[Federal Register Volume 75, Number 79 (Monday, April 26, 2010)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 21729-21747]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2010-8928]
[[Page 21729]]
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Part III
Department of Agriculture
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###Semiannual Regulatory Agenda###
[[Page 21730]]
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA)
_______________________________________________________________________
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Office of the Secretary
7 CFR Subtitle A, Chs. I-VII, IX-XII, XIV-XVIII, XXI, XXIV-XXIX
9 CFR Chs. I-IV
36 CFR Ch. II
41 CFR Ch. 4
Semiannual Regulatory Agenda, Spring 2010
AGENCY: Office of the Secretary, USDA.
ACTION: Semiannual regulatory agenda.
_______________________________________________________________________
SUMMARY: This agenda provides summary descriptions of significant and
not significant regulations being developed in agencies of the U.S.
Department of Agriculture (USDA) in conformance with Executive Order
12866 ``Regulatory Planning and Review.''
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 Michael Poe, Office of Budget and Program Analysis, U.S.
Department of Agriculture, Washington, DC 20250, (202) 720-3275.
Dated: March 9, 2010.
Michael Poe,
Chief, Legislative and Regulatory Staff.
Agricultural Marketing Service--Proposed Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulation
Sequence Title Identifier
Number Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 National Organic Program: Dairy Replacement Animals (Livestock)....................... 0581-AC69
2 National Organic Program, Sunset (2011) (Crops and Processing) (TM-07-14)............. 0581-AC77
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Agricultural Marketing Service--Final Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulation
Sequence Title Identifier
Number Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3 National Dairy Promotion and Research Program; Dairy Import Assessments............... 0581-AC87
4 National Organic Program: Amendments to the National List (Crops, Livestock, and 0581-AC91
Processing) TM-08-06..................................................................
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Agricultural Marketing Service--Completed Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulation
Sequence Title Identifier
Number Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
5 National Organic Program: Access to Pasture, TM-05-14................................. 0581-AC57
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Farm Service Agency--Proposed Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulation
Sequence Title Identifier
Number Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
6 Emergency Forest Restoration Program.................................................. 0560-AH89
7 Biomass Crop Assistance Program....................................................... 0560-AH92
8 Farm Loan Programs Loan Making Activities............................................. 0560-AI03
9 Conservation Loan Guarantee Program................................................... 0560-AI04
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[[Page 21731]]
Farm Service Agency--Final Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulation
Sequence Title Identifier
Number Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
10 Loan Servicing; Farm Loan Programs.................................................... 0560-AI05
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service--Proposed Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulation
Sequence Title Identifier
Number Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
11 Animal Welfare: Marine Mammals; Nonconsensus Language and Interactive Programs 0579-AB24
(Rulemaking Resulting From a Section 610 Review)......................................
12 Animal Welfare; Regulations and Standards for Birds................................... 0579-AC02
13 Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy; Importation of Bovines and Bovine Products.......... 0579-AC68
14 Viral Hemorrhagic Septicemia; Interstate Movement and Import Restrictions on Certain 0579-AC74
Live Fish.............................................................................
15 Importation of Lemons From Northwest Argentina........................................ 0579-AC79
16 Scrapie in Sheep and Goats............................................................ 0579-AC92
17 Plant Pest Regulations; Update of General Provisions.................................. 0579-AC98
18 Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy and Scrapie; Importation of Small Ruminants and Their 0579-AD10
Germplasm, Products, and Byproducts...................................................
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service--Final Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulation
Sequence Title Identifier
Number Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
19 Importation of Plants for Planting; Establishing a New Category of Plants for Planting 0579-AC03
Not Authorized for Importation Pending Risk Assessment (Rulemaking Resulting From a
Section 610 Review)...................................................................
20 Citrus Canker; Compensation for Certified Citrus Nursery Stock........................ 0579-AC05
21 Citrus Canker; Quarantine of the State of Florida..................................... 0579-AC07
22 Importation of Poultry and Poultry Products From Regions Affected With Highly 0579-AC36
Pathogenic Avian Influenza............................................................
23 Citrus Greening and Asian Citrus Psyllid; Quarantine and Interstate Movement 0579-AC85
Regulations...........................................................................
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Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service--Long-Term Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulation
Sequence Title Identifier
Number Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
24 Phytosanitary Certificates for Imported Fruits and Vegetables......................... 0579-AB18
25 Phytophthora Ramorum; Quarantine and Regulations...................................... 0579-AB82
26 Boll Weevil; Quarantine and Regulations............................................... 0579-AB91
27 Minimum Age Requirements for the Transport of Animals................................. 0579-AC14
28 Introduction of Organisms and Products Altered or Produced Through Genetic Engineering 0579-AC31
29 Animal Welfare; Climatic and Environmental Conditions for Transportation of Warm- 0579-AC41
Blooded Animals Other Than Marine Mammals.............................................
30 Handling of Animals; Contingency Plans................................................ 0579-AC69
31 Light Brown Apple Moth Quarantine..................................................... 0579-AC71
32 Sirex Woodwasp; Quarantine and Regulations............................................ 0579-AC86
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Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service--Completed Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulation
Sequence Title Identifier
Number Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
33 Foot-and-Mouth Disease; Payment of Indemnity.......................................... 0579-AB34
34 Tuberculosis in Cattle; Import Requirements (Completion of a Section 610 Review)...... 0579-AB44
35 Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy; Minimal-Risk Regions and Importation of Commodities; 0579-AB97
Unsealing of Means of Conveyance and Transloading of Products.........................
[[Page 21732]]
36 National Veterinary Accreditation Program (Completion of a Section 610 Review)........ 0579-AC04
37 Agricultural Inspection and AQI User Fees Along the U.S./Canada Border................ 0579-AC06
38 Tuberculosis in Cattle; Import Requirements for Roping Steers......................... 0579-AC50
39 Importation of Cattle From Mexico; Addition of Port at San Luis, Arizona.............. 0579-AC63
40 Importation of Grapes From Chile Under a Systems Approach............................. 0579-AC82
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Rural Housing Service--Final Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulation
Sequence Title Identifier
Number Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
41 Guaranteed Single-Family Housing...................................................... 0575-AC18
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Food Safety and Inspection Service--Proposed Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulation
Sequence Title Identifier
Number Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
42 Mandatory Inspection of Catfish and Catfish Products.................................. 0583-AD36
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Food Safety and Inspection Service--Final Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulation
Sequence Title Identifier
Number Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
43 Performance Standards for the Production of Processed Meat and Poultry Products; 0583-AC46
Control of Listeria Monocytogenes in Ready-To-Eat Meat and Poultry Products...........
44 Federal-State Interstate Shipment Cooperative Inspection Program...................... 0583-AD37
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Forest Service--Proposed Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulation
Sequence Title Identifier
Number Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
45 Special Areas; State-Specific Inventoried Roadless Area Management: Colorado.......... 0596-AC74
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Office of the Secretary--Proposed Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulation
Sequence Title Identifier
Number Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
46 Designation of Biobased Items for Federal Procurement, Round 7........................ 0503-AA36
47 Designation of Biobased Items for Federal Procurement, Round 8........................ 0503-AA39
48 Revised Program Guidelines............................................................ 0503-AA40
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Office of the Secretary--Final Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regulation
Sequence Title Identifier
Number Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
49 Voluntary Labeling Program for Designated Biobased Products........................... 0503-AA35
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BILLING CODE 3410-90-S
[[Page 21733]]
_______________________________________________________________________
Department of Agriculture (USDA) Proposed Rule Stage
Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS)
_______________________________________________________________________
1. NATIONAL ORGANIC PROGRAM: DAIRY REPLACEMENT ANIMALS (LIVESTOCK)
Legal Authority: 7 USC 6501
Abstract: The National Organic Program (NOP) is administered by the
Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS). Under the NOP, AMS established
national standards for the production and handling of organically
produced products. Since implementation of the NOP, some members of the
public have advocated for amending the regulations for sourcing dairy
replacement animals. They have asserted that the current regulatory
language on sourcing dairy replacement animals lacks clarity, has
established an inequitable two track system, and has harmed organic
dairy producers by creating an environment that has prevented the
development of a market for organic dairy replacement animals. They
seek amendment to the regulations to require that once a dairy
operation has converted to organic production all future animals be
organic from the last third of gestation.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action Date FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
NPRM 08/00/10
Final Action 03/00/11
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: Shannon H. Nally, Acting Director, Standards Division,
NOP, Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Marketing Service, Room
2646-South Building, 14th & Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC
20250
Phone: 202 720-3252
Email: [email protected]
RIN: 0581-AC69
_______________________________________________________________________
2. NATIONAL ORGANIC PROGRAM, SUNSET (2011) (CROPS AND PROCESSING) (TM-
07-14)
Legal Authority: 7 USC 6501
Abstract: The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is amending
regulations pertaining to the National List of Allowed and Prohibited
Substances. As required by the National Organic Foods Production Act of
1990, the allowed use of the 12 synthetic and non-synthetic substances
in organic production and handling will expire on September 12, 2011.
The AMS published an advance notice of proposed rulemaking to make the
public aware of this requirement. AMS believes that public comment is
essential in the review process to determine whether these substances
should continue to be allowed or prohibited in the production and
handling of organic agricultural products.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action Date FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
ANPRM 03/14/08 73 FR 13795
ANPRM Comment Period End 05/13/08
NPRM 10/00/10
Final Action 08/00/11
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: Shannon H. Nally, Acting Director, Standards Division,
NOP, Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Marketing Service, Room
2646-South Building, 14th & Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC
20250
Phone: 202 720-3252
Email: [email protected]
RIN: 0581-AC77
_______________________________________________________________________
Department of Agriculture (USDA) Final Rule Stage
Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS)
_______________________________________________________________________
3. NATIONAL DAIRY PROMOTION AND RESEARCH PROGRAM; DAIRY IMPORT
ASSESSMENTS
Legal Authority: 7 USC 4501 to 4514; 7 USC 7401
Abstract: The Dairy Act authorizes the Order for dairy product
promotion, research, and nutrition education as part of a comprehensive
strategy to increase human consumption of milk and dairy products and
to reduce milk surpluses. The program functions to strengthen the dairy
industry's position in the marketplace by maintaining and expanding
domestic and foreign consumption of fluid milk and dairy products.
Amendments to the Order are pursuant to the 2002 and 2008 Farm Bills.
The 2002 Farm Bill mandates that the Order be amended to implement an
assessment on imported dairy products to fund promotion and research.
The 2008 Farm Bill specifies a mandatory assessment rate of 7.5-cent
per hundredweight of milk, or equivalent thereof, on dairy products
imported into the United States. Additionally, in accordance with the
2008 Farm Bill, the term ``United States'' is the Dairy Act is amended
to mean all States, the District of Columbia, and the Commonwealth of
Puerto Rico. Producers in these areas will be assessed 15 cents per
hundredweight for all milk produced and marketed.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action Date FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
NPRM 05/19/09 74 FR 23359
NPRM Comment Period End 06/18/09
Final Action 10/00/10
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: Whitney Rick, Promotion and Research Branch Chief,
Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Marketing Service, 1400
Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 720-6909
Fax: 202 720-0285
Email: [email protected]
RIN: 0581-AC87
_______________________________________________________________________
4. NATIONAL ORGANIC PROGRAM: AMENDMENTS TO THE NATIONAL LIST (CROPS,
LIVESTOCK, AND PROCESSING) TM-08-06
Legal Authority: 7 USC 6517 and 6518
Abstract: The Agricultural Marketing Service is amending the National
List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances contained in the National
Organic Program regulations. This rule would add six new substances and
remove one from the list.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action Date FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
NPRM 06/03/09 74 FR 26591
NPRM Comment Period End 08/03/09
Final Action 06/00/10
[[Page 21734]]
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: Shannon H. Nally, Acting Director, Standards Division,
NOP, Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Marketing Service, Room
2646-South Building, 14th & Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC
20250
Phone: 202 720-3252
Email: [email protected]
RIN: 0581-AC91
_______________________________________________________________________
Department of Agriculture (USDA) Completed Actions
Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS)
_______________________________________________________________________
5. NATIONAL ORGANIC PROGRAM: ACCESS TO PASTURE, TM-05-14
Legal Authority: 7 USC 6501 et seq
Abstract: The National Organic Program (NOP) is administered by the
Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS). Under the NOP, AMS established
national standards for the production and handling of organically
produced agricultural products. Since implementation of the NOP, some
members of the public have advocated for a more explicit regulatory
standard on the relationship between livestock, particularly dairy
animals, and grazing land. They have asserted the current regulatory
language on access to pasture for ruminants and temporary confinement
based on an animal's stage of production, when applied together, do not
provide a uniform requirement for the pasturing of ruminant animals
that meet the principles underlying an organic management system for
livestock and livestock products that consumers expect. Comments
received as a result of the proposed rule will assist in determining
the Agency's next steps in rulemaking on this issue.
Completed:
________________________________________________________________________
Reason Date FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
Final Action: Comments Requested02/17/10 75 FR 7154
Comments Due 04/19/10 75 FR 7154
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: Shannon H. Nally
Phone: 202 720-3252
Email: [email protected]
RIN: 0581-AC57
BILLING CODE 3410--02--S
_______________________________________________________________________
Department of Agriculture (USDA) Proposed Rule Stage
Farm Service Agency (FSA)
_______________________________________________________________________
6. EMERGENCY FOREST RESTORATION PROGRAM
Legal Authority: PL 110-246
Abstract: We are adding a new subpart to the regulations in 7 CFR part
701 to implement the Emergency Forest Restoration Program (EFRP), which
was authorized by the 2008 Farm Bill. EFRP will provide cost-share
funding to owners of nonindustrial private forest land to restore the
land after the land is damaged by a natural disaster. The damaged land
must have had a tree cover immediately before the natural disaster. The
2008 Farm Bill authorized such funds as may be necessary to be
appropriated to carry out this program; the appropriated amounts are to
remain available until expended.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action Date FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
NPRM 10/00/10
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: Deirdre Holder, Director, Regulatory Review Group,
Department of Agriculture, Farm Service Agency, 1400 Independence
Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0572
Phone: 202 205-5851
Fax: 202 720-5233
Email: [email protected]
RIN: 0560-AH89
_______________________________________________________________________
7. BIOMASS CROP ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
Legal Authority: PL 110-246
Abstract: We are adding a new regulation to implement the Biomass Crop
Assistance Program (BCAP) as required by the 2008 Farm Bill. We will
collaborate with USDA/Rural Development (RD), private industry and
agricultural and forest land owners to support the evaluation and
selection of BCAP project areas. BCAP project areas must include a
commitment to use local production; evidence of sufficient equity (if
the facility is not operational at the time of proposal); anticipated
economic impacts; opportunities for local ownership; the participation
rate by beginning and socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers; the
impact on soil, water, and related resources; and the variety in
biomass production approaches. FSA will partner with RD, which has
capability and responsibility, including the potential for providing
funding for proposed biomass conversion facility, regarding BCAP
project area evaluation and selection. After BCAP project area
selection, FSA, acting on behalf of the Commodity Credit Corporation
(CCC), may enter into contracts with BCAP project area producers for a
term of up to 5 years for annual and perennial crops, and up to 15
years for woody biomass.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action Date FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
Notice 10/01/08 73 FR 57047
Notice-EIS 05/13/09
Notice Comment Period End 06/12/09
Notice-NOFA 06/11/09 74 FR 27767
Notice Comment Period End 08/10/09
Notice-EIS 08/10/09 74 FR 39915
Notice Comment Period End 09/24/09
NPRM 02/08/10 75 FR 6264
NPRM Comment Period End 04/09/10
Final Rule 09/00/10
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: Deirdre Holder, Director, Regulatory Review Group,
Department of Agriculture, Farm
[[Page 21735]]
Service Agency, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0572
Phone: 202 205-5851
Fax: 202 720-5233
Email: [email protected]
RIN: 0560-AH92
_______________________________________________________________________
8. FARM LOAN PROGRAMS LOAN MAKING ACTIVITIES
Legal Authority: PL 110-246
Abstract: The rule will implement the provisions of the 2008 Farm Bill
that affect Farm Loan Programs (FLP) Loan Making Division (LMD); there
is discretion involved in the implementation. The sections being
implemented are: 5001, Direct Loans; 5005, Beginning Farmer or Rancher
and Socially Disadvantaged Farmer or Rancher Contract Land Sales
Program Down Payment Loan Program; 5101, Farming Experience as an
Eligibility Requirement; 5201, Eligibility of Equine Farmers and
Ranchers for Emergency Loans; 5301, Beginning Farmer and Rancher
Individual Development Accounts Pilot Program; and 5501, Loans to
Purchase Highly Fractionated Land.
A Beginning Farmer and Rancher Individual Development Accounts five-
year pilot program will be established in at least 15 States. The
program entails FSA making grants to qualified nonprofit organizations
who then deliver the program to eligible participants. Grantees must
match 50 percent of the grant received. Under the program, qualified,
low-income beginning farmers or prospective beginning farmers would
establish saving accounts with a monthly deposit plan administered by
the grantees. The program funds must match the participants' deposits
at a minimum of 100 percent and a maximum of 200 percent. Participants
must use the savings account funds toward the purchase of farmland,
livestock, or similar farm start-up/operating expenses. The program
must be operated by and in conjunction with FSA farm loan programs. The
initial applications for the program must be approved no more than one
year after the law is enacted. The program is not mandatory; an
appropriation of up to $5 million annually is authorized to fund the
program.
Individual tribal members will be allowed to qualify for Indian Land
Acquisition loans.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action Date FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
NPRM 04/00/10
NPRM Comment Period End 06/00/10
Final Rule 09/00/10
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: Deirdre Holder, Director, Regulatory Review Group,
Department of Agriculture, Farm Service Agency, 1400 Independence
Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0572
Phone: 202 205-5851
Fax: 202 720-5233
Email: [email protected]
RIN: 0560-AI03
_______________________________________________________________________
9. CONSERVATION LOAN GUARANTEE PROGRAM
Legal Authority: PL 110-246
Abstract: The rule will implement the provisions of the 2008 Farm Bill
that affect Farm Loan Programs (FLP) Loan Making Division (LMD); there
is discretion in how several of the provisions are implemented. The
section being implemented is 5002, Conservation Loan and Loan
Guarantee. Implementation of this provision will create a new direct
and guaranteed loan program directed at assisting farmers in
implementing conservation practices.
The rule establishes a new loan and loan guarantee program to finance
qualifying conservation projects. All guarantees will be at 75 percent
of the loan amount. The applicant must have an acceptable conservation
plan that includes the project(s) to be financed. Preference is given
to beginning farmer and socially disadvantaged applicants, conversion
to sustainable or organic production practices, and compliance with
highly erodible land conservation requirements. Eligibility for the
program is not restricted to those who cannot get credit elsewhere. The
program is not mandatory; appropriations are authorized.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action Date FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
NPRM 04/00/10
NPRM Comment Period End 06/00/10
Final Rule 09/00/10
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: Deirdre Holder, Director, Regulatory Review Group,
Department of Agriculture, Farm Service Agency, 1400 Independence
Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0572
Phone: 202 205-5851
Fax: 202 720-5233
Email: [email protected]
RIN: 0560-AI04
_______________________________________________________________________
Department of Agriculture (USDA) Final Rule Stage
Farm Service Agency (FSA)
_______________________________________________________________________
10. LOAN SERVICING; FARM LOAN PROGRAMS
Legal Authority: PL 110-246
Abstract: The 2008 Farm Bill requires several changes to the Farm
Service Agency (FSA) Farm Loan Program (FLP) loan servicing
regulations. An overall plan will be established to insure that
borrowers can be transitioned to private credit in the shortest
timeframe practicable. At present, FSA monitors the status of all
borrowers to determine if graduation is possible. The 2008 Farm Bill
emphasizes this responsibility and insures that FSA uses all the tools
available to graduate borrowers to commercial credit as soon as they
can financially do so. In 2007, over 2,500 direct borrowers (about 3.7
percent of the portfolio) graduated to commercial credit. FSA believes
graduation will continue in the 3 to 5 percent range and is dependant
on the overall farm economy.
The right of an FSA borrower-owner to purchase leased property under
Homestead Protection will be extended beyond the borrower-owner to the
immediate family. Currently, FSA only has 38 properties in Homestead
Protection.
[[Page 21736]]
Acceleration and foreclosure will be suspended on borrowers who file a
claim of program discrimination against the Department or have a claim
pending. Interest accrual and offset will also be suspended during the
time of the moratorium. If the borrower does not prevail in the claim,
the interest, which would have accrued during the moratorium, will be
due and offset on the account will be reestablished.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action Date FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
NPRM 08/07/09 74 FR 39565
NPRM Comment Period End 10/06/09
Final Rule 09/00/10
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: Deirdre Holder, Director, Regulatory Review Group,
Department of Agriculture, Farm Service Agency, 1400 Independence
Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0572
Phone: 202 205-5851
Fax: 202 720-5233
Email: [email protected]
RIN: 0560-AI05
BILLING CODE 3410--05--S
_______________________________________________________________________
Department of Agriculture (USDA) Proposed Rule Stage
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS)
_______________________________________________________________________
11. ANIMAL WELFARE: MARINE MAMMALS; NONCONSENSUS LANGUAGE AND
INTERACTIVE PROGRAMS (RULEMAKING RESULTING FROM A SECTION 610 REVIEW)
Legal Authority: 7 USC 2131 to 2159
Abstract: The U.S. Department of Agriculture regulates the humane
handling, care, treatment, and transportation of certain marine mammals
under the Animal Welfare Act. The present standards for these animals
have been in effect since 1979 and amended in 1984. During this time,
advances have been made and new information has been developed with
regard to the housing and care of marine mammals. This rulemaking
addresses marine mammal standards on which consensus was not reached
during negotiated rulemaking conducted between September 1995 and July
1996. These include standards affecting variances, indoor facilities,
outdoor facilities, space requirements, and water quality, as well as
swim-with-the-dolphin programs. These actions appear necessary to
ensure that the minimum standards for the humane handling, care,
treatment, and transportation of marine mammals in captivity are based
on current general, industry, and scientific knowledge and experience.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action Date FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
ANPRM 05/30/02 67 FR 37731
ANPRM Comment Period End 07/29/02
NPRM 06/00/10
NPRM Comment Period End 08/00/10
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: Barbara Kohn, Senior Staff Veterinarian, Animal Care,
Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service,
4700 River Road, Unit 84, Riverdale, MD 20737-1234
Phone: 301 734-7833
RIN: 0579-AB24
_______________________________________________________________________
12. ANIMAL WELFARE; REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS FOR BIRDS
Legal Authority: 7 USC 2131 to 2159
Abstract: APHIS intends to establish standards for the humane handling,
care, treatment, and transportation of birds other than birds bred for
use in research.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action Date FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
NPRM 08/00/10
NPRM Comment Period End 11/00/10
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: Gerald Rushin, Veterinary Medical Officer, Animal Care,
Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service,
4700 River Road, Unit 84, Riverdale, MD 20737-1234
Phone: 301 734-0954
RIN: 0579-AC02
_______________________________________________________________________
13. BOVINE SPONGIFORM ENCEPHALOPATHY; IMPORTATION OF BOVINES AND BOVINE
PRODUCTS
Legal Authority: 7 USC 450; 7 USC 1622; 7 USC 7701 to 7772; 7 USC 8301
to 8317; 21 USC 136 and 136a; 31 USC 9701
Abstract: This rulemaking would amend the regulations regarding the
importation of bovines and bovine products. Under this rulemaking,
countries would be classified as either negligible risk, controlled
risk, or undetermined risk for bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE).
Some commodities would be allowed importation into the United States
regardless of the BSE classification of the country of export. Other
commodities would be subject to importation restrictions or
prohibitions based on the type of commodity and the BSE classification
of the country. The criteria for country classification and commodity
import would be closely aligned with those of the World Organization
for Animal Health.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action Date FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
NPRM 08/00/10
NPRM Comment Period End 10/00/10
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: Christopher Robinson, Senior Staff Veterinarian,
Technical Trade Services, National Center for Import and Export, VS,
Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service,
4700 River Road, Unit 40, Riverdale, MD 20737-1231
Phone: 301 734-7837
RIN: 0579-AC68
[[Page 21737]]
_______________________________________________________________________
14. VIRAL HEMORRHAGIC SEPTICEMIA; INTERSTATE MOVEMENT AND IMPORT
RESTRICTIONS ON CERTAIN LIVE FISH
Legal Authority: 7 USC 1622; 7 USC 8301 to 8317; 21 USC 136 and 136a;
31 USC 9701
Abstract: We are establishing regulations to restrict the interstate
movement and importation into the United States of live fish that are
susceptible to viral hemorrhagic septicemia, a highly contagious
disease of certain fresh and saltwater fish. Viral hemorrhagic
septicemia has been detected in freshwater fish in several of the Great
Lakes and related tributaries. The disease has been responsible for
several large-scale die-offs of wild fish in the Great Lakes region.
This action is necessary to prevent further introductions into, and
dissemination within, the United States of viral hemorrhagic
septicemia. This proposed rule replaces a previously published but not
effective interim rule that contained substantially different
restrictions on the interstate movement and importation of VHS-
susceptible live fish.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action Date FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
Interim Final Rule 09/09/08 73 FR 52173
Interim Final Rule Comment
Period End 11/10/08
Interim Final Rule: Delay of
Effective Date 10/28/08 73 FR 63867
Interim Final Rule Effective 01/09/09
Interim Final Rule: Delay of
Effective Date 01/02/09 74 FR 1
NPRM 07/00/10
NPRM Comment Period End 09/00/10
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: P. Gary Egrie, Senior Staff Veterinary Medical Officer,
National Center for Animal Health Programs, VS, Department of
Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, 4700 River
Road, Unit 46, Riverdale, MD 20737-1231
Phone: 301 734-6188
Peter Merrill, Senior Staff Veterinarian, National Center for Import
and Export, VS, Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health
Inspection Service, 4700 River Road, Unit 39, Riverdale, MD 20737-1231
Phone: 301 734-8364
RIN: 0579-AC74
_______________________________________________________________________
15. IMPORTATION OF LEMONS FROM NORTHWEST ARGENTINA
Legal Authority: 7 USC 450; 7 USC 7701 to 7772; 7 USC 7781 to 7786; 21
USC 136 and 136a
Abstract: This rulemaking would amend the fruits and vegetables
regulations to allow the importation of lemons from northwest Argentina
into the continental United States. Lemons from northwest Argentina
would be required to be imported in commercial consignments, produced
and packed under specified conditions, treated with a surface
disinfectant and inspected for quarantine pests before shipping, and
accompanied by a phytosanitary certificate. This action would allow for
the importation of lemons from northwest Argentina into the United
States while continuing to provide protection against the introduction
of quarantine pests.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action Date FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
NPRM 08/00/10
NPRM Comment Period End 10/00/10
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: Meredith Jones, Regulatory Coordination Specialist,
Regulatory Coordination and Compliance, PPQ, Department of Agriculture,
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, 4700 River Road, Unit 133,
Riverdale, MD 20737-1231
Phone: 301 734-7467
RIN: 0579-AC79
_______________________________________________________________________
16. SCRAPIE IN SHEEP AND GOATS
Legal Authority: 7 USC 8301 to 8317
Abstract: This rulemaking would amend the scrapie regulations by
changing the risk groups and categories established for individual
animals and for flocks, increasing the use of genetic testing as a
means of assigning risk levels to animals, reducing movement
restrictions for animals found to be genetically less susceptible or
resistant to scrapie, and simplifying, reducing, or removing certain
recordkeeping requirements. This action would provide designated
scrapie epidemiologists with more alternatives and flexibility when
testing animals in order to determine flock designations under the
regulations. It would change the definition of high-risk animal, which
will change the types of animals eligible for indemnity, and to pay
higher indemnity for certain pregnant ewes and early maturing ewes. It
would also make the identification and recordkeeping requirements for
goat owners consistent with those for sheep owners. These changes would
affect sheep and goat producers and State governments.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action Date FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
NPRM 06/00/10
NPRM Comment Period End 08/00/10
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: Diane Sutton, National Scrapie Program Coordinator,
Ruminant Health Programs, NCAHP, VS, Department of Agriculture, Animal
and Plant Health Inspection Service, 4700 River Road, Unit 43,
Riverdale, MD 20737-1235
Phone: 301 734-6954
RIN: 0579-AC92
_______________________________________________________________________
17. PLANT PEST REGULATIONS; UPDATE OF GENERAL PROVISIONS
Legal Authority: 7 USC 450; 7 USC 2260; 7 USC 7701 to 7772; 7 USC 7781
to 7786; 7 USC 8301 to 8817; 19 USC 136; 21 USC 111; 21 USC 114a; 21
USC 136 and 136a; 31 USC 9701; 42 USC 4331 to 4332
Abstract: We are proposing to revise our regulations regarding the
movement of plant pests. We are proposing to regulate the movement of
not only plant pests, but also biological control organisms and
associated articles. We are proposing risk-based criteria regarding the
movement of biological control organisms, and are proposing to exempt
certain types of plant pests from permitting requirements for their
interstate movement and movement for environmental release. We are also
proposing to revise our regulations regarding the movement of soil, and
to establish regulations governing the biocontainment facilities in
which plant pests, biological control organisms, and associated
articles are held. This proposed rule replaces a
[[Page 21738]]
previously published proposed rule, which we are withdrawing as part of
this document. This proposal would clarify the factors that would be
considered when assessing the risks associated with the movement of
certain organisms, facilitate the movement of regulated organisms and
articles in a manner that also protects U.S. agriculture, and address
gaps in the current regulations.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action Date FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
Notice of Intent to Prepare an
Environmental Impact Statement 10/20/09 74 FR 53673
Notice Comment Period End 11/19/09
NPRM 04/00/10
NPRM Comment Period End 06/00/10
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: Shirley Wager-Page, Chief, Pest Permitting Branch,
Plant Health Programs, PPQ, Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant
Health Inspection Service, 4700 River Road, Unit 131, Riverdale, MD
20737-1236
Phone: 301 734-8453
RIN: 0579-AC98
_______________________________________________________________________
18. BOVINE SPONGIFORM ENCEPHALOPATHY AND SCRAPIE;
IMPORTATION OF SMALL RUMINANTS AND THEIR GERMPLASM, PRODUCTS, AND
BYPRODUCTS
Legal Authority: 7 USC 450; 7 USC 1622; 7 USC 7701 to 7772; 7 USC 7781
to 7786; 7 USC 8301 to 8317; 21 USC 136 and 136a; 31 USC 9701
Abstract: This rulemaking would amend the bovine spongiform
encephalopathy (BSE) and scrapie regulations regarding the importation
of live sheep, goats, and wild ruminants and their embryos, semen,
products, and byproducts. Some countries from which such imports would
be allowed under this rule are currently those from which the
importation of live sheep, goats, wild ruminants, their embryos, and
ruminant products and byproducts are prohibited under existing BSE
regulations. Some products would be allowed importation without
restriction due to the inherent lack of BSE risk regarding the product.
Certain other products and live animals would be allowed importation if
it can be certified that the live animals or the animals from which the
products were derived were born after implementation of an effective
feed ban. The proposed scrapie revisions regarding the importation of
sheep, goats, and susceptible wild ruminants for other than immediate
slaughter are similar to those recommended by the World Organization
for Animal Health in restricting the importation of such animals to
those from scrapie-free regions or certified scrapie-free flocks.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action Date FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
NPRM 10/00/10
NPRM Comment Period End 12/00/10
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: Betzaida Lopez, Staff Veterinarian, Technical Trade
Services, National Center for Import and Export, VS, Department of
Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, 4700 River
Road, Unit 39, Riverdale, MD 20737-1231
Phone: 301 734-5677
RIN: 0579-AD10
_______________________________________________________________________
Department of Agriculture (USDA) Final Rule Stage
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS)
_______________________________________________________________________
19. IMPORTATION OF PLANTS FOR PLANTING; ESTABLISHING A NEW CATEGORY OF
PLANTS FOR PLANTING NOT AUTHORIZED FOR IMPORTATION PENDING RISK
ASSESSMENT (RULEMAKING RESULTING FROM A SECTION 610 REVIEW)
Legal Authority: 7 USC 450; 7 USC 7701 to 7772; 7 USC 7781 to 7786; 21
USC 136 and 136a
Abstract: This action would establish a new category in the regulations
governing the importation of nursery stock, also known as plants for
planting. This category would list taxa of plants for planting whose
importation is not authorized pending risk assessment. We would allow
foreign governments to request that a pest risk assessment be conducted
for a taxon whose importation is not authorized pending risk
evaluation. After the pest risk assessment was completed, we would
conduct rulemaking to remove the taxon from the proposed category if
determined appropriate by the risk assessment. We are also proposing to
expand the scope of the plants regulated in the plants for planting
regulations to include non-vascular plants. These changes would allow
us to react more quickly to evidence that a taxon of plants for
planting may pose a pest risk while ensuring that our actions are based
on scientific evidence.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action Date FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
NPRM 07/23/09 74 FR 36403
NPRM Comment Period End 10/21/09
Final Rule 07/00/10
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: Arnold T. Tschanz, Senior Risk Manager, Commodity
Import Analysis and Operations, PPQ, Department of Agriculture, Animal
and Plant Health Inspection Service, 4700 River Road, Unit 133,
Riverdale, MD 20737-1231
Phone: 301 734-5306
RIN: 0579-AC03
_______________________________________________________________________
20. CITRUS CANKER; COMPENSATION FOR CERTIFIED CITRUS NURSERY STOCK
Legal Authority: 7 USC 7701 to 7772; 7 USC 7781 to 7786
Abstract: This action follows a rulemaking that established provisions
under which eligible commercial citrus nurseries may, subject to the
availability of appropriated funds, receive payments for certified
citrus nursery stock destroyed to eradicate or control citrus canker.
The payment of these funds is necessary in order to reduce the economic
effects on affected commercial citrus nurseries that have had certified
citrus nursery stock destroyed to control citrus canker.
[[Page 21739]]
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action Date FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
Interim Final Rule 06/08/06 71 FR 33168
Interim Final Rule Effective 06/08/06
Interim Final Rule Comment
Period End 08/07/06
Final Action 04/00/10
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: Stephen Poe, Senior Operations Officer, Emergency and
Domestic Programs, PPQ, Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant
Health Inspection Service, 4700 River Road, Unit 137, Riverdale, MD
20737-1231
Phone: 301 734-4387
RIN: 0579-AC05
_______________________________________________________________________
21. CITRUS CANKER; QUARANTINE OF THE STATE OF FLORIDA
Legal Authority: 7 USC 7701 to 7772; 7 USC 7781 to 7786
Abstract: This action follows an interim rule that amended the citrus
canker regulations to list the entire State of Florida as a quarantined
area for citrus canker and amended the requirements for the movement of
regulated articles from Florida now that the eradication of citrus
canker in Florida is no longer being carried out as an objective. It
also amended the regulations to allow regulated articles that would not
otherwise be eligible for interstate movement to be moved to a port for
immediate export. These changes were necessary in light of the
Department's determination that the established eradication program was
no longer a scientifically feasible option to address citrus canker.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action Date FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
Interim Final Rule 08/01/06 71 FR 43345
Interim Final Rule Effective 08/01/06
Interim Final Rule Comment
Period End 10/02/06
Technical Amendment 01/12/07 72 FR 1415
Final Action 09/00/10
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: Stephen Poe, Senior Operations Officer, Emergency and
Domestic Programs, PPQ, Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant
Health Inspection Service, 4700 River Road, Unit 137, Riverdale, MD
20737-1231
Phone: 301 734-4387
RIN: 0579-AC07
_______________________________________________________________________
22. IMPORTATION OF POULTRY AND POULTRY PRODUCTS FROM REGIONS AFFECTED
WITH HIGHLY PATHOGENIC AVIAN INFLUENZA
Legal Authority: 7 USC 1622; 7 USC 8301 to 8317; 21 USC 136 and 136a
Abstract: This rulemaking will amend the regulations concerning the
importation of animals and animal products to prohibit or restrict the
importation of birds, poultry, and bird and poultry products from
regions that have reported the presence in commercial birds or poultry
of highly pathogenic avian influenza other than subtype H5N1. This
action will supplement existing prohibitions and restrictions on
articles from regions that have reported the presence of exotic
Newcastle disease or highly pathogenic avian influenza subtype H5N1.
The new restrictions will be almost identical to those imposed on
articles from regions with exotic Newcastle disease.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action Date FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
Interim Final Rule 04/00/10
Interim Final Rule Comment
Period End 06/00/10
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: Julia Punderson, Senior Staff Veterinarian, NCIE,
Animal Health Policy and Programs, VS, Department of Agriculture,
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, 4700 River Road, Unit 38,
Riverdale, MD 20737
Phone: 301 734-4356
RIN: 0579-AC36
_______________________________________________________________________
23. CITRUS GREENING AND ASIAN CITRUS PSYLLID; QUARANTINE AND INTERSTATE
MOVEMENT REGULATIONS
Legal Authority: 7 USC 7701 to 7772; 7 USC 7781 to 7786; 21 USC 136 and
136a
Abstract: This rulemaking will establish regulations that designate the
States of Florida and Georgia, Puerto Rico, two parishes in Louisiana,
and two counties in South Carolina as quarantined areas for citrus
greening and Alabama, Florida, Guam, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, Louisiana,
Mississippi, Texas, three counties in South Carolina, portions of one
county in Arizona, and all of three and portions of an additional three
counties in California as quarantined areas for Asian citrus psyllid, a
vector of a bacterium that causes citrus greening. It also establishes
restrictions on the interstate movement of regulated articles from the
quarantined areas, as well as treatments under which Asian Citrus
psyllid host material may be moved interstate from a quarantined area.
These actions follow the discovery of citrus greening and/or Asian
citrus psyllid in the quarantined areas, and are necessary in order to
prevent the spread of the disease and its vector to noninfested areas
of the United States.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action Date FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
Availability of an Environmental
Assessment 09/09/09 74 FR 46409
Environmental Assessment Comment
Period End 11/09/09
Interim Final Rule 04/00/10
Interim Final Rule Comment
Period End 06/00/10
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: Patrick J. Gomes, National Project Coordinator, Citrus
Health Response Program, PPQ, Department of Agriculture, Animal and
Plant Health Inspection Service, 920 Main Campus Drive, Suite 200,
Raleigh, NC 27606-5213
Phone: 919 855-7313
RIN: 0579-AC85
[[Page 21740]]
_______________________________________________________________________
Department of Agriculture (USDA) Long-Term Actions
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS)
_______________________________________________________________________
24. PHYTOSANITARY CERTIFICATES FOR IMPORTED FRUITS AND VEGETABLES
Legal Authority: 7 USC 450; 7 USC 7701 to 7772; 7 USC 7781 to 7786; 21
USC 136 and 136a
Abstract: Currently APHIS does not require a phytosanitary certificate
to accompany fruits and vegetables imported into the United States
except for certain fruits and vegetables grown in designated foreign
regions. This rule will require that a phytosanitary certificate
accompany noncommercial consignments of fresh fruits and vegetables
imported into the United States by air passengers.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action Date FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
NPRM 08/29/01 66 FR 45637
NPRM Comment Period End 10/29/01
NPRM; Availability of Risk
Assessment 05/24/06 71 FR 29846
NPRM; Availability of Risk
Assessment Comment Period End 07/24/06
Next Action Undetermined
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: Evelia Sosa
Phone: 301 734-8295
RIN: 0579-AB18
_______________________________________________________________________
25. PHYTOPHTHORA RAMORUM; QUARANTINE AND REGULATIONS
Legal Authority: 7 USC 7701 to 7772; 7 USC 7781 to 7786
Abstract: This action will amend the Phytophthora ramorum regulations
to make the regulations consistent with a Federal Order issued by APHIS
in December 2004 that established restrictions on the interstate
movement of nursery stock from nurseries in nonquarantined counties in
California, Oregon, and Washington. This action will also update
conditions for the movement of regulated articles of nursery stock from
quarantined areas, as well as restrict the interstate movement of all
other nursery stock from nurseries in quarantined areas. We are also
updating the list of plants regulated because of P. ramorum and the
list of areas that are quarantined for P. ramorum and making other
miscellaneous revisions to the regulations. These actions are necessary
to prevent the spread of P. ramorum to noninfested areas of the United
States. We will continue to update the regulations through additional
rulemakings as new scientific information on this pathogen becomes
available.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action Date FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
Interim Final Rule 02/27/07 72 FR 8585
Interim Final Rule Effective 02/27/07
Interim Final Rule Comment
Period End 04/30/07
Final Action To Be Determined
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: Prakash Hebbar
Phone: 301 734-5717
RIN: 0579-AB82
_______________________________________________________________________
26. BOLL WEEVIL; QUARANTINE AND REGULATIONS
Legal Authority: 7 USC 7701 to 7772; 7 USC 7781 to 7786
Abstract: This action would establish domestic boll weevil regulations
that would restrict the interstate movement of regulated articles
within regulated areas and from regulated areas into or through
nonregulated areas in commercial cotton-producing States. The
regulations would help prevent the artificial spread of boll weevil
into noninfested areas of the United States and the reinfestation of
areas from which the boll weevil has been eradicated.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action Date FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
NPRM 10/31/06 71 FR 63707
NPRM Comment Period End 01/02/07
NPRM Comment Period Extended 12/20/06 71 FR 76224
NPRM Comment Period End 02/01/07
Next Action Undetermined
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: William Grefenstette
Phone: 301 734-8676
RIN: 0579-AB91
_______________________________________________________________________
27. MINIMUM AGE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE TRANSPORT OF ANIMALS
Legal Authority: 7 USC 2131 to 2159
Abstract: This rulemaking would amend the Animal Welfare Act
regulations by adding minimum age and weaning requirements for the
transport in commerce of animals. The regulations currently contain
such requirements for dogs and cats, but no corresponding ones for
other regulated animals, despite the risks associated with the early
transport of these species. The rule would also provide an exemption to
allow animals to be transported without their mothers for medical
treatment and for scientific research before reaching the minimum age
and weaning requirement, provided certain conditions are met.
Establishing minimum age requirements for the transport of animals and
providing for the transport of animals that have not met the minimum
age requirements are necessary to help ensure the humane treatment of
these animals.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action Date FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
NPRM 05/09/08 73 FR 26344
NPRM Comment Period End 07/08/08
NPRM Comment Period Reopened 07/31/08 73 FR 44671
NPRM Comment Period Extended 09/02/08
Next Action Undetermined
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: Barbara Kohn
Phone: 301 734-7833
RIN: 0579-AC14
_______________________________________________________________________
28. INTRODUCTION OF ORGANISMS AND PRODUCTS ALTERED OR PRODUCED THROUGH
GENETIC ENGINEERING
Legal Authority: 7 USC 7701 to 7772; 7 USC 7781 to 7786; 31 USC 9701
Abstract: This rulemaking would revise the regulations regarding the
importation, interstate movement, and environmental release of certain
genetically engineered organisms in order to bring the regulations into
alignment with provisions of the Plant Protection Act. The revisions
would also update the regulations in response to advances in genetic
science and technology and our accumulated experience in implementing
the current regulations. This is the first comprehensive review and
revision of the regulations since they were established in 1987. This
rule would
[[Page 21741]]
affect persons involved in the importation, interstate movement, or
release into the environment of genetically engineered plants and
certain other genetically engineered organisms.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action Date FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
Notice of Intent to Prepare an
Environmental Impact Statement 01/23/04 69 FR 3271
Comment Period End 03/23/04
Notice of Availability of Draft
Environmental Impact Statement 07/17/07 72 FR 39021
Comment Period End 09/11/07
NPRM 10/09/08 73 FR 60007
NPRM Comment Period End 11/24/08
Correction 11/10/08 73 FR 66563
NPRM Comment Period Reopened 01/16/09 74 FR 2907
NPRM Comment Period End 03/17/09
NPRM; Notice of Public Scoping
Session 03/11/09 74 FR 10517
NPRM Comment Period Reopened 04/13/09 74 FR 16797
NPRM Comment Period End 06/29/09
Next Action Undetermined
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: John Turner
Phone: 301 734-5720
RIN: 0579-AC31
_______________________________________________________________________
29. ANIMAL WELFARE; CLIMATIC AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS FOR
TRANSPORTATION OF WARM-BLOODED ANIMALS OTHER THAN MARINE MAMMALS
Legal Authority: 7 USC 2131 to 2159
Abstract: This rulemaking would amend the Animal Welfare Act
regulations regarding transportation of live animals other than marine
mammals by removing the current ambient temperature requirements for
various stages in the transportation of those animals. The action would
replace those requirements with a single performance standard under
which the animals would be transported under climatic and environmental
conditions that are appropriate for their welfare. The regulations
currently require that ambient temperatures be maintained within
certain ranges during transportation, but animals may be transported at
ambient temperatures below the minimum temperatures if their consignor
provides a certificate signed by a veterinarian certifying that the
animals are acclimated to temperatures lower than the minimum
temperature. This proposal would make acclimation certificates for live
animals other than marine mammals unnecessary. This rule would replace
a previously published proposed rule, which we are withdrawing as part
of this document, that would have required that the acclimation
certificate for a dog or cat be signed by the owner of the dog or cat
being transported rather than by a veterinarian. This rulemaking does
not address marine mammals due to their unique requirements for care
and handling. We believe that establishing a single performance
standard would ensure that warm-blooded animals other than marine
mammals are transported in climatic and environmental conditions that
are not detrimental to their welfare while allowing for variations in
climatic and environmental conditions that are suitable for individual
animals.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action Date FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
NPRM 01/03/08 73 FR 413
NPRM Comment Period End 03/03/08
NPRM Comment Period Reopened 03/18/08 73 FR 14403
NPRM Comment Period End 04/17/08
Next Action Undetermined
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: Gerald Rushin
Phone: 301 734-0954
RIN: 0579-AC41
_______________________________________________________________________
30. HANDLING OF ANIMALS; CONTINGENCY PLANS
Legal Authority: 7 USC 2131 to 2159
Abstract: This rulemaking will amend the Animal Welfare Act regulations
to add requirements for contingency planning and training of personnel
by research facilities and by dealers, exhibitors, intermediate
handlers, and carriers. These requirements are necessary because we
believe all licensees and registrants should develop a contingency plan
for all animals regulated under the Animal Welfare Act in an effort to
better prepare for potential disasters. This action will heighten the
awareness of licensees and registrants regarding their responsibilities
and help ensure a timely and appropriate response should an emergency
or disaster occur.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action Date FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
NPRM 10/23/08 73 FR 63085
NPRM Comment Period End 12/22/08
NPRM Comment Period Extended 12/19/08 73 FR 77554
NPRM Comment Period End 02/20/09
Final Action To Be Determined
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: Jeanie Lin
Phone: 301 734-7833
RIN: 0579-AC69
_______________________________________________________________________
31. LIGHT BROWN APPLE MOTH QUARANTINE
Legal Authority: 7 USC 7701 to 7772; 7 USC 7781 to 7786
Abstract: We are quarantining 16 counties in California and the entire
State of Hawaii because of the light brown apple moth and restricting
the interstate movement of regulated articles from the quarantined
areas. This action is necessary on an emergency basis to prevent the
spread of the light brown apple moth into noninfested areas of the
United States.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action Date FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
Interim Final Rule To Be Determined
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: Andrea Simao
Phone: 301 734-0930
RIN: 0579-AC71
_______________________________________________________________________
32. SIREX WOODWASP; QUARANTINE AND REGULATIONS
Legal Authority: 7 USC 7701 to 7772; 7 USC 7781 to 7786; 21 USC 136 and
136a
Abstract: This rulemaking will quarantine counties in Michigan, New
Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Vermont because of the Sirex
woodwasp and establish restrictions on the interstate movement of
regulated articles from these quarantined areas.
[[Page 21742]]
This action is necessary on an emergency basis to prevent the
artificial spread of this plant pest to noninfested areas of the United
States.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action Date FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
Interim Final Rule To Be Determined
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: Lynn Evans-Goldner
Phone: 301 734-7228
RIN: 0579-AC86
_______________________________________________________________________
Department of Agriculture (USDA) Completed Actions
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS)
_______________________________________________________________________
33. FOOT-AND-MOUTH DISEASE; PAYMENT OF INDEMNITY
Legal Authority: 7 USC 8301 to 8317
Abstract: This rule would amend the regulations for the cooperative
control and eradication of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) and other
serious diseases, including both cooperative programs and extraordinary
emergencies. The purpose of this rule is to remove possible sources of
delay in eradicating foot-and-mouth disease, should an occurrence of
that disease occur in this country, so that eligible claimants will be
fully compensated while at the same time protecting the U.S. livestock
population from the further spread of this highly contagious disease.
Completed:
________________________________________________________________________
Reason Date FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
Withdrawn: No Action Anticipated
Within the Next 12 Months 02/02/10
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: Mark Teachman
Phone: 301 734-8073
RIN: 0579-AB34
_______________________________________________________________________
34. TUBERCULOSIS IN CATTLE; IMPORT REQUIREMENTS (COMPLETION OF A SECTION
610 REVIEW)
Legal Authority: 7 USC 1622; 7 USC 8301 to 8317; 21 USC 136 and 136a;
31 USC 9701
Abstract: This rulemaking would amend the regulations regarding the
importation of animals into the United States to establish several
levels of risk classifications to be applied to foreign regions with
regard to tuberculosis and to establish requirements governing the
importation of cattle and captive bison based on each risk
classification. These changes are necessary to help ensure that cattle
and captive bison infected with tuberculosis are not imported into the
United States.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action Date FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
Withdrawn: APHIS Will Address
This Issue as Part of a Broader
Approach 02/02/10
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: Kelly Rhodes, Senior Staff Veterinarian,
Regionalization and Evaluation Services, ISTIT, NCIE, VS, Department of
Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, 4700 River
Road, Unit 38, Riverdale, MD 20737-1231
Phone: 301 734-4356
RIN: 0579-AB44
_______________________________________________________________________
35. BOVINE SPONGIFORM ENCEPHALOPATHY; MINIMAL-RISK REGIONS AND
IMPORTATION OF COMMODITIES; UNSEALING OF MEANS OF CONVEYANCE AND
TRANSLOADING OF PRODUCTS
Legal Authority: 7 USC 450; 7 USC 1622; 7 USC 7701 to 7772; 7 USC 7781
to 7786; 7 USC 8301 to 8317; 21 USC 136 and 136a; 31 USC 9701; 42 USC
4331 and 4332
Abstract: In a final rule published in the Federal Register on January
4, 2005, we amended the regulations regarding the importation of
animals and animal products to establish a category of regions that
present a minimal risk of introducing bovine spongiform encephalopathy
into the United States via live ruminants and ruminant products and
byproducts, and added Canada to this category. We also established
conditions for the importation of certain live ruminants and ruminant
products and byproducts from such regions. This rule will amend the
regulations to broaden who is authorized to break seals on means of
conveyances carrying certain ruminants of Canadian origin.
Additionally, it will amend the regulations regarding the transiting
through the United States of certain ruminant products from Canada to
allow for direct transloading of the products from one means of
conveyance to another in the United States under Federal supervision.
These actions will contribute to the humane treatment of ruminants
shipped to the United States from Canada and remove an impediment to
international trade, without increasing the risk of the BSE disease
agent entering the United States.
Completed:
________________________________________________________________________
Reason Date FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
Withdrawn: Superseded by the BSE
Comprehensive Rule and Will Be
Addressed Under RIN 0579-AC68 02/02/10
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: Karen A. James-Preston
Phone: 301 734-8172
RIN: 0579-AB97
_______________________________________________________________________
36. NATIONAL VETERINARY ACCREDITATION PROGRAM (COMPLETION OF A SECTION
610 REVIEW)
Legal Authority: 7 USC 1622; 7 USC 8301 to 8317; 15 USC 1828; 21 USC
136a
Abstract: This rulemaking amends the regulations regarding the National
Veterinary Accreditation Program to establish two accreditation
categories in place of the former single category, to add requirements
for supplemental training and renewal of accreditation, and to offer
program certifications. We are making these changes in order to support
the Agency's animal health safeguarding initiatives, to involve
accredited veterinarians in integrated
[[Page 21743]]
surveillance activities, and to make the provisions governing our
National Veterinary Accreditation Program more uniform and consistent.
These changes will increase the level of training and skill of
accredited veterinarians in the areas of disease prevention and
preparedness for animal health emergencies in the United States.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action Date FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
NPRM 06/01/06 71 FR 31109
NPRM Comment Period End 07/31/06
Supplemental NPRM 02/27/07 72 FR 8634
Supplemental NPRM Comment Period
End 04/30/07
Final Rule 12/09/09 74 FR 64998
Final Rule Effective 02/01/10
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No
Agency Contact: Todd Behre, National Veterinary Accreditation Program,
VS, Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection
Service, 4700 River Road, Unit 200, Riverdale, MD 20737
Phone: 301 734-0853
RIN: 0579-AC04
_______________________________________________________________________
37. AGRICULTURAL INSPECTION AND AQI USER FEES ALONG THE U.S./CANADA
BORDER
Legal Authority: 7 USC 450; 7 USC 7701 to 7772; 7 USC 7781 to 7786; 7
USC 8301 to 8317; 21 USC 136 and 136a; 49 USC 80503
Abstract: This action adopts as a final rule, with changes, an interim
rule that amended the foreign quarantine and user fee regulations by
removing the exemptions from inspection for fruits and vegetables grown
in Canada and the exemptions from user fees for commercial vessels,
commercial trucks, commercial railroad cars, commercial aircraft, and
international air passengers entering the United States from Canada. As
a result of this action, all agricultural products imported from Canada
are subject to inspection and commercial conveyances as well as airline
passengers arriving on flights from Canada are subject to inspection
and user fees. We took this action in part because we were not
recovering the costs of our inspection activities at the U.S./Canada
border. In addition, our data showed an increasing number of
interceptions on the U.S./Canada border of prohibited material that
originated in regions other than Canada that presents a high risk of
introducing plant pests or animal diseases into the United States.
These findings, combined with additional Canadian airport preclearance
data on interceptions of ineligible agricultural products approaching
the U.S. border from Canada, strongly indicated that we needed to
expand and strengthen our pest exclusion and smuggling interdiction
efforts at that border. In order to do this and to recover the costs of
our existing inspection activity, we need to collect user fees from all
commercial conveyances, with certain exceptions, and international air
passengers entering the United States from Canada.
Completed:
________________________________________________________________________
Reason Date FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
Final Action 03/09/10 75 FR 10634
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: Cynthia Stahl
Phone: 301 734-8415
RIN: 0579-AC06
_______________________________________________________________________
38. TUBERCULOSIS IN CATTLE; IMPORT REQUIREMENTS FOR ROPING STEERS
Legal Authority: 7 USC 1622; 7 USC 8301 to 8317; 21 USC 136 and 136a;
31 USC 9701
Abstract: This document will withdraw a proposed rule that we published
on August 24, 2004 (69 FR 51960 to 51962, APHIS Docket No. 03-081-3).
In our August 2004 proposed rule, we proposed to require that steers
and spayed heifers with any evidence of horn growth that are entering
the United States meet the same tuberculosis testing requirements as
sexually intact animals entering the United States. Instead of
proposing provisions specific to cattle imported for use at rodeos, as
our August 2004 proposal did, APHIS is considering broader changes to
the tuberculosis regulations.
Completed:
________________________________________________________________________
Reason Date FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
Withdrawn: APHIS Will Address
This Issue as Part of a Broader
Approach 02/02/10
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: Francisco Collazo-Mattei
Phone: 301 734-6954
RIN: 0579-AC50
_______________________________________________________________________
39. IMPORTATION OF CATTLE FROM MEXICO; ADDITION OF PORT AT SAN LUIS,
ARIZONA
Legal Authority: 7 USC 1622; 7 USC 8301 to 8317; 21 USC 136 and 136a;
31 USC 9701
Abstract: This rulemaking will amend the regulations regarding the
importation of cattle from Mexico by adding San Luis, AZ, as a port
through which cattle that have been infested with fever ticks or
exposed to fever ticks or tick-borne diseases may be imported into the
United States. A new facility for the handling of animals is to be
constructed on the Mexican side of the border at the port of San Luis,
AZ, that will be equipped with facilities necessary for the proper
chute inspection, dipping, and testing that are required for such
cattle under the regulations. The rule will also amend the regulations
to remove provisions that limit the admission of cattle that have been
infested with fever ticks or exposed to fever ticks or tick-borne
diseases to the State of Texas. The statutory requirement that limited
the admission of those cattle to the State of Texas has been repealed.
These changes make an additional port of entry available and relieve
restrictions on the movement of imported Mexican cattle within the
United States.
Completed:
________________________________________________________________________
Reason Date FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
Withdrawn: No Action Anticipated
Within the Next 12 Months 02/02/10
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: Betzaida Lopez
Phone: 301 734-5677
RIN: 0579-AC63
_______________________________________________________________________
40. IMPORTATION OF GRAPES FROM CHILE UNDER A SYSTEMS APPROACH
Legal Authority: 7 USC 450; 7 USC 7701 to 7772; 7 USC 7781 to 7786; 7
USC 8301 to 8317; 21 USC 136 and 136a
Abstract: We are proposing two changes related to our proposed rule
[[Page 21744]]
published in the Federal Register on August 27, 2008, that would amend
the fruit and vegetable regulations to allow fresh table grapes from
Chile to be imported into the continental United States under a systems
approach. Currently as a condition of entry, all table grapes from
Chile have to be fumigated with methyl bromide as a risk-mitigation
measure for Brevipalpus chilensis. On August 27, 2008, we proposed to
allow a combination of risk-mitigation measures, or systems approach,
to be employed in lieu of methyl bromide fumigation for B. chilensis.
However, there is a new quarantine pest of table grapes, Lobesia
botrana, in Chile, and the proposed systems approach does not address
and was not intended to mitigate the risk for this pest. Therefore,
this supplemental proposed rule modifies the proposed systems approach
so that it is effective for L. botrana. Alternatively, it would require
Chilean grapes that do not meet the conditions of the systems approach
for L. botrana to be fumigated with methyl bromide as a condition of
their importation into the continental United States.
Completed:
________________________________________________________________________
Reason Date FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
Withdrawn: Program Will
Repropose With New Supporting
Documents and a Different
Approach 02/02/10
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: Charisse Cleare
Phone: 301 734-0773
RIN: 0579-AC82
BILLING CODE 3410--34--S
_______________________________________________________________________
Department of Agriculture (USDA) Final Rule Stage
Rural Housing Service (RHS)
_______________________________________________________________________
41. GUARANTEED SINGLE-FAMILY HOUSING
Legal Authority: 5 USC 301; 7 USC 1989; 42 USC 1480
Abstract: The Guaranteed Single-Family Housing program will provide
better clarity and consistency within the program. The action is taken
to update the regulations to current mortgage industry standards and
provide more guidance on program oversight and monitoring.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action Date FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
NPRM 12/15/99 64 FR 70124
NPRM Comment Period End 02/14/00
Final Action 11/00/10
Final Action Effective 12/00/10
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: Joaquin Tremols, Acting Director, Single-Family Housing
Guaranteed Loan Division, Department of Agriculture, Rural Housing
Service, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, STOP 0784, Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 720-1465
Fax: 202 205-2476
Email: [email protected]
RIN: 0575-AC18
BILLING CODE 3410--XV--S
_______________________________________________________________________
Department of Agriculture (USDA) Proposed Rule Stage
Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS)
_______________________________________________________________________
42. MANDATORY INSPECTION OF CATFISH AND CATFISH PRODUCTS
Legal Authority: 21 USC 601 et seq; PL 110-249, sec 11016
Abstract: The Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (Pub. L. 110-
246, sec. 11016), known as the 2008 Farm Bill, amended the Federal Meat
Inspection Act (FMIA) to make catfish an amenable species under the
FMIA. Amenable species must be inspected, so this rule will define
inspection requirements for catfish. The regulations will define
``catfish'' and the scope of coverage of the regulations to apply to
establishments that process farm-raised species of catfish and to
catfish and catfish products. The regulations will take into account
the conditions under which the catfish are raised and transported to a
processing establishment.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action Date FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
NPRM 04/00/10
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: Quita Bowman Blackwell, Acting Assistant Administrator,
Office of Catfish Inspection Program, Department of Agriculture, Food
Safety and Inspection Service, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington,
DC 20250
Phone: 202 720-5735
Fax: 202 690-1742
RIN: 0583-AD36
[[Page 21745]]
_______________________________________________________________________
Department of Agriculture (USDA) Final Rule Stage
Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS)
_______________________________________________________________________
43. PERFORMANCE STANDARDS FOR THE PRODUCTION OF PROCESSED MEAT AND
POULTRY PRODUCTS; CONTROL OF LISTERIA MONOCYTOGENES IN READY-TO-EAT MEAT
AND POULTRY PRODUCTS
Legal Authority: 21 USC 451 et seq; 21 USC 601 et seq
Abstract: FSIS has proposed to establish pathogen reduction performance
standards for all ready-to-eat (RTE) and partially heat-treated meat
and poultry products, and measures, including testing, to control
Listeria monocytogenes in RTE products. The performance standards spell
out the objective level of pathogen reduction that establishments must
meet during their operations in order to produce safe products, but
allow the use of customized, plant-specific processing procedures other
than those prescribed in the earlier regulations. With HACCP, food
safety performance standards give establishments the incentive and
flexibility to adopt innovative, science-based food safety processing
procedures and controls, while providing objective, measurable
standards that can be verified by Agency inspectional oversight. This
set of performance standards will include and be consistent with
standards already in place for certain ready-to-eat meat and poultry
products.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action Date FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
NPRM 02/27/01 66 FR 12590
NPRM Comment Period End 05/29/01
NPRM Comment Period Extended 07/03/01 66 FR 35112
NPRM Comment Period End 09/10/01
Interim Final Rule 06/06/03 68 FR 34208
Interim Final Rule Effective 10/06/03
Interim Final Rule Comment
Period End 01/31/05
NPRM Comment Period Reopened 03/24/05 70 FR 15017
NPRM Comment Period End 05/09/05
Affirmation of Interim Final
Rule 03/00/11
Final Action 03/00/11
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: Dr. Daniel L. Engeljohn, Deputy Assistant
Administrator, Office of Policy and Program Development, Department of
Agriculture, Food Safety and Inspection Service, 1400 Independence
Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 205-0495
Fax: 202 401-1760
Email: [email protected]
RIN: 0583-AC46
_______________________________________________________________________
44. FEDERAL-STATE INTERSTATE SHIPMENT COOPERATIVE INSPECTION PROGRAM
Legal Authority: PL 110-246, sec 11015
Abstract: FSIS is proposing regulations to implement a new voluntary
Federal-State cooperative inspection program under which State-
inspected establishments with 25 or fewer employees would be eligible
to ship meat and poultry products in interstate commerce. State-
inspected establishments selected to participate in this program would
be required to comply with all Federal standards under the Federal Meat
Inspection Act (FMIA) and the Poultry Products Inspection Act (PPIA).
These establishments would receive inspection services from State
inspection personnel that have been trained and certified to assist
with enforcement of the FMIA and PPIA. Meat and poultry products
produced under the program that have been inspected and passed by
selected State-inspection personnel would bear a Federal mark of
inspection. FSIS is proposing these regulations in response to the
Food, Conservation, and Energy Act, enacted on June 18, 2008 (the 2008
Farm Bill). Section 11015 of 2008 Farm Bill provides for the interstate
shipment of State-inspected meat and poultry product from selected
establishments and requires that FSIS promulgate implementing
regulations no later than 18 months from the date of its enactment.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action Date FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
NPRM 09/16/09 74 FR 47648
NPRM Comment Period End 11/16/09
Final Action 09/00/10
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: Rachel Edelstein, Director, Policy Issuances Division,
Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and Inspection Service, 1400
Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 720-0399
Fax: 202 690-0486
Email: [email protected]
RIN: 0583-AD37
BILLING CODE 3410--DM--S
_______________________________________________________________________
Department of Agriculture (USDA) Proposed Rule Stage
Forest Service (FS)
_______________________________________________________________________
45. SPECIAL AREAS; STATE-SPECIFIC INVENTORIED ROADLESS AREA MANAGEMENT:
COLORADO
Legal Authority: Not Yet Determined
Abstract: On April 11, 2007, Governor of Colorado Ritter submitted a
petition under the provisions of the Administrative Procedure Act (5
U.S.C. 553(e)) and Agriculture Department regulation (7 CFR 1.28) to
promulgate regulations, in cooperation with the State, for the
management of inventoried roadless areas within the State of Colorado.
After review and recommendation by the Roadless Area Conservation
National Advisory Committee, the Secretary accepted the Governor's
petition and initiated a proposed rulemaking for inventoried roadless
areas in Colorado. The proposed rulemaking would manage Colorado's
inventoried roadless areas by prohibiting road building and tree
cutting, with some exceptions, on 4.1 million acres of inventoried
roadless areas in Colorado. The 4.1 million acres reflect the most
updated IRA boundaries for Colorado, which incorporate planning rule
revisions since 2001 on several Colorado national forests. Inventoried
roadless areas that are allocated to ski area special uses
(approximately 10,000 acres) would also be removed from roadless
designation. Road construction and
[[Page 21746]]
reconstruction plus timber harvesting would be prohibited in
inventoried roadless areas, with some exceptions, on the Arapaho-
Roosevelt, Grand Mesa-Uncompahgre, Gunnison, Manti-La Sal, Pike-San
Isabel, Rio Grande, Routt, San Juan, and White River National Forests
in Colorado. Exceptions to the prohibitions would be allowed for
certain health, safety, valid existing rights, resource protection, and
ecological management needs.
Web site: http://roadless.fs.fed.us
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action Date FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
NPRM 07/25/08 73 FR 43544
NPRM Comment Period End 10/23/08
Second NPRM 06/00/10
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: Lorrie Parker, Regulatory Analyst, Department of
Agriculture, Forest Service, ATTN: ORMS, D&R Branch, 1400 Independence
Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0003
Phone: 202 205-6560
Fax: 202 205-6539
Email: [email protected]
RIN: 0596-AC74
BILLING CODE 3410--11--S
_______________________________________________________________________
Department of Agriculture (USDA) Proposed Rule Stage
Office of the Secretary (AgSEC)
_______________________________________________________________________
46. DESIGNATION OF BIOBASED ITEMS FOR FEDERAL PROCUREMENT, ROUND 7
Legal Authority: PL 110-246
Abstract: Designates bath products; concrete and asphalt cleaners,
including microbial and non-microbial concrete and asphalt cleaners as
subcategories; corrosion removers; dishwashing detergents; floor
cleaners and protectors; hair cleaning products, including shampoos and
conditioners as subcategories; microbial cleaners; oven and grill
cleaners; slide way lubricants; and thermal shipping containers,
including durable and non-durable thermal shipping containers as
subcategories.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action Date FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
NPRM 08/00/10
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: Ron Buckhalt, Manager, BioPreferred Program, Office of
Procurement and Policy Management, Department of Agriculture, 361
Reporters Building, 300 7th Street SW, Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 205-4008
Fax: 202 720-8972
Email: [email protected]
RIN: 0503-AA36
_______________________________________________________________________
47. DESIGNATION OF BIOBASED ITEMS FOR FEDERAL
PROCUREMENT, ROUND 8
Legal Authority: PL 110-246
Abstract: Designates an additional 15 groups of biobased products for
preferred procurement.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action Date FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
NPRM 11/00/10
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: Ron Buckhalt, Manager, BioPreferred Program, Office of
Procurement and Policy Management, Department of Agriculture, 361
Reporters Building, 300 7th Street SW, Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 205-4008
Fax: 202 720-8972
Email: [email protected]
RIN: 0503-AA39
_______________________________________________________________________
48. REVISED PROGRAM GUIDELINES
Legal Authority: PL 110-246
Abstract: The 2008 Farm Bill requires USDA to address how the
BioPreferred Program will designate complex products and intermediate
materials and feed stocks and make other changes to update program
guidelines.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action Date FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
NPRM 12/00/10
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: Ron Buckhalt, Manager, BioPreferred Program, Office of
Procurement and Policy Management, Department of Agriculture, 361
Reporters Building, 300 7th Street SW, Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 205-4008
Fax: 202 720-8972
Email: [email protected]
RIN: 0503-AA40
_______________________________________________________________________
Department of Agriculture (USDA) Final Rule Stage
Office of the Secretary (AgSEC)
_______________________________________________________________________
49. VOLUNTARY LABELING PROGRAM FOR DESIGNATED BIOBASED PRODUCTS
Legal Authority: PL 110-246
Abstract: The purpose of the program is to provide a ``USDA Certified
Biobased Product'' label for use on biobased products meeting certain
criteria to be established in the proposed rule, to specify those
criteria for gaining use of the label, establish a system to make the
label available to manufacturers and vendors of biobased products, and
to establish the labeling program.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________
Action Date FR Cite
________________________________________________________________________
NPRM 07/31/09 74 FR 38296
NPRM Comment Period End 09/29/09
Final Action 09/00/10
[[Page 21747]]
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes
Agency Contact: Ron Buckhalt, Manager, BioPreferred Program, Office of
Procurement and Policy Management, Department of Agriculture, 361
Reporters Building, 300 7th Street SW, Washington, DC 20250
Phone: 202 205-4008
Fax: 202 720-8972
Email: [email protected]
RIN: 0503-AA35
[FR Doc. 2010-8928 Filed 04-23-10; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-90-S