program. Timetable: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Action Date FR Cite ------------------------------------------------------------------------ NPRM................................ 07/00/24 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes. Agency Contact: Elise Barringer, Health Insurance Specialist, Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, Center for Medicare, MS: C4-03-06, 7500 Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21244, Phone: 410 786-9222, Email: [email protected]. RIN: 0938-AV35 DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES (HHS) Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Final Rule Stage 99. Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act and the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (CMS-9902) [0938-AU93] Legal Authority: Pub. L. 116-260, Division BB, title II; Pub. L. 110-343, secs. 511 and 512 Abstract: This rule would finalize proposed amendments to the final rules implementing the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MHPAEA). The amendments clarify plans' and issuers' obligations under the law, promote compliance with MHPAEA, and update requirements taking into account experience with MHPAEA in the years since the rules were finalized. The rule would also finalize new regulations implementing amendments to MHPAEA recently enacted as part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (CAA, 2021). Timetable: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Action Date FR Cite ------------------------------------------------------------------------ NPRM................................ 08/03/23 88 FR 51552 NPRM Comment Period Extended........ 09/28/23 88 FR 66728 NPRM Comment Period End............. 10/02/23 NPRM Comment Period Extended End.... 10/17/23 Final Action........................ 07/00/24 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes. Agency Contact: Lindsey Murtagh, Director, Market-Wide Regulation Division, Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, Center for Consumer Information and Insurance Oversight, 7500 Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21244, Phone: 301 492-4106, Email: [email protected]. RIN: 0938-AU93 100. Independent Dispute Resolution Operations (CMS-9897) [0938-AV15] Legal Authority: Pub. L. 116-260, Division BB, title I & title II Abstract: This final rule amends the Requirements Related to Surprise Billing; Part I (July 2021 interim final rules), Requirements Related to Surprise Billing Interim Final Rules; Part II (October 2021 interim final rules), and Requirements Related to Surprise Billing Final Rules (August 2022 final rules), which set forth requirements related to Title I (No Surprises Act (NSA)) and Title II (Transparency) of Division BB of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021. Timetable: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Action Date FR Cite ------------------------------------------------------------------------ NPRM................................ 11/03/23 88 FR 75744 NPRM Comment Period End............. 01/02/24 NPRM Comment Period Reopened........ 01/22/24 89 FR 3896 NPRM Comment Period Reopened End.... 02/05/24 Final Action........................ 11/00/24 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes. Agency Contact: Deborah Bryant, Senior Advisor, Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, Center [[Page 66816]] for Consumer Information and Insurance Oversight, MS: W08-134, 7500 Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21244, Phone: 301 492-4293, Email: [email protected]. RIN: 0938-AV15 101. FY 2025 Hospice Wage Index, Payment Rate Update, and Quality Reporting Requirements (CMS-1810) (Section 610 Review) [0938-AV29] Legal Authority: 42 U.S.C. 1302 Abstract: This annual proposed rule would update the hospice payment rates and the wage index for fiscal year 2025. The rule also proposes changes to the Hospice Quality Reporting program. Timetable: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Action Date FR Cite ------------------------------------------------------------------------ NPRM................................ 04/04/24 89 FR 23778 NPRM Comment Period End............. 05/28/24 Final Action........................ 10/00/24 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes. Agency Contact: Brian Slater, Director, Division of Home Health and Hospice, Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, Center for Medicare, MS: C4-07-07, 7500 Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21244, Phone: 410 786-5229, Email: [email protected]. RIN: 0938-AV29 102. FY 2025 Skilled Nursing Facility (SNFS) Prospective Payment System and Consolidated Billing and Updates to the Value-Based Purchasing and Quality Reporting Programs (CMS-1802) (Section 610 Review) [0938-AV30] Legal Authority: 42 U.S.C. 1302; 42 U.S.C. 1395d(d); 42 U.S.C. 1395f(b); 42 U.S.C. 1395g; 42 U.S.C. 1395l(a); 42 U.S.C. 1395l(i); 42 U.S.C. 13951(n); 42 U.S.C. 1395m; 42 U.S.C. 1395x(v); 42 U.S.C. 1395x(kkk); 42 U.S.C. 1395hh; 42 U.S.C. 1395rr; 42 U.S.C. 1395tt; 42 U.S.C. 1395ww Abstract: This annual rule updates the payment rates used under the prospective payment system for SNFs for fiscal year 2025. The rule also includes updates to the SNF Quality Reporting Program (QRP) and the Skilled Nursing Facility Value-Based Purchasing (VBP) Program that will affect Medicare payment to SNFs. Timetable: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Action Date FR Cite ------------------------------------------------------------------------ NPRM................................ 04/03/24 89 FR 23424 NPRM Comment Period End............. 05/28/24 Final Action........................ 10/00/24 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes. Agency Contact: Tammy Luo, Health Insurance Specialist, Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, Center for Medicare, MS: C5-06-17, 7500 Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21244, Phone: 410 786-4325, Email: [email protected]. RIN: 0938-AV30 103. FY 2025 Inpatient Psychiatric Facilities Prospective Payment System Rate and Quality Reporting Updates (CMS-1806) (Section 610 Review) [0938-AV32] Legal Authority: 42 U.S.C. 1302; 42 U.S.C. 1395f; 42 U.S.C. 1395g; 42 U.S.C. 1395hh; 42 U.S.C. 1395ww(s) Abstract: This annual rule updates the prospective payment system for inpatient psychiatric facilities (IPF) with discharges beginning on October 1, 2024. The rule also includes updates to the IPF Quality Reporting Program. Timetable: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Action Date FR Cite ------------------------------------------------------------------------ NPRM................................ 04/03/24 89 FR 23146 NPRM Comment Period End............. 05/28/24 Final Action........................ 10/00/24 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes. Agency Contact: Marissa Kellam, Health Insurance Specialist, Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, Center for Medicare, MS: C5-04-23, 7500 Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21244, Phone: 410 786-3012, Email: [email protected]. RIN: 0938-AV32 104. Hospital Inpatient Prospective Payment Systems for Acute Care Hospitals; the Long-Term Care Hospital Prospective Payment System; and FY 2025 Rates (CMS-1808) (Section 610 Review) [0938-AV34] Legal Authority: 42 U.S.C. 1302; 42 U.S.C. 1395hh Abstract: This annual final rule revises the Medicare hospital inpatient and long-term care hospital prospective payment systems for operating and capital-related costs. This rule implements changes arising from our continuing experience with these systems. In addition, the rule establishes new requirements or revises existing requirements for quality reporting by specific Medicare providers. Timetable: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Action Date FR Cite ------------------------------------------------------------------------ NPRM................................ 05/02/24 89 FR 35934 NPRM Comment Period End............. 06/10/24 Final Action........................ 10/00/24 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes. Agency Contact: Donald Thompson, Director, Division of Acute Care, Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, Center for Medicare, MS: C4-01-26, 7500 Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21244, Phone: 410 786-6504, Email: [email protected]. RIN: 0938-AV34 DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES (HHS) Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Completed Actions 105. CY 2024 Revisions to Payment Policies Under the Physician Fee Schedule and Other Revisions to Medicare Part B (CMS-1784) (Completion of a Section 610 Review) [0938-AV07] Legal Authority: 42 U.S.C. 1395hh; 42 U.S.C. 1302 Abstract: This annual final rule revises payment polices under the Medicare physician fee schedule, and makes other policy changes to payment under Medicare Part B including, but not limited to, establishing payment policies for dental services prior to the initiation of immunotherapy services. These changes apply to services furnished beginning January 1, 2024. Additionally, this rule updates the Quality Payment Program. Timetable: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Action Date FR Cite ------------------------------------------------------------------------ NPRM................................ 08/07/23 88 FR 52262 NPRM Comment Period End............. 09/11/23 Final Action........................ 11/16/23 88 FR 78818 Final Action Effective.............. 01/01/24 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes. Agency Contact: Gift Tee, Director, Division of Physician Services, Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, Center for Medicare, 7500 Security Boulevard, MS: C1-09- [[Page 66817]] 07, Baltimore, MD 21244, Phone: 410 786-9316, Email: [email protected]. RIN: 0938-AV07 106. CY 2024 Hospital Outpatient PPS Policy Changes and Payment Rates and Ambulatory Surgical Center Payment System Policy Changes and Payment Rates (CMS-1786) (Completion of a Section 610 Review) [0938- AV09] Legal Authority: 42 U.S.C. 1395hh; 42 U.S.C. 1302 Abstract: This annual final rule revises the Medicare hospital outpatient prospective payment system to implement statutory requirements and changes arising from our continuing experience with this system. The rule describes changes to the amounts and factors used to determine payment rates for services. In addition, the rule makes changes to the ambulatory surgical center payment system list of services and rates. This rule also updates and refines the requirements for the Hospital Outpatient Quality Reporting (OQR) Program and the ASC Quality Reporting (ASCQR) Program. Timetable: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Action Date FR Cite ------------------------------------------------------------------------ NPRM................................ 07/31/23 88 FR 49552 NPRM Comment Period End............. 09/11/23 Final Action........................ 11/22/23 88 FR 81540 Final Action Effective.............. 01/01/24 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes. Agency Contact: Elise Barringer, Health Insurance Specialist, Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, Center for Medicare, MS: C4-03-06, 7500 Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21244, Phone: 410 786-9222, Email: [email protected]. RIN: 0938-AV09 DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES (HHS) Administration for Children and Families (ACF) Proposed Rule Stage 107. Native American Programs Financial and Administrative Requirements (Section 610 Review) [0970-AD05] Legal Authority: 42 U.S.C. 2991b (b) Abstract: This rule would remove the 20 percent non-federal contribution requirement for all grant awards under the Native American Programs Act (NAPA). This is in response to Executive Order 14112 Reforming Federal Funding and Support for Tribal Nations to Better Embrace Our Trust Responsibilities and Promote the Next Era of Tribal Self-Determination which in part recognizes that federal programs were administered in unduly burdensome ways that left Tribal Nations unduly burdened and frustrated with bureaucracy. Elimination of the 20 percent non-federal match for all ANA projects would have profound impact on tribal communities with respect to improving equity and access to federal programs intended for their benefit. Tribal leaders across Indian Country have testified that nonfederal share requirement is a significant barrier for applying and administering grant funds especially for the smaller tribes that lack the resources to meet the non-federal share. Timetable: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Action Date FR Cite ------------------------------------------------------------------------ NPRM................................ 11/00/24 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No. Agency Contact: Amy Zukowski, Acting Director Policy, Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Administration for Native Americans, 330 C Street SW, Mail Stop 4126, Washington, DC 20201, Phone: 202 205-5606, Email: [email protected]. RIN: 0970-AD05 108. Name Change From Office of Child Support Enforcement to Office of Child Support Services (Section 610 Review) [0970-AD06] Legal Authority: Not Yet Determined Abstract: This Notice of Proposed Rulemaking would update 45 CFR Chapter III to reflect that on June 5, 2023, the Office of Child Support Enforcement became the Office of Child Support Services. This name change reflects the program's commitment to serve the whole family and provide services that promote family self-sufficiency so children receive reliable support from both parents. Timetable: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Action Date FR Cite ------------------------------------------------------------------------ NPRM................................ 12/00/24 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No. Agency Contact: Tavaughn McKenny, Program Specialist, Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Office of Child Support Services, 330 C Street SW, Washington, DC 20201, Phone: 202 565-0129, Email: [email protected]. RIN: 0970-AD06 109. Temporary Assistance for Needy Families Work Participation Rate Calculation Changes (Section 610 Review) [0970-AD07] Legal Authority: secs. 301 and 303 of the Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023 (FRA, Public Law 118-5) Abstract: To comply with requirements from the Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023 (FRA), this NPRM will propose changes to the how Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) regulations describe the federal work participation rate (WPR) calculation. As required by Section 301 of the FRA, this NPRM will propose a recalibration of the base year for the caseload reduction credit component of the WPR calculation. The base year will change from 2005 to 2015. As required by Section 303 of the FRA, this NPRM will propose that ACF only count a case in a state's work participation rate calculation if the assistance level for that case is at least $35 a month. Both changes will be effective October 1, 2025. Timetable: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Action Date FR Cite ------------------------------------------------------------------------ NPRM................................ 11/00/24 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No. Agency Contact: La Sherra Ayala, Deputy Director, Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Office of Family Assistance, 330 C Street SW, Washington, DC 20201, Phone: 202 478-0714, Email: [email protected]. RIN: 0970-AD07 110. Unaccompanied Children Program Prevention of Sexual Abuse NPRM (Section 610 Review) [0970-AD08] Legal Authority: sec. 1101(c) of the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2013, Pub. L. 113-4 (VAWA 2013); Amendment to the Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) Pub. L. 108-79 Abstract: This Notice of Proposed Rulemaking would update the Standards To Prevent, Detect, and Respond to Sexual Abuse and Sexual Harassment Involving Unaccompanied Children Interim Final Rule published on December 24, 2014, to incorporate public feedback and ensure that the practices established in the IFR are [[Page 66818]] effectively tailored to the operational realities of the Office of Refugee Resettlement's (ORR) Unaccompanied Children (UC) Program. The Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2013 (VAWA 2013), Public Law 1134, contained a provision applying PREA to custodial facilities operated by HHS. VAWA 2013 requires HHS to publish a final rule adopting national standards to prevent, detect, and respond to rape and sexual assault. These national standards are to apply to all care provider facilities that maintain custody of UCs as defined in the Homeland Security Act of 2002 (6 U.S.C. 279(g)) and give due consideration to the recommended national standards provided by the NPREC report. Additionally, HHS is required to regularly assess compliance with the standards adopted and include the results of the assessments in performance evaluations of care provider facilities. As a result, HHS published the IFR to establish standards for the prevention, detection, and response to sexual abuse and sexual harassment of unaccompanied children in all ORR care provider facilities, except secure care providers and traditional foster care homes as described in the rule. Timetable: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Action Date FR Cite ------------------------------------------------------------------------ NPRM................................ 12/00/24 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No. Agency Contact: Toby Robert McFarren Biswas, Director of Policy, Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Office of Refugee Resettlement, Unaccompanied Children Bureau, 330 C Street SW, Washington, DC 20201, Phone: 202 555-4440, Email: [email protected]. RIN: 0970-AD08 DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES (HHS) Administration for Children and Families (ACF) Final Rule Stage 111. Supporting the Head Start Workforce and Other Quality Improvements [0970-AD01] Legal Authority: 42 U.S.C. 9801; 42 U.S.C. 9836a; 42 U.S.C. 9839 Abstract: This NPRM will propose changes to the Head Start Program Performance Standards to better support the Head Start workforce and to maintain the quality of comprehensive Head Start services. During the public comment period, ACF engaged with the Head Start community through listening sessions in multiple locations around the country and virtually on the proposed rule to generate interest in submitting public comments. Timetable: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Action Date FR Cite ------------------------------------------------------------------------ NPRM................................ 11/20/23 88 FR 80818 NPRM Comment Period End............. 01/19/24 Final Action........................ 07/00/24 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes. Agency Contact: Jessica Bialecki, Policy and Planning Director, Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Office of Head Start, 330 C Street SW, Washington, DC 20201, Phone: 202 283-1004, Email: [email protected]. RIN: 0970-AD01 112. Temporary Assistance for Needy Families Work Outcomes Measures (Section 610 Review) [0970-AD04] Legal Authority: Section 304 of the Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023 (FRA, Pub. L. 118-5) Abstract: This interim final rule modifies 45 CFR part 265 in order to implement the statutory changes enacted by section 304 of the Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023 (FRA, Public Law 118-5) related to the reporting of work outcomes under the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program. ACF is promulgating this rule as an interim final rule to ensure states and territories have sufficient time to comply with data collection for fiscal year 2025. Timetable: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Action Date FR Cite ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Interim Final Rule.................. 07/00/24 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No. Agency Contact: La Sherra Ayala, Deputy Director, Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Office of Family Assistance, 330 C Street SW, Washington, DC 20201, Phone: 202 478-0714, Email: [email protected]. RIN: 0970-AD04 113. Head Start Program Class Effective Date Delay Direct Final Rule (Section 610 Review) [0970-AD09] Legal Authority: sec. 641 of the Act (42 U.S.C. 9836) as amended by the Improving Head Start for School Readiness Act of 2007 (Pub. L. 110- 134) Abstract: This Direct Final Rule describes how the Office of Head Start officially delays the compliance date for programs to meet the new competitive threshold for the Instructional Support domain of the Classroom Assessment Scoring System (CLASS[supreg]) used to determine whether a Head Start agency will be subject to an open competition under the Designation Renewal System. The effective date in the Head Start Program Performance Standards that raises the CLASS Instructional Support competitive threshold from 2.3 to 2.5 was August 1, 2025. ACF is pursuing this as a Direct Final Rule due to the time constraints of when the threshold increase was scheduled to go into effect. This Direct Final Rule officially delays this effective date to August 1, 2027. Timetable: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Action Date FR Cite ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Final Action........................ 09/00/24 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No. Agency Contact: Jessica Bialecki, Policy and Planning Director, Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Office of Head Start, 330 C Street SW, Washington, DC 20201, Phone: 202 283-1004, Email: [email protected]. RIN: 0970-AD09 114. ORR UC Program Child Abuse and Neglect (Section 610 Review) [0970-AD10] Legal Authority: 6 U.S.C. 279; 8 U.S.C. 1232(b)-(c) Abstract: This Interim Final Rule on ORR child abuse and neglect investigations describes how ORR shall investigate and substantiate allegations of child abuse or neglect occurring in certain ORR care facilities and maintain a registry of perpetrators relating to those facilities where a State agency that would otherwise be responsible for such investigations will not investigate allegations arising at facilities housing unaccompanied children (e.g., because the State does not license facilities on the basis that they serve unaccompanied children). This interim final rule describes the obligations of care provider facilities in the course of an investigation of allegations of child abuse or neglect. Timetable: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Action Date FR Cite ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Interim Final Rule.................. 08/00/24 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ [[Page 66819]] Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No. Agency Contact: Toby Robert McFarren Biswas, Director of Policy, Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Office of Refugee Resettlement, Unaccompanied Children Bureau, 330 C Street SW, Washington, DC 20201, Phone: 202 555-4440, Email: [email protected]. RIN: 0970-AD10 DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES (HHS) Administration for Children and Families (ACF) Completed Actions 115. Safe and Appropriate, Affirming Foster Care Placement Requirements for Titles IV-E and IV-B (Completion of a Section 610 Review) [0970- AD03] Legal Authority: 42 U.S.C. 671(a)(16); 42 U.S.C. 622(b)(8)(A)(ii); 42 U.S.C. 675(1)(B); 42 U.S.C. 675(5)) Abstract: This rule clarifies that title IV-E/IV-B agencies are required to offer safe and appropriate foster care placements, including processes to ensure children can request such placements and agencies must respond to concerns about those placements, for children in foster care who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning, intersex (LGBTQI+). The rule will not interfere with faith-based child welfare providers that continue to partner with title IV-E/IV-B agencies in a way that does not interfere with those providers' sincerely held religious beliefs. Timetable: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Action Date FR Cite ------------------------------------------------------------------------ NPRM................................ 09/28/23 88 FR 66752 NPRM Comment Period End............. 11/27/23 Final Action........................ 04/30/24 89 FR 34818 Final Action Effective.............. 07/01/24 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No. Agency Contact: Kathleen McHugh, Director, Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Children's Bureau, Division of Policy, 330 C Street SW, Washington, DC 20201, Phone: 202 401-5789, Fax: 202 205-8221, Email: [email protected]. RIN: 0970-AD03 [FR Doc. 2024-16451 Filed 8-15-24; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4150-03-P

usgpo

2024-10-08T13:26:32.174117

FR

FR-2024-08-16/2024-16453

Federal Register Volume 89 Issue 159 (August 16, 2024)

United States National Archives and Records Administration Office of the Federal Register

[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 159 (Friday, August 16, 2024)] [Unknown Section] [Pages 66822-66829] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: 2024-16453] [[Page 66821]] Vol. 89 Friday, No. 159 August 16, 2024 Part VIII Department of Homeland Security ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Semiannual Regulatory Agenda Federal Register / Vol. 89 , No. 159 / Friday, August 16, 2024 / UA: Reg Flex Agenda [[Page 66822]] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY Office of the Secretary 6 CFR Chs. I and II [DHS Docket No. OGC-RP-04-001] Unified Agenda of Federal Regulatory and Deregulatory Actions AGENCY: Office of the Secretary, DHS. ACTION: Semiannual Regulatory Agenda. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: This regulatory agenda is a semiannual summary of projected regulations, existing regulations, and completed actions of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and its components. This agenda provides the public with information about DHS's regulatory and deregulatory activity. DHS expects that this information will enable the public to be more aware of, and effectively participate in, the Department's regulatory and deregulatory activity. DHS invites the public to submit comments on any aspect of this agenda. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: General Please direct general comments and inquiries on the agenda to the Regulatory Affairs Law Division, Office of the General Counsel, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, 2707 Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue SE, Mail Stop 0485, Washington, DC 20528-0485. Specific Please direct specific comments and inquiries on individual actions identified in this agenda to the individual listed in the summary portion as the point of contact for that action. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: DHS provides this notice pursuant to the requirements of the Regulatory Flexibility Act (Pub. L. 96-354, Sept. 19, 1980) and Executive Order 12866 ``Regulatory Planning and Review'' (Sept. 30, 1993) as incorporated in Executive Order 13563 ``Improving Regulation and Regulatory Review'' (Jan. 18, 2011), which require the Department to publish a semiannual agenda of regulations. The regulatory agenda is a summary of existing and projected regulations as well as actions completed since the publication of the last regulatory agenda for the Department. DHS's last semiannual regulatory agenda was published online on December 6, 2023, at https://www.reginfo.gov/public/do/eAgendaMain. Beginning in fall 2007, the internet became the basic means for disseminating the Unified Agenda. The complete Unified Agenda is available online at www.reginfo.gov. The Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 602) requires Federal agencies to publish their regulatory flexibility agendas in the Federal Register. A regulatory flexibility agenda shall contain, among other things, a brief description of the subject area of any rule which is likely to have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. DHS's printed agenda entries include regulatory actions that are in the Department's regulatory flexibility agenda. Printing of these entries is limited to fields that contain information required by the agenda provisions of the Regulatory Flexibility Act. Additional information on these entries is available in the Unified Agenda published on the internet. The semiannual agenda of the Department conforms to the Unified Agenda format developed by the Regulatory Information Service Center. Christina E. McDonald, Associate General Counsel for Regulatory Affairs. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services--Proposed Rule Stage ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulation Sequence No. Title Identifier No. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 116....................... Modernizing Regulations 1615-AC88 Governing Nonimmigrant Workers. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services--Final Rule Stage ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulation Sequence No. Title Identifier No. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 117....................... Modernizing H-1B 1615-AC70 Requirements and Oversight, Providing Flexibility in the F-1 Program, and Program Improvements Affecting Other Nonimmigrant Workers. 118....................... Modernizing H-2 Program 1615-AC76 Requirements, Oversight, and Worker Protections. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services--Long-Term Actions ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulation Sequence No. Title Identifier No. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 119....................... Petition for Immigrant 1615-AC85 Worker Reforms. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services--Completed Actions ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulation Sequence No. Title Identifier No. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 120....................... U.S. Citizenship and 1615-AC68 Immigration Services Fee Schedule and Changes to Certain Other Immigration Benefit Request Requirements. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ [[Page 66823]] U.S. Coast Guard--Proposed Rule Stage ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulation Sequence No. Title Identifier No. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 121....................... Claims Procedures Under 1625-AA03 the Oil Pollution Act of 1990. 122....................... Safety Management Systems 1625-AC65 for Domestic Passenger Vessels. 123....................... Implementation of Training 1625-AC68 Requirements for Personnel Serving on U.S.- Flagged Passenger Ships That Carry More than 12 Passengers on International Voyages. 124....................... MARPOL Annex VI; 1625-AC78 Prevention of Air Pollution From Ships. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ U.S. Coast Guard--Final Rule Stage ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulation Sequence No. Title Identifier No. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 125....................... Commercial Fishing 1625-AB85 Vessels--Implementation of 2010 and 2012 Legislation. 126....................... Lifejacket Approval 1625-AC62 Harmonization. 127....................... Cybersecurity in the 1625-AC77 Marine Transportation System. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ U.S. Coast Guard--Completed Actions ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulation Sequence No. Title Identifier No. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 128....................... User Fees for Inspected 1625-AC55 Towing Vessels. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ U.S. Customs and Border Protection--Proposed Rule Stage ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulation Sequence No. Title Identifier No. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 129....................... Automated Commercial 1651-AB59 Environment (ACE) Electronic Export Manifest For Vessel Cargo. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Transportation Security Administration--Long-Term Actions ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulation Sequence No. Title Identifier No. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 130....................... Vetting of Certain Surface 1652-AA69 Transportation Employees. 131....................... Amending Vetting 1652-AA70 Requirements for Employees With Access to a Security Identification Display Area (SIDA). ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Federal Emergency Management Agency--Final Rule Stage ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulation Sequence No. Title Identifier No. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 132....................... Updates to Floodplain 1660-AB12 Management and Protection of Wetlands Regulations to Implement the Federal Flood Risk Management Standard. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency--Proposed Rule Stage ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulation Sequence No. Title Identifier No. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 133....................... Ammonium Nitrate Security 1670-AA00 Program. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ [[Page 66824]] DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY (DHS) U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Proposed Rule Stage 116. Modernizing Regulations Governing Nonimmigrant Workers [1615-AC88] Legal Authority: 8 U.S.C. 1101; 8 U.S.C. 1184; 8 U.S.C. 1324a Abstract: The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) proposes to amend its regulations governing certain nonimmigrant workers. The proposed changes include updating the employment authorization rules regarding dependent spouses of certain nonimmigrants; increasing flexibilities for certain nonimmigrant workers, including those who resign or are terminated from employment, and religious workers who have reached their maximum period of stay or are waiting for immigrant visas to become available; and modernizing policies and procedures for Employment Authorization Documents. Timetable: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Action Date FR Cite ------------------------------------------------------------------------ NPRM................................ 01/00/25 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes. Agency Contact: Mark Phillips, Residence and Naturalization Division Chief, Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, Office of Policy and Strategy, 5900 Capital Gateway Drive, Suite 4S190, Camp Springs, MD 20588-0009, Phone: 240 721-3000. RIN: 1615-AC88 DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY (DHS) U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Final Rule Stage 117. Modernizing H-1B Requirements and Oversight, Providing Flexibility in the F-1 Program, and Program Improvements Affecting Other Nonimmigrant Workers [1615-AC70] Legal Authority: 6 U.S.C. 101, 112 and 202; 8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(15)(F) and (H)(i)(b), 1103(a)(3), 1184(a), (c), (g); and (i) and 1357(b). . . . ; . . . Abstract: On October 23, 2023, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) published a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM or proposed rule) 88 FR 72870 that proposed to amend its regulations governing H-1B specialty occupation workers and F-1 students who are the beneficiaries of timely filed H-1B cap-subject petitions. Specifically, DHS proposed to revise the regulations relating to definition of ``specialty occupation'' and the ``employer-employee relationship''; provide flexibility for start-up entrepreneurs; implement new requirements and guidelines for H-1B site visits; provide flexibility on the employment start date listed on the petition (in limited circumstances); address ``cap-gap'' issues; bolster the H-1B registration process to reduce the possibility of misuse and fraud in the H-1B registration system; modernize cap exemptions; clarify the requirement that an amended or new petition be filed where there are material changes; and codify USCIS' deference policy and requirement of maintenance of status for all employment-based nonimmigrant classifications that use Form I-129, among other provisions. The October 23, 2023 NPRM was informed by public comments USCIS received in response to a Request for Public Input that published on April 19, 2021. On February 2, 2024, DHS published a final rule, 89 FR 7456, implementing a beneficiary centric selection process for H-1B registrations, as well as additional integrity measures and flexibilities related to H-1B registration. DHS continues to consider the suggestions made in public comments received as they relate to the other proposed provisions discussed in the October 23, 2023 NPRM, and intends to finalize the remaining provisions in one or more actions. Timetable: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Action Date FR Cite ------------------------------------------------------------------------ NPRM................................ 10/23/23 88 FR 72870 NPRM Comment Period End............. 12/22/23 Final Action........................ 02/02/24 89 FR 7456 Final Action Effective.............. 03/06/24 Final Action........................ 12/00/24 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes. Agency Contact: Charles Nimick, Chief, Business and Foreign Workers Division, Office of Policy and Strategy, Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, 5900 Capital Gateway Drive, Suite 4S190, Camp Springs, MD 20588-0009, Phone: 240 721-3000. RIN: 1615-AC70 118. Modernizing H-2 Program Requirements, Oversight, and Worker Protections [1615-AC76] Legal Authority: 6 U.S.C. 202, 8 U.S.C. secs. 1101(a)(15)(H)(ii)(a) and (b);1103(a)(3), 1184(a), (c) and (g), 1324a, 1225; 1357 Abstract: On September 20, 2023, DHS published a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) which proposed several changes to modernize and reform the H-2A and H-2B nonimmigrant worker programs. Many of the proposals contained in the NPRM were informed by public feedback USCIS received in response to its April 19, 2021 Request for Public Input. Specifically, the NPRM incorporated new policies that if finalized would produce program efficiencies, address current aspects of the program that may unintentionally result in exploitation or other abuse of persons seeking to come to this country as H-2A and H-2B workers, build upon existing protections against prohibited payments or other assessment of fees and/or salary deductions by H-2A and H-2B employers in connection with recruitment and/or H-2 employment, and otherwise add protections for workers. DHS did not propose any changes that would revise the temporary labor certification process or the regulations contained in 20 CFR part 655 or 29 CFR part 501 and 503. The public comment period closed November 20, 2023, and DHS is continuing to review the comments received during the comment period and in accordance with the instructions contained in the NPRM. Timetable: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Action Date FR Cite ------------------------------------------------------------------------ NPRM................................ 09/20/23 88 FR 65040 NPRM Comment Period End............. 11/20/23 Final Action........................ 11/00/24 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes. Agency Contact: Charles Nimick, Chief, Business and Foreign Workers Division, Office of Policy and Strategy, Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, 5900 Capital Gateway Drive, Suite 4S190, Camp Springs, MD 20588-0009, Phone: 240 721-3000. RIN: 1615-AC76 [[Page 66825]] DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY (DHS) U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Long-Term Actions 119. Petition for Immigrant Worker Reforms [1615-AC85] Legal Authority: 6 U.S.C. 112; 8 U.S.C. 1103(a); 8 U.S.C. 1153(b); 8 U.S.C. 1154(a)(1)(E) and (F); 8 U.S.C. 1182(a)(5)(C) and (r) Abstract: The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is proposing to amend its regulations governing employment-based immigrant petitions in the first, second, and third preference classifications. Petitions for these classifications are filed by employers, or in certain cases by noncitizens on their own behalf, to bring talent and skills to the United States. The proposed rule would, if finalized, codify current policy guidance and implement administrative decisions regarding successorship-in-interest and ability to pay; update provisions governing extraordinary ability and outstanding professors and researchers; modernize outdated provisions for individuals of extraordinary ability and outstanding professors and researchers; clarify evidentiary requirements for first preference classifications, second preference national interest waiver (NIW) classifications, and physicians of national and international renown; implement reforms to ensure the integrity of the I-140 program; and correct errors and omissions. Timetable: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Action Date FR Cite ------------------------------------------------------------------------ NPRM................................ 06/00/25 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes. Agency Contact: Charles Nimick, Chief, Business and Foreign Workers Division, Office of Policy and Strategy, Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, 5900 Capital Gateway Drive, Suite 4S190, Camp Springs, MD 20588-0009, Phone: 240 721-3000. RIN: 1615-AC85 DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY (DHS) U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Completed Actions 120. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Fee Schedule and Changes to Certain Other Immigration Benefit Request Requirements [1615-AC68] Legal Authority: 8 U.S.C. 1356(m), (n) Abstract: On January 31, 2024, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) published a final rule, 89 FR 6194, that adjusted the fees charged by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for immigration and naturalization benefit requests. The rule rescinds and replaces the changes made by an August 3, 2020, rule and establishes new USCIS fees to recover USCIS operating costs. This rule also provides additional fee exemptions for certain humanitarian categories and makes changes to certain other immigration benefit request requirements. Timetable: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Action Date FR Cite ------------------------------------------------------------------------ NPRM................................ 01/04/23 88 FR 402 NPRM Correction..................... 01/09/23 88 FR 1172 NPRM Comment Period End............. 03/06/23 NPRM Comment Period Extended........ 02/24/23 88 FR 11825 NPRM Comment Period Extended End.... 03/13/23 Final Rule.......................... 01/31/24 89 FR 6194 Final Rule; Correction.............. 03/21/24 89 FR 20101 Final Rule Effective................ 04/01/24 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes. Agency Contact: Kika Scott, Chief Financial Officer, Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, 5900 Capital Gateway Drive, Suite 4S190, Camp Springs, MD 20588-0009, Phone: 240 721-3000. RIN: 1615-AC68 DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY (DHS) U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) Proposed Rule Stage 121. Claims Procedures Under the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 [1625-AA03] Legal Authority: 33 U.S.C. 2713 and 2714 Abstract: The purpose of this project is to remove superseded regulations at 33 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) part 135, and to finalize the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 (OPA90) claims procedures at 33 CFR part 136. The OPA90 claims procedures, implementing OPA90 section 1013 (Claims Procedures) and section 1014 (Designation of Source and Advertisement), were established by an interim rule, titled ``Claims under the Oil Pollution Act of 1990'' (Interim Rule) that has not been substantively amended since it was published in 1992. This rulemaking supports the Coast Guard's strategic goal of protection of natural resources. Timetable: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Action Date FR Cite ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Interim Final Rule.................. 08/12/92 57 FR 36314 Correction.......................... 09/09/92 57 FR 41104 Interim Final Rule Comment Period 12/10/92 End. Notice of Inquiry................... 11/01/11 76 FR 67385 Notice of Inquiry Comment Period End 01/30/12 NPRM................................ 03/00/25 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes. Agency Contact: Benjamin White, Project Manager, Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Coast Guard, National Pollution Funds Center (NPFC), 2703 Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue SE, STOP 7605, Washington, DC 20593-7605, Phone: 202 795-6066, Email: [email protected]. RIN: 1625-AA03 122. Safety Management Systems For Domestic Passenger Vessels [1625- AC65] Legal Authority: 46 U.S.C. 3202 and 3203; DHS Delegation No. 0170.1(92)(b) Abstract: The Coast Guard reviewed the public input received in response to its January 2021 ANPRM on a possible new safety management system (SMS) for passenger and small passenger vessels. This proposed rulemaking would outline new SMS regulations for small passenger vessels (SPVs) meeting the statutory definition of a covered small passenger vessel in line with the 2010 and 2020 Coast Guard Authorization Acts. Under this proposed rulemaking, all SPVs on oceans or coastwise routes, or having overnight accommodations for passengers, would be required to implement an SMS conforming to the requirements of a newly developed SPV SMS or an accepted alternative. Timetable: [[Page 66826]] ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Action Date FR Cite ------------------------------------------------------------------------ ANPRM............................... 01/15/21 86 FR 3899 ANPRM Correction.................... 03/01/21 86 FR 11913 ANPRM Comment Period Extended....... 04/01/21 86 FR 17090 ANPRM Comment Period End............ 04/15/21 ....................... ANPRM Comment Period Extended End... 06/01/21 ....................... NPRM................................ 10/00/24 ....................... ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes. Agency Contact: David Ward, Occupational Safety and Health Program Manager, Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Coast Guard, Office of Operating & Environmental Standards (CG-OES-2), 2703 Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue SE, Stop 7509, Washington, DC 20593, Phone: 202 372-1386, Email: [email protected]. RIN: 1625-AC65 123. Implementation of Training Requirements for Personnel Serving on U.S.-Flagged Passenger Ships That Carry More Than 12 Passengers on International Voyages [1625-AC68] Legal Authority: 14 U.S.C. 102(3); 14 U.S.C. 503; 46 U.S.C. 7101; 46 U.S.C. 7306; 46 U.S.C. 7313 Abstract: This proposed rule would implement the 2016 amendments to the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW) and the STCW Code by revising U.S. Coast Guard regulations at 46 CFR subchapter B, parts 11 and 12 to include additional requirements for the training and qualifications of masters, officers, and ratings on passenger ships, as required by the STCW Convention, to which the United States is a signatory. First, the Coast Guard would implement the 2016 amendments to the STCW Convention and the STCW Code for personnel serving on passenger ships that operate on international voyages. The proposed revisions would add a requirement for all personnel to complete passenger ship emergency familiarization training appropriate to their capacity, duties, and responsibilities during an emergency before being assigned to shipboard duties. The proposal would also expand the applicability of crowd management training to include qualified ratings. Timetable: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Action Date FR Cite ------------------------------------------------------------------------ NPRM................................ 08/00/24 ....................... ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes. Agency Contact: Megan Johns Henry, Marine Transportation Specialist, Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Coast Guard, Office of Merchant Mariner Credentialing (CG-MMC-1), 2703 Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue SE, STOP 7509, Washington, DC 20593-7509, Phone: 202 372- 1255, Email: [email protected]. RIN: 1625-AC68 124. MARPOL Annex VI; Prevention of Air Pollution From Ships [1625- AC78] Legal Authority: 33 U.S.C. 1903 Abstract: The Coast Guard is proposing regulations to carry out the provisions of Annex VI of the MARPOL Protocol, which is focused on the prevention of air pollution from ships. The Act to Prevent Pollution from Ships has already given direct effect to most provisions of Annex VI, and the Coast Guard and the Environmental Protection Agency have carried out some Annex VI provisions through previous rulemakings. This proposed rule would fill gaps in the existing framework for carrying out the provisions of Annex VI. Chapter 4 of Annex VI contains shipboard energy efficiency measures that include short-term measures reducing carbon emissions linked to climate change and supports Administration goals outlined in Executive Order 14008 titled Tackling the Climate Crisis at Home and Abroad. This proposed rule would apply to U.S.-flagged ships. It would also apply to foreign-flagged ships operating either in U.S. navigable waters or in the U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone. Timetable: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Action Date FR Cite ------------------------------------------------------------------------ NPRM................................ 09/00/24 ....................... ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes. Agency Contact: Frank Strom, Chief, Systems Engineering Division (CG-ENG-3), Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Coast Guard, Office of Design and Engineering Standards, 2703 Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue SE, STOP 7509, Washington, DC 20593-7509, Phone: 202 372-1375, Email: [email protected]. RIN: 1625-AC78 DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY (DHS) Final Rule Stage U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) 125. Commercial Fishing Vessels-Implementation of 2010 and 2012 Legislation [1625-AB85] Legal Authority: 46 U.S.C. 4502 and 5103; Pub. L. 111-281; Pub. L. 112-213 Abstract: The Coast Guard will implement 2010 and 2012 legislation that pertains to uninspected commercial fishing industry vessels. The requirements took effect upon enactment of the legislation but require amendments to Coast Guard regulations to be implemented. Coast Guard is changing the applicability of the regulations, and adding new requirements to safety training, equipment, vessel examinations, vessel safety standards, the documentation of maintenance, and the termination of unsafe operations. This rulemaking promotes the Coast Guard's maritime safety mission. Timetable: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Action Date FR Cite ------------------------------------------------------------------------ NPRM................................ 06/21/16 81 FR 40437 NPRM Comment Period Extended........ 08/15/16 81 FR 53986 NPRM Comment Period End............. 09/19/16 ....................... NPRM Comment Period Extended End.... 12/18/16 ....................... Final Rule.......................... 05/00/25 ....................... ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes. Agency Contact: Joseph Myers, Project Manager, Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Coast Guard, Office of Commercial Vessel Compliance (CG-CVC-3), 2703 Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue SE, STOP 7501, Washington, DC 20593-7501, Phone: 202 372-1249, Email: [email protected]. RIN: 1625-AB85 126. Lifejacket Approval Harmonization [1625-AC62] Legal Authority: 46 U.S.C. 3306(a); 46 U.S.C. 3306(b); 46 U.S.C. 4102(a); 46 U.S.C. 4102(b); 46 U.S.C. 4302(a); 46 U.S.C. 4502(a); 46 U.S.C. 4502(c)(2)(B) Abstract: The Coast Guard is amending the lifejacket approval requirements and follow-up program requirements by incorporating new bi-national standards. At the same time, the Coast Guard is amending lifejacket and personal flotation devices (PFDs) carriage requirements to allow for the use of equipment approved to the new [[Page 66827]] standards, and to remove obsolete equipment approval requirements. The new standards are intended to replace the legacy standards. The amendments streamline the process for approval of PFDs and allow manufacturers the opportunity to produce more innovative equipment that meets the approval requirements of both Canada and the United States, while reducing the burden for manufacturers in both the approval process and follow-up program. The rule is expected to provide a cost savings by reducing the regulatory burden on PFD manufacturers by harmonizing our PFD approval standards with Canada, requiring less frequent inspections of manufacturing facilities, and providing lower cost PFD user manuals. This rule is consistent with Executive Order 14058, which directs agencies to take actions that improve service delivery and customer experience by decreasing administrative burdens, enhancing transparency, and improving the efficiency and effectiveness of government. Timetable: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Action Date FR Cite ------------------------------------------------------------------------ NPRM................................ 04/07/23 88 FR 21016 NPRM Correction..................... 05/01/23 88 FR 26514 NPRM Comment Period End............. 06/06/23 ....................... Final Rule.......................... 09/00/24 ....................... ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes. Agency Contact: Jacqueline M. Yurkovich, Project Manager, Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Coast Guard, Office of Design and Engineering Standards (CG-ENG-4), 2703 Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue SE, STOP 7509, Washington, DC 20593-7509, Phone: 571 607-4931, Email: [email protected]. RIN: 1625-AC62 127. Cybersecurity in the Marine Transportation System [1625-AC77] Legal Authority: 46 U.S.C. 70101; 46 U.S.C. 70102; 46 U.S.C. 70103; 46 U.S.C. 70104; 46 U.S.C. 70124 Abstract: The Coast Guard has published a proposed rule to update its maritime security regulations by adding regulations specifically focused on establishing minimum cybersecurity requirements for U.S.- flagged vessels, Outer Continental Shelf facilities, and U.S. facilities subject to the Maritime Transportation Security Act of 2002 regulations. This proposed rulemaking is part of an ongoing effort to address emerging cybersecurity risks and threats to maritime security by including additional security requirements to safeguard the marine transportation system. Timetable: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Action Date FR Cite ------------------------------------------------------------------------ NPRM................................ 02/22/24 89 FR 13403 NPRM Comment Period Extended........ 04/09/24 89 FR 24751 NPRM Comment Period End............. 04/22/24 ....................... Extended Comment Period End......... 05/22/24 ....................... Final Rule.......................... 12/00/24 ....................... ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes. Agency Contact: Frank Strom, Chief, Systems Engineering Division (CG-ENG-3), Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Coast Guard, Office of Design and Engineering Standards, 2703 Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue SE, STOP 7509, Washington, DC 20593-7509, Phone: 202 372-1375, Email: [email protected]. RIN: 1625-AC77 DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY (DHS) U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) Completed Actions 128. User Fees For Inspected Towing Vessels [1625-AC55] Legal Authority: 46 U.S.C. 2103; 46 U.S.C. 2110; Pub. L. 115-282, sec. 815 Abstract: This rulemaking revised user fees for towing vessels inspected under 46 CFR subchapter M and updated the existing user fee in 46 CFR 2.10-101 for sea-going towing vessels inspected under 46 CFR subchapter I. These user fees are for services related to the inspection of these vessels and will reflect the differences in cost to the government to provide these services to vessels that use a safety management system involving a third party and vessels that do not. Timetable: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Action Date FR Cite ------------------------------------------------------------------------ NPRM................................ 01/11/22 87 FR 1378 NPRM Comment Period End............. 04/11/22 ....................... Final Rule.......................... 12/28/23 88 FR 89595 Final Rule Effective................ 03/27/24 ....................... ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes. Agency Contact: Jennifer Hnatow, Project Manager, Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Coast Guard, Commercial Vessel Compliance (CG- CVC-1), 2703 Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue SE, STOP 7501, Washington, DC 20593-7501, Phone: 202 372-1216, Email: [email protected]. RIN: 1625-AC55 DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY (DHS) U.S. Customs and Border Protection (USCBP) Proposed Rule Stage 129. Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) Electronic Export Manifest for Vessel Cargo [1651-AB59] Legal Authority: Not Yet Determined Abstract: U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) proposes to amend its regulations to require the advance submission of electronic export manifest (EEM) information to CBP in the Automated Commercial Environment for cargo transported by vessel departing the United States. The proposed rule would identify the parties eligible to transmit advance vessel EEM information, and their responsibilities, and describe the time frames for transmission of the information prior to cargo loading or conveyance departure. Requiring this data in advance would significantly improve cargo safety and security while minimizing disruption to the flow of commerce in the sea environment. Timetable: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Action Date FR Cite ------------------------------------------------------------------------ NPRM................................ 09/00/24 ....................... ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes. Agency Contact: Thomas Pagano, Chief, Outbound Enforcement Branch, Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Field Operations, 1300 Pennsylvania Ave, NW, Washington, DC 20229, Phone: 202 344-3277, Email: [email protected] RIN: 1651-AB59 DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY (DHS) Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Long-Term Actions 130. Vetting of Certain Surface Transportation Employees [1652-AA69] Legal Authority: 49 U.S.C. 114; Pub. L. 108-90, sec. 520; Pub. L. 110-53, secs. 1411, 1414, 1512, 1520, 1522, and 1531 [[Page 66828]] Abstract: The 9/11 Act requires vetting of certain railroad, public transportation, and over-the-road bus employees. Also, 6 U.S.C. 469 requires TSA to collect fees to recover the costs of the vetting services. On May 23, 2023, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) issued a proposed rule to establish the standards and procedures to conduct the required vetting and recover costs. This regulation is related to 1652-AA55, Security Training for Surface Transportation Employees. Timetable: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Action Date FR Cite ------------------------------------------------------------------------ NPRM................................ 05/23/23 88 FR 33472 NPRM Comment Period End............. 08/21/23 ....................... NPRM Extension of Comment Period.... 08/22/23 88 FR 57044 NPRM Extension Comment Period End... 10/01/23 ....................... ----------------------------------- Final Rule.......................... To Be Determined ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes. Agency Contact: Ashlee Marks, Branch Manager, Policy Development Branch, Surface Division, Department of Homeland Security, Transportation Security Administration, Policy, Plans, and Engagement, 6595 Springfield Center Drive, Springfield, VA 20598-6028, Phone: 571 227-3740, Email: [email protected]. James Ruger, Chief Economist, Economic Analysis Branch-Coordination & Analysis Division, Department of Homeland Security, Transportation Security Administration, Policy, Plans, and Engagement, 6595 Springfield Center Drive, Springfield, VA 20598-6028, Phone: 571 227- 5519, Email: [email protected]. Christine Beyer, Senior Counsel, Regulations and Security Standards, Department of Homeland Security, Transportation Security Administration, Chief Counsel's Office, 6595 Springfield Center Drive, Springfield, VA 20598-6002, Phone: 571 227-3653, Email: [email protected]. RIN: 1652-AA69 131. Amending Vetting Requirements for Employees With Access to a Security Identification Display Area (SIDA) [1652-AA70] Legal Authority: Pub. L. 114-190, sec. 3405 Abstract: As required by the FESSA, TSA will propose a rule to revise its regulations, reflecting current knowledge of insider threat and intelligence, to enhance the eligibility requirements and disqualifying criminal offenses for individuals seeking or having unescorted access to any SIDA of an airport. Consistent with the statutory mandate, TSA will consider adding to the list of disqualifying criminal offenses and criteria, develop an appeal and waiver process for the issuance of credentials for unescorted access, and propose an extension of the lookback period for disqualifying crimes. As part of TSA's reevaluation of the eligibility and redress standards for aviation workers required by the Act, TSA is also reevaluating the current vetting process to minimize any security risks that may exist. Timetable: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Action Date FR Cite ------------------------------------------------------------------------ NPRM................................ To Be Determined ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes. Agency Contact: Zachary Landis, Branch Manager, Airports Security Programs, Department of Homeland Security, Transportation Security Administration, Aviation Division, Policy, Plans, and Engagement, Springfield, VA 20598-6028, Phone: 571 230-4863, Email: [email protected]. James Ruger, Chief Economist, Economic Analysis Branch-Coordination & Analysis Division, Department of Homeland Security, Transportation Security Administration, Policy, Plans, and Engagement, 6595 Springfield Center Drive, Springfield, VA 20598-6028, Phone: 571 227- 5519, Email: [email protected]. Christine Beyer, Senior Counsel, Regulations and Security Standards, Department of Homeland Security, Transportation Security Administration, Chief Counsel's Office, 6595 Springfield Center Drive, Springfield, VA 20598-6002, Phone: 571 227-3653, Email: [email protected]. RIN: 1652-AA70 DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY (DHS) Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Final Rule Stage 132. Updates to Floodplain Management and Protection of Wetlands Regulations To Implement the Federal Flood Risk Management Standard [1660-AB12] Legal Authority: 6 U.S.C. 101 et seq.; 42 U.S.C. 4001 et seq.; 42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.; E.O. 11988 of May 24, 1977, 42 FR 26951, 3 CFR, 1977 Comp., p. 117; E.O. 11990 of May 24, 1977, 42 FR 26961, 3 CFR, 1977 Comp., p. 121; E.O. 13690, 80 FR 6425; E.O. 14030, 86 FR 27967 Abstract: On October 2, 2023, consistent with President Biden's Executive Order on Climate Related Financial Risk (E.O. 14030), the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) proposed to amend its regulations at 44 CFR part 9, ``Floodplain Management and Protection of Wetlands,'' to incorporate amendments to Executive Order 11988 and the Federal Flood Risk Management Standard (FFRMS). The FFRMS is a flexible framework allowing agencies to choose among three approaches to define the floodplain and corresponding flood elevation requirements for federally funded projects. 44 CFR part 9 describes FEMA's process under Executive Order 11988 for determining whether the proposed location for an action falls within a floodplain and how to complete the action in the floodplain, in light of the risk of flooding. The rule would change how FEMA defines a floodplain with respect to certain actions. Additionally, under the rule, FEMA would use natural systems, ecosystem process, and nature-based approaches, where practicable, when developing alternatives to locating the proposed action in the floodplain. FEMA has engaged the public extensively on these matters. [[Page 66829]] On February 5, 2015, FEMA acting on behalf of the Mitigation Framework Leadership Group, published a Federal Register notice seeking comments on a draft of the Revised Guidelines for Implementing Executive Order 11988, Floodplain Management. The 60-day comment period was extended an additional 30 days. During the public comment period for the Revised Guidelines, FEMA sent advisories to representatives from Governors' offices nationwide inviting comments on the draft Revised Guidelines. Over 25 meetings were held across the country with State, local, and Tribal officials and interested stakeholders to discuss the draft Revised Guidelines as well as 9 public listening sessions across the country attended by over 700 participants to facilitate feedback. All relevant comments received in response to these efforts have been posted to the public rulemaking docket on the Federal eRulemaking portal at https://www.regulations.gov/document/FEMA-2015-0006-0001/comment. Comments from meetings and listening sessions can be found at https://www.regulations.gov/docket/FEMA-2015-0006/document. Additionally, FEMA published a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) in 2016 seeking public comment on FEMA's proposed implementation of the Revised Guidelines. All relevant comments received in response to the 2016 NPRM were posted to the public rulemaking docket on the Federal eRulemaking portal at https://www.regulations.gov/document/FEMA-2015-0006-0373/comment. Timetable: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Action Date FR Cite ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Proposed Policy: Request for 10/02/23 88 FR 67697 Comments. Proposed Policy: Comment Period End. 12/01/23 ....................... NPRM................................ 10/02/23 88 FR 67869 NPRM Comment Period End............. 12/01/23 ....................... Final Rule.......................... 07/00/24 ....................... ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes. Agency Contact: Portia Ross, Office of Environmental and Historic Preservation, Department of Homeland Security, Federal Emergency Management Agency, 400 C Street SW, Washington, DC 20472, Phone: 202 709-0677, Email: [email protected]. RIN: 1660-AB12 DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY (DHS) Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) Proposed Rule Stage 133. Ammonium Nitrate Security Program [1670-AA00] Legal Authority: 6 U.S.C. 488 et seq. Abstract: The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) is proposing a rulemaking to implement the December 2007 amendment to the Homeland Security Act titled ``Secure Handling of Ammonium Nitrate.'' This amendment requires the Department of Homeland Security to ``regulate the sale and transfer of ammonium nitrate by an ammonium nitrate facility...to prevent the misappropriation or use of ammonium nitrate in an act of terrorism.'' CISA previously issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) on August 3, 2011. CISA is planning to issue a Supplemental Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (SNPRM). Timetable: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Action Date FR Cite ------------------------------------------------------------------------ ANPRM............................... 10/29/08 73 FR 64280 ANPRM Correction.................... 11/05/08 73 FR 65783 ANPRM Comment Period End............ 12/29/08 ....................... NPRM................................ 08/03/11 76 FR 46908 Notice of Public Meetings........... 10/07/11 76 FR 62311 Notice of Public Meetings........... 11/14/11 76 FR 70366 NPRM Comment Period End............. 12/01/11 ....................... Notice of Availability.............. 06/03/19 84 FR 25495 Notice of Availability Comment 09/03/19 ....................... Period End. Supplemental NPRM................... 07/00/24 ....................... ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes. Agency Contact: Ann Hunziker, Branch Chief for Policy Rulemaking and Engagement, Department of Homeland Security, Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, 1310 N. Courthouse Rd., Arlington, VA 22202, Phone: 202 604-5817, Email: [email protected]. RIN: 1670-AA00 [FR Doc. 2024-16453 Filed 8-15-24; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 9110-9B-P

usgpo

2024-10-08T13:26:32.286251

FR

FR-2024-08-16/2024-16458

Federal Register Volume 89 Issue 159 (August 16, 2024)

United States National Archives and Records Administration Office of the Federal Register

[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 159 (Friday, August 16, 2024)] [Unknown Section] [Pages 66832-66834] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: 2024-16458] [[Page 66831]] Vol. 89 Friday, No. 159 August 16, 2024 Part IX Department of the Interior ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Semiannual Regulatory Agenda Federal Register / Vol. 89 , No. 159 / Friday, August 16, 2024 / UA: Reg Flex Agenda [[Page 66832]] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Office of the Secretary 25 CFR Ch. I 30 CFR Chs. II and VII 36 CFR Ch. I 43 CFR Subtitle A, Chs. I and II 48 CFR Ch. 14 50 CFR Chs. I and IV [167D0102DM; DS6CS00000; DLSN00000.00000; DX6CS25] Semiannual Regulatory Agenda AGENCY: Office of the Secretary, Interior. ACTION: Semiannual Regulatory Agenda. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: This notice provides the semiannual agenda of Department of the Interior (Department) rules scheduled for review or development between spring 2024 and spring 2025. The Regulatory Flexibility Act and Executive Order 12866 require publication of the agenda. ADDRESSES: Unless otherwise indicated, all agency contacts are located at the Department of the Interior, 1849 C Street NW, Washington, DC 20240. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Please direct all comments and inquiries about these rules to the appropriate agency contact. Please direct general comments relating to the agenda to the Office of Executive Secretariat and Regulatory Affairs, Department of the Interior, at the address above or at (202) 513-0357. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: With this publication, the Department satisfies the requirement of Executive Order 12866 that the Department publish an agenda of rules that it has issued or expects to issue within this time period and of currently effective rules that it has scheduled for retrospective review. Simultaneously, the Department meets the requirement of the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.) to publish an agenda in April and October of each year identifying rules that will have significant economic effects on a substantial number of small entities. The Department has specifically identified in the agenda those rules that will have such effects. The complete Unified Agenda of Regulatory and Deregulatory Actions (Agenda) will be published at www.reginfo.gov, in a format that offers users enhanced ability to obtain information from the Agenda database. Agenda information is also available at www.regulations.gov, the government-wide website for submission of comments on proposed regulations. In some cases, the Department has withdrawn rules that were placed on previous Agendas for which there has been no publication activity or for which a proposed or interim rule was published. There is no legal significance to the omission of an item from this Agenda. Withdrawal of a rule does not necessarily mean that the Department will not proceed with the rulemaking. Withdrawal allows the Department to assess the action further and determine whether rulemaking is appropriate. Following such an assessment, the Department may determine that any rules listed as withdrawn under this Agenda may be appropriate for promulgation. E. Michael Abler, Deputy Director, Executive Secretariat and Regulatory Affairs. Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement--Final Rule Stage ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulation Sequence No. Title Identifier No. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 134....................... Outer Continental Shelf 1014-AA57 Civil Penalties, Surety Bond Requirements When Filing an Appeal. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement--Long-Term Actions ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulation Sequence No. Title Identifier No. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 135....................... Revisions to 1014-AA53 Decommissioning Requirements on the OCS. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ United States Fish and Wildlife Service--Proposed Rule Stage ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulation Sequence No. Title Identifier No. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 136....................... Importation, Exportation 1018-BF16 and Transportation of Wildlife; Updates to the Regulations. 137....................... Migratory Bird Hunting; 1018-BH65 2025-26 Migratory Game Bird Hunting Regulations. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ United States Fish and Wildlife Service--Final Rule Stage ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulation Sequence No. Title Identifier No. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 138....................... Migratory Bird Hunting; 1018-BG63 2024-25 Migratory Game Bird Hunting Regulations. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ National Park Service--Completed Actions ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulation Sequence No. Title Identifier No. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 139....................... Commercial Visitor 1024-AE57 Services; Concession Contracts. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ [[Page 66833]] Bureau of Ocean Energy Management--Completed Actions ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulation Sequence No. Title Identifier No. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 140....................... Risk Management and 1010-AE14 Financial Assurance for OCS Lease and Grant Obligations. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR (DOI) Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) Final Rule Stage 134. Outer Continental Shelf Civil Penalties, Surety Bond Requirements When Filing an Appeal [1014-AA57] Legal Authority: Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (OCSLA), 43 U.S.C. 1331 to 1356a Abstract: This proposed rulemaking would clarify BSEE's existing regulatory authority under 30 CFR 250.1409, which establishes criteria that must be met before a party may proceed with an appeal of a civil penalty pursuant to 30 CFR part 290. Before filing an appeal to the Interior Board of Land Appeals (IBLA), an operator must either submit a surety bond to BSEE's sister agency, BOEM, in the amount of the penalty, or notify BOEM that they want their lease bond to be used as the bond for the penalty amount. Timetable: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Action Date FR Cite ------------------------------------------------------------------------ NPRM................................ 12/13/23 88 FR 86285 NPRM Comment Period End............. 02/12/24 Final Action........................ 07/00/24 Final Action Effective.............. 08/00/24 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes. Agency Contact: Kirk Malstrom, Chief, Regulations and Standards Branch, Department of the Interior, Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement, 45600 Woodland Road, Sterling, VA 20166, Phone: 703 787- 1751, Fax: 703 787-1555, Email: [email protected]. RIN: 1014-AA57 DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR (DOI) Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) Long-Term Actions 135. Revisions to Decommissioning Requirements on the OCS [1014-AA53] Legal Authority: Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act, 43 U.S.C. 1331 to 1356a Abstract: This proposed rule would address issues relating to (1) idle iron by adding a definition of this term to clarify that it applies to idle wells and structures on active leases; (2) abandonment in place of subsea infrastructure by adding regulations addressing when BSEE may approve decommissioning-in-place instead of removal of certain subsea equipment; and (3) other operational considerations. Timetable: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Action Date FR Cite ------------------------------------------------------------------------ NPRM................................ 06/00/25 NPRM Comment Period End............. 09/00/25 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes. Agency Contact: Kirk Malstrom, Chief, Regulations and Standards Branch, Department of the Interior, Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement, 45600 Woodland Road, Sterling, VA 20166, Phone: 703 787- 1751, Fax: 703 787-1555, Email: [email protected]. RIN: 1014-AA53 DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR (DOI) United States Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) Proposed Rule Stage 136. Importation, Exportation and Transportation of Wildlife; Updates to the Regulations [1018-BF16] Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 33 8(d)-(f); 16 U.S.C. 668; 16 U.S.C. 704; 16 U.S.C. 712; 16 U.S.C. 1382; 16 U.S.C. 1538(d)-(f); 16 U.S.C. 1540(f); 16 U.S.C. 3371 to 3378; 16 U.S.C. 4223 to 4244; 16 U.S.C. 4901 to 4916; 18 U.S.C. 42; 31 U.S.C. 42; 31 U.S.C. 9701; . . . Abstract: This proposed rule would revise FWS's regulations governing the importation and exportation of wildlife. In this rulemaking, FWS would review all sections of 50 CFR part 14 and provide necessary revisions. Timetable: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Action Date FR Cite ------------------------------------------------------------------------ NPRM................................ 12/00/24 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes. Agency Contact: Edward Grace, Assistant Director, Office of Law Enforcement, Department of the Interior, United States Fish and Wildlife Service, 5275 Leesburg Pike, MS: LEO, Falls Church, VA 22041- 3803, Phone: 703 358-1949, Fax: 703 358-1947, Email: [email protected]. RIN: 1018-BF16 137. Migratory Bird Hunting; 2025-26 Migratory Game Bird Hunting Regulations [1018-BH65] Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 703 et seq.; 16 U.S.C. 742a-j Abstract: This rulemaking action would establish annual hunting regulations for certain migratory game birds. FWS annually prescribes the frameworks, or outside limits, for season lengths, bag limits, and areas for migratory game bird hunting. After these frameworks are established, States and Tribes may select season dates, bag limits, and other regulatory options for their hunting seasons. Migratory bird management is a cooperative effort of Federal, State, and Tribal governments. Timetable: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Action Date FR Cite ------------------------------------------------------------------------ NPRM................................ 09/00/24 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes. Agency Contact: Dr. Eric L. Kershner, Chief, Division of Conservation, Permits, and Regulations, Department of the Interior, United States Fish and Wildlife Service, 5275 Leesburg Pike, MS: MB, Falls Church, VA 22041, Phone: 703 358-2376, Fax: 703 358-2217, Email: [email protected]. RIN: 1018-BH65 DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR (DOI) United States Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) Final Rule Stage 138. Migratory Bird Hunting; 2024-25 Migratory Game Bird Hunting Regulations [1018-BG63] Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 703 et seq.; 16 U.S.C. 742a-j Abstract: This rulemaking action would establish annual hunting regulations for certain migratory game [[Page 66834]] birds. FWS annually prescribes the frameworks, or outside limits, for season lengths, bag limits, and areas for migratory game bird hunting. After these frameworks are established, States and Tribes may select season dates, bag limits, and other regulatory options for their hunting seasons. Migratory bird management is a cooperative effort of Federal, State, and Tribal governments. Timetable: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Action Date FR Cite ------------------------------------------------------------------------ NPRM................................ 02/08/24 89 FR 8631 NPRM Comment Period End............. 03/11/24 Proposed Frameworks................. 05/13/24 89 FR 41522 Proposed Frameworks; Comment Period 06/12/24 End. Final Frameworks.................... 08/00/24 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes. Agency Contact: Dr. Eric L. Kershner, Chief, Division of Conservation, Permits, and Regulations, Department of the Interior, United States Fish and Wildlife Service, 5275 Leesburg Pike, MS: MB, Falls Church, VA 22041, Phone: 703 358-2376, Fax: 703 358-2217, Email: [email protected]. RIN: 1018-BG63 DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR (DOI) National Park Service (NPS) Completed Actions 139. Commercial Visitor Services; Concession Contracts [1024-AE57] Legal Authority: 54 U.S.C. 101926 Abstract: This final rule revises regulations that govern the solicitation, award, and administration of concessions contracts to provide commercial visitor services at National Park System units under the authority granted to the Secretary of the Interior by the Concessions Management Improvement Act of 1998 and the National Park Service Centennial Act. The revisions reduce administrative burdens and expand opportunities for sustainable, high quality, and contemporary concessioner-provided visitor services in park areas. Timetable: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Action Date FR Cite ------------------------------------------------------------------------ NPRM................................ 07/20/20 85 FR 43775 NPRM Comment Period End............. 09/18/20 Final Rule.......................... 12/29/23 88 FR 90098 Final Rule Effective................ 01/29/24 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes. Agency Contact: Kurt M. Rausch, Chief, Contract Management, Department of the Interior, National Park Service, 1849 C Street NW, Washington, DC 20240, Phone: 202 513-7207, Email: [email protected]. RIN: 1024-AE57 DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR (DOI) Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) Completed Actions 140. Risk Management and Financial Assurance for OCS Lease and Grant Obligations [1010-AE14] Legal Authority: OCSLA-43 U.S.C. 1331 et seq. Abstract: This final rule modifies the evaluation criteria for determining whether oil, gas and sulfur lessees, right-of-use and easement grant holders, and pipeline right-of-way grant holders may be required to provide bonds or other financial assurance, above the regulatorily prescribed amounts for base bonds, to ensure compliance with their Outer Continental Shelf obligations. BOEM held a Government-to-Government consultation with an Indian Tribal Nation during the development of the NPRM and the final rule. BOEM received a range of comments on the NPRM during the public comment period. This final rule addresses feedback received from public comment period and Tribal consultations. Timetable: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Action Date FR Cite ------------------------------------------------------------------------ NPRM................................ 06/29/23 88 FR 42136 NPRM Comment Period Extension....... 08/25/23 88 FR 58173 NPRM Comment Period End............. 08/28/23 NPRM Comment Period Extension End... 09/07/23 Final Rule.......................... 04/24/24 89 FR 31544 Final Rule Technical Correction..... 05/31/24 89 FR 47080 Final Rule Effective................ 06/29/24 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes. Agency Contact: Kelley Spence, Program Analyst, Department of the Interior, Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, 1849 C Street NW, Washington, DC 20240, Phone: 948 298-7345, Email: [email protected]. RIN: 1010-AE14 [FR Doc. 2024-16458 Filed 8-15-24; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4334-63-P

usgpo

2024-10-08T13:26:32.351162

FR

FR-2024-08-16/2024-16454

Federal Register Volume 89 Issue 159 (August 16, 2024)

United States National Archives and Records Administration Office of the Federal Register

[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 159 (Friday, August 16, 2024)] [Unknown Section] [Page 66836] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: 2024-16454] [[Page 66835]] Vol. 89 Friday, No. 159 August 16, 2024 Part X Department of Justice ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Semiannual Regulatory Agenda Federal Register / Vol. 89 , No. 159 / Friday, August 16, 2024 / UA: Reg Flex Agenda [[Page 66836]] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE 8 CFR Ch. V 21 CFR Ch. I 27 CFR Ch. II 28 CFR Ch. I, V 48 CFR Ch. XXVIII Regulatory Agenda AGENCY: Department of Justice. ACTION: Semiannual Regulatory Agenda. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: The Department of Justice is publishing its spring 2024 regulatory agenda pursuant to Executive Order 12866, ``Regulatory Planning and Review,'' 58 FR 51735, and the Regulatory Flexibility Act, 5 U.S.C. 601 to 612 (1988). FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Robert Hinchman, Senior Counsel, Office of Legal Policy, Department of Justice, Room 4252, 950 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20530, (202) 514-8059. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Beginning with the fall 2007 edition, the internet has been the basic means for disseminating the Unified Agenda. The complete Unified Agenda will be available online at www.reginfo.gov in a format that offers users a greatly enhanced ability to obtain information from the Agenda database. Because publication in the Federal Register is mandated for the regulatory flexibility agendas required by the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 602), the Department of Justice's printed agenda entries include only: Rules that are in the Agency's regulatory flexibility agenda, in accordance with the Regulatory Flexibility Act, because they are likely to have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities; and any rules that the Agency has identified for periodic review under section 610 of the Regulatory Flexibility Act. Printing of these entries is limited to fields that contain information required by the Regulatory Flexibility Act's Agenda requirements. Additional information on these entries is available in the Unified Agenda published on the internet. Dated: May 15, 2024. Susan M. Davies, Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General, Office of Legal Policy. Civil Rights Division--Completed Actions ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulation Sequence No. Title Identifier No. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 141....................... Nondiscrimination on the 1190-AA79 Basis of Disability: Accessibility of Web Information and Services of State and Local Government Entities. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE (DOJ) Civil Rights Division (CRT) Completed Actions 141. Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Disability: Accessibility of Web Information and Services of State and Local Government Entities [1190- AA79] Legal Authority: 42 U.S.C. 12101 et seq. Abstract: The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) states that ``no qualified individual with a disability shall, by reason of such disability, be excluded from participation in or be denied the benefits of services, programs, or activities of a public entity, or be subjected to discrimination by any such entity.'' 42 U.S.C. 12132. However, many public entities' (i.e., State and local governments') websites and mobile apps fail to incorporate or activate features that enable users with disabilities to access the public entity's services, programs, and activities. The Department published a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) proposing to amend its title II ADA regulation to provide technical standards to assist public entities in complying with their existing obligations to make their websites and mobile apps accessible to individuals with disabilities. The NPRM was published on August 4, 2023, and the public comment period closed on October 3, 2023. The NPRM included more than 60 questions for public input. The Department also published a fact sheet describing the NPRM's proposed requirements in plain language to help ensure that members of the public understood the rule and had an opportunity to provide feedback. The Department received approximately 345 comments from members of the public including individuals with disabilities, public entities, disability advocacy groups, members of the accessible technology industry, web developers, and many others. In addition, the Department attended three listening sessions with various stakeholders while the public comment period was open, with a cumulative total of more than 500 attendees. Those sessions provided important opportunities to receive the information that members of the public wanted to share about the proposed rule through additional avenues. The Department has issued a final regulation on this topic informed by the feedback received from members of the public. Completed: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Reason Date FR Cite ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Final Action........................ 04/24/24 89 FR 31320 Final Action Effective.............. 06/24/24 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes. Agency Contact: Rebecca Bond, Phone: 202 307-0663. RIN: 1190-AA79 [FR Doc. 2024-16454 Filed 8-15-24; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4410-BP-P

usgpo

2024-10-08T13:26:32.426203

FR

FR-2024-08-16/2024-16455

Federal Register Volume 89 Issue 159 (August 16, 2024)

United States National Archives and Records Administration Office of the Federal Register

[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 159 (Friday, August 16, 2024)] [Unknown Section] [Pages 66838-66845] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: 2024-16455] [[Page 66837]] Vol. 89 Friday, No. 159 August 16, 2024 Part XI Department of Labor ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Semiannual Regulatory Agenda Federal Register / Vol. 89 , No. 159 / Friday, August 16, 2024 / UA: Reg Flex Agenda [[Page 66838]] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF LABOR Office of the Secretary 20 CFR Chs. I, IV, V, VI, VII, and IX 29 CFR Subtitle A and Chs. II, IV, V, XVII, and XXV 30 CFR Ch. I 41 CFR Ch. 60 48 CFR Ch. 29 Semiannual Agenda of Regulations AGENCY: Office of the Secretary, Labor. ACTION: Semiannual Regulatory Agenda. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: The internet has become the means for disseminating the entirety of the Department of Labor's semiannual regulatory agenda. However, the Regulatory Flexibility Act requires publication of a regulatory flexibility agenda in the Federal Register. This Federal Register Notice contains the regulatory flexibility agenda. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Albert T. Herrera, Director, Office of Regulatory and Programmatic Policy, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Policy, U.S. Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Avenue NW, Room S-2312, Washington, DC 20210; (202) 693-5959. Note: Information pertaining to a specific regulation can be obtained from the agency contact listed for that particular regulation. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Executive Order 12866 requires the semiannual publication of an agenda of regulations that contains a listing of all the regulations the Department of Labor expects to have under active consideration for promulgation, proposal, or review during the coming one-year period. The entirety of the Department's semiannual agenda is available online at www.reginfo.gov. The Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 602) requires DOL to publish in the Federal Register a regulatory flexibility agenda. The Department's Regulatory Flexibility Agenda, published with this notice, includes only those rules on its semiannual agenda that are likely to have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities; and those rules identified for periodic review in keeping with the requirements of section 610 of the Regulatory Flexibility Act. Thus, the regulatory flexibility agenda is a subset of the Department's semiannual regulatory agenda. The Department's Regulatory Flexibility Agenda does not include section 610 items at this time. All interested members of the public are invited and encouraged to let departmental officials know how our regulatory efforts can be improved and are invited to participate in and comment on the review or development of the regulations listed on the Department's agenda. Julie A. Su, Acting Secretary of Labor. Wage and Hour Division--Final Rule Stage ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulation Sequence No. Title Identifier No. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 142....................... Defining and Delimiting 1235-AA39 the Exemptions for Executive, Administrative, Professional, Outside Sales, and Computer Employees. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Wage and Hour Division--Completed Actions ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulation Sequence No. Title Identifier No. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 143....................... Employee or Independent 1235-AA43 Contractor Classification Under the Fair Labor Standards Act. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Employment and Training Administration--Proposed Rule Stage ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulation Sequence No. Title Identifier No. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 144....................... Temporary Employment of H- 1205-AB93 2B Foreign Workers in the United States. 145....................... Employer-Provided Survey 1205-AC15 Wage Methodology for the Temporary Non- Agricultural Employment H- 2B Program. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Employment and Training Administration--Final Rule Stage ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulation Sequence No. Title Identifier No. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 146....................... National Apprenticeship 1205-AC13 System Enhancements. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Employment and Training Administration--Completed Actions ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulation Sequence No. Title Identifier No. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 147....................... Workforce Innovation and 1205-AC01 Opportunity Act Effectiveness in Serving Employers Performance Indicator Provisions. 148....................... Workforce Innovation and 1205-AC08 Opportunity Act Title I Non-Core Programs Effectiveness in Serving Employers Performance Indicator. [[Page 66839]] 149....................... Improving Protections for 1205-AC12 Workers in Temporary Agricultural Employment in the United States. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Employee Benefits Security Administration--Final Rule Stage ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulation Sequence No. Title Identifier No. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 150....................... Independent Dispute 1210-AC17 Resolution Operations. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Employee Benefits Security Administration--Completed Actions ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulation Sequence No. Title Identifier No. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 151....................... Retirement Security Rule: 1210-AC02 Definition of an Investment Advice Fiduciary. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Mine Safety and Health Administration--Completed Actions ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulation Sequence No. Title Identifier No. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 152....................... Respirable Crystalline 1219-AB36 Silica. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Occupational Safety and Health Administration--Proposed Rule Stage ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulation Sequence No. Title Identifier No. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 153....................... Infectious Diseases....... 1218-AC46 154....................... Process Safety Management 1218-AC82 and Prevention of Major Chemical Accidents. 155....................... Communication Tower Safety 1218-AC90 156....................... Emergency Response........ 1218-AC91 157....................... Tree Care Standard........ 1218-AD04 158....................... Prevention of Workplace 1218-AD08 Violence in Health Care and Social Assistance. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ DEPARTMENT OF LABOR (DOL) Wage and Hour Division (WHD) Final Rule Stage 142. Defining and Delimiting the Exemptions for Executive, Administrative, Professional, Outside Sales, and Computer Employees [1235-AA39] Legal Authority: 29 U.S.C. 201 et seq.; 29 U.S.C. 213 Abstract: The Department of Labor (Department) proposed to update and revise the regulations issued under the Fair Labor Standards Act implementing the exemptions from minimum wage and overtime pay requirements for executive, administrative, professional, outside sales, and computer employees. As part of this rulemaking, the Department held a series of stakeholder listening sessions between March and June 2022, to gather input on its part 541 regulations. Stakeholders invited to participate in these listening sessions included representatives from labor unions; worker advocate groups; industry associations; small business associations; state and local governments; tribal governments; non-profits; and representatives from specific industries such as K-12 education, higher education, healthcare, retail, restaurant, manufacturing, and wholesale. Stakeholders were invited to share their input on issues including the appropriate EAP salary level, the costs and benefits of increasing the salary level to employers and employees, the methodology for updating the salary level and frequency of updates, and whether changes to the duties test are warranted. A listening session was held specifically for State and local governments on April 1, 2022, and a session for Tribal governments was held on May 12, 2022. The Department published a final rule on April 26, 2024, that updates the standard salary level and the total annual compensation required for the exemption of highly compensated employees. Under this final rule, beginning July 1, 2024, the standard salary level for bona fide executive, administrative, and professional employees, who are currently required to be paid a salary level of at least $684 per week, must be paid a salary level of not less than $844 per week (equivalent to $43,888 per year). On July 1, 2024, the highly compensated employee (HCE) threshold will also increase from $107,432 to $132,694 annually. Beginning January 1, 2025, the standard salary level will increase from $844 to $1,128 per week, which is based on the 35th percentile of full- time salaried [[Page 66840]] worker earnings in the lowest-wage Census Region (the South), and the HCE threshold will increase from $132,964 to $151,164 annually, which is based on the annualized earnings of the 85th percentile of full-time salaried worker earnings nationwide. The Department also adds to the regulations an updating mechanism to allow for the timely and efficient updating of all the earnings thresholds. On July 1, 2027, and every 3 years thereafter, the standard salary level and HCE total annual compensation requirement will be updated using the methodology in effect at the time of the update. The Department proposed in sections IV.B.1 and B.2 of the NPRM to apply the updated standard salary level to the four U.S. territories that are subject to the federal minimum wage (Puerto Rico, Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands) and to update the special salary levels for American Samoa and the motion picture industry in relation to the new standard salary level. The Department will address these aspects of its proposal in a future final rule. Timetable: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Action Date FR Cite ------------------------------------------------------------------------ NPRM................................ 09/08/23 88 FR 62152 NPRM Comment Period End............. 11/07/23 Final Rule.......................... 04/26/24 89 FR 32842 Final Rule Effective................ 07/01/24 Analyze Comments.................... 05/00/25 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes. Agency Contact: Daniel Navarrete, Acting Director of the Division of Regulations, Legislation, and Interpretation, Department of Labor, Wage and Hour Division, 200 Constitution Avenue NW, FP Building, Room S-3502, Washington, DC 20210, Phone: 202 693-0406. RIN: 1235-AA39 DEPARTMENT OF LABOR (DOL) Wage and Hour Division (WHD) Completed Actions 143. Employee or Independent Contractor Classification Under the Fair Labor Standards Act [1235-AA43] Legal Authority: 52 Stat. 1060, as amended; 29 U.S.C. 201-219 Abstract: The Department proposed to rescind the Independent Contractor Status under the Fair Labor Standards Act rule published on January 7, 2021, 86 FR 1168 (2021 IC Rule) and provide guidance for determining employee or independent contractor status under the FLSA that is more consistent with existing judicial precedent and the Department's longstanding guidance prior to the 2021 IC Rule. The Department conducted extensive stakeholder engagement prior to publishing the NPRM on October 13, 2022. The Department's Wage and Hour Division (WHD) held a number of stakeholder forums in the summer of 2022, which solicited participation from many workers, unions, businesses, free-lancers, independent contractors, and affiliated advocacy groups. Those stakeholder forums informed the Department's drafting of the 2022 proposed rule. The Department subsequently benefited from thousands of comments submitted during the comment period. In the final rule, the Department returns to a totality of the circumstances analysis of the economic reality test in which factors do not have a predetermined weight and are considered in view of the economic reality of the whole activity. The final rule rescinds the 2021 IC Rule. The Department published the final rule on January 10, 2024 (89 FR 1638). Timetable: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Action Date FR Cite ------------------------------------------------------------------------ NPRM................................ 10/13/22 87 FR 62218 NPRM Comment Period Extended........ 10/26/22 87 FR 64749 NPRM Comment Period Extended End.... 12/13/22 Final Rule.......................... 01/10/24 89 FR 1638 Final Rule Effective................ 03/11/24 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes. Agency Contact: Daniel Navarrete, Acting Director of the Division of Regulations, Legislation, and Interpretation, Department of Labor, Wage and Hour Division, 200 Constitution Avenue NW, FP Building, Room S-3502, Washington, DC 20210, Phone: 202 693-0406. RIN: 1235-AA43 DEPARTMENT OF LABOR (DOL) Employment and Training Administration (ETA) Proposed Rule Stage 144. Temporary Employment of H-2B Foreign Workers in the United States [1205-AB93] Legal Authority: 8 U.S.C. 1184; 8 U.S.C. 1103; sec. 655.0 issued under 8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(15)(E)(iii), 1101(a)(15)(H)(i) and (ii); 8 U.S.C. 1103(a)(6), 1182(m), (n) and (t), 1184(c), (g), and (j), 1188, and 1288(c) and (d); sec. 3(c)(1), Pub. L. 101-238; 103 Stat. 2099, 2102 (8 U.S.C. 1182 note); sec. 221(a), Pub. L. 101-649, 104 Stat. 4978, 5027 (8 U.S.C. 1184 note); sec. 303(a)(8), Pub. L. 102-232, 105 Stat. 733, 1748 (8 U.S.C. 1101 note); sec. 323(c), Pub. L. 103-206, 107 Stat. 2428; sec. 412(e); Pub. L. 105-277, 112 Stat. 2681 (8 U.S.C. 1182 note); sec. 2(d), Pub. L. 106-95, 113 Stat. 1312, 1316 (8 U.S.C. 1182 note); 29 U.S.C. 49k; Pub. L. 107-296, 116 Stat. 2135, as amended; Pub. L. 109-423, 120 Stat. 2900; . . . Abstract: The United States Department of Labor's (DOL) Employment and Training Administration and Wage and Hour Division, and the United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS), U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, are jointly proposing to update the H-2B visa program regulations at 20 CFR part 655, subpart A, the related prevailing wage regulations at 20 CFR 656, and 8 CFR 214 governing the certification of the employment of H-2B nonimmigrant workers in temporary or seasonal non-agricultural employment and the enforcement of the obligations applicable to employers of such nonimmigrant workers and U.S. workers in corresponding employment. Specifically, the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) would update the process by which employers seeking to employ H-2B workers would obtain temporary certification from DOL for use in petitioning DHS to employ a nonimmigrant worker in H-2B status. The updates would also establish standards and procedures for employers seeking to hire foreign temporary non-agricultural workers for certain itinerant job opportunities, including entertainers, tree planting, and utility vegetation management. Timetable: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Action Date FR Cite ------------------------------------------------------------------------ NPRM................................ 04/00/25 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ [[Page 66841]] Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes. Agency Contact: Brian Pasternak, Administrator, Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration, 200 Constitution Avenue NW, Office of Foreign Labor Certification; Room N-5311, FP Building, Washington, DC 20210, Phone: 202 693-8200, Email: [email protected]. RIN: 1205-AB93 145. Employer-Provided Survey Wage Methodology for the Temporary Non- Agricultural Employment H-2B Program [1205-AC15] Legal Authority: 8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(15)(H)(ii)(b); 8 U.S.C. 1103(a)(6); 8 U.S.C. 1184(c)(1); Pub. L. 117-328, 12/29/22, 136 Stat. 4459, Div. H, title I, sec. 110; Pub. L. 118-15, 9/30/23, 137 Stat. 71, Division A, sec. 101(8) Abstract: The Immigration and Nationality Act, as amended, requires the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), prior to the approval of H- 2B visa petitions, consult with the Department of Labor (Department). DHS' regulation at 8 CFR 214.2(h)(6) requires that employers must first apply for a temporary labor certification from the Department. Specifically, the Department must certify that there are not sufficient U.S. workers able, available, willing, and qualified to perform the temporary services or labor, and that the employment of the H-2B workers will not adversely affect the wages and working conditions of similarly employed U.S. workers. To ensure that there is no adverse effect, DOL requires employers to pay the prevailing wage to H-2B workers and U.S. workers similarly employed. Employer-provided surveys are one of the prevailing wage sources under the H-2B regulations and has been the subject of recent litigation. On December 23, 2022, the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia held the employer- provided survey provision under the Wage Methodology for the Temporary Non-Agricultural Employment H-2B Program (2015 Wage Rule) in, 20 CFR part 655 subpart A did not satisfy the notice and comment requirements under the Administrative Procedure Act (APA). Mary Jane Williams, et al. v. Martin J. Walsh, et al. (Williams), Civil No. 1:21-cv-01150 (RC), 2022 WL 17904227 (D.D.C. December 23, 2022). The Court remanded the rule without vacatur and ordered act[ion] with haste for further consideration consistent with the Court's opinion. The Department is proposing to issue a notice of proposed rulemaking on the employer- provided survey provision of the 2015 Wage Rule to cure the procedural defect of the 2015 Wage Rule, pursuant to the decision in Williams. Timetable: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Action Date FR Cite ------------------------------------------------------------------------ NPRM................................ 07/00/24 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes. Agency Contact: Brian Pasternak, Administrator, Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration, 200 Constitution Avenue NW, Office of Foreign Labor Certification; Room N-5311, FP Building, Washington, DC 20210, Phone: 202 693-8200, Email: [email protected]. RIN: 1205-AC15 DEPARTMENT OF LABOR (DOL) Employment and Training Administration (ETA) Final Rule Stage 146. National Apprenticeship System Enhancements [1205-AC13] Legal Authority: The National Apprenticeship Act, as amended (50 Stat. 664) 29 U.S.C. 50 Abstract: The regulations at 29 CFR part 29 addressing labor standards of apprenticeship and the governance of the National Apprenticeship System were last updated in October 2008 to increase administrative flexibility, ensure program quality, and promote registered apprenticeship opportunities. The Department plans to revise these regulations to strengthen, expand, modernize, and diversify the National Apprenticeship System by enhancing worker protections and equity, improving the quality of registered apprenticeships, revising the state governance provisions, and more clearly establishing critical pipelines to registered apprenticeships such as pre-apprenticeships so that the National Apprenticeship System is more responsive to current worker and employer needs. These efforts have been informed by the deliberations of the Department's reconstituted Advisory Committee on Apprenticeship (ACA). The Department will also make technical and conforming adjustments to the current text of 29 CFR part 30 (governing equal employment opportunity in apprenticeships) as appropriate. For additional information, please see the Department's regulatory plan narrative statement. The Department conducted the following public outreach: In 2022 interim recommendations of the ACA and its 2023 Biennial Report, which incorporates the ACA's 2022 Interim Report recommendations and includes additional guideposts for the Office of Apprenticeship (OA) to consider related to registered apprenticeship; virtual listening sessions in 2021 coordinated by OA in partnership with various partners and stakeholders to hear perspectives on the current state of the National Apprenticeship System and to gather ideas and suggestions on ways to modernize registered apprenticeship programs; National Online Dialogue in 2022, led by OA and launched by ePolicyWorks (entitled Advancing the National Apprenticeship System''), which asked participants, including various partners and stakeholders, to describe what they believed to be the optimal implementation of the registered apprenticeship model; Virtual Listening Sessions in 2023, coordinated by OA, wherein partners and stakeholders were given the opportunity to share perspectives on the current state of the National Apprenticeship System and to share policy recommendations for ways to strengthen and modernize the system. Questions for these sessions were developed, in part, by reviewing the ACA's 2022 Interim Report; The 2023 Quality Apprenticeships Recommendation (ILO Recommendation No. 208), adopted by the 111th International Labour Conference on June 16, 2023, which describes the fundamental attributes of quality apprenticeships; and Regular stakeholder engagements related to the expansion of the registered apprenticeship model, including with industry groups, labor unions, worker advocates, State and local workforce partners, education systems, and intermediaries. Timetable: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Action Date FR Cite ------------------------------------------------------------------------ NPRM................................ 01/17/24 89 FR 3118 NPRM Comment Period End............. 03/18/24 Final Rule.......................... 08/00/24 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes. Agency Contact: John V. Ladd, Administrator, Office of Apprenticeship, Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration, 200 Constitution Avenue NW, FP Building, Room C-5311, Washington, DC 20210, Phone: 202 693-2796, Fax: 202 693-3799, Email: [email protected]. RIN: 1205-AC13 [[Page 66842]] DEPARTMENT OF LABOR (DOL) Employment and Training Administration (ETA) Completed Actions 147. Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act Effectiveness in Serving Employers Performance Indicator Provisions [1205-AC01] Legal Authority: 29 U.S.C. 3249(a) Abstract: Under WIOA, there are six primary indicators of performance. Five of the six indicators were defined in the regulation; however, in the 2016 final rule implementing WIOA the Departments of Labor and Education (the Departments) determined that it was prudent to pilot various alternatives for the sixth indicator of performance, which measures the system's effectiveness in serving employers. The pilot process was completed and the Departments published a final rule updating the WIOA implementing regulations to incorporate Retention with the Same Employer as the standard definition of the effectiveness in serving employers indicator and to require one WIOA core program report on the indicator on behalf of all six WIOA core programs within each state. The Department of Labor issued a separate final rule incorporating Retention with the Same Employer as the definition of the effectiveness in serving employers into the regulations for the Job Corps program, Indian and Native American Programs, and YouthBuild. Timetable: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Action Date FR Cite ------------------------------------------------------------------------ NPRM................................ 09/14/22 87 FR 56318 NPRM Comment Period End............. 11/14/22 Final Rule.......................... 02/23/24 89 FR 13814 Final Rule Effective................ 03/25/24 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes. Agency Contact: Michelle Paczynski, Administrator, Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration, 200 Constitution Avenue NW, N-5641, Washington, DC 20210, Phone: 202 693-3700, Email: [email protected]. RIN: 1205-AC01 148. Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act Title I Non-Core Programs Effectiveness in Serving Employers Performance Indicator [1205-AC08] Legal Authority: 29 U.S.C. 3141; 29 U.S.C. 3209; 29 U.S.C. 3221; 29 U.S.C. 3226; 29 U.S.C. 3249 Abstract: Under WIOA, there are six primary indicators of performance. Five of the six indicators were defined in a regulation the Departments of Labor and Education (the Departments) jointly issued. The Departments pilot tested various alternatives for the sixth indicator of performance, which measures the workforce system's effectiveness in serving employers. That process was completed and the Departments published a final rule under RIN number 1205-AC01 to incorporate Retention with the Same Employer as the standard definition of the effectiveness in serving employers indicator into the regulations implementing WIOA at 20 CFR part 677, 34 CFR part 361, and 34 CFR part 463. The Department of Labor (DOL) has completed this rulemaking to incorporate the Retention with the Same Employer standard definition of the effectiveness in serving employers indicator into the regulations for three (3) programs DOL administers under WIOA 20 CFR part 684 (Indian and Native American Programs), 20 CFR part 686 (Job Corps), 20 CFR part 688 (YouthBuild). One additional WIOA authorized program, the National Farmworker Jobs Program (NFJP) at 20 CFR part 685, was impacted by the addition of the definition of the effectiveness in serving employers indicator. WIOA section 167 (29 U.S.C. 3222) authorizes the NFJP. Section 167 of WIOA requires DOL to use the six WIOA primary indicators of performance, including the effectiveness in serving employers indicator, to assess the performance of the NFJP. Therefore, the new definition of the effectiveness in serving employers indicator in 20 CFR part 677 will also apply to the NFJP. However, no changes to the regulation text at 20 CFR part 685 (NFJP's implementation regulations) were necessary to implement this change. Timetable: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Action Date FR Cite ------------------------------------------------------------------------ NPRM................................ 09/14/22 87 FR 56340 NPRM Comment Period End............. 11/14/22 Final Rule.......................... 02/23/24 89 FR 13595 Final Rule Effective................ 03/25/24 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes. Agency Contact: Michelle Paczynski, Administrator, Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration, 200 Constitution Avenue NW, N-5641, Washington, DC 20210, Phone: 202 693-3700, Email: [email protected]. RIN: 1205-AC08 149. Improving Protections for Workers in Temporary Agricultural Employment in the United States [1205-AC12] Legal Authority: 8 U.S.C. 1188; 29 U.S.C. 49 et seq. Abstract: The Department identified a need to strengthen and clarify protections for all temporary agricultural workers, including U.S. workers and workers employed through the H-2A temporary agricultural program. The H-2A temporary agricultural program allows agricultural employers to perform agricultural labor or services of a temporary or seasonal nature so long as there are not sufficient able, willing, and qualified U.S. workers to perform the work and the employment of H-2A workers does not adversely affect the wages and working conditions of similarly employed workers in the United States. The use of the H-2A program has grown substantially in recent years and the Department is committed to protecting agricultural workers in light of their significant vulnerabilities. The Department of Labor's (DOL) Employment and Training Administration and Wage and Hour Division amended regulations to improve working conditions and protections for workers engaged in temporary agricultural employment in the United States; and strengthen protections in the recruitment, job order clearance, and oversight processes. The final rule made regulatory changes involving the Employment Service and the H-2A nonimmigrant visa program at 29 CFR part 501 and 20 CFR parts 651, 653, 654, 655, and 658. Timetable: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Action Date FR Cite ------------------------------------------------------------------------ NPRM................................ 09/15/23 88 FR 63750 NPRM Comment Period End............. 11/14/23 Final Rule.......................... 04/29/24 89 FR 33898 Final Rule Effective................ 06/28/24 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes. Agency Contact: Brian Pasternak, Administrator, Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration, 200 Constitution Avenue NW, Office of Foreign Labor Certification; Room N-5311, FP Building, Washington, DC 20210, Phone: 202 693-8200, Email: [email protected]. RIN: 1205-AC12 [[Page 66843]] DEPARTMENT OF LABOR (DOL) Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA) Final Rule Stage 150. Independent Dispute Resolution Operations [1210-AC17] Legal Authority: Pub. L. 116-260, Div. BB, Title I and Title II Abstract: This final rule amends the Requirements Related to Surprise Billing; Part I (July 2021 interim final rules), Requirements Related to Surprise Billing Interim Final Rules; Part II (October 2021 interim final rules), and Requirements Related to Surprise Billing; Final Rules (August 2022 final rules) which set forth requirements related to Title I (No Surprises Act (NSA)) and Title II (Transparency) of Division BB of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021. Timetable: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Action Date FR Cite ------------------------------------------------------------------------ NPRM................................ 11/03/23 88 FR 75744 NPRM Comment Period End............. 01/02/24 NPRM Comment Period Reopened........ 01/22/24 89 FR 3896 NPRM Comment Period Reopened End.... 02/05/24 Final Action........................ 11/00/24 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes. Agency Contact: Amber Rivers, Director, Office of Health Plan Standards and Compliance Assistance, Department of Labor, Employee Benefits Security Administration, 200 Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20210, Phone: 202 693-8335, Email: [email protected]. RIN: 1210-AC17 DEPARTMENT OF LABOR (DOL) Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA) Completed Actions 151. Retirement Security Rule: Definition of an Investment Advice Fiduciary [1210-AC02] Legal Authority: 29 U.S.C. 1002; 29 U.S.C. 1135; Reorganization Plan No. 4 of 1978, 5 U.S.C. App. 252 (2020) Abstract: This rulemaking amended the regulatory definition of the term fiduciary set forth at 29 CFR 2510.3-21(c) to more appropriately define when persons who render investment advice for a fee to employee benefit plans and IRAs are fiduciaries within the meaning of section 3(21) of ERISA and section 4975(e)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. The amendment took into account practices of investment advisers, and the expectations of plan officials and participants, and IRA owners who receive investment advice, as well as developments in the investment marketplace, including in the ways advisers are compensated that can subject advisers to harmful conflicts of interest. In conjunction with this rulemaking, EBSA also amended existing prohibited transaction exemptions to ensure consistent protection of employee benefit plan and IRA investors. During the consideration of the proposed rule, in order to broaden public participation and community engagement in the regulatory process, the Department developed a web page dedicated to this rulemaking that included plain language information on the rulemaking and provided information about where to submit comments. The Department also held a public hearing during the comment period for this rulemaking at which more than 40 witnesses testified. Timetable: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Action Date FR Cite ------------------------------------------------------------------------ NPRM................................ 11/03/23 88 FR 75890 NPRM Comment Period End............. 01/02/24 Final Rule.......................... 04/25/24 89 FR 32122 Final Rule Effective................ 09/23/24 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes. Agency Contact: Karen E. Lloyd, Office of Regulations and Interpretations, Department of Labor, Employee Benefits Security Administration, 200 Constitution Avenue NW, FP Building, Room N-5655, Washington, DC 20210, Phone: 202 693-8510. RIN: 1210-AC02 DEPARTMENT OF LABOR (DOL) Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) Completed Actions 152. Respirable Crystalline Silica [1219-AB36] Legal Authority: 30 U.S.C. 811; 30 U.S.C. 813(h); 30 U.S.C. 957 Abstract: Many miners are exposed to respirable crystalline silica (RCS) in respirable dust. These miners can develop lung diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and various forms of pneumoconiosis, such as silicosis, progressive massive fibrosis, and rapidly progressive pneumoconiosis. These diseases are irreversible and may ultimately be fatal. The Mine Safety and Health Administration's (MSHA) existing standards limit miners' exposures to RCS. MSHA published a final rule to address the existing permissible exposure limit of RCS for all miners and to update the existing respiratory protection standards under 30 CFR 56, 57, and 72. Throughout the rulemaking process, MSHA widely solicited stakeholder participation by holding virtual and in-person public hearings throughout the country and participating in a Small Business Labor Safety Roundtable discussion organized by the Small Business Administration's Office of Advocacy. Timetable: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Action Date FR Cite ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Request for Information (RFI)....... 08/29/19 84 FR 45452 RFI Comment Period End.............. 10/28/19 NPRM................................ 07/13/23 88 FR 44852 NPRM Comment Period Extended........ 08/14/23 88 FR 54961 NPRM Comment Period Extended End.... 09/11/23 NPRM Notice of Public Hearings...... 07/26/23 88 FR 48146 NPRM Public Hearing in Arlington, 08/03/23 Virginia. NPRM Public Hearing in Beckley, West 08/10/23 Virginia. NPRM Public Hearing in Denver, 08/21/23 Colorado. Final Rule.......................... 04/18/24 89 FR 28218 Final Rule Effective................ 06/17/24 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes. Agency Contact: S. Aromie Noe, Director, Office of Standards, Regulations, and Variances, Department of Labor, Mine Safety and Health Administration, 201 12th Street S, Suite 401, Arlington, VA 22202, Phone: 202 693-9440, Fax: 202 693-9441. RIN: 1219-AB36 [[Page 66844]] DEPARTMENT OF LABOR (DOL) Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Proposed Rule Stage 153. Infectious Diseases [1218-AC46] Legal Authority: 5 U.S.C. 533; 29 U.S.C. 657 and 658; 29 U.S.C. 660; 29 U.S.C. 666; 29 U.S.C. 669; 29 U.S.C. 673 Abstract: Employees in health care and other high-risk environments face long-standing infectious disease hazards such as tuberculosis (TB), varicella disease (chickenpox, shingles), Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA), and measles, as well as new and emerging infectious disease threats, such as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), the 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19), and pandemic influenza. OSHA is examining regulatory alternatives for control measures to protect employees from exposure to pathogens that can cause significant infectious disease. Workplaces where such control measures might be necessary include: health care, emergency response, correctional facilities, homeless shelters, drug treatment programs, and other occupational settings where employees can be at increased risk of exposure to individuals who are potentially infectious. A standard could also apply to laboratories, which handle materials that may be a source of pathogens, and to pathologists, coroners' offices, medical examiners, and mortuaries. Timetable: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Action Date FR Cite ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Request for Information (RFI)....... 05/06/10 75 FR 24835 RFI Comment Period End.............. 08/04/10 Analyze Comments.................... 12/30/10 Stakeholder Meetings................ 07/05/11 76 FR 39041 Initiate SBREFA..................... 06/04/14 Complete SBREFA..................... 12/22/14 NPRM................................ 11/00/24 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes. Agency Contact: Andrew Levinson, Director, Directorate of Standards and Guidance, Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, 200 Constitution Avenue NW, FP Building, Room N-3718, Washington, DC 20210, Phone: 202 693-1950, Email: [email protected]. RIN: 1218-AC46 154. Process Safety Management and Prevention of Major Chemical Accidents [1218-AC82] Legal Authority: 29 U.S.C. 655; 29 U.S.C. 657 Abstract: The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) issued a Request for Information (RFI) on December 9, 2013 (78 FR 73756). The RFI identified issues related to modernization of the Process Safety Management standard and related standards necessary to meet the goal of preventing major chemical accidents. OSHA completed SBREFA in August 2016. OSHA held a stakeholder meeting on October 12, 2022, and kept the docket open for comments until November 14, 2022. Timetable: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Action Date FR Cite ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Request for Information (RFI)....... 12/09/13 78 FR 73756 RFI Comment Period Extended......... 03/07/14 79 FR 13006 RFI Comment Period Extended End..... 03/31/14 Initiate SBREFA..................... 06/08/15 SBREFA Report Completed............. 08/01/16 Stakeholder Meeting................. 10/12/22 Analyze Comments.................... 09/00/24 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes. Agency Contact: Andrew Levinson, Director, Directorate of Standards and Guidance, Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, 200 Constitution Avenue NW, FP Building, Room N-3718, Washington, DC 20210, Phone: 202 693-1950, Email: [email protected]. RIN: 1218-AC82 155. Communication Tower Safety [1218-AC90] Legal Authority: 29 U.S.C. 655(b); 5 U.S.C. 609 Abstract: While the number of employees engaged in the communication tower industry remains small, the fatality rate is very high. Over the past 20 years, this industry has experienced an average fatality rate that greatly exceeds that of the construction industry. Due to recent Federal Communications Commission (FCC) spectrum auctions and innovations in cellular technology, there will be a very high level of construction activity taking place on communication towers over the next few years. A similar increase in the number of construction projects needed to support cellular phone coverage triggered a spike in fatality and injury rates years ago. Based on information collected from an April 2015 Request for Information (RFI), Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) concluded that current OSHA requirements such as those for fall protection and personnel hoisting, may not adequately cover all hazards of communication tower construction and maintenance activities. OSHA will use information collected from a Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act (SBREFA) panel to identify effective work practices and advances in engineering technology that would best address industry safety and health concerns. The Panel carefully considered the issue of the expansion of the rule beyond just communication towers. OSHA will continue to consider also covering structures that have telecommunications equipment on or attached to them (e.g., buildings, rooftops, water towers, billboards). Timetable: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Action Date FR Cite ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Request for Information (RFI)....... 04/15/15 80 FR 20185 RFI Comment Period End.............. 06/15/15 Initiate SBREFA..................... 01/04/17 Initiate SBREFA..................... 05/31/18 Complete SBREFA..................... 10/11/18 NPRM................................ 02/00/25 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes. Agency Contact: Scott Ketcham, Director, Directorate of Construction, Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, 200 Constitution Avenue NW, Room N-3468, FP Building, Washington, DC 20210, Phone: 202 693-2020, Fax: 202 693-1689, Email: [email protected]. RIN: 1218-AC90 156. Emergency Response [1218-AC91] Legal Authority: 29 U.S.C. 655(b); 29 U.S.C. 657; 5 U.S.C. 609 Abstract: The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) currently regulates aspects of emergency response and preparedness; some of these standards were promulgated decades ago, and none were designed as comprehensive emergency response standards. Consequently, they do not address the full range of hazards or concerns currently facing emergency responders, and other workers providing skilled support, nor do they reflect major changes in performance [[Page 66845]] specifications for protective clothing and equipment. The agency acknowledges that current OSHA standards also do not reflect all the major developments in safety and health practices that have already been accepted by the emergency response community and incorporated into industry consensus standards. The regulatory effort began in 2007 with a Request for Information (RFI). In July 2014, OSHA hosted two stakeholder meetings with participants representing a broad range of emergency responders as well as allied stakeholders such as State Plan representatives, skilled support workers, and law enforcement. Given the broad support and interest seen during the stakeholder meetings, OSHA decided to move forward with a comprehensive proposed standard for emergency response. In September 2015, OSHA requested, and NACOSH designated, a subcommittee made up of major stakeholders and charged with developing proposed regulatory text. The subcommittee held six meetings over the course of a year. In December 2016, the full NACOSH committee reviewed and approved the recommendations for a proposed rule developed by the subcommittee. The committee recommended to the Secretary that OSHA proceed with rulemaking, using the subcommittee's regulatory text as a basis for the rule. In October 2021, a Small Business Advocacy Review (SBAR) panel was assembled, as required by the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act of 1996 (SBREFA); SBREFA was concluded in December; 2021. Timetable: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Action Date FR Cite ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Stakeholder Meetings................ 07/30/14 Convene NACOSH Workgroup............ 09/09/15 NACOSH Review of Workgroup Report... 12/14/16 Initiate SBREFA..................... 08/02/21 Finalize SBREFA..................... 12/02/21 NPRM................................ 02/05/24 89 FR 7774 Comment Period Extended............. 03/28/24 89 FR 21468 NPRM Comment Period End............. 05/06/24 NPRM Comment Period Extension End... 06/21/24 NPRM Comment Period Extended........ 06/11/24 89 FR 49119 NPRM Comment Period Extended End.... 07/22/24 NPRM Analyze Comments............... 09/00/24 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes. Agency Contact: Andrew Levinson, Director, Directorate of Standards and Guidance, Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, 200 Constitution Avenue NW, FP Building, Room N-3718, Washington, DC 20210, Phone: 202 693-1950, Email: [email protected]. RIN: 1218-AC91 157. Tree Care Standard [1218-AD04] Legal Authority: Not Yet Determined Abstract: There is no Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standard for tree care operations; the agency currently applies a patchwork of standards to address the serious hazards in this industry. The tree care industry previously petitioned the agency for rulemaking and OSHA issued an ANPRM (September 2008). OSHA completed a Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act (SBREFA) panel in May 2020, collecting information from affected small entities on a potential standard, including the scope of the standard, effective work practices, and arboricultural specific uses of equipment to guide OSHA in developing a rule that would best address industry safety and health concerns. Tree care continues to be a high-hazard industry. Timetable: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Action Date FR Cite ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Stakeholder Meeting................. 07/13/16 Initiate SBREFA..................... 01/10/20 Complete SBREFA..................... 05/22/20 NPRM................................ 12/00/24 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes. Agency Contact: Andrew Levinson, Director, Directorate of Standards and Guidance, Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, 200 Constitution Avenue NW, FP Building, Room N-3718, Washington, DC 20210, Phone: 202 693-1950, Email: [email protected]. RIN: 1218-AD04 158. Prevention of Workplace Violence in Health Care and Social Assistance [1218-AD08] Legal Authority: 29 U.S.C. 655(b); 5 U.S.C. 609 Abstract: The Request for Information (RFI) (published on December 7, 2016, (81 FR 88147)) provides the Occupational Safety and Health Administration's (OSHA) history with the issue of workplace violence in health care and social assistance, including a discussion of the Guidelines that were initially published in 1996, a 2014 update to the Guidelines, and the agency's use of 5(a)(1) in enforcement cases in health care. The RFI solicited information primarily from health care employers, workers and other subject matter experts on impacts of violence, prevention strategies, and other information that will be useful to the agency. OSHA was petitioned for a standard preventing workplace violence in health care by a broad coalition of labor unions, and in a separate petition by the National Nurses United. On January 10, 2017, OSHA granted the petitions. In accordance with the requirements of the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act (SBREFA) OSHA convened a Small Business Advocacy Review (SBAR) panel in March 2023. OSHA issued the SBREFA Panel report on May 1, 2023. Timetable: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Action Date FR Cite ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Request for Information (RFI)....... 12/07/16 81 FR 88147 RFI Comment Period End.............. 04/06/17 Initiate SBREFA..................... 12/29/22 Complete SBREFA..................... 05/01/23 NPRM................................ 12/00/24 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes. Agency Contact: Andrew Levinson, Director, Directorate of Standards and Guidance, Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, 200 Constitution Avenue NW, FP Building, Room N-3718, Washington, DC 20210, Phone: 202 693-1950, Email: [email protected]. RIN: 1218-AD08 [FR Doc. 2024-16455 Filed 8-15-24; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4510-HL-P

usgpo

2024-10-08T13:26:32.482417

FR

FR-2024-08-16/2024-16457

Federal Register Volume 89 Issue 159 (August 16, 2024)

United States National Archives and Records Administration Office of the Federal Register

[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 159 (Friday, August 16, 2024)] [Unknown Section] [Pages 66848-66855] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: 2024-16457] [[Page 66847]] Vol. 89 Friday, No. 159 August 16, 2024 Part XII Department of Transportation ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Semiannual Regulatory Agenda Federal Register / Vol. 89 , No. 159 / Friday, August 16, 2024 / UA: Reg Flex Agenda [[Page 66848]] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Office of the Secretary 14 CFR Chs. I-III 23 CFR Chs. I-III 33 CFR Chs. I and IV 46 CFR Chs. I-III 48 CFR Ch. 12 49 CFR Subtitle A, Chs. I-VI, and Chs. X-XII [DOT-OST-1999-5129] Department Regulatory and Deregulatory Agenda; Semiannual Summary AGENCY: Office of the Secretary, Department of Transportation (DOT). ACTION: Unified Agenda of Federal Regulatory and Deregulatory Actions (Regulatory Agenda). ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: The Regulatory Agenda is a semiannual summary of all current and projected rulemakings, reviews of existing regulations, and completed actions of the Department of Transportation. The Agenda provides the public information about the Department of Transportation's planned regulatory activity for the next 12 months. This information enables the public to participate in DOT's regulatory process. The public is encouraged to submit comments on any aspect of this Agenda. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Please direct all general comments and inquiries on the Agenda to Daniel Cohen, Assistant General Counsel for Regulation and Legislation, Office of the General Counsel, Department of Transportation, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590; (202) 366-4702. Please direct all comments and inquiries relative to specific items in the Agenda to the individual listed in the summary of each regulation. To obtain a copy of a specific regulatory document in the Agenda, you should communicate directly with the contact person listed with the regulation. We note that most such documents, including the Semiannual Regulatory Agenda, are available through the internet at http://www.regulations.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Purpose DOT is publishing this regulatory Agenda in the Federal Register to share with interested members of the public DOT's preliminary expectations regarding its future regulatory actions. This should enable the public to be more aware of DOT's regulatory activity and should result in more effective public participation. This publication in the Federal Register does not impose any binding obligation on DOT or any of the offices within DOT about any specific item on the Agenda. Regulatory action, in addition to the items listed, is not precluded. Public Outreach When developing regulations and establishing our regulatory priorities, the Department fosters active participation and engagement from members of the public and affected communities. In this section, we detail engagement efforts that have helped to inform our priorities to date, as well as future engagement tools we plan to use. The Department is ensuring that we hear from members of the public who have not typically participated in the regulatory process. In rulemakings to enhance the transparency of airline ancillary service fees and to improve the ticket refund process, the Office of the Secretary of Transportation (OST) hosted virtual public hearings to hear from the public. OST also engaged with the Aviation Consumer Protection Advisory Committee, which comprises representatives for airlines, airport operators, consumers, and state and local governments, on these rulemakings. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is planning a series of public listening sessions in summer 2024 in a rulemaking to update its methodology for determining whether a motor carrier is not fit to operate commercial motor vehicles. FMCSA also held listening sessions in a separate rulemaking dealing with automated driving system-equipped commercial motor vehicles. In addition, FMCSA has been engaged in activities to advance the voluntary adoption of automatic emergency braking systems (AEB) for heavy vehicles, primarily through the Tech-Celebrate Now (TCN) program. Initiated in September 2019 and completed in February 2022, the first phase of this program encompassed research into advanced driver assistance (ADAS) technology adoption barriers; a national outreach, educational, and awareness campaign; and data collection and analysis. Outreach accomplishments included development of training materials for fleets, drivers, and maintenance personnel related to AEB technology and return-on-investment (ROI) guides; educational videos on ADAS braking, steering, warning, and monitoring technologies; a web-based TCN ADAS-specific ROI calculator; four articles on ADAS technologies; and a program website to host the training materials. Planning is underway for the second phase of the TCN program, which includes an expanded national outreach and education campaign, additional research into the barriers to ADAS adoption by motor carriers, and evaluation of the outreach campaign. The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) held a virtual listening session to solicit stakeholder comments and suggestions on its bus testing program. In a separate rulemaking, FTA released a recorded webinar which provided an overview of the Rail Transit Roadway Worker Protection Notice of Proposed Rulemaking. In addition, FTA hosted three listening sessions on the Transit Worker Hours of Service and Fatigue Risk Management advance notice of proposed rulemaking (ANPRM). FTA has also presented on the ANPRM at various conferences such as the ThinkTransit Conference in Tucson, Arizona. The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) published its Notice of Proposed Amendments to the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices on December 14, 2020. The comment period was set to close on March 15, 2021. But halfway through the comment period, FHWA heard concerns from stakeholders that the scope and complexity of the proposal warranted an extension. In response, FHWA not only extended the comment period by an additional two months, but it also conducted a series of four public webinars that were also recorded and posted on FHWA's website to aid the public comment process. These webinars significantly increased the number and quality of comment submissions to the rulemaking docket. In a separate rulemaking, dealing with the tribal transportation program--bridge program, FHWA held numerous meetings and consultations with Tribal governments about the rulemaking. FHWA also published requests for information in the following three rulemakings: Update to National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Standards and Requirements, Application of Buy America to Manufactured Products, Incorporating Safety Into Federal-aid Programs and Projects. [[Page 66849]] Request for Comments General DOT's Agenda is intended primarily for the use of the public. Since its inception, DOT has made modifications and refinements that provide the public with more helpful information, as well as make the Agenda easier to use. We would like the public to make suggestions or comments on how the Agenda could be further improved. Regulatory Flexibility Act DOT has long recognized the importance of regularly reviewing its existing regulations to determine whether they need to be revised or revoked. Our Regulatory Policies and Procedures require such reviews. DOT also has responsibilities under section 610 of the Regulatory Flexibility Act, Executive Order 12866, ``Regulatory Planning and Review,'' and Executive Order 13563, ``Improving Regulation and Regulatory Review,'' 76 FR 3821 (January 18, 2011) to conduct such reviews. We are committed to continuing our reviews of existing rules and, if it is needed, will initiate rulemaking actions based on these reviews. Generally, each DOT operating administration divides its rules into 10 different groups and plans to analyze one group each year. In each Fall Agenda, each operating administration will publish the results of the analyses it has completed during the previous year. The most recent results appeared in DOT's Regulatory and Deregulatory Fall 2023 Agenda Preamble, which was published in the Federal Register on February 9, 2024. DOT is interested in obtaining information on requirements that have a ``significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities'' and, therefore, must be reviewed under the Regulatory Flexibility Act. Suggestions of regulations that should be reviewed should be submitted to DOT, along with an explanation of why they should be reviewed. Consultation With State, Local, and Tribal Governments Executive Orders 13132 and 13175 require DOT to develop a process to ensure ``meaningful and timely input'' by State, local, and Tribal officials in the development of regulatory policies that have federalism or tribal implications. These policies are defined in the Executive orders to include regulations that have ``substantial direct effects'' on States or Indian Tribes, on the relationship between the Federal Government and them, or on the distribution of power and responsibilities between the Federal Government and various levels of Government or Indian tribes. Therefore, we encourage State and local Governments or Indian Tribes to provide us with information about how DOT's rulemakings impact them. Subash Iyer, Acting General Counsel, Department of Transportation. Office of the Secretary--Completed Actions ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulation Sequence No. Title Identifier No. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 159....................... Refunding Airline Tickets 2105-AF04 and Ancillary Services Fees. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Federal Aviation Administration--Prerule Stage ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulation Sequence No. Title Identifier No. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 160....................... Aircraft Registration, 2120-AK37 Airman Certification, and Airman Medical Certificate Fees. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Federal Aviation Administration--Proposed Rule Stage ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulation Sequence No. Title Identifier No. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 161....................... Requirements to File 2120-AK77 Notice of Construction of Meteorological Evaluation Towers and Other Renewable Energy Projects (Section 610 Review). ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Federal Aviation Administration--Final Rule Stage ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulation Sequence No. Title Identifier No. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 162....................... Drug and Alcohol Testing 2120-AK09 of Certificated Repair Station Employees Located Outside of the United States. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Federal Aviation Administration--Long-Term Actions ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulation Sequence No. Title Identifier No. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 163....................... Regulation Of Flight 2120-AJ78 Operations Conducted By Alaska Guide Pilots. 164....................... Applying the Flight, Duty, 2120-AK26 and Rest Requirements to Ferry Flights that Follow Commuter or On-Demand Operations (FAA Reauthorization). 165....................... Helicopter Air Ambulance 2120-AK57 Pilot Training and Operational Requirements (HAA II) (FAA Reauthorization). 166....................... Registration and Marking 2120-AK82 Requirements for Small Unmanned Aircraft. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ [[Page 66850]] Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration--Proposed Rule Stage ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulation Sequence No. Title Identifier No. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 167....................... Self-Insurance Program 2126-AC58 Cost Recovery (Section 610 Review). ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration--Long-Term Actions ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulation Sequence No. Title Identifier No. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 168....................... Safety Monitoring System 2126-AA35 and Compliance Initiative for Mexico-Domiciled Motor Carriers Operating in the United States. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Federal Railroad Administration--Proposed Rule Stage ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulation Sequence No. Title Identifier No. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 169....................... Positive Train Control 2130-AC95 Systems (Section 610 Review). ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Federal Railroad Administration--Completed Actions ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulation Sequence No. Title Identifier No. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 170....................... Train Crew Size Safety 2130-AC88 Requirements (Completion of a Section 610 Review). ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration--Proposed Rule Stage ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulation Sequence No. Title Identifier No. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 171....................... Pipeline Safety: Pipeline 2137-AF52 Operational Status. 172....................... Pipeline Safety: Safety of 2137-AF53 Gas Distribution Pipelines and Other Pipeline Safety Initiatives. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration--Final Rule Stage ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulation Sequence No. Title Identifier No. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 173....................... Hazardous Materials: FAST 2137-AF21 Act Requirements for Real- Time Train Consist Information. 174....................... Pipeline Safety: Gas 2137-AF51 Pipeline Leak Detection and Repair. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Maritime Administration--Proposed Rule Stage ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulation Sequence No. Title Identifier No. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 175....................... Cargo Preference--U.S. 2133-AB97 Flag Vessels Regulatory Update (Section 610 Review). ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Maritime Administration--Final Rule Stage ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulation Sequence No. Title Identifier No. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 176....................... Establishing Safe and 2133-AB99 Secure Merchant Marine Training, Every Mariner Builds A Respectful Culture (EMBARC) (Section 610 Review). ------------------------------------------------------------------------ [[Page 66851]] DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION (DOT) Office of the Secretary (OST) Completed Actions 159. Refunding Airline Tickets and Ancillary Services Fees [2105-AF04] Legal Authority: 49 U.S.C. 41712; 49 U.S.C. 40101, 49 U.S.C.41702 Abstract: The Department of Transportation has consistently interpreted 49 U.S.C. 41712, which prohibits U.S. air carriers, foreign air carriers, and ticket agents from engaging in unfair practices in the sale of air transportation, to require carriers and ticket agents to provide requested refunds to passengers when a carrier cancels or significantly changes a flight to, from, or within the United States. This rulemaking would clarify that, under the Department's rule requiring airlines to provide prompt refunds when ticket refunds are due and its rule requiring ticket agents to make refunds promptly when service cannot be performed as contracted, carriers and ticket agents must provide prompt ticket refunds to passengers when a carrier cancels or makes a significant change to a flight. This rulemaking would define cancellation and significant change, including addressing whether new itineraries involving delays of a certain length or additional stops constitute a significant change requiring a refund. This rulemaking would also address protections for consumers who are unable to travel due to government restrictions. In addition, the rulemaking under RIN 2105-AE53 has been merged into this rulemaking. As such, this rulemaking would also require airlines to refund checked baggage fees when they fail to deliver the bags in a timely manner as provided by the FAA Extension, Safety and Security Act of 2016, and require airlines to promptly provide a refund to a passenger of any ancillary fees paid for services that the passenger did not receive as provided by the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018. Timetable: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Action Date FR Cite ------------------------------------------------------------------------ NPRM................................ 08/22/22 87 FR 51550 NPRM Comment Period End............. 11/21/22 Final Rule.......................... 04/26/24 89 FR 32760 Final Rule Effective................ 06/25/24 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No. Agency Contact: Blane A. Workie, Assistant General Counsel, Department of Transportation, Office of the Secretary, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590, Phone: 202-366-9342, Fax: 202-366- 7153, Email: [email protected]. RIN: 2105-AF04 DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION (DOT) Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Prerule Stage 160. Aircraft Registration, Airman Certification, and Airman Medical Certificate Fees [2120-AK37] Legal Authority: 31 U.S.C. 9701; 4 U.S.C. 1830; 49 U.S.C. 106(f); 49 U.S.C. 106(g); 49 U.S.C. 106(l)(6); 49 U.S.C. 40104; 49 U.S.C. 40105; 49 U.S.C. 40109; 49 U.S.C. 40113; 49 U.S.C. 40114; 49 U.S.C. 44101 to 44108; 49 U.S.C. 44110 to 44113; 49 U.S.C. 44701 to 44704; 49 U.S.C. 44707; 49 U.S.C. 44709 to 44711; 49 U.S.C. 44713; 49 U.S.C. 45102; 49 U.S.C. 45103; 49 U.S.C. 45301; 49 U.S.C. 45302; 49 U.S.C. 45305; 49 U.S.C. 46104; 49 U.S.C. 46301; Pub. L. 108-297, 118 Stat. 1095 Abstract: This rulemaking would establish fees for airman certificates, medical certificates, and provision of legal opinions pertaining to aircraft registration or recordation. This rulemaking also would revise existing fees for aircraft registration, recording of security interests in aircraft or aircraft parts, and replacement of an airman certificate. This rulemaking addresses provisions of the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012. This rulemaking is intended to recover the estimated costs of the various services and activities for which fees would be established or revised. Timetable: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Action Date FR Cite ------------------------------------------------------------------------ ANPRM............................... 07/00/24 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes. Agency Contact: Isra Raza, Department of Transportation, Federal Aviation Administration, 800 Independence Ave. SW, Washington, DC 20591, Phone: 202-267-8994, Email: [email protected]. RIN: 2120-AK37 DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION (DOT) Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Proposed Rule Stage 161. Requirements To File Notice of Construction of Meteorological Evaluation Towers and Other Renewable Energy Projects (Section 610 Review) [2120-AK77] Legal Authority: 49 U.S.C. 40103 Abstract: This rulemaking would add specific requirements for proponents who wish to construct meteorological evaluation towers at a height of 50 feet above ground level (AGL) up to 200 feet AGL to file notice of construction with the FAA. This rule also requires sponsors of wind turbines to provide certain specific data when filing notice of construction with the FAA. This rulemaking is a statutory mandate under section 2110 of the FAA Extension, Safety, and Security Act of 2016 (Pub. L. 114-190). Timetable: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Action Date FR Cite ------------------------------------------------------------------------ NPRM................................ 07/00/24 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No. Agency Contact: Juan Yanguas, Department of Transportation, Federal Aviation Administration, 800 Independence Ave NW, Washington, DC 20591, Phone: 202-267-1082, Email: [email protected]. RIN: 2120-AK77 DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION (DOT) Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Final Rule Stage 162. Drug and Alcohol Testing of Certificated Repair Station Employees Located Outside of the United States [2120-AK09] Legal Authority: 14 CFR; 49 U.S.C. 106(g); 49 U.S.C. 40113; 49 U.S.C. 44701; 49 U.S.C. 44702; 49 U.S.C. 44707; 49 U.S.C. 44709; 49 U.S.C. 44717 Abstract: This rulemaking would require controlled substance testing of some employees working in repair stations located outside the United States. The intended effect is to increase participation by companies outside of the United States in testing of employees who perform safety critical functions and testing standards similar to those used in the repair stations located in the United States. This rulemaking is a statutory mandate under [[Page 66852]] section 308(d) of the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 (Public Law 112-95). Timetable: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Action Date FR Cite ------------------------------------------------------------------------ ANPRM............................... 03/17/14 79 FR 14621 Comment Period Extended............. 05/01/14 79 FR 24631 ANPRM Comment Period End............ 05/16/14 Comment Period End.................. 07/17/14 NPRM................................ 12/07/23 88 FR 85137 NPRM Comment Period Extended........ 01/24/24 89 FR 4584 NPRM Comment Period End............. 02/05/24 End of Extended Comment Period...... 04/05/24 Final Rule.......................... 01/00/25 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes. Agency Contact: Julia Brady, Program Analyst, Program Policy Branch, Department of Transportation, Federal Aviation Administration, 800 Independence Ave SW, Washington, DC 20591, Phone: 202-267-8083, Email: [email protected]. RIN: 2120-AK09 DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION (DOT) Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Long-Term Actions 163. Regulation of Flight Operations Conducted by Alaska Guide Pilots [2120-AJ78] Legal Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g); 49 U.S.C. 1153; 49 U.S.C. 1155; 49 U.S.C. 40101 to 40103; 49 U.S.C. 40113; 49 U.S.C. 40120; 49 U.S.C. 44101; 49 U.S.C. 44105 to 44016; 49 U.S.C. 44111; 49 U.S.C. 44701 to 44717; 49 U.S.C. 44722; 49 U.S.C. 44901; 49 U.S.C. 44903 to 44904; 49 U.S.C. 44906; 49 U.S.C. 44912; 49 U.S.C. 44914; 49 U.S.C. 44936; 49 U.S.C. 44938; 49 U.S.C. 46103; 49 U.S.C. 46105; 49 U.S.C. 46306; 49 U.S.C. 46315 to 46316; 49 U.S.C. 46504; 49 U.S.C. 46506 to 46507; 49 U.S.C. 47122; 49 U.S.C. 47508; 49 U.S.C. 47528 to 47531; Articles 12 and 29 of 61 Statue 1180; P.L. 106-181, Sec. 732 Abstract: The rulemaking would establish regulations concerning Alaska guide pilot operations. The rulemaking would implement Congressional legislation and establish additional safety requirements for the conduct of these operations. The intended effect of this rulemaking is to enhance the level of safety for persons and property transported in Alaska guide pilot operations. In addition, the rulemaking would add a general provision applicable to pilots operating under the general operating and flight rules concerning falsification, reproduction, and alteration of applications, logbooks, reports, or records. This rulemaking is a statutory mandate under section 732 of the Wendell H. Ford Aviation Investment and Reform Act for the 21st Century, (Pub. L. 106-181). Timetable: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Action Date FR Cite ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Next Action Undetermined............ To Be Determined ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Agency Contact: Jeff Smith, Department of Transportation, Federal Aviation Administration, 800 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20785, Phone: 202 365-3617, Email: [email protected]. RIN: 2120-AJ78 164. Applying the Flight, Duty, and Rest Requirements To Ferry Flights That Follow Commuter or On-Demand Operations (FAA Reauthorization) [2120-AK26] Legal Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(f); 49 U.S.C. 106(g); 49 U.S.C. 1153; 49 U.S.C. 40101; 49 U.S.C. 40102; 49 U.S.C. 40103; 49 U.S.C. 40113; 49 U.S.C. 41706; 49 U.S.C. 44105; 49 U.S.C. 44106; 49 U.S.C. 44111; 49 U.S.C. 44701 to 44717; 49 U.S.C. 44722; 49 U.S.C. 44901; 49 U.S.C. 44903; 49 U.S.C. 44904; 49 U.S.C. 44906; 49 U.S.C. 44912; 49 U.S.C. 44914; 49 U.S.C. 44936; 49 U.S.C. 44938; 49 U.S.C. 45101 to 45105; 49 U.S.C. 46103 Abstract: This rulemaking would require a flight crew member who is employed by an air carrier conducting operations under part 135, and who accepts an additional assignment for flying under part 91 from the air carrier or from any other air carrier conducting operations under part 121 or 135, to apply the period of the additional assignment toward any limitation applicable to the flight crew member relating to duty periods or flight times under part 135. Timetable: Next Action Undetermined. Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes. Agency Contact: Chester Piolunek, Department of Transportation, Federal Aviation Administration, 800 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20591, Phone: 202-267-3711, Email: [email protected]. RIN: 2120-AK26 165. Helicopter Air Ambulance Pilot Training and Operational Requirements (HAA II) (FAA Reauthorization) [2120-AK57] Legal Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(f); 49 U.S.C. 106(g); 49 U.S.C. 40113; 49 U.S.C. 41706; 49 U.S.C. 44701; 49 U.S.C. 44702; 49 U.S.C. 44705; 49 U.S.C. 44709; 49 U.S.C. 44711 to 44713; 49 U.S.C. 44715 to 44717; 49 U.S.C. 44722; 49 U.S.C. 44730; 49 U.S.C. 45101 to 45105 Abstract: This rulemaking would develop training requirements for crew resource management, flight risk evaluation, and operational control of the pilot in command, as well as to develop standards for the use of flight simulation training devices and line-oriented flight training. Additionally, it would establish requirements for the use of safety equipment for flight crewmembers and flight nurses. These changes will aide in the increase in aviation safety and increase survivability in the event of an accident. Without these changes, the Helicopter Air Ambulance industry may continue to see the unacceptable high rate of aircraft accidents. This rulemaking is a statutory mandate under section 306(e) of the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 (Pub. L. 112-95). Timetable: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Action Date FR Cite ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Next Action Undetermined............ To Be Determined ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes. Agency Contact: Chris Holliday, Department of Transportation, Federal Aviation Administration, 800 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20591, Phone: 202 267-4552, Email: [email protected]. RIN: 2120-AK57 166. Registration and Marking Requirements for Small Unmanned Aircraft [2120-AK82] Legal Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(f), 49 U.S.C. 41703, 44101-44106, 44110-44113, and 44701 Abstract: This rulemaking would provide an alternative, streamlined and simple, web-based aircraft registration process for the registration of small unmanned aircraft, including small unmanned aircraft operated exclusively for limited recreational operations, to facilitate compliance with the statutory requirement that all aircraft register [[Page 66853]] prior to operation. It would also provide a simpler method for marking small unmanned aircraft that is more appropriate for these aircraft. This action responds to public comments received regarding the proposed registration process in the Operation and Certification of Small Unmanned Aircraft notice of proposed rulemaking, the request for information regarding unmanned aircraft system registration, and the recommendations from the Unmanned Aircraft System Registration Task Force. Timetable: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Action Date FR Cite ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Interim Final Rule.................. 12/16/15 80 FR 78593 Interim Final Rule Effective........ 12/21/15 OMB Approval of Information 12/21/15 80 FR 79255 Collection. Interim Final Rule Comment Period 01/15/16 End. Final Rule.......................... 08/00/25 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes. Agency Contact: Bonnie Lefko, Department of Transportation, Federal Aviation Administration, 6500 South MacArthur Boulevard, Room 118, Registry Building 26, Oklahoma City, OK 73169, Phone: 866 762-9434, Email: [email protected]. RIN: 2120-AK82 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION (DOT) Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) Proposed Rule Stage 167. Self-Insurance Program Cost Recovery (Section 610 Review) [2126- AC58] Legal Authority: 31 U.S.C. 9701 and 49 U.S.C. 13906(d); 49 U.S.C. 13908(d) Abstract: FMCSA will propose to amend fees collected for the processing of new self-insurance applications and add new fees for ongoing monitoring of carrier compliance with the self-insurance program requirements. Application fees will be directed to FMCSA's Licensing and Insurance (L&I) Account while monitoring fees must be sent to the Treasury. This rulemaking will amend 49 CFR 360.3T/360.3 to ensure that the limited number of primarily large motor carriers that benefit from the program bear a proportionate cost of participating in the program. FMCSA may also need to amend 49 CFR 360.5T/360.5 to reflect any specific updates to the user fee methodology that are required by this rulemaking. Timetable: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Action Date FR Cite ------------------------------------------------------------------------ NPRM................................ 06/00/25 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No. Agency Contact: Kenneth Riddle, Office Director, Department of Transportation, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, W65-308, Washington, DC 20590, Phone: 202 366-9616, Email: [email protected]. RIN: 2126-AC58 DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION (DOT) Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) Long-Term Actions 168. Safety Monitoring System and Compliance Initiative for Mexico- Domiciled Motor Carriers Operating in the United States [2126-AA35] Legal Authority: Pub. L. 107-87, sec. 350; 49 U.S.C. 113; 49 U.S.C. 31136; 49 U.S.C. 31144; 49 U.S.C. 31502; 49 U.S.C. 504; 49 U.S.C. 5113; 49 U.S.C. 521(b)(5)(A) Abstract: This rule would implement a safety monitoring system and compliance initiative designed to evaluate the continuing safety fitness of all Mexico-domiciled carriers within 18 months after receiving a provisional Certificate of Registration or provisional authority to operate in the United States. It also would establish suspension and revocation procedures for provisional Certificates of Registration and operating authority, and incorporate criteria to be used by FMCSA in evaluating whether Mexico-domiciled carriers exercise basic safety management controls. The interim rule included requirements that were not proposed in the NPRM but which are necessary to comply with the FY-2002 DOT Appropriations Act. On January 16, 2003, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals remanded this rule, along with two other NAFTA-related rules, to the agency, requiring a full environmental impact statement and an analysis required by the Clean Air Act. On June 7, 2004, the Supreme Court reversed the Ninth Circuit and remanded the case, holding that FMCSA is not required to prepare the environmental documents. FMCSA originally planned to publish a final rule by November 28, 2003. Timetable: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Action Date FR Cite ------------------------------------------------------------------------ NPRM................................ 05/03/01 66 FR 22415 NPRM Comment Period End............. 07/02/01 Interim Final Rule.................. 03/19/02 67 FR 12758 Interim Final Rule Comment Period 04/18/02 End. Interim Final Rule Effective........ 05/03/02 Notice of Intent to Prepare an EIS.. 08/26/03 68 FR 51322 EIS Public Scoping Meetings......... 10/08/03 68 FR 58162 Next Action Undetermined............ ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes. Agency Contact: Crystal Williams, Department of Transportation, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590, Phone: 202 366-0596, Email: [email protected]. RIN: 2126-AA35 BILLING CODE 4910-EX-P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION (DOT) Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) Proposed Rule Stage 169. Positive Train Control Systems (Section 610 Review) [2130-AC95] Legal Authority: 49 U.S.C. 20103; 49 U.S.C. 20157 Abstract: This rulemaking will amend FRA's PTC regulations--Title 49 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) part 236, subpart I--to accomplish two objectives: (1) improve FRA's oversight of the performance of PTC technology by clarifying and expanding certain reporting requirements, and (2) provide a clear framework under which railroads may safely operate without PTC technology, subject to operating restrictions and other requirements, in certain necessary situations. FRA has found that its existing PTC regulations do not provide sufficient flexibility to railroads to continue operating following initialization failures or in cases where a PTC system needs to be temporarily disabled during repair, maintenance, infrastructure upgrades, or capital projects. Previously, FRA's regulations provided railroads with flexibility that expired on December 31, 2022, and this rulemaking will reintroduce a certain flexibility [[Page 66854]] regarding initialization failures, establish additional parameters and operating restrictions under which railroads may continue to operate safely, and codify an existing process for FRA's approval of temporary PTC system outages related to repair, maintenance, infrastructure upgrades, and capital projects. In addition, this rulemaking will create a new exception to permit non-revenue passenger trains to operate to yards or maintenance facilities, without being governed by PTC technology, under certain conditions. Timetable: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Action Date FR Cite ------------------------------------------------------------------------ NPRM................................ 08/00/24 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No. Agency Contact: Amanda Maizel, Attorney Adviser, Department of Transportation, Federal Railroad Administration, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590, Phone: 202 308-3753, Email: [email protected]. RIN: 2130-AC95 DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION (DOT) Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) Completed Actions 170. Train Crew Size Safety Requirements (Completion of a Section 610 Review) [2130-AC88] Legal Authority: 49 CFR 1.89(a); 49 U.S.C. 20103 Abstract: This rulemaking would address the potential safety impact of one-person train operations, including appropriate measures to mitigate an accident's impact and severity, and the patchwork of State laws concerning minimum crew staffing requirements. This rulemaking would address the issue of minimum requirements for the size of train crews, depending on the type of operations. Timetable: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Action Date FR Cite ------------------------------------------------------------------------ NPRM................................ 07/28/22 87 FR 45564 NPRM Comment Period End............. 09/26/22 Final Rule.......................... 04/09/24 89 FR 25052 Final Action Effective.............. 06/10/24 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes. Agency Contact: Amanda Maizel, Attorney Adviser, Department of Transportation, Federal Railroad Administration, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590, Phone: 202 308-3753, Email: [email protected]. RIN: 2130-AC88 BILLING CODE 4910-06-P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION (DOT) Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) Proposed Rule Stage 171. Pipeline Safety: Pipeline Operational Status [2137-AF52] Legal Authority: 49 U.S.C. 60101 et seq. Abstract: This rulemaking would amend the pipeline safety regulations to define an idled operational status for natural gas and hazardous liquid pipelines that are temporarily removed from service, set operations and maintenance requirements for idled pipelines, and establish inspection requirements for idled pipelines that are returned to service. The proposed rule is necessary to respond to a mandate from the Protecting our Infrastructure of Pipelines and Enhancing Safety Act of 2020. Timetable: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Action Date FR Cite ------------------------------------------------------------------------ NPRM................................ 12/00/24 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes. Agency Contact: Anna Setzer, Transportation Specialist, Department of Transportation, Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590, Phone: 202-366-4098, Email: [email protected]. RIN: 2137-AF52 172. Pipeline Safety: Safety of Gas Distribution Pipelines and Other Pipeline Safety Initiatives [2137-AF53] Legal Authority: 49 U.S.C. 60101 et seq. Abstract: This rulemaking would amend the pipeline safety regulations to enhance the safety requirements for gas distribution pipelines. The proposed rule is necessary to respond to several mandates from Title II of the Protecting our Infrastructure of Pipelines and Enhancing Safety Act of 2020 (PIPES Act of 2020). Timetable: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Action Date FR Cite ------------------------------------------------------------------------ NPRM................................ 09/07/23 88 FR 61746 NPRM Comment Period End............. 11/06/23 Analyzing Comments.................. 04/00/25 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes. Agency Contact: Robert Jagger, Technical Writer, Department of Transportation, Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590, Phone: 202 366-4361, Email: [email protected]. RIN: 2137-AF53 DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION (DOT) Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) Final Rule Stage 173. Hazardous Materials: FAST Act Requirements for Real-Time Train Consist Information [2137-AF21] Legal Authority: 49 U.S.C. 5101 et seq. Abstract: This rulemaking action responds to the Fixing America's Surface Transportation (FAST) Act of 2015, which directs the Secretary of Transportation to require railroads that transport hazardous materials to generate accurate, real-time, and electronic train consist information. The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021 amended Section 7302 of the FAST Act to remove the provision requiring railroads to provide electronic train consist information to fusion centers and instead require the electronic train consist information be provided to emergency response officials responding to or investigating an incident involving the transportation of hazardous materials by rail. Timetable: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Action Date FR Cite ------------------------------------------------------------------------ ANPRM............................... 01/19/17 82 FR 6451 ANPRM Comment Period End............ 04/19/17 NPRM................................ 06/27/23 88 FR 41541 NPRM Comment Period End............. 08/28/23 Final Rule.......................... 07/00/24 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes. Agency Contact: Eamonn Patrick, Transportation Specialist, Department of Transportation, Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20590, [[Page 66855]] Phone: 202 366-8553, Email: [email protected]. RIN: 2137-AF21 174. Pipeline Safety: Gas Pipeline Leak Detection and Repair [2137- AF51] Legal Authority: 49 U.S.C. 60101 et seq. Abstract: This rulemaking would amend the pipeline safety regulations to enhance requirements for detecting and repairing leaks on new and existing natural gas distribution, gas transmission, and gas gathering pipelines. The proposed rule is necessary to respond to a mandate from Section 113 of the Protecting our Infrastructure of Pipelines and Enhancing Safety Act of 2020. Timetable: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Action Date FR Cite ------------------------------------------------------------------------ NPRM................................ 05/18/23 88 FR 31890 NPRM Comment Period End............. 07/17/23 Final Rule.......................... 01/00/25 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes. Agency Contact: Sayler Palabrica, Department of Transportation, Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, District of Columbia, DC 20590, Phone: 202-366-0559, Email: [email protected]. RIN: 2137-AF51 BILLING CODE 4910-60-P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION (DOT) Maritime Administration (MARAD) Proposed Rule Stage 175. Cargo Preference--U.S. Flag Vessels Regulatory Update (Section 610 Review) [2133-AB97] Legal Authority: FY23 NDAA, Pub. L. 117-263, 46 U.S.C. 55305. Abstract: The purpose of this rulemaking is to respond to a statutory directive in section 3502 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 (FY23 NDAA) requiring MARAD to issue a final rule to implement and enforce the cargo preference requirements in 46 U.S.C. 55305(d). Timetable: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Action Date FR Cite ------------------------------------------------------------------------ NPRM................................ 06/00/25 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No. Agency Contact: Mitch Hudson, Senior Attorney, Department of Transportation, Maritime Administration, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590, Phone: 202 366-9373, Email: [email protected]. RIN: 2133-AB97 DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION (DOT) Maritime Administration (MARAD) Final Rule Stage 176. Establishing Safe and Secure Merchant Marine Training, Every Mariner Builds a Respectful Culture (EMBARC) (Section 610 Review) [2133-AB99] Legal Authority: 46 U.S.C. 50101, 46 U.S.C. 51103, 46 U.S.C. 51322, 46 U.S.C. 57100, 49 CFR 1.93 Abstract: The purpose of this rule is to provide for a safe and secure work environment for U.S. Merchant Marine Academy and State Maritime Academy cadets assigned to a vessel for training or educational purposes and to provide for the operation of a safe and efficient United States Merchant Marine through the prevention of, and response to prohibited behavior such as assault, rape, sexual assault, relationship violence, stalking, harassment of any kind, including gender-based and sexual harassment, retaliation, and discrimination. Timetable: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Action Date FR Cite ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Interim Final Rule.................. 10/00/24 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No. Agency Contact: Mitch Hudson, Senior Attorney, Department of Transportation, Maritime Administration, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590, Phone: 202 366-9373, Email: [email protected]. RIN: 2133-AB99 [FR Doc. 2024-16457 Filed 8-15-24; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-81-P

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